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Losing focus

October 23, 2012, 10:26 am
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I've said it before and I'll say it again. This blog is getting impersonal, which really saddens me. On one hand, I'm ridiculously happy that my mommy blog has grown more than 100% since end of 2011. But on the other hand, the rapid growth has resulted to a lot of gifts (that I have to blog about, of course) and sponsored posts and contests. I find myself just talking about these things when all I really want is talk about motherhood and my beautiful kids!

I'm not complaining. At least, I don't want to. Am I lucky or what, right?! My blog is getting lots of attention. That's a good thing! I'm getting gifts and income. That's even better! But at the same time, I feel like my voice is drowning in the sea of branding.

I guess I just need to think about how to balance this. Do the contest and sponsored posts bother you? Can you still hear me? I don't want to give up the sponsored posts because they earn money, and—I'm a homemaker!—I need that income! Maybe I should just do a maximum of 4 sponsored/gifted/contest posts a month. After all, my loyalty is to you, my reader, and to my mommy self. Let's make ourselves happy first by talking about what matters most to us—our families. I'll deal with the brands later.

Big heavy sigh.

Okay, I'm done. I've reminded myself why I have this blog. If I ever start straying from this blog's purpose, tell me in the comments section using ALL CAPS!!! And thank you, everyone. You've been really good to me. Love you all!


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Caring for my babies' bums

October 25, 2012, 6:56 am
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Iñigo is turning 6 months old in 3 weeks. That means he'll start eating solid food. Hooray! I am super excited. I've already planned what he's going to eat—rice gruel, mashed up potatoes, carrots, squash, sayote, bananas, mangoes!

Just like what his Kuya Vito ate, Iñigo's first food will be homemade and cooked by myself. I like to peel, steam and mash up the food myself. This way I can be sure that there will be no preservatives, no salt, no sugar added to my babies' food. Just pure goodness!

However, no matter how pure and unadulterated the food I give my kids is, I noticed that as soon as Vito started eating solids, he got diaper rash. I guess the new food changed his pee and poop so that his sensitive baby skin reacted to the new stuff in his waste. I battled with diaper rash for months! Every time I introduced a new food to Vito's diet, his butt and singit and sometimes even his pototoy would get a rash!

So now that it's Iñigo's turn, I'm ready to face diaper rash! This was how I combated Vito's diaper rash:
  1. I used cloth diapers. This forced me to change Vito's diapers often. Many times, parents and caregivers just let the baby stew in his diaper because disposable diapers now are so good that babies don't feel icky when they're wet or when they pooped. Cloth diapers rule!
  2. I searched for a disposable diaper that Vito's skin didn't react to. You see, his rash could also be an allergy to the diaper! I bought a lot of different diapers and when I finally found the disposable diaper that Vito was hiyang to, we stuck to that!
  3. I used zinc oxide for his bum. We have a lot of tubes of zinc oxide actually. You really can't make tipid with this cream. You have to coat all surfaces!

Johnson's Baby sent me a complete primer on how to get rid of diaper rash. It's very interesting, mommies! They got a dermatologist, Ma. Victoria Dizon, MD, FPDS, to give us tips:
  • Change diapers often
  • Cleanse skin thoroughly to remove contaminants. However, water and soap are too harsh and don't restore the skin's pH balance.
  • Use infant wipes soaked with an emulsion-type watery/oily lotion. Do not use ordinary wipes with alcohol or mineral oil.
  • Zinc oxide heals skin.
  • Baby powder removes excess moisture on the skin. It acts as a dry lubricant for areas that rub against each other, like the singit. Plus it's cooling, soothing and drying.

So cleanse with the right baby wipes, protect skin with baby powder, heal with zinc oxide. Sounds simple enough!


How cute naman ni baby Bacchus! Dear Johnson's Baby, I think you'll agree that baby Iñigo will make a great Johnson's Baby baby, too!

By the way, Johnson's Baby's Complete Care Powder already has zinc oxide plus magnesium steareate, which repels moisture. I use Johnson's Baby Cornstarch, though, since my family has a history of asthma. Even though Johnson's Baby assures us mommies that talc does not harm the lungs at all, I still prefer cornstarch. That's what my parents and grandparents used on me! If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for my babies.

To learn more about preventing and treating diaper rash, check out Johnson's Baby Complete Care System. You can also go to their Facebook page for more tips and promos.

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Cutie new Stache onesies for Iñigo!

October 26, 2012, 8:30 am
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Stache Baby is sending a cute onesie to our big baby boy and I can't choose what to get! Mommies, help!

I like this because Vito already has a tux shirt! He and Iñigo will look so cute!
So adorable! But it's very easy to be calm with Iñigo since he's very gentle.
Cool and cute! I think I like this in black font.

Really LOLed at this!

Yes. The Sales brothers are in town! 

Chrystel of Stache describes their onesies and bibs as "for the mums and dads in pursuit for cool baby clothes that effectively defines your lil’ ones character. Our products are designed to give your child style, taste and a sense of humor in a somewhat bland baby world."

Ya, baby clothes are so blah. Stache has mustache designs (of course, hence the name!), superhero, and Gangnam styles. There's stuff for baby girls, too, but I'm not interested haha. Chrystel says, "Our collections have a chic, whimsical and witty feel while taking into consideration the parent’s sense of style with a baby or toddlers desire for fun. You'll love the baby and toddler apparel and accessories that we carry and we hope that they tickle your soul."

Another great thing about Stache is you can customize your onesies and shirts! You can choose the color, size of the design and its position on the clothing! Plus, you can also design special onesies for your newborn (name, birthdate, photo!) and shirts for your toddlers for their birthdays. 

You can find Stache via their Facebook page, at Lazada and soon at Mothering Earthlings. Have fun shopping!


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What to Expect says...

October 26, 2012, 9:48 am
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You oughta follow me on Twitter!

So happy they think I'm worth following. I was already happy when WhattoExpect.com found my blog this year and proposed to sponsor a giveaway of their books. Then after that successful partnership, I thought I disappeared from their radar. Guessed wrong. Yey!

Plus, I got really thrilled when author Heidi Murkoff replied to my Tweet:

As a great lover of books, a writer and a mommy, I think this is huge. Mega huge! I'm a happy mama!


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Finding focus

October 27, 2012, 10:02 am
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Thanks for all the feedback on my dilemma about sponsored posts. I'm glad they don't bother you. I did say that maybe I'll only do sponsored posts/press releases/freebie product features on Fridays but when I listed down all the press kits I've received and have NOT blogged about, well, the list is 30-items long. If I crossed out just one item on that list every Friday, we'd be in mid-2013 before I'm done! And that's just for the 30 press kits already received. I get an average of two every week. My Fridays-only rule simply will not do!

So as I was figuring out this new problem, the answer hit me right smack between the eyes. I'm a magazine editor so I'm going to tackle this like a magazine editor! A magazine is half editorial content and half advertisements. Thereabouts. Readers pick up a magazine for the features, yes, but they also check out what products are new and available. Readers don't like it if there are too many ads but neither do they like a magazine if it's just stories (they'd have bought a book instead!).

So that's what I'll do. Write as usual and then insert product features/PRs in between. Obvious solution, I know. My problem really was just I have said yes to too many nice small businesses and I've begun feeling guilty. But I think it's time to reclaim my blog, to take back control. I think it's time to say no. Nicely, of course, but writing posts takes time and time is valuable. My time should not be so freely given and my time must not be given for free.


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The Krim tragedy: No judging please, just love and prayers

October 28, 2012, 7:20 am
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The murder of two little kids, 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim, by their nanny is every parent's nightmare. It's been haunting me all weekend. The New York Times story on it is heartbreaking. The mom, Marina, is a blogger, too, and she describes the bliss of caring for her three beautiful kids. The blog was also used by NYT as a source of quotes, one of which was a sweet ode to little Leo, just a month younger than my own Vito.

When I read the part where neighbors saw Marina with "a towel over her head, clinging to her one surviving child, being escorted by police to a waiting ambulance..." and that earlier "'She was screaming... She was not lucid,'" I cried. I think I would go insane if I ever... I can't even say it. But I knew she clung to her surviving child, not only because she had only one child left; she clung to her because if she didn't, she would lose her mind.

Unlike Marina, I'm a working mom. I hire yayas to help with the care of Vito and Iñigo. And you all know I've had my horror story early this year with Vito's Yaya Grace, a horror story that pales in comparison to what the Krims are going through. After Grace, I've been very careful with the hiring process but I still have fears so here's what I've done:

1. I hired two yayas. In truth, we don't need two yayas. Vince works from home. I work across the street and I shuttle back and forth every couple of hours. But I like to have a lot of people caring for my kids. Because caring for kids is not a joke. It is tough. It is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. There should always be a reliever, in case someone loses their patience.

2. Even I don't like to be left alone with my kids. For one thing, I'm sickly and clumsy. What if I trip and hit my head and die? What if I get a bad asthma attack? Same goes for my yayas. I always want at least two adults with the kids at all times.

3. I am very kind to my help. And I ask Vito to be kind to them and I ask them to be patient with my children. Even then, whenever Vince and I are home—which is often—we take over the childcare and just ask the yayas to clean the house, nap, go shopping.

It is my hope that all of the above will protect my kids from harm. But the Krims were good to their nanny, too. Marina gave up her career so she can be a stay-at-home mom and care for her kids herself. She only hired the nanny when Leo, her youngest, was born. And even though she had the nanny, she was still hands-on, always with the kids. Except for that one tragic afternoon when she left Lucia and Leo with the nanny to attend to her third child, 3-year-old Nessie.

While this tragedy has stunned everyone, some parents have used this to further their agenda.


There's a lot of that on the comment sections of every story on this tragedy. That one above is from People. Marina (or someone in her family) shut down her blog because it was getting lots of hate in the comments, blaming her for leaving her kids to a nanny.

Shame on every person who self-righteously turns up their noses and says, "That's why I gave up my career because I can never think of leaving my kids with a stranger!" I heard that all the time when I told people about Yaya Grace. Really. Thanks so much for the judgment. You really all helped a lot.

Well, guess what, statistics show that more children are abused and killed by their own parents and relatives than by nannies and strangers. Let me say that again: Statistics show that parents are more dangerous to their own kids than strangers. So to all the people out there who think career women are bad mothers, just stop. Marina Krim is a stay-at-home mom, a housewife. She loves her children, she gave up everything for them, and this still happened.

We don't need to understand what happened. We don't have to use this tragedy to assure ourselves that we made the right choices or to make others feel guilty about theirs. We can do all we can to protect our kids and things like this will still happen.

I'm trying not to let the Krim child murders make me suspicious of my own yayas. That's not the correct response. I did discuss it with them. I asked them to always be open and honest with us, to ask for help if they need it, to knock on our neighbors' doors if they feel overwhelmed and we're not home to relieve them. And then there's really nothing left to do but to pray ever so hard for our kids' safety and protection. Let me share again with you my prayer of protection:
Dear Father in heaven, I know You love my children more than I ever could. And so I know You will grant this prayer. Please keep Vito and Iñigo safe from harm. Protect them from accidents. Protect them from themselves, from others who may harm them, protect them even from us, their parents, if we should be impatient and angry. Keep their bodies strong so that no sickness will afflict them. Cover them in the blood of Your Son, Jesus, so that they will be invisible to evil. Let Your angels watch over them. And may they always feel Your presence and goodness so that even when Vince and I are not around, they will feel safe and hidden away. Amen.
God, please keep our families safe! And comfort the hearts of Marina and Kevin and their little Nessie. I don't know how anyone could ever recover from this horrific loss but may they feel the love, kindness and support of the world who grieves with them.

Nov 9: Update on children's memorial plus nanny's motive here.

*photo of Krim children from The Telegraph UK.
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Birthday thoughts

October 30, 2012, 7:35 am
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I'll be 36 years old in 8 days!

I have a great marriage, two beautiful children, a lovely home, a passion in writing that actually pays the bills (despite what everyone told me!). My life is amazing.

But... this year hasn't been easy. I had a very delicate pregnancy. I bled often, up until the fourth month. It came to a point where I emotionally distanced myself from Wiggle so that if I lost the baby, I wouldn't feel so bad.

Then my bag business was a huge source of stress. Maybe that contributed to the constant bleeding, I don't know, but killing the bag business was the right decision. Work hasn't been easy either. I won't talk about my job but wow... All I can say is it's been really tough this year.

At home, well, Vito's first yaya left us due to a family emergency. I was still bleeding and on bed rest that time but because of the sudden yaya departure, I had to get up and take care of Vito. Thank goodness that Baby Wiggle wasn't harmed even though I went against doctor's orders. We got a yaya three weeks later but she turned out to be a major pain in the ass and then a monster. We fired her and hired new yayas a few weeks later. But we had to let go of them, too, because their medical tests showed they both had TB. It took us another few weeks (and by this time, I had already given birth to Iñigo!) to find a new yaya.

All those times we didn't have household help, Vince and I were exhausted to tears. I remember this one time when I had to chase after Vito to wash his butt because he pooped and he was so quick and I was so pregnant and I just couldn't take it anymore. I sat down on the floor and just sobbed. It wasn't just Vito that upset me—it was my life. I was really in a dark place early this year and I soldiered bravely on, but that day, with my uncooperative Vito, I had to just let it all out. I was so overwhelmed. I felt that my life seemed to be crashing around me.

I think I bawled for 5 minutes straight. I was so tired and upset. Vito, then just 17 months old, slowly approached me and after staring at me, hugged me then took my hand and led me to the bathroom where he lifted up his shirt and pointed to his butt, all with a big smile on his face. And a ray of light shone through my fog of misery!

This year had been extremely difficult. I don't really talk about it on my blogs but I'm sure you have an idea since I did mention my troubles now and then. This year had been a big mess for me emotionally and I realize now that it's because God was forcing me to set my house in order. I've made some big decisions as a result. Huge decisions! Can't talk about them yet but I will, I will. Soon!

For now, all I can say is my 35th year was stunning in its triumphs and tribulations. I think my 36th year will be much better. Waaaaaay better. I can't wait to see what happens next!
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This is how we take our Vitamin C!

November 1, 2012, 12:45 am
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Well, because Smart C+ sent my family this amazing press kit, Vince, Vito and I now take our daily dose of Vitamin C in such a fun way!

It would be pretty hard to forget with this!
A different flavor every day!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

I love the press kit! It's so cleverly and lovingly made! But what I love even more is how Smart C+ tastes great. I like it best poured over ice. My favorite is Pomelo Grapefruit. The others are Orange Crush and Lemon Squeeze. Vince likes Pomelo Grapefruit, too. And so does Vito!

Silly little boy. That's my glass of juice but as soon as he saw it, he climbed up on the table and claimed it! That's how much he likes Smart C+ Pomelo Grapefruit! A full bottle is packed with 500mg of Vitamin C. That's a yummy way to keep infections away!

Smart C+ is available at all supermarkets. grocery shops and convenience stores. Grab a bottle of sunshine today!
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Kinda on a blogging break!

November 5, 2012, 8:00 am
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It's been an amazing week! Absolutely glorious. I am so happy! I'm living a great life! Gifts, surprise party, flowers... I can go on and on. My friends and family are pulling out the stops making me feel loved!

And then there's you. Thank you for reading my blogs, thank you for loving and blessing my family, thank you for all the support and kindness. I've had a blast blogging these past 6 years. But this week, I'll be on a bit of a break.

Mwah! See you around here soon!
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Johnson's Baby Milk nourishes mommies' skin, too!

November 9, 2012, 4:44 am
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I blogged about how I'd like to use Johnson's Baby Milk Bath on myself a few months ago. I did try it and my skin did become softer. So when Johnson's Baby Milk invited me to their Moms' Nourishing Spa Day held at Beauty by SM, SM Makati, last month, I went and checked it out!
I brought along Iñigo because I breastfeed him exclusively. He's attended so many events! He attracts photographers because he's just so darn cute. He's actually appeared on Maurice Arcache's society column. Sosyal! Thing is, because I carry him, I get to be in the pictures, too. So I have to make sure I look good! That's why I have to take care of myself—not just for my babies but also for the photos haha.

Bottles upon bottles of Johnson's Baby Milk Bath and Milk Lotion! These products really smell so milky. Milk has lactic acid, which helps exfoliate skin but it's a gentle exfoliant. The products are also enriched with milk proteins to protect skin, and Vitamins A and E to nourish it.

At the event, there was a secluded area for spa treatments. Mommies were treated to relaxing massages using the Milk Lotion. I personally vouch for the effectiveness of this treatment! My husband massages lotion onto my skin all the time! It's one of my favorite things in the world.


This is the healthy food section and here we found out how we can nourish ourselves from the inside. A lot of mommies just scarf down their food because they're so busy. Or they don't eat well because they'd rather feed their kids the good stuff. While that's admirable, it's not very good for us! We can't take care of our loved ones if we don't care for ourselves first!

I'm actually not practicing what I preach. I'm always too busy to eat or even drink water. Or I rely on fast food. Not good at all. On the days that I do slow down, that's when I drink tea, juice and water. I eat vegetables a lot but not a lot of fruits. You can tell when I'm stressed—my skin and lips and hair become dry and then my face breaks out! Then I become unhappy because I'm ugly and an unhappy mommy is not a good mommy at all.

So I really should take care of myself!

For example, this is Jennie. She's been my friend since we were kids. She always takes care of herself and her family. She loves eating healthy food, she prepares her family's meals (homecooked!), she uses environmentally friendly products for her family and for her home. She pampers herself, too. She's an amazing wife and mom! I am working hard to be like her one day soon!

Here are my blogger buddies, Rowena and Michelle. They are mommies, too. When I read their blogs, I am inspired to be a better mom. They really research the products they buy for their families (I used to use just anything)—from the ingredients to the cost! They really know how to take care of their families. Plus, they look so good!

I'm so glad I went to the Moms' Nourishing Spa Day of Johnson's Baby Milk. Not only did I learn about the importance of caring for my mommy skin, I also met other mommies who are great examples of balancing family and work, caring for self and others. It was quite inspiring!


Want to try Johnson's Baby Milk Bath and Lotion, too? Just drop by at a Watson's store near you to find out how. You can also like Johnson's Baby's Facebook page for more information.


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Wishes, quick! Blowing out the birthday candle!

November 12, 2012, 7:41 pm
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Okay, I am baaaaack! My birthday week was super fun, mommies. Birthdays are much more enjoyable when you have kids. I talk about my birthday week over at Topaz Horizon so jump over there if you're interested. Meanwhile, I'm posting my boys' hilarious photos of trying to grab the cake!

Chocolate Truffle Cake from Mary Grace Café sprinkled generously with Vito's laway. Yum!
Look at them try to grab the cake! That's Vito's birthday candle. We didn't have any other happy candles!
Super gulo! 
The boys just can't be distracted enough to smile for the camera!
And this was just before Iñigo grabbed Vito's hair!
Birthday girl was super happy! I felt lots of love from Vince and my family and friends. And I have the best gifts in the world in my arms so I am grateful. Beyond grateful. Thank You, God, for everything!
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"We used to be cool!" LOL The Parent Rap says it all, y'all!

November 21, 2012, 9:26 pm
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This has got to be the funniest and coolest song and music video I've seen in ages. I am so going to memorize the lyrics of "Parent Rap" and I suggest you sing it with me, too!

Don't make me count to 1-2-3
Yeah, it's the parent rap, y'all
We may spend most of our time chasing toddlers down but
We still know how to rock the hizzle
I don't even know what you just said 

We used to be cool!
Back in the day, back on the block
Watching PG-13 movies, staying up way after dark
Then we had a couple shorties
And now we're really flossy
'Cause now we be rollin' with our own little posse
In the mini van
Or in our little wagon
Let me throw it to the moms 
Cause the little one is saggin'

I used to bling it up, I used to dress real shrewd 
Now I accessorize with food that's already been chewed
And that's all right, I make this diaper bag look good
When I'm walking through the mall tryin' to wrangle my brood
My PB&Js will set your world on fire
I could make you mac 'n' cheese blindfolded on a wire
I'm wipin' the doo-doo
Kissin' the booboos
Got them eyes in the back of my head, I see all you do. 
Using your full name so you know I ain't playin'
And that's why all my kiddos, they keep sayin'

Mom, mom, she's the bomb, 
Rocking all night till the break of dawn
Cooking them peas so I'll grow up strong
Got my second seat belt if we crash head on 
Dad, dad, he's the man, 
Workin' real hard to support the clan
Traded in his Porsche for an old sedan
Raisin' those brows if we get outta hand

When it come to Candyland, I'm a stone-cold player
Helpin' out with the homework, I'm an Algebra slayer
Wrestle carseats into place without spillin' my mug
If I tuck you in at night, you'll be as snug as a bug
Then I'm off in the morning to make that cheese
You may not know this yet, but it doesn't grow on trees
Now, mama, take it please, what, uh, take it

I'm droppin' time-out's like they're hot
Potty training all my tots
Washin' all the pans and pots
Tyin' little shoes in knots 
Givin' knowlege to your brain
Like, "If your friend jumped off a train, you don't have to do the same"
Now get your toys out of the rain!
I'm cleanin' every spill
Cuttin' coupons like a vil
If you need parental skill 
Now you know we are for real!
You don't think our rhyms are ill, boy?
Then you're grounded for a mil!

Mom, mom, she's legit
Makin' us chill when we pitch a fit
Telling us to share and never to hit
If you can't say somethin' nice put a sock in it
Dad, dad, he's the guy
Never gets tired of playing "I Spy"
The constant barage of kids asking "Why?"
And he always pretends he needs another tie 

You know money doesn't grow on trees
Why buy the cow if the milk is free?
This won't hurt you as much as it hurts me
If you want dessert, eat another veggie
Close that door 
You weren't born in a stable
Sit up straight
And kiss your Aunt Mable
Close your mouth when you chew 
Get your elbows off the table
Mom and Dad of the Year!
Check it, that's the label

It's the parent rap y'all
And it's apparent 
We're great parents
Mom and daddy in the house
Mom and daddy own the house
Mom and daddy need to clean the house...

Keep your hands to yourself, boy
Don't make me stop this beat, I'll do it!  I'll pull this beat right over

No matter what, it's apparent we're great parents! So chill, moms and dads. 

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Our sweet stay at Discovery Country Suites

November 23, 2012, 7:30 am
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Hello, mommy world! I have enjoyed my birthday celebrations far too much! But my birthday month is finally winding down and I had a most wonderful time. Thank you all! Now before I kiss November baboosh and say hello to crazy December, here's my little family celebration at charming Discovery Country Suites last week.

I've been longing for a quick out-of-town trip especially since the past few months have been absolutely insane. I can't really talk about it although I've mentioned it here and there. So as soon as my obligations were done, I booked a stay for my family at Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay. This little bed and breakfast has just seven rooms, all tastefully decorated and oozing with sumptuous comfort. This is definitely not for those who like a more cosmopolitan aesthetic—you know, modern, streamlined, sparse. That's why I chose Country Suites because I wanted a place that looked and felt like home not a hotel.

I had booked the smaller Andalucia room since that's the one I can afford haha. Andalucia is a cozy room furnished in my favorite color (orange!) and looks out to a lush garden. Not bad at all. But we were in for a special surprise when we arrived last Friday—we got an upgrade to the Nantucket! This huge room had a king-size bed, a double bed, a living area, an office, a walk-in closet attached to the bath and a wide balcony overlooking Taal lake and volcano!

Huge floral arrangement greet us in our room.
Two big beds! So sinkably soft!
They even put a playpen for Iñigo! So thoughtful!
Our little sitting area. We have fruit and refreshing welcome drinks. 
Vito's super cute! He's wearing FOX shirt and shorts and TOMS shoes.
The two brothers don't like being separated. Here's Vito missing his baby bro.
Together again!
The bathroom is small. Needs an upgrade methinks, but it served its purpose!

So we loved our room. We explored the hotel and Vito was so comfy, he walked around barefoot. Feeling at home! There's a small garden in the back. It featured a dipping pool and a view of the lake and volcano. Then just before sunset, we sampled the cheese buffet, which was excellent, with white wine. The kids were so excited (in a very loud way) and then they crashed, just dropped off to sleep at 6pm. Which meant good news for Vince, me and the extra bed!

Since it was our special holiday and since we know that the hotel's restaurant Verbena was top notch, we ordered our favorite food: oysters and steak. Oh, dinner was absolutely superb!
We started with warm bread and various tasty dips.
The chef sent us this delightful watermelon salad. The first surprise of the night!
OMG. These Rockefeller oysters are so good! The rich spinach, the creamy and fluffy cheese, the plump oyster!
Our main course was the perfectly done steak. We asked for medium rare. In the Philippines, that usually means
well cooked. But our steak was grilled to perfection—the pink juicy meat was so tender! 
Then surprise surprise! A birthday cake with a whispered birthday song (the kids were asleep!) and
an amazing bouquet of gorgeous flowers! I was so surprised! Look at me! I didn't even comb my hair!
My yummy sliver of chocolate heaven!

Oh oh, what a delightful evening! The service at Country Suites is really something. The staff and crew made my family feel so special. Vince and I are big on service—no, we don't expect to be waited on but we appreciate good service and Country Suites went above and beyond just to make us feel at home and loved.

The next morning, Vito was the first one up. He was in a great mood! He, as usual, woke everybody up with his roll call. He, as usual, rose just before dawn so I wrapped ourselves up warmly and we all stepped out onto the balcony to watch the sun rise.

Gorgeous gorgeous! I'd forgotten how crisp the air is at dawn, how it fills your lungs with a briskness so alien now to a city girl. I'd forgotten how clear the light of day can be when there's no smog to dilute it and I'd forgotten how this glorious light can make everything extra beautiful. Like this little guy here.
Iñigo's first time in a high chair. He doesn't quite get it yet haha.
Oh, I forgot I wasn't home! Here I am unbrushed and un-made up. And there's darling Vito.
Vince had waffles and watermelon juice. 
I had fluffly pancakes with eggs, bacon and sausages.

We had to take turns eating because we didn't bring yayas. So while I ate with Iñigo, Vince took care of Vito.
Here they are exploring the second floor of the hotel. Sorry, blurry shot. I had one hand on the baby!
My turn with Vito. He wanted to show me where he and his Papa went. Cutie!

Food coma. Burp!

Oh, we absolutely loved our little getaway at Discovery Country Suites! I want all my birthdays to be spent there from now on! I don't think I can do it again without yayas, though. It's not easy at all. We were forever running after Vito, and next year, that'll be two of them we'll be chasing. So I'm hoping we can make tons of money so we can book another room for the yayas!

But we still had a lovely time. It was good to leave the city, take a break from work and the computer, breathe real air. Breathe. I can finally breathe again! And that's the best birthday gift I got this year—freedom. More on that soon. Just know that I'm so happy!

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My Mommy Mundo fabulous finds

November 24, 2012, 4:45 pm
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Halloo, mommies! Who was at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar yesterday? I saw some familiar faces there (Hi, Rissa of absolute mommyhood gorgeousness! Hi, Paola of Mommy Treats! Hi, Mae of Babinski Baby! Hi, Chrissy of Changing Nappies in High Heels!) and met some new ones (Hi, Ian of Tip Tap Soft Soles! Hi, Trisha of Baby Leaf! Hi, Audrey of googoo&gaga! Hi, Aimee of Babinski Baby!). I really wished I had brought my camera!!!

Anyway, our finds, our finds. I actually just wanted to buy lactation brownies from Mommy Treats. As you know, I am exclusively breastfeeding Iñigo and while I have great supply, I still eat Mommy Treats now and then just to help milk production along when I'm stressed or busy. So I was so happy that my dear friend Paola Loot still had yummy chewy brownies for me!
So gooooood!

Vince and I then remembered that our boys had run out of Mustela bath products (Iñigo is exclusively bathed with Mustela and Vito also recently became a Mustela user) but when we passed by the Souq Organics booth, Vince remembered that we still had BioPha bath stuff. So we checked out the other booths instead.

Vince spotted these tie shirts and onesies from far away. Vince loves tie shirts and onesies. So we came over to the booth, which happened to be Silly Monkey Clothing. They had such cute designs!!! We had a hard time choosing. I think we spent too many minutes at their booth haha. We finally ended up with these cuties:
Cars stuck in traffic!
Psychedelia!
Stars and stripes!

Further along, we chanced upon googoo&gaga's little space. We love googoo&gaga! I just don't know why in all of Vito's 2 years, the designs we want are always out of stock when I remember to shop. Grabe the demand!!! In fact, even last night, we felt sad we again didn't find a Winged Skeleton onesie for Iñigo! But it's okay, we got him a Tattoo Heart instead.
For Vito, Vince really liked this robot shirt. Because of the back—it has a wind-up key! Sometimes Vito seems like a wound up toy, ya know? He just keeps going and going and going and then collapses!

We were also super lucky to see Mae Esguerra Sy of Babinski Baby. Mae was my classmate in Assumption Antipolo and I haven't seen her since grade school. She has not changed at all! She is as beautiful and as bubbly as ever! She was so happy to see me, too, that she gave us the coolest beanie and socks! Thanks, Mae!
It's a mohawk! Iñigo! Grrr chomp chomp mwah!!!
Doc Martens-inspired socks!
Trivia: Vince is a big Babinski Baby fan. He appreciates their designs.

Then I saw Bitbit the Rabbit from Spinkie. I love it so! It's the cutest, most lovable, sweetest stuffed bunny I've ever met. Rone of Mothering Earthlings shop (which also sells Spinkie products) knows this since I've been telling her about my long-distance love for Bitbit for months now. I wasn't buying since I couldn't decide on what color to buy. I had narrowed it down to Watermelon Red, Heather Gray and Navy, but whenever I asked Vito which one he liked, he'd always choose Bubble Pink!

Anyway, at the bazaar, I saw a big basket of Bitbits. I went crazy! It was worse—I now wanted them ALL! The Heather Gray was really calling out to me; it looked so elegant and... British! But then I saw Navy and Watermelon and they were saying my name, too! Vince also found them adorable and he picked out the Mint and the Striped ones. So now we really couldn't decide! Finally, Vince said, "Get the Chocolate and Pink. It's our wedding colors." And so I did. I'm so happy!

Except that when we got home and Vito saw Bitbit, he claimed it as his own. I kept telling Vito, "Bitbit belongs to Mama, okay?" Vince tsk-tsk'd me and said, "Mama, learn how to share!" So I let Bitbit go. 
Vito shared Bitbit with Iñigo. Here he is telling his brother a story about Bitbit. Sweet!

Maybe I'll buy another one. Heather Gray? Watremelon? Navy? Hmm. Maybe I'll collect them all! If you're still shopping for a Christmas gift for me, you know now what I want! I want all the Spinkie Bitbit Rabbits!

So anyway, we went around the entire tent but I didn't need a lot for the boys or for myself so we really just browsed and satisfied our curiosity. There was a ton of goodies moms, dads and kids will love! I was also very inspired to come up with a business. I just don't know what!

If you want to shop, the Mommy Mundo Bazaar is still ongoing today at Rockwell Tent. Opens at 10am, closes at 8pm. The entrance is by the Rockwell Christmas tree. I think the entrance fee is P50. Do drop by! There's also yummy food outside the tent, a breastfeeding station for moms who need to nurse, and the entire place is WiFi'd so you can Tweet away your finds.

If you can't go to the bazaar, just click on the links I provided above and indulge in online shopping! Enjoy!
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Vito and Iñigo were brand ambassadors of ELC Greenbelt 5!

November 26, 2012, 3:05 am
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So proud so proud so proud!

Last month, Early Learning Centre—only the coolest toy shop in the city!—asked my kids to be brand ambassadors of the new Greenbelt 5 store. Wow! Buti pa mga anak ko nakaka-endorse na ng mga brands! Mama must keep up haha.

Anyway, you might remember that I talked about ELC early this year. I was still pregnant with Iñigo then when Vince, Vito and I visited their first shop in Bonifacio High Street. We fell in love with the shop and all the toys so we were thrilled when ELC called us up and asked if our boys can be brand ambassadors of the Greenbelt 5 shop.

Here we are at the baby and toddler section. Everything is so sturdy, well made, colorful and interactive. I seriously couldn't decide what to get for Iñigo!

Aww. Iñigo was just 5 months and 9 days here. He's soooo round! Hmm. Now that I'm looking at this picture, maybe I should get that toy behind us! When Vito was almost a year old, he embarked on a gadget obsession. Remote controls, phones. He'd chew on them and carry them around while walking. Maybe it's a good idea to get Iñigo toy gadgets!


Iñigo stared at these for a looooooong time. But since there are small parts, not yet, kiddo!

Can you tell Mama's excited with everything? Iñigo was just sleepy. Midday is his sleepy time. We dropped by at around 11am.

Meanwhile, someone was wide awake and just as excited as his mama! Vito, as expected, zeroed in on the cars section of the toy shop.

Nice trousers, right? Those are corduroy slim pants we got at Mothercare. The waist is adjustable. So clever and cool! Vince is envious. He's looking for a pair for himself. Mothercare, please make pants like those for mommies and daddies!

Speaking of mommies and daddies, here are the fellow parents (and their happy kids!) who checked out ELC.

Kea Laudico is a Cinderella fan, just like me! Kea's the daughter of celebrity chef Rolando Laudico. She's also an ELC brand ambassador.

Teacher Jeannie of Kindermusik, brand ambassador uses ELC musical toys for her classes. Maybe I should enrol Vito in Kindermusik, now that I know they use ELC toys to learn music and rhythm!

Here's the ELC team. It must be fun to work in a toy store! To the very right is my friend Mariel. She must be giving birth anytime now. Safe and easy delivery to you and your new baby, Mariel!

The store opening was a huge success! There was lots of balloons for kiddies, a cotton candy station, tons of popcorn and a photo booth, too. Plus, celebrity sightings! The gorgeous Rissa Mananquil Trillo was there with her hubby, son and new baby girl.



Here we are done with shopping! Iñigo was carried by Yaya M and she went out of the store ahead of us when we were stopped by the event photographer. Wala lang. Just in case you were wondering where the baby was. 

Anyway, to our surprise, despite Vito's obsession with cars, he chose a rescue helicopter to bring home (I can't find the photo so I'll just make it habol). We got this for the baby: 

Iñigo enjoys it very much! Lotsa textures, super soft and gentle to baby skin and gums, very well made! Really one of the best places to get fun and educational toys. We'll be back at ELC. Christmas is just a month away!

For more photos of the store opening, click here. ELC Toy Store is in Greenbelt 5, near Greenbelt 1 side. The first store is at Bonifacio High Street, under Active Fun.


UPDATE: We were in the news!


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I'm a super mom!

November 27, 2012, 8:30 am
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Belle delos Reyes, a super mom herself, just welcomed me into the club!

On her lovely blog Cruisin' Mommyhood, Belle got me to open up about my typical day—a feat considering I usually don't talk about my schedule until after it's done! She also asked me about juggling home and career, a skill I am still mastering. I don't even know if I'll ever master it! And she got me to talk about a lot of other things, like a very big life change I've kept secret for a few months now but that Belle was able to coax out of me!

Dear Belle, thank you for thinking I'm a super mom. I am puffed up with pride! At the same time, I am humbled because I read other moms' blogs and I get insecure because I'm not as good as they are. Like Dainty Mom, for example. She cooks healthy and delicious food for her husband and son all the time. She has a lovely and organized home. She runs a writing and editing business. She has great relationships with her family and friends. Whenever she Tweets or posts photos of the gourmet meals she cooked, like that salmon dish I can't forget, I whine to my husband, "Martine is perfect! I want to be like her!"

Hopefully, with my new life, I'll be able to get my act together. Like, even I will be able to take a step back, look at myself in the mirror and say, "You're a super mom!" Most importantly, I hope that one day my kids will think, "My mama's super. She rocks!"

Wondering what new life I'm talking about? Just go to Cruisin' Mommyhood and read for yourself!

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Vito went nuts over Go Nuts Donuts

November 29, 2012, 7:03 am
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Dear Go Nuts Donuts,

Since my children have now added "brand ambassador" to their resumé, I present to you my toddler Vito for your consideration:
Vito shouted, "Wooooah!" when we opened the box.
"Wha dat, Mama?" as he poked holes into the icing.
Then he was distracted by the cookies I laid out. He said, "Ooooh. Wha dat?!"
I love Go Nuts Donuts' strawberry glazed doughnuts but when I bit into the cookie, I found a new love. 
Vito prefers the cookies, too! They're really good!
Buy a box for your boss or neighbors.
Give a cookie each for your officemates or the neighbors' kids. 
Or just bring home some for your own little Christmas coffee party!

What a fun and yummy gift idea, right? I gave chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting to my (now former) officemates, though. My sister-in-law Lizelle bakes the best cupcakes in the world. Truth! I'll talk about her cupcakes later so you can order from her. But if you need gift treats in a jiffy, pass by Go Nuts Donuts!


*These photos are not sponsored or owned by Go Nuts Donuts. But thanks for the free goodies! 
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Our two-car garage

December 1, 2012, 7:59 am
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I've got a home big enough for two vehicles. I tell ya, folks, I'm so rich, my heart can't contain it! Never been as happy as I am today. Thank You, God, for my abundant life!
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Vito loves Iñigo

December 3, 2012, 10:01 am
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My sons adore each other. They truly cannot get enough of each other. Were it not for one boy being littler than the other, you'd think they were twins. That's how close they are!

A few months ago, maybe when Iñigo was just 2 months old, whenever he'd cry, it's Vito who would come running to get me. At first I thought Vito got upset by the noise but I realized soon enough that I was wrong. As soon as Vito saw me carry his baby brother and put the baby to my breast and the baby quieted down, Vito would nod with approval and go back to whatever he was doing.

Vito rocks Iñigo to sleep
Now, Vito and Iñigo wake up together, always before their parents do. This used to make me panic because, well, Vito might hurt the baby. Everyone says that. But Vito doesn't. At dawn, Vito always chatters away with Iñigo and the little one tries to talk back. They kinda seem to understand each other. They have long conversations in the darkness. Then when the sun is up, Vito climbs down the bed for his breakfast, and wakes me up to carry Iñigo out. It is imperative that his baby brother goes with him. Vito doesn't like being separated from Iñigo!

Vito shares his most precious toy. But we lost Lightning in the playground.
 I've caught Vito entertaining Iñigo. He likes to play peek-a-boo with the baby. Or doing slapstick comedy like falling into a pile of pillows on the bed, which never fails to make Iñigo squeal with laughter. He also likes telling the little one stories and use his toys as characters in a play that only he understands and only Iñigo appreciates. One time, Vince was in the bathroom and flushed the toilet. Vito gasped at Iñigo and said, "Wha dat, baby?" When Iñigo smiled at him, Vito replied, "Papa! Water!" He's already being a teacher!

Wherever Vito goes, Iñigo follows!
Vito's also very protective. He doesn't like it when other people carry Iñigo. He also stands guard when Iñigo happens to be near the edge of the bed or the sofa (don't worry, I'm there). Vito would cry, "No, baby!" and drag Iñigo to safety. Even at just 2 years old, Vito looks out for his brother. When the baby is crying, he offers Iñigo his bottle of milk (haha) or his precious toy cars. His ears are sharp for any tiny cry and small whimper. He'd call my attention immediately: "Mama! Baby!"

Vito telling Iñigo a story using Bitbit.
The only things he won't share? The iPad and Bitbit the Rabbit. But we're working on that. I had all these fears that Vito might feel jealous of Iñigo, that this jealousy might spark resentment and rivalry. But seeing what I see now, every single day, I believe that my eldest will take care of my youngest, that my youngest has someone to look up to, that my sons will always have each other, that they will share a bond that will not include Vince or me. They will be true brothers. And my heart is comforted and proud.


P.S. This big brother reminds me of Vito. Iñigo is in good hands.

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S**t Preschoolers Say!

December 7, 2012, 12:30 am
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Yes, you read that title right. S**t Preschoolers Say is my favorite new blog! The author is a preschool teacher named Marisa and she collects the funniest, silliest, cutest, sometimes profound things her students say.

If you're a parent of preschoolers, please be warned that your kids provide hilarious entertainment to their teachers. I used to be a preschool teacher. I taught kids aged 4-5 at Ingenium School in Marikina. Every day, my co-teachers and I laugh at the stuff we've found out about our kids' parents. For example:
Nico, 4 (before putting a cookie in his mouth): My cookie is my tongue. See? My tongue is very long!
Sam, 4: That's not long. My mommy and daddy have veeeeery loooooong tongues. They lick each other's faces before they sleep.
Here are a few of my favorites from Teacher Marisa's blog:








Vito is 2 years old so he's not technically a preschooler yet. But he did make me laugh when he said, "Hi, chicks!"

Meanwhile, I need to nap now. I'm going to outer space tonight, too. Have a great weekend!


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