Annika Turns One!

The Birthday Girl

The big day.. finally...

It's Annika's 1st Birthday Party!

We chose Jollibee Kalaw as the party venue and Barbie as its theme. Our families, relatives, and friends were present to celebrate with us.  Since it's our baby's first birthday, we made sure that it will be a memorable and fun-filled celebration.  There were games for kids and also adults.  It was really fun!  Over-all the experience was great (including the food, the crew, and ofcourse every kid most-loved Jollibee mascot)!  It seems everybody went home happy and full. 

Oh, I forgot to mention.. in case you are curious of the meal package that we have chosen.  For the kids, the package includes spaghetti,  hamburger,  french fries,  softdrinks, and  sundae.  For the adults, 2 pcs. chickenjoy with rice, 1 spaghetti, 1 sundae, and 1 softdrinks... Annika's cake was from Red Ribbon, which is already included in the party favors, courtesy of Jollibee.  She also received a learning machine (looks like a laptop) as a gift from Jollibee.



 

the invite





dancing crew



blessing/prayer from Fr. Orly

stop dance

wishes for Annika

The Bee

lootbags

Jollibee and Mc Donald's Kiddie Parties

I am now planning my baby's 1st Birthday Party.  I only want two (2) venues:  Jollibee or Mc Donald's.   

Ofcourse, when it comes to kiddie parties, Jollibee is an excellent choice for many reasons.  First, kids all love the "Bee" mascot a.k.a."Jollibee".  Although my baby does not really know him yet, I know that our guests (especially the kids) will be happy to see the bee in person.   The kids will surely have a great time playing and dancing with the most famous bee in the country.  Picture-taking will also be more fun with "Jollibee" around.  Second, they have games for the kids and adults.  More bonding for your adult guests. Third, the party hosts are very entertaining.  They sure know know to entertain all the guests with their high energy and enthusiasm.  They also prepared a dance presentation together with the mascot.  Lastly, the food packages are quite satisfying (more often, you may even have an extra meal to go... ^v^).  I have attended several Jollibee kiddie parties, and I always went home happy and so full (lol!).

My second option... Mc Donalds...  I like its lootbag and game prizes more than Jollibee's.  In my opinion, they are more appealing to the kids.  Mc Donalds also have games for the kids.  The food packages are also satisying (though I like Chickenjoy more.. lol!).  Another plus factor, they also have a featured toy included in their Happy Meal. 

Birthdays are one of the special occasions that we love to celebrate.  Moreso, your baby's first own birthday party.  Although, your baby does not really know yet what's going on, we parents, want it to be a very special and memorable day for our little one. 

Whatever is the parent's choice on how and where to celebrate their baby's birthday (be it the first, second or third), I am sure it will be absolutely such a joyous occasion! ^v^

Just to help out, here are the details for a Jollibee or Mc Donald's Kiddie Party:

JOLLIBEE

Themes: Jollitown, My Bestfriend Jollibee, and Barbie

Pay a party fee of only P1,250 for the following:

• 20 assorted game prizes
• 10 crayons
• 30 balloons
• 1 guestbook
• 1 mascot appearance

Food Packages (as of April 2012):

   Food Package1:
   Jollibee Spaghetti, Regular French Fries, Regular Softdrinks, and Chocolate Sundae

   Food Package 2:
   Jollibee Spaghetti, Jolly Hotdog Classic, Regular French Fries, Regular Softdrinks, and Chocolate 
   Sundae

   Food Package 3:
   Jollibee Spaghetti, Regular Yum, Regular French Fries, Regular Softdrinks, and Chocolate Sundae

   Food Package 4:
   1 Pc. Original/Spicy Chickenjoy with Rice, JollibbeeSpaghetti, Regular French Fries, Regular
   Softdrinks and Chocolate Sundae

   Food Package 5:
   Create your own meal.  Package should not be lower than P4,000.

*Prices ranged from P125 to P194 per head.   There are also loot bags (worth P25, P50, P80) available. Lootbags are optional.  You can also make your own.

MC DONALD'S

Themes:  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney Princess, Toy Story, and Ronald and the Gang

Each party theme costs P3,000.00, which comes with the following:

• a gift for the celebrant
• 30 invitation cards
• 30 party name hats
• 30 traymats
• 30 balloons
• 30 giveaways
• game prizes
• a character/mascot appearance

Party Package Meals (as of April 2012):

   Party Package 1:
   Mc Spaghetti Happy Meal (with toy), Regular Fries, and Hot Fudge Sundae

   Party Package 2: 
   1 Pc. Chicken McDo with Rice Happy Meal (with toy), Regular Fries and Hot Fudge Sundae

   Party Package 3:
   Mc Spaghetti Happy Meal (with toy), Burger McDo, Regular Fries and Hot Fudge Sundae

   Party Package 4: 
   1 Pc. Chicken Mc Do with Spaghetti Value Meal, Regular Fries and Hot Fudge Sundae

*Prices ranged from P137 to P162.  Lootbags are also available and optional. You can also pick your party add-ons if you need additional like invitation, party hats, traymats, balloons, loot bags, game prizes, and birthday cakes. 

10 Months

Hooray for Today!  My baby is now 10 months old...  I greeted her early this morning (before going to work) and sang her the most famous "Happy Birthday to You" song.  She giggled as I do my "sing and make-a-face" act.  How time flies.  I still remember how delicate and little she was, during her newborn days. 

To celebrate the occasion, I attended a mass novena at the St. Jude Thaddeus Church. Ofcourse, I prayed for my baby's good health, our family's safety, and for more blessings to come our way. 

Today is also a rainy day (though March is a summer month), so i am hoping that blessings will also be pouring on my baby's life. 

Cheers for my baby's good health and happiness...! xoxoxo ^v^

Here are some helpful information/tips on what to expect on your 10 months old baby:

• Your baby can now understand simple words like "no" and "bye-bye". Having a conversation to your little one will encourage his language skills.  You can also sing nursery rhymes and play games.  Repeating words to your baby also helps.  Just continue talking to him.  Soon, he will see or make connections. 
• At this age, your baby can sit confidently.  He may even cruise or walk while holding into furniture.  He  may let go momentarily and may stand without support. He may also  take steps when held in a walking position and attempt to scoop up a toy while standing. 
• He can now also drink from his own cup.  He may also start picking up objects using his index finger or thumb.  He is also now aware of your approval or disapproval.

These are just things that your baby may be able to do at this age.  If not now, don't worry. Remember that each baby is unique/different, and meets physical milestones at his own time/pace. 

Separation Anxiety in Babies

My baby is now experiencing separation anxiety.  She cries whenever I leave her alone even if I am just going to the bathroom.  She is now 10 months old.  They say that it is normal for babies to feel this way.  Separation anxiety usually occurs around 6 to 18 months.  It is considered a healthy and normal phase of child development.  This also means that your baby has established a healthy bond with you and is developing intellectually. 

Separation anxiety is said to be related to the baby's developmental stage of object permanence (used to describe a child's ability to know that objects continue to exist even though they can no longer be seen or heard).  Just like when a baby learns that a person like mommy and daddy can disappear.  But unfortunately, your baby thinks that you have left him/her or that you disappeared for good and will not be coming back.  This is the point where your baby cries and separation anxiety comes in.  But don't worry.  Eventually, your baby will outgrow this behavior and he/she will learn that although you have disappeared from view, you will still come back.

Some signs of separation anxiety include: crying when a parent is out of sight, clinginess, strong preference of only one parent, fears of strangers, waking at night crying for a parent, and easily comforted in a parent's embrace. 

Tips on how to deal with separation anxiety:

• respond to your baby's crying and distress (There are studies which claim that children who are repeatedly, regularly and consistently picked up and soothed when they cry end up crying less.);
• play peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek games;
• give your baby a familiar toy when you leave him/her;
• when you are just inside your house doing chores, place the crib (also stroller or walker) where your baby can see you; and
• when you leave, goodbyes should be affectionate and brief, with a clear statement that you will be back. 

To top it all, just consistently give your baby love and support.  In time, she will slowly build confidence to stand on her own. ^v^

My 10 Years in the Government

Let me share you a part of myself.  I have not mentioned before that I work in the government.  I am not just a working mom. I am also a public servant.(^v^)

I have been in the government for almost 10 years.  (that's already a milestone on my part.. lol!).  My appointment was dated April 30, 2002 (that would be one month from now.. yey!).  It left me wondering what have I accomplished for myself after these years.  Well, there are many changes that took placed.  I got promoted thrice, awarded with a house and lot (from NHA), finished my master's degree, got married, and had a baby.  It may sound easy but really it's no bed of roses.  There are times when I had no motivation to go to work.  It got boring for a while. Every day is like a routine.  This is the time when I decided to go back to school. It took a lot of determination, focus, and patience on my part to pursue my studies.   It was in December 2007 that I earned the degree on Master in Public Administration. Finally, I graduated.  All my hardwork paid off . 

I also considered my work as a privilege.  To be of service to your country and fellowmen is a big thing.  Just to recollect, I have been formerly elected as a Barangay Kagawad (Councilman) in our district before entering government service.  I was the youngest who won during our term.  I served our barangay for five (5) years.   During my term, I learned to mingle with different kinds of people (from politicians to the less privileged ones).  I also gained a lot of inaanaks (godchildren) during those days.  It was definitely a humble and learning experience.

Going back... For mothers like me, working in the government is an advantage, since you only work for eight (8) hours (the usual schedule of an ordinary government employee).  You have  weekends to bond with your family.  There are vacation and sick leaves in case of emergency and filial obligation plus official holidays to spend with the family.  There are also some downsides though.  In terms of  monetary consideration, it really depends with the agency you are employed to.  I know you can earn more in private companies especially if you are an achiever.  But when it comes to job stability, having a career in the government is a wise move.

Let me also share with you.... Yesterday (March 22, 2012), was our office's 115th Founding Anniversary.  There was an awarding ceremony for the retirees who served the government from 15 to 30 years and above.  Our Head of Office was present to grace the event.  He delivered a speech.  It was a heartwarming one.  He thanked every employee for all the efforts and service rendered.  He also acknowledged the retirees' dedication and commitment to the job.  He also asked those who are still in the service (like me) for our cooperation, commitment, dedication, and continuous support.  It feels good to know that we are also appreciated in our work.

To end my story, I don't know what's in store for me in the future... what really lies ahead... maybe another 10 years or more in the government service...

Whatever will it be, only time can tell.  ^v^