Native Chicken Tinola

A friend of mine mentioned about this native chicken at the Asian Market that it's good for stew. So when I went to the Asian Market and found the native chicken there, I bought one. And the picture below was the result of my experiment. I'm just guessing about the ingredients and it turn out good. I mean, good for a first timer. :)

I'm still trying to catch up on everything especially the household chores and sleep. Though I have a choice to sleep when the baby sleeps as what my friends told me but I just can't ignore the chores that needs to be done also. But I will try to do some updates here if I can.

Happy Friday to all! ^_^

OBGYN Appointment

I got my postpartum appointment today and according to the practitioner everything is great. I can now do what I did before I got pregnant but she told me to do things gradually. So now I can lift or carry things heavier than the baby and can do some abs exercise. Though I complain about lower back pain but the practitioner said that I can feel pain sometimes on my lower back because of the epidural. That's good news for me that everything is okay. ^_^

Pedia Appointment

Hubby took some hours off last Thursday for Claira's Pedia appointment. I had a stomach ache an hour before the appointment time which I thought I might not be able to go with hubby and Claira but I tried my best to stay calm and do what I needed to do. Hubby told me that I don't need to go if I'm sick but I don't think he'll be able to do things by himself if Claira need something coz I'm the one doing all the packing for Claira's things and they are in my bag. Besides, I've written down some questions that I want to ask for the Pedia. Claira's been spitting up since day one when she was born and until now she's still doing that. Good thing that the Enfamil sent me a coupon to ask a free sample at the Pedia's office of the formula for babies that spit up so I asked one. I also asked of Claira's Apgar score coz I can't find it when I looked at the papers that the Hospital nurse gave us. We still didn't know Claira's Apgar score but the nurse at the Pedia's office told me to ask her again next time coz they don't have it yet in their record. Claira is still a little jaundice but the Doctor said that she looks better now than the last visit which is good coz I thought we need to go to the Laboratory again to check Claira's bilirubin. Then the Doctor checked Claira's height and weight and the Doctor said that she's doing well. We get the next Pedia appointment and went to Asian Market afterwards. Claira was behaving all day. I think she likes going out coz we notice that she enjoys the ride. On our way back home, hubby and I ordered a Mexican take out for our dinner. :)

Don't know...

... what to do, forget what to say and what to get, I mean I'm now very forgetful. And the reason to that is because I didn't have enough sleep. Reading about pregnancy and being a new mom helped me understand that lack of sleep is one reason why a person becomes forgetful. Good thing that I read about this ahead or else I'll think that there's something wrong with me. So now I have to write down everything like things that I need to buy, do and appointments that I need to go coz if I don't write down everything then I won't be able to accomplish them.

Too busy...

I've been too busy lately for taking care of our little one, catching up on sleep, reading books and magazines about babies, surfing the net bout babies and doing chores at home. Hayyyy buhay!

This is me now that I have a baby. hahaha

Am A Mom, Am A Wife

Again, my dear blogging frieng Lynn tagged me this 2 in 1 tag. She's really very thoughtful especially when it comes to awards. ^_- Thanks a lot sistah for this nice tag! Hope you'll have more blessings to come especially the lovelife part. hehe :-)

Am a mom, Am a wife...

RULES: please

1. Link with the person who tagged you.

2. Copy above images.

3. Post this on any or all of your Blog/s.

4. Answer the two-part questionnaire following these Rules. (Feel free to elaborate your answers. For questions 8 - 14, post only the one (1) which you believe best describes your choice.)

5. Share this with at least seven (7) friends on your Blog Roll.

6. Come back to Living A’ La Mode (DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINK PLEASE.) and leave the URL of your Post in order for you/your Blog to be added to the Master List.Master List:

7. Have Fun!

~ Parenting Style ~

1. Do you exercise full or minimal control over your child’s / children’s behavior?
A. Claira is only 3 weeks old and because I'm a new mom, I try to figure out what's best and will work for both of us. When she grow up, I plan to exercise full control (in a nice/good way) if possible when it comes to her behavior. We'll see...

2. Do you expect your child / children to obey 100% or let her / him / them do what pleases her / him / them?
A. 100% obedience is nice but you don't know if your child would do what you want them to do. I think that as long as my child won't hurt anybody then she can do what pleases her.

3. Do you welcome discussion or you simply set rules?
A. Discussion is okay so I know her side and she knows my side. I think kids should also learn how to speak up not just follow rules and parents should have time to listen.

4. Do you reprimand?
A. I think so...

5. Do you use spanking for punishment?
A. I'll try not to spank but her Pediatrician said that there are times that I need to spank if she's already 10 yrs old coz that will help her.

6. Do you use some kind of a reward System for motivation?
A. Maybe, depends on the situation. Reward should be a surprise when the child did something good/great. For me the child should learn how to motivate herself/himself and not expecting on any rewards. In that way, the reward is more precious because it's not expected. :-)

7. Do you enjoy being a Parent?
A. Yes and No. Looking at our little one making faces when she's sound asleep or even when she's just sleeping knowing that she's there made me feel great. But I don't like the lack of sleep and when she's fussy. As what others say, its a roller coaster ride. :-)

8. Are you a hands-on Parent or do you have a full-time Nanny?
A. Hands on mom coz it's hard to trust anybody this time plus there's no extra money to hire a nanny. haha

9. At what age would you let your child make simple decisions for himself / herself?
A. When she's capable of making decisions for herself and when she's ready for it. I'll just let her know that mommy is just around the corner if she needs help in decision making. I'm not saying that my decision is perfect but two heads are better than one.

10.Do you and your Husband have the same Parenting Style?
A. No, but before Claira was born we already talked about issues that might happen when she's with us. We agreed to do the things from his side and my side that we think is helpful for our child. In short, our little one will experience the American and Asian parenting style.

~ Wife Style ~

7.How long have you been married?
A. 2 yrs and 6 months

8.How do you feel about being a Wife?
A. Great because I have a good and understanding husband. Naks! ^_^

9.What has been your typical sleeping attire since you got married?
A. The same when I was single, comfortable tops with PJ's or jogging pants.

10.How do you show how appreciative you are of your Husband?
A. I tell him directly and sometimes thru action like a back rub. :-)

11.What do you do when your Husband annoys you?
A. Keep quiet at first and later on tell him what I feel so he knows.

12.You are buying or planning to buy your first house as Husband and Wife.
A. We are planning at the moment and we're hoping to have our dream house next year.

13.How does your house look like at the end of the day when Hubby gets home?
A. Most of the time organize coz I tried to clean up and organize things before he gets home.

14.How do you feel about running a household?
A. Great! :-)

15.What is the sweetest gift you have given your Husband so far?
A. Love, support and understanding him...

I'm tagging all of you who are listed in my blog list. If your a mom/wife.. please do the tag, its fun!!!

Ladies Night Again...

We had ladies night out last week Thursday and today Ilocana texted me if I can go out tonight for the ladies night. I called hubby first if he can come home early and hubby said that he already planned to come home early today so I texted Ilocana back to let her know that I can go out. Time flies so fast, I didn't even realize that tomorrow is weekend already. I thought today is Thursday and because of that I wasn't able to go to the Asian Market yesterday. Grrrrr (Gi amnesia na si lola) Oh well, better luck next time. I just wish that our veggies will last til next week. I better get ready. Happy weekend! ^_^

Awards...

I want thank my dear blogging buddy Lynn for sharing these awards with me. Thanks a lot sis! I really appreciate the thought. ^_^

I want to share these awards to Ilocana, Elda, Amiable Amy, Ivy, Pinaywahm, Sheng, Twerlyn, and Nova.

Thanks Ilocana...

Thanks sistah for the visit and of course for the delicious foods. ^_^

Ilocana and Claira at the Hospital...

Dried fish called Jeprox. I'm not familiar with this kind of dried fish and yeah, I only know Jeprox as a song. haha I never thought this dried fish exist. It's yummy and crispy! :)

Mung beans with spinach and shrimps. Sarap! :)

PLEASE Don't Touch the Baby...

I mentioned in my previous post that our little one is under quarantine for 2 months according to her Pediatrician. Her Pediatrician said that she just want to protect the baby coz there are people out there who doesn't think or use their head that babies immune system takes 2 months/time to build up. When we went to the Hospital's Laboratory to check our little one's bilirubin, hubby was guarding her and keeps her away from the people. So hubby stayed outside the Laboratory's waiting room where there are only few passers by while I stayed inside the waiting room so I know when it's our turn. Then I noticed that there were 2 older women who stopped by and looked at Claira. Claira was in the car seat sound asleep and hubby was holding the car seat's handle. One older woman took her time to look at the baby and I noticed that she almost want to touch her. Hubby was talking to the older woman but I didn't know what he said. So I asked hubby after of what happened and he said that he told the older woman "Please don't touch the baby. She's under quarantine". The older woman replied that she won't touch the baby, she just want to look. Every time we bring Claira outside, people keep on saying how cute and adorable she is. We even heard the woman that took Claira's picture at the Hospital that the nurses at the Hospital where I gave birth were talking about Claira. Then yesterday at the Pediatrician's office, another nurse said that "they" (the nurses) were talking about Claira. Don't know what they talked about but I didn't bother to ask. Later on, hubby and I decided to visit the model house that we like. The female Real Estate Agent was talking to a guy but when she saw us coming in, she followed us at the kitchen and looked at the baby. Hubby said that the baby is under quarantine but that didn't stop the female Real Estate Agent to almost touch Claira. She's so close to Claira's face which we thought she's going to really touch Claira. Then she touch the blanket that we covered on Claira's body and hubby said not to touch the baby. The Real Estate Agent said that she just want to look. She looked at Claira's left arm and said how cute Claira is. After what happened yesterday, hubby and I decided not to bring Claira outside anymore. Now we understand why Claira's Pediatrician said that Claira is under quarantine for 2 months. We never thought that there are people who doesn't really care or doesn't mind if the baby will get sick if they touch the baby. Though not all individuals are the same coz the male Real Estate Agent that hubby and I talked to most of the time keep his distance away from the baby. He said that Claira is a doll but he never tried to get closer to Claira. The Pediatrician is right that it's not worth the risk. So now Claira will stay in the house most of the time and will be out in the house for her Pediatrician's appointment. Hubby said that people were saying that he's fortunate to have Claira. I asked hubby of who said that and he said that nobody said the exact words but that's what people meant. ^_^

Here she is sleeping while hubby and I were talking to the Real Estate Agent.

Breastfeeding foods...

I've been told that stews are good for breastfeeding moms. Before I gave birth, a Pinay friend told me to call her once I gave birth so she can cook stew for me. Nice huh! Anyways, she made a stew before I gave birth coz she thought I gave birth already. haha Then another Pinay friend drop by and brought a beef stew, ham and rice for me and hubby. The next day another Pinay friend drop by and brought a fish stew. So nice of them to think that we don't have the time to cook coz we're so tired and their foods really made us full. haha I am so thankful to the girls who care about bringing me the foods. I was thinking of ordering at the restaurant so I can have a soup but the girls stews are way better than the one I can get at the restaurant. I really enjoyed eating and sipping them. It made me smile after eating and hubby was happy seeing me enjoying the free foods. hahaha

Our New Life...

Having a newborn is pretty stressful especially when Claira had the photo therapy coz she needs to be fed every 2 to 3 hours to avoid dehydration. Now that she's finish with the photo therapy, our life is more relax. We are so thankful that Claira is not a colic baby. She likes to sleep most of the time and only cries when I'm changing her diaper or when she's really hungry. I guess she doesn't like the cold wet wipes. When it's time to eat for hubby and me, we sometimes put her in the bouncer on top of the dining table so she can join us even if she's asleep. We just don't want her to be alone except if it's really needed like if we're doing some chores in the kitchen or do laundry. It's nice to have her around. Watching her sleep and making faces made us smile too. Yesterday I put her on my lap while I was updating this blog, she's sound asleep and suddenly she laugh, sob, frown and smile. It's so amazing how a little person can change our life. It might not be easy for us to go out now that she's here with us but time flies to fast. I know for sure that when she grows up we will miss the time when she's so tiny. My lady friends were talking about it that they miss those days when they have a newborn that's why they're so excited to see our little angel.

Now I'm feeling better as long as I won't forget to take my pain reliever or else I'm in pain and can't do anything. I ask my Pinay friend who work with my OB if it's okay for me to drive and she said yes as long as I don't take the narcotic pain reliever and that's what I did so I can shop around while hubby is taking care of the baby at home. I was able to go out last Friday, grocery shopping and shopping for Claira's clothes. She's so tiny that the newborn and 0-3 months clothes are loose for her so I bought preemie clothes. Claira is under quarantine for 2 months according to her Pediatrician so we can't bring her out unless needed. That really surprises me.

I still didn't have enough sleep because I want to accomplish some chores during the day while Claira is sound asleep. At night time when it's time for me to sleep, Claira keeps on waking me up when she's making noise which I thought she needs something or what but when I check on her she's just dreaming. Sometimes she asks for milk or has a wet diaper. It's tiring to be a mom but I enjoy what I'm doing. I'm hoping to have a good night sleep tonight so I can do more chores tomorrow. :)

Here I am with Claira while I'm blogging.

Claira and me... nose to nose. ^_^

She's now okay...

Finally, the photo therapy for Claira's jaundice come to an end. I was able to bring her outside yesterday to get some sunshine. She had 15 minutes total of tanning and she really liked it. She falls asleep while I was holding her exposing her front body to the sun. She was sound asleep after. I wish the weather will cooperate with us. Today the sun showed up but it's cold outside. I wish Claira can get more sunshine this week, everyday if possible.

Here she is sound asleep after the tanning. :)

The sleepy head after visiting grandma. :)

The Battle of my Labor

Thursday March 26, 2009 I was sent to the Hospital coz my OB doesn't want to wait for my due date. They arranged the paperwork and call the Hospital that I'll be there at 8:00 pm. We arrived a little late because the parking lot is full. I was surprised to see a lot of pregnant women (with their friends and families) in the Labor/Delivery floor waiting to be called. A nurse called my name and showed us our room. The nurse told me to change my clothes and started the process of induction. IV was done. I was allowed to eat solid and liquid foods until midnight and after that I can only eat ice chips or popsicle. The nurse checked my cervix the next day and I'm I think (if I'm right) still 2 cm dilated. It was almost noon time when hubby left me in the room to eat lunch coz he's hungry already. My OB and a nurse came in then my OB broke my bag of water and inserted a sort of probe inside me (not sure if it was in my uterus) to check the accuracy of my contractions. Things happen so fast after that, my contractions suddenly become intense so I called hubby to come back coz I'm in pain already. Hubby arrived and the nurse left the room. I think it was 11:00 am when my contractions were getting closer then the 2 mins. interval came (not sure though). Every time I moved I felt the pain as if the inside of my tummy was stabbed with knife then I started moaning from pain then scream. I was lying on my right side holding the right handle of the bed with all my force to divert the pain from my tummy. I tried to change position moving slowly but it wasn't working so I keep on screaming every intense pain I felt gripping the right handle of the bed so tight then I try to massage my back really hard to divert the pain. Hubby and I were asking of when can I get my epidural but the nurse said that the Doctor will wait until the baby is low enough. Hubby was disappointed coz we thought that I'll get the epidural once I feel the intense pain but it didn't happen. Hubby was trying to comfort me by touching my hair back and forth and though he wants to do more than that but that's all he can do at that time. I know he doesn't want to see me in pain but he's not in control of everything. Hubby said that it's almost 1:00 pm when the Anesthesiologist came in for my epidural but when they checked my cervix I was 9 1/2 cm. dilated already. They were amazed about that so they asked me if I want a natural birth (no epidural) or with the epidural. By that time I didn't have the strength to talk or even move. I'm very tired and I almost lost my voice from screaming especially when I felt the urge to push which I did without Doctor's supervision and it scares me coz I've seen it on TV that the baby's heartbeat might drop and can be dangerous for the baby. I was praying and hoping that my baby will hang in there coz I can't control myself anymore... I just had to push when I felt the urge to do it. Anyways, I heard hubby saying "She's so tired and I don't want to see her in pain so let's do the epidural". The Anesthesiologist asked me to move close to where he is but since I don't have the strength to move the Anesthesiologist pull the bed sheet close to him and did his job. I felt the prick but it's just nothing compared to the stabbing pain in my tummy. Hubby said that after a minute or two I fall asleep. When I woke up I felt like I'm drunk, dizzy, tired, and sleepy and my whole body was numb. I then heard the nurse talking to my OB and asked "So you change the plan?" And when I heard the word C-section I tried to be awake and started moving slowly coz I don't want to have a C-section after I had my nap. Hubby said that I didn't hear the whole conversation coz the CS word was another patient and not me. My OB left the room and after a few minutes the nurse said that I can start pushing. It was only the nurse and hubby when I started pushing. The nurse said that the baby's head is already there just an inch away then she talked to somebody on the phone and told me to stop pushing coz the Doctor is not ready yet. I had a little rest then my OB came in. I push maybe twice or thrice then the Doctor vacuumed the baby's head to help her came out. Claira was born at 4:29 pm (not 4:19 pm as what I texted to Ilocana).

Resting before the intense pain of my labor.

Waiting for my OB for the final push. At this moment my whole body was numb, no pain and almost no voice but still I requested to have some ice chips. That's all I can eat, ice chips only even if I need the strength to push.

PS:

I'll visit your blogs guys as soon as I have enough sleep and time.