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

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!

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?

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! =)

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!

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. 

26 weeks

Playing with the little guy (24 weeks 4days)... 

He follows the heat of my hand... and it's really cool knowing he can now identify touch from the outside-in. And, yes, I am enjoying more of this daily bonding times!

The Lord is really Sovereign! Praises!

Here's Gen crying, praying and kissing Zion. 

...

#tears

it's a boy!

We are finally at the clinic for our second peek at our little munchkin. We're so thrilled and nothing more!

Doctor Lim (another doc, not my OB) asked me what I wanted for our eldest (boy or girl, she meant). I just answered--anything healthy! She smiled and mused, "Your hubby probably wants a boy--like almost all fathers that come to my clinic." -"Yes, he surely does, doc!" She then queued for Gen.

When Gen entered the dark room, she pressed something on the computer and a marquee came flashing--"It's a boy!"

Gen had a bigger smile than what he had when he came--and he said, "Yes!" He was almost teary-eyed. It might be too-good-to-be-true for him. But his faith was really in having a boy. He claims the verse in Luke 2, Blessed is the male who opens the womb. Despite flooding comments of me probably carrying a girl, Gen is firm. And yes, the Lord granted his desire! On my part, I am happy, too! I used to want to have four boys (until I keep seeing pretty girl's dresses and thought I needed some little lady on my side for household chores and ministry)--and the first one is here already! =D

Soli Deo Gloria!

Eden

It's June Twelve  and we don't know how else to celebrate the day but with the ones we love to do life with! While it's also the nation's Independence Day, we had our own share of "freedom" time at the beautiful Eden Nature Park (yes, it's becoming our favorite!).

The two of us beaming... because it's our 7th month-sary! Ayeeee!!! Ka-happy nalang gyud!

fishing time with Papaps, Mama, Micah, Te Minette & Val. I caught five. Fishing is easy & fishing is fun. #thinkingofthevision

We got the 3 (of 12) kilos deep fried and everyone devoured the fresh serving.

At home, Gen and I cooked the ones I caught. Month-sary dinner? Naks. 

And here are some of the prego photos my documenting husband took. 

24 weeks today. =D 

Yes, I'm a happy momma.

15 weeks

our fourth visit to my OB-GYNE... and we finally heard Baby Z's power heartbeat. Gen was teary eyed. I was so thrilled and very overwhelmed!

Doc Weng had us feel the baby and yes, s/he has grown so much already we can feel his/her tiny frame. 

We left the clinic very thrilled and swooning in joy. We trailed Greenwhich with full of thanksgiving prayers to our Maker. This journey keeps us very conscious of God's reality and sovereignty. Soli Deo Gloria!