Thanks God No Hemorrhoids

When I checked in at the hospital on the day I had labor pains, the nurse who assisted me asked a lot of questions. Then the OB-Gyne came by also and asked different questions including if I have hemorrhoid during my first pregnancy to which I answered no. With my second pregnancy I went through the same experience with my first one including discomforts such as constipation. So I told the doctor that in case after I give birth and will have hemorrhoid then I will definitely ask for treatment of hemorrhoids. I gave birth without any pain medication intervention and I felt the searing pain every time I push. The pressure and burning sensation especially when the baby was already crowning was too much I felt my bottom was torn as well. But fortunately I only have two primary stitches and no hemorrhoids afterward. It wasn't that painful at all that even if I don't have any help while at the hospital I was able to manage it.It definitely was a great experience.

Weight Gain

Gaining weight during pregnancy is really expected. Because you have a life growing inside you, it is important that you have to eat the right food and get the nutrients, vitamins and minerals for you and the baby. With my two pregnancies I only gain weight around 20+ lbs. It is not that much of weight gain but it's normal and of average gain. But after I gave birth, I noticed my cravings also improved. I weighed myself when I got home from the hospital and only eight pounds was taken off from my weight. The other night I weighed in myself again and was glad that I am only eight pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight. I think I will not need even the best weight loss pills to shed off the extra weight. Although I need to improve eating the balanced diet because I am breastfeeding. What I am trying to shed off fast is my tummy flab. I hope it won't be long til it goes down and I can wear my old jeans again.

Sleep Over

Yesterday I thought I was really going to check in to labor and delivery because I felt the contraction is coming fast though it's far apart. When I did number one there was a very small streak of pinkish tinge on my discharge. I told my friends over here that I maybe going to the hospital sooner than we think. But then the pinkish tinge was gone at noon time. Later in the afternoon my friend who will watch our DD#1 in case I have to go to hospital told me to just sleep over their place so I have some company. That way if I will be brought to the hospital our DD will be with them already. Also, she has two kids so it is more convenient if we go to their place instead of them sleeping over at our apartment.

So, last night we had slept over at their apartment. I just readied all of the things that I needed to bring to the hospital as well as for our DD#1 when she will be staying with my friend's. I am just very glad that they're here to help me out. This is one of the hardest thing you need to deal with if you have no family around. My parents are worried about my situation that they're also praying hubby can be here when I will go to labor. I know I am not the only one in this situation coz some of my friends whose husbands are also in the military told me the same thing that they went through during their pregnancy and hubby is not around. They also relied on friends to help them out all the way until husband gets home.

If you are not courageous and you easily get stressed out, this situation can really get into you. There are just too many things to worry about but if you know how to handle it and you coupled it with prayers for guidance from God then everything will be fine. That's why I kept telling myself worry should not be in my book and I have to be strong for my family. Hubby always give me encouragements and praises that I am doing great and he's very proud of what I am doing at home. It helps when you have a spouse that truly believes in you and trust everything that you do.

Buying Cheap

As the economy slows down from couple of years ago I believe most of us vowed to buy cheap; like save on groceries, wait for sales on clothing and even scout for cheap health insurance to support our family. Getting cheaper stuff is to compensate the low or even no increase in wages and or salaries. I myself woke up one day and said that I need to change the way we are spending. I did not have a job for almost three years now since I decided to become a stay at home Mom for the time being. We have to live with just one income coming in every month. Now our family is growing and I really am thinking that having just one income is not enough. Even though we're still able to save monthly but there are many things that I wanted to do for the family that having my own job and income is a great help for our household. This is why I am going back to school and will find a job this year, God willing. So, even if I already have an income to boost the family's coffers, I will still continue to buy cheap and look for good deals in almost everything that we need.

Renovation Experience

Before I came here in the US I had a renovation project in my parents' house. We extended our kitchen and relocate the third bedroom and the bathroom. Having a renovation really would cost a lot. We had a plan but there are still unforeseen expenses that came up as the renovation progresses. More often than not you have to go over budget and yeah we did spent more than we have budgeted.

But it was a great experience. I was glad of the result even though there's still work to do until now but just minimal. One of the things I like was finishing the bathroom. I was the one choosing the fixtures in the bathroom and my sole choice for our toilet was the American Standard toilets. I've chosen almost the same in the picture and I like the modern look of it. It's not as bulky as I thought at first. It was just perfect for our bathroom that don't have that big of a space.

When we had our vacation last year I was happy to note that the bathroom that was renovated like five years ago is still in good condition. Although one problem we have in our place is water but my family back home maintained it. I think because of the durability of the fixtures I've chosen it is still standing until now. I still have another project for our home back in Philippines and hopefully I will be able to have it started soon.

Preparing for Future

One of the things that we always discuss as a couple is about making sure our kids future is taken cared of once something happen on either of us. It is a must for parents to look into the children's well being. Not only we have to make sure they are healthy and grow up to be good citizens but also ensure that their future is secure. Now that we will have another child, I am looking into getting a higher life insurance for me. I was reading the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance and honestly I am still bewildered of the differences of it. I think my understanding is not working well right now. Aside from life insurance that I need to look into is also getting a start up savings for our next addition. It is an advantage if we start early in her life to save for her future. There is just so much to think about once you have kids. I am positive though that everything will be alright and we can pull through all these preparations for our kids future.

Daddy Is All Set To Come Home

I had a long talk with hubby this morning. He told me he just packed his stuff to be brought home for his R&R leave. At first he was having some thoughts of what to bring home since they're only allowed with 50lbs baggage allowance. He wanted to bring all his winter gears and stuff home since it started getting hot over there in Iraq. He was planning then of sending it through a courier but I advised him just wait till they are redeploying so he will not spend money for it. Now that he is going on leave he wants to bring home some of the stuff that he will no longer use there.

This morning while we were talking he already decided and he'll bring home a back pack for his carry on and a duffel bag for check in with clothing and winter gears that he will leave here at home. Good thing he's already set and just waiting for the time of his departure. We can't wait to see him. I also can't wait to give birth but still hoping though our baby can wait until he is finally here. Hubby always check up on me though by calling me here at home. When I answer the home phone he will say thanks God you didn't pop yet :-) And he will tell me I got him worried if I can't answer the phone right away. He really wanted to be here for our second baby's arrival and I do so too but we'll wait and see if we'll be given that opportunity.

We Don't Have Wii

Last night me and hubby we're talking about upgrading some electronics and gadgets that we have. Honestly I am not a console gamer person nor savvy with any electronics. I only use my blackberry and computer and I am good to go. I told my husband may be we are the only family that don't own wii or any game consoles and I don't mind at all because if we have it I am pretty sure it will just sit on the sides.

But on 2008 Christmas one of the kids asked for a wii so we gave it to her as one of her Christmas presents. It was still expensive that time but now I've seen some great deals online with nintendo wii and may be I can get one for myself already. Considering that the price went lower than two years ago then I won't be hesitant to spend money for it. It will be timely too since I can use the wii fit in the coming months so I can shed some of the pounds I gained through my pregnancy. But mind you, before I decided to buy luxury items I always do more thinking if it's worth it or if we really need it.

Continuing Education

My first formal certificate training here in the US was the Nursing Assistant which I took while we were in Georgia. It was a short certificate training that I took for a month daily including the theory and clinical aspect. After I received my state certification I was able to work at a nursing home facility. It was a good experience and I got used to my job taking care of elderly and sick.

But my quest for more knowledge encourages me to pursue other endeavor. So I enrolled in a community college and pursuing nursing program. I wasn't accepted in the program immediately because I have to take the core requirements before I can formally apply. What I did was took medical coding training courses that can also be credited if I proceed to apply for the nursing program. It worked well while we were still in Georgia. But we got orders to PCS and somehow messed up the whole schooling plan.

When we got here in Washington I then decided to continue with the medical coding training and luckily was able to avail the career advancement account for military spouses. I was able to finish the program and this coming May the CAA people will help me with employment and crossing my fingers I will be able to land a job. Though there are lots of things to consider but I am still hoping to be back in the workforce this year.

Medical Supplies

One of the things that worry me about my family back home is when I heard news that somebody is sick there and needed immediate medical attention. Just last week one of my very good friend shared the same sentiment as mine. She received a news that her Dad just had a mild stroke and needs to be brought to the hospital for general check up. She sent help to her family and also planning of getting some medical supplies like pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff and glucose meter to send to her Dad as well. I am planning of doing the same too. My parents both have high blood pressure and hypertension and my sister have diabetes so these medical supplies can greatly help in monitoring their conditions. It is very expensive if they buy it over there compared to having me getting it here. I will check out drug stores around here next month and compare it with the prices online which way I can get a good deal.

Happy Easter To All!

First off, I want to greet everyone a Happy Easter! Hope everyone had a great time celebrating the resurrection of our dear Savior. God gave us His only begotten Son to save us from the bondage of sin. We are being freed from our sins and we should always be grateful how magnanimous the LOVE of the Lord to all His children.

So, how did you spend your Easter Sunday? For me and our DD we went to church at 10am and after the church service we went out for an Easter Brunch at a Filipino restaurant. It was a great Mommy and daughter bonding; that is because Daddy is not here to celebrate with us. But we were able to talk to Daddy before we left for church as well as when we were at the restaurant. After our brunch we headed home and then talked to Daddy again through Skype.

I am very glad that despite our distance we still find time to share each important moment even if it's only on virtual situation. I can't wait though to spend every holiday with our Daddy in person. Hopefully in the next years to come we will be together in every celebration as a whole family.

Happy Resurrection Day to all!!!!

Pregnancy Discomfort

One of the discomforts that I really don't like to have during pregnancy is constipation. I followed the doctor's advice of eating more fibrous foods and drink a lot of water. But because I am taking this prenatal vitamins with iron I still suffer bouts of constipation. I really hate it :-) I always feel like getting a hemorrhoid cream to put in my anus after doing number two to soothe it. I remember during my first pregnancy that I felt the same too. Even after I gave birth I was so constipated because I was still taking the vitamins plus iron supplement. Right now, I am expecting I will be feeling the same way again and the same discomfort will be present even after I give birth. As much as I dreaded it I know it will happen again :-) I still can remember the feeling. It will be hard but have to endure it.

Baby Registry

I had my baby registry at Babies R Us store. Me and hubby registered before he left. When the sales associate gave me a scanner to use inside the store I felt deja vu. I did the same thing when I was pregnant the first time. I was impressed with the scanner that I was using, it looked like the one in picture, an ls4278 symbol scanner. Anyways, as I was browsing each aisle of the store I was overwhelmed by the feeling of having another baby again. The baby stuffs are just so cute. So far most of the stuff we had at our registry we were able to get it. Right now I am all set and just waiting for our baby to come out :-) I can't contain my excitement to hold her in my arms.

Colon Cleansing

On Good Friday, yesterday, we went to one of our new friend's place around 5:30pm. We were invited there to have a small get together and meet other Filipinas. We did a potluck. Of course when we have this kind of get together we will bring mostly Filipino foods. It was raining but did not kept me from driving to the store and to my friend's. When me and our DD arrived there, they're already singing and it was just in time to start eating. We had pinakbet, fried dried fish, and mung beans with dried dilis. I ate too much that I felt like exploding :-) I told them I hope I will not give birth early for eating too much. Another friend was joking that she may need colonix, a colon cleanser product, to help clean her gut from eating too much the past days. There are just too many invitations for an informal get together with our circle of friends. Once there is an invitation, eating is always present :-) and dieting is just blown out to the window. We had fun yesterday especially so that we also played bingo after we ate.

Saturday Shopping

This morning I was kinda lazy to get up. After me and our DD had breakfast, we went back to bed and just lazed around until noon. We were watching her show on PBS channel. Then my friend called and told me they're going to the town center. I was thinking maybe I'll go with them since I am getting a bit bored already. So I told her I will go with them too. Since it was lunch time already I told our DD we need to get up and change then grab something to eat because we are going bye-bye. I gave her a bath and changed her then give her something to eat while I get myself ready.

Good thing hubby called before we were able to get out of the house. We talked and I told him about our plan of going out to the town center. I told him I may do a little bit of shopping for our DD. I also need to get some gifts for three kiddos that will celebrate birthdays this month, my friends kids that is. Since my friends don't know the way yet of going there, they followed behind me. I thought most people will be at home but the road is kind of busy. When we reached the town center it was packed with cars and the shopping stores were busy. We only went inside two stores, Ross and Old Navy.

It's just so tiring to shop with lots of kids in tow :-) and the weather is not cooperating. Our DD was already cranky because it was her nap time and I forgot to bring her milk. I only brought juice and no crackers or something to munch. I totally forgot about it. She was complaining already that she's hungry and I know a meltdown is coming. After we were done at Old Navy we went to a Filipino restaurant and bought some food to go. I bought our DD something she can eat in the car while driving home. But after I put her in from the resto she dozed off to sleep. I felt so drained when we arrived home. I think I will have to wait til Daddy is here to hit the shopping stores again :-)

How Do I Look?

Recently, I met some new friends. They're also Filipinas and married to military service members. And typical of us Filipinos that we will call those that are older than us "ate" or "kuya" as a sign of respect. I really don't mind if I am called ate but others don't like it. One of my friends then asked me how do I look? Am I that old enough to be called "ate"? She wasn't mad but just wondering since she's only in her 20's and was called "ate" by a new acquaintance. She added that maybe she needed anti wrinkle creams already because she was already mistaken of being in her passed 30's. That is why when I met new friends and I am not really sure of their age I will not call them ate. Some people get annoyed with it especially if they think they are younger than you are :-) But sometimes I can't help it since I am used to using those terms. I just always remember that I am already here in the US and most people would appreciate if you call them by their first names.

Alli Diet Pills

I first heard about Alli diet pills way back in 2006 when it was being announced to be in the market. There was even a media hyped when it first came out in the market as an FDA approved weight loss pill. In fact I've seen a lot of interviews and news coverage about it in the television. There were celebrities also who are endorsing the said product. I also checked out alli reviews when it came out just to read the comments of different users. Then just recently, if I'm not mistaken, there were reports that there were fake Alli that were sold over the internet. And those who are customers of this over the counter weight loss pill should be mindful when purchasing. I think right now it is already resolved. But still, I am a very skeptic person when it comes to diet pills. I am scared to try anything that has something to do with losing weight. My husband tried it before but it didn't work for him so he decided to do the regular exercise and portion control. So far it works for him and I am proud of how much weight he lost until now.

I Need to Ready the Camera

Since I will be giving birth this month, I need to get ready my digital camera to take pictures as well as video clips. My current memory card is almost full so I told hubby I will get one the soonest possible time. I am already looking at different micro sd that I can get. I found it more cheaper to buy online but I am thinking of the time it will take to be shipped out to me. So I may have to end up buying it in store this weekend.

I wanted to use our camcorder but when I checked on it something is wrong and I can't seem to find the charger for the battery. My husband bought another battery last year when we went to the Philippines as well as another charger. Now when I needed it I can't seem to find it. Hubby might have put it in one of the boxes in our closet. Since I cannot climb up to get it I have to make a plan. Good thing my old digital camera is still reliable enough for me to take still photos as well as video clips.

Most Awaited Month

We are now on the 4th month of the year and it's the most awaited month for our family. For one, hubby will be coming home for two weeks for his R & R leave, and next is my big d-day. Yes, I am due to give birth this month and I cannot wait. Hubby is set to arrive by the second week. He is hoping he will not get an emergency leave :-) Well, we can't really tell since anytime now I can pop :-) I'm already in my 37 weeks and accordingly the baby is already full term. I gave birth to our eldest when I was 37 weeks; that's 3 weeks early from my due date. Crossing my fingers that our DD#2 will wait for Daddy :-)

As much as I am very excited I am also a little nervous. Who's not? I am going to deliver a human life out of this world and can't help but be anxious of what the future holds. Though the excitement to hold our next addition is what drive me to think positive all the time and the happiness this next princess will give to our growing family. Hubby and DD#1 are both excited too. We all can't wait :-) Our little "ate" here asked me already when will baby sissy come home. I just told her soon honey :-)