With the soaring prices these days, everyone looks for bargains when they shop, especially the housewife who is budget-conscious. I wonder however for those who have money to burn, they are of course exceptions, so I refer to the majority; let’s face it, they are more in numbers than the so called “born with a silver spoon”. That’s why when one sees anything on sale, even a cheap auto insurance, it could be an attraction!

Our friend who’s leaving for Canada informed us about her farewell party a day before the date. What we knew beforehand was that it was the designated day for friends to see and get some of the stuff that she was selling. We were all naturally unprepared for a parting gift for her. We wanted her gift to be something useful, something light, small and easy to pack, most of all, it should be something with a personal touch. We found several good ideas from the internet, and we all decided that a video with all the pictures from our parties and important events we shared would be the best. Since one friend J is fond of making collage, we also asked her to make one.

We gave the gifts (video and printed copies of the collage) last night and it was a total success. Our friend liked it, she even said that handmade gifts are really special especially that it includes wonderful memories of our friendship. Though she likes cigarettes and would probably appreciate discount cigars as our gift, our choice was still the best farewell gift she ever had.

A friend is leaving for Canada few months from now, but before that she’ll be flying home to Philippines first. Last week, she hosted a farewell party for herself hehehe. - her treat for us! And just yesterday we had another party for her. Instead of going on a diet, getting into exercise or elliptical machines, we girls we’re on food tripping again!

It’s sad to note that the Praha girls are slowly decreasing in numbers. Last year one flew back to Philippines, and this coming April, another friend will be leaving for Paris. Also currently on vacation in P.I are two girlfriends, with one also flying home this month. Weeee!!! There will be a long rest from parties with most of the girls gone, but when everyone is back (which will be Spring or Summer) from their vacation, expect us to be back to our favorite hobby too. You can guess, I don’t have to say it.

In this present health-conscious world as ours, going on a diet is one common practice of people who are overweight. However, there is danger if one just adapts one dietary plan or exercise especially if he has a not-so-good health condition. Most people are not familiar with diet products, thus the need for alli reviews or orlistat articles and information about other weight loss solutions. Of course one has to do an extensive research before he decides to choose a diet product. A doctor has to be consulted, and the family finances reviewed as well, before one chooses.

I have a cousin who is a part owner of a popular and successful fitness gym. This is proof that people are getting health conscious, spending a bigger part of their money for fitness and wellness. Most gym-enthusiasts regularly maintain not just vitamins, they also include the best whey protein powder and other food supplements in their daily intake. No wonder only a special breed of people can keep up with such a lifestyle. For one thing, a person has to be self-disciplined to maintain regular exercise and regular intake of health products to complement their gym activities.

I have a friend who’s got an active lifestyle, always traveling abroad because of his business. It’s interesting listening to him relate the adventures he has been through with courage even to tread foreign and unfamiliar lands, getting the thrills and surprises of his life. I salute how he works, even burning the midnight candle so they say, when he sees a potential to close a sale.
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Baby A has been a very good baby ever since we were in the hospital except for the first night which probably was an adjustment period for the two of us, I couldn’t remember him giving me any big problems. He sleeps nicely in the crib after feeding and isn’t a cry baby. But last night was another exception. I don’t know for what reason, but he was crying a lot. I made sure he was well fed, his diapers were clean, and even rocked him to sleep, but still, none of the usual comforting I’d give him worked. It was 8 in the evening when I told M that I’d take a nap, but the hours rolled fast, it was already midnight and still Baby A was awake, crying loudly.

I was already very tired; my arms and back were already aching. I wasn’t even bothered with the acne I’d get from sleepless nights, or acne solutions, all I wanted was to lie down but with a crying baby in the room, how can I even rest? Out of frustration, I found myself crying. Huhuhu

What happened to my good little angel last night? I got the answer to my question from the internet.  The mean devil that stole our peace was COLIC!

According to babiesonline.com “Colic is defined as a baby crying non-stop at least three hours a day, three days a week, and for at least three weeks. Some might think this doesn’t sound too bad, but in reality most colicky babies cry more than three hours a day, non-stop, and 6-7 days of the week. Colic can show its’ ugly head as early as three weeks old (although some babies get colicky later) and can last up till 4 months old.”

Yeah! Baby A is three weeks old and the ugly head has shown it’s head! hehe

One sentence from the article that made me laugh was this “Remember to take breaks yourself, so that you don’t break down and start crying, too.” Geez… How true! I felt so helpless last night that crying was the last thing I could do.  I can only hope there will be less colic encounter with the baby in the coming days and months.

“Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing, doorbells are ringing
Ding dang dong, ding dang dong. ”

Did you notice something different with the lyrics? Well, I did it on purpose!

What’s with this song anyway? Well, it’s Caity’s new-found favorite song lately. She doesn’t get tired of listening to it over and over. I found a site with lots of kiddie songs and this one was her top choice along with “The Ants Go Marching”. She looks funny when she sings along with the song coz her mouth twitches and she makes different funny faces. =) We made sure we’ve got it recorded for her fans to see. hehe
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Ohhhh…. does she know how to read? Just as I am typing this, she asks for this song! She went “Mama, are you sleeping. Are you sleeping…” Weeeee!

I’m so blessed to have friends here in Prague who care. With my current situation now, having a newborn and a toddler to tend for, it’s difficult for me to go out anymore and meet up with them. I’m glad I have friends who take time to visit me and keep me company in spite of all their busy schedules. They have work, lesson plans to make, resumes to update and send out, families to take care of, etc. but they still remember me. They even cook or bring food so I don’t have to do the kitchen work myself. They know that there are times I can’t barely even cook for myself especially when both kids are awake. And they babysit for little Caity too! Caity on the other hand is overly excited and happy to have people in the house other than mama who can’t anymore give her all the attention she needs.

Lilian, the volunteer cook for the day.

And Caity with her playmates, Jane and Floe:

So whenever my friends ask me if they can come to the house, my answer is a big YES. Even if it means giving up my afternoon nap.

Today our little baby boy, Adrian Martin turned 3 weeks old. :)  I gave birth to him through Ceasarian operation in the morning of January 24, 2010, a week earlier than expected.  He weighed 3.5 kilos; 50 cm. in length.  His first few days were critical but he was able to get over it and thank God, he got better.  He was released a week after…

Our family of three has now become a family of four.  Weeee! Life might not be easy for M and I, especially for me who’s left alone at home most of the day to take care of the kids and do the house chores, but it sure makes me happy to have another addition to the family.

Caity, the big sister with her little bro.

I’ve been so busy lately (juggling house chores and breastfeeding every 2-3 hours), there’s sometimes not even enough time to rest.  I hope all these hard work will reduce belly fat or bulge. They said breastfeeding helps a lot in doing that.