Kian's First Visit to the Dentist

Toothbrush time is always a challenge with Kian (which is a polite way of saying HE HATES IT!). To make it a wee bit easier and more fun, I got him a toothbrush that lights up while he brushes.

It lights up for a minute so Mommy knows when to stop brushing!

But even with this fun toothbrush, my active toddler would only allow us a few seconds to clean his teeth before he scoots away. And because of this, I've been worrying a lot about his oral hygiene. So yesterday, I brought him to his very first visit to the dentist.


The dental clinic we chose is highly specialized in Pediatric Dentistry. They had a lot of toys for the kids to play with and even 2 flatscreen TVs complete with Sony Playstations in the waiting room! After registering, the assistant told us that Dr. Caparas would like to talk to the us first before they bring in Kian.

Dr. Lourdes Caparas - the best pedia dentist for me!
(photo grabbed from their website) 

When we entered the room, Dr. Caparas greeted us with a warm smile! She asked us a couple of questions - our expectations from the visit, how we currently take care of his teeth, Kian's personality. She went on to explain what will happen when we bring in Kian inside the room. Lots of crying for sure but it's normal. She taught us the best way to help Kian get through this is to show him a confident smile during the entire session and to avoid saying things like, "It's okay! Mommy/Daddy's here! We'll buy you a toy later! It won't hurt I promise"  as this will NOT soothe him and just make him feel more agitated.


It was finally time to bring in the star of the show! He entered the room without hesitation and Dr. Caparas immediately bonded with him. I could tell that Dr. Caparas had a natural way with children. Kian generally isn't fond of doctors but she instantly won him over with her soothing and motherly voice. 


Since it's Kian's first time, Dr. Caparas felt the dental chair might intimidate him so he placed his head on her lap instead while my husband held the other half of his body. He also held Kian's hands for support.

Daddy, am I getting a massage?

Pretty, pretty light!

Oh, and there's a TV in the ceiling! I want that for my room!

Dr. Caparas first applied a special blue ink on Kian's teeth. We should expect to see 3 different colors: areas colored in pink are plaque from that same day, areas colored in purple are plaque from the day before and areas colored in blue are plaque from the 3 days ago. So how did Kian's teeth fare? She said we were doing an OK job of cleaning his teeth but we could do better to ensure we avoid cavities!

Then she began to clean Kian's teeth...

Dr. Caparas showing Kian her special toothbrush.

Cleaning his teeth one by one!
Kian cried but he didn't struggle as much as we expected.

After cleaning Kian's teeth, Dr. Caparas applied a special flouride vitamin on Kian's teeth to make them strong!

And because Kian was such a good sport, Dr. Caparas opened her drawer of goodies and Kian chose his prize! He chose the Angry Birds eraser.

Dr. Caparas also gave him an orange balloon! Dumpling was a happy camper!

Before we left, Dr. Caparas showed us the proper way of brushing Kian's teeth. It should be two teeth at a time, brushing in circular motions (and not side to side). And to make sure all the dirt and grime is removed, we have to wipe down his teeth with a damp gauze or cloth. 


She also told us to use flouride toothpaste (uh-oh, we've been using Orajel flouride-free toothpaste since his first tooth came out!). She explained that flouride-free toothpastes are only for countries who already have flouride in their drinking water (like the US). But here in the Philippines, we have no flouride in our water! And that's why it's important to use flouride to keep our kids' teeth healthy and cavity-free. 


And this is the toothpaste she recommends:

Locally, you can find this in Healthy Options. 
Also sold in Amazon.

Kian says goodbye to Dr. Caparas and gives her a well-deserved high five!

Thanks for not terrorizing me!

Kian so proud of his sparkling pearly whites! Great job, Dumpling! 

How I wish Dr. Caparas would accept adult patients, as well :)

Caparas-Goduco Dental Clinic is located at Active Fun Building 2nd Floor 9th Avenue Corner 28th Street Bonifacio Global City.
For appointments, please call 815-2396 or 816-7957. 
Note: It took us 2 months to get a slot!

Making A (Hospital Bag) List & Checking It Twice!

I was shocked when I realized that I'm on my 35th week of pregnancy! I'm going under the knife in less than a month! Looks like it's time to start packing for the big day (I've been trying to put it off as long as I can because my huge pregnant ass is just too lazy!)

With Dumpling, I only had to pack a few items because he spent the whole time in the nursery of Makati Medical City. But now I'm giving birth in a different hospital with a strict rooming-in policy so I have to be prepared! 


Here is my list (mostly based from my first birthing experience and the lists of Topaz Mommy and Manila Mommy):


For Yummy Mummy:
1) Extra Pillows and Blanket


2) Nightgown with front opening (easier to breastfeed!)


3) Nursing Bra - I got mine from Marks & Spencer and H&M

4) Disposable Cotton Underwear - I got this from Watsons - they have good ones that feel like real underwear! Why disposable? This saves you from having to wash bloody underwear in the hospital (and hanging it on the bathroom for your guests to see!)

5) Cotton Underwear - You can use this when major bleeding has subsided


6) Abdominal Binder - Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it! Must have for yummy mummies undergoing C-section.


7) Maternity Pads/Adult Diaper - Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it! I use Modess Overnights since it has wings which I prefer.


8) Underpads - This like a big cotton pad which they place under your butt so you won't stain the hospital bed with blood. Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it (I think they charge P50/piece! You can buy an 8pc pack for P145.75 in the supermarket!)

9) Breastpads and Breast gel - I use Lansinoh and Medela


10) Nursing Cover - lest you welcome your guests with a surprise peep show!


11) Slippers


12) Lipbalm and Mints


13) Glasses/Contact Lens/Contact Lens Solution


14) Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, face wash, shampoo, bath wash/soap, bath towel, etc)


15) Liquid Hand Wash - I prefer this to regular bar soap because I find it more hygienic.


16) Change of clothes/ Going home outfit


17) Breastpump - I used this when I gave birth to Dumpling to relieve engorgement. I still fed him directly but the nurses gave the expressed milk via cup feeding. Better to just bring yours if you have one anyway because MMC charged P100 per use of their industrial breastpump.


18) Breastfeeding Pillow/Boppy Pillow (optional)

For the little one:
1) 1 pack of newborn diaper - Again, bring your own so the hospital won't charge you


2) 4 Tie-sides/Kimono sets


3) 4 pairs of mittens and booties/socks


4) 2 receiving blankets


5) 1 Baby Wash


6) 1 Baby Towel


7) Burp Pads or Lampin


8) Baby Wipes


For Daddy:
1) Pillow and Blanket
2) Toiletries
3) Change of Clothes
4) Bath Towel
5) Slippers


Others:
1) Camera with chargers and extra memory cards


2) Checkbook & Cash - some doctors only accept cash payment so check on this before the big day so you'll know how much to bring


3) 1 Gallon of Water + Paper/Plastic Cups


4) Paper Plates, plastic spoon and fork


4) Alcohol/Hand Sanitizer


5) Cotton - remember, each and every cotton ball the hospital uses on you and your baby will be charged!


6) 2 Pens - you will be filling up a LOT of forms!


7) Baby Book/Memory Book 


8) Phone chargers


Documents:
1) Philhealth
    - Philhealth ID
    - Form 1
    - MDR (Member Data Record)
    - Contribution Certificate


2) Marriage Contract


3) Birth Certificate of Mum and Dad


4) Doctor's Admission Slip


5) Mother's Information Sheet - different nurses, doctors, residents will be asking for THE SAME information. Just hand this over so they'll leave you in peace!


6) La Maze Certificate (if normal delivery and you want daddy in the birthing room)


7) Birth Certificate Cheat Sheet


Hope this helps other yummy mummies preparing for the big day, too! 
Is there something on your list that I missed out? 
Please leave me a note so I can add it on mine!

A Mother's Love

There is only one beautiful child in the world, and every mother has it.

- Chinese Proverbs

This video truly inspired me to be a better mum. Hope it inspires you, too. Warning: Keep your tissues handy!

There really is nothing greater than a mother's love.

Happy Mummy's Day to all you Yummy Mummies!

Dumpling's Choice of Slurps

Now that my dumpling is a school boy, I try to find yummy but nutritious snacks for him to bring to pre-school - which includes drinks!


His ultimate favorite is Dutch Mill Yoghurt Drink! He's been drinking this since he turned one (this is how he learned to drink from a straw!) He loves it so much he asks for one the moment I place this in our supermarket cart!

It's a yoghurt drink infused with different natural fruit flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry, Mixed Fruits and Orange! He loves them all! It's rich in calcium, iron and protein and cultured with lactobacilius bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus (great for little tummies' digestion!) 


His pediatrician also gave his stamp of approval! A much better option than chocolate drinks or artificially-flavored juice boxes (like Zesto!).

And here's my little dumpling during snack time!

While in school or while I play, I will drink this everyday!

It comes in a small tetrapak - P7.95 (around $0.18) for 90ml. which is great because it discourages him from drinking too much! But it also comes in a big size, like the one he is holding in the third photo above.


Just to mix it up a bit, he also drinks Nestle Yogurt Fruit Selection. But he only likes the Mango flavor. I love the mini-bottles - super cute! The photo below is just 100mL (will update next time with price)!

How about you, yummy mummy? 
What does your little one have in his snack bag?

Pampering Toes for the Infanticipating

I am usually pretty low maintenance when it comes to my nail care. I cut my own nails and reserve professional mani-pedi sessions for special occasions. 


But my 7-month belly has made it impossible for me to reach my toes and it has reached quite a nasty and disgusting length.


So... I hauled my pregnant feet over to Organic Rituals Spa (recommended by a mummy friend)!

What a pretty sight! Very welcoming!

It was a quiet afternoon. I had the whole place to myself!

Organic Rituals Spa uses only Zoya Nail polish which is free of toulene, formaldehyde, DBP and camphor (no chemical nail polish scent!). 

Vegan nail polish - perfect for pregnant and lactating chicks!

Look at all the pretty colors you can choose from!

The other thing that rocks about this spa is its commitment to protect the environment. Like when they prepped my feet, they used just the right amount of water in the basin (unlike in other spas where they fill it to the brim - how wasteful for just a 5 minute soak!). It even had stones at the bottom which felt great on my tired feet.

The staff were very courteous and accommodating! They even insisted I place extra pillows on my back to avoid any strain during the session. It would have been nice though if the treatment came with a refreshment (like an organic tea!). Anyway, they assisted me in choosing which package to get - they were recommending the Rescued Feet package which had all the works but I was in a hurry so I settled for the express pedicure.

All of their nail technicians are well-trained and follow international spa standards and procedures. Seline was assigned to me and I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her! I usually ask the technician not to file my nails because it always makes me cringe! But Seline's hands were so gentle on my feet that I did not mind AT ALL! I actually almost fell asleep during the session. She's THAT good! 

Here is Seline working on my nails! 

I barely have time to read magazines so I used this chance since they had a huge stack of Hollywood mags! While reading, I came across this hilarious ad:

A Vibrating Bra - in HOT PINK!

And an hour later - VOILA! Pretty, pink, pampered pregnant toes! 

I chose a pale pink color called "Corinne" - usually used by brides! I wish I could pull off bold colors like shades of red or metallics, but they just don't suit me. Sadness!

The damage? Only P250 (around $5.50)! Worth every penny!
Even if I just got the basic pedicure, my feet really felt so pampered! I am definitely going back to try the Rescued Feet treatment!


They also have massages and body scrubs - I am definitely signing up for that once I pop! I do wish they offer prenatal massages, though! 


Here's a list of their other services:

They also have SPArty packages catered by The Sexy Chef - a nice idea for bridal or baby showers!


Organic Rituals Spa is located at the Mezzanine Floor of Atlanta Center along Annapolis, Greenhills. For appointments, you can reach them at 661-3101.
Open from Monday-Saturday, 11AM to 9PM. By appointment on Sundays.

March of the Little Penguins

Kian's school had its year-end presentation two weeks ago. The little penguins shaked their little tails to this song from Happy Feet. It was dumpling's first venture on stage! I was worried he would shy away from the crowd but he went up there filled with penguin power confidence! So proud of my little dumpling!

Where is my mama penguin?

Admiring the icebergs 

Watch our happy little feet dance!

Some penguins cried, some penguins danced their heart out and most penguins just stood there wide-eyed, looking out to the crowd (just like the ones in National Geographic!). But whatever each little penguin did, I believe being in front of a crowd for the first time made them just a wee bit braver :) And ain't that a big part of growing up?

Paradise - Here We Come!

So excited for our family trip this year! Can't wait!! Hope I'll get my sexy back by then, haha!

It's also Dumpling's very first beach trip and plane ride! Any mummy tips you'd like to share?