My child is a picky eater! What can I do?

Ever since I shared stories of my love for food and motherhood, the usual question I get from first-time parents would be how to make their children have an awesome appetite like mine. First, I always tell them that there's no cookie-cutter formula to having a pickytarian-free home, as each child is different. But yes, there are many doable and foolproof ways even the moms before us have done to make eating time fun and filling for the whole family.

OK. Before we start, please know that this is just a phase. In fact, my eldest Sophia only ate a few dishes when she was a “threenager.” It was a struggle for me because she only liked soupy corned beef, chicken nuggets, adobo, and scrambled eggs just to name a few. During that time, I felt like the worst mom ever. But I knew I had to do something. I knew that if I'd just wallow in self-pity and self-blame, nothing's going to change my daughter's picky eating habits.

4 Simple Bonding Activities for Siblings with Big Age Gap

When people knew I was pregnant with my second child, most of them were a bit surprised to find out the 9-year age gap between her and my eldest, Sophia. Some even insinuated that close in ages is better; saying that the kids will be instant buddies and that they actually worry if my girls will ever understand each other. Well, guess what? Their age gap is actually a huge blessing!

I mean, it seems as if our Sammybear has a second mom in her Ate Sophia. I think my firstborn prepared for it really well. She was 6 years old when she started praying specifically for a baby sister so when our little boss arrived, she started taking her job as a big sister seriously.

My Formula to Be a Zero Worries Parent

I have two daughters, Sophia and Samantha. They have a 9-year age gap. People are always amused when they learn about that miniscule fact about my kids. Comments about how difficult it's going to be when they become adults are inevitable but is it really necessary to point that out?  I mean, isn't parenting a tough task in general no matter what gender and age gap our children have? I don't think there's a cookie-cutter way to follow, you know. I believe, though that there's no harm in doing what those ahead of us have done already especially if they actually succeeded. Well, this is a huge topic that a single blog post won't do justice but as a mom for more than a decade, please allow me to share with you a few things on how my husband and I raise our girls with zero worries.

My best ever life is to joyfully spend it with these two. ♥

Okay, before you judge me for being so internet-fake with the zero worries phrase, I hope it's clear with you that it's figurative. It's not possible to raise a child with zero worries! Moms worry all the time, I worry all the time. Anxiety is synonymous to my name. In fact, there are times when I can't even sleep at night thinking about my girls' future - career, first boyfriend and will they ever learn their way in the kitchen like I do? See how I worry for them 20 years ahead? I can be a worry freak, I tell ya. But worry begets wrinkles and palpitations, which I strongly avoid at any cost. So as the primary parent of our offsprings, I created a formula to actually make the impossible hopefully possible. The results cannot be seen and enjoyed yet but I'm holding on to my goal because I got a great God who got my back.

Would you like to know the formula? It's quite simple. Basically, a kid must have these three in order for a parent to have zero worries:

What Parents of Toddlers Should Know About Walking

When Sammy has started sitting on her own, everyone was excited to see her walk already... And now that she has perfectly mastered her strides, who's following her, pacing with her all the time? It's not everyone, it's just me! Where are they now? Oh, they're chilling on the side, laughing and saying how cute she is. Haha! Well, if not for the summer heat, I wouldn't complain as I felt like I lost a lot of weight by doing so. But then again, the weather just makes me want to scoop her up and carry her as long as my back can handle. 

Don't get me wrong, mamas. I would love my terrific toddler to have as much freedom as she deserves but let's be real, running after a toddler isn't easy. It requires many underrated traits and character that parents and caregivers should embody. Would you like to know some? I got a few basics here.

How We Make Our Marriage Happy

At 23, I was every inch of what I wanted myself to be — a fun and free college graduate who was working in the biggest broadcasting network in the country. Also, I had a cute military boyfriend who loved me back as much I loved him. I wasn't rich but I had everything I needed to be happy. For me then, my life was perfect. Things have changed dramatically, though when I got pregnant out of wedlock. Sadly, the boyfriend (who became no longer cute for me lol) and I had opposing views about the situation; it was expected that we didn't get married. Worse, I didn't have a job for the whole 9 months of carrying my little human. Just imagine how miserable I felt every time I craved a burger and I don't even have money to buy the cheapest kind.

While my mother took me under her care, I knew I had to do something for me and my baby. So during my first trimester, armed with resourcefulness and guidance from the Lord, I sold my huge magazine collection to a magazine store near our house. My collection of mostly Summit Media magazines was really that huge that I was able to buy myself fruits, maternity house dress and vitamin supplements. And just before my first trimester ended, my boyfriend (who became cute again lol) and I reconciled and decided to become partners in building our dream team. We knew we would never have our fun and free youth back but having a baby gave our lives so much meaning.

Three Important Things to Remember When Preparing for a Children's Party

So we just celebrated Sammy's dedication to the Lord and first birthday two Sundays ago. It wasn't a perfect party but all the people I've spoken with after told me the same thing—our Pinoy 90s party was naturally fun! I felt so relieved when I knew that our friends and family were happy. You see, a first birthday party isn't really for the celebrant. Aside from the parents hosting it, it is actually for the guests. That is why whenever we hold parties, we make sure to invite those that matter to us. R and I aren't the kind of people who invite the "guest of honor" type, who usually ends up to be the star of the event. We love having the people we love to be with. 

It's not that I'm already a pro in parties but I just realized now that budget, location and food may be the basic things to think about but there are three more important things a mom (or dad or anyone) should remember when preparing for a children's party. And because sharing is caring, here it is. This is just a quick read, no worries. Just think of the 3Cs!

5 Tips to Get Your Baby Sleep Through the Night

When Sophia was one month old, whenever I'd feel like crying because I don't know what to do with a wailing infant at 2 in the morning, my mama would be in our room to rescue her granddaughter from the crazy, clueless me. Nine years after, now with Samantha, I am practically on my own. Well, I love my baby bear so much but I have to be honest, it's exhausting! So much so that my backpain's agreeing as I write this. Sure, she doesn't wail like her big sister but gosh, putting her to sleep is such a big production number! Fine, let's be fair. It's only tough in the beginning. Once she gets in a deep sleep, she lets me sleep, too – like a true caring boss. Ha!

So how do I do it? Here are my simple but very doable Tips to Get Your Baby Sleep Through the Night that actually work! 

My Husband's Tips on Buying Used Cars

It was in 2012 when my husband R bought our first family car, a pre-loved Toyota Vios. Sophia wasn't aware how important it was for us but I felt that she was happy that we didn't have to commute when we travel out of town. We rode in it during our frequent visit to Zambales, where R was assigned then. It also reached Baguio, Pangasinan and the entirety of Metro Manila. That gray Vios with fantastic sound system (kudos to my husband) served us well. We then sold it in 2016 when we acquired a brand-new Toyota Innova. 

R may not be a car expert, an enthusiast even, but when it comes to its practicalities, he got these tips for should you want to buy used cars in the future. 

Research the seller's credibility. This is very important as some used cars sold were previously stolen. I'm sure you don't want to end up in jail just because you bought a car. 

As much as possible, choose cars with low mileage. High mileage means the car has been used too often, which makes it more prone to defects eventually. 

Inspect the car thoroughly, best to bring along a trusted car mechanic. When we bought our Vios, one of my husband's staff, who knows car engines more than he does came with us.  

Check the car's history. Ask for the warranty booklet and previous accidents. 

In the event that you fell in-love with a specific car that didn't pass the above criteria, prepare a larger amount of money. You will surely be using it for purchasing some parts that needed replacement.

If you need further reading on cars and its what-nots, Cars.com is an awesome resource!

***
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cars.com but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Our Relationship Secrets: Revealed!

My husband and I were highschool classmates. No - we were never sweethearts. We didn't dance in our prom night, he didn't carry my heavy bag and books, he didn't look my way. Worst, we didn't even talk! There was one incident that I wanted to initiate a conversation, though. It was my chance, I had a slight crush on him when I was 14 eh. We were in the same jeepney on the way to school. Gahd, imagine my kilig when I saw him na sumabit bigla. You know, I wanted to hold his book for him kasi nga nakasabit siya then eventually when he's finally seated, we would talk and ililibre niya ako ng pamasahe but well, nag-123 pala siya that day so sorry, no cute puppy love story to tell, hahaha! But if you seriously want to know how we got to be where we are now, here's our funny, worthy of an MMK episode love story entitled - When Rhambo Met Bebeng.

Hello, this is us. Photo taken by our little girl, our #1 fan.

I love going back to how we began. In fact, I shared that with his mom and our daughter Sophia. Our girl was laughing the whole time I was telling our story. She loves it and gets kilig kasi when her father and I are being sweet to each other. Sinusulit ko na rin hanggat hindi pa siya grossed-out sa amin, hihi. Telling her how I met her father is important for us since we really pray that she will also have a happy marriage and family in the future. And in case she'll ask for tips and advice, we got these SECRETS TO A LONG-LASTING RELATIONSHIP that I will be sharing with you, too.

12 Photos That Prove Kids Have A Mysterious Relationship With Stairs

Sophia with cousins Gabby and Garret in 2014.

Sophia was four when we moved out of my husband's parental house to finally live on our own. The house we rented was a 2-storey apartment. So obviously, it has stairs. I didn't know why but my little girl shrieked in delight when she saw it. Since we moved in then, she spent most of her time at home in the stairs. When I posted one photo from those many moments on my Facebook page three years ago, I was amused that other moms also have photos of their kids in the stairs! 

Does anybody know why?

10 Filipino Costume Ideas for Buwan ng Wika

Oh moms, I know you know how it thrilling it feels to dress up our little ones, especially on special occasions! But we also know that it can be expensive and tiring. Huffing and puffing just by thinking about it? I know, right? Sometimes, we don't even know which one to get or where to buy. As a stay-at-home, hands-on mom to a preschooler (graduating already woot woot), those little events in her school are special to me. So I research (i.e., to Google or visit all branches of SM), take notes from other moms or practice extortion to my daughter's godparents, haha.

This month, we celebrate Buwan ng Wika. For everyone's information, it is now buwan and not linggo, which was what we used to celebrate when we were kids. It was in 1997 when ex-President Fidel Ramos signed Proclamation No. 1041 that sets the whole month of August for the celebration of our national language, Pilipino. Okay, I'm inadequate with these stuff so I'd stop here. Let me just share with you what my fellow moms have chosen for their kids' Filipino costume for Buwan ng Wika.

10 Signs That It's Almost Christmas in the Philippines

Here in the Philippines, we still have November 1st and 2nd (or more famously known as Undas) to get busy with before we can officially declare Christmas. But typically Pinoy, it's the yuletide season for us once we hit the -Ber months. Well, for me, I start to actually feel, see and believe it when my husband's year-end bonus arrives, haha. Anyway, before someone else rolls her eyes with that statement, allow me to share you my list of satirical, funny, a bit scary but super spot on signs that it's almost Christmas in the Philippines! 

1. Cab drivers become more choosy than ever. "Dagdag na lang kayo ng bente, Ma'am", "tsk, tsk, ang layo yata nun", "trapik dun eh, metro ba?" and the endless taxi driver dramarama lines continue. Grabe 'di ba? Ay ako muther, I really make a scene 'pag salbahe ang manong driver. Even if I'm at the middle of EDSA 'pag pinaandaran ako ng ganyang emote, may I go down ako. I pretend, too that I'm talking to an MMDA officer on the phone. Minsan, si jowabelles kunwari. However, when I chance upon real nice ones, I make dagdag bente without him telling me.   

2. A platoon of Santa Claus figures displayed in the bangketa, along with parol and other holiday decors. See, even St. Nicholas loves to make tambay in the dusty streets of PI.  

3. Ninongs and Ninangs are practicing the art of deadma. This is my favorite. Sophia has 12 pairs of godparents but you know what? Gift-wise, I felt like we only get around 10 on her birthdays and during Christmas. Presence-wise naman (in person or online), 6 or 7. But we understand you, guys. Ganyan din naman kami sa inyo eh. Hehe.

4. Jacket-clad people, even in the afternoon! You know those glossy, cheap, jejemon and anghit-magnet ones? Such an eyesore, swear. And the color combination sometimes make me dizzy. Don't get caught wearing those please! I don't claim that I'm a fashion expert or something; I do have baduy moments, too. But making the breezy (but still sunny) weather as your excuse to wear a jacket in the noon is unacceptable. Unless you're sick or wearing one from the collection of Zalora's hip varsity jackets, I'll let you go on with your life peacefully. *winks*

5. The campaign for single-blessedness being with family (and fur babies) are getting stronger. Saying that having no partner means no problems or no expenses or whatsoever excuse. I don't want to elaborate anymore.

6. Wind burn. Chapped Lips. Dry skin. But I love my hair's texture as it gets colder. Hindi siya close to being afro. 

7. Hams galore: TVCs, print ads, radio jingle, etc. Get the finest cuts. Look for the net marks. 

8. Carolers who don't finish the song. Sad. Ay naku mga bagets, I will not give you my barya if you don't have that make-shift tambol and tambourine. I will not even open my door if you will just make palakpak ha. Everybody happy dapat ang peg!

9. Pick-pocketers / hold-uppers / snatchers / bad guys / evils / mumu / mga kaborkot na manong and manang are like mushrooms na nagsusulputan everywhere! Teh, sige na mayaman ka na ha. Pero don't wear naman the whole Karat World when you go to Araneta Center to witness the lightening ceremony of the giant Christmas Tree. Ingat lagi tayo! Maging mapagmatyag at mapanuri. 

10. Lastly, nagkakaubusan ng fruit cocktail, NESEL cream at spaghetti sows. Tapos lahat ng puntahan mong bahay pagdating ng pasko, may buko salad, macaroni salad, potato salad, at kung anik-anik na salad. Hanggang 2nd week ng January, may salad sa pridyider.

There you have it - My 10 SIGNS THAT IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES! If you have more in mind that you wish to share, type it down in the comments section. This will be one fun discussion on how we Pinoys celebrate Christmas. 85 days to go!

This post is brought to you by Zalora Philippines but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Photo courtesy of  Pares, atbp.