Baby's First Kick!

One of the many milestones in pregnancy that every mother been waiting for is feeling her baby's first kick. I had no idea how it would feel like. What I know for sure is I've been having this sensation like air bubbles running around my stomach, or like butterfly fluttering in my belly since I was 15weeks pregnant.

Today, just after I finished my dinner, I felt it! Something inside of me nudge my belly, firm and strong. I was shocked, I stayed very still, my eyes were staring at my belly. And there it happened again: more kicks! Oh God! I put both of my hands on my belly, feel the movements and the excitement, my eyes filled with tears. I feel stronger connection between me and my baby.

I told Loel and he put his hand on my belly. But baby stopped kicking. In a week or so later I figured out when baby is more likely active and moving a lot. Usually during or after my lunch or dinner or when I was relaxing or napping. Loel finally got the kicks! And since then, he used to put his hand on my belly when I was sleeping. He tries to bond with his child. Sweet!

Preparing for Nursery and for Myself

Since my pregnancy was confirmed, I've been being a constant looker at craigslist website. What am I looking for? Baby items, of course! So far, I got a very nice baby crib (by Delta Luv) that converts to a toddler ro twin size bed. The owner even threw in a matching baby cradle and changing pads for free. That's what I love about dealing with other craigslisters. I also got a traveler system (by Graco) which is a combination of stroller and infant car seat.

I did research through several baby-parents magazines and websites to find out what items we need to have for the nursery room and for the baby itself. From there I made a shopping list based on priority what we need the most. This may be useful for anyone of you who are now expecting.

1. Baby crib. Choose one with at least two mattress-height positions. Crib with stationary sides is best because there are no moving parts that could malfunction and could lead to accident.


2. Crib mattress. Choose the one that is firm.


3. Sheet protector/mattress pad


4. Mattress sheets. You will need 3-4 of it. Ideally with elastic all around.


5. Baby monitor.


6. Lamp


7. Glider/rocking chair. This will be a great companion when nursing.


8. Diaper pail.


9. Small hamper. I'd like to separate my baby's laundry from regular laundry.


10. Toy storage

For baby's clothing:

1. 8 bodysuits


2. 3 shirt-and-pant sets


3. 4 coveralls (one piece footed outfits)


4. 1 sweater


5. 6 pairs of socks


6. 2 large hooded towels


7. 6 sleep gowns with elastic bottom


8. 2 sleep sacks


9. 6-10 burp cloths


10. 2 receiving blankets


11. 1 swaddling wrap


12. coat. If your baby is born during winter.


13. knit hat

Baby gears:

1. Infant car seat. Chose the one with higher weight limit to extend its usefulness


2. Stroller. Choose the one that either allows your newborn to fully recline or accomodates the infant car seat.


3. Umbrella stroller/ jogger/jogging stroller.


4. Convertible car seat.


5. Sling/front carrier


6. Infant baby tub


7. diaper bag


8. Bouncer, and/swing. Works best to soothe the baby


9. Playyard


10. stationary activity center/ tummy time activity

I bought travel system that serves both as infant car seat and stroller. I didn't buy the umbrella stroller, instead I bought jogger stroller that will help me exercise to get back to my pre-pregnant shape. I found one that is very nice, almost brand new, at a 'yard sale' price on craigslist. You'll never know what a nice deal you could find on craigslist!

I bought some maternity clothes, eventhough my belly is not so much bulkier than before. I am just a little carried away by euphoria of being pregnant. After all, this is my first pregnancy in 38 years of age. I read my pregnancy guide book, search for more infos online. Mainly is to find out how to keep baby and me healthy without leaving my vegetarian diet during pregnancy. During my research, I also found an interesting book "Hypnobirthing Method" by Marie Longan at Amazon. This book teaches the breathing techniques to redirect focus during labor and delivery so that the mother and baby could experience natural and comfortable birthing with less or even no pain. Once I got the book, I started the breathing exercise daily.

16 Weeks Check Up

July 8, 2009

I found brown spotting just before we left for 16 weeks check up. I was scared that my baby was harmed. Doctor did pelvic exam and found out that the bleeding was still persistent. I remember I lifted heavy objects the last 2 days and I was drained. She did doppler check up and baby's heart beat was great (150 bpm) but she was really concern about the bleeding and wrote me recommendation to my manager that said "no lifting for at least for 2 weeks, due to complication in pregnancy".

I was relieved that my baby is fine, in the other hand I blamed myself for being selfish and performing my job as if I wasn't pregnant. I have to be more careful now and use more precautions at work. Fortunately, my bleeding subsided that very night.

I met Paula, my new manager, the next day and gave her the letter from my doctor. I told her that bleeding has subsided and I just need to "modify" how I carry out my daily duty and adjust to a level that is less strenuous. Out of my awareness, she went to Brett and told him what happened. Of course, my company doesn't want to take risk of employing pregnant woman with complication. So, they decided to send me home and not to coming back to work unless doctor advise otherwise.

I called my doctor the next day talked to the nurse about what happened. They understood the situation and fax me a letter saying that I can go back to work with "modified job description". Paula received that letter the next day and after discussing it with Brett, allowing me to go back to work on Monday. Phew!