Birth Plan

I haven't heard of this while I was in the Philippines until hubby and I attended our childbirth class and by reading the pregnancy book. I thought at first that I don't really need one but as time goes by I was thinking that I should speak out and tell my OBGYN of what I want to happen when I give birth. Attending the Childbirth class helped me understand that I can choose what position I want to use to deliver the baby. I only knew one before but now I know that you can squat, lay on your side or in the bath tub. But of course laying on your back is what the OB wants you to do coz it's easy for them to catch the baby. In the past I was thinking that I'll just go with the flow of what the OB tells me to do then I'll do it coz they know better than I do. Then I realize that birth plan can also give you peace of mind knowing that your OB knows what you want or wish to happen when the time comes. Like requesting a rocking chair and birth ball in the labor/delivery room if that helps you to relax or requesting a wireless belt that monitors the baby's heartbeat so you're free to roam around while on labor, bring a focal point to help you concentrate, if you want to play a particular music, dim the lights and etc. In my case, I didn't have a very detailed birth plan but I already talked to my OB about my concerns to start with. My OB already knows what hospital I want to give birth, that I prefer no episiotomy or no tearing, that I want to have an epidural which my OB agree also and I don't want the urinal catheter. I think those are the most important things that I want to happen but of course I have to be flexible. My OB said that he'll only do the episiotomy if needed and he also prefer that his patient will get the epidural coz it hurts him seeing his patient in pain. He's really nice. :)

What's for Brunch?

I had a good Filipino foods for brunch today. I got out of bed at 11:00 am already and started cooking the hot cocoa that a pinay friend gave me last year (when I was craving for it). Then I cooked the scrambled egg coz it's good when paired with the dried fish that I took home from the ladies night last Thursday. hehe I cooked the rice yesterday so I just heat it in the microwave and after that my brunch is ready. I like the hot cocoa (with a little bit of sugar) poured over my rice. My brunch was great and now I feel sleepy again. haha Happy Weekend!!!

Busy day...

I have two appointments today, OB check up and Parenting class. I didn't have enough sleep last night so I was trying to catch up some sleep this morning but my OB appointment was 11:00 AM so I have to get up even if I'm still sleepy. I only had crackers and a little sip of soda to keep me going coz there's not enough time to eat a good meal. Hubby came home to pick me up and went to my OB appointment. We're a little late but it's okay coz there were 4 patients ahead of me. A filipina friend working with my OB called my number, took my weight and blood pressure then we had a little chit chat. She gave me a cup for my urine and told me to have lunch first coz the OB is not there yet. She called me on the phone as soon as the OB arrived, just in time when hubby and I finished our lunch. Hubby and I were kinda sleepy from waiting but all we can do is to be patient. Finally, we met the OB. He checked our little one's heartbeat, measure my tummy and took a sample inside me to make sure that there's no infection or bacteria in me that can harm the baby. We talked about my birth plan, problem regarding acid reflux/heartburn, feeling weak, pediatrician and etc. Now my appointment will be every week starting next week. After OB we headed home to get my list of what to buy at the Asian Market. Hubby decided to take the rest of the day off coz we finish at the OB for I think almost 3:00 PM and we still have a Parenting Class appointment at 6:30 PM. Anyways, we went to the Asian Market then to the Post Office and arrive home at 4:00 PM. Hubby took a nap while I checked my blog. I went to bed at 5:00 PM for my catnap but hubby get up and started reheating his dinner thru the microwave so I thought that I better get up and eat my dinner also before going to the Parenting Class. The Class finish at 8:30 PM and while I was in the Women's Restroom I got a call from one of my lady friends telling me to drop by at my friend's house even if it's a little late already coz there are foods there and that it's okay if I'll go home early. So I told hubby about it and we headed to my friend's house... arrived at 9:00 PM, eat there and had a chit chat with my friends then went home at 10:20 PM. That was our day today... always on the go. :)

Fattening day...

It's ash Wednesday today so yesterday was the Fattening day. Hubby was the one indulging himself from sweets coz starting today is fasting. Well, not for me coz I'm pregnant and I need to eat when I'm hungry or the baby will not grow. Lent is good for hubby coz he's gaining weight. I just hope that he won't pass out when doing heavy work coz he's taking lent seriously. During this time he only eat one major meal in one day. After lent, life will go back to normal again. :)

Baby doll for practice...

Last week Thursday hubby and I went to the parenting class and one of the topics was about CPR. Our instructor gave us a box with a plastic doll inside, booklet and a DVD. The DVD shows some video clips of how to do the CPR with the baby. It's pretty cool coz we bring the doll and DVD home so we can practice. But not only that, we don't need to return it. Our instructor said that we should share it with other family members, grandpa or grandma or to the person who will take care of the baby so they know what to do if the baby stop breathing. I hope that it won't happen to our little one but it's good to know that we're ready if something goes wrong. :)

35 weeks

I'm now 35 weeks pregnant. Almost there! ^_^

Baby Shower

A wonderful baby shower that my friends and fellow Pinays gave me. Though it wasn't a surprise for me anymore coz my friends were talking about it in front of me during our ladies night out late last year but the effort and excitement that they showed really touched me.

Balloon sign outside my friend's house.

Hubby and me with the baby shower balloon behind us.

The yummy foods prepared by friends.

Me with the ladies at the dessert table.

The game... Whoever guess the right size of my belly thru the yarn will win.

The gifts... Love them all! ^_-

My CROWN. haha

Nesting...

That's what I'm feeling lately. Actually, this "nesting" word is new to me. I just knew about it from the pregnancy book that I read and from the instructors of the childbirth and parenting class. It's the time when mom to be wants to finish doing the chores in preparation for the baby's arrival. This nesting time happens when the baby is close to the due date. In my case, I want the car seat, crib and playpen ready and properly place to where they should be. I also bought what baby needs when the baby comes home like diapers, baby wipes, wash cloths, lotions, baby wash, diaper rash ointment and etc. I put some decors on the wall and finish washing baby clothes and blankets. Now we're almost ready... :)

I was worried...

That's what hubby said today when he arrived home tonight. Want to know why? Well, I was feeling weak again this morning. I had my snack this morning the bread and peanut butter then went to the office/baby's room to do some more arranging. Suddenly I felt weak so I went to the kitchen and drink the nutritional energy drink that my OBGYN recommend. I sat on the bed hoping that I'll feel better right away but then I felt breathless and a few seconds later my tears starts falling. I felt bad coz I have a lot of things to do but here I am not feeling well again and don't know what to do to make me feel better. I told hubby that I'm feeling weak again when it's time for him to kiss goodbye so he asked me if I want my energy drink and cell phone beside me and I said yes. I also asked him to bring my water just in case I want it. Normally I'm in bed ready to go back to sleep when hubby is about to leave for work but not today. I wasn't feeling sleepy yet so I read my pregnancy book to find some answers of how I should be feeling now that I'm 34 weeks pregnant. After an hour of reading my eyes are ready to sleep. I get up at 1:00 pm, had my lunch, watch TV for an hour, took a shower and felt better. The weather is nice outside so I decided to go out grocery shopping and buy more diapers and baby wipes. I was unloading the stuff I bought when hubby arrived and he was surprised to see me smiling already. haha He asked me if I feel okay already and I said yes then he said that he was worried this morning coz I was in tears. nyahaha During our dinner he told me that maybe I should eat some dessert after my breakfast or something heavy so I won't feel weak again. We'll see coz I'm too lazy to cook in the morning and I don't want to go out without taking a shower if I want to eat outside. :)

She's squirming...

I'm talking about my little one. I was in bed last night at 12 am trying to sleep but I can't coz the little one in my tummy was moving like a worm or let's say an octopus with lots of tentacles moving around my tummy. I changed my position many times coz sometimes it makes the little one put to sleep but it didn't work. I think she's been squirming for 2 hours before she finally stops moving which I assume she's tired and asleep already. What a night! :)

34 weeks

Six more weeks to go...

Nap time...

I've been feeling sleepy late in the afternoon lately. I guess my body is trying to regain the lost sleep I had in the past. Sometimes hubby comes home from work and I'm in bed having my catnap. hehe I noticed that I feel great after having my catnap. Like today, I was able to finish more than one chore after dinner coz I felt like I have a lot of energy to work.

How's your Valentine's Day?

Ours was okay. Hubby and I went to my fave sub for our lunch then headed to the mall to buy tools for hubby. At the mall, hubby went to a store for his tools and I went to clothing stores. hehe I wasn't planning to shop but I grab the opportunity while we're there coz the mall is kinda far from where we live and I don't want to go there by myself. Hubby found me while I'm on my way to another store. haha Normally, he calls me when he's done and meets me where I shop but not today. He's empty handed when I saw him so I thought he wanted to proceed to our next destination which is the Babies R Us store. But then he said that there's something in the store that I might like so we went there. I thought it's for babies but to my surprise, we stopped at the place where jewelries are. Ngek! He just bought me one the other day and now he wants me to get one again. I mean, he likes gemstones but I'm not into it. He's been asking me why I don't like gemstones coz for him they are nice too. Maybe he's tired of looking at my 2 colored jewelries or what. haha He told me that our little one will someday be able to use my jewelries just to convince me to buy the gemstone. Toink! Anyway, we end up buying two to make him happy. Why I wasn't happy about it? Because there's no available earrings to match with the necklace. When we arrive home, he's shopping online about the gemstones again. I found the earrings that match my necklace so he ordered them. Now I'm happy! ^_^

My favorite grilled chicken sandwich and chips at Newks for my lunch.

Smoked chicken, 2 sides and bread for my dinner before going home. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Hubby and I had an early celebration today for the Valentine's Day. I wasn't really planning to celebrate early coz my plan was to make a coconut cake for tomorrow and maybe candle light dinner before I give my card to hubby. Yeah, just a card coz I don't know what he wants. haha But then I am too lazy to make the cake today so I thought maybe we better just go out for our dinner tonight and celebrate the happy hearts day in advance coz tomorrow the restaurants will be crowded for sure. At the restaurant we had salad first, then bread and the steak. I didn't finish my salad and steak coz I save some room for the dessert. hehe The waitress asked me if there's something wrong with the food coz I only ate a little bit of the entree and was staring at it. I said that I want to save some room for the dessert so she asked if I need a box for my leftovers which I said "yes please" right away.

My card for hubby...

The wordings fit so well of what I wanted to say to hubby. ^_^

33 weeks and 2 days

Just me at 33 weeks and 2 days. My tummy and legs are getting heavier and got some ligament pain almost everyday. It made me so lazy to go out.

What's new with me?

I noticed last Sunday night that my feet are swollen. At first I thought that maybe I'm becoming fat because I'm gaining weight lately but when I removed my socks I saw something. It seems like my feet were squeezed. I was thinking that maybe I ate too much sodium from eating outside last weekend or maybe I need more exercise. I asked the practitioner today about it coz today is my prenatal check up and she said "No, you won't become fat. You're just pregnant". She said that the swelling of feet is normal for pregnant women and there's nothing I can do about it. She added that elevating my feet can help but it won't go away until I have the baby. Hmm That's weird. So yesterday I bought a bigger size of shoes coz my older shoes are now tight. I wish my feet will go back to its normal size once the baby is born or else I need new shoes and sandals for my new size feet. (sigh)

Women and Children Hospital Tour

At last, we finished the Childbirth Class today and had a tour at the Women and Children Hospital. The building is big, clean and nice. They have a triage room (smaller room), labor room the biggest and the postpartum room. I never thought that there are different kinds of rooms when a woman give birth. What I like about the rooms are... they're all private, have wifi internet connection and have a menu that you can order if you're hungry. We probably bring the laptop so hubby won't be bored while he's in the room with me and the baby. :)

Update...

It's been 2 days already that I wasn't able to have enough sleep. I had a hard time sleeping again. It's like I only sleep 2 hrs during the night and will be able to go back to sleep in the morning after hubby left for work then get up at noon. The acid reflux really bothers me plus I wanted to burp but I can't. It feels like the air stuck in my throat and that keeps me awake.

Today hubby and I attended the Childbirth class. We brought 2 pillows coz it's required, drinks and our snacks. The schedule supposed to start at 9 am and end at 3 pm then 1 hr lunch break but it started a little late coz the front door is close and we have to find the door to get in the building. The Class ended at 2:30 pm maybe because we only have few questions and short breaks coz the whole class decided to just continue to the next topic. We did learn something today especially hubby. We watched a short video of 3 natural childbirth, a comedian who explained about the childbirth he and his wife experienced (which really made me laugh), we had the breathing and relaxation techniques, things that bothers us were answered and so on. I noticed in the childbirth video that the mom who had the epidural is more relax than the 2 moms who decided not to get any medication during labor. I was thinking of not getting the epidural because of the catheter but now I think epidural is better than having a long labor. I'm glad that hubby and I enrolled the class coz it's really helpful for me and hubby.

After the class we went home but decided to drop by at an Ice cream store coz it's nice outside. We're in 60's today and hoping for a warm weather also tomorrow. Hubby had a banana split while I had a strawberry banana smoothie. I think that fruit smoothies are not my thing. I like the vanilla and chocolate milkshake better than the smoothie I had today. Well, better luck next time. I was sleepy when we arrived home so I had a catnap for almost 2 hrs. which is good. Now I'm sleepy again and tomorrow we need to get up early to go to Church and in the afternoon attend the Childbirth class from 1-6 pm. I hope we'll finish early again. Happy Weekend! ^_^

Don't look at me like that... baby.

I've been receiving freebies, booklets and coupons from companies about their products in preparation for the baby's arrival. But one booklet caught my attention that's why I'm sharing you the picture of the baby below. The baby is sooooo cute and adorable but it bothers me everytime I glance at the booklet cover. It seems like the baby is trying to tell me something or saying something like "Finish preparing your baby's room". Hubby was laughing when I looked at this picture tonight and said "Don't look at me like that... baby".

Party Made Easy

I assume that all of us like to attend a party but not all of us know how to throw a good party and I am one of them. I am impressed to those hosts who can manage all the pressure from decorating, cooking and entertaining. But me, the result might be a disaster. I only hosted a small gathering with my four friends once and that didn’t happen again. It's just that I don't know how to entertain well with guests. For me that's a skill that I don't have. I think preparing for a party is stressful especially if you’re inviting more than 10 persons. I’m still thinking that someday in the future I can throw a party if there’s special occasion and when we already have our own house. But of course, I have to learn first of what to do. I’m glad that I found a very helpful website that I can use someday. Celebrations.com is all I need. This website has a lot to offer from party themes, invitations, recipes, decorations, activities and so on. I like the idea of “Around the World Potluck” and "Clothing Swap" as theme of the party. I think it’s cool and interesting. The website is of great help to someone like me coz it’s all in one party ideas that will make your party easy. That would be fun!

Honest Scrap Award

A blogger friend awarded me this which surprises me after reading of what the award is all about. hehe Thanks G-Anne for sharing this. :)


Honest Scrap Award Rules:

When accepting this suspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.

Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!

10 Honest Things About Me:

1.) I'm a perfectionist... but I'm now trying to accept that it's okay if I'm not perfect coz no one is.
2.) I'm Caring and Loving to Hubby. (he deserves it) ^_^

3.) I'm Loyal to those who deserves my loyalty.

4.) I'm sensitive

5.) I'm friendly but picky when it comes to choosing of who are the ones I want to keep.

6.) I like to cook and love to experiment with foods.

7.) I now like to eat american and greek food.

8.) I like to have my own business someday.

9.) I'm Down to Earth.

10.) I'm Honest - but i also have white lies if needed. and yeah, its normal... :)

Here are the seven lucky selected people that i would like to pass this award :
1.) Ilocana 2.) Amiable Amy 3.) Lynn 4.) Laradee 5.) Jenn 6.) Cecille 7.) Butchay

Sending Money to Family in the Philippines. Good or Bad?

We Filipinos know that when you work abroad or married with somebody from outside the country, your family back home expects you to send money to them every month. But do you think helping them financially is good for them?

I heard a lot of stories about people I know here who send money to their family back home to help but the result is not good. Why? Because the family back home spend the money as fast as they could and ask for more when they run out. Only a few use the money wisely and invest in a money making business so they won't depend on the person working abroad forever. I appreciate those who ask help and help themselves also coz in the future I know they will succeed as long as they won't give up easily and work hard to reach their goal. We know that temptations are just around the corner but it's up to us if we discipline ourselves not to be tempted. Good for those who know how to spend the money wisely but for some, it gives them a problem.

Like for example, a cousin of mine got married with a white guy. Her family was doing okay before she met her husband but after they got married, her family's wants becomes unreachable. They always complain that the money she sent is not enough because their wants becomes expensive and they spend like they will never run out of money.

Another thing happen which is shocking to me is when one of her family was sick which needs immediate attention and care. She was sending money to one of the family members for the medications but the one who received the money keeps on complaining that the money she sent is not enough. My cousin was confused coz they already calculate how much it cost. Until one day, another family member found out that the one who received the money for the medications was hiding the medicines somewhere in their house and won't give the medicine to the sick family member so my cousin will send money again. Sounds like a rip off right? I know what you think, it's one of a kind situation but when greed runs to the blood, it's toxic and poisons the mind.

And another friend of mine here was building a house for her parents in the Philippines so she's sending money to her trusted Aunt in there. When she went home to visit her family again, the house is not finish yet and her Aunt gave her a thick log book. It’s a long list of the individuals who borrowed money using my friend's money that she sent for the house. My friend didn't know if those people who borrowed money from her Aunt returned the money back. She also didn't know if it's true or not. She just keep quiet and ignores it as if nothing happen to not spoil her vacation while she's there. After that, she cancelled her joint bank account with her Aunt and didn't trust anybody anymore even her family.

It's so sad that there are people back home whom you think loves you are ripping you off and ungrateful of the gifts you send because they want more (maybe all your money). They should be happy of what they got and be satisfied of the things they receive.

I did learn something just by hearing these kind of stories from friends and relatives and I can say that sending money to family members in the Philippines who has a job is not necessary coz it will only make them lame and lazy to work. Unless you have a lot of money and don't know what to do with it then share it to others like me. haha

What do you Love about your Husband?

Got this lovely tag from my blogging buddy Lynn. Thanks a lot sis for sharing this with me. ^_^

Things that I love about him are...

He respect me, my plans and wishes.

He's very patient. I can be mean to him and say something that might hurt his feelings but he just keep his mouth shut and never say anything.

He's a good listener. Even if I say something with no sense he still listen and try to be attentive so I won't be mad. :)

He wants me to be happy. He's not a party goer but he goes with me to Filipino parties so I won't be bored here or feel homesick. He never ever tell me that it's time to go home even if he's bored already at the party as long as he sees me that I'm still enjoying. hehe

He's not the type of person who controls you. I can go out with friends while he stay at home though he starts to worry if I stay out late but he never calls and just patiently wait at home. I also don't need to cook or do household chores if I don't want to. If I ask his permission about anything he always tells me to do what I need/want to do coz he's not my boss.

He appreciates the little things that I do for him and say thank you.

In general, he's such a very nice and loving person.

I want to share this tag to Ilocana, Jenn, Laradee, Amiable Amy, and Cecille.

I'll just suck it up!

This month February is challenging for me. Why? There's a lot of important things going on that needs to be done starting tomorrow. Here are the list of my hectic schedule this month...

Feb. 2 - Dental Appointment
Feb. 5 - Derma
Feb. 7 - Prepared Childbirth class
Feb. 8 - Prepared Childbirth class
Feb. 10 - OBGYN
Feb. 11 - Baptismal seminar/class
Feb. 12 - Parenting Class
Feb. 19 - Parenting Class
Feb. 24 - OBGYN (not sure yet)
Feb. 26 - Parenting Class

Seeing all these schedules when I write them down on the paper (hoping that I won't forget anything) made me want to scream and cry. I want and need to relax, take a rest and prepare the baby's room but how? This month's appointments really made me nuts! But all of them are important so I'll just SUCK it up. I guess I need to start doing the mommy-to-be mantra saying "This too shall pass". ^_^