Medela Moms hosts annual baby shower

Medela Moms threw its second annual baby shower for expectant moms at its premises in New Manila on Aug. 4.

The Medela House was filled with pregnant mommies and their supportive husbands who were equally attentive to the discussions on breastfeeding, finding a good yaya, and tips on going back to work, and were even very participative during the fun games.

Loot bags and game prizes awaited participants which included two portraits of each mom by photographer Lawrence del
Mundo and lactation brownies by Mommy Treats, among others.

PGH-certified Lactation Counsellor Abbie Yabot talked at length about breastfeeding, among them, its benefits, the proper latch, and the likely challenges.

She mentioned that the baby is full from the placenta in the first three to five days of life and only needed about one teaspoon of milk to hydrate his or her tummy. Hence, there really is no need to give water or formula as these may disrupt breastfeeding, she said.

Beginning breastfeeding is not a walk in the park. The first two weeks are the hardest, but equipping yourself with the right knowledge can do a lot to help you succeed.

So if you are serious about giving what's best for your child then consider breastfeeding. And once you have decided on breastfeeding your child, plan ahead and seek out support groups or attend seminars such as those offered by Medela Moms. Connecting with other moms during said seminars could also give you the needed pat in the back when you need it the most.

You do not have to be alone in your journey - during your pregnancy and once you give birth. Apart from your immediate family, there's a whole network of supportive moms out there who are wont to help and encourage fellow mommies in their quest at giving what's best for their child or who are simply open to share their experiences to help you as you build your own.

- Mommy Smiley

Some of the treats and prizes for the expectant moms.

Lactation counselor Abbie Yabot talks about breastfeeding.

UPDATED: Shopping list before giving birth

I have put together my own list of things to buy or have for babies, mommies, and daddies before or shortly after the little one arrives. These items were very useful to me as a breastfeeding mom, and also as someone who practiced ge-lai after birth. Take a look at my list:

Must-have list for babies:

1.   8 pieces one-sided tops (White is best not only because it’s unisex but also because you can see if any ants or other insects have crawled to your babies’ clothes.)

2.   8 pieces pajamas (Those with garters at the bottom are better.)

3.   8 pieces briefs or panties

4.   8 pieces shorts or skirts (For going-out).

5.   8-10 pieces frogsuits (If you will practice ge-lai, buy 12-15 pieces of frogsuits. You won’t be able to use the one-sided tops especially if your air-conditioning is on 24/7. My favorite brand is So-En bebe (size 0). I like this brand because it has a hood so you need not get a separate cap for your baby.)

Mothercare frogsuits with built-in hand covers and socks.

6. 8 pieces baby caps (Be sure to get the smallest cap that you could find. The smallest ones are best for a tiny new born’s head. I bought one that’s too big for Sam. It almost covered his nose. Mothercare sells new baby caps. But do check your baby’s head and see what fits him or her best.)

7. 8 pairs of mittens (I think garterized mittens are better than those with strings. If you do get those with strings, just be careful not to tie them too tight around your baby’s wrist. Also, buy them in plain colors. Mothercare also sells frog suits for new baby and sizes 1-3 months have built-in hand covers.)

8. 8-10 sets of bibs (I prefer those that come in Velcro, but like the mittens, if you do get the ones with strings, just be careful not to tie them too tight.)

9. 20-30 pieces of lampins (I used two different colors of lampins. One was in plain white while the other had a blue pipping on it so in case one falls off, I know which one is dirty.)

10. Baby towels (I love baby towels because they are not rough and they could serve as a swaddling cloth too.)

11. Diapers (Sam’s been on Momy Poko ever since. Momy Poko’s more expensive than other brands, but for us, it suited our baby well. Check out what’s ok for your baby too. EQ and Pampers are more affordable, although they also have an “active line” promising more absorption which also cost more.)

~~Clothe Diapers are also available, clothe are more earth friendly and more economical in the long run. You just have be dedicated to using cloth and must learn how to use it, wash it and know the do's and don'ts once you know it. it will just be a breeze and big savings.

12. Baby bag (I insist on getting a knapsack type of baby bag. I asked one from my sister and she got me one from Goodbaby. I love knapsacks because you free your hands when carrying them. My husband insisted on getting a more “sosyal” baby bag. He got me a green messenger lassig bag, but it’s too big for me and for the yaya. The bag is just sitting inside our cabinet while the Goodbaby knapsack served its purpose. We only changed it when it became too small for our baby’s needs. We are now using badabadaboo’s big kid backpack called Alexander.)

Must-have list for mommies:

1. Breast pump (I am using Medela Swing pump. I got it directly from Medela House where I had the time to fit the right shield for my breast size.)

Medela Swing is very helpful to me. If you have more budget, go for the Medela Freestyle.

If you are pumping your milk, buy 80 ml containers for storage. I use this to store breastmilk, baby food, other snacks such as nuts, yogurt melts, and cookies. 

2. Medela Lanolin (My pediatrician adviced me to get Medela Lanolin as this will help soften my nipples and prevent soreness. I swear by this product. I did not experience any cracked nipples while breastfeeding. There were times when I felt sore, but after rubbing the lanolin, it was all gone. If you can’t get this, spread some breastmilk on your nipples.)

I swear this will help your nipples.

3. Jogging pants and t-shirts (These were my outfits during my one-month ge-lai. I recommend the longsleeve-shirts and undershirts from Spoiled. I still use them up to now as I breastfeed my son in public. I just wish that they have more fashionable designs.)

4. Breast pads (I love Mothercare and Pigeon breastpads. Do not buy too many because you don’t know if that brand suits you. Breastpads are like feminine napkins. You either like the cottony feel or not. Take advantage of the free giveaways and try them on. You may also want to buy the cloth breastpads when you feel irritated by the pads.)

 For some reason, these are always sold-out.

Pigeon is more readily available. You can get them in all baby stores and even in SM Hypermarkets.

5. Maternity bra (I love Mothercare maternity bras. I got myself the simple ones packed in twos for home use and those with pads for going out. For night time, I use Mothercare tube bra.)

6. Mamaway Sando Bra (I love Mamaway’s Sando Bra. It is a sando which has a built-in padded bra. It lets me wear my regular clothes and breastfeed my child without fear of public exposure at the same time.)

I super love this Nursing Tank top from Mamaway. I got the black so it won't discolor. I can also see myself using this even when I am done with breastfeeding. The bra-top is also padded! 

7. Maternity panty (I got mine from Mothercare. What I like about it is the belly support. Before I had my Mamamway Sando Bra, I use this to cover my belly while nursing in public.)

Other useful stuff to have:

1.  Night light

2.  Muji socks (Because it can cover your every toe!)

3.  Dr. Palmers Organic stretch mark lotions (If you have red scratch marks, this lotion will help ligthen them.)

My two bffs. I swear by these products. They made my tummy flawless! 

You may want to check out my previous post: Stretch marks-free on our pre-natal shoot and beyond

4. Disposable gloves (Use it when eating and washing down under. For those who will undergo ge-lai.)

5. Vegetable supplements (This is also for those who will go through ge-lai since you won’t be allowed to eat vegetables and you need nutrients for breastfeeding.)

6. Pigeon wipes (We don’t wash Sam’s butt with water when he poops or when we change his diapers. We use wipes instead. So far, it suits him. No rashes yet.)

Some tips:

1. Before going home after birth from the hospital, ask the nurse to teach you how to bathe your child.

My son on his Tummy Tub

~~I highly recommend Tummy Tub for bathing your child. You can get this at any Rustan's or at Mothercare. To read more about the my Tummy Tub experience Click here

2. If you will be breastfeeding your baby, get your nursing wear at Medela House. You’ll need this when you go out with your baby. Usually, you will come back for a check-up after a week.

3. Don't buy burping pads. Trust the more versatile lampin.

4. If you plan to breastfeed, your doctor may advice you to pump some milk. Make sure that your equipment has been sterilized before using it.

Must-have list for daddies (when packing for the hospital):

• shirts
• pants/shorts
• jacket
• personal effects
• camera
• cash/ATM
• water
• candy
• phone

~~ Mommy Raquel

Maternity wear must-have

There is a simple and very practical maternity accessory in the market that will continue to make your regular clothes such as shorts and trousers wearable until you are due: the belly belt.


I heard about the belly belt when I was almost due with my first pregnancy that getting it might only be a waste of money. With baby number two on the way, however, I no longer passed up the chance to have one of my own.


Maternity jeans and shorts do wonder to make your pregnant belly as comfortable as possible. But not all jeans, shorts, and even leggings are a perfect fit. There is an awkward stage during pregnancy when you are big enough for your regular clothes but still small enough for maternity clothes and that's when the belly belt starts to enter. Although you can not go wrong with dresses, they won't do for a breastfeeding mom. Unless they are nursing dresses or those loose enough on the neckline for easy feeding access, you'd rather not go for them.


The belly belt is a set of three cotton cover ups in black, white, and blue and four adjustable bands with either buttons or snap-ons available in two sizes each.


The cotton cover ups will help hide your undies as your zippers come undone.


The stitching is simple that I could have made one myself had I had the time. I actually experimented on making my own maternity jeans a while back. I wore it once just to try it on, but after that, my floppy stitching just turns me off that I felt compelled to store it away.


The belly belt may be purchased online or in maternity stores such as HAB at Greenbelt 5 or the Mompreneur stall at Shangri-la Plaza Mall for Php 1,100.




- Mommy Smiley

The belly belt set.

A Filipina's experience with Chinese ge-lai

Ge-lai is hardly heard of among pregnant Filipino women, but the practice has been associated with pregnancy itself among those with Chinese heritage in the Philippines.

I am a Filipina married to a pure Chinese who was born and raised in the Philippines. Marrying Jon also meant embracing his culture. Among them is the traditional practice of ge-lai after giving birth.

I first encountered the term ge-lai when Jon and I were trying to get pregnant. I did not fully understand it then, but it has always haunted me. So when I got pregnant, i finally asked my husband what ge-lai is really about. In reply, he said that it's a post-natal care followed by the Chinese which means that you won't be allowed to bathe for a whole month. That's it! Hmmm, ge-lai does not sound so dreadful after all.

But as my belly grew bigger in the passing months, I learned more about ge-lai that my husband failed to mention (I think deliberately) when I first asked him about it.

Here's my chronicle:

At one month pregnant: All our friends and relatives knew I was pregnant and they were excited and happy for us. Jon's aunts started asking me if I will undergo ge-lai, and I remember very clearly how Jon answered for me proudly, "Yes, she will!" Some approached me with words of luck. They told me I can do it. I must have looked so puzzled and worried that they all seem to reassure me that it's easy and repeatedly say that I can do it.

At two to three months pregnant: Ge-lai includes tea and I love tea! At this time, my mother-in-law had contacted her classmate for some herb concoction for my ge-lai. She also asked her sister based in Dagupan for some ginger. I asked my husband what the herbs are for and he told me casually that it's for my tea. A ge-lai diet includes lots of tea, he said. I thought that's great because I love drinking tea, but my thoughts were only into jasmine tea or the type of teas that I usually drink. I remembered my husband being very happy about it.

At four to five months pregnant: Ha, Jon started to break it to me gently. My baby bump was showing and I was blooming that people thought I was having a girl. In one of my appointments with my OB, I heard the lady sitting across from me talking to her daughter about ge-lai. In my mind, oh, ge-lai again? But I got curious so I eavesdropped. So the mother was telling her daughter that she will not be allowed to bathe for 30 days or even wash her face. When I got home, I asked my husband about it. He said that since I won't be allowed to take a bath, naturally, washing my face won't be permitted too.

At six months pregnant: Baby showers left and right. One of our baby showers was hosted by my classmate. And in that party, the wife of our friend brought up ge-lai again. But this time, her version really scared me. I learned that aside from not bathing for 30 days, in some cases it's even 31 days, you will not be allowed to wash your hands, what's down there (you know what I mean), eat fruits, vegetables, and use the electric fan directly at you. Your outfit is limited to the following: pajama/jogging pants, long sleeves, and socks. And the most shocking of them all is that you will only be allowed to eat black chicken, pigeon, native chicken, pig's trotters, and lapu-lapu soup!

I am a picky eater. My husband would describe my eating habit as either really expensive or downright jologs. Nothing in between. Plus, I'm not really an adventurous eater. So upon hearing this, I looked at my husband with Ling's signature stare (aka Lucy Liu from Ally Mcbeal). He knew he has some explaining to do when we get home.

At home, Jon comforted me and told me that I need to eat all those food so my body will get its warmth back (apparently we lose it during labor) and to balance the yin and yang of my body. With eyes rolling, all I can say was, "Yeah right!"

At seven months pregnant: Rollercoaster ride of emotions. Early contractions started kicking in at this time and I was adviced to take Bricanyl while undergoing a three times a week monitoring via a non-stress test. But we were still very excited since all the baby stuff are in and the decors for the baby's room are done. One month to go and we could finally see our baby.

One afternoon, while decorating the nursery room with my sister Sarrah, I mentioned to her that I will go through the Chinese traditon called ge-lai. A nurse by profession, she was shocked. Being my ate and a very dutiful sister, she searched the internet for more information. She stumbled upon Giselle Sanchez's blog (yes, the comedienne) and it made me realize that ge-lai doesn't sound that bad. Giselle's blog was centered to the benefits of ge-lai for the mommy. But at this point, I still took ge-lai with a grain of salt.

Then,I got scared again. While having dinner at the House of Wagyu, my mother-in-law said that the stuff she ordered from her friend and the ginger from Dagupan have finally arrived. So while enjoying my steak, ge-lai graced us again. The next day, I took it upon me to check-out the stuff she mentioned. I was shocked to see how many and raw they were. I asked my mother-in-law what all the herbs are for? She told me they were called "o-tso tong sim," and that I'll only be allowed to drink that. I can't have water, she said, and my jaw dropped liked Jimmy Carry from the movie Mask.

At eight months pregnant: I started attending lamaze and breastfeeding classes while looking for my "abugado" or a person who is an expert and who may be able to help me talk with my mother-in-law about the whole tradition of ge-lai and how it affects breastfeeding and the baby.

When I heard that I will only be allowed to drink Chinese tea, I acted fast. I got in touch with Medela Moms, a breastfeeding support group, and told them about my concerns. How do I reconcile ge-lai and breastfeeding my child? Here was my email to the group:

1. I am not Chinese, but I am married to one and I will practice ge-lai. 
2. I am determined to breastfeed my baby, but I don't know if the Chinese tea that I will only be allowed to drink would affect my milk supply.
3. I also don't know if the wine they want me to take will affect my milk and my baby.
4. I really want to show my in-laws that I will do my best to embrace their culture, but I need help.

I was so happy and thankful that Miss Beng referred my email to her partner Maricel Cua. Miss Maricel was so nice in replying to my concerns. She said she had the same dilemma and would be very happy to help and assist me with my ge-lai and breastfeeding. Oh, thank you Lord!

Now, onto finding an "abugado."

Jon and I then looked for a pediatrician who is a breastfeeding advocate and who understands ge-lai. My OB, Dra. Anita Poblete, recommended Dra. Joy Ty-Sy. Ate Bessie called the clinic of Dra. Joy and her secretary, Miss Carina, was so jolly and accommodating to us. So we went and visited Dra. Joy. I asked her to be my son's pediatrician and then discussed with her my concerns. I was happy that she said she will help me with my in-laws. She was glad too that I was exerting effort to undergo ge-lai. She assured me that I can take all the herbs, but not the wine. That day, she became my "abugado." She said she will explain to my mother-in-law that I need to drink water (warm water). She also gave me a two-page list of things to buy to help me with breastfeeding which included her recommended soap, lanolin, and feeding bottles. I was impressed and was sure that she was really an advocate of breastfeeding. I was happy! Oh, thank you Lord!

Dra. Poblete then recommended Rome Kanapi for our lamaze class. Miss Rome is really a sweetheart. She is cool, carefree, and knew what she was talking about. We attended her class because I want my husband to see how it was like to be pregnant and undergo labor.

"Alangan naman ako lang mahirapan. Dapat dalawa kami, regardless kung natural o ma-CS ako," I told Jon.

In one of our sessions with Miss Rome, she mentioned that our bones will loosen-up to accommodate the baby. This is were the yin and yang concept of ge-lai became more logical to me. Then, I knew I was ready to embrace ge-lai. But I gave my husband a condition. I told him that he has to eat all the food that I eat, and to make it really yummy. After all, he is a chef. So as my dutiful husband, he made all efforts to comply with my condition.

At nine months pregnant: I was finally at peace with ge-lai

Bothered and upset with ge-lai, my husband treated me for dinner at our favorite resto.

This photo was taken on April 2, 2011. Eight days before our delivery. I was enjoying my goose liver. I was really pampered for a month before I gave birth because I will only be eating ge-lai food after that.

Some herb that I took before giving birth. After drinking this, wapak!

After a three-hour labor, here's Saffron's first breastfeeding session.

My MC Hammer inspired look! I was all covered up. My breastmilk was not affected by the two thermos full of tea (made of prunes and some herbs) that I drink everyday.

Muji socks and my husband's pajama were my BFF then.

Native chicken for lunch.

Native chicken cooked ala soup version.

The famous black chicken (dry version) and my favorite. We do send this as gifts to our friends. They love it too! =)

Sunday treat: steak ala ge-lai by my husband Chef Jon. I am indeed lucky!

Giving Saffron his bath while wearing gloves.

This is me. Bagong ligo! Yehey!

Sample Menu:

Breakfast: 

Oatmeal with chocolate tablea

O-tso tong sim tea

Lunch: 

Black Chicken (dry version)

Lapu-lapu soup

1/2 cup brown rice

O-tso tong sim tea

1 pc Dark Belgian Chocolate (70 to 80% pure)

Snack: 

Crackers or cookies with chocolate coating

O-tso tong sim tea (warm)

Dinner: 

Black Chicken or Native Chicken (soup version)

1/2 cup brown rice

O-tso tong sim tea and warm water

1 pc Dark Belgian Chocolate

I wasn't swollen during my pregnancy, but after giving birth I was. Someone said I should sit on steamed bayabas leaves so I did. The next day, I am back to my old self. It worked for me. 

I am proud to have done and survived ge-lai. They say that because of it, I would live up to 85 years old and on my second ge-lai I would reach 90! Hahaha! But I would not have done this without the love, help, and support of my husband, mother-in-law, Maricel Cua and Beng of Medela Moms, and Dra. Joy. =)

My experience also inspired me and my husband to cook and sell yummy gourmet ge-lai food. Despite the limited selection in your ge-lai diet, you do not have to suffer bad cooking and preparation. Make your experience lovelier with delicious gourmet ge-lai food.

To those who want to undergo ge-lai, but are scared or turned off with the thought of not bathing for 30 days, I am telling you that it will be worth it. I am now as strong as a horse, and I do not get cold as easily as I used to.

If I survived it, so can you. Leave your comments below if you have any questions or need support.

Happy ge-lai!

- Mommy Raquel

UPDATED: Stretch marks-free on our pre-natal shoot and beyond

A couple of days from now, my Saffron will be turning one. I am getting all emotional this early. When still pregnant with him, I remember how worried I was about stretch marks and how my belly would look like during our pre-natal shoot.

I'm sharing with you guys our pre-natal shoot and brag, at the same time, about my smooth and stretch marks-free tummy.

Our pre-natal or maternity shoot was done by Jamie Lihan of Imaginenation FOR FREE! Lucky right!? We received this as a gift from Imaginenation which also served as our photographer during our wedding. Our shoot was done in its studio along Araneta Avenue.

The proud parents with our pakwan! Hahaha!

The little details. Did you notice the rabbit stuffed toy? We got it for free from Swatch, and I thought it was the perfect gift because Sam was born in the year of the rabbit.

So if you ask me, like most of my friends do, whether I have stretch marks on my tummy even after giving birth to Sam, I am proud to tell you that I have none. Here's my tummy. No photoshop here. It's all natural!

Pregnancy allowed me to clean my belly button. Hahaha!

So, what's my secret to a stretch marks-free tummy? Although some would argue that it's all about the genes, in my case genes would not help. You see when I was on my teens we have noticed stretch marks on my thigh part and knees. So I know that when I get pregnant I will sure get stretch marks on my belly.  

This is the proof that I have stretch marks on my knees, not from pregnancy but from puberty. 

Stretch marks on my inner-thigh again from puberty and not from pregnancy. 

I am just lucky that I am fair skinned, the marks are not too noticeable. 

While me were getting ready to get pregnant, I've asked my dear friend Malene from Canada to send me some Bio-oil, as soon as we knew we were pregnant we smothered it around my whole body. We have smothered Bio-Oil for the whole 6.5months until we can no longer get it. We then switched to Dr. Palmers Organic Stretch Marks Cream (not the lotion). And thanks to my husband Jon for helping me smother two very effective products on my tummy. I also didn't grow my nails and I always put on gloves at night - just in case I accidentally scratch my tummy. And these worked for me.

My husband helped me put on Bio-Oil and Dr. Palmers Organic Stretch Marks Cream on my tummy.

Dr. Palmers Organic Stretch Marks Cream and Bio-oil.

Here's a short description on the two products that I used. Please note, however, that results from use of these products vary from individual to individual.

Bio oil:

When the body expands faster than the covering skin, the skin tears, forming a scar as it heals. These scars are visible on the surface of the skin as stretch marks.

The likelihood of developing stretch marks varies according to skin type, race, age, diet and hydration of the skin. Those most prone to stretch marks include pregnant women, body builders, adolescents undergoing sudden growth spurts and individuals who experience rapid weight gain.

Stretch marks are permanent in nature, and although Bio‑Oil is formulated to help improve their appearance, it can never remove them.

Bio‑Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. During pregnancy, it should be applied from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs.

Results will vary from individual to individual.

Dr. Palmer's:

Palmer’s Organics Massage Cream for Stretch Marks helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks, naturally. A special combination of Cocoa Butter, Aloe, Vitamin E, Soybean Oil, Collagen and Elastin lubricates the skin, helping retain its natural elasticity and moisture.

Made with organic ingredients this Palmers product is:
* Paraben Free
* Propylene Glycol Free
* Mineral Free
* Cruelty Free
* Support Fair Trading Farming

Up until now, I still use Bio-oil on my skin (which my sister who is based in Canada supplies me with).
Unfortunately, it's not available for sale in stores in the Philippines. You can, however, find online sellers who may have stocks of this product.

- Mommy Raquel

Pregnant again

Pregnancy test kit taken on February 28.

When the pregnancy test kit came out positive one Tuesday morning, the first words that came to me was: "Oh no!"


A few minutes later, my husband Jay peeked inside our bathroom door with a grin on his face while I was still transfixed and caught in between that state of awe and shock.


Awe at another miracle of life and shock at the suddenness of it.


Hands on both my red and hot cheeks, I told him it's positive. And even though it was Jay that I was talking to, I believe that I sounded more like a panicked teenager than a married mother of one.


There were too many things on my mind all at the same time.


Wow. Another baby. Could it be a boy? Oh, I hope it's a boy this time. But Caitlin's not even a year old yet. I want to continue breastfeeding her. I am not ready to wean. She's still not ready to wean. Would pregnancy be a problem? What about tandem breastfeeding? How do we tell Caitlin that she's going to have a sibling soon? Has my body already recovered from my previous pregnancy? What will my labor be like this time? Will I still have time for myself and my hobbies with two children to take care of? Educational plans are costly.


To all these, Jay replied with a hug. I didn't even notice that I was talking out loud.


We checked with my OB-Gyne later that day. The ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy, but it did not capture any cardiac activity. So we were told to wait for another two weeks.


Unlike my previous pregnancy which felt like a breeze, I feel all sort of stomach aches, hunger pangs, headaches, and even acne outbreaks this early with this one. My tummy also gets too round when I am full and flat again when I am not. With my first pregnancy, I had to wait for five months before the visible bump showed and Jay didn't hear me complain even as I felt the contractions come in (I chose to be productive then).


Two weeks later, the ultrasound caught a heartbeat as my husband and Caitlin looked on. Eight weeks and three days, the sonographer told us on Mar. 16, and due on Oct. 23. It would have been more surreal had the sonographer let us hear the baby's heartbeat. Hearing it for the first time is like your child happily greeting you. It makes your heart melt and your eyes wet. But it must have been her time of the month so she was that mean despite my repeated requests.


As we leave the hospital, it still hasn't sunk in yet - even as the nightmares and cravings have returned, even as my tummy bulged, even as my husband kissed my belly and talked to his "son."


I am happy, although it didn't show much because I am scared too. I think I am more scared now than the first time because I've felt the pain and soreness of labor, delivery, and newborn care. Suddenly, I felt tired all over again due to disrupted sleep.


But through all these emotions is a husband who acts like an anchor, keeping me grounded and making me feel secure.


It will be different this time with Caitlin around, we know that. But just as I start to think about how difficult it could be, Jay reminds me of our beautiful blessing.


Our family of three is growing. Caitlin will have a playmate - something that we'd always hoped for. I am not getting any younger and another child at 30 is better than five years later. The experience of lamaze during labor is still fresh to us, and for Jay, the routine of checking in at the hospital and paying the bills.


The shroud of mystery and uncertainty brought in by the first born had been unlocked. I am more confident at breastfeeding now than when I was starting with Caitlin. For the many instances that we've relied on our instincts to take care of our first born, now we have the wisdom of that experience.


Thinking about the baby's gender, personality, how he or she would look like, and the many milestones he or she would achieve make me anxious and excited to meet our new bundle of joy.


Besides, if there is anything more wonderful than watching a child sleep, it's watching two!


---


PS: I've written this entry weeks ago, but decided to time it's publishing today - a Holy Thursday. Same time last year, Jay and I were on our way home from the hospital with Caitlin and I've never been more scared in my life. It will only be just us two at home with a baby. There will no longer be a buzzer to press and call for a nurse to help us figure out her cries and discomforts. There will be no parents to share their vast experience with infants by our side. It will only be just the three of us, and I still recall how I asked my mom-in-law to stay with us even for the night as my husband quietly listened, sharing the same fears that I have without telling me. She didn't stay, and it was just us three for the whole of Jay's paternity leave. And surprisingly, we survived without any need to call for emergency to our relatives or rush to the hospital. Caitlin must have felt our fears and decided to go easy on us.


- Mommy Smiley