Baby Registry is Truly AWESOME!!!!

I have discovered the joy of online shopping recently...which started when my hubby bought our travel system online...which I followed up with baby bath tubs and carrycots during the Black Friday worldwide sale. We got ours in Souq.com and I can say that we got fast delivery and good products mostly from dod_uae. 

Then one day, my cousin informed me that she wanted to buy gifts for my little one and she needs people who will go on vacation to send the stuff to me. Well, it's kinda hard asking for favors and surely, they also have their baggage full of goodies and even a small stuff will be a big task. As I was surfing the net researching for baby stuff, I discovered the "BABY REGISTRY"... a very definable solution to the shipping problems we are facing since most of the relatives and friends are in different location around the globe. 

I signed up with mumzworld.com (is the 1st and largest online shopping site in the Middle East for mother, baby and child, servicing the UAE (Dubai, Abudhabi, Sharjah), Saudi Arabia ( Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar/DMM), Qatar (Doha), Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan (Amman), Lebanon and ship all over the world. ) and made my baby registry from there. It was fun choosing stuff for baby Peanut and knowing that I'm getting stuff that I really need and I have no worries about the stuff being lost in transit during shipping since everything will be ordered in UAE. Although the only difficult thing was they have no FAQ for step-by-step item purchasing which we faced problems when my relatives tried to purchase from Italy and Philippines.  Most of my kind hearted friends choose the item instead of clicking the "green cart" beside the item, thus processing of checkout was quite difficult since it will go to a different payment system. However, I sorted this out with the ever helpful mumzworld staff and just provided a step-by-step instruction on the link for purchasing the items in my gift registry.

So what are the benefits of making a baby gift registry?

screenshot of my baby registry

1. No items will be doubled purchased. (ever hear of getting gifts that are multiple in number which render the other pieces unusable? With gift registry, it shows the items that are already purchased so they can choose those items that are still unpurchased.)

2. Shipping is fast and reliable. ( mumzworld even have AED200 free shipping term, meaning if the bought item was AED200 and above, it will be shipped for free right to my doorstep.)

3. I get to choose which gifts I want. (No more unwanted gifts awkwardness.)

4. No gift wrapping hassles. (You can always choose an option to send the package with gift wrapping...which is cool!)http://www.mumzworld.com/en/mgxbabyregistry/index/registry/id/AYRLQ85DKFZ7/

Too bad, there is no TARGET in UAE otherwise, that would be totally super duper awesome since they also give $20 no string attached for making a registry with them. For now, I posted my baby registry link on my fb account for my friends and relatives to see and I will also be able to post their gifts and our gratefulness every time it was delivered to our home. And yes, my hubby is also fascinated every time we have a package delivery because they come in all sizes! 

36 and counting...

Currently at the middle of my 36th week pregnancy... my belly already dropped big time and my groins are killing me when I walk. I am very thankful that Peanut is very active...and when I say very...really very active to the point that it feels like my whole tummy is bruised all over inside. She even discovered the space on my right ribs where she now stretches her limbs at will.

I am still working at my site office which put almost every office mates of mine (especially in my department!) on their toes. I guess they are really scared that I will have the baby on site... I am not that mean to put them all in alert but since there is only 45 days of maternity allowed in UAE, I just want to push it till the last moment because I wanted to spend time with my newborn.

Tentatively, we are looking somewhere in January 16 to February 4 but my OBGYN feels it might come earlier. Anyhow, its like a "coming soon" movie we are all waiting for. It was kinda hard going up the stairs of my site office (unluckily we were housed on the first floor office!) but I deem it to be a good exercise to avoid swelling of ankles and keeps my body moving. Although the only con was to get down to use the toilet but the rest was a pro....since I can do sunbathing in the morning in our balcony...trying to get enough Vitamin D while I can.

This pregnancy is very difficult but my baby girl is quite strong...and I presume that she will be one tough little cookie like me.  He father is very excited since it will be 2 to 3 weeks before she makes her debut to the world. We are mostly prepare for her too...her clothes, travel systems, bath accessories and my spanking brand new breast pumps, her crib and bed sets all ready to be set up by her nanny. For now, me and hubby are trying to spend as much time as we can dating since we are quite positive that with an incoming baby, we'll be lucky to get a grocery time bonding. Thus, in a few weeks... the tranquil moments will be filled with laughter and tears from our very own minion.

Stretcccccccchhhhhing Marks

Last night after work, I consulted with my ob in Aster because I was vomiting for 2 consecutive days which is abnormal given the fact I'm entering my 33rd week as per USG. I was given some direct IV injections to cure my unsettled stomach. Apparently my acidity level is affecting my food intake. 

stealthy stretch marks :(

But then, it was that fateful night that I discovered that stretchmarks crept underneath my belly!!!! I was in the loo doing my bladder stuff when I happen to look at my engorged tummy on the bathroom mirror. I actually thought there was some discolored skin then when I pulled up my belly...it was staring angrily at me. The day before, these SM are not there and I was quite admiring how flawless my belly is... little did I know that it can appear overnight....huwaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

I was religiously applying Palmer's tummy butter and organic shea butter from Africa since my first trimester to avoid these creepy stretch marks. My mum doesnt have one after two kids so I was actually expecting I wont get it... passing my 7th month...I was proud to call my belly a flawless pregnant belly... until now.

However, despite the new "hero's" mark as the warrior mums call their stretch marks... I will still apply the tummy butter in hope that it will minimize the creeping of the veins. Any further suggestion to eliminate them is very much welcome and appreciated. 

Baby Tubs ...Collapsible?

So , on I go for my online shopping with souq.com taking advantage of the Black/White Friday Thanksgiving sale. Since we already procured for Peanut's travel system....(oh yes were so ready to roam around the world with her new buggy and seats and carrycots!), I must buy the perfect bath tub for her.

Digibath Baby Tub with Stand

Hubby wanted a foldable one, but since there's an awesome sale... I got hold of a Digibath Infant Tub for only....AED 299 originally prices at AED 399 to 499 along with its foldable stand!!! Well, there's still something foldable for my hubby though... so I guess, I am still in line with our motto of "trying to keep things small and compact due to limited space in our house". 

I have yet to receive and use the bath tub which will show me baby's weight and water temperature...don't ever want to put the baby in boiling water eh? Also, they said its made of environmental-friendly materials which I guess is better than buying some cheap tubs or basin to wash your baby and always wondering if some harsh chemicals are getting to their skin. 

There's still so much stuff to prepare for Peanut's arrival and we only got 7-8 weeks to go (still hoping for a complete 40 weeks full term baby) and I feel I'm running out of time... 

Prams, Strollers, Carrycots and so much more!!!

Hubby informed me that it was Black Friday / White Friday sale around the world last November 27th. Honestly, I have no clue whatsoever regarding this Thanksgiving sale until now. So off we go to check souq.com for some baby stuff we will need.

Graco EVO 3 in 1 travel system in Chili Red

I always wanted a Chicco brand however, there was a real neat sale of AED  Graco EVO 3 in 1 travel system on souq.com for only AED 1,149.00. After a few research on review for this type of travel system, I decided to let go of my previous wishlist for a Chicco. We ordered on the 27th and it was delivered to us on the 28th... so I was quite happy that delivery was quick and very efficient.

Graco 1819727 Evo Carrycot, Red

We have yet to assemble the travel system which comes with foot muff, rain cover and looks like a trustworthy large shopping basket underneath the seat. Did I mentioned that car seat also includes the adapter? 

We chose the Chili Red (because I believe red color drives away evil eye...) and the hood will surely cover my baby away from the hot desert sun of the Middle East. Also, according to the review from www.ohlittleonesweet.com, carrycots for Evo are truly useful (although it has to be purchased separately for AED 499.00....yes it was on sale too!) I added this to my cart. Fortunately, the reviewer and me has the same car models, so I am quite happy to be assured that the travel ssytem will fit nicely on the car hood. 

I have yet to expound on the quality, durability and functionality of the Graco EVO 3 in 1 travel system once the baby arrives and get the hang of using this baby gear...but so far I am positive it will last us for the next 2  to 4 kids were planning to have...inshallah.

Baby Freebies

As my tummy gets bigger by the day, so is my belief that I think i'll make a good mummy (You see, I have doubts that I will be such control freak in the following days to come). I have been scrounging the net for baby freebies in UAE. Unfortunately unlike in US, UK and other western countries where coupons and samples are abound, there is only one where you can find useful vouchers, coupons and a free welcome baby gift box... so introducing Marhababy.com for all UAE residents. Not only you get a free box, you get good advices on having a baby in UAE. 

The box contains samples selected by mommies for future mommies. Actually that's their tag line. :) I inside their box, we got samples of J&J baby toiletries and some wipes and vouchers/coupons. I wish there will be more for of these in the coming days. In total, I got three freebies as of now, 1) Destination Maternity gave me Pink Pepper voucher where I get a free 20cm printout from my 1-hr maternity photoshoot; 2) Latifah Hospital Free Electric Bottle Sterilizer w/ J&J baby pouch (hubby was ecstatic with the gift!); and 3) Free Marhababy Box (which I accidentally came upon the net)....so its quite cool to receive such freebies. 

So, I was lucky that during the USG in Latifah Hospital last November 10, it was National Breastfeeding Day and there was a booth at the reception lobby. Dragging my hubby with me, we met with lactation consultants and they discussed breastfeeding with us which are very helpful and informative for both of us. Previously, my hubby prefers that I must not store my breast milk (not that I have any at the moment) because he wants fresh supply for his beloved daughter. It seems I cannot convince him with my research that we can store my milk supply once I started going back to work. But thankfully, the lactation consultant eased his mind that we should feed our incoming daughter exclusively with my breast milk for at least six months with no water involved and that my milk can be stored for months even! In my mind I was counting the amount of money I'll be able to save and praying she will latched properly on me. We'll see...9 more weeks to go anyway.

Maternity Photoshoot. ..feel like a star!

I got a maternity photoshoot voucher from Destination Maternity back when I was somewhere in my 3rd month.

Last night we went on board with Ian (Scottish Sr. Professional Photographer of Pink Pepper Studio of Dubai Mall) and it was fun for me and my hubby.  We go for a black and white theme for classic look. I even bared my tummy (glad didn't have any stretch marks). Hubby bought a Monsoon sparkly red baby shoes for Peanut as props too.

In the old times pregnancy photos are prohibited by the old people in my culture due to some myths. However, I was quite glad that we can document our first bump quite nicely without fear of offending the old people. xoxo

She Got the Moves

I have often wish to write about my pregnancy journey but somehow, I didn't get the urge to do so. Therefore, at 28 weeks, Peanut is truly amazing and her fetal movements are now available for my husband's entertainment.

I can feel her hiccups and the pulsation she is creating inside my stomach. Her kicks on my bladders (which she got the habit of doing so once I am on the service bus travelling home and making me give the best effort I could muster to stop myself from peeing on my pants). Yes, it getting more wonderful everyday... feeling her move around when the shouting at the office starts in the morning ( I work in construction site, therefore these shouting are considered normal form of communication).

I can feel my belly-button starting to pop out slowly and people started asking if my due date is around the corner or if I got twins. Apparently due to my petite frame, my belly looks like a giant watermelon. Yes, I can sympathize with Jabba the Hutt nowadays... I happen to waddle like a penguin more and more as each days pass by. 

During bed time, hubby places his hands on my belly and Peanut will do her jiggly dance...that somewhat starts to resemble like a judo karate moves. She knows her daddy's hands, I guess. I told hubby that Peanut is a showoff... of course, he didn't agree with my statement. He tells me that Peanut is unconscious of her movements thus she cannot be, will never be a show off. Well, I reckon she can sense if daddy's back from work or his hands on my belly because she moves a lot... whereas when its me talking to her softly... she just do a bit and that's all I get. A daddy's girl in the making. :)

Peanut Travels the World

Currently on my 28th week and wishing for a snowy vacation somewhere in Europe. After some cajoling, I managed to secure a travel certificate from my OB. Hubby and I were planning to go to Georgia (I've been there in 2014 with my friends) and I am excited to do the bookings and plan for this last hurray vacation where there will be just the two of us (technically three...but nonetheless Peanut doesnt count yet). Then my OB reminded us in case Peanut decided to join the outside world in Gudauri (its very hard to give birth on a mountain of snow) the medical help will be a long way and will endanger the baby.

Something clicked in and hubby decided to play it safe. We will not go anymore...and there goes my dream of making another mini snowman and breathe the fresh, cold mountain air untainted by human pollution. My asthma was getting worse so another respiratory doctor prescribed me Combivent (note: dont take when your pregnant unless the doctor says so!) and Pulmicort to help me breathe. Thus, a morning and evening nebulizer session materialized. 

I am not being selfish or what, but I feel that Peanut will be a good girl and stay warm inside me. I have been talking to her to stay 12 more weeks so Daddy and I can have a nice, quiet vacation. I do strongly feel she wanted a vacation and fresh air too... but then again, people are mortified with the idea of a preggy lady on a plane. So I guess, I have to let go of the vacation dream.... and be contented waiting for another 12 weeks for Peanut's grand arrival. Somehow, there is still a lot of stuff needed to be arranged and cleaned to ensure the house is free from harmful dusts and mites that may harm the baby. My lovely and sweet hubby promised me that we will bring Peanut with us next time and will be christened in Georgia. 

So better safe than sorry...no more plane rides for me until Peanut arrives. For now, I have to content myself that Peanut did went to two countries already (technically speaking....err writing? She have been to Seychelles, Africa and turkey even before she finished the first trimester...tough baby eh?) prior to her arrival to the world. My best guess is, she will also be a travel fanatic like me.

Getting Ready

Im on my 27th week now and Peanut is moving a lot... not that I am complaining. Especially when my hubby's hands are on my tummy on the location where her head is, she will start to show off her judo moves.

We went around to look for Peanut's stuff and a friend of mine insists I should have a baby shower so I wont need to buy stuff. Well, it on the plan in November once I reached 32 weeks, inshallah. We also opened a file now in government hospital as per my OB's advice in case I have preterm labor. So basically, we have 2 hospitals to go to, the private (if Peanut is a good girl and came out on her due date, then she will be pampered here) and the government (also a good and well-recommended choice since the have the best NICU in Dubai, although its a no-frills straightforward hospital...meaning dont expect to be treated like a queen). So far, I do vomit sometimes that takes out the whole energy out of me. But Peanut is doing good and I know she can hear me when I talked to her. We did try for 4D last week just to see her face but unfortunately, she hid behind her hands so it became a regular 2D. However, all vitals are doing good and I feel she will reach her 40 weeks properly. 

By next week, we are planning to do the belly cast even if my belly button is not yet protruding like normal pregnant women has (most probably because I have too much fat before). My hubby did complimented that he loves my pregnant body (yes folks....he loves it that I get a wolf-whistles when I dress myself to work in the mornings). I lost some weight in this pregnancy contrary to gaining weight which I think is good rather than totally feeling like Jabba the Hutt. Sometimes I waddle like a true penguin when I walk and got some early morning cramps. However, my sweet hubby do massage my feet to keep it from swelling during night time along with the tummy butter belly rubs. That makes me feel like the luckiest wife in the world.... 

So sleeping on the left side does helps a lot, because I am not swelling and getting some "cankles" (hopefully I really wont till the due date). Although my asthma did hyped up a bit (good thing that nebulizer is ok for pregnant women), everything feels quite normal. I stopped reading too much stuff about babies in the internet as my mind started to get confused with all the information and different advice. Anyhow, as they said, every pregnancy is different. 

All About Maternity Pants

I work in a construction site in the Middle East and one of the things I have to consider is which clothes will offer me comfort and protection from dust and hot weather. I cant wear skirts (my choice) and my pants have gave up on me a long time back.

Jessica Simpson Secret Fit Belly

It was pure blessing when Destination Maternity went on sale. True to my real form, I went gaga over clothes... shirt blouses, a few dress (for future dates with hubby) and Maternity Pants!!! I was supposed to buy a maternity bra actually.... but end up with the clothes anyway. 

So I would like to gloss over the beauty of maternity pants. I was in Sahara Center in Sharjah when I first bought a couple (or should I say 4 pair of pants? :P) along with my dependable friend James who is always very patient enough to be style guru. I dont want to look "old and motherly" so I opted for skinny jeans mostly. I want to look stylish in my bump. The pants I tried on other shops are really baggy and makes me look dwarfish since I'm quite short (almost 5'...without heels). Lo and behold, I love all the styles and fit of these mom pants in Destination Maternity! That's why I end up with 4 pairs....and horde of airy chic blouses.

Cost is affordable because it is sale...got mine for Aed65-80 each pair originally around AED250-350... yes, I am a bargain hunter and proud! I feel that because of the light, comfy and firm elastic waistbands, I might be wearing these till post partum. Now that's a thought! :) 

Reaction from my colleagues? They have no idea I'm wearing it! Everyone wondered how can I wear skinny at this stage and they all suggest that I should wear skirts so my bump will be comfy... so I always end up lifting my blouse in the toilet to show the girls that its maternity pants already...and yes I get a few ohhh and ahhhs  along the way. So for all mother-to-be out there...I strongly recommend Destination Maternity clothes to dress your bump stylishly. 

No Touch Zone

On September 7th, we had our prenatal checkup with Dr. Ensaf. Hubby and I were quite excited to finally knowing if Peanut is really a girl. But lo and behold, we were unfortunate to find out that I was having mild contraction (now I know why my tummy aches).

Peanut was on her knees at that time (she looks like praying) and Dr. Ensaf stopped probing to avoid more contractions (thus explain why were still guessing Peanut's gender). She wanted to put me to bed rest once more, but due to work responsibilities I pleaded that I'll be more careful (okay...I'm not being a mean mom by not resting) and will request for 2 days weekend off from work so I can have bed rest. Thankfully, the triple marker result was normal and everything is fine (except for the contractions). She ordered a detailed scan for me on September 12th and some blood test. Another injection to lessen the contraction was administered to me. 

Apparently, my daily tummy massage is causing the mild contractions as Peanut responds to my touch. Thus, until I reach 40 weeks, by belly is off-limits and no-touch-zone.  A Chinese colleague told me that it is their beliefs to avoid rubbing the tummy when pregnant so it will not stimulate contractions. Although I cant find any scientific research to prove this.... I'd rather follow my doctor's advise to ensure we reach 40 weeks.

I started drinking liters of water since I noticed my skin is drying out and my lips are chapped. Hiccups are always present so I guess I am dehydrated. With all my best effort, I am avoiding soft drinks and preserved juices. Water and Duphaston are my bff's nowadays. And tons of bed rests... no walking in the malls... (I can actually count on my fingers how many times I have been to the mall since I got prego!). So lets see on the 12th...praying for no contraction until 40th week.... 

The Pregnancy Amnesia

I never thought it would happen to me... I was too proud to call myself sharp-minded and possess a photographic memory too. 

However, I have to admit I am experiencing the "pregnancy forgetfulness" nowadays. I realized I started forgetting names of things, places and worse....people I work with! 

This morning, I had an episode vomiting which is quite unusual since I'm already past the 1st trimester...so breakfast down the drain (although I don't feel guilty nor sorry for it being wasted once again... you see, instant chicken noodles and anmum chocolate drink doesn't make a real healthy breakfast either).

So, I went back to my cubicle and tried to find something to munch on to replace the lost breakfast... and guess what? I forgot that the dried grapes is called "raisins".... take note...it's one of my favorite snacks... and its time to admit I'm really succumbing to this temporary amnesia for now.... 

ummm... I forgot the next sentence so I'll say au revoir for now... whew!

Quick Review : Anmum Materna

So my dear DC got me an Anmum Materna in Chocolate Flavor.... at first I made the drink in warm water and I really don't like the taste. It's somewhat weird at first though.

On my second time to make the drink, I added some ice cubes (cold water is not advisable to pregnant women... ) and it tasted better. So I guess, I prefer to drink it cold from now on.

Anmum Materna also has Anmum Lacta (for breastfeeding moms out there). Both are especially created for pregnant women since the drink has high folic content which is perfect for your developing baby.

Now, let me enjoy another glass and hope Peanut's bone will be stronger :)

Food for Thoughts

Just want to share this...

Due to a recent threatened miscarriage, I was advised not to eat the following:

1. Papaya
2. Pineapple (too late I cooked Chicken Pineapple Dish the day before the mishap)
3. Eggplant (oh no....my favorite....so long for now...)
4. Parsley (no more taboulehs)

So if any pregnant woman comes across this blog...BABALA....asawa ni...BABALU! :p (that's what I get from watching #Aldub Kalyeserye...lol!)

Papa's Girl...or Boy?

"I have Papa's nose!!!"

Peanut is doing well now. Thank God for that!

Last week we had a very scary moment. It was Thursday night and I just finished my dinner and fast forwarding Jurassic Park movie when I felt the need to pee. And that is when all hell break loose.

Pee... wash... and dry...it was a good thing I looked at the used tissue because I saw blood all over it. I checked the water closet and more blood were there. Tears started welling up my eyes and fear gripped my heart. 

I kept repeating "I don't want to lose Peanut... oh dear God no...please..." while trying to calm myself down and send an SOS to my hubby who was at work that night. I took my magic pill Duphaston and lie down on the bed while thinking of my next step.

It was a blessing in disguise that I was chatting with an old colleague who happened to be my neighbor a few street away. Worrying that if I wait for hubby things might get worse...I told him to meet me at the ER and my good-hearted colleague drove me there. He is now considered my guardian angel...after all he has the archangel's name. 

I was immediately confined and given injections and 4 more Duphaston pills. On-call OB-GYN doctors checked Peanut and was initially told that my placenta was quite low. But they told me not to worry as it will move up in time and Peanut's heartbeat was normal. No sign of stress. For the next two days, I was subjected to all prenatal tests to ensure that Peanut will be fine. Im on my 17th week now as per the USG but gender reveal is not yet available. For now, one thing I was assured of by the kind doctors...and that Peanut has Papa's nose!!!! Yeyyyy!!!

By Sunday, I was ready to go home with a fresh bouquet of flowers (courtesy of my loving, sweet husband) and do the necessary bed rest for a week. For someone who is used to working everyday, it was a crazy week but for the sake of Peanut I'm not going to complain. Hospital follow up with a new doctor was scheduled and done. With a full bladder that I almost peed on my pants, I was subjected to another round of ultrasound. Result: No placenta previa ... another blessing from God! 

And just to make sure that Peanut will have a good healthy bones and body, I asked my good-hearted document controller Bart to get me Anmum Materna. At first the taste was not that astounding...but I guess I must get used to it. I'll write a short review for it later on so I will observe for now....

Cravings

Peanut is now at 14 weeks and 5 days old. Officially a fetus with complete limbs and constantly moving. The latest USG showed the posterior side but we had a glimpse of the side profile. Seems my wish of him/her looking like "Papa Peanut" will come true, the nasal oscillation was very visible. 

I missed the double marker so we need to wait for the triple marker and I am now prescribed with aspirin to make my blood thinner so Peanut can get more nutrients. I had the lower back pains and vomiting is still around although not everyday now. 

However the cravings for certain type of foods has now started its course. For some unknown reason, the lemon and herb basting sauce of Nando's appealed greatly to my selective taste buds. Hubby is now forced to take me at least three times a week to Nando's. 

Chowking's halo-halo is also on the list. Good thing they deliver to my office so my cravings are quite satisfied. But I still reason out to myself that the ice and milk were the real ingredients that prevents my stomach from going ballistic with acidity. Yes, I am quite worried of being weighing more than I should, so prenatal yoga is in my plans too.

I also went shopping at Destiny Maternity yesterday to buy some preggy pants and blouses since my jeans ceased to cooperate remaining closed. Of course, I want Peanut to have a proper room for growth despite me starting to look like a whale...and at 3 1/2 months only...tsk! 

Emotion Overload

June 6, 2015... was the first time I experienced the so-called "emotion overload" of pregnant women. 

Morning at work is usually hectic and stressful which is normal. I had some very serious discussion with my deputy TM and it was very hard to maintain my calmness. Eventually I rant out my frustrations to my other half and Peanut do felt the distress I was in at that moment.

The workday finished slowly, summer heat getting into my nerves. I took a cold shower as soon I got home to take away the icky feeling. I also throw up twice today...it was quite a big load off my stomach and it hurts (thought I even saw blood). I felt the fatigue and hunger so I called X Pizza (due to some law I refuse to name the restaurant even I wanted to shout it out to the world). I ordered a spaghetti and pizza delivery and they have my contact details on their list as they asked me if I wanted the delivery to my office. I told them I am home so I gave them my address once more which baffled me since I am a regular customer. They said it will take them 30-40mins to deliver. I was like my house is 3 buildings away but they said thats the normal delivery. So I said okay, Peanut and I can still hold it in.

I spent 6-8pm talking to my friend Ate Joy and waiting for the food. 

8:00pm: I called X Pizza, apparently the cashier was probably not herself as she gave their delivery driver a wrong unit number. But they never told me that, she said its on its way and asked for my unit number again. She informed me that my mobile was off. So I told her you know my unit right, why dont you go straight to my house? So I told her my address once more and waited another 22 minutes.

8:22pm: I called X Pizza, I think the owner answered this time around and told me what really happened. And even blamed me that my mobile was off...which isn't as I just lost signal at home. Shaking furiously out of hunger and anger with the garbage customer service, I told the owner to cancel their "shit" as I will not wait for another 2 1/2 hours for their food. I totally promised myself that I will never ever order from them again.

I went down to my building lobby to look for some food brochures and asked the guard if there was a delivery guy who even entered the building.

"no madam we didnt see anyone." so X Pizza was a total liar.

I was lucky I saw the Itzza Pizza and called them to take my order as I was on my way to their place. Guess what? My spaghetti bolognese was sitting nicely when I arrived and the staff was so accommodating and respectful. And they ended up on my speed dial...:)

So, lesson learned: Never get a pregnant woman hungry as there will be hell of a fury. (not intentional though but I pretty guess its the raging hormones...)

First Heartbeat

So far I can control the morning sickness with yoghurt and oranges. Peanut is a good embryo. Although it sometimes cramp my lower abdomen I have no bleeding whatsoever. I am praying hard that everything will okay till the 40th week.

June 4th was Peanut's second U/S to check the heart beat. I purposely wore a dress for easy access. I usually ends up tangled in my pants so I have to dress rock chic today. I wore a nice black flowery dress, short denim jacket and my ever dependable Timberland boots. By 7:15pm I was on my back (bladder almost bursting...I have to keep it in for a while till the U/S procedure finished.

My other half and I were holding hands while the doctor run the scanner on my ever-so-big-tummy. And lo and behold...there was Peanut. Its the size of a grain by now at 5 weeks 4 days. Then the doctor turn the volume to hear Peanut's heart beat. It was beating strongly at 147/per minute. Apparently, Peanut do listen to me when I say that he/she must be strong and cling tightly to me. Out of amazement, Peanut's papa forget to record the event, so the doctor had to turn on the sound waves. We also get to see close up on the embryo and I have to admit, it's amazing how a tiny grain in my belly was a developing human.

"Doc, are you sure it is not my heartbeat?" I momentarily asked the kind doctor as I still could not believe that it was Peanut's heartbeat I just heard.

"Is your heart located in your tummy?" the doctor replied jokingly.

So I finally I concede to the idea of Peanut telling us "Yo mama, I'm definitely here!" I am biased but my baby's heart beat is the most beautiful sound in the world for me.

Eating Healthy

I started researching about healthy foods for pregnant women. I specifically tried to eat foods that will avoid if not, totally eliminate the dreaded morning sickness. It was difficult controlling the puking part actually. 

However, I started my morning with yogurts, flavored mostly and some water. Lemon lime juice to keep me cool. I also started drinking 900ml of orange juice for at least 2 days. Walnuts, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and some grapes are always on hand. I make sure my stomach has food so I will not feel queasy. I checked with my ob-gyne on May 24th with my U/S scan on hand. Since I have a history of PCOS, she was thrilled that we succeeded in healing my ovaries that are threatening to be infertile. I am 34 going 35 this year so we both think that its a very, very ripe age for motherhood. She gave me folic vitamins and medicine to ensure the sac will stick to my uterus and to avoid any miscarriage. Of course, she trust me that this will be a successful pregnancy since I am a very obedient patient who takes my medicines on the dot.

I'm currently on my 5 weeks as of today and I am excited to hear Peanut's heartbeat for tomorrow's U/S (ultrasound). I keep my fingers crossed that Peanut will be a very healthy, strong and smart baby in the next 8 months. 

My cousins asked me why I call the embryo "Peanut"... well it kinda look like a peanut when I first saw the U/S scan, so I guess the name stuck. 

New Existence

It was 4am on the 21st of May when I found out about Peanut.

I suspected that around this time... it may happen for real. 

I took the first test where the positive sign is a bit unclear. But I know something was up!

I was slightly shocked that at 34, my journey to motherhood will began. I was still praying that somehow, its not real. I still feel I wasnt financially and emotionally ready for this. My hands felt cold and clammy, heart chugging like a train.

Then I prayed...really prayed. I asked God that for forgiveness for doubting "His perfect time" and accepted the "blessing" that I am about to receive. I pray that He will guide me through to become a good mother. It was quite a long talk between me and God. I was scared of a lot of stuff and I pray that He will calm me. In my head, a voice started singing "God will make a way when there seems to be no way..." and biblical verses such as "put your yoke upon Him and He will give you rest" started cropping inside my brain. Yes, God was calming me and helping me accept the new reality I am about to face.

I went back to the bathroom and took the second test. This time with a different brand and it is more clear..two positive red lines. I picked up my mobile and called my mom. 

"Hey mom, are you ready to be a grandma?" 

Afterwards, I called my aunt and uncle, sent messages to my bestfriend in Italy, spread the good news to my excited cousins. All the while planning for reality, financial support and retaining my job. It was a very hectic day for me. 

It was also a good thing I am scheduled for an U/S (ultrasound scan) in the afternoon as I was totally worried that it might be ectopic due to some pelvic pain I was having a week before. As me and my other half waited for our turn, I unraveled to him the "news". As I usually tease him about being pregnant, it took him quite awhile to take in the news. ( I sure wonder whether he will cry or laugh....I was intently looking at his expression and like me he sure look scared at the new development of our life).

"We are in this together." and I never felt more loved than that moment.