THIRD TRIMESTER WITH MANNY

Click here for our journal on the first trimester and here for the second trimester.


Verse that Comforts Us
"Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path." -- Psalm 119:105


On Manny

You are now a full-term baby.  Yayy, praise the LORD.  You have grown steadily and healthily thus far.  And you have filled out most of the space inside of Mamah's tummy.  :-)

WEEK OF REFLECTION

This week has been a week full of reflection for me.


Two years ago, about this time, I was in a biking accident.  And today, all my injuries had healed and are no longer bothering me even though I have to modify some of my activities to avoid straining my injuries again.  For example, I'd do my pregnancy exercise (pelvic rock) with my upper body on the bed instead of supported by my hands on the floor.  My wrists appreciate this better after the accident :-)

TIP: CLEAN OR DIRTY DISHWASHER

It could be the pregnancy brain syndrome that I have which has caused me to be a little forgetful than I used to be.  These days, sometimes I would wash the clean dishes twice or forget to run the dishwasher for the dirty dishes.  Opppsss.

BRADLEY CLASS (PART 2 OF 2)

Click here for my take in explaining the big picture of the Bradley class and what it's about.


So today I want to share more about why Marcel and I choose the Bradley method as our first approach in preparing for the childbirth.

BRADLEY CLASS (PART 1 OF 2)

Twelve weeks had passed.  Last night, Marcel and I finally "graduated" from the Bradley Class.  Now, it's just a matter of time until our final exam -- Manny's birth.  :-)


What is a Bradley Class and why did we take it?

CRAVING: SOTO MIE SUKABUMI

I blame it on my sister!!!  It's because of reminiscing with her that I suddenly craved Soto Mie Sukabumi.  But I didn't know how to make it.  So I sucked my thumb dreaming about it.  :-(

Three days later (which is today), my sister got a surprise call from her childhood friend who lives in the area.  He works as a chef and just heard that my sister's in town visiting me.  What's more surprising is that he just cooked Soto Mie yesterday and has some extra to share with us!  Wahoooo.

Without thinking twice, my sister agreed to pick it up so to satisfy my pregnancy craving (so nice of her).  But when we were to head out, we got a flat tire.  Boo hoo!!!  With the taste of Soto Mie dangling at the tip of our tongue, we (my sister and Marcel haha) fixed the flat tire then off we went to fetch the Soto Mie.

Oh my goodness, it was SOOOOOOOOOO nom nom.  A nice treat for Cici and Marcel after fixing the flat tire.  A nice way to satisfy my craving.  And did I mention it's Manny's first time trying Soto Mie?  He liked it too as he stroke my belly gently instead of stomping it.  Awww, you're welcome, Baby.

I've been thinking of a name for this Soto Mie because it's yummier than the one in Sukabumi.  So I think I'm gonna call this Soto Mie "Gayung" or Dipper Noodles Soup?  HAHAHA.

Anyway, I owe BIG thanks to Ko Yung-Yung.  Xie xie, Ko.  It's really super yummy lhoooo.

TIP: CHANGING FLAT TIRE

The culprit

When I was in college, Marcel didn't let me buy my own car and drive by myself unless I knew how to change a flat tire.  So one of the training I had to pass in "Marcel's Driving School" was changing a flat tire.  I had to change about 10 tires before he finally gave me the green sign.  Phewwww :-) *it's OK ... he meant well and I appreciate him*


This afternoon, when my sister and I were on the way out, she found one of our car tires deflated.  Oh nooo.  What to do with my big belly?  Praise the Lord, Marcel works from home today.  So he could assist my sister in changing the tire.  Poor sister ... came all the way from Indo (where her driver would do all this for her) to deal with this.


When was the last time you had a flat tire?  Do you know how to change a flat tire?  Well, in case you (yes including you, Ladies) need some refresher, here are the steps to change a flat tire:

UPDATE: PREGO'S BELLY BUTTON

My 35-week belly button

Remember my belly button at 21 weeks? Hehehe, I'm here to document its changes over the past 3.5 months.

LITTLE KID INSIDE OF HIM

Have you ever heard the phrase: "There's a little kid inside all of us?"  I'm sure you have.  Well, I have a recent story to share with you about that.

GROWTH SPURT?

I'm still hauling a "precious cargo" and 35 weeks along today.  This "precious cargo" is, I believe, experiencing a growth spurt at the moment.

PREGNANCY STRETCH MARKS

Side view of my 34-week belly.  See those stretch marks in the bottom right corner?

I'm 34-almost-35 weeks now.  My belly has grown very significantly in the past 6 weeks.  It grew 6cm in "diameter."  I've been enjoying my pregnancy so far. I actually LOVE being pregnant.  It grows the woman in me through every step of the way.  Pregnancy is definitely one of my favorite life experiences.

One of the things I've been looking forward to experiencing with the pregnancy is STRETCH MARKS.

CLOTH DIAPERING STARTER KIT

How exciting!!!  The cloth diapers finally arrived earlier this week.

Marcel calls these mushroom diapers cause they look like mushrooms upside down

As the starting point and after much research and "interviewing" mommy friends who have been cloth diapering their babies, Marcel and I decided to get a dozen of bumGenius 4.0 (links at the bottom).


bumGenius 4.0 comes in two fastener options: "hook and loop" or "snap".  The "snap" closing is the one with the snap buttons to adjust the waist line.  The "hook and loop" is the one with the velcro just like the disposable diapers.  We got the "hook and loop" to start with because we feel like it's easier to put on and adjust than the "snap" one.  But I guess we will see how it fits us when the baby comes.  :-)


How exciting!!!!  I think I will blog more about my experience in cloth diapering once I get my feet wet on it.  For now, I can't wait to put these on Manny ... can't wait for him to pee and poo on them :-)


Exciting exciting!!!

DIAPER CAKE

Apart from the Indonesian cheese cake, another of our favorite cake is the Diaper Cake hehehe.


For our baby Manny, Ci Kiki kindly made a special one.  Thank you, Ci Kiki, for the lovely cake.  They will be useful for Manny and encouraging for me and Marcel.  Thank you for the thoughtful gift.

Cutely wrapped diaper cake 

Couldn't wait to unwrap it

Some of them have the encouraging and humbling verses needed by every new parent!!!  Can't wait to put these on Manny.  I wish I can sew the Bible verses on Manny's cloth diapers too.  :-)  Maybe my next next next nesting project?  Hmmmm....

Feeling so loved to love,


Yanny

NESTING: BABY DRESSER AND CRIB

Another productive weekend for our nesting projects.


We finally got a dresser that is of a perfect height for diaper changing station.  Since it's the floor sample one, the dresser was 25% off.  YAYYY!!!  We love bargains!!!  Not only that we can use this for diaper changing station, we can also store baby clothes in here.  LOVE the multi-functional items.

The dresser filled with baby items from Cici Bao Zhu, Cici Chloe Kecil, Koko Nathan and Koko Ryan as well as from the baby shower by lots of loving Aunties.  Thank you, Cicis, Kokos and Aunties.

Baby items are organized by size and type so to make it easier for us to store and grab while changing the baby clothes on-the-go and on sleepy nights in the future.  We got the dresser dividers from the Container Store.  They are so functional and easy to use.

The handed-down diaper pad from Cici Amy.  We place the water-proof rubber pad over it to avoid it being soiled too often.  Thank you, Cici Amy and Cici Jojo.

The handed-down crib set from Koko Ryan.  We secured the drop bar and  turned that side against the wall so to avoid injuries.  And for now, we install the crib bumper unless the baby does not need it and/or we find it more secure without it.  Thank you, Koko Ryan, for sharing your full-of-love and full-of-pee-pee crib.  :-)

What a blessed pregnancy and baby we have!!!  Thank you, Lord, for the extended families who love and care for us and our not-yet-born baby.


Unto the next nesting project: the hospital bag!!!  Uh-hu!!!!

TIPS: APPLYING PHOTO ON REUSABLE BAG

As our token of appreciation for the outpouring love from the Aunties to Baby Manny, we shared these personalized reusable bags for them to use.  Especially for those Aunties in the Bay Area who are trying to support the GO GREEN campaign.


In this post, I'd like to share how we personalize the bags:


Step 1 - Obtain the reusable bags.  You can make or buy them.  I bought them online from "1bagatatime" -- a Californian company -- because the material is quite sturdy and the bag can stand up as you put your groceries in.  To top it off, I love their Customer Service: very friendly, not pushy, and quick shipment.

Step 2 - Print the design on an iron-on transfer paper.  I bought the papers from Michael's.  Make sure you buy the right paper: for dark vs. white color fabric.  And also follow the printing directions provided by the paper manufacturer. 

Step 3 - Cut up the designs accordingly and peel the paper lining.

Step 4 - Place the design on the bag before placing a wax/parchment paper over it.

Step 5 (Optional) - Place a dish towel over the wax paper before pressing the iron on it.  This is to avoid burning the bag.  Make sure you follow the ironing instructions provided by the paper manufacturer.

Step 6 - The result is ready in 20 seconds.  Tadaaa!!!! 

Yayyy to going green.  Hope you find this useful.

MANNY'S JOURNAL: 29 - 33 WEEKS

HI GUYS!!!!

It's me again.  Still in the tummy.  Mamah said that she's not ready to evacuate me yet.  So I'm staying in to develop some more.


We went to see the doctor the other day.  She said that I'm growing as expected and Mamah is looking healthy as well.  Thank you, Lord.


The time is coming closer for me to come out.  I learned that if I turn upside down and frontside back, it will be a lot easier and safer for me to come out.  So I'm starting to make my way down even though it's a little tight in here.  But I'll manage!!!  :-)  Now my head is already on Mamah's lower left corner; and my feet on Mamah's upper right corner (I can still tickle her).


I still kick and stretch like before.  But to add to the fun, I can do some tricks now.  I can now do a "high five" if Mamah's belly is touched.  And I also can do a 拍拍手 (pāipāishǒu) / clapping hands by pushing and rubbing against Mamah's tummy with my hands if she sings.

What else to share with you?  Oh oh, nice Aunties were throwing us a shower.  It was so much fun.  A proper fellowship for Mamah and Papah before I come out.  Thank you, Aunties.  I'll kiss each one of you (with my saliva too??) when I come out.  Hehe.  Click here for the photos from the shower.

And lastly before I go back to sleep, Mamah told me to share the above photo with you.  She said that it's going to be my future room.  Looks like when I'm not sleeping on Mamah and Papah's bed, I won't be too far from them cause we're sharing a room.  Yayyyy!!!


Until next time, All!

HEALTHY MOM OR HEALTHY BABY

This week we talked about birth plan in our childbirth class.  The timing is right because Marcel and I are in the process of finalizing ours.


As our teacher helped us think of the birth options and our priorities in case of complications, she asked, "Would you rather have a healthy mom or a healthy baby?"


Right until before that question, Marcel and I were still in agreement with the other options.  We were easily able to put the options in the priorities we agreed upon.  But that question had us thinking and discussing for awhile.


I chose "healthy baby" as my priority out of my mommy instinct.  My reasoning is because as an adult, it is easier for me to cope with the "unhealthiness."  But for our baby, being new to this world, it must be more challenging for him to cope.  And it may need medical intervention too to cope since babies don't really have that self defense mechanism as mature as the adults do.


On the other hand, Marcel chose "healthy mom" because to him:
1) A healthy mom can better nurture unhealthy baby than an unhealthy mom can
2) A healthy mom (and the dad) may still have a chance to conceive more baby in the future to continue the generation.  But that is not an option if there were a healthy baby and the dad only

His sharing got me pondering on our pre-marital counseling with Pastor Hosea.  Pastor asked a similar question to Marcel back then, "If your wife and kid are drowning, who would you rescue first?"  And Pastor Hosea explained to us the responsibility of a husband based on Ephesians 5:25.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." -- Ephesians 5:25

It's only been 5 years since our counseling with Pastor Hosea.  While this has been a very familiar concept to me, I again was humbled by how teachable, responsible, and respectful my hubby Marcel is.  That teaching really resonated in Marcel's heart.  He took his responsibility as Christ follower so seriously.  He is convinced that what the Bible says is The Truth and The Light.  And with all his humility, he follows through what the Bible guides him.


So going back to the birth plan, at the end we both agreed "healthy mom" first, and then "healthy baby."

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." -- Theodore Hesburgh

I pray today for those who are still waiting for their soul mate to diligently pray and ask from God the soul mate that respects, fears, and follows the Lord.  And for those who are married to an amazing spouse, praise the Lord constantly for that wonderful gift.  Finally, for those who are yearning for a changed person in your significant other, I long to pray with and for you that God will pour upon your relationship His deliverance.


May this be a blessing.  Please let me know how I can be praying for you today.  If you're interested to hear a quick 1.5-minute encouragement today, you can listen to True Love.


Until next time,


The oh-so-loved-by-her-hubby Yanny
:-)

MYSTERY OF DOWN UNDER

View from above my 32-week tummy

By now, everything below my belly button is quite a mystery to me.  :-)  I can't see my feet.  I can't see my lower belly.  It's challenging to find out by myself if I have developed pregnancy stretch marks or not.


But pretty soon ... a sweet and cute mystery will come out from down under.  :-)  I can't wait to see our baby eye-to-eye.  Hope you are as excited to see Mamah and Papah as we are, Manny.

SQUAGEL

When not secretly taping me, another thing my labor coach hubby diligently does every night is making sure that I do my pregnancy exercises.  We have quite a number of iterations to do every day as our homework.  Sometimes, I do combine them for the sake of time :-).


Have you ever heard of SQUAGEL before?  Here you go!!!

MY LABOR COACH

This is one of the pregnancy routines that my labor coach hubby does every night when he comes home.

He grabs my pink sheet and looks up nutrition facts online

Then he counts how much protein I have had for the day

Every day, he diligently does this to make sure I have at least 80 grams of protein in preparation for the labor and delivery.  If I'm off track, he keeps me accountable by preparing me protein-filled food for dinner and midnight snacks.


For him, protein means business!!!  What a great labor coach I have!!!  I can't and don't want to ask for a better one.  I have the BEST coach!!!


Thank you, Lord, for Hubby Cel.  Thank you, Hubby Cel, for encouraging me this way :-).  Woof you!!!