36 Weeks!

This is it. This is the last week of my 8th month. By next week, I'll be 37 weeks already and will be considered full term. I can give birth anytime by next week. I really really want to give birth already. My stomach is so heavy and the aches and pains have already intensified.

I think my stomach has dropped. I really don't know how a "low" stomach looks like and I'll know when I return to my doctor for my weekly check-up on Saturday. Nevertheless, I have to keep on walking and exercising.

We're off to Tagaytay tomorrow to spend the rest of the holidays there with my in-laws. We'll be back though before the New Year. We were told to bring sweaters and jackets as it's bloody cold up there. Hopefully the trip up won't be too difficult for me but I have to get out of the house and as they say, kailangang matagtag para bumaba pa yung baby.

Probably the difference this week as compared to the previous weeks is that the bathroom trips are more frequent. Previously, I only wake up once during the night to relieve myself. Sometimes, I can sleep the whole night through. Nowadays, I get up 3 to 4 times during the night and the interrupted sleep can make me cranky. I guess it's practice when the baby inevitably arrives and interrupted sleep becomes the norm.

My lower back, lower tummy and thighs are also aching which is an indication that the baby is settling and getting ready for his birth. I returned to doing my stretching exercises which somehow relieves the aches.

I've also packed my hospital bag and have had the baby's clothes washed (with Cycles, of course). The baby cabinet (chest of 4 drawers) also arrived today. Will have the clothes washed in batches so we can start storing them in the cabinet. Leo also unpacked the baby carrier/car seat (from Tita Chit!) and has prepared it for the baby. Which reminds me, we still haven't purchased a stroller yet and a bottle sterilizer. Those are the two items remaining in our list. We'll probably go sometime this week. And I still don't have a yaya!

I have prepared the nursery as best as I could. Although we'll be moving the crib in our room to make breastfeeding easier. I'll probably try it until I return to work and will go for mixed feeding.

Ok, wish me luck! Please pray for an uncomplicated delivery and for the baby to come out safe and healthy.

Thundercats Movie - Fan Made

This person must surely love Thundercats. I recall growing up watching the cartoon series on Saturday mornings.

Try to figure out who is which and where he got the splices:

Abby's Despedida

We had Abby's despedida yesterday afternoon at one of the office's conference room as most people are no longer available due to the busy Christmas season. Since she's now with Marketing, it was her department-mates that organized the event for her. She was with the bank for 10 1/2 years.

As one of her former one-downs, I was asked on-the-spot to say something. I declined as I was already on the verge of tears and all I wanted to tell her I already told her when I learned of her resignation.

I will definitely miss her. When she was my boss, she inspired us to give our best in all we do and can make you do things which you thought you did not have the capability to do. She always have words of wisdom to spare. She was one of the reasons why I am where I am in my career now.

When I took over the headship of my current unit, she always has words of advice to share--especially when I would come running to her for help (she used to do my job). Though we're in opposite sides of the fence, she was often very patient with me and my shortcomings. She always kept me on my toes and I would always keep her in mind whenever I make decisions that would affect my unit and her business.

I have kept her emails whenever she would praise me for whatever good or smart thing that I have done. I read them over and over again as I've aptly titled the folder where I saved her emails "read this when you're down". Her words of praise really meant so much to me that I draw strength from them whenever someone at work makes me feel incompetent. They reinforce my belief in myself and that I am good at what I do.

In my last email to her, I told her that I hope to achieve whatever she has achieved and to be able to inspire my people the way she has inspired me. When I saw her reply, I could not help but shed tears--she said that she has always believed in me and my capabilities. Knowing that someone really believes in you makes the difference.

Like most of the people who recently resigned, she's going to take a breather. Work for the past few months have been...difficult and she said she just got caught up with the negativity and she had to leave before it got any worse. After the picture was taken above, I confessed to her my own fears and how I'm also thinking of leaving. I was surprised when she told me that I should stay and bear it as long as I could and one way to bear it is to stay away from the negativity. It's difficult considering the current atmosphere in the office but I'll try. Anyway, I have 3 months to think about it and I hope I'll be able to make the wise and correct decision.

35th Week Check-up

I can't believe I'm on my 35th week of pregnancy already. In a couple of weeks, I can give birth anytime as I'm considered full-term already. I really want this to be over with. Everyday is already a struggle. I'm thankful that I'm on leave already starting on Wednesday and not due back to work until the 2nd of January (hindi pa ba holiday yung day na yon??).

My stomach is so huge already but my doctor said that my baby's size is still okay for his age of gestation and still a candidate for normal delivery. I'm experiencing a lot of Braxton-Hicks contractions and every turn and kick of the baby is already uncomfortable.

I had my check-up yesterday and my doctor is still happy with my condition. BP is still normal and I only gained 1 pound in the last couple of weeks. Thus my total weight gain in my whole pregnancy so far is already at 9 lbs. My doctor does not want me to have any sudden weight gain throughout the holidays.

We already discussed my birth plan. Leo will be with me the whole time and the new hospital rooms at Makati Med will be open by the time I give birth. I'm still not decided with the epidural but we agreed that they will only give it to me when I ask for it. If I can still handle the pain, they won't give it to me.

The baby is still riding "high" in my stomach. Good thing as I really don't want to give birth on December. I would really prefer that he comes out after the New Year. People laugh when I tell them my main reason: that it's difficult to plan a children's party during the holidays. Can you imagine booking suppliers in the midst of the Christmas rush?? Not only will I be charged Christmas rates but people might be too busy to attend my kid's party! 

Anyway, only two days of work left. I really want to start my vacation already.

Baby Shower Pictures

My Mother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law threw a baby shower for me on Dec 18 at Lolo Gening's and Lola Remy's house at Magallanes. They even had games and everything!
My mother-in-law's sisters were there together with Lola. Leo's other cousins were also in attendance.

Lolo Gening's 90th Birthday Party

On Dec 14, Lolo Gening (Leo's maternal grandfather) celebrated his 90th birthday at The Palms Country Club with his family and friends.
Leo's aunts and mom organized games for the guests and Leo's nephews even performed for the guests.

Lunch with rpgdlsu group

Lunch with rpgdlsu group on Dec 13 at Cyma and Flapjacks

35th Week Check-up

I can't believe I'm on my 35th week of pregnancy already. In a couple of weeks, I can give birth anytime as I'm considered full-term already. I really want this to be over with. Everyday is already a struggle. I'm thankful that I'm on leave already starting on Wednesday and not due back to work until the 2nd of January (hindi pa ba holiday yung day na yon??).

My stomach is so huge already but my doctor said that my baby's size is still okay for his age of gestation and still a candidate for normal delivery. I'm experiencing a lot of Braxton-Hicks contractions and every turn and kick of the baby is already uncomfortable.

I had my check-up yesterday and my doctor is still happy with my condition. BP is still normal and I only gained 1 pound in the last couple of weeks. Thus my total weight gain in my whole pregnancy so far is already at 9 lbs. My doctor does not want me to have any sudden weight gain throughout the holidays.

We already discussed my birth plan. Leo will be with me the whole time and the new hospital rooms at Makati Med will be open by the time I give birth. I'm still not decided with the epidural but we agreed that they will only give it to me when I ask for it. If I can still handle the pain, they won't give it to me.

The baby is still riding "high" in my stomach. Good thing as I really don't want to give birth on December. I would really prefer that he comes out after the New Year. People laugh when I tell them my main reason: that it's difficult to plan a children's party during the holidays. Can you imagine booking suppliers in the midst of the Christmas rush?? Not only will I be charged Christmas rates but people might be too busy to attend my kid's party!

Anyway, only two days of work left. I really want to start my vacation already.

I'M WATCHING THE MADZ!!!

I've watched The Madz perform live only once and it was an experience to remember. I remember that it was at the Philamlife Theater around five years ago. Though I barely understood half of their repertoire, it was such an uplifting experience. They inspired me when I joined a church choir in Mandaluyong and they were my basis when I chose a choir for my wedding last year (asa pa ako to afford them).

When AIG gifted my officemate a special edition CD of their love songs three or four years ago, I immediately borrowed it and listened to it again and again. Too bad it was not for sale as everyone wanted a copy of it.

I've been wanting to watch them perform live again but I keep on forgetting to buy tickets. When I saw in their multiply site that they're raffling away tickets to one of their concerts and all we had to do was just tell them why we deserve to win tickets, I immediately wrote down my answer -- I deserve to win free tickets because I'm 34 weeks pregnant and during my pregnancy, I made it a point to let my unborn baby listen to your music. My baby and I (together with my husband) would definitely love to hear you sing live. -- and I was the first contestant! Haha! Winners will be announced in their site. They would have featured videos on their site and there was this video which my baby loved listening to. I can still remember the kick he gave when he heard the baritone voice of Jonathan Zaens singing "Bring Him Home".

Due to several commitments the past two days, I was not able to check my email or the site and when I logged in this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was one of the lucky winners! Yay yay yay!

It is indeed God's will that we get to watch as I thought the concert was initially scheduled tonight when we also received a late notice of dinner with one of Leo's aunts. But the concert turned out to be at 3PM at the CCP--enough time for us to make it to dinner just across the street (Dragon Gate).

So even if I only had four hours sleep tonight due to a late Christmas party last night, I am so looking forward to hearing my favourite choir sing live. No doubt my baby will be kicking his joy tonight as well. It's my best Christmas present ever!

Sunshine's baby shower

Start:	Dec 18, '08 7:00p
Location:	have no idea as they're organizing it

Mama, together with her sisters and Ate Tricie will throw a baby shower for me.

Dampa with Family - 6Dec08

I treated the family at Sucat Dampa for my birthday.
Chloe was at her charming best while Miguel was suddenly camera shy.
For the first time, I was last one left eating finishing off the shrimp and crabs

SCB Christmas Party 2008 - 12Dec08

It was time again for the annual SCB Christmas Party. However, this year's party was more low-keyed compared to the previous years. For one, the prizes were not as grand but they did not scrimp on the food and the open bar. Party was held at the PICC Forum Food was catered by Via Mare. Our table was also very nicely placed. Our seats were preassigned and it was a nice surprise to see that we're seated behind the CEO table, near the stage exactly in the middle.

Contrary to what other people think, I just proved that pregnant women are not necessarily lucky in raffle prizes. They gave away 100 winners of 1000 pesos, 20 winners of 5000 pesos, 5 winners of 10000 pesos, 1 winner of 20000 pesos, 1 winner of 30000 and 1 winner of 50000 and I did not win any of those. There were minor appliance prizes and I didn't win any of that too! Oh well.

We didn't have trip prizes this year (we used to have prizes for trip to the US, Europe, Australia etc) probably due to the economic crisis and we somehow understood that. It was fun though even if I was not able to join my team in the round of drinks (the tequila shots just keep on coming) and the dancing. I think my baby enjoyed it though as he kept on kicking during the live band performance.

Are We There Yet?

Everyday, I marvel at my ever-expanding and ever-growing stomach. My butt/back aches are getting worse and walking and getting up from my chair is already a herculean task. I've taken to walking around the block after dinner as what my doctor recommended even if it gives me a backache afterwards.

I measured my tummy and from underneath my breasts up to the bottom is already at 37cm! I read somewhere that the stomach grows 1cm for every week of pregnancy so does that mean my stomach is already meant for 37 weeks??? I really do hope that this is all fluids and not all baby. I know my baby's weight is just enough for his gestation (he's at 1.6kg 3 weeks ago) so my guesstimate is he should be around 4 to 4.5 lbs now--just enough as well.

People have been remarking on my size and how they're guessing that I'm due any minute now. Thing is, the baby is still "high" and is not settling down yet. However, he's already in the position (cephalic) and according to my OB, his head is just a few inches away from being engaged.

I have an inkling that I'll be making it to my 40 weeks (end of January). However, a part of me wishes that I'll be giving birth on my 37th week (first week of January). I really want to get this over with. Whenever I walk, my hands either support my lower belly or my lower back.

Just a few more weeks...

Birthday Gift

My team in the office decorated my workstation (looks like a baby shower instead of a birthday decor, not that I mind) for my birthday. This was the sight that greeted me when I got back from my block leave. I was touched of course by their effort. I was MORE touched when they got me an item from my wish list -- a baby couture diaper bag! Yay!

Everytime I'm in ATC, I pass by their stall and look at the bags. I'm always tempted to buy one but I stop myself with the thought that someone can give it to me as a gift and if no one gives it to me, I don't need it until I give birth.

I also got a bag organizer from my former boss, Joanne. That's it I guess (not counting the cash gifts I got from my mom and in-laws). Oh and the dozens and dozens of birthday greetings. That counted as well.

What did Leo get me? Well to be fair him, he's been asking me what I want for my birthday but I can't think of any. So I just told him to save his money for our big event on January. There's really nothing much that I want now. Every material thing seems blasé as our baby is our main focus right now.

Birthday at SCB

My CAU Family decorated my workstation with pink and blue balloons (particularly love that balloon with an "It's a Boy!" inscription).

They also gave me a Baby Couture Diaper Bag that I've been eyeing for quite some time. I also got a Red Ribbon Rocky Road cake. Yay!

Of course, I treated them to lunch at the ever-dependable North Park.

Prop 8 - The Musical

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones

I called in sick today as I threw up while getting ready for work and was feeling not only nauseous but dizzy as well. It did not help that I woke up at 230 in the morning with a really really as in REALLY bad leg cramp. It took Leo quite a while to straighten out my leg. Then after he'd let go, the cramp would start all over again.

Anyway, I rested more this morning and ate cereal for breakfast. The nausea is still there though and I haven't thrown up again. I checked with my doctor and she said morning sickness is still possible late in the pregnancy although I have to ensure that it's not indigestion or food poisoning. I'm sure it's not food poisoning and as for indigestion, I didn't eat that much last night. So it's just probably the stomach acid. I'll just take it easy today and get more rest. I think I overexerted myself too much at work yesterday.

While resting, I channel surfed and saw some parts of the video above (please click on the link. I'm having problems embedding it) being played in ANC. Seeing Jack Black as Jesus Christ somehow piqued my curiosity and well, you just have to watch it and see.

For the uninformed, like me, Proposition 8 was a California ballot proposition that changed the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman and eliminated the right of same sex couples to marry (thank you, Wikipedia). This video somehow takes a dig at the abovementioned law.

Happy Birthday To Me (and my 8th Month Check-up)

Yep, it's my birthday today and it's turning out like any other regular day, except I'm on vacation leave (and the last day of my block leave too).

Leo's been bugging me on what I would want for my birthday. For the life of me, I can't decide what I want so I just told him to save it for the baby's birth. Besides, he's renewing my People subscription so that's enough of a gift for me.

I had my 32nd week check-up today. I gained 3 lbs the past two weeks but my doctor's still not worried about it as I caught a bad cold in the last couple of days and the additional weight gain could probably be the amount of liquids that I consumed to combat the cold. Besides, I'm still within my predetermined weight gain so we're still ok. My BP is at 110/60, again nothing to worry about although she did find traces of protein in my urine but still normal. She'll check again in a couple of weeks. My feet are a bit swollen but is not noticeable (I didn't notice it too until she pointed it out to me).

My cold is better although my throat is still a bit sore but I gargle with Betadine (I prefer it over Bactidol) 3x a day. Though it's considered safe, I don't dare drink Neozep or Decolgen as per my experience, drinking cold medicines usually give me asthma and it's something which I can't afford to have right now. According to my doctor, they treat pregnant patients having an asthma attack as non-pregnant and I don't want that to happen.

Anyway, I'm going to take a nap. I need all the rest that I need as I'll be returning to work tomorrow. Oh well, after two weeks, it's vacation time again. Something to look forward to.