Day 123: Baby Tales

I met two cousins! And aunts too.
My older cousin has the biggest eyes and he's taller than me but I promise to catch up.
My younger cousin is still small. I shared a little bit of milk because it is Christmas. I expect adoration for doing so, of course.
I love my aunties. They gave me a pool and a felt Barney toy. Thanks lots, titas.
Lots of love, world. I still think I'm the cutest of the cute so love me back, ok?

Day 114: Baby Tales

SN1 and SN2 HAS HURT ME!!! Off to the stocks with them!!!

SN1 decided that since it was a weekend last Saturday, it was time for my weekly nail cut. She did this when I was awake and waving my hands. There was a cutting sound but no nail fell. Instead, blood welled up. I stoically bore it while she kept saying sorry over and over. There was blood. She was wailing and hugging me and then my left hand was put into a mitten. Bleh! I don’t like mittens. I have since learned to grasp the mitten with my right hand and remove them.

SN2 decided yesterday to clean my neck after my back. I was yelling all day but everyone thought it was about my hand. Didn’t they notice I didn’t cry even with all the bleeding? SN1 finally noticed my neck was all red. When she wiped it with a wet cotton ball, there was red on the cotton. I was SCRAPED!!! It hurt. Really, yesterday was a lot of hurt for me. Ugh! No wonder sleep was so hard.

Day 113: Mommy Tales

When I went into being a mom, I was very confident in my husband's ability to support me, not just financially, but emotionally, and blissfully went on my way, being bitchy when I felt like it. I guess I kind of forgot that he's a man and he will never ever understand just how hard it is to be a mother to a little baby boy.
It frustrated me quite a lot when he started going out with his friends more often than I thought he ever would. Add the fact that he started drinking and came home smelling like a seedy bar just felt wrong for me.
I tried to keep my patience but somehow, I lost control and bitched. I bitched and bitched and bitched and then I gave up.
There's a lot of faults one can attribute to the other person for any failures one experiences in a relationship. I, for one, can list a lot, a whole lot. I forgot my own faults though.
I forgot, in love, that it might be a chance to find someone, but it's a choice to stay. And love is a flower that has to be watered. I forgot and though he tried to hold on, he slipped.
I resolve not to forget to kiss him. I resolve not to forget to hug him. I resolve to try to cook for him. I resolve to smile at him. I resolve to listen to him. I resolve to laugh with him. I resolve to look at him. I resolve to take care of him.
It's a relationship. Yes, we have a child but the relationship with him is husband and wife, not father-of-my-child to mother-of-my-child. It's give and take.
I'll still push him. I'll still bitch at him. I'll still be selfish. I'll still be me. But I will love him.

Day 104: Baby Tales

SN1 has been taking me out alone. We go to malls. We even went to her office once. It was nice to be told I'm such a good baby. And people are so friendly. Of course, I talk back to them. It is good to practice communication skills. The ones who thought I'm a girl are going to pay.

Day 101: Baby Tales

I need a better camera. The above picture does not do me justice!!! An Olympus PEN PM1 will do. SN1 requests it be purple or brown.

Today is a milestone and no one noticed. Tsk! Wait till I start walking, y’all. I’ll leave all of you in the dust.

I’m trying so hard to be a good baby these days. Everything is so confusing. Drink milk. Not drink milk. Too much milk. Milk is there. Milk is gone. What? What happened to my milk? Sometimes, shocking as it is, the milk even comes to me too hot.

I’ve taken to sucking my fingers, cramming all of them in at once but my mouth is too darned cute to fit them. Also, coordination can be hard sometimes, but I am perfecting it. SN1 is wondering what exactly makes me want my small fingers in more than her attached milk faucet. Adults will never understand.

SN1 has been taking me to bed with her now that SN2 is not on day shift anymore. Yes, I understand SN2 takes up too much space on the bed for me to share it with. At least the cold nights aren't as cold with SN1 blocking the e-fan.


I've been teething for a while. Drooling, high-grade temperature and generally wanting to munch on SN1's fingers. She bought a lot of teethers for all I care about them. Ewww!!! Organic fingers work better for me. The teeth will not come out for a while.


No rashes and no other boo-boos for a while. Yay!!!

I tried not eating every 3 hours and have been holding out to up to 6 hours. It helps a lot in the not-vomiting thing. Everyone has gotten into the program except SN1 who sometimes forgets and feeds me when I cry out in the middle of the night while she's all sleepy. Hello!!!


I've started out on vitamins. I'm not sure about this. It's so unnatural. But I'll bide my time.

Where are my 100-day gifts? I need new overalls! It's getting colder now.


Cutie signing off now.

Day 24: Mommy Tales

Baby Ren is almost a month old. When I went for an ultrasound, I was given an advise by a mother that some of the things you buy for your first baby generally are too much and unused. Because of said advise, I felt that I needed to take my time and read a lot of things on baby products before using them. Below are the products we bought for baby that we're happy with:

Ashworthy playpen
We bought this in Landmark. It has a bassinet and a diaper changer on it that we can use on the first month. It's a shame that the design does not let us use the diaper changer when we use the next layer, which is to be used from the second to third month. It also has a mobile, nightlight, music and vibrator. My mother swears on the music and vibrator combination in getting Ren to sleep. It can get a bit too hot for him even at night so we put the electric fan on high and direct it to him.

Safety 1st carrier
We got him a stroller a month or so before he was born but since it's a bit too bulky and he's so little, we opted to use a carrier for the moment. He's such a sweet baby that he generally sleeps through our trips in it.

Next9 cloth diapers
This is a very good buy at a thousand for a set of 3. We got 2 sets but I wish we have 10 more. I have an order of another 2 sets on the way. We had a bit of problem with absorbency and had a really bad case of diaper rash as someone used harsh detergents but we stripped it and it works really good once again. By good, I mean it sucks all the wetness away from baby's skin.

Cycles
We used this the first week baby was home and had no problems. We ran out the week after and baby has rashes. Baby's skin is so delicate that using mild detergent is a must.

By Nature Baby Oilotion, Baby Salve, White Salve and Olive Beauty soap
These products are organic. I like using the oilotion before and after baths. It keeps Ren calm. The ingredient list isn't very long and are known for being very moisturizing. The salves I use for boo-boos. They generally work except for enflamed and engorged ones from the diaper rash. I don't use them for his face but I want to. The soap I've only just started using. It's got a lot of moisturizing ingredients and is non-perfumed as well. I checked the website and it was the only soap recommended for newborns.

Ilog Maria Propolis Ointment
I've found that this ointment works well on diaper rash wounds after they pop. It's magical in how the scars actually don't develop whenever we use this.

Belotte Diaper Bag
I love this. We found it in Landmark and it's a backpack. There are loads of compartments inside and a lot of extras too. There is a big thick plastic bag with a cloth handle, a thermal bag and a diaper changing pad. The design is too cute as well. A very good buy.

Yes, I know, I didn't bother adding the clothes but that's a general thing, really. Why bother? And as for the other stuff like cotton, nail clippers and stuff, it's boring. I wouldn't bother waxing poetic about them, really.

Of course I have a wish list. These are stuff I hope to buy one day. As mentioned, I'm not allowed out yet. So I just wish for these products until I get my chance at them.

By Nature Disinfect It! Spray, Moisturizing Insect Repellent and Sunblock Away
I'm loving the line. I like the thought of using a disinfectant that isn't alcohol-based. As for the insect repellant and sunblock, I know I can't use it on baby right now but I'm guessing they're a great buy once they're ok. Organic, organic, organic.

Digital still camera
I want a Sony or a Cannon and I'm ok with it even if the megapixels are not the biggest as long as the pictures are clear even in low light and shaky situations. My hubby wants one with HD-movie capability, even if it's a GE. It's a toss-off. We can't agree. Baby is so cute that it begs to be captured but we've agreed to disagree and that unfortunately leaves us with no camera as of yet. Boo freaking hoo!

Next9 cloth diapers
8 more sets!

Kissaluvs organic Fitted Diaper and Thirsties Diaper Cover
I want to try this cloth diaper combo once baby is bigger and poos and pees more. Supposedly, very absorbent and leak-proof.

Bummis Reusable Fleece Liners
Kissa's Wool Lover Diaper Cover
Thirsties Duo Wrap Snap
Thirsties Hemp Inserts
These are extras for the cloth-diaper experience. Why not?

Philips Avent Breast Pump
I'm going back to work after a while and I want to feed baby breastmilk exclusively. I know Medela is recommended but the Philips Avent has good reviews as well and it's cuter. Yes, the cuteness won me over. Shallowness!

Day 15: Baby Tales

I wasn't able to update for a while as my personal scribe was in the torture chamber for a few days and have just been released. The days have been quite hectic for the past few and I have tales to tell.

The night before the baby doctor visit, second slave went and bought me a carrier from Safety 1st. It was comfortable enough and will probably be used lots till my 9th month.

We went to the first slave's doctor on Wednesday. She's apparently doing fine and will have to come back after a month and well she should be as she is my milk supply. I slept through the visit except for one time where I needed to eat. She graciously let me use the other cubicle for doing so. Of course, she tried to kidnap me but did not succeed. I would have allowed it if she could feed me but she isn't lactogenic at the moment.

We then went to SM for an outing to buy a camera to capture all my precious moments but the two 'rents did not agree on what cam to buy and decided to agree to disagree. Therefore, world, I still do not have a decent camera to pose to. Calls to camera sponsors out there, I'm willing to do commercial ads.

Thursday was hectic. I slept outside in the living room on the playpen, which I am still deciding on whether I like or not, and first slave was way too anxious that when I burped up blood, she decided to rush me to the hospital. Apparently, there was nothing wrong with me. The blood was actually from her. Tsk tsk!!! They actually made me give up some blood for a CBC. Mothers!!! I saw my personal doctor but I still don't like him. Way too serious, wanting to bring me to a gas doctor. Boo! I am perfect. I just need to burp.

Thursday night, I got a visit from my godmother, Cel. She brought me pillows with ball designs. I am of course, sufficiently grateful, and let her take photos of me on my playpen. Cuteness should be shared to the world.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday passed by without a lot of eventualities. I have a cough though. We are trying out the playpen at night so as to clear the cough and cold. It seems to be more stable air for me compared to the one on the 'rent's bed.

Good night, world. I'll tell more tales once I experience them. As it is, I'm still stuck at the crib until further notice.

Day 9: Baby Tales

I was a generally good boy today. Slave no. 2 gave me a bath this morning. I don't like it much. Water feels weird. But I like the massage he gave me. The massage oil has citronella so those pesky little bugs will stay away from cute delectable me.

I still have a cold. It's been around for a few days now at night. Slave no. 1 called the pedia to ask but did not get a reply. I've ordered torture for him. He dares to ignore questions on little ole me? The main slaves have used a nasal aspirator to get rid of the congestion. It was uncomfortable but worked so I postponed similar torture.

Slave no. 2 has taken to putting me on his chest while sleeping. I tried to find some milk on him but have learned that he does not have any. Tsk tsk! I still have to find a use for him as his chest is not as soft as slave no. 1's but he'll have to do for now. Loyalty should be rewarded after all.

Tomorrow is a doctor's appointment for slave no. 1. As she is the primary and only source of milk for the moment, I will have to go with her. Ah, the sacrifice! I will, of course, see Dr. Rey-Matias again. I will have to make sure to look cute so as to inspire her eternal adoration.

Good night, world. It takes a lot of beauty sleep to look this adorable. Peace out.

Day 8: Mommy Tales

Things I've learned so far:

Hiccuping is absolutely natural for newborn babies and nothing to be worried about.

The normal temperature for newborns is between 36 to 37 degrees celcius. Above 37 to 37.5 degrees is a low-grade temperature, not a fever. Baby is simply overheated and can be remedied by removing some of his clothes or lowering the temperature in the room.

Newborns are bathed 2 to 3 times a week. All the face and bottom wiping is enough to ensure baby is clean. Bathing everyday could actually lead to skin problems.

Keeping 2 kinds of wraps handy can be very convenient. Temperature in the Philippines can be tricky and needing something cool or warm on hand at this time keeps your baby comfortable. It also helps in handling wriggly little things and transferring them.

When it is cold, always cover baby. This applies to changing diapers and changing clothes. Using the wraps helps in this regards.

Nursing pillows are a God-send. They can be used not only to nurse baby but also for burping, cradling and sleeping.

Day 8: Baby Tales

I'm the king of the world and if you're reading this blog, you know it's true.

I was born 8 days ago. They actually vacuumed me out because they wanted to see my cuteness as soon as possible. With an APGAR score of 9.9, I'm just a digit short of perfection. That's perfectly alright because perfection is too overrated anyway. Better to surprise people with just how scores suck and perfection exists in the flawed.

I stayed in the hospital a little longer to sunbathe. Not good to show up to the world all pale and sallow, right? It was hot but vanity for the young is not without sacrifices. I can't turn myself yet but slave no. 1 was there to make sure all my sides get their fair share of sunlight. Grandma too.

I'd like to thank my sponsors. Dr. Rey-Matias, for making sure I get out of slave no. 1's womb within 12 hours. Normal delivery in spite of being only 2 cm's dilated at the very start. Also for a giving a really big discount and visiting me every day. I know it was really my cuteness but I appreciate such adoration. The nurses and aid at the deluxe private room at St. Luke's for being so sweet and kind all the time. Let us not discuss the ward nurses though can I just say bleh? Next9 cloth diapers for letting me feel dry and comfortable and easier to clean. By Nature White Salve for solving my boo-boos. Ms. Quilit for taking me on as a nephew. Ms. Navarro for our hush hush thing. All the family and friends of slave nos. 1 and 2, you know you love me. I love you back, world.