A Star for Aveeno

Once again, Aveeno product topped it all. For almost 7 years that I've been living here in Canada, nothing beats out dry skin during the winter season. So I was constantly in pursuit of a good hand cream. I’ve tested over a good 3-4 products and some offered temporary relief from dry and itchy skin. Until I tested Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream. It contains active naturals like natural colloidal oatmeal which lasts through hand washing and moisturized for 24 hours. This non-greasy cream leaves hand soft and smooth even after washing. Some products that I tried were Neutrogena Hand cream which was the first one I used. It was ok at first but when the tube is close to empty, the smell becomes stinky like the product already expired. Then come a new variety of the same brand. It’s fast absorbent and leaves hand smooth. But after the first washing of the hands, the cream is all gone. And I think it is water based too. Getting more frustrating especially during winter where my cuticles are acting up, I sought relief in Olay Quench Therapy Hand Cream. It is Olay’s fastest relief hand cream for extremely dry & itchy skin. It worked! Only that after washing my hands once or twice, the cream is gone. And the smell is so overpowering that you can smell a stench of it a distance away. Then came Aveeno! *whew* What a relief! So far, I’ve tested the previous products, Aveeno stands out! By the way, Aveeno is a product of Johnsons and Johnsons.

First Solids

Rice cereal is recommended to be the very first solid food for babies because it is the least likely to provoke an allergy. I received sample packets from Heinz and Nestle-Baby, some coupons from Beechnut and Gerber. A friend recommended Heinz Rice Cereal to me. So I bought a box and served Aeisha. It’s been the 3rd day and she loves it that she will growl after every bite. That's her way to show that she wants more. HAHA. I mixed 1 tablespoon of the dry cereal with 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water. I made sure that it’s thoroughly mixed. I have no problems about the consistency because the cereal dissolved quickly. Next week, I will increase the frequency of the rice cereal to twice a day. Perhaps lunch and dinner. The week after, I am going to increase to 3 tablespoons of the dry cereal. :)

It was recommended to wait for 2-3 weeks after the rice cereal before introducing the veggies and fruits. Between new foods, it was advised to wait for 3-5 days before doing so. I fed the cereal to her during dinner, lunch, then on an afternoon snack. I also fed her before or after her milk intake. Hmm.. she got the same reaction. She LOVES it. Then I'm moving on to Nestle. Then Beechnut. Then Milupa. Hehehe… Gerber doesn’t have rice cereal. If there’s any, I haven’t found one. They only have the jarred foods.

Right now, since we couldn’t find a good high chair for Aeisha, she is relaxed like a queen on her seat. I know it is not recommendable to do so. So hopefully we can get her a high chair already. The one branch that we went to didn’t have stock in store. They are selling the floor model. So we walked out. HAHA. We’re going to try our luck on the other branch. Else… hay! I have to research for another high chair. I was luring for the Fisher Price one but when we tried Aeisha on it, I had difficulty sliding the tray out with one hand. When I tried the Graco Mealtime one, swoop! It was fast and secure. So we decided on this one only to find out that it was the last one. Bummer!

What to Bring

This is Part 2 of my reminder blog...

The welcome of a baby is a very momentous event. So we want to be certain that we are primed with all baby-necessities. Being a first time mom myself, I had it all planned and yet, I missed out lotsa items. I guess my resources didn't give me all the details that I need to know. OR were my questions too broad and vague? Anyways, here goes.

Based from my experience, I would remind myself to bring the following for the baby:

1. Diapers: Provided the hospital supplies you these, you need to bring at least 1 bag of diapers. I used Pamper’s Swaddlers #1 because I wasn’t aware of a size for newborns. Besides, they grow very quickly that the maximum weight for the newborn size is 10lbs. In a span of 2 weeks, babies will go beyond 10lbs. Unless the baby is born very small, newborn size is not recommended. I’d say 1 bag because of a last minute decision to proceed with C-section, I didn’t bring enough diapers that I had to ask my mom to buy me one pack.

2. Wipes: You use this to clean the baby’s bottom for pee and poo. I’d still recommend cotton balls soaked in water for the poo. I used Huggies Wipes which was OK although I didn’t like the scent. I’d use Pampers’ Sensitive wipes.

3. Diaper rash cream: Just in case there is an early sign of a diaper rash.

4. Vaseline: The hospital provided this for us but better to be ready in case you ran out of it.

5. Facial tissue: You’d want to use this to scoop the petroleum jelly from its container and into the baby’s bottom. We didn’t have this since the petroleum jelly that was provided came in a tube form. So the nurse taught us to just squeeze the petroleum jelly out from the tube into the diaper and apply it directly using the diaper as an ‘applicator’. You also use to dry the baby’s bottom when cleaning up the poo.

6. Receiving blankets: I’d say bring 10. Why, because it will serve as a swaddling blanket for baby. They tend to love it when it’s warm and they are snuggled inside. It can also be used as a burp cloth.

7. Thicker Blanket: To place this on the ‘bed’ of the baby. The mattress is too paper thin.

8. Sleepers: Make sure that it’s long sleeves and closed with snaps, not zipper. We have to be careful of the umbilical cord area. I’d say at least 8.

9. Socks: at least 5.

10. Infant cap: Babies had to be warm from the head to toe and no better way to warm them than an infant cap. I’d say 3 is enough. I didn’t think about this so baby was cold that we had to cover her with the receiving blanket and I ran out of it. Recycle recycle recycle.

11. Face cloth: When feeding baby, to wipe milk residue.

12. Change pad: This will come in handy when you want to change baby in a larger area.

13. Car seat blanket: Whether it’s summer or fall, the car seat needs to be covered.

14. Car seat canopy & head rest: This is a boo-boo for us. We weren’t prepared for this. The canopy was sitting inside the box! So it’s a must to have this when checking out baby.

15. Bundle me: When it’s winter, this is very convenient as baby wants to feel warm.

16. Car seat cover: A thicker blanket to cover the car seat. For protection from unwanted particles from the hospital.

First Ever Siggy

This is our first ever Siggy by Salena. You get to send your pictures and wordings and she will take care of it in a day or two. Two at the most. There are 3-4 other artists who give their creative time and put these pictures at work. Their website can be found in http://vipsignatures.proboards84.com/index.cgi.

No Coffee

I am not a coffee drinker. I just happened to drink a medium Tim Horton's .. just for fun. They have the Roll up the Rim promo again. As usual, I didn't win. Os wasn't lucky enough either. And what a nightmare it has made to me! I was reading "The Innocent Man" by John Grisham, his latest nonfiction. Oh boy! I read and read and read until 330am. Then I slept. At 530am, I was awake. Went on a potty break then went back to bed. But I couldn't sleep!!! I was awake until 730pm when I hit the sofa and slept soundly for 1 solid hour. Now, DST (daylight saving time) started, and it's supposed to be 12:48am now, almost 1am and I'm still awake. My sleeping pattern has been side swept by a medium sized Tim Horton's coffee.. double-double. He he he. So, from now on, I won't drink coffee anymore!

A Milestone

Aeisha has entered into the stage of teething. It started very obviously last night. She was so uncomfortable and didn't want to eat. She had diarrhea on Monday-Tuesday. She was so so drooling uncontrollably. I have to have at least 5 washcloths daily. By Wednesday, she was a bit OK. Her feedings were so inconsistent last night, from 6oz per feedings every 4 hours to 1-2oz per feeding every ??? hours. I lost track! My sister doc suggested to use a medicine dropper just so she will be fed. So that's what I did, and she had fun taking her milk by the dropper. HAHA. We peeked into her mouth and saw two little bumps and whitish color on her lower gums. So I guess this is it! I do hope she will have a positive experience out of this. I know that she will have another round of 'this' by the 7-8th month when her upper teeth will erupt. Oh boy!

New Trick

Aeisha knows how to kick the blankets that I so lovingly put over her at night fearing that she might be cold. Now, I have to at least get up in the middle of the night just to check on her. In the mornings before Os goes to work, he makes sure that she is still snuggled. New tricks everyday. He he.

Now, Mommy has a new trick. Once I sense that she is fussy, I start to read her the Noah's Ark board book I got for her. She will then feel lightheaded, her eyes will start to look sleepy. I keep on reading to her but now narrating on what I will do next like "Now, Mommy will put Baby to her crib. Baby will take her nap." and so on. This is the 2nd time now. HA HA.

More tricks to come...

Baby Products I Use

I'd like to dedicate this blog to myself. Why? Because this blog will also serve as a gentle reminder for me in case some people asks. This will be a series of reminder blogs. This is the first part.

Skin: Babies tend to have dry skin especially in the winter. So, a friend recommended Aveeno Baby SOOTHING RELIEF MOISTURE CREAM. It comes in a tube of 140g. It is fragrance free, hypoallergenic and non-greasy. This cream is enriched with skin-soothing natural colloidal oatmeal to help restore lost moisture for the relief of dry skin associated with eczema. I guess Aeisha has this that's why it is very important that I find the right lotion for her. She was using Cetaphil but I didn't see a positive result out of it. It's Day 4 since I've applied on her cheeks and I am beginning to see good results. Her cheeks aren't dry anymore. I will continue to use this until she gets that peachy skin that most babies SHOULD have. :D

Bath products: Right now, I'm still testing which one works best for Aeisha. She's now 5 months old and I can count by my hands and feet the number of times we've bathe her. He he he. It's winter so we try to just wash her rather than bathe her. I am using Johnson's Head-to-Toe wash. Hmmm.... I can't get a baby scent out from her, especially on her hair. So I've switched to Gerber's Shampoo. Just for the hair. And the baby scent is starting to materialize. But I still use Johnson's on her body. I also use Aveeno SOOTHING BATH TREATMENT. A friend also recommended this. I have just used 1 pack so far.

Body lotion: I used Aveeno Daily Lotion. After this, I'm going to switch to Aveeno DAILY MOISTURE LOTION. The word moisture is the key here! :)

Diaper Rash: Again, babies especially baby girls tend to have this than baby boys. So, I used Gerber's Diaper Rash Cream. So far, the rash seem to disappear after Day 3. But I still continue to apply it til the skin is clear.

Petroleum jelly: I used Vaseline Baby petroleum jelly on her bottom to prevent moisture build up which eventually end up in a diaper rash. I first make sure that her area is dry before I apply this. So far, so good. I also use Penaten when we are outdoors and she needs to have a diaper change. So far, same results as Vaseline Baby. I might try this after my 2nd bottle with Vaseline Baby.

Wipes: I use Pampers Wipes right now after the Huggies Wipes we bought before. I only use this when she pees though. When she poops, it's water and cotton balls for her. It's harder when we're outdoors when nature calls, because I can't get access to water once I've put her on the change station. So, wipes is what I use.

Tissue: I use Puffs and Puffs-to-go for her tissue needs. I use this to apply the petroleum jelly on her.

Diaper: Currently, Aeisha is using Pampers Cruisers Size 3 alongside with Pampers Baby Dry Size 3. For the past months, I've used Pampers Swaddlers Size 1 & 2, Huggies Supreme Gentle Care Size 1, 2. Huggies Natural Fit Diaper Size 3, Pampers Baby Dry Size 1, 2 & 3. What I like about Huggies is the u-shaped sides. It makes it easier to wear the diaper. I like Pampers because of its absorbancy. However, it takes time for me to fit the diaper to Aeisha. I have to keep on adjusting it. Because absorbancy is very important, I'll continue to use this product. One this I forgot to do is to take down the dates when Aeisha started to change her diaper size. Oh well.

Formula: I am feeding Aeisha with Similac Advanced with Omega 3 & 6. That's what the hospital gave us. Since she is 5 months now, I've stocked enough til she is ready to switch to Step 2. Good thing Similac came up with the same size and component only that it's Step 2 and I guess it's more iron-fortified. I would be glad if she didn't need these formula but she has to because she didn't have the privilege to enjoy breastmilk. The faucet is tight! Plumbing wasn't good. :D

Feeding bottle: I just followed what others recommended. AVENT bottles. I got so many of them that I lost track. I got at least 8 4-oz bottles. Then another 8 of the 9-oz bottles. Hi hi

Toys: I bought different brands of toys for Aeisha. Fisher Price, Bruin Bear, Playskool, Lego, Megablocks, Baby Einstein, Dora the Explorer. The best that I can say is Fisher Price. It has got all the essentials for a baby from colors to shape. But it's good to have a variety, too.

Next thing that I will experiment on are the Cereals. 'Til here.

Events

I had my first share of shoveling 2 days ago and oh my! I was so exhausted. My whole body ached especially my arms. It's a good thing that our neighbor cleaned up the mess I made. Tee hee hee. He was so kind enough to clean up the rest of the white stuffs. I had to go back inside the house because mommy-duty calls....

I finally found my skin-friend! The new Clinique Soft Finish Makeup. It is said to give moisture to the skin. And it is made especially for dry skin. My skin is so dry during the winter, so this one works best for me. The one I'm currently using, doesn't help at all. I thank Clinique for having good consultants on site. :)

We will be having Prime Rib Roast Beef tonight. Oh gosh.. I do hope it will come out well done and medium rare on some part. Crossing my fingers...

What's in my bag NOW?

Here is what you saw in my bag before (in red color). Since I am on maternity leave, I don't get to go out often. Plus, it's winter outside. The arctic circle is above Canada, thus the windchills and the snowsqualls. Anyway, here is what you can find in my handbag NOW. The ones in BLUE are the ones that are still in the bag, the RED ones are OUT!

Wallet: the most important thing in my bag -- STILL THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN MY BAG
Cellphone: the 2nd most important thing -- TRUE! TRUE!
Coin purse: with or without, I'm OK -- YOU'RE RIGHT ON THIS!
Keys: of course, I can't get inside the house if I don't have this, unless Os is home first -- CORRECT!
Lipstick: my lips are pale without it -- I HAVE A TINY LIPSTICK BOX, TOO, THAT HAS A LIPLINER INSIDE.
Comb: I don't want to have a bad hair day -- SO SO TRUE!
Ponytail: to feel refresh -- I HAVE SHORTER HAIR NOW, SO I DON'T REALLY NEED THIS!
Swiss knife: girl scout's best friend -- GEE! I CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE I PLACED THIS! WHAT A BUMMER!
Sunglass: it's summer, girl! keep your eyes from the UV rays. -- I LEAVE THIS IN THE CAR. I STILL NEED THIS EVENTHOUGH IT'S WINTER.
Ballpen: to scribble with -- YEAH BABY! THE BIG FAT PEN!
Pieces of papers: to scribble on -- HMM... I BETTER TAKE NOTE OF THIS!
GO Pass: Paid $187/mo for it! have to optimize this -- NO WAY JOSE'! MY WORKPLACE MOVED TO MARKHAM NOW, SO NO NEED OF GO MONTHLY PASS. BUT AGAIN, I'M ON MAT LEAVE. MIND YOU, IT'S NOW $197/mo.
Access card: Optional coz I can always wait for someone to get inside the bldg, but of course, I'd rather have my point of entry -- THIS IS SAFELY PLACED ON MY DRAWER AT HOME.
Crabtree and Evelyn cuticle cream: I need this, I have a bad cuticle! this is a miracle cure for me.. -- MIRACULOUSLY, MY CUTICLES ARE HEALED!
Minnie Mouse card purse: this holds my other credit cards, rewards cards, coupons, buy 10-get 1 free stuffs cards -- IT'S A LACOSTE PURSE NOW. HA HA
Checkbook: easy access cash, only if they accept personal checks -- NAH! IT'S IN MY DRAWER NOW.
Datebook: to keep me updated with my activities -- OH YEAH! NEVER LEAVE THIS OUTSIDE MY BAG!
Breakfast: usuaLly sandwich -- BREAKFAST STAYS AT HOME
Lunch: usually the last night's dinner -- THIS ONE TOO!
MP3: not to get bored -- I DON'T NEED THIS FOR NOW.
USB connection: if i need to download some files from work -- I DON'T NEED THIS ONE FOR NOW, TOO!

However it may be, whether I'm off to work or to the mall, I have some replacements of the items that were out of the bag. They are:

Hand cream: I HAVE TO HAVE THIS!
Puffs to go: NEED THIS FOR AEISHA'S EMERGENCY TISSUE NEEDS.
Abreva: OH MY HOW SORE MY LIPS ARE! THIS IS A CURE INDEED!
Extra batteries: FOR THE DIGITAL CAMERA!
Woman's monthly thingy: YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!

Baby and Me

I used Shabby Princess' free kit called Sweet Serenity. This free kit can be downloaded at www.shabbyprincess.com. Great kits there for free download!

My Latest Craze

Here are some of my digiscraps that I made while watching over Aeisha. :) I used Shabby princess kits.

Cuteberries

Aren't they cute? Got them at www.cuteberries.com. Enjoy!

Plunge

I just read the news about a woman and a child who died after plunging off an overpass to the Highway beneath. There was someone who passed by and tried to talk to the woman. Their deaths remain unknown as well as their identities. It is said in the news that the woman died on the scene while the boy died while being transported to the hospital. Because it's a highway, they were hit by a passing vehicle. I wonder if the vehicle will be charged with demerit points. It's just so tragic.

the FORK

Ok, in less then 3 weeks, I've came across the FORK. So last night, with coupon on hand, I went to the parlor. Had my haircut... finally. HEHE. :D

Smallville

I don't know what season is it now playing for Smallville but the more I am not liking it. Lana Lang ended up with Lex Luthor. That's all for now. I only watched Smallville Season 1. Still waiting for the next seasons. :D

Dilemma No More

Ok, I've decided not to cut my hair. Now I don't have my dilemma anymore. It would be easier to have long hair coz you have just tie it up, no need to style. HAHA. Cool! I'll blog again if I come across a fork in the road! :)

Lover of letters

I am a lover of letters. Everytime I see our mailbox full of letters, what joy resides in me. When I went to Manila for college, my high school friends and I promised to keep in touch. We write snail mails every week. We talked about the happenings in our lives. I tell them my experiences being in La Salle. And they, in Ateneo. I get sad whenever I don't have any mails for the day. One of my odd dream job is to work in a post office. I love watching lots of mails coming in everyday. Hmmm.. maybe when I'm near retirement. He he he

Dilemma again

Here I am again.. in a dilemma. I don't know if I should cut my hair or not. HAHA. I have waited this long to grow it. If I just cut it, it will make my "sacrifice" go to waste. Hmm... on the other hand, if I do cut it, I will feel freer and more comfy. Bathing would be more economical and I will save a lot on shampoo and conditioner. Drying hair would be easier and faster. The reason why I don't want to cut my hair is because I hate it when it's growing back on the shoulder length. If I just let it grow.. it has a very good purpose... it's added layer during winter. Hee hee. So til now, I'm still wearing this long hair style since January this year.

Little Bundle of Blessing - Part 3

Everything was a blur already as events pass by so fast. Baby grew in a matter of days. We even ran out of diapers. We weren't really prepared for a CS. So I had to ask my mom to buy some diapers for us. Friends and relatives visited us. Gave us some food. Come the day when we were to be discharged, my feet were already big and very swollen and it made me hard to walk around. My incision was healing well but I need to be under self-medication depending on my pain threshold. I did pretty well since I didn't take lots. I know Os is very tired already since he is taking care of both me and baby. And he did really really well in doing so. I give him a 101%! I just thank God that the three of us are doing OK and everything came into place. Our prayers are never ending because we know that only God's plan is the best. Friends and relatives prayed for us and we are ever thankful to them. My parents and Mom-in-law are the champions for they never cease to provide us with their assistance. We wouldn't be this healthy if not for their never ending support. I am an owl. So staying up late or getting few hours or even minutes of sleep was not a problem although I seize every opportunity I have if there is someone available to watch over little Aeisha.

Over the next few days, new challenges will come, unexpected things will happen, but we will always heed on to God's plan for He will take care of us. He will be our guide and the center of our lives now that we have His blessings. And we call it a miracle! Thank you God! We love you!

Little Bundle of Blessing - Part 2

On September 22, which is a Friday, I can't remember much but I started pushing I think at around 6am because Dr. Hew will be off duty by 7am and she wanted to deliver my baby. She came by before her time off and checked on me again. I am still 2cm dilated!!!!!! So she ... I don't know what she did but she made me dilated into 7cm then 9cm before she left. So I was already 9cm dilated and 100% effaced. Dr. Kurup took over. I started pushing and pushing. Dr. Kurup was nowhere in sight. Only Veronica and Os were assisting me. Then by 10am, the kind nurse who was assigned to me for the day, Veronica, had to go on a break. Another nurse came in. She was in blue scrubs. I wonder what distinction is that because Veronica was in green. Anyways, the pitocin drops were minimized so that I can start to push on my own. Veronica is so sweet and she assisted me through the pushing. Her words were very encouraging. Os had to look at the head which was showing already. I am glad he didn't faint! All I need is to push harder and longer so that the head will be engaged. So we were in this 'state' for nearly a good 2-3 hours until lunch time when I gave up. I cried to Os saying why is this happening to me? How come it so easy for others to give birth naturally and me, it's so hard! Then something came up from my mouth. I told Os, "Let's request for CS." We were hesitant for a moment because we know that recovery will take longer. My mom and mom-in-law arrived just when I was about to push for the nth time! Os told them that I wanted a CS already. My mom said go ahead since it's been 24 hours already since my water bag broke. As what my Achi would have said, "You're going on dry labor! Get a CS!". Of course, she wasn't here to tell me that. It was only later that I found out that she said those words. :D So we told Veronica that we wanted to have a CS. She respected our decision. I asked her if she will also be there at the operation room. She said she won't leave my side. :') So Dr. Kurup came in and checked on me. Finally she said either we wait for baby to come our naturally or go ahead with the surgery. She checked on me again and said that baby's head won't engaged. So she made calls and a CS was arranged in 20 minutes. So Veronica prepped me for the surgery. She put an oxygen mask on me. And before 230pm, we were on our way to the operating room. Os had to scrub himself and wait for a while outside the room while they prep me inside. More epidural was given to me. Thank God I don't have to go through what Dr. Lu did. There were at least 2 nurses, Veronica and Marsel, Dr. Kurup, one other doctor who was coaching me, then Os came in and sat beside me. We were shaded from the surgery. Looked like it was off limit unless we requested that we wanted to see the surgery. Whoa! No need to ask me. I dont' want to see it. HAHA. I felt some pinching and punching on my tummy and nothing else. I think they gave me some meds to make me groggy because I can't remember all the events that took place. Finally, after only a few minutes, at approximately 259pm, we heard the baby cried. Wah.. wahh.. wahh.. then Dr. Kurup announced that we have a GIRL! What joy we have in our faces. Little Aeisha Brielle is born. I was so groggy already that I wanted to just close my eyes and sleep. Os kept telling me that he can see Aeisha already although he was still beside me, stroking my head, to provide me comfort. Then Aeisha was "delivered" to us. Wahh.. she is so white, has a nice complexion, rosey cheeks, and guess what? At first glance, I can already tell that she looked like Os. HAHAHA... Most evidently are the nose and mouth. She is so cute and adorable. Then I dozed off. Next thing I knew, I was inside a room. They said the recovery room. I was naked waist up. Only my gown was covering me. I didn't know this part until I saw the pictures! HAHA. Anyways, it was my first time to hold baby. But again, I dont' recall all these. Only the pictures told me so. Mind you, I was smiling for the camera but can't remember this event. Then we went back to our room. Then my mind went blank. Next thing I know, our families visited us. My parents, Mama, 2ko, and 7pe. They came and saw Aeisha for the first time. Same comment. Little Os! :D My whole body was really sore and I couldn't move well. I need assistance even just to move. My feel felt so heavy due to water retention. I didn't have to go to the washroom yet though but still everything was really sore. Os did ALL the chores. Changing diapers. Putting baby to sleep. Swaddling her. And grabbing the chance to sleep even for a few MINUTES. I started to breastfeed but alas! I had some bleeding so I need to stop. The nurse recommended a formula for baby. Os had to get it at the nurse's station everytime baby cries. He learned a lot on this night. He learned how to change diaper, carrying baby, burping baby, putting baby to sleep, swaddling baby. I asked nurse when we are allowed to go home. She said probably in 3-4 days time. Then an attending OB came in and confirmed the same thing. We will be home in 3-4 days. That will be September 25, on a Monday morning.

Little Bundle of Blessing - Part 1

It took me a while (1 month) to finally fill up my blog. I didn't want to recall certain events. But I have to, I have to write them down and take it off my system.

Ok here goes...

On September 20, all of us here in the house stayed overnight at Acara because I am to be induced the next day. We had a hearty dinner and everyone was happy to be together. It is the first for my parents and 2ko to be here in Toronto. My uncle is happy to have at least 1 sister and 1 brother of his to be here. It was sort of like a mini-reunion. Night time, we slept in the basement comfortably.

The next day, we woke up at 7am and got prepared for our 830am appointment for the induction. Today my OB is on duty so she picked this date for me to be induced. Os drove us to the hospital. We parked. He picked a spot that somehow far from the entrance. I don't know why. But anyways, we went through Admission then went up to the Birthing place, which is on the 4th floor. The chinese nurse greeted us and she showed me to the room where the fetal monitor will be placed on my tummy so that she can monitor the heartbeat of baby. An hour passed, Dr. Hew, my OB, came in and checked on me. She told me that I am also 75% effaced and 2cm dilated. So at around 955am, she artificially broke my water bag. I felt some pain inside and a sudden gush of water came out from me. It was like I couldn't control peeing. So it was a good sign now. After a few minutes, I got up and cleaned myself. The nurse told me to keep on walking to encourage dropping of baby's head. So for 2 long hours, we walked. Another chinese nurse was assigned to me. She gave me lunch at 1pm since there was no room available yet. So we waited. I walked. Os dozed on and off on a chair nearby. We had all our things with us. Baby's bag, our luggage and our "baon" bag. By 4pm, we were told that our room is ready. So we went inside. It is a birthing room meaning that that room is also where I will push and welcome baby. We were kinda anxious already especially me! who wanted to welcome baby already in my arms. By 5pm, I was given augmentation already since I am not getting any labor pains. Pitocin was dropped in my IV. An hour later, I started having early labor contractions. Gosh, I had to use the breathing techniques that we have learned in the class. It was uncomfortable because I have to be in 1 position for hours!!! because of the fetal monitor attached to my tummy. However, it wasn't painful. I can still tolerate. He he he. Moments later, we heard the PA paging the owner of a silver Honda civic with plate number... just like ours! So Os went down to check it out. He was sort of gone for like an hour or so. And I was all alone dealing with the early labor contractions. When he came back, he said, our car was hit inside the parking lot. HUH? What? Say that again? Our car was hit inside the parking lot. It was wrecked and unrepairable. HUH? so that means we need to buy a new car???? Call it a blessing in disguise, but we really planned to buy a bigger vehicle already once we have baby with us. It just happened to soon. The other driver drove 60km/hr inside the parking lot because he has an emergency. Don't we all??? For Pete's sakes, it's a hospital, emergency is what they accept. Anyways, so we don't have a car already. 7um and Gerard arrived together with my parents and they assisted Os with the car while my parents stayed with me. They had to see me "suffering" from the pain. After visiting hours, they went back to Acara. Os came back already with added pressure on his mind. I prayed to God to give Os strength to endure all these because I need him to focus!!! I didn't get any dinner tonight because it is not allowed. It can interfere with the pitocin drops on my IV. By 11pm.... I can't tolerate the discomfort any longer so I requested for an epidural. Half an hour later, the anaesthesiologist arrived, Dr. Lu. Gosh.. the pain is so unbearable that the nurse had to hug and squeeze me and enveloped me in her arms. I was already whimpering with pain since he had to inject me twice!! All the limbs in my body started to get weak as Dr. Lu injected the needle into my spine. Gosh it was so painful!! I wanted to end every minute of it! I guess Os was just as terrified as I am since I have a high tolerance of pain.. but this?? Anyways, so after that, it felt so so good. The nurse told me that I will dilate on my own and by morning, I should be 10cm already. She advised me and Os to get a good night's sleep since we're gonna start pushing in the morning. So we dozed off to sleep. Halfway in slumberland, I had a urge to throw up! Maybe it's because of the effect of the epidural. I threw up 3x! Then I dozed off on and off though til the morning.

In Toronto.. finally

Papa and Mama are finally here in Toronto. Yes, finally after 6 years of planning. :D After my first year here in Toronto, there were talks in the making that they will come for a visit. Year 1 passed. Nothing happened. Guess there was just no reason to be here. Hehehe. Then I went home. Then I came back. Year 2 begun and the countdown started. Now, 4 years later, the plan and talks materilized. I'm so happy to see my papa and mama being able to visit us here in Toronto. Right now, they are with Uncle 7 still. During some time, they will transfer to our place. :) I can't wait!

Hail in Markham

Today Markham has experienced a hailstorm. It only lasted for a few minutes. Then the sun came up. All the ice melted right on the spot. It's very unusual. It's my first time to see it. You can actually see pebbles of ice raining down from the sky. Of course, it came down with heavy rain. And you can also hear the sounds of it coming down and hitting the roofs and windows. It's just weird.

Weather stable

I'm glad that the weather is somewhat IN-SEASON. It's almost end of summer and I'm super glad! Fall is coming soon... and I can't wait. I never liked summer although there were days when we need to have rain-free days.

Our fence hasn't been constructed yet and this is one of the instance that we need a rain-free day for the contractors to work on it. We are still waiting for them to give us a new contract then they can proceed. Without that, all 8 of us units won't hand in our cheques.

It's my 2nd day off from work and I feel bored just staying at home. HAHA. I know there are people who would want to be where I am right now. Stay home. Do nothing but sleep, watch DVD. Hmm... maybe things will change next week. I will be super duper busy by then. :)

plema

Phlegm (pronounced /flɛm/) is a type of mucus, the sticky fluid secreted by the mucous membranes of animals. Its definition is limited to the mucus produced by the respiratory system, excluding that from the nasal passages, and particularly that which is expelled by coughing (sputum).

I got this definition of a phlegm on the internet. Typically, I would relate a phlegm with germs. I mean, when someone expells this phlegm from his or her mouth, it is considered as a dirty substance. It's just like a stool coming out from the behind.

Using our common sense, where do we normally do this expelling? In the washroom, right? If you are conserving water, you spit it in the washroom sink then wash it away with the tap water. If you are not conserving or you need to flush the toilet anyways, you would normally spit it into the toilet bowl. That way, everything goes. Hee hee.

I know some people who will unconsciously spit it on the ground, in the garbage, and with my observation... on the kitchen sink. Although you might argue with me that the sink is always flushed with water while you are washing the dishes.... hello! I find it very disgusting!

In our office, there were people doing this. So, there was a memo that came out and was taped into one of the cupboards above the sink. Being in a diverse city in this world, people who are doing this "act" are mostly Asians. Sad to say. I won't tolerate this kind of "act" in my home. Phulleeze!

The Spectacular Play

At around 430pm, I took off from the office. It was a Friday anyways. Not much to do although there are so many things yet to accomplish. I took the 440pm Express bus to the Finch subway. Then took the subway southbound to St. Andrews station. Exited the subway to King St. West where the theater is somewhere located. Then I walked west. I stopped by Swiss Chalet and called Os to wait for me there as we have to take our dinner already. We met at around 530pm. Os came from his office. And it was like a good 20 minute walk to our rendevous.

We had dinner then headed out to the theater. We bought a souvenir mug from the gift shop. All products were on sale. It was such a pity because there were no more Large or X-Large tshirt for Os. So we didn't buy. The price was $26 for a tshirt. And it was already on sale. Oh well, a mug will suffice. :)

The play, The Lord of the Rings, last night was indeed spectacular. The seats we got were great. It was a three-act play with 2 intermissions in between. The first intermission lasted for 15 minutes after 1.5 hours out of the 3.5 hours. The second intermission was long enough for everyone to stretch out from their seats... three minutes.

The play promptly started with a pre-show at 7:30pm, as what they call it. The hobbits in the Shire were playing around joyfully. There were hobbits in the audience who were trying to catch fireflies. Then carefully put them in a jar. After which, they set out the fireflies into the set and there, the play commenced.

There were narration at first then the actors emerging from the dark into the light, actor suspended with a rope up air, music, merriments, actions, sweet scenes, and the set. The set was excellent! From the moment we went in the theater, the RING welcomed us. It was a big circular ring edged with red-orange light illuminating from the background. The play ended at around 1030ish. Then we walked to the GO Bus station. I bought my "over-priced" ticket and waited for the 11:40pm bus. We reached home at around 12:25am. What a long day!

Scrappie

I consider myself a super duper junior scrappie. I started digital scrapbooking yesterday. Thanks to the free materials from one of the links that my sister sent me. I had to use Photoshop to edit the materials though. But it's good enough. And I'm happy with the result. I keep telling myself that I don't have the creative juices in my system. But see it for yourself. :)

Christmas practices

Ok, please don't call me crazy but I start to talk about Christmas as early as August every year. HAHA....

It's something about Christmas that makes me sad in a way. I am away from my family and it's been that way for almost 6 years now. Eventhough I have a new family here, it feels so different not being with your real family. The traditions had changed.

These are what we used to do before:
Listening to Christmas carols given by different affiliates of people who are willing to sing for us;
Having a Christmas eve party on the 24th;
Gift giving on Christmas eve;
Attending the Christmas service at 12mn, December 25;
Noche buena usually after the Christmas service at church, with Christmas ham, bread, fruit salad, and some goodies ready to eat;
Opening gifts on Christmas morning;
Hearing Christmas tunes which is attached to our Christmas tree all day long;
Having friends calling you to greet you a short and sweet Merry Christmas;

So now, these traditions aren't practiced anymore. Now, we:
Attend the Christmas service at church in advance ... always, aside from a chance of having Christmas falling on a Sunday;
Only listen to Christmas carols over the radio;
Still have a Christmas eve party but we also do gift giving and opening of gifts in 1 night;
Don't have Christmas tunes on the tree as we only have a small tree;
Have no friends calling to greet each other a Merry Christmas

So Christmas is best celebrated with family and friends who gives a festive aura of the season. Some just go to a Christmas eve party then after that, they go to sleep. Some even don't go to a Christmas eve party. Oh well, to each his own. :)

One more day of SMOG and EXTREME HOT weather

Today is worst! The temperature was a soaring 36C degrees but outside it feels like or felt like 48C. GOSH! I don't want stay outside! Like yesterday when I got off at the wrong bus stop and I had to walk a bit far. Good thing I didn't miss the bus. So today I hitched a ride home with my office mate. She was kind enough to drive me home today. She always offer me and I really appreciate her offer. Yes, I took the offer because today's heat was really unbearable. Tomorrow, I'm going to the office with her again. And according to the weather forecast, tomorrow is supposed to rain. So, we'll see how accurate the weather is.

... Next week, I will be on my own because she will be on vacation. It's fine with my because next week's weather is manageable. Whew! So much for the weather, nothing much happened at work. I was so sleepy that I have to walk around and around carrying a load. HIHI

... I forgot to bring my mug so I didn't have a cup soup today.

... I came home at 5pm earlier. We took off from the office at around 440pm. Cool eh? 20 mins from work is perfect! So I really really really have to drive! I have no choice! That will be my goal for next year!

... I cooked bibimbap for dinner tonight. He He He.