Vito and Carlos at 8 months

As seen in the photo, the twins can now sit on their own. Aside from Enfapro and Cerelac, fruits are now part of their diet. Banana for Carlos, and Papaya for Vito (coz he's constipated). Vito loves to watch his favorite cartoons, while Carlos enjoys watching balita. They are both madaldal and hyper at play. They love to play with the remote control, our cellphones, PSP or any electronic device.

Pearly whites

Carlos has been masungit these past few days. It is difficult to guess what's causing it - I suspect it's his tooth coming out or his stuffy nose. He would cry cry cry in the middle of the night and would only stop if you carry him. And with this I mean standing up from bed, picking him up, rocking/singing him back to sleep. He cries when I put him down. So I carry him a few minutes more, until he is sound asleep.

Now, I know why :)

His teeth have come out! :)

Two little pearly whites have sprouted from his lower gums, in a span of a week. It's amazing! :)

Driving 101

We went to Mercury to buy some medicines prescribed by their pedia. I went inside the drugstore to make the quick purchase, while everybody else stayed inside the car. When I was about to pay, the lights flickered, o-oh brownout! But then the lights went back on. Unfortunately, their cash registers had to restart or something. Everybody just stood by the counter, ang tagal!

And then finally, I was able to pay and rushed back to the car. It's getting late, I know the twins are already tired. Aba, guess what kept them busy while waiting for me -- Driving??



This is Carlos, doing the one-hand maneuver.

While Kuya Vito demonstrates the reverse, using the one-hand maneuver.

Sunny morning Rainy afternoon

The twins have cough & colds since Friday. This is caused by the change in weather conditions (sunny morning rainy afternoon). The colds make it difficult for them to sleep straight at night. We brought them to their pedia this morning. As per pedia's advice, Carlos should be nebulized with half nebule of Ventolin + 1ml NSS every 6 hours for 5 days (because of phlegm). While Vito should be nebulized with 2ml NSS every 6 hours. Their pedia added, "NSS is safe and has no overdose".

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Getting To Know Me

Rule: Copy this entire list of questions and change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag and pass it along to other blogging friends. Let’s see how well we can get to know one another!

Thanks Joanne :)

1. What is your occupation? - Quality POC
2. What color are your socks right now? - Not wearing one :)
3. What are you listening to right now? - California Love
4. What was the last thing that you ate? - Coffee and sandwich
5. Can you drive a stick shift? - Maybe. Haha!
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? - violet
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? - Jackie of N@W :)
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? - yup :)
9. Favorite drink? - Brewed coffee
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? - figure skating
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? - Yah! Brown
12. Pets? - Sexy (daschund) who is confined in the hospital now :(
13. Favorite food? - Pasta, Pizza and Chicken :)
14. Last movie you watched? - I am Legend w/ hubby
15. Favorite Day of the year? - My twins' birthday :)
16. What do you do to vent anger? - I inhale.. exhale.. hehe
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? - dress-up Barbie
18. What is your favorite, fall or spring? - Fall
19. Hugs or kisses? - Pwede bot? Hehe
20. What kind of pie? - Lahat! :)
21. Do you want your friends to email you back? - Yes!
22. Who is most likely to respond? - Hmm...
23. Who is least likely to respond? -
24. Living arrangements? - We are renting an apartment..
25. When was the last time you cried? - Hmm.. cant remember..
26. What is on the floor of your closet? - wedding album :P
27. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? - my college friends
28. The friend you have known the shortest amount of time that you are sending this to? - n@wies :)
29. Favorite smell? - my babies' breath :)
30. What inspires you? - my family
31. What are you afraid of? - heights!
32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? - with cheese :)
33. Favorite car? - basta 4x4 hehehe
34. Favorite cat breed? - Persian
35. Number of keys on your key ring? - 2
36. How many years at your current job? - 8
37. Favorite day of the week? - Sunday
38. How many provinces have you lived in? - 1 (Cainta) hehe
39. How many countries have you been to? - 3 (France, Africa, HongKong)

The twins at Fun Ranch (Frontera Verde)

We finally had the chance to visit the much-talked-about kiddie paradise in Pasig - Fun Ranch in Frontera Verde. It's the colorful area with big inflatables as seen from the Ortigas Ave flyover. The place is small, contrary to what I expected. It's like a mini-park, open air with booths and a few carnival rides for kids. The sun was up, and it was hot! The only air-conditioned areas are the restos and boutique stores. Yeap, it's for kids alright. The place is not ideal for babies, and so after taking a few pictures, we decided to leave.



Vito and Carlos as knights in shining armor. Here seen on a blue horsey horsey.



This is 7-month old Carlos, behind a standee.

Fun Ranch offers kiddie birthday packages. For inquiries, you may call 7266517. Or you may contact the establishments inside Fun Ranch:

Big Red Barn - 7063019
Active Fun - 3965291
Teriyaki Boy - 6375071

Diapers - Cheap or Branded?

We have tried different diaper brands - Prokids Newborn, EQ Dry, EQ Plus, Huggies Dry, Pampers Comfort, and even those unbranded ones found in the palengke.

We started with Prokids Newborn, then moved to Prokids (small size). When the twins got a little bigger, we tried other diaper brands like EQ and Pampers.

The twins consume atleast 12 pads in 24 hours. Since diapers can be costly, I became curious if there are cheap quality diapers out there. I bought a few pieces of unbranded diapers for the twins to use during daytime. The good thing is, they didn't have rashes. However, the pad would leak if we didn't change often. In the end, it was more costly.

I also found out that the unbranded diapers being sold in our palengke are Class A diapers. Here's a tip - if the price is very cheap, chances are it is Class B or C. No problem with that, except that the quality of these diapers is not consistent. You have to check each one to make sure they are not torn or dirty. Since I'm a busy mommie, I do not have the luxury of time to check each pad when buying.

There's also just a small difference in the price of branded and unbranded diapers. Large unbranded diapers usually cost P6 a piece. You can buy Pampers Comfort L12, and each pad would cost P6.58.

I also called diaper depots in the metro, to find out if they sell cheap diapers. They usually give discounts if you buy in bulk. However, some of their products are Class A diapers that do not have the blue core which helps in the absorbency of the pad. Therefore, you change more often. Also, depots are not as accessible as the malls, so add the cost of transpo fee or gas to your budget.

And so, I have learned to buy from our trusted grocery store. It is more convenient, and you are guaranteed of the quality of the diaper. And, in the end, it comes out cheaper.

Right now, the twins are using Huggies because Carlos had rashes with Pampers. Vito naman had rashes with EQ. The Huggies Dry L38 costs P6.89 per pad... that's a good deal for a pad that guarantees my boys no leaks, no rashes. :)

Cheap Diaper Suppliers

DIAPER DEPOT (Mandaluyong) - Tel No. #4924365; 4847858

Pampers Cutie - M P195 30pcs
Pampers Cutie - L P215 30pcs
Dryper's - L P185 30pcs
Fitti and Giggle Star - M P175 30pcs
Fitti and Giggle Star - L P190 30pcs
Fitti and Giggle Star - XL P215 30pcs

DIAPER DEPOT (Marikina) - Tel No. #3840118

Chiaus - L P180 30pcs
Fitti Aloe - L P225 30pcs
(Unicharm) Skips - L P340 32pcs

DR. EDWARDS - Tel No. #7575593

Prokids - L P371 36pcs
Huggies Dry Comfort - L P399 38pcs
Mami Poko - L P539.50 38pcs
Pampers Baby Dry - L P365 38pcs
Huggies Pull-ups - L P175 12pcs

Free delivery if order reaches P1,000 and up

DIAL-A-DIAPER (Quezon City) - Tel No. #4129003

Drypers - L P200 30pcs
Pampers cutie - L P230 30pcs
Fitti - L P200 30pcs

ONGPIN - Tel No. #2418564

EQ Dry Comfort - L P250 32pcs
EQ Plus - L P185 28pcs
Prokids - L P375 36pcs
Pampers Active Baby - L P376 38pcs

FELIX HUERTAS (Sta Cruz) - Tel No. #7350440

*Rates as of February 2008

Valentine's 2008

Today is Valentine's Thursday, and both Keith and I have work. I gave him a pack of milk chocolates last night, and a personalized card with a seashell from our honeymoon in Pangloa. We met for breakfast this morning, and had some coffee and doughnuts. He gave me a long-stemmed American red rose. Hahaha! He hid it under his jacket. Being the unromantic guy that he is, I loved his effort to be sweet on Vday. The rose is on my desk in the office. I put some water in my old tumbler, and that served as my vase. Hehehe :P

It is also the birthday of my Lola Tina today - my dad's mom. She passed away when I was little. On the way home from work, I stopped by Edsa Shrine to offer a short prayer for her. Being a mom is no easy job and I learned this when I became a mommie. I have a whole new appreciation for all mothers including my mom, aunts and grandmas. :)

Happy Valentine's everyone! Share the love... :)

Happy Hearts Day! :)

I Corinthians 13

Valentine's Day is a day of love,
For showing that we care,
And if we read the Bible,
God describes love there:

If we speak like celestial angels
From heaven up above,
All our words mean nothing
If we don’t have Christian love.

Love is patient, love is kind;
It doesn’t brag or boast;
Love conquers pride and envy;
It is never self-engrossed.

Love is not rude or angry;
Forgiveness counters wrong;
Love stays away from evil;
It sings a truthful song.

Love is full of trust and hope;
It always perseveres;Love never fails;
It’s faithful;
To the Bible it adheres.

And if you give this kind of love
To your special Valentine,
You’ll be loving right in harmony
With God’s own sweet design.

By Joanna Fuchs

Welcome the Year of the Earth Rat!

Kung Hei Fat Choi! :)

It doesn’t mean "Happy New Year". Instead, it means "Congratulations and Be Prosperous." :)



A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. This is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find.

Predictions for people born on the year of the Monkey (Keith):

The Monkey, of the 12 signs, is the one most likely to have the best year. Fortune smiles upon you with your big friend the Rat in charge. If you are a typical, mentally quick and multi-talented Monkey, opportunities there will be aplenty. There is only one, major concern. The Achilles heal of both the Monkey and Rat is overconfidence. This could make you forget that the Tiger rules the first month and won't do you any favors. As good as the year is, therefore, a slow start is advisable.

Predictions for people born on the year of the Horse (Jovie):

Alas, the Horse is the sign that fares least well in the year of the Rat. Still, the year will not be without its opportunities. The trick will be to force yourself to rely more on your head than your heart. That is contrary to the Horse nature, so it won't be easy. The first month of the year could be your best one. It is thus important for you to move out smartly as soon as the New Year's partying is over. A quick start is especially important, as the last three months could be very challenging.

Predictions for people born on the year of the Boar (Vito & Carlos):

Major improvement is likely to be in store for you this year. It's ironic that the environment is likely to be more unsettling while simultaneously providing more opportunities for success. A mental adjustment is thus required to maximize your potential. Although the Pig tends to look to the future, even to retirement, your focus should be squarely on the present. The future is now. Be alert for favorable situations and make the most of them.

Happy Birthday Yaya Jen & Yaya Juvy! :)

Our yayas celebrated their birthdays today. Yup, they share the same birthdate, and Nope they are not twins! Hehehe :)

I wanted to make their day extra special coz they take care of the twins when Keith and I are in the office. However, due to tight budget, cash is not an option. I decided to cook for them with some help from my very dependable Periplus Mini Cookbook :)

I cooked pancit bihon, fried chicken and cheese sticks. I also bought a loaf of bread and our favorite Ponkana juice. But the star of the show is the choco parfait from Dunkin. I just added a pink birthday candle in the middle. I got two, so each can blow their own birthday mini-cakes. They loved it so much, they took pictures of it! :) Yah, one of them had a cam-phone and the other borrowed my old-school Kodak film camera.

Since it's a Wednesday, they decided to celebrate their bdays this coming weekend. Ate Juvy will go to Daranak Falls in Tanay with her family & friends, and Jen will go home to Taguig.

As an additional bday token, we gave Jen a bracelet and Ate Juvy a pair of rubber sandals. I think we made them happy today. :)

Vroom... Vroom!

This is Vito & Carlos on their walkers. The green one is from my parents, and the blue one is from Keith's parents. This is the 3-in-1 kind (walker, rocker and chair).

The walkers help us a lot because we dont have to carry the twins all the time. They love being in their walkers because they can roam around the living room and reach for things they usually cant touch when they're up in our arms. We also use the walkers during feeding time. It is easier to feed the twins because they are seated. It's really a big help to us :) Thank you lolos and lolas! :)

Shoppersville Bakeshoppe

The chocolate cake with yema is the bestseller in this store. They also have character cakes and designer cupcakes - cupcake with a topper, which is very common now in kiddie parties and wedding receptions. They also accept made-to-order cakes. Their rates are affordable, and the cakes are yummy! :)

Shoppersville Bakeshoppe
355 Katipunan Ave. Loyola Heights, QC
426-1247; 426-1246; 920-8050
Accepts cash or credit card

Plain cakes (flowers, name and ordinary candle)
5" mocha round cake = P90 (plain flowers and name)
7" choco cake with yema filling = P260
9" choco cake with yema filling = P375
8x12 = P500 marhmallow icing; P650 plain choco
12x16 = P900 marshmallow icing; P1100 choco icing

Lighting Mcqueen
12x16 cut out = P770 mocha flavor; P1300 choco flavor
12x16 drawing = P650 mocha; P1100 choco flavor

Superman/Batman
12x16 drawing (face or whole body) = P650 mocha flavor
9" round (with superman/batman drawing - icing) = P410 mocha; P600 choco

If personalized, pay P1100 (4 days leadtime)

Others:
Mini-cupcake with white icing and candy sprinkles = P6
Cupcake with white icing and candy sprinkles = P10
Cupcake with colored icing and candy sprinkles = P11
Designer cupcake (marshmallow icing with gumpaste topper) = P23 (3 days leadtime)
Number candle = P10@

Tip: The store offers 50% off some of their items around 8PM. But you have to hurry cause they disappear fast! :)

*Rates as of February 2008
Note: They already increased their prices (but cheap pa rin compared to others), so better call them first to inquire about their new rates.

Timezone in Glorietta 4

It's big! It has lots of arcade machines and activities for the little ones. They have a function room for special occasions, like birthdays. For 100 guests, here's their rate:

P9,500
2hrs use of Full Room + 1 hr play
Party Amenities for 30 kids = 30 invites, 30 party hats, 30 nametags, 30 balloons, 30 powercards (for yellow, red, blue slicer games) and 30 Timezone game coupons; party banners, tables & chairs.

P1,500
Corkage fee for everything that you will bring in - food, foodcarts, addtl decors, clown, magician, photographer, etc.

You can order food from any fastfood or restaurant as long as the establishment is inside Glorietta (Example: Shakey's, Jollibee, Mcdo, Tokyo Tokyo, etc.)

For the party host, you can ask your food supplier if they can add that as freebie. For Shakey's, they do this. :)

They have cheaper rates for shorter guestlist and if the event is a weekday. They are easy to talk to. You may call them to inquire, #7293852. Look for Aleli.

Layers & Layers Cakes by Arlene

Here are the rates for their real and dummy cakes:

size 8 dummy cake = P450 (with 2D styro topper)
size 10 dummy cake = P600 (with 2D styro topper)
size 12 dummy cake = P950 (with 2D styro topper)

7x12 chocolate cake = P1,500 (with 2D styro topper)
12x16 chocolate cake = P2,400 (with 2D styro topper); additional topper = P200

size 8 real chocolate cake = P900 with design 2D styro (whole Superman)
free candle - ordinary (number candle - upon availability)

Others:
cupcake = P22
cupcake w/ topper = P35
cookie lollie = P35 (pwedeng themed)

Terms:
50% DP - cash (no credit card)
50% balance on the day itself (for pick up)
if delivered, pay balance + delivery charge of P150 to Ortigas

Layers & Layers Cakes by Arlene
No. 11-C West Capitol Drive,
Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Tel No. 6332810
Contact Person - Mai

Polly Garilao's chocolate cake

I've heard rave reviews about this choco cake. I simply had to call and inquire:

chocolate cake 8x12 = P475
with dedication (flowers and dedication) = plus P100

Polly Garilao's chocolate cake
Merville Paranaque (For pick up only)
Tel No. 8247612

Goldilocks

I went to their Galleria branch to inquire about their birthday cakes. I was surprised to see their catalogue is a touch-screen computer hehe

When ordering, you first need to select a theme. Then select your cake flavor. Then add both prices to get the price of the cake. They are strict in terms of the design. As in - what you see is what you get. You cannot move or remove a figurine.

12x16 Man of Steel P335 + (mocha flavor cake) P580 = P915
12x16 Batman Colorflow P280 + (mocha flavor cake) P580 = P860
Total for two cakes = P1,775

They also sell toppers - pooh, disney princess, mickey & minnie mouse. I asked about their plain cakes and thought of just adding a topper. Here are the rates:

Simple choco cake 8 x 12 = P385
Simple choco cake 12x 12 = P495
Pooh topper = P255

If you want cupcakes, you can order by box. You just have to notify them in advance because they have to order it from their factory. Here are the specs:

Cupcakes with marshmallow icing
30 pcs = P680

Goldilocks
Galleria - 6345488
Shaw - 7276505

Red Ribbon

There's no doubt Red Ribbon has delicious cakes. I had to ask how much they charge. Here's what I got:

1 week leadtime
ordinary 8 x 12 = P650
themed (jungle animals) 8 x 12 = P800
12 x 16 single cake for twins = P1,500

Red Ribbon
Amber branch (near Astoria)
Tel No. 6327927

Cake Crafts by Ana Baluyut

I called to inquire about the delicious cakes. Here's a sample quotation:

10" cake is P1,200
20 cookies @28 each
20 cupcakes @34 each
3 mini cakes @325 each
plus delivery fee of 150 (QC venue)
total is P3,765

Cake Crafts by Ana Baluyut
39 Talayan Street,
Talayan Village Quezon City
Telephone: 09175208047

French Kiss Corp.

Another good cake supplier. Here are their cupcake rates:

cupcake = P35
cupcake with topper = P40

French Kiss Corp.
2/F #64 Kanlaon St.,
Brgy. Highway Hills,
Mandaluyong City
E-mail: info@frenchkisspastries.com
Telefax: 5318700

GERVY's Amazing Cakes

I heard good feedback from this supplier, here are their rates:

cupcake = P40
cupcake with topper = P55
12x16 cake = P1,500

GERVY's Amazing Cakes
15 Narra St., South Green Park Village
Tandang Sora, Quezon City, Philippines
Tel: 9294387

Kitchen Krafts

I called to inquire about their rates, and here's what I got:

size 8 dummy cake = P250
size 10 dummy cake = P450

cake topper 3D styro = P740
cake topper cookie type = P170

size 12 (large):
12x16 real choco cake = 2660

Sample quote:
size10 (medium):
real choco cake 1 layer = P1,063
cookie lollies (small) = P25 each
3D stryro topper (superman) = P740
free candle - ordinary

Others:
candle number = P15 each
cupcakes w/ topper = P34 each
cookie lollies = P30 each
cupcake stand = P1500 (safety deposit); P100 rent per layer

Free Delivery = min of P6000 + Delivery charge of P500 to Ortigas
If below P6000, For pick up.

2 weeks leadtime
50% Downpayment - cash, check (no credit card)
50% 1 week before pick-up

Kitchen Krafts, Mandaluyong
Tel No. 5335288
Contact Person: Gina