Reyes Family

Family is one of the greatest gifts humankind has ever received, and I am just so lucky that I have the best bunch! My sister and her husband got back from Canada for a 3-week vacation here in the Philippines. As a family bonding, we booked an overnight stay at La Luz Resort in Laiya, Batangas. It was a long drive but it was all worth it. :)

It’s always good to invest in a well-respected family relationship because at the end of the day, it will all come down to each other’s love and understanding. I owe our beautiful family ties to our parents who raised us to become the loving person that we are today.

Having lost our Papa at an early stage made us accept and love each other better. We learned to accept each person’s positive and negative side, we never missed to guide, we stick together at all times, we go up and never pull one down, well, basically, it’s all about taking our love deeper than usual.

We’re a growing family now and how we all wished that Papa were here to witness every milestone that her daughters have. I know he’s proud of who and how we've become now. :)

Thoughts: Eight Months Preggy

Mamahood has become a little challenging now that I am eight months pregnant. My days are filled with body aches, laziness, sleepiness, and heaviness. I feel like my weight has doubled that I tend to have shortness of breath when I am on the go. I could hardly go up the stairs without pausing in between several steps. I have the hardest time picking up Caleb’s toys or just anything that requires bending. I take a good five-minute interval just to change my position in bed and to try to stand up. I feel like I have an old person’s body. The worst part is, I couldn't just spend the day lying down on bed because I have a one-year old to look after to, who, by the way, is at his peak of curiosity (imagine ALL the things he could pick on every minute of the day).

There are days when I have those MOMENTS when I couldn't handle the situation (Caleb is acting up and my patience have ran out) and end up crying and asking for more PATIENCE. I am a hands-on, full-time mom and I love every bit of it, but sometimes moms can only take so much.

To be honest, I am quite scared of how will I be able to handle two kids once Uri (baby number 2) has popped out. I've been thinking and I couldn't get any idea at all. I guess I’ll cross the bridge when I get there. It’s going to be tough, that’s for sure but I know that it will all pass and I’ll see myself reminiscing on how great I was to overcome that phase.

My 37^th week is on the last week of May. I have a few more days to be physically and emotionally ready. I pray for PATIENCE and STRENGTH so that I may get through the day feeling fulfilled.

Praying for guidance,

B.

Pregnancy Part 2

I didn't know what to feel when I learned that I was pregnant on my second baby right when Caleb is only nine months old. The memories of how painful I went through during giving birth are still fresh and I am yet to experience another one soon. Plus, I don’t feel I have recovered well physically and emotionally. I am still on a roller coaster ride as a wife and as a mom.

Looking at the brighter side, I know that not everyone is gifted to have children. Vincent and I are lucky or should I say blessed to have been given such a great opportunity – parenthood! We may both be newbies at this but we’re getting by each day and so far, I can say that we’re doing okay. Caleb at 1 year old is a sweet and loving boy.

We decided to pop the big news once we knew the gender, and just recently I underwent an ultrasound. It’s a BOY! I prayed for a girl but having another boy gives me the same excitement. I now have three boys who will take care of me. :)

I know that it’s going to be tough and I am praying for all sources of PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING as I go through the second level of motherhood.

I am now on my 6^th month and chaos is just around the corner! More power to me and other moms like me! 

A Good Friend

For new moms like me, I think it's nice to have some fun from time to time. Not that I'm not having fun with Caleb and at home, but there's a different kind of fun where you get to spend time with old friends and just talk about life. It's like bringing back your old lifestyle and just simply going with the flow without having to think about household chores. 

I'm happy that I was able to spend some hours with my good friend whom I haven't seen for a long time. We talked about each other's current life status and I'm glad that she's at a better state now. She used to visit me and cry herself to sleep, but today she was like the same person back in college - happy and contented. 

Yanna is a friend who despite the distance and time apart, we remain friends. You know that she's being sincere when she tells you she's happy for you, no judgements, no backstabbing. That's what I like about her. She's like a sponge that absorbs all my stories whether they're good or bad. :)

I'm lucky to have found a friend in her and I know that we'll remain friends until we get old. Until our next bonding, Yanna! :)

THE Date Night

Like others, Valentine's Day is something I look forward to. It's because I know that it's supposed to be a day spent with your partner. I fancy any kind of 'date' as long as Vincent and I are together. I'm not the kind who prefers (although I'd be glad to have one) a formal, candle lit dinner, or a surprise getaway. Vincent is not that type so I guess I just got used to it aside from the fact that that isn't really my personality as well. But who doesn't want a romantic, all-in date right? :) 

Last year, we managed to ask my mother-in-law to look after our two-month old Caleb. We had an expensive Japanese dinner at Mr. Kurosawa. The part that I got really smitten was when I received a bouquet of flowers from Vincent via email. I was smiling the whole day. He isn't really sweet by nature so little acts like this makes me really 'kilig'! 

This year was a lot simpler. No bouquets, no cards, no surprises. We had the night to ourselves and celebrated the love day satisfying our Mexican craving and strolling around the mall just like what we used do when we were still boyfriend and girlfriend. It felt really refreshing to be alone with my husband even for a short time. No baby to look after and finally, a decent and peaceful meal (no baby to try to control his tantrums).

Thanks to my reliable sister who took care of Caleb that night. She knows hat I've been waiting for that 'date night' so she was really very supportive about it. 

Married life is new to me as well as parenthood. But one thing's for sure, couples should always have time for each other. It's important that we don't lose that spark just because we are preoccupied with household duties and responsibilities. There's no harm in asking your relatives from time to time to look after your kids even for just a couple of hours...or more! :)

Much Needed Message

I have this odd attitude that I tend to cry when things get out of my hand - things that make me mad, happy, tired, fed up. My emotions get too strong that my body's number one reaction is to cry. 

Now that I have a one year old, there are times when no matter how much I try to keep things on track, there will always be instances that situations drive me crazy. One example is when Caleb decides to play and play and play during his bedtime, or worse at 4 in the morning. It usually happens when I am tired for the whole day or I still have tons of things to tick off my to-do list. When all I want is to have a shower and sit on the sofa comfortably. When I want some time to just even brush my hair or to poo peacefully. Yes, motherhood is tough and I'm supposed to be tougher. 

Yesterday, we went to Church and the homily was just perfect. It's like talking to God. 

"Be happy to know that you are needed."

It's true. I felt that I realize my purpose more. That my family wouldn't be able to stand tall if not for my contributions. Contributions that may look simple but are essential such as preparing food, giving Caleb a bath, preparing his clothes, cleaning his bum when he poos, providing clean bed sheets for a comfortable sleep, etc. I myself see these things as irrelevant and just a tiny piece compared to what my husband provides. But today, I have a better perspective of myself, my routine, my duties, my PURPOSE. 

It's great to know that what you do benefits other people especially your family. To all new moms like me who sometimes feel like life is hitting them with stones, always remember that it's a always a FULFILLMENT to SERVE your family. Having downtimes and stressful nights are just part of the drama! :)

A Day Full of Energy

Today, my husband had a heavy feet and decided to work from home. I was ecstatic because these are rare times that Caleb and I get to bond with him on a weekday. 

I think Caleb is aware that his father is around too because he refused to follow our daily routine. He's excited that he was up from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. He usually takes his afternoon naps at around 12 NN, but now that Vincent is around, I think he wanted to spend time with him. 

I could see in his eyes that he's starting to get tired and sleepy but still opted to play. I had to carry him and make him sleep or else he'd end up taking a nap at around 5 PM and would wake up at 8 PM, which usually is his bedtime. 

I believe that setting a routine for your baby is helpful because you get to plan your day. I'm a control freak and I always want to have a set plan for the day. Just by seeing that Caleb and I are able to follow our daily routine makes me comfortable (at least I get to know the times when I can relax and have some time for myself). 

Although that routine changes as he grows up, it still is a good idea to set one. I find it a healthy tool to make sure that my baby gets a balanced sleep and play activities everyday.