Jul
2011

The Doctor is Late

categories: Finance, Health, Parenting

THE DOCTOR IS LATE should be the signage on her clinic door!

Her clinic is 8-10 AM but she arrives at 11! Wow. Happened to me in those two times I made an appointment with my new doctor. I panicked the first time because I didn’t leave pumped milk for my baby because I was first on the appointment list anyway and the clinic was less than a kilometer away from home. Turned out I waited for two hours so imagine how I felt. Baby might cry of hunger, might be looking for me, etc.

The reason for her being late: it was raining. So what?!

I heard a story from another patient. This patient arrived at 10.30 AM because she is so used to the doctor’s late arrival. But the nursing attendant said the doctor left already at 9 AM! The poor patient had to reschedule her doctor’s appointment again.

It’s not only with my doctor, but also of my baby’s pedia. Her clinic is 10 AM-12 PM and she has an afternoon schedule as well, but I always go in the morning after baby’s morning nap, or during naptime when she gets to snooze inside the clinic. Still, I make the earliest appointment but then, with the long waiting time, baby is cranky already while getting the vaccine shot. Ending: loud squealing, squirming, red-eyed baby.

This morning, we arrived a little early and on the waiting area was a young boy who seemed to have high fever. Her grandma carried her and the mother was just seated. They tried to give him milk in a bottle (formula perhaps) and rubbed his head and face with wet towel. A few minutes after, the mother was carrying her son out of the clinic, shouting his name, and rushed to the nearby hospital. Apparently the kid was having convulsions. Or something else. My baby and I stepped outside because I got one bored baby.

Poor kid. They could have brought him directly to the emergency room of the hospital across the street and not wait for the pedia, who arrived at 11 AM. Aria and I were there since 9.45 AM. She slept as soon as we reached home and almost missed lunch.

We all have appointments, right? It’s no fair that these medical professionals are always late for clinic appointments and charge sky high professional fees for two minutes of talking to one patient who waited for hours, who travelled hours to reach the clinic, and who left their babies or bring with them.

How’s your experience with your doctor? Do they come late or early?


Jul
2011

The Importance of the First Birthday

categories: Family, Parenting

Everything seems easy for babies. They cry when they want something — food, diaper change, nap, change of scenery, when they feel hot or cold, among other things.

But really, is it easy to be a baby? I don’t think it is.

And it’s precisely what I have observed with my eleven month old. Life isn’t easy.

Of course, babies have to practice and learn a gazillion skills to be bonafide “persons” in this world. They learn how to stretch their bodies (from being enclosed in a capsule that is the female tummy), roll over, crawl, sit, stand, walk, talk, cry, make funny sounds, make gestures like waving and clapping. Then after six months, solid food is introduced and you choose from a short list of possible first food for baby. They grew body parts, still, like their teeth.

The rest, as they say, is history. But the sweetest achievement for any baby, especially for the parents, is the first 365 days of life.

I didn’t pay much attention to celebrating Aria’s first birthday back then. I thought it’s not important because she won’t remember it anyway. Bur for a motherhood neophyte/drama queen like me, the past year was hard work, sacrifice, and glorious victories that I felt I needed to celebrate, in a frugal but memorable manner.

There’s McDonald’s and their themed parties. We chose Mickey Mouse Clubhouse since the kiddo never missed a beat when she hears the Hotdog Dance. Add a handful of family and friends, party food, some photobooth fun and voila, a sorta kiddie party for our Aria!

Will update you how the party goes, which is about a month from now. I’m super excited and thankful that our family will be celebrating this important event, especially that our little girl is growing more and more beautiful, smart, and cheerful. And we’re proud to be parents of this wonderful creation.

~ Touringkitty


Jul
2011

A Breastfeeding Formula-Fed Mother

categories: Breastfeeding, Family, Milk Mama Diaries, Parenting

“Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (July). For this month, we join the National Nutrition Council – Department of Health in celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme “Isulong ang Breastfeeding – Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo!” Participants will share their experiences in promoting breastfeeding or their tips on how breastfeeding should be promoted. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants.”

I live in the formula generation. I can’t recall an instance when my family talked about breastfeeding. It was all bottles, different brands of powdered milk, and sterilizers. None of my cousins (on my mom’s side) were breastfed.

I remember my mom told me that I was part of a formula brand testing and got a year’s supply of formula! The reason why I wasn’t breastfed is that my mom had a lump in one of her breasts that needed to be removed. I was breastfed for about a month. My younger sister, nada. Poor one didn’t even get to taste colostrum.

Not that I regret that I wasn’t breastfed. I grew up well and so did my sister and my cousins. But if I had a choice, I would have wanted to be breastfed.

So for our first daughter, I chose breastfeeding. I have been breastfeeding her for the past eleven months (and counting!). And I’m blessed to have a supportive family. Of course, it meant bringing the baby almost everywhere, choosing to work part-time and watching what I eat as if I’m still pregnant.

And now, this formula-fed mom is encouraging others to breastfeed. How?

1. Share information. Sometimes I do this by posting on my Facebook or Twitter, and friends would send me questions. I’m happy to share what I know and experienced because, really, experience is the best teacher. I just tend to overdo it sometimes, hence the very long replies!

I wonder, though, why some of my friends tell me I’m lucky I still breastfeed, when they didn’t even try for more than a month, saying they had a hard time or they didn’t have milk. They had all the opportunity and time, after all. They could have saved lots of money.

2. Live by example: nurse in public. At times, however, I tend to forget that I’m not in the comfort of my own home and just offer my breast to my daughter, covered or not covered, especially when she starts to be restless. My nursing cover is actually useless now because she just plays with it and removes it anyway.

What I do is wear something accessible for breastfeeding. Often a tube underneath a loose pull-up blouse is fine. I just cover whatever skin is exposed with a piece of cloth.

3. Invite pregnant and new moms to support meetings. Some moms need to hear from other moms to be convinced that they, too, can breastfeed. There are LATCH seminars, Medela classes, and La Leche League meets (where I started attending a year ago this month).

Plug: There will be a La Leche League meeting on July 23, 10:30 AM at Mothercare,Greenbelt5. More info on La Leche League Manila’s Facebook Page.

Not convinced yet? Maybe we could suggest the following to promote breastfeeding better:

1. Have more breastfeeding-friendly hospitals. My hospital had this big sign that theirs is indeed a breastfeeding-friendly one. It was from WHO, if I remember right. I did not take prenatal classes but with a little coaching and support from the resident doctors and midwives, I gave birth unmedicated. The baby was immediately latched on to me and she was roomed in a few hours after. The hospital had midwives who taught us about breastfeeding cues, latch, and so much more.

I’m fortunate also to have an OB-GYN who’s highly supportive of natural birth and breastfeeding. She’s vegetarian, too, so she made sure I ate healthy when I was still pregnant.

2. Have more breastfeeding-friendly pediatricians. Some say they’re breastfeeding-friendly, but they’d still resort to formula feeding after some time.

My baby’s own pedia asked if I still had breastmilk for my baby back when she was eight months, and yet she says she’s a breastfeeding advocate. Her secretary gave me a look when I breastfed my baby in the clinic while waiting for the doctor. She asked: “You still breastfeed? You still have milk?” As if it’s a bad thing!

3. Make nursing clothes mainstream, and cheaper. I only see nursing clothes online, and those in the mall are expensive and sad-looking, with zippers that are choking hazards. There’s the nursing cover, alright, but you need easy access to your milk source, right? You see really expensive nursing clothes and then tell yourself: nursing is for the rich.

Try the tube underneath your clothes. It does work, practice makes perfect. I have Undercover Mama from Mama Baby Love which hooks to your nursing bra.

4. Longer maternity leaves! Maybe four or six months is best for both mother and baby to establish breastfeeding and eventually introduce solids. Of course, ample recovery period for the mother, who may or may not suffer postpartum blues, is necessary.

My OB-GYN talked me into quitting my job to focus on my pregnancy, birth of the baby, and newborn care. So I did. And my husband and I didn’t regret making that decision. Slowly, I’m going back on track, teaching part-time and singing for events.

Breastfeeding involves dedication, passion, and determination. Don’t get mad, lactivists, but for beginners, I think a little breastfeeding is better than none. It’s a good start to convince new moms to breastfeed. It’s the most natural thing any mother can do, and it’s the cherry on top of the icing.

~ Touringkitty

Posts from other super breastfeeders below:

A Simple Breastfeeding Campaign by The Lazy Mama (@TheLazyMama)
I Am A Breastfeeding Mom by The Painter’s Wife (@PaintersWifePH)

W-u-r-r-w-u-r-r-w-u-r-r by Martha de Lusong (@frannie17) hosted by Jen CC Tan‘s MomExchange (@next9baby)

The Low-Milk-Supply Mommy Did It! by The Odyssey of Dinna
Breastfeeding Promotion Tips from a Formula Feeder (Yes, you read that correctly…) by The Fearless Formula Feeder (@FormulaFeeder)
On Promoting Breastfeeding by ImPerfectly Created (@imperfectlyours)
Milk Mama Diaries 3 by MimmaBenz (@benzcorana)
Breastfeeding Mama by canDIshhh
I *heart* Breastfeeding by The Mum Side (@rachelcrz)
Spreading the Word on Breastfeeding by My Mommy Kuwentos
A Breastfeeding Formula-Fed Mother by Touring Kitty (@touringkitty)
Breastfeeding: Promoting It Even if I Didn’t Get Lucky The First Time Around by Glamma Momma (Mommy Erl’s Online Diary)
I am your breastfeeding friend by Changing Nappies in High Heels (@lilly_pad)
Thoughts of a LactatING Counselor: Breastfeeding is More of Psychology!by HandyMommy
Taking Breastfeeding Further by Mec as Mom (@delisyus)
Breastfeeding Promotion – A View from a UK Doctor by Good Enough Mummy
Celebrating my Magic Milk by Denise Gonzales (@deelirious)
Breastfeeding Sisters by Isis Evasco
More Breastfeeding Promotion Plus a Guest Post by Chronicles of a Nursing Mom (@mamababylove).  Guest post by Shaps Lim (@cromartielove)

Jul
2011

Raising a Condo Kid

categories: Family, Finance, Parenting

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This 30 square meter condo unit has been our home for the past three years. We bought this before we got married and decided to build our family here.

But our “seventh heaven,” as we call this home seven storeys high, seems to be just enough for us three. There’s truth in saying that two’s a company, three’s a crowd. What if we become four (either a helper will stay-in or another baby on board)?

Prior to buying this property, this was rented by a family of four – a mother and three boys who were half-Americans, so imagine how tall they were, and they fit! They had a double decked bed, a mattress, and the sofa. That’s where four people sleep. Add to that their dressers and other stuff. Wow!

And now we’re having space issues. See, our little princess has a lot of furnitures of her own – a crib, a walker, stroller, a small chair, two seaters (we’re selling these!), play gym, rubber mats, toy box, among others. Her clothes invaded what was once OUR clothes drawer, and her diaper changing and other paraphernalia is atop our filing cabinet. Her shoes on top of another cabinet. Did I mention she co-sleeps with us? We don’t have a bed frame so we’re sleeping on mattresses only. And the crib? That’s where we put her when we need to move around.

And the challenge remains: how do we keep her entertained in these four corners? It’s hard, really. She easily gets bored so she needs various activities at one time. And since she’s really on the move now, she’s restless so we keep on chasing after her just to avoid bumps and bruises. We usually bring her down to the lobby to be entertained by people passing by. Or to the poolside where other condo kids play and run around. Since she can’t walk alone yet, she’s carried or worn most of the time. Poor arms and backs.

As for sleeptime, this is harder especially with naptime. She is carried most of her naptime because she gets disturbed by car horns, construction noise outside, falling barbels from the gym two floors directly below us. She is sleep deprived during daytime so we want to give her as much sleep as she can, even if it means carrying her and not doing anything else, i.e. no eating, drinking, yes, no toilet visit either.

We’re not spoiling her by carrying her the whole day. Of course we let her crawl and walk but with her restlessness, she easily stumbles or hits her head. What more if she could walk independently? Add the fact that she’s babbling, screaming, and shrieking really loud and high. Her silencer is breastfeeding, nothing else.

We don’t want to go out everyday, either, to the mall or to friends, because it’s always a “grand production” when we’re going out: baby bag filled with diapers, changing stuff, clothes change, lotsa lampin, toys and food (we still bring our own baon maybe until one and a half). Not to mention stroller or sling. Good thing no bottles to pack, except when I’m at work and there’s always an emergency bottle of expressed milk. So we stay home instead, and figure out other ways to make the kid stay. We do go out on weekends though, but for most of the week, the farthest we could go is at the condo lobby.

How about you, condo dwellers, how do you do it? Would appreciate tips from you.

~ Touringkitty

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Jun
2011

Our Firstborn

categories: Uncategorized

Today, our firstborn is five years old.

No, it’s not Aria, of course, but the Shrine of Jesus Children’s Choir.

Five summers ago, we formed the choir to serve in the Third Sunday Mass of the Shrine of Jesus. From ten kids, they tripled in number in the following year. Members came and left, but we maintained an average of 25 members. Now we have about 35.

I will never forget their first service – because I wasn’t there to witness it! I was in the middle of a European Tour and so my then boyfriend and now my dear husband took over rehearsals and Mass services. It was a Fathers’ Day as well so indeed, my husband is the “father” of these kids. The rest is history, as they say.

This choir is our pet project and we’re proud of what we have achieved. Participation in concerts, choral festivals, even wedding engagements and TV guesting have made these kids (and their parents) busy. Sundays are spent at church for rehearsals (and the mall afterwards).

We’re super blessed with all the people who helped, supported, and cheered for us all these years. To the parents, families, Shrine family and our dear Shrine Rector, the Shrine Office and Sacristans and the ever faithful Mang Barry, thank you so much. We’re also blessed with all the members we had. You’ve been part of our journey and we wish to be singing with you again soon.

And we’re blessed to have performed in big concert stages and TV. It is a privilege to have sung with great performers on the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater and Philamlife Theater. We were starstruck with Sam Milby and Angel Locsin in “Only You.” We also thank the two couples who trusted us to serenade them in their special day.

I am happy how we’ve instilled the value of church service this early to these kids. Most of all, I am proud that they get to appreciate music making and strive to better musicians every rehearsal.  The stories they share to their own homes and to their friends are enough consolation to us, their conductors.

Happy Anniversary, SOJCC!

 

~ Touringkitty


Jun
2011

Four Fathers

categories: Family, Uncategorized

Today, I prayed for four fathers who mean the world to me. And here’s my quick thank you notes for them.

To my Papa. Thank you for giving us life. Yours was short but sweet, and we treasure each moment spent with you. We remember you as a good provider, good cook, ever supportive of our school programs, homeworks, piano recitals. We miss you everyday and we love you forever. You have a very beautiful and smart granddaughter and I know you’d be proud of her, too. I know you’re proud of me and my sister.

To my Lolo. Thank you for being my number one fan and for sharing my passion in classical music. I took it from you. Thank you most especially for walking me down the aisle with Mama. I remembered how I prayed hard when you were hospitalized a couple of weeks before my wedding day, because I so wanted you to witness and be with me in that most special day in my life. I’m happy that you and Lola are living happy and healthy, and I pray that God will give you the best of years to come.

To my Mama. Thank you for being mother and father to us. You are amazing because you never fail to acknowledge that God is helping you and Papa is guiding you. Thank you for supporting everything we are doing, even now that we’re both grown up. I know how much you love me and my sister, and how much more you love my daughter. I realized I can never be like you only because you’re one of a kind, but be assured that I’m doing my best to be the best mom for our little princess.

To my husband, my better half. I’d look back at our earlier years as friends more than ten years ago, and I can’t still believe you’d be the father of my child. Thank you for being a super dad to me and the little one. You’re doing a good job so keep it up. I pray that we would live long to see our children’s children.

And to all fathers, fathers-in-law (mine included), those bridging the gap, mother and father in one, and our Spiritual Fathers, Happy Fathers’ Day.

 

~ Touringkitty

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Jun
2011

We dated as if it was our first

categories: Family, Food, Parenting

As I stepped inside the taxi on my way home, I realized that it was actually a date.

After singing for a wedding engagement this rainy middle-of-the-week morning, my husband and I craved for burgers. So we went for a quick fix at Wendy’s.

Just the two of us. Yes, baby was left at home with my mom and our helper.

We enjoyed fifteen mintues of eating those sinful burgers and talking about things other than the baby. I ate the Bacon Mushroom Melt as if I’ve not eaten it for years!

I was a happier mom after that “date”. I texted my husband, who was on his way to work, thanking him that finally after nine months, we dated. He said we should do it again next time. A movie date sounds good. We might need a babysitter, though. Or bring the baby, perhaps.

~ Touringkitty


Jun
2011

Sous-sous Chef Recommends: Oven Toaster Oatmeal Cookies

categories: Food

Last Christmas, my husband received a large paper canister of Quaker Oats. Not knowing what to do with it (because he doesn’t eat oatmeal that much and I avoided it due to baby reflux), I waited for the perfect time and opportunity to use it.

Hence, Oatmeal Cookies!

BUT I don’t have an oven, I got oven toaster, though.

So last weekend, I researched and found this link of an oven toaster oatmeal cookie recipe.

 

Ingredients: check!

 

My husband and I were struggling to put the sleepy baby to sleep. With her hearing us move around the kitchen, she had a hard time getting those zzzzs. I tried to give her food, breastfeed her, rock her, to no avail. Eventually she did, on her daddy’s chest. So we took turns in preparing the batter. He was my Sous Chef, and I was the Sous-sous Chef!

 

First batch for the picking!

 

I made a second batch this week in celebration of my daughter’s ninth month. My sister didn’t like cinnamon so I made a separate batch for her. I used choc-nut instead of cinnamon. I also experimented with local chocolate candy pieces (they have a new variety: Caramel Cookie).

This batch is surprisingly yummier because I lessened the sugar and used margarine instead of butter, and added more oatmeal!

 

Second batch with add-ons

 

My daughter enjoyed some of these treats as well. I baked it anyway, no preservatives added.
To my surprise, my milk supply increased! I usually hand express when I’m at home for the baby to get used drinking milk from a cup. After eating about two cookies upon waking up, I can express more than an ounce than the usual! I’ve been wanting to try mixing malunggay powder or just my malunggay supplement, Pro-Lacta to the cookie mix. Should try that one of these days.

Want some? 🙂

 

~ Touringkitty


Jun
2011

No Facebook Week: The Aftermath

categories: Uncategorized

Today ends my one week sabbatical from my second most favorite vice (next to my family, of course) – Facebook. One word to describe the feeling of not browsing my account: LIBERATING!

It’s such a tiny little world out there on Facebook that I have forgotten it’s not the only website that ever existed. The past week made me browse blogs, updated my own blog theme (still on the process of making a customized masthead), and baking oatmeal cookies using our oven toaster! Will post about it later.

Internet time has been cut in half, or more than half, and I have learned to turn off the wireless connection of my laptop when I don’t need it. Saves up battery life, I must say. I was able to finish church work and choral arrangements, and got more ideas on how to work with baby in tow.

The No Facebook Week gave me time to take a closer look at my daughter. She’s teething so she needed all the soothing and calming because she is just too fussy. Tooth number five came out the other day. She’s learned walking around her crib and crawling so fast on the bed so I’ve been taking pictures and videos here and there. We take naps together and wake up together. I don’t rush anymore to turn on the computer when she’s asleep.

I now conclude that I can live without Facebook. But hey, I activated it for three reasons:

One, I’d still post pictures and videos of my daughter for my family overseas. I know they want to see my daughter grow even if they’re miles away.

Two, I’d keep in touch with people who really matter. You know who you are.

Three, I’d still help encourage breastfeeding. This has been an advocacy for me. Some might be offended and I do apologize. But I hope that when you take a look at how my baby is after nine months, I hope I can change your mind.

~ Touringkitty


May
2011

Nine Months

categories: Uncategorized

Today, I silently celebrate in this blog post.

Nine months of motherhood.

Nine months of breastfeeding.

Nine months of selflessness.

Nine months of giving baths, dressing up, changing pooped diapers, singing lullabies, rocking a baby to sleep.

Nine months of cuddling and kissing this beautiful creature that has my genes (actually more of my husband’s).

Nine months of discovery, learning, recording milestones, picture taking.

Nine months of newfound love.

Nine months of waking up everyday thanking the Lord for this wonderful gift.

It has been the best eighteen months (counting also the past nine of my pregnancy) of my life. And I look forward to many more months and years with the family God has blessed me with.

Happy nine months, sweetie! The whole family loves you very much.

~ Touringkitty