The Ugly Truths About My Beautiful Pregnancy

I am writing this a few days or weeks before the due date of my second baby. I am not doing this to scare any of my friends who are going to be future mothers but to remind me how difficult and yet fulfilling my pregnancy is.

I'm sure that many mothers would agree with me that pregnancy is so overrated and glorified that only a few would dare to talk about the ugly truths behind it. Not that I am complaining but these are realities that happened to me that I would forever cherish as part of being a mother.

Ugly Truth List

1.  Skin Breakout

On my first trimester, I had a major skin breakout that I thought was being caused by an allergy which led me to buy OTC acne medication.  Fortunately, I tried doing a pregnancy test first before I even started with the medication and it only lasted for a month.

2.  Post Nasal Drip

I had this one with both pregnancies.  It felt like I always have a sticky gum in my throat that makes it difficult to swallow. So as embarassing as it is, I have to spit it out whenever and wherever.  Note:  I bring a ziploc with me all the time.  I have this for the entire nine months.

3.  Vomiting

I am experiencing this until now. Another one of my nine months agony.  Again, I am grateful that somebody invented the ziploc because it has saved me for so many times

4.  Weight Gain

Yup, This should sound OK but mine was very drastic. I am now 164.5 lbs. from 108 lbs. This means I have backaches and a lot of stretch marks. I also feel like I have a bowling ball in between my legs. Luckily, my feet aren't swollen like my first pregnancy.


5. Pigmentation 


Dark armpits!!!! I hate dark armpits!!! Enough said! At least my Linea Negra is much lighter than the first pregnancy. A little consolation for me there. 


6. Clumsiness 


For some reason I become more clumsy whenever I'm pregnant. Don't know why. 
At times, I would ruin my clothes whenever I spit while brushing my teeth because my tummy has gotten so big.  I find this very funny. 


7. Peeing and Leaking 


Ever felt the urge to pee like 100 times a day? That's how it is when you're pregnant. And this happens all day, all night.  To make things worse, I leak everytime I blow my nose or cough.  If that's not gross, I don't know what else to call it.  


No matter how hard it is being pregnant, every sacrifice is all worth it when you see your little one.  It is that great miracle of giving life to another human being that makes every discomfort priceless. 

Answering Your Child's Questions

Last Sunday, we went to church.  We stayed in the crying room.  There were several other parents and kids there.  The oldest child was playing with his siblings.  He must be around 5 to 6 years old.  Sadly, he was the noisiest among the kids.  Then at one time when he got really loud; his mother told him to sit down.  He looked at his mom and asked her "why?".  His mom said again with a very firm voice, "sit down".  He questioned his mother "Why?"  for three times.    The mom never answered his question.  Finally, the child told his mom "I want to play" and he continued to play.

Then the mom grabbed him and sat him on her lap.  She whispered something to him and he stopped for maybe 30 secs then he went back playing loudly.

This is very unfortunate.  The child is already in the age of understanding.  It was so easy to answer the question.  She could have easily told him that he is supposed to behave while inside the church.  There were other kids his age who can sit quietly in the church.  I understand that the crying room is for noisy kids but it doesn't mean that the room is a play room and we should just let our kids do whatever they want to do in it.  The other younger kids were more behaved than him.  If the child were 1 or 3, it's easier to understand why he couldn't behave but at 5?  Geesh! I don't know how I should react or feel about it but I feel guilty because I got so annoyed with the situation.  Oh Lord, forgive me.  :(

A Proud Mentor

At around 11pm last night, I waited for some news from Hollywood, CA if my student Cathy made it through to the semifinals of the World Championships for Performing Arts (WCOPA 2011). I was informed that the results will come in the following morning. So I waited some more. I barely slept last night. I was too anxious to know the results. Although I've seen the videos uploaded by her mom, I didn't know how she did compared to the other contestants. Around 10am, I got a call and heard the good news. She made it to the semifinals! I am so ecstatic! Now I am wishing, praying and hoping that she makes it to the finals. 

One thing that makes me really happy is teaching. I think mentoring is my thing. Especially when I see them improving and happy with what they are doing. Whether it's vocal coaching, financial coaching or just any other coaching. I am no master of anything but it gratifies me to share what I know. So when this child asked for some vocal coaching, I didn't have any second thoughts. Thanks to my ever supportive husband who allowed me to do voice lessons at home and by coming home early everytime I have a scheduled class. Another special thanks to my baby for behaving while classes were going on.

At first, it was just plain summer voice lessons then little did we know we'll get invited to sing for the Filipino Community and now, she's competing against the delegations from all over the world carrying the flag of the United States.

I am beaming with pride!

Way to go Cathy Sucgang! I am a proud teacher.

UPDATE:  Cathy didn't make it to the finals but on a brighter note, she has call backs for the week.  I am still very very proud. 
Cathy at WCOPA blog

The Power of the Piggy Bank

I recently uploaded this photo on my Facebook account showing my son putting coins in his piggy bank.  This picture brought back many memories.

My first piggy bank gave me the chance to buy my very first "taho". A street food in the Philippines which is made of silk tofu mixed with brown sugar and vanilla syrup topped with tapioca. I think I was only four at that time. It was the most delicious "taho" I ever had in my entire life. My first piggy bank had taught me to diligently save up for my next "taho".

Feelings

Last weekend we had our weekly household meeting with our mates in the community Couples for Christ. We had a small talk about relationships and parenting and since all of the members who were present were Filipino immigrants, we couldn't help but talk about our experiences as parents here in the Unites States.
We've talked about how it would have been different if we were raising our children in the Philippines. How easier it would have been to get help from our families and friends whenever we need it. How people are willing to look after our children without monetary compensation. These were some thoughts we had during the discussion.
I, for one didn't expect that it would be this exhausting being a stay at home mom. There are times that I just want to scream and tempted to ask for help. I hate doing chores all the time much more having a super messy home. What makes it more difficult is that I don't have anybody to talk to on how I feel and most of the time, I feel that people don't understand. But then I always remind myself that this is only temporary and one day, my baby will grow up. Things will be better.
For now, no matter how hard life is, what matters most is that I am happy. I am with a loving husband and a beautiful son.

Sweet Potato in Bread Crumbs (A Healthy Baby Snack)

My baby loves this new snack of his. 

Ingredients

Sweet Potato (cut in strips)
Bread Crumbs

Procedure

1.  Cook Sweet Potato in boiling water until soft.
2.  Drain water and roll in bread crumbs.
3.  Bake until crumbs turn golden brown.

Green Barley Soup Baby Version

Ingredients

Medium Barley
Chicken Broth
Turkey breast / chicken breast (cut into thin and small pieces)
Celery (cut into small pieces)
Spinach
Green Peas
Broccoli (cut into small pieces)

Chayote (cubed)

Corn

carrots (diced)
Minced Garlico
Minced Onion
Parsley

Procedure

Cook Barley in water until soft. Add chicken broth, Turkey breast/chicken breast, broccoli, carrots, corn, chayote, green peas and spinach. Bring to boil. Simmer the mixture until the vegetables are soft and tender. For more flavor, add a dash of minced garlic, minced onion and parsley.

Macaroni and Cheese Baby Version

Last week, we went to our baby's doctor and he told us that he is at the lower percentile for weight compared to most babies. But he clarified that he is using the American chart so he also needs to take into consideration his race and genetic makeup. I myself was a skinny baby but I am perfectly fine and healthy so we weren't so worried about it. But then, I also have to think of ways to at least increase his food intake since I don't want him to stay in that category.

Before going to his pediatrician, I was only feeding him ready made over-the-counter foods. And most of the time, he doesn't finish it. Maybe that's why he is so light. So I experimented on some food that I think my baby would like. True enough, he ate it more than the ready to eat foods.

This is my baby version of Mac and Cheese

Macaroni (Acini de Pepe and Orzo Pasta) and Cheese Baby Version

Ingredients:

Acini de Pepe and Orzo Pasta
Butter
Light Cheddar Cheese
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Minced Garlic
Minced Onion
Basil

Procedure:

Mix Acini de Pepe and Orzo Pasta and bring to boil. Wait until it is soft. Add butter and both of the cheeses. Mix until the butter and cheese melt. Add some dash of minced garlic and onion. Lastly, add the Basil for aroma and extra flavoring.

Soup of the day: Mommy's Love Soup (Baby Food inspired by the Italian Wedding Soup from Wegmans)

Yesterday, we went to Wegmans to do some food shopping. But before we did so, we passed by the cafe and ate lunch. I particularly love their cafe since I could find just anything I look for. American, Chinese, Indian, sushi, cakes, breads, etc.;you name it, they've got it.

There were variety of soups that I could choose from for my baby. I got their Italian Wedding soup. My baby loved it so much that he almost finished the whole cup I got him which I feel is huge for a baby. I was so happy that I got inspired to make my own version of it. It is pretty simple.

Soup of the day:  Mommy's Love Soup (inspired by the Italian Wedding Soup from Wegmans)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Acini De Pepe pasta
2 cups chicken broth
5 pcs Meatballs cut into small pieces (either make them or use a ready to eat like the one from IKEA)
A stalk of Celery cut into small pieces
Carrots diced to small pieces
Spinach
Basil


Procedure:

Boil chicken broth and add pasta until tender. Add carrots, celery, meatballs and spinach. Wait until the veggies are soft enough for the baby to chew. Add Basil for additional flavor.

Note: Since I am going to feed this to my baby, I don't use any salt for his food. I use herbs to make the food more fun and tasty for him.

Thanks to Wegmans for the inspiration.
LINK: Italian Wedding Soup

 

Apple and Brown Rice with Cinnamon (Baby Food)

I am so happy to share my newest breakfast I made for my son. 

Apple and Brown Rice with Cinnamon

Ingredients

Brown Rice

Apples

Apple Juice

Cinnamon

Procedure:

Grind Brown Rice before  cooking. Cook brown rice until soft.

Boil the apples in apple juice in about 10 -15 mins or until soft.  Mix the cooked brown rice.  Add a dash of cinnamon for additional flavor. 



Carrots and Asparagus in Couscous with Meatballs (Baby Food)

I have another super simple recipe I made today for my baby.  This time, it's with couscous. 

Carrots and Brocolli in Orzo Pasta (Baby Food)

Before having a baby, I have set some goals for myself to accomplish. One of these is making him home cooked meals. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do it since I couldn't leave him alone. Plus I find it very convenient just to buy some baby food from the grocery.

Today, I tried to do some experiment in which I let my baby play in the kitchen with the pots and pans while I try to make him some home cooked food. I made him my very own recipe of Carrots and Broccoli in Orzo Pasta topped with Cheddar Cheese. My baby loved it so much, he finished three baby full bowls in one meal.

Here's how I made it. (Take note, I'm not good with measurements and I usually go for the taste)

Baby Massage

Last night, Raphael had a difficult time sleeping. He was crying non-stop. This has never happened before. I got very anxious and did everything in my power to calm him down. I wasn't sure if he was in pain or just couldn't sleep. I sang and rocked him to sleep but it didn't work until I thought of using my favorite oil, aciete de manzanilla and began massaging his stomach. He stopped crying then smiled.

I have been massaging my baby ever since he was very little only because I learned it is good for him but last night was different. I was totally convinced that baby massages help fussy babies calm down. When I massaged his head and face, within a minute he was out and sound asleep. I was so relieved. My husband was so impressed and said in Filipino, "galing!" Which means very good or well done in English. I am so proud of myself!


Related Article:
The Benefits of Baby Massage

Mommy Body

Six months after giving birth, I was fortunate enough to get back to my prebaby weight, even less. I remember what I used to look and feel like from loving my preggy belly to getting annoyed with the excess skin and weblike stretch marks after pregnancy. It was like a roller coaster ride. From being so hyped and excited to be a mom to being sad because of the things I cannot do anymore. Putting on my old clothes got very frustrating because of my bulging tummy and getting new clothes is out of the question because I knew sooner or later, I will be changing sizes again. Although I got back from being a size 8 to size 2, I know my body will never be the same again.

On Financial Planning

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I HOPE ALL OF YOU HAD A BLAST DURING THE HOLIDAYS!

It's the New Year and there are so many things to plan for this year. After having a child, the reality regarding money and spending sets in. This means that as our child gets older, the more we will be spending for his needs. And the more spending we anticipate, the more we should be prepared for it.

As parents, we want the best for our children but the best doesn't mean that it has to be the most expensive. This goes for everything from his clothes to education.

Organizing my Expected Chaos

GFrom what I have heard from many moms, being orderly and tidy are the most they struggle with. So when I became one, I have already expected it. Little did I know that it would be really difficult to keep up with everything I need to accomplish inside the house.

The Christmas season was no exception. On Christmas day itself, I struggled with preparing our little Raphael before going to mass. Since he already started crawling around and is now attempting to walk, it has become a chore to change his clothes and diapers. Not to mention that we were expecting snow to come that day. To make matters worse, the house was a mess since we just opened our gifts that morning plus the fact that I needed to cook breakfast. All in all, it was overwhelming and at the same time frustrating.

I needed to think of ways on how to resolve my problem. Here are the things I've thought of.

The Best of Both Worlds

Ever heard of the idiomatic expression "Do not put all your eggs in one basket"?  It simply means not to focus all your resources on one hope, possibility or avenue of success.  I have thought of this concept after having an educated heated conversation with one of my friends with regards to our plans for our son in the future.  The argument was about whether it's better to send our child to the Philippines if we would not be able to send him to a good college in America. 

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays

Growing up from a country which is known for having the longest and most celebrated Christmas in the world, it is just but natural for me to be joyous when the season is here. This is my favorite time of the year. For three years now, I've been celebrating my Christmas in the United States and struggling whether I should use Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.

Bilingual Child

Before we even had Raphael, Ryan and I had a conversation that we would raise him as bilingual. Not just because we are both Filipinos but because we know that it is going to benefit him in the long run.

Based from the different studies I've read, teaching a child a second language is quite easy. Children as young as my son do not get confused by both languages contrary to popular belief. Their brains are able to compartmentalize and know the difference between the languages.

Music and Baby

Music is a moral law.
It gives soul to the universe,
wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination,
a charm to sadness,
gaiety and life to everything.
It is the essence of order and
leads to all that is good and just and beautiful. PLATO

The first toy I got for my baby is the Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube. It has six sides on it. Five sides have musical instruments in it and one side is the orchestra option. I first saw this toy during my nanny days and I used to put it on the baby's feet so he would kick on it and make music. I did the same to my baby as early as one month old so he could be acquainted with the sound of classical music even if he couldn't move yet.