Author: Em Alcantara

The “Breast” Gift

The Blog Carnival's Logo by Mec (www.mecasmom.blogspot.com

“Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (December). For this month, we want to honor breastfeeding for having enriched our lives and blessed us, maybe even empowered us, in a way that only breastfeeding can. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants.”

Being able to sustain breastfeeding for almost sixteen months is the greatest gift I have ever received and given. I credit my success to the Lord Almighty, my newfound devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, my family and friends who supported me from day one up until now. And with the looks of it, both my daughter and I are not ready to stop anytime soon. Not just yet.

Along with the gift of breastfeeding, I have also received other “gifts” that naturally came with it, which I now have realized. Allow me to share some with you:

1. The Gift of Commitment

I chose to breastfeed. And I prepared myself for it. I did my homework — research, attend La Leche League meets, talk with moms who had similar experience or at least can share some of their knowledge. Commitment is also a choice. I know I was willing to commit to be with my daughter especially in the first few months, when no one else at home knew what breastfeeding was all about. The same commitment I have used even when I have to work. Thankfully, I can work part-time so I pump occasionally. Never had and never will result to formula.

2. The Gift of Confidence

I and my daughter are notorious public breastfeeders. I stopped using breastfeeding stations after a snooty nurse from the mall clinic didn’t allow me to get in because I had a stroller. So we nurse anytime, anywhere. I am confident to breastfeed in public also because I’ve learned the tricks of it (though at times it’s a challenge with my cute squirmy daughter!). So far, no nasty or malicious looks, no guards preventing us to do so, thankfully. My husband is ready to protect me and fight for me if anyone does so.

3. The Gift of Communication

Breastfeeding is my advocacy. God allowed me to use social media, such as this blog, joining blog carnivals, posting tweets, status messages, to encourage more moms and families to breastfeed. Though I didn’t push through with my LATCH training as lactation counselor, God still allowed me to sort of act like one by visiting a new mom in a nearby hospital and giving tips to her new breastfeeding experience. Likewise, my husband supports and promotes breastfeeding through his blog and joining blog carnivals — so far he’s joined two Milk Mama Diaries carnivals and he doesn’t mind if he’s the only dad who joins! I’m one proud wife and mom here!

4. The Gift of Camaraderie

Breastfeeding gave me even more new friends! The La Leche League meets, Babywearing meets (another advocacy as well), blog carnival, tweeting, fb-ing, the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, opened doors and windows to more like-minded moms. Camaraderie even if some of them I haven’t met in person, but the empowerment, inspiration, and prayers they’ve given is more than enough.

On top of all these, what’s the best gift?

Courage.

Not to confuse it with confidence, Merriam-Webster defines courage as a mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Let me share a passage from this web article: http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Courage-the-Same-As-Self-Confidence?&id=4216525

“Most of our choices require confidence and courage. It takes a lot of courage to choose to speak up and to let someone know how you feel, especially if that person has authority over you. It takes confidence, on the other hand, to try new things. It takes confidence and courage to put yourself first.”

I conquered breastfeeding problems in the early days like sore nipples, almost no sleep because baby feeds sometimes every 30 minutes, oversupply, reflux. I didn’t follow our pediatrician’s and other people’s recommendation to give formula because they say I have a small baby. I know they may mean well, but I didn’t give up on breastfeeding, simply because I want to tell them that breastfeeding is normal. I resist, but I persist.

It will surely take some more time to make people realize that the female breasts really are meant for feeding the baby. It’s the “breast” gift we can give to our children.

And before I forget, Merry Christmas from our breastfeeding family!

During our recent Iloilo trip. We breastfed in the plane, at church, at any empty chair when our baby wants it!

~ Touringkitty

Do take the time to check out all the posts in this month’s carnival:
Shaps http://bouncingbear.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/beyond-being-thin/
Gretchen http://www.eleora113.com/2011/12/12-useful-breastfeeding-gifts-for.html#!/2011/12/12-useful-breastfeeding-gifts-for.html
Carol http://thelazymama.net/2011/12/13/the-gift-of-miracle/
Jenny O. http://www.chroniclesofanursingmom.com/2011/12/gifts-of-breastfeeding.html
Anne http://diapersandstethoscope.blogspot.com/2011/12/gift-of-breastfeeding.html
Nats http://mymommykuwentos.blogspot.com/2011/12/we-wish-you-merry-nursing.html
Jenny R. http://mymommyology.com/2011/12/12/if-the-magi-were-queens/
Em http://www.touringkitty.com/2011/12/13/the-breast-gift/
Isis http://thenewadventuresofanoldmommy.blogspot.com/2011/12/got-milk.html
Armi http://thenewadventuresofanoldmommy.blogspot.com/2011/12/got-milk.html
Liv http://tinkerputt.lcoreph.com/2011/12/my-breastfeeding-journey.html
Laya http://www.mommyluscious.com/2011/12/time-in-a-drop-of-milk.html
Mec http://www.mecasmom.com/2011/12/gift-of-changed-man.html

Tis the season!

I began December on a happy (and literally high!) note!

Lemme say this first (on an E above high C): TOURINGKITTY IS BACK! Yipeeee!

Our family of three plus our new helper/yaya (finally, after months of being helper-less! We had her for a month already) flew to Iloilo, my husband’s homeland (for five years!) for a concert with Koro Madrigal, the Alumni of the UP Madrigal Singers. Well attended, well applauded concert!

It was Aria’s first ever plane ride! So was our helper’s, so we were all excited and nervous! But thankfully, with God’s grace, He gave us safe travels, yummy food, a nice hotel room, good health throughout the trip. You see, my mom was supposed to join to take care of baby while the parents are singing, but unfortunately, she got sore eyes, which my baby also got two days after we arrived in Manila.

Anywho, it was a fuss-free, complaint-free trip with our toddler, who really enjoyed the experience, not to mention, the food. She eats a lot and likes to taste whatever’s in my hands, or my plate. Likewise, being the first-time mom, I was super happy and proud to just breastfeed her while on the plane–she slept through the whole flight! While other babies cried themselves to sleep (yeah I think I’m being gung-ho already about breastfeeding that I do it anytime, anywhere! So breastfeed, mommies!).

This month also is the time for choir performances. I don’t know why but when you think of Christmas, you think Christmas Carols in SATB. And choirs in morning shows, malls, everywhere! Tell me, which choir doesn’t have even one gig outside their usual church service?

So tis the season to promote concerts as well!

First up, the Philippine Madrigal Singers Christmas concert. It’s their Christmas concert/culmination of Madz et al festival/tenth year of Mark Carpio as choirmaster of the Madz. This will happen on December 17, 8pm and 18, 5pm. As an alumna of Batch Carpio 2003-2008, I was invited to sing! So please do watch on the 17th!

I can’t make it on the 18th because of this: the Shrine of Jesus Children’s Choir will sing Christmas songs at Alphaland Southgate Mall at 5pm.

Hope to see you on both events! Touringkitty is really back!

~ Touringkitty

I (only) Have Two Hands

…and both of them are quite full right now.

For those who know me well, I love being a busy bee. Literally everywhere, singing or teaching or singing still, catching a flight to wherever, watching movies, having frap in a nearby cafe with my hubby and friends, at church every Sunday and on special occasions and meetings, ad infinitum.

Back then, I seemed to have time for everything.

But when I became pregnant, I chose what I only want to do. I dropped everything for the baby in my womb. And it was the best decision I made.

Now my hands are quite full.

I thought it was easy. I quit my job, gave birth, breastfed (because it was SO MUCH EASIER than formula feeding!), we had a daytime helper who cooks, cleans the house and does almost all household chores so I can concentrate on the newborn.

Or so I thought.

When Aria was a few days old, I was even working! One arm holding her, the other typing away script guides. I’ll ask food from our helper (thank God for them!) and voila, food and drink in front of me! Aria gets hungry, no problem! She breastfeeds and goes back to sleep in my arms, waiting for another three hours when she gets hungry again.

Months passed and things got even harder for the mom with only two hands and that little ball of energy! She’s got so much that I can’t cope up. I got back to part-time teaching and singing which I so missed, was reinstalled as music ministry coordinator (being a church volunteer takes dedication, I know, but being in the music ministry is even harder because of rehearsals almost every week! I do hope others would come to understand that), plus the helper all of a sudden disappeared (note to self: DON’T treat a helper again with Chicken-all-you-can, else it’ll be her silent despedida haha).

Add to that, the more my baby became mobile, the more it’s hard for us to change her diaper, give her no-squirm baths, make her sit for more than five seconds in one place. You can’t leave her inside her crib because she knows how to climb over it. She’ll jump up and down her walker and scream on top of her lungs if she’s hungry, bored, sleepy, or if she wanted to walk.

It’s hard. And I only have two hands.

There are days which I wish I’d have another pair hands, or even two more, so I can do everything I have to do.

I do as much work as I can when baby is asleep. But most of the time, I end up sleeping, too. There was even a time I was lying on my side and holding my laptop (it’s quite small — a Sony Vaio Pocket Style PC, and I’m selling it, PM me!) while I was checking emails when suddenly, I fell asleep. Next thing I know, I was awake and beside a half-awake Aria who was thirsting for milk.

The past months I was forced to learn how to cook. Hence, the recipes I’ve been posting. I am having fun, though, and I want to learn a lot more, so that I will not have to serve nilaga or tinola or adobo almost everyday!

And thank God for family who babysits when parents have work! My mom and sister happily (but tired afterwards) babysits when they can.

But on a much lighter note, I’m proud that my daughter learned to sing “I Have Two Hands,” following the last syllables of each line, raising both her arms mightily and clapping them on cue. She’s achieved so much in the past two months alone and I’m one proud mama.

I look forward to more busy days spent with this little girl, that’s why my heart always breaks when I leave her for work. Much more when I come home to her, smiling happily, and shouting: Mama, mama, dede, dede!

It pays to have two full hands, after all.

~ Touringkitty

Extended Breastfeeding is Possible

“Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (November). For this month, participants share their experiences on extended breastfeeding. This includes tips to moms with young babies, as well as barriers and myths which discourage extended nursing. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants.”

“Now, really, she still breastfeeds at 14 months? Isn’t she too old for that?”

“She must be biting you a lot with all her teeth coming out!”

“How can you sing and travel with baby in tow?”

“You should stop already, there’s formula anyway.”

“She must be beside Mommy all the time because Mommy is her food. Poor Mommy. That’s why she can’t work.”

These are just some of the many statements, questions, comments we’ve been getting lately. And I always address them with a smile.

Wow, 14 months. 14 months! To me, breastfeeding my daughter without giving her formula is the biggest achievement I have done, more than winning the Grand Prix, more than finishing a degree with honors. I just feel proud, even prouder now that I have reached the one-year mark.

And no, we’re not stopping soon. Why?

1. Because she doesn’t need formula. And we can’t afford formula. Really, we can’t. I know my husband works really hard to provide for our needs but who would want to spend on expensive formula milk when you can provide your own?

I take what the priest said in the homily during the Feast of Our Lady of La Leche Mass I attended: Kaya tayo asal hayop kasi gatas ng hayop iniinom natin (The reason why we act as animals is because we drink animal milk). That was a tough thought. Now I want to breastfeed Aria even longer, for as long as she likes!

2. Because it’s so much easier! Pop the boob out and you’re good to go. Portable (you bring just yourself and the baby–no bottles, warm water, milk containers), economical (no need to buy expensive stuff–a shawl, tube or tank top underneath a loose shirt and you’re good to go), space saver (who needs a big diaper/baby bag?).

3. Because the family can sleep longer. My husband benefits from this more, and he will be forever grateful that he didn’t learn preparing formula. Even middle of the night waking is a breeze. I just let her nurse and she goes back to dreamland. We’re co-sleeping and no fear of SIDS.

4. Because I don’t want smelly poop. Yes, I just love a breastfed baby’s poop scent, even now that she’s heavy on solids!

5. Because I don’t want to introduce a pacifier, nor a bottle teat. I’d rather nurse her when she cries for reasons aside from hunger (sleepy, bored, hurt, sick). I know she can really be talkative and loud and screams a lot at times but I still will choose that over a baby with a pacifier in her mouth.

Note: we introduced Medela Calma but unfortunately, after a couple of months and now that she’s got eight teeth, she just chews the teat. We’re cup and straw feeding now!

6. Because we don’t want to get sick. Save two or three times of having colds during the first year, both my daughter and I haven’t gotten seriously sick. And we are assured of a smarter baby and reduced cancer-risk mommy!

7. Because it’s the only exclusive thing we do together! I know I’m being selfish, but my husband, or my mom, or my sister, can play with her all day but when it comes to quenching her thirst for milk, it’s only me.

8. Because, surely, when she weans (not anytime soon, please!) I’ll truly treasure every nursing moment we had — the sleepless nights, hours of carrying to avoid reflux, two hour marathon nursings, five seconds quick thirst-quenching nursing, biting episodes, crazy nursing positions and calisthenics my baby had discovered, the sudden pulling off my shirt even in front of a priest and demanding ‘dedede’ until she gets it, the nursing to soothe aching gums, booboos, separation and stranger anxieties, and nursing to sleep. The list is endless!

I know my friends and maybe other non-breastfeeding readers, too will get dismayed, envied, or ashamed (I hope not!) that breastfeeding just didn’t work out.

The keyword: TRUST.

Trust your body that it can make milk, even if at times you don’t feel or see it.

Trust your family that they’ll support you (or if not, I, on behalf of the many breastfeeding moms, counselors, breastfeeding-friendly doctors will!).

Trust in the Lord that He prepared your body for this challenge, which is really just a kick-off from pregnancy. There is a lot more to come!

~ Touringkitty

Other stories of moms who went past the first year mark:

J and the Three Boys – No more “de-de”
My Mommyology – My Extended Breastfeeding Experience
Mommyluscious – Breastfeeding for Two Beyond Two
Truly Rich Mom – On Extended Breastfeeding (a perfectly normal thing to do)
Life of a Babywearing and Breastfeeding Mommy – Still breastfeeding after 2 years
Got To Believe – Breastfeeding Room Story

Apples and Dumplings – My Constant Challenge with Extending Breastfeeding
Mommy Kuwentos – Challenges and Rewards of Extended Breastfeeding
The Odyssey of Dinna – Nurturing Rafael: Extended Breastfeeding, Stretching Some More Lovin’
Legally Mom – Breastfeeding Beyond 1 Year: Barriers and Issues
Mec as Mom – Shooting for the Benefits, Extending the Love
Homeschooling Mommy – Yes, I’ve Got Milk
Chronicles of a Nursing Mom – Barriers/Myths vs. Extended Breastfeeding

Good Board Books Come Cheap!

I appreciate Book Sale more now that I have a child. I used to just browse for books and often end up with nothing. Now, every trip to Book Sale we go straight to where the board books are.

Yup, board books. We got a handful already, and we haven’t stopped buying. Yet. Especially when they come super cheap!

My recent discovery were these lovelies:

All in good condition! The CD is even included in Rhinoceros Tap!

What if I told you that these three cost less than a thousand pesos? Actually, less than three hundred pesos! Isn’t it great?

Now, you might ask, who is the author of these books? She is no Mother Goose or Dr. Seuss but I tell you, she’s amazing!

Friends, meet Sandra Boynton! I was surprised to find out she’s American because her humor sounds English. Check out her super funny website (scroll over her name and the link is there).

The first book we bought was But not the Hippopotamus, which my husband purchased from a book sale at their office. It talks about a hippo who doesn’t belong, but in the end, he was invited by all the other animals. Simple, really cutesy doodles of animals, easy to follow rhymes.

Meanwhile, the two other books I got from Book Sale store at our nearby mall.

The first I took notice of was the Rhinoceros Tap. I was surprised that it was from the same author, and that it has the CD inside, for only P140! Really a good buy because the book is in super good condition and not taken out from a library! We played the CD immediately upon getting home, and the little one danced to the original jazz tunes. Super like!

What I liked more about this book are the notation and chords found on the latter half of the book. Pictures and big words are on the first part. Sight readers that we are, we sang along while the CD is playing.

The last book, Snoozers, is for kids, just like ours, who has a hard time sleeping. So I read to her the melodious rhymes as she kept on running around our bed. So long as she hears the rhymes and sees me flapping the book, she sits down and listens.

I really appreciate also that Aria shows a love for books. She gets all her board books before snoozing either for a daytime nap or for bedtime. She isn’t eating them anymore unlike when she was just a few months old, but she kept on flapping them and blabbering as if she really can read.

What other books can you recommend? Share them here!

~ Touringkitty

Watch your words, Daddy

This is the side kwento of the Breastfeeding Dad post:

Dads, oh, dads. If you only knew what sacrifice it is for us moms to breastfeed.

Daddy, Baby, and I were happily eating lunch at a Japanese restaurant (my baby had Sukiyaki!). A family of three (Mom, Dad, Baby Girl) and another man (maybe he’s a brother of either of the couple) sat on the table beside us. The mom took out a nursing cover and I silently said, brava for breastfeeding!

But here’s the glitch. The bad, insensitive dad was raising his voice to her wife, telling her not to put too much spice on her food. Understandable, because probably they have a baby who’s sensitive to different tastes of breastmilk because of what the mom eats or had reflux. But to raise voice, nah!

Here’s another incident: the dad was rushing her wife to eat because he’s hungry! Why, isn’t her wife supposed to be fed because she’s feeding someone else? He kept on yakking while playing with the baby: “ay, kawawa naman si Daddy, gutom na gutom na, ang sarap pa naman ng pagkain, o?” Then to his wife: “bilisan mo na, gutom na ako!

I was able to talk with the poor girl who was now holding her baby when she stepped out of the restaurant after she ate. She really ate quick. Aria and I finished eating as well and were waiting for Daddy to settle the bill. I really would like to tell her how insensitive her husband was! But I held my tongue. I then found out the baby was exclusively breastfed for six months already and the baby has started solids and drinks water. She isn’t working and takes care full time of the baby. Another brava for you, mommy!

Her insensitive husband doesn’t know the word appreciate.

Man, it’s all hard work for the mom! I know you dads also work hard for the money. But you should also consider how hard work it is for us moms to take care of the baby. It IS a job, a career. Daddy-ing is ALSO a career!

So, to that Dad we saw, watch your words, especially when you’re in public. Save your nastiness when you’re at home.

 

~ Touringkitty

Breastfeeding Dad

If he could, he would.

My husband is a breastfeeding dad.

No, he doesn’t pop the boob to our daughter. He told me, if only he could, he would. But I’m proud to say that he is a breastfeeding dad in more ways than one.

My husband is my number one cheerleader. When he gives me that smile and that thumbs up when I breastfeed, I know he supports me. Especially on the first days and weeks, he’d prop up a pillow behind my aching back, massage me, give me water, burp the baby, carry her for an hour because of fear of reflux, change diapers in the wee hours of the evening. He’d gladly give into my requests, too — please turn off the TV or lower the volume (my baby means business when feeding haha), hand over the iPod, turn on the internet, get lampin for my sweaty baby, etc.

My husband is very careful with his words. I never heard him complain that the baby’s becoming too clingy when we breastfeed. Sure, my daughter has her moments when she wants me and only me, but I noticed that there are precious activities only she and Daddy can enjoy, like reading, tickling each other, talking gibberish, walking (with Daddy’s assistance), and strolling around the mall.

Also, I never heard him complain that he’s hungry already because he knew that I should eat first because I need the energy to feed someone else.

Want to hear a side kwento? Read here.

He’d have side comments, like, maybe we should try toddler formula eventually (but I won’t, sorry!). Or during those early weeks when I feel really exhausted and wanted to give up, he’d tell me, we can always switch to formula. Nothing harsh.

My husband promotes breastfeeding in his own little way. He puts his two passions into good use: writing and breastfeeding. Through his blog and joining blog carnivals, he has promoted breastfeeding in his own little way. And he acknowledges the many good benefits of breastfeeding to me and my daughter (not to mention, his pocket!).

When I was pregnant up until now, we pray for a normal, healthy, happy, smart, strong, beautiful baby. And breastmilk gave us all of that and so much more. Seeing how Aria grows makes us really proud parents.

It has been 13 months of breastfeeding and we don’t plan to stop anytime soon. We enjoy this unique experience so much that we wish we could convince more pregnant couples to at least try breastfeeding. We tried. We had no idea we’d go this far. Thus, we are really grateful.

~ Touringkitty

What winners are made of

Okay, allow me to reminisce. I haven’t seen this video until today!

Four years ago, I was one of these musically gifted people who became part of this historic competition that made a mark in the history of choral music.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers won the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in 2007. It was their second win, having won the same award in 1997. Our choirmaster, Mark Carpio, was then only a member of the group founded and first conducted by Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion. Two other members have sung for both competitions.

For those who might not know, the EGP is sort of a choral Olympics of the best choirs in the world. The word European there doesn’t pertain to only European choirs. It’s just that the competition is held in Europe. To further explain that, please click this link of the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing.

Along with joining that particular competition, we also embarked on a three-month long European tour. Quite long, right? For those months we were literally living in a suitcase (and a trolley bag and a backpack!). We went to several cities in France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Netherlands. Aside from our clothes, toiletries, and other stuff that will help us last us for three months, we had to carry our big costumes and concert shoes and make-up kits.

Through the years of travel, the Madz has been blessed with friends. And these friends organized concerts, gave us home away from home, toured us around town, some even shopped for us! Really generous people, and most of them, thanks to technology, we still get to keep in touch with.

We know food in Europe is so expensive, so we make space for some “kadiwa.” The older Madz batches have used this term for bringing “baon” in their luggages. I think it was an old term during the Marcos era. “Kadiwa” is anything that can be eaten as it is, or with hot water, or with the aid of a can opener — instant noodles, canned goods, junk foods, candies, instant coffee. Helped us save lots of shopping money!

It was one of the most memorable experiences that I had with the years I’ve been singing with the Madz. As I look back, I ask myself why did we win? We were against the best of the best choral groups, one is even an all-children’s group.

I’ve listed three things that I think made us win:

1. Practice makes perfect, and permanent. I saw that thought from a Facebook comment of one of the Madz Alumni now based abroad. Being a Madz member involves hours of practice a day. We rehearse three times a week after school hours. When a tour and a competition is near, we rehearse almost every day!

Aside from rehearsals, the Madz maintain a busy calendar of weddings, concerts around town and in provinces at times. We were also college students and have full schedules. Our teachers know that if we’re absent, we have “harang.”

[Harang: in English, block; musicians’ term for a “raket” or event that is blocking your school or work schedule. We choose the “harang” instead of school because it’s additional money and we send ourselves to school!]

So by singing together most of the time, we get to know each other, thus we somehow made “permanent” what we were rehearsing. Slight note, though: make sure you have the same edition of music sheet and you all know your notes well.

2. Proper winning attitude — right inspiration, right fashion. The Madz has a string of awards under its belt. Since 1989, when it first competed in a competition, an international competition immediately, the group did not stop winning. They joined again in 1996, winning the European Grand Prix in 1997, a first for Filipino choirs. This triumph disqualified the group in competing for international competitions for the next five years.

When Sir Mark took over the helm, the group tried its luck again in an international competition. In 2004, which was also his first European tour as conductor (and my first ever international trip!), the Madz joined a Habanera and Polyphony competition in Torrevieja, Spain. It’s not as huge as the Grand Prix, but they gave out huge prizes! We won first prizes in both categories.

Other Filipino choirs joined (and won first prizes, too!) the following years. It’s tremendous joy for the choral community when we hear of Filipino choirs winning competitions everywhere. I wish it wasn’t only the choral community rejoicing, but the whole nation as well.

Then we joined a qualifying competition for the Grand Prix in 2006 in Tours, France. We represented Tours for the Grand Prix the following year which was held in Arezzo, Italy (which is the video shown above).

Therefore, international competitions are again put on hold, so the current batch are very lucky to be touring with no added pressure. I know they are really doing well in their concerts. (For schedules of their remaining US concerts, click here).

Being discovered to have perfect pitch, I was given the arduous task of being the “pitch giver” — I hum out the reference note since we don’t use a keyboard. I’m seen hitting a tuning fork on my head or my knee just to make sure I got an A440 right before a song starts.

Next to our choirmaster, I was the most nervous person on the semicircle. Definitely. Especially during the Grand Prix. What I do is I treat each competition as a concert so I won’t be that nervous.

What is talent without audience impact? I can never forget how we called ourselves “walking tourist spots” as people took our pictures while we’re walking on the streets of Arezzo. The women carried well the beautiful black and white gowns made by a fabulous local designer Jo Rubio. Our men wore equally beautiful barongs made by Onesimus.

Not to forget, the hair and make-up. It was probably the best hair and make-up we did during the whole trip (it better be!) I know all of us singers smiled at the audience, especially to the judges (wonder if it added plus points for us?)

3. We always begin a concert with a prayer. We form a circle, hold hands, and pray. Each of us take turns in leading the group in prayer. Our prayer usually contains thanksgiving for safe travels, good health, kind hosts, yummy food, and a great concert.

I’m pretty sure all other choirs also start a concert with a prayer. Acknowledging our Master Conductor, the Great Creator of wonderful music we hear is indeed the best thanksgiving one can make.

With all those ingredients, we can surely make more winners out of all the brilliant choral groups who, like us in the Madz, once dreamed of making a mark in Philippine choral music and inspiring His audience who will listen to our music wherever we may be.

 

~ Touringkitty

Moms I Admire

The loveliest image of our Mother -- nursing. Our Lady of La Leche's feast day is on October 11. Taken from the Our Lady of La Leche's website -- http://our.lady.of.la.leche.tripod.com/about.htm

Since it’s the last day of my favorite mother’s birth month (who else but Mama Mary! — and yes, my birth month, too!), I’ll dedicate this post to all the moms in the world, whatever shape, size, or stature in life they are in. Moms rock!

My mom is a great blessing. Aside from my husband, she’s one person whom I trust in taking care of Aria when I’m at work. She has been mother and father to us since Papa passed away nine years ago. And she did a wonderful job raising me and my sister. Blood, sweat, and tears, literally.

Then I gave birth, and my mom sort of had a “newborn” with my baby. It’s what they call nanganganay (or having a firstborn, meaning novice in everything) all over again. It’s a tough job taking care of my little ball of energy. If you’ve met my daughter, you’d understand what I mean.

Luckily for me, I have the technology to run to when I’m in doubt, which is almost ALL the time!

I’m blessed with friends. I text my mommy friends from high school and wedding ninangs if I have questions, ask for advise. In turn, I answer questions especially about breastfeeding. After a year of exclusively breastfeeding, I can say I’ve been there, done that, and I’m more convinced that breastfeeding is normal.

I started this blog July last year and have been reading blogs of mom bloggers (from hobbyists like me to professional bloggers, there are a lot!), looking for resources especially about breastfeeding, searching for answers my mom can’t answer, or verifying (which I always do especially after a pedia visit, man, do I still trust pediatricians?!)

Let me tell you why I admire these moms:

1. Jenny of Chronicles of a Nursing Mom

Her website is something every breastfeeding mom should turn to! When I’m in doubt, I’d always check her VIP (Very Important Posts) and most of the time I’d always get answers from it. She is a super working mom, juggling a full-time day job and an online store called MamaBabyLove where I made my one and only online purchase of nursing mom wear — the Undercover Mama!

I first met her in a La Leche League meeting last year, the same time I started this blog, and knew about her blog from there. Super nice, very accommodating with my many questions on twitter, and gives very relevant and informative links on her blog’s Facebook page.

 

2. Abbie Yabot, our La Leche League leader

This is really one supermom! She looks young but she has four kids and breastfed all of them. She talked to me over the phone during the first few weeks of breastfeeding and assured me that I should not be alarmed with baby’s spit-ups.

 

3. Paola of Mommy Treats

Paola was my seatmate in a La Leche League meet I attended early this year. During the small talk that we had after the meeting, I learned that she has a home business called Mommy Treats where she bakes lactation cookies and muffins. She is just as sweet as her yummy treats!

I’ve tried those treats myself. A former choirmate gifted me with a week’s supply of cookies after I recommended Mommy Treats to her to increase her milk supply as she is nursing twins. I noticed my milk quantity (more output when I pump) and quality changed (more milk-colored than translucent/buko juice-like). This week, I’m trying the muffins and brownies which are all so yummy!

 

4. Frances of Topaz Horizon and Mommytopaz

Like the other people who are fans of her blogs, I like reading Frances’ posts because she speaks from her heart. Her posts are simple, straight, and enlightening.

 

5. Benz of Mimmabenz and Weddings at work

She’s our Mimma in our small online community called W@Wies and N@Wies. She’s Mrs. Congeniality for me! She even sent me and my husband babywearing button pins (which I will show soon).

She started her blog just recently and I love her posts! I also like her husband Abet’s blog: AngPambansang.com

 

6. Cai of Apples and Dumplings

Cai is a first-time mom just like me, and our babies are born a few days apart. So naturally, I ask her so much about baby’s feeding and all those stuff. We haven’t met personally yet but we attended a La Leche League meet when we were still both pregnant. I admire her determination to fully breastfeed her baby even if she’s working full-time (imagine pumping at work round the clock!). And she did, for a full year!

 

7. Martine of Dainty Mom

Martine’s blogsite is super dainty! I like the pastel colors so much. And it’s super organized, filed according to topic for easier navigation. I admire her for being a work at home mom, and that she has the license to sit in front of the computer anytime just because her job is writing.

I’d like to have a job like that! But I have yet to master the art of not letting my daughter touch the laptop when I’m working. Even if she has toys of her own, she still wants to tinker with the laptop, so lately I do my writing when she’s asleep.

 

There ya go. I have more in my mind, but I’ll continue with another post next time. I have 30 minutes left before September ends (sounds like a song, eh?)

Thank you, dear mommies, for the inspiration. Looking forward to reading and learning more from you. Or maybe meeting some of you in person again and some for the first time.

Now it’s time to pray for all the mommies and sleep before this wonderful September ends.

 

~ Touringkitty

Birthday Wishlist

Happy Birthday to me! Thinking of what to give me, or maybe anyone whose birthday is coming? Here’s a quick rundown. I’m sure you could do one, or two, or everything if you feel like it!

1. Send me a text message, email, private facebook message because I restricted my wall posts.

2. Give me a call, if you know my number.

3. Pay me a visit! I miss friends and I’d love to have friends in our humble home.

4. Offer a prayer of blessing for me and for my family.

5. Follow me on Twitter @touringkitty

6. Read my blog Touringkitty

7. Give to charity. My favorites are Pondo ng Pinoy, Red Cross, and Children’s Hour.

8. Donate unused clothes, toys, and other stuff. I usually give old clothes to Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana.

9. Do something green! Bring your own bag when shopping, recycle, use organic products.

Thank you and God bless you!

~ Touringkitty