No Yaya? Kaya! First-Time Parents Angelica Panganiban, Gregg Homan Share How It's Done

Angelica Panganiban and her fiance Gregg Homan share with netizens a glimpse of their life as first-time parents to Amila Sabine or baby Bean.

On episode 19 of their YouTube channel, The Homans, the couple documented all by themselves what happens in their day, and how they are surviving each day without a helper.

Here are some lessons that we've picked up from their vlog.

First-time parents lessons from Angelica Panganiban and Gregg Homan

1. Having a routine that both you and your partner are aware of makes life easier.

The vlog started when Angelica and Bean woke up. Mommy Angge knew it was her job to change Bean's nappy and feed her so she'll start the day right. Daddy Gregg, meanwhile, is cooking breakfast and attending to their pets. They have two dogs and a cat, btw.

"Kawawa ba tayo? Ganito nalang ang buhay namin talaga, kung saan nalang kami abutin kumain, wala na nga akong damit, naka-bra nalang ako."

Because Bean is just a month old, their life is a series of feeding, burping, and changing nappies, and it's okay. It might be overwhelming and exhausting to be in this routine, but it will get better.

2. Dads are as important as moms in taking care of a newborn.

The key to how new mom Angelica survived Bean's daily routine is no other than her supportive partner Gregg.

They take turns and have pre-assigned shifts, that's why Angge gets to eat properly and have some time for herself even if she's breastfeeding Bean full-time too.

While working from home, Gregg takes on the job of changing diapers and getting Bean to burp, sometimes feeding her with the expressed breastmilk of Angge.

Angelica even had the luxury of time to cook a truffle pasta because it was Gregg's shift to take care of Bean. She said it was her first time to cook again since giving birth.

3. New moms need to take a few minutes for themselves too.

When Bean is asleep and under the care of Gregg, Angelica takes time to do chores such as washing the dishes and sorting her clothes. Those few minutes of alone time could mean a lot to a new mom's mental health. This is affirmed by experts, as one of the ways for a new mom to cope with postpartum anxiety and depression.

4. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy this new chapter.

Parents would always say, "Saglit lang yan, mabilis din sila lalaki. Sulitin mo lang." While this is easier said than done especially to new parents, if you find joy in the little things, it will make the days bearable and even more beautiful.

In the vlog, you would hear Gregg and Angge sing a new song that they learned, "Skidamarink." They would also make each other laugh about the realness of things when they share leftovers for lunch.

Angelica remarked, "Kawawa ba tayo? Ganito nalang ang buhay namin talaga, kung saan nalang kami abutin kumain, wala na nga akong damit, naka-bra nalang ako."

She added, "Nasa stage siya na very clingy sya, ine-enjoy ko nalang din muna; wala din naman ako magagawa."

'Masasanay rin tayo'

After a long day of feeding, burping, and changing diapers, Gregg's comment about their T-bone steak that has gone cold encapsulated their new life as parents, "Best effort 'yan. Pero ang hirap with the little Bean. Masasanay rin tayo."

In a heartwarming post on Instagram, Angelica wrote a letter to Bean about the joys and sacrifices of being a parent.

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A post shared by Angelica Panganiban (@iamangelicap)

"Pangakong ibibigay ko sayo lahat ng mga hindi ko naramdaman at naipagdamot sakin sa mundong ito at hihigitan ko pa sa kung saang mga bagay na pinalad ako. Pangakong hahawakan ko ang kamay mo at hahagurin ko ang likod mo sa tuwing hindi magiging patas ang tadhana sayo."

"Handa akong ibigay ang lahat ng lakas ko, dahil napakaliit na bagay nito para sa pag buo at pag kumpleto mo sakin. Maraming salamat at ginawa mo kong isang ina, anak."

There's no shame in asking for help

Although Angge and Gregg seem like they can do this parenting thing all by themselves, new parents need a support system too. That's why aside from the resources that we share on Smart Parenting, we invite you to join the Smart Parenting Village, where you can talk and interact with over 80,000 moms and dads about parenting and more.

READ ALSO: Judy Ann Shows Us How To Support A New Mom Like Angelica Panganiban

Yes, being a new parent is hard but it is rewarding too. All we want to tell you, and perhaps what Angge and Gregg also would like to say is this: You are not alone. We can get through this, together, one day at a time.