Things I Hate About Being Pregnant

O com'on you, yes you, No I'm not pregnant - again. I just did not want to get all sulky about Mother's day -yet, so I just wanted to list a couple of things I really do not enjoy about being pregnant.

Well for one, there's the stare which I get ALL the time. Like when I am in my OB's clinic waiting for my turn, everybody just stares at me. Not that I look weird or something but the fact that, I would want to believe, I sport a young looking face. So everybody has this "Oh-my- goodness-another-young-mother-does she-know-what-she-got-herself-into" stare.

Second, there's the famous jaw drop especially when they see me with the big bump and I'm holding Josh's hand (or chasing after him,whatever). Now that jaw drop = "and this isn't her first?!"

And then of course there is also the neck tilt eye peep, trying to check out if my left ring finger has a gold band. Like "I'm hoping she's at least married" kind of tilt.

Of course we cannot avoid nosy people who cannot be content with staring while dropping their jaw during their tilting of their neck, right? So there are some who really start up a conversation with me - which I prefer because I feel these people do not want to judge me right away so instead try to get the real score. BUT let me tell you, for me, pregnancy = hormonal. During interviews like these, I can be happy and excited to share my life story or at times I can snappy and answer with just a yes or a no or most of the time, I end up asking for tissue from the person because I have this runny nose from crying all over the place.

Plus, towards the last 2 months of my pregnancy, my nose gets pregnant as well. So we go back to the first thing I mentioned, the stare.

In Time...Maybe Just Not This Year

It's Mother's Day in 4 days and I don't know how am going to take it again this year.
5 years ago, I was too excited to celebrate Mother's Day. It was my first time to celebrate it as a new mommy AND I was celebrating it for the first time as a mom with my Mom. This will be my 2nd Mother's Day without my Mom to celebrate it. But it will also be my 1st time to celebrate it with my 3 boys (my kids and the hubby).
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I still look for her everyday. I haven't really moved on but I know it's OK.
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Dash took his very first 5 steps last night and I was just wishing so bad that Mom and Dad were there to have seen him! Dash would have just knocked them out!

Musings

While eating out, I could not help but look at Josh and be amazed at how big he has grown, Like the typical, has it been 5 years already sorta amazement.

Me: Geez Josh, you are so big already! Such a big boy!

Josh: Yah! I'm 5 already!

Me: I know! You're 5 already!

Josh: Yup and I can do dangerous things already.

Me: Uh, ok. So dangerous things huh? Like what?

In a VERY dramatic tone.
Josh: Like when I push my cart up and speed down the driveway really fast. That's very dangerous!

Me: Yes indeed.

(We have a closed driveway inclined about 40 degrees).
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So I am a light sleeper. A very light sleeper. One advantage of being a light sleeper is I wake up to every noise and movement my children make. BUT I do not like it most of the time. Like when I wake up in the middle of the night to feed Dash, more often than not, I find it extremely hard to go back to sleep. It usually takes me more than an hour to finally get back to sleep and when I am finally able to, it's almost time to wake up and get ready to face the day. I have tried many many things. Sometimes I get up and drink a glass of water - no effect. I try turning on the TV - no interesting thing on at such an unholy hour. I tried picking up a book once or twice, I found myself not being able to put down the book. Before I knew it, the sun was shining.

So early this morning (3AM), I found myself mixing milk for Dash, giving him the bottle and staring into blank space. If and when I decide to start pondering on things I end up crying, thus the blank stare. And now? I am so groggy.

Brotherly Love

Oh brotherly love.
What a beautiful sight.
T'will last till one opens his eyes.
Until then I shall enjoy
Brotherly love.
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Crappy poem I know haha. Anyway, I think these 2 boys of mine just looked too cute. We were out the whole day. We did a lot of errands, dropped by the grocery, ate out and spent the afternoon hanging out in the office of hubby's Auto repair shop. On the way home, they could not keep their eyes open.

My Mommyhood

It was an awesome experience for me. Last week, Josh finished his MILO Summer Basketball clinic. And may I tell you I think I learned a lot more than he did.

I learned that in basketball, it all about the fingers. Like if you were to give me a ball to shoot in the basket, you will see both my arms and 2 hands hurling the ball in the air without really caring how I look - just get that ball into the basket. "You don't shoot that way Mom" Josh told me. He said I must position my shooting hand while the other hand will just be my "guide." And your fingers will make the ball spin. When dribbling, you don't really use your whole hand, you use your fingers to control the bounce. I learned a lot of technical terms, terms which I really never payed much attention to. Terms I only heared off when Jet would be watching a game on T.V. or terms that would come up when I would watch one of Jet's games.

I learned to 'let go' of my son. I went to watch one of his training sessions and there were a lot of times when I just wanted to stand up from the bleachers and charge towards the court, grab the whistle from the referee and stop the whole game. No one is to push my boy around- he was the smallest in his group! Do not grab the ball when he is making an attempt to dribble it across and make a shot. And many many times, my husband had to remind me to sit down because "it's all part of the game." I was to do that or leave the gym. So OK, I decided to sit down - with my eyes closed.

As I entered the gym, I was reminded of that adrenaline rush I would get when I would train for Taekwondo tournaments. That feeling of excitement during competitions. That anxious feeling I would get days before competitions. And that feeling I would always always have when waiting in line for my fight - that someday I would would be known as a great martial artist. I sat down and could not help but dream big again - but this time, my dreams were all about my sons.

Little Learnings

Funny how 7 days without the nanny has allowed me to realize quite a number things. First, I am capable of doing too many things at the same time. Tired or too tired, we all survived at home. Second, on the other hand, I am too blessed to have a nanny. As I read some of the comments you guys left, having a nanny in the States is not a common 'thing.' And lastly, but the most important realization is how I have evolved as a mother.
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Here in the Philippines, a lot of households have stay-in house helps or a cleaning lady who comes at least once a week. "Why?" you ask, well because, having a nanny does not cost too much. It is an extra expense but it does not hamper the whole budgeting of the family. Like I pay my nanny Php 2500 ($52) a month. In most cases though, since it is relatively cheap labor, you can never be sure about your nanny, know what I mean? That is why I love my nanny too much. She loves my kids and I can trust her with them. She has been with us for 3 years and has plans of staying with us for a longer time.
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So this evolving self of mine. I was amazed at how I have changed as a mom when it comes to baby care. Although I am still the same baby googooing mommy that I am when the little one gets overly cute, I have learned to relax and lessen my being too uptight over too many things.

5 years ago, I used to be this uptight, tense, anxious mother. When Josh would squirm or cry, I would always think that something was the matter with him. He would have to follow a very strict eating / feeding schedule. He had to eat on the dot, every 3 1/2 hours. Bathing time was exactly the same time every morning. But now? I have learned to relax. And I noticed that everyone at home relaxes too when they see and feel that I am a little bit more laid back. I have realized too that sometimes a baby can be cranky because he just isn't in the mood. Although Dash has a more or less feeding schedule, there are days when he wants more milk than he usually consumes and so I give him that extra bottle.

I don't know, I just feel so much better now. I never imagined myself a mommy of 2 boys at age 25 but so far, I have been enjoying this ride.

In The Bag

I was tagged! SusieJ. ,here's what's in my bag :)

MamaG. , Sophiagurl,Jennboree, Audrey,Jane and Sharon, Amanda Sue,Maggie,Shoshana.
You guys have been tagged :)

My Name Is Who I Am

So Ashley came up with an idea of inviting people to join her blog party. 1 topic for every day this week.

Today's question:
"Where did you get your name? Write the story of how your first, middle, or last name became yours."

Not known to many, my complete name is Lourdes Angela. My Mom's name was Lourdes and my grandma (Mom's mom) was Angela. What a unique way to name me, I know. And if I turned out to be a boy, I would have been named Dylan Thomas after my Dad's favorite poet. But my Mom really wanted to name me Luan, when I asked her why, she told me she just fell in love with the name. Incidentally, when you get the first syllables of my 2 names, they spell out Lou An.

Guess Who!

...Does not want to let go of me.

...Is stuck to my hips 99% of the time.

...Cries when I am not in sight.

...Makes a fit when I stand up to go use the bathroom.

...Makes a pouty face when I put him in his crib.

...Goes wild when after I successfully am able to leave him playing with his brother sees even just a glimpse of my t-shirt or hears my voice.

I Am Beat

First of all, thank you to all those who left a comment on my last post. For the past months that I have been blogging, I have met you all on-line and I feel that I have developed a connection with you guys (let me know if you feel otherwise ;)) and I felt that I just needed to be true to myself and to you all. Thank You for those comments. they made me feel so much better. I can't believe how much I love you all -well, thank God for this thing called blogging!
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So...the nanny has gone on vacation (huhuhuhu). Yes, after 2 whole years she has decided to take a 1 week break. She lives a good 16 hours away from our city. And I must say, I am having a difficult time adjusting. In a sense I have been spoiled by this privilege of having a very reliable househelp / cook / babysitter. Not that I do not do any of these, I do - I cook and care for the kids. It's just something new to be taking care of and attending to so many things.
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And for the first time in a long time, I have no energy to even stay up for at least 30 minutes at night to watch some extra television. My day starts at 5-6 AM (depending on what time Dash decides to light his light bulb eyes) and then I cook breakfast. While cooking, if I am not attending to Josh and Dash (while Jet fixes up), I fix up and Jet watches over the boys. Then breakfast comes. After which, I take a bath and get ready for work. Lucky if I arrive in the office by 8AM. By 11:30, I am on my way home to fix lunch and then back at the office by 1PM. I leave work by 5 - 5:30 and then reach home just in time to prepare dinner. While waiting for the food to be cooked, I wash the bottles and try to relax a bit. Dinner time comes. After dinner, Jet cleans up while I wash the dishes. By 8:30 I am beat. I wait for Dash to finally turn off his switches and off to dreamland he goes.
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And then the next day comes...oh too quickly.

The Past

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see

T'was Grace that taught
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
the hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
then when we've first begun

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

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It's not like I am proud of IT but I am proud of the fact that I survived and conquered and IT has molded me into the WHO I am today.
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Growing up at home wasn't easy. I had an alcoholic Dad. At first, I could not understand why my Mom would tolerate Dad's drinking. His drinking affected pretty much how our day would revolve. We hardly had any "family outings."
On the other hand, I had great parents.
Minus the drinking, Dad was a very principled man. He was an intellectual. He was a voracious reader - 2 novels a day, 3 if he really did not have anything to do. He did crossword puzzles for the heck of finishing it. He would write his articles minutes before the press would close - most of the time intoxicated. He loved me and my Mom.
Mom was a giver. She spent 28 years teaching her passion - Psychology. Except for those she reprimanded for obnoxious behavior, her students loved her. She had the hugest heart in the whole world. She loved Dad. She loved me.
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I was popular during our elementary years. 9 of us girls had a group. We were the meanest yet smartest girls in class. Come to think of it, I was always in the top 5 of our class.
When I got to highschool, I hated having to stay home. I always wanted to be out of the house. I would come up with excuses so that my Dad would allow me to go out - often times, I would use school as an excuse.
When I got to sophomore year, I was smoking and drinking. I cut class everyday. Towards the end of Sophomore year, I met a guy, let me call him 'the guy'. He was a year older and he became my first boyfriend.
Both of us were lost souls looking for a place in this world. Both of us misunderstood by many. We resorted to drinking and cutting class.
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Shortly after my 18th birthday, I got pregnant by 'the guy'. I remember clearly, that was early September.I knew I got pregnant after 'it' happened. I refused to take a pregnancy test for the heck of confirming it. I was in denial. I tried talking to 'the guy' and tried asking him what his plans were. I couldn't get quite a straight answer from him. One day he'd tell me we would do this together but his actions would say otherwise. Other days he wouldn't want to see me, hide from me in fact.
I got home at 4AM and was shocked to see my Mom still awake, standing in the kitchen, light dimly lit, cigarette in one hand. And then she asked me "are you pregnant?" I pretended not to hear her and went straight to my room.
The next day, she came in to my room and embraced me. She told me "Lou, we are in this together. I won't leave you. But we have to be prepared to leave if Dad sends us away." I told her I was scared.
Mom eventually told Dad. Mom said, one afternoon, after finding out, Dad just walked under the rain. I was avoiding my Dad this whole time.
Dad called me to sit down. He said we had to talk. I was so freaked out. And then Dad said, "Have you chosen a crib? What about the pram?" And then Dad embraced me soooo tight.
(now i'm crying).
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So what happened to 'the guy?' Well, my Mom called up his Mom and told her about the whole thing. Anyway, cut the long dang story short. Our parents talked and agreed that there would be no marriage but 'the guy' would be very welcome to be a part of every step of the way. From the pre-natal check ups to the changing of the diapers.
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My Mom accompanied me to my first pre-natal check up. I went for my first ultrasound sometime in November 2000. My mom and I just had this feeling that it was going to be a girl. Baby looked healthy based on the ultrasound results. Expected date of delivery: June 11, 2001. I had a name for her, it was going to be Angelia Karle and her nickname would be Lia.
Mom and I went looking around for a crib. We ended up buying baby bottles and tie-sides. My cousin got me the What to Expect When You Are Expecting and a Girlfriend's Guide. Everyone treated me like a princess at home. My Mom accompanied me during my craving days. I loved steak. I could eat it 3 times a day. My OB gave me no restrictions on my diet as I was under weight by 5 lbs. I started drinking my milk and my vitamins. Mom and I started to look for maternity clothes that wouldn't make me look too shockingly pregnant. I was 18 for crying out loud.
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December 12, 2000. Dad, Mom, 'the guy' and I had dinner at home. Shortly after 'the guy' left, I stood up and went to the bathroom. As soon as I sat down, there was blood on my undies. Bloody red. "Mom!!!!! I'm bleeding!" Dad hailed a cab and we all went to the hospital. We left a message at 'the guy's' house to inform him about what happened.
I spent the night in the hospital with my Mom. I was to have an ultrasound first thing in the morning. The bleeding would not stop. They gave me Duvadilan thru an IV drip.
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Next morning, my OB came to see me. I asked her if the baby was going to be okay and she said she could not tell at this point. I went in for my ultrasound and demanded to know how the baby was from the radiologist. Radiologist said "we will forward the results to your OB."
OB came in to my room an hour later. She said, "Lou the baby did not grow from the last ultrasound you had 3 weeks ago."
Family and friends came. All of them embracing me and assuring me that everything would be okay. They kept reminding me to "fight for you baby."
Later that night, my Mom went to the caf to buy soda and chips. I was laying down and a close friend of mine was by my side holding my hand. The pain just kept getting more and more painful. When my friend left, I couldn't take the physical pain anymore. And then I looked up and said it, "Lord this is you child. " And then I pressed the buzzer in my room. The nurses came in, I told them I could not stand the pain anymore. My back and tummy were killing me. The doctor did an IE. Then the baby came out just as my Mom was walking thru the door.
I saw my Mom and told her "the baby is gone." I remember this scene so so clearly. Mom dropped everything she was holding, the chips and the soda. She ran to me and just said "anak!" (child). And then she embraced me.
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I had a D&C a few hours later. I was so groggy.
The next day, I was discharged.
I did not know where to start over.
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But I did. By God's grace I am here today and by faith, He will conitnue to see me through each day.
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Today I am married to 'the guy' better known as Jet. We've been together for 10 years, living together for 6 years and married for 3 years.
We have a talkative, inquisitive, gobbling up everything, cartoon loving, superhero fanatic 5 year old pre-schooler and an adorable, food loving, energetic, cruising around the house 11 month baby boy.
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Mom and Dad served their purpose in this world. They got me to where I am today. And that is why it was time for them to go.
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Miss you Dad. Miss you Mom. Thank You.

Someday...

April 23, 2007

While Preparing Dinner. Chopping the veggies.

Josh: Ma?

Me: Yes?

Josh: Who will I marry when I grow big?

Froze. Fingers almost chopped off.

Me: Why? Why are you asking me that question? (Trying to sound as calm as possible)

Josh: I want to see who I will marry so that I will know.

Me: Well, we don't know yet.

Josh: But who? I want to see how she looks like.

Me: Jet!!!!!! Your son needs to ask you a question!!!!

Ashamed

I came across this post Life Is Just Around The Corner and I just felt so ashamed. I have been constantly complaining about everything and anything and have failed to be thankful for the Lord's blessings. I have failed tremendously to stop complaining and instead look at how blessed my family is.
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What is is with us people that we often are never content with what we have. There always has to be something we must complain about. I often look at other people's lives and envy what they have and wonder why I cannot have the same.
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For this I am ashamed.
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I am thankful for so many many things

1. My All So Awesome God - By his mercy He has saved me and by His grace He will continue to carry me through.
2. Love - I am thankful for the love that embraces me and my family, the love we share with each other and the love we share with people we care about and who care about us.
3. My husband - though things may not always be great, I am thankful for having him in my life. The Lord has given me a man who will take care of me and who will love me beyond the day I am old and wrinkly.
4. Josh and Dash - the 2 energetic boys the Lord has allowed me to take care of, love and enjoy while on this earth. Each day when I see my boys, I am reminded about the miracle of life and how blessed I am to have participated in that miracle.
5. My family ( Aunts, In-laws, cousins and Uncles) - My family loves me, especially my Dad's family. Just thinking about how supportive they have been, brings tears to my eyes. They have never failed to support me and my family (financially and morally) and have always made me and my family feel loved even after Dad's passing. Although I have ranted in the past about my in-laws, I am thankful for having them in my life. I have come to love my sisters in law as my own sisters.
6. Good Health - My family and I enjoy relatively good health. Aside from the common cold, cough, asthma attack, tummy pains we still are healthy. I am so ashamed about complaining about petty health issues when there are so many people who have more serious health problems but still look at life as beautiful. I am humbled.
7. Our Home - No need to pay rent!
8. My Job - Pays me more than enough to see us through our needs.
9. My Husband's business - I am forever complaining about it not be a 'reliable' source of income as his business is based on sales but he still earns and that is what matters, right?
10. Food on the Table - We eat 3 meals a day.
11. Our Car - Although we do not have a car of our own which we can call 'our permanent car' (as hubby's business is buying and selling of cars), we always have at least 1 reliable mode of transport at any time of the day.
12. Savings - Although not big at all, we have something in the bank.
13. Debt-Free - Hubby and I have made it a point to remain debt-free. No loans, no credit cards. Thank You Lord.
14. Material things - so many many things can fall into this category (clothing, shoes, cellphone, household appliances). I am just so thankful we can even afford to enjoy such things.

My list will go on and on. I am just so thankful to my Lord for he has protected me and my family, has seen us through the worst of times and yet loves me unconditionally.

What are you thankful for?

The Boys

Yeah, posting pictures of the boys again. I've just been feeling restless these past few eeks and I have been having that feeling of wanting my Mom and Dad to still be around just so that I could ask them for their thoughts about certain things I need to decide on. Aagh. Just hearing their thoughts just make me feel secure - that things are going to be alright.

Anyway...

Beaches? I LOVE!

It's summer time once again and during the past 3 years or so, I have come to L-O-V-E the beach! When I was younger, I was vain--really vain. One of my vanity beliefs was I did not want to have dark skin - I am Bad I know. But as I grew older, I realized how beautiful tanned skin is! And how better can you get a good tan without going to the beach? Forget those tanning machines! Good ol' sun is still the best. So... this summer, I am going to the beach! Anyway, I guess we got a kick off by celebrating Josh's 5th birthday in the beach. And then, next week Jet and I will bring the kids for a 4 day beach trip while the nanny is gone (house will be a disaster without the nanny thus the great escape). Next month, my friends and I plan a short beach trip to Batangas - can't wait! And come this end of May, my family (hubby,kids, aunts and cousins) will be going to Palawan - this is the trip I can not wait to go on a dream come true in fact!! Google Palawan and you will see what I mean :)

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Anyway, here a few of the pictures of our beach getaways and I hope to add to this collection ;)

Basking in the sun with SIL. Bantayan Island October 2006. We took a 3-day beach trip with hubby, Josh and my 2 SIL's. We got real cheap deal on airfare. Beach front at our resort was not inviting at all so we decided to rent a small pump boat and visited virgin island. White sand, crystal clear water and very cheap exotic food.

Dried Fish, Sting Ray, Crabs and Fresh Octopus :)

As early as February 2006, my friends (of 17 years) and I began planning a beach getaway to
Boracay .We planned the trip for November and were able to get a great cheap deal on airfare and hotel accommodations. We were all so excited. One of my very punctual friends missed our 6AM flight and had to follow a few hours later - funny story. But none the less, we all made it to the island and had a blast!

THE tan line. I know. The story behind this: First day of beach loving - it rained! We all wanted to cry. So...the next day...at 7AM, we saw the sun. My girlfriends and I rushed outside to bask in the sun. And so as the story goes, we burned.

Fun fun fun in the sun. Ahh, how I love the beach!

My friends of 17 years. I love them all! We may live in different parts of the country now, have different careers and lives but the one thing that remains is the friendship. We've seen each other through pregnancies, weddings, baptisms and dedications, wakes and funerals. Here's to more years of wonderful memories! I love you all!

People Who Truly Make My Day

Today marks my 100th post. Woohoo to me :) I have been blogging since, November? And so far, I have been having a blast! In fact, I think I am addicted to blogging! And over the months that I have been blogging, I have 'met' fellow bloggers who I absolutely love! Here's my list. Check them out :)

1. Susie J.
- I love her blog. Her stories often make me think and ponder on things we often take for granted. Someday I would want to meet her in person and talk with her about everything and nothing. She has 4 boys too! 4 boys people!
2.Amazing Trips
- One of the first blogs I came across when I started blogging. She has triplets. Her stories are amazing.
3. Baby Poop and Business Suites
- Again, one of the first blogs I came across. Her posts are funny. F-U-N-N-Y and witty. A blog worth enjoying! Our little ones are almost the same age thus the connection when it came to baby blues and sleepless nights.
4. So Close
- A veteran blogger whose stories never fail to entertain me! I look forward to visiting her blog everyday.
5.Living In Perfect Chaos
- A fellow mommy who has 2 precious little girls.
6.Upheaval
- Mommy of a cute little boy. Found out we share the same 'favorite' books.
7.Unseal My Lips
- A fellow Filipina living across the globe. She has 5 kids! Wow. I can relate to some of her posts - same cultural background maybe?
8.Pinks and Blues Girls
- A blog shared by a mother and 2 daughters and all kids and pets in between. Their comments always make me feel so loved.
9.The Story Of Holland and Eden
- A mom of preemie twins. Her strength has carried her whole family through the ups and downs of life.

A Short Cute Break From All The Literary Ongoings

Thought of just posting pictures of my boys... ;)

Yummy McNuggets Barbecue Sauce

Look Ma!

They gotta have one each now -- OR ELSE.

There is no way the little one will allow himself to be left out. He HAS to join the play. That's Josh with his bestfriend Miggy (son of my best friend). Josh and Miggy happen to be 1 month and 10 days apart.

Naughty Face!

Visited the Family Cemetery Plot over the weekend as we remembered Dad's 3rd Death Anniversary.

I Love This Pic!

Experiences Worth Sharing

Read this post by Jennboree and was inspired to write about my nursing experience with my 2 boys.
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I can only speak for myself but from what I experienced, baby boys are voracious milk monsters. And although as Jennboree had mentioned, even if one develops a routine as my boys did, they drink a whole lot of milk. They do not mind being stuck or latched on the whole day- no kidding.
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With my first born, Josh, I had no freaking idea what I was getting myself into the day he was born. When the nurses brought him to my hospital room for the first time, they informed me that he was already hungry. I was all groggy as I had just been wheeled back to my room after my c-section operation when they handed me the supposed 'bundle of joy.'And I was like? "And? What am I supposed to do again?" So yeah, feed the baby. I really thought it was going to be a breeze! My Mom never nursed me so her 10 cent worth of advice was unavailable at that time.
OK so I did try - with great difficulty! And as the nurses told me, it would take a little while before the supply would come rushing in. So I nursed and felt quite comfortable in fact. After a day, I think that was when I started to fill up. And oh man, as Josh sucked, it began to hurt more and more!!! Goodness - that's all I could say.
So anyway, it hurt real bad. Things worsened when we got home and I had to do the whole feeding thing alone at night with a sore wound on my tummy. And what was all that sweat all about! The first few weeks after I gave birth, I felt like the temp was always up! People at home would be in their comfy PJ's, all wrapped up and I would be in shorts and a tank top sweating my heart out as the little one fed and snuggled close to me.
And man, why were my breasts as hard as rock! I was enlightened a few days after when my Aunt informed me all about the engorgement process. Ack! The what!?! So only then did I realize that I had to develop some sort of feeding schedule for the little one.
I cried. Oh yes I did. Breastfeeding for me was more painful than my wound. Over and on top of my post partum blues. I tried pumping (with a breast pump and manually) but would only be able to pump out 4oz. And when I would be able to pump out such amount, the little one would refuse the silicon nipple!
I could NOT get the hang of it. I read too many articles about the benefits of breast milk and heard a LOT of stories from experienced mommies about why I should breastfeed but I just could not get it.
At night, I still could not get the perfect position to feed the baby while still laying down so in the middle of the night, I would sit up and feed. And feeding at some unholy time of the night just seemed like forever!
I tried mixed feeding but Josh refused the formula. It just had to be mommy's breast. But when he turned 3 months, I tried to shift to another brand and boy did he like it. I would feed him breast milk at night and would give him the bottle during the day. It worked well until one day, he refused my breast.
I breastfed Josh until he was 4 months.
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A good 3 1/2 years had passed when I found out I was pregnant again. I was too excited to even remember what I went through the first time I had a baby.
The 2nd time I gave birth, my OB allowed me to rest a good 8 hours before she advised the nurses to hand the alleged 'bundle of joy' to me. And I remember so clearly when the nurse opened my hospital room and peeked. There it was, the little thing bundled in a blue blanket. Oh dear, here goes I told myself. The nurse said "Mommy Baby Karl is hungry." (His name is Dayshaun Karl and when he was born, everyone was calling him Karl. Dash picked up a few days after).
So yeah, Baby Karl hungry. Baby Karl eat. It took Dash a while to latch on. And sucked he did.
This time, I was very excited about the whole baby thing. Even breastfeeding. But a day or 2 after Dash was born, I was experiencing the pain all over again. This time, I called my OB and asked what was the matter and she told me Dash was not latching on properly. Anyway, she gave me detailed info on how he should latch on. After a few tries, Dash finally got the hang of it and that was the moment I told myself that this was the best thing in the whole wide world.
I read books and looked for articles on proper diet for 'Feeding Mommies' and always had good and happy thoughts while feeding.
I must say this was the highlight of my 2nd pregnancy. I just loved feeding him. In fact, I never developed a fixed schedule for him, I would feed by demand. I hooked myself on Desperate Housewives and would hold the little one close to me while he ate. I discovered how comfy it is to feed in the middle of the night without having to sit up. Like baby squirms, lift your shirt and VOILA! And the snuggling, wow it felt so wonderful!
I wasn't ashamed to feed in public. I would always have a big enough baby blankie in tow so when Dash would feed, I would just cover it all up and suck-suck-suck he went.
I 'ventured' into pumping when I had to go back to work. I did not use and breast pump but instead pumped manually, in fact it became pretty addicting. Too addicting that our freezer was packed with breast milk!
I figured because I was out 8 hours each day with an hour's lunch break only to feed the little guy, the milk production was no longer stimulated as it was the first time I started feeding thus the 'drying up.'
Even if I just fed for 6 months with the little one (sad, i know), I must say that those were the best days I ever experienced with my second boy.
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Mommies out there, what is YOUR story?

Burn In Me

Growing up, my Mom worked her whole life as a college professor. For 28 years, she dedicated her life to her profession. I watched her through tough and happy times. But I saw in her the passion she had for her job. She died loving what she did. She never became the dean of a college nor did she get rich doing her job, but she loved what she did.
Dad was a journalist all his life. And I think it need not be mentioned that unless you allow yourself to be bribed, journalists never earn big. But Dad died happy. Towards the last years of his life, he came full circle. He continued writing articles and touched base with his former college art group.
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And this empty feeling, I think I have figured out what it is all about. I need that passion too. I need to have the Passion my parents had in their hearts. I saw it with my own two eyes and that is exactly what I want to have right now.
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It is that certain feeling of uncertainty that is holding me back. How will my family survive? How will our needs be met? And it is that one step that I just need to make to help make a difference in this world-- in the life of my children. It is my desire that my 2 boys see their Mom do what she is passionate about. I wish not let them see their Mom being absorbed into the trap of mundaneness. I want my children to see the meaning of life -- that it is not all about the money but rather it is all about being able to, in your own little way, make a difference in this world.
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Passion - that burning feeling in one's heart. That burning feeling in one's heart that gives us a reason to live.

WANTED: Shrink

Yes I think that is what I need right now. Someone to tell me what the heck I am going through right now.
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Yesterday, while at sitting in front of my monitor, an eerie feeling just crept in. An eerie feeling that it was time to move on -- from my job, that is. So many times in the past, I felt like leaving this company because of office politics, boredom or burnout. But in the past months since I gave birth (and got to enjoy my 78 day maternity leave), I was able to overcome all those. Pretty well in fact. I felt re-energized and ready to push myself again. I was up and about, attending seminars and conferences, participating in office activities, joining committees and all. I even submitted project proposals, goals and objectives charts to my boss even without her asking me to do so! But yesterday was just plain eerie.
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Unsuspectingly, it crept over me. And all I wanted to do at that point was cry.
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I am now wondering what the heck I am still doing here. I feel that there are more important things for me to do outside than sit here from 8-5 and wonder why I am doing so. I no longer feel that drive. I want to push myself and be pushed, not in a bad way, but to the point where I can see that I am working towards something.
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For a long time I have been contemplating on doing volunteer work at the cancer ward or touching base with a support group for cancer patient caregivers. Now that would give much more meaning.
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But what about the family's needs?
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If I leave, I will be able to concentrate on finishing my Master's degree. Or finally working on our papers for leaving.
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Thoughts?