17 weeks Pregnant

According to Baby Center, 17 weeks of pregnancy will entail:

"You may be gaining weight rapidly at this point, even if you're not eating much. Experts say that the amount of weight you put on during pregnancy is dictated primarily by your genes, so don't necessarily blame yourself if the weight's accumulating faster than you'd like. Your baby's movements are felt as a gentle, fluttering sensation at first, but get stronger and more obvious as time passes. Some babies kick vigorously and often, others are quieter. And many seem most active at night! "

Gain weight rapidly? No!!! I'm freaking out because I've already gained 9 lbs in 2 months!  I'm complaining not because i don't want to look fat or bloated, but because my OB has warned me to take it easy on eating so I can have a normal delivery.  (I really don't want a CS...)  I've always been relatively thin.  I find it hard to gain a lot of pounds, so i was shocked to the core when I found out that I've gained 7 lbs in a month!  I couldn't even gain 7lbs in a year before!  Tsk Tsk Tsk...

But tell me, how can I resist (those oh-so-yummy) food when i'm continually hungry???  When a piece of chocolate seems to stare at me mockingly as if daring me to eat it?  Or when a piece of cake looks at me forlornly begging me to taste it? Or how about an ice cream looking so fine?  Yes, i've always been a dessert person so it's really a struggle to avoid them during my pregnancy.  Every now and then, I ask Kit for a cheat day... Just to satisfy (albeit small) my sweet cravings.  And I've already requested that once I give birth, there should be chocolates, ice cream and ice-cold Coke in my hospital room.  Hahaha. :-)

Anwyay, enough with my OA complaints.  =P I've already felt Baby moving inside of me.  Kit also felt it already.  And it really was exciting.  I really can't wait to feel Baby more often.  *Sige lang Baby, do your thing.  Mommy likes it.*

Preventing Birth Defects

Came across this article from Baby Zone while surfing the net.  Just want to share this to all pregnant (and those planning to get pregnant) women out there.  We've got nothing to lose if we follow this.  After all, we're all praying for the same thing --- a healthy, normal and happy baby. :-)

10 Ways to Help Prevent Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy

1.  Take Folic Acid Supplements

All women of childbearing age should take folic acid supplements at least three months before becoming pregnant. It's important because insufficient levels of folate have been implicated as the cause of one common class of birth defects, neural tube defects (the most common of these being spina bifida). These defects occur very early in the pregnancy, well before the woman's first prenatal appointment, which is generally scheduled at 10 weeks. However, don't go overboard with the supplements—too much is also not good. A multivitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid is sufficient.

2.  See Your Doctor Before Conceiving

There's a growing movement to make the preconception doctor visit standard for every woman of childbearing age. Dr. John R. Sussman, an OB-GYN and author of The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby, says his primary interest in encouraging pre-pregnancy visits is so pre-pregnancy care can be individualized for each woman. This is particularly important for women with chronic health conditions.

3.  Don't Drink

One entirely avoidable birth defect is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Damage from alcohol can range from mild intellectual and behavioral issues to profound disabilities or premature death. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

4.  Stop Smoking and Avoid Secondhand Smoke

According to the March of Dimes, if all pregnant women avoided smoking, the US would see a 5 percent reduction in miscarriages, a 20 percent reduction in low birth weight births, an 8 percent reduction in premature deliveries, an 11 percent reduction in stillbirths, and a 5 percent reduction in newborn deaths. While smoking has not been proven to cause birth defects, it does deprive the fetus of oxygen and is the most harmful of all environmental toxins.

5.  Avoid Environmental Toxins

Chemicals have long been suspected of causing birth defects. Avoid daily, heavy exposure to chemicals. If you work in a cleaning business, art studio, or factory where there is unavoidable exposure, use gloves, masks, and adequate ventilation. Avoid exposure to lead, important when buying and restoring old furniture or renovating an older home. Those who work in the medical field should take special care to take precautions against radiation.

6.  Eat Healthy

Good nutrition is one of the most crucial factors in a healthy pregnancy outcome, says Elizabeth Somer, a nutritionist and author of Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy. Somer says she hates to isolate one particular nutrient, rather, she encourages women to focus on eating a variety of healthy foods, with a particular emphasis on richly colored produce, whole grains, beans and legumes, and lean protein sources. She also recommends taking a supplement fortified with DHA, which is the nutrient provided by foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

7.  Screen for HPV

While the human papillomavirus (HPV) has not been linked to birth defects, it has been linked to an increased risk of preterm labor, which can result in serious brain and lung impairment in children. It's estimated that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.

8.  Go Drug Free

It goes without saying that illegal drugs are always bad. However, many prescription drugs are not safe to take during pregnancy. Always consult with your OB-GYN so he or she can do a thorough review of any prescription medicine you may be taking, especially for chronic conditions, to determine if they're safe in pregnancy.

9.  Seek Genetic Counseling

The cause of most birth defects isn't known, but couples with a history of birth defects in their family may benefit from genetic screening to analyze their risk of passing on a birth defect to their child. Michele Clemens, a genetic counselor at Magee Women's Hospital in Oakland, Pennsylvania, says a typical session includes a review of the family history and performing a few tests to rule out specific diseases. This is an excellent tool for helping a couple make informed decisions. (Will you do genetic counseling?)

10.  Relax

Research shows that women exposed to severe stress are more likely to give birth to children with birth defects. Stress has also been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and infertility. Dr. Alice Domar, director of the Mind/Body center for Women's Health at Boston IVF, says there are a number of ways to manage stress, from counseling to yoga to biofeedback, and that a consultation with a psychologist can help.

 

Pitter Patter of a Tiny Heart

Though our schedule was at 830am, Kit and I were already at our OB's clinic for my monthly check up by 8am.  We didn't realize that we were early until we saw the entire [doctor's clinics] floor almost deserted, except for the janitor who was mopping the floor.  It was the first time I saw the floor empty.  On my previous check ups, it was usually bustling with patients, visitors, doctors, etc.  It was a nice change since it allowed me to take in the morning in my usual slow pace.  (Have I mentioned I'm not a morning person?)

Needless to say, we were the first in line.  Being early sure have its advantages! No more waiting! (Have I mentioned I'm also a bit impatient? Haha!)  Dra. Rivera complimented how big my tummy is already.  At 4 months, I already am showing.  Feel na feel ko talaga maging buntis. :-)  Anyway, she said that Baby is 1 inch below my navel and just the right size.  She also let us hear Baby's heartbeat for the second time.  And hearing that melodious sound never fail to put a big smile on my face.  :-)  Baby's heartbeat is really strong.  Kakalagay lang ng doppler, narinig na namin agad yung heartbeat.  The entire clinic heard it too.  What a beautiful way to start the morning!

For me, no other sound is more beautiful than the pitter patter of your baby's heart inside of you.  So tiny, yet so strong.  A part of you, yet has a life of his own.  A miracle destined to bring more joy and more love in our lives. :-)

*We love you Baby.  Keep on making your heart beat stronger, as the hearts of your Daddy and I only beat for you. *     


   

All about My Husband

Now that I'm pregnant, I love Kit even MORE!  He does things that completely surprises me.  ♥♥♥

Here are some random things on top of my mind at the moment:

1.  I always complain (and Kit knows this) how heavy his arm/hand is.  Literally, mabigat ang kamay nya.  When he hugs me at night, it seems like I'm under a ton of bricks.  (Exag! Hahaha! But I still love him hugging me at night, I feel so secure and safe.)  Anyway, it surprises me how light his hand is whenever he would touch or hug my tummy.  He does this so slowly and carefully, lest he hurt our Baby.  :-)

2.  Being the girly girl that I am, almost all of my shirts are "baby tee's", the ones that are tight and just falls right on your first hips.  Yes, even my pantulog clothes.  Now that I'm pregnant, imagine how short they are!  The hem rides up and exposes my tummy.  And Kit does not like it one bit because according to him, Baby might get cold, even if I'm under the comforter.  So what he does is he lets me wear his shirts.  And still calls me sexy even if his shirts are 2 sizes bigger on me.  How sweet can he get! :-)            

3.  Kit has always been a morning person, a breakfast-eater at that.  While I'm the complete opposite.  During our first month of marriage, I tried waking up early and prepared him breakfast.  But when I got pregnant, I found it harder to wake up early because of the "morning sickness" (excuses, excuses!).  And he perfectly understands!  He was the one who even suggested for me not to prepare him breakfast anymore since he knows I need to cope with my ever-changing body.  And he wants me and Baby to get as much rest and sleep as possible.  According to him, he feels guilty whenever I wake up early to take care of his needs.  At siya pa talaga ang na-guilty.  Ang bait, di ba?!  Don't worry Bab, I promise to make it up to you after Baby is born. :-)                      

4.  I have been open about my ability to cook, or better yet, the lack thereof.  Haha!  Whenever I try something, like the tuna pasta and taco the other night, he finishes everything like its the tastiest food on earth.  He finds it delicious even if my tuna pasta was salty and the taco, spicy.  Now tell me, how can I not love him??? :-)

Loving Gingersnaps

I've always associated Gingersnaps with kid's clothes.  The few times I've been to the store was only to buy gifts for my godchildren.  The clothes are sooo cute!  You would just love dressing your kids in their clothes.  And oh, those accessories!  Don't even get me started! :-)

So, imagine my surprise when I saw that they carry a maternity line too.  I was excited!  My husband loved the designs too.  So now, yes I like wearing my maternity clothes.  I feel so stylish and girly and sophisticated! Hahaha. :-p 

Baby's Things... Wishlist No. 1

I'm nearing my fourth month and Kit and I are really, really excited for our baby to come along.  We can't wait to hold him/her in our arms and smother him/her with hugs and kisses. *We love you Baby.  We can't wait to see you. =)*

In the meantime, we are on the lookout for baby things.  Funny story first.  A few weeks back, Kit was telling me how much he wanted to buy an iPAD 2, an iPhone, an iPod touch, a new laptop and a driving playseat for his PS3.  But upon seeing the prices of baby accessories, all those took a backseat.  Iba na raw ang pangarap nya --- crib, stroller at car seat na. Hahaha!  He would even check the internet now and then to scout for baby accessories.  I'm so proud! =)   So, here goes our  first list:

1.  Chicco Cortina Key Fit Travel System

     We were initially inclined towards MacLaren and Safety First.  But upon checking the net, we fell in love with Chicco Cortina more.  Here's why:

          Key Fit Car Seat

• Energy-absorbing foam for improved side-impact protection
• Secures baby from 4 - 30 lbs
• Removable newborn insert for smaller babies
• Thickly cushioned seat pad and five-point harness for maximum comfort
• Spring-assisted level foot, bubble levels, and “Center-Pull” adjustment for easiest installation

Cortina Stroller 

• One-hand fold and automatic storage latch
• Multi-position, flat-recline seat with “Memory Recline”
• Parent and child cup holders and large storage basket
• Adjustable leg rest, canopy, and all wheel suspension
• For use from birth to 50 lbs 

 

2.  Graco Pack n' Play Playard 

• Sleek frame design with airy mesh on all sides to provide maximum ventilation
• Removable, full-size bassinet is perfect for napping
• Quilted mattress pad creates a comfortable nap space
• Signature Graco® push-button fold makes closing your playard quick and hassle-free
• Toy bar features soft toys to amuse your baby
• Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage
• Electronics module with songs and soothing sounds
• Changer with cushioned rim for more comfortable diaper changing
• Three cubbies to keep baby essentials close at hand

So far, that's what our hearts are set on. =)

First Time Cooking

I don't know how to cook.  For some reason, cooking doesn't interest me.  But I know that I have to do it sooner (or later? At talagang humihirit pa ako! =p) since it's only Kit and I who live at the condo.  For the past 3 months, we were able to live by take out, delivery (since the mall is just across our condo), "baon" from our respective families when we come to visit, and by me frying food.  Yes, yun lang ang alam ko.  Magprito! Pero nakakasawa din pala yun.  Hahaha.

So, last night I decided to cook pasta for the first time.  Tuna pasta to be exact.  I bought penne (this is Kit's favorite), tomato sauce, 2 cans of tuna (original and spicy), mushroom, garlic, olive oil and some basil.  Surprisingly, it was good! (Yes, biased kung biased!Hahaha!)  It was a bit salty, but it was good.  We had 2 big servings each when we were supposed to be watching our diet.  Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.  So the verdict, not bad for a first timer.  =)  With that success (Feel na feel ko talaga! Akala mo nman complicated recipe. Haha!), I have a newly found interest in cooking.  In fact, I've been searching the net for recipes I could try.  And yes, I can finally say that I'm looking forward to cooking again.  I just hope this feeling is not a temporary thing. 

P.S. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture.  I was so overwhelmed with the feeling of finally cooking something that I forgot to take a picture. Oh well... Next time...

15 Weeks Pregnant

I'm 15 weeks pregnant! Meaning i'm now in my 2nd trimester.  Good thing for i'm now past my "all-day sickness" episodes!  =)

According to baby center,15 weeks of pregnancy is described as:

"Starting this week, any stomach rumblings you feel may be your baby trying out some acrobatics, since she can now move all her limbs. She's also becoming sensitive to light. If you shine a torch at your tummy, she's likely to move away from the beam. Anxious to know whether she's really a she or actually a he? Your baby's external genitals are probably developed enough by now that an ultrasound technician can make a good guess at the sex.

You may not know it when it happens, but your tiny tenant frequently gets the hiccups, which babies master before breathing. Babies don't make any sound because their trachea is filled with fluid rather than air. 

Although you've probably gained between 5 and 10 pounds / 2.2 - 4.5 kilograms, the fetus weighs in at around only 2.5 ounces / 70 grams. It measures nearly 4 inches / 11 centimeters long, crown to rump. Legs are growing longer than the arms now, fingernails are fully formed and all the joints and limbs can move.

If the idea of having a baby seems so remote, nothing makes it feel more real than feeling your baby move for the first time.  Most moms-to-be discern movement (called quickening) between 16 and 20 weeks. If you've been pregnant before, you'll feel things earlier rather than later. What you may first think is a rumbling stomach may be your baby doing some back flips. Make note of when you first start feeling the baby and tell your doctor at your next visit. This middle stage of pregnancy is a good time to start exercising."

How exciting is that! Sometimes I still can't believe that another life is living inside of me.  I can't wait to feel her/him move for the first time!  I hope I can discern though that she/he is indeed moving, and its not just my tummy rumbling.  Now for sure, I'll be more conscious of what my tummy is feeling.  *Baby, sige lang, paramdam ka lang kay Mommy ha. We love you! =)*

On Being a Mom

Saw this from Indigo Baby's blog and the iyakin that I am (or was it the hormoness???), I shed a tear while reading this.  I really can't wait to be a mom and get to hold my baby for the very first time.  *I love you baby.  See you in 6 months. =)*

Being a Mom

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family."

"We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood.

She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.

I want her to k now that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.

TRY NOT TO CRY....

I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

Blogging Continuation

Okay, I haven't written (or make that "posted") anything new for the past months.  I actually started my supplier ratings a few weeks back but somehow, I can't seem to finish them.  Don't get me wrong because those suppliers really did a great job during our wedding last Nov. 27, 2010 ( yes, it's more than 3 months already!) and we are really grateful...  Maybe because as of now, being a mommy-to-be is what takes up my time and interest. =)  Yes, I'm pregnant and feel na feel ko. Hahaha! =D

So now, I've decided to continue blogging... Write about my experiences, our baby's development, whatever I feel like writing.  So blogspot, here I go again.

P.S.: As to my Suppliers' Ratings, I will finish them.  I hope soon. =)