Feb Fun 2009

Ronnel celebrated his nth bday yesterday and it was really special for the both of us because it's his first birthday as a father! Of course, baby couldn't greet him with hugs and kisses yet so he kicked his/her (yes! still!) hardest to greet daddy. We didnt do anything extravagant, just bought a cake, prepared some dinner (Palabok, Chicken Satay barbequed real-time and Puto pandan.) We had a few friends come over to share the special day and more food came. haha. Best of all, Ronnel had spent his day doing what he loves to do-- play NBA 2K9!

Ronnel's birthday prayer during the blessing of the food was quite simple. He wanted to thank God for all the blessings He has showered us thus far, for giving him another year, and for giving us a baby. He also thanked God for giving us good friends who are there for us to support us, to be our surrogate family, especially that our families are miles away and couldnt physically be with us to celebrate. And as for his birthday wish, he didn't say it out loud but I'm guessing, aside from me and baby being safe on our delivery, I bet he wished baby's a boy. Haha!

Here are pics of our simple birthday dinner last night:


Another update from me.. I just wanted to share that finally I'm a frustrated writer no more.

Finally, my writing skills have been acknowledged! Well, I'd like to think it has been acknowledged rather than they didn't have a choice put to publish my article.. haha.

My article was published on the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysts) February 09 Newsletter. Attached is the newsletter and the full article.

IIBA Feb 09 NewLetter (check out Page 3)

Full Article (you wont be able to access their website without being a member)

Chinese New Year At NZ

New Zealand may be the first to celebrate New Year but we're definitely the last to celebrate Chinese New Year. But as they say, better late than never. Here are some pics from the Chinese New Year Expo in Wellington.

IIBA Agile Business Analysis

Agile Business Analysis Gottesdiener Jan 20 2009

View more presentations from Tracy Cook. (tags: agile ba)

The Waiting Game

Three scans and nothing. Nada. Zilch.

When our OB told us that we'd find out our baby's gender on the 20th week scan, we were really excited and looking forward to it. Ronnel is hoping for a boy while I'm rooting for a girl. I'd like to have a girl to dress up, put braids and pig tails on and most of all, someone to shop with! Ronnel is hoping for a boy to play basketball with -- but I think it's just because he doesn't know how to raise a girl (coming from a brood of boys). He also admits being scared that he'd be too strict on a girl - just like he is with me!

On our 20th scan, baby had his/her legs crossed so the sonographer couldn't tell. We were told to try on the next scan. We had another one on the 23rd week and still, baby's legs were covering the view. The latest we had was on the 25th week and by then, we were really eager but still nothing. We even asked the sonographer to please look for it but we were told that it wasn't a priority for them. The scans were to confirm baby's health - not the gender. It was annoying because they didn't think of how important it was to us. Of course, baby's health is our priority too but if the gender can be determined, why can't they do it? Our friends who are pregnant knew as early as the 18th week!

So there, we were resigned to buying yellow and white clothes. I couldn't resist buying a pink baby suit though. Oh well, we'll just have to really wait till D day. Maybe on the next scan, there will be some leg-spreading action! Let's just wait and see. :-)