Can I Call This Mom's Tantrum?

Sometimes, I wonder how other Moms handle situations that really pisses off a person. My closest friends know me to be calm and patient with my kids. Yes and no! 

I have had my share of really-mad-mom moments but rarely outside the four corners of the house. I make it a point to keep my composure and breeding when my girls gives me more than a doze of instant headache. That is especially when we're out - supposedly having fun and making memories. You may wonder why I suddenly made a post of this... I am not sure as well. But, I think this is the easiest way for me to somehow unload, write the feelings down. I often find myself nagging - my girls are like attending an everyday sermon. They both can really transform me - from sweet & demure to a monster mom! It just came to me as a surprise that even of different ages, they can be both impolite, stubborn and self-centered AT THE SAME TIME! Whew! I am just so glad that my Mama has well guided me that I have developed the ability of self-control and I choose my battles. Parenting did not really come with a manual or guide book, you know!

One good thing about my elder daughter is that after our sermon, after her tears and once both our "anger" fade, we still talk. Its as if the BOSS up in heaven signals for us to look into each other's eyes and we end up hugging each other. K also prays the rosary with me for a week now. The image of Virgen Delos Remedios is at home. I am really thankful that both my girls are growing up to be God-fearing. 

I just had to post this to release my tantrums. This too shall pass! And after typing that famous phrase, I realized that it is nice to be growing up with my kids. I so LOVE 'em!

Read more...

Milk for My Toddler; Freebie For Mommy!

Since she turned 3, Roey's grown fast - mentally and physically. A number of her big sister's hand me down clothes will no longer fit her or rather look small/short on her. She has been a little picky when it comes to clothing (she prefers the "sporty" wear). She continue to amaze us with her wit and energy. Yes, she is really energetic even in between sick days. She is playful, curious, talkative (and loud at that), silly, ambitious at her young age and sweet. She said that she's also pretty! LOL! I must be very lucky you may say. But hey, there's more! She is also like any other toddler there is - 

Gets envious of her big sister.

Gets too picky with food and clothes.

Sometimes says no to eating and keep asking for milk instead.

Runs around the house with dirty feet.

Shouts at anyone when she's not in the mood.

Gets a little over curious (pakialamera in short!)

Does not want to let her playmates go home.

Does not want to take a bath or get out of the bathroom anymore.

Does not sleep unless Mommy goes first. huhu!

I can name few more of what I call Roey cons but even if I do, it would not change the fact that we truly and madly LOVE her. Some would say that this generation's behavior is because of their milk. Hmmm, I can't agree whole-heartedly with that. I actually breastfed her for 5 months. Now that she's 3, we chose Nido 3+ for her and glad that she liked it instantly. 

Late last year, we saw Nestle Nido 3+ in a different packaging. The 1000g pack (normally in cans) has a free canister. I immediately thought of the possible purposes of the canister once empty (my creative mind must have been awake that time!) and so we ended up buying the ones with freebies. We now have 3 canisters (we did not see this freebie offer for few weeks). The first 2 canisters already contain flour and cocoa powder! I am planning to use the new one for sugar and I am hoping to still catch up the promo next week so I'll have one for the powdered sugar, one for baking soda, one for chocolate chips, for Brown sugar, for baking powder and many more! 

In short, the best part is for Roey (the milk, of course!) and what's left is for Mommy! Hooray! I am not planning on using the canisters for their toys because it is obviously too small - I have durable plastic boxes for their toys! 

*

Read more...

My Toddler is 3! Happy Birthday!

Not so long ago, I was getting impatient waiting for my water broke or feel the pain of labor. Our Roey baby arrived exactly on her 40th week. That was 3 years ago... 

Look at her now... She has just turned 3! A lot would notice that she's tall for her age. In fact, she's as tall as our neighbor's 4yo son. Someone also thought she is in preschool already. 

Since she celebrated her 3rd birthday, I decided to tag her along at a mall near us and got her a new dress. That photo above isn't the dress we got for her, haha! I loved it but she said she didn't like that particular dress...she maybe referring to the color. I can only smile how picky she can be with what to wear. Do I have a fashionista in the making?

Perhaps a model? Look at how graceful and confident she is in front of the camera. She doesn't just like to smile in front of the camera by the way, she also loves to be behind it and click away. This has just reminded me that my Nikon digital camera's battery is busted! Since she managed to learn how to use the camera, she also taught herself on how to switch from camera mode to viewing mode. Pretty smart huh? Unfortunately, she forgot to turn the camera off after viewing her photos. I was not aware until I was ready to use the camera after about 2 days. I tried to recharge it but to no good. It won't charge up anymore. I just really hope it's just the battery because I am not ready to bid farewell yet to my 1yo camera. I, of course did not blame my little girl. She already misses the camera so I decided to look for her toy cam and let her use that instead. Good thing the camera looks like a real one but you can not honestly just deceive this toddler of mine...she's not using the toy cam anymore and kept asking if the battery of the real one is still low. LOL!

Happy birthday sweetie pie! Though late, this post is wholeheartedly for you. Thank you for keeping me alive and for those sweet "I love you Mommy" everyday. Mwah!

Read more...

Had a Blast With baby Blast 3

My younger daughter, Roey won in a magazine photo gallery/contest but we didn't get to call and pick up our prize. I wasn't able to grab a copy of the baby magazine March issue either.

It was also recently when I saw a post from one of the moms from a Facebook group (of moms) about Baby Blast 3 and I requested for Roey to be included in one of the kids to get a free fluoride application. I was glad to receive a confirmation letter from the organizers of Baby Blast 3 and had it printed so I can present it to them. 

 It was a hot Sunday last April 22 and I almost did not want to go out but thought about the kids. It's Ate K's school vacation yet she's mostly at the house (pretty much doing nothing - except play and fight with the younger sister) and the activity was intended for toddlers, Roey is a toddler who needs to have fun and learn at the same time... besides, the 3 of us haven't been out for sometime - so, I dressed up the kids and head on to trinoma. It was a good decision I guess, Baby Magazine is one of the sponsors of Baby Blast 3 and I got the chance to grab a copy of their March issue (plus one past issue) for less than the original price. It doesn't stop there, I got to talk to one of the ladies in their booth and allowed me to still claim Roey's prize just as long as I call before visiting their office. Yehey! 

We were late for the fluoride application but since I presented them the confirmation email, they handed me a gift pack instead. Woohoo! When I approached the Uratex booth, they gave me an Eco bag with microwaveable containers inside and had me join their Mother's Day FB photo contest too. LJ Moreno was there to host a part of the program. We didn't tire ourselves that long inside the Trinoma activity center anymore, bought some donuts and head to attend an early night mass at the church near us. 

the kids had a blast indeed! They got the chance to at least play and explore even for just a shirt time. I am looking forward to have more fun and quality time with them at least before summer ends. 

Read more...

My Brave Toddler

In one my recent posts, I have mentioned and shared photos of Ate K who had flu. In that same post, I mentioned that little Roey got sick too the week after. She had a viral infection and her lab results (stool and blood) proved that too.

 If I am to compare my kids when they are faced with sickness like these, I have noticed that little Roey is more of a fighter than her big sister. Ate K gets scared with anything that requires an injection or a needle while Roey would not react at all. Well, Ate K was this brave too when she was just a baby until her toddler years. I think her trauma with needles started when she was 2 yo and confined at St. Luke's Hospital. There were several attempts in both her wrists and even in her right foot when they needed to administer dextrose. It actually required 2 doctors and 3 nurses just for them to find the perfect place to put it. I clearly remember the look in Ate K's face that moment. I really feel pity for her that she had to undergo such pain at that age.
And she never recovered since.

Roey was hospitalized too when she was just 15 months old, a month after Mama died. It was because of diarrhea. Her trauma is different from big sister K. After her release, Roey would never allow me to leave her. She became so clingy to me that even if I enter our own comfort room, she'll be there...standing by. LoL!

These photos were taken during Roey's check up and my sister in law's birthday. She gladly posed for me while we were waiting for her lab results at the Bernardino General Hospital. See that Green Mickey Mouse shirt? She wouldn't allow me to replace it, even if it's one of her "pambahay" already. She just loves MM so much. She was better during Ghe's (my sister in law) birthday dinner celebration.

Both the kids are all better now, thank goodness! Roey's finished her antibiotics yesterday. I just hope both of them recover their lost appetite and weight too. No more sickness please.

Read more...

Christmas 2011

I can't help but feel a little different last Christmas. It could be because I'm again missing Mama. This is our 2nd Christmas without her. But she's at a better place I know, and in fact, she's with the birthday celebrant. She's sure happier in heaven. Another reason it is a little different is we weren't able to shop for gift items to give to our friends and family. It was like everything was in a rush. 

Our Christmas day was busy and fun! We first went to hubby's aunt in Project 8. Photo shows Auntie Estela, Kuya Robert behind, Ate Keanna, Gabby, Kate, Roey, Tatay and Kenneth.

 Then we're off to Howmart Road and had a blast of fun. I didn't know my relatives are having a Christmas party that day so I decided to just purchase lots of candies to share instead. The girls had so much fun playing, singing and dancing. We had a great time laughing during the exchange gift giving part of the party.

 Roey was really excited to be with her "mama" Jham Jham and Kuya Jeremy. Keanna was in excitement to play with Chi and Adhara too.

My "rich" girls tried counting the blessings (in the form of money) given to them. I am their treasurer of course, just like every mom. =)

We also visited my cousins and aunts the next day at Muñoz, Quezon City the next day. We also had fun singing and chit-chatting.

When I was little, I call Aunt Baby my Auntie-Ninang (Aunt and Godmother at the same time). In this photo together, I can see her resemblance with Mama. That has made me miss Mama more.

To sum it up, we had a fun filled Christmas! As long as the kids are happy, I am happier!

Read more...

Sisters

"Chance made them Sisters, hearts made them friends."

These girls bring so much courage and inspiration to me.

I am but one blessed Mom.

Oh! They aren't twins.

Read more...

Christmas Shopping List #1: Kids' Clothes

Almost everyone has their Christmas shopping list and of course, for a Mom, kids' clothes will not be off that special list. Buying clothes for the kids can be a mix of delight and excitement for babies and toddlers but can also be a challenge for the tween and teens.

Planning and making a list before heading to the department store is one key to save - time and money of course! Now that I have two kids, I will have to drop by on different clothing sections. Aside from looking for the correct children's clothing sizes , a wise buyer has to consider the cost and quality too just like what's available at The White Company. We have to keep in mind that kids especially babies grow fast, so it is best to always get the next bigger size there is. Also, it is never a sin to get clothes that are on bargain whether online or directly from the clothing store.

I make it a point to also sort, take inventory and pull out outgrown clothes before I shop for my elder daughter. These clothes either go for donating, selling, storing or given to a younger or smaller kid friend or relative. I also check what my fourth grader have in mind, clothing style and preference that is. By her age, she's started to develop her own sense of style. All I can do now is discuss the limitations regarding styles and costs.

Read more...

Call Her Chuchay!

"Chuchay" is her name.

The huggable Teddy Bear was a gift my older daughter received one Christmas. She's kind enough to have allowed her little sister to own it instead. Roey can't talk straight yet but we were surprised she's given the stuffed bear a name.

She would look for Chuchay as soon as her eyes open every morning. She would want Chuchay to be beside her before she get to sleep at night. She wants Chuchay to be with her/bring with her every time we go out. She would allow Chuchay to sit either beside her in a stool or on top of the table when she eats. She was even teary eyed one time looking for Chuchay when she was already holding her (she thought she was holding a bag) haha! She cried out loud when I had to hang Chuchay outside to dry after they took a bath together. I would even catch her talk to the teddy bear and kiss it's nose ( she sucked them before she was one!). Tell me she isn't addicted with Chuchay please!

Now that Ate K showed 2 more Teddy Bears (Tedi & Bubblegum), she wants to carry all 3 with her almost all the time. LoL! I guess it does help her learn many things as well. She would observe and giggle as I play pretend with her. Pretending to feed Chuchay makes her happy and for sure develops her abilities to observe and comprehend. So I guess it is really best to have Ate K and Chuchay as her first close friends.

Read more...

Early Christmas Gifts

A lovely lovable friend informed me she's here in the Philippines and wanted to meet me and the kids. We had a great time at Conti's in Trinoma. And she's so nice to have given us these:

The kids were excited with their new tees so the next week, they both wore the Gap tees as we head over to Toy Kingdon in SM City The Block.

We were suppose to check out the Richwell sale that day but I was hesitant having them with me plus the fact that it was raining hard at that day. I decided not to go, said "pass" on that big warehouse sale. There's still a lot coming up for sure. Besides, I would need more than enough money so I can also get something for other kids that are special to us. I actually have thought of something for the girls but has not decided yet what to give the boys this year. I need to do some brainstorming to come up of something creative. =)

Thank you friend. You know who you are. GOD bless and keep in touch!

Read more...

Dustless Chalks for Kids

I had this Crayola Dustless Chalk bought for sometime now and had my kids use them just recently.


It may look just like the ordinary chalk but choosing this over the cheaper and ordinary one does have benefits. Aside from the fact that it writes smoother without scratch, it also doesn't break easily.


Having a child with skin asthma ain't easy especially if she loves to doodle a lot. My elder daughter was advised by her dermatologist not to directly hold chalks because it leaves particles in her hand which causes it to itch and develop rashes. In addition, ordinary chalk's particles floats in the air which we get to inhale. With a dustless chalk, this can be avoided. Its particles are too heavy which directly falls to the ground instead of floating. My elder daughter didn't complain of itching after using it. She enjoyed drawing for her younger sister, actually.

Read more...

2nd Birth Anniversary

An impromptu poem for my daughter, Roey.

I thank HIM for the miracle of life,
I thank HIM for HE knows when the time is right.
I thank HIM for bringing you to our lives,
And bring such a light and happy vibes.
May you grow up to be fulfilled and humble;
God-fearing and strong even when you stumble.

Keep that smile on your face,

Say Please and Thank You so HE will bestow you HIS grace.
May HE give you the best of health,
so much love and many good friends!

Happy 2nd Birthday my bubbly and sweet Haley!

Lots of hugs and kisses for you our little darling!
Mommy loves you and Ate Keanna a lot! Mwah!

Read more...

PF: Barney Everyday

Both my girls grew up watching Barney and they both liked Blue and Hi5 too. But, Roey here is quite different from her big sister. She's become so fond of Barney that no one's allowed to use the portable DVD player other than her. So addicted to Barney that no other movie can be played. Well, she agreed to watch Blue's Clues a while ago but did not ask to have it repeated unlike the "Barney Goes To School" which she watched for about 4x yesterday. I actually don't have anything against Barney, it's just that Ate K is already complaining she can't watch Barbie, SSC and Hannah Montana anymore especially when the toddler is awake. Just so you'd know, the portable DVD player was our birthday gift to Ate K last year, so it's hers. The fact gives her the right to complain but as I always tell her, sharing is FUN! And that's what they learned from Barney too. Ha! Ha!

We got a package today containing 3 VCDs, Hi5, Barney & Angelina Ballerina. It was a present from my boss based in UK, John. He's so nice to have Christine of Arteta Online to buy and have these sent to us. Roey got sick if you would remember which somehow made me skip work. My boss understood the situation being a parent himself and insisted to have something for my little girl. It's really nice that we are surrounded by people with good hearts. Thank you John & Christine. Oh! Did you know that Christine makes pretty pettiskirts? Check out her website, The Pettiskirt.

Read more...

McDonald's GC

A little person is all smiles today as she received Php300 Mc Donald's gift certificate from Drypers. Thank you Drypers for the early birthday present for my little lady. She was totally happy to see Ronald McDonald in the GCs. LoL!

Read more...

When The Kids Get Sick

Worrying about the kids’ health whenever they get sick makes a parent, especially a Mom, paranoid and at the same time stressed. It has an effect on almost everything including work. However, the children come first. Besides, they are the reason of that “everything”.

I have not been around for a while. I missed a lot of things and blog opportunities already. Also, I have withdrawn my first salary from Odesk already which went to the hospital bill and medicine expenses of my toddler. No, please do not get me wrong about hospital bill, she was not admitted. We just have to bring her to the emergency room for faster accommodation and quickly rule out Dengue. I am glad she did not have Dengue; it was Tonsillitis, which caused her high fever. She was already okay after low-grade fever last Thursday due to viral infection, but last Sunday was different. She became irritable and too sensitive. No one can hold her but Mommy.

I had to leave her for a while at my parents-in-laws’ care while Keanna & I looked where we can borrow a nebulizer, bought medicines and attended a birthday. Roey was okay, and was active when we left. I was just informed through a text message that she suddenly had high fever, her eyes were a bit sore, she kept sneezing, which causes tears to run down her cheeks even if she was not crying. I was already hesitant to leave her but I did not want to bring her along too. My conscience is bugging me. I should have just asked her father to buy the medicines instead. I should have stayed by her side at home. We should have not gone to the party. We went there still just as not to disappoint my elder daughter. She has had a little too many disappointments lately. Things and my decisions went wrong that day. I have learned a lesson. Roey has mild Pneumonia and a possible Primary Complex Infection. Has to take her antibiotics for 10 days and cough medicines for 5 days. She will have a repeat X-Ray after ten days to check if she really has Primary Kochi Infection. I am really hoping she does not have any. I know that it can be treated, for 6 months that is, but what is hard is having her take the medicines on a daily basis. We had to go through it with her big sister twice before.

On the other hand, when my kids show cold symptoms, I really do not give them any medications at once. Serving them with fruit juices and lots of water is what I do normally. In most cases too, I use Saline nose drops or spray so as to help thin and remove mucus and let them breathe in comfort. I do not rely on medicines instantly for anything even for myself. I always have in mind that all medications have side effects especially to children. Another reason why I do not want to go through a 6 months long medication, in case Roey has Primary Complex is the fear of accidental overdose. These medicines have too many ingredients, yet not everyone has all the symptoms and same level of illness severity. I have seen the hesitation in giving the antibiotics in the eyes of the on-duty doctor at the emergency room last Monday. My MIL accompanied me and was the one who mentioned about giving Roey antibiotics. The physician gave a bit of a sigh, signed the prescription and explained the reason why he had to give the antibiotics.

Roey is getting better now. No more fever. But still, I'm having a hard time feeding her. She became a lot more closer to barney though.

It is definitely hard when the kids get sick especially if they do not have any health insurance. Health benefits are what I liked about my previous employments. We do not have to worry about shelling out money for consultation fees and the medical expenses are reimbursable too. Oh, am I missing the regular job prior to being a freelancer? I could be, but I am not giving up yet. I know I will do good as a freelancer. I can earn the same amount of money I was earning before and afford getting my kids the health insurance they deserve. Having said that… let me go back to work. LoL!

Read more...