30 TRUTHS - Love

SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF

I love being a mother! ♥

I never thought I would love it this much. When I was pregnant I always said it was a roller coaster ride but I never imagined what it would be like after giving birth. It's roller coaster to the nth power. It's thrilling, exhilarating, rejuvenating, everything!

When I was single I lived only for myself. I was often selfish and lazy. Sometimes I would just stay home-- sleep, eat, and watch TV. It was a very pointless way to live a life that has so much potential.

But now everything's different. My life has been on the right track ever since I got that BFP on a pregnancy test. I knew I needed to change once and for all. I knew I shouldn't disappoint the life that was growing in me.

When I saw Iaine for the first time, all bundled up in white cloth with her cute puffy pinkish face peeking out, it gave me enough reason to be a good person and mother. And everyday when I look at her as she's getting bigger, smarter, and prettier, I realize how lucky I am to have someone like her to love. It's not easy being a mom, that's for sure, but when you have a little girl whose eyes stare at you with unbelievable beauty and adorable innocence... unconditional love just pours out of you.

Sure I'm not perfect. I have those days when I just wanna get away from the fussing and crying and hand her over to my husband to get some rest. That usually happens when I'm too sleep deprived to function, but I make it up to her every time. My baby girl is the most important person in the world to me and making her feel rejected is not on my "how to be a good mom" list.

I know my daughter relies on me to to give her everything she needs and I always try my best to do that and make her feel that. I love her every second of everyday and it makes loving motherhood soooo easy.

I can't imagine life not being a mom at this point in my life. Everything I do has a purpose and I have learned to be more careful about the decisions I make. Iaine has taught me this: everything has a reason.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have another baby.. maybe two.. or three more kids in the future. I don't know how I'm going to handle that yet, but one thing's for sure-- they're all going to receive the same unconditional love I'm giving my baby girl now.

Yeah, I so love being a mom...

But I love her more. ♥

30 TRUTHS - Hate

Ever since I made that remarkable move of turning over a new leaf, I promised myself that lying will only be a thing of my past. And what better way to reinforce it by stating 30 truths about myself?

This post is the first of the 30 I'll be writing. The series is inspired by another blog post that was inspired by yet another, and I'd like to be a link in the chain. I think this is a great way to reflect on my life in the comfort of my bed, get a personality check, and change for the better.

Although, I've sworn to myself not disclose everything about me to the whole world. Just like a book, there are parts you could skip and parts you should read to have an understanding of the story. Some people might think I'm still young, but to me my life has had so many chapters already I don't know if I can accurately remember everything. I'll try my best not to disappoint though. It's gonna be personal, people! :)

This is my best online challenge yet and I'm glad I found a sensible thing to do on the internet besides Facebook, Twitter, mommy forums, and the usual mommy adventure posts. It's going to be extra fun looking back after so many years.

Let's begin, shall we?

SOMETHING YOU HATE ABOUT YOURSELF.

Hate is such a strong word. The moment you say it out loud it's like a tsunami just crashed. We all know it's not a nice emotion and it's only right we do something in order to get rid of the hate and the tight feeling in our chest. But we always have to find a way to deal with it or else things usually turn out worse.

One of the things that I hate about myself is -- wait for it -- I have a hard time dealing with hate. I'm used to be very impulsive when I'm mad. But with all honesty I feel like I've matured and learned how to handle hate the right way, now that I'm a grown woman; married and a mother of one. I've learned that sometimes, silence is the best response.

Patience is important in any relationship especially now that I have a family of my own. There's no room for immaturity and my husband isn't going to tolerate any of it for sure. When you're a wife and mother who's taking care of your husband and a baby 24/7, patience is as essential as breathing oxygen.

But that's only one thing, and I'm still learning how to overcome it. There's still so much to work on. But I'm willing to, because I love myself and my family. And with their help I know I'm going to be the best I can be for them.

So this ends the first of 30. Not enough for ya? Don't worry, a lot more awaits. :)

How to Kill Dust Mites - NO Harmful Chemicals!

Let's get straight to the point, shall we? No flowery intros this time. :)

I have allergic rhinitis. When it attacks, my ears, mouth, and nose itch. My eyes get watery and my nose gets runny and even more annoying. The worst part is, I have trouble breathing. I've been treating this illness with Cetirizine tablets for years, but there's really nothing I can do to get rid of all those micro-pests except keeping away from dusty things and cleaning house.

Well that is, until the other day when I took Iaine to her pedia. She was diagnosed with mild Contact Dermatitis. Nothing too serious, just red patches on her arms, legs, and nape, and none on her face and trunk thank God (that's why food allergies were instantly ruled out). Aside from the medicine the doctor prescribed, I was also advised to do something so simple you wouldn't think it would kill anything.

No, it's not Lysol. :)

1. Boil a liter of water.

2. While it's still hot, dip a bag of Lipton tea and let it sit overnight.

3. The finished product is ready to use in the morning. Using a fine-mist spray bottle, spray the solution on articles such as beddings, clothing, stuffed toys, and say bye bye to dust mites. (fine mist so you won't stain your things)

The doctor told me that it's the only thing that could kill dust mites. Sorry, Lysol and Baygon-- you're no match for a tea bag! The simple and harmless way definitely gets my vote. I'm never gonna let my baby inhale harmful chemicals.

So that's it. Easy as 1-2-3! I hope this helps you because it has certainly helped us.

Happy home keeping!

Forumommy

As a first time mom, I'm one of those who has a lot of questions and I have no problem asking. I've been told that the more you ask, the more you learn, so I want to keep learning.

The Bump has been my favorite mommy site for months and just recently I have found another called SmartParenting Philippines (refer to the badges and gadgets on the right). As a SAHM I have lots of time to go online. Participating in forums has helped me a lot in raising Iaine. They're a good place to communicate with other moms who are going through the same thing. But I must admit--not everything they say is true, nor good for you. Different people equals different needs and experiences, so it's still better to consult a doctor or just follow your maternal instincts. And besides, a website like The Bump isn't only for Q&A, there's always going to be a little drama on the side. I personally stay away from that by trying not to be one of the "popular cheerleaders" and keep my distance. I'm more of a lurker now than a poster for obvious reasons.

But in general, forums are fun! There are PIP games, out-of-this-world signatures, and polls. Being a Bumpie and a SmartParenting Mom has earned me friends, knowledge, and experience and I take pride in the fact that I've also taught other moms a thing or two. It's just like listening to your own mother, except she probably has better advice. :)

Half A Year Old!

I've been gone for ages and I don't even know where to start--but I'll try my best!

Iaine just turned 6 months old last Friday (August 6th) and I'm very glad to announce that she's eating solids already! Semi-solid food to be specific, including mashed fruits and ready made cereal. We have yet to explore pureed veggies and I'm trying out Baby Led Weaning. The method seems interesting for both mom and baby because she gets to discover lots of different tastes and textures.

And it's so much fun to use her new stuff too! The Boon Squirt Spoon and Nuby Nibbler (mesh feeder) are wonderful.

⇑ Iaine on her 6th month birthday ⇓

So anyway, because she's getting bigger, heavier and more active than ever before, it's harder for always having to carry her around. Even her big and strong dad! So, we decided to get her something else to play in besides her crib and play mat / jungle gym. Here it is--the ultimate baby walker!

What was I thinking, wanting an exersaucer? SM Baby Company has released a line of baby walkers that also serve the purpose of a rocker, food tray, bouncer and a stroller!

My mom bought as a gift and it's very nice of her. She's always been so supportive of her granddaughter.

Happy 6th month birthday, my sweet baby cherub! You're half a year old already. Just don't grow up too fast, ok? Pretty soon you'll be walking and then running away from Ma and Pa.. We love you, little one!