It's September already! Pretty soon, my third baby, my second daughter, will come out and turn our lives upside down, the way babies do. Sometimes, just thinking about what's going to happen makes my heart beat very fast with anxiety. Images of the hospital, the IV needle on the back of my hand, the operating room, the pain after, the feeling of helplessness, the depression, and dividing my love & attention equally among three children come to my mind and I get restless. I sure am glad … [Read more...]
My Mama Said, Cymplified!
I'm sure our moms have statements that they always repeat to us as we grow up. Here are a few reminders that I remember being told: • Finish every single bit of rice on your plate lest you get a pock-faced husband. • Don't shower after eating a meal, you might get appendicitis. • Kissing the dog/cat can cause asthma. • Eating lots of squash could give you a good eyesight. • Sleeping while your hair is wet will make you go blind. • Towels need to be changed after three days of … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Reminders, Cymplified!
I'm trying to psych myself now, with less than a month to go, so I came up with some points I want to remember after I give birth, so I could be encouraged to breastfeed. These are what I will think of when I see my breasts. Believe that I will produce milk for my baby. Rest when I could to avoid stress and tiredness, factors which could lower milk production. Enjoy hanging out with my baby while she feeds. Anticipate challenges. Solicit help from other breastfeeding moms or moms who have … [Read more...]
Kids’ Clothes Shopping, Cymplified!
I admit, I suck at clothes shopping or shopping in general. I don't think I have ever bought a dress, top or bottom that I really, really liked. My sense of style is overshadowed by my mom's since most of my clothes were given by her. Now that I am a mother, my children's clothes were also mostly gifts or hand-me-downs. I think I have gone shopping specifically for my daughter's outfit only twice or thrice. Does that make me a bad mom? The disadvantage of that is my style is not being … [Read more...]
A Makati Shangri-La Stay (day 2), Cymplified!
I woke up at around 6 in the morning, still sleepy. But, I was looking forward to breakfast at Circles, Makati Shangri-La. Nomnomnom! We left after I washed the baby bottles and put them in the sterilizer. I was so full my tummy didn't even have room for the pastries and muffins. Darn! We went back to our rooms afterwards. After a little rest and getting the swimming paraphernalia ready: a beach ball and a float ring, we were set! Elle was excited, I could tell. She and daddy hanged … [Read more...]
A Makati Shangri-La Stay (day 1), Cymplified!
My friend is pregnant with her first child and I with my third. We thought of having a sort of joint photoshoot and stayed at Makati Shangri-La hotel to put some vouchers to good use. Caleb and I were warmly welcomed with smiles, the front desk ladies were enamored with his cuteness. The one assisting me even carried him while I sign some documents. I was disappointed with the Superior Rooms we were assigned with. They were so small and we didn't know if the shoot could be done there. We … [Read more...]
Date At Home, Cymplified!
And so, the baby has arrived. Dad and mom need a day or night off to recharge. But, the little one won't sleep! Or his sleep pattern is so erratic it's unpredictable, therefore, they cannot leave the tot to a nanny or grandparent since sometimes only the parents or the mom in particular can put him to sleep. It might be counterintuitive to have a family sleepover at a hotel since it's not home and the baby most likely will be sensitive to the new surroundings; but wouldn't it be great to have … [Read more...]