Daddy Marvin

Commemorating Marvin's 1st Father's Day... We had a 2 day celebration to honor Marvin.

Marvin & Polo at Bonifacio High Street

Day1: June 16, Saturday

Our small family nucleus (Marvin, Polo and I plus Rissa - our new household helper) headed to Dr. Joey's clinic in Manila Doctor's for Polo's pre-4th month check up. He'd be vaccinated once again. This time around it will be the 5-in-1 type.

Polo lying on Doc Joey's weighing scale

We arrived at the hospital at 11am, an hour earlier than Doc Joey's clinic schedule. Polo was Doc Joey's #3 patient in line. We laid Polo on the clinic's weighing scale. Ala! He is now 4+ lbs heavier and 10cm longer! His built is that of a 6-month old baby. Way to go, Polo! Your Dad's hopes of having a 6-footer son is within reach. Hehehe!

Full view of Polo rocking Doc Joey's weighing scale

When Doc Joey saw Polo, he pinched his cheeks and made funny faces to connect and play with Polo. He lectured us about dental stuff, warned us against using a walker because it prohibits the correct development of "walking" muscles and adviced us against exposing Polo to too much tv. Goodbye GKNB, Wowowee, and evening teleseryes for Polo! Hahaha!

The Agustins and the Ortiz-Luis at Congo Grille, SM MOA



The Daddies exchanging bottle-feeding notes

After 2 hrs or so, we were now headed to SM Mall of Asia to have a pre-Father's Day lunch with our couple friends Phipo-Roda+Ethan and Arland-Tina. Phipo, Roda and Ethan reserved a table and ordered lunch at Congo Grille. Arland and Tina couldn't make it that early so we met them for merienda instead. The highlight of our lunch was Papa Piolo Pascual, our surprise guest!

Papa Piolo!!! with the starstuck Daddies with their clueless sons

Piolo came in the restaurant in the middle of our late lunch meal. Apparently, Watson's was having a presscon there to launch a new scent that Piolo was endorsing. It was a good day for Piolo to dropby. His presence made Marvin and Phipo's pre-Father's Day get-together a bit more exciting. Kaya ayun, the Dads and their sons didn't pass up the photo opportunity with Papa Piolo! Marvin with Polo and Phipo with Ethan had easy access to Piolo. They didn't need to fall in line and go through the tight security guarding Piolo outside the resto.

Look at the security guarding Piolo outside Congo Grille!

Phipo, Roda and Ethan had to leave right after our meal while we waited a few more hours to meet up with Arland and Tina for merienda at Sugarhouse. Marvin and I shared a slice of apple pie. I'm sure Polo tasted it in his milk later that evening. :)

We went home at around 6pm but not without stopping by SM Dept store, which is Polo's favorite Mall, to buy diapers and socks for Polo. Polo's diaper size has been upgraded to Medium as well as his socks for his growing feet.

Day2: Mass at Sanctuario de San Antonio with Tita Jaz, Lolo and Lola then Dinner at Bonifacio High Street with the Tans

We heard mass at 4:30pm. I was brave enough not to bring supply of milk for Polo. Good thing he showed signs of hunger only towards the end of the mass. I fed him in the car on the way to Bonifacio High Street.

Capturing the sunset at Serendra

At Bonifacio High Street, we walked around and took pictures to commemorate Marvin's 1st Father's Day. We also checked out Serendra since it was our first time to go there. While walking, we bumped into a number of familiar faces: Cathy Bodestyne - now married with 2 sons was with her family and parents; The Parrenos were there celebrating Father's Day while entertaining a balikbayan guest; Tito Edwin, an art director family friend dropby to give Lolo Dante a painting he made; A biking buddy kababata (I forgot his name... hehehe) was having dinner with a friend; 2 officemates with their respective families; and 2 former Scholastican schoolmates were checking out the stores there.

Father & Son moment

Dinner was at Brother's Burger, the more affordable resto in the area that served food good for Isaiah and Praise, my pamangkins. Couldn't get enough of their onion rings and french fries! I munched down a lot of those right after feeding Polo in the car (for lack of a better breastfeeding station in the area). After Dinner, the Tans headed to Timezone for rounds of videoke fun, which was Tyrone's Father's Day wish come true. Lolo and Lola and Tita Jaz joined in the fun while we, the Agustins strolled Polo around the area.

The whole clan waiting for our dinner at Bros Burger

We bought Hillsongs' newest CD for Daddy Marvin and another Kids Song Praise CD for Baby Polo. It was almost 10pm when we decided to have dessert at Krispy Kreme. We ordered 2 dozen of donuts. I had the french crueler (not sure if the spelling is correct), lemon filled donut and a regular honey glazed one. Yup, I decided to have my fill of the famous Krispy Kreme before heading home to finally put tired Polo to bed.

The 1st born Agustin and 1st born Tan posing with Lolo and Lola at Krispy Kreme

That was our Father's Day treat for Daddy Marvin. At the end of the day, we were happy to spend all our energies making that day memorable.

End-of-day Agustin Family Pic

Crying Over Spilled Milk

This morning I reluctantly disposed 2oz of breastmilk. I expressed it early this morning then went back to sleep only to find it being feasted on by ants after two hours. How could I have been sooo complacent???

I was too numb to cry over the loss. It hurts to see my labor of love go down the drain just like that. Oh well, I have to let that go and cling to the Sole Provider of All Good Things and trust that He will make a way and provide. (",)

I Don't Mind

My boss called me in for a one-on-one mtg this afternoon and briefed me about the changes our organization will undergo.

In sumo total, instead of reporting directly to her, I'll report to a manager.

How does this affect me? Well, I don't mind. I don't see it a demotion or anything. I admit that there's still a lot for me to learn and my new manager can definitely provide that.

How about my chance for a promotion? Well, I don't mind. I'll be promoted when I'm ready. It will come. As I see it, right now, I'm not yet ripe.

I also know that the Captain of My Ship will transport me from here to there in due time so I don't mind. :)

Precious Moments

This morning I woke up at 5am, as I usually do, to nurse Polo. Half-asleep, he stops crying and actively starts gulping down the milk he nurses. After a few minutes, he is sleeping yet again, gently stops nursing and then, smiles. Awww... what a sweet smile. Still asleep, he flashes me a couple more heart-melting reassuring smiles. That's how he reciprocates the love and comfort I give him. I smile back to respond to his sweet dreamy gesture and hold dear in my heart precious moments like this that would last forever. :)

A Breastfeeding Mom's New Gadget

I feel like I gained earned extra powers. My new breastpump is electric and it's a Medela!

I've been dreaming about owning a breastpump like this even before giving birth to Polo. When I gave birth to Polo, I wasn't really sure if I would be able to breastfeed so I made do with the Pigeon manual breastpump I borrowed from my sister. After using my sister's pump for a few days, my hand started to ache so bad. After a few more weeks, I began breaking some of it's delicate parts. It just wasn't sturdy (or my hand was just to heavy for delicate things).

Then came, the Ameda Egnell one-hand manual breastpump sent from the States by my in-laws. It was ergonomic and easy to use. I searched the net and discovered that the Ameda pump was even hospital grade just like Medela and Avent breastpumps. However, my hand would eventually stiffen after using it for 10-15min which would make me pump more heavier. It just wasn't the ideal breastpump for my busy working mom lifestyle.

Last thursday, I ended up stressed out and exhausted from trying to beat the clock all through the night while expressing milk for Polo. Only to find out that I was 1 bottle or 4oz short for my supply for the day, I was fretting during the day. All that worry caused me chills, a terrible headache, body pain and frequent and unpleasant trips to the comfort room. I ended up weak and nauseated the whole weekend!

I had to properly handle the pressure and stress of making sure Polo has sufficient milk supply for a day but I knew that I needed help. Only a more efficient and reliable breastpump could do the trick.

Thanks to my ever understanding and caring husband, I'm now a happy owner of a Medela mini-electric single breastpump! It's one gadget breastfeeding working moms should have :)

Months & Milestones

It used to be weeks that I counted when it came to Polo's development that was because he was still in my womb. Now, I measure his growth in terms of the months and milestones...

He has learned how to feed on his fists and fingers. No wonder he's a good boy! He uses his fists to satisfy his hunger. Hehehe...

He stays awake for at least 30-45 minutes now. We have more time to play! We're playing "Pong Pong Kasile" here.



Goodbye fetal position. He's now more comfortable sleeping on his back. He still likes to cuddle especially when he wants to fall asleep. Cuddling him is my favorite past-time.


The frequency of his poop and pee has decreased a bit. Yey! That means we'll have savings from our diaper budget. Hehehe...

We can now hear his laugh. It now comes with a sound! He kept laughing last thursday when I repeated the words of Heidi Klum in the final episode of Project Runway, "Who, will be the winner of project runway..." I got him laughing even by just saying "Who, who, who" over and over again. :)

Prayer of Faith

"Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’and does not doubt in his heartbut believes that what he says will happen,it shall be done for him.Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours."

Amen. I say to myself and to everyone that I will breastfeed Polo until he is at least 1 year old. I will not doubt in my heart but believe that what I say shall happen and be done by God for me.

Lord, I ask that you continue to provide sufficient breastmilk for Polo. I believe and know that it shall happen as I request. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Indeed, nursing has become a walk of faith for me. A week or so ago, I had back up stock of expressed milk in the freezer that was good enough for an extra day. But now, Polo has increased his consumption. Whatever I pump and save today will be the amount of milk he'll consume the next day. No more back up stock.

Breastfeeding has now become daily bread, literally.

I know that I'll have enough supply if I diligently express milk during the day. Often times, what hinders me from doing this are the numerous meetings I have to attend to during the day. But, I've decided not to worry. God will make a way. He has provided me 24 hrs a day. I just need to find time and make time and so I will.

How Nice...

Guys, look at this. It's something Marvin made to cheer me up today. Ah... bonding moments with Polo...

Special Treatment

That's me with Polo comfortably breastfeeding in the breastfeeding station of SM Bicutan. I'm so grateful that Henry Sy and his people decided to create breastfeeding stations in SM Malls. So far, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and SM Bicutan are their branches that have one.

The room had a blue love seat, a diaper changer table, a trash can, a sink and a flower vase with artificial flowers for effect. Simple but cozy and quiet. Exactly what a breastfeeding station should be. Oh and yeah, it also had a clinic located beside it. Talk about customer service.

Polo and I had our breastfeeding moment in peace.

Wish all malls and work places had designated breastfeeding stations.

Success!

That's how I'd recall my first time to be away from Polo. Marvin and I attend our friends' wedding. We left Polo in the care of his dutiful grandmother for 8-10 hours.

Thank God, we all managed! My Mom and Jaz were able to take care of Polo and was able to do so with flying colors. According to them, Polo was like an angel. They didn't have any difficulty feeding him, changing his diapers or putting him to sleep. Whew! What a relief! This, for me, is an indication of how it will be when I go back to work on tuesday.

As for me, I managed not to shed a tear. Honestly, I was actually excited about the fact that I'll have alone time with my husband Marvin. Haven't had much of that since Polo's birth. And that I'll reunite with our friend from the BLD Community. In short, day off ko. Hehehe...

Good thing, I didn't turn into an anxious wreck! I think I was even cool about the whole thing. Probably, it was what my Mom said before I left the house that put me at ease. She actually asked us not to bother calling or checking on Polo. It was more like the typical "Don't call me, I'll call you" phrase. To me, that signified that they knew what to do and they did, indeed.

During the wedding, Marvin and I would think of Polo when we'd see parents carrying their children or running after them at the wedding. "Soon, we'll be like them, " is what I kept saying to myself.

We didn't get to stay till the end of the reception. We had to head back home to switch places with my Mom as it was her turn to leave the house and go to a wake.

When we got home, Marvin and I were delighted to see Polo. I was relieved, as well, that my first day away from Polo was finally over. I survived it! My Mom survived it! And so did Polo!

Wohoo! Thank you, Lord!

Accomplished!

After 5 hours and 4 blog entries, I can now retire for the day. Or should I say for a moment? Polo will be awake in less than an hour to breastfeed... :)
I've been longing to create a new blog and update it with my life's recent developments.
Thank God, I got a head start in doing so. I hope I my eyebags won't betray me in the wedding this afternoon. :P

Dear Mommy

Yes, it's true, a daughter appreciates and begins to understand her mother when she becomes a mother herself. With Polo now in my life, I'm getting a glimpse of what you're going through as a Mom.

I thank you for being my Mom, for doing the best you can all the time. For smiling and continuing to love and care for us even when we don't seem to appreciate all your efforts. Thank you for loving me enough to be there when I need you the most especially during the times that I feel that I could manage all by myself. Thank you for giving me space to grow and discover motherhood on my own and yet still be within an arm's reach when I don't have a clue.

Thanks for all the meals you heartily prepare daily. Thank you for all the prayers you offer on our behalf. Thank you for all the lessons and values you wish to instill in us. Thank you for recording all the important details of our life in your slumbook of life.

I love you for all that you are and all the you will be. I pray that God will continue to bestow you with inner and physical strength, wisdom and abundant love.

Mwah!

Separation Anxiety?

In a couple of hours, Marvin and I will leave Polo in the care of my Mom. We're attending the wedding of our friends Mariel and Ponch at 2:30pm today. Unfortunately, the invitation is good for only 2 people. Polo's not invited. Well, it is a formal adult affair, anyway.

This will be the first time, I'll leave Polo and entrust someone else to take care of him. Since, I'll go back to work on May 15, today will be a trial. We'll see if the breastmilk I've been expressing and storing for him is enough.

More than keeping my fingers crossed on that one, I'm trusting that like Manna from Heaven, my breastmilk supply will be sufficient for Polo's daily needs. Just as Marvin told me, I should take it one day at a time. No need to fret but simply have faith that Polo will get his daily bread. Amen!

Part of me is anxious about leaving Polo with my Mom. I'm scared that she might finish up all the 63 oz of breastmilk I stored in our freezer just to keep Polo from crying (thinking that he's still hungry every time he cries). My Mom always seems to think that the milk Polo is taking in is not enough. That's why I'm afraid that she might have him gulp down more than the amount of milk I thawed for him today.

I'm also concerned about Polo. He might have separation anxiety as well and cry himself so badly. With that, my Mom might leave him to cry by himself to the point of exhaustion just to get him to quiet down and finally fall asleep.

Yep, I can be a worry-head. *Inhale*Exhale* Ok, I have to constantly remind myself that my Mom is a Pro. Heck, she already raised 3 daughters and successfully takes care of 2 grandchildren. She'll know what to do.

I wonder if I'll know what to do on my first day away from Polo. Yikes!

Taking It Slow

Welcome to my new blog!

Something unfortunate happened to my old one that I no longer have the zeal to continue posting entries there. Well, it must have been something I did when I accessed over the 3G network using my celfone.

Anyway, I've been out of circulation in the blogging world for more than 2 months now and there's a lot of things to say! I don't even know where to begin.

First I was pregnant, had a surprise baby shower, surprised a couple of friends who planned a surprise baby shower for me, suprised my officemates by going straight to the delivery room on the day they planned yet another surprise baby shower for me. Why does everything have to be a surprise, anyway?

that's me at 6 mos

Then on Feb 21, 2007 at around 4:30pm, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Juan Paolo Andre is his name and he shall be called Polo (as requested by his Dad). :)

This is our 1st family picture.

Polo is just 2 weeks old here

Now, I have a lot to say about motherhood, having a baby and going back to work... Tralala... I find it to tiring to relay everything chronologically so I'll just take it slow and write about stuff randomly.

A World of Our Own

Hey, look at us.

It's been almost two years now.

A couple of years back, we were dreaming,

Chasing the clouds, guessing what life will make out of us,

Wishing that come rain, come shine, we'll be happy, forever young and laughing.