Celebrating my baby's first welcome with Johnson's Baby
MANILA, Philippines - Dealing with pregnancy for the first time has been quite a life-changing experience for me… literally! Especially when you’re the type of person who cannot sit still. My regular pre-pregnancy schedule was always very busy. I’d go to work Monday to Friday. I’d make it a point to go to the gym five times a week, a regimen that included training for my first full marathon. Traveling was a constant. Then, on top of that, there was the myriad other social activities I needed to attend. Then suddenly it all stopped after I found out I was pregnant in late July, after a two-week vacation in Europe.
My husband and I decided to keep it between us at first, until it was really 100-percent confirmed. But before we could even spread the happy news, our doctor instructed me to undergo bed rest for one week. That one week became two, and the two weeks became three. For someone who was constantly on the go, the three weeks was no joke. There’s a limit to how long I can stare at the TV or read books!
I was hit by a wave of confusing emotions, both positive and negative. Morning sickness became any-part-of-the-day sickness. A constant hunger for food raged, and suddenly some things I used to like irritated me. I could no longer stand the Internet, fast and loud music, steak (even Kobe) and desserts! Some people say I’m lucky, since some women are forced to stay in bed all throughout their pregnancy. But try telling that to someone dying to go back to her regular busy routine!
Guests enjoy the Johnson's Baby Ready Skills Challenge. Finally, things started to improve and it continues to get even better each day. The more I talk to people and hear experiences of other pregnant women like myself, the easier it is to live with all the discomforts. Once I decided to celebrate my pregnancy, I realized how God makes the nine months a bit challenging so that we truly get to appreciate the gift of life.
For this reason, when Johnson’s Baby threw me my very first shower, it really marked the start of my new and exciting journey towards motherhood. I have always believed in Johnson’s products. My mom used them on me, I use them on myself, and I will continue to use them on my baby. I’ve also recently discovered that the products are backed up by 100 years of scientific research. That makes me feel even more secure that these products are gentle and safe to use on my baby.
My baby shower was held at Chef Jessie’s restaurant at the Rockwell Club — one of my favorite dining spots. The venue was transformed into an English garden with vintage detailing, complete with beautiful bassinet and floral accents. Luscious vines leafed through the set creating a serene, English tea-party scene. The menu included delectable raisin scones paired with raspberry jam and clotted cream, and a variety of tea sandwiches from crunchy cucumber slices to light smoked salmon pieces. A fresh pasta station was also created accompanied by a perfectly roasted prime rib. Dessert was also overflowing, from cream puffs to strawberry tarts. Of course, what’s a tea party without the tea? A collection of Twinings Tea was beautifully placed within the floral centerpieces, making my guests choose among their great variety of herbal infusions.
Marielle with sister-in-law Nanette Medved-Po, sister Michelle Santos-Lim, and mom Therese Coronel-Santos The shower had a very personal touch. One of my best friends, Chris Yam-Daez, hosted the whole affair on behalf of Johnson’s. It was truly a memorable experience. Johnson’s made it as special as possible not only for me and my baby, but also for my guests. There were also fun games for everyone. Some of the games included one on how to take care of a baby — from diaper changing to bathing and dressing. That was hilarious! The game was played by three non-mothers — namely Sara Black, Monique Albert-Lopez and Farah Sy — who were quite clueless as to how to take care of a baby. They managed to give everyone a good laugh!
A very special part of the shower for me was when I got to thank my family and friends for really taking the time to join me in the celebration, and for all the support and love they have given through the tough times of my pregnancy. Johnson’s Baby’s Senior Brand Manager, Jaycee Garcia, showered me with so many gifts including a one-year supply of Johnson’s Baby products and a baby’s first keepsake kit, while my guests received a handful of Johnson’s Baby products as well.
The shower was an overwhelmingly happy experience, which I’m so glad to have been a part of. It really opened my eyes to this wonderful moment in my womanhood that I should commemorate. Yes, it is difficult, but I’m sure it will be well worth it once I hear the first cries and finally hold my baby in my arms for the very first time.
