Stay at Home Wife and Mom

Stay-at-Home Wife and Mom

It's been 5 months since I resigned from work to become a full time stay-at-home wife and mom. It was a decision both me and my husband made.  We decided on this because we believe it is best for Zamzam.

I never thought it was best for me too.

I've been working just months after graduation.  I love the adventure and the financial independence it brings - never to ask anyone for money or seek approval if you want to buy something.  I can spend my rest days and money, any way I want.  I love the freedom that goes with employment.

Then I married one if my best friends and we prayed that He bless us our angel soon.  God granted our wish and I was confirmed  pregnant just a little over one month from our wedding day.  I went through a very sensitive pregnancy that compelled me to stay at home for almost 7 months.  It was one of my most challenging times.  For the first time, I have to ask someone for money if i need anything.  My husband was more than happy to give me money but it was difficult for me.  He was very patient in explaining to me and making me understand that whatever is his, is mine as well, and that i should not feel guilty or ashamed if I have to ask money from him.  A lot of times, he would just put money in my wallet even without me asking.  He was an amazing husband to a sensitive over emotional pregnant woman.   But even with this, i did not resigned from work.  I was on medical leave then on maternity leave and I was excited to go back to work.

Then our little bit of heaven came.  The unexplainable joy of motherhood! It was pure bliss taking care of baby Zamzam.  Despite the sleepless nights and aching back, I was a doting new mom. I would take countless photos and videos and would write Zamzam letters.  I was madly in love with my son. But even with this, I wanted to go back to work.

And so I did.  Zamzam was 4 months that time. Juggling work and being a wife and a breastfeeding mom was not easy.  I would wake up 2am for my 4am shift. Would drive home for lunch break to feed Zamzam.  Then back to work to finish my shift at 1pm.  Then if I'm lucky, i can sleep with Zamzam on the afternoon to wake up at around 4pm to prepare dinner so we can start trying to sleep at 7pm. I work on wkends and my husband works on my rest days.  We barely see and talk to each other.  That was my routine.  It was very tiring and oftentimes stressful, yet I was happy knowing that I can work and still be a wife and mom.

But Zamzam got sick.  One morning while I'm preparing for work, Yayay told me that she has cough and that she's afraid Zamzam might get it too. i assured her that Zamzam won't.  What can I say? I have to go to work.  I can't be absent just because my Yayay has cough. So I went to work dismissing my concern that Zamzam might get Yayay's cough.  3 days after, Yayay was fine already but Zamzam was coughing real hard that he cries everytime he does. Acute Bronchitis.  We need medicines, antibiotics, nebulizing.  It was heartbreaking, as all mothers can relate, to see my baby suffer.  To hear and see his cries everytime he coughs and during medicine and nebulizing time.  I was on leave for a week. My son needed me... Then it hit me. My son needs me. Not just when he's sick. He needs me everyday.

It was my turning point.  I looked at my life before and I looked at my life now.  I am a wife now, and a mom.  I remembered my wedding vows.  Yes, I am still doing OK as a wife and mom.  But i don't want OK.  I want to be an EXCELLENT wife and mom.  My husband understands my desire to work and earn money and is always supportive, but Zamzam is growing up fast and I am missing a LOT not just with him, but with my husband as well.

So when staying full time at home was brought up, Nante was more than happy.  He told me that he never required me to work and that he can still provide well for our family even if I stay at home.  Have I mentioned it already that I have an amazing husband? Because he truly is.

So with the full support of my husband, I resigned from work last April.  I still miss work and all the perks that go with it. But by the Grace of God, a loving husband, and our little man growing up fast, I am super enjoying being a full time stay-at-home wife and mom.

dreaming BIG

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” – Benjamin Disraeli

I dream BIG. Though my dreams change on my maturity level, they’re always BIG.

At least big for me…

When I was a little girl, I dreamt of becoming a lawyer. Not just any lawyer, but a big shot one fighting hard-core criminals and corrupt corporate and government leaders.  I even wrote in my life’s prediction that I was assassinated at the age of 60 by a billionaire tycoon whom I’ve imprisoned.

When I was not so little anymore, I dreamt of being a singer, a successful recording artist to say the least.  I was in a band for quite sometime and loved singing even until this day.  I would imagine myself having an acoustic concert, singing songs I wrote, with an audience who adores me and appreciates me for my God-given talents.

When I grew up a little, I dreamt of becoming a missionary.  To be a full time Church worker.  Or maybe a pastor’s wife who’s very much involve in the ministry.  I visualized dangerous mission fields, tiring bubt very spiritually rewarding chores, challenging ministries.

Around 7 yrs ago, I dreamt of being a wife to the man I am madly in love with. Have a grand wedding. Live in a nice big home with loving and adorable kids. Have a stable career that I’m passionate about.  Have at least 1 car.  Leisure travelling at least once a year. 

Now, I dreamt of my baby boy (who’s still inside my tummy) of becoming an athlete, a genius, and a rock star.  I envision sports tournaments, quiz bees, and concerts.  I’m the cool, supportive, and very proud mom to all of these events. 

The results?

I became a teacher.  A very fulfilled and passionate teacher.

To this very day, I sing for my family and friends.  And yes, they love and appreciate my God-given talents every time.

I was an active youth leader in our Church, local and national youth gatherings. I attended national camps where I led and counseled a lot of young people.  I was our church’s Sunday School Superintendent for 2 years.

Just last June, I married one of my high school best friends.  We now live in a very comfy house here in Nuvali, Laguna. I’m pregnant with our first baby.  I’m with Convergys, a company I love to work with.  We have a van and a motorcycle.  And we’ve had some fun and memorable travels.

As for my baby? Only God knows…  But with the trending of my dreams, I’m already grateful and happy. 

I may never achieve any of the BIG dreams that I have, but God gave me so much more and I know He will keep on giving me so much more.  The world may see things differently but I know, that God’s will is best… will always be.

Cheers!

thank You LORD!

When GOD grants your heart's desires, it's a confirmation that your prayers are in line with HIS will... what an amazing feeling!


It was July 18, 2011 when me and my husband happily confirmed that I am pregnant.  Ever since, family and friends have been asking us what do we like as our first born, a boy or a girl? and my answer has always been... "a healthy baby. but if i have a say, I want a boy".


Last Saturday, October 22, 2011, the doctor confirmed that it's a boy! nante and i were beaming with joy! what a wonderful feeling for our heart's desires to be granted...


And as the doctor explained to us the details of the congenital anomaly scan results, i can't help but whisper a "thank You Lord" for every information she gave...


brain distribution and development is normal --- thank You LORD!
your baby is not blind --- thank You LORD!
nose and palate, normal, no cleft --- thank You LORD!
heart development and location, normal, BPM 154 --- thank You LORD!
internal organs, normal and developing well --- thank You LORD!
spine, normal --- thank You LORD!
arms and legs, normal --- thank You LORD!
fingers and toes, complete ---thank You LORD!
gender, male --- thank You LORD!!!


yes, it was an  exhilarating experience and feeling. The gender of the baby was actually a bonus.  Knowing it was healthy and safe inside me was more than enough for me and my husband.  We clung to every bit of information that the doctor was narrating.  She looked a bit bored and uninterested, but it was more than music to me and nante's ears.


the last information that the doctor explained was that i have a low lying placenta which makes me prone to bleeding.  I can't be tired nor stressed. I should not walk nor stand too long.  I should always be slow in all my movements.  This didn't wipe the grins in our faces (well it did a little on nante's face, but not mine, hehe!).  My baby is healthy and safe --- thank You LORD!

blog revival

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. – Charles Darwin

I miss writing…

Because of a very special blessing inside my tummy, I have to file for a medical leave to get proper rest. I guess circumstances would remind us of our passions and gives us time to enjoy doing it again…

Thus this blog revival…

Updates on ME:

Currently, I’m happily married to one of my high school best friends (we got married last June 12 this year) and a soon to be mom to our baby come March next year. We live in a nice modest house here in Avida Settings, Nuvali with Inday our helper and Lestat our baby labarador.  I’m an Operations Supervisor at Convergys Nuvali.

I’m surviving the amazing journey of pregnancy (Im on my 18th wk now).  Experienced almost if not all, the fascinating yet discomforting symptoms of it since week 1. Thanks to a great support system, loving hubby, concerned family and friends, and a very accommodating OB, they make it “happy bearable” for me.

Since I moved with Nante (my loving hubby), I’ve learned how to cook and be very domesticated.  It was quite a challenge since I was used to being pampered at home or buy ready to eat food when away from home for work.  Yes I was used to cleaning up my own room and space but being truly domesticated takes more than that.  But here I am, enjoying every bit of being a wife at home – cooking, cleaning (thanks Inday for being a great helper), and just simply taking care of Nante and baby in the tummy.

But I miss work too. I miss my agents and friends.  And believe it or not, I miss the pressure! Hahaha! Oh well, I’m a working gal, what can I do?  Hope I can get back soon…

That’s it for now…

Cheers!

the year that was...

(written december 27, 2007 on my multiply account)

2007 is coming to an end... by God's grace it has been another year of adventures and blessings enjoyed... another year of challenges survived... another year of lessons learned... another year of memories to treasure forever...

i started my 2007 by transferring back to cebu. i was hired as an Operations Supervisor by Xlibris, an American publishing company. I stayed there until September. I enjoyed my stay there and I learned a LOT, professionally and personally. I will forever treasure the friends and the memories made during my stay there. For my team, thank you and i miss you all! Special mention to my manager, sirMerrel, you have shared to me countless knowledge and wisdom both in work and personal life. Thank you for being such a GREAT mentor and a GREATER friend. Thanks to my close friends... Monique -for your insanities, honesty, and passion for life. my Xlibris life was made extra special because of your friendship. Mayta - for your humility and simplicity. for simply being there. Marj - for your dedication and openness. i was blessed as a supervisor for having an agent like you. Rhea - for your sweetness and frankness. being away from home was made easier because you were there. Rechel - for your charm and warmth. thank you for a wonderful friendship. Thank you all dear friends for your friendship. You will be treasured forever... Thank you XLIBRIS for the opportunity and the experience. Sorry i left you too soon. my sincerest apologies.

i went back home september to rest and then pursue my passion - teaching at the same time doing my ministry with the young people... i am currently enjoying teaching in LaSalTech and having my Masters in Education in LCC - Bacolod. Work has never been this fun and fulfilling.

Thank you for my family. Tatay - for being a constant inspiration. thank you for never failing to be a good father to me, kristian, and sunshine. Nanay - for your presence and your cooking expertise. Kristian - for just being there. for loving me unconditionally. iLoveYou tian. for my titas and titos - for your guidance and support. for my cousins- my life is sweeter with you around.

Thank you, for my angels here on earth - my closest friends... gaging - for your patience and undying love. words can never express my gratitude for your presence in my life. star, k, metzi, gg - for your honesty and unconditional love. even if distance may separate us, our friendship lives on. ed - for your trust. your friendship means a LOT. i am doubly blessed because i have you all in my life.

For my LCEC family - thank you for your prayers and love. i faced and survived trials bravely because i know you are there for me.

For special persons, names i will not mention, for giving me important lessons in love... you made me wiser and stronger...

Thank You Father in heaven for all the blessings, lessons, and experience that was the year 2007.

hmmm...

this is me (?) as described by astrology.com...
do you think so? hmmm...

Section 1: The Inner You: Your Real Motivation
Proud and intensely individual, you really want to stand out, to be the very best you can be, and to be recognized and appreciated for your unique contributions. Doing something well and being respected for it is extremely important to you, and you cannot tolerate being in the background, taking orders from others, or being "just one of the team". You must put your personal stamp on whatever you do, and direct your own course in life. You need to have a place where you can shine, express yourself creatively, and be the one in charge.
Section 2: Mental Interests and Abilities
You are a person of strong opinions and you express your views energetically and often dramatically. You are an entertaining speaker and will embellish or exaggerate in order to get your point across. You have an aptitude for story-telling and performing. Even if your arena is only the classroom or dining room table, you put on a good show. You have an abundance of creative ideas and do not enjoy a job in which you have no creative input or voice in decision-making. You could be a good politician, spokesperson, group leader, director, or coach.

friends...

Lord, thank You for friends who warm my life with their smiles...

who make life worthwhile...

who carry me when my courage fails...

and comfort me when im sad...

i pause to look back at parties made more enjoyable...

loneliness made more bearable because of their companionship...

thank You for their honesty when i cant be honest with myself...

for letting me grow in my own time...

for respecting my feelings...

thank You Lord, for all of my friends...