Dealing with diapers and papers

I'd hear soft weeping sounds beside me. I'd blink once...twice then check the time. “Umaga na pala,” I'd tell myself. Oh, and yes. He'd be awake. My breathing alarm clock. I'd get up. Drown myself to an irreplaceable happiness seeing him smile and giggle. Pleased, I'd lift him up and let him enjoy an everyday dose of sunlight. And then, it's bath time. Dress him up. Clean his mouth. Give him his vitamins. Maybe play with him a little bit. Then put him back to sleep. Until finally, it's clock-in time.

And...that's just how my every morning is spent. What happens then, depends on my daily tasks as an online copywriter, and on my every day adventures as a first-time, full-time mom!

During my idle time, or whenever I'm done with my daily tasks,
I see to it that I spend time with my baby :)

It's been four months since this kind of routine has started. While it may appear as something that's monotonous, let me tell you, it's not. Thus far, I have faced various challenges from which I definitely learned a lot. Be more efficient, self-sufficient, patient, optimistic, and ready to face whatever life throws at me (whether it's a curve ball or a straight one) are few of the things my experiences have taught me.

But then again, you may be wondering why I opted to continue working from home when my husband has a steady job and that we don't have a yaya to assist me. The answers are simple. One, I want to continuously hone my skills as a writer; and two, it'd be nice to add a little more to our family's savings noting the continuous and concurrent price hike of almost anything and everything in the market today. As a parent, I want to provide the best for my baby—for good mothers don't settle for anything less!

Accordingly, if you're a full-time mom who wants to help your hubby as well in giving your baby everything he/she needs, here are my two cents worth you might want to consider on how to keep a career while being a full-time mom!

• Be efficient

Whether working online (freelance) or managing a home-based physical business, say a small bake shop, try your very best to be effective as an entreprenuer and, of course, as a mom. This way, you wouldn't fail to do your responsibilities and miss small details by being both! Also, make use of the time you have, however little that is, in “delivering the goods” to your employers or clients. This is for you to have an extra time with your little one once you've accomplished all your tasks right away. Never procrastinate. Remember moms, now that you have your angel in your arms, you don't own your time.

• Be self-sufficient

Never put your responsibilities as a mom on anyone else's shoulders; but, to yours (even if you're working from home). By doing so, you can be assured of your baby's safe condition and on top of that, you can rejoice in seeing his/her milestones which I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss! Also, note that baby must always comes first, so trusting him/her to someone you don't know that much might put your baby at stake!

• Be patient

One of the things I really think is important in keeping a career while being a hands-on mom is to be patient. It's because dealing with your work and your baby at the same time means juggling two things that are unpredictable and, yes, stressful. Thus, you must always keep composed and focused, especially if your baby started crying non-stop and your deadline is almost sneaking up on you. This usually happens to me, I must admit, that's why I've learned to deal with them one at a time. Of course, baby comes first, then everything else follows. Bear in mind moms that facing this kind of challenge with hothead might result to an unhappy baby and mediocre work performance. So, be patient.

• Be optimistic

This definitely helps in times when you think you're not doing well in either roles you're playing. Remember, never ever give up on yourself and don't let challenges as a working, hands-on mom put you down. Because when you do, you let your baby, and your family down as well. It helps to think positively, trust me!

• Be ready

Being a mom is a part of your life when you actually don't know what to expect because every day brings sudden excitement and thrilling adventures. What more if you're still working, right? Therefore, it certainly pays to be ready! Arm yourself with brave heart, enough wisdom, and true faith that you can overcome everything that blocks your way.

Staying at home shouldn't be a hindrance for you, moms, to earn extra for the family. Go into a line of industry that interests you, be it online or home-based physical business. The important thing is you’re still able to focus on your top priority, your family.

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Beyond Children’s Right: Sports and play for their development

LET them play. Let them be kids.

As detailed in Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, States shall “recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.”

No questions asked, every child has a right to enjoy their childhood through different kinds of recreational activities that could aid them in their holistic growth and development.

Take note moms that sports and play do not only make up the leisure time of your kid; rather, as what the United Nations Children’s Fund says, there is a broad consensus “that regular physical activity is essential for the physical, mental, psychological and social development of children and adolescents.”

Also, it is vital to keep in mind that one’s involvement in sports can “boost children’s health, improve academic performance, and help reduce crime”.

Mommies, if you are not fully aware of the benefits of sports and how it could help your kid in his daily life, continue reading and be amazed of how such a child’s right could actually be an effective programmatic tool in helping him achieve goals in health, education, and development among others.

Photo source: http://journeyerschronicles.com/2009/08/at-home/family/raising-independent-kids/

Below are what UNICEF believes to be the plus points of sports into a kid’s existence.

• Engaging into sports, recreation, and play are a fun and exciting way for kids to learn values and lessons that could last a life time.
• They encourage friendship and fair play.
• Sports teach kids team work, discipline, respect, and the coping skills necessary to ensure that they develop into caring individuals.
• They help prepare young people to meet the challenges they will face and to take leadership roles within their communities.
• They create opportunities to let kids express themselves, to contribute their voice, opinions and ideas, and to become agents for change.
• Sports promote stable relationships between children and adults.

Never hesitate to allow your kids be kids. Let them be active in sports or other recreational activities that are appropriate for their ages, especially this summer! Support them all the way; just make sure that you guide them through.

And even though they lose, what’s important is that as young as they are, they could already see the real world.

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Next9 Baby Sling: On Wearing My Baby

As first-time parents, my husband and I aren't really aware of all the essentials in taking care of the baby, particularly the "gadgets" in doing so. 

Thank god for pieces of advice and, well, technology. Now, there's no hassle in going to the grocery store or bayan even with our little one. We get some help from my Next9 Baby Ring Sling! :) 

A sling-user for almost three months now, I could testify that baby slings are not only an accessory but a "stylish" necessity. Thus far, my sling doesn't fail in giving me (and my baby) convenience and comfort, especially at times I needed them most! 

Yours truly using my Polka Next9 Baby Sling.
Kevin was 2-mos.old :)

It was my husband who got me my sling, at an affordable price, when he attended an expo event. It was, however, my OB's suggestion for me to use one. And because we thought such item could aid me in taking care of my baby as I do other errands, we took her advice. ☺ Yet again, thankfully we did!

With ease, my husband and I were able to go to Church
this day with the help of my sling :)

Baby slings come in various brands, designs, styles, and ways to wear—which provide both moms and dads (yes, fathers can also use slings) a wide-array of options to choose from. 

Versatility, convenience, superior quality, maximum security, and "healthy way to foster a happy-parent-child relationship" are what these baby slings could offer. Gone are the days when moms couldn't do household chores while putting the baby to sleep. With baby slings, moms are more efficient and capable of multitasking. 

Note, however, that the style on wearing the baby depends on how old or big he/she already is. Also, moms must not overlook the safety precautions ;) It's always best to check whether the sling is threaded properly that when moms put the baby on, he/she won't fall! 

Our Kevin, comfy and cozy in his sling :)

You can view the Maya Wrap Baby Sling Instructional Videos on how to properly use a baby sling!

So far, baby slings are becoming more popular, joining the family of the "legendary" baby carriers. Dozens of style and design are available to choose from.

Yes. They're stylish, chic. But, what makes these baby slings appealing is their capacity to give moms the power to wear their babies, rule the home, and go places all at the same time!

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Second Beat

3 months prior to giving birth, I made a short poem for my expected little angel :) Inspired by the pulse I feel and hear within me, I tried to capture the irrevocable feeling of glee by putting them into words!

So, here it goes...

Kevin's very first ultrasound photo :)

Never did we think,

you'd come in just a blink!

...for the love we both share,

and sacrifices that we bear.

Every stomp, every move,

...oh baby, I want to groove.

A little pinch in the heart,

an everlasting form of art!

For this second beat,

producing a tune that is sweet...

God we truly thank Thee,

...the best gift there could ever be!

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Mommy Mundo 2013 Planner

Being a mom is definitely the toughest job in the whole world. You have to "work" 24 hours a day...7 days a week!  YES! Practically every single day of your life! ;)

It maybe tiresome, but surely is worth it because the pay you receive is, undoubtedly, PRICELESS! 

Apart from enjoying such pay, however, every mom must likewise enjoy motherhood without compromising your lone time with self and of course, with your husband. How? The answer is simple. 

Time management! 

Lucky enough, there are various ways and means that could guide and help you how to! One of which is the Mommy Mundo "Mom 24/7" 2013 Planner, which I'm very lucky to have! (Thanks to my dear husband!☺) 

Mommy Mundo 2013 Planner! :)

With its sleek design and perky look, this planner is not a boring kind which, moms of today, would certainly love to have!

Loving my planner ♥ 

Unlike any other planners, Mom 24/7 is tailor-made for all moms out there! 

Apart from the pages where you could jot down your to-do-lists on a particular day, spaces are also provided where you could input your "Weekly Personal Goals" for yourself, for the family, for the home and of course, for your work! This, I deem, gives moms a chance to reflect on their skills and allow them to further hone and challenge their capabilities may it be as a mother at home or an employee (or employer) at work!

The Weekly Personal Goals column at the bottom of the page.
I definitely love the message in this bookmark! :)

But, on top of that (and what I like most about this planner) is its "Pages and Perks" section! :D

Mom 24/7 Pages & Perks section! :)

This part of the planner's basically composed of pages where moms could take note of the basic; but, important things—like the child's information, his health record (including his immunization); the family's food favorites, grocery essentials, etc. 

Oh and yes, who could forget...the perks! Need I say more? :)

Perks. Perks. And more perks! :)

Amazing! Isn't it? That Mommy Mundo was able to come up with an idea of creating a planner for moms, who are considered to be the busiest people in the world. 

This planner is absolutely one of a kind, and a great way on allowing moms to be more efficient and be the best she could ever be!

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