I remember my first few days of being a mom. I felt so lost and confused on how to take care of my baby and I wondered how all the other moms did it. 20 months later I still feel the same, this time wondering how to raise a toddler while working and being a wife, during this pandemic.

Luckily my husband has been so loving and supportive. He constantly cheers me on and never fails to come up with random surprises to show that he appreciates me. Like asking Matteo to doodle on the dedication sleeve of one of the Toblerone chocolate bars he bought for me. I found it so cute and hilarious! But most importantly, I felt so loved. 🥰

So if you're still looking for a Mother's Day gift for the SUPERMOMS in your lives, get these limited edition Toblerone with Mother's Day dedication sleeves. They would definitely enjoy the sweet treat and message you have for them. 💜

These are available at the Waltermart online store: https://bit.ly/2QqyIaj and at your nearest grocery stores.

Self-care with Human Nature Elixir

Every night, after I put Matteo to sleep, I do my skincare routine. When I have a bit of extra time, I do this facial massage with Human Nature Overnight Elixir. It may not seem much, but doing this makes me feel good and relaxed after a long day, and ready to face the next day! 

The Human Nature Overnight Elixir contains 9 ActivOil Nutritives carefully curated for their revitalizing and antioxidant properties that work deep into the skin for intense overnight moisturization:

Timeless radiance: rosehip oil, elemi oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary oil & natural vitamin E 

Superior hydration: passion fruit seed oil & avocado oil

Exquisite softness: soybean oil & lavender oil

You can buy it from the Human Nature website, and get a free Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Cleanser:

https://humanheartnature.com/buy/index.php/mar2021-wfgzz210321.html

Cesarean Awareness Month

It's Cesarean Awareness month! I never got to share about my birthing story in 2019 so I figured now is a good time! It’s been almost 2 years though, so there are some details I won't be able to include here. To be honest, when I got pregnant I didn’t think much about the actual giving birth. After attending a few classes, I told myself that since I had wide hips (aka child-bearing hips), I’m sure I could just wing it.

But I was so wrong. 😅

I took my Maternity Leave on my 37th week because I was starting to have contractions. My workplace was in Sta. Rosa and I was so scared to go in labor during my commute to Makati. However, despite all the cervical ripening efforts,  there was no progress on my 38th and 39th week. My OB then said she might have to induce labor on my 40th week. On my way to my 40th week checkup, my waterbag broke. It was such a strange feeling, having fluid coming out in several sudden bursts. I was then prepped for labor induction, however all efforts for 12hours did not even progress past 1cm. My OB said it was time for c-section. 

I remember someone discussing to me about the surgery in the labor room and my anesthesiologist repeating everything twice in the OR. Again, I thought I could just wing it, but when the surgery started, I completely forgot about everything they told me. I’m grateful though that the anesthesiologist was very kind and gently and reminded me not to fall asleep during the procedure.

Finally I heard my baby cry and we did “Unang Akap” and we took our first family photo. 

I thought it was all good after but again I was wrong. 😅

I remember having trouble sitting up. I felt like my insides were gonna spill out if I moved forward. My husband then told me that he had a chat with my OB after the procedure. Apparently, my baby boy Matteo had a big head that’s why my labor ended in a c-section. The insides-spilling-out sensation lasted for several days. I'm glad I was able to read a lot of tips though which included: wearing a binder - I used Wink; and making sure to try and move around. Nothing too strenuous but just a bit of movement. 

Before Matteo, I used to think it was abnormal to give birth thru Cesarean. But having experienced it, I realized that ultimately the end goal is to birth successfully, both mom and baby. Giving birth is one of life's greatest miracles. We should all celebrate our journeys coming into motherhood. 

Our First Christmas Photoshoot

Merry Christmas!

I really wanted a Christmas photoshoot but found them too expensive! Luckily, our Christening photographer posted about their Christmas Photoshoot Marathon! Jam is very easy and pleasant to work with, and very affordable! I booked with her right away. 😂

It took a while for me to decide our wardrobe from the shoot so I just settled for 1 Christmas look (red + green) and 1 matchy look.

Matteo was not comfortable though and he kept crying most of the time.

Luckily Jam made sure to entertain Matteo and we scored a few smiley shots. I super loved this sleepsuit from Mothercare. I prayed for a son and God granted my wish. So it was only fitting that we name him Matteo which means Gift from God. 💜

Matteo's Christening

We had an intimate celebration for Matteo's Christening last September 22. I read a lot of church reviews on mommy groups and decided to do a solo baptism at St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

I really liked the look of the baptistry and we had an easy transaction with the church. Their only requirement was a photocopy of the birth certificate. Also, no need for seminar!

Solo baptism fee: Php 6k

Free candles for 3 pairs

We had our reception at Gino's Brick Oven Pizza, Serendra. We were lucky that one of the ninongs was friends with the owners. I asked if it was okay to put some simple decor, and they obliged and even helped set up. 💜 For easy logistics, I opted to buy in Cold Stone, which is also in Serendra. I just ordered a customized cake topper on Shopee.

Church: St. Michael the Archangel Parish

Reception: Gino's Brick Oven Pizza, Serendra

Photographer: Kindred and Munchkins

Matteo's Christening Gown: 

Mommy's dress: Plains and Prints

Matteo's First Photoshoot

Matteo had his first photoshoot at 12 days old. It wasn't an easy shoot because Matteo kept waking up and breastfeeding and crying! But props to Keno and Krit, they still delivered such nice photos! The couple was such an amazing tandem. Keno took photos while Krit did set design, rocked Matteo to sleep and tried to keep him entertained.

To all new parents, I highly recommend getting a newborn shoot! They said it's best to do this within their first 14 days. 😍

Maternity Boudoir Shoot

For the first time during my pregnancy, I felt beautiful! I'm so grateful to my boudoir team. 💜

Photographer: Boudoir Dolls
HMUA: Boggy Diaz

I've been stalking Boudoir Dolls for the longest time and I'm so glad I went all in! They recommended doing the shoot on your 31st-33rd week. I did mine on my 33rd week. My photographer was Arlene and she was so efficient and easy to work with!