April Musings

Every baby-related literature interests me. Since I conceived Lois, I've read up on pregnancy, motherhood and baby care as much as I can. Knowledge from these would really help a first-timer like me. This time, with baby 2, I'm more confident already. Weight gain and loss of appetite do not bother me as long as I'm regular with my prenatal medicine and check ups. Sometimes also, I don't agree with what I read, so the information's useless or impractical. There are still decisions that I leave up to me, like Lois' learning to sleep on her own and my regular use of diaper cream on Lois. I hope once Baby 2 arrives, taking care of her would be easier.

Friendly Pals

I haven't shared about Lois' favorite characters yet. She's learning to recognize familiar TV characters like Barney, Mickey Mouse, Pocoyo, Pooh, Jollibee, McDonalds, Shrek and Elmo. She calls them coco-Pocoyo, puh-Pooh, ayiee-Jollibee, doh-McDo, cheks-Shrek and flings her arms and legs whenever they see them. She says babye to them until they're out of view, and throws them sweet flying kisses. I just hope Daddy Paul and I will be able to teach her that unpopular toys are as fun too. I do not want her to grow up too commercialized for her own good.

So at home, her musical Pooh on a merry-go-round, Sesame Street videos, Elmo & Barney plush toys are much loved. Barney and Shrek had an unscheduled cleaning up because she insists on bringing her toys to the shower. Oh such tears if I would not allow!

Highest chair moments

I guess it's also because I allow her to watch TV. It's only Disney Channel but it averages to more than two hours a day. Her high chair, custom made for our dining area is a gift from Lolo and Mama Dahls, also serves as her TV couch. She's right in front of the tube, mesmerized by the singing and dancing. I've introduced writing sessions to her daily activities already, but there are still many chunks of time left to do nothing. I think it's time to get serious on reading and doing art with Lois.

Lovely Momma
My growing tummy has made my belly button more obvious under my shirt, and curious little Lois has noticed. She would raise up my shirt until she finds the protruding part and would joyfully push my navel as hard as she could. "You're enjoying, huh?," and she'd giggle loudly with every push. "Lois it could hurt Baby 2 if you push so much." She'd stop, as if understanding what I said, and she'd rub my tummy with the flat of her hand. Oh baby, you're so sweet!

Looking at my tummy, the evidence of my past pregnancy glares back at me. The stretch marks are hideous. But I delight in knowing that I've taken part in Life's grand plan. Like what one mom said, "I carried this new person and took on the burden of their weight, stretched almost beyond what I could bear." A mother's sacrificial love teaches me much about love and God.