37 3/7: Still Waiting for the Little Man

Hi Bloggy!

I just felt like writing before I hit the sack tonight. 

In a few days, our lives are about to change. Uno's coming anytime soon and Kali is about to start his first full-time work. I don't really know how I'd be once everything's here but I'm already thinking how I'd be coping up with so many changes. I didn't quite expect that I'd be looking after Uno on my own in the next coming weeks and months. Kali's job offer came unexpectedly and I just don't want to be the one telling him to not take it this early. I don't want the opportunity to go to waste and besides, we'll have to start saving for the future. I'm praying I'd be able to get by all the changes. I got so used to Kali staying in the house with me that I don't actually see myself surviving a day without his help. But I know I have to be strong and get over it. I don't want to be helpless because there's Uno who'll depend on me as well. 

I'd like to be wholly happy for Kali but I have to admit I'm scared of him not being around. Well, I know I'm just being praning now but I have to get used to him going to an eight hour job five days a week. 

I would like to think that everything is slowly falling into place. With us waiting for Uno's arrival (hopefully he arrives na in the next 2-3 days) and Kali having a job, I'm already thinking of my next big move. I'm eyeing on making moolah out of online writing, reselling mommy and baby products and making a line of my own. I've already told Kali these plans and he was supportive about it. We just have to adjust some of our funds to materialize the reselling and own-line part.

I've been inspired by a lot of WAHMs (Work-at-home moms) that I encounter online. If I want to be one, I think I should start at the soonest possible time and begin making small moves for my soon-to-be website. I could not wait to take this next step after Uno arrives but for now I just have to wait a little more until my little man is here. 

Besides online writing, I'm also thinking of learning some extra skills for my dream line of baby clothing and accessories. Other than crochet and knitting which I already know the basics, I wanted to learn how to use the sewing machine. I got more excited after realizing that Ate Mimi (wife of Kali's cousin) actually knows how to sew. I wanted to ask her if she could teach me so I could start practicing on doing some linens for our bed and Uno's crib. I badly want to learn quilting too since I haven't known someone or a group who does quilting for kids. 

I just pray I would still have the same energy, inspiration and eagerness to do all this once Uno is here and my real mommy duties begin. :) 

So far, I'm stopping here. :) 

Tomorrow, we'll be temporarily staying in UP Bliss until I give birth so I have to pack our things tonight. :)

And by the way, I've been experiencing some small painful cramps this afternoon. I don't think I'm already in labor but I know it's about to begin soon. Pray for me! 

Goodnight!

xoxo

Yannie :)  

37 Weeks. Almost there!

It has been almost three weeks since I last wrote here. I kinda missed blogging and I'm just sorry for myself for choosing online games over writing. (Yeah, I haven't gotten over my three online games! Haha! Call me addict!) But don't worry, besides gaming, I got myself busy with other stuff as well. I made myself a Pinterest account which hooked me the moment I signed up. I got an invite from Ro, a good friend from high school, and since then I cannot stop pinning photos. I'm actually planning to do some pinning after I finish writing this one. :)


Hmmm. What else? So, far all is set for Uno's arrival. The crib mattress from Christian has finally arrived. Here's how the crib looks like after I set up everything. :)

Looks like everybody's excited for Uno already because the gifts just keep on coming. :)

OkieDog Diaper bag :)
From Tito Bayan, Tita Cha, Kuya Julian and Baby Javier

Rattles from Taiwan from Lolo Omy

Onesie and Blankie Set from Tita Joicee :)

Mothercare Wedge Pillow, Mommy Pads and Stretchmark
lotion from Ate Asa, Onesies from Tita Ariane and Tito Jan
and Mattress and Onesie from Tito Tian and Lola Betty :) 

Adorable Loafers from Tito Imon, Tita Ella and Kuya Xavi :)

More...

The crochet prowess in me is back. I attempted to do some little things for Uno and so far, it was a success. :) Look at these! :)

Doing some practice before the big project. :)

Tadaaaan! A new pair of socks for Uno! :)

 

My Very Berry Set. :) Kali doesn't want the color though! :)

My first stash after many years courtesy of Kali :)

And there's Girla... 

Our little furball has arrived last Friday. She's just the most adorable thing ever. I first named her Chelsea but Julian named her Girla so we're calling her that. :)

Uno and Girla's first photo together. :)

Getting comfy at home and enjoying the LV sofa mat. :)

 

Awwwww. :)

Her first day at home. :) Quite scared pa :)

Outside our room. She stays at the doorstep because
I told her it's bawal. :)

Girla just turned three doggy months yesterday, February 24. We haven't brought her to the pet shop yet to be groomed but we'll do hopefully before Uno arrives.

Antonio Girls Reunited

My good friend Joyce arrived from her Flight Attendant work last week and to catch things up since she wasn't able to attend our wedding and Uno's baby shower, we decided to meet up yesterday for lunch. Anne was also there. I realized how much I missed these two ladies and I'm glad that time and distance hasn't changed the way we are to each other. 

 37 Weeks


I'm now on my 37th week so that means Uno's full-term already. We went to the doctor earlier today for our weekly checkup and she did an IV to find out if I'm on my labor already since I told her I've been suffering from pelvic pains already. She said my cervix has already ripened, meaning it has softened already and that Uno's head is almost gauging and positioning himself for birth. Lying down, turning around, standing up, and walking are all getting harder for me to do. 


Next week, we might stay at UP Bliss first so it would be easy to go to the hospital once I go into labor. I really don't want to make a big fuss when I give birth. I don't want too many people during my labor and after delivery. But of course, I can't tell my in-laws and family not to visit me, so I guess I just have to bear with them.


I'm stopping from here. Looks like on my next blog, Uno will be here na. :) 


Good luck to me! :)


xoxo

 

 

34 Weeks - Cravings Galore

Good morning, Bloggy! :)


I've decided to write early today because I got nothing on my to-do list today. Before hitting the bed last night, I updated our hospital bag for the nth time. I thought that it'd be much safer if I bring more clothes for me and Kali since I don't really know how long I'll be going through labor and if any case I might need to undergo a C-section (which I pray don't happen), I will be asked to stay in the hospital for a maximum of five days. From my chic Le Sport Green bag, I transferred out stuff to Kali's small stroller bag. 

Uno's bag and ours. All prepped for the D-day!

When Kali saw the two bags, he didn't quite approve with the idea of using the stroller. He found it too big and bulky in case there's an emergency situation and there's no one to drive us to the hospital. Well, it's not my problem anymore. Hehe. 


Driving + Car Seat Idea


I'm not quite sure if we're going to purchase a car seat yet or if we really have to. Since Kali isn't driving on his own yet and needs more practice, I don't think it is necessary to buy one as early as now. I'm thinking though, how are we going home to Laguna. Should Kali not driving means, we're not visiting Laguna in the next coming months after Uno's birth? Quite sad though because it also means that we'd have to commute every time we would go to checkups and that we can't really go out by ourselves without going out with the whole family as well since Kuya Tots is the only one who knows how to drive.


On a lighter note...


After-Birth Cravings


Yesterday, I've mentioned in my blog that I will write about foods that I plan to eat right after I give birth. This is going to be a fun post then. Just so you know, I didn't quite enjoy the craving period of pregnancy that we Filipinos refer to as paglilihi. Unlike the stories we usually hear of husbands going out in the middle on night to satisfy the cravings of their pregnant wives, mine was a different story. I didn't experience that special treatment. Most of the time when I ask for a craving, I was given a no for an answer. By the time that Kali buys the food, I'm past the craving and would just eat it for the purpose of filling up my stomach. But behind these Noes, I know he's just being careful of what I eat since most of my cravings are too sweet, too salty and unhealthy.So, I come up with this list of foodies that I'm planning to indulge the moment Uno comes out. 


Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar Jalapeno
I have always loved Cheetos! Who doesn't love Cheetos? I remember back then, every time we would see a movie, Kali and I would stop at the grocery store to purchase one big bag of Cheetos Jalapeno. I would really ask Kali to buy me some before I give birth, so I could enjoy it after delivery. 

Yummmmm!

Cadbury Fruit and Nut
Fruit and Nut has always been my favorite among the Cadbury Chocolate Family. 

Makes me drool! :)

Selecta Reese's Ice Cream
This flavor of Selecta ice cream was my comfort food when I was still working partnered with Cheetos. The irony of flavors! 

The Best Comfort Food for me!

UP Diliman Mang Larry's Isaw
Kali introduced me to UP isaw. Since I'm not allowed to eat semi-cooked food for the whole period of my pregnancy, I had to give up eating isaw. 

+ a cup of their signature suka = Heaven!

Milky N' Sunny's All Day Breakfast Delights
I've been wanting to try their brekky treats since I learned about this place. Hopefully, we'll get to try this soon! 

Soon! Soon! Soon!

Ice Cold Coca-Cola
Aaaaahhhhh! Happiness! Who doesn't want an ice cold Coke?! 

Coke = Happiness

Ta-daaaaaaan! Done with the list of my cravings. I could not wait to try them all again but with moderation since I'm planning to breastfeed and should watch what I eat because everything that I eat will go to my milk too. :)


Medela House Appointment
Tomorrow's going to be a long day. We have prenatal checkup in the morning and an appointment with the Medela House at two in the afternoon. I'm quite excited about it.  :))


So far, this is all for today. :) Might take a nap or do some mommy-reading first. :)


Oh! I'm 34 weeks today! :)
Yay! :) 


xoxo

33 6/7 - Challenges and Changes

Hi Bloggy! :)


As I promised last night, I will try to collect my thoughts today. Yesterday's post was a horrible one and I'm sorry for being too excited and too indulged with these online games that my blog last night was compromised. I guess it's not healthy for me to write that late (9pm) because my body and brain (I could say) were too tired already that squeezing out words would mean a lot of effort. And so, I am writing at my usual writing time which is on a late afternoon. 


Hmmmm... What can I share to you today?


Kali's Impacho-ation


Well, I woke up a little too early this morning. Not that I need to do anything but because of these online games, I'm bound to check the status of my progress first thing in the morning which is actually a bad idea. I went down for breakfast and was surprised to see Mama still in the house. She was waiting for her service because she'll be on the fieldwork today (I guess).  But before I actually went down, I saw Kali still sleeping on the couch. He got out of bed earlier than me because he's been having an upset tummy since last night. (Well, he woke up at midnight to do number two). Up until lunch, he's been in and out of the comfort room due to indigestion.


I just had a light breakfast. Two pandesals and a cup of hot milk wasn't bad. I would have to control what I eat because as I've said last night, I feel like I'll hit extra lines on the weighing scale this weekend. We had our usual morning walk. 


Morning bath. 


Mommy-reading up until lunch time.


Siesta.


I woke up from my afternoon nap a little early because Christian asked me to proofread an article he's about to submit to his boss. Although I've already asked Kali to do it for me, I checked it out myself. Speaking of Christian, I'm not sure if I've mentioned this on my blog last night but he said he's going to purchase the mattresses for Uno's crib this weekend. We'll probably have it by late Saturday or Sunday. Finally. Just a few more fixings and everything's prepared for Uno's arrival. So far, all that's left to buy is the air-conditioning unit for our room. I've asked Kali about it and he haven't gave a thumbs-up about it.  


Stroller Update


I just told Kali a few minutes ago regarding the all-in-one infant car seat-rocker-carrier and stroller that I've researched. I've explained to him the perks but as usual, just like the case of the air-conditioning unit, he stood up on me and didn't give me a final answer about it. I don't know. I wanted to be disappointed but I think I would just have to let it go. He doesn't like it when I decide or plan on things without me telling him, but whenever I told him, he wouldn't give me an answer naman. It's a bit frustrating especially when it's something that is not for me. I mean, if this is just about me, my needs and wants could always wait. But the issue here is there's a baby who's bound to arrive in 2-3 weeks time. 




Where do I stand? Beside? Infront? At the back?


I don't know how far could I go on matters like this OR he could go on like this. It's just sometimes, I don't know where to place myself. I know it's ideal that I should be just right next to him but sometimes, I feel like I'm more of at the back, just following whatever he says which is not so me. But anyways, I don't need and should not stress myself at this point. Uno's coming anytime soon and I don't want him to feel bad for the few weeks that he's staying in my tummy. I'll think about these issues after I give birth. We really have so many things to talk about. 


Embracing Changes


On those times that I'm idling, I think about the changes that are going to occur after I give birth. Let me give you an idea on these thoughts.


Tummy. Well, of course, I don't really know what my tummy would look like. (Haha!) Please don't laugh at me. I really am clueless. All my life, I'm used to having this flat tummy which I proudly could say, everyone adores. (Yabang!) And now that I'm carrying this big bulge, I'm really clueless if it'll ever go back to it's old form. 


Appetite. I will not deny that this pregnancy really boosted my appetite a gazillion times. Not that I'm not matakaw way back then, but this preggo thing really plumped me up. After giving birth, I don't know if I'd still be this big eater that I am now. A part of me doesn't want this big appetite of mine to stop because my OB says, I'm on a perfect weight if I'm not pregnant; and yet a part of me wants this whole eating thing to slow down because I'm afraid I might not get back to my old slim self. But let's see. 


Sleep. I've seen how my sister Abby would wake up in the middle of the night to render on Xander's need mostly on food and nappy and I've read a lot of articles and facebook statuses of moms on sleep deprivation because of taking care of their babies. I know Uno's going to bring a lot of changes in my sleeping time, but I guess I could cope up with it since I'm quite used to sleeping late or only for a few hours when I was still working. 


Post-partum Emotional state. I've known moms who had depression bouts after delivery and those who weren't able to experience it. I can't really tell if I'll go through these baby blues but I'm praying that I won't since Uno would be needing me all the time and I would not be able to totally take care of him if I'm emotionally unhealthy. I must remember to snap out of it in case I started feeling it. 


Social Life. The moment I got pregnant, I know my social life was up for a 360-degree turn. I'm not allowed to stay out late and to go on out-of-town trips not unless it is called for like our Lubang trip last October. With Uno going to be around, I know I have to make sacrifices on my social activities. Like for example, drinking and going out with friends. On drinking, I've already had my mind set that I could not drink alcohol because I'm going to breastfeed hopefully for the next two years. Same as with going out with friends, I think I could still do that but on occasions that require my attendance. I'll have a child to look after and I should make him feel that he's my priority and not gimmicks anymore. I know I would have to go out once in a while for some fresh air and it'll always be a package and a compromise once Uno is here. 


These are only some of the things I've thought about on those times that I found myself with nothing to do. I know there's still a number of changes along the way and I welcome them. I believe that embracing these changes and overcoming them will help me become the best person that I could be and the best mom for Uno. 


This is all for today. :)


Tomorrow, I'm thinking of sharing the list of foods that I've been dying to eat once Uno is out. :) Most of them are junkies actually, but still I would like to share these cravings that I've been having and stopping myself from eating. :)


It's past 6pm. :) I hope this is enough to make up for the blog that I wrote last night. :)


xoxo

33 5/7 - Still Waiting in Vain + More News

Hi Bloggy!


I missed you!


It's almost nine o' clock in the evening now and I'm still up and about. I just decided to pause my online games so I could have the time to write now. I can't believe it. I've been actually playing it for five days already and even though I don't want to think that I'm addicted to it, I actually am. Haha! I know it's something I shouldn't boast about considering that I'll be officially a mom after three weeks or so for the rest of my life, but I just really can't get the hang of it because I really got nothing to do at home (besides eating, sleeping and observing Uno's movements). 


By the way, it's the first day of February today. I just can't contain the excitement and nervousness that I'm feeling all at the same time whenever I think of Uno's arrival in the next  coming weeks. I'm still on my 33rd week and will be entering my 34th on Friday. In two weeks or so, if God permits, I could finally give birth and see Uno. 


Being the close-to-OC mom-to-be that I am, I've already updated the two hospital bags (one for Uno and one for me and Kali) that we'll be bringing during the time of my delivery but I haven't instructed Kali just yet that those were the bags he should pull out from the room in case there's an emergency and I had to be rushed to the hospital. 


This Saturday, we'll have our checkup again and I'm quite feeling that I've gained more than what I'm required. So I'm wishing myself some good luck once I stepped on the weighing scale. After this Saturday, we're scheduled to have weekly checkups already since I'm nearing the finish line in a span of weeks. 




Stroller News


Our friend from Japan, Ate Garshie asked us a few days ago what we want her to give Uno. And since our other friend, Anne told her that Uno still doesn't have a walker, a stroller and a playpen, Ate Garshie said she'll give one of the three things Anne mentioned. I went for the stroller then thinking that Uno might not need to go out pa naman (via stroller) in his next three months. I've made a research on strollers then and found these cutesies from Capella. 

This is Capella's Harmony S-228 Stroller

I'm considering this since it has a travel system. Meaning, it comes with a car seat that can be turned into a carrier and a rocker. I'm thinking of purchasing the car seat because that's what we'll be needing the moment we step out of the hospital. Also, it can be used at home and everytime we travel or go out. 

This is the Capella Classic Carrier
which can be turned into a car seat
and a rocker :)

I've already seen and checked these products and so far, I could say that they could last for a long time. I need to tell Kali asap about this. :) 




Anyway, it's almost 10pm and someone has to sleep already. Yes, that's me. :)


Will just say my prayers and then off to dreamland. :))


Goodnight! :)


P.S.
Sorry, folks. I feel horrible with my writing tonight. :s
Promise to collect my thoughts tomorrow. :))

33 Weeks today - Poker-faced

Hi bloggy!


I'm far from finding my purpose for today. I just feel so useless with nothing to do or to look forward to this day. Earlier, I got plans of going to Megamall for the Grand Baby Fair happening there starting today until this Sunday. They've got great discounts on certain brands and I've figured out that maybe I could avail those baby and nursing things that I haven't bought yet at half the price (or even more).


But the problem is: I always plan things only to get disappointed in the end. My should-be-partner-in-crime isn't as interested as I thought he'd be. I've mentioned this GBF event to him last night and he didn't give an answer. Not a "Yes". Not a "No". Not a "We'll see". Just plainly: "Nakita mo na yan dati pa e. Kunwari ka pa" which wasn't really an answer to the question of going or not. 



Boobie Issue


I've been wanting to buy my nursing stuff since I'm not comfortable wearing my old set of brassieres anymore. I'm sorry to spill it here guys, but they just don't fit me at all that it hurts when I wear it for a period of time. I sort of blame it everytime I feel like I'm running out of breath and when my twins are at the point of getting sore or hurt due to it's tightness. I had to unlock or remove it once in a while just to feel comfortable again.  You might say, it's okay not to wear one since I'm staying at home most of the time, but I just couldn't. Most of the moms I know would suggest that I still wear one even when I'm just at home to avoid breasts from sagging. Well, hopefully tomorrow I could finally finally finally treat myself that comfort. 


Uno's Crib


Uno's crib finally arrived yesterday, earlier than what we have expected. Here's a peek. :)

It's big! I swear! :)

It took up a big space in our room but it's okay. We're just waiting for the mattresses from Christian to arrive. Reese said she'll also be sending a gift for Uno which of course, I don't know yet but I'm excited about it. 


A few more weeks and I'm good to go. I just had to finish all these preparations for Uno's arrival. Next Saturday, I scheduled an appointment with the Medela House because we're planning to purchase the breastmilk storage solution at their shop. 


Tomorrow? 


I don't know what's gonna be up for me tomorrow. I gave up on planning and expecting already since I don't want to be hard on myself when my plans don't push through. It's normal to be frustrated especially when it's the only thing you looked forward to doing and yet, it didn't happen. 


And by the way...


I think men should be sensitive enough over the feelings of their ladies. Let me give you two reasons. First: Ladies are infused with estrogen hormones which triggers and exaggerates any emotion. So just like vampires, when we're happy, we are really happy and when we're hurt, we really feel hurt. Second: We just wanted to feel special and cared for in every and any way on a daily basis and not only when you feel like treating us. 


I know each day isn't perfect, there are times when you guys don't feel like doing anything special for us or won't show and tell us that you love us. And when you're in to "one of those days", our only wish is that the respect and sensitivity for us and our feelings will remain constant. No shouting, no display of disinterest and stuff like that. 


I'm 33 weeks today! :)     

32 3/7: Things are Just Getting More Exciting

Hi Bloggy! :)


I wasn't able to write yesterday after getting home from the mall. I was on my OC-Mommy mode and fixed the stuff we bought upon arriving. We already bought Uno a cribbie and the funny thing was we got the bigger (and better one) courtesy of the grannies (Kali's parents). :)


On my last blog, I've mentioned that we're planning to purchase this crib: 

But after the grannies checked on it, they thought it's not so sturdy. 


And so, we landed on this:

CuddleBug's Riverside 4-in-1 Crib

It turns into a toddler bed and a daybed

And later, into a full-size bed

Months ago, I fell in love with this crib the first time I saw it. Eversince I laid my eyes on it, I've always told Kali that this is what I want for a crib explaining to him the advantages of the whole package and sales-talking him into it. At first, he approved but during the next time that we looked for a crib, he opted for the white one because he found the Riverside bed too big and impractical.


I was then convinced to just settle on the Newport crib thinking that it's better to have it than to have nothing for Uno. I already even pictured in my mind how it would look inside our bedroom and freed up space for it. But yesterday, things changed. Mama and Papa convinced Kali that it's better to purchase the sturdier one. I just smiled at the thought that in the end, I still got what I wanted. Happy? Yes. Contented? Yes. It felt like an answered prayer. God really knows what's best. :)


We purchased the crib and the store said they'll have it delivered within two weeks. I'm quite excited about it. Haha! I swear. Anyway, after slashing the crib out of our To-buy List, we headed to the department store to checkout crib mattresses. Unfortunately, they didn't have the brand we were looking for. What they have looked like a Class-C thin foam for small beds. Good thing was, Kali lured Christian to give Uno a mattress as a gift. To my surprise, Christian didn't hesitate. He'll give two mattresses actually, one is of good quality, while the other will be used for mainly stuffing. We find the mattress height too low, so we thought we might need another foam to increase it's height. 


Since we failed getting mattresses and I learned before going to the mall that I bought the wrong size of crib bedding during my second batch of baby shopping, I looked for an alternate for it. I'm actually obsessing on Classic Winnie the Pooh stuff for Uno's beddings and to my delight, I found these cute flat sheets on sale for only Php130. 

Loving Classic Winnie the Pooh Designs
for Uno's beddings :) 

I already have 3 crib sheets, 2 bolster pillows, a baby pillow and comforter all with Classic Winnie the Pooh designs. I'm still looking forward to getting more stuff with the same design.  Reminded me of my high school days when I used to collect Winnie the Pooh items. 


We did the grocery afterwards. I've tried buying everything we might be needing for the first few weeks and stuffed it inside the container box which we also purchased yesterday. I placed all Uno's beddings and crib bumpers on the other container box. 

For the meantime, this is where
I'm placing all Uno's stuff. 

So far, I could say that we're all good and we're just waiting for Uno to come out. Haaaay. I can't wait. :)


Tranquil Tuesday


My day started early. I woke up minutes before 7am and had my high-fiber breakfast after which, we did our usual morning walk around the village. I did plan yesterday to wash the bedding we bought but Ate Jem insisted that she'll do the washing  for me instead. May be she was concerned about my condition and thought that it'd be best if I won't do the laundry for now. I could still do it actually but I didn't want to argue with her because I know she'll insist. I just changed our curtains then and had the white ones (which I removed) washed so I could use them the next month.


After doing the curtains, I found myself hungry and with nothing to do, so I grabbed my second round of breakfast: Chips Ahoy and Fresh Milk. I kinda resented eating it because minutes after, lunch was served.

Lunch.


Some mommy-reading.


Siesta.


For merienda, Kali made some French Toast. Yummy! I've been actually thinking about and drooling over French toasts for the past few days that's why I'm totally surprised that he made some without me telling him. I had three toasts with condensed milk on top! :)

Happy Tummy! :)


It's almost 7pm now, and here I am. Writing. Mommy-reading. I think I'll have to pause first coz I have to iron the washed beddings. :) Mr. Sun was so up, he dried the beddings in a swift! :) 


xoxo