An Open Letter for my Tot

To my little Wacko,

I know this sounds silly, but there are a lot of things I’ve been wanting to tell you lately.

You’ve surpassed babyhood (congratulations!) and now that you’re 1, you surprise us with your funny moves, charms, wit and hyperactivity.

I can’t help but remember those nine months you were still in Mommy’s tummy.

But first let me tell you how we felt when we learned of your existence. Mommy was at awe, I’m sorry I did not let you feel welcomed at first, it was never planned but it was Bro who planned for us. Daddy felt nervous coz you see having a baby (more than actually having a wife..haha) is a big responsibility - its game-over for him. The first time we saw you and hear your heartbeat it felt like as if I was awaken from my easy-go lucky self and hallucinating for seeing what lies ahead  – big tummy, weight gain, being talk of the town, sleepless nights, bills (etcetera..etcetera), and of course a new label for us - The Daddy, the Mommy & the Baby, but you know what Wantot, thereafter, we felt blessed and excited of course!

Our lives were literally and figuratively altered, but I want you know how we struggled and faced all the consequences that struck us that time – just for you. 

I remember how you entertained us in my womb with your callisthenic-like movements as mommy splurged on ice cream and chocolates; I knew you love ‘em so you didn’t want to go out on time but all of us were eager to see you so Mommy with your two Lolas went to the hospital for a CS. You made it easy for Mommy for not having a labor at all he..he.. And for that Thank you Sweetheart.

I can say you are one lucky kid surrounded by people who love you and take care of you. And your Daddy and I are crazy for you.  So my Yuan, make our family proud, give them respect and wag maciado bigyan ng sakit ng ulo ha? I don't mean to be making demands on you so soon but I want you to return the favor of being loved.

They say time flies quickly (at totoo, big boy ka na!) so I have made a few promises to you (in no particular order :p):

·         I promise to remember that you will be a toddler  for a little while and so I’ll let you do silly things to let you discover the world (But there are some exemptions:  like pulling the cabinet, eating the floor mat & slippers (si Pepper nga di gingawa yun eh), or playing with the broken tiles in the dressing room);

·         I promise to be once in awhile be a total idiot with you like making funny faces and silly dance moves;

·         I promise to talk to you often, to answer your never-ending whats,  whys, and buts.

·         I promise to take wonderful pictures of you and our family so you will have tangible proofs of how adorable you were and para marami akong mapakita sa future girlfriend mo;

·         I promise to watch Sesame Street with you even I’ve already memorized the songs and how it irritates as it viciously play in my mind;

·         I promise that even if you don't want to, I will let you eat vegetables and fruits so you grow up healthy;

·         I promise to never stop reading Smart Parenting and Babycenter articles to be a better and cool parent to you;

·         I promise to give you a playmate, but not too soon ha, two years from now maybe. *Winks* I wonder what you want a Sister or a Brother.

·         I promise to realize that you have to make your own mistakes sometimes and its not for me to protect you at all times.  Ill let you have those afternoon biking, or play patintero, kahit pag-uwi mo amoy pawis ka na or wag naman sana, may sugat ka (Pero I can still buy you more toys or let you play computer games or have a guitar lesson so you stay inside the house.. Joke!).

·         I promise to expose you to the world, let you watch Discovery with Daddy (except that WFF whatever wrestling thing), go to various places on a vacation, spend weekends together even in the grocery store, and I wll let you play at Fun Ranch or Timezone for hours (while mommy window shop).

·         I promise to learn the art of cooking kid-friendly foods so you’ll have yummy ‘baons’ at school (na dapat ubusin ha).

·         I promise that one day you will have long drives with your Lolo and Lola at Mommy’s side (But I can’t say when sweetie, but it’ll surely come).

·         And last but not the least I promise that Daddy and Mommy will stay intact together, to be examples of love, respect, and love to God. I also promise that if one of us scolds you, the other will act as your confidant. Hindi ka naming pagtutulungan – promise! 

O ayan ha. It’s a deal sweetie. I love you and If only I could, I will make things better for you. But for now, I want you to watch your Sesame Street so I could do some chores and wash your bottles.

Love lots,


Mommy

Youngmom's Learnings 2

On hygiene & sanitation.

When I was in 3rd year college I had an amoebiasis & suffered from major stomach ache, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss (which I thing was a blessing..haha). Same culprit attacked Yuan’s stomach in his 3rd month which surprised all of us since were overprotective of him & his things. I just learned the cause when I do the sterilizing of his bottles myself (because my then helper resigned), since the Farlin sterilizer Im using is automatic, I lifted the body and saw the murky water almost overflowing. Hindi pala nagpapalit & naglalagay ng water ang bruja. Since then I never let the helper touch Yuans bottles.

And just to attest that once you caught an amoeba, you’ll have it for life, my amoeba pet was triggered by the isaw I ate in Boracay. While Yuan had it again 2 weeks ago. Here are some of my suspects :

1. Rubber Ducky & family
Yes its fun to have them at bath time but also store water in them that your baby might drink.
When I cleaned al of them, water still drops with greenish-moss-like something inside.

2. His Fisher P blocks
Its colorful & bulky, but once you leave it for days , dust & dirt will surely be there.

3. Walker’s toys
Most walkers have detachable toys, be sure to clean them atleast once a week and you’ll be surprised on the dirt you’ll collect.

4. Teether
As early as 6 months old, babies start to grab and swallow anything. It’s the teeting period and of course we give teethers. Make sure its always clean & stored in a clean, safe place.

All four of them, and now 1&2 said their goodbyes to Yuan for now.
Im sleepy. Guess have to end here nalang muna.

Youngmom's Leanings 1

Being a first time mom entails many learning experience to help me become better - whether in shopping baby stuff, food, cleaning bottles, bathing, or making him sleep. Yuan is now 7 mos & 14 days old and he’s becoming a little playful & precocious . He loves going out and seeing new places & faces. Every time we bring him along I learn new things that will help me become a better mom:

Baby’s Day Out
Do’s:
1. Always make sure that your baby bag contains all the essentials:
a. Bottles & milk (of course!)
b. Baby wipes (for poop & clean-up)
c. Diapers
d. Bib (and for me atleast 2 lampin)
e. Toys and teether
f. Alcohol/sanitizer, powder (for hot weather & emergency nappy rash)
g. Baby cologne
h. Extra clothes (depends on the time, but usually if it’s a day out, 1 pair of sando & shorts; if night, socks,jacket/longsleeves,pajama, & cap/bonnet)
2. Aside from milk, don’t forget to bring extra bottle for his water, he might eat something sweet.
3. Do bring a small pillow for long travel.

Don’t’s
1. Wear plunging necklines (believe me!).
2. Use too much perfume and makeup.
3. Wear too much accessories (dangling earrings, bracelet, necklace)

That’s it, just 3 for each though I know I will keep on updating this as Yuan & I have more to learn from our escapades.