Thursday, December 15, 2011

A Birthing Story: Welcome Kaelin Sofia!

I'm a mom now... Wow! =)  

I can't believe how everything went by so fast.  I was just ranting in one of my previous post how frustrated and impatient I am that I haven't given birth yet at 38 weeks.  Then at exactly 39 weeks, it happened...

Aug. 27 (Saturday) - We went to my OB for my weekly check up.  Again, my cervix was still closed though already soft.  My OB told me that it would still take a week or so before I give birth, and that I can still travel to Tagaytay for the long weekend if I wanted to.

Aug. 28 (Sunday); around 2-3am - I woke up because I was feeling some kind of pain in my abdomen... Similar to dysmenorrhea.  I told Kit about it but he dismissed it telling me that it could just be my imagination since Dra. told us that I will not give birth anytime soon.  I tried to sleep again since the pain was not that strong anyway.  After a few minutes, I went to the bathroom to pee.  I saw a tinge of blood on the tissue after wiping but again, I dismissed it and went back to sleep.

6 am - I was about to take a bath when I noticed my undies full of blood.  That's when I panicked.  It was the first time I experienced bleeding/spotting throughout my pregnancy and I didn't know what to do.  I told Kit right away. And his mom heard us, and told us to go to the hospital as soon as possible.  

7 am - We first went to our condo and gave instructions to the cleaners and met with the electrician who'll replace our dining room lights.  We also grabbed some last minute things that we'll need for the hospital, just in case they decide to admit me.  And guess what...  I forgot my phone at Kit's house in Paranaque and our digital camera at the condo.  Talk about being calm and collected.  Hahaha. 

8:00 am - We arrived at Cardinal Santos hospital and was wheelchaired (their SOP, though I still can perfectly walk as I don't feel anything at all) to the prep room.  The resident OB IE'd (is this even a term???) me and told me that my cervix is just 1 cm open.  They did a non-stress test and hooked up some kind of monitor on me.  Results are normal and baby is doing well but they admitted me nonetheless, because my contractions were regular at 5-7 minutes interval.

8:30 am - From the prep room, I was transferred to the labor room.  They put an IV on me and injected some oxytocin and buscopan to induce contraction/labor.  And again, hooked me up to a fetal monitor.   

12:00 nn - My OB finally arrived and checked on me.  My cervix was still at 1cm.  She allowed me to eat a light lunch and contemplated on sending me to my room or discharging me from the hospital since even with the oxytocin, my cervix seems to stall at 1cm.  Ayaw pa ata lumabas ni baby.

1:30 pm -When my OB checked on me, lo and behold, my cervix was already at 4cm.  Ang bilis!  Natakot yata si baby na pauwiin pa kami.  Hahaha. =)

4:00 - 4:30 pm -  I was already at 6cm.  And the contractions were killing me!  The pain was already unbearable so they decided to inject some pain killer on my IV but no, it didn't work at all.  So after a few minutes (or was it an hour?), they decided to do epidural anaesthesia on me.  Unfortunately, the first dose also didn't work.  I can no longer feel my legs but the contractions, I can still feel.  E yun pa naman ang importante.  So, they decided to add an extra dose on me.  A funny side story, they asked me if I feel like peeing, but with the anaesthesia and all, even I don't know the answer to that very personal question.  Hahaha.  Around this time also, they broke my water bag.  Ayaw pumutok ng kusa e. Di ko man lang nasabi ung famous pregnant line na "my water bag broke".  Hehe. =p

7:00 pm -  At last, I was already at 10cm!  They quickly wheeled me into the delivery room and taught  me how to push.  They told me to push in time with my contractions.  I was pushing for an hour!  I even vomited because the pain was just too great and I was already exhausted, but the team of doctors and nurses encouraged me to push harder and harder.  So...

8:07 pm - We welcomed Kaelin Sofia Rivera into the world.  And I couldn't be happier.  They let her crawl into my tummy and chest, and let her find my breasts for that first feeding.  I was so happy and proud and just purely overwhelmed.  The baby that I carried inside of me for 9 months was finally here.  I can actually see her, hear her, hold her and kiss her.  =)  And by the way, she was 7.8lbs.  A bouncing baby girl indeed!

9:00 pm -  While Kaelin was at the nursery for cleaning, check-up etc, they wheeled me to the recovery room.  I was told to sleep since I'll be there for 2 hours.  I was the only one in the room, plus the nurse, so it was really quiet.  But I couldn't sleep at all.  I was exhausted but I was too excited to sleep.  Around 10:30pm, they brought me my baby so I could again breastfeed her.  It was surreal.

11:30 pm - I was brought to my room where Kit, my parents and sister are waiting for me.  And there was a huge bouquet of red roses and balloons from my husband.  How sweet can he get!!!!!! I totally loved it!

August 29 (Monday); 1:00 am -  Kaelin was roomed in with us.  She was a cryer but still, i love her. =)

Our first family picture. =)


a cry baby???

    

I'm Back!

Oh yes, I'm back into blogging! 

For good? ... Umm... Not sure!  Hahaha!  It would entirely depend on how Kaelin behaves.  

Since I was gone for quite some time, I wasn't able to share that Kit and I decided to hire a household help to help (duh?!) us in the condo.  She was in-charge of the household chores like cooking, cleaning, etc and I was in-charge of Kaelin.  She was great in cleaning.  As in she would clean the whole day!  I sometimes wonder how it could take her one day to clean the condo when the space is not that big.  But then again, baka bored sya so she would rather clean and re-clean than do nothing at all.  I'm not complaining in that area ha, because I've never seen our home that spic and span.  Even the walls, she scrubs it every other day!  The thing is she does not cook that well.  Sabi nga ni Kit, he thinks pumayat sya when the maid was still with us. =p Yes, we decided to let her go after just 3 weeks.  Not just because of the cooking, but also because, the condo was too small to have pa a maid.  We felt that our privacy was sort of invaded.  May ibang tao pa din kasi.  Plus, we are not comfortable kapag pinapabantay namin si Kaelin sa kanya.  Iba kasi ung paghele nya sa baby.  Shineshake nya, e di ba a BIG no no un! So ayun, we are back to just me, Kit and Kaelin... our family!  (I just love saying it!!!)

When Kit goes to work, I'm left alone with Kaelin.  So, hindi ko talaga masingit ang pagblog but I'm really dying to blog again.  I have even listed the topics I want to write about.  Hehe.  

But sometimes naman, my mom and sister visit us.  First apo kasi si Kaelin sa side ko so super love sya ng family ko.  They always miss her so halos mga 3x a week sila magvisit.  Tapos, during the weekends naman we go to my in-laws house in Parañaque.  Dun, spoiled din si Kaelin since first apo sya na girl.  But this weekend, we'll stay at my parent's house in Marikina.  We have a wedding to attend to kasi in Antipolo tomorrow plus 2 Christmas parties on Saturday.  Sina lola muna ang bantay ni Kaelin.  

So  at this moment, while Kaelin is  asleep beside her lola, eto na ang pagkakataon ko mag-blog ulit.  Hahaha!  Sana naman matapos ko ung 3 posts ko na di ko matapos-tapos na sinimulan ko a few months back, and yes, that includes my birthing story... =)

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What If the Disney Princesses are Real?

I came across this at Yahoo, and being a huge Disney fan, I decided to share this with you.  =)

These were made by a graphic design student/artist in the UK.  He combined elements from different photos of women who he thinks resembles the Disney characters then created the images through digital painting and finally puts them together using Photoshop.  Talk about creative talent! Wow!


Pocahontas

Not a Princess, but one of my favorite villains, Ursula

Aurora of Sleeping Beauty

Belle of Beauty and the Beast

Esmeralda of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Jasmine of Alladin

Ariel

Megara of Hercules

Mulan
My favorites are those of Mulan and Princess Jasmine.  They're gorgeous!  I must admit I'm a bit disappointed with Belle and Ariel.  Hindi ko alam, I just want  them to be more beautiful than their cartoon pictures.  Kunsabagay, sobrang ganda ng mga cartoon pictures nila so it must be hard to find real women who resembles them... I don't know... Oh well... Ang galing pa din and I'm so looking forward to his version of Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tinker Bell.  I just hope he makes them. 

Btw, i got the pictures from the artists' blog.  =)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Hunger Games Challenge

Disclaimer:  This is actually supposed to be a 30-day challenge, but given my impatient nature I decided to do it in one day.  Haha! =p 

I've already written in this blog how big a fan I am of The Hunger Games trilogy.  So, while on maternity leave, I've decided to reread the books since I know that the movie is to be released on 2012.  Oohh... I can't wait...  So, to alleviate my thirst for the movie, I decided to answer this 30-day challenge I found on the web. 

Day 1: Your favorite character:  Hmm... I love Gale... But I also like Peeta... So you see, just like Katniss, I'm also torn between the two.  But I must admit, i'm leaning towards Gale more.  Just between us, I have a thing for bestfriend-turned-lovers love story.  It ranks second to the enemy-turned-lovers story.  How cliche can I get?! Hahaha
Day 2: Your least favorite character:  Pres. Coin! Yes, I hate her more than Pres. Snow. 
Day 3: A character you hate that everyone loves:  Tough one...  Hate is such a big word... But Prim is I think my least favorite... I only liked her in Mockingjay...
Day 4: A character you love that everyone hates: Maybe Johanna because she was really a bitch most of the time.  Hahaha!
Day 5: Your favorite fight/battle scene:  When the Careers found Katniss on top of a tree.  I just like their conversation exchanges. 
Day 6: A scene that made you laugh:  When Katniss and Finnick woke Peeta up with burn ointment on their faces.  It made me think of friends playing pranks on each other. =)
Day 7: A scene that made you cry:  Since I'm a big crybaby, it's a given that I've cried lots of times because of these books.  First, was when Katniss volunteered to take Prim's place in the reaping and told their mother to take care of Prim.  Then, when Rue died... When Cinna died... During Katniss' speech in District 11... When Peeta didn't recognize /  strangled Katniss... Last conversation between Katniss and Gale...  
Day 8: The character you are most like:  Katniss... In the sense that I'm willing to do anything for my family.
Day 9: Your favorite quote: "Why do you think I'm going, brainless?" - Johanna to Katniss, when Johanna told Katniss to kill Pres. Snow.  Wala lang, i just like the cariño brutal friendship of Johanna and Katniss. 
Day 10: Peeta or Gale: Gale!  But Peeta is not a bad choice either.  But yeah, Gale for me.
Day 11: Something you hate about the series: That it ended so soon. Haha! I want more!!!
Day 12: A character you wish hadn’t died: Definitely, Finnick!!! He should have been given a happy ending! I just don't get why he had to die...
Day 13: A character you wish had died:  This might seem contradicting, but Gale should have died in the end.  At least that way, I can accept why Katniss chose Peeta.  And besides, the ending made it seem that Gale is as good as dead anyway for Katniss. 

Day 14: Your favorite tribute (aside from Peeta/Katniss): Finnick, Johanna and Thresh (Yes, even with brief exposure, i like Thresh.)
Day 15: Your least favorite tribute (aside from Peeta/Katniss): Hmm.. Maybe Clove.  Just because of the way she wanted to kill Katniss.  So inhumane...
Day 16: A question you wish had been answered in the book: Being one of the main casts, I don't get why there wasn't any back story on Peeta's family. 
Day 17: The worst death: Finnick!  I can't get over why he had to die!
Day 18: A song that reminds you of the series: I'm not good with songs...

Day 19: Your favorite pairing: Gale and Katniss of course... Finnick and Annie also.

Day 20: Your least favorite pairing:  I want to say Peeta and Katniss, but I like them as well... So, no answer to this question.

Day 21: A pairing you don’t get:  Does Madge really like Gale???
Day 22: Your favorite book of the three: Definitely, Hunger Games!

Day 23: Your favorite secondary character: Cinna, Finnick and Boggs

Day 24: Your least favorite secondary character:  Katniss' mother.  It seems that she doesn't care much for Katniss.  As a newbie mom, I just don't get it!
Day 25: Your dream cast: They've already cast the movie, so i just hope that they give justice to the book.
Day 26: Your favorite scene in The Hunger Games:  When Peeta told Claudius Templesmith during his interview that he cannot win and get his dream girl at the same time because they went to the hunger games together.  I just find it so sweet! 
Day 27: Your favorite scene in Catching Fire:  When Katniss delivered her speech in District 11.  It was so touching!
Day 28: Your favorite scene in Mockingjay: When Peeta was allowed to eat in the dining area for the first time.  You can really sense the tension among him, Katniss and Gale. 

Day 29: Your favorite thing about the entire series: That it has a different and unique plot.  I've never read something like that. 
Day 30: A book/series that you would rec to fellow fans:  Aside from Harry Potter and Twilight, I also like the Mortal Instrument series. 


So friends, if you haven't read this series yet, now is the time to start.  =)





Monday, October 3, 2011

And They Keep on Coming...

It has been a month already since Kaelin was born, and still more gifts for her are pouring in.  

The latest is from Bea.  A lot of cute onesies, bodysuit and even a party dress!  I'll post the pictures once I found the digicam battery charger.  Boo! ... Or better yet, I'll post pictures of Kaelin wearing them.  Hmm.. so which one should she wear first?  Tough question!  Hahaha!  =)

Again, to Bea...

photo source

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Happy 1st Month Kaelin!

Somebody is one month old today... 

Yes, my baby, Kaelin Sofia, is now 1 month old.  Yey! =)

Time really does fly.  It seems just a few days ago when I gave birth to her.  (My birthing story in my next post hopefully)  I can't believe I already am a mom for a month... A month of sleepless nights... A month of getting frustrated over low supply of breast milk (sigh)... A month of changing (and trying different brands of) diapers (so far, im liking huggies and drypers)...  A month of carrying my baby in my arms... A month of pure joy that only your own child can bring...  A month of overwhelming gratitude to our Father God for giving me the greatest gift and blessing ever.

I love you so much Kaelin!  Happy 1 month! =)



Thursday, September 1, 2011

I'm Officially a MOM!

August 28, 2011 at exactly 8:07 pm, my life has totally changed.  I became a MOM. 




Friday, August 26, 2011

The Kindness of a Stranger

I think I've mentioned in my previous post that a patient of my brother-in-law gave Kaelin a LOT of things --- clothes, a pair of shoes, a hooded towel, receiving blankets, a doll and a bouncer.  She doesn't even know us and yet, she showered our baby with such kindness and love.  Seems like Kaelin has found a modern day Santa Claus, and its not even the start of the -ber month.  :-)   

To you Ms. Annie, a very big THANK YOU!  Not just for the material things, but your sincere thoughtfulness, generosity and goodness greatly overwhelmed us, warmed our hearts and put a smile on our faces.  We hope to meet you soon.  :-)

I just want to share the gifts that she gave our dear baby Kaelin.  I'm so excited for her to use them.  :-)
see those teeny tiny shoes? =)

baby gap onesies!

love the teeny tiny skirt and lady bug onesie!  also the terno spag strap blouse and polka dots bloomers and onesie!

more baby gap onesies!

i've been looking for blue dresses here but i can't seem to find any, puro pink and yellow.  now Kaelin has two! =)

such a cutie sexy dress!!!  can't wait to see Kaelin in this! =)

yellow, orange, pink --- such colorful dresses! love it!
I have to restrain myself from looking at them everyday.  I've been folding and refolding it for a few days already.  I'm that excited for Kaelin to use them.  But first, Kaelin needs to make her grand entrance into the outside world, outside of my tummy that is, soon.  I'm 38 weeks and 5 days along, and still no signs of Kaelin wanting to come out already (except for the Braxton hicks).  Hopefully, during my check up tomorrow, i'll hear some good news from my OB.  *keeping my fingers crossed* 

Here's the picture of the bouncer that hubby needs to assemble, and what it should look like after.  Hehe. =p


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Baby's Things!!!

My parents-in-law got back from the States last Friday and Kit and I couldn't be more excited!  Why?  Of course, because we missed them.  And because of the numerous things we asked them to buy for Kaelin.  =)  

Finally, Kaelin's crib, stroller and car seat are here.  Kit even assembled the stroller and car seat already.  It's so cute!  Can't wait to finally use them.  And see Kaelin in it, of course.  He'll assemble the crib next Monday at my parent's house since we'll be spending Kaelin's first month there.  

Aside from those, we also got my breast pump (a gift from Juls.  Super thanks again!), diaper bag, and Kaelin's health kit (tri-scan thermometer, nasal aspirator, medicine dropper, nail clipper, etc).  And my mom-in-law bought Kaelin a lot of clothes!!! Yey!

And to top it all off, one of Juls' patients (a complete stranger to us), bought Kaelin lots of clothes, a pair of shoes, receiving blankets, a hooded towel, a doll and a bouncer!  Talk about the kindness of strangers! And we are truly grateful.  Thank you so much.  =)

We won't need to shop for Kaelin for a long time with all the clothes that she has now.  We bought her clothes, my mom and sister bought her clothes, my mom-in-law bought a lot of stuff, and our friends gave her clothes too.  Truly, she is a well-loved baby.  Thanks everyone!  You never fail to put a smile on our faces with your never ending kindness and love.  Kaelin is one lucky baby.  =)

Si Kaelin na lang talaga ang kulang.  See you soon baby.  Mommy and Daddy love you! =)

The Chocolate Lovers' Club

I went to National Bookstore Galleria yesterday with no intention of buying anything at all.  Don't get me wrong because I'm such a book lover.  I don't mind being in a bookstore for hours.  It's just that hubby and I went there the other day and wala naman akong nagustuhan.  I just went there (again) to pass time.  And then I saw it... A big red sign that says "less than P100".  So the cheapskate that I am, trooped to that area and browsed and browsed and browsed.  Mind you, the books are all hardbound and really priced under P100. 

And this is what I bought for P99.00:

photo source
I am a certified self-confessed chocoholic and finding this book really got me excited.  I mean, I'm both a fan of chick lit and chocolates so this book is just perfect (i hope!).  I read the first chapter and so far, i'm liking it.  The only downside is that i want chocolates more NOW, as in this instant!  But I already gained a lot of lbs throughout my pregnancy and I don't want to gain unnecessary weight should my baby become big and have a hard time fitting through my birth canal.  Sigh.  Di bale, more or less two more weeks, and Kit promised that I can eat all the chocolates that I want.  Sooo looking forward to that!  =)

(I have side kwento:  I made Kit promise me that once I give birth, I want chocolates, ice-cold coke, cake and ice cream inside the ref of our hospital room.  Talk about sugar overload!  Hahaha!  But I can settle for just chocolates and coke.  =p)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Half Half

Kit and i found this cute onesie in Robinson's Galleria last night.


And hubby insisted to buy it.  Cute daw kasi and totoo naman that Kaelin is half Atenista and half La Salista.  At least, the next time we watch an ADMU vs DLSU game, may outfit na si Baby.  Hahaha.

Monday, August 22, 2011

38 Weeks and still counting...

Okay, so I had my check up last Saturday and my OB told me that my cervix is still closed and the baby is still floating.  And to be honest, that wasn't good news for me.  I so wanted Kaelin to come out already.  Not because i'm having a hard time this last trimester but because I'm so excited to finally meet her and see her and hold her and just be a mom.  Oh well... I guess I just have to be patient about it.  Kaelin will come out as soon as she's ready...  I hope soon.  =)

By the way, my OB told us that Kaelin is still in cephalic position (not breech).  Yey!  

And also, just want to congratulate two of our couple friends who gave birth last week.  First to Rhyan and Lhen, who welcomed their daughter Reese last August 13, and to Owen and Emily who welcomed their son Nathen last August 21.  Congratulations guys!  Can't wait to see your little angels! =)  And yes, I will claim it, kami na ang next!!! Haha.
 
Just a side kwento:  I have a lot of friends giving birth this coming September and October.  I'm due on Sept. 5, my highs school barkada Roxanne is due 3rd week of Sept and my college buddies Wenny and  Mauee are both due in October.  Baby boom!!! =)

Friday, August 12, 2011

Nursery Dreams

Ever since I got pregnant with Kaelin, I always found myself browsing for nurseries on the web.  Ang gaganda lang kasi talaga.  But since we're living in a condo, I don't think setting up a nursery is feasible given the limited space.  And even if it is, i don't think I would want her to sleep in a different room from ours.  Feeling ko magkakaroon ako ng separation anxiety.  Hahaha. :-)

Anyway, just want to share my so-called dream nurseries.  ;-p

Ang ganda di ba?!  Disney princess ang dating! (photo source)




I love the crib!  Who would have thought that cribs could  be round?  (photo source)
There is a dreamy feel to this nursery... clouds, white furniture... (photo source)
Love the color palette! (photo source)
Love the modern twist of it!  Not at all pa-cute and pa-sweet! (photo source)
Love the beach theme of the room! (photo source)
Nice di ba? =)

36 Weeks

I'm in my 36 weeks already... 36 weeks and 5 days to be exact.  The time to finally meet and see our bundle of joy, Kaelin, is getting nearer and nearer.  And I couldn't be more excited... and anxious... and scared... 

... excited to see her and hug her and kiss her and smell her and just hold her in my arms
... excited for her to see the wonderful world outside of my tummy 
... excited to finally have my own child and be a mother!
... excited to start a new chapter in my life with her and Kit
... excited for her to finally use those baby things that her dad and I shopped for her, and of course, those given by our dear friends and family  

... anxious of the birthing process... when is real labor going to happen... will i be with Kit that specific time or will i be alone at our condo... how do i/we go about it... how can i tell if its real labor... is it necessary for my water bag to break to say that i'm in labor... is what i'm experiencing braxton hicks or real contractions already... when is the right time to go to the hospital...
... anxious if Kaelin is doing okay inside my tummy... is it still comfortable for her knowing that the space inside is getting smaller and smaller with her constant growth... is her umbilical cord strangling her or does it have knots making it hard for her to get the necessary nutrients from me... am i giving her enough nutrients... is she still in cephalic position (with the head down; not breech; the right position for normal delivery)... am i hurting her with the stuff that i do...

... scared of the actual birthing process... i want a normal delivery and i know it will hurt big time... scared that i might not know how to correctly "push"...
... scared of the daunting task of being a mom, a great mom... can i do it?  i will definitely try my bestest best!

As you see, I have LOT of questions and issues which I think is normal for a first-time mom-to-be.  Of course, its a new experience for me.  And being paranoid, I think, is somewhat okay.  Because there is no formula for pregnancy, child-bearing, and being a parent so I cannot just ask others for tips and hope that it too would work for me.  It's different for everyone.  The only common denominator is that we all want our child/ren to be healthy, normal and safe.   

I will end this post with a prayer by Vienna Cobb Anderson.

Prayer for a Safe Pregnancy
This life you have given us
is so tiny, fragile, and vulnerable,
safe in the womb of flesh and hope,
yet subject to danger and death.
O God of love, creator of life,
hear our prayer.
We want this baby so much.
Please grant this child of ours
a full term of nurture,
the joy and mystery of life,
and the blessing of Your love.
Grant us the fulfillment of our dreams,
a baby to cherish and protect,
a child to teach and guide,
a blessing to our family.
Amen.
Have a happy and healthy pregnancy to all preggy ladies out there.  =)

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Giddy over a Bath tub

After office yesterday, Kit and I went to Megamall to buy Kaelin a bath tub.  Here's a picture of what we bought her:

It came with a free Safety 1st Oral Care Set -- an infant teether, an infant toothbrush and gum stimulator, and a toddler toothbrush.  Freebies alert! =)

It's Safety 1st Complete Care 4 Stage Bath Center.  We've been eyeing it for a long time already but it was only this week, that we finally decided to buy it.  And i didn't imagine that by buying it, I would feel really giddy.  As in kinilig ako!  Hahaha!  Why?  Well, because it was the last item in our to-buy things for Kaelin.  Finally, we have completed all her things.  Yey! =)  

Now, si Kaelin na lang ang kulang.  See you in a few weeks baby! =) 

Baby Shower no. 2: We Feel So Loved!

Last July 30, Kit and I had a baby shower at Discovery Suites.  We only invited a few friends since we only rented a 1-bedroom suite.  We don't want the room to be packed to the brim.  But that was what happened anyway.  And we are not complaining!  Far from it!  The great show of people really overwhelmed us.  Dear friends indeed! =)

There were a few games but mostly what we did was share stories.  Kwentuhan-galore talaga!  I suddenly missed laughing that hard, talking that much and just smiling practically the whole time.  Hahaha.  There were so many stories that the supposed-to-be merienda shower spilled over to dinner.  And we forgot to take pictures of our friends!!!  And we almost forgot to open the gifts while our friends were still there.  Good thing my sister insisted that we open the gifts already should my dad pick her and my mom up early.  Nagagawa nga naman ng kadaldalan!  Hahaha! =p

And the gifts, we LOVE them!!! It was the first time that we had a registry (not even during our wedding), so we didn't know what to expect.  And having our friends go out of their way to give us what we wished for blew us away.  Thank you again friends.  We can't thank you enough.  And we can't wait for Baby Kaelin to finally use them.  =)



bottle-feeding!



Special thanks to Kit's BDO friends who helped us clean up afterwards.  They were so game that at one point, they settled in one corner and sat on the floor.  Hahaha! Thanks again L, M, W and X.  =)
pin the pacifier on the baby


the gifts!!! =)

the happy parents-to-be!
see you baby! =)
So ano, baby shower ulit next week?  Hahaha!  Nawili! =)

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Baby Stuff

As mentioned in my previous post, I'm 33 weeks or 8 months pregnant already.  As such, Kit and I are slowly completing Baby Kaelin's stuff.  Last week, our stroller, carseat and crib arrived at my brother-in-law's house already.  We'll get it next month when my mom and dad-in-law arrive from the States.  Yes, we asked them to purchase it there as it is much, much cheaper there than if we'll buy it here.  Here's a picture of what we bought: 

Chicco Playard - Fuego

Chicco Cortina Stroller and Car Seat - Fuego
Dahil maarte ako, I want it terno.  Hahaha.  We chose Fuego (red and gray) para neutral.  If ever, our next baby is a boy (we have a name already. hahaha!), he can also use this.  =)

I've also mentioned in one of my previous posts that we already bought an Avent starter kit and sterilizer.  Then my brother-in-law decided to buy us an Avent breast pump as a gift for us.  Yey! (Thanks again Juls!)  Then with my mom and sister, we bought Kaelin her clothes.  (I really love shopping for Kaelin!  There are just so many cute dresses and onesies and socks and the list goes on and on....)  I'm really trying hard to restrain myself as my mom told me not to invest in newborn clothes so much as Kaelin will only use it for a short period of time.  Babies daw talaga grow fast.  

Then again, here is a list of what we still have to buy for Kaelin.  Hopefully, we get to buy it really soon.  I'm panicking already.  Hahaha. 

1.  Beddings - yes, we still don't have any crib beddings at all.  I guess, in our quest to find the perfect (for us, that is) crib, we totally forgot that we still have to buy sheets, blankets, comforter and pillows.  Haha.  Silly us!
2.  Bath things - we need a tub for Baby.  We have yet to decide what kind we want, or if it needs to be branded or not.  Sobra naman kasing ang laki ng range ng prices ng tubs.  Some ranges from P200-500 while the others are more than a thousand pesos.  I'm really wondering if there's a big difference in quality or it needs to be expensive or pwede na ung mura lang.  Oh well... We'll also need a newborn bather (yun ba yung tawag dun? basta yun yung nilalagay sa ibabaw ng tub para dun ihihiga si baby while giving her a bath), sponge, body wash/shampoo and mat.
3.  Grooming Kit
4.  Diaper Bag

We also bought wipes, diapers, breast pads, bottle detergent and laundry detergent.  Yes, we're that excited!!!

33 Weeks and counting!

I'm 33 weeks pregnant now.  Meaning on the 3rd week of August, I'm 37 weeks pregnant already... Pwede na lumabas si Kaelin.  Of course, we wanted her to complete the 40 weeks but in case she wants to go out na, she can starting August 14.  At least, full term pa din.  =)

Lately, i've been feeling contractions already.  Feeling ko its what they call Braxton Hicks or false labor since the pain usually goes away when I change position.  But just the same, it still scares me.  Plus, Kaelin is really super likot lately.  I'm afraid she's getting impatient already and wants to go outside soon.  Hubby on the other hand, fears that her umbilical cord might strangle her as she moves around.  But according to my mommy friends and OB friend, being active is actually a good sign and as long as you have no bloody or watery discharge, mild contractions are okay.  But if its coupled with severe abdominal or back pain (and bloody discharge, even if its just a tinge of pink), I should go to the hospital right away.  So now, I'm monitoring my contractions.  Di pa sya madalas so mejo kampante na din ako.          

Baby Kaelin, konting tiis na lang ha.  I know its getting a lot smaller in there, making you feel cramped and uncomfortable.  But believe me, all that will benefit you as you make your grand entrance into this crazy world outside.  Dyan ka muna in the safety confines of mommy's tummy.  But remember, it doesn't mean we are not excited to see you because your daddy and I (and your lolos and lolas and titas and titos and cousins) are dying to finally meet you and hold you in our arms.  In the meantime, just relax, rest and plump yourself up (but not too much ha, mommy wants to give birth to you normally sana).   We love you Kaelin! See you soon. Mwah! =)  

Monday, July 18, 2011

Surprise Baby Shower: Fun fun fun!

Last July 9, I met with my HS friends at Mau's house.  What I thought as an ordinary barkada get-together turned out to be a surprise baby shower for Mylyne (she's almost 5 mos pregnant! yey!) and I.  And to think, Kit and I almost didn't want to show up because of the very bad weather.  Buti na lang, tumuloy pa din kami kung hindi...

So, of course we started the night with dinner! Can I just say Shirley's husband, James, makes a mean cookies and cream cheesecake! And blueberry cheesecake too! Talo pa kaming mga girls... Tsk tsk tsk...  After dinner, Lilette (our barkada president. yes, we have officers. and we have a name too --- C12 and 4M, the crazy 12 and the 4 musketeers.  hahaha!), revealed that it was a shower for My and I.  My and I were really shocked! We weren't the first ones to have kids, but this was the first time that our barkada had a baby shower.  So yes, My and I felt really grateful and happy and excited.  Thanks again guys! =)

The first game was "pin the sperm on the egg".  It was sooo fun! We were divided into groups, one member was blindfolded while the others served as "guides".  The thing was we cannot use any words.  Diskarte namin how we would guide our teammate without saying 'forward', 'left', 'right', etc.  And did I mention there were 3 groups?  So, imagine the chaos that ensued.  Kit's group by the way won! Galing! Hahaha!

Cathy, Kit and Pat in action...
Tatum, Lilette and Mau preparing for battle. =)
Next game was for us two couples, Me and Kit and Mylyne and Tatum.  I forgot what its called but the objective was to have more matched answers than the other couple.  And no, Kit and I did not win.  Hahaha.  Questions were about who do you want your baby to look like.  We got 8/10 while My and Tatum got 9/10.  So still, it wasn't bad.  Hahaha.

the Riveras.  Have I mentioned that we both have Rivera as surname? Galing no!
Next game was for the daddies-to-be, Kit and Tatum.  The game was "who put the diaper better", on Mickey Mouse that is.  Again, we lost.  Hahaha.  Kit was much faster but Tatum's diaper was much tighter.  According to our mommy friends, it should fit just right so as to avoid leaks. 

Kit's finished product.  If it were up to me, it was absolutely perfect! =)
Fourth game was "guess the tummy size".  It was boys vs girls.  And of course, as always, the girls won! (Biased kung biased! hahaha!) Nobody got the correct size of both our tummies, but the girls' strings were closer to the right size than those of the boys.  

my big big belly...
 Fifth game was "baby word scrambler".  We were grouped again (same grouping as that of the first game) and given several scrambled words associated with babies.  The group with the most number of correct words win.  We were given 50 words which we were supposed to unscramble within 2 minutes.  Our group (Me, Pat and Tatum) got 21 words and placed second.  Not bad! Hahaha.

Cathy, Yeng and Mau in serious mode... They won btw.  Got 22 words!  =)
 "Eat whatever's in the diaper" was the last game.  Again, we were grouped and given 2 diapers each.  As always, time is of the essence, and whoever finishes their food first wins.  We got a banana and a BIG raw tomato.  And again, we lost.  Hahaha! Kudos to James for eating 'betamax' that quickly! Galing! 

And then, it was time for the gift-giving.  

a pretty dress from tita shirley and tito james

girly 'onesie' from ninang let and tito pat

cutie socks from ninang mau, tito lewin and kuya migui
 Again guys, thank you so much!  Kit and I truly had a blast.  Mylyne and Tatum too!  =)

cheers!



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