One full plated summer!

I didn't know it's been a month (almost!) since my last entry. Apparently, I've been busy with a lot of things supposing it's the "dog days"—a time of the year when most people have nothing else to do apart from going on a vacation or doing some staycation. 

Well, actually, we (Kevin, my husband Boya, and I) did some to (one of the reasons why I wasn't able to update this blog prior to this post) :) 

We had our first family beach outing in Zambales. Our dear Kevin had his first taste of the sea! And I couldn't be more proud of him for being so brave and up for the waves! :) 

One happy family: enjoying the sun, sand and beach! :)

But that outing isn't really the highlight of this year's summer. What actually keeps me busy and what makes this season very memorable for me as a first-time parent is Kevin's progress with a lot of things. :) Yes, my baby's growing up so fast! (1) His two front bottom teeth have started to push through his gum line, (2) he's learned how to crawl and (3) he's taking in some solid food now! 

Tell me...don't these things deserve to make this summer full plated?!?! :D

• Kevin's teething 

It started last April 11 when Kevin had fever. Honestly, I was scared. He had colds too, and my husband was away that time so I was alone dealing with the situation. At first, I didn't know why he was ill. Thank god for Paracetamol Tempra Drops and Kool Fever (for babies), Kevin was already well a day after. 

But our (his and mine) sleepless nights didn't end there. The following evenings were hard for both of us. Kevin was so irritable, so irate that he couldn't nod off. Then, I realized he was teething for he kept on putting his hand/s inside his mouth, trying to bite away the pain in his gums. So I just bear with my baby. Every time he cried because of pain, I gave him his teether to rather ease the pain. And I guess it helped. Now, he's more okay :) I could see his two front bottom teeth peeking through his gums. :) I'm one excited, happy mom!

• Kevin's crawling

April 24...just before Kevin turned 6 month-old, he was on hands and knees! :) 

It was my husband who witnessed his first crawl. Our baby was trying to reach for Boya's eyeglasses which was placed a little far from where Kevin was. To our amazement, after his first attempt, Kevin did his second lollygag and luckily we caught it on video :) We're really proud of our baby! Now, he crawls most of the time. Hihi

• Kevin's eating

Today is Kevin's second day to eat solid food! :) 

After we had our routinely check-up with Kevin's pedia last Saturday, we were advised that our baby could already take in some solid food, particularly, mashed veggies, fruits, and baby foods! :) So....you know what happened next! ;)

See how time flies so quickly. Only one summer slipped by, and many things have happened already. This summer is indeed full plated! ♥

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Expo Mom 2013: an experience like no other! (a post-event entry)

Expo Mom is the premier lifestyle event for moms in Manila. It is a trade expo, all-day workshop, shopping destination, mommy party, family occasion, mompreneur lab, all rolled into one!

Yesterday (April 7) my husband, Kevin, and I attended the second day of Expo Mom 2013. It was our first official expo as first-time parents. And while it may sound cliche, I'd like to say that it was an experience like no other! :) 

We arrived at Rockwell Tent in Makati City few minutes prior to the start of the event's programme (10 a.m.)! Thus, we were lucky to take a convenient stroll inside the tent and look through the shopping bazaars with ease! :) 

Of course, I was delighted to see various mommy and baby products!!! I didn't even know where to start looking! Or...if I even had enough money to buy things I wanted to take home :P Haha. But, I ended up buying only three important things: (1) a new sling for Kevin, (2) a nursing undershirt, and (3) a couple of cloth diapers.

I bought my new sling and nursing undershirt from the Tiny Tots store :)

While there were other products that I still wanted to buy, like the Mustela cream for my stretch marks, a meal time set and a book set for Kevin, my husband calmly reminded me to purchase only what's necessary. And so I did :) Besides, it wouldn't hurt to be practical these days. 

Anyway, apart from the Tiny Tots store, we likewise visited other booths in the expo which equally presented wonderful products, some of which are:

• Johnson's Baby Philippines
• Parteizeit (for party needs)
• Cupcakes by Sonja
• 9th Avenue School
• Bummis and Bambino (cloth diapers)
• Mustela
• The Stork Studio

There were, however, two stores that, for me, stood out from the rest because of their unique, practical, and beneficial products; to wit: the Natural Origins and the R-Trevi. 

The first one offers a baby meal (brown rice porridge for baby) made from 100% organic ingredients. What makes this product interesting is that moms can even add their breastmilk in preparing it. Definitely healthy and practical, isn't it? :) 

Baby Natura Brown Rice Porridge :)
[photo source: http://www.babynaturafood.com/Product.php]

Meanwhile, the latter store offers a water-proof bedding protector called the Brolly Sheets. This sheet is absorbent up to two liters, quick to change, and comfortable. Brolly Sheets received a silver star from the Practical Parenting and Pregnancy. No doubt useful when time comes! ;)

Brolly Sheets
[photo source: http://www.thedailybuzz.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Brolly-Sheets-Comp-TDB-final.jpg]

Like any other events by moms and for moms, Expo Mom 2013 wasn't just about bazaars and shopping spree. Of course, there were the talks, the most indispensable part of the event, given by experts who are also moms that'd love to share with other mommies the wonders of motherhood. :) 

Jenny Ong of Mama Baby Love and Jen Tan of Next9
on their talk about the "Instinctive Attachment Parenting"

One of the talks we were able to listen to was the one given by Ms. Ong and Ms. Tan. Their talk was about "Instinctive Attachment Parenting". I could still remember what they said: Kapag umiyak ang baby mo siyempre, instict mo na as a mom na buhatin siya. Huwag maniniwala sa sinasabi ng matatanda na sinasanay mo siya sa karga, o sa sayaw. Of course, there are times that babies are bored, or they want to be cuddled. That's just how they are. (not verbatim)

I totally agree with them for I experienced the same with my Kevin. :) This just shows that there's truly the #momtuition, the so-called "mother's instinct" within you—that even if you are young and a first-time parent, you'd know and feel what your baby wants, what your baby needs. Just like what the saying says, "When a baby is born so is a mother".

Altogether, Expo Mom 2013 gave me a new horizon on being a mother. There's more to it that what one sees in a bazaar, or what one hears in a discussion. Simply put, my visit at this event was extraordinary that it gave me empowerment, encouragement, and inspiration to strive more for my little one.♥

To Mommy Mundo, congratulations to yet another successful Expo Mom! :) Special thanks to Ms. Janice, Ms. Angela, and Ms. Rome!

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Expo Mom 2013! (a pre-event entry)

Expo Mom is the premier lifestyle event for moms in Manila. It is a trade expo, all-day workshop, shopping destination, mommy party, family occasion, mompreneur lab, all rolled into one!

Nope! It's not just an ordinary for show that counts as a past-time for those who don't know what to do with their time. All the more, it doesn't refer to just another typical exhibition of mediocre Filipino (or even foreign) products that aims to make a scene in the metro. ;)

Expo Mom Year 6! 

Expo Mom 2013: "The Mompreneur Market" is simply a fertile ground where all kinds of moms—either expecting, first-time, or already a mother of four—are welcome to exchange experiences, celebrate motherhood, have fun, and learn new things that could all the more inspire them to be the best!

First launched in 2008, Expo Mom is organized by Mommy Mundo and the Philippine Association for Childbirth Education (PACE). These two organizations are founded by two mommy friends Ms. Janice Crisostomo-Villanueva and Ms. Rome Kanapi. 

Ms. Rome and Ms. Janice
(photo source: http://expomom.com/about-expo-mom/about/)

With a simple vision to "become the ultimate trade expo of mom and baby products in Manila", Expo Mom, through the years, has endeavored to deliver the best goods to Filipino homes by inviting Partners who are considered major players in helping parents tender their children.

Composed of interactive exhibits, shopping bazaar, and onstage activities, Expo Mom has been a well-received event since it started the ball rolling. And, for over five years, it has made an impact to millions of moms who dream of giving their children everything that's beyond compare.

In my case as a first-time mom, Expo Mom 2013 will be my first mom-event! Of course, I'm excited! :) I look forward to lots of things which stir up my #momtuition:

• Special sales for mom and baby products
• Mom and baby activities
• Interesting and educational discussions

For more of Expo Mom 2013 event features, click HERE.

For more of Expo Mom 2013 exhibitors info, click HERE.

All mommies mustn't miss this year's bigger and better expo for moms under one roof! :)

WHEN: April 6-7, 2013 (Sat/Sun)

WHERE: Rockwell Tent, Makati City

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Welcoming Kevin into the Christian Fold

 Since I previously wrote that I'm gonna write about my baby's baptism celebration, here it goes :)

Last March 24, Palm Sunday, my husband and I, along with our family and friends, welcomed Kevin into the Christian fold (finally!).

With my husband and Kevin after the baptismal rites :)

As first time parents, we weren't really in the know about how baptism goes and what are the necessary things to take note of. Good thing, there weren't much to consider.

We had Kevin baptized at San Antonio de Padua Parish, and as such, we were only asked to submit a photocopy of the child's birth certificate and pay a baptism fee of PhP 300. 

Accordingly, parents don't have to trouble themselves since baptismal requirements are quite simple. Besides, reservations aren't a precondition! Parents have the luxury to go to the Church the day they want to get the child baptized. :) It's that easy. 

Having mentioned these, I'd say that Kevin's baptism went well! There were only few parents who chose March 24 as their child's baptism date so we were definitely lucky—the Church wasn't too crowded and the rite didn't last too long (except for the seminar that I actually deem was beside the point).  

My husband with Kevin's ninongs :)

With our FAME friends who are now our kumares and kumpares :)

Anyway, after getting Kevin baptized, we directed all our guests to go to Shakey's Pizza Parlor — just few kilometers away from San Antonio — for a little soiree. :) And since we expected around 60 guests, we ordered the Shakey's Monster Meal Deal and just asked the resto's crew to serve it in managed buffet style. 

 

All in all, the lunch was okay, considering the amount of food served per plate and the price that went with it. The total expense we paid for the reception, I think, was neither expensive nor cheap. It was just on the average. :) 

Meanwhile, when it comes to Kevin's souvenir, my husband and I decided to have two kinds — one that's edible and one that's not! :P

Here's the edible one—yummy cupcakes by Glam Cakes by Myca! 

We ordered our edible souvenir from my husband's friend, Myca, at an affordable price (of course we got a friendly discount). :) You can check out her other delectable offerings at Glam Cakes by Myca!

This is our inedible party favor, a customized Nike Air Force Rasheed Wallace
with handmade Nike shoe box :)

I definitely love the presentation! :)

For this party favor, we also had a good discount (plus one extra souvenir for free). I'm also very happy of the final output/look of this favor! Credits to Mommy Rhea. :) You can check out her other unique products at Sweetlilsoles Favors FB page. 

Lastly, the photo booth! Since this is our Kevin's first "party", I wanted it to be memorable while being simple. So, I insisted to have a photo booth in the reception venue. I looked for a cheap one that still offers quality product (considering that there's a corkage fee in Shakey's pegged at PhP 1,500). And luckily, I did find one which only cost us PhP 3,500! Thanks again PhotoMocco, managed by Rameil "Popoy" Reonal.

♥

Simply put, Kevin's Christening was a success, and memorable indeed. :) I thank all our family and friends who shared such occasion with us! Thank you's also go to our suppliers who nicely granted our simple requests. :)

To our dear Kevin, once again, we welcome you into the Christian World! ♥

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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