10 days to go...

Unbelievable, I'm on my 35 weeks now and 10 days to go we'll be meeting our little ones already. This mom-to-be is having mixed emotions. Cold feet maybe. But knowing that I'm in good hands because of Dr. A and DH beside me all the time instantly makes me worry-free. 

I'm just in the room 24/7, in bed. Can't stand and sit for long anymore. Didn't hear mass last Sunday and will be missing it again this week. I had to be extra careful this week to avoid preterm labor. I MUST deliver on May 15 or later. My tummy is getting bigger and heavier each day. I can barely walk. I'm also having hard time breathing. I have an enormous appetite these days! I myself was surprised. I sleep longer now and still having afternoon naps. I feel tired even without doing anything. I now know how to live like a pig. Haha. 

Babies, wait for May 15 before saying hi to the world okay? Everybody is excited to meet you but please hang on...

Oh by the way, my baby counter and tickler are correct. My original due date is on June 8. Since I'm having multiples, I would need to give birth weeks earlier. So there. Wish me luck people! 

Cord blood banking

Sometime in 2006 (I was still single) in Singapore I had the opportunity to visit Stemcord and met the General Manager, Valerie Wong. I was with a Chinese couple/business partner who had their baby's cord blood stored with them years ago. The reason why we visited Stemcord was for them to check their baby's record. I was lucky enough to see their facilities, etc and the process was thoroughly discussed to me. Valerie gave me a business card which I kept all these years. I promised myself when my turn comes, I will definitely consider cord blood banking / Stemcord.  

Years passed and I had friends who conceived. I never got tired of mentioning cord blood banking to them so they can consider. Maybe due to lack of knowledge, exposure and information from the companies,  nobody (as far as I know) considered it. Well, it's a personal decision anyway. 

Even before I got pregnant, I've been asking Dr. A. about Stemcord and I was glad to know that he is very much knowledgeable about it not only in theory but he does the collection of the blood of his patients and babies. According to Cordlife (competitor of Stemcord), Dr. A. is an expert already. I'm proud to be one of his patients, really! Worry-free pregnancy.

Some videos to share basics about cord blood banking:

What People Don't Tell You About Pregnancy

Time flies! I'm almost on my 3rd trimester. I can give birth on my 36th or 37th week and that's like 10 to 11 weeks from now! We still have so many things to do before I deliver...

Since this is my 1st pregnancy, I feel like I'm learning on my own. Everything (process, experience, etc.) is a first time. 

There are things that people just don't tell us about being pregnant. I think it's time I break the silence and share some of the surprising discoveries I've made along the way:

Constipation: Who knew baby could wreak such havoc on the digestive system? Dr. A. advised me to drink prune juice but I never liked the taste. I take Nesvita instead and lots of fiber fruits. 

Sleep-deprivation: I was in the impression that this will only come in once the baby is born. WRONG! I've mentioned this many times in my previous entries and sleep-depivation is the worst thing I've experienced so far next to constipation and morning sickness.

Hair growth: Hair on my belly is not quite a gorgeous thing to see. Will it be there forever? 

Nosebleeds: Due to difficulties in breathing and the feeling that my nose is full I blow my nose many times in a day that causes it to bleed. Dr. A. said it's normal. 

Baby Kicks: INTENSE babies' kicks were felt yesterday and today.  Seeing the lumps and bumps on my tummy (might be the butt, knees, feet, head...) was a disturbing experience for me. No one ever said that babies amazing little kicks would start to feel like aliens trying to burst out of my belly! Tummy is extra heavy when babies are active and made me stay in bed the whole day. 

Hot and Sweaty: I had to take 2 to 3 showers a day! I didn't know that I'll also sweat in the underwear region!!! It's only February, what am I going to do in the next few months when the weather is more humid? Thinking of having a brazilian wax. 

Insane hunger and extreme food aversions: I feel like a pig. 'Nuff said!

Exhaustion: I'm also feeling like a horse! Haha.

Have you experienced any of these?

Cranky Mom

Sleep can be elusive with all the changes in my body. I can feel my babies move more often and I noticed they're most active late at night until past midnight. Would you believe that I slept past 1230am last night and was wide awake every hour until I finally decided to get out of our bed at 530am? Whoa! Had my quick fix of Nesvita hot chocolate and right after I finished a cup, I was able to doze off immediately and one of my girls calmed down. She must be hungry. Hehe. I just can't imagine what will happen when I deliver them already...

Now, I'm cranky and having a slight headache. 

I'm following a routine since I experience difficulties in sleeping. Let me share some:

1. Warm bath before going to bed. Helps me to relax and be in the mood to sleep early.

2. Regularly change our beddings (2 weeks or less). I like the smell of freshly laundered sheets. 

3. I find it extra effort to breathe at night. According to Dr. A. air-condition tends to dry the air in the room. So installing a humidifier or airoma helps moisten the room air that can make breathing easier. Believe me, it works! 

4. Pillows all over help me get a good sleep. I have 2 under my head, wedge pillow for my tummy, long pillow between my legs, a pillow to support my back when facing left of right and another one to hug.  I get to use all our pillows only when Hubby is out. When he's back I had to give up 2 pillows for him. Hehe.

I also love covering myself with duvet. Can't sleep without one. I love the feeling of a hotel room so we tried to make our room look and feel like a boutique hotel where I can stay inside the whole day! 

5. Play with my 9-month old nephew in the afternoon to burn some calories. Helps me to doze off at night. 

I've read somewhere that the 3rd trimester would give more challenge to the moms so good luck to me. For now, I want to take things one at a time.

Glucose Challenge Test

Most doctors routinely recommend a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes --- a high blood sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy. 

I had mine yesterday.

I was given a chilled sugar solution that contains 50 grams of glucose (looks and tastes like Royal orange, the soft drink). I had to get all of it down in 5 minutes. I finished it up in 2 minutes since I was thirsty and I liked the initial taste of it. After which, I felt the awful after taste. I was not allowed to drink or eat after taking the solution and was asked to come back after an hour for my blood sample. The idea is to see how efficiently my body processes sugar. Result was forwarded to Dr. A. 

I passed it with flying colors! *haha* My sugar level is normal. Right after I received the SMS from Dr. A. I wolfed down a bar of chocolate! *haha* Well, something to reward myself for being a good girl. *smiles*

Week 15 with video!

Here's how a baby looks like at week 15.

Looks more human now...

Photo credit: www.babycenter.com

DH and I are so happy to know that the babies are doing great. What a great relief! Had to cut the video in two parts. In the video you will hear me, DH and Dr. A. talking, laughing.

My next check up is on the first week of January 2010. By that time, we'll be able to know the gender already. We just can't wait and we don't know if we can contain our excitement...

We are so loving the moment.

Week 15: Quickening

Yesterday, I felt butterflies in my stomach at the lower abdomen to be exact. DH and I got worried so we decided to see Dr. A. a day earlier. Ultrasound came out great and sizes, perfect!

*See encircled figures for their sizes ; click to enlarge*

So what was that poking feeling? Dr. A. said the babies are moving and I can feel them already! Wow, unbelievable.

True enough, the ultrasound showed active babies (I will share video on my next entry). One baby stood out and Dr. A. named it baby kulit *haha* and suspects it to be a baby boy. They are all so CUTE! What a heart-melting experience to see them again.

*click to enlarge*

Up next: week 15 video

More of week 12 w/ video!

Here's how a baby looks like at 12 weeks. Click photo to enlarge.
Credits: www.babycenter.com.ph

Baby is about 2 inches big and weighs about a half an ounce. Baby's fingers will soon open and close, the toes will start to curl and the baby's mouth will start making sucking movements. The sex organs are starting to take shape.

Now, here's a video taken by DH while we were doing the ultrasound yesterday. You will hear Dr. A.  as he speaks and explains what's going on inside my womb. Our doctor is also a blessing to us.

Good news is I'm 'safe' already. 1st trimester is over.



What an amazing miracle of life!

Week 12: 1st Trimester is Over

I’m nearing to my month 3 already *yay!* I hope my morning sickness will go away as well. It’s been a great struggle…

Had my 3rd ultrasound. What a heart-melting experience to see the babies! They are growing rapidly! I still couldn’t believe they exist inside me. My tummy as well is growing fast and surprises me everyday. ☺

I’m taking new set of prenatal vitamins --- Caltrate D+ (for calcium), Expecta Lipil (for babies' brain development) and Centrum Materna (for iron) plus vitamin C since I’m so prone to colds. This pregnancy is helping me to be disciplined. Since I was a child, I’m so lazy to take any medications. It has never been in my system to do anything routinely. I want everything at my own pacing but definitely NOT this time.

Actually, this journey is a good training for me. I never imagined myself to be this obedient to Dr. A. *hehe* I follow everything he advises and I know all these will pay off. ☺ Its not only for me but for the babies.

If there’s one person who is having a HARD time during this journey, it’s not me but my husband. I tend to be OVERLY demanding and difficult to handle (blame it to the hormones!) I’m just so lucky to have him. ☺ Every night after we say our prayers, good nights and I love you’s, DH would kiss us (me and my tummy). He often talks to the babies. How sweet isn’t it? I know he’ll be a good dad. ☺He's more excited than me, actually.

Here are the pictures of our babies at Week 12. Click the photos to enlarge.

baby 1 (looks more like a human now...)

baby 2 (top view showing its back)

baby 3 (shy baby? hehe)

A few more weeks and we'll be able to know the gender already, how exciting!

Week 6: First Ultrasound

I’m on my week 6 day 6. Had my first ultrasound today. Normally, before any procedure Dr. A. would talk to us and ensures expectations are set straight.

On this ultrasound, we were told that we should expect to see the sac already. Lucky to see the baby, and an awesome bonus if we see any heart activity.

Guess what? We were soooo blessed to see all --- sac, baby and the heart beating! Thank God!

*click to enlarge*

If you are good in reading ultrasounds, you might find something strange on the photo *smiles*. I have to keep my mouth shut for now... It's too early to spill the beans but we are so happy. The feeling is PRICELESS!

Take a look:

week 6 baby (*click to enlarge*)

photo credit: www.babycenter.com

Will be back on November 10 for my second ultrasound. Baby should be bigger by then.

Shopping

It’s always fun to window shop stuffs for the baby. Since my nephew Eon was born, DH and I are so fond of baby stores. We are always on the look out of what’s nice to give him.

Now that I’m already preggo, things will change and be more exciting! It’s such a different feeling to shop for yourself! DH brought me to Shangri-la mall to shop for some maternity clothes. Most of my jeans and shorts don’t fit anymore.

Here’s my loot.

Gingersnaps and Havin' a Baby

maternity shorts, belly belt & bra extenders

Belly belt is very useful for old jeans to be wearable again. Same goes with the bra extenders when you'd need to adjust your bra one size bigger. All these were advised by my No. 1 shopping adviser-slash-doctor, Dr. A. Hehe.

We can’t help but peek on some baby stuffs, too! --- clothes, shoes, cribs and strollers. We are eyeing on the Quinny Buzz stroller.


There’s a Buzz and a Buzz 4 but it is still too early to grab one well for sure, better ones will come out sooner or later. Hehe.

We are just so happy, excited and enjoying this beautiful journey!

Week 4

I’m noticing some changes in me. Let me share some:

- minor cramps
- sleepy/always tired/lazy
- frequent urination
- hunger

I always want to see my dear hubby (DH) and cling to him. Hahaha. I feel my tummy is getting bigger since I can no longer fit in my old jeans and shorts but I don’t mind. I’m enjoying my pregnancy!

I was advised by Dr. A. to use Aveeno moisturizing cream for stretchmark prevention.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream

I had it with me many months ago, I’m so well-prepared! Hehe.

Can’t wait for my 1st ultrasound which will be in 2wks time...

The Stork Has Come!

Today marks a very special day for us.

Had my blood test this morning and after 2 hours result came in positive. Yes, I’m roughly 4 weeks pregnant! ☺

We paid a visit to the Philippine Center of St. Pio and said our thanksgiving prayers then off to Medical City for my 1st check up.

My OB, Dr. A. gave me pre-natal medicine prescriptions and guess what...a prayer! He's so bait talaga. It was such a good news and blessing after the big typhoon.

This photo was taken on the same day in Astoria Plaza where we are staying for 2wks due to flood.

We just thought of taking this shot so I can have something to post here in my blog and on my pregnancy orgnanizer. Hehe.

Praying for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.