Hongkong trip Part 1

Our recent family trip will be one for the books and I think will be one of the most unforgettable.  It was our first time to go out of the country as a family and with my parents.  It was also R's very first plane ride.  All of us were on a high as the day approached for this adventure. All of us were anticipating R's reaction.  We  did have a lot a fun though we may have encountered a few challenges, but it was all worth it!

We left Manila at 8am via PAL on a Thursday.  We just left our car at Park and Fly and was hanging out at the airport as early as 4am to avoid traffic.  Believe me it was a good move since there was already a lot of traffic build up on our way to the airport.  What I loved about traveling with a kid is that you get priority check-in and boarding and that makes things a little easier. Since it was our first OOTC with R, we did not know that we can bring his stroller all the way through boarding.  It was not a huge issue though since Terminal 2 is manage able.

Keeping him busy while waiting.  We did not know that there was a play area at the end of the far end of the airport.  We should take note of that for our next travel.

Our first Family trip!

R was very excited for this trip that he never slept before departure and during the plane ride.  During take off,  I had him drink water.  I thought we nailed it.  But when we started descending, that was when we had a little nightmare.  He could not bear his ears popping.  The descent took quite a long time that we ran out of chocolate milk which should have helped ease the discomfort.  Literally, for five-minutes (which felt like forever) he was crying and shouting, "Bring me home" and "Get me out of here."    I give myself a pat on the back for hanging on and composing myself.  I tried so hard to be very calm so as not to aggravate the situation.  I think what stressed me more was not really him throwing a fit, but it was knowing what the people around us were thinking.  But, that's life and I am thankful that no one gave a smirk or made any side comments. 
The flight back home was great.  I knew better and bought a huge chocolate milk from the grocery and bought 3 boxes of Egg surprise which kept his mind off from his ears popping.  Now, time to think of more activities and strategies for a long haul!


Goofing around before take-off, crossing my fingers that it would be a peaceful journey.

Kitchen fun with a preschooler

I had to take an unexpected leave last November since I (once again) miscarried.  Not the best way to prepare for the holidays.  Although we lost yet abother battle, like a fighter, we stand up and fight and face another day.  I am still blessed to be alive and be with my family. 

After four weeks of resting, I took the opportunity to do some kitchen activities with my preschooler. I confess, I have not had the energy to do these as much because I of work.  But I know that should not be an excuse. This 2016, I commit to have more time for activities and travels with our little man.  The excitement in his eyes is priceless.

Making his first chocolate chip cookies.

For Christmas, he received an Ice cream maker from his godmother.  This was one of the highlights of our Holiday activities.  You know how kids LOVE ice cream.

R is a picky eater.  One of the food that he loves is pizza.  I have ready made pizza crust in the freezer almost all the time.  It is so easy to prepare and he can also make it on his own.  We like Delmonte Italian Pizza sauce with lots of mozzarella cheese.

Welcome to my new world!

As I write, it occurred to me that I have been back in the workforce for a month now.  Wow, I survived my first thirty days as a working mom!  You might not know it, but my absence in the blogging world was because of this new chapter in my life, or should I say in our lives.  It was not an easy transition especially with R.  Even before I got a job, I was already prepping him for months, telling him that mommy will soon need to work.  However, no amount of preparation prepared me for the first two weeks that I started going to work.  R would force me to remove my clothes whenever he would see me dressed up for work or he would say that he will go with me and needs to change. He would cry whenever I would say goodbye.  My heart broke every time and I forced myself to make goodbyes quick.  Soon, he figured our new set up and adjusted to our 'new life.'  I was both relieved and saddened realizing that there was a time wherein R and I were inseparable.  

The last three and a half years that I spent with R is incomparable.  There is no monetary equivalent and no amount of promotion can ever equate to it.  I am thankful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to experience it.   Nevertheless, despite our new set up, Motherhood continues.  It's just that I need to juggle two jobs now.  

I remember someone asking me how I would be able to manage especially that I would be in the graveyard shift. I am not able to sleep eight hours a day anymore.  Before my bed time, I bring R to school and wake up a few hours before going to the office to play and either have merienda or dinner with him.  It is difficult, but doable.  We are lucky to have a support system that entails us to make it work.  I am thankful that my parents are still willing and able to be with my son while I sleep during the day, which lessens the stress on me since I know he is in good hands.   Hubby takes over at night and weekend mornings so that I could catch some sleep and prepare myself for our weekend activities.  Weekends are extra sacred this time around since these are the days when we focus all our attention to our small family and just be with R.

SAHM or  WAHM or working mom, there will always challenges. The magnitude of stress may sometimes be amplified in one, but all of us are in the same (motherhood) boat.  While I can say that I have experienced being a SAHM and working mom, there should be no debate or discussion on who is better because at the end of the day, we will always have the best intention for our families.  

Turning three

My son turned three last week! I cannot believe how time flies.  Once upon a time all he did was babble, could not blow a candle, and could not even sing "happy birthday."  Now, he gets so giddy  whenever he would hear the Birthday song and delights in blowing candles.  Sometimes I want to tear up seeing how much he has developed.  

He started going to school mid Februrary.  I had to see first if he we will have struggles in attending a three hour class everyday.  I was apprehensive and was quite sure we would have some difficulties.  But he surprised me when during his first day in school, he just happily went with the teacher and stuck it out for the rest of the class.  Of course there are days when it gets a little hard to make him take a bath and dress up because he wants to play.  But once he sees we are infront of his school, he suddenly lights up, hands me his toy and happily goes down the car.  I hope and pray that he will always have a good disposition towards school and learning.

Anyway, since this school year, I would say he is officially in school, we decided to hold a party for him with his classmates.  The school has certain policies with regard to throwing parties.  They want it just to be a simple one, as if it was a normal school day. I totally agree with that because I am not a fan of lavish celebrations.  I appreciate intimate and simple gatherings more.  

This was officially my first time to frost a cake!  I originally planned on making a fondant cake but was too tired to knead.  So, last minute I decided to make a simple cake with gum paste airplane toppers.  R was so happy to see his cake since he is so into airplanes nowadays.  It may not be the best frosted cake, but it was made with pure love.

The snack box contained homemade baked macaroni and a chocolate cupcake.

The DIY loot bag contained a yogurt drink, chocolate filled cookies, mini chocolate chip cookies and Airplanes themed bubble maker. I was so happy to score those Disney Airplanes bubble makers at Toys R'Us.

The expression on R's face when he saw us in school was priceless!  He looked so proud and happy.  We only stayed there for around thirty minutes and we witnessed how comfortable he  is with his teachers and classmates.   Now, if I can only slow down time and just cling on to my little one for a longer time.

Happy third birthday to our little pride and joy.  We will always be here for you and we love you so much!

It's potty time!

I planned to introduce R to the potty when he was 2.5 years old.  I initially thought it would be an easy one, having read that it can be done in just three days.  Lesson learned.  Do not believe everything that you read because each child is different.  While it is true that some kids are potty trained as early as 1.5 years old, there are some that are still holding on to diapers until 4 years of age.  There are some kids who will readily use the toilet, while some prefer to use potty trainers.  It all boils down to the kid's readiness.  Actually, the parents should also be prepared because it will be a dirty, tiring and sometimes long process. But once the child nails it, it will be such great relief!

As you know, R is my firstborn and I had no idea where to begin potty training.  I researched and asked some moms for pointers.  The best tip that I got which I used was from our longtime masseuse who has five kids.  She told me to bring R to toilet every 30 minutes, and then lengthen the time until he already knows how to control his pee.  At night, I made him pee before he went to bed and another one before I slept.   This took less than a week, but the mastery only came after a month and a half.  At the onset, I had no problems having R wear cotton training briefs. I guess he felt the difference.  He wore padded cotton training briefs during the day and diapers at night. Gradually, when I saw that he did not anymore wet his diapers at night, we finally said goodbye to diapers.  

I will say it again that each potty training experience is different.  My experience with R is in two phases: the pee phase and the poop phase.  He is now 2.7 years old and our potty success rate is at 60%. I say a little more than half because he just recently agreed to try to sit down on the toilet.  We are slowly inching up towards the goal.  We are still working on having him sit there and do the deed.  For now, I just remind him everyday "No poopoo on brief, only in the potty" which he actually recites when he feels like going.  By knowing that, he is aware where his poop should go. I also try to encourage him to try to sit on the toilet from time to time to get the hang of it.  Honestly, I am not rushing him (even if it means having to wash his soiled brief) because I know he is getting it and will suddenly do it once he is ready.

Here are some quick tips for you to get by:

1) Make potty training a good experience. Wait for queues that show readiness (Ex . Interest in wearing underwear and using the potty). Be creative if you wish.

2) Be prepared. Ask for tips and research if you want and tailor fit according to your child's personality and readiness.  Do not reprimand your kid when accidents happen.

3) Practice what you preach.  Show them how to do it. Be an example.

4) Buy pull up diapers and padded cotton underwear. Padded cotton underwear or training briefs are available locally at Mothercare, which is pretty expensive at around P800 for 3.  So if you have someone that can buy you from Walmart, it's way cheaper and better!

4) Buy a waterproof mattress protector.  

5) Buying a potty trainer is optional.  In our case we just bought a cheap potty trainer because we were not even sure if he would use it. True enough, it's just collecting dust in the bathroom. I find potty seats (the one that you attach to the toilet seat)  more useful.  

                      

            These are R's potty seats and potty trainer. The one that we find useful would be the potty seats (upper left and bottom pictures) which you can also bring when traveling.

There will be a lot of times when you will just feel like giving up, but just continue with your routine and soon you"ll be surprised that it's over.  

Thank you God for making me a Mom.

Mommy finds: my favorite pregnancy lotion

One of the things that a lot of pregnant women are weary about would be stretch marks.  One of the things that I cannot live without when I am pregnant is Mothercare's it's your body stretch mark cream.  I totally swear by this product and it only costs P350!  I have used this in my two pregnancies and I can only count the number of stretch marks (around five in the tummy area) that I had sustained in my two pregnancies.  To be honest, I felt I was the stretch mark prone kinda preggy woman because I have stretch marks even before I got pregnant (most likely due to some yo-yo dieting back in the days). Ok, that's just TMI!  But I just wanted to share my experience with this cream that has become my best friend and has worked wonders.  Not only is it good to your skin, but to your pocket as well.  Believe me, once upon a time I shelled out P10k for a popular stretch mark cream that didn't work!    

Where did time go?

I was browsing through my hard drive and saw my son's dedicated folder.  I browsed through the gazillion photos that I took of him ever since he was a baby and boy did it make me nostalgic!  I look at him now and I cannot fathom that I already have a very energetic toddler.

Once a upon a time he was this tiny little creature, so fragile at 5.10 pounds.  All he did was cry, sleep and drink milk.  Those days seemed like eternity and my husband and I were itching to get some normalcy in our lives (in the sleeping department, that is).  Well, that took quite a while .  But those sleepless nights, although it sucked out all our energies, were actually the times that I treasure the most. There was somehow a sense of calmness despite all the crying.  I felt like I could be anything and would do anything for my son.

As he turned one, we have already established his sleeping habits. When the clock strikes nine, he's a goner.  Sleepless nights were replaced by never ending  muscle pains as he attempted to explore the world with his own two feet, with us trying to run after him.  He learned the alphabet and numbers and attended his very first summer class.  I was one proud teary eyed momma during his 'graduation day' as I watched him perform the songs that they learned in class.

He is now two and I honestly need to keep up with his energy, which has made me think about how physically fit I am now a days (more on that on a separate post).   He is starting to affirm his independence.  As a mother, all I can do is try to let him be and explore the world on his own even if I am already at the edge of my seat, wanting to help him or do it for him.  


Soon, he will be going to school, have friends of his own. One day, his hands will no longer look for mine in every step that he makes. And so now that I have all the time to be with him, I am trying to savor every moment of it, regardless how annoying sometimes he can get.

To my little Pippo, do not be in a hurry to grow up. May you learn to enjoy your childhood and be able to appreciate the simple things that make life worth living. Remember that I will forever be your greatest fan. To me and you Dad, you are already perfect and we are truly blessed to have you. We love you so much!

From birth to three months.  Look at the (weight) transition.

Barely a year old.  Stopping to smell the orchids in the garden.

At Summer school, climbing the fence!

  

Kid friendly restaurants

Ever since I became a mom of an active toddler, I have become very picky where we eat.  My number one requirement is that the restaurant needs to have a decent and safe high chair.  With decent I mean, clean and not some beat up and dirty looking chair. I like the rubbermaid ones, which I just clean with wipes before Rocco sits.  High chair safety is very important as well.   Not all restaurants that have high chairs are safe (and kid friendly).  I am particularly referring to high chairs found in Chinese restaurants that do not have safety harnesses.  What is up with that?  I just don't get it.  Those chairs are not kid friendly.  They can just easily fall off from those chairs!

So anyway, enough of my ranting about high chairs.  Let's go to the real purpose of this post.  Kid friendly restaurants.  I love eating at restaurants operated by the GRCI group (owners of PF Chang's. IHOP, CPK, etc)  because they also think of their small customers from their kiddie meals, plastic straw cups and activity sheets.  The same goes for Pancake House, Friday's, Burgoo, Chili's and Conti's that offer kiddie meals.

A plus will be establishments that also have kiddie nooks or play areas to keep the kids busy.  So far the restaurants/ coffee shops that we have been to are: Maple in Shangri-la Mall, Mary Grace in Greenbelt and Stacy's in Capitol Hills. I hope more restaurants will follow suit!

Maple, Shangri-la

My son taking advantage of the kiddie nook while we wait for our orders to arrive.

Maple's kiddie meal

Stacy's kiddie corner

My son and hubby playing with the blocks at Stacy's.

PF Chang's kiddie menu and activity sheet.

PF Chang's plastic tumbler that goes with every kiddie meal.

Toddler School: My son's Summer class experience

Even before I gave birth to Vito, I was already planning to have Rocco attend Summer School.  I pictured it to be our time together since I knew that I would be busy taking care of a new baby.  Things did take a different direction (with Vito passing away at 33 weeks) and accompanying Rocco to Summer School last May was part of the healing process.  I got to divert my attention and focused my energy on Rocco.

I enrolled Rocco in the Integrated School for Young Children (ISYC) in Marikina in their Summer Program.   I was looking for a school in my area (Antipolo/ Marikina) and came across a couple of good reviews on ISYC.  I visited their website, called the school and scheduled a school tour.  What I initially liked was that the I was able to directly speak to one of the school owners, teacher Leah who was very accommodating.  

During my visit, I was pretty surprised that they are not located in some old house or building that was converted into a school.  ISYC has a two-storey building equipped with a mini outdoor playground, and a pretty big multi-purpose hall.  All classrooms are air conditioned.  They have ample security and yayas to assist the children. Teacher Leah had us briefly observe one of the Toddler Class as well. On the same day,  we signed up for their Summer Playgroup Class.  The total fee was P5,500 covering a total of  eight sessions every M-W-F (the last day was a culminating activity for all the Summer classes) for three weeks from 9am to 10:30am.  The fee was reasonable comparing it to what I used to pay when Rocco was going to Gymboree, which was around 4k for a once a week class for 4 weeks.   Teacher to student ratio is 1:5, and the child needs to be accompanied by one adult.  Majority of their graduates would be going to Ateneo and Miriam, which is a good indication of the quality of education that they have.

On the first day of school, Teacher Leah provided us with the Syllabus, as well as the schedule that we would follow throughout the program. They had free play, circle time (singing and dancing), activities focused on shape recognition and story telling time.  I think I was the one more excited for Rocco to go to school than he was.   I also never imagined that it was going to be a little challenging.  There were good and bad days.  There were days when he would cry because he didn't want to stay inside the classroom or would want to eat his snack or he didn't want to do the activity.  But we were able to surpass those, thank God! 

The culminating activity, which was held on their last day, was a testament that he did somehow enjoy going to school and was ready to showcase the things he learned.  I was one proud momma (even if he was the only one who refused to sit down while performing), beaming with pride with what my little boy accomplished. I was secretly stopping tears from falling.  They were handed their certificates of attendance and we were each given a clear book containing all their artworks and a music CD that contained all of the songs that they sang in class.

I was satisfied with Rocco's summer experience in ISYC and am looking forward to enrolling him in their Toddler class when he turns three next year. I was informed though that I should apply as early as December since the classes get filled up easily.  The tuition fee is at 75k, which I think is one of the highest here in our area, but looking at their facilities and the quality of education, it is fairly reasonable.  Now it's time to start saving!

Outdoor Playgound

First day of school: Rocco loved jumping on the trampoline.

First day of school: Rocco playing with the letters.

Free play

Teacher Michelle had to give an impromptu snack time.

One of Rocco's artworks.

Free play.  Teach Michelle just taking solo pictures of the kids because it was impossible to get a decent class picture.

Practicing the day before their culminating activity.

ISYC Summer Culminating Activity

Far right: there goes my son who refused to sit down :) 

My son performing, standing ;)

ISYC website:  http://isyc.com.ph/

The waiting game

We've finally been able to have our room repainted and we're just waiting for the carpenter to make some changes on the dresser and we should be fine. Our room looks way much better and I can't wait to give birth! The little bean is more active than ever and it's the first time that I would literally jump off my seat when he kicks real hard! Definitely, no two pregnancies are the same. Rocco on the other hand is getting bigger by the day and has been a little more clingy than usual. There are times when I feel so guilty because I could not carry him and run after him as I used to. It's also one of the reasons why I cannot wait to give birth.

In the meantime, I am savoring every moment and time alone with my first born. I'm already thinking about how our daily routine will change once the baby comes. I hope we will not have so much difficulty adjusting (cross fingers).

Project anti- mosquito

For some strange reason, the mosquitoes and other insects seem to love feasting on Rocco. It's something that he got from his Dad. Not sure if their blood is sweet or anything, but they often sport bites while I don't get any, even if we are all together. You can call them "kilabot ng mga lamok."

I get so stressed out whenever Rocco has bites. When he is bitten, it swells like hell and at one point it got so infected that it turned into a boil! I had to see his pedia when he got that because it was my first time to encounter such. But hubby was telling me, when he was a kid, he often had those - iwww! Sa lahat naman ng mamamana. Buti nalang lalaki si Rocco. If not, I would be doubly stressed worrying about the marks if he were a girl! Having said that I have been on constant look out for the most effective and safe
Mosquito and insect repellants and ointment. So far, I'm liking the ff:

1) Messy Bessy insect repellant- This retails anywhere between P330- P400, depending on where you buy them. What I like about it is the light smell and of course, it's environmentally friendly. I hate oily products and those that have an overpowering (citronella) smell. I spray this on Rocco's clothes at least every four hours and I literally spray this everywhere - under the bed, blanket, or any dark area in the room. So far so good (crossing my fingers).

2)Home Life Citronella wax - We have several of these in the house strategically placed where the mosquitoes are. We also place these under the bed in our bedroom.

3) Baygon anti dengue mat - This comes in a kit which is less that P60. The kit contains 5 mats and a device where you place the mat and plug in an electricity outlet. This is good for 8 hours. We use this at night.

4) Dermocure ointment - My husband buys this at the Chinese drugstore and is super effective in making the bites subside. I believe it costs P300.

We also have the ultraviolet light, but it's not effective in killing mosquitoes!

So far I'm quite satisfied with the 4 things/ devices. Here's hoping that the mosquitoes stay away from us!

Maternity fashion peg

For some women, they love being being pregnant. They say that it's that time when you have an excuse of wearing body hugging clothes and showing off your growing tummy and not feel guilty. However, for me it's the other way around. I don't feel my best and I feel like I'm such a BIG whale!
There is this old saying that when a woman loathes dressing up during her pregnancy, it's a boy. This being my second, I am inclined to believe that it's true (baby number 2 is another boy!). However, lately I am having this urge to dress up and celebrate my pregnancy - or at least I am trying to. I have been inspired by these pregnant women to strive to dress better. I love the blazer and red jeans combo the best. I both have these but they no longer fit me. Too bad. Now those two are on my shopping list, again! But hey the aim here is to look good an feel good- haha excuses!

I finally found THE one

Yes, I have finally found the milk for me! I have never been a fan of drinking milk even when I was pregnant with Rocco. The milk that I have tried just tasted awful. It's actually the same reaction that I got from some of my friends who (had to) drank those brands. So when my sister in law told me about the milk she is drinking, I had to give it a try. Thank God for Nestle's MOM and ME milk! It's the first maternal milk that did not make me feel like vomiting😊

Take two!

Being a second time mom, I could say that I have learned my lesson (hopefully). There are things that I would not and will continue doing, things that I will never buy again and will buy again, and so on. So here are some of the lessons I have learned having my first born:

1) Breastfeeding

I will commit myself to breastfeeding. I always thought that breastfeeding was easy so I never bothered to research and attend breastfeeding seminars. As early as now, I am arming myself with information, psyching myself and my hubby to be committed.

2) Eating habits

We have trained Rocco to always eat with us, sitting in his high chair without watching any television. So far I can say that he has been a good boy, eating without the need of entertainment. No TV. No cellphones. No ipod/ ipad.

It is also my fervent wish that Rocco does not develop a sweet tooth like me and that he will not enjoy snacking on junk food. I know this will all depend on what food we give him. I am keeping him away from junk food and fast food food. I want him to eat healthy so he can stay healthy.

3) Sleeping habits

I have never been a fan of letting the baby cry it out. There have been studies showing that it adds stress to the baby. This is the reason why I also researched on other options on how to help Rocco establish sleeping habits. I came across Elizabeth Pantley's No cry sleep solution through my cousin in Law who was reading it then. I got curious and got hold of the last piece in the bookstore. I liked her concept, although I really did not strictly follow doing journals and stuff.

Sleep training was not easy. I used to envy my friends whose babies would already pull an all nighter at a very young age. There were days wherein we were successful and there were a whole lot of days wherein I wanted to just give up. But one thing I realized is that for it to work, you have to be consistent and make it a routine. Before we knew it, Rocco was already asleep by 8pm. I am proud to say as well that to this day, when the clock hits 9pm, he's a goner. I will definitely train baby number 2 the same way.

4) Baby/ Toddler room

I guess you will never know how it really is once you have a child of your own. Once Rocco learned to roll over, that was when I seriously started to worry about having a baby proof space. All the more when he started to walk and climbing furnitures. If I have a lot of money I would love to redecorate his room and make it more toddler and baby friendly.

Just recently, we decided to dismantle the daybed since Rocco loves jumping on the bed. It just scares the hell out of me because he might hit his head on the bed railing or fall from the bed. So having the mattress placed on the floor was indeed a good idea and my son loves it so much.

There goes some of my lessons learned from my first born. What about you?

Confessions of a soon to be second time mom

We are expecting! It came a bit of a surprise to us but nevertheless we are so thankful for another blessing! When Rocco was still not yet active, I wanted to have another baby before the year ends. When he learned to walk and turned one, I changed my mind and decided we will wait until he turns two. I was also contemplating on going back to work. But God had better plans. I took it as a clear sign that I will focus on my growing family an be there for my second child full time, similar to what Rocco experienced.

Things feel quite different with baby numero dos. I feel nauseous, sleepy and hungry all the time! My morning sickness and cravings are much worse! I can't wait for my first trimester to be over!  On a lighter note, I feel I am more emotional, especially when I saw the tiny little bean for the first time in the ultrasound.  I am not sure why but probably it's because I am just so amazed that I am going to be a mother the second time around.  I now know how it feels to hold that little bundle of joy and see him grow and discover the world.

Now that I already have 'experience,' I have made a promise to myself that I will do my utmost best to exclusively breastfeed baby number 2 this time around. You see, I was not well informed about breastfeeding when I had Rocco.  I was only able to do my research after I had him.  I was immediately disheartened when he could not latch properly.  I was not that well informed, so we did mixed feeding an I gave up on pumping and breastfeeding him on his 3rd month.  I was exhausted and desperate and the easy way out was to give up.    I never thought that breastfeeding was this challenging.  I always thought that the baby will just automatically latch and that's it!  Easier said than done, but now I know that you have to be informed, determined and have the support that you need especially in times when you feel like giving up.  As early as now I have been doing my research and prepping my hubby to support me with breastfeeding our baby especially when there will come a time that I feel that I am going to lose the fight.

Honestly I am so excited to fulfill this goal of mine because I know it's for the good of my child.

Party planning

My husband and I were initially planning to just have a super small gathering of family and a few selected friends for our son's first birthday party mainly because we had him baptized before his first birthday ( Chinese tradition is to just have one party for the christening and 1st birthday). We were looking at having it at a Chinese restaurant, but I had reservations because the theme that I had in mind will not really jive with the ambience.  It really is pretty hard to limit the guests to just 70 especially since my husband comes from a big family.  So anyways, we decided to look for a bigger venue.  Secretly I was so ecstatic!

For the theme, I veered away from the usual party themes.  I want a unique one, hence I thought of a carnival/ big top circus theme.  I don't know why but I was so drawn to this theme when I saw a kiddie party with this theme.   Probably because it's different and I can use the colors that I  love (red and turquoise), or obsessed about!  The idea of having this theme may seem grandiose, but we are just planning to have a low key party, nothing extravagant with jugglers and stilt walkers.  It's making the decorations and desserts that I will be doing that I am excited about, and again, the COLOR!

As early as February I have already been doing my research and as early as April I have started doing some of the decorations.  I need to start early because I do not have a yaya to watch over my son (thanks to my parents, my hubby and our helper for taking turns in playing with Rocco while I do my stuff).   I never realized how helpful the internet can be!  I was able to download templates and pictures and got design inspirations. My favorite site is Etsy.com and just so love Michelle Bradley's designs. I will be posting pictures of the party next month, but here is my inspiration board.

The possibilites are endless and there were nights when I couldn't decide that the decorations will be.  I just can't wait to see the end product!

My little boy is growing up fast!

I haven't been blogging since Rocco learned how to crawl.  I never thought  that I would actually be missing the days wherein he was just lying on his back or on his tummy, still not knowing how to crawl.  I was able to leave him in his playpen/ crib while I blogged or do surf.  Nowadays, it's a totally different story.  He hates staying in enclosed places that will restrict his mobility.  He enjoys playing on his huge floor mat in the living room.  He would rather play in the bed and would cry is heart out when he is inside his playpen.  He loves playing in Gymboree because of the space and he gets to interact with other kids.

I remember when he was still not crawling, I was anxious to see him crawl and wondered what it would be like.   Now we are on this stage.   He's been crawling, pulling himself up to stand and jumping to death.  My goodness, babies never run out of energy!  He has learned to straighten his legs real hard whenever we try to put him in his stroller, booster seat or car seat.  As for now, lending him the ipod or mobile phone does the trick.  For how long, that remains to be seen, LOL!    It does require a lot of energy taking care of him nowadays.  It is a different story when your child learns to crawl and stand ( what more when they start walking!).  There are days when I truly miss the little boy just lying on his back and just wiggling. Although tiring, it is also a fun experience as he starts to get curious with everything that he sees and hold on to and discover new things and tricks.  It is such a joy to witness all of his milestones.  I am lucky to be with him every step of the way and not missing anything.

Three months from now, he'll be a year old!  I can't believe I'm going to have a one year old boy soon!  As my friends say, it does get more tiring. Oh well, I guess that's what parenthood is all about.  There are no time-outs or days off.  It's a different challenge every day.  It's a 24x7 job - a job that is the most fulfilling and I'm, blessed to have this job :)

...Now the next challenge is  planning his 1st birthday... I'm pretty excited because I'm gonna be hands on in planning and executing it.  Not that it's gonna be a huge party.  We will just make it low key, celebrating with our  respective families and close friends... ciao!

Of malls and changing tables

I never really thought about/ complained about  the lack of changing tables in Shangri-la mall until I had my own son.  You see, I (actually, my whole family) love to go the Shangri-la mall.  We are in Shang every week, at the very least.  We even used to hear mass  in the 2F every Sunday at 11am.  It is our mall of choice  because they have clean washrooms, subdued piped in music, not too crowded and it just feels safe there.  One more thing that I like about this mall is  that they have roving first aid people clad in yellow jumpsuits --- I had first hand experience on their responsiveness and helpfulness when I fainted (I was by myself) in the mall while hearing mass some 5 years ago.  But that's another story!

So anyway, going back to the reason why I'm writing this blog --- It's just disappointing for a 1st class mall like Shang not to have enough changing tables in their washrooms! They charge an entrance fee (majority of their washrooms) and yet can only provide 1 measly changing table in the 5th floor! Can you imagine the queue on the 5F ladies washroom during weekends and having to go all the way up/ down the floors just to change your baby?  Oh, you'd be pissed! I wonder if someone ever thought of writing to the management and making them SEE this ---well I'm sending them a letter today!  How much would 1 changing table cost? I'm sure the mall can afford it, especially since they charge an entrance fee to the washrooms.  

I hope Shangri-la steps up since all of the other malls, specifically SM - all their branches ( well, the ones that I have been to) have changing tables in every ladies washroom ( and read: they don't charge a fee). Kudos to the newly renovated Rustan's in Shang mall for seriously thinking about the mommies and babies.  Not only did they install a changing table ---the cubicles are huge enough to bring the stroller inside.

Mommy Finds: I'm masaya over my SAYA!

Ever since I gave birth to Rocco, I have been in search for the perfect carrier.  Not that I'm too lazy to carry him --- he's just way too heavy to carry especially when we go out.  I've gone through three carriers/ slings and I am so happy that on my 3rd attempt, i finally found my match, the SAYA sling!

The very first carrier/ sling that I bought was the Ring Sling (P995).  The video tutorial looked very easy to follow, thus I quickly went to Shangri-la mall to purchase one.  Alas, I found out that it wasn't easy to use after all. It was a  good thing that the store allowed me to return the item, and I just exchanged it for another set of cloth diapers.

My second affair with a carrier/ sling was with the Chicco carrier (P1700) which I bought after returning the ring sling.  I felt that this would be the way to go since it's as if I'm just carrying a backpack.  It was ok after awhile.  However, Rocco also got heavier and carrying him using the carrier caused my back and shoulders to ache big time! I couldn't stand carrying him for 10 mins while walking around the mall.   Right now, the Chicco carrier is back in the box.

So, I honestly gave up on ever putting my little Shaolin in any carrier until I saw one of my high school batchmates in Shangri-la with her daughter in this sling that looked so comfy!  She told me that one of the kiosks in the children's floor is selling it.  That day, I also saw another mom in the mall happily carrying her little girl in this sling and they both seemed  happy and comfortable with it.    I didn't waste any time and rushed to the 4th floor of the mall in search of what would be one of my good finds.  I found out that this sling is called the SAYA.

The SAYA comes in two kinds, the semi-stretch knit (P950) and the Versatekk (P1400).   I loved the feeling of the fabric, which is the same fabric used in work out/yoga clothes. Since Rocco was with me in the mall that day, I was able to practice putting on the SAYA and Rocco before I made the purchase.  To my excitement, I used it at once while my mom and I went to the grocery.  My dad was also happy with it and even uses the SAYA when he carries his grandson around the house.  As for the hubby, his first reaction was furious at first, commenting " Not another carrier! That's your third and am sure you'll not use it!"  I had to make him feel the difference and he had to agree that wearing Rocco using this new carrier was more forgiving to the back and shoulders and our son seem to be enjoying it.  The true test was when we went to the mall and didn't bring the stroller with us, just the SAYA.  For 1 1/2 hrs, I wore my son comfortably. The verdict: We are truly maSAYA with the SAYA!

 Photo borrowed from Indigo Baby

Hubby trying on the Saya with Rocco

Thank God I found you!