an extraordinary path to parenthood

tiring Sunday

mari — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:44:09 GMT

We had an unplanned road trip again. The kids are so tired but they loved the sudden change of environment.

The initial plan was to go to the church and after that, bring mama to Pacita since she's meeting a friend by 1pm. When we got to Pacita, and while thinking of what we would have for lunch, the idea of going to Tagaytay suddenly entered mama's mind... and so off we go!

We ate lunch at 2pm, in Tagaytay and were at the view deck by 4pm. Achi had fun running around the area, while Siobe was sleeping in the van. Miguel on the other hand was too busy nursing from me. When I brought him out from the van, he was uncomfortable. I think he didn't like the feel of wind on his face. When Siobe woke up, she joined her achi in running around the area. I can see that they are enjoying so much since they were laughing their hearts out. The last time I saw them like this was when they were playing with boxes at home. This is the corrugated box that they give on the mall, rather than using plastic bags.

Then by 6pm, we were at ChikBoy Tagaytay having dinner. It was so cold that we had to buy hats for the girls. Miguel was already comfy inside the sling plus he has a blanket to cover him. Before going home, we dropped by Cavite first then to Pacita. From Pacita, we got Boxxie and rode it home.

happy 3rd month Miggy

mari — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:44:00 GMT

Feb. 4 - Miguel is 3 months old. We had cake for dinner and that was it. I was planning to ask manang to cook pancit but I totally forgot about it. I must admit that my mind was on putting up my online store asap and it occupied my mind.

Feb. 4 is a Saturday so tatay was also home. His mind, on the other hand was occupied with Boxxie. All he wanted is to make Boxxie run. It has been stagnant since last year and we really wanted to have a car running in the house, in case of emergency. Aside from this, he is also thinking of what kind of improvement we can still do for our house with a minimal budget that we have on hand. It would have been better if we have home depot coupons and get big discounts on items sold there.

Even if this is the case, what is important is that Migs is blessed to have another year. We will just go to church tomorrow to praise and thank God for giving him another month to grow and develop. As for his milestones, he can now communicate with people around him. He looks at people calling his name. He smiles when being talked to. I kept his newborn clothes already and he is now into M size of diaper.

Happy 3rd month anak. Tatay, nanay, achi & siobe loves you.

birthday photoshoot

mari — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:41:10 GMT

I am set that Gwen Mari will start her traditional birthday photoshoot this year. I had it scheduled on the Saturday so that her tatay is present. It would have been easier for her to smile since she has a coach… but things went different ways.

We prepared early for the photoshoot. We means me, tatay, achi, siobe, mommy and ate. It was wiser not to bring Migs and manang. He’ll just be tired with all the walking. We first went to Great Image. The one in-charge was not that accommodating and the way he presented the packages was not friendly. If only he knew that I prepared financially for the photoshoot. We went to Fuji Photos instead since it was the only studio I know within SM that offers photo packages. We waited for a while since there was someone ahead of us. Triplet babies were shoot before achi. When it was her turn, she was already shy. She won’t stand alone. She cling to mommy and hugged her tight. Siobe, on the other hand, was posing and smiling in front of the mirror. When I asked that she was the one to be shoot instead, she was already shy to pose.

The ending, nobody was shoot. We ate at Mang Inasal did a little window shopping for Chinese charms but we saw silver panda instead then we went home with no picture on hand. I guess it was still early for achi to shoot, or maybe she isn’t just exposed that much to people. For her birthday shoot, we’ll just ask her tito to take her pictures one of these days. Maybe she’ll be more comfortable with that. I hope she would.

constipated miggy

mari — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:39:22 GMT

I thought we won’t encounter this (not at this age) with baby Migs since I didn’t have to think about this situation when my girls were younger. It is normal for him not to poop for several days since he is breastfed so I wasn’t worried at all during the first two days. Yesterday, he was fuzzy and gassy so I put manzanilla on his tummy. He was quiet for awhile but around 6pm he started crying. I did everything that I can think of. I feed him, had him burped, changed his nappy but nothing soothe him. We cuddled until 8pm when I decided to bring him to our room. He was quiet at first so I lay him on the bed. I think he was tired from crying that he closed his eyes while we were feeding and he went to sleep. He slept through the night and asked for milk for a couple of times only.

He woke up early this morning. He was fuzzy again, when I checked his nappy it was full. Instead of changing him, I just let him wear his pajama. A little later, he peed and poop. Thank God he was so relieved after. He was even laughing and screaming with delight. If only the videocam was within reach, I would have recorded it and have the youtube video downloader, I would have loved to share it with everyone. It would have been your amusement too.

If I can only pinpoint what made Migs constipated, if it was the food that I ate or the weather (?) or was it the timing? I just wish that he won’t experience it again. It’s so depressing seeing him cry.

my version of binondo girl

mari — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:28:52 GMT

Whenever new acquaintances see Gwen Mari, they ask if his father is a Chinese. She has chinky eyes that are even smaller when she smiles. She may not be that fair, but she looks like a Binondo Girl especially when I tie her hair in pigtails. Because of her features, her tatay bought her a cheongsam last year when he went to Singapore. He got her the pants-type, which is a little big for her size. When she tried it on New Year’s Eve, it fitted her just right. The length of the pants was just right, almost on her ankle-length. She was supposed to wear this on her birthday photoshoot, which didn’t push through. Another story to write about. I know that she would have given justice to the dress. I’ll just ask her to pose for a picture when she wears it on Sunday, for Chinese New Year.

In line with Chinese New Year, I cleaned the girls’ cabinets. I removed the small clothes that they won’t be wearing anymore. I plan to either give them away, or keep them for future use (for my sister’s baby). This is a lot better than throwing them away and having the trash pump deal with it. The small clothes are still beautiful and these are still good hand-me-downs. Most of the clothes were just worn several times, even if was already a hand-me-down from achi to siobe.

gwen mari turns 3

mari — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:46:49 GMT

Last January 13, we celebrated Gwen Mari’s 3^rd birthday. It was a simple celebration for the little girl. We started with by going to mass and saying her thank you’s to Papa Jesus. When we got to the church, there was a mass going on. This is for a group of children who are having their First Communion. After that we dropped by the Black Nazarene near the church. While we were on the jeep going to Balibago for grocery, she said that she will be happier if we go to Jolibee for real (Nay, mas Masaya ako kung pupunta tayo sa Jolibeeng totoo). So I gave in. We ordered her favorite, French fries with ketchup and she added sundae to the meal. After eating, we bought her cake. She choose the dedication cake from Red Ribbon and then we dropped by NewTop to buy balloons. Then headed to Super 8 for grocery. We bought ingredients for her handa. She was too tired that while we were on our way home, she fell asleep on the tricycle but she was up and bouncing once more when we got to the house.

In the afternoon, she called her friends to eat merienda with us. She and her girlfriends were happy playing with the balloons and some of her toys.

How time really flies. This time 3 years ago, she was just crying for milk. Now, she would cry for attention with matching dialogues. Her cell booster had really helped her develop and grow.

Christmas 2011

mari — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:49:41 GMT

Christmas is for the children. Since achi is bigger now and she is already starting to appreciate Christmas trees and Santa Claus, we made this year's Christmas a little better than last year. Tatay prepared our Christmas tree while we were still in Isabela. I just added some more house decors when we arrived.

The concept of Santa Claus was also introduced. That he gives gifts to children who are good throughout the year. When we asked what she wanted Santa Claus to give her, she answered that she wanted a big bear... and that's what she got.

We were not able to have Noche Buena. We were all tired on the 24th that we were still too tired to get up to eat. Actually, Migs and I ate at around 12:30 since I was already hungry. The girls woke up early on the 25th and so they opened their gifts early.

Siobe enjoyed tearing the wrappers of her gifts. She received a lot of gifts but she likes achi's gifts more. Achi and Siobe's Ninang Fai and Ninang Leah drop by early to give their gifts. Siobe got a look-alike doll while Achi opened her big bear last.

We were late for Christmas mass but we still dropped by the church. We went to Pacita after to visit the rest of the family. We got home at around 8pm already. We were so tired that after we were dropped off, we immediately went to bed and woke up the next day.

flower girls in 2011

mari — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:46:36 GMT

We are anticipating several weddings of family and friends for 2011. Since these will be weddings of people close to us, either one of the girls or both of them will be flower girls for the event. This will be another milestone for them and I hope that they do well. Between the two, I am more confident that siobe will walk down the aisle without any hesitations. She is the 'stronger' and more 'bibo' compared with her achi. But if achi is paired with someone she likes, she might walk without worries too.

I am hoping that they'll do good. But for the meantime, I might as well look for unique wedding gifts that I could give and the couples would like to have. I do not like the common ones since it might just end up in the couples stockroom, especially if they receive 2 of a kind. Personalized gifts would be better I guess.

bayview

mari — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:24:00 GMT

We were here last weekend and the girls loved the experience. They were so amazed when they saw the boats and yachts on the bay, they were even more apprehensive when they realized that they were on a high building. They kept on jumping and shouting more when they saw the bathtub. They spent sometime playing in the tub since they had lukewarm water. Siobe started crying when she was brought out of it. Achi on the other hand stayed longer but when she got off, she was shivering.

I think the girls loved the idea of being out of the house but they were dismayed when we didn't get to go out of the condo. We were just there stuck with the television and lots of food. As much as I wanted to bring them out, I couldn't since I have to be with baby Migs (and I am enjoying endless movies shown at movie channels). For the girls, I wished we brought more toys for them to play with. I hope we got them Big Agnes Sleeping Bags so they could camp and playhouse with it.

The next day was Sasa's Christening. We were so happy to get out but the weather didn't cooperate. It was raining most of the time. Our plans of going to MOA didn't push through. We didn't even get the chance to check the nearby tiangges/bazaar at World Trade. We just got home and ate puto bumbong and bibingka which the dads bought from Aristocrat.

Sunday. We went to San Juan to attend Sam's bday. The children were tired with the long travel that they slept throughout our travel. They enjoyed (I think the party, when they saw Jolibee come out to perform) but were still too tired. We got home late and we (the older ones) were also very tired from our long weekend away from home.

getting into cars

mari — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:36:51 GMT

Shopping is a must during Christmas and it is something I truly like (if I am not doing it in rush). Honestly, its already the 19th of December but I am not even half of my shopping yet. I just got the girls their yellow Christmas outfit the last time I went to the mall. My 'inaanaks' have to wait a little this time since I haven't started with their gifts yet. I am scheduled to get everything on the 21st. I hope I have the strength to be out longer.

On Christmas day, I'll just wait for my godchildren to drop by our house. Boxxie is still under construction and I'm not done researching for auto body estimating software yet. Thank God tatay G is done with his shopping for the gas tank already. That's still a lot of blessings

we're home

mari — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:30:57 GMT

Finally, we are already home. After away for almost 3 months, we are now back to our home. The kids are trying to adjust but they love being home. They were ecstatic when we got back. They were so happy to see their toys again. Achi was jumping while siobe kept hugging her stuff toys, I'm so glad that we're home. Miguel is 'deadma' with everything but I think he is looking comfortable in his home. I just wish that we find him a nice and comfy crib fast because the girls have been bugging him when he's sleeping on the ground floor. I iwsh I could also find something like a heated mattress pad so he'll be more comfortable, especially now that it is getting colder in the evening.

I'm so happy were home -- if only we have a different sets of people for neighbors (this is another story to share).

tomato land

mari — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:53:53 GMT

I assigned achie a task that she loves doing. Aside from watering the plants, she loves harvesting too. This is her picture while she was harvesting tomatoes from our backyard. These tomatoes were planted by one of our house help. We needed to uproot it after several months because they needed to cement our garage area.

If it is only possible to have the tomato land, we'd like it. It is way healthier since it is organic. Way cheaper than to have Organic Fruit Delivered

shopping moments

mari — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:38:04 GMT

We are still here in Isabela - that means I haven't started with my Christmas shopping yet. I haven't bought anything (as in anything yet) since I am always stuck at home and choices for gifts are limited here in the province. So when we get back on Sunday, most likely, I'll be on the mall already on Monday. I hope I don't look too eager because I am already late for my shopping.

I have a little list already of what I am planning to get for our godchildren and our family. I have asked 'bigger' and 'older' godchildren what they wanted and I am thankful that it is still within the budget. There are times when it is better that they can already communicate on what they want. This will save me time thinking with what I should give them that they will really appreciate and use. One 'inaanak' said she wanted a bag. She's not choosy with what she prefers as long as it is something that she can bring along. And I knew where I could easily find one for her. Another wanted the 'cup stacko' something - I hope I can still find one on the malls when I get back. I was expecting that he'd ask for a new set of psp batteries but he didn't. I guess it is easier for him to save for this than his original wish

Anyways, I am excited but thinking makes me feel tired already. I hope to finish everything fast because I cannot leave Miguel for long. He needs to drink his milk from me. He hasn't tasted formula yet and I hope he adjust to feeding breastmilk through the bottle soon. With our plan starting a business soon, he needs to adjust fast -- or else, he will have to stay in the sling to go with me everywhere

souvenirs

mari — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:34:50 GMT

Its the time again when I should be looking for something to give my child's godparents. I do not have anything in mind right now but when I saw the samples of lapel pins custom, I thought that I wanted something similar to it. I wanted something personal for the godparents but I have limited time to request and order for it. It is the peak season for company give-aways so most suppliers that I know are meeting deadlines.

I guess I will have to choose another souvenir. Maybe mini-cakes will do, or anything that is edible since it will be readily more available... I wish I didn't have to cram

mommy challenge

mari — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:21:36 GMT

I got this from sis Mec's and I wanted to try if I could beat the challenge. Here is the image of the things to do within 30 days. I can do most of it. I think I usually do most of it. But still it will be great to share this with other moms too.

Fellow moms, let's DO IT. I know that we all wanted our children to post this on their FB status someday...

My mom carried me in her womb for nine months... She felt sick for months with nausea, then she watched her feet swell & her skin stretch & tear; she struggled to climb stairs, she got breathless quick; she suffered many sleepless nights. She then went through excruciating pain to bring me into this world. Then, she became my nurse, my chef, my maid, my chauffeur, my biggest fan, my teacher, & my best friend. She's struggled for me, cried over me, hoped the best for me, & prayed for me. Most of us take our mom for granted. Re-post if you love your mom more than anything in this world. ♥

I ♥ YOU MOM VERY MUCH MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW!

i heart breastfeeding

mari — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:11:35 GMT

I failed with my eldest, I kinda succeeded with my second, but with my youngest I am all out to giving him only breastmilk.

2 weeks since I gave birth, baby Miguel had tasted formula only twice and he doesn't like it that much. He would just suck from the bottle and would spit it out after a few minutes. He wouldn't

even swallow it, I guess. I am so happy with the output and I am positive that this will continue until he turns 6 months. This will mean savings from our pocket.

On the other hand, I think I need to spend a little more for nursing covers and nursing blouses. I will not choose nipple pasties over these items though I am sometimes tempted to give these a try *naughty smile over here*. I find it cute but it is more for tatay's pleasure that baby Miguel (shhhh).

Oh well, I want to be positive with breastfeeding. It is still the best for babies.

its over

mari — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:09:49 GMT

I have written about our waiting mode for the past post. Now we're done with it and we are finally home. We spent 2 nights at the hospital. The first night was for -again- waiting mode and the next night for resting mode.

I can't be happier that he came out earlier than expected. His birthing story to follow. At least my new OB was still with me when he had to come out. It lessen my worries that I might give birth to another OB, who I am totally unfamiliar with. And I might even have another team to work with, in case that happened.

All is well. I didn't have to worry about GDM, diabetes and Insulin. I was not even concern with diabet meds like Actos or any actos attorneys as I didn't have to take any medicine related to diabetes. Furthermore, it means that I won't have any complications of bladder cancer or whatsoever.

I am just thankful for everything. Everything was in right timing. Tatay was there, the OB was there, Ninang Doc Anest was present and Lola Doc was also prepared to catch Miguel.

After a week, this is how Miguel now looks like --

brownout

mari — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:46:00 GMT

on the night of October 31...

This makes Halloween more exciting on our part While waiting for the light, we stayed outside in the terrace and watch the stars and the moon. The girls were enjoying the shadows that they are seeing on the wall. Siobe was fascinated with the candle that we lit since it is dancing (based on her actions). Achi was busy looking at the stars. She was asking questions that tatay answered well.

The light was back before we knew it. Very timely since I need to check on the Orderly Jobs that I saw on the net. I think tatay really needs to find a new job since he has been complaining with his present workplace. It is too far from our home. He consumes too much time travelling. He is too tired already when he gets home.

Anyway, in a few weeks time we'll already be home. He'll have company and he'll be happy again

anytime

mari — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:40:38 GMT

The waiting time is longer than the previous 9 months. All our things are packed and yet baby doesn't want to go out yet. This makes tatay more nervous since he doesn't know if he needs to extend his leave or he'll just go to work tomorrow and come home again when we are already at the hospital.

Anytime soon, we will see our little boy. He is now on his 36th week and there are instances when I feel that he might come out earlier than expected. In fact, I had to visit the OB last Saturday because I thought that he had drastically decreased with his movements. He is less active than he was before. When the OB checked on me, she said that I am already 1cm dilated. I just have to wait a little more. I'll be visiting her again on the 5th for another round of IE.

But before he arrives, I hope I get to prepare his crib (which reminds me that I still have to remind tita Mathy). He'll be temporarily use the comforters that I brought. I wished I could buy him memory foam toppers for his first Christmas gift. I'm sure he'd be very comfortable with it. He'd love me more to pieces.

Anyways, I hope I am at my strongest when he decides to come out. I wanted to have another NSD before the ligation.

i love gardening

mari — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:16:28 GMT

This is our favorite past time here in Isabela. While I cut the dead leaves, gather the leaves and bring them to the compost pit, my daughters are busy with something else too. Either they are picking flowers or they are watering the plants. Can you see my achi's smile while she is watering mommy's plants? She's been like that since she learned the fun of watering the plants. This is when she became friends with our dog Momay.

We are into gardening twice a day. One in the morning after our breakfast and before the sun is too high and another in the afternoon, before the sun sets. I must say that this has been a great bonding experience for us. My kids are learning to love plants as well as the environment. This reminds me that we need to look for composters to further help the environment. I wanted to teach the kids the value of composting and recycling.

Because they are now exposed to plants and flowers, achi wants that we have our garden at our home too. She also wants to have those little 'windmills' that mommy has on her garden