Blow Up Belly

Towards the end of my pregnancy, I lost interest on having my maternity portrait taken. Having gained 20kg  (I stopped counting after that!) and my terrible 'manas', I really felt so ugly... I couldn't wait to give birth!  The recent promo of Blow Up Babies through Cash Cash Pinoy convinced me to have one anyway. So here it goes...

Scared

It's midnight and I'm still up.  B is sleeping soundly while I'm wide awake thinking about how my life has changed since I returned here and how it will continue to change in the next few weeks.  I have to be honest, I'm really scared.  I guess 'freaked out' is more apt.  Suddenly I am terrified of giving birth...  All my readings on pain that comes with giving birth (CS or otherwise) have made me even more scared! Tell me, is this normal?

Manas!!!



The picture says it all!!!



Updates and more...

• It has been 2 weeks since I arrived here in the Philippines, so far things have been great.  I've been uber busy with a lot of things...   We travel back and forth from QC to Guimba (sometimes Tarlac). When I'm not at the mall shopping for Baby Sobie, I'm home trying (hard, really hard!) to be an interior decorator! Hehehe. :) Will post some pictures once everything is in place already.

• I'm on my 37th week now, which means that I can safely deliver anytime :) I can't wait!!! With all the discomforts of 3rd trimester,  giving birth is like a bright light at the end of the tunnel - a very long tunnel, that is.  I've been having sleepless nights, been eating a lot (as always...) and feeling very tired all the time.  I've also become so clumsy lately! I drop things here and there, buti na lang may tagapulot ako. Hehehe.

• I'm so  freaking heavy now! I've gained 20 kgs... My goodness, how am I going to lose all this weight??? Will I ever go back to my pre-pregnancy figure?  Did I mention I have 2 weddings to attend early next year, where I am part of the entourage?  Di kaya magmukha akong ninang instead of a bridesmaid?  Hehehe.  We shall see. :)

• We had our 3D/4D ultrasound the day after I arrived from SG.  Sadly, there was no sighting of Sobie's face.  I guess she wants it to be a surprise.  Supladang bata! :)

•  I'll be working on our first ever Christmas tree this week! Exciting! I super duper love Christmas!!!  (Who doesn't?)

 More updates soon... :)

14 kgs and counting...

14 KILOS.  30 FREAKING POUNDS.  That's how much I've gained so far.  And I'm only on my 31st week. :)



Preggers! (drinking fake coffee...aka decaf)



Hospital Bag Checklist

'Labor Day' is fast approaching so I figure it's time to list down the things that we need to bring to the hospital.  I hope I didn't forget anything.


For Me

1 Nightgown/Robe
2 Pajama Sets/Nursing Gown
5 panties
3 nursing bra
Going Home Clothes
2 Towels
Breast Pump
Breast Pads
1 pack underpads
1 pack maternity pads
Tummy binder
Toiletries (shampoo, soap,  feminine wash,  toothbrush,  toothpaste, lotion, moisturizer, kikay kit, brush/comb, deo, perfume,  hairclip,  wet ones)
Slippers
2 pairs of socks
Eyeglasses
Phone
Phone Chargers


For Sobie
 
2 receiving blankets
2 pairs of mittens
2 pairs of booties
2 baby tie-side shirts
1 pajama set
1 pk newborn diapers
Cloth/Gauze Diapers
Going Home Outfit
1 Bonnet
Car Seat


For B

1 Pillow and Blanket
Toiletries
Change of Clothes
Sleepwear
Phones
Phone Chargers


Documents

Birthplan
SSS ID/Philhealth ID
SSS MAT 2
Photocopy of Marriage Certificate
Philhealth forms
Birth Certificate Info for Baby
Admission Letter from OB
Mommy and Baby previous hospital documents from Thomson's


Others
Cash/ATM Card
Credit Cards
2 pens
Book - What To Expect The First Year
Laptop plus charger
Camera
Camera charger
Extra Memory Cards
External HD - loaded with lotsa movies
Baby Memory Book
Light Snacks (Biscuits,etc.)

Baby Things To Buy

Finally done with THE LIST. :) I've been working on this for a while now. With so many baby stuff out there, narrowing down the list can be really challenging!

Sleeping

Portable crib or Playpen - Graco Pack N Play

Cradle/Bassinet - Graco Pack N Play

Crib mobile - Graco Pack N Play

Crib Mattress - To support bassinet of Graco Pack N Play

Fitted Sheets For Crib - 2 pcs.

Waterproof Mattress Pads/Lining - 2 pcs.

Pillows and Bolsters - 1 set

Crib toys - Lamaze

 

Baby Gears

Stroller - Graco Travel System

Carseat - Graco Travel System

Clip on fan for stroller - rubberized

Clothing and Layette

Side snap shirts for newborn - 6 pcs. Sleeveless, Spencers/Carter's
Side snap shirts for newborn - 6 pcs. Short-sleeved, Spencers/Carter's

Side snap shirts for newborn - 3 pcs. Long-sleeved, Spencers/Carter's

Bodysuits/Onesies - Carter's, 3-6 months, 6 months up,  Short-sleeved and long-sleeved ones

Shorts/Panties - 6 pieces

Small hangers - 2 dozens

Socks/Booties -3 pairs

Mittens - 4 pairs

Receiving Blankets (hooded)  - 2 pcs, should be big enough to swaddle baby

Bonnet/Hat - 3 pcs

Pajamas - 3 pcs

Cardigan - 2 pcs

Feeding and Nursing

 

Medela Swing

Sterilizer - Avent Food and Bottle Warmer- Avent

Bottles-4 oz/125 ml - 2 pcs - Avent or Pigeon - already have 2 pcs.

Bottles-8 oz/250 ml - 2 pcs - Avent or Pigeon - already have 2 pcs.

Breast pump -Avent Isis kit, Medela Swing / Pump In Style

Burp Cloths

Breast pads
Breast shields and cream - Lansinoh
Breast milk containers 4 pcs - Pigeon/Avent

Breast milk storage -Playtex

Nursing pillow

Nursing wrap / cover - To use when nursing in public (like I will do this!)

Bibs - Carter's - 6 pcs.

Bottle Brush - Avent

High Chair - Fisherprice

Diapering

Changing Table
Waterproof Changing Pad - 2 pcs (The First Years)
Disposable Diapers - plenty! Still researching which is the best brand to use
Diaper rash ointment - Drapolene/Desitin
Diaper Pail - with cover
Baby wipes - Pigeon - alcohol-free!

Cotton Balls

Hand Sanitizer - To use before changing nappies (OC!)
Diaper Cover - 2 pcs.
Diaper Bag - LV Diaper Bag in Mini Lin (hahaha, wishful thinking!)

Bath and Potty



Fisherprice Bathtub



Bathtub - The First Years, textured base to prevent slips/Fisherprice

Hypoallergenic shampoo & body wash - Lactacyd Blue, Pigeon

Baby Wash Cloths - 3 pcs.
Towels - 2 pcs, soft and absorbent, hooded

Baby Care and Grooming

Grooming kit - Safety First

Teether

Pacifier

Ear Thermometer

Nasal Aspirator

Baby Activity

Gym - Lamaze, Fisherprice

Bouncer -Fisherprice
Classical Music - Baby Genius CD

DVD - Baby Einstein

Rattles - Fisherprice

Rubber Mats

Educational Toys

Other Essentials

Baby Memory Book - Rustan's, C.R. Gibsons

Electric Kettle - To boil water for thawing frozen milk, nappy changing,etc.

Reference Book on Babies - What to Expect The First Year

Dresser/Chest

Hamper

Covered Waste Bin

Eight at Triple Three!

We love buffets! Because we're big eaters, we feel  it's more 'sulit' to go for buffet rather than the usual a la carte.  To celebrate our 8 years of being together, off we went to one of Singapore's famous buffet restaurant- Triple Three Restaurant at Mandarin Orchard.  Named after its address (333 Orchard Road),  it serves Japanese-inspired international spread.  Sadly because I'm preggy (you can tell from my size), I had to forego of my favorites - salmon and tuna sashimi. :( Nonetheless, I still had my fill of other items in the spread (steak, steak, steak!)  as well as their sinful desserts!

Ready to eat! :)

Pimply, heavyweight Me!

My plate - yes, I love rice!

Dimsum

I'll get to eat you again... SOON.

-BER months are here!

...which only means one thing - Christmas is just around the corner! I looove Christmas! (Who doesn't?)  This year is extra special because of Sobie, our dear lil princess. :)  She better be good a girl so Santa will shower her with lotsa gifts! :)

Our Christmas tree back in Tarlac.  This year, we will get our very own! :) I can't wait! 

Business Class... the SQ Way

While 'attempting' to clean up my hard disk, I found these pictures taken last December, days before our wedding day. :) It was a indeed a memorable experience! (it's my first and probably my last business class trip on my own expense)  I'm super glad I documented it, even at the risk of looking like a jolog! Hahaha. :)

SilverKris Lounge

Very comfy chairs at the lounge

SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport

My nth Singapore Sling.  Hahahaha, was a bit tipsy upon touch down at NAIA.

Pre-wedding Me! A  few more hours before touch down. I don't mind staying a bit longer :)

Cozy :)

Appetizer

Lunch

Tickets...check!

In about one and a half months from now, I going back home!!!  B will be flying days before for our (final) checkup here and to help me with the packing. I am super duper excited. It's my first trip after ~5 looong months and knowing me, super tagal na ito. (I cancelled 3 trips back home after my 2nd term pregnancy difficulties)  I've booked our tickets already! :) I was initially contemplating on splurging again by booking us business class flights but after seeing the long shopping list for Sobie, I decided not to. :) Hehehe, nanguripot!

Manila, see you soon :)

And the shopping begins...

Like excited parents-to-be, we are looking forward to shopping for Sobie's essentials.  B's visit to SG is just timely for my gestational diabetes test (which by the way I pass with flying colors!) as well as Takashimaya's Baby Fair.  Whoever said shopping for baby is a piece of cake is seriously wrong!!!  We had to make a few rounds before deciding which one to buy. 

So here's what we got for Sobie:

Graco Mirage Travel System - we got it for 19% off, it was originally $479, now it's down to $389. :)

Features

* Suitable from birth to around 3 years [Car seat: birth - 13kg].

* One hand fold

* 3 recline positions

* Easy access and large basket for shopping

* Washable pad

* Front swivel, autolock wheels

* Removable tray

* Strong and large foot rest

* 5 point harness

* Large canopy with window

* Car Seat automatically locks onto the pushchair and removes with just one click.

Junior Baby Car Seat

* Suitable for Group 0+: From birth to 13 kgs (birth to around 9-12 months)

* Side impact protection.

* Correct position indicator that tells you the seat is at the right angle.

* Thick, padded, washable seat

* Head cushion for newborns

* Flip over canopy (that keeps the sun out wherever it's coming from)

* Easy to fit in most cars

* Snug and comfortable for your baby

* Automatically locks onto the pushchair and removes with just one click.

Graco Pack 'n Play® Playard - another one essential item for Sobie, it is a bassinet and playpen in one, so it's more sulit.  I like the fact that it is compact and easily collapsible, definitely suited for our on-the-go lifestyle.

Perfect for traveling, this mesh-sided Pack 'n Play® playard sets up in less than a minute. We're sure that the Pack 'n Play® playard will quickly become one of you and your baby's favorite Graco® products. This Pack 'n Play® playard comes with a full-size bassinet with comfy quilted bumper pad and mattress pad, a great place for infants up to 15 lbs to nap peacefully and drift off to dreamland with the nature sounds or music from the electronics unit or just gaze happily at the soft, detachable toys hanging from the included mobile. The changing station supports babies weighing less than 25 lbs. and the parent organizer holds many of your diaper changing essentials. A convenient travel bag is also included - just fold the Pack 'n Play® playard , stow it in the bag, and you and your little one are off to see the world.

Features:

•Removable full-size bassinet with quilted bumper pad provides cozy nap-time space

•Quilted mattress pad for baby’s comfort

•Electronics module entertains and soothes with:

◦5 Classical songs

◦5 soothing nature sounds

◦Night light to illuminate controls

◦Check light shines on baby’s sleep  area

◦Timer settings of 5, 10, 15 or 25 minutes

•Changing table for quick diaper duty

•Mobile with detachable soft toys provides amusement

•Parent Organizer keeps diapering supplies close by

•Push-button fold makes folding easy

•Wheels for mobility in the home

•Easy to store and transport in handy carry bag

Philips Avent Sterilizer Bundle - This comes with a digital bottle and baby food warmer, 1 pc. PES Bottle (125 ml), 1 pc. PES Bottle (260 ml), Body and Hair Wash, Bottle and Teat Brush, Soothing Magic Cream.

 These are what we got so far, the rest we will be getting from Manila, sometime October.

8 years and counting...

Today marks our 8th anniversary together as a couple.  How time flies!  Wasn't it just yesterday when B and I had that memorable dinner at Outback Steakhouse in Libis?  Now, 8 years later, we're happily married and eagerly waiting for our little bundle of joy in November! :)

I'm looking forward to more years of love and laughter together! :)

Baby Fair at Takashimaya

Calling all mums, get the best deals on all the baby necessities from diapers to strollers to baby clothing and toys for all mums and mum-to-be. What’s more with every *$50 same-day purchase (maximum of 3 combined receipts), made at Babies’ Section, Children’s Department, Level 3 and/or Takashimaya Square, B2 and stand a chance to win attractive prizes.


4 Aug - 22 Aug  (Wed - Sun)
10.00am - 9.30pm

We're definitely going.  I can't wait. :)

Source : http://www.ngeeanncity.com.sg/eventspromotions/taka.html

Happy Birthday B!

Happy birthday to my favorite person in the entire world! :) If only I can, I'll fly back home in a heartbeat.  But it's okay, Sobie and I will see you in a few weeks! :)

Baby Fashionista

Lookie, lookie! Sobie has a lot of clothes, and she's not even born yet. :) A fashionista in the making! From the looks of it, pretty soon she'll be needing a closet of her own. :)

I got these cuties from the States (Carter's Gilroy) - at discounted prices! Thanks to Ninang Iris who was kind enough to buy these for her.

Weight Issues

I'm now tipping the scale at 60++ kgs.! Gosh, all my life I've never weighed more than 60! I can no longer hide the fact that I'm preggers. :)

4 months

In the next few weeks, I will be filing my maternity leave. The idea of not going to work for four straight months (or even more) excites and scares me at the same time!

Let the planning begin!

Planning a party - I LIVE FOR THIS.  Remember how long it took me to plan our wedding? :)

Call me OC but this early, I am already planning Sobie's baptism.  I figure it's best I plan ahead while I'm still not busy.  I can just imagine how occupied I'll be once our little princess is born - nappy changes, breastfeeding (I hope...) and all the drama.  It's also near Christmas and New Year so I doubt if suppliers would have the time to entertain meet-ups and inquiries.   Plus I have our house to decorate - okay, this deserves another blog entry.

So what have I done so far:

Church - B and I want to hold it at Santuario de San Antonio, same Church we got married last December.  I've attended several baptism ceremonies there and can I just say, the baptistry is really lovely! They also hold private baptisms so that's really a plus! So last week, I inquired.  One of the requirements to reserve a slot is the birth certificate - sadly wala pa.  Hahahaha.  So note to self - after giving birth and securing Sobie's birth certificate, punta na agad ng SSA. :)

Venue - We already have one in mind but I prefer not to share it yet. Thanks to my dear father in law who managed to reserve it for us - connections, connections!  Hehehe, pati siya do nakaligtas sa mga errands. :) Will blog about this some other time.  But for now, we're 90% sure about it.  It's within Makati Area.

Photo Coverage - I am seriously considering Ging Lorenzo.  I have inquired already, still waiting for her reply.

Party Planner/Venue Styling - I've shortlisted around 3.  Still waiting for all quotations then I'll pick one. I want to take advantage of their early bird promotions.

Ninong/Ninang - work in progress though I've informed a few already.  Still completing the roster.

Theme -  Picked! Definitely not a cartoon character -  I will reserve that for Sobie's first birthday.

Baptismal Gown - none yet.  Might just buy off the rack if I see something pretty.

Reception Dress - c/o Tito Doc/Ninong Arnel.  He will have one made from Randy Ortiz.  Yay, I'm sooo excited.  :)  I can tell Sobie's going to be a kikay!

Invites - Shortlisted some suppliers.  Still waiting for other quotations.  I'm still contemplating on DIYing this... But would I be able to pull this off?  We shall see...

Favors - Not finalized but definitely not the kind that gathers alikabok over time.  It has to be of practical use, may be even edible (cupcakes?)

Preps - B suggested we check-in in one of the nearby hotels in the area - this part, I am hesitant about.  Ang gastos! :) On the hand, it would be a great venue for the pictorial.  Now, I'm imagining Sobie (and me) posing near the stairwell of Manila Pen or Makati Shang.  Hahahaha.  Erase! Erase!

DIY - Baptismal candles

Others -  B wanted to bring beer kegs, hahaha.  I like the idea.  But I think it would be unfair to me.  I will be breastfeeding then which means I can't drink :( (Oh, the things I do for you Sobie!)

So, there! Not bad right?  Considering I have like 6 months to go. (Hinde ako excited, hindi ako excited :P)

We have a strict budget for Sobie's baptism so I'm really trying my best to scrimp. Wish me luck.

It's a Girl!

We will name her SOPHIA BEATRICE - a name fit for a princess.  Her nickname is SOBIE (reminds me of an LV purse [Sobe] I soooo covet... hehehe)

Let the shopping begin! :)

Halfway There!

Baby's twenty weeks today. :) 4 more months! Yey!

Just Us

Sharing with you our recent road trip.  Yes, just him, me and our then 13-week old baby . No driver, no bodyguard for a change! Loved it! :)  Oh and no TV,too! :)

We stayed one night at Virgin Beach Resort, Laiya, Batangas then drove to Tagaytay City.  We initially wanted to stay at The Boutique but sadly, it is fully booked.  We had a sumptous lunch at a nearby Filipino restaurant, Pamana where I had my favorite crispy tawilis.  Yummy! We decided to stay overnight at The Nurture Spa, where hubby had his full body massage. Unfortunately they didn't offer prenatal massage so I settled for their facial massage and foot spa. The following day, relaxed and rejuvinated, we headed back to the city.