Our firm's fun-tastic Friday

Our office has this annual tradition of dressing up our work spaces for Halloween and handing out treats to the kids. This started four years ago. Basing on FB, seems most offices already do this. It's one of those Western customs we are now Filipinizing. Or just our way of saying Trick or Treat-More Fun in the Philippines.

For the first year, our department's theme was Harry Potter. I had just given birth to R that time so I was on maternity leave. For the following year we went with Super Mario Brothers. R went as Princess Peach and got her share of treats (see picture here). As mentioned in my previous post, we weren't able to go last year because of the heavy traffic. Nevertheless, my groupmates dressed up our area ala Andy's playroom in Toy Story.

This year it was all about positivity. Our group's theme this time was fun in the carnival:

Well, so did two other groups:

Other areas had a fiesta theme:

This one went with Santa's workshop in the North Pole. Quite practical since the decors could stay on 'til Christmas hihi.

Eto Ipad lang ang peg. Kume-Candy Crush lang:

Another group transported us to Legoland:

All those pics I took early in the morning when I arrived, that's why you could still see some kalat. But the areas were magical came afternoon. Everyone transformed into their characters once the kids came.

And here come my kids. Ok so much for preparing this Halloween (see previous post here). I was super busy so I went retail/RTW for their costumes. My super heroes:

R as Wonder Woman, enjoying her popcorn:

JD as Spiderman being carried by the carnival's wizard, one of my officemates:

Here they are fooling around in my cubicle:

All in all, R had fun with her loots (which I sifted through at home - limiting the sweets and retaining biscuits and stickers). 'Til next year!

Parent-teacher meeting and thoughts on parenting

This morning, Daddy A and I took a leave from work to attend to R's mid-year parent-teacher meeting. I was so excited yet nervous at the same time. A lot of things crossed my mind like, makulit kaya ung anak ko at laging napapa stand-in-the-corner? Or laging nasa noisy roster? Row four ba siya? Hehe I know OA!

Well modesty aside, Daddy A and I were very good students during our school years. Always on top ika nga, hindi rin kami na pri-principal's office. So pressured din ako, am I raising my kid well? At the same time I don't want to be too strict lest she grows up too guarded and baka magrebelde pa.

Well all my fears were put to rest when I read this:

Akalain mo yan, my daughter knows the rules and strictly adheres! Well I had an inkling though that this would be the assessment since at home she pretty much plays teacher (well ok she sounds like a mayordoma!) telling everyone to put things in their proper place (e.g. worn clothes go straight to the laundry). She also thrives in order (e.g. dapat laging may placemats pag kumakain) and sometimes OCness kicks in (e.g. magagalit yan sakin pag hindi terno ung panty at bra ko, dapat daw partner). The orderly Virgo in her shows talaga.

In terms of letter, number and shapes recognition, I have full confidence in her. Just after turning two years old, she knows all of those by heart. Nevertheless I don't want to pressure her that much in terms of academics. I'd rather focus on her emotional development. I'm also glad that their school doesn't give out awards during the preschool years which sends a good message to parents about things that really matter. Interacting with all sorts of people, playing fair, being independent and interdependent, these are the life skills that our children will need when they step out into the real world.

To be honest there really are times when she's quite a handful. She'll throw in a tantrum from time to time (well which toddler doesn't). But she's just usually whiny when sleepy or hungry. When she's unruly, a little timeout threat does the trick, that we don't result to doing timeouts at all. And I am proud to say we still don't see the need to spank.

I came across this link that lists the signs of having a spoiled child. I could say we are still on safe ground. And hopefully by the time she passes toddler stage, we have graduated from these with flying colors. I also saw how she matured when she became a big sister.

I'm not saying our parenting style is great, believe me, it's an everyday struggle. But we may have done some right things which I'll share:

• We praise when warranted, not too smothering
• When she does something bad, we explain why what she did was wrong and make her go on timeout if she refuses to say sorry or hasn't learned her lesson 
• We try to cultivate in her the love for books and reading. We'd rather give inexpensive activity books as pasalubong whenever we come home from trips and try to read to her at night.
• We prefer to give pretend play toys 
• Although we do allow her to play with the tablet, we limit its use. I actually bring it to work so she won't be able to see it. But I do acknowledge that her letter, number and shapes recognition were partly because of some great apps.
• I always ask how her day in school went and listen to them. Really listen to them and what they have to say, hindi ung "listening kuno"
• I "used" to have weekly dates with her. Aww, this is something I feel so guilty. I am not able to do this anymore since I gave birth to JD. Through this, I learn more about her personality, likewise she feels secure and knows that I'm just focused on her. I hope to bring this back, and also do this with JD.

These are just some of the things on the top of my head. Everyday is a chance to try out something new. You just have to agree with your husband how to raise your kids and you should stick with it so they don't get confused.

I could say we are so blessed to have an amiable and loving daughter. I'm so excited to see how JD turns out as well. I think with the second/next child it's a bit easier since may practice na kami with the first (well hopefully). =) 

Expired driver's license and a bruised princess

Yesterday, I took some time-off to renew my driver's license. I've been driving for a week with an expired license pala, eh may mga daredevil/barubal moves pa naman ako sa EDSA. Oops.

I headed for the nearest satellite office in Ayala MRT station. All in all, without the drug testing na, it took me 2 hours. Yep still that long. The backlog is when they get to take your picture. There's only one station kasi. Better sana if they put in two. Anyway, they're very accomodating naman and polite there.

Basically there are just four steps to renew:

1) Go to window 1, surrender your old license, fill up the form

2) Medical (weight, height, eye check up)

3) Picture taking and digital signature

4) Pay the fee (License fee - Php350 + Computer fee Php67.63 + medical Php100, if you're late in renewing, penalty fee of Php100)

Viola, you get your card right then and there.

Before heading back to the office, I grabbed a quick bite at KFC for lunch, and stopped by Uncle Sam (like The Dollar store) and bought some pasalubong for R (a tiara and a princess activity set at Php66 each). Buti pala I got these kasi I did not know R figured in an accident at home.

When I got home, she was crying and showed me her bruised chin and a tear inside her lower lip. Nasalubsob pala siya. Hay she still has no yaya kasi (her yaya left unexpectedly - I don't want to dwell on it further grrr!). JD's yaya had her hands full and couldn't keep up with R's kakulitan. What I don't like lang is she didn't call me right away when my mom had to leave afterlunch and that she was left alone to take care of the two kids. She didn't even call me when R had an accident. I could have told her how to apply first aid. Anyway, good thing I'm far from the praning/panicky mom I was before. I just cleansed R's wound with Cetaphil and applied Betadine. For her inside lower lip, I dabbed Bactidol and made her gurgle salt and water solution. Note to self: give yaya a refresher on first aid this weekend. I also have to update the emergency numbers posted on the kid's bedroom wall and put it beside the phone.

After giving R some tender loving care (TLC), I gave her the pasalubongs (I was saving these sana for some occasion or as a reward, but mom's intuition, I guess, called for this care package).

I was surprised, just after turning three years old, she could write her name legibly =). You'll also see in the pic above that she can color within the lines/shapes (walang lagpas). Proud mom moment.

God please continue to cover my children with your mantle of protection. Spare them from accidents, illnesses and any sort of harm/danger specially when I'm not near them. Amen.

What to wear, where to go, Halloween 2013

It's that time of the year again wherein moms like me are in a frenzy looking for the perfect Halloween costume for our kids. Or maybe it's just me?! Hehe. As my friends would attest, I love dressing up. That eventually cascaded down to my kids. Most of my friends would say "napagtripan nanaman kayo ng mommy niyo noh?! Here are the evidences:

R's monthly baby photos:

As they say, I have a new victim (insert evil laugh bwahaha). Here's JD in Ninoy:

Here's R in Princess Peach, when she attended our company's trick-or-treat activity in 2011. She wasn't able to attend last year though because of the heavy traffic.

I'm just so fortunate I have a mom who can sew up an outfit/costume in a jiffy. This year I'm still contemplating on what my kids will wear.

There are nice ideas online and would definitely be hassle free. Check out:
http://totsandtoddlers.com.ph/index.php
http://www.celestinaandco.com/category/apron-dresses-and-costumes
Or I may as well go retail since they're quite affordable too. Just hop on over to the nearest mall and check out:
Toy Kingdom
Toys R Us

Now where to bring the kids this Halloween? If your village or office doesn't have a trick-or-treat activity, you may want to check out Smart Parenting's round up of Halloween activities you can bring your kids to.
http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/home-living/travel-trips-activities/a-guide-to-halloween-2013-trick-or-treat-parties/page/1

Have fun and easy on the sweets for the kids.

My typical 24 hours

Here's a peek into what my typical day and night looks like:
4:30-5:30am : JD's first morning feed. I try to squeeze in a pump as well on the other breast. I usually blog around this time, pero most of the time weekends na.

5:30-6:30am: Prepare for work, which includes preparing my pumping gear, cooler, my clothes, banyo rituals, and squeeze in a few kisses and cuddles with these cutie pies:



6:30-7:30/8am: Drive to the office. I say my morning prayers, I put on my makeup, and manage to eat a sandwich, all because of the horrendous traffic.



8:00-8:20am: First pump. Check emails and to dos. I also eat my cup of oatmeal or a bagel. Here is my workstation a.k.a. battlefield. You could see my pumping paraphernalia to the right. Baka sabihin nyo area ng tamad ung cubicle ko dahil ang linis and walang files. I just strictly comply with our clear desk policy given the confidential nature of our work. And I really can't work well with clutter.



8:20-10am: Work mode

10:00-10:20am: Second pump pero multi-tasking parin with work. I have a double electric pump and my hands-free bra. Take note my area is hidden and I have a breastfeeding cover. Check out my pumping gear in this post.

10:20-11:20am: Work mode

11:20-12:15nn: Lunch then afterwards brush my teeth and clean my pump.

12:15-12:35pm: Third pump and surfing the net.

12:35-2:00pm: Work mode.

2:00-2:20pm: Fourth pump and I squeeze in a snack and work parin.

2:20-4:00pm: Work mode

4:00-4:20pm: Last pump while working parin.

4:20-5:00pm: Work and prepare to leave the office.

5:00-6/6:30/7pm: Drive back home. Ugh hello again horrendous traffic! Unpredictable talaga, it doesn't matter if I leave at 5pm, I still don't get home at the same time. I even experienced pumping in the car because of the terrible traffic (I know bad driver).



6:30-8:30pm: Breastfeed JD, catch up with R on how her day was, then dinner. If hindi overtime si Daddy A, complete ang family for dinner and we get some family cuddle and playtime as well.

9:00-10pm: Put the kids to bed. I do get to fall asleep as well. Daddy A and I get to catch up on our day's happenings.

10:00pm-2am: Uninterrupted sleep (fingers crossed). Sometimes JD wakes up 12mn for a short feed. If not 2 to 3am na.

2:00-5am: JD feeds, I try to squeeze in a pump as well to make up for lost pumping time during the day.I also do some work (if meron) and blogging time as well but it's usually early morning na. Sometimes I don't get to fall back asleep narin, derecho na until JD's next feed and preparation ko for work.



So that's my typical 24/7. Somedays aren't perfect and most of the time I don't get to strictly follow that schedule. Adjust adjust lang.

Every morning I just pray to God to make me work efficiently and to bless the traffic so I'll have more time with my family.

Handling my three year old and three month old

This has long been in my draft folder (since I gave birth pa to JD). It's my post sana on how to handle your toddler and newborn. Kaya before mag debut ang daughter ko at mag binata ang baby boy ko, dapat ma-share ko na tong post na to.

When we found out I was pregnant with JD, we immediately prepared R for the pregnancy. We told her there is a baby growing inside my tummy. We let her talk to the baby and she would say "ate R ito", although we doubt she understood already. But I guess it became apparent when she saw my growing tummy and she was really mesmerized when it moved. She would also understand the times I couldn't carry her anymore and she'd say "kasi di pwede mommy, daddy nalang".

I thought it was going to be smooth sailing until I gave birth to JD. She even visited us in the hospital and seemed to be excited with her new baby brother.

But once we got home and we started with our new routine, she didn't easily adjust right away. The first few weeks were particularly tough. Here's what I experienced with R:

• She wanted to lie down in the crib too
• She would tell me "bigay kay daddy/lola si JD, carry me, or lagay sa crib/bed si JD, play tayo" 
• She actually admitted to Daddy A that she was jealous
• Whenever she sees I'm carrying/breastfeeding JD, she would call her yaya and would cry if she wasnt in the room and ask would ask her yaya to carry her or make her timpla milk
• May ilang instance din na bigla niya napalo si JD when he was crying incessantly

But I guess it just really takes some time, effort and a lot of explanation. Here are what we did so R could adjust:

• I try to kiss and hug her with my free hand while JD is nursing or I read her favorite book to her, or we sing together
• Whenever she shows me something (specially something she learned from school) I respond to her with glee and I always tell her I'm proud of her
• She has lots more playtime with Daddy A, specially the rough and tumble type which she likes 
• We signal visiting relatives or friends na siya muna ang pansinin before the baby.
• We regularly go for her carousel rides and meryenda dates
• I showed her baby pictures and videos to her and explained that when she was small all our attention was on her since she was still small and incapable. Naaliw naman siya to see herself as a baby before.
• Most importantly we teach her how to share her toys and to love and care for her brother. We also tell her that she's a good ate.

Those worked naman kasi now she can't get enough of her brother. She just kisses and hugs him all the time. More importantly she shares her toys with him (except ung Barbie at makeup, ay mahigpit na pinagbabawal yan ni Daddy A!). She is even more than willing to help in changing the baby and giving him a bath (alalay lang dapat and never leave a toddler and baby unattended).

I'm really glad I have a mature and loving daughter. I really hope and pray they have a wonderful sibling relationship even in the future. They have to know that they're all they've got specially when we, their parents, are no longer around. Sana kagaya rin namin ng bro C ko, at si Daddy A and his siblings na "we got each others' backs" ang peg.

Art attack, baby's monthly check-up, all about parenting Saturday

Last Saturday, we went to R's school to view their art exhibit. It was one of their activities to celebrate the school's 25th foundation day.

Here are the art works at R's classroom:


Here are my R's works:


I'm so proud of my daughter. Kahit na ba parepareho sila ng ginawang design ng mga classmates niya, for me I could distinctly identify my daughter's work. As early as now, she has her own strokes and patterns in coloring and pasting.

Here is R with her teacher M:


I took the opportunity narin to ask her how R is doing in school, I thought kasi she was shy and quiet. Aba Miss participation and miss friendship pala si R. She always greets her classmates daw and raises her hand whenever teacher asks a question.

At the playground, R had fun with one of her classmates and one of her closest friend L:


Afterwards we attended the parenting seminar given by the school's directress. It was about Ellen Galinsky's 6 stages of parenthood and how to deal with them.

One interesting fact that stuck to me was that there is a study that working moms who exude a positive attitude towards their work and are successful in their careers tend to have successful children as well. So dapat talaga makita ng children ko that I love what I do so they'll be inspired to find a job they love and do well. Basta sakin ang important is malaman nila na sila ang priority ko no matter what and that I work hard for their future.

Right after the seminar, we left for JD's monthly check-up. I'm so glad he's a well baby and his growth is right on track being an exclusively breastfed baby. He got his rotavirus oral vaccine this month.
Doc, isang shot pa:


R naman enjoyed playing with doctora's toys. She even taught another kid (a girl about 2 years old) about colors and shapes. Kaaliw lang, para talaga siyang teacher.


We then had lunch right before heading home. I'm just so thankful for weekends since I have my full time to my kids.

Happy 3rd Month JD!

Yehey JD is three months old and still exclusively breastfed! We again had another simple celebration this Sunday lunch. Afterwards, we went malling (see post here).

His outfit of the day (OOTD):

Robot onesie from SM

Grabe I really can't believe na nagdaan siya sa newborn phase. Ambilis niya talaga lumaki! At three months JD:

• sleeps longer, mga once or twice nalang siya nagigising at night just for feeding
• discovered his fingers, either he sucks them hard, or clenches them to a fist
• can steadily hold his head up
• has strong leg muscles, he tries to stand up straight when you hold him on your lap
• gurgles, coos, and babbles a lot
• drools a lot
• is receptive to singing, talking and facial expressions - super dali talaga patawanin

Obvious naman:

We love you so much batchoy!

My Breastfeeding Gear

As I've mentioned in my last breastfeeding post, I'm going to share to you my breastfeeding gear. These are actually not naman essentials but nice to have lang. There are many practical ways to have a successful breastfeeding career which I will also share here.

When I breastfed R for over a year, here was my pumping gear for work and travel:

Clockwise: Shawl, Lock n Lock container, AVENT Isis single electronic pump and manual parts, AVENT Via cups, Ice bag, Fridge-to-Go, battery pack and adapter, liquid cleanser and brush, handwipes, tissues

Here are my breastfeeding gear/paraphernalia or "breastfriends":
1) Breastpump - With R, I used the AVENT ISIS single electronic pump (plug-in and/or battery pack, w/ manual pump parts) and it served me well. But now, having two kids, a stressful and fast paced job, I need a dual pump to cut expression time in half. Good thing I learned about Babymama.ph which sells affordable but hospital grade double breastpumps ranging from Php5K to Php9K. Even cheaper than my AVENT single electronic pump! I got myself the Spectra Cimilre M1 which is handy (size of a big Fuji apple), has a strong suction, silent (like a cellphone on vibra mode) and has a rechargeable battery.

Although buying a pump seems costly, weigh it against the benefits of having breastmilk for your baby (health wise and the cost of formula). But should you really have no budget for it, hand expression is also effective. I also think it is quite essential that all breastfeeding moms know this, as with what I experienced before, I left a valve of my pump at home and wasn't able to express milk at work =( say hello to boobs of steel. Here's a site on the marmet technique: http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/130/how-to-manually-express-breastmilk---the-marmet-technique

2) Storage (cups, bottles, breastmilk bags) - My AVENT VIA storage cups also served me well, they can be used for baby food storage too. For breastmilk bags, I use Lansinoh or Ainon (which is cheaper).

3) Cooler/insulated bag and ice/gel packs - I use my trusty Fridge-to-Go bag. It keeps cool for 6-8 hours. I use an ice bag to tide in, just in case I can't go home on time and when traffic is bad. However, any insulated bag is ok to use, just put a ziploc bag with ice in it. For milk storage guidelines, you may check this out: http://www.llli.org/faq/milkstorage.html

4) Shawl/nursing cover - I use my Milksense breastfeeding bib. I like the "baby viewing" feature. But for practicality, any shawl or big scarf would do.

 
5) Microwave sterilizer or microwaveable container (e.g. Lock n Lock), teat brush, liquid cleanser - I use these for for cleaning and storing my pump parts. You may ask, do I have to wash the pump parts after every use? What I do is just store it in the ref too, and after 2 or 3 uses, wash and sterilize it at home. Or you could just rinse them in hot water. For my cleanser, I use Human Nature's Tough Love dishwashing liquid.

Make sure you have in your bag as well some tissue paper (for drying and spills) as well as alcohol/handwipes (to disinfect your hands and the pumping area/table). Also have a water bottle to keep you hydrated.

6) Nursing bras, hands-free pumping bra - Nursing bras don't have to be expensive, those from SOEN served me well. Actually any type of bra will do, nursing bras are just more convenient. For my hands-free pumping bra, I got my Simple Wishes from Babymama as well.

7) Nipple cream, breast pads - I use Pigeon's lanolin cream since it's half the price of AVENT, but actually you can also use your own breastmilk to heal those cracks and sores. For breastpads, I also use Pigeon (disposable) and those reusable pads from SM.

So there you have it, my breastfriends. It's not expensive to breastfeed and express breastmilk, there are practical ways too. Formula is more expensive.

Happy 3rd birthday R!

Yesterday, my not-so-little girl turned 3. We had a simple celebration at home right after mass. And just this morning, she also celebrated in school. R woke up yesterday morning so giddy after she saw the decorations were put up in the dining area. She kept on saying "happy birthday R!" and kept on spelling her name which was plastered across the wall. Good thing in church, they had a blessing of all the September celebrants. Here's she is in her birthday dress.

For her third birthday, I went with the theme "Barbie I can be (Cupcake baker)" from one of her favorite Ipad Apps of the same name. The cake and cupcakes were from Red Ribbon. I just borrowed a cupcake tier and put one of R's Barbies as a topper. For the buntings, I just used art paper and gift wrapper (cupcake design). Whereas for the balloons, I just bought a pack from the Japanese store which I can still use for various mini celebrations.

We just had a simple fare of white spaghetti. R enjoyed blowing her cake and licking the icing off the cupcake.

Opening of gifts:

From her lola P:

From Mommy, Daddy and JD:

One last shot before Barbie gets massacred:

Had I known I would have a daughter someday, hindi ko sana pinamigay ung mga Barbie ko, specially the Make Me Pretty Barbie (similar to what we gave her now). Iba parin ung mga classic/vintage Barbie.

This morning in school, we brought naman the cake and cupcakes, as well as Jollibee spaghetti. Here she is with her classmates for the cake blowing:

Thank you classmates for the gifts:

For their loot bags, I filled these cute paper cups I got from Robinsons Galleria (I think the store's name is "Spoiled"), with Hello Panda biscuits, erasers, rubber stamps and mini notepad.

I'm glad my daughter had so much fun with her birthday celebration.

Happy 3rd birthday R! Everyday you just seem to amaze us with the things you learn. I also enjoy every moment you hug me and tell me I love you. Nung baby ka kasi ako lang gumagawa nun, now you initiate it. I love you my little daldalita. Can't wait for our future kikay bonding moments. God bless you always!