About two late nights since last week were movie dates...
I never thought I would enjoy the movie but I did...I'm not so fond of robots nor of those cartoon series of these protectors but I just had a great time watching it. Transformers rocked the movie house!
This is Hard Core Action. Full-Packed. I also like the story being so "technology today," makes me think that it could really happen.
Thank God for good movies this time...
Got a call few minutes ago...
There was a news, actually a good news but bad news for me...
Waahh, waahh, waahh!
Yun lang!
Happy Birthday Babes! Hope you really enjoyed the suprise party I threw for you last night.
I was finally able to pull off a SUPRISE for you! Thanks to all his officemates who helped me with it, esp to Coleen! (Na-stress na si Coleen on how to bring you to the venue!)
Ok, so I finally updated my personal blog and also events-experts blog. This is what I have been doing since this morning. Finally got a weekend-free from events so I just want to concentrate to blogging. I'll get back to client's concern by monday.
I also uploaded the new customized layout from blog. Wow, it is now just drag and drop in updating the template.
But I noticed something...some of the links are missing. Oh well, did I save it? Of course NOT!
And so I have to create new links again...
No bother, those are really due for updating anyway.
We enrolled Margaux in a Summer Enrichment Program in Ahead Start in Kapitolyo, Pasig, which started April 16 and ended up May 18. I think I have blogged about her trial-class there before already. She went to school every M-W-F, from 9am-12nn, total of 15 sessions, with her missing two sessions. One when we went to Subic with Dicky's officemates and another one when she got sick and hospitalized due to Acute Gastroenteritis.
Yes, Margaux stayed in Medical City for one night because of dehydration caused by the above mentioned-disease. It hit her when we were in Manansala Tower, last May 6 and we had to bring her the hospital the following day, May 7. Good thing, she was attended immediately by her pediatrician and we were discharged the next day.
Yes, I know I have been a slacker with my blog.
I just have so many things to run around which leaves me with no time to sit down and write. Ok, enough of excuses. Let's get the ball rolling...
As the title of this blog, I want to recount all the happenings last month of May.
Sister-in Law, Ate Lyn (only sister of Dicky) and husband came home from the US last May 2. It was a much-awaited vacation for them and so for us as well, cause we have planned their itinerary including us.
Thanks to Ate Lyn for the many "pasalubongs" There are just so many to mention each, but for my favorites...
There is always the grilled seafood buffet meal by the beach. Sea Wind offers a very reasonable Php540 per person buffet meal with grilled seafood, pasta, mongolian barbeque, soup and salad. Super sulit diba? We just decided to dine in there for two consecutive nights...yummee super! Even the guests from the nearby resorts are trying the one from Sea Wind. But of course, we still didn't miss going to D'Mall and D'Talipapa. 
Five beautiful years of married life...
I have been a slacker lately...
Sorry for those of you who are checking my blog but doesn't seem to find anything new that is interesting to read...
Events and even milestones have passed but I just wasn't able to blog...Hope I can get back to blogging...
So what's up?
Bianca is already 5 months. She enjoyes rolling back and forth. She's such a happy baby...giggles everytime her name is called.
Margaux lives to her age of becoming terrible two! Our room is always a mess with all her toys all over. She started her summer class in Ahead Start last Monday. She had fun and I was all excited watching her from the back.
Dicky's sister from US is coming home together with her husband on May 2. We are excited for their coming. The last time they were here was during our wedding., which reminds me...we are actually celebrating our 5 Years Wedding Anniversary already by May 4. How time flies so fast!
5 years of being married and can't believe I'm already a mom of two beautiful kids...nothing planned yet for May 4. I am foregoing my planned trip since SIL will be here. We wanted to spend more time with them.
I'm sure we will have a fun trip with the kids to Subic this friday-saturday. We hope to catch Zoobic Safari and the Ocean Adventure.
We will fly to Boracay on May 12-14. Just a quick getaway with SIL, BIL and MIL. No kids this time! Unfortunately, we won't be able to vote during the election.
And because of this trip also, I need to get fit! I hate the bulges which aren't on the right places. I'm desperate. I enrolled to Fitness First yesterday. I started my workout today. Getting fit is expensive, I was compelled to buy also yesterday my gym outfits.
I hope my lazy bones in blogging won't happen with my exercising....Wish me luck!
This has been long overdue. Work has pretty occupied me again so my apologies for the delay of the supplier’s rating and celebration story. Brace yourself...this is long!
After giving birth last November 5 to another beautiful baby girl, we have decided to have Bianca baptized closer to Margaux’s birthday so it could just be a joint celebration. We could have done it April 1 since Margaux’s bday is March 30 but we felt that Bianca’s growing so fast and she would look like an 8month old baby by then. We had to move it few weeks earlier.
We had it last March 11 at Santuario de San Antonio Church for the baptism and the luncheon follows at the 2/F of Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center. Bday Celebration of Margaux happened at the same time.
I wanted to get a venue that would really be just close to each other as I don’t want our guests to have a hard time with the proximity.
Now for the supplier’s kwento and rating:
Invitations – Blow Up Babies Serendra -10++
We enrolled in their membership and got their baptismal package. I was happy with the output of the pictures. The shots are great. Ang cute both ni Margaux and Bianca sa mga kuha nila. The photographer were patient with kids. We got the invites from them na rin that comes from the baptismal package with an 8X10 picture and an 8x10 family portrait. Sulit sya actually.
Peninsula Manila – 10+++
We decided to come from Manila Pen and we checked in the day before. This is to use na rin my PenClub vouchers. We are supposed to get lang the Grand Deluxe Room cause that’s what indicated in the voucher. When I was checking in, the receptionist Diane, asked me if it’s our first time in the hotel. I said no and told her that we are frequent guests of the hotel. I told her also that infact, we had our wedding reception there. Syempre, chika ko rin sya na kaya kami nag-check in kasi binyag ng anak ko the following day. Hehehe, natuwa ata sa akin cause she upgraded us to Premier Suite! Hay, I was so happy to learn about it and she directed us to the 11th floor, where the big rooms are. Although she didn’t put us in the newly renovated wing, ok na rin cause the room she gave us was really big. Enjoy nga si Margaux sa pagtakbo eh. She noticed also na may kasama kaming 2 yayas so she even requested for an extra bed for us with no extra fee! She also accommodated our request for a late check-out since we will be coming nga from the party. Super happy. We got lucky. I made a commendation to her tuloy in the survey form in the room.
Santuario De San Antonio Church – 7
No question about the church, I love the church. In fact, it was the church where we also got married so it has significance to us. Why 7? Because of their staff. Buti nga binigyan ko pa sila ng 7! We have booked the church December 2006 pa lang. They gave us the 11:15am slot. March 7, Wednesday before the baptism, the staff Jasmine called our house to tell that we would have the baptism at 12nn since they double booked March 11 at 11:15am for another baptism. Dicky and I were in HK that time so I just learned about it when I called the house that evening. The following day, I made an overseas call clarifying the issue. This Jasmine said na nadouble book daw kami. I was disappointed with them. I told them, how could that be cause we booked December 2006 pa. Apparently, meron daw nakabook na earlier than us pero hindi daw nalagay sa book. Super nainis talaga ako. I have a feeling kasi na parishioner yung nagbook na yun kaya mas favorable sila. I asked them if it’s the case but they denied it. I was fuming mad while talking to her over the phone. My point was, we booked December 2006 pa. 3 months have passed and then Wednesday before the baptism na lang nila sasabihin sa amin na overbooked kami?! They could have advised us earlier. We had the invitations made, we told all our guests na about it. Ok, I might be over reacting cause it’s just 45mins anyway but still super palpak their admin. I had to pass the phone to my husband so he could be the one to talk to Jasmine. Finally, Jasmine said we could still have the baptism at 11:15am and we would take the main altar. Ok, the resolution is better actually so I was happy na. But come the event proper itself, we were not allowed in the main altar. So this Jasmine didn’t coordinate with the Sacristan and the Parish Priest. Hay, super disappointed talaga kami how they treated us. We were all infront already together with the ninangs and ninongs and then they said hindi raw puede. Sa baptisry, meron nang nauna sa amin. Yun nga yung isa pa nila binook! So we didn’t have a choice but to wait for the other baptism to finish. We started late tuloy. Buti na lang, nabawi ng priest, Fr. Willy from the church also, deeply apologizes to us about it. He said he will reprimand Jasmine. They didn’t want us to have the baptism in the main altar cause meron palang mass ng 12nn so we would be hurried up if we would have it there. The following week when I went back to the office to get the baptismal certificate, I confronted Jasmine talaga. Super inis ako sa kanya so medyo natahimik sya when I was nagging her na. Sorry pero nag-nag talaga ako. She apologized din naman and said nga na napagalitan din daw sya ni Fr. Willy. Hay, she should have learned her lesson about it.
Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center – 8
Ms. Susan, the admin assistant handling the Parish Center is a better point person than Jasmine. Dicky actually didn’t like the Parish Center cause it’s old na. He wanted North Forbes Clubhouse sana but I don’t want na magmove pa the guests from the church vicinity. Medyo old na nga kasi the Parish Center pero ok na rin cause it was decorated nicely (separate supplier). Medyo nainitan lang ako when inside, although, there were about 5 big aircons naman. Well, marami lang kasi kami ulit guests.
Catering – Josiah’s Catering - 10++
In looking for venue, yan lang ang criteria ko…na puede ang Josiah’s Catering. Hehehe. I was happy with the food and even our guests. They enjoyed the Mongolian Barbeque so much. Some of our guests thought that it’s a separate catering we got all together for the Mongolian kasi daw parang hindi nauubos. I was happy with my food selection which Tita Jet (owner) suggested herself. Syempre, may choco fountain din and we got it from them also. There was a separate buffet area for the kids but their food were served. Super yummy their baked spaghetti. Kita sa pictures, how kids love the food. And syempre, overflow na naman ako sa guests but didn’t worry much cause they really prepared for more than 150 guests. Hindi naubos ang food, may nauwi pa kami actually. The staff were courteous as well and the account manager Michelle was there also overseeing everything.
Balloon Decors and Host – Yanple – Apple Cabel (n@wie) – 10++
I was very happy with what Apple did in the venue. As I said, kahit luma na the place, it looked fantastic. I love the balloon ceiling decors she made. You can view it in the pictures. I told her I want flower designs in the ceiling. She made it even beyond my expectation. Ang ganda ng designs, not the usual flower design lang. Pati the pillars she did, I love it. Hindi rin the usual spiral pillars. The centerpieces are great also, I love the mylar balloons she put. Pati the decors outside the entrance, ganda rin, I love the 3d cube boxes with feeding bottle. Sa amin na pala yun after the party. I thought she’s getting it back pa. Worth it for the price I paid. In fact, she’s very reasonable in prices. That’s why I’m booking her again for Bianca’s 1st bday naman on November. She even gave an extra pillar as her gift for my daughters. Tsaka, ginandahan nya talaga. She even helped us put up the tarpaulins. And then she was quick to fix and add additional 5 centerpieces cause I had 15 tables eh apparently 10 lang pala ang napagawa ko sa kanya. Hay, nakalimutan ko kasing magpa-add. Buti na lang she had some left materials pa. She also helped me in booking the host. We got a female host. I am not particular about the host kasi nga simple celebration lang for Margaux’s birthday. In fact, ayaw na dapat ni Dicky but I just insisted. He was surprised actually to know that I got a host pa. The host was good naman. I’m so bad, forgot her name. You can just ask apple siguro if you are interested. She came in like in a fairy godmother outfit. She was able to capture naman the interest of everyone.
Baptismal and Birthday Cake – Elaine Shih of Quintbelles (n@wie) also – 10++
I learned about Elaine from the Kid’s fair in Edsa Shangrila Hotel. Nag-sample sila ng cupcakes dun and nasarapan ako. I ordered a 2-layer baptismal cake for Bianca and a book birthday cake for Margaux. I also got 100pcs for her bite size cupcakes. I am a cake lover so particular ako sa taste and Elaine didn’t disappoint me. Super yummy the chocolate cake. Yun lang ang cake flavor na gusto ko anyway. It’s super moist. Yummy talaga. Ok din ang cupcakes, it was put in a stand. Ganda ng ayos in the table with the two other cakes. She was easy to talk to. We just met once to order and finalize the design and then it was executed perfectly. Her rates are reasonable also. As I mentioned, yummy the cake! That is important.
Photographer – Ging Lorenzo – 10+
Ging did my maternity portraits and I was really keen on getting her. Apparently, I also wanted John Aguas, cause he did Margaux’s bday. Finally, I decided to get her para din ma-try ko. I was happy with the pictures. It turned out parang two photographer pa sila cause her fiancée, Pete also takes pictures so ang daming angles ng kuha nila. In fact, nasunod yung gusto ko to take pics of all details of the party. One of them, I think Pete was already in the Parish Center taking pictures of the venue and the details while wala pang guests. Nakuhanan tuloy ng maganda. Then during the baptismal rites mismo, 2 silang kumukuha so daming shots in different angles. The advantage, you pay them for the price of 1 photographer. Then she gives about 25pcs of her preselected shots as prints plus of course the CD for the raw files. She actually gave me more than 25pcs. Natuwa daw sya cause daming magandang shots. It takes a while lang for her to give you the proof cause I think she polishes it pa. But when I requested her to give it earlier, she agreed naman and I’m thankful she accommodated my request.
Videographer – John Aguas – 10+
I was happy that John also accommodated my request that I would just get his video coverage. He sent good and friendly videographers who arrived early in the hotel. I was happy with the output cause daming maganda shots, in fact, artistically done pa ang iba. After a week, John was texting me na as to where to send the video. I was glad that the videographer captured most of the highlights of the event.
AVP – Jason Magbanua – 10+++
This came in as a gift of course. Super thanks to the MAN! Syempre, highlight na naman the AVP he did for Bianca. I just sent him the pictures in CD which I just did Monday na before the baptism. It was perfect! It came as a surprise also to us for the content cause I got it in the morning na of the event. Pina-deliver pa nya sa venue. I’m finding a way to upload it in Youtube so I can also share with you.
Projector and Screen – I-Tech Digital Systems (899-9600; 09229111550) – 10++
This supplier actually sent lang a proposal to me a last February and requesting if I can consider them as projector and screen supplier. Told them to send me their quote so we can file in our list. So I decided to use them initially to test their equipment and check on their reliability before recommending them to any of our clients. Yup, I took the risk for my own party. But I was happy with them. One call to make the booking, they faxed to me right away the contract. Didn’t even requested for downpayment, sa function na lang daw mismo. Two days before, the secretary even called me to confirm the time of set-up. They were on time during the set-up also. The technician was also courteous. They rental rate is also inclusive na of a dvd player. Everything was cued before hand even the pictures na pinakita namin na naka-loop lang. Reliable one.
Tarpaulin/Banners/Lootbag Tags – Melisse Baylosis – 10++
Melisse has been my regular supplier already. She was quick to do the layout at kahit press na with time, she still delivers on time. Ako ang parating delay sa kanya in giving materials but she was able to really do it nicely. I was in love for the tarpaulin ni Bianca. Ganda ng kinalabasan. Last minute, I also asked her to do a lootbag tag. Basta happy ako sa kanya cause kabisado na nya yung pangungulit ko.
Bracelet Souvenirs for the Baptism – Angeli Sia of Crafts and Creations (09173447269) – 10++
I have known Angeli few years back. We were batch mates teaching classes in Businessmaker in Ortigas. I encouraged her to enter the wedding industry also and offer her trinkets as souvenirs. Super sulit the souvenirs I got from her. Ganda ng bracelet. All girls love it. It was put in a nice pink box pa. She delivered early also, considering I ordered late na rin. She was able to do 100 bracelets by herself in 2weeks, eh working din sya ha.
Sound System – Sound Syndrome (Elfren Uy -4177075; 7260962) – 10+
One week before, I realized na wala pala kaming sound system pa. The venue doesn’t have a reliable one. Just called him about it and buti na lang his available pa. They arrived early also to set-up. Elfren was there mismo to personally man the sound system booth. Easy to talk to and reliable as well.
Small stuff:
Gifts for Ninongs and Ninangs -Got it in HongKong
I got cashmere pashmina for the Ninangs and a CD Holder for the Ninongs. Bought lang a nice green gift wrapper in Natl Bookstore and had it tied with a personalized ribbon with name of Bianca.
Personalize Ribbon with name of Bianca- Personalized Greeting in Glorietta
Guestbook - DigiPrints in Shangrila Mall
Gave them a cd that includes all the pictures to put per page. They did the layout and printing. It was inexpensive and nice naman ang kinalabasan.
Dresses of Bianca and Margaux - both the yellow dresses and the pink dresses are from Purple Tag. They have branches inside SM Makati, Greenhills and Market Market. Many complimented the dresses of my daugthers.
Baptismal Gown - a hand-me-down baptismal gown which I got for Margaux. It's a Pina baptismal gown which I got from Rustan's.
Lootbags, Loot items, Prizes – Divisoria Mall, URC Company Store and Toy Kingdom –
One trip to Divi Mall and tinapos ko na lahat. Got lang a green plastic paper bag for the lootbag cause sabi ko nga simple celebration lang. Got most of the prizes in Divi Mall but also got nice ones in Toy Kingdom for the major prizes and for the raffle. I got chips from URC Company Store para mas mura than buying in groceries.
The kids had fun during the party. They all went home with prizes. A number of friends said their kids enjoyed the party cause magaganda raw ang mga toys. I know how important toys/prizes for kids so really had to make sure na kahit sa divi ko lang nabili ang iba eh, maganda pa rin the toys.
You can view all pictures at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/biancacharize01
http://community.webshots.com/user/margauxafterone
Now, have to prepare naman for the 1st bday celebration of Bianca on November. I’m getting excited again in preparing for another party. It’s a challenge that it has to be as good as the first birthday of Margaux cause our family and friends are actually expecting for it already.
Thanks for reading this far.
I'm just so glad I finally decided to go with Dicky last March5-8 for a trip to HongKong. There has been some concerns before, that made me think twice whether I will join the trip or not. The day before the flight, I finally decided to come since I can no longer have my tickets rebooked and cancelled anymore.
After numerous calls in PAL hotline, I wasn't able to get a flight same as what Dicky had. Mar5, Mla-HK at 8am, I'm booked for the 10am instead. Mar8, HK-Mla at 6pm, I'm booked at 1pm instead.
Mar5 at 6am when I got in NAIA terminal 2 together with Dicky and his officemate. I decided to go with him already even if my flight was still at 10am. I approached the information counter and asked if I can already check-in even if my flight was at 10am. I'm just hoping to check-in and wait for my boarding time before 10am. But the staff offered me to be moved for the 8am flight. I'm so glad I was able to join Dicky already during that flight.
On my way back to Manila, I decided to just take the airport express via Central Station in HK. They were so efficient that there are check-in counters already in Central Station where I can load up my luggages. From there, I inquired again if I can be moved for a 6pm flight instead of the 1pm. Who said it's fully booked? That's the response I got with all my calls in PAL hotline. But from the check-in counter itself, the lady automatically moved me to the 6pm flight. I was just so glad, I immediately phoned Dicky, went back to his hotel and made some last-minute shopping!
This trip was really meant to be. I'm just glad I did.
Hongkong is such a nice retreat for me where I can just relax in the hotel and enjoy shopping at the same time. I love the weather there at this time of the year! Didn't do much shopping as it's just winter sale. Ok, ok, had to admit, did some shopping. My best buys: trench coat and black boots! Oh, I was kidding Dicky that since I bought this, we have to schedule a trip to New York so I can use those things! hahaha.
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Last January, the financial planner of the family, that is Dicky said that we have a limited budget this year for vacations after looking at our budget template for the year 2007.
This morning while just chitchatting, dicky said to me...
"Can you check Australia?!"Did i hear it right?
"tama ba ang narinig ko?!"His answer to me...
"kailangan ba ng visa dun?"
And so I also joined the bandwagon...
Since last night, I just earned $.11! Not bad since I only made around 6 postings...
http://www.mylot.com/?=jodyliwanag
We have been toying with the idea to send Margaux to a playschool already. I wanted to enrol her before in Gymboree or Little Gym but Dicky wasn't keen on the idea because he feels that Margaux just needs to be spontaneous and not be too qualified for structured play.
Now that Margaux is already turning two, I again brought up the case and so Dicky is now more open to it.
There's a number of trial class that I have lined up for her. This week, she has one-week free trial in the toddler class at AHead Start Preschool in Kapitolyo, Pasig. I am interested in the school's summer enrichment program starting April 2007. The program will just run for one month. After which, I'm thinking to enroll Margaux for SY 2007-2008 for the Toddler Class. My only apprehension is that the class will be an everyday schedule. I'm worried that it would be too early for her to be on such structured schedule.
Here are some pictures taken during the free play time of Margaux on her 1st day in AHead Start.
You can also check this video...
Bianca has been growing so fast...
She's so adorable as she squeels in delight whenever she sees me! Hay, nakakawala ng pagod!
More of her pictures at
http://community.webshots.com/user/biancacharize02
Holidays may have passed but better late than never...
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It is with utmost joy to welcome the new addition to our family...a bouncing baby girl named Bianca Charize F. Liwanag. She came out to the world last November 5, 2006 at 9:18am via Normal Spontaneous Delivery at The Medical City. Bianca weighs 7.1 pounds and 19 inches in height.
You may view a special audio-visual presentation of her actual delivery courtesy of my anesthesiologist, Dr. Rene Berdan. It is fortunate that photography and videography are his hobbies! Thanks doc!
Now, for the birthing story... (brace yourself...it's kinda long)
November 2 - I started to feel some crampiness in my stomach already but since I have a high tolerance to pain, I wasn't really concentrating on it. But I knew then that the time was already near. Told myself to just wait for our next OB check-up on November 4, saturday.
November 4 - I prepared early that morning for my OB checkup at 12nn. Dicky accompanied me and brought along Margaux. We came in the clinic of Dra Aguilar before 12nn. We just got a number to be cued and left first to go to Shangrila Mall to meet my mother-in-law and nephew, Deshawn. We were just walking around the Mall since we took our lunch already at home before we left. Margaux enjoyed riding the carousel at the second floor. I even got the 2 ceramic plates I painted in Color Me Mine. Friends were already texting if I'm due to give birth na cause they knew that I was due for check-up. With my pregnancy with Margaux, we also came from Shangrila Mall that time, went for check-up and viola, I was already in labor without me knowing! I was hoping the same thing would happen this time. True enough, we went back to the clinic of Dra Aguilar around 130pm and I was cued 4th to be checked already.
Dra Aguilar performed an (painful!) IE to me. She said after..."ang galing mo! planner ka talaga, pati delivery schedule mo, planado! you are already 3cm!" Wow, I felt excitement already. My OB knew that I want to give birth early november since I need to get back to work quickly for my December events. My 40th week is November 25 and I didn't want to wait that too long. I was exactly 37weeks that saturday, making the baby full term already and fine for delivery. Dra Aguilar asked me to just go home for a while, take it easy first and just go to the hospital after dinner. Dicky was excited also that time. He started calling our families. We just need to pick up Margaux and her yaya back in Shangrila where we left them with my mother-in-law.
We were cool, we knew already what to expect so we weren't so in panic. In fact, when we got home, Dicky even cooked spaghetti for me as I requested. I was even able to blog that I was actually in labor. We ate dinner at home, prayed the rosary, brought Margaux to sleep first before proceeding to The Medical City. Bags were packed and we were ready to go.
We arrived in Medical City at 915pm. We initially went to Admission to check available rooms. I was still walking at ease. After which, we proceeded at the 5/F with my admission slip from my OB presented to the pre-labor room. Texted Dra Aguilar that we were in the hospital already. A resident doctor perfomed an IE to me and I was hooked up to a monitoring device to check my contractions for around 20 minutes. Dicky was left outside the pre-labor room. I was kinda dissapointed when I learned that I was still in 3cm after the IE. I thought, I might have progressed. I texted my OB if I cannot be admitted yet so I can do some walking but she didn't agree. That 3cm according to her can last for days and me walking will not be a good idea cause cervix is starting to effaced and might get infection so I just agreed to be admitted.
As indicated in my admission order, we wanted to use the lamaze room (just like what we did when Margaux was delivered). I didn't intend to do lamaze but I just want Dicky to be beside me when I give birth. He can't be allowed in an ordinary labor/delivery room kasi.
I was transported to the Lamaze Room at 1025pm. Dicky was advised to get a room already. It has been agreed also that he will get a smaller room first and then we will just upgrade when delivery is done. Why? due to charges...hehehe...we already did it with my delivery with Margaux and it was effective. We made our research and computations about it already. Dicky knew what to do.
When I entered the Lamaze Room, I was suprised to see a mural painting on the wall and a TV set. Last year, it wasn't there yet though we used Lamaze Room2 last time, it was Lamaze Room1 this time.
I was hooked up to the monitoring device. As per advise also of Dra Aguilar, they will administer an IV to me with oxytocin (for contraction) and will also put buscopan to make my cervix effaced since it was still kinda thick. Buscopan was painful when inserted through an IV. I had to massage my hand after it has been administered.
Another resident doctor performed an IE to me around 1130pm and I was at 3-4 cm, 60% effaced. I was getting impatient. I was counting the number of hours we were in Lamaze Room cause rate is per hour! Hehehe, lumabas ang pagkakuripot ko. But I realized that we only came in at the around 1025pm. The resident doctors are actually advising Dra Aguilar of my status. I still didn't feel any pain of contractions but based on the monitoring device, I was already in active labor cause contractions are timed at every 3-4 minutes already.
Dicky was already with me in the Lamaze Room. He was given a pillow by the midwife. He was able to sleep pa. I was able to sleep too. I told myself to sleep this time cause previously with Margaux, I was awake the whole time while being monitored. I just can't put myself to sleep. But this time, I took advantage to sleep cause I knew that I need some rest to keep myself in good level of performance during "pushing" time.
I was sleeping lightly from 1am to 5am. With occasional check of IE from the resident doctors. I was progressing very slowly.
November 5 - At 6am, Dra Aguilar arrived already. She performed a (painful again) IE to me and said that I was already 4 to 5cm, cervix still a little thick. She told me that she will already rupture my water bag to make labor quick. I insisted to have an epidural first before rupturing but my anesthesiologist was still on his way. I was afraid it will be painful but she said that rupturing is not, what will be painful will be the contractions that I would feel already. So I just agreed for her to rupture my water bag.
From then on, I was feeling all the contractions already, every 2-3 minutes this time and it was painful. We were still waiting for my anesthesiologist, a different one from my last delivery. Dr. Rene Berdan came in at 630am. Dicky and I was introduced to him by Dra. Aguilar. I was joking Dr. Berdan that if he didn't arrive in the next 15minutes, eh sisigaw na ako! hehehe. I was brought to another room (i think it was the operating room) to administer the epidural anesthesia cause Dr Berdan wants to do it in a flat bed.
Dr. Berdan even prayed for me before he performed the task. I appreciated it very much. When I was brought back to the Lamaze room, Dr Berdan already prepared his camera. I realized that photography was his hobby and he usually brings his own camera during patient's delivery. Dra Aguilar was teasing Dicky that he will have more pictures this time cause we've got a photographer already in the room. Last time kasi, si Dicky ang taga-kuha ng pictures and then he has to coach me pa during delivery. But Dicky knew better also this time, we already bought a tripod so the videocam was already set to capture the whole thing.
I didn't realize that the camera of Dr. Berdan was for photo and video as well so I was suprised to see the AVP that he did.
At 730am, Dra Aguilar performed another IE to me. This time, epidural anesthesia was already at work! I was joking Dra Aguilar..."IE all you want!" hehehe. It was a light atmosphere in the room. I was already 6-7cm. Wow, rupturing the bag of water really made it quick.
At 815am, another IE was perfomed, I was 8cm already. We practiced pushing 3 times.
At 840am, I was almost there. According to Dra Aguilar, she can almost feel the head of Bianca. She went out of the room and instructed the resident doctors to prep me. 10 minutes after, the Lamaze Room was full. Dr Berdan was beside me all throughout. The pediatrician arrived already with nurses from huggery, 2 other resident OBs arrived. 2 midwives prepared me already. They propped up my feet na rin. Dicky, who had a quick sleep was suprised that they were preparing me already.
The midwife was telling me to resist the urge to push cause Dra Aguilar was still out suit scrubbing. Few minutes after, Dra Aguilar came back to the room. Checked me again and said it was time already. Dicky was already beside me holding my right hand. I was telling him, I was excited already. He told me, "kaya mo yan! i love you!"
The 2 OB residents were coaching me when to start pushing. It usually has to be during the peak of contractions. They were telling me to "inhale, hold breath...push...1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, and 10" In the video that Dicky captured (with the help of tripod), it was a total of 4 pushes. It was quick, really quick. I was expecting it to be longer cause with Margaux, it took us a while before she came out. The doctors even have to perform a fundal push to me. But this time, no need for that. Bianca came out naturally! It was just like coming out from the comfort room! Hahaha, what a description!
It was 9:18am when Bianca arrived. I was still widely awake, very much conscious. Dicky then took snapshots and video already of Bianca while being cleaned. At 930am, Dra Aguilar was done with episiotomy. Bianca was brought to me for latching to encourage breastfeeding. But it was just quick. We had photo sessions of course. Dr Berdan was even coaching us to pose. It was really cool!
Bianca was then brought to the nursery. I told Dicky to make sure she has a hospital tag already. I even asked for the Apgar Score. It was 9. I was brought to the recovery room and Dicky went back to our room and informed already our families about my delivery. I was the only one in the recovery room cause luckily, I was the only patient that time. I was the only one giving birth that time. Not even in labor room,wala akong kasabay. Oh, I'm sure di napalitan ang baby! It was the same thing with Margaux last year. Wala rin akong kasabay nanganak.
As per Dr. Berdan, I can already eat. No restrictions. So Dicky bought food for me and requested the nurse to give it to me in the recovery room. Stayed in the RR for 2 hours. I was able to rest there a bit.
I was brought to the room before 12nn. Dicky was waiting for me. He asked me to eat my lunch first. We were waiting for the advise of the admission dept if we can already transfer to a bigger room. While room was still not available, I wanted to see the baby already and go to the breastfeeding room. Dicky wheeled me there using a wheelchair. But I can already walk.
Bianca was brought to me in the breastfeeding room. The moment I saw her, I was teary-eyed. She looks like Margaux! I was suprised to know that she was a 7-pounder baby. Margaux was just 6.15lbs and yet Bianca came out so easily and quickly. Well, it's my second anyway.
I took her pictures. I need to cause Dicky needs to bring the copies to Adworks in preparation for the chocolate souvenirs for our hospital guests. I took note also of the details to include in the cover.
After an hour of breastfeeding, went back to the room and we were ready to transfer to a bigger room. Our families arrived in the afternoon. They were able to view Bianca during the viewing hours. I was happy to see Margaux as well. She climed up in my bed and kissed me. She was with her daddy when they went to the nursery and she was pointing to Bianca.
We stayed for another 2 days in the hospital. Went home last November 7. I was just going to the breastfeeding room when called or every 3 hours. We didn't room her in so I can still take some rest and sleep.
When we went home last Nov 7, I was anxious as to how Margaux will accept her baby sister. How will she feel if she sees me carrying Bianca? Dicky and I were suprised when she held Bianca in the head. She was very happy with the arrival of her baby sister. She kisses Bianca always on the head and on her hands. She's even very protective. She says "no!" to the yaya whenever the yaya will hold Bianca.
We now have 2 princesses. Dicky was telling me the other night, 3 na kaming babae sa buhay nya! Our life has changed again this time...the Lord is so good for his blessings. Our family is a blessing!
For pictures, you may want to check the link below.
http://community.webshots.com/user/biancacharize01.
Thanks for reading this far.
After 37 weeks of waiting...our 2nd baby is ready to come out to the world!
Just came from an OB check-up, 2 hours ago and I was already 3 to 4 cm according to her. She advised us to go to the hospital after dinner tonight. It was de javu! It's the same thing that happened when I was about to deliver to Margaux a year ago. She asked us to just get our stuff from the house, take a bath and proceed to the hospital.
I'm actually in labor as of this writing...but barely can feel the pain!
Hoping for a normal and safe delivery! Hope Bianca is also healthy and normal. Please pray for us!
I realized, I haven't been blogging about Margaux recently. She's already 1 year and 7 months to be exact today. Where did all the time go? Everything was still clear to me when I delivered such a precious baby.
I'm proud to say that she knows already the different parts of her body and face when asked. She even perfects her shape sorter as well. She's good in colors and shapes. Thanks to Brainy Baby DVDs. 
Look, how she enjoys riding a motorcycle while his dad plays this videogame in the mall..jpg)
"Go faster daddy!"
I was already 32 weeks when these photos were taken by Ging Lorenzo! Worth keeping...worth sharing...!
Been thinking for months now if I would have a haircut! I have been delaying it! But since I would give birth in a month's time, I decided to finally put myself under those scissors of Lucy Britannico herself!
When I went to her salon in glorietta last wednesday, I just tried my luck to check if she was there. And there she was! Hay, i said to myself...it's time for a new look!
The above photo was taken by a very talented up and coming photographer, Ging Lorenzo! Thanks Ging! More of these photos in my next post.
And so if you are reading between the lines of my previous post...
We are having another BABY GIRL!
Might be another carbon copy of Dicky based on the 4d ultrasound...
We will name her BIANCA CHARIZE
Just came from our 4D Ultrasound in Cardinal Santos. Thank God, the baby is very normal and healthy...
Such a cutie baby...
High nose bone like Margaux...
Her feet...
And then compare her with her Ate Margaux...(her 4d pictures!)
Don't you think they are alike?...
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It's for you to tell...
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