Mr. Greece

Yesterday was a fun, fun day at my son's Halloween Party at his playschool. I was very late! I had to bring ice cream (it was a pot luck event) and cameras of course. I didn't get to see my son introduce himself boohoo! :-( He said his name and said he's Mr. Greece! It must've been a very adorable thing to see! The parents cheered him on as they know he doesn't speak in class very much (aside from his usual one-two word phrases when the teacher asks him for something). I so hate myself for missing that moment!

I don't have the pictures now but will post as soon as I've downloaded them to my cranky desktop at home.

Echolilia

I'm subscribed to Time Magazine's updates in Facebook. They have great articles - most are socially relevant and some are actually funny articles you'd read when you want to de-stress.

This particular one caught my attention yesterday. I think mainly because I've been more exposed and a lot more open to special needs children now that my son is doing therapy. To be honest, I actually cried and it's very embarrassing because I was reading this at the office after work. Maybe it was because I had a very long day at work or maybe because I could empathize with how the father felt while taking those photos.

The Time Photo article is Echolilia: A Father's Photographic Conversation with his Autistic Son. Aside from the photos being absolutely amazing, the pictures would actually speak to you as a parent. I don't know if it made me sad or if it made me a bit happy because somehow the father was able to reach out to his special needs son without the need for complicated conversation.

The photographer also has a blog which is an interesting read. You can also see more of his photos here.

Update: Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Plan

Unfortunately, I had to stop this plan. Why? I felt my teeth really hurting every time I would drink my apple cider vinegar-honey concoction. I think it has to do with the acid in the vinegar affecting my teeth enamel. Or maybe it's time to go to the dentist to have my teeth checked. So till I get that done, I'm putting this plan on hold. Booohooo to me :-(

Day 1: Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Plan - 141 lbs

Ok, this is not a strict, formal diet or weight loss plan. This is something my sister convinced me to do. And again, I'm a sucker for new things, so I'm trying this.

I must admit I'm the usual couch potato. No exercise. Just sit, eat, watch TV, eat, work in front of the laptop, eat, then surf the net, eat, then sleep. No physical activity whatsoever. Unless you count driving as a physical activity (I drive an automatic transmission car by the way, which makes driving a non-exercise).

Some go the slimming shake-pill-tea route, but I'm afraid to try all of those because I don't have a gall bladder anymore. Yup, had mine remove 3 years ago because of nasty gall stones. I'm afraid if I take those chemical-infused slimming stuff, I would torture my liver - yuck!

My sister recommended I try the Apple Cider Vinegar concoction to lose weight. She said to pour 1-2 tsp of ACV into a glass of water then add 1-2 tsp of raw honey. Drink before each meal, 3 times a day. That's it.

I actually bought the ACV even before reading up if this concoction of hers works LOL. I bought the Bragg organic ACV (available in Healthy Options). Then the raw honey from Landmark Supermarket. Bragg organic ACV at Php139 and Cem's honey at Php60.80.
I've started taking this drink 3 times today. Taste is not bad. If you're used to lemonade, then this is just okay. Shake or mix well so the honey does not stay at the bottom of the glass.

My weight today is 141 lbs. I'm 4'11" tall (or short!). This gives me a BMI of 28.5 (overweight!). I need to lose 20 lbs because the ideal weight for my height is 94-124 lbs. Aaarrrggghh!!!

I've read some of the literature of ACV benefits on weight loss and it sounds promising. Overall, the concoction, according to a study, will result to a long term weight loss of 15lbs per year even without a change in diet - nice! Read up on ACV benefits and other home remedies here: Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits

Let's see how this turns out. I'm desperate for a weight loss plan but I don't want to go through the pill route - so help me God!

Product to Try: VMV Hypoallergenics Grandma Minnie's The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm

My kids are the usual type who'd run around the house as if they bounce on walls. The usual outcome would then be the weekly bruises, cuts, and wounds. My daughter is the "suki" of our first aid kit. I would always have a box of band-aid, a bottle of Betadine, and cotton balls handy - even during family outings where we'd have to stay overnight.

Yesterday while out window-shopping with my mama and my sister, we went inside VMV Hypoallergenics in Trinoma to check VMV Armada Face Shield. My sister desperately needs a good sunblock for her diamond peel treatment next month.

I didn't expect to see a bunch of products for babies as I thought VMV only carries makeup and adult skincare products. One product that caught my eye is The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm. The label says:

Validated Hypoallergenic: VH-65 (Free of all known allergens)
100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free
100% Paraben + Preservative-Free
Phthalate-Free
With antibacterial, antiviral, protective properties
Non-Comedogenic
Usage, Patch + Clinically Tested
Pediatrician-tested
For Infants, Babies, Newborns 0+, even those with very dry, sensitive, atopic skin ; for Pregnant or Lactating Moms ; for Men and Women with very atopic, sensitive, allergy-prone skin

Ok, I'm sold. The product is worth Php900+ plus got it for Php725 because they have 10% discount till next week. Actually, mama got it for me because I'm so poorita this week :-(

Once I got home, my daughter (as if by fate) had an accident which gave her a nasty knee-wound. After she took her night shower, we immediately applied the balm. Verdict: Not painful at all, no sting. We still have yet to see if the product works - which means if it heals the wound in a week's time.

Product details here: VMV Hypoallergenics Grandma Minnie's The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm

Product to Try: Anion Love Moon Pads

I have not met any woman who does not have any urinary tract infection, bacterial infection, yeast infection and any-other-infection in the V area! Every girl I knew had a problem that needed antibiotic prescription. I am not spared from this agony! Ever since I was young, I had the occasional UTI. I would even have it when I'm pregnant. I know it is scary, that's why I'd always be in the doctor's office getting myself tested and waiting for my prescription. *sigh*

Imagine my disbelief when my friend told me her mom is looking at buying a box of Anion Love Moon pads to relieve her and her entire family (4 girls in the family + my friend's mom). My reaction was "Anion what???". My second reaction was "P3,500 for a set???!!!!". That was damn expensive!!!

I researched this Anion pads on the internet and found some pretty interesting stuff. It is made of super-absorbent layers but the most important part is the negative ion strip. This strip is said to reduce or prevent several infections and inflammations and promote overall health and well-being.

To read more about the benefits of Anion Love Moon pads, go to this site -> Anion

I ordered a trial pack which I expect to receive within the week. I'm excited to try this new product and will test the product claims (not sure I can test all but will try to check some of it)!

Under a Rock

So many things, so little time!!! Had no time to post anything the past month! I know...this is not good for a newbie blogger :-(

Weekend

What to do on a boring weekend? Play with baby powder of course!

First Report Card

It was two Saturdays ago when we receive our son's first report card. Nothing eventful really. I got there late, the teacher has already started the conference.

The school being new and all, the teacher had to give a background of the school (well, really it's not a formal school...a teacher quit his job overseas and decided to build his own playschool here). He gave a background of himself as well - his experience, what he did overseas, new things he learned and what drove him to build his own school.

All I can say is, we're very lucky to have a school like this here. It's literally not a school, because it's just a small room with 10 kids and 2 teachers. The special thing though is my son's teacher has been trained how to manage kids with special needs. He's been very patient and very encouraging to both the kids and the parents. He was actually the one who suggested we bring my son for an evaluation. Looking back, I'm very happy we went with his suggestion.

Okay, on with the conference. After all the talk about the school, he gave out report cards for each of the kids. It's nice that he would mention what each kid is good at. He's very encouraging that way.

Here's the final report for our son. I'm very happy (all smiles here) with the result of 2 months of playschool!!! Our son is definitely improving :-)

"He is a sweet and cheerful boy who shows promising learning potential. Though he joined the class late this term, he was able to cope with his peers socially and seemed to enjoy their company. He is currently on behavior modification program and with the recent positive outcome, he will be able to learn and improve behaviorally soon. His interaction with his peers indicates a positive sign of social skill development and eventually will improve his communication skill given the right opportunity and communication situation. He is gradually learning to respond verbally to his teacher and familiar adult; he is learning to express himself verbally as well beginning with asking for what he wants ("I want _____.") It's a joy to teach him and I just home that he continue to improve communicatively and cognitively."

Product Review: Venus and Mars Bare It All Cream

Blame it on my sister. Now I'm converted to using organic skin and hair care products.

I've always been the ideal consumer - give me a good TV or print commercial and I'm sold. I'll buy the product and use them. And yes, without checking the label on what's in there. Actually, I don't think there's any use to me checking the label really because I don't understand any of those scientific terms and chemical names.

Which points to the best thing about organic products - I can understand all of the ingredients' names! Very simple and straightforward - shea butter, emu oil, rosehip oil, etc. etc.

The love of organics drove my sister to actually sell them to friends and family. She does not make them (thank God! I don't know what she'll put in them if she does LOL) but gets them from a reputable organic product manufacturer and sells them. Her principle is that she's going to use these products anyway so it doesn't matter really if she makes good profit.

The first item I bought from her is the Venus and Mars Bare It All Cream. I'm a fan of body creams and body butters. First, because I have very dry skin (except on my face). After I gave birth, I just couldn't survive on lotion alone especially on areas prone to dryness (elbows, knees, feet and all the unmentionable parts of the body that dries and darkens, eeewww!). Second, I'm in airconditioned rooms almost 24/7 which all the more requires that I need to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!! Third, I'm a very stretchmarky (if there is such a word) person. I have stretchmarks everywhere! And last, I'm not getting any younger so my diminishing skin elasticity plus dryness will age me 10 years more than my actual age!

So ok, I tried on the BIA cream from V&M and my first impression was it smelled good. I got the mentholated one so aside from the smell, it feels cool and tingly on the skin. Next impression, after I put it on, it wasn't greasy or heavy at all. It felt barely there, but my skin was not dry. Then, I roadtested it while I was in an aircon room and great thing is my skin never dried up! This was for a good 8 hours! I tried using at noon as well before I went out and it didn't feel hot or greasy at all! Good job!

After using the cream for a good 1 month, the dry skin (which means almost callused, dark, itchy) on both sides of my feet are gone! I actually did not notice it immediately till I pedicured my toenails.

I am loving this cream and have ordered another big tub :-)

My empty V&M Bare It All Cream tub

You can get your V&M creams from my sister (ok, shameless ad here LOL) -> http://gogreengorgeous.multiply.com/ You will see she has products from different brand names. That's because she usually roadtest them first before selling them.

*Note: I am not sponsored or paid by V&M to make this review. I also do not know the manufacturer personally.

We're Writing!!!

We're definitely seeing good improvement here!

When we went for evaluation 2 months ago, one of the doctor's comments was that my son still needs to fully develop his fine motor skills.

Two months ago, he does not want to hold a pencil nor a crayon.

Look at how far we've come!!!

Tracing lines


Colors

Very Simple

I love this brief entry in zen habits. This is from Leo Babauta. This has captured the very essence of how to enjoy life. Too many material things have clouded our meaning of happiness. Time to change that perspective and go back to basics.

A BRIEF GUIDE TO LIFE

Life can be ridiculously complicated, if you let it. I suggest we simplify.

Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote, which I’ve stolen as this site’s subtitle, is the shortest guide to life you’ll ever need:

“Smile, breath, and go slowly.”

If you live your life by those five words, you’ll do pretty well. For those who need a little more guidance, I’ve distilled the lessons I’ve learned (so far) into a few guidelines, or reminders, really.

And as always, these rules are meant to be broken. Life wouldn’t be any fun if they weren’t.

THE BRIEF GUIDE

less tv, more reading

less shopping, more outdoors

less clutter, more space

less rush, more slowness

less consuming, more creating

less junk, more real food

less busywork, more impact

less driving, more walking

less noise, more solitude

less focus on the future, more on the present

less work, more play

less worry, more smiles

breathe

happy weekend!

Slowly but surely

The past week has been a good one. D has been showing good progress in therapy.

Aside from being able to answer "What's your name?", he now knows other basics such as "How old are you?" and "How are you?". Being echolaleic, these are huge improvements in such a short time!

He also has started learning to grasp two critical elements/concepts in a statement. At first he would only remember the last object in a statement, with a little push, he is able to understand that there are 2 objects he needs to focus on.

This week, he has also started to learn colors. I'm very happy hearing him answer my question, "What color is this?" :-D

With all these things, he has started to be very interested in conversations. He would say, "Look at this, mommy!" or "What is this?". Huge, huge improvement!

I'm praying these milestones continue. The only catch is that he is performing very well during therapy but we still have some challenges at home. The tantrums, the hyperactivity, the babbling and the hyperfocus are still there. I think he sees school and therapy as formal venues where he needs to respond to questions, write and trace letters, color pictures and answer puzzles. He sees home as a place where he can let loose. I'm keeping it that way for now, of course, there is still structure at home but we don't overdo the writing and studying. I try to make learning fun.

I look forward to another good week!

Top Thing To Do: Spring Cleaning!

Inspiring message from Bertrand Russell:
"It is preoccupation with possession, more than anything else, that prevents men from living freely and nobly."

Well said, Mr. Russell!

I need to start spring cleaning. We've accumulated too much stuff through the years and never gotten around to doing an inventory of things we have. The motto is buy, buy, buy.

No more delaying...I need to DO.THIS.NOW.

Dress Up Game for Grown-up Girls

My daughter is a dress up game addict. She could play several dress up (or makeover) games for hours! She gets her games from dressupgames.com or games2girls.com. My favorite is poupee girl where you can even upload your items and use them to dress up your character! Cute!!!

Recently, we found a site for grown-up girls (yep, mommy just won't be left out on this game trend!). I've been spending hours on this site, super fun! Mix and match, change your background, make it look like a fashion editorial (karir!!!).

Here's what I recently made - what I would wear on a normal day to work (of course, just the look, not the brands!)



This is great for when you just want to kill idle time or relax during lunch break...I'm killing 'em all idle minutes now!

Malunggay Galore and an Oatmeal Cookie Recipe!

Finally, I'm slowly building up my milk supply that I leave at home for nights when I'm in the office. I have my pumping schedule in the office down pat. I could bring home around 3 4oz packs of pumped milk everyday.

When I'm at home I nurse Damian the whole day. This would mean he'd sleep by my side or the yaya would bring him to me when he's hungry then take him when he's done. I'm happy that this way, we're still able to bond even if I'm sleeping.

Thank God for the wonderful malunggay!

I started taking Natalac capsules last Friday. I take this twice a day - once in the morning and then in the evening. Of course, I still take my pre-natal vitamins so I don't lose out on important nutrients.

My mom also made me special malunggay dishes. First off, the Ilocano dish called patalbog. Basically, the vegetables are added to boiling water with fish bagoong. No sauteeing thus no oil :-) Her weekend patalbog had malunggay, saluyot, ginger, tomatoes, okra and ampalaya leaves. Talk about green!

Then on Sunday, my mom made tinola without the chicken LOL! How is that possible, you say? She cooked the chicken in water so she had a broth, took out the chicken then added the vegetables (sayote and malunggay). What did we do with the chicken? We made it into adobo of course! Instant double dish :-)

I've also discovered a recipe for oatmeal cookies from Chronicles of a Nursing Mom. Great recipe! I think this will taste yummy! Honestly, I didn't know that oatmeal is a galactagogue until I read Jenny's entry. Good news for me! I loooovvveee oatmeal! I can eat oatmeal everyday for breakfast. Having it as a cookie is a super treat! Here's the recipe:

* 1 cup butter
* 1 cup sugar – we’ve reduced this to ½ cup
* 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar – we’ve reduced this to ½ cup
* 4 tablespoons water
* 2 tablespoons flax seed meal – available at healthy options
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups oats - You can use the “quaker oats” brand – choose quick cooking not instant. You can also buy oats from Healthy Options
* 1 cup chocolate chips – Some moms replace this with toffee chips or chopped-up pieces of Heath bar.
* 2-4 tablespoons brewer's yeast – available at Healthy Options. I also sprinkle brewer’s yeast on my daily oatmeal bowl.

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix the flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar well. Add eggs and mix well. Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well. Sift together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to butter mix. Stir in oats and chips. Scoop onto baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Let set for a couple minutes then remove from tray.

Yum, yum, yum!!! I will definitely try this one soon and post pictures!

In my Dreams

I don't buy designer anything - bag, shoes, clothes, anything. I feel like the money I will spend on those things, I can use to buy things for my kids. It also doesn't help that a price of a bag can send 10 kids to school in the Philippines!

But I like to read fashion magazines and look at fashion blogs. I like to play Looklet and Poupee Girls. Simply because I think of fashion (and that includes those pretty designer things) as work of art. I admire how someone can look at a pile of stuff and arrange them into something beautiful with the human body as the canvass.
Here is one bag I absolutely adore. I like things simple, plain but elegant - Alexander McQueen's Faithful black-polished leather bag. Beautiful.

Parenting.com: ADHD Overview

This article from Parenting.com gives a good overview of ADHD which includes information on symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, medication and prevention. Though not very comprehensive, the article gives important information any parent suspecting their child has ADHD should know. I find the section on the Child's Experience very useful.

Read the full article here: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

When to Test for ADHD

This article from Parenting.com has helpful basic information on when to get your child tested for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. I found that we made the right decision for our son.

When to Test for ADHD

Factors to consider when deciding to get your child tested for ADHD

By Christina Breda Antoniades, Parenting

Your kid has a classic case of ants in the pants. And he never seems to listen or follow directions. You've been hoping he'll outgrow it, but you have a nagging suspicion that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be to blame. Is it time to find out for sure? Consider these factors from Baltimore pediatrician Lawrence Pakula, M.D.:

How many red flags do you see?

Hyperactivity and impulsivity are two signs of ADHD (although not all children with ADHD are hyperactive). But other symptoms include difficulty in paying attention, completing tasks, following directions, taking turns, remembering things, or sitting still (all of which can apply to most any kid). The key: Are they interfering with his ability to function?

Does he have other developmental issues?

If he's generally immature, he may grow out of his antsiness at his own pace. But if he has marked delays in motor, language, or other skills, you may not want to wait. Those delays may be tied to ADHD, but they also can be a sign of learning disabilities, and the earlier those are diagnosed, the better for your child. If ADHD runs in your immediate family, that's another good reason to test your child earlier.

What kind of school is he going to?

There's a stronger argument to wait on testing if your child is going to a low-key kindergarten rather than a highly structured environment. But either way, consider giving him three to six months to adjust. And try simple changes, too: An assigned seat at the front of the classroom or a behavior-intervention program may be all he really needs.

Is he falling behind?

If he's lagging socially or academically, is constantly being reprimanded, or his behavior is unsafe (regular ER visits are a big clue), don't wait. Yorba Linda, CA, mom Debra Ann Afarian held off on getting her son evaluated until fourth grade; by then, he was suffering from intense anxiety from ADHD-related school problems. Looking back, she says, "I wish we would have tested earlier."

Milk Supply Challenge

I've been trying to feed my 2-month old baby with both breastmilk and formula milk. He doesn't like formula milk though and my breastmilk supply is depleting! Need to catch up and store more breastmilk in the next few days. Thinking of getting an electric pump to express milk faster.

Priceless!

Last week, my son D finally answered the question "What's your name?"

You see, my son is 3 years old and has GDD (Global Developmental Delay). This means his development is delayed in most milestones/developmental areas. His doctor said he is like a 2 year old in terms of his current capacity.

Before he would just echo whatever you tell him. If you ask him "What's your name?", he will say "What's your name?" back. Sometimes it gets frustrating especially when he's in a bad mood and you don't know what he wants. He also babbles a lot.

D also has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). This makes it hard for him to learn how to speak correctly because his attention is very limited. He can sit and listen to you for 2 minutes tops! That's the longest he's been able to pay attention. After that, he'll get distracted by something else or run around the room.

After being in therapy for almost a month, it was very heart-warming to finally hear him answer that question. A very big milestone for him and for us. We're hearing good feedback from his teachers as well so I hope this continues on :-)

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom

This is one of the sites I'm following. I admire that Jenny is able to breastfeed her daughter for more than 2 years! I wish I could do that too.

Information in this site is very useful and articles are actually entertaining :-)

Immediate read -> Freezing and Thawing Breastmilk Tips!

Here's the site -> Chronicles of a Nursing Mom

Back to Reality

Got back from maternity leave last Monday.

I have 5,746 emails in my inbox!!!! WAAAAAAHHHH!!! This was just for July till Aug 15. Wow! People are email-crazy huh!

Good news - I'm down to 130 unread emails woohoo!!! No important meetings yet. I am savoring these days and will treasure them for the rest of my work life :-)

On another note, I'm still expressing breastmilk at least every 4 hours while in the office. Baby feeds before I leave for work, I express 4 hours after that then another one 4 hours after. When I get home I either express again or feed baby directly. Strategy is working so far :-) Yipee!!!

I'm reading a lot of breastfeeding articles that hopefully will motivate and help me continue breastfeeding for at least 1 year!

Kallurkey Diaries

Thought I'd start something productive with my idle time (if I still have some). This should keep me sane. I'm a working mom with a high-maintenance husband, so good luck to me hahaha!!!