My 2nd birthing experience

I thought  giving birth to Kulay was the greatest of my life but then I had a repeat performance. Here's what happened.

March 10

10:30 am
I went to my OB for my weekly check up. I am at 38 weeks 3 days. She conducted an IE for the first time and found my cervix still closed. She then told me she would insert three Evening Primrose Oil Capsule to soften my cervix and let me lie down for 20 minutes. She then prepared my admission for labor papers just in case.

7:30 pm
I noticed blood and mucus on my undies and urine when I was peeing at Gmall. I didn't feel any pain or strong contractions so we had dinner at KFC with hubby and son and had our grocery and went home.

10:00 pm 
Still no labor but I decided to go to the hospital for a check up. Car won't start so we waited for a taxi.

11:00 pm 
Arrived at Davao Doctor's, the OB at the Delivery room conducted an IE and found my cervix to be opened at 1-2cm she then inserted more EPrim caps. As per my OBs instruction I was advised for admission since labor might start at an unholy hour. And so I spent the night at the Labor Room while Mike slept at the OB ward. 

March 11

5:00 am 
Still no labor and they conducted another IE and cervix is at 3cm. She also performed a membrane sweep.

10:30 am 
My OB arrived and conducted another IE and cervix is opened at 4-5cm. My OB joked that I should give birth before 4pm because she have classes.

2:30 pm 
My contractions are becoming stronger and is starting to be painful, I told the midwife. The resident OB conducted an IE and cervix is opened at 7cm and it is fully effaced. They then prepped me for delivery and brought me to the Delivery room. We waited for my OB and during the wait, I heard a pop and my water bag broke and then the pain intensified. I feel the urge to push but they told me to wait. I tried to fight the pain by breathing.
My OB arrived and so I started to push...after 3 push...Liwanag came out at 3:07pm..wailing loudly and was placed on my chest.

Thank you Lord for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

A pregnancy Scare

A couple of weeks ago, well January 30 to be quite exact I had a pregnancy scare. My officemates and I were on our way to Compostela because we have a meeting there. We stopped by Gaisano Mall Tagum for lunch and when I went to the bathroom to pee, I noticed blood on my undies and urine. I didn’t feel any pain or contractions so I didn’t panic but I was really worried. I was still 32 weeks pregnant then. I told my officemates that I won’t go with them to Comval and contacted  some of my officemates who were fortunately at Mawab (30 mins away from Tagum) to accompany me back to Davao.  I waited at Gaisano Mall in Tagum and became really paranoid when I felt abdominal pains. Thankfully my officemates from Mawab came quickly to my rescue and the abdominal pain subsided. ...maybe it was just the nerves...being alone in a place far from home and bleeding.

The driver then brought me directly to Davao Doctors and we arrived at around 2pm. I went directly to my OB and husband and son met me there. She conducted a pap smear and confirmed there was indeed bleeding and cleaned me up. She also requested for an Abdominal and Transvaginal ultrasound. Her initial diagnosis was placenta previa, meaning the placenta is low lying and might be causing the bleeding.

Luckily I was still accommodated by the Ultrasound Section even if it was already past 4pm. I was the last patient and was quite surprised to see a male OB/SOnologist doing the test. He conducted the ultrasound and found my placenta to be in place, the baby to be fine and everything is fine and that my cervix haven’t opened or dilated yet, Thank God! He also showed us the baby’s face and he was very kind to give us a 4D print out even if we only paid for the normal ultrasound. He didn’t check the gender though as my OB specified “NO Gender” in the request but it was enough for me to see the baby’s face who looked like his Kuya Kulay. It was a really scary day but turned out to be quite rewarding at the end.

Keeping the Baby's Gender a Surprise

Photo Source: www.popsugar.com

I am now 30 weeks pregnant or at my 7 month of pregnancy and we do not know yet the gender our baby...by choice. We wanted to keep it a surprise to make it more thrilling. We both wanted a girl since we already had a boy that's why we don't want to know until the last minute. We figured that in our parent's time they don't know the gender and highly anticipates the actual day of birth for the gender. I want to experience the "It's a boy or girl moment" when the baby eventually comes out. I wanted the gender to be an extra motivation during labor. 

I had a trans-vaginal ultrasound at 8 weeks and at that time the gender can't be determined yet. After that I haven't had any ultrasound. My OB also encourages me to keep the gender a surprise and promised not to tell me the gender even when I will undergo an ultrasound as she is also a Sonologist and will conduct my ultrasound.

During my pregnancy with my first born there was no surprise about the gender because at my trans-vaginal ultrasound at 13 weeks the testicles can be clearly seen so we know early on that it is a Boy.

I honestly question the wisdom of our decision to keep the gender a surprise. I often have dreams (sometimes nightmare) about the gender of the baby. It is difficult to look for unisex clothing. I don't enjoy shopping as much as I long to buy cute boy or girl outfits. Every people I meet would immediately ask me whether I'm having a boy or a girl and of course they have their own predictions. Most of them thinks that it's a girl judging from my appearance and shape of belly. 
What's more important right now is to be fit and prepare myself for the big day. And of course what I pray most in the world is a healthy and normal baby and a safe  and normal delivery irregardless of the gender.Wish me luck! :-)

A Dreaded Phone Call

Every time that my husband is away on a trip I would require him to text or call me every now and then so I would know where and how he is. If a few hours passes by and he has no feedback (except when I know there is no signal) I would worry and find ways to contact him. Last Monday he and his fellow photographer were on a trip to General Santos City for a Prenup Photoshoot. He religiously updated me of his status and then a few minutes after his last text, I received a call from him around 1:30 PM. I was surprised when it was his fellow photographer who spoke to me, he told me that they are at the hospital in Gen. San. because they had a car accident and my husband can't move and speak as of the moment.

Sundo

At the end of work I was waiting for my sundo outside of the office. I noticed a guy standing outside looking at his watch every few minutes and straightening his shirt. He is obviously waiting for someone, his girlfriend most probably. A few minutes later a girl approached him and one could see how they both lit up when they saw each other. Then they held hands and walked away. I felt a momentary kilig looking at them. I vaguely recalled the time when my ex boyfriend now husband would also wait for me outside of the office. My reminiscing was disturbed when I heard the loud sound of our Volkswagen and glanced up to see my husband and my son at the wheel waving at me. No I did not feel any kilig when I saw them. Kilig is a momentary or a fleeting emotion. Instead I feel loved , kilig that has blossomed into something more tangible and permanent. :-)

Davao Bloggers Kids Day Out at Zoofari Kids Adventure

Last August we had a Davao Bloggers Day out with mommies, daddies and kids at Zoofari Kids Adventure. We were really excited for this event because as mentioned in my previous post , our son really loves the place and so we love it too!

We were in for a treat because the Zoofari team prepared a party for us!

Kulay and the Zebra standee

Zoofari Kids Adventure

Every year my college classmates and I gather together  with our families .  Our previous outing was on a swimming pool so we decided to have it someplace else. We decided to have it at Zoofari Kids Adventure because most of us have never been there and it is a place where both kids and adult can enjoy. It is also very accessible as it is only located at Bacaca Road. 
The gathering was a huge success. The kids loved the huge play area where parents or yayas can enter and watch over the kids. They have a ball pool, trampoline, slides, toys and a whole lot more. The play area is three tiered. The kids can jump, climb, dive and have fun safely with its padded flooring and walls.

My son's favorite! The pool of balls!

Sharing Toy Cars

Another Pregnant Pause

In my previous post I mentioned that I was envious of friends who are pregnant. Little did I know that a few days later I would also get pregnant. My husband and I are planning to have a second baby but in my mind I was thinking that next year would be a good time. That is why when I learned I was pregnant I had mixed emotions. Let me share the series of events:

June 16-20- My menstrual period

July 8-12  - I was feeling nauseous and lethargic and thought it was just fatigue or my poor eyesight got poorer so I had my eyes checked. Turned out, the grade of my eyesight was just maintained.

July 28    - My Period, a period tracker App on my cellphone told me I was  delayed. I then had a gut feeling that I was pregnant.

July 30    - I bought a pregnancy test and I tested positive! Husband got excited!

Aug 3      - My first OB check-up where she give me loads of freebies

Aug 14    - Transvaginal ultrasound where it was truly confirmed that I have a baby growing inside my womb and he/she is in the right place and have a steady heartbeat.

When I learned that I was pregnant, I cried. I hate to admit it but they weren't tears of joy but rather guilt. I felt guilty for my son Kulay  because he is only 2 years and 7 months and I am afraid that I can no longer give him my 100% attention. Kulay is my first love and I feel like I am betraying him by having another baby. I talked about it with my husband and he told me that I should keep in my mind that I am not the only parent around and that WE will give both child our love and attention. I got reassured by that and my OB also told me that the age gap is good. The baby will come out in March 22, 2014 and Kulay will be turning Three this December so "Kuya" Kulay will be 3 years and 3 months when the baby comes out. 

I am no longer feeling guilty now and feel really excited for the baby. Kuya Kulay is also excited. I hope that it's a girl this time but no matter what gender the baby will have I just hope and pray that it will be a normal and healthy baby and that I will have a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Human♥Nature's Bug Shield

I have been always paranoid of getting bitten by Dengue or other disease carrying mosquitoes even before I became a mother.I always make it a point to apply bug repellent when I go on trips outdoors. I used to buy one of the popular brands in the market but learned that it contains DEET. DEET is N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide. It is a slightly yellow oil used as an active ingredient in insect repellents  However there are reported adverse effects of prolonged exposure to DEET such as seizures. It kills brain neurons and affects the central nervous system. Sounds scary huh? I don't want to expose myself, my family esp. my son to that kind of chemical.Good thing that I've discovered a bug repellent that is safe to use for myself and especially for my two year old son that is very effective. I use the Human♥Nature Bug Shield. It uses 100% Natural ingredient which is the Citronella.Citronella oil is a renowned plant based insect repellent because of its strong aroma. I was so impressed with Citronella's repellent powers that we planted several of it in our garden.

There are two variants of the Human♥Nature Bug Shield which are the Oil/ Bug Spray and lotion. I used the Bug spray before but when the Lotion came out of the market I instantly preferred it because it smells better than the oil. Citronella smell is similar to Lemongrass but it is a bit stronger. 

Photo Credits HumanHeartNature website

However Human♥Nature released this May an improved version of their Bug spray and added soy bean oil and eucalyptus oil for added protection and better scent. It also has a new look with a better pump.

Photo Credits HumanHeartNature website

I got the new Bug Shield Oil from the Human♥Nature Davao bloggers event and May Magalogue turnover,a big Thank You by the way! I immediately tried the improved Bug Shield Oil and found that it doesn't smell as strong as the old version. Now I am using both the Bug shield Oil before my son goes out of the house and then carry the Bug Shield Lotion for re-application. Well what can I say,I love both variants! 

I know that I can't protect my son from mosquitoes a 100%. I would have wanted to wrap him in plastic  or put him inside a bubble but of course  I can't. But I am more confident now to let my son play outdoors because I know I provided him with the best insect repellent there is.

a Happy Mother's Day 2013

My husband has been quite busy this past few days that I really wanted us to bond and spend quality time together on Mother's Day. We went to the Mommapalooza 2013 but sadly the event was finished but the Mommy Bloggers were still there with their kids swimming at the pool. I did not bring any swimming gears for Kulay thinking there are other activities that would interest him but the moment he saw the pool he went wild! I have no choice but to give in and had Kulay swim in the pool butt naked. Afterwards we had Dinner at Coco's at Torres St. This is one of our fave restos when Mike and I were still dating because it is cozy with affordable and good food. We haven't eaten there for a while because the place is located out of the mall and we are often dining at mall restos. We then went to SM Lanang to watch the Waterworks show and we were just in time! 

I am really happy today even though Mike and I had a misunderstanding about our plans for the evening. I am sooo blessed with an understanding husband, a wonderful kid...I am simply blessed because I am a mother.

Happy Mother's day to all supermoms! :-)

Mommapalooza Davao 2013: Color Run and More

It is finally the month of May and we have two special days this month, Labor Day and Mother's Day! Mmmm I think both events can be celebrated in one day ...since Moms do the hardest labor of them all right? ;) Anyway I am really looking forward to this Mother's Day because I will be joining the Mommapalooza on May 12 at Fuente de Villa Abrille Club House in Tulip Drive.



This is an event spearhead by Carve in partnership with Lifecasting Philippines to create funds for Ezra Renewal Ministries movement for Teenage Moms. It is a day to celebrate supermoms all over Davao City with fun-filled events such as Color Run, Arts and Crafts by Secuya Art House, Momba and Zumba sessions, Caricaturing and Bubble Shows, Film Showing, Informational and Educational talks by experts, shopping and many more!

The Color Run is a 300 meter dash  marathon where you will be blasted with Color Dust (natural and safe) at every corner.Registration prices: PHP 200 pesos for Mom and 1 kid and PHP 50 per additional kid for a maximum of 3. if you wish to add more or if daddy or another family member wishes to join, PHP 100/person.  Singles are welcome too! You may register at this link. See below photos for more details.

You may check the FB Event Page for more details. 

On Suicide

I rarely blog about current events because I am not updated with the news. I don't like watching news because it only gets me down and angry when I see children getting raped and abused, people getting killed and robbed, war breaking out and etc. This time though I will share my 2 cents on the recent suicide of UP student Kristel Tejada. I've seen many FB status and blog of friends and I decided to also share my point of view.

Suicide is an issue close to my heart. I can't exactly remember what were my problems before during my teenage years but I have toyed with the thought of killing myself. I've never been that close to doing it but I just thought of it, maybe it was part of being a Drama Queen or being rebellious at that stage in my life. I didn't do it because I know it is a SIN. It is irreversible and physically hurts.That is why in my opinion, nobody is to blame for the death of Kristel. She made her choice. It is just sad that she came to a point in her life when she felt that she had no other option but to end her life. It is sad that she had no hope left. I think this angle needs more attention other than the circumstances surrounding her death. 

It is such a silver lining that people, the government and various organizations are united are doing steps to better our educational system. They should not have waited this long and I wish they could sustain this need for change and really come up with concrete solutions.

But going back to the suicide, I am not judging Kristel. In fact my heart goes out to her and to other people who are in the same predicament as her.There was also a recent news about a HS student who attempted suicide because she did not become and honor student. What's happening to the youth of today? I have heard several cases of suicide that I felt the need to write this post and hope that somehow it helps.

I do firmly believe though that no matter how compelling and hopeless your situation might be, suicide should not be an option. Here are some things I would like to share to those who are contemplating suicide:

1.Do your research and know that the odds are against you. There are 25 attempts at suicide for every one success. and think about what might happen if you fail, you might be in a coma or get physically hurt. You might suffer an ailment or injury that will affect the rest of your life.

2. Think of the consequence. How will your death affect your family and the people around you?

3.Talk to someone. Family and friends are the best options but there are also lots of hotline where you can keep your anonymity.

4.Express your thoughts and feelings, don't bottle it inside. Find an outlet for your problems.

5.Pray. No matter what your religion is pray to the God you believe in.

6.Listen to other people's advice. Read testimonies about those who are in similar situation.

7. "This too shall pass" this is the mantra that i keep repeating to myself every time I have overwhelming problems. Everything heals in time. Never lose hope. Never give up on life.

Note: Photo is courtesy of my husband. Model is my sister in law. They wanted an anti-Glamour shot and came up with a Suicidal Concept :)

Our Little Christmas Tree

One of the things I look forward to during Christmas season is decorating our home. When I was still living with my parents I usually bug my mom after Nov.2 to start decorating. The decorations along with Christmas songs somehow heightens the spirit of Xmas in our home. 

Now that I have my own home and in charge of the decorations I felt a bit lazy. I get tired of thinking about getting the decorations from the storage, dusting it off and then taking them all down and cleaning after the holidays (now I know how my mom feels). 

This year I wanted our decorations to be minimal yet unique and meaningful. I wanted to make our own ornaments for the Xmas tree. I wanted to decorate photos of our family on our little tree. I actually got the idea from my husband's cousin.

It took me and my husband some time to choose among photos and then we debated on what format to print it in (plastic or photo or laminated). In the end we just decided to have it printed as 2xs2 photos using the silk waterproof paper from Photoline. 

My next challenge was too look for a gold thread because stores seem to run out of stock. I ended up using old ribbons from gifts and cutting it in strips. 

Last night slept early with my son and woke up at 11:00 Pm (an evening nap?), I decided to put up the Xmas tree since it is just 7 days before Xmas day. I finished at 3:00am and here it is...presenting our Family/Xsmas tree.

I know I could have done more and add other ornaments but I wanted the photos to be the focal point. My son squealed in glee when he saw the tree this morning and got busy pointing at the pictures and identifying the people in it. I lighted up the tree and now he didn't want to turn it off. He seemed mesmerized by the lights and photos. The look of delight on his face is the very spirit of  Xmas and it lighted me up inside just like a Xmas tree.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! :)

A Birthday Rant

Today is my birthday and I felt like ranting so here goes…

In my 33 years of existence, I have gained a few droplets of wisdom and pounds of weight. I also gained lots of friends and zero enemies as far as I know(except for that pesky neighbor who plays loud music, that tricycle driver who doesn’t give exact change, that conceited lady who cuts in lines and other morons). I have also given birth to Kulay which is the greatest achievement in my life, the second achievement was that time I scored 100 in the Videoke machine. I have loved only one man in my life and that is Legolas from the Lord of the Rings. I live with a man who happens to be my best friend, my cook, my driver and the father of my son whom I also love but only second to Legolas.  I have traveled to quite a few places but I’ve never been abroad but I Have Been To Me. I have not much money, I am only rich during payday and during Kulay’s birthday (the “ampao” goes to my pocket). We have a house and a restored Volkswagen called Kapitan, thanks to my father and aunt.  All in all I am Happy and Loved felt really2x blessed with all the good and not so good things that happened to me.

That was just the intro…this is the main part :)

In my existence I am only sure of one thing, NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHIING thus nobody is sure of anything thus the last line of this sentence negates the first line. What I learned so far is that everything in this world is a mystery…our life is a mystery. I have read the Bible, Aristotle, Plato and other books on existentialism and philosophy. Not even the Pope or Albert Einstein knows the answer. Non-believers say we come from a  particle out of a void…who created that particle? Where did God came from? Our life is one big question which is not answerable by Yes or No, True or False but by multiple choices. CHOICE is the key here. We choose to believe in things that makes sense to us. It all depends on us and in our imagination. I choose to believe in God, Jesus Christ and Mama Mary. I choose to have a positive outlook in life and believe in happy endings despite death and tragedies. I choose to believe in rainbows and moonbeams and wishes. I choose to believe in love and family and friends. I choose to believe in Santa Claus and engkantos. I even chose to believe that somewhere in this world is a place called Neverland , a 100 acre farm and Hogwarts. I am still undecided though if there is Aasgard where the mighty Thor resides.  I believe in soul mates and have found mine. I believe that the past, present and future co-exist.

The choice is yours so let’s all choose to have a happy and fulfilling life.

Happy birthday to me and to all those who celebrates their birthday today! I wish for good health for me and my family, an IPAD, more years, world peace and healing of our land and people esp. to the recent victims of Typhoon.Pablo

Kulay's 2nd Beeday!

For months I've been planning to have a pool party for my son for his 2nd birthday because he loves the water so much but we didn't find a pool that is accessible and kid friendly. We decided to just dine out with our family. A week before my son's birthday, we had some monetary gifts (thanks Tito Gene!) so we decided to have a kids party at Jollibee. My son loves Jollibee the mascot and their Jolly Spaghetti and french fries. Good thing there's not much to organize or plan for a Jollibee party, you just reserve the date, order food and they'll take care of the party. So in less than a week, we still cooked up a partey!

Because I'm "OA" I can't have a kids party without a theme so I  decided on a Bee Themed Party because Jollibee is a BEE and Kulay also loves bumble bees. 

Party Details
Invitation
I invited guest through FB event page and SMS :)

Outfit
I asked my husband to handpaint us matching shirts . I also asked my friend Ailyn to make a Bee beanie and 

Cake
..Amigurumi bees for cake toppers. We just bought the cake from Red Ribbon since it's the only brand that Jollibee allows.

Loot Bags which I made from paper bag, yarn and printed tags. It contains the usual candies and toys.

  The Party
We only invited relatives and a couple of friends. Our son was very happy with the appearance of Jollibee and playing games with the other kids. 

The After Party, which is our favorite part! Unwrapping of presents! Weeee! 

I am really thankful to God for the gift of life and to our family and friends for their love and support to Kulay and our family. I wish my son good health and a good life ahead of him. We love you so much Kulay! You are indeed the greatest blessing we have received.

Of Dancing Fountains and LSS

"I'm walking on sunshine, woooah and don't it feel good!! !"

That's the song that's been playing in my head since Monday. Blame it on the Dancing Fountain show which we watched at SM Lanang Premier. They have an hourly show at their fountain court every night starting from 5:00 pm. Our son has been bugging us to go to "EM-EM" every time he got the chance. Last night while I was folding clothes he handed me his pajama and shirt and said "Tuot Nina(I want to wear clothes)". I willingly obliged and then after dressing him up he said "Ta...Em-Em(Let's go to SM)". *Sigh* my one year old is no longer a baby...he is becoming a brat boy.A boy who has his own wants. He loves EM-EM because he can run all he wants at the huge space at the mall's fountain court. Mike and I get pretty exhausted at times running after him. He is also amazed at the play of lights and water during the hourly fountain shows. I am also delighted by the shows...it somehow brings out the child in me. And seeing my son's look of delight while watching the show warms my heart. Oh I'm getting mushy again. Anyway I am really happy that SMLP have this fountain court. Kids and adult alike  esp. those in the Lanang area like us now have a new place to chill and hang out. I love that the new malls aren't just a place to shop and dine, they are now offering a "lifestyle".

The Obligatory Fountain Pose

Kulay Having a "Moment" after running around

Kuya Edwin

Last September 24,2010 evening my father informed me that My brother Edwin who was currently working in Sumitomo Mining in Surigao was admitted at the hospital because he can’t get up. He then told me that Ate Gina, Kuya’s wife and my mother will be traveling to Surigao to check my brother’s condition. I wasn’t alarmed then of my brother’s condition as I’ve always known him to be physically strong with his almost 6 ft height and huge frame. I just thought he was suffering from arthritis that’s why he can’t get up. I was more alarmed by my mother’s safety while traveling since she’s 65 yrs old and Surigao is 10 hours away from Davao. Later at night I was informed that my brother had to go through a dialysis since his kidneys are shutting down and that he was suffering from Lowblood sugar (hypoglycemia). I kept on thinking that he should be brought back to Davao so he can receive better medical care and we can visit him.

Then the following morning, September 25 while I was attending a mother’s class at Davao Doctor’s Hospital my father texted me that Ate Gina and Mama already arrived at the hospital and that my brother’s condition is very serious and in fact “ginatabang na siya” and if he won’t recover after 20 minutes then the medical team can’t help him anymore. I was alarmed then and started to cry while praying that my brother can still recover. I was afraid to check my cellphone because of the news that might await me but then just before 10:00am my father texted me “Pahulay na si Kuya nimo”. The initial feeling was disbelief and denial that I refused to accept the reality and give in to tears.

Things that happened between then until now seems unreal. Hours seems to run so slow and days so fast. Mama and Ate Gina arrived last Sunday and Kuya Edwin’s body arrived Tuesday morning. His wake was at St. Peter’s Chapel in Panacan where we mourned him for 4 days and nights. He was buried yesterday at Buhangin Memorial.

The only thing that got us through this tragedy was the nonstop support from relatives, friends and colleagues who came from different parts of Davao and Southern Mindanao.We are all eternally grateful to each and everyone of them.

I hope and pray that my family will get over this and move on because we have no choice but to face and deal with this sad reality that somebody special and loved one is gone forever from our lives. Kuya Edwin who passed away at such a young age…44, such an untimely death will always be in our hearts and will leave a gaping hole in our lives that nobody can replace.

To my Kuya Edwin… a generous and loving soul …protective brother, a responsible son, hardworking husband and father …you will always be missed... remembered and loved...Farewell.

Reposted from Facebook.