December 29: Tenth Maternity Checkup @W32

We will start the weekly visits to the OB this week. Just a quick update on other maternity checkups:

November 19: Seventh Maternity Checkup @W26. FHB=154bpm. Found traces of protein in my urinalysis. Had to undergo urine culture.

December 3: Eighth Maternity Checkup @W28. FHB=145bpm. Was prescribed with antibiotics after getting urine culture results. But no worries for baby.

December 17: Ninth Maternity Checkup @W30. Had a glimpse of our growing baby at the ultrasound. Estimated weight is 1460 grams, HR=176bpm with Cephalic presentation. Sonologist said she's just in the right weight.

For this checkup, FHB=157bpm. Continue prenatal medication, blood sugar monitoring and insulin. Was advised to monitor my blood pressure and weight gain. I have gained more than twenty pounds already. And I am actually heavier than Denden. Haha! At this point, it's just right. I'll just have to watch out for sudden weight changes and a high blood pressure.

As we are getting near the "big" day, we have started discussing bits and bits of the birth plan.

Due, to Shashing's request, we had a December-cold weather-family-beach-outing before the check up. Thus the picture of me and baby on the beach.

2011 Holidays

Shashing is back in Manila, just in time for Christmas. First stop, Nanay's birthday and our reunion with the Cunanan Family. Sadly, Nanay wasn't feeling well that time so she couldn't join us. We just visited her at home and greeted her. As for the reunion, everyone was happy finally seeing me with a big tummy. My growing cousins were all excited to be called tito's and tita's soon enough.

As one family, we all gathered and prayed to thank Him for all the blessings and answered prayers in 2011.

Chrismas day in La Loma means Tita's Kare-kare, which means heaven. She cooked Sinigang na Salmon also which is equally heaven but more nutritious for me. There were new additions to our growing family this year, plus at least one more next year! I can't wait when Euen receives and opens her first Christmas gift from Santa Deeday who gives the grandest gift to every Marcial child and child at heart.

More little kids running around the house again, just like us when we were small. Admiring the huge Christmas tree, snooping at the gifts under them. A new generation of the Marcial clan is coming and growing.

Lucky Pregnant Me

They say your luck increases when you're pregnant. For the eight years that I've been attending our annual company Christmas Party, the most the I've won in the raffle is a minor prize, a gift certificate for a few hundred bucks.

Last Friday was our Christmas Party. I already had a long day before the party. The first half, I was in the working in the office, took the half day off because of my scheduled ultrasound. We reached the hospital at 1pm and we were informed that the sonologist won't be in til 4pm. So we decided to go to Sta. Rosa to shop around. We were back before 4pm but the doctor came in at 5pm and we were finished past 6pm already.

I was actually having second thoughts attending the party since it was late already. The only thing I'm interested in was the raffle. But I was advised that it's okay to be late and I'm still eligible for the raffle. After two hours of traffic, I got to the venue. Had dinner, watched the presentations, sat and waited. The minor prizes were raffled off but I didn't hear my name. Waited for the first set of the band to be finished. While everyone was dancing and I was just plain, watching. Then the last five major prizes were raffled off. The fifth, fourth, third... I took my bag and headed for the exit. For the second prize, my first name was called, I paused and waited for the surname, (since there were two Eunice's)... Yey! I won a Samsung DVD Home Theater System.

My driver for the whole day, a.k.a. Denden said it was worth it. Euen indeed is our lucky charm.

Putting up the Nursery: Part 3

Here's our criteria for the crib: 1. It has to be white. 2. It has to be convertible to toddler bed. 3. It should have a drop side for convenience when getting baby in and out of the crib. We decided on Mothercare's Takeley Cot. A cot meant that it is smaller than the standrard American-sized cribs that we usually have. But we opted for this since there is limited space in our room. Removing the side/s could convert it to a toddler bed, but we're thinking it will just be up to 4-5 years. For the cheaper price, we figured it was okay to change beds after five years. We had a small dilemma since the cot was continental size, mattresses were harder to find. Good thing there's Ikea with continental sized mattresses, a sister in Singapore and Kuya Shosh who shipped and handled the mattress with care. Ikea's Vyssa Vackert, a mattress with durable pocket springs in a protective foam box. The quilt was recently bought and specially selected by Denden for two reasons: the butterflies and it's pink.

Recent addition to baby Euen's nursery: From Ate Annika and Kuya Alfons, a newborn to toddler portable baby rocker, hand-me-down clothes, from newborn to eighteen months (a whole wardrobe), Medela Manual Breast Pump and feeding bottles. I want to breastfeed, all, if not most of the time and I am hoping not to be able use the breast pump and the feeding bottles too much. But it's good to have the bestest bestfriend who saved it all up for us, we won't have to buy these.

Lastly, we put drawers on the wardrobe cabinet for the baby clothes to be more organized. and we decorated with some stickers.

It is getting crowded in Euen's room, literally bouncing and kicking, I can feel she's pretty excited too.

Having a sister...

Happiness. One of my all time favorite songs by Lea Salonga that goes, "Happiness is two kinds of ice cream..."

During a concert, Lea's brother edited it and added,
"Happiness is.. having a SISTER..
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you."

Me, I have two of those. Two sisters. That means, twice the happiness.

Today, one of my sisters is celebrating her birthday. Eventhough she's far away and we can't hug her in person, something to look forward to is the thought that on her next birthday, she's going to be back here with us.

This line is especially for her...
"...And happiness is coming home again."

We love you Shashing.

Planner for 2012

Every December, I look forward for the annual Starbucks planner. Since 2006, I have been collecting and using their planner. I didn't mind drinking lots of coffee almost everyday. It's not only for the planner, if I may say so. With every drink comes a story, maybe a serious bonding, a personal talk or a light conversation, with smiles and laughter, with whomever you're with: loved ones, special friends and family.

This year is different. I have prohibited myself from drinking coffee for seven months now. And I cannot take in, too much sweets because I'm pregnant (and diabetic.).

Luckily, I have the bestest baby sister who volunteered to get the planner for me. She said she'll do it not only for me but also because of her first niece, Euen. And after nine Christmas drinks and eight regular drinks, I got my planner the other day.

I may have missed the stories from every drink. But there will definitely be an additional character to my 2012 Starbucks Planner. Thanks MamaCherub. We love you.

Shipment from US

I'm on my 28th week now and I am giving a warm hello to the third and last trimester!
I got a treat, our orders from the US arrived in the Philippines the other day: the car seat, stroller and bassinet! And to celebrate, Denden picked it up from the warehouse himself. After all, it wasn't far from our house.

The boxes were indeed big, especially the car seat. After careful inspection, it was as he expected it to be. Details can be found here in my previous entry. One excited daddy wants to install it in the car last night, I just forced him not too.

The stroller and free bassinet were both lovely. It looked bigger compared to the pictures. And it looked very sturdy and durable. There is a huge space underneath for all the stuff you'd like to bring. Yey for me who likes to bring EVERYTHING. I was happy with the reversibility, it wasn't hard changing from rear to front facing. And I also liked the fact the we could change the stroller seat to the bassinet. It wasn't hard doing that either. The bassinet will be attached to the stroller for the first few months as intended.

Thanks to our Ninang Rose who took care of the shipment from US. Also, for the "other stuff" inside the box. Thanks to Marose for the baby things she sent: toys, clothes and a pair of baby shoes for Euen.

Last night, it seemed that it wasn't only me and Denden who's excited. Little baby Euen kept on moving and kicking inside my tummy while we were assembling. Just a little while now, my baby. It won't be long and you'll be here.

Putting up the Nursery: Part 2

Almost every night, we see to it that we go to Euen's room. We would just look at it, think of what else would we need, arrange baby stuff and clean it even if it hasn't been touched by anyone but us. Excited much?

Last weekend, we decided put a two-layer wall shelf to put the storage containers bought from Ikea and other baby stuff that would need easy access. So we devoted some time with the installation of the shelves. I had to call my very own handyman with his do-it-himself skills. With a little help from me. We choose white shelves to go with the theme. For the Kusiner wall pockets, we just decided to use S-hooks underneath the grilles. Denden said there's too much drilled holes already.

Thank you Denden.

Here are the finished products.

Early Christmas Present

I got an early Christmas gift from the bestest sisters in the whole world!
Between the three of us, I am the only one without a MAC device: without Whatsapp and Facetime. And since I didn't really want an Iphone, they decided to give me an IPAD 2 instead. They figured I'd want the bigger screen to be able to play games and browse the net. And with the two cameras and an HD videocamera, I'll be able to "document" Euen easier.

Thank you Shashing and MamaCherub.

Thanks to Bing, for the GST refund and bringing it here from Singapore.

Ikoy's Drawing of our Family

My sister got her Starbucks organizer early. She had too because she promised she'll be the one to collect stickers for me since I am avoiding caffeine and sweets this year.

She asked Ikoy to draw a picture of our family on the first page of the Starbucks Planner. Here is his masterpiece.


- Papa's frowning.
- His drawing of himself is sooo cute.
- Shashing is a princess with a crown and a nice stripped stockings. He said because she's thin and pretty.
- KS is just the way we imagine KS.
- Denden just had his usual-bald-haircut then, thus the dots on his hair.
- Bamba is carrying Mama Cherub. We told him we were jealous of how he drew Shashing and our faces just looked like the faces of the Angry Birds.
- Can you imagine what I look like? He said, it wasn't only me, I had a big tummy that's why he drew me like that and because Baby Euen is inside my tummy.

This is how he imagined our family. And I love that he considers Euen a part of our family already. That's is why I so love this little boy.

Putting up the Nursery: Part 1

We have been looking and looking everywhere but we couldn't find the right furniture to store baby Euen clothes. Since we're eyeing on a white-colored baby cot, we wanted to match it with a white-colored chest drawer. We've looked everywhere but we couldn't find one. Could it be that the furniture makers didn't want to make white ones because it easily gets dirty?

We were looking into having it custom made but we actually found this one on sale last weekend. The Lock & Lock InPlus Kid's Storage Box.
It passed my requirement with it's white frame, and we just picked nice colors for the drawers. We choose biggest, one with six drawer boxes with covers. We picked smaller boxes because we wouldn't want it too deep.

One might think that it's too small and will not be enough with all the baby clothes and stuff. Yes it is, but this is just the storage for the clothes that are often used and needs immediate access. There is a built-in closet in the room adjacent to Euen's room, to put the extra towels, beddings, diapers and all the other clothes. When she gets bigger, the InPlus Storage box could be a storage for her toys.

One excited soon-to-be dad couldn't wait either. He had it assembled right away.

Ikea Baby Things

I made a list of what I wanted to buy at Ikea for baby. And I gave it to my sister. I didn't expect that she'd buy it all, all the more, bring it all home during their last trip.

-A few bath towels and a sleeping bag.

-Highchair, Antilop with the tray and the cushion.

-Ceiling lamp for baby's room.

-Spoling foldable changing table that turned out to be free. Thanks to Shashing and Kuya Shosh.

It was a short list but it was bulky. Baby Euen's very lucky and very much loved.

Here's how it looks like when unfolded. We opted for this because it's easy to stow away when not in use. We needed the space for the nursery. I liked the many storage pockets underneath.

In the photo are some of the small storage / decors bought during our last trip to Singapore also.

I am very excited as we've started to arrange baby's room already. I CAN'T WAIT!

Visiting Nanay Norma

Once a month, at least one of us, me or any of my sisters, get to visit mommy's mommy, Nanay Norma. There are times that she's sad because of her worries but there are times that she'll welcome you with a smile and you know that she's happy.

I try to keep her on the loop with what's going on with my life even through just phone conversations. When I told her the news of my pregnancy, she's one of those who prayed and who's still and always praying for baby's health and safety.

We visited her over the weekend thus the picture of her sitting on her Pello, our gift to her last Christmas, holding my tummy. She too, can't wait to meet her great grandaughter. Nanay is happy that day, and we're happy and she's happy.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas

Kuya Shosh and Shashing were both here for the long weekend and of course, Papa and Ikoy were both happy to be able to spend time with them. Since it was just a short trip and they have other engagements, we spent most of the time at their house, putting up the Christmas tree, and going out for dinners.

A huge lighted Christmas tree welcomed us at this mall, thus the picture with a silhouette of the me with a bulging tummy, a hubby carrying a bag and a little boy. Indeed says that Christmas is in the air!

Excitement of the Little Boy

Every weekend, he looks at my tummy and notices that it is growing bigger. And every weekend, he asks me when is baby coming out. He's as excited as we all are.
Ikoy: Nuni, kelan ba lalabas si baby Euen?
Me: Onting matagal pa.
Ikoy: Sa Christmas ba lalabas na sya?
Me: Hindi pa! Excited ka naman masyado.

We were at a baby shop and I heard him shout my name.
Ikoy: Nuni, alika dito, may papakita ako.
He pulled me over to the baby dresses. And pointed on a pink one-piece dress.
Ikoy: Bibili ko ito para sa baby mo.

Aside from talking to my tummy once in a while, he also wants to have his share of "feeling" baby. He puts his small hand in my tummy and waits until baby moves. He'll say he feels baby even if he's just guessing.

Here's a picture of Ikoy giving baby Euen a "kiss with amoy". And here's how my tummy looks like at 24 weeks.

Selecting a Child Safety Seat

We decided that our baby will be riding in a child safety seat while travelling starting from the time that she will be brought home from the hospital. There is no law in the Philippines requiring babies/toddlers to be secured in a car seat but research has proven that it is truly the safer way.

There are traditionally 4 common types of car seats.
1. Infant Car seats. Rear facing and fits new born babies, 6 months to 1 year old depending on the weight and height of the baby. Weight limit: 4 to 22-35 lbs.

2. Convertible Car Seats. Both rear facing and forward facing options. Once the toddler is big enough, the seat can be installed forward facing. Weight limit: rear facing 5 to 30-45 lbs and forward facing 20-80 lbs.

3. Combination Car Seats. Forward facing only and can be used also as high back booster seats. Weight limit: 20-90 lbs in harness mode and 30-120 lbs when used as high back booster.

4. Booster Car Seats. Forward facing only and doesn’t have a harness of it’s own. It is normally used to help position the vehicle seat belt correctly on the lap and shoulder of the toddler.

Rear facing seats are still the safest and safety advocates are suggesting that children be rear facing for as long as possible. This is because during a crash the force is distributed towards the whole seatback of the car seat instead of just the harness. It also protects the delicate neck and spine of a child that is still developing. Here's an informative video here.

Since there are convertible car seats that can accommodate a newborn as well, we decided to skip the infant car seat and get a convertible car seat. Almost all of the car seats in the local market has a weight limit of 40 lbs and most have short shells. Our baby might outgrow the seat by height instead of weight, not to mention that the good brands are priced in the five digit range.

We again went to the online shopping route and we got an Evenflo Triumph 65 LX convertible car seat for USD118.99 from Albeebaby. It can accommodate 5-40 lbs rear facing and 20-65 lbs forward facing. It has a non-rethread harness height adjustment and a knob adjuster for harness tightness. It is one of the more compact installing convertible car seat that would install well in our compact car based on research from the car-seat.org website.

Mission accomlished for Denden.
Now, we just have to wait for the shipping.

Choosing the Baby Stroller

I only requested for one thing for the baby stroller, I wanted it to be reversible, meaning I could have the option of the baby facing me when I'm pushing, unlike what we typically see. That's my only specification. I let hubby do the research. I was hesitant into buying a stroller outside of the country but I just let him decide. After weeks and weeks of going to various baby shops, asking for a demo on the strollers, and after nights and nights of searching the web, joining forums and reading reviews, he finally found the right one.

Thus, below is his first official contribution to my blog.

We never knew that choosing a stroller could be so daunting and confusing. There is never a one perfect stroller that fits all your wants and needs. Here is a shortlist of our requirements combined:
1. It should be reversible, baby should have the option to face parent or the world.
2. It should be usable from birth.
3. It should be sturdy, even if you hang a diaper bag on the handle bars, it won't topple backwards.
4. It should have a reputable brand, for the tried and tested quality.
5. It should have an easy and compact fold, to fit in the car's trunk considering there are other items on the trunk.
6. Over and above all of these, it should be reasonably priced.

We scouted local stores for strollers that would meet our needs but found that there are only a few models that would suit our requirements. These are the Inglesina Zippy Free at Mothercare, the Bugaboo Bee at Hobbes and Landes, the Quinny Buzz and Quinny Zapp Extra at Baby Company. But these strollers are too pricey and so we then decided to explore further and found out that there are lots of choices for reversible strollers in the US and they are actually cheaper.

What worries us is that the stroller can't be inspected before being shipped to the Philippines. But our Ninang Rose who resides in LA was generous enough to let us have the items shipped to her house so the items can be checked before shipping.

We are initially eyeing on the Pliko Switch at Amazon or the Uppababy Vista in Maya color since it was on sale at PishPoshBaby. But, it's a good thing that we held off purchasing because a better deal just happen to came along! It was the Britax B Ready Free Ride promo. The B Ready is more versatile compared to the Pliko Switch, at the same price. And, it has the same functionality with the Uppababy Vista but the B Ready is cheaper.



Simply put, buy a Britax B Ready stroller and get a free infant car seat or second seat or bassinet. We opted for a free bassinet since we plan on getting a convertible car seat that could be used from newborn to toddler and we don't need the second seat (at this time).

The Britax B Ready is a single stroller. The seat can be reversed and the stroller can be converted to a double stroller with the addition of a second seat. The B-Ready's balance is extremely good that several reviews mentions that a second child can climb in the second seat without the stroller toppling over.

All in all there are 14 possible configurations. The basket is spacious and it has a high seating position for the baby. Safety harness is easy to adjust. It can be pushed with one hand since the handle is one piece; plus the handle height is adjustable so that a tall or short person can push comfortably. It has all-wheel suspension and the Britax's brake system is one touch. It is a full size stroller so the fold isn't too compact compared to the umbrella stroller. When folded, it is wider but it is shorter. And the wheels can be detached if there is really a need for space.

We got ours from Wayfair. They have the stroller on sale on top of the free ride promo. So for USD379.99 (roughly Php16.6K), we got the stroller that best suits most of our requirements, with a free bassinet.

Good job Denden!

Happy Birthday to my Bestest Bestfriend in the Whole World

Not everybody finds their soulmate.
But I am one of the lucky ones to have been given the privilege.
I found you.
Tried and tested.
Gravity defied.
Time challenged.
Space ignored.
Distance defeated.

The only thing that have always kept us and will always keep us in this sisterhood of friendship: L-O-V-E.

I look forward to the day when Annika becomes baby's bestest best friend. While Alfons becomes baby's boyfriend. As you said, like Monica-Rachel-Ross in Friends.

October 22: Sixth Maternity Checkup @W22

A quick update on the other two check-ups:
August 23: Fouth Maternity Checkup @WW14. Tita Cel just checked on baby and we got clearance to ride the airplane to visit Sister in Singapore. Yey!

September 24: Fifth Maternity Checkup @WW18. Somehow hoped that this is ultrasound day but it was postponed for next month. But it is always nice to hear baby's heart beating. Additional prenatal vitamins were prescribed: extra calcium and extra iron because my RBC count is a little low.

I was both excited and nervous for the congenital anomaly scan. More than finally finding out baby's gender, I needed to hear that she's healthy and perfectly fine. We had it done at In My Womb at Taguig.


And because of the complete attendance during the scan: Papogs, Shashing, Mamacherub, Bamba and the talkative little boy with the "Asan? Di ko kita si baby p!", and the friendly and reassuring words of the OB-Sonologist, my fears were brushed aside and immediately replaced with pure joy.

Ten fingers, ten toes, nose, lips and eye lens seen and normal. Other organs were seen as well. Baby is 517 grams with heartbeat at 152 beats per minute. The doctor describes to us what she sees and tells us that everything is as it should be.

As for baby's gender, at first, due to baby's position and movement, the doctor wasn't too sure, but near the end of the scan, SHE finally revealed herself. Papogs didn't want to believe and asked the doctor if she was already sure. Hahaha!

We had a glimpse of our angel in 4D but she's shy and she kept on covering her face with her two hands. After almost an hour, the scan was finished and everything I heard were music to my ears.

Today we brought the results to Tita Cel and she was happy with the results as well.

I couldn't thank Him enough for this little life that He entrusted to us. And for my little babygirl, I can't wait to see you, and touch you, and love you more.

Seeing Baby Move

22 Weeks Pregnant

I'm on my 22nd week and that is more than half way though the pregnancy.
The past weeks, I have been feeling some movement on my tummy but I wasn't sure yet if that's the baby or something else. Described on my pregnancy bible, fetal movement can be any of the following: flutters, butterfly wings flapping, gas bubbles, growling stomach, twitches, light tapping, like a little fish swimming. I've had all those and I've been calling hubby, putting his hand on my tummy but he hasn't really felt it yet.

Last night, all set up in bed, I felt a strong movement on my tummy. What I did, I called hubby, rolled up my shirt and told him to look at the part of my tummy where I felt the movement. We stared a few seconds, recognizing my normal breathing movement and there it was! A sharp bulge on a small part of my tummy! It was like a very sharp kick from a little foot, or a very strong push from a small hand. We were both in shock, in awe, and my heart jumped with joy. Pure happYness.

Then I remembered, today marks ten years since we last saw Mommy Rose. And somehow, it made me even happier with the thought that it was her making baby move last night. To make me feel them both.

Yoquito Turns 1

Yoquito turned one. I had to let baby sister adopt him for a few months now, because my pregnancy. It was hard maintaning him the most, of all the dogs in the house. I'm sure baby sister takes care of him, more than how we could, given the current situation.
Last weekend, we celebrated his birthday by giving him a treat and a new a toy. We played with him for a while and he seemed very happy. Eventhough he's happy with baby sister in his temporary home, he missed us and we miss him a lot as well.

Old Friends

I wrote a post about her before she left. And after four and a half years, she's back to visit us. Yes, that's four and half years. Now, their family is doubled. I mean, they aren't only two, but they are already four.

How time flew. I was very happy to see her and how much has changed over the years. Most of all, she got what she has always wished for, and more. They've been blessed with two cute baby boys and we were lucky to see them.

Indeed, it's nice to see good "old" friends.
Thanks for taking the time to see us, Suzy!

Birthday, birthday, what a happy day.

This year, the typhoon and rains were on our side. No "Pedring" or "Milenyo" stopped us from giving a surprise birthday greeting to our dear friend, Bubbles. The rain stopped we when went out of the house and it just started raining again when we got home. We chose to surprise her at the stroke of midnight. We brought midnight snacks for the soon-to-be-mommy birthday celebrator.

I know your wish has been granted already. On your next birthday, there will be one more person, a little person, who'll be surprising you, with us. I pray for you and your baby's health and safety.
Happy birthday Bubbles!

Happy Birthday Papogs

We celebrated Papa's 59th birthday with three birthday cakes: a small ube mamon, a junior Dulce De Leche cake and our ulam, torta. Ikoy got fond of asking papa to blow the candle. With Shashing and KS on Facetime, we sang three times, with Ikoy's version on the very last line, "Happy Birthday to you, you, you, you!"

Of course the little boy won't settle for not having a gift. What he did, he took the banana from the countertop and gave it to papa, "Papa, ito ang gift ko sa iyo, banana!" And he drew his own greeting card.

I do look forward to the day when baby comes and Ikoy will have a baby brother/sister. And Papa will have a grandchild. I can't wait for that.

My only wish for Papa is for him to be always safe, healthy and happy.

Certainty.

I know my life would be so much easier and so much better if you were here. Just a wishful thinking. Most days I will just put a smile on my face, being contented knowing, and keeping you here inside my heart. But give me just some days out of the almost ten years, to tell how much much I wanted you to be with me, with us.

Then, I will be fine again.

Your love is a certainty, that will always keep me going.

Happy Tummy

To due insistent sister's bright idea and to cheer up baby sister who's been sad the past few days, they made this to my tummy and we all had a good laugh. This is how my tummy looks like at 17 weeks. Denden was afraid of how my belly button looked like so I wanted to show my sisters during our chat conversation, there was no webcam so we just took a picture and sent to it her.

My happy baby inside my smiley tummy also wanted to greet my hubby a happy four years today.

For Kuting

After six years in the same office that included one year of living in the same apartment, five years of birthday surprises, parties and spending special occasions, weekend movie dates and dinner outs, a friend decides to pursue greener pasteurs. Eventhough it hurts for me to see you go, I wish you well on your new job. Know that I will always be your friend.

I love you always, Kuting.

Happy Lolo's

It was grandparent's day last weekend. No, we didn't greet the soon-to-be-lolo's yet, I will let baby do the honors next year. But we got to spend time with our two dad's over the weekend.

First was the dinner with the Felipe-Ong family. Papa Renren was anxious and couldn't help but ask if we knew baby's gender already, I told him, we'll know next month. I ask if he had a preference. A traditional Chinese answer would be a boy, so that was what I expected to hear from him. Surprisingly he said he hopes for a girl. I asked why, "Syempre, kasi dalawang lalaki ang anak ko." I told him perhaps my dad would want a boy because he had three daughters. Either way, one of them will be happier. We had a good laugh.

On yesterday's dinner with Papogs, I shared the story with him. Then I asked him what's his wish. He just said, "Kahit ano." He told us that when mommy was pregnant with my second sister, he wished for a boy. And he did the same for my youngest sister, but it wasn't granted. So this time, he'll just say, Kahit ano. We laughed all together because we were almost sure that he's still wishing for a boy.

My heart and my growing tummy is filled with happiness as we feel the excitement of the people around us. As for me, it doesn't matter if baby's a boy or a girl. My only wish is that he/she is safe and healthy.

Preparing Baby's Room

One of the tasks for Denden when I was in Singapore was installing the air conditioner in the blue room.

The first step that we needed to do was put an air conditioner in the blue room in preparation for baby’s room. We put off doing this during the construction of the house because we weren’t sure yet if we wanted to put an air conditioner in our baby’s room, we thought we both grew up without air conditioners in our rooms. Actually we both grew up not having a room of our own. I myself, slept on my parents bed with my two sisters until I was about 10.

Having giving it a second thought, we decided, what the heck!-- anything for our “long-awaited-for” baby.

We got a good deal from Abenson and brought the LG air conditioner with a free air cooler.

Thumbs up again for Denden. Now I am even more excited putting baby furniture and decorations on the room!

Mission Accomplished

Since we decided the Singapore trip was just us, sisters, I left Denden with some tasks to do at home. After all, it was a two-day Holiday, thus, the four day long weekend.

I thought that it would be the best time to change the laminate flooring in our bedroom, into tiles. I knew I wouldn’t be too good in handling laminate flooring because of the water spills, the unwaterproofed firewall during the first few months, and windows that I always forget to close during rainy season. So the solution was to change them into tiles. I knew this will be hardwork that I wouldn’t mind missing. The “walk-in closet system” had to be removed, our bed had to be disassembled, baseboards removed, then the laminate flooring. We chose the wood-looking rectangular tiles from Mariwasa with a darker color. After the installation, everything should be brought back to its old place.

I had to give Denden three-stars because it was a mission accomplished for him. Thus our bedroom looks brand new.

Sisters Day Out

Probably the last, if not the second to the last trip to Singapore, we booked our flight even before I knew I was pregnant. Fortunately, I got clearance from my OB to ride the plane. We decided that this visit will be just us sisters, with Kuya Shosh.

Unlike my previous trips to Singapore, this time, we had limited places to go. I couldn’t walk too far, especially go and up down staircases, and I get tired easily. Of course, I wouldn’t miss Ikea and its yummy meatballs! But I had to limit what I had to buy because of the baggage allowance, mostly baby stuff, decors for baby’s room. And it was Cherub’s first time to eat in Marche, and as always, it was a treat.

The five days went by instantly. It was a “mission accomplished,” we got to spend quality time with Lij. For some time now, I haven’t experienced having two sisters: living in same house, sleeping in the same bedroom, waking up and having breakfast on the same dining table. I missed that!
On the other hand, we also got to witness how her day starts and ends there, how she and K/S take care of each other.

I guess this trip was not for different places to visit, or tourist spots to go to. But it was for the sharing of stories of different people we knew, and sharing of experiences that isn’t only read thru emails or chats. This trip was for the endless talks and laughs on the MRT train that would almost make you miss your station. Or the long serious conversations on the bus that would make you wonder if you’re passed your stop already. It was for watching TFC teleseryes together even if you don’t really watch it back home. It was for old Tagalog movies that you wouldn’t mind watching again just to share with her, the feeling of being home.

When it was time to go, I asked her if she wanted to accompany us to the airport, she said she didn’t want to because she might cry. It was sad having to leave her and I know it breaks her heart as well. But what’s left is to cherish the last five days. After all, she exceeded half of the two years. A few months more and she’ll be back home. And we will look forward to that day.

Nanay Luring

It is said that you should do as she says, or else, you'll get scolded. Eventhough she's known to be "masungit," I've never seen her that way. She has always been concerned and thoughful, checking if we had lunch or dinner already or giving me chocolates and candies before we go home. She might be pretty straightforward when she says something, but understanding between her lines will just show how she truly feels.

There was one thing she asked, and always asked of us, a great grandchild. I hoped she was happy when she found out she'll be having one. And she will. I will not forget to tell my baby about her.

We will miss you, Nanay Luring. Thank you for everything.

My Little Messenger

This is how I told Ikoy that I am finally having a baby.
Me: Ikoy, alika, may sasabihin ako sayo.
He came close to me. I took his hand and placed it on my tummy.

Me: Sa tummy ni Nuni, meron nang baby sa loob!
Ikoy: Talaga?
Me: Oo!
Ikoy: Yehey! Yehey!
He jumped three times with arms raised up. I am not sure if he's really happy about the baby in my tummy or he's just relieved that he's not the baby anymore. He's actually been declaring lately that he's a big boy already, not a baby anymore.

Immediately, he went outside the house and excitedly called Papa.

Ikoy: Papa! Papa! May baby na sa tummy ni Nuni! May baby na sa tummy ni Nuni.
Papa didn't want to believe him.

Ikoy: Meron na Papa! May baby na sa tummy ni Nuni!
Papa still didn't believe him until I confirmed that it's true.

From then on, he started telling everyone that there’s a baby In my tummy, i.e. to sister on Singapore, on our video call. But of course, she knew already before Ikoy.

Ikoy, my little messenger. I let him do the honors of announcing to my bestfriend. “May baby sa tummy ni Nuni!” The first time Bing heard it, I think there was a surprised-shout that everybody in the restaurant heard, then she started crying. Ikoy kept on repeating, “May baby sa tummy ni Nuni!”, standing in front of her, which made her cry even more. She couldn’t stop crying and even Annika got worried seeing her mom cry. I had to tell Ikoy to stop talking.

Even to those people who shouldn’t know yet. We went to our neighbor’s party and he just simply broadcasted, “May baby sa tummy ni Nuni!” I was caught off guard and even if I want to hold off the announcement to the whole world I had to explain to our neighbors the case.

Since then, every week when I see him, he checks how’s the baby. He wants it to come out of my tummy already. He insists on seeing the ultrasound pictures and videos first, and asks me to explain. He’s worried when I inject insulin that the baby might get hurt. One time we’re both lying on the bed for our afternoon nap, he tells me he’ll sing a lullaby for me. After his first song, he puts his mouth in my tummy and sings the Lupang Hinirang, for baby to be able to sleep as well. He puts in fingers in my belly button and asks, “Nuni, nakikita ba ni baby yung daliri ko?” So funny.

He loves baby already. I think he’s pretty excited to be Kuya Ikoy.

August 6: Third Maternity Checkup @W11

I have survived the four weeks of bedrest after three birthday celebrations on my bed, a new Wi-Fi internet connection, a re-run of the 10 seasons of Friends, updated seasons of Pretty Little Liars, Cougar Town, Vampire Diaries, Raising Hope and HBO's mini series, The Pacific, after three weeks of Papa taking care of us, Denden taking over the last week.

It was time to go back to the doctor. This time, it was just me, Denden and MamaCherub. First was the check up with Tita Cel. As she told me to lie down, I thought it was just the same physical check up as before. But she placed a gel on my tummy and placed a gadget, after a while, I heard something. It’s like water gushing, or air breezing with an interval. And she asked if I can hear it. It's baby’s heart beat. It was heard all over the room. Denden and MamaCherub heard it too. I was shocked as I didn’t expect that. But it was the most beautiful sound! And it drove all my worries away.

Worries. It was a thing of the past. At least for the doctor. She said the bedrest is terminated, the baby is okay. She even said that there’s no need for the ultrasound again because she is that sure that the bleeding from last time is not there anymore. But I wanted to be sure, so we went ahead for the ultrasound.

The ultrasound was the exact opposite of the first time as well. Upon lying down, the sonologist came in and immediately saw the baby withOUT any signs of bleeding. From the monitor it looked like a fetus already, showing features of the nose on its side view. The arms and legs are already formed as well. And the baby kept on moving and moving.

Crown Rump Length: 4.9cm = 11 weeks 3 days.
Cardiac pulsation is regular and strong at 169 beats per minute

I paused for a minute and thanked Him for listening to my prayers.
Today is one happy and worry-free day.

Three weeks with Papa

The culprit of my diabetes is Papa. Okay, okay, my eating habits and my lifestyle might have affected as well, but I could easily blame it to his genes.

I knew he was glad when he found out that I was pregnant. I knew he was concerned when he found found that I have diabetes as well. But when I told him of the bleeding on the ultrasound, there was a different tone in his voice, deeper than worry, more of fear. Even if he never pressured us into having a baby, I knew he wanted an "apo". Thus, the fear that I sensed in him is for baby.

He volunteered to accompany me at home during the doctor-prescribed-bedrest. Can we say "no" to that? I needed someone to wake up in the morning to go to the market, cook lunch for me, cook dinner for us, to go up and down the stairs to bring me anything I needed. That, he did. And more. For the three weeks. This is the longest time I've spent with him ever since I left our house in Marikina. And believe me, the times in Marikina before were the exact opposite of the time we spent during the last three weeks.

Baby and I are both very lucky. We were both pampered and babied. Papa took very good care of us.

Insulin

Diabetes is failure of the body to make insulin or to respond to insulin. The first is the type 1 diabetes and the second is type 2 diabetes. Yes, that's me.

Insulin is a natural hormone made by the pancreas that controls the levels of the sugar glucose in the blood. It permits the cells to use glucose for energy. Thus making the cells unable to utilize glucose without insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced but the cells in the body do not respond normally to it. In shorter terms, making one insulin resistant.

My first prescription of insulin is a mixutre of the fast and slow reacting insulin, Humalog Mix25. I had to take varying number of units three times a day, before every big meal.

After a few weeks, I noticed that I rarely reach my FBS targets. So the doctor changed insulin. This time, instead of a mixture, I was given two separates prescriptions. One for the fast acting, Humalog Insulin Lispro Injection and one for the intermediate-acting insulin, Humulin N Isophane Insulin Human Injection. So now instead of three injections a day, I get five. Three times still before every meal for the fast-acting. And twice for Humulin N, morning and night.

The doses of the insulin varies. This is where the glucometer test results comes in. The insulin is adjusted based on the readings recorded everyday.

Glucometer

Who would have thought that my latest gadget would be an insulin meter, or the glucometer. The blood glucose monitoring tool to help manage my diabetes. This is the Optium Xceed Diabetes Monitoring System.

A first must-haves of a diabetic. Here's how: 1. Insert electrode test strip to the port. 2. Use the lancing device to prick chosen site to obtain a blood drop. 3. Touch the blood drop to the white area at the end of the test strip until it reaches the end of the electrode. A countdown will indicate that it is beginning to test. 4. Blood glucose result will display. Of course all these making sure that chosen site as well as your hands are clean. Needles of the lancing device are to be replaced also.

I am to check my blood sugar five times a day: when I wake up in the morning (this is called fasting blood sugar or FBS), two hours after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one before dinner. Target goals vary as well. FBS should be between 80 to 90. Post meals should be between 100 to 120 and the one before dinner should be between 90 to 100. Note that these goals are more strict because the baby inside my tummy is taken into account.

It is very important the my blood sugar levels don't always go very high, or very low. It will cause long terms effects for the baby. High blood sugar might cause that baby to be very large, lungs might develop more slowly, risk of early delivery, risk of injury during birth, low blood sugar in the baby at birth, risk for stillborn, pre-eclampsia and the need for a C-section. Too low might cause the slower development of the baby's brains.

Too much information scares me. I have to remind myself to stop reading and researching.

For now, this will explain the tiny, tiny dots on the tips of my fingers.

Carbohydrate Counting

A major part of the being diabetic is associated with food. That is why on top of my list of things to do is to meet with the nutritionist. The appointment with the dietician has taught me all the information that I need for my diet and meal plan.

Based on weight and list of day to day activites, the number of calories needed per day is computed. This number is then broken down into the three basic food groups: carbohydrates, protein and fat. Since I am pregnant, the goal is not to lose/gain weight. Just retain my current weight. This is, until the end of the first trimester.

Since carbohydrates mainly affects the blood glucose, it should be monitored: thus the carb counting. 1 carb choice = 15 grams of carbohydrates. This conversion makes all the numbers simpler. The total number of carbohydrates, divided into choices, is distributed into six meals a day for me: breakfast, lunch, dinner and three snacks in between.

I should be able to count the carb choices in the food that I am eating, minding not to eat too much or too little. A list of common foods, with 1 carb choice is provided. Also, I should learn to read more on the nutritional labels on foods.

It seems complicated enough because of the numbers, but it gets more complicated due to the fact that you have to count the carbohydrates in whatever it is you're eating. But, I think I'm getting the hang of it. Goodluck to me!

Off the Calendar

Yes, it's my 31st birthday. The last day on the calendar. Eventhough I am getting older, this year, is the best! Here 31 reasons why:
1. Tons of birthday wishes from friends and family through text and Facebook.
2. Sister from Singapore is here for the weekend.
3. With Kuya Shosh. Last month, they just went here on a weekday and we didn't get to spend time together.
4. Friday night dinner with papogs, two sisters and ikoy.
5. Free overnight stay at the hotel.

6. Pre-Saturday night dinner celebration with the family.
7. Ikoy's specially selected and wrapped gift: Wall-E Lego, Toy Story Ball and Mrs. Potatohead's bag. He was even more excited than me and he wanted to open it right away.
8. Bestest bestfriend
9. With my "first" baby gift and a book which, I am forced to read.
10 . With her family to join us for dinner.
11. Habi who drove more than 2 hours of traffic just to be there.
12. Little baby girl to sing happy birthday for miminuni.
13. With "bouncy" baby Alfons, even with him just looking at you would make you smile.
14. My first of my three cakes, blew the candle with Ikoy and Annika.
15. Sunday night, Papogs cooked my request dinner: fish in "Pesa."

16. Woke up on my birthday morning, with my friends on the other side of my bedroom door.
17. Yummy and healthy breakfast prepared by Kuting.
18. With her betterhalf.
19. Pregnant friend Bubbles who didn't bother going up and down the stairs for the surrpise. Of course with her hubby.
20. Marge, for waking up early to be on time for the early surprise.
21. My second birthday cake, with my dear friends.
22. A two part birthday surprise. Aside from the breakfast surprise, there was still a dinner surprise!
23. Baby sister who brought me salad for dinner.
24. With Bamba.
25. And my third birthday cake.
26. Hubby's family had their share of birthday greetings and wishes.
27. A husband who's willing to do anything I ask of him.
28. Last month, I received an advanced birthday gift, a positive pregnancy test.
29. Doctor confirmed that yes, I am indeed pregnant. But we need to wait a few weeks for the ultrasound.
30. We saw baby's heart, beating, on the first ultrasound.
31. I get to share with the whole world my bestest birthday gift ever.