I am finally done with my baby's bag (remember that uber cure Baby Couture bag? Yes, it's finally ready!). Now that I have no worries about my baby's items, I think it's about time that I prepare my own bag. I mean, I can't let my husband prepare it on the day of my labor, right? He might be in a rush mode that he might end up packing the wrong clothes! The horror .
Anyway, I've Google-d the checklist and here's what I've gathered :
2 comfortable night gowns (because seriously, the hospital gowns are very rough and itchy, I barely slept!) with buttons in front
2 pairs of pajamas (if you become too cold)
1 going-home outfit (most OB-GYNEs suggest a maternity dress because my tummy's still big and to avoid uncomfortable pain especially when you underwent a C section delivery)
3-5 pairs of socks
a couple of nursing / maternity bras and maternity panties
breast pads, nursing cream and a lot of maternity sanitary pads
nursing pillow (to help find a comfortable spot for baby)
toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, loofah, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, powder, Lactacyd, facial wash, stretch mark cream, comb, mirror and cologne)
iPod, book, Maxicare card, pen and paper and IDs
scrunchies or barrettes
lip gloss or lip balm
slippers
I think that's about it. Now, for my husband. I would like him to be in the delivery room with me, taking pictures and if given a chance, I want him to cut our baby's umbilical cord. But, we still need to ask permission from the doctors/hospital if that's possible.
Anyway, I've also searched the Net for his checklist and look at what I found:
Change of clothes
Snacks
Something to drink
Camera and film or memory card
Video camera with batteries charged and any necessary cartridges or tapes
Change for vending machines or phones
Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and any other toiletries
Something to distract him, especially when labor takes too long
Okay, now that we're settled with the checklists, let me just do a quick rundown on what's inside my baby's bag:
sleeveless baby shirts
long sleeved baby shirts
short sleeved baby shirts
gauze cloth diapers (6 pieces) with cute pins
one-suit clothing
bonnet
receiving blankets with hoods
pajamas
mittens
booties
socks
bib
burp blankets
first aid kit (complete set)
wash cloths
Avent feeding bottles (just in case)
binder (still need to buy)
newborn disposable diapers (still need to buy)
car seat (for the car ride)
The rest of his stuff will be left at home. Of course, he's not going to live in the hospital, DUH! Hmm, I think that's about it.
Okay, will look for my stuff tomorrow during our shopping! Will post them as soon as possible!
EDITED:
What's inside my HOSPITAL BAG:
Night shirt
Support or nursing bras
Bra pads
Full panties
Toiletries
Hair brush
Face cloth
Towel
Slippers
Socks
Dressing gown
nursing bra, baby bump undies and night gowns for the hospital :)
Yesterday, my good friend Jeanette and I went to Trinoma mall to meet her sister. She was supposed to buy a pair of shoes to wear for her cousin's wedding. As it turns out, she's not into 3-inched high heels! I mean, I can't believe she has NO desire of wearing high heels. She's contented with flats, sandals, and the occasional kitty heels. Is she for real?
Wow, I really can't get over it! I mean, look at me. It has been 6 months since I last wore a pair of sexy stilettos. Ever since I got pregnant, I was advised to wear flats, sandals, sneakers --- in short, anything BUT heels.
flats = boring
heels = bolder!
It has been tough, to be honest. I live in my heels! A shopping day is never complete without me trying on high heels.
But, of course, when you're pregnant, you have no choice but to wear flats. Why? Let me tell you a story.
I wore a two-inched (only) high heels on my wedding day just so I can prove to them that pregnant women can wear heels. Wrong decision! I was fine all-throughout the ceremony but when we got to the reception program, I can feel my heels pulsating (literally). I thought I was only imagining things because, DUH, we don't have pulse in the heel area. Wrong again.
My feet were very sore! It felt like they were pulsating because my veins were in agony! Good thing my sister packed a pair of my old Havaianas. Once my feet were out of the heels, it was the most relieving feeling ever.
So, I would NOT recommend high heels during pregnancy. And, according to Daphne Metland, it's because of:
The ligaments that control your lower back are softened during pregnancy, so they are more at risk of being stretched and damaged. The problem with high heels is that they alter your posture and put a strain on this already weakened area. This could contribute to lower back pain, which can be severe.
Flat shoes are therefore a better bet on a day-to-day basis. They will ensure that you are comfortable and minimise the strain put on your back. To compromise, you could spend part of the day in heels and keep a pair of low-heeled shoes in your bag to change into later.
All in all, it’s best to save your high heels for special occasions. Especially as your feet can get wider in pregnancy, so if you have a much coveted pair of Manolos, they may stretch and not fit you afterwards. The horror!
Okay, enough about shoes.
Jeanette and I also went to The Landmark to check on some baby stuff. I badly needed a baby clothes detergent so that I can wash all the new clothes I've bought from Rustan's, My mother-in-law told me I can use Perla or Ivory soap. But, according to most doctors and pediatrician, it's better to use a mild detergent designed especially for babies.
I bought the three 100g packs of the powder detergent for trial
It seems only fair to wash my baby's clothes with something as mild as CYCLES because according to the packaging:
CYCLES does not contain harsh chemicals and does not leave soap residue that may harm your baby’s sensitive skin. It does not contain irritants such as dyes, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleach and fabric softeners which you will find in other detergents.
CYCLES is proven mild and safe on your baby’s sensitive skin. It is SGS-certified (Societe Generale de Surveillance) which verifies the hypoallergenic properties of CYCLES.
Pretty clever, right? I'll tell you all about it once I've tried the product. By the way, I think I'll do the washing myself. I don't feel comfortable letting anyone touch my baby's clothes. Well, maybe my mom or my mother-in-law. We'll see (once I've given birth, haha). But for now, I'm doing self-laundry, just like what I do with my delicate.
Okay, I think that's all for now. I have more tips up my sleeves but my eyes would really like to rest. My husband and I have been working around the house since 7AM today so naturally, my body is exhausted. Plus, I have to tame my little wild child baby. He has been whirling around my tummy ever since I opened my laptop! Baby, time to sleep.
As usual, I'm stuck here in the office, waiting for 4PM for my UW training to start. I brought my baby book and a Sophie Kinsella book to help me pass the time but I feel hyperactive at the moment that I can't sit still, let alone, read.
So, I'm going back to my old mantra --- when you're bored and have nothing to do, surf the Net. An idiot thing to do but hey, sometimes it works. Just like today.
I was browsing the MotherCare website and well, out of sheer inspiration, I've decided to make a wishlist for my baby. I mean, it wouldn't hurt to actually make a list, right? It can come in handy, especially when you want to have something to lust over.
Here's my lustful wishlist:
Pram - a kind of baby transport that carries babies around
Stokke® Xplory® Pram & Pushchair System - Blue
I saw this and BAM! I fell in love. Not my usual color but hey, I'm having a baby boy so might as well be used to blue. It's price is around $900 but according to the site, it's one of the safest pram in the world. Not to mention, stylish too.
Infant Car Seat - a restraint which is secured to the seat of an automobile equipped with safety harnesses to hold an infant or small stature people in the event of a car crash.
Maxi-Cosi Pebble Car Seat - Lapis Blue
It's one of the loveliest and looked safest out of all the car seats I've seen in the site. It's priced at $170 so it's much budget-friendly if you're counting the safety of your kid, right?
Nursery room furnitures
to match all our furnitures
A mom can dream, right? I'm not sure how much all these furnitures cost but I'm betting it's over $1000. As I've said, this is my LUST list. You'd never know. I might win the lottery one day, haha. Oh, and it comes in white too. I prefer the white but for practically reasons (as if!), you have to opt for whatever can suit your house style.
I'll post some more maybe this weekend but for now, I've got to run. I can't believe I was able to spend almost two hours surfing the Net! Ooh, I can't wait to see you baby! I'm almost certain, we'll have the best days.
Ever since I can remember, my husband and I never bet on the same team. It's in our nature to always bet against each other, may it be in basketball, F1, tennis... you name it. Keeps the fire burning, haha.
Currently, we're following the NBA Eastern Finals (because my Lakers lost so I'm rooting for the Bulls to win). And we made a bet. He's betting on Miami while I go for the underdogs.
What's at stake? Nothing fancy, just a new pair of footwear. Take a look:
For my hubby, he wants a new pair of Vibram FiveFingers Footwear. I'm not really sure what's the fuss about these because I don't like the style. Seriously, what's so fashionable about wiggly toes?
Apparently, that's not the reason why he wants it. Then, he showed me the website:
It comes in different colors too!
Join the barefooting revolution.
When we first introduced Vibram FiveFingers® footwear to the world, it was the beginning of a revolution.
For the first time, active outdoor athletes and fitness professionals were able to experience the sensation and freedom of going barefoot with the protection and sure-footed grip of a Vibram sole. Their response exceeded our wildest expectations.
Some customers told us they felt more connected to the earth and more in tune with their bodies. Others discovered an increased sense of balance and greater agility. And many reported health benefits like improved posture and less back pain. All were generous with their praise and their ideas, often suggesting new and creative uses for FiveFingers.
Our patented barefooting concept continues to evolve.
Now you can choose from a variety of designs to cover the wide range of activities you would rather do barefoot—everything from fitness training and yoga, to running and trekking, to kayaking and sailing. Clearly, the barefooting revolution is alive and well.
I guess it's because he's an athlete. Well, I'm an athlete but I still don't like the wiggly toes.
My turn.
I badly want a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals but I don't think I can wear high heels for the meantime. Well, not until I'm done with breastfeeding atleast. My OB advised me to keep it low in the shoe department to avoid accidents, varicose veins, and cracked heels. I can always wear heels when baby turns one.
Caitlin
So, instead of a sophisticated pair, I want a new pair of FitFlops. I have a pair in white, given by my husband's generous sister, but I want another pair because not only do they cushion my sole (because of my pregnancy weight gain) but they also help tone my muscles! I mean, when I got pregnant, I gave up jogging in UP which means I have no way of fixing my leg flabs (haha). Then came FitFlop. Look what I saw in their website:
FitFlop. Get a workout while you walk™
FitFlop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. Studies at the Centre for Human Performance at LSBU show that normal walking in FitFlop sandals* can help:
help increase leg and bottom muscle activity (up to 30%). (so you feel less ache in your hips and knees)
absorb more shock than a normal shoe (up to 22%)
help realign ground force reaction closer to your joints
* When compared to a control shoe. Case studies were performed on Microwobbleboard technology over a forty-eight month period by Dr David Cook, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics, and Darren James at the Centre for Human Performance at London South Bank University (LSBU).
I want the Pietra design, look! Gorgeous, isn't it?
side view
top view
Or I could go for the Frou Fuschine! Another fab design!
seriously frilly!
Alright. I think I made my point. Let's just hope Bulls beat Heat this year or else I'll be stuck with the wiggly toes for the rest of my life. Well, that is, until it gets "accidentally" destroyed. Haha, kidding. Until then, Time for my baby and I to get some Zzzs. Night!
Have you ever wonder how you'll give birth to a big baby? I have. And since I'm almost ready to pop, it's only natural for me to be curious.
So, just like a happy camper getting ready, I searched the Internet for a few tips and thankfully, I stumbled upon BabyCenterVideo's Channel on YouTube. It's very educational. And, I also bought their book entitled "Baby: The All-Important First Year".
I've been treating it like a bible and yes, I have learned a lot from it, from how to properly hold your baby to the very tricky breastfeeding. Honestly, I feel overwhelmed by all the information I'm reading. I just kept reminding myself that what I'm doing is for the benefit of my little one.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Yesterday, my husband and I went to see my OB, Dra. Orlina. It seems that I have been gaining the proper weight, which sets my little one to a whopping 1.5 kilos already (so that's the reason why I tire easily!). Isn't it amazing? I really can't wait to see him! I was browsing the net and look at what I've seen:
This is what my baby looks like now.
Oh gosh, just thinking about it makes me teary-eyed. I'm carrying another human being in my tummy and wow, that's so magical I just can't explain it.
Anyway, my OB advised me to see her every two weeks, especially now that I'm in my third trimester. After that, it'll be once a week until I finally give birth. I do hope I'll have a normal delivery because caesarean deliveries are much tougher and harder to go through, not to mention, expensive! I asked for a normal delivery package at MVMC and I was told that it's around 40K. If I have a caesarean, it'll be doubled! Wow, a whopping 80K and more pain? Definitely want the normal delivery.
For you mothers to be, here's what I've gathered from the Internet about the benefits of both the normal delivery and caesarean delivery:
The emotional advantages of having a natural childbirth can be huge. Natural childbirth is almost always an empowering experience for women. Many mothers who go through natural childbirth note how powerful they feel, how strong, and how they feel prepared to take on anything, including baby care.
Some mothers who aren't able to have a natural childbirth feel guilty about it or weak. That's not true: any mother who gives birth is strong, no matter the situation, but it doesn't mean that feeling won't come up. There is also research that shows that a newborn and mother on pain medication during birth may have trouble bonding right away, which can be stressful
Advantages of skipping labor induction:
Freedom of movement: Mothers who receive labor induction also receive constant fetal/mother monitoring and IVs, and lose much of their freedom of movement. Movement is one very important aspect of pain relief in a natural birth and can speed up labor. The mother confined to her bed loses these benefits.
Normal labor pain: Although it seems contradictory, one of the major advantages of natural childbirth is less pain. For example, there is normal labor pain and then there is induced labor pain. If you talk to mothers who have had both a natural labor and an induced labor, you'd hear most of them say that induced labor pain is far worse than natural labor pain.
Cesarean avoidance: Mothers who avoid medically inducing labor are more likely to give birth vaginally. This means no major surgery, no cesarean scar, no pain surrounding the cesarean, and a shorter after-birth recovery period. It's been shown that 50-75 percent of women who receive an induction will end up with a cesarean birth.
Keep in mind that babies exposed to labor induction also have to deal with harder contractions, possible complications, and the risk of a cesarean birth. Health wise, it's usually better for babies to be born vaginally because it better stimulates their breathing process. Additionally there are natural induction of labor techniques a woman can try before deciding on an induction.
Advantages of skipping medication pain relief:
There are plenty of pain medications that a mother can take during labor and childbirth from epidurals to narcotics, and more. Most have the advantage of pain relief but come with a slew of possible side effects and no labor drugs have been proven 100 percent safe for babies. Often, basic pain medications end up not working so the drugs are now in a mother and baby's system without cause.
Freedom from labor drugs means the mother and baby are able to be more present during the labor and birth. Medication can make a woman so drowsy or out of it that she may miss big parts of her baby's arrival. A newborn can be groggy as well due to medications.
Without labor medication, there's less risk of c-sections (cesarean sections). Like induction and other labor interventions, pain medication also puts a mother more at risk for a caesarean. Pain medications have some icky side effects like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and more. Plus keep in mind that all medications used during labor and childbirth cross the placenta and affect your baby's health as well. In the case of an epidural, the side effects are even scarier. Epidurals can result in major blood pressure drops, fever, detachment from reality, full body itching, lumbar puncture resulting in a spinal headache that can last weeks, and more.
Lastly, another one of the big advantages of natural childbirth is that non-groggy mothers and babies have an easier time getting started with proper breastfeeding.
Delivery by Caesarean section is a hot topic for debate between mothers, doctors, midwives and governments. Crucially, Caesarean section has saved the lives of thousands of women and babies and has played a part in drastically reducing the number of deaths during childbirth. However, as with any operation, there are immediate risks and potentially long term complications which fuel the controversy about Caesareans – it is often a difficult decision for mothers and doctors alike.
Too posh to push?
In my experience, the ‘too posh to push’ attitude is very rare amongst British mothers - most women prefer to have a normal delivery but will undergo the procedure for the benefit of their baby or themselves if advised by a health professional.
The World Health Organisation has suggested that hospitals should aim to have a Caesarean rate of less than 10-15%, however in most NHS hospitals the rate is closer to 20%. Caesarean sections are only performed in NHS hospitals when there is a concern about the safety of mother or baby.
Whether you are already planning an ‘elective’ Caesarean, you have been given the option of Caesarean or you are planning a normal delivery, it is well worth understanding what is involved in this common operation as this can alleviate a lot of fears.
Understand the Process
Before you have a Caesarean section the reasons for this delivery should be explained very clearly to you and your birthing partner, and the doctors will only go ahead if you have agreed to the operation.
The major risks of Caesarean are blood loss and infection, but your Obstetrician will be doing everything they can to minimise these risks. You will also meet the anesthetist to talk about the anesthetic and pain relief for the operation. Most Caesarean sections are performed in an operating theatre located on the labour ward, probably even on the same corridor. This means you will have to be transferred to your local hospital if you are delivering at a birth centre or at home. Although the prospect of an operation may be terrifying, most women are pleasantly surprised that it was not as bad as expected - it can still be a very fulfilling experience for you and your birth partner.
Most Caesareans are performed under some form of regional anesthetic which will either involve using the epidural you had for pain relief in labour, or sitting you on the edge of the operating table and putting a ‘spinal’ anesthetic in your back. You will then lie down on the operating table and the anesthetist will spend time testing with a cold spray to check you are numb from the top of your tummy to your toes. This type of anesthetic means you are awake for your operation and can still be involved in the delivery of your baby. It is also much better for your baby because, unlike a general anesthetic, regional anesthetic it does not reach your baby.
You will also have a thin tube, called a catheter, in your bladder to drain urine and a drip in your hand to give you fluids and additional drugs. When you and the anesthetist are happy that you cannot feel anything, the Obstetrician will clean your tummy gently with an antiseptic. A large drape will then cover you and also act as a curtain so you are not watching what is happening.
You will feel the sensation of pressure but not the feeling of pain. People often describe it as ‘someone doing the washing-up inside their tummy’.
You will be talking to the anesthetist and your birth partner who will help you relax and take your mind off the procedure. The Obstetrician will test the sensation once more and if you are completely pain free the operation will start. This usually involves making a cut across the lower part of your tummy just above the hair line. In the future the scar will be hidden by your knickers or bikini.
The operation involves opening the various layers of the abdominal wall to reach the womb. The bladder lies in front of the womb and this is carefully pushed away before opening the womb. The obstetrician slips their hand into the lower part of the womb and levers out the baby’s head, or bottom if your baby is ‘breech’. The assistant pushes on the top of your tummy and the baby is gently pushed out. Sometimes the curtain can be lowered at this point if you would like to see the baby coming out - don’t be scared to ask for this.
Delivery
The baby is usually delivered within the first five to ten minutes from starting the operation. The baby will be handed to a midwife who will check that the baby is ok and wrap it up, if you are having an ‘emergency’ caesarean section there will be a baby doctor to do the check. Your birth partner can observe the baby check at the cot if you are relaxed enough to let them leave your side for a few minutes. The baby is then brought back to meet you whilst the operation is still going on and you can give your baby a cuddle.
The obstetrician will deliver your placenta after they have delivered your baby through the same cut in your womb. They will then carefully stitch up all the layers which were cut to deliver the baby. This usually takes about thirty minutes. The skin is closed with different types of stitches in different hospitals. Stiches can be ‘dissolvable’, ‘non- dissolvable’ which are removed after five days, or ‘clips’. After the operation is completed, a bandage covers your wound and the drapes are removed. Blood clots are removed from your vagina with a swab and you are covered with a blanket.
You will be taken to a recovery area where you can sit up in bed, cuddle your baby and see your friends and family. You can try to breast feed and have a cup of tea or a light snack. A midwife will monitor your blood pressure and keep a drip running into your hand. Your anesthetic will relieve any pain for another two hours, but your midwife will check that you do not require any extra pain killers.
Recovery and planning for next time...
Most people are in hospital recovering for about three days. The first day you will still have a catheter in your bladder and a drip in your hand. When these are taken out, you will be able to start to walk around the ward and by the third day most people are feeling confident enough to go home. After your Caesarean section you should have an opportunity to talk to the doctors and midwives involved with your delivery. You may have some more questions about the operation and recovery at home. It is also worth discussing how it would be sensible to deliver a baby in the future, if you have had just one caesarean section you may be offered to try a normal delivery in your next pregnancy (a Vaginal Birth after Caesarean or VBAC).
Most Caesareans are straight forward but of course some are more difficult depending on the reason for Caesarean and the circumstances of delivery. The best weapon to keeping control over your own delivery is to understand why they are performing the operation and what will be involved. Think about all the delivery possibilities during your pregnancy, so you are not asking all the questions when there is little time and you are tired. Remember this is your child birth experience, don’t panic and you will stay in control. -Meg Wilson
Anyway, I hope these articles helped you, one way or another. I'm a bit tired now so I guess I'll sleep. Can't make my little one an insomniac, right? Haha. Good night!
When I got pregnant, I was near my desirable body weight so it was only natural to have clothes sizes S to M. Because of this problem, I had to buy a few L clothes and yep, maternity clothes as well.
Well, I feel like modelling my clothes so here's a few of my pregnant wardrobe and several other outfits.
Maid of Honor (first month)
Third month (F21 top and my ever trusty leggings)
Fourth month (leggings again!)
Folded and Hung shirt (partner with my fiancee)
Folded and Hung dress
I'm wearing our precious couple shirt bought from Trinoma
my first maternity dress from Gingersnaps (fifth month)
Swim wear cover up from Bayo
Who says pregnant women can't wear bikinis? From Nothing But Water
Sixth month! Bought this from Greenhills tiangge
I'll post more preggers outfits especially now that I'm in my 7th month. Who says you can't be fashionable when you're pregnant?
And oh, when you're pregnant, make sure you buy a good haul of maternity brassieres and a lot of pregnancy panties. I would suggest that you buy from Mother Care because of the comfortable and stylish designs:
Okay, got to go. I need to cook our lunch. I'm the domesticated goddess, hahaha.
****EDITED (for more Buntis outfits)
Another Gingersnaps maternity dress (before my haircut at 7 months)
At 7 months (with my fave F21 sandals) before going to work
8 months wearing a Buntis apparel as work outfit
At 9 months before going to bed (see my huge tummy? hahaha)
I've learned about you after my best friend got married (last November 21st 2010) in Pampanga. I was feeling a bit queasy all week before the big day. Since I was the Maid of Honor, I had to prepare her bridal shower and of course, made sure that everyone is comfortable with their gowns, accessories, etc. Not to mention the fact that I was also working 9 (sometimes 12) hours a day. In other words, I was really busy, working within a very hectic schedule (what, with my Stepping Up to Management training, newly promoted OIC tasks, and a bunch more of headache-forming problems).
When I took the pregnancy test on November 25th, I knew you were already in me. I had a gut-feeling, maternal instinct if you want to sound sentimental. Let me reiterate my symptoms:
nausea
I suddenly hated the smell of my favorite Victoria's Secret perfume
abdominal changes
swollen breasts
I can't eat
then suddenly began eating rice again
I was always tired
taken last November 25th 2010 at 4:30am
It was really a no-brainer. I mean, I knew exactly when you were conceived. Your father might tell you in the future that you were planned --- of course you were. Our Lord knows that He can trust your father and I so He has decided to give you to us.
After a positive PT, we went to see an OB-GYNE. That's a physician specializing in giving birth and pregnancy. Don't worry my dear son, we only want what's best for you so we went to Marikina Valley Medical Center. It's a new private, tertiary hospital in Marikina City (near Blue Wave, Marquinton). I heard it's founder is from St. Luke's Medical Center so not only are we getting the same treatment from SLMC but also, the same complete equipment and world-class facilities. Wow, I sound like an infomercial. I'm just psyched to see you delivered in a high class hospital. I told you; nothing but the best for my baby boy.
So, we went to see Dra. Beverly Orlina on the 11th of December. Everything seemed fine until the return check-up on the 18th.
You look so small!
Your father and I were so shocked to learned that I have a low uterus which may cause several complications during my pregnancy. Worried of what might happen to you, my OB advised me to take a week off work and have a complete bed rest. That meant I'm not allowed to leave my room, let alone move. However, being the workaholic that I am, I decided that washing the dishes won't do any harm. Wrong.
It was a few minutes before midnight, the eve of December 15th. I was on my bed, preparing to sleep when I felt a gush of liquid down my lower body area. It felt like peeing but in a weird way. So, I stood up and behold, a pool of blood stained my PJs. I never felt so scared in my entire life! Even now, the very thought of seeing blood when I know you're already formed gives me the creeps. Ugh. I don't even WANT to think about it. I screamed and went to your grandparents room. My mother tried to calm me down because I was shaking all over. She then told my sister to call your father. It was 12:05 AM.
I was rushed to MVMC. I felt dazed and confused, scared of the thought that I might lose you. The resident OB contacted my OB and they did a few hospital protocol before admitting me to the hospital. Your father looked calm but whenever he holds my hand, I knew that he was scared too.
Mommy's babysitter is your lovely grandmama
An emergency ultrasound was authorized by my OB even though the resident OB felt I might have lost you. Thank God my OB knows what she's doing! You know why? Because you were still in me! You're alive and I felt overjoyed after hearing this!
But, I had to be admitted for three days. And yes, a month-long rest from work. Which meant that on top of my week's off, I have to add another 30 days at home. Which is okay if you're on a vacation but trust me, when you're on house arrest, it's the most boring news ever!
Your father decided to have me in their home to make sure I'm near the hospital and that he's there to take care of us. This decision was thankfully accepted by my mother and father.
So, I spent Christmas and New Year's Eve in your father's home.And, not to mention, until the end of my month-long rest.
December 31st. This date marks another milestone in our lives. Your father officially proposed to me and as a token, he gave me this simple yet stunning diamond ring.
Sealed with a kiss.
I was in a bliss. And, after hearing from my OB that you'll be okay as long as I continue drinking my Duphaston and Duvadilan plus my Ceecon, I felt obliged to be happy all the time.
Mommy's baby book that records your progress
The pre-nuptial pictorial and the "pamamanhikan" (a Filipino tradition where the family of the groom visits the family of the bride and they discuss wedding details, etc) were another milestone in our lives. Not to mention the surprised bridal/baby shower given to me by my best friend (and your future godmother!)
The wedding preparations gave me another reason to smile amidst the difficulty. Your father and I didn't hire a wedding coordinator to cut on the budget. We were very hands on with the preparationz. So when March 12th 2011 came, we felt relieved and happy at the same time that it's all over. Your father and I are officially married, baby boy!
Mommy and Daddy are very happy!
Married life has been both a sacrifice and a blessing. And, knowing that you are about to be born kept us looking forward to another day. Being married to your father taught me a lot of things, baby boy. But most of all, it made me realize how much I love him. Waking up with him by my side kept me going. And, when you're finally here, you'll add fuel to my still ablaze spirit. I can't wait to meet you!
Oh, before I forget, we have scheduled a 4D ultrasound on the first week of June. We'll finally see you in your complete form! I mean, when we learned that you were a boy on April 9th, we were extremely pleased but a bit not satisfied because the sonologist only did a 2D ultrasound on you. She said that it's not yet advisable to do a 4D when the baby's still on his sixth month.
See! I can't see you on the film, just on the monitor!
I'm currently on my 30th week. A few more weeks (6 to be exact) and we'll finally meet! And oh, we've already bought your stuff. Your father and I were too excited that we almost burned all our dough in Rustan's Gateway! We have a 5k gift certificate but guess what, we have added an additional 7.5k for you. Look at our loot:
Shopping galore @ Rustan's Gateway
Baby loot! So worth it!
More!
The Diaper Bag that made me swoon!
Lifetime warranty.
Blue for baby boy
Complete care
Going green
More to come for the clothes but for now, have to make pigil myself
More blue stuff
Mittens! Booties!
I think that's all for now. I don't want to sound like an overprotective mom (although I might be, don't say I didn't warn you) but somehow, I just want to show you how much your father and I love you. Okay baby, mommy needs to log off now. Your father and I will watch the season finale of Big Bang Theory!
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