Pipay turns 1 : Planning

I actually started a long time ago, but I finally able to really start putting things together just this month. We decided the venue to be in the Victoria Place Clubhouse in Potrero Malabon. Actually, it was my in-laws idea since some events of their relatives they attended was held there and they think the place is good. It actually is, since it is super cheap (as compared to SM Grass Residences Clubhouse). There are 2 rooms, the pavilion and the function room, and 2 swimming pools (adult and kid's) and all of them are included in the price. Good right?

The theme was decided a long time ago, I don't know when. The theme would be Princess. At first, I want the colors to be pastel, but upon reading blogs and looking at pictures, pink and white work really nice. The combination creates femininity, innocence and youth. Well, actually I think it will go best with Pipay.

For the caterer, since we want something that is tried and tested, we decided to book Verleo. They were the caterer in one or two of the events that my in-laws attended, and my husband loves their mango crepe.

I decided to DO-IT-MYSELF (DIY --> DIM) because hiring a professional event organizer could be expensive and since I think I can pull it all up. Well, I really hope so. Since my husband trusts me, and because we believe we will save money, he is letting me plan and do things on my own.

So what I did is read a lot of blogs, look at a lot of pictures. I have things in mind, yet they change everytime I read or look, and actually, plans are getting more defined.

I know that I cannot do everything, so from the blog I read, I was able to contact some suppliers.

For the balloon decorations, clowns, and other entertainment I was able to book Whimsical Gatherings. They actually offer whole birthday package (with catering) but since we have the catering, I just chose from their services and asked for quotation.

For the food carts, game booths and photo booths, I booked Rsr Food Express. The have a lot to offer too! And their selections of food carts varied.

For the dessert table, my mother-in-law will take care of the cake. I just provided them with the design. I am still looking for a baker who will do the cupcakes, cakepops and other baked goodies. I will just add candies, waffer sticks and other stuff. For the design of the table, I plan to buy nice glass jars and plates. The backdrop (if possible) would be pompoms and pinwheels.

I already designed the invitation. I used gimp. I looked for free vectors and other free electronic art materials. Some for personal use and some for commercial. I can't put the link since I looked and downloaded from a lot of sources. All are free, mind you! I bought a wax sealing stamp online to seal the envelope (to create a castle/princess impression). I still don't have papers for the printing of the invitations and for the envelope.

I am thinking of giving the kids a crown/tiara to wear for the party. I found a blog that used felt paper/cloth and designed them with glitters and beads. I can do that. However, I am not sure if I have the time. An alternative would be cartons designed with glitters, but that's work too. Another alternative is to buy cheap crowns/tiara, if there is. Or just buy head bands for girls and cape for boys (It is hard to think of an alternative for boys).

I am thinking of a 'take-your-picture-here' booth where I will put some of Pipays old stuff. I have a design in mind, but I'm not sure of the execution yet since I don't have the needed materials yet.

Ahh! The stage! The first plan was to have a castle backdrop, but we cannot find someone who creates such big props. So we decided to use curtains, pompoms and pin wheels instead. We will still put a PIPAY 3-foot letter stand. I found a supplier already, but haven't ordered yet.

There are a lot of things that needed to be done. I still have to buy lots of stuff. Howell, let's do this!

As a confession, it is really hard to plan and do all these. Especially since Pipay moves a lot lately, she crawls (not on 4's yet) a lot. Waaa! My baby is growing old so fast! Soon she'll have her 1st birthday!

Pipay's Teeth and Biting and Breastfeeding

At around 7.5 months, her teeth came out.. Here is her picture sporting her teeth.

I already blogged about her biting me, and how it was painful. Now, with 2 tiny teeth that are not yet fully out, her biting is more painful than before. I not yet sure how to deal with this. We noticed that when she bit me and I reacted, she'd laugh and do it again. I think she does that because she think it was fun and because she gets my attention (and others).

I am worried for the next months, when she has teeth in the upper gums because it would be worse. I wonder how breastfeeding mothers like me deals with the biting...

First Tooth (or teeth)

We were assuming since she was 3 months old that she is teething. It was because, (1) she drools (2) she sometime pull her hair and ears; which, according to some articles, could be a sign of teething. Apparently, we are wrong.

Her teeth (the tiny tip of her 2 lower front teeth) came out last April 6. Well, not exactly that day, but that was the first day that we felt (when she bit my finger) the hard sharp tip of her teeth. We were excited, and happy.

However, I was worried too, because this could mean that some of our nursing sessions would be more painful. Sometimes, Pipay loves to bite my nipple, then pull it. It was very very painful, and I guess it would be much much painful now that she has teeth.

I guess, nipple biting is one of so many sacrifices that breastfeeding mothers must face. Howell, goodluck to me!

Here is Pipay's photo on the day we felt her teeth, she was adorably touching her teeth with her tongue. I'll post another one soon (in 2-3 weeks maybe), in which her teeth are already showing.

Pipay Fell from the Bed

I was so busy with my work and with my MS thesis that I wasn't able to blog lately. But since I need a break and what happened yesterday (March 25, 2014 Wednesday) was frightening, here I am blogging.

I usually don't leave Pipay alone on the bed. When it is just the two of us, I do things when she's asleep. Such as having my lunch, taking a bath, and washing the dishes. When I have to pee, I surround her with pillows on the bed if she is awake or put her in her high chair. Because I don't want her to fall from the bed.

Yesterday, I was playing with her on the bed when my phone signaled a new email. I went to my laptop to read it. When I was in front of my laptop, I looked at Pipay. She was in the middle of the bed, and my judgement is, she won't reach the edge before I finish reading the email. But I was wrong.

I was reading and was shocked by the sound her body made as she hit the tiled floor. I even heard her bumping into the clothe boxes near the bed. I looked. And there she was, lying on the floor. Silent for a moment.

I went to her side, panicking, picked her up. She cried. It was heartbreaking. She cried and cried as I try to console her. I called my mother, who was washing Pipay's clothes. We checked her while she was crying.

She eventually stopped. I breastfed her for a while. Then I tried to make her laugh. She didn't. But at least she seemed okay already.

I was so sorry, that it happened on my watch. I'm sorry baby. I just hope that she really is Ok. I did read some articles online and observed her if I need to bring her to a hospital.

She ok now, I think. She plays. She laughs. She's back to being malikot. So I guess she's ok. Well, maybe that was just one of those moment mothers (or fathers) regrets and gets frightened about. One of those frightening, but not alarming situations that melts our hearts and makes us more watchful and caring.

I love you Pipay.

Roll Over

I wish I can pinpoint the exact moment of this very important milestone, however, I can only share some of her firsts.

Last Feb 6, 2014, when Phil and I was about to sleep (at around 1:30 in the morning), Pipay woke up and rolled over 2 times! Nawala ang antok namin just to see that. A few days back was her official first roll over, but we can't remember the date, plus we though she was able to do that because of the uneven surface.

Then Feb 7, Friday, we visited her Pedia. The Pedia asked if Pipay can roll over already. I told her, Pipay did it less than 5 times. Then she said, Pipay is delayed if she can't roll over yet.

The weekend after, as if she is proving the doctor wrong, Pipay rolled over more than 10 times. :)

Here is a video of her rolling over. :)

Biting

I don't really know when it started, I just noticed that instead of thumb (whole fist actually) sucking she was biting her fingers, that was past 3 months old.

Then, err the pain, she started biting my nipple. Thank goodness she doesn't have teeth yet! Ohh and sometimes, she'll bite while pulling away. That hurts a lot. I just tell her not to bite mommy. Haay, Kaso, nanggigigil talaga sya e.

Today, she is 5.5 months, and I think she is starting to teeth, and for sure the biting would be painful. However, I am determined to breastfeed her until, at least, 2 years. Lez go baby!

Baby Pictorial

This is a late blog. The pictorial was last October 15, 2013. Our photographer was VJ Matias of  Virtuoso (He was our prenup photographer too). He is not really the photographer of their group, he is the videographer. And their forte is wedding. But since he is our friend and he really love to try to have a photo shoot with babies (he is a soon to be a dad), we all agreed to have the pictorial.

Phil and I looked for possible concepts and I did the props. We even bought a basket and a new pashmina. It was a great session. It was not rainy (we did indoor since Pipay was less than 2 months) so the lighting from the big glass window at the department of computer science faculty lounge (It was holiday and do not have any better venue) was perfect. VJ was great. He loves kids so he was all cute, kind and patient to Pipay. 

All in all, we had 5 scenes. And the whole photo shoot took us about 3 or 4 hours. The hardest part was making Pipay smile, and when we need her sleeping, she was wide awake. But  The results are all awesome.

Here are some of the awesome pictures of Pipay. :)

Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

I am a new mother, and being new to a lot of things is really scaring me to the bone.

When I was pregnant, I read a lot of stuff. And I read Postpartum Depression (PPD). After reading stuff about it, I asked myself, "Am I at risk of having this? Will I be that depressed and hurt myself or my baby?", then I told myself, "Ahh hindi naman siguro. I think my personality is strong enough to have postpartum depression." Well, true enough, I did not experience PPD (Yey for me!). However, I did experience some baby blues and to be honest, at some point it scared me so much because I was so afraid what I feel would develop into PPD.

So what is Baby Blues and PPD?

Postpartum Depression or PPD is a clinical depression which can affect women (and men too!) after childbirth. While Baby Blues is a lighter depression that could develop into a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as PPD.

Baby Blues or being moody, weepy and irritable after giving birth is so common (about 8 out of 10 mothers) that they are already considered normal. Below are some of the things that you may feel:

• Worried about your baby's health, even though he's fine
• Anxious
• Unable to concentrate
• Tired, yet unable to sleep
• Crying, without knowing why
• Mood swings
• Sadness
• Irritability

PPD may appear as Baby Blues at first, but it would be more intense and longer lasting that it will affect your ability to care for your baby and to handle other daily tasks. And if untreated, it may last for months or longer. Below are some of the symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Intense irritability and anger
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Loss of interest in sex
• Lack of joy in life
• Feeling of shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Severe mood swings
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Here are some of the possible causes of depression:

• Physical Changes: After giving birth, your body changes rapidly. There is a dramatic drop in your hormone level that may contribute to depression. Other hormones may also drop sharply which will make you feel tired, sluggish and depressed. Changes in blood volume, blood pressure, the immune system and metabolism can also contribute to fatigue and mood swings. Plus the changes in your breast as your milk comes in.
• Emotional Factor:  New responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Your transition to motherhood and adjusting to new routines. You may feel anxious about your baby's well being. You may feel less attractive or struggle with your sense of identity. You may feel that you've lost control over your life. Any of these could contribute to depression.
• Lifestyle Influences: Many lifestyle factors can lead to depression, including a demanding family member, difficulty breastfeeding, financial problems, lack of support from your partner and other loved ones.

Baby Blues goes away on its own so no treatment is necessary. Reassurance, support and rest is what you need. Sleep deprivation can make it worse, so sleep when your baby sleep. However, help is very much needed if it is already PPD.

My Experience

Mine has been just the baby blues. And I would like to blame being sleep deprived as the major factor or the trigger of all the drama.

Before giving birth I already had difficulty sleeping, and when I was at the hospital I barely sleep. I was tired from giving birth, and I feel weak. Since my baby and I stayed in the same room, I had to wake up to check her out, to feed her or because we have visitors. And it was worse when we came home. There's a lot to think about. There's a lot to worry about. There is a never ending worried feeling for my child. I even question myself if I can make it. Yes, the questions. I asked a lot. Am I going to be a good mother? Is she feeling good? Am I producing enough milk? Can I still do the things I do back when I was not yet a mother? and more questions, some are unreasonable, some unanswerable, some are just stupid questions. Aside from those questions, I also felt sad because I miss a lot of stuff. I miss being pregnant (duhuh!), I miss going to the dept almost everyday, I miss drinking softdrinks (patakas na lately and in moderation pa rin), I miss sleeping the whole night, I miss cuddling with my husband, I miss being able to go anywhere.

The result? Almost everyday of tears. I cry when I am alone with just me and baby. I cry when I see Phil. I cry when I remember stuff. I cry when we talk about certain things. I cry.

I was so afraid of the sadness. I was so afraid that by being sad and teary, I am not being a good mother. I was afraid I am having PPD. So I did the bravest thing I can do during those time, I told Phil. Everytime I have the urge to cry, I tell him. He knows almost all my crying episodes. His reaction? He laughed at me. The Phil laugh that would either make you mad or make you laugh too. Well, I'll end up laughing at myself too. But of course, he'll hug and kiss me too, he'll say something to make me feel better. Phil is the medicine for my baby blues. My drama episodes ended, and I am more confident as a mother now. :)

References:
Mayo Clinic
Baby Center

Pedia Contact

Here are the contact details of our Pedia.

Liza Vinluan-Santos, M.D.
Pediatrician
Fellow, Phil Pediatric Society

Cellphone No: 0918 904 6881 / 0922 419 2934

Philippine Children's Medical Center
Q. Ave, QC
Tel. Nos: 9246601 to 25 local 274
Room 7
Mon - Sat 11am-2pm

Hospital Affiliation:
Capitol Medical Center
Children's Medical Center

1st month Celeb and Pictorial

Last Tuesday was Purple Raine's 1st month. We went to the dept to celebrate it with friends and to meet Richard Eaton who looks like Jack Bauer of the TV series 24.

We want Pipay to have a new born pictorial, but the package at the Picture Company was expensive, while the packages in Pic-A-Boo are not so good since they don't provide a high resolution copy. So we took her pictures ourselves instead. We bought a pink hairband and browsed the internet for ideas.

However, our Pipay was awake during the pictorial. So she was makulit, malikot and iiyak iyak. Eniwez, here are some of the results of our amateur photo session with our angel.

First Week

I thought having a nice maternal instinct would be enough once you are a real mother. I thought things would just fall into their right places. That answers, solutions and know hows would just come out of nowhere. That things would be kinda easy and smooth sailing.

In the hospital, the first night was a little ok. I thought I'd be able to sleep the night away but since my baby will no longer stay in the nursery and would be in the room with us, I had to wake up a few times to breast feed her. But since I am still tired and a little sedated, it was nanay who did most of the taking care of baby. Sunday came, and as much as I want to sleep when Pipay sleeps, I was not able to because of the visitors and the nurses and doctors checks my BP and my temp and baby's temp too.

Sunday night was just me and Phil. It was our first night with just the 3 of us. There was a lot of crying. And sometimes we don't know what's wrong.  I started to think that maybe I don't have milk. And well, confidence level dropped big-time. We survived. Tired yet happy and excited to go home with new family member.

First night at home was not as ok as the nights in the hospital. She was set to sleep in her crib but she kept on crying and sometimes I don't know why.  Nanay, kept baby beside her and she stopped crying. I didn't sleep well since I kept on checking on her. Also, sometimes she can't latch properly on my breast. I was convinced that my breasts are not producing milk

The following day, I was paranoid. She didn't poop, and this was the 2nd day. She slept all day. She cried a lot and sleep a lot. Phil went to work but nanay was there to help me. I was a little happy that when I tried to express milk by hand, there was a little drop of milk. Confidence went one level up and I felt really happy.

After 2 days of no poop, she finally pooped. It was dark green (meconium) similar to the ones she pooped when we were in the hospital. Then after that her poops are yellow liquid. Which made me worry again. Is it diarrhea? What did I eat that caused her to poop to be like that?

More than once, in our first week, I wanted to bring her to the hospital to be checked or to text/call her pedia for opinion. Million of times I visited google and read, watched and listened to a lot of things, to at least feel a little better.

When her poop was Ok (the same as the ones posted in many mother-and-newborn-friendly websites), I felt a little better.

Lack of sleep, worries and more. I have experienced baby blues. I know I have to tell Phil whenever I feel sad or if I just wanted to cry. I need him for support. And thankfully, he was just what I needed.

Well, let's just say that I have a lot to learn, a lot to do and a lot to enjoy.

Hello Purple Raine Sale Zuniga!

I saw her in ultrasound images. I even saw her move during the 3D/4D ultrasound. And I finally saw her right after she greeted the world, but I was not able to remember her face (maybe because of the sedative and tiredness) so the moment I saw her when I was fully conscious was really magical and full of emotion.

When I saw her face, I felt like crying (have to stop myself, nakakahiya naman e). This is the baby I cared and love for around 9 months. The baby who slowed me down and gave me different emotions and experiences. The baby whom I vow to protect and love.

Our first born, our first child, our first angel. Phil and I are really happy to see you baby Purple Raine!

Here is some information about our baby.

• Date of Delivery: August 24, 2013
• Time of Delivery: 2:40 PM
• Type of Delivery: Normal Spontaneous Delivery (NSD)
• Birth Weight: 6 lbs 11oz (3033 g)
• Birth Length: 52 cm
• Head Circumference: 33 cm

Below are some of my angel's pictures right after her delivery.




Below is one of our first pictures as a family.

The Real Thing: Labor

They said, I'll know it when it's time. That I'll be able to distinguish the pain and know that labor is coming or has already started. That I'll know I have to be in the hospital soon. That the pain would be the most I'll experience.

Well, they are right.

Saturday, August 24, 2013:

I was in bed beside my husband when I feel some weird pain in my loins. The pain woke me up, but I thought it was a dream since after it, I fell asleep right away. But after sometime, it will happen again... Pain, woke up, back to sleep. So when I saw in our terrace  that it already morning, maybe around 5am, I just waited for the pain to come back. When it did, I thought baka naiihi lang ako. I went to the bathroom and saw blood on my underwear, same as last time when I was at 2cm. I grab my phone and lay beside Phil again. I waited for the pain again and marked the time interval between each pain.  He woke up (not sure if he went to the bathroom) and ask me 'may masakit sayo?' and I answered 'Wala, Ok lang ako' (since I'm not sure what is happening). Dr. Joy told me that when I counted 6 contractions within an hour, I have to go back to the hospital already. But I don't know how a contraction actually feels. She said, I'll be able to tell. And I know, that the 'pains' are already contractions. After an hour, I counted 7 contractions with 8-15 minute interval. I quickly brewed his coffee and heated 2 Bibingkinitans for him (I should not eat or drink anything when I know I'll go to the hospital) then I took a shower. I prepared his medicines, then packed some more stuff to our hospital bag. I am ready to go, but I have to wake Phil up first.

I went to our bed, kissed him around his face like I always do and slowly blow on his ears. He asked me what time it is, I said 7:30 (but it was just 7:20 when I checked the clock after). He said '30 minutes pa.' So I told him na, 'Kailangan na ata nating bumalik sa hospital'. Then I told him, masakit sa puson and that I've been counting intervals.

He had his breakfast and took a bath. While I was texting my OB telling her that I have contractions and asking her if I should go straight to the labor room or wait for her clinic to open at 9am. She said, since the interval is 8-15 minutes pa, I can still wait for her in the clinic so she'll be the one to check me. She said she'll just finish her lecture to her students.

At around 8:15am, we were outside her clinic already. I was still counting contractions. And when the pain struck, I was like 'pusang hindi mapakali'. I want to keep moving on my seat to find a comfortable position, but nothing helps. Between contractions I was able to smile and joke with Phil. We took pictures too. Our last pictures as 'just the two of us' and last pictures of baby in my tummy.

Doc Joy arrived at around 9:30, and she even joked that since I can still smile, matagal pa ako. Esmie, her assistant, measured my blood pressure and weight. I weigh 178 pounds (I was at 169 pounds during our very first checkup last January). While my blood pressure was a bit high at 120/90 (My bp is usually at 110/80).

They asked me to remove my pants and underwear for the IE (internal exam). Doc Joy said my cervical dilation is at 5cm and that I can be admitted already. She even told me that the head of my baby is lower now as compared to last week's position. She asked us what pain relief medication we prefer, and we chose Twilight over the painless Epidural. She gave me instructions and joked that I should kiss and hug Phil before I go in, because I won't be out until after the baby is born.

We went to the entrance of the labor room, we kissed and hugged and said I love you. Then I went in.

I gave the admitting form to the nurse, told them I'm at 5cm and was escorted to a room. They checked my contraction, counted the interval, took my blood pressure, and did an IE. Since I was interviewed by the OBs there already (when we had a false alarm) they did not interview me anymore, but the pediatric section doctor did some interview.

They gave me Fleet Enema as a suppository, and the nurse (not sure if she's a nurse) shaved my pubic hair (Huh! The contraction covered the embarrassment!). She asked me if I have a camera, I just told her to ask my husband.

I was transferred to the Labor room, where there is a belt-like apparatus (similar to the ones they use for BPS) that monitors the baby.  They attached the Dextrose to my right arm. Then they asked me to drink 1.5 tablets of a certain medicine that has a sedative effect. Dr. Pia, gave me a pin that I have to press every time the baby moves. There was a time that the baby fell asleep, so Dr. Pia ring a bell and even played Katy Perry's 'Last Friday Night' to wake her up. Then, I fell asleep.

From there, everything was a blur. I'm not sure of the sequence of events. I am not aware of the time. But well, here are some episodes that I can remember...

• I woke up and just said repeatedly 'Ang sakit'. The pain from the contraction is much much more intense.
• I heard 2 male voices. One of them lifted me from the bed in the labor room to a stretcher. I opened my eyes and saw the delivery room. I can only remember that there is bed, big spotlights, an oxygen tank and some curtains. The guy lifted me to the small bed in the delivery room.
• I keep on saying 'masakit', and I heard Dr. Pia said 'Sandali na lang' or sometimes, 'Wait lang'.
• I heard someone asked where Dr. Kayaban (Joy) is. Someone answered, 'Kumakain pa.' It was again asked, and someone answered 'Nagbibihis na.'
• I remember trying to lie on my side.
• I told them, 'naiihi na ako'. They lifted me and put a cold thing (a bed pan?) under my hips. Nothing comes out. I said it again after a few minutes, they did nothing. I remember the long flow of water from me to the bed, 2 times. I guess that's my water breaking.
• I remember them holding my feet, I was a bit malikot due to pain.
• Someone attached an oxygen supply on my nose.
• I heard Dr. Joy said that I should wait for her to say push to do my first push.
• Dr. Joy said I should push as if 'natatae'.
• Someone injected something on my right arm.
• Dr. Joy said, 'RA, push'.
• Dr. Joy said, I can hold on my knees when I push (instead of some handle).
• I remember about 4 or 5 pushes.
• Dr. Joy told me to push without sound. I was making an 'eeeeeee' sound.
• I remember pushing without them telling me to push. And pushing without sound.
• I remember that push that finally delivered my baby. I know it was her. I felt so happy. Then I heard her cry. Then a few lighter pains and I know I delivered my placenta already. I remember them putting my baby on my chest. I opened my eyes, saw her, but for some weird reason, I cannot touch her, my arms are so heavy.
• I remember being carried in a stretcher again.
• I remember waking up, asked the nurse what time it is, she said 5 something.
• I keep on sleeping. And will wake up when someone checked my BP or put a pressure on my stomach.
• I remember someone putting pressure on my stomach and checking my BP.
• Someone removed something in my vaginal area (maybe a catheter), she instructed me to to take a deep breath.
• Someone removed something in my right arm and instructed me to take a deep breath.
• Someone is lying on another stretcher beside me. A female, and I wondered if she gave birth as well.
• Someone said, Dr. Joy will check with me first before they release me.
• A guy pushed the stretcher to a lobby, and I read the sign 'Recovery Room' from the door where we came from.
• Someone checked my VP. Dr. Pia called Dr. Joy and told her my BP was stable and that I am awake.
• I heard Phil's voice asking when I'll be released.
• They carted the stretcher to the door. I saw Phil and felt so happy, I really wanted to cry there and then. I want to kiss and hug him tight, but I was not able to. He kissed my head though. I saw Ada and ate Grace too!

Moments after I was trasferred to our room (nanay was there), a nurse asked if she could bring the baby to our room already, we said yes. We really really loved to see our angel.

(link to my blog: Hello Purple Raine Sale Zuniga!)

We stayed until Monday morning. Kizy, Casey, Phil's parents and siblings, Kuya Leng, the Cariagas visited us. :)

And our total bill reached Php 56,000.00. 

Baby Shower

August 17, 2013

It was a surprised baby shower for me. And they were good. Even Phil was good at keeping it a secret to me.

Less than a week ago, Ada told me that she and Karen will meet and if I want to join them for dinner. I told her I am available on the date they scheduled (Actually, I was not 100% sure of my availability, I forgot that nanay and ken might stay in our house). So we scheduled a Saturday 6pm dinner at Seoul Garden. Ada even invited Phil but I told her na baka hindi sasama yun. Nagpaalam ako kay Phil, and to my surprise, gusto nyang sumama. I thought kaya ok lang sa kanya sumama e dahil hindi naman nya naging student si Karen plus gusto nya kumain sa Seoul Garden. Kaso he reminded me na darating si nanay. Sabi ko, icancel ko na lang yung dinner with Karen, sabi nya, wag na. Magprep na lang kami ng dinner for nanay and Ken (hindi rin natuloy si Nanay at Ken)

To my surprise, Karen was not in Seoul Garden and Ada was not alone. Manica and Sheli was there too. So I thought, ininvite din siguro ni Karen. But wait, JA and Aubrey was there too! So doon ko lang naisip na aba, this is for me. And I saw gifts pa.

Shower of gifts for our baby!

Individual pics available on my FB or Instagram accounts.

Plus a video of greetings and well wishes!

(Will attach the video soon! Still have to ask for a copy from Ada)

Breastfeeding: (Early) Worries

To be honest, I am a bit worried now. Maybe especially since I am a first time mom. I am worried that when my baby arrives, I will not be able to produce breast milk, and worst, that I will not be able to stick with it.

I read an article from Rappler and was a bit saddened by the fact that no matter how determined you are to start and do breastfeed, there are really a lot of things that might set you back and disappoint you. The article was inspiring as well, but it is not enough assurance that like her, if ever something (or any breastfeeding conditions or situations) happen to me or my baby, I'd be able to do a work around. Haaay.

I also came across this blog, which is very interesting since it is all about nursing and natural parenting stuff. I'll read some of its entries. :)

Baby Clothes

We need to prepare stuff for baby, me and Phil when the big day comes. And of course after. We thought that the first and most important things that we have to have soon are baby clothes. I searched the internet to look for a list of things to prepare and bring to the hospital and found this site. Though I will not bring all that is listed, atleast I have an idea of the essential things to bring.

As of today, we are at around 70% packed. We still don't have diapers for baby and my clothes are not complete yet (I can't decide what to bring) haha. Here are some pictures of the baby clothes that we bought at SM Department Store.

Mostly are pink (and so bading) since my OB said we are having  baby girl. So if boy ka bigla baby, we will buy you another set of clothes na lang yun lang, sa first few days mo ang bading ng stuff mo.

BTW baby, daddy chose most of it (esp the socks and the jumpsuit). He wants you to know that. :P