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:
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
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 :))
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 :))
Friday, April 13, 2012
Monday, April 09, 2012
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...
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...
Saturday, April 07, 2012
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.
"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.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
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).
Monday, April 02, 2012
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
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!
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!
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