100% Kelly

Do you know that I was so close to getting a hidden spy camera a year ago? This was the time when Manu’s first nanny left, and the new help was coming in.  Since the new nanny is someone my family does not know (the first nanny was already our help several years back so we knew her really well), I was so worried about what might happen to my little boy once I leave him alone with the new nanny. There were even days when I cannot help but harbor thoughts of the new nanny mistreating my son (ala when nannies attack kind of thing).

We did not buy a nanny cam in the end but I made sure that Manu is kept safe while with the new nanny. So before I finally “allowed” my son to be with the nanny (and one household help) alone inside our home, I had them picked up by my in-laws everyday for around three weeks.  After such period, I was already confident that the new nanny can be trusted with my little boy.  And you know what? This nanny even turned out to be better than Manu’s previous one. I am so thankful that I was given somebody like her to look over my little boy when we’re not around (although honestly, I still can’t help but think of silly thoughts. You know how moms are )

I must admit that I am not fond of reading books, thus my lack of vocabulary and mediocre writing I don’t want to pass this on to my son so I make it a point to buy a book or two when we go to the bookstore and read to him these books before bedtime (or if I am not around, the yaya).

Lately, I’ve been searching for books that Manu will enjoy and at the same time, learn from. The internet has been a great tool as I’ve come across more selections of books compared with our local bookstores. Because of this, I am seriously considering buying from the internet because aside from the vast selections, I could get better deals and discounts for my purchases. Here are some of the books I am looking to buy. I really would appreciate if you could give me your own review on these reads.

My husband and I have been talking a lot about upgrading to a house and lot unit within the next 3 years, for purely practical reasons of course. And we’re not thinking of homes for rent but rather our very own place. It has a lot to do with how big our family will be be in 3 years time, as we want to give Manu his own room by then. We don’t want to have 2 kids squeezing-in in 1 master’s bedroom – how will we ever have any privacy then?

In terms of location, we are seriously thinking only of places here in the south: Paranaque, Las Pinas or even Alabang – if the price is right. We’ve never entertained the thought of leaving this area because of purely emotional reasons, not for logistical reasons like distance from work/study, moving our belongings, and other relocation real estate concerns. Of course, we’ll also think of these but not as much since we’re very familiar with the South anyway and will have family within the area who can help us out in the search. Which brings us to another issue, that of looking for a good property. Not that we can look through the web for any postings (i.e. mls real estate or sotheby’s, et al) for our dream home, we’d have to physically visit the properties just to make sure of what we’re getting. Well, these are all future plans for the moment but you can already get a feel of what we’ll have to go through to get out next home.

I was so excited in preparing for my first born’s coming, as what is expected from any first time mom. I was especially enthusiastic about buying baby stuff. Though I didn’t purchase any baby supplies during the first two trimesters of my pregnancy, I already window shopped around for baby clothes, strollers, baby carriers and other gears, breastfeeding equipment, baby feeding bottles, toys, and a lot more. When I entered my seventh month, I began buying those mentioned. Although the purchases entailed a lot of disbursements, I had a blast! I really enjoyed shopping for my little one and even regretted not buying the more popular brands.

Now that my sister-in-law is expecting her first-born, I can’t help but share the excitement with her. I occasionally send her messages asking what things she has already bought for her little girl. I am glad that she almost has everything prepared, save for a few more bottle feeding equipment, safety and baby care supplies, She said that she is holding herself from purchasing any more items as she is expecting more gifts to pour in during her upcoming baby shower. Good point as I also received more than what I expected during mine.

Do you sometimes wish you could go back to being single? I do BUT only in terms of finances. Back in those days, I had my money all to myself – no utilities to pay, no household supplies to purchase, no mortgage payments to disburse. Now that I am a wife and a mom to a wonderful beautiful boy, I constantly am on top of these things. Not that I am complaining but sometimes I ask myself, “What if I get a loan for a big ticket purchase?”. More often than not, the answer to that is no since we are still currently paying two secured loans which we acquired from a financial institution. Also, both my husband and I are paying off credit card purchases from the past year. Speaking of which, I think we should compare credit cards in the market once we fully pay our obligations from our current credit card companies. In this way, we could choose which credit card brand will best suit our lifestyle, and lessen our credit card debt.

One. Watch where you’re going so you won’t fall down, hurt yourself, and hurt your son in the process.

Yes dears. I fell down HARD while walking towards Starbucks to meet the mommies. And get this. Manu was wrapped around my arms! Good thing Gats was able to shield Manu from falling down too. Good thing too that no people were around to witness my slow-mo fall. Hahaha! Seriously though, it was one of the worst falls I’ve had. My left foot aches till now.

Two. Dark/Black underwear beneath that black Topshop shirt puhleez!

No need for explanations. You could see on the pictures.

Three. D-I-E-T!

Again. No need for explanations. You could see on the pictures.

Four. No need to drink coffee with Jacqui around. (labyu Jac! mwah!)

The other night my 23-month old started playing around with a capless ball-pen. Being the safety conscious parents that my husband and I are, we automatically got hold of the item from him. This got me wondering what other sharp items my little boy might be able to get a hold off and play with while we’re not looking. We already have all sharp objects (scissors, pens, pencils and safety cutters) placed either higher up the shelves or inside drawers, I still can’t help but worry. Do you have any ideas out there on how to keep a room accident-free?

Sabay hataw ng sinturon sa pw*t.

That was what I’d hear from my dad every time I make a serious mistake. But that was decades ago, and that part of my life is done with. Now, am I angry and resentful of the spankings that my dad gave me? Surprisingly, no. I actually even believe that it made me the disciplined daughter that I am right now (*hears husband laughing*).

So would I resort to caning my son when the glares and time-outs don’t seem to work? Probably. That is, when he is old enough to understand the reason behind the action. But now when my two year old is too young to grasp the idea, spanking is a no-no. I had once spanked him when he was about 15 months, and after feeling terribly horrible of this incident, I swore not to lift a hand on my precious little baby again.

What is your take on this, Jane, Peachy, Nice?

The little boy has been waking up every four hours or so during the past couple of nights. This is due to the discomfort he’s feeling from his sore gums. Yes, his molars - two on the lower teeth - are starting to erupt and because of this, he barely ate anything today. The yaya offered Manu almost all of his favorite food, but he seemed to have lost interest in all of them. Even the french fries from Jollibee and the chocolate ice cream that were hastily purchased by my other helper didn’t whet his appetite. According to the yaya, he tried eating his ever so favorite Jolli Fries but when he took a bite, he started to cry! My poor baby! The ice cream he took, but a small amount only. He just kept asking for water and milk. I guess these were the only things he could take without feeling any pain. Right now, he’s also sporting a slight fever which I suspect is due to his colds.

I hope tomorrow would be a better day for Manu. I bought ice candies which he could chew on so the discomfort could be relieved (even just a little bit). I’ll have noodle soup prepared so there will be less chewing. I’ll also have fresh fruit shakes made in case he refuses to eat any solid food.

I feel for my little boy. I don’t want him to go hungry because of teething. Do you mommies have any more suggestions?

If there’s a downside to having a baby, it’s weight gain. I’ve gained a total of 38 lbs. during my pregnancy, and, as of date, have lost 22 lbs.. Not bad huh? I would love to have my pre-pregnancy body back though, and be able to fit into size 6 clothes again. This is why I try to sneak in some workout time in my schedule, and try to watch my diet. I am also considering taking diet pills to hasten weight loss, but will be meticulous in choosing a brand to avoid any negative side effects. I really hope to lose those extra 16 lbs. by the end of the year, so I could have a beach-worthy bod by 2009. Wish me luck!