The Great Wait

Going to the doctor last week for Riza's check, we brought with us the birthing bag that she prepared several weeks ago. We were prepared for any recommendation the doctor might say during her check, either C section or induce labor. There was an atmosphere to joy and nervousness when we went to the doctor. Joy, because we would like to see our baby before Christmas (this will be the greatest gift ever) and nervousness because she might recommend a C section. Then, you might ask what her recommendation? She recommended for us to wait for another week before inducing labor (sigh =I).

One more week to wait for our little bundle of joy to come. But I consider this 1 week the longest wait so far. Knowing the exact date when the baby will be born and waiting for that date is killing me. I'm so excited I can't hardly wait.

Feliz Navidad!

My first Christmas with a husband and a baby on the way. Can't really have our own private noche buena for the first time as a family since we lived together with my hubby's parent's house. Just went along with the flow of their family's Christmas gathering tradition of early dinner and gift giving. I used to celebrate Christmas when I'm here in Manila with all of my noisy but enjoyable relatives til past midnight of eating, fun and merry-making.

I miss going home to Davao for a Christmas vacation.

I miss those fun Christmas celebration with my relatives at Tierra.

I miss those crazy and endless picture taking during Christmas eve with all of my cousins.

I miss feasting on all the food served during noche buena (can't eat much today due to my diabetes).

Though there are some things I miss, I'm still grateful my hubby and baby-inside are together spending Christmas 2005.

Big Baby!

We got the fetal growth monitoring result of our baby during my latest prenatal check-up last Saturday (12/10). She's already 3278 gms (approx 7.2lbs), too big for her gestational age of only 35.4 weeks! The last time we checked on her ultrasonic weight a month ago, she's only 2235 gms (approx 4.9 lbs). If we observe her growth rate, it averages at around 250 gms per week. Come her full term (37 weeks) on December 20, she'll be approximately 3778 gms (8.3 lbs) by then. Whoa! I'm not very certain if I can deliver her out normally the fact that this is my first pregnancy!

We'll be seeing again my OB on Dec 20. By then she can advise us on the best step to do whether to induce my labor or perform CS. She wants to deliver my baby as early as possible so it won't be gaining too much weight. Right now I'm stressing myself with much walking exercise to speed things up normally.

We're wishing our baby comes out before Christmas. It would be such a perfect gift for us =). Notwithstanding the fact that my husband wants to spend more time with her since he ‘s already scheduled for a 3-month business trip January next year.

Fruitcake

My mother-in-law missed the fruitcake-making class of Chef Annie because it was cancelled for some reasons. Since she really need to dispatch her kilos of glazed fruits and not to mention her desire to learn how to bake fruitcake, we gathered the guts to bake one two days ago. She searched for Heny Sison's fruitcake recipe on her clearbook files containing cut-outs from magazines and newspapers. Though she already had this tons of recipe books whether bought or given to her from US, I admire her passion of collecting more recipes on prints and even on product labels!

We gathered the fruits and nuts ingredients on the first day and geez, they almost weigh 2 kilos already! The instructions said that these need to be soaked in dark rum overnight. No wonder that those glazed fruits and nuts in the fruitcake have an alcoholic smell and taste of the rum. (Others used scotch whisky but we religiously followed the instructions coz it's our first time to bake this fruitcake.)

On the actual day we baked the fruitcake, we encountered a lot of blunders. We failed to read the last part of the instruction which we thought are only tips after it has been baked so we almost forgot to place a pan of hot water to avoid the cake from cracking while baking. Due to the various times we opened and closed the oven, the oven thermometer was accidentally dunked into the hot water. What we got was a busted thermometer and an uneven baking temperature! The 90-min baking time was shortened to 60 mins coz when we tried to check it out, it's already done a quarter before its alloted time. Whew! We almost missed placing the glazed fruits & nuts toppings!

But who would've thought these fruitcakes were baked by inexperienced and meager bakers like us? hehehe =) We let this cool off overnight and brushed it with dark rum the following day before storing it. This can last for 8 months or so. And the taste... it's not just an ordinary fruitcake! Really yummy, luscious and I love the smell. We're very happy of the results.

Some people hate fruitcakes. Perhaps its because of the low quality and commercialized fruitcakes they've tasted. For me, I've found this recipe that I learn to like and can fiddle with the variations of fruits, nuts, spices and rum used. Through practice, I can someday be known to make the best fruitcake in the clan. =)

Banana Cake

I used to eat banana cake since I was in elementary but it's only now that I was able to obtain hands-on knowledge on how to bake it. My mother in law had this favorite banana cake recipe of hers given by her home-economics-teacher sister ages ago. It's written in a notebook including all the other recipes her sister kept during her bachelor days. We decided to bake it due to the plenty over-ripe bananas piled on the dining table.

I thought that most cakes are complicated to bake due to so many considerations on temperature, beating time, ingredients/pans used, etc. Count the banana cake off. It's like making a pancake where we just mixed all the ingredients, baked it then viola! A delectable banana cake! Now I know why banana cakes have these streaks of brown hair-like texture. It's the fiber in the banana.


Next time we'll create more variations by adding chocolate chips, walnuts, pineapple and even carrots! Coz baking it is truly a piece of cake. =)

Baby Showers

After a long argument and preparation with my bestfriend Phen on having a baby shower or not before our baby will be born, we decided to celebrate it over dinner with very closed friends only. Yesterday, (12/3/2005), my hubby and I met with 2 very dear friends at Megamall (sad to say one wasn't able to come, they're supposed to be 3). But we proceeded anyway coz I might not be able to attend if it would be rescheduled once more.

We feasted over an eat-all-you-can buffet, chit-chat on the latest happennings and had some good laughs. The night went well. We talked interminably as well as enjoyed taking pictures , we weren't able to keep track of the time. A 3-hour get-together is indeed very short for us coz we barely see each other now. We had a whole day spent merry-making when I lived in Las Pinas before, just within the vicinity where they also lived. Now I'm already in Marikina, can't go out with them that much and I missed the malls down south.

After the simple gift giving and favors, the ceremonial baby shower ended. But it was not more of the "tagged occassion" we're up to but with the bonding and special moments we shared in our friendship.

I somehow felt this superstitious feelings before on baby showers and buying baby stuffs. But I brushed it off by thinking that this little angel I'm carrying and I have already gone through so much sacrifices and trials but we remained strong, still holding on this 34th week. God gave her to us as a gift and blessing to shower happiness in our lives and we believe He won't take her away from us. =)

Weekend Irony

I had my trip to my endocrinologist and OB-Gyne last Saturday (11/26/2005) for my routine check-up both for my Gestational Diabetes and prenatal. My hubby and I arrived very early at the hospital to avoid the long queue of patients because it’s a weekend. Though I was in the top 3 on their list, I was still served very late. I don’t understand why doctors can afford to let their patients wait too long. I’m paying too high for their PFs but they rob away from me my precious and productive time.

Anyway, I was very much happy with the results coz I’ll need insulin shots no more. My GDM was treated by the strict diet I’m following and daily monitoring of my blood sugar. Though it raised a concern since I lost 5 lbs in just two weeks (the fact that I’m pregnant), I was assured by my OB that there’s nothing much to worry about the weight loss. However, I still need to balance everything on what I eat, blood sugar level and weight gain which is too hard to juggle but I take it as a challenge.

Although it was a satisfactory trip at hospital, I thought I would be more delighted coz we’ll be visiting my family in Las Pinas after a month of not seeing them. I was wrong indeed!

If I was robbed away of my precious time at the hospital but was pleased with the results, at this point, I was very glad I got the chance to be with my family, but lost my sentimental and very expensive diamond ring instead. Someone took it away from my closet including some cash from my piggybank. =(

Experienced life’s paradox. I believe God design it that way for us to pursue His will and listen to His message for us. Though right now I still don’t know the implication of what had happened, I’m trying to comfort myself by counting and thanking Him for all the blessings I have. As the saying goes “It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of godliness.” God used this circumstance to further develop my character and He has a purpose why I’m bombarded with a bunch of problems. His will be done on us.

Nesting

I experienced this spurt of energy this morning to wash all our baby’s clothing. I believe this is a primal instinct in preparation for childbirth. I’ve read an article that this urge to clean and organize is no myth and it’s usually strongest just before the delivery. Well, I’m currently at 33 weeks, 4-7 weeks more to go. I still got so many things lined up:

• iron our baby’s clothes
• buy some more essential baby stuffs (crib mattress and beddings, sterilizer, diapers, additional feeding bottles and baby bath/cleaning stuffs)
• pack birthing bag to take to hospital when the time comes
• paint the den (previously an entertainment room in the house) so we could transfer our computer and TV to make room for the crib
• walk, walk, walk, walk.. for a problem-free delivery

Did I miss something?

Women really undergo on so many life’s labor. The deed I made today is already a labor of love for our unborn baby. For the past 2 years (I think), today is the first time I washed clothes. Acquired four bruised fingers (I didn’t use the washing machine but hand-washed the clothes), but I don’t bother. Just like a bird picking up the finest twigs and nice spot for her nest, I’m doing this for the love of our upcoming little angel.

Baking Lesson

Yesterday (11/19/2005) was my first time to attend a formal baking class. My mother-in-law is very fond of baking and she’s the one who encouraged me to take baking classes because not all techniques and in-depth know-how can be learned on recipe books. Hands-on experience is the key to master the craft of baking. I only had limited knowledge way back in high school during our Home Economics class. I recalled my HS classmate who taught me her eggnog-like cookies which she called cornstarch cookies. Tried it at home ‘til our oven got busted.

Right now I already know how to bake delicious cookies. Mommy Sally (my mother-in-law) was the first one who taught me including her secret techniques and recipes. No wonder her cookies taste much better than Mrs. Fields =).

My first step to attending a class all started with her urge to learn how to bake fruitcake. She had an ample supply of preserved fruits courtesy of her sister from US that she wants to convert to fruitcake since Christmas season is near. We learned that Castle of Baking and Confectionery Arts (aka Chocolate Lover’s) offers such affordable short-course. I got interested on their Christmas Goodies lesson that features tarts, macaroons and food for the gods among all other 9 goodies. Chef Annie, the Chocolate Queen was our instructor. She’s a master on her field, practical, generous in parting her knowledge and very down to earth. We’re around 40 in her class of all walks of life (but I’m the only preggy in the room, hehe). We divided the baked goodies and just took home a few (more of a sampler) due to our populated class.

Now I’m attempting to perfect each of the recipes I’ve learned. Already baked two batches of Food for the Gods and gathered some positive comments on the taste. Currently trying to sell those baked goodies. Perfect for the Christmas season. =)

Food for the Gods

Not too bad for P150/box (contains 1 dozen). Guaranteed delicious. Orders are welcome. You can contact me anytime at rizcandazo@gmail.com

Btw, conquered my GDM misery by dealing with the enemy, SUGAR! hehehe =) … Though got some idea to go sugar-free in baking, I should be a proficient baker first before aiming it.

On GDM and healthcare . . .

Defined as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. A common but controversial disorder of glucose intolerance that is recognized during pregnancy.

I’ve become somewhat a resident at The Medical City for the past two days (11/17 - 11/18) because of consultations, check-ups and diagnostic tests performed since I was diagnosed with GDM during my recent prenatal checkup. My GDM is not alarming though. This can be remedied by a strict diet (2000 calorie plan from a dietician), exercise and daily monitoring of blood sugar. The latter is painful and I must get used to pricking my fingers to get blood sample.

The past two days gave me some realizations on common matters that I might have already known but paid no heed.

• I am what I eat. I can eat a big chocolate bar or 1 dozen of cookies during pre-pregnancy. But now, due to hormonal changes, I might have developed an anti-insulin hormone that caused my GDM.
• Healthcare in our country is very expensive. Health is literally wealth to people in the medical profession and medical establishments.
• Hospital and clinic costs like our society also have classes (Class A, B, C). I saved as much as 55% when I opt my diagnostic tests to be done on small clinics.
• Know and scrutinize the extent of coverage of your company’s health insurance provider. All my maternity related check-ups and diagnostic tests are not covered. Shelled out a lot of money for this and I’m still paying my quarterly contribution which is irrelevant coz I can’t use it right now.

I’m always concerned on my health, pregnant or not. I hope I’ll get well and be better soon because getting sick is very expensive.

Womb’s Window

Nothing is more miraculous than the birth of a child. The wait for that special event is one of the most exciting times in our life. We’ve been asking a million of questions. Will it be a boy or a girl? Who will he/she look like? What is their world like? What do they do? Do they smile, yawn, suck their thumb? All the answers to these questions we’ve found out.

After a long period of deciding whether to avail or not of the 3D/4D ultrasound technology as well as the never ending persuasion of my best friend, ALAS! we had it done last Saturday (11/12/05) at The Medical City. I’ve been hunting for the most competitive, affordable and very good 3D/4D ultrasound packages on most clinics and hospitals and I think The Medical City provides it. They’re the ones who gave us a free sample 3D shot of our baby during one of my routine pelvic ultrasound afterall.


This picture was our first teaser that encouraged us to avail of their offer. This 3D shot was taken during her 24th week.

The OB-Sonologist had a hard time getting a glimpse of her cutie face because her hand's covering it continually. Perhaps we are disturbing her profound sleep. She looks so peaceful. And well, look at her nose! We’re proud that mine and my hubby’s noses are not “pango” (flat) =)

This is our first real image encounter with our pretty darling.


Last Saturday was the real thing. We didn't see her only in a jiffy but had a 30-minute bonding with her. The first probe caught her feet on her face. Not her hands anymore this time. But this image was taken without her feet hiding her face as the OB-Sonologist explored a different angle.

The 4d real time image was ecstatic! We're cheerful as we watched her moved her lips and mouth (somewhat sucking on some amniotic fluid), playfully pricking her nose with her tiny fingers, thumb sucking, closing and opening her eyes. And the most blissful part is when we saw her adorable and pretty smile. =)

She's 31 weeks here and watch closely how far she'd grown in just 7 weeks. Actually, the results showed that she's overweight on her gestational age due to my GD (gestational diabetes). So I'm trying my best to overcome it for her sake.



The captured pictures printed on film paper and moving images stored in CD will be available next week. We can no longer wait. My hubby and I have been dying to see it again and share with our family and friends. We're so glad that through this cutting edge technology, we are given that once in a lifetime glimpse of our baby that we will treasure forever.

Coz I’m Super Sweet

I took a 50g glucose challenge test during my 25th week of pregnancy wherein I was given to drink a very sweet carbonated liquid and blood was drawn from me after an hour. The result of my blood glucose level was way above the normal values as what my OB told me. She’s afraid I might develop gestational diabetes (GD) during my pregnancy so she advised me to take the 100g glucose tolerance test. I felt very scared as well as so annoyed with the outcome since none in our family had history of gestational diabetes. Now I need to watch over my diet, avoiding sweet stuffs as well as carbo-loaded foods (coz carbo will be converted to sugar when processed by our body). What the heck! I thought being pregnant gives me the authority to eat whatever I want for the growth of my baby. I’m wrong big time!

I was very hesitant to take the 100g GTT coz I’ll be paying those hospitals just to draw out blood from me 4 times in four hours! Not only that but I also have to fast 8 hours prior to the first draw and until the whole four hours is over. That’s almost 12 hours or half day without food or any liquid drinks either! Not even water!! But with the help of my best friend who accompanied me throughout the test, I was able to survive this ordeal just to rule out if I really have GD based on formal results. I’ve been pricking daily to monitor my sugar level using my father-in-law’s Medisense and the results are within the normal range though.

I still failed in the 100g GTT =(… sniff sniff… =( Had my pre-natal checkup today (31st week) and I was formally diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I really felt very bad. Got mixed emotions of being scared, deprived and saddened. My OB sounds so pessimistic to me as she enumerates the probable effects of having GD. That I might need to take insulin shots (damn those needles again!), that we might lose our baby, that our baby might be overweight for normal delivery.. and the list of possibilities goes on. Now I have to consult with an endocrinologist and dietician. I need to closely monitor my sugar level and to follow a strict low-sugar and low-carb diet.

I wish and pray that the last 9 weeks (approx) will be very well for me and our baby. This will be our first born and we don’t want to lose her… Oh good Lord please hear our pleas.

Ever wondered

Have you ever wondered how beautiful and wonderful your wife looks being pregnant? She’s sleeping right now…just can’t take my eyes off her… so peaceful =). I love kissing her while she sleeps, whisper “I love you” to her and gently stroke her hair.

Sleepless

I’ve been nursing my sick husband for the past two days now. He started with an aching throat that eventually developed into cough and fever. We have no idea what triggered it. Perhaps it was due to the changing weather or his tonsils were again infected. Remembered a year ago he was also sick this time of the year. He possibly had a biological timer that activates on a specific time.

Since I’m currently on my way, we have to sacrifice not to sleep together during the night as well as our cuddling. I was into too much not so good health conditions already during the early days of my pregnancy and we can no longer afford to let those circumstances happen again this time.

For the past two nights of sleeping alone in our bed (he had to sleep on his bro’s room whose running a tight shift at work), I’m sleepless, waking up twice or thrice in the middle of the night and waking up very early in the morning (usually 5am). I’m beginning to develop this uncomfortable feeling without my husband beside me. Coz I’m used to be cuddled every time I changed my sleep position. Pregnancy has really taken its toll on my slumber because of back and pelvic pains due to my ever growing belly.

Wish he’ll get better now. Not because he needed to go back to work but because I need him beside me at night so that me and our baby (inside my womb) will have a peaceful and comfortable sleep.

Inaugural

Everything sets out from a beginning. Been thinking about joining the blogging bandwagon a year and a half ago but just couldn't find the time and the perfect theme for the site. I can't say that what I've started is perfect either.

I've been keeping seasonal tangible journals before. This time I'm paranoid on the method used in creating one over the net. It's elusive! There will be no substantial thing I can hold on the memoirs I've created if I can no longer access the internet or if the storage servers got destroyed for some reasons. There are countless of possibilities. But I'll write anyway! I don't want my thoughts just to come out and go through my head. Ideas are meant to be proliferated.

This blog site is not mine. It's ours. My husband will have his contributions as well as our child which I'm bearing right now. We'll be teaching our little one as early to write and express ideas =) . Somewhere, now or some time in the future, someone will see our family life as inspiring, entertaining or even maddening. It doesn't matter though, it's our life anyway.

This is dedicated to my family which I treasure most.