Day 31/365: Self Portrait 101

Yep! This is me. I'm going to do a self portrait every end of the month and see how I've changed. I had my new do before the Chinese New Year and I noticed my huge nose due to the pregnancy.

Just want to make a quick post before I go to bed. I took this photo before going to Ropponggi with hubby to watch the new James Bond movie. Movies are kinda late here in Japan. Finally, we were able to go on a date together before I give birth. Rein stayed with her Grandma. We had early dinner at Pizzakaya and it was good!!! It's been raining here since yesterday but thankfully tomorrow the weather is sunny. Life is pretty hectic on my side of the world, we're going back to Ropponggi again tomorrow (Sunday) with hubby, Rein and my mom.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll drop you a note tomorrow when we get back. I'm excited to see your POTD and update from your daily lives.

Take Care and enjoy the day/night! :)

P. S. We made it through 31 days of January!!! Yippee!!! Here comes February...

Day 30/365: Bills...Ohh Bills....

This is one of the things I do every end of the month. I gather all our bills for all our utilities and our lone credit card. I usually compare all the receipts from all our purchases to make sure that all charges are correct since everything is written in Japanese. Hubby and I are using just 1 Japanese credit card to make sure that we stay within our limits. We have other cards for emergency purposes but they are from the Philippines and are very rarely used here.

We went to the hospital today and as expected we spent almost the whole day there. We were able to talk to our OB, Endoc and Anes and they were able to discuss everything about my delivery on the 12th of February. I'm going to have a combination of Spinal anesthesia and Epidural.

Happy weekend! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Day 29/365: Bonding with Grandma

I just love to see my mom and my daughter having fun together. This was taken this afternoon when my mom was ready to take a nap with Rein but Rein doesn't want to so she grabbed a book and they read together. Once they're done, my mom fell asleep and Rein went outside the room to have a snack. LOL

We're going to the hospital tomorrow (Friday) for another round of tests with my Endoc and OB. We're going to talk to my Anes and discuss things I want during my CS Operation on Feb 12. Yay! Two weeks and we'll have another new baby. We've been busy preparing for Caleigh's arrival.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day/night! :)

Day 28/365: All time fave in the Philippines

I just want to share one of my favorite food from the Philippines. This is called Roasted Suckling Pig (Lechon). This is very popular in Asia and in some other countries in South America. I'm not sure if you've tried it, I think some Chinese restaurants offer this kind of food but with a twist.

My mom is here. She flew from Manila to be with us when I give birth in the next couple of weeks. She'll stay here for 3 months. She brought 1 kilo of Lechon and some of my other favorites and sour green mangoes which can only be found in Manila. I think you can also get it from some Asian stores here but at a very high cost. I'm thankful that her flight was hassle free and the things she brought weren't confiscated at the airport. Hubby and I were really excited because we missed it so much and we really enjoyed our meal :)

Thanks for stopping by! Off to bed.

Have a great day/night! :)

Day 27/365: New dresser for our baby Sherysse Caleigh

This is what we purchased at Ikea last Saturday for our upcoming baby "Caleigh". It arrived this morning and hubby spent around three hours assembling the whole thing. He's really meticulous, I guess it comes with being an engineer lol.

Rein was also trying to "help" him, but as we all know, she probably added an extra hour to the whole process. She calls him "Handy Manny" and also loves to sing "Let's go to work, teamwork..." while they are fixing things. He loves to do these things and acts like a little kid building a Lego set hahaha.

The color that we chose also matches our bed and other furnishings we bought from Ikea. We love the light and cool color of it. Hubby always says that when it is time for us to build our own home, he'll give Ikea a pretty good day at the cashier lol. He has this idea of building everything inside of that house by himself and he gets a kick out of it each time. Boys will be boys i guess.

As always, Thanks for stopping by! :) Have a fabulous day/night! :)

Day 26/365: Takes my breath away...

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your well wishes on my last post. It means so much to me. It's Chinese New Year today (Kung Hei Fat Choi) and I'm off to take out all the negative thoughts to start the year of the Ox, Yep! We follow Chinese traditions, even back home, ever since I was little.

I should have posted Rein's photo in the bath tub, but this one takes my breath away. This was taken before noon time, she was wearing her "High School Musical" swimsuit. She spent one hour playing inside the bath tub with her pink goggles and some toys.

Rein is super duper sweet today. She keeps on saying "I love you, Mama" and would always sit on my lap and give me a nice warm hug.

Enjoy the week! As always, thanks for stopping by ;)

Day 25/365: Giant Swirl Lollipop

Rein is not really fond of Lollipops but every time she sees one, she just wants me to snap a photo. She'll promptly remove the taste of it by drinking water. Just like before taking this photo, she was actually asking me to taste it and she'll be the one to take a photo of me. LOL.

Today wasn't really a good day for me, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I'm not sure if it's just me getting bigger and bigger at 35 weeks. I don't want to call it pre-traumatic stress or disorder. Is there a word like that? :D Thank God my hubby is very supportive and helps me with household chores. I'm kinda spoiled and I know sometimes I tend to be a bit over the top. I know I shouldn't be feeling this because my daughter has been very good in cheering me up with her jokes and antics then she would always hug and kiss me.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you guys are having a great day/night! :)

Day 24/365: At Ikea, Tokyo

This was taken inside Ikea while we were trying on a new bed. Rein was very much active and would suggest something that she likes. I love the look on her face, she's quite overwhelmed and wanted to sit and lie down on everything we tried. Before going to Ikea, we actually visited the site and so we would already know what to get to save time, but still we got home past 8pm.

Several reasons why we go to Ikea are Meatballs, Marinated Salmon, Oatmeal Double Chocolate and Chips. They're sooo yummy!!! I always love the cozy and trendy feel of the place. I really wish we have our own place. It's always nice to set up things on one's own house, but since we are expatriates here in Tokyo, we have no choice but to stay in our lil abode. Not even a chance of getting a bigger place, as hubby's company said, even with a new baby coming. We are thinking of migrating but with the economy and things going on, we're happy that we still have the job here.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you are having a fabulous day/night!

Day 23/365: Cooking School, she said....

Hubby and I were discussing about our options for Rein's International School. We already have a list and Rein was able to see the websites. This morning, we asked her which one she wants to attend and we were both shocked when she replied "Cooking School". She said she wants to cook for Mama,Papa and Baby. Hubby was laughing the whole time and said he has zero chance of losing weight now.

I took this photo while we were still on bed this morning.

We're off to IKEA tomorrow to buy a bigger dresser in preparation for Baby Caleigh's arrival. I guess you have an idea what my photo subject will be for tomorrow :)

Have a great weekend, everyone! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Day 22/365:Hmmm... Chocolate

Last night, my DH surprised Rein with a pint of Chocolate Ice Cream. This Japanese brand is plain chocolate and has been one of her favorites aside from Baskin-Robbins, Haagen Dazs and Godiva. She'll get it straight from the freezer whenever she wants. She always says she wants only 3 scoops but then will ask me for 100 times more once I am done scooping. She'll then tell me it's only for her and that Strawberry is for me. She says this so she'll have it all to herself and because she knows that Chocolate is my fave too.

Look at her concentration.....

As always, thanks for stopping by. Hope you are having a fabulous day/night! It's been raining the whole day here.

Day 21/365: Summer feel...

Don't you just love it when you don't have to think of photos to snap and just go with what our kids are doing? Just this morning, my daughter saw her goggles and swim suit as she was looking for some clothes to wear, she took it out and put it on. She even brought it inside the bathroom and tinkered with the idea of swimming in the bath tub amidst a cold winter day. Of course, I didn't allow her, so she wore it all day while playing with her dolls and using the computer. hehehe

As always, thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous day/night :)

Day 20/365: Bored

I can't believe we spent the whole day in the hospital today. We woke up early to have my NST but waited for so long for my OB appointment, Should be around 11:30 to noon, but it was 2:30 p.m. when I saw my OB. Hubby was with me as usual. He always goes with me in my appointments ever since I found out that I'm pregnant with Rein and now with Caleigh. He decided to take the day off from work since the doctor said that I need to prep for my CS operation on Feb 12. I took blood tests, ECG and X-ray which she didn't tell me prior to my visit today. We were done around 4 p.m. and we haven't eaten our lunch yet at that time and Rein was kinda cranky already.

Enough of venting, lol. I just couldn't imagine staying that long in the hospital with a 4 year old who felt so bored even though she brought her DS with her. I remember a discussion a year ago, "Are doctors wasting our time?" You go there with an appointment yet she'll see you after 2 to 3 hours or even 3 hours after.

My poor lil girl went to bed early. We were all so tired today and planned to go to bed very early then wake up around midnight to watch the historical event in the States as Obama is inaugurated as the first black President.

Thanks for stopping by! I promise to get back to you :)

Day 19/365: Rein's First Stylist Dog Purse

My 4 year old POTD buddy asked me this morning to take a photo of her first ever "dog purse". She really wants to have a real dog. When she gets the chance to go out and see Japanese people carrying a dog in a bag or stroller, she'll be so excited and she always attempts to pet the dog. I'm glad I was able to find something like this in a nearby store. She had a hard time deciding on what color or dog to pick. She wanted to get everything she could grab but I told her to pick just one dog so she can take good care of it.

I'm off to bed, we have another round of NST tomorrow (Tuesday). Hope our baby is doing well. :)

P. S. Decomon, if you're reading this, I can't access your blogger profile.

As always, thanks for stopping by! :)

Day 18/365: Seriously Playing

I'm trying to stay away from the computer since hubby's not playing poker today. Yipee! We want to spend extra time together so we let Rein use her Nintendo DS at home. She actually uses it only when we go out, esp to the hospital. This is so she'll not get bored while waiting. This time she's excused. lol

I want to thank all my 365er buddies for the award :) Yipee!!! Really made my day, despite the cloudy weather here in Tokyo. I'm going to do mine and have to add my buddies too. :)

Day 17/365: Japanese Kiwi

Do you love kiwi fruit? I have to admit that I don't like it that much, even back home in Manila. When we got here to Tokyo 3 years ago, I began to try this. My dh didn't like it and I'm sure Rein wouldn't love it too. They're both very picky when it comes to food, especially fruits. I just have to take a snap of this since I don't buy this regularly. I have seen some candies and Kit Kat in Kiwi flavor and I haven't tasted it yet.

Ohh.... That's my laptop on the right side. lol :) Have a fabulous day/night! :) As always, thanks for stopping by!

DAY 16/365: @ St. Lukes International Hospital

Rein and I went to my Endoc for routine check-up and blood test. The result is okay but my HCG level is higher than last month, which means I have been eating a lot esp during the holiday season. Guilty as charged ;P

This is the facade of the hospital which Rein calls the "Giant Hands". She asked for this pic to be taken after my appointment. :)

Have a great weekend everyone! ;)

DAY 15/365: Camera Addict

I remember my mom telling me when I gave birth to Rein that I should teach her to feel comfortable in front of the camera so I can take lots of pictures. I am so glad I followed her advice. These days, Rein's the one who insists on having her pictures taken, I need not beg her to pose. This was taken before we went to the grocery store. For some random reason, she just felt like posing and asked me to snap one.

Photo Edited using Itty Bitty- The Sweet Set One of my new FAVES!!! Just love it!

Please make sure to stop by After Five Designs we are having a CT Call. :)

Hope you guys are having a fabulous day/night! I'll stop by your blog tomorrow, after our doctor's appt. in the morning :) Thanks for stopping by!

DAY 14/365: Another Baby Girl Coming Soon!!!

This is my very first "Belly Shot" taken by my 4 year old daughter. She actually used a tripod and shot using a 50mm lens. This isn't the best shot but it means so much to me. She's been telling me that she wants to photograph my belly, I told her that I will switch to a big lens but she said "NO MOM, I like small", hehehe. I'm on my 34th week and the baby now weighs 2.6 kilos, kinda big for her gestational age.

I am really glad that my daughter wants to be involved in my 365 project.


Special Note:

Please check out DST

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous day/night! :)

DAY 13/365: Rein's favorite drink

We stayed home today since we were kinda tired yesterday and was thinking what to shoot. Rein got this Chocolate drink from the fridge and I know this will be my subject for today. I'm happy that there's a Filipino Store one station away from us which carries this brand from the Philippines. I introduced it to Rein and she immediately loved it and would always ask me to get one for her. For this size, it'll take about 3-4 days only and she'll ask us to buy another one. I have been controlling her chocolate intake and she is using her toy measuring cup as her drinking glass. I only give her 50cc in the morning but of course she'll ask for 100cc (5 oz). Sometimes she listens but most times she insists. :)

I'll visit you tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by :)

DAY 12/365: Anniversary Celebration (Food Trip)

It's our 7th Wedding Anniversary!!!!What a great surprise to wake up to an arrangement of pink roses. I was telling hubby that we should get ready as we have a reservation at the Singapore Seafood Republic at Shinagawa when suddenly someone knocked on our door. It's a flower delivery for me. Yay! So sweet!!! It is our first time in that restaurant and we are quite excited to once again taste Black Pepper and Chili Crab, Singapore style. I was a bit hesitant since it was so expensive compared to the price in Singapore. We actually had two backup options since Friday's and Outback are just around the corner. We went ahead and asked the receptionist about the price of the crabs and it ranges from small size JPY4,200($45) up to Yokozuna at JPY8k++ ($90). It was a nice lunch overall. I want to share some pics from our lunch and some reviews, in case you plan to visit Japan and have plans of tasting a little something from Singapore. Here's the link: "Singapore Seafood Republic" but I would highly recommend if you'll visit Singapore to try The Jumbo Seafood Restaurant at Clarke Quay. The price is reasonable and super yummy too!

Chicken Satay
I will still go for Thai Chicken Satay for it's Peanut Sauce, the sauce they served here is not my type. They have 2 sauces, the other one is Pineapple sauce.

Calamares
Hubby loved it! It's yummy for him and the sauce is perfect.

Indonesian nasi goreng (fried rice)
Just OK for me!

Pepper Crab
We were both disappointed because the pepper is too strong! Looks like they put lots of it and you cannot actually taste the crab. So we decided to order another one, "The Chili Crab".


Chili Crab
Just what we were looking for! Perfect texture and really yummy! We should have ordered this first but hubby was right, we better order both Pepper and Chili, so next time we know what to order. When we visited Singapore we ordered Pepper and Chili and both were delicious!

The place is cozy and the interior is somewhat similar in theme to the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. We both loved it, obviously not the price though lol, but it is okay for special occasions.

Thanks for stopping by and for your lovely comments and greetings! I'll visit you tomorrow. Off to bed!

Have a fabulous day/night!

Day 11/365: 100 minutes more, Mama

That's what she said while we were having fun at the Park. I told her that we couldn't stay longer since we haven't eaten our lunch yet and she said "100 minutes more, Mama". How's that for an answer? Hehehehe

Surely she had fun and even called the attention of some kids to look at her. Hubby arrived and finally we convinced her that we'll go to McDonald's indoor playground where she can continue playing.

It's our 7th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow. Yay! How time flies! I'm glad that it's a holiday here in Tokyo.

Day 10/365: Poker Time for Hubby

One of hubby's favorite past time is playing Online Poker. We really didn't expect that this would help us with our finances aside from his regular job as Engineer at Motorola. The only problem is I feel like I bring him bad luck everytime I'm near him. Either he gets a horrendous bad beat or gets cold decked and he won't make it to the final table. Most of his big wins happened when I was either out of the house or asleep. But I'm happy coz we were able to save for my CS operation without having to dig from our savings and it's all because of Poker.

DAY 9/365: A Rainy day is a Happy day!

According to my 4 year old daughter, "A Rainy day is a Happy day". She loves to wear boots and always thinks that she should go out and play in the water. The weather is awful today and we opted to stay home even though she insisted that we go out. Thankfully, she listened to me and was satisfied wearing her boots inside the house.

DAY 8/365: Happy 4th Birthday Rein!

It's Rein's 4th Birthday and we headed to Chef Mickey, as she requested. She had so much fun posing with the Disney characters especially with Minnie and Chef Mickey. Hubby wanted to go to Disneyland after our Buffet lunch but with my condition, it's not possible. Kids just love Disney!

I used Totally RAD 2-The Revenge. Hubby wanted a color photo, but I really love the b&w conversion on this photo.

DAY 7/365: Can't live without my Shu

I have been using Shu since we were in Bangkok, Thailand and it's so effective! Two-in-one cleanser and makeup remover. I haven't tried any other product since then and I always recommend this to my friends. Any Shu product is a must.
You should try this!

DAY 6/365: @ Quiznos Sub

Quiznos at Yurakucho. New York Sub, one of our faves. You should try their Truffle Cream Cheese Roast Beef. Super yummy!!! We had these before going to St. Luke's International Hospital for my routine check-up and NST with the OB.

DAY 5/365: DD with her new Hello Kitty Bag

DAY 4/365: @ Bubba Gump, Tokyo Dome

DAY 3/365: New Clothes for our upcoming baby due on Feb

DAY 2/365: My sweet Lil Girl

DAY 1/365: Happy 2009!!!