My husband is an avid John Lennon fan. One reason why we chose a "John" version for our son's name (Eian is the Irish form of John).
Happy birthday, John Lennon.
http://flashbacksrecordrack.com/?tag=the-john-lennon-signature-box-set
Bawat nanay, may kanya-kanyang kwento tungkol sa pagbubuntis at panganganak sa bawat anak nya. Ako, siyempre, meron din (nanay na din ako e!).
2 weeks before my due date, nag-leave na ako sa trabaho. Kung ako ang tatanungin, gusto ko pa sanang pumasok dahil workaholic ako e...joke, dahil kaya ko pa naman. Pero dahil sa dami ng nagsasabi sa akin ng: Huh? Ba't nandito ka pa, Elay? Dapat mag-leave ka na at baka abutin ka dito...nakakarindi na din. Bakit ba kasi marunong pa sila sa akin?! Hehehe! At si Irvin, natatakot na din na abutin ako sa Makati ng pagsakit ng tiyan, baka dalhin ako sa Makati Med e siguradong hindi lang labor at delivery room ang pagbabayaran namin doon, baka ma-ICU pa ako sa mahal ng bill. Alam ko naman na hindi katulad sa mga movies na tipong laging emergency ang panganganak at nagbilin na ako sa officemate ko (na may kotse) na iuwi nya ako sa Cavite kung kakailanganin ng pagkakataon. Pero sige na nga, pagbigyan na sila, huwag lang na may pagsisihan pa o sisihin pa ako later on.
Ano'ng ginawa ko sa 2 weeks? Matulog, magbasa, mag-internet, mag-elliptical at maglakad sa SM Rosario, SM Bacoor at MOA. Sa bawat check-up, inaabangan ko kung ilang cm na ako, only to find out na hindi pa pala open ang cervix ko at mataas pa siya. Araw-araw ang mental torture at gabi-gabi ang puyat.
Dumating si due date, wala pang senyales na lalabas na siya kaya in-"strip" na ako (ito 'yung io-open ang cervix). Ayun, 1 cm na. Dapat daw magtuluy-tuloy na. Nagbilin na si Doktora ng mga warning signs at to do's. This is it na yata talaga.
July 1. 4 days past my due date. Maaga akong nagising, pero nothing extraordinary. Nagsawa na kasi ako sa pagtatanong ng "Is today the day?" kaya handa na ako sa "just another day". Kakaalis lang ni Irvin at nakahiga pa ako. Around 8 am, I thought I heard a "popping" sound tapos biglang may lumabas sa akin. Dali-dali akong kumuha ng sanitary napkin at nagtakbo sa banyo. (Pasintabi po: medyo graphic ang description.) My sticky discharge with streak of blood sa underwear ko. Hmmm...so...ahm...okey, pwede bang mag-panic muna? Hehehe, joke! Paglabas ng banyo, nakasalubong ko si MIL at sinabi ko na parang pumutok na ang water bag ko (hindi ako sure e). Nagtext ako sa officemate ko. Pinauwi ko si Irvin (na kadarating lang sa office). Tinawagan ko si Nanay. Pumasok ako ng kwarto, huminga ng malalim, nagdasal, naghanap ng magandang underwear (as advised by my officemate) at damit, naligo, nagbihis. Dumating na si Irvin na mukhang mas ngarag pa kaysa sa akin. Tinawagan ko si Doktora at pinapunta na nya ako sa ospital.
Dahil hindi pa ako nagbe-breakfast, nag-drive thru muna kami sa McDo. (Aba, siyempre, hindi ko sure kung kelan ang next meal ko kaya pagkain ang inuna ko!) On the way to the hospital, nagtext na ako sa mga dapat i-text. Nakausap ko din 'yung friend ko na doctor.
Past 10 ng dumating kami sa ospital. Dahil kalmado naman ako ay nakuha ko pang ilahad ang pangyayari nu'ng umagang 'yun (except 'yung McDo, baka mainggit pa sila e).Ini-stress ko na hindi madami 'yung lumabas sa akin kaya hindi ko sigurado na pumutok na ang water bag ko. In-IE ako nu'ng doktor sa ER. May water pa naman sa water bag ko at 2-3 cm pa lang ang opening ng cervix ko. (2-3 cm pa lang ako? What the?! The day before ay nanggaling pa ako sa 1-day sale for SM Advantage cardholders at halos 3 times kong nilibot ang buong SM Bacoor, tapos 1 cm lang ang nadagdag?!) Nilagyan na ako ng dextrose at pampahilab (oxytocin), pinagsuot na ako ng hospital gown at adult diapers, at dahil hihintayin pa ang dilation ng cervix ko, pinadala muna ako sa private room.
So ayan, okey pa naman. Bihira lang ang contractions at hindi naman ako nasasaktan. Nu'ng una, hindi ako pinaglalakad dahil nga pumutok na ang water bag ko. Pero later on, pinaglakad na din ako dahil hindi pa naman pala talagang pumutok, nag-leak lang. From time to time ay may pumupuntang nurses (and nursing students) para i-check ako (at pag-aralan). Uy mabait ako ha, very accomodating ako sa kanila. Dumating ang nanay at tatay ko kaya umalis muna si Irvin para bumili ng mga kailangan pa like Wilkins at S-26 (infant formula). At dahil mukhang hindi pa naman ako manganganak, umuwi muna sila. Dumating din si MIL with Kishie, pero umuwi din after a few hours. Binisita na din ako ni Doktora.
Lumilipas ang oras, unti-unti kong nararamdaman ang sakit ng contractions. How do I describe it ba? Hmmm...ang masasabi ko lang ay...it's indescribable :) Basta ang natatandaan ko, sakit ng likod ang inirereklamo ko, 'yung parang super ngalay na gusto kong dumapa at padaganan ang likod ko.
At 3 PM, in-IE ulit ako. Ang nasa isip ko, "Nasa 5-6 cm na siguro ako." But guess what? (O guess muna ha!) 3 cm pa lang ako! Pffft! Mabagal nga daw ang progress ng labor ko :( So ayun, sige lang. Tik-tak. Tik-tak. Tik-tak. Toe. :P
At 5 PM, biglang may sudden gush of wetness. Pumutok na ang water bag ko (totoo na ito this time). At simula noon, naging mas malimit (although irregular ang interval) at mas masakit ang contractions. Dumating si Nanay at sila ni Irvin ang naging saksi ng kung anuman ang pinagdaanan ko ng gabing 'yon. Ang smiles, unti-unting napalitan ng aray. Ang jokes, unti-unting napalitan ng luha.
Hindi ko alam pero nabibilisan ako sa oras ng panahong 'yon.
Unti-unting nag-progress ang labor ko. At 8 PM, nasa 7-8 cm na ako. And at 9 PM, dahil nasa 8 cm na ako, ipinasya nang dalhin ako sa labor room. (Ni-remind ko si Irvin na huwag kalimutan ang camera. Mahalaga 'yun.) Pinagtulung-tulungan akong buhat-buhatin at ilipat-lipat ng kama ng tatlong tauhan ng ospital. Pagdating sa labor room, isang nurse lang ang naroon kaya nag-chikahan na lang kami. Tinuruan nya ako ng breathing techniques at nagtanong-tanong ako about sa mga karanasan nya sa mga nagle-labor sa kwartong 'yon. Tinatawag ko siya tuwing may contractions dahil kailangan nyang makuha ang interval at duration. Maya-maya ay dumating na si Doktora, in-advise nya ako na by 11 PM ay over and done na ang lahat ng paghihirap ko dahil by that time ay 10 CM na ako (fully dilated) dahil ang average is 1 hour ang dilation per cm.
Masasabi kong ang next 2 hours na ang pinakamahirap na physical pain na naranasan ko sa buong buhay ko. Proud ako na naging kalmado ako ng mga oras na 'yon, hindi ako nagtatatarang o nagwala katulad ng mga nasa movies. Nakakahiya kaya! Hehehe! In between contractions ay sinusubukan kong kalimutan ang pinagdadaanan ko sa pamamagitan ng pahinga at pakikipag-usap kay Doktora (sinabi ko sa kanya na naghihintay na ang mga chocolates ko sa akin at ang plano kong magpa-massage after). Lumipas ang oras, ilang dasal at ilang IE. Tinanong ako ni Doktora kung gusto kong magpa-epidural (ito 'yung mararamdaman mo ang contractions, pero hindi ang pain), mas mahal lang daw. Hmmm...isip isip...tumanggi ako (tapang ko 'no?). Tumanggi ako dahil alam kong kakayanin ko pa, naka-8 CM na ako, ngayon pa ba naman ako bibitaw? (At lagi akong constipated kaya sanay na akong umire hahaha!)
10 PM...10:30 PM...11 PM. Nu'ng in-IE ako, walang progress, 8 CM pa din at nagsisimula na daw humaba ang ulo ng baby. Tinanong nya ako kung gusto ko na bang magpa-CS.
With hesitation, I agreed. Tinanggap ko na din na I failed. The one thing that I prayed for while I was pregnant ay 'yung hindi ako dumanas ng parehong labor at CS sa isang anakan. Pero okey lang 'yon dahil ayoko namang mag-take chances pa sa normal delivery dahil alam kong stressed din ang baby sa loob.
Ipinatawag ni Doktora si Irvin na nasa labas lang ng labor room. Inilahad ang mga pangyayari (parang sa korte) at sinabi din na it might be time para sa CS operation. Nakikinig naman si Irvin at nag-agree na din siya (with hesitation din). Hindi ko na maalala kung ano ang pinagsasasabi ko n'un, basta alam ko nakikipagbiruan pa ako kay Doktora. Sabi ni Doktora kay Irvin, "Ganyan lang 'yan pero tingnan mo kapag humilab, iba na ang iyak." Tila sinadya naman ng pagkakataon na humilab, habang naroon si Irvin! Uh-oh! Hindi ko alam kung paano ang iyak ko noon pero pinagtatawanan ako ni Irvin habang ginagaya nya ako ng ganito: Doktora, ayan na naman...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!
Inihanda na ako sa operation, ipinatawag na ang anesthesiologist at ibinaba na ako sa delivery room. Natawa pa ako sa isang nagbuhat sa akin at nagtulak ng hospital bed. Nu'ng sinabi ko na "Kuya, dahan-dahan naman..." Sabi nya, "Aaaaay, hindi po ako kuya...ate po ako!" Susmaryosep, sorry girl! Hahaha!
Pagdating sa delivery room, inilipat ako ng bed at inihanda na para saksakan ng anesthesia. Dahil alam kong pwede naman akong gising during the operation, tinanong ko 'yung nurse kung ano 'yung isasaksak nya sa akin.
Me: Ahm...Nurse, ano 'yan?
Nurse: Sedative po.
Me: Ay, miss...gusto ko sana gising ako during the operation...
Nurse: Aantukin lang po kayo dito, pero hindi po kayo makakatulog.
Me: Ah okay.
(Hmmm...hindi ba kapag inaantok ka e gusto mong matulog?! Labo naman oh!)
Pumikit muna ako, nakakapagod kayang umire ng ilang oras 'no!
Sa pagmulat ng mata ko...
Me: Nurse, ano'ng oras na?
Nurse: 1:36 po.
Me: Tsk! Ano ba 'yan, inabot pa ako ng July 2!
Nurse: Ma'am, baby out na po ng 11:39.
Confused. Shocked. Sad. Pero tulog ulit.
My goodness, natapos na pala ang operation ng hindi ko man lang namalayan. Kasalanan nu'ng nurse, hindi daw ako makakatulog. E parang ilang seconds lang after nya ako saksakan e humihilik na ako.
Namalayan ko nu'ng dinala ako sa private room. Alam kong andun si Nanay, Tatay at Irvin. Sabi ni Irvin, ang kulit ko daw at ayaw kong pauwiin sila Nanay. Pero hindi ko 'yun matandaan. Ang natandaan ko ay nu'ng sinabi ni Nanay, with matching tears, na bayad na daw ako. (Di ba ganun daw, makakabayad lang ang anak sa magulang kapag nagkaanak na din siya.)
Maaga akong nagising. Siyempre in-announce ko na muna sa whole wide world that I am over and done sa delivery. I have received a lot of congratulations and well wishes.
The first time I saw him, sa mga kuha sa digicam, medyo disappointed ako. Pero inalala ko 'yung mga nabasa ko. Iba daw talaga ang itsura ng newborn. I have to see the real him.
Sadly, hindi pa pwedeng i-room in sa akin dahil I have to be able to move na...na hindi ko pa magawa dahil sa mga sakit sa buong katawan ko. Maghapon akong nakahilata. Isang pwesto lang. Ine-encourage ako ng mga nurse na gumalaw, not exactly maglakad, pero tumagilid-tagilid daw ako dapat. E ang sakit kaya! Sila kaya i-CS ko :P Tpos bawal pa kumain :( Kawawa naman 'yung mga chocolates ko sa ref. Bawal din magsalita para hindi kabagan. Parusa talaga. Pero minsan nakakalimutan ko na bawal magsalita. Dumalaw sila Agnes at Tan, Dinay at Gege, si Arvie, si Ate Andrea with Chloi, at mga in-laws ko, with Kishie.
Si Irvin pumupunta sa nursery para tingnan siya. At si Tatay, akala ko mahihimatay pa dahil napakagwapo daw ng apo nya, mas gwapo pa kay Cayon (pamangkin ko). Kaya ang tanong ko: Talaga? (Kasi super pogi ni Cayon nu'ng pinanganak e...nu'ng pinanganak lang hahaha!) Pagkakita nya, dali-daling umalis para sabihin kay Nanay at kay Ate.
That night, pinayagan akong kumain ng Skyflakes at tea.
Saturday ng mga 3 AM. Tinanong ng nurse kung nag-wiwi na ako dahil dapat pala by that time ay naka-wiwi na ako. So nu'ng oras ding 'yon, naging determined akong maglakad, with lots of encouragement at support kay Irvin kahit puyat na puyat pa siya. Grabe, parusa talaga. Mga 20 minutes ko ding kinarir ang pagpunta ng CR. Tinanong din ni nurse kung umutot at nag-poopoo na ako. 'Yan pala ang requirements para masabing okey na ako, at para mai-room-in na siya sa akin. So kinarir ko na naman pareho. After an hour, at ilang patagi-tagilid, nakautot na ako. (Yehey! Pwede na kumain, soft diet nga lang.) After another hour, nag-poopoo na ako. (Woot woot!)
As promised, dinala siya sa akin ng Saturday morning. (I remembered, that night, tinawag pa namin 'yung nurse dahil hindi namin mapatahan. Ilang minuto din akong nag-hum ng Silent Night bago na-pacify.)
My reaction? Hmmm...honestly, parang wala lang. Parang hindi ako makapaniwala na galing siya sa akin. Hanggang sa unti-unting nag-sink in sa akin. Eto na pala ang fruit of my labor, my own piglet, my little angel.
My Baby Rian.
I thank you, bow.
Haaay, salamat. Nai-publish din!
I found this in my inbox from way back 2006. Very nice article (too bad I do not know who the author is).
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The best gift anyone can give me this new year is a planner. I like planners because I am a planner. I like thinking ahead. I like being prepared. I get a high from being on top of things. But some things are beyond planning. And life doesn't always turn out as planned.
You don't plan for a broken heart. You don't plan for a failed business venture. You don't plan for an adulterous husband. You don't plan for an autistic child. You don't plan for spinsterhood. You don't plan for a lump in your breast.
You plan to be young forever. You plan to climb the corporate ladder. You plan to be rich and powerful. You plan to be acclaimed and successful. You plan to conquer the universe. You plan to fall in love - and be loved forever.
You don't plan to be sad. You don't plan to be hurt. You don't plan to be broke. You don't plan to be betrayed. You don't plan to be alone in this world. You plan to be happy. You don't plan to be shattered.
Sometimes if you work hard enough, you can get what you want. But most times, what you want and what you get are two different things.
We, mortals, plan. But so does God in the heavens.
Sometimes, it is difficult to understand God's plans - especially when His plans are not in consonance with ours. Often, when God sends us crisis, we turn to Him in anger. True, we cannot choose the cross that God wishes us to carry but we can carry that cross with courage knowing that God will never abandon us nor send something we cannot cope with.
Sometimes, God breaks our spirit to save our soul. Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole. Sometimes, God sends us pain so we can be stronger. Sometimes, God sends us failure so we can be humble. Sometimes God sends us illness so we can take better care of ourselves. Sometimes, God takes everything away from us so we can learn the value of everything He gave us.
Make plans but understand that we live by God's grace.
Growing up we get dismayed by the realization that we could not get everything we want. Growing old, I am delighted by the realization that although I can't have everything I want, I can want everything I have.
Due date's today.
Although 2 weeks pa before ako ma-consider na overdue, medyo naiinip na din ako. 'Yung iba, sinasabi nila na as early as 7th month, gusto na nila ilabas ang baby. Ako, 2 weeks ago ko lang naramdaman 'yun. Siguro dahil naka-leave na ako from work, or siguro dahil nahihirapan na ako matulog, or siguro dahil ina-anticipate ko na na pwede na akong manganak anytime.
Pero one thing's for sure, I'll miss being pregnant. 'Yung kahit paano may special treatment ka, may excuse mag-inarte minsan, may excuse magmataray ng hindi pinapatulan. Best of all, the feeling that there really is life growing inside you. 'Yung parang minsan may fish na nagsu-swim-swim, or parang may bubbles na nagpa-pop sa loob. Kahit pa nakakatawa na distorted 'yung tiyan ko - nakabukol sa isang side, flat sa kabila. 'Yan ang mami-miss ko :)
I am expected to deliver in 2-3 days. At honestly, madami pang gumugulo sa isip ko.
One step at a time lang. Go go go!
baby couture bag, nivea wipes and terno sets from my ctx team
egg bag with lotsa GOOD STUFF (i.e. chocolates!) and parenting book from my ctx friendsHinaharap ko ang possibility na isumpa ako ni Irvin sa pag-publish ng mga text messages nya but this is my way of letting him know how i tresure his every word.
HAPPY TATAY'S DAY! (Pati na din sa lahat ng tatay sa buong mundo!)
- Haay! Ang ganda talaga mag-smile ng baby ko :-) (06/11)
- Kamusta na kayo ng baby kong pogi? (06/04)
- Wag ka naman magpapagutom, kawawa din si baby. (06/03)
- Bakit kaya hindi magaslaw ang anak ko ngayon? Siguro dahil masarap matulog sa panahon ngayon. (06/03)
- Malapit ko na siya makarga. Yehey!!! :-) (06/02)
- Tatay: Nalulungkot ako ngayon.
Nanay: Huh? Baket?
Tatay: Miss ko na kasi kayo ni baby e. (05/25)
- Ang sarap talaga pagmasdan ang anak natin, nakakarelax. Haaay! (05/21)
- Nanay: Ay sinisinok ang bata!
Tatay: Nyak! Bakit kaya? Teka gulatin ko...BUYGA!(05/19)
- Buti na lang may pics ako ng baby natin, nawawala pagod ko kapag nakikita ko'ng kapogian nya. (05/17)
- Healthy yan kasi malikot e, energetic! (05/14)
- Sabihin mo kay baby, huwag na masyado malikot, susunduin kayo ni Tatay mmaya :-) (05/04)
- Ilang araw na lang, excited na ako! (04/28)
- Manang-mana sa nanay! (04/27)
- Konti na lang makikita na natin si baby :-) (04/21)
- Naku kawawa ka naman, baka napagod din ang poging-pogi kong anak. (04/19)
- Nanay: Naku anak, huwag ka sanang magmana kay _____!
Tatay: Oo nga, anak...please! (04/10)
- Say hello for me to my baby. Huwag kamo masyado malikot baka mahirapan na naman si nanay...Sabihin mo kay baby matutulog na si Tatay. (03/27)
- Pakinggan mo...I love you Nanay! Sarap di ba? (03/13)
- Tatay: Excited na talaga ako sa baby natin.
Nanay: E pa'no kung baby girl?
Tatay: Kahit ano naman, excited pa din ako...Gusto ko kasi kapag nakikita ko siya sasabihin ko sa sarili ko, "Anak ko 'yan" Hehe!
Nanay: Hmph! Tapos kapag may maling ginawa, ang sasabihin mo "'Yang anak mo!"
Tatay: Hindi no! Sasabihin ko lang, "'Yan talagang apo ng tatay mo!" Hahaha! (02/25)
- Nanay: Si Remus at Romulus 'yung founders ng Rome. Pinatay ni Romulus si Remus.
Tatay: Aba'y lokong Romulus 'yun ah! (02/24)
- Tatay: Lalaki siyang macho katulad ng tatay nya at mapagmahal din sa magulang katulad ng tatay nya...kasi 'yung pagiging mabait, maalalahanin, magalang at magandang lalaki sa 'yo galing. (02/24)
- Sana malaki na baby natin para kasama natin siya sa mga pictures. Hehe! (02/24)
- Nami-miss ko na kayo ni Baby Remus. (02/18)
- Tatay: Malikot ba'ng anak ko?
Nanay: Super.
Tatay: Ako bahala dyan, hehe. (02/17)
- Cheer up! Pogi ng baby mo! (02/16)
- Matulog na kayong mag-ina. (01/30)
- Nanay: Tayo'y tumalon, tayo'y sumigaw, maghawak-hawak, tayo'y sumayaw...
Tatay: Manood ka lang dyan, wag ka tumalon, sumigaw at sumayaw. (01/09)
- Isipin mo na lang, kapalit ng sakripisyo mo ngayon e magiging healthy ang baby natin (12/05)
- Lanlanlinlalalan... :-) (11/26)
- Nanay: 9th week, kasinlaki na siya ng grape.
Tatay: Wow! Laki na ng anak ko! (11/23)
- Nanay: 5th week, kasinlaki na siya ng sesame seed.
Tatay: Wow! Anlaki-laki na ng anak ko! (10/25)
- Meme muna mga babies ko. (10/22)
- Text mo ako kapag sunduin kita dyan ha. Wag ka masyado maggagagalaw, baka mapagod babies ko. (10/19)
- Ang mahalaga, be strong, be positive and be happy para maganda mga babies natin. (10/18)
Hmmm...Am I?
terrazas de punta fuego as backdrop
bat ako lang ang...erm...voluptuous?
pa-cuteness
May 1-2. Went to SM with Nanay to shop for baby stuff :) Sadly, my credit card limit for installment was not enough to cover my purchases so I had to charge it to straight payment. And then I forgot to divide my purchases into single receipts of 2K so I can avail of free tall Starbucks beverage and Baby Company GC worth 100. Hay, what a loser!May 8-9. The usual Saturday. Sunday - we accompanied Tatay at SM Supermarket that morning. That night, we accompanied Nana to SM Cinema Rosario. We were supposed to watch Iron Man 2 (for the second time) while Nana watches a Marian-Dingdong movie. But we were already late for Iron Man 2 and I would not watch a Marian-Dingdong movie so Irvin and I ended up at a bench just outside of the movie house talking until we run out of topics to talk about. Har har!
May 15-16. I went with Irvin at Baste, needed to work on something! So while Irvin was on a seminar, I was with my book, paper and pen the whole day. Slept at Tanza because there were some painting jobs done at our house in Rosario. Sunday - worked on a project :)
caleruega. may 24, 2010
G-A-S-T-O-S!
Ang mahal pala talagang magpalaki ng anak, and take note, hindi pa siya lumalabas sa akin nyan ha!
Hindi naman sa ina-account ko lahat, pero accountant kasi ako e hehehe! Hindi ko talaga maiwasan na hindi i-monitor ang mga gastos. Pointer na din sa mga nagpaplano kaya ishe-share ko sa inyo, eto po ang overview.
Prenatal check-up - Php 300/visit (luckily, reimbursable ito sa health card namin)
Prenatal medicine - PhP 800/month ('yan 'yung average)
'Yan 'yung regular na monthly expenses. Lalagyan ko sana ng "Others" pero na-realize ko na mahirap pala i-estimate 'yun. It would include 'yung mga kung anu-ano ko pang binibili like fruits (minsan kapag feeling healthy), low-fat milk (calcium!) at 'yung mga paminsan-minsang trip kong kainin.
Sa health center ako nagpabakuna para libre :)
Isama pa diyan ang maternity clothes (kasama na ang mga bagong bra at mga lola panty), talagang total change of wardrobe.
And recently, nag-shopping na kami for the baby. (Thanks to my colleagues and friends for the inputs, especially to Ate Lois, my former SA at SGV.)
Apparel
149.75 Tie-side shirts - sleeveless (2 pcs)
159.75 Tie-side shirts - short-sleeved (2 pcs)
179.75 Tie-side shirts - long-sleeved (2 pcs)
152.78 Onesies - going-home outfit (1 pc, w/ 10% discount)
503.55 Receiving blankets (2 pcs, w/10% discount)
069.75 Bonnets (3 pairs)
069.75 Mittens (3 pairs)
119.75 Infant socks (3 pairs)
089.75 Bibs (3 pcs)
Diapers
039.75 Diaper clamp (2 pairs)
285.50 Disposable diapers (48 pcs)
Nursery Linen
1376.55 Comforter, bolsters, pillow (1 set, w/10% discount) - c/o AMASE
0296.78 Extra bolsters and pillow case (1 set, w/10% discount)
Bathing Accessories
1439.55 Bath tub and bath support (1 pc each, w/10% discount)
0079.75 Wash cloth (6 pcs, w/10% discount)
Grooming accessories
00.00 Nailcutter (included in the apothecary set below)
58.28 Powder case (1 pc, w/10% discount)
Toiletries
064.00 Liquid bath (1 bottle)
032.00 Baby oil (1 bottle)
014.00 Ethyl alcohol (1 bottle)
049.75 Cotton balls (1 pack)
296.78 Cotton buds for newborn (1 pack, w/10% discount)
093.75 Petroleum jelly (1 bottle)
099.75 Baby wipes (2 packs)
Apothecary
719.78 Thermometer, nasal aspirator, dropper (1 set, w/10% discount)
Feeding/Nursing Essentials
1500.00 5 oz feeding bottles (4 pcs)
1999.50 9 oz feeding bottles (6 pcs)
0341.78 Extra nipples (2 pcs)
1799.77 Electric sterilizer (1 pc, w/ 10% discount)
0215.78 Bottle and nipple brush (1 pc each, w/ 10% discount)
0289.00 Liquid cleanser for bottles and nipples (1 bottle)
0034.75 Bottle tong (1 pc)
0479.75 Bottle keeper (1 pc)
0179.78 Milk container (1 pc, w/10% discount)
Nursery Finishings/Other Essentials
7650.00 Crib/playpen
20,930.62 TOTAL
Ayaaan, akalain mo...sa dami ng hindi ko binili ay naka-21 tawsan pesosesoses na ako!
Oo, madami pa akong hindi binili diyan! As in! (Nanghihinayang lang ako na hindi ako nakapamili sa Baclaran para makamura kasi hindi ko naman pwedeng kaladkarin si Nanay sa ganitong init ng panahon!)
Napansin nyo, tig-2 pieces lang 'yung mga tie-side shirts? Kasi buhay pa 'yung tie-side shirts namin ni Ate (o di ba, CIRCA 1975 pa 'yun!). Actually, kaya lang ako bumili ay para kapag nag-picturetaking, hindi naman mukhang aping-api ang aking Mi Bebe na medyo manipis na 'yung damit nya with matching embroidery pa ng "Moya-Solis".
Napansin nyo, walang pajamas, lampin at bigkis at konti lang ang receiving blankets, bonnets, mittens, bibs at booties? Kasi nasa amin pa 'yung pinagliitan ng mga pamangkin ko. Sayang nga 'yun crib ng mga pamangkin ko, nasira nu'ng umalis sila.
Napansin nyo, may "c/o AMASE" 'yung set of comforter, bolsters at pillow? Kasi sila ang sponsor nyan e! (Ooops, speaking of this, sa katapusan ang payment due date ng credit card ko...hehehe! Love you, girls!)
Napansin nyo, may bath tub at bath supporter pa? Kasi baka mahirapan si Nanay na magpaligo e, para makatulong sa kanya. ('Yan ay kapag pumapasok na ako, mag-aaral siyempre akong magpaligo ng baby!)
Napansin nyo, ang mahal ng bote? Kasi naman, obviously, 'yan ang pinakamagagamit so nag-invest na ako sa Avent at Chicco.
Napansin nyo, walang car seat at stroller? Kasi mahal e, wala na akong pera hahaha! Actually, sabi ni Ate ay ipapadala daw nya 'yung pinaglumaan ng mga pamangkin ko. Siyempre, ako naman, with open arms kong tatanggapin 'yun.
'Yung baby book at nursery bag, plano kong ipa-sponsor sa mga officemates ko kapag binigyan nila ako ng baby shower, hehe!
'Yung iba, later ko pa bibilhin like 'yung hairbrush and comb (hindi ko pa sure kung may hair siya :P), finger toothbrush (hinliliit at wash cloth na lang daw sabi ni Nanay), breast pump at breast pad (hindi ko pa sure kung may breast ako este breastmilk pala, hehehe), rubber cot sheet (eto 'yung parang bubble sheet na baligtarang pink at blue, alam nating lahat 'yan!) at mosquito net (hindi ko pa sure kung kailangan ba nito or magdamag ko na lang pagbabantayin si Irvin para walang lamok na makalapit sa amin).
Alam ko simula pa lang ito.
Pero katulad ng palagi naming iniisip ni Irvin: God will provide.
We opted to avail of In My Womb's Pearl Package (the cheapest 3D/4D package they have). I had my first scan last April 18 but since my baby is presented in a Frank breech position (and his face is covered by his hands and legs), the doctor had to reschedule me for a rescan to get a clearer view of my baby's face.
Well, I just realized I wanted to share my experiences, musings, questions and whatever’s about this scary and crazy ride called pregnancy :)
Foreword. This is my second pregnancy. My first pregnancy, sadly, ended up in miscarriage in March of 2009. Now I have someone I call “my one missed angel” up in heaven who now cares for his baby brother.
Symptoms and side effects. For me, pregnancy has both the yucky and cutie side. What I always bear in mind is that pregnancy is such a beautiful thing, and beautiful things come with small and big sacrifices.
I blame all of these to pregnancy hormones: increased vaginal discharge (Ooops, sorry, I hope you’re not munching on something while reading this. But yes, I needed to invest in pantiliners.); constipation (Ooops again! I told you, pregnancy has the yucky side.); heartburn (There were days when that burning sensation in my chest and throat is just too much. Aaargh!); breast changes (I needed to get new bras, which are a size bigger.); round ligament pain (The pain is tolerable, though.); fatigue (I’m too tired to explain…); shortness of breath (especially now in my 3rd trimester); frequent urination (That GTG feeling!); forgetfulness (What am I writing about again?!); leg cramps (which make me cry in the middle of the night); and backaches (a good excuse for a quick massage).
And there are those stretch marks (I did not know I have these until one day, Irvin looked at me quizzically and said, “Ay, ano yan?” I wanted to cry when I saw my abdomen in the mirror.) and skin darkening.
But lucky me, I have not experienced morning (or for others, all-day) sickness. No nausea, no fainting, no dizziness. No bleeding gums or nosebleeds. No extraordinary cravings (lucky husband, too!).
Sleep. During my 1st trimester, I had trouble sleeping because I had to run to the bathroom to pee every so often. During my 2nd trimester, I fall asleep easily but wakes up during the night, usually with a grunt of pain, because of leg cramps. Now that I’m in my 3rd trimester, there were nights when sleep would elude me - sometimes because the weather is too hot, or because the baby kicks too much, or because I have a lot of things in my mind.
Baby kicks. I was on my 18th week when I felt him move, but I was not sure then. January 30, I am sure, it was definitely my baby! Feeling my tummy and seeing the “wave” is so much fun, it has become a bonding time for me and Irvin.
Emotions. Super happy one moment, crybaby the next. I am charging pregnancy hormones for these times. (I can imagine Irvin rolling his eyes upon reading this. I admit that there were times I was SO mean to him. Sorry!)
Worries. I asked Irvin once if there had been a time when he worried that our baby would have an abnormality or an illness upon birth. He said none. So is it part of motherhood or am I just being a nonsense worrier?
Baby name. I was on my 5th month when we started scouting for a baby name. I didn’t realize it was so difficult – exchanging text messages, browsing through baby names websites, listing viable names. We settled with a name, actually two names with our initials R and E, by February 17 (we became tired of researching for a name).
References. I was lent a copy of the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting, but when I saw that the book is okay, I decided to buy one. One colleague also lent me a copy of The Smart Mom’s Guide to Pregnancy and Baby’s First Year, this one is very helpful also. My favorite website is www.babycenter.com.
Postscript. I am currently on my 32nd week. A few more weeks and I will be embarking on a lifetime journey of motherhood - crossing “decision” lanes, driving along potholed roads and steering towards responsibility and growth. Well, wish me luck!
Two weeks ago, my father had a stroke. The stroke affected that part of his brain which controls his sense of balance. I still thank God that that is the worst part, he was not paralyzed and he need not be rehabilitated.
When he was hospitalized, I was in a circus of emotions.
My father is a strong man and I realized that it’s just plain heartbreaking to see someone you’ve known all your life to be tough in a weak state of health. And I have a mother and a seven-month pregnant belly to worry about. (Thanks to Irvin, I have someone to share my burden with.)
Right now, he is having his recovery at home. He is still having problems with his vision and his walk is still unstable. But by and large, he is okay.
I remember reading Bo Sanchez’s blog entry entitled All Things Will Work Out For Your Good. There may be times when you will ask, “Where is God?” The answer: He is working, connecting the pieces of your life together, completing the jigsaw puzzle that is your life.
February 20-21. Special Saturday because I met with my highschool buddies, Arvie and Ivy, the latter on her Mazda 3 hatchback. Arvie and I just realized how poor we are, hahaha! Ate at Joey Pepperoni's. Just the usual Sunday at home.
March 20-21. Saturday - attended Mama Jasmin's birthday, had a nice chat with Irvin and his cousins. The usual Sunday :)Presenting...the evolution of a butete :) (Warning: not for the faint-hearted. Hehehe!)
at 5 weeks and 3 days
at 17 weeks and 6 days
at 21 weeks and 4 days
at 26 weeks and 4 days
One of the reasons why I especially love weekends is because I get the chance to see my niece and nephews from the other side of the globe.
Taken yesterday. Ate and Lex on the front. Behind them is my brother-in-law, Norly, who fell asleep as he was putting the two boys, Cayon and Clarence, to sleep.
Tita: Lex, sing ka naman ng Lady Gaga...
Lex (whispers to Mommy): Mommy, 'di ba bad 'yung Gaga?
Mommy: Okey lang 'yun, Lex. Name nya naman 'yung Gaga.
(Tsk tsk tsk, bad influence pa si Tita!)
~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~
Kakapabunot lang ni Tatay Ely ng front teeth nya...
Tita: Lex, tingnan mo si Tatay Ely oh!
Tatay Ely smiles big.
Lex (whispers to Daddy): Si Tatay vampire!
(A! A! A! A! A!)
~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~
Tita: Lex, isip ka naman ng name para sa baby boy ni Tita.
Lex: Asia?
Mommy: E pang-girl 'yun e. Isip ka pa ng iba...
Lex: Ahm, okay!
After 12 hours...
Tita: O Lex, nakaisip ka na ng name para sa baby ko?
Lex: Ahm, yes!
Tita: Ano 'yun?
Lex: Pepe!
(Hmmm...mukhang pinag-isipan nga!)
When I say old school, I mean old school! Hahaha!
I recently got hold of my highschool and college ID's. Can't believe it's been 12 and 8 years ago. Time flies.
So, sa itsurang 'yan pala na-inlove si Irvin?! :P
1. My Nokia E71. A month after my miscarriage, I decided to get a new phone. Naisipan ko lang pagpahingahin ang luma kong phone na matagal-tagal ko na din naman napakinabangan. Pumili pa ako ng qwerty para astig. Awa ng Diyos, hindi ko pa din kaya ang maging touch textist. Pero in all fairness, super like ko itong E71, as iiiin!
2. Baby Naysen (aka Pulang Nissan). Salamat kay Ate Sette, kung hindi dahil sa kanya ay hindi kami makaka-afford magkaroon ng sasakyan. Naaalala ko pa nu’ng binigay ko ‘yung perang naipon ko, napaluha talaga ako ng gabing ‘yun. Pero ganoon lang talaga ako. Wala akong pinagsisisihan na pinakawalan ko para dito ang hard-earned savings ko. Sana lang matigil na ang oil price hikes!
3. Baby Naykon (aka Nikon D60). Salamat sa aking friend, bukod sa pumayag siyang ibili ako nito sa US ay pumayag din siyang bayaran ko ito ng installment (take note: root word is friend). Pero iko-confess ko, nawalan ako bigla ng interes sa photography. Ewan ko nga ba *sigh*. Pero isinusumpa ko, matapos ko lang ang Harry Potter, magpapakadalubhasa na ako sa aperture, shutter speed at expose. (Kasi nga, saan ba ako makakahanap ng Time-turner?!)
4. Baby Vaio (aka Sony Vaio CW series). Bakit kamo kasama ito sa 2009 gayong 2010 ko na ito natanggap? Well, gusto ko lang. Hehehe! Actually, nakatakda namang mapasakamay ko ito ng 2009, ‘yun nga lang walang mapagpadalhan. Narindi na siguro si Ate sa kakaparinig ko tungkol sa hirap, gutom, pagod at gastos na nagugugol ko sa tuwing may ipapadala sa kanya kaya binigyan nya ako ng reward, hihihi!
5. Harry Potter and Twilight. Well, well, well. Thanks to Irvin, bow.
But of course, there is no denying that family and friends (and all the perks that come with having them) are the biggest and best blessings of all time :)
Tuesday night.
Elay: Alam ko na kung saan mag-aaral ang anak natin!
Irvin: Saan?
Elay: Sa Hogwarts!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Nakaka-adik pala talaga ang Harry Potter. Sa sobrang high para akong na-Levicorpus.
Alam ko, masyado nang late ang simula ko pero sa nararanasan ko ngayon, talagang masasabi kong better late than never.
Christmas Eve 2009 (galing ito sa Pensieve). Na-surprise ako sa isang malaking box na nakabalot ng bongga sa ibabaw ng kama. Natural na mabigla ako kasi hindi ko alam kung paano napunta ‘yung box doon, samantalang labas-pasok naman ako sa kwarto. Oo, may idea na ako kung ano ‘yun (sa dami ba naman ng parinig ko), pero hindi ako talaga nag-e-expect (wushuuu, magtigil nga!). Siyempre nagpa-cute muna ako, binasa ko muna ‘yung card bago ko binuksan ‘yung gift.
At nang aking buksan, haaay! Dream come true!
Isang boxed set ng Harry Potter books, hard bound. *Sigh* In love na naman ako kay Irvin :D (Actually, may kasama pa ‘yung dictionary na pang-baby. Sweetness!)
Tinapos ko munang basahin ‘yung mga hindi ko pa tapos (siyempre, alangan namang tapusin ko ‘yung tapos na, di ba?). January na ako nagsimula sa Harry Potter, timing sa bedrest ko. ‘Yun nga lang, nu’ng pumasok na ako, nakakalungkot na dahil parang wala pang isang chapter a day ang average na nababasa ko. Nasa Book 6 pa lang tuloy ako ngayon. Tsk! Kung pwede lang gumamit ng Time-turner!
Kaya welcome me to the club! Isa na ako ngayon sa mga nagtatanong ng “bakit ganoon sa movie e sa book ganito, blah blah blah?” Nang minsang nahulog ang hanger habang nagsasampay ako, aba siyempre ginamitan ko ng “Accio hanger!” Hanep, napasakamay ko ulit (dahil inabot ni Irvin, hehe). O di ba, i-apply sa araw-araw na pamumuhay para kapaki-pakinabang. At nu’ng minsang ang eksena sa binabasa ko ay natutulog si Harry, nakarinig ako ng alarm, akala ko oras na para gumising si Harry. Sa TV pala nanggaling ‘yung alarm. Kwela talaga!
More than Harry Potter, personal favorite ko sila Sirius at Dumbledore. (At personal kaaway ko si Fudge at Umbridge.)
Hahaha, tama na nga at baka may scar na sa noo paglabas nitong anak ko :)
January 9-10. Since I stayed at my parent’s during the weekdays, sa in-laws ko naman ako ng weekends. Sinundo ako ni Irvin ng Saturday night sa amin after ng basketball game nya. Started with Harry Potter!
January 16-17. Dahil tapos na ako sa Harry Potter 1 and 2, siyempre ‘yan ang Now Showing sa kwarto namin. First time ko din napanood ang Up, ang cute! Favorite ko si Alpha Dog :P Since we did not have the chance to go on a date last January 14 (our 10th anniversary, yiheee!) and since bawal din naman sa akin ang long walks, we settled to drop by Angels Hills Chapel and have dinner at Bag of Beans Tagaytay. Nakahiga ako the whole travel, hehe, spoiled! Anyway, disappointing ang experience namin sa Bag of Beans. First, ‘yung first 2 orders ni Irvin ay hindi available. Second, ang tagal bago nai-serve! Third, ang tagal bago naibigay ung bill! Kainis, grrr! Okey lang sana ‘yung food, although for me e medyo pricey dahil hindi naman extraordinary ‘yung sarap.
January 23-24. It’s my MIL’s birthday! Dinner at Anak ng Seaside Tagaytay (and yep, Tagaytay again). Then dessert at Café Breton, yum yum yum! Sunday is a rest day kasi papasok na ako ng Monday.
Ituro Mo! Iluto Ko!
Me and my MIL.
Nanay, Tatay and Ate.
