Happy 18th month, dearest Z!

“Babies are such a nice way to start people.”

-Don Herold 

We didn't really have anything to celebrate Z's 18th month with over the past weekend (oh, we did celebrate with a goddaughter's 1st!) . Although I had it in mind to at least get a small cake, Daddy A thought it's unnecessary. So let me just mark this milestone (it is, for me!) with this blog post. 

If you noticed, I stopped giving a month on month update about Z. That's on account of her growing to be her own person, and respecting her privacy and sense of self. Well I really am not sure she'll be thrilled to see her mom document every fart or tantrum, this side of the web! Hahaha :) 

But Z being 1 and 1/2 years old, to this mom, feels like the cusp of finally graduating to full toddler hood. It is indeed a milestone worth remembering, worth documenting. I don't know what this really entails. I just feel happy, proud and a bit melodramatic that we seem to be entering a new phase.

On a personal side, there are some dynamics of our baby care that's probably about to change. I dunno how soon but let me just assume that it's SOON enough, to treasure every bit of these special moments. 

BABY WEARING

Okay, we love our Tula baby carrier, still do! But, Z is getting heavier (and that's a good thing) and her Tula is getting smaller for her (even with the free-to-grow extension). I'm just worried that in a few more months, my back won't be able to take babywearing anymore. 

At this point, I'm seriously contemplating getting a Tula Toddler carrier, an umbrella stroller or maybe just bring back her Safety 1st stroller (which I think we haven't used in a year). Or all of the above!

BED-SHARING & CO-SLEEPING

Yes, as I shared in my previous post, we're still a bed-sharing and co-sleeping family. Sometimes it's a PITA especially when she decides to go perpendicular to us (if you have a little one, you'd understand why we dare not move her back -- baka magising!). King sized bed, really a good decision ---- no, this is the BEST decision ever! Hahahaha. Oh and if you want to know, we've taken out the bed frame to prevent falls, and of course (of course!) laid out colorful rubber mats around the mattress, in case she accidentally rolls to the floor.

What about her crib? Yup, what crib??? I guess she'll only take to it if she's really passed out asleep from her day's activities. Otherwise, I try for a "successful transfer" at least 3x a week so she'll get used to it. But 3-4 hours tops she'll be up and let us know (read: cry) that she wants to go back to our bed...maybe she thinks it's her bed?!?

BREASTFEEDING

Yep, still at it! Though I really wonder, does she still get a lot / something from it? It's not a 24/7 thing anymore but anytime we're out, I still have to be in breastfeeding clothes. I guess this is the major reason we're still bed sharing and co sleeping, it is by far easier to just lift the shirt than to get up in the middle of the night and prepare milk.

Right now I'm researching how to ease into weaning, both for her and my sake. I hope she doesn't get withdrawal anxiety and I won't get mastitis or anything remotely related. But, do I have to pump? Or maybe just get a weaning for dummies book...hehe, kidding! :)

Another consideration is how long will it take before she self-weans? My dad is betting Z will have me go to school when she wants mommy milkie! Hahaha..So while occupied with those thoughts, my mind wanders into this territory: what if, on the flip side, she suddenly stops..suddenly weans completely, cold turkey? Afraid!! You see, Daddy A himself considers this as a special power or gift of moms to babies. Both for the nutritive part and also for the ability to get her to sleep, to behave, etc.

Anyway, I just hope that it'll be a smooth transition when the day comes. I'll forever cherish that I was able to breastfeed at least this long!!

So what else is up?

We recently finished her Bert Lozada Swim School (BLSS) My Baby & Me program. She likes it so much I guess we have to enroll again :) Also loving her Gymboree Play & Learn sessions. I'm so glad that she's able to and actually wants to make friends with other kids :) --->stay tuned as I blog on these

We're training her to always be in the carseat when we travel. So far, 20-30% progress! Yikes! Aaaand, thoughts about school/education are being especially considered...double yikes! :)

If you want to talk with Z, here's your ultimate guide

Right now, Z is really a talker --> and I mean that in the best positive sense of the word. If you say anything to her, 98% chance she'll be able to parrot repeat it back to you. [Proud and gushing parent alert] Not only that, she's actually able to make small talk / communicate with us. And memorized a book (to her Lolo's pride), and sing-hum-babble nursery rhymes in tune, and remember people's names, and so much more!!

So without further ado, here are some words from Z's baby dictionary:

a-awi - go away; as in the rain rain go away song
abu - love you!
a-e-i - jollibee
ambum - album; yes we pore over the wedding and birthday album almost every night hihi
apul - apple
badet - violet; her Leap Frog stuffed animal
banens - violence. which she says while covering her eyes when she knows the TV is on
bigat - heavy
bijou - video
bikit - biscuit
bimbim - driving
bishet - bracelet
buntun - belly button
ding ding ding - hindi / no
duwing duwing - drawing as a verb or when she sees a pen
edi yaw - ayaw or no; i don't know who taught her this but that person probably wanted her to say "edi wow!" instead
edu - hello
haaak - hug
ingkong - aircon
kanggang - karga / carry
klay klay - suklay / comb
mamay - Mama Mary
mang - ninang / godmother
me-me - sleep
mina - Davina
minggo - Bingo (was his)
nimu - Name-o!
nonna - lola
nonno - lolo
one tu ti...maaaaaii - one to three smile!
pata - garapata / dog tick
pooot - fart
sary - rosary
shism - excuse me
tititititar - twinkle twinkle little star
umbowi - Gymboree
wiko wiko - hickory dickory
wiwim - swimming

and so much more! :)

Oh I just love this child....dearest Z, know that we are sooo proud of you and we love you always! Happy 18th month my (not so) little one! Looking forward to more (shopping? haha) adventures with you and Daddy A! Haaaaak! <3

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Oh my teething child...that and other ails :(

[LATE POST: This happened before her 1st birthday...]

I thought we were done with the ouchies in her 9th month...not quite, not quite!!! The little one's teething again and it looks worse than the previous one. During those times she's just beyond fussy...I just look up and pray to God to help me find out what's wrong, help me soothe her. 

So I turned to the one thing I knew that would give her the best comfort - breastfeeding! Haha..it's actually like a comfort blanket for the both of us, especially when this mommy doesn't know what to do anymore. According to my hubby, it's my 'agimat'. But that particular night, breastfeeding didn't do it's usual magic. Fact is, I feel her gums were really tender and sore to even allow her to latch. She'd just come really close to the breast, attempt to latch and then back away while shaking her head and still sobbing ;(

Baby wearing before sleeping

I just wanna 'hang out' mommy...

Hey daddy please stop taking photos..

 I tried to cradle her and sing a lullaby but she was fighting the cradle hold. At that point I really did not know what to do. I know she's not hungry so food is ruled out. She's definitely sad and sleepy but our usual sleep routine didn't seem to hold. What gives?

As a last resort, I reached out for our Tula baby carrier. She did not refuse. I belted out a few of my "best singles" hahahaha and she seemed to like it :p I carried her to the living room and the kitchen, talking to her, even reciting her Muddypaws story. Okay at that point I tried to gamble taking her out of the Tula, crossing fingers and hoping she had been pacified enough. 

I really hoped she would sleep by then. We were after all, trying for an earlier bedtime...

So after removing her from the carrier and placing her on the bed, she latched well and it was the start of a better night for us. Oh babies, sometimes we'll never guess..now I'm truly convinced that toys and more toys are not the important thing...when it comes to comfort we can truly rely on a parent's love, powered by babywearing and breastfeeding :)

Oh, it's mommy's request pala

The following morning we went to have her checked by the pedia. Turns out this is a complicated case of teething, fatigue from the holiday travels, colds and a bacterial infection. Gaaaaahhhh!!!!

Since this is a late post, I'm now able to tell you that Z's well and good. After a round of antibiotics, nebules and the gum-soothing paste (which we weren't able to use), and well-deserved rest the little lady was back to her old self. She just lost a few pounds but she got it back again with a better appetite.

So here are the things that this episode taught me:

1. Breastfeeding is best for babies but it isn't a cure-all. Every now and then, they can get sick too!
2. Always check with baby's pedia. All the while we thought it was just another teething phase but through the eyes of an expert, other problems were uncovered. And because of that, we were able to act quickly to nurse her to health.
3. Holidays are fun times, the holidays are family time but babies are still babies. Their little bodies can't take too much travel, late night outs, being around smokers (who are not necessarily smoking, but there's still an effect). They'll hardly complain if we keep tagging them along. We should respect that and put in mind that we are their caregivers, we shouldn't let them down. 
4. Okay on a practical note, I sorta learned how to administer meds via dropper to a hesitant (to put it mildly) baby.
5. Make sure that we follow doctor's orders especially with the dosage and times. Yes, even with a sleeping baby!

The morning after: Nebulizer time

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Product Review: Tula Baby Carrier

The Tula baby carrier is the latest in our baby-wearing arsenal but I'm compelled to give a review of it first before the others. As if I haven't done 2 prior blog posts about it already (here and here)...can't you tell I'm so excited about this one? Hehe :)

Baby wearing mom and little one in a kiddie party contest...our team won! :)

The move to a Soft-Structured Carrier (SSC)

I've had 3 different carriers prior to our Tula. Of those, I was most satisfied with the Baby K'tan Breeze Baby Carrier. The baby wearing learning curve with the K'tan was short and definitely not steep, baby and I felt so comfy and it was the only place she'll sleep in whenever we were out. Yup, even in the craziest and noisiest of malls! In short, I love it! I also loved the fact that the K'tan was usable up to 35 lbs of baby's weight.

Wearing Z in the Baby K'tan Breeze

Well, what do you know? When Z hit the 15-lb. mark, oh boy did my back hurt! Sure I was able to wear her for more than an hour in it. But the moment I took it off, I was in so much pain. I researched a bit to see if I was wearing her wrong or whether IT IS JUST ME who's not as strong. What I found is that (1) I really don't have strong back muscles and (2) there really are mommas who transition from slings or hybrids to SSC's or soft-structured carriers once their baby gets heavier. I guess I would be one of them.

At first I didn't really want to have to buy ANOTHER carrier. After all, the mounting costs would soon probably be more expensive than the stroller we initially bought - to carry the baby. But I've seen the difference baby wearing makes and the obvious benefits. As far as our experience goes, even if we bring the stroller with us, I still end up wearing Z 95% of the time! But when we're shopping, the stroller is still great for carrying the bags! :p

Why the Tula

Like many Filipino moms, I've never even heard of the Tula until a few months ago! In my mind I was sooo bent on getting a hip seat carrier as it looked easy enough but I was still second guessing it so I researched more. From most online reviews I've read, it seems that the hip seat they were using were sponsored by the company so I thought there might be some bias with their review. I also checked baby wearing groups on Facebook and the only person who said she owned it was already selling. So the lack of non-sponsored reviews and my own uncertainty made me shy away from this product.

I also had my eyes set on getting an Ergo. It was, after all, highly available in almost all SM Baby Company stores and seemed to be the SSC standard. However, some moms who have used it have commented that it may be easily outgrown. Sometimes even before baby hits the 1 year mark! See Georgia of Documenting Delight's blog post about their Ergo to Tula experience here.

I think most baby-wearing-in-SSC-moms would love the Tula (don't you already?) specifically because it is FUTURE-PROOF. It has wider panels than most other carriers hence it can help support you and your baby well into toddler-hood, while maintaining the correct "M" leg and bum position. Aside from that, the back panel is also a bit taller than the others which should help you be more comfortable especially if you child is a 'leaner'. Should you find yourself between sizes (between Standard Baby and Toddler), there is also the Free to Grow extension panels. See The Portable Baby's comparison chart of different carriers to know the features of the different carriers.

And and and. Have you seen their prints? They really are just some of the best ones out there. Honestly, I avoid going back to their website...I might be tempted with a wrap conversion (WC) carrier...oh the pretty little wrappeys!!! Well if money was no object (I doubt, haha) and I'd qualify for the chance to buy a WC, I most definitely would..and happily I would add.

It is by far nowhere near affordable but it pays for itself in the future. And that is not just a sales ploy I used on my husband! Hah! Why do I say that? First is that I can use it for longer. The Tula Baby (Standard) Carrier can be used up to 45 lbs, with the free-to-grow extension, it is essentially converted into a Tula Toddler Carrier! But note that the true Toddler carrier will carry up to 50 lbs. Second, and this is what I found hard to do in my other carriers, is that I can breastfeed well in the Tula (see picture below)! Third is it is really ergonomic - no more back and shoulder pains for me or at least I haven't noticed any yet! I feel that baby's weight is really supported especially with the width and thickness of the padding. Fourth - I can actually do chores while baby wearing! And as most baby-wearing moms can attest, it amuses our kids no end. I was able to shop for groceries (alone!), cook bake and wash dishes (baby was worn on my back). I was able to exercise (walking only) and even attend our Sunday Mass with baby in the Tula! And dads, now you get to share in the baby wearing adventure!

I tell you mommies, it really is worth it! :)

Impressions

100% satisfied! I love (love, love, love) it!! :) I feel I have won the baby wearing jackpot with the Tula! The materials used and build quality are great. And based on their manufacturing process flow (quality vs quantity) wherein only 1 person attends to your carrier from start to finish, I feel the love and care that goes with its creation.

They are also a responsive company. If you're unsure with the size, just email your little one's height, age and weight to their customer service (help@babytula.com). Cassiopeia (hello!) has been so helpful to me when I was still deciding which size to buy.

Wearing it - front carry (facing in) was a no-brainer. Basically if you can buckle up a seat belt then you're set! Just remember to adjust properly so it will be comfy for both of you. And make sure baby's legs and bum are in the proper "M" position, with her knees slightly higher than her tush. Back carry (facing in) is the one I find most comfortable to wear her for longer periods of time. However, this is a major learning curve for me! I dare not do it without a spotter! But again, Georgia of Documenting Delight has a great tutorial for doing the back carry on your own, of course without flipping baby to the back!

Heat - Personally, no significant difference between using the Saya, K'tan or my Ring Sling. As most baby wearing moms would say, as long as you add an extra layer of cloth and of course your baby, there will be additional heat generated. I find it does not disturb me at home, inside a well-ventilated Church and in an air-conditioned mall. As always, you can discern for yourself keeping in mind your environmental considerations. Would I take it for a hike? Probably in Baguio where it is cold. :)

Caveats - unlike other carriers, you cannot do an X strap for the front carry. Neither can you do a hip carry with the Tula Baby Carrier. I find the pocket useful only for a few coins, maybe? Doesn't have a panel pocket to tuck the hood into but if it matters, the hood is detachable so you can stash it somewhere else :)

Can you really do things / chores while wearing it? - Yes! When Z's yaya has to take the day off, I don't mind as long as I have the Tula! :) Again, it's more functional for me as I am able to do more / harder chores than simply picking up clothes or fixing our beddings. Talk about grocery shopping, cooking, baking, real cleaning (as opposed to? hehehe)

Does baby love it? - Absolutely! Maybe it's the carrier, maybe it's my silly antics with us horsing around but I can say enough that she loves being IN there! In fact, there are times when she would cry if we try to take her out. Talk about attachment..Yes she can sleep in there too! No less than in a jam-packed mall with sale-crazy people! :) She's comfy and happy = we're happy!

The Tula makes us happy!!!

Breastfeeding friendly

Yes yes and yes!!! Little Z got cranky and sleepy at a Jollibee party. Good thing I was ready with my nursing wear. After a few adjustments on the straps and repositioning Z, we were good to go! No need for a nursing cover as the hood already serves that function. No one was the wiser that a little one has gone on nursing. They just kept saying, "Awww. she's sleeping now.."

Some mommies suggest to wear a cardigan or a shawl over it to make sure no tiny bits are showing :)

Peso Power

If you have the available funds, I say go with the Tula! Luckily, the stars aligned for me and I was able to afford it.

Tula Baby Carrier - $ 149
Free to Grow Extension - $30
Shipping from USA to Philippines (thru Johnny Air Cargo/JAC) - $39
TOTAL: My hubby's eyes rolling! Hahahaha :D

Retail Availability

1. The good news is that for Philippine-based moms & dads, there is already a reseller. How I wish I have learned of this sooner. You can check out CEO Emporium for available sizes and styles. Since I already have my carrier, I just ordered the drool/suck pads from the owner, Ms. Candy.

2. You can order directly from their website (http://www.tulababycarriers.com/), indicate the Johnny Air US address (they have in New York and Los Angeles, California) and have it shipped by Johnny Air Cargo to you, door-to-door!

3. Or you can use my Amazon links below if you want to maximize your Amazon Prime membership! Just remember to check the correct size before ordering! :)

4. There is a baby wearing event tomorrow to celebrate Babywearing Week 2014. Check the details below and make sure to register...Tula will be there! :)

5. And while we're at it, I'd like to invite you to two of the babywearing groups that have been so instrumental for me in my quest to continue wearing my baby - FAB or Filipino Association of Babywearers and EDBW Everyday Babywearing

Share the Adventure! Wear all the babies! :D

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First look: Unboxing our Tula Baby Carrier!

Okay, I couldn't help but make a blog post about this because I've been sooo excited since I got the USPS advise that it was already shipped to Johnny Air's US office! :) We finally received the much-awaited package yesterday..Yipeedoooodles!!!! :D

Sharing with you some "first look" (naks!) pictures of Tula love and my Baby love! :) 

All the way from Poland. My, my...have you traveled far!

Johnny Air Cargo (JAC) Kuyas just delivered our fluffy mail!

Tula packaging. Such an exciting feeling to peel off the courier's plastic wrapping! Hahaha...is this really what motherhood does? I normally just pass by without much care for the mall's baby stuff in the past. Now most of my breastfeeding time is spent reviewing baby products online! :)

Oooooohhhh the anticipation. As I uncovered it step by step, I saw Z's yaya smiling and giving out an "ano-ba-yan-si-ate" look hahaha! :)

Yes to more baby wearing days..or should I say, years!!! :) I'd like to say "THANK YOU!" to Daddy A for giving the go signal for this purchase! I know I have allocated a portion of my earnings for this but because we're married, it's no longer just 'my' money but "our family's" money. Besides, I don't think it would be a good 'surprise' for him to see a box of Tula without much of an explanation. Haha..di ba? Thank you Daddy-love for supporting baby wearing! I'm excited to share this special baby bonding moment with you! *kisses!*

Are you happy Baby Z?! :)

This package made me sooo happy even if I was still saddled with 4-day fever & colds

We're so pleased with our Tula Standard Gray Zigzag Baby Carrier! :) Did you guess right from my last post? Now to test it out with Daddy A & Baby Z! :)

Please stay tuned for more of our baby wearing adventures with a Soft-Structured Carrier (SSC) now! :)

Questions? Let me know in the comments section. Happy baby wearing! :)

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Tula Love!

Aaaaggghhhhh....I can't wait (and obviously I can't contain my excitement!)!!! :) Our Tula is coming to town! Hahahaha...the little girl in me thinks Christmas is coming early!! :)

Oh the changes that motherhood brings. If clothes, make-up and gadgets used to make me giddy in the past, kamusta naman ngayon that baby carriers are now UP there in my mommy shopping list! 

The past 7 1/2 months have been all about learning and using our ring sling (Mamaway) and hybrid carriers (Saya & Baby K'tan Breeze). And just when I feel we're getting the hang of it, Z is getting too heavy to be worn in those carriers. The Saya & K'tan are actually supposed to be good up to 35 lbs.; but at 15+ lbs., ackk, my lower back is terribly in pain after babywearing. But, I won't stop babywearing just yet because I see the benefits for my child. And the obvious benefits for us especially when we venture outside...it's the only thing that'll help her sleep! I hate to admit it but in this department, the stroller definitely just won't cut it (Oh but it's useful to haul our bags and shopping finds!).

So the natural course of action is to transition into a more comfy (both for baby & me) carrier that we can use well into toddler years..say up to 3-4 years? And the great thing about it is I get to share the joy of babywearing with hubby A..yay!! :)

The nice thing about Tula carriers is that they offer 2 sizes - Standard and Toddler. Based on most reviews, the Standard (their smallest) is wee bit bigger than Ergo, Beco and Bjorn. Tula Standard can last you up to 45 lbs, and if you so wish, you could also buy a Free to Grow extension accessory. According to their site, the free to grow "attaches to the panel of the carrier and allows you to comfortably wear your older children." The Tula Toddler carrier is for bigger children. It's designed for children from 18 months (or about 25 lbs) to 4+ years old (up to 50 lbs.); and they don't recommend it until the child reaches 32 inches or taller. 

Because I want our Tula carrier to be future-proof (i.e., we can use it for longer, hence savings also for us), I initially thought of buying the Tula Toddler. But then reading their specifications, it seemed that we are currently 'between sizes'. So I sent them an email inquiring about this dilemma and let me just say that they are so helpful and customer-oriented! I love that in companies I support. Cassiopeia of Tula carriers directed me towards the Standard Tula and the option of getting a Free to Grow extension accessory, so that's what I chose! For Filipino parents, you can shop on their website or find stocks in Amazon and ship to the Philippines using Johnny Air Cargo (JAC) service. I finished the transaction last August 27 and now I have received their notification that it is ready to ship! :)

And have I mentioned that they have awesome, cutesy and cool prints? Here's a sneak preview of our soon-to-be baby carrier. I'll be posting some of the designs I like, but if I could...oh I'd love to sample all of these!! Maybe for a Tula Toddler in the future? Abangan!

Find out more at: tulababycarriers.com

Chloe

Gray Zig Zag

Billow

Hot Air Balloon

Folk Birds

NOTE: All photos are from Tula Baby Carriers website.

Can you guess which design we're having?

How soon did you transition from sling, hybrid, wrap to a soft-structured carrier (SSC)?

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