Euen's Tenth Month

I baked a big chocolate-banana cake for the baby. 17.2 lbs. this month, our baby looks taller. bigger.  Her second front tooth came out. Yey!  She's become even more active nowadays: playing, moving around.  She also had a cough for a few days, no fever or colds. But it just subsided so there was no need to bring her to the doctor.

I can't believe it! Euen is ten months old now!
She has existed longer on the outside world than inside my tummy.

We are all excited for the baby's first Christmas.

Banoffee Pie

I asked my sister what she wanted to me bake.  Being the dessert-addict-who-is-so-skinny, I almost regretted I asked.  She requested: a banoffee pie.

There are three parts in making this dessert.  The shortbread crust, the dulce de leche and the whipped cream.  

I liked the texture of the crust that I baked.  The dulce de leche took time to cook and needs to be watched.  Since I don't have the whisk attachment on my mixer and Denden, my "whisk-man" was lazy at the time, we bought the spray-on whipped cream.  We enjoyed putting it all together, adding extra-extra bananas. 

The photo above might not look so good.  But it was yummy!  Mission accomplished. 

Happy on the Water

Aside from her first air plane ride and out-of-the-country trip, Euen had her first dip in a swimming pool in Singapore also.

Is it obvious in her picture how much she loved it?

It was a very big bath tub to her, incomparable to her "timba."

Euen's Ninth Month

I already have sore throat before our trip to Singapore.  And even during our trip, I tried everything for it, not to turn into an actual illness.  It worked.  Until we got back.  I just delayed being sick, but it was inevitable. So for Euen's monthsary, I was very, very sick with cough and colds.  

We just celebrated at home, just the three of us.

17 lbs. this month, her first upper tooth came out yesterday.  

For this month, she's learned how to clap her hands.  Note that she's not just putting her hands together, she actually makes the clapping sound.  I couldn't define it as crawling but she puts a foot forward then drags her other leg on the floor. With this, she can reach places. Hahaha.  Also, as long as the can hold on to something (walls, chairs, tables) she can stand up and take steps.  We call her the "turo-girl" now, she points to everything.  Waiting for you to tell her what it is. 

Happy nine months my princess. 

Ikea is our Happy Place

Euen's first airplane ride is where else but our favorite out-of-the-country-destination: Singapore.  Denden had a business trip and we just tagged along.  Very timely for Kuya Shosh's birthday, so Shashing accompanied us.  The baby's airplane ride was smooth, she just watched by the window during the take off, then, she was asleep the whole time.

I gave Euen the same experience, the first time I went to Singapore.  Mostly, went around places, ate lots and lots of food (she loved rotti prata), took the river taxi, enjoyed the view and sights.

Of course, we took her to Ikea.  She enjoyed playing with all the display toys and trying out the baby and children's furniture.

Like me, Ikea is Euen's happy place too!

Chocolate cupcake

My first chocolate cupcake made from scratch and not from the "mix in a box."

I am even more fulfilled that I made the frosting and actually decorated it.  Of course my piping wasn't the same for the cupcakes.  But I was happy.

Beat That

Denden and I have been busy the past few nights.  Playing with the Logos Quiz on the iPad   It was just him playing and I was just watching.  Because I know he's good at these.  He knows everything.  We call him our Mr. Google.  We turn to him if we didn't know the meaning of a word.

Some of the logos that I know, of course he knew.  But most logos, I didn't know and of course, he knew.  I admit, I'm pretty amazed.  He didn't want to cheat and he took his time looking at each picture, skipping if didn't know right away. He won't use hints and even if I tell him to search it already, he wouldn't give up.

Then he came across this one picture.  He didn't know what was it and he asked if I knew.  I was surprised that he didn't.  I took the Ipad from him and typed the answer.  (Look on the lower part of the picture.)  Haha!  This time, it was him who was amazed.  Beat that! 

Ornithophobia

Yes, I am afraid of birds. Any type as long as it has a beak and, or feathers.  I am not sure exactly how it started but it's not just me, my two sisters are also scared of them.  I think it was a chicken or a turkey that we had in our house when we were children.  

Anyway, I went out of our yard today and  I saw this.  Denden thinks it's an egret.  A migratory bird that comes here during the cold season.   I immediately ran inside the house and made sure our doors and windows are closed.  I peeked through our window but I think it's dead already, Gab must have played with it.  I waited for Denden to come home and take care of it.  Before I can finally go out of the house again.

Euen's Eighth Month

Since the twelfth fell on a Friday, we decided to celebrate Euen's eighth month with Angkong and Ahma. And so, we packed the high chair and brought it with us.  I made strawberry cheesecake.

She just gained 0.2 lbs. this month.  The pediatrician said it's nothing to worry about.  I could just increase the her solids. So aside from her lunch and dinner meals, I've given her snacks in the mornings and afternoons.  She's drinking an average of 4 ounces of water a day.  Of course, I'm still breastfeeding 7-8 times a day.

It has just been a month but the baby had many milestones. She has tEEth now. Yes, two on the lower front. Though unable to crawl, she can stand up from sitting position holding on the the rails of her crib. And she's making tiny little assisted steps.  And recently, she's learned how to close and open her hand.

Unfortunately, Ahma had to be some place so we missed her.  But Lola auntie, Lolo uncle, Uncle Jeng-jeng and Tita Desy were there to sing her a birthday song.  Happy eight months little darling Euen!

Folding Plastic

I had been told that I am an O.C. a couple of times: obssessive-compulsive in some ways.   The way our room is cleaned, how our stove top should be washed after dinner, how clothes are folded before being kept in the closet.  One classic example is folding plastic bags into small triangles before storing them.  I like to do these especially after grocery shopping.  That way, it doesn't look cluttered and it saves space.

I just like to think that I am just organized and I like things in order.  I want my surroundings clean.  Well, not just clean, it has to be cleaned in my own-systematic way.  That will assure me that it is indeed clean. Haha.

With a baby soon to dominate the floors of our house,  there's no harm being a little O.C., right?

Euen's Seventh Month

At seven months, she's 16.6 lbs., laughs and giggles with her papa,  invents various facial expressions, eats almost anything that we eat, loves to practice standing up, assisted, of course, and talks more and more.

I let her try any food except for sweets and oily foods.  Whenever we are eating, we find something to give her so that she'll feel she's dining with us.  She's learned to drink more water now.

A day after her seventh month, her first tooth came out! Luckily, she didn't have any fever.  If she hadn't bitten her dad, we wouldn't have noticed the tooth. Yey!

Grinder

This is my new helper when it comes to making the baby's food: Munchkin's baby food grinder.

For the next stage in eating solids, I needed more texture and  less the "smoothness."  There's no need to add water and it makes the baby food bite-sized and chewable.  She won't just swallow like when her food passed through the blender.

Recently, I let the baby try green leafy veggies: malunggay, pechay.  I just chop them in small pieces.  She's becoming a fan of fish as well: tilapia, milk fish, dory and salmon.  She looks forward to desert: raisins, pineapple and dragonfruit.  I am slowly adding real rice in her food also.

She looks forward to eating! And even if we're out, we bring her food so that she'll be able to eat with us.

Vampire Baby

No, this is not Bella.  Ah Ma gave us dragonfruit when we visited them.  

We let the baby try and she loved it.  The  picture above describes how much she did! 

Carrot Cake

I baked my first actual cake, carrot cake with walnuts, with the help of my best friend.

I learned how to make frosting.  Its main ingredient is the confectioners sugar, that was found after going to four grocery stores.  The walnuts were supposed to the chopped but we ended up grinding almost all of them.

Though it was a bit complicated with the different steps and many ingredients, I had fun baking.

Especially when the finished product is nutritious and delicious!

Red Flag is Up

Euen in between red pillows.

I will never forget the last time I had period.  That was way before I got pregnant and was always asked during doctors' check-ups.  It it said that breastfeeding delays fertility, thus delays menstruation.  Well, after one year, three months and five days, the red flag is up.

I was beginning to wonder when will my period come back.  The past few days, I felt sick, I just realized now that it was PMS.  Funny, I wasn't sure at first what was it.  I even got a bit nervous when I saw blood.  I remember getting my period for the first time when I was young.

I have breastfed 100% for six months and eleven days, I just hope that even though I had my period already, my milk supply will still be adequate for the baby.

Happy Six Months

Half a year has passed!!  Comparing Euen's monthsary pictures, she has really grown.

Exactly 16 lbs. this month, she hasn't gained much.  I have increased the amount of servings in her food and she continues to explore different tastes: veggies, some fruits and a little introduction on proteins.

She's learned to balance herself when sitting down. And spends a little more time playing.  I have started to hear more and more syllables from her: ma, da, na.

Also, she's begun to be attached, mostly to me.  She cries when she realizes it isn't me, or her Papa, carrying her.  She recognizes faces: she always gives a big smile when she sees her Papa for the first time when he comes home from work, or Lolo during weekends when he hears his voice.

This is Euen's first monthsary celebration with Kuya Ikoy and Lolo.  With mommy's homemade cupcakes for her monthsary cake.

Baby in her chair

Here's a longer list of the foods that the baby has eaten.

1. Cauliflower.  This she liked very much!

2. Green bell pepper.  She didn't like at first, with it's strong smell. I mixed with sweet potatoes for her to get used to the taste.

3.  Asparagus. She liked it instantly.

4.  Egg yolk. First protein food!  I just grated this and not used the blender.

5.  Chayote.  

6.  Steamed fish.  Second protein!  She liked it as well.

7.  Banana

8.  Rambutan slices.

9.  Mango

I started her with some fruits with very little slices, just to introduce the sweet taste.  Her's a picture of the baby, shirtless with one foot on top of her high chair tray.  All ready to eat!

 

Lolo and Euen

Since I gave birth, almost every weekend, we get to see Papa.  And almost every weekend, he will just look at Euen and talk to her. His famous line for Euen is, "ATATAWA."  Then instantly, Euen will look at his lolo and give him a smile.  And this never fails!  

But never did he asked to carry Euen in his arms.  During the first few months, I just thought maybe he's just scared because the baby's still fragile.  After a few months, the most the he has touched her grandaughter is letting Euen play with his finger. 

Until last weekend when we were all in the dining table, together packing snacks for my sister's work. The baby cried from her crib, wanting to join us.  So, lolo asked to put the baby on the dining table and he held Euen while we continued packing.  Though he didn't really carry the baby in his arms, I was happy to see Papa hugging Euen.  

I was never Papa's favorite and I couldn't remember when was the last time I gave him a hug or kiss.  But I am happy that he has Euen now, to hug and kiss.  And this, I will teach Euen until she grows old. 

Cheesecake Experiment

My sister's birthday gift for me is a hand mixer.  For the further exploration of my baking adventures.  And cheesecake is the first on my list.  This was a no-bake cheesecake.  And it's more of a cheesecake in a pie/tart pan.  

I followed the recipe but it was too late when I realized that my pan is bigger.  Thus, the crust was a little thin and there wasn't enough for the sides.  I used frozen strawberries as topping but this could be varied depending on who'll eat.

We had it frozen and we loved the taste when we ate it. Yey! 

Broccoli Make-up

After sweet potatoes, normal potatoes and squash, broccoli was next. It has a different smell so the baby wasn't that psyched to taste. It also has a different texture even if mashed/blended. She gets mad if we hold her hands to prevent it from touching the food or putting it inside her mouth. Papa called it broccoli make-up because she spread her food all over her face. The baby was still able to finish her bowl. Very good little darling.

Batman with my Bestfriend

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/

Batman is my favorite superhero. Yes, since I was a kid, I used to watched the cartoons.  Of course I didn't miss the previous Batman films.

The new series of the dark knight movies are modern and more mature.  I guess to keep up with those kids who liked batman, who are adults now.  I must say, I liked Christian Bale for Bruce Wayne.  Except for his voice when he puts his mask on.   And, The Dark Knight Rises is a good ending for the trilogy. Though, the makers can still make another film or two...

I cannot even remember the last time that I watched a movie with my bestfriend.  It was way too long already.  But this night, I got my birthday gift from her! My wish, for us to have a night out, just the two of us. Yey! The baby was left with her Papa so I was less worried.

My favorite superhero with my favorite person.  A very good "post" birthday treat.

Happy Five Months

Our princess is five months old!  She's 15.2 lbs. and I think she's getting longer and longer. Her legs are stronger, perhaps due to the morning Jumperoo exercises.   Her milestone for the month: she started solids already! I'm feeding her twice a day with rice cereals and various vegetables.   Not much changed from our routine, but her nap time has longer interval.  She's mostly playing, either with me or by herself.  She also discovered her toes taste better than her hands.  A week before the twelfth, she had fever and I was worried sick as I didn't know the cause.  We brought her to the doctor, she had sores on her throat and mouth. The pedia said it could be due to germs that reaches her mouth because of her putting anything in her mouth.  She was prescribed with meds.  I was a little relieved that the fever didn't occur again and after 2-3 days, she's back to normal.  

Thus, an addition to her cleaning routine: cleaning her mouth-gums, tongue and inner cheeks, with a swab and water.  And washing her hands and feet with soap and water as often as possible.  Using the sanitizer if we're out.

If only we can be sick instead of our babies, most mothers would choose that.

A Year Older

 About the same time last year, I was on house arrest because of my risky pregnancy.  I was happy and sad at the same time.  Happy because I had long wished for a baby.  Sad because I was very worried for her.  A year has gone by and she's right here, now, beside me. I thank God for everything.  I couldn't wish for anything more. 

A lot has happened: pregnancy, giving birth, going back to work, permanently leaving work, changing my career to motherhood.  Everyday I continue to learn to be a mother.  

My prayer now is for Euen to be safe, healthy and happy always.

Potatoes

After a week of sweet potatoes, normal potatoes is next on the baby's menu.  I did the same thing as with the sweet potatoes. I think the baby liked the sweet potatoes more, so after a couple of meals of potatoes alone, I mixed an ice cube of sweet potato with an ice cube of potato. That, the baby liked!

I started feeding the baby twice a day, one lunch date just the two of us and one dinner date as a family. Feeding the baby is really very messy, she grabs her spoon herself, putting her hands inside her mouth, spreading food all over her face and all over the place.  But I love that she likes food and I enjoy every bit of it!

Movie After Five Months

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/

Before, we would watch a movie almost once, every week. That was our date.  But  the last movie that we watched was The Vow.  This was a week before I gave birth.

After five months, my sister volunteered to babysit Euen so that we can watch, The Amazing Spiderman. Yey!  It felt like a first date, in an actual movie house. Haha!

Well, I liked this Peter Parker better than Tobey Maguire.  But, can I just wish that there'll be a Spiderman without Uncle Ben dying. Just a hopeful thinking.  I guess it won't be a Spiderman if that will be the case. 

Because we needed to come back as soon as possible for the baby, we didn't even eat dinner.  We just got a Mc Donald's drive thru and ate at home. 

Paalam Nanay Norma

May kasabihan, "Ang isang ina, isusubo na lang, ibibigay pa sa kanyang anak." At ito ay nakita ko kay Nanay Norma, kung gaano nya kamahal ang kanyang mga anak, hanggang saming mga apo nya. Sa 82 years ng buhay ni Nanay, halos 60 years nito, sya ay ina. Ako, five months pa lang akong ina sa aking anak kung kaya't hindi ko maimagine kung gaano kalaki ang pagmamahal, pag-aaruga at pagsasakripisyo ang ibinigay nya sa kanyang mga anak.

Labingisang taon nang wala ang mommy ko, kaya tuwing ako'y nangungulila, ididial ko lang ang numerong ito: 9038125, at maririnig ko na ang mataas at matinis na "Hello?", ang boses ni nanay. Magkakamustahan at magkwekwentuhan na kami at bago ibaba ang telepono, hahalik muna sya ng madami at sasabihing mahal nya ako. Napakaraming naming mga kwento at fond memories with nanay, bawat apo ay may isang di malilimutang alaala kasama si nanay, simula nung bata pa kami hanggang sa huli.  Ako, si Nanay ang naghatid sa akin sa altar noong araw ng kasal ko. Palagi kong sinasabing pagdasal nyang magkababy na kami, kasi sabi ko, alam kong malakas sya kay God. At noong buntis ako, alam kong nag-alala sya para sakin at sa baby ko. Kung kaya't masayang masaya kami na nakita at nahawakan nya ang kanyang great grandchild.

Ngayon, tapos na ang paghihirap ni Nanay, masaya na sya kasama si Tatay, at si mommy. Sana sa pagkawala ni Nanay, manahin natin mula sa kanya kung gaano kalaki ang pagmamahal nya sa kanyang mga anak, kung gaano kahalaga sa kanya ang pamilya.

We love you Nanay Norma. We'll miss you.

Sweet potatoes

After two weeks (almost) of rice cereals, I decided to let Euen try real food! First on her menu: sweet potatoes.  Here's what I did:

1. Wash the sweet potatoes.

2. Steam / boil / bake.  (I choose to steam.)

3. Cool then peel.

4. Sprinkle a little iodized salt.

5. Cut into small pieces.

6. Mash. (I used a blender, adding water little by little until desired consistency is attained.)

I use BPA free ice trays to stock and store for the following days.  I mix 2 ice cubes of the sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of rice cereals, adding a little water for one meal.   Note:  feed with the same food for 4 consecutive meals to check if baby has allergic reaction to the food. 

Yes, the baby loved it!

Steamed Fish

In lieu of steaming vegetables for Euen, I thought of steaming fish instead of frying, for a change.  Is just an experiment, with fingers crossed, that Denden will like it.  Here's what I did:
1.  Clean the fish, remove the scales.
2.  Make a couple of cuts diagonally both sides.
3.  Rub with salt and pepper both sides, also inside.
4.  Insert ginger and garlic slices.
5.  Add soy sauce and a little calamansi, inside and out.
6.  Steam for 12-15 minutes.
7.  Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and pour a little sesame oil when done.

Starting Solids

Euen's pedia gave us a go signal to start her on solids. I actually want to start on the fourth month, while Denden want to start on the sixth month. So we both compromised and set it on her fifth month. But when we went for her check-up, it was the pedia who said that we could start giving her solids if we want. Yey! :)

My bestfriend's recommendation is to start her on rice cereals for two weeks, mixing with water or breastmilk. First serving is just a tablespoon, increasing the serving gradually. We brought the rice cereal from Healthy Options, it was single grain, brown rice cereal. 

We made sure that she is hungry when we gave her the first spoon and she liked it! Funny at first she sucked the spoon as if she's breastfeeding. After more spoons, she learned to swallow a little. Success!

Broccoli-Cheddar Omelet

I've always loved broccoli, but usually, I would just boil/steam it, or just stir fry and put oyster sauce with or without beef. When I was pregnant I tried this recipe from What to Expect: broccoli-cheddar omelet. Here's the complete recipe here. A different taste of broccoli, plus the cheese makes it tasty! It became one of our favorites dishes. It is easy to prepare and cook, plus it's healthy.

Kuting and Djay

Finally, one of our dearest friends has tied the knot! Well, Kuting, as we call her, is one of my last, single, friends.

Kuting and Djay have been together longer than anyone else in our group and they have been engaged for more than a year.  They've kept their wedding details up to the last minute and all we had to do is be there. Our role: ninang and ninong. Yes, Denden and I are one of the principal sponsors.

Thumbs up on the venue, I have always wished to attend a beach wedding and this my first time. It was held at Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian, Batangas.  This is also Euen's first beach out of town.

My wish for them, I hope Giulia and Euen will have another playmate soon!

We're very happy for the newlyweds.

Happy Four Months

Euen is four months old today! I can't believe our baby is growing up so fast. She has many milestones this month: jumping on the Jumperoo, different sounds communicating, smiling and laughing. She also started grabbing things: toys, her bib and my hair.

Recently, she learned how to roll over on one side! She didn't gain much this month, but I read that it is normal on the fourth to fifth month. Our princess is 14.2lbs now. After surviving my last thirty days at work, we're back to establishing our routine. She feeds early in the morning, plays a little then sleeps again. She wakes up after an hour or two, plays on the Jumperoo, poops then feeds. She sleeps after lunch for 2-3 hours, wakes up for a bath then we play in her room. Feeds twice then after dinner, she bathes again, feeds twice then sleeps.

 Our baby is one third of a year already! Yey!

Sophie the Giraffe

Meet Sophie, Euen's latest toy. Next to her hands and fingers that she likes to put inside her mouth, Sophie is her next best thing. Made from natural rubber and BPA free, she's a very good teether. Euen isn't growing teeth yet, but Sophie is better than the baby sucking her fingers. She makes a squeaky sound when squeezed and she has contrasting colors, stimulates the sense of sight, touch and hearing. Sophie's chewable parts: ears, horns and legs are perfect for soothing a teething baby. Currently, Euen's favorite is her nose and mouth. Once again, thanks Ninang Ina!

Diaper Graduation

A fews days before her fourth month, we decided to go the next size bigger on Euen's diapers. From small to medium. Small ones are too tight already. After all she's in between 6 to 7 kilos now. Time to use our medium stock! She had gifts, plus we brought in advanced.

The Ring Sling

I recently learned how to use the ring sling from my bestfriend. And when we are out, and the baby doesn't want to sit in the car seat/stroller, and she doesn't want her Papa to carry her, I turn to the ring sling. I use the sling especially when we're strolling around and I want both my hands free: when we're at the mall, when we're at the church or just walking around. Her favorite position is the Kangaroo carry wherein she's in front of me with her legs crossed and tucked inside. Sometimes when it's hot, I put her in a tummy to tummy hold where she's facing me and her legs are in exposed in frog position. Useful information on various positions and instructions on the ring sling can be found here. I haven't tried but I will study how to breastfeed with the sling.

Unang Araw

Yesterday was officially, my last day at work. And today, is the first day that my new, and ONLY, career starts: motherhood. I will speak for now. Of course, I do not know the future. But yes, I am very much looking forward to spending the days, months and years with my darling baby.

Bottlefeeding the Baby Part II

I have already started pumping milk once a day two months after I gave birth. This is in preparation for me going back to work. Below are some useful information on milk storage. More details here.
1. It can last up to four hours at room temperature.
2. It can last up to 24 hours on the refrigerator.
3. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. It can last up to 6 months in a deep freezer.

I had more than a week's supply of stored milk already. But I still pump every four hours in the office.

More than one person will bottle feed the baby when I am at work. So we had to find the easiest way to bottle feed the baby. This has been our bestfriend, Playtex Nurser and Drop-ins. Euen latches easiest on the latex nipple. It is designed to mimic breastfeeding and reduce colic. Plus it is easy to clean and no need for sterilization.
This will just be thirty days. I hope Euen won't have a hard time adjusting.

Cradle Swing

Euen got a new/hand-me-down cradle swing, Fisher Price Starlight Papasan cradle swing! When we got it I was so excited to assemble and let the baby ride it.

Indeed every parent wishes for a swing like this for their baby. It's swing has six speeds that can be plugged in a switch or battery operated. It can swing from side-to-side or front-to-back with a two-position reclining seat. It plays music, has a mobile on top and night light projector.

Since there's no more space in our house, Mamacherub wanted it placed in their house. Something to look forward to, going there on weekends. In the picture, the baby's fascinated with the lights.

Thank you for sharing your swing, Kuya Caleb. We will take good care of it.

Happy Three Months

The baby's 13.8lbs. now. Breastfeeding is 3 to 4 hour intervals now. Perhaps because her storage is getting bigger. Also, feeding itself is shorter, from 15-30mins to 5-10mins. I hope it's because my milk supply is bigger now and she's sucking efficiently.

In the morning when she wakes up, all she does is smile at you. She'll talk back and show her dimples. She enjoys playtime in her crib longer in the afternoons.

The last couple of weeks were tough since I went back to work. I know it's difficult for her adjusting from her routine. And there's nothing I look forward to, but to see her as soon as possible.

It is an extra happy monthsary because Shashing is here and will be here for all the next months to come!
Happy three months to our precious angel!

The Pacifier

We don't have problems with Euen riding the car, in her car seat. As long as the car's MOVING. It's even a lullaby to her and she feels being rocked the faster we go.

But, when the car stops moving, she doesn't like it and she starts to get fussy. Imagine when it's TRAFFIC.

I try different tricks to stop her from crying. Singing a song, putting a toy in front of her, making the toy talk to her. But it doesn't work. I know I couldn't explain to her that she's can't get out of the car seat when we're in the car. I get helpless seeing her cry.

Then came my saviour. The pacifier! She didn't latch right away, it fell a couple of times but this got her to stop crying. After a few times, she learned how to latch and I was very happy. Good job baby.

Kuya Ikoy

Taglines of the little boy for the baby.

Nuni, pwede na ba sumama si baby Euen sa mall?
May stroller ba sya? Pwede ba ako magtutulak ng stroller nya?
And yes, he did push Euen's stroller and didn't even want anyone to help him.

Sitting beside Euen on the car on the way home. Euen starts to get fussy.
Baby Euen, huwag ka na magcry. Pupunta tayo sa mall! Pupunta tayo sa zoo!
Hindi naman tayo pupunta sa mall o sa zoo ha.
Pretend lang naman Nuni. Para hindi na magcry si baby Euen.

Euen crying and I told him to sing her a song.
Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase.
Hakuna Matata, ain't no passing craze.
It means no worries for the rest of your days.
It's our problem free philosophy, Hakuna Matata.

In the picture, he was very careful when we placed Euen on top of him. He thought he alone was carrying Euen and pleading us to get the baby.
Si Baby Euen binubunot yung hair ko.

Baby Euen loves you too, Kuya Ikoy.

Another Car Seat

We visited the newly opened branch of HMR near our place. It is one of the biggest surplus shops in the Philippines. We always love to go to these places, when we're lukcy we find something we need for a fair price.

This one day is indeed a lucky day for Denden. He found this: Britax Baby-Safe Plus SHR II car seat. Well, it is not actually a need, because we already have a car seat. But he got fond of it because it fits Euen's stroller. He justified that aside from being the car seat and stroller seat, it can also be used as a rocker.

At first I didn't want him to get it since it can only be used up to fifteen months. But for the very low price, I couldn't stop him anymore.

Alright, I admit, it was more convenient now and there's more space in the trunk. So, the stroller seat was packed again. The other car seat was placed on the other car.

And the baby seemed snugly-happy.

Shashing is Home

Two years seemed like forever but finally, Shashing is home!

Papa's happy because her favorite daughter is back! His three daughters are together again!

To compensate for the two months that she hasn't seen Euen, I volunteered her to babysit for three days while I started my first week back to the office.

As Ikoy said, our family's complete! Well, almost.

Welcome home Shashing!

Resignation Letter

Dear Sir,

I would like to tender my resignation effective May 31, 2012.

As you know, I had my first-long-awaited-for child last February and I have decided to stop working, stay home and devote my time to taking care of my baby for the foreseeable future.

Thank you for your understanding.

I have been in one company ever since I graduated from college.
I have been here for eight years and five months.
It might not be the perfect job, the perfect employer, but I will be eternally grateful for it has been a big part of who I am and where I am now.

Thank you Zilog.

Peekaboo

A few days more and I need to go back to work.

And it pains me to leave the baby.
But we need to sacrifice a bit.
For now, I need to enjoy every minute spent with my little darling.

Fingers crossed, I hope everything goes as planned.
I hope all will fall into place.

Bottlefeeding the Baby

My maternity leave is nearing its end. In preparation for me, going back to work, I started pumping milk once a day and storing it in the freezer. I thought we wouldn't have problems with bottlefeeding the baby since she formula-fed during her first few days. But the first time we tried, we didn't succeed. Thawed milk was thrown away. I tried using freshly pumped milk but she still didn't want it.

Last night, I pumped an ounce of milk and prepped the other room. After her bath, she and Papa went to her room while I stayed in the other room. First attempt of Denden, she didn't want it. He let Euen sleep for a while and on his lap, he gave the bottle. Denden called me and we both watched Euen finish the ounce of milk! I was so happy and proud of my baby!

Denden will feed her once a day so she won't forget how to feed in the bottle. A bonding time for both of them, and a few hours of "me" time.

Happy Two Months

Our baby is two months old today!

Our current routine: feeding every two hours during the day but after her last feed at night, she has a five to six hour stretch of sleep. Yey for me! Her current weight is 11.6 lbs. Since it is summer, we give her a bath twice a day. The first one I give her after lunch. But I don't put her in the pail. The second one before she sleeps.

She started giving me the cutest smiles! Especially when she wakes up in the morning. She's also making different cooing sounds, as if answering when we talk to her. She's been enjoying her mobile also, staring at the toys. I can put her in a crib and she'll just play by herself, at most up to thirty minutes.

I am enjoying every single second with our baby. I do not want her to grow up too fast.

Happy two months to our princess.

Growing Baby

Somebody graduated from using mittens! I cut her fingernails to prevent her from scratching her face. Then I tried removing just one mitten. She screamed and cried after a while and I saw her pulling her own hair. Funny. So I put it back. I tried again a few hours a day, one mitten, then two. Then overnight. She seemed okay so I didn't put it back on. I watch her brushing her fingers through her hair but she learned not to pull it. Very good baby! I just have to cut her fingernails regularly.

We also noticed that she couldn't sleep in her bassinet anymore. So we tried the stroller seat and she loved it.

Time flies. Our baby's growing up so fast.

Baking Trial

We did't have a space for a stove with oven in our kitchen. I thought it was okay because I do not know how to bake anyway. But during my pregnancy, I thought it would be fun to bake pastries and deserts when we have children already. Thus the number one excuse to get an oven. But where to put it is the question.

Our conventional microwave oven is placed on the left corner of our countertop. I was always puzzled as to why ALL microwave ovens open from the right. This complicates opening our microwave oven.

One day, a salesman gave me a positive answer, there is a microwave oven that do not open from the right. It opens downwards. But it is not just a microwave oven, it is a microwave, grill and convection oven in one, the Whirlpool Jet Chef. I got excited but I held off buying because it is pricey.

BUT, our microwave broke a few weeks ago. Instead of buying a normal microwave oven, it gave me the second, third and fourth excuse to get an Jet Chef oven. Yey!

For my first try in baking, I got the help of Betty Crocker with the Chocolate Chip Cookies. Not bad for a first timer. Denden and Mamacherub liked it.

Post Pregnancy Hang-ups

Aside from a slice on my lower abdomen, a wound that needs cleaning, a binder that needs to be worn 24-7, the best part of leaving pregnancy is the baby that came out of my tummy.

But I had one pregnancy symptom that still hasn't left. A few weeks before I gave birth, my wrists started to hurt, especially in the mornings. My OB said it is part of water retention. I didn't have edema, my hands and feet didn't swell. But anyway, the pain was tolerable and I hoped it will go away after I gave birth.

But NO. The pain actually got worse after I gave birth. I consulted my OB and she said, give it a few more weeks and it will go away. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in pregnancy and post pregnancy is common. I read it could extend to months, up to a year, post pregnancy. Sad and scary. I was very cautious and careful everytime I carry Euen. And I didn't want to give her a bath for safety reasons.

Another good part after pregnancy, I was back to being prediabetic. Thus, goodbye insulin! I still need to test my blood sugar once a week and I was prescibed with a once-a-day metformin.

Denden had a business trip and I was left alone with the baby for three days. Good thing Mamacherub came at night to bathe her.

Euen and I survived the three days home alone. It was a challenge but every time she stops crying and I stare at the sleeping baby, I forget that I am tired.

Shashing

After one month and eight days, finally Shashing had a business trip!

Finally, Euen met her for the first time! Finally, she got the chance to touch and smell and carry, and kiss and hug Euen for the first time. Euen got to see her other tita that bought and brought her all her Ikea things and her other tita that she only hears in Facetime. Even if it is just for a night and half a day, we're all happy.

After all, it will be less than two months more and she'll be back for good. Yey!