Why I Shifted to a New Pedia

Inno celebrated his eight month last Monday. And as per routine, we had his monthly checkup yesterday too... with his new pedia. Yes. Finally, we are under a new pediatrician. I have to admit that I really waited long for this shift. And I'm very much glad that we did. It was just the first meeting but I already had a lot of comparisons between the new one and the previous one. And I'm not just talking about small comparisons, I'm talking about those that actually matter to a mom like me. 

First, I'm happy to know that our new pedia is a breastfeeding advocate. Yes, that very much matter to me. Unlike the previous one, she encouraged me to breastfeed more and  told me that I could already drop the formula can. That's good news to my pump and husband's pocket. It's a great feeling when someone professional supports you in your advocacy. She actually breastfed her baby too while she can so I guess that's the reason why she's in full support of breastfeeding mommies like me. 

The second thing I like about her is that she measures everything -- as in everything necessary. From the seven months that I spent with our previous pedia, I've waited in agony for her to measure Inno's head circumference, height and ask about his milestones. That never actually happened because in reality, I was the one who's spoon-feeding her things that I think she should be asking me. She was never interested knowing if Inno could sit without support or if he's trying to stand up on his own. Never. All she did during check-ups was to measure the weight and give Inno his due vaccines. That's it.With our new one, she asked about all the things that Inno could do already, and after which, assured me that I have nothing to worry about with Inno because he is in the right track. 

One more thing is she even plotted Inno's developments in a growth chart. What more can I ask for? Per month, I have a concrete chart to look at to check how my child is doing, not just something that I could imagine and track mentally. So far, according to Inno's chart, his weight is average the weight of eight month old babies. He may not gained a pound but she assured me that it's normal for breastfed babies because they usually absorb the nutrients. So, it's no cause for alarm. His height however is a little way beyond his age. He is taller than the average eight-month old baby boy. Wow. I think I'm breeding a future basketball player. Kali was actually happy when I told him about it. 

I am very much happy that we finally changed our pedia for this incident. Last month, Inno's previous pedia told us that he is due for a Rotavirus vaccine on his next check-up. Rotavirus is actually an oral vaccine which protects babies from diarrhea leading to dehydration. I mentioned to our new pedia that Inno is due for a rotavirus vaccine this month and she was somehow alarmed when she learned that Inno wasn't given the vaccine yet at his age. Then she explained that the oral vaccine is usually given during baby's second month and cannot be given once baby reaches his eight month because according to studies, babies who are given the vaccine at eight months (or more), might encounter negative effects from the said vaccine. She also told me that although she never really had heard of any instances where a baby suffered from the bad side effects from the said cause, she doesn't want to try it with Inno and risk his health and she just encouraged me more to continue breastfeeding as breastmilk contains antibodies that fight against rotavirus.

If you could only imagine my wrath after learning about this. I am really never going back to that pediatrician ever. Imagine if she gave Inno the rotavirus vaccine and something happend to him? I could kill her! As a pediatrician, it's impossible that she don't know when the vaccines are due, right? I don't know why she still scheduled Inno to have it with the knowledge that it's been long overdue and Inno can't have it anymore at his age. 

So, to all the mommies who are still having their little ones checked once in a while, please know your pediatrician well. Read a lot of resources on how to spot the right doctor for your baby. Once you feel uncomfortable or your clinic visits become 'lugi', shift to a new one. There are a lot of good doctors there who'll make your money and time worth-spending and support your advocacies on child-rearing as well. 

How about you? Do you love your pediatrician? 

  

On my way to WAHM-ing

It is Kali's birthday today. Unfortunately, I don't have anything for him. Well simply because I ran out of budget for it. October is pretty much a very pocket-wrecking month. With two anniversaries to celebrate plus Kali's birthday, I definitely expect to ran out of money given the fact that I don't have a job. I only make some out of the money Kali hands me (once in a blue moon). And yes, you're right to think that I don't actually hold our family budget. 

I think the heavens already heard my prayers and finally opened a door for me. Last night, I just had my first online job interview via Skype. I applied for this part-time and home-based job last week and they scheduled me for an interview. I'm very much happy to say that I finally got a shot and was called for a training which would last for around ten days. Not bad at all because after the training, everything will be home-based already. 

I am pretty much excited to work. I know it's not my ideal job but right now, for me, what is important is I could still get to look after Inno while making my own money. It's a lot different to have your own money to save and spend rather than waiting for the husband to hand his pay to you (which in my case, doesn't really happen). I've got things I want to accomplish in the future and the only way I could make that happen is to have my own money to study for it. 

Kali already told me to set that 'dream' aside and find a job so I could help him with the saving thing. But I just cannot push myself to find a work that I know I would not enjoy and then resign (again) in the future, the reason I am finding ways to earn money without even having to sacrifice my time for Inno and tying myself to a job that I don't really like just for the sake of earning. 

So, Yes. I am on my way to becoming a WAHM and I'm finding more opportunities to increase my chances of earning while staying at home and taking care of our family. I don't mind what other people would think about it because in the end, it's still my life and I would live it the way I want. :)

Weekend Mishaps

Weekend passed me by just like that but it's pretty okay with me since it didn't kick off the way it should be -great and fun. Aside from our quick movie date, we finally watched the The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie, nothing special happened. There were just a lot of mishaps which I intend to forget after this post. I swear. 

First Mishap: The Pissing Checkup

I'm sure that our checkup this month is something I would always take as a lesson. It was Inno's seventh month checkup last Friday. For months now, I always dread his checkups since I've aready sensed since the beginning that our pedia will try to let him take formula milk. My answer to her every time she asks me about that is I am still breastfeeding and have no plans to stop anytime soon. I have to admit that partly it was my fault why she was more gauged to offer us formula milk this time. It was because of an inquiry that I texted her earlier this month. Supposedly, Kali and I were to spend our first wedding anniversary without Inno but there was some miscommunication between Kali and me that I thought Inno would be coming around already because there's no one available to babysit him on that weekend. Well, the truth is there's Ate Jem and Mama but both were scared every time Inno would start to wail, so they asked us to bring Inno along. 

Going back, since I thought that Inno will be coming with us, I decided not to pump the entire week since I'll be direct feeding him on the weekend. Friday came and Kali asked if I pumped enough for overnight away from Inno and I was surprised and told him that I didn't. There were around six packs of frozen breastmilk in the fridge but it won't be enough since he's feeding every three hours even with solid foods. Came Saturday, I told Kali that we could still leave Inno and provide a small can of formula milk alternately with the frozen ones only for that day. I texted our pedia what could Inno take for his age and she said this particular milk. Of course, with the turn of events, we didn't avail the formula milk. 

Maybe she thought I'm willing to take formula after all, but even so, I think she could have first encouraged me to continue breastfeeding. What's worse is she told me that of all the breastfed babies that she knows, Inno was not the chubby/siksik type. What a way to support me on my breastfeeding journey, right?! Well, for those of you who haven't seen Inno yet, we could tell that he is tall for his age. The reason why every time he gains weight, it might not be visually significant. You just can't expect a tall baby to be chubby at the same time considering his parents' body frames. Nakakaloka talaga. And of course, being the praning mother that I am, I gave in to the idea of mix feeding which I intend to dispose after Inno finishes this one and only can of formula milk he will ever take for his entire life. 

I know what this mix feeding thing could do to my milk and in order to maintain my supply, I pump on the times he would drink by the bottle and direct feed him alternately. Also, I make sure to take lactation supplements to further boost my milk flow. 

Update! I'm changing our Pedia next month! Thank You dear Lord!

Second Mishap: MY OB Checkup

While waiting for Inno's checkup, I was able to drop a visit to my OB-GYN who also shares the same clinic with Inno's pedia. As you know, My menstrual period has not returned yet up to this time. It's one of breastfeeding wonders which they refer to as lactational amennorhea. It is a nursing woman's natural way of preventing pregnancy while breastfeeding. But of course, there's a safer way of avoiding unplanned pregnancy by doing safe intercourse. I'm not really bothered with the absence of my period because I've read that it's really possible if you are exclusively breastfeeding. However, my OB says that I should start having my cycle back so that we could start on family planning already. She asked me to take these tablets that she already prescribed to me before but I refused to finish because it was making Inno fussy. And this time, she's asking me to take 15 of them. Facepalm. That's not the end of it. She also asked me to start weaning Inno from the breast. Bingo! Of course, I am hesitant and my insides were raging. She was really a good OB the whole time I was pregnant but after what she just asked me to do last weekend, I think I will never be seeing her until my next pregnancy. 

Seriously, how can these doctors just have the guts to ask moms to stop breastfeeding when they should be advocates of it in the first place? Now I know why more and more mothers are choosing to let their babies drink canned milk. Its because of these doctors who patronize these commercial products over the natural one. Coming from these 'experts', the tendency of these new mothers is to believe that they don't have enough to nourish their babies and therefore choose formula over breastmilk. 

C'mon! Think! Why do you think these milk companies mimic the breastmilk? It's because breastmilk is a lot more healthier to take. Aside from the nutritional benefit breastmilk has, it is also rich with antibodies that help boost babies' immune system. Something formula milk cannot offer your child. 

If you're a mom-to-be (or a dad-to-be for that matter), I hope and pray that you give breastfeeding a chance to nourish your baby first atleast before choosing formula milk agad. Don't believe everything your doctor says especially if they're against breastfeeding and of course, these professionals won't tell you if they are. What they'll do is convince you by offering you this certain can of milk and tell you that it has more nutrients over breastmilk. They may appear very much convincing but it will always be up to you to give in to them. 

Again, I don't have anything against mothers who choose to feed their babies formula milk. It is always a CHOICE. I just want to post a healthier (and yes, maybe old school) option to nourish your children. Nothing beats breastmilk and a lot of Filipina moms (and Hollywood mothers alike) have proven that. What other proof do you still need?

There are already a number of breastfeeding support groups in the Philippines and Mr. Google can help you with it. During my pregnancy, I frequently visited the Chronicles of A Nursing Mom website. Jenny is a Filipina breastfeeding mom herself and a certified LATCH expert and could help answer all your questions about breastfeeding. In her site is a VIP Tab too which features other BF support groups. 

Mishap Three: A Bad-Tempered Hubby

We capped the weekend in a not-so-nice way. It was just one of tampuhan episodes but what I really hate about it K's nagging temper. We were discussing about this upcoming family occasion which he's not sure about just yet. Well, I have to admit I made kulit him about it but only because I just want to spend my dad's birthday with my family in Laguna. For the past six years of our relationship, I have always prioritized K on his birthdays even if it would mean I can't celebrate my dad's because most of K's birthdays were spent out-of-town and in time for sembreaks. (Btw, K's bday is on the 25th, and my dad's on the 28th) I'm really torn apart now because I know dad would want Inno to be there on his birthday. :( And I badly want to make up for all those birthdays that I missed just because I chose to celebrate K's instead. 

My family back home were already asking me if we're going home for Dad's birthday and I can't say 'yes' just yet. It hurts like H. I'm still trying to compromise with them to spend it In Manila na lang so we could go. What i hate about our argument last Sunday is his raging temper. I understand that I pressured him somehow but that is not enough reason to talk like that. :(

You know Hon, I love you amidst all our countless differences but #1124 of the  List of things about me says: I hate being shouted at because it triggers my tear ducts. (Take note of that next time)

So far, my week is doing just fine (minus the formula feeding time, of course!). I love how I've been able to catch some Me Time in the afternoon for two days now. Moreso, I'm loving how, aside from blogging, I'm having more time to write in my journal now the old school way. Pen + Paper are my good friends now.

You. Yes you reading this. Tomorrow's hump day already. I hope you're having 

a blast. :) 

Xo,

Yan

Badeya-deya-deya

Right before I started writing tonight, I just finished one Blueberry croissant which served as my after dinner snack. Grabe. I really could not believe how big my appetite is. If you have no idea, you should read my previous blog and learn what a rice monster I am. But anyways, I'm not writing tonight to talk about my huge love for eating again but rather about how September has been treating me and my small family. (Ugh. Blogging using an iPad is quite turning into a challenge to me.) 

So.. 

{Laguna}

We were able to spend a few days in Laguna for Xander's birthday party. thr last time we visited was during Inno's third month pa. Inno and I arrived Friday afternoon there with someone who drove for us by the name of Kuya Mar. Unfortunately, the car wasn't in tip-top shape the reason why we're sweating the whole trip and why Inno caught a cold after. The first thing I did upon arriving was to prepare the fondant. I wish I could bombard this post with pictures as I type but they're all taken via Mumc's ipad. I would have to ask her to send me those. I promise to update as soon as they're sent. Going back to the fondant, I didn't know that it was just easy to make one! Thanks to youtube and for Martha Stewart's recipes, I was able to perfect (atleast) the fondant. 

I have to admit that the kneading part is the most challenging part while making the fondant. Back to the days when we used to own a bakery, it was very much easy for me (and to the rest of the family) to knead a dough. I think I need to get those baking skills back. It took me atleast two hours to finally smoothen the fondant and another eight hours (to rest it) before I could finally use it. 

Then we started making the cupcakes already. We had a bad start and I can't help but laugh and get annoyed too everytime I think about it. So to cut the annoyance and the long story, the choco chip muffins got burned in the oven because of wrong heating. Good thing though that we're able to perfect the next set which are the chocolate cupcakes. And yes, I also tried baking lactation cookies and they got a little toasted as well. Haha. But atleast they could still be eaten kind of cookies. In fact, everyone who passed by the dining table that time would pick one and upon eating half of it, I'd tell them that it's a lactation cookie. They were all close yo dropping it but I explained to them that it would take effect only if you're lactating prior to eating it. :) 

It was way past midnight and Inno was snoozing soundly already when we finished baking. I love Inno because he'd get along with everyone in the house. He doesn't choose who he likes to carry him. And as I see, he loves being surrounded by a lot of people. 

Saturday came and everyone was busy already. I was already  up by six in the morning and started working on the fondant and cupcake decorations. Good thing that my other cousins and titas came to look after Inno while I help with the packing of things that will be brought to the resort. :) 

Overall, the party was a success because of all the extra helping hands and the love the whole family showed during the preparation and the party itself. Xander may not be able to appreciate it yet, but it's enough to show him that he is special on his birthday and even everyday. Here's a collage of Inno's first dip. :) 

Came Sunday and it's time to go home already. As usual,  I was all teary-eyed when we're about to leave (and I didn't show them that, of course). I super duper hate saying goodbye to them. Brings out the drama queen in me. Haha.

{Inno's Six Month}

Inno turned .5 years old already this month. I could not believe it somehow but time is passing by quickly. Imagine, in a span of another six months, I have a one-year old already. How exciting is that? 

Since he turned six-months, he started eating semi-solid foods already. I'm very much excited to introduce him to real food but I treat it as just a supplementary snack and make sure that he still breastfeeds on a regular basis. I also make sure to pump every so often so I could mix it with his food and keep my supply up. 

{Abby}

My sissy next to me turned 24 last September 21. I made her this collage. :) I hope she'll have a healthy baby girl. :) 

{anniversary}

In a few weeks it'll be our first wedding anniversary and 7th year as bf-gf. We'll be spending it at Trader's hotel where we held our wedding reception last year. I still don't have anything for Kali but I already have something in mind already. :)

How about you? How are you spending your September so far? :)

Brrrr for the 'Ber Months

More than anyone else in the house, I have to admit I'm really excited for September because the Ber months are finally here. I'm actually not excited for myself though but more for Inno. It will be our first Christmas with him around. Just gives me more reason to make Christmas more special. As early as now, I could already imagine him looking allured at Christmas decorations and happily open his presents from the Santas. (Okay, okay. I'm being way too excited. He'd be a nine-month old by then so surely he can't open presents just yet!)

On other news, our little Kuya Xander on my side of the family will be celebrating his 2nd birthday on Wednesday. It's a cliche but really, time flies. What's more is he'll be officially a big brother come January because Abby is expecting her second baby. At this time, I know things are a little rough between her and Zeus but I pray that she'll get past those and have a healthy and happy pregnancy. Moreover, I super duper wish that it'll be a baby girl this time. I can't wait to unleash my auntie kikayness if ever she turns out to be a princess. 

{Responsible Parenthood}

Speaking of pregnancy, I still haven't come back to my OB-GYN for a check-up. I was supposed to go back after my first post-pregnancy menstrual visit but I wasn't able to because of, uhm. How do I put it into words? Well, I wasn't sure kasi if my bloody discharges were already my period because they don't last for a week. For months, it has been like that so I thought maybe the breastfeeding was the root cause for my still irregular period. I promise myself though to pay her a visit since we also need to talk about family planning and responsible parenthood. 

I've read a lot of stuff about family planning already. There are actually a number of methods to choose from but I guess only a few are being practiced in the Philippines like the traditional pills, condom and ligation. I haven't really tried taking up pills ever and I guess I won't be trying it for the next couple of years (or hopefully, the entirety of my existence) because I've read that it's not advisable to be taken by breastfeeding moms since it has a high boost of estrogen and could make the baby cranky. As a BFA, I strongly avoid taking anything over the counter. During days that I feel ill, I try to go natural and rely on home remedies. One reason why I think I would not settle on the pill. I just don't want to take anything that could affect the content of my milk. Although, there's actually a substitute for a pill (but still a pill), called the mini pill. (Did I just say pill?) It has less estrogen-content but I'm still not convinced to take it since I don't know what side effects it could have on me. So I guess, between Kali and I, he'll be the one to practice responsible parenthood method (aka the Rubber method). 

Inno, I could say, is an enough reason to be more mindful of doing the act. We want to enjoy him and focus on him atleast for the first three to four years of his life. We want to make him feel special and loved before another chikiting comes around. :) 

Um, okay. Rereading my blog, I think I just said too much tonight. Sorry, guys!

{Hello, Old Me}

Anyway, I think I'm soooo back to my old diet. That is, my two cups of rice per meal diet. Bad? I don't think so because I don't seem to gain weight. Good? Not much. Well, I know this may sound weird but I actually love my weight when I was pregnant. It was the only time that I actually felt and looked fat and I loved it. I swear. I prefer that over being skinny but with a kargador diet. I love my in-laws though because they always ask me to eat intensively but a part of me feels ashamed for eating almost half caldero of rice. (Yes, that means even more than two cups of rice sometimes!)

Well, I have an excuse for having this big diet. I'm not preggy (and I think you already figured that out if you read this entire post). Thanks to breastfeeding I have all the luxury and necessity to have big meals. :) I've said before that breastfeeding is like being pregnant all over and up to now, it remains true for me. You have to eat and eat and drink a lot of fluids. :)

{Sweet September}

I love how September started out for me and my small family. I love how things are slowly unfolding for me. I may not have a job yet but for now, being Inno's mommy is the best work I ever got myself into. And you know what's good? It's a lifetime job that I won't ever want to resign. And who knows, maybe the office life isn't really the path for me. There could be something more. There IS something more and I believe in that. ;)

Same way, I love how August brought so many things in our lives. One of the few things I appreciate and won't forget about last month is the time Kali and I got to go out without Inno. Don't get me wrong. We love having Inno around and going out with him, but sometimes it feels good being alone with Kali. Just like the good old days. I'd like to think that it keeps the fire burning and our marriage a little sweet and youthful (just like how it was when we were in college) but more mature this time. :)

Dream Home: Breakfast Bar

Hi!

To make up for the lost time of not writing and at the same time satisfy the urge to jot down some thoughts, I'm giving in and writing tonight. 

I decided to write about my dream home for my little family. If you were able to read my other blog (click here if you haven't), I once wrote about how I, as a kid, was fond of sketching houses. Well, I admit up to now, I still love fantasizing about our future home. I don't doodle that much now but what I do is I list down particular details that I want in a specific part of a house. I have to say I am a frustrated architect and/or an interior designer and/or someone who's got keen eye for beautiful homes and furnitures. I guess I will always be but I don't think that could put down my passion for building my own sanctuary. 

For tonight, let me share to you my ideas on my future kitchen thru this picture. 

I got this one from the House of Turquoise website. I super adore her posts especially the fact that she was able to gather a lot of designs playing on the particular shade of blue that is Turquoise. 

Anyway, what I love about this design is the spacious kitchen and the breakfast bar. I love the idea of having a breakfast bar in the house. It's nice having to two places to eat at. I could imagine Kali and Inno waiting at the table while I prepare breakfast for them. :) I also love the white paint for the kitchen. :)

Here's another one from the same website! :)

So dainty! :) 

More to come! :) I can't wait to work my butt and save up for our future home. I know it'll be fantastic and just the way I want it to be. :)

On my next post, I'll be writing and posting pictures of my ideal room for Inno. :) 

Have a great loooong weekend, guys! :)

xo

Yan :)

August: Breastfeeding Month

Well, well, well.

We meet again my friends.

Okay, fine. I know. I'm sorry for not being able to write for more than a month now. I've been very busy with prospect job interviews while juggling it with mommyhood. Time flies! Inno just turned five months last Sunday. He's really getting a lot longer than the usual babies of his age (or so I think). I'm happy and super thankful to God for keeping him healthy. So far, he hasn't experienced anything major than a cold and a little coughing. No fever whatsoever giving me more reasons to love and stick with breastfeeding. 

Speaking of breastfeeding, I've been itching to write a blog about it since August, as I've read in some mommy blogs, is considered as the breastfeeding month. But of course, as I've said, I have been focused on job hunting and landing down on interviews, giving me no time to write. So, what do I write here. Hmm..

Well, each month that Inno celebrates his birthday, I also celebrate my breastfeeding milestone. I honestly could not imagine that I've lasted this long compared to other moms I knew who gave up nursing their babies as early as their 2nd month. I have nothing against moms who feed their babies formula milk. Just like anything in this world, breastfeeding is a choice you make as a mom and so I understand whatever reason they have for stopping it and opting for canned milk. I just wish I could influence my other friends who are soon-to-be mommies and those who just become one to atleast try and put effort in nursing their babies. Why? Because I want them to experience for themselves what I learned from breastfeeding Inno.

I've come up with a list why I love breastfeeding. Let me share. 

1. Breastmilk boosts Inno's immune system. 

2. Breastfeeding gives us a special kind of bondage. 

3. Breastfeeding brought me back to my pre-pregnancy weight in less than four months. :)

4. Breastfeeding serves as a discipline to me, making me watchful of what I eat. 

5. Breastfeeding saves us from the P800/week cost of formula milk. :) That's more or less P80,000 in two years. 

6. Our diaper bag is literally a diaper bag. No formula milk and bottles. Just my nursing cover and me for meal time!

7. Breastmilk ensures Inno from being overweight or obese. 

8. Breastfeeding lowers my risk for breast cancer. 

9. Breastfeeding gives me a different kind of self-esteem boost as a mom. :)

10. Breastfeeding opened doors for me to change and become the best mom I could be for Inno. :) I learned to sacrifice my wants over Inno's needs. :)

I really wish that new moms and moms-to-be would try their very best first and prioritize breastfeeding before choosing to feed their babies formula milk. I know how instant formula milk could be, and it would be very easy to believe what doctors favoring formula milk and the media (TVC's) say, but give it a try before jumping into it. Not everything you see or hear or read about formula milk is true. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of breastfeeding groups already in the Philippines and they are all willing to lend a hand and guide you on your breastfeeding journey. JUST ASK. 

I wish I could share more about breastfeeding, but I don't consider myself an expert but rather an advocate. However, in any case you read this and you  yourself is a mom or know someone who's about to become a mom or a new mom, and you want to encourage her to breastfeed, leave a comment. I will be willing to recommend you/them to breastfeeding groups. :)

----

More. More. More. 

Pumping Journey

I'm loving August more. Why? Because I already got to purchase my Medela Freestyle Pump. Thanks to my dad who just received his retirement benefits, I got showered with some. Prior to my purchase, I was actually leaning on buying an iPhone4s to upgrade my phone, or rather, have my own phone (I've been using Kali's phone for months now.) But I've pondered about it and thought that I'd better get a good quality pump instead. The price of the iPhone4s is almost the same price with the pump but I know it'll be worth it. Besides, the phone could wait and I need to store milk for Inno so I don't have anything to worry about whenever I'm out of the house. 

I can't wait for my pumping journey to start. So far, I'm doing some powerpumping sessions and taking a lot of galactagogues to increase my supply. :) 

Wish me luck! :)


xo

Yan

Gloomy Tuesday

Heyyaaaah!

How's your week so far? Well, me. I'm kinda starting to think (and feel) that I didn't nail the job position that I applied for. It's been more than a week since my interview and they haven't given me any feedback just yet. I'm not fretting, though. In fact, I feel awesome. I know it's weird but maybe its because I actually never expected any answer from that company. Not that I didn't give my best in the interview but I just think that landing on it would be like dreaming -- surreal. It's just too big and ideal for me, I guess. Plus, I think our household isn't ready yet with me working because we haven't searched for a nanny for Inno yet. 

Excuses? Certainly not. I think it's not for me and I'm open to that. Just like all those fancy clothes in Forever21 stores that I can't put my hands on. (Hehe!)

Not giving up. I know there's something  that's meant for me. 

Anyway, a thud of OC-ness struck me today. Remember that I mentioned on my previous post that we might spend the weekend in Baguio? Well, I've decided earlier to make checklist for Inno's travel essentials and I made one using a spreadsheet. It was fun in a very OC way because its a great help during packing to be sure that I won't forget anything.  Also, I could use it over again for future trips.

Hmm. What else, what else?

I started reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac (I don't know if I spelled his last name right). I'm still on Chapter 3 so I can't really tell if its a good read (but Kali said it is, so I'll see if it really is). 

I joined an online contest which will give away a box of cloth diapers. I hope I'll win this time to add it to Inno's stash of cloth dappies. And did I mention already that Ate Cha gave Inno another bamboo dappy? Yep, another printed one. Inno now has ten cloth diapers. More to come! 

Today was a gloomy day. I hope the weather gets better by the end of the week so we could push through with our plans. 

This is all for now. I hope you're all having a good week so far. I can't wait to do more things for the rest of the week.

P.S.

Today is July 3. I'm confused with what day today is? Is it a Tuesday or a Wednesday?

Oh, Tuesday it is! I thought its midweek already. :p

x

Yan

Goodbye, June!

Oh Why hello there, July!

We're officially on the second half of the year. Time flies and soon enough it will be Christmas season again. I could say that June has been good to me in a way that it opened a few exciting doors but of course, with my priority now who goes by the name of Inno, I had to reconsider a lot of times before diving into the pool. I'm still in search of the best and fitting job for me, a young mom who'd like to make sure that her child gets all the time and attention he needs while balancing with her chosen profession. It's a bit hard and kind of a pressure but I know it's something I had to take my time doing. I actually just realized how tough it could be with all the interviews and exams I had to go through again, but I'm not actually in a hurry since I don't want to end up (AGAIN) with a job that I won't really love and enjoy in the next coming years. I have considered taking up classes and workshops of things that I actually enjoy doing like crafts, baking and fashion styling but with all the expenses that would go with it, I had to think about it twice. I haven't mentioned it to Kali actually since I kinda know already what he'll say about it. I've also thought of taking up MA in Creative Writing but like my previous excuse, I don't think it'll ever be possible. At times it downs my spirit but I know I have to be practical. I need to end up with a good paying job that I would enjoy at the same time, then maybe, if time and budget permit, I could finally do these "extra curricular" activities. 

I love June because it marked Inno's first quarter in his first year. I love how much he's changed already. From being that fragile bundled sweet pea, he's turned into an adorable little kid who's starting to show his genuinity. It's real happiness for me as a mom to witness how he unfolds himself day by day. The feeling is incomparable and priceless. For once in my life, I'm proud of myself for getting through the tough times and for that, I will always be thankful to Inno because he made everything worth it. 

I love June because it was the month that I turned into a bookworm. I wouldn't say "bookworm AGAIN" because I wasn't really one back then when I read books only if I feel like it. Reading for me now has become both a necessity and a hobby. I don't think I'll ever stop in the near future. Last night, it dawned at me why I never actually thought about reading a lot during the time I was pregnant. Well, I actually did read a couple of fiction books when I was pregnant and the rest of the books were all about babies and pregnancy. You know. The Mommy Stuff. But anyway, I could say that reading a lot made me write comfortably. It's like when you get too accompanied with words from the books you read, you also gain that confidence in writing. It's like the words just come out freely. You don't have to think about it unlike before that I stumble with words. It put ease with writing. By the way, I was able to finish five books in a month. 

While those are some of the things that made my last month memorable, June also offered me reasons to pause and remember two people I miss. Kuya Paul and Nana. It's been a year since Kuya Paul died and somehow, I still carry that regret. I still wish I was there for him when he needed someone to talk to or be with. Just like the good old days when he's there for me even if I don't ask him to. I still wish we could sit at McDo and talk about anything. But of course, its too late to even think about it now. Besides, he wouldn't want me to be sad when I think of him. I just can't help it. Its like there's always this hole in my heart and I could tell it would be like that for a while. I miss him, his weirdness, his sense of wit and humor. I miss how he talks and how he'd open up to me. I know wherever he is now, he's still figuring things out. Nonetheless, I try to be happy for him because this is how he wanted it to be. I just pray that wherever he is, he'll find the answers to his questions and that he'll be happy because in the end, we all deserve to be happy. 

As for Nana, its been months since she passed away and last June 28 was her birthday. Unlike Kuya Paul, Nana died due to old age and some minor health problems that come with it. We miss her but we know it is time for her to rest. I know Kali misses her too, but he's afraid to breakdown in front of me. I remember the time she died and we can't go home to Lubang to pay our respects because it was still less a month after Inno arrived and I'm still recovering from giving birth. We were already about to sleep when Kali suddenly spoke about Nana. He said that going home to Lubang would be different now since Nana's gone already. That sent me to tears because I felt his loss and I'm just not brave enough to hold back my tears. I know he was just being strong but deep inside, he mourned for his Nana. I miss Nana and her strong personality. I miss how she'd share stories and would scold when she's irritated. I'm lucky to have met her because I know she prayed for me too like she did for everyone in the family. I'm sad though that Inno didn't get to meet her but I know she's always looking over us. 

I'm hitting the bed anytime now but before I go, I'd like to remember this day so I'd write a few about it. We head to Centris earlier to attend mass, but since the weather was too hot, Kali and I with Inno, stayed at ChaTime while we wait for the mass to end. We're able to take a short walk in the organic market, then head back at home for lunch. Kuya Bayan and Ate Cha arrived with the kids. It was a typical Sunday with Julian being hyper and all but there's something with today that makes it memorable. I can't tell what, but whatever it is, it feels good and positive. 

Anyway, there's a possibility that we'll be spending the next weekend in Baguio. It's been a while since Kali and I have been there and it would be a lot of fun to be back on the road again. There are plans being brewed but we're still waiting for it to finalize. Whether it'd be a yes or a no, I don't really mind because after all, it's still a weekend. And weekends meant family time. :)

I hope the next half of the year goes well with you all. I can't wait to welcome new opportunities that'd arrive in my doorstep. Soon, soon. I know there's something good that's meant for me. 

x

Still Professionally Jobless.

A few months ago, I was on a waiting game with Inno. If you read my other blog, you probably have imagined how impatient I have become during the last stage of my pregnancy. Inno not coming out that time was already getting on my nerves and since Kali had started his job then, I was left by myself at UP Bliss most of the time so I can't actually do more walking in as much as I wanted to. 

Now, I'm again on a waiting game but not about Inno this time. For the past few weeks, I have been trying to land on a job. I've been submitting applications to jobs that interests me while being practical at the same time. By practical, I mean, office hours and time for my family on weekends. So far, according to my JobStreet record, I have actually applied to ten jobs already and as of this late, I have only gained one feedback from a job that sure is practical because it's home-based but with less growth. I am still thinking if I should submit my interview form already so I could have my final interview or wait for further feedbacks of the other jobs that I applied to. I know. I know. I definitely should set a deadline. By the end of this month, if I don't get a good job just yet, I'm accepting that home-based job while I try to convince Kali to send me to a fashion school for a short course on Basic Sewing and fashion styling. The thought of asking Kali about it actually scares me. What if he says no? I don't know. Good luck to me. :|

Anyways...

June has been running smoothly for us. I'm excited for Inno's fourth month. Time really flies. There's just so many new things that he could do already. He's been babbling and "talking" a lot. He could already hold his head up without us having to support his neck and his vision has improved as well. He could already recognize me from afar. He has developed a daily schedule as well and would go fussy if we don't meet his sleeping routine. 


I hope things will continue to go well for us and I pray that impatience won't set in again. I wanted to work already (weh???!!!) or rather, I wanted to do something already. :| I know you might say I have the toughest job already and that is being a mom to Inno. But hello, practically speaking, I should start helping Kali in making moolah for Inno's future. Beside, I miss having my own money too. :| 


Oh, Universe. Please be good to me. 

Sticking to a Schedule

This week is passing by in a swift. Today is Thursday already and by tomorrow, I'm ready to embrace the weekend again. One of the things I look forward to weekends is bonding time with the boys (besides being able to do so much chores and things for myself because Kali is around). I love waking up on Saturday mornings with the three of us tucked in the same bed. Yep. You read it right, three of us since Inno won't sleep in his crib by three in the morning. That's a consistent thing. He won't stop crying until we transfer him to the big bed. He also already developed a morning schedule and I'd like to stick with that. He'll wake up at around five to half past five and would start to play with his dad. He's the reason why Kali's been leaving the house quite late than he would back then, but still I appreciate his effort of spending time with Inno. After he leaves for work, I will then send the little boy to sleep so I could prepare his bath time essentials. If he doesn't want to sleep, his Tita Asa or Lola May would bring him downstairs first to give me time to eat and ready his things. Before, Ate Jem would be the one to carry and bring him downstairs, but since she's not around and Tita Carol don't come that early, it's a good thing that in-laws are there to lend a hand. By the time they leave for work, I'm all ready to do mommy duties.


You may ask how I was able to keep this routine. Well, it's all about consistency. A routine won't become a routine unless it is consistent. To give you an outline, let me share some points on how I make a schedule for Inno. 


1. Have a schedule in mind. It all starts with plotting a workable schedule based on your baby's time . Write it down or save it on your phone and practice it. If things don't workout as planned, don't be hard on yourself but rather keep on trying until you finally discover how your baby works out his time.


2. Do not do a routine that is based on your time frame. During Inno's first month, it was actually hard for me to wake up by the time he is up, what I do is I try to send him to sleep again so I'd have more time to slumber but things only turn wild. Inno will start to cry for attempting so hard to sleep again. I've learned from that and whenever he's up, I try to wake up and give him attention. The same with feeding, not all babies actually feed on exactly every two hours. If she begins to tell signs that she's hungry, don't delay feeding just because you think you have to wait for time to be precisely two hours. 


3. Take cues from her actions. Deciphering what your baby wants is quite frustrating especially if you are a new mom. But don't worry because as your baby grows, it will be easy to tell what she likes. When doing a schedule, take in consideration signs that tell if she's tired and wants to sleep like yawning and rubbing of eyes. Note or remember those cues and the time as well and observe if she does that the following day on the same time. 


4. Be consistent. Just like what I've said, routine won't become a routine unless it is done consistently. In order for your baby to understand time and recognize her schedule, you should atleast try to do it in a repetitive manner day by day. I was guilty of this back then. Before, I'd bathe Inno late in the morning and then early the following day. It was actually confusing for him since everything he's supposed to be doing like taking a nap after bath time is adjusted again and again. That experience made him fussy and that meant hours of non-stop unconsolable crying. With consistency also comes strictness but in a gentle way. I try to be strict with Inno (and his dad) when it comes to playtime at night. I always tell Kali to lessen playtime by night. 


5. Be open to changes. As your baby grows, expect that she'll have adjustments with her daily routine and be open with that. If you think that your baby has been skipping routines in a row, take note of that and try to adjust as well. My experience with Inno's sudden routine changes was every time he is on a growth spurt. Feeding becomes an hourly thing and he sleeps most of the time. What I did was I observed what time of the month he usually go under this spurt. By his second month, I was able to recognize it and adjusted with him.


6. Try to set a different environment for each routine. Offering different environments per routine is helpful. During the day, we let Inno sleep on the big bed to teach him that sleeping on the big bed is only during daytime. At night, we let him sleep on his crib, lessen bright lights and noise. We usually spend most of the time inside the bedroom. So for playtime, we put his toys in the big bed and remove them when it's time to nap. As with bathtime, we put his bathing essentials on the bed and remove other things like his toys.


There you go. I hope this would be of help to new and young moms like me. The key is experiment things for your baby. Ditch things that don't work out and try again. Don't be scared to learn. You are mom enough, you just have to believe and be good at it. :)

Inno's Christening

I'm baaaaaaaaack!

The week after mother's day was indescribable. Oh yes, it was hectic with all the errands we had to do for Inno's baptism. There was the clubhouse lady who said there were chairs and tables available for rent which turns out, they actually didn't own them and the true owner was doing some maintenance, we had to find another supplier. Since Papa and Tita Carol weren't here yet that time, we only get to finalize the menu by mid-week. Good thing that Tita Carol already have in mind her list of dishes. Hmmm, what else? Um, of course you all know that I practically still stay at home to watch over Inno while I look for a new job, and since mommy tasks are too crippling to do other tasks, I had to wait until weekend before I could put my hands on the preparations. 

Saturday came and everyone was already busy with their roles. Tita Carol and Ate Jem went to the market, Papa and Kuya Tots hit the grocery, Mama was cleaning the house since Ate Jem can't attend to the chores. Kali was busy looking for a new chairs and tables supplier while I on the other hand, was doing mommy duties. Oh yeah, what's new? Afternoon came and we went to the mall to buy Inno his outfit. We found a nice set of barong which fitted him perfectly. Sadly though, he can't wear it again with the rate that he is growing. Mama came with us and that made Kali very happy because she paid everything that we bought for Inno. Hahaha. We also purchased some decors because the venue was too plain. By evening, it was a challenge sending Inno to sleep, I ended up doing the decors late. Good thing that Ate Mika was around to help. 

We woke up early came Sunday. Hit the church for the 10AM Mass followed by the baptismal rites. I'm glad to see family and friends from Laguna. Anyhoo, I'm posting a few pictures below. :) 

My love in his barong. :)

Stage Daddy 

Fussy :)

Ninong Aaron

HS Barkada Represent! Rae, Lots and Melle

Nursing time :)

Still fussy we had to take his barong off. 

With Father ________. Haha!

Ninongs and Ninangs

Lolos and Lolas

Ninang Melle and Ninang Lots

Family from Laguna :)

Ninang Anne and Ninang Jois

Daddy Lolo and Mumc Lola

Mommy + Inno :)

Like a Boss :D

Great Gwamies! :)

CHEERS! :)

With Mama :)

Sibs :)

Gifts :)

Family :)

Overall, the day was tiring but super fun. :) I couldn't wait for Inno's first birthday party.