[Zei the MOM] My choice!

I'm happy that I have a hand at choosing Zia's toys... for now, that is. I'm pretty sure in 2 to 3 years, I won't have that luxury anymore. But for now, I'm making a career out of buying toys for my 1 year old. funny how most of her toys really reflect more of my personality. Zia doesn't have any favorite character yet so all the toys I buy her are the ones I like for her to like. She's into plush toys now so for Christmas, we got her these cuties:

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(L-R) Twinkle Toes, the singing ballerina doll; Lalaloopsy Swirly Figure Eight, the ice skater doll and Lalaloopsy Mittens Fluff n Stuff, the snow loving rag doll

Also got her other plush toys like Petty the Penguin and Bitbit the Rabbit

This lovely ballerina rag doll is handmade in the US and is a gift from my SIL. Love how her hair is black, just like baby Zia's. Photo grabbed from my SILs blog, check it out! Can't wait for Zia to play with this too.

I research about toys and books a lot, some of Zia's toys and books are the ones on the list of top toys and books for the year, but most are just chosen based on their cuteness and my liking of course. 

As of late though, I've been observing the darling daughter and she's not actually as girly as I thought she'd be, she's more of a spunky tot, so I'm not sure how long she'll be entertained by my choices of toys for her, which are, as you might have noticed, very girly. Nonetheless, I can't wait for the time when she will enjoy visits to the toy store with us.

[Zei the MOM] Holiday High!

Today marked the first day of my almost-two-week vacation from work. And while some tagged this day as the end of the world, I simply put this day on my calendar as my Christmas shopping day. :) Yup, I love the Christmas rush, I don't mind the lines and the momentary panic, to me, the Christmas rush is all part of the merriment that is the holiday season. :) This year I had my baby girl tag along with me, and it was even more fun. I had a mission and I accomplished it with stride with my list on hand and my poor wallet with no choice. Haha. I went crazy toy shopping for Zia as well since this year is her 2nd Christmas and I think somehow she'll appreciate opening her presents, unlike last year when she was just 4 months old. I think holidays have become even more special now that Zia is around. She's added real joy and wonder to the season and that's why I feel even more blessed.

Enjoy the Christmas rush guys! Happy holidays!

[Zei the charmed one] Weekend highlights!

Just some of my weekend highlights in photos. I simply love how weekends make me feel twice as blessed. 

Zia enjoying going out with mommy and daddy more and more! She's wearing the cute shirt I bought for her from Bangkok! So cute!!

Zia has found a new way of getting around the house - via her brand spanking new activity walker. She's actually more interested in all the activities, but she indulges us by taking enthusiastic steps while pushing her walker. 

Was saving these shoes for when Zia's already 1, but apparently, they already fit her. Gone are the days of Mary Jane socks and soft sole shoes. Zia's onto big girl shoes now. Sniff.

Here's hoping everyone had a fun and restful weekend! 

[Shopaholic Zei] Excited about my new go-to store!

You probably all know that I love shopping for Zia and now I'm even more excited about shopping for her in my new-found store - F&X. It's been around for awhile and I've passed by it a couple of times already without bothering to go in. But I'm glad I went in this time. I found super adorable clothes for kids - from Carebears, florals, Disney and Hello Kitty. They have it. I love the Vintage vibe and most of all, I love how the clothes are very resonably priced. I can't wait to shop there again - maybe this time I'll also throw in stuff for me and for the husband. I'm loving their SM Masinag branch because it's well stocked an it's the closest to where I live. Check out Zia's new loot from F&X, all for Php 1,300. Not bad at all. :)

[Zei the MOM] My Mother's Day Promise

Just a few days ago, an old video cropped up on Facebook, it was that of a woman purposely beating a baby. I didn’t even play the video and I felt my heart breaking already just by seeing the still shot. Yahoo news reported it since it gained around 16,000 recent views and reassured those who viewed it that the incident happened last year in Malaysia and the crazy woman was given an 18-month sentence. Although I don’t think 18 months is punishment enough, I’m pretty sure the baby is in safe hands and definitely not with the mother.

If I had seen this back when I was single I would’ve shed a couple of tears, but now that I’m a mom to such a darling baby girl, it hits home and I feel anger – anger that there are mothers who can hurt their child that much. I know it’s harsh to say this, but I don’t think mothers who physically abuse their children deserve to be called mothers.

So for this mother’s day, I promise to give Zia nothing but love. I promise not to hurt her and I promise to protect her from any harm as much as I possibly can.

Here’s praying for all mothers on mother’s day, to realize that we’ve all been given the greatest blessing in the form of our children.

Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow moms! Happy Mother’s Day to the best moms in my world – my very own mom and my mother-in-law!  

[Zei the MOM] How parenthood has changed me

I'm 27 and I'm a mom to a darling 7 month old named Zia and this is my list of things that have changed ever since our little one came into our life. This list though is on top of the given or profound ones like being more responsible, wiser, more practical, more prayerful, etc. This is just a rundown of the mundane things that being a parent has done to me. I hope somehow this will give parents-to-be a sneak peek into the wonderful (sometimes challenging) world of parenthood.

Since having a kid...

1) Hand washing has become an addiction and a pack of baby wipes is my security blanket

I have issues with dirty stuffy, like most people I assume. But since I gave birth, I think I have never washed my hands as often in my whole life. I think my hands are now so dry from constant washing and application of alcohol. If I could baby wipe everything Zia lays her hands on I would. One time, at the mall, I found myself baby wiping the sofa, high chair, baby changer and the list actually goes on. But yes, cleanliness is really important for everyone, especially little ones since their bodies aren't as fully developed to help them fight off whatever bacteria they come across with.

2) We've mastered the art of watching TV w/o sounds

Our little girl is 'magugulatin'. When she's asleep, even the faintest sound would wake her up so just so we have a semblance of normalcy, the TV is on but it's usually on mute. So to enjoy his games or shows while Zia is sleeping in our room, my husband bought those big headphones. Hehe. True enough though, a picture really paints a thousand words, since I don't get lost in the story even without the sounds.

3) Our choice of restaurant is based on seating comfort

Of course, this only applies when we have Zia with us. We've stopped deciding where to eat based on our cravings, but based on the seats. We need a comfortable space where we could put Zia's baby bag, position her stroller or sometimes her carrier. We prefer being seated in booths or the ones with couches since there are times I need to change Zia's nappy ASAP.

4) I have become a night owl

Although I was never a person who loved sleeping, I never thought I could stay up even in the wee hours of the morning. We haven't struck our fortune yet in having Zia sleep through the night, so she wakes up around 3 times after midnight to feed. I don't think I've slept for 6 hours straight ever since I gave birth. But yes, I am optimistic that it will just be a matter of time when Zia finally learns to sleep through the night.

5) Mothercare, Gingersnaps, Peppermint, Baby Gap, Zara baby have replaced Forever 21

Yup, being the shopaholic I am, it wasn't hard to give up going inside my favorite store and buying a new ensemble because I have found my new loves - baby stores where they sell the cutest stuff. Hehe. Maybe if we had a boy the baby shopping would have been less, still a lot, but less. =p

6) My tolerance for all things icky has gone way up (Warning: Slightly gross)

I was never the cringe-y type of person when I see poop, but I was also never the type of person who'd willingly touch poop. But since Zia came, I had no issues having my hands dabbed in baby poop. The smell of poop is also one of the smells I have come to terms with while others I suspect might want to gag. The smell of our cute little one's poop is crazy I tell you. Haha. Sorry if this part grossed you out.

7) Accessorizing has gone down to the bare minimum

I love piling up stuff on my left arm - I used to have a watch, my Yabang Pinoy bracelet, my wooden beads bracelet, and my leatherette bracelet all in my tiny wrist, but I found that it hurts Zia's neck when I carry her or cradle her to breastfeed. So those had to go away. And now, Zia has found a fascination for tugging on my necklace when I carry her so I had to temporarily say goodbye to my gold necklace with a cross pendant which I've been wearing for the past 8 years (it was gift from the husband, then boyfriend). So the only accessories I wear when we're out with Zia are just my two rings - my engagement ring and my wedding ring.

I know all these are just temporary changes since our little girl is growing up fast and slowly things will go back to normal - or maybe even better than how it used to be. So there, I hope this list helps somehow. But please don't get me wrong, these changes may seem a bit on the hmm... not positive side, but the payoff is definitely more than worth it; because these changes wouldn't have come about if we weren't gifted with the best gift ever - our sweet pea, our sweetheart and the love of our life, Zia. And she makes everything meaningful and worth it.

[Zei the MOM] My new boss!

Yesterday was my last day at work. Yup, as of today, I am unemployed, but maybe not a bum, because I've switched the stay-at-home-mom mode on. So everyone, I'd like you to meet my new boss...

ZIA

Yup, you got that right, my new boss (for the time-being) is none other than Zia. My remuneration, well, there's too much to mention but just to name a few, at the top of my list are - her sweet smiles, cute giggles, little hugs, funny voices and antics, quality time and my peace of mind that somehow, this added time with my little girl will contribute to giving her the best love and care I could offer. And all the stuff I mentioned, if you must know, are indeed priceless.

[Shopaholic Zei] Of loopholes and happiness

Rich and I have banned ourselves from shopping until April 8 as our Lenten sacrifice, but in most restrictions, there are loopholes. In our case, shopping for ourselves may be a no-no, but shopping for Zia and our house is a definite yes. So yesterday, since we were in the Shaw area, I had a valid excuse to go to Shangri-La (Read: Zara) and go shopping happy for the baby girl. I love it when it's spring/summer season, since the clothes are carefree, colorful and cheery - just perfect for Zia. I ended up getting her 4 dresses, 3 of which are of the same style but with different colors and 2 pairs of leggings. If I had it my way, I would've bought some sneakers too, but the more disciplined husband of mine stopped me.

Oh, and to add to our shopping loot for Zia, I asked Richmond to buy her the doll I've been wanting for her, this Lamaze Princess Sophie doll, which Zia would love for sure because her whole skirt crinkles (Zia's fascinated with the sound). She squeaks too and the loop she's holding could be used as a teether too. ;) So there, no shopping for us, but yay, still, for Zia.

[Zei on Career & Passion] Friday of all Fridays

Today is a particularly momentous Friday - why? Well, today I tendered my resignation from my day job of 3 and a half years. I'm a brand man by day, just in case you guys don't know. It's not that I don't like what I do, because I really do and I love my brands, but I guess the time has come for me to move on.

Today I chose my loyalty to my family, my loyalty to Zia and my loyalty to myself. It was just something I had to do for me. It feels right and I am happy.

I'll be wearing the stay-at-home mom hat for awhile and enjoy it while it lasts since returning to the workforce is still just around the corner. But for today, I can think of being the best version of me, not in the workplace, but in my turf where I matter the most (or so, I think), at home, with Rich and Zia.

Something tells me, it's gonna be a great weekend! Happy Weekend all!

[Zei the MOM] Happiness!

We co-sleep with Zia and every morning when I watch her sleep, I just can't help but be thankful. Everyday, I just wanna shout this to the world...

Wishing everyone a happy midweek!

[Zei the MOM] Zia's fashion files #1

This is why having a baby girl is so fun!!! We just love our little fashionista!

Wishing everyone a great, colorful and blessed Sunday!

[Zei the MOM] Zia's (first) solid experience

This day in particular is blog-worthy. Today Zia ate her first solid food. I was really planning to make her pureed avocado or banana, but I had to give her Cerelac as ordered by her pedia. So the Dr. Brown's simple puree handheld blender I bought will have to wait for a month. Zia's pedia said to start her with rice cereal first (read: Cerelac or Lugaw) so that's what we gave her this morning. Looks like she liked it. I didn't have any discouraging moments (which I was actually prepared for). She took it in stride and seemed to like her first meeting with the spoon.

Oh, and of course, we had to get her camera ready for the momentous occasion. Thanks to her go-to pretty bow from http://www.celestinaandco.multiply.com/ and her cool statement bib from http://www.inthecrib.multiply.com/ Zia looked every bit cute for her morning meal.

Looks interesting =p

Hmm... interesting! This is different.

I think I'm getting the hang of it mommy and daddy!

I think I like it! Tomorrow again please. =)

[Zei the charmed one] Weekends are heaven sent

Weekends with this little girl make me wish weekends don't end.
I love how I have time to play dress up with Zia during the weekends.



Weekends = Happy, Wacky and quality family time

I've always loved weekends. Back then, circa life without a husband and a baby, weekends used to mean going to the mall, shopping, eating out and just hanging around people I love (but really, more of going to the mall), but now, weekends seem to be more special. Wanna know why? Well, because it means two straight days of spending quality time with my favorite people in the world a.k.a the two loves of my life.

Do you agree, weekends are heaven sent? =) I'm pretty sure you do. =)

[Zei the MOM] She's got mommy's smile

I've always wanted to have a mini-me, but when Zia was born and everyone was saying she looked more like her daddy I didn't mind any of it - when she arrived, all I wanted was for our daughter to be a happy baby - never mind if she looked more like me or Rich.

Today, at a little over 6 months, it seems like I have a mini-me. Zia is reminding me of myself more and more as each day passes. But the more important thing is, our daughter is a happy baby. Just look at her smile, which she got, most evidently, from (ahem) me! Although beyond the big smile, my wish and prayer is that she would get my optimism and happy disposition when she grows up. You see, those who know me always say I'm an optimistic person and I've always been a happy and cheerful person. I guess my main point is that I hope Zia sees life the way I see it, with a positive outlook - that each waking moment is a blessing and that each day is a reason to be thankful.

The good thing is, I (together with my husband) have a hand in making Zia see life exactly like that.

Just sharing one of my weekend thoughts. Hope you're all enjoying the weekend as much as I am!

[Zei the MOM] What I learned after 6 months of being a mom

I've been a mom to our darling baby girl Zia for 6 months today and allow me to share with you what I've learned in half a year about being a mom and being a parent. It's nothing profound and not about the hard fast rules - it's quite simple actually. I've learned that you really won't love anyone else, more than you love your child. That's it. Plain and simple, but true. The other stuff I learn by day - but the unconditional love bit is encompassing.

Disclaimer: The statement in bold doesn't in any way diminish the intensity of love for my husband (whom I love with all my heart). It's just how it is when you become a parent (for me, that is).

[Zei the MOM] Pretty little things for our sweetheart

This is actually a late post, but because they're too pretty not to share, I still decided to write about it. Last February 14 was Zia's first Valentine's day and of course, we found it fitting to get her something sweet and lovely. This was a sure win when I stumbled upon it from Celestina and Co. at http://www.celestinaandco.multiply.com/. The bows are perfect - colorful, sweet and dainty - just like our darling daughter. All the bows and bands are meticulously made to make it not just chic, but also safe and comfortable for the little one to wear. Definitely something I recommend for mommies with daughters. :)

[Zei the charmed one] Love letter

To the two loves of my life on Valentine's Day,

I've always had a happy and charmed life - a loving family, good friends and all pretty things I wanted, but I never knew I could be even happier and more blessed. Now I can really really say that I am at my happiest because of you love and of course, our daughter Zia. You make everyday red letter days. Must have done something right to deserve having both of you in my life. Loving is easy when it comes to the two of you.

Here's a promise that my love for both of you will be a love that's one for the books - the greatest love a wife and mother could give. Everyday is actually Valentine's day for me with you two in my life.

On this day of hearts, I am grateful for being given the gift of a loving husband and a wonderful daughter. And on this day that celebrates love, I thank the Lord for letting me love you every waking moment of my life.

Words aren't really enough to express how much I love you both, but I'm putting it out there so somehow you'd know that it is because of loving you both, that makes me whole.

Signed with outpouring love,

Your Zei/Mommy

[Shopaholic Zei] My call to action

Photo credit: www.pbase.com

You know you're a shopaholic when these four letters make your heart skip a beat - SALE. That's what happened to me when our little family trooped to Shangri-La after Zia's 5th month visit to the pedia. Zara was on sale so I took advantage of it. Carpe Diem I said to myself as I swiped my credit card for the stuff I got for Zia.

For some, the word SALE is a warning sign that brings precaution, but for me, it's a call to action. It's a sale and I wanna take part in it. And took part I did, and I emerged victorious with these cute steals for Zia. :)

[Zei the MOM] Zia's 6th month shopping list

We're almost in the 6th month mark, which means a lot of new milestones for Zia. And of course, these milestones have new stuff that go hand-in-hand with it. So here's my happy list of stuff to buy for Zia.

Now that Zia is liking bathtime more and more and she's getting big for her current bathtub I plan to buy her a Flexibath and a set of Boon Odd Ducks for more fun and enjoyment.

I like the Flexibath because of it's pretty colors and it's foldable feature. I can store it properly when it's not in use since it doesn't take up much space and I can still use it long after Zia won't fit in it anymore - maybe as a toy bin or a shoe bin for the little one. Plus, it's made of BPA, PVC and Phthalate free plastic that's safe for babies. Photo taken from http://www.flexibath.co.nz/

This set of Boon Odd Ducks is a refreshing/modern take on the good ol' rubber ducky. Beyond it's cute colors, it's made from BPA, PVC and Phthalate free plastic. This will surely make bathtime lots of fun for Zia and for me (knowing that she's safe from harmful plastic materials). Photo credit goes to http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/ Aren't they so cute? But of course, very functional.

Another 6th month milestone that I'm excited about is solid feeding, so I'm eyeing these stuff to help me make Zia's solid food experience a blast.

Avent mini-blender (www.cherubix.com)

Cute and colorful munchkin soft tip spoons(www.amazon.co.uk)

No need for bowls and plates since we have lots given by Ninongs, Ninangs and Titos and Titas. =) Hope Zia enjoys solid feeding. =)

My current fashion statement: Button down

My closet has always had a wide variety of clothes in it. But most of my ensembles have been in hiatus since Zia came along. Because I'm still breastfeeding her, it's been all about button-down tops or dresses. Although I wasn't much of a button-down polo wearing girl, I had fun looking for nice ones which I can wear to work (since I express milk at the office) and for days out with Zia. Yes, I have found another excuse to pile up my ever-growing closet - but for a good cause and reason. I'm pretty sure these button down tops used as nursing wear would still be useful in mixing and matching outfits long after Zia has weaned from breastfeeding.