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! 

For a Dear Friend

Our little Miss had a vacay in my hometown which left me and the Mr. a quiet and boring weekend. Since I started blogging, I'm used to posting a "weekend blog", however, our weekend wasn't as Maden- ful as the previous.

Because I have been dreaming and longing to hold Maden, (not to mention the burst of tears everytime I see her things at home and her pictures on Facebook), I decided to, instead of sharing my boring weekend, help a good friend of ours with her baby girl. Aside from being a good friend, she is a good listener also. We share the same sentiments together and understands each other in a crazy way. 

Her baby, Gabrielle Mikhail, or Gabbie for short, was born last September 27, 2011 with a heart anomaly known as Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect which is classically understood to involve four anatomical abnormalities. It is the most common cyanotic heart defect, and the most common cause of blue baby syndrome.
Babies who have this kind of disease may develop tet spells or simply exhibiting bluish skin during episodes of crying and feeding. My friend was telling me about Gabbie having tet spells and how she would get scared on incidents like this. 
My friend's cardiologist suggested a total correction of this said defect which means Baby Gabbie needs to undergo an open heart surgery by the time she turns one to two years old for her to live a long and normal life. The surgery cost roughly Php800,000.00 to Php1,000,000.00 for the surgery team alone plus the medicines and maintenance for her recupiration.

My husband and I have been blessed with a healthy baby so in return, we are doing anything we could to help our good friend and their baby, which happens to be Maden's friend, too. My heart softens everytime I see Baby Gabbie smile and play with Maden. She is a strong baby, I know, and surely, God will bless her and will give her a normal life. 
As a child, my parents taught me about SHARING what I have to people in need. And as a mother, I would teach my daughter about learning to share, as early as now. Although, at six months, she may not be able to understand it, then again, no time is too short nor too long for her to know her values. 

The Mr. and I cannot give as much, financially, that is why I am doing the best I could to help. My friend and her husband have been contacting sponsors left and right and is now pushing through a concert for a cause to raise funds for their little girl. We know that prayers can move mountains, thus, we've been praying for her condition as well. 

I hope that through this blog, I could be able to help Baby Gabbie. 
Please click the share button on the lower right side of this blog. Like For Gabrielle's Heart on Facebook and share this on your Twitter accounts. 
A little of this won't be a waste of time. Let us HELP and SHARE. My friend may not be able to give you back the little act of kindness you did to help her baby but sure, God will give it back to you a hundred folds.

Twenty Six!

On my 26th, the Mr. treated me for a special dinner together with our precious little Maden. We satisfied our cravings at Blue Elephant. The ambiance is really good. (Not to mention we were in their IT Park branch where people come and go)
Their food were delicious, the restaurant set- up is elegant and, well, I could say their prices are affordable. 

What better way to celebrate my birthday? It's waking up at 6:00 am surprised to see my mum and sister, a birthday treat from my husband and our little princess who, unknowingly, made my day (and our every day) extra- special!

Weekend: Birthday Week

 

Our weekend was fun/ family- filled. Late night talk over wine with the Mr. on Friday. Sleep-over at the in- laws over munchkins and donuts come Saturday. And a Sunday at the church with a bottle of beer for the hubby and I after mass, for the great week that has passed and for another Maden-ful week ahead!

TWO YEARS!

Two years ago, I married the man I did not expect I would end up with. Two years ago, we promised to love each other through sunshine and rain. Two years ago, we vowed for an everlasting love not in the setting of our dreams but in a very special way.

Two years ago, I felt so much in love. Two years ago, I had the biggest smile on my face. Two years ago, I chained myself into an everlasting happiness with the person I chose to live my life forever with.

Two years ago, I said YES to a lifetime!

Two years after, I still had the same smile, the same feeling of love and happiness and the same feeling of security from the person I chose to spend my lifetime with. It feels like a second ago, an hour ago, and a day ago.

Mother's Day Weekend: When motherhood becomes me

A little late post for the Mom's day weekend due to time constraint and blogging is not a major thing for me since I juggle motherhood and my freelancing job. 
Anyway, we celebrated Mother's Day at the in-laws for dinner, thankful to God for giving me the toughest yet amazing job in the world-- MOTHERHOOD, that is.

Hats off to the wind beneath our wings! :)

Weekend

For the weekend, we headed down to Mactan, Cebu for the mister's company team outing. We found ourselves settling down at a resort called Villa Asela. We drove for about 30 minutes or more from Mandaue going here. The place is just simple and is yet to be developed. However, sometimes, we enjoy not on the place we're at but with the company of the people we're with.

For the first time, in her fifth month, Maden went out on a summer outing with people she's not really familiar with but she sure did enjoy her summer day out. Hence, the mister and I.

We thought we're gonna have a hard time going out the whole day with an infant in tow, thinking that there would be karaoke, hard liquors and noisy people. Surprisingly, it turned out to be the other way around. What we had is a smiling little girl who never complained despite the super hot weather and the lack of her usual afternoon siesta.

She definitely enjoyed swimming and soaking herself in the pool. 

We ended the day happy and hopeful for yet another weekend on silver sands. Hopefully, we can. 

Another weekend has passed. Now we're on to another week filled with good vibes at home and at work. Hope your weekend was a blast, too!

Weekend and Maden's 5th month

Last weekend, our little Miss had a playdate at home with her playmate, daughter of a good friend of ours. The Pacañas visited us one Saturday with not just food and liquors but also some playtime with our little girls.

This weekend, I had work but I hurried home early to keep up with my promise. (Hats off to the mister who was able to keep up with Maden for a whole day!)
We had a mini picnic with the mister's fambam at the memorial park to visit lolo. And since it fell on the same day as the 5th month of Marianna, we decided to bring in some food, and her 5 cupcakes, to make it more fun. 

It was indeed a fun weekend. And more fun knowing that our little miss is doing well without fever and an about-to-be-well eye sore. Hope yours was fun too! 

Broken heart, on a mum's point of view

Some people describe a broken heart as,

While mine is..

 
The forefront have been quiet of late because for the first time, my little girl caught fever which made me busy nursing and taking extra ordinary care of her. And as a neophyte when it comes to mummying, I had a very hard time. Recent nights have been sleepless and crude for me and the mister but thank heavens we have survived this crucial stage. We had a hard time waking up in the wee hours of dawn putting up with her tantrums. But glad to know that we were able to surpass the situation and made her well with, aside from medications, love and care.

Weekend and all that's in-between

Our week was again packed after the long vacation. It wasn't as joyous and Maden- ful like the usual but again, it was a week spent with family and people who mean so much to us. 

Hubby’s grandfather passed away Black Saturday and so hubby rushed back to Cebu early the next day (Easter Sunday). Maden and I was left back home. I for Easter and Maden extended for a week and be back home with us in Cebu on the day of the funeral.

Mourning families are what welcomed me when I got back in Cebu, yet, happy at some point because everybody got home to be with lolo for the last time.  

All our love to Lolo whose home now with our Father and time for the family he left to move on and be grateful that he’s rest eternally.

The Long Happy and Holy Weekend

For the long weekend, we headed to Negros, my hometown, to have some uninterrupted quality time with my fambam.

 

Maden and I flew two days before the "official" holiday while hubby came a day after with his nephew who happened to be a first timer in the province. 

We practically stayed home and had the most of our vacay watching DVDs, sleeping, eating and chit- chatting. 

A few days after, we went to the house where I spend most of my summer during my childhood days to swim and have them finally meet my husband.

 

We never forgot the reason for the season. Visited the 'infamous' Angry Christ church and thanked Him for giving us a good life, a happy family and Maden.

Weekend: Playtime and Preparation to Holy Week

It’s a Playtime Friday for me and Maden.

We had dinner at the in- laws come Saturday, had our just-us-three time on Sunday and recharged ourselves for next week and the long weekend to come in the province.

Maden's fourth month!

Time flies really fast. Maden is four months old now. I am just so proud.

Cheers!