Tags: Lifestyle Blog Lifestyle Blogger Lifestyle Blogger in Manila Philippines lifestyle phorographer lifestyle photography Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Mommy blogger Mommy blogger in Manila Philippines mompreneur motherhood Photography
Adjusting focus is both rewarding and challenging for any first time mom. As soon as your water breaks, so does the reality of breaking out of your own comfort bubble, to make one little person’s existence, happiness and health a priority over yours.
For Mindanaoan photographer and fashion stylist, Ayie Hernandez-Miskov , she not only had to adapt to the rudiments of being a mom, but also with the new culture and place which she now calls home together with her husband, Joe. Despite that it takes some getting used to move to the swing of things, Ayie finds this experience the most fulfilling and gratifying of all.
“I never dreamt of marrying a foreigner, but I asked God for a partner who He thinks is best for me. He gave me Joe,” Ayie beams. “It was fun and challenging when we were dating. Fun because we both like to travel, we would meet half way and explore new sights and places around Asia. We both love living the life of an adventure, attending music festivals, food trips, rock climbing, hiking and a lot more. The challenging part in our relationship is the meeting of minds, with both of us coming from different worlds and cultures. Eventually, we were able to overcome this challenge and improve ways of communicating with each other.”
Ayie pursued her career in lifestyle and baby photography, even when she reached full term. Photography has always been her passion and she found it a joy that she is able to document and be part of every family’s happy memories and milestones in life.
“Ever since I moved to Bangkok and decided to continue my photography business, my husband has been my number one fan and support system. He would help me promote my business, recommend me to workmates, attend business fairs with me. Even when I was on my third trimester and was still working, he took the role of being my assistant. He makes sure I stayed cool and hydrated and would even help make kids laugh during the shoot.”
With her love for fashion, travel and photography, Ayie took her pregnancy out on the road, without looking less of a fashionista she is. She made the most of her first and second trimester visiting different places in different continents, getting herself acquainted and accustomed to meeting new people and appreciating the wonders of nature.
“As we settled into married life and prepared for the coming of our little one, I already had my heart set in the thought of living outside the Philippines. That means moving out of my comfort zone, raising a family without immediate relatives close by nor a full-time helper to assist me. In a way, this independence and exposure to various cultures prepared me for a life of do-it-yourself’s, from cooking to looking after my husband’s and baby’s needs.”
Her own delivery room experience, she says, was also an eye-opener for her. For those who know that she used to practice nursing as a profession, assisting in a delivery room for about 3 years, you’d think she’d be emotionally prepared by the time her own baby’s ready to pop out. “I was a witness to hundreds of women giving birth over the years that I worked as nurse. When my turn came, I began to understand that it is actually more challenging than I thought it was. I have higher respect for moms now, after having gone through the labor experience.”
One other challenge Ayie had to face was how to increase and maintain her milk supply for her son, Luke. “Breastfeeding is hard work. It can be frustrating especially if you don’t have enough milk and when you don’t have enough patience. It is challenging because your body is still recovering and your baby wakes up every 2 hours, asking to be fed. To maintain milk supply, I make sure I stay hydrated. My Thai friend cooks me this Kaeng Liang soup, which the Thai makes for breastfeeding moms for milk production and Ginger tea.”
“I am fortunate and blessed to have such a great man as my partner and father to my Luke. Joe went on paternity leave as soon as the baby was born. He takes care of us, 24/7, and takes his share in caring for the baby, even with all the dirty work. He is loving this new role in life as much as I do.”
Asked how it is to raise a family abroad, she says, “Joe and I find it very exciting. This is one big adventure for us. It is challenging because you are not anywhere close to what you were used to, growing up. We have to make ourselves a part of the community we live in now, and love them as our own extended family. They give use the support and help we need as we adjust into this new chapter in our married life. We miss home but we’re excited for the great many things ahead of us, as we live own adventure and dreams here in Thailand.”
Photos courtesy of Ayie Hernandez – Miskov.
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Story published on my newspaper column in Edge Davao.
