why i am pro-vaccine

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I don't post things in here that are overly controversial. I stick to very superficial stuff like what I wore or what my kids did for the day.

But I'm deviating from my comfort zone and talk about one of my pet peeves. This movement of anti-vaccines. No one has really said anything harsh (yet) to my face. I have had a few questions from parents during my pediatric training years when I talked about vaccines during well child appointments. Vaccines and link to autism which by the way is not proven and there are publications.


I have had some comments on my IG feed when I posted Sebastian crying after his shots. I don't like giving my children shots per se, but I know the end result is good for them.


See, I've seen the complications of of infectious diseases. These could have been prevented if vaccines were accessible in the Philippines like how it is in this first world country.



Polio.


Chicken pox.


Mumps.


Tetanus.


Hepatitis.


Measles.


This recent outbreak of measles is what spurred this post. It makes me anxious for my less than 1 year old who is not immunized yet for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). Though vaccines are not 100% effective in causing immunity, herd immunity is important. if people around you are vaccinated, then risk of transmission is low. hence it's advised for parents with newborns to get vaccinated with the annual flu shot or the pertussis vaccine. That recommendation is mainly to keep the newborn safe -- not the parents.



I'm lucky that I haven't seen any case of haemophilus influenzae b meningitis. My program director mentioned that during his training years he saw the worst cases of Hib meningitis. That was only 20some years ago. Haemophilus influenzae b has the risk of mortality! Thanks to vaccines, I did not see it during my training.



Will these new breed of doctors see infectious diseases on the rise because of these anti-vaccine movements? Will the American children die of preventable diseases as if they live in third world countries.... I hope not.



I'd like to hear your thoughts and concerns. Whether you're pro or against vaccines, feel free to comment. But please be respectful... No name calling or anything.



No worries. After this post, I'll be back to my outfits of the day and other uninteresting menu planning. You know... The boring things.

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our neck of the woods

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This weekend, I braved the pollen-filled trail near our house. Who would have thought this small hiking trail is in the middle of the city. Very pretty!















we have always wanted to check it out. But my anxious self is so worried about the children tripping, falling, hitting their heads, blah blah blah. It was a gorgeous Sunday. The children are finally home after 24 hours of hard partying at Lola's house. So after pancakes from hubs (yup, breakfast chef), we dressed the children for a quick hike.


















And because I am an overachiever, I am fooled of the sucessful one hour trek, we decided (or I decided) that our family should visit all 25 state parks this summer/fall and maybe next year.



Sebastian is also loving hand-me-downs from his brother. Stuff that Daniel did not want to wear or tolerate when he was young, were pretty much brand new and in perfect condition for Bastian. check out this newspaper boy hat from Janie and Jack.














If you're wondering what my brother-in-law looks like, refer to the pictures above.
(cannot claim the awesome pictures of Sebastian... photo credit: Derrick)

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Light rose + gold + leopard {wiws, Sunday style}

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The title of this post should have been: something old, very old and ancient.







The one thing from this outfit that is somewhat new (ie from last year) is the necklace and earrings from zulily. Leopard Top is 2 years old. Skirt is older than my all my children's ages combined. I wore the Peep toe kitten heels at my rehearsal dinner!





Old...
Ancient...
Things...

Sorry for the wrinkly skirt. This is what happens when picture taken after Mass and after dinner.

Now for answer me this edition:

1. Do you hate happy clappy church music?
I like happy clappy church music. I went to FUS to visit a friend (a decade ago). She invited me to this praise worship thing on a Friday night. I was blown away. All those praise and worship songs I love sung by young Catholics. Wow.

I also like my traditional music from the green hymnal. So it just depends.

2. What is your priority: eating or sleeping?
For somebody who has been up >30 hours every fourth night, I choose sleep. I made it up with eating when I was awake for those 30 hours....

{btw, med education rules have since changed. An intern can only work max of 16 hours straight, residents max of 24-28 hours. Life's a little better}

3. What type of milk do you drink in your house?
The children drink whole milk.
I drink almond milk or soy milk... Whatever is on sale.

4. What is a book that changed your perspective on something?
There's just a lot of books.
But I did enjoy Rome sweet home. I don't know about changing my perspective per se. But it was the start of my reversion of my faith.

5. Who is your favorite saint?
Sts. Clare and Gianna.
I wanted to be a poor Clare when I was young....
Now that I am a mom and a physician, I am getting to know this modern day saint. it's her feast day tomorrow!

6. Introvert or extrovert?
Extrovert
But to recharge: I need my me, alone time.



Linking up outfits: with fine linen and purple and plane pretty.
Answer me this: catholic all year.

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shop my closet

lace + leopard skirt + floral again + BOOK! {7qt}

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1. I am reinventing my closet... Pairing things that work or do not work. my fave things: animal prints + lace + pink/blush.





i play around some more with my camera. I prep the settings for Derrick and he shots a couple (or several) pictures. my favorites are not my awkward poses, but the candid shots with my children.






Lace top ~ victorias secret, older than old // tank ~ NY&Co // pearl necklace, with a baby pearl still attached to the shell, look closely ~ from my grandma // leopard skirt ~ thrifted // ankle boots ~ Mia, also seen here // tights ~ Kohls



2. Floral again
Yesterday was an impromptu "join my son's schol for Daily Mass." The church smelled so fragrantly of Easter Lillies. Does heaven smell like that? I bet 100000000000x more.






I bought this grandma-ish floral top from hautelook. Yay or nay? Paired it with studded black skinnies (also from hautelook). If I tell you I wore these wedges all day long, I’d be lying. They have been in my closet for several months. I need practice before I bust around chasing children.




I would look like this if I am 5’6”. Thanks, sandals (similar).


3. Playdate
The D-crew met with friends for playdate last night. The children had fun. And best of all, the adults get to catch up and chitchat. Between two families, we had 6 children under 5 last night. Catholics, anyone?


4. Catholic Superstars
I will be tuning in on social media and live streaming for this weekend’s canonization of Pope JPII and John XXIII. There will be two popes in attendance ~ Pope Francis and Pope Benedict. I am having goosebumps right now.



5. Hair poll
I am getting a haircut in a couple of weeks. I am shedding hair worse than labradoodle (don’t ask me, I don’t even know if they shed a lot).


Taking a poll:
--- usual 2 inch trim

--- back to Cleopatra bangs

--- or stay with sweepy bangs

--- chop off a foot? (!) ~ I am faint of heart. I don’t think I can pull off a pixie cut. I would not know how to style it.



6. Shameless plug
Please check out my Instagram closet. I have a lot of clothes that I keep for sentimental reasons or another. Every time my mother comes over, I have a bag of clothes for her to send to the Philippines. The ones I am not able to sell, I will still send over there. Otherwise, check out and see if we are the same size! If you do not have an Instagram account, I can still send you invoice via paypal. Send me an email. If you like something, just ask.... bargaining is not an issue :)


{I always thought I will own a Sanrio Hello Kitty franchise... this may be the closest I will have to owning my own business/store}


7. Who’s excited?
Jen’s book is hitting stores this Tuesday!

Congratulations, Jennifer!


Link it up with the coolest author. Happy Friday, dears!

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this week's five faves

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Let's get to it...

1. 2014 calendar by ME


I use this as my desk calendar to keep track of patient census, things to do etc. I am still a list-person and crossing off to-do list gives me a sense of accomplishment.

2. Addicted to thrifting

You've seen my post before. My outfits last weekend were pretty much thrifted.

My favorite Instagram stores:
HerChicBoutique
ChicThrifty
ShopKimberlee's closet
RelovedThreads


For cute vintage kids clothes: luckyduckshop



I started my Ig Shop ~ check it out. It's my pre-loved clothes. Username: @disiscloset




3. New Lens

Thanks to my sister's recs ~ I am falling in love with my hand-me-down camera + new lens. I asked for it as my (early!) Mother's Day present. Thanks, hubs!

I will always be a beginner... I don't think I can be as good as my sissy. (little plug: if you are in the Indy area, check out her photog business. She will be in town for the summer!)




4. Bubble Tea
I think I am in withdrawal mode. We skipped our usual after Mass Taiwanese food + bubble tea last weekend. My favorite is the green milk tea. How about you?




source: wiki




5. Patients that make it on-time

This is me just venting. Please let me vent. I value your appointment. Please value your appointment with me.
So to all my patients who make it on-time to see me, THANK YOU. You're my favorite!


^well. He's not my patient. But he's definitely one of my favorites^
Old photo. Guess who.

Linking up with Hallie @ moxie Wife for my five faves. How about you? What are you liking this week? Do share!

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Clickables + a guest post

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hello, hello...

if you haven't been to Divina's blog ~ head on over, Now... PRONTO. It's my first time guest posting on her blog. *thanks again, Divina! if you are sick and tired of Easter posts and pictures, no worries amigo. I talked about food and books. Two of my favorite things!


And just because, I love outfits and cute bowties and spring dresses. check this out ~ my lovely niece and nephew! How about the cute Hahn family?
Katie's baby - seriously. love the tutu!

and I have a lot more to share. I am sparing you... just because, I want to share these:















I guess I lied about lack of Easter pictures.

1. The battle of trying to get a decent church picture
2. See what I mean?
3. Sebastian: are you stealing my eggs?
4. Sebastian: hmmmm big basket! Me likey!
5. Reading the book: Cora cooks pancit with Lola.

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My Bridegroom has Risen! {wiws, Sunday style}

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Happy Easter!

Is it just me or Lent went by really fast? Did I accomplish all the things I want to accomplish?


We hosted Easter brunch today. And instead of going to Easter Vigil (my husband was afraid to go ~ I don't blame him), we are going to late Sunday Mass instead. My children will have double dose of Mass blessings today. Once with Lolo and Lola and again tonight.


Feast your eyes on our feast!


Veggie Casserole:italian rosemary bread ~ 6 cups, cubed. place 3 cups at the bottom of a 9x13" greased baking dish
1.5 cups of parmesan and swiss cheese, shredded
sauteed vegetables - 3-4 cups total: baby bella mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, yellow and red bell peppers, onions
add rest of italian rosemary bread
custard: 10 eggs + 3 cups of half&half + 1/2 c shredded parmesan
let it soak overnight
am: let it sit and warm to room temp to avoid glass/dish cracking.
add 1/2 cup of swiss and parmesan cheese (can never have too much right?!)
bake at 325F x 50 minutes, until set.
let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.







Italian sausage casserole: (follow the instructions above)
multigrain bread ~ 6 cups, 3 cups at the bottom.
1.5 cups of cheddar cheese
sauteed veggies: spinach, bell peppers, onions
sauteed sweet italian sausage ~ 3/4 lb
add rest of multigrain bread
custard: 10 eggs + 3 cups of half&half + 1/2c sun-dried tomatoes, juice drained
before baking, add another 1/2 of cheddar cheese
bake as above!

ENJOY!







Our brunch is very much Filipino. My mom brought chicken wings and drumsticks for the children (and adults!) Berries, moscato and pull out bread for the family. And our dessert is my MIL's famous BIKO (sweet sticky rice).

Good Friday





Top ~ Loft, thrifted // skirt ~ j. Crew, thrifted // earrings ~ gift // pendant ~ axis mundi** // wedges ~ Zulily


Black Saturday {Easter egg hunt}





Top ~ loft // open-ruffle Cardi ~ kohls // floral pants ~ anthropologie, thrifted // flats ~ Mia // bangles ~ my grandma's // earrings ~ onelittlemomma

Easter Sunday ~ oh glorious day!



Dress ~ NY&co, thrifted // necklaces ~ from the Philippines // Kate Middleton nude pumps ~ naturalizer, as recommended by Laura. // bangle ~ my mom's

Linking up with finelinen and purple for what I wore Easter Sunday!

Praise God. Hallelujah! My savior has risen!




Gag reel

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**use THANKS15 for 15% off on axis mundi shop**

Good indeed...

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But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that made us whole,
and with his stripes we are healed.
~Isaiah 53:5


While I was listening to the first reading on yesterday's service, this song was playing over and over in my head.



The last time I went to Good Friday service was when I was in medical school. Maybe 8 years ago... Just like a lot of things that were put on hold because of residency, taking time off to worship God during the holiest days of the year was also put aside. Last year, I was in clinic. I was seeing a patient. This year, I was with my 3 babies and husband, venerating the wooden cross.



I am thankful I have some control with my schedule now... and I am not working.... so I can spend time with these sweethearts this weekend.

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blush dress + leopard booties

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I can fully unwind now. I feel like it's Friday today!

Having to work over the weekend, then on-call again last night, I also helped out celebrate new life by hosting a baby shower! I accumulated tons of sleep debt already... It started with Sebastian getting sick last week...



To give me the "oomph" I need {besides the coffee}, I dressed up ready to party! That's what I do when I am tired.




I forgot to take a picture of the spread. My share: variation of this veggie taco dip***, and this spicy chicken dip ~ which was a hit! I prepped the chicken dip in the slow cooker during morning clinic. By lunch time, it was ready for some dipping!

Shout out to my co-hosts for bringing: chicken salad in croissants, chips for the dip, fruit, pound cake, cookies, made-from-scratch cheesecake, frozen raspberry dessert (yumm) and drinks.

And because I have to have photos for my posts, let me SHOWER you with my outfit pictures.







Details:

Dress ~ H&M, thrifted // Pearl Earrings ~ gift from my friend, Sheila // pink bangle ~ my mom's // polka dot tights ~ kohl's, similar // leopard booties ~ Mia


I love this blush dress... I survive a full day in clinic with these booties. I love them more.



Check out Lindsay and friends for more outfit inspirations.

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My taco dip:
Combine:
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) sour cream
taco seasoning (the seasoning from this recipe)


Place the mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 dish.
Layer as follows: salsa, black olives, shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded mozarella and cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes. Serve with your fave chips (maybe the lime ones!)

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