Time Management

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle



I have never been used to time management. "Later" is always a favorite word but is becoming a bad habit. Being OC and lazy (worst combination), I try my very hardest to organize my schedule, my stuff and my life in a way that everything will be easy but somehow manageable.

Before I accepted my full time job, my schedule was more flexible. I could do my groceries, go to belly dancing class, go to my parent's house, cook, surf and be with Jack Jack - anytime I want. I also happen to have a ME time.

Now, I'm trying to figure out a way to fit in everything in the hope that the ME time wouldn't be eliminated from the list. I believe this is going to drive me crazy if ever.

Last week was just crazy. My housekeeper went home because of a family emergency. She asked for only a 3-day leave last Sunday. She asked for another day come Tuesday. She asked for another day the next day because a family member passed away. I looked at our dirty laundry to see a big pile of clothes. Then I thought, "Oh my gawd! She's not coming back!" The thought of housekeeping, working and caring for Jack Jack alone is just overwhelming!

To make things worse, I developed a cold and an itchy throat midweek. This happened besides the fact that I was taking my vitamins regularly due to the pandemic flu. It must be the stress of thinking how to work things out should I lose my housekeeper.

I still couldn't think of how I would be able to do all things that needs to be done. So much for a ME time! Anyways, she informed me she's on her way back later that Friday. I was so relieved I could have kissed her if she was right in front me. I just tried my best not to when she got here - haha!

Things are a bit better now. But I still have to prepare for events as such should it occur again in the future. I hate the feeling that I became too dependent on someone because I used to be a person who can manage housework and Jack Jack alone. I thought I should change it and trained myself to designate anything that isn't Jack Jack related. Since I got a full-time job, I don't know how to fit everything without missing a sleep. I have yet to figure that out.

For anyone who has the same situation, how do you fit everything into your schedule?

Image is from craft and co.

Belly Kisses

At the end of my day's work, I always get cranky. It makes me feel guilty because I sometimes lose my patience with just about anything. Even with Jack Jack. Especially now that he's getting more and more curious exploring his new found world. I'm no angel, you know. I am not hitting him or anything but there are times when I couldn't really open my eyes to help him to nurse. Yes! I help him nurse because he can sometimes find his way to my breast! But then, other times, he can't. I feel like a bad mother because up until now, I still can't tell exactly what he wants. Hungry? Sleepy? Cranky? It's always a guessing game. I try to make a schedule when he would bathe, sleep and eat but most of the time it doesn't go as planned. And so, the schedule goes out the window. Sometimes, he would sleep at this time. Tomorrow, he won't. Meal schedule is another problem because he won't eat if he's sleeping or awake but sleepy. Ugh!

Okay, enough on blabbing and let me just show you this video. He gives me belly kisses when he wants something. Now this -- takes all the bad trip away!

Starting Solids

I started giving Jack Jack solids at around 7 or 8 months. I wasn’t in any hurry. I knew my milk would be enough. Besides, I cannot find (from research) a good reason for me to start feeling him solids early. Actually, around 7 to 8 months was the time I saw his readiness for solids.

So, yeah! Being my stubborn self, my Mom and I used to debate on what to give and what not to give. She was talking from experience and I was talking from the latest research.

Jack Jack would practically open his mouth for anything that you offer him. Potato, squash, banana, carrot, sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli and most especially, avocado.

Anyways, after a while, he would refuse everything but cereals. And lately, I would need to get him to laugh or play with me before he opens his mouth. If he does open his mouth for a bite, he would taste it for a while then push it out with his tongue. So much for all the work that’s been done! Anyways, after a few more bites and playing around, he would swallow the food without pushing anything out.

At least now he’s eating it. I’m pretty much adjusting his cereals intake. I mix it with other fruits or vegetables just so he would think it is just cereals and gradually adjusting it to be more food than cereals until he can eat the food without cereals.

Another problem I’m trying to solve is his ability to screen the food that is put in his mouth. If the mashed food is anything bigger than the usual size, he would push it out. It seems like he’s got a built-in strainer in his mouth. I try to mash the food to as small as it can be. Or sometimes if I get lucky, he swallows it anyways.

He now has 4 upper and 4 lower teeth for biting. I’m thinking it could be his reflex that makes him push out bigger pieces of food since he can’t chew it yet. However, how come he likes munching on biscuits?

From an article I read before (sorry, I can’t remember where), it says that at his age, he wants to feed himself. This is probably why he’s got this much appetite on biscuits. So, I tried to place the spoon on his hand with the food and he put it in his mouth. Yay! I’m not sure if I am ready for some really messy Jack Jack but I guess I am willing to try.

I’m still looking for other ways to encourage him to eat more “people food”. I am also trying to feed him solids at least an hour after our nursing sessions just to ensure he isn’t so full from it.

If you have any suggestions for me (I hope), violent reactions, comments, I’m very interested to hear it.

Super thanks to my Mom for her patience with me and Jack Jack and Crizzny for lots of inputs on feeding.

Changeling

No, I am not going to start doing reviews on movies (unless I'm going to be paid to do so). It's just that this particular movie is scary. And no, you will not find it in the Horror section. I haven't seen the movie as well. Let me just give you the synopsis below:

Inspired by actual events that occurred in 1920s-era Los Angeles, Clint Eastwood's "Changeling" tells the story of a woman driven to confront a corrupted LAPD after her abducted son is retrieved and she begins to suspect that the boy returned to her is not the same boy she gave birth to. The year was 1928, and the setting a working-class suburb of Los Angeles. As Christine (Angelina Jolie) said goodbye to her son, Walter, and departed for work, she never anticipated that this was the day her life would be forever changed. Upon returning home, Christine was distressed to discover that Walter was nowhere to be found. Over the course of the following months, the desperate mother would launch a search that would ultimately prove fruitless. Yet just when it seemed that all hope was lost, a nine-year-old boy claiming to be Christine's son seemed to appear out of thin air. Overcome with emotions and uncertain how to face the authorities or the press, Christine invites the child to stay in her home despite knowing without a doubt that he is not her son. As much as Christine would like to accept the fact that her son has been returned to her, she cannot accept the injustice being pushed upon her and continues to challenge the Prohibition-era Los Angeles police force at every turn. As a result, Christine is slandered by the powers that be, and painted as an unfit mother. In this town, a woman who challenges the system is putting her life on the line, and as the situation grows desperate, the only person willing to aid her in her search is benevolent local activist Reverend Briegleb (John Malkovich).

Even Angelina Jolie, a mother of 6 kids, says she became paranoid for her children because of the movie. If you are a mother, wouldn't you be scared as well?

Medela Freestyle

If I would name one thing in the world that I am most proud about, that would be my breastfeeding Jack Jack. It isn't easy at first but once you get the hang of it, it will be just like a walk in the park. It always gets better.

It will be much, much better though if I can get my hands on the best breastpump available. For me, it's the Freestyle. I love gadgets especially when it makes your life soooo easy. I haven't tried it (though I'd love to) so I couldn't give a hands-on review on it. Here's the most detailed hands-on review I found over the internet.

I keep on saying that I want this pump but it's just not feasible for my situation. Firstly, I work part-time at home and most of the time I'm a Mom. Since I spend most of my time at home, Jack Jack is usually available to nurse directly from me. I still pump at home when I need to store milk. I am currently using the Medela Swing Breastpump which is pretty much the best (for me) single electric breastpump. However, when I go out and I need to express milk, using a single breastpump takes too long to empty my breasts. Not to mention that I have to drag along 4 AA batteries for the pump - it's kind of heavy.

The pump, of course, costs a lot if you would compare it with other pumps. Thus, if I were to buy this pump, I'd need to save all of my earnings.

Or maybe I'd buy this in another life, perhaps. Darn...

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.

Baby Proofing

Since it is summer, Jack Jack and I are spending most of our time inside the bedroom. We need the air conditioning to counter the heat. I'm telling you this kid sweats like crazy. He plays a little, he sweats. He nurses a little, he sweats. Aaargh... How come he didn't take it from me - I don't sweat much.

Anyways, since we're spending so much time in the room, most of his toys are there as well. It sometimes feels like a tornado just hit us that it's not only toys you would see scattered on the floor. I'd be happy to list it one by one but it would take me a day to list them all.

Jack Jack likes to crawl/walk around nonstop that we have placed carpets and rubber mats around the bed. We've also attached foams on the bed corners so it won't hurt as much should he accidentally bump his head. Technically, the room's not yet 100% baby proof. We still need to do something about the plug, the air conditioning unit, wires and cabinet doors.

I'm liking the items from this site. I just hope I could find them here cheaper. A little bit of foam, duct tape and staples does the job (but you have to sacrifice how it looks like) but for some it really needs to be designed for child proofing purposes.

Currently, I'm waiting for the malls to go on sale. Here are two items on my wishlist:




There are still other stuff I need to baby proof like the trash can, electrical wires and the drawer cabinet (this might fall on him if he climbs on it) but I don't know how to (without buying childproofing stuff). I can't possibly have my 100% attention on him 24/7. Can somebody please tell me how?

Wondermom

Here's a segment in Wondermom - airs every Saturday 9:45 AM. It's my Belly Dancing instructor and her kid.



This was aired sometime last February but I never got the time to upload the video. I was in one of the shots so watch out for me and don't blink! Haha!

First Steps

He's still a bit wobbly and you can feel he's scared when you don't hold his hand but he sure does want to walk!

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.

The Sleepover

The thought of sleeping without Jack Jack with me seems to be refreshing. I have been wishing for a very long uninterrupted sleep. Then I just decided to just do it. I asked my Mom to have Jack Jack sleepover. I was so excited at first but when it was time to leave him behind sadness struck us (including hubby).

It is pretty weird but now I kind of understand what the big deal is when friends or former colleagues would tell me that they miss their babies or kids. Why they are so in a hurry to go home. See, I don't usually leave my baby behind. He's always with me.

That night, I did not get the good sleep I planned. Instead, I had to pump in the middle of the night because of engorgement and to help maintain my milk supply.

It was just for one night but I feel like I have been away from him longer than that. The next day, I was so giddy to get to my Mom's place to see Jack Jack again. He seems to miss me too as we nursed the minute we met.

Looks like I wouldn't be wishing for a long sleep anymore and embrace the sleep deprived life.

Fat Lip

I thought I have the mastered the art of ducking my head when Jack Jack's head is about to hit me. Or so I thought. It seems to be a normal sight when I look at the mirror with a fat lip. I still feel lucky that it isn't a blackeye or a broken nose.

Speaking of a broken nose, I thought I had that too the other morning. I opened my eyes to find out that it is too late to move and BANG! Jack Jack's head just landed on my nose. I felt a bit of nausea and raised my hand to feel my nose. It isn't broken. I guess for a nose that doesn't have much of a bone it would take much more force for it be damaged.

I hope no more damages would come in the future. Having a boy really is a lot of trouble fun.

Just Couldn't Make It

Remember when I said Jack Jack always crawls to me for nursing? Here he is on one of those moments. The thing is that he was too sleepy to crawl that he wasn't able to make it to me.

Hoyt!

Have Baby Smile In Pictures!

Do you know how annoying frustrating it is to take a picture with the baby and he's not smiling? Well, I've recently just figured it out. I'll share the secret.

First, decide where baby should be when the shot is taken. The person who is carrying the baby would be the one who will count 1 to 3 where 3 is where the shot is taken.



Here's the fun part. Swing the baby while counting 1 to 2.



Once you reach 3, the baby's position should be his final position. Make sure the person taking the picture knows about this though.

The Smell

I love the smell of Jack Jack's breath, armpits, nape, hair, feet and poop (when he just had carrots). Am I weird?

5 Benefits Of Mother's Milk

A young medical student is given his final examination on human reproduction.

After reading Question 1; "Give five reasons why a mother's milk is better than a cows milk for a newborn baby?"; he recalled four and quickly wrote them down in his exam book.

1. A mother's milk is more nutritious; it contains better balance of fats, carbohydrates and proteins for the newborn;

2. A mothers milk contains a mix of vitamins that more closely aligns to a human baby's needs.

3. A mothers milk contains immunological agents that will help the newborn fight bacteria, viruses and other infections.

4. Breast feeding is more nurturing and better developmentally for the child. Stumped, frustrated and running out of time, he searched his mind for a fifth reason. After pondering the question for an agonizing five minutes, he quickly scribbled a fifth response:

5. The milk is delivered in a warm and "really cute" cup.

He got an "A" on the exam.

"ME" Time

When I started this blog, I thought it would be just about me. If you come to think of it, it seems like it became Jack Jack's blog. Not! Maybe it appears to be that way because my life revolves around him now. That doesn't mean I don't have time for myself anymore.

Actually, when Jack Jack reached his third month, I went back to belly dancing. It wasn't only to get back to my pre-pregnancy figure (yeah, stick figure!) but also to take time-out from Jack Jack. Not that I don't want to be with him but I'm just avoiding being burned-out from housework and sitting Jack Jack.

Then, there's my nails. I like to see them always clean and polished. I can do that on my own but time wouldn't be enough and being at home means this activity would just be pushed back until it never gets done. So, I go out and pay a professional to do it for me.

Last are my hot shower baths. I try (because sometimes it's just impossible) to do this everyday and if I'd be lucky enough (when someone can keep an eye on Jack Jack), I can have it longer than 10 minutes.

So there... my quality ME time. What's yours?

Did You Know?!

1.Human milk has over 300 ingredients, including interferon, white blood cells, antibacterial and antiviral agents, while formula has only 40 ingredients.

2.Human milk has been shown to kill cancer cells in a laboratory dish and has been used in oncology.

3. The human breast "custom-makes" antibodies to fight whatever pathogen the infant is exposed to in the environment.

4. Breast milk has been used to treat eye infections, ear infections, pimples, cold sores, and nail fungus and prevent infection in scrapes and scratches.

5. In some parts of the world, donated organs are bathed in breast milk for the protective factors.

6. There were 22 "significant" recalls of formula for potentially life-threatening situations.

7. Human milk lactoferrin is patented for use in killing E. Coli in the meat packing industry.

8. Donor milk is being used to treat malabsorption and short-gut syndromes, renal failure, inborn errors of metabolism, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, immunodeficiency diseases, burn cases, cardiac problems, and infectious diseases such as intractable diarrhea, gastroenteritis, infantile botulism, sepsis, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic conjuctivitis in both children and adults.

9. Adoptive moms, grandmothers, and yes, even men (!) have been able to lactate for an infant.

Referenced from here.

Look At Jack Jack's Teeth!

Here's Jack Jack who's so proud of his teeth! Now, nursing has been a little bit more of a challenge because there are times when he's half asleep that he would bite and that I couldn't do anything because he isn't aware of that. If he's awake, I could talk to him and hopefully he would understand. But really, ouch!