The story of Chicklet's birth

My cervix was still closed as of my last OB-GYN check up last November 10, 2014 (Monday). The doctor informed me that I'll already be induced that coming Thursday (November 13) because I have gestational diabetes and we can no longer delay the delivery. She instructed me meet her at the Misericordia Community Hospital before 7am. She's a woman of few words and just told me to wait for a call from the hospital on Thursday morning to know if there are rooms and staff available.

When I met Ford at the reception area (he doesn't go with me on the check-up room) and informed him that I'll be induced in three days, he couldn't help but smile. As in happy smile talaga. Naiinip na kasi talaga siyang makita ang baby. Ako naman, sobrang kabado. Inasmuch as I was excited too, di naman maiwasan na matakot kasi ako ang manganganak.

Sa totoo lang, ang gulo ng instructions ng doktor. Our brief conversation in the clinic went like this:

(After checking my cervix)
Doctor -- Your cervix is still closed. We would have to induce you on Thursday.
Ces -- This coming Thursday?
Doctor -- Yes. I'll meet you at the hospital before 7 in the morning.
Ces -- (Still unfamiliar with induction procedure) Does that mean I'll already give birth on that day?
Doctor -- We don't know. 
Ces -- (Suko na sa pagiging matipid sa salita ng doktor) Ahh ok.
Doctor -- A nurse from the hospital will call you on Thursday to inform you if there's available room and staff. Just wait for their call. I'll see you there. Bye.

Yep, that's it. I wasn't even sure at first if she said "Thursday" tatawag ang nurse. Sabi nya magmeet kami ng umaga ng Thursday, bakit sa Thursday lang din tatawag ang hospital?

I texted my friend Cecil who had already experienced birth induction with that doctor in 2012. Sabi niya talagang sa umaga ng Thursday din tatawag ang hospital. But we have to prepare early because the doctor is very strict.  Fine, talagang aagahan namin.

The day before the induction, I took my last preggy selfie. I was having mixed feelings then. I felt somewhat relieved that I will finally be over with pregnancy (admittedly, being pregnant for nine months is tiring). Yet I also felt a bit of sadness because I will no longer carry Chicklet in my womb. Magkakahiwalay na kami. And I asked myself as well, 'will I miss being pregnant?' This could be my first and last pregnancy kasi. Kung ako talaga ang masusunod, ayaw ko ng magbuntis pa uli. I am contented with Chicklet na eh.

After preparing everything that we have to bring to the hospital, I tried to get some rest. But I wasn't able to really sleep that night. I was anxious, I was nervous. I was scared of giving birth. Duwag talaga ako eh. And I didn't know if I could make it without my mother by my side.

November 13, 2014. I took a shower at around 4am and ate breakfast after. We were ready to leave by 6:00 am. My parents-in-laws woke up early to see us first. They wanted to come but we told them only one companion is allowed. I promised them that Ford will pick them us as soon as I have given birth so they can meet their grandson.

I had to entertain myself on the way to the hospital to kill the nervousness. To warn you, I look BAD in all my pictures here. Puyat kasi at sobrang kabado.

It was a very cold morning. Around -10c siguro. We arrived at the hospital at 6:16 am.

And because it's not 7:00 am yet, we had to go to the emergency entrance. It was then that I received a call from the nurse informing me that I have an 8:00 am schedule for that day. I told her that we were already in the parking lot because the doctor instructed me to meet her there before 7:00 am. Medyo naguluhan siya but since nandoon na nga kami, sinabihan kaming pumunta na sa 3rd floor after registering.

There's a patient registration area at the Emergency entrance and when we told a nurse that I am scheduled for an induction that morning, she put me on a wheelchair while we wait for the admitting staff,

Being on a wheelchair made me more nervous. 'This is it,' I uttered to myself.

Pero nang dumating yung staff, sinabihan kami na sa Main Admitting na lang pumunta since hindi naman kami "emergency" at iba ang procedure sa pag-admit sa mga non-emergency patients. Magbubukas na rin naman daw yun ng 6:45 am.

Then she added:

Staff -- Why are you on wheel chair? 
Ces -- I don't know. The nurse put me here.
Staff -- You don't have to be on the wheel chair. You can just walk going to the main lobby.

Ay ganun naman pala. But how I wished they let me use the wheelchair. I was trembling na kasi as we proceeded to main lobby. Sobrang kabado na.

The registration office was still closed when we reached the main lobby and we had to wait for a few more minutes.

My records were already in their system so registration was fast and easy. I've learned that only two (including me) were scheduled for birth induction that day. I was happy, at least hindi sila busy.

By the way, we were asked about our room preference. I've been hoping and praying for months na sana may available na private room so that Ford does not have to go home at 11pm and leave me alone at the hospital. Ganun kasi sa ward at semi-private rooms.

Thankfully, mukhang meron ngang available noong nag-register kami. Pero hindi pa rin daw sure, we'll only know after kong manganak at kailangan ng dalhin sa room.

According to the staff, a semi-private room costs $96 while a private room costs $120. A theme room naman yata is $200. Yung ward na pang-apatan ang libre.

Our extended insurance (Blue Cross Saskatchewan) only covers a semi-private room. We of course chose a private room, babayaran na lang namin yung $24 differential (which is not bad).

After registering, diretso na kami sa Maternity Unit sa 3rd Floor. Nakatambay lang ang mga nurse sa nurse station, mukhang hindi nga sila busy. When they saw us, inentairtain naman nila kami kaagad.

We were led to one of the birthing rooms and I was asked to undress and just wear the hospital gown. Pagkapasok sa room, I already felt that my husband was uneasy. Haha, kabado na rin. I teased him, sabi ko ang yabang yabang niya dati na siya pa ang puputol sa pusod ni Chicklet pero ayun at iiinduce pa lang ako ay namumutla na siya.

I asked him to just leave the room or hide kapag may gagawin sa akin. Ayoko rin kasi siyang makita, baka manghina rin ako. Gusto kong mga medical professionals na lang ang kaharap ko para hindi ko na problemahin ang asawa ko.

It was still early so we still had to wait for my OB-GYN. They placed an electronic fetal monitor on me (a non-stress test daw) to check on my baby.

They kept on checking my cervix (which was very painful) but it was so stubborn, closed pa rin talaga. At around 7:50 am, my doctor arrived (with two nurses) and checked on my cervix once again. She went out and came back alone at 8:00 and induced me so quickly. She used a cervidil induction on me. Cervidil is a vaginal insert used for starting or continuing cervical opening. It is a small rectangular pouch with a retrieval cord similar to the cord on a tampon.

The procedure was fast but very painful. I was really shouting in pain. My doctor left immediately after that without saying a thing (I told you, she's not that talkative lol!).

After five minutes, a nurse arrived and started to explain to me the procedure that will be done to me. She was shocked when I told her that I've been induced already. Apparently, my doctor didn't inform them and I could sense that she was pissed haha!

They observed me for the next two hours. They asked me to lay by my side. I felt nothing extraordinary.

Then the nurse informed us that we can go home for the mean time. I was hesitant, I wanted to stay in the hospital. Tutal nandun na rin lang naman kami. But the nurse told us that it will be more comfortable for me if I stay home in the next couple of hours since sa bahay may TV, internet, etc. Fine.

We were instructed to return by 8:00 pm that night (12 hours after I got induced). I was also asked to call them by 2:00 pm to report how I am feeling. They advised me to rest well and get some sleep because what will follow is a "very long night."

I asked the nurse if I can eat. A light meal, she replied.

I asked my husband if we can drop by T&T Supermarket (WEM) because I want to eat beef noodles. I wasn't sure kung nagluto din kasi ang mga biyenan ko. They were of course expecting na mag-stay na kami sa hospital hanggang makapanganak ko.

We went home right after eating, to the surprise of my in-laws. I went to bed and tried to rest. But of course, I couldn't sleep. I was terrified.

A little past 2:00 pm, I called the hospital to inform the nurse that I am ok. No extraordinary feeling whatsoever.

After I put the phone down, I went to the bathroom to poop. I was feeling the menstrual-like cramps na. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ma-identify kung contractions na nga ba yun or what. Basta ang nabasa ko, one might feel the cramps daw after ma-induce. It was beginning to get so painful that I asked Ford to list the time for me -- 2:20 pm.

A few more minutes and I couldn't take it anymore. I told Ford that we have to go back to the hospital asap. I wanted to take a shower pero hindi ko na talaga kaya.

Namimilipit na talaga ako sa sakit on the way to the hospital. Umaatake ang contractions every 2 minutes lang yata. Sobrang sakit na talaga. Sa may emergency entrance na kami dumaan. I couldn't walk anymore so Ford had to get a wheelchair.

I was brought back to the maternity section of the hospital. Around 3pm na yun. Pinahiga ako sa kama, chineck, tinusukan ng morphine. I was expecting to get better because of that morphine pero parang walang epekto. Napakasakit talaga. Walang magawa kahit anong pacify sa akin ng mga nurses.

They made me take the shower. Morphine works better daw with hot shower. I didn't want to pero sige, sinubukan ko. I was in the shower for almost an hour pero mas nahirapan lang ako. Again, no words can describe the pain. Nakalupasay na ako sa shower room. Sabi ko sa nurse ayaw ko na. Sapilitan pa bago ako pinayagan.

They wouldn't want me back in bed kahit nagmamakaawa na ako. It's better daw kung nakaupo ako or naglalakad. I sat but I felt worse. They made me sit on a birthing ball. Again, walang effect. Mas nahirapan lang ako.

I was shouting in pain. Contractions every 2-3 minutes, imagine that. According sa nabasa ko, mas masakit ang contractions kapag ininduce.

For the so many hours that followed, I was crying and shouting. The funny part was that I had to translate pa my emotions in English so that the Caucasian nurses would understand. Instead of "Ang Sakit!", I said "Ouch! Ouch!" or "I can't take it anymore!" or "I'll die!" Lol!

I really can't believe na natiis ko ang ilang oras ng sakit. They can't put the epidural anesthesia yet because my cervix wasn't 4-5cm dilated yet.

At 9:00 pm, my cervix was already "ready" so they called the anesthesiologist. But to my disappointment, the doctor on duty that night was busy in the operating room! They had to call another doctor but he would arrive after 45 minutes pa daw! I wanted to cry harder! Forty-five more minutes of severe pain! I was begging the nurse, baka kako may magagawa pa kahit alam kong wala naman.

Thankfully, the doctor arrived at around 9:30 pm (wala pang 45 minutes). I felt so relieved. Malaking bagay yung ilang minuto na difference talaga eh. He prepared the big injections but I didn't care. Wala ng mas sasakit pa sa nararamdaman ko. Ford went out the room, natakot sa malalaking injections.

The doctor made me sit and warned me na makakailang contractions pa rin ako bago maisaksak ang anesthesia. He reminded me na wag gumalaw or else uulitin ang procedure. Ang problema, makilitiin ako sa likod. I couldn't sit still. Nahirapan talaga ang anethesiologist. Buti na lang mabait at patient yung nurse na nag-assist sa akin.

Mabilis lang pala ang magtake-effect ang anesthesia. Habang ginagawa pa lang yung procedure ay gumiginhawa na ako. After a few minutes, hindi ko na maramdaman ang contractions. "The worst part is over," I told myself.

I lied down on bed and they put the external fetal heart rate monitor again. The nurse then prepared all the paraphernalia needed for my delivery.

At almost 11:00 pm, while I was waiting to go into labor, Dr. Roy (OB-GYNE-in-duty that night) and some nurses came inside to talk to us. She said they've noticed some 'irregularity' on my baby's heart beat. Bumibilis daw ng sobra and they are worried. To double check, they have to insert something (I don't know the term) on my vajayjay that will touch the baby's head na para malaman kung talagang mabilis. If 'positive,' I would have to undergo and emergency C-section daw.

I was speechless. Lahat ng pains na dinanas ko the past hours ay bumalik sa akin. Kung kelan ok na ako saka ako mase-ceasarian?

After a few minutes, the doctor talked to us again. Talagang may problema sa heartbeat so no choice but to have that dreadful C-section. I was worried about the baby though. All along ok naman siya, ba't biglang nagkaproblema? I calmed myself. Nasa hospital na kami so we are safe.

Since it was already past 11:00, I asked the doctor if they could operate on me past midnight na tutal ilang minuto lang naman. Para kako maging November 14 ang birthday ng baby haha! Naisip ko na kasi after kong ma-anesthesia na 14 na talaga ako manganganak. I prefer it than 13 saka mas maganda kung 11-14-14 ang birthday, hindi ba? Parang yung kasal namin - 1-12-12.

But the doctor and the nurses just 'laughed' at me haha! They couldn't risk the baby na raw so kailangan mailabas siya as soon as possible. Di bale, sa ibang Canadian province daw (I forgot kung ano yung sinabi nila), past 12 midnight na kaloka!

To cut the story short, I signed the waiver agreeing for a C-section and they prepared na the operating room. I asked if i could sleep during the procedure (I am so coward) but they said I have to be awake. Pumikit na lang daw ako. Alam ko na rin naman yun kasi nabasa ko na, baka lang lumusot hehe.

A nurse shaved me down there and in a few more minute, they already brought me to the operating room. I was so nervous. Hindi ko na rin makita si Ford noon. We already informed the nurses and the doctor that my husband won't come with us because he is nervous. I just asked them to inform him right after I deliver.

It was my first time na mapasok sa operating room. I was really nervous pero dahil naka-anesthesia na ako, kalmado na rin kahit papano. Saka the most painful part was over, I wanted to see my son na rin.

I closed my eyes the whole time. Dinagdagan nila ang anesthesia ko. Wala talaga akong naramdaman, naririnig ko lang na mga salita ng doctor and nurses.

At 11:41pm, lumabas na si Nathan. All I could hear was his loud cries. Nakakaloka, 'eskandalosong bata' sabi ko sa sarili ko haha! I was very happy kasi wala akong narinig na ano mang problema o concern. Just "Oh he's so cute!" The nurses were genuinely excited. Siya lang daw kasi ang pinanganak nila that day.

After siyang linisan, he was brought to me. I wanted to touch him pero hindi ko magalaw ang kamay ko kasi nagna-numb dahil sa pagkakadipa sa operating table. A nurse told me na parang may urine na yata so they had to suck it first before they made him cry.

I was so happy and thankful! Yehey, nakaraos na ako! And my baby looked "normal"! Pero masyado lang siyang kulay red talaga haha!

Dr. Roy and a nurse continued in 'closing' me while I was wondering kung nasaan na ang asawa ko. Gusto kong makita niya agad si Chicklet! Naisip ko din na sayang, walang picture si Chicklet habang pinapanganak ko.

The entire C-section only took around 30 minutes. Then I was brought to the recovery room. I asked the nurse to look for my husband.

And so, here's Nathan's first ever picture! He was so tiny and so cute!

I looked so ugly, I know! Mag-contractions ka ba naman ng pitong oras.

My husband couldn't say anything when he saw his son. Medyo nasha-shy pa nga siyang lumapit haha! But he was very happy and proud, I could see it in his eyes. Ayaw lang masyadong magpakita ng emosyon haha!

After around thirty minutes, I was brought into my room na. I was so thirsty, buti na lang may nakaready na na iced water. After I was settled, I called my Mamoosh and informed her na nakapanganak na ako. How I wish she was with me during that time.

My pregnancy journey has ended. I was thrilled. I am a mother, finally.

No to newborn clothes

I had to fix Chicklet's drawers yesterday. I removed all those clothes that no longer fit him.

I actually felt bad. These clothes were given to him by his Tita Cil Cil (Ford's sister). But they were all newborn sizes and he wasn't able to wear them even once. Sayang, sobrang cute pa naman.

Chicklet was a big baby when he was born -- 7 lbs 13 oz. Even before I gave birth, I already knew that I was having a big boy because of my weekly ultrasound. So when my mother-in-law handed to me those clothes that Cil Cil shopped for Chicklet, I instantly knew that they won't fit. I can't blame my sis-in-law though, it was her first time to buy clothes for babies. First time tita eh, hehe.

Chicklet also received one newborn-sized sleepsuit from Ate Celina (one of our new friends here in Edmonton) when we were still in the hospital. At first we thought it was sakto lang. But in less than two weeks, the baby have outgrown it. Buti napasuot pa namin once and nagamit for 'picture-taking.'

Our baby boy is now 25 days old and he's growing up so fast. The last time we weighed him, he was over 10 lbs already. I can feel that he's getting heavier every day. The pambahay clothes that he's wearing now were all padala by my mother from Pinas, some of which ay malapit na ring makaliitan. Ganun pala talaga ang baby, ang bilis lumaki. Lalo na kapag boy.

One good advice that was given to me when I was shopping for baby clothes wa to not buy too small sizes. Masasayang lang daw at puwedeng hindi na masuot. Noong huling month of pregnancy ko na, I was torn. I wanted to buy a few newborn clothing din kasi I wanted my son to have good-fitting outfits. Buti na lang hindi na ako nakabili.

I am now more convinced to not splurge on baby clothes anymore. Para ka lang palang nagtatapon ng pera pag ganun. So I guess kailangan na lang dalasan ni hubby ang paglalaba, lol!

Meet My Baby Chicklet!

Finally, he's here!

With hearts full of love and joy, we welcome Nathan James Levin Reyes Blanco, born on November 13, 2014 (11:41pm) at Misericordia Community Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta).

Thank you everyone for your prayers and warm wishes! =)

I'll be back!

Hello!

Just wanna say that I won't be able to post in the coming days as I am already scheduled for birth induction tomorrow (November 13).

Baby Chicklet Blanco @ 39 weeks and 5 days

And that makes me really scared!

I admit, just thinking about it now makes my blood pressure soar high. But I am trying to be positive. There is no way Baby Chicklet will come out on this world without me experiencing some pain, right?

I went to my OB last Monday (November 10) and she told me my cervix is still closed. That's why I'll be induced. I have gestational diabetes so we cannot delay the delivery and wait for normal contractions.

It'll only be and my husband who'll go to the hospital tomorrow. My doctor told me we'll meet there before 7am, but I have to still wait for the hospital's call to check on the availability of room/staff. Hay, it will be a very long day tomorrow (and/or the day after). Please pray for me and my baby.

Anyway, I promise to return as soon as I am back on my feet. I am going to miss this blog terribly, I know!

See you! =)

Oh Boy!

I took another preggy selfie last Saturday (November 1). I included a side view for a change (I was never fond of side views because it's not my angle lol!).

For the first time, I realized na patulis pala ang tiyan ko. At katulad ng sabi nila, boy ang baby kapag patulis.

Baby Chicklet @ 38 weeks and 2 days

And then I come across this Chinese Gender Calendar. Chicklet was conceived on February and I was 34. Sakto!

Picture taken from the internet (credits to the owner)

Haha, I really am destined to have a baby boy!

To be honest, I am so happy. As I keep on saying to everyone, this could be my first and last pregnancy (I am already 35 and I am fine with having just one child) and I am glad that we're having a boy. Boys are easy and closer to mommies, right? Plus of course, sexist as it may sound, each family needs someone to continue the family name -- so meron na kami!

I am now on my 39th week and still no concrete signs of labor. That's one disadvantage, I guess -- boys tend to arrive later than baby girls daw talaga (especially if first born). Mga paimportante, hmmmp!

Chicklet's first Christmas tree ornament

I found this Precious Moments' Baby's First Christmas tree ornament  the other day at Walmart. It only costs $4 (+5% tax) so I instantly grabbed it.

Every year, I'll get a tree decor that will commemorate my son's life. Oh, I am so excited!

I've always felt that Christmas is only for kids. This year, I am finally gonna have one -- exciting, eh! I will make sure that all the Christmases of Chicklet's childhood will be special and memorable. As a new family, we'll build lots of Christmas traditions together. We will all have fun, I promise!

The Laundry-Iron Dad

I am such a futile mother-to-be. I feel like all I ever did was to carry this baby -- nothing more. If I am to summarize all our efforts for Baby Chicklet, no doubt that my husband will win.

"We" finally were able to wash all the baby clothes and linen last Sunday. Oh well, Ford did. I actually have a confession to make. In my almost one year of living here in Edmonton, I've never done the laundry. Heck, I don't even know how to operate our washing machine and dryer!

I have a perfect excuse though. I AM PREGNANT! Our laundry area is located in the basement and it is hard for me to go down (and up) with the heavy hamper. Ooops, but who am I kidding? Just like what my mother says: "Tamad ka lang." Sige na nga, talagang hindi lang ako naglalaba siguro. Lalo na sa Pinas, NEVER akong naglaba ng mga damit ko. I blame Mamoosh - she spoiled me.

But I swear, when Baby Chicklet is here, I WILL. I don't think I have a choice. Sana lang turuan na ako ni Pod gumamit ng hi-tech washing machine niya.

Anyway, after laundry, the martyr husband transformed into IRON MAN naman. I actually "volunteered" to iron but he obviously knows me already. Siguro nandito na si Chicklet eh hindi ko pa natatapos plantsahin ang mga dapat plantsahin. Eh kasi naman, palaging masakit ang tiyan ko (excuses excuses!).

We actually never iron our clothes. Hindi naman uso dito. Ford goes to the office in casual wear so hindi talaga kailangan mamlantsa. But a lot of people advised us (utos din ni Mamoosh) that we iron the baby's clothes and blankets. Para hindi daw lukot at patay ang mikrobyo. Ganun pala yun. I thought sanitizing them in the dryer is enough.

Ford bought a little ironing board at Walmart that afternoon and used his old flat iron.

BIM -- Ba't ang liit ng binili mong ironing board?
POD -- Pwede na yan. Ten dollars lang. Maliit lang naman ang mga damit ni Chicklet.
BIM -- Sus, hirap kayang gamitin niyan.
POD -- Hindi noh. Ipapatong ko na lang. 

After ironing one blanket, he gave up. He returned the tiny ironing board at Walmart and replaced it with a big one that costs thirty dollars. Haha, nagpaka-Ilokano pa kasi. I was surprised though that Walmart still allowed the board to be returned. Sira na kasi ang packaging at nabasa pa.

POD -- Haler, nasa Canada ka noh. Consumer protection ang tawag dyan. Saka ang yaman-yaman ng Walmart!

Fine.

Ford also bought a new flat iron kasi nga tumutulo na yung luma niya. Tsk, ang gastos ni Chicklet!

Ford, the Iron Dad

I was very impressed with my husband's ironing skills. Unlike me, alam niya talaga kung paano. When he was working in California kasi, medyo pormal ang pamasok niya (i.e. slacks and polo) so he had to iron his clothes talaga. Eh ako, what do I know? NADA.

--

I have no idea on until when "we" would/should be ironing baby's clothes. May nagsabi na hanggang six months daw si Baby. For my mother, forever daw (she's an OC!). Oh well, let's see. 

Our Thanksgiving Day 2014

Hurray for the long weekend! At last, I was able to spend the past three days with my husband.

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is officially on the second Monday of October (so this year it fell on October 12) but Canadians can celebrate it in any day of the long weekend. I've noticed (in my Facebook contacts haha!) that just like us, many preferred to do the special dinner thing on Sunday para walang pasok kinabukasan. Makes sense, right?

Anyway,  before I proceed, let me post this Thanksgiving "wefie" of me and Baby Chicklet . He's 35 weeks and 3 days as of yesterday (October 12).

I was actually too lazy to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner but I realized that we have to at least do something special this weekend to commemorate a special holiday. It's my first experience of Canadian Thanksgiving, after all. Also, we have so many things to be grateful for this year. Aside from finally having our own house, we are about to meet our Little Chicklet soon! Now isn't that life's greatest blessing?

I couldn't cook anymore (not that I really cook lol!) so I asked Pod if we could have some steak na lang. Celebrations mean steak for me eh hehe. Then I also instructed him to buy some vegetables and another dish at T&T para may pandagdag.

I was surprised when he came home with this turkey breast. Haha, oo nga naman. Dapat may turkey kasi Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day has to be celebrated with family so we invited Ate June (our only family here) a few days ago to join us. Too bad she has work yesterday.

And so it was just the two of us who feasted on this humble dinner. I regret not being able to buy autumn flowers, candles, placemats, napkins, etc. Wala tuloy kadecor-decor. Di bale, next year talaga babawi ako. I want all occasions to be special eh.

Turkey Breast, Tofu, Mixed Vegetables, Campbell Noodle Soup, Brown Rice, and Steak

Please don't look for any dessert as I am not allowed to eat sweets. Damn you, Gestational Diabetes!

It was the first time we celebrated Thanksgiving together. At extra na si Chicklet! Ang saya!

I am so thankful to this man. He may look like a hoodlum because of his long hair and beard (grrr!) but believe me, he's the kindest, gentlest husband in the world.

I am indeed a lucky wifey!

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!

We're 35 weeks!

My Baby Chicklet is so hyper! I never thought that fetal kicking could hurt this much. Sleeping at night has become a constant battle, I would always cry.

Picture taken from the internet (Credits to the owner)

No, I am not complaining. All of them say that an active kicker is a healthy baby so I am thankful. If the kicks are to serve as basis, Chicklet is very strong at this point and I want him to remain that way. I become so praning whenever he moves 'less.'

Motherhood is a sacrifice, I've heard it a billion times, and this must be one of the many firsts I will do for my son. I don't mind for he's all worth it.

We are 35 weeks now, Chicklet ko! We've conquered the past eight months and I know we'll make it to the few remaining weeks left. Hang in there, baby. Dad and I will see you very very soon. We love you!

The start of Chicklet invasion

Baby Chicklet is not even here yet but his things are quickly invading the house. How can a small baby need so much stuff?

We temporarily stored some of the baby things in the guest bedroom.

These baby things are the result of the countless shopping trips that we did the past weeks at Walmart, Babies "R" Us, Target, Carter's / OshKosh. We almost hit the deadline I set last August. Yesterday, we were able to finally buy the last in my list of essential things to buy - health and grooming kit.

We decided not to get a baby monitor yet. We'll just get one later on if we feel that we need it.

I believe we are now ready for Chicklet's arrival. Lucky boy, his daddy has spent a fortune for him to have a nice and comfortable life outside my womb. Thanks, Daddy the Pooh! You're the best!

No baby shower for Chicklet

Two people had mentioned "baby shower" to me in three days.

First was my aunt who lives in Vancouver. She's very excited for my baby and regrets that they are too far away (about 13-hour drive) to give me a baby shower. It's her thing eh, she loves cooking and decorating, and throwing parties.

And just yesterday, a "new" friend who came over our house to look at it (they want to buy a townhouse din here in our area) saw some of the baby stuff we bought and commented: "Ay sayang, sana hindi muna kayo bumili. Baka may magregalo niyan sa baby shower." She's just given birth 7 months ago and she's had a nice baby shower. I simply answered her: "Haha, sino naman ang magpapa-shower sakin dito?"

Actually, the thought that I won't be having a baby shower here in Canada started a couple of weeks ago when we went to Dollar Tree. They are selling so many cute baby shower stuff and I realized that nobody here in Edmonton would throw a shower for my Chicklet.

I felt a sad, honestly. Aside from a couple of new friends that we've recently met, it's just me and my husband who are living here. I don't work so I have no co-workers who'll party with me. Again, there were times I wished that I am in the Philippines during my pregnancy. There, I have friends and relatives who'll make me feel special and loved. I am sure I'll have a fabulous baby party there if I want to.

But I choose not to dwell on the negative. A party is just for a few hours, I keep on reminding myself. I have to focus on the good side of giving birth here - that is, I'll have a Canadian baby who will reap all the perks of first world living. That's more important than a party, right?

I also reminded myself that a baby shower is a western thing. In the Philippines, hindi naman talaga uso yan simply because we have baptismal parties where the baby receives so much gifts. Redundant na kapag nagpa-baby shower ka pa. Chicklet will be baptized in Pinas so iyon na lang ang party na paplanuhin at ilu-look forward ko.

They say we can't have everything and that is true. I am glad though that even without a baby shower party, our baby will have everything he needs when he finally shows up. Thanks to my hardworking husband!

Baby Chicklet @ 33 Weeks

Time indeed flies! And just like that, I am already 33 weeks pregnant!

I am now having a weekly ultrasound because of my gestational diabetes so I get to see Chicklet often.

I wasn't able to see him in 4D last week because he was 'hiding' his face. Luckily, he decided not to be shy this morning. This picture though is not as clear as this one pero keri na rin.

Chicklet @ 33 weeks and 1 day / 5 lbs 3oz / 65th growth percentile

I am so excited! The sonographer informed me that he's got hair already. Yebaaah! I have a very thick hair so sana sa akin siya magmana at hindi sa daddy niya.

Anyway, I am really curious on how his nose would turn out. Haha, I am such a bad mommy for being fixated with nose. Admittedly, I don't have a nice nose so I want him to have a good one. Oh well, pangarap lang naman! Kahit ano pang nose niya, siya pa rin ang pinaka-cute na baby sa mata namin ni Pod.

Buchickchick ko, we love you!

All for Chicklet now!

Ford is such a good dad. When he sold his old tires last Friday, his first reaction upon receiving the "extra" cash was: "Kailangan may mabili ako para kay Chicklet!"

Haha, dati-rati lahat para sa akin! Ngayon kay Chicklet na. $10 na lang daw ang balato niya sa akin kaloka!

Last Saturday (Sept 13), we went to South Edmonton Common to finally buy that "something-for-Chicklet." We agreed on buying some Gap clothes for the baby. We were even aiming to buy Chicklet's first ever Christmas outfit na. Pero nabigo kami, wala kaming nakitang maganda. We were just able to buy one Gap Baby Blanket.

The distressed Dad was not happy. He has to spend his money daw for Chicklet talaga. Then we saw the OshKosh Shop.

For the first time, he excitedly entered a clothes store. You see, Ford is never into clothes. Whenever I would enter a baby shop that sells clothes, he would just wait for me outside. He said it's my territory.

Daddy was willing to really splurge for Baby Chicklet this time but nabigo uli siya. Wala siyang makitang type niya.

Thankfully, we saw this clearance rack haha!

We were so happy kasi ang cheap. We bought four pairs of clothing for the baby. Yung pang-six months ang kinuha namin. Very timely kasi by the time six months na si Chicklet, nasa Pilipinas kami. He'll be needing 'summer clothes' there.

Drowning in the sea of baby clothes!

Don't worry, Dad. We'll find that perfect Christmas outfit for Chicklet soon!

Ford still wants to go back. He has lots of money pa raw. And hindi lang pala balato ang gusto niyang ibigay for Chicklet, he wants to spend all the money for him (minus my $10)! So all is for Chicklet now! Poor Mom, naagawan na sa affection and money ni Dad lol!

Ooops by the way, now that winter is approaching, it's best to buy out-of-season items na - like summer clothes. Hope we could find more good deals. =)

Happiness = Chicklet

I have a new definition of happiness. It now means seeing my son's face and watching him peacefully asleep inside my tummy.

September 12, 2014 / Chicklet @ 31 weeks and 1 day

I love you, my Baby Chicklet! Your Dad and I couldn't wait to touch and hug and kiss you! See you again (in ultrasound) next week! =)

Pod's birthday 2014

September 6, 2014. With nothing else to do, the birthday boy and I decided to just go to Cross Iron Mills in Calgary to do a bit of shopping (for the baby) and to 'break-in' our one-week old car.

Before leaving the house, Pod joined us in the mandatory powder room wefie haha!

Baby Chicklet @ 30 weeks and 2 days

We left at around 9:50am. Subaru even greeted his boss lol!

It was a three-hour drive to Calgary. We were already starving by 1pm. There are no restaurants inside Cross Iron Mills, only a foodcourt. We ended up having bourbon chicken.

Daddy Ford spent his birthday shopping for Baby Chicklet. Buti na lang may mga sale sa Babies "R" Us.

Normally, my trip to Cross Iron won't be complete without acquiring a purse or two from either Coach Outlet Store or Michael Kors. But I wasn't able to buy any last Saturday. Haha, nagbago na ako! We need to save for the baby. Si Chicklet na lang ang focus namin ngayon. Dalawang Lacoste beanies lang ang nabili ko for myself kasi necessity saka sale naman.

The husband didn't buy anything for himself. He just had crepe and was already happy. What a simple guy he is!

We only stayed at the mall for less than three hours and then drove again for another three. Buti na lang masipag mag-drive si birthday boy!

At 6:40pm, we picked Ate June up so we could eat dinner with her.

Sa Max's Restaurant din kami bumagsak. Ford was very hungry from driving so he wanted tried-and-tested dishes. We couldn't eat at non-Pinoy restaurants (like Tony Roma's or Chili's or Boston Pizza) naman because I won't be able to calculate my carbs intake there.

We love Max's food honestly...

Nilagang Baka, Sizzling Tofu, Lechon Kawal, Fried Chicken

Haha, I just wished he had a hair cut before his birthday so he'll look good on pictures! Kaso kuripot ang lolo mo, saka na daw siya magpapagupit.

I will always be grateful to Ate June for always being there for Ford, especially when I still wasn't here...

Edmonton Partners...

Baby Chicklet ought to have a picture with his future Ninang June.

Happy happy birthday, Dear Pod Pod! I have no gift nor any surprise for you because I lack money and mobility. Bawi ako next year (hopefully)! I love you so much!