What I've learned from having a 1 Year old Daughter & a Baby in my Tummy

Since I've been on maternity leave from the 1st week of August pa lang kahit ang due date ko is Sept. 14 pa, eto ang mga natutunan ko. Let me enumerate and elaborate:

1.   I need to have more Calcium

While it’s true that pregnant women need to have added amount of calcium intake for them and the child inside their womb, I need it more, I say, because my soon-to-be toddler is so active and hindi maiwasan na kargahin ko sya. Yes, yes, yes, I’ve heard a lot of reminders already telling me na wag magbuhat ng mabigat and most especially wag na buhatin si Eliza para hindi ma-stress ang baby ko sa loob but there are times that it’s really inevitable not to carry or even lift her.

2.   Extra patience comes in handy

I gotta be patient with my little explorer, my tiny tot. Yet some women would say na during their pregnancy, their hormones go berserk and they become temperamental. Thank God that doesn't happen to me. I may have been a little less patient when I’m stressed sa work but now since naka-mat leave ako, I got all the free time to play and care for my babies.

3.   Laughing and creating happy bonding moments are easier

I know that the baby inside in my womb can hear and feel the laughter, the games, the singing, the dancing and listening to music activities we are doing ng ate nya. So kampante ako na pati sya mahahawa sa happy aura namin and she’s able to interact too.

4.   Physical Strength is important

I suffered badly from the accident. Ang hirap umupo, tumayo, magbend to get something, and even humiga at matulog. Pero mas nahirapan ako to breathe, umiyak, umubo, mag-sneeze, at even to laugh. Ang sakit-sakit sa dibdib, physically and metaphorically. That made me worried kasi naisip ko, paano ko aalagaan ang mga anak ko. But God healed me and He did it just in time. Laughing wand doing some activities with Eliza gradually exercised my chest and now I’m totally well. Praise God for using my daughter as His instrument to help me recover.

Every now and then I pick up toys, clothes, food or mga pamunas na tinatapon ni bulilit sa floor and even diapers with wiwi na, kasi sometimes pag-alanganin na itapon sa trash bin sa likod, then I just slip it under the bed, hehehe. Pati na rin kapag naglilikot si Eliza sa bed kasi she loves going sa edge ng bed so ako yung mega harang. She runs around the bed, flips and turns na ang bilis-bilis so nakakapraning kung hindi ko sya maabot.  So that means I bend and reach a lot. 

5.   In the Pink of health

This is in connection to numbers 1 and 4. Women who are in this type of situation should be eating healthy foods and shouldn’t be stressed at all! Good vibes lang dapat lagi. A little exercise would help too lalo na ang mga stretchings and yogas for pregnant women nearing labor.

6.   Irish Twins

Haha, added info lang ito. Thanks to sis Ai who told me about this. Ang tawag pala sa dalawang bata na isang taon lang ang pagitan is “Irish Twins.” Here’s what I’ve read about from http://multiples.about.com/od/glossary/g/irishtwins.htm by Pamela Prindle Fierro, About.com Guide

Definition: The term is used to describe two children born to the same mother in the same calendar year or within twelve months of each other. The phrase originated as a derogatory term associated with Irish immigration to the United States and England in the 1800's. The implication was that large groups of close-in-age siblings were the result of uneducated, poor Irish Catholic families' lack of birth control as well as self-control.

In modern use, the term is not intended as an insult, but rather a description of siblings born close together. Irish twins are not actually twins and they are not the same as having twins, which are defined as two siblings born from the same gestation.

Actually there are a lot of insights everyday but I guess this sums it all.

Til next time!

Simply Blessed: Eliza Yohan Turns One!

Yey! The long wait is finally over! It's our baby's first birthday!!!

Buti na lang at Friday pa lang e nakauwi na dito sa Dipolog si Papa Ace. He came from Dumaguete bringing the cake he personally handpicked and "edited" kumbaga kasi sabi nya hindi yun yung original na look. He bought the toys as cake toppers at the mall and asked Fernandez Cakes to remove the background na carton kasi hindi nya raw feel. And lo-and-behold, when he got the cake, he was so surprised daw with the size kasi ang laki pala! In fairness, Fernandez Cakes made and excellent job! May blooper nga lang - hindi nasira yung cake when he bought it here, but when Ace and his papa arranged the cake sa table, accidentally natamaan ang icing with the lettering na "Yohan" so ayun, tinabunan na lang namin ng candy flowers. Hihihi.

We didn’t plan for a big celebration. In fact, hindi na kami nagplano at all kasi nga ang inisip namin, kami-kami na lang ang magcelebrate since the baby usually doesn’t enjoy much kapag maraming tao and hindi pa naman nya ma-appreciate, plus ang lalayo ng mga taong iinvite namin. But when my in-laws saw the cake, ayun, na-pressure ata at instead na kaunti lang ang ihahanda, nagulat na lang kami ni Ace kasi nag-line up na sila ng menu! Waaaa! So naggrocery, at naghanap ng lilitsunin! Ewan ko ba bakit naturingang event planner e hindi naman ako nakakapag-plano pa ng maayos sa sarili kong mga events! Kaloka! O well, as of now kasi limited pa ang resources plus kabuwanan ko rin kasi.

On the day of Eliza’s Birthday, ang aga namin nagising para maghanda. Sayang nga kasi walang behind the scene photos kasi ang saya tingnan, busy kami lahat. Pati si Eliza nakibusy na rin. Though she wasn’t in her usual likot mode, hindi naman sya natulog. Siguro naaliw syang tingnan kami na aligaga sa pagpeprepare for her. She ended up sitting on her high chair, watching me while I make the macaroni salad. I can see she was fascinated by what I was doing kasi she was blabbering, smiling a lot, and looking intensely at my hands and at the food i was preparing. How I wish I could’ve had a snapshot of it. Pero di bale na, that moment will forever be etched in my heart.

Her Papa Ace naman was the master chef or should I say, “Hot Guy Who Cooks”. Sa kanya lahat ng main dish! Well aside from the once cooked by Mama and Papa. Grabe, we were multi-tasking na. Then we had to prepare the balloons pa, buti na lang we had all that we needed, thanks to our other business which is balloon-making. Heheheh!

Supposedly, since Tinkerbelle and fairy friends na ang nasa cake, it follows na yun na rin ang theme, right? Wrong! Kasi what Ace got as a backdrop design was Winnie the Pooh and friends since wala raw syang nakita na Tinkerbell! Hahahahaha! Impromptu kasi. Hindi na kasi ako nagpagawa ng tarp because of the thought na kami-kami lang naman.

Then dumating na ang mga kapitbahay and some other guests who were clueless of what the occasion was. They’ve just invited a few kasi mahirap na, baka magasama ng isang barangay at simpleng handa lang meron kami.

My family on the other hand, couldn't attend because my mom’s still recuperating but they kept on calling and texting, asking what's going on na and how Eliza was.

It was a circus, the preparation I mean. We never expected it to turn out this way. Ako na rin ang official photographer kaya kaunti lang ang photos. Yet, I’m happy kasi natupad rin ang wish ko na magkapicture kaming tatlo. Thank God for the tri-pod we bought. ;)

I can say na nakakapagod. Kasi kami na ang nagprepare and then of course the after care. But for me, it was also fun and yun yung masasabi mong “Labor of Love” talaga kasi hindi kami nag-pacater. Lahat kami ang nagluto, except for the Lechon, which was very tasty by the way.

Maraming salamat sa lahat ng bumati and nagsend ng wishes nila for our baby. Also to those who came and celebrated with us. Thank you to Eliza’s Ninang Analyn for the dress Eliza wore on that day. Thank you to my in-laws too for their undying support and love to our Eliza Yohan. To my hubby Ace who has made tremendous efforts sa cake pa lang and sa paghahanda.

None of this will be possible without the guidance from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for giving us the physical strength and the will para kayanin all that has transpired that day. Glory and praise to You!

As for Eliza, well, as expected, she was surprised and she cried kasi nagulat sya paglabas nya ng room ang dami nang tao and ang ingay. Kaya ayun, saglit lang kami sa dining area and went back to the room where she felt more comfortable and relaxed. Dun na lang kami nag-pictorial. When the guests left, saka na sya naging cheerful ulit. Okay lang yan anak, marami ka pang birthdays na dadating so tsaka na ang photo ops with other people. ;)

Hayaan mo, next time, may theme na tayo and may party na, that’s a promise! Mommy and Papa will work hard for that to happen. Or if wala, ang alternative is Disneyland, ayos ba yun sa’yo anak? Before your 2^nd birthday, I’m gonna ask you that and I know by then you’ll be able to tell me what your answer is. :D

A Birthday Letter to my daughter Eliza Yohan

Dear Eliza Yohan, 

Anak, it’s just 5 days before your First Birthday. Excited na kami ni Papa mo. We’re so happy to see that you’ve grown to be a very healthy, happy, always smiling, very smart and active na baby.  Ang laking blessing nun, anak and we’re so thankful to God for that.

On your First Birthday, we decided to make it an intimate na celebration. Saka na lang ang big parties ha  kasi hindi mo pa naman maaapreciate ngayon. We wanted na ma-solo ka muna namin ni Papa mo.

Alam mo anak, marami kaming wish ni papa mo for you pero alam ko na kahit ano pa ang maging gusto mo paglaki, we’re here to be your number one cheerleaders and advisers.

August 30, 2011, 7:44 AM (Tuesday) at SUMC, you were born into this world and me and your Papa’s world has never been the same. Ang ganda-ganda mo at ang kapal ng buhok. You kept on kicking your swaddle as if gusto mo kumawala dun. Malikot ka na nga sa tummy ni mommy, malikot ka rin dun sa nursery. Hahaha, that’s my baby!

Ikaw lang yata ang nakita kong baby na nakaspaghetti strap agad na top kasi ayaw mo ng mainit. Mas mahimbing pa ang tulog mo nung tinanggalan ka ni papa ng clothes habang naka-aircon. Kung si mommy lamigin, kakaiba ka anak, mas gusto mo ang lamig. Since makapal ang buhok mo, lagi kang naiinitan at napapawisan so almost magdamag ang aircon. Kung hindi man e naka-number 3 ang electric fan para na rin to shoo away the lamok.

Noon, ayaw na ayaw mo ang pinaliliguan, rinig hanggang sa baba ng boarding house ang iyak at sigaw mo early in the morning.

At 11 months, sobrang enjoy ka na at ayaw pang umalis sa mini tub mo. Natakot ka rin noong una when Papa took you to bathe you sa dagat but eventually, lumabas din ang love mo sa water at ayaw mo rin sanang umalis.

Tinawag ka ni Papa na Miriam kasi kamukha mo raw si Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago – strict, pensive face na kulot ang hair. You got your curls from your Lola Izobel. Ang funny lang is kulot sa tips pero nakataas ang hair mo, parang nakablower na – instant hair styled! This was when you were three to about five months old. 

But now, bagsak na bagsak na ang hair mo. Wavy pa rin ang tips pero super haba na ng bangs mo abot na sa cheeks. Your papa calls you Justin Bieber naman kasi you shake your head like the way he does to fix his hair.

Baby, thank you kasi hindi mo kami pinahirapan sa pag-aalaga sa’yo. Yes, when you were a new born baby Mommy and Papa had to adjust kasi maya’t maya iiyak ka kasi gutom or nag-pupu but you were predictable we didn’t have to worry much. Puyatan, yes, but it was also because you were adjusting to the new environment outside mommy’s womb. Naaawa nga kami sa’yo kapag naiingayan at nagugulat ka. IIyak ka lang kung may rason, like if you were hungry, basa or may poop ang diaper, or if you were sleepy but can’t sleep.

You were very easy to feed, so easy laging gutom si mommy kasi ang lakas mong magdrink ng milk from me. That goes to show how healthy you are. Pati na rin when solid foods were introduced to you, wala kang kahirap-hirap kumain.

You enjoyed drinking milk and eating. A sign of how much you love eating time is when you swing your leg back and forth while you’re sitting sa high chair mo.

Malakas ka rin kumain ng fruits at Polvoron. Hahaha, I even remember na kahit nakapikit ka e kakain ka pa rin. Sayang nga, walang picture or video si mommy on you kasi you were a bit grumpy na, ayaw kong mainis ka pa so hindi ko na naiset-up ang cam. But you were so funny kasi antok na antok ka and nkaidlip ka pa while sinusubuan kita ng cerelac mo. You stared at me for a minute kasi you found me giggling. Hahahaha!

I’m a bit guilty of leaving you with your Lolo Fernando and Lola Izobel kasi your yaya had to leave. Hinatid ka namin sa kanila when you were just three months old. 

Because of that, hindi namin natyempuhan ang karamihan sa firsts mo like your first time na tumagilid ka nang matulog, first time ka nagcrawl, umupo at tumayo mag-isa. Your Papa was so happy when he was the first to see ang pagtubo ng iyong unang front tooth. We had to work in Dumaguete for us din. Kaya nga somehow nagmamadali kami ni Papa mo na ayusin ang trabaho at business para magkakasama na tayo lagi. Whenever we get to Dipolog, we make sure we have quality time with you and we’re glad hindi mo kami nakakalimutan. We love each time we spend with you; each time you laugh whenever we make you; each time you play and interact with us, and all the times we’ve felt that you needed us. Mama and Papa are making some sacrifices for you and our future. Mas inspired kami to do even the impossible things just for your welfare baby.

As of now, you have 4 front teeth sa taas and 2 sa baba and ang sakit-sakit mo mangagat! Also, you’re learning how to walk. Kung pwede lang na lagyan namin lahat ng sulok ng bahay at even sa labas ng foam, gagawin namin, but hindi naman pwede. All we can do is just to watch over you and prevent you from tripping or falling down. In life, anak, that’s what we will be for you too.

You’re very expressive and we find it so amusing kasi ang ingay mo to the point na ang lakas mo tumili at ang dali mong patawanin at maka-appreciate ng things. When we say “yehey” we really see the delight and enthusiasm sa whole face mo, from the eye brows, to your smiling eyes and your beautiful big smile! Magaling ka rin magpose anak! Siguro namana m okay Papa? Hehehehe… but every day you look more and more like your Papa. Ok lang yan anak basta dapat pati ang height manahin mo kay Papa. You're very smart and you have curious eyes, always wanting to know what's going on.

I pray to God always that He may protect you and for Him to raise a God-fearing child who has a childlike heart like Jesus. I already know that you are a wonderful child and so I pray that we may raise you well. Dati, I talk to you and give each letters of your name with words/adjectives that I want you to have and become as you grow.

E is for excellent, energetic, enlightened, exemplary, and extraordinary

L is for loving, loyal, loveable

I is for intelligent, intuitive, imaginative,

Z is for zealous (pwede ba ang zmart, zweet, at zimple? Hehehe)

A is for adorable, artistic, amiable

Y is for youthful

O is for outstanding, outgoing, open to us ng papa nya

H is for honest, humble, happy

A is for affectionate, admirable

N is for nice, noble, noteworthy

I always say this to people I know that when a baby turns 1 year old, parang bumibilis lalo ang panahon… but for me, you will always be my baby.

We love you so much our Eliza Yohan! Mommy and Papa are so proud of you ngayon pa lang and will always be proud of you. Happy 1^st Birthday my baby love! God be with you.

Love and Prayers,

Mommy

Baby Steps is Now Open!

One of our biggest dreams finally came true when we opened our first ever baby and mommy store - Baby Steps! Grabe, who would have thought we'd be store owners and entrepreneurs. I've always wanted to be a businesswoman but I didn't know what exactly I would like. I have so many on my list but having a store that provides the best, not to mention, unique items for the meticulous and even kikay moms and moms-to-be came top of my list.

Come and visit us at Ground Flr. FSA 3 Bagsakan ni Edad T.Claudio St. Dipolog City
We're open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Mondays to Saturdays
We welcome Wholesalers and Resellers as well. ;) Please inquire at 0917.628.8618

We had our Grand Opening  last Saturday, August 18, 2012. Though kami-kami lang kasi hindi pumunta yung mga nainvite namin since ang aga ng store blessing (8:30 am), we were still very excited and happy because after all the months we've worked for this, we finally had it open to all! Nag-pay off din ang mga pagtitipid ng sweldo pambili ng stocks, down payment sa rent, at pagprocess ng mga permits for the business!

The location was indeed a blessing kasi hindi yan originally ang place na ni-rent namin kasi at the time we've inquired, wala nang ibang vacant near the clinics ng OB, Pedia and Family doctors. But on the last week of July, we learned that a stall will be vacant by the end of the month kaya we immediately grabbed the opportunity... and so they say the rest is history. We immediately fell in love with the location because it was facing the main road.

So like what I said, we wanted to really have our own store na magcater sa mga needs and wants ng mga moms and first time moms who are very eager to give the best to their babies, especially if cute items at porma ang paguusapan. We also wanted to have a one-stop shop na meron na yun para sa needs ng moms until after they've given birth. Kasi noong nagbubuntis pa ako kay Eliza, nabitin ako sa pamimili kasi kulang-kulang naman sa Dumaguete and even dito sa Dipolog so naisip namin bakit hindi na lang kami magspecialize dito di ba? Thus it was born.

Why the name nga pala? Kasi according to Ace, Baby Steps has a lot of meaning attached to it. We take small steps towards something bigger di ba, and so he said ang parenthood, hindi naman automatic na natututunan and there's no school for that. That's why everyday is a learning process, taking "baby steps" towards knowing how to become the best parents we can be. Naks!

As for the slogan, "Bringing Beautiful Beginnings", well there's a lot of things that bring beautiful beginnings - knowing you have a gift inside your womb growing; having a baby brings a family closer than ever; the excitement and anticipation; preparing the baby's stuff... and the list goes on. But apart from that, we envision our store to be a gift shop to any and every Mommy and Baby occasions - from the Baby shower, to Mommy's delivery, to christening/dedication, to the baby's firsts including birthdays! 

We're new, but definitely we're competitive.  Medyo bare pa yung store kaya naghahanap pa ako ng iba pang suppliers. But I'm really happy kasi may nasimulan na kami.  More exciting stuff to come!

Ayan, shinare ko lang ang excitement ko. Hehehehe! Help me to pray for the success of our business kasi para ito sa mga babies namin ni Ace. :D

That Fateful Day

Writing this and recalling everything is not easy for me but I have to remind myself that this is not just a story, and it's not really about me. It's something worth sharing because this is of God's love and faithfulness.

Last week, specifically last Saturday, July 14, 2012, there was a vehicular accident that happened around 6:40 in the morning at an intersection just beside our office. Nabangga ng isang fish carrier truck, and elf/canter type ng truck, ang likod na part ng tricycle. There were a lot of people who heard the impact of the collision, to them, it sounded daw like a very strong and loud "bang!". The victim, me.

It was raining hard that morning and nagdadalawang isip na ako kung uuwi pa sa bahay or sa office na lang muna matulog para magpatila ng ulan. But I thought that maybe a lot of people would be staying sa sleeping lounge because of the rain and since I'm preggy, I won't be able to climb sa double deck na bed. That's why I decided that Ace and I should go home and stay there until it's okay to travel to Dipolog. So Ace and I hailed a pedicab/tricycle para makauwi ako na hindi nababasa ng ulan and sya, magmomotor na lang pauwi.
I was so sleepy that morning 'cause we've stayed longer in the office because of the rain. Inside the tricycle, may mga isda pa nga sa plastic so I figured the driver bought them, so iniwasan ko,m I stayed at the center para hindi rin ako mabasa. Good thing may trapal yung right side ng trike that prevented rain from coming in, somehow. I stretched my legs and just when I was about to take a deep breath, I noticed na parang nagturn yung trike, I thought mag papa-gas kami since may malapit na gas station but it was weird kasi the whole tricycle was already shaking then yun na, bigla na lang I felt na nauntog ako then napapikit ako but I was conscious. I felt na natumba ang tricycle and ang sakit na ng ulo ko at katawan ko. It happened really fast but then, totoo pala ang sabi nila, kapag ikaw na pala ang na-aksidente, may moment na parang slow mo lahat and you can't hear any sound sa paligid mo then as soon as that quick moment stops, you're now pulled back to the reality and you now feel the pain. I recalled hearing myself cry, no, I wailed in pain. I saw the driver stood up and he was so quick I knew it was adrenalin rush on his part kasi nakabangon sya in less than a second kahit nadaganan sya ng motor and the whole weight of the tricycle was on him!

I was crying out loud naisip ko agad ang baby ko in my womb. I was so scared not for myself but for the baby. The tricycle shouted, "tabangi mi," (help us) and I could hear people rushing in to help me get out of the pedicab but they don't know how -- kung ibabalik ba nila muna sa pagkakaayos ang pwesto ng tricycle or aalsahin ako which is kind of hard kasi nasa baba na ako banda ng tricycle and the pedicabs here in Dumaguete are big, not like in Manila na midget sized lang. I was already panicky and I don't know what to do I couldn't utter a word because of shock, pain, and pure fright. In my mind all I could say was "Lord" over and over. I was still crying hard when I heard mu husband called out for me, "Gah!" His voice was trembling, and that's when I shouted the loudest I could, "Gah... gah!" "Si baby, gah!" Then he lifted me, hindi ko na mafigure out kung paano but all the more na naramdaman ko na ang sakit ng likod ko and my head. Mahapdi na rin sa left ear at sa ulo ko so I knew may dugo na. (Dati kasi napag-usapan namin yung sa UFC na kapag pala may tumulo na na blood from the head dripping to like sa eyes or sa ears, mahapdi na yun).

Napapapikit ako sa sakit but I was conscious all the time. I couldn't believe this ever happened...to me! When Ace was able to draw me out of the tricycle, umiiyak pa rin ako ng malakas and I just hugged him so tight. They tried to check kung makakatayo pa ako but my body was trembling and was weak. Pinasuot pa sa akin yun shoes ko kahit hindi mahanap agad yung ka-partner while Ace was asking help na pasakayin kami sa isa pang tricycle to rush me to the nearest hospital. Hindi ko na nga maalala paano pa ako nakaupo ulit sa tricycle, then I shouted again, "yung baso! Yung baso natin gah!" (Pertaining to the Starbucks thermo na nilagyan ko pa ng pictures naming pamilya). I made sure na hindi yun maiiwan. I was carrying it kasi huhugasan ko pa sana pag-uwi namin. So huminto pa ang trike para maibigay sa amin yung baso.

I was crying still and was holding onto Ace so tight but I said to myself I needed to calm myself down for the baby, kasi baka lalo syang ma-stress. Sa E.R. they immediately checked for the baby's heartbeat but before that I was checking myself na if I feel the baby's movement and if may blood ba. May blood but coming from my head not sa tummy or sa likod, and I felt the baby moving so that's a relief. When we heard the baby's heartbeat na normal naman, somehow I was glad. But I know dapat i-observe pa rin nila. The whole time my body was shaking intensely and all I could do was to take deep breaths. Still I couldn't believe that all this has happened. I told myself again, just be strong, now is not the time for me to be weak. I have to be strong for my husband and my two girls. I gave a smile to my husband even if I wanted to cry. I held his hand tightly while saying, "don't worry, hindi tayo papabayaan ng Diyos." Pati pag-iyak pinigilan ko na kasi ayaw kong mastress ang baby at makitang malungkot at nag-aalala ang asawa ko. I started talking more and I was telling jokes to my husband. It was my way of calming us both and for me to also test myself kung okay ba ang senses ko, kung may problem ba of hearing and memory since alam ko na heavily injured ang left ear ko. and my head. I also did not want to close my eyes nor sleep for fear of not waking up or any seizures.

In  the end, aside from puro pasa at bugbog ang chest, ribs, at ulo, I had 3 stitches on the upper right corner of my eye, temporal area, and 10 stitches to connect the skin under my left ear. Haha, sabi ni Ace, muntik na daw ma-sisig ang tenga ko, dapat nga raw maghahanap na siya ng replacement na tenga sa palengke! hahahaha!

Despite of everything, I am not angry at anyone or even kay God. Nor am I sad. This is for me, one of THE biggest miracles of miracles that ever happened to me! First, my baby is so strong hindi sya naapektuhan. Grabe ang pagbabantay ng guardian angel ng baby ko sa kanya. Second, grabe ang tatag ng asawa ko, I'm so proud of him for his matured ways and how he dealt with everything. Third, because of this, it revealed itself to me that God has answered a prayer I've long been waiting for, and I'm so thankful for that. Now I could give a sigh of relief. One more important and undeniably the most evident of all - that my strength comes not from me but from God who keeps me and is in me. Hindi ako hinimatay o nahilo, I was conscious and well aware of what was happening the whole time. The will, the presence of mind, and even the physical strength all came from God!

I was praying when I was inside the ER and was constantly talking to Him, entrusting everything to him and sang my song for Him. I wanna share this song to you too...

Through It All  (Hillsong)

You are forever in my life, you see me through the seasons
Cover me with your hands, and lead me in your righteousness
And I look to you, and I wait on you

I sing to You Lord a hymn of love for your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms, You'll never let me go
Through it all.

(http://www.buffetofwisdom.com/2009/06/through-it-all-lyrics-and-chords-darlene-zschech-hillsong-australia/)

Praise God for the gift of life. Praise God for the gift of family and loved ones, thank you so much for attending to me immediately, for the care and prayers and for being the source of joy and comfort.

Praise God for the gift of friends and office-mates who went to the rescue and gave their super extra mile -- Thank you to Sir Martin who was like a Boy Scout or even greater, during the whole time. Thank you so much also to Jane and Floe who took charge sa accident scene hanggang sa police station, making sure na everything's covered; sorry at na-awardan kayong tatlo as a result of helping us out during the incident. To Joel, who even in his short words of comfort, made me feel assured. Thank you for being there sa ER and for holding my hand. To Beau, na nagulat naman ako at nandoon ka rin sa ER; thank you for assisting us at sa pagkuha ng motor ni Ace. Sa mga dumalaw sa akin sa ospital at sa Training Team -- time and time again, kahit na iba-iba ang takbo ng utak natin minsan, you've been a real family to me, Thank you with all my heart. To all who prayed for me, Ace, and for our baby Yzabelle, thank you, to infinity and beyond. :D

Thank you God for this nth life you've given me, for blessing my doctors and the medical staff who attended to me. For sure malaki ang expectations mo sa akin. Help me not to let you down.

Thank you Sto. Niño kasi just before we left the office, I prayed pa sa inyo sa chapel and I know you heard me, kaya andito pa kami ni Yzabelle.

To my guardian angel, St. Michael the Archangel, to Yzabelle's guardian angel, and to St. Gerard Majella, patron of mothers and expectant moms, thank you so much and please continue to guard and guide us.

I've written this to remind me to pay it forward too.

Gosh, no words can ever define the feeling I have for this miracle and no words could ever come close to how grateful I am. I'm a survivor, but I didn't do it alone. I was with all who I love and who loves me back. :)


Super Grateful. :D

Bill of Rights for "budget" air travellers like me!

     Finally, DOTC have come up with a draft for a bill about the rights of an airline passengers, specifically those who patronize budget airfares like me.

Admit it, we go crazy just to get that promo seat sale and we don't mind even if we've tried so many times to check on that airline's website, or lalo na kung mag-hang pa ang site nila. Kever! Basta lang may ma-book na flight at ma-avail online ang ticket.

But the excitement wavers when we get to the airport. Siksikan, ang haba ng pila, walang maupuan if you want to wait for your companion, and konting excess lang, charge agad!

I've had a lot of experiences when it comes to in-flight customer service but I also had some irksome moments especially when I started availing promo fares. One is when Ace and I paid for 2 round trip tickets - yung papunta, we made sure na we'll just have the free 7 kgs each, while yung pabalik na ticket, we paid for an additional 15 kilos each (so that's 30 kilos) since we're expecting na marami na kaming dala when we get back. Then a representative called us saying that the flight has to be changed because of some reasons and that na-double booking din kami so we had to specify again what we wanted sa tickets namin. To our surprise, when we checked in our baggage, 15 kilos lang ang pwede namin i-avail since yung isang 15 kilos daw eh included sa ticket namin nung papunta kami. WHAT???? The sad part was we had to pay for it and hindi na kami nakapag-refund because the very rude na mga staff were so... inefficient. Another was ilang times na nadelay ang tig-ilang oras ang flights nang wala man lang advise kung ano ba talaga ang nangyayari, like 2 hours ba naman mag-antay sa runway!

I hope the new bill would include matters like over-booking and refund terms for inconvenience done by the airline.

I'm looking forward to this bill. As per reports, it will be passed come August of this year. Hopefully the airline companies won't complain nor make other appeals about this.

Desparately wanting to be an expert Photographer!

          For those who don't know yet, we bought a Canon DSLR. But until now, we haven't experimented much with it. I need a refresher! I took photography lessons back in the days when SLRs and red rooms still exist (but I'm not saying they are extinct now, it's just that DSLRs took the whole landscape of digital photography by storm).

As you can see, I've placed an exclamation point in the title. That's how badly I want this. I have no valid excuse. I may feel discouraged sometimes 'cause I need a teacher. Sure, I can just browse through the web and even search for some tips at youtube.com but the actual teacher-student experience is just way better. I need mentoring. Someone who'd directly tell me if the photo looks good or bad. Plus I want to learn more about using natural light sources for the photos. And also about the lights on the studio. Geez, I want so many things to learn all at once!

I also dream of having a photography studio specializing in maternity and baby photos. Pero kailangan ko karerin kasi medyo challenging daw ang pagkuha ng photos lalo na sa babies, but it's making me excited all the more! Hope it will materialize soon.

Here's some concepts of what I wanna do... I borrowed some photos in the internet as my inspiration:

Source: (http://freshfromgod.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-jacob-blogged-big-bear.html)

Source: (http://www.thephotoargus.com/inspiration/30-adorable-examples-of-baby-photography/)

Source: (http://thestorkstudio.com/galleries/babies-and-toddlers/)

Why we named her after St. John the Baptist

          June 24, exactly a year ago, we learned about our first baby's gender. The little girl inside my womb was so elated to make her appearance on the screen when we had the ultrasound that she even waved her hands at us! The doctor said, "ang likot na bata!" (what a lively baby!).

It was the feast of St. John the Baptist that day. I then recalled the story when Mama Mary visited her cousin, St. Elizabeth, and the child in her womb who moved and leaped for joy.

St. John the baptist, being one who symbolically baptized Jesus, is one of the saints I venerate the most. It is because of his influence in my life that I also offer our child to God. Not only is she a child of God but her spirit belongs to the Lord.

Thus, the name Eliza Yohan was given to our first born; Yohan being the feminine name for John.

Happy feast day, Saint John the Baptist! Thank you for being a light to the world.

Even if I'm not a Daddy's Girl

I grew up with my mom telling me stories like when I was a baby, my dad used to make me lay down in a make-shift duyan made of blanket and ropes tied on each end. She would then tell me na pagmadaling araw nababasa sila ng wiwi ko kasi nasa ibabaw ng bed nila ang duyan ko or if not, nasa tabi ako ng daddy ko and so he gets soaked up since I'm just in my lampin.

What I also can recall is whenever I have assignments about current events and politics, he's the one my mom let me call to kasi he worked in Bacolod and Cebu when we were growing up.

We would send cards for special occassions and letters if we need some things to pay for sa school. When he goes home for a two weeks vacation, mag-gegeneral cleaning kami and it feels like we have a visitor coming over.

I grew up na hindi kami close ng Daddy ko. I already know I'm not his favorite child and it wasn't a big deal. I think the only time it was an issue was nung nakauwi sya sa graduation ng ate ko when she graduated in grade school tapos sa graduation ko wala sya.

I grew up na hindi nya alam ang fears ko, my own desires, my secrets, my failures, heartaches, my own petty or sometimes kinda big problems, and even some of my own small successes.

What I know is he thinks of me as a tough person, determined and at times stubborn too. There was a time na I lived with my parents and it was a revelation to me-- seeing and knowing who he really was. Before, it seemed like he's the kind of dad who doesn't get angry that much and the one who always has a smile on his face. I don't know if it's because of his age kaya he seems to be a worrier now than before and mas madalas na siyang ma-high blood. I thought before na mommy ko ang mas nagagalit and at times tend to say harsh things, but mas matalas pala dila ng papa ko, may kasama pang gestures at facial expression.

Though it seems that what I'm writing is derogatory, for me, I'm just being honest. I do not have a perfect dad after all. But then, this is what makes him human. He may be all religious and acts holy at times, but I saw his human side.

We have had all sorts of arguments and most of the time our ideas clash. I think he even sees a contrabida in me. But inspite of all these, I will never ever dismiss nor forget the fact that he is one vital part of my life; no ordinary man I may say.

He's been a good provider to us.
He's done his best to send the 4 of us to good schools.
He's been there to help me with my assignments.
He's been my critique and he challenges me to work my butt off.
He taught me that prayers can move mountains and that faith in God will always be my saving grace.

And though I am not a Daddy's girl, I know God has selected the best dad I could ever have.

Happy Father's day Dad! I love you.

An Article on How To Lose The Baby Weight

Hey moms! Got this from Yahoo.com (by Maui V. Reyes) as I was browsing the net and it's so informative that it deserves to be shared to you.

Take time to read on and like what I tell my other mommy friends, don't be discouraged if you don't get into your desired shape or if you don't get back to that pre-pregnancy figure you had right away. It took you 7 to 9 months to gain all the weight, give yourselves time to loose it in a healthy way too. ;D


So here's the article and some of my thoughts:

Here are five ways to help shed those post-baby pounds to get you in shape as you walk down the road of mommyhood:

1. Start moving. To call the first few days of motherhood exhausting is an understatement, as your baby demands your attention 24/7. But that doesn't mean you should lock yourself in the nursery 'til your little one learns to walk out the door.

While doctors recommend you don't do any strenuous exercise 'til six weeks post-partum (and even longer if you had a C-section), doesn't mean you can't squeeze in a light workout. Simply pushing the stroller around the neighborhood can help burn a few calories, as is going up and down the stairs. As long as you feel fine and aren't bleeding or getting light-headed, then you can keep up this simple exercise routine until your six-week check-up.

(For me, it's more on mind over matter. If you take your doctor's advice literally then it'll make you more paranoid and maybe immobile because you are scared that something wrong might happen to your body - and even add those old beliefs and superstitions. I'm not saying that you go back to your old fast moving self, but I myself can attest that a little stretching, bending, and standing at times will do no harm, but rather, it would make you feel a little better.)


2. Breastfeed. Breastfeeding exclusively can help you shed your pregnancy weight—and then some! Breastfeeding uses up to 600 calories a day, which is equivalent to running a 5k race—and you don't have to get off the couch. The best part? Not only will you be able to bond with your baby, but breastmilk helps boost your baby's immunity and brain development. Try to feed on demand and nix infant formula unless really needed.

(As they say, breastfeeding is still best not only for the baby but to mommies as well. It can really take away the weight!)


3. Don't scrimp on food. While it may be tempting to start on that new diet fad, now's not a good idea to do so. Your baby needs you in tip-top shape, and that means taking in around 1,500 calories a day (add an addition 300 if you're breastfeeding). Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal composed of super foods that are heavy in nutrients, but light on fat.

Stock up on fish like salmon and tuna, which are rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps in brain development. Load up on calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt, and don't shy away from lean chicken and turkey, as these give you protein. It's also a good idea to throw away the potato chips and replace them with fruits for snacking—the water and fiber content of fruits can help keep your bowel movement regular.

(As your baby demands for breastmilk, you also feel hungry but make sure you pick the right food for you and your baby 'cause it'll benefit you both.)


4. Hydrate. A super tired new mom can't afford to be dehydrated. Make sure to drink at least 10 glasses of water a day, and even more if you're breastfeeding. Don't make the mistake of "forgetting" to drink water—your body is still going through changes (many of them hormonal), and the last thing you want is to feel light-headed, or have another case of hemorrhoids.

(Eating watery fruits will hydrate your body and make your skin look healthier too!)


5. Sleep. Sleep deprivation can make anyone stressed out—which then causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol, that has been known to promote weight gain. Not getting enough snooze time also affects your metabolism: a study done in the US found that women who slept less than five hours a day had a harder time shedding the pregnancy weight compared to those who got seven or more.

Catch up on sleep whenever your baby takes a nap. And don't ever sacrifice sleep for a workout! You won't have the energy to exercise efficiently, and you'll only wear yourself out. Same goes for household chores: the dishes can wait. Your baby needs you now.

(During my first pregnancy, this too is what I missed the most. But I got used to it and thank God I was able to adjust and somehow know when I could get enough rest. Good thing my baby wasn't too much to handle. Hoping my second baby will be just like her sister too.)

Counting Your Blessings Multiplies Your Happiness

Instead of counting sheeps if you can't go to sleep, why not count your blessings instead?
This is what I've thought of one night when I couldn't seem to shut my thoughts to deep slumber.

I admire people who, with all the success and good things coming their way, they don't see that it was them who succeeded but that it was God who anchored them towards achieving those things. That's right, even if people say that we're living in an era where people don't give a damn and would only think for themselves, there are still those who would say, "whenever I get blessings and achievements, I think big of myself, but instead makes me realize how BIG my God is."

Waking up each day is already a big blessing. Having my work is another plus. Having a healthy family, who are safe and is well-off in a way, is already an undeniable grace. I do have worries at times but when God knocks me off my senses and makes me see things clearer, I know I am under His grace.

I have too much to thank for than to worry about, so many blessings to count and so I believe that I too have a BIG God who's beside me even when I am trying to fall asleep.

The Real Aftermath of Magnitude 6.9 in Negros Oriental

IT'S THE STRONGEST QUAKE I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED HERE IN DUMAGUETE BY FAR. 


February 6, 2012, Monday - At around 11:45 am. Intensity 7 hit the city of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. It's origin, according to the Philippine Institue of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) was an unmapped faultline discovered at Tayasan, north of Negros Oriental. The quake was due to tectonic movements of the earth's surface. 

Even if I was just on the street, I felt the ground as if the island's going to tear apart. I was outside the city's Police station, processing my clearance when I felt dizzy and then immediately felt the ground shaking. When I looked around, the gates of the police station and all the other signages were already swinging out of control.

The earthquake lasted for a minute or so but it felt like it was the longest 1 minute. Ironically, when I got the chance to ride a tricycle, what's inside it was a newsletter/magazine by the Jehovas' Witness sect about Armageddon. The driver then started preaching and asked me if I was afraid of it. I told him no, I'm not because it is the "Divine plan" and I accept it.

Meanwhile, Tsunami alert level 2 was raised for those living near the shorelines of Cebu and Negros. They advised people here to evacuate and leave their homes. But the problem is where should they go? Clearly, the municipality wasn't prepared for this kind of calamity. Over at Cebu, a lot of people panicked, leaving their homes and heading the mountainous side of the island. Confusion and madness struck the city also because of those false messages and scares. Ironically here in the city, as most people packed and left for the hillsides, there were also those curious spectators who went to the boulevard to see if the waters retrenched for a possible tsunami. To their dismay, it was widely announced through the radio and a roving speaker box that the tsunami alert has been lifted.

AFTERSHOCKS

From Monday and as of this writing, the recorded aftershocks have reached more than a thousand. It's the strongest the country has experienced in six months. More than a thousand aftershocks were recorded, one after the next. Parang nasa Japan tayo nakatira! (It's as if we're residing in Japan!)

MOST AFFECTED
Municipalities of Guihulngan, Jimalalud and La Libertad suffered the most - continuous strong aftershocks, damaged properties, loss of lives and livestocks, scarcity of food and water due to isolated bridges and damaged roads. Within the week, heavy rains poured and once more, the island was in a deeper state of calamity as vast area in the mountains of Guihulngan and La Libertad collapsed resulting to a landslide. The toll for dead and missing or buried persons rapidly increased.

                                 (Photos courtesy of Hulagway ug Kasikas sa Dumaguete)

THE REAL AFTERMATH
As the nation - the private sector, non government groups, the Phil. army, the Philippine Red Cross, WHO, and other government agencies - sent their refuge through relief goods, medical missions, cash donations and other pledges; so did the Overseas Filipino workers, the Filipino immigrants and even the foreign retirees in Negros Oriental.

It was a grand display of what we Filipinos call as "Bayanihan" (in Dictionary.com, it's translated as "cooperative endeavor"). And once again, Filipinos were resilient and displayed the "never-say-die" attitude that we're known for.

Yet on the other hand, while some still chose to keep their spirits up inspite of adversities, the true face of disaster showed - people resorted to looting for food, cellphones and credits for their phones (we call it "cell phone load") to reach their loved ones, and others. Due to lack of clean water to drink, it's either some didn't drink at all or some drank water from the river that soon developed into illnesses.

But the real shock of all was that of strong allegations about politicians taking advantage of the situation. This is a very sad reality.

I for myself had talked to people who were from Guihulngan and all of them claimed that their now well known mayor (because of the day-to-day interviews by the media) has been hoarding all donations. They said that they heard their mayor announced that rice donations, for example, had to be placed in the bodega (warehouse) for safekeeping. The  bodega is actually located in their house.

Too bad, the 5 Million Pesos check given by president P-Noy landed on his palms. God, take over this man, please. Makonsensiya naman siya! (may his conscience bother him!)

Also, why does the governor of Neg Or have to repackage each relief bags with his name on it?

Ay grabe naman, ang kakapal! Matakot naman kayo sa karma! Diyos na bahala sa inyo. Kung ang pinakamatataas na opisyal ng bansa nga sinisingil na sa pagiging kurakot at magnanakaw sa lipunan, kayo pa kaya?


Excerpts from an article written about this on a print and online newspaper called The Visayan Daily Star says:

              
Bring the food and water directly to the people of remote earthquake hit areas of Negros Oriental before they die from hunger.

That was what representatives of non government groups delivering aid to the area appealed yesterday.

The people of La Libertad and Guihulgan are also urgently in need of psychosocial therapy to lessen their trauma, especially the children, they also said.

The relief operations in Guihulgan has been very, very slow, the aid distribution in the first few days after the quake had been concentrated in the house of the mayor, Bayan Negros secretary general Christian Tuayon said.

He also noted that relief assistance from the Capitol bore the name of Gov. Roel Degamo on the packages.

“Don’t politicize relief operations, spare the victims of the earthquake from politics, prioritize the people,” he appealed.

Meanwhile, Guihulngan City Mayor has denied allegations of slow distribution of relief goods (Story on Oriental Page).

Tuayon also called on government agencies and the private sector to deliver the aid directly to the people. Don’t go through the politicians who are more interested in 2013 than the people, Evidente said.

Let us all help each other rebuild communities in Guihulgan without politics, he said.

To read the complete article, click on this link: http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/February/13/topstory3.htm