Lunch by the Marketplace
Friday, February 27, 2009 / 2:55 PM
Yesterday, B and I spent a cold winter day at the Granville Island.
We decided to grab lunch at the busy marketplace. :)
CELINE'S FISH & CHIPS
HALIBUT & RINGS
My halibut was tender and delicious.
I requested for onion rings instead of chips.
CALAMARI & CHIPS
B enjoyed his favorite calamari with chips.
Dusted with salt and pepper, the calamari was simply delicious.
It was such an oily and sinful lunch.
One that makes us wonder how much longer we'll live...
If we continue to eat this way. :(
* * * * *
CELINE'S FISH & CHIPS
GRANVILLE ISLAND
VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine
2 comments
Tatami Dinner at Fish on Rice
Thursday, February 26, 2009 / 8:06 PM
Last night, B and I had dinner with the Richmond Girls.
We had a traditional Japanese dinner in a tatami room at Fish on Rice.
LES, SAB, NICO, STEPH, CANDZ, AND CHARI wish I put my white wool coat on too.
The Richmond Girls have good tastes in coats and bags. :)
BLACK COD BENTO BOX
Salad, Sashimi, Miso Soup, Gyoza, Gohan
Chicken Karaage, Prawn & Yam Tempura, and Grilled Black Cod
My bento box obviously reveals my big pregnant appetite.
But... You see, I'm supposed to be eating for two.
What an excuse, right? :)
* * * * *
FISH ON RICE
BURNABY, BC
CANADA
Labels: friends, Japanese cuisine, restaurants
All About Pregnancy
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / 5:22 PM
This week marks my 11th week of pregnancy. I'm on my 3rd month now. My tummy hasn't really shown yet. But I feel full and bloated most of the time. I have been craving for Californian strawberries, onion rings, honey-dipped donuts, and corn soup. I don't have morning sickness as I did when I was pregnant with Sophie. But I have terrible night sickness. I would wake up in the middle of the night, usually at around 3 am, and have this awful nauseous feeling. It usually lasts about an hour. I have to chew on a sweet candy to relieve myself. Then I would fall back asleep. I find this a bit strange. Maybe I have been eating too much. Sometimes, I can't help but compare this pregnancy with my previous pregnancy with Sophie which was a very smooth and uncomplicated pregnancy. But there are just so much differences from this one. Well, I learned from my ever reliable pregnancy bible, What To Expect When You're Expecting, that each pregnancy is different. Thus, I should not compare. Sometimes, I feel sad coz I know that I still have a long way to go. It's only winter now. I'm due in mid-September... somewhere at the end of summer and the start of autumn. I just can't wait to go into labor and get it done and over with. Fly back home to Manila with Sophie and my new bundle of joy.Labels: pregnancy, reflections
Confessions of A Shopaholic
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 / 1:24 PM
Last Monday, B and I watched Confessions of A Shopaholic in Downtown Vancouver. It was our very first movie date in Canada. It was a chilly winter afternoon as we got off Burrard Station and walked our way to the Scotia Theater. I was very thankful when we finally entered the warm yet cozy theater and found the perfect seats before the big screen. :) If there is a fictional character that I best see myself in, it would be Rebecca Bloomwood, shopaholic. Since I've first read the book Confessions of A Shopaholic back in college, it has been my favorite book. I've read it a million times. I laughed and cried with Bex. Even if some of my friends thinks that she's just a spoiled girl who luckily gets herself out of trouble, I can totally relate and understand her. Well... Because I'm also a shopaholic and have had some credit card issues myself too. My dad and mom have long given up on me. Then it came as a shock to B how easily I can spend thousands and thousands in a single spree. Thank God! B hasn't given up on me yet. I hope he never will. :)
CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC
"And the bag? GUCCI.
Worth every penny."
The movie was quite cute. I absoultely love the opening scene when Rebecca walks down the street with her stunning outfit. I also love the fact that Rebecca carried the same Gucci Boston bag I got last Chirstmas :) But that was only the start. Despite Isla Fisher's natural charm, the movie didn't meet my expectations at all. I felt like the whole story was recreated. First of all, Luke and Rebecca met at a press conference hosted by Brandon Communications. Not in a small kiosk outside Denny and George. Then the scarf that Rebecca bought in Denny and George was described to be gray and not pleated green. So Rebecca fondly refers to herself as "The Girl in the Denny and George Scarf" and not "The Girl in the Green Scarf." Furthermore, Rebecca never wrote an article about some green scarf in the novel. Also, can I just say that Hugh Dancy is highly unqualified to play Luke Brandon? I was utterly disappointed when I realized that Luke Brandon isn't some handsome businessman. But more like a thin guy who needs to look in the mirror and comb his hair. :( As the movie progressed, I realized that I should stop comparing it to the novel to be able to enjoy it. Despite how the much the movie had evolved from the novel, it still made me laugh and cry. Quite cute. But that's all there is to it. :)Labels: books, movies
Sun Sui Wah
Monday, February 23, 2009 / 11:25 PM
Last Sunday, our family had lunch at Sun Sui Wah.
The most popular Chinese restaurant in all over Vancouver. :)
SUN SUI WAHThank God! We made a reservation coz Sun Sui Wah is always full.The food was absolutely delicious and authentically Chinese. :)* * * * *SUN SUI WAHRICHMOND, BCCANADALabels: Chinese cuisine, restaurants
Sophie & Kimi
Sunday, February 22, 2009 / 10:44 PM
Hello! I am Sophie and I'd like you to meet my cousin, Kimi.
We both love to play and eat candies and chocolates. :)
Today is
Valentine's Day.
We're gonna go shopping in the mall. :)
It's a sunny day today.
We are going to the farm to see some animals. :)
Our daddies and mommies always tell us that we are little princesses.
Aren't we so cute and adorable in our little thrones? :)
Labels: family, Sophie
Maplewood Farm
Saturday, February 21, 2009 / 10:05 PM
It's such a pity to stay at home on a day as beautiful as today.
And so we decided to bring Sophie and Kimi to the Maplewood Farm. :)
MAPLEWOOD FARMMaplewood Farm boasts over 200 domestic animals on a 5 acre land.
It is the last remaining farm in Vancouver's North Shore.
DADDY, MOMMY, AND SOPHIEPhoto taken as we entered the green and grassy farm.
See the big ranch and barn house behind. :)
SOPHIESophie wore her colorful knit sweater to the farm.
She also wore her pink suede sheepskin boots. :)
RABBITATSophie and I went inside the Rabbitat.
We played and petted the fluffy white rabbits. :)
FAMILIES AT THE RABITTATWe wanted to take photos with the cute fluffy rabbits.
But I wonder why they all hopped away just before we posed for the camera. :(
GOATHILLThese goats have a very cute and innocent face.
Sophie and I actually had the chance to pet a baby goat. :)
COWS AND CATTLESThese cows are really adorable with their curly and muffled hair.
They're so huge and healthy. They seem to be enjoying farm life. :)
It was a fun-filled afternoon for Sophie and Kimi. Sophie chased after the ducks and the hens. She got to pet a baby goat and a fluffy white rabbit. She giggled and chuckled when the farm animals made strange noises. She ran around the farm till she tripped over a small pebble and soiled her pink boots. But she pulled herself up with a smile on her face still. Sophie truly had a great time at the farm. Of course, B and I had a wonderful time at the farm too as well as Karl and Melissa who drove us all the way to North Vancouver. :)* * * * *
MAPLEWOOD FARM
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA
Labels: animals, BC, Canada, family, North Vancouver, Sophie, trips
A Night with Ton and Diorelle
Friday, February 20, 2009 / 9:42 PM
Last Friday, B and I had dinner with Ton and Dio at Ramie's.
Ramie's is the best Greek restaurant in Burnaby. :)
HUBBY & WIFEYB and I shared a big plate of Roast Lamb.I entirely forgot to take a photo of our delicious dinner. :(When two pregnant friends meet, there is just so much to talk about.After dinner, Ton drove us to Starbucks where we had coffee and tea. :)
HUBBIES, WIVIES, AND BABIESAfter coffee, B and I invited Ton and Dio over our house.Finally, they met little Sophie for the first time. :)
Labels: friends
Settled In
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 / 7:04 AM
I guess we've pretty much settled in. I have learned to love the cold weather. I enjoy keeping myself warm by dressing up in pretty coats and boots and hanging out near the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. I'm starting to get used to fixing our bed and washing my own dishes. Stuffs I don't really do in Manila. I'm thankful to B for waking up early in the morning to fix our breakfast and make sure my eggs are fully-cooked. I always have a hard time waking up in the mornings. It's so cold and I just find it hard to let go of my comforter. I'm thankful to my mom and my sister-in-law for helping me do our laundry. But I know that I should soon go down the basement and figure out how to operate the washing machine and dryer once and for all. I can't rely on them forever. I'm slowly getting used to Sophie's endless demands too. Because Sophie is still adjusting in this new place, she fusses and cries a lot. Sometimes, the only time I have for myself is when Sophie has finally fallen asleep or when B has taken over. Now that I've learned to love it here little by little, I realize that it's not so bad afterall. I realize that with everything else, it only takes a matter of time before you're settled down. :)
Labels: family, pregnancy, reflections
The Night Sophie Was Rushed into the Hospital
Monday, February 16, 2009 / 10:14 PM
It all started when Sophie suddenly vomited on my mom's new carpet that afternoon. We all thought that it was just some minor indigestion. But she had no appetite for dinner. Instead, she vomited again what looked like the breakfast she had that morning. Sophie was left so weak and tired. It took me no effort at all to put her to sleep. But I awoke in the middle of the night when I heard Sophie struggling. She vomited the little milk I fed her just before she went to sleep. Her pajamas, sheets, and comforters are all wet. B and I carried her to the bathroom and noticed that her diaper is soiled with wet and water poop. We washed her clean and then she soiled her diaper again. Then again and again. We changed her diaper about 5 times in an hour's time. I knew something was very wrong and so we decided that we should take Sophie to the hospital at once. We rushed Sophie to the BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver. As soon as we got in the Emergency Room, the nurse took her vital signs. Sophie's temperature was already 39 celcius. She sounded so weak as she called me again and again... Mama. As if she is trying to tell me what is painful inside her frail little body. I helped Sophie change into a the smallest hospital gown I've ever seen. While waiting for the resident doctor, B and I gave Sophie orange-flavored pedialyte every five minutes as instructed by the nurse. Little Sophie sat on the big white bed while watching Strawberry Shortcake on TV. For a moment, B and Sophie seemed to enjoy the show. Until the laboratory nurse came in to draw blood from Sophie and start her IV. She started with Sophie's left hand. She poked it and pushed the needle right and left searching for the vein. Sophie was in so much pain and shock. She was crying her heart out. I was holding on to her body while B was holding on to her legs. The nurse found no luck with the left and she tried Sophie's right hand this time. I was already feeling weak. I wish I can just take Sophie's place so she won't have to endure the pain. But after the painful poke, blood still hasn't flown. Sophie was so scared. There was nothing I can do to stop her from screaming. Then the nurse moved on to Sophie's foot. It was at that moment when I grabbed Sophie's foot away from the nurse who was about to do her evil poke. I have never let anyone poke on my feet my entire life. I cannot believe that this nurse is poking my little baby's foot. I looked at the nurse. Tears flowing out my eyes. Pleading her not to. I was about to get hysterical. But B and my mom calmed me down. The nurse told me to give her one more chance. I silently nodded. This time, blood flowed through the transparent tube. The nurse succesfully found the vein. Sophie was still crying and screaming at the top of her little voice. I sang her a familiar melody that calmed her down. When I looked at her again, she had already fallen asleep. That moment I felt so sad and sorry for my little baby. I wonder why someone as small and innocent as her has to endure being sick. Dr. Colbourne, the resident doctor, came in and explained that Sophie was having a stomach flu which is very ramphant in BC now. Apparently, Sophie needs to excrete the virus within 48 hours and recover on her own without any antibiotic or medications. Sophie is only receiving saline solution via IV to keep her body hydrated. Poor little Sophie slept the entire morning and afternoon in the hospital room. When Sophie was asleep, B told me to go home with my dad so that I may sleep. He would watch over Sophie with my mom. Though I refuse to leave Sophie, I know that I have to rest for the little baby I'm carrying in my womb now. And so, I listened to B. Later that night, B called me at home to tell me that Sophie is already discharged. B brought Sophie home. I wrapped Sophie in my arms ever so tightly... I realized that being a mom is truly hard. The sight of my little baby in pain was enough to make me realize yet again how much I love Sophie. Her pain is also my pain. Only ten times more...Labels: family, hospitals, reflections, Sophie
Sophie at the Disney Store
Sunday, February 15, 2009 / 4:46 PM
On Valentine's Day, B and I took Sophie shopping and strolling at the mall.
We chanced upon the Disney Store and brought Sophie in. :)
SOPHIE & MICKEYSophie was happy and ecstatic as she saw all the Disney toys. She picked up a Mickey Mouse stuffed toy. She actually has a similar one at home. A pair of Mickey & Minnie mouse stuffed toys that B and I bought from Disneyland when we were on our honeymoon. Sophie prolly remembered and wondered why there are so many Mickeys and Minnies here. It never fails to make me smile whenever I see my little girl so happy. The simple joys of being a mother. :)
Labels: Sophie, toys
Strawberry Bouquet
Saturday, February 14, 2009 / 2:14 PM
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
I wanted to get a bouquet of red tulips.
But instead, B gave me a bouquet of strawberries.
STRAWBERRY BOUQUETThese strawberries are coated in Canada's finest chocolatefrom the Rocky Chocolate Mountain Factory. :)Labels: Brian and Sab, sweets, Valentine's Day
Indefinite Leave
Friday, February 13, 2009 / 1:03 PM
Today, I left the place I call home. I packed pretty much everything I needed. Loose dresses, winter boots, medical records, charm necklaces, laptop, diary, and more. Before B locked our main door, I paused for a moment, wondering if I can still bail myself out. But sometimes, you just have to keep looking ahead and stop looking back before you are lured back to where you shouldn't be. And so I gathered all my strength and courage. It won't be so bad. Not yet. B had taken a three week leave from work so that he may escort us in the flight and spend some time with Sophie and I before he flies back to Manila. It's the parting that will be painful. I fought the tears as I realized it once more. But there is no backing out now. And so I pretended to have the strength I still don't have and boarded the plane that will take me half-way around the world.Labels: pregnancy, reflections, travels
Destination: Vancouver
Thursday, February 12, 2009 / 1:28 PM
I'm not sure if I'm ready to go yet.
But I figured that I will never be ready until I'm already in it.
PASSPORTSToday, we are flying to Vancouver, Canadawhere I will give birth to our second baby this September.Labels: family, pregnancy, travels
Little Sophie Belle
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 / 10:24 PM
Do you know that I have a beautiful baby girl? She is named Sophie Belle. She was born with so much hair. While other babies are bald and boring, Sophie was strikingly pretty with her hair. She is a little tan. But she stands beautiful next to pasty white babies. She has round eyes that looks so innocent. She has puffy cheeks that everyone tries hard not to pinch. She has a smile that can melt even the heart of Ebenezer Scrooge. She loves drinking milk and she would make a cute burp when she is full. She loves eating candies and sweets. She loves riding her baby bike in the garden. A gift given to her by B last Christmas. She loves being tickled until she screams STOP. She loves staring at her reflection in the giant bathroom mirror. Oftentimes, kissing her own reflection. She loves dressing up in pretty dresses like me. She would personally choose what shoes to wear with her dresses. She loves carrying her backpack like Dora. I can go on and on and yet no words will ever be enough to express how much I love and adore my little girl. I love you, Sophie.Labels: reflections, Sophie
A Fighter
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 / 4:20 PM
Yesterday, I was depressed, worried, and bedridden.
Today, I am suddenly filled with such happiness and optimism.
Because my baby is a FIGHTER. :)
TRAVEL CERTIFICATIONIt was my fourth TV ultrasound. I have been undergoing this procedure for four weeks in a row now since I have been discharged from the hospital. When Dr. Pilar gently glided the probe in me, the screen began to show my growing little baby. The first words that came out of Dr. Pilar was "YOU'RE BABY IS A FIGHTER!" I was suddenly smiling despite my discomfort. Over the last week, my baby has more than doubled his/her size to 17.7 mm crown to rump. Heart rate has also increased to 170 beats per minute. My baby has chosen to live despite the almost miscarriage. A fighter, indeed. Dr. Pilar was pleased with the ultrasound findings. She was also glad to know that I have stopped spotting. Thus, she has decreased my current medications. She was also more than confident to let me travel this time. :)
Labels: hospitals, pregnancy, reflections
Gotti's Ristorante
Monday, February 9, 2009 / 7:20 PM
After searching for the perfect flat boots for my pregnant self
(which we didn't find coz all the pretty boots have heels)
Eileen and I decided to cheer ourselves up by having dinner at Gotti's. :)
GOTTI'S
MOZZARELLA STICKSPlatter of hot mozarrella sticks
Served with cold marinara sauce
VONGOLE
Pasta cooked with garlic and clams in olive oil
Absolutely delicious. :)
I had a great experience at Gotti's. Food was delicious. Serving was generous.
I even bought a box of Napoletana pizza for B and another Vongole for myself.
Oh no! Someone should stop me before I become a whale! :O
* * * * *
GOTTI'S
THE ATRIUM, MEGAMALL
Labels: Italian cuisine, restaurants
Chilis
Sunday, February 8, 2009 / 7:18 PM
Later that night, B invited Richmond, along with his fiancee, Audrey, to have dinner with us at Chilis Bar & Grill. Chilis holds a special place in my heart coz I worked here as a junior service staff 8 summers ago when B was still courting me. After 8 long years, Chilis is still the same with its busy walls of pictures and a giant pepper hanging in the ceiling. :)
FISH CRISPERSAll time favorite battered fish & chips
Served with shredded corn and fries. :)
MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKESponge cake with heavy chocolate fillingServed with chocolate dipped vanilla ice cream on top. :)The food was delicious. Just as it has always been. The company was also great. B and Richmond brought back hilarious stories from high school while Audrey and I laughed our hearts out. We lingered in our corner booth till it was past 12 midnight. Though we were reluctant to call it a night, B reminded me that I shall rest early. B foot the bill and we all headed home. It was such a fun night. :)
* * * * *CHILIS BAR & GRILLT. MORATO, QUEZON CITYLabels: restaurants, Western cuisine
Bags in the City
Saturday, February 7, 2009 / 6:48 AM
BAGS IN THE CITY... A place for bag hags like me.
A little detour I made on my way to the salon.
BAGS IN THE CITY
Patent Turquiose Bag
Croc Skin Passport Case
Croc Skin Checkbook Holder
Croc Skin Cellphone Case
I know I bought a little too much but I can't help it.
These new stuffs ought to keep me happy in bed for the rest of the week. :)
* * * * *
BAGS IN THE CITY
SAN JUAN
Labels: bags
Foot Fetish
Friday, February 6, 2009 / 1:40 AM
After two weeks of house arrest, B finally allowed me to go the beauty salon for my much needed pedicure, threading, and waxing. I swear I've never been this excited to go out even if the salon was just a few blocks away from home. Being the ever shopaholic wife, I made a few detours in our neighborhood and bought a few pretty stuffs (which I should tell in my next entry) before I finally went to Hair Lab where I usually have my nails done. I sat on the comfortable black couch and started on the huge pile of fashion magazines beside me while the lady started scrubbing and massaging my foot. I chose a sexy red nail polish to paint my toe nails. I went home feeling good about myself. My feet was minty and clean. My polish looks sexy and beautiful. My eyebrows are fineley shaped. I love the reflection I see in the mirror. I'll definitely miss these salon treatments when I'm already in Canada. :)* * * * *
HAIR LAB
SAN JUAN
Labels: beauty, salons
The Tudors
Thursday, February 5, 2009 / 7:12 PM
Lately, I've been hooked in this historical TV series.
KING HENRY VIII & HIS WIVESI've always been entranced by stories of Kings and Queens.This is the story of King Henry, his reign in England, and his wives.I thank my good friend and fellow mommy, KTfor lending me this DVD to keep me sane while I'm on house arrest. :)Labels: TV shows
Of Hospitals and Doctors
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 / 5:24 PM
Because I had an incident of spotting once again, Dr. Pilar wanted to see me for another prenatal check-up and ultrasound. And so, I made an appointment to see her at St. Luke's last Tuesday. This time, B decided not to go to work so he can take me to the hospital and spend the rest of the day with me. We drove out of our condominium riding B's new car. A very unexpected gift from his dad. Before we headed to the hospital, we stopped by Santis Delicatessen in Wilson to buy some European goodies. Dr. Pilar, also our godmother, is always too kind to charge us for the check-ups and ultrasounds we previously had no matter how much we insist. And so, B and I decided to just bring her a gift this time. Our gift consists of a variety of European hams and cheese. :)
HAMS, SALAMIS, AND PEPPERONIS
ULTRASOUND REPORTLabels: hospitals, pregnancy
Giving Things Up
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 / 5:53 PM
Is it just meant to be or what? I am back to being a housewife again. I have just found the perfect job of being a preschool teacher at Gymboree. I was just about to start my own classes with the little kids that Friday. A light yet fulfilling job thrice a week. It gives me time for myself and time for Sophie too. It was all just starting. Yet here I am once again. Back home with little to do but lie down the bed the entire day and watch videos till my eyes hurt. I can hardly play with Sophie. I feel guilty whenever she looks at me with her sad eyes. Wondering why mommy won't carry her in her arms. I can barely do the things I used to do as a housewife. I wanted to cook but the smell of raw meat and fish makes me feel weak and nauseous. I wanted to tidy up and organize a few of my things which I left scattered here and there and yet I started spotting again. I feel like my life has stopped. I have to give a lot of things up and somehow, I can't help but feel depressed.
Labels: pregnancy, reflections
Medium Well
Monday, February 2, 2009 / 12:08 PM
PORTERHOUSEMedium-well. That's how I've always wanted my steak. Cooked on the outside. Pink on the inside. I prepare steak rather simply. I'd like to preserve the natural taste of the steak. I only marinate it with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a sprinkle of salt and peppercorns. I cook the steak with butter and serve it with crisp corn kernels on the side. But because I am pregnant now, I am no longer allowed to eat my medium-well steaks. Raw or partially cooked meat and seafood still contain bacteria that pose a potential threat to the developing baby. How I miss my medium-well steak! :(
Labels: home-cooked
Sneak Out Dinner : Alex III
Sunday, February 1, 2009 / 8:06 PM
Last Sunday, I got to hop out the bed and sneak out from home.
B granted my one wish of having dinner at the all new Alex III. :)
BONELESS CHICKEN BARBEQUEChicken breast fillet served with Java riceHow I missed this classic barbeque favorite!I also had the famous sotanghon soup to start our dinner.Alex III will always be my favorite round-the-neighborhood restaurant. :)* * * * *ALEX IIIWILSON, GREENHILLSLabels: Filipino cuisine, restaurants
