Why the Rush?

21 Sept 2015 at past 12 am, I was awakened by a jolt in my tummy. My queasiness woke my SO and he asked me if it was time but I dismissed it with, 

"di pa, sa 25 pa ko dba."

As with my previous Caesarian deliveries, I have a schedule and it was always followed. It has been ages so I am having doubts but still I closely monitored each kick and in between sleeps, I was keeping tab of the intervals and length.

What seemed like forever, I got up and that's when I found myself gingerly moving in our house. I was initially questioning myself whether this is the real labor as I never had one, lucky me. I even re checked my bags and placed them on the hallway. I even wrote instructions for my kids should there be a need for me to be rushed to the hospital. It was Monday. 

I knew well now is the time when my water bag broke and fear has enveloped me. Again, I was unsure if this is the real thing as with my previous scheduled CS, I may have been under medications to notice my water bag burst. I was still so composed (thanks to my high tolerance in pain) that I even googled what it was like and how long should I keep the baby after my water bag broke. (Like it was my first time, right). Every time I'd feel the contraction, I'd push. It pacified the pain. 

Caesarian for PhP950

What's the catch?

Most of you might be wondering that. Well, what could possibly be the catch aside from me having my baby via CS?

Let me get this clear, for I know some of you might be raising your gorgeous eyebrows.

I'll be having my fifth child and whether I like it or not, it's going to be thru an incision on my tummy. It's my 4th CS.  While 3 repeat CS is regarded as the safest limit, I crossed the bridge; after 8 years.

Anyway, I have 4 grown school aged kids. Two are in high school already while the other 2 are in grade school. The expenses in our household is riveting high; but upon learning of my pregnancy, we managed to save not only for the hospitalization but for the rest of his would-be needs.

Happy's Cake Smashing Birthday Party

Postpartum care for CS

I am on my most fragile state after I had my CS operation. Primarily because I can't stand up straight and my wound needs to be cared for.

During my first operation, I wasn't prepared as I was expecting  a normal delivery. Thankfully, the hospital where I was confined have all the supplies needed. From the usual gauze pads, wound cleaning kits and the belly binder.

I woke up hours after the operation all cleaned up, complete with gauze and binder. The binder that my SO (significant other) got for me is made from muslin cloth "katsa". It is overlapping, and you basically have to put one strip on top of the other and that is to be secured with a safety pin. It was tedious and though I have mastered doing it on my own, having someone to do it for you is much better. You have to make sure that you put it securely as it tends to slip and it won't do any good either to you or your wound. Its primary purpose is to support your lower abdomen- the area where your wound is. Also, it helps you maintain your posture. You'll know if it isn't done properly when you can't stand up and walk straight and of course if it slips. But don't make it too tight, it's not good either. I used my binder only for a week because it's a little irritating. It depends on you, mommies, if you would want to use it longer.

Caesarian Section: easiest way out?

"It's the easiest way out."

Sounds like a plan?
Well, I 've read it in a blog posted randomly on Facebook.
Incidentally, the post is about childbirth and caesarian section.

Out of my 5 deliveries, only 1 is via normal section.

I had my CS with my second child. I wasn't prepared as I had a normal delivery previously.
Just like my first child, I was just having my usual check up when I was given a go signal for admission.
It was 1pm of 2 July 2002 when I was wheeled to my room.

For the rest of the day up until 8pm, I have no pain. I am, in fact, just lying on my bed enjoying a game of Unreal Tournament in between feeding my firstborn.

I am getting bored and impatient. My OB visited me and ordered that I be induced. Honestly, I was scared as I found the experience with my first really painful. But obviously, I have no choice and so the inducing started. An hour later and still no pain. Another hour, none. when it should have started minutes after the meds are injected thru my IV. I thought it was just fine. I slept through the night and waited. At around 6 am the following day, my SO (significant other) was called to the nurse station.  He came back after a few minutes and he was ghostly pale. He told me that he just gotten off the phone with my Ob and that I was to be cut open. He asked me if I'm okay with it and assured me that he'll be by my side just like the last time. 8 am was the schedule given. While I was having breakfast, the anesthesiologist came and explained to us what to be expected of the procedure. She was so jolly that I almost forgot how painful her story was.

HS life is Homeschool Life

Bedtime is set at 9pm.

Waking time is at 5 in the morning, at least for the kids. The parents, well, I am up by 4:30 am.

Leave the house by 6 am to bring kids to school. Travel allowance is more or less 1 hour as their schools are in different locations. Sundays are spent either making assignments or cramming for a project with a deadline the following day. Grocery shopping includes baon, baon and more baon. (food to be brought to school) 

Preparations of school uniforms, projects and covering of numerous books with labels on each.

Thankfully, that is a thing of the past. At least in my family.

My dream of becoming a teacher finally came true. 

Challenging, yes. Stressful, sure. Fulfilling, very.

My eldest is in 9th grade; she too, is now a teacher.

She's grown more patient and determined. She plays my sub. In fact, most days she is the sole teacher. 

Being a night owl, instead of being hooked to the internet, she busies herself making  quizzes for her brothers. Or saving youtube videos about specific lessons based on their subject lesson. At day, she bosses around. She brings her brothers to be still and to concentrate while she studies her own lessons.

At break time, she's either on the internet doing her blogs or playing with her baby brother. 

Interchangeably, I do what she does and that's how we keep our home schooling days sane.Yes, it could be very stressful especially when there's a typhoon signal and a suspension of classes. My kids would ask to have one too. Ironic cause there really is no sense having a suspension, anyway. Well, they want to have a "so-called suspension" so they won't feel guilty not being able to attend to their lessons for the day.
Is homeschool better than regular school?

TWD: the aftermath ( side tripping from being a mom to a fan)

It's been days since I saw the premiere and yet it still haunts me.


Honestly, it took me two days to finally watch it. I was full of hesitation; I am IN DENIAL.
I knew that if I  see it, then I will surely believe. I learned of the character's fate through write ups. I settled not to watch as I can be very emotional and that won't do me good.

I've grown to love TWD and its characters especially those of the pillars. I have a strong inclination when it comes to families and bonds as such and it disheartens me every time there is loss.
Back when it was Hershel, I found myself crying as if I am actually there, as if I am actually one of them.



And now it's Glenn.
Why Glenn?
With Abe, I am saddened but not as hurt as when Glenn got "Lucilled".
I can't process.
I was in tears.
Like he was mine.




I understand, they are in the age when compassion is beyond anyone's imagination.
Negan's is no doubt vicious.
What he did was inhumane and deliberately wrong in every way. It was very disturbing. 
Something hidden in me was awakened. I was clearly raged.

My heart goes to Maggie and Sasha and even Rosita. But what I find very alarming is Rick and his demeanor that time when he was begging. I felt his pain, I felt his need for mercy. I was moved. 

But amidst the fear, the hysterics and no matter how broken they all are, they still managed to stick with and to each other.  They could just leave and dismiss the fact that Daryl was taken hostage. They could just choose to save themselves and whoever and whatever is left, but no.
Sure, they don't have an army like Negan.

But, 
They have Daryl.  
They have each other and that's what matters. 
They are each other's family.

As for me, I'm not sure if I'm still going to watch the next episodes. Who knows, I'll wait 2 days after each episode.

Lessons from Weekends

Weekend, at last!! Who doesn't like weekends?
It is a break from school, a break from work, simply a break.
In our family, it meant many other things. 

It could be the much anticipated eat outs, or the church service, maybe.
But for the kids, it is the sleep overs that they dread for the week to end. 

The grandchildren of my mother are of varying ages, interests and personalities. Now, try to picture them under one roof, it is chaos indeed. But it is that chaos that each of them look forward to. 

Friday night is the start; the check-in, as I call it. I am Maria, the newly appointed host. 
No preparations are to be exerted for my guests are what you may call "strike anywhere". 

this is the definition of strike anywhere

Each family contributes goodies to last for the weekend "getaway." That for the host is a treat in itself. Once all the guests are gathered and settled, Maria thinks of activities to indulge her guests. What could possibly make them sit still and quiet for at least 5 minutes, none but the internet, or maybe a BOREDgame. Maria doesn't want to make her guests to love her abode merely for the internet. No, that is too lame. Sleepovers are not meant for that. 

Why do I breastfeed?

He is my fifth. He will not be deprived. He is breastfed. After 4 children, my sentiments about breastfeeding hadn't changed. I swore to myself to breastfeed my son until he isn't into it anymore. Though not exclusively, I will provide for him long term. When I had my first child 15 years ago, I told myself to not give up albeit the pain and stress. And with pride, I got through until she was a year and 8 months. I continued until she is sharing my breasts with his newborn brother. Mind you, I've had woes and I felt traumatized whenever it's time to breastfeed my daughter. I'd feel guilty as I am tempted to give her milk from the bottle instead. But no, as much as I can, I'd push the thoughts aside and give her my engorged breast. Yes, I've got engorgement ( the state where your breast look and feel really heavy because it's full of milk.) My breast size increased a big deal and just when I thought I'd enjoy it, I didn't. I am immensely blessed with an ample supply of milk, could be because I ate malunggay whenever possible. It's relatively evident for first time mothers to experience such especially during breastfeeding times. I had sore nipples, and since one of my breasts is inverted, it aggravated my situation.

What I did was I only let my daughter feed from my breast with an erect nipple. I thought I was doing the right thing because then all I see is that I'm overflowing with milk and I cared less if I 'm not giving her both as long as she is satisfied with my feeding. What I failed to realize is that since the stimulation is centered on one breast, the production is focused mainly on that one while the other became dormant. I was also reminded several times to make sure she feeds from both for the reason that my breasts won't be equal in size and shape.. Only after did I realize that indeed they aren't the same in size anymore. The one who is constantly sucked is bigger than the other. It didn't matter to me since I was never conscious of my size anyway. I tried using breast pumps, but I seem not to know how to follow instructions so I failed. I stopped using pumps after a few tries and stuck with my daughter doing her deed. With my second child coming 2 months shy of my firstborn's 1st birthday, I knew I had to give a halt to my daughter to give way for my newborn but my daughter then was so persistent. I ended up feeding them both at the same time to which I had no choice but to give my inverted one. It was so painful that many times I am crying while feeding and all I could do was pray that they're already full and will sleep. Breastfeeding for me was a task, so compelling. It was my heart's desire to provide milk for my children through breastfeeding, but I can't and won't deny the fact that I dejected doing it. Thankfully though, in between formula and my milk, I was able to breastfeed my daughter for almost 2 years and my son for one year. Two years following the birth of my son, I had another son whom I breastfed for 8 months with no pain whatsoever, maybe because I was able to rest for two years prior. Same goes with my 4th child, I am an expert. Why did I choose to breastfeed? Yes, it is a choice and it is to be respected. I chose to breastfeed because of its health benefits. Since time and memorial, it has been taught in school, in our society and our family circle how important breastfeeding is for newborns to 6 months. It is a choice that I firmly assert to regardless of the pain it brought me. The fulfillment is more of an achievement; something that made me feel good, again no matter how excruciating the experience was for me. Secondary to that is the practical reasons. We all know how expensive an infant's milk costs apart from all other expenses that came with having a baby. My breastfeeding our children has tremendously lessen our budget for milk. What would I do with my generous production of milk, anyway?
And since I am a young mother who still goes to school, sleep is very important for me. My children never made me get up in the middle of the night primarily because my milk is readily available. No intensive preparations needed. I am aware that not every mother is blessed like me in the sense of milk production. Some may not even have the luxury of time to be with their babies long enough to breastfeed them; some may have to go back to work or some may have other personal reasons. Still, breastfeeding is not a variable that gauges a mother's love for her baby. Neither is it a state for mothers to feel guilty of. However, there are other possible options in case a mother would want to pursue her advocacy in breastfeeding. Consult with your OB-Gyne or breastfeeding consultant in your local health centers for tips on how to stimulate milk production. With my 5th child, I was given a one on one tutoring by the midwife at our local clinic. It helped. She gave me lessons on how to massage and put warm compress over my breasts; she also told me about the product to be used for my inverted nipple. It is called a nipple shield. It is in a shape of a nipple but wearable. You put it on your breast and your baby will suck the silicon part instead of your own but since there is sucking involved, it will stimulate the supply of milk. Also, there are other products now that are available in the market compared to 15 years ago.

My son is 13 months old now and still being breastfed. He sleeps faster and better when I breastfeed him; in fact, if given a milk in a bottle he would simply finish it. For my son, my breast is like his comfort zone. When distressed or crying, my breast could pacify him and before long, he is sound asleep.

I am grateful in this generation when people are more educated, civilized and respectful of the advantages of breastfeeding. With the increasing number of products that support the natural way of feeding, it presents the feeling of encouragement for women not to be ashamed and instead be proud.

In fact had it been 15 years earlier, I wouldn't be comfortable to write about this topic lest say the word breast in public.
Change is coming!

Budget Travel with Kids

After long years of yearning and planning, we finally made it. Our family  will be going on our first trip abroad-Hong Kong.

Why Hong Kong?

First of, travel to HK doesn't require us to have visa.

Second, since we have kids, our primary concern is their enjoyment. As we all know, Hong kong boasts of attractions that will satisfy every child and even the child within us..

What to consider when traveling abroad?

1. Where to go?

2. When to go?

3. Budget

 Prior to travel, we bought books and travel guides and we also searched the net for blogs and reviews regarding Hong kong. 

- which airline

-weather

-best time to go

-attractions

-culture

-precautions for tourists

-dos and donts

-food

-accommodation

-how much to bring

-do it yourself or packaged tour 

Picky Eater

Before the day ends, one of the most crucial chores a mother faces is in preparing a meal plan for the following day. There are those who plan for the whole week or for a day's consumption and there are some who plans every after meal. Very tedious, huh?
It is never easy especially if you have a big family to feed. We cannot always stick to our preferences alone but also have to consider other members of the family. Now, the question is, what if after all the planning, the cooking and preparing, your kids didn't like the food served? What would the rational you do?
I've tried everything I can, believe me. From preparing an extra meal just to make sure he gets to eat like the rest to giving him appetite boosting vitamins. I've tried several home made recipes of vegetables to trick him into eating them..(next post)Honestly, those are short term relief. It didn't actually do both of us good. He became the pickiest among the pickies (no such word) and I have to make mends with my finances.
Now he's gone older (I'm referring to my son), 11 to be precise. Still, he choose what he eats. If he dislike the food served, he'll just get extra heaping of rice or he'll ask for bread, cookies or whatever is available.( I stopped making extras)
I have come across a would-be solution. I'm still on the starting line, though.
My answer to my own question is "I'll starve him...not to death, definitely." Only until such time that he gets no choice and he'll eat whatever is being served because he is so famished. I'll keep all other available alternatives so he won't feel like I'm just trying to make things hard for him.
I'll give you an update if that  worked. Cross fingers..
 

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?