Why shop at S & R?

I seldom go to S & R but just the other day, I went there with my mom and Ben for some shopping.  I tried to limit myself to buying things which are hard to find in other groceries so that I can somehow stick with our monthly budget.  Here are three of our family’s favorite things can easily be found at the said store.

For Me – Lindt Lindor Balls

Yes, I am a chocoholic!  I took away coffee in my diet every since I got pregnant until now that I am still breastfeeding, but I need my choco fix every now and then.  Lindt Lindor Balls are my personal favorite since they have the right sweetness and creaminess.  The red ones are milk chocolate but they have other varieties that tastes just as good.  Even their dark chocolate isn’t that bitter.  I recently found out that my brother likes them, too! He thought they were only available abroad but good thing S & R sells them here so my mom and I wouldn’t feel guilty for consuming his stash, hehe.

For Bry – Del Monte Original Orange 100 Juice

Bry is very particular with his juice, and this is one of the few brands that we both like.  I think he likes them because it is not too sweet so it tastes fresh compared to other brands.  It probably reminds him of his parents home, too since his mom would serve this drink over there.

For Ben – Huggies Disposable Swim Diapers

Is it just me or it hard to find swim diapers here in Manila? I ordered IPlay reusable swim diapers online but it is nice to have disposable ones as well.  Good thing my mother and sister in law found some in S&R, just in time for Ben’s swimming lessons.  They sell them in two sizes, medium and large.

So that’s it for our S & R shopping list.  Just wanted to share just in case you guys are also looking for these items, hehe :)

Happy Weekend!

Spreading the Word on Breastfeeding

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (July). For this month, we join the National Nutrition Council - Department of Health in celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme "Isulong ang Breastfeeding - Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo!" Participants will share their experiences in promoting breastfeeding or their tips on how breastfeeding should be promoted. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."

Ever since I had Ben, I've been trying my best to promote breastfeeding to the people around me. It's a challenge to be passionate about a certain cause but at the same time, not be too pushy. Here are some of the things I've been trying to do to make my family and friends more informed about the benefits of breastfeeding.


To see is to believe!
For me, the best way for others to see how breastfeeding is advantageous to both mom and baby is to actually observe it themselves. Ben is a generally healthy kid and I give credit to breastfeeding for that. My aunts appreciate the fact that it's quite convenient for us to bring along in our impromptu shopping trips since I can nurse Ben anytime anywhere. My best friend gave me a dress with nursing access for my birthday because she knows it has became part of my wardrobe. I like showing how the choice to breastfeed can be made easy and fun.


Make you husband your ally
Bry and I knew nothing about breastfeeding before we had Ben, but I am happy to say that we're more informed now. Even so, there's still a lot to be learned about its benefits. I do my best to share with my husband whenever I find new trivia about the power of breast milk. Hopefully he'll spread the word to his fellow dads as well.


Be encouraging to fellow moms
I remember meeting a high school batch mate after so many years at a party. I noticed she was wearing a nursing top and I felt an instant connection with her. Corny, huh? But there's something about the experience of nursing that bonds moms, and who can best cheer you on during your breastfeeding blues than someone who has been there. I wouldn't be breastfeeding until now if it weren't for my mommy friends who were there to answer my calls and text 24/7 especially when Ben was still a newborn. This is why I get excited and feel honored whenever there is an opportunity for me to pay it forward. I do my best to be there for my love ones who are new moms and dads. I also had the chance to share my experiences with a group of soon-to-be parents and made sure I mention where to get the support they need. I really believe that having someone you can talk to really helps sustain breastfeeding.


You don't have to be a parent to be informed and involved
One doesn't have to be a parent to appreciate breastfeeding. Ben's yaya is now an advocate after being able to understand how it's like to take care of an exclusively breastfed baby. I also get to chat about it with the teachers and yayas from Ben's school. Whenever my single friends ask me about breastfeeding, I give them tidbits on how it's beneficial even for toddler and share them about my experience with my lactation consultant. Chances are they might know remember a thing or two when they have their own children or share what they know with someone who does.


You do not need to go very far to promote breastfeeding. The best place to start is with the people you interact with everyday. Personally, there are a lot of things that I can still be doing but more importantly, I'm hoping to become even more equipped with the proper information so that I can be a good resource. Aside from the various references I find online, I'm hoping to get proper training so that I'll be qualified to support moms. Wish me luck!!!

Do check out these entries from fellow bloggers :)

Three Ways I Promote Breastfeeding by Example by Dainty Mom

A Simple Breastfeeding Campaign by The Lazy Mama

I Am A Breastfeeding Mom by The Painter’s Wife

Why I Don’t Nurse in Breastfeeding Rooms by Legally Mom

The Low-Milk-Supply Mommy Did It! by The Odyssey of Dinna

Breastfeeding Promotion Tips from a Formula Feeder (Yes, you read that correctly…) by The Fearless Formula Feeder

On Promoting Breastfeeding by ImPerfectly Created

Milk Mama Diaries 3 by Mimma Benz

Breastfeeding Mama by canDIshhh

I *heart* Breastfeeding by The Mum Side

A Breastfeeding Formula-Fed Mother by Soprano Mom

Breastfeeding: Promoting It Even If I Didn’t Get Lucky The First Time Around by Glamma Momma

Taking Breastfeeding Further by Mec as a Mom

I am your breastfeeding friend by Changing Nappies in High Heels

"Thoughts of a LactatING Counselor: Breastfeeding is More of Psychology!  by Handy Mommy

Breastfeeding promotion - a view from a UK doctor by Good Enough Mom

More on Breastfeeding Promotion plus a Guest Post   by Chronicles of a Nursing Mom

W-u-r-r-w-u-r-r-w-u-r-r by Martha de Lusong hosted by Jen CC Tan's MomExchange (@next9baby)
Celebrating my Magic Milk by Denise Gonzales
Breastfeeding Sisters by Isis Evasco 

Ben at Explorations - An update

It has been a month since Ben started school and I’m quite glad that he and his cute classmates are settling well into their 2 hour schedule. Interested in what keeps the toddler busy? Here’s an idea of what their classes are like:

* Playing Outdoors – 25 minutes

* Wash-Up – 5 minutes

* Quiet Time / Nap time – 5 minutes ( believe me, getting 6 toddlers to sit still for even 5 seconds is no easy task)

* Work / Play Time (Painting, Building, Playing Pretend) – 45 minutes

* Circle Time (Greeting / Action Songs) - 5 minutes

* Preparation for Snack Time (Praying and Washing Up) - 5 minutes

* Snacktime - 20 minutes

* Storytime / Goodbye Song – 10 Minutes

It’s really nice how the kids are becoming more familiar with the routine. I enjoy seeing the things like praying and washing hands before eating. Ben has been spending a lot of time playing with the toy oven, pot and pans. Then there was one time, he got a baby doll and brought it to my chest (for me to nurse, I guess, haha!). He’s been quite rough with his girl classmates though, hmmm …. We’ve been trying to tell him to be gentle with your hands. Hopefully, he’ll do better in the coming months.

Battling Separation Anxiety

As Ben adjusts to going to school on his own, we still have to reach a point where I can leave him with his teachers and classmates for the whole session. Though we are in no rush, our goal is that he eventually becomes comfortable enough that he doesn't look for me during class time. Here are some tips I got from his school's newsletter that may help other parents as well. Good job, Explorations!

Make Goodbyes Short and Sweet
Be consistent, firm and loving when you say goodbye to your little one. Stay calm. As tempting it is may seem, don't rush back at the first sound of protest. Children will feel confident with the new adults if you show them that they are to be trusted by not checking up on them every few minutes.

Let them bring along something that reminds them of home
If allowed by the school, try having your child bring his/her favorite toy during the adjustment phase or have him carry along a family photo inside his pocket. Having something familiar in a new environment might give her/her a sense of comfort and become less cranky.

Help the new adult relate to your child
Provide "insider information" as to what your child likes might help those in school reach out to him/her. Are there certain keywords or signs that can help the teacher communicate to your child better? Maybe having the teacher read a familiar story might break the ice.


Thanks Teachers Giselle and Jinky for the insights :) Wish us luck with Ben at school tomorrow :)

Stay Safe, Everyone!

While Ben and I were at school today, someone called our house saying I got into an accident. The person knew my name and said I was injured on the road. It was our helper who took the call. Good thing she was smart enough to pass the phone to yaya, who was smart enough not to be fooled. It was very scary though. I never thought that this would happen to us but it did. Which made me realize that we must all be extra careful. Here are a few tips which might help keep us safe in our own home and outside. Readers, please feel free to share your tips as well so we can learn from each other.

1. Constantly remind the whole household about your rules on security and emergencies
Be clear on who will be contacted when there are emergencies and what to do when such things happen. Let them know who are allowed inside the house and how to be firm when saying no should the need arises. Make a list if needed.

2. Secure your valuables
People who would pull off a scam would usually target getting valuables out of the house. They'd target jewelries and cash since they're the easiest to transport so make sure they are in a safe place. Consider getting a safe inside the house or renting a safety deposit box at the bank.

3. Beware of people entering your house
Ask for identification if strangers need to enter your home (like repairmen, etc) to ensure they are officially employed by the company.

4. Remind the whole household to be very selective when giving information. Though "tsismis" among helpers/yayas is unavoidable, it wouldn't hurt to remind them not to give be too chatty

5. Stay alert and calm. No matter how smart you are, you can be fooled if you panic and let your fear get to you. And should anything happen, learn from the mistake then move on.

Stay Safe, Everyone!!! Have to get back to my Ben duties :)

Ben's First Day in Explorations Preschool

Ben has found a second home in Explorations Preschool. He'll be in their Toddler's Piglets Class, cute huh? =) And for this special day, Daddy Bry took the time to take him to school and observe how the little binata is with his new teachers and classmates. It took us a while before deciding to enroll him. Here are a few things we considered

1. School's Program
When we first visited Explorations, we were very happy with their approach to teaching and disciplining the little ones. Their teaching method is progressive, systematic but not forced. They even have field trips for the older kids.

2. Location, Location, Location
We are lucky that Explorations is a very good school and it's quite near our house. We can actually walk to it if we really really really need to (or ride a tricycle, hehe). Bry and I actually didn't consider if there were preschools nearby when we decided where to live but were blessed that we had a lot of choices

3. Teacher-Student Ratio
Explorations has about 200+ students with 40+ teachers, plus the yayas and the manongs. I like the individual attention they give to the kids and their families. Ben's teacher know me and Bry by name and personally texted us about the orientation. I was impressed by that. They have a yaya in charge of the children if they were dropped off too early or picked-up late.

4. Short term and Long Term goals, Progress Reports
During our parent interview, we were able to express what we hope for Ben during his stay in the school. They also have 3 Parent-Teacher conferences to discuss the child's progress.

5. How Ben feels about the school
During his trial class, Ben seems quite comfortable with his surroundings. He interacted with the people around him and didn't seem too attached to me or Bry. This was one of the signs that we felt it was a good idea to send him there. A tip we got from one of our parent friends was to arrive early so Ben can warm up and settle down before going to class.

Ben loves Kindermusik

Today marks Ben's one year with the Kindermusik, yehey!!! We've been attending Teacher Irene Tan's Village Class since July last year. It was my ICA batchmate, pretty mommy Shirley Tang Lo who invited us to try out the class. Ben was still a lap baby then, and hasn't even started crawling yet. It was an effort making sure we're on time and Ben's in a good mood during class, but it was worth it.

Kindermusik is a music appreciation class from ages 0-7 years old. As Teacher Irene would always remind us, our goal is not necessarily to form musicians, but to help children develop physically, mentally and socially through music. I really like it when Teacher Irene explains the reasons behind each activity. What's also great about her is she send us take home notes about the class and suggested activities we can do at home. I credit Kindermusik for teaching Ben how to pack away and take turns with toys since it's a routine in our class. I am excited for him to try their other programs in the future.

Oh, and by the way, for my fellow Tazians mommies (ICA Batch 98), our very own Jaymee Ng has also trained to be a Kindermusik instructor. Cool huh? Will try to post here if she has a final schedule of classes. In the meantime, here is the Kindermusik Philiipines Website