A MOMster Life

2019 Wrap-up

by ayisharu - December 31, 2019

Wow! I can't believe it's that time of the year already - the obligatory year-end post!

Lol, joke! I haven't done one in years. And I feel like I want to make one this time.

This year has been the most challenging in my five (5) years of being a mom.

Days before I gave birth to our third child, our nanny went MIA.

So I was left with three (3) children to take care of.

Three children! Two toddlers, and a newborn.

Imagine the struggle during meal time!

I had to feed two picky eaters, and had to carry a fragile baby at the same time.

I had to wait for the husband to come home so I could finally take a bath.

I had to wait for someone to look after the kids so I could go pee.. or poop.

Imagine feeding the baby, and the toddler needs a diaper change.

I could go on and on about how hard it was, but the amazing thing is..

I did it. I survived!

Ha! So okay that was still the introduction.

I'll be listing more of what has happened in the year in bullets because I'm a lazy writer and it's easier to read in list anyway haha!

I got a camera as an anniversary gift. Yay!
Started an Instax Printing service.
We went to Cebu Safari Adventure Park.
Akisa had her first solo presentation on stage during her moving up in LEAP.
We moved to a bigger room.
We bought a new bed. Yay adulting!
I gave birth to our baby C!
GoT Finale... and I still can't....
Akisa started Kindergarten in another school.
We got two new nannies. Thank heavens!
I got into an argument with HR and management haha!
I got myself an iPad.
I went from traditional to hybrid to 100% digital!
We went on a tour in Bohol.
Akisa won Ms. Fitness 2019 but got sick during the coronation day.
Akisa got the dental treatment she needs.
I impulsively bought two domains.
I changed blog's name to A MOMster Life.
Cyril got admitted due to aspiration pneumonia.
I added vinyl stickers in my mini sticker business.
I thought my journal would look fuller and more colorful than last year.. I was wrong!
I enrolled in an online course for character art.
We finally replaced our old AC.
Akisa started sessions with an Occupational Therapist.

Things I am thankful for this year...

Family!
Getting it together even if it's hard.
My chibi and sticker business haha
Our new stuff

Things I am looking forward to next year...

Start a gratitude and prayer journal.
Finish more commissions.
To buy laser printer and new lens HAHA
My sister's wedding.
More events with the family!
Create more projects.

Cheers to a happy 2019 and a happier 2020! 🎉🎉🎉

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How to Brush Teeth for Toddlers

by ayisharu - August 14, 2019

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Toddler Having Dental Problems

by ayisharu - August 14, 2019

I actually have doubts of sharing this for the fear of getting mom-shamed.

Then I realized that some people are still going to judge anyway.

And then again, this should not even be my main concern.

What matters is that I recognize there is a problem, and that there is a solution to this problem.

I am sharing this in case a fellow mom having the same problem would come across this blog.

I would just want you to know you are not alone in this.

I was traumatized to ask for help due to bad experience.

But I would like you to know that there are still people out there very willing to help without judgment.

So, the reason for this post is that my daughter has dental problems.

Major cause was of bottle-feeding - this has been confirmed by the pediatric dentist.

She was on the bottle until three (3) years old. Supposedly, bottle should be stopped when a child reaches two (2) years old.

Another cause was poor hygiene. Her teeth doesn't get brushed regularly.

When some of her teeth started having cavities (and started aching), we visited different dentists.

All of them would say the same thing:

"Just wait for the milk teeth to come off. If she doesn't complain of the pain, that's okay. If she does, we'll just give pain relievers."

There's one dentist who, instead of treating my daughter's teeth, started ranting about how this could have been prevented, and how it is not easy (for him) to treat this. He then started "water-hosing" my daughter's teeth to teach me a lesson that I should have properly brushed her teeth which traumatizes her.
Since then, she never wanted to go to the dentist again.

Most people who would know that we took our daughter to the dentist would say we're overreacting. They say that children don't actually need to go to the dentist because milk teeth would just come off anyway.

That was more than a year ago.

Just recently, our daughter got sick. Her gums are swelling.

She is actually sick in this photo.
We visited a pediatrician right after this event.

We visited a pediatrician who advised us to go see a pediatric dentist.
To be honest, I never knew we actually have a pediatric dentist here! I only see them in YouTube, and I always wished we have it here in Cebu. I guess I didn't look enough.
I also wondered why the dentists we have visited before never recommended us to go see a pediatric dentist.

This dentist is different!

She examined my daughter's teeth.

She doesn't have the "wtf-expression" on her face.

She didn't treat it as a hopeless case.
She welcomes us as patients who need help, not people to scold at.

This is not the first time she's seen this. And I was relieved.

I was relieved that I am not alone.
I was relieved that someone understands the problem.

I was relieved that my daughter could still be treated.

I was relieved that not all dentists are mean.

Dr. Ang-Lim, the pediatric dentist, presented a treatment plan - something the other dentists didn't do.

She's saddened by the fact that many people, including dentists, would not take treatment for the milk teeth seriously just because these aren't permanent.

She explained that this would greatly affect the quality of life if left untreated.
Children suffering from toothache would lose focus.
They would be unable to eat well.
They will be in pain - and that is something we never want.

She also doesn't want children to be terrified of going to the dentists, so she felt sorry for the traumatic experience we had encountered.

I am so happy my daughter would finally get the treatment she needs.

If your child ever have dental problems, please don't hesitate to visit a pediatric dentist.

Larissa Ann Ang Lim, DMD

Dentistry - Pediatrics

Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue & Cancer Center

Rm. 602 Medical Art Bldg.

Clinic Hours: Monday to Saturday 8AM - 12NN; 1PM - 4PM

(032)406 02226 | 0917 770 9670

Don't listen to people saying you're being too much when you want your child's milk teeth treated.

This is your child's health we're talking about.

Get the dental treatment your child needs.

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What to Prepare When Having a Baby

by ayisharu - June 11, 2019

Disclaimer: I am in no way compensated for whatever products that may be mentioned in this post.

I will start this by announcing that I am now a proud mom of three.
I just gave birth to my third baby last April.

I wouldn't be surprised that some expectant mom friends would ask me what to prepare for their coming babies.
So for reference, I am posting my own list of essential things to buy when having a baby.

Please know that even though I have three kids and all, I am no expert. The list here are based on my personal experience.

Newborn Clothes

I usually just prepare two weeks worth of newborn clothes, provided I could wash them at least once a week.

Infants grow really fast that these clothes won't fit them anymore in just a couple of months.

Mittens and Socks

Newborn may have long nails when they come out. And to be honest, I don't feel confident clipping their nails when they are still tiny. The mittens would prevent them from accidentally scratching themselves, and also to keep their palms, and feet warm.

Cap

Not too much. Just enough stock to keep their little heads warm.

Blanket

To keep them warm and cozy.

I have also come across swaddle wraps which makes babies sleep longer and more comfortably.

Asides from ordinary baby blankets, I use the SwaddleMe wraps which is really nice, and easy to use, and comes with cute designs.

Burp Pads or Bibs or Hanky

For wet burps.

Baby Detergent

Babies have very sensitive skin. We need to make sure the soap we use for their clothes isn't too strong. I recommend Cycles. But you could always choose what brand works best for your baby.

Newborn Diapers

Okay, we know what that is.

Baby Wipes

For changing diapers. The brand I use is Giggles because it doesn't irritate the baby's skin, and it's not too wet.

Of course, you could always opt to use water, instead.

Changing Mat

You may not use this very much at home, but I recommend that you have to bring your own changing mat when going out.

Baby Bath Tub

Choose something comfortable and safe for the baby.

Baby Bath Soap

Use something mild for baby's sensitive skin. I'm using Lactacyd Baby. Most would recommend Cetaphil.

Towel (Bath)

I prepare two to three towels.

Wash Cloth or Cotton balls

For baths.

Baby Bed

This could be a crib, a nest, whatever is comfortable for you.

I personally prefer to co-sleep so I got my baby a bed from BabyCuddle PH. The great thing about this is this could be used for toddlers as well!

I also bought a snuggle nest by Baby Delight that I could easily carry. I use this when I need to go downstairs to do something, like eat lunch or something. I don't feel comfortable leaving baby alone upstairs, so I'd just bring this portable bed and lay baby there.

Above is the cuddle bed by BabyCuddle PH.
The one below is the Snuggle Nest Harmony by Baby Delight.

Baby Bottle

If you have plans to bottle-feed.

Baby Bottle Soap

I use Cradle because it's safe, non-toxic, and doesn't leave any harmful substances. No foul odor, too!

These are the things I find important to prepare when having a baby.

I also have another list for the mother. These may not be as essential, but they are nice to have.

Breast Pads

Don't you just hate it when milk leaks through your clothes?

Breastmilk Storage Bag

If you're planning to express and store milk, you should get these special storage bags for storing breastmilk - and they are pre-sterilized, too! I use Moby.

Breast Pump

That is if you want to use breast pumps. But I prefer to hand express.

Baby Sling or Baby Carrier

I stumbled upon this carrier from Infantino. Just check my Instagram post about it.

View this post on Instagram

Being a mom of three, I have tried a lot of different carriers. And usually these carriers are not fit for a newborn. Then I found the Infantino Pull-On Knit Carrier which works like the baby sling wraps. It is very easy to use (except when we tried it the first time 😅), very comfortable, and works like magic! After putting baby in, just after a few steps, he's already asleep! Def my favorite carrier. . . . . . . Preset: Edith Piaf by @gummybearsworld #gummybearspreset . . . . . #dailyparenting #honestmom #momblog #momblogger #mommyblog #momswhoblog #mamablogger #thisismotherhood #justmomlife #letthembelittle #thesnapsociety #petitejoys #makeitblissful #mybeautifulmess #realmomtalk #momtalk #momsterthoughts #amomsterlife #infantino #pullonknitcarrier #infantinopullonknitcarrier #babywrap

A post shared by A MOMster Life (@amomsterlife) on Jun 6, 2019 at 6:40pm PDT

Nursing Cover

When you aren't comfortable breastfeeding without a cover.

Abdominal Binder

Just to help you get back in shape. You could apply some firming or post-natal lotion, too, if you want.

Nursing Bra and Clothes

To make nursing easier, and with style.

So those are the things I would buy when I am having a new baby.
But that's not all!

Asides from material things, here is another thing which I believe is very important:

Support System

Having a new baby is hard - whether it's the first or the nth child.

It's important to have your partner, your family, and friends that would support you in your new momster journey.

I am fortunate to have my family around me, who buys me food when I'm craving for something! Haha!

I'm also very grateful for my friends whom I could talk to anytime.

Thank you also to our nanny who looks after the kids just so I could eat and shower. Haha!

You may also see that there are communities online for new moms. However, these online groups don't really work for me. There was too much pressure, subtle mom-shaming, and a bit of competition going around on some groups. I'm not saying all online groups are like this. Maybe I just haven't joined in the correct support group. Or maybe it's just not for me.

Hobbies or Activities for Pastime

I have read of this quote saying that a mom always loses a piece of herself when she becomes a mom.
This might be true.
But, I say you should hold on to something that would still make you YOU.
Not saying that you shouldn't make sacrifices; it's just that you should still keep something that is about you. This could be as simple as a hobby.

You like to watch movies? Then go!

Find something that you would enjoy doing, something that would keep you sane.
Because let's admit it. We love our children with all of our hearts, but sometimes we just need a little break from them. Haha!

So there! I hope you find my list useful.

Let me know if you think there is something else I should include in this list. :)

Thank you for taking time to read.

Have a nice momster day!

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Today, I Cried

by ayisharu - April 29, 2019

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A MOMster Life

2019 Wrap-up

Things I am thankful for this year...

Things I am looking forward to next year...

Cheers to a happy 2019 and a happier 2020! 🎉🎉🎉

How to Brush Teeth for Toddlers

Toddler Having Dental Problems

What to Prepare When Having a Baby

Newborn Clothes

Mittens and Socks

Cap

Blanket

Burp Pads or Bibs or Hanky

Baby Detergent

Newborn Diapers

Baby Wipes

Changing Mat

Baby Bath Tub

Baby Bath Soap

Towel (Bath)

Wash Cloth or Cotton balls

Baby Bed

Baby Bottle

Baby Bottle Soap

Breast Pads

Breastmilk Storage Bag

Breast Pump

Baby Sling or Baby Carrier

Nursing Cover

Abdominal Binder

Nursing Bra and Clothes

Support System

Hobbies or Activities for Pastime

Today, I Cried

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