My (Secret) Birthday Wish

1 more month and I'll be a year older again. I may age but I will always be forever thankful for all the blessings that were given to me and my family.

I've never been materialistic when it comes to birthday wishes; I only wished for a wonderful and fruitful year ahead of me. Just like my wish for this year, it's for me and my family to always be in good health, to be always safe, and to have more blessings. I wish for the Lord to give me more patience with all the adjustments that I'm having now. For me to continue learning in all aspects of life.

But this year will be an exception. I am honestly craving for this specific material wish and I am wishing this for my birthday wish - and I really really really like to have this. *grin*

Now, this. 

I'd like to have a Nikon D90, my pangarap na DSLR! LOL!

I really want to hone my skill in photography but I know a point and shoot is not enough to learn like a pro. Although, I believe that photography is not really about the camera but it is how you see things beyond the lens. Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to wish for one, right?! *grin*

But you see, I am already this close to having one, but it has to be set aside since my priorities in my life has to be rearranged - wants vs. needs. And now that I have a baby, I guess having it will be the last on my list.

I just hope my half-brother is right when he said to me, "sana mag dilang anghel ka at maka-pulot tayo ng DSLR!" .

Sana nga! Lol!

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Hello, My Little Girl! ♥

Friday, March 4, 2011, at 11:28 PM we welcomed a wonderful baby girl - my little girl, CL.

No words can describe how we felt when we finally saw her. All the pain is sooo worth it.

We are now a family!

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

We love you so much, baby CL!

I love you! ♥

38 Weeks: Last Minute Changes

Only 2-weeks left before my due date and we decided to change our OB. This was really unexpected but we decided to consult a different doctor and we are way satisfied with everything.

As our new doctor was going through my records from the previous one, we were all surprised when she explained to me that there were laboratory tests that were supposedly made before that weren't done and said that I needed to do more tests as I am nearing the due date. We talked about what to expect and what I need to do before, during, and after the labor. She also explained to me the reasons why there is a need for a C-section and what will happen afterwards. These, by the way, were not discussed by my previous doctor, this 'educating' session with my new OB didn't ever happen with my previous one. So I'm really glad we got a second opinion and our doctor accepted me even if I'm nearing my full quarter now.

Last week was such a mess and I'm really thankful that we now have a peace of mind. At this moment, we're just waiting for THE day and hopefully, I will have a safe, normal, and healthy delivery.

Thank God for everything! I'm so happy I have a very supportive family.

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37 Weeks: 7 Months Ago

July 19, 2010 - exactly 7 months today, we discovered that I'm pregnant. I still can't forget the moment when I took the pregnancy test. I remembered crying and telling my hubby that he's going to be a dad. I remembered the first thing that came into my mind, that was to buy a crib. Lol! There was so much joy that filled us that day.

Now I'm on my 37th week and currently 1cm dilated. The baby is already considered full-term and we're just waiting for her to come out.

Oh, the miracle of life!

Johnson's Baby: Pink all the Way!

Growing up, I've always been a fan of Johnson's baby products. From powder to cologne, and to lotions. I just simply love their scent!

Now that I'm giving birth soon, I made sure that my little bundle of joy will experience the magic of the products I used since birth. And because we're having a girl, we want it pink all the way! So we got our little girl her own Johnson's Baby products, all in pinks. So girly, Yay!

Trust me, they all smell so good and, of course, heavenly!

Uninspired: It's Okay Not To Expect

For many years I've always set my mind not to expect as it will only lead to frustration, disappointment, and depression. This worked for me as I'm a kind of person who always has a higher expectation in every goal I set and if it's not accomplished, I get disappointed big time. That's how I am. I know it's not good and I am perfectly aware of that. Nobody's perfect and no situation is perfect, however, I've always believed that we can do our best and take an extra mile for it to get the best out of it.

Yesterday was different, I forgot all about this. I was placed in a position where I was given no choice but to follow. I've expected so much on and I worked hard to get it that I almost forgot that it could go the other way from what I'm expecting. I guess, too much persistence and excitement drive me to think that it will happen the way I want to. Then it hit me.

I was too focused.

Now the reality is sinking in and I am frustrated and sad. I just keep on reminding myself,

"You can't have it your way, you need to consider. There's no room for you to be scared. You have to be strong! You need to be strong... for yourself and for everyone. God will make a way. Have faith."

I know I'll be okay; it’ll just take time until I accept things. And I know I can… for me, for my baby, and for my hubby.

On this Heart's Day

Happy Valentine's everyone! Enjoy this moment, not only with your partner but with your whole family!

To my dear husband, I love you so much!

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36 Weeks: Getting Near!

I'm on my 36th week already, which makes it fall on the 9th month. I'm so excited as I'm nearing the big day. Pretty much I can say that I'm ready with everything - our bags are packed, the documents needed are complete, and we are financially ready as well.

I also discussed with my doctor that I wanted to experience the pain of giving birth and decided not to get an epidural at all, or perhaps it could be my last option. I just really hope that I can stand everything until the "repair". You see, I have a high threshold for pain which I got from my mom. However, childbirth is different but I'm not stressing myself too much about it. All I'm thinking now is my baby, I just can't wait to see her! How she would look like, how she would cry, her smell... I'm sure, the day of her birth would be really PRICELESS!!! 

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To My Daughter's Father.. ♥♥♥

Today marks our 7th year of being together. Our relationship has gone through a lot of ups and downs. But without these, we would never become the person we are right now and we would never value our relationship as much as we do now.

Lessons have been learned, realizations have been made, and forgiveness has been given.

Whatever happened in the past made our relationship stronger.

To you, we're now married and expecting our baby girl, I'm looking forward to more fruitful years with you. May God guide us and bless our family.

Happy 7th year anniversary! I love you so much!

"All it takes is another chance to make things right."

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Got My MOM CARD!

Right after my regular checkup at Parañaque Doctor's Hospital yesterday, I went to SM Bicutan to buy a few thing for the baby. And because I didn't get a chance to go to the Baby Company's Grand Baby Fair, I thought this is a bright idea for me to get a Baby Company's Mom Card that I've been wanting all this time.

Hitting 3 birds with a stone!

First, I purchased some stuff for the baby that totaled around Php500. From that single receipt, I finally got my own Mom Card. To which I eventually use to have a 10% off on Owen Pillows, as they're on a special discount from January-February. 

Not bad huh?! Now that I have my Mom Card, I will (and must!) go to the next year's Grand Baby Fair!

From Spain, with Love.

I'm a bit sad that I wasn't able to attend the Baby Company's Grand Baby Fair today. I was planning to buy some stuff for the baby and get a Mom Card, and possibly have a free Swag Bag from them too. It's just that people around here won't allow me to go out anymore. My dad, mom, and my hubby, they're like a tag team! Telling me it's not safe because of the recent bombing and threats, and also I'm already on my 8th month. So here I am, stuck in my bed playing GodsWar on Facebook.

But anyway, there's still a reason to be happy and excited at all because yesterday I got this Marks & Spencer pasalubong from my half-sister. My niece brought this home all the way from Spain. I love the color, not too girlish and white is my favorite too.

Thank you!!! Love it so much! Can't wait for my baby girl to wear all of it!

Chocolates! They're Just Wrappers.

Four days ago, I cleaned all my stuff to make room for my baby's things and this is what I found, CHOCOLATES! Yup, but they're all chocolate wrappers. You see, I'm a self-imposed collector - stationery, stickers, stamps, paper bags, and anything that I could think of.

If I remember it right, these were all my collection way back 15-years ago, I was still in high school then. But of course, I did stop from BUT not on eating chocolates. LOL!

And since I need space for my baby's stuff, I have to decide whether I should throw everything away OR just make something good out of it.

Thank goodness for all the wonderful craft blogs, there are a lot of inspirations to choose for a planned DIY project. Let's see how will it go.

Anyone noticed my favorite chocolate?!

Things to Bring: Getting Ready for the Big Day!

PANIC MODE, ON!

There are 2 months left before the much awaited moment and I'm not sure if I gathered everything for the delivery day. I've read some articles that as early as now I have to prepare my things, and the baby's too, because any moment (I hope not too soon) I might go on premature labor and deliver the baby earlier than expected. Which makes it really important to be ready with all the things you need to bring to the hospital.

Here, I'm going to share what's in my bag and how I came up with my list.

First off, and the most important thing that needs to be done, is to MAKE A LIST. Have a small pad or perhaps a notebook that is only dedicated for your things-to-bring. Bring it anywhere with you - on a doctor's appointment, if you're in a grocery, or just around the house. Make sure that your pen and paper is within your reach so anytime that something pops out of your mind you can jot it down right away.

Second, categorize or group your list - and if needed, add subcategories. The main purpose of this is to avoid confusion on your list and to be sure everything was included according to each person's needs. What I did, I divided my checklist into four - the baby's, mine, the hubby's, and the important documents.

Here's what I came up with:

FOR THE BABY ***tip: put all your baby's things in a separate bag.

• newborn diaper
• receiving blanket AND clothes to be used AFTER the delivery
• mittens, booties, and bonnets
• "bigkis" to cover the navel
• extra clothes for the baby
• extra blankets
• wash cloth and "lampins"
• bolsters and small pillows
• baby oil, baby powder, wipes, cottons
• clean feeding bottles


FOR ME ***tip: it's okay to use 1 bag for yours and hubby's things, as long as the baby will have a separate one.

• clothes and undergarments
• extra pillow & my favorite blanket
• towel and wash cloth
• maternity pads and adult diaper
• toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, & shampoo
• alcohol, tissue, and cotton
• eyebrow pencil, cheek tint, and lip balm *LOL! Pa-kikay pa rin!*
• digicam and charger (don't forget to snap your first moments with the little one!)
• mobile phone and charger
• laptop and charger
• wallet


DOCUMENTS ***tip: put everything in a long clear plastic envelope and let your hubby know what documents are inside.

• admission slip
• pregnancy notebook (the one you bring on your regular checkups)
• laboratory result (for personal reference, the doctor has her own copy as well)
• SSS and PhilHealth forms and documents
• IDs or Identifications
• ballpen


FOR THE HUBBY ***tip: ask your hubby what he needs to bring so you could list it down too.
• money for the hospital bill
• extra money for other expenses, and
• well, the rest is up to him. LOL! *kidding*
• extra clothes and undergarments
• towel and wash cloth
• toothbrush (we'll share the toothpaste, soap, and shampoo)
• and whatever he needs to bring

That sums up my list. I'm not sure though if this is the final one because who knows, maybe I'll come up with more. BUT, do keep in mind that you only need to bring important things and things that you know you would use for 2-3 days. The hubby, your guardian, or someone who's helping you around can always go home and bring more things if you're required to stay longer at the hospital.

I hope I get to help you get ready on your big day. And if you think I have something missing out on my list, do let me know! *wink*

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To my DAD: Happy 77th!

Today is my father's 77th birthday. Our family is blessed that at his age he is still strong and in very good condition. We are hoping and praying that he will have more years to celebrate life with us.

♥ I love you, Dad! Happy Birthday! ♥

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Happy 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Cheers to a wonderful year ahead of us!

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