Parenting choice: What you eat is what you get.

While I was pregnant with Rocco, I never really thought of what to feed him once he would be able to eat solid food. In my mind it was only Cerelac and Gerber. Probably because these were the food staple in every baby's diet, i.e. the 80's baby (lol!). I also did not know that now a days, most babies are only given pure breast-milk/ formula (mixed in my case) until their 6th month. Note that I said 'most pediatricians' because each one has a set of different practice. A lot of pediatricians however, nowadays advise parents to only give breastmilk or formula until the baby is 6 months. The reason for this is that babies tend to like solid/soft food (whatever you want to call it) more and drink less milk, which isn't good. I am personally amenable to this practice. Sometimes, it is really more of the thrill of feeding and shopping for food and utensils that gets us.

Before Rocco hit his 6th month, I researched the net for baby food recipes. For some reason I became very conscious on the type of food that he would eat. As much as possible, I veer away from giving him Dried cereals and bottled food. In short, I prefer to make his food. Although once in a while I resort to Promina/ Cerelac and Earth's best baby food especially when we are travelling or when I'm just too lazy to cook. My goal is for Rocco to grow up with healthy eating habits which means not bingeing on junk, processed and fast food which may lead to future illnesses like obesity and Diabetes to name a few. Diabetes also runs in the family that's why I'm cautious. Most of the food that I prepare for him are steamed, baked or boiled. If I make him drink juice, I prefer it fresh and I seldom make him drink as well so that he will learn to drink water. I avoid giving him fried food. I just can't picture my son eating fried food at this young age. Maybe when he's 5, haha!

Preparing his food everyday isn't easy, but I think it's worth it. I admire my cousin in law and one local actress who were able to train their children to snack on fruits and vegetables. I may not be there yet, but I'm trying.

My only wish is that Rocco will be able to practice healthy eating habits as he grows older. And I know that his Dad and I will play a big role on molding him to be one.

Lego love

Over the past few weeks I have been obsessing about Lego. I cannot wait for Rocco to play with his very first set! I remember when I was a kid, I played with my brother's Legos. I vividly remember Duplo sets and I know he had this gas station set. It was really an awesome toy and how I wished we were able to keep it. But then again, who the hell was thinking of the future and preserving? Definitely not us! But at least the consolation was we were still able to pass it on to our you ger cousin, who was very creative and would turn these blocks into makeshift guns, hahah!

So anyway, back to my obsession. As I scoured the toy stores, I just found out how expensive they are selling Lego. Double the price compared to the price in Canada! Goodness. I will definitely not buy here! But one thing's for sure. For Rocco's 2nd birthday, the theme will definitely be LEGO. Here are the adorable designs that I have seen and I cannot wait!!!!

Oh My Sweetness!

It's not everyday that you really get to do what you really love doing.  There are times when something else comes your way and you tend to deviate from your passion.  I am just glad that I have been given the opportunity to go back to my passion.  Thanks to the arrival of my son.  He inspired me to go back to baking.  I have gone back to the kitchen and have been experimenting on cupcake and cake pops to be more specific.  Since I have been getting inquiries and orders, I have decided to start a small business and finally had the time to create a page in facebook so it's easier for everyone.  

Thank you everyone for all the support, especially to my hubby who's always encouraging me!

https://www.facebook.com/cupcakenpops

Oh c'mon!

I have nothing against recycling gifts.  Sometimes, it is inevitable that people will give the same thing or something that you are not fond of and you choose to keep it for 'future use.'   This is what recycling is (probably to me and a lot of you out there).  However, I am just so amazed how people tend to take it literally, i.e. giving used items and I mean USED, obviously USED (sigh!) items! It's such an insult to the receiver and tells a lot about the one giving the gift.

My point?  Just give cash/ a GC if you have no idea what to give or if you don't have any money or you are not willing to spend, just don't give.   That's way, way better!

Sleeping arrangements

My husband and I sleep with our son. In our bed.  Yes, he sleeps in between us, beside me or beside my hubby.  I'm pretty sure that some people will vehemently disagree with this type of sleeping arrangement and others will be able to relate with us. 

 I am aware of the dangers and took the necessary precautions, especially when he was a baby and was still not able to roll over.  During his first month he slept in the crib, beside our bed.  However when I discovered breastfeeding him using the side lying position, he found his way more in our bed, beside me and the hubby slept on the floor (poor him, but parenthood is like that, you sometimes gotta sacrifice).  It was easier that way because I was able to rest better.  As he grew older, we did try to make him sleep in his crib, but again, he would wind up sleeping with us when he wakes up for feeding during the ungodly hours.  It was easier that way and everyone was happy and got better sleep. This made us re-arrange our bedroom (for the nth time), pushing the bed against the wall (we placed some padding on the wall, too!) and we also bought a bed rail from Safety first that we attached to the edge of our bed.  I'm also a light sleeper, so I am easily awaken by any movement or noise.

This sleeping arrangement is working for us and we are not looking at changing it any time soon.  We don't believe that this will hamper our son's independence, as others see it that way.  There are a lot of ways to teach one's kid independence and surely sleeping arrangement isn't the only way.  I can attest to that because my brother and I used to sleep with mom beside us and we grew up just fine.

My husband and I are enjoying this moment, because we know that there will come a time that he will not want to sleep beside mom and dad anymore.  I just hope that people will respect our decision and not impose on their beliefs.  Respect.  To each his own.    

Party Pictures

Sharing with you some of the pictures from the party by Ibaby Photography. I just got the basic package, which was for P3000.   I loved how the pictures turned out, although I wish we had more family pics.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.441808992505720.103747.218039914882630&type=3

Turning ONE

Finally, the party is over! My anxiety was heightened as the day to my son's 1st birthday celebration was nearing. I was a bit worried about two things.  First would be the attendance because the celebration coincided with the Pacquiao fight - and you know how people are during a Pacquiao fight (everyone is glued on the television, no one is out on the streets). But we are very blessed to have wonderful family and friends who prioritized the party over Manny - no vacant tables and we were full house! Those who watched the fight still made it to the party. We truly appreciate everyone for coming! It was a true test of family and friendship (those who didn't come were the usual suspects). The second reason was because it was my first shot at planning a party and I was nervous how it would turn out.  We didn't want an extravagant one with too many balloons and shows.  Our top priority was the food and out caterer (Tjioe) did not fail us.  We  received very good feedback from our guests how delicious the food was.  My FIL, who is a very picky eater also commented that the food was great.   That's was indeed a good sign, whew!


It was truly a dream come true since I have always wanted to plan a party all by myself.  I had a lot of fun planning and executing everything, even if it was a bit tiring.  Anything for my son!


The pictures below were all taken before the party.   I'll post the official photos from Ibaby once I get them.

DIY Sweets Station was a hit!  (M&Ms, Flat tops, assorted candies from S&R and Popcorn)
Eco Loot Bags in red and blue from Robinson's supermarket.
Loot bags contained a bag of sweets, oreo and M&M cookies, a bubble bottle and Toy Story toys.

Balloons by Pink and Peach Party

 Handmade Table decors to keep with the Big Top theme.
 (Popcorn Box template ordered from Michelle Bradley, Tent template from FirstPalette.com)

Kept the Kiddie Table simple with candies and a set of coloring materials to keep them busy.

Made Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella buttercream for the Birthday boy.
DIY Big top cupcake toppers

Inside the Brown paper bag were... candies and chocolates!

Paperbags with DIY seal

Tarpaulin design ordered from Bigstock.
DIY paper lanterns

Gamebooths from Kiddie-party.com

Caterer: Tjioe (pronounced as "choo") 8546600

Balloons and Bubble show: Pink and peach party 09052930905

Venue: Valle Verde 1 clubhouse