My Little Mikkel Jens' Birth Story!

at 38 weeks, I advised my midwife that I wanted a stretch and sweep to get the process going with this pregnancy. A little selfish i know, but I was increasingly becoming more uncomfortable with my left hip at night, the insomnia, the urinary frequency, and shortness of breath. Furthermore, Gene was going to start the fishing season again (we would be alone for 3 days at a time), my dad was going back to work, and we had a wedding to go to! Let's get the show started- date was booked for September 1st at 0900!

The August 31st-September 1st sleep was non existent because of my anxiety in anticipation of the sweep. At 0430am, I was woken up by a different type of cramping that was not the usual braxton hick that i often felt from my head to my bowels. Of course I didnt think THIS IS IT right away, but the 'period cramps' came to mind and I knew that something more was happening. So i got up, paced around the house, and started using my contractions app to get some sort of data on what was going on. I woke up husband to tell him around 530am and that I was about to page the midwife at 0600.

My contractions were getting more intense at the 6am mark, my midwife said to call her back when I couldn't function through them. At this hour I was still able to get dressed, get my parents on standby, put makeup on (yeah i know), and analyze the happenings of the day while curling over the side of the couch every now and then. My parents picked up Max close to 7am and I paged my midwife that things were moving along quickly. I asked her to come over and check me so we weren't going to be turned away from the hospital, but by 720am, it didnt take much for Gene to convince me (knowing my stubbornness) that it was time to go to the hospital especially as rush hour was then and now...we met the midwife there after a brief phone call. Thankfully, we had no traffic issues getting to the hospital, and was officially admitted at around 0745am. Had to tell Gene to fck off every now and then for trying to rush me to the unit; walking with active contractions and saying hi to people that recognized me in between ha (!). We had the most amazing room 11 on the maternity unit, and once I laid down on the bed, I was 4cm dilated and being told that "[you] aren't going anywhere today!"

The only position I was comfortable with was lying on my left side and I stayed there during the entire labor process. I don't know why, but I was more conscious of the pain this time around. No drugs, no gas, just stubborn debilitating PAIN. I can't remember all of what I was saying but I remember swearing a lot, trying to breathe things out, closing my eyes 98% of the time, having a pleasant staff nurse who kept smiling at me as she got the room ready, telling myself I was so tired and that i just need a little more time. Honestly I was also a little annoyed at the time because my midwife was just there waiting, sitting, being TOO CALM, while I was totally at my most vulnerable. In hindsight, really...what was she going to do? Speed up the baby's arrival? how? pull the baby out? tell me to push when my body wasn't ready? in reality, she was waiting as my body was changing, and after it all, she told me she knew things were progressing fast as she listened to the sounds of my voice and visual symptoms. I was also finding it strange that I remained on my left side the entire time, like this isn't what i pictured in my head and couldn't fathom birthing this way, but alas it was the only position my body would let me take on. Andrea (my midwife) said she'd lift up my leg the entire time, to which I was completely in disbelief as how a baby was going to come out that way.

my water broke as she encouraged me to let it go, and to let my body push when it was ready. i remember loudly saying, there's water coming out!!  and as she scurried along to deal with the acuity of the situation, i got even more anxious when I couldn't visualize her or feel her energy. I remember saying Andrea, where are you? I need to see you! many times. her presence was truly a comforting factor. There's no doubt when your body tells you that it was time to push! Mentally though, you have to let it go and just do it. I remember telling Gene not to breathe in my face as it was really bothering me (lol), I remember telling him that I was going to rip his shirt off or rip it in general, I remember telling myself that I just needed some time to rest in-between contractions and trying to will the baby to give me just a few more minutes (which she did enough to suffice). I remember some slight burning in my perineum and my midwife telling me to breathe it out and keep my legs and bum soft as she cranked my knee to my chest (still lying on my left side),  and I remember someone pressing down on my perineum, an EXPLODING/BURSTING/ERUPTING sensation, and baby out and crying!! Skin to skin right away....first degree tear, 2 stitches, 5 pushes, and 5 hours later (labor and delivery)....we have our baby girl!!

^^ September 1 at 0942am ^^

^^ baby Mikkel Jens (like Miguel, but with a K)! 7lbs 7oz! ^^

post partum updates to follow!

Baby #2: 18th to the 22nd week

18-22 weeks!

• real full fledged kicks in my lower abdomen! if you're wondering what these feel like at 18 weeks, to me with hand on abdomen, feels like someone inside is trying to push through your abdomen. you literally feel the up and down poke like motion. when my hand isn't on my abdomen though, to me it feels like bubbles are popping inside my uterus. as of 20 weeks, the little one has been kicking non-stop, I'm now at the point where I'm looking for the kicks throughout the day to check in that baby is ok
• we didn't have any issues in Mexico (thank God)! I drank water, ate all the food, and loved my stretchy bathing suit, dresses, and shorts with maternity panel. i think it's going to be a good, hot, sweaty summer...ill be happy as long as there's a pool or spray water nearby
• intermittent heartburn, sometimes for no reason, but one exacerbating factor has been Safeway donuts...which come to think of it, I only ate in desperation mode. currently banned from our kitchen per baby's request

^^ bump shot at 20 weeks! ^^

• i need to void all the time, seems like i don't empty my bladder fully, a little annoying since washrooms aren't always available. i was worried about this when we went on the Malecon because where the heck was i going to find a bathroom on the Mexicon boardwalk right? turns out, it was so hot I mustve sweated out the excess moisture 
• I finally revealed that I was pregnant to real life friends, workmates and instagram on my 21st week! I'm still getting looks of surprise and wonder that I'm nearly 6 months along. good ol' scrubs neutralize everything
• Ive just recently been feeling and seeing the growth spurt of this baby...or rather my WEIGHT GAIN (not sure if it's a bright idea to step on the scale at this point). Prior to going on vacation, my work clothes felt loose-ish and could definitely hide a bump. two weeks later, putting my scrubs on- bump sticking out, and pants are feeling kinda snug in the hips. because having a pump significantly shortens my scrubs at work, i've found the BeBand by BeMaternity to be extremely useful when trying to keep looking professional (vs. my lower gut hanging out in free air like a beer belly!)

^^ 21 weeks and 5 days ^^

• woken up by baby kicks at 22 weeks early in the morning, amazing feeling! this is my favourite part of being pregnant. At 22 weeks, i find that it feels different depending on how baby is positioned. when they're higher up on the abdomen it feels like very defined poking or stomping but from the inside. When baby is more erect, aligned with where my head is at and kicking near my bladder...it feels like something is blooming with each stomp. really hard to describe but it's not staccato (think hammer on nails), it visually feels like a rain drop falling on still water...the rings represent how the sensation kinda 'spreads'  and lingers a little longer. (probably because it's on my bladder and shaking up my urine in there)
• my complexion has never looked better...finally!
• Foods this bump is making me love! I have no willpower when it comes to these meals and I never really ate them pre-pregnancy:  Multigrain cheerios mixed in with some Captain crunch, peanut butter and jam sandwiches, honey oat crunch cheerios, two-bite brines  Tropi-Kale smoothy from Booster Juice, the Big Yummy smoothie from the Whole Foods Cambie Juice bar (soy milk, peanut butter, bananas, and some other things that make it perfect, dates), cake textured food, fried eggs, salads with candied nuts, chocolate
• Foods I'm completely turned off from: KFC, Safeway Donuts, chocolate protein smoothies that I used to drink on a near daily basis
• maybe going on vacation did it, but my stamina sucks lately. I have to rest more, get tired faster,  and or short of breath quicker...but maybe it's because i'm carrying a baby and heart needs to circulate more and work harder, and i feel I'm also heavier (clearly obvious whining!)
• does having a girl make you like more sweets? I'm really into sweets lately and am practicing a lot of self control so I don't get gestational diabetes
• my joints, especially my bum left knee seems to be clicking more lately when I'm walking (hormonal?!)
• need.more.sleep
• once in a while I have a Braxton Hicks contraction, love those feelings
• nesting!! I bought a plant and named it Jonny
• I have NO IDEA WHERE TO PUT THIS BABY once it's out
• 22w6d week midwife appointment went great! unremarkable appointment, baby is busy as usual, and my uterus is measuring at 24 weeks. in the next few weeks I need to take the dreaded gestational diabetes test

more to come

Max at 21 Months!

the last few weeks or so (or is it months? heck it's November and I'm still wondering where September went!), ive been thoroughly impressed at Max's skyrocketing vocabulary. It's like I just need to say something once and he's already repeating it- whether it's in english or tagalog. His new ability has exponentially made life easier as he's able to tell us what he's feeling, what he wants, and what he's thinking. though one word-command like statements, Kid..mamma get's your drift! As part of his bedtime countdown, Max is allowed to jump on his crib mattress (im not really sure if im draining energy or getting him worked up, but he looks forward to his 30 minutes every night!), Max just last night says to me, "jump jump!" so i scoop him up and into the crib, he bounces and drops his weight on his bum and goes "bounce!" and then he falls back and knocks his head, and cries "owie...(as he touches his head) kiss kiss!" Yes!  his tagalog skills are quite remarkable, im wishing i had some sort of handy dictionary in my bag so I can translate the world around us faster (this is the downside of not having a smart phone! argh). Ah well, whatever he points at and says in English, i respond with the tagalog version to the best of my ability. What's the best way to incorporate and expose him to tagalog without having to watch TV or movies? and if you dont have many friends who speak it enough (or even at all) around your children? hmmm...

Max has discovered the word NO in the last month or so. A little annoying but hey, he's telling me how he feels and what he wants so I need to respect the bugger. Currently, he's at the state where he's not abusing the word and says NO to every single thing. Sometimes, all it takes is a little convincing (or bribing), or waiting it out, or some stern commands (whether through tone or a visual stand) and he knows that his No isn't the final say around here. Of course, there are other times when I cant wait and I just need to do what needs to be done and let a few tears shed. Around here, NO is used a lot when I need to change his diaper. Not sure why! But lately i've discovered that throwing him over my shoulders, or bouncing/skipping as we walk to his room, or stopping to check out and name the people in the photos down the hallway that leads into his room, changes his demeanor and by the time we hit the change table he's all giggles. Who will say no to a clean diaper!?

Speaking of diapers, Max has been telling me he's pooped after the fact every now and then. sometimes, he tells me he's pooped even though he hasn't and was probably passing flatus.  And there are other times when he's saying to me, "poop poop" and i check, only to find nothing there (but somewhat soon after there is poop- so probably telling me he has to go).  When is a good time to start potty training? I think Max is beginning to understand the concept, but I really don't want him to poo all over our house or toys (i find it weird saying this, but pee is ok) this isnt inevitable right? Ive got a potty around here that he uses and drags all around the house, if we're in the washroom and we ask him to sit, he doesnt really sit on it for very long and sometimes I find a toy here and there in the toilet part. hmm, perhaps he's NOT ready right now. Is there a stigma when it comes to kids in diapers around age 2.5-3years old?

Have kids decided whether they're left or right handed at this age? Im seeing a lot of activities of daily living that lead me to believe that Max will be a righty vs. a lefty (like me!) He draws with his right hand, he climbs up the stairs with his right foot first, he strums the guitar with his right hand, he uses his right hand when using his eating utensils....hmm, yeah perhaps there's no denying it.

And there's some unchanged facts like:
- still waking up a few hours after bedtime and we move in
- those dreaded pacifiers!
- eating well
- feet size 7-7.5, weight approx 24.5lbs

This is definitely my favorite stage in Max's life so far. although they say that kids don't remember anything before the age of 4, Max is so impressionable and thus i'm making a conscious effort to watch what i do, say, and eat (I can't even eat chips in front of him).  I love how he knows what he loves like trucks, backhoe's, wheels (steering wheels!), certain people, cheerios in the morning, grapes, and stairs! it's just so mind blowing to see this little helpless human that once fit so perfectly in my arm develop into this boy who's thinking and making decisions, beginning to take shape and life. I love this little man of mine! it makes me wonder how I can love another kid (no, im not pregnant) as much as I do him ...but this is another rant for another day.

First Love

A few days ago, I attended the Vancouver Mom GLAM event and as part of our parting gifts, we received an amazing bag full of swag. Personally, I appreciated everything inside but as for my little Maxiboy, he was hit with love-at-first site when he saw a little Racoon stuffed animal inside (a gift from TELUS). Seriously, this kid doesnt give a care in the world for stuffed animals but this raccoon and him made some sort of connection and since then, it has become his little love!

^^ the first day or so when he first met his little friend. This is seriously how he was holding him for about 10 minutes or so. hey that's pretty long in toddler time! ^^

^^ by this time we named him 'COO COO,' original hey? Max has radar for him, points to him, and says 'COO COO'! Currently, it lives inside the crib ^^

^^ going for the kiss! ^^

^^ success! ^^

^^ i just about died when i saw this picture in my memory card! ^^

Ah, the tenderness of an innocent child! Makes me melt. This little animal couldn't have come at a better time as im slowly trying to prep Max for a flight to Australia this winter. Perfect thing to remind him of home, especially when we're trying to sleep (aussie time)  and our body is telling us to be awake (canada time).  Furthermore, as Max is experiencing a lot a little bit of separation anxiety at bedtime, COO COO is with him at night. If i could only go in there to see if he's hugging that thing while he sleeps! But alas, im not foolish enough to stir up the room of a sleeping beast xoxoxo

p.s. im on the hunt for 1-2 more of these in case it get's lost and the world ends :op 

My family members are tanned in May

tell him to smile and this is his look!

This week felt like summer in Vancity and guess where i spent monday-tuesday-wednesday-thursday? AT WORK! I totally missed the entire week and then some of friday as i was in a state of post night shift hangover. Illustrated by Max and husbands sun kissed skin, all smiles, stained shirts from who knows what treats they've been eating, it seemed like it was quite the week of fun for them! Now im off, and it's raining...womp womp.

According to husband, Max has a girlfriend at school. oh ya know, a 4 year old girl who just won't leave Max's side. Beside him from the moment he arrives, asks husband if she hug Max constantly, and is just generally googly eyed for him. (Ive gone to school with him, how come ive never noticed this?) At this point, Max is not being bullied...why? because this little woman is his body guard. Some kid rips a toy from Max's hand, the girl goes up to the kid and takes the toy back, and gives it back to Max. By keeping him company, she's even inadvertently teaching him how to play appropriately with other kids. Cute! Thanks little girl!

too hot for clothes this week!

It's that time of year when our countdown to outdoor swimming begins. In fact, i've already stocked up on sunscreen (had to), a few UPF 50 shirts for swimming, and swim shorts. This year, we're going to go with part time disposable swim diapers as Max's poo schedule (and size of poop) is so erratic. When i'm off, i can clean the reusables, but if Gene is alone, he can't be cleaning shorts with the little restless man. I have to say i feel quite guilty about this because of the un-environmentally friendly factor but i think it has to be done. im saying N-O to poo floaties at the pool!

Along the same vein, Max and Gene have been sleeping under the tree at the park this week. Yes, no typo. They eat lunch outside and spread the sheet, and sleep under a tree providing shade. Max's room absorbs all the heat and it's just not comfortable to be there during the day. I dont know if i would personally do this, but it's kind of cute and Max apparently sleeps for 2+ hours. Boys!

a rare selfie. Max and i were both wearing stripes and red pants!

 ***  Happy Mother's Day!  ***

im not going to lie, i can't do this full time and i dont love every.single.minute of it. damn it's hard work but man alive i love this little one of mine and i would do anything and everything for him. xoxoxo

Spring Break

How was your spring break?
Who is l-o-v-i-n-g this amazing weather we've had since spring break started?
Who's happy that the great outdoor weather coincided with Strong Start being closed so it wasn't a struggle to find something to do that didn't involve a million other parents and tots who had the same idea?
Me! Max! Gene!

our week started with Max randomly cleaning up after a spill he made after i gave him a paper towel. seriously, i didnt ask him to do it, he just bent down, connected the dots, and wiped it up. I wonder if he'll be the type to keep his room clean without my asking? Thanks baby!

after each work set (when i basically don't see him for 4 days in a row), Max always surprises me with a new skill. This week, he randomly climbed up this fence (look how high!) and held himself there in protest as i wouldnt let him walk up this sketchy looking stair case. Also, it appears husband has been teaching him some ninja moves as now he's randomly doing high kicks like this in the air on his own accord and on command. Hai ya!!

The more i react to a skill, the more Max seems to want to do it. In this case, the stairs. he wants to climb them all. the. time. At least 10 times a day up and down up and down. On this particular occasion, he found someone's TRASH to boot and wouldnt let go of it. Up and down, with this cup. Tears or play with the cup until he got tired of it? yep, cup. 

Did i mention he wants to go down the stairs too? This kid wants to go down the stairs on his own, i'm visualizing blood and broken bones, you can bet your life that my knuckles are white from my vice like grip!

Warm enough for multiple outdoor picnics and flowers of love from my sweetie! 

I hope your Spring break was just as fun filled as ours!

Strong Start

the kid before school

Just this last week, Max dropped his morning nap- or rather, it took more than an hour for him to go to sleep despite our usual morning routine so i considered the nap as done and over with (otherwise it would've overlapped on breakfast time and then lunch time, and just messed up the whole flow of the day). I would've been patient and waited longer, but the weather was just WAY TOO GOOD to sit at home and wait for him to tire out (if even this would happen at a time not so close to his usual second nap), so i fed him and picked up our gear and went to VSB's Strong Start at our local elementary school.

WHAT is STRONG START?? 

"This program is offered to parents and caregivers with children ages zero – five years. There is no cost to families but the parent/caregiver is required to remain with their child and participate in the program. It is not necessary to have English as a first language to attend the drop in programs.

StrongStart Centres offer preschool aged children, quality early learning experiences. These centres offer play based early learning opportunities and demonstrate to parents and caregivers how they can enhance their child’s development. The emphasis of the program is on learning through play, language and positive social interactions."

I'm not sure if it's glue, old carpets, paper, or just kids in general but something about the aroma of elementary school hallways makes me feel nervous but also giddy. It's like i almost wish i could go back in time, but yeah if i think harder, no not really! Anyhow, Strong Start is held in a full spare classroom. Toys, books, art supplies, pictures on the wall, ceiling, floor, the entire room is very over stimulating! There is a program teacher who basically oversees the scheduling of the day, but also stands back and observes kids playing and parents interacting with their children. Maybe it was because it was our first week there, but the 'teacher' was very welcoming and keen on showing us all the activities we can do (lots to do) as well as giving us many praises for Max's behavior. 

For the first couple of hours, it's FREE PLAY time. Basically kids are near lawless and play with everything they see. It's a great place for kids who may not have a lot of toys at home to come and experience play things with play value. For those that want to bring toys home, they also have a program where you can borrow 2 toys each week for only $5 a year! Great idea to test out whether your kid likes the toy or not before you make a purchase (but probably when you end up purchasing it, they're sick of the toy already!) Max was thriving in this environment, he was shrieking in his own throaty way for the entire time as he zigzagged all around the room. Seriously, he's been a hoot to watch and his sounds of glee are hard to ignore. Many moms came up to us to point out how much fun he was having and laugh with me as we watched Max! After this 2 hour play time, the teacher gives a 5 minute warning to everyone that it's clean up time, and that 'Circle Time' is about to start. Toys are put back into place and everyone gathers in an area where they get read a story and sing interactive songs. Really very nice, and so cute when the kids memorize the songs and sing along (even the caregivers)!

About half an hour or so before the 'school' ends, there is then Snack Time where kids gather around a table and are served crackers, oranges, bananas, apples, and cheese. Parents are helping out in the background cutting up food, preparing paper towels, wiping tables, ensuring each child has enough food. Seriously, no one needs to speak much English but all the mother bears (and some pappa bears) are taking care of the little brood. Really heartwarming! OMG Max looked so adorable sitting in the big lunch table eating his little food as he watched other kids eat. when did he get so big?

(Yes, there are some negative things I can point out like: bullies, cesspool, kids like Max eating toys that can/cant be washed, people dont take off their shoes so if you have a crawler who puts their hand in their mouth a lot then EW. Let's NOT focus on this though!)

Overall, it's a great place for kids to burn a lot of energy, socialize, and of course to learn. Great for parents to interact and get some support from one another (especially new immigrant parents), and great for the budget as it's all free and you don't have to buy all these toys for your 700sq ft apartment because they can play with it in the classroom! Once im back at work, Gene will be taking Max to his little class and well, is it unrealistic to ask him to videotape the entire 2 hours? 

He's so exhausted after going to a morning class and half an afternoon class that he literally lies down on the ground ready to pass out! 

I LOVE HIM! 

It's a Toddler!

[Today I had 2 mini breaks from my baby responsibilities due to work related issues and the fact that husband is developing his own little night routine with Max for when I am no longer available. Husband did great, Max was status quo, and well the only one who really was affected was ME - signs of my mat leave ending! Change! Insert anxiety right about NOW!]

Max has been so fun to watch lately! Ever since he learned to walk, he's evolving ever so rapidly. Daily, he's been 90% walking around the apartment. When i lower him to the ground, it's no longer bum down but feet down! he paces all around the house (like the energizer bunny) deciding on his own where to go, where to turn, where to run from. He goes to toys that he wants and plays, he goes to our cat and lowers his body to pet him or attempt to kiss him, and when one of us is in another room we don't hear crawling, but instead see a little person walk into the room and greet us with his smiles and babbles. I love this little man!

July 2012, Still a baby! 

January 2013, look at this toddler!

As Max's first birthday draws near, i have to say im feeling more confident in the parenting department - like "Hey what are we naming our second child?" type of confident! We survived first time parenthood, our marriage survived, Max is thriving, this has been the best year of my life and according  many other mom's out there, it just gets better from here! Excited! 

This time last year we were prepping for a newborn. Then he became an infant. In a week or so he'll be an official toddler. This time next year, a little boy! 

52 Realizations of 2012 (baby related, naturally)

1. best year of my life (so far) 
2. having my family close by is an immeasurable gift
3. you will lose friends, gain plenty of new friends, and strengthen some of your existing friendships 
4. it's really helpful to have nurses and nurse mamma's within reach of a simple text or email
5. i despise sleepers with buttons and snaps
6. kitchen cornstarch works wonders to maintain skin integrity
7. the most economical places to buy Pampers are at Superstore and Walmart (16-18cents each)
8. all baby stuff is cute and appears necessary. consult blogs and reviews before buying (i used Amazon reviews a lot!)
9. videotape not just photograph your baby, there are just things that need to be captured in motion
10. change table covers just add to the laundry load. dont put a cover on it --> easier to clean and sanitize --> less laundry
11. baby finger nails grow really fast, theyre like talons. get a nail trimmer
12. if you have medium to long hair, a hair tie around your wrist is your new bling
13. have a velcro swaddler option. unless you absolutely know you're a pro-swaddler, in the dark while sleep deprived
14. plain warm water bath for babes is perfect
15. the more i read up online about baby behavior (ie. anything sleep related), the more confused i got about what to expect
16. grandma may be giving some unsolicited advice, but she only has the best intentions in mind
17. no parents have died from sleep deprivation. accept it, but also know it will get better
18. lanolin are your nipples' best friend 
19. always offer the breast  (i was exclusively breastfeeding)
20. i love midwife care, particularly post partum care
21. i cant live without a stroller or a baby carrier. invest in these products
22. you will fight with your husband
23. maternity leave goes by fast (even if Canadians have 50 weeks). it was the greatest test of my patience, but also the most rewarding time of my life
24. kids really get a kick out of kitchen utensils, pots and pans. fancy toys are not always necessary
25. if buying shoes, choose ones with the elastic element on the achilles part (think Robeez), there's no struggle to get them on their chubby feet 
26. when they say, 'it only takes a split second' this is absolutely TRUE. Don't leave your kids unattended
27. the toys (ie. remote) that you dont want to give the baby- they will constantly seek that object. but if you give them their own remote and do not inhibit them from playing with it, they could care less about it
28. finding your baby's tickle spots and hearing them laugh is the best all around sound
29. falling is part of learning, you can't baby proof the entire house
30. baby's relationship with dad is different than with you. dont get upset with dad if they're not doing something the way you do it
31. it is really hard to be a first time parent alone. if it seems like dad isnt doing much, see the bigger picture and picture life without ANY help (even a set of eyes so you can shower is a big deal)
32. baby wearing can instantly change a fussy baby's demeanour
33. i never knew i was so maternal until Max came along
34. you will develop arms of steel from carrying the baby around. who needs the gym?
35. you will become a multitasking pro with the use of one arm - baby on the left, cooking-putting on makeup- feeding the cat - tidying up the toys on the right
36. if you are like me and love predictability/order/schedules, you should accept that those rigid days are over! realize that life with baby will always be changing, embrace it
37. it is not easy to take contrived pictures of kids under 1 years old (re: Christmas card project). yet it looks so easy when pro-photographers do it!
38. buy or make your own baby book. i love looking back at pics and what i wrote when Max was ____ months old
39. strangers give up their seats on the bus when you're wearing a baby (surprisingly not always though when you are pregnant)
40. having a child is quite expensive! 
41. i avoid stores that play loud music (especially when baby is napping) and stores that make it impossible for strollers to move around freely. they have simply lost my business
42. the wheelchair accessibility in this city are limited and most of the time inconvenient (strollers essentially use the same path)
43. as a new mom, it is so important and valuable to have a support group of moms with kids of similar age (born same month) whether in real life or online
44. i loathe the Metrotown mall access from the sky trains! why do strollers and people with disabilities have to get wet and cross a busy intersection to access the mall?
45. i thought i was going to be a minimalist in the toy department, but no that didn't happen
46. i used to clean once a week, now it's about every 10-14 days or "whenever"
47. 'sleep training' is a sensitive topic in the parent world, it can stir up a lot of judgement. yet it is the most frequently asked topic
48. being a mom gives you bionic ears. I can hear  everything (i once was an amazing deep sleeper), things like ticking clocks, gurgling pipes, meowing cats, overly bright LED alarm clocks, creaking of the floors etc, wake me up or keep me up
49. i love it when Max gives me kisses without my asking. i think he loves me!
50. writing a blog helps vent some steam, spread the good word, and great for people interested in Max to see updates. one day Max can read this and look back!
51. we will do anything and everything for Max's happiness and well being
52. the mom and baby bond is so beautiful, it can't be put into words. unmatched, unconditional, unending. it's totally l-o-v-e

My Love is 11 months old!

What's my 11 month old up to these days?

• curious about a lot of things, lots of hand gestures and sometimes pointing towards an object and says "ayyyyy" or "ohhhhh"
• loves the toilet paper roll
• he really enjoys going on his belly and looking for stuff under big furniture (ie. the couch) so i just drop stuff under there and he gets them ...and then he drops it again to see where it goes, watches it come back, and then retrieves it again 
• he's finally noticing (not just looking) things above him and things that surround him like photos, decals, lights
• he's got mild patches of eczema throughout (thanks Winter!), he's been getting daily applications of Aquaphor and so far under control
• footless sleepers! size 12-18months for tops and 6-12 months for bottoms, size 3 Pampers cruisers
• he can turn his walker on his own and even do a full 360
• sleeping from 8pm and waking up sometime between 6-745am (towards the latter part of his 10th month he's been sleeping 8pm-730am with no feeds or wakeups overnight)
• 2 naps a day, first nap 2-2.5hours after waking up and he can go about 4 hours awake until the next nap. Average length 1.25hours
• still naps in my arms, i LOVE our special time together, so though not the best thing for someone who has to go back to work, im not in a panic to change this yet
• he used to enjoy me throwing (in the lightest sense of the word) him up in the air and catching him, now he gets frightened

                        

 

• 3 breastfeeds a day, 3 solids a day and sometimes he gets a snack (i think his favorite food are bananas, he can eat the whole thing in one sitting just cut in half)
• he's a good eater but needs to be on my lap and me pretending to eat it if it's a new food item
• he does not like goats milk ...tried it just after 10.5months and he's not into it at all
• loves watching birds fly
• cries when men he doesnt know interact with him, but not so with women 9/10 times
• developed a separation anxiety with husband, but only when we're grocery shopping and he's on the cart. even if im in front of him, he's still wants Gene
• can crawl while holding onto something or pushing his cars
• sometimes walking or cruising with one hand! a few times ive caught him standing on his own without support and then he drops to the ground
• super clingy with me just after waking up, he needs to be carried/held for quite a bit
• if im not making eye contact with him, he pulls on my pant leg and holds on to my leg jumping and escalating until he's picked up
• lots of high pitched squeals and shrieks when happy, excited, and having fun
• shares everything but doesnt always let go of it (he'll offer someone his food, but just let their mouths touch it and then he eats it) 
• shy around new situations and doesnt really interact with other babies in groups. sometimes he's even scared of other babies and will cry
• able to do partial waves but not always on queue (think open your hand and drop finger each down to make a loose fist
• you know that pampers commercial where the baby is moving chairs and other furniture around? yep that's what Max is doing
• about 21.5lbs, 2 upper 2 lower teeth (i can see two more coming in the upper part, but they haven't cut through the gums yet)
• arms up when wants to be picked up or just held 
• i just need to lean in and i get kisses kisses kisses! (ok open mouthed wet kisses)

• he took his first steps on December 17th at approx 6pm! Since then, he's been able to walk 3-4 steps and stand up on his own for like 10 seconds or so. he wont do it on command (naturally) but instead suprises us by either ditching the walker and just going to walk or ditching a toy and coming to us a few steps away!

crappy quality video with even worse lighting!

Current schedule +/- 30 minutes

745am wakeup and feed

10 am nap

1115 am wakeup and breakfast

2pm lunch

245pm breastfeed and 2nd nap

430pm wakeup

530pm dinner

630pm snack

730pm bedtime routine and breastfeed

8pm in bed, lights out, hopefully asleep

Munching Away

cupcake smash trial!

he liked the carrot cake (and so did the cat). it was a relatively moderate clean up for 1 cupcake! 

kudos to the baby led weaning moms who clean up the disaster after their babies eat 3x a day! 

Max Has Hit Double Digits! 10 Months Old!

little Max is now 10 months old. I say this every month- where the heck did the time go?

What's a 10 month old Max like these days?

• he says 'mama mama' all the time in long run on sentences, sometimes we get a 'dada dada'
• he's playing with various volumes of his voice
• he's loves sharing/offering his nutrios and pacifier
• sleeping straight from 8pm-7am with only rare wakeups (no night feeds!), ravenous in the morning as expected!
• naps 2 times a day (sometimes 3), in my arms, for about 1.5hrs each time - this is prime time to get up to date with everything happening in the social network
• a really sweaty sleeper when sleeping in my arms, his hair is soaked when he wakes up
• learning to point at things he wants or at people he wants attention from
• offering hand still, but not as often (same gesture)
• can walk by himself using the walker! (watch the video)

• really good appetite, with breakfast being the best. still feeding on lumpy/pureed but good at feeding self whole apples, cheese, nutrios, peas, and carrots
• loves nutrios, rice rusks, cottage cheese, and all apples (i think he would eat these for breakfast lunch and dinner if he had a choice)
• puts arms up when he wants to be picked up. if already up in someones arms, he stretches arms out towards another person he wants to be carried by
• he can crawl while holding onto something with one of his hands
• wants to climb over everything to get through (instead of crawling around the object like, ie. ME!)
• loves giving open mouth wet kisses. i just need to lean forward close to him and his mouth is open to give a wet kiss
• breastfeeding 4x a day

• 4 teeth (2 up, 2 bottom)
• 3-4 poops a day
• still loves and whines for his pacifier
• he really likes watching mike the knight - i think it has something to do with how big the characters are on tv
• he loves the IOGO yogourt commercials! we were playing in the kitchen, he hears the first 4 notes of the commercial, he pauses and then bolts out of the kitchen to watch the commercial. one of those wave-your-hand-in-front-of-their-face-and-no-blinking moments. again, probably has to do with how simple and big the images are
• attaached to me big time (aka major separation anxiety). i cant leave room without him crying, or him looking/finding me. i cant be in the kitchen without him wanting to be carried by me and will escalate to crying if i dont pay attention to him or move around too much

everything goes in his mouth

Max's 10 month old 'schedule,' (times are approximate +/- 30 minutes)

7am: awake, breastfeed

9-1020: nap

1030: breakfast

12pm: breastfeed

130: lunch

230-4pm: nap

4pm: breastfeed

6pm: dinner

730: bath, bed time routine, breastfeed

8pm: asleep

10pm: my bedtime!

WOW 

Songs of Nostalgia

back in August at the pool

As much as i'd love for lullabies to work on the little man, they dont. but lullabies aren't just for sleeping right? they can be sung any time of day and maybe even 20 or more times a day. one better at least enjoy the songs they're singing!

i have 2 particular songs i like to sing to Max because they're 2 songs i distinctly remember from my childhood back in the homeland (there's the other issue which i've also mentioned HERE). One is in Tagalog, and the other is in Visaya- a Philippine dialect which i don't at all understand. one of those 'it sounds like Tagalog, i feel like i should know it, but if i listen closely, no i don't.' Who knows what i mean? Singing these songs just makes me feel connected to my inner (and outer) Pinay and super nostalgic. im actively passing my heritage to this little half breed and i'll be damned an unhappy mamma if he grows up not knowing what's flowing in his blood!

One of my few early song memories is when someone sang "Bahay Kubo" to me. This song brings forth a deeper tagalog. im UNfamiliar with about 97% of the words in the song, but the tune is 100% deeply routed in my memory. My dad started singing it to Max, and then i was like, 'oh yeah...' so i hit up the internet and literally forced (but happily) myself to memorize this song. I thought it meant something different all this time in terms of translation, but alas, its about a little nippa hut. Max does fist pumps and 'sings' whenever someone sings this with him (by singing i mean he sings one note for a prolonged time- i love it when he does this)!

Bahay Kubo 

Bahay kubo, kahit munti,   (my humble hut may look tiny)

ang halaman doon, ay sari-sari. (but the veggies around it, sure are many.)

Singkamas at talong, sigarilyas at mani, (yam beans and eggplant, wing'd beans and peanuts)

sitaw, bataw, patani. (string hyacinth, and lima beans)

Kundol, patola, upo’t kalabasa,  (winter melon and loofah)

at saka meron pa, labanos, mustasa. (and there is more, radish and mustard!)

Sibuyas, kamatis, bawang at luya. (onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger)

Sa paligid-ligid, ay puno ng linga! (if you look around, sesame seeds abound!)

Our second song is called "Ili Ili Tulog Anay" which means 'sleep for awhile' in the aforementioned Visaya dialect. This one i definitely remember my dad singing to my sister and I when we were kids during bedtime or just anytime to calm us down in prep for sleep. Again, my dad sang this to Max but not as much as the first song probably because to him this is an actual lullaby and he isn't trying to put Max to sleep at any time. 

Ili Ili, Tulog Anay

Ili-ili tulog anay,  (sleep for a while)

Wala diri imong nanay.  (your mother is not here)

Kadto tienda bakal papay. (went to the market to buy bread)

Ili-ili tulog anay (sleep for awhile)

does it make you feel sleepy? hehe

do you have any special songs with your little ones?

Addendum: the boy is walking!

ok so i left him alone for a split second, he heads for the walker. i turn around and he's pushing the walker by himself and walking! even regulating speed at which to push based on floor surface. no face plants! i managed to capture this a few minutes later...

please slow down, you are growing up too fast!!

Practicing His Little Walk!

With a little guidance and a lot of husband preventing the walker from exerting forward too fast (and Max subsequently doing a face plant on the ground), i think this Melissa and Doug Push Toy was one of our best garage sale finds this year! It's really fun to watch him exercise, practice, and burn some energy! Right now he wants to go back and forth back and forth constantly.

From a nurse point of view, it's ironic how some of us start out with a mobilizing aid such as a walker, and end our lives with a possible need for a walker too (just like incontinence pads...)

my baby talk/voice is really annoying. mute your pc's! haha

Pros

• Max loves it 
• uses it as an anchor to hoist himself up on carpet and on floor (think squats and lunges)
• it has rubber treads around the wheels so there's some traction against smooth floors
• the alligators moving are cute
• relatively 'safe' on carpeted surface

Cons

• the screws loosen, so they should be checked a few times week and tightened to prevent injury
• the treads are a weak security measure, on smooth floors it can still zoom forward. always supervise kids!
• depending on how Max hoists himself up, ive seen the walker tip backwards part way or all the way down with the handle on the ground 

Say It!

i like to think it's not just babbling! he's talking to me, calling me , all my hard work rewarded by this continuous phrase throughout the day from my little love xoxoxox

Taga-Lish

photo credit

When my family moved to Canada from the Philippines, my parents maintained the practice of speaking to us at home in Tagalog (with the occasional English word as English is widely spoken in the Philippines), while in school we learned and spoke English.  I honestly can't thank them enough for doing this because i feel it really kept me in touch with my roots, and especially the fact that i can go back to the homeland and interact with my family and the people of the country.

What's unfortunate though is that neither of my parents encouraged us to reply back in Tagalog (maybe in fear of getting confused and do poorly in school), and that we were so surrounded by a majority English speaking community that we just couldn't help but think and learn in that language. Now, although i can understand Tagalog, I 99% will reply in English (even though I can reply awkwardly in Tagalog) as i feel that i sound ridiculous with a non-pinoy accent speaking filipino. This also makes for an awkward scenario and conversation, especially when you're trying to have a 'secret' gab! 

So this brings in Max who is 50% Pinoy. I am adamant that Max learn how to understand and speak the language (as well as eat the food). Besides my parents, who i persistently need to remind to speak to Max in the native tongue, i honestly don't know what my Vancouver resources are. I dont have THAT many filipino friends that are fluent, there are no Tagalog schools like there are Chinese schools and French immersion classes, my husband isn't Tagalog speaking so I can't exactly converse at home, so what exactly are my options? 

Since Maxiboy was born ive been trying to speak to him in as much Tagalog as possible. I even take moments/pauses in our conversation to try to figure out how to translate this english phrase into the language or say it in english and then retranslate into Tagalog.  Again, i think i sound ridiculous and i dont know how to translate every word! but putting that aside, ive got some phrases covered and so far so good. I slightly dread the day when I no longer can do small talk, and have to do sentences and phrasing as i just suck at it! 

Getting ahead of myself, i'm also planning to surround Max with some Philippine culture. Once old enough, im eager to enroll him in some Filipino Folk Dance Classes- the bottom line, surround him with Filipino's.  I've read about this company based in Vancouver called Kababayang Pilipino, and they're company stands for "celebrating Philippines through Dance and Music," a total WIN-WIN scenario if you ask me.  Youngest pupils are age 5- i'm so excited for Max! I can't wait to go to his recitals one day! (did someone say tiger mom?)

a traditional folk dance called "Tinikling"

"Pandanggo sa Ilaw"