Hey, Momma!

You’ll learn a lot of things from motherhood. All good things, I believe! As I ponder on my year’s life lessons, I’ve realized how being a mom made me into a better person. I know I’ve been doing this for close to 12 years now but when you have three kids, well; it’s a whole new level!

Being a mom taught me to be... PRACTICAL

Years ago, I used to think that I’m practical but have come to realize that well, I wasn’t. And then came my second son, I thought so again, but then again, I still wasn’t. It was just now I can proudly say that I’ve finally learned to be practical. Practical, not stingy! I buy what’s needed and sleep on what’s not. (It was hard at first. Haha) I still buy pretty things from time to time but I make sure that I use it, not store.

Being a mom taught me to be... AN EXCELLENT ORGANIZER.

Well, I know I’m already good at organizing things but I’ve learned to be a top-notched organizer. I’m not really bragging but when you have 3 boys, you’ll eventually learn how to. My days are always planned ahead, my schedule is written down so I won’t have to forget a single thing. We go out without a nanny, would you believe? And I have three boys at tow! That’s how organize I am.

Being a mom taught me to be... SELFLESS

Let’s be honest here, in some inevitable way, we still tend to be self-centered. Hey, that’s what social media taught us. I believe that when you’re a mom, you’re likely to be selfless because you’re responsible for another human being. That’s why we have working mothers so they can provide for their families and mothers who quit work and leave their careers so just they can be hands-on with their kids. Or petty things like giving up the purse you badly want, or a trip you’ve been planning in a long time, or finding high-end makeup dupes so just you can save. You’d do everything for your kids; it’s the most natural thing to do.

And a lot more. Motherhood, I think, is one of the hardest things to do but definitely the loveliest! So I raise my non-fat milk to all moms out there. Cheers, lovelies!  

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Pregnancy Diary: The Third Trimester

Seventh month: During the first week, I had a Pelvic Anomaly Scan, Glucose Screening Test and a Tetanus shot. We were so happy that in spite of everything the baby is healthy and my blood sugar is below normal (given that diabetes runs in my family and eating lots of sweets—sorry, can’t help it!). We found out that we’re having a boy. Our Ob-Gyn told me that I have to stop drinking milk because the baby is sooo big. It’s hard to sleep now because of the added baby weight. I’m still on Ixosilan and Progesterone which I take thrice a day and once a week respectively. During the last week of the month, we finally bought our baby stuff. We went to the mall and I had to be put in a wheelchair as Tatay pushes me around while we look for clothes and stuff. I was so happy that time and thinking about it still makes me so kilig!

Eight month: I had to be on complete bed rest again. I had to control my calorie intake as the baby’s gaining weight rapidly! Tatay shopped for the remaining things that I need like maternity undies, abdominal binder, toiletries and makeup (yes! makeup!). Isn’t he the sweetest?

Ninth month: Well, I thought that during the last month, we’ll just have to wait until my due date, but I was admitted to the hospital again due to bleeding and contractions. It was terrifying because we thought that I was about to give birth by then (and I still can’t because the baby is just 34 weeks). I was closely monitored and sedated to lessen the contractions. Luckily, I was discharged after two days. I have UTI once more (tsk!) and had to take Cefalexin for a week. A week and a day after that (exactly my 36^th week), I gave birth to a bouncing baby siopao!   

Pregnancy Condition: High risk; Contractions, Preterm Labour

Skin Condition: Sensitive

Medication: Cefalexin for UTI, Terbutaline Sulfate for uterine contractions

Tests: Pelvic Anomaly Scan (7^th month), Glucose Screening Test, Urinalysis, CBC

Vaccine: Tetanus shot (7^th month)

Vitamins and Supplements:  Hemarate Iron + Multivitamins

Diet: Baby is a carnivore!

Fitness: Stretching        

I’d like to say that this pregnancy was the hardest thing I had to go through (yet) all my life. It was emotionally, mentally, physically and financially draining. It was one hell of a roller coaster ride and it was all worth it! Given another chance, I’d do it again. It made me realize a lot of things like how powerful prayers can be, letting go of the little insignificant things, people who matters-- family and friends. We made it! We’re healthy and a baby who sleeps to DMB? We couldn’t be any happier! Indeed, I’m sooo blessed to be a mom. <3           

Pregnancy Diary: The Second Trimester

Fourth and fifth month: I had to quit work in the middle of a training week. It was depressing at first but anything for the baby! The bleeding stopped and we were more convinced that all I needed was to rest. But it wasn’t easy at all. I had to be in bed at all times. I have bathroom privileges but I couldn’t take a bath standing, I have to do it sitting on a stool. I couldn’t even sit for more than an hour or else I’d bleed again so it also means that I can’t exercise and I think it made my body weaker! I decided to eat red meat again because my Ob-Gyn insisted me to do so. The baby and I gained weight instantly.

Sixth month: Everything’s been smooth sailing but I’m still on house arrest. I finished all the books I haven’t finished in a long time. I’ve had DVD marathons all day long and when I got tired of watching the telly, I started tuning in to FM station. I love a certain FM channel which plays classical music all day long. I’m used to doing my new routine now and it’s not that boring anymore. I found out that for two months, Tatay has been replacing my low-fat milk over full cream ones because he desperately wants me to gain weight. I started having low-impact arm and leg exercises.

Pregnancy Condition: High risk; Threatened Abortion, Uterine Contractions

Skin Condition: Dry and flaky all over

Medication: Ixosilan for uterine contractions, Utrogestan (Progesterone) for bleeding (orally)

Vitamins and Supplements:  Hemarate FA, Anmum Materna

Diet: Baby is a carnivore!

Fitness: Low impact arm and leg exercises on the sixth month

My skin’s dry and flaky all over that no amount of body cream or oil can soothe it. So I stopped using soap and used coconut oil and a loofah instead. After a week, my skin condition improved and its baby smooth again! I’d say that the fourth was the second hardest month for me. But I’ve learned so much from my second trimester. I think those were the months that we've prayed the hardest in our entire lives (we still do!) and it had brought us closer to God and for that, I’m very grateful. 

Pregnancy Diary: The First Trimester

First month: We found out that we’re pregnant and we were elated! But I was bleeding and having cramps during my second week so we had our first sonogram to have the baby checked. The baby is really small and we didn’t even see it and it was still too early that time to detect a heartbeat. We were told to wait for a month to see if the baby can survive the contractions. No vitamins were given that time but I started drinking Anmum.

Second month: We heard the baby’s heartbeat for the first time and we were just so happy. I’m still bleeding but very lightly. We had our second sonogram to check if the baby’s okay. The baby is well with good cardiac and somatic activities but we found out that I have a low lying placenta so I was ordered to have a weeklong rest from work. I started taking iron and folic acid supplements. My Ob-Gyn prescribed Ixosilan for the uterine contractions. I suffered a severe case of face rash and couldn’t eat nuts, eggs, chicken, fish and shellfish.

Third month: It was second week of the month; I was taking a bath when I felt a gush of liquid ran through my legs. I saw a lot of blood flowing profusely. I was so scared that time thinking I had a miscarriage and we went to the hospital immediately. It was the first time I got that scared all my life. We had another sonogram to check if the baby is okay. Upon hearing the baby’s heartbeat, we were relieved. I was diagnosed to have a Placenta Previa, my cervix was 3cm wide that time hence the bleeding and I have UTI. Our Ob-Gyn told me that I have to stop working and be on complete bed rest until I give birth. Week by week we waited and prayed for my cervix to close.

                

Pregnancy Condition: High risk; Threatened Abortion, UTI, Placenta Previa

Skin Condition: Allergies, Dry and flaky all over

Medication: Elica for skin allergy (for a week), Ixosilan for uterine contractions, Crinone Progesterone (vaginally) for bleeding, Cefalexin for UTI

Tests: Sonogram, Ultrasound, Urinalysis

Vitamins and Supplements:  Hemarate FA, Anmum Materna

Diet: Vegetarian

Fitness: NA

It’s a bit surprising because during my last two pregnancies, all I did was throw-up. Going back, I thought it was the hardest part of my pregnancy. But I’m up for a bigger surprise.

Sensitive Skin 101

I’ve always had sensitive skin; so somehow I became an expert on dealing with it. Don’t get me wrong, I still get the occasional zits and rash. I’ve also had numerous trials and errors and love-hate relationships with a great deal of drugstore, natural and organic products. I’ve learnt it the hard way and it’s true when you’re dealing with skincare problems that less is always more.

According to my dermatologist, sensitive skin can have hundreds of causes. The most likely culprits are alcohol in toners and astringents, surfactants in soaps and cleansers, chemical preservatives like paraben and propylene glycol, PABA and benzophenone in sunscreen preparations, the list goes on. And it could be internal as well like food, alcohol or hormonal and external like sun, wind, pollution, air conditioning or detergents. There’s also stress. Constantly being on stress slows skin cell renewal making our skin look sallow that emphasises under-eye circles (in short, haggard!).

But here’s what you can do give your sensitive skin its well deserved TLC:

Look for hypoallergenic and allergy tested products. Always do a patch test when planning to buy any cosmetic and facial product. A great and cheaper alternative to VMV is Physiogel Hypoallergenic. Their skincare line is pretty basic. All their products are non-comedogenic, contains no colourants, perfume and preservatives (except their cleanser which has paraben). It’s widely available and works just as well.

Don’t use soap. It strips off your skin’s PH balance leaving it susceptible to irritation. Stick to cream cleansers as they have a rich consistency and leave a light moisturizing film.   

Steer clear of exfoliants (i.e.: toner, facial scrubs) and high-concentrated AHA creams. AHA are natural chemicals found in fruits, wine, milk and sugar cane. AHA, especially in high amounts is a no-no if you have sensitive skin. If you can’t avoid using products with AHA (like me ‘cause I use organic facial products), choose the lowest concentration you can get (from facial wash and toner) and use it occasionally. You can alternate it with your regular creams or cleanser.    

Avoid the sun as much as you can and protect your face with a physical sunscreen containing titanium dioxide instead of a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens, especially if you have sensitive skin, can cause allergic reactions. We have a lot of organic sunscreens on the market, BB creams and tinted moisturizers that have ample amount of SPF as well. Look for make-up that has SPF to amplify your sun screen protection. Just make sure you’re using a sunscreen no less than SPF30 for everyday use and SPF50 if you’ll be out in the sun for a long time.       

Stop using any product at once if it’s causing your skin to breakout- regardless of how much you want it to work and how expensive it is. Ask around and do your research. Not because a product is high-end, means it’ll work wonders for your skin. You’ll be amazed of the choices we have on the market that are cheaper, efficient and works just as fine. Be smart on your choices.   

If your skin is in bad condition visit a dermatologist immediately. Don’t always rely on website information and advices of family and friends. What works for them might even harm your skin.  

Still, the best prudent solution to dealing with skin breakouts is to reduce stress, get enough sleep, stay hydrated and eat sensibly. In the long run, you’ll save a lot of money from buying skincare products you don’t actually need and your skin will thank you for it.  

Organic What?

I just want to share my thoughts on green living after reading an article: It’s hip being green! Seriously, that made me laugh. I find it a bit shallow and it's comical and sad at the same time. But hey, we're all entitled to our own opinions so I better start talking now.

On sustainable beauty

I’ve read an interesting blog post about the “paraben-cancer issue”. If you’ve been into organic skincare products for some time now, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m not the type of person who jumps into fads, cos for one, I hate following the crowd. But four years ago, I jumped into the organic skincare bandwagon and have never looked back. Well, I have my reasons and it’s not about cancer. I have sensitive skin and my skin reacts well to organic and natural products. Before, I had little knowledge about locally produced organic skincare products. I bought my skincare products in malls but then four years ago, I discovered the wonders of online shopping. When you buy locally produced products, you’re supporting our local entrepreneurs, helping local farmers and laborers make a living. Our locally produced organic skincare products are world class and way cheaper. It’s not purely superficial; it’s also about helping and being environmentally aware.

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Organic, Free Range and DIYs

If you like salads, choose organic salad greens, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, et cetera as much as you can because they are usually eaten raw. Its okay if you can’t buy organically farmed vegetables and root crops (that you still have to cook and peel) on a regular basis because the ones sold in grocery stores are ridiculously overpriced. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove excess bug juice. If you have a small garden space at home, make your own vegetable garden. There are lots of vegetables that are easy to grow. Take your pick from tomatoes to chilli peppers. 

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If you’re not a vegetarian, (if you can) choose free-range meat and make sure your meat shop has a reliable and clean slaughterhouse system. Buy from reputable meat shops and avoid buying in bulk. It’s bad enough that it’s a dead animal and worse if you store it in your fridge for a long period of time.

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Try to buy natural household cleansers. Choose the ones that are labelled biodegradable and packaged in recycled plastic or recyclable PET bottles (a favourite local brand of mine is Messy Bessy). If they’re a bit steep for your budget, concoct your own cleansers! You’ll be amazed by the wonders of baking soda and vinegar or our local calamansi. You can buy essential oils like tea tree, lavender, lemon and orange that you can add to your concoctions. It’s safer and it’s fun to do especially if you’re a DIY-kind of person. And your house will smell oh so heavenly!           

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And on being wise: Reducing your waste output

Examine your closet methodically and start removing clothes you haven’t worn in a long time and keep the keepers. Buy clothes with natural fibres like cotton, wool and silk. Avoid following trends. Really invest in your wardrobe and stick with the classics that you can wear again and again. Learn to accessorize so you can avoid buying tons of clothes that’ll just gather dust in your closet.

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Plan and prepare your meals ahead. If you’re tired of the office cafeteria menu, make time to cook your own meals; it could be a gourmet sandwich, a pasta dish, a simple rice meal, the possibilities are endless. If you can’t finish it, you can always share with a colleague or a friend. You get to save money, eat healthily and you avoid food spillage (plus the fact that sharing makes your heart swell).

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Stop buying stuff you don’t actually need. Realize that there’s a big difference between necessity and desire. If you can, choose to live modestly.

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But then again, to each his own! Trying to live in an environmentally-aware household is a matter of personal choice, not because it’s hip to be green nowadays. Honestly, it can be tedious and expensive but it’s a lifestyle choice we have chosen to follow, fad or not. 

Pregnancy Outbreak

I suffered from a severe case of allergy few months back. My face was red and had rashes all over, my eyes were swollen. My whole face was painful and itchy. I couldn’t eat eggs, nuts, chicken, fish and shellfish. It’s bad enough that it has chosen my face to be its settlement area. My face, really!? I had to stop using organic facial products then and that made me sad because it means using prescription and over the counter skincare products. My skin’s all healed now. Except that, I still couldn’t eat those mentioned above or else I’d still get the occasional skin reddening and itching.

I was told that the allergy is pregnancy related and given the proper treatment and precautionary measures, it will clear up eventually. My dermatologist prescribed a mild steroidal cream called Elidel that I can use to treat the perioral dermatitis. It’s an anti-inflammatory cream, priced at around P1500 and must be used within 12 weeks of opening. I used it for a week and voila; it looked like I bought a brand new skin. Seriously.

For months now, this has been my skincare routine:

I use Physiogel for cleansing, Human Nature’s Tomato Toner to remove further grime. Then I massage my face with BNHMS Baby Salve or Human Nature’s Sunflower Oil to moisturize. At night, before sleeping, I slather a generous amount of Physiogel Cream. Once a week, I use a wet nappy cloth or sometimes if my skin is behaving really good St. Ives Olive Scrub (just my nose).   

Boring, eh? But it works. I can use some organic facial products again and no more allergy breakout for me! I stopped using sunscreen for the meantime because I’m worried it might trigger the allergy back and since I’m still on house arrest I guess it's fine not to use any. But when I do which is the hospital (but then again we pass by the basement parking going inside), I use Maybelline’s Mineral Make Up w/ SPF 19 for a little sun protection.

Sleep and keeping yourself hydrated works wonder for your skin!

I love how my skin looks like now.

Can you spot any rash?

And this is how my skin looked like during my first trimester. Cool isn’t it? ;)

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All Is Fair In Love And War

Jessica Lange is the epitome of a golden girl because she’s literally glowing at her age-- laugh lines, crow’s feet and all. She’s sophisticated, refined and witty. That’s why I love her.

I’ve been reading about power dressing and I’ve fancied myself wearing a power blazer and killer heels. Think about someone working for an insurance company but it doesn’t have to be a boring black and white ensemble. Anyways, since I’ve lost a significant amount of weight for the past couple of months, I need a major wardrobe update because all I’ve been wearing are oversized everything. I’m 28 and I think I’m ready for some big change. For years, I’ve shunned away from dressing what a normal working woman must look like. I hate dressing up like everyone else.

And this is me doing something out of the box.

I wrote this entry last March. I can’t even remember why I forgot to post this. Anyway, thinking about weight lost and power dressing made me smile. It made me feel like a grown-up. But, I’ve been gaining weight and I couldn’t even wear shoes with a 2-inch heel BECAUSE I’m pregnant!

A month after our Boracay shindig, I missed a period and it made us buy a couple of pregnancy kits because we’re excited? Ha-ha. We’re kind of expecting this. So after a series of peeing and peeking, I finally told the hubby, hugged him and cried because I was just so happy.     

But it doesn’t end there.

So a couple of weeks after that, I was crying again. Not because of morning sickness, but because I’ve been bleeding. I was so confused because it’s been positive all along but how come I’ve been experiencing PMS? We rushed to the hospital and the doctor told me that we have a month to wait if the baby will be strong enough to survive the contractions. So for a month, we waited anxiously. I’ve cried myself to sleep because I was just so scared.

And it was just a test of faith.

I’m on my 18 weeks now. I’m a vegetarian once more. Just a few weeks ago, my face was covered with perioral dermatitis. I couldn’t use organic facial products. I couldn’t even cry because my skin will go red. It’s hard being pregnant but hey I’m not complaining. 

Well, hello there! :)

High and Dry

C: So, how do you do it?

T: I have no fucking clue.

This was the last conversation I had with an old friend which got me into thinking for weeks now. How the hell do we do it? When you’re a couple and you’ve been together for years; how do you stay in love? After the kids and all the blunders; do you still see him as the person you’ve fallen in love with? Maybe it’s a yes, or no. But really, how do couples do it? What if one day you woke up and realized that you don’t have the same values anymore? What if you’ve changed and you are not that sane person anymore? How do you keep it when you’re jaded?

You go back where it all started. You try to remember the good things. And from there, you try to remind each other of the good times you’ve had and how you used to treat each other. You muse over your courtship stage sans all the drama.

Think about your kids and your family. When you’re older, you become less selfish, so sometimes even if you’re tired of being in a relationship, you try to work it out. That’s what being a parent is about. It’s not about you anymore.

Talk. It wouldn’t help if you’ll just keep it in. When you’re having domestic problems, initially, you talk to your husband. You try to solve your problems amongst yourselves. If it fails, you seek help from your parents or friends and ask for relationship advice.

Given that you’re financially capable, go on out of town trips. It’s fun to learn new things with your spouse, be it an overnighter or a weeklong trip.  

Do something out of the box. Let’s face it, when you’re in a long term relationship, you will get bored every once in a while. When it’s starting to feel like a chore, take action and do something about it. It can be a romantic dinner just the two of you, unplanned road trips or dressing up for a nice dinner at home; the possibilities are endless! All you have to do is do something you’re not accustomed to, and maybe, just maybe, get a little crazy. It’s fun!

And you have to remember the four golden words: listen, compromise, repair and gratitude.

Oh, I'm not so clueless after all. So yeah, maybe, it is working.

Obrigado!

Our camp’s about to end in just a few more days and I can’t hide my excitement because I’ll get to have some quality R&R with the boys this whole summer vacation. I really miss being a stay-at-home mom. And it’s a good thing that our nanny will have a 3-month long vacation too. Maybe I can start writing again. Or I don’t know, do something out of the box.

So here’s to beach trips and spontaneous getaways! Cheers!

Hello, Twenty Twelve!

I feel so sorry because I’ve totally neglected this blog. The past few months have been a hell of a roller coaster ride. You see, after my last post, I received a call from my boss in school; they want me to teach again because there’s a new camp (which means more students hence more teachers). It’s again, one of those “universe-conspiring” things that led me into doing what I do. It’s weird because we’re that close to getting rid of our nanny so I can just stay at home and take care of the kids. But since it’s just a temporary thing, I decided to accept the teaching gig instead. Money to save and of course, its teaching and I couldn’t resist it.

Similarly, I had another “universe-playing tricks on me” all over again. A year before last year, we had to take care of our little one because he contracted Rotavirus so we were confined inside the four corners of the room. It happened again. But the good thing about it is; he contracted a viral infection. Nothing serious, it’s not dengue although we got paranoid because his fever has been up-down for the last three days and he hasn’t been eating well, so a day after New Year’s Day, we went to Asian Hospital to have his blood checked. He’s okay now. A bit cranky but his appetite’s back. At this point, my husband and I were talking about what’s going to happen next New Year’s Eve and according to him, we must be outstandingly ready. Oh well, I think we’ll just stay in our house and do a major house sanitizing before New Year’s Day. Cleaning is like spiritual cleansing to me. So, yeah, I’m gonna be ready.

For 2011, I was thankful for a lot of things. I found a job that I love. I was able to meet new friends because of work. I’m grateful for free concerts and out of town trips. I’m thankful for friends, but moreover, I’m thankful for loyal friends. I’m starting to unearth my inner peace, although bit by bit, I’m getting there. I smiled a lot last year, not an easy thing to do especially when you’re a semi-neurotic freak like me, but still, I tried to be happy. I celebrated the best Christmas dinner. It was a stress-free and meatless pig-out feast. I couldn’t be any happier because I celebrated it with the most important people in my life.

I told myself last year that I’m gonna own 2011. It’s been a hell of a roller coaster ride-- ups-downs and everything in between. But I’m grateful, I really am. I’ve learned so much from last year and I resolve to make this year, if not the best, better than before.