changing nappies in high heels

Good morning cake

2012-02-28T21:53:00.004-08:00

Last night, I was so excited to give Lyndel his surprise cake but since Mommy had a long day, he was already asleep when I came home. This morning, before I left, I waited for him until he woke up and I immediately led him to the living room to give him his Good Morning Cake :)
(Hmmm, I can turn this into a tradition. And it doesn't have to be grand things. It can be as inexpensive as an origami bird saying hello or funny face pancakes)

Here's how it went:

He kept pointing at the cake saying "yum". And not very long, he was already feeding himself :) (don't worry, I gave him the cake talaga and not the dollop of frosting :)

This is the surprise cake (got it for free from our event yesterday)

How about you? Do share with me your morning rituals :)

Cleanse the Juju Way

2012-02-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to try Juju Cleanse so I went to their site and FB page (again). Lo and behold, I learned that there's a blogger giveaway at Trip or Treats!! :) Hurray! It's a Valentine’s Goodie Giveaway: Couples Juice Cleanse by Juju Cleanse!
I'm just so excited to join this! :)

So if you've been wanting to do your lovely body a favor and have been thinking of detox, why don't you join this giveaway?

Hop on to Tips or Treats for a chance to win this giveaway! :)

I'm soooo excited! :)

xoxo

Photo credits: www.triportreats.com

Top Moms launches today!

2012-02-06T01:25:00.000-08:00

http://topmoms.net/

Hi there Moms! Meet Top Moms, your new online partner in mommy matters.

This new online community is filled with winning tips, exciting contests and important information that will help you cope with the challenges of parenthood.

What you will find in Top Moms:

(from the press kit)

Top Mom Bloggers: Read Top Mom blogs packed with useful advice, not only about raising your kids or taking care of your family but also about enriching your life both as a woman and a mom.

Dr. Anna Vazquez is a psychiatrist who is as passionate about raising her kids as she is about her chosen profession.

Dr. Empress Carlos-Villpando is a pediatrician and an all-around mom who shares her expertise in child rearing as a host on TV 5's Alagang Kapatid and as a resource speaker for Moms Today Magazine.

What Kind of Top Mom Are you? Quiz - Know your parenting style and find out in what area are you doing wel and what needs improvement.

Photo of the Week: Share pictures of you and your kids. One of your pics may just end up as our Photo of the Week!

Question and Answer section: Need advice from other Top Moms? Do you have effective parenting tips to share? Here's where you can interact with other community members and discover fresh insights about navigating the challenges of parenthood!

Join Top Moms today! :)

Pregnant Pause 2: A Talk for Modern Moms-to-be

2012-01-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Calling all moms and dads to be!

Urban Mom and Mommy Mundo is holding PREGNANT PAUSE 2: A TALK FOR MODERN MOMS-TO-BE at UCC Rockwell this February 4, 2012, Saturday starting 1pm.

They started this last year and it has already attracted quite a following among young, modern moms and dads-t0-be who want to be in the know in the latest trends in parenting and baby care, and the traditional practices as well.

Topics for PREGNANT PAUSE 2 are:

- Baby Sign Language by US certified instructor Jaymie Pizarro (Baby Signs *as seen on Oprah)
- Positive Pregnancy by childbirth educator Rome Kanapi
- Breastfeeding Basics for Modern moms-to-be:)

Registration to the event is free of charge but pre-registration is a must.
They have very limited slots available so please call 5707827 or text 09178162524 to
reserve a slot now.
You may also visit their Mommy Mundo facebook page

Spread the love and do share this with your pregnant mommy friends!:)

xoxo
Chrissy

Today and beyond!

2012-01-24T01:53:00.000-08:00

A mood board. A birthday theme idea. A disposition. An aspiration. A dream. A journey.

A rainbow :)

Create a digital collage

A Whole New World

2012-01-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

As I was singing Lyndel to sleep last night, I got to humming (eventually singing) Disney Aladdin's A Whole New World. This was originally a romantic song between Aladdin and Jasmine about a new world they will discover together. And then,it struck me that this is a better song, perfect actually between a parent and a child as they journey through life together. To the child, he is marveling the world for the first time while his Mom or Dad guides him. To the parents, it's like having a second lease on childhood as they rediscover the world through a child's eyes.

On a different level, it is also about new beginnings, chasing your forgotten dreams and continuously reinventing yourself to be your BEST version ever!

So, I say, cheers to a whole new world of endless possibilities! :) Cheers to our happiness!

And to quote the song:

A whole new world
With new horizons to pursue
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Anywhere, there's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you

A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me

A wondrous place indeed :)

One Fine Saturday

2012-01-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday (Jan 14), Lyndel attended his first session of My Masterpiece Movement’s Super Saturday. He had loads of fun as he played and sang with his new friends.

Super Saturday is a creative playgroup for kids. Lyndel belongs to the Splots (1-3 y.o)

Check out Lyndel and his fellow splots in action!

Hey Mommy, look at me and my new friends!

Meet river! (at first, Lyndel was given the flower friend but he gave it to Charlie)

Music time

Look at me play the egg shaker!

Painting time

But I don’t want to wear this :(

This is how artists do it!

Till the next Super Saturday!

Aren't they the cutest? :)

You can find more information about My Masterpiece here:

Website

MMM's Super Saturdays FB page

How about you? What did you do last weekend? :)

xoxo

Super Saturdays!

2012-01-11T22:40:00.001-08:00

I'm so lucky to have met the wonderful people behind My Masterpiece Movement! :)

Lyndel will be attending his first session for Super Saturday on January 14, that's this Saturday! Super Saturday is a creative play group for kids ages 1 to 12.

This will be great! :) It will be a morning of wonderful colors, music and stories! I can't wait! :)

You can find more information about My Masterpiece Movement here:

http://welovemymasterpiece.com
Facebook page

I'm just so glad to be back! :)

2011-12-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

After a month long hiatus, I'm finally back! (I lost access to Blogger and Facebook around a month ago). I have so manythings to write about. (the first blog event I attended, our Christmas almost DIY decors, and so much more!) Here's hoping that I won't be absent for long periods (again) n the blogging world. I really do miss it.

In the meantime, I would like to greet everyone a Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy Happy New Year!!

If only I could have one... (a meme)

2011-11-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

When Martine of Dainty Mom tagged me in her meme, I am just so happy to oblige :) And besides, I've been absent from the blogging world for a time now. This is my no-pressure comeback piece :)

Here it is:

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE_______ FOR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

1. City to live in..

Singapore (I love this city - so clean, everything in its place)

2. Place to vacation at...

Tuscany, Italy (Well it's Italy, but Tuscany to be exact. I can fall in love in love with this place over and over again! I wish I could visit Tuscany before I reach 35! :)

3. Color to wear…

Honeysuckle (my go-to happy color)

4. Celebrity crush…

Hugh Jackman

5. Dessert to eat…

Carrot cake with generous cream cheese frosting. I just had one yesterday from Cukay’s! Yum!

6. Book to read…

I make it a point to read this every year.

7. Movie to watch…

8. Celeb character as a roommate

Monica Geller..I’m a closet closet neat freak, I’d love to live with her (in my single life) and together we’ll obsess on using coasters, saying “it’s okay to spill…on the sink”

9. Type of food to eat:

10. TV show:

Friends.. this bunch never fails to crack me up. I could hibernate for days and just watch Friends reruns

PRESS RELEASE: Smart, glamorous and hardworking women speak up on breastfeeding

2011-10-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

When the PR group sent me this press release, I didn't think twice about posting it here. After all, I'm a breastfeeding advocate. Whatever campaign it is that involves promoting breastfeeding, I'm in!

**************

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and joyous acts of human love. And yet many Filipina mothers today, misled by a number of mistaken notions, continue to depend chiefly on formula milk to nourish their infants.

Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding Inc. (BBB), a silence-breaking organization advocating breastfeeding, says only 34 per cent of mothers in the Philippines practice exclusive feeding in the first six months of their babies. Based on UNICEF statistics, BBB also reveals that nearly half of all mothers in the country depend on artificial milk in varying degrees.

The group would like to correct several misconceptions which discourage mothers with infants and young children to breastfeed -- main hurdles to having all Filipino newborns properly breastfed:

· exclusive breastfeeding in the formative first six months of an infant is NOT a hindrance to a mother’s professional or personal goals;

· exclusive breastfeeding is a commitment to give one’s child with life-nourishing food and a good start in life; to think of breastfeeding as only for the poor should be dismissed immediately;

· continued breastfeeding DOES NOT cause a woman’s breasts to deform, sag or make her look haggard and unattractive; and

· the act of breastfeeding in public places is not an act shame and therefore should be encouraged.

No matter the prevailing conditions and norms in any society, nothing best embodies the miraculous ties between mother and child than the act of breastfeeding, BBB asserts.

To correct misconceptions, a trio of smart and beautiful women has decided to speak out and recount their empowering experiences with breastfeeding. Billboards featuring breastfeeding advocates Daphne Oseña-Paez, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Iza Abeja with their kids will be seen all over Metro Manila within the month to help bring their strong and timely messages to life.

According to BBB, a total of five billboards will be rolled down: three along MIA Road in Pasay City; one in Philcoa, Quezon City; and one on the DILG Building in EDSA. A few more billboards will be up soon with sites currently in negotiation.

It's that (wonderful) time of the year again!

2011-09-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is one my most awaited events, weehooo!!

This is love!!

Nice Random Things

2011-09-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

Source: None via Holly Ledingham on Pinterest

I am your breastfeeding friend

2011-07-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (July). For this month, we join the National Nutrition Council - Department of Health in celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme "Isulong ang Breastfeeding - Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo!" Participants will share their experiences in promoting breastfeeding or their tips on how breastfeeding should be promoted. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."

****

It has been 11 months now. I am very thankful that our (Lyndel and me) breastfeeding relationship has turned into a smooth-sailing journey despite the rocky start. I plan to continue breastfeeding him until two or three years old. Hopefully, my milk supply would still be okay to keep up with my target.

Let me tell you what breastfeeding has done for me:

Breastfeeding has turned into a lifestyle for me.

- It has changed the way I dress (in a way). I have to always consider wether the new top or dress that I bought is breastfeeding friendly.

- I also made it sure that if I go somewhere during weekends, I can bring Lyndel with me or at least I won't be out of the house for a long time. These are small sacrifices that I don't mind doing

- I cultivated a relationship with my pump and have developed the confidence in pumping on the go. (in the office, in a car while shuttling to meetings)

Breastfeeding made me a more confident mom.

When Lyndel was born, I really didn't know anything about taking care of a baby. And because I had CS section, at first I didn't have the energy to carry him. I was lucky that my husband such a hands-on Dad. He was so good with the diapering duties and calming the baby. When my baby and I finally adjusted with our latch, it seems like everything turned out well. With my breastfeeding worries taking a back seat, I was able to embrace motherhood happily and confidently. It's an honor to be my son's source of food (especially during the first 4 to 5 months when his main source for nourishment was just my milk. He started on solids at 5 months).

Breastfeeding has become my advocacy.

Breast is best. There is no argument with that. It has become my passion to share this wonderful gift of awareness about breastfeeding to other women.

And the best way for me to promote it is to start with what I know, what I learned.

These are some of the things that I learned along the way:

Stay informed

There are a lot of resources out there for breastfeeding. Just because you have learned how to latch and feed your baby doesn't mean you have to stop learning more about it. Day after day, you’ll discover wonderful tidbits about breastfeeding. With more knowledge and awareness, you become more passionate to share this to others.

Talk to friends, involve friends

Just because I’m a breastfeeding Mommy doesn’t make me any different to my non-Mommy friends. Ever since I gave birth, I talk about it as if it’s the latest fashion trend, the latest Hollywood scoop, or the latest must-have gadget. Of course I mention it not in a listen-to-me-I’m-lecturing-way.As it turns out, I’ve been hearing my single friends say that they will definitely breastfeed when they become Mommies themselves! And take note, I haven’t even started convincing them about it. I was just merely talking about it and answering their questions. Kudos to my ever supportive friends!

Reach out to would-be Moms

Then of course, I have my Mommy-to-be friends (either for first-born or second-born). One thing that I learned to do is not to judge. It’s quite difficult not to because, almost on auto-pilot, you would say: “Why didn’t you breastfeed? Or “Why won’t you breastfeed? But really, the better approach is to be a compassionate listener. Listen first. Ask later. In most cases, In all of my conversations with the Moms who weren't able to breastfeed their first-borns, I always heard the same reason – “I didn’t have enough milk” And I always tell them, "you’ll have milk. There are just some things that you need to know. I'll send you some links and/or numbers". :) Then I continue on with my story to let them know that it is indeed possible despite some challenges. For all these Moms, it’s really just a bad of case misinformation. Either an elder discouraged her, she didn’t research, she didn’t know that there are available resources etc etc.

This brings me to my final bullet:

Let it be known that help is just a call, email, or text away. And even a cookie away! ):

There are support groups who are there to support breastfeeding moms every step of the way. In fact, it’s a special sisterhood! ):

For starters, we have:

- LATCH who holds free classes and counseling. My breastfeeding counselor for LATCH Bessie Campillo of Nursing Mom helped me with my worries. She’s such a sweetheart! :)

- La Leche League is an international support group organization for expectant and nursing parents. Meets twice a month, every 2nd Saturday at Baby Co. Podium and every 4th Saturday at Mothercare Greenbelt 5 at 1030am.

- Kellymom – a trusted site for breastfeeding resources

- Chronicles of a Nursing Mom - Jenny Ong's blog dedicated to breastfeeding and parenting :)

- And of course, Mommy Treats (owned my by yummy mom friend Paola Loot who bakes yummy lactation treats for Moms to increase their milk supply.

So there, breastfeeding is indeed one special sisterhood! :) We all have the same goal of nourishing our babies. It’s nature’s gift to us. Let’s promote it!

I am your breastfeeding friend. Let’s talk milk. :)

Here are the other posts from my breastfeeding sisters:

Three Ways I Promote Breastfeeding by Example by Dainty Mom (@Dainty_Mom)
A Simple Breastfeeding Campaign by The Lazy Mama (@TheLazyMama)
I Am A Breastfeeding Mom by The Painter's Wife (@PaintersWifePH)

Why I Don't Nurse in Breastfeeding Rooms by Legally Mom (@legallymomPH)

W-u-r-r-w-u-r-r-w-u-r-r by Martha de Lusong (@frannie17) hosted by Jen CC Tan's MomExchange (@next9baby)

The Low-Milk-Supply Mommy Did It! by The Odyssey of Dinna

Breastfeeding Promotion Tips from a Formula Feeder (Yes, you read that correctly...) by The Fearless Formula Feeder (@FormulaFeeder)

On Promoting Breastfeeding by ImPerfectly Created (@imperfectlyours)

Milk Mama Diaries 3 by MimmaBenz (@benzcorana)

Breastfeeding Mama by canDIshhh

I *heart* Breastfeeding by The Mum Side (@rachelcrz)

Spreading the Word on Breastfeeding by My Mommy Kuwentos

A Breastfeeding Formula-Fed Mother by Touring Kitty (@touringkitty)

Breastfeeding: Promoting It Even if I Didn't Get Lucky The First Time Around by Glamma Momma (Mommy Erl's Online Diary)

Thoughts of a LactatING Counselor: Breastfeeding is More of Psychology! by HandyMommy

Taking Breastfeeding Further by Mec as Mom (@delisyus)
Breastfeeding Promotion - A View from a UK Doctor by Good Enough Mummy
Celebrating my Magic Milk by Denise Gonzales (@deelirious)
Breastfeeding Sisters by Isis Evasco

More Breastfeeding Promotion Plus a Guest Post by Chronicles of a Nursing Mom (@mamababylove). Guest post by Shaps Lim (@cromartielove)

Little Lion's photo shoot

2011-06-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

Lyndel had his first studio photo shoot at Pic-a-Boo last June 19, also his 10th month birthday :)

He looks adorable in the lion (he's a Leo) costume. But behind the scenes, he hated the headpiece (lol)

Since it was Father's day, Daddy got a free 5R photo print! :)

And finally, here's to the launching of the newest cloth diaper model in town!
This was the time he was most comfortable and happy! :) Tee hee, I should order more prints! :p

The photographer at Pic-a-boo was very fun and spirited and good with kids! :)Kudos to her!

Nappy Wars

2011-06-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a cloth diapering mom but once in a while, I put my baby in disposables (especially when we're out). I came across a certian brand - Parent's Choice diapers that are so mura so I thought I'll look it up and check how it is. Well, I learned that it does perform okay. I got that from other sites. But in this blog, there's a riot among moms debating about the diaper emasculating their sons because of its designs. "It has hearts. it's peach, it's coral." It all started with one post, and of course there were other perspectives. As you'll scroll down, nag-aaway na talaga sila! I personally am with the the other perspective.

To quote Kaylyn,

Exactly right! This is why society is horrible and why so many things are negative. I can’t believe you are complaining about a HEART. Get over it. If your kids are embarrased to wear a heart, it is probably because you put that thought into his head. Let the children decide for themselves and quit sheltering them by making everything negative.

This is such a hilarious exchange on diapers. Good thing I'm just a part-time disposable user. tut tut.

You can access the link here.

Wednesday: Photos of the week

2011-06-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last night, Ninang Jaqui, Lyndel and I had our long-awaited homemade photo shoot for our breastfeeding portrait. In as much as we wanted to have it done perfectly, our very busy and active baby won't give us that satisfaction :) He's so into the camera. By that, I mean he loves to hold it, play with it, take the pictures himself maybe? :)When he is nursing and he hears the camera click, he stops and either roll over, crawl or stand to get the camera. Silly little boy :) Ninang Jaqui even went camouflage and tried to shoot photos stalker-mode! These are the best possible outputs that we could get.

After that, I called it a night and said: "Okay pack up na ang shoot". And then Daddy joined in the fun! Ninang Jaqui still continued clicking away and here's what we got:

Mommy asking Lyndel to behave

I love this! This is a classic!

Lyndel Einstein, isdatchu?

I know this is kind of an overload. Please let me indulge me for now, I'll improve on my next photo entries :)

A rainy day cheer-me-up

2011-06-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

I got this from pinterest.com and it lifted up my spirits :) And so, I'm sharing it with everyone :)

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

Why I Want a Date to Chef Tatung’s

2011-06-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

I'm a genuine foodie. When I was still single, I would spend hours on end on grocery aisles, checking out new products in the international lane. Every time I come across an interesting recipe online wherever I may be, I copy it and send it to my personal email and place it in my "Chrissy kitchen" folder. I would also spend countless hours on cable tv cooking shows with a pad of paper and pen, taking notes on tips, recipes, websites to go, foodie trends, etc.

Needless to say, I was armed (at least I think I was) with the my own arsenal of recipes and tips. I dreamt of whipping up dishes that would soon be family favorites. Then I met my husband - my exact opposite when it comes to food choices. I couldn't experiment on dishes because he just has a lot of parameters :) (doesn't like gravy, doesn't like saucy dishes, not adventurous to try new dishes, cuisine). I've been wanting to bring him to different cuisines in the resto rows in the metro but he just smirks.

(photo lifted from Chef Tatung's FB page)

When Dainty Mom announced that she is throwing another fab giveaway, I got so excited because if we win this, this would be my perfect opportunity to take my husband out for dinner and show him the wonderful world of gastronomic delights! Who could resist a romantic dinner for two at Chef Tatung's? Come to think of it, we haven't gone to a "just-the-two-us" dinner ever since Lyndel arrived. :) I love being around our baby boy, but I also miss my husband. :) So sun, moon, stars, universe, please conspire and make my dream date come true! :)

P.S An aside to my husband, my friend, my lover, my confidante, I'd happily say "I do" to you a thousand thousand times more. Happy father's day Daddy! We love you so much! :)

Books I want for Lyndel

2011-05-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Here's my initial list :)

Mommy's new haircut

2011-05-23T04:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had my long overdue haircut. The reason for the long delay was my constant obsessive-compulsive internal brainstorming as to where I'll have my hair done. The hair coward in me was just too scared to go to a salon and turn over my fate into someone else's hands. Then there was this budget factor. I wanted it to be a great haircut but at the same time I don't want to spend that much on it (anymore).

I was actually choosing between Benefits Salon and Azta (both in Eastwood). Benefits, for its good reviews, I figured I might as well try them out. Azta, because I used to go there when I was still working in Eastwood. I finally settled with Azta because I was more at ease.

When I arrived at the reception, a guy greeted me and asked if I'm new or a returning customer. I told him that I used to go there two years ago and I forgot who my stylist was. Turns out, this guy I was talking to was one of the Sr. Stylists and I somehow recognize him from before. And so I happily settled with my newfound stylist, Andy.

I was then led to the shampoo and conditioner station. Then while I was waiting, the assistant gave me a shoulder and back massage and my fave Azta treat, their Milk Tea (so yum!)

When it was Andy's time to chop off my locks, I told him my story first. I told him that I'm a new Mom and I want a manageable style. I also said that I used to sport short hair, back when my face was thinner. I told him I'd really appreciate if he can fashion my hair into something updated, easy to manage, and most of all, will make my face at least look less full.

And so he went. Snip, snip, snip.

And this is the result! :) I'm rather pleased with it. The fact that I'm posting this on my blog is already a great achievement for me. And so, I'm posting more photos. And Lyndel, sorry for posting some unflattering photos yours honey. :) Let Mommmy shine just at this time. :) because she feels pretty is all :) (that feeling has been rare)

Lyndel's 9th month

2011-05-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

Lyndel is 9 months old today. At 9 months, he is very intent on feeding himself. He eats three meals and two snacks every day. (Golly!) He can eat a whole banana and half of a mango. I am super proud of his "social eating" (i'd like to call it that) skills. When I let him try something new, he sometimes makes faces - either it's sour, bitter or weird for him. But he eats it anyway, and goes on for seconds, thirds, and so on. This little guy even already tasted ampalaya (my favorite veggie).

Since 7 months, he has also been very active. He runs around his playpen, lifts himself to stand. We are so proud of him. And at most times, perhaps he thinks he's a dice being rolled around in his playpen. He falls and climbs up again happily. I'm really thinking of getting him that Thudguard already. My only apprehension is that he sweats a lot, he might just get irritated by this head contraption.

He has been very talkative as well. He listens to our conversations. One thing that has been very constant is his inquisitive behavior when he's feeding. When we're alone, he just feeds quietly. But the moment his dad, yaya or ninang comes in. He stops and lifts his head and says "hey" (in baby lingo)

He smiles a lot and sings inside the church.
He now has a favorite animal - the elephant (which makes it his official birthday theme). He also loves butterflies and loves riding carousels.

Lyndel, my baby! Mommy always get teary-eyed, you are growing up so fast.

Lyndel and the carousel

2011-05-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, it was just me, Lyndel and yaya Manilyn. (Daddy had to work) After our usual Sunday mass, we strolled a bit and sampled on the goodies at the Eastwood Mall's Gourmet Market (It's on the 2nd level, lots of yummy goodies).

Now, I've always seen the carousel on the 3rd level but it just didn't occur to me to have Lyndel ride on of the horses. Manilyn wanted to stay a bit and watch the streetdance contest held in the mall open park. So while Lyndel and I were roaming around, I thought of giving him a bit of adventure. And so we rode the carousel. :)

Honestly, I got a bit dizzy. I forgot that as a kid I never rode carousels. I didn't really like them. But I just went for that carousel ride with Lyndel. I hope he enjoyed it. Well, the photos show serious Lyndel but after the ride, he laughed with glee. :p

(Belated) Mommy’s Day post

2011-05-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

That's my Mom (with Lyndel). And she's fabulous! Most often, she is mistaken to be my sister. Heck, she's way more kikay than I am! (I've gotta keep up)

Ra-rah Mom

She's my numero uno cheerleader! With everything that I've ventured in, she supported me all the way - ballet classes, oratorical contests, writing contests, high school elections, dancesport orgs, my course, my choices, etc. It doesn't mean though that she doesn't give me advice on my choices. It's means she trusts me in making my own choices.

Kooky person

People who don't know her may find her intimidating (mataray) at first. But the truth is, there's a comic character behind that stoic facade (hahaa she will kill me for writing this).

Foodie

Mother and daughter tandem in trying out new recipes. I could never forget this one stormy December morning. We were contemplating on baking an apple pie (for the first time) but we lacked the ingredients. It was really pouring hard but we braved the rain and went in search of the missing ingredients.

Passion for music

If people would ask me where I got my passion for music from, it would definitely be from her. Well for starters, she was my piano teacher. She'd patiently teach me how to play the complex pieces. Funny thing is that I wasn't like those other kids who were forced to learn piano. I actually wanted to learn. It must've been my Mom's playing even when I was still inside the womb.

I'd also wake up on certain mornings to jazz music, with my Mom gleefully humming as she putters around the house.

Doting (not)grandma

My Mom arrived a few days before I gave birth to Lyndel. She took a leave from work to be with me. I am eternally grateful for the support that she has given me. Not everyone has that same experience in their lives. She made sure that I get to to eat properly when we were already back at home, as she knew I also needed the extra nourishment to support my breastfeeding. She even concocted a choco drink with malunggay leaves to add more variety to my usual fare of chicken tinola with malunggay, squash with malunggay.

Breastfeeding co-warrior

Now, I don't mean to offend non-breastfeeding moms out there. It's just that there were quite a number of people who were not supportive of my breastfeeding and sometimes it just bums me out. During my pregnancy, I battled it out with my detractors, vowing to myself that I'll prove them wrong, that I'll be successful in breastfeeding. My Mom (even if she was in Mindanao), through calls and texts became my co-warrior. She never wavered in keeping my spirits high. She also encouraged me to join support groups and attend classes

Lyndel and Mamoo

She doesn't want to be called Lola. When Lyndel was days old, she told us that Lyndel will call her Mamoo as she doesn't want Lola :) Remember she was often mistaken to be my sister? It happened again at the hospital when Lyndel's pedia Dr. Christina Bernardo came by. She later said that was music to her ears (hehehe)

I could write on and on about this amazing woman I call Mom. But one thing's for sure. I owe everything to her. She has raised me into a mature and compassionate person. I hope and pray that God will always guide me so I can raise my son the best way I can (if not the same as how she raised us)

I love you Mom! :)

An afternoon with the butterflies

2011-05-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

It had been a very warm and humid afternoon.
Thanks to the butterflies at Eastwood Mall, Lyndel still had a lovely time. It was his first time to see butterflies. And it's such a delight to see him marvel at these lovely creatures for the first time. I can't wait to take him to other places. For a Mom, it was such a new and overwhelming feeling to watch my son watch the butterflies in amazement. Nothing is ever pure and genuine than looking at the world and God's creations through a child's eyes.

Donating Breastmilk

2011-04-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to donate my milk but I never seem to have extra supply. But late one night, while I was walking towards SM Megamall to ride the shuttle, I chanced on a young mom with a toddler and a sleeping baby. There was a small crowd of ladies gathering over them, giving alms. When they eventually left, there was another woman who kept telling the mom, "Ibigay mo na lang sa akin yan. Uuwi ako bukas sa probinsiya"

The baby was asleep and he doesn't look quite well. :( I asked the mom, if he's sick. She then told me that he just goes hungry most often. She breastfeeds but her milk supply is not enough. When I asked her what she feeds him as supplement, she said she feeds him Bear Brand. :( My heart was torn. How could this tiny baby's tummy take a milk powder not formulated for infants? :( (Later on when I told my Mom about it, she said it's a common ocurrence).

I asked her if she has a feeding bottle with her, good thing she had one. Hastily, I took out one via cup of my milk from my Fridge-to-Go and poured it into her feeding bottle. My eyes were almost welling up with tears but I just controlled it.

I left them feeling much overwhelmed with emotions.
I'm so happy that I was able to donate my milk, whilte at the same very sad of their plight. :( I pray that they won't stay out in the cold anymore.

Here's their picture

Let's all go to the SALE this weekend!!

2011-03-24T00:53:00.001-07:00

It's on March 26-27 2011 / 10am to 6pm

1st Floor Function Room, Renaissance 3000, Meralco Ave., Pasig City

Of Nursing and Self-awareness

2011-03-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (March). To celebrate National Women's Month, our participants share how breastfeeding has changed them as a woman. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants.
*****************

I’m a first time mom to a lovely little boy we so adore. Even before I got pregnant, even when I was still single, I somehow already resolved upon myself that I’m going to breastfeed. It wasn’t because of any prodding from anyone. I just knew that’s how I wanted to feed my baby. And then when finally when it was my time to be a mom-to-be, I learned that my Mom supports breastfeeding and strongly advises Moms to be to breastfeed their newborn. Being an officer from the Health Sector, just recently, her eyes were opened to the many benefits that breastfeeding gives to both Mommy and baby. I was not a breastfed baby, by the way. My Mom said she didn’t have any knowledge on the subject when she was a new Mom. She just listened to the advice of the elders. During those times, it was a question of what infant formula you are feeding your baby. That was the Status quo. And of course, she didn’t know any better. Oh, how she abhors what the milk companies did during her time.

Anyhow, I was on the right path, I have a supportive Mom advocating breastfeeding. I have a loving husband who also agreed with me at the onset that our baby will be breastfed. I read and researched a lot about breastfeeding. I even attended a breastfeeding class by L.A.T.C.H in Medical City. I was uber confident that I can pull it off. I rehearsed the latching techniques and feeding positions in my mind 24/7. I was super excited to breastfeed.

Then came D-day. Lyndel was born via emergency c-section so he wasn’t roomed in right away. I panicked because I was only confident and prepared to breastfeed after having a normal delivery. Having a c-section meant my baby won’t be roomed in with me right away. I feared that my milk let down won’t be stimulated. I’m so grateful that our pediatrician, Dra. Cristina Bernardo (The Medical City) is a Lactation Consultant. She was there when I gave birth and helped me with my first feedings. She also positively encouraged me and even applauded me for being so determined to breastfeed my baby.

The first two months were the hardest. As breastfeeding is a learning process, we both had to deal with our learning curve. Day in and day out, I had to best figure out how best to hold him in my arms so he will be comfy. We used a nursing pillow and even other pillows of all sizes just to make it work for the both of us. For Lyndel, he had to learn how to latch properly. Since he didn’t know any better yet, I would cry everytime he latched because it was so painful. My toes would curl or sometimes, I’d need to have a pillow or an object that I could kick to somehow ease the pain. We also dealt with nipple confusion. During his first weeks, there was time when I pumped and fed the expressed milk on a bottle. We did this because we were scared he might not be getting enough milk. This just led us to nipple confusion. It was really terrible. There was even a time when he didn’t want to feed from me; maybe because he felt that the milk letdown when feeding on the bottle was faster than when he fed with me. I sought help from L.A.T.C.H and thankfully, I had Bessie Campillo as my counselor. She has been very gracious with all my concerns and worries.

I went back to work five months ago. And I can say it hasn’t been the easiest. I have to balance working, meeting deadlines with pumping and night feeding. On days when I have to be on meetings, I always lug my pump bag with me and pump wherever I can. I have pumped in all sorts of places actually J At a client’s super immaculate cr, inside the car while on the way to meetings, at a corner during our Christmas party. All these made me more determined to express milk as often as I can.

Breastfeeding made me a responsible adult. I’ve become more conscious now of what I eat and drink as this interferes with my milk quality. I have also realized that I am a determined and persevering person. This learning can also be applied to other things – that with the right attitude and determination, you can really achieve whatever you want to achieve. The road may not be all rosy at the start but surely, you’ll find this overwhelming fulfillment in the end.

Please do read the other blogs of the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival Participants

Breastfeeding Changed Me at Apples & Dumplings

The Choice to be More Than a Woman at Mec as Mom [@delisyus and Facebook]

Breastfeeding made me a better and stronger mom...and woman at Ethanmama: The Working Mom...Finding Balance [@ethanmama and Facebook]

Feeling Fab at 40 at I'm Perfectly Created

Supercow Isn't Sexy at Rainy Days and Mom Days [Facebook]

Of Nursing and Self-Awareness at Changing Nappies in High Heels [@Lilly_pad and Facebook]

Same Old Brand New Me at the odyssey of dinna

Juggling Mommy Act: Fully Breastfeeding while Caring for "ME" at Handy Mommy

Breastfeeding and my self-image at Topaz Mommy [@FrancesASales and Facebook]

My Breastfeeding Story at Manila Fashion Observer [@cd_mfo]

Breastfeeding and My Career at Soprano Mom Writes [@touringkitty]

Joining the milkwagon at domestication of dotty b

A Love Story at Misis Teapot [@stellapastores]

Breastfeeding Has Made Me a Better Woman at Truly Rich Mom [@tinasrodriguez and Facebook]

Please think before you comment at Chronicles of a Nursing Mom [@MamaBabyLove and Facebook]

WHAT ATTACHMENT PARENTING IS –THE 7 BABY B'S

2011-02-25T00:24:00.000-08:00

A helpful info guide from askdrsears.com :)

Attachment parenting is a style of caring for your infant that brings out the best in the baby and the best in the parents.

7 ATTACHMENT TOOLS: THE BABY B'S

1. BIRTH BONDING
The way baby and parents get started with one another helps the early attachment unfold. The days and weeks after birth are a sensitive period in which mothers and babies are uniquely primed to want to be close to one another. A close attachment after birth and beyond allows the natural, biological attachment-promoting behaviors of the infant and the intuitive, biological, caregiving qualities of the mother to come together. Both members of this biological pair get off to the right start at a time when the infant is most needy and the mother is most ready to nurture (see Bonding)
"What if something happens to prevent our immediate bonding?"

Sometimes medical complications keep you and your baby apart for a while, but then catch-up bonding is what happens, starting as soon as possible. When the concept of bonding was first delivered onto the parenting scene twenty years ago, some people got it out of balance. The concept of human bonding being an absolute "critical period" or a "now-or-never" relationship was never intended. Birth bonding is not like instant glue that cements the mother-child relationship together forever. Bonding is a series of steps in your lifelong growing together with your child. Immediate bonding simply gives the parent- infant relationship a headstart.

2. BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding is an exercise in babyreading. Breastfeeding helps you read your baby's cues, her body language, which is the first step in getting to know your baby. Breastfeeding gives baby and mother a smart start in life. Breastmilk contains unique brain-building nutrients that cannot be manufactured or bought. Breastfeeding promotes the right chemistry between mother and baby by stimulating your body to produce prolactin and oxytocin, hormones that give your mothering a boost.

3. BABYWEARING
A baby learns a lot in the arms of a busy caregiver. Carried babies fuss less and spend more time in the state of quiet alertness, the behavior state in which babies learn most about their environment. Babywearing improves the sensitivity of the parents. Because your baby is so close to you, you get to know baby better. Closeness promotes familiarity. (Click here for more information on Babywearing)

4. BEDDING CLOSE TO BABY
Wherever all family members get the best night's sleep is the right arrangement for your individual family. Co-sleeping co-sleeping adds a nighttime touch that helps busy daytime parents reconnect with their infant at night. Since nighttime is scary time for little people, sleeping within close touching and nursing distance minimizes nighttime separation anxiety and helps baby learn that sleep is a pleasant state to enter and a fearless state to remain in.

5. BELIEF IN THE LANGUAGE VALUE OF YOUR BABY'S CRY
A baby's cry is a signal designed for the survival of the baby and the development of the parents. Responding sensitively to your baby's cries builds trust. Babies trust that their caregivers will be responsive to their needs. Parents gradually learn to trust in their ability to appropriately meet their baby's needs. This raises the parent-child communication level up a notch. Tiny babies cry to communicate, not to manipulate.

6. BEWARE OF BABY TRAINERS
Attachment parenting teaches you how to be discerning of advice, especially those rigid and extreme parenting styles that teach you to watch a clock or a schedule instead of your baby; you know, the cry-it-out crowd. This "convenience" parenting is a short-term gain, but a long-term loss, and is not a wise investment. These more restrained styles of parenting create a distance between you and your baby and keep you from becoming an expert in your child.

7. BALANCE
In your zeal to give so much to your baby, it's easy to neglect the needs of yourself and your marriage. As you will learn the key to putting balance in your parenting is being appropriately responsive to your baby – knowing when to say "yes" and when to say "no," and having the wisdom to say "yes" to yourself when you need help.

MORE ABOUT ATTACHMENT PARENTING

AP is a starter style. There may be medical or family circumstances why you are unable to practice all of these baby B's. Attachment parenting implies first opening your mind and heart to the individual needs of your baby, and eventually you will develop the wisdom on how to make on-the-spot decisions on what works best for both you and your baby. Do the best you can with the resources you have – that's all your child will ever expect of you. These baby B's help parents and baby get off to the right start. Use these as starter tips to work out your own parenting style – one that fits the individual needs of your child and your family. Attachment parenting helps you develop your own personal parenting style.

AP is an approach, rather than a strict set of rules. It's actually the style that many parents use instinctively. Parenting is too individual and baby too complex for there to be only one way. The important point is to get connected to your baby, and the baby B's of attachment parenting help. Once connected, stick with what is working and modify what is not. You will ultimately develop your own parenting style that helps parent and baby find a way to fit – the little word that so economically describes the relationship between parent and baby.

AP is responsive parenting. By becoming sensitive to the cues of your infant, you learn to read your baby's level of need. Because baby trusts that his needs will be met and his language listened to, the infant trusts in his ability to give cues. As a result, baby becomes a better cue-giver, parents become better cue-readers, and the whole parent-child communication network becomes easier.

AP is a tool. Tools are things you use to complete a job. The better the tools, the easier and the better you can do the job. Notice we use the term "tools" rather than "steps." With tools you can pick and choose which of those fit your personal parent-child relationship. Steps imply that you have to use all the steps to get the job done. Think of attachment parenting as connecting tools, interactions with your infant that help you and your child get connected. Once connected, the whole parent-child relationship (discipline, healthcare, and plain old having fun with your child) becomes more natural and enjoyable. Consider AP a discipline tool. The better you know your child, the more your child trusts you, and the more effective your discipline will be. You will find it easier to discipline your child and your child will be easier to discipline.

Source: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t130300.asp

Lyndel's 6th month birthday cake

2011-02-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

Lyndel's birthday cake :)
(Feb 19, 2011)

We have a new family favorite: Caramia's Choco Tartufo :)
It's to die for! It's one of Caramia's gelato cakes. Cioccolato and Vanilla gelato in a shell of moist chocolate cake

2011-02-15T22:44:00.001-08:00

This free collage generated with Smilebox

Dear Lyndel

2011-02-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

Hi My baby love,

Days from now you'll be 6 months old already. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You have grown to be such a happy baby, always singing and babbling :) You have already started on solids with much joy. We are so amazed by your interest for food.

Also, you have been taking interest with everything that surrounds you. You are this bubbly baby who always wants to experience the things around you. We even call you our little chismoso baby because even while feeding, everytime Mommy is talking to someone about something interesting, you always stop and look up, wide-eyed, as if to ask for more details. This just brings us to fits of laughter!

We (daddy & mommy)are so excited for our adventures together! I'm sure we will be learning a lot from you, the same way that you'll be learning a lot of things from us. :)

Happy birthday baby love love! :)

Love,
Mommy

On Your Way To Better Looking Skin

2011-02-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

I've been bummed about my skin lately when I came across this post from workchic.com's blog :)

It's a helpful tip for us Moms who want our skin to still be in tip-top shape :)

reposted from http://workchic.com/blog/

1. Eat a good breakfast, since this will keep your blood sugar balanced all day - which fights breakouts. Make sure it has a balance of protein and carbs. Examples: Oatmeal with nuts on top; eggs and whole wheat toast; Greek yogurt and fruit.

2. To fight wrinkles, make sure you eat green and yellow veggies at least once a day. The cartenoids and other antioxidants can protect your skin from the sun and fight the free radicals that break down collagen over time.

3. Got breakouts? Avoid dairy, which has been linked to acne. Instead, pour soy almond milk in your cereal or coffee.

4. Keep a food diary or keep track of your meals in your iPhone or Blackberry. This way you’ll know what you’re really eating.

5. Trade coffee for green tea, which can help fight sun damage and wrinkles.

6. Snack on almonds or walnuts, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids to help dry skin feel smooth and soft.

7. For thick, healthy hair, eat green beans. They’re one of the richest sources of silicon, a naturally occurring element that strengthens hair and nails.

8. Have a healthy snack every three hours. This will prevent blood sugar swings, which can damage your skin’s collagen and lead to wrinkles.

9. Eat dark chocolate! Full of antioxidants, and no, it doesn’t cause acne — unless it’s super sweet milk chocolate.

10. Stay hydrated with water, club soda, or caffeine free drinks. Dehydrated skin looks dull and saggy.

4-in-1 makeup that does the job in 10-15 minutes - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2011-01-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

Best for working moms! :) i wanna try this! :)

4-in-1 makeup that does the job in 10-15 minutes - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

My Mom-Friday: Fun Friday: What Makes a Fun-tabulous Kiddie Party?

2010-12-30T23:45:00.000-08:00

My Mom-Friday: Fun Friday: What Makes a Fun-tabulous Kiddie Party?

Breastfeeding: Join the Boob-olution!

2010-12-28T23:30:00.000-08:00

Baby Facts | 10 Baby Myths Revealed | BabyZone

2010-12-27T21:42:00.001-08:00

Know your baby facts? Can you tell fact from fiction? Take a look at these 10 baby myths revealed at BabyZone!

View >>

Dunstan Method: Decoding Baby's Cries - Why Babies Cry

2010-12-27T21:37:00.001-08:00

Ever want to decode your baby's cries ? Now you can by using the Dunstan Method to understanding your baby's cries. Read here to find out what your baby wants.

View >>

Babywearing Lyndel

2010-12-21T00:45:00.000-08:00

"Baka di sha makahinga?" "Sinasanay mo sa karga?"

These are just some of the questions that I encounter whenever I'm wearing Lyndel (I use a SaYa carrier, by the way) and I just answer them them with a smile on my face. :) I've had enough of these unsolicited comments from well-meaning and not so well-meaning people.

I enjoy wearing Lyndel and he does too! Whenever he has his crying bouts, I put him on the SaYa and he calms down and sometimes goes to sleep in no time.

Here are some of our babywearing photos:

From http://next9.org/parenting/babywearing.html:

Worn babies:

Cry less.

Research says that babies who are carried cry 43% less than overall, and 54% less during the evening hours. In indigenous cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, it is highly unlikely to hear a crying baby.

Have increased mental, emotional and physical development.

Babies who are carried spend more time in a quiet alert state which is the best state for infant learning. They are also quickly able to develop a sense of security and trust. Because of this secure attachment these babies tend to become independent at an earlier age. By being held close to the caregiver, the newborn soaks in the caregiver's body rhythms, which in turn helps regulate her own heartbeat and breathing. Research shows that this helps her adapt easier to life outside the womb, it even means lesser risk for SIDS.

Actually develop healthy spines.

A sling will conform to a baby's body, eliminating pressure on a baby�s developing spine.

It also makes life easier for the parent because:

It's easier to breastfeed. Using a sling means discreet and hands free nursing.
The baby can be brought anywhere. No more huge strollers to lug around and maneuver along narrow aisles or corridors
The sling distributes the baby's weight across the wearer's back and so the child feels lighter.
With the baby in the sling, the mom's hands are no longer tied down and so she can do her day to day chores or even go shopping!

More Christmas pics! :)

2010-12-17T00:19:00.000-08:00

Free collage created with Smilebox

Santa Lyndel

2010-12-17T00:14:00.000-08:00

Last night, NInang Jaqui and I had a blast in our "home-made" Christmas photo shoot for Lyndel. The family was supposed to have our Christmas photo at The Stork Studio last Dec 12 but I had to cancel it because Daddy Lyndon had to be in Cebu from Dec 9 to Dec 20.

Here's the next best thing, and it came out so nice! :) Thanks to Ninang Jaqui! :)

new scrapbook :)

2010-12-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Free digital scrapbooking design generated with Smilebox

More bfeeding photos :)

2010-12-04T20:42:00.001-08:00

Scrapbooking time :)

2010-12-03T23:06:00.001-08:00

This scrapbook design created with Smilebox

10 Tips for Working Moms | Work and Money | FemaleNetwork.com

2010-10-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

10 Tips for Working Moms | Work and Money | FemaleNetwork.com

Career Mom vs. Stay At Home Mom: Should I Stay or Should I Work?

2010-10-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Career Mom vs. Stay At Home Mom: Should I Stay or Should I Work?

Bfeeding sunday

2010-10-31T03:09:00.000-07:00

Hooray! It's Sunday! I get to spend my whole day with Lyndel. :) since i'm home, he feeds almost every hour. With breastfeeding, it's not just the nourishing part, there's also the nurturing part. I've read somewhere that when babies want to stay close to mom, they'd nurse often.

Lyndel has grown heavier! At 2 months, he is also "mahaba" at 56cm. His feet even dangle when he nurses.

I have some snippets of his bfeeding antics. (more to come) :) such joy :)

my bundle of joy

2010-10-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Yaya took this picture of us while we were waiting for our ride to the hospital for Lyndel's vaccine shots :)