My 7th Month Pregnancy

I am now on my 7th month. I am starting to feel really heavy, though I really haven't had gained more than 5 lbs each month. As per my last weigh-in on Nov. 5, I was only at 110 lbs. My back is also starting to ache, perhaps from the weight inside my tummy. It is now easy for me to get tired whenever I am out just strolling at the mall. And unlike the last time, my baby is now stronger. She would do a 'somersault' inside my womb. She would kick really hard that sometimes the hit hurts and makes me gasp for some breath for a few seconds.

It has sometimes become uncomfortable for me, but I feel the fulfillment of being a mother nurturing her baby inside her womb. I must say that am enjoying all these inconveniences. Even the strong kicks and somersaults bring me unexplainable joy and pride in my heart. I can't describe the feeling every time she would move. I can't fathom the weird yet contented feeling whenever I feel uncomfortable because she feels heavy now. It's perhaps an emotion that only expecting women and moms can understand and share with me.

This is already my second pregnancy but it feels like it's my first, making me very excited to finally see and meet my baby girl. And the fact that Yad is also very excited for the baby to come out doubles my happiness and fulfillment. I can see it in his eyes whenever we would talk about her. He already has plans on how he would take care of his baby sister. I am thankful that he isn't the type of kids who get jealous whenever a new member of the family is born. He already talks about learning how to change diapers and how he would take care of his little sister.

Baby, we are happy that you came into our lives. You are a blessing that I know will keep our lives fulfilled, happy, and contented. You will become a reason for everyone of us to continue fighting whatever the odd is. You will become an inspiration to me, your Mommy, Kuya Yad, and Daddy D. We can't wait for you to come out into this world and share the goodness of what it can offer us. We love you, baby!

And Yes, They Are Right! It's A Baby Girl!

After six months of guessing, I am finally certain about the gender of my baby. It's a baby girl! I'm so thrilled after the OB-Gyne/Sonologist told me the ultrasound result showed a female in the scan. You could just imagine how I am exhilarated at the thought that on February 01, 2010 I am going to give birth to a baby girl I have been waiting all my life. Now, I feel complete. With Yad and his baby sister, I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me this blessing!

My 2nd Ultrasound

I underwent my second ultrasound this afternoon. As I've mentioned in my last post, I wasn't supposed to undergo another test yet, but since I was really eager and excited to learn of my 2nd baby's gender, I urged my OB-Gyne to give me a recommendation. So, at 3:00PM this afternoon, the sonologist had a run over my belly with her apparatus to scan it. Boy, was I surprised with the result, or more appropriately, the discovery of my present pregnancy condition. It wasn't something that I would wish for, or any mom would for that matter, but I was really stunned after the sonologist announced it. It never crossed my mind until today that my condition would be like this, but I hope it would still change. I am not ready to divulge about it here unless I had a talk with my OB-Gyne first, so I am going to have an early checkup this week because this is something that I wasn't prepared for.

About the gender of the baby, I'll write about it in my next post.

They Say I Am Going To Have A Baby Girl! :-)

I've been meaning to post something here for the last two weeks, but it just happened now. Pardon me again for that as I only found myself willing to put another entry here today. There has been much going on lately with me and it was expected since I am into another relevant phase of my life.

Regarding my pregnancy, I am now on my 24th week (as per my last visit to my OB-gyne on October 7th, she told me I was on my way to 23-24 week), or perhaps older. I and Daddy R found it confusing as we thought I am still a little early on my pregnancy. But if that's what the OB said, so be it. I don't want to do more computations for now. All I'm waiting is February 2, 2010, the baby's due to come out.
I found my second pregnancy way easier to handle than my first. In fact, after going through the first semester which involved a lot of morning sickness and other unpleasant experiences, I am now really enjoying this whole thing. I am so excited for the baby to come out. Perhaps, one big factor for this excitement is the fact that almost all of my colleagues I bump into believe I am gonna have a baby girl this time because of the aura I exude.

As most of my friends already knew, I have been desperately longing to have a baby girl - largely because I don't have a sister; and all my life, was deprived of the stuff that usually shared between two girl siblings. You could just imagine how I long to be with at least a sister to share clothes, gossips and heartaches with.

All my pre-pubescent, teenage, and adult life, there was never a sister to consult with and so at the back of my mind, I was partly (only partly) blaming my being a unica hija in the family to lack the needed factors during my growing up as a female. I mean, my mother could have replaced a sister's position, but I always thought she can never do that since it's so different. So, perhaps you see now why I have been so obsessed at having a baby girl?

If this baby comes out of my womb with a feminine genitalia, I would probably be the merriest mom on the world. Not that I'm being unfair or biased here or I'd be disappointed if it's gonna be a boy, since I knew in my heart I would still be the merriest mom come February 2 regardless of the gender; but the thought of having a baby girl just couldn't get through me.

It really electrifies more my anticipation to bond with her for the rest of her life. I knew it would be like having a dream come true for me. Dressing her up, guiding her until she grows up and becomes the fine woman every man will adore and respect, and simply just talking to her like we're buddies, are thoughts that touch and extend my already uplifted-due-to-my-pregnancy emotions.
Daddy R wanted another baby boy and said we could have a girl for the third member of the siblings. But, given the rather complex situation, I am not banking on that chance that is likely or unlikely to happen in the future. Obviously, we were having conflicted interests when it comes to kids, but in fairness to him, he has said twice that whatever it is to come out, we will welcome with the whole of our hearts. If it's a girl, the favor was on me. If it's a boy, then it's his. Whatever it is, this second baby is another greatest thing that happened to our lives, next to Yad.

Because I can't contain my excitement, I am going to undergo an ultrasound come Monday to determine the gender of the baby even if the OB-gyne did not think it was a good idea at this stage. She said that I could have the test next month so we'd have clear results, but no, I want to know now. I am just too excited that I cannot sleep on this thought each evening. So, goodluck to us, Daddy R! Whoever's favor wins, we are gonna have a helluva new life with our second tot!

Baby, I am so excited, so please show up your cute little, ehem, genitals as mommy is having her ultrasound examinations, alright? We love you so much!

Does He Remember Today Is Our Appointment With The Doctor?

It was only last night that I remember today is my monthly pre-natal checkup. If I didn't remember this important pregnancy date until last night, I am more than a hundred percent it never crossed Daddy R's mind that he gotta be here today.

Being a pregnant mommy, I always want the daddy of my baby to be with me always, especially during my monthly checkups and when I am craving for something to eat or when I am going to shop maternity or baby clothes/essentials, or other pregnancy-related activities. But as hard the situation that it is today, I can't always get what I want now. He is so busy that I have to always remind him whenever I need him to accompany me to the doctor and share the experiences of dealing with this whole pregnancy.

"..Sometimes, I can't help but take pity because of the thought that why do I have to go alone when we did and wanted this together?"

I always believe that it is a conjugal interest or initiative or obligation, or whatever you call it, for mom and dad to go to the OB together so both will have knowledge of the condition not only of the baby's but the mom's as well. I am not saying that dads have to come each time but I am more compelled to think that they should feel obliged especially to hear the first heartbeats of the baby, hold her hands during ultrasounds, learn of the baby's sex, check its anatomy, and other similar significant events.

Besides, it is bonding moment for us three together. I always feel great when Daddy R drives me to the clinic and supports me when I have to go into the cubicle of the OB-gyne. Somehow, it gives me the sense of security, protection, care, and love. I always treasure the moment that he has to get himself involved during my second pregnancy. After all, he wasn't there the entire time when I was doing the same with Yad, our first-born, was he?

"...Would it be unfair for me to assume or expect he would be more than thrilled now to share this whole experience since we never get to during my first pregnancy of Yad and so this second has become our real 'first family experience?' Forgive me, but I feel terribly devastated now. Sob!"

During my previous prenatal visits, I don't care if I look like a nagging partner just to convince him to go with me and we do it together. But today, I don't feel like doing the same. As proud as I always am, I get tired of constantly reminding him that today is my checkup so he needs to stop whatever he is doing and accompany me. I get tired of the thought that he is not thinking enough of us to always forget this special date. And so, my pained ego says again, don't make the first move...

... And yet, I don't want to go alone... What am I gonna do?:-(

" ...It saddens me to think that his business and other occupancies matter more to him than us. It depresses me to think that money comes first before family."

Now, I'm really having second thoughts as to contact Daddy R and remind him that today is our appointment with the doctor. I really want him to remember and contact me first. How happy and fulfilled would I feel if he calls me first and asks me to prepare because we have to go to the doctor now.

"...Sigh. I feel so discontented... though it is not so right."

I know I have to be positive with all these things, but yeah, of course, I never forget it and I am always full of hope albeit it doesn't always manifest because I am always grumpy and critical towards him whenever we are together.

"But... If only he knew... that I feel so BLESSED that he is here for us now and is giving me a brand new joy with this second baby."

... I just wish he'd give me more reasons to keep feeling that way.

Lord, INSHALLAH!

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God Has The Highest Good For Me, I Know...

Okay, I'm doing a quick post yet again for this day since my day is filled with hectic schedule, from school to an appointment/meeting with colleagues to dropping by some places for importat errands. I have to drop by at Yona's office at Circa to get an important document Ry had sent through his brother Rowell. By the way, Ry, thanks much! I owe you one for that. I also have to go to Peachy's house again to borrow some important documents which are necessary for my meeting later after lunch.

Anyway, back to why I am doing this quick post, I have browsed some Friendster pages this morning and I now realized I am regretting this action as it has done nothing but clouded my already shrouded/blackened emotions. Now, I am feeling very bad about something for the nth time, to the point that I am now holding back my tears. There's a huge lump in my throat that I am trying to gulp back with difficulty caused probably by the rising anger and pity in my heart.

After all those months, it still pains me a lot. I can't remember ever feeling this way. I can't believe this is happening to me. I don't know when I would ever overcome this nagging reality. I know it is unhealthy to wallow in anger and pity, not to mention that it could affect the precious thing I am carrying in my womb, but in times like this, I really can't help it.

There's always a time when I can't help but look back at what happened and wish I could turn back time or erase the memories so everything would go back to its normal life again. It is also during these times that I really need to gather all my strengths and guts so I can face all the troubles in my life. Or else, you will never see me smiling again.

There is no doubt that I can make things run the way I want them too, but I knew also that they

would not always be according to my will. All I know is that there is sunshine after the rain. Glory after sufferings. Light after darkness. And hope after pain. My baby and Yad alone are already one of the greatest blessings in my life. I am leaving it all up to God above. He knows what's best for me and He has this great plan documented in His book for my future. I may never knew it at this time, but I knew everything and everybody will be in the right places at the right time.

As what I would always say it: INSHALLAH!

Gotta Be More Careful W/ This Pregnancy

Just got back from downtown Legazpi. Was so warm outside I thought my body will give in from the tormenting and exhausting hot temperature. Although I've gone to DTI only this morning, it was tiring since I have to go back and forth to DTI and outside to have some documents photocopied and my 500 bill changed.

The fact that I am five months along the way didn't help. When I got back home, I was a little afraid because my lower abdomen was in a little pain. It's like the baby was pushed low that it was about to come out. I instantly took a bed rest and though I have a meeting later this afternoon, I ignored the fact that I might be late. My baby is more important than anything else, so my colleagues would have to wait for me.

Anyway, I have to be more careful next time if I don't want to lose my baby. Walking too much, I think, is not advised at this stage of pregnancy. I must not forget to consult my OB regarding this matter later at my next visit this week.

I wish Daddy R is here all the time so there'll be someone who will drive for me wherever I go. But, of course, that is impossible at the moment. He has more important things to do than be at my side all day and night, right Daddy?

Well, maybe you can give me a car and a driver instead?

Daddy R, are you reading my blog?

Preserving Your Newborn's Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Can Save Lives

This is a very important message to all expectant mothers. Don't you know that preserving your newborn's umbilical cord blood stem cells has a lot of potential medical benefits that can help not only you and your family but other people as well? In fact, these preserved cells can extend lives. You can visit the site of Cryo-Cell International for more information of this matter. They have this mission of educating parents, especially the expectant mothers, about how Cryo-Cell can provide innovative and safe solutions regarding cord blood banking. The company currently has more than 150,000 cord blood samples already in its cord blood stem cell bank.

To see how it works, you can read the story of how a family survived their son Nicolas, who was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, through the help of Cryo-Cell at this site. It came at the time the mother was in her pregnancy, so the situation became very difficult. They tried some treatments including Chemotherapy, but none work on the child. Thankfully, with the help of Cryo-Cell International, Inc., which stored the newborn Nathaniel's umbilical cord blood and used for the treatment, Nicolas is now enjoying his childhood.

Now, why don't we start saving lives? Personally speaking, this company has a great cause by simply offering ways how you can do this. But, as I'm sure not all of you has learned of this innovative medical solution, we can start by visiting the company's site and then enrolling in its Cryo-Cell U-Cord Service, which is available in several options.