Playtime with the baby

When I first started working from home, I only did sideline writing and designing jobs. I was still pregnant then with a full-time day job. It was difficult but, with the help of my husband, I was able to do it. Nights were stretched and I did work even during the weekends.

And then, I had to stop working online when Laika was born. By December 2012, I resigned from my job with the plans of working again on January. I was very eager to work that I eventually forgot my reason for adopting this lifestyle--the work-at-home mommy lifestyle.

One day, I saw Laika smiling more when she is with her Ate Sharon (the nanny). Being a happy baby that she is, of course, she still adores me but when I saw how she looks at her Ate, I had to reassess. This is what I have been avoiding and which led me to resign from my work before. Mommy is jealous and she has to do something about it.  

Right then, I had to stop getting projects from people. Quality over quantity this time. I wanted to still be able to play with my daughter in the morning and be there for the husband when he needs me.

I devised a way for this to be possible. Sharon was reassigned to do household chores in the morning while mommy and Laika play in the room. By afternoon, when it is Laika's nap time, I get to face my jobs and be more productive. I also do work when Laika sleeps at night.

Now, Laika has a playschool time with mommy as the teacher.

What do you do to make working at home possible?

Thankful Tuesdays: Technology and more

Thankful Tuesdays will feature things that I am grateful for at the moment. It is a reminder that every week, every day, every minute, every second, there is something we can be thankful for. It can be something as big as having my daughter (yes, Laika was born on a Tuesday) or as shallow as a cheap find in the mall. Click this link to read on the other Thankful Tuesday posts.

****

iPad mini. It has made blogging-on -the-go possible. And the apps! I especially love Newsstand and Zinio apps. Discounted magazine subscriptions without the clutter? I am in! What's more, you can delete the magazines and it gets saved on the Archive and you can download your purchased magazine again for free. I do not regret selling my iPod Touch for this. And it has saved my marriage being that I have stopped stealing my husband's iPad3 (I especially love that the Mini is so much lighter).

photo source

Robinsons Magnolia. This is my favorite mall at the moment. It replaced Trinoma Mall in my heart. I know, I know, very melodramatic. But you have to understand, I spent most of my pre-labor days in a mall. I have not stopped being thankful yet (I kid, I kid). What is it I love the most about Robinsons Magnolia? Aside from the fact that it is the former Magnolia Ice Cream House, there are very few people even on weekends! Plus they have wide hallways perfect for the stroller. Yes, I've found my sanctuary.

photo source

Simple dates with the husband everyday. Breakfast and jogging date. Even if we have not had any sleep the night before, we make a conscious effort to wake up and eat together in the house while Ate Sharon takes care of Laika in the other room. These are the things that we do so that, even if there is a baby in the equation now, we still get to talk, one on one.

Laika's hearty laugh from Anna Talia Basman on Vimeo.

I get to hear my baby's hearty laughs.

Laika dancing with daddy at 17 weeks from Anna Talia Basman on Vimeo.

Seeing my husband dance with our daughter. It makes my sappy mommy heart go awwww...

During Sam dela Cruz' 1st birthday

Friends who make us feel as if we are family. Thanks to the dela Cruzes, Medinas and Mangalindans :D

Thankful Tuesdays

I hate being a lazy blogger but there are times when planning for an entry is too time-consuming that just thinking of what to write is becoming a zzz-fest for me. However, I know that I have a lot of story to tell. Enter a new segment on this blog, Thankful Tuesdays :)

I have written before how I am so contented and happy where my life is now. So much so that I find it unbelievable how somebody who used to take things for granted can be receiving much at present. Thankful Tuesdays will feature things that I am grateful for at the moment. It can be something as big as having my daughter (yes, Laika was born on a Tuesday) or as shallow as a cheap find in the mall. 

I am thankful for my wonderful family and in-laws. I may not be one to celebrate Christmas or New Year (yes, I have stopped celebrating New Year this year), but the season gave us a reason to get together with the people who matter the most.
 

My daughter who just turned 16 weeks last week. I am thankful that she is the jolliest baby that I know (although she has been fussy this morning because of colic). As early as 15 weeks, she has been showing progress and I feel like I cannot catch up with her. She can now pull herself to a sitting position when you offer her a hand. She also wants, nay, insists on standing up every chance she gets. Strong bones, baby. All milk coming from momma.

The smile on my daughter's face whenever she gets to sit on her Tiny Tots Baby Dock Seat. Words cannot explain how happy she gets when she is seated. Although there are times when she needs a break and being confined on the seat is too much for her, I am thankful for the few minutes of bliss that I see.

My cheap finds from Dapitan Arcade. Of all the things I bought, I am most in love with this P100-cake stand and the three-pieces-for-a-hundred-peso porcelain plates.

How about you? What are the things you are grateful for?

Mrs. Talia Basman goes back to work

photo source If only...

Wow! This blog has been ignored for far too long, huh? That's what happens when you're a new mother who has just gotten back to work. Imagine me in the office, calling up Laika's Ate Sharon from time to time with my other hand pumping for my lovely daughter's milk. Phew!

Good thing that is now a thing of the past. Uh-what now? YES! I am now a full time stay-at-home mother. I have just resigned from my work. I felt juggling my being a new mother and having to work to be too much. This is just me. To all the working moms there, I salute you.

Anyway, back to the few weeks I was at work. How was I able to manage? Three things: Sharon, breast pump, play cot.

Yup, in addition to our wooden crib, we had to buy a pack-and-play so that Sharon can still watch over Laika while staying in the living room.

I also got by by pumping in the office. But then, I noticed my milk supply dipped as I am too lazy to pump frequently. Bad, bad practice. I had to use my Spectra double electric pump to ensure that I get the most milk.

Good thing I am not working anymore. I still need to pump every now and then when we have to go out, but at least I am readily available to Laika now.

Laika's 8th week

Hi, Laika!

You are 8 weeks old now which means you are almost two months old which means my maternity leave is almost over :(

I hate the fact that I have to leave you for more than 8 hours because I have just started enjoying being with you. You see, you are now responsive to people around you. You can recognize me and your daddy as you smile more when we are with you. And I just noticed, you are such a talker, aren't you? Here's your response when I asked you, "ano'ng napanaginipan mo?"

Aside from babbling and cooing, you are also smiling and laughing now. In fact, one time, while you were sleeping, I heard you laugh! What a joy it was to witness!

Speaking of sleeping, I think you are a shy person (despite being talkative around us) as you have the tendency to sleep (or fake-sleep) when you are with people you are not familiar with.

I also love it when I play nursery rhymes and you start babbling as if you are singing along to the music. You specially love the song Baa Baa Black Sheep. But when I play some Surah, you are lulled to sleep. Anyway, we are not rushing you. You have many, many more years to study about Islam.

One time, when I saw that you were sleeping, I started praying Isha. I was surprised when your bottle got out of its place and you were shouting as if you know you have to get my attention. Crying is not your first instinct in those kinds of situation. In fact, you are not a crybaby at all which is surprising to me. I don't know why I even expected you to be one.

I hope you continue to be a good daughter. We are very blessed to have you.

Who is the Mister of Mrs. Talia Basman?

In the spirit of over sharing, let me share our story.

Before I became Mommy Talia, I was Mrs. Talia Basman first. And before I became Mrs. Talia Basman, I was Ms. Talia Basman. Huh? How did that happen? Let me explain.

Many people have asked how come I did not change my last name when I got married. Some even asked if I even got married at all.

I am married to my cousin. Not to a distant cousin. To my first cousin. As in, we-share-the-same-last-name kind of cousin. As in, our-fathers-are-brothers kind of cousins. Incest? Nah. Not to my religion Islam. In Islam, we can marry our cousins. It is legal. And we live happily together.

Some people, upon finding out about this, are quite disturbed. Some are even asking if the marriage was arranged. In a way, it is (although I have nothing against arranged marriages, provided both parties are for it). Did we fall in love with each other? Yes, we did.

Before we were "arranged", we were best friends. And you know what they say about friendship being the best foundation.

We used to talk and laugh about everything under the sun. Even up to now, we never run out of things to talk about. We even tell each other about everything we think of. We believe that trust is vital in any relationship. We value it so much.

We are married for almost two years now. Do we regret it? Of course not! Although I would love it if I will not always be questioned on my last name especially during interviews and filling out of government forms. But I can honestly live with it. I am at my happiest at present. Especially now that we have our cute baby girl. And that is a big thank you to the Mister of the House.

Laika and Yarrah's Aqeeqah

Upon finding out that we were pregnant, my husband's older brother called us and we planned on having our babies' Aqeeqah (name-giving ceremony) on the same date (because his wife is expecting that time, too). As they are living in another country and they had to plan their going home here ahead of time, even if we haven't given birth yet, we had the date penciled in already. It has to be on the 14th of October, the same date of their first child's 2nd birthday. It is going to be a triple celebration.

Because my husband and I are the ones in the Philippines, we were tasked to prepare for the ceremony. With only two weeks to spare (and a budget to work with), we had to look for the perfect location.

Our first choice was Balay Kalinaw. All four of us, the parents, were from the University of the Philippines Diliman, which makes it the perfect location for the celebration. The place is also rented out for a very cheap price. Unfortunately, the date we wanted was not available.

photo source Balay Kalinaw

Our second choice was Betty's located behind Sto. Domingo Church. It looks nice for a decent price. But then, October 14 is the Feast of La Naval. The place will be very crowded that time and so we had to scratch the idea again.

photo source Interior of Betty's

I was beginning to lose hope. That plus a crying baby is a deadly combination. I texted my husband and he asked from his officemates for suggestions. One medical representative suggested Rustica located at Scout Reyes corner Mother Ignacia Avenue (Tel. No. 415-3558). I searched the internet and they had positive reviews. We visited the place, we liked it, and we booked on our preferred date.

photo source

Days before the feast, we witnessed the slaughtering of two goats (one for each daughter) which is the sacrifice to be offered. It was held in Taguig City, my hometown. The goats had to be healthy and has to have complete sets of feet and nails. After which, the meat of the goats are to be distributed to people, preferably to those who are in need.

During the feast, most of the guests were complimenting us on the food. Some of the meat of the goat were also served that day. Unfortunately, that dish wasn't available anymore when it was my turn to eat. On a normal day, I don't eat goat meat. But for my daughter's aqeeqah, I wanted to have a taste of the dish.

These are the things our daughter wore for the occasion. We also had a hard time looking for a dress as Laika is only a month old and most of the dresses sold in malls are for big babies. Good thing we were able to see one in SM North Edsa.

photo source

We ordered cakes from Estrel's. They have the yummiest caramel cakes with just the right amount of sweetness.

One cake for each girl

The ceremony was hosted by a dear friend, Jane. And it was officiated by the same person who led our wedding, Ustadz Hamjatin.

First, the Ustadz explained what happened days before during the slaughtering of the goats and the ceremony that will follow as well. And then, he recited verses from the Qur'an.

Yarrah being older, first went through the ceremony. After her, Laika followed.

Cutting of the celebrants' hair

Feeding of honey

Putting on perfume

All in all, it was a simple and fun celebration. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Tummy Time

My husband and I do not believe in pressuring our little one into achieving any milestones. Every person is different. One baby may get "there" sooner, others may be late bloomers. But if we can do something to help her get "there", we are all for it.

During Laika's first few weeks, she only eats, sleeps, and then poops. Those are her only activities. The result--when she's asleep, I am asleep, too. And that's most of the time.

We thought of introducing tummy time to her. From the Babycenter.com website: "The experience of being on their tummy helps babies learn to push up, roll over, sit up, crawl, and pull to a stand," explains Danette Glassy, a pediatrician in Mercer Island, Washington, and chairperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics' committee on early education and childcare.

We started during Laika's 4th week. On her first try, I was nervous. What if she will have difficulty breathing? Why is she crying? Why is she rubbing her nose on the mat? But then I thought, I would have to let her do her thing for her own development. In the end, I was able to witness her hold and turn her head. By the 3rd day, we discovered that she loves her caterpillar toy so much, she follows it through her eyes wherever it goes.

Here's a link of a video of her during tummy time. According to what I read, it's okay if the baby cries. She's just not used to being on her tummy. You just have to let her feel that you are there for her.

Laika's tummy time @ 4 weeks from Anna Talia Basman on Vimeo.

Laika's 4th week

I am a fan of the Young House Love blog. It's about two DIY dorks who are full-time bloggers managing a household consisting of a chihuahua and a cute little girl. In fact, most of the things I do in our little home, I got from them. Cloth diapering-check. Breastfeeding-check. Living frugally-check. Cutting my husband's hair-check. If only I can DIY some kitchen cabinets and chandeliers as well!

photo source

Anyway, one of the things I picked up from them is their Clara's Photo Project. Every week for the first year of their daughter's life, they photograph her against a fabric background. I thought, even before I got pregnant, I should do that, too. But I can't afford to do it every week (as I am soon going to come back to work) nor can I buy a fabric every picture-taking time.

I thought of modifying my way of documenting my daughter's progress. Instead of doing it weekly, I will be doing it every four weeks. I will be using my favorite red chair as a backdrop to compare how much she's grown monthly.

For the first month's picture, Laika is still sleeping (isn't she, all the time!). Good thing I managed to get a shot with her flexing her mouth muscles which makes her look like she is smiling.

Laika @ 4 weeks

Isn't she adorable?

On breastfeeding and bottlefeeding

Even before we had a baby, heck, even before we got pregnant, my husband talked me into breastfeeding exclusively. He is a strong believer in providing nourishment that has been given naturally to a mother. Being the good wife that I am (hahaha), I knew from the very start that I will be breastfeeding my soon-to-be-born child. But don't get me wrong. I don't judge people who decide to formula feed their babies. I believe in doing whatever works for you and the baby. I do judge, on the other hand, people who judge formula-feeding mothers. Does that even make sense?

Anyway, my baby is now 3 weeks old and I am proud to say that she has only taken in milk that came from me. That is, except for her first 2 days in the world when the nurses in St. Lukes Global City, where she was confined for the first 3 days of her life in the NICU (more on that on other blog posts), took it upon themselves to feed her glucose water. Upon finding out about this, my husband told the nurses to stop this and we started visiting her every 3 hours round the clock since then to stimulate my breasts to produce milk.

I regret not having read much about breastfeeding as much as I did about pregnancy. Husband told me I should stop regretting and instead look at this as an opportunity for me to share what I know now. I've listed some of them below:

• I didn't know I should have started having baby latch to me as early as possible to stimulate milk production. 
• I didn't know it is okay to not have milk the first few days as baby has food reserves from when she was in my belly (milk came in 3 days after baby was born). 
• I should have known having a supportive partner is essential in this (of which I am very lucky to have). 
• I should have known and read about engorgement and how much it hurts like hell!
• I should have purchased a breast pump before I gave birth. This has been a very worthy investment for us.

After reading much about breast pumps when I was pregnant, we decided on getting an Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump because of the great reviews.  But because it is not readily available in malls here and to have one, I would have to purchase it online, we weren't able to buy this one.

photo source

Because of engorgement and my postpartum condition, my husband had to buy one immediately after we were discharged from the hospital. He went to Market! Market! and I asked him to buy an Avent Isis iQ Uno Breast Pump. It also had great reviews but it is more expensive and it only has one pump. The good thing is it can also be used manually and can be battery-operated. At present, it is my best friend in the world!

photo source

Just yesterday, for the first time ever, we gave in and bottled-fed Laika using my expressed milk. We believe breast milk is still good in whatever form it comes in. We use Philips Avent and Tommee Tippee bottles. Before then, we tried giving expressed milk through medicine dropper. We originally didn't want to introduce bottles yet to avoid nipple confusion but we had to as Laika and I had latching issues. It also hurts too much!

photo source

photo source

Of the two, I prefer Tommee Tippee more as it is slow-flow. We also had zero problems on nipple confusion as I still feed her directly from time to time and she has more efficient latch as compared to before. I noticed that she also feeds more now that we introduced bottles to her. My problem now is my milk supply can't keep up. I ordered lactation cookies from Mommy Treats and it will be delivered tomorrow. I will be making a review once it gets here.

39 weeks + 3 day checkup

Yesterday was my 39w+3d checkup. My OB, Dr. Marie Victoria Cruz-Javier did an internal exam and told us that Laika is still floating. She still hasn't engaged. I guess baby still wants to be inside mommy.

She also told us if labor won't progress, she will induce us on our due date. That's on Sept 10. But since Saud is on-hospital duty that day, we will be doing it on Sept 11. I really hope we won't have to be induced. I read it hurts. I hope things will progress naturally. Anyway, I've been taking Evening Primrose Oil since Saturday. I hope that helps.

Laika, when will you be born?

Dear Laika,

Hello, anak!

You're now 39 weeks and 3 days in my belly. I know, we are putting too much pressure on you to be born already. Especially because your Tita Tasnim (my sister) will be going to Indonesia tomorrow to study. She wants to see you before she leaves. Don't worry, Mommy learned not to pressure you anymore. Anyway, Tita Tasnim can still see your photos through Facebook. And she promised to visit us this December. I know, we tried every natural thing to induce the labor, but as they say, it is only effective when baby is ready. Daddy and Mommy has been having date nights lately just so we can walk together. Walking is an effective labor-inducer, according to many people. But as you can see, it is not that effective. What's happening is Mommy has been shopping left and right. That's because we walk inside malls. These pregnancy hormones are making me too sweaty so I need Trinoma's airconditioning. That's our mall of choice lately.

Because of our almost-daily malling habit, we bought a new comforter for our bed and a 300-thread count bed sheet. It's the first time for us to try that kind of sheet and we installed it last night. Anak, we had a good night's sleep! So that's how a very expensive sheet feels like! I was kidding Daddy last night, "Is there a crib set sheet that is 300-thread count?" Hahaha...Don't worry, you will still get to sleep in our bed. Anyway, we bought the bed sheet because we got so intimidated by your crib. Our bed looks so-so compared to your crib.

Yesterday, some carpenters went to our house to fix the ceiling in our bedroom. It got damaged because of the leak so Daddy had it fixed. He told me, maybe that's why you refuse to be born. Maybe you hate the ceiling? Of course, he is kidding. But I am so glad you don't have to deal with the damaged ceiling anymore.

photo source

Last weekend, we bought a birthing ball. We have also read that it is a good labor-inducer. I am bouncing on it every time I watch TV. But still, you won't drop. That's okay, anak. If you want to cook for a longer time, that's okay with us. If I get frustrated sometimes, just know that we are all excited to meet you. We will be welcoming you with open arms anytime you feel ready.

Love,
Mommy

PS. We have a doctor's appointment later. Let's see our progress, okay?

The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance

I used to love books. When I was in high school, my friends and I would trade Sidney Sheldon books on our free time. Sometimes, we would even read the Tagalog romantic ones when we don't have Sheldon book stash anymore.

But then, things got busy. I went to architecture school where plates are done everyday. And then after that, I had work, I built a family, I got busier, and some hobbies had to be given up. Book reading was the first one to go (along with watching TV series).

Out of habit, I would be borrowing books left and right but I just can't find the time to read. I only have time for academic reading (for work purposes) and even that is a task for me.

When my friends threw me a baby shower, one of my mommy friends (who I always ask for questions about parenting), Lique lent me a book. Weeks passed by and I forgot about it (amongst other things) and when she reminded me about it, I read the book.

The title is The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance. It is such an easy read that I started just last night and before I went to bed, I was on my 60th page. That, coming from a person who does not read that much anymore.

From what I have read, I love its fun take on taking care of babies. As is obvious on the title, it treats babies as if they are machines.

Another great thing about it is it is full of illustrations and cool graphics. The book is divided into several chapters which include Preparation and Home Installation, General Care, Feeding, Programming Sleep Mode, General Maintenance, Growth and Development, and Safety and Emergency Maintenance.

I should have read this book when I was still preparing for the little one. But because anytime now, Laika will be making her grand arrival, I am just taking my time and reading the book and crossing out the checklists that the book recommends.

How about you? Any book recommendations? I could use some now as I don't know what to do with my free time! :)

Laika's things: Youji and Me crib

My ever generous family promised to sponsor our baby's crib. I was tasked to look for reviews for great cribs. We wanted something wooden (we do not want pack-and-plays as we want the crib to last a long while), something painted in light color, and something that is beautiful. Another consideration was that it should not have drop side (per US standards as there have been reports of babies getting stuck between these movable contraptions in the past).

Originally, we wanted the Youji and Me Cuddlebug Newport 3in1 Convertible Crib. 

photo from Youji and Me facebook page

But Ate insisted on buying the higher end one. So we ended up with the Youji and Me Cuddlebig Riverside 4in1 Convertible Crib

photo from Youji and Me facebook page

I was 38 weeks pregnant already when they bought it but boy-oh-boy, my mother and siblings did not disappoint! It was MASSIVE! It won't fit our sedan so they had to use the family van. We have also tried the ultimate test--Saud climbed up the crib :) And it was strong enough!

This is how it looked when we still haven't bought the mattress.

crappy photo care of the iPod touch

Doesn't it look pretty beside our red chair?And here it is after we prettified it.

photo care of my sister Minah's facebook page
Crib set (can't remember the price) and mattress from Landmark (P350)

We wanted to buy the mattress from Youji and Me but they are selling one for P4000++. We browsed my favorite department store, Landmark Trinoma, and saw something thinner and cheaper for a fraction of the price. SOLD!

39 weeks and 1 day today. Will Laika be making her appearance on September 4?

Edit: I noticed that many people get to my blog by searching for a review on Cuddlebug cribs. I would like to report that my daughter, who is 20-weeks old now, still loves this crib. She sleeps soundly at night, uses the crib as her playpen in the morning, and even practices standing up whenever she feels like it.

Like so.



She loves it that she has her own place to play on and the handrails are sturdy enough to support her six-kilo-weight. It just worries me that her hands and feet might get stuck between the rails at night and she might have difficulty getting it out. We will buy teeth guard and bumpers in the future but for now, the crib is okay in itself.

Crazy officemates

I am 39 weeks pregnant and I just started my maternity leave today. For the first time in months, I am not anxious of a Sunday night :) I wasn't planning on going on-leave yet as I wanted to maximize the time I will be spending with Laika but then I can feel that my officemates are always on their toes whenever I feel something different. Something to do with who will be bringing me to the hospital if and when I go into labor.

Anyway, this post is all about them. Last Friday, I went home from the office as I wasn't feeling well. They tweeted me this photo. 

Translation: When will Talia give birth? (followed by their guesses)
Prize! Will be Laika's godparent.

 

 

 

 

HAHAHA...Wonder who will win?

Our Baby's Storage Space

-->

 

from http://www.bubsngrubs.com.au/baby-change-tables.html

When we learned that there will be an addition in the family *cough*baby*cough*, we decided that aside from the emotional factor, the financial factor, and the physical factor (stretch marks, anyone?), we have to prepare ourselves for a new person with a new closet requirement.

Originally, we planned to just buy a dresser with four or more drawers. A baby does not need that much space, right? So off we went to Landmark Department Store in Trinoma to look for one that will fit our budget and fit our needs. But after much searching (and going to other department stores and home improvement shops), we learned that we could not find something exactly to our liking.

And then, one fine weekend, as we were having breakfast in my mother’s house, we learned that she would be renovating her school. An idea came to me: What if we had our dresser custom-made by the same people who will do my mother’s renovation project? So we discussed it with Mama. I drew up plans and showed it to her. We made our rough estimate. And it dawned on the husband and I. That would bring us up to a total of P8000. A damage we cannot afford. A damage we would much rather spend on something else.

So off to the drawing board we went again. We tried sleeping it off thinking we will think of a better solution. We even went back to shopping and ebay-ing to look for something that will match our taste. But everything just isn’t right. We know we will not live in this apartment we are renting forever. So a temporary solution will just be plain un-wise.

One weekend, while my husband was on hospital duty, I looked at a white cabinet in our bedroom. This cabinet was provided to us by the house owner. It currently holds things that I have not been looking at since we moved here. Our “storage room” if you will.

But let’s face it—a storage it is not. It is more like the “I don’t know what I will do with it but I don’t want to throw it so I will just hide it” cabinet. It has the bags I have never used, freebies from when my husband attends medical conventions, and other stuff that are better not seen.

I don’t know what came in me. Me and my pregnant self decided to throw things out that are too damaged that we can’t use it and packed away things I can give to other people who can find use to it. In the end? I found myself with three garbage bags full of things. The result? New closet space for baby! YEHEY!

Problem solved.