“I’M SORRY. We’re late. I had to attend to my baby’s needs.” This is the excuse most moms give for being late.

I must admit Yanna was born, we had been occasionally late to some events and appointments. But, as much as possible, we try to be early by doing the following steps. These are just my two cents as a first-time mom.

1. We make sure our bags are packed the night before leaving — from baby essentials to mommy’s face powder, lipstick, coin purse, and of course, daddy’s wallet. HAHA! Set your alarms, too!

2. Prepare the baby at least four hours before calltime — bath, meal, clothes, and breastfeeding. While mommy is doing all of these, daddy can also help by doing other tasks at home. Then, he prepares for bath.

3. Let hubby take care and look after the baby — it’s mommy time! Take a bath, wear clothes, draw some kilay, and put on some lipstick. Be sure to set your timer. Huwag masyadong galingan ang kilay kasi bored na si hubby.

4. Double check everything. Then, you’re good to go!

But, of course, there are also times when we cannot make it on time especially when the baby poops. Again, not an excuse, though! HAHA!

Bottomline: we must always manage our time properly. Plan ahead and set alarms. Let us not make “Filipino time” a habit.

[The writer appreciates comments and questions. Follow her at @mommyaracasastumuran on Instagram. Subscribe to her Youtube channel www.youtube.com/c/AraCasasTumuran.]