The Two Men In My Life

I am talking about the two men in my life and probably..... the only men in my life who has made such an impact on me that changed my life forever.... Many people come into our lives. Some of them will just pass by, some will leave a mark and some won't. There are also some we hoped they didn't but these "two men" I'm talking about not only passed by but has taken permanent residence into mine. I'm glad they did.

The first man in my life, his name is Richard , the loving husband who humors me, adores me, laughs with me and loves me to the core. We argue on just about everything especially on who our son takes after and politics...especially on politics. It's a sweet, teasing kind of arguing and he gives in in the end.... eventually. He's not the super romantic knight in shining armor type of guy but he manages to show off his romantic streak in his own unique way every chance he gets. We also have our highs and lows but we go through it together. Of course he's not perfect. He has his own flaws too but I'm not perfect either so we're just perfect for each other.

The second man in my life is my angel... my precious little boy, Fredric Dirk.  The cute, handsome, adorable, smart, mischievous little rascal who is my life, my everything. I just thank God every minute of every day for giving him to us. He is such a blessing to our family because he brings us so much joy. Just a kiss, a smile, a hug from him would take all the weariness and fears away. He makes it all worth it. My heart just swells with pride every time I look at him. Being his mother is the greatest gift in the world. My love for him is transcendent, unconditional and I would lay my life for him without batting an eyelash.

This is our family, me and my two loves... the men in my life, my inspiration, my strength. They just .... complete me.

On Breastfeeding

Hats off! To all breastfeeding mothers out there (myself included). It's one of the most rewarding and wonderful experience a mother can have.

There was never a doubt in my mind that I would breastfeed my baby. As a first time mom, it wasn't that easy for me but thanks to my mother who's always there to guide me. The moment my son was born, we were already encouraged to start breastfeeding. It was a challenge for both me and my baby. I even had blisters and mind you it really is painful every time my baby would suckle  but we did it successfully and with flying colors. Finding the right and most comfortable position for me and my baby during breastfeeding, my commitment, patience too and my love for my little one knowing that I am giving him the best for him are my ingredients for a successful breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has a lot benefits for both the mother and the baby, here are some of them (if not all):

• It creates a very special, intense bond between mother and baby. A special time for both to cuddle, to make your baby feel warm, comforted and loved. Your baby would instantly know it's you and would never confuse you with a sitter or anyone else. It's also the best time to know your child better.
• It's the only food for your baby for the first 6 mos. of his life. Breast milk contains all the complete nutrients your child needs for his growth and development. As your child grows your milk also changes to suit your child's needs. It's just amazing how nature works! No milk formula can duplicate that. They've tried for years but they just can't.
• It's the best way to get back in shape after giving birth faster than any diet programs out there and without diet or exercise at that! Breastfeeding helps shrink the uterus back to it's original size and also increases the mother's metabolism which burns up any excess fat gained during pregnancy.
• Colostrum, which is the first breast milk that your baby receives or suckle, is very rich in nutrients and antibodies that would give your baby the best start in life and strengthens your child's immunity.
• Saves you a lot money because it's naturally available. No need to buy expensive milk formula, feeding bottles, sterilizer and many other things. 
• Protection against allergies, infections and all kinds of illnesses and even obesity, later in your child's life. My baby rarely got sick and was never hospitalized (thank God!). So it also saves you money on hospital expenses and medicines.
• It's a natural contraceptive as it delays fertility for mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding.
• Very convenient...no bottles to wash and sterilize, no milk to prepare, no need test it at the back of your hands if it's the right temperature.
• Convenient during travel. All you need to bring are diapers, clothes and other necessities. No need for bottles, sterilized water and milk formula that takes so much space. Breast milk is readily available, sterile and always at the right temperature so lesser chances of contamination.
• Breast milk is essential for your child's growth and brain development. Breastfed babies are found to have higher IQ and EQ. 
• Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, cervical cancer and postpartum depression (PPD).
• Breastfed babies are less irritable, smells good too and baby poo are less smelly.
• You can nurse while sleeping so you get more sleep, you won't have to get up in the middle of the night to prepare his milk and you can easily satisfy your baby's hunger without him having to wait.
• Breastfeeding makes you feel good and satisfied. The endorphin effect of the hormones produced during breastfeeding gives you a relaxed feeling.
• Breast milk is easier to digest, reduces risk of chronic constipation, colic and stomach upsets.

The list can go on and on and on.... There's just too many benefits with breastfeeding. Whether you breastfeed or not, it's really your decision. It won't make you less of a woman or a mother for that matter if you don't. Just take this point into consideration, cow's milk are for baby cows and human milk are for human babies. Wouldn't you want to give the best for your baby?

The World Is Mine, No Need To Whine

I've just gotten in touch with my close friends way back in college. We've missed each other so much because it's been awhile since we've last seen each other, so many things to catch up on and so we decided to have our little reunion soon.  It was great to hear from them but also sad because of what some of them are going through right now. And here I am complaining about my own problems. I felt ashamed, somewhat guilty because I just realized how puny my worries are compared to other people. I also remembered one of my favorite poems and wish to share it with you. I had it on the cover of my folder when I was in college and even had a friend of mine draw me some pictures to go with it. It's a simple poem but the meaning is just beautiful so here it goes.....

The World is Mine
By: Dr. Tennyson Guyer 
 
Today upon a bus I saw a girl with golden hair;
She seemed so gay, I envied her, and wished that I were half so fair;
I watched her as she rose to leave, and saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch, but as she passed--a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two legs--the world is mine.
 
Later on I bought some sweets. The boy who sold them had such charm,
I thought I'd stop and talk awhile. If I were late, t'would do no harm.
And as we talked he said, "thank you, sir, you've really been so kind .
It's nice to talk to folks like you because, you see, I'm blind."
Oh, God , forgive me when I whine;
I have two eyes--the world is mine.
 
Later, walking down the street, I met a boy with eyes so blue.
But he stood and watched the others play, it seemed he knew not what to do.
I paused, and then I said," Why don't you join the others, dear?"
But he looked straight ahead without a word, and then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God forgive me when I whine;
I have two ears--the world is mine.
 
Two legs to take me where I go,
Two eyes to see the sunset's glow,
Two ears to hear all I should know,
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I'm blest, indeed, the world is mine.

So the next time you complain, just be reminded that the troubles of other people are sometimes greater than our own. Instead of thinking about the things you lack, think of the things you have. In short, count your blessings! You'll be surprised just how fortunate you are.

Newbie

Yes I'm new with blogging but I find it really interesting and challenging. Interesting...... because it creates a venue for me to express my thoughts and explore new things that tickles the imagination. Challenging because it's a new thing for me, still getting the hang of it on the how to's, what is' and etc. etc. etc. I got so frustrated many times on how to go about the "html", editing my lay-out that doesn't work, spent sleepless nights learning the way around and so on and so forth....that I almost gave up! Be done with it!  But here I am writing about it so I guess I'm sticking to it.... then maybe in time I'll get better at doing this and maybe....just maybe...make a career out of it?! Who knows?! Well, good luck to me and just hope for the best!