August 23

Awesome August 23

I started the day quite early despite the fact that I had to get up 3x for LILLI’s feeding and a 4th time for Marina who had to run to the bathroom due to a bum stomach.
I guess, I am so psyched to achieve my goal this month end till the next month.
Yeah.
Go! Go! Go!
Today, I pushed myself to my limits despite the attention my back was calling for.
Despite the sharp claw like pain in my CS wound....I still went ahead doing my TO DO list...trying not to complain one bit.
Just last Friday, it still trickled some spotting. Hmmm.
Nah, I will just hold on to what my OB said, it has healed well and the ULTRASOUND test was all ok 2 Fridays ago.
........
I want to talk about the good ole MANZANILLA. I just recently discovered that it is not only good for baby’s gas/colic discomfort. Since it has Chamomile and Citronella, It is perfect for repelling mosquietos.
Good heavens! Dengue is back with a vengeance.
During my last Pedia visit, I asked Dr. Gonzales if it is ok to use OFF LOTION on LILLI’s soft delicate skin. He said no. Unfortunately he did not offer any other alternatives. Good thing to internet sleuthing, I discovered that my dependable MANZANILLA is the best alternative.

.......
This morning, before test driving again our baby carrier, I tried offering LILLI my boobs again. Hmmm....she refused it.
I hope and pray to be able to restore back mixed feeding. Please Lady of La Leche, pray for my petition.
I still want to breastfeed her and am desirous to breastfeed her more in the coming months.
But, ever since, I got so preoccupied with something else last July 16...our nursing time has been so much interrupted.

......

Similac HW and Similac PLUS from Abbott.
I wished to have introduced to my daughter what MARINA was taking before which is the Frisolac, Frisomel series by Mead Johnson. Unfortunately it is no longer in the market.
Thus, I had to make do with what the Pedia in the hospital prescribed.
My initial experiences...
The milk burp is super awful. It smells like Piattos cheese flavour.
Then LILLI developed terrible colic so I switched her to the HW of the Whey protein one. She really ballooned in less than a month of use...Feeding schedule was narrowed down from 3 hours to 2 then 1.5 to 1 hour interval.
Then she developed colic again.
I was seriously considering shifting her to the Lactose free.
Then, I noticed something odd in the texture of the milk granules especially after I saw that unconsumed milk exhibited something weird in less than an hour. The liquid separated to the bottom and milk-like substance floated on top.
It was somewhat curdling like...as if the process of turning into cheese has already been initiated.
Abbott sent a representative to replace 2 480 gram cans at once.
Till now, they cannot explain to me the phenomenon and why the granules are not consistent. In one can, it is yellowish and very fine powder. In others it is almost grey like white and coarse granules.
The new gold color packaging of the HW can, ushered in new experiences.
Initially the white HW can was a pleasant change why? Because, my daughter did not burp out milk so much and it did not have any smell at all. Unfortunately with the HW gold can....we are back to an awful smell. Likened to that of an old aparador with musty odour.
Terrible.
That is why I really am so dead set to bringing back the breast friends experiences.
Lord, bless me.

TAG:

Awesome August 22

It is almost quarter to 10pm.
I have decided to turn off the WIFI system.
“Mom, are you still gonna internet or something?” Marina asks.
It took much effort and resolve to pull out from my reserves some more patience for a very obnoxious 8th year old.
Home schooling and child care has been a struggle to juggle.
Almost every day, I remind myself of the reasons why I do this.
I just checked out a wonderful text message to me of a few days back.
I had to savour the wonderful message once again.
I am what you would call...a sputtering, choking piece of GI jeep of the last world war, trying to still make a go of a new lease in life. Mustering enough will and effort to really make this work out for me.
Hmmm....I guess, in trying to be articulate, I am getting more vague as I trudge along.
Suffice it to say....this is quite a challenging day.
I am quite disappointed.
And that is as far as I will allow myself to go.
This is not an angst blog.
This is a venue to transformation, metamorphosis, re-invention.
Instead, I quote a forwarded text message, which is a beautiful short prayer actually.
“Lord, at the start of this day, I pray for wisdom to sort my priorities...let me keep my sense of humor & enjoy a hearty chuckle. Calm my nerves with mental flashes from your Word..and at the end of the day, let me genuinely say, ‘Thank you Lord for giving me such a wonderful life. Amen. “
Amen and Amen.
Hmmmm....
Let me count my blessings for this day:
1. Early morning errand to Mercury with my beautiful daughters. It was like a breeze and no hassle.
2. The QA test passing mark of the Looney Tune baby carrier that makes baby and me happy in doing errands with my hands free. 2nd use and we are getting better at donning and removing it.
3. Hello of 2 elderly neighbours who of course were thrilled at my bundle while pretty ate basked in their praises of her sibling.
4. Surprise visit of another neighbour who shared our lunch and sent me back a piece of cake.
5. Noble accomplishments for the day, with the super will to ignore the discomfort of back and belly.
6. Marina, being able to master the These are, Those are, This is, That is and were and where.
7. Marina, giving wonderful actions to her poem, As Quick as a Cricket.
8. Marcelina and I enjoying her ritual bath.
9. This rainy night making it cool.
10. At last, this quiet time to collect and be with my thought as the little ones are in deep slumber now.
God is good, all the time.
All the time, God is good.

Ninoy and brothers remembered

Awesome August 21, 2011

Today, I light a candle for the person who died unselfishly for his country and believed that it was all worth it.
Tonight, as the sun sets in the horizon, I salute to all those unsung heroes who continue to toil and fight the good fight not only for their selves but most especially for others.
I pray for the millions of OFWs who risk life and limb overseas just so their families back home will have a chance at having a decent lifestyle.

...

As we almost end another day, another weekend, I praise and thank the Lord for big families.
Last Sunday, I bumped into my brother Chubby at the SM Megamall church and had an unplanned lunch together with my troop.
My new born, barely 3 months old, was with us...I dunno, I can’t stand being away from her. So, she came along.
It was a good thing Uncle Chubby was quite game to baby sit her for a few minutes while mama had to take care of something in the grocery.
Today, my other brother Pong, and his charming wife Jenny with Kyle and Keno paid us a visit. Lunch was made more yummy with all the swapping of stories and jokes.
My sister in Canada, Peach, with Vince & Lexie joined us via SKYPE.
Thanks to technology used properly....ties that bind are more bonded and strengthened.
God is good, indeed.

Hayden & Jeoffrey KHO

Awesome August 20,2011

Today, I resolved to end this day, feeling and believing that this yet another wonderful and beautiful day ever.
What a nice way to cap a day with an unexpected call from a long time friend from high school days.
Jeoffrey Kho.
I was caught between nursing the wound of my first born and cleaning my new born from her 2nd # 2 for the day.
I wondered how he got my landline. He already also forgot.
As we forgot when the last time we met.
His memory is foggy as well as mine.
I just was thinking of him cause he was mentioned by a classmate in FB.
And my thoughts led to Soraya, his sister, my classmate, who will be celebrating her birthday this August 24.
I cannot forget Soraya or Maya’s birthday because, our birthdays are just one month apart.
And so, it will remain always like a milestone and will be forever remembered.
That is why maybe I feel so high that Jeoffrey or Duke took the time to dial my number from his Binondo hotel room and chat about this and that....growing old and updates on other batch mates. I am sure my regards and good tidings for Maya and another long lost classmate Ditas will be relayed.
I was also touched that he offered to give me a video copy of last December’s reunion, which I missed because of my difficult pregnancy. We were the sponsoring batch as Silver Jubillareans.
Whew! 25 years down ....How time flies.
Indeed, and it has been such a wonderful and amazing journey.
Jeoffrey still has his wonderful sense of humour when he claims that he has talents close to the very popular doctor with the same family name as theirs.
Really now Duke?
Scandalous!!!
Remains to be seen or hidden forever?
Hahahaha.
Just give me the right video ok.
I do not like to be scared out of my wits with the wrong one.
And make sure...your offer stands good for us to test the fame and popularity of your longest ever zipline and white water rafting in your beautiful golden city of CDO.

Yes, definitely before we hit the big 5 0 .
You bet on that.
Thanks again for taking me down memory lane for a few minutes.
It was most refreshing.

AWESOME SMILES

AWESOME AUGUST 19,2011
7:05 A.M.

Lo and Behold!
Last entry, one month ago to the day.
Hmmm....
I want more...but, the time and energy department are so short.
SIGH.
SIGH.SIGH SOME MORE.
My newborn is almost 3 months and she is surely a breath of fresh air.
Looking at her birth photos...I cannot help but marvel at how far we have travelled already in terms of MILESTONES and accomplishments.
She is a source of much delight and joy.
She showers me with early morning SUNSHINE SMILES....
I am so blessed.
I have no reason to complain at all.










a

Street lights & Tomahawk

Joyful July 19,2011
7:30 a.m.

Thank God for a relatively restful night. I was able to sleep from around 1030pm to 2am without interruption for LILI’s feeding. Her next feeding session was at 5a.m. She slept right away after being diaper changed 2x. Usually her schedule is 12 am, 3 am and 6am with a lot of play and cooing time before she dozes back off.
Yes, diaper change twice. It usually happens that after cleaning her off urine soaked Mamy Poko diaper, she goes for #2 after a new one is donned.
Oh well, that is life.
LILI, has not yet mastered the art of scheduling her poop. It toggles between 6am and 11am.

...

I had to take a short break from writing since LILI complained about being on tummy time and was ready for another feeding.
Me oh my, the intervals with this new Milk formula is not anymore 3-4 hours but 2.5 hours.

Yesterday, we trooped to the grocery for LILI’s 3rd trip out of the house. First was for her baptism. 2nd, last Thursday for my weekly prayer meeting, which, I have missed for a while now. This was followed with a visit to grandpa who just came in from a 3 week vacation in our birthplace-Zamboanga City.

Pedia visits are not included in this count BTW.

And so, LILI was amazed by the different lights and ceilings in Robinson’s forum. Good thing for her peach headband, the mistake of thinking she is a boy with her tomahawk hairstyle was nil.

I dunno why, the middle part which is the top part of her head, all her hair there want to stand, yes, tomahawk style. Hmm, making her look like a boy.

Anyway, she had the headband on with a lot of thick hair behind it all standing in attention.

The trip back home in the taxi was quite interesting, cause her eyes was so bright trying to figure out the different lights in the buses and other vehicles around us plus the buildings too.

Ate Marina was happy to have her hair rubber bands and new slippers for outdoors safely tucked in the shopping bags and of course, the most important extension cord for her electric fan to be much closer to her at night.

I am so happy and satisfied that a lot of things have been accomplished. Maybe we can schedule another date for the trip to the bookstore which can take up a lot of time with Marina and I. The aisles there are not so friendly to my infant stroller.

Sign off time now to take care of dirty bottles.

SIMILAC,PAMPERS, HUGGIES ETC

Joyfuly July 15,2011
9a.m.

Allow me to share about diapers, formula milk, breastfeeding & help.

A newly given birth mom needs all the help that she can get. It is so highly impossible that she can do it alone. Maybe after 3 months she can try going it all alone. But, like in my case, my C-Section wound got an infection because it somehow cracked open when I suddenly sneezed. So, now & then it would still bleed. Walking more than 5 minutes is so much of a challenge. Thus far, I have had a handful of errands out of the house. Very snap and zap moments. Solo & eager to get back to feed my new born.

That is why my invaluable help from my next door neighbour Ate Eleanor is so much prized and am so much indebted.

The attempt to get myself a full time help is a path I tread not for fear of past horrifying experiences. I am so faint hearted to muster guts to even try the search.

Accepting the fact that I need all the help I can get, is so liberating. By God’s amazing grace, it is there.

Breastfeeding is a fulfilling endeavour. Especially when you hear the vigorous slurp of sucking. It is so comforting to know that one has provided the little one with the very best source of nourishment & immunity from diseases. But then, eating right is a must and must go hand in hand with it.

I forgot that eggs and other dairy products can wreak havoc to the baby’s digestion causing the most annoying colic for her. When I sniffed the familiar eggs from the baby’s breaking of wind...plus a little research as well...it made me really sit up and watch my diet. So, here I am still aiming to get my 12 glasses of water so my milk production with increase.

Currently I am doing mixed feeding. The pedia at birth gave Ana Marcelina SIMILAC PLUS... but with the terrible bout of colic, I switched to SIMILAC HW which provides Whey protein. But maybe, after her 3rd 400g can, I want again to switch to the lactose free option, cause I want to stay away from cows milk.

DIAPERS.

I so bless the soul who invented the diaper. But then, not all diapers are made the same as not all baby bottoms are alike.

It was so nice that in VRP Medical Ctre, I was flooded with all sorts of diaper samples. Thus, I had the chance to try out several brands.

DRYPERS, nah. The tape is so hard & tough, it can hurt the baby’s tummy or skin.

PAMPERS COMFORT. No thanks. They leak easily and get botched when wet. It can get ugly when it turns odd in shape with sogginess.

EQ....comes in cute colors but, cannot withstand baby’s so active leg movements....leaks is a common occurrence. Out with it.

So far, my top 2 choices are Huggies Comfort Dry & Mamy Poko. No hard waist tape band. No leaks.

You may shell out a few more pesos, but it goes a long way even up to 12 hours per diaper.

Now, what about, diaper rash and those expensive ointments. None for me. I use cloth diaper now and then. It is such a treat to see her in the old fashion clothing. Just make sure you she is not ready to pee on you.

Note to self. Get myself a good piece of plastic panties so the use of the cloth diaper may last a bit longer especially during the nights without wetting the whole bed or crib.

So finally, finished this short piece in 2 days. Ana Marcelina has changed her sleeping schedule. Usually she is asleep from 6am to 11am or right after her morning bath at 11. But...she has been mostly awake during the day now.

So, have to be content with the creation of blog snippets only.