Sleep Deprived

I am thinking that I have been sleep depriving myself unconsciously. I do not mean to not sleep but this addiction to the internet seems to be the main culprit of having the lack of zzzz's in my life. I posted this to set a bedtime for myself. I should have more time to shut my eyes. I'm thinking it should at least be around 2 AM. I know that's still late but it gives me enough time to do my task over the internet before dozing off.

I need the sleep especially that I am still nursing Jack Jack. Even my skin is sufferring from the abuse. I'm just thankful for ACV (I'll have a post for this soon) that it is able to control the breakouts I'm having.

Now that I've said all that, I hope that I'd behave and be asleep by my new bedtime. Otherwise, I think I would need to go on rehab if there's one for internet addiction.

Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Jack Jack

During my pregnancy, I read anything and everything about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, childcare and parenting. I am very thankful that I have been blessed to have access of the internet and came to know people from GirlTalk. Not only that I have real people to ask questions to but also ask support from and not just books that will dictate every information. With that said, I thought I knew everything. Now, that he's a year old, I've listed the top 10 things I wish I knew before I had Jack Jack:

10. That I will never be able to have a straight 12 hours of sleep. Remember my birthday wish last year? Well, I guess it's never going to happen now. This is even worst than having 4 presentations in one day back in college. Although this time, the reward is better than a 1.0 grade.

9. That it hurts to pee and it's scary to poop for the first time after a normal delivery. Need I say more?

8. How to burp a baby. Believe it or not, I'm still not sure whether I'm doing the right thing when it comes to burping. I am just thankful that that phase has been done and over with.

7. That you need to moisturize every part of your body that expands during pregnancy. I used Tummy Honey on my tummy to prevent the stretchies since it says tummy. But after giving birth, I had stretchies on my hips. And yes it's really true! Prevention is better than cure. Huhuhu!

6. That a double electric breastpump would be much better for me even if I'd be SAHM. I thought I wouldn't have any milk (the usual mistake especially that I am flat chested) so I initially bought the Playtex Manual pump. Then after giving birth, I ordered the Medela Swing Breastpump which is another mistake. I should have bought PISA. Freestyle wasn't out in the market yet. Sorry for talking giberish.

5. That I'd feel completely miserable if Jack Jack does not sleep beside me for one night. I was so glad when my Mom agreed that Jack Jack would sleepover their house. Later on, I wanted to change my mind but I can't. Leaving me and hubby feeling terrible having a completely quiet room that night.

4. That there is no such thing as a Super Mom. I can never be around Jack Jack 24/7. Yes, I spend most of my time in the house but I still need to take a bath, right?

3. The house will never be squeaky clean without help. I used to tell hubby that we do not need help since it's just us and I can definitely do housework but then read #4 above. Then the househelp left us when Jack Jack reached his third month. If it's difficult to take a bath, what housework can I do?

2. That going out wouldn't be a breeze. Before I gave birth, I can easily jump in the shower and go out. Now, I have to prepare Jack Jack as well. And it's not only bathing, his bag, which would be bigger than yours will need to be packed. As in packed completely. If you can leave the house without a comb, you cannot leave the house without a change of clothing, diapers, diaper cream, wipes, etc.

And lastly,

1. That there is another person on earth that would make you cry. I rarely cry. Maybe my eyes are dry but there are just so few instances that I cry. Sometimes even in funerals, I do not cry. But with Jack Jack, he just woke up the other night calling me (Mama) and my eyes are watery.

I'm pretty sure Mom's out there would have a thing or two to add. Feel free to let me know.

New Bangles

Since I had Jack Jack, I have been very careful with anything that I put on. Whether it be clothes, shoes, bags or accessories. Everything must be baby-proofed. It should be safe for Jack Jack, easy to maintain and comfortable. I gave up blouses with beads, dangling earings, watch and high-heeled shoes (made my sister VERY happy).

I bought these round steel earings for his Baptism last year. It is safe for him but not for me! He wasn't at the pulling stage at that time so it's fine. But right now, he pulls anything shiny and bold.

Bangles seem to be a hit at the moment but they are too big for my small arms. It's supposedly safe for Jack Jack since it isn't catchy and is too big for him to swallow (should he decide to play with it). Then I found this bangle set which is perfect for us. Jack Jack likes to play with it, too. If you could only see how he laughs at times when it makes it's sound. Only that it's a bit noisy everytime I move. It's not catchy, not sharp, big enough to not be swallowed and looks really good on my arms! Perfect! Oh well, almost.



Look at that beauty...

Anyways, days later, I saw it over at Look for Less.



Nice, eh? It isn't the exact same thing. Mine has different carvings on it while the other is uniformed. I just love wearing it!

UPDATE (June 2, 2009): I saw Agot Isidro wearing the same bangles at Tayong Dalawa.

Nursing Confusion

Currently, I have 6 nursing bras and I wish to add more to that since I use it on a daily basis. However, I wanted something cheaper than the usual nursing bras you see in malls so I went to Greenhills for a search (a little bird told me there's a seller somewhere here).

I found two sellers. The first one didn't have my size - only the itsy bitsy size for me. The smallest they have is 36. The second one, I found from the thousands, I think, scattered tiange's outside and after a massive search (yeah, there's plenty of them brassiere sellers), I got my size. I bought three for P150 each!

Anyways, there's really this funny thing that happened there:

SA: (while searching for my size) Nursing student ka ba? (Are you a nursing student?)

Me: (Whaaa??!) Ay, hindi. (No.)

Maybe there is a connection between the nursing course and breastfeeding. Or maybe I seem to look like a student. What do you think?

Portia's Tutu

Sporty Portia

Jack Jack's Night Out

- October 23, 2008

I Wish....

... I would see this here in Manila....

Got the image from The Lazy Organizer.

The Pedicure Challenge

This is the last pedicure I had before I found out I was pregnant. Since then, I couldn't stand the smell of nail polish or acetone so I don't paint my nails anymore. I just clean them. I don't normally go to a salon if it's just cleaning since my nails are so easy to clean.

However, my belly has gotten bigger and bigger and of course reaching my feet is becoming more and more of a challenge everyday. I felt like a ballerina stretching the other night trying to clean my nails - kinda stupid of me... Luckily, after several twisting, stretching, tumbling and splitting I was able to finish. Yi-pee! (*Please insert sarcasm here*) Whew!

Next week, I'll need to schedule an appointment with a professional. Preferably someone who wouldn't murder my toes and has gentle hands (*cross your fingers!*).

Ticklish Kicks

Since the baby has been kicking and having hiccups inside my womb every now and then, I've just discovered the kicking could tickle. I thought it would be just a bump - no more no less. However, the baby kicks on my sides which is a ticklish part for me. And so, hubby would often ask me why I would suddenly laugh without an obvious reason. In short, para na kong luka-luka ngayon.

Everyday, the kicks are getting stronger and more distinguishable. Unlike before that it was just a faint bump and beat here and there. Portia has gotten used to the kicks as well. She's not distracted when the baby moves or kicks her while she's sleeping on my belly.

That's not my belly, BTW.

Baby Stuff Wishlist

Things doesn't seem to go as I have planned. I haven't been able to go out shopping for baby items yet (I thought of doing this last January) because we don't know the gender of the baby. Right now, all I could window-shop are any baby stuff that doesn't require the gender. Well, it might require for some but I'd like these items to be available no matter what the baby's gender is. Here's what I've got so far (tee hee!):

1. Baby Sherpa Diaper Bag Backpack



OR

Happy Traveler Family Gear Bag



Both of which have the urban look and functionality that can be used not only as a diaper bag so when the baby grows, you can use it for other trips as well.

2. For the fashionista bag, Ramalama Nappy Bag



OR

Shop Lala's Paris Leather in Black



I know. I know. The other one's a laptop bag but trust me and it will work as a diaper bag as well.

3. Crib - preferably with a changing table na.

4. Medela Pump In Style Advanced



OR

Playtex Manual Breast Pump



Oo na. Kakaririn ko ang breastfeeding! Do you know how much baby formulas cost nowadays?!

5. R'Jellybean Baby Sling



This will help me carry my baby as well as for breastfeeding.

6. Dream Mover Baby Soother



This one will keep my baby moving/rocking while I do other stuff - not that I want to leave.

Isip pa ko.... hehehe!

My Tummy's Honeys

I am crossing my fingers for stretchmarks not to appear anywhere. I already have a few on my behind and I'm content with just that - thank you. Anyways, I would appreciate it so much if they would vanish but right now I'm hoping none would appear. I've been growing so much which means my skin's stretching as well. I have been researching on stretchmarks eversince I learned I was pregnant 'cause I soo want to wear two-piece swimsuits still.



I heard a lot about other products but only the Tummy Honey Butter by Mother's Intuition attracted me. I bought the prevention and the fading creams last December since I'm expecting to grow by January. I've been putting it on since then. Not religiously though. Lazy me!

My old stretchies aren't completely gone but they are fading little by little. I'm so happy!!! Oh, did I mention that the creams would also prevent itching? Very, very nice indeed! I'm only 6 months on the way so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Another thing that keeps my belly happy is the Baby Safe Bump Belt.



Keeps me comfortable and most importantly keeps the baby safe while I'm driving. I was able to use this during our Tagaytay road trip last December. What's so great about it is that it keeps the seatbelt low and not lying directly on the baby. Thus, if an impact would strike, the seatbelt would protect the mother but wouldn't harm the baby inside. Pretty cool huh!

After 48 Years....

Uu... matagal na nga. Syempre naipon na ang kwento ko.

It's pretty weird that I have to leave something behind because it is not healthy for me anymore. Kaya medyo depressed ang lola mo. Not really that depressed sa dami ng projects na naka-line-up. Ang dami ko kayang balak ayusin sa bahay and also to finally get my very own Chihuahua. For more than a year, I've been educating myself about this breed. And you know what? We are so compatible. I was also contemplating on joining the Belly Fest that will be held this coming December.

September 15: The thing is... I was a week delayed - quite normal for me when there is a sudden change with the weather. I was even drinking that night with hubby. La lang. Just something we got used to doing whenever we feel like it.

September 16: I told hubby I'd be doing a preggy test this morning. I started keeping PT's at home since we started trying for a baby so I can quickly stop anything bad for the baby once it is confirmed. And it's positive! I just couldn't believe it! I only have one PT left and we want to make sure. I told hubby and made sure he wouldn't go ballistic by saying I'm not sure yet. I remembered my recent lunch outs with officemates and how much pigging out we were ALL doing so I thought it was normal.

After buying two more PT's of different brands and testing positive, we both called our family to deliver the good news.



Nakaka-touch ang mga paalala... ingatan ko daw. Bawal ang ganito at ganyan... baka magkamemory gap?!! Hihihi!

Goodbye beer! Goodbye alcohol! Goodbye coffee! Goodbye bad habits! And the worst I had to say goodbye to (but it's just for a while.... mwahahaha!)... Belly Dancing!!! Huhuhuhu! Pano na ko magrecital nyan?!! Ganito kaya?



Anyways, once I get to have my OB she'll let me know if I should continue or not dancing... (cross your fingers! - and toes!). From what I've read, it should be safe to do dancing or excercising even if you're pregnant as this will make your body healthy and also to strengthen your abdomen muscles during birth. Much more safe if your body is used to doing those stuff.

The week before last, we went to Tita Ninang for a check-up. Hubby's still at work so only Mom and sis can go with me. Technically, I was 6 weeks preggy na pala. It wasn't that strong but we got to hear the baby's heartbeat na. I couldn't explain how I felt when I heard those little beats. It's mixed feelings I guess. Fear and joy at the same time. I recorded the sound but the stupid AMR format wouldn't play on my laptop! Grrr... Anyways, I can play it from my phone... over and over...

My LMP was August 8 so technically, my expected due date would be May 14. Hindi kaya kami maging magkabirthday ng baby ko? Hehe!

Tita Ninang gave me vitamins as she said this would make the heartbeats stronger. I'm also drinking milk now and sorry to say it made me gassy... Eeeww... Lactose intolerant kasi.

During the first week that I was detoxifying myself, may sipon ako na super bigat. I would sneeze like my back's going to break. I also gained weight which is possibly the reason why my feet is starting to hurt. Normally, I weigh 88-90 lbs. Yes, underweight po ako... I now weigh 95-98 lbs.



But these last few days, I think my body's adjusted to the detoxifying changes I did.


Dropped by Powerbooks the other week and picked up this book. I found it really, really helpful and entertaining because of the pictures... hehehe! Hubby is very excited and he's also reading some sections of the book. If everybody's excited, I believe nobody would be more excited than me. I am already thinking about a lot of stuff for the baby.

With the sudden change of plans, I'm still unsure about what I'm going to do but to just enjoy every moment of it.

Simpsonize Me

This is so cool! Got these pictures of ME from here.



Somehow, I liked the idea of this one



and this one....



Hehehe... shopping...

Simpsonize yourself here.

DIY Haircut

We got our hair done yesterday. Hubby did both. I told him I wanted mine layered at least and try to cut off 2 inches lang. My hair is almost reaching my waist na and I want to get rid of the split ends too. His naman, was skin-head. He said it’s been sometime since had his head shaved.

He used kuya’s shaver and voila! Kalbo na!

To get the layered effect, I looked up a little and stayed that way. I made him comb my hair para lahat mahila. Then he trimmed the ends away. Medyo kangawit and beware of stiff neck kapag medyo mabagal gumupit ang tagagupit mo.

Will post pictures soon! Si hubby lang naman ang may matinding pagbabago.