Dad's Reaction

I promised myself that I will document all the things that has got to do with our little angel. Moments like this comes by only once so it's a fun way to keep the memories to reminisce in the future. 

Here's a video of Mark's reaction when he saw the wallpaper I made on his computer.

He didn't understand it at first, so I have to explain it still. Anyways, I enjoyed seeing his reaction. He looks like a baby being given a box of candy. I'm pretty sure our baby will also enjoy seeing his/her dad's reaction when he/she gets to watch this.

Mixed Emotions

I noticed some changes in my moods, my sleeping and eating habits and most especially in my body. Mark noticed it also. My boobs we're tender and sensitive, I'm always tired and want to take a nap often, my hips and boobs are getting bigger (as per Mark's observation which he adores, by the way), a frequent visit to the toilet, an urge to chew on to something just to please my palette, headaches and mood swings. I also missed my period. ButI didn't think that I was pregnant right away. Since it was just like any other time of the month. I do experience these signs before I get my period. I'm also one of those very unlikely ladies who get irregular periods so missing it for 3 days didn't bother me at all.

It was Mark who told me to took the test to make sure if we're pregnant or not. So I did and WE ARE PREGNANT! 

It was the 27th of January, I was alone in our room and I decided to take the test around 11am. Took a container, the test kit, my phone and went to the toilet. I already read the instructions the evening before that, but I reread it again. Anxious maybe. Having the step-by-step details pictured in my head, I started to pee, dipped the test kit in the container (making sure not to dip it over the maximum line), waited 5 seconds before removing it from the urine sample, laid it flat on a dry nonabsorbent surface and waited. The instructions said to wait for at least 5 minutes before reading the result. But alas, just after a minute or so, there were two very visible red lines! I really am pregnant! 

I'm not sure what I was thinking that time. Happy, anxious, excited, and a lot more emotions in between. Took a picture of it coz I was thinking of sending it to Mark right away. But i thought of taking another test just to make sure. So I waited for 2 hours before doing the test again. Did the same process as earlier and waited for the result. This time, only the first red line appeared and then after 3 minutes another very light red line showed up. After another minute the two red lines became very visible.

Can there be more positive proof of the little angel inside me? 

With butterflies in my stomach, I thought of texting or calling Mark about the good news. Then I considered surprising him with something when he comes home later that night. I thought of buying a baby item which read "Dad" or something like that. But then I don't want to go out. When I googled online, I bumped unto these "Creative ideas to tell your husband that you're pregnant". Since Mark is a computer addict, I decided to go with the idea that involves the computer. I took a picture of the tests, made a collage out of it and used it as the wallpaper on his computer. I just have to wait for Mark to come home and see what his reaction will be. 

Dad + Mom + Baby

I still couldn't believe that we're having our own baby. I couldn't imagine myself and Mark raising another human being into his world. But I'm very grateful to our Lord God for giving us our little bundle of joy. I know that it'll be tough but I'm sure we can do this. I 'm happy and scared at the same time, I admit. Is this something every first-time mom feels? I'm looking forward to the nine growing months of my baby inside my tummy, to the welcoming of our little angel into this world and of course creating memories with Mark and our baby together with our family and friends. That's enough reason for me to go through these new phase in my life with a happy heart.

Looking forward to meet you little one! 

And Then There Were THREE!

So, yesterday 27th of January, we found out that we're pregnant! We're very excited! 

We haven't told anyone yet. We're planning on going to the doctor first, to confirm the positivity of the test I did, then we are to tell everyone. Can't wait!

Dancing in the Snow!

It's Sunday. A fun snowy day! Got out of the house after hours of hibernating. Attended the 4:30 afternoon mass at Northwick Park Hospital Chapel. But before that, I got all giggly first, dancing and cheering under the snow. Mark got an evidence, so I can't object. Guilty as charged. I admit I got excited when we went out the house and saw the thick snow on the road. I was even tempted to do the "snow angel" thing but since we are to attend mass, I urged myself not to. Still, I enjoyed the afternoon snow. 

I also get to make my own mini-unfinished Mr. Snowman. Yes, 'mini-unfinished'. Sad but true. I'll meet you very soon, Mr. Snowman, I promise!

Pinning Interest

I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with the site Pinterest. As the name suggest, you "pin" everything that interests you and it goes directly to your pinterest site. While some websites don't allow you from pinning their site contents, still there's loads of interesting sites out there giving free access to their photos.


Pinterest can be a very handy tool. It can be a collaboration of many things. From color palette for your new room, planning of special events, fashion inspiration boards, interior designs for your humble abode, favourite celebrities, influential people, healthy lifestyle, and almost anything that you love. It's as easy as taking a photo, placing it on your old-fashioned photo album, putting a label under it and sharing it with family and friends.



Here's my pinterest site. It was 2 years ago, I think, when I got interested in pinning photos that I adore. It's an enjoyable way to entertain yourself, that can be addicting. Once you start your first "pin", you can never get enough. Can be time-consuming for one, it can also be mind-wobbling but in a good way. With the intention of the website to organize all your interests in every aspect of life, it urges your brain to separate items you like form what you don't like as soon as you see them. What category to make and what photo to put in which category are the most crucial part in doing a Pinterest. Yes you can just pin anything and pin it everywhere, but you're spoiling the rationale that the site depicts.

Nonetheless, you can do as you please. There's loads of interesting and inspiring pinboards out there that I'm sure can get you started. Just like any other social media, it allows the user to share the things they love, like their pinboards and "re-pin" them unto their own pinboards. Start Pinning!

LookBook

I'm starting a new thing today, it's the LOOKBOOK! It's just like your own outfit-of-the-day diary where you can share with the public your unique fashion style. Perhaps a medium where others can get inspirations from. You also get "hype" clicks and comments from admiring fans. There are also contests and forums to join in if you're into those things. Or just so to keep track of your fashion sense. Either way, it's a fun manner of showcasing the inner haute fashionista in you.

Here's my very first look! Journeyed through the neighborhood park amidst the freezing and numbing weather.

Try it, it'll be fun!

Morning Paper

Upon waking up, what's the first thing that you do? Reach for the iphone or ipad beside you, right? Guilty. I confess, I'm one of those who consider Facebook as a Morning Paper.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing. But in some ways, it does give me informative news. From the celebrity breakups, natural calamities in our province, murders in different areas, pound to peso exchange rate, prank videos, newest fashion and food trends, political views, down to the birth of another member of our clan, the death of a friend's love one, celebration of a family member's birthday, and the list goes on. If you are not an avid reader, like me, you could really scoop out loads of facts just by browsing through this social media called Facebook. You'll be able to know the story behind each event just by the bits and pieces being provided by the facebook addicts.

People nowadays have the habit of sharing to the entire universe what they do every second of everyday, what makes them happy, what makes them sad. They share almost everything. In my personal opinion, there can be a positive and negative side to it. When negativity strikes, some individual gets annoyed when someone continously bombards their wall with unnecessary updates regarding their life or with someone else's life. No one cares about your life, so why announce it to the public. On the positive side, there are some who tolerates these notifications. They are those who are more than happy to read all about the happenings in the world. They too have their own share of moments to offer to everyone.

As for me, I can sometimes be both, when my mood permits me. Even so, I still wake up to that social media as my first sight to keep me posted, just like the morning paper.

Virtual Makeover

Earlier today, I came across this virtual hair and makeup makeover called TAAZ. I gave it a try and this is what I ended up with. It allows you to give yourself a new look from the makeup, hairstyle down to hair color. No need to re-color your precious crowning glory if you end up having a peacock hair after a salon appointment. 

Which hair color do you think suits me best? I know it all looks the same but still there's a slight difference to each one of them if you look very closely. 

Adoring Musical Plays

I've always love musicals. Sound of Music as my favourite. I never get to watch any musical plays back in the Philippines, so when we transferred in London, I was awed by the many musicals that are regularly performing in different areas. 

The very first musical that I've seen was Shrek. It was a complimentary show from one of Mark's colleague, Ate Luchi. We were seated on the box, a very nice seat, may I add. I am familiar with the cartoon Shrek so I know the plot, but I enjoyed the play nonetheless. The actors and actresses were amazing in their own ways. The backdrops and props were equally great. Some says it would be more suited to a younger audience, but I beg to differ. No one is too young for a happily ever after. 

Shrek Musical

at Theatre Royale

The second musical play that I watched was Wicked. The title itself described how awesome the play was. More for an adult audience, Wicked did not fail to astonish everyone inside the theatre from start to finish. The storyline was not to be missed, the dialogue's (which are being sung of course) were relatable, the casts were without a doubt superb. It's somewhat a prelude to the Wizard of Oz, which was made brilliantly.  We were not seated on a very pleasant location, as compared to watching the Shrek, but still it was breathtaking. 

Wicked Musical

at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

The next play that we get to watch was a special one, because it was a birthday gift from my hubby, Mark. Les Miserables, one of the many musicals that I dreamed of watching. I was always intrigued by this one because one of the famous theatre sopranos, whom I adore, Ms Lea Salonga, a Filipina, had a part on the play. They actually performed once here on London for the25th Anniversary of Les Miserables, which I didn't get to watch. People said it was one great show, but the ticket prices were also rocket high. Anyhow, the experience we had watching the same play in a smaller theater was never less great. A seat on the Dress Circle, the one in between the Stalls and Upper Circle, was a nice choice. There were mostly mature people in the crowd. I'm a sucker for heart touching love stories, so this musical was an A+ for me. Tears never stopped falling down my cheeks. I wonder if the other viewers did the same. Needless to say, I wasn't ashamed. Just like the two musicals above, Les Miserables was a spectacular sight. 

Les Miserables Musical

at the Queen's Theatre

The recent musical, hopefully not the last, was the Privates on Parade. Another complimentary ticket from Ate Luchi. Hurrah! This shall be my very first musical play for 2013. We didn't have any idea what the play was about. So we just went to see the play and didn't expect anything. It turned out the play was hilariously entertaining. For adults only, that's for sure. We were surprised that it was a lovely play indeed. Not as extravagant as the three musicals above when it comes to costumes, props and music, but it was more than a fascinating way to begin the year. Not a dull moment from beginning to end, the casts were exceedingly comical and the plot was fascinating all the same. 

Privates on Parade

at Noel Coward Theatre

Watching a musical play, whatever the plot may be, gave me a two-hour escape to relish the fantasy that each writer gets in touch with when creating these masterpiece. I've always dreamt of being part of a play, singing and dancing my heart out, but I know that it'll remain as a dream. Witnessing such musical brings back that aspiration but now I'm more drawn to being part of the cheering crowd and savouring the mixed emotions brought by the story than performing on stage. 

Header Meaning

I think most of you might be thinking why I have the "fulltimewifeandmom" as my header when I don't have kids yet. Well, for one, yes I'm a certified full time wife, and two, we are working on the "mom" thing. So as to relieve me from the duty of changing the header when we do have our own little bundle of joy, I'll just stick with the future header-to-be. 

Bieber Mania

Yesterday, 17th of January, as I was watching the interview of Oprah to Justin Bieber, I realized that he's not bad at all. I admit, I'm not a Bieber fan, but I'm also not a hater. Observing from the interview, how he acted infront of the camera, how he answered each and every question thrown at him, makes me admire him in a way. He's a well-mannered young man and has a very nice attitude. I also noticed how honest and sincere he is when he talks about his family and his fans. He is hard-working and I believe that he deserves everything that he have now. Kudos to his parents for molding him into the young man that he is today.

It's just sad that there are too many bashers out there. We'll you cannot please everyone. People should really learn to not judge anyone by the outer physique. People should just accept every individual as they are and deal with it. Keep Calm and Love One Another!

Here's the link to the interview if you'd want to watch: Oprah's interview with Justin Bieber

It's Snowing Again!

Too late for a white Christmas but who cares. I'm starting to love snow! While everyone else is cursing this kind of weather, I'm cheerfully observing the snow cover the entire street. What a sight!

Baby Alert

Is happily married for a year and four months now. Have a loving and supportive husband. Caring family and friends surrounds us. Have a rented place that we call home away from home. Blessed with food everyday. Occasionally, we get to travel. So what's missing. 

Almost all of the people that we know have the same question in mind, "Why not have babies, yet?" And continued with "You're not getting any younger". We know. Being 30 is not like being 18 and having your first crush and first kiss. We got married to make a family. We love to have our own family. It's just that you can't simply bring another human being into this world without planning and securing his/her future. From the pregnancy stage, to delivering the baby, to the nappies and milk, to doctor's appointments, to the baby's growing years, and the list goes on. Not to forget the fixed daily expenses that we have to shoulder. 

If we'll be blessed with little ones this year, we'll forever be grateful. As for now, we enjoy having family and friends with their little bundles of joy. Our little angel will come soon.

with baby Marcus

with baby Zach

Snow Time!

14 January 2013,  Monday

Experienced my first snow in London, yey! Browsed through Facebook and noticed the "it's snowing" news all over the posts. Got me excited of course, so I checked out myself. It was around 12noon, i think. It started out with a few drops but got me thrilled still. I even took pictures and a video of it from our room. Was ecstatic to tell Mark that is was snowing outside but got only a smirk and an "okay" as a respond and went back to sleep. Was hoping he would tell me to change clothes and we'll be off to our snow spree. I waited patiently, checking from time to time if the snow is still there. I was even telling Mark that the snow might melt soon, just to encourage him to get up and go outside, but to no avail. Still waited, and waited, and waited, and alas, Mark woke up and asked me why i'm not dressed yet. Weee! My eyes went twinkling, that's what he said. Put on my pants, hoodie, jacket, beanie, socks, boots and gloves and we're off.

I was just planning on taking a picture right outside the house but Mark insisted that we go to the park because there'll be much more snow there. Horray for me of course. :) I was imagining the snow to be a cotton-like feel, but when it touched my face, it was just like a rain drop only colder. I wasn't disappointed though, i enjoyed it! Walked through the slippery road towards the park and was awed by the snow-capped park.The entire park, the trees, the grass was covered in white. The only missing piece was the Snow Queen and Aslan (Narnia's Lion).

It wasn't that cold that day, maybe because it wasn't windy. There were even kids playing at the playground, running dogs with their masters, also some first-timers (i thought so) taking pictures. We were supposed to make a snowman but Mark said the snow was not thick enough to make one, maybe next time then. 

Went home around four in the afternoon, still giggly from the snowy afternoon walk, then enjoyed a yummy cup of hot chocolate. :) Thanks baby for giving in to my childish fantasy! Oh, by the way, Mark just got home from a night shift from work and will still be doing a night shift that night, so he slept for around five hours before deciding that we walk to the park. Could anyone be more darling? :)

Keep Calm and Skate On

12 January 2013, Saturday

Been looking forward to our ice skating escapade for weeks, and then it happened. Another tick off my "dream list" :) 

Mark, Yric, Rhea & I left home half past two, i assume. It was a long journey from Harrow on the Hill tube station to Canary Wharf, so i think the four of us dozed off during the travel. Upon arriving, we hurriedly walked to the ticketing booth to catch the 3:00pm skating session, but unfortunately it was already fully booked, so we opted for the 5:30pm session. After buying the tickets, we decided to took a stroll around the area, watched some of the ice sculptures and had a warming cup of coffee at Starbucks. We were at the coffee shop for almost 2 hours, giggling over almost anything. From the "DEREK" name which was mistakenly written on the cup of Yric, to the prank video that we saw on Youtube. 

Around 5:00 in the afternoon, we decided to go back to the rink. Upon entering, there were already loads of people inside. Adults, kids, male, female, you name it, they're there. We locked in our bags and valuables, exchanged our walking shoes for the skating boots, tried on the skates, made an effort to walk on those skates which was a success by the way, and took pictures of course. I was really nervous at that time. I'm shocked that i can easily stand and walk in those skates on the carpeted surface, since it was my first time, but I was thinking how difficult it would be when I reach the ice. I've heard some stories from Mark and the others that they fell many times before getting the hang of it. I was so scared of falling. Imagine hitting your bum or any part of your body for that matter, on a very cold slippery surface. Not fun at all. 

After a few minutes, there was an announcement that the session before us is about to end and that we were asked to gather outside the rink. Walking and waiting outside with the chilly wind increased my anxiety. Watching the previous skaters glide through the rink with perfect motion didn't help at all. Here goes nothing, I said to myself. I was giving Mark a very tight grip while walking inside the rink. I instantly grabbed the sturdy railing on my right and started pushing my feet to move. It was very difficult, I tell you. The fear of falling never escaped my mind. Thankfully, I reached the center of the rink, with the ever-helpful guide of Mark without any sign of fall whatsoever. We took pictures and videos as we go along.

The session was to last for an hour, so I was telling myself that if I can't learn how to glide tonight, it'll be a waste of time and money. Even the simplest skating movement will suffice. During those few minutes, I don't want Mark to be far from me, and I always held a steady grip on the railing. After observing the talented skaters which were so aggressive may I add, I was slowly gliding away from Mark and skating on my own. Hurrah! It was at a very slow pace but worth the effort. Quick-moving skaters drifted on both sides, which scared me. There were even three instances when I almost lost my balance because the skaters passing by me was in high speed. Luckily, they grabbed me immediately, noticing I'm a first-timer, to secure my balance. 

Over-all, it was a wonderful skating experience. But the one-hour session time was not enough, we were aching for more. We'll try again next year, since the skating rink only opens during winter season. 

A new year. New acquaintances. Stronger bond amongst family and friends. Add up items unto the bucket list. Fresh experiences. Accomplishment of dreams. 

2012 may be a history but a past definitely worth reminiscing, worth learning from. I'm all for a brighter year ahead. Challenges, events, momentous happenings are only a few that keeps me alive and kicking. Hopefully, this simple journal could hold up to my immensely changing mood for memories.

I always admire those people who manages to have a journal, old-fashioned or online blog, diary, or whatever they call it. For many years now, I've been trying to do the same, but to no success. Either I can't find the right website or I was just too lazy to start one. It's a great way to document all the important moments you've experiences and would want to experience in your life. It's a fun way to share life!