5 Things I Learned as a First-Time Mom: Lessons on Motherhood

It’s been a while since I last wrote a blog. Actually, life has shifted 90 degrees (a right angle, as I’d like to believe I’m now in the right era of my life—as a wife and now a new mom) as I enter a new chapter.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” - 2 Corinthians 9:15

I’m so excited to share the five things I’ve learned on this beautiful journey of motherhood.

1. Love

Being a mom allows you to experience love on a deeper level—a kind of love you never knew you could give so freely. From the moment you discover those two lines on a pregnancy test to the day you finally hold your little one in your arms, you begin to understand love in a whole new way.

This love also comes with sacrifices, from enduring the pain of delivery to navigating sleepless nights and the challenges of breastfeeding. Being a mom has taught me to see love from a different perspective: a selfless kind of love that puts someone else’s needs before your own.

Our dearest little boy ♥

2. Being Economical

As a first-time mom, preparing for every milestone of your little one can be overwhelming. Many moms, and even those who aren’t moms, will tell you, “This one is good” or “That one is good.” With so many recommendations, it’s easy to feel like you need to buy everything.

However, I’ve learned that being economical is key. Not everything is necessary, and not every recommended product is a must-have. Learning to prioritize and carefully consider which items are truly essential before making a purchase is important. After all, what matters most is providing what your baby needs without putting too much pressure on your budget.

Here are the baby products that I think are worth spending money on.

• Baby Body Wash (Head-to-Toe): My baby has never developed a rash or had an allergic reaction while using this product. Plus, it’s very affordable! Definitely a budget-friendly option for your little one.

Check it here: Drypers 

• Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer: It can also heat baby food and warm milk, so it's a multifunctional product that's worth investing in.

Check it here: Cocobb

• Baby Comb: It has soft bristles that are gentle on my baby's scalp.

Check it here: Moose Gear Baby Comb & Hair Brush

• Vegan Lotion: It's gentle on my baby's skin and works really well.

Check it here: Uni-love Lotion 

• Crib: A convertible crib that can also be turned into a small playpen, making it practical and versatile as my baby grows.

Check it here: Baby's Crib 

• Baby Bathtub: It has great quality and is sturdy and durable.

Check it here: Bathtub

3. Preparation Is a Must

When I talk about preparation, I don’t just mean buying things for your baby. It also means taking care of yourself as a mom, even before your little one arrives.

For me, taking my vitamins, eating healthy, and doing light exercises were essential parts of my pregnancy journey. Of course, I wouldn’t deny that I also indulged in some unhealthy food to satisfy my cravings, but I tried not to overdo it. Thankfully, my lab results were all normal, and I was able to deliver my baby through normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD).

Beyond physical preparation, I also learned the importance of preparing emotionally. Motherhood brings significant life changes and requires a different level of patience, strength, and endurance. Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally can help you navigate this new chapter with a little more confidence.

4. You’re a Mom, but You’re Also a Wife

One thing we sometimes forget as moms is that, while we are busy taking care of our little ones, we are also wives and partners.

For me, one of the ways I express love is through cooking. So, no matter how busy I get as a mom, I still try to make time to cook my husband’s favorite dishes. And when our little one is asleep, we still enjoy our little movie dates at home.

I’m also incredibly grateful to have such a wonderful life partner. My husband doesn’t leave all the baby duties to me. He takes care of both me and our little one, reminding me that I don’t have to do everything alone.

Motherhood has taught me that taking care of our baby is important, but nurturing our relationship with our spouse matters, too. After all, we are partners in this beautiful journey of raising a family.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of ourselves as moms is just as important as taking care of our little ones. Self-care is a must!

I’m especially thankful for our village—my mom, sister, in-laws, and our little one's caregiver—who help make it possible for me to have some much-needed mom time.

Motherhood can be exhausting, and it’s easy to put our own needs last. But I’ve learned that taking a break, getting enough rest, and making time for ourselves are not selfish acts. They help us recharge so we can show up for our families with more love and energy.

Remember, a healthy mom is a happy baby!

A Little Note to End With

Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, sacrifices, and countless lessons. I know I still have so much to learn, but I’m grateful for every moment, every challenge, and every little milestone. After all, I’m not just raising a baby; I’m also growing and learning alongside my little one. And as I embrace this new chapter, I’m reminded that I don’t have to be a perfect mom—I just have to be the best mom I can be, one day at a time.

Must-Know Tokyo DisneySea Tips Before You Go

In this blog, I’m going to share some useful tips to make your Tokyo DisneySea experience hassle-free, fun, and full of wonderful memories.

The iconic mountain at the heart of DisneySea.

Here are more useful DisneySea tips you’ll love:

1. Transportation

From Narita Airport, you can take a bus directly to Tokyo Disney Resort, with drop-off options at either Disneyland or DisneySea. You can purchase the bus ticket inside the airport, and the bus waiting area is located outside Terminal 2 in a designated area.

Tip: The first drop-off point is Disneyland, and the second drop-off point is DisneySea—so be sure to listen carefully or confirm with the driver.

After a long and fun-filled day, we took a quick train ride from DisneySea to Disneyland.

This is the bus that we took going to Tokyo DisneySea. The bus is quite large,
and the seats are very comfortable. The ride from Narita to Tokyo Disney Resort
takes about an hour and thirty minutes, though it may vary.

2. Lockers

If you’re heading to Tokyo DisneySea straight from the airport, there’s no need to worry about your luggage. Coin lockers are available, with prices ranging from ¥400 for small lockers to ¥1,500 for super extra-large ones.

Tip: DisneySea and Disneyland offer plenty of lockers. Pay attention to the location—near the main entrance, exit, or a specific area—so you can easily find your luggage later.

3. Adult-Friendly Park

Did you know you can drink alcohol inside DisneySea? Yes! Drinking beer in Disneyland is not allowed, but DisneySea is more adult-friendly. You can purchase alcoholic beverages at selected restaurants and food stands inside the park.

Some delicious treats we tried at DisneySea.

4. Tokyo Disney Resort App

Be sure to use the Tokyo Disney Resort App. It helps you check attraction wait times, show schedules, and restaurant availability in real time, making it easier to plan your day.

Buy eSim on Klook: Click Here

DisneySea water show magic. From time to time,
characters appear on a small ship coming out from the sea.

5. Arrive Early and Prioritize Popular Rides

Arriving early—preferably before park opening—gives you a huge advantage. Head straight to the most popular attractions first, such as Journey to the Center of the Earth or Soaring: Fantastic Flight, to avoid long wait times later in the day.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo DisneySea is truly a one-of-a-kind theme park, offering incredible attractions, stunning scenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere. With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be able to enjoy every magical moment and create unforgettable memories. Have an amazing DisneySea adventure!

Buy DisneySea Ticket on Klook: Click Here

Japan VISA Guide

• Check it here:  Click Here

Where to book a flight?

• Check it here: Click Here 

Shibuya Sky Guide: What to Know Before Your Visit

Shibuya Sky is an observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square in Tokyo. It gives amazing views of the city, including Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. There are indoor and outdoor areas with modern design and great photo spots. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or at night. It’s easy to reach from Shibuya Station and is a great place to see Tokyo from above.

The rooftop bar at Shibuya Sky is a relaxing spot where you can
enjoy drinks while taking in amazing city views.

Must-Know Tips Before Heading to Shibuya Sky

1. Timing: Plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your scheduled entry. Elevators and queues can get busy, so it’s better to be a little early than risk being late.

This is the queue for the elevator area. It isn’t very
long this time because it’s still a bit early.

2. Food and Drinks: Eating and drinking aren’t allowed on the observation deck, but don’t worry — there are designated areas where you can grab snacks and beverages before or after your visit.

3. Locker Area: Bags, tripods, selfie sticks, strollers, and other large items aren’t allowed on the observation deck, so it’s best to store them in the designated locker area.

Note: From our experience, even small tripods—like the one on a DJI Osmo Pocket 3—aren’t allowed.

4. Clothing: If you’re visiting Shibuya Sky, it’s best to avoid skirts or dresses, especially for women, since it can get very windy on the observation deck. Scarves and other small items can easily be blown around, and staff may ask you to secure them or keep them in your pockets to prevent them from flying away.

Shibuya Scramble Square is one of Shibuya’s main skyscrapers,
topped off by the popular Shibuya Sky viewpoint.

5. Booking: You have two options for booking Shibuya Sky tickets: through their official website or via Klook. We chose Klook because it’s very easy to check time availability.

Note: Booking can be tricky since popular dates and times often sell out quickly. It’s best to check availability about two weeks before your preferred visit. For example, we kept an eye on our chosen date and booked exactly two weeks ahead. Tickets are usually released at 12:00 AM Japan time, and sunset or evening slots are especially popular, so plan accordingly.

Book on Klook here: Click Here 

My husband and I enjoying the view from above.
Left photo: the iconic elevator at Shibuya Sky.

Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, Shibuya Sky offers a stunning perspective of the city that’s hard to beat. Plan ahead, dress comfortably, and get ready to enjoy one of Tokyo’s most breathtaking views — it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Japan VISA Guide

• Check it here:  Click Here

Where to buy eSim?

• Klook: Click Here

Where to book a flight?

• Check it here: Click Here 

Osaka, Japan: 5 Fascinating Things We Learned on Our Trip

Disclaimer: At the time of writing this, it’s my third time and my husband's fourth time visiting Japan.

Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan

Osaka is known for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and warm, friendly people. 

Here are a few things we noticed during our visit:

1. Food. The food in Osaka is quite different from what you find in Tokyo or Sapporo. Many dishes tend to be a bit sweeter and often fried, like the famous kushikatsu. Osaka is also well-known for its takoyaki and okonomiyaki, which are must-try local specialties.

This is one of the most famous kushikatsu restaurants in Osaka.

2. Sounds. The chimes at train stations and traffic lights in Osaka have a distinct tone, different from those in Tokyo or Sapporo. It gives the city a unique auditory vibe.

The famous Glico Man in Osaka. | Photo taken September 26, 2025

3. Workwear. In Tokyo, most workers wear black suits, especially noticeable during rush hour as they line up for trains. In Osaka, many workers opt for white polos or white long-sleeve shirts, which we found quite different and interesting.

4. Sightseeing spots. Most sightseeing spots in Osaka revolve around food destinations and temples, which is a bit different from the more varied attractions you see in Sapporo or Tokyo. Honestly, as a couple who aren’t really into visiting temples, the food scene was the biggest highlight for us.

Dotonbori Canal

5. Restrooms. Finding public restrooms in Osaka can be tricky since many establishments don’t allow non-customers to use theirs. Also, squat toilets are still common here. While there are sitting toilets too, having squat toilets as an option was something we hadn’t expected.

The cute manhole cover we found somewhere in Dotonbori.
It features Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Overall, would we recommend Osaka?

Absolutely—especially if you’re a foodie. Osaka is a true haven for anyone who loves food adventures, with its unique flavors and vibrant street food culture. If you’re passionate about exploring local eats, Osaka won’t disappoint.

Japan VISA Guide

• Check it here:  Click Here

Where to buy eSim?

• Klook: Click Here

Where to book a flight?

• Check it here: Click Here