Schlaf, Kindlein, Schlaf

How do you wean a baby? And how do you know when is the right time to wean them? There are many experts and books about this, but as a mother, there is no specific time line. You just know when it comes. And it will come. 

Among my two daughters, the youngest is breastfed since birth. She is almost 3 now, but I still nurse her to sleep. I have been telling myself that it is about time she learns to sleep without nursing and every time I try, there is always drama and lots of crying and wailing until I have no choice but to give in just so I can give everyone the peace and quiet they need, and so that I too can go to sleep. 

But tonight I have a small victory. The little one managed to sleep without nursing. There was of course, some, errr, lots of, crying that came with it but she fell asleep without mama's precious milk. And I too can now go to sleep.... Or write this short post to remind me of the this small victory, this milestone. ☺️ 

Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf... Mama is here, always and in all ways. Good night. 

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Baptism Invitations

So our little angel will soon be baptized. The church schedule has been set. Our chosen priest has confirmed that he will baptize our little girl (Yahoo!). We have registered the baptism at the church and we have also informed the godparents. All that is left is for us to finalize the venue where we will celebrate with family and friends and then we can proceed with  sending out the invitations.
Speaking of invitations, I am torn between making the invitations myself or just have it printed at my tried-and-tested print shop Saal Digital. Thinking that making the invites myself will take up a lot of time, I decided against it. And so I opened my Saal digital software, purchased some watercolor foliage cliparts, tweaked the layout, and my invite is finished in no time! But of course, the venue is not yet final, so I will still have to edit this one.

The front of the invitation card.

The back of the invitation with a bible verse I chose for Lilly to live by.

The inside of the invitation card with the time, date and place.

I wanted it to be simple and clean. What do you think? Did I nail it? 

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Lilly is Getting Baptized!

Finally, after almost 2 years, our little angel will be baptized. We were finally able to make arrangements after months of waiting. We were finally able to set the date with the church and with our Filipino community chaplain. I am excited actually, and beginning to make plans... Well, at least in  my head. 😁

So why baptism? 

As a Catholic, it is important to have my children baptized also as Catholics, and raise them to be good children, and learn and understand our Christian faith. Being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they become a part of our great Catholic community, who will in a way, also be their support system as they journey in their faith. 

Anyway, since the venue for the baptism has been set, all that is left is to finalize the location for the celebration after the baptismal ceremony. We are still debating on how to proceed: whether we would book in a restaurant or rent a hall and engage a caterer. There are of course various factors to consider, like finances, manpower needed, suppliers for flowers and decorations, and time. Once the venue for the reception is finalized, I can start giving out invitations to our friends. For he guests, I already have a preliminary  list. Depending on the location, I can limit it to a specific number of people or add more guests to it. 

Well I do hope we will be able to finalized by next week so that we can finally send out invitations. Since the baptism will be in summer, we have to send them out early so that those who have vacation plans can also take the baptismal date into account. 

I plan to do DIYs as much as time allows me to: like the invitations, baptismal mass hymnal, table decor, baptismal favors, etc. And then delegate some tasks to the godparents. Hopefully, I will have the time to execute these ideas and plans. I am actually excited about it. I am happy to know that we can finally welcome our little princess into our big Catholic community and I will be at ease, knowing that she will soon receive God's blessing. 

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Almost One!

My baby Lilly is almost a year old now. Just one more week and she will be a year old. I sigh because time indeed flies so fast. And she will be going to the Kindergarten soon too, in September to be exact, because this mommy needs to go back to work in October.

A lot has happened since my last blog entry, when Lilly turned 10 months old. Since then, she can already make gestures or point at something if she wants to have it. But of course, she doesn't always get what she wants to get her hands on, especially if it will pose a danger to her. She also can understand simple instructions now, like "Please give Mama the ball" or "Can you give me a kiss?". When it comes to mobility, she can crawl now at lightning speed, and has learned to stand with her sole flat on the floor. She still sometimes tiptoes though, especially if she want to reach something that is on the coffee table. 

She loves going out now, and is more sociable. She doesn't willingly go to every people she meets but there is now a handful of our friends who can hold her in their arms without her screaming of fear or crying her heart out. Hopefully, this will help her as she adjusts to the day at the kindergarten.

We are still undecided though on whether we will celebrate her birthday with friends by throwing out a party or just go out to eat at one of a local restaurant here. It is always uncertain especially that the pandemic is not yet over. But we also don't want to just let her birthday go by, we want to do something special about it. I hope that we will be able to come up with something soon.

This mommy's heart wishes that she will remain to be a healthy baby and will always have a happy disposition. I wish that we will be able to provide her a good, happy and secure childhood, just like what her big sister had.  I hope and pray that everything will be better soon, so we can also travel back home, and she can get to know her grand parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

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Off to Kindergarten Soon

So my little Lilly is now 9 months, 1 week and 3 days old. She has achieved a number of milestones since my last post here. 

She can now pick her food so that we have started easting finger foods. She loves strawberries and (cooked) carrot sticks and butter cookies for babies. I also have tried integrating some boiled egg and beef into her lunch meals. She also gets porridge for breakfast and dinner, and for lunch she gets a mashed potato-vegetable combi. I always prepare her meals fresh for lunch. I know it is a bit tedious and time consuming but at least I know what she is getting. Besides, I am getting used making her lunch "mush".

And she now has three teeth! The fourth one is coming out soon too. In no time, it will be more and more painful to nurse her. We still need to work on her love for feeding bottles as she only will drink from it if the content is water.

She is also becoming more mobile. She has long been able to roll over. She still needs a little help from me when she tries to sit upright but I know that she is getting there. She can already keep her balance when sitting. She can almost crawl - she now goes on all fours or sometimes does the plank position. With a little bit more practice, I know that she will soon crawl on all fours. Time to baby-proof the house since I haven't started doing it yet. 

She is also still very shy with strangers, and doesn't want to be held by our friends when they come to visit. She would cry when they try to get her from me. But I know this is just a phase that babies go through and hopefully it will get better as the months go by.  

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Lilly is Five Months Old

How time flies. Our Lilly is now five months old. Time does go by so fast especially in these unconventional times in the pandemic where our daily routine consists of nursing and waking up, changing diapers and playing games, singing lullabies and sharing cuddles, warm hugs and good night kisses. 

Lilly is doing good progress and despite being locked up most of the time at home, unable to visit friends and going on short excursions in zoos, I can say that she is developing well. She can now support her head and recognize our voices. When we lay her down on her stomach, she would make mini push-ups as she heaves her head up. She is also practicing to roll over, although she isn't able to do it alone yet. Slowly but surely, she will. Her favorite activity: munching on her fists and sticking toys to her mouth. She still hates pacifiers though but enjoys sucking her thumb. I remember her big sister is also the same. She can recognize faces now, and with only three faces to see, it is not very difficult to recognize who her favorite is. Me of course!

She is an adorable little darling who would scream out loud when she is hungry. But her giggles and coos are more than enough reward for those sometimes sleepless nights. She still wakes up once or twice into the night to nurse so this mommy is still not getting enough sleep but that is okay. Because I now know that they grow up so fast and so, I have to enjoy these moments as much as I can because it too shall soon pass.

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Baby Photography Services in Hospitals

I have always wondered how they are able to take studio photos of days-old newborn babies when generally, mommies will not expose their newborns to places outside of their homes when not necessary. Then I got answer when I let our little one have her photoshooting right at my hospital bed when she was 2 days old. :)

Yes, hospitals offer this photoshooting service and they have an "in-house" professional photographer who magically turns your hospital bed into a photo studio for your little one, complete with all the accessoires the baby might need for the shoot. In a small trolley, they have lots of props available for baby girls, boys and twins.

 

And the photoshooting takes just about 30-60 minutes depending on the baby's mood. Because they are still newborns, they don't really move a lot so this makes it easier to photograph them. Be sure that your baby is fed though so they are in a good mood or asleep during the shoot. There is also no need to those blinding studio lights as natural light can very well do the trick.

And in this time of the pandemic, the photographer has to follow hygiene protocols, wearing of masks included!

The photoshooting in itself is free and you get some freebies from the hospital composing of a bib cloth, a welcome video, a digital print of one of the photos from the shoot, and a photo of the baby published on the hospital's website. Parents have the option to buy prints among others. Depending on which package you choose, I would say the photoshooting service is worth it. You would want to capture these moments of your tiny little baby and distribute prints to family and friends. As for me, I just ordered the CD and digital copy of all the photos. And with the pandemic, you would like to restrict and limit visitors so sending them the first photos of your child is one of the best and safe options.

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Lilly's 1st Month

On your first four weeks, a lot of things happened. It was a busy time as we prepared for our move to Ludwigsburg. You came three weeks early into this world you see, but I think that is a blessing in disguise, then we were already able to establish some kind of a routine. Had you been born on the day that you were supposed to come out, it would have been a lot more stressful for all of us.

Phototherapy to reduce bilirubin levels in newborns with jaundice.

With the pandemic, it is not simple. We always feel afraid for you and your big sister. But with the observance of proper hygiene, wearing of masks and only going out when necessary, you are both healthy and safe. Almost a week old and you had to be admitted back to the hospital because you had jaundice and you had to undergo phototherapy to lower the bilirubin levels in your blood. We both needed to be swabbed for Corona virus tests. This is a protocol for all patients admitted. They pierced you very tiny hands and feet with needles so they could check your blood properly. Hearing you screaming out in pain broke my heart I had to get out of the examination room because it was too heart wretching to witness. Also, it really pained me to see you inside the incubator with nothing but your diaper on and your "swimming" eye protector for a total of 12 hours, with 6 hours of break in between. You did not know how to breastfeed properly yet at that time and my milk supply is still too small so that feeding you was a challenge. I had to give you formula milk to supplement the breastmilk that I had to regularly pump. Thankfully, the therapy was a success and we were able to come home three days after. 

It could be muscle reflexes but this was one of first smiles
captured on camera at about 3 weeks old. 

As you turned a month old, we finally managed to go breastfeeding all the way. Such a huge feat for me since it has been my silent wish and desire to be able to nourish my child with my own milk. I was not able to do it with your Nee-chan and I thank the heavens I was able to do it with you. We still have our mishaps sometimes🤦🏻‍♀️ especially when we try to find a comfortable breastfeeding position. It was a learning process for me, and all the sleepless nights made me feel very exhausted. I am thankful that your daddy is there to watch over you when he has the time and energy to allow me rest and get a few hours of sleep. 

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An Angel Is Born

My dearest Lilly,

You came earlier than expected. And nothing could have prepared us of your coming although we have been excitedly waiting for you since you were  conceived. It took years, you see, before I got pregnant with you. We have prayed for you and He has answered our prayers at a time when we least expected it.

I had my worries during the course of my pregnancy with you, because I was turning forty and there are lots of risks that go with a late pregnancy. But our Lord is gracious and faithful and gave us a healthy baby girl. There were complications during childbirth, but it was all perhaps for a reason. You are now 19 days old and growing bigger and filling our days with surprises and our sleepless nights with wonder. Looking back at what we have been through the past couple of weeks, I could say that you have been through a lot, that I still cry remembering your pain each time they wanted to get your blood samples for tests. The Corona pandemic didn't make it any easier for us, as it did not allow for hospital visits from other family members and friends but the positive thing is, we were able to bond better and have the time just for ourselves. 

There are lots of challenges, surprises that will come our way, in this journey together with you but I am positive and happy because everyone in the family is here to support you and me: your daddy, your big sister and even our dog Suki. For that I am grateful. We are all happy that you, our little angel, is born. And we have lots of plans with you, going on family trips and family adventures, or just spending lazy days at home.

We welcome you into our life, our little angel, our Lilly Anne. We thank God for you. Thank you for being born.

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Gifts for People Who Say They Want Nothing

It is always frustrating to ask someone what they want for a specific holiday, and they answer the dreaded "nothing." Although a few might genuinely want nothing, most do want a gift. They either don't know what they want or can't think of a gift that they need. Instead of making the mistake of not giving anything, try one of these simple gifts.
 

BouquetsWhen in doubt, many gift-givers stick with their go-to option and order bouquets online Boston MA. Bouquets are one of the more perfect gifts; there is a wide variety of different types, sizes, colors and styles of flowers grown in hothouses year-round. You don't have to know the person's favorite to pick one.

Flowers can represent friendship, love or just a thank you. Some bouquets can last for weeks if they are cut with proper care. Many florists will be happy to help you pick the right flowers for the right occasion.
 

PlantsFor those who don't like flowers that don't last, you can always send a plant or foliage collection that does not require a lot of care. Plants are symbols of friendship and life. Even if the person you are giving to doesn't have a green thumb, there are beautiful plants that come with care guides and don't require much attention.

You can find a plant for their office, home or patio. There are plants for every occasion and type of person. With a little research, you can find a plant that suits any personality. One of the best parts about giving plants is that some of them last for years, offering your friend or relative a reminder that you care.
 

Edible BouquetsEdible bouquets are an excellent gift for those who can't have traditional live plants because of pets or allergies. These are usually filled with a variety of sweet treats and fruits. A florist or specialist individually crafts each one to suit the person receiving the gift.

They often have something for every season, holiday and taste. You can order a pumpkin spice basket or a spring fruit Easter arraignment. You could also choose a balloon-filled candy basket for a birthday, or a healthy fruit and nut combination as a get well thought.

You can individually tailor these plants or bouquets for the person you have in mind. Even without knowing a lot about the person, you can pick the perfect gift for the person that says that they want nothing.

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Soon To Be Ludwigsburger

It has been almost two years since we started on our house-hunting journey. It was not easy, especially that the housing market is very competitive lately. We have been through a lot of home visits, visited a number of prefab house developers, even went to the open house of one of the developers factories, visitied house construction sites. Almost all of our weekends were spent going on these.

Thankfully, the search is over. But once it was decided that the house we chose will be sold to us, which is by the way not a newly built one, everything was like a whirlwind. With the decision came more appointments and visits, this time to the bank for the financing, to the attorney's office for the notary and signing of the contract to sell, and a whole lot more. Suddenly, everything became official. 

And we still a lot to do before moving day... but at least we still have the time to prepare: about 8 months at least to pack, re-register, notify the immigration office of our pending move, notify the electric, water, telephone companies that we are moving soon and to schedule when the lines should be transfered, and all the other formalities that need to be done when one moves from Place A to Place B.

We are excited and at the time overwhelmed with this new milestone in our life as a family. But I know that with God's guidance and help and advice from good friends, everything shall go well. And yes, from Stuttgart we will be moving to Ludwigsburg. We will soon no longer be Stuttgarters but Ludwigsburgers.

So help us God!

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Three Tips for a Fun Wedding Day

Your wedding is an incredibly important event that signifies an amazing commitment between two people. While marriage is a serious thing and is even sacred to many, it's also cause for some major celebration! Here are three ideas to help you make the most of your wedding day by keeping things fun and memorable at your reception.

Pick Your Reception Music Carefully

For starters, live music creates an exciting atmosphere and is an extra source of entertainment for your guests. Consider some local wedding bands NYC and see if there's a group that fits your style and tastes. If live music isn't your style, make sure you evaluate your DJ just as closely as you would a wedding band. Attend some upcoming gigs or ask for videos to help you get a better feel for their personality, and make sure you're very involved in picking the set list.

Include a Unique Activity for Your Guests

Surprise your friends and family with some special activities throughout the event. Hire a caricature artist, rent an adult-sized bounce house or set up a station with different games your guests will love. Be sure to include options that will appeal to all of the age groups you've invited to your big day. If your reception lasts for more than four hours, plan to order pizza for the guests that stay late to dance the night away.

Serve Extra Sweet Treats

Wedding cake doesn't have to be the only dessert option at your reception. Set up some tasty sweet treat stations so your guests can indulge whenever they want. An ice cream sundae bar is a delicious option that can still partner well with a slice of cake. A candy station gives guests the option to take home some sweets to enjoy later and can even serve as a wedding favor. For winter or outdoor events, set up a s'mores station for a special dessert option. 

Your wedding is something worth celebrating! Find creative ways to make the day exciting for you and your guests.

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Why June Weddings Are So Popular

To be a June bride is something that a woman may have dreamed of becoming. There must be something in the month of June that makes many couples want to marry in this month. But did you know that marrying in June traditionally goes way back into the Roman times?

Juno, The Goddess of Marriage
Yes, you read it right: the Roman era. It is believed that the goddess Juno, for which the month name June is derived from, protects women throughout their lives, that includes of course (!) marriage and childbirth, two important milestones in a woman's life.

Floral Scents Cover the Stench
Ever wonder what the bouquet of flowers is for? In the Medieval times, hygiene is not practiced in the way we know it now and bath soaps are a luxury that is difficult to have. There were only annual baths where one gets to thoroughly bathe. This is usually done in May or June, which means brides are still relatively fresh in the month of June. They carry along with them a bouquet of flowers, which are thankfully abundant in the month of June, to mask their body odor just in case.

Beautiful Weather
Practically speaking, for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, June is a perfect time to get married because it is the time when summertime kicks in. You have a higher chance of getting a beautiful weather. Add to that the longer days in June, which means you can also utilize outdoor space to the fullest.

So these are some reasons why many tend to marry in June. Do you know any other reasons? Be sure to add them in the comment section!

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Occasions When Clocks Make a Great Gift

Milestones and rites of passage are the perfect opportunities to give something meaningful and symbolic to someone important in your life. When given as a gift, a clock can be deeply sentimental and become a cherished heirloom in someone’s life.

First Wedding Anniversary

Tradition calls for paper-themed gifts on your first wedding anniversary. Modern choices are changing traditions, though, and clocks are the choice for younger couples. Symbolic of time passing and promising eternity, the gift of a clock to your spouse is a sweet and romantic gesture to celebrate a year of marriage.

• PenduLux clocks are beautiful, handcrafted pieces that both genders will appreciate. With so many options and styles to choose from, there is sure to be something to suit your spouse’s taste.

Graduations

High school, college, even kindergarten graduations are a big deal. Celebrate the success of the special student in your life by giving them a watch. These are practical and heartfelt gifts that can be personalized to fit the graduate.

• For the very young graduate, look into watches for small wrists with flexible bands. Little ones love seeing their favorite princess or superhero on the watch face!
• A pocket watch makes a more adult statement for the older graduate. Have it engraved with their name and graduation year, or choose an inspirational quote to help inspire them.

Groomsman Gifts

Honor your friends for being there for you all those years, including the day of your wedding. Give them a special gift to mark your friendship.

• Whether you choose a pocket watch or a wristwatch, either choice can be tailored to fit you and your friends’ personalities. There are pop culture choices, specialty engraving and ways to make this good gift a fantastic one.

Time will always march on, but it seems to slow down just a little bit during those special moments in life. Mark these moments with a meaningful gift to serve as a reminder.
             

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