Our baby girl is finally here! Born via a scheduled Caesarian Section on 28 May 2009, at 7:15 AM, at the Medical City Pasig.

We named her Monina and planned to nickname her Mina.  But we’d expect it will take sometime before she is called that way because right now, the doting Dad fondly calls her Moninay, the Lola–Muningning or sometimes Monay, while the somewhat jealous Kuya Nico calls her Baby M. 

The last nine months sure was difficult for both me and our baby girl but God, in His gracious ways guided us as we go through the ordeal.  And in this note, we wish to extend our heartfelt and sincerest thanks to our families and relatives and our dear friends for all your well wishes and prayers.  Thank you, thank you, thank you very much, we made it safely.

There were some minor concerns too like when I collapsed/ lost consciousness while waiting for a cab on my way to work during my 19th week and fairly recently, briefs of unexplainable vomiting episodes. But generally, the second semester went really smoothly.

I was afraid I would fail my OGCT (oral glucose challenge test) done this semester because I was a little bit stubborn in spoiling myself to sweet cravings yet, test results were within normal values. I was also fearful of the outcome of my recent CAS (congenital anomaly scan), but thank God the baby is perfectly healthy. Despite the ordeal the baby went through the previous semester, the Little One now weighs 2 pounds or roughly a little over 900 grams, which is just normal as far as gestational age is concerned. Added to that was our excitement after the doctor confirmed (and re-confirmed) the gender as well as the face features of the baby!

At my 27th week now, the map-like stretch marks and linea nigra has definitely shown, yet I am loving the fact that I can already feel the Little One playing circus and actively kicking inside my growing belly. I have to say that unlike the first pregnancy, this one is progressing faster than I have initially thought. I can already feel heaviness under my pelvis area that wearing a maternity belt every time I travel or go out is a must.

However, even when everything is going smoothly, still I can’t help but be a little worried about what’s in store for the remainder days of this pregnancy, particularly threats of another preterm birth. Having a spontaneous preterm delivery before puts me at a higher risk. It was so unfortunate I was not being able to distinguish the somewhat strange signs of preterm labor during my pregnancy with Nico (only at 32 weeks when I gave birth), it was hard to decide back then what’s normal and what warrants a call to my doctor. So now, I take extra extra caution and watch carefully for signs. My primary goal for this pregnancy is to reach my full term (June 10), or at least my 37th week (May 20)-the week when the baby is already safe to be delivered.

Every time I go to my doctor for checkup, a lot of times I’m tempted to demand for a fetal fibronectin test or treat me with the progesterone compound called 17P. Yes, that’s how paranoid I get these days! Anyway, for our peace of mind, my doctor put me on Aspirin therapy. I take low-dose Aspirin (80mg) everyday, which according to my doctor is helpful in preventing preterm labor and preeclampsia. I have to admit that the first time the doctor told me of this prescription, I was hesitant as Aspirin appeared strange to me. I did my own research and it didn’t help that I read varying opinions about the use of Aspirin during pregnancy. But later I realized I have to completely trust my doctor. She sure won’t prescribe or advice anything that might be harmful to me so I concurred with the Aspirin therapy.

Of course, even with all precautions and a good prenatal care, it still is impossible to say what lies ahead for me and the baby. I know that my doctor and people around me are there to be consulted and to be my sources of comfort. But more than them, it is only me who can tune into the changes that are happening in my body and it is solely me who can take care of myself. So now, I eat well and get plenty of rest, manage my stress levels, and pay attention to my baby’s movements and take note of any unusual aches or pressures. I also take advantage of getting all the help I can to stay healthy.

That is why when Sanofi Pasteur, through Nuffnang Philippines, invited me and fellow Mommy and Health bloggers to a Flu Awareness Talk, I didn’t hesitate one bit and right away confirmed my attendance.

Flu, contrary to what many of us think are just as simple as common colds, coughs and other viral illnesses, should be paid much attention. And more to pregnant women like me who had myself and the baby’s health to take care of. If not paid attention to properly, Flu can lead to complications like bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes, according to Dr. Ruby Mendoza-Dizon, Medical Director, Sanofi Pasteur and resource speaker during the talk.

Dr. Ruby Mendoza-Dizon, Medical Director of Sanofi Pasteur orients Mommy and Health Blogger participants on the importance of getting a flu vaccine every year.

After the talk, Sanofi Pasteur gave free flu vaccine shots with their leading product, Vaxigrip. I and co-preggy Mommy Cess, and the rest of our Mommy blogger friends and our children availed of the free vaccine.

Always it is in my prayers that these little steps will bear fruit and ensure us of a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

***

(Photos courtesy of Nuffnang Philippines)

Thankfully, I moved on and bravely traveled with Nico as we journey together in defeating that unknown. I definitely cannot say that the journey was smooth sailing because honestly, there were so many of those bumps that we encountered along the way. Nevertheless, encouraging results outweighed them rough roads considerably.

Nico underwent early intervention programs through regular speech/language and occupational therapy sessions for six months starting July of 2008. The sessions are done just one hour for each therapy/once a week but resource wise, we were not financially prepared.  Yet, in His merciful ways, God provided ways for us to earn enough resources needed for the intervention programs. God is really good! :)  And as I read through the progress reports furnished to us this January (I will do a separate post for the texts of the progress reports next time), I can’t help but feel overjoyed with how everything went.

It was a great blessing too that the interventions are very much supported by the school where Nico is enrolled. Hubby and I saw and felt wholeheartedly how sincere the school was in partnering with us as we do our own follow up at home.

And at the onset of the new year, a significant piece of good news greeted us. After gathering the progress reports from Nico’s mentors, we finalized an appointment with Nico’s Neuro DevPed for a re-assessment. The re-assessment was done 13 January and after subjecting Nico to about three-hour sets of tests (the test administered was Griffith’s Mental Development Scales) and interviews, and considerations of the positive developments contained in the progress reports, the DevPed dismissed her earlier diagnosis of Nico being in the gray area of autism spectrum and concluded it was more of an expressive-receptive communication issue.

In a nutshell, Nico’s neurodevelopmental abilities ranges from 3.6 to 6 years old level with relative strengths in the fine motor domain and weakness in the language domain.

We haven’t got hold of the comprehensive report that will be mailed to us this February but as the DevPed discussed during the re-assessment, normally, kids pick-up and learn to fully use expressive and receptive language at around three to four years old but there are those like Nico who are yet to reach this level. In Nico’s case, it was more of a regression since it was noted that he learned communicating before but then it regressed back. A big factor to that were the limitations in the environment that Nico was previously exposed too. That is why, early intervention programs and good follow-up at home are very important to boost Nico’s communication/language skills.  The Neuro DevPed also pointed out that for now, Nico excels in academics but if the communication issue is not addressed before Nico enters big school (which I think is a common dilemma of majority of parents whose child is reeling from adjusting to the teaching approach in preschool vs. big school), the impairment in the language area may lead to a Learning Disability, which is another issue that needs to be addressed altogether.

For the next six months, the DevPed advised us to have Nico undergo an EEG as we—us and the therapists, and the school teachers, noted that there seems to be some 3-5 seconds of delay whenever Nico communicates back. Actually the EEG, together with another test-BAER, were required during our initial assessment back in June 2008 but because the tests require Nico to be sleeping during the procedures, we failed after two attempts. For this EEG, the DevPed gave prescription of the shot the will be administered so that Nico is sleeping when the procedure is done.

We were also advised to have Nico continue with his therapy sessions but this time, in group settings. For occupational therapy, it will include social skills training and further improvement of adaptive skills. For speech therapy, right now, we are waiting for Nico to be matched with another kid in the therapy center for a speech dyad and this coming summer, we will avail of the center’s group therapy programs.

Along with the therapies, good follow-up of interventions at home is also encouraged, noting the use of consistent, kind and firm discipline.

Another re-assessment is set July 2009 to monitor Nico’s progress.

I can only feel nothing but be very thankful we passed that trying time triumphantly. Looking back, I cannot imagine myself forever confined in those episodes of questioning God why some things have to happen and why of all people in this world, it was my son. Now, I realized the reasons for my why’s.  I admit, at some point in our lives, Hubby and I had episodes of doubt and almost decided we won’t have anymore children so we can concentrate on exclusively rearing Nico.  But look at what God surprised us with.  At a time we didn’t expect, another wonderful blessing is coming very soon.  Perhaps, it was God’s way of making us realize of our purpose— that is to shepherd and shower with all our love and be the responsible parents we can be for Nico and our coming little one.

No doubt, God has His purpose. Who am I to question?  All I had to do is surrender my complete trust in Him, and He will do the rest for me.

“Don’t look so sad, it’s not so bad, you know.
It’s just another night. That’s all it is.”

Above was an excerpt from Barry Manilow’s ever-sentimental New Year song that’s been LSSing in my mind for over a week since the new year ushered in. Call me on sentimental mode but maybe that’s true-I’ve been pondering a lot and sort of making an assessment of how my life went for the last 12 months. Perhaps a big factor to this sort of being somewhat emotional and quite sentimental, are pregnancy hormones running in my system for last 17 weeks. The last time I felt something like this was at the closing of year 2003, when I was pregnant with Nico.

I’ve been idle for the last two months and how it was obviously reflected in this online journal was the same as in real life. With threats of almost loosing the baby, frequent bleedings and spottings, plus the monstrous attack of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (just imagine puking all day long with nothing left in your tummy but the blandest lugaw ever and plain crackers) in my system, I had no other choice but to remain idle until I had word from my doctor that I can already move. It’s an experience I’m thankful I was able to survive and no words can best describe how difficult it was. Perhaps the bestest way I can tell you was that from 104 pounds, I lost about 14 altogether during the first 16 weeks.

I’ve missed so many daily activities I used to do, the mommy chores especially. I missed accompanying my son in his therapy sessions, I missed so many activities of my son in school and taking his pictures, I missed cooking in the kitchen, I missed doing the housechores, I missed important family gatherings (especially that my youngest brother whom we missed for years was home at my Mom’s for three weeks), I missed putting up our Christmas tree and decorations, I missed shopping for Christmas gifts, and not to mention, I missed my online and offline friends with whom I thank so sincerely for their continued prayers for my recovery.

And God indeed heard all our prayers. A couple of days before Christmas, the baby and I are both doing well. Short to say, I’m back to regular programming.   At the very least, I was able to hear my son and his classmates as they visit our home for some joyous caroling before the school Christmas break; I was able join a few family and friends’ gatherings and everything that’s left for the holidays to be celebrated. And mind you, I devoured and spoiled myself to eating and eating and more eating, with no more puking. Boy, I was in heaven!

And so on New Year’s Eve, in the warm company of Hubby and Nico, while waiting for midnight to strike, the sentimental in me started being nostalgic remembering all that has happened the past year. The journey to seeing the light at the end of the dark tunnel with Hubby, the journey into the unknown with my son, the little and big victories, the good and bad news, the petty and not so big deal things, and most especially the gift of anticipating another addition in our family—all of these, I will forever be thankful and treasure in my heart. The past year, no matter how I had intended to live blissfully, yet, was never perfected. There are so many lessons I’ve learned and from these rich and valuable experiences, together with the people so dear to me, I will move forward and be a better me this 2009. *cross fingers*

These said, I’d say, I’m pretty ready to embrace new beginnings.

***

PS. From my Family to yours, A Happy, Happy New Year! Wishing you a bountiful of blessings from Above!

Fact is, I am very sick and on complete bedrest, yet I am happy.  I’ve been tired and exhausted vomiting and experiencing nausea most of the day (and night) but is much excited about the coming months. My hormones are going crazy, my moods are volatile and my body is ever changing.  All of these—because I am pregnant.  Am on my 8th week to be more exact.

After seeing the two red lines in a pregnancy test kit two days before the 18th of October which was my 32nd birthday, I’ve anticipated the coming days and weeks will never be the same.  And true enough, I was right.

All of a sudden, I can’t seem to function in the kitchen, not even cook a decent meal.  The smell of boiling rice or garlic being sauteed or something being fried bring me nothing but goosebumps and makes me want to gag the sink all the time.  Eating has been an ordeal.  Hubby had to make enough convincing just as so I would eat.  I just don’t seem to have the appetite for food. And after getting little food down and settled in my stomach, the next thing I knew, I was gagging the sink again with all the food I ate flushed down the drain. :(  On some rare lucky days, I can manage keeping my food down but for most part of this pregnancy so far, gagging the sink has been a favorite past time.

Even if I haven’t done anything the entire day but stay in a little corner, lay down and nap and sleep, still, I feel very exhausted and drained.  Nausea and vomiting perhaps were costing me much energy.  Added to that are frequent lower abdominal pains I am feeling as if I’m having menstrual cramps. Cross fingers, but I hope things wouldn’t get worst to Hyperemesis Gravidarum which I unfortunately experienced while carrying Nico.  It was really difficult. Pang telenovela ang drama.

Yet, I am hanging on.  Two weeks ago when I first had a glimpse of the little human being growing inside my tummy and being able to hear his/her heartbeat in an ultrasound machine, I realized I have to survive and carry on each and everyday that the good Lord is giving me.  No matter how difficult it is, I have to diligently drink my meds, I have to motivate myself to eat, I have to cope so that I could properly nourish the baby.

I really hope things will get better and then I’ll be my old self again.   Days and weeks and months will pass, and before I knew it, I’ll be a Mom for the second time. :)  Can’t wait for June 16 of next year.  Can’t wait for that one sweet day.

Two weeks ago, when I learned that senior preschoolers will be assigned to report on a chosen country (including quick facts about it like flag, food, national costume, the country’s language, etcetera), the first thing that came to my mind was Spain.  Why Spain?  The reason was plain and simple—because of Dora and Diego, the adorable characters from the Dora The Explorer cartoon series.  Dora and Diego, as most kids and parents alike are very well familiar of, are Spanish-speaking cartoon characters and with the simple thought that kids are more likely to have a recall and get to appreciate quick facts on the country, then we decided Spain will be it!

Researching on the quick facts was quite easy and so was with helping Nico prepare the cardboard illustrations and rehearse for his report.  I also saved an efile of the report in one the used tape drives that the school handed me, just as so the school have a copy.  It helped a lot that Dora and Diego had “pre-oriented” the kids of how to count and the basic color names in Spanish because as expected, when reporting day came, we were so happy because Nico did very well with his report, according to his Teacher Chie. And what’s best, the kids enjoyed the report on Spain too. Again, all because of Dora and Diego.

I cannot describe how I felt those very minutes that Nico was reporting inside the classroom.  My heart was skipping in the fastest of beats as if I’m running on marathon. And the moment it was time for the dismissal and the Teacher told me of how the report turned out, oh how I felt I sigh of relief.  “Finally, it’s over.  I can then relax,” I said to myself.   Or so I thought.

The following day, Friday,  parents were notified that there will be an activity on the 17th (which will be this coming Friday) to conclude the unit theme on United Nations.  The kids will have presentations and a mini-parade of nations. As a requirement, the kids will have to wear the national costume of their chosen country. Added to that, kids were likewise asked to bring food which is popular from his chosen country.

Though going to a professional sewer of costumes came to mind, I didn’t pursue the idea since my thinking was that sewers are going to decline making the costume anyway since it’s a rush-rush work.  I just thought that there are many ready-to-wear costumes available in Malls anyway so during the weekend, this was what I busied myself.  Five trips passed different Malls however, I haven’t found a decent costume for Nico.  I didn’t realize it will be this hard to look for a Trajes Tipico, Spain’s national costume for males. Something like the photo below:

(photo courtesy of http://wikimedia.org)

The closest I was able to find was that of a pirate’s costume, but thinking there are more modifications to be done, I decided not to buy.

And so what I did was revert back to my initial plan to have a professional costume maker do the Trajes Tipico.  Yeah right, me and my yet again, another palpak na plano. *toinks head right at this very moment* So now, here I am, almost at my wits end, keeping my fingers crossed the sewer gets to finish the costume earlier, but there’s no guarantee.  The costume maker says the earliest possible time I can pick up the costume is by around 10-11AM of Friday, just a few more hours and the program in school will start. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.

And that’s just one issue.  Another is regarding the food. I’ve yet to resolve where to get Paella Valenciana in time for the 1PM school program.

Two hours past our outdoor sofa set hunt in the Mall, my Sis, SIL and I agreed to settle on this:

Does it look like an outdoor sofa set to you? Sis said we would still be needing outdoor furniture covers since this furniture set will be located in a corner of the Lanai cum mini garden.  But what the heck! We pushed through buying it anyway.  Knowing our youngest brother, who loves to bum around terraces and porches, we’ve anticipated he’ll love this sofa set. 

We’re awaiting the day till you’re home bro.  Have a safe trip!

From the words of the author Annette Flores Garcia, “the book explores the warm and sometimes wacky in and outs of life with and without a yaya. It also celebrates a child’s first attempts at doing things by herself”.

The story is about Blesilda, a little girl who misses her Yaya Nana. Yaya Nana left just after Blesilda’s 5th birthday and her Mama thought of getting a new Yaya to cheer up the little girl.

Her Tita Mela helped in finding a new Yaya. First she brought Yaya Mauring. But Yaya Mauring is very fond of sleeping and napping over work and while looking after Blesilda so her Mama decided to let her go.

Blesilda was left with no more Yaya, yet she played all by herself the whole afternoon and didn’t even demanded her Mama’s attention.

Then her Tita Mela brought Yaya Tabata the following day. But Yaya Tabata loves to eat too much (too much that I think she badly needs weight loss pills), so Blesilda’s Mama decided to let her go.

Blesilda was left with no more Yaya again, yet she brushed her teeth alone and combed her hair all by herself. She didn’t even need Mama’s help to do things for her.

Then the following day, her Tita Mela brought another Yaya again. Her name was Yaya Dianasura. But Yaya Dianasura have this habit to always shout on Blesilda, so her Mama decided to let her go.

Blesilda, again, was left with no more Yaya, yet she dressed all by herself and put on her socks and shoes on. Her Mama offered helped but she said she can do it all by herself.

Her Mama asked if she still needs a Yaya, and Blesilda was quick to answer she doesn’t need one. Yes, she misses her Yaya Nana but she loves doing things all by herself.

Several weeks back however, I’ve been seeing promotional banners from Tiendesitas, one of the establishments at Frontera Verde, that there will be a Pet Blessing on the 5th of October.  I told Hubby of this activity in Tiendesitas and without much fuzz, we both agreed we’re finally pushing with our earlier plan to get a pet puppy for Nico in Tiendesitas and have it blessed at the Activity Center where the ceremonies will be held.

Once the stores in Tiendesitas’ Pet Village opened, we started looking for a pet puppy and oh boy, we had a difficult time finding one.  There were simply so many pet puppies to choose from.  And almost all of them, I must say, are soooooo adorable.  Makes me want to hold and hug them all as they all look oh so cute.  But these puppies physical cuteness was not really the main reason why we had a hard time looking for the perfect pet puppy.  As we hop over from one pet store to another, the common question was: what dog breed are we looking for, to which we cannot answer righly, because the truth is we don’t have any idea what breed we’re looking for. *toinks head right that this very moment*

Yes, ignorance at it may seem, we honestly didn’t care what kind of pet puppy we wanted.  All that’s running in our heads is the wish that we simply wanted a pet puppy, that’s all. Little did we know there are sooooo many factors to consider in choosing a pet puppy.

For example, we learned from one pet store (I think they also sell dog supplies), that a Golden Retriever (which Hubby was seriously considering to have), is a dog breed that should suit an owner’s a lifestyle and home.  Golden Retrievers, as the pet store owner said, is typically known for its friendly demeanor, loyalty, and love for activity, most notably retrieving and swimming.  We were almost convinced at buying this breed when a hop to another pet store, we learned that Golden Retrievers are genetically susceptible to hip dysplasia.  He was saying that before we deep in ourselves to buying, we need to make sure we are provided with a certification called The Orthopedic Certification for Animals. (And I was like: ) The pet seller also says this kind of dog breed is susceptible to eye disease and that we should be provided with a certification against eye diseases.  The pet seller was telling us some more about dog breeds that we can consider buying and really, the list of factors to consider (ie. health, grooming, temperements) were sort of never-ending.

Hubby and I later agreed we should defer our plan to get a pet puppy for Nico in the meantime.  We realized it’s no joke owning one as there are so many factors to consider before getting one.  We wanted to be more certain and get as much as more information as we can on what pet puppy is “ideal” for Nico, or for our family for that matter.  After all, the addition of a pet puppy to the family should not be a burden or add stress to everyone, but instead owning a pet should a rewarding experience.   We will surely take our time to do some more research so that the benefits will be worth our time spent.

The tag says: spell your first name and match its initials in the given set of Alphabet with its assigned meanings.

A: Best Gf/Bf any one could have
B: You love a certain someone
C: People cant help but check u out
D: You are really lovable
E: You Are Great
F: Easy to fall in love with
G: You never let people tell you what to do
H: You have a very good personality and good looks
I: People love you
J: People Adore you
K: You’re wild and crazy
L: AWESOME KISSER
M: Handsome/Beautiful
N: Easy to fall in love with
O: Best kisser ever
P: You are popular with all types of people
Q: You are a hypocrite
R: You love to kiss
S: You are freakin crazy
T: You are loyal to the ones you love
U: You really like to chill
V: your not judgmental
W: You are popular
X: You never let people tell you
Y: Sexiest bitch alive
Z: Never good enough…

And as for my very short name, here’s the result:

F: Easy to fall in love with
E: You Are Great
N: Easy to fall in love with
G: You never let people tell you what to do

See, I’m really easy to fall in love with LOL! What F and N stands for, emphasized this claim more!

You’re right Sis, this tag is really the coolest! I had fun doing it!

Am passing this tag to Teacher Julie and Chats. I know you need tag this as the sheriff has given us loads of assignments. Me, I’m off to write something about bathroom lighting that’s about to expire today.  And for my Mommy friends who are in dire need of fillers too, feel free to snag this!

Have a great weekend everyone!