My First Haircut in Canada

GeoTagged, [N49.16737, E123.12997]

I'm having my first haircut here in Canada right now! It took me 8 months before I finally decided to get my hair done. I just can't take the fact that I have to pay around P2000++ for a cut. I only pay P300 max in the salons in the Philippines!

My co-worker Jen brought me to this Taiwanese hair salon called Mentor which is just right beside Richmond Center. So far, the service wasn't so bad. Although I found the cut very Asian looking. I'm having a little bit of regret not going to a western salon instead. I never liked the hair styles most Chinese / Taiwanese have here in Richmond. However I loved the head massage my hair stylist jut did few minutes ago plus the warm towel she placed on my nape. Ooohhh, it was soooo good! I don't know, I'm probably just desperate for any massage right now, but seriously that was a bottoms up.


Okay... So my haircut's done now and surprisingly I'm loving it! Never thought that my lesbian hairstylist will create an amazing look on my hair or probably I should say that hair cutters here in Canada are way better than those in Pinas. I should start getting used o having nice hair. The way she just layered my hair was smoothly done. Never thouhgt that I'll have a better style for my hair :)

I'm soooooo happy!!! My first haircut experience here in Canada wasn't a mess. I've been crossing my fingers for this to be successful! Lovin' my hair right now!!!!

A Toy Story Good Deal

GeoTagged, [N49.15486, E123.13106]

Last Saturday, it was the Toys R Us Canada last day of their 2 Day Big Sale Event. From work, I asked my husband to drive me in Landsdowne mall to checkout the great deals for the toys. And just look what I found! Another addition to our little Rafa's collection of Toy Story 3 cast. From its original price of $19.99 it went down to just $9.97! What a great deal. I showed it to him right away in the Internet and he loved it. He's been asking for that bear and robot ever since he watched he movie. Now, his collection is almost complete!

Oven Strikes Again

For the nth time, our oven here in the apartment strikes again! For several times now, the smoke detector have been alarming every time I bake something in the oven. Our oven is sooooooo old! I can't see the marking anymore.  I don't even know if it has the normal thermostat indicator. Our Chinese landlady didn't provided us any user's guide nor explain to us how to use it correctly. It's definitely dangerous to use. I once attempted to bake brownies but it just ended up getting burned :( Now, my dreams of being able to bake my own cupcakes are all gone. I can't wait to find a place of our own or at least get a new apartment to rent. Definitely one of my wish list, a normal working oven! I don't want to hear that heart pounding noisy alarm again. Totally, it scared the hell out of me especially that I was alone.Missing our kitchen in the Philippines. =(

My Photogenic Baby

my baby on her 5th month

It's already 4:47am and still I can't sleep! My baby keeps kicking proving he/ she is definitely healthy and strong. Now I keep looking at her recent ultrasound picture taken last Wednesday September 8 when I had my OB assessment and examination at the Richmond Hospital. It was Luis first time to be with us during our ultrasound session. He wasn't there the last time because he was at work. All the smile and excitement I saw on his face inside the room while I lie down just proved how happy the experience was for him. He saw our baby aka "Amina" kicking right before his eyes. The technician was very impressed and described our baby as very pretty and obedient baby.  I bet they don't really get nice shots of babies' positions most of the time, but my examination was no sweat for her at all.  She found our baby photogenic as if she was on a photo shoot giving her the best shots!  Just look at the picture above, it was absolutely a nice profile.  Now Luis and I always joke around if either he / she got the nose from me or from him.  Amina all got it from her mommy!!!  Good job sweetie!  I can't wait to see you and hoping you'll be obedient as you are right now!  Daddy, mommy and Kuya Rafa love you so much!!!! See you in a few months!

                                                                  20 weeks pregnant

                                                                                xoxo

Luis' Birthday 2010

"This day, when the most wonderful guy was born, is my most beautiful day!!! Happy happy birthday my husbandl! Your kids and I love you soooooo much!"

Those were the exact words I used in my Facebook shoutout during my dear husband's birthday!  It was our first time to celebrate his birthday here in Canada together that's why the day was special for the both of us.  Too bad our little Rafael is not here yet and can't join us in our celebration.  But Rafael will always be Rafael ... with my brother and sister's help he still made the perfect gift for daddy.  This video is amazing and luis and

i are really missing him so much.  Click here to enjoy the video!

Luis totally loved this video and really enjoyed his day!  Dinner with relatives and family is just enough to complete his birthday!  Here are some pictures during his birthday:

his birthday card from me

Luis and I

with Papa, Ate Olive and Rachel

the girls

The whole gang!

click here to see the rest of the pictures.

Again, HAppy Happy Birthday Baby!!! I Love you so much!!!

Braxton Hicks

GeoTagged, [N49.16927, E123.15000]

I started feeling mild contractions last Sunday. I already knew that it would be normal to feel those cramps especially now that I'm on my 21st week of pregnancy. Last night was totally different. Tightness together with a little bit of pain in my abdomen started happening around 8pm with intervals from 5 mins - 20 mins. It was really bothering me and my husband Luis. And wig his help he tried researching in the Internet some ways to alleviate the cramping and pain such as lying in my left side, drinking lots of water and he also gave me a back massage. After 2 hours I started feeling better and felt asleep. But the contractions did occur again around 4:00 this morning and 7:00 am when I woke up. Luis adviced me to call someone to take my shift and see my doctor instead. I first dropped by at my family doctor's clinic but he wasn't around so I just called my OB gyne's clinic to make an appointment. Luckily she wasn't around too that's why Suzy the receptionist just adviced me to go straight here in Richmond Hospital to get examined and assessed. I got really anxious when I heard that I had to go to here. I mean my mom and family not being around plus my husband on his way to work means I'll be alone. I probably have adjusted since I arrive here in Canada last February but being alone during hospitalization will be first and scary for me. Good thing my husband decided not to go to work and be with me instead. When u got here nurse and doctors did an assessment with me. Interviewed my medical history, took some urine samples and performed blood tests as well. Currently I am still here in my bed, while hubby's taking a nap in the chair and at 4:15pm I'll be brought down for my abdominal ultrasound. I have one spot that is painful that's why they'll try to find out which us causing it. Hopefully everything will be fine and I can't wait to go home and cook lumpiang toge which I'm craving since last night. I'll be back later for more updates!

Cuddling Brings Back Her Baby To Life

I found this article from a post in Smartcanucks.com and it really made me cry.  I can totally relate especially now that I'm 5 months pregnant.  I totally agree that they are one of the most luckiest parents!

Click here to read the full article in Yahoo.ca

.

Father's Day 2010

June 20, 2010

 

my graduation '07

It's almost five months now that I have been separated from my family back in the Philippines and one of the things that I miss most is being around with my dad. For my reader's knowledge, my dad and I have developed a very open relationship.  I probably don't see him that often because of his work, but through out the years, with all the problems and issues I've caused my parents and with all the pains he had caused the family =)  -- we both somehow found our ways how to be frank and honest with each other.  Discussing things by being blunt with each other,  may it be with tears or laughter, I felt that those were the most genuine discussions I ever had.   This understanding we have with each other has brought us the solid bond a father and daughter could have which I really really miss.

 

Daddy's Angels

I was never a perfect daughter (many could attest to that, hahaha) but never in my mom and dad's life they've forsaken me.  Never in my life I felt alone in my battles.  Even if dad would always be away from us, he would do anything just to protect me from pain.  I remember the time when my daddy allowed me to take scuba diving lessons just to get over a very immature heart break -- how cool is that?! 
My dad had his flaws of course.  A good provider -- yes, but never a perfect husband nor father.  That reminds me all the dramas occurred at home -- painful memories  they are  but a turning point for each and everyone of us.  I must have judged my dad a few times but I would still remain his best defender.  I would never let anyone harm my family -- one of the things I learned from him.  He would never let anyone mistreat us ... no one. ( kaya nga ata ako lumaking siga eh =) )

 

with mom and dad New Year '10

My daddy means security, joy & laughter, love and my best friend.  This father's day, I am writing this entry to thank him for everything he has given our family, my family and to me.  He has taught me so many nice things in life.  He taught me how to be a God fearing person.

 

daddy at Greenhills Chapel

We always attend mass as a family. He guided me on how to become a good mother, good wife and good daughter.  He helped me stand up again on those times I fell and gave me confidence and strength to face my foes. He was not always there to protect us before, but he showed me how to and I did.  I protected my family the way I know he will.  He was the most astig dad I know -- and I am so proud to be her astig daughter.

 

Daddy with 1 yr old Rafael

I love you dad.  I miss you =(  I miss driving with you and brag how better a driver I am than you are.  I miss seeing you in your ragged shorts and filthy shirt whenever you try to fix stuff at home. I miss seeing you so sweaty every morning when you get home from gym. and pick mom form the gym.  I miss seeing you and Rafa play wrestling and whenever both of you work out together.  I miss working with you on my brag bangles -- but to be honest I don't like you helping me because I do paint the bangles better.  I miss seeing you in the head of the table whenever we have dinner as a family. I miss our family Sunday mass and dinners.  I miss watching you do your sassy dance.

  

wacky Tony!

I miss seeing you get angry with Rafael whenever he misbehave.  I miss having political conversations with you.  I miss listening to your work related duties.....
.... most of all I miss being your daughter =( I miss being with you daddy.  I miss crying to you.  I just wish life would be easier and I could live closer to all of you.  I know that you told me, that eventually I'll be able to accept that life has to go on like this... but to be honest -- I still don't understand.  It's hard and I know it will hurt you to tell you this, but it's really hard to be away from all of you. =(  I can't wait to see all of you this January daddy. I miss you so much.  =(

 

Calulo family December '09

 

 

Happy Father's Day!!!

We love you so much
- Luis, Me, Rafa and coming little Amina ♥