week 31

another ultrasound day (part 01)

We were truly looking forward to [today]. It's not our first ultrasound, but it would be our first 3D peek at Zi. (gigil!) We had to personally book the appointment (they don't consider SMS or phone calls--i had their numbers pa naman) and brave the heat of the hot days that we shouldn't be having this tag-ulan. I was told to drink 2-3L of water for three consecutive days before the schedule. And with that, I was faithful with 2.4L, 2.2 L & 2.0L record. I thought to myself, I couldn't overwork my kidney--nor should I go to the clinic unprepared.

So, there we were--as a little family. We queued the long lane of women--pregnant and not. We were beaming and keep talking to our little guy how much we're excited to see him. He probably was excited, too. He kept kicking and turning.

It was almost an hour of scanning. This is our third peek at my occupied womb. And we became more in-love with the one that holds our eyes and hearts captive.

His left hand is covering his face. His right foot on his other cheek. He was resting his head on his right hand and his left foot keeps moving--yes, kicking. The attendant exclaimed, "it's like an earthquake in there!" He was moving all the time, but we weren't seeing his face completely. We were surely getting grimaces and frowns. It's not his waking hour. He is usually awake early in the morning, after lunch and late afternoon (sometimes late in the evening). The attendant kept saying, "Sorry, baby, we had to wake you up." She was poking my stomach so Zi will uncover his face; and then she rang a bell. He removed his foot (he was sucking it--like his last name!) and finally we can see his profile. The attendant coached, "Smile, baby, smile..." And he gave a short smirk--that again, melted our hearts. 

While the attendant loaded the recording, she also checked Zi's heartbeat--at 167bpm. I think we lacked more recording, so we kept waiting. Unfortunately, he decided to put both his feet and hands over his face--yes, fully covered now! toinkz!

The attendant pointed at his balls---another confirmation that we're having a boy! (weee!) And then she asked me to go grab some sweets to keep him awake and moving. That's why we had this Cookie Monster cupcake. Really delish! A guilty pleasure, indeed!

While at the cafeteria, Gen spoked to Zi, "Son, listen to Tatay." (he's very direct and yes, choleric-mode! hihi!) "Remove your hands and feet, okay? We need a profile recording of you. We need you to cooperate... Understand, son?! By the way, we're really glad to see you. Truly, Jesus is supervising your development. Cooperate with Him, okay?" It was also in a gentle way and I'm glad Gen communicates to his son so well.

We were back to the clinic in ten minutes. We were checking on him again and found that he fully unveiled! Weee! The attendant said four times he's got well-defined nose (we'll see!) and he's got long limbs. Gen was tearful. (He said, Hon, mabait ang anak natin. Nakikinig siya.) He showed more of himself and in a while, hid his face in the placenta. Aaaaw.

We had a long time watching him. But much to our hearts' delight, we need another session since the length of the recording isn't full yet. Why, that's good news to us! We can see him again next week! Weeeeee! I don't care hydrating myself again! I need to it anyway!  

We had unending musings of our experience. So, we decided to have a lunch date (like every meal at our home is!). We missed Lyndon's so we brought ourselves there and had our full. 

At home, I busied myself comparing Zi's profile--and here's what I've finished:

Tatay's mini-me!

I'm so happy! These are the men I am loving to life! Thank you, Jesus, for making this happen! #perpetuallygrateful

favorite

Arrozcaldo. My all time laid-back favorite. I'm doing one today. It's bed weather. And this melancholy necessitates a hot meal!

Let's eat! =D

three-fourth the journey now

 

 [our family activity today]

30 weeks and a day! We're finally getting there. When I'm thinking of seeing Zi, 10 weeks is too long! But when I am reminded of the list of projects I want to do (room arrangement, DIY wash clothes, frames, etc.), ten weeks (can be 8) is too short! However, I am hopeful that with the time we are left, things can be arranged.

Our God is our Help--always!

ares + maeshy

 

It's the second wedding we attended since ours. Ares' and Maeshy's is another vintage travel inspired wedding. Love the intimacy that the fifty or so guests created. Not many weddings can achieve a small and homely contingency. And this one perfected that. 

So, what were our roles? Well, we were primarily guests (food jurors?!) until the cord sponsors weren't around when the program started. Proxies we were!  

 

Had a great time reminiscing our day, too. Weddings should create that in couples (as it excites singles). And yes, I love Christian weddings. Marriages that are born in God's will and love are incomparable.

 

Joining us are the Molina's--associate pastors of the advancing Household of Faith (pastored by our wedding primary sponsors, Ninong Herly and Ninang Nellie). No dull moment with these two. And yes, Aying is also conceiving their eldest! The Lord is good!

 

Sad to say, we had to leave early. Gen was made to say the meal's grace (as he did at Shong's & Cathy's--proxy ulet!) and I was asked to speak well-wishes. We wished we could stay longer and eat cake (as if hindi bawal sa akin!) and see the launching of the sky lanterns (we're becoming notorious for this) we brought. 

After the rush, we wish the newlyweds all of God's love and sufficient grace to abound in their new found life. We hope to see more marriages being born in the kingdom! We are for marriage 'cause we are for God!

kick baby kick

Trying to capture our little dreamer's kicks... It's already very pronounced inside me. And I can't wait until it gets even more intense. I love his kicks. It tells me so many things--Nanay, I'm here!; I love what you're doing, Tatay!; "Amen!"; I'm dancing for Jesus!; I'm trying a new style of kick!; I'm checking these hands that God gave me... ; And all those experiments he's making or agreements with what we're doing. It's amazing how they are beautifully crafted inside you; and then we should remember, we all were once inside a sac like him. Just free of concerns and letting the good Lord do His awesome work in us. 

(also posting Zi's 24 weeks ultrasound video)

too many toys already?

We sure want learning toys for Zi... activity mats and other plushies. Any parent would prepare for her kiddo if given the chance and the resource. Right now, in the midst of preparation time for his arrival, even the toys are already flooding. When we see functional stuff, we new it is an "investment." (Even Lola Merlyn has brought Zi so many toys already!) And now, that it looks like there's too many for a newborn, we should prolly sell the others at our online baby store. What do you think?

house of disciples

Weekly, we have our klosel Sunday mornings at our house, before we all attend the second service. But today, we opt having it at Probinsya--for fellowship and flowing brekkie treats! Not everyone was there, though. (Some had work duties, others were at their provinces)

Now, this happens when you leave your hair at the hands of your disciples. At church, all the girls had braided hair (wasn't able to take a pic--you know, Sunday services, everyone's occupied with their cells). Love the almost-always fun side of having disciples! =D

belly art fun

Sepnt the morning at The Pod. It was a moms' meetup for all those who are attending and those interested to join the birth preparation class. 

Gen was a bit reluctant when he knew it would be the husbands painting their wives' belly. He asked if he can only draw a one-stroker: one curve line for a mountain (closest symbol to "Zion"). But when we got there, things got exciting. Seven couples were there and almost all of the men were clueless what to do draw until Yanyan, the artist/mom-to-be, showed us photos of what she previously did. We were all inspired.

(We also got to enjoy the time bonding with our expectant disciples--Shong and Cathy =) Pregnancy is fun! Discipleship is fun!)

Gen wanted something that will hide my navel. So, we thought of a camera (retro/vintage) lens; And then we remembered, there's an app icon in our phones that we can copy from--Instagram! Gen worked on it meticulously--hence, the masterpiece! 

Instalove: we hope we can capture the instant, big love we have for you, our little dreamer... we love you before we even meet and hold you...

 

I loved how it turned out. Looks like there's no sign of tension. I guess he was having fun as he was also talking to Zi while painting. 'Love the bonding! =)

the hospital bag

Now packing our hospital bag... 

Any time now, we can rush to the hosp. Although we want Zion to come out full term (37-40weeks), we just need to get things ready and handy--enough for Gen to pull that bag when the "appointed" time comes! 

I was told I have to prepare three (3) bags: a small body bag for hubby; mine and hubby's bag; and the baby's bag

A. Hubby's small body bag

__hospital package card/birth plan

__money/wallet (ID's--PhilHealth, SSS & other cards)

__for the wife: lip balm, towelette, elastic band, comb

__phone headset (music to relax)

__candies

B. Mine and Hubby's Bag

We could be staying at the hosp for 2-3 days (as included in the package);  We need a bag-some of essentials; and I am in nowhere ready yet: 

__old shirt (for the discharge on the car going to the hosp)

__lotion for back rubs

__hot/cold compress

__thermos/hot water bottle

__atomizer

__duster/night gown

__undies/nursing bras, nipple cream

__belly support

__toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, mints, bath essentials, deodorant), towel

__maternity pads

__plastic bag for soiled clothes

__a going home outfit

__camera

__notepad/journal (would prefer my phone notes app)

__phone (with complete list of people to call/send SMS)

__slippers, socks, jacket

__snacks & something to read

C. Zion's Bag: Lemme know what I missed:

__baby's toiletries

__tie-side tops

__receiving blanket

__bonnet

__newborn diapers

__jacket 

__breast pump

__newborn socks, mittens

__newborn onesies

__burp cloths

__PJs

__breast pads

__wet wipes

__wet bag

__bib

__cuddle toy

is it big yet?

Checking if my nose has grown pregnantly large already...

(Gen is sound asleep... He sleeps around 2AM lately... He's really dedicated to his work... that means he doesn't wake up early in the morning. That gives me a leeway to prepare breakfast in a slow, and again, "pregnantly" manner. =D)

I'm a happy wife; I live a happy life!

29 weeks 2 days

isn't he getting bigger each day?

i hope he doesn't get larger than what i can push.

to our baby zi, we can't wait to meet you. but of course we will. you need the remaining weeks to develop maturely and get ready for the big world, the big dream and the big purpose. we love you!

classic filipino spaghetti for brekkie

sometimes, pregnant women decides in a flash... sometimes, takes a while. today, it's already late morning until i made up my mind to whip a classic filipino spaghetti. early or late, we are a happy twosome. the secret/s?

-decide to never quarrel. no reason, big or small, is enough to make your heads bang and your mouths tactlessly run.

-make your husband coffee the moment he wakes up. i do this everyday. so something's hot is in his tummy already. it gives you time to work your way in the kitchen!

-talk and plan your day. we make sure we are excited of what the rest of the day would be like and we bring into prayer all the highlights. a day started with prayer keeps all the bad vibes aways! (if there are such!)

-always treat your spouse more important than the breakfast. ask him what he likes to eat. or tell him what's available in the fridge.

-always say things nicely. especially, if there are concerns! teehee!

-be open. tell him openly if ure totally clueless on what to prepare. you can even offer him the laddle and the kwok--yes, sometimes, it's his turn to make up a surprise!

marriage includes breakfast! mornings prepare the day... and wives setup mornings most of the time! thank you, Jesus, for wisdom!

safety first

Gen strapped us for safety. 

Now that I'm pregnant, I hate seatbelts. But what can I do. It's imperative more than my larger self could understand! (photo: We're off to Abreeza to buy milk and vitamins to catch on coupons. We love discounts and that's God's favor, I believe. If you're not grabbing those as God-answers, it's unwise spending! -this is from my Papaps)

behind the name

Yay, we finally got the name for Baby Zi!

For quote a while, we want the names Zoe and Zion should we have kids. Zoe Victoria which to me, means Victorious Life if we have a darling daughter. Not that I want a daughter for an eldest. (I used to want four boys! hahaha) It's a name I was just carrying in my heart. (Yes, I want Zoe Learning Atrium for our dream school = "life learning center") and now we are trying to register Gen's desired IT Company (yes, another dream) as ZOElutions for life solutions. Oh, taxonomy! =D

The name Zion was born when we prayed for a child who would be a carrier of the presence of God. And just right, because it also starts with letter Z! =D We were conceiving the name and mostly sure we are going to badge our son with this declaration. It means, the place where God dwells or presence of God; and sometimes keen to heaven.

The quest for the second name went a bit long. We were actually tempted to settle for one name only. Mothers tell us that little boys are more slack in writing their names than girls so we have to give a shorter name. Nonetheless, we kept listing names from the most popular to most unique; biblical to secular; modern and back to vintage. Despite the growing list, Gen jests me to name our eldest Zion Exodus since a lot of people would look for the ghost during acquaintance: Ah, Genesis pala name mo?! Saan si Exodus? 

Of course, he was joking. I hope. =D

We waited. We knew God would give us a name that comes from His heart. We asked the help of our families. Bem (my brother) and mama said we should look up Jewish names. And we did.

Then, we came across Isaac.

#swoon

We smiled. Big smiles. There was confirmation in our hearts!

Isaac was the son promised to Abraham and Sarah. And we did receive a promise from the Lord, too. That by this time next year (dated last year), you will have a son. Gen 18:14 He was also the son of covenant when God tested Abraham. And he was the only patriarch, a prince, who stayed in Canaan, the promise/d land. And we love all these.

Not much combination of our names happening. But really, we thought, Isaac's life story is in the book of Genesis and it actually means laughter or he will laugh--so close or synonymous to my name, Rejoice. So, there, our names merge. Subtle, we know.

Zion Isaac. [zahy-uhn]*[ahy-zehk]

God-given. #smitten

nesting at 28+6 weeks

waaaah, 11 weeks left! (could be 8 if this guy decides to come out early). I thought I still have a long journey. Can I say, I can't wait to be pregnant again? hahaha.

The Lord is good. Pregnancy was His thought. Very, very brilliant God. Sovereign all in all and always! 

church alive

getting ready for Church...

ministering... & be ministered!

our joint klosel... others are not in photo...

love the sharing today about "dream disciples"--a sequel to the midyear service's preaching =D

well, nothing much except taking more photos of my prego state... i might not be in this fatified state long enough. at least, i hope to get back to my previous weight & state--to side with my aching heels. 

anyhow, the day was full (Gen taught post-encounter & sol1 classes) & our primary klosel tonight was truly refreshing & igniting! we are advancing!

a promise fulfilled

Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and your wife will have a son.” Gen18:14

It's always wonderful living in the promises of God. One thing I do with my sermon notebook (before I shifted to digital jotting on my phone--to maximize its use and to lessen the weight on my bag), I set apart pages at the back to list down promises or prophecies said to me/us. And it's wonderful going back to them and see more life than they were first said. 

I thought it would be too early to have a son after a year. As we married with very short time spent together in one place. It would be good to just bond first, despite all the demands of marriage life, career and ministry (well, that's how marriage is supposed to be like, right?). Should we have a son, I thought, it would be the conception. My mind was settled at conceiving by the end of the year. However, as God works always in His ways, and not on my ways and calendar, we conceived early this year. And that was a sign (of staying in Davao for a longer period than planned) I thought would be impossible. Then, of course, God doesn't respect your belief in the impossible.

So, here we are... almost entering the third trimester. I am amazed at God's work of putting things into fulfillment. He never fails. And He never will. 

27weeks 5days

i'm flooding, all right. just had great time chilling and resting; in a while, we're off to BCC for our primary klosel. sunday afternoons are epic--you don't spend money or strength; you just spend time with the one/s you love!

maple-pineapple glazed baby back ribs

We bought baby back ribs--and now, I'm clueless as to what to do with it since it's best cooked grilled. Finding maple syrup (for pancakes) and pineapple tidbits, I found myself coming up with my own recipe for the meat. And voila, we both liked how it turned out. My 'nother pinataka dish! Weeee!

27weeks checkup :)

Exactly 27 weeks today! Met the other pregos: Teacher Alma and Joverly at the clinic & it's good to see women going through a similar journey.

So far, everything's fine and I got my first OGTT shot. I was expecting it would be painful and almost-paralyzing my arm--as they say I can't do chores for 2-3days; and might get fever as an effect. But God is good, it was less like the bite of an ant and the doc's squeeze (she squeezed my arm so hard) was more painful.

I'm already 61.4kg--12kg away since I started. Tsk. But, again, this is for a great cause! Thank you, Lord!

cloth diapering our baby

Yay, the first batch of cloth diapers are here! 

Yes, we are planning to cloth diaper Zion most of the time (I'm sure, we'd still have to use disposables for the first month while transitioning and during night time when babies are said to pee a lot more). 

These are Alva Baby's and I'm investing some more. Here are the reasons why:

1. Environment-friendly. These are washable/reusable diapers. After they are soiled or peed on, you can toss them to a diaper pail and wash them come laundry day.

2. Cheaper. Yeah, each dype actually costs around P300 (and double gusseted ones are more expensive). But eventually, diaper costs are lessened as you keep reusing them. Annual costs for diaper use is about 20-30K and these fluff mail are all-in-one size designed. That means, you can adjust the snaps (for small, medium, large) until 24 months. Much saving it is!

3. Cute. Have I mentioned that they are way too cute? Well, they are a lot like the traditional lampin but you get no leaking (provided you have the best leak guarded ones) and you can only change the inserts (the pads inside) if its not that wet or soiled.

I'm still 12 weeks on the way, but I can't be any less excited cleaning poop! @Pawayusa, this is going to be so much gross yet fun! haha!

corny weekend

We are in the middle of the three-day city-wide No Water feat. So, no cooking for me. Well, at least I could hold up a bit. We only had yogurt, milk & coffee & a nutri bar in for breakfast. But later this AM, I found my bulging self cooking this corn congee. I had to separate the servings again: Gen's was sugared while mine, not. 

And guess what we had for lunch:

Yes, a take-out from Penong's (which is rather close to where we live). This month in Davao, the city ordinance of not using styro or plastic on food is launched. And so, here we are, enjoying this succulent grilled pork chop in banana leaves. I love it thisway! More organic, more healthy, less trash! =D

Wala pa ring tubig... at tambak na ang huhugasan. Tsk.

july 04

busy at the kitchen again :)

(brekkie)

my crema-de-fruita (mangga)

lunch: a feat on mama's recipe: chicken-macaroni in milk =D

by July 31, 2012, i shall be able to toss up:

~12 main dishes

~12 desserts

~12 smoothies

for today: i have chop suey & mango smoothie!

weee!

just a monthly goal (and this is part of the photo challenge i made at IG) to keep myself growing in kitchen work! ha, i wish i could study baking sooner than i pop. i've been really working my thoughts out and this pregnancy journey is never a waste of time. i'm growing inside and out. literally! =D

and oh, here's the breakfast-in-bed i made for hubby. i guess this should be a monday tradition =D

SONday :)

Started the day off with our joint klosel (close cell) with the Eagles. Today, we are reciting our assignment passage: Acts 2:42-47 (on photo: Lalai, my younger sis)

We had our family lunch at Coco's Grill (we are missing Papaps--he's in HongKong for the G12 conference there) to celebrate God's faithfulness. It's 29years today since we arrived Davao City as a family of three (Papaps, Mama & moi) and one along the way (mama was prego with Lalai at 5months). The Lord is utterly faithful. We wouldn't be where we are if not of His grace.

I love this notice on our lunch table! Yes, Davao is implementing yet another life-changing, world-changing ordinance! Let's go Davaoeños!

had a long day at church: service, family time, teaching SOL3 & Gen preaching at Damosa Satellite Ministry. We are privileged. We are advancing.