My little girl's one year old already! Here is her pre-birthday video. I wasn't able to show it on her birthday party so I am going to share this video to you here. Happy viewing! 😊😊😊
Tala Pre birthday on Location Session
My little girl's one year old already! Here is her pre-birthday video. I wasn't able to show it on her birthday party so I am going to share this video to you here. Happy viewing! 😊😊😊
Tala Mari Yzabelle B. Sarmiento
3 Months and still Growing...
Yesterday was such a special day because my daughter turned 3 months. What a great joy to witness her growth and changes, to be a part of something wonderful and precious. Tala, my baby girl, is growing up real fast. Time seems to be speeding up. Why, I can still remember the day that I've given birth to her, how little she was in my arms. Now, not only has she grown big and heavy, but she has become more talkative and smart as well. She smiles and coos on cue, responds and even observe things. She can already lift up her head at 90 degrees when doing tummy time, grasps toys and holds onto them tightly. She now sleeps for long periods at night and always wakes up with a smile on her face. She recognizes people and even though Tatay is far away, she responds to him on Facetime as if she knows him too well. She even giggled this morning (for the first time!) when Tatay made some funny sounds! Amazing!
Went out and bought us a cake to celebrate Tala's day.
Baby was in a good mood when she woke up. She must have sensed that it's her special day.
Here is a photo of Tala wearing a dress for the 1st time.
Tala's outfit of the day when we went out for a short trip to the mall.
My husband and I are soooo blessed to have you Tala. May you continue to grow strong, healthy and smart. We love you!
A Tala is Born: A Birthing Story
Next to my wedding day, February 20, 2014 is now one of my favorite and memorable day. It's my favorite because it's the day that I finally gave birth to our baby girl. My husband and I have been waiting for THE day that we'll be able to see, hold and kiss our first born. It's also a memorable day because technically, it wasn't my due date. Our daughter wasn't suppose to come out, not until March 4, 2014. I was simply scheduled to have my regular check up/follow up with my obstetrician. It just so happened that when my OB-gyne requested for a fetal testing scan she was able to notice some irregularities with my baby's heart rate. Further study/check up shows that the baby's umbilical cord had already twisted around her neck and that every time she moves, her heart rate slows down. With this, my doctor decided to deliver the baby as soon as possible.
I was hoping to maybe deliver at midnight so that my baby and my husband will have the same birthday (my husband's birthday is on the 21st) but my daughter's already getting stressed out, with the umbilical cord getting tighter with her every move. I wasn't able to go home that day but it was alright because I've already had my maternity and baby bags prepared and stashed in the car for emergency cases such as that day.
Going to the hospital and having myself checked-in at the emergency room, I never felt any nervousness. It was actually quite the opposite. In my mind, I'm already trying to picture what will happen and I was already thinking of what status message I'll be posting on Facebook! Haha! That's how excited I was to deliver my baby girl. Getting a C-section hasn't even sank in my mind nor was I feeling sad because I'll be having my first operation. My dad was there and he was even surprised that I seem to be taking the situation pretty well. I was pretty talkative that night.
At around 11pm, after further monitoring, my doctor finally told me that it was time. Oh, the excitement that I felt as they wheeled me inside the operating room couldn't be contained. For a brief moment, I felt fear when the anaesthesiologist approached me to explain the epidural procedure (FYI: I hate needles). I was asked to lie on my side in a curled position and someone helped me maintain that position as the procedure started. I was so nervous about the pain the injection might cause that I farted! That was one embarrassing moment! Ha-ha! After a few minutes, I was already numb from my waist down. During the operation, I even managed to chat with my doctor and jokingly told her to perform liposuction while she's at it. I was even chatting with the nurses who were monitoring my heart rate and blood pressure. It was a good thing that my doctor was really good, she wasn't even distracted by me babbling about. The only time I was rendered speechless was when they finally asked me to push to help them pull my daughter and when she let out a loud cry. My heart was beating with excitement and I waited for the moment when they will put my daughter next to me. When they finally did, I wasn't able to stop myself from showering her with kisses. She smelled so good!!!
Prior to delivery, I requested my doctor that she let my daughter lie on my chest and let her breastfeed. Imagine my disappointment when they didn't do it. Instead, they simply put her next to me for the purpose of getting our photograph together . Most hospitals nowadays let the babies make skin to skin contact with the mother. This it the time where they place the baby on the mother's chest immediately after birth. Sometimes, they even let the baby breastfeed. In my case, I think they weren't able to do that because I have anaesthesia coursing through my blood stream. After whisking my daughter away, I totally blacked out and when I woke up, I was already in my hospital suite (Oh, yes! I chose the executive suite!).
I was in the hospital for 4 days and during my stay there, I was able to breastfeed my baby on the 2nd day and the day before I was discharged did the nursery finally decided to room-in my daughter. I was really annoyed.
Annoyance aside, I never felt so wonderful and in-love as I held my daughter for the first time. She was awake and was staring at me (I'd like to think that she can already see me at that time) as she tried to wait for what will happen next. Ah, such innocence in those big eyes.
So, there goes my birthing story. I was looking forward to having a normal delivery, with labor pains, pushing and all that, but in the end, I am still grateful that my daughter, Tala Mari Yzabelle, was born healthy and normal despite being cord-coiled. Even though my husband wasn't there during my delivery, I am still thankful and blessed that he was able to spend his whole vacation with Tala.
1st family photo
It's been a while...
Hello there! Been meaning to write for a looooong time but a lot of things have happened that sitting down and having the time to write is now considered a luxury to me.
As you may know, I am now a mom (a full-time one). Yey! I gave birth to a healthy baby girl last February 20, at exactly 11:22pm. I will write about my birthing story on my next blog.
Most of my days are spent taking care of my baby. She's growing up real fast and I make sure that I get to witness all the changes and development. I try to involve myself in everything that my daughter goes through and everyday is such a learning experience, especially to a first time mom like me.
It's quite unfortunate that I'm the only one raising and taking care of our baby girl because my husband is working abroad. That's why I try to research and scout all resources to learn and gear myself up to make sure that I am raising my daughter right. I also make sure that my daughter and I get to have a lot of talking time with Tatay so that she won't have difficulty recognizing him when he comes home for vacation.
And so that sums all up the reasons as to why I haven't blogged for a long time. But not to worry, I'll try and get back to it again as I'm starting to feel rusty. I hope you'll still look forward to reading my blogs.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
It's a baby girl!
Last Friday (Nov 15) was my scheduled doctor's appointment and 4D ultrasound. I was super excited to find out my baby's gender and see that beautiful face. The doctor happily announced that my husband and I are having a baby girl. I guess it was kind of expected since a lot, and I mean a LOT, of my friends are already assuming that I'm going to have a girl due to my happy-go-lucky personality and glowing appearance (He-he!). But unfortunately, we weren't able to go through the 4D ultrasound because my little angel was not facing us but only her cute behind, enabling the doctor to easily see that we are indeed blessed with a girl. It would be a waste of time and money to go through the 4D if you can't see the face.
Hello there, Tala Mari Yzabelle!
Oh, well. We'll simply try again next time and hopefully Tala will be facing the camera by then.
Top 10 Baby Essentials for Moms-to-be (including ME!)
Here's a list of my 10 baby essentials that I would surely need from day one:
1. Avent Classic Infant Starter Set
2. Avent 3-in-1 Electric Sterilizer
3. Babybjorn Baby Carrier Miracle (recommended for mommies like me with bad backs)
4. Britax B-Agile and B-Safe Travel System (came highly recommended as one of the safest stroller and car seat)
5. Wooden Crib
6. Diaper Bag
7. Grooming Kit / Tools
8. Snug-a-Hug Pillow
9. Bath tub
10. Rocking chair
Buntis Diaries: Almost Halfway There!
It's been 5 months since I've taken the time to write on my blog again. A lot of things have happened and I wasn't able write down all the things that I've gone and is going through. With my last blog I announced to the whole world that I'm going to be a mommy soon. It's such a wonderful feeling knowing that a life is growing inside of me, my own flesh and blood. With that discovery came the decision that I would have to go home to the Philippines and put a hold on teaching for a while. The first 2 months of my pregnancy were quite delicate as I've experienced a lot of abdominal pains, and being in China and going to their hospitals proved to be quite difficult for a lot of reasons, one is having a lot of communication barrier with doctors and not being able to express what exactly I'm feeling at the moment. I wanted to make sure that I get the best of care as I go through my pregnancy.
The moment I arrived in the Philippines, I had myself scheduled for my first thorough check up at Makati Medical Center. I was already 3 months and 1 day pregnant at that time and it was my first time to see my baby's form as I had my ultrasound. I also found out that I had urinary tract infection (UTI), thus the reason that I was having a lot of abdominal and back pains for the past 2 months. It was such a relief to be able to express all my fears and apprehensions without inhibitions.
Piglet at 3 months and 1 day (13 weeks)
After staying for a week in Manila, I then flew to my hometown where my parents live. There I'll live for the next few months until I give birth. My husband and I also decided that I stay in the Philippines for a while until my baby turns 1 before going back and joining my husband in China.
The first few weeks that I was at home was busily spent looking for the perfect gynaecologist that would take care of me and cater to my needs. This is my first pregnancy and as I've mentioned earlier, I want everything to be ready, stress-free and perfect. Call me "maarte" but I wouldn't risk anything for my baby.
The first few weeks that I was at home was busily spent looking for the perfect gynaecologist that would take care of me and cater to my needs. This is my first pregnancy and as I've mentioned earlier, I want everything to be ready, stress-free and perfect. Call me "maarte" but I wouldn't risk anything for my baby.
Here are some belly shots taken during my second trimester. I didn't get the chance to take some photos during my early 1st trimester.
My belly at 4 months (16 weeks)
My belly at 5 months (21 weeks)
Current photo of myself at 6 months (23 weeks)
I was already 4 months pregnant when I heard its melodious heartbeat.
My baby's first ultrasound video didn't show much because piglet was still shy and refused to move. The second one showed progress and you can even see him/her wave hello.
Baby's heartbeat at 15 weeks
My baby's first ultrasound video didn't show much because piglet was still shy and refused to move. The second one showed progress and you can even see him/her wave hello.
Shy baby at 15 weeks
Active baby still at 15 weeks
My baby's movements have been getting stronger and visible with each passing weeks and I was quite lucky to capture that moment. Here's a video of my piglet kicking and saying hello to his tatay (dad).
Piglet saying 'hello' at 23 weeks
I'm due for my doctor's appointment soon and I can't wait to find out whether I'm having a lil' big Bryan or an adorable Majal. I'm so excited for this little bundle of joy that sometimes I wish it's February already so I can snuggle and cuddle my baby in my arms. I also can't wait to start shopping and buy my piglet's stuff!
Until my next post then. I will be sure to keep you updated this time. :)
1 + 1 = 3! We're gonna have a baby!
My husband and I have been trying to conceive for two years now and finally, the stork found its way and answered our prayers. Having been experiencing period-like cramps for the past few days turned out to be my little miracle burrowing its way into the lining of my uterus, looking for a comfortable place to call home for the next nine months. I wouldn't even find out about it if my mom didn't persuade me to go to the hospital and have myself checked just in case I might be having appendicitis or some urinary tract infection (UTI). After a series of test, the doctor finally confirmed that I am indeed pregnant. Yipee!
It's positive!
There it is at 3 weeks!
Unfortunately, I also got sick the same day I found out that I was pregnant. With the weather becoming unbearably hot, one can easily catch a cold with how we easily turn on our air-conditioner after being exposed from the heat. I made that mistake thus I ended up with a cold and fever. These two aren't a perfect combination especially for a pregnant woman like me. So I ended up going back and forth to the hospital, getting Chorionic Gonadotrophin shots to nourish the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall and be prescribed with a lot of medicine, including Folic Acid and Vit E. But I am not complaining. I am willing to endure the pain (the shots are pretty painful!) and get well as soon as possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy. My husband is all supportive and has bought me tons of fruits, gives me back rubs and kisses my 'still small' belly. Talking about being an excited dad!
I can't wait to hear our baby's heartbeat. But for the meantime, it's time for me to get my daily shots. I will keep you all posted to this new journey that I am about to embark.
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake!
Remember about my recent post where I get to try making beef tacos because I was able to purchase them online? Well, not only did I buy Taco Shells but I was also able to get some Jell-O No Bake Strawberry and Oreo Cheesecake. I've never made cheesecake before and so today, I finally decided to give it a try.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)