extraordinary: October 19, 2011 (A day worth remembering)

This is one of the most memorable days of my life, especially as a woman. For nine months, I was able to conceive and give life to another human being inside my body. Those months were very exciting and emotional since my hormones were raging and intense!

For the first trimester, I was very lucky for not experiencing any discomforts and morning sickness. I was still able to continue my training in SPMC's busiest area which is the Emergency Room. As expected, every shift and duty was very tiring and draining. Thank God I was able to handle the pressure physically. Joe and my family suggested that I end my training since it would place risk not only for me but also for the baby. I opted to disagree but promised I would be extra cautious and would take care of myself while I am in the hospital. To release my stress, I eat and eat and eat and eat! (haha) Which made my weight increase suddenly that my OB requested me to undergo some test to determine if I am diabetic or not. Luckily, the result turned out negative (that was after almost 12 hours of fasting! Imagine a pregnant woman so hungry and craving for a lot of food but was obliged not to take in anything including water! It feels like hell!). Anyway, every time I would meet some friends and relatives, the question would always be about: "When is the wedding?" Which honestly, I don't have the answer yet. Although we have plans of getting married, me and my partner never agreed to do it this early since there might be circumstances and events that could change our decisions.

During the second trimester, I was able to feel my baby move inside my tummy for the first time! It was the one of the most memorable parts of pregnancy (I know most mothers would agree!) I feel so secured and happy everytime my partner holds my tummy before we sleep, while we are asleep and when we wake up in the morning. My babybump started to grow bigger and became visible. Inspite of this, I was still able to go to the beach, take roadtrips and attend parties.

@ Ice giants

everywhere I go, he goes :)

Karen's Vacation 2011

@ MTS

group dinner @ Bogser's

@ Santander's Hitoan. Yummy!

@ Pizza Familia after watching Temptation Island

@ Mergrande

Since I have limited activities, friends often come for a visit.

Jewel's 22nd

Videoke sessions

with daryl @ Penong's Matina

Pajama Party

@ Christ the King Church

Daryl's 23rd

One of my Cravings! Zagu-Hazelnut Cappucino

Santander's Hitoan for the NTH time

to Tagum

Joe's 23rd

I was only an audience for their inuman session! Was really drooling with T. Ice! haha

surprise Mini-Pary/Baby Shower at Villa Christina Resort

I was not bored of staying at home since I had two online jobs which made me busy. But honestly, I miss the times when I can go anywhere whenever I wan't to. Being pregnant entails a lot of limitations but I wasn't depressed since it is for the sake of our baby's health. It was also during this period that we knew what her gender was. Joe had always wanted a girl and I wanted a baby boy. He was so happy to know we will have a princess. I was also overwhelmed especially when we had our 3d/4d ultrasound. She was a bit stubborn during ultrasound sessions and the doctor would often complain. LOL! By the way, this was also one of the most memorable and lovely anniversary. We celebrated our 2nd year together at Pearl Farm. I love the place and it's romantic ambiance. I really had fun and I feel so loved by YOU. :)

While waiting for our dinner to be served.

Enjoying the scenery after dinner.

Sisig, Palabok and Green Mango Shake @ Gerry's Grill after watching X-men. (fresh from Pearl Farm)

Green Green Grass

@ Seagull Mountain Resort for the NTH time

Foggy Morning during our roadtrip to bukidnon

This is how we spend our weekends together. *May video pa ito, posted on Joe's FB haha!*

@ Isla Reta for the NTH time

Too bad I wasn't able to enjoy the waterfalls.

During rest days and weekends, we would spend time cooking together.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Creamy Carbonara

My favorite @ Pizza Hut

Bigby's

Eggpie (before)

Eggpie (after)

As the third trimester approached, I was starting to feel anxious and nervous. I enrolled in a pre-natal yoga class as suggested by my OB. I was excited to attend sessions since I met a lot of new friends. During our classes, we were taught on the correct breathing patterns, posture, exercises and relaxation techniques which would be very useful once we have our labor. For the remaining 3 months, I experienced back and leg pains. That was the worst part since I am not the type of person who enjoys just lying in bed and doing nothing!

Tea after yoga sessions.

THE POD

with Ms. Alex and Espee

Many thanks to Miss Alex Hao of the POD. The yoga was really helpful. I recommend it to all Moms-to-be :)

On October 17, I experienced slight spotting. Although I felt no pain at all, my OB wanted to make sure everything was ok. She then advised us to go to the hospital for further evaluation. When I was there with Joe the doctor told us that I am already 2-3 cms. dilated but she gave us the option to stay or go home. Of course we chose to stay at home since I am more comfortable at my own place. We were then allowed to go as long as we go back to the hospital once something unsual happens. We couldn't believe I was already in labor that time since we were still able to eat out at Lachi's, go to two banks BPI and BDO for some transactions and accompany him to the barber shop. Early morning of October 18, I started to experience severe back pains which was tolerable. By 6 am, we decided to take a walk in our village to exercise and breathe fresh air. My family and partner would always ask me if it's already time to go to the hospital since they see me uncomfortable during contractions. I opted to stay at home though since I can still bear the pain. By 6pm, my OB called up and told me I need to be admitted already since the interval of the contractions are getting closer. Along with Joe, his parents and my mom, we went right away to the hospital. Their presence had been a great contribution to lessen my pain. Their assurance relieved my worries and fears. It was then that I realized how important our family is. While in the labor room, I remained calm and relax. After the Internal Examination (which I really hate!), the resident OB told me I was already 5 cms dilated (that was about 8pm). By 10 pm, my OB came in and re-assured me everything will be fine. So that I could sleep and rest, she suggested that I be given a sedation. I agreed so that I would have enough energy for the big battle the next day. In just minutes, I fell asleep. By 2am, I was awakened by my intense back pains. It was already unbearable this time but I chose to keep quiet and not tell the nurses right away. When they noticed I wasn't comfortable anymore, they approached me and suggested another Internal Examination. By 4am I was already fully dilated but my bag of water hasn't broke yet. I was then transferred to the delivery room. They were amazed why I can still walk! I think my yoga and breathing exercises worked. At 5am, my OB suggested that she break my bag of water artificially. I disagreed at first and asked for more time since I was already scared. But then, I realized it would lessen my time of suffering so I agreed. Minutes after they did that, I was able to feel the urge to push. By 5:50 AM of October 19, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl whom we named Alexa Francine. I was a bit ambivalent seconds after she came out. It seems like I can't believe how a baby grew and lived inside my small womb. However, I was so happy to hear her cry for the first time and hold her against my chest. I was sedated after that and when I woke up, it was already 9am and I am about to be transferred to my room where Joe and my Mama are waiting. The feeling was magical when I first held her in my arms and I can feel everybody's happiness. Everyone was excited and glad that the baby and me are ok. I thank God with all my heart for the safe and easy delivery. Thank you Lord for taking all my pain away and for not letting me suffer. Thank you for my family and his family that supported us all the way. Thank you for giving me a partner who loves me dearly, takes care of me and never fails to make me happy. Above all, I thank you for my own life which gave life to another human being. Thank you so much fr giving us Alexa Francine, our bundle of joy. :)