Re-posting from Instagram

It's amazing to see how much this little one has grown the past year.  I can tell you about how great a feeling it is to run kilometer after kilometer, or how fulfilling being inside the classroom feels... But absolutely nothing in this world comes close to being a mother.  I'd go through all the aches and pains over and over again for motherhood's sake.  

Cheers to more mommy moments this year and the years to come! :)

I love being a mom!

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. 

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 :-)

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:

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...

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

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

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

Mommy Me

Normally, I would be glum on a Sunday afternoon knowing that it would soon be Monday again. Monday means back-to-work! Now, each morning, each day means something else. I no longer dread each day because I know each day takes me closer to seeing my little baby boy :) Gosh. I AM turning into a mommy :) hehehe. I love how each day makes me feel more and more a mom. I am proud to say that I am slowly getting rid of my selfish side and preparing myself for childbirth. I love how childbirth classes have helped me not only in terms of knowledge but more so in emotionally preparing myself for what's to come.

In today's class we learned about the early stages of labor and instead of fearing the things I discovered, it's actually making me feel confident in facing the process. I guess it's not always true what they say - ignorance is bliss.

This week marks the 26th week and in 2 weeks, we get to see baby in 3D :) can't wait - hope baby's not too big :p so, for the first time in a loooong time, looking forward to Monday!

Child Birth Classes

I don't know why exactly I enrolled in Childbirth Classes.  I've always thought that they were only for those intending on not having epidural/anesthesia during childbirth - which is true, but not everyone who attends the sessions do without anesthesia.  It was Session 1 (of 5) for Alvin and I today.

H has been feeling sick the past couple of days, actually so I was very grateful that he still drove to Ateneo ISO for the classes.  He was sneezing and coughing - the works! Poor boy.  The classes would run for 3 hours and we were a total of 14 couples in the morning session (9am to 12nn).  I was surprised, actually, to see so many couples in the class! And to think, Rome, our instructor, still had an afternoon batch!

In our batch, I think we were mostly a mix of pregnant women due February to April of this year, with me being the last.  Anyway, so it began with a series of introductions from Rome, as well as us 14 couples.  It was going okay though H was kinda drowsy and feeling really under the weather.  I felt so bad for him, since his face really screamed "Put me in bed, I'm sick!".  I asked him halfway through the class, at around 10:40 AM, if he wanted to just go home and come back next week for Session 2.  His eyes lit up when I asked so during the short break, I asked rome if we could go.  Of course she allowed us.  H was also worried about infecting all the other pregnant mommies in the room if we had stayed.

So, considering we were only there for an hour and a half, it was pretty informative! I learned so much stuff about labor and delivery - and best of all, they were all from actual experiences and not some random internet article out to instill more fear in me, hehe! Plus, all the couples seemed really nice and friendly.  I'm really looking forward to the other sessions, hopefully H will be feeling better and in tip-top shape!

Edit: A photo from one of the sessions we had where H was practicing diaper changing along with the other fathers..

As for now, it's time to get back to work - spent most of the Sunday afternoon in bed.  Blaming the lazy bed weather! Happy Sunday! :)

Merry Christmas To Me!

Husband's birthday + Christmas gift! :) See, I've never really been a fan of expensive watches.  Not as much as he is - researches about Omega, Oris, Rolex, etc. and obsesses about it *rolls eyes* He had to make me lambing several times for me to let me buy his Oris (although he did use his money, which according to a good friend, is also mine.  So maybe I shouldn't have said yes, haha)

So anyway, this is what he gave me! I've been wanting to get a Garmin (which is priced at about Php 15,000 and above for the one I want - Forerunner 610) but A, my running "coach" said I didn't need it and frankly, I guess I just wanted one, thinking buying something expensive for running will make me feel the pressure to go back to it.  But nah, I think my current weight gain (which might even be doubled in my last trimester) will be enough to motivate me.  BUT ANYWAY! So H knows I've always been lusting over TechnoMarine but never thought of buying an expensive watch.  I guess H thought otherwise.. :P

 I researched for what I wanted and I thought of the TechnoMarine Cruise.  I saw it "in person" and figured it was too...white.  So I got something under the Cruise model (Cruise Beach) instead.  It comes in 3 other colors: pink, royal blue and purple but opted for this one.  Always found turquoise blue to be a pretty color.  The best part about this is that the straps can be changed.  I actually didn't know that all models came with an extra strap.  The extra strap is in turquoise as well.  

This is my first (and last) expensive watch! Malamang hindi naman ito and pinaka mahal out there but a watch over Php 5,000 is already expensive for me! Thank you, husband! <3

***

In other news, here's a recent baby bump photo! 

 23 weeks tomorrow :) I STILL cannot buy baby stuff but going to Rustan's in Shangri-La Mall this afternoon to go window shopping.  Heard renovation is over and done with and the baby section is pretty comprehensive.  Will tell you about that adventure later!

Peaches!

What a way to end the week - see photo.

H bought this sweetheart from a block mate, Abi, who posted about selling Dashcund-Labrador mixed puppies.  Since H has always wanted to buy his parents a puppy, he went for this and reserved one.  We couldn't get her right away since she still needed time with her mommy so we had to wait  a while.  Today was the day we were bringing her home! I had work so H was the one who picked her up and cared for her during the day, which included cleaning her pee twice and poo once! So proud of H, haha.

Early tonight, we drove to Alabang to bring her home to my parents-in-law.  It was a bad ride for her as she was crying most of the time.  It was a mix between crying and sleeping for her, actually.  We were going to let her sleep in the living room tonight but I was just too worried about her crying at night and not having anyone to soothe her so I suggested she sleep in our room.  BAD IDEA.  She kept crying and crying and crying.  She'd sleep for maybe 45 minutes, then wake up, and cry, and, well, wake us both up! Which explains why I'm awake NOW: 1AM.  I decided to get up and play with her a bit to make her stop crying and observed that she was kind of shivering.  I realized, she must be feeling cold! Solution? And she hasn't woken/cried since (knock-on-wood).

I guess I got a taste of how it must feel to take care of a baby - helpless and frail, will just cry and cry until it gets what it wants.  Difficult part? You have to guess what it wants! Anyway, I suppose that's just .0005 of the many things I still need to learn about child/infant care.  Partly scared, but looking forward to this new experience.  I have (a little over) 4 months to go!

Hello, Monday!

Mondays are usually very tiring for me.  I have 4 classes which are unevenly spread out throughout the day.  Just one class in the morning and then 3 classes in the afternoon! I'm usually pooped on Mondays but what kept me energized? Baby's tiny movements that I could feel throughout the day.  He is indeed a boy, ang likot! I kept feeling bubbles in my tummy all day hehehe.  I can't wait to feel the actual kicks!

**
If you don't know it yet, H and I live with my parents and will be doing so for maybe a few more years.  After all, it's a pretty roomy house for just my parents and brother.  There's an extra room that my mom wants to convert into the nursery.  I was initially against this, thinking that Baby would definitely be sleeping in our bedroom.  I realized, though, that he would need a place to stay during the day where nanny can also stay in without necessarily having to be in our private space.  Also, a separate room would be able to house family and friends who would like to visit Baby :) So, I've been browsing through websites to get ideas for the said nursery.  So many cute ideas!

Project Nursery





Lay Baby Lay

There are just so many ideas! I wonder, though - where to get super cute decoration? I love the ones that go up the wall (stickers, letters, etc.)! I wonder if they have it in Rustan's? Can't wait to go shopping for Baby! Three months to go...mom has requested that I shop only by February (I'll be 7 months then), early shopping might cause bad luck daw.  Well, I don't believe in it but neither am I risking it!