33 Weeks today - Poker-faced

Hi bloggy!


I'm far from finding my purpose for today. I just feel so useless with nothing to do or to look forward to this day. Earlier, I got plans of going to Megamall for the Grand Baby Fair happening there starting today until this Sunday. They've got great discounts on certain brands and I've figured out that maybe I could avail those baby and nursing things that I haven't bought yet at half the price (or even more).


But the problem is: I always plan things only to get disappointed in the end. My should-be-partner-in-crime isn't as interested as I thought he'd be. I've mentioned this GBF event to him last night and he didn't give an answer. Not a "Yes". Not a "No". Not a "We'll see". Just plainly: "Nakita mo na yan dati pa e. Kunwari ka pa" which wasn't really an answer to the question of going or not. 



Boobie Issue


I've been wanting to buy my nursing stuff since I'm not comfortable wearing my old set of brassieres anymore. I'm sorry to spill it here guys, but they just don't fit me at all that it hurts when I wear it for a period of time. I sort of blame it everytime I feel like I'm running out of breath and when my twins are at the point of getting sore or hurt due to it's tightness. I had to unlock or remove it once in a while just to feel comfortable again.  You might say, it's okay not to wear one since I'm staying at home most of the time, but I just couldn't. Most of the moms I know would suggest that I still wear one even when I'm just at home to avoid breasts from sagging. Well, hopefully tomorrow I could finally finally finally treat myself that comfort. 


Uno's Crib


Uno's crib finally arrived yesterday, earlier than what we have expected. Here's a peek. :)

It's big! I swear! :)

It took up a big space in our room but it's okay. We're just waiting for the mattresses from Christian to arrive. Reese said she'll also be sending a gift for Uno which of course, I don't know yet but I'm excited about it. 


A few more weeks and I'm good to go. I just had to finish all these preparations for Uno's arrival. Next Saturday, I scheduled an appointment with the Medela House because we're planning to purchase the breastmilk storage solution at their shop. 


Tomorrow? 


I don't know what's gonna be up for me tomorrow. I gave up on planning and expecting already since I don't want to be hard on myself when my plans don't push through. It's normal to be frustrated especially when it's the only thing you looked forward to doing and yet, it didn't happen. 


And by the way...


I think men should be sensitive enough over the feelings of their ladies. Let me give you two reasons. First: Ladies are infused with estrogen hormones which triggers and exaggerates any emotion. So just like vampires, when we're happy, we are really happy and when we're hurt, we really feel hurt. Second: We just wanted to feel special and cared for in every and any way on a daily basis and not only when you feel like treating us. 


I know each day isn't perfect, there are times when you guys don't feel like doing anything special for us or won't show and tell us that you love us. And when you're in to "one of those days", our only wish is that the respect and sensitivity for us and our feelings will remain constant. No shouting, no display of disinterest and stuff like that. 


I'm 33 weeks today! :)     

32 3/7: Things are Just Getting More Exciting

Hi Bloggy! :)


I wasn't able to write yesterday after getting home from the mall. I was on my OC-Mommy mode and fixed the stuff we bought upon arriving. We already bought Uno a cribbie and the funny thing was we got the bigger (and better one) courtesy of the grannies (Kali's parents). :)


On my last blog, I've mentioned that we're planning to purchase this crib: 

But after the grannies checked on it, they thought it's not so sturdy. 


And so, we landed on this:

CuddleBug's Riverside 4-in-1 Crib

It turns into a toddler bed and a daybed

And later, into a full-size bed

Months ago, I fell in love with this crib the first time I saw it. Eversince I laid my eyes on it, I've always told Kali that this is what I want for a crib explaining to him the advantages of the whole package and sales-talking him into it. At first, he approved but during the next time that we looked for a crib, he opted for the white one because he found the Riverside bed too big and impractical.


I was then convinced to just settle on the Newport crib thinking that it's better to have it than to have nothing for Uno. I already even pictured in my mind how it would look inside our bedroom and freed up space for it. But yesterday, things changed. Mama and Papa convinced Kali that it's better to purchase the sturdier one. I just smiled at the thought that in the end, I still got what I wanted. Happy? Yes. Contented? Yes. It felt like an answered prayer. God really knows what's best. :)


We purchased the crib and the store said they'll have it delivered within two weeks. I'm quite excited about it. Haha! I swear. Anyway, after slashing the crib out of our To-buy List, we headed to the department store to checkout crib mattresses. Unfortunately, they didn't have the brand we were looking for. What they have looked like a Class-C thin foam for small beds. Good thing was, Kali lured Christian to give Uno a mattress as a gift. To my surprise, Christian didn't hesitate. He'll give two mattresses actually, one is of good quality, while the other will be used for mainly stuffing. We find the mattress height too low, so we thought we might need another foam to increase it's height. 


Since we failed getting mattresses and I learned before going to the mall that I bought the wrong size of crib bedding during my second batch of baby shopping, I looked for an alternate for it. I'm actually obsessing on Classic Winnie the Pooh stuff for Uno's beddings and to my delight, I found these cute flat sheets on sale for only Php130. 

Loving Classic Winnie the Pooh Designs
for Uno's beddings :) 

I already have 3 crib sheets, 2 bolster pillows, a baby pillow and comforter all with Classic Winnie the Pooh designs. I'm still looking forward to getting more stuff with the same design.  Reminded me of my high school days when I used to collect Winnie the Pooh items. 


We did the grocery afterwards. I've tried buying everything we might be needing for the first few weeks and stuffed it inside the container box which we also purchased yesterday. I placed all Uno's beddings and crib bumpers on the other container box. 

For the meantime, this is where
I'm placing all Uno's stuff. 

So far, I could say that we're all good and we're just waiting for Uno to come out. Haaaay. I can't wait. :)


Tranquil Tuesday


My day started early. I woke up minutes before 7am and had my high-fiber breakfast after which, we did our usual morning walk around the village. I did plan yesterday to wash the bedding we bought but Ate Jem insisted that she'll do the washing  for me instead. May be she was concerned about my condition and thought that it'd be best if I won't do the laundry for now. I could still do it actually but I didn't want to argue with her because I know she'll insist. I just changed our curtains then and had the white ones (which I removed) washed so I could use them the next month.


After doing the curtains, I found myself hungry and with nothing to do, so I grabbed my second round of breakfast: Chips Ahoy and Fresh Milk. I kinda resented eating it because minutes after, lunch was served.

Lunch.


Some mommy-reading.


Siesta.


For merienda, Kali made some French Toast. Yummy! I've been actually thinking about and drooling over French toasts for the past few days that's why I'm totally surprised that he made some without me telling him. I had three toasts with condensed milk on top! :)

Happy Tummy! :)


It's almost 7pm now, and here I am. Writing. Mommy-reading. I think I'll have to pause first coz I have to iron the washed beddings. :) Mr. Sun was so up, he dried the beddings in a swift! :) 


xoxo 

Sunday Slowdown: Who's excited for the Cribbie?

Hello Bloggy!

Today is another typical Sunday for me. We attended the 11am UP mass as usual and head straight home for lunch. Julian and Javier came over in time for the feast. I kind of having a hard time controlling what to eat on Sundays. We have more viands as usual paired with dessertS (emphasis on the S) courtesy of Kuya Bayan and Ate Cha. Earlier we had meatballs in sweet and sour sauce, beefsteak, macaroni soup, fried chicken, salad and smoked fish for the main dishes and two varieties of ice cream for dessert. I'm more of a rice person which is not really good for this time of my pregnancy because rice retains fluids in the body causing edema (manas), that's why I ate only a little (almost half cup) and indulged on meat mostly. 

Tomorrow, Kali and I together with Mama will be purchasing Uno's crib already. I'm excited about it because I've been itching to buy Uno's bed for the past few weeks just so I could finally finish our baby shopping na. :) To give you an idea, this is the crib that we're planning to buy tomorrow. 

CuddleBug's Newpoer 3-in-1 Wooden Crib

It turns into a toddler bed and a daybed

What I really wanted was the bigger one which later transforms into a full single bed but Kali finds it impractical. He thinks that there's an extra bed in the guest room already so it's not really necessary to buy that type of crib. On the contrary, I wanted to buy it because it's something we could have with has once we decide to move out and find or build a house of our own. But I'm good with this CuddleBug bed. :) It's cute and looks so preppy. :) As a matter of fact, I've already saved space for Uno's crib in the room. :) Half of our room would be for me and Kali's stuff while half of the room belongs to Uno. I just hope Kali cooperates with all the cleaning and mess once Uno arrives because I can't do it on my own and it's hard to rely on Ate Jem because she got her hands full with the everyday house chores already.


I still don't know if we have other plans tonight. Papa wanted to go out and stroll Julian around but we won't fit in the car plus there's baby Javier who can't really stay outside for too long. 


So far, this is how I'm spending my Sunday -- quiet and carefree. I might doze off for a nap after this. :) 

32 Weeks - Holding on to my plans and dreams

Hi Bloggy! :)


This week, I've started considering moves and plans for my career. Since I won't be able to work instantly after birth and I haven't really thought of future office careers, I'm starting to list work-at-home jobs as top priority in finding one. I would want to focus on Uno's first year full-time but still have something lucrative on the side because I want to earn and save up for a future house, a dream car and Uno's needs and wants in the coming years.


On my last blog, I've mentioned that Kali just landed a writing job for Solar Sports' BTV. I'm thinking of applying for their Talk TV Channel which has an opening for the same position but I haven't gathered enough confidence to write for something as big as Solar Sports. But for the sake of trying, I might as well go and take a chance on it. 


I've also considered developing my own website and make something out of it. For the past months, I've been lured to many Mommy blogs and online shops and I thought I might get a hit on it because there are only a few mommy blogs and sites here in the Philippines and the market is as simple as Moms (Dads, maybe) and kids. Most of the mommy blogs I've seen made blogging and online selling work hand-in-hand. They write about mommyhood and sell mommy and baby items at the same time. 


I want to do that too. Either I'll get my own line or re-sell products. As I could see it, online shopping would still be a trend in the coming years since it's more accessible even to the international market and convenient for busy moms who don't have time to stop and shop for their babies. Also, it's an easy way to reach moms and moms-to-be. Talking from experience, I've learned so much from just reading online articles written by other moms and I want to be like them. 


Moreover, I want to share on my blog that being a mom doesn't mean we have to forget about ourselves and just plainly be a mom. I would want to encourage other moms especially young moms whose numbers are on the rise that we could be the best career and family woman at the same time without sacrificing too much. 


On the selling and re-selling part, I want to be an advocate of organic and eco-friendly products. As part of my commitment to mother nature and the country, I want to be part in sharing the goodness and benefits nature has to offer on our health and daily living while protecting Mother Earth and enriching a sustainable lifestyle. I know it's quite too ideal but with the help of other advocates, I'll be able to contribute in saving Mother Nature while giving the best things that it has to offer to our families. 


I'm quite serious in pursuing this bloggy thing so I consulted a web designer for my soon-to-be website and asked her to quote a price for a simple design and logo. I'm quite excited to see her answer next week and what she designed for me. What's good about this website developer that I found on the net is that she's an expert in designing sites for mommies and she has a no-obligation policy when asked for a quotation. So if you don't like what she designed for you or it's too expensive, you don't have to pay her or take it. 


If you want to checkout or if you're planning to design and build your own website, you could check her themes and portfolio by clicking here. :) 


While online writing and re-selling is on top of my priority list, I'm also thinking of taking a short course on interior designing. I've always been a fan of interiors and furnitures, houses and architecture and motherhood just helped me boost this old passion of mine. I remember when I was five or so, I would always draw houses and show them to my mom. Maybe at that time, what pushed me to draw houses was because we lived in a small house with no rooms and the cabinet being the only divider separating our living and sleeping area. We had a common CR which is located outside the house and shared by two other neighbors and a deepwell where we take a bath on mornings and where the neighborhood does the laundry. So you see, we didn't really had a good house to begin with and there started my frustration and passion for building a good one in the future.


That love for houses and furnitures didn't stop there. When I turned 13, I remember receiving real estate flyers whenever we go to Manila or visit the mall and my amusement when getting one. I was so enthralled, I would imitate the drawings and make versions of my own. Most of the time, I would draw the top view where you see the divisions of each room. Something like this:  

After drafting them, I'll show them to my mom and tell her where the master's bedroom is, the kitchen, how many comfort rooms and so on and so forth after which she'll share to me Feng Shui stuff about building houses, placing doors and where's the best direction the house should be facing. As I was growing, I didn't have the say regarding how our house should be designed or if the furnitures should be replaced already. I was aware of these "flaws" but due to budget issues, I couldn't raise them up. It took a while before our house got finally furnished and painted. I remember sweeping off too much dust coming from the unpainted and unfinished walls and untiled floor and seating on plastic chairs during mealtime, piling them up after each meal just to save up space. 


The first time I finally got a say on issues regarding our house design was during high school. My friends would suggest that every week, we should visit a house and just hang out there for some time. I was too pressured to show our house that on the day before their visit, I did a general cleaning and tried re-arranging the furnitures. The visit went by smoothly but I was not really happy with what I could offer them. No peer pressure involved but I was just too envious of their houses that I found ours very "ugly". 


Little by little, part by part, we eventually had the house renovated and painted. I really had issues on house paint because I was traumatized by cold, gray and dusty walls. It seemed to me that we're living inside an unfinished house (which is true naman) but the house looked too raw that it appeared like we forced ourselves to move in ahead of time.  


When I moved out for my Manila life during college, I was kinda thankful that I didn't have to sleep inside those unpainted rooms. Fast forward after college, while I still didn't have a job I started painting and re-painting the whole house. And not just that, I tried fusing and moving furnitures, I shopped for curtains and opted for a color scheme for each room. We also removed clutter and things which have not been used or moved for years. I graduated March and had my first job on September. So the five months I've been jobless didn't really mean "No Work" for me after all the changes I've made in our house.


So going back to my plan on taking a short Interior Design course and infusing my mommyhood and nesting skills on it, I wanted to focus on room and furniture designs  for nurseries and kids rooms.  I've been inspired by nursery works I found online that I wanted Uno to have one too. I know he'll be sharing his first few years with us that's why I want to turn our room into a child-friendly nursery and parent room at the same time. Just look at some of this photos from Project Nursery. Aren't they inspiring? 

Taking the course is actually a second priority only since I know studying's going to take much of my time. But I still plan to build a nursery for Uno by redesigning our room part by part in consideration of the budget and since I've always loved DIY Stuff and I have an artsy soul as well, I might do concepts of my own. :) I actually have something on my mind now that I wanted to execute soon. I found this inspiration online. I was browsing the net a few days ago looking for a cute concept for  Uno's stuff when I bumped into this simple changing table. 

I've scouted a few changing tables sold online and in the baby stores but it's too expensive. I'm thinking of having this one made since it's simple and it's good for organizing stuff inside the room. Also, you could turn this into something else like a table for his books or toys once he outgrows it. I want to ask my dad if he knew a good carpenter who could do this. I'm confident actually that he could nail this design by himself, I just need a good quality of wood because this had to be really sturdy. :) 


So far, I have plans organized inside my head. I'm just worried because I think I'm planning ahead too much that I'm being hard on myself already. While I'm trying to organize everything, I try to ready myself in case these plans don't push through so that I won't get too frustrated. :)


32nd week


Yesterday was my 32nd week. Most of the time, I can't help but be excited for Uno's arrival. This feeling of excitement is killing my labor fears and worries and is emotionally helpful for me actually. Last Thursday, we had our 3D4D Ultrasound Rescan. I was so happy to see him all geared up, plump and ready for the world. He looks fatter compared to our first ultrasound  although he's still camera-shy, hiding his face behind his feet and hands. I don't mind not seeing the whole of his face (although I did). What's important is he's turned and is already lying on the right position. His music time every night actually helped him turn. :) Here's a glimpse of our Baby Uno. :) 

Our bun-in-the-oven: Leon Felipe Inno

Hopefully on Monday, we'll be purchasing his crib already courtesy of his Lola May. :) I just wanted the rest of my preggy weeks to run smoothly that's why I've been wanting to finish all the baby shopping already. Besides having a sore pelvic and tired lungs after long walks, I wanted to savor the rest of my nights because I know I'll turn into a Zombie Mom soon. :) 


Hmmm. I think this is the longest blog I've written so far. :) 


Bye for now. It's 10pm and I would have to do my prayer time in a short while. :)


Goodnight everyone!


Kong Hei Fat Choi! :)


xoxo

My Two Boys: My life

I'm feeling a little drowsy already but I still wanted to write. This Wednesday was so ordinary. I found myself with nothing to do besides fixing the room, the baby stuff etc. which is a normal routine for me already. I thought of washing the new baby pieces we received last Saturday as baby shower gifts but I don't want to get myself too tired since I'm feeling that I'm already nearing the big day. I don't want to put too much stress on my tummy and on myself to avoid pre-term labor. I still have two weeks to go before we all could say that it's already safe for me to deliver plus, I want to atleast reach my full term which is on the 37th week because it's less risky and more healthy for Uno. 


On Uno's final name, we really haven't decided yet although I already have something in mind. Sounds like his dad was relying much on me to finalize it. Talk about being a team. He was asking me to tell him the final baby name because I might not be conscious or talk-able once I get into labor straight to the delivery room. 


Speaking of his dad, he just broke into the room now and rendered some good news. Looks like he found himself a writing job. He just received an e-mail hiring him as an online sports writer for NBA-related articles/stories/issues. I'm not surprised that he got the job because he has always been a good writer and I've always thought that he'd be going to that direction --someone who does something about sports since he has always showed his love for it, joining fantasy drafts, watching games live and via TV, following this and that NBA/PBA player/sports anchor/analyst on Twitter. I'm happy that he found himself something productive and something he always loved at the same time.


So far, I'm happy that things are all set and going smoothly for my two boys. Uno's waiting to be welcomed here at home. Everything and everyone's almost prepared for his arrival while Kali on the other hand, just landed on something he always wanted. And from this point, I'd like to say that my prayers are answered. God really knows the desires of my heart and I just have to keep believing that He'll grant me what He knows I deserve.  :))


Goodnight everyone! 
This is going to be another tough night for me but I know I'll make it through. Anything for baby Uno, I'd be glad to do and experience (even if it means getting the all-nighter kicks and somersaults). Besides, I only have a few weeks to go before I finally see him, so I might as well rant no more. :) His kicks are signs that he's doing fine inside and that thought is enough for me to endure it. :)


xoxo 

Further plans for the last stretch :)

Good morning, bloggy! 
I'm on the final week of my 7th month. This Friday, I'll be officially on my last month! Yay to my 32nd week. :) I'm all but excited, nervous and scared all at the same time, the reason why I'm digging into baby books almost everyday and saying the rosary and the Novena to St. Gerard every night. I've also prepared the room already for our crib and the drawer that we haven't bought yet.


I placed Baby Uno's clothes at a small container box for the meantime. The box was once used for Kali's La Sallete files, test papers and thesis of his students and since I don't deem that he's going to need or use it anytime soon plus, Uno doesn't have a place to put his clothes and stuff just yet, and I don't want to mix his stuff with ours, I decided to empty the container box, clean it and place Uno's stuff there temporarily. His clothes quite filled the box and suited the room just fine because it saves us space. Imagine I only place it under our bed. I still want to get him a dresser though for his future things and just so he could have something to call his own. I'm really spotting on a wooden dresser which have changing table on top but it's quite costly almost the same price of the crib that we're planning to purchase. So my other option is a plastic one. With 2-5 drawers already. It's not as sturdy as the wooden dresser but because it's quite cheaper, I'd better settle on that rather than have nothing for Uno.  


I'm also on the look for a pediatrician now. I've read that it's better to have one before giving birth. Although my OB-Gyne has a partner pediatrician, I'm still considering other pedias since Ate Cha told me that they weren't happy with her when Julian and Cassie were born. 


I'm almost complete with the baby gear. So far, what I don't have are those that are for me naman like nursing items. I only got a couple of nursing wear, I still haven't purchased any nursing brassieres, breast pads, nursing cover, breastmilk storage containers, bra extenders and an abdominal binder. They say a binder is essential to get back on shape faster plus it stops your abdominal skin from sagging. Nursing brassieres and tops on the other hand, makes breastfeeding easier for moms since it is designed to aide in breastfeeding. Actually, I've already found all these items on online shops since they're not found mostly on shopping malls. I'm just waiting for some funds so I can finally purchase them. :)

Epiphany Sunday

Today is a rainy Sunday. :)


I've been wanting to return to the bookstore to get what I still need to finish the baby shower decors but I'm guessing that it'd be impossible to go out today because of the rain. Although somehow it has already subsided, the sky still tells me that there's more rain to come for the rest of the day. 


Just like our usual Sunday, we attended the 11am UP Mass but without Papa today. He was still sleeping when we left. Ate said, he just came home from a meeting around five this morning that's why he wasn't able to join us for mass. It was our first mass for this year. We weren't able to attend the New Year's mass because after checking out at Traders Hotel, we went to Boni High Street with Kuya Bayan, Ate Cha and the kids. We didn't get the chance to visit the church because Kuya Jess only drove for us that day. 


Today is the Sunday of Epiphany or Three Kings. 
And there's just too much Epiphany for me today. Aside from the priest's homily today which was good, there's just too many things that came in to me today. It was true when the priest said that we people always think that we have to go too far to experience God but the truth is, we don't really have to do that. God makes himself available for us to experience him everyday without having to go the distance. He makes himself visible and felt thru the people we get to meet and encounter this day, and we only have to realize that. God manifests himself everyday thru our experiences, and all we have to do is appreciate it.


Other things that came in to me today is that I realized I've been stressing myself out emotionally. Besides that it's kinda uncalled for, it's not healthy for me and the baby. I learned that sometimes, I should just learn to let things be and that I have to speak it out. When Kali and I are doing the baby shopping yesterday, it wasn't hard naman pala to tell him something, I just need to put authority (haha) and tell him what I need. :)


And speaking of Baby Shopping, we're able to shop a few things for baby boy na. :) We bought a few whites, konting colored damits and blankets. Ang dami ko tuloy lalabhan. Haha. :) But anything for baby boy naman, I'm willing to do. :) Since we're not through with shopping just yet, what I did was I checked out those that we're buying on our next shopping day and compared prices and quality standards. I checked out feeding bottles and sterilizers and was surprised with the cost. Five feeding bottles for a whopping three grand and a sterilizer worth five thousand pesos. Grabe. That was all I could say. But since nga I'm planning to breastfeed naman, I don't see the urgency of buying baby bottles. I just wanna continue psyching myself that I'll breastfeed full-time and purchasing baby bottles just won't do the trick. But I still plan to buy a pair of small ones just in case I need it and I'll invest on those milk storage containers instead in aide for my breast pump which Mommy Ella will lend me. :) 


Yesterday, we also had our prenatal checkup before we went shopping. Good news is I only gained a pound. The not-so-bad news is Baby boy is still on transverse lie meaning, he's lying on a horizontal position. His head on my right side while his feet on my left and his back was lying on my tummy. Kinda like this: 

I'm still hopeful and praying that he'd turn in the next couple of weeks because if he won't, I'll be forced to have a Caesarian Section which I'm trying to avoid. Aside from the fact that it's costly, I just want to have a normal delivery in my future pregnancies (if God allows :)) Plus, I don't want to be placed in a recovery room after birth. When I got home yesterday, I immediately researched how to turn the baby  and I'm eager to try the exercises I saw. Now, I'm downloading music naman for breech babies. Goodness. I'm willing to try everything just to make this baby turn. :)


I also got my flu shot yesterday. I'm really not happy with needles but I got no choice but endure it. Right now, my left arm's kinda sore and I could not move it that much. :|


I wanted to write a bit more but my clock tells me that I have to prepare to do the flipping exercises. I hope baby boy participates. :) 


This coming Saturday, we'll be having my baby shower! :) Kinda excited for it and prepared decors and prizes for the games. :) I'm hoping though that expected friends could make it. :) 

Turning OC :)

This morning, I decided to finally clean the room (again), not only because it's New Year but because I'm getting ready for the new stuff that's bound to invade the rest of the room--our baby things. Although I haven't bought anything just yet, I already put the bed aside, stuck to the wall again so there'd be space in case we decide to buy a cribbie. One reason why I also decided to pamper the room was because I know in the next weeks to come, it'd be much harder for me to move around and carry out chores. Actually, I also had a hard time cleaning up earlier. I had to move in a slow pace to make sure I don't tire and place too much pressure on my bump. I was able to finish everything in two hours and a half. Not bad! :) 

And because I've already cleaned the room and it's ready to welcome new stuff, I'm planning to do some baby shopping tomorrow. I'm planning to buy basic items lang muna since we're on a budget and mom said it's better to buy daw once the baby is out so we'd be sure of the size. I'm still thinking though if I'd push through with my plan of using only organic products for the baby, both for clothing, bathing and laundry. It'd be quite costly compared to ordinary baby products but what's good about it is it's proven safe for baby since it has less or no chemicals at all. 

I'm planning to breastfeed full-time, too. That's why I've been psyching myself that I wont ever need a formula milk for my baby. My only backup plan incase i don't have much milk is a lactation massage from Manang Lita, other than that, wala na. I've seen the effects kasi of not breastfeeding with Xander, my nephew with Abby. He's quite sickly, although he's smart and bibo naman. On the other hand, Julian, Kali's nephew who's been breastfed up until before he turned two and only stopped because Ate Cha got pregnant with Javier, is healthy most of the time (exception is the asthma he inherited from his father), and has advanced progress in his talking and walking skills. Months after turning one, he could basically converse already and could memorize and mimic expressions and words in an instant. By the time he turned two, he could already sing nursery rhymes with the right lyrics. Although enrolling him on Kinder Music classes and his parent's patience were helpful, I believed his stable health brought about by breastfeeding helped and prepared him to be a bibo kid. :) 

That's why I'd go for breastfeeding talaga. :)

With so much in my mind, I think I have to write my Birth Plan and tell my OB-Gyn about it na. Since not all hospitals are quite strict on implementing the room-in policy after birth, I should tell them in advance that I want Baby Boy to latch agad the moment he comes out and that he'd be roomed in with me. Also, no formula milk whatever happens. Haha. Oh no, I think I'm turning into one OC mom already. :) Pero okay na maging OC kesa lax masyado. :)

By the way, I checked out TwoTots' products via their website. Their nursery ideas were really cute and unique although quite expensive. Just looking at their line of furnitures, I could say that it's something that could be considered a good investment. My favorite was their changing table which has a baby dresser under it. I also love their blankies and magnetic canvas that you could hang on the wall. :) Since their items are quite costly, I'm thinking of making my own nursery designs and buying cheaper versions of their items. :) But if you're a mom who could afford and would want great nursery items for your kiddo, visit their website: http://twotots.net/ and be amazed just like me. :) 

Last for today's blog, I'm quite decided already to drop birthing classes. It was supposed to be a whole day event this Saturday. I know I've wished and waited for it for months but since Kali wouldn't even bother talking about baby plans, I kinda gave up on the idea already. I just don't want it to come from me because I'd only be disappointed if he refuses. So to stay away from unnecessary disappointment and stress, I'd rather drop the subject and just find a way to learn about it. Thank goodness for the internet. :)

Time's up! :) I promised myself a reward today for cleaning our room and that is a Vampire Diaries Marathon. :) I need to catch up on what happened to Helena, Stephan and Damon already. :) I've missed my vampire friends. :)

Til my next blog.

 

P.S.

Two things I learned for the past few days:

1. Always make yourself of use/useful. 

2. Sometimes, it's better not to care. 

(I'm mastering no.2 already!) :)

xoxo

Give up... Not!

I tried giving up, only to give up on trying. 


No, I won't give up. 


________


"I Won't Give Up"
Jason Mraz

Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmm ...

When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
So much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No I won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools, the skills we've got yeah we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we didn't tend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I got, and what I'm not
And who I am

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

So easy is our life
What's mine is yours and yours mine
Hardly do we ever fight
We'd rather be kind

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get dark
I'm healing this broken heart
And I know I'm worth it

I won't give up on us
God knows I'm tough, I am love
We got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it

No I won't give up on us
God knows I've had enough
We got a lot to learn
And we're, and we're worth it

No I won't give up
No I won't give up

Happy 70th Birthday, Tita Carol!

Good morning! 


Today is Tita Carol's (Kali's Aunt) birthday. I was surprised to see her here today. She shouldn't have come but celebrated her birthday instead since Ate Jem will be back tomorrow from her Christmas vacation and we could take care of our food naman for lunch. I guess she doesn't like the idea of celebrating alone since Mika is in school and Rose Ann is still in Lubang. I still don't have something for her. Last night, I was thinking of ordering an Estrel's cake for her but I learned that there is corkage fee in the restaurant that we'll be dining in later, that's why I hesitated. Right now, I'm thinking of inviting her to watch a movie or go to a salon or treat her in any way possible. It's hard for me not to give her a birthday present because she's been taking care of me and baby boy since we moved in here. She's been preparing our food thrice a week and she irons everyone's clothes. When Ate Jem left for vacation, she stayed in to prepare our everyday food, clean the house, do the laundry and iron the clothes. She also cooked what we had during Noche Buena and what be brought in the hotel for New Year's celebration. 


Moreover, I want to give her something or treat her somewhere because New Year's eve wasn't sweet to her. One of their siblings in Lubang was causing problems to another of their siblings, making it hard for her to celebrate and welcome the New Year upon learning what happened. Since the start of the year, she's been stressed up with the situation and to somehow be of help to her, I wish to give her something today. 


Hmmmm. Let's see if I could make some time to look for a gift for her today. :)

Hello, 2012! Ranting but still Hopeful

Happy New Year, bloggy! Was supposed to write yesterday but Kali used Macario the entire day. So this is going to be my Post New Year's Day blog. 


Kinda not in the mood to write today actually. Since yesterday, I've been itching to busy myself with something to do like baby stuff-shopping or getting our room ready for baby's arrival. Unfortunately, Kali who should be my partner for deciding and doing all these things is busy with something else-his NBA Fantasy stuff. Since yesterday morning, the first thing he did the moment he woke up was to turn the TV on for the NBA game. Next thing was he's already sitting with Macario on his lap while watching the game. He left around lunch time (without even bathing) to do some errands for Tita Carol's birthday. When he got home, he still sticked with Macario up until the evening. And to send himself to sleep, watched a couple or so episodes of the Walking Dead. Nice diba?


In seven weeks or so, I'm about to give birth already and Baby Boy still doesn't have a single stuff for himself. I've been diligently listing down essential things that we should buy since my first trimester and it's getting frustrating already that we haven't even bought anything. Our room, which I would have wanted to paint, is still the same because he wouldn't volunteer to do it. I've cleaned it already a number of times, rearrange the bed and his drawers almost every month and wished that he'd maintain it but I couldn't even ask him to get hold of a broom and a dustpan.


One time, we went to the mall to check out some baby stuff and it felt like I'm the only one excited about it. He wouldn't even touch or look at the items. He'd just sit on one corner and do something with his phone. This week, I've checked out schedules of birthing classes and there is one this coming Saturday. I'm kinda not sure already if I still want to attend one since I got this pissed feeling after seeing him busy himself with these non-profitable stuff which for me is just a waste of time. It's not that I'm not allowing him to join or do such, but PLEASE, not on a Daily basis my dear. We have a child coming up, you have business waiting for you, why not spend your time on those more important things? 


I don't know. I hate feeling this way but I didn't expect something like this from him. Sometimes, it kind of makes me question why he married me. Was it just because he got me pregnant? Was it just for the baby to have a name and a so-called family? Or was it only because OUR parents wanted us to marry? Because, if that's the case, I would choose to carry this out by myself. 


I hate being dependent on others. Since college, I've always tried to live by myself and away from my family. As much as I could, I avoid asking for help or assistance, that's how I lived before I got married. Now that I'm bearing a son, the situation's a lot different. I know I have to be assisted. But if things are just like this, it's no way different from living alone. 


We are not a team, when we should be a team. 


I miss living independently. If only I've been firm enough, I would have chosen not to marry and raise this child alone. But my love for my kid is too big, I could not bear to see him grow without a family to call his own. And so I forgot myself and my own happiness. All I could care about now is his happiness and his future. When I die, atleast I could tell God that once in my life, I loved selflessly and that love is that of what I gave my child.


When I got married, I have this motto I tell myself everyday, and that is: Work it out. I try not to put options or exit/escape plans on this marriage. It's one way of telling myself that this is a life-long commitment. It's not like I have an option like Kim Kardashian who after 72 days, ends her marriage or Katy Perry, who, after a year, does the same. Plus, I'm no Hollywood star, I don't have the luxury and money for a divorce and Philippines doesn't have such separation laws to begin with. We're just ordinary people, and ordinary people like our parents, respect the vows of marriage. 


So, as I rant on this blog today, at the back of my mind and in my heart, I still wish for a good change. I still hope for something beautiful and I still want to work things out. After all, my sacrifice of my own happiness would only cease if I decide to drop this and chose not to work it out. 


I still have high hopes for Kali. For the past six years, I've seen him become the best boyfriend and I know eventually, he'll get used to married life and be the best husband to me and dad to our child. I'm giving him a beginner badge. I'm praying that eventually, he'll let go of unimportant habits and focus on things that would benefit our small family. He's still young and should be seizing opportunities instead of wasting away. 


So, A Happy and Hopeful 2012 for all of us! 


It's not yet too late to start again today for everyday is a new beginning. :) 


By the way, I'm on my 30th week this coming Friday. :) 


xoxo