Did You Know

My Aunt Minda who is a realtor here in Canada always sends us and her clients updates flyer.  I love reading them because she always includes alot of information for home makers like me that are very useful.  And I would love to share them with you ladies :)

Did you know....

that placing a dryer sheet in a drawer, garbage bin, toolbox, closet shelf, or other place where unpleasant odors tend to accumulate,, will result in a cleaner and fresher smell.  It's no substitute for a thorough cleaning, but it helps!!! ( im not sure if they already have this in the Philippines, but I doubt because a lot of people doesn't use dryers)

thanks for reading.

Mommy Tine

Technique That Might Work For You

Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? !

Ever since I arrived here in Canada my life has been a holy mess.  Holy because finally I am with my husband Luis then second, we had our second child Brielle.  I never thought life here will be literally emotionally, mentally and most of all physically DIFFICULT!  From a senorita life to a all around home maker -- in one snap my life changed.  And believe me I really thought I was well prepared but nah ah, my mom was right -- she predicted that I will call her and cry over the household chores I have to finish on my own.  And she was right!  That happened several times already :)

With all the things I have to accomplish as a wife and a mother in every day of my life, especially now that I am taking care of my 2 month old daughter, chaos is absolutely expected! And how you manage your time is extremely important in my situation.  I once found myself running around the house just to make sure that I'll maximize my time while Brielle was asleep.  Ten minutes  of my time getting wasted is already crucial.  Every minute matters now so I googled ( i love Google! Google is the answer for everything!LOL!)  for the best time management technique that will work for me and finally I found one! 

I would like to share with you the Pomodoro Technique.  This technique is basically not doing anything for 25 minutes except for your assigned task.  Meaning no facebook, twitter or etc.  And importantly stick to that schedule! No extensions! This is the second day I'm using this method (I am actually using it at this very moment)  and so far I noticed an improvement in my production.  I just know that this too will work for you that 's why I am sharing this here.  You will love this!  Just try to stick to it and you'll witness an increase in your productivity and focus!

you will need the following to perform Pomodoro:

• kitchen timer (of course you can use any other timer!)
• pencil
• To-Do Sheet (you can download one from the site)
• An Activity Inventory Sheet
• A Records Sheet (the “Record”, “Process” and “Review” stages are all done on this sheet).

You can also check this site to get the whole idea.  Enjoy and let's all be productive!!! My 25 minutes is almost done! I need to finish this entry!

thanks for reading

Sassy Mommy Tine

Earth Hour

When I was in the Philippines I remember my family and I joining the Earth Hour every year and now that I am already here in Canada there's no doubt we're joining again. The World Wildlife Fund is asking everyone here in Canada to shut off their lights for one hour to show support for energy conservation. Last year my life was so busy with all the adjustments and changes I had to make in my life (migrated Canada just last year) that's why I wasn't aware with Earth Hour however this year I am so ready and I already have some activities on mind lwhie earth hour such as putting Brielle to sleep or organize and file my receipts and bills.  How about you?? Do you also plan to participate??  Visit WWF's site and find ideas on what to do.  You can also make a pledge in helping how to save energy all through out the year!  I already did so I encourage you do too! 

 

celebrating Earth Hour at Stanley Park


thanks for reading!

Sassy Mommy Tine

Rafael Meets Brielle

 

Rafael met Brielle for the first time

When Brielle turned one week, Rafael and I got the chance to Skype. (or oovoo - the new skype)  Then finally he met Brielle! I was so happy to see both of them in my monitor.  First time that Rafael saw her =)  I just can`t wait to see them together, my precious kids.  I saw excitement in Rafa`s eyes that time, although he still called her Amina (one of the baby girl names we considered).  He said Brielle is just hard to pronounce. hehehehe.  He also heard her cry and saw her poop!  It was completely special moment for me taking into account that my son has been  away from me for more that a year now.  Nonetheless good news already came, Rafael is going to be with us soon!  He already got his Visa and will be coming here with us when we go back from our Pinas vacation in May.

I know Rafael will be a great big brother to her new sister.  He would even tell me in our conversations that he`ll help me change Brielle`s diaper and that he would carry her and sing a song for her just like what i did for him before.  Excited proud brother, that`s who he is right now.  Looking forward for MAY!!!!

thanks for reading!

Sassy Mommy Tine

Medical Update: 02.18.11

 

 

Last Friday I really started getting worried about Brielle`s cough which started last week Wednesday 02.16.  She`s just a month old and hearing her coughing was just unbearable.  She was restless and upset that she wasn`t able to get enough sleep and was almost awake for 15 hours.  That was just unacceptable and that`s one of the times I get really really nervous because I am usually alone with her and no mom to ask help or advice from. 


Since I was starting to get stressed and Brie was struggling breathing because of the mucus building up on her nose I called my husband and informed him that we needed to see Dr. K. and after hanging up I made an appointment with the family doctor right away.

 

on our way to see dr. K

Findings:
First I was relieved to know that it wasn`t serious.  She was eating, pooping and peeing well so definitely she`s far from getting dehydrated.  She had clear fluids on her nose and had teary eyes which confirmed that she has colds.  Dr. K listened to her breathing and affirmed to us that she was inhaling & exhaling just fine and didn`t herer any constrictions. We were asked to get a saline drops which I`ve thought of earlier.  Putting saline solution will help flush the mucus away and can be easily suctioned.  the doctor also told us that since there were mucus accumulation on her nose and babies don`t know how to spit out or blow their noses yet they tend to cough instead.  He also advised  that humidifiers will help her relieved from her discomfort. 

About her rashes, it was not normal but it was definitely common for newborns to have those kind of rashes.  I already know about this but I had to find out if that was related to her colds.

 

rashes all over her body including face

She was weighed and unexpectedly she weighed 10.3lbs from 9.4 lbs last Sunday 02.13.
Whoa, she`s growing so fast and I know that we will encounter more health problems in the future (praying nothing serious) Confidently I`ll be the best mom to comfort and care for my kids.  It may not be easy to say it considering that I won`t be getting that much help here in Canada but deep in my heart I know what kind of mom I am aiming to give the best. for her  son Rafael and daughter Brielle.

This kind of documentation regarding my kids` health conditions will help me remember facts and will help as my future references

 

saline drops & suction bulb

Sassy Mommy Tine

Brielle`s Milestone: Smiling Back

It was Valentines Day 2011 and while preparing something special for hubby, Brielle did something special for me too!  I was busy downloading love songs for our dinner date that morning when Brielle woke up.  As usual I had to change her wet diaper again and did a little play time with her. I had her sit down in the couch and started baby talking to her. It was absolutle a surprise when she smiles back to me! Oh she made my day! The best Valentines gift ever =)  Just look at her, so charming... Another milestone documented.

I can`t wait, few more months and Luis and I will get those smiles unlimited!  Plus few more months and Kuya Rafa will be here with us! Life is good.  I`m grateful for having adorable kids like Rafael & Brielle and not to mention my caring and loving husband Luis.  I can`t ask for anything more, they`re all my life and my inspiration.

Sassy Mommy Tine