PERSONAL NARRATIVES, MOMMY TIPS, AND THRILLING DISCOVERIES TO MAKE DAILY LIFE THE HAPPIEST
MOMI REALIZES | My always full basket
I just can’t sleep. With two of my youngest in the hospital, I simply can’t find peace at the moment.
So I stared at my two precious darlings for too long. Then I wonder, when was the last time I looked at them intently? Or at least caress them as if I don’t care for the time.
MOMI LEARNS| You don’t need to always catch the ball
Early last week, both my grade six and grade nine boys have been sleeping late at night for two consecutive days already. The younger one finished a ukelele group project due in three days time. My elder one, on the other hand, got busy with a truss bridge he needed to submit by the end of the week.
Concerned, I asked them how was their division of labor. Both my boys relayed to me that no one wanted to work so they took charge.
MOMI SMILES| Meaningful Monday 1
Our house was surrounded by clutter and dust and all I did was turn a blind eye to them all. Perhaps, the same thing my boys did. Instead of cleaning, I passed the responsibility to my children. I always have my baby and toddler as an excuse. But despite the nagging, they just can do what their little hands can. Many times, I felt demotivated with all the mess. Surely, it did affect my boys, too.
MOMI REFLECTS| Hustle reminds me of self-assessment
I got a planner from Makati Medical Center. It is called Hustle – made especially for individuals on the go. It contains insightful yet concise information about health and wellness. Each detail is suitable to meet the demands of one’s busy schedule.
I like it that each month, Hustle provides features relevant to one’s journey towards a balanced lifestyle. For that month of June, Hustle focuses on self-assessment.
MOMI LEARNS| Parentology+ and parents as informed advocates
You are not raising a son, but someone's husband, and somebody's father. Raise him well then.
That was what I realized two years ago when I started to have problems with my Second son. I would want to blame the peer he got at his new school as the bad influence. Or perhaps those acolytes he spent time with every meeting and church service.
Do not get me wrong. My Second son is kindhearted. He puts great efforts in his studies. He is courteous. It is just that he can be more susceptible to peer pressure. Among my boys, he can be the most aggressive to try new things. He is also the most independent to the point that he is more likely to experiment. Sometimes, his acts would make my heart beat harder and faster.
I must admit. There was a time I would want to give up. Or I already gave up. But then, I’ve realized that I am a parent and I have the power to bring my kids’ future forward. The same way that I can reshape my Second son’s future.
MOMI BALANCES| This 2018, we will travel
Traveling is said to be one of the best ways for personal development. Being exposed to various environment, food, and customs widens one’s understanding of the world around him. It helps him know himself better and discover or affirm his capacity to adapt and survive – something he might not know existed within him.
Travel is Hustle‘s* featured topic for May 2018. Let me share with you what Hustle would want us to achieve in order to balance our lifestyle.
MOMI EXPERIENCES | Delgado Clinic’s Optimal Birth Outcome
It was 15 years ago when I visited my OB-Gyn for my regular prenatal checkup. He told me my cervix was already 3cm and I should pack my things and proceed to the hospital. I was so clueless about what to expect and what would happen next. All I knew was to trust my doctor and if I can, enjoy each experience.
We arrived at the hospital passed lunch time. I was brought to the labor room. The room was similar to an emergency room, with curtains dividing each bed. I could hear other moms in labor wailing, even cursing. My doctor warned me to never be hysterical or else he will leave me alone. I took it seriously and cried in silence. The labor pains were really something you wouldn’t want to experience again. After 11 hours of monitoring, a number of IEs, and several BPs, I was finally brought to the delivery room.
It was midnight of May 17. My hands and legs were strapped. I was instructed to make a push. It took us three hours before finally hearing a loud wail of a baby – my boy. At 3:10 am, I gave birth to my Firstborn. And everyone in the room gasped, “your son is so handsome.” Then I lost consciousness.
About two years ago, I saw the drama film 12 Years A Slave. It is an adaptation of an 1853 slave narrative memoir of Solomon Northup. He was a New York State-born free African American man kidnapped and sold into slavery.
I looked for its book version and was all the more moved. Indeed, the widely talked about slavery primarily of African and African American in the USA in the 18th and 19th century was so brutal.
The treatment of slaves that time was so degrading. Whipping and sexual rape were a common practice. One duty slaves needed to finish was cotton picking, and those who picked less got a whipping.
From the film, I also learned that cotton was hard to harvest. Thus, perhaps the reason that pure cotton is way expensive than other kinds of clothes.
Seriously, I thought when I resigned more than two years ago, it would be the end of my social life. With six boys to look after (the husband included), I never imagined I will still have the time to be with friends and even make acquaintances.
It was my love for writing that made me decide to document the feats and the fun of being a stay-at-home mom. Little did I know the blog I started more than a year ago will open opportunities for us to try new products and be influencers for the brands we love.
I always believe that attitude is a choice. Same with giving and sharing, we may always opt to do so or otherwise.
If we decide to be generous and helpful, we might be surprised that eventually, it is us who reap the rewards of our kind deeds.
Let me share with you the positive effects of giving.