Bela, My Sweet Bratinela

1st Day: Violin Class

2012-05-09T13:09:00.001+08:00

Last Thursday, Bela attended her first class for her violin lessons at La Consolacion College in Mendiola. We were really looking for a school where we can enroll Bela and good thing, hubby's colleague mentioned about his husband who teaches violin at La Consolacaion. So I inquired and enrolled Bela the next Friday after.

Her class is every Thursday and it is a one on one class. Bela was so happy and she enjoyed her 1st class and she was just so excited to show us what she learned. She has a lot of stories like she told me that her teacher fixed her violin (thank goodness, because I thought I have to bring it to a music store to have it fix because if it were just me who will fix it, I might just use eye bolt to hold the pieces together. LOL). She was also happy when teacher told her that there is nothing wrong with her violin, as she is complaining that it is squicky, and teacher told her that she just have to hold it right. Teacher also taught her how to take good care of her violin which Bela took by heart.

She practices everyday the lesson that she learned which is about the A and E string. We bought her Suzuki Book 1 which her teacher require from her and we are also excited as to what she will learn tomorrow.

Party Theme Options: Hollywood Night Theme

2012-05-01T08:18:00.001+08:00

It is just 6 months before Bela’s 7th birthday and I think I am starting to panic already, as we still haven’t decided yet what theme to incorporate for her party. I still have to talk to my party planner as I know she will help me consolidate all my ideas and the event stylist that my cousin recommends so we will know if it is possible to execute all my plans.

But for now, this is another party theme that I am considering: Hollywood Night Theme complete with director clappers, stanchion barriers, paparazzi standee, popcorn table centerpiece and more:

I got all this idea from Pinterest and I am not sure if we will still have the time (and the energy and money) to execute all this. I was telling my friends that the more ideas I have, the higher the budget shoots up. LOL.

I will be meeting with the events stylist next week and let us see what he has to say.

Bela's Summer Schedule: Fully Booked

2012-05-01T08:08:00.000+08:00

Bela’s summer schedule is now officially loaded. I just enrolled her to the Filipino Class in St Scholasticta and her regular Kumon class but luckily, I was able to find a swimming school that has a schedule on weekends so I enrolled her and her brother.

They started already with their first class last Saturday and Bela was just so excited to be in the water again.

Her dad also found a school where we can enroll her for her violin class and so we went there last Friday to enroll her. The class will be from 12 – 2 PM at La Consolacion College in Mendiola. I thought that it will be a group lesson as the class fee is really so affordable as compared to Yamaha and Lyric but I was informed last week that Bela will have a one-on-one session with the maestro. Her teacher will be the husband of hubby’s colleague. Our wish is that she will be able to learn even the chorus of at least one piece so she has something to perform on her birthday.

Except for Kumon, which she really hates (LOL), I hope she will really enjoy all the classes that we enrolled her in.

Music Inspired Party?

2012-04-23T03:02:00.000+08:00

I realized that in a week, it will just be 6 months to go before Bela’s 7th birthday party. I panic for a bit since I haven’t made any progress since I booked some of the suppliers for the party. I just booked the venue and entertainment, but I stopped preparing for the party ever since.

Up to now, we are still not decided on the final theme of the party but it will definitely be music inspired. Here are the options that we are considering:

• Rock star Glam Party

• Disco Retro Party

• Hollywood Dance Party

I have to sit down one day with my party planner so she can help me consolidate all my ideas. For now, it is certain that we need to rent a sound system complete with lights, sounds, and American Audio DJ equipment as I want the party to be filled with music to make it lively.

I will also have to set a meeting with my cousin’s party supplier for the setup of the stage and the other decors that we will need for the party.

I really hope I can pull this off.

Our Graduation Gift for Bela

2012-04-23T02:50:00.000+08:00

If Bela had graduated from college, we would have given her one of those beautiful wine gift baskets so she can open the wine right away to celebrate just after the graduation ceremony.

But since she is only graduating from Prep, we decided to give her this:

a Celestron high-powered telescope. Thanks to my friend Peachy for giving me a heads up about this as we got this on sale and her mom from the US was the one who bought it from the store and have it shipped to Manila via Balikbayan box.

We actually got it November of last year during the Thanksgiving sale but since it is really big, it needs a special box to have it shipped and since December is the peak month for sending Balikbayan box to the Philippines, we decided that we will just wait until the busy holiday season is over.

Hubby set up the telescope as soon as we got it from Peachy and Bela was really excited to use it for the first time as she was able to see the moon up close. Even us adults had fun using it too.

MBAP Kids Play Date

2012-04-23T02:37:00.000+08:00

Just before Good Friday, my MBAP friends and I had set up an impromptu visit to Jane’s house. Well aside from the aspen home furniture that we like to see and their state of the art home-entertainment system, the highlight of our visit was the play date of our kids.

Jody, Joy, Peachy, Jacqui and my family arrived at Jane’s house between 2 to 3 PM and the kids immediately jumped into the pool as soon as we arrived. They really had a good time, as it has been ages since all of them where together to swim.

After swimming, we had a sumptuous meal and the kids continued playing in Sophia’s room. They even had a dancing gig and they were so good, they can be the next Jives. LOL.

Of course while the kids are having fun, the mommies are busy chatting. We talked about almost everything and my favorite was our talk about showbiz gossips. LOL.

Thanks again for having us Jane and Jon. Bela and Cobi really had a great time. Till next time.

Weekend Swimming

2012-04-23T02:27:00.001+08:00

Since it is Bela’s summer vacation already, hubby put out our inflatable pool so the kids can enjoy a dip during weekends, especially now that the weather is so hot.

Just look at Bela and Cobi with their cousin Izzie one Saturday:

The grand father and the dad has to painstakingly get water from our CR at the 3rd floor as the heater is located there so the kids will not feel that cold even if they stayed for hours in the water.

Bela was really having fun and she was even pretending that she is diving or she is even trying to practice her free style and back stroke. LOL.

Party Planning Update

2012-04-04T08:38:00.001+08:00

I know it is still early to post party planning updates for Bela’s 7th Birthday when it is still 7 months away (and even without a definite theme yet), but I already booked suppliers as early as now as I know how fast they get booked.

So far, here are the suppliers that I already ticked off my list:

1. Magician. I had a hard time deciding who to book as Bela is requesting to get Lou Hilario and he is way over my budget. Thankfully, Bela agreed to get Ricci after I showed him some pictures of his performance from Migo and Sam’s party.
2. Balloon Artist. Eric has been my regular balloon artist for all our family’s parties so I did not think twice in getting him again for Bela’s 7th. Bela was requesting at first to get Jiggles the Balloon Lady after seeing her in one of the parties that we attended but I compared her price with Eric and I don’t think that the P3,000 difference is worth it as they can do almost the same balloon art. Again, I am thankful that I was able to convince Bela to get Eric instead but her condition is Eric has to make her a flying dragon balloon sculpture.
3. Singing and Dancing Trio. Jacqui told me that I should book Jives as early as possible as they are in demand so they are one of the few suppliers that I booked right away with Jelly Bellies. I have seen them performed many times already and I love how they bring life to a party so I want them to do the same thing for Bela’s birthday.

Now I am on the look out for the souvenir that we can give our guests. I am running out of ideas already but I am checking out yoyofactory and other on-the spot souvenirs also.

Now if only we can already settle on a theme for the party then I can go full blast with the party preps.

Bela's Wish

2012-04-04T08:11:00.003+08:00

Bela: “Mommy can we go back to the USA tomorrow?”

Bela has been asking me this almost everyday, for the past months. LOL. If only it was that easy (and affordable), I would grant my daughter’s wish.

We went to the US last May for a three-week vacation. We went to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World, and visited tourist spots in Las Vegas, Toronto and New York. It was spring already when we were there so we miss winter. It was actually Bela’s dream to wear her ski goggles, play in the snow and make snowman and snow angels.

Hopefully we can come back with the kids on winter time so it will be a new experience for them. Taking our kids to the US was one of my husband and I’s biggest dream and we are glad that we were able to tick off one of that dream from our list.

Executing a Themed Birthday Party with Zurchers Party supplies

2012-03-23T17:52:00.001+08:00

Header Tag: Different themes for your children’s party and party supplies from Zurchers to execute the theme

Unlike adults who dread their birthday as it means that they are getting a year older again, kids loved turning a new age and they very much welcome the idea of getting older. They are always excited for their birthday especially if there will be a small party that their parents will prepare for them so they can celebrate their special day with their friends.

For parents, the exciting part will be planning for the party and thinking of a nice theme that they will incorporate for the event. The theme can be based on the kid’s favorite show like Angelina Ballerina or the kid’s hobby like Arts and crafts and more. Every kid differs so there are a whole lot of possible themes that parents can choose from.

Parents nowadays are lucky as there are a lot of online sites where they can order their Party supplies to execute a themed party easily. Zurchers is one of those online store where you can get all your party needs for any occasion like birthday, baby shower, wedding and even special holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and more.

Shopping for birthday party supplies for kids from Zurchers is very easy as the site is organized by theme for easy choosing and browsing. Here are some birthday party themes that is a favorite and is a sure hit among kids and the party supplies from Zurchers that can help you execute the theme:
1. Princess Party. Every girl dreams of becoming a princess and so throwing a princess themed party for your daughter is one of the closest thing that you can ever do to make her feel like a princess, even just on her birthday. Zurchers has a lot of Princess-themed items from crown shaped invitations, pink and purple table napkins, plate and cups, castle piñata, and you can even buy a princess crown that you can distribute to all the girls to make them all feel like a true princess.
2. Superhero Party. If princess are for girls, then it is super hero for boys. Every boy has one or two super heroes that they idolized. You will often see them pretending to be one of those superheroes during play time so why not turn that play-pretend into a super-hero themed party for your son’s next birthday. Zurchers also has a lot of super-hero themed party supplies like batman party kit, Spiderman loot bags, super hero balloons and more.
3. Animal or Jungle Safari. If you have mixed guests of girls and boy, you may want to have non-gender specific theme like a Jungle Safari party. You can get monkey birthday party supplies, animal masks, animal parade table centerpiece and more.

Birthday comes only once a year and planning for a simple party with the aid of party supplies from Zurchers will definitely make your child feel extra special on her birthday.

Shopping for her Moving Up Day Attire

2012-03-22T11:08:00.000+08:00

Bela was asked to come in her Sunday dress for her Moving up Day so I asked hubby that we check out Baby Fashionistas at the Block to check for a nice dress that Bela can wear on her special day.

These are our choices:

I really like the one on the left but it is made in the same material as the dress that I bought her for her Christmas party. I also like the one on the right but hubby is not really up to wearing white for a graduation ceremony.

So we ended up buying this:

I love the fit of this dress on her, it is showing her belly. LOL. It is so dainty and girly but still simple which is the look that I love to achieve.

Every time I needed a dress for Bela, Baby Fashionistas will always come to my rescue. Now I am not sure if I will be excited or scared with the opening of the Baby Fashionistas store near our place because for sure, I will not be able to control myself from buying.

Bela's Moving Up Day

2012-03-21T01:08:00.002+08:00

From Cowboy Hats, grass skirt, monkey tail, teacup and more. These are just some of the props that I prepared and bought for Bela for the various activities and programs that she had during her Jr. Prep and Sr. Prep days in St Scholastica. And yesterday, she had her Moving Up Ceremony and now I officially have a future grade schooler.

I can’t believe how time flies. I remember when she was still in her Jr. Prep. I took a leave from work so I can be with her on her first week in big school. I was even worried at first if she is really ready for big school set up already so I was really happy when I realized that she is enjoying school.

During the Moving Up Day ceremony, a special AVP was presented entitled “The Year That Was: The ABCs of Prep” which showed pictures and videos of the various activities of the Jr. and Sr. Prep students. Bela even had a special part when she made an introduction for the letter “W” which was all about the “World of Words we know” and I was teary eyed after watching the AVP.

I can’t be any prouder!! Congrats again to our pretty princess!!

My Swimmer

2012-03-11T07:00:00.002+08:00

Look at how good Bela is with swimming:

This is the push and glide stroke that Bela’s coach thought her last week. She is so good now; she even swims better than her dad or me.

We plan to enroll her to swimming as long as she likes. Her dad’s dream is that someday, she will be so good that she can be a varsity in her school.

Swimming is good for her so she will stay fit. At least when she grows up, she might not need to read about appexit reviews. LOL. Not like me who needs to go on a diet to lose those unwanted fats. LOL.

We are happy that she enjoys being in the water. She is so confident that we can even let her swim on her own. Last week, they are already learning how to do the freestyle and backstroke and my husband and I can’t wait to see her do those strokes smoothly. I am sure in just a few more days, she will be a better swimmer than us.

My Bela

2012-03-09T19:59:00.002+08:00

This is how she sleeps:

Her bed is full of stuffed toys and her animal toys that she will have not enough space where she can lie down comfortably.

I told her to remove her toys from her bed but she said that she has to make her friends (her toys) comfortable too.

Well actually, I think she will only use this bed for just a few more months and it will time to buy a bigger bed for her. She has used this bed for 3 years now and Bela has grown since then so I am sure she will outgrow her bed soon.

Aside from her bed, I need to replenish her wardrobe too because majority of her clothes are too small for her already.

Oh, my little girl is all grown up. I can’t help but feel sentimental about it. I can still remember when I first hold her in my arms. She was a very fragile baby then but now she can operate bosch dishwashers or connect to youtube to watch her movie, dress up on her own and she can make decisions too and will reason out if I am against her choice.

In just a few months she will be turning 7. My baby has really turned into a beautiful princess. Bitter sweet.

Sr. Prep's Field Trip - Feb 8, 2012

2012-02-26T08:18:00.003+08:00

Bela has a blast during their Field Trip last February 8. I know that she is really looking forward to this that I made it a point to reserve one of my vacation leaves so I can personally accompany her.

We gathered at Sr. Gratia Hall and we have to wake up early as the assembly time is at 7:30 AM. We left school I think a little pass 8.

Our first stop is at Kinder Zoo and we arrived there in less than 30 minutes, as it is just a stone throw away from the school. Bela had a great time here, as she just loves animals. She had pictures with all the animals that she can touch and interact with and she even was able to have a picture with the horse while riding on it (that is why Bela is bugging me to pack her boots and go to Tagaytay as she said she misses horse back riding already. LOL). She also was able to play with her friends at the playground where they get to shoot some hoops and try the slide.

Then we went to Pizza Hut in BlueWave Macapagal where kids had a restaurant tour and were thought on how to make a pizza. We had lunch here after the tour.

Our last stop was Seri Fantasy Land in Ocean Park. Bela was a little scared of the Trick Art Museum when she saw the shark but I was still able to snap some pictures of her. She was also a bit apprehensive at first to try the Mirror Maze and the 3D theater but she ended up enjoying it. Then they were given free time to play in the Play Area and we headed back to school after.

It was a very tiring (for me. LOL) but fun day for my princess and I am glad I get to share this special time with her.

Back in the Water

2012-02-12T09:38:00.004+08:00

Bela was the happiest last Saturday when she attended her swimming class again.

She used to attend swimming class at Colegio San Agustin with Aqualogic Swim School all year round but she stopped after we were away for 3 weeks last summer. When we returned from our vacation, she said that she wanted to attend Gymnastics class instead and we enrolled her at Rizal since June.

After a few months of attending Gymnastics class, she said that she is no longer enjoying and she wanted to go back to swimming. It was December already and I know that we will be very busy with the holiday rush so I decided to postpone her enrollment until early 2012.

It was only last week that we were able to go to CSA to enroll her and she started with her first class right away. She had so much fun and so I know that swimming is really the perfect extra curricular activity for her.

She forgot some of the strokes already so she is catching up but I am sure she will get back to her grooves soon.

Sr. Prep Educational Trip

2012-02-08T00:43:00.003+08:00

Hubby and I went to Puregold to do our groceries and at the same time, to buy for snacks that we will be bringing for Bela’s field trip tomorrow. Just look at home many stuff we will be bringing for just a whole day affair:

I have one big bag which contains snacks, chips, cookies, juice, Bela’s PE uniform, and more and another bag for our packed lunch. I did not include in the picture the Digital SLR that hubby is asking me to bring tomorrow.

They will be going to:
1. Kinder Zoo and I am super excited for this as this is our first time here and I am sure Bela will enjoy this one as she just loves animals.
2. Pizza Hut, maybe they will be shown the actual procedure (and not just video presentation on lg lcd) on how a pizza is made
3. Seri Playground will be their last stop, which I think is inside Manila Ocean Park.

I am sure it will be one tiring day but I am super excited as I know Bela will have a blast as she enjoys her time with her teachers and her good friends.

Sick Bela

2012-02-03T09:30:00.001+08:00

Bela has been absent for a few days from school a few weeks ago as she suffered from infection. The first started in her ear and she complained of pain that we decided to bring her to a doctor. Thankfully after taking antibiotics, the infection got cured.

Then just a few days after, she started to get nose infection this time. She was not able to go to school for two days and she has to take another round of antibiotics.

That is why hubby got vigilant in observing cleanliness at home. He instructed our house help to make sure that the house is spot clean. Then he also contacted Houston Pest Control to make sure that we have the experts in making sure that our house is not and will not be infested by pest like cockroaches which we know brings diseases.

We hope and pray that our kids will be spared from anymore sicknesses and we know that keeping our house clean is one way of achieving that.

7th: Party Preparations

2012-02-01T01:20:00.002+08:00

If only I have access to web conferencing solution, then I might be online most of the time to discuss my party plans for Bela’s 7th birthday with my ever reliable party planner, Angelette and her team.

Angelette was teasing me as I have been bugging her since December for the party preparations for Bela’s birthday. She said that I am way too much excited to book for the suppliers when I still have 11 months to go before the party.

Well, the reason why I am planning in advance is I have to plan very well so I have at least a year to save for the budget that we will need for the party. We can't pay for the party in spot cash you know, so it will take more than a year for us to pool the funds for this party.

In my family, 1st and 7th birthday is a big celebration as it is a way of thanksgiving for the 7 years of our child’s life that is why I wanted to plan ahead so I won’t miss on anything.

So far, I have booked the following already though Angelette:

1. Magician
2. Sing and Dance Trio
3. Balloon Artist
4. Host

My friend already pencil booked us on our venue of choice and she will settle the payment this February as the venue is not accepting payments yet for 2012 events.

I am so excited for this party as Bela is so much involved now with the planning so I can’t wait to see how our party planning collaboration will turn out.

Negra in the House

2012-02-01T01:09:00.001+08:00

My husband and I celebrated our 7th year anniversary last Sunday and so we decided to go out of town to celebrate. We were able to book an overnight accommodation at Estrellas de Mendoza, one of the newest hotel/resorts in Laiya, San Juan Batangas.

I was actually planning to stay in Tagaytay but since Bela has been requesting for the longest time now tat we take her to the beach, my husband and I decided that this is the perfect time to go on a weekend getaway in Batangas.

The last time we went to a beach was last August so we know how Bela misses the sand and the sun. So it is no surprise that she can’t wait to jump to the pool as soon as we reach the resort. She spent the whole day on our first day swimming in the pool or on the beach and so she got a really good tan. Just look at how dark she is now:

Oh well, what’s important is she really had a blast.

Bela, the Animal Lover

2012-02-01T00:46:00.005+08:00

My Bela is one animal lover. Just look at some of her pictures. This one was taken in Ocean Adventure where she bravely went near a dolphin and have her picture taken as she touches the mouth of the dolphin:

The next one is also in Ocean Adventure where she got really excited upon meeting the sea lion of the center and was giddy happy when she received a sweet kiss from the friendly animal:

The third one is in Tagaytay Highlands where she was so brave to touch the python:

We have taken care of all sorts of animals in the house. We have a Labrador, a Shitzu, a number of fishes, even love birds and hamsters too. That is why hubby is really pursuing the backyard chicken coops in our vacation house in Bulacan. Not only will it be an added source of income for us but also we are sure that Bela will have fun as she watches the chicken lay eggs and how the mommies take care of their eggs. I remember, that part of our childhood was going to our grandmother’s farm to pick up eggs from the chicken coops and it is one of the most enjoyable activity that my siblings, my cousins and I enjoy every time we go home to our house in the suburbs for vacation.

I am not sure up to when will Bela have her love for animals. Who knows someday she will be able to fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian or animal trainer in Singapore Zoo (her favorite zoo), where she will be surrounded by animals every day.

Being a Working Mom

2012-01-25T08:26:00.001+08:00

If I will have it my way and if we can really afford it, I would rather be a work-at-home-mom instead so I can be with my kids 24x7. But that is not possible as I have to help my husband earn a living for the future of our kids.

Being a working mom entails a lot of challenges as I have to juggle my time between my online and offline work and my responsibilities for my husband and my kids. But I am thankful because there are a lot of tools that I can use like salesforce reporting that will simplify my task so I can still have time for my husband and my kids.

I feel really flattered when a friend of mine asked how I do it. She can’t imagine having a full time job but still ending up to have plenty of time to be hands on mom to her kids. I guess it is just time management and my pure love for my family.

Meet Beth, Bela's Flying Dragon

2012-01-24T16:20:00.001+08:00

Bela received an Animaland Gift Certificate from her Tito Jp and Tita Grace last Christmas. She is really excited to use the gift certificate as Animaland is one of her favorite toy stores.

Since she has been doing well with her Kumon, we promised that we will take her to Robinsons Place after Cobi’s Gymboree class so she can buy any stuffed toy from Animaland using the GC. She was so giddy with excitement as soon as we reached Robinsons that Animaland was our first stop.

Since it is the year of the dragon, Animaland has a lot of new dragon stuffed toy to Bela’s delight as she has been looking for a flying dragon for a long time now so she got really excited when she saw one at Animaland.

She did not think twice and since she is a regular patron of Animaland, she knows the drill already and gave the stuffed toy to the attendant so they can start making her stuffed toy.

She named her flying dragon, Beth, and she sometimes calls Beth her lucky dragon because she said that 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.

Thanks again Tito Jp, Tita Grace, Izzie and Audrey for the gift.

Love for Arts and Crafts

2012-01-21T01:55:00.003+08:00

Bela got his love for arts from her dad. During weekends, she and her dad would stay in one of our spare rooms where they can do arts and crafts. Howell believes that in order to instill the love for arts to Bela, we have to teach her as early as now.

Howell gives her full support to Bela that almost every weekend, he will go shopping for materials for their next project like colored paper, Water Soluble Solder Paste, sticks, cups, and any other thing that they can turn into art. Sometimes, they don’t even have to buy as they can get materials from recycled things like newspaper, old wood, old diskettes that we no longer need and many more.

Bela looks forward to our weekends as she is always excited to start a new project with her dad. Thankfully, my husband has a creative side in him that he and Bela never runs out of things to do. And would you believe that as early as now, they are already doing their Mother’s Day gift for me. And that is one project that I can't wait to see.

Her Christmas Gift

2012-01-15T23:41:00.002+08:00

I know, I know it is not a good idea but hubby and I finally gave in and grant Bela’s wish for Christmas:

She actually did not ask for it but we always see her seating beside a stranger in malls, restaurants or any other public places if she sees them holding an iPad. She is just so fascinated with the games and the movies and all the cool stuff that an iPad can do that she can’t help herself and she will really take a look at the screen of anyone holding an iPad even if we tell her that it is not a good thing to do, several times.

She has really been a good elder sister to Cobi and she has been doing really well with school and with her Kumon that hubby and I decided that it will be the best reward for her. Besides we really don’t have any idea on what other thing to give her for Christmas and so to end our problem, we just went ahead and got her an iPad.

I wonder if there are pre-order video games that will work on the iPad. I don’t have to worry on the videos, as hubby is already ready with his tons of Disney and Pixar movies that he can load on Bela’s iPad.

Bela was really ecstatic when she opened her gift last Christmas and she was very thankful to us. I know she will really enjoy her new toy.