Just For Laughs

Too funny not to share!

Z Loves: Safety 1st's Warm Me Shower and Bath

[caption id="attachment_284" align="aligncenter" width="159" caption="Image from John Engler, Flickr"][/caption]

Since day 1, bath time has always been a fun time for Z and I. He's never, ever cried during a bath! It may be because of the familiar Mozart playing in the background, my sense of calmness transcending onto him, or the ease of using his baby bath tub.

We're using a Safety 1st Warm Me Shower and Bath that my husband bought in SM Megamall that costs around P3,000 (oh, and after he bought it, I had premature contractions leading to my confinement... just goes to show that Z is so eager to use it!). It looks like a normal tub with an additional contraption for a shower. It comes with a padded cloth where the baby is put down. Here's why we love it...

• It is really easy to use. Just fill the shower contraption with water, give it a little pumping and let air pressure do the rest. No batteries required.


• Up until Z can hold his head steadily, he was carried over the tub. Now, he sits comfortably in the tub on a padding.


• With the water being readily available, I can go through bath time alone. But because I'm a worry wart, I don't.


• It is easy to clean and dry up. No foul smell, even if we don't sun-dry it.


• Warm water stays warm longer than when it is in a separate basin.


• It would be used even when Z's a toddler already! Yay for money well-spent!

Sadly, it's not a space-saver since it cannot be folded and the shower contraption is another thing to pack away. So it is not ideal to bring along for travel. Nonetheless, it works for us so it's a relatively good buy.

[caption id="attachment_286" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="Happy showering Baby Z!"][/caption]

What are your favorite bath time moments with your baby? Do share!

Time flies by when you're having fun...

I was looking at the calendar this morning and realized that in 2 weeks, you'll be turning 6 months already.  YOU'RE HALF A YEAR ALREADY!!! Now, where did the days go?! It seems just yesterday you were a peanut in my uterus. And now, you're almost the same size as our pillow.

The sixth month has great things in store for you my love. I'm excited to feed you "semi-solids" made from scratch. You'll also be joining a swim class. There's also out-of-town trips awaiting and my first birthday celebration as a mommy!

But then, I want to savor each day I can still call you baby. I'm getting sentimental right now as I'm thinking of the days we've spent together. You never ceases to amaze me and every time I look at you, I feel so blessed.

So, before you turn a month old (again!), here are the things you're busy with now:

• You like sleeping on your side just like Mommy and Daddy. I don't know if it's good for your bone development but you're sleeping through the night, so I let you!
  
  [caption id="attachment_259" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Side Sleeping March 25, 2012"][/caption]


• You appreciate your toys more. Before, they were just decorations in your crib but now, you reach for them, put them in your mouth, study how to play them.


• We can easily tell if you like something or not. Most of the time though, you show happiness and we're super okay with that!


• It's getting hard to change your nappy and put on your clothes because of your increasing mobility.


• You don't nurse in public as often as before. You want to join in the conversations and people watch.

I'm having so much fun being your Mommy. There may be days when I don't have sleep nor time for myself but it comes with the territory. Sleep can wait but not your growing up. I'm slowly accepting the fact that you'll grow up and might need me less, but isn't that a sign I've raised you well?

Z Loves: Bumbo Chair

One of Z's godmothers gave him a Bumbo Chair last Christmas. She had it shipped from the US that's why we just got it on February. The timing of the gift's arrival was just right since Z was starting to hold his head steadily.

The main concern in using the Bumbo was if his thighs were going to fit! Needless to say, my baby boy's gifted with BIG THIGHS! And we were so happy that he fits, maybe a bit snug, but he does!

[caption id="attachment_184" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="Z in his Bumbo Chair"][/caption]

Aside from the orthopedic issues and accident reports, we like the Bumbo Chair for the following reasons:

• It gives Z a new view. After months of lying down on his back (and occasional tummy time), he can now see his environment in a different perspective.


• It can be Z's feeding chair! We're still unsure if we need to buy a high chair given our very limited space so this could suffice for the meantime. There are legs that can be attached to it to make it look like a high chair but it doesn't look safe to us.


• We can interact with him face-to-face. I really like it when I see his face when I'm showing him a book or singing nursery rhymes with him. These moments just melt my heart <3

Of course, with any baby paraphernalia, utmost caution and care is required. We never leave Z alone in the Bumbo. And to be safe, we put pillows around him in case of any incident now that he's gaining mobility.

While it is a great innovation, I don't deem the Bumbo to be a necessity. Babies will learn to sit on their own so there will be no need for support anymore.

Z seems to enjoy sitting on it (but only for less than an hour!) and anything given is well-appreciated in our household!

The Day(s) Z Got Sick

Hours after his second dose of 6 in 1 vaccine, Z was his usual jolly self. We thought that it would be just like before, when he didn't get fever. But lo and behold, he was lethargic, teary-eyed and fussy upon waking up the next day. I felt really sad seeing my baby boy in such a bad state but he still managed to smile at the camera.



So, it was another learning experience for Mommy-Me, an ordeal that we moms do not want to go through ever again. I know I've got years ahead to encounter a sick, it is inevitable but here are a few things that will help me in the years to come:

• Listen to the pedia about the possible effects of the vaccine. We were told that the fever and fussiness may come in 2 days after the vaccine. After that, the sickness may be from another source.


• Be prepared. Even though Z didn't get sick before, I already had my stock of paracetamol to combat the fever. You may want to have Kool Fever available also but Z preferred the old-school towel trick on the forehead.


• Sleep when the baby sleeps. Z was really fussy and didn't want to be put down. He liked sleeping on my chest so that's how we slept for one whole night, if I really slept! It also helped that my husband was a night owl that he looked after Z (and me!).


• Have healthy snacks available to help you stay awake at night. High-fiber bread and crackers and apples worked for me! Since I nursed Z on demand (he was nursing every hour!!!), water was a must to keep me hydrated and awake!


• We played classical music to help calm Z and my anxiety! Mozart rocks! And so does Vivaldi!


• And as in everything in life, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

Preparation is really the key for unforeseen circumstances!

 

Zoren is singing! - YouTube

We're still recovering from a sickly weekend. Here's something to wake you up on a Monday!

Zoren is singing! - YouTube.

Our Trip to the DFA

[caption id="attachment_234" align="alignleft" width="112" caption="Philippine Passport"][/caption]

Because we're already planning our HK trip this summer, Z needs a passport to join us. So, last Tuesday, we trooped to the DFA for his passport appointment. I was surprised at the efficiency of the DFA's new system. Here's how our trip went:

The Painter's Wife Giveaway

I can't wait to show Z his birthing photos when he grows up! Although, I look really crappy in those shots (hello! 12 hours of labor!!!), it was a surreal and proud moment. Thanks to technology, I could give Z a clear picture of what happened on the day he came to this world. One thing I regret was not having a dramatic family picture when Z was just a few hours old. Or a shot of the eager grandparents clamoring to see what facial feature their grandson got from them.

That's why I'm really envious of who would win The Painter's Wife Giveaway! Imagine, a professional photographer taking pictures of you and the new addition to your family! For free!!! No one will get left behind to take the pictures and you're sure that the "dramatic" and elusive moments would be taken care of.

[caption id="attachment_217" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="From Oh Happy Day Photography"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_218" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="From Oh Happy Day Photography"][/caption]

If ever I'll win this giveaway, I'd give it to my cousin who's expecting her first child on August. I'm sure that she'll love it :) And when I do get preggo again, I'd book Oh Happy Day to encapsulate a very important day in our lives.

So, if you are preggy or know someone who is, join now!

Happy 5th Month, Z!

[caption id="attachment_222" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="5th Month Cookies!"][/caption]

At the start of your 5th month, you can do so much already!

• You've discovered the joy of rolling over from your back to your tummy. Don't worry, little one, you'll know what to do with your arm soon. You're also doing mini-crawls as you straighten your legs and move your upper body left and right.


• Whenever Ate Nida would carry you, you will do that face that says "let me jump!". Once your jumping in the air, your face shines of happiness. You're also learning to have rests in between active plays.


• Aside from crying, you are making new noises as if you're talking to us already! There was also a time you were talking in your sleep! I like it when your noises vary in pitches, lengths and syllables!


• There are times that you want to stand up already! It's a little pinch on my heart because it means you won't like to be carried around too much!


• You're fascinated with your toys already. We've introduced Scout, your talking dog, and he likes to call you Ryan! I think you should get used to be called by your whole name.


• Everything you hold goes in your mouth! But your favorite thing to munch on is your fingers! Your pointer has blisters already :/


• Your favorite book is still "Eyes and Nose, Fingers and Toes". You always laugh at the sight of Cookie Monster. Oh, you're also learning to turn the pages!

I'm excited for the coming days baby boy! Soon, you'll be crawling and cruising, eating solids and hopefully calling me! But, no pressures my dear, take your sweet little time growing up, Mommy will always be with you every step of the way.

I <3 Thursdays!

I love Thursdays because it's when we don't have our helper at home. Not that I don't like Ate Nida (she's a blessing to us!), I just like the hands-on feeling. I get to cook (ok, fry! or sometimes, just heat) for my husband, prepare Z's bath, organize stuff... In short, every Thursday, I feel like a domestic goddess, the epitome of a stay-at-home mom, who's got everything covered :)

It also gives my husband ample time to play with Z. Sometimes, I get teary-eyed when I watch them together. I know I married the right person; I know he'll be a great dad, if he's not yet one already.

How was your Thursday?!

The New Breastfeeding Lounge at Shangri La Mall

I'm not sure when the new breastfeeding lounge was officially opened but it was only last week that I got to use it. The lounge is located between Crossing's and Planet Sports. There's a sign leading to it along with a female restroom. This is the second breastfeeding area in the mall (the other one inside Rustan's, 3rd floor). We can nurse anywhere but I'm happy that Shang Mall is being a breastfeeding-friendly mall since we practically live there!

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I love how roomy it is, especially when a lot of strollers would be put in. It is also ventilated really well. There are 2 changing pads  you'll see upon entering. It was soft and cushiony. My only problem with that is the lighting fixture I needed to work around with to ensure Z's clean bottom. They've also got 2 sinks but the soap dispenser is still empty.

Moving on inside the room, you'll be greeted by 5 yellow orange chairs that doesn't look comfortable. And it isn't. I wish they could change it to a sofa-like chair with a wider opening. It was a bit narrow for me and Z and he's just 4 months, what more a mom who needs to nurse a toddler. I also suggest putting pillows to help moms and babies be more at ease in a marathon feeding session. At the far end of the room sits a new refrigerator which is still not turned on and a sink.

The lounge has house rules such as no entry to male guests and no food and drinks other than water allowed. I can abide to these rules but who shall I tell in case someone's not as there is no attendant inside.

I'm happy that Shangri La Mall is gearing up to be a breastfeeding-friendly mall. Next step is to put changing pads in all of their restrooms! I'm hoping that breastfeeding lounges doesn't mean that we can't nurse anywhere in the mall, recalling the incident in another mall. At the most, I'm pleased that our 2nd home is thinking about nursing moms like me!

Z loves: Next9 Cloth Diapers

This post is written for the Real Diaper Week Carnival with the theme "Real Simple. Real Diapers."  We aim to educate and advocate the use of cloth diapers in the Philippines.  Please scroll below to read the other carnival posts about cloth diaper styles, how to's or must haves. 

Every time I post a picture of Z on Facebook, I'd receive messages asking about his stuff. So, I might as well make a series of posts regarding the things we use :)

First up, Next9 Cloth Diapers. Even in the age of disposable everything, cloth diapers were on my things to buy list for the baby. I was scared of diaper rash and I knew the importance of "airing" out baby's bottom. Bacteria thrives on moist areas, right?!

At childbirth class, I encountered a cloth diaper with velcro and I was wildly fascinated! Gone are the days of using scary safety pins and clips! But lo and behold, there was an even better innovation of the usual "lampin"; Next9 Cloth Diapers! I saw it in a stall in Shangri La Mall while scouring for baby stuff. I bought a pack of dark green ones with velcro. The pack contains 3 cloth diapers with inserts and costs P1,000. It promised the comfort of cloth diapers and the durability of disposables.

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="126" caption="In a dark green velcro Next9 diaper"][/caption]

And it sure does deliver its promises! I've been using it since day 1 and have not experienced any mishaps with the pee's and the poo's. Although, I've to admit in using disposables during night time and when we go out, we're now trying to use cloth diapers at night. Thanks to Jen Tan of Next9, she twitted me back, saying that we could just double the cotton inserts.

Currently, Z has 3 packs of cloth diapers: red, blue and denim. It's a good thing that Next9 now utilizes buttons because the velcro ones wouldn't close on my baby's big thighs anymore. It is also easy to wash. Back in December when we had no help, I was the one hand-washing Z's laundry. Even with poop, the diapers didn't take a long time to be clean.

We love it because we get to save money and the environment. Z loves it because he is far from having diaper rash given that he has super sensitive skin. All in all, Next9 Cloth Diapers is one good baby buy!

[caption id="attachment_147" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sleeping with double inserts :)"][/caption]

Check out the other entries for the carnival:

Buntis' Milo's Stash of Real Diapers

The Happy Tots Studio's Matteo's Diaper Story

Hoo Goes Where's Real Simple Real Diapers: Our CD Journey

Misisagun's Cloth Diapers

MrsBry126's Z loves: Next9 Cloth Diapers

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom's Going Out of Town with Cloth Diapers

Dinna's Nurturing Rafael-Cloth Diaper

Maria Masungit's Cloth Diaper Where

Happy Frazzled Mom's Transitioning to Cloth Diapers

Next9baby's CD Revolution

Organized Junk's Out and About with Cloth Diapers

The Articulate Pen's Making the Switch to Cloth Diapers

Swept Away's What We Love About Cloth Diapers

Tickled Mom Clarice's Stuff You Need for an Easier CD-ing Life

The Common Mom's Surviving the Holidays with Cloth Diapers

Tickled Mom Abie's Cloth Diapers. A Quick Review of the Different Systems

Roll over, Z!

The baby boy rolled from his back to his tummy today! Four times!!! We weren't able to catch the first time on video, it all happened too fast! The one we got on video, he had a little help from his daddy... Nevertheless, it was a big achievement! Proud parents right here!