an extraordinary path to parenthood

first taste

mari — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:13:33 GMT

Miguel turned 6 month-old last May 4 so its about time that I introduced him to solids. Just like the girls, his first meal was Cerelac. I bought the Rice & Soya flavor (in pouch) for his Stage 1 meal. I mixed the infant cereals with is powdered milk. He was eager to taste it when he saw me mixing his food. And when he finally got the chance to taste it, he loved it. He looked funny at first, not knowing whether he should spit or swallow but when he got the hand of it, he licked the food with his tongue and that was it.

The second day was better than the first. This time, I let him sit on his high chair. He was uncomfortable sitting alone with all the straps around him. He hated it at first but later on, he enjoyed it too (I think). This is the moment when I was already feeding him.

While these are happening, the sisters were also busy tasting the cereals. Achi would ask from time to time if Miguel still likes his food (because she'd finish it for him). Sione on the other hand, has her own spoon and scoops silently while I was busy with his brother.

All in all, the experience was okay. I just need to buy the bigger box next time, especially that its the Banana Flavor that I'll buy. This together with the kerrits will have to be purchased the next time I go out. If only I could just order Cerelac online, then it would be easier for me -- especially now that I do not have a house help again.

little miss

mari — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:59:56 GMT

My girls are into Little Miss Philippines lately. This is a contest at Eat Bulaga where little girls showcase their personality, wit and talent. We have been watching it since it started this summer.

Achi has been practicing her intro lines. She loves saying her kasabihan which goes: May kasabihan po tayo, ang batang hindi ngumingiti ay bungi. Siobe, on the other hand, likes the talent portion more especially when the girls dance. She would stand up and swing her body. Trying to imitate whatever she could.

As a mom, I like it very much that my kids are trying to be as 'bibo' as they can be. I try to be supportive because I wanted to boost their self-confidence. This though means that I need to scout for discount music cds to help them with their talent portion.

I wish that even one of them could join a similar contest or any other contest where they could showcase their confidence.

mother's day

mari — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:09:23 GMT

Mother's Day. I USED to wish this day wasn't celebrated or commercialized. It is not that I am not appreciative of my mom and mothers in general, but because I hate the feeling that most married women my age are called mothers and I am not one of them. I am jealous, big time.

Now that I have 3 beautiful children, it is my greatest day ever. This is the day when all my efforts, my struggles and my experiences as a mother is appreciated. I have been celebrating it for 4 years now (the first one was when achi was still in my womb), 3 years actively participating in it

What do moms look forward to receive on this day? Me, personally I love the attention, It is not everyday that I am thanked for being a mom. Then the gifts follow; the cake and the little something. Until now, I still look forward to a bouquet of flowers. I hope they see the deals online. I saw the site with this note: get cheaper flowers with coupons here. It will be a great savings for them But still, whatever comes from the little ones is still the best because it comes from their itsy bitsy hands and hearts.

I am one proud momma. I love my kids - my achi, my siobe and my migs -- and tatay for giving them to me

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for those who wish that they have little ones coming from them, I join you in prayers that you'll have your greatest blessing soon

I am one proud momma. I love my kids – my achi, my siobe & my migs J

lovin the boots

mari — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:53:46 GMT

This year's summer is the hottest I've ever experienced. The heat is so extreme that it is difficult to go out during the early afternoon. We just compensate it by staying inside the house, all fans turned on and moving less. This is the time when we usually have our afternoon nap.

But despite this weather, I am fascinated with the idea that there are more and more people, especially girls wearing boots. It has become a fashion statement. I think boots is more appropriate during the colder months, but then again, it's just a matter of choice. There are instances too when I would like to let my girls wear boots like the cowgirl boots that I see on tv. It will look good on them. They'd be little fashionistas. They could wear it with their shorts or dress (depends on the boots' style of course).

Anyway, I hope that it gets cooler soon. Besides, after Mother's Day the colder rainy season will already preempt. I just can't wait...

family run

mari — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:32:28 GMT

Running is something that tatay loves to do. He run through several fun runs already and hopes that we could join him the soonest time.

The only family fun run that I know is the Milkshake Marathon. All members of the family can join, even pets are tagged along. This is fun because you can see other families enjoying the activity and at the same time bonding together. This is great to catch up with the kids... and since there are also other members of our yahoogroup who join the activity, it serves as an eyeball for us.

Howell, we'll get into running one of these days and be with tatay. Tatay doesn't need any testosterone supplements just to look good for us. We just love him as he is.

toddlers in the house

mari — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:15:30 GMT

It is only now that I am accepting the fact that we have 2 toddlers in the house... and my second time to deal with the Terrible Twos. It is indeed challenging -- this makes me to be more prepared for my 3rd sequence of the Terrible Twos.

Anyway, I wanted to let the girls have their own bed. I won't totally let them stay out of the room, just out of the bed. We will still co-sleep with Miguel since he still breastfeeds during the night. We might start with a small bed that they could use for the day. The site Daybeds.com for daybeds is an ideal site for me. They offer different styles that will fit our small room. Transferring them to a new bed will be another challenge. But I am praying that the transition will go smooth. I'll just prep them early.

singing siobe

mari — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:03:50 GMT

If I have a performer then it would be my siobe. She can sing and dance whenever she wants to. She is shy at first but once she starts, she won't be stopped. I think her love for music was initiated when she was younger and her yaya would usually put her to sleep by tuning to the FM stations. Because of this, we were thinking if it is best for her to join performance classes. I for one would love to enroll her to guitar or drum lessons and let her beat the Noble & Cooley Drums. It is not usual for a girl to play the drums and sing, right?

I hope she'll stay this way. Performing and loving it at the same time

ek 2012

mari — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:36:20 GMT

Our favorite family destination - the Enchanted Kingdom. Every since we lived here in Sta. Rosa, there was never a year that passed that we didn't visit this theme park. This year, we went there to celebrate Stefani's 2nd birthday.

We got there at 2pm. The gates just opened for the day. The dancers welcome the day's guests. Siobe, being our host, entered first and watched the performers intently. She won't even close her eyes. While watching, we was also looking at the park's map, like she's reading the morgan dollar price guide.

Just like the usual routine, we first rode the favorite Carousel. Siobe loved the ride until it moved. She was half-afraid, half-excited. After that, we went to other kiddie rides that we can avail for them. We tried the Dinosaur Egg then the Train. They also played on the kiddie land. Siobe loved the balls. Even if other kids kept on bumping on her. She doesn't want to leave even if she's all sweat already.

Then we went to the Up, Up and Away. She was still afraid with the ride but her achi was with her so she was a little calm While we rode on other rides that achi can have, she and tatay were busy taking their pictures. She had lots of it (I hope to have some printed before I forget about it).

Before going home, we rode the Carousel again. We were home around 8 pm and she was sleeping like a log

stafani's 2nd bday

mari — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:08:12 GMT

In a few days, Stefani will celebrate her 2nd birthday. Oh how time flies Since we wanted her to enjoy her day, we thought of giving her an Enchanting birthday. We will go to our favorite place, Enchated Kingdom to ride and play.

We will cook lunch for some friends and go to the theme park after lunch. The park opens at 2pm so we hope to be there around 1:30 in the afternoon. It has been a year since we last went there so I know that she'll love the rides more than the last time. This time she could ride more than just carousel and train. She could run and run around the park. I just pray that it won't rain hard so that the family can really enjoy the day.

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We are now on the second quarter of the year. After siobe's birthday, we will have less expenses on buying gifts. There will be no anniversary gifts for boyfriend (aka tatay G) for the meantime. He'll just get his next gifts on Father's day or if budget won't permit, on his birthday on July. I hope to save for Miguel's first birthday instead. We are thinking of Blues Clues theme and I have the something special already for his party souvenir :p

music and me

mari — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:49:30 GMT

Music and tatay. His music is so loud! Something that me and the kids are not used to. Whenever he is home and he feels like he needs to be revived, he would put the volume up and play several dance-able tunes. I. on the other hand, will give him a few minutes to enjoy 'his' music and then I'd ask if we could lower it a bit.

Tatay keeps on telling us that he wanted to revive their business. They were into mobile sound system when he was younger. He said that he wanted to have his legacy for his kids. This business is one thing that he has in mind. He is into it until now. He is already planning of buying several speakers and other equipment like PCDJ Dex. I don't have any idea regarding on how it is used but I know that he won't spend anything on something that will go to waste.

Among his children, it is siobe who has ears for music (I still don't know with Miguel). Its she who usually bangs her hair whenever she hears a song being played. She is the first to shake her booties Howell, as long as their music is within limits and won't cause my migraine I am fine with it.

sweat towels for summer

mari — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 02:44:19 GMT

Summer is just around the corner... and when one thinks of summer, it is easily equated to heat and perspiration. One thing that moms are not really fond of. I know this myself because my daughters perspire most of the time. Even if they just took their bath and just got out of the CR, they look like they have been running around. What I do is I put these cute sweat towels on their backs. These towels absorb sweat well because it is made of 100% cotton (quality is similar with that of cloth diapers). My daughters love it on their backs because it comes with different designs. One day achi would wear the Tigger design while siobe would use the Piglet. On other times, they would use Hello Kitty and Minnie Mouse. Aside from these, there are also designs for boys like Superman and Doraemon.

scrub suits

mari — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:49:56 GMT

My sister Ace gave the girls scrub suits for Christmas. They looked cute wearing it. They look like small medical students (though scrubsuit is associated now with yayas ) Our neighbor saw them and jokingly asked on what hospital they are working I love the designs of their shirt. Achi had Mickey Mouse design in violet colored suit while Siobe has Elmo in Pink color. The pants is still too long for both of them so I'll just ask manang to sew it a little.

Howell, there goes my future doctors. I wish I could find them quality and discount medical uniforms, if ever they pursue medical course in the future. How I wish that one of my kids will be a doctor someday

best time

mari — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:35:37 GMT

The girls have been asking for fishes for the aquarium. I think it is not yet the time for them to have pets but their tatay thinks otherwise. He already cleaned the area where he would set up the aquarium,. then he'll just look for the accessories. By this weekend, he might buy the fishes (if he comes home early from errands).

I like the idea of giving pets to the kids, only if they can already be responsible for it. For starters, I might agree if they have a bird or something. This is easy to maintain. They would just have to give few seeds and water then do a little cleaning. When they grow bigger, they can have dogs for pets. For sure, tatay will make the dog house for them. It may even come with pet gates to secure the animals. They can walk the dogs during weekends.

For now, I say No to pets. A little bowl of fish will pass, but not the big aquarium.

24/7 moms

mari — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:26:31 GMT

Being a mom is a GIFT. Not all women receive this and I am so blessed because I am one of those who are given these. There are times when I feel so exhausted and stressed and tired being a mom but when I see my children smiling, then hugging and kissing me all these fade away.

I have waited for 6 years to be a mom and when I got it, i had mixed emotions. Being 24/7 stay-at-home mom makes me appreciate other mothers. I just wish that I'd have longer patience dealing with my growing children. The exercise like running around and carrying them on my arms is worth it. Though there are great slimvox reviews, my personal routine is still better for me.

In a couple of month, we'll celebrate Mother's Day again. The day for the mothers who love their children so much. Cheers to all moms out there.

shoes for him

mari — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:08:24 GMT

Miguel is growing up fast. He has outgrown several sets of rompers and onesies, socks and now shoes. The pair that I bought for him when he was baptized is already small for him now. I can feel the tip of his toes pushing the sides of the shoes. While browsing other online shops, I make sure that I check on baby shoes that are suitable and cute for Miguel. My first requirement though is if its gonna be comfortable for him. He can not speak for himself yet so I need to do this for him. I do not want him having tantrums or whatsoever because of aching toes and feet.

So far, I love the shoes from GAP and Nike. I love the Hello Kitty Vans too but its a NO NO since he is a BOY but if it has bigger sizes, achi & siobe would definitely look good wearing those. For now, I'll just buy those soft sole - baby shoes that my suppliers are selling (cheaper compared with mall prices :p)

online thing

mari — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:38:31 GMT

Online shopping is so convenient. You do not need to go out and experience the agony of traffic, crowd and long lines. You can easily switch from one store to another without walking even just a single step and you get to enjoy sale and discounts as well.

These are the reasons why I enjoy online shopping - in addition to these advantages, you need not have to carry your shopping bags because the courier delivers right on your doorsteps. I've shop clothes, toys, books and several gadgets over the net and I haven't regret any of my purchases. And now, I am looking of shopping something important to me - eyeglasses. The last time I had new glasses was over a year ago. I need prescription lenses that are not that expensive, within my budget and yet stylish. Something that fits my personality

I know where to find the real deal. I've been reading good reviews about Zenni Optical and now is the right time to try them. This online store offers affordable eyeglasses at really low price. Stylish and fashionable glasses, whether it is rimless, half rim or full rim, they have it all. You can also consider having tint on your lenses. They do it for a minimal amount. Not only that, they too have sunglasses and other fashionable eye wear.

Aside from having $6.95 prescription eyeglasses, the store now offers the BUY 2 TAKE 1 PROMO.*savings, savings, savings* I can just imagine how I could share the free glasses to tatay without spending additional for him. I can switch glasses from everyday wear to special occasions glasses or even to a birthday eyeglasses

I'm excited much*. I can't wait to share this. So what are we spectacled people waiting for? The promo is for limited time only... Let's go!!! Bye for now, time to shop again

afternoon fun

mari — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:02:26 GMT

The girls have been going to the clubhouse/playground almost every afternoon. They go there at around 4:30 and head back home before 6 pm. This is if achi gets to sleep early, which is around 2pm so that by 4pm she is already up.

Before, achi doesn't want going to the playground. She gets jealous lately because siobe & ate plays in the afternoon and she is not included. So manang had to bring her to the playground too. I let them go there because I wanted achi to mingle with other children. She is still shy when she meet other people. She won't talk and will just keep quiet when she is talked to. Allowing her to go to the playground is one way of teaching her to socialize. Earlier, I was thinking of enrolling her to ballet class so she meets new people. When I asked her if she wants to, she said no. I guess she's not ready yet.

Aside from socialization, I also want to get the chance to join the exercise class at the clubhouse. I think the village got a teacher/instructor with personal trainer certification to help individuals who are willing to look good and feel good. Did you know that I wanted to be a trainer before? This was even before when I got married. Way back when I was single and was too health-conscious. I even searched about the procedure on how to become one, online. I had several sites on my list and everything was well-documented on these sites. There are sites that have the list of requirements while there are also some that gives the step-by-step procedure. If I succeeded, I would have loved to share my talents with children.

Anyways, the girls just arrived. I have to see them first and instruct ate on who gets to clean up first.

sleeping habits

mari — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:30:31 GMT

If you are a parent and co-sleeping with your child, this is a familiar scene. I can say that this is still simpler than what we experience every night. Co-sleeping with 3 kids is a challenge. This is the reason why we had to remove our bed frame and lay the bed on the floor instead.

Every night before going to bed, I make sure that everyone is in right position. What I mean with this is that every child is sleeping on their pillows with the body aligned to the wall. For safer purposes, I make sure that there are pillows in between them while I am still up and in front of my computer. Then we sleep -- in the middle of the night -- or even as I lie down, you'd see one child slowly rotating and finding a 'better' position. When I wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning, I'd see the weirdest, the funniest or the most heartwarming positions ever. There's one time when one of the girls is stuck on their tatay's armpit, or one's face is positioned beside one's buttocks, or one girl is embracing the other.

If you'd ask me is I regret co-sleeping with them, I'd say that there are times that I wish that they have their own beds but most of the time, I love the feeling that my kids love to cuddle with the family. In a few years time, they'd leave our room and prefer to sleep on their own. Then I wouldn't want to regret that I didn't get the chance to hug them tight when they needed it most.

Miguel's activities

mari — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:31:57 GMT

In a few days, March is taking over the calendar. February had gone fast. The last time, I was just writing about Miguel's accomplishment at 3 months and now he's about to turn 4 months. At this stage, he can already lift his head but with support. He now prefers to be carried sitting up. He loves to 'talk' and responds to these talks in return. He gain more than 1 kilo for the past month and he is growing really heavy. He is still on breast milk, which I am proud of.

Miguel is growing so fast. If possible, I wanted him to stay as a baby longer. It is easier taking care of a baby compared to looking after a toddler. But aside from that, I love the thought of having a baby at home. I think I am more prepared to it rather than the toddler stage, but I guess I should have to be ready as well.

Anyways, its time to get up and stop being sentimental. I still have to prepare for our Sunday activities. Its time to buy step stools, sofa bed and an aircon. Summer is fast approaching and the kids are having difficult time sleeping with that type of weather.

sunday bonding

mari — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:16:26 GMT

Our Boxxie's back on track. This means that we'll have more travel escapades again. It's not that we can go far but we can go out more often again.

The best part of the week is Sunday. This is the time when we can go out as a family. We start it by going to the church. Something that we wanted our children to learn as they grow older. Then we'd go to the mall after. We'll just have lunch, do some errands and have a little fun and games for the kids then we'd go home. As a 'big' family, it is very practical that we choose package meals. We usually go for bucket meals or meals meant for groups. It tailgating ideas are available here, then we'd opt for it too.

The happiest part of Sundays is when we see our kids having fun.This way, they always look forward to spending quality time together.