Birth!

Tomorrow, we are going to celebrate the birth of my daughter Chesca, which made me reminisce,

At this time last year, I was already admitted to the hospital 33 1/2 weeks into my pregnancy.

Two weeks before giving birth, I sent my ultrasound results to my doctor and upon seeing it, I was advised to bed rest.  But me and the baby were okay.  I took a half day from the office and went home.  From then on, I either stayed at my mom's house or at our apartment.

At around 2 a.m. of April 19, I had some leaking.  Calmly, I told my husband about it.  We briefly discussed about going to the hospital just to be sure, but, still, I was not feeling anything.  We were not in a panic or anything.  I told him that we do not have yet our baby bag, but he said he will just pack if I will be admitted (I was planning to ready bag that week!).  On the way to the hospital, I asked if he was nervous, and he said no.  I was not nervous as well.  We were just calm about it.  Well, after a few checks, I was advised to remain in the hospital for observation since my baby and I are ok.  No need to induce.  It was discussed that the baby should be in my tummy as long as she can since she is still premature.

So I stayed there in the hospital, with Allan, my relatives and Allan's sister taking turns in looking over me.  Every now and then I was brought to the delivery room for checking the baby's heart beat.  And yes, my water bag was still leaking.  No, it did not burst.  Since my water bag did not yet break and the baby was still ok, yet too early to be born, there was no need to induce.  Yes, I just watched TV and one time prepared an exam for my law school class, hehe.

While in the hospital, Allan and I discussed that we do not know when I will give birth and the hospital bill is piling up.  But we were comforted in knowing that both the baby and I are ok, and that is what kept us going.  Money will come and we will borrow if need be.  

However, on the afternoon of my 6th day, I had green discharge, which means the baby has pooped.  After evaluation, they said that I have to give birth already.  I was induced and after a few minutes I felt pain in short intervals ... I even asked "Mao na ni? Paspasa ba sa effect" haha.  I was thinking that the intervals would be longer.   I was able to sleep afterwards, eat and poop as well (haha .. sorry, too much information but I had to share it so that moms about to give birth need not worry because it's normal).  I slept for a while and I think at around 10 or 11 pm, I was given epidural (yes, I already informed my OB beforehand that I would go painless).  I then introduced myself to the anesthesiologist since he is a friend of my husband.  After that, I was still made to sleep and wait in the delivery room, with a nurse near me.  Everything was calm.  At around 2 or 3:00 a.m., they checked on me and said it's time.  So I was given instructions how to push among others.  And no, I was not feeling anything at that time.  I was just told to push as if I was to poop but stronger and harder .. haha

So without any pain, I just pushed as much as I can, with the help of a midwife/nurse, and after a few minutes, it was done.  My baby did not cry right after she was out of me.  I asked my OB about it but she said it was ok she will cry in awhile, which she did right after.  

That's how I gave birth.  I was not expecting it to be as calm as that.  My husband and I was prepared of the eventuality that my water bag will break with a "splash" just like in TV.  I was envisioning myself hurrying my husband to bring me to the hospital because I cannot bear the pain.  I saw myself shouting, crying and perspiring as I give birth.  But none of that happened, hehe.  Every delivery is a different story indeed!

Honestly speaking, I did not feel any pain during that time.  The most painful moment was right about that time after I was induced.  But after I gave birth, I felt weak .. so that's how it feels!

My baby was so small and cute.  And I was just so happy that she was healthy and ok, even if she was born at 35 weeks.  And so Chesca Myelle was born :)

Baby in the Tummy

Long time, no post!

I have a lot to share as to being married to Allan for over two years now.  I would have love to blog about our trips to Coron and Singapore.  But that has to be sidelined for now because I am more eager to share to you my journey to getting pregnant and eventually being a mother to my now 4-month old daughter Chesca.

Of course, my journey to getting pregnant started with being married to Allan.  I knew time was not on my side as I got married when I was already 35 years old.  I had a physical check-up, which turned out okay.  I then went to have my scoliosis check.  It is still there.  I was taught some exercises, which admittedly I have not done for quite some time now.  More importantly, I was told that it would be okay for me to get pregnant.

I then went to an ob-gyne to inquire as to whether I was fit to be pregnant.  To tell you frankly, it was my first time to consult with an ob-gyne.  I know, I should have done it sooner.

Anyway, I was told to wait it out for 6 months from getting married before resorting to fertility options.  I was told that it would be 1 year for those below 35.  Since I did not get pregnant after 6 months, the next step was to check whether my husband and I can bear a child.

And so we went to Brokenshire Fertility Clinic.  Nothing was found wrong with Allan and I.  I forgot what procedure was done to me but essentially they had a dye flow through inside me to show that my ovary and fallopian tubes are ok.  The funny thing about it was that I did not find it painful.  Thus, I was told that I have a high tolerance for pain.

Thereafter, I began taking ovulation induction pills.  Essentially, it is what it is - to induce ovulation.  I had to count days and was in constant contact with my ob-gyne.  Everytime I got my period was quite disappointing.  But we were determined.  This took place for 4 continuous months - pills, injections and negative pregnancy tests.

My ob-gyne then told us that the next step was for artificial insemination.  They refer to this as IUI.  So, we went through this procedure at Brokenshire.  Again, it was not that painful.  The actual procedure takes a few minutes only.  But I have to lay flat for almost an hour and I took a rest in the afternoon.

We were really anticipating that this was it.  Alas! It was not yet time.  I told my doctor about it and she said that we will try it again next month thereafter.  We asked how many times should we try IUI.  She replied at around 3 or 4 times.  We asked what would happen next if it would still not be successful?  Then, the next step was in-vitro fertilization.  We asked how much.  Our ob-gyne replied at around P390,000.00.  We did not have any budget for that.

So Allan and I discussed that we would try artificial insemination until we are allowed to.  If I would still not get pregnant by then, we were okay with it and will accept such circumstance wholeheartedly.  We were not that ready to resort to IVF.  

My ob-gyne has also explained to us that there are cases where the spouses don't get pregnant but there is really nothing physically wrong with them.  

While waiting for my next IUI procedure scheduled for October, I did not take any fertility pills and undergo any procedure.  We just waited it out.  Nonetheless, my husband said that if I don't get my period, I should still take a Pregnancy Test.  Nothing to lose so to speak.

A few days after I should have gotten my period, I took a pregnancy test.  Allan was out of town at that time.  However, it turned negative.  I informed Allan about it and rather asked why did I take it when he was not around.  I said if it turned out to be positive, I wanted to surprise him.  

Still a few days after that, I still did not get that period.  And so on that Saturday morning of October 1, 2017, I again took a pregnancy test.  And it was POSITIVE!  Two straight lines indeed!  Oh my, we were so happy!  I then took another one just to be sure!  It was still POSITIVE!

By God's grace, we were going to have a baby!

The Wedding (Part 3)

Since we already exchanged our vows, Allan and I were more laid back.

Well, there was an issue as to whether to have the cocktails in the open area or not as it was a bit cloudy.  It was an unfortunate issue but all's well that ends well.

Before going back to The View for the reception, I made sure to pass by our house so that our helpers, Tata and Mai Mai, as well as the dogs, will get to see us.

 At my parents' house

With Mai-Mai and Tata and the doggies, Charlie and Philip

 Allan and Jazzie at The View!  I love this picture!

 Stage Decor for the reception courtesy of FPD

Entrance of the newlyweds!  And yes, we're happy!

Last dance with my dad.

 First dance with Allan to the tunes of One Thing, Crazy Little Thing Called Love and What Makes You Beautiful.  See the Just Dance video at the back.  Yes, it was my idea as I think it was cool and fun to see us dance with that background.  And it also serves as our guide for our dance steps.  I think I only practiced with Allan 3 times, while Allan practiced more by himself, hehe

 Look at our guests in attendance!  We are truly grateful for their presence.  

And it seems they had a lot of fun!

 With our wedding cake courtesy of Sweet Advocate.  Another blooper here as we tried slicing first a layer that was not a cake.  We got confused whether to slice the third layer or the bottom layer, haha.  Oh well, memories!

 Cheers!

 My mom's time to speak!

 Dad's happy with mom's reference .. hehe

 Nanay's turn.

 Jeni, my sister and matron of honor, with her impromptu speech.  Touching!

 Allan still mesmerized with me ..hehe

It was also reunion time on my mom's side.  It was so happy to see my aunts, uncles, and cousins from Davao, Manila, Qatar and US.  Good times!

To Forever!

I am so happy I get to finish this blog just before our 1st wedding anniversary.  Cheers to forever!

The Wedding (Part 2)

This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad!

For Allan and I, the most important was for us saying our vows before our Lord.  And so we did!

It was really a joyous event and we were so grateful to our guests who were there to witness our exchange of vows.  

To be frank, I really had no wedding jitters.  I can't say that I had butterfly in my stomach or that I was nervous with clammy hands.  I was just so looking forward to us getting married!

As I was waiting insider the bridal car outside of the church, I chanced upon our guests and was so happy to see so many of them.  And our principal sponsors were all complete.  It was really nice!

Fr. Gene, our officiating priest, is someone that Allan has known since his seminarian days.  We were so grateful that he was available for us.

Here are our pictures at the church.  Enjoy!

 I think I can safely say that Allan was happy and excited to get married to me!

 My baby brother, JJ, as our ring bearer!

 My sister Jeni and her daughter Ally .. so cute!

 Another nice picture of my parents!

And may I just say I love the flower arrangements.  I really wanted it to be like that so the guests can see people walking down the aisle.  I really wanted our wedding to be more about people - us, our family, and our friends - rather than the decorations.

 The bubbling bride .. haha!  I didn't notice it but I was told I walked a bit fast down the aisle.  

I guess I was also excited to get married.

 A bit emotional!

 Listening to our story .. as told by Fr. Gene.

 Such a blooper!  I was putting the wedding ring on the wrong finger.  

And I thought, it did not fit .. haha.  Good thing we realized it.

 Our guests!

 The kiss!

Yes! We're married!

The Wedding (Part I)

This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad!

The morning of my wedding quite "normal".  We were not necessarily in a frantic in our household. In fact, there was so much good vibes with my niece, cousins, uncles, aunties, sisters, brother, mom and dad.  We left our house and went to the The View for our make-up.

Well, we were quite early as our make-up artists were not yet around.  But I did not panic (yet!) .. haha.  To pass the time, my cousins roam around while my sister pulled out some of my white hair .. haha.  

We eventually got started with our make-up.  Then, we had the pictorials.  Oooh, I did not expect such number of pictures to be taken .. haha.  There were a few issues here and there, such as the motif (it was coral and turquoise, by the way .. not an easy color though .. hehe) and our lunch, which turned out to be okay.  In the end, it was really a wonderful and joyous occasion!

Here are a few snapshots of our wedding day before the ceremony.

Enjoy!

                                      

I just love our wedding invitation.  This was actually inspired by my friend Janice' wedding invitation.  And I really liked our caricature (inspired by other weddings)

No frills!  Easy-open .. hehe!  

 

My bouquet was perfect!

 I love my wedding gown! (Courtesy of Kasuotan by Erwin Tan)

 The rings! Great picture by the team of Richard Padillo Photography

With RJ, my make-up artist.  I got to know him since he was also the make-up artist of my friend, Bajo, for her December 2015 wedding.  I really loved my make-up that day!  And his team did the make-up for my entourage as well.  His rate was also affordable.

 I love this picture of me with my mom as it shows how my mom is so concerned with even the minute details, hehe. I was wearing a different pair of earrings (which she gave to me before) and she suggested that I change it to another pair of earrings she had with her.

 Pictorial session!

 With my bridesmaids!

Such a nice picture of my mom and dad!

 Family picture, with my niece Ally.  

It was the first visit to the Philippines for my brother-in-law, Edward. 

 My youthful and unique entourage! (With the crying Ally!)

 Another very nice picture with my entourage!

I feel pretty, oh so pretty .. haha!

 My groom with his entourage!

 The groom's entourage featuring my cousin AJ, all the way from US of A!

 With nanay.

 Allan's family

 Waiting ...

Japorms!