Building Blocks: The Lego Story

The most famous brick in the world is celebrating its 80th birthday! 

Check out the video below and be inspired by its humble beginnings...

Thank you, Lego, for 80 years of inspiring curiosity and imagination!

Some Bunny Loves You!

Nighty-night from my baby girl and her long-eared friend!

Photo by Stork Studio. Bunny from Spinkie.

My Favorite Kimpura is at 50% OFF!

If I could eat in one place everyday for the rest of my life, it would be in Kimpura! My family has been eating there since I was a little girl. My ultimate favorite is the Mixed Fried Rice. My little boy loves it, too!

Man, I would love to learn how to make this! So yum!

Other staple orders include Salmon Sashimi, Ebi Tempura, Gindara, Chicken Teppanyaki and Yaki Udon. For dessert, I always get a Gelatin a la Mode. 

Below are more photos to make your tummy grumble:

Lapu Lapu Fillet Teppanyaki

Ebi Tempura (Dumpling loves this, too!)

Kobachi Tofu

Yaki Udon

Dumpling enjoying Yaki Udon! He loves this, too!

Did the food pics whet your appetite? Well, I have some fabulous news for you! Kimpura is at 50% OFF until Sept 29, 2012 if you are a Metrobank Platinum or World cardholder. Even drinks are included in the discount! Aaah, I might just eat here everyday!!!

The promo is offered daily except Saturday nights and Sundays.

Kimpura has three branches: Trinoma, Greenhills and Greenbelt 5.
This promotion is also offered in Peking Garden, by the way, because Kimpura and Peking Garden have the same owners (a little bit of trivia for ya!) 

So whip out those cards and haul your hungry tums to Kimpura!

I've Got My Eye on You

One of the first things I bought for Baby Zee's arrival was a baby monitor. With Dumpling, we were able to manage without one. But now that they are two, well, it will be harder to keep a close watch on both of them at the same time.

I went through a lot of baby monitors: Chicco, Baby First, Avent, Summer... before I decided on a Motorola MBP36 Baby Monitor. It was a risk since I bought it off Amazon so I couldn't test the unit first. But I figured since I was buying an electronic gadget, I would go for a brand trusted in that field rather than a baby brand. Well, my risk paid off because I am super happy with this product! 

Why it rocks:

1) It has a large screen - 3.5" color screen LCD plus infrared night vision so I can see my baby even if it's pitch black in the room

Love the huge screen!

2) Audio quality is very good - I can hear every hiccup and fart
3) It has a remote pan, tilt and zoom function so I can change the view from the parent unit
4) It functions as an intercom - I can talk to the kids or the nanny without going to the other room. This feature freaks out dumpling because he doesn't know where my voice is coming from :)
5) The room temperature is seen on-screen so you'll know if the baby's room is too hot or too cold
6) I also love the sleek design of this product. Some of the baby monitors I saw were too pa-cute which I didn't care for that much.
7) They programmed 5 lulllabies in the unit! So if your baby is crying, you can play her a lullaby through the camera and help soothe her back to sleep. I've never used this function though but it's kinda cool they thought of it.
8) You can add more cameras and hook it up with your existing parent unit. Perfect for parents who have lots of kids! You can surf through different rooms with just a press of a button!

What they could have done better:

I only have one complaint - when the parent unit is not plugged in, the video shuts off after awhile. This is the automatic power saver feature forced upon the user. You can't disable this function. To wake up the screen, you just have to press any button. Audio is still on, though. Still a bit of a hassle that's why I just leave it plugged in.

Here's a video review on this product:

This baby monitor was especially useful to me when Dumpling and I were sick and Baby Zee was quarantined in the nursery. I was able to monitor her the entire time. My husband would put her near the camera and I would talk to her through the intercom. 

Sleeping Zee on night vision

Having this also prevents the nanny from doing something naughty since she knows she's being watched ALL.THE.TIME.

I'm watching you.

That crazy bug!

Just when my little guy and I are almost recovered from the flu, the damn bug bites my little princess! 

This virus is a real bugger. Out of 9 kids in my son's class, 5 are sick. Even dumpling's nanny caught the sniffles. I just came back from the pediatrician and most of the patients they've had for the past couple of weeks have the same symptoms: fever, cough and a cold. And now, my little girl has it, too! So heartbreaking to hear my 2-month old baby coughing in her little voice and snorting because of clogged up snot.

There's no rest for this weary mum! 

On a blogging maternity break

It's been a little over two months since I gave birth to Baby Zee... and also two months since my last blog post. There are so many things I want to write about  but I've been having a challenging recovery from pregnancy...

Baby Zee is 10 weeks old, and I've been sick (we're talking 40-degree fevers, joint pains, headaches) 7 times already - which means I've been sick almost every week! I've been to 3 doctors then on my 7th fever, I heard about Dr. Patricia Kho, who is an internationally-certified lactation consultant. Turns out, I have a recurring case of mastitis. Mastitis is a breast infection that causes swelling and plugs the milk ducts. It's still safe to breastfeed (in fact, it is encouraged) but momma suffers a LOT. It is really, really painful. I had to undergo an uncomfortable breast ultrasound to make sure that the lumps are not something more serious than clumped up milk. Then Dr. Kho gave me antibiotics to fight the recurring infection. 

Then a few days after recovering from my fever, my little dumpling gets sick. He caught a flu bug in school and we are now nursing a 39-degree fever, a cough and a cold. And to make matters worse, I caught his virus, too! Baby Zee is now under isolation in her room while Dumpling and I are fighting this bug. I miss holding my baby girl! We can't go near her because the doctor said what we have is very contagious. The only good thing about this is Dumpling and I get to spend a lot of quality time. But still, it's quite a challenge to take care of a sick, feisty toddler when you're sick yourself.

So please pray for me and my little boy that we get better soon! I promise to write again as soon as we are both back to fighting form - I have so much to tell you!

In the meantime, I'd like to share with you this video clip from the movie "Love Affair". I love, love, love this song. I used to sing this to K when he was Z's age. And now that he's on sick bay, I've been singing this to him again to help him sleep and help him forget about his clogged nose and persistent cough...

Just a quick note to my co-parents: Please, please, please keep your children at home when they are sick, even if it's just a mild cold. Putting other kids at risk is totally not cool. Let's spread love, not germs :)

Baby Zee!

Baby Zee is finally here! She came to this world via C-section last June 16. 

She was already screaming at the top of her lungs as the doctor was pulling her out of me! Ain't she a cutie?

Dumpling gives his little sis a ride!

Our lives now revolve around nappy changes, breastfeeding and more nappy changes! Plus, I still have an energetic 2-year old to take care of! Life is just CRAZY... CRAZY GOOD :)

Infanticipating

As I write this, I am on my 38th week of pregnancy and I am 3 days away from my delivery date! Quite excited but nervous, too! Round-the-clock nursing, swollen and cracked nipples, incessant crying... ahh, yes.. it's all coming back to me now!


This pregnancy has been a complicated and challenging one compared to my first (morning sickness still plagues me to this very day!). I've also been waiting for the pregnancy glow (which I enjoyed with my first) to kick-in... but looks like it decided to skip my stop this time! 


Good thing I have hard, solid evidence that once upon a time, I had a happy and stress-free pregnancy. How I miss those happy days! (I was also 38 weeks when these photos were taken but boy, does my tummy look different now!)

Photos taken by The Stork Studio.


Despite my pregnancy woes, I am very much excited to hold my baby girl! 
Please include us in your prayers for a safe and smooth delivery! 


Might be MIA for a while but please do follow me via twitter @ iloveyummymummy! 

Kian's First Visit to the Dentist

Toothbrush time is always a challenge with Kian (which is a polite way of saying HE HATES IT!). To make it a wee bit easier and more fun, I got him a toothbrush that lights up while he brushes.

It lights up for a minute so Mommy knows when to stop brushing!

But even with this fun toothbrush, my active toddler would only allow us a few seconds to clean his teeth before he scoots away. And because of this, I've been worrying a lot about his oral hygiene. So yesterday, I brought him to his very first visit to the dentist.

The dental clinic we chose is highly specialized in Pediatric Dentistry. They had a lot of toys for the kids to play with and even 2 flatscreen TVs complete with Sony Playstations in the waiting room! After registering, the assistant told us that Dr. Caparas would like to talk to the us first before they bring in Kian.

Dr. Lourdes Caparas - the best pedia dentist for me!
(photo grabbed from their website) 

When we entered the room, Dr. Caparas greeted us with a warm smile! She asked us a couple of questions - our expectations from the visit, how we currently take care of his teeth, Kian's personality. She went on to explain what will happen when we bring in Kian inside the room. Lots of crying for sure but it's normal. She taught us the best way to help Kian get through this is to show him a confident smile during the entire session and to avoid saying things like, "It's okay! Mommy/Daddy's here! We'll buy you a toy later! It won't hurt I promise"  as this will NOT soothe him and just make him feel more agitated.

It was finally time to bring in the star of the show! He entered the room without hesitation and Dr. Caparas immediately bonded with him. I could tell that Dr. Caparas had a natural way with children. Kian generally isn't fond of doctors but she instantly won him over with her soothing and motherly voice. 

Since it's Kian's first time, Dr. Caparas felt the dental chair might intimidate him so he placed his head on her lap instead while my husband held the other half of his body. He also held Kian's hands for support.

Daddy, am I getting a massage?

Pretty, pretty light!

Oh, and there's a TV in the ceiling! I want that for my room!

Dr. Caparas first applied a special blue ink on Kian's teeth. We should expect to see 3 different colors: areas colored in pink are plaque from that same day, areas colored in purple are plaque from the day before and areas colored in blue are plaque from the 3 days ago. So how did Kian's teeth fare? She said we were doing an OK job of cleaning his teeth but we could do better to ensure we avoid cavities!

Then she began to clean Kian's teeth...

Dr. Caparas showing Kian her special toothbrush.

Cleaning his teeth one by one!
Kian cried but he didn't struggle as much as we expected.

After cleaning Kian's teeth, Dr. Caparas applied a special flouride vitamin on Kian's teeth to make them strong!

And because Kian was such a good sport, Dr. Caparas opened her drawer of goodies and Kian chose his prize! He chose the Angry Birds eraser.

Dr. Caparas also gave him an orange balloon! Dumpling was a happy camper!

Before we left, Dr. Caparas showed us the proper way of brushing Kian's teeth. It should be two teeth at a time, brushing in circular motions (and not side to side). And to make sure all the dirt and grime are removed, we have to wipe down his teeth with a damp gauze or cloth. 

She also told us to use flouride toothpaste (uh-oh, we've been using Orajel flouride-free toothpaste since his first tooth came out!). She explained that flouride-free toothpastes are only for countries who already have flouride in their drinking water (like the US). But here in the Philippines, we have no flouride in our water! And that's why it's important to use flouride to keep our kids' teeth healthy and cavity-free. 

And this is the toothpaste she recommends:

Locally, you can find this in Healthy Options. 
Also sold in Amazon.

Kian says goodbye to Dr. Caparas and gives her a well-deserved high five!

Thanks for not terrorizing me!

Kian so proud of his sparkling pearly whites! Great job, Dumpling! 

How I wish Dr. Caparas would accept adult patients, as well :)

Caparas-Goduco Dental Clinic is located at Active Fun Building 2nd Floor 9th Avenue Corner 28th Street Bonifacio Global City.
For appointments, please call 815-2396 or 816-7957. 
Note: It took us 2 months to get a slot!

Making A (Hospital Bag) List & Checking It Twice!

I was shocked when I realized that I'm on my 35th week of pregnancy! I'm going under the knife in less than a month! Looks like it's time to start packing for the big day (I've been trying to put it off as long as I can because my huge pregnant ass is just too lazy!)

With Dumpling, I only had to pack a few items because he spent the whole time in the nursery of Makati Medical City. But now I'm giving birth in a different hospital with a strict rooming-in policy so I have to be prepared! 

Here is my list (mostly based from my first birthing experience and the lists of Topaz Mommy and Manila Mommy):

For Yummy Mummy:
1) Extra Pillows and Blanket

2) Nightgown with front opening (easier to breastfeed!)

3) Nursing Bra - I got mine from Marks & Spencer and H&M

4) Disposable Cotton Underwear - I got this from Watsons - they have good ones that feel like real underwear! Why disposable? This saves you from having to wash bloody underwear in the hospital (and hanging it on the bathroom for your guests to see!)

5) Cotton Underwear - You can use this when major bleeding has subsided

6) Abdominal Binder - Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it! Must have for yummy mummies undergoing C-section.

7) Maternity Pads/Adult Diaper - Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it! I use Modess Overnights since it has wings which I prefer.

8) Underpads - This like a big cotton pad which they place under your butt so you won't stain the hospital bed with blood. Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it (I think they charge P50/piece! You can buy an 8pc pack for P145.75 in the supermarket!)

9) Breastpads and Breast gel - I use Lansinoh and Medela

10) Nursing Cover - lest you welcome your guests with a surprise peep show!

11) Slippers

12) Lipbalm and Mints

13) Glasses/Contact Lens/Contact Lens Solution

14) Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, face wash, shampoo, bath wash/soap, bath towel, etc)

15) Liquid Hand Wash - I prefer this to regular bar soap because I find it more hygienic.

16) Change of clothes/ Going home outfit

17) Breastpump - I used this when I gave birth to Dumpling to relieve engorgement. I still fed him directly but the nurses gave the expressed milk via cup feeding. Better to just bring yours if you have one anyway because MMC charged P100 per use of their industrial breastpump.

18) Breastfeeding Pillow/Boppy Pillow (optional)

15) Kidney basin (if you have)

16) Ear thermometer with Lens Filters - the nurses change the lens filter after every use. They take your temperature every 3 hours. It's P10/filter. You do the math!

For the little one:
1) 1 pack of newborn diaper - Again, bring your own so the hospital won't charge you

2) 4 Tie-sides/Kimono sets

3) 4 pairs of mittens (the ones you tie up, not the garterized ones which come off easily) and booties/socks

4) 2 receiving blankets

5) 1 Baby Wash

6) 1 Baby Towel

7) Burp Pads or Lampin

8) Baby Wipes

9) 4 Frogsuits/Footsie Pajamas - we stayed at St. Lukes BGC and it was sooo cold! 

10) Going home outfit

For Daddy:
1) Pillow and Blanket
2) Toiletries
3) Change of Clothes
4) Bath Towel
5) Slippers

Others:
1) Camera with chargers and extra memory cards - make sure your batteries are fully charged before going to the hospital

2) Checkbook & Cash - some doctors only accept cash payment so check on this before the big day so you'll know how much to bring

3) 1 Gallon of Water + Paper/Plastic Cups

4) Paper Plates, plastic spoon and fork

4) Alcohol/Hand Sanitizer

5) Cotton - remember, each and every cotton ball the hospital uses on you and your baby will be charged!

6) 2 Pens - you will be filling up a LOT of forms!

7) Baby Book/Memory Book 

8) Phone chargers

Documents:
1) Philhealth
    - Philhealth ID
    - Form 1
    - MDR (Member Data Record)
    - Contribution Certificate

2) Marriage Contract

3) Birth Certificate of Mum and Dad

4) Doctor's Admission Slip

5) Mother's Information Sheet - different nurses, doctors, residents will be asking for THE SAME information. Just hand this over so they'll leave you in peace!

6) La Maze Certificate (if normal delivery and you want daddy in the birthing room)

7) Birth Certificate Cheat Sheet

Hope this helps other yummy mummies preparing for the big day, too! 
Is there something on your list that I missed out? 
Please leave me a note so I can add it on mine!

A Mother's Love

There is only one beautiful child in the world, and every mother has it.

- Chinese Proverbs

This video truly inspired me to be a better mum. Hope it inspires you, too. Warning: Keep your tissues handy!

There really is nothing greater than a mother's love.

Happy Mummy's Day to all you Yummy Mummies!

Dumpling's Choice of Slurps

Now that my dumpling is a school boy, I try to find yummy but nutritious snacks for him to bring to pre-school - which includes drinks!


His ultimate favorite is Dutch Mill Yoghurt Drink! He's been drinking this since he turned one (this is how he learned to drink from a straw!) He loves it so much he asks for one the moment I place this in our supermarket cart!

It's a yoghurt drink infused with different natural fruit flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry, Mixed Fruits and Orange! He loves them all! It's rich in calcium, iron and protein and cultured with lactobacilius bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus (great for little tummies' digestion!) 


His pediatrician also gave his stamp of approval! A much better option than chocolate drinks or artificially-flavored juice boxes (like Zesto!).

And here's my little dumpling during snack time!

While in school or while I play, I will drink this everyday!

It comes in a small tetrapak - P7.95 (around $0.18) for 90ml. which is great because it discourages him from drinking too much! But it also comes in a big size, like the one he is holding in the third photo above.


Just to mix it up a bit, he also drinks Nestle Yogurt Fruit Selection. But he only likes the Mango flavor. I love the mini-bottles - super cute! The photo below is just 100mL (will update next time with price)!

How about you, yummy mummy? 
What does your little one have in his snack bag?

Pampering Toes for the Infanticipating

I am usually pretty low maintenance when it comes to my nail care. I cut my own nails and reserve professional mani-pedi sessions for special occasions. 


But my 7-month belly has made it impossible for me to reach my toes and it has reached quite a nasty and disgusting length.


So... I hauled my pregnant feet over to Organic Rituals Spa (recommended by a mummy friend)!

What a pretty sight! Very welcoming!

It was a quiet afternoon. I had the whole place to myself!

Organic Rituals Spa uses only Zoya Nail polish which is free of toulene, formaldehyde, DBP and camphor (no chemical nail polish scent!). 

Vegan nail polish - perfect for pregnant and lactating chicks!

Look at all the pretty colors you can choose from!

The other thing that rocks about this spa is its commitment to protect the environment. Like when they prepped my feet, they used just the right amount of water in the basin (unlike in other spas where they fill it to the brim - how wasteful for just a 5 minute soak!). It even had stones at the bottom which felt great on my tired feet.

The staff were very courteous and accommodating! They even insisted I place extra pillows on my back to avoid any strain during the session. It would have been nice though if the treatment came with a refreshment (like an organic tea!). Anyway, they assisted me in choosing which package to get - they were recommending the Rescued Feet package which had all the works but I was in a hurry so I settled for the express pedicure.

All of their nail technicians are well-trained and follow international spa standards and procedures. Seline was assigned to me and I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her! I usually ask the technician not to file my nails because it always makes me cringe! But Seline's hands were so gentle on my feet that I did not mind AT ALL! I actually almost fell asleep during the session. She's THAT good! 

Here is Seline working on my nails! 

I barely have time to read magazines so I used this chance since they had a huge stack of Hollywood mags! While reading, I came across this hilarious ad:

A Vibrating Bra - in HOT PINK!

And an hour later - VOILA! Pretty, pink, pampered pregnant toes! 

I chose a pale pink color called "Corinne" - usually used by brides! I wish I could pull off bold colors like shades of red or metallics, but they just don't suit me. Sadness!

The damage? Only P250 (around $5.50)! Worth every penny!
Even if I just got the basic pedicure, my feet really felt so pampered! I am definitely going back to try the Rescued Feet treatment!


They also have massages and body scrubs - I am definitely signing up for that once I pop! I do wish they offer prenatal massages, though! 


Here's a list of their other services:

They also have SPArty packages catered by The Sexy Chef - a nice idea for bridal or baby showers!


Organic Rituals Spa is located at the Mezzanine Floor of Atlanta Center along Annapolis, Greenhills. For appointments, you can reach them at 661-3101.
Open from Monday-Saturday, 11AM to 9PM. By appointment on Sundays.