Saturday, October 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
foodie desserts i love
sticky toffee pudding, cafe juanita
toblerone torte, chelsea
pancake ala mode, frazzled cook
vietnamese coffee, bawai's (not really a dessert but i love!)
fruit bowl, hanoi
i'm never going to be skinny! :P
toblerone torte, chelsea
pancake ala mode, frazzled cook
vietnamese coffee, bawai's (not really a dessert but i love!)
fruit bowl, hanoi
i'm never going to be skinny! :P
our angel
who loves to yawn!
and i love capturing them! :D
*this post will be updated with more yawning photos teehee
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
attachment parenting vs. cry it out method
ever since kirsten was born, i have "used" the attachment parenting style - roomed her in, breastfed her, responded to her every cry, now we co-sleep. i have dr. sear's book, the baby book.
every time i tell people that i carry my daughter everytime she cries, i would almost always get the same response, "naku, sinasanay mo sa karga." when i tell her that i comfort and soothe her to sleep, they say "naku, wag mo sanayin ng ganyan. hayaan mong makatulog on her own." even my boss shares the story where he left his crying 10-year old daughter in a room away from their for the entire night (he said he can't stand the crying) to teach her to "self-soothe." afterwhich, he says she can sleep on her own. talk about early sleep training!
being a first time mom, i understand that babies cry. that's their only way of communication. i have no yaya (yet), so i take care of my cutie pie 24/7 (i return to work in 3 weeks). i'm breastfeeding exclusively. in short, i'm at her beck and call. :)
and i haven't been able to sleep for more than 3 (used to be less than 1 hour!) straight hours. she feeds every hour, 2 hours, 3 hours. i miss my sleep. kirsten wants to be held all the time; whenever i put her, she cries. my arms literally hurt or go numb from carrying her for long periods of time, as she has been gaining weight. and so i am advised (again) to let her self-soothe. have her cry it out (ferber method).
a few times now, i let her cry a bit before i pick her up. it hurts me to hear her cry, but i always tell myself i should do this now or suffer later (according to other people). but after a few minutes, i pick her up (and she stops crying instantly haha!).
tonight, i couldn't seem to stop her cries. she has been fed, and her nappy has been changed. i read somewhere that if you know she's ok, a good cry won't do her harm. it actually exercises her lungs (a nurse at the medical city also told me this). so i put her back in the bassinet and let her cry. after about 10 minutes, silence. when i checked, she was asleep. with tears in her eyes/face.
i felt like s***. i'm a bad mother (feeling like this is normal per my reading hehe). :( i don't know if i can let her cry it out again next time. i wiped her tears away, and apologized to my sleeping sweetheart. i felt so bad.
when she woke up after about 30 minutes, i picked her up right away. and apologized. again. i love you, baby girl. i don't know if it's right to try to "train" you this early, but i think it can wait until later (between 4-6 months, i just checked online now). you're only 2 months, 3 days old. for now, i will hold you every chance i get. feed you on demand. play with you at 3am, or at any time you want to. pick you up at the slightest whimper. hele you to sleep for as long as you want, aching arms (and hips, and back) be damned. :)
every time i tell people that i carry my daughter everytime she cries, i would almost always get the same response, "naku, sinasanay mo sa karga." when i tell her that i comfort and soothe her to sleep, they say "naku, wag mo sanayin ng ganyan. hayaan mong makatulog on her own." even my boss shares the story where he left his crying 10-year old daughter in a room away from their for the entire night (he said he can't stand the crying) to teach her to "self-soothe." afterwhich, he says she can sleep on her own. talk about early sleep training!
being a first time mom, i understand that babies cry. that's their only way of communication. i have no yaya (yet), so i take care of my cutie pie 24/7 (i return to work in 3 weeks). i'm breastfeeding exclusively. in short, i'm at her beck and call. :)
and i haven't been able to sleep for more than 3 (used to be less than 1 hour!) straight hours. she feeds every hour, 2 hours, 3 hours. i miss my sleep. kirsten wants to be held all the time; whenever i put her, she cries. my arms literally hurt or go numb from carrying her for long periods of time, as she has been gaining weight. and so i am advised (again) to let her self-soothe. have her cry it out (ferber method).
a few times now, i let her cry a bit before i pick her up. it hurts me to hear her cry, but i always tell myself i should do this now or suffer later (according to other people). but after a few minutes, i pick her up (and she stops crying instantly haha!).
tonight, i couldn't seem to stop her cries. she has been fed, and her nappy has been changed. i read somewhere that if you know she's ok, a good cry won't do her harm. it actually exercises her lungs (a nurse at the medical city also told me this). so i put her back in the bassinet and let her cry. after about 10 minutes, silence. when i checked, she was asleep. with tears in her eyes/face.
i felt like s***. i'm a bad mother (feeling like this is normal per my reading hehe). :( i don't know if i can let her cry it out again next time. i wiped her tears away, and apologized to my sleeping sweetheart. i felt so bad.
when she woke up after about 30 minutes, i picked her up right away. and apologized. again. i love you, baby girl. i don't know if it's right to try to "train" you this early, but i think it can wait until later (between 4-6 months, i just checked online now). you're only 2 months, 3 days old. for now, i will hold you every chance i get. feed you on demand. play with you at 3am, or at any time you want to. pick you up at the slightest whimper. hele you to sleep for as long as you want, aching arms (and hips, and back) be damned. :)
baptism planning
i started planning for kirsten's baptism when i was 7 months pregnant. of course, first on the list was to write down the names of possible ninongs and ninangs (godparents). you see, we have a long queue of volunteers and our baby's birth certificate can only handle so much LOL! eventually, we settled on 10 pairs (yes, you read that right the first time) of godparents. the others will just have to wait for the next baby! :D
ok, back to the event planning. i searched the net and asked around for possible churches, reception venues, caterers, entertainment, invitation suppliers, decors, cake, souvenirs, etc. whew!
and 3 weeks before the event, we have booked most of the essentials (this post has been updated!):
the church (we already attended the baptism seminar):
the lunch reception:
the caterer (in-house catering at the reception venue)
the invites by great concepts
venue set up by valbuena party shop (color theme is white and shades of pink!)
band and sound system (kelly badon project)
cake and mini cupcakes by c is for cupcakes (see inspiration for the cake and minicakes attached)
photographer (jo lim photography)
videographer (mel of matchbox)
minicakes by kraze kitch
tarpaulin c/o my sister-in-law
photobooth by photobooth on scene
baptism and reception dress(we bought from periwinkle at the shangrila mall)
shoes and socks (rustan's)
wines (bought from S&R)
LCD projector (edric rojas of EJM Blitz)
crew meals (c/o the caterer)
to-dos:
lechon (will probably call elarz to deliver)
beer (San Miguel delivery 632BEER)
hope i did not forget any other party essentials! the reason i am writing this post is because i will go back to it for my supplier ratings after the event! :)
ok, back to the event planning. i searched the net and asked around for possible churches, reception venues, caterers, entertainment, invitation suppliers, decors, cake, souvenirs, etc. whew!
and 3 weeks before the event, we have booked most of the essentials (this post has been updated!):
the church (we already attended the baptism seminar):
the lunch reception:
the caterer (in-house catering at the reception venue)
the invites by great concepts
venue set up by valbuena party shop (color theme is white and shades of pink!)
band and sound system (kelly badon project)
cake and mini cupcakes by c is for cupcakes (see inspiration for the cake and minicakes attached)
photographer (jo lim photography)
videographer (mel of matchbox)
minicakes by kraze kitch
tarpaulin c/o my sister-in-law
photobooth by photobooth on scene
baptism and reception dress(we bought from periwinkle at the shangrila mall)
shoes and socks (rustan's)
wines (bought from S&R)
LCD projector (edric rojas of EJM Blitz)
crew meals (c/o the caterer)
to-dos:
lechon (will probably call elarz to deliver)
beer (San Miguel delivery 632BEER)
hope i did not forget any other party essentials! the reason i am writing this post is because i will go back to it for my supplier ratings after the event! :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
every little thing she does is magic
we are so (super!) in love with our little one (i'm sure you can tell!)!
KC and the bottle
since i am due to go back to work in a few weeks, i have started using my medela pump in style advanced breast pump to collect and store milk for kirsten.
it's a real challenge from the start since i don't know how the pump works (ganun pala yun haha!) and how i can get as much milk as i can. the first few times were darn frustrating, i only got less than an ounce to an ounce on both boobies! every drop counts! but i guess as i can continue to pump frequently and regularly the milk comes flowing more and more (yey!). i also make sure to drink lots of fluids (water, fresh juice, soups with malunggay) and eat oatmeal (i read somewhere it helps increase milk production) everyday. i am actually considering taking supplements, like malunggay capsules (natalac?) and fenugreek, as well as buy lactating cookies from mommy treats, but i will still have to check with my pedia.
with my limited milk supply, we tried to give kc the medela bottle (we used the medela bottle as she doesn't seem to like the avent ones [yet]!) last week when i had to go out for lunch with my bosses. and she took it like a pro!
i had my sisted give it to her i also read that she may reject the bottle once she senses i am the one giving it to her (hey mom can i drink from you instead!?).
actually, i have tried giving her the bottle and she rejected it! but during the few times my sister or her tita/yaya ana gave it to her while i was away, she took it! haaay.
o diba? anong nipple confusion!? :) thank you, sweetie, for cooperating. great job, little one! i am so proud of you! but please don't think that i am giving you the bottle so i can go out and make lakwatsa or for my own convenience ( i love breastfeeding you!). of course, if your mama had it her way, she'd stay with you 24/7 and be a stay-at-home mom (oh langga i wish you knew how much it saddens me to think that i'd have to leave and be away from you for 8 hours or so starting mid-nov! it breaks my heart!). but mama needs to go back to work so she can help dad provide you with everything you need and more. we both want the best for you. this arrangement is only during my work hours, anak. when i get home (i will leave the office as early as possible, i promise!), tayo na ulit magkadikit and you will feed directly from me. i have committed myself to breastfeed you as long as possible, so we can both get all the benefits it has in store for us.
good luck to us both, sweetheart. together, we can do this! :)
it's a real challenge from the start since i don't know how the pump works (ganun pala yun haha!) and how i can get as much milk as i can. the first few times were darn frustrating, i only got less than an ounce to an ounce on both boobies! every drop counts! but i guess as i can continue to pump frequently and regularly the milk comes flowing more and more (yey!). i also make sure to drink lots of fluids (water, fresh juice, soups with malunggay) and eat oatmeal (i read somewhere it helps increase milk production) everyday. i am actually considering taking supplements, like malunggay capsules (natalac?) and fenugreek, as well as buy lactating cookies from mommy treats, but i will still have to check with my pedia.
with my limited milk supply, we tried to give kc the medela bottle (we used the medela bottle as she doesn't seem to like the avent ones [yet]!) last week when i had to go out for lunch with my bosses. and she took it like a pro!
i had my sisted give it to her i also read that she may reject the bottle once she senses i am the one giving it to her (hey mom can i drink from you instead!?).
actually, i have tried giving her the bottle and she rejected it! but during the few times my sister or her tita/yaya ana gave it to her while i was away, she took it! haaay.
o diba? anong nipple confusion!? :) thank you, sweetie, for cooperating. great job, little one! i am so proud of you! but please don't think that i am giving you the bottle so i can go out and make lakwatsa or for my own convenience ( i love breastfeeding you!). of course, if your mama had it her way, she'd stay with you 24/7 and be a stay-at-home mom (oh langga i wish you knew how much it saddens me to think that i'd have to leave and be away from you for 8 hours or so starting mid-nov! it breaks my heart!). but mama needs to go back to work so she can help dad provide you with everything you need and more. we both want the best for you. this arrangement is only during my work hours, anak. when i get home (i will leave the office as early as possible, i promise!), tayo na ulit magkadikit and you will feed directly from me. i have committed myself to breastfeed you as long as possible, so we can both get all the benefits it has in store for us.
good luck to us both, sweetheart. together, we can do this! :)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
KC's play time
kirsten's been able to focus her attention more on things (and people, of course), and this is what happens during her play time.
she coos and gurgles at the lamaze pad beside her and at the animals dangling above.
we love watching and hearing you interact with your toys! keep up the good work, dear!
she coos and gurgles at the lamaze pad beside her and at the animals dangling above.
we love watching and hearing you interact with your toys! keep up the good work, dear!
KC @ 2 months
our baby's 2 months old and growing so fast! she never fails to make us smile (and laugh!) everyday. :)
and of course, since we just love to celebrate anything and everything, our kirsten bear's 2nd month birthday was celebrated with a pasta and pizza dinner at home with the villasis family.
the very proud dad and mama!
sweets for my sweet! our tiramisu from secret recipe
cupcakes from kraze kitch
k and r then...
and now, we are three! :)
here's little kc showing off her tongue tricks. :D
we love you more and more everyday, sweetheart!
and of course, since we just love to celebrate anything and everything, our kirsten bear's 2nd month birthday was celebrated with a pasta and pizza dinner at home with the villasis family.
the very proud dad and mama!
sweets for my sweet! our tiramisu from secret recipe
cupcakes from kraze kitch
k and r then...
and now, we are three! :)
here's little kc showing off her tongue tricks. :D
we love you more and more everyday, sweetheart!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
well baby visit
kirsten has been to her pedia thrice. One visit was 2 weeks after we left the hospital; the next one coincided with my follow-up visit with the OB (the OB and pedia are a married couple and they share a clinic); and this one was for her hepa B second vaccine.
she cried after the vaccine shot but only for a short time. good job, sweetie! :)
we went to my office to pick up my mail and a gift from tito jose (thanks, tito jose!). then we had dinner at KFC.
i was disappointed with this dessert though, it was indeed just a spoonful! bummer!
she cried after the vaccine shot but only for a short time. good job, sweetie! :)
we went to my office to pick up my mail and a gift from tito jose (thanks, tito jose!). then we had dinner at KFC.
i was disappointed with this dessert though, it was indeed just a spoonful! bummer!
breastfeeding 101
every mom wants the best for their babies. and for a first-time mom like me, it was very important to read books, ask other moms, and go online searching for best mom and baby practices. breast feeding was on the top of the list. i can't remember if i was breastfed, but even if i wasn't, i think i turned out OK. :D
let me share the benefits of exclusively breastfeeding kirsten:
1. breastmilk provides her first immunization against diseases! my colostrum is rich in infection-fighting ingredients that will help develop her immune system and protect her from diseases. therefore, fewer trips to the pedia!
2. breastmilk is complete food for her first 6 months, no need for water nor supplements!
3. breastmilk promotes the development of good vision!
4. breastmilk decreases the risk of diabetes in babies!
5. breastmilk is easily digested, decreasing diaarhea/constipation episodes! also, kirsten's poo is sweet-smelling and not at all offensive! i love changing her diapers!
6. it increases her IQ! there have been studies that show babies who are breastfed perform better in school, score higher in intelligence tests, and get higher teacher ratings!
7. breastfeeding results in better teeth and jaw development!
8. for the moms, breastfeeding helps
a. you lose weight as it burns as much as 500-600 calories a day! (did i tell you i lost 26 lbs 3 weeks after giving birth?? ehem!)
b. you save money! breastmilk is free, no need to buy formula!
c. you save time! breastmilk is readily available - no need to mix, warm, sterilize! just pop out the boob!
d. soothe the baby whenever, wherever! if kirsten keeps crying after we've changed her nappy, rocked her, played with her, etc., i bring her to my breast and she's happy! :)
there are more wonderful benefits han the ones i mentioned above, do read up! here are some sites you can get info from:
The Perfect Latch
La Leche League Manila
i aim to breastfeed for as long as i can. when i get back to work, i will pump and store my milk so she can still feed on breastmilk even when i am away. there are some sacrifices to be made (breastfeeding in public is a bit awkward but after some time you can do it like a pro!) i want only the best for our kirsten bear! :)
some breastfeeding episodes while we were out and about!
let me share the benefits of exclusively breastfeeding kirsten:
1. breastmilk provides her first immunization against diseases! my colostrum is rich in infection-fighting ingredients that will help develop her immune system and protect her from diseases. therefore, fewer trips to the pedia!
2. breastmilk is complete food for her first 6 months, no need for water nor supplements!
3. breastmilk promotes the development of good vision!
4. breastmilk decreases the risk of diabetes in babies!
5. breastmilk is easily digested, decreasing diaarhea/constipation episodes! also, kirsten's poo is sweet-smelling and not at all offensive! i love changing her diapers!
6. it increases her IQ! there have been studies that show babies who are breastfed perform better in school, score higher in intelligence tests, and get higher teacher ratings!
7. breastfeeding results in better teeth and jaw development!
8. for the moms, breastfeeding helps
a. you lose weight as it burns as much as 500-600 calories a day! (did i tell you i lost 26 lbs 3 weeks after giving birth?? ehem!)
b. you save money! breastmilk is free, no need to buy formula!
c. you save time! breastmilk is readily available - no need to mix, warm, sterilize! just pop out the boob!
d. soothe the baby whenever, wherever! if kirsten keeps crying after we've changed her nappy, rocked her, played with her, etc., i bring her to my breast and she's happy! :)
there are more wonderful benefits han the ones i mentioned above, do read up! here are some sites you can get info from:
The Perfect Latch
La Leche League Manila
i aim to breastfeed for as long as i can. when i get back to work, i will pump and store my milk so she can still feed on breastmilk even when i am away. there are some sacrifices to be made (breastfeeding in public is a bit awkward but after some time you can do it like a pro!) i want only the best for our kirsten bear! :)
some breastfeeding episodes while we were out and about!
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