Friday, August 28, 2009

My Life

My life has changed now that I'm a mother. Having a child completes me as a woman, as a person. What I am feeling right now is really overwhelming. I thank my husband for everything because without him, I wouldn't have Jula in my life now. They are the greatest blessings I ever have in my life. I am happy and contented with what I have now. They are my life.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Things that change when you have a baby

Written by Rebecca Woolf and comments from the readers of babycenter.com

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

Comments from the readers:


1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth."

2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth."

3. "You now know where the sun comes from."

4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have."

5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers."

6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night."

7. "Silence? What's that?"

8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having."

9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had."

10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule."

11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one."

12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog."

13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late."

14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury."

15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger."

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place.

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do!

18. You start to appreciate Sesame Street for its intellectual contribution.

19. You have to quit watching the news because you see every story from a mother's perspective and it breaks your heart.

20. You just plain love life more - everything comes together and becomes better because of one tiny person and your love for them.

21. You finally find out the real reason you have those breasts.

22. The support you get from other people surprises you, because the people giving it are not always the ones you'd expect.

23. Nothing is just yours any longer. You share EVERYTHING!

24. No matter what you've accomplished in life, you look at your child and think, "I've done a GREAT job!"

25. You want to take better care of yourself for your child.

26. You can have the most wonderful conversation using only vowel sounds like "ahhh" and "oooo."

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Baby Blues

I thought I won’t feel this “baby blues” thingy. I thought I’m strong enough to handle the new chapter of my life. That everything is fine but I was wrong.

Couple of days after giving birth, I felt different. I can’t stop myself from crying. I’m irritated with the things around me, with the people around me. My husband asked me what my problem was. I kept silent, kept crying.

Deep inside me, I’m exhausted, unsure of myself, afraid to make mistakes because I haven’t done all of these before and the feeling of being trapped with the current situation. I felt so alone. I felt I have lost myself, and the feeling that I no longer have my own life. That I can no longer do things for myself that I have to let go and give up the things I used to do and enjoy. That Sannah as an individual is already gone.



But as days pass by and I have seen the support of my husband which I really need to overcome the situation I’m currently in, the blues just went away. It was replaced with the feeling that having a child has been my dream for such a long time and that dream was granted by the Lord. Looking at my husband’s and daughter’s faces while they’re sleeping give me so much joy and inspire me to be the best wife and mom for them.





I am so happy and very much contented with my life now; I thank the Lord and my husband Naj for giving me Jula.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Welcome Jula . . .







Name: Jula Sophia Padit Asne
Date of Birth: July 31, 2009
Place of Birth: San Juan De Dios Hospital, Pasay City
Time: 7:35 am
Weight: 6.26 lbs
Length: 49 cm
Nature: via Normal Spontaneous Delivery
Mother: Rosanna Padit-Asne
Father: John Cybill Asne

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

False Alarm

July 13th was my nth prenatal checkup schedule in San Juan De Dios Hospital, I have told my OB that my lower abdomen is painful this past few days. She checked my cervix and found out that it was already open. She advised me to take Isoxilan, a drug that makes that baby hold onto the womb and be on bed rest for 3 days because my baby was just 35 weeks and 3 days, not yet full-term.

After bed rest and medication, I went to the office to work already. July 18th, around 11:00 in the morning, I felt something came out from me. When I checked, it was a discharge that looks like mucus from a runny nose, yellow then became brown discharge. Since it’s my first pregnancy, I’d informed my supervisor; he accompanied me in the clinic together with my friend, and informed the nurse. The nurse advised me to go home and have an OB consultation which I did. The OB from Casa Medica told me that my cervix is already open, 2 cm in particular and 50% dilated, I was advised to go to San Juan de Dios. I went to Emergency Room since the OB Consultation is already close in the Out Patient Department. I thought I’m going to deliver the baby that day. Unfortunately, it wasn’t time yet. Yes, the cervix is already 2 cm open and 60% dilated but the baby’s time to see the world has not come yet. I still have to wait.



I’m kind of’ upset because I am really excited to see my baby, but I had learned to accept the fact that I will see my little angel in due time. I have to be patient.

My next prenatal checkup will be on July 27th. Just wish me luck and pray for my safe delivery.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Fears of the Expectant Dad

I and my husband, Naj, talked about his fears since I’m almost on my last month of pregnancy. That anytime now, I will be delivering the baby to this world. Here are some of his fears:

Financial / Security Fears



He has been asking himself if he can protect or provide for his family. Before I got pregnant, his income is more than enough for the two of us but now that the baby is coming, it will definitely stretch our budget.

Fear for me and our child's health





He is worried about the postpartum syndrome, a depression that affects women after childbirth. He hopes that he can provide emotional security because I might experience dramatic emotional shifts. He’s also worried about his child’s health. He just want the baby to be healthy.

Physical Appearance of the Baby



Since he will have a baby girl, he doesn’t want his baby girl to inherit his skin color. Of course, he would like her to have a pleasant appearance.

Relationship Fear




Once the baby is born, he fears that he might and I might love the baby more than anyone. That our love for each other and our communication will be lessened since we’ll be focusing more on the baby.

I understand where my husband is coming from because as an expectant mom, I also have my own fears. I just hope that our love with each other will be strengthen for the coming our little angel, Jula.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Tests for Pregnant Women

1. Ultrasound / Obstetric Sonography
- used to visualize a fetus during routine and emergency prenatal care.First trimester ultrasound is often done using a vaginal approach. Pelvic ultrasound is used during second and third trimester.

Obstetric ultrasound is primarily used to:

* Date the pregnancy (gestational age)
* Confirm fetal viability
* Determine location of fetus, intrauterine vs ectopic
* Check the location of the placenta in relation to the cervix
* Check for the number of fetuses (multiple pregnancy)
* Check for major physical abnormalities.
* Assess fetal growth (for evidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR))
* Check for fetal movement and heartbeat. (biophysical)
* Determine the sex of the baby





2. Urinalysis
- reveal diseases that have gone unnoticed because they do not produce striking signs or symptoms. Example is Urinary tract infections for pregnant women.

- Physical (color, reaction, transparency, quantity, specific gravity); Chemical (albumin and sugar); Casts; Crystals; Microscopic (Pus cells red blood cells and epithelial cells) and Bacteria are being checked.



3. HBsAG (Hepatitis B surface Antigen)
- A test used to determine if pregnant woman is infected with hepatitis B.
- Negative value is 0.002 and positive value is 3.148



4. Blood Test / Hematology
- To know the blood / Rh type
- For hematology, the following are being checked:
* Leukocyte 5.0-10.0
* Erythrocytes 4.2 – 5.4
* Hemoglobin 11.0 – 15.0
* Hematocrit 37.0 – 47.0
* Thrombocyte 150 – 450
--- Neutrophil 50.00 – 70.00
--- Lymphocyte (P) 20.0 – 40.0
--- Monocyte (P) 0.0 – 7.0
--- Eosinophils (P) 0.00 – 5.00
--- Basophils (P) 0.00 – 1.00





5. Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)
- Blood test used to screen women for diabetes during pregnancy. The test evaluates the body’s ability to metabolize glucose (blood sugar). The test is usually ordered between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, sometimes earlier.Blood is drawn one hour after the patient drinks a sugary solution. 0 – 140 mg/dL is the normal range.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

BaBy ShOwEr

Last June 7, 2009; our baby shower was held in Las Piñas City, Philippines. I only had 1 week preparation for this event. The original plan was to do it July 4 or 5 but I made it earlier because I might not be able to do it by July and the emcee of the event might be busy by then. This wouldn’t be successful without the help of my friend, Joan and of course my husband, Naj. I’m so thankful because the guests participated and had fun that day.



The games and winners are:

1. Human Bingo - Bona
2. Mommy’s Tummy – Zig, Puma, and Justin
3. Q&A (How well do you know these couple?) – Group I (Shaider, Rhod, Puma, Justin and Kirby)
4. Baby Top 40. – Girls (Aika, Raine, Alie, Bona, Deng and Lyne)









I have registered the baby shower at Baby Co., SM Department Store – Southmall so my friends can get 10% discount on the gifts they will be buying for my little one.



I would like to thank the following for coming, for the messages and for the gifts:



TL Gelo – thermometer
Puma – stroller
Rhod – comforter
Bona & Kwek – baby wipes & photo album
Mhei & Migz – baby bath gift set
Deng – sterilizer
Joan – baby’s necessities, diaper clips, socks and shoes
Aika – baby bottle gift set
Vlad – baby wipes & diaper
Justin – diaper bag
Dennis – diaper bag
Zig & Alesx – bath foam, shoes & mosquito net
Jeff - high chair
Shaider
Lyne
Marvi - Php500 cash
Kirby
Casi
Alie
Raine
Mamang
Papang

Thanks guys for making it meaningful. Thanks for wishing upon our little angel, Baby Jula Sophia Padit Asne.



- sannah & naj

Thursday, May 28, 2009

UnWeLL

All day staring at the ceiling
Making friends with shadows on my wall
All night hearing voices telling me
That I should get some sleep
Because tomorrow might be good for something

Hold on
Feeling like I'm headed for a breakdown
And I don't know why

***
But I'm not crazy; I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be... me

I'm talking to myself in public
Dodging glances on the train
And I know, I know they've all been talking about me
I can hear them whisper
And it makes me think there must be something wrong with me
Out of all the hours thinking
Somehow I've lost my mind

Repeat ***

I've been talking in my sleep
Pretty soon they'll come to get me
Yeah, they're taking me away

Repeat ***

Yeah, how I used to be
How I used tobe
Well, I'm just a little unwell
How I used to be
How I used to be
I'm just a little unwell



I dedicate this song to my late brother, Rommel. I felt that the lyrics of this song were the message he would like to tell everybody about his condition. That he’s not crazy, he’s just unwell. He suffered from schizophrenia for such a long time, he was unable to communicate or express his emotions but I believe that this was his thought when he was still alive.

I admire the song writer, Rob Thomas, lead singer of Matchbox Twenty. He’s so genius that he was able to write a song like this. He was feeling the people who suffer from great pains, who experiences hallucination, delusions, disorganized and unusual thinking. According to him, he wrote the song to be a metaphor for humanity in general, a song for people who are "fucked up and feel alone like that. We all feel a little fucked up sometimes... you're not alone."



This song will be forever in my heart.

Monday, May 11, 2009

In memory of Kuya Ame

Today, May 11, 2009, this day should have been Kuya Ame’s 31st birthday. But since he’s with the Good Lord now, we just celebrated it for his memory.

My parents and eldest brother celebrated it last May 8, which was the feast day of Brgy. Old Manunca Sta. Rita Western Samar. They had offered a mass for him.

My sister who’s in the US lit a candle for him.

Here in Parañaque, Kuya Ame’s daughter, Raine lit 3 candles for him. Then after, it formed a heart shape. His daughter wondered why, I just told her that it’s because her father loves her so much. I believe that no matter where he is right now, he still thinks of his only daughter.



Message for Kuya Ame:

We love you and you will always be in our heart. Raine is with us and she’s ok. We’ll be taking good care of her, don’t worry.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

It’s a Girl

Here is the result of my pelvic ultrasound conducted last April 24, 2009.



SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS:

There is a single fetus presently in CEPHALIC presentation with a BI-PARIETAL diameter of about 5.9cm (24 weeks and 0 day) and FEMORAL LENGTH of about 4.5cm (25 weeks and 0 day).
There is an active fetal cardiac activity and body movement. The placenta is GRADE I implanted at the ANTERIOR uterine segment.
There is an adequate amount of amniotic fluid.

As per pelvic ultrasound, the fetus’ gender is FEMALE.



Medical Meaning:
1. Cephalic - of or relating to the head
2. Bi-Parietal Diameter - being a measurement between the most distant opposite
points of the two parietal bones
3. Femoral Length – of or relating to the femur or thigh

*** For other medical terms, just visit http://www.merriam-webster.com/. ***


Since it’s just a 2D ultrasound, the pictures are not clear so I’m thinking of doing 3D4D Sonogram. I’m still thinking about it because it’s kind of expensive. 2D only costs Php600 while 3D is Php2, 800 and 4D is Php4000.00. It this will pursue, I will definitely post it here and update you guys.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Baby Sannaj’s Crib





We have been canvassing for a crib that will be used by our little one once he arrives. We have visited some of the malls. We have seen different styles and different prices. The price of the cribs that we saw ranges from Php12,000.00 to Php15,000.00. Initial reaction that we had was it was beautiful but expensive. We have discussed if we’re going to buy the expensive one or will try to look for a nice but cheaper crib. Crib is one of the most important necessities. This will be used approximately 1-3 years.

After discussing what’s best for the baby and for us, we have come up with the decision that will look for a cheaper crib. Money that will be used in buying one expensive crib can be used in some of the baby’s necessities. We looked for a crib and we found one in San Isidro, Parañaque near Greenheights Village, along Sucat-Baclaran Road.

It was a standard crib, has a typical rectangular shape made of Palo china wood and has a drop down side to make it more convenient in picking up the baby. The most important thing is, it just costs Php950.00. The crib is so simple, we still have to buy mattress, accessories or decorative elements. Good thing is we have saved a lot.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Maternity Clothes

I’m not used to wearing dresses and skirts. I’m more comfortable with shorts, jeans and blouses. But when I got pregnant, I have no choice but to embrace new things in my life like skirts, leggings and dresses. I can still wear jeans until the 4th month of pregnancy, but beyond 4 months, I really can’t. The jeans are not fit anymore plus I feel that my tummy is being squeezed. I thought I will have a hard time with this adjustment and changes but I was wrong. Wearing these maternity clothes feels comfy and I love it.

I thank my husband who bought most of my maternity clothes; my mother-in-law, she bought 2 of my maternity tops; my mother and sister of course for the clothes they have left behind in the house that I can use since my old clothes don’t fit anymore.

Here are some of the maternity clothes that I have:






Sunday, April 19, 2009

Here I am Lord

I always sing a gospel song every time I’m feeling down. It serves as my communication to the Lord. When I sing, I cry, I let go all the pain I feel inside. Let me share this song to all of you. Hope you'll be enlighten too.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINNh15cT08, to see the video of the gospel song that really touches my heart and soul.

I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them
Whom shall I send?

(Refrain)
Here I am Lord.
Is it I, Lord
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain.
I have borne my people's pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away

I will break their hearts of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send?

(repeat refrain)

I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them,
my hand will save

Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?

(repeat refrain)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Threatened Abortion

March 21, 2009; I was in the office around 3am, I felt abdominal pain and mild uterine cramping, feels like having dysmenorrhea. My supervisor instructed me to go to the clinic right away. I was advised by the doctor to lie down on my left side for an hour. After an hour, the pain is still there. The doctor advised me to go home and have urinalysis to check if I have urinary tract infection. I was negative for UTI, so the doctor advised me to rest for 7 days and asked me to take Duvadilan, it is used to treat premature labor. The diagnosis was threatened abortion.

After 6 days, I went to my OB for prenatal checkup. I have told her about what happened in the office. She’d checked if my cervix was open because if it was, I will be admitted that day. Good thing when she checked it, it’s close. But I have a lot of discharge (milky) which can cause problem. If this will go up to the uterus, I will definitely have preterm labor; I was advised to have an antibiotic once a day for 7 days, vaginal suppository in particular.

When I have heard about threatened abortion, I was so scared. I thought I will lose my baby. But the doctor explained that if this will be ignored, yes I will lose my baby. But after all the medications, I was finally ok. I thought, getting pregnant is easy, well... it’s not! Definitely not! I am not complaining because I know after all the hardships and sacrifices, it will pay off as soon as the baby arrives. And I am just looking forward for that day.

Baby Sannaj, mommy and daddy are so excited to meet and see you

Maternity Notification


My previous supervisor, Jhen Jason, reminded me to process my M-1, when she found out that I’m pregnant. Since this is my first pregnancy, I have asked some of my friends about it and surf the net for the answer.

Pregnant woman should notify her employer or SSS about her pregnancy to qualify for maternity leave. They must be informed about the fact that you are pregnant, expected date of the baby’s birth and the intended start date of the maternity leave. Failure to comply, you lose your right to start maternity leave on your chosen date.

Maternity Notification form, Ultrasound Report / Pregnancy Test and Obstetrical History must be submitted. When I was processing this, I had a hard time with the Obstetrical History. I have asked my OB to fill it out but was declined twice because according to them, it will only be filled out once I’ve delivered the baby. In that form, the OB will be asked the date of birth and the type of delivery. It makes sense why my OB is not filling it out. What will she write there? I’m only 22-week pregnant. But according to our Human Resources, it’s one of the requirements that being asked by SSS from them. It’s really confusing, HR is saying one thing then the OB is saying another thing, but when you check the back page of the Maternity Notification form, it’s not asking for the Obstetrical History Report. Whatever! But I have submitted the M-1 form to the HR; they will just notify me once SSS didn’t accept it.

I will just wait for the update; hopefully they will accept it so everything is good to go once I deliver my baby. Everything is new to me, it’s my first pregnancy. Good thing I have friends that will remind me on what to do, I have my mother and mother-in-law that will give me advices and I have an elder sister whom I can rely on. Thanks guys!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Dreams tell us something..


People from all walks of life dream every night. People have sought meaning of dreams as they have been described PHYSIOLOGICALLY as a response to neural processes during sleep, PSYCHOLOGICALLY as reflections of the subconscious, and SPIRITUALLY as messages from God or predictions of the future.

I dream almost every night, sometimes I remember, and sometimes I forget. But every time I remember my dream, I always visit this website, http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamdictionary/.

Here are some of the dreams I remembered and their meanings from the dream dictionary:

1. Talking to my late brother Rommel


To see your dead sibling, relative, or friend in your dream, indicates that you miss them and are trying to relive your old experiences you had with them. In trying to keep up with the pace of your daily waking life, you dreams may serve as your only outlet in coping and coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.

2. Cutting my hair


To dream that you are cutting your hair, suggests that you are experiencing a loss in strength. You may feel that someone is trying to censor you. Alternatively, you may be reshaping your thinking or ambitions and eliminating unwanted thoughts/habits.

3. Killing someone by stabbing a knife

To dream that you kill someone indicates that heavy stress may cause you to lose your temper and self-control. Consider the person you have killed and ask yourself if you feel any rage towards him or her in your waking life. Your dream may be expressing some hidden anger. Alternatively, you may be trying to kill or put an end to an aspect of yourself that is represented by the person killed.

4. Won 10 Million Pesos


To see or win money in your dream indicates that success and prosperity is within your reach. Money may represent confidence, self-worth, success, or values. You have much belief in yourself. Alternatively, dreaming about money refers to your attitudes about love and matters of the heart.

5. Visiting an old house


To see an old, run-down house in your dream represents your old beliefs, attitudes and how you used to think or feel. A situation in your current life may be bringing about those same old attitudes and feelings. Alternatively, the old house may symbolize your need to update you mode of thinking.

Some people don’t believe in this, no one is forcing you.

But for those people, who do believe, check the meaning of your dreams. Have fun.