Girl. Woman. Mother.

A cup of Maden have been quiet for a month or so, not being able to update this obviously neglected blog because I got back on track, which means, straightening up my career path.

I have been jobless for quite a year and got into freelancing for 6 months now. However, I learned that I need to go back on what I used to be- busy, competitive, ready for pressure, stressed yet happy, and EARNING. I am not saying that I am not earning from my freelancing job. Matter of fact, I earn bigger from freelancing than my full time job. Then again, there are some lean months and days in car dealing. Plus I have an infant to support and a husband to help in the household, financially.

I realized, I have built the trust and love with little Maden (that I wanted) and I guess I’m emotionally, physically and spiritually ready to let a nanny take over my place when I’m at my regular work.  I believe I can still dabble motherhood and career at the same time. Hubby and I have great plans for the little family that we’ve built and although his income is good, there are some wants that we aspire to get and have. And we talked about doing this early on, that Maden is not yet in school so we can bring her to places we want her to reach, we can give her the things she needs and probably want. And I’m sure that 90% of the Filipino households do not follow the conventional one. Women nowadays are driven and can do a lot better than men. Aside from them giving joy to their husbands by giving them children, they are the un- named superheroes that can take care of a child and work at the same time without any complaints.

Hats off to all the Super Women in the world called Mothers.

And so, I second this thought: “A girl becomes a woman when she knows how to carry herself in front of a man. A girl is a woman not because a man loves her, but because a child cannot live without her.”

A Rainy Weekend

The weekend was not good for going out because of the bad weather but we sneaked out Friday evening after work to do grocery and simply celebrate Maden’s 7^th month. We had chicken, fries and seven brownies, topped with candles. My heart jumped with so much joy seeing my little munchkin happy. Indeed, a mother’s happiness is seeing her child happy.

We do not have to go somewhere to enjoy the weekend.
Good food, Maden's morning ritual Sesame Street, a good laugh, playtime with our little Miss and a bottle of chardonnay for me and brandy for the hubby definitely made our weekend. 
Who cares about the rain, anyway? An activity at home to make our daughter feel that she's loved is something to be grateful about. 

How was yours?

Hope you had a great weekend despite the rain!

Two weekends in a row!

Last weekend, we celebrated Father's Day, excited for our little Miss to finally come back home after a three- week vacay in Negros Occidental, my hometown. We started off at the airport to fetch our princess and went home for a dinner waiting for us. We had moist chocolate cake for our big guy, and a little wine.

My whole week was busy but sure was worth it. My lucky charm made it busier. Dabbling motherhood and work was a bit messy and hectic that I don't even have time for my blog and some social networking sites which made me lost a little of my interest on, yet very rewarding. Rewarding that it made me close 2 deals all in the same week. How's that?

Mama's lucky charm

This week was relaxing, although it was work- filled, the weather wasn't good for going out somewhere, so we visited the in- laws, had dinner and what better way to rejuvenate ourselves for another busy week for work ahead, hence the cold weather, a glass of wine and some cuddle from the little Miss and the hubby. It was all worthwhile!

Here's to hoping your weekend is filled with hugs and kisses and cuddles with your family and loved ones. Happy Weekend! 

Good Food is good for the soul

A big laugh, a hug from Maden, an I love you from dear hubby, a fervent prayer, unexpected good things and a big burp makes my day.

And a big burp, to speak of, they say, for your husband to keep and love you more, the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. True enough, it really is. Same goes to children. The reason why we all love our mum so much is because she never fail to fill our stomach every single day. And as a mum and wife myself, I always make my husband's stomach full and my daughter who is now starting to eat solids.

Meanwhile, I'd love to share this food blog to all mommies and friends out there who has a passion for good food. This is a blog of one of the people I consider my second mum. She has been there for me and my mum  since forever. She's been my mentor (apart from my mum) when it comes to life and on dealing with it. And she's a good cook, too! She cooks for us whenever we sleep over their house, during parties and on lazy afternoons for our merienda. So if you want to satisfy your cravings, follow and share The Duchess of Fork.

Here are some of the Duchess' recipes.

The must- try and to- die for paella. Seriously, it's delicious! Crabs from where else but Negros Occidental (north part), pork chops made extra- ordinary and of course as a pasta- lover, Penne pasta is just but sumptuous.

For those who have a sweet tooth (like me), doughnuts are but the easiest and most affordable sweet craving. And everyone's comfort food, churos.

Here's to wishing everyone a delicious and FOOD- filled Friday!
Prepping up for the Father's day weekend. Can't wait to see the little Miss on Sunday!

It's fun having a baby girl!

A sneak- peek from Gymboree and Baby Gap’s recent lines for little girls.

 

It’s really fun being and having a baby girl!

A mother's LOVE is BIG

No weekend post for two weeks in a row because the very reason why we look forward to weekends is away from us. A week and some days without Maden with us breaks my heart so bad. I feel so incomplete, I feel like my system is bugged down. 

And so, to feed my loneliness and depression, I wrote a letter to my baby girl, hoping she would read this five to ten years from now and know how much I truly love her.
So goes the letter:

Dear Maden,
I still remember the day your Daddy and I found out that we are having a baby, our eyes glittered and our hearts jumped with delight! We didn't knew it was you, yet, we took care of you. I sacrificed everything for you. I gave up my full- time job because the doctor asked me if I could have a complete bedrest for three months. I quit smoking, I stopped drinking liquors and neglected all 'night-out texts' from friends. I thank God for everytime I throw up because I don't like the flavor of the food. It means you want me to eat something different and healthy. 
I remember your first ultrasound, Daddy and I were teary eyed because for the first time, we heard your heart beat which means you're alive! The second one, it was only me and Mamita because Daddy went to UK for work. I was so excited to tell daddy that you were formed already! The third, we tried everything we could but you're sleeping inside. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. Come the fourth ultrasound, Mama can't sleep well because I was excited to know if you're a girl or a boy. When the doctor said it was a girl, my heart skipped a beat. My tears burst with happiness because I know that it's gonna be you! 
Came the day that you were born, Mama had a very hard time with labor. Mama was crying of labor pains but I know that it's you wanting to come out, so I embraced it with all my heart. You see, you made Mama strong. When you came out of Mama's womb, I kissed you despite the blood on your forehead. That day, you made me the happiest person in the world. You made me proud of myself. You gave me the happiness that nobody can take away from me.
During the times that Mama can't sleep in the middle of the night because you were crying, you brought out the "superhero" in me. You taught me that PATIENCE is indeed a virtue. 
And as you grow, I am proud to say that I was there when you first smiled, you first laughed, you first crawled, you first spoke and I want you to know that I am looking forward for more "firsts" from you. 
As I hold your hand in mine, I feel like I'm the queen of the world. As I kiss you, I feel like I'm not alone. As I hug you everytime you cry and say "MAMA", you made me feel that I'm special and loved. 
I don't care if I don't have friends around me now, having you is more than having a bestfriend. You are my love, my bestfriend and my life.
Someday, when I get old, I ask you to be very patient to me. If I repeat the same thing a million times, please just listen to me.  Just remember that I also read the same story to you every single day and night. In the future when I don't wanna take a bath, please pardon me and don't embarass me. Remember, I sing to you everytime we ba- bath so you won't cry of cold bath. If ever I get so ignorant to new things in the future, be patient. Remember how patient I was putting you to bed, dressing you up, changing your diaper and cleaning your poos, etc. 
I want you to always remember what I taught you now and what I will teach you in the days, weeks, months and years to come. Always put in mind that a mother will never do anything to harm and hurt their children. You may hate me when the time comes but I would be thankful. It means I am doing my job. Remember, the people who speaks good things on you even if you're doing bad does not care for you and does not love you. And the person who corrects you and teaches you the right ones from the wrong ones are the people who loves you most.
There's a lot I would like to tell you in this letter, but I prefer to tell it you personally with all my heart so that you'd realize how sincere I am in bringing out the best in you.
Please always remember that you are my biggest achievement. You are the love of my life and Daddy's life. You are special so you should be a good girl now and always. 

With a big smile and huge love I've had for you, I Love You my wonderful daughter,
Mama ♥

Maden's 6th Month

I'm amazed of how fast the time goes. Our slice of heaven is now 6 months from her birth!
Hubby and I have been very blessed having her in our lives and no amount could equal the joy she brought to us. We may not be able to celebrate her 6th month together because she's on vacation in my hometown, but we are so proud of raising a healthy and happy Maden.

Credits to my mum and sisters back home in Negros for preparing a little something for my daughter along with the six lovely cupcakes! We are truly blessed indeed! 

Cheers to six wonderful months!