A MOMster Life

If you could have an interview with your future self, what would you ask?

Today (April 5, 2017) I am making a set of questions and I will answer them a year after.

We just celebrated our first wedding anniversary last month! Sometimes everything feels like a routine, other times it's like a roller coaster ride. And sometimes full of sweet surprises. ♥

What did you name your second baby? (I know you're planning to name him Jyrus Blake but maybe you changed your mind.)

Still decided to name him JYRUS BLAKE. Coincidentally, Charice Pempengco changed her name to "Jake Zyrus" the same day Blake was born.

How was labor? How many hours did it take before the baby came out?

I started having contractions while I was asleep. At around 1AM, I went to the bathroom and found I already have some blood spots. I told my husband that I think I am going to give birth. On the way to the hospital, I told him that I think it would take a while before Blake comes out. I was on the labor room and the doctors were busy that time because there was another patient undergoing CS. One of the doctors keep asking me if I want "painless" and all that time I thought she meant pain reliever. I kept declining the offer until I felt like I can no longer tolerate the pain. I was surprised when they took me to the delivery room. That's when I knew that "painless" means epidural! Thankfully though, I was able to rest for like an hour. The doctors went out because another patient needs to undergo CS. Just then my water broke and epidural can't even take the pain away. I was screaming in pain! They had to tie my hands to prevent me from squirming. Hahaha! Total time of labor is 11 hours.

What can Akee do now? As of writing, I know she's trying to talk but still can't properly pronounce most of the words, but she sings really well!

She understands and speaks English! I said "Ako na" and she said "That's mine!". I also said "Kahibaw nako!" and she exclaimed "I got it!". One time she found her Twilight Sparkle mask and she said to me "I find it!". She's also a bisdak (bisayang dako) and says things like "Agay oi!" "Ayaw ba!". She's very excited for her upcoming birthday.

Do you still watch Doctor Who?

Yeps!! Still waiting for the next season featuring the 13th Doctor. I even bought Doctor Who Funko pops! Not sure if you've already watched Sherlock but that's one of the series you'll really love! And as of the moment, I'm watching Once Upon A Time. Better watch it, too. 

Current favorite Disney Princess?

How many Copic markers do you own now? 

Have you made a business out of your doodles?

Have you finally gotten your own house?

How is your platelet count now?

If you could give me (the past you) any advice, what would it be?

Anything else you would like to share?

I started this blog simply because I love to write. I love to write about stuff I am passionate about. I love to keep record of my life experiences. I love to dump random thoughts somewhere and someday be able to read about them. I love to have an outlet to express my feelings.

I didn't care about the number of readers back then cause all I thought that time was just me writing.
And even if my blog was just a dump of my musings in life, I did had readers that time.
And I was happy with that.

Then came all the pressure.

Earnings. Traffic. Statistics. Niche.

I feel like I had to make some major change for my blog for it to "become successful" - for it to belong with all the new blogs out there.

I decided on a niche, I changed the theme, I renamed my blog, I joined blogging groups - all just to feel that my blog belongs.

And then it made me realize that by deciding on a niche itself, I feel like I'm limiting myself from writing stuff that doesn't have to do with my niche.

I do receive comments but it's all because these people are required to comment. Though I am happy that they take time to read my posts, they would just forget about this all and won't probably come back here in my blog.

I want this to change.

I just want to be able to write freely again - without having to worry if this post would give me traffic or not.

For now, I am still unsure of which direction my blog should be taking. It's been 10 years (almost 11), and my blog is still work in progress. And I think it will continue to be a work in progress. :)

What I'm sure though is I want to continue writing.
To continue writing about the stuff I love, to write about my life experiences, to have someplace to dump random thoughts

Even if these things doesn't have anything to do with my niche. :)

Aha! You've been mislead! Well, actually you're not.

This is not really a post about things pregnant women find annoying. Well, in a way, it really is.

This is just a list of things people say that I - the pregnant me - find annoying. I am too busy/lazy to interview other pregnant women, so this will be from my personal list.

You know how pregnant women are, we tend to become overly sensitive and irrational and may take offense over anything you do or say to us. And if there's anyone or anything to blame, it's the hormones! I tell you!!! It's the hormones!!!

You should be more mindful of your actions and of what you say to us, pregnant women. Yes, ikaw mag-adjust bes! Hahaha!

Seriously, though, let's leave the rest of the pregnant women alone. Here are three things people say that I secretly find annoying.

"You look like you're ready to pop!"

I find this really annoying when people asks "When are you due?" and I'm like "Oh, it's going to be on the last week of June." and they'll immediately say "But you look like you're going to give birth any minute now. I'm sure you'll give birth before June."

Are you seriously wishing for me to give birth prematurely!?

"Are you sure you're not having twins?"

Though I've always wanted twins (boy and girl), I still find it annoying when people insists that I am having one.. err, two. Even if they know that I've already had ultrasound to check, they would be like "Maybe the other baby is hiding."

"You're not eating enough." / "You're eating too much."

I think some people have hormonal problems, too! They make sure to always find something wrong - like what's their problem with my eating habit, anyway?

Please let me eat in peace!

Don't worry if you happen to tell me these things before.
I am such a forgiving person that I just let it slide.

And if you will accidentally tell me the same things again in the future, I won't slap you. I won't get mad at you. You will not see me annoyed.

I will show you my usual angelic face (hahaha).

I may just have strangled you in my thoughts, though.
Kidding!

Xoxo,
Your annoyed pregnant friend

If you're not aware yet, I have a doodle IG account and FB Page! You should check them out! LIKE REALLY! CHECK THEM OUT NOW! Haha!

Color Buffet PH has the least expensive Copic markers.

An avatar I designed for this blog. Hihi.

Color Buffet PH is very friendly and accommodating.

Using the Copic markers.

Markers arrive on time!

Color Buffet PH knows their stuff.

Another doodle where I used the Copic markers.

Heya guys!! Doctor Who returns on April 15th which pretty much leaves me quite excited!! Except that I'll miss Clara, and that I'll have to accept the fact that there's going to be a new companion for the Doctor.

For those who are not familiar with the show, Doctor Who is a sci-fi TV series about a time traveler called the Doctor who constantly travels through time and space using a time machine that looks like a blue police box. The Doctor is a Time Lord, and he is (sadly) the last of his kind.

FUN FACT: I don't like Sci-Fi movies. So it's kind of weird (and geeky) for me to love the series.

This is my own pregnancy tests. :) Both showed negative at first, then showed positive results five minutes after.

I may sound like some kill-joy who always sees something wrong on what was supposed to be funny, but the question here is..

Why is pregnancy used to fool people?

Is pregnancy a joke?

Is it supposed to be funny when someone's pregnant?

I just want to share a different point of view.

Some people are trying so hard to conceive. They have themselves checked for anything wrong. They prayed so hard just so they will be blessed with a child. Some find it hard to bear... Others just can't.

There are some who suffer complications during pregnancy. They had to take extra meds and do checkups more than the usual. I, myself, having Essential Thrombocytosis had to visit two different doctors in a month. There are even some who are forced to quit work. Expectant moms are willing to sacrifice their wants to make sure the baby gets what it needs.

There are a few who experienced what I think is the worst thing that could happen to anyone: losing a child. Some didn't even have the chance to see them. Others had to send their babies back to Daddy God the moment they came out. They can never get over it.

Pregnancy may have become a sensitive topic for me now that I am a mom, and most especially because I have known people who had suffered infertility, and miscarriage.

For some, they may see it as a joke. But for others, pregnancy is an answered prayer.

Pregnancy is not easy.
Pregnancy is nothing to laugh about.
Pregnancy is not a joke.

It is about having a family, about people giving their all.
Pregnancy is about life and giving life.


PS: And please people, don't even get me started with your new "I have cancer" posts!
DON'T EVER MAKE FUN OF CANCER. 

Once upon a time, a teenage girl named Wendy longed for adventure and romance. She felt like she was stuck in a reality she has no control over. She wanted to fly, go to places, and live a life full of wonders.

One day, she stumbled upon Never Land where she met her silver-haired prince. He has no name. She decided to call him Peter Pan.

Peter Pan showered her with pixie dust and the two traveled together to magical places. They had lots of fun in Never Land and they've seen so many wonderful things. 

"Everything is so wonderful.", Wendy thought.
"How can I grow my own wings so I won't depend on pixie dust anymore?", she asked.

"Nothing grows here. Not you, not me. Not anyone's wings. Not ever.", Peter Pan answered.

"Then what is the purpose of living here?", Wendy asked again.
"Fun! No problems, no responsibilities, no anything! Just fun.", Peter Pan answered.

But Wendy had enough of the fun. All the places they've been but she felt like she did not really reach anywhere. So she decided to leave bringing with her some treasures, her innocence, and her heart. She was determined to find someone who could help her grow her wings.

She went back to reality and met a man who can give good laughs. She thought this man could help her. She loved his sense of humor. He can give good advice, too. But in return, he took her treasures and left.

She continued to move forward and met another man who promised her the stars. She thought this man might be able to help her. He brought her to places, and has good stories to tell. But then, he took her innocence and left.

She moved on and met another man who promised her company and protection. He said he would gladly be her wings. He treated her as a princess. Wendy decided to give him her heart. Unfortunately, the man wanted more than her heart. He wanted a castle full of treasures as well. Unable to give him what he wanted, the man left her and looked for another princess.

Wendy decided to stop looking for someone who could help her grow her wings. Instead, she wanted to find herself - who and what she really is. She worked so hard so she could fly.

Losing her innocence, she learns more of the world. Her eyes and mind are more open now. She knows the dangers and all the possibilities that could happen. But she also sees the beauty in it. 

Without her treasures, she became more hardworking. She learned to be contented and to give importance to what she has now. She believes she could achieve anything if she just worked hard for it.

Realizing that she can't just give her heart right away to anyone, she guarded it more. She promised to take care of it until the right man - who would accept it without condition - comes along.

Peter Pan once told her that in order to fly, she has to think of happy thoughts. But then, she realized that learning to accept the negativity in life is part of the process in being able to fly.

By accepting her flaws, she is able to make herself better. By facing challenges head on, she is able to reach heights. By not escaping responsibilities, she came to love reality.

One fateful day, she met a curly-haired ordinary man. He wasn't a prince, rather, he works as a front-end developer during daytime. He also plays sports. He has a name. He is Curly Tops.

Curly Tops has encountered a lot of ups and downs in life, too. 
He has also given and lost a lot - his treasures, his innocence, and he even had his heart broken.

Yet, like Wendy, he chooses to move forward.
His experiences has molded him to be the man that he is now. He is not afraid to face challenges and he does not escape from responsibilities.

Curly Tops was far different from Peter Pan.
He wasn't as dashing. 
But he was way better.

The two became friends. They got closer and before they realized it, they were already spending everyday together.

They shared good laughs. They've seen each others' bests and worsts and came to accept them wholly.
They weren't the perfect couple but they could not imagine life with anyone else.

They went to places far better than any place in Never Land. They faced all of life's struggles together, hand in hand. They became each other's confidant.

They encountered lots of problems, too. But they were able to overcome each challenge together.

Wendy then realized that they are the wings - the pair destined to be together.
She feels that even without the help of pixie dust, she will be able to fly if she's with Curly Tops.
The two joined together and each grew the most beautiful wing she could ever imagine.

Life won't always be easy, but she is sure they'll make it together.

Without him, she is just a wing..

But together, they can fly.




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This is a fictional story, by the way (if you haven't noticed) but with some inspiration from real life.

This sounded so much better in my mind (haha) than it did in writing.

I'll try to come up with something better next time. XD

Photos used are from our prenup shoot (by Seph Aparente Folios).

I have been doodling (a lot) lately. And I think I spend more time on my Doodle IG account than I do blogging. Hihi.

This is the finished mini. I forgot to take a photo of the original one so here's a link instead.

Google. Watch tutorials.

Prepare materials.

Paint the Golden Fleece.

It has been a trend today to have photoshoot sessions days (or months) before a couple's wedding day.

And I guess we were one of those couples who are into the "trend". We just had ours last December 2016! 😊 I'll be sharing of this wonderful experience in a separate blog post. 




Some would say it is just a waste of money. Others say this kind of stuff is just peer pressure (like every couple on social media does it so why won't we - kind of thing). And there are also a some who doesn't like prenup photos because they feel unnatural (like why are they on the woods wearing long gowns, anyway)

Whilst some would say engagement shoots are unnecessary, here are some of the reasons why I honestly think we should have one.

Get to know your photographer.

Know which pose or angle you look best.

Announcement for the Big Day!

Celebrate LOVE and FAMILY

Hey, guys!

I am proud to present to you our short video on our interpretation of the meaning of Christmas.

The film starts with a victim pursuing the thief who just stole his wallet. As the wild chase began, a series of events unfold showing how kindness and love can be shared to each and everyone.

Watch the film below:



Feel free to share the video and spread the love. 💛

Were you able to count how many times the Pokemon Go Guy appeared? Post your answer on the comments section below. 

Going out of Never Land has offered me lots of challenges and responsibilities. And one of those responsibilities is to have a little child who would mean the world to me.

As a parent of a toddler, every time we decide to have a nice walk outdoors or even a quick stroll at the mall, it is very important to make sure that we bring everything we nee-..
uhm.. Let me rephrase that. *coughs*
It is very important to make sure that we bring everything our little girl needs.

For the first few months of being a parent, going out of the house has become stressful for me especially since I have to carry double of what I usually bring. I felt like I needed to bring everything! From diapers to clothes to sleeping mats and pillows... well yea. Basically, if I could just bring the whole house just to make sure I don't forget anything, I would.



Now that little Akisa isn't so little anymore, I learned that I need not bring the whole closet. I just have to carefully think what stuffs are really necessary.

Here is my own personal list of things to bring on a typical day out with a toddler.

Diapers

It is very important to bring an extra pair of diapers because you'll never know when they would feel the need to answer nature's call. As for me, I've been really lucky since my little girl really does her business at home. 😊 But sometimes, if it's a long day out, it's really necessary to change her diapers since this could cause rashes and irritation.

I used to bring five or six extra diapers but then I never really used that much. So now I'm just bringing two or three.

Milk, water and baby bottle

Since Akee still drinks milk, I had to prepare three (3) servings of milk, and of course her baby bottle. Some kids prefer their milk warm. I'm lucky *again* that Akee is fine with lukewarm milk. There are times I don't bring water, though, because it is additional weight. But I would buy one outside. Well.. yea, it's kinda confusing since buying outside still does give additional things to carry but whatever. 😀

Bib or small hanky

Toddlers can be very messy during mealtime so thank God for bibs and hankies! 😀

Wet wipes

Very useful especially during changing of diapers.
And in the absence of a bib or a hanky, wet wipes will do.😉

Extra clothes

I am writing this because I know there are a lot of people out there whose hearts got broken.

I know it isn't easy to move on just like everyone is telling you to do. I don't even want to compare each heartache. Your pain is not lesser than your friend's or theirs lesser than yours.

I hope to reach out to you in a way and make you feel that you're not alone. That you're not the only person who has gone through this. I know it's hard, but I'm sure you'll get over this.

Before I got to meet Mr. Kulot, I, too, have my share of heartaches. But I did get over them and I am living my life now with my significant other and a cute little daughter. :)

The day some guy left me, I was filled with so many questions.

"What did I do wrong?" "Did he ever loved me?" "Was I just used all this time?"

I feel I deserved to know the truth.

Days passed and I'm not even close to finding the answers. The worst part is I know this was coming, I was just in denial that it would. I forced myself to believe in a "love" that I know never existed.
There were nights I cried myself to sleep, woke up the next day hoping for a good morning message that never came.

I prayed to God, not to bring him back, but to give me enough strength to accept that we were not meant to be. I prayed for guidance and courage to get through this.

I lived my days improving myself.
I know I had to be better because I deserved much better.
That's when it struck me.

"What did I do wrong?" "Did he ever loved me?" "Was I just used all this time?"

These aren't the truths that I should be seeking for.

What I need to see is the truth of my worth.
The truth about what and who really mattered.

When I realized this truth, I was able to see my true value.
It wasn't really a loss. He just didn't deserve me. And I didn't deserve him.

I surrounded myself with people who truly cares. For the first time, I felt like I didn't have to beg for attention. I got promoted. I accomplished greater things.
And all these I got without him.

There were times I wanted to reach out  and tell him how well my life has been doing. But then, there's really no need to do that because he is not a part of it, anymore.

All I could do now to get even with the past is to be better and to always turn to God.
I thanked Him because I know He's preparing me for someone so much better.

It took quite a while to remove him from my system but I eventually did.

Maybe God saw I was ready so He let me meet  Mr. Kulot. ☺

You see, I didn't just moved on with a snap of a finger. It didn't happen overnight. It is a process - a process of forgiveness, healing and moving forward. You don't really forget, you will just learn to accept and deal with the pain  until it hurts no more.

You may still be hurting today, but don't worry. You're not alone. Always talk to God and know that He always answers your prayers.

You're stronger than you think. You can get over this.
Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But someday you will.
Someday you will thank him/her for letting you go.

And that someday starts now. ☺

More than five years ago, I did not want to drive a four-wheel vehicle. I don't want to learn.
"A scooter may do" is what I thought. No car.


Until I met Ready.

Ready is a red-colored Honda Fit. I named him "Ready" because he is colored red and I want him to be always ready on the go.

He can bring six people at most. He's always been there on my daily commute going to work. He accompanied me on my first skim despite his almost-empty battery. We overcame the SRP traffic just to watch Tanduay First Five. He witnessed most of my Friday night-outs and he rocked out during concerts. He was there most of my maoy days. He was one of the first to witness our love story with Mr. Kulot.

Ready isn't perfect but he was the best I ever had at that time.

But the thing is, I never really drove Ready far enough from the city. I was too scared that something might go wrong. I was not confident in my driving skills and I was sure I could not handle long drives. The farthest I took him is in Carmen, Cebu.

Then came a time I had to let him go. Thank you for the ride, buddy. :)

Last weekend, I finally got the chance to drive a vehicle with manual transmission. This is the first in five years! :D

I then recalled my "driving" experiences. It was actually just this year when I agreed to drive all the way to Badian!

A few weeks after, we went to Samboan where I drove via Oslob route. Drove back to Canduman via Barili. It was such a fulfilling feeling. I overcame my anxieties of the dangers on the road and actually drove all the way around south of Cebu.

During the long weekend, I also got the chance to drive at Camotes - the first time I drove outside mainland Cebu.

Then it hit me.
Why did I not do this when I still have Ready? Why was I so scared back then?

That's when I realized I can do it.
I'd just have to trust myself that I could.
Trust that I have my SO to support me along the way.
And trust that God will never let anything bad happen to us.

One of my goals now is to drive around the whole of Cebu!! :)

I mustn't allow my fears to get the most of me.
Because it is when I leave my fears and anxieties behind, that I could actually go the distance.

Except when it's about caterpillars. T_T Please don't make me hold them! 
They're not cute. Not even in Never Land.

Everybody's been posting their summer pictures at the beach, on mountains, on expensive resorts and basically anywhere summery (tagged with #summer2015)!

Green Lagoon (Compostela) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

And you're there sitting on your workstation having to work for 40 hours (or more!) a week!

You prolly end up thinking you'll miss the summer fun.

But hey! That shouldn't be the case.

Here are some things you could do to enjoy the season without having to quit your job.


Wear something comfortable.

Stop getting envious of people wearing bikini at the beach. Instead, focus on getting comfortable this summer even while working in the office.

It doesn't have to be that Hawaiian polo shirt Pong (Coco Martin) wears on the movie You're My Boss to feel so summery, it just needs to be something comfortable for the season.

You may want to check out Zalora's collection of comfortable jeans to match with that cool shirt for a perfect OOTD.
Or maybe it's time you'd pull out that cute summer dress of yours, give off the summer vibes and still look professional at work.


Treat yourself.

Just because you're not in the beach does not mean you don't deserve some summer treats.

Get yourself some smoothie, desserts, or try this new mixture of fresh fruits with milk and ice cream! Nam!

Sugbo's Knicker Bocker (Talamban) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Brownie ala Mode (Dessert Factory) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Orange Freeze (Pancake House) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

If you're feeling a little sleepy at work, go out and get yourself some cold frappuccino.

Mocha Frappe (Starbucks) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Go somewhere new on rest days.

You may not be able to go somewhere really far because your rest days may not be enough for the travel.

But hey! There are still lots of places nearby that you have not really explored yet.

Try taking a quick stroll to that park not many people know about.

Senen's Mountain Resort (Liloan, Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Gather with your closest friends for dinner after your shift.

Despite of the busy schedule, you should always take time to catch up with the latest chika's over dinner.

Kublai Khan (Ayala Center Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

The food may always taste good but it would always taste better if you're eating with your friends.

And maybe get a glass of cold wine afterwards.

La Vie Parisienne (Lahug, Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Learn to appreciate what is around you.

Do not wait for you to be on an expensive resort to appreciate the beauty around.

God has made the world so beautifully.

Oakridge Business Park (Banilad, Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Look around and get ready to be marveled at things you would see.

Oakridge Business Park (Banilad, Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Take a quick dip on weekends.

Ok, let's face it.
You really want to go swimming on summer.

Well, good thing that there are already lots of resorts that are just on the city-proper such as Cebu Westown Lagoon.

Cebu Westown Lagoon (Mandaue, Cebu)

Cebu Westown Lagoon (Mandaue, Cebu)

Or take a short ride north to many more resorts.

Socorro Beach Resort (Danao, Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

Green Lagoon (Compostela, Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

You really don't need to go that far to have a quick dip.

But if you really want to go somewhere far away (in a limited time),  you could consider travelling south to see more breathtaking views.

This kind of trips doesn't consume much of your time and you could already enjoy a quick summer break in just two (2) days!

Cartagena Beach Walk Resort (Alcoy, Cebu) Source: Instagram (ayisharu)

These are just some tips on enjoying summer even without having to quit your job or taking a vacation leave.

I, personally, have plans on going back to Camotes, and maybe Bohol but since I've got no vacation leaves available yet, I'm sticking with these tips for now. And really, I'm still enjoying my summertime!

I've also known some friends who are into mountain-climbing and I think it's just awesome! You might also want to try that one.

Do you have anything to add?

Please feel free to leave a message on the comments section.

God bless and enjoy summer!