My Birthing Story

Flashback to my D-day...

I know i owe you guys a story about the most significant moment of my life.. The day i gave birth to a beautiful tiny little being:) The day i was promoted and officially called "Mother". It's been a year already, but still i could remember every bit of it, every ounce of pain i felt that time and when she's finally out....! I can say that it was really all worth it. Thank You LORD! 

Feb 18, 2016

I was a bit nervous and excited at the same time because i know that I'm nearing my D-day. I don't know, maybe i just felt it, or it's just instinct whatever you call it. I'm ready, my admitting orders are ready, packed all my stuffs, etc.  I contacted my siblings and informed them that i maybe check-in my self to the hospital that day.  

Around 9 am i noticed something reddish in my underwear that makes me alarmed. So i checked my phone, take pictures of it, then silly me, sent it to my OB right away for her to check. I don't feel anything unusual yet, i know I'm being paranoid of thinking what if i can't make it to the hospital and gave birth at home. "LOL" My OB who is so calm told me that there is nothing to worry about because those are just the signs of labor. She just keeps on monitoring me. But me, who is so excited and a bit worried wants to check-in to the hospital now. Fast forward to my story, another bloody discharge came out, experienced back pain, no water breaks yet but this is it! My OB confirmed that it's time for me to go to the hospital. Accompanied by my sister-in-law and my helper we went directly to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital- Delivery Room and hand over my admitting orders and medical records (ultrasound, lab reports, etc)

I was asked to take off my clothes and change it to a hospital gown. There i was being checked by a Resident Doctor. I'm being questioned a lot of things, about my whole pregnancy and even personal experiences. Duh! Maybe its her way also for me to keep calm. She did Internal Exam to check the stage of my labor. I was 2-3CM that time, she said it was still early. I am worried that she might send me home but she did not. So i was transferred to my private room to wait until my cervix gets dilated. I feel so relaxed that time no pain yet but starving already. I asked my OB if could still eat. She said yes but not too much. During night time, my siblings arrived to accompany me. Time to time the resident doctors are checking me (IE & monitoring contractions) 3CM still. Oh no! my labor is a bit slow.. I just want to pop out already! I've been texting my husband keeping him informed of my condition. He is also bit nervous and excited.

Last day of my pregnancy. I''m missing my bump ;)

My OB instructed the resident doctors to give me castor oil. It's stimulant laxative that causes contractions in the bowels which in turn  stimulates uterine contractions. This is the worst drink ever! It's like your drinking a cooking oil. I have no choice but to finish it all the way down and take note you are not allowed to vomit or spit it out. Poor preggo me. :( After taking that castor oil i think after an hour i felt the results already it's like your having a diarrhea, i had to go to the toilet for many times i feel exhausted already. Contractions already started and i just cant sleep well.

February 19, 2016

Around 4 am, I went to the toilet to poop again and there i found out that my water just broke. I was brought to the delivery room right away and was being checked ( IE, vital signs, checking the heartbeat of the baby). I am 7CM, i need to be at least 9-10 CM to start birthing. I was transferred  to Labor Room, i remembered i was crying in pain on every contractions. I cannot described the pain. It was so intense. I keep on praying the whole time. I just prayed to God that He will guide me all throughout my delivery. I prayed for me and my baby's safety. When i was 9 CM i was again transferred to another room the real Labor room. This is it! It's time for me to push!

Inside the Labor room i had to practice pushing, the 2 resident doctors were there and they are teaching me how to push. I had an idea on how to do the pushing since my niece (a nursing student) instructed me that when it's time to push, you need to push hard without interruptions its like your just pooping and you just want to let it all out! Haha! And take note, just push when there is contractions. My OB arrived also and some of the nurses were all ready. My younger sibling was also present during my birthing. She was allowed to enter inside the labor room and was able to capture the very crucial part.

The pain was very extreme. Every contractions was very painful. I was crying and crying but keep on praying in my mind. I still remember they are giving me this epidural anesthesia but they are having a hard time injecting it, i just cant explain the real reason. I keep on pushing hard, I'm very exhausted already but still i didn't lose hope and finally my baby came out at exactly 11:03 am and forgot how many times i tried to push her out! I heard her cry and i just passed out! My OB just told me they just sedated me and no epidural anesthesia was being done.

Meet my dear Julian Dominique :)

Around 1:30 PM  I woke up from the recovery room. There i saw my little baby. They brought her to me and there i started to breastfeed her. I am very happy because I was already holding her in my arms. She is just so perfect. My husband and I are so blessed to have her in our lives. I can say that she was all worth it! I'm a "Mom" now! :)

Until next story, Mommies. Have a good day!

What's in my Hospital Bag?

36th Week and it's time to pack!

As promised, i will be detailing all the things ill be bringing in the hospital during my D-day. I don't know if I've over-packed or under-packed, just feel free to comment below what needs to bring or not. So, here it is..

What to bring for Baby

Tie-Sides Shirt (Long Sleeves & Short Sleeves)
Pajamas
Onesies
Going home outfit
Booties
Lampin / Cloth Diaper
Receiving Blankets
Hooded Towel
Mittens
Hats
Bibs
Alcohol

Baby Oil

Baby Wash

Cotton balls 

Newborn Diapers

Unscented Baby Wipes 

1 small can 400 gram S26 Gold Milk Formula (back up)

1 Liter Distilled Water ( will buy near the hospital)

What to bring for Mommy

Rosary
Camera
Sleepwear with buttons down for easy breastfeed access
Night Gown with Robe
Pajama
Comfy Tops/Shirt
Outwear or Going Home Outfit
Hair Pony's / Clips / Headband
Granny Size Underwears
Maternity Pads
Feminine Night Pads for back up with back leak protection
Alcohol
Tissue Roll
Feminine Wipes
Antiseptic Feminine Wash
Socks
Slippers
Towel
Nursing Cover
Nursing Pads
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrush, dental floss, body soap/cleanser, deodorant, cotton buds, lotion, etc)

Documents needed

Admitting Orders / Doctor's Request
Medical  & Laboratory Records/ Reports
Philhealth Forms / SSS Mat 2 forms for reimbursement purposes (you can process this later)
Marriage Contract (just in case needed)
Identification Cards / Pens
Cash/Credit Card/ ATM Cards


For my co-preggo's who's gonna pop out very soon, Good luck on our Delivery Day! Have a safe and stress free D-day to us! :) Cheers to us Mums-to-be!

Pork Humba Recipe

Good Morning, Mommies! I have been craving to eat this recipe ever since. So. yesterday i have decided to cook Pork Humba for our lunch. My first try was not that perfect but i know the secret the next time I'm going to try it again the second time around. The key to a perfect Humba is the right measurement of the ingredients and of course it will all depend on your palate. I like this recipe because of the sweetness and saltiness combined in one recipe, just perfect for plain white rice. Below are the ingredients and preparations:

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo Pork pigue or liempo cut into cubes
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 pc onion, chopped
2 pcs Bay Leaves
2 tbsp whole peppercorns
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 small can of Pineapple Juice
1-2 cups water
2 tbsp vinegar
1 & 1/2 tbsp Salted Black Beans
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 small pack banana blossom

Preparations:

In a pan, sear or brown the pork until oil comes out.
Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent.
Put in soy sauce, peppercorn, and bay leaves, saute for few minutes.
Pour in the pineapple juice and let it boil. Simmer until pork is tender (add water if needed)
Add the vinegar and wait to re-boil. Simmer for 3 minutes.
Add the salted black beans and brown sugar, simmer.
Add then dried banana blossom, simmer until cooked.
Served while its hot and Voila!

Pork Humba Recipe

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

Let me know what you think..

Happy Cooking, Mommies!

Preparing for Delivery Day...

When you're nearing D-day, you have a lot of things in mind that is bothering you. Good night sleep no more! There are hindrances during night time like, super intense urge to pee, thinking about the delivery day, heartburn, even hot flashes, and the stronger kicks of your little kicker and more of it.

I have been doing checklist to organize things prior D-day (click on the link: Pregnancy Checklist) So far, i have already done most of it. I just need to check few stuffs that are not in my lists, some errands that need to attend to since my husband is away i need to check that everything is fine. The reason also why i'm doing all of these in advance is because i want to give all my attention to my baby when she comes out. I want to be there with her 24/7 or every time and every moment she needs me. Now, i'm busy on my checklist on what to pack on my hospital bag and other things that need to attend to prior birthing. I marked my calendar that on my 34th week i need to get ready of everything. Better be prepared in advance so i will never forget a single thing. My husband is not here to double check everything and that saddens me. :( He will not be able to experience this with me. I imagined him holding my hands during D-day, praying, watching me and cheering me to push hard during labor and to cry with me when baby's out already. :( But cut those imaginations, i'll be more focus on the brighter and positive side. I know all the reasons why he is not with me and i fully understand it. Though he's far away i know in my heart that he's trying his best and effort to become a good husband and soon to be daddy for our little one and i am always thankful for him for providing for us. Well, enough of the drama and let's proceed on lists of my prepping checklist.

• First, get ready of the documents needed prior birthing such as, admission order from your doctor/OB-gyn, forms such as SSS/Philhealth for hospital discounts. HMO Card if you have one, Birthing Plans/Options, Medical Records ( make sure to organize all your medical reports, from your first ultrasound/check ups/laboratory results to present. Put in one organizer or a folder)
• Assign a person you trusted to take control/in-charge with the bills and payments in the hospital and for some medicines to buy during labor. 
• Emotional support during D-day is very important. During my hospital tour at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital i inquired if they allow someone inside the delivery room, and they said yes, with the approval of course of your OB.  Also, seek help from your families (both sides) for sure they will all be happy to be there for you to support you all the way.
• Prepare your hospital bag. On my 34th week i promise to have this ready. Since i'm almost done buying baby stuffs i think its time to think on what to bring to the hospital during labor. ( i will post the complete list of my hospital bag once finalized. :)
• Lastly, Pray Pray Pray for your safe delivery and your baby. He (God) is the only one in control of everything, so seek guidance and protection and pray harder for a successful delivery. 

Hope this helps a bit, Mommies! Stay happy and for my co-preggos out there, stay healthy and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy as for sure we will all miss it! Let's embrace the so-called, Motherhood!

Thanks again for wasting your time, Mommies!

Julian Dominique Elauria Argañosa in Mommy's Womb

Yesterday we went to In My Womb, SM Megamall to pick up my baby's 3D/4D photos and videos. Now, i'm sharing with you glimpse of my baby. She's so adorable and i'm super in love with her. She's so funny in some of her photos. My baby is a camera shy, she really doesn't want to take her photos. She frowns and feel like irritated in some of her photos which i find it very cute. My siblings and sisters in law were saying that i looked like her but the angry pose/features of baby she got it from my husband. Haha! I'm more thrilled and really can't wait for the day to hold her, kiss her and to let her feel my love for her. Baby, Mommy is super excited to see you and to do Mommy-duties just for you. I love you very much my baby. Mommy and Daddy will be here for you all the way. We will provide only the best for you. Again, thank you to our Lord God, creator of everything for this beautiful blessing. All Praises to you! 

Hi everyone, I'm baby Julian Dominique Elauria Argañosa :)

For baby julian's 4d video, just click on the link below:

Julian Dominique's 4D Video

Thank you to In My Womb Ultrasound Centre for this wonderful experience. Have a happy day, Mommies!

Pregnant on a Holiday Season

What??? I'm still Pregnant?

Just kidding.. I love being pregnant, but not forever pregnant! LOL :) Last holiday i was not able to write on my blog due to Holiday Rush! I have been very busy preparing for Christmas, buying gifts, doing errands, scheduling my 3D4D Scans, taking care of my little one and attending gatherings and family reunions, etc.. The usual things happened on a holiday.. Since i am not so busy at all right now,  just doing stuffs related to my pregnancy and just updating my blog, i will share with you our fun experiences and some of our photos during holiday break.

• During holiday season it is hard to resists food, especially "sweets and desserts" and you're pregnant, in my case since i have glucose intolerance, i tried to limit my sugar intake prior holiday, then during Christmas & New Year that is the time, i eat a lot of sweets, i made "bawi" of all times i have to refuse to eat sweets. The feeling of satisfaction while eating the foods you've been craving for so long, ahhh it made me so happy! :) Last Christmas, my siblings Fe, and Regina celebrated with me together with my sister and niece in law, Noan & Gaby plus our helper. We just cook few recipes and we did gift giving during Christmas Eve. During Christmas day, we went to church at Our lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila and heard mass together.

Buying gifts and groceries for Noche Buena with Gaby

excited for Christmas!

Gifts are ready...

Waiting for Christmas.. (Me, Gaby, Siblings Fe & Regina)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas from my little one!

So sleepy.. Gaby can't wait to open her gifts, she was asleep already. LOL we just woke her during gift giving..

Yummy Aglio Olio ala Peps for our Noche Buena..

Thank you for these gifts - Gaby

got mine as well.. I love gifts!

Opening gifts makes her so happy..

All the gifts i received was for my little one, I loved it! Love these cutie stuffs!

Church Time.. 

• December 26, 2015 we visited our Ninang Auntie Awing (Aunt of my husband) at Merville Subdivion for their yearly Christmas Celebration. There we reunited with my husband's families. Non-stop food is served and games for the kids. I also met my Sister-in -Law Ariane (Anvin's sister) which happened to be pregnant too. We took a photo of our bumps together. 

Ariane (4 & half mos), Me (7 & half mos) and the Cutie Isha pie :)

Left to right: Ariane, Raul, Baby Isha, Me & Noan in the center. Insert Anvin :( missing him so much!

Fun Games with the kids!

Adorable duo; Isha & Gaby <3

• Rizal Day, December 30, 2015 we went to the mall to buy baby's stuffs, but i will write about this on a separate post. ;) This day was so tiring but i really do had fun.

• The next day, December 31, we went to my brother's house in Cavite to celebrate New Year. It's been so long since the last time i saw him and my nephews too. I really missed them, good thing my sister, Fe decided to celebrate our new year with them. It's like there's a feast in their house, i think i am i a buffet restaurant. I ate a lot there. LOL My sister in law, Celeste was very accommodating and so nice to us. 

Stop over at Versailles, Vista City

On our way to Cavite..

Missing these kiddos.. 

Our nephews, Dale and Chubby Pitt..

Happy New Year!

Siblings love..

Left to right: Nang Len, my brother Ga,Dale, Gaby, Noan,Me, Pitt and Fe

New Year's Mass..

siblings love <3 plus gaby!

New Year's Dinner at Mann Hann right after church..

Favorite thing to do, Eating!

So that sums up my holiday hectic schedule, it was a tiring month but filled with fun and happiness. When you are pregnant on a holiday season and when your in your third trimester and you have a lot of errands to attend to its really hard for you to move around as your tummy is getting bigger and heavier its not so easy for you to hop in to one place to another. Thanks to my sibling Fe and Sister-in-law, Noan for always being there i get to hitched on their cars. :)

This year was amazing and i am looking forward and more excited for next year. Hope to celebrate next holiday together with my husband and my little one. I just cant wait for that to happen. For now, ill be more focused on my nearing Delivery day. May God bless me and my families as we continue our journey and adventures this year.

Hope all of you guys had a wonderful and meaningful holiday together with your loved ones!

Happy New Year,  Happy 2016!

My 3D4D Ultrasound - A Sneak Peek Of My Little One

Last year, 19 December 2015 exactly my 29 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy, i had my 3D4D Ultrasound at In My Womb Ultrasound Centre, SM Megamall Branch. I am so excited and waited long for this day. Though this procedure is a bit expensive, we decided to avail it since it was our first baby and we are an excited soon to be parents. We also wanted to check on who's baby look like and of course to confirm the gender prior buying baby stuffs. My husband and I get the Ruby Package, the rate is Php 4,700 which includes Fetal Biometry Report, Gender Determination, 5 printed black and white 3D pictures, CD of all 3D pictures, DVD of real-time video 4D scan raw and 1 edited DVD of real-time video set into music and colored 3D photos.
After the procedure you will immediately get the Fetal Biometry Report with B/W photos, the rest will be processed and personalized after 10 days. The said procedure is best done from 24-32 weeks to acquire the best facial images but of course that depends upon your baby's mood inside your tummy. :)

The facility was very nice, good ambiance and staffs were accommodating. They also allow companions inside. I was with my sister and niece-in -law & my helper.  They have a viewing room connected to where the procedure is being done. I could hear Gaby's (my niece-in-law) voice from the viewing room co'z it was open. Then there is a big LCD Screen where they could see baby's images and videos. Normally the scan is done between 20-30 minutes but in my case i think it was longer time. I was scheduled 11 in the morning, we arrived there early and they already started the procedure. I was supposed to eat a snack first so baby will be active but i didn't get a chance to eat. :( We were finished if i am not mistaken past 11:30 am already. 

My OB-Gyn Sonologist that time was Dra. Michelle Anne Cabigon, she was very nice and super patient with my baby. While starting the scan, my OB-Gyn asked me if i already knew the gender and if i wanted to know. Excited me, said yes! It's a Baby Girl, she replied. :) In my mind i was thinking already on what to buy for my baby girl, what a feeling, i'm just super excited mom to be! Going back, that time my baby was not very cooperative, she was sleeping soundly and doesn't want to be taken her pictures. She (my baby) has the same position all along, covering her face with her beautiful arms and legs, also the cord is covering her face as well. My OB-Gyn was pushing and tapping the left side of my tummy to disturb my baby, she (OB-Gyn) asked me to cough too and change my position but then it was not working. I remember the night before the procedure i slept so late co'z my little one is hyperactive that night i was not able to sleep that is why she was sleeping the whole procedure, again! :) But my OB-Gyn didn't stop, she was able to capture some of baby's pictures and advise me that if i wanted to come back for re-scan for more images and well check next time if baby will cooperate. Good thing you can come back for re-scan for free up to 4 attempts. 

In my case i scheduled my re-scan last 22 December 2015 at 2:30 pm but unluckily, my baby is not in the mood again and also the OB-Gyn that time was i think in a hurry. She keeps on telling me to come back again, she didn't capture even one photo of my baby. But i hope they save all the videos co'z i remember my baby has a very pretty side view pose that time that was not captured by the OB-Gyn. The next day we came back for repeat scan, luckily i have very nice OB-Gyn in-charge. She was so quiet and focused on capturing baby's photos. I find her very nice too, but i forgot her name. After the procedure she gave me some of the B/W pictures of Baby with front view. Then she asked me if i wanted to do another repeat scan, i told her i think that's already enough co'z i'm so tired of going back there and it was already holiday and traffic is big headache. The holiday rush makes me feel tired and dizzy. Once you confirmed that you are already satisfied with all the pictures and videos captured by them, they will let you fill in a form of all the information's of you and your baby (ex. baby's full name, parent's name, contact numbers, etc.) Then they will just contact you once the personalized photos and videos are done. I also received a freebie from them ( tiny buds brand of baby's liquid detergent and bottle cleaner) they will also provide a free onesie/babysuit with the image of my baby printed on it. How cute is that! I just cant wait to see it. :)

My 3D4D was an amazing experience...

Looking at my baby in 3D4D was a beautiful feeling. Though you could not really identify who's baby's look like, it was just an amazing experience especially for first time mom's like me, seeing your little one from inside your tummy. God is just so great for giving me this beautiful blessing. She (my baby) was like an angel and you know you are in love with her already though you haven't met her yet. I know that she is already in my heart and soon in my arms. I just cant wait to hold my baby and to take care of her. I have no regrets availing this procedure as i kind a enjoyed watching my baby. :) I am just a little bit sad co'z my husband was not able to experience this feeling with me. That is why there's a raw video so he could still watch it next time when he comes home. If i am excited for the photos of baby, you double or triple the excitement of my husband. :)

Sharing with you some of baby's cute photos in Black and White, will share the personalized one, once arrived. ;)

Say hi to my cutie little one..

Freebies...

My husband and baby's selfie.. I love you both! <3

In My Womb Ultrasound Centre, Sm Megamall Branch

Mommies, if you want to have an ultrasound procedure at In My Womb Ultrasound Centre, you may visit their website at http://www.inmywomb.com/home/.

Thank you for wasting your time with me Mommies! Until next time.. :)