Project Blog by Kate

Are you ready?

2011-09-09T10:20:00.002+08:00

Who's with me? I am such a fan of warehouse sale. Haha!

Happening this weekend!

I am excited and ready for this! See you tomorrow!

PS. Lots of activities tomorrow - see Abbie Yabot's post here in FB.

Playtime

2011-09-08T19:05:00.000+08:00

Warning: this post is picture loaded.

Last long weekend, i got so bummed when the weather was "not at-all nice." Like everyone else, I was looking forward to it because it meant 4 days of family day! But then again, it was not at all good and we have to make out of what Mother Nature gave us for those days. On the first day of that "great" long weekend, we went to Greenbelt 5 - me, to attend the La Leche League monthly support group meeting (which I try to attend every month) and I was late because I didnt know about the change of venue teehee! - and J1 to play in Timezone (as promised by me) who ended up also playing with dear little J2 since there were not much kids playing inside the "playroom" of Timezone then, so they all went in - they owned the place technically that time haha!

I love seeing J1 play.He can be all sorts - he can be fearless but wary and careful (connect?). You know when kids play - they dont have apprehensions, they try everything (or some), they laugh like its the bestest thing in the world and they feel like the world is theirs.I hope adults can also be like that towards life but, oh well, things get different, they say.

Moving on... I am sharing with you pictures of my babies in the "playroom."

Warming up - thinking if he should try the kid-treadmill tehee!

Remember I told you he's fearless but careful haha!

Off he goes with Ate Claire

Trying to do the other way... Let's see.

He did not do it, instead he asked J2 to join him. Teehee!

And got comfortable on the slide, since no one was using it. Smart kids.

Way too comfortable... (look at yaya's hand below haha!)

And he has other things in mind to do as well.

After the slide, he tried (his best) to get through this. (Did not succeed)

I think he tried again to slide =)

This little guy thought of a swimming ball poll and loved it!

J1 asked yaya to have J2 join him in the swimming ball pool

From the looks of it, I think he likes it.

Or maybe wondering where he is.

I thought he was showing a thumbs-up sign =)

He said he can sleep in here.

Or not.

He eventually got up and play with the balls instead.

Though he does not know how to play with the balls.

Taste test, maybe?

Uhmm, this gonna take long.

Let's get another ball and try...

What to do next???

Can I offer you one for a free taste? Come on.

Ok, time to swim back to my ball pool

I freaked out. I thought J2 got drowned in the balls. Hee!

And he's back and kinda shocked haha!

I think he wants us to bring home the balls.

What do you think J1?

Lezgo sago!

Hold it right there, bro!

By the way, I wore a short dress that day and my loving J1 told me before we left that I was a princess. I looked good, I suppose. Walang kokontra! Anak ko to haha! So I didnt pass the chance to get my picture taken with my "princess" dress as told by J1. Haba ng hair ko ha hehe! I even posted it as a status in my FB. Haha!

In the pic: With J1, not paying attention cause he wants to go back to Timezone and I was holding him back. Hehe! I had my Boncho with me from Indigobaby. I was so happy to find the Dainty Black still available at Dr. Cricket's clinic (thanks ayi!) because this design was already sold out (everywhere online). Lucky Me! (not the noodles). I used it one time in the office and my officemates liked it and never thought it was a breastfeeding cover! Fab! I also used my (super loved) Frannie and Vinnie satchel which I got during their introductory offer. Super sulit buy! This bag is a head-turner. I swear, people always take a double-look at the bag, not me lol!, when I am carrying this bag. And yes, I wear it every weekend (my weekend bag) for our family day-out and sometimes in the office when I feel like it. It's like, "doesn't she have other bags?!" Oh well, I will wear this bag till its beaten up - if it will be since its all cowhide leather - the best thing of all is its proudly Philippine made! And didn't I tell you, I so love the (leather) smell. Hmm... I think I should have another post on this lovable bag. Yep, lovable, it was love at first sight - meaning, i loved it when i saw it in Topazhorizon and loved it even more when i had it. Winner!

We were at the Ayala Center the whole day - we even went to this Havaianas activity at the Glorietta Activity Center.

J1 was kinda afraid because it was wobbly inside, Tatay has to tell him everything is okay.

He liked it inside. Too careful though haha!

Then, we found ourselves at Toy Kingdom, who wouldn't be when you have kids.

And they went for the slide. Again.

And yet again.

J2 was put into this blue horse. Look at him...

Maybe wondering what this is.

He tried to have his taste test. Again.

He realized it was just a ride.

Hiiiyaaaa! And off he go! Haha!

Then we tried this little horsie on him.

And he liked it too!

We played at the Little Tikes, Step2, Lerado section - if only we can bring them home. Look at the little J2's smile! He melts my heart.

We all went home beat up and happy. And thank goodness the rain poured out all its heart content in time when we got home. Thank God!

Hope we can do this again. Love love love. =)

ber, ber ber!!!

2011-09-05T10:52:00.000+08:00

I know, this post should have been up last September 1 - but nonetheless, (as they always say, better late than never posted haha!) we're already on the BER months! Wohoo!!! Boy, do I sound so happy. Haha! I know! How time flies! I can almost smell the holiday season. Excited much?! I am more excited for my kids - you know when they say that Christmas is for children. But I think, it should also be our time - for everyone - to celebrate because its the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Celebrate, celebrate!!!

So in the next months, let us "savor" each day as we prepare for the real celebration. And let us make the celebration worth celebrating (each year!). Party on!!

Talk and Make it Happen

2011-08-17T17:05:00.003+08:00

Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (August). For this month, we join the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action in it's "Talk to Me!" theme where participants will share personal experiences, insights or recommendations in communicating breastfeeding intentions and goals to their support system. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants.

I was advised by a surgeon (when I was still single) that I have to breastfeed so that the lumps in my breasts will disappear. She added that those lumps are breastmilk waiting to happen. Whoa?! This surprised me - a lot.

What she told me has marked in my mind and has led me to set my mind on breastfeeding. I did not know breastfeeding was more, way more than words can say (Isn’t that a cliché?). I thought, just breastfeed and voila! Everything will be okay. It was far from thought that a support system is important for me to breastfeed successfully.

I was pregnant with my first when I was fortunate enough to attend the Infant and Young Child Feeding training organized by our office. So timing! All the more, it strengthened my decision to breastfeed. There I learned that aside from “just breastfeeding,” you need the people around you to know that you intend to breastfeed, for them to support you and the need to create an environment that will help mothers to sustain breastfeeding. It is important to communicate with the people you know will be with you in your journey to breastfeeding – determine your support system – your family, friends, etc. Talk and make it happen. How did I do it with the people around me?

1. The Husband

Seeking the support of my husband did not present any problem. After my IYCF training, he got a dose of it. Haha! I told him everything I know about breastfeeding even the counseling part. I love how he accepted and supported my decision to breastfeed our baby, besides knowing the benefits – the savings we get from breastfeeding is the all-time favorite. May I add? My husband is my number 1 fan and main cheerleader. The support I get from him is a whooping 110%. He helped me all the way most especially with my needs in breastfeeding.

2. The Parents

When my first-born had fever in his 3rd day, my mom bugged me that there may have been something wrong with my milk or I don’t have enough milk (I know my mom means well. She was just concerned with his grandson). We argued when they insisted that I give formula milk to our baby. Yeah, I missed seeking my parents support with my decision to breastfeed – I didn’t bother since we were not living with them and they live in the province. My mistake, I know.

Until I brought my parents to a breastfeeding lecture, it was like magic! My parents were so happy with what they learned about breastfeeding that during the lecture they were tapping me as if telling me, “well dear daughter, you’re doing a good job with your baby! Do it your way, breastfeed.” I felt so fulfilled after that. It was like they waved the white banner of surrender haha! After that, my parents became technically breastfeeding fan.

But it was not just the lecture that did it. Every time my parents visit us here in Manila, I give bits of facts and information about breastfeeding or share experiences of other breastfeeding moms that I have met – I inform them like a trivia thing for “recall.” Little did I know that I was turning them into “breastfeeding advocates.” When they go home to our province, they would mention about breastfeeding to their friends, convince them about it and how it is good for their daughters and sons (or for their grandsons and granddaughters).

Now, I have their support (all out!) with breastfeeding – from baby #1 till baby #2.

3. The Nannies

Both nannies we had for baby #1 and baby #2 never before handled a breastfed baby. All were formula fed. I knew that I have to address my breastfeeding plans/decisions in a different way to be able to communicate and “connect” with them. Since we were Ilocanos, I explained my plans and how-to’s to breastfeeding in our local dialect. It was easier for them to understand. I talked to them about the benefits of breastfeeding and discussed how to give breastmilk to our baby, among other things, when I go back to work so they can see the importance of what I am doing or what they will be doing.

I showed them that there is less fuss in handling breastfed babies. No measuring of milk powder and gauging the temperature of the water to use, etc. – just thaw the breastmilk and place the container in warm water – and there, the milk is ready to be served to baby. I was glad to know that for both nannies, they found that having my breastfed babies was easier to handle. Not much of “busisi” as they compared with their previous “alagas.”

And just like what I did with my parents, I gave “trivial” information about breastfeeding – a.k.a. in a “chikahan” way. I believe that by doing it, I have convinced them more about breastfeeding. I can proudly say that I never had problems in my breastfeeding journey with our nannies. They are instrumental in my success in breastfeeding and in sustaining it.

Did I mention that I was more like a sales person every time I talk to my husband, parents and nannies about breastfeeding? Haha! I am glad they are very accommodating customers. My product is well marketed. And a plus is that they never get tired listening to me and they appreciate that I give information about breastfeeding every now and then.

I talked and I made it happen (Oh, still happening, I mean). I have a strong support system in breastfeeding.

These people (I know, this is just a partial of my long list) have been or are the important players in my breastfeeding journey. Having accepted and supported my decision to breastfeed, they played or are playing their role very well – I was able to breastfeed baby #1 for 2 and half years and I am exclusively breastfeeding baby #2 for four months already.

I made it happen. I believe communication is the key. Breastfeeding is not just a mom-baby thing, it’s a bigger picture. To enable your family/community/workplace to help you with your breastfeeding goals, talk to them, communicate your desires – share your knowledge. And believe it will happen - breastfeeding success. If you find problems along the way, seek help – talk – I know there will always be a helping hand. Breastfeeding is hard work but the results outweigh the efforts put together.

If all moms will talk about their intentions and goals to breastfeed to the people who will help them and will be with them in their breastfeeding journey, more moms will successfully breastfeed and we would be able create a community supportive of breastfeeding. And who benefits most are the breastfed children who we know have been given the best start in their lives.

Read more from other carnival participants!
Apples and Dumplings: Communication and First Time Breastfeeders
Dainty Mom: Creating a Pro-Breastfeeding Culture in the Family
Truly Rich Mom: Truly Rich Tips (esp. for moms) - How to get others to support you in breastfeeding
Mec as Mom: Pre-Natal Pediatric Consultations Are Necessary
Wifely Steps: On breastfeeding: Say it, claim it, get support!
EthanMama: My Best Breastfeeding Support System — My Husband
Touring Kitty: Communication through Breastfeeding
Escie's World: Ready, Get Set, Go! for Breastfeeding
J and the Three Boys: I'm breastfeeding, and that's that.
Nanaystrip: BreasTALK : Text, Retweet, Share your Knowledge and Experiences
PenpenEspie: A Shout out to My Breastfeeding Buddies

Newbie Wife: How I Taught the Family to "Breastfeed"

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom: Effective Communication Bucket List

Go Help Yourself: “6 persuasion tips for breastfeeding moms and advocates”

Mommy Kuwentos: How I recruited my top breastfeeding buddies

Handy Mommy: Couples Communication and Decision: Key to Successful Breastfeeding
Legally Mom: Breastfeeding Talk Between Me and My Formula Fed Daughter

Superwomom: A-S-Ks (on breastfeeding questions, help, support)

Running in thoughts

2011-08-12T13:48:00.000+08:00

A lot of things have been in my mind lately. They say you have to unload to feel better. No, these thoughts are not "problems," but more of things I want to do or I want to happen.

I tweeted one time that I admire people who make things happen. Yes, I do. I want to be like them when I grow up. (LOL!) I want to make things happen, to bring change and I want to do a lot of things (I have a list and it isn't finish yet).

What should I do? I have myself to rely on to make "things" happen. I love this quote.

Do you believe what it says?

And these thoughts on my mind?

Will happen! Yes, I believe so!

And please...

At this point in my life, a wife and mother of two boys, with an 8-5 work time (or more) - I feel time is a luxury. I know other moms or other people will agree. With conviction, I know I will materialize these thoughts in mind. The next question is when. Soonest! In God's own time. So help me God. But I know (sometimes), I have to...

... smell the flowers, appreciate the sunlight...

And I know...

God is good. He will make a way for me.

What's running in thoughts lately? Share.

“My Milk Is All My Baby Needs” by Sherrie Mae Siy Ong - What Struck Me Most

2011-08-03T16:41:00.000+08:00

Its breastfeeding month! Hurray for breastfeeding moms and breastfed babies!

This blog post may have been written years ago but i wanted to share it with you. The article is so beautiful and inspiring. And my post was part commentary and sharing. I was breastfeeding J1 then.

Happy reading!

Share your thoughts on the article too!

Back from hiatus (hopefully, and I’m crossing my fingers)

2011-08-03T14:54:00.002+08:00

I may not have readers in my site, but I would like to apologize for being inactive in my blog for a long time (more than a year). Though I have active in my facebook and twitter accounts. And sometimes, I chance to post in my tumblr and in my instagr.am (these two are linked).

A lot of things happened after my last post in my project blog. I know I said in the intro in this blog that I am making a dream happen for me, but some things have been out of hand (sort of). For the past year, hmmm, what happened?

Tons of work… (that I don’t want to elaborate further lol!)
I got PT (pityriasis rosea) which lasted for almost 3-4 months, which got me technically depressed. So depressed, I want to forget what happened.
And amidst that, I got pregnant!!! At first, I was so surprised, I (we) didn’t expect it. Though we were not in any (artificial) family planning method during that time. Come what may was the theme. (LOL again!) Highlights?
I was already six weeks on the way when I learned I got pregnant.
I was still breastfeeding J. It hurt every time he latched (but it wasn’t in my nearest thought that I might have been pregnant).

I did not think of stopping breastfeeding J but I got a blood clot inside me then that may contraindicate breastfeeding while I was pregnant (I was ready to breastfeed and even with tandem breastfeeding). My OB advised me to stop breastfeeding J. Stubborn that I was, I texted people I know if I can still continue but if baby’s health is at risk, I really have to stop. J had to be weaned (fast). And thank God, he managed.

Now, we have Uriel Jacob! My second J.

And now, I have J1 (Joaquin) and J2 (Jacob). Love love love!

Fast forward.

I am back to work after giving birth to J2. I am exclusively breastfeeding him for four months now. I am back to the “hullabaloo” of my job lol. I am trying to manage having two kids, adjusting. God is good. And I am excited in “revive” my blog. I am rather inspired with other moms who have their own blogs. See the blogs I am following – most (or all) of them are moms!

This is my “first” post after my hiatus. And I am crossing my fingers that there will be more posts after this.

And its August, happy breastfeeding month everyone!

Motherhood changes a woman

2010-05-22T12:34:00.005+08:00

I know a lot of woman/mother will agree with me that it has changed them – A LOT! It is an unexplainable feeling that it even overwhelms mother and overflows their heart with love.

I would like to share with this article from the Indigobaby’site – the first time I read it, I kept nodding my head and my heart was pounding hard – with LOVE (and tried not to cry).

Being a Mom
We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family."

"We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call
of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood.

She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.

I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.

TRY NOT TO CRY....

I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

Please share this with a Mom that you know or all of your girlfriends who may someday be Moms. May you always have in your arms the one who is in your heart.

I also found this article long ago from Babycenter. I enjoyed reading it and so true for moms. Really, many things changes when you have a baby – think, this is not a course or subject taken in school – and whoa! It always surprises us with a lot of things… Reading it was fun and realized, for me, that I love being a mom… I wanted to add more but the list is just so good – adding up is out of the question.

Forty-two things that change when you have a baby

What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be: What doesn't change? Here, writer and mom Rebecca Woolf lists her most notable post-baby observations. Then scroll down to read our favorite comments from readers about how their babies changed their lives.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid. [See a reader's perspective in #22, below.]

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers...
1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth." — Ashley's mom
2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth." — Anonymous
3. "You now know where the sun comes from." — Charlotte
4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have." — Sophie's mom
5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers." — Roxanne
6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night." — Kellye
7. "Silence? What's that?" — Anonymous
8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having." — Brenda
9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had." — Ronin and Brookie's mom
10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule." — Thomas' mom
11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one." — Jaidyn's mom
12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog." — Kara

[Many readers begged to differ, saying things like, " I disagree with number 12. My dogs are my additional children," "Nothing about previous babies, whether two- or four-legged, changes when a new miracle comes along," "My dog will never be 'just a dog," and "This is sad to me. My dog is still my baby too."]

13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late." — Tracey
14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury." — Jayden's mom
15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger." — Dezarae's mom

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place. — Arizona

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do! — Ciara

18. You start to appreciate Sesame Street for its intellectual contribution. — Anon.

19. You have to quit watching the news because you see every story from a mother's perspective and it breaks your heart. — Brooke&Boys

20. You just plain love life more - everything comes together and becomes better because of one tiny person and your love for them. — Anon.

21. You finally find out the real reason you have those breasts. — Anon.

22. In response to #2 [above], I'd say that where you were once afraid, you're now fearless. I was always very timid and shy and let myself get walked all over … but now where my kid's concerned, I'll speak my mind and really connect with my inner "b"! — gummismom

23. The support you get from other people surprises you, because the people giving it are not always the ones you'd expect. — japanese_macaque

24. Nothing is just yours any longer. You share EVERYTHING! — DylanLsMom

25. No matter what you've accomplished in life, you look at your child and think, "I've done a GREAT job!" — Anon.

26. You want to take better care of yourself for your child. — Treasor

27. You can have the most wonderful conversation using only vowel sounds like "ahhh" and "oooo." — littlehulk2008

This is my (super late) post Mother’s Day blog. Cheers to all moms!

Liberating

2010-04-08T12:50:00.001+08:00

Its been almost a month when I stopped pumping/expressing my breastmilk... No, I haven't stopped breastfeeding - we are still on it and with J showing no signs of stopping or weaning. Yay!

But he weaned early from drinking expressed breastmilk. Around November last year, J just stopped. Just like that. As his previous yaya (yep, bye-bye to first yaya of two years... Nearly broke my heart!) said on the first day he didn't drink his usual breastmilk on the cup, "its as if he wanted to puke when he leaned the cup to his mouth and smelled the milk, and not even tasting it." I got worried, I thought she was giving him a spoiled bmilk. But when we checked the date, it was still ok, so with the smell and consistency. J's previous yaya, for having done thawing and preparing bmik for J for almost two years, she has mastered checking if the milk is right or not, of course, with my assistance and constant information sharing (don't want to call it "lecture" hehe!). It made us wonder if its really the milk. But J has not stopped breastfeeding directly but doesn't like the expressed bmilk. Hmmm... I was in denial at first that maybe J was already weaning from expressed bmilk - it was almost like having a heart break, no joke. So I told yaya1, to try giving expressed bmilk again the next day but still got the same reaction. I wasn't giving up, i told yaya1 again to give him milk the next day and use the milk expressed just the day before that. I was thinking, maybe J wants fresh. But to no avail...

I still didn't give up... Told yaya1 to hold giving bmilk and proceed a week after - thought maybe J is still in trauma from getting his fingers burned.

J's burned finger

What happened? Read the story here.

Oh well, a week after, J still didn't drink his milk. Gave up? Almost... I was also getting worried that J may not have enough source of calcium. I thought of giving him fresh milk, but he didn't like it.

Sigh! I texted my breastfeeding friends and doctors to ask about J's situation... I know, I could be stubborn. Hee! Hee! They told me its normal and as long as I continue to pump to maintain lactation, direct breastfeed J more often (ayayay!) and give other sources of calcium, everything will be ok. That's it! White flag is up for you, J!

So i pumped and pumped and pumped... Till our freezer swelled with breastmilk...

Breastmilk in fridge - hoping for J to consume
(already donated the other half of this stack)

I donated to a hospital, to mothers with decreasing supply and to a mother of triplets. Twas rewarding... At the same time, happy that J still enjoys mommy's milk.

Before J turned two, I was able to talk to moms who breastfed and are breastfeeding toddlers, I asked how long they pumped/expressed their milk or how long are they planning to express their bmilk. Most of them shared that they parked their pump at their baby's second year and some plan to stop pumping or breastfeeding altogether at the same year (2years) - that I don't think I am doing at all... That gave me a lot of thinking.... Me? Stop pumping (but not breastfeeding)? What if my milk will not be enough for my growing and wriggly toddler? So I did what every mom would do.... I read and read and talked to some more moms to draw out experiences and inspirations... And so I learned that it is just enough, that the kid's source of nutrition is not just the milk but also the food that he eats. Sigh! I know that... Maybe, I was just in denial again or rather had signs of separation anxiety already. I know, its funny, separation anxiety from pumping? Haha! What have I been thinking? Here's the real thing... So you know, I have built a reference to my pumping sessions... They are my holy ~~hour~~ minutes. As a work-out-of-home mom, I feel that my pumping sessions is my way of being connected to my son even we are not physically together. I feel it is something I have to do and feel responsible to. And for the life of me, to have been doing this for almost two years, its like breaking up with your first love. HARD. Period. (And proud to say that I just used a manual handpump - not the electric one... Patience is a virtue! I've got an electric when J was almost 1 year but I never got the groove with it so I went back to my good ol' pump - my breasts' bestfriend. Haha!)

Happy 2nd birthday, J!

So did I stop on J's second birthday? I can't. I chose not to, just yet... It was like braving a storm, no, a hurricane. Yeah, I can be dramatic and exaggerating. It's my second nature. Just joking. I decided to stop on his 25th month instead...

So did i stop then? Nope... I have a problem with letting go...

I stopped the next day...

Some moms would say "freedom" - for me, "it was like heart break, a split up" *sad, sad* (but I did say freedom too - after several days or so - thanks to tons of work, made me somehow forget about it a little). Why freedom? Some moms feel that having the "holy minutes" for milk expression has made them tied down to doing some other things but have no other choice since it is something they can bring home to their babies - breastmilk. But some moms don't think it's a hassle at all.

Days or almost a month before I finally decided to stop pumping bmilk, I also reduced my sessions to one. So could you imagine how i really programmed myself to gradually stop? I eased my way out. I don't want to stop abruptly... Its too painful (physically and emotionally). I know some moms will agree to this testimony.

Liberating is one word I have used and described when people learn that I have stopped expressing bmilk. It's like superficial every time I say that - I still have the grips - but I keep on saying the word so I can finally digest it and really let go. I am learning.

Do you have a liberating story?

ps. J has yaya number 2 already =)

My passion and commitment

2010-04-06T00:14:00.001+08:00

Like my second post to this blog, the following blog is taken from my multiply site and I would also like to share it with you. This was written when J was still a baby and it is about my early months of breastfeeding. Yes, this is my passion and commitment. I can proudly say that breastfeeding my son has been one of my greatest achievements - and we are still up to it - near 26 months and more months to come (ayayay!) But I am enjoying it (have even pictures breastfeeding in public in my FB page - yes, breastfeeding by demand, anytime, anywhere!). But mind you, breastfeeding a baby and breastfeeding a toddler is WAAAYYY different. And I know toddler breastfeeding moms can attest to that. Would post about it next time =)

Here is the blog:

Before I gave birth to Joaquin, I had myself committed to breastfeed. As a nutritionist, I know that it is the best thing I can give to Joaquin after taking good care of him in my womb. Luckily at the time of my pregnancy, our agency has been training government workers on breastfeeding and complementary feeding. I was able to attend the Training of Trainers on Infant and Young Child Feeding when I was six-months pregnant. It was enlightening because it gave me an overview of what I will expect when I will breastfeed my son.

After which, I was really decided to exclusively breastfeed my son…

When I gave birth to Joaquin on 8 February 2008, I was excited to see him and breastfeed him. Little did I know, a test was going to drive me to the brink of post-partum depression.

My mom at first honored and supported me in breastfeeding Joaquin when he came out. I breastfed him during his first days at the hospital, even without or little sleep from an overnight labor (I gave birth to Joaquin at 9:42 AM). But my mom, not well informed of the benefits and common problems encountered with breastfeeding, she was bugging me that Joaquin may not get enough milk from me since he was constantly crying in his first days. I was not letting her get into my nerves (hehe! Sorry mom!) because I knew stress would inhibit my milk flow. She was constantly bugging me that she can’t see milk in Joaquin’s mouth and even from my nipple. Little did she know that the colostrum can be thick in consistency and would not really flow like the mature milk. When we got home from the hospital, I resumed to my normal diet (since I know that I can eat anything even when I’m nursing). My mom again told me not to eat this and that. Well, I just let her talk. Hehe!

February 11 – Joaquin got fever, I panicked. We called his pediatrician, he made me calm down and gave instructions what to do. Joaquin’s fever subsided but spiked midnight.

February 12 – Early morning, I was panicking because Joaquin was not getting any better, his temperature even reached 38.5. We brought him to the Emergency Room of the Makati Medical Center. He was admitted. The doctors told us to stay calm and they will try to find out why he has fever. They interviewed me and I gave all details I know to be sure that doctors can trace why my son is having fever spikes. Their suspect at that time was sepsis infection because I had UTI on my 8^th month, most likely, it is.

My mom was worried sick too. But that also gave her the idea that my breastmilk may have problem because I ate mangoes and drank fruit juice the night before. She told me to ask the doctor about my breastmilk, if its okay and it might have contributed to Joaquin’s fever. But I know it’s not the problem. Hayyyy! Talk about pressure and stress…

During Joaquin’s confinement, my mom would sometimes give information to the doctors coming in aside from the details coming from me. From my mom’s blah blah, she told the doctors that Joaquin may not be getting enough milk from me because he always cry. The doctors then said that he may be dehydrated because he may not be getting any milk from me. But they were not concluding anything because as they said “it’s hard to conclude because our patient is just an infant and can’t tell what’s hurting him.”

After that, my mom scolded me and told me that Joaquin may be hungry already and must be given formula milk. I didn’t want to but they were really pushing me to call the doctor to prescribe formula milk for Joaquin. Even my husband (who is supposed to support me) and my father were up to it because they were worried for Joaquin. I understand their position but I know, I know better. I cried a lot after that because I felt I lost a BIG battle. While they were preparing the milk for Joaquin, I wasn’t the one who gave it to him because I was crying at the corner of our hospital room. I can’t imagine my son taking other milk but mine.

My mom though comforted me that I can resume breastfeeding Joaquin if and when my milk will start to flow. (Not many know that breastmilk will flow if baby suckles frequently from the mother’s breast. During our stay in the hospital, I would still insist breastfeeding him but when they hear him cry, they give additional milk from the bottle which pains me a lot. At that time too, one of my breasts bled – adding up more to my stress – I was becoming hopeless in my trying to breastfeed Joaquin). What I did, I just gave him the other breast and my mom told me to let the other breast heal before resuming. She also suggested that I pump the other breast. I had roller coaster emotions during our hospital stay and it was one of my hardest and darkest moments of my life. I felt I was incapable. When I was breastfeeding Joaquin during his admission, they would give him the bottle in his next feed. It was very hard for me. But for the people around me, they thought it was just normal…

For 2 and ¾ months, Joaquin was on mixed feeding, but I breastfeed him most of the time and every chance I get. My mom would always say, “you are bounded with that and will make you do nothing else but just feeding your son.” I just ignored it and breastfed Joaquin on demand. I also instructed and told our yaya on my goal to breastfeed Joaquin. If I’m home during my maternity leave I breastfeed Joaquin, when I go out, since I wasn’t able to pump in between feedings (haven’t mastered breastfeeding…), he takes the formula. I count every bottle he takes, the least possible bottlefeed, the better.

Now I’m back to work, I express milk in the office three times a day. During my first weeks back to the office, of the 4-5 feedings Joaquin have, 3 of which are breastmilk. The rest is formula… But as I get to master and getting used to breastfeeding, I now also express milk early in the morning to complete 4 feedings for Joaquin and even during weekends. Our yaya and I have made a routine to update each other with Joaquin’s feeding time. I call her before going home from office so that she will not thaw the 5^th extra breastmilk stored in our freezer and that Joaquin’s next feeding will be with me. Talk about love and sacrifice.

Before Joaquin turned 3 months, I made a decision that I will and I CAN breastfeed Joaquin exclusively in the next 3 months. With prayers, sacrifice and determination, I am exclusively breastfeeding Joaquin eversince. It’s been a month and a week and I’m determined to do it till he’s six months and continue breastfeeding him until he is 2 years old and even beyond.

It has become my passion and commitment to breastfeed Joaquin. And thank God I have now my husband’s and my family’s support. Thank God… I pray that He empowers me and give me all the strength I need in my passion and commitment. And soon or even now, I would love to help pregnant women and mothers to prepare and breastfeed their babies. I want to inspire and be inspired.

Breastfeeding at pedia's clinic (waiting in line)

J at six months

Happy little man!

I am blessed with breastfeeding J. I did not experience severe problems nor super biting baby (oh yeah, he does bite but rarely and just like testing it - i just give him the "look"). Haha! I am thankful that aside from my family, my work and workmates were very supportive. With the environment I have, I was and I am able to continue and sustain breastfeeding J. Thank you so much for all the support and help.

As I've said, breastfeeding has become one of my passions... Surely, you will read more posts on breastfeeding in the future. Our journey to breastfeeding has not been that easy but being determined and supported by people around me meant and helped a lot.

J, near 26 months

Isn't he a cutie? (yeah, stage mom here)

For other moms out there, trying to figure out breastfeeding and even after the exclusive 6 months breastfeeding- I am here to help.

Do you have your own breastfeeding story?

Typical

2010-04-05T22:59:00.002+08:00

T and I went to grocery just before lunch the other day. Our househelp listed out things that we need to buy, i told her to do that every week so I'll know what needs to be replenished - she has been religiously doing it so. Being at home, i know she can keep track of our supplies which I also double check. (This was not the practice of our previous househelp then, she would only tell me that we need to buy "this" and "that" when its literally "ubos na". I would tell her over that she needs to let me know in advance because i may not keep track of some things at some times.)

Before T and I headed for home, we went around the mall to check some things out, whatever comes across our minds... We have our own agenda, ayayay! He went on looking for sneakers, rubber shoes and shorts... I went on looking for blouses, bags and shoes (what else could be in every woman's list! yay!). Then went to the hardware, wishing things we will buy when we will have our own house.

Just purely window shopping....

Then we went to this shop which sells bags, shoes and other stuff - and since i am really looking for new shoes, i saw ~~one~~ two, that really got me giddy in trying it on. The Simply VW fits me perfectly! Oh my! I can hear the cash register *ka-shing! ka-shing!* Haha! We also eyed on a RL sneakers for T. Super nice...

Oh well, we didnt buy them just yet ;)

We got buko halo-halo and buko mais instead... hee hee! Got hungry in the process of window shopping, it always happens to us. I was waiting for my halo-halo while making this post...

And here's my halo-halo (got hungry with window shopping haha!)

Here's T's buko mais...

The white thingy is his spoon, whisking out the buko mais...

We tried not to talk about what we saw in the shop... We talked instead about the movie "Blind Side" we saw on DVD the other day... Nice movie...

Then off to salon after... Ü

I love doing this with T... typical date but enjoyable and enriching... We are nearing our 3rd year of marriage... Hmmm... Does he have something in store for me? I am seriously crossing my fingers. Haha!

This is one of the typical dates T and I have... How is your typical date with your partners? Care to share?

Kate of Project Blog by Kate - ME

2010-04-03T00:27:00.007+08:00

This was posted as intro in my multiply site, an inspiration from blogs that I have read. I have also posted this is my facebook account but ended up posting less cause it has character limit.

I wrote this way back 2008 and as I post this in my project blog, I have updated, edited some using different font color but still maintaining the original one in black font. And as I was reading it through to update, I can’t help but smile and laugh at some items. Truly how one change over time… I really believe that “CHANGE is the only CONSTANT thing in this world”.

In this project blog, as I pointed out in my first post, I will share with you my life... my thoughts... my becoming of a wife, my becoming a mother and a parent... my becoming of my own self... Know me more...

~~103~~ 116 things about me and counting...

1. I am left-handed but dominantly right-handed in almost other things

2. I am first born (Do I act like one? Yay! Lemme ask my sibs)

3. I am an Ilocana – born and raised in Laoag City – but have been living in Manila since 1997 - but thinking and rethinking of moving back and live the provincial life *wink*

4. But I usually go home to Laoag to take a “breather” (when I was still in school)

5. I was an achiever and an honor student in my schooldays (yay! pressure…)

6. I am a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian – but sometimes I don’t watch what I eat (teehee! Guilty as Charged)

7. But I do intend to live a healthy lifestyle now for my son and my family

8. I am married and love my husband and son dearly!

9. I got married in 2007 and had baby in 2008

10. I think my son is adorable! He looks like me. (Hah! I am gwapo if I happen to be a man haha! Stage mom here!)

11. I have the same birth date with my husband

12. I don’t cook but I love cooking pasta during special occasions (but not doing it lately – too lazy… I can buy though yay!)

13. I love traveling – though I haven’t gone outside the Philippines (oh, would love to do that!) - and I do have a list where I want to go!

14. I don’t like eating sushi and sashimi but I do eat kinilaw – ilocano version

15. I am amazed at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol (and love to go back there again)

16. I would love to go to Palawan, Camiguin and Davao

17. I am compulsive buyer – if I have moolah!

18. I love window shopping

19. I love browsing thru multiply and online stores

20. I am getting hooked with online shopping and window shopping – most especially for my son (but now am starting to shop for moi!)

21. And since I don’t frequent mall ~~now~~, I resort to online shopping (Teehee! Excuses!) - I love going to malls now that my son is bigger, it’s his playground! And I can do my window shopping (again!)

22. Most of the things I bought online are baby things and cloths - and bags and shoes (for me! Fetish!)

23. I love browsing just about anything in the internet

24. I am talkative – but I do get my quiet times – sometimes…

25. I love singing and dancing – now I get to use them with my baby when putting him to sleep and entertaining him (when he starts getting fussy) - with increased levels of performance now since I have to be animated when playing with my toddler (geesh!)

26. I am a frustrated band singer (haha!)

27. I enjoy videoke!!! (Show time!)

28. I love breastfeeding my baby - and we are almost 26 months and still counting!

29. And I love the time we spend together – love love the bonding!

30. I’ve learned to do other things while breastfeeding my baby (you’ll be surprised!)

31. I’ve also learned other things to do while expressing my milk in the office… - just got liberated from milk expression! Yey! But the experience was all WORTH it!

32. I love babywearing – I feel close to my baby when I do this – and I would like to become advocate on this - I don’t wear my baby anymore cause he’s big already, but I still want to continue to advocate for it

33. I wish more moms will wear their babies.

34. I believe in attachment parenting.

35. I was able to climb a mountain – but I don’t know if I will do it again

36. I am afraid of snakes – even the sight of it makes me creep - yes, even if it is just in the television

37. I love reading books – when I have the luxury of time; but I really love books!

38. I love writing articles – when I have the luxury of time (oh, I would love to stretch time so I can do all these things)

39. I had a notebook of poems when I was in high school (sort of dedicated to someone haha! I purposely lost the notebook)

40. I love watching movies – I can go on all day watching! =)

41. I can watch TV all day long too! But I have to learn now not to spend so much time watching TV so my son will not grow with it - still trying to learn but have moderated it (somehow)

42. ~~But~~ I like watching PBA live than in the television

43. I love bowling

44. I don’t like watching war movies – and I hate it when my husband watch one in my presence (hehe!)

45. I honestly believe when I was a kid that babies come from a factory (really!)

46. I read Nancy Drew when I was in my grade school – and wished to become a detective after it

47. I read almost all Sidney Sheldon’s novel when I was in high school

48. And like anyone dreaming for their own life’s romance, I got hooked reading novels by Judith McNaught, ~~and~~ Julie Garwood and the likes when I was in college

49. I loved reading love stories of dukes and duchess then… anything royalty

50. I sipped raw native eggs when I was a kid (Eeeww… I don’t know why I did that) - and now I recall, not just native ones, even the white ones…

51. I sneaked out of the house when I was a kid just to join my friends to play and do some other things… and stay late at night (my bad!) – imagine, climbing off the wall and the house just to get inside unnoticed

52. I had a puppy love and was certainly head over heels about him – now, I can say I have outgrew it (ahem…)

53. I married my first boyfriend – and love him dearly

54. I loved Biochemistry when I was in college - even though others were silently cursing it

55. I loved role playing when I was a kid

56. I would love to become a Stay-At-Home Mom or a Work-At-Home Mom (I wish!)

57. I would like to become a breastfeeding advocate and counselor - I am now!!! Happy!

58. I am a member of The Breastfeeding Club and would love to become part of other breastfeeding groups

59. I love watching billboards along EDSA and South Super Highway (its like watching TV, hehe!)

60. I am guilty for procrastinating on several things (oh, almost…)

61. But if I REALLY like something or love what I am doing – procrastinating is out of the question

62. I don’t like putting on make-up (call it laziness hehe!) – started when I got pregnant and I thought I would start putting on again after giving birth – but never really did =p (oh well, am starting again… yay!) - putting on make–up now, yes! but usually don’t do retouch…

63. But I would love to try and learn how to put make up – really a good make-up

64. I love shoes and bags!!! Its some-kind-of-a-fetish (but when I became a mom – diaper bags and nursing blouses!) Teeeheee! (restraining myself!) - now I am back to shoes and bags!!! Urgh!

65. I never really had a serious “beautification” routine… too lazy to do it (oh wait, had one but never really lasted haha! Just because I was preparing for my wedding, that’s it!) - have three steps now, improvement teehee! Three steps: wash, toner, moisturize

66. I appreciated my mom more and love her even more when I became a mother

67. I love the beach! Who cares if I get scorched under the sun hehe! - even with the skin tone I have

68. But I never really learned how to swim (yay!)

69. I don’t know how to drive (my dad did not teach me; afraid I will take the car out and bump it somewhere) - but I really would love to learn how

70. I would love to start a business – but haven’t decided what

71. I am sort of fickle-minded =p

72. I love walking, walking, walking! (but please not in heels or else I will freak out)

73. I thought then that one of my bestfriends is an angel (promise! I was like in my teens at that time)

74. I love watching news, ~~and~~ ~~Bubble Gang~~ Banana Split, Disney Playhouse (don’t ask), National Geographic, Discovery Channel (cause it’s what my husband usually watch) and teleseryes!!! Haha!

75. I love pizza and pasta… I usually go to Sbarro, Pizzeria, Piadina (latest discovery, Ponzo’s in Magallanes! You should try!)

76. I love going to Enchanted Kingdom, Star City, and the likes =p

77. I’m afraid to try slides in pools – since I don’t know how to swim

78. But I loved the slides in Splash Island when I went there in 1997 – what? They’ve got “salbabidas” for heaven’s sake, and the water was shallow – now who’s afraid haha! (teehee!) - wait, is Splash still open?

79. I love Boracay! (haha! Feeling! Been there once pa lang haha!) - and Bohol!

80. I would love to go to Amanpulo… - and Santorini… and the list goes on…

81. I’m afraid to try the banana boat (chicken!)

82. I hate watching horror movies

83. I have hard time sleeping after watching those kinds of movies

84. I’d rather join Big Brother than be a part of Survivor or Fear Factor (ahehe!) - chicken!

85. I would love to start a blog site… really would love to have one… - and working on it now! Yay! *clap, clap*

86. I grew up with books; I had a volume of Dr. Seuss’ books then. Don’t know where my mom put it. (Gone with the wind! Haha!)

87. I love watching concerts (well, I’m on leave for those just yet… motherhood becomes me. Teehee!) - and I am back in the game!!! I can go out for longer hours already. YAY! Though, I chose what type of concerts to see =)

88. I love going through the baby section of SM and Rustan’s (hehe!) and Babyland (my husband too!) - that was when I was pregnant and my baby was still young but we still go there but more often now in appliance and home section (wishing!!!)

89. I’m still wondering what my life would have become if I didn’t get marry early (wait, is 26 early already?)

90. But I love my life now – a wife and a mom! Wouldn’t trade it for other… (oh well, still wondering about #89 haha! Just a thought, it wouldn’t hurt ei? ;)

91. I love reading the newspaper – first, the headline; next, entertainment haha!

92. I want to have a whole new wardrobe, new sets of sandals and shoes! (Huh! Wishful thinking!)

93. If I want to buy something, I think about it 10 times over if I really need it and if it’s worth it – then buy it eventually haha!

94. I’m getting good at making PowerPoint presentations (don’t ask why)

95. I love texting…

96. And at one point, I got addicted using my mobile phone in browsing the internet (Boy! My phone bill suffered!)

97. I got addicted to Friendster but got over it eventually… (or more like because I don’t have my own internet connection hehe! – got lazy to go to internet cafe) - and now with facebook and twitter… sweesh! All the technology now… I even have smartphones so I can use wifi anywhere haha!

98. I got stretch marks when I was pregnant…

99. I gave my two-piece swimsuits to my sis since I refuse to use them now because of my stretch marks … buuhhuu! But I’ll still use swimsuits which will cover those priceless marks! Teehhee!

100. I drink milk every morning and rarely drink coffee (should be with lots of creamer!)… only during meetings where milk is not usually served. - am getting back with lots of coffee now teehee! and choco drink =)

101. I would love to have my own house and car (who does not?!) - and a beach house, house in Tagaytay, and so the list goes on… ;)

102. I thank God for email and internet!

103. I would love to become more adventurous with dressing up… (literally, from head to toe!)

And here’s an addition to my list…

104. I want to become tech-savvy or at least semi =)

105. I want to be good in internet – I just know the “simple” things

106. I get so bad with juggling things sometimes…

107. I love watching my toddler play… its crazy and fun!

108. I love it when he talks, I think he has lisp… but I hope he outgrows it (do you outgrow such?)

109. Loving twitter now…

110. I still don’t get why T so loves to watch UFC and boxing… or do men really like these kinds?

111. A wishlist is currently working on my mind (and I refuse to write about it yet) and am planning to have a post on it

112. Reading blogs of “some” people have inspired and are inspiring me now with how my blog will go (am keeping my fingers crossed)

113. I ~~want~~ would love to go to Disneyland =p

114. I want to travel around the world!

115. I want to have lots and lots of accessories… I am dreaming of charmed bracelets, layered or charmed necklaces, bangles, earrings… ok I am stopping now… =p

116. I know I have more to discover for myself…

If anyone's reading this, how about introducing yourself? i want to know the people who will read or just happen to read my blog =) would love to get to know you...

_____

ps. have not done with the links (highlighted words) yet -- have partially done actually and i pressed on to something and poof! the post i was working on for more than an hour is gone! urgh! and double urgh! oh well... sigh! will work on it tomorrow, i guess...

pps. (update) done with links but cant get some of the highlights out, don't know why. i placed highlights before to note myself that i should put a link on it...

This project blog...

2010-03-11T15:34:00.002+08:00

This is a milestone in my life. This has been a dream and I want to make it happen, so I am doing it now… As one friend told me, if you really want it, do it NOW.

I never knew this blog world until I gave birth to my son, J. I had insatiable thirst for learning and I went on to read anything about babies, breastfeeding, motherhood, parenting and God knows how far my reading has brought me – and there I came across upon blogs of different people, mostly moms, which have inspired me of having one of my own. (I have a multiply site which I started posting some blogs – but never actually sustained it. Well, hoping this one will work this time.)

At first, I thought it would have been nice to have an online journal to document my son’s milestones and everything else about him. But since I keep a regular job (8-5, that is, and sometimes more than time allows) and have “other concerns”, I stalled it, postponed it… deemed not necessary at some point… but there is something in me that really calls for it. (blog, kate… blog) Maybe its motherhood calling? More, I think. As time pass by, becoming a mother was not the only inspiration that brought me to this… but being a wife, a parent, a friend and a woman that is a work-in-progress, have made me come to this point. It has unfolded me as a person into many things and my heart and mind are overflowing and making a journal, I think, is the way to do it. They say that artistic people usually have or keep a journal – am I one? I don’t know. I want to see it through.

I know that there are a lot of other blogs out there and maybe no one will notice or even read my blogs but I know it is a fulfillment of a dream. Its self-accomplishment.

What’s in store in this project blog? Anything I can share to “readers” (wish to have one) about my passion – of becoming a mother, parent, partner, friend and woman – and more.

As I was preparing and setting up my site, I placed this as my blog intro – which I eventually have to delete it (for some “artistic” reasons) and decided on placing it instead in my first post:

LIFE has more to it – with boundless limits and for us to explore and live to its fullest.

I am a wife and mother – it has opened up for me more learnings and opportunities, some with uncertainty but still have to go for it. God made it happen for a reason – not just a good one, but with the best reason, I should not question.

I am a woman – I can be the best person I can be, I know, I will be, each day I will live my life. I know I CAN make it through.

LIFE makes me stronger and wiser…

I am Kate. Let me know what you think (if there’s anyone reading…)