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.