As I said in my previous post, I had a promise to keep, a promise to eat! Yeah... Sounds odd? Well, perhaps the majority of the world's population are are trying to keep their word in refraining foods!
All my life has been about eating, eating and not growing fat. I have a high metabolism, plus having a tall and lean father which might be two reasons why its so hard for me to gain weight. Even up till today, being pregnant, I realize I haven't gained enough weight in comparison with what I was eating. Gosh, where did the food go? Its really annoying to know that the bulk of foods you eat aren't staying in your body!
I don't bother setting up a daily menu as my appetite changes from hour to hour. But I have a target of foods I have to achieve within a day- 4 eggs, at least 3 glasses of milk (I'm drinking soyabean milk now, which adds up to my milk intake per day), meat, avocado juices bla bla. I even make sure I wake up at 6 just so I do not miss my first milk. More time in bed meant less time for food!
Sigh. I think I'm the only one or one of the very few to have herself stressed out because of eating. Hope I wouldn't fall into depression!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sick and healed
I have been down with a bad flu, sore throat which developed into a cough, cold sweat and body aches for the whole week. From avoiding medicine to taking mild and finally getting a prescription from my doctor. This is certainly undesirable especially in the beginning of my third trisemester where I gotta eat more! But where's my appetite?
Well, I have always been a concious eater especially when I'm sick. I never fail to refrain myself from cold drinks, fried foods and all that will make my condition worst. But this time, I ate everything!
Besides all the medicine and home remedies I tried, I have forgotten to pray. Well I prayed but it didn't get any better. Last night I was on the verge of withstanding my condition that I prayed with tears falling from my watery eyes! I just couldn't take it anymore, especially when I've got extra mouths to feed!
To my gladness, my throat and nose felt so much better today! Well, I gotta fulfil a promise I made in my prayers- eat, eat and eat as much as I can!
Well, I have always been a concious eater especially when I'm sick. I never fail to refrain myself from cold drinks, fried foods and all that will make my condition worst. But this time, I ate everything!
Besides all the medicine and home remedies I tried, I have forgotten to pray. Well I prayed but it didn't get any better. Last night I was on the verge of withstanding my condition that I prayed with tears falling from my watery eyes! I just couldn't take it anymore, especially when I've got extra mouths to feed!
To my gladness, my throat and nose felt so much better today! Well, I gotta fulfil a promise I made in my prayers- eat, eat and eat as much as I can!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Superwoman
I was blackberry-ing with one of my girlfriends a couple days ago talking about we, woman having to lead a relationship because our spouse is unorganized, ignorant etc.
If a relationship was a ship, i use to be the captain of it during courtship with my husband. Because he showed less attention and seemed ignorant to details, i stereotyped it as an incompetency to lead. This resulted to many arguments during our four years relationship.
Then, up to a point i realized the hidden truth. I remember i was so fed up with having to take control of things and appear to be more matured that i locked myself to pray and whine to God about everything. While flipping the bible, i came across to read: The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18
A helper - It seemed like God has highlighted that particular word for me. We, women, are not more but no less than a man's helper. Think about this, logically, who is greater? The one seeking or being helped or the helper? Of course, the helper. Since then, i interpreted my role as a man's advisor, assistant, and a helping hand.
Next, think about this. A president and his advisor. Who gives him the understanding of which action to take? The advisor. But who gets the credit for good decisions made by the president himself? The advisor? Nope, the president. The same thing applies in relationship. We just have to let our man or husbands take credit for what we thought was wise and told him to do. Never try to go over his head and be the master instead.
When i started implementing this theory, i felt tortured, because i knew at some point he was making a bad decision but i just had to close an eye and let him do so instead of insisting my way and proving him wrong in the end. We went through tough times as a result of the decisions he made BUT because i showed trust in him and be supportive, he came to his senses that he has to mark my words too!
Most men learn from mistakes. They do not know that a fall hurts unless they fell down. Absolutely, they do not learn from women nagging, telling them what not to do and warnings!
If a relationship was a ship, i use to be the captain of it during courtship with my husband. Because he showed less attention and seemed ignorant to details, i stereotyped it as an incompetency to lead. This resulted to many arguments during our four years relationship.
Then, up to a point i realized the hidden truth. I remember i was so fed up with having to take control of things and appear to be more matured that i locked myself to pray and whine to God about everything. While flipping the bible, i came across to read: The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18
A helper - It seemed like God has highlighted that particular word for me. We, women, are not more but no less than a man's helper. Think about this, logically, who is greater? The one seeking or being helped or the helper? Of course, the helper. Since then, i interpreted my role as a man's advisor, assistant, and a helping hand.
Next, think about this. A president and his advisor. Who gives him the understanding of which action to take? The advisor. But who gets the credit for good decisions made by the president himself? The advisor? Nope, the president. The same thing applies in relationship. We just have to let our man or husbands take credit for what we thought was wise and told him to do. Never try to go over his head and be the master instead.
When i started implementing this theory, i felt tortured, because i knew at some point he was making a bad decision but i just had to close an eye and let him do so instead of insisting my way and proving him wrong in the end. We went through tough times as a result of the decisions he made BUT because i showed trust in him and be supportive, he came to his senses that he has to mark my words too!
Most men learn from mistakes. They do not know that a fall hurts unless they fell down. Absolutely, they do not learn from women nagging, telling them what not to do and warnings!
Steamed stuffed japanese tofu
Ingredients:
2-3 rolls of japanese egg tofu
400g minced pork (or chicken)
150g minced prawns
2 tbsp sesame oil
3 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp cornflour
1 chilli, sliced
1. Mix the minced pork and prawns together with the sesame oil, soy sauce, pepper and cornflour. Marinate for 15 mins.
2. Cut the japanese tofu into pieces. Cut each roll to about 6-8 pieces. Make sure they arent too thin. Make a small puddle using a spoon in the middle of the tofu.
2. Place on a plate and steam for 15-20 minutes. Use a for to check that the meat is cooked.
3. Put 1-2 tbsp of the minced meat on top of the tofu and garnish with a slice of chilli.
2-3 rolls of japanese egg tofu
400g minced pork (or chicken)
150g minced prawns
2 tbsp sesame oil
3 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp cornflour
1 chilli, sliced
1. Mix the minced pork and prawns together with the sesame oil, soy sauce, pepper and cornflour. Marinate for 15 mins.
2. Cut the japanese tofu into pieces. Cut each roll to about 6-8 pieces. Make sure they arent too thin. Make a small puddle using a spoon in the middle of the tofu.
2. Place on a plate and steam for 15-20 minutes. Use a for to check that the meat is cooked.
3. Put 1-2 tbsp of the minced meat on top of the tofu and garnish with a slice of chilli.
Special valentine
If the bible says that God has prepared in advance what is best for us, believe me, its true. I am proud to have Jesus as my God. In the end of my second trisemester and beginning of my third, i havent been able to be very mobile. The doctor adviced me to stay in bed more often as i was already experiencing Braxton hicks or exercise contrations. This made my hubby felt slightly more bored as i couldnt accompany him to movies very often. Besides that, i preferred to dine out within our house's proximity. Hence, he complained about how boring life is.
We treated ourselves to a gala valentine dinner held by our church. Dinner was great except the food was slow and precooked. But the miracle is yet to happen. There were door prizes given out that night. We were anticipating on the grand prize - a 3d/2n honeymoon package to Bali. (Precisely, my husband was the one anticipating it rather than myself because i knew i am not allowed on planes).
/Pause
Ticket number: 0080!
"Thats our number honey!!!" I shouted to him. Haha, looks like the lucky star is shining upon us. It was a night at Sheraton Bandung - somewhere we planned to go to hunt for our babies' clothes. Looks like God is with us on this plan.
Look, i couldnt imagine how God has pre-organized such a wonderful valentine gift for us. Guess He does celebrate valentine's too! Because He has given us the complimentary stay, that trip meant so much more.
We treated ourselves to a gala valentine dinner held by our church. Dinner was great except the food was slow and precooked. But the miracle is yet to happen. There were door prizes given out that night. We were anticipating on the grand prize - a 3d/2n honeymoon package to Bali. (Precisely, my husband was the one anticipating it rather than myself because i knew i am not allowed on planes).
/Pause
Ticket number: 0080!
"Thats our number honey!!!" I shouted to him. Haha, looks like the lucky star is shining upon us. It was a night at Sheraton Bandung - somewhere we planned to go to hunt for our babies' clothes. Looks like God is with us on this plan.
Look, i couldnt imagine how God has pre-organized such a wonderful valentine gift for us. Guess He does celebrate valentine's too! Because He has given us the complimentary stay, that trip meant so much more.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tomato Chicken
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken cut into pieces
1 large tomato, coarsely cubed
1/2 large onion, finely sliced
3 garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp tomato sauce
1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
5 tbsp water
Cooking oil
1. Heat some oil in the wok, fry the garlic and onion till fragrant then add the tomatoes. Put the chicken in and stir until the chicken is almost cooked.
2. Put in all the seasoning (oyster sauce, tomato sauce, salt and pepper) and add water. Simmer for about 15 mins or until the chicken is cooked.
Tip: Poke the chicken wing or drumstick with a fork to check if its cooked.
1 whole chicken cut into pieces
1 large tomato, coarsely cubed
1/2 large onion, finely sliced
3 garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp tomato sauce
1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
5 tbsp water
Cooking oil
1. Heat some oil in the wok, fry the garlic and onion till fragrant then add the tomatoes. Put the chicken in and stir until the chicken is almost cooked.
2. Put in all the seasoning (oyster sauce, tomato sauce, salt and pepper) and add water. Simmer for about 15 mins or until the chicken is cooked.
Tip: Poke the chicken wing or drumstick with a fork to check if its cooked.
Very simple Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
Spring roll skin
Filling:
1/4 chicken, boiled and finely chopped
Less than 1/4 cabbage
1 Carrot, finely sliced to matchstick size
3 shallots, finely sliced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp maizena flour mixed with 3 tbsp of water to seal the spring rolls
Cooking oil
1. Heat some oil in the wok, fry the shallots till golden brown, add in the chicken and carrots. Stir for about 3 minutes than add in the cabbage. Put all the seasoning together and alter according to your tastebuds.
2. Put 1 1/2 tbsp of filling onto the skin, wrap and seal with the maizena mixture.
3. Fry the spring rolls till golden brown. Serve with sweet chilli sauce or standard chilli sauce will do!
Tip: I do not use MSG in all my cookings. I rather add more salt and pepper, e.g. having a stronger taste then neutralize it with a pinch of sugar.
Spring roll skin
Filling:
1/4 chicken, boiled and finely chopped
Less than 1/4 cabbage
1 Carrot, finely sliced to matchstick size
3 shallots, finely sliced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp maizena flour mixed with 3 tbsp of water to seal the spring rolls
Cooking oil
1. Heat some oil in the wok, fry the shallots till golden brown, add in the chicken and carrots. Stir for about 3 minutes than add in the cabbage. Put all the seasoning together and alter according to your tastebuds.
2. Put 1 1/2 tbsp of filling onto the skin, wrap and seal with the maizena mixture.
3. Fry the spring rolls till golden brown. Serve with sweet chilli sauce or standard chilli sauce will do!
Tip: I do not use MSG in all my cookings. I rather add more salt and pepper, e.g. having a stronger taste then neutralize it with a pinch of sugar.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients:
4 pc chinese dried mushroom (dong gu)
1 chicken cut into 8 pcs
1/4 cup light soy sauce
4-5 tbsp sugar
1. Rinse the mushrooms in running cold tap water then soak it in a large bowl of hot water. Leave for 10 minutes until the mushrooms expand and the water turns brown. Cut the mushrooms into halves, do not throw the mushroom stock.
2. Prepare a medium size pot. Pour the mushroom stock in the pot together with the chicken pieces. Add in the light soy sauce and bring to boil.
3. When its boiled, add the sugar, taste and add more water, light soy sauce or sugar to enhance the taste. Simmer at low heat until the chicken turns brown and the water becomes slightly thicker.
4. Eat!
4 pc chinese dried mushroom (dong gu)
1 chicken cut into 8 pcs
1/4 cup light soy sauce
4-5 tbsp sugar
1. Rinse the mushrooms in running cold tap water then soak it in a large bowl of hot water. Leave for 10 minutes until the mushrooms expand and the water turns brown. Cut the mushrooms into halves, do not throw the mushroom stock.
2. Prepare a medium size pot. Pour the mushroom stock in the pot together with the chicken pieces. Add in the light soy sauce and bring to boil.
3. When its boiled, add the sugar, taste and add more water, light soy sauce or sugar to enhance the taste. Simmer at low heat until the chicken turns brown and the water becomes slightly thicker.
4. Eat!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Singles out
Warning: I might sound like a marriage counselor, well, thats what i desire to be one day at heart! :P
Me and my girlfriends have been blackberry-ing on getting married: who will be next and why they werent ready. I realize many people especially girls out there are being held back several considerations:
1. Searching for Mr. Right.
2. What if... what if...?
3. How do i know if he is he one?
4. We still misunderstand each other very often.
5. Let others go first, me later.
Here are my thoughts for each of them.
1. Searching for Mr. Right:
Hello, wake up honey, there is no Mr. Right in this world! Do you have to marry the most eligible bachelor in order to feel that you have made the right choice? Even he has hidden flaws and dark secrets. I use to have high expectations towards guys. They ought to be physically, financially, mentally and spiritually stable. Well, i thought i had such a boyfriend but to my disappointment, he was someone different behind and beside me. I believe Nicole Kidman, Ms Universe, even Princess Mary have times when they had bad hair days, a zit at the wrong place on their face, lousy and ugly moments, so quit trying to be perfect in front of your spouse because you are not. If so, then do not expect for Mr. Perfect, you'll tire yourself waiting for him because he will never show up!
2. What if... what if...?
Change the phrase that keeps resounding in your mind to: "what if i am happy in the marriage, what if he will be faithful to me, what if we are granted adorable children...?"
Women, as usual, prefer to think of the down side rather than looking at the clear blue sky up there. I agree that bad things do happen, but for a good reason! There might be times that he'd cheat on you, but there might be times that you'll be doing it to him either. No one gets married with the thought of cheating the person he or she is reading the wedding vow to. But many things happen in the course of time. I am a believer that if a small tiff was to happen, both of us are at fault. Sometimes, even being too gentle and patient might act as a boomerang to yourself. There are times that we should stand up and shout!
Life is not guaranteed to be good, but rest assured, there is a key to every closed doors and a way to every blocked paths. Why make things harder by pondering on something that has yet to happen, it might not happen! "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27
3. How do i know if he is he one?
Honestly, you'll never know. All you can trust is your intuition. Cmon girls, we boast that we have 6th sense right, so why are we so timid when it comes to judging this matter? Peace... thats the best thing that you can base on. The peace that tells you "he loves you no matter what you look like, what you wear, how you snore, how long you spend on the vanity table, if you had red grades in school or if you were abused..." Thats the one.
4. We still misunderstand each other very often.
Knowing someone inside out doesnt take three to five years of relationship and another five years of marriage, it takes a lifetime. People change on a daily basis. Things (sometimes the negative ones) only start coming out of the closet after 10 years in marriage. It doesnt mean that he's no longer the one you married a decade ago, or he's a changed person, but it simply means that you have to keep learning about him.
Me and my girlfriends have been blackberry-ing on getting married: who will be next and why they werent ready. I realize many people especially girls out there are being held back several considerations:
1. Searching for Mr. Right.
2. What if... what if...?
3. How do i know if he is he one?
4. We still misunderstand each other very often.
5. Let others go first, me later.
Here are my thoughts for each of them.
1. Searching for Mr. Right:
Hello, wake up honey, there is no Mr. Right in this world! Do you have to marry the most eligible bachelor in order to feel that you have made the right choice? Even he has hidden flaws and dark secrets. I use to have high expectations towards guys. They ought to be physically, financially, mentally and spiritually stable. Well, i thought i had such a boyfriend but to my disappointment, he was someone different behind and beside me. I believe Nicole Kidman, Ms Universe, even Princess Mary have times when they had bad hair days, a zit at the wrong place on their face, lousy and ugly moments, so quit trying to be perfect in front of your spouse because you are not. If so, then do not expect for Mr. Perfect, you'll tire yourself waiting for him because he will never show up!
2. What if... what if...?
Change the phrase that keeps resounding in your mind to: "what if i am happy in the marriage, what if he will be faithful to me, what if we are granted adorable children...?"
Women, as usual, prefer to think of the down side rather than looking at the clear blue sky up there. I agree that bad things do happen, but for a good reason! There might be times that he'd cheat on you, but there might be times that you'll be doing it to him either. No one gets married with the thought of cheating the person he or she is reading the wedding vow to. But many things happen in the course of time. I am a believer that if a small tiff was to happen, both of us are at fault. Sometimes, even being too gentle and patient might act as a boomerang to yourself. There are times that we should stand up and shout!
Life is not guaranteed to be good, but rest assured, there is a key to every closed doors and a way to every blocked paths. Why make things harder by pondering on something that has yet to happen, it might not happen! "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27
3. How do i know if he is he one?
Honestly, you'll never know. All you can trust is your intuition. Cmon girls, we boast that we have 6th sense right, so why are we so timid when it comes to judging this matter? Peace... thats the best thing that you can base on. The peace that tells you "he loves you no matter what you look like, what you wear, how you snore, how long you spend on the vanity table, if you had red grades in school or if you were abused..." Thats the one.
4. We still misunderstand each other very often.
Knowing someone inside out doesnt take three to five years of relationship and another five years of marriage, it takes a lifetime. People change on a daily basis. Things (sometimes the negative ones) only start coming out of the closet after 10 years in marriage. It doesnt mean that he's no longer the one you married a decade ago, or he's a changed person, but it simply means that you have to keep learning about him.
My husband often say: "We are married, why are we still quarreling about this?!" The fact is, we will quarrel about the same thing several times up to a moment that we are able to accept with a big heart and open hands that its just a part of him we have to understand. Love is take and give, and more of the giving.
You will still misunderstand him vice versa, but things will get lighter as time goes by. You wouldnt bitch on little things as often as you did earlier in your relationship or marriage. As for fidelity, no one can assess the depth of ones commitment but God himself. Even the most high priest can fall into sins, what more human beings who have not finished reading the bible and do not pray 12 hours a day. But one thing for sure, i believe men with honor arent that shallow either. They would not cheat on you just because of poor performance on bed or poor looks on the mirror. But there must be an underlying reason, whether its a bitterness that he is clinging on or something really sorry that youve done.
5. Let others go first, me later.
You might be able to keep procrasinating while your in your twenties, but when it gets halfway to thirty, start considering being serious and prioritizing yourself instead. Think of this, guys are like wine, they get better older. Guys in their twenties attract women of their age group, guys in their thirties opt to woo younger women, e.g. those in their twenties. Let me stop here, i wouldnt want to hurt the fragile feelings of my own gender.
Am i right?
Valentine dilemma
Its the time of the year where i have to dig my mind and try to be creative.
I always loved buying, wrapping and giving gifts but this one is special, not because of the occasion but because its for my husband. Someone whom i have spent five valentines, birthdays, christmases, new years etc. Year after year, i just couldnt make up my mind what to get him. Its so unfair, he always manages to surprise me better!
I have got him almost everything he could wear or use: clothes, pjs, belts, pants, socks, shoes, bag, wallet, pen etc. Up till a point he just gets bored with me buying him clothes he told me not to do so anymore. Well, its my job right?! Moreover, he's not a shopper and i wouldnt want my husband going to work with the same style all week, which he still does. (He's a comfort-person who wouldnt sacrifice feeling good and being able to walk and move about freely just to look slightly better.)
Anyway, back to the main point.
I thought of making chocolates, but he doesnt really fancy chocolates.
Argh, this is not helping, i shall search for inspirations elsewhere!
I always loved buying, wrapping and giving gifts but this one is special, not because of the occasion but because its for my husband. Someone whom i have spent five valentines, birthdays, christmases, new years etc. Year after year, i just couldnt make up my mind what to get him. Its so unfair, he always manages to surprise me better!
I have got him almost everything he could wear or use: clothes, pjs, belts, pants, socks, shoes, bag, wallet, pen etc. Up till a point he just gets bored with me buying him clothes he told me not to do so anymore. Well, its my job right?! Moreover, he's not a shopper and i wouldnt want my husband going to work with the same style all week, which he still does. (He's a comfort-person who wouldnt sacrifice feeling good and being able to walk and move about freely just to look slightly better.)
Anyway, back to the main point.
I thought of making chocolates, but he doesnt really fancy chocolates.
Argh, this is not helping, i shall search for inspirations elsewhere!
Sigh
It wasnt a very good day yesterday. Well, things started off well up till bedtime. I was so fed up with the internet connection at home that went on and off between minutes while i was surfing for diaper bags and baby bottles. Besides that i was also proof reading my wedding book which is still unfinished (why do most artists love to procrasinate?).
Then my husband came to me and asked me about the Skip Hop Duo diaper bag he caught his eyes on! Unconciously, i simply replied: "Up to you". The next thing you know, we were already quarreling! It seems like it was not a big deal to make a fuss on, but hey, its these little nitty gritty stuff that turns that anger button on! Everything else that happened after this seemed wrong.
I'm sure you must have been in such a situation where quarrels spurt out just because of something small and insignificant which could simply be calmed with ignorance and then all other things that follow doesnt seem to fall to place.
My husband is a perfectionist in terms of relationships. Though he doesnt have high expectations of a relationship, he rarely is able to take quarrels, misfortunes and most negative events with a positive mind. Me on the contrast dont mind going through an insomnic night quarreling if i am able to learn something about our relationship which will in turn make us better and stronger couples. I always have this perception in mind: a rainbow emerges after the rain.
Well, we're still going cold this moment, but hope things get better in the few hours to come! :)
Then my husband came to me and asked me about the Skip Hop Duo diaper bag he caught his eyes on! Unconciously, i simply replied: "Up to you". The next thing you know, we were already quarreling! It seems like it was not a big deal to make a fuss on, but hey, its these little nitty gritty stuff that turns that anger button on! Everything else that happened after this seemed wrong.
I'm sure you must have been in such a situation where quarrels spurt out just because of something small and insignificant which could simply be calmed with ignorance and then all other things that follow doesnt seem to fall to place.
My husband is a perfectionist in terms of relationships. Though he doesnt have high expectations of a relationship, he rarely is able to take quarrels, misfortunes and most negative events with a positive mind. Me on the contrast dont mind going through an insomnic night quarreling if i am able to learn something about our relationship which will in turn make us better and stronger couples. I always have this perception in mind: a rainbow emerges after the rain.
Well, we're still going cold this moment, but hope things get better in the few hours to come! :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tips
Here are some symptoms and remedies i went through during the first and early second trisemesters of my pregnancy:
1. Nausea - definitely inevitable, how i envy those who didnt have to undergo fluctuative hormonal changes. Salty japanese rice crackers did the trick. I munch a couple of soon after i wake up early in the morning and everytime i finish my meal just to make it an ending taste to my tongue. Soda waters such as Coke and carbonated Vit C drinks also helped. Apparently, my nausea and bloatedness felt better everytime i managed to burp!
2. Anemia - my blood pressure at normal times is 110/70. However there was one period when it fell to 90/60. Though it was still considered normal, my body wasnt reacting too well to the slight drop. I fainted, once. As the smell of iron medication to improve bp levels was urgghh, i decided to take an organic approach. I drank red spinace soup, ate steamed chicken blood which is really good in improving these levels! Avoid going out on a hot day!
3. Zero libido - mmm... honestly i havent found a solution for this, but old folks say that such conditions happen when your conceiving girls in particular! Mmmm...
4. Laziness to shower - somehow i do not like the waters too much at this point of time. Showering moreover shampooing. My remedy - going to the salon for regular shampooing and foot scrubs as it does get harder reaching to your feet during baths.
4. The love for salty foods was only apparent at the beginning of my pregnancy, later on, i started to have a sweet tooth. Be careful not to eat too much of any as they might lead to gestational diabetes and obesity in pregnancy, which will never happen to moi!
5. Craving for junk food - after talking to several friends who were pregnant, i realized they all went through a period craving for junk food, whether its KFC or McD, anything but the normal rice and cooked meals seemed yummier! I dont really have a remedy for this, except giving in to my taste buds! Perhaps try healthier choices from the fast food menu like McD's chicken wrap? I didnt do so though! :P
1. Nausea - definitely inevitable, how i envy those who didnt have to undergo fluctuative hormonal changes. Salty japanese rice crackers did the trick. I munch a couple of soon after i wake up early in the morning and everytime i finish my meal just to make it an ending taste to my tongue. Soda waters such as Coke and carbonated Vit C drinks also helped. Apparently, my nausea and bloatedness felt better everytime i managed to burp!
2. Anemia - my blood pressure at normal times is 110/70. However there was one period when it fell to 90/60. Though it was still considered normal, my body wasnt reacting too well to the slight drop. I fainted, once. As the smell of iron medication to improve bp levels was urgghh, i decided to take an organic approach. I drank red spinace soup, ate steamed chicken blood which is really good in improving these levels! Avoid going out on a hot day!
3. Zero libido - mmm... honestly i havent found a solution for this, but old folks say that such conditions happen when your conceiving girls in particular! Mmmm...
4. Laziness to shower - somehow i do not like the waters too much at this point of time. Showering moreover shampooing. My remedy - going to the salon for regular shampooing and foot scrubs as it does get harder reaching to your feet during baths.
4. The love for salty foods was only apparent at the beginning of my pregnancy, later on, i started to have a sweet tooth. Be careful not to eat too much of any as they might lead to gestational diabetes and obesity in pregnancy, which will never happen to moi!
5. Craving for junk food - after talking to several friends who were pregnant, i realized they all went through a period craving for junk food, whether its KFC or McD, anything but the normal rice and cooked meals seemed yummier! I dont really have a remedy for this, except giving in to my taste buds! Perhaps try healthier choices from the fast food menu like McD's chicken wrap? I didnt do so though! :P
Monday, February 9, 2009
Our first 4d scan
We went for our first 4d ultrasound OSCAR scan which stands for "One Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk". It basically is a four dimensional scan which allows the gynae to have a better, clearer and detailed view in determining early signs of abnormality.
It was a long wait. Our appointment was set at 5pm but we only managed to see the doctor at 11pm! Prolonging the wait, when it was just about our turn, the doctor had an emergency curette to operate on in the hospital. Well, he is excused, its an emergency right!
We were in the scanning room for nearly 2 hours, because we had twins, it took longer than the usual 1 hour. Every part of the babies were measured, their head circumference, length of arms, legs and spine, neural spine width etc...
Knowing that they are in perfect being, i couldnt be more thankful!
Look at them twirling around my womb!
It was a long wait. Our appointment was set at 5pm but we only managed to see the doctor at 11pm! Prolonging the wait, when it was just about our turn, the doctor had an emergency curette to operate on in the hospital. Well, he is excused, its an emergency right!
We were in the scanning room for nearly 2 hours, because we had twins, it took longer than the usual 1 hour. Every part of the babies were measured, their head circumference, length of arms, legs and spine, neural spine width etc...
Knowing that they are in perfect being, i couldnt be more thankful!
Look at them twirling around my womb!Pictures
There are one yolk sac and a normal heartbeat in each embryo. This is around week 7. Each have their own plasentas. All good!
A clearer vision seen at week 9. My husband mentioned that they looked like tweety birds with a big head! Well, least its better than a duck the gynae replied! What a miraculous sight!
The first months
I didnt imagine being pregnant was so tough. My mother use to comfort me assuring me that its not me, but because im carrying twins, things might seem a little tougher than it should be. Just think about the goodness behind it and rejoice!
Though i had improved appetite, it didnt last, just for a mere couple of weeks. After that it was nausea, nausea and nausea all day long! I vomitted everything i ate: porridge, sweets, biscuits, even water! It was horrible! What made it worst is because im pregnant! Perhaps i could have withstand it better if i wasnt pregnant but because i was, the thought of what my babies will be eating if i could even eat just made the minutes, hours and days felt like years!
I went to the gynae almost every week, each time with different complains, but he merely smiled and ensured that it was normal. I couldnt remember which week it was when i vomitted blood, not liquid, but solid jelly like blood. Gastrointestinal infection it was. So i was on heavy duty anti nausea injections and gastric medication throughout my first semester. Sigh!
That wasnt all! I had to even have an IV infusion because i was so dehydrated as i couldnt take any foods in! That was my first IV ever! Sigh sigh
This was accompanied by frequent spotting and bleeding. My membrane was weak, hence everytime it stretches, it raptures. Hence i was on progresteron (Crinone 8%) from daily, to three times a week to weekly intake portions! Sigh sigh sigh
Despite all these, i looked forward to every visit to the gynae, as it meant visiting my babies! How can you resists trying to figure out which is their heads and toes and smiling to each hiccup they make!
Though i had improved appetite, it didnt last, just for a mere couple of weeks. After that it was nausea, nausea and nausea all day long! I vomitted everything i ate: porridge, sweets, biscuits, even water! It was horrible! What made it worst is because im pregnant! Perhaps i could have withstand it better if i wasnt pregnant but because i was, the thought of what my babies will be eating if i could even eat just made the minutes, hours and days felt like years!
I went to the gynae almost every week, each time with different complains, but he merely smiled and ensured that it was normal. I couldnt remember which week it was when i vomitted blood, not liquid, but solid jelly like blood. Gastrointestinal infection it was. So i was on heavy duty anti nausea injections and gastric medication throughout my first semester. Sigh!
That wasnt all! I had to even have an IV infusion because i was so dehydrated as i couldnt take any foods in! That was my first IV ever! Sigh sigh
This was accompanied by frequent spotting and bleeding. My membrane was weak, hence everytime it stretches, it raptures. Hence i was on progresteron (Crinone 8%) from daily, to three times a week to weekly intake portions! Sigh sigh sigh
Despite all these, i looked forward to every visit to the gynae, as it meant visiting my babies! How can you resists trying to figure out which is their heads and toes and smiling to each hiccup they make!
Being preggie!
There's a story that lies behind my pregnancy.
We never expected to have kids this fast, immediately the month after we got married! We were still tired and worn out with the celebration, honeymoon and getting back to work. It was tedious for the both of us and we rarely had quality time together. So, we did intend to spend the approaching holidays well!
My husband is the only and firstborn son in his family. Though i knew that his parents really hoped for grandchildren asap, i was astonished to find out that they doubted my fertility due to my slim figure. Quoting from my husband, he was told to feed me with better nutritions or i might have trouble conceiving. Gosh, i was quite depressed hearing that, moreover only being married for two weeks then! Its not like ive been married for ages and havent shown any signs of pregnancy!
However, that did not deprive my faith - thank God. I started praying, not for children at that time, but for defence. I remember repeating two verses in particular in my prayers:
"God is close to the broken hearted"
"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
Life goes on as usual. There was a moment when i started to feel hungry more often and had gastric problems. Because my monthly period was late as well, so i did a test at home. And since the lines were negative, pregnancy didnt cross my mind. But we still decided to go to the gynae for a check up because i was spotting.
Pause/
The gynae confirmed no pregnancy, my womb was empty but he did a blood test just to be double sure before prescribing me medications to foster period. "Call back in a couple of days to check on your result before taking the medicine", he said.
So i did as told. To my surprise, he congratulated me for i was pregnant, positive, 5 weeks looking from my prolactin and beta hcg levels. I was stunned with thanksgiving!
It really felt like God has answered my prayers. He delivered me from man's judgement! I couldnt have asked for more, but He gave me more! Truly, "He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think." Eph 3:20. I'm carrying twins! (Ps: we do not have any twin records throughout the generations we know of)
We never expected to have kids this fast, immediately the month after we got married! We were still tired and worn out with the celebration, honeymoon and getting back to work. It was tedious for the both of us and we rarely had quality time together. So, we did intend to spend the approaching holidays well!
My husband is the only and firstborn son in his family. Though i knew that his parents really hoped for grandchildren asap, i was astonished to find out that they doubted my fertility due to my slim figure. Quoting from my husband, he was told to feed me with better nutritions or i might have trouble conceiving. Gosh, i was quite depressed hearing that, moreover only being married for two weeks then! Its not like ive been married for ages and havent shown any signs of pregnancy!
However, that did not deprive my faith - thank God. I started praying, not for children at that time, but for defence. I remember repeating two verses in particular in my prayers:
"God is close to the broken hearted"
"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
Life goes on as usual. There was a moment when i started to feel hungry more often and had gastric problems. Because my monthly period was late as well, so i did a test at home. And since the lines were negative, pregnancy didnt cross my mind. But we still decided to go to the gynae for a check up because i was spotting.
Pause/
The gynae confirmed no pregnancy, my womb was empty but he did a blood test just to be double sure before prescribing me medications to foster period. "Call back in a couple of days to check on your result before taking the medicine", he said.
So i did as told. To my surprise, he congratulated me for i was pregnant, positive, 5 weeks looking from my prolactin and beta hcg levels. I was stunned with thanksgiving!
It really felt like God has answered my prayers. He delivered me from man's judgement! I couldnt have asked for more, but He gave me more! Truly, "He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think." Eph 3:20. I'm carrying twins! (Ps: we do not have any twin records throughout the generations we know of)
Miracle numero uno
Definitely being married!
Its such a great and wonderful transition! It surely feels like a woman! What am i before? A girl? :)
They say married life is an eye opener and many couples thrive to survive the first moments of it. We didnt. Life was good. Quoting from my husband: it feels great waking up with someone beside you and falling asleep wrapped by loving arms, especially on rainy days and thunderstorms.
I guess its the little things that you do that keeps the flame burning but also, it the little of the other things that you do not sweat that makes life an enjoyable one! Guess the little things does matter or it doesnt! Well, you get what i mean.
Its such a great and wonderful transition! It surely feels like a woman! What am i before? A girl? :)
They say married life is an eye opener and many couples thrive to survive the first moments of it. We didnt. Life was good. Quoting from my husband: it feels great waking up with someone beside you and falling asleep wrapped by loving arms, especially on rainy days and thunderstorms.
I guess its the little things that you do that keeps the flame burning but also, it the little of the other things that you do not sweat that makes life an enjoyable one! Guess the little things does matter or it doesnt! Well, you get what i mean.
Hello
Life is a magnificent journey filled with unexpected surprises which i call them: miracles and times when what we desire becomes reality: wishes. And I don't wanna lose a moment remembering them.
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