Dark chocolates for preggies!

I just read an article from Inquirer that dark chocolates are good for pregnant women. It is said to be healthy and protects us from possible high blood pressure problems, giving a less chance or lower risk of contracting preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a medical condition where hypertension arises in pregnancy in association with significant amounts of protein in the urine. It is shown in study that the darker the chocolate is the better for us to eat. Why? According to studies, (Wikipedia), chocolates contain theobromine which is now used as a vasolidator (a blood vessel widener), an aid in urinating, and heart stimulant. Other chemicals include magnesium, which lowers hypertension, and flavanoids, which are potent antioxidants. Let's eat a good quality dark chocolate everyday!

As I'd always say, it is always best to seek the expert's advise.

Women, Greatest Multi Tasker!

A lot of people disregard the term “full time housewife” as one of the toughest career in humanity. I was doing our laundry and working on the net at the same time when one of my team mates in one of my online job hits me a message. I excused myself telling him I need to rinse the clothes and will get back to him. That scenario made him brought up the word “women are perhaps the best multi-tasker!”. I just sent back a laughing icon. Ever since I started recognizing the word “job”, “work”, “task”, “assignment” or whatever you might call it, I always challenge myself to be a multi - tasker. It started when I was still a kid doing my errands. As simple as washing the dishes while cooking and filling up water for pales in the laundry area, all at the same time. Or taking a bath and cleaning the bath room at the same time. Thanks to my dad, he just thought me well. What drives me to do that? Of course more time to play. I would rather keep myself busy and focus, trying to finish my father’s assigned tasks ahead of time so I’ll be able to play with luxury time after that. But it doesn’t just end by that. My dad was just like a strict supervisor or should I say a soldier, checking every details of work I made, making sure I did it efficiently, no glitches or errors, before he could allow me to do whatever I want playing. Funny isn’t it? But it really worths a lot!

When I started working in the real world I remember myself doing a conference call, troubleshooting to other branches while doing my administrative works and other encoding. Now that I am a full time housewife doesn’t escape me from doing the multi tasking thing again. Nothing’s different and even get’s a lot harder than you’ll ever imagine. . You work the errands without getting any salary, right? What’s good in it, I’m the boss of my own. From planning, projecting, risking, and accomplishing, all of these are part of my tasks. Of course I do it also with my partner but his part is distinct from mine. From the moment I wake up I’ll start the day multi tasking. It is my responsibility to prepare the breakfast, husband’s lunch at work, and his clothes to wear while sometimes watching for some news at the television. After he leaves the house I need to fix all the clutter (that we never cease to have) before I precede working on my online job. Lot’s of different things to do. From cleaning the house, which I would say is endless, furniture maintenance, doing the laundry, taking care of our pet, fixing minor repairs (when hubby’s not around) and the toughest part…. kitchen works. I forgot that the real toughest part is getting pregnant and taking care of kids. But I admit there are times I don’t feel like doing anything at all (which I hope isn’t everyday). I sometimes procrastinate but I’m working out on it. I am not Wonderwoman, I can’t say I can do these things perfectly. Nevertheless, when you sum things up it is always a career to do such thing, a HOUSEWIFE CAREER. Everyday might all be the same but the strategies from doing it varies. Time is said to be too short and we all need to maximize every minute of it. How? Multi- task!! Get “THINGS”( with an “S” )done efficiently right ahead of time. The spare hours will always be ours to decide on and those spare times would be very valuable because it will always be a significant time for some additional rooms for improvement.

But always keep in mind in every career; QUALITY should always be our main objective not the QUANTITY.

Another baby in the family..

I just received a text message from my older sister. Guess what, she’s a month pregnant! We’re all so happy about the news. My mobile kept on beeping even my brother and my dad texted me to tell the good news. We’re all excited to have babies running around next year for our family reunion. And imagine they’ll be of the same age. They would grow up not just as cousins but friends and playmates, too! I thank God He just blessed us with such wonderful gifts. Nothing could ever be greater than a new life itself coming from your own flesh and blood.

I remembered telling her to have a baby as soon as possible since she’s already at her 30’s. I even told her “imagine it when you turn 50 and your baby’s too young, you wouldn’t have much time to play with them”. Now after moths of saying that, I just got the good news. Maybe she took it seriously. :)

One can never explain the feeling of gratitude and happiness of having their child. Always remember to be thankful to Him who gave these presents to us.

Exercise, exercise and exercise

It’s been a while since I last posted an article. Too bad, I experienced some trouble with my ISP for almost a week. However I never wasted any of my time from that full week. It’s just that there’s no reason not to be disappointed. I have had intermittent connection for weeks and become zero connection for another week. I’ve gone wild. Thanks for the baby I managed to compose myself. Babies can feel how moms do. So every time I’m annoyed or disappointed to whatever, surely the baby would feel the same way.

What keeps me away from that emotion? … Exercise! Yes. It shifts all my disappointments and made me focus to every moves and grooves. When you’re a child bearing mom, it is not too bad to avoid dancing. Only limit it to minimal moves and sways. You don’t have to do breakdancing, jumping or freestyling. Heck, it’s a big NO. You wouldn’t want your child ending up like a fruit shake in your tummy. If you’re familiar with interpretative dance, that’s a lot better. Just a simple and slow arm movement, sways and some stretches. It’s even better when you interpret some lyrics of you’re favorite love songs. When I was still single I used to dance in the church, interpreting some gospel songs. Dance with your heart and interpret every words of the song. Be creative and spontaneous. That’s what I do.

I also find these videos from Youtube helpful. If you’re a stay home mom you would want to follow these moves.

But above all, ALWAYS make it appoint to adhere from the expert’s advice.

Excited on baby's arrival..

Every parent especially moms in particular experienced the excitement of the baby's arrival. Even if the child is still few months old inside the tummy we are so excited on preparing for forthcoming special occasions.

I am now on my fifth month and part of my preparation; I have read a lot of baby names to choose from even if I'm still uncertain of the gender. I just can't wait to check if it’s a boy or a girl. I am also excited if someone will grant a surprise baby shower for me. Wow! That will be really fun and exciting.

Even if the baby is still in my womb I am thinking of best ways on how to tell my friends and families about my cute little me's arrival four months from now. Since I was in my college years, I make it appoint that I gave a special and unique touch when I create something. I do want to prepare some invitations but it would definitely take me a huge amount of time to create one since I'm also busy with my work. It’s a great help to find birth announcement cards that would meet our expectations and will look customized and personalized plus saving our valuable times.

Babies do give laughter and always are match with cute and pretty stuffs. I would want to make people smile whenever they receive such cute invitations regarding his/her arrival. It will be more exciting and sweeter if I will have his/her first picture added, giving info’s such as time of delivery, weight and some other cute stuffs. If it’s a baby girl I would always prefer pink followed by lavender and pitch for baby card motifs; light blue, light green or yellow if its a baby boy!

But what is most important is to have my baby christening. Dedicating our child to God should always be our priority. Surely this occasion will take much preparation. I could only imagine the gratitude and satisfaction when this time hails.

Another First Time Mom

I spent most of the time alone at home reading and working over the internet. I am also accompanied by the same first time mom like me, it’s non other than Jilly. We currently placed her in the laundry area since it’s a cooler place for her. It is very hot in her previous place and we don't want her get some heat stroke. (Argh, my friend's Labrador died from heat stroke).

My hubby took this picture the other day. She's so voracious; she'll eat any food you gave her. She even wants to eat our leftovers besides her dog food meals. This is when we're having our lunch. It looks like she wanted to spare her some from the kitchen. =)

Avoid Sleeping with Your Tummy

Just a few tips for preggies. Since we have no escape from back pains, I used to lie in bed with my tummy touching it. It was my way to ease some of my back discomforts. It somehow relieves the pain for some time. But just recently I confirmed this scenario to my OB. She told me that sleeping with your tummy is not advisable to all child bearing women. Instead sleep sideways and place a comfy pillow between your legs.

In my stage it is also inevitable to experience some leg cramps and hand strains. Fortunately I haven't experienced any yet. It is also advised to keep your feet elevated to provide blood circulation and to avoid cramps. It is also a good way to prevent varicose veins. You wouldn’t want wearing shorts or skirts when there are evident of these big bluish lines. It’s a major turn offs, right? Being pregnant is not an excuse not to look good (you wouldn’t want your partner to find some reasons to stare to other girls besides you). You must always look pleasing in every way.

Snacktime..

I've been very fond of eating Tee Ups. Why? I just can't resist the taste. My hubby bought it from Trinoma Mall. Really melts in your mouth. This product is not available in retail stores so I really need to ask him not to forget buying it before he arrives home. The sweetness and creamy filling inside it and crust outside matches its flavor. It also comes with chocolate and custard flavor. My hbby even borrowed one box and promised to replace it tonight. I gave one since he promised to buy again. Haha. It isn't too expensive, it only cost around php10 each. Love it!!!

Somehow it reminds me of my childhood years, asking my parents to buy me sweets or anything. We used to call it "pasalubong" or presents. There might be few changes, instead of asking my mom, it is now my hubby!! Sometimes little things makes us happy. Don't seek for those expensive things. They will just fade away in a matter of time. What is important are the thought of giving match with appreciation when accepting.

Goodbye halo-halo, ice cream, fruitshakes.. :(

One of the topics me and my doctor discussed was about these foods that are well famed during summer season. I was so sad knowing that I had to avoid eating halo-halo, ice cream and other cold foods. The weather is really extremely hot compared to previous summers and avoiding these foods that I love is way too difficult for me. I thought it was just an old saying that eating these foods is harmful for pregnant. Most elders told that it will affect the growth of the baby, giving a huge growth that will unfortunately give discomfort and difficulty once the delivery comes. I confirmed it when my doctor advised me to keep that out of my food selections since there are studies that prove it to be harmful. It might somehow be difficult but I'll surely keep my eyes closed whenever these foods are around, for my baby's sake.

Monthly check up..

It is very important to have a regular prenatal check ups. I just went to my OB Gyne clinic yesterday for my April schedule.

• how big I am: 140 lbs. (just gained another pounds
  
• blood pressure: 100/70
• baby's heartbeat 140-150

My OB told me that i should gain 4 lbs every month. Since I lost a few from my first trimester it was just now that I'm recovering. I am now on my 21st week or meaning its been 5 months and a way half on the stage of child bearing. I am now getting more and more excited of what to come.

Next month I'll be scheduled for some lab tests and my doctor also mentioned that I need to have a congenital anomaly scan. She then told me that it will took about 20 minute test or maybe more. I'm curious about this process and I should check that one out and giveyou informations on my next article about it.

Prenatal Cradles

Pregnancy is always accompanied by back pains. Since our uterus is getting larger it pulls our back producing tensions. One that would aid us from this discomfort is through the use of prenatal cradle. It is a weight support for the tummies quite similar to the hands grasping the place below the abdomen. This prenatal cradle is a good aid for moms especially on the third trimester period. One of the advantages of using it is to give a good posture since the design does fit all pregnant women. It also comes with any sizes. Having this device can also relieve some shoulder pains. But prior to using any device we must always seek the expert's advice. I badly need this thing. I'll be going to my doctor tomorrow for my check up and I will definitely ask her about it. I just can't wait to have one of these.

Weight Check..

I regularly check my weight since I found out that I am pregnant. Sadly last month I lost some weight, from 137 to 133 lbs. That would be 4 lbs. It reminded me of my previous check up, the assistant weighed me three times just assuring shes handling the same record of mine. She was not so certain about how I weigh since I lost some pounds. However my OB Gyne told me that it was merely not a big fact to worry about. Its part of my so called "lihi" or early signs of pregnancy. She just recommended that I should increase my calorie intake to get my weigh back or even weigh more.

Today, I just checked it out again. From eating a lot I regain my weight. Good for me :). Now I gain some and even weigh pounds more. From getting back the 137, I now weigh 139 lbs. My tummy wasn't that big yet. I always checked myself out in the mirror to see my curves (smiles). Some of my friends even told me that I don't seem to look like pregnant. No bulks seen yet. But not when I am full. I do eat and drink a lot. Thats when the time I can only see that I got a bulky tummy.

Just lately this morning I was looking for some maternity dresses and some pajamas that would fit me. Just a sort of canvass since I can still wear my same old clothes. I'm quite excited to look for a bigger ones. But I would still want to see for myself that I would still look fashionable yet simple in my maternity clothes. Of course I don't want people to see me like adding up 10 yrs from my age. It gives me some sort of satisfaction and confidence knowing that I can still carry myself even if I look like I have swallowed a huge watermelon from the bulk of my tummy. Making us feel confident and satisfied can also be felt by the babies inside. You don't want them feel stressed out right. They're too young for that. Every mom would always seek out to have a happy thoughts for themselves, for the baby inside of them, and the people around them as well.

Granny wants to baby sit..

Today is my fourth month, when you count it on my pregnancy calendar, its my 20th weeks. I'm halfway through. I remembered my mom in law told me she wanted to be her grandkid's baby sitter. She's too excited and even volunteered to take care of my baby. She told me once also that when my baby turns one month old she'll take the baby with her at home. I guess she really missed those days when my hubby was still a baby. I just told her I will bring the baby in her house often but I don't think I can sleep without my baby beside me. Of course she'll always be my baby's "lola" (grandmother). I will never ever deprive her of taking good care of her "apo" (grandchild). Well it doesn't hide the fact that we're all excited to see the "little us", combinations of parents and grannies. :)

Tiry day..

Tiry day it was today. I haven't done anything yet after I woke up. My dsl is acting up a bit lately. I'm quite annoyed I can't go online since my connection was a bit intermittent. Summer's heat makes me tired I guess. Felt too lazy to do anything. I even left the dishes in the sink today, but I'm sure i'll be doing it lately. Its summer and ants are everywhere, looking for foods to get 'em stored before rainy season. I hate seeing ants crawling all over the kitchen so theres no other choice left for me but to do it. Hehe.

Instead of the old chair I used to pair up w/ my computer, I took a single couch to rest my back while typing. Oh yeah I'm too lazy today I admit it. Thats part of getting pregnant. :) (excuses). I don't have a maid yet since I can still do the errands. Part of which are laundry, cooking and cleaning the house. I'm quite meticulous in terms of cleaning. I love to see my place clutter free. Maybe when my tummy's on the 6th or 7th month, we'll be looking for a maid.

I could still feel some back pains right now. I still want to read and do my research but I think I have to rest for a while.

Expecting puppies too...

I have a pet, female Rottweiler, and was expecting puppies from her to come on early weeks of June. I'm so excited to have some puppies. I always talk to her that we'll be on the same track, both first time mom. I hope she does understand every word I said. She's a very nice dog. I have loved her the very first time I saw her. I even manage to bath her before when I'm not pregnant yet. I really missed playing with her and walking her on the park and through the neighborhood, be dragged when there are cats around. hehe. Well, for obvious reasons I have to pass the task on to others. But I can still feed her, just twice a day.

See how she got pregnant. Related topic here.

Magic Touch

We normally feel some discomforts during pregnancy. One of these are backpains ,which I'm currently experiencing now. Having a massage is not really a taboo for us. We may undergo therapy and massage but make sure it is from a trained or a licensed therapy who specializes prenatal massages.

For those whose staying at home, you may find these magic touch tips to relieve some discomforts.

To ease strain in your hips, rest on your side and support yourself with pillows. Ask your partner to rub down your hip, alternately sliding one hand forward and the other hand at your back in a gentle, flowing motion. Make at least ten strokes per side.

Pregnant women frequently feel exhausted. To boil down swelling and fatigue, ask your partner to lightly stroke your leg from knee to ankle and then ankle to knee. This will also help to increase circulation.

Hope you all find these tips helpful.

Have you noticed whose faces you hate and love staring at?

Showing the early signs of pregnancy in the Philippines was the renowned word "lihi". When you're excessively craving for something to eat, someone to see and even pissed off to a particular person without any reasons at all during pregnancy, you are said to be on that stage, "lihi".

Well, I listed out those foods I used to crave from my recent post. Today, I'm about to uncover few faces of people I habitually gaze at. One of them is the famous Angel Locsin. Who would not like her? She is considered as one of the most admired celebrity in the Philippine entertainment industry. A versatile young actress and had been the most bespoken cover model by most mags. One of her shows that I wouldn’t want to miss is presently premiered in television entitled “Lobo”.

Another famed star is the daughter of the celebrated Megastar Sharon Cuneta, she’s non other than KC Concepcion. One thing I admire in this girl was her humility notwithstanding the fact that she’s one of the richest girls in the country, another upcoming actress like her mom, very cheerful and talented too. I love watching her tv ads and she’s now starting to have her own tv series which I would unquestionably watch out for. No wonder this missy has been offered a bunch of advertisements because of her fame and beauty.

One more local celebrity to add on the list is Anne Curtis. I really loved the way she carries herself. She was remarked as the teen fashionista of showbiz and young girls look out for her get ups in all her appearances. One thing that we have in common.... we both like color white. It entails purity and cleanliness. She was also called the local Angelina Jolie. Why? Just take a glimpse at their pics.

These girls are my favorite faces but it doesn’t mean that I happen to like them because they’re all pretty. There are also some pretty celebs that I’m pissed at for no reasons at all. Good thing they’re pretty too (smiles). Do I need to name them (thinking)? Hmmmm. Oh well, ok, ok, ok, I will reveal it. Both are local artists too. Gretchen Barreto and Ara Mina.

I don’t want to get in trouble mentioning them but it so happened that I dislike them for no reasons at all. I don't even know why I used to get pissed off whenever I see them. Nevertheless, maybe its part of my “lihi” stage. Some told me that those faces you hate the most are most likely to be like your baby. If that is true, lucky me because they’re both pretty too!

Freaky creatures gets near to preggies..

Filipinos have lots of stories with regards to pregnant women, ghosst and creatures. Old people especially in provinces believes that there are creatures who likes to eat babies that are still in the womb. Freaky right? These creatures can smell the freshness of your baby's blood even if its still in the tummy. Oldies called it tiktik. These creatures normally made a ticking sound at night thats why its called "tiktk". According to the old stories they normally hang out on preggies homes at their roof. Waiting for people in the house to sleep and then make their move. Their tounge are very flexible that it can be stretched from the roof towards their bed, cut your tummy and took the baby. Ewww I'm having goose bumps now. Do you think I believe it? Of course not. These are only hearsays and old stories. If I could see one maybe I'll believe. (Hope not too see one)

Let me just share a related stories which I encountered for the very first time during my 2nd month of pregnancy. It was almost 1 a.m. when me and my hubby took a shortcut to go to his mom's place using a scooter. Why it took us 1 a.m.? Well unfortunately a lot of things happened. We have to look for a vulcanizing shop since we got our tire flat. To go on with my story we were driving in a dark place with lots of trees alongside. It was too dark and people who lived there were all fast asleep. Few lights were turned on making it more creepy. We just ignore the fact that it was scary since we were chatting while on the way. Suddenly we saw a huge round smoke from the trees coming towards us. I was uncertain were it came from and wondering who would make a fire in the trees or just above it fast midnight? I decided to smell it and became horrified when theres no scent at all. There were no vehicles in front of us, if its coming from a vehicle, a cigarette or a bonfire, i would definitely recognize it. But there was no scent at all. We were driving slowly thats why we had time to feel the scent. But because we're both horrified, I just hold my hubby tight squeezing his tummy telling him to drive fast even if the street was crooked. Were both frightened that it might be a "Kapre". These are tall and dark creatures said to be living in trees and smoking a huge tobacco as what the oldies story was. And whats funny after rushing thru the street, we reach its end and to our dismay it was blocked with a wood about only 2 feet high. Roads were closed because of some unfinished construction. I could still feel so scared and told my hubby theres no way of getting back. Haha I even told him lets just carry the scooter since the block wasn't that high at all. He even agreed. We were both laughing knowing that were both horrified and were about to carry a heavy bike. We didn't even noticed a small way to that road until someone came from a bike too. We just look at each other wondering if the guy who came after us seen the Kapre as well. We were laughing till we came to his moms' place. She told me not to travel especially during midnight because preggies are more prone to see such creatures. I just smiled at her and told her its not true. Maybe its just a bonfire. But still that was a freaky experience. My first time ever..

Grany's bet..

Some people can guess the genital organ of the baby while they're still in the womb. Just by looking at your face and how you move. My mom in-law told me she used to bet for a bottle of tequila by guessing the kid's sex organ. She never failed and always brought a tequila home. She then told me some characteristics of a mom to check when the baby is a boy.

• Preggies always feel tired and lazy most
  
• Misses taking a bath in a day
• Bulging nose
• Neckline and armpits are getting darker
• Youre becoming unpretty.. hehe
• Too much nausea

And if its a girl:

• You always wear make up
• You always want to feel clean and fresh
• Your face is blooming
• In short you look prettier hehe

These might be some of those characteristics she considered observing in preggies but theres still hidden secrets she didn't reveal yet. Hmm I wonder what that is.

Her first bet for me,

Your baby is a boy!

OMG! so it means I don't look pretty huh. Haha. Well, I don't have bulky nose yet, dark underarms and neckline. I was only too tired almost in a day. I just like to get more time to sleep and misses to take a bath (nah, I just revealed it). She then told me I would still find it out more when its about 6 or 7 months. But one time when I was with my friends they were guessing that its a girl. (Hmm, so Im prettier huh). Maybe because I don't normally put make ups when I'm home. I only do it when there are gatherings or special occasions. Well let me see if someone will owe another bottle of tequila to my baby's granny. Lets find out.

Pregnancy vs UTI

According to hearsays and also proven in researches that we, preggies are more susceptible on having UTI or Urinary Tract Infection. Where does it came from. Bacterias from intestines can move from the rectum which is very near our urethra and travel through our bladder and worse case travel to the ureter and cause infection. And since our uterus begins to increase its size, squeezing or pressing our bladder, we tend not to completely wasted out our pee. Remains of urine takes time for it to flush out. The longer it remains the happier the bacterias to travel more and multiply. That is why we are fully advised to drink more water to flush and kill the bacteria's celebration in multiplying. I have gathered some helpful tips for us moms to prevent this disease.

• Drink plenty of water, 8 glasses or more
• It is advisable to drink cranberry juice regularly.
  
• Don't suppress when you feel the urge to pee.
  
• Empty your bladder everytime you pee. Make sure your completely done. Don't be in a rush.
• Pee before and after intercourse.
  
• Make sure you keep your genitals clean and dry at all times. Use mild soap and water.
  
• Refrain from using strong soaps, feminine hygiene products, and douches.
• When drying after you wash don't rub your genital area. Blot it dry from front to back leaving you bacteria free.
  
• Don't wear tight pants.
• Wear cotton underwears.
  
• Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, refined juices and softdrinks
• Prevent yourself from soaking in your tub for a long time.