Check-Up and We're Having A Baby Boy :D

December 10, 2011 is my scheduled check-up. I was with my parents again since James couldn't leave work. I just love how supportive my parents are. Thank God. We were early this time and so as my doctor. We arrived exactly at 9 and since I'm the only patient at that moment, the secretary, I still don't know her name, weighed me - my hatest part, by the way and took my BP. I didn't gain any weight yipee and my BP is just fine. I already gave ate's Christmas gift because the next time I will be seeing her will be on January. My doctor showed up aroung 9:20 and after a few minutes called my name. My mom and my doctor spent so much time on chika. Geez. After the loooong chika, doctor asked me to lie down and she measured my tummy and said the size is just about right and baby didn't hide during doppler time weee doctor found my baby's heart beat immediately. The more chika with my mom. Haha. We left the hospital and went to SM San Lazaro to buy a present for my doctor. The original plan was, my mom and dad will buy her a gift while I was waiting for my turn but she came early so my mom said we'll buy later after my check-up. We went to one store and one store only, Girbaud. We we're in a hurry cause my doctor might leave early so my mom immediately decided to get my doctor a bag or wallet which she can use everyday. It was hard to think what to give, because she has everything she needs, you know, doctors=rich. We bought her a wallet and immediately returned to the hospital and handed her her present. Merry Christmas, Dra. Miller, see yah January 7 :D

Same vitamins for this month: Iberet Folic, Caltrate Plus, Time Cee and Anmum.

Ultrasound - December 11, 2011

And, yes, a baby boy. Weeee. Since my doctor wants the biometry on my 7th month of gestation, I told James that I couldn't wait anymore. I wanted to know my baby's gender and it's a good thing that the feeling is mutual. So I called New World Diagnostics to ask if they have a sonologist available on a Sunday and if I can take an ultrasound without the doctor's request and told them that what we really want is to know the baby's gender and have a detailed ultrasound next month.

It was a hectic Sunday and the ultrasound was just squeezed in. On our way to New World, I was praying to God and ate a piece of chocolate to keep baby active and it was successful. We arrived at New World around 9:30 in the morning. Good thing there aren't a lot of patients. I told the front desk about our request and I was told that gender determination depends on the baby's position, however, we will also be able to find out if the amniotic fluid is enough. I got scared our money will be wasted and so I prayed again. After a few minutes of waiting, the sono called my name. We, including James, went inside a small room. The sono told me to lie down and expose my big, fatty belly. She squeezed some warm liquid on my tummy, which turned cold after a while, by the way and started scanning my tummy. James asked the sono if he could take a picture of me but that didn't happened because he was so into the ultrasound. It was the first time James heard our baby's heartbeat :D I'm so happy for him haha :D he was watching the screen and I was watching his reaction. Suddenly his face was in shock and mouthed "May itlog" I just smiled at him and ignored him thinking that he was just joking. After a few minutes the sono showed me the screen and asked James to move to where he could see it, too. She showed us baby's eyes, head and heart. Legs, arms and pointed to the screen and said "eto yung lawit nya, and balls" I was shocked in a good way, though because from the beginning we, including my doctor, really thought we're going to have a boy. I saw James celebrating behind the sono's back haha we're going to have a little James running around the house. :D then suddenly our baby stopped moving, he was asleep. At first the sono said "tulog sya ngayon, gumagalaw yung dila" pointing to his tongue. Then in another angle we saw his hand very near his mouth while his tongue keeps on moving haha my baby is thumb sucking. It was the cutest and the highlight of the ultrasound. I will never ever forget that and the beautiful feeling. That was the end of the ultrasound, it was the best :D I told the sono that we're shocked to know that we're having a baby boy cause we both felt that it's a girl plus our friends said they can feel that it's going to be a "she". She said "kasi makinis yung tummy mo, di maitim. Ganon daw pag babae pero di totoo yun." Oh well, we're all wrong.

If only I can have an ultrasound every single day to see my baby. I'm in love with my baby the moment I knew I was pregnant and now I love him so much more. Thank God despite me having PCOS, He still gave me a baby and of course, a very supportive husband to be. :D can't wait for my 3d ultrasound next month.

Random Thoughts at 22 weeks!

Christmas and Random

Today, my baby is exactly 22 weeks and 3 days. We'll be on our third trimester in no time! Anyway, Christmas is fast approaching and just like the song, it's the most wonderful time of the year for me! This is the time when I get to see my friends and relatives from different parts of Luzon and Christmas shopping is my favorite! My December is booked already - shopping with mom, ring and reception venue hunting, dress hunting and Christmas get-together with friends.  I will be spending December 24th and half of Christmas day in Cavite where my fiance lives and the other half with my family in Malabon. I guess that's how things will work starting today - spending occasions with my fiance's family and mine. Next year, my Pringles will be in our arms and everyday will be exciting because of our little one especially occasions like Christmas! I'm super excited! :) Week after Christmas, we can already have our ultrasound - gender determination and biometry. I hope Pringles will cooperate and I hope we'll have lots of blessings so we can have our ultrasound in 3d!

Wedding

We have a very busy weekend ahead! We're due for check-up on Saturday, 10th of December and ring and venue hunting on Sunday for our civil wedding rites. We're planning to have our rings made-to-order in Meycauyan. Rings inside the malls are really expensive. :s We'll be meeting the one who made my parents' rings long time ago so we will not have to worry about the quality. I hope we'll find the perfect reception venue, too. We need one that's along Roxas Boulevard, just a small venue for an intimate gathering. Our marriage license will be released tomorrow, 8th of December! :) I'm super excited to see it! I'm hoping tomorrow we can finally set the wedding date. James preferred date is January 6, 2012, which is okay to me. Good luck to us!

Baby

My little one loves to kick whenever I'm lying on my left side. I wonder if my baby likes or hate it? My baby kicks more often now and it's heavier.

I'll be updating again on Saturday after our check-up! :)

xo,

Justine

We're Halfway There! :)

Today my baby is exactly 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days old (19 weeks!) And on Friday, we'll be on our 5th month. It's sooo fast! Time flies really fast. We had our check-up yesterday, November 12, 2011 and here's what happened:

We left home around 9 in the morning, stopped at Milflores to buy pasalubong for my doctor and her secretary. Pichi-pichi for my doctor and Cassava cake for her secretary. I drove on our to the hospital by the way, and this is like the second time in 4 months! I missed driving! :D We got to the hospital at 10 in the morning but my doctor is still not there. We had to wait for an hour for her and another 2 hours to wait for my turn and that makes it 3 hours of waiting for a 10-15 minute check-up.

I gained 4 lbs! I was expecting it because my appetite is really... Wow! Haha! My doctor told me that I gained too much. 2 pounds a month is like the normal thing so she's putting me on a diet. 1 cup of rice every meal, lessen spaghetti, pancit, pizza, anything carb. Gosh, all of them are my favorites but I have to obey because it's for my baby and my own good. She said I should not get too fat so I won't have a hard time losing weight after I give birth.

She made me lie down and measured my tummy and I'm glad because she said that the baby and my tummy is just the right size. Then my favorite part comes! Doppler time! Again, my doctor had a hard time looking for my baby. She's probably covered with my fats! Haha! Then, my doctor said "Siguro nakatihaya baby mo" when we heard my baby's very faint hear beat and her secretary agreed. Then a few minutes later we heard my baby's loud and fast heart beat! Wow! :) My doctor said "ayan gumalaw na sya". :)

My doctor still advised me to take Iberet folic acid and Caltrate plus vitamin C and Anmum. Expensive but anything for my little one! I also asked my doctor if I need a Pelvic ultrasound and she said I don't need it anymore. We'll just have one ultrasound for the biometry and gender determination on my 27th week and I'm hoping we can have it in 3d! :) 

Can't wait for December 10 for our next check-up!

Baby Just Kicked Mommy!!!

Today, October 26, 2011, at exactly 3:10 in the afternoon, I felt a movement on my belly for the first time! I'm pretty sure the movement is not from my hungry stomach! It's my baby! My baby just moved! :') After a few more minutes, I was talking to... errr myself (weird, huh?) and I felt another movement, this time it's a bigger movement. I instantly stopped talking and thought to myself  "did my baby just kicked me?" I sent my hubby a text message, turn the laptop on and start blogging while crying. :')

Found this online and it's is so true! "There is not much on this planet that can compare to the amazing thing that is a child in the womb kicking."

Thank you Lord for all the blessings... My hubby said I should to talk to our baby and ask to kick later when he gets home from work. Haha! :)

XO,

Justine

Precious Moments Theme

I'm only on my 4th month of pregnancy and I've already had sleepless nights thinking about my baby's first birthday! Haha! I told my hubby about it and he laughed at me and said I should concentrate on taking care of the baby first. Of course I want the best for my baby! Best health, and the best parties my little one will forever remember. ♥ 

Before my baby's first birthday of course is the baptism. So one by one, I'll be planning my little one's special events and make sure it will be memorable not only for us but also for our dear guests. 

I was thinking of a theme and I thought the lovable Precious Moments will be nice! Invitations and souvenirs and the cake will be Precious Moments, we'll have pastel colored balloons and center pieces. September 15th, 2012 will be the date, two days after my hubby's birthday so he and his friends can have drinks at home after the reception. That's 5 months after I give birth, enough time for us to save for the baptismal. I already listed a few candidates for godparents but I haven't asked my hubby yet. Maybe next year the preparation will get serious ☺ We are preparing for quite a lot before the year ends- my 25th birthday, excited to know baby's gender, our civil wedding, Christmas, of course! And D-Day. I'll just take note of the things I want for my baby's baptism and try not to think about it before I sleep (No more sleepless nights!) ☺

XO,

Justine

Preggy Expenses ☺

Other expenses as of today, October 19th:

First check-up - P500.00 for Dra. Miller's PF
Vitamins - P750.00 vitamins good for a month
Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS) - P935.00 Hospital of the Infant Jesus
Lab requests - P1,050.00 New World Laboratory

Second Check-up - FREE!
Vitamins - P835.00 good for one month (Folic Acid, Caltrate)

Third Check-up (Emergency check-up) - P300.00
TVS - P935.00 (had to repeat TVS)
Medicine: P580.00 Cefalexine and Uterus relaxant

Fourth Check-up - FREE! But brought kakanin for Doctora P140.00
Vitamins - P835.00 until November 11, 2011 (Folic Acid, Caltrate)

Meet my OB

My OB is Dra. Betty Miller. Her clinic is in the Hospital of the Infant Jesus in Sampaloc, Manila. Very kind, open minded and a good listener and quite expensive. 

Fist Check up PF: P500.00
Follow up check - up: P300.00

We asked her how much should we prepare for our D-Day:
Normal Delivery: P60,000.00
C-Section: P80,000.00

She told us to bring a camera on D-Day because her anesthesiologist is a frustrated photographer! Lol! Which is good!

Dra. Betty Miller
Hospital of the Infant Jesus
02-731-2771

Bleeding during Pedring

I woke up Tuesday morning thinking of baby shower. After a few minutes I decided to go to the bathroom to pee. When I was about to flush the toilet I was shocked to see blood! Plenty of it. No, not spotting. I stared at it for a while then my heart started to pump faster. I went out and told my mom about it. We we're thinking it's probably because of my mild UTI but we don't wanna take chances. I had my breakfast, which I didn't finish, took a quick shower, put on my clothes then we were off. It was around 8:30 in the morning, and it's a good timing because it's a Tuesday. My doctor's schedule is every Tues-Thur-Sat. It was raining hard earlier that's why my mom decided not to go to work and I felt relieved that she's there/ We didn't know that there's flood already and it was high. We're used to floods, you know. We're from Navotas and Malabon. Even if there's no rain but when the tide's high there will always be flood. But that day was different because there's a storm named Pedring plus high tide plus strong winds. We went back home and left our car, took the jeepney hoping it could pass the flood because we really wanna go to the hospital. :(

Mishaps...

The jeepney was full. Some probably will go to the market to buy their days supply and elsewhere. The jeepney driver was driving slowly and talking to some passengers. There's traffic and people walking in the flood said that the water is high and it's not passable already. Our jeepney driver still didn't make a U-turn. We waited because maybe he wants to make sure that it's not passable. The water is already knee-level from where we are. Suddenly there was a very loud thud! One jeepney passenger shouted "Pumutok yung kuryente!" and his voice made us all panic! People walking on the streets ran to safety or probably somewhere that's dry. Then another loud thud. That's it. It made me cry. :( I was really frustrated because I really wanna go to the hospital and I was really worried about my brother Gab. He's left at home with our 8 month old doggy. Then another passenger said "Huwag kayo didikit sa bakal, baka makuryente tayo!" It scared me to death and made me cry even more. Sheeez! 

The driver decided to make already make a U-Turn because the people walking on the street said that the water is waist-deep already. It's a good thing the jeepney's engine didn't fail us and the guy passengers didn't have to push :p or worse, we had to walk back home, wet. Gross! It was a blessing! I was glad we were able to go home to my brother. There's no electricity plus the storm is getting stronger. If we were able to leave that morning, we won't be able to go home to my brother. For sure he'll be scared, hungry and bored to death! 

When we got home, my mom made me change my clothes and said that I should just rest and just tell her if I feel something wrong or different. The storm and the flood has gotten worse but would probably make another blog entry for that. ;) We had to wait for two days for the water to go down and at last, I was able to go to the doctor last Thursday, October 1st. 

When I, my cousins Andrea and Erika got to the hospital there were patients before me so we had to wait for an hour for me to be checked. I told Dra. what happened and she asked me to lie down so she could do an Internal Examination and what she said next made my heart sink - my cervix opened. She said I need to repeat TVS and go back to her immediately. I paid for my TVS for P935 (freakin' expensive in the hospital!). I was very glad to hear my baby's heart beat again and my baby seems to be fine. The Ultrasonographist said that my baby is fine but there is a sub-chronic hemorrhage and said my doctor will probably tell me to rest and she was right. Dra. Miller gave me meds and said I need to rest. That's what I'm doing now (really?) For how long? I don't know. But I'm willing to do everything for my baby and I'm very blessed because my family is very supportive of me. Thank you, Lord!

Grateful
Justine

Second Check-up, Lab Results et al

We had our second check-up last September 17, 2011, a Saturday. My mom and dad went with me because James had work even on Saturdays. We arrived around 8:30 in the morning and we had to wait for the doctor for more than an hour but twas worth the wait! I learned a lot again that day and I was able to ask the doctor questions I mean to ask. I reported that I started throwing up the day before our check up and she said "Oh, dapat patapos ka na!" and numbness which is due to lack of Vitamin B. We used the doppler this time but the doctor had a hard time looking my baby's heart beat. Maybe because of the fats. Hehe! It was funny the doctor had to hear my stomach growling lol! But after a few minutes and tries, the doctor, me, the secretary and my mom (hopefully) heard my baby's strong heart beat! Thank God my baby is fine! :)  Dra. Miller have clay model of babies. She showed me exactly how big a three-month old baby and it was amazing! The organs are complete and in place yet it's only as big as my thumb! My mom and I were amazed and my mom kept saying "Taba pala yan, kasing laki lang ng thumb si baby eh!".

On my 11th week, I started throwing up. September 16, 2011 to be exact. It was in the afternoon at the shop, then in the evening at home. My worst was September 18, 2011, the day we went to church and had to take mom to the airport. I kept throwing up and I couldn't stop! I wasn't able to eat lunch and even drink. Thank God  the other days were just "normal". Normal meaning not severe haha! I would go to the sink in the morning when I wake up or after eating breakfast so I had to take my vitamins after it. Then a few sink visits in the afternoon then a few in the evening. It was exhausting. :( But! Today is different! No sink visit since the morning so I'm guessing yesterday was my last day! Yipeee! I'm lucky I didn't have to go through this "morning sickness" since day 1 of pregnancy. It only lasted a week and two days.

Dra. Miller changed my vitamins for this month. We had Folic Acid (For baby's development) and Vitamin B last month and this month it's still Folic Acid but a different brand and Caltrate for calcium. 

I almost forgot, we already had the lab results and praise God they were fine, results are between normal values! Really, I'm grateful to God because I don't have diabetes! Thank you God! Everything is fine except for my urinalysis, I have moderate bacteria so I have to drink antibiotics and have my urine tested after 7 days of antibiotics. This is very important because the doctor said UTI is one of the many reasons for miscarriage. BTW, my blood type is AB+, a type that's hard to find. Sheez, I'm rare! Haha! It's a good thing me and my husband to be have the same type.

That's it for now! Will update this if something comes up! Ciao!

XO,

Jusitne

Our First Check-Up :)

August 18, 2011 : Today was mommy and baby's first check-up.

We went to the Hospital of the Infant Jesus in Laong Laan (where I was born and the whole Ortega clan was born and my dad is so loyal he wants me to give birth in the same hospital because it's tried and tested by time and btw, my grandma works there and she was the one who recommended the OB to us. Because my dad agreed, we agreed as well.) this morning with James and Papa. My dad really wants to go with us. We arrived around 9:30 in  the morning and I was called around 11:00am! Whoa. Dra. Betty Miller really takes time to discuss things with her patients. There were around 5 patients before me and more and more patients arrived before 12noon.  Dra. Miller asked me to go to the Ultrasound section before we continue with our discussion so we'll know how many weeks our little one is.  So I went to the the ultrasound section for TVS while my dad and my fiance went to pay for the fee. When the doctor called me, I jumped and I was kinikilig! I was soooooo excited I couldn't explain how I feel especially when the doctor showed me my little one and when I heard her heartbeat! It's so amazing! She's so little! :) 

Dra. Miller is very kind and open minded. Her consultation fee is P500 and P300 for follow up consultations. She gave me my vitamins and discussed so many things to me and James. I asked Dra. Miller how much we should prepare when I give birth and the answer is P60,000-P80,000 - TADAH! Haha! James looks like he's gonna faint! 

I still have to undergo some lab tests before our next check-up on September 15, 2011. I'm so scared about lab tests but I'll do everything for our baby. And I'm praying I'm not diabetic. My relatives on my mother's side of the family has diabetes. Dra. Miller said even though I don't have diabetes now, I could have one during pregnancy. And it scares me it might affect our baby and I don't want to inject insulin every meal. Please, good Lord. :( Please pray for me and my baby. Please, please.

I'm so thankful to James because he's taking care of me and our baby. He bought our vitamins and paid for everything, he followed my dad's decision to bring me to Infant even though there are more cheaper hospitals out there, I know he's going to take care of us and most of all, he loves us. I'm so lucky to have him! 

Today was extraordinarily special. Thank you Lord for the blessings! The baby, the means to pay for the doctor, our food, for James' work, and my supportive family.  I love you Lord! ♥

xo,

Justine 

The Greatest Feeling! ♥

This is the greatest feeling ever! Last August 12, 2011, around 12noon, I used the pregnancy test I bought at Mercury Drug the same day earlier. After a few seconds, there were TWO LINES = POSITIVE! I'm pregnant! :)

I really had a feeling that I was pregnant because I'm sooo lazy the past few days and I'm always sleepy. So I asked a friend about the symptoms and my fiance and I decided that I should take the pregnancy test the day after. And I did! That's when I realized that I had the other signs but I just didn't notice them. Such as nausea (on my way home from work), sleeping the whole day (and night!), being too lazy and increase in appetite (imagine me!).

My reaction: I texted my fiance immediately and said it was positive with a sad face. (Sorry baby! Mommy was just shocked.) This is a miracle to me because 2 years ago my doctor suspected that I had PCOS but I didn't come back to have further tests and meds aside from the pap smear. And we've been trying to conceive for almost 2 years and nothing happens until now. :) My fiance was sooo happy because this is what we really want - a baby, our bundle of joy. He kept calling me the whole day and he was extra, extra sweet. I said to my self  "Oh wow, I love the feeling! I'll be spoiled!" Hehe! Since then, we never stopped talking about our little one and we fell in love with him/her immediately.

My parents' reaction: I told them the same night. I prayed for God's perfect timing and I prayed that my mom and dad are in a good mood. Regardless of the mood and the situation, I will tell them about me and my baby. But God is really good! He gave me the perfect timing  and the good mood I prayed for. So before dinner, I told them that "I took a pregnancy test this afternoon and you're going to be a lola/lolo." My mom was very calm yet disappointed. My dad didn't speak at all and I felt how hurt he was. 

The next morning, I went downstairs to pee and look for something to eat and I was surprised to see a basket of fruits on our table. My parents' are the sweetest! They encouraged me to eat fruits instead of rice hehe! But my dad is still a little mad. He calls me by my first name. My dad was back to normal on Sunday. We were talking casually about check-ups and the "pamamanhikan". Thank God! I really love them both!

James informed his parents the next day and of course they are disappointed. We aren't married and I'm pregnant. But we want to make this right. We're planning to get married this October and we'll talk about that on Saturday with his and my parents. I hope everything will turn out well. 

We're excited to see our little one and I'm cherishing every minute our little one inside mommy's tummy. :)

Blackberries!

James' and Mine

At long last! Been craving for a Blackberry for months now and finally I have one - in purple!

I've always wanted to have my own BB. I would always take my mom's BB and explore it. Since my fiance bought me an iPhone on my last birthday, I never told him I wanted a BB phone 'cause he might think I'm never satisfied Hehe! Until one day, he was the one who brought up the topic. He wants a BB, too! Before I just want the color black but I found out that it comes in red, purple, pink and dark gray, too so I thought if ever I'm buying one it would be in pink or purple. James likes the color red but I think the red one is Globe locked and not available anymore so he settled for the black one. Purple's not my favorite color. My favorite is pink however, the purple one looks more appealing than the pink one. 

We finally bought one each last Saturday and we're both super happy, especially me! :-) 

XO,

Justine

AMAZING GOD!

My cousin posted this on her Facebook account and tagged me. It took me days before I read the story. I'd just like to share this short story to you, it won't take much of your time.

Here it goes:

A teenage girl about 17 had gone to visit some friends one evening and time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone. She wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he was waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped round her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a lineup to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her. She asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her." Amazingly, whether you believe or not, you're never alone. Did you know that 98% of teenagers will not stand up for God? Repost this as Love vs. Sex if you truly believe in God.

PS: God is always there in your heart and loves you no matter what and if you stand up for him he will stand up for you.

--> God is really AMAZING :)

I was touched by this story and it proved over and over again that God is amazing, magnificent and all the good words we could think of! You may re-post if you want, we'll never know, maybe someone will be touched by this story and change his/her life completely. :-)

God bless everyone! 

Yogurt

Hi, everyone! I just had my first frozen yogurt from My Yogurt this afternoon! :-)

I have been planning to buy frozen yogurt ever since they became very popular (It's like there's yogurt store in every mall) but I never got the chance to taste one until this afternoon! My fiance and I just got out from cellphone shop and while walking we saw this newly opened yogurt store! My fiance asked me if I want one. I hesitated for a second then I saw the ad at the glass window printed in black and white on a short bond paper that says "P20 per oz" and that did it! I decided that this is the time I'm gonna get one! When we got inside there are a lot of flavors to choose from. I got scared to experiment so I chose my favorite yogurt flavor which is strawberry and the lady who works there graciously assisted us. When we were about to pay, the cashier weighed the cup and the screen in front of us flashed the numbers 118.40. I was shocked haha! I knew frozen yogurt is expensive but with so little amount - less than half a cup of yogurt, 4 slices of strawberry and 2 tiny slices of peaches my fiance had to pay P119! I looked at him with horror on my face! Haha! I bet the lady behind the counter saw my reaction. 

It tastes a little better than the yogurt I used to buy at the supermarket. Better because of the fresh fruits and the yogurt is "thicker". I'd like to taste another flavor, I'll just have to convince myself that yogurt is better because it's healthier than Dairy Queen's Blizzard. :-)

When I got home my fiance and I still talk about the yogurt experience. It was really fun haha!

Cheers to a healthy life!

Facebook Reminder :)

Exactly 60 months from now I got hitched! I'm so grateful to God for I didn't have to wait long and search the whole world to find my one true love. Thank you, God for always being with us and I pray that you continue to guide us every step of the way. I'm so ready to take our relationship to the next (expert) level! I love you, Love! Always have, always will. 

I have been waiting for you, July!

July is my love month <3

We'll be celebrating our 5th year anniversary this July 8 and I can't wait for that day to come! Woohoo! I've prepared 5 special gifts for my fiance and I hope he will like them. 

Reunited ♥

After ages of not seeing them, finally, a date with the girls I grew up with! 

Staying friends over distance and time :) 

It was just plain fun and laughter! Being with them makes me forget about my crazy little world. I wish I could be with them every single day, like 10 months ago. I also wish we could get together more often and next time, Kim, Jo Anne, Dian, Rakan and the others (including the kids!) could go as well. 

Thanks, Mae for bringing your camera and thank you Lord for an ohsome day! *wink

XO,

Justine

My Brand New-Second Hand Ipod!

Though I'm not the type of person who listens to music all the time, I'm glad my brother gave me his iPod! It's an old iPod Nano (2nd gen) yay!

I once had an iPod video and a 4th gen shuffle but they always end up unused, inside their box. So my other brother, Gab, used the video and I gave my shuffle to James, which got lost few months ago. I have an iPhone but I'm just too lazy to put some music. I don't know why but I prefer listening to the radio whenever I feel like listening to music. 

I'll try my very best to use my iPod. I'm glad it's pre-loaded with songs I like. All I have to do is use it! Thanks, brother!

Nails

I've always dreamed of a beautiful hand nails. Mine's always "pudpod". I had it manicured once. I'm scared it might get "murdered" so I skip manicures and have a pedicure instead. Another thing, whenever I put nail polish it wears off after a day of application because I'm the one washing our dishes. Regardless if the polish is locally made or if it's Essie or Opi. Anyway, I'm thinking of getting a manicure on our big day and I have a style/design, whatever you call it, in mind.

I like French tips. It looks classy and elegant. I also browsed the internet for other option/nail designs and I stumbled upon these and I think I want one!

The first one is my bet! It's gorgeous! I'm wondering if there is a nail salon here in Manila who can do it. The second one is beautiful, too! I guess it's easier to copy and there are a lot of nail stickers available in the market.

I guess I have to grow my nails a month or more before our big day.

April = BURP.

Seven birthday celebrants for the month of April on my father's side of the family. 

April 7 - Tito Reggie
April 11 - Erika and Tito Norman
April 15 - Tito Manny
April 18 - Andrea
April 19 - Mama
April 30 - Tita Nelda

There. 3 down, 4 more to go!

On Tito Reggie's birthday, we had pancit Malabon, fried chicken (a very yummy one!), sopas (Ellinor, my cousin, cooked this time), Tito Reggie's favorite relyenadong hipon and cassava cake plus a really yummy chocolate monster cake from Betsy's. It's my uncle's 50th birthday so we kind of surprised him and we're all glad it went well! :)

Today is the 11th of April so it's Erika's and Tito Norman's turn!

I bought pizza for merienda and had the following for dinner: Tito Reggie's super mechado and fried chicken recipe, crispy pata (though, I'm not a fan, I must say it tastes good!), and pancit (pancit daw is a must). All very yummy! 

Praise God for all the blessings and food he gave us and for giving our loved ones another year!

So it's Andrea's and my mom's birthday next week! I wonder what we're having? 

RLJ Travel and Tours

Hi, everyone! I'd just like to share to you our travel and tours business - RLJ Travel and Tours. 




We offer the following services:

• Air Tickets (Domestic and International)
• Tour Packages (Domestic and International)
• Accommodations (Domestic and International)
• Day Tour Packages
• China Visa Processing
• Passport Assistance

We are BIR registered (yes, we pay taxes), we have our DTI (you may verify us here) and Mayor's Permits and we issue receipts, too. Just to let you know our business is legal *wink

You may contact us through:

Telephone: (02) 352-2154

Mobile: (0922) 867-4755

Email and YM: rljtravel@yahoo.com

If you have something travel related in mind, don't hesitate to contact us! :-)

P.S. We also have a Facebook fan page, you may view our packages and contact us there (Please like our fan page, too!)

Facebook Keywords: RLJ Travel and Tours

Thanks a lot!
Justine ;-)

Dandruff - Errr!

It's always itchy and itchy everyday! :-( I think I've had it last August 2010 and never took it seriously. It was a dandruff to me. Just dandruff. Come January 2011, it gotten worse. Too much flaking and it's sooo itchy! I bought Nizoral shampoo at a drugstore and one sachet costs P42. It's expensive but it's effective. Right after I used it the dandruff got "dried" and felt relieved of the itchiness. After one use, the dandruff came back to it's "normal" self so my mom bought me a bottle of Nizoral shampoo which I had to use twice a week only. On the other days, it's itchy and I didn't felt it was taking effect on me and that made my mom convince me to go to the doctor.

Just this morning, my dad and I went to Dra. Clarita Maano's clinic. She's been our family's derma and she's really really good. She explained to me everything I need to know about dandruff and my hair. She took time and did not rush. She gave me creams and shampoo to use for 3 weeks and if they're not effective, she'll give me antibiotics.

Anyway, I'm just glad I went to her even if it costs us P600 for check up, meds not yet included (ouch). Dra. Maano is a really good dermatologist. I can guarantee you that. She's been my brother's, and relative's doctor years back. She holds clinic at UP-PGH in Padre Faura, Medical Center Manila on United Nations Avenue, UP Health Service, UP Campus, Diliman, and in Navotas City. You may text her directly at 0917-8716650, she's cool with it. :)

I wanna be dandruff free before my wedding, and I need to be stress free so I won't have dandruff anymore. 

Happy weekend everyone!

BNWT - Lacoste Bag

For Sale Authentic Lacoste Bag 

BNWT :)

For inquiries, please send us an SMS at 0922-86974755 

Our Wed-Site

I've created another blogger account and made it as our official wedsite. Visit us here: http://jamesjustinewedding.blogspot.com :-)

Delighfully Engaged ♥

It's been a while since I last visited my account. A lot has happened already. I'm getting married next year! I can't believe I still don't have savings! Lol. I never thought James would ask me to marry him next year. He proposed last January 17, it was just a casual conversation and I didn't see it coming. I was smiling the whole day :-) A week after, he proposed again and before I could say the magic word I found my self laughing because he doesn't sound serious to me. Good thing he is! ;-)

Last January 23 we went to visit a bridal fair. It was our first together (my second). I was really excited we were earlier than the organizers! Haha! We had to wait for an hour to get in and when we got in it's as if I'm in heaven! We both can't believe how expensive it is to have a wedding. Our 100k isn't enough. We need 3 or 4 times of it! We need money and I now I blame my self for not saving earlier. Good thing we still have a year and a half more to save up. Girls, if you want a grand wedding, start saving NOW!

I always wanted to have a simple and intimate wedding. I want a small church enough for our guests and a not-so-boring reception. I want to skip all the traditions but James' won't agree. :( 

Since James is from Cavite and we reside here in Manila, we don't know where our wedding will be. We were thinking of a Tagaytay wedding but our funds won't permit it. I was aslo thinking of getting married in Intramuros, but again, our money isn't enough. Why don't money grown on trees? 

I've been a lurker in GT and I do visit the "engagement and weddings" thread once in a while. The forum helped me and other girls a lot. From venues, couturiers, church and everything you can think of. 

So from now on until our wedding day I will be talking about weddings and what not's. Please, bear with me. *wink