Is it Christmas already?

It's been awhile since I blogged. We have had so much things happening all together I don't know where to begin... But in everything, I am grateful to the Lord; for the blessings and for the lessons. He has been so faithful in our lives even during the most trying of times.

Is it Christmas? We sure could smell the BER months! Someone generous sent L a package today. 

The look of pure joy on her face when I told her its hers.

"Wwoowww" caught on camera.

Can't wait to try it on.

Trying on one dress. We'll sure wear these on Sunday!

Thank you Gail's Clothings! As soon as we opened the package, L's eyes lit up and she literally said "wwwoww". 

Please check out Gail's Clothings on facebook. Mommy Karen is very sweet and has good taste! 😍

More exciting news... We have another blessing on the way :) our little Squish is due on May 2015. Thank you Jesus!

2 PINK LINES! SQUISH. Coming Soon May2015.

Happy Father's Day 2014!

To the men in my life who have stood by and strong as a father and an example to live by, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY :)

To my own dad whose strut I followed when I was little, looking up to you, doing stuff with you and just knowing you were always there just always assured me everything was fine. 

To my other dad in the other side of the world, Uncle Greg, thank you for the guidance, thoughtfulness and for always including is in your daily prayers.

To daddy Ver, I could not thank you enough for raising a good man :)

And to our very own Daddy Raymond, L would breastfeed at night but always transfer to your side of the bed to fall asleep. When listening to any kind of music, L would bob her head, dance and sing happily, I'm pretty sure she got her dancerous grove and her appreciation for music from you. You never take a pass on doctor's appointments if you could help it and you always make our family and our needs a priority above all else. Thank you for being responsible and providing a sense of security for us. Thank you for geniunely and consistently being a kind example. I thank God for the gift of you everyday :) 

For the fathers in our lives,

Happy Father's day! We love you!

Tougher than A Tantrum

L is full of surprises and she has always been an easy baby. She is peaceful, quiet, observant, funny and smart. She has always met every milestone ahead. I believe at 12 mos, aside from she has started walking and is unstoppable, she now also has TANTRUMS!

Today particularly, after 12 months of being easy on the carseat, she decided she didn't like it anymore. She wanted to be seated on my lap and press the window button. I, knowing better, of course placed her in her car seat whether she liked it or not. She wailed, held her breath, cried, shouted, fisted her hands, kicked her feet and I had to do what I had to do. I let her cry! She was not getting what she wanted. Not even attention. I hated seeing her cry, but I would hate it more if other people hated her for being spoiled and bratty. 

Yesterday at the dinner table, she ate only a little bit and was most likely full from her late afternoon snack and tired from playing. As a result, she threw a mini tantrum and swiped the tumbler that was offered to her. I talked to her with a steady voice and a serious face and she cried. But I was not going to baby talk her and comfort her because as early as 12 mos, she understands that she is not supposed to do that and yet she does and she tries to get away with it by crying.

Discipline must start with us as parents and we must discipline not out of anger, frustration or shame but out of love. I love my daughter so much I never want her to experience the results of a bad attitude so I want to help her cut and break the roots of that as early as now. She finally cut it out 10 minutes before we reached home and when we did, she was smiling and hugging and kissing me. I talked to her about patience and that I love her so much I am doing the best way I can to keep her safe in the car. She may be too little to understand now but I just want to be very clear of my intentions and purpose for every little thing I do for my child. 

At this very moment, L is peaceful and contented breastfeeding in my arms. I am in no position to claim I am a perfect parent or that what I am doing is what every mother would do. But every parent only wants and does what she thinks is best for her child. It is a tough world out there and my personal judgement tells me that as a mom, I have to be tough sometimes. Better learn early on and have a firm foundation rather than stumble and repeatedly fall when she is older. 

I ask myself... Now she cries about little things that don't go her way and I don't let her be because I know better and I got her back. As children, we don't understand this. My mom's famous line "you'll only understand when you are a mom yourself" echoes in my mind and I guess this is where her tough love begun.

I pray everyday for God's guidance for wisdom and good judgement. R and I cannot do this alone. 

Dear L,

When you're a bit bigger and will learn to read, you will read this and experience new feelings each time you do in every milestone in your life. When you are 13 and feel like you know everything, 16 and ready to conquer the world, 18 (with a boyfriend?), whatever age... I pray you will learn and realize each time that I love you, I always do. Whenever you feel alone, maybe you did in the carseat today because I never gave in to taking you out of it until we reached home, know now and always that I am holding your hand in mine praying that you will always rise above and flourish and be the person God intends for you to be. 

(Tough) Love,

Mommy

"Wanted: Perfect Yaya"

(Nursing L to sleep)

My Second Year being a "mom" to a wonderful, funny, smart, beautiful, awesome girl, there is no other role I'd want than this. 

Today I am reminded even more of my call. I had a rough night last night. We had to rush L's nanny to the hospital because she (nanny) had a seizure. And worst of the worst is she was carrying L when it happened. Thankfully, L is favored, loved, covered and protected by Jesus and her angels, she came out wailing but unharmed. No bumps and bruises. I had her checked by the doctor too just to be sure. 

I am just thankful this happened here in Cebu in the bedroom and not in the bathroom while she's giving her a bath or worst if she's carrying her while on the stairs or if they were alone in the house. I cannot imagine that and will never forgive myself for it. 

I guess this is a hard learned lesson on picking a yaya for our little ones. They are so precious we should be extra prayerful, cautious and vigilant who we allow to be near them. Our "ate" is such a nice and caring young lady, I never suspected it.

We will not be having a yaya for awhile. It will just be L and Mommy. 

So Happy Mother's Day Mommy Kat! -- yes, I'm talking to myself. I feel like a panda with puffy dark circles around my eyes that thankfully, concealer can hide. I love you L girl. Always and forever!:)

Blowing Tummy Bubbles

L just blew on my tummy. Literally she blew farting noises and I was so surprised I laughed. And because of my deep, giggly, belly laugh, my daughter giggled and laughed and did it over and over and over again. That was the most fun 10 minutes I've had ever! Now she is peacefully asleep and I can't believe she's funny and smart and so beautiful and that she's ours.

Dear L,

At 12 mos you blew farting noises on my tummy and you genuinely made me laugh even without telling me a joke. I can't wait for you to finally tell me something funny and we'll both laugh together. I can't wait to share stories and secrets and talk about everything and anything you feel like talking about. You just made me feel so loved and special by blowing farting noises on my tummy. I tried blowing back on your tummy but it was more fun when you did, so you raised my shirt and did it over and over and over again until you got tired and we breastfed and now you're asleep and I'm tears about it while blogging because I'm so overwhelmed with joy because you blew farting noises on mommy's tummy. 

I love you so much, I can't imagine life without you. I am over the moon inlove with you. Thank you for being you.

Love, 

Mommy

To my Liane @ 1

Dear L,

I look at you now, soundly and peacefully sleeping and remember that this day only a year ago, I was drying myself off with a towel from a relaxing warm steam bath after swimming at Tagaytay Highlands when some bright red bloody show made my heart skip a beat. That was the happiest and most exciting show of blood I have ever seen. I was so excited to finally meet you in person after 38 weeks.

 7:00PM 4-19-14

I calmly put on fresh clothes and dried my hair and packed my things before I told Mimi about it and she panicked for me.

We got home and I took my time putting make up on and ironing my hair. I wanted to look pretty on labor! I run through the stuff we needed and then timed the contractions and at 12am, we went to the hospital.

Everything was prepared and went smoothly. We stayed in our room through labor because I wanted to be with Daddy. My excitement to see you and my will to make it all natural kept me positive as the contractions became more intense. I would grip the bed rails until a contraction was over and await the next one. Wheww!

At 6am, I was already 6cm and gave in to an epidural and at 9:23am on 4-20-13, I finally believed at love at first sight. You, Liane Xandrea were born. You made your grand entrance to the world, into our lives and into my heart where you will always be. Your strong cry was music to my ears. It was the best sound! 

Today, I look at you and its love at 2nd, 3rd, 4th and nth time.

At 1 year old, you may be tiny but you have changed our lives. I thank Jesus everyday for giving me a chance to be your Mommy. I don't deserve it but His grace makes everything possible. 

Liane girl, you are so smart, so sweet and so beautiful. Your sweet dimpled smile and your spontaneous butterfly and flying kisses make my day. I love you so much.

Happy first birthday to best best girl in my world!

On Breastfeeding @ 1 year

Liane and I have been direct breastfeeding since birth for the past almost 12 months. Our first meeting was a beautiful memory etched forever at the depth of my heart: the breastcrawl and skin to skin. When I gave birth for her, I saw the shock of raven hair, her skin color and her strong cry brought me to blissful tears. But when she finally reached me, she latched on to me and she looked at me. Her eyes, my eyes were the last thing I saw before I passed out. 

It has been a blissful experience with a lot of memories I treasure in my heart. It has inspired me to grow as a person, as a mother to L and has allowed me to nurture not just my own baby but more babies who we have shared and donated breastmilk to. 

Along the way, we have met new mommy and baby friends and I have nursed L everywhere: in church, at the mall, airport, beach-- name it. She has also discovered what I fondly call "breastfeeding acrobatics" which makes our nursing sessions even more fun and memorable. 

She is also Mommyfide's inspiration for me to provide fashionable, affordable and Modern Mommywear for breastfeeding moms and the sole reason why breastfeeding is close to my heart. 

But it wasn't always easy at first. Being a new mom and persevering the first 3wks up to 3 months, establishing milk supply, adjusting to not sleeping straight at night, unli latch and growth spurts, plugged ducts, sore nipples, limited wardrobe and more! 

But today, L is turning 1 year old in less than 2 wks. I feel like I earned a medal for coming full circle. Breastfeeding her has become so valuable to me:

1. It is her instant comfort whenever she is not feeling well: teething

2. Helps her sleep

3. No painful ears when we travel by plane, so she is such a happy traveller

4. We travel and go out without worrying if we packed enough bottles, formula, sterilizer, etc. it allows us to travel light.

5. The savings (!!!!!!!)

6. The experience. Ohh when she looks at me and smiles, when we play while she is latched on or when she tries to put her foot in my mouth because she wants my undivided attention when I am on my phone while we nurse-- stuff like these.

7. Jumpstarts her immune system. Babies spend 40 wks in the womb, but the last that develops is their immune system which breastfeeding complements! Isn't that amazing? 

8. The bond I have with L :)

9. Best thing my boobs have ever done

10. Lost pregnancy weight quickly

I miss how she would be latched on to me all day and all night when she was tiny. Trust me, it gets better. Today she looks forward to meal times, would play or like to go out on a walk instead of nurse... Would be too distracted to nurse for more than a few minutes when we are out. All these things.

Mommies and mommies-to-be, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you have very limited time and window for this experience with your children. 

I feel like I am a super hero and have super powers for making milk even while I sleep! What's your super power? 

Indeed, it is a selfless act of love and devotion only a determined mother can provide. Daddies can change nappies, Grandma can babysit for a bit, Nanny can take over for awhile, Grandpa can do playtime... But only Mommy can breastfeed :)

Many have asked me for tips how to succeed because I have made it look easy. Just set your mind to it, no bargaining... Enjoy your baby, enjoy, live and love the experience while it lasts and trust me, it will be hard before it becomes easy and it will get better and better. 

 I think a breastfeeding mother and child is a beautiful sight. We will be breastfeeding until L self weans whether that will be when she is three or when she is 30. Hehehe!

Turning 1 Soon

I have so much in my mind I have to write about. A lot of things have transpired, plenty have changed for the better and an overflow of blessings have poured into our lives this year. But someone special is too precious not to write about... 

Our greatest blessing is turning 1 soon and yesterday was her pre-birthday photoshoot. I have so much to be thankful for. 

(L's shadow bum shot in her pink Modia Ellie Nappy)

I relocated with a clean slate, not a lot of friends and a baby on the way. Today, we have friends who sincerely are there for us. It's so nice to constantly keep in touch, have mommy meets, baby playdates and communicate daily and express support.

(Lulai and Piglet's Ria-- enjoying Chewelry)

(Ria loves Chewelry!)

Liane's shoot was scheduled at 4pm. Lulai and Piglet with Baby Ria (Ingente-Valencerina Photography) were here at 2pm to set up and occular the venue. Mommy Marge with Achi Nikki, Gab and Liane's bff Kenzie were here earlier with her Smash cake, art materials and support!  You ladies always show overwhelming support. Liane and I super love you.

(Mommy Marge "Poppins" with the girls)

I didn't know what to expect so I prepared a handful of outfits and props. Piglet of IV Photography made this home shoot easy and relaxed. We literally enjoyed it. L was not stressed, I did not have to tell him what to do and he thoughtfully prepared details and bullets of the flow so we could all be on the same step. I would definitely and highly recommend them for important events! 

We had a long productive day yesterday. L girl ate cake for the very first time and trust me, she loved it and was bouncing until 9pm. She will not be eating a bite of cake anytime soon. 

Some behind the scenes photos :)

CEBU Mini Babywearing Meet

Learning about babywearing and actually wearing my Liane has been such a wonderful and liberating experience being with my child and still be able to use my hands, go wherever I need to and do whatever I have to and not having to worry about leaving my baby back home, or pushing a bulky stroller. 

Today, I met up with a bunch of beautiful ladies and their babies and got to impart the advantage of babywearing, the benefits of it and shared how convenient it was especially during those times that it is just baby and mommy.

True enough, Mommy Mitzi takes the bus all the way to the city from Borbon, a town all the way up north of Cebu with 5.5month baby Matt who is 10kg. She has to bring him along wherever she goes because they exclusively direct breastfeed. She uses no carrier as the one she has is such as hassle with buckles and it made her back ache. The Aqua Cactus Lelliebubb Ring Sling instantly relieved her. Both Mommy and Baby loved it!

Eating peacefully while Ring Slinging Baby Matt in their Lelliebubb

Mommy Mimi was there too with her month old baby daughter who just got vaccinated. She instantly fell asleep in the  Violet Lelliebubb Ring Sling and Mommy Tin with Lykha who slept Lykha-boss.

Ring Slinging L on a Pale Yellow Lelliebubb.

Here we are with our babies happily ring slinging! I feel so happy and fulfilled to have been able to share about babywearing and be able to help these mommies make the journey of mommyhood a bit easier. 

Imprompto Babywearing Mini Meet:

How to use a Ring Sling

@ Chocolatier, Ayala Center Cebu

Uncle Kevin wearing L on a Lelliebubb pouch back home.

Lelliebubb Ring Slings and Pouches and other products are available at Pinay Mommy PH.

Lelliebubb Ring Sling Review

Now that L is bigger (8mos-- yay!!!) and we are out and about more, we find that we now use the ring sling more.

Why we like our Lelliebubb Ring Sling:

1. Adjustable. 

We can share it. No need to bring many carriers.

2. (Very) Versatile.

Doubles as a nursing cover. L doesn't like being covered so I just drape the tail on my chest so I'm not bare while my top is down or open.

The tail can also be wrapped around the rings to create a little pillow for baby or so that baby doesn't chew on the rings

3. Big Nylon Rings.

Easier to adjust the rails.

4. Light Breathable Material.

We don't get sticky and sweaty in it!

5. Pocket.

You can put anything in it. A toy, car keys, wallet... 

6. Pretty.

Everytime I wear L in our Lelliebubb, I am confident that we look nice. 

7. Price.

At only 800 pesos, it is a lot cheaper than other brands in the market and is proudly locally made with quality and safety in mind. 

Would I recommend this? Yes. It is worth it.

Would I buy another one? Definitely. I am looking forward for Valentine and Summer designs!