New Year 2014

Everything new happened for me, or for us in the span of one year. Which is cool. Who wouldn't like new clothes, a new car, a new iphone?

I got-- a brandnew hubby (first owned), moved to a new place (permanently), new family name, new friends (still kept the old ones and have no plans to destash), an entirely new life... And even though it wasn't Christmas or my birthday in April, I got to unwrap the most precious gift, Liane Xandrea and got hooked to the most fulfilling job in the planet: Motherhood which opened up a lot of interesting and indulging advocacies; breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering and baby led weaning. 

More new stuff:

LX is teething. There's a little white tooth surfacing on her lower gums. 

My mompreneur partner Mitz and I have gotten Pinay Mommy PH rolling. 

FB: Pinay Mommy PH

I have discovered the ultimate anti mosquito and all in one booboo solution: Mommy Patch Anti-mosquito and Lavender Rescue Sticks

10 Things to do in 2014

1. (Definitely) Blog more: 365 blog challenge

2. Launch Pinay Mommy PH Nursing Line

3. DIY Liane's 1st birthday

4. Go on BLW Dates

5. Get Fit (!!!)

6. Cook

7. Bake

8. Travel

9. Learn to wear L on the back

10. Learn to drive from Tagaytay to Alabang and Tagaytay to airport.

What a strong blessed year 2013 was. We continue to trust our Lord, He has been so faithful in our lives.

From our home to yours...

Happy New Year! 

Perfect Solution for Pesky Mosquitoes and Mosquito Bites

Motherhood has been a blissful experience for me. It still excites me everyday waking up to the little girl that calls me mom (or "dede"). I have been basking in the pure joy of it and have embraced everything about it. Along with this I have made enemies and waged war against mosquitoes, bugs, rashes, bumps, bruises and anything that hurts or causes my daughter discomfort.

Here are two products that totally work. Anti Mosquito Rescue Stick & Lavender Rescue Stick.

What are these?

Anti-mosquito Rescue Stick 

Our Anti-Mosquito Rescue Sticks revolutionized how parents protect their children from the dreaded mosquito bites. Since its introduction to the Philippine market in 2010, we have sold more than 10,000 AMR™ Sticks in Asia and in the U.S.

Safe and Effective.

Patronized Worldwide.

Proudly Philippine Made.

An Original Mommy Patch™ Creation.

Lavender Rescue Stick

Made from the purest of ingredients, our Lavender Rescue Sticks are every Mom's Best Friend.

Infused with the highly coveted Lavender Essential Oil (45%) that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. No colorants, no preservatives.

ALL NATURAL....Just the goodness of

Lavender Essential Oil.... in a stick.

No spills, no messy application.

Directions: 

Just remove cap and apply directly onto insect bites, burns (first aid), cuts, scrapes, etc.

Our Lavender Rescue Stick™ can be used on any type of skin and is a skin re-generator, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti- bacterial, deodorizer, analgesic, relaxing, helps prevent scars, helps boost the immune system and it smells so fabulous mommies could use it as their little perfume stick too.

The top 3 great things about them are:

1. 100% Organic and safe even for babies.

2. Smells great. Have you ever experienced getting a head ache from the strong citronella smell of anti mosquito sprays and lotions? 

3. Handy and does not give you sticky hands. It's not messy... No need to wash hands after applying. It also fits anywhere and is virtually weightless. (Think: chapstix)

(Available at FB: Pinay Mommy PH at only P195 each.)

Also, here's a Mommy product that is pure love. Mommy Patch Goat's Milk and Olive oil with Glutathione Soap! It really does smell so good and keeps skin moisturized. 

(Available at Pinay Mommy PH @ P100 only)

You have got to try this.

Just today, these freebies arrived for me as a pleasant surprise and I can't wait to try them all!:) Thanks Mommy Patch for the early Christmas present. 

Mommy Patch Rescue Range:

Anti Mosquito Rescue Stick

Lavender Rescue Stick

Anti Mosquito Rescue Body

Spray

Anti Mosquito Home Spray

Soap-on-a-rope

Olive Dream Mood Alchemy Soap with Moroccan Argan Oil

French Lavender Room & Linen Spray

Glowing Contessa Dry Oil

Little Contessa Sanitizer

Olive Dream Perfume

Gift card <3

Perfect Love. Happy 8th Month Babylove!

My baby turned 8 months today! Yay!!! She now shows off that she can close-open her hands and clap. She has a good sense of humor and hates lying down. She stands up a lot now and tries to balance herself by letting go and rolling off everywhere. There are no words for the pure joy she brings to our home. Her sweet dimpled smile still sends me to cloud 9. Along with her milestones are learnings and discoveries about mommyhood. I can't say I am a perfect parent... But I will say that my love for my daughter is. Happy 8th month Liane Xandrea!:) 

365 with R

On this day last year, R and I exchanged wedding vows. And now, 365 days and a baby later, I could not ask for more. God's faithfulness in our life together is overflowing. 

I have always envisioned being married and having a house full of children and pets and being a full time mom and now I am living it. Ok, I have tweaked my plans a little bit, I am not having 10 children anymore, maybe just one more, but our little girl may have countless sleepovers and our home may still be filled with silly giggles and childhood memories. Huhu, just thinking of it makes me tear up. 

I married literally a man of few words. There are no overwhelming promises nor impressing stories and tales... But he never fails to buy lotion and diapers for LX and sometimes comes home with little surprises, a McFlurry because I saw it on TV, grapes and longgan because he knows I like it, muffins... Does grocery shopping, worries I am bored because my day is spent mostly at home with the baby... Anything. 

I have a wonderful, kind, generous and loving man for a husband who rarely says it... But shows it each day. 

I love you Raymond Ambion!:) 

As certain as the sun will rise, I am yours and you're mine, all mine.

Happy first of many wedding anniversaries!:) I sure am a happily married woman.

Baby Led Weaning

What is Baby Led Weaning? And why did I choose this route in introducing solids to my baby daughter?

One month into solids and people have been sending me messages about LX's videos where she eats independently so, Baby Led Weaning or BLW is an alternative way to introduce solids to baby wherein we do away with the traditional way of mashing food and spoonfeeding baby. We also do away with jarred and instant baby food.

The BLW way is simple; cut food into finger sized "french fries cut". Personally, I like to steam or give her table food veggies minus the seasoning or just serve fruit fresh. Baby has to be able to sit independently with or without assistance on a high chair or booster seat.

Some advantages of BLW are

1. There is no chance of overfeeding baby. As baby controls her food intake, she will stop when she is full.

2. Reduced risk of choking. Baby learns to chew first before swallowing. It is important to be able to contrast choking from gagging and learn first aid.

3. Food appreciation. Baby enjoys meal time because she is able to touch, explore and taste different textures of food in her hands and in her mouth. No picky eating! LX eats ampalaya with no fuss.

4. Eat in peace. Baby minds her own food, so mommy gets to eat happily especially when we are out. I always remember to bring her booster seat and bib because she is too tiny for the restaurant high chairs.

5. Convenient. I don't have to prepare her food separately.

I will add to the advantages as I continue to experience these all first hand. I am a first time mom as well and all these are learning experience for both L and myself. 

We are turning 7 months in 4 days and we are still exclusively breastfeeding. She eats 3x meals a day with us on the table. She enjoys and looks forward to meal times. 

Some of our BLW photos:

11.15.13 Squash for breakfast

11.15.13 Okra for lunch

11.16.13 Broccoli for breakfast

Photos Eating out:

11.12.13 Steamed Beans at Tita Leah & Tito Pj's wedding

11.10.13 Cafe George Cebu, Broccoli for dinner

November 2013. Cafe George Cebu. Lunch. Fresh Zucchini.

November 2013. District 50 Cebu. Banana and Cucumber. Lunch.

November 2013. Rib eye steak, Pearl Meat Shop Cebu. Dinner.

November 2013. Max's Ayala Cebu. Camote fries. Lunch w/ Pappi Jun.

10.30.13 Uncle Kevin's bday dinner at Marco Polo Cebu. Steamed Broccoli for dinner.

By far, here are the food she has tried:

1. Papaya

2. Ampalaya

3. Cucumber

4. Broccoli

5. Sayote

6. Beans

7. Squash

8. Okra

9. Banana (Latundan)

10. Chico

11. Rib eye steak

12. Brown rice

13. Egg (yolk)

14. Pandesal

15. Carrots

16. Zucchini

17. Camote

18. Potato

Her favorite are: Broccoli, Okra and Cucumber :)

By BLW, we are not just teaching good eating habits but also, values such as being independent, learning to wait, table manners and chewing food.

Eating independently also helps babies appreciate and explore food textures with her hands and her mouth. It helps them practice picking up food, controlling their grip and learning to stop when they are full.

At 6mos and 1 day, Liane can drink from a cup with a straw like a pro. We skipped feeding bottles and sippy cups all together and went ahead from boob to baso. (Breast to cup)

October! Liane's 6th month + Baby Led Weaning

Liane is our Love Child. The moment we found out Raymond and I were expecting, I knew in my heart I wanted to be there for her. Be the one to care for her hands on. And that is exactly what I got. For the past 6 months, I wake up and see her smiling her big gummy grin and flash her dimple at me, it jump starts my day effortlessly. My nights are filled looking forward for our next feed. I am so inspired and excited by this little person who surprises us everyday.

10.19.13 Saturday

We dedicated her formally to the Lord in time for her 6th month birthday.

10.21.13 Monday

We started BLW. She was a natural. I gave her a slice of papaya for breakfast and she instantly knew what to do with it.

I am a walking ball of emotions. I will miss changing her exclusively breastfed diapers and our 10pm, 1am, 3am breastfeeding sessions. She had a growth spurt at 5mos and 3wks in time for her 6th month... She suddenly learned to crawl effeciently and has slept longer.

Where has the time gone? I have been with our baby daughter for the past 6 months and yet I still miss her even while she sleeps. What a blessing she is.

South Mommies 1st Breastfeeding Meet

Today, October 5, 2013, at Asian Hospital was our first breastfeeding meet for South Mommies. 

I was there with Raymond, Liane and Ate Inday (her nanny). We met new friends and it is nice to finally put a face to some mommies at the Breastfeeding Pinays support group online. 

Let me just say how passionate everybody is and how cute all the babies are! My Liane was instantly so excited, bouncing, babbling, squeeling the whole time.

Here's a photo of her with her new friend Tita Mau, NICU nurse at Asian and Tita Virgie.

The mommy treats were so good. Especially Mommy Christine's muffins!!! I did not get to take photos as I finished off 3 instantly. (Oops)

My favorite breastfriend Jah was there with Jacob and James, too and we had dinner at Conti's right after.

I know I should have taken more photos at the event, it really slipped my mind!

Here's Liane sleeping in between activities during car rides, pooling her energy! Adorable!

On our way to Asian

From Asian after the event to Conti's

On our way home to Tagaytay trom dinner.

Of course, Ellie the Elephant is her favorite buddy. She held my hand for comfort when she was fussy on our way home and slept. What a good girl!

Liane at 5months

Has it been 5 months? The days have gone by so quickly. 

My girl is now 5 months. I have been with her each day, striving and trying my best not to blink and eye that I might miss something. But how is it that even then, I feel that she is just growing too fast? Why do I miss her even though she is just sound asleep in the next room? 

The truth is, I have been her world for the past months. I have been her only source of nourishment and comfort. We just started cupfeeding because she doesn't like feeding from the bottle as we nurse direct exclusively. In another month, she will start eating solids and I will not be all she needs. I am only going to be a part of her world starting then...

(This is the little boss in her carseat @ 5mos.-- she just woke up from her nap)

But until then, I have still another month. And I intend to change every diaper as it will never be the same again :( I love you so much Liane girl. 

Happy Birthday Lola Nena!

(Late late post.)

I never got to meet her in person, but her beauty and goodness radiates until today  through her children and from those who knew her. 

Happy birthday Mommy Nelia! I am sure you snuggled, huggled and showered our Liane girl with kisses and wrapped her with love in heaven and held her hand then to make sure she got my eyes and her daddy's good looks (hehe!). 

She is by the way, Liane's namesake. When we found out we were expecting, Raymond requested with puppy eyes to name our girl after his mom. 

NeLia = LiaNe

Bubbahwearing at the Oval

Today was a beautiful day and we had visitors over, my sister, Karyll and our friend Paula. 

We ate so much at lunch and decided to go walking (for myself Pao and L) and jogging (for R & Karyll at the oval because Dadduh is cooking steak and salmon for dinner (nom!!!).

Cheers to babywearing. SaYa is indeed a gift for moms, especially breastfeeding mummahs!

I did away with the nursing bib today and decided to breastfeed in my SaYa. I wore Liane 3-ways today... We breastfed in the cradle carry, walked in the oval in the yakap carry with her feet out and the kangaroo carry when we bought steak and salmon to cook at Santi's.

Liane girl was content, observant and happy to be worn! She had a good time watching people jog, feel the breeze gently blowing on her hair and grazing her cheeks and then fell asleep in mommy's arms after 3 rounds at the oval.

(4mos ago: almost due at 37wks!)

And here's our dinner! Notice the staple malunggay soup, my most preferred galactagouge. 

Bubbah on a Growth spurt

For the past 4 months, breastfeeding Liane girl has been as easy as it could be. She was a master-latcher from the moment she was born and she has always been such an "easy" baby. She rarely ever cries and the fussiest she had been was when we had her ears pierced at 7 weeks, which lasted 8 hours max, and I even got to sleep at night and during vaccinations wherein she wakes up a little more than she does and comfort feeds at wee hours; no fever, no crying spells, she is such a good baby and I am so blessed.

For the first 3 months, my milk was leaking and overflowing to the point of discomfort. I slowly decreased my pumping sessions from every other feeding down to twice or thrice per day. I noticed however that she never fussed or fed too long then. I still have a stash of over 20 bags of frozen milk left after Liane and I shared some of her milk to our Breastfriends, Mommy Jah and Baby Jacob yesterday at the Breastfeeding Event at SM Center Las Piñas.

Everybody talks about growth spurt and unli-latching at a forum, Breastfeeding Pinays I joined. Now at our 4th month of successful exclusive direct breastfeeding, I experience Liane feeding every other hour and find that I am trying to catch up with her demand. I'd like to think it's because of the weather that she has such a hearty appetite, but I believe it's a growth spurt. It says it could go on up to 3 days. She fed longer and "deeper" now than she ever had which makes me concerned that she has to excert more effort to get milk, so it means I am not producing as much as I used to. I am not worried she would grow hungry as we have our stash of "frozen delights", just that she barely feeds from the bottle which is okay so that in the long run, I wouldn't have trouble weaning her off.

So I am once again rebuilding my supply by adding more pumping sessions every after feed just to balance it with her demand. I feel like a super hero because everytime she squeek-whimpers (we don't wait for her to cry), I know she wants Mommy, particularly, milk from Mommy which makes me smile because I am the only one who can love her this way.

Photos to follow.

Baby's Day Out

After almost a week of heavy rainfall, Mr. Sun finally shone today. About time he did because the little girl was a little bored at home. She really likes to go out and look and be around people. 

It doesn't matter where, we can just walk on the lawn, "count" bread at the bakery or look at Ate Amy iron clothes or we could go ride the car which she really enjoys because she knows we will go somewhere-- to church, the mall or do groceries.

Today we went to visit Daddy at the City Hall and Ninang Mayor Agnes too at the Mayor's office. As usual, she was quiet, fuss free and cute. She said she'd love to keep her but then we're not giving her away! 

Afterwards we had lunch at Chine, really yummy Chinese Cuisine at PAGCOR Tagaytay. We got to take home a couple their huge Jumbo Pao, too. (Really good!!!)

Daddy's Daughter

While waiting at the hospital for our turn at the pediatrician:

Mommy: ilang months na siya?

Me: 4 po *proud*

M1: ahh, mas malaki baby ko, 3 lang ito. Hindi ka ba nag breastfeed?

Me: pure breastfed po, ayaw ng baby ko sa bote (breastfeeds on demand right then because Liane is hungry- red kilay, scratches her head, pulls her ears)

M1: ahh paano yun? Madami kang milk? Ako kasi konti lang, 1.5 mos lang ako nag pure breastfeed, nakakainip kasi, parang hindi siya nabubusog, mixfeed na ako ngayon. Mas maganda breastfeed noh? Hindi nagkakasakit.

Me: nag dodonate po ako sa NICU dito, try niyo po malunggay capsules mami! (Pedia calls them.)

During our turn:

Pedia: natutuwa ako sayo, gusto na nung mommy kanina mag pure breastfeed uli!

Me: yipeee!!!

Daddy: "wala pang vitamins yan!"

(She gained 900g in weight and 10cm in length.)

She is so bubbly and happy and smiling and innocent she was so surprised when something hurt. She cried a little from her 5:1 shot but recovered in a jiffy. We thanked her pedia and went out of the doctor's clinic with a happy little girl in Daddy's arms, a little confused and ruffled but smiling again.

At home:

While watching my "mag-ama" talking, playing, looking at each other with so much love on this chilly, rainy afternoon, John Mayer's song, "Daughters" plays in my head. I don't know if its my hubby's influence that suddenly life is a lot simpler and is marked by tracks of songs. 

Daughters- by John Mayer

"So fathers, be good to your daughters

Daughters will love like you do

Girls become lovers who turn into mothers

So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Boys, you can break

You'll find out how much they can take

Boys will be strong

And boys soldier on

But boys would be gone without the warmth from

A womans good, good heart

On behalf of every man

Looking out for every girl

You are the god and the weight of her world

So fathers, be good to your daughters

Daughters will love like you do

Girls become lovers who turn into mothers

So mothers, be good to your daughters too [x3]"

I count my blessings yet I can't quantify the joy, the love and the opportunity to experience watching my daughter grow and being a part of every milestone she makes. I have such a supportive, loving, thoughtful husband for a dad who doesn't mind and always remembers to buy diapers. 

What more can I ask God for? Just more sunny days would be perfect! :) 

Bubbahroo @ 4 months! Already?!

To our littlest family member, the apple of mummah's eyes, your sweet chinky peepers sparkled this morning and just like that, you just made this cold rainy day a lot brighter just like you have in mommy and daddy and all of our family's lives these past 4 months. 

No matter how I try, every hour that passes by is yesterday, that is why I bask in every precious moment and treasure every minute and every milestone because tomorrow, all these will just be memories stored, sealed and relived like a movie in my heart. 

I am with you everyday and yet my eyes cannot believe how fluffy your hair has gotten, that you have gained so much weight and length, how strong your arms, legs and personality are, how bright you are even at this age. How time flies and now you are 4 months old. 

Already you like people, colors, and you  like to make use of the mirror to watch tv even though you are not allowed. It is so easy to bring you anywhere because you are so quiet and observant. I can bring you in church, at the mall, at parties, at the grocery even without Ate Inday during Sundays.

You also have a sense of humor; one time you burped a big wet one and smeared the curred milk all over your face and hair and we laughed because you were surprised, too; and you laughed with us, so you, daddy and I were laughing together for a good one minute.

I love you little girl! :) I have always loved you and I always will. 

Happy 4th month. You bring so much joy to mommy and daddy!