I stopped giving him Oregano leaves. He had it for 3 days only. I told Johan's Pedia about it and she told me that Oregano is ok and it has been found to really help cure coughs but she told me also that there are some properties or components of Oregano that are included in the concoction and there's no way we can remove it that is not that good or that it might be unsafe for Johan. He would recommend it though when he is older already. But for now, we just have to stick with the medicine Mucosolvan for his cough.
Anyway, I only want what's best for Johan and of course we all know that too much medicines sometimes affect the liver and the kidney but I guess I just have to trust his Pedia this time. She is like a mom to us and is open about herbal medicine but recommend it to older children.
I just thank the Lord that Johan is ok now. He doesn't have cold and cough now after 5 days of drinking his medicine. I think that's the best thing and the most important thing. Thank you Lord for healing our baby!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thoughts on Johan’s TV habits
Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts. This works for me so no offense for those who don’t share the same sentiments.
I was a TV girl. From Punky Brewster, Batibot, Sesame Street, Beverly Hills 90210, pati FPJ. Sabin g Lolo ko, isang beses lang daw namatay si FPJ sa movie nya at nag-protesta pa ang mga tao dahil dun kaya binuhay ulit siya, not sure about the title of the film though. I also watched Sampaguita Films on Channel 9. I watched with my Lolo so it kinda served as our bonding moment. Pati yung Ula, ang batang gubat of Judy Ann Santos and Tipitipitimtipitom, Dayuhan and Valiente. I also watched Perfect Strangers, Baywatch – I had a crush on David Haselhoff’s son there. His name is Brandon Call aka Hobie. I also watched Murphy Brown. I grew up watching Doogie Howser, MacGyver, Tales from the Crypt, Quantum Leap pati Sliders and Mission Impossible the series.
Maaga akong namulat sa TV pero I believe I had a very normal childhood because my mom and dad made it a point to balance it with outdoor activities and studying sessions. Trip ko talaga TV kaya siguro I ended up working with ABS-CBN. And I also turned out ok naman except for the occasional kagagahan which I attribute naman sa hormones or prolly genetics ko. I am also fond of reading before, newspapers,
magazine (Tiger Beat, Woman Today, Liwayway), komiks (Funny komiks) at yung imported magazines na pinapadala ng Tito ko from the States na pagdating dito mga 6 months na ang nakalipas. Hehehe!
I remember watching TV with my cousins and laughing hard at the jokes and hairdos and weirdos pero all of my cousins din naman turned out to be successful in their own right.
Anyway, I believe moderation and control dapat ang kailangan and balance is the key. Lahat naman ng sobra talagang masama. Lahat ng walang control talagang bawal.
I have no objections naman din sa pagpapalaki ng parents ko. I believe to each his own. They did what they gotta do during their time. Generation nila yung style din nila so I only have respect and admiration for my parents for everything they have had to do for us. They are not perfect but they are loving and kind that whatever na minor mishaps ay napapalitan naman ng mga magagandang alaala. I only wish and hope na I will be as good or half as good as them.
My baby Johan is 1 year and 1 month na, he watches TV pero good thing he's not into it. He just looks at Gaspar & Liza or Pororo pero after a few minutes wala na. He’s more into music. He loves to watch and sing those music videos for kids. He's more into books and musical instrument kaya katatapos nya lang ng Kindermusik and we will enroll him naman sa Gymboree next month. Ayaw niya ng stuff toys. So far yun ang trip nya. Pero siempre bata pa so we'll never know.
Siguro in the future I will give time for TV (what and when and how many hours) but will not remove it, time for outdoor activities, time for studying and time for fun. I will balance his activities but he will still have TV like his mommy and daddy. I guess it all boils down to our love for our child. Of course we
only want what's best for him or what we feel is right for him. Fears of all moms I guess na magkamali pero it's normal naman na magkamali basta we correct it, it is unintentional, we move forward and never do it again.
Years ago, parents and kids are into Spongebob, naging multi-million dollar business na nga ito pero just a year ago they found out that the well-loved
cartoon character can cause short-term attention and learning problems in 4-year
olds. Who would have predicted that? I was into Spongebob din before because
he's cute and harmless. Hindi pala. Buti na lang wala pa akong baby at that time.
What I am trying to say is that I can only do so much and that I cannot be
everything to my baby boy. I can only perform one role at a time and trust that
I played it well at just the right time. We all want what's best for our
children and I'm no different from the other moms who would do anything for
their child but I have made my peace that no matter what I do, as long as I know
in my heart that my intention is pure and good and I only have the best interest
at heart then mistakes will be forgivable and I can sleep peacefully at night
knowing that my baby will grow up just right hopefully with Papa Jesus' help and
guidance of course.
I was a TV girl. From Punky Brewster, Batibot, Sesame Street, Beverly Hills 90210, pati FPJ. Sabin g Lolo ko, isang beses lang daw namatay si FPJ sa movie nya at nag-protesta pa ang mga tao dahil dun kaya binuhay ulit siya, not sure about the title of the film though. I also watched Sampaguita Films on Channel 9. I watched with my Lolo so it kinda served as our bonding moment. Pati yung Ula, ang batang gubat of Judy Ann Santos and Tipitipitimtipitom, Dayuhan and Valiente. I also watched Perfect Strangers, Baywatch – I had a crush on David Haselhoff’s son there. His name is Brandon Call aka Hobie. I also watched Murphy Brown. I grew up watching Doogie Howser, MacGyver, Tales from the Crypt, Quantum Leap pati Sliders and Mission Impossible the series.
Maaga akong namulat sa TV pero I believe I had a very normal childhood because my mom and dad made it a point to balance it with outdoor activities and studying sessions. Trip ko talaga TV kaya siguro I ended up working with ABS-CBN. And I also turned out ok naman except for the occasional kagagahan which I attribute naman sa hormones or prolly genetics ko. I am also fond of reading before, newspapers,
magazine (Tiger Beat, Woman Today, Liwayway), komiks (Funny komiks) at yung imported magazines na pinapadala ng Tito ko from the States na pagdating dito mga 6 months na ang nakalipas. Hehehe!
I remember watching TV with my cousins and laughing hard at the jokes and hairdos and weirdos pero all of my cousins din naman turned out to be successful in their own right.
Anyway, I believe moderation and control dapat ang kailangan and balance is the key. Lahat naman ng sobra talagang masama. Lahat ng walang control talagang bawal.
I have no objections naman din sa pagpapalaki ng parents ko. I believe to each his own. They did what they gotta do during their time. Generation nila yung style din nila so I only have respect and admiration for my parents for everything they have had to do for us. They are not perfect but they are loving and kind that whatever na minor mishaps ay napapalitan naman ng mga magagandang alaala. I only wish and hope na I will be as good or half as good as them.
My baby Johan is 1 year and 1 month na, he watches TV pero good thing he's not into it. He just looks at Gaspar & Liza or Pororo pero after a few minutes wala na. He’s more into music. He loves to watch and sing those music videos for kids. He's more into books and musical instrument kaya katatapos nya lang ng Kindermusik and we will enroll him naman sa Gymboree next month. Ayaw niya ng stuff toys. So far yun ang trip nya. Pero siempre bata pa so we'll never know.
Siguro in the future I will give time for TV (what and when and how many hours) but will not remove it, time for outdoor activities, time for studying and time for fun. I will balance his activities but he will still have TV like his mommy and daddy. I guess it all boils down to our love for our child. Of course we
only want what's best for him or what we feel is right for him. Fears of all moms I guess na magkamali pero it's normal naman na magkamali basta we correct it, it is unintentional, we move forward and never do it again.
Years ago, parents and kids are into Spongebob, naging multi-million dollar business na nga ito pero just a year ago they found out that the well-loved
cartoon character can cause short-term attention and learning problems in 4-year
olds. Who would have predicted that? I was into Spongebob din before because
he's cute and harmless. Hindi pala. Buti na lang wala pa akong baby at that time.
What I am trying to say is that I can only do so much and that I cannot be
everything to my baby boy. I can only perform one role at a time and trust that
I played it well at just the right time. We all want what's best for our
children and I'm no different from the other moms who would do anything for
their child but I have made my peace that no matter what I do, as long as I know
in my heart that my intention is pure and good and I only have the best interest
at heart then mistakes will be forgivable and I can sleep peacefully at night
knowing that my baby will grow up just right hopefully with Papa Jesus' help and
guidance of course.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Mike Tyson’s simple advice
Today I read this from Mike Tyson, the boxer, the man. He said “You can only be an athlete for a certain part of your life. But you’re gonna be a human for the rest of your life. So you work hard to become a better human.”
This is so true. Sometimes because of power, greed, pride, we often forget the things that really matter in life. You perform a role once in your life and you think that you will always be like that. When you go out and interact with other people, you bring your role in dealing with them. But it doesn’t work that way. Inside the house, you are a mother to your child, a wife to your husband, a daughter, a friend to someone. You perform that differently and you get different responses. You don’t bully your friend into submitting themselves to you if that’s what you do to get the job done at the office or as a manager. You don’t expect to kiss your ass so that they get better evaluations. You stay true to your commitment, you are fair and just and you strive to be kinder and nicer when dealing with them. And you don’t let labels or titles or positions define who you are. Because at the end of the day, you are a person who is accountable only to God above.
This is so true. Sometimes because of power, greed, pride, we often forget the things that really matter in life. You perform a role once in your life and you think that you will always be like that. When you go out and interact with other people, you bring your role in dealing with them. But it doesn’t work that way. Inside the house, you are a mother to your child, a wife to your husband, a daughter, a friend to someone. You perform that differently and you get different responses. You don’t bully your friend into submitting themselves to you if that’s what you do to get the job done at the office or as a manager. You don’t expect to kiss your ass so that they get better evaluations. You stay true to your commitment, you are fair and just and you strive to be kinder and nicer when dealing with them. And you don’t let labels or titles or positions define who you are. Because at the end of the day, you are a person who is accountable only to God above.
Random thoughts of being a mom
My baby is almost 14 months and everyday I feel like he is starting to look a lot like his daddy although some of my friends think that I look a lot like him.
No matter what, our baby is a product of our loving hearts and selflessness and he may look like whoever God wants him to look like.
His hearty laughter, funny antics, the way he tries to stand on his own little wobbly feet, his ability to put his feet in his mouth, his version of saying good-bye and clapping at the same time and how he softly cries whenever Mommy leaves or Daddy tries to let him sleep again after he just woke up make every tiring day nothing when I see and hug him in my arms.
Funny how such a small thing makes the biggest impact in your life.
I was at a loss when I first saw him but one thing is constant, the unconditional love I feel for him now and forever.
They say every new born baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on and indeed life goes on for me and Chris when he came into our lives.
I have accepted the fact that I would have to sacrifice some of the things I do when I was still single like traveling but I would never ever trade you for some remote exotic location or some hidden gem far far away.
I have accepted all the imperfections that go with having a child and I would never ever sacrifice you for less white hair or a flatter tummy.
As I’ve become a mother, I’ve become nicer and less judgmental of myself and of other people. They, too, will have children and that will be the day that they will have to know what it feels like to be a parent.
Motherhood gave me sleepless nights and broken schedules, it gave me irregular heartbeat and less than perfect skin and hair but these are what makes you
stronger and more passionate. It makes you appreciate life even more and it makes you strive in life a lot more harder.
I have been lucky to have experienced pregnancy, labor and motherhood.
So many have never even had the chance to have one, and so many have died before they could have a child of their own.
Motherhood has kept me alive. It gave me new heart, new eyes and a new life.
I know I am not going to live forever, but knowing I have brought out a responsible, God-fearing citizen of the world is enough for me.
No matter what, our baby is a product of our loving hearts and selflessness and he may look like whoever God wants him to look like.
His hearty laughter, funny antics, the way he tries to stand on his own little wobbly feet, his ability to put his feet in his mouth, his version of saying good-bye and clapping at the same time and how he softly cries whenever Mommy leaves or Daddy tries to let him sleep again after he just woke up make every tiring day nothing when I see and hug him in my arms.
Funny how such a small thing makes the biggest impact in your life.
I was at a loss when I first saw him but one thing is constant, the unconditional love I feel for him now and forever.
They say every new born baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on and indeed life goes on for me and Chris when he came into our lives.
I have accepted the fact that I would have to sacrifice some of the things I do when I was still single like traveling but I would never ever trade you for some remote exotic location or some hidden gem far far away.
I have accepted all the imperfections that go with having a child and I would never ever sacrifice you for less white hair or a flatter tummy.
As I’ve become a mother, I’ve become nicer and less judgmental of myself and of other people. They, too, will have children and that will be the day that they will have to know what it feels like to be a parent.
Motherhood gave me sleepless nights and broken schedules, it gave me irregular heartbeat and less than perfect skin and hair but these are what makes you
stronger and more passionate. It makes you appreciate life even more and it makes you strive in life a lot more harder.
I have been lucky to have experienced pregnancy, labor and motherhood.
So many have never even had the chance to have one, and so many have died before they could have a child of their own.
Motherhood has kept me alive. It gave me new heart, new eyes and a new life.
I know I am not going to live forever, but knowing I have brought out a responsible, God-fearing citizen of the world is enough for me.
I choose you PART 2
I dreamt of a wedding of elaborate elegance, a church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of wedding he wished for; he said one that will make me his wife. –Author Unknown
At the end of the day, this is just what every girl wants — to be with the man she loves.
The grand church, the elaborate wedding reception, the expensive wedding gown, the long list of godparents,these are just additional stuff that we choose for the beautiful execution, for presentation purposes but as the curtain falls and the lights went out, when you go home at the end of the ceremony, the only thing that will matter is that you have chosen well, that you have chosen the one that will make forever seems too short to stay together.
When choosing our partner, oddball is usually not considered a requirement. But these unusual quirks, idiosyncrasies, pet peeves and habits make everyone unique and interesting and it also gives each partner the chance to evaluate their own choices or make adjustments to their existing behavior. My hubby for one is not an exception.
He has a lot of odd things that are plainly interesting, somewhat weird and sometimes annoying. But I have accepted the fact that we will always be different but that we can always celebrate our differences in creative ways .So most of the time instead of honoring my partner for the great things he did and still doing, I am honoring him for the bizarre but cute things he does.
Like half of our date time, he spends it going to the loo. He always has an upset stomach since he was child. His bestfriend even swears that they once lost a game because he had to leave the court to do the deed. Not naman bragging but he was a star player once and his presence matters to the team.
Then he takes a loooooong time to prepare. Whenever we go out, I have half an hour to prepare including taking a bath. He must have at least 2 hours to prepare.
He’s OC when it comes to cleanliness at home. Part of our grocery list is the long line of cleaning agents from Mr. Muscle, Glade spray, Domex, toilet cleaner, Baygon, Cif etc. And he uses them like there’s no tomorrow. Of course our baby is safely tucked in in another house.
He used to sleep 12 hours straight during weekends. Although this changed when we had Johan.
He eats cold foods like food straight from the ref. He doesn’t re-heat or microwave it.
But more that those stuff, he is kind to his family especially to his mother. This attitude reflects on the way he treats me and other people.He knows how to take care of himself and he is kind to his parents.
And he is sweet and consistent. Things that Chris does when we are just starting out like making sure he takes me home, texting me in the morning and checking on me when I get to the office or when I get home, saying sweet nothings, surprising me with small tokens or simply appreciating the small things I do for him or appreciating my efforts, he is still that way, more than 3 years after, nothing has changed. We’re still like we were on our first few months as boyfriend and girlfriend. He respects my personal space and time and he is sensitive to my needs.
He knows his priorities. They say men can’t handle two important things at the same time but he knows that me and Johan will always be his priority. Even in the busiest days at work, he makes sure he calls me just to say he loves me and Johan.
And he is God-fearing. So whatever weird things he does. The good things far outweigh the weird stuff.
And I love him like crazy for that. It’s everybody’s wish that he doesn’t change or if he does, only for the better.
My hubby, my son
“Don’t marry a man unless you would be proud to have a son exactly like him.”
This is so true.
The probability is that either your baby gets your genes more or he gets more of your hubby or you go equal. So if you don’t want your baby looking like daddy then don’t marry him.
I know our children won’t turn out exactly like us. They will have their own personalities, tread their own path, chart their own career, and choose their own life.
Our children will have their own qualities that will make them unique and special and great. They will have their own mind and they will always have their own voice. They will have their own opinion and they will always have their own passion.
But they will always listen to your suggestions, pieces of advice, tips.
They will follow your examples, get your attention and consider your lifestyle.
They will try to chase your dreams for them, go along with your goals up to a certain extent.
They will try to please you as a sign of love and respect.
But this will not last long…
Someday they will leave you to live their own lives.
It is just my wish that my son may not turn out exactly like his daddy but he will have the good qualities that make up a good person and he will have a life he can be proud of.
Along came Johan Christoph
I have gestational diabetes so my OB had to schedule to induce me on June 8, 2011. We’re ok with that because what we wanted more than anything is the safety of our baby. And that is all that matters.
The weekend before that, we had our baby shower. We also bought everything the baby will need. From the baby cabinet, crib, stroller, sterilizer to baby clothes, bottles etc. We had it delivered and assembled in the house Sunday night so that we can focus on the coming of Johan that week unhampered.
However, God has his own plan and Johan started making noise on June 6, Monday around 1am, 2 days before my due date.
After the delivery men left, I went to pee and to my surprise I had blood already. We were briefed by my OB in cases like this but perhaps being new to this and the presence of blood made me a little concerned so we called her who calmly explains that it’s ok as long as my water bag is still intact. I also need to time my contractions before going to the hospital. Daddy was kinda alarmed so he kept asking me if I’m ok and what else do we need to bring to the hospital which was already packed and stashed away in our trunk a month before my due date.
We’re both new to this you know and I feel funny and scared at the same time. The only prayer I had at that time was for you to be safe.
Daddy took a bath and double checked everything. He went out to check if Pitapitey-our family car is up and running and in good condition. I told him I had to lie down so I can concentrate on the contraction and I told him to lie down with me so that I can relax. There’s really no pain at that time so it took us 5 hours for us to declare that we had to go to the hospital. Typically, you’re in labor when your contractions are 5-7 minutes apart. But being a first timer, I wouldn’t really know for sure. So at around 6am, armed with the courage of soon-to-be parents, we braved the early morning rush and went straight to the labor room.
I was interviewed for a moment, asked routine questions and the doctor-on-duty checked me and did the IE to see how open my cervix is. They cleared the bush and prepped me up for the labor ahead. At 6am, I was 1cm open, then by 8 I’m about 4cm, by 3pm I was around 6cm then it kinda slowed down. The contractions before were pretty tolerable and the pain just didn’t matter because I know that it was bringing me closer to you, my baby. The contractions were a cross between having severe LBM and super severe menstrual cramp. It peaks and wanes like a tide. It becomes regular until I can no longer hold it.
When the pain was really too much, the OB gave me an epidural. An epidural is a short term for epidural analgesia according to wiki. The injection can cause both a loss of sensation and loss of pain by blocking the transmission of signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord. It was injected while I was in a sitting position. The premise is that so I won’t be too stressed to affect the baby which for me is a very valid reason. Let’s face it, when you are in pain, you caused more harm than good. And I have no problems with that just the assurance that my baby is safe and sound and will come out ok. Because of my epidural, I had no way of timing the contractions so the doctors took turns of timing the contractions. They placed their hand on my tummy round-the-clock and monitored my baby so they would know how close I am to seeing you.
At around 6pm, I am close to full dilation. By 7, the OB had a tiny peek of your crown so they wheeled me to the delivery room to prepare for your grand arrival. They taught me to breathe and to push so you’ll come out perfectly ok. Because I don’t have any sensation, I had to exert extra effort to feel you down there. I pushed hard and hard, breathed in and out, opened my legs to stirrups, and with bated breath, waited for you to slide down mommy’s vajayjay. It was challenging and a little painful but it’s all worth it.
At exactly 8:20pm, I heard your cry and it was the best cry ever, the best feeling in the world. Even if you’re bloody and tiny and slimy and shabby, you were so cute still and as I held you in my arms, I had the feeling that nothing and no one can disturb my peace. You are my peace baby and nothing and no one can take you away from me. Come high tide or low tide, I will protect you with all my life. I will fight for you and I will give my life for you. You don’t know this yet but you made my life so complete that I can now die in peace. But of course I wouldn’t because I want to live with daddy and you forever. I hope you grow up to be God-fearing, loving and happy. I hope you get only the good qualities of daddy and mommy. I hope you become whoever you want to be as long as you’re happy, proud and at peace. I hope you serve others and help them better their lives. I hope you become a better person than mommy and daddy. I have a lot of dreams for you baby but whatever path you plan to follow, we will support you all the way. No matter what we do, please remember that we only want what’s best for you and we’re after your best interest. We love you so much. Thank you for coming into our lives. You are the best gift ever and there’s nothing in this world that can rival you.
My birthing story is simpler perhaps compared to others. And I am just blessed to have it easier. I will always be thankful to my doctors who kept me calm, collected and safe during the labor and delivery. My mommy who came all the way from Laguna to see her first daughter becomes a mother. Now it’s my turn and I can’t thank you enough for making me who I am today. To my husband who never left my side, who did all the paper works and the errands, who kept vigil while I was inside the delivery room laboring for 14 hours, who gave me Johan. For that I will forever be grateful. To my family and Chris’ family, friends, who prayed for us. Thank you. This is the start of another journey and I’m just thankful that I know that we won’t be alone as we take care of Johan. To Papa Jesus, please help us take care of Johan. We can’t do it without your help. Thank you! We love you!
Oh Johan!
I DEDICATE THIS TO JOHAN CHRISTOPH.
WRITTEN WHEN HE WAS STILL INSIDE MOMMY’S TUMMY
YOU’RE THE WORLD’S BEST GIFT.
I HOPE THAT WHEN YOU GROW UP,
YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
THAT YOU WERE ONCE MY LITTLE BABY
AND THAT YOU ARE WELL LOVED.
Dear Johan,
I found out about you in between meetings and groceries. I was late for 3 days and I told your daddy that I have never been late in my period. There is also this funny feeling in my tummy that I have never felt before. I had this hunch that there’s something different in my body that’s why after a week, I had my pregnancy exam. Did it 3 times to make sure we had you.
It was a mixed feeling. Both your daddy and me just had our honeymoon. We’ve been married for a month and here we are almost on the brink of a major event in our lives. Mommy had her checkup with her OB to make sure you are truly on the way to our lives. I had 3 doctors confirmed I was indeed pregnant with you. You will be our first born that’s why we didn’t leave anything to chance. We got the best doctor we can find to make sure your mommy and most especially you, are well taken care of.
Johan, this was a new adventure for mommy. And as most first-time mothers experienced, nobody can prepare you for this precious responsibility. For the first time, I had to experience some painful truths and realities. Carrying you was never an easy experience but one that I very much welcome and will never ever regret. I had the worst headache every morning, I vomit regularly, nauseous most of the time, I feel feverish half of the first trimester and just plain irritable. I get that flare ups and mood swings. Usually daddy becomes the direct hit. And almost everyday, he bears that spur-of-the-moment madness.
I think this would also be a good time to apologize to your daddy for all the craziness, lunacy and hang ups I had while carrying you. As well as thank him for putting up with your mommy. I think baby that daddy really loves mommy so much for suffering under my pregnancy spell and staying with mommy despite everything. I was tired most of the time, I think they describe it as lethargic. I was also not feeling like myself so daddy supported me and told me stories and gave me gifts so that I will always feel good about myself. Daddy often tells me that if he can just divide or remove the pain so that he gets all of it so mommy won’t be alone in bearing the pain of pregnancy, he would do it. That’s your Daddy baby, he is the sweetest. Daddy kisses my tummy all the time and talks to you and hugs you and sings to you and hums and plays music because studies say that music stimulates you while inside my tummy. Johan, we are lucky to have daddy with us because it softens the aches and replaced it with his tender loving care.
With each day, as you grow inside of me, I feel a sense of calmness. Maybe this is what motherhood is all about. And as you are about to come into our lives, everything seemed perfectly in place and ok and with a purpose. Not until after two months. I thought I will have a normal pregnancy and will breeze through the 9 months with ease but to no avail. During the first two months, my doctor found a cyst near where you are. It was growing fast like you so she recommended that we had it removed via operation. It was something that we didn’t anticipate and that tested our faith in Papa Jesus.
On my 3rd month, I had my operation to keep you safe and secure in your place. My doctor opened my tummy and took out the cyst near you. My friends, your godparents used to call it dermaloid/dermalin. Daddy said that s/he was your twin sibling. It was just a joke baby but one can never know. Perhaps s/he was your sibling just not as strong as you are that’s why s/he had a brief life. Johan, I had a short glimpse of where you are cocooned and it’s the most amazing thing in the world to see you. You are too tiny then and perhaps with no semblance yet of human form but I know in my heart and soul that you’re the bravest little creature in the world and you made mommy the proudest. I was hesitant at first to be cut open and was too afraid of what might happen to you. And the doctor said that it’s normal in any operation that something might go wrong but that it was necessary and crucial to take out the cyst because in the long run, it might cause danger to both of us if left there. I think I prayed the hardest for everything to be ok and for you to be safe. I didn’t let daddy see how scared I am and how I cried at night when I prayed about what was about to happen but I know that God will protect you so we took the chance and left everything to him. And even if I’m too scared of what might happen, I know that our faith will see us through and God will never leave us no matter what.
It was 15 days before Christmas when I had the operation. Everything went well. You are so strong and brave baby. They even had a picture of the cyst and the little sac you were in. Daddy held me as they wheeled me to the operating room and he waited outside to make sure we are both ok. In just less than 2 hours, you were back inside my tummy and I’m on my way to recovery.
During my second trimester, mommy had another challenging experience. I had an allergy. Itchiness, flakiness, swelling, reddish marks and sores that left me with a really ugly tummy. I was so upset because I was thinking that with all the ointment and meds that I have been taking, it might affect you. I was always complaining with your daddy because the rashes and itchiness are too much to handle. Every night, daddy put hot compress on my swelling belly and rubbed it gently to soothe the inflammation. I think it worked because after my 2nd trimester, it was gone and my tummy is normal again.
It was my last trimester when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This means that I have high blood glucose levels because I do not secrete excess insulin required during pregnancy. This means I need to monitor my food intake everyday, inject insulin and refrain from stressful activities. I had my food diary and my daily dose of insulin which daddy injects thrice everyday. Sometimes it’s frustrating when you cannot eat what you want, the insulin might also have an effect on mommy, add in the pregnancy factor and you’ll get a really pissed off woman. Because of hormonal imbalance, mommy sometimes had sudden outbreak that left daddy speechless. Perhaps you’ve been hearing it and feeling it before. Please accept my apologies because mommy is not herself and I will prove to you that once you go out of my tummy and into this world, I will never ever explode on you unless it’s necessary.
Johan, you have brought out the best in me especially when facing challenges and crisis. You made me want to be a better person and you gave me more reasons to work, live and love. You gave me a new perspective and the greatest gift in the world. Everything makes sense now that you are about to come. I just hope and pray that the world will treat you fair and right. Daddy and mommy will always be here to hold your hand when you need leading, to hug you tight when you need comforting and to kiss you when you need understanding.
You’re almost perfect now. As I go through my last 2 weeks, I have visions of you as a newborn, a baby, a toddler, teen, young adult and in all those visions, I pray that daddy and mommy will still be strong enough to be there for you.
Baby Johan, please accept my apologies in advance. As I become a new mom, I may not be able to give you everything you want but I promised that everything you need, we’ll provide. I am not an expert on babies so I may commit some mistakes, blunders but these are unintentional and if I could just enroll in a class to make sure I do everything for you perfectly, I would but as they say no one can really prepare you for this. I will be as gentle as a wind when carrying you and I will always regard you as fragile. You mean the world to us that’s why we would never intentionally hurt or make you cry. For the times that we are too slow to respond to your needs like preparing your milk or changing your nappies, please forgive us. We’re adjusting with your body clock baby but daddy and mommy love you. For the occasional trips that daddy and mommy will take without you, always remember that every second that you are not within sight, we are missing you and we will make sure that once you are ready and able to join us, we will reserve a seat asap for you.
We’re almost there, few more days before mommy sees you. For the time being, I will savor the last days of you inside of me. You will soon see the light. You will soon see, hear, touch, smell daddy and mommy. I will soon hold you in my arms, hug you like teddy, kiss you like crazy. I will soon see your cute chubby face and your cute smile. We’re almost there so please hang on baby. Come out alive, well, complete and healthy. Come out smiling to the world. I know you’ll do great. I love you so much baby. Daddy and mommy are excited and eagerly waiting for your arrival. Be safe. Stay a happy baby. See you soon Johan Christoph! I will forever love you!
PS. Thank you Papa Jesus for showing us the way and guiding us and helping us understand each other. Thank you for making me well and Johan as well during the operation and thank you for letting me experience this wonderful stage called pregnancy and soon motherhood. We love you so much!
Your mommy with your loving daddy
Surviving the first 6 months
After surviving pregnancy and labor, here comes the first 6 months. In summary, we would describe it as fun, fearless, focus, full of bloopers, fantastic, amusing and expensive.
I would like to help mothers-to-be in anticipating the expenses associated with having your bundle of joy. This is the breakdown of our baby expenses. As a rule, not everything is applicable to all and some are optional.
As a backgrounder, I’m a new mom, first in the family. I don’t have any niece or nephew so the second hand clothes and hand-me-downs are out of the question. These are the realities of having a baby but we wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
1. Formula milk (unless you’re on full breastfeeding) – I had the privilege of breastfeeding Johan for 1 month. Because of severe allergy, I had to take some meds and had to stop breastfeeding because the meds might affect Johan so we didn’t take the risk anymore. Anyway, that’s one thing (breastfeeding) I wasn’t able to give Johan in full. But it’s a matter of safety, there might be complications so I wouldn’t want to take the risk. Anyway, I always believe that it doesn’t make you less of a mother just because you weren’t able to breastfeed. And it doesn’t make you the world’s best mother just because you breastfeed, breastfeeding is not just the reason to become a real mother.
For the first 6 months, our pedia recommended S26 Gold: S26 Gold costs P1670 x 3 big cans per month = P4800 x 6 months = P30,060
2. Diapers – We tried EQ Dry, Pampers, Drypers, Huggies, Giggles and Mommy Poko. But we usually use Drypers. Drypers 82 pcs = P680 (lasts for less than 2 weeks) . So 3 packs of 82 pcs is P680 x 3 = P2040 x 6 months = P12,240
3. Bottles – We’re using only Avent for durability and safety.
Starter kit for newborn starts at P3,000+. This can last for 1-2 months then you buy new bottles and change the nipples as well. Of course, it’s common sense that once you see the bottles or nipples deterioration, then it’s time to throw it away any buy new ones.
4. Steriliser – We bought Avent steriliser also for P6,000 on sale. This I say is the best investment we have. We’re both working parents so we just leave Johan to his yaya and we want yaya to focus on Johan only. If we do the traditional sterilising, it will take longer and it is more tedious. The Avent sterilises the bottles and other baby stuff for 10-15 minutes and it’s easy to operate for yaya.
5. Johan’s own cabinet – We bought Johan his own cabinet so that we can make sure that his stuff and clothes are given extra care. We don’t want it to mix with ours and we want to categorize his stuff for emergency and so that we can easily pack his stuff when we need it.
6. Baby clothes – As soon as we learned that we are going to have a baby boy, we already started buying baby clothes. I enjoy doing it and it’s exciting to check baby stuff. Johan has a lot of gifts during my baby shower and during his baptismal so I just buy him extra stuff. Of course, you don’t need to buy a lot of clothes because he will outgrow all those clothes by the time he turns 1.
7. Stroller – This is optional. Although we also bought one so we can enjoy going out with Johan. We can eat together while he is sitting and observing or sleeping. We bought the Graco stroller for P7,000.
8. Crib – My mother-in-law and father-in-law bought this for Johan. We fear that because Mister Santiago is on the heavy side and I’m a newbie, we might suffocate him. We bought the crib for P12,000 at Baby Company. It is made of wood and it’s baby proof. They also bought Johan his own mattress, comforter, pillows etc.
9. Pedia Visit and Vaccinations - On the 10th day of Johan, we started our Pedia visit. P300-500 per consultation unless you have a health card.
Here are his vaccinations for the past 7+ months:
BCG – P1,000
(1st) DPT,HiB, Polio (Pentaxim 5in1) – P3,000
IPD (1st) – P3,600
(1st) Rotavirus – P3,000
Hepa B – P1,000
(2nd) DPT,HiB, Polio (Pentaxim 5in1) – P3,000
(2nd) IPD – P3,600
(2nd) Rotavirus – P3,000
(3rd) Rotavirus – P3,000
10. Vitamins – P150-200 a month
11. Baptismal – We spent around P80,000 for this (see separate reviews). Our church is at the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and the reception was held at Teriyaki Boy. We had the baptism during his 2nd month. Again, this is optional. You can opt for a small family gathering, do it in a resto or just do it at home.
12. Yaya – P3,900 per month
13. Other stuff like his own baby proof electric fan (P500), DVDs (brainy baby-1 set on sale is P999), baby music, books, toys (didn’t buy because he has a lot of gifts), baby nipple and bottle cleanser (brand is Clean P140x2 per month), Avent pacifier P250, Avent teether P600+. We also bought Johan plates and utensils from Avent (P3,000+).
Now that he’s eating solid foods already, MIL/FIL’s Christmas gift to Johan is the Safety 1st high chair (P6,000). This way he’ll be included in our conversation while he’s eating his meal. And he can practice sitting up as well.
He’s now 7 months, his pedia changed his milk to Promil Gold (P1,550) per 10 days. His first food is Earth’s best from Healthy Options. He consumes 1 bottle (P45-75) for 2 days. By next week, Johan will start eating table foods so we bought a hand mixer/blender (P1,500) for the vegetables and fruits he will eat soon.
In reality, money is really part of having a baby because you can’t tell your baby that you don’t have milk or you can’t ignore his vaccinations or sickness or just let go of his safety. But of course this is not the be-all and end-all of having Johan. Johan is our happiness and nothing will ever replace him in our lives. All we wanted is for him to grow up to be healthy and it doesn’t matter how much it costs as long as we can afford it. Our joy is always to give him the best. Because this is one investment you wouldn’t regret and we never regretted. Our top priority in buying for Johan is safety first, second is the price.
Anyway, to each his own as I said. This is what we’re comfortable with and this is what we want anyway for our baby anyway. We just follow our hearts when it comes to what’s best for Johan. We listen to the advice from our family and friends, but at the end of the day, we decide on our own because we are his parents. And we believe that not all advice can be applied to all. What matters most is the safety and the happiness of our baby Johan. And that completes our lives.
The price of pregnancy and delivery
I have given birth to a healthy, handsome and happy baby boy. We named him Johan (God is gracious) Christoph (bearing Christ) also a combination of our name. This is the best thing that ever happened to our lives aside from meeting each other and the best ever gift. Nothing compares. The feeling is like you’re always high on drugs and you can’t help but think of him every single moment that you’re alive. Johan is the realization of our dreams. He is our sweet cute legacy. But having a baby also entails responsibility as in HUGE responsibility and it also entails money. To the last, I’d say to each his own.
I gave birth June 6, 2011 at the Capitol Medical Center under my Dr. Rosalyn Carandang-Navarro. Johan’s pediatrician is Dr. Lucilla Naidas also of Capitol. I didn’t have an easy pregnancy. First trimester, I had a cyst removed from my right ovary while Johan is cocooned inside my tummy, 2nd trimester I had severe allergic reaction to something unknown, 3rd trimester I had gestational diabetes and my diabetologist required me to inject insulin to manage my blood sugar. So you see, it was not like walking in the park. But through Papa Jesus’ guidance and the help of my lovable husband, family and friends, I was able to pull it through. I had a 15-hour labor that started at around 5am. I had an epidural half part of the labor process so the last half part was painless. Johan first saw light at exactly 820pm. But it did not end there. The journey of being new parents is just starting for Mister and Misus Santiago. And we can’t wait for it to begin.
To start off, I’ll give you a bird’s eye view of what to expect in terms of expenses during pregnancy. I’ll start with the breakdown of our expenses from pregnancy:
OB Consultation – If you have a health card, no need to worry because it’s usually part of the coverage. I have my company’s Maxicare. So we didn’t pay for my pre-and-post-natal consultations. But if you don’t have one, average fee is around P300-500 per consultation.
Lab tests – Most of the health cards I checked, this is not included. Pregnancy requires so many tests to check if you and your baby are ok. You have the pregnancy test first. The kit costs about P50-100. I had my pregnancy test done thrice to be sure. Then the blood tests, then the Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) to see the development of your baby and if your uterus is ok. Optional are the ultrasound and the 3D-4D ultrasound. I had my ultrasound done at Capitol, Johan is our first baby so we’re excited to see his development. Good thing I had it earlier because they discovered a cyst in the early stage of my pregnancy and had it removed at the right time. We had our 3D at SM North’s The Baby Ultrasound Company and got the 3D Silver Package for P2,500. There are also some repeat lab tests as prescribed by your OB. We also had our congenital anomaly scan, blood type, Rh Factor and antibody tests, complete blood count, Hepatitis B, HIV testing, Glucose screening and tolerance tests where they found out my gestational diabetes and the non stress test for the baby. I forgot the costs of these tests but it was all worth it.
If you have complications like me, you’ll need extra set of doctors like Diabetologists (Dr. Rima Tan & Dr. Leilani Baldeviso), Nutritionist and Dietician. I had my daily insulin injection and monitor my blood sugar thrice every day. I kept a food diary and blood sugar monitoring booklet. It was hard work but I never regretted anything.
Vitamins – I was taking Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Iron, Calcium.
Delivery – this is definitely not covered by your health card. Kudos to those companies who cover this. We shelled out about P80,000 for the delivery including professional fees and hospital bills at Capitol Medical Center. I stayed for 4 days in the hospital and got the small private room. I think the PF and hospital bills will depend on the room you have chosen. It is directly proportional; the more expensive the room, the more expense the rest of the fees and bills.
Fortunately, Johan was kind enough to go out into this world via my vajayjay. I had him via normal delivery. Even with my stitches from my cyst operation was still not yet fully healed, I was able to push him out without any glitch or problem. Thank you Papa Jesus! After that, it’s another different challenge that is bittersweet but I will forever welcome.
I gave birth June 6, 2011 at the Capitol Medical Center under my Dr. Rosalyn Carandang-Navarro. Johan’s pediatrician is Dr. Lucilla Naidas also of Capitol. I didn’t have an easy pregnancy. First trimester, I had a cyst removed from my right ovary while Johan is cocooned inside my tummy, 2nd trimester I had severe allergic reaction to something unknown, 3rd trimester I had gestational diabetes and my diabetologist required me to inject insulin to manage my blood sugar. So you see, it was not like walking in the park. But through Papa Jesus’ guidance and the help of my lovable husband, family and friends, I was able to pull it through. I had a 15-hour labor that started at around 5am. I had an epidural half part of the labor process so the last half part was painless. Johan first saw light at exactly 820pm. But it did not end there. The journey of being new parents is just starting for Mister and Misus Santiago. And we can’t wait for it to begin.
To start off, I’ll give you a bird’s eye view of what to expect in terms of expenses during pregnancy. I’ll start with the breakdown of our expenses from pregnancy:
OB Consultation – If you have a health card, no need to worry because it’s usually part of the coverage. I have my company’s Maxicare. So we didn’t pay for my pre-and-post-natal consultations. But if you don’t have one, average fee is around P300-500 per consultation.
Lab tests – Most of the health cards I checked, this is not included. Pregnancy requires so many tests to check if you and your baby are ok. You have the pregnancy test first. The kit costs about P50-100. I had my pregnancy test done thrice to be sure. Then the blood tests, then the Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) to see the development of your baby and if your uterus is ok. Optional are the ultrasound and the 3D-4D ultrasound. I had my ultrasound done at Capitol, Johan is our first baby so we’re excited to see his development. Good thing I had it earlier because they discovered a cyst in the early stage of my pregnancy and had it removed at the right time. We had our 3D at SM North’s The Baby Ultrasound Company and got the 3D Silver Package for P2,500. There are also some repeat lab tests as prescribed by your OB. We also had our congenital anomaly scan, blood type, Rh Factor and antibody tests, complete blood count, Hepatitis B, HIV testing, Glucose screening and tolerance tests where they found out my gestational diabetes and the non stress test for the baby. I forgot the costs of these tests but it was all worth it.
If you have complications like me, you’ll need extra set of doctors like Diabetologists (Dr. Rima Tan & Dr. Leilani Baldeviso), Nutritionist and Dietician. I had my daily insulin injection and monitor my blood sugar thrice every day. I kept a food diary and blood sugar monitoring booklet. It was hard work but I never regretted anything.
Vitamins – I was taking Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Iron, Calcium.
Delivery – this is definitely not covered by your health card. Kudos to those companies who cover this. We shelled out about P80,000 for the delivery including professional fees and hospital bills at Capitol Medical Center. I stayed for 4 days in the hospital and got the small private room. I think the PF and hospital bills will depend on the room you have chosen. It is directly proportional; the more expensive the room, the more expense the rest of the fees and bills.
Fortunately, Johan was kind enough to go out into this world via my vajayjay. I had him via normal delivery. Even with my stitches from my cyst operation was still not yet fully healed, I was able to push him out without any glitch or problem. Thank you Papa Jesus! After that, it’s another different challenge that is bittersweet but I will forever welcome.
Fears of a new mom
I read from the news that Spongebob, a well loved cartoon character can cause short-term attention and learning problems in 4-year olds. Prior to that, there was the issue of lead paint in toys which can damage brain cells in infants, then there was the news of tainted milk powder that killed babies and left thousands suffering from kidney stones in China, not counting the major component of mosquito repellants deet which may help prevent dengue is indeed harmful to infants less than 6 months old.
Imagine if I miss those relevant information, what would people say to me as a mom. And imagine if I let my baby play with that lead-infested toy, where would that put me as a mother and more importantly, what will happen to my baby. These and more are the things that moms nowadays faced and these are what worry me more and more each day. You can only do so much and what if while hugging your baby, you failed to notice that one bit of information about the major cause of sudden infant death syndrome.
When I found out I’m pregnant, I was ecstatic and thrilled to the bones. First I now have a legacy after living and loving. I can now pay back my parents for being good to me, to us their children. I can now exercise my maternal instincts and share the overflowing love I have in my heart. I can now hold my flesh and blood and spread the good genes I have. I can now pass on the values and principles my parents imparted to me. I can now fully embrace life by sharing it with a little kid and hoping he’ll have a happy childhood so that he’ll grow up to be a responsible, God-fearing citizen of the world. I can teach a new soul to be on the side of good versus evil.
But as I’ve said, it pains me sometimes that I cannot be everything to my baby boy. I can only perform one role at a time and trust that I played it well at just the right time.
Last night, I found out that one of the babies in our condo has dengue. She had it unofficially from playing in the playground where my baby boy always stays every morning to get that much needed sunshine. Did I ask my yaya to stop going there with my baby. That would be like depriving him of vitamin D and all the benefits he can derive from that. If I treat every toy as a potential threat toy to my baby’s health then I would rob him of a normal childhood short of the joy of playing with colorful and dazzling toys. And devoid of these toys, he might not be able to reach his full potentials later in life.
Today I have crossed that line of not questioning myself anymore as a mom. We all want what’s best for our children and I’m no different from the other moms who would do anything for their child. I have made my peace that no matter what you do, there will always have that nagging thought at the back of your mind that you might be doing something wrong. But as long as you know in your heart that your intention is pure and good and you only have the best interest at heart then mistakes will be forgivable and you can sleep peacefully at night with your baby safely tucked in beside you.
Life as I know it
Growing older, getting married and having a child change you in ways you cannot even imagine. Having a baby really changed you like never before. It made me become more sensitive to issues that were once trivial and irrelevant to my life. Things like extra batteries, stocks of diapers, an extra can of formula milk, spare baby soap and infant vitamins were now usual fixtures of our pantry cabinet. Instead of a dresser, we now have a huge cabinet and occupying the topmost part is the sterilizer and completing the casts are the feeding bottles and the milk dispenser and the pacifiers we call ‘patotot’.
I have now mastered the art of getting up in the middle of the night, one hand preparing milk while the other patting my baby to sleep. My sleeping habit has transformed from regular to light to zero. My baby boy has become the center of our lives, the center of our universe where we revolve and orbit and he is the sun.
To tell you the truth, I have never been a baby-loving person when I was younger. I like kids in general but not to the extent of cuddling them for hours or staying with them or playing with them like a mom would do to a child or even a friend I know would do to someone’s kid. I’m not that patient and I would never trade my serenity to a life of frantic calls to the pedia or harried runs in the middle of the night to prepare milk or change nappies or stop a crying hyena.
But I believe that when God wants you to become a wife and a mother, he makes sure he changes your heart to make you one. Not as perfect as the others but just right. As my baby boy grows up healthy everyday, I’ve made some realizations that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I would never trade my painful contractions and my 15-hour labor for a smaller waist or flatter tummy. I would never trade my no eating of anything delicious as part of my strict diet due to my gestational diabetes for a mark-free belly. As I fulfill my role as a mom, I’ve become less judgmental of other people and myself. We do what we gotta do the best way we can give the time and the circumstances.
Children and old people have always been close to my heart but now it has magnified to a million. I feel broken and my heart shatters into pieces whenever I see them in the streets. I’ve become considerate and a little less callous. I have always been impulsive when I was young but I’ve learned and is constantly learning the value of patience. My baby or all babies have a language of their own and that’s one thing I have learned from them. No amount of money in the world can help you decipher their language. No baby is the same so it doesn’t necessarily follow that what works for the baby of your friend will work for your baby. You are responsible for whatever happens to him so I make sure i get all the right information before I give in to the latest megasale.
I always think that life will be harder with a baby but surprisingly it is easier, lovelier and more purpose-driven. After a hard day’s work, I look forward to his hearty smiles, small laughs, oohs and aahs. At the end of the day, I look forward to his small hugs and cute cries. At the end of the day, I look forward to our bonding moments. My baby made me appreciate life even more, even with a bulging tummy, numerous stretch marks, a forgetful mind and a discolored skin due to allergy. I know my body won’t be the same but then again, nobody is perfect anyway. And eventually those who have the body to die for will eventually give way to old age. And I’d rather have that imperfect body to live for so that I can take care of my baby. I have realized that I cannot always protect him that’s why I only hope that I have made him capable of protecting himself if he needs it in the future. If he falls and bleeds, I have the saints to call on that he may have the courage to stand up and move forward. For I know that broken hearts have a way of making us more understanding and compassionate so I will let him experience what it feels like to love, long, learn and live. I have accepted that in the future my baby will leave me to carve his own world and I just hope that I made him strong enough to make it through this life.
My baby has given me the confidence to enjoy life despite the challenges. It gave me the freedom to see the beauty of an imperfect world. They say freedom comes from knowing who you are and caring less of what others think of you. I guess for me, freedom comes when you know who you are and are able to see the wisdom that comes from what others think of you and the confidence to know that they are just envious of your happiness. Most of the time!
You know, I have dreamt this all my life and I feel so blessed and lucky to have it all come true. Sometimes I cry at night and I pray so hard that God wouldn’t take these away from me because He has truly given me a life I hope I deserve. I cannot complain. I can only be thankful for a great God that never falters and is always there. Maybe other lives have better stories or more riches, others may include more drama and less errors but I wouldn’t change even a single thing in my life despite the many flaws and mistakes of the past because though my life may be imperfect, it’s my life and it’s mine.
I have now mastered the art of getting up in the middle of the night, one hand preparing milk while the other patting my baby to sleep. My sleeping habit has transformed from regular to light to zero. My baby boy has become the center of our lives, the center of our universe where we revolve and orbit and he is the sun.
To tell you the truth, I have never been a baby-loving person when I was younger. I like kids in general but not to the extent of cuddling them for hours or staying with them or playing with them like a mom would do to a child or even a friend I know would do to someone’s kid. I’m not that patient and I would never trade my serenity to a life of frantic calls to the pedia or harried runs in the middle of the night to prepare milk or change nappies or stop a crying hyena.
But I believe that when God wants you to become a wife and a mother, he makes sure he changes your heart to make you one. Not as perfect as the others but just right. As my baby boy grows up healthy everyday, I’ve made some realizations that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I would never trade my painful contractions and my 15-hour labor for a smaller waist or flatter tummy. I would never trade my no eating of anything delicious as part of my strict diet due to my gestational diabetes for a mark-free belly. As I fulfill my role as a mom, I’ve become less judgmental of other people and myself. We do what we gotta do the best way we can give the time and the circumstances.
Children and old people have always been close to my heart but now it has magnified to a million. I feel broken and my heart shatters into pieces whenever I see them in the streets. I’ve become considerate and a little less callous. I have always been impulsive when I was young but I’ve learned and is constantly learning the value of patience. My baby or all babies have a language of their own and that’s one thing I have learned from them. No amount of money in the world can help you decipher their language. No baby is the same so it doesn’t necessarily follow that what works for the baby of your friend will work for your baby. You are responsible for whatever happens to him so I make sure i get all the right information before I give in to the latest megasale.
I always think that life will be harder with a baby but surprisingly it is easier, lovelier and more purpose-driven. After a hard day’s work, I look forward to his hearty smiles, small laughs, oohs and aahs. At the end of the day, I look forward to his small hugs and cute cries. At the end of the day, I look forward to our bonding moments. My baby made me appreciate life even more, even with a bulging tummy, numerous stretch marks, a forgetful mind and a discolored skin due to allergy. I know my body won’t be the same but then again, nobody is perfect anyway. And eventually those who have the body to die for will eventually give way to old age. And I’d rather have that imperfect body to live for so that I can take care of my baby. I have realized that I cannot always protect him that’s why I only hope that I have made him capable of protecting himself if he needs it in the future. If he falls and bleeds, I have the saints to call on that he may have the courage to stand up and move forward. For I know that broken hearts have a way of making us more understanding and compassionate so I will let him experience what it feels like to love, long, learn and live. I have accepted that in the future my baby will leave me to carve his own world and I just hope that I made him strong enough to make it through this life.
My baby has given me the confidence to enjoy life despite the challenges. It gave me the freedom to see the beauty of an imperfect world. They say freedom comes from knowing who you are and caring less of what others think of you. I guess for me, freedom comes when you know who you are and are able to see the wisdom that comes from what others think of you and the confidence to know that they are just envious of your happiness. Most of the time!
You know, I have dreamt this all my life and I feel so blessed and lucky to have it all come true. Sometimes I cry at night and I pray so hard that God wouldn’t take these away from me because He has truly given me a life I hope I deserve. I cannot complain. I can only be thankful for a great God that never falters and is always there. Maybe other lives have better stories or more riches, others may include more drama and less errors but I wouldn’t change even a single thing in my life despite the many flaws and mistakes of the past because though my life may be imperfect, it’s my life and it’s mine.
Print this and tack it on your wall!
This is your life.
Do what you love and do it often."via "The Holstee Manifesto"
In verbatim I got from their site http://shop.holstee.com/pages/about.
In the months leading up to the summer of 2009, Holstee was just a small side project. We had sold a hundred or so shirts, mostly to family and close friends looking to support us. Having just quit our jobs without a plan or idea of how we would spend our days, we were filled with a ton of raw energy, emotion, and ideas - a feeling that we never wanted to forget. So the first thing Holstee's three founders - Mike, Fabian and Dave - did was sit together on the steps of Union Square and write down exactly what was on their minds and the tips of their tongues. It wasn't about shirts and it wasn't about their old jobs. It was about what they wanted from life and how to create a company that breathes that passion into the world everyday. It was a reminder of what we live for. The result became known as the Holstee Manifesto.
A message that has since been shared over 500,000 times and viewed over 60 million times online. Years later it is encouraging and inspiring to see how many people the words of The Holstee Manifesto resonate with. Above all else, it has confirmed for us that with genuine positive intentions, anything is possible.
And IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING with GOD.
May all your dreams come true.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
My oregano experience
My son was hospitalized for 3 days. Upon returning home, I noticed he has a cough and a cold. Since he just got out of his medicines, I was hesitant to give him another medicine. A friend recommended Oregano leaves which she uses to cure her daughters cough as well.
Since I am not really familiar with herbal medicines but I heard some of it while growing up, I googled it and found a lot of readings and testimonials of how Oregano (Scientific name: Origanum vulgare) is considered an effective home remedy for cough and cold. Here in the Philippines, it is a known herbal medicine for its strong anti-oxidant properties. Oregano also contains a rosmarinic acid compound, thymol, and carvacrol that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
What Yaya Lyda did is get the smaller leaves of Oregano. Wash it properly with cold and hot water to make sure the bacteria is out of the leaves. You can steam or boil it to make sure it is really bacteria free. Then extract the juice. Put it in a dropper and we give it to Johan who is 1 year and 1 month by the way.
It was pure luck that Johan is a brave boy. He sipped it all in just one go. Yaya Lyda mentioned that he did not cry or vomit when he drank the whole concoction. He only cried when he finished it all. Not because he doesn’t like it but because he still wants more. Johan is really amazing. He is our pride and joy. He is such an understanding boy. He doesn’t need force to drink his vitamins and even his medicines. He knows he must drink it so that he can be cured. I am just thankful that I have a boy like Johan. And very grateful to God for giving him to us.
Back to the Oregano leaves, the night after giving him the Oregano juice, his coughing lessened. Hopefully, it will be gone in a few days. I’ll be giving an update very soon.
My son is sick, call the doctor very quick!
One of the most common fears of any mom is when their kid gets sick. It makes you vulnerable, emotional, paranoid, panicky and restless. It gives you the feeling of helplessness and it translates to stress, crankiness and sometimes a little craziness.
Last July 11-13, 2012, my son was hospitalized for 3 days due to fever, vomiting and lack of appetite. Early morning of Wednesday, while everyone was mourning because of the passing of Mang Dolphy (an icon in the entertainment industry), we were dragging our heavy feet to the hospital. Johan has fever and is vomiting. He is not drinking his milk and he is not eating. We went straight to his Pediatrician in Capitol Medical Center. That same day he vomited four times. His fever is fluctuating and is not going down so right there and then, he was admitted to the ER. They say it's the weather because when we went there, the lobby and even the hallway of Capitol are full of kids and babies who are sick. And this is also the reason why it took us 9 hours to get a room.
My Pedia didn’t want to leave anything to chance so he admitted Johan. She wanted to observe him. He was given Motilium for his tummy and vomiting and Tempra for his fever.
I didn’t sleep at all because I wanted to make sure Johan won’t vomit again. Luckily he slept well and was able to drink his milk the day after. It was one experience I know older parents have gone through several times already but for me it was one of those days that I felt so powerless and vulnerable. Uncertain of what is happening to my baby but hopeful that this too shall pass and soon we will go home again and he will be well and active again.
He had his urine tests for UTI and other illnesses and blood tests for Dengue and other diseases.
Good thing he passed it all with flying colors! After 3 days, Johan was given a clean bill of health. Praise God for healing him and taking good care of us.
I think Johan’s case falls on the viral phenomenon. Perhaps he was at the wrong place and at the wrong time. No explanation where he got it and I really don’t care as long as he is well and good and active again. It would be futile to trace it I guess and the lesson here and what the Pedia recommended is that we just make sure he washes his hands regularly and he avoids crowded places and areas where there are a lot of people. So there it goes, Johan’s first ever hospitalization and hopefully the last one=). May good health favor him forever.
Last July 11-13, 2012, my son was hospitalized for 3 days due to fever, vomiting and lack of appetite. Early morning of Wednesday, while everyone was mourning because of the passing of Mang Dolphy (an icon in the entertainment industry), we were dragging our heavy feet to the hospital. Johan has fever and is vomiting. He is not drinking his milk and he is not eating. We went straight to his Pediatrician in Capitol Medical Center. That same day he vomited four times. His fever is fluctuating and is not going down so right there and then, he was admitted to the ER. They say it's the weather because when we went there, the lobby and even the hallway of Capitol are full of kids and babies who are sick. And this is also the reason why it took us 9 hours to get a room.
My Pedia didn’t want to leave anything to chance so he admitted Johan. She wanted to observe him. He was given Motilium for his tummy and vomiting and Tempra for his fever.
I didn’t sleep at all because I wanted to make sure Johan won’t vomit again. Luckily he slept well and was able to drink his milk the day after. It was one experience I know older parents have gone through several times already but for me it was one of those days that I felt so powerless and vulnerable. Uncertain of what is happening to my baby but hopeful that this too shall pass and soon we will go home again and he will be well and active again.
He had his urine tests for UTI and other illnesses and blood tests for Dengue and other diseases.
Good thing he passed it all with flying colors! After 3 days, Johan was given a clean bill of health. Praise God for healing him and taking good care of us.
I think Johan’s case falls on the viral phenomenon. Perhaps he was at the wrong place and at the wrong time. No explanation where he got it and I really don’t care as long as he is well and good and active again. It would be futile to trace it I guess and the lesson here and what the Pedia recommended is that we just make sure he washes his hands regularly and he avoids crowded places and areas where there are a lot of people. So there it goes, Johan’s first ever hospitalization and hopefully the last one=). May good health favor him forever.
Cost of living in the Philippines
UPDATED Feb 2014
How much money do you need to live in the Philippines?
I came across this question in a forum recently.
There is this family based abroad and thinking of retiring early and go back to the Philippines for good. Their reason being the high cost of living in their host country. It got me into thinking how high is high and how low is low. If you are living abroad, I guess you will be treating the current currency at their face value and not compare it to the Philippines because high and low differ between these countries. And if you are living in a first world country, there’s no shortcuts and you can expect high cost of living because you’re paying for the premier life you are living. The downside is that you are also expected to earn more to enjoy the good life.
Anyway, migrating is a plan we hope to do in the future with God’s permission of course. Only because of the security and safety the host country can provide and because of the benefits the government can offer to their citizens. But we’re also thinking that perhaps we are just getting ahead of ourselves and maybe our present situation is better left untouched.
So I remain optimistic about our future here in the Philippines and despite the prevailing condition of our economy, I guess it is still more fun in the Philippines and better, it is cheaper to live in the Philippines.
This is a case study of a family of 3 adults and 1 kid.
We're both working. Let me just show you the expenses for 3 persons (Daddy Chris + Mommy Joan + Yaya Lyda + 1 Baby Johan)
Budgeting is happiness when you have more money to budget. But it can also be challenging especially nowadays. Consider the inflation and other factors, taxes and other fees, everything is higher now so if you are like us who work so hard, you would want your money’s worth for the products you buy.
Below are our monthly expenses:
House – We bought a condo before we got married. It's under PAGIBIG payable in 15 years. Our monthly amortization is around P10,000 + P1,120 monthly condo dues + the new tax imposed by the BIR. Because it is still new, there is less maintenance indoor, for the exterior repair that would be under condo management. I think that’s one thing convenient with condo living, you don’t have to worry about leaking roof, cracked or peeling paints, structurally-related problems, plumbing defects, all exterior-related and building concerns will have to be addressed and repaired and monitored by the condo administration. Included also is the security and maintenance of the premises.
Electricity – Normally we pay around P2,500 with aircon. But with the recent price hike, we now pay around P3,500. Appliances we mostly use are aircon, iron, TV, electric fans, microwave, refrigerator.
Water – P1,000 a month minimum. The condo where we lived has high water rate. We are sub metered to them that’s why we cannot deal directly with Maynilad.
Grocery - P5,000 a week. Groceries and supplies in the house plus our baby’s needs.
Cable TV - P500 for our Destiny cable
Internet/Landline - P649 for my pocket wifi broadband. We don’t have landline but we have 3 cell phone lines (2 Globe and Smart). Though we only pay the Globe (P1,000), because Smart is my husband’s company phone.
Gasoline/Transportation – P1800+ full tank per week.
Baby milk/diaper – Included in our grocery
School fees (Kinder/GS) – None yet because Johan is still young but we enrolled Johan in Kindermusik Village during summer and we’re planning to enroll him at Gymboree next month.
Yaya - P3,900 plus SSS, PAGIBIG and PHILHEALTH
Car mortgage - P18,000 monthly for 4 years
Condo parking – P2,000 a month
Laundry – P1,500 a month
Additional expenses:
Our allowance every week.
Date night
Weekend gimmick with Johan
Birthdays
Vacations - we try to have 2 per year. 1 local and 1 international.
The bonus is that we have free rice from my parents. Free food every Saturday when we visit Chris’ parents.
We also save a portion of our salary. Our goal this year is to save more and invest more for Johan's future and for our retirement as well.
This I think requires real skill and the ability to ward off the temptation to buy new shoes or that fabulous dress or the voucher from Ensogo.
I believe as in any other things, moderation is the key. Balance work and play. It is important to us that we work smart but we play smarter. We want to enjoy life given the resources. We don’t want to scrimp on life’s pleasure just because we’re saving for retirement. Nobody knows for sure when you’re going to live or if you’re going to live until retirement age. And usually retirement age is when all kinds of illness kicks in so there are things you can’t do anymore so we enjoy life while we can but we balance it out so that we can still live comfortably in the future.
How much money do you need to live in the Philippines?
I came across this question in a forum recently.
There is this family based abroad and thinking of retiring early and go back to the Philippines for good. Their reason being the high cost of living in their host country. It got me into thinking how high is high and how low is low. If you are living abroad, I guess you will be treating the current currency at their face value and not compare it to the Philippines because high and low differ between these countries. And if you are living in a first world country, there’s no shortcuts and you can expect high cost of living because you’re paying for the premier life you are living. The downside is that you are also expected to earn more to enjoy the good life.
Anyway, migrating is a plan we hope to do in the future with God’s permission of course. Only because of the security and safety the host country can provide and because of the benefits the government can offer to their citizens. But we’re also thinking that perhaps we are just getting ahead of ourselves and maybe our present situation is better left untouched.
So I remain optimistic about our future here in the Philippines and despite the prevailing condition of our economy, I guess it is still more fun in the Philippines and better, it is cheaper to live in the Philippines.
This is a case study of a family of 3 adults and 1 kid.
We're both working. Let me just show you the expenses for 3 persons (Daddy Chris + Mommy Joan + Yaya Lyda + 1 Baby Johan)
Budgeting is happiness when you have more money to budget. But it can also be challenging especially nowadays. Consider the inflation and other factors, taxes and other fees, everything is higher now so if you are like us who work so hard, you would want your money’s worth for the products you buy.
Below are our monthly expenses:
House – We bought a condo before we got married. It's under PAGIBIG payable in 15 years. Our monthly amortization is around P10,000 + P1,120 monthly condo dues + the new tax imposed by the BIR. Because it is still new, there is less maintenance indoor, for the exterior repair that would be under condo management. I think that’s one thing convenient with condo living, you don’t have to worry about leaking roof, cracked or peeling paints, structurally-related problems, plumbing defects, all exterior-related and building concerns will have to be addressed and repaired and monitored by the condo administration. Included also is the security and maintenance of the premises.
Electricity – Normally we pay around P2,500 with aircon. But with the recent price hike, we now pay around P3,500. Appliances we mostly use are aircon, iron, TV, electric fans, microwave, refrigerator.
Water – P1,000 a month minimum. The condo where we lived has high water rate. We are sub metered to them that’s why we cannot deal directly with Maynilad.
Grocery - P5,000 a week. Groceries and supplies in the house plus our baby’s needs.
Cable TV - P500 for our Destiny cable
Internet/Landline - P649 for my pocket wifi broadband. We don’t have landline but we have 3 cell phone lines (2 Globe and Smart). Though we only pay the Globe (P1,000), because Smart is my husband’s company phone.
Gasoline/Transportation – P1800+ full tank per week.
Baby milk/diaper – Included in our grocery
School fees (Kinder/GS) – None yet because Johan is still young but we enrolled Johan in Kindermusik Village during summer and we’re planning to enroll him at Gymboree next month.
Yaya - P3,900 plus SSS, PAGIBIG and PHILHEALTH
Car mortgage - P18,000 monthly for 4 years
Condo parking – P2,000 a month
Laundry – P1,500 a month
Additional expenses:
Our allowance every week.
Date night
Weekend gimmick with Johan
Birthdays
Vacations - we try to have 2 per year. 1 local and 1 international.
The bonus is that we have free rice from my parents. Free food every Saturday when we visit Chris’ parents.
We also save a portion of our salary. Our goal this year is to save more and invest more for Johan's future and for our retirement as well.
This I think requires real skill and the ability to ward off the temptation to buy new shoes or that fabulous dress or the voucher from Ensogo.
I believe as in any other things, moderation is the key. Balance work and play. It is important to us that we work smart but we play smarter. We want to enjoy life given the resources. We don’t want to scrimp on life’s pleasure just because we’re saving for retirement. Nobody knows for sure when you’re going to live or if you’re going to live until retirement age. And usually retirement age is when all kinds of illness kicks in so there are things you can’t do anymore so we enjoy life while we can but we balance it out so that we can still live comfortably in the future.
The day I became Misus Santiago
Created by faith,
Powered by love,
Fueled by the passion
Of two imperfect individuals
Wanting to make each other's existence
Almost perfect.
Built hopefully and with God's grace to last forever.
Wish to be together,
Dream that to be forever,
Make god-fearing children of the world,
Serve the country the best way we can
And grow old and happy together.
This is our hope as lovers and parents.
I don't even know how to begin
But I know we've got a good thing going on...
For some, maybe our love story is typical.
We met thru my younger sister. When I was about to give up because things are not really working out for me -- finding someone to spend the rest of my life with -- I met him. He, on the other, has sorta given up finding that one -- when he met me. He joked that he was already ok being alone with his parents for life until I came into his life. We dated for 3 months before we became officially a couple. That was on May 17, 2008, around 2am at Seventy Seven Cafe, Kamuning. While the rest of the people are ending their day with a night drink, we were starting ours with a promise.
Starting out as a couple is really hard work. There are issues of time and time and time. We have both erratic schedules. I'm in the broadcasting industry while he is from the BPO industry. Open 24/7. On call even on weekends and holidays. But we managed to hold the fort and gave each other the much needed support when the going gets tough at work (which is a lot). Like every couple on earth, we made plans for the future, we talked about what it would feel like to wake up everyday with each other, and be together come high tide or low tide. But it was just talk, purely an exchange of loving words that we hope would one day come true.
That day was realized on November 18, 2009, the day after our 18th monthsary, he gave me the most romantic and priceless gift a woman could ask for -
a pledge that we can translate our dreams into a reality. We were engaged!
How did it happen... it goes a little something like this:
He said: I can't promise na magiging perfect husband ako or perfect father. Hindi rin naman ako perfect boyfriend. And I'm not sure I'll be a perfect fiance. But I love you so much Joan. Will you marry me?
She said: Hala! Of course, I will marry you and I love you too.
Proposing while walking in the corridor between my office and another office.
While this was happening. There were also some of the following:
walking hand in hand
kneeling
tears
cold hands and feet
hugging & kissing with overflowing love
And it felt good. And it felt real.
This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that led us straight to each other.
Now, the future is no longer out of reach. It's within our grasp. We had a simple celebration of love with family and the closest of friends last August 14, 2010 - the day we took the vow to be as one.
Together with the people who have made us who we are today, who have blessed the broken roads, crooked streets that we have taken leading to each other. Those people who love us and wish us well.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I choose you
This is Mister Santiago.
My other half.
The world's best husband and daddy to Johan.
I know the word best is relative but I would like to describe Chris as such because he is that to me, to Johan and of course, you should love your own.
My bestfriend, my lover, my teacher, my defender, my protector, my shield.
He is not perfect but he is good.
Anyway, I have so much to be thankful for.
And first is Chris.
I prayed for him for a long time. And I am really blessed that God gave him to me, to us.
As I've said he is not perfect but he is kind and honest, hard-working and passionate, respectful and honest, generous and sweet, faithful and reliable, forgiving and willing to admit when he is wrong, God-fearing and has a relationship with God, and most of all, he loves us dearly and unconditionally. He is maybe a little 'masungit' sometimes but he knows his limit and he knows when he is wrong. He is the youngest and he used to get away with everything but he has learned to give way now that he is a husband and a father. He takes care of us and he never lets us down.
It is said that your choice of a life’s partner should be made on the basis of character, not charm or beauty and that your partner should manifest the characteristics of one who is wise.
I am leaving you a list of the Qualities of a Godly Husband I culled from bible.org.
I hope this will help you find the perfect match for you. I say perfect match because as we all know there is no such thing as a perfect man and we have a different perfect match. Happy reading and happy searching!
1. A wise husband is kind and compassionate (12:10).
2. A wise husband is honest (29:24).
3. A wise husband is hard-working (12:11; 27:23-27).
4. A wise husband is truthful (12:17,19).
5. A wise husband exercises self-control (12:15; 16:32).
6. A wise husband has a gentle tongue (12:18; 15:1-2,4).
7. A wise husband is generous (14:21; 28:27).
8. A wise husband is willing to be corrected (even by his wife) and listens to counsel (12:15; 15:12,31-32; 28:13; 29:1).
9. A wise husband is a man of integrity (19:1; 20:7).
10. A wise husband is faithful and reliable (17:17; 29:3; contrast 25:19; 31:3).
11. A wise husband is forgiving (19:11).
12. A wise husband is willing to admit he is wrong (28:13).
13. A wise husband is humble (15:25,33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 29:23).
14. A wise husband is not contentious, but a peacemaker (17:1; 18:1,19).
15. A wise husband has control of his temper (14:29; 16:32; 17:27; 29:11).
16. A wise husband is a man who avoids excesses (20:1; 23:20-21, 29-35; 31:3-9).
17. A wise husband has a concern for others, especially the poor and the oppressed (29:7).
18. A wise husband can keep a confidence (17:9; 26:20).
19. A wise husband fears God and is obedient to His Word (13:13; 14:26; 16:20; 28:25; 31:30).
20. A wise husband is not a jealous man (27:4).
21. A wise husband has a positive outlook on life (15:15; 17:22; 18:14).
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