Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Baby Shower !!
Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Two months ago, in one of the rosary prayer meetings, Tante Leslie Tan, an Indonesian woman who has been living in Austin for long period of time, offered me to host a baby shower for our baby. I was touched by her kindness and generousity. Considering I no longer have parents (both my parents passed away in 2004 so did my husband's parents), she's pretty much like a second parent to me.
I discussed with my husband, and we both agreed to take honor to be showered by her.
She asked Lilis Suryati Villareal to help her out with preparation. Lilis is a best friend of mine. We met through our friendship with Lily Widodo, another best friend of mine -more like big sister to me. After several discussion, we decided that the baby shower is also gonna be a "selamatan 7 bulan" (a ceremony in Javanesse tradition to mark 7 months of pregnancy), and also a rosary prayer meeting.
Tante Leslie will rent out a clubhouse at Terravista, Round Rock for the party. We planned to have this shower on Saturday early October. Considering some guests live out of town. But the clubhouse was fully booked until third week of October. Oh well..
Lilis is in charge of invitation and decorations and tante Leslie will work on food and advisor. Me? My part is providing them a guest list and looking for party favors.
At the end though, I decided to make "nasi tumpeng", an Indonesian dish which includes cone shaped rice and lots of side. It's always been our family tradition, plus I thought it would look unique and exotic at the baby shower.
The baby shower was a blast! I can't thank you Tante Leslie and Lilis enough for their efforts to make this event successful. Lilis made a game "Guess the Mommy's tummy size". I can't believe myself I was that big. To that date I gained 38lbs already. Big momma!
Thank you everyone to make this baby shower "a dream come true". We love you all!
Two months ago, in one of the rosary prayer meetings, Tante Leslie Tan, an Indonesian woman who has been living in Austin for long period of time, offered me to host a baby shower for our baby. I was touched by her kindness and generousity. Considering I no longer have parents (both my parents passed away in 2004 so did my husband's parents), she's pretty much like a second parent to me.
I discussed with my husband, and we both agreed to take honor to be showered by her.
She asked Lilis Suryati Villareal to help her out with preparation. Lilis is a best friend of mine. We met through our friendship with Lily Widodo, another best friend of mine -more like big sister to me. After several discussion, we decided that the baby shower is also gonna be a "selamatan 7 bulan" (a ceremony in Javanesse tradition to mark 7 months of pregnancy), and also a rosary prayer meeting.
Tante Leslie will rent out a clubhouse at Terravista, Round Rock for the party. We planned to have this shower on Saturday early October. Considering some guests live out of town. But the clubhouse was fully booked until third week of October. Oh well..
Lilis is in charge of invitation and decorations and tante Leslie will work on food and advisor. Me? My part is providing them a guest list and looking for party favors.
At the end though, I decided to make "nasi tumpeng", an Indonesian dish which includes cone shaped rice and lots of side. It's always been our family tradition, plus I thought it would look unique and exotic at the baby shower.
The baby shower was a blast! I can't thank you Tante Leslie and Lilis enough for their efforts to make this event successful. Lilis made a game "Guess the Mommy's tummy size". I can't believe myself I was that big. To that date I gained 38lbs already. Big momma!
Thank you everyone to make this baby shower "a dream come true". We love you all!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
28 weeks Check up
September 30th.
Today we went to Oakwood clinic to have pregnancy check up and blood test for gestational diabetes. Friends of mine told me to avoid eating too much carbs few days before the test so that my glucose level won't be so high. Even I learned that it is not necessary I was a bit nervous that I started to count the carbs I ate.
This morning I woke up at 4am and was so hungry. I made wrap with tortilla and scramble eggs, and ended with grapes. An hour later I went to sleep. Woke up at 9am, I made yet another scrambled eggs (now that our hens make eggs daily, we always have good supply of eggs, sometimes abundant), but this time I had it with tofu pups and tortilla. For dessert I made smoothie (yogurt, rice milk, frozen fruits and blueberries, sweetened with agave) and one Bartlett pear. Yum! That should do good until after the test.
Once at the clinic, nurse gave me a small bottle of dextrose liquid to drink. I had to drink it up in no more than 4minutes. Then I have to wait for 1 hour before they draw my blood. The drink was in raspberry flavor and was really, really sweet. So sweet it almost made me sick.
30 minutes later, I met with Dr. Orth and she was happy to see my progress so far. I gained 23 lbs since the first check up (in my 5th week), I had normal blood pressure (100/70), and my baby grows well, too. She measured my belly and checked on baby's heartbeat with doppler. The heartbeat was 145 bpm (slower than last check up which was 154 bpm), but doc said when the baby is resting it's heartbeat slows down. So, we're happy.
Doc said now that I'm on my third trimester, I need to gain about one pound a week now to reach the goal of 30 lbs total. She asked how do I keep my weight gain, Loel told her we are vegetarian and we eat healthy food, all natural and no artificial flavor/sweetener, and we always try to look for organic food. I'm just happy that most of the weight I gain goes to my belly. Loel even said when he look at me from the back I don't look pregnant. Old people say that when this happens, they usually cary a baby boy.
Today we went to Oakwood clinic to have pregnancy check up and blood test for gestational diabetes. Friends of mine told me to avoid eating too much carbs few days before the test so that my glucose level won't be so high. Even I learned that it is not necessary I was a bit nervous that I started to count the carbs I ate.
This morning I woke up at 4am and was so hungry. I made wrap with tortilla and scramble eggs, and ended with grapes. An hour later I went to sleep. Woke up at 9am, I made yet another scrambled eggs (now that our hens make eggs daily, we always have good supply of eggs, sometimes abundant), but this time I had it with tofu pups and tortilla. For dessert I made smoothie (yogurt, rice milk, frozen fruits and blueberries, sweetened with agave) and one Bartlett pear. Yum! That should do good until after the test.
Once at the clinic, nurse gave me a small bottle of dextrose liquid to drink. I had to drink it up in no more than 4minutes. Then I have to wait for 1 hour before they draw my blood. The drink was in raspberry flavor and was really, really sweet. So sweet it almost made me sick.
30 minutes later, I met with Dr. Orth and she was happy to see my progress so far. I gained 23 lbs since the first check up (in my 5th week), I had normal blood pressure (100/70), and my baby grows well, too. She measured my belly and checked on baby's heartbeat with doppler. The heartbeat was 145 bpm (slower than last check up which was 154 bpm), but doc said when the baby is resting it's heartbeat slows down. So, we're happy.
Doc said now that I'm on my third trimester, I need to gain about one pound a week now to reach the goal of 30 lbs total. She asked how do I keep my weight gain, Loel told her we are vegetarian and we eat healthy food, all natural and no artificial flavor/sweetener, and we always try to look for organic food. I'm just happy that most of the weight I gain goes to my belly. Loel even said when he look at me from the back I don't look pregnant. Old people say that when this happens, they usually cary a baby boy.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Bleeding in 27 weeks of Pregnancy
27 weeks pregnant and bleeding
September 25, 2009
Yesterday, I had yet another bleeding episode. I'm 27 weeks pregnant now and I had couple bleeding and spotting in my early pregnancy (first trimester). But those were lighter than this one.
When I saw the toilet bowl turned red I was scared. I thought I have haemorhoid. But when I wiped out the blood came from my vagina. I was panic and called Paula, my manager right away, to tell her I will not be able to come to work today. Loel told me to rest and we'll see if it doesn't stop we need to see doctor immediately.
I laid in bed with my legs propped high and prayed to God that it's not early sign of labor. I talked to my baby to stay and was in alert of any pain in my body. I was upset and blaming myself for not being able take a delicate care of myself. I listened to my hypnobirthing cd to calm myself down. It really helped me get into a relax state.
Loel was very supportive, he checked on me almost every half an hour and offered me food and drink and massage. After couple of hours, I got up and checked myself. Bleeding has stopped! I still had spotting, though, but I was just relieved that there was no pain accompanied this bleeding and my baby was still active and responsive.
I texted Paula that afternoon that I had to take another day of rest just to make sure that I'm perfectly fine. She called me few minutes later and told me to get plenty of rest and not to worry about work. "Your baby is your #1 priority. Just let me know when you think you're ready for work." She's wonderful!
The spotting got lighter and lighter and it completetely stopped the day.
Thank you, o Lord! I promised myself I would be more careful to myself and my baby.
September 25, 2009
Yesterday, I had yet another bleeding episode. I'm 27 weeks pregnant now and I had couple bleeding and spotting in my early pregnancy (first trimester). But those were lighter than this one.
When I saw the toilet bowl turned red I was scared. I thought I have haemorhoid. But when I wiped out the blood came from my vagina. I was panic and called Paula, my manager right away, to tell her I will not be able to come to work today. Loel told me to rest and we'll see if it doesn't stop we need to see doctor immediately.
I laid in bed with my legs propped high and prayed to God that it's not early sign of labor. I talked to my baby to stay and was in alert of any pain in my body. I was upset and blaming myself for not being able take a delicate care of myself. I listened to my hypnobirthing cd to calm myself down. It really helped me get into a relax state.
Loel was very supportive, he checked on me almost every half an hour and offered me food and drink and massage. After couple of hours, I got up and checked myself. Bleeding has stopped! I still had spotting, though, but I was just relieved that there was no pain accompanied this bleeding and my baby was still active and responsive.
I texted Paula that afternoon that I had to take another day of rest just to make sure that I'm perfectly fine. She called me few minutes later and told me to get plenty of rest and not to worry about work. "Your baby is your #1 priority. Just let me know when you think you're ready for work." She's wonderful!
The spotting got lighter and lighter and it completetely stopped the day.
Thank you, o Lord! I promised myself I would be more careful to myself and my baby.
20 Weeks Anatomy USG
I was scheduled for anatomy USG at Texas perinatal center. Since everything else looked normal, we skipped the amniocentesis and CVS which are highly recommended for women over 35. I really want to avoid it, so it was great relief to know that we don't need to do it.
I checked in at 2.45pm did the paperwork and waited for our turn.
At 3.30pm they called us in. The operator came in and prepared everything. 10 minutes later a doctor came in and did the ultrasound. He ran the probe around my belly, sometimes he shook my belly to get a better look at the baby. He checked on every organ of the baby while explaining to us what we were looking at and what we expect.
The result was excellent! Our baby weighed about 14oz and 7.5 inches in length which was above the average size. Average size of baby at the same age is 11oz and 6.5 inches. Every part of his/her organ and body part was normal and is functioning well. We're having a healthy baby!
I checked in at 2.45pm did the paperwork and waited for our turn.
At 3.30pm they called us in. The operator came in and prepared everything. 10 minutes later a doctor came in and did the ultrasound. He ran the probe around my belly, sometimes he shook my belly to get a better look at the baby. He checked on every organ of the baby while explaining to us what we were looking at and what we expect.
The result was excellent! Our baby weighed about 14oz and 7.5 inches in length which was above the average size. Average size of baby at the same age is 11oz and 6.5 inches. Every part of his/her organ and body part was normal and is functioning well. We're having a healthy baby!
Monday, December 14, 2009
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!
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.
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.
- 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.
- Crib mattress. Choose the one that is firm.
- Sheet protector/mattress pad
- Mattress sheets. You will need 3-4 of it. Ideally with elastic all around.
- Baby monitor.
- Lamp
- Glider/rocking chair. This will be a great companion when nursing.
- Diaper pail.
- Small hamper. I'd like to separate my baby's laundry from regular laundry.
- Toy storage
For baby's clothing:
- 8 bodysuits
- 3 shirt-and-pant sets
- 4 coveralls (one piece footed outfits)
- 1 sweater
- 6 pairs of socks
- 2 large hooded towels
- 6 sleep gowns with elastic bottom
- 2 sleep sacks
- 6-10 burp cloths
- 2 receiving blankets
- 1 swaddling wrap
- coat. If your baby is born during winter.
- knit hat
Baby gears:
- Infant car seat. Chose the one with higher weight limit to extend its usefulness
- Stroller. Choose the one that either allows your newborn to fully recline or accomodates the infant car seat.
- Umbrella stroller/ jogger/jogging stroller.
- Convertible car seat.
- Sling/front carrier
- Infant baby tub
- diaper bag
- Bouncer, and/swing. Works best to soothe the baby
- Playyard
- 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.
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