Change is Cool

Along with the many changes in my life and the addition of a new family member is also the birth of a new blog. This blog has been my little sounding board for almost four years and it has served its purpose of being a personal journal.Though I’ve learned to love this blog with all the stories from the mundane to the extraordinary ones, I realized that it’s time to move on, to embrace the changes and let go of the old stuff. Thus, this blog is born. It is still a chronicle of my day to day journey as a mom, wife, daughter, sister and the many roles I portray in this life.

This blog will continue to exist though but it will now be like a history textbook which records all things in the past. We may continue to browse old posts and relive some moments.

Moving forward, you may follow me here:

http://lifesa-m-a-z-e.blogspot.com/

See you there!

Hello World

Hello world,

My name is Izabella. Zaab for short.

It's good to see you. Please be kind to me, okay?

You'll see more of me on my mom's little space in cyberspace.

Check me out here and here.

See you around!

Zaab

Sisters... exactly six years apart

Preggy Diaries # 10: Almost There

So it's true that no two pregnancies are the same. While I had a normal and smooth delivery with Alex, I am now about to undergo C-section tomorrow with my second baby. I would have wanted a normal vaginal delivery like my body was built to do so but there were circumstances that didn't allow such. After three ultrasounds, we found out that the baby is footling breech and the risk is high if we opt for normal delivery. I saw some pictures of how it was done normally and it scared the shit out of me so I don't want to even think of giving it a try. Bahala na mangutang ko for C-section.

I really don't know what to expect having to go through the slice of a knife for the first time in my entire life. I'm sure it will be a whole lot different experience. They say, it's painful and the recovery is such a torture notwithstanding the scar on your abdomen. I don't mind the scar at all as I am no supermodel having to worry when wearing a skimpy bikini. Anyway, I am positive that I would be able to pull this through (ako pa?) with the help of prayers from friends and relatives. I know the past nine months has been a rollercoaster ride for me and the baby but I'm totally relieved that it's almost over. The most exciting part though is the revelation of the baby's gender which we're in for a thrill after three ultrasounds. Geez, I can't wait to cradle another mini-ME or mini-Hubby days from now. Alex is also happy to share the same birthdate with the little one. Isn't that wonderful?

So, excuse me while I do some noble act for the world. See you around!

"The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The World"

Thank God I Survived 2008

2008 may not be a perfect year but it sure brought us abundant blessings. I am grateful for the year that brought new beginnings for me and my family. We were able to move in to our new home which we could now call our own. And of course, the arrival of our second baby in January is among the best blessings we received in 2008.

2009 is only a few winks away and still I am not going to make any new year’s resolutions as I am bound not to follow them in the end. What I have are simple hopes for myself, for my family and for the world in the coming year.

* That I will be a better mom to two lovely and healthy children.

* That I will be more understanding and patient with hubby and vice versa.

* That I will be frugal with my spending and that I will set aside something for the rainy days.

* That I will laugh more and cry less.

* That I will be less cranky in dealing with my sibs. (My crankiness was more of hormonal actually because I’m pregnant. Excuses!)

* That I will love my parents more.

* That business will be growing leaps and bounds this year.

* That we will be traveling to new places this year.

* That hubby will finally buy his dream SUV.

* That we will finally get internet connection at home.

* That I will continue to live each day thanking every blessing that comes my way.

* That I will stop worrying and stressing over petty things in life. That I will strive to make life less complicated.

* That I will learn to accept and love ME even more regardless of my flaws and frailties.

* That the world will be a better place to live in.

Okay, I have to stop now as the list could go on and on. I will be turning 30 in 2009 and as it looms ever close, I actually dreaded the fact of being almost off the calendar. I wish I could just stick to 28 or 29. Well, I digress.

If I don’t talk to you or see you before 2008 takes its final bow, let me wish you and your family a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

photo grabbed from Hazel

Preggy Diaries # 9: Preggy Updates

So far, we have ruled out all causes of having an SGA baby. All my laboratories showed negative or normal results. I had another ultrasound and Doppler flow last week showing all connections inside the placenta and uterus as okay. And the good news is that baby is now picking up some weight every week that makes him/her an SGA baby no more. Yehey! The chance of having to go through C-section is still possible though considering that baby is in breech position. Although, we’re positive that he/she will be in the right position before the big day (crossing fingers and toes here). Baby’s gender is still a mystery but right now, we don’t really care as what we’re after is the baby’s health. We’re starting to converse with the little one inside the tummy making him/her feel love everyday. They say that talking to your baby helps in having a normal delivery.

In three weeks, I’m ready to pop (or so I thought). I've already discussed plans with the boss as to my maternity leave and the possible scenario when I'm away. I don't really intend on eating up the entire maternity leave but we'll see how my body adjusts easily. Gone are the youthful days and the fast recovery you know...

I am hoping that this time will be the same as the last having to go through labor smoothly. Please continue to pray for me and my little angel that we’ll survive this ordeal.

Before I forget...

From my family to yours, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas Parties galore

So far, I’ve attended two Christmas parties over the last two weekends. In my pregnant state, I’m in no mood to really dress up and prep up for these parties. Nevertheless, I still want to at least look human despite the baby bump.

PASAP Christmas Party


We had a Moroccan-inspired party held at Club Ultima in Fuente Osmeña. It’s the traditional PASAP party where incoming officers were inducted as well as the turnover ceremony of the past president to the incoming president. I am still an officer next year as PRO so there will still be the never-ending meetings, demands and commitments. The newbies this year also had their “baptism of fire” through a belly dance presentation. I am still busy as a bee being this year’s assistant treasurer preparing checks and disbursements but I have no qualms doing it. It’s just sometimes; I don’t quite understand the bureaucracy that’s attached to this association. It sucks!

Anyway, some pictures to show...

in my Moroccan self

with some of my favorite Pasers

...so help me God

Xlibris Christmas Party

We received good reviews for this party. Of course, this party was spearheaded by yours truly backed up by the most competent and amazing team ever. We had Latin and Mardi Gras theme and surprisingly, the party was well-attended. In the history of Xlibris, this I say, all modesty thrown out of the window, is the best party that Xlibris ever had (any violent reactions?).


Despite some glitches we encountered along the way and the many battles we fought over budget, we were able to pull it through flawlessly. The party was made successful because of people who were true to their commitment though there were some who disappointed me big time.

People had fun and even dressed up for the occasion. Our percussion band and dj were superb (thanks Danielle for pulling the strings here). Our electronic registration (first in Xlibris) despite the long queue is one of a kind - it pays to be friendly with the IT people eh! The ambiance and physical arrangement was true to its theme. The VTR was a hit - Chris, you da man ay wo-man diay hehe bitaw hurot ako bilib nimu. Food served by Cebu City Marriott Hotel as always is sumptuous and mouth-watering. Raffles were a-plenty courtesy of no less than Jocelyn. We had exceptional emcees (thanks Josh, Clarice and Don). Everything we planned from program down to the last detail were executed with ease (thank you Jon, Sylvette, Judee, AJ, and Jenny).


I couldn’t party like everyone does but I was more than happy to see people dancing and having fun.

the committee

with Cristine & Sylvette

the Admin ladies

with this year's #1 Sales Performer - Dona Gruet

Preggy Diaries # 8

Until now, I still feel depressed over what I discovered during my last visit to my OB. Sometimes, I caught myself staring into space and felt hot tears off my eyes. My baby as what my ob revealed is an SGA baby (small for gestational age). To know more about SGA babies, visit this site.

I just find it ironic considering that I appeared much bigger than my pregnancy month. Except for the nausea, the first few months of my pregnancy were okay. The baby measurements were also recorded normal. It was only when I hit the 7th month that the baby seems to stop growing.

My ob advised me to have a complete bed rest though she didn’t restrict me from reporting to work. I find it silly because, how can I have a complete bed rest when I still have to go to work? Truth is I am really scared. Scared as to what will happen to the baby before and after delivery. Scared of the possibility of having to go through C-section. I don’t even know what hubby feels right now. I don’t want him to worry but I also don’t want to take all the stress to myself of this awful news. Not to point fingers at anyone or what but sometimes I feel less pampered and I felt that I am going through this ordeal all by myself.

In two weeks, I have to undergo another ultrasound to continuously monitor the baby’s weight. If the ultrasound reveals still an SGA baby, then I would have to undergo a Doppler flow. I am begging on my knees and crossing my fingers that everything will be perfectly fine for my precious baby. I am looking forward for that moment of being able to touch his/her small body and feel his/her breath on my skin. Right now, I don't really care as to the baby's gender. I just want the baby to be healthy inside and out.

My Take on Twilight the Movie

Finally watched the much awaited Twilight Movie on the big screen with my officemates during our Friday off. Sad to say, I was a bit disappointed. But of course, squeezing a 498-page book into a film is tough. You don't get to see all the details that you imagined while you were reading the book. There were also scenes that I can't remember being written by Stephenie Meyer.

Although, Edward Cullen was indeed gorgeous. Funny thing though is the uneven white foundation applied on his face and the obvious lipstick which didn't appear quite natural. But I liked that part where his skin was glowing like diamonds under the sunlight.

The film was stripped off with "kilig factor" between Edward and Bella. It was not fully established why Bella would give-up her life for these blood-sucking vampires.

Here are some of my two-cents take on some characters of the movie:

* Bella Swan was like horny whenever she sees Edward with all the lip biting and tongue showing and the deep breathing and all.

* Didn't expect both Charlie and Billy to be good looking papas. I was expecting more of fat and balding fathers of Bella and Jacob.

* Rosalie looked really old for her role. She was supposed to be one of the beautiful vampires in the book.

* Victoria was too sweet looking for her villain role. She would fit for a Rosalie.

* And James is gorgeous too. I love his eyes.

* Jasper was like Edward Scissorhand and he has this constipated look.

Well, that's it for now. I'm going to watch the film again once the p*rated copy comes out soon. There might be some commentaries I could add in my list.

Twilight Madness

I can't wait...


























Feels like I'm part of the movie - the equal rival of Bella Swan. (way magbuot!!!)

Hahaha

Of Fleeting Beauty

I don’t consider myself vain. It is seldom that I frequent the salon if not for that much needed hair trim. I also do my own nails since I can manage to do it myself. But since, it’s difficult for me to do my nails in my pregnant state; I have no choice but to let the professionals do it for the mean time.

Over the weekend, we head off to the mall for Alex’ Day. While I left Alex with my sister, I decided to have my toe nails painted. Sitting there, I was observing the other customers coming in and out of the salon. I can’t help but noticed that most of them are in their 30’s and up. I can only count with my fingers those in their teens and twenties (including myself of course hehe). There’s this lola trying to conceal the white hairs by dying her hair. The lady beside me is getting both finger and toe nails painted in hot red. Then another mommy with her teenage daughter in tow is getting hot oil treatments.

I’ve come to realize that while we age, we tried harder to preserve whatever beauty that’s left of us. We tend to fight ageing by frequenting places such as the salon or spa. Among other things, physical beauty is something that is fleeting. Our bodies crumble along with our ages (humming to I Love Betty LaFea soundtrack…”hoy, hoy, tandaan nyo ganda ay kumukupas”) and it is inevitable no matter how hard we try to preserve it. There may be some who are lucky to prolong that ageless beauty but sooner or later, there’s nothing that science and even nature can do to stop ageing. And like the rest of the things in this world, we can only say..."this too shall pass".

This is just me thinking out loud.

*******

OFF TOPIC:

I left my PASAP bag containing checkbook, official receipts and other important documents inside the taxi last Saturday. I was a bit worried since there has been so many funding requests for our Christmas Party and that I have to issue checks to some of our vendors. I failed to get the taxi number and all. Good thing, the daughter of the taxi driver contacted me that evening telling me that they're returning my bag intacked. I was able to retrieve the items the following day and I was so thankful for the kind gesture. I hope things like this won't ever pass and that kind people are here to stay.

Sigh!

Yes, I am disappointed.

I went to the Ultrasound Clinic today with high hopes that baby’s gender will be revealed. But instead of showing the thing out, he/she hides it in between crossed legs. The sonologist tried to shake my tummy to uncurl the legs but to no avail. I was already running late for work so we just have to stop trying.

I also discovered during today’s ultrasound that the fetal biometry (or fetal measurements) is within the range of 26 weeks and not 30 weeks. Meaning the baby is smaller than his/her age or there has been a miscalculation on my LMP or last menstrual period. If there’s one thing I am really sure about, it’s my last menstrual period coz I even blogged about it here.

Good thing, I heed my OB’s advice not to get a 3D/4D ultrasound coz eventually I will be able to see my baby soon. I was advised to get another ultrasound 2 – 3 weeks from now. Hopefully by then, we would know if it’s a HE or a SHE. I’m crossing my fingers for a HE. I can't wait...

Preggy Diaries # 7: @ 29 Weeks

I’m now at the stage where I am gorging on whatever food I see or touch. I just can’t help it… it’s like making up for all the food that was lost (read: being thrown out) during the first five months of my pregnancy. I’m starting to already gain so much weight and I already look like a whale.

Moving around has also become a chore. I’m having difficulty putting on my undies, picking up something on the floor and putting lotion on my legs. Aside from the leg cramps, I’m also experiencing hip and back pains. It’s also difficult getting out of the bed. I have to ask hubby to push me up or if he’s still asleep, I have to get up sideways.

Baby movements has become more and more frequent these days. In fact, while sitting and typing this post, he/she seems to be doing some cartwheels and somersaults inside my tummy. It makes me really happy feeling every movement made.

Come weekend, I’ll be visiting my OB for my regular check-up. I’m pretty excited coz by then she would also recommend an ultra-sound. I’ve already contacted this ultra-sound clinic at SM North Wing and they offer the cheapest 3D ultra-sound for only Php 1,500. The suspense may be over soon as we get to finally know the baby’s gender. I also made a bet with one of my colleagues. She betting on a boy and if she wins she will have a week supply of Starbucks coffee. Though I really wanted a boy, I have no choice but to bet for a girl in exchange for a week supply of chocolates or maybe Starbucks coffee too.

Speaking of coffee, I really miss my daily dose of coffee. Even the smell of it makes me want to go against my OB’s advice and take just a single sip. Just one. I can’t wait for this pregnancy to be really over soon so I could go back to my caffeine fix.

This is me now --- pregnant and proud!

Shopping for Baby Stuff:

There’s a big sale at Ayala this weekend. I might as well grab the opportunity to shop for some baby stuff. I just remember that an aunt borrowed most of the old baby stuff I have but she never bothered returning them. If she did, I’m sure they’re already worn out. So, it’s time to do some shopping.

School Girl Again

My daughter finally went back to school last Monday after more than a month of just lounging at home watching movies and just playing with the kids in our block. But this time, it’s a new school, a new environment and new faces. We had a new arrangement for her with the school van picking her up and no yaya to wait for her after school. So far, she has adjusted well to the changes like waking up way too early (earlier than usual) at 5:30 AM because the school van arrives in our house at 6:30 AM. I have to make some adjustments too since I have to wake up way too early myself but its okay. I consider her breakfast time as our bonding time.


Anyway, the little girl is also proud to announce that she has gained friends already in school in just a couple of days though she’s not really good in remembering all their names. Modesty aside, she’s such a nice girl and I’m sure she wouldn’t have any problems dealing with her new teachers and classmates. I just hope that in return, her teachers and classmates will also treat her well.

I’m still uncertain of what this new school has to offer in terms of academic standards though I’ve heard some positive reviews from friends who enrolled their kids or nieces and nephews in Treasure Trove. After school hunting, it was Alex who actually decided in choosing Treasure Trove maybe because of the school’s enticing façade which look like a little castle. Their playground was also an added attraction especially to the kids. I still feel nostalgic from time to time remembering her old school but hubby often remind me to just move on and get over the fact that Alex won’t be able to finish her pre-school at Kids’. So, I just let out a deep sigh and try to embrace the change.

school girl again

Happy 18th Birthday, Bunso!!!

Sometimes, it may seem very difficult to deal with you --- perhaps it’s the generation gap or you’re simply a pain in the ass. But whatever it is, nothing will ever change and that you will always be our baby sister. I just hope that you’ll start growing up now that you’re already eighteen. You no longer have that excuse to stay childish, irresponsible or stupid. If you need a little push, you know you will always have me, your Ate Mags and Ate Ann to give you that little spanking from time to time. No matter how annoying our sermons are, I hope you get to realize that we’re doing this since there’s no Mama or Papa to lead you to the right path. Even if they are virtually there (through calls or text), it’s still not enough.

Grow Up... Chase Your Dreams... Have Fun

...but be sure to know your limits!

HAPPY EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY!!!

Halloween 2008

We had our “Freaky Friday” in the office to celebrate Halloween this year. Unlike the previous years where we decorated every nook and cranny of the office in its spookiest look, this time we just had the lobby decorated with cut-out pumpkins and skulls --- courtesy of our recruitment team who had their Halloween Job Fair. Not really that spooky. Our costumes were more like crazy and funny. I didn’t really prepare for the costume. I just bought a fairy headband with matching wand so I was like the pregnant fairy. I also bought a blonde wig but decided to let Jon use it because it matches her girly attire.

Here’s sharing some random pictures.

More pictures HERE...

Oooppps, I did it again!

I screw up again.

Gawd, for the Nth time I’ve been committing the same mistakes over and over again with regards to our Expats’ travels. I know that had I checked their itineraries a million times, I wouldn’t overlook that glitch. Good thing, they were able to catch up and make it to their flight in the nick of time. Sheesh, I could just imagine the big boss running at the airport with luggage in tow. What if they weren’t able to make it to their flight? I have to make changes to their business class flight PLUS I have to extend their hotel accommodation. That will cost them (or me) so much.

What a shame (on me)!!!

This has to stop and if they still won’t punish me, I will be the one to castigate myself this time. I think I’m having a heart attack now!

Ack!!!

(P.S. This is just me talking to myself...tsk, tsk, tsk)

Preggy Diaries # 6: @ 26 Weeks

My lilypie counter says I’m now on my 26th week. The belly has now ballooned into a huge belly ball. I did the usual rounds with my ob over the weekend. Everything seems to be fine. Baby size is just the right size though it’s me that’s getting bigger and bigger everyday. Blame it on my insatiable gastronomic cravings. What’s really bothering me right now is the bumpy ride outside our new home. I would usually take a tricycle in going out to the major highway and the holes on the road are everywhere. Sometimes I find myself hanging on to my seat protecting my “bat-ang”. It scares me really and what’s sad is that I don’t have a choice. Hubby and I don’t have the same work schedule so I have to be on my own. My ob suggested that I sit on a pillow to comfort my butt. Now, armed with a pillow I’m ready to brave these terrible holes on the road.

Then, there are the physical changes that are becoming quite obvious. My armpits start to darken (again) and my neck as well. It’s a gruesome sight seeing my underarms every time I look in the mirror. Ewww!!! And now I always seem to run out of breath after walking a few steps or so.

The only comfort I have is that babylove starts to make those little jabs here and there. Sometimes, I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night especially if the movements are in close intervals. I just smile whenever I feel him/her poke my tummy. I know it’s not something to be happy about but I am also grateful that I am not experiencing what some of my preggy colleagues are experiencing. One is having gestational diabetes. She’s now on her 8th month and everyday she injects insulin right through the veins of her stomach three times a day. Another colleague was also on bed-rest because of spotting and attempted abortion. Compared to them, mine are just minor fuzz. Thus, I’m perfectly okay.

Now, here's a peek of what's inside my belly (courtesy of http://www.babycenter.com/). I would have wanted to show my recent picture but it's totally not a good sight.

Guarding my Happily Ever After

People think that happily ever after starts on the day the wedding bells toll. Fairy tales give this perception that the best of all relationships is when “they live happily ever after". But would one ever wonder what happened to Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty after that kiss from their Prince Charming? In the real, imperfect world, after the happily ever after is when reality sets in. Along the way, there will always be issues to deal with – kids, finances, home, infidelity, in-laws etc. It will not always be a bed of roses or a fairytale plot.

Lately, my happily ever after was put to a test. Along with my pregnancy, I had the worst of all discoveries. I may be wrong with my doubts but it sure made me ask a big WHY? God knows how I tried to keep mum about it trying to pretend as if I never had a hint. I tried not to be hysterical but how can I not when it is my man out there fooling around. He was never caught in the act but had I not been early in my discovery, he would probably succumb to temptation in the long run. I know this is way too personal to be shared in the open but I guess it is something some couples might learn from and it eases the pain a bit. I tried to respect his privacy… you know... restraining myself from peeking into his cellphone or his emails but God must have a way of making me aware so I could prevent a wrong doing before it gets out of proportion. So there, it has been a week since that emotional rollercoaster. There was no major fight as I don’t want to stress myself on that issue. We just talked. The issue is about to die though and we’re back to our normal selves trying to work on that happily ever after everyday.

But I am not letting my guards down if it’s the only way of guarding my happily ever after and keeping my family in-tacked. The b*tches will have to back-off as I am ready to fight hell with them despite my huge baby bump. And the husband will have to be on his toes coz it so happen he has a secret agent for a wife. Haha!

“It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis"
Margaret Bonnano

On your birthday...

Dad,

I wish there is a way I could make this day very special for you. I would have want it to be really special but you always emphasize that you don’t really celebrate birthdays so I’ll just leave it as that. Nevertheless, here’s to another year of rockin’ and rollin’ in this so called life. I wish every year would be so much better for us both at home and at work. You’re the best, you just don’t know it.

Much love on your birthday and always,

Me and Alex

Home Sweet Home

I thought that after moving from one house to another six times would make me an expert of some sort in the art of moving. But I was wrong... I still fail and it was as always a very stressful move. Due to my procrastination, we weren't finish packing as scheduled. And my preggy situation made it even worst. I couldn't help that much though I tried to lift some heavy stuff but my sneezing and wheezing was such a torture. Hubby was so disappointed with me and the way I handled the move. I could only zip my mouth while he rant and nag about it in my face coz I know I am partly at fault.

We were supposed to move on the 28th...you know the Chinese belief with the number eight but found ourselves not-so-settled on the 29th instead with candles burning since our electricity isn't up yet. For two days and two nights, our life has been electricity-less because MECO was dilly-dallying the connection. The heat and mosquitoes were killing us. Sigh! The house is still in total mess with boxes, knick knacks and hoarded stuff scattered all over the floor. The challenging part which is sorting will have to happen in a few days. Good thing I get a little help from my mama who is in town for a visit. The vacant lot beside the house which is now covered with bushes will be her first project. I hope her green thumb will create some magic on the rocky soil. The kitchen, tiled floors and cabinets will have to wait until our finances become stable. Hubby and I decided to have it on a project basis starting off with working on the tiled floor.

Welcome to our new house... it is still a work in progress so please bear with the mess for now. With just a few touches here and there and a depleting bank savings, it's going to be a home sweet home soon.


Some random pictures below...