And then She Came (Himig's Birth Story)

Disclaimer: A long storytelling post will follow :p

After almost 10 months of anticipation, all the waiting ended on that faithful Sunday when everything seems to fade away and all I can see is my precious darling, the one who knows my heart better than anyone else.

We excitedly waited for almost 2 weeks since my 36 week follow up. Upon checking, My fundic height (the size of my tummy) didn't grow from 33 weeks onwards. Dra. Menie then asked us to have another ultrasound just to check the baby's growth. Upon seeing the results, Himig was less than ten percent of her expected weight and my placenta is already grade 3 (too old for a 36-week). We were asked to come back again after 2 days for a non stress test only to find out that I'm already contracting and was 1-2cms dilated. Anticipation kicked in since my doctor predicted that she might be out in a few days. But then, I stopped dilating. Days and days of follow up revealed that my cervix was still too thick and narrow for the baby to come out. Anticipation changed to frustration as we spent thousands on lab tests just to make sure she's still alright inside. I felt guilty having been binging on my food intake just to make sure that I'm within the range of the accepted weight gain. We were very happy to know that she gained a few ounces after a week.

I lowered down my expectation that she'll come sooner than what we expected. I continued to do my daily routine just to take my mind out feeling the contractions and waiting. I cleaned the house, re-arrange her closet and tidied up her crib for the nth time.

Come Valentines Day, Jhopet and I had our short but sweet Valentines Day lunch at Shine Bakery and Cafe at SM Aura. After our lunch, I finally felt contractions that made me uncomfortable. I waited for it to be consistent enough before I texted Dra. Reyes. She then replied that we can already proceed to the hospital.

Time Check: 1:10 am Saturday Feb 15- The Doctors hooked me up on the machine again. I had consistent contractions that felt like waves increasing from my tummy to my back. However I was just 3 cms dilated and my water didn't break yet so I was asked to walk around the hospital and come back at around 5am.

5am-Contractions lessened and I was still 3cms dilated. We were asked to just eat breakfast and come back after for reassessment. We decided to rest first and come back when contractions are really unbearable

11:30am- Dra Reyes checked me again and decided to admit me already for IV doses of oxytocin (to induced contractions) and buscopan (to ripen my cervix). I was put in the HRPU of St. Lukes Medical Center Quezon City so that Jhopet can wait with me.

7pm-With few doses of oxytocin, I started to feel really painful contractions. It felt like my bones were breaking and that a big mass was blocking my lower abdomen. I already asked for an epidural but the Drs. said I need to be 6cms dilated for the epidural to be effective. They lowered down the dosage of the oxytocin to lessen the pain and I was given liquid diet for dinner.

4am of February 16-  Finally, I was 6 cm dilated and was put into epidural anesthesia. I fell asleep right after and didn't feel any pain even though they already tripled the dosage of oxytocin.

5:30am- My bag of water finally broke and was 8cms dilated! And so I thought that it's gonna be soon!

12:30pm- I was still 8cms dilated but fully effaced. 2 more cms and I'm gonna be ready for labor.

2:00pm- Still on 8cms. Dra Reyes checked me again and found out that Himig's head is already "Caput" ( getting longer and taking the shape of the canal) since she was really trying to come out amidst the small opening. She asked us if we wanted to do a Ceasarian delivery already taking into consideration Himig's safety. I was so tired already. I figured out that this will be the best option.

2:45pm- After a heartfelt prayer lead by Dra. Reyes, I was wheeled to the operating room. Jhopet was with me the whole time. Because I witnessed quiet a few minor operations performed in our clinic, I was a little bit nervous as I pictured my tummy being sliced. But then after just a few minutes at 3:20pm, I heard a small squeak and then there she was- small, "balbon", white, chinky-eyed and so beautiful.

with Dra Menie Reyes

She was put in my chest and suddenly, all my fears faded away. Unexplainable feeling flooded my heart. more than happiness, more than excitement. My lifetime dream of becoming a mom, of having my own angel, is finally happening. 

 Hi there beautiful :)

Our first family picture

As we are both wheeled in towards our room where our whole family was waiting, I cant help but smile and feel all the more blessed for I am given a chance to be a "nanay" to this little one.

and our adventures together starts now :)

Nesting Instinct Part 2: Himig's Corner

And so just like that, I am already 2 cm dilated and having tolerable contractions. Wow, just thinking about it can make me feel all giddy inside. Finally we'll be able to see Himig: two eyes, one cute nose, two ears, ten fingers, ten toes and lots of love. 9 whole months of preparation feels not just enough. Although I tried to be as prepared as possible (read through numerous books, have my journal ready, attended seminars and so on), there are still days that I still felt guilty and unprepared, specially when I forgot to drink vitamins or drank a cup coffee. 

But then again, in between those days, I know that more than Jhopet and I, a big God loves Himig so much and wouldnt allow anything bad to happened.

Last Saturday we had a routine OB checkup and found out that Himig is smaller compared to her expected weight. We also found out that my placenta is already matured and that this might be the reason why she's not getting nutrients. Everything else is Ok though. So just to make sure, we were asked to return on Tuesday for a stress test that might trigger contractions. 

oh the torture of waiting and paranoia strucked me. 2 days might be too long for her if she's not getting enough nutrients. I started to remind myself that my doctor knows better and that she'll not advise me to come back at a later time if anything bad will happened to my baby. 

So to take my mind of things, I started to prepare for her stuff, both for the hospital and here at home. Thus 

the tons of picture that follow. :p

Her baby bag and my hospital bag with all the mini organizers inside.

     The effect of missing school: DIYed      

    her closet labels and toiletry cadies 

The top of her dresser with my favorite children's book that we'll read together soon. :) Also displayed the paper mache letters and place cards from the baby shower

    She's gonna stay in our room so I call this her corner. :) Revamped the walls with a few decals and replaced some of our pictures with her ultrasound scans. I also added the frame that I used to write reasons why I love J and a heart shape chalkboard from one of those mommy bazaars I attended. Her "corner" is a mixed of brown, white, pink and purple: more of like a tree in a forest/bird theme. 

Posted her corner's picture on facebook and quiet a few reacted that they expected it to be lots of pink. haha I have a pink version of her beddings but decided to start with the purple one (for a change naman!)

But everytime I open her closet and see this:

 a smile spreads on my face. oh the joy of seeing pink :p

I really cant wait for you to see all these Himig. Please be ok inside nanay's tummy. Please pray for nanay too, that I may be able to have the strength and tolerance to deliver you.

All in His time. All under His graces and blessings.

See you very soon darling,

Nanay, 

Daintiest baby shower ever ❤️

So lucky to be surrounded with creative people 😍 i love every detail of it :)

      from the hand painted place cards      

                  and washified utensils

To the fanciest drinks and dessert table

to the cliped onesies and paper mache letters

                    to the souvenirs 

      and sweet messages for my darling

               to the game booth

              and the super yummy cake 

            and the well thought off buffet

         and most specially all the love

                  that goes with it ❤️

We are so loved and blessed Himig :)    Don't you ever think otherwise. 

"Nesting Instinct" - Our First Dibs on Preparing for our Baby and a Quick Aprica Air Ria and Quinny Zapp Xtra Stroller Reviews.

That Nesting Instinct During Pregnancy- Reorganizing the closets, alphabetizing the spice rack, and thwarting dust-bunny breeding efforts under the bed? Welcome to a pre-labor ritual that helps get your home ready for the baby, and helps you pass the time.


I am no clean rat. I figured out a long time ago that I can't seem to work on an uberly organize space. People are amazed on how I can find things on a space only I can move into. (haha) But now that I'm having a baby (GIRL!) the mommy side of me wants to tidy everything up and make it baby proof. And of course, preparation doesn't only includes the "nest" but also all the other things that my "baby bird" needs. I signed up in tons of mommy sites, and followed mommy and baby stores on facebook and instagram. I also have been religiously updating my "What To Expect Pregnancy Journal and Organizer", (which I recommend to all moms to be out there. :p It will make you more prepared and even more excited!) This journal also became my go to checklist as to what items to buy in preparation for the baby. Now, that's my favorite part- SHOPPING!

The checklist includes categories such as baby's wardrobe, baby's linens, baby's grooming needs, medicine cabinet. feeding supplies, things for when the baby is older (high chair, foldable seat etc), nursery gear and outing gear.

We already started to buy some everyday clothes that are (and still!) on sale at Mothercare (My new favorite store!) I couldn't resist buying cute onesies that I can already imagine my baby wearing. :)) EEkkkk! everything is soo cute. While window shopping J and I  were amazed by how baby things transform through the years.

Feeding bottles have different types now (Anti colic, anti bacterial etc)

cloth diapers have cute prints already

 and cribs, carriers and strollers have amazingly cool features.

For our first big baby purchase, we started to scout for the perfect stroller. Like most things, we not only like an eye catching one but a comfortable and sturdy one as well. Our choices include brands like Maclaren, Inglesina, Quinny and Aprica. We narrowed it down to two brands (Quinny and Aprica) after much research and lots of window shopping.

Zapp Xtra (retails at 24,999Php) is one of Quinny's model that can be use for newborn till 3 years old. We like how sturdy it is and how easy you can manoeuvre it. It also has a removable seat that you can change to forward or rear facing depending on what you and your baby needs. The downside is that you need to remove the seat before you can fold the wheels. Not practical if you are alone with your baby.  We also noticed that it's not padded enough for a newborn and can barely fit in the trunk of our Ford Focus considering that we have the hatchback type.

So we decided to purchase the new model of Aprica stroller- the Aprica Air Ria. We like how it only weighs 4.8 kg, light enough to carry with one arm. It has a 53cm high seat making the baby away from the heat and dusts of the ground and closer to us. We also like the full range hood and the breathair cushion.  It looks and feels so comfy for our baby, not to mention that it is also vibration free meaning that our baby wont feel any stress even if we push the stroller  along a rough surface. Plus points for the reversible handle and durable frame. But what we really love is that it can be opened and closed with just one hand and stands on its own even when it is folded. It comes in 4 colors: green, purple, red and black. For our baby girl, we chose purple-elegant and girly at the same time :)

It is a stroller fully loaded with features! :) 

This retails for 23,999Php but we got 10percent off because of my baby company "Mom Card" (which I got so kilig when I applied for it. Wee! my first mommy card :p haha). A bit pricey but definitely a good investment. We are such happy customers and we can't wait for our baby girl to ride on it. :)

One big purchase done, crib, carrier, car seat and more bottles to go.  We are already scavenging bazaars and sales for these items. So speaking of sale, if you ike discounted quality items (who doesnt?) like us, LJS Warehouse will be having their sale on Nov 7 till Nov 10. Aprica, Avent and Goody products along with other participating brands will be on sale (some even up to 70 percent off!)

We are  hoping to see (and purchase) the Aprica carrier and car seat that we like, bottles and some baby clothes- all for less! 

So see you there!

one OC moma,

20 weeks update

Countdown to the baby makes me and J so excited. We really can't wait to see our little darling. My bump is finally showing and doesn't look like I just had a big dinner :) Weee! 4 more months :)

How far along? 20 weeks
How big is baby? about 6 1/2 inches

Total weight gain/loss:  8-9 pounds

Maternity clothes? I didnt buy any. Trying to fit on some of my stretchy pants and leggings

Sleep:  I have dreams almost everyday and I wake up at the middle of my sleep around 2-4 am

Best moment this week:  Feeling the baby kick in my hand

Movement:  Continous kick at night and early in the morning

Food cravings:  Veggies with lots of sauce

Food Aversions: none

Gender:  Can't wait to find out this weekend.

Labor Signs:  None

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Few dizzy spells whenever I change positions.  Few heartburns also

Belly Button in or out? About to make it's way out

What I miss: coffee and wearing jeans

What I am looking forward to: knowing if the bay is a boy or a girl

Upcoming appointments/events:  OBGYN checkup for the gender!


Milestones: looking pregnant! :)

We attended the Mom's on the floor event last weekend at Rockwell Manansala sponsored by Mommy Mundo. It was actually very informative for a 2 hour talk and Yoga session. We actually signed up for a birthing class for January with Ms. Rome Kanapi which is one of the speakers of the event. So excited to know the gender so that I can start shopping for cutesy cutesy clothes already. Started to buy one set just because the linen feels so soft! :) Haayy! Such a happy feeling :)