Vaccination

. . . photo from https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/blog/vaccination-nation

Pumpkin and I went to the health center today for his scheduled vaccination. We left the house a little late at 9am. There were already a lot of people at the center by then. Our number was at 73 but since it only takes a minute or less to administer the vaccine, the line was moving fast. By 10am we were already home. 

Now the thing I hate about vaccination is the aftermath. Pumpkin got the shot on his right leg and it was sore which made him very fussy. His cries were heartbreaking like he’s in so much pain. We applied a hot compress on his leg, yet his cries and wails (especially if we touched or moved his right leg) were making me very stressed. The only thing that will soothe him was my booby and some rocking so he can fall back to sleep. 

As a mother, I am very much aware of the importance of getting my children vaccinated. Not only does it protect them from serious illness and complications but it protects others, too. I am thankful that our government is doing the best they can to make these vaccines available to everyone especially to the less fortunate.

I am also aware about the huge debate on vaccines. I would like to make a more detailed post about my stand but that's for another blog post.

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The Maze Runner Film Trilogy

I haven’t been able to watch movies properly for such a long time. I think it goes back from the time I got pregnant with Munchkin. Like you know, watch movies at the cinema where you can just focus on the movie and nothing else. Though I'm currently on maternity leave, at home all the time, with access to a television, movies and TV series all the time, anytime I want, it's not really the case.

When you're a mom with kids, distractions are plenty. Children are always seeking attention from mommy. Nonstop thinking of how to manage a household properly. What are we gonna have for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between? Reminders of bills to pay, constantly checking the panty for items that are running low and must restock. Always making sure everything is taken care of because no one's gonna do it but me. Even as simple as using the loo, there is never a quiet time. Well, there is actually. The time when they are all asleep. And when they are asleep, I take that as a time to sleep as well. So you see, staying at home doesn't guarantee that I get to do all the things I wanted.

Being a mom is just one of the many hats I wear. I'm also a wife. My husband needs me, too. Before the kids arrived, we used to be movie buddies. We spent most of our free time binge watching TV series and movies. We were always in the know of what were the upcoming movies in the cinemas and the first one to get downloaded copies of the hottest/latest TV series. However, parenthood changed all that. 

I thought when Munchkin gets older we will be able to go back to our old routine. I thought when we get a nanny/house help it will be time to go back to the movie houses and have a proper date night. But nah, it did not happen. The last thing I wanted to do was to watch a movie. I felt like my time is so precious that I am not willing to waste it on a senseless, boring, predictable, bland and uninteresting movie. If ever I get the chance to watch a movie, I choose them wisely.

. . . photo from https://ezaudiobookforsoul.com

So here I am to talk about the movie I just recently watched. And I would like to say I'm glad I just watched it now and not when it just came out in the cinema four years ago. I can almost imagine the disappointment of those people who watched the first movie and the anticipation for the 2nd installment. I haven't read the books but based on experience it is always better to watch the movies first before reading the books.

No need for intro anymore. It's all the way up on the title of this post. Anyway, I saw a clip of this movie Tagalized on ABS-CBN and I knew it's something I am willing to waste my time on. Tapioca downloaded a copy and we binged watched the three movies.

I would say the concept was brilliant. We've watched thriller movies before but this was something different. The characters were likable. The plot was fast paced and there were hardly dull moments. We're on the edge of our seats and I can hardly contain my excitement. I kept on guessing what's gonna happen next. The movie endings were such cliffhangers too, so I'm really glad I've only watched this now. 

We were so hooked after watching the first movie we cannot wait to see the next one. I think however, the following installments just didn't live up to the first movie. It just went downhill like they just wanted the movie to be over and done with. I was not happy with the ending. It felt rushed and there were still questions left. Some twists I felt like it's no longer needed or they could have thought of something better.

Overall, I still find it a good watch. I was entertained. For a moment I forgot all the worries and stress of being a mom, wife and everything in between. I thought it might be a good idea to read the books but after checking reviews online I'd think I'll pass.

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Six Weeks Post Partum

Last night after I took a shower, I was so surprised to find out that I was able to fit into my house clothes again. Yay! Thank you breastfeeding!

Honestly, I was kinda hesitant if I will ever get back to my pre-pregnancy body. My recent pregnancy was so different from the first one. I gained some weight and it's very much obvious because the fat went into my face and arms.

. . . 8 months pregnant with Pumpkin, check out my very round face and arms hahaha!!!

Nah, the picture was not stretched. I wish it was but it wasn't. Hahaha! I really gained more weight than I expected.

My first pregnancy with Munchkin after giving birth, I looked like I just took a dump and the baby bump was gone. Though there was still a little tummy pouch, I no longer looked pregnant. I was able to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes as soon as I got home from the hospital.

me at full term (first pregnancy), a day before Munchkin popped . . . still skinny with a watermelon baby bump :)

With Pumpkin’s pregnancy, I already gave birth but my tummy was so big I looked like I was still pregnant. The most shocking thing to me was when I had to fit into my house clothes. I was expecting that I will be able to fit into them just like with my first pregnancy. I came home disappointed. I mean, what was I thinking? I knew I gained weight and it's not just going to disappear so soon. There I was no longer pregnant but I was still wearing Nanay’s clothes (daster dresses) like I was still six months pregnant. 

To say that I was disappointed was an understatement. I was dumbfounded. I was taken aback at the thought of what might or might nor happen. What's going to happen if I don't lose weight? Should I start shopping for new clothes? What about my existing clothes? Those new clothes I've just bought that I still haven't worn? Should I start giving them away? 

So yeah, I was worried I might not lose it. I knew some people who didn’t. And I knew how they felt after realizing that there's just no way they can get back to their old bodies. For a moment, I finally understood what it felt like to be one of those moms who are saddened by the realities of the aftermath of giving birth. 

But I kept my hopes up. I know some changes are permanent but there are still changes that are temporary. I told myself not to worry and to keep on breastfeeding. They say breastfeeding is the key and if I keep on feeding Pumpkin for as long as I can, my body will be back to normal in no time.”

. . . face still swollen, hips, waist and shoulders still wide. And my legs, eeekkk!!! my pata legs!!!

After 3 weeks, my tummy did get smaller. But my hips were still big. Shoulders got wider, too. I tried getting into my old shorts and boy the shorts ripped in the crotch all the way to the back. It was so hilarious Tapioca, the nanny and Munchkin made fun of me.

But today is the day that I’ve been waiting for. After trying on my shorts again for the nth time, it finally fitted me. No more struggles of closing the zipper. And the buttons too! Thank God and thank breastfeeding. It really is a wonder.

Thinking about it now, I felt that whether I lose the weight or not, it did not really matter. I mean, I've been skinny my whole life so gaining some weight isn’t such a bad thing. Also, I’m already a mom. I’m old. My metabolism is not the same as when I was younger. And don’t get me started about exercise and dieting. No way will I do that to get back to my old body. Oh my, I digress.

What I’m trying to say here is even if I didn't lose the weight after pregnancy, I will still embrace my new body wholeheartedly. That's right. You read it right. Yeah, I may get a little insecure over someone who still looks sexy and fabulous after giving birth multiple times but Lord knows what I went through. What my body went through. And me, only me (myself and I) would understand all that. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and insecurities, I will think of what a superwoman I am for accomplishing things I thought I wouldn't be able to do and endure.

And last but not the least, what really matters the most to me now is my family. Tapioca and my kids. The unconditional love they're giving me whether I'm fat or skinny. Old and ugly. I know it sounds crazy but I believe I'm at the stage of my life wherein physical appearance just doesn't matter anymore. I am no longer looking for affection, approval, praises or even validation from anyone but my family. I can say I am one lucky mommy because everyday and every chance they can, they never forget to say how much they love me. And I think that's more than enough for me to value myself, to lift my self-esteem and confidence. 

And I thank you.

Peace, love and a bullet-proof marshmallow y'all!

Jellybean74170

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Summer Art Class

Munchkin’s summer class ended last Friday. The teachers advised if parents can come because they’re having a little program. As much as I would love to go, I had to beg off because the program's gonna start at 1130am and ends by 12 noon. I am exclusively breastfeeding Pumpkin so I cannot just leave the house without him. And twelve noon is not an ideal time to be taking Pumpkin out. Not to mention we will be commuting going to and fro.

And so it was Tapioca who went to school for the program. Here are the photos of her art works. 

. . . munchkin's work of art

Proud momma here! This was her very first art class and I was amazed with her works. She has never attended proper schooling just yet with the exemption of trial classes from a couple of preschools we've scouted last year. You can just imagine my surprise upon seeing these. My little munchkin is surely ready for school. She can now follow instructions without parents' supervision.

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Pumpkin’s Birth Announcement

Hello blogosphere! I’m back. I’m so back. Missed me? I miss you too!

Earlier today, I posted on IG our second child’s birth announcement. It took quite some time because I like living in the moment now. Haha! I know, who am I kidding? Just another excuse of the delinquent blogger. On a serious note, I really am enjoying it. Taking a break from social media every once in a while. Ya know, soaking up and cherishing all those precious moments. But of course, I still took photos. Not a lot though. Just enough so we have something to remember.

It was me who picked his name and happy that Tapioca agreed (teehee!) But for the sake of this blog, he will have his own online moniker. Presenting - Pumpkin, the newest member of the family!!!
 

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Genki Sushi

I remember craving for sushi and sashimi when I was pregnant with Munchkin. I veered away from all things raw because of a huge possibility of stomachache or food poisoning. So I promised myself as soon as I gave birth, I would eat sushi and sashimi to my heart's content.

Fast forward now, Munchkin is already 3 years old and I cannot remember if I was able to accomplish that promise. I've gone through all my photos but I didn't see any sushi or sashimi.

When I learned about Genki Sushi, the famous train sushi restaurant from Japan, Tapioca and I took note and put it on our list of must visit places to eat.

. . . the entrance

It finally happened last Saturday. Our very first Genki Sushi experience. And we were in for a treat.

interactive ordering system . . .

You order your food through a tablet. There's a wide list of options and it can get pretty overwhelming. The good thing is the tablet also shows your outstanding bill so if you're on a budget (and you need to work within a budget) you will not get lost ordering way too many items. Though we didn't find the budget a problem because most of the items are reasonably priced.

Service was excellent. As soon as we sat down, our utensils were set up and brief instructions were provided. There were plenty of waitstaff and calling their attention was effortless.

. . . tapioca and jellybean

It was so nice to have your very own tea set tableside. A container filled with green tea powder and a faucet which dispenses hot water.

Now onto the first batch of our order, specially delivered by the sushi train.

egg maki . . .

. . . grilled river eel

This has got to be our favorite of them all. I love unagi and this one was pretty good.

salmon belly . . .

. . . jellybean looking very excited whenever the train arrives with plates of sushi

fried chicken gunkan . . .

. . . round one

gone in a flash . . .

And now, Tapioca's back to ordering again for the second round.

. . . fried gyoza

tapioca enjoying the gyoza . . .

When there's gyoza on the menu, Tapioca will surely order it.  Because we love the grilled eel dish, we looked for another eel dish and found this . . .

. . . unagi kyuri maki

Sorry but this didn't quite work for us. The unagi was overpowered by too much cucumber.

agedashi tofu . . .

Tapioca loved it. I felt the opposite. Prolly because the tofu was deep fried? I still think Teriyaki Boy has one of the best agedashi tofu.

. . . more more sushi coming right up!

norwegian fresh salmon . . .

This was better than the Salmon Belly. Our 2nd favorite.

I must have soup so we ordered the miso soup. We were waiting for it to arrive from the sushi train but a wait staff approached us who hand-delivered the soup. Must be for safety reasons.

. . . miso soup

It was bland. Needed more seasoning.

squid nigiri . . .

Squid was tender but it was just a-okay.

. . . second round

tempura shrimp nigiri . . .

Though the size was small, it was all shrimp.

. . . tapioca just wouldn't let go of the menu hehehe!

spam tamago . . .

We were so full already but Tapioca couldn't resist. Last decision and our final sushi for the day -  the spam tamago. It was pretty ordinary but I have to say I love how the spam was cooked to crispy perfection.

Overall, we enjoyed our very first Genki Sushi experience. This is definitely not going to be the last. They have so much more to offer that we still needed to try.

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Our 1st Pyromusical Competition Experience at S Maison Conrad

Last Saturday, we attended our very first Pyrolympic. This event has been going on for 9 years. Every year I've been meaning to go to the event but it never happened until last weekend. I actually understood why it only happened now.

It was the last weekend for the Pyromusical event in MOA. Discounted tickets were sold out but I did some research that you can actually still buy them last minute at the venue. I didn't really want to go to the actual venue because the last time I read a review the smoke from the fireworks were terrible so as much as possible I wanted to be away from where it was.

We cannot afford a staycation so I went to gamble for a view from S Maison complex. We were supposed to leave the house at 5pm so we will have plenty of time to check out which restaurant to have dinner to and watch the sunset. Alas, we had issues with booking our Uber trip.

1. Tapioca got the booking wrong. Instead of S Maison, he chose Mall of Asia *boinker*. So we cancelled it.

2. The 2nd car got stuck in traffic because of an accident. We've been waiting for almost 15 mins so we have to cancel it again.

Tapioca was so worried we might be charged with cancellation fees so we booked a Grab instead. Our Grab car arrived at 540pm. Traffic was so bad going to the event. We even took the Skyway going there but as soon as we approached Diokno Avenue the cars weren't moving. We decided to get off the car and walked from Diokno Avenue to S. Maison. We got there at exactly 7pm. That left us with 30 minutes to look for a restaurant.

Tapioca was craving for Japanese food, however both Japanese restos (Chubi and Uma-uma were fully booked). The only restos available where we can view the fireworks were the Italian and Mediterranean. He was not really in the mood for Italian. The Mediterrean resto was asking for 1500 pesos per pax consumable to get a table and watch the fireworks.

I was begging him to go with the Mediterrean resto since we do not have any choices and we were also running out of time. Tapioca insisted that he didn't want to spend 3 grand on food he's not even sure if it's any good. So we tried to go outside and check out a place where we can catch the fireworks.

Little did we know there were also restaurants on the ground floor that offer fireworks view. Luckily there were still available tables and they only required 700 pesos consumable per person. That means 1400 pesos for the both of us. Hooray!

. . .baker & cook and plank sourdough pizza

they share the same dining area for the pyromusical event . . .

This was our view. Not bad eh. But it could be so much better if we were on the 2nd floor, I suppose.

. . . our view

family photo #1 . . .

. . . family photo #2 (from a different angle)

We had pizza and pasta and soup. I know Tapioca was not feeling Italian that night nevertheless we enjoyed the food specially the pizza.

margherita pizza . . .

Tapioca and I are starting to appreciate the goodness of a simple pizza called Margherita. Baker & Cook's version was really good.

. . . pancetta pesto cream

The pasta was just okay. I'm not really a fan of pesto. When Tapioca picked this pasta we were sold because of the word pancetta and forgot the word pesto. Imagine my surprise when our server brought the pasta to our table. I was like "Oh no, we didn't order pesto pasta. We ordered the creamy pancetta pasta . . .  oh wait, it says creamy pancetta PESTO pasta. Sorry, my bad". Hahaha **whatashame**

clam chowder  . . .

We also had clam chowder soup. It was super creamy which I liked a lot. But we think Draft's clam chowder has a lot more things going on.

. . . basil pineapple smoothie

When dining out, I like to order fresh fruit shake for the Munchkin and I to share. I was eyeing the mango and strawberry shake however it was not available. Our server recommended the basil pineapple shake. I asked if it's so good he thinks our little one would like it. Without batting an eyelash, he said yes. So I gave in. Unfortunately, neither the Munchkin and I liked it. It was too sweet. Like sickly sweet. The Munchkin likes sweet drinks, though. I'm guessing she didn't like the basil in it. We tried giving her some of the pesto pasta and she didn't like it either. So we got her some fresh OJ that comes in this cute bottle.

tapioca opening the bottle for munchkin . . .

. . . noah's juice orange

OMG, it costs 160 bucks. So sad that the Munchkin still didn't like it.

But you know what, the hassle and the stress that brought upon us going to this event, all paid off when the show finally started. They said the show starts at 730pm but Pinoy time it was. It started past 8pm. Nevertheless, my Muchkin's reaction was priceless.

She was screaming and clapping and yelling "More fireworks! More fireworks!" So adorable! Even I couldn't help but be awed and oohed at the display.

ooohhh . . .

. . . wow!!!

By 930pm we did not have any idea when the 2nd part of the show would start. There were a lot of people in the bay area. Tapioca suggested not to wait until the show ends so we didn't have to deal with the chaos. We might have a hard time getting a ride home and he's right. We couldn't book any cars from either Uber or Grab. We just took our dessert home and walked back again to Diokno Avenue to hire a cab.

dessert options pic #1 . . .

dessert options pic #2 . . .

. . . dessert options pic #3

last photo op before leaving s maison conrad . . .

While we were walking, the 2nd part of the firework show started. We were able to see the reflection of it from the Great Eastern Hotel. After all this experience, I finally realized the reason why we've only been to the Pyromusical just this once.

1. Traffic was hell. Going to and from.

2. So many people were fighting for a good view. Unless you book your tickets way early then good for you.

So will we be going back? Well, it depends if Tapioca will allow us to. But I surely would love to go back simply because Munchkin enjoyed it so much. If ever we will go back, I will make sure to book a staycation so we didn't have to rush with the crowd going and leaving the bay area. Plus points if we can get a room with a good view. That will be awesome.

This was our take out dessert from Baker & Cook.

. . . the takeout box

choco eclair and pecan pie . . .

It was Tapioca who chose these pastries. I had them for breakfast. Well, I shared a few bites with the two, of course. I heated them up in the toaster oven and they're still good. They have a whole lot more baked goodies and if it was just me, I would have gotten a cheesecake, too.

Oh well, maybe next time.

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