Category: Personal

“Sitting the Month,” 坐月子 (zuo yue zi), or Po Ge Lai is a month-long Chinese way of postpartum healing. It’s a traditional way of caring for postpartum mothers which takes a period of one month. Throughout this first month after delivery of the baby, it’s believed that the mom should follow (or endure) confinement practices for the body to recover properly and optimally. However, this often comes with a barrage of advice, some of which may be outdated or misconstrued. In this blog post, let’s explore some common sayings related to “ge lai” and shed light on the misconceptions surrounding them.

Traditional (Common Belief) vs. Modern Insights (Reality) on Po Ge Lai

According to Chinese traditional medicine experts, giving birth depletes a woman’s energy (Qi) and blood. Breastfeeding, while nourishing for the baby, adds another layer of depletion as the mother creates a vital food source. This state of depletion makes rest and nutritious food imperative for proper healing. Here are some common beliefs or myths and realistic suggestions on po ge lai:

1. Brushing Teeth:
– Common Belief: Don’t brush your teeth; it can damage them.
– Reality: Dental hygiene is crucial during confinement. Rinsing with warm water and gentle brushing, especially for those with gum issues, is recommended.

2. Bed Rest:
– Common Belief: Rest as much as possible; avoid getting out of bed.
– Reality: Excessive standing or sitting for extended periods can impact hormonal metabolism, so moderate walking is recommended for a balanced body and mind. Mothers can start moving around soon after delivery, enjoying sunlight for enhanced recovery. Resting is better than doing strenuous activities though to facilitate faster recuperation.

3. No Hair Washing or No Bathing:
– Common Belief: Avoid washing hair or taking a shower.
– Reality: Regular showers are okay, with precautions for those who had a caesarean section. But the suggested practice is to avoid contact with cold water to prevent joint pain; opt for warm water instead. Hair can be washed but should be dried through a hair blower immediately afterwards.

4. Dietary Considerations:
– Common Belief: Avoid condiments; focus on eggs and stews. Avoid raw or cold fruits and vegetables; focus on meat. Avoid consuming cold foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and watermelon during confinement. Don’t drink water.
– Reality / Suggestions:
– The diet during this period is carefully curated with nutritious meals, including special soups believed to enhance milk supply.
– As with anything, moderation is key. While eggs are nutritious, a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for postpartum well-being.
– Cook all food items before consumption, steering clear of raw options.
– Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for both mother and baby’s health during breastfeeding.
– Drink tea and hot beverages.

5. Emotional Expression:
– Common Belief: You can’t cry. You can’t be stressed. You can’t get sad or be angry. Maintain a stable and cheerful mood throughout the confinement period.
– Reality: Emotional stability is vital. Uncontrolled anger may lead to decreased breast milk secretion.

6. Ventilation / Environment:
– Common Belief: You can’t turn on the air conditioner. Refrain from exposure to wind, whether from air conditioners or electric fans, as it can potentially lead to rheumatoid arthritis, colds, and headaches. Limit outdoor activities, and if unavoidable, ensure complete coverage with hats, clothes, and socks to prevent wind infections.
– Suggestions: Proper ventilation is crucial. Regularly open windows and maintain a temperature of 25-28°C for a healthy environment.

Modern Insights and My Personal Take

I think Po Ge Lai is not a popular practice here in the Philippines, but there are still families that follow strict Chinese tradition and those who also believe in the benefits of confinement. In other countries, especially in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, there are even postpartum centers with dedicated caregivers and specialists or “confinement nannies” that offer this service and even make it a high-end experience for new mothers.

I watched videos on YouTube showcasing how “po ge lai” nursing staff would treat new moms with such luxury care. Of course, the price tag is also on the expensive side, making it a lucrative business for entrepreneurs. This is a nice option to make sure you’ll be really properly taken care of with strict adherence to the confinement rules in addition of nutritional support and constant supervision in a safe haven.

In modern days, these “po ge lai” experts also shared that there are some adjustments on the rules to accommodate the needs and convenience of women.  The adaptation of traditional practices to modern ways, such as incorporating technology and adjusting to climate conditions, reflects a pragmatic approach to an age-old custom.

This evolution in postpartum care not only addresses concerns about the extreme nature of certain traditions but also emphasizes the importance of flexibility and customization to suit individual needs.

Not being able to prioritize cleanliness is my biggest challenge during the confinement period. In my first week of not washing my hair, for example, I’ve started having dandruff and itchy, irritated scalp. I couldn’t count how many times I prompted myself to search online about the consequences of washing my hair after giving birth on my postpartum well-being.

I thought the prohibition on washing is just too much and I couldn’t help but wonder about the broader implications. I also could not wash even my face so I was just using a cotton pad and a toner to clean my face daily. Sigh.

I read a lot of moms’ stories reflecting on their postpartum journey on reddit. Their diverse perspectives express an intricate balance between tradition and practicality, cultural expectations, and evolving medical knowledge. There’s really no scientific evidence on the benefits of not washing the hair or taking a bath for 30 days.

Where the “no washing of hair” rule could have emerged: Historically, without modern amenities, women faced challenges in keeping warm, especially during confinement. Wet hair in cold conditions could invite illness and disrupt overall circulation. In the absence of sophisticated drying methods, this practice ensured that post-natal women didn’t endure the discomfort of damp hair for extended periods.

Nowadays, we are privileged to have electricity, instant hot water, and advanced appliances. These luxuries grant new mothers the freedom to wash their hair and bathe without the historical constraints. So for me, it’s still best to have a good dental hygiene and body hygiene to maintain cleanliness, adopt a balanced diet, and ensure emotional well-being for a healthy and fulfilling confinement period.

I hope there will be medical practitioners / doctors who will really shed a good light and provide intentional advice and comments on outdated practices.

Wrap Up

Post-natal care, rooted in ancient traditions, often carries nuances that may seem peculiar in contemporary times. As we navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modern conveniences, it’s essential to appreciate the wisdom embedded in these practices but also consider what’s best for us based on intuition and logic. The quirkiness of “po ge lai” dissipates when viewed through the lens of historical context, revealing a blend of cultural wisdom and common-sense solutions for postpartum recovery.

I think through time, there will be broader conversations on redefining Chinese or Eastern traditions of postpartum care in modern societies. Our personal experiences make us ponder more and encourage us to reflect on the value of prioritizing maternal well-being, fostering emotional connections, and embracing a comprehensive approach to support new moms in their unique journeys without having to put themselves into “torture” rather than convenience and what’s practical.

As mentioned in my previous blog, the last stretch of my pregnancy got me all antsy. Baby was taking her sweet time, and I was getting anxious about the whole birthing thing for two reasons: potential complications when going beyond the 40th week and the looming possibility of a cesarean birth (if baby grows even larger by the day).

At the start of my 39th week, I watched YouTube videos on how to speed up labor naturally – you know, the usual suspects like squats, stretches, and some workouts that supposedly will induce labor. I also watched labor video experiences of other birthing moms to prep myself mentally. I felt like I’ve rehearsed the procedure countless of times in my head! 🙂

December 11 rolls around, and I went all-in with a labor-inducing workout in the morning. Louie, my husband, even saw me and laughed at me. I followed the routine from a YouTube video from start to finish and was even more encouraged after reading several comments stating that the workout was very effective for them and helped them induce labor if not on the same day, in a few days after. I also had a prenatal massage in the afternoon and requested the therapist to specifically target the acupressure points for inducing labor.

As evening approached, signs of labor manifested – the urge to poop, frequent urination, lower back pain, super active baby movements, heavier pelvic pressure, nausea, and heavy breathing. I also vomited two times at midnight. So I decided to check in with my obstetrician the next day, and to my surprise, my cervix was already 6cm dilated! Cue the panic and joy – we should get admitted, like, right now! Especially since this is my second baby, labor is expected to progress faster.

On December 12 at 5pm, Louie and I drove back home just to have a quick dinner and a shower. We also grabbed the already packed bags that I prepared a long time ago for the hospital for me and the baby.

Hospital Admission to Labor

At 7pm, we arrived at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City and went straight to the Admissions Department. I presented the admissions form which was already filled out and signed by my doctor. I was asked to wait for 30 minutes because all assessment rooms for labor were fully occupied. When I got a slot, the nurse asked me to just remove my undies and lie on the bed for internal examination by their resident doctor.

The nurse also asked a few questions regarding my pregnancy history, labor symptoms, and my general health profile. The resident doctor checked on me at 8:30pm, and she said my cervix was dilated to 8cm.

The nurse asked me to change into the hospital gown and they wheeled me into the labor room. Originally our plan was for me to be with my husband in the high-risk pregnancy unit. Unfortunately, however, all HRPUs were occupied and a room would be available on a first-come-first-served basis only when a birthing mom would go on to the delivery room for delivery. The nurse said there’s no assurance on when that would happen because labor may take a while (more than 24 hours) for some moms.

I ended up in a slightly rowdy ward with eight other moms in labor. It was like a symphony of pain and sounds behind those curtains. It’s because we’re not really too far apart from one another. I could also hear them rate their pains about 7-10 when asked by the nurses. When it was my turn to answer, at 8cm, I said I don’t feel pain so maybe at most 1-2 since I could feel the contractions anyway.

Fast forward to 9:30pm. The nurse told me to walk through the corridor to speed up labor. I asked to be with my husband for moral support and he was allowed to go in. We called my family to report my status.

My doctor reached the hospital at 10pm. She performed an IE and my cervix was still dilated at 8cm so she advised to give me oxytocin and called the anesthesiologist for my epidural. Though I could not feel pain yet, she said once labor progresses I might already feel the pain so it would be better to have the epidural now than later. I already signed the consent form and was prepped for the epidural.

At around 11pm, the anesthesiologist came in and they wheeled me into the operation room. I was positioned into a “C” with my back arching outwards for the needle. After about 15 minutes, I started feeling cold and could not control my shaking. The anesthesiologist said it is just a normal effect.

She did the skin test and checked if I could feel her hand touching my arm. I said yes. On my feet and legs, I started feeling a little numb. Then they moved me back to the labor room. It was already at 11:45pm when the resident doctor performed another IE on me and said that the baby is already positioned in station zero.

We had to wait for another hour before my doctor did another IE and said we’re all set and ready for delivery. The baby was at station 2 and I was already fully dilated. At last! The only pain I could feel was the cramping on my upper right leg. It was tolerable and it was also good since I could take it as a sign when contractions would come in.

My eyes were also fixated on the digital clock and I observed that my contractions went from 5 minutes apart to 4 to 3 and 2 before I was transferred to the delivery room.

Since I found it hard to move the lower part of my body, we had to wait for two men helpers to carry me from the labor room bed to the delivery bed. Everyone was in the room, including my doctor, the anesthesiologist, the assisting nurse, the resident doctor. We were just waiting for my husband to get dressed up in scrubs.

Time check: 3am. The resident doctor told me to start pushing. “Curl your body forward and hold your breath while you push, and slowly exhale. End with a long, calming breath.” I did about five pushes and almost lost breath in the last two tries. My eyes were closed every time. That’s why when baby was out at 3:36am and was lifted up high right in front of me crying loud, I couldn’t help but also cry like a baby with tears just flowing from my eyes nonstop. It was tears of joy. I made it again!

My husband cut the umbilical cord. After four minutes, the placenta was out. The medical staff cleaned the baby and did some checks while my doctor repaired muscles and performed the stitches on me. When baby was cleaned, a nurse placed her on my chest and we did our first skin-to-skin moment.

Recovery After Delivery

We were out of the delivery room at 4:46am and my baby and I were transferred to the recovery room where time blurs into a mix of check-ups, naps, and hospital noises.

The nurse said the estimated recovery time is 4-6 hours. I arrived at the recovery room first and had intermittent sleep. It was a whirlwind of pediatric checks, breastfeeding advice, and a ton of screenings for the little one. All the other laboring moms both in the high-risk pregnancy units and the ward haven’t delivered yet.

After three hours, I tried lifting up my legs and was happy that I already could. My heart rate and blood pressure were normal. Baby was also okay. She already peed and had good vital signs as well. Body temperature also was stable.

I was asked to try to stand and pee in the rest room. At first I felt super heavy and I saw some blinking lights when I closed and opened my eyes. I was happy I was able to pee and walked back to the hospital bed.

At that time, there were four moms who were wheeled in one by one to the recovery room. It was already 9am and I wanted to have breakfast. They served breakfast at 10am and I also had my first oral pain medication.

We should have already transferred to the private room but all private rooms were full. The nurse said that usual checkout time is 12pm but the room would only be available at around 1pm because it would be cleaned.

We waited some more and finally we got tagged for an available room at 2-2:30pm. I called my husband for admission since we couldn’t transfer without a relative who would have to sign the papers. There was no available helper to wheel us from the recovery room to the private room, so it was already 5pm when we finally came into our private haven.

Sacred Moments in our Private Haven

Our family arrived to visit us from around 7pm to 10pm. Everyone was so thrilled to see the baby.

On the next day, my baby’s pediatrician did some checks. The lactation nurse also arrived to guide me into latching and breastfeeding. Some nurses also came in to perform an ultrasound to the baby, newborn screening with blood extraction, screening for hearing and vision, and vaccination for the baby. Another nurse bathed the baby. We were all in good hands!

My obstetrician cleared me as well at 10am and said we could already be discharged and go home on the same day.

We signed the birth certificate and checked the statement of account and settled the hospital bill quickly. I even had a celebratory lunch prepared by the hospital’s in-house chef.

The return home, just a day after giving birth, marked the culmination of an intense yet gratifying experience. Before we left, St. Luke’s gave us a free baby stroller with a car seat. I felt delighted and surprised that it’s part of the freebie for the maternity package (available until December 31).

My husband pushed my wheelchair and the hospital staff carried our bags and items to the ground floor. We waited for our driver and were sent home shortly.

Finally, I was back to our room only one day after giving birth in the hospital. This time, I was already with our cute little baby, Rivia. This second pregnancy journey, from anxieties to elation, painted another vivid tapestry of resilience and the enduring power of bringing life into the world.

Pregnancy, often depicted as a serene and joyous journey, certainly has its unique twists and turns for me. As I embrace the anticipation of becoming a mother for our second child, little did I know that this adventure would be sprinkled with unexpected quirks that added a touch of unpredictability to the canvas of my pregnancy experience. Although these are super minor as compared to my first pregnancy, they’re still not usual vs. the “not pregnant” me.

Here are some of the things I experienced now that I didn’t go through during my first pregnancy:

1. Persistent Coughing

When you’re pregnant, your immune system becomes a bit of a drama queen. It gets all sensitive to germs and allergens but decides to take a little break, too. With the whole pandemic thing, doctors are like, “Hey, let’s be extra careful, okay?” Even a simple cold can turn into a coughing marathon during pregnancy.

The first few weeks of pregnancy brought with it a persistent cough that seemed to have its own agenda, maybe because of pregnancy hormones throwing a party in the body. It lasted for three weeks. The sad thing was that I couldn’t take antibiotics. I just had to endure it by drinking lemon water most of the time for hydration and medicine prescribed by my doctor.

2. Body Acne

As my body embraced the miraculous task of growing another human being, it also underwent some unexpected changes. Body acne, especially on my chest area, became a gentle reminder of the intricate dance of hormones within. Rather than viewing it as a challenge, I found solace in adapting my skincare routine and appreciating the ever-evolving landscape of my changing body.

3. Pimples and Facial Breakouts (aw!)

The mirror became a storyteller, reflecting not only the external changes but also the internal metamorphosis that was taking place. Pimples and facial breakouts became part of the narrative, teaching me the importance of self-love and acceptance. I discovered the beauty in imperfections, recognizing that these changes were transient and were markers of the incredible journey unfolding within me.

4. Vaginal Pressure and Leg Pains

In the late second trimester, as my body adjusted to the growing life inside, I experienced vaginal and leg pain especially every time I stand up from a long seating time or when I get up from bed and every time I walk even short distances.

Because of this, I decided to take an early maternity leave (from the 37th week of pregnancy) because I don’t like driving to work anymore (one way drive to the office from home takes about 1.5 hours) or just walking from the car parking area of the office building to my workstation.

I then learned from my OB-GYNE that experiencing vaginal pressure during pregnancy is a common occurrence, with women having diverse sensations ranging from intense pressure in the vagina to a general ache in the pelvis or a feeling of weight on the lower body. While the baby’s weight becomes a prevalent factor in the later stages of pregnancy, various other factors contribute to pelvic pressure throughout different trimesters.

During the first trimester, it is uncommon for weight gain to cause vaginal pressure. Instead, the hormone relaxin, which peaks in early pregnancy, plays a significant role. This hormone aids muscle relaxation, facilitating the baby’s passage through the pelvic area during birth. However, high levels of relaxin can lead to muscle pain, including in the vaginal region, and may weaken the ligaments supporting the pelvis, causing a sensation of pressure.

In the second and third trimesters, a combination of a weakening pelvic floor and increased weight exerting pressure on the pelvis contributes to vaginal pressure. The pelvic floor, a muscular sling supporting pelvic organs, can be weakened by pregnancy, and women who have given birth previously may experience further weakening with subsequent pregnancies. The added weight becomes more noticeable in the second trimester, with the growing uterus exerting increased pressure on the lower body.

As pregnancy progresses, some women may experience a feeling of fullness in the vagina or generalized pain and pressure in the hips and pelvis due to the weakened pelvic floor. In later stages, pelvic pressure might serve as an early sign of labor, especially when accompanied by stomach cramping or a sensation of something pressing down on the uterus, indicating an impending birth.

5. Shingles

Just when I thought I had the hang of this pregnancy thing, another surprising hurdle arrived – shingles. The unexpected nature of this challenge taught me adaptability and resilience. It took about a month for the shingles blisters to heal and about 2-3 months before the tingling sensation of the nerves acting to completely go away.

I requested from my boss to work from home for a week because it was harder to move about, and shingles may be contagious to those who haven’t had chicken pox yet.

Having had chickenpox during my childhood, I recently learned that there’s a slight possibility of developing shingles during pregnancy, although it’s considered uncommon. The reassuring aspect is that, even though shingles can bring about uncomfortable symptoms, my doctor said that it doesn’t pose a threat to the well-being of the baby growing within.

While managing the discomfort, I discovered a newfound strength within myself. It was a reminder that life’s surprises, even during pregnancy, are opportunities for growth and learning.

Wrap Up

As I reflect on the journey of my second pregnancy, I am reminded that the imperfections were not stumbling blocks but rather delightful detours in this beautiful adventure. The bumps along the way added depth and character to the narrative, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. With a heart full of gratitude and anticipation, I eagerly await the arrival of our little one, knowing that every twist and turn has woven a tapestry of resilience, love, and the extraordinary beauty of motherhood.

Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. The revelation that I was pregnant after our recent journey to Greece added a unique twist to an already memorable experience. This blog post tells the story of how we discovered we’re pregnant with our second child.

A Pause During the Pandemic

One of the reasons we hesitated to have another baby during the peak of the pandemic, which lasted from 2020 to 2022, was the overwhelming strain on healthcare systems here in the Philippines. Hospitals were overrun with COVID patients, and the prospect of giving birth under those circumstances was daunting. I had friends telling me about their pregnancy and delivery experiences at the height of COVID and they were not so good and convenient. So finding out we were pregnant after this tumultuous period filled us with hope – it was a ray of light in a world that had been shrouded in darkness. 🙂

How We Learned About Our Second Pregnancy

My husband and I, along with my brothers-in-law, set off on an eagerly awaited trip to Greece during Holy Week this year. However, my regular monthly period did not arrive as scheduled. Oddly, I didn’t feel any different, and there were no immediate signs of pregnancy. I couldn’t ignore the regularity of my periods or the gnawing suspicion that something might be different. Yet, I couldn’t be entirely sure.

Upon returning to Manila from our Greek adventure, I decided to address my suspicion by taking a pregnancy test. I even bought two different brands of pregnancy kits to make sure. The result: I was indeed pregnant with our second child! It took a year of trying to conceive. I think it was already the sixth week of pregnancy, which was about the same time we found out about our first pregnancy (with Lance) before.

It took a full year of trying to conceive / achieve this pregnancy. Huhu. We decided to keep this precious secret between us for the time being as we had to ensure our baby’s health before sharing the news with our loved ones.

The Long Wait and Joyful Confirmation

I scheduled a transvaginal ultrasound at the 11th week of my pregnancy in the hospital. The days leading up to the ultrasound appointment felt like an eternity, filled with anticipation and excitement.

The moment arrived, and during the transvaginal ultrasound, our anxiety melted away as we witnessed the first images of our baby on the screen. The technician’s words confirmed our hopes: it was indeed a baby, and to our delight, there was a strong, reassuring heartbeat!

We can’t wait to embrace the adventure that awaits as a family of four. ❤️

Did you know that Healthy Options has a great selection of products for babies and kids? In every store, there’s a section with shelves of curated items for babies and kids that are all natural, free from harmful toxins and additives, in short–safe for your little ones. These are also available online! 🙂

I love getting Lance items from Healthy Options because not only are these products made with excellent quality but their values also align with mine. In this post, I just wanted to share and highlight a handful of our favorite tried and tested items.

Healthy Options Baby & Kids Products Haul and Review

Bath Care

Baby’s exploration throughout the day can be messy, but Babyganics gives you everything you need to clean and nurture baby’s skin after a day of play. A shampoo and body wash in one that can truly clean, moisturize, and protect baby’s sensitive skin can help you worry a little less and have more fun during bath time a little more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6OmI5nGf9/

This is our second bottle of Babyganics Shampoo+Baby Wash Chamomile Verbena. It cleanses from head to toe, leaving baby’s hair and skin nourished. I like that the thick, soft foam it generates from every pump. There’s real cleaning going on in every bubble, and it’s safe for the eyes and gentle on skin.

• Smell is natural and not obtrusive
• Made of plant-based products and organic ingredients, no unnecessary chemicals
• Feels light and clean, non-irritating, and it lathers up well

Skin Care

Another must-buy item from Healthy Options is this Babyganics Moisturizing Daily Lotion. Why we love it? This product sinks in without feeling sticky and relieves dry, itchy skin for hours. It’s a nice skin care product to apply for post-bath pampering.

Plant-derived ingredients like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter and Babyganics’ NeoNourish® Seed Oil Blend (blend of tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin and raspberry seed oils) help calm rashes and settle easily inflamed baby skin.

• Non-allergenic, pediatrician and dermatologist tested
• Glides on and absorbs quickly with non-greasy, non-sticky afterfeel
• Also good for moderately dry skin

Snacks & Drinks

HappyKid Organic Apple, Kale & Mango: This delicious blend if super quick to serve. Just twist to open and enjoy directly from the pouch, definitely a good way to encourage healthy eating habits for babies and kids. It’s a great source of antioxidant vitamin C with no added sugar.

Happy Tot Fiber & Protein Organic Apples & Spinach Oat Bar: Contents are fiber, protein, and whole grains in soft-baked, gluten-free oat bar made with fruits and vegetables. It’s tasty (I tasted it myself!) and comfortable to chew. Smell is like apple, rosemary, and cinnamon put together. Note: This product should be fed only to seated, supervised children who are accustomed to chewing solid foods already.

Smart Kids Organic Apple Juice: This apple juice is made from the highest quality organic ingredients, non-GMO, and with a clean label. Lance liked the freshly squeezed orange juice we made for him recently, so we’re positive he’d also like other natural fruit drinks during meals.

We’ve been wanting Lance to have his haircut since his hair from birth has grown too long. He’s now one year and one month old. I thought having my baby’s first haircut done in a kid salon would be best. I felt both excited and anxious to see what he’d look like after the trim.

The ambiance of the hair salon, the friendliness of the stylist, and the comfort of the seating are all important factors in choosing a hair salon for kids. After some research and reading online reviews, I trust Cuts 4 Tots at Santolan Town Plaza (San Juan) to have it finally done, and here are 4 reasons why we love it here. 🙂

My Baby’s First Haircut at Cuts 4 Tots Hair Salon

1. The colorful space looks like a playroom.

Cuts 4 Tots has an amazing kid-friendly atmosphere. There are regular small chairs for kids and fun little cars with seat belt for babies or younger kids. We walked in with no appointment and didn’t have to wait. This place is great, and my son’s haircut came out great. As a parent, I highly recommend it. 🙂 We’ll certainly return when it’s time for another cut.

2. The hairdresser is familiar with toddler hair care.

Countless of times, my husband had offered to cut our baby’s hair at home. But I disagreed every time he volunteered. It’s best to have a professional to do the job.

Trying to perfect a haircut with really sharp shears in your hand and a child who is kicking, screaming or wiggling is challenging. The hairdresser at Cuts 4 Tots knows how to make small children comfortable and he got it done quickly. Before the cut, I went over some haircut examples in their book and received some personal recommendation from the stylist who gracefully executed the cut we discussed. I’m very pleased with it. ❤️

3. Super Simple Songs videos are playing on TV!

Cuts 4 Tots is a salon specially catered to tots and kids. The environment feels so kid-friendly, and there’s a TV in front of the “car” chair playing Lance’s favorite songs to make him at ease (or least distracted). He watched the videos and this definitely was a plus in making the process less stressful. Love the VIP treatment.

4. There are toys to keep kids stay preoccupied.

While the hairdresser was cutting Lance’s hair, another attendant helped make him calm down and sit still. She played the xylophone and showed toys. She also blew some bubbles! I appreciate the kind and playful gestures very much. My baby boy didn’t feel scared or panicky at all. 🙂 No drama, no sad or crying moment.

Here are the BEFORE AND AFTER photos:

Before (Front)

Before (Side)

Before (Back)

After (Front)

After (Side)

Cuts 4 Tots Price List

Cuts 4 Tots Branches and Telephone Numbers

Ayala Malls Feliz – 7911545
Cash & Carry Makati – 810-3816
Eastwood Mall – 720-9103
Fairview Terraces – 956-3938
Festival Mall Alabang – 810-6286
Glorietta 4 – 752-1789
Rockwell Power Plant – 625-0855
Santolan Town Plaza – 751-7718
SM City Fairview – 798-0770
SM City North Edsa – The Block – 372-9632
SM City Pampanga – (045) 455 2623
SM Megamall – 718-4514
SM Mall of Asia – 621-4650
SM San Lazaro – 370-7573
The Podium – 637-0018
Robinsons Place Manila – 567-0767
TriNoma Branch – 954-2027

Our baby Lance turned eight months yesterday and I had a moment to look back into my previous post update about his development milestones four months back. The saying “time flies fast” rings so true. Our baby looks different now, and he’s become more active, more responsive, and more talkative! 😀 This is to document his growth once again and to share what he’s been up to these days.

Recent Milestones

• Motor skills: As he became mobile, he’s constantly exploring and going after what he wants, no longer sitting idly or lying on his bed while playing with toys. He can crawl towards what sparks his curiosity. But he didn’t just wake up one day and started crawling. No, he practiced and tried, each day getting a little bit better. I remember he could only roll to one side at 6 months. At 7 months, he could already roll on both sides, crawl full on and by 8 months, at full speed.
• Our playtime: Imagine both of us crawling on our king-size bed surrounded by huge pillows as our rails. I use some items (wallet, TV remote control, AC remote control, wallet, and dolls) as bait, and he would try to reach them and grab them with his cute small hands. And every time, he would place the item into his mouth like a reward. I’d always have to police him, say “nooo” multiple times, and move him or get it away so he’d be back to square one. We keep crawling forwards, backwards, and sideways until he gets tired. 🙂
• Language skills: At 7-8 months, he babbles and makes sounds with his own language to express himself. His favorites are bababa, bububu, and aaaah! He also raises and lowers his voice as if telling a story, asking a question, or making a statement.
• Social/Emotional Skills: At 6-7 months, he recognizes us apart from other people. He’d begin to cry when he doesn’t see us (his parents) or yaya around or near him in the room. He smiles at familiar faces and enjoys playing peek-a-boo, staring at dangling objects, and grabbing his toys to his mouth.
• Perceptive abilities: He knows how to coordinate new perceptive abilities (including vision, touch, and hearing) and has more control over them unlike in earlier months when he mainly reacted by reflex. He now communicates better when he’s hungry, bored, or sleepy instead of crying all the time.
• First Solid Foods: At 6 months, he started eating whole grain rice cereal. At 7 months, in addition, we put blended bananas, chayote, potatoes, apples, peas, and sweet potatoes (only one at a time) into his cereal. Thank goodness, he’s not yet a picky eater.
• Nap time: We noticed that his nap time is lessened and he’s awake at more times. He takes about two or three naps throughout the day. At night, he has uninterrupted sleep (from 8:00pm-8:30pm to 6:00am-6:30am) most days. Sometimes, he’d wake up just to roll over and call out for milk.
• Likes: He smiles when he hears the sound of a kiss (tsup or mwah), and he likes watching and listening to Super Simple Songs on YouTube. Once the intro plays, his face lights up and he immediately looks at the screen!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv0Avsul8f6/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxV4Hy0FCbZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxcaKmUlYXq/

Where did time go?

It seems only a few months back when we were both lounging around together during my maternity leave. It’s amazing how he crawls, babbles, laughs, smiles, and grows stronger and faster by the day. At this point, our 8-month-old baby is busy exploring, learning, moving around, and engaged in more “sophisticated” interactions and play. This means we’ll be plenty busy keeping up with him, too! 🙂

https://www.instagram.com/p/By7pqWmHymu/