When to potty train

After 8 long years, having another baby is like being a new mom over and over. For the first time after 4 pregnancies, I found myself downloading pregnancy apps and whats not. To justify, we didn't have those back then. But anyway, everything seemed new to me. But nonetheless, the excitement it brings is still the same. 

Fast forward a year after giving birth, past all "new baby issues', I am now faced with the the same question I had with my 4 other children. As you know, having a baby costs more than having 2 toddler aged kids. The expenses are endless especially if you don't know how to budget. I still breastfeed my son, although he drinks formula milk in a bottle, it's not that of a burden as I got a quality milk that doesn't cost much. Initially, he had Nestogen but I shifted to Lactum when he turned 1 which was a month ago. And since I still breastfeed him, his milk expenses is not as much as of his diapers'. I am now asking myself, should I potty train him now? Is he ready? I have a nephew who was trained at 1, and the rest of my kids are diaper free by 2.  I was  trying to do some Math because the increasing cost of his diaper is adding much to my calculations. 

I tried to rid him of his diapers for 2 days every morning til before noon which is his nap time, then diaper free again til bedtime at night. It was fun yet tiring. Every few minutes, I'd ask him if he wants to "weewee". He still doesn't speak and couldn't walk so I have to interpret his sounds and gestures and carry him to the restroom. Often, I misinterpreted. Just when I thought he'd be doing his thing, he was actually just playing games with me laughing as I make the "wiwish sounds". I am also teaching him to walk so he doesn't stay long in his playpen so no weewee mess in there. However, spots in our floor turn into puddle of weewee. 

After 2 days, I comforted myself into knowing that kids vary. I can't insist him to do something he still isn't ready. He'll come of age, the right time will come and I'll know it. It could be a month from now, I don't know but at least for now, no pressures, no worries of him being late. (he just turned 1, anyway). Because you know that past 2 days, I felt being robbed of quality time with him as all I do was to get him to the restroom. Playing and reading time is disrupted every time and I felt guilty because those are the things money can't buy. Maybe, I just have to do some extra Math work, maybe I should just cut down on other unnecessary expenses. I'll get back to being in tune with my finances when he's already well trained. By then, he must have learned how to walk and perhaps talk so communicating won't be a problem anymore. By then, we could have read more books and played more games. Til then, I'll spend my time enjoying him and our time together.

How to raise a vegetarian

I am omnivorous.

Barbeques, burgers, steaks-they are all very enticing. 

Frankly, who wouldn't pass but a vegetarian.

In my family,  which includes 4 full eating children and a baby, 3 nephews and 1 niece, only 1 is a certified, full pledged vegetarian. My second child used to be, well, he has then shifted to being omnivorous. My nephew, however, has his palette specially designed to take in veggies and fruits ONLY. We once tricked him into eating meat but he found it distasteful. Sometimes, he'd order burger just because the rest are getting it but mind you, his mom is one lucky fella for she gets to have her son's burger with baby bites on it. He is 8 turning 9. He loves milk, eggs and yes, veggies. Whenever we have taco day, while the rest are savoring the juicy meaty concoction there is in ground beef, he'd settle his shell with cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes.

Now, I am challenged.

To Party or not to Party

Two weeks have passed since we celebrated my youngest son's 1st birthday.  A month prior, my sisters and I have been collaborating ideas, from the theme down to the food. Primarily, our consideration is the budget. As we all know, assessment of the budget is the initial step when organizing events and the like. After we have factored the maximum amount we would be shelling out, we, then started with the concept or theme.  Why did we set a maximum?  Knowing your budget, and setting a limit is essential to avoid unnecessary splurging. If you're planning a party with a tight budget, keep everything at a minimum. If you think you'll be starving for the next couple of days after your party,  think twice. When I say minimum,  factors to be considered are the number of guests, food to be served, decors, loot bags if necessary. Now let's head back to how ours was established.

So, we already have the theme, what's next? We had several inputs to tackle, here they are:

1. Venue, date and time- this has been cleared.

2. Do we have to invite attendees or guests?