Bonding with Baby

We're nearly there! As I'm working on managing contractions, I make sure I still get to bond with baby and monitor his health. I'm using this nifty little device to monitor baby's heartbeat while dealing with contractions. My very own Doppler! :)

Playing the Waiting Game

Today we are 38 weeks and 5 days.

Ever since we turned 37 weeks, I've been anxiously and excitedly waiting for the contractions to come so we can finally get to hold the little one. Playing the waiting game isn't as easy when you're as excited as I am. The past few months, flew by so quickly! Thank you, sweetheart, for being such a good boy and never giving mommy a hard time.

So, I've been doing exercises the past few days (okay, I admit, I haven't been able to walk and work out much as I've been very busy with other things). My OB also prescribed me with Evening Primrose Oil (1000mg capsules) which would help with the "ripening" of the cervix. I am so close to the point of desperation that I've been thinking of getting a foot massage. Well, it's for the contractions and indulgence as well, haha.

I'm getting more restless by the day, since this is my first pregnancy. I guess I'm just getting a bit bored, as well. All his things have been prepared and laid out. Hospital bag and everything is in place. It's just the little sunshine we're all waiting for.

I guess my little boy isn't ready, yet. Or perhaps he's still waiting for mommy to finish all I need and want to do before he pops out. Oh, my sweet little boy! Or maybe he just wants our full attention, no miscellaneous activities etc before his grand entrance. You see, I am still dealing with business matters at the moment and daddy won't be available til he comes home from his meeting tonight. So, I guess our little J is waiting for his perfect timing.

My OB also said that things will fall into place when the little one is ready. If he still wants to stay in mommy's tummy, he will, no matter what. Well, alright sweetpea. Take as much time as you'd like but, please don't go overdue or mommy and daddy will have a hard time. For now, I shall finish all I need to do and just wait and walk, walk, walk.

Bitten by the music Bug! Dance and Sing with Bug and Kelly Kidswear

 

Last August, I chanced upon Bug and Kelly at the Belly Blessed Fest. Out of all the countless shops selling infant and children's clothing, Bug and Kelly's adorable and colorful kid's shirts and shoes caught my eye. A friend and I were having lunch and I just could not take my mind off the clothes. I instantly fell in love with them that, I cut our lunch short and (impulsively) went on a spree. I had no idea what my baby's gender was at that time so I got sets of both boy's and girl's clothes and shoes. Raquel of Bug and Kelly was there and she was like: "You're buying a lot. Are you going somewhere?" and I was like, "I'm going to give birth!". With that, we started chatting a bit and I found out more about the brand and what a very funny and nice lady Raquel is!

What I love about Bug and Kelly is that they support the local economy as their products are Proudly Philippine-made. I love that the clothes are made from 100% cotton, perfect for this very hot and humid Philippine weather. Did I mention it is owned by a couple? Now, that's a really great partnership there! I just can't wait for my little boy to pop out so he can finally wear the super adorable clothes and shoes that I got him!

Some of the stuff I bought. See the pile on the left? I am very happy!

Loved the Robot! I got several pieces of this in shirts and onesies.

Got two of this! Isn't so cute?

Notice how some of the clothes were similar to the ones I had in my "Celebration Giveaway"? They are the same ones I bought that day. It would be sad just to have them hidden in storage, since my boy can't wear them. Anyway, here are some fun facts about Bug and Kelly:

Bug & Kelly (B&K) Kids Wear is the flagship brand of Sick and Sweet Apparel and is an exciting new take on Infant and Kids Wear. It was established in August 2011 by Julio S. Hernandez Jr.(Bug) and Raquel Z. Hernandez(Kelly), a Husband and Wife tandem that loved teaching their kids about music. In one of these family jam sessions, Music Inspired Kids Wear was born! 

Music Inspired Kids Wear simply put, are Kids and Infants Graphic Tops (Shirts/Onesies) all uniquely designed with a certain song or song title that was used to inspire the design.

According to Julio and Raquel: "We take our inspiration from all genres of music, ranging from the Beatles, Aerosmith, Adelle, and even the King of Pop Michael Jackson. We keep the spirit of joy in the music of all genres and design it our own special way. Hopefully, to inspire All kids… and their mommies and daddies too!"

"B&K is definitely proudly Philippine made.  We design and conceptualized everything we produce.  Some products are completely original in either artwork or material pattern choices, and others are simply "inspired" by our fixation with pop culture...most especially music.  All our material are sourced locally for now, but we do source high quality material which sometimes may have to be imported.  What we really want to push for is local manufacturing and production.  Bug & Kelly will always be manufactured and produced in the Philippines to hopefully help support local manufacturing."

B&K products include the following:

Baby Onesies, Infants & Kids Tee Shirts, from ages 6 months to 12 years old.

Hand-made Hair Bows w/ Headband and Hair Clips

Infant Sets (Shirt/Skirt/Headband Set)

Infant Bonnets

Infant Sets.
JOAN - Available in Small(6-9M), Medium(9-12M), Large(12-18M) Php 899

You can check out other Bug and Kelly Products on their 

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/bugandkelly 

and get updates on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/bugandkelly

You also would love to check them out and visit them in their bazaars:

Shop at the Fort organized by Karl Edward International (NBC Tent, Fort Taguig) - every weekend until Christmas

Zonta Alabang Pre-Christmas Bazaar (Cuenca Community Center Ayala Alabang) - Oct 27-28

Zonta Muntinlupa Bazaar (Cuenca Community Center Ayala Alabang) - Nov 3-4

American Women's Club Bazaar (World Trade Center) - Nov. 13 & Dec. 03

Global Pinoy Bazaar (Rockwell Tent) - Nov 10-11

Moonlit Bazaar (Rockwell Tent) - Nov 16-18

Mommy Mundo Bazaar (Rockwell Tent) - Nov 24-25

Zonta Alabang Christmas Carnivale (Filinvest Tent, Alabang) - Nov 24-25

SuperSale (World Trade Center) - Dec 1-5

Shop at the Fort organized by Karl Edward International (NBC Tent, Fort Taguig) - Dec 15-23

You can also purchase these adorable clothes at the following Online Shops! 

(Click on the links to go directly to their line-up)

ZALORA

LAZADA 

Mothering Earthlings  

HalloHallomall.com 

Mymarquee.com.ph  

Want more good news? We are spreading the Bug!!! Win your very own Bug and Kelly shirts!

2 Winners (1 boy and 1 girl) gets to choose their prizes!

Please Dont Stop the Music (Boy)
(White, Red, or Black)
Available for 2-3 years, 3-4 years, and 5-6 years.

Strawberry Fields Forever (Girl)
 Available for 2-3Y, 3-4Y, 5-6Y, 7-8Y, 10-12Y

Rolling in the Deep (Girl)

Available for 2-3Y, 3-4Y, 5-6Y, 7-8Y, 10-12Y

Simply follow the tasks on the Rafflecopter below. Let's sing and dance along with Bug and Kelly Music Inspired Kidswear! Play fair and no cheating on the tasks, dearies! :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a Happy Mommy Day!

❤ 
Happy Mommy

Prepared Childbirth Classes with Rome Kanapi

Last August, we enrolled in Prepared Childbirth Classes with Rome Kanapi at the Ateneo Institute of Social Order. Being new parents, the class helped us prepare and understand more about breathing and relaxation techniques (lamaze), breastfeeding, childbirth, exercises, newborn care,  pregnancy, and your partner's role in your pregnancy, childbirth, and as a new parent.

Rome Kanapi's Prepared Childbirth Classes were very helpful, informative, and fun! It gave us the confidence and knowledge we needed as new and inexperienced parents. As a soon-to-be mom, it helped ease my worries regarding pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and child-rearing. For dads, it gave them a "full view" of what it's like to be pregnant. It prepared us for the upcoming days ahead: what to expect and what to do during labor and actual delivery. Rome Kanapi's classes truly empowered me as a new mom, and us as new parents.

The classes are very intimate, there are about 12 couples or less in every batch. Rome is such a nice lady. She's very accommodating and motherly. She made us feel so at ease, like we can openly discuss all our thoughts and worries regarding childbirth and pregnancy. For new parents, it feels wonderful to know that you have the knowledge and support to empower you as first-time parents.

Rome Kanapi's Prepared Childbirth Classes are held every Sunday at the Ateneo Institute of Social Orders, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Classes are held twice a day, morning and afternoon batch, and runs for 6 sessions. If you're interested in the classes, please note that you have to reserve a slot early on as her classes have limited slots and are always full. The classes also enables dads to be allowed with you (to coach you) in the labor and delivery room.

Rome Kanapi is a Certified Instructor from the Philippine Association of Childbirth Education (P.A.C.E).
For inquiries and reservations on Prepared Childbirth Classes with Rome Kanapi, you may call 436-1757/0917-541-5114 or email her at romeinquiry@gmail.com.

Are you a current student or an alumni of Rome Kanapi's Prepared Childbirth Class? All batches are welcome to join the Page! 

Visit the Facebook Page here: 

Rome Kanapi Prepared Childbirth Class

Mommy Mundo: Moms on The Floor 2012

Mommy Mundo: Moms on The Floor 2012, a floor-based learning and bonding event for expectant moms and dads, and moms with infants and kids.

Mommy Mundo- the country’s go-to resource for active, modern moms is inviting moms to get on the floor this October 13, 2012, Saturday at The LOFT, Manansala Tower, Rockwell, Makati. 

Getting “ON THE FLOOR” means fitness, bonding and fun! Moms on the Floor is a floor-based learning and bonding event for expectant moms and dads, and moms with infants and kids .
Now on its third year, MOMS ON THE FLOOR, promises to be equally exciting with the three portions Mommy Mundo has prepared.

The first portion is for pregnant moms from 10:00am to 12:00nn. The portion will feature prenatal yin yoga by Dona Esteban and labor and breathing exercises by Rome Kanapi. 

Prenatal Yin Yoga by Dona Esteban

The second portion is for moms with infants 0-1 year old will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The portion will feature infant massage by Rome Kanapi and mom and baby exercises by Gymboree.

Breathing Exercises and Infant Massage with Rome Kanapi. (She's our Prepared Childbirth Instructor and her talks are very helpful and informative!)

The last portion will be for moms with kids that are 1 to 6 years old from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. This portion will feature YogaKids by Michelle Aventajado and Zumba fun by Slimmers World.

Participation is free but PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as there are limited slots available per portion. Interested husbands or partners also need to register to join the event.

To register, email your name, mobile number and which portion you will join at info@mommymundo.com with subject line: MOTF REG or you may also text the info to 0917-8162524. Registered participants will get a confirmation text or email.

All Participants must bring their own mats and come in comfortable clothing. 

Moms on the Floor is co-presented by Shop Mommy Matters, Philippine Association for Childbirth Education, GlaxoSmithKline, Anmum, and Cordlife Cord Philippines. Also supported by Cycles Mild Detergent, Cradle, Philips Avent, Crystal Clear, Pigeon, Tiny Buds, Gymboree, Slimmers World and media partners Manila Bulletin, Working Mom Magazine, Smartparenting Magazine, Baby on Board, Urban Mom Magazine, Mommy Pages, Crossover 105.1 and the Lifestyle Network.

Your Pregnant Body: Stretch marks and other oddities

Pregnancy causes such drastic and HUGE changes in your life- emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. It's important for us moms (especially new ones like me!)  to understand that these changes are all parts of our journey through pregnancy, thus we must learn to fully embrace and welcome them into our lives. 

Nothing compares to the amazing feeling of bliss from having to share your life with someone wonderfully special. Giving life, growing, and nurturing that tiny little person inside you. Even until now, I am in such awe of how I was so blessed to be able to carry this handsome little monkey in my belly for 9 months! Isn't pregnancy such an amazingly wonderful adventure?

But mind you, it's not all pretty little butterflies and sweet little prairie flowers. Pregnancy is not an easy journey! Imagine walking around with an ever-growing watermelon in your belly, having to pee every half an hour, getting acne breakouts like it's middle school, middle of the night hunger pangs, insatiable cravings, bloatedness and gasiness, morning sickness, those sometimes awkward and weird emotional moments when you just feel like bawling for no reason, and the our biggest enemy: STRETCH MARKS! 

Oh, baby! Are we there yet???

Baby's Hospital Bag x Cycles and Cradle Giveaway

The fun and excitement just never stop! Less than 2 weeks until our little sunshine pops out! As I have mentioned in my recent post, so much preparations have been done these past few months for our little sunshine's arrival!

Prior to daddy and I's preparations for the Big Day, I've prepared baby's things that went into the hospital bag beforehand. I diligently checked and re-checked my lists to make sure we have everything baby will need upon delivery. I laid out all his clothes and layette sets, receiving blanket, going-home clothes, etc and prepared them for laundry, disinfecting, ironing, and further disinfecting. Yeah, by now you could clearly see how OC and extremely meticulous I am! I even hand-washed his clothes to make sure every nook and cranny is well accounted for.

Our prepared stash for the endless laundry and dishwashing duties ahead.

Since newborn skin is extremely sensitive, I used Cycles Mild Laundry Detergent to wash the little one's clothes, burp cloths, receiving blankets, and all his other stuff, which went in the bag. I really love how good it smells and how gentle it was not only on his clothes, but on my skin as well ( I have extremely sensitive skin). 

I also love that Cycles is made from environment-friendly, baby-safe, hypo-allergenic, phosphate-free, ultra mild ingredients and has anti-bacterial properties. It's specifically made for babies, so I am confident that Cycles will provide my baby's clothes and skin the same quality care it has provided thousands of Cycles babies and moms. As a first-time mom, I am very concerned about my child's health and his surroundings, as well. By using baby-safe and eco-friendly products like Cycles, I know that I am providing my baby and the environment with the best care a mother can give.

Available in 1.5L, 1kg, 800ml, 100g x 3, 250ml

Another thing about the brand which made me appreciate it more was that it was started by a mom, like me! Cycles is a brand started by mothers headed by Emily; a meticulous, loving and protective mom. Since mothers like her want to give the best personal care to their babies, Emily was prompted to form EVEolution, Inc. The company’s thrust is to become a reliable mommy partner because it understands the needs of mothers who continuously seek to provide safe, sensible and effective products to their precious little ones. Knowing that Cycles is made by moms for moms like you and I, is a very re-assuring thought.

They recently came out with a new Anti-bacterial Stain Soaker. It's color-safe and does not contain harsh chemical such as chlorine, optical brighteners, and dyes. It kills E.Coli, Staph, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (causes Respiratory Infections), and Salmonella. Perfect for soaking baby's stained bibs, burping cloths, and cloth diapers!

Available in 500g containers and Stain Pretreater Pen

I also used Cradle Baby Bottle and Nipple Cleanser for the breast pump, breast milk containers, and baby bottles. My hands get so irritated, sore, and dries out with household dishwashing liquid. Cradle was gentle enough on my hands, so I know it'll the same on my breastfeeding essentials. It's made from natural and edible ingredients found in plant extracts. Safe yet highly effective in removing tough milk and residues, and in getting rid of foul odors from feeding bottles, bottle nipples and other accessories. Cradle is so safe, you can even use it to wash fruit and vegetables.

Available in 700ml and 200ml Travel size Bottles, 500ml and 150ml Refill Packs

Win P 1,000 worth of Baby Products from Cycles and Cradle!

To share the same gentle care Cycles and Cradle provides my little one and thousands of other Cycles and Cradle babies, I am giving away a Gift Pack from Cycles and Cradle which contains the following:

Cycles Stain Soaker (500g)

Cycles Laundry Detergent Powder (1kg)

Cradle Toy and Surface Spray Cleanser (500ml)

Cradle Baby Bottle and Nipple Cleanser (700ml)

Just follow the steps on Rafflecopter below and get to experience the same gentle and motherly care Cycles and Cradle provides us Cycles and Cradle babies and moms.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cycles and Cradle are available at the following:

Luzon: Alabang Supermarket Babyland Baby & Co. / Nursery Care Cash & Carry Dept Store Cash & Carry Supermarket HB1 Landmark Dept Store Landmark Supermarket Robinsons Supermarket * Savemore * SM Supermarket * Shopwise S&R Super SM Hypermarket Rustans Dept Store Rustans Supermarket Unimart Waltermart * CVC Cainta, Malinta, Valenzuela, Caloocan Infanticipation Filinvest Alabang Jumbo Jenre DAU Pampanga NE Pacific - Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija Pioneer Superstore Mandaluyong South Supermarket Alabang Sta. Lucia Department Store Cainta Sta. Lucia Supermarket Cainta * selected branches only

Visayas: Metro Gaisano Gaisano Grand Foodah Park Mall Island City Mall Bohol Lee Plaza Dumaguete Mindanao: Gaisano Mall Victoria Plaza Department Store Chimes NCCC Mall KCC Mall

Have a Happy Mommy Day!

 ❤

Happy Mommy

Getting Ready for D-Day

Getting Ready for D-Day: Prepared Childbirth Class, Hospital Bag Checklist, and Hospital Childbirth Rates

In less than two weeks, we will be welcoming our little sunshine. Being a first-time mom, I always make sure that everything is ready and set for our little boy's arrival. One of the top things on my list were the delivery and hospital preparations. Knowing John, he will definitely be scampering around anxiously and forget all the things in our “to-bring” and “to-do” list, when that day comes. I don't want him to get too stressed out on D-Day, lest he ends up in the emergency room, rather than I.

A Second Chance in Life and a Second Life

Tonight I stumbled on this question on Second Chances. I was asked what my best second chance in life was. All I could ever think of was my little sunshine, the best part of my life! Sharing the gift of life with another little person is such an amazing and blessed experience. This month, I'll be giving birth to the adorable little man that I have been growing in my tummy for almost 9 months now!