Raphael is 3 months today!

We're all happy that he finally came into this world.

Now that he turns 3 months, we continuously pray for his health and safety.

May HE also help us to be good parents - to guide him and support all his years.

WE LOVE YOU RAPHAEL!

Our Mock Christening Invite

Paperbug has lived up to its promise of quality invites!  I'm super excited when I got this today!!!
And can you tell that I'm uber happy of the results - from the envelope, the belt, and the invitation letter itself.

I think we're changing to a darker blue color of the envelope though.  The rest is goooooood.


Thank you Ella!!

More of paperbug invites here - paperbugph.com
Look for Ella when you contact her. :)

Happy Hearts Day!! 2012

It didn't take me much to figure out how to celebrate this day this year.  Since I don't have much to give and I know Marvin appreciates small things.. i thought I'd just cook for him.

I prepared Spicy Gambasetti ala TOSH today.

And here are my beautiful and sweet flower cupcakes from Marvin.

I love every flower.  The icing has a taste of coconut in it but I liked it. :)

Thank you Hon!  Love you!

Hope you all enjoyed your Valentines too.

We've upgraded to Canon 1100D

I’ve been taking pictures of Raphael even before he started moving constantly. And now that he’s so malikot, his pictures are mostly blur.  I took this opportunity to persuade Marvin if we can buy something that will capture our baby's photo beautifully.

..and what do you know.. :D

We got this entry level canon 1100D dahil pareho naman kaming wala masyadong alam sa camera but Canon has been our brand since.  Sooooo happy. :)

 

Will share the pics as they become available! :)

Our Christening Suppliers

Raphael's baptism is my first project this year and I am loving every bit of its preparation and planning. I’ve started searching and googling for the perfect suppliers since I was a few months pregnant.

Allow me to share the suppliers which will hopefully make our event no less than perfect!


Marina Restaurant in MOA
Price Range: they have 450/550 menu packages
Contact: marina.com.ph
Details: It wasn’t our first choice really but we ended up in Marina because they were willing to provide the entire restaurant for our reception, there will be no other charges for electricity usage and the reservation is good for 3 hours. Other than those, their baptismal package include freebies like tarpaulin, signature frame, balloons, free use of AV projector and music. It also includes food tasting for two, we can’t complain!!  La Mesa Grill has a very small function room and no space provisioned for AV usage. Gerry’s Grill on the other hand has a function room but is only good for 2 hours..  The use of electricity for music and mic has extra charge, plus the food will be served per plate not buffet style.  I was turned off.  We also tried Burgoo but thought that our guests will not be satisfied with American Food and its serving size, iba paren makabusog ang Filipino Food. We were also hoping that Racks would say yes to us but they just won't give in! haha. They have affordable buffet menu but they don’t accept reservations basta basta. They have a function room good for 15 people only. We really wanted Racks, super sayang!



CupcakesForUrOkasyon
Price Range: Package starts from Php1500
Contact: cupcakesforurokayson.weebly.com
Details: I thought hard whether to avail of bigtummys' cupcakes or cupcakesforurokasyon and the latter won because the owner is my former student, apart from his delicious looking cupcakes and attractive packages. This was the second supplier I booked through text and email! Imagine, you can do everything now without leaving home. Leo works based on event themes so it’s best to always have a theme for your event. I did not come up with a theme for our baptism so he had a tough one with me. Hehe.


JRAON Photography
Price Range: Package starts from Php4850 to 10850. Reservation is Php1000
Contact: jraon.tk jraonphotography.tk
0907 112 1307
Details: There may be other pro photographers out there and may also be more affordable than Jay but I chose him because of the quality of his work. I’ve been browsing his site when I was still pregnant and never looked for anyone else anymore!  Hmmmm, I can't remember how I got to his site, no one referred me.  I told myself to book him early so I was so happy when March 18 was still free. It pays to contact him very early to make sure that your desired date is still available.



Paperbug.Ph
Price Range: Php40 and up/ per piece
Contact: Paperbug.com.ph
Details: This is one of the hardest to find. I'm trying to be very keen and maarte in finding the right supplier for my invites and so I was very happy when I found Ella. I want my invites to be classy and special but affordable. Paperbug profile fits with my requirements as they customize and hand-make their invites. I knew they were perfect when I saw the envelope, I was truly impressed! So when Ella replied, I knew I had to close a deal.



SIDs Party Favors
Price Range: Their package starts from 2,500. I availed their ala-carte services
Contact: 09475732502
Details: Balloons weren’t my priority. This is one of the last items I dealt with, after all, Marina gave us free balloons already. But I reassessed our budget and since we have ample, I reached out to SIDs which is situated in Las Pinas. I had the opportunity to visit their location and discussed my requirements for the balloons.



Papemelroti
Price Range: varies
Contact: papemelroti.com
Details: I couldn’t think of any more perfect tokens for our Godparents than those in papemelroti. As much as possible, I don’t like items na naaalikabukan lang sa bahay but I had to give in and said yes to the final Godparent tokens. Papemelroti accepts orders online so it’s very convenient. They can personalize too. Make sure you allot enough time for yours.


St. Paul
Price Range: Php10 – 300 / depending on the item
Contact: SM Malls
Details: We originally agreed that we don’t want figurines or displays as souvenirs that’s why we settled for cupcakes ONLY as our souvenirs for the guests. However, I thought it’ll be nice for the guests to bring home a token too aside from edible giveaways. I don’t want Marvin going ballistic that we’re adding another expense to our list so I really thought of something useful and cheap.  This is the last store I would hope to get giveaways fom.  You may find our souvenir cheap or boring but it serves its purpose, especially when you’re a Chatholic.


I really hope everything turns well on our big day!

I'll share my supplier stories after the binyag. :)

Back to Work!

Wow!

I am definitely back in the office and I survived my first day although I had trouble remembering names.  I couldn't converse in straight english and I feel like I'm undergoing therapy.  I freakin' pronounced the word as tera-fy in front of my Trainer, believe it.

Oh well.

Glad to be waiting for salary again, hahaha!


PS - there was an anxiety factor .. leaving baby home.  But I know I'll be back in the morning and I know I'm leaving him every weekday to capable hands.  I gotta keep working, that's life.

Raphael is 2 months!

Raphael sleeping on a sunny weekday

 

I can’t say it was fast because a lot has happened since I gave birth.

Truly, everyday is a milestone for us. We’re doing everything we can so the baby stays healthy, responsive and alert.

Now that Raphael has turned 2 months, he responds better. He smiles a lot especially when he wakes up every 4am-ish for feeding. We always talk to him when he’s awake and every time (morning), he would flash his biggest smile as if he can understand every word we’re saying.  He now has a more defined sleeping pattern as he actually sleeps straight at night. He would typically just wake up when he’s hungry or wants a diaper change. He has also developed a pattern in feeding – every 4hrs or less.

He has a memorabilia for his 2nd month, a gift from his Tita, similar to the pic below which I am yet to upload.  Where can I find one like this here?

 our actual pic of the footprint to follow...

then i found this on the net, looks scary! haha

 
We love you Raphael!  Happy 2nd monthsary.

Help!

No, I don’t need help.  Or you know what, yes I do.  And we found the perfect solution.

My cousin will help out in taking care of the baby when I start working.  Yey! Solved!

What is your Baby's Milk?

Mine is formula.  Sigh.

I was hoping to breastfeed my baby but I wasn’t lucky.  I really thought I won’t have issues producing milk dahil mahilig ako sa sabaw, no doubt!!!  “What’s the soup of the day?” is my favorite line. I tried eating lots of soup and food with malunggay.  I also tried supplements but to no avail.  I had wet moments but they weren’t enough to feed the baby.  So when I got really really frustrated (I’m known to be sooooo patient, by the way)and  taking into account my baby's hunger and my near-depression, I fed my baby formula-milk.  Do so at your own risk please.  I did this because I pity my baby, he was crying all the time and he couldn’t sleep well as he was always hungry. :(

When I would offer my breast, he would suck a few times and would cry after because he wasn’t getting anything.  Those scenes were frustrating...big time.   It felt like I wasn’t a mother at all.  The frustration I felt was the main reason why I super hated the pedia who attended us in the hospital.  He never educated me on anything.  I was hoping that as a first time mom, I will be taught on how to deal with breastfeeding, baby caring, etc.  I wasn’t even aware on how to change a diaper!  He wasn't helpful at all.  Again, now I know the benefits of undergoing childbirth classes.  I would have wanted to attend one but Marvin was so conservative.  If you have the chance and resources, I highly suggest that you go for it.  There are so many childbirth classes nowadays.  Books can only give you as much.   And again moms, always demand to talk to your doctors.  Never shy away from asking questions.

So far, my baby is doing very well with formula milk.  We changed from S-26 to Similac through Doctor's prescription.

I support breastfeeding.  If you have the chance and you’re lucky to be able to do so, ALWAYS go for it.

Raphael: Newborn

Raphael was born November 2011 at 5:35AM

6.38 lbs, 51cm 



This was taken in the hospital, few hours after he was born.  Such a fragile little angel. :)  Everything fitted perfectly well except for his mittens which were still too big for him.  Nurse even had to tape it.

The Best Things in Life are Free

Let me share with you how I feel now.

I am just overwhelmed..

...with the support that my family and loved ones have given me and are continously giving me.  I couldn't ask for more.  Everything in our house has changed, including our lives and they ALL supported me with it.

I just want to say, THANK YOU. I LOVE YOU ALL.

First Timer

Now I know the reason why other couples go through birthing lessons.  Not only will it help you while you’re pregnant.. it will also help you on preparing yourself when the baby arrives.

There were things I didn’t know "how to do", even nappy change.  Books can just coach you as much.  Practice and hands on learning is still different.  I remember looking and watching our helpful Nurse when Raphael pooped for the first time. In my head, I was saying “ah, ganun pala”. *grin*

Bathing Raphael was also another challenge.  He doesn’t cry with his Lola the way he does with me.  Note to self:  Bawal gulatin ang newborn, everything has to be done slowly so he won’t cry. Sloooooooowly.  And I'm sure you wouldn't want to see your baby cry. Because when he does, nangingitim talaga!!  Parang walang hangin na sa katawan, nakakatakot!

I'll blog some more discoveries as I encounter them. Weeeee! :)

7 days after...

I had a seizure attack. 

Everyone got traumatized by the incident.  It was totally unexpected as my blood pressure has always been normal, if not low.  

So that Sunday morning, I was supposed to do my morning routine (move the baby out of bed, go to our sala and feed him) when I fell from the bed during the first attack.  I think I was trying to put baby’s mittens when I suddenly couldn’t control my arms and passed out.  My last memory was looking at the ceiling and terribly shaking.  Having a seizure is like having an epilepsy attack.  I don't know what happened after.  When I woke up and gained consciousness I was already in the emergency room.  Putting everyone's story together, they said I was found under the bed and was immediately put on a chair.  I had blood stains on my dress (I think from biting my tongue).  I was conscious and was answering questions correctly until I was asked if I knew I delivered a baby recently.  I shook my head.  They asked if I knew I have stitches because of CS operation, I was just looking blankly at them.

  

I had my second attack when Marvin arrived.  He was talking to me, trying to have a conversation on what happened.  I was then brought to the hospital.  Mom said I gained consciousness again when I was being brought out of the car, with a spoon on my mouth.  They were preventing me from biting my tongue.  When I was in the ER, my consciousness came and went.  I saw different people including my OB.  I couldn’t remember being moved to ICU but I woke up and was already there.  The magnesium shots were very painful; they were injected through my buttocks  Even after weeks of being discharged, the pain was still there.

Thankfully, I got out of the hospital after 4 days. 

Looking back, there are so many things they said contributed to the seizure.  OB said it was because I wasn't taking a bath so my body heat rose, mama said 'binat'.  I think it was post natal depression. Hmmmm.

Let's talk about it some other time.

...Happy to be enjoying another LIFE! Thank you Lord!!!

November 21

Here's my LABOR story :p

6:00am – woke up and went straight to the toilet to pee, feeling just normal.  Another typical Sunday until I saw red stains in my urine.  I know I'm due today so I calmly approached Mama.  I'm 100% sure that if I panic, everyone would go hysterical.  That's another fun story to tell, wouldn't it?

7am or 8am – I decided to go to the hospital but I was experiencing cramps, that I can hardly move, so I waited for Marvin.  The OB who attended me from the ER said I’m 1cm dilated.  I was sent home to wait.  Normally 3cm or up requires confinement already.  Actually, it depends if you want to stay in the hospital early.  Worrying about the bill, I'd rather stay home.  Again, it was just really a typical and ordinary Sunday if not for my complains about my lower back. Ugh.  Painful contractions.  Up until bed time, I was trying my best to tolerate the pain.  I told myself I'll deliver the normal way.  There is no other option than normal.

Past 10PM -  I decided to go to ER again for screening because the lower back pain is now getting unbearable.  I was 2cm dilated when the OB checked.  Imagine the entire day?? and I was just 2cm now??  I was advised that I can now be admitted.  Good Lord! 

at 12:30AM – I was filling up forms.  I can't imagine anyone else doing this for me.  Again, all was calm.  I was wheeled to the Labor Room right after.  I changed to hosp gown and was put on an IV (my first ever!).  The nurse also administered something for the tummy but I can’t remember exactly what medicine it was.  I think it was Buscopan.  Nurse said it's to induce labor? or 'pampahilab'.  By this time, my cramps were already getting stronger.  I seriously felt sharp pressures on my lower back.  Peeing was also a problem.  I wanted to walk a lot (as I've read from the book) and pee but they kept giving me a bed pan.  Another ugh – I’m not used to that so it took a while before I could freely pee.  Whoooo, so many firsts!!

by 1AM – my OB arrived.  First time I saw her in green uniform, cute.  Hello doc!  This is me, tolerating the pain.

by 3AM – stronger and painful contractions. Unbelievably bearable.  And I was getting tired and sleepy but my lower back pains kept me awake.  I also kept refusing Epidural but when the Anesthesiologist arrived, my OB persuaded me to have one.  

So at 4AM something – I was wheeled to the Delivery Room.  It took forever for the anes to administer the drug!  I swear.  That was the longest contractions I can count!  What kept me from shouting at the Anes were the two nurses encouraging me to stay calm and held me all along.  I think I held on too tight onto one of the nurses’ pockets that she ended up with a crumpled uniform, sorry nurse.  And truly, thank you for the support.

I can’t tell the exact time of the event that happened next, they didn’t have a clock in the delivery room that I can see.  All I know was that the Anes kept the room relaxed and soothing through his music.

I was now still lying on the table with both feet propped up, with bright lights focused on....oh you know where.  I was just still, telling my doctor that I think I may poop anytime.  She was just making small talks.  Yun pala, she broke my water bag na.  I know the anesthesia took effect because I didn't feel anything.  She then declared that I had to undergo emergency CS as the baby already pooped.  I felt sad.  All this walking, waiting.. I would still end up on CS. Hay.

It was probably 5 in the morning when I was wheeled out of the Delivery Room going to the Operating Room.  I didn't see anyone on my way out to the hallway.  I was hoping to glance at my family before the procedure.  Then it happened very fast.  Well, emergency CS should always be fast.  Anes gave me a spinal block (I read it from the book so I know what it will do) and altogether at the same time, my OB and nurses uncovered me with my gown, blocked my view of the Operation, placed a BP monitor on my left arm and placed an oxygen mask on my nose.  Music was still playing.  I decided to pass out and sleep this off.  I was very tired and groggy.  Been awake since 6!

Family said it was 5:30AM when they declared the baby was out.  Pedia even took a picture using his iphone (grrr) when they made the baby cry near my right ear.  It was over!!  During this time I heard my OB said “mae, tapos na ha”.

Sometime in the morning, when I gained consciousness, I saw Marvin entered the Operating Room and handed the nurses a support belt.  They also brought the baby in for feeding before I was moved to my room.  Sadly, the baby was just sucking, I didn’t see any milk..which they said was normal.

I stayed in the hospital for 3 days.

Twenty Twelve

I am very grateful for my 2011.

Even if there were things that didn't go my way... and I hope you had a good year too.  

Remember, count your blessings!  I'm sure you'll feel great.

Looking forward to another wonderful year!!

Charlie's Grind and Grill

Marvin and I went to try out a new Burger Place, thanks to one of his friends.
Charlie's Grind and Grill is situated along the highway (16 East Kapitolyo Drive, Pasig) but we had to go through residential houses first before we finally got there, kinda hidden actually. I even thought we were lost!

You all know I'm not a big fan of burgers so I tried their Marinara Meats Balls in Pasta and Marvin had Black Angus Beef Burger and Buffalo Wings which he was truly truly satisfied of. I actually liked all that we ordered too.. including the tasty fries that go with the burger and the Charlie's Iced Tea (I even had to order a take out). I didn't have a camera with me then, sorry and my phone got no memory card. Of all days, it had to be last night that we were digitally helpless.. oh well.

Do not be discouraged with the place though. It's modest and quite small and may get packed easily. Please do not go there as a team or more than 5.. you'll find it hard to squeeze in and sit together. And yes, they're situated beside a car wash.. and they have tables outside to extend their dine-in services but come there for the food. One thing I like is the overflowing of condiments in their outside ref. Super nice for sauce lovers.

We promise to give you pictures when we get to come back. Don't fail to try their promising handcrafted burgers too! :)

I am Number Four Too!

Well, I'm four months that is! :)

Good Vibes lang peeps.

My trips to the bathroom have definitely lessened. I feel better now more than ever, no more lazy days (for now) ! hehe. One thing I'm really noticing, I can sense some pulses and somehow 'kicks' from down below. It could be my intestine.. but it could be something else too. I wanna think the baby is swimming and making some acrobat moves. :)

Stomach Flu

Perhaps you've experienced diarrhea once in your life? Or maybe you've vomited here and there (specially after a drinking session?) But have you had this two together in a single night? I did, and it was terrible, I tell you. Specially when you're pregnant!

So it was my typical Saturday. I came home, had breakfast, rest a little then slept. I was awakened by mild stomach cramps telling me that I need to use the bathroom, which I did. I realized I'm having diarrhea when I've been in and out of the bathroom more than 3 times in 4 hours. Usually, preggies are constipated and I'm no different. So I like this change, maybe it won't last soon. I was thinking maybe I just need to dispose all those that I've eaten.

Lo and behold, my diarrhea never left. I vomited right after dinner, had fruit and vomited again. It was crazy as I've never been sick like this.. ever! I can't keep anything down.

I resolved to run to the ER, as advised by my OB, if I won't be better. And thank goodness I was a bit better the next morning (because I didn't take anything anymore, except water!) Then I slowly took food that were easy to digest.

.....

I got the 'stomach flu' diagnosis from my book but I didn't exactly know what happened to me that night. I did not see a doctor at all. But the web says stomach flu is caused by germs or bacteria. I'm scared. I will make sure to talk to my OB about it.

Breaking Dawn Official Trailer (Teaser)

I can't wait for November!!

I think I will surely love Bill Condon. :)

Breaking Dawn Poster

Coming this November!!