Another first! :)

Photo Credit: Reg Balagat 

6 months!

Finally, the binyag pictures are here...

...after one month and 6 days.

As I've mentioned before (http://aletotski.blogspot.com/2011/05/binyagan-blues.html), the company I've worked with before volunteered to cover Brianna's christening and the videos and photos came in just now. There are some decent shots here and there but most of them are blurry. I am not complaining, though, they did it for free anyway so I'm grateful.

First of the many, many Starbucks date with my one and only.

Aren't you too old for that?

Yes, Brianna's too old for those but I decided to put them on again because she keeps on snacking on her fingers and they probably are sore by the way they look.

Thumbsucking is normal for babies, according to Brianna's pedia but should be stopped early on for it is highly addictive. It's like cigarettes for babies. Her pedia said I should distract her from sucking her fingers by toys. I got her one of those jungle gyms but whenever she gets excited, she automatically puts her hands in her mouth. Yes, in it, not on it.

Anyway, this solution doesn't seem to work. She still has her fingers in her mouth as I type. But at least her hands won't look bruised anymore.

I need help on this issue, moms. Fo realz. 

Binyagan blues

So last Saturday was Brianna's christening. It was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and it was a very inspiring ceremony. There are times during the ceremony where I catch myself about to cry so I stop myself. It was really hot because a red head was set up in the church, near us (Thank you, TVSTYLE, for the coverage of this momentous moment - redundant much? - of our family's life.) but Brianna was surprisingly quiet and calm throughout the ceremony. The priest even said that he barely baptizes a baby who doesn't cry. Even when water was being poured to her head, she maintained her silence...she had her super cute sad face on, though.

After the church ceremony, we went to Master Bee in Ortigas (I personally like the food. The pancit was uber yummy.) for lunch. Most of the people we invited were there and I really had fun (trying to) entertain them. I secretly thought of it as practice for when Bry and I get married. Hee. So, anyway, the whole time I had Kat as my aliping sagigilid (Thank you so much, Lovey! I shall be your PA again... Pagdating ng panahon. Haha!) while I was busy trying to breastfeed in public.

I was so touched by my parents - in fairness - because they actually mingled with the De Leons and they ENJOYED it. I was kinda thinking that they'll be hesitant to talk to them and end up not talk to them. This is faaaaaar too good. As Joanne has said, ang susunod nito, kasalan na.

As I've previously said, TVSTYLE was kind enough to cover this very memorable ceremony (for free?) in video and in photo. And since everyone (almost) is a PSI grad and sales people, they were friendly to almost everyone. Apprently but not surprisingly, Sir Aries was the one who stood out because of his really friendly personality that some even thought of him as papansin. But he doesn't really care about what other people think so...

My and Bry's friends, of course, have been really awesome for just being there. I've missed everyone and I'm very thankful that they are there to celebrate with us. Lau, Ella, Jackie, Jayvee and everyone who didn't make it, I know you would've been there if you could and for that alone, I am thankful.

Red ampaos (spelling?) were flying their way to me the whole time that I got so overwhelmed. Ganun pala yun? Hee. I'm sorry, I am not observant during my inaanaks' binyags. Hee. But I have to say that Malia's "ampao" was the best one. Sorry, Kat, Jill and Sara, natalbugan kayo ni Malia.

So, anyway, after lunch, we went to Packo's in QC for the Thank You party for everyone who wanted to have a drink and (surprise, surprise) I didn't have any alcoholic drink. Which is okay, I guess because I don't think I will like drinking alcohol again. Pero di ako magsasalita ng tapos dahil malay ba natin, diba?

Got to have a heart-to-heart talk with Joanne which was nice. What's nicer was seeing my parents' bonding sesh with Bry's parents. It was heartwarming and, again, as Joanne said: Kasalan na ang susunod niyan.

After Packo's we went to Stone House for Joanne's Starshooters goal. She sang two songs with the band while the gang ordered 2 rounds of San Mig Light. As for me, I had a can of Coke and a glass of water.

All in all, I was really happy that day both for Brianna and for our little family. I really can't wait for Bry and I to get married and all of us three live under one roof. That day will probably be the happiest day of my life.

Note: This entry will be reposted with pictures as soon as I collect all photos of mi Bebe's baptism.

Brianna's growing up so fast...

We went back to Brianna's pedia last Saturday in St. Luke's in E. Rod for her monthly check-up and here's what the pedia has to say about Brianna:

1. She grew 2cm since the last time we saw her... which was just 2 weeks ago.
2. Brianna also gained a few pounds since we last saw her pedia. I thought her gaining that much was disturbing but Doc said it's normal for breastfed babies.
3. The pedia complemented her about raising her head longer. Doc Pau said she's "advanced" than most babies her age. This gave a huge grin on my face which lasted 'til the next day.

Brianna had her third set of shots last weekend, too.

Add that to the fact that we had to buy her clothes (again) already because she outgrew most of the clothes we have here. Yes, even those white wrap arounds (I dunno what it's called) that make her look like (what I like to call) a "generic" baby.

Plus she wakes up na when it's noisy or when you leave her alone on the bed. Before, you have to wait for her to get hungry for her to wake up. Now, all you have to do is to turn the volume up and viola! She's awake!

She also has another "vice". She "hangs out" in front of my boobs whenever she feels like it. She cries when I move away. As Ran said, "mga batang adik sa boobs".

I'm happy I can actually witness all these changes in Brianna and that is why I am having second thoughts on going back to work before she turns one. I need your opinions...

Like mother, like daughter.

Please forgive the tacky photo editing, I just rushed it. And I HAVE TO edit it because my tummy looks all weird because of the black line that runs from under my belly button 'til my pubes and the shape of it is just...weird. My sleeping face is never pretty so I also had to cover it.

Photo taken by Patrish. No thanks to her for taking a photo of my ginormous post-pregnancy tummy.

Merged this blog with my personal blog so I only update one blog (Puro blog)

http://aletotski.blogspot.com

Sleep? What sleep?

I've decided to be a fulltime mom...at least for the first 6 months of Brianna and can I just say that after 2 weeks of being that, it's pretty tiring. I am enjoying every minute of staring at my baby for hours and talking like a baby and all, don't get me wrong but it literally is tiring. I must have slept for a total of 20 hours the past days all because I didn't - and couldn't - adjust my body clock the same time as Brianna's. I know her body clock will match mine soon... I just hope 'soon' is soon enough.

(Ooh, I'm good... I'm typing this while breastfeeding Brianna. Now that's what I call multitasking.)

I've been very busy lately, sorry.

Everything's supersized!

Big nose.

Manas feet.

On other, much brighter news...

WE ALREADY HAVE A CRIB AND A STROLLER!

Thank you, Baby Company fair! ☺

False alarm.

Last Saturday, the family and I were supposed to go to the Baby Company fair at Megatrade Hall but passed by the clinic for an emergency check-up because I had this white mens-like discharge that morning. Long story short, she had me admitted that same afternoon at the labor room for having 3cm dilation and contractions.

I stayed at the labor room, bored to death with literally nothing to do, for almost 12 hours. I entered at around 1:45 in the afternoon and was sent to my room at 12 midnight. Bry stayed with me through the night then I had to get back to the labor room again for observation at 4am, Sunday. This time, I stayed 'til 6 in the afternoon but I slept through most of the day since I got really, really bangag the day before.

At 6pm, Sunday, I was sent back to my room. My OB visited me and told Bry and my parents about the situation (Dilation's still at 2cm [where she got 3cm last Saturday, I don't know] and the contractions stopped) and that I will be under observation until the following morning. She said I will be having another biophysical exam for the baby and that's when she'll decide what to do.

At 6am the following morning, I had the NST exam before breakfast then went on to have the ultrasound. Brianna's in very good condition and my OB said I'll be discharged from the hospital. She gave me a few more reminders before I got back into the room. Nurses, Medocare coordinators and staff kept on knocking on the door probably for their procedures whenever someone will be discharged from the hospital.

Was released at around 11am and waited 'til 2pm for the bill. Here's where everything got crazy:

• DELIVERY SUITE (a.k.a. The Labor Room) - Php 21,971.00 --The bulk of the final bill was this! I stayed here for around 26 hours, they
• OB PF - Php 8,000.00 --Twas like she delivered my baby already.
• Medocare initially added another day to our bill so we had to let them know they were being madaya and we had everything checked again.

Those are just some of the hassles we had to go through in the Billing department.

Anyway, the grand total of the bill is... Drumroll please...

Php 37,409.20 

Panu pa kaya pag nadeliver na talaga si Brianna? Oh well, it doesn't matter as long as she's healthy and delivered safely into the world.

But, yeah. I think it's too much. Especially if you see my room.

Saw my OB again a while ago for the weekly check-up and she said...

MY CERVIX HAS ALREADY
DILATED 2CM!

Brianna is coming, I'm having a hard time believing!

Anyway, while my head was spinning, Dr. Amorin gave us this brochure on this stem cell procedure that they're going to do on me when I give birth if I give my permission. Bry and I are considering it but we'll research on it first.

Dr. Amorin also has filled out the forms that I will be needing once I go into labor and gave them to me already...

I'm sorry, I still can't get my thoughts to straighten up yet. I'm still too hung up on the idea that Brianna's coming really, really soon!

On making a final checklist...

Whether or not there will be a baby shower (it's seems too late to throw one - and I don't know if I should be the one throwing it), I've decided to finalize my checklist before Brianna arrives. To help me decide what to put on my list, I sought help from online mommy blogs and baby registry websites. Halfway through my list, I realized that some of the things listed on their lists are not really needed by either me or my baby.

Like a sterilizer, for example. It just adds up to the expenses. We could just use the kaldero that we use for pasta. Or maybe buy another one like that just for the baby. It's much cheaper and we can actually use it for pasta when the baby grows up. Cheap and practical, right?

So anyway, here's the list I made for me and Bry's (as well as those kind people) reference.

1. Reusable diapers/lampins - Since I'm going to be a stay-at-home mom - at least for the first six months - I will be able to use this during the day. Cheap and practical. And hello, it's reusable! Anything that is reusable is good!
2. Diaper clips - For the reusable diapers.
3. Disposable diapers - This is for when we travel or go out. According to a soon-to-be-mommy friend, Huggies and Mamy Poko are the better brands but I won't be buying bulks of these just yet because I don't know if my baby will be hiyang on these brands.
4. Disposable wipes - I would've put cotton balls in this list, too but I'm still thinking about it. I don't want the himulmol of the cotton to stay on my baby's body. Anyway, with regards to the brand, I don't think I will be choosy on the brand just as long as we get it from a shop whose specialty is on babies.
5. Burp cloths - I still need a couple of these.
6. Baby bottles (small, medium and large)
7. Baby bottle nipples (slow, medium, fast)
8. Nail cutter
9. Bath tub - Another essential and it has to be pink. It's cheap, anyway.
10. Basin - This also has to be pink. I think we have this one here at home but I haven't seen it in a while.
11. That sponge thing that holds the baby when you give him/her a bath
12. Baby shampoo and/or shower gel - I don't know what brand is good yet.
13. Hooded towel - I have one already from Bry's sister. I just need another one for when one's in the laundry.
14. Pillows - I just need one set.
15. Pillow sheets - 2-3 sets will be good. I prefer white and light colored ones. As in super light colored.
16. Crib sheets - Again, 2-3 sets will be good. And again, white or light colored sheets are preferred.

So, there. That's probably it. Again, this is just for my and Bry's reference, unless some good souls will donate some of the items on the list. :)

Sabi ng matatanda...

Apparently, there's this superstition among old people that you shouldn't take a bath a few days after you give birth because air will enter your vagina which will supposedly drive you crazy. Not the good crazy. It's the kind of crazy they bring you to the mental hospital for.

My mom went 15 days without taking a bath. She said she just washed her lady parts and sponge bath-ed everyday and said that it's the worst thing she had to not do after her pregnancy.

Did anybody hear/know about this, too? What are your thoughts on this? To those who gave birth already, did you do this? To those who are about to give birth, will you do this?

I find this really, really weird...

"Kc dw bumaba2 n baby ng relax dw pelvic bone"

...Dra. Amorin's assistant went when she replied to me.

Last night, I had a total fright when my pelvic bone - which I don't know what it was called 'til the assistant replied to me. I texted her "buto malapit sa genitals". What a dummy - started to hurt a bit because I didn't feel anything like that in my life. EVER.

So apparently, I am giving birth to my precious angel soon and despite that weird feeling in my pelvic area, I feel extremely excited to meet the little girl. I've been smiling a lot last night and when I woke up this morning.

I can't believe I'm going to be meeting her real soon! ♥

OHMYGOD, 20 MORE DAYS TO GO!

3 questions for moms with the same problem I have.

What do you really want for your child?

How do you want your baby to grow up?
 

What kind of life do you want for yourself and for your child?

One more thing!

In addition, again, to my lists:

Taken from Joan's Facebook photo album.

These nifty bags for breast milk storage.

Reading my friend, Ran's, blog made me realize my wish/checklist still is missing a lot of things.

In addition to what I've previously posted, these are some of the other things that Brianna, Bry and I will still be needing:

1. Those crib sheets sets (If we're getting a wooden crib - which I prefer, but Bry wants those Gracco kinds and since he's the one who has money, whatever he chooses goes.)
2. A mattress (Again, if we're getting a wooden crib.)
3. Small pillows (Please include the pillow cases already, thanks!)
4. A pink basin (Yes, it should be pink.)
5. A pink bath tub (Again, it should be pink.)
6. The sponge thing for support when giving baby a bath (I'm sorry, I don't know what it's called.)
7. A set of those thermometers, nailcutters with magnifying glass, etc. I saw in Robinson's Department Store.
8. The baby toothbrush that fits into my index finger (I want a pink one but the ones I saw were blue.)

Ninongs and ninangs, titos and titas, lolos and lolas, if you know me well, you'll know that I am not brand conscious but please be careful on your choice of gifts. Same goes with the previous list. Thank you.

Inaassume ko nang ireregalo yang lahat sakin. NYAHAHAHA! :))

According to my OB, pwede nakong manganak anytime starting next week. AJA!

Sana makapunta ako dito...

 

Moms will converge at the  expo for the following activities:

• There will be 80 plus booths to visit  showcasing new arrivals and  the best baby care items
• There will be up to 70% OFF on great selections and Double your SM Advantage Card points
• For a minimum Php 1,000 single-receipt purchase  you will receive a fully loaded swag bag containing product samples, giveaway items and literature from our sponsors
• There will be uninterrupted activities from 11 am to 8pm
  • free-symposium on topics that matter to moms – natural childbirth, breastfeeding  from birth and beyond
  • meet and greet celebrity moms
  • workshops
  • mini concerts
• Amenities designed for moms
  • Kids play area
  • Sitting area
  • Breastfeeding area

Got this from Mommy Lace.

Things I still need to get before Brianna gets here.

Yes, I still don't have a lot of the things I need before Brianna arrives. But since I was a very good crammer back in high school and college, I know I will get by just fine.

So, anyway, part of my cramming is this list that I should have done a few weeks back considering I was doing nothing but being the lazy ass that I was, I didn't.

Ninongs and ninangs, titos and titas, lolos and lolas, if you still don't have any gift ideas for the little angel, here's a list. *wink*:

1. A CRIB! (Yes, we still don't have one and we will definitely be needing this but I think Bry already got this covered. I think.)
2. A stroller/carrier (Though we don't really need it right away. I just like the thought of having it around, just in case.)
3. Bottles (I was advised not to buy these since almost everyone will give me bottles but I can't help but think I might need it sooner.)
4. Changing Pad (I don't think I need this one ASAP, too, but like the stroller, I like the thought of having it around in case I need it.)
5. Receiving Blankets (I have some but I think I need more.)
6. Reusable Diapers/Lampins (I'm old school like that.)
7. (And because I have lampins on my list...) Diaper clips
8. Diapers and wet tissues (Will update on what brand.)

And to my ever-generous parents, siblings, titos and titas, cousins and friends, I will be very much grateful if some of you got me these:

1. Nipple Cream (Because I heard the nipples get chapped from too much breastfeeding.)
2. A new mattress for my bed (Because I read somewhere that babies need to sleep on a specific type of mattress.)
3. That breastfeeding cover thing (I WILL be breastfeeding outside, too, you know.)
4. Stretch Mark Cream (Yes.)
5. Girdles (My tita advised me to use these after I give birth.)

Will probably add to this list one of these days. Stay tuned, ninongs and ninangs! Muhahaha! =))

Crossing out from list again.

1. Maternity pads 01/09/2011
   
2. Maternity bras 12/27/2010
   
3. Baby diapers
4. Baby wipes 01/31/2011
   
5. Receiving blankets
6. Pacifier 01/21/2010
7. Changing pad 01/16/2011 (Thanks to Joan!)
8. Baby bottles
9. Breast pumps 12/27/2010
   
10. Stroller 01/30/2011
11. Crib 01/30/2011

EXACTLY ONE MORE MONTH TO GO! ♥♥♥

Woah! A mommy blogger actually gave birth at St. Luke's in Global City for Php130,000.00! Bravo to you, sister!

Damn, excitement's killing me!

34 more days 'til February 14! ☺

The Medical City rates (Normal Delivery)

I called Medical City up just a little while back to ask them regarding the rates for delivery. I originally wanted to know how much EXACTLY the rates were but all they could give me were rough estimates and the rates minus the professional fees of the doctors.

As of January 10...

Delivery costs around Php 30,000.00 plus professional fees (OB-GYN, Pediatrician and Anaesthesiologist) and includes

• Delivery room
• Supplies to be used for delivery
• Anaesthesia
• Recovery room (private room) for 2-3 days stay

Nursery costs Php 10,000.00 to Php 15,000.00 plus professional fee (Pediatrician) and includes the kit you will be given for the baby (e.g. diapers) and 2-3 days stay of the baby in the nursery.

The newborn screening and hearing test for newborn fee is not yet included in the nursery fee. These tests will cost you around Php 1,000.00 plus.

I forgot to ask if these rates are inclusive of tax so I might call again later or tomorrow but I think the rates are already VAT inclusive.

I also did not ask about the rates for cesarean delivery because I won't be needing it. There.

Please note that these rates are just estimates and may change without notice.

For some serious mommy thoughts.

Visit my friend, Ran's, online mommy blog:

http://www.legendarymommy.com

P.S. Was actually planning to write in a way people would want to read (a.k.a. WRITE BETTER and LIKE HER) but I kinda feel the need to write the way I do because I want to express myself that way.

I AM 34 35 WEEKS INTO THE PREGNANCY ALREADY!

Brianna, Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you already! :)

(Edit 01/09/10: My OB got confused with her notes, she updated me yesterday.)

Turns out I need to walk A LOT to give birth easily.

I shall start walking tomorrow. But where to go?

I get bored easily so our house is not an option.

The village has a lot of rude people so it also is not part of the options.

I want to go to Greenhills but it's way too far from our house.

Tiendesitas is good but the only way to get there that I know of is via a cab and I am not spending that much money for a cab.

Maybe, Megamall. :)

(Okay, I complained a lot there. So not like a PSI grad.)

Brianna's binyag will surely look something like this.

My lola's also excited for Brianna's arrival.

Iwan mo sakin yang baby mo paglabas, ah! Lahat kailangan dumaan sakin.