To A New Beginning

Change is the only constant thing in this world. Without it, I don't think we could ever evolve.

Last Friday was officially, my last day at work. I have been an employee of (can't state the company name as it coincide with the company policies) for four years and eight months --- that was a lot of hours, days, weeks, months, years to count, if you ask me.

Many asked me why and although the real reason was personal, you can't help think that maybe I have also resigned for the sake of taking a breather. Maybe, with all the changes that has happened to me last year (marriage, pregnancy, motherhood, wife-hood), I need to take a bit of a rest and make myself breath.

Now that I'm officially a housewife (for the meantime), I've taken one of the major steps into embracing change --- and that involved my hair. I haven't cut or treated or did something tremendous with my hair for two WHOLE years. Believe me, when I finally decided to do it (which was yesterday), my stylist Rain was looking at me vehemently and almost cried when I said, "It has been two years".

Thankfully, there are now a lot of hair treatments in the market you could choose from. I wanted to tame my frizzy and messy (bessy) hair by doing something I've never done before: REBONDING. I didn't want the "walis tambo" look so I ask Rain if he could do a volume rebonding instead. Volume rebonding is done by hair straightening chemicals that also contains intensive moisturizing ingredients.

The procedure is done by chemical applied to each section of your hair, rinse off after some minutes, or when the hair specialist feels that the bonds have already break. At the same time, rollers will be placed on the tip of your hair and this is for the volume to set in your hair. It is supposed to take the form of the hair to have a natural looking straightened hair, and avoid the very stiff ends. Liquids will be applied to neutralize the broken bonds. Blow-drying and ironing is done afterwards. Ironing is done by a thermal volume iron, which is different than the usual hair iron since they have thicker prongs. Afterwards, keratin treatment is added (this is optional, I guess, but I went for it) for lush, softer tresses.

I will go back to the salon after two weeks because I want to have my hair colored. Of course, nothing too far from my hair color (which is dark brown). I guess I just want to embrace the new (exciting) changes about to happen in my life. Wish me luck!

The Phantom of the Opera Comes to Manila!

Ever since I was a little kid, I have always wanted to see "The Phantom of the Opera" live. But, of course, I don't have close relatives living in New York so I thought I might just watch it once I have saved enough moolah.

But, as the years passed by, I never got the chance to do so imagine my glee when I found out (while reading yesterday's papers in the bathroom) that they will do a show here in Manila!

I was shrieking with anticipation while I try my best not to fall flat on my face. I ran to our room and incoherently explained to my husband that I want to see the show. At first he was not cooperating but I guess he thought I was hyperventilating or something that's why he agreed. Or maybe it was just my birth month. Either way, I am so happy that I will FINALLY see it.

You may visit www.ticketworld.com.ph for details but I heard they MUST CLOSE on October 14th. I assure you, YOU MUST WATCH it if you can. My husband, my friend and I enjoyed every second of the show! If you're on a budget (like us), no need to worry. There are a lot of sellers selling paper binoculars (that really works) for Php 75. Anyway, we saw the entire production from where we were seating (D Center) and we still thought the show was phenomenal!

Hope you enjoy the show (as we all did, yes even my husband who wasn't into it at first) One of the best shows ever! :)

Tips Before Starting Potty Training

Zeke has been pooping in the toilet for quite some time already and he knows how to tell us if he need to go do number two. Wetting the nappies is another story though but I think I can introduce potty training.

Normally, toddlers ages 2 and up are the best candidates for potty training however, according to Baby Center, you can start as early as one-year old if you feel that your child already shows interest in the potty and can distinguish the needs to use it.

If you are unsure if it’s time to start potty training, here are a few tips that I think all parents should know, taken from the Ask Dr. Sears website: 

1. Toilet-training is a partnership with proper roles assigned to each person. You can lead the baby to the bathroom, but you can’t make him go. The bottom line is helping your baby achieve a healthy toilet- training attitude thus toilet-training should be approached as an exciting interaction rather than a dreaded task; consider this event an initiation into your role as instructor. From baby's viewpoint, toileting is his initiation into "bigness"-a rite of passage from toddler-hood into preschooler-hood. (This explains why the desire to stay little makes some procrastinators resist.) 

2. You have not failed Parenting 101 if your baby is the last on the block to be dry. As with eating and sleeping, you can't and shouldn't force a baby to be dry or clean, but you can set the conditions that help baby train himself. Toilet-training is a complex skill. Before you rush baby to the potty at the first squat, consider what's involved in learning toileting skills. First, baby has to be aware of the pressure sensations of his bowel and bladder. Then he must make the connection between these sensations and what's happening inside his body. Next he learns to respond to these urges by running to the potty, where he must know how to remove his clothes, how to situate himself comfortably on this new kind of seat and how to hold his urges until all systems are go. With all these steps, it's no wonder many babies are still in diapers well into the third year. Take the pressure off you and baby. Don't cave in to in-law pressure. You know when your infant is ready. Of course, the "diaper-free" policy at your desired preschool looms over you like a due date. 

3. The muscles surrounding the opening of the bladder and bowel need to be controlled to open and close at the proper time. Bowel training usually precedes bladder training, mainly because the doughnut muscles surrounding the bowel are not as impatient as those around the bladder. When a baby senses the urge to defecate, he has more time to respond before soiling his diapers. A solid substance is easier to control than liquid. When the bladder is full, the urge to go is sudden, strong, and hard to control. The usual sequence of gaining bowel and bladder control is (1) nighttime bowel control; (2) daytime bowel control; (3) daytime bladder control; (4) nighttime bladder control. 

4. Girls are rumored to be trained earlier than boys. This observation reflects more the sex of the trainer than the trainee. Culturally, toilet-training has been left to mothers; naturally, women feel more comfortable training girls, and baby girls are more likely to imitate their mommies. Picture mommy standing and trying to show baby Bert how to urinate. By imitation, babies learn that girls sit and boys stand, but in the beginning boys can sit, avoiding sprays and dribbles on walls and floor. When your son figures out he can stand just like daddy, he will. 

5. The pressure is off parents to toilet train early. Don't equate toilet-training with good mothering. The idea that the earlier baby is eating three squares a day, weaned; toilet trained, and independent, the "better" the mother is nonsense. However, we do not mean to imply that you lazily leave baby alone until he is old enough to order his own potty-chair. Some training is necessary on the parents' part, and some learning is needed by the baby. Children need parental guidance to get control of their bodies. The temperament of the mother and baby play a role in readiness, too. A down-to-business baby tends to learn quickly and may even "train himself," especially if he has a mother who thinks the same way, but who is wise enough not to pressure. A laid-back baby with a casual mother may still be in diapers at three years and no one worries. With a laid-back baby and a down-to- business, mother toilet-training gets more challenging. 

Remember, toilet-training is so difficult for parents and a battle for toddlers because (a) the infant was encouraged to use the diaper as a toilet, so the toddler has to unlearn what he has previously been taught; (b) the child has not yet developed body language to make the connection between feeling and going, since prior to toilet-training, parents were not looking for these cues and the baby did not give them; and (c) toddlers, especially boys, are on the go and the last thing they want to do is "sit still" on the potty.

 

Still Breastfeeding? Me too!

They say working mothers (like me) can't do any extended breastfeeding as the milk will start to dwindle once you get back to work. Well, I hate to sound proud (of myself) but low and behold, I am still breastfeeding Zeke at 14 months.

My pediatrician praised me when she learned that I am still breastfeeding (and working a 9-5 job). She said breast milk is best for babies until two years but if you think you can go beyond that, then by all means, go! :)

When my friends learned that I am still breastfeeding, some of them got weirded out by it. They would claim, "Baka mahirapan ka ng awatin yan" or worst, "Spoiled yan paglaki". I mean, really? My baby's not yet two years old and I'm hearing these now? Honestly, I was a bit hurt because it's an option I wanted to do to make my child healthier. Zeke has not caught a cold ever since he was a baby so I can prove that breast milk really does wonder to a child's immune system.

I thought I was the only mother with this problem but when I logged in at Baby Center, I realized that I'm not the only one with the same sentiments! According to their team of experts, the trick is not to let others pressure you to stop; there are significant emotional and physical benefits to long-term breastfeeding that can't be ignored.

Here's a few more important things I've gathered through their site:

Why breastfeeding your toddler is a good idea

• Even though your child is now getting most of his nutrition from solid food, breastmilk still provides valuable immunities, vitamins, and enzymes. In fact, studies have shown that breastfed toddlers get sick less frequently than their peers do.
• As your child becomes more independent, breastfeeding can be an important source of reassurance and emotional support. The strong attachment your child feels with you while feeding will foster independence, not make him overly dependent or clingy as some may have you believe. There is a belief that "pushing" children away will help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and independence, but forcing a child to stop breastfeeding before he is developmentally ready will not necessarily create a more confident child; rather, it could make him more clingy.
• If your child is ill, breastmilk may be the only thing he can keep down. You'll feel better too, knowing that you're helping him fight off the illness.
• If you travel a lot, breastfeeding is a lot easier than carrying around milk or worrying about having to buy supplies at your destination. And when you're staying overnight in a strange place, the comfort of your breast may be the best way to ease your child's fears and make him feel more secure.
• Breastfeeding may delay the resumption of periods, a plus for anyone who dreads the thought of dealing with cramps and bloating again after a long break. But bear in mind that breastfeeding is not an effective form of birth control; it's a good idea to use a backup such as a condom.
• Weaning when your child is ready is more natural and less abrupt than picking an arbitrary end point. Breastfeeding a child beyond the first year was common around the world before the invention of infant milk substitutes.

Why breastfeeding your toddler can be a challenge

• Anticipate rude comments and criticisms from people who think breastfeeding an older child is strange. You may have to be more cautious about breastfeeding in public if you want to avoid the inevitable remarks. This can be difficult if your toddler lifts up your shirt in the supermarket and demands a quick snack.
• Breastfeeding can become a crutch. Your baby may start to rely on the breast when he's really just bored or it's the only way to get your attention. Engage your child in other ways -- toddlers are eager to explore the world and need stimulation to fuel their rapid development.
• Breastfeeding a toddler when you've got another baby on the way is possible, but some women find it too physically demanding. Unless you plan to continue breastfeeding your older child after the new baby is born, you may want to think about weaning her before the 'competition' arrives. However, many toddlers decide to wean themselves when their mother is pregnant, because the taste (and sometimes volume) of her milk changes during pregnancy.

Making extended breastfeeding work for you

• To avoid unsolicited comments and stares, you might find it easier to feed your child at home before heading out. Some mothers find it easier to breastfeed once in the morning and once at night and teach their toddlers to drink from a cup during the day.
• If you don't care what people think or say, then have some snappy responses ready when someone asks you the inevitable question: "Is she still feeding?" Sometimes a simple "yes" is the best conversation stopper. Or, the next time you're feeding in public and someone asks, "Are you ever going to stop breastfeeding?" say, "Yes, in about 10 minutes."
• You can teach your child a neutral code word for your breasts, so that when he starts demanding "nummies" or "mama" in the middle of a restaurant, no one will pay any attention.

So mommies, keep on breastfeeding your toddlers! Remember, bitter lang sila! LOL

Book Review: Dr. Seuss' Books

I love Dr. Seuss books! And now that I have a child to actually read all the books, I think it's about time I write a sort-of book review about them. But, I've decided not to summarize or give a synopsis about the books ---- instead, I have collected the 30 quotes I love from 4 of the books I love.

First, who is Dr. Seuss? According to his website,

Theodor Seuss Geisel — known as “Ted” to family and friends — liked to say that he adopted the name “Dr. Seuss” because he was saving his real name for the Great American Novel he would one day write. But that’s probably not true. When talking to the media, Geisel was more interested in telling a good story than he was in telling a true story. The true story is also a good one, as we learn in Judith and Neil Morgan’s excellent biography Dr. Seuss & Mr. Geisel (the primary source for what you are now reading). During his senior year at Dartmouth College, Ted Geisel and nine of his friends were caught drinking gin in his room. This was the spring of 1925, and the dean put them all on probation for violating the laws of Prohibition. He also stripped Geisel of his editorship of Jack-O-Lantern — the college’s humor magazine — where Ted published his cartoons. To evade punishment, Ted Geisel began publishing cartoons under aliases: L. Pasteur, D.G. Rossetti ’25, T. Seuss, and Seuss. These cartoons mark the first time he signed his work “Seuss.

Anyway, here's the list of my top 30 favorite quotes from "The Lorax", "Oh, The Places You'll Go", "Green Eggs and Ham", and "Horton Hears A Who!":

30 Dr. Seuss Quotes that Can Change Your Life

1. Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
2. Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
3. Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
4. Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.
5. You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.
6. Think and wonder, wonder and think.
7. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so… get on your way.
8. Unless!
9. THINK! You can think any THINK that you wish…
10. If you never did, you should. These things are fun and fun is good.
11. You have brains in your head. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
12. You are you. Now, isn’t that pleasant?
13. Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.
14. It is better to know how to learn than to know.
15. Everything stinks till it's finished.
16. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go.
17. A person's a person, no matter how small.
18. I meant what I said and I said what I meant.
19. Only you can control your future.
20. Be awesome! Be a book nut!
21. Be who you are and say what you mean.
Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
22. Oh, the things you can find if you don't stay behind!
23. It's opener, out there, in the wide, open air.
24. Teeth are always in style.
25. Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.
26. Will you succeed? Yes you will indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed.
27. From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.
28. Step with care and great tact. And remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.
29. Unless someone like you care a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
30. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go…

Better read these, NOW!

Oh Hello There, September!

Mmmmm. Can you smell that? It's the beginning of the -BER months and yes, it's the start of my month as well! I can't believe I still feel giddy about this even though I'll be turning (shh!) 28 this year. :)

As a matter of fact, I think this month will be uberly busy. Why? Well, first of all, today we went to a first birthday party, the first kid party that my baby boy has ever attended to!

Stripes themed!

Look at him, he's very excited. Today was the celebration of his ninong's son's first birthday at Jollibee Greenmeadows. Although Zeke was too young to join the games, he was very excited about the balloons, party favors and even the mascot (more on that later). He was dancing and screaming and was even kind enough to talk (and entertain) the guests.

Jollibee was the mascot at the party. At first, Zeke seemed genuinely excited to see him. He and his daddy went in front to have their pictures taken with the lovable bee when Jollibee suddenly tried to hug him. That's when all hell broke loose! Zeke cried and wouldn't stop! We had to take him out of the party to make him stop. Bad Jollibee!

Anyway, Zeke eventually got his party mood back and we're finally working the photo booth machine. :)

More exciting things to come!