Post Rizal Day Run 2012

Disclaimer: I'm typing this from my phone since our WiFi won't work for some reason so expect me to just blab away.

How to describe today's run?

Oh. My. God.

I would normally oppose to using this expression as I don't want to take God's name in vain but for this morning's run, I really cried out to God so many times!!! I prayed the rosary like a bazillion times, too. At the beginning, it helped to make me more focused. This time, I abandoned my earphones and replaced it with prayer and some quiet time. I was praying well until about KM 18 and then as I got more and more tired, it became harder and harder too to focus on my Hail Marys. So I kind of got lost and just let my mind wander - which was also good. I rediscovered the beauty of running without music and just connecting with myself - past, present and future.

Going back to my Hail Marys, I guess it could serve as a metaphor for life. As the race got harder - fatigue was setting in, I was beginning to feel like I wanted to just walk, the sun was out, was also getting hungry, etc. etc. - I got distracted from my prayers and started dwelling on all the aches and pains I was feeling. It became more about me rather than my prayers. Similar to life, when things get hard and there are failures left and right, I sometimes get side tracked and end up letting go of the One thing I never should - my faith. Then life becomes more about myself and less about Him.

Next time I shall practice becoming better at praying while running - even as the KMs rack up.

Overall, it was a good run. Enough water, stations even had instant noodles! I almost gave up but thanks to CA, I pushed on and even if I had to walk the last few KMs, it was still better than not finishing at all. I don't know what I was thinking, making DNF (Did Not Finish) an option.

So, that's how I end my year. By proving to myself that I can achieve great things not because I'm awesome like that but because my God fuels me and He never runs out :)

It's a wonderful feeling ending the year on such a positive and spiritual note - who knew running could bring about that?

Van and I in Starbucks for a quick brekky :)

32KM Jitters

Running 32km tomorrow. Prayers please.  I don't hope to finish first or at a required time - I just hope to finish and not to finish last. So help me God.

Chill Christmas

So, like my birthday, I also have ZERO photos from Christmas.  Could it be because I've been busy with Liam? Too busy to take photos? Speaking of Liam...

Cutie :D 

He's getting more and more kulit as the days go by - plays with his saliva in his mouth, always has that kagat-labi look, makes sooo much noise, shouts when he's excited - but all these are signs he's a happy, healthy and active baby boy so I'm very much grateful. 

Happy 27!

For some reason, I don't have any photos from my birthday! As I posted on my Facebook Timeline, 

"Officially 27! No bongga celebration, just a quiet day with the people who matter most. Slept in (hooray for Christmas break), gave Liam a bath (it's been so long since I got to do this), had a nice Japanese lunch/double date with my parents, afternoon nap with Liam, ran with the husband and had a movie date to end the day. 

The less you demand out of life, the easier it is to find happiness and contentment. If the world ends tomorrow, I'll be happy to say I spent the last day of my life well :p" 

If I were the less mature me, I'd be complaining cos I didn't get flowers and a nice surprise gift (hubby advanced his gift by giving me those New Balance running shoes and Garmin heart rate monitor/watch).  But since I feel having a baby has made me grow up in more ways than one (because seriously, who needs anything else when you have both parents still alive, a cute - I may be biased - little dumpling boy, and loving husband), I'm really just happy to have spent the day with good food, family and a nice run.  Yes, although it was a quick 5km, I just HAD to run on my birthday! :) 

Gali + Amie (plus Liam)

It's my brother-in-law's wedding today and for the first time ever, Alvin and I will be part of the entourage as secondary cord sponsors.  The last time I was in an entourage was to be a flower girl, eons ago!

Here's a photo of my brother-in-law and his bride with hubby and I during our wedding day.  I really am looking forward to their wedding and having another addition to the Guce family.  I can't believe it's been over a year since this day! So much has changed since.

Case in point: It's already been 7 months with the baby! Where did the time go? I used to think of how I wished he'd grow up faster, since taking care of a newborn took so much effort.  Now, he's beginning to work his way through baby talk and I'm getting all sentimental thinking that in a few months, he'll be walking on his own! Sniff.

Well, enough about that.  Now time to have breakfast (yay, can take a long, slow, relaxed brekky since I'm on leave today), shower and head to the hotel for wedding preparations! It's like my wedding day all over again, hehe ;) 

Page Views

I've been trying to monitor my page views, just to see if anyone actually reads this.  I don't get any comments, so I'm assuming not a lot of people do.  This morning, I woke up surprised to see +10 in my page views! So someone actually reads my entries.  Thank YOU! :p and please do leave a comment if anything I write here interests you, annoys you or whatever!

QCIM & Some Firsts

Now I can finally say it - I finished my 2nd half-marathon!!!

First half-marathon: May 2011, 2:35
Second half-marathon: Dec 2012, 3:00

I know, I know.  My time sucked, but I'm still so happy I finished it! A half-marathon at 7 months post-partum! :)

Many firsts in this run...

1.  First time to run in QC
- It's always been in MOA or BGC and for the first time I experienced running along Commonwealth and UP.  When the hosts were showing us the route, all I remembered was "u-turn at Wilcon".  Because of that, while on Commonwealth, all I could think of was, "Where are you Wilcon????" Never been that happy to see Wilcon!!!

2.  First time to run a 21km
- It's my longest post-partum distance so far! Prior to this, the farthest I've ran was about 18kms, I think! So I'm mighty happy to have finished a new distance.

3.  First time to join a race ALONE
- I usually pick Leslie up before a run and we get dropped off at BGC.  Today was different since only I registered for this race.  My usual running girls were in different places this morning - Les was at home, sleeping (hehe) and Van joined Nike We Run.  It was weird to be waiting for the gun start alone, not having anyone to chat with and share my worries and anxieties.  But it was also fun, I guess, to have so much time for myself, concentrate on the run and my breathing.  After the race, I waited around for CA who was to run the 42km distance.  I waited around until 9AM only to find out at about 10 that he didn't wake up in time for the race! Boo!

4.  First time to use my NB shoes in a race
- Not bad! :) In addition, I also wore new socks (bought last night from Nike).  They were dri-fit PED ones which were in pretty colors - pink, purple and white.  A pack costs Php 465, not bad! I slabbed on a generous amount of petroleum jelly on my soles, worried that I might get blisters.  In fairness, I didn't get any AT ALL! :) :) :)

New Shoes, Same Issue

So I broke in my new shoes today (NB 880v2 - see previous post), yay, right? NOT.  Well, in terms of how it feels when I run, I don't really see any significant difference..? I do appreciate how much more room my toes have.  The pair I have now is much bigger - thanks to pregnancy, my feet got bigger and I don't think it's going to get any smaller.

Anyway, reason why it's not a yay is because... I still got blisters (considered posting a photo but maybe that's too nasty).  I was hoping it was my Mizuno pair that was giving me the blisters, I guess not? CA suggested not wearing socks next time - I'll try next week.  Definitely not trying something new for this weekend's half-marathon.

Speaking of something new, I tried an energy gel today! Had one before my run with CA and well, I did feel a surge of energy at around 3kms! Although CA does not approve of energy gels, I think I might have to have one or two this Sunday, still thinking about it.  Not sure if it's entirely psychological - I remember last year when I did my first half-marathon, I didn't need any gel or even a hydration belt! But, yes, I will not compare my now-self to my last year-self.  I'm less prepared now and carrying on more weight.  According to CA, I always screw up my long runs - by screw up he means: (1) I don't run the entire distance and (2) I only finished 17 last Sunday (instead of the 20 I was supposed to do).

As for my blisters, will definitely load up on petroleum jelly for the half-marathon! We'll see how that goes.

Run BGC

...or more like Walk BGC.  I don't know if I'm just being a brat or overly maarte but I really am not proud of this run! The only saving grace? I didn't pay for it, thanks to CA's blogger friend.  Or, maybe I would have had more willpower if I actually paid for it? Here are the reasons why I thought I sucked at it:

1) I walked so much! In fairness to myself, I ran until 10kms and right about that time there was a steep uphill so I didn't bother running it anymore.  I was so not prepared for this uphills! The minute I saw so much people ahead of me I knew it had to be downhill kaya kitang-kita ko sila!

2) I think I ran too fast at the beginning.  Not having a GPS watch, I just normally base my pace on the Nike Running app (pretty helpful).  Usually, I end the first km at around 8:00 or 8:30 but yesterday I think it was 7:20? Why am I so much faster? All thanks (or no thanks, haha) to Van who Les and I ran with! She's a much faster runner but did say she was going to run this slow.  Anyway, I think that added to me getting tired...?

3) CA says I walked not really because I was tired, but mostly because I wanted to walk.  I think I was mentally weak yesterday because I was coughing and was on Day 2 of my period :( I wanted to cry when I got my period Friday but decided to be grateful instead that it won't be around anymore this weekend for QCIM! :p

4) I was so slow so at around 12kms, it was so hot na! I didn't wear my cap, but had it in my bag.  Stupid :))

I was supposed to run an additional 6kms with CA and his friends (who are now my friends too, hahaha) after but did not finish :( Thanks to my girly problems (which I do not want to elaborate on here), I only managed an additional 2.  

My Shoes! :((

Of all the things to forget on Runday Wednesday, I forgot my shooooes! :(( I'm just grateful that I live close to school, close enough to have it brought! Above is a photo of my current shoe, Mizuno Wave Creation and I think it's high time I buy a new one! Still thinking of which one to get but here are my options: 

New Balance 880v2 

OR

Asics Gel Cumulus 14 

These are so brands out there that it sometimes gets confusing! Someone advised me to go to Riovana or Runnr to have my feet analyzed so I could get proper shoes but I'm just too lazy to do that.  The ones I have now just came from CA's list of recommendations.  I just know I need shoes that are comfy and cushioned so I could hopefully stop having those nasty blisters! 

I love my Mizuno's for the support and stability it gives but I think the problem with it is it's not cushioned enough, but it's been with me for over a year and I've made so many memories with it... 

My half-marathon

A couple of 10kms and my best 10km at that!

Those horrible long runs with CA

My one and only run when I was pregnant! 

:) Never thought I'd actually have emotional attachments to a pair of shoes! Anyway, I hope to be able to purchase my new pair this December so I'll have January to use it and get used to it too, in preparation for the big marathon!

Chill Weekend

Leslie and I did our week's LSD in the UP Academic Oval (see photo) - finished a total of 18kms, but was dying at 15 so had to walk-run the remaining and I think I just used the last km. to cool down.  Hence, just brisk walked it.

It was my first time to run there (Leslie's 3rd, I think) and boy did I enjoy it! We got there at around 5:30AM and the place was almost deserted.  People started flocking in at around 7AM, but did not get too crowded to run decently.  I think that I will frequent the oval for my LSDs.  Much nearer than BHS and a better route for me than the Greenhills area.

Yay for my weekend discovery! Speaking of weekend, I loved the past weekend! It was both relaxing and productive! :) Started the weekend with that LSD in UP, then went home and prepared for Liam's check-up.  So glad that he finally grew 3cms taller and gained 400grams! Inspite of the fact that he's no longer breastfed, I cannot thank God enough for allowing Liam to be such a healthy, happy baby boy.  To date, he has never gotten sick, no fever, cough and colds (except for the ones that come when he cries).  I was initially worried/insecure about his weight - I was thinking, why can't I have a cute, chubby baby boy? Am I feeding him wrong? But then, I realized that it has nothing at all to do with being healthy! As a matter of fact, he can do so much more since he's slim - he can now prop himself up and stand by his playpen! The doctor says that other chubbier babies do this only at 10 months.

Anyway, enough about my mommy raves! Went home for lunch after and spent the rest of the afternoon with the baby <3 Since Breaking Dawn 2 was already showing, husband decided to take me out on a date :) Heard mass, went to dinner at his favorite - Arya, and watched the movie.

Sunday was even more relaxing, as I just mostly spent it at home, save for the morning trip to Trinoma where I had to buy Liam pajamas at Mothercare.

Ahh, love lazy/chill/relaxing weekends spent NOT doing school work! Hoping there'll be more to come! :)

Late Post: NB PowerRun

Photo with my favorite running girls, Van and Les at Pancake House, BHS

Les and I ran the 10km while Van was brave enough to join the 25km race.  Good job to her, she finished in 3:09! :) Les and I got better times for our 10km but not significantly.  For me:

KOTR (September 30) - 1:22

RUPM (October 28) - 1:16

PowerRun (November 10) - 1:15

Just a minute faster.  Though if you're one who joins races regularly, I think you would agree with me that 1 minute is not JUST a minute! It actually takes a lot of will power and strength to shave off that 1 minute.  My PR for a 10km was about 1:06 so I'm hoping that I will still get to that one day.   Deadline for that? December 2012.   

Tomorrow, Les and I are supposed to run in UP for this week's LSD.  The plan is to finish 18kms, no matter how slow! HAHA.  We'll see about that.  To prep for Run BGC's 15km, I REALLY have to do tomorrow's LSD.  In addition, am running 21km (YES, 21KM!!!) in 3 weeks!!! Who's scared!? ME.  

It's a first for me to run along Commonwealth, QC Circle, UP area so I'm horrified, actually.  I just feel like I NEED to force myself to finish a 21km as part of my training for TBRDM.  I just really hope I survive this in 3 hours.  

Before QCIM, I have to survive a shorter distance.  15km for: 

That's next Sunday! I hope I'm not killing myself joining runs left and right.  I'm particularly scared for the half-marathon since I feel like I trained harder and more diligently the last time I did a half-marathon (my first, actually).  Well, I have a couple more weeks to make sure I am prepared for the run.  

As for now, my main concern is following through with tomorrow's goal distance of 18km.  

RUPM 2012

10kms at 1 hr 16 mins :) Shaved off 6 minutes from my KOTR 10km! Boo yeah. Both Les and I ran a better 10km while Van was brave enough to run the 21km! And did so with a very good time of 2:35! :) that's the exact same time it took me to run my first half-mary :p I'm looking at running 21kms in the QCIM (Quezon City International Marathon) by December 2. Other runs:

November 11, New Balance Power Run (10km)
November 25, Run BGC (15km)
December 2, QCIM (21km) (as written above)
February 3, Condura Skyway Run (21km)
And of course, the mother of all runs in my list, February 24, TBRDM (42km)

RUPM // PowerRun

This running thing is getting to be expensive! It used to be that I liked running because all you needed was a pair of good running shoes - a one time big time expense.  But now, I realise it's not as cheap as a  I thought! I guess I could just run and train and not join any official races, but where's the fun in that? :P

 

Here's the run I have this Sunday which, according to CA, the goal must be 1 hour 15 minutes.  For my November 10km, it's going to be:

The New Balance Power Run with a goal of 1 hour 5 minutes.  My best ever 10k was at 1 hour 6 minutes so... we'll see.

On a happier and lighter and more positive note, I stood on the scale today and saw that I lost 6 pounds!!! Praise God! :) I'm really loving how my teacher uniforms have gotten more comfortable.  I hope to be able to keep it up.  After all, I do have only 4 months to prepare for my full marathon.  The new motto? Eat well, to run well! :) 

Speaking of that marathon, I was looking at my notepad and came across my answer to the question, WHY do you want to run a full marathon, in the TBRDM application.  To keep me motivated, here's my answer:

"Running a marathon would be my second dream come true.  I was so ready to sign up for TBRDM 2012 but got my first dream come true when my husband and I found out we were having a baby.  So I had to postpone my marathon dream.  Now, with a 4-month old baby, I am so ready to train and run.  Having my husband and little boy at the 42km mark, I'm sure I'll finish strong!"

:)

Running Blues

So I've registered already for my Unilab 10km and I'm a week away from it.  I'm half excited and half nervous for it, knowing that I HAVE to do better than I did in the Adidas KOTR (1:22).  According to CA, my goal should be 1:15! Gahh, that's 7 minutes that I have to shave off!

I don't really know which is better - to run in the mornings or the afternoons but to me, I've always enjoyed the early morning runs.  I used to run in the mornings last year when I was training for the half marathon.  It was manageable since I was still in the corporate setting, having to get to work at 9 AM.  Now that I'm back in school, with a 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM time, long runs in the morning just seems too impossible - unless I start at 4:00 AM! That would be insane.  Or...hmmm (someone's considering it).

But since I really do prefer running in the morning, I've made it part of my training to run every Friday, 6AM in the gym.  On Fridays, the Husband works from home so it's the driver who brings me to the gym.  I run for about 45 minutes, take a shower at around 6:50 AM and walk to work (it's a 5-minute walk to school).  I did it last week and again this morning.  Nothing like a morning run to keep me energised for the rest of the day! For the past runs, I've been trying to finish a 5km in 35 minutes and so far, it's not happening :( Last Wednesday, my time was 37:57 and this week's Wednesday was 37:28.  Just seconds shaved off.  Today in the gym, I had to finish at 4kms since I had to head to work.  So I did 4kms in 34:45.  Kind of just walked the past 500 meters.

UGH.  I HAVE TO GET FASTERRR.  Will run again on Sunday and Monday.  Hoping for a better 5km then.

KOTR ++

I ran my first race last Sunday, September 30 in the Adidas King of the Road.  Although my husband thought I was insane for signing up for 10km category (he thinks I should have joined the 5km run instead), I managed to finish the run in a pretty decent time of 1 hour and 22 minutes.  My fastest was at 1 hour 6 minutes and longest, first ever 10km was at 1 hour 30-something.  So, I conclude, that my time is not so bad at all!

I've also found a running group!

Van, my grade school classmate and Leslie, my college blockmate (both batchmates from high school)

We train separately but got together when we decided to join this run.  We plan on joining one run each month! 

October - Unilab 10km

November - New Balance PowerRun 10km and RunBGC 10km

December - I know there's a Nike Run, just not sure when it's going to be and if there's going to be a 15km run for that 

All these runs will hopefully prepare me well for my February full marathon! Phew, just thinking about me gives me a million butterflies in my tummy.  A mix of excitement and nervousness for The Dream Marathon. 

I'm glad I've been regularly running already - save for this week when I've just ran Thursday so far and had gotten sick today :( I have a feeling my body's had too much.  Been running lately (both under the rain and not) then not eating as much (in the hopes of losing weight) and doing teacher work.  Ugh, it's crazy.  And on top of all that, I never really get to sleep a straight 8-hours anymore since Liam was born.  I'm not complaining but my body seems to be.  For over a week, I've just been having milk for dinner except tonight when I had a full plate of spaghetti (today's menu for dinner) in the hope of gaining back my energy.  In my mind: I have to get better so I can ruuuun.  Yes, call me obsessed.  

I mentioned the baby a while ago and my is he growing up so fast! He's turning 6 months in 2 weeks and here he is now:

My little big boy! :) Lately, it seems that every waking moment is spent shrieking and shouting! In as much as I hate having my sleep interrupted, he really does make it so worth it <3 Oh, motherhood.

**

I don't know if I'm biting off more than I can chew trying to manage so many things at the same time... but I'm glad to have the feeling of being tired.  To me, being tired means being productive.  I'd rather do so much and be tired rather than not do anything at all! :) 

So thank you Lord, for the blessing of my many roles in life!

Mother, wife, runner, teacher... Signing off! 

What what?

What happened? Has it really been almost 2 months since my last blog entry?! Again, what happened? Well, school/work/Liam/going back to running happened.  And I can't complain.  I know that the busier I am, the more productive I am, too! :-) So this should be a good thing.

Updates on my 3-dimensional life:

On Running...
I am very proud to say that I have gone back to consistently running! I am back to running with A.  Although my progress seems to be quite slow, I am still very happy to say that yes, there is progress! We run every Wednesdays and this week, I was able to finish 7kms! Happy happy.  Next week seems quite daunting, though, as we aim to finish 9kms.  Of course, this is all in preparation for the Adidas KOTR Run which I signed up for:

Note: I registered for 10kms only, as CA thinks (and so do I!) that I'm still not ready for 16.8 :-) 

Photo from Adidas KOTR website.

So apart from this run, I also bravely registered for The Bull Runner's Dream Marathon happening in February 24, 2013! If you know me well, I have always wanted to run a marathon simply because I want that feeling of accomplishment I will get after crossing a 42-km-run's finish line.  Here's my welcome kit: 

Of course, CA will be helping me train for this ;) Two weeks ago, while running, he was talking about how, at the rate I'm going, I should just run with his wife (Lani).  I had to encourage him by saying, "Uyy don't give up on me! I'll get there again!" Parang baliktad, ako yung nag cheer on sa coach ko, hahaha! Anyway, it's all good.  I know it's harder to train this time since I haven't been running for over a year (sayang, I was halfway there with that Goldilocks 2012 half-marathon) plus, I gained so much weight so I'm heavier now, harder to run.  So it takes extra effort now, but I'm up for it.  After all, apart from that marathon dream, there's a lot of weight I still need to shed off!

On Liam & Family Life:
It's been a great almost-5 months with Liam.  He turns 5 months this coming week! How fast! Time really does go unnoticed, pretty soon, I'll be attending his grade school graduation.  HAH, fast forward much? Here's his most recent photo:

Here's the little one, after a 5:00 AM poo session ;) 

It's 6:30 AM now and he's back in his crib, sleeping. 

Ahh, married life is not a bed of roses, that's for sure.  It's a constant, everyday, learning experience.  Each day, I learn about my husband and his likes/dislikes - I've known him for seven years now and there are still so many things I don't know about him! As a mother, I started out with ZERO experience but I survived, thanks to my mom, mommy-friends and of course, Mr. Google (I find myself Googling almost everything like, "how to burp baby" or "how to sleep train" and many more).  I'm sure it will be a life long learning experience and I'm not complaining because as I discover more about parenting and homemaking, I also learn more about myself.

On teaching:
This year, I am very, very grateful to be blessed with wonderful students.  I can honestly say that I enjoy all 7 sections that I'm handling this year.  As I have said before, although teaching + being a first-time parent is never an easy combination (to add to this, training for a marathon), I find these 3 preoccupations of mine, that I strive hard to juggle, teach me so much.  Did that make sense? What I mean to say is that, teaching helps me become a better mom and vice versa.  Then, to get a break from both, I run - and as I run, I learn so much about myself and how much I can do physically, if I set my mind and heart to it - again, self-discovery and self-improvement.

***

Today's a Saturday and as a teacher, I've always looked forward to Saturdays as days when I can sleep in (having to wake up at 5:30 AM from Mondays through Fridays).  Since Liam though, sleeping in has been a foreign concept.  I know I have a nanny around but leaving him to the nanny, when I'm at home anyway, just feels so unsettling to me.  Nevertheless, I'm determined to have a busy and productive weekend:

Saturday:
7-8AM, run in the gym (cancelled or postponed to later time due to heavy rains - it's been raining since 12MN, I think?)
10AM, accompany mom to downtown to do some errands
1PM, leave for husband's basketball game - watching it with the little one!
6PM, go to the mall to get sister-in-law's birthday gift
9PM, watch a movie (last full show ;)

Sunday:
9AM, go to mass
10AM, go to the gym (if no work out today)
12NN, family lunch out
2PM, visit my dear best friend who's scheduled to have her cesarean section done 7AM, Sunday)
4PM, try to go to a friend's child's first birthday party

Edit edit: My best friend's waterbag just broke! So, looks like I'll have to squeeze in the hospital visit today! :) Wheee baby baby! :)

Of course, the nights are reserved for doing school work! :p

***

Ahh, life is good.  Thank You, Lord for a busy and productive life! :)

And So I Run

I saw two friends I haven't seen in a while and was so surprised to see them so skinny. This of course inspired me to stick to my diet and fitness plan until I see significant changes. This week I have been having only 3 spoonfuls of rice every dinner. Worked out only Monday, though. I weighed myself yesterday and scale says I lost about 4 pounds so hooray for me! :-)

On running, I was texting CA awhile ago, thinking I should really seriously go back to running again. I am 100% registering for the Adidas KOTR run which is on the 30th of September so I have to prepare for it! I texted CA in line with this, asking him if he could help me train. Of course he's up to it. I'm his favorite student, I think. Haha!

So we set a date, August 1. My plan is to run 5kms in the gym on Monday, rest Tuesday and run with CA on Wednesday. So help me God :p

TGIF

TGIF has never meant as much to me as it does now that I have my Liam. I love that it's Friday tomorrow because it means I can say "Happy weekend" in my classes! It means I can stay up late on a Friday night not worrying whether Liam will keep me up or not, since there's no work the next day.

I do have a seminar to attend the next day but who cares! At least it's only half the day :-) This weekend is pretty special, too! It's Liam's christening on Sunday. FINALLY! :-)

Here's Liam at 3 months :-)

2012-2013

I can hardly believe that I'm already on my 6th year of teaching! Four more years and I'll already be awarded for 10 years of service! Some days, it feels so fast and on some, it feels super slow.  Today was fast, though.  I met 3 of my 7 classes and I guess I can say the meetings awhile ago made me look forward to the rest of the school year.  This is the first time I'll have this one-of-a-kind load so I'm anxious about how I will finish all the work.  This year, I'll be handling 7 sections, will also be an adviser and club moderator.  That's 3 units more than what I've been having the past years.  On top of this, I'll also have to squeeze in pumping sessions in my oh-so-busy schedule.

Updates

Has it really been over a month already??! I seriously cannot believe I haven't blogged since early June.    What happened? WORK happened.  Try juggling work, pumping milk, losing weight, doing my best being a hands-on mom and workouts! So, updates on what I've been busy with...

On Work
Another school year has started and I cannot be thankful enough I have work.  On some days, I think, I should have insisted on being a stay-at-home mom for at least Liam's first year.  But most days, I'm grateful for being able to be a mom not only to my little boy but to about 200 teenage girls as well.  This year, my load is quite unusual, I've always had 6 sections, 1 club and 1 advisory class but this year... I have 7 classes, that is, the whole batch.  You might think, what's another section? But boy, does it make a HUGE difference.  While my tired and pessimistic self will rant endlessly about the situation, my optimistic self shines through and tell me, another section is another challenge, another role, another chance to make a difference.  So, that's how I shall see things.  My advisory class, III Goodness, is a good class.  So far, so good.  Although I go home everyday with aching feet and strained vocal chords... really, I love what I do so it's all good.

Pigeon Breast Pump

Is it possible that my manual pump (Pigeon) works better than my electric (the so-called Mercedes Benz of pumps, Freestyle)...? Or could something be wrong with my electric pump? Gahh.  So frustrating.  I read a couple of blogs saying a manual pump will come in handy (if you mainly use an electric one) in the case of prolonged trips outside.  Say, if you go to the mall and did not anticipate having dinner out as well, at least there is a hassle-free way to pump milk.  When I say hassle-free, I mean just carrying this:

Instead of lugging all this around:

Firsts

Whenever Liam's awake and alert, I try as much as I can to chat him up and do some cooing and oohing with him, to encourage him to talk back.  Lately, he has been very active with his baby talk, so happy.  Husband says, "Blame it to his overly talkative mother." Guilty :P Anyway, last, last Sunday (May 20), I saw baby's first big smile! :)

I tell you, there is nothing like a smile like this to make all the hard work worth it.  I remember this one batch mate from college saying something like, "Having a baby is so much hard work but you'll love it so much you won't mind." So true.  It really is SO MUCH HARD WORK!!! Most especially for the mom! I used to think, the mom carries the baby for 9 months ++ , delivers the baby...and STILL has to deal with the stresses of breastfeeding?! In as much as it's all done by the mother, I learned to see it this way: Instead of complaining about why everything has to be done by the mother, I just see it as MY privilege to be able to do all these for Liam :) In everything, it's all a matter of perspective.

Shields for the Breasts (har har)

These are what you call breast shields :))

Breastfeeding, I've always wondered whether I was using the correct set of breast shields.  You see, the Medela Freestyle Pump comes with 2 sets of shields... Pumping with the bigger set, I feel a certain amount of (tolerable) pain while I'm at it.  I researched on different sites, mostly the Medela website, and found that I'm apparently wearing a size too small! I also found out that having the wrong size of shields can affect the output of milk expressed.  Hence, I contacted Maricel Cua of the Medela House to ask about the availability of Medela Freestyle parts, specifically the breast shields and sizes.  Thank God it was available! I actually told her (through text) about my pumping experience, hoping she could tell me whether I needed a different size or not.  To be entirely sure, she said I could come over and test the different sizes so I'd know for sure if it was right for me or not.  I told her I was still on ge lai so I couldn't just yet.  So, Day 2 of being free from ge lai, I run over to the Medela House and get myself fitted for the bigger shields.  Turns out, I did need them!

My goodness, what a huge difference it makes to have the correct size!!! I tried pumping once I got home and boy did I get more than I usually did, so I'm a happy mommy! Hoping this only gets better!

On a side note, I love how strong the support group is for breastfeeding.  For instance, texting with Ms. Maricel, I was so grateful for how she patiently replied to my queries about breastfeeding and Medela parts.  Also, I chanced upon this blogger who posted about her BF experience, I wanted to get tips and some support so I e-mailed her and she replied promptly, not to mention, with so much information! So, so grateful.

Edit: This morning, got to pump 1.5oz... in 40 minutes, that is, but STILL! :)

Also, I know direct breastfeeding is still the best but for those like me who pump 90% of the time, here are tips to increase milk supply from kellymom.com.

One Month After

Happy one month to my little dumpling!!! :)

Mixed emotions on this day:
1) It's already been a month? Don't grow up so fast!
2) One month palang??? When will you finally be able to speak up and tell me what you want instead of just cry?

The sentiments of a first time mom who, 80% of the time, is not sure she's doing the right thing. Percentage is higher now, though. Used to be about 98%, haha.  Anyway, it's been a month of being sleep deprived, tired like anything on most days (and I already have a yaya, at that), paranoid about the littlest of things ("Close the door!!! Baka may pumasok na lamok!!!"... But inspite of how things have changed in our lives, of course, like most other moms, I wouldn't have it any other way :)

Today also marks my FREEDOM! ...from ge lai which is that Chinese tradition I spoke of weeks back. I can now go back to regular food and can also go out! And I did, this morning! Went out with my mom to go grocery shopping.  Inasmuch as I enjoyed going out, I have to admit, I missed the little bub! :-D

Breastfeeding Update:

I posted about my breastfeeding experience about 2 weeks back and until this day, I have been very diligent in pumping (I only go 5 hours without pumping at night, when I go to bed).  Sad to say, the most I can pump in a sitting is still at 1oz., both breasts combined.  See?

I'm still on Fenugreek and Moringa and I am also STILL hoping that my supply will catch up.  But, well, if it doesn't, I'll just take it as God saying His plan for Liam really is to be mix fed... I really don't want to stress myself out too much anymore.  Kung meron, edi meron.  Kung wala, edi wala! I think the important things are:
1) Kahit papano, he gets some breast milk from me. I mean, some milk is still better than none at all, right?
2) He was able to get colostrum when I was in the hospital.
3) He's not starving!

There you go, that's the first 4 weeks of Liam's life done! Cheers to the next weeks, months, years.

On Going Back to Running...

It's been almost a year since THIS.  Where am I now? Well, first of all, I realized that although my blog states that I'm "on the run", I haven't been doing any! I know I have the best excuse ever, but enough is enough! It has been 11 months since my last REAL run around the Greenhills area (where I normally run).  Although I have the the best excuse to gain weight and lie low on running, it's still no reason to be unfit and chubchub now that baby is out! So. because having goals work with me and motivate me well, here's my realistic timeline for going back to running and getting back in shape:

Mother's Day is Now MY Day!

Motherhood is both simple and complex.  A friend who visited got so surprised seeing how easily I lifted and carried my then two-week-old baby.  She asked me, "Did you practice carrying? Who taught you?" Did I practice?? No.  And I definitely did not get any tutorials on baby carrying.  I guess it does come naturally - it comes naturally for a mother to want to pick up her son who is crying and wailing, eager to be held and cuddled.  I think motherhood is simple in that sense.  At the same time, complex even as early as pregnancy! When the baby is finally born into the world, I realized there's so much to learn about caring for a little one (what more the rest of a child's life)! What soap to use, when to change diapers, how long to keep a bottle of milk out at room temperature and when to throw it, how to burp a baby, what diapers to use, and the list goes on.  But, yes, like I always say, love makes everything difficult seem easy.  Or at least, worth it....and when you know it's well worth the effort, you forget how difficult it used to seem.

Officially Saying Goodbye to Pregnancy

...at least for now.  I realized it will be awhile until I become pregnant again (birth spacing please) so I decided to compile my favorite pregnant photos so I'll have something to remind me of myself with the Liam bump ;)

This is H and I in my best friend's wedding, with me about 8 weeks pregnant.  Barely showing, still.  Although I do remember having to go out and buy a dress for the occasion, as my dresses have already gotten tight around the abdominal area!

Here with my partner in crime, seat mate for almost 6 years in the faculty room.  I'm about 17 weeks pregnant here ;) Taken during the school's Recognition Day.

Doctor's appointment on my birthday! Here I am at Cardinal Santos, about 22/23 weeks pregnant and showing off my Anmum pregnancy booklet thing.

Breastfeeding Woes

Apart from "Government Warning: Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health.", another TVC line that keeps being played over and over again is, "Breastmilk is still best for babies up to 6 months." So, having heard this repeatedly, I thought breatfeeding was the most natural thing in the world.  Natural = easy.  I was so wrong.  I'm not a breastfed baby so my mom can't really give much advice.

Given that I'd be back in work by June, I ordered myself a dual electric pump (Medela Freestyle).  My mistake was that since I got it the day before I gave birth, it wasn't prepared (washed, sterilized, etc.) and placed in my hospital bag.  In the hospital, I had to breastfeed from Day 1-3.

SUCH A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE.  If baby wasn't sleeping, he was crying and clamoring for MILK MILK MILK! I had a difficult time making him latch... he would latch, then suck then unlatch and cry wildly.  Then I'd try to find the right timing when he was crying with his mouth wide open and shove my nipple in his mouth to try latching again and he'd be annoyed, and unlatch - basically the same thing for a couple of minutes until he'd finally decide to latch and suck and swallow.  As a first time mom (or maybe all moms in general), it was heartbreaking to hear baby cry, cry and cry! Like I couldn't give him what he wanted! So those were sleep-deprived nights in the hospital (3 nights).  What also added to my stress and frustration was the fact that my in laws and family would be in the hospital, watching me be frustrated with breastfeeding and looking at me like I obviously didn't know what I was doing.  Ughhh.  Don't get me wrong, they have been very supportive, but it just added to the stress knowing they had their eyes on me.  Like it was my fault that baby was crying!

5 Things I've Recently Discovered About...

..My Husband:

1. When it comes to Liam's soiled diapers, he has no qualms whatsoever in cleaning up. Prior to baby, he'd always give me that grossed-out look when I mention changing nappies. Now, I'm the one who watches by the sidelines when diaper contains poop, hehehe. In all fairness, I have no issues with pee :))

2. Although he treasures his sleep, he is as alert as ever the minute baby lets out a cry. Or sometimes when I beat him to it but need his help, I go, "Alvin!! Help please." and he's on his toes in an instant.

3. He loves cuddling and playing with Liam. His favorite is letting Liam munch on his NOSE. Yes, I've told him over and over that it's not hygienic!!! Haha.

April 21, 2012: Liam Jacob Ng Guce

This post is looong over due! So my baby finally came 2 Saturdays ago, April 21, 2012 at exactly 2:44 PM.  I'll get to my birth story in a bit but just a few things that I want to highlight:

- Research shows that only 5% of babies arrive exactly on their due dates.  My Liam's part of the 5% :)
- Someone told me lucky daw to have a birthmark.  My little one has a huge (little & huge) birthmark on his tummy and a small one on this knee ;)
- Liam's a dragon baby <3
- Another friend told me that babies surviving coil cord incidents are considered to bring swerte.  Liam was born with one.

**

So, here's my birth story:

Hubby Moment

Just want to document this so I won't forget...

When my husband and I were first dating, he was so cheesy I'd gawk at him every time he hits me with his liners like, "I feel like I'm in heaven when I'm with you." :| BARF BARF.

Throughout the years and I guess also because of being more mature, he lost it and started being less and less cheesy.  These days, it takes an arm and a leg just to get him to answer a question such as, "What do you love about me?" Which I still ask once in a while and he answers (always), "You're cute.  Yun." :|

He may no longer be his old cheesy self, but he does show love and sweetness in other ways (which may not always be obvious).  Today, I got a kilig fit when I heard him as-a-matter-of-factly say something.  We were talking about being successful, careers, life plans, etc.  He was telling me about how his colleagues were so into being successful and climbing up the corporate ladder that he finds it ridiculous at times.

He goes, "For me ha, hindi na pera o ranking yung definition ko of success.  Si baby na.  If he grows up to be a person with a good heart and is well-educated, yan pinaka definition ko ng success ngayon."

We were in the car then and I was just looking straight, did not want to show how happy his comment made me feel and just uttered, "Ahh, oonga naman."  But I could not help but smile from ear to ear.  Not only did I marry a good husband, but a good father as well.

Once in a while, he proves to me that despite having changed and matured...in some ways, he's still that cheesy and sensitive guy I fell in love with 6 years ago ;)

PS NOW I'm the one who's cheesy :))

39 Weeks & Still Preggo

I've never been a fan of waiting.  Good thing I know he's worth the wait ;)

On Patience and Selflessness

Each experience, good or bad, is out to teach us a lesson.  Despite having gone through 9 months of pregnancy (the waiting, vomiting, waiting some more, nausea, waiting a little bit more...), I can't believe that in these last weeks, God still pushes for even more life  (and shall I say mommy) lessons.

Since I hit the 37-week mark, I've been hoping day and night that I'd go into labor, claiming that I was already excited to see Liam - which is true, by the way.  But lately I've been thinking...

I remember years ago when Ms. Sabado observed me in the classroom.  One of the things she mentioned was that she found me to be a bit impatient when it comes to questioning.  According to her, when I'd ask the class a question, I hardly gave what the academe world would call "think time" and impatiently move on to another question, or another student.  She told me I had to be more patient and give the girls time to reflect and actually come up with an answer in their minds, think of how to deliver the answer and then actually raise their hands and give the answer.  That comment of hers always stuck.  I made it a reminder to myself to always be patient, in and out of the classroom.  This time around, at 38 weeks and 3 days, my patience is yet again being challenged.

With much thought, I realized that not only is God trying to give me a lesson on patience, He is also teaching me about the many other ways I need to SELFLESS.  The main reasons why I want to give birth already are...

Fall In Love...

...stay in love and it will decide everything <3 I've always loved this quote from Fr. Pedro Arrupe and today, during the Easter Vigil, I saw this guy wearing a statement shirt that had the same line on it.  I fell in love with the quote all over again.  Here's the entire text:

"Nothing is more practical than finding God that is,
than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way.
What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.
It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings,
what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart and what amazes you with great joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love and it will decide everything."

I think there's nothing like a mass at the Gesu to renew and restrengthen my faith.  After all, so many memories fill my heart when I'm in this beautiful church.

One of them would be this:

Of course, I also got engaged in the same church, where H and I used to serve during college masses back in the ligaw stage.  Each time I'm in the Gesu, my life sort of gets re-anchored.  I remember all over again my purpose in life - service.  To God through my family and my work.  I remember all over again that life does not revolve around me and that I have a far greater purpose than simply just having a good life - I make sure others have that chance too, my students and the less fortunate.

Holy Thursday

H and I spent Holy Thursday with my in laws down South.  We decided since there would be no traffic, the ride going to Alabang should be okay - and it was! Only a 40-minute drive from home this time.  I haven't been there since I hit the third trimester so I took the opportunity to go.  We spent all day there and then headed home after dinner (father-in-law cooks a very mean dish of chicken and pork adobo which I requested).

Decided to pass by Starbucks in Missouri Street, Greenhills before heading home and as I was called to claim my order, the barista asked, "Going home, ma'am?" I said yes and he went, "Oh, bringing these (referring to the drinks) home for the kids?" I pointed to my bump (which he couldn't see from the counter) and said, "Wala pa, still in my belly!"

Hmmmm.  This made me think.  Mukha na ba akong may KIDSSS? As in plural? Hahaha.  I didn't know if I found it funny or insulting or maybe just a tad bit futuristic.  But I guess it's a good thing I project an image of a mother.  Boy am I getting old.  Make this maybe 3-5 years ago and I'd be insulted like anything! I guess pregnancy and married life do change people ;)

So if you're wondering, nope, belly still hasn't popped out yet! I felt some weird pain last night though, around 2 AM - a mix of menstrual cramps and kabag and some unknown pain in my lower back ... and discomfort everywhere in my mid section.  I thought that was it but I was also hungry - so I asked H to get me a slice of bread.  I ate it and drank some water...and felt better.  The pain hasn't come back since.  Well, I just hope this won't stretch until my due date (April 21)! Still pinning for any day before April 13.  Pray with me!

Productive Tuesday

So, today was ultra productive! I spent the morning in downtown Manila with my parents, searching for that drugstore that sold ge lai ingredients.  I think I wrote about this Chinese practice the other day...? Here's Chronicles of a Nursing Mom writing about it: CLICK! So off to Ongpin we went... My mom's friend told her about this drugstore that sold all the necessary ingredients for the different kinds of teas I was supposed to drink (there are about 4, I think).  We bought the ingredients for the first week, in case baby decides to make an early appearance (which I am hoping for). 

The Said Update

So turns out I really needed the ultrasound.  Doctor wanted to check on the baby's weight since I gained 4 lbs. in a week, hehehe.  I will blame the chocolates and sweets for that! :P No more na talaga from tomorrow onwards since I want to maintain baby's weight at 7 lbs.  At 37 weeks and 2 days, 7 lbs. is actually not bad, according to the doctor.  Just right, she said.  Hopefully, baby decides to make an entrance in the next days or until next week max to avoid him gaining any more weight.  Fingers crossed! Until then, goodbye to my 1 cup of rice per meal (will cut down to 1/2) and dessert every after meal!

See you soon, baby <3

Of Goodbyes and Hellos

HELLO:

It's Monday today and I'm home! :) Yup, you got that right, no more work for me.  Since I'm due this month, hubby has already fixed his work schedule so that he works from home for the entire month of April.  I hope it's to help me take care of baby while I do my Chinese ge lai (A Chinese tradition that requires me to stay away from showers, any cold drink/food, etc.  I will also have to take some sort of tea, and other herbal medications).  According to old Chinese tradition, this allows a woman to regain the strength she lost during childbirth.  At first, I rolled my eyes at the thought of it but eventually realized, what the heck is 1 month anyway - that'll go by quick with all the sleepless nights of caring for baby and stuff.  It'll be over before I know it (crossing my fingers).

GOODBYE:

Despite being elated because of reaching the full-term mark, I received sad, sad news yesterday about one of our school administrators (Financial Administrator).  Sr. Teresita Canivel, MIC passed away Sunday, 2:02 AM.  Was never really close to her but during assemblies and stuff, she'd always be comical and had a pleasant approach to things (despite how challenging issues may be).  I commend her for her years of service to ICA - she was 82 when she passed away.  I can only hope to be able to serve the Lord in such a way as she did.  In the same way I wasn't allowed to go to my good friend Jen's wake and my best friend's mom's wake, I'm also not allowed to go to this one.  Bad luck apparently for a pregnant woman to go to a wake, as well as to visit the sick.  So I'm sitting this one out, though I'm sure Sr. Tere understands.

HELLO:

In other news, going to the hospital in a bit to have my weekly check-up.  Crossing all possible body parts to cross (eew) that I've already dilated (even just a bit).  I think not being dilated at full-term might possibly imply a complication or something so I'll need an ultrasound if that's the case.  With all of baby's movements lately, I cannot deny that he is one healthy and active little peanut! Well, the best news I could ever be told for later? "You're dilated and in active labor! Get yourself admitted ASAP!" HAHAHA.  I doubt that would be the case but it would be awesome to give birth before Holy Week :)

Will check in again later for an update!

The Big Three Seven!

Finally!!! The moment I have been waiting for, okay, second to the real labor pains, that is! Today, Liam turns 37 weeks in my belly and I'm happy because I know he can come out anytime soon without much complications (but still always praying, of course).  According to my pregnancy references (mostly the iPhone application: Whattoexpect which is based on the book, What To Expect When You're Expecting - have this, too).  I'd have to say, as a first-time mom and one without a lot of pregnant friends, this was really very helpful!

Luckily, my good friend Ritzi lent me the next phase of this book ;)

In other news, I had a really productive day today! Extremely so that I'm so pooped out now! Woke up at about 9AM, had breakfast, lounged around - okay, it gets better - had lunch, did a general cleaning of the room (specifically cabinets, drawers and the like).  I figured I won't be able to do this for a while so might as well.  This was when H went to play basketball (which he does so every Saturday).  H & I had dinner at Cafe Dome in Shangri-la Plaza then walked around for about an hour or so.

Phewwww!

Pregnancy does take a huge amount of effort! From the mere a fact that I've already gained about 30 lbs. or so, I know that it isn't an easy feat.  Hey, not easy to walk around, up and down, with the belly! I do not claim to be the world's most awesome mother since I could not even completely forgo caffeine, hehe.  But I can say that to a certain extent, I've grown so much (not just horizontally) the past 9 months and I just really cannot wait to be the best mother ever to my son.

He can pop out anytime but there's really no telling when exactly - this week, tonight, in 2 weeks...? I hope he doesn't take too long, though.  We'll see! :)

2011-2012

Running down the many ways this year has been eventful, to say the least:

1) I had to re-learn Salvation History and figure out how to teach it.
2) I entered the school year at a very irregular time (Second Quarter)
3) I lost a very dear friend, Jen :(
4) I no longer walked around the corridors as Ms. Ng but as Mrs. Guce
5) I experienced teaching in the fourth floor - with baby in tow
6) Oh, for the first time EVER, I didn't have a fair booth! :) hehehe

I think that although I complained a lot about this year (my colleagues know this well), I can sincerely say that yes, I am still grateful for all that I have experienced this year.  It has been a life-changing experience, having to teach high school freshmen and has really prepared me well for motherhood, if I may say so.  This year I learned to be persistent and to never give up on people who matter.  I learned also that sometimes, you just have to accept that not all goals are met in the specific time you'd like them to meet.  I learned that as a teacher, your worth can never be measured in the classroom, sometimes the success of a teacher takes years to be seen and discovered.  Like I told my kids (advisory class), I may not have changed you but I hope I at least planted the seed for that transformation.

Last year, I learned that "love makes what is difficult, easy".  This year, more than anything else, I learned that giving up is only for the weak.  The strong never give up, even if things seem hopeful.  Love never gives up :)

Here's to ending the school year right, and starting another year in 2 months! :) My sixth year of teaching will be awesome - I can feel it already.  Will not only be a mother to the girls, but to my little boy Liam - who turns 35 weeks in my huge belly today! :)

Waiting

So, I'm currently 34 weeks and 1 day pregnant.  Time just really flies by so unbelievably fast! One day you're counting down, the next, you're out of days to count! It's a good thing, though.  The school year is over and tomorrow, the kids are taking their exam on my subject, which means, i'll be busy checking papers from tomorrow to Wednesday (assuming I'll be done by then).  After which, it will be mostly paper work for us, until the 30th when we'll be off for summer break.  I've never been THIS happy about ending the school year - seriously.

While my co-teachers have trips planned left and right, it seems that the only trip I'll be taking will be to the hospital for weekly check-ups and, well, the big day.  By March 31, I'll be 37 weeks preggo so that means I'll be ready to pop anytime after that.

As for now, I've got all I need, save for the breast pump, which I will be getting by 2nd week of April.  I can say I'm ready for motherhood although I must admit on some days, I feel a little unconfident about how prepared I am to raise a child.  Sometimes I think, I can't even say I can take care of myself, what more a little one? But I do trust that God will prepare me well, plus, I have a wonderful partner so I'm not going to have to do this alone.

Sigh, the anxieties of motherhood :-) Nevertheless, the ultrasound scans have gotten H and I really excited to see baby Liam so here's to counting down the last 6 weeks! <3

Haircut Shmaircut, And Other Things

For the first time in a long time, I regret having my hair trimmed! What's the use of showing the stylist a photo if it will turn out totally different? :(( Here's the photo I showed him (left) alongside what happened to me (right).  Now, tell me, hindi ba kalokohan?

Hah, I am obviously upset! But, well, there's not much I can do - actually, nothing AT ALL I can do but wait for it to grow a bit and then have it cut the exact way I want it to be.  I guess I can have another haircut in a month's time, right before I give birth.

Speaking of giving birth, mom and I went to the grocery after my disastrous trim.  I ended up buying newborn diapers! <3 Such cuteness, hihi.  I will be needing these for my hospital bag, so as not to end up having to use the hospital's (I'm guessing they will charge me double the actual price).

I'm so far on my 33rd week now and it has been becoming more and more exciting as the days pass.  School's about to be out and normally, I'd be reflecting on the year, missing my students, and the like.  Not this time, I guess my mind has been rightfully (I think) preoccupied with baby and birth related matters that there's really not much time to ponder on work issues.  I suppose this is good, because it allows me to stick to just getting the work done.

It's Tuesday tomorrow which means I'm going to have a relatively light day, yay! God knows I can only handle so much "heaviness" seeing that I am literally HEAVY at the moment and getting heavier by the day!

Plus, it's PayDay Tuesday! :-D How can I complain? :-)

How Can I Not Love You?

I got a text from In My Womb Ultrasound Clinic today and was told that the CD containing the soft copy of Liam's photos were ready for pick up.  So of course I had to troop over to Megamall to get it! :-)

Here are 2 of the 25 photos we got.  Sigh.  8 more weeks before the REAL thing.  We all cannot wait! :-)

Been singing this song for baby... :-)

Take my hand in the meantime
And let's walk into the sunshine
Everybody got something that they want to sing about, laugh about, cry about
It's true
For me it's you <3

Goodbye :(

Jenelyn Belisario-Quinto

August 10, 1986 - February 5, 2012

Today, I lost a good friend.  Met her in May of 2007 when I first started teaching.  I knew she was from the province and initially, I found her quite odd.  I remember one time we all came to a session from a break - she had a grasshopper in her hand and said she found it outside and natuwa daw siya. Immediately I though, uh-oh...weird...?

But as the weeks, months and years passed by, she proved me wrong by showing me who she really was.  She was outspoken, fearless, she fought for what was right, as a teacher she was strict yet with a warm and compassionate heart for the students.  She loved the ICANs and showed it very well.  As a friend, she was accommodating - in as much as she can, she helped even if it meant sacrifice on her part.

I have countless memories with her (being seated next to each other for five years) and I cannot begin to describe how much I will miss her.  Although I initially thought we were opposites, her being from the province and me growing up in the city, I have grown so close to her through the years that we even text at night after a long day at work!

We got married the same year (only 3 months apart), got pregnant also the same year (1 month apart).  We often talked about what kind of wives and mothers we would be, how we would raise our children and how our kids (boy and girl) would be playmates one day.  Most of our free time was spent talking about brands that were good for the baby, breastfeeding, what kind of diaper to use, etc.

I know this shouldn't be the case but being a mom now has a bittersweet ring to it.  I've always imagined being a mom with her.  At the same time, though, this also makes me even more determined to be the best mom I can be - not only for my baby, but for Jen whom I know wanted so badly to become a mother.

**

God's ways are different from ours.  I don't know what God's plans are - for her husband and her 4-day old baby.  But I know He knows best.

They say time heals all wounds but for some reason, I don't want this wound to ever heal - if it means always being reminded of a dear friend and sister.

I'll miss you everyday, Jen!

What Happened???

I've been so caught up with everything (work, the pregnancy, etc.) that I just realized tonight that it's been a while since my last post! I was already in bed, trying to sleep but, no.  I just couldn't.  So I got up and decided to visit you, you poor blog thing.

What's been up? Well, I am currently 28 weeks and 5 days pregnant, which translates to 7 months!!! Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, I hit the you-can-go-shopping-now, mark! And I have! So far I've gotten:

1 Avent sterilizer
1 newborn kit from Avent which includes 4 bottles (2 different sizes), 1 brush and 2 extra nipples - I'm actually not so sure I'll get to use this and if ever what for, since I'll be breastfeeding for at least the first 2 months when I'm still on leave.
1/2 dozen side-tie shirts with sleeves;  1/2 dozen side-tie shirts without sleeves (both I asked our helper to get from divisoria - pure cotton, but much thinner which I think are good for using during the day so it won't be too hot)
5 plain white rompers from Rustan's 
1 infant nail cutter - I heard that a baby's nails grow so fast to the point that there might be a need to clip the nails every other day!
3 pairs of booties; 3 pairs of mittens; 3 hats/caps - I know this is probably not enough, but I got these at Rustan's (i.e. much more expensive that SM Department Store, I'm assuming).  I can always get more from SM ;)
3 rompers from Debenhams (they were marked down! I was able to get three for about P750)
2 rompers from Mothercare - I just love, love, loooove Mothercare! See?

5 bibs for feeding from Debenhams (also marked down - 5 for P265!)
3 receiving blankets from Rustan's
1 hooded towel from Enfant
2 tie sides from Enfant
3 towels for bathing and swaddling


So far, that's it and that has already cost H and I a fortune! It doesn't even include baby's bed/crib! I think next shopping trip will be in a month - gotta space out the expenses :P I'm going to drop by Mothercare in The Fort this weekend, though.  Plus, saw a couple of stores selling really adorable onesies (I'm crazy about these onesies/rompers) in Greenhills so will check them out tomorrow.

Almost ready for baby! <3