Major Milestones

It's been an insanely hectic week!  However, amidst the chaos, 2 wonderful things happened:

1) The kapitan finally agreed to poop in a restaurant potty!  Woohoo!  You see, he's been pooping in the potty for quite some time now.  Our biggest challenge, however, was he refused to do it on any other potty!  In fact, there was even a time when he would only go to his bathroom potty and not ours!  This time it was different. :)  Now to work on the peeing...;

2) The kapitan slept in his own bed last night!  We have been co-sleeping when he became too big for his crib.  Recently, our bed has become too small for the 3 of us!  I think even Tiago feels it because he's been preferring to sleep at the foot of the bed.  For more space, I guess.  So I took it as as sign and finally tried to let him sleep on his own.  Success!  Next step:  Kick him out of our room! Hahaha!

Ahhh, the triumphs of a mother.  :)

Christmas is Here

At home, that is.  

When we moved into our place 5 years ago, we didn't have a Christmas tree.  Every year, I'd always say, I'll get one after the holiday season (coz it'll be cheaper then) for use the next year.  Never got to.  

When I became pregnant, I promised myself to get a tree in time for my child's first Christmas.  I kept delaying the purchase because the prices continued to dissuade me. I continued to search. I knew there was a tree out there that would be perfect for our home that we can afford. God must have seen how desperate and determined I was to find the perfect one that he gave me one!  Through the kindness of my boss/friend who luckily (for me) had an extra Christmas tree that she wanted to dispose of!  And, believe it or not, it was exactly the kind I was looking for.  (Well, I would've gone for something a bit smaller, but who am I to complain?!)

And so, I used the budget for the tree to splurge at little on decors to spruce the tree up.  I went for traditional decors --- balls, snowflakes, ribbons, stars, etc. During Tiago's first Christmas --- he was 5months, he absolutely enjoyed staring in awe at the Christmas lights.  Last year,  at 1.5yo, he still enjoyed the lights, but had more fun trying to pick the balls out of the tree and bounced them around!  I ended up moving most of the decors to the upper part of the tree where he can't reach them. 

So this year, I decided to make our tree more kid friendly but keeping the tradition Christmas colors of red and green.  Now, we have teddy bears, gingerbread men and angels donning our tree.Not only does Tiago like the decors, he can also touch and play with them without me getting a heart attack from worrying he might hurt himself. 

It's gonna be another Merry Christmas.  I just know it. :)

Officially in my late 30s

Yeah. Before I know it, the big 4-0 will sneak up on me just like that.  It seems just yesterday when I blogged about being in my mid-30s. I'm not complaining, though. I honestly don't feel old. I don't look it either! In fact, oftentimes, people cannot believe that I am way older than I look! I feel great and my life is as perfect as I can possibly imagine. I cannot thank God enough for the wonderful life he has given me --- a life with 2 wonderful boys --- Myke and Tiago.

Thing is, when one is pushing 40, with one child who's 2 years old, it is quite inevitable to be asked when is baby number 2 coming.  Some would even flat out say, "Sundan na yan!".   Of course, I know they all mean well. And I understand where they are coming from --- biological clock is ticking, hard to be pregnant when you're older, so Tiago won't grow up to be spoiled, Tiago needs a sibling, it's fun to have more than one, etc. etc.

I know it's harder to be pregnant (even get pregnant) when one is older.  However, I believe, in this day and age, anything is possible.  It just takes a bit more preparation and effort, but it's possible.  A lot of my friends can attest to that.

Tiago is growing up to be a well-rounded child.  We can proudly say he is not spoiled (definitely not a brat) and he is such a happy child.   He seems to be doing fine by himself.  I've been doing my own research about the only child syndrome and it's been debunked by so many recent researches (my favorite is the one from TIME magazine).  My only child friends even say it's no big deal.

My husband and I really wanted 2 children.   Tiago, our first, was planned.  Having him in our life has been such a joy.  However, the challenges of raising a child had made me think twice whether I want another one. There are days I feel it would be good to have another one, and there are days when I say, one is enough.  Thankfully, my husband shares the same sentiments.

We are still undecided. We are definitely not ready for another one right now.  I am forever weighing the pros and cons of whatever decision we will make.  However, I am confident that the answer will come as a light bulb moment at the perfect time.  As perfect as my life is right now.

My Life...2 Years After.

It's been a little over a year since I gave birth to my first (and probably only --- but that's another story) born. It's a cliche to say it, but it has been a helluva crazy ride. So much has changed! Here's one.

Our little kapitan has started school this year.  This is a major milestone on so many levels.

First, it's the only activity he goes to by himself vs his other parent-child classes.  Initially, I was worried that he might be too clingy and cry himself to exhaustion (I've seen this happen in my years of teaching!) when I leave him in his classroom. Surprisingly, he adjusted quickly! Very quickly!  I admit, I felt a slight prick thinking "Gosh, he doesn't need me anymore!"  I think he did a better job adjusting!  Hahaha!

Him being in school means a few hours a week of me time. I get to work in peace.  Have breakfast leisurely.  Read a book. And my favorite, make tunganga. If you are a mother, you know this kind of peace and quiet is a luxury!

I told myself that when Tiago starts going to school, I will go back to teaching.  We would be going to school together!  How convenient is that?  Thing is, I might have had a change of heart.  I think I prefer being a  being parent.  I enjoy bringing Tiago to school and picking him up after class.  I enjoy participating in school activities, attending parent-teacher conferences, going on field trips, talking to other parents, but this time as Mommy Anne and instead of Teacher Anne.

Ah, how my life has evolved. There is so much more to be shared, but have to park it here for now.  I can hear the kapitan starting to wake up. :)

Hello, Blog!

I don't know what came over me that I suddenly remembered to check my long-ignored blog. Not that I expected to see comments saying to post more stories. Nor am I inspired to post something. I do have quite a lot of stories to share but just don't have enough time to write down my thoughts. It is true what they say --- being a stay at home mom is a full-time job! It's a 24/7 job! That's not a complaint! I say that with much pride. :)

Anyhow, maybe I'll be back to blogging more often. Heck, a post a year ain't that bad, right? Hahaha! I do have another blog where I try to chronicle my son's increasing list of remarks that's worth documenting so I can someday blackmail him with it. Hahahaha! Check it out! Kapitan Tiago Says... It is actually very entertaining.

Oh and my hubby also tries to blog about his life as a dad in GenX Daddy, Manila. It's quite funny, if I may say so. :)

Reminder to Self

A few weeks back, Tiago was sick. It was a viral (as usual) infection than manifested as high fever. It was nothing to worry about, our pedia said. I wasn't.

I was complaining a lot, though. Complaining that all my plans for the week were cancelled because I had to stay home. Complaining that I couldn't work because I had to be beside my son. Complaining that I was feeding all night long. Etc., etc.

Then I sneaked in some time to log-in on Facebook and saw a few status lines saying they'd rather be home to be with their child - sick or otherwise.

I wanted to whack myself on the head and ask myself what was I complaining about. I have it good! More than good, for that matter. I get paid to work from home, even if I'm not teaching now, I still get to be involved in school activities, bring my son to his classes and playdates, be with my son at home, occasionally have lunch with friends, etc., etc.

I should really be saying gratitude more than complaints.

Yeah, my life is great. Thank You, Lord. :)

Consumed by Motherhood

Oh my. Nagdilang anghel yata ako. Two blog posts back, I mentioned my son's first birthday will just sneak up on me. Well, didn't really sneak up on me, but it's already lurking around the corner. Imagine that.

It's been almost 6 months since my last post. To be honest, blogging has been the last thing on my mind. It's unbelievable how busy being a mother can get. Especially if you're crazy like me insisting on not having a yaya. It's insane. Time has never passed by this fast -- not even during my advertising days!

Everyone's right. This is indeed a crazy ride but I am not complaining. Okay, okay. Sometimes, I am. I mean, how can you have a heart so soft and tough at the same time? Or be both on-guard yet oh so vulnerable?

However, cliche as it may sound, it's really the most enjoyable and fulfilling role I've ever had. Words cannot even begin to describe how a mother beams with so much pride over each and every milestone of her child (No, I am not going to enumerate my son's loooong - hehe - list.). It is also the toughest role ever. Yet, I love it, with every bit of my being.

My son is asleep already as I write this. And I am waiting for my husband to come home. This is probably just some pahabol post partum blues, but am glad I had this rare moment alone to proudly write about what's keeping me busy nowadays.

Officially in my mid-30s

I've been telling family and friends that even birthdays take on a different meaning once you become a parent. At first, I couldn't explain why or how. After some pondering, I now know.

Not that my previous ones were less meaningful, it's just that now it's become more about my son and my husband -- a family I can call my own, rather than just myself.

More than the presents, the food and well-wishes, waking up to this was the best part of my birthday:


Credit goes to my wonderful husband who thoughtfully orchestrated the whole thing :).

Officially Parents

Presenting our baby boy....


Name: Santiago Manuel Macalino-Santos
Born on: July 14, 2008
Time: 11:43am
Where: The Medical City
Weight: 5lbs 12oz
Length: 49cm
Type of Delivery: C-Section

No words can fully describe the overwhelming happiness we feel with this latest blessing in our life.

Now, let the wild and crazy and fun ride begin...

Father's Day

"As a new baby is born, so is a father".

I guess because of obvious reasons, pregnancy is always about the mommy-to-be. What will all the extra care and attention given to the woman, it's easy to forget that the man goes through his own changes as well. Besides, who does the woman first call on whenever she needs or wants something -- a back rub, food craving, complain about various discomforts, share excitement and anxiety, check-ups, and lots more.

Admittedly, it's easy to get lost in all these and forget the fact you're not the only one going through the pregnancy.

So today, allow me to acknowledge the man who's been going (and still going) through all the ups and downs of pregnancy with me. MY HUSBAND, soon-to-be father, Myke.

Happy Father's Day, Myke. I can't wait to see you take on the role of being Dad to our baby boy. I'm sure you'll be great!

Practicing during our childbirth class. So adorable!

Mother's Day

My fellow pregnant friend couldn't have said it better, "Mother's Day has taken a different, more special meaning now". I couldn't agree more.

Being greeted "Happy Mother's Day" was heartwarming, but it felt strange...surreal (Imagine being greeted by my mom!).

Since getting pregnant, I have more respect for mothers now more than ever. I believe motherhood begins from the day you conceive. It's no joke carrying and giving life to a child. And it does not stop there! The list just goes on and on!

Kudos to all mothers out there! One day in a year isn't enough to celebrate the wonderful person that you are.

And to all those who greeted me yesterday, THANK YOU SO MUCH! With 2 months more to go, I can't wait to take on this new role that's given to me. Plus, get rid of the weight that I have, and continue to gain! :)

"Happy Mother's Day!"

I received my first round of greetings last month. Now, before you get excited, I'm not pregnant. I received the greetings from parents of my students last year. "Being a teacher, you stand as the second mom to your students. So, happy mother's day, too!"

Hmm? I felt good to be appreciated for the job I do. And the same time, it got me thinking when will I start to receive greetings because I really am a mother already.

In a previous blog, I mentioned that, for me, parenthood is something you (and your spouse)really prepare for. Most people assumed that when I started teaching, I would get all excited about having my own kids. On the contrary, while IT IS fun being around them, I got to see the other side of that. I found how difficult it can get to discipline them, how physically exhausting it is being with them, how great a responsibility is it to make sure you impart proper values to them, how your patience can be tested, etc. I get a sneak peak into parenting for a couple of hours and it's no joke! I always tell people that I love my job so much, and I love my kids a lot, but I am just thankful that, at the end of the day, I can return them to their parents.

For the past months, my husband and I have been seriously talking about adding a new member to our household. Yes, we know we can afford it, we know we want it, but somehow talking about it gives us the jitters. Somehow, there was always something that made us take a step back and ask, "Are we really ready?".

Aside from the fact that I am not getting any younger, and that I want to grow up with my kids too, I've been thinking if I'm ready to give up my "freedom". Freedom to do what I want at a whim, freedom to pack up and travel to wherever, freedom to just be lazy and not do anything, freedom to go and stay out, freedom to act like a single person without a care in the world.

That's pretty much how our married life has been and bringing in a little one into such a lifestyle won't be easy.

And so, we've been praying and praying and praying about it and somehow "Happy Mother's Day!" is now music to my ears.

I guess the production process begins here. ;)