photo journal: night or day

cayon kulet 2

Hobby na ni Cayon ang magpatahimik ng mga maiingay. Isang araw...

Cayon (to Mommy): Quieeeet!
Mommy: Bakit mo 'ko sinasabihan ng "Quiet"?!
Cayon: Natutuyok nga si Mac! (translation: Natutulog ang stuffed toy nya na si Mac, isang character sa Cars.)

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Cayon (to Clarence): Kwawence, wag ka ingay! Andyan na 'yung WIIIIUUUUU (referring to police car)!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Nag-aayos si Mommy ng mga damit...

Cayon: Mommy, ano 'yan (sabay turo sa damit na may logo ng American Eagle)?
Mommy: Eagle!
Cayon: Hindeee...matanglawin!

happy birthday to me!

It's not that I don't feel appreciative for the rest of the year, but for me, birthdays are exceptional times to be extra-grateful for the blessings I have received for the past year.

Last year, I prayed that I wish to be pregnant when I turn 28. And here I am, with my enormous pregnant belly (and with all the perks and discomforts of being on-the-way) at 34 weeks and 5 days. Thank you, God.

For my ever loving family, who never ceased to care for me despite of my twofold personality; for my ever supportive in-laws, who accepted me (or at least that's what I think haha!) despite of my lack of domestic skills; for my wonderful friends, who still laughed at my jokes; for my comical colleagues, who made every closing season an enjoyable event; and for my career, which somewhat provides me a sense of financial security...thank you, God.

For the kind souls who greeted me on my special day (and to those with side wishes for my safe delivery), I thank God because they made me feel that I am not forgotten: (via text) JJ, Agnes, Mavel, Dinay, Leng, Ninong Ento, Arvie, Jen Joyce, Debbie and Ivy; (via email) AMASE, Fellie, Josette, Lily, Karen, Melody and my team; (via Communicator) Matt, Des, Bell, Lems, Russ, Karlo, Grace and Majo; (via Facebook) Sarah, Leng, Paula, Jen Joyce, Monica, Bev, Majo, Ms. Cherie, Iana, Ivan, Marie, Weng, Rose, Karen, Mayeth, Badjut, Mark, Joyce, Arjay, Lani, Megs, Rolando, Rhein, Ate Jo, Riyo, Aliza, Shey, Thess, Sheila, Sherry May, Tetes, April, Rio and Ai, Jhoy, Abbie, Dane, Tintin, Ate Kath, Ate Cherry, Ayinne, Ate Lois, Berna, Ate Sarah, Jase, Sol, Ma'am Matek, Ma'am Pin, Kuya Art, Ate Alyn, Ate Chichi, Ate Sherill, Eunice, Arianne, Ate May, Ate My, Achie, Edna, Ivy and Ate, whom I miss so much.

And for 10 years now, God has blessed me with an amazing someone who laughs and cries with me, and who showers me with so much love I could drown yet keeps my head afloat so I can breath and live. Thank you, God, for giving me someone as patient and as understanding as Irvin, who would fetch me from my workplace even if I can go home myself, whom I can wake up in the middle of the night just to massage my crampy legs even if I can do it myself, and whom I can rouse in the early morning to help me stand up even if I manage to get on my feet by myself just by exerting a little effort.

And to Remus Eian, my little Irvin, you are one of God's biggest (and cutest) blessing to me. I know that I will never be a perfect parent, but I will try to be one. See you very soon!

caleruega. may 24, 2010

simula na ng...

G-A-S-T-O-S!

Ang mahal pala talagang magpalaki ng anak, and take note, hindi pa siya lumalabas sa akin nyan ha!

Hindi naman sa ina-account ko lahat, pero accountant kasi ako e hehehe! Hindi ko talaga maiwasan na hindi i-monitor ang mga gastos. Pointer na din sa mga nagpaplano kaya ishe-share ko sa inyo, eto po ang overview.

Prenatal check-up - Php 300/visit (luckily, reimbursable ito sa health card namin)
Prenatal medicine - PhP 800/month ('yan 'yung average)

'Yan 'yung regular na monthly expenses. Lalagyan ko sana ng "Others" pero na-realize ko na mahirap pala i-estimate 'yun. It would include 'yung mga kung anu-ano ko pang binibili like fruits (minsan kapag feeling healthy), low-fat milk (calcium!) at 'yung mga paminsan-minsang trip kong kainin.

Sa health center ako nagpabakuna para libre :)

Isama pa diyan ang maternity clothes (kasama na ang mga bagong bra at mga lola panty), talagang total change of wardrobe.

And recently, nag-shopping na kami for the baby. (Thanks to my colleagues and friends for the inputs, especially to Ate Lois, my former SA at SGV.)

Apparel
149.75 Tie-side shirts - sleeveless (2 pcs)
159.75 Tie-side shirts - short-sleeved (2 pcs)
179.75 Tie-side shirts - long-sleeved (2 pcs)
152.78 Onesies - going-home outfit (1 pc, w/ 10% discount)
503.55 Receiving blankets (2 pcs, w/10% discount)
069.75 Bonnets (3 pairs)
069.75 Mittens (3 pairs)
119.75 Infant socks (3 pairs)
089.75 Bibs (3 pcs)

Diapers
039.75 Diaper clamp (2 pairs)
285.50 Disposable diapers (48 pcs)

Nursery Linen
1376.55 Comforter, bolsters, pillow (1 set, w/10% discount) - c/o AMASE
0296.78 Extra bolsters and pillow case (1 set, w/10% discount)

Bathing Accessories
1439.55 Bath tub and bath support (1 pc each, w/10% discount)
0079.75 Wash cloth (6 pcs, w/10% discount)

Grooming accessories
00.00 Nailcutter (included in the apothecary set below)
58.28 Powder case (1 pc, w/10% discount)

Toiletries
064.00 Liquid bath (1 bottle)
032.00 Baby oil (1 bottle)
014.00 Ethyl alcohol (1 bottle)
049.75 Cotton balls (1 pack)
296.78 Cotton buds for newborn (1 pack, w/10% discount)
093.75 Petroleum jelly (1 bottle)
099.75 Baby wipes (2 packs)

Apothecary
719.78 Thermometer, nasal aspirator, dropper (1 set, w/10% discount)

Feeding/Nursing Essentials
1500.00 5 oz feeding bottles (4 pcs)
1999.50 9 oz feeding bottles (6 pcs)
0341.78 Extra nipples (2 pcs)
1799.77 Electric sterilizer (1 pc, w/ 10% discount)
0215.78 Bottle and nipple brush (1 pc each, w/ 10% discount)
0289.00 Liquid cleanser for bottles and nipples (1 bottle)
0034.75 Bottle tong (1 pc)
0479.75 Bottle keeper (1 pc)
0179.78 Milk container (1 pc, w/10% discount)

Nursery Finishings/Other Essentials
7650.00 Crib/playpen

20,930.62 TOTAL

Ayaaan, akalain mo...sa dami ng hindi ko binili ay naka-21 tawsan pesosesoses na ako!


Oo, madami pa akong hindi binili diyan! As in! (Nanghihinayang lang ako na hindi ako nakapamili sa Baclaran para makamura kasi hindi ko naman pwedeng kaladkarin si Nanay sa ganitong init ng panahon!)


Napansin nyo, tig-2 pieces lang 'yung mga tie-side shirts? Kasi buhay pa 'yung tie-side shirts namin ni Ate (o di ba, CIRCA 1975 pa 'yun!). Actually, kaya lang ako bumili ay para kapag nag-picturetaking, hindi naman mukhang aping-api ang aking Mi Bebe na medyo manipis na 'yung damit nya with matching embroidery pa ng "Moya-Solis".

Napansin nyo, walang pajamas, lampin at bigkis at konti lang ang receiving blankets, bonnets, mittens, bibs at booties? Kasi nasa amin pa 'yung pinagliitan ng mga pamangkin ko. Sayang nga 'yun crib ng mga pamangkin ko, nasira nu'ng umalis sila.

Napansin nyo, may "c/o AMASE" 'yung set of comforter, bolsters at pillow? Kasi sila ang sponsor nyan e! (Ooops, speaking of this, sa katapusan ang payment due date ng credit card ko...hehehe! Love you, girls!)

Napansin nyo, may bath tub at bath supporter pa? Kasi baka mahirapan si Nanay na magpaligo e, para makatulong sa kanya. ('Yan ay kapag pumapasok na ako, mag-aaral siyempre akong magpaligo ng baby!)

Napansin nyo, ang mahal ng bote? Kasi naman, obviously, 'yan ang pinakamagagamit so nag-invest na ako sa Avent at Chicco.

Napansin nyo, walang car seat at stroller? Kasi mahal e, wala na akong pera hahaha! Actually, sabi ni Ate ay ipapadala daw nya 'yung pinaglumaan ng mga pamangkin ko. Siyempre, ako naman, with open arms kong tatanggapin 'yun.

'Yung baby book at nursery bag, plano kong ipa-sponsor sa mga officemates ko kapag binigyan nila ako ng baby shower, hehe!

'Yung iba, later ko pa bibilhin like 'yung hairbrush and comb (hindi ko pa sure kung may hair siya :P), finger toothbrush (hinliliit at wash cloth na lang daw sabi ni Nanay), breast pump at breast pad (hindi ko pa sure kung may breast ako este breastmilk pala, hehehe), rubber cot sheet (eto 'yung parang bubble sheet na baligtarang pink at blue, alam nating lahat 'yan!) at mosquito net (hindi ko pa sure kung kailangan ba nito or magdamag ko na lang pagbabantayin si Irvin para walang lamok na makalapit sa amin).

Alam ko simula pa lang ito.

Pero katulad ng palagi naming iniisip ni Irvin: God will provide.

thought for today

Thanks for sharing this, Bernadette!

my in my womb experience

We opted to avail of In My Womb's Pearl Package (the cheapest 3D/4D package they have). I had my first scan last April 18 but since my baby is presented in a Frank breech position (and his face is covered by his hands and legs), the doctor had to reschedule me for a rescan to get a clearer view of my baby's face.

April 21. More than 30 minutes of lying uncomfortably on my side. Seeing him twist and turn, frown and smile, cover his face and pick his nose. Here he is:

Almost everyone (including my family, his family, my friends and colleagues, his friends and colleagues, even the doctor) agrees that he looks like Irvin. On the other hand, Irvin disagrees and says that our baby looks like me, but I think he says so just so I would not feel sad hahaha! Me? I'm happy having a little version of Irvin :D

a newborn's conversation with God

Received from a friend's email:

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to Earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile and be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her Mom."

~ * ~

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there!

And to my soulmate and my angel, I love you Nanay!

pregnancy 101 (my version)

Well, I just realized I wanted to share my experiences, musings, questions and whatever’s about this scary and crazy ride called pregnancy :)

Foreword. This is my second pregnancy. My first pregnancy, sadly, ended up in miscarriage in March of 2009. Now I have someone I call “my one missed angel” up in heaven who now cares for his baby brother.

Symptoms and side effects. For me, pregnancy has both the yucky and cutie side. What I always bear in mind is that pregnancy is such a beautiful thing, and beautiful things come with small and big sacrifices.

I blame all of these to pregnancy hormones: increased vaginal discharge (Ooops, sorry, I hope you’re not munching on something while reading this. But yes, I needed to invest in pantiliners.); constipation (Ooops again! I told you, pregnancy has the yucky side.); heartburn (There were days when that burning sensation in my chest and throat is just too much. Aaargh!); breast changes (I needed to get new bras, which are a size bigger.); round ligament pain (The pain is tolerable, though.); fatigue (I’m too tired to explain…); shortness of breath (especially now in my 3rd trimester); frequent urination (That GTG feeling!); forgetfulness (What am I writing about again?!); leg cramps (which make me cry in the middle of the night); and backaches (a good excuse for a quick massage).

And there are those stretch marks (I did not know I have these until one day, Irvin looked at me quizzically and said, “Ay, ano yan?” I wanted to cry when I saw my abdomen in the mirror.) and skin darkening.

But lucky me, I have not experienced morning (or for others, all-day) sickness. No nausea, no fainting, no dizziness. No bleeding gums or nosebleeds. No extraordinary cravings (lucky husband, too!).

Sleep. During my 1st trimester, I had trouble sleeping because I had to run to the bathroom to pee every so often. During my 2nd trimester, I fall asleep easily but wakes up during the night, usually with a grunt of pain, because of leg cramps. Now that I’m in my 3rd trimester, there were nights when sleep would elude me - sometimes because the weather is too hot, or because the baby kicks too much, or because I have a lot of things in my mind.

Baby kicks. I was on my 18th week when I felt him move, but I was not sure then. January 30, I am sure, it was definitely my baby! Feeling my tummy and seeing the “wave” is so much fun, it has become a bonding time for me and Irvin.

Emotions. Super happy one moment, crybaby the next. I am charging pregnancy hormones for these times. (I can imagine Irvin rolling his eyes upon reading this. I admit that there were times I was SO mean to him. Sorry!)

Worries. I asked Irvin once if there had been a time when he worried that our baby would have an abnormality or an illness upon birth. He said none. So is it part of motherhood or am I just being a nonsense worrier?

Baby name. I was on my 5th month when we started scouting for a baby name. I didn’t realize it was so difficult – exchanging text messages, browsing through baby names websites, listing viable names. We settled with a name, actually two names with our initials R and E, by February 17 (we became tired of researching for a name).

References. I was lent a copy of the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting, but when I saw that the book is okay, I decided to buy one. One colleague also lent me a copy of The Smart Mom’s Guide to Pregnancy and Baby’s First Year, this one is very helpful also. My favorite website is www.babycenter.com.

Postscript. I am currently on my 32nd week. A few more weeks and I will be embarking on a lifetime journey of motherhood - crossing “decision” lanes, driving along potholed roads and steering towards responsibility and growth. Well, wish me luck!