First time: McDonald's 1st Birthday Party

I have attended numerous birthday parties, different venues, different themes, different ages. It was always enjoyable because of the adorable celebrant, the yummy food, and the fun games. Now, it's a different story because it is our son who had his 1st birthday party.

It was a little difficult to plan Noah's party because, first and foremost, of the funds. As I have mentioned before, family income is down to half because the mother decided to take a leave. That's me! At some point in our discussion as husband and wife, we decided to just have a small family gathering. But when we told both sides of the family, they volunteered to shoulder the expenses for a real birthday party. Of course, being the first grandchild on my hubby's side and my generous lola who never fails to share her blessings.

We considered several options and landed with McDonald's. Our guests were a mix of family and community. A funny problem is that our families are big and so is our spiritual family. So we had quite a large number of guests. Good thing the branch that was central to everyone can accommodate us. We decided to hold Noah's 1st birthday at McDonald's Greenbelt.

The Pre-Party

Having a party at McDonald's made our lives a lot simpler and easier, and our expenses more affordable.

First thing we had to do is reserve the date and venue. McDonald's Greenbelt had two party rooms: Ronald's Room and Grimace's Room. Ronald's Room can accommodate up to 100 guests, while Grimace Room can accommodate up to around 60 guests.

Pay the reservation fee. The fee can be P2000 or P3000 depending on your chosen theme.

1. P2000 is for the regular McDonald's Theme
2. P3000 for other themes. Available for now is Spongebob Squarepants, Winx Club, Ben 10, or Adventure Time

Inclusions:

For a minimum of 10 guests, you get themed:

• giveaways
• game prizes
• invitation cards
• activity placemats
• party hats
• banner
• name tags

Plus:

• balloons
• party host
• McDonald's character mascot
• gift for the celebrant

We chose Spongebob Squarepants for our theme.

Choosing the food packages:

One mistake I made was to fail to ask the option of ordering regular value meals for the guests. I initially ordered from their party package, which came with loot bags. For that, even some adults got loot bags to bring home with them. It was an unusually fun idea in the end, although it meant a little extra expense for us.

The person in-charge will discuss the contract with you and let you sign. I believe this is very important for both the customer and McDonald's.

During the Party:

You are allowed to come earlier to arrange things and discuss details of the party with the host, who is actually the person in-charge. 

We were a little harassed when we arrived because we arrived later than the time we intended. I wanted to add candies and chocolates to the loot bags. Had I known the size of the loot bags, I would have arranged the ones I planned to add the night before. But with a little help from my really good friends, we were able to prepare the loot bags.

The loot bags that contain: a Lego Movie cup and a McDonald's Notepad

The party host and crew were very accommodating. The host, needless to say, knew what to do and had foresight. She informed us of the flow, accommodated our requests, and was quite pleasant, knew how to deal with children, and spoke proper/correct English. A bonus for us. Haha.

The flow:

• Welcoming and singing "Happy birthday" for the celebrant
• Games (for kids and adults)
• Eating time (picture taking for us)
• Candle-blowing
• Arrival/dance presentation from the mascots: We had Grimace and Birdie

One of the games that involved kids and adults

Candle-blowing

With Grimace and Birdie

The Spongebob themed prizes

One thing I appreciated was that they updated us with regards to the number of guests. When I requested that the babies be excluded from the kids meal, they agreed without hesitation.

The program was followed on time, food was served on time.

The cake can be ordered from them and may be served to the guests. Noah's cake was given by my sisters. If you bring in the cake, McDonald's does not allow it to be eaten there. My super talented friend also brought in mini cupcakes and oreos, and my in-laws brough it some chocolate and banana cupcakes. All of these were given at the end of the program.

The Post-Party:

In two hours party is done. Settle payment with party host. Bring home left over food and gifts.

Here is Noah and some of his gifts.

Diapers and more diapers

Books, books, and books

Deciding to have our son's 1st birthday in McDonald's was a good decision. It was convenient. They do almost everything for you. You just have to make sure that you discuss your preferences. 

In summary, here are the reasons, I recommend holding your child's birthday party in McDonald's:

1. The place is accessible, central to most, parking is nearby
2. You can be confident about the food, since everyone is familiar with and (most people) love McDonald's
3. Service offered was quick, reliable and they can adjust well to your requests. We were given only 2 hours. We ended exactly on time. They were so kind in sending us out of the venue for the next party. Kept apologizing. Very good in relating to customers.
4. Games were fun and involved children and adults. Again... The host can speak proper English.
5. The prizes and giveaways were nice. They weren't the cheap kind.

Wishlist for McDonald's:

1. I hope they can provide more themes to choose from.
2. I do not know if it is possible for them to indicate that food can be ordered from their regular menu. It maybe a marketing strategy, but for people like me who can sometimes focus on other things, it might be helpful.

the delighted birthday boy

Thank you, family and friends, for making it a pleasant experience for Noah, hubby and me. Thank you, McDonald's Greenbelt!

Another new experience for the new mother. It was an unforgettable and meaningful 1st birthday journey.

Baby Wearing: Saya Carrier and Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier

My first carrier: Saya Carrier borrowed from Rinka

Will I be a baby-wearing mother or not? This was a question I had to consider for some time. I observed, read up, and asked friends. Rinka Romero, a good friend of mine, have shared with me a lot of her rookie momma experiences, which includes baby-wearing. After a few discussions with her, I was sold. Next problem was what brand or kind to get! She lent me her Saya Carrier, and it was really awesome! It was comfortable and snug. It was a pleasant experience for both me and my son. I used it when my family and I went out-of-town. So convenient to have it with me because it frees up my hands. My mom even tried using it with Noah and liked it.

Noah relaxing in the Saya Carrier

I used the Saya Carrier for around two months only because Noah grew heavier and I was smaller than Rinka. Noah was already too low when I was carrying him for a longer period of time. But my love and need for carriers became stronger. I realized the big help it gave me. It allows me to do several things while carrying the baby. It also provides a means for my baby to fall asleep easily and sleep for a long period of time. I honestly cannot count the number of times where Noah would fall asleep while I was walking while wearing him.

So began the search for a carrier. Originally, I planned to get another Saya Carrier, but with a size smaller than what I borrowed and we can afford it. One weekend in May, I went to Expo Mom, a bazaar by Mommy Mundo. I went to the Indigo Baby booth and to check out the Saya Carrier and their available designs. Sadly, I didn't see anything I liked, though they had my size. I think that this was a blessing in disguise because that was when I found my match!

The Bitybean Cleverly Compact Carrier (photo from Mommy's Little Boss)

I found the booth of Mommy's Little Boss. They were selling different baby products: Dr. Seuss bibs and clothes, shoes that babies can use from newborn to I think eighteen months, and then I saw the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier. Mav, the awesome mom behind Mommy's Little Boss, was so accommodating and helpful to let me try out the Bitybean. It was the first time it was introduced here in the Philippines. It is made in Vietnam but designed by an American who was a dad. Its design is very similar to the popular, but kinda expensive, Ergo. As an introductory price, the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier was sold at 2500 php. Mav was honest enough to say she wasn't ready with any good (or bad) feedback about the product yet. In fact, she was asking me to give her feedback once I decide to purchase it. And so after trying it on and a discussion with my hubby, we decided to get the carrier.

The Bitybean is a must have for me because:
1. It is made in Vietnam. Asian. Supporting our neighbors.

2. It is small and lightweight. It can easily fit in the baby bag and since I use a small baby bag, it's perfect! It's almost the same height as a 250 ml alcohol bottle.

3. It may be used while swimming. Although I haven't had the chance to try it yet.

4. Anyone can use it: I, my husband, the yaya, and even my sister used it. Rinka, who encouraged me to write a review on this, and because she tried it and liked it, used it with her brilliant and cute daughter. Adjusting may take time but it is quite simple.

5. It is easy to wash/clean. Handwash or washing machine.

6. The material used to make it is not too warm when you wear it. It makes baby and the person wearing it comfortable and not sweat that much.

7. It helps lull the baby to sleep. Worked for me, my hubby, yaya, and sister. It gives the baby the snug feeling and babies like that.

8. Lastly, you can use it anywhere. We have used it while in the grocery, while window shopping, while at church, commuting, and attending different occasions.

Noah and I visiting (shopping) Mommy's Little Boss booth in the Mommy Mundo Bazaar

I was told that for the newborns (one to three months old babies), their legs can be guided or more secure, using the straps inside. 

You can also purchase the sleep/shade hood, for breastfeeding, protection from the sun and I guess when it starts drizzling. It also helps reduce distractions when baby is asleep. I don't have this yet, but thinking of buying it.

Photo from Mommy's Little Boss: BityBean with sleep/shade hood

You can use the Bitybean carrier for front and back carrying. For the front carrying, the baby has to face you, never facing outward. And for the correct position, you should be able to kiss your baby's forehead. 

Noah and I enjoy back carrying, though we don't do it often. Someone has to help me every time I carry him on my back. One time in the grocery, he fell asleep while on my back. The Bitybean is THAT comfortable for him. 

There is also a fleece infant liner, to make it more comfortable and warm for the baby. But living in the Philippines, and with Noah who easily prespires, we didn't find the need to buy it.

Maximum weight for the Bitybean is 40 kilos.

I have been using the Bitybean carrier for a little over five months and I see myself using it until I am able, until it can carry Noah's weight. Maybe in the future, if God gifts us with another child, I will definitely use it for him/her.

This is my journey of baby wearing. I really really recommend using either the Saya Carrier and/or Bitybean Carrier. They are both easy to use and the quality is good, but I think I am more inlove with the Bitybean. Both have made me love motherhood more.

You can check out the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier in Facebook through Mommy's Little Boss.

Reminiscing the Birthing Experience Eleven Months Later

So here's the real story of my giving birth. I gave birth through Caesarian delivery, something we did not expect. I had a birth plan ready but we did not really show it. I thought I would make it with normal delivery, but my doctor found out there was a problem with my pelvic bone area. I went through the pain of labor. Epidural. Reached up to eight centimeters. I was almost there. And I could manage it. But the Lord had other plans. I had to go through emergency c-section.

Vaguely remembering this photo of me and my baby

A painful memory of giving birth is not being able to see my son for about two days. I saw him right after the operation and that was it. I was stuck in my hospital room. 

To be honest, my experience after giving birth was traumatic. I wish I knew I wouldn't delivery normally. I wish I was able to request for rooming in of the baby or at least to have him brought to me the day after I gave birth. I was pretty much asleep the whole day after giving birth, and my dad, who was the pedia, probably wanted me to rest that's why the baby wasn't brought to me. Stories about visitors seeing him and from the nurses, made me long to see him soon. So my OB said that if I could walk already, I can go to the nursery and see him. 

It pained me to not have control over things. It was my hubby who had to assist me in EVERYTHING. My son, obviously was formula fed, something I decided against before I gave birth. I did not get to breastfeed for about 2 days. I had to go through blood transfusion. I had an allergic reaction to the transfusion which caused me to have fever. I could not eat properly. I was not allowed to go to the bathroom. Gross. Painful. Traumatic. I cried. I pitied my husband for being my nurse, myself for being so useless, and the baby, who I couldn't be there for.

As I began to feel more normal and more emotionally stable, I managed the situation better. I believe I am a fighter. And so is my God. I prayed for the allergy and fever to go away. I fought against it. I prayed and convinced myself I will be able to stand and walk and see my son. And so, I won the battle. I was able to see him, finally. The first time I held him in my arms, I cried. He was so beautiful. And he cried loud. And he had his father's dimples.

Noah with my father AKA his pedia. Look at the little boy's dimples.

I will never forget how my husband selflessly took care of me. Add to that my parents, who made sure we had everything we needed. A great blessing is that my father is the pediatrician! My in-laws are also the kindest people on earth. My mother-in-law even gave me a foot massage because my feet were swelling after giving birth. Friends and family were there to pray for me/us, celebrate the new bundle of joy we have, and just simply be there for us. It was during the same gross, traumatic, and painful moment that I experienced being loved and blessed by so many people.

My hubby and my mom visiting Noah in the nursery

Aside from bringing home a big handsome baby boy, I brought home with me lessons in life.

Life is full of uncertainties and I should be ready with that.
I am not always in control of my life.
It is okay to depend on others.
If you believe something will happen, it will. As long as it is God's will.
God always answers prayers.

Almost a year after, I relive the experience. I am left with a heart in awe of how one begins the journey and miracle of becoming a mother.

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Baguio: My Second Home

No, my ancestors did not come from Baguio. But being brought there every year when I was a little girl probably formed that feeling that Baguio is.

In the later 80s, my grandfather, Daddy Totoy, would bring all of his six children's families to Baguio with him and my grandmother, Mato. Every year around the Independence day weekend, all six families plus the grandparents would travel to the North and go on a vacation. I have to thank Daddy Totoy for giving us that privilege of spending time with our cousins. Daddy would have us stay in a really big two-floor condotel, in Villa Alpino, near Mines View Park. Funny thing is, we usually do the same things every year. We went to Baguio until he was too sick to go up. Daddy had cancer. But even when he was sick, my family would go with him to Baguio. I guess, that's a major reason Baguio always had a place in my heart. We owe it also to Daddy that we, his grandchildren are a lot like brothers and sisters, because of the many times of bonding he provided for us.

Fast forward to the recent years, my family and I would go up to Baguio, but stay in a family friends' place somewhere still near Minesview Park. Until I learned to go to Baguio on my own, with friends.

When we were younger, we would go up to Baguio on a convoy of about six cars. My uncle would provide us with walkie-talkies, my grandmother would give each of us hardboiled eggs for our breakfast on the road. A few stopovers, the most memorable for me is the one in Tarlac, a restaurant where we would have our real breakfast. But I do not remember the name of the place. Haha.

When I went up with friends in the more recent years, we would take the bus from Victory Liner. It was as fun as going up with family.

Now that I have a family of my own, my husband drives through Kennon Road or Marcos Highway to the City of Pines.

There is so much to say about Baguio City. I write about this because of a recent trip last weekend but this time with my fellow brothers and sisters serving the youth of our community.

As I said, I love traveling, I love exploring places and food. Well, not so adventurous about food, but I do like eating as I have mentioned in my earlier posts.

A few places I love going to in Baguio are:

1. Burnham Park
We go there for boating, biking, roller skating/blading (is there such a word?), eating taho (both the regular and strawberry flavor), inihaw na mais, kwek-kwek or fishball.

with my mom near the boating area

biking with my dad watching over me

  

2. Camp John Hay
Back in the days, John Hay had an Ice Cream Parlor, a really cool playground, a mini-golf, and a skating rink. Then as I got older John Hay was more for the new restaurants and shopping and luxury accommodations.

3. The Public Market
Oh wow! The only time I look forward to going to the market. Well, at least, the dry market. When we were younger, cardigans from Baguio was the in thing. All of us cousins would get them, in different colors and patterns. 
And even until now, we would buy fresh strawberries, this peanut butter brand that used to be Enrico's but is now the nameless brand. Thank God we still remember where they are in the market. 
Baguio's famous walis, but they say they are no longer made there. 
And there are the pasalubong: Tantamco and Romana peanut brittle, Rico's lengua de gato, and sometimes the strawberry jam. Sometimes, for pasalubong, I also buy Baguio-made products to give to friends.

4. Mines View Park and Good Shepherd
I put them together because we usually go there for both. Mines View for the view, throwing 25 centavo coins to the locals who might cause tourists a heart attack because they stand balancing on the dangerously inclined mountains of Baguio. Maybe that's the reason many tourists throw coins to them. 

Mines View Park

Mines View is the place for pasalubong also. I remember buying silver jewelry from there. Food trip can also be done there, actually having the same food as Burnham Park.
Good Shepherd: Ube jam, my lola's favorite, strawberry jam, and their strawberry-calamansi drink is a must! Also the view deck is a common photo op place.

5. Food trip!!! My favorite restaurants:

Cafe by the Ruins: a little expensive but really good food and drinks

Pizza Volante: Pizza's are really yummy but so are their pasta and rice meals

O Mai Khan and Cafe Veniz: for sulit monggolian eat-all-you-can (Cafe Veniz has a cheat guide by the way)

Solibao: for your good old lutong bahay that is easy on the pocket

Choco-late de Batirol: need I say more? A warm cup of tsokolate on a cold place = perfect! It is a garden, by the way.

Family time in Choco-late de Batirol

Forest House Bistro and Cafe: I've only gone here once, yet, I never forgot about it. Really good selection of wine. Maybe the good company plus free drinks made it unforgettable.

A new place I tried this weekend, Caffe Picarre. It is owned by a brother from our community. They serve really good pasta and cakes. It is a high end kind of cafe located in SM Baguio. But if you come from Manila, truth is, the prices are actually not expensive. Honestly, I try to avoid going to SM when in Baguio, but Caffe Picarre gives me a reason to go there. Oh yes, and do some grocery shopping. 

Caffe Picarre's Display of Cakes and Pastries

I know there are more, but these are ones that stay with me and I never get tired to go back to these places, each time I go up.


Two years ago, my hubby and I stayed at Microtel by Wyndham Baguio. It is a decent budget-friendly hotel. I heard from a friend that The Manor in Camp John Hay gives great discounts during off-peak season. And I hear that it is one of the excellent places to stay when in Baguio.

If I had a past life, maybe I originated from Baguio. In the years to come, I do hope my kids would love Baguio the way I do. Yes, it is more polluted and traffic is crazy. But I still choose to come home to the City of Pines. I do hope I continue to come up for a visit every year.

More of my journeys to come... do continue to take the ride with me.

Homemaking 101: Relationship-building with Househelpers

I was blessed to have parents who have budget for house helpers. They are such blessings! Although, because of them, I grew up not knowing how to do some household chores, especially cooking. I remember how spoiled I was, because during times I did not like the food (this doesn't happen often though), the helper would cook hotdogs or bacon for me. Actually, until now, when I visit the old home, and they serve food I do not eat, our Ate Ging still cooks hotdogs for me.

Beginning our life as husband and wife, I had to learn doing those chores I did not know how to do. Thank God, though, for laundry shops, I did not have to do the laundry, except for the small and delicate items. Later on, especially as I got pregnant, we needed help. So my kind and generous in-laws sent us the weekly labandera/plantsadora. And of course, after giving birth, we needed another help, for the baby and the household chores.

I do believe that other than your husband and children, another relationship you have to nurture is that with your household helpers, whatever their task may be. While pregnant one of my leaders in the community I belong to talked to me about managing the home, specifically handling the helper. In our case, it was the soon-to-be yaya of my son. Looking back now, I am glad my leader talked to me about it. She told me that I also have to take care of my relationship with the helpers. Being the one in-charge of the home, it was my job to oversee the helper.

When I recall stories told by my mom or grandmother about their household helpers, I imagined my grandmother, who was called Senorita then, ringing a tiny bell when calling for the helper. I also recall watching how actors in the movies or tv shows treat the helpers. And I pity them. My grandmother was not so bad though, but still, I cannot imagine being called Senorita! Never!

We were again blessed to find a yaya for our son right away. She stayed and was trained first in my in-laws house, at least, before I gave birth. But once a week, she would be in the house cleaning or doing the laundry of the small items, etc.

I am thankful for the formation I have been receiving in community where how to treat others is part of it. A few friends also shared about the Kasambahay Bill, read through it and got some information on the legal rights of the helpers.

Over the past few months of managing the home with the helper around, it wasn't simple. I had to relay to her some rules and responsibilities. I had to train her and make certain things or tasks a routine to her. Thankfully, she was easy to train and easy to talk to. She has the initiative to do things around the house. I kid her at times saying we're meant to "work together" because we're both not used to not doing anything. She is not perfect, she makes mistakes, forgets things, and well, she is human! But what I learned from this experience is this: most of the time, it doesn't matter HOW she does things, as long as she is able to do what I asked or what is expected of her. She may clean the house differently or wash dishes in a different manner, but what matters is the job is done.

"Do unto others as you would have them do to you." The Golden Rule! I believe that if you treat your helper kindly, she will do the same towards you and especially your children. I try my best to use kind words when speaking to her. I affirm her when I see she did a good job. I let her watch TV, nap in the afternoon, eat with us, give her gifts on special occasions, let her attend church, let her go out with her family or friends, and treat her as part of the family. House helpers are not equal to slaves. They need rest, and they need to have fun, too. I also tell her stories about our life, she tells hers. She shares her problems sometimes. We even prayed for her during her birthday.

What I appreciate about our helper is she's honest and open. I even asked her if she doesn't mind training her in English, too. I guess it is also due our own honesty and openness towards her.

Another good thing about her is she genuinely loves our son. She rejoices in his little achievements and feel bad for his mosquito bites. We are amazed with the amount of energy she has, playing with him, making him sleep, bathing him, especially now that he's sooo active!

Of course, I am not always kind, I am human, too. But I try, my husband tries. And the result is, she has been with us since they day we needed her.

It is a blessing to have budget for a helper. It is a blessing to have a helper who matches your needs and preferences. It isn't as simple, but with the wisdom and experience of friends from our community and the example I have witnessed from my parents, it is possible to maintain a good relationship with our house help.

For the first time I am an employer, and I feel I am doing okay.

Continue the journey with me!

Cooking 101: To Go Instant or Not

In this day and age, one thing I am grateful for is the instant help in cooking. It may be more unhealthy but it has helped me in the beginning of my cooking journey. Remember, I used to be an anti-kitchen person. But the instant food or instant mixes available in the groceries have aided me and trained me. I still use them half the time, but I learned to start from scratch also. Yay!

I just want to share here what I have tried and enjoyed. My hope is that, just like me, rookie cooks won't be scared to begin the exciting cooking journey.

Recently, I mastered my adobo recipe, which someday I will share. Before attempting to start from scratch, we would use ready-made adobo mixes from either McCormick or Mama Sita's. We even tried the adobo sa gata. They were all okay. But I knew I was looking for this particular taste or version of adobo. And so we did use them more than once, adding other ingredients with the hope of achieving THAT taste. I just do not remember what we preferred between the two brands. For now, we no longer use the mixes. I am proud to say, I make my own version of twice-cooked adobo.

My version of twice-cooked adobo

A favorite of ours is the Clara Ole ready-made marinades and pasta sauces. And we still use them until now. For the pasta sauces, we've tried: Chunky Tomato with Three Cheese, Cheesy Pesto, Chunky Tomato with Basil, and Kung Pao. I just started experimenting by using the recipe at the back of each pack. 

A personal favorite is the Chunky Tomato with Basil. I would use tuna with this sauce. For the tuna, I use the brand Permex, which I only find in Landmark, but a friend said it is also available in Cash and Carry. Then I just add olives and parmesan cheese. This is one dish I also am confident to say I love to make and eat.

Another product of Clara Ole that we love is their Hickory BBQ Marinade. We use pork then we bake it. We also tried the recipe at the back of the pack and it turned out good. Super delish!

I was always hesitant to try making sinigang. I felt it was more complicated than the recipes I was following. But with the help of another ready-made mix, I conquered my fear of sinigang. I actually like how it turned out. I use the Knorr Sinigang sa Sampaloc Mix. I just buy the vegetables we eat then cook it. Honestly, I want to try to make it from scratch. Someday.

These are just some of the instant mixes we like using and continue to use. There may have been others we have tried but I do not remember because we probably didn't feel like using it again.

These mixes have trained my taste, now I kind of know what's too salty or bland, what needs more salt or water, etc. I am more confident in the kitchen with the help of these mixes in the beginning. Presently, I prefer to make meals from scratch because it is more healthy, more than anything. But in the future when I look back at the start of my cooking journey, I know I will remember the significant help I got from them.

So there, another cooking journey experience. Hope you continue to take the ride with me.

Where Motherhood has Brought Me So Far

A little over nine months after giving birth, I am still uncertain of things. I am still asking questions. I am still learning how it is to be a mother. Sometimes, I still find myself amazed that I have this charming little boy and he's ours forever. But it can also be overwhelming because everything that we do, to, for and with him will impact him forever. It is truly a blessing and a privilege to be called to the vocation of marriage and motherhood.

Today, I wish to share about the beginning of this journey of motherhood. A journey that is awesome and beautiful for its share of pleasures and pains, triumphs and trials.

Simpler life. I read an article that said, having a child makes life simpler. It is true! 

For one, I learned to pay more attention to budgeting, to our finances. We had to adjust our lifestyle and live a simpler life. Simplicity is relative though. For us, we had to cut down on a lot of things. Especially when I decided to take a leave from work for year. Our income was cut to half. So, we rarely eat out nowadays. I had to kinda give up my always-wanting-to-try-something-new drive when it comes to food and restaurants. It was, it is, a struggle! 

Like I shared in my previous post, I had to change the way I did my groceries.
I had to lessen my me-time. I used to go to the nail salon every two weeks, now I go when I can see that we have a little extra, or if I really need it already. 
I often have to say no to those impulsive cravings or desire to buy not-so-important things for myself.

Simpler life called for simpler schedule as well. We learned to say no. We learned to prioritize. We also learned to rest a little more. Well, sometimes.

Simpler life made us take joy in simple things, as well. Little victories, such as hearing our son giggle for the first time, or being treated by my siblings for dinner.

Dinner c/o my younger brother and sister in Project Pie

Deeper relationships. Motherhood, and even homemaking life, led me to deepen bonds with amazing women. I would spend time chatting with old friends or family over Viber or Facebook, or even meet up with them, talking about the rewards and challenges that come with this vocation. I really enjoy learning from others' experiences. I really find it a blessing that there are others who started the journey ahead of me. And I am equally grateful that I have women who are currently on the same boat with me.

I also learned to be more understanding and less judgmental of others. I realize that people are raised differently and people raise their children differently. That we have to respect. This made me kinder towards others. I pause and try to see where they are coming from or what they are going through. This teaches me also to become a better wife and mother to my own.

Playdate photo session and bonding with cousins
(L to R) My son Noah, Elijah at the back, and Paco with mama, my MOH, Coco

Stronger faith. Because everything is uncertain, every child is different, and no one really has all the answers to motherhood, the only best person I can rely on is my God. With Him, I am certain. With Him, I am confident. I always tell Him in prayer, "You called me to this life, You brought me this far, I give it all back to You." And He just does wonders. When my son is sick, I just pray. When our finances are tighter, I just pray. When I feel tired of doing all that I am doing, I just pray. It doesn't mean life is easier on me. Well, maybe a little, maybe a lot. But amazingly, I guess, He just works and He answers. The little boy starts feeling better. My generous lola gives some money randomly. My in-laws send us food for lunch. And I could still go on. 

Faith is stronger because it wasn't also easy keeping it strong. The demands of the home and the little boy wasn't predictable for someone who is a first timer. It was difficult to pray, to find time to be with my God and just be there. The little boy needs to feed, time to cook lunch already, something in the house needs my immediate attention, etc, etc. It's a little predictable now. Thank you, Lord!

Motherhood simply made me grow in my faith.

A more grateful heart. Motherhood made me a better person (PERIOD)

If motherhood were a flight, I would say, I just lifted off the runway and am starting to see the view. And the journey continues.

Cooking 101

One area I had to conquer when I got married was... the kitchen. We need food to stay alive, right?

And... I love to eat!!! I love food. It's just not obvious, especially now that I am breastfeeding and my son is really really active, so he makes me really thin.

If you knew me from before I got married, you know I fear the kitchen. I fear the splatter of the oil while cooking. I do not like the smell of onions or garlic especially on my hand. I would rather eat or wash dishes and enjoy the water. But people change, at least I know I did.

Background, my dear lola, who raised me while my parents were working, does not really cook. She was more into baking. Leave it to the maids. She's your typical Señorita. And I remember my meals consist of either hotdog or bacon with eggs. My mother, only likes to eat, and well, tell our awesome cook/helper what to cook. In fairness to my mom, she makes sure to choose really delicious and good food. She kinda knows how to cook, but prefers not to. So you get the picture, I got it from them. I did not want to cook. I only want to eat.

But my life is a lot different from them, I have no maid/cook to do that for me. Borrowing my father's line, "You have to learn!" Besides, how can I eat? What will my husband eat if no one will cook? 

So, my journey to cooking began. I'm two years married already. In those two years, I gradually had to overcome the fear of the splatter of the oil. I still scream when it happens. I had to just keep washing my hands or rubbing it on steal (is that what you call it?), like the sink or the sides of the knives, to remove the garlicky smell. And those are just some of my experiences in the journey.

Tuna Pasta: I used Clara Ole' Chunky Tomato Basil as sauce and added parmesan cheese

I want to share a few things I learned that I hope will encourage others (newly married, single, or whatever) to conquer your fears! At least, of the kitchen.

1. Plan your menu and do your groceries from there.
Maybe many veteran moms or kitchen-lovers do this already. I didn't know this until now. In the beginning, I went to the grocery, buy what I thought were essential. Get half a kilo of chicken thighs, half a kilo of country style pork, half a kilo of ground beef, some onions and garlic, maybe a bottle of dried basil, etc. I do this without a planned menu. I ended up cramming for recipes. And thanks to Google, I found a lot. But several times, the ingredients required by the recipe is something I do not have. Sometimes we end up throwing away food because we never used them. 
Now, since I started planning the menu first, my freezer has more space. And I think that's a good thing. Less consumption of electricity. I am more efficient doing it the other way around. When you plan your menu first (I try to do mine weekly or every two weeks), it becomes easier to do the grocery. Because you know exactly what you need, you do not waste time and you save more money.

2. Take advantage of fellow moms or friends who like cooking or good at it. Or in my case, our beloved all-around helper, Ate Ging!
Often times, the recipes I try are those that I have tasted or I think I like from my own home, my husband's, or of friends. With that you are sure that you will like it. There were times at the beginning that I didn't get the same result as what was shared with me. It was a great disappointment for someone like me who wants to get things right always. Haha. But my husband made me realize that I should go easy on myself, since I am new to this. Of course, for the times I felt I did well, it was rewarding!

3. Google is your best friend.
I said that, at the beginning of this cooking journey, I go to Google to cram for recipes. I still do, especially when I want to try something new. But this time, I go to Google then I make the grocery list. I take time to read the reviews and see from there if it's worth trying. Almost always what I end up making is something my husband and I enjoy and add to our recipe folder.
Oh, other than Google, I also buy Yummy Magazine. Some of their dishes are newbie-friendly. Some are kinda challenging. There are also cooking websites. Actually there are lots!
Here are two of the websites:
Yummy
Panlasang Pinoy

4. Keep a recipe folder. Or box.
Or whatever it is that will help you organize and keep your favorite meals. I used to go back and forth my computer or phone just to check the recipe. It was such a hassle and sometimes gross, especially when you used your hands to chop meat then need to check your phone for the next step. We printed our recipes and put them all in a clear folder. I know others used index cards years ago.

5. When you can, and when you really need to, ask help. Delegate!
When I am too tired or not feeling well, when I feel there are too many chopping and washing needed, I ask help. Sometimes it's the yaya of my son who cooks. I kind of taught her some of the simpler recipes. Sometimes, my husband volunteers, or sometimes I ask him. Sometimes, I share the tasks with either of them. Someday when my son is old enough to help out, I'll let him do some tasks as well.

There you go. Still in the beginning of the journey of cooking. Special thanks to the people who boost my confidence and encourage me in this area, specially my husband, who eats what I cook no matter what.

Gambas: This wasn't so successful but I plan to try it again

To those still hesitating, hope my journey will somehow enlighten you. To those who wish to share your simple recipes with me, please do so!

Thanks for reading! God bless.

Hope you'll continue to take the ride with me.