Lenten Thoughts on Family

When I started planning for our Holy Week this year, I knew I wanted to spend it with family (hubby’s and mine).

 I don’t know when this “tradition” started in my head.  I do remember spending time with family every single Holy Week of my single life.  I remember days playing mah-jong, tong-its, pusoy dos, sungka, and other card games I no longer remember the rules to.  I remember the young-at-hearts telling us stories about Philippine mythological creatures and their alleged favourite day (Good Friday) to be out and about in the world of the living.  I remember being told not to take a bath after 3:00 p.m. because the “Lord is dead.”  I remember that we had to sit still and behave until Easter Sunday because if we nick or cut ourselves during Good Friday until Easter Sunday, our wounds won’t heal.

Growing up with an extended family under the same roof meant that Holy Week was rarely a time for reflection unless you shut yourself up in your room (might as well clean it up while you’re at it.)  But there will be no real “peaceful” time alone because of the ruckus and wild antics of siblings and Titos and Titas, and Lolos and Lolas who will either call on you to do some chores or just pester you with loving banter.  Looking back, those crazy noisy and busy days were, in a way, a good way to reflect on what is really important then and now—FAMILY.

We ended up spending our first Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, as a Hapi Family, with both our families.  I am thankful for the opportunity to share laughter, life and lovelife updates, chismis, and serious talks.  It is only during these times when we sometimes realize how much we have missed each other.   Happy Easter, everyone!  Here’s to more time with family for the rest of the year.

On the Love of Reading

Today, I am reminded of my love of reading.  My boss’s daughter Affy (I hope I spelled her name right.  If not, and you get to read this, sorry, Affy!) brought a book with her when she visited her mom at the office today.  Over lunch, I noticed and told her I loved the series which the book belongs to.  She gushed and we got to talking a bit about how we loved that particular series and the conversation naturally drifted to other related topics (favourite authors, other favourite books…).  I even earned a fist-bump for saying I liked a particular author over another. (Yey!) Hehehe.

Throughout our conversation, I found myself face to face with myself decades ago (probably a lot nerdier).  You see, for every “Oh my God!” moment that Affy and I shared today, I am reminded of a young me who would probably gush at the same things.  When I offered Affy my iPad so she could read more on the series she was on (she’s almost through with her book and it’s just past lunch time), she walked away happy… and then rushed back to gush more because she was in awe of my ebook collection.  I laughed and offered to send her copies of the books she wanted copies of through email.  She then walked away with a huge grin, muttering something about reading my Archie comic book collection first.

To be completely honest, I cannot help but feel a bit sad. ‘Truth is, while I hold so many books in my ebook collection, I rarely have the time to read a page of those books.  I yearn for the days when I couldn’t put a book down for days.  I miss having a reading marathon in bed just because it was a rainy day and I didn’t feel like doing anything else.  I miss going to law school on an examination day toting  a Harry Potter book I couldn’t put down, instead of review materials I needed to study for the test.

I will go back to my beloved books (all of which haunt me as they are neatly tucked in my iPad) soon.   For now, I focus on motherhood and my new career, but I know it won’t take long for me to cozy up with a good read.  It’s just in my system.  It’s been a potent source of my happiness ever since I was a little girl.  I wish I could share this with my little bubwit.  I know I’ll try. A blessed Maundy Thursday 2013 to everyone!

The Cloth Diapering Commitment

Even while my little bubwit was still inside of me, I knew I was going to use the traditional “lampin” system of diapering.  The system has been used and passed down generations in our family. The lampin system of diapering is simply one where a piece of long white gauze cloth is folded to fit your baby and is held secure by pins or clips on both sides of the baby’s hips.  It is a lot of work because unlike disposable diapers, you have to change the baby every time it pees or poops, and one needs to wash the soiled diapers almost everyday. I didn’t feel intimidated by the work that came with the decision to use the lampin system because I basically did that for my two other sisters who were born and raised here in the Philippines. 

Ag in her lampin

However, I have to admit the hard truth: we weren’t able to implement the lampin system right away.  Coming home from the hospital, hubby and I were exhausted and we really needed to use disposables for maybe a week or two.  I am not going to deny it, and I admit that that wasn’t how we planned it to be… but I was yaya-less for almost two months.  So there’s that.

Nonetheless, we were still able to successfully use the lampin system 2-3 weeks since our baby’s birth.  However, we couldn’t totally phase out of disposable diapering at night and whenever we left home.  I thought to myself, “There has to be a better way….”

Enter the “new” and modern craze in cloth diapering –I shall dub them “cover ups” for lack of a better term.  The cover ups system consists of absorbent pre-cut cloths called “inserts” that you insert into/inside pre-cut diaper covers made of waterproof material.

Actually, the little one was gifted with two sets of cover ups and inserts on her first month.  We had used them once or twice instead of disposables when we went on mall errands with her.  Back then, I started to become curious about this system.  But when I checked online, I found the prices a bit too prohibitive to sustain.  So I passed.

Fairly recently, I found out from friends that there were cheaper china-made versions of the system and it has, in fact, become a game-changer.  I then learned online that the system is the newest craze and that the prices are so low.  I knew it was time to take the plunge and give the system another chance.

Ag in her Alva 3.0 cloth diaper

I bought baby’s 12 diapers online for half the price of the system that was given to her as a gift.  I received the diapers last week and have prepped them for use.  I’ll tell you all about it in another blog.  Suffice to say that I plan to use the lampin system in the day time and the cover ups system at night and for when we’re out and about with the little bubwit.  I still think that the lampin system is the best for preventing diaper rashes and for keeping baby’s private areas cool.

I share this commitment with all who care to listen.  Because I know that this is a step towards saving our planet and keeping my little one’s bum healthy and rash free.

Exploring the Deep Blue: The Hapi Couple’s Journey to Being Certified Divers

I have been diving with my husband for four years now.  I don’t think I will ever stop diving with my husband for as long as I can.  I hope to share this hobby with my kid/s. And I hope I can do so for so many more years to come.

Our decision to get certified is one for the books.

After our wedding, we were looking at websites offering “honeymoon packages.”   The obscenely high prices made it too unconscionable for us to even consider availing of these offers.  Then, I came across one of those offers which included scuba diving sessions in the package.  I then remembered I’ve always wanted to dive.  So I asked the hubby, “Wanna just get ourselves certified?” The rationale was this: at least, whenever we dive, it would be like we were on our honeymoon again. (Yeah, cheesy, I know.)  I got a resounding “Yes!” from my hubby, and thus our journey began.

But first, we needed to find ourselves an instructor.  We checked websites and called up friends.  Some packages were priced so ridiculously high (50k per person?!) that we made a real effort to hunt down a good bargain.  Finally, my best friend in college, Ellen, told us about her instructor for Advanced Certification –a certain Col. Ravina.  Col. Ravina is a marine in active duty who, incidentally, teaches people how to dive.  With reasonable rates (Php 18,000 for the both of us, including overnight accommodation for our check out dives) and excellent recommendation from Ellen, we took a leap of faith and enrolled for Open Water Diver (OWD) Certification –this is the most basic certification that will allow you to dive unassisted for up to a certain feet.

Flying.  That’s how it feels whenever I’m diving.  It is the best feeling in the world next only to having my daughter, and passing the bar exams. 

I won’t lie. Diving privileges comes with a hefty-ish price tag.  Aside from certification fees, you need to  buy gears.  This can run from a few thousands to hundreds of thousands, depending on whether you’re a “scu-barat” or a big spender who wants all the latest gadgets.  My take?  I am a certified scu-barat who occasionally indulges in big ticket items for safety.  Here’s a breakdown of the stuff I bought through the years:

Mask – OMS (branded but bought on a discount)

Full wetsuit – Bodyglove (branded but bought on a discount)

Weights and weight belt – generic

Fins (full-foot) – generic

BCD – Mares (branded, bought second hand)

Regulators – Mares (branded, bought second hand)

Dive computer – Suunto (branded, bought the basic one)

Dive crate and bag – Generic

Whew. Quite a lot.  This prompted me to ask Col. Ravina during one of our Starbucks study sessions: “Sir, is it worth it to invest into diving?” His answer:

“Yes.  Of course.  Kasi nasa Pilipinas ka.  And the waters here have the best dive sites.  You don’t have to travel half-way across the globe just to dive.  You can just drive for two hours, and have a wonderful divetrip.  That alone, makes it worth it.”

After 4 years, numerous dive destinations, and countless dives, I have to agree.  This is one of the best investments I’ve made in my life.  I have not even tried diving outside the Philippines.  And I’m far from done.

Soon enough, we were already enrolling for the Advanced Open Water (AOWD) Certification. This allowed us to hone our skills and to dive an even deeper depths (some of the most beautiful sites in the Philippines is just beyond the depth allowed for OWD).

I look back to the day we decided to take the plunge –literally.   I remember all the memories that came with our diving trips, the friends we have met, the beautiful underwater sites we have visited, and every little thing in between.  I have to say, our honeymoon has been amazing so far… and will continue to be for the rest of our diving lives. J

Labor Pains and Giving Birth to Our Little Bubwit

This blog entry may contain graphic descriptions of events that might offend the sensitive nature of some individuals.  Reader's discretion is advised.

For posterity, I shall document my journey to the delivery room and beyond.

On the Monday of my 38^th week, I waddled my way through our office doors.  Around lunch time, I admit, I felt a little odd.  Like I was restless, (but not the exaggerated kind of restlessness) I just could not quite put my finger on it, but I felt it enough to silently blurt out to Marita (my officemate): “Feeling ko, baka nag co-contractions na ako, but only very mild…”  But generally, I felt okay.

I was set for a final interview with the PGM of GSIS the next day, so I quietly whispered to my little itlog “Baby, after the interview na, ha?”

On our way home (my husband picks me up from our office at The Fort to bring me home to QC), I was feeling discomfort.  That’s how I would describe it.  There wasn’t any pain (not at that point, at least), and the discomfort wasn’t anything I couldn’t deal with.  Still, just to be safe, we called my OB-GYNE to check in.  She told me to time my “contractions” (although I told her I wasn’t sure if they were actual contractions).  I did for the duration of our trip home, but lost interest after a while.   By then it was happening every 10 minutes or so.

At home, at around 10, I couldn’t sleep, so I started timing the “contractions” once more.  At around 11 pm, I noticed that the uncomfortable feeling started to intensify.  I called my OB-GYNE to tell her about this.  She told me to go to the hospital to get checked out.  I told her I didn’t want to be the lady who cried “I’m having my baby!” too soon.  She told me to go na rin just to be sure.

So the hubby and I took our sweet time… getting our packed bags and enjoying light banter.  When I reached the first floor of our apartment, I suddenly had the urge to pee.  After peeing, I noticed a pink blood-stained gelatin-like substance in the bowl.   I knew then that this was the “bloody show” or the mucus plug that I have read about.  Still, I calmly told my husband and just texted my OB-GYNE about this development.

The drive to the hospital at almost midnight was a breeze and we weren’t really in a hurry.  Looking back, I think this easy journey (with light conversations between hubby and I) helped in keeping me calm. 

I walked from the parking lot to the hospital building.  It was when I was about to step foot inside the building that I first felt the intense pain that can only be described as the feeling you get when you’re having an upset stomach/diarrhea –only times 10 more intense.  Yep.  That’s a contraction right there.

I still managed to walk to the labor room and checked myself in.  Upon internal examination (IE), the resident doctor determined that I was just 2cm. So she had me change back into my clothes first.  As I was about to do so, I felt something literally pop inside me, and water flowed like pee from my vajayjay.  I called out to the doctor to inform her of this, and she immediately asked me to lie down for an IE again. Lo and behold, I was now 4cm. 

The significance of 4cm is very important… especially to me.  At 4cm, you are now in active labor and could now ask for an epidural if you wish to have one.  An epidural is an anaesthesia wired to your body through your spinal area to make the pain go away.  And THAT is what I definitely wanted.  After experiencing maybe 3 to 5 rounds of real contractions, I had enough.  Painless labor for this mommy-to-be, por favor! :)

So, I slept for I think 4 hours until I woke up in the delivery room ready to push.  I pushed for more or less an hour and gave birth to our baby girl.

The next thing I knew I woke up in the recovery room where they had to keep me hostage for 4 hours.  I was then (finally) released and carted to my room to see my hubby and have a glimpse of my little bubwit. :)

Will I do it again? Go for a vaginal birth? Definitely.  Within a few minutes  from being released to my room, I was sitting up, standing, and I walked several meters to pee.  I only hope that the next time, my body is still strong and healthy enough to endure the procedure.