Little Girl on Her 5th! ♥

Today is my daughter's 5th birthday and we are so proud of all her achievements at such an early age. 

Her celebration, this time, is a bit different from her previous birthdays. Since she's in school already, she requested to celebrate her birthday with her classmates. She specifically wanted to blow candles on her birthday cake, have some ice cream and eats snacks with her friends.

And we obliged. *smile*

Now that she's 5, she can really appreciate and truly enjoy such celebrations. She knows it's her day and she's been excited the whole time!

She's been doing a Birthday countdown, every day!

Every time she wakes up or even at any random time, she would always ask me, "Mommy, how many days before my birthday?!" And she really squeaks when I say it's getting nearer. Until one day, she's the one who's already reminding me how near her birthday is. Lol! Kids!

After her celebration in school, we had one surprise for her. From the school, we went a different way that is very familiar to her. She was already wondering and asking if we're going to swim. And no, I didn't answer. Instead, I continued changing her uniform to a swimwear. Until she realized and got really really excited! Lol! She loves the water, she just loves the pool. Hopefully, we could get her to attend swimming lessons so she could fully enjoy the waters. Now, that needs to be taken cared of, it's a bit hard to find swimming lessons here in Bohol.

Then after our swim, we went home and took some rest - well for her that is because I cooked dinner! *grin*

The day ended with sumptuous dinner over at my half-sister's place. It was really fun, especially the part where she opened her gifts! There's a lot of cheering going on!

Happy Birthday, my dear CL! Thank you for continuously giving us laughs with your wild and crazy antics, surprising us with your witty talks, for melting our hearts with your sweet gestures and I love yous, for being smart, and for being such a good girl.

I love you, my Little Girl!

♥♥♥ 

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.

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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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!

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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Things To Do - List them First!

So many things to do right now and I need to make a list or else... nothing! Nothing will happen. Lol!

Me and the hubby talked about having a mini baby shower for our bundle of joy. Nothing grand, though. We just want to have a small gathering with close friends and family to celebrate the coming of our little girl. So I need to plan our menu, decorations for the house, and maybe a token for that day. And aside from this, we still need to buy more things for the baby since we already know her gender now - hello pink stuff! *waves*

Oh, and I almost forgot. I had to list down our things-to-bring for the delivery day! Plus, the Christmas gifts, some documents to change my marital status, and so much more! Whew!

You see, if you knew me well enough, you'd know that I'm a very organized person. It's just now, everything seems to be in a mess, clutter, and disorganized. Then I remember, I am (once) a master of creating a TO-DO-LIST!

So I grabbed my pen and paper and started writing things that needs to be done. And mind you, one paper is not enough. Oh well! Hope I'll finish everything before the holiday comes! *cross fingers*

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26 Weeks: It's a GIRL!

We're having a BABY GIRL!!! *happy dance*

I knew it! I just knew it's going to be a girl!

It's the best day ever and it's funny how the ultrasound went through. I was lying and relaxing on the bed while the doctor was gliding the transducer on my belly and tinkering on the machine at the same time. I was still talking and laughing with the hubby while we're looking at the monitor when the doctor suddenly blurted out "It's a girl!". LOL! We were surprised not only because we finally knew our baby's gender but we were also caught off guard! Lol! Doc, you  should've told us that we're on!

Then it sank in.

No words could ever explain the joy we have now. I saw my husband teary-eyed while watching the baby moved in the monitor. I will always adore that moment... the soft look in his eyes knowing he's going to have two lovely ladies in his life now. Priceless!

Now that we're a step closer to finally meeting our princess, the excitement grows too. I can’t wait to hold her in my arms, hear her cry, and see her smile. *smiles*

Okay, off to plan the baby shower now!!!

But wait, we have to think of a name first. LOL!

Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift!

The Body Shop's Cocoa Butter: My Stretch Marks Remedy

A friend of mine had her first born a few months ago and upon hearing that I'm pregnant she shared to me one pregnancy tip that might help me when it comes to stretch marks.

Stretch marks?!

Yeah, that didn't come into my mind. Perhaps I forgot about it because I'm too excited with my growing tummy. *hihi*

But then, it got me thinking. Will I get one?

While I'm completely aware that it's part of pregnancy, stretch marks vary on skin’s elasticity whether you'll get a few or none. I'm not obsessing at all, I just want to try if there are products that would help lessen, if not prevent, stretch marks from my pregnancy. Besides, wala naman mawawala 'pag susubukan, right?!

So I've searched for lotions and was recommended a body butter that it totally perfect for my concern.

The Body Shop's Cocoa Butter Body Butter

Oh, wow! A body butter!

My niece gave me The Body Shop's website so I could browse their products, especially the body butter variants. But this particular one, the Cocoa Butter, according to their site is best used for very dry skin (like mine!) and helps pregnant women in preventing stretch marks.

Jackpot!

So the very next day, I went to The Body Shop store at Market! Market! and bought one for me! Yay!

I did a little asking about the product as well. From what the sales lady told me, Cocoa Butter is their best-seller and most recommended for pregnant women because of its effectiveness. I was also told, that for those who has existing marks, the Shea Butter is perfect for treating them.

Alright, so Cocoa Butter for preventing and Shea Butter for treating. Got it!

Now let's talk about the product itself. Here are some thoughts I could share with you based on my 56-day use.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT:

I bought this at around Php800+. It's a little bit pricey for a 200ml lotion/moisturizer but I can attest that it is worth it, considering the benefits that I'm getting. I can also say that this body butter has a long way to go because of its thick texture. You only need a small amount each time you use it, so I'm guessing there will be more left after I give birth. Moisturizing-wise, the body butter is easily absorbed by the skin. It made my skin soft and the smoothness lasted the whole day even with just 1 application. For me, though, I use it twice a day because I love how it feels on my skin.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT:

Oh, there's only one - the scent! The Cocoa Butter has a nice chocolatey scent, but I'm not a fan of it at all. Don't get me wrong, I just don't fancy the scent as of now (blame it on the hormones), but the good news is, it's completely tolerable. So no worries on that. Besides, we have our own preferences, right?!

To sum it all, I highly recommend The Body Shop Cocoa Butter especially to the those who are expecting. I still cannot guarantee the effectiveness of this product YET since I'm only using this for 56 days now and has a long way to go. But for a 25th-week belly, there are no signs of stretch marks at all.

I have high hopes on this and see if it works. I'll update this post after giving birth! *wink*

**UPDATE**

Good news!!! This product is effective! My belly is clear with only minimal stretch marks and almost close to not having at all. I think what happened was I didn't put too much body butter on my lower belly and focused on the upper area instead. They appeared at the lower area along the linea nigra and the lower right-hand side or the appendix area. The stretch marks were not huge nor long and there were no discoloration or darkness, pretty much the same tone with my skin. Oh, and I still have body butter left and continuously using it! Yay!

Am I happy with the result? YES! 100%

Am I sad with the stretch marks? Of course not! I was actually excited seeing a few ones because it's like having a badge for an achievement I got. These are wonderful battle scars, a reminder that my body was able to 'house' a 7.8lbs baby girl and I'm proud of it!

Will I still use it? Definitely! I'd still use this product on my second pregnancy.

Thank you, The Body Shop! *smiles*

23 Weeks: Boy or Girl?

I’m on my 23rd week of pregnancy and still have no idea with my baby's gender, so I just need to hang on a little bit until my next ultrasound. Anyway, I think I'll play more gender guessing game with the hubby. LOL!

Anong gusto mo, babae or lalake? (What gender do you prefer, a girl or a boy?)

I've been asked this question for several times by friends and relatives.

Before, whenever me and hubby talk about having a family, we always had this friendly battle over the gender of our first born. Obviously, my husband wants a boy, and of course, I want to have a girl. 

That's how it typically goes, right?!

But now that we're facing the reality, THIS realization sets in - gender doesn't really play a big role in pregnancy, having a baby, and starting a new family. Instead, we just want to have a healthy baby - that is all that matters. Nothing else!

Now whenever I am asked, I always say..

"Whichever the Lord will give us, as long as the baby is healthy and normal, and we're both safe during the delivery. I couldn't ask for more."

There.

Though I still tease my husband that we're having a baby girl. Lol! I just can't help it, I really feel that my little swimmer is a girl. *grin*

We're really excited for the mystery to be revealed! 

Counting the days till our next appointment with the OB. *wink*