Anvin and Ann Wedding Video

Hi Mommies!

The long wait is finally over, we have the copy of our full wedding video and it is my great joy to share with you all the story of us and the start of our forever. Come waste your time and click on the link below. 

                                                 Anvin and Ann Full Wedding Video

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or OGTT - Pregnancy

Good day Mommies! This time I am going to share with you the continuation of my story with reference to my previous post OGCT. As mentioned in my earlier post, i had failed my OGCT test and i need to go through Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or OGTT this time. This test will determine if i have a Gestational Diabetes ( high blood sugar that starts or is found during pregnancy). After learning that i failed my first screening test, my OB-GYN requested me to undergo OGTT 100grams. I made a lot of preparations prior taking this test. I strictly observed my food consumption particularly my sugar intake. I also limit the fruits I eat since this is also one of the culprit why i had high sugar. I would eat brown rice instead of white grains. Whole wheat bread, oatmeal, anything to make my sugar low, in short all bland foods. :( I would always check the label of the food i eat to know the sugar content of it. For one week I'm on a strict diet. I just hope that it pays off all my sacrifices.

I took the test last 04 Dec 2015, same procedure, no food intake prior the test for 8 hours. My last meal then was at 1:30 am then we arrived at the Bioscopic Diagnostic Laboratory in Sta. Mesa, Manila at around 9:30 am. First step, they have to extract my blood for FBS test or Fasting Blood Sugar, then they gave me a drink with a glucose in it. I have to consume it, then after an hour they have to extract again my blood. And again for another hour and for the last hour. You will allow 3 hours for this test. This time the glucose drink they asked me to consume is very sweet. I  don't like it, i feel like i'm going to throw up but they warned me not to if i don't want to repeat the whole test. *sigh* Finally, i finished the test past 1 pm already. I feel so weak then, i am super hungry, dizzy and i feel i'm going to breakdown. We look for the nearest place to eat then we went back home. I really feel exhausted and extremely tired when we got home so i rested and take a nap right away. 

Taking a selfie during my OGTT test.. 

Late in the afternoon, i texted "Inay" (bioscopic staff) to check the status of my test if the results we're ready. And here's what i found out.

FBS Result           Normal Values

65.90                              70-105

124.40 1st/hour         up to 170

151.60 2nd/hour        up to 150

117 3rd/hour                up to 120

I'm a bit worried because of the result of my 2nd hour glucose test which is slightly elevated compared to the rest. I am so bothered and texted my OB-Gyn again to inform her the results. She said it was normal, i just have "Glucose Intolerance" though and need to limit still my sugar intake. I keep on wondering how is it normal while i have slightly high result on my second hour test? Until now, I'm  a bit bothered of it. I haven't scheduled a prenatal check up with my OB yet, i have so many questions to ask her. I did a little research about Glucose Intolerance and now i understand what this is. It basically means your body is starting to not utilize insulin as well and your blood sugar is slightly elevated, but you have not reached the diabetic stage. This is just like an umbrella or a firewall that really need to closely monitor for the sake of the health of me and my baby. Now i realized how important to watch my food consumption. Pregnancy is really challenging and needs really a careful attention. I just need to be more disciplined, practice more self-control specially in my sugar/food consumption, I need to watch my diet and exercise is big help too in order not to develop the so called gestational diabetes. Prevention is better than cure. I say NO TO GESTATIONAL DIABETES. 

Oral Glucose Challenge Test or OGCT - Pregnancy

So it's been a while since my last post, i have been preparing for my Glucose Test ever since. This test is done between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. I am already on my 26 weeks and 4 days. I planned to take the test at Exact Check Diagnostic Laboratory, in QC where my sister (a registered nurse) used to work. She asked me to take the test in their clinic so i could avail the said test for free using her free voucher. :)

Oral Glucose Challenge Test or OGCT

I had my test called Oral Glucose Challenge Test (OGCT) last Nov 27, 2015. My OB requested for OGCT 50grams since i told her I am no high risk for diabetes, no history in our family as far as i know. I am confident that i could pass the test and of course i made myself ready for the said test, I thought so.. ;) I was instructed by my sister to fast for 6-8 hours prior blood extraction to check very well the sugar levels in my blood. So i ate my last meal at around 3:30 am so they could extract my blood at around 11:30 am. We arrived at the clinic around 10 am and i looked for my sister where she assisted me and endorsed me to the one in-charge. The clinic was very neat and i just felt comfortable. They gave me this glucose drink and instructed me to finish within 15 minutes then after the last gulp that is where we are going to count for 1 hour then blood extraction will follow. During that time, i feel so dizzy and so hungry and my baby keeps on kicking and punching me maybe she's also complaining because she is starving too. LOL :) The glucose drink tastes like Gatorade drink in orange flavor. It is not too sweet, my baby and I liked it. ;)

After the test, we just ate lunch at King's Chef and its feast time. I am so happy because I am done with the test and i could eat now though the result is not yet ready, i am so confident but also a bit nervous what will be the outcome of it. So after lunch we just went home because i feel so tired and dizzy still. That is what i observed every time i have to go through blood extraction. I feel like i am going to catch a fever or maybe it was just a psychological issue. After few hours of travel from the clinic to our house, finally i could lie down in my bed to rest while waiting for the results. At home, i feel so sleepy then, but can't sleep maybe i was excited for the results so i keep on texting my sister to keep me informed. I had my snacks while waiting, i dig in to small bar of crunch chocolate and bread with strawberry jam spread and chips. Yum right? ;)  I have been craving to eat this for days but i cant since I am on a diet mode. So i am satisfied now! But wait, i received a text message from my sister.. The results.... She said " my OGCT result was 9.74 and the normal value is up to 7.22mmol/L. I felt like, crap! I failed! :( I am so sad and stressed with my results. What happened? But, i keep on convincing myself that it was okay, and wait until my OB sees it. I have elevated Glucose in my blood. I am worried about the baby, what will be the consequences of high glucose, what's next? So, i texted and emailed my results to my OB. She then confirmed to me to take another test, this time its Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or OGTT for 100grams to determine if i have a gestational diabetes. This test is done for those who are failed from the OGCT test like in my case. :( I felt like I am going to cry for a failed results and for the repeat test. But i am hopeful and didn't lose faith. I prayed and ask guidance to God, i know i can pass the next test. I just need to be more disciplined and limit my sugar intake. This time its really a serious diet. 

Glucose Drink 50 grams

Mommies, i have to stop now.. :( Too bad, will continue the story about my OGTT next time.. I'm a bit tired right now. I need to rest for a while... I hope i didn't consume all your time reading my story. Thank you, Mommies! Have a nice day!

Pregnancy Feel Good TV Series

I have been always at home during my pregnancy period. If i am bored, i would just download my favorite series to watch during spare time. I have been watching a lot of foreign TV series such as, The Flash, Arrow, Once Upon a Time, Devious Maids, The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead and recently I've been hooked with the Game of Thrones. I finished the whole season just for a week. It was addicting, I swear! I know i shouldn't watch such intense and barbarous series but i really enjoyed it, not the cruel scenes but the story itself. My husband has been telling me to watch this series ever since, but i decided not to, because i don't like brutal kind of movies, anything about kingdoms, dynasty and medieval eras, i find it boring! ;) Good thing i changed my mind! :)

Feel Good TV Series

For Soon to be Moms out there, if you like a feel good series to watch i would recommend this favorite TV series named, Jane the Virgin. This is an American romantic comedy-drama TV series you can watch at The CW. The series star Gina Rodriguez as Jane Villanueva, a working , religious young Latina virgin, who becomes pregnant after being artificially inseminated by mistake. Watching this series makes me laugh all the time. I like all the casts. They are all very good actors and actresses. They really portrait their characters very well. The first season of this series, consist of 22 episodes. The whole season focuses on the life of Jane how she's being torn between his two lovers Matt and Rafael, and her experiences being a pregnant woman. How she cope up and surpassed all the challenges that came along in her life but of course with the help of her families and loved ones. At the end of the season, she already gave birth to her son, Mateo which is now the exciting part!  Now, i am on the second season and looking forward on the latest episode. What i really like about this series is not only the fun and laughter it gives me but also it helps me and gives me ideas and tips on being a first time mom. Surely this feel good series will brighten up your day and will make you smile. Think happy thoughts always my dear mommies, so our baby in our tummy will feel happy too. 

Photo Credit: http://www.asktheprostylist.com

Try to watch this series my co-preggos and let me know what your thoughts about it. :)

Acne-Aid Cleansing Bar - Review

I have been using this product more than 2 weeks now. I find it very nice and it cleanses my skin thoroughly and gently. My OB-Gyn mentioned this before since i am complaining to her about my pimples. I think my raging hormones is not yet over! ;) After purchasing my second facial cleanser from VMV Hypoallergenic, which i find very expensive, i decided to purchase and try this Acne Aid Cleansing Bar and i find it very effective and really cure's acne. You can purchase this product in Mercury Drug Stores. I bought this for Php 207 much cheaper than the previous cleanser i am using. So far, my pimples cleared up. I just had few marks and this product really minimizes my pimples. Indeed, a solution to my problem. :)

What i like about this product:

• Fragrance free, very mild cleansing bar.
• Safe for pregnant women.
• Minimizes my pimples.
• Also helps in lightening my pimple marks.
• Non drying, perfect for my oily skin.
• Affordable 
• Recommended by dermatologist worldwide

What i don't like about this product:

• It melts very fast.
• Hope they could change the soap shaped into square so i can easily cut into half for practicality. ;) 

I will definitely re-purchase this product since i find it very good in my skin. I just hope that it will continue to bring delight and pleasing appearance on my skin especially on my face. :) As always, prior buying products for you my co-preggos, make sure to consult the experts opinion.

Have a Happy Day, Mommies!

24 Weeks - Pregnancy

I am on my 24th week already, Hooray! Few more weeks to go and i will be holding my little bundle of joy. I can't wait for that day to happen. Maybe, some of us are a little bit worried and distressed when our due date is getting nearer and nearer especially to those first-time mom's like me. I admit, me too is a little bit afraid and that is normal. Just think on the bright side and be positive, always! Tell your self all the time that you can do it! This responsibility will not be given to you if God thinks you can't do it. Don't overthink, enjoy the rest of your pregnancy period, communicate with your baby as she for sure could hear your beautiful voices. Just relax and everything will be alright. ;)

24 Weeks Bump

Pre-Natal Check up...

I just had my check up yesterday, 11 Nov 2015. It was my 5th appointment already. And guess what? My baby girl is growing and getting bigger. Her size doubled (with extra) from her previous weight/scan. My Ob Gyn was laughing and telling me what did i eat for the past 4 weeks?! *Lol* But she said it was just normal since the baby is trying to reach her normal weight gain and it was during 2nd trimester the baby gets bigger faster. Baby was awake during my ultrasound and she was so active. I eat small snack before my scan so that baby will be awake. She's the cutest! She was kicking, punching, playing around inside my tummy. Knowing that my baby girl is healthy, strong and take note, Heavy *lol* makes me happy and feel relieved. I know a lot of moms can relate with me. We always want our baby to be safe and happy. Sometimes we get so paranoid of what is she doing or is she okay in our tummy, so every time i have my prenatal check -up, that's where i reassured myself that i am doing a great job. I am so happy to share this good news with my husband. :)

Tetanus Toxiod Vaccination...

After my ultrasound, my OB-Gyn also vaccinated me with Tetanus Toxiod (TT), a safe vaccine given to a pregnant woman to prevent the risk of tetanus to you as well as your unborn baby. According to my research, Tetanus is life-threatening bacterial disease that is caused by the toxin of bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Tetanus bacteria enter the body through an open wound. Also tetanus infection is more common when there is a deep puncture wound such as bite, it may be caused by a tiny prick or scratch on the skin. 

This vaccine should be given in two doses,  my first shot is due on my 24th week (was given 11-11-15) and the next dose will be given on my 32 weeks(01-04-16). It is given through intramuscular shot and you will feel slight heaviness in your forearm, just do hot compress at home afterwards. So, mommies out there, make sure you had your shot already prior birthing. Better be safe than sorry. :)

Until here Mommies, will share you next time my pregnancy stories... 

Have a Happy Day!

Kangkong and Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Hi Mommies!

It's Cooking time... Today, i will share another simple and very nutritious recipe. Kangkong and Tofu Stir Fry. For my co-preggos out there, if you want a healthy and budget friendly recipe you can try this at home. Just follow this easy steps:

Ingredients: 

1 bunch of Kangkong or Water Spinach, Cleaned and chopped.
1 small pack of extra firm tofu
3-4 pieces of red chilis, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium white onion, sliced
3-4 tbsp oyster sauce
ground black pepper
1/4 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup water if needed
salt to taste

Preparation: 

Heat cooking oil in a pan and fry tofu until medium brown.
Remove tofu from the pan and let it cool. slice the tofu into small cubes and set aside.
On the same pan. remove excess oil until about 1 tbsp of oil is left.
Heat oil, and saute the garlic and onion for 2 minutes.
Put in sliced tofu and cook for 3 minutes.
Add oyster sauce and ground black pepper, stir.
You may add 1/2 cup water and simmer
Put in kangkong. Stir fry for 5 minutes.
Add salt to taste and then put in chilies. Serve hot and Voila!

Kangkong and Tofu Stir Fry Recipe - @julianskitchen

Note: Mommies, you can also estimate the exact ingredients depending upon your desired number of servings and your taste too. :)

Let me know what you think...

Happy Cooking Mommies!

My Pregnancy Checklist

Soon to be Mom's need to have checklist or a guide for the preparation of their D-Day. We need to list down all the things and must be done prior delivery so we wont forget a thing. During pregnancy one of the symptoms you may experience if being forgetful. A guide or a list is a must have for you not to miss a single thing. Better be prepared and ready than blaming yourself in the end. Planning ahead is really important not just only for birthing but also for every aspects of our life.

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: http://www.notts-fire.gov.uk/Images/Home_safety_check.jpg

Must be done prior delivery...

• Prenatal Check-ups -  I ensure that i have been coordinated with my OB-Gyn of my monthly scheduled check-up. Monitoring your baby is really important. We want to make sure that she/he is a healthy and a strong baby. 
• Sugar Test or Glucose Challenge Test - done between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes. I am on my 24th week this coming Monday and i have been preparing for this procedure already. My OB-Gyn advice me to have a healthy diet a week before i take the test. So Mommies, prior taking this test make sure to avoid and lessen your sugar intake. 
• Filing my SSS Maternity Notification - Since i am not employed i need to file my SSS Maternity Notification on my own. I have been planning to file this ever since i discovered I'm pregnant but i didn't have time. I just made an online notification instead. I know that this is also very important. I make sure that my SSS is still active for me to claim my maternity benefits in the future.
• 4D Scans/Ultrasound - this tests is really optional. If you do have a budget you can avail this test. I believe this is quite expensive but since i am a first time mom i am very much excited and been planning to have a 4D scan. Every Mom is curious on what their baby's look like right? ;)I am planning to take this test on my 28th week to acquire the best facial image of my little one. I have also researched the best 4D clinic in advance. You must consider the quality, services and pricing of a clinic you're planning to have a scan.
• Shopping for Baby's Stuff - I wanted to make sure of the gender of my baby so i need to have 4D scans prior purchasing stuffs for her. We don't know, maybe my OB-Gyn is wrong about the gender of my baby so i wanted to make sure of it prior buying stuffs. Anybody can commit mistakes so better be prepared of this unforeseen situation. You might be surprise your really having a boy instead of a girl right? :) Make sure you wont splurge in buying stuffs, and promise to control yourself co'z I'm pretty sure the moment you see those cutie little things for your baby you would end up buying stuffs that you wont notice your baby wont be needing it at all. Focus on what's important and needed for your baby. Make a list prior shopping and stick to your budget.
• Hospital Visit/ Ocular Inspection - I am also planning to have a visit at  Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Manila. This is where i am going to give birth. I want to make sure that all their facilities where okay especially their rooms. We wanted to have a smooth delivery so you must be aware of the place where you planned to give birth so wont get lost and panic on your D-Day.
• Prepare your Phil health and SSS Forms- You will be needing this forms in the hospital so make sure you have this with you during D-Day. 

That sums up my to-do lists. Mommies, being organized and prepared is a good thing. Prevent the hassle and rush during the important day of your life. Also, you need to relax, focus and eat healthy and right for your baby. The new chapter of your life is waiting for you and for sure it will be more fun and adventure! 

Have a Happy Day Mommies!

Fish Steak Recipe

Hi Mommies!

It's been a while since my last post. I have been very busy these past few days. :) Anyway, today i will share a recipe that is easy to prepare. This is the Fish version of Beef Steak. I used Bangus or Milkfish for my steak, a national fish in the Philippines. You should try this recipe and for sure you'll be eating plenty of rice so make sure you control yourself. ;) Here it is...

Ingredients:

1 Pc Big Milkfish (cut into half)
1 Medium White Onion, sliced
Juice of Calamansi or Lemon
4 Cloves of Garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Waer
1/2 cup cooking Oil
Celery or Parsley for Garnish


Preparation:

Heat oil in a pan and saute the Milkfish until medium brown.
Remove the fish from the pan and drain excess oil.
On the same pan, discard most of used cooking oil leaving around 1 tablespoon of oil.
Saute the garlic until it turns light brown.
Pour the soy sauce, water and calamansi or lemon juice, stir.
Add the fried fish. Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the onion, salt and pepper. Stir and cover for 5 minutes. You may add water if needed.
Transfer to a serving plate and topped with celery or parsley and Voila!

Note: Mommies, you can also estimate the exact ingredients depending upon your desired number of servings and your taste too. :)

Let me know what you think...

Happy Cooking Mommies!

Pork Estofado Recipe

Happy Friday, Mommies!

Today, i will share a recipe similar to Pork Adobo but, with the use of fried plantains (saging na saba) and carrots. Many of us like to eat dishes with plantains as it enhances and adds a little sweetness to our dishes. For sure you will love this recipe. It's just like your cooking adodo with a twist. Try it yourself and let me know your thoughts about it. 

Ingredients: 

3 lbs Pork, Cubed

3/4 cup cooking oil

5 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp whole peppercorn

3 pieces dried bay leaves

4 plantain bananas, sliced diagonally

1 pc Carrot sliced diagonally

1/2 cup vinegar

3/4 cup soy sauce

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 cup water

 Preparation: 

Heat a pan and pour 1/2 cup of cooking oil, when the oil is hot enough fry the sliced plantains until each side turns to medium brown. Drain excess oil, set aside.

In a separate cooking pot, pour the remaining oil. Once oil is hot enough put in the garlic and saute until it turns to light brown. 

Add the pork and cook until 8-10 minutes

Put in the soy sauce, water, whole peppercorns and dried bay leaves and bring to a boil. Simmer until pork is tender. 

Add vinegar, simmer for 5 minutes.

Add brown sugar and carrots, stir and simmer for 10 minutes. 

Garnish the fried bananas, serve hot and Voila!

Pork Estofado Recipe -@julianskitchen

Note: Mommies, you can also estimate the exact ingredients depending upon your desired number of servings and your taste too. :)

Let me know what you think...

Happy Cooking Mommies!

The Wedding Day - Anvin and Ann - 15 January 2015

Story Of Us...

Last 15 January 2003, i said yes to Anvin. We were just in college that time. We been together for years and experienced a lot of trials and challenges but still we surpassed every struggles that came through our relationship. July 31 2012, we got engaged. I thought we wouldn't make it this far but i just believed in our love and have faith with God. I really do love Anvin and i know that he is really the one. The one who will make me happy and will make my life complete. After long engagement we decided to plan the wedding. This is it! The time that we have been waiting and longing for.  I really prayed for this time to come. I knew that i am ready to be with Anvin...

The BIG day...

Twelve years later, after i said yes, God answered all my prayers. I married the man of my dreams, the man i want to share and be with for the rest of my life. The man who will be the father of my children.The man who i want to grow old with. The man i promised to love and forever adore and cherish. Being married to Anvin is the best feeling ever and i just felt what immense happiness is. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He is my one great love, my confidant. Every day i thanked God for him.. I don't know what i did to have Anvin in my life... 

We made a vow at St. Pacratius Chapel, Paco Park Manila at 3pm last 15 January 2015 also our 12th year anniversary. The ceremony was witnessed by our families and friends. It was an intimate wedding as what i just wanted to be. It was also the arrival of Pope Francis so i believed that we are truly blessed. 

I cannot put into words how happy i am during my wedding day. I would just like to thank, Anvin for this, for all his efforts to make me happy at this important day of our lives.. He made my dream wedding come true. I love you so much, Anvin! :)

As promised, here are the photos during our wedding. I am happy and glad to share it with everyone.

Anvin and Ann 

Suit was made by Bonaobra Couture..

Wedding rings..

Prepping for Big day!

I am one happy bride.. :)

Groom's

My Lovely Bouquet

My handsome Groom

Bride and Maid of Honor

Happiness...

Groom and Groomsmen

Boys! :)

With my sisters..

In laws...

Add caption

Groom and Mommy Anecia

My family :)

Gift Giving..

Lovely..

Handsome Groom..

sisters forever..

My family is love...

bridal car..

Wedding March..

Tears of Joy..

With my eldest brother and sister in law..

Happiness..

walk to forever..

Sealed it with a kiss..

Priceless..

Finally!

The Vow..

I love this bunch!

ladies...

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Arganosa..

With our Principal Sponsors..

With Secondary Sponsors..

The Entourage..

Happy Couple..

Groom and groomsmen presentation/..

Money Dance

Click here for our wedding teaser: Anvin and Ann Wedding SDE

Church - St. Pancratius Chapel, Paco Park, Manila

Wedding Preps- Pan Pacific Manila

Reception: Oasis Manila

Bride, Entourage and Groom's Tux- Bonaobra Couture

Photography and Videography, Photobooth - Isnap Creatives

Coordinator- Carla Canete of Isnap Creatives

HMUA- Victoria Contreras

Mobile Bar- DreamCatcher

Caterer- Hizon's Catering

Wedding Singers- Anima Strings

Lights and Sounds - Cybersound

Hope you enjoyed our Love Story.. 

Have a Happy and Lovely day, Mommies!