Our First Christmas as a Family

We've stayed in San Juan for 5 days starting on 22nd December. The weather seems not good as it is always raining, so most of the time, we're staying at home. It's not a city place, no malls, doesn't even have a Jollibee so more likely what we're doing is staying at home.

December 24th is my mother's birthday though my family is complete there (in Lucena City), only myself wasn't there, they still have celebration during night time - this is our tradition as a family. My mother-in-law (mil) and her daughter - Angelica, prepares the food for 'Noche Buena'. To be honest, I'm not helping them much as I'm not that too familiarize in what they usually prepared but she did asked me what food to cooked for christnas, I've just made few requests and some desserts.

At 10pm I made a call to my sisters back in Lucena as they are currently cooking, most of the time one of each has something to prepared for christmas - this one was I trully missed. I've just greeted them a Merry Christmas. Aleina was already sleep and I was only waiting for the clock to tick to 12mn! And it's christmas.

As for my waiting, I unfortunately fall asleep, Albert too! When I wake up, I immediately check on the time... Ta-da it's 12:30 midnight! I dont hear any sounds or noise from the kitchen nor living room. So I wake up my dear Albert and tell him, we've missed it. We went out of our room and saw that Albert's family are already asleep... Very unfortunate for that this time is a bit wasted! No family pictures, nothing!

So we've decided to go back to sleep, and we didnt eat or have our noche buena.

That morning when we wake up, there's quite a lot of people in the house where I can hear some voices. Althroughout the day, the christmas day seems to be like a "fiesta" where I saw there's a lot of people coming in there and asking for some "papasko".

Since, I am not too familiar with their visitors, I've rather stayed inside the room. My mil sometimes pick up my Aleina to bring her outside and show their visitors her grandchild.

Aleina's First Flight to Philippines

December 19, 2012 - Aleina's first time to fly (first ride in the airplane) and a trip to Philippines. Inside the plane, we've prepared Aleina's feeding (her formula milk) during take offs as we've noticed before that mosst babies are crying as this will hurt their ears during take offs. Well, we are actually expecting Aleina to cry but surprisingly our baby managed to have an almost no-cry trip!

We've stayed in our house in Las Pinas for 4 days coz we'd attended our college's friend Riza to her wedding in Pasic City. On December 22, we again prepared baby Aleina a very long trip (4hours) to the province - going to Batangas. We've rented out a van for her so we can expect a (somehow) shorter hour of trip; if we go for a bus we might expect to have a trip of at least 5 hours. We left early as 6am from Las Pinas and our first stop is my hometown - Lucena City. I'm so excited to show Aleina to my family especially to Tatay; before we heading to Batangas.

Along the way, we're already in Lucena, very near to my Tatay's house - Aleina was consistently crying... I've almost cry for her cries. I can't do anything, we've tried to get her attention and played to her but still crying. So I've just get out of the car and get Aleina out of it too, as well as Albert. Immediately Aleina stop crying. While walking (the van is almost following us too) Aleina looks at the van and smile and giggle... Oooaahhhh!

We've arrived in Lucena before 12noon, just right for our lunch. My step-mother, Tita Neneth and sisters prepared the food for all of us - seems like a mini fiesta! I left Aleina at home (in Lucena City) to be with her grandparents and cousins so I could send Albert's family to SM - to buy some grocery and an aircondition.

By 4pm, we've left Lucena again and headed to San Juan, Batangas - Albert's hometown.

Do Me A Favor - Review

Website: http://www.domeafavor.com.sg/

I found this website in google, when I was searching for idea and where to buy for Aleina's give away for her upcoming baptism day. While I was browsing this website, I found that I think I can use those customized candies as a party give aways.

Transaction goes smoothly and everything online.

Before ordering online, I placed my inquiry first via email. Then the nexy day got replied to this girl. Placed my order the same day then made a bank transfer to their account as payment. Payment was made in FULL. My order is quite short day noticed as I was a bit late to found this website, but still they managed to do take order.

Delivery - was on time. I was told that the delivery will come on Saturday 11am, and it reached my doorstep almost 11am.

Customer Service - also ok. Promptly replying to my email.

Tastes of candies - well, I could not make a comment here coz the candies I ordered was just a normal candies/chocolates (eg chocolate Kisses, etc).

Design - Label designs are cute, I am quite ok with it thought some of the design I want was not accepted coz it wasn't in her template. They do customize in terms of letter and colors only.

Price - a bit pricey. (Better if you do it yourself :))

Overall, experience was also good. Can recommend to other mummies who got no extra time for doing customization.

Overall Rating: 3/5

Cake Avenue - Review

My transaction with Cake Avenue is everything is online. I'd browsed their website and their Facebook page for their cake designs. I prefer that you visit Cake Avenue FB page for the updated lists of their designed and customized cakes.

The contact person from Cake Avenue was Natalie. She's quite good in all my enquiries and reply to me promptly; never misses any questions I had particularly in the customization I want to have in my cake.

I can say to their service that:

Design - design is really nice, superb! I couldn't ask for more as it was perfect. Everything I've request for the customization, was done properly.

Taste - Taste is also good - choco fudge (if I could remember); the cake is not so sweet, just right! But since I ordered a fondant cake, the icing is really sweet. I bring some part of the cake in the office, all of my colleagues and teammates said that the cake taste really good.

Delivery - they deliver my order on time.

Price - a bit pricey + delivery also got a fee... (I just hoped for delivery fee to be waived hehehehe). I've checked with other bake shop, the price is just the same as theirs.

All in all, I am happy with their service and my experience with them. I can try them next time with no hesitation!

Overall Rating: 4/5

The White Depot / Pinoy Catering SG - Review

I can't decide whether should go for catering or I'll cook for my baby's baptism. I think of that if I cook, I'll be getting tired tired althrough the day, so in the end I choose for catering.

I would like to get first my sister's caterer about 4 years ago. Unfortunately, I couldn't get any contact of that caterer from my sister so I've just search in Pinoy SG Forum.

I found this Pinoy Catering SG in the Classified Ads section of Pinoy SG. Initial discussion was fine, my contact's name is Tintin. She is prompt in all my emails and inquiries to them. For this I can say that, is their customer service is good.

In the actual event, all I can say with their review is that:

Price - quite expensive compare to the local caterers

Food - I like their food, tastes is just right!

Delivery - they come late of at least 30 minutes compare to our scheduled delivery time. 

Pick Up - they wasnt be able to pick up their things from our house (the venue), and collected their things the next morning. Still fine coz they ask for permission for this which is also I allowed. But when they picked up, they missed they table accessories in our house and collected it after 3 months!

Food Serving - I initially ordered 30 pax, when I noticed that I might having more guests than expected, I asked them to top up for 5 more pax. I can say that, I feel being cheated as the serving is not enough for 30 pax! I got around 24pax only but I feel that the food is not enough especially the beef and pork! By 4pm, the veggie (broccoli with mushroom if I can remember) was spoiled already. I am thinking that if the food was delivered fresh to us, it will not become spoiled just so easily!

Others - I've told to Tintin that I'm going to rent out their cupcake tier for about $15 and she told me that she will lend me it for FREE. When I came back from the church, there's no cupcake tier. Feel so cheated again and disappointed for their service.

Well, this is just my experience with them. And, will not going to use them again...

Hoping that others will have a good experience.

Overall Rating: 1/5

Aleina's Baptism Day

St. Anne Church - Aleina's Baptism Day = 28 October 2012

It was Friday (26 Oct), 2 days before Aleina's baptism, we attend a Prepatory Session required by St. Anne Church. In this session, we were told that any parents/participant who were unable to attend in this session will not be allowed their child to be baptised on this coming Sunday. The next prepartory session will be held on December. We are very lucky that Poland (one of Aleina's godfather) is cooperative and supportive for us; and he really allot his time to attend the session.

28th October, Sunday - the weather is sunny, just right for our event though the reception is just inside our flat. The church is just 15minutes walk from our place. We've start preparation of Aleina at around 8:30 in the morning still we're late in Sunday mass. We have arrived I think in the middle of the Sunday mass. At least, we're not late for the baptism ceremony.

After the Sunday mass, we still have 15minutes allowance before the actual baptism ceremony commence. In which they advise the parents of the child, to feed their baby first, as much as possible. During this time, some of our guests especially godparents arrived in church.

Initially I thought ceremony will only take about 1 hour. Due to the reason that infant baptism is doing by batch, the actual duration takes for at least 2.5hours.

It was past 2pm already when we reached our flat - the reception venue. All of the food I ordered are there, with full setup and decorated completely! Thanks to my sister, cousin Irish and mil for helping us decorate the house while we're in the church.

I loved the dessert table decorations! Where we placed the cake and other give aways.

Aleina's Baptism Preparation - Part 1

At first, we're not fully decided to where we can baptize our baby Aleina. In Filipino tradition, we were told (by my grandmother) that if a baby needs to travel, s/he should be baptise first. This is one consideration we took to make our decision that our precious baby Aleina will be baptised here in Singapore coz we've already set our vacation this coming December - to celebrate christmas and new year in the Philippines - with our respective family.

Before you've move which food, theme and other more party planning details, first you need to finalize the following first:

1. Church
2. Date & Time
3. Venue

First things first, we need to secure to where we can register Aleina for her baptism. Then other planning should be followed like venue, food, decorations, give aways, etc.

Church: Scouting around, searching the internet, with the help of google, I've found quite a number of church to where we can have the ceremony. Most of them required the following:

1. Marriage Certificate of the child's parent issued by the church
2. Birth certificate of the infant/baby
3. Child's Godparents (1 female and/or 1 male). Child's sponsor/s should provide their baptismal and confirmation certificates.
4. Attendance for preparatory session is compulsory for parents and godparents.
5. Should register the baby at least 2 weeks before the baptism

First thing I've inquired was Sacred Heart Church, near Dobhy Gaut mrt. I've been here in this church once, during my nephew's baptism about 4yrs ago. As I know, that the church doesn't have much requirement for baptism compare with other churches. I've called the church's office to make inquiries but unfortunately we cannot proceed with this church for the following reasons:

• I should register my church near my place
• If we were regularly attending mass to that church, we will be allowed.

Btw, my sister managed to have her son to be baptized here even though they only had a marriage certificate which is not issued by the church - as they only have civil wedding. According to her, they also didn't have to undergo a prepatory session, which is more I like :).

So moving forward, I think I've got no choice but to register in St. Anne's church. St. Anne's is quite strict with their requirements; I was having difficulty to get baptism and confirmation certificates of at least 1 godparents we've chosen. At least, we're still lucky that Albert's colleague, Aleina's godfather, who managed to gave us his certificates so we've finalized the venue, date and time for our infant's Baptism.

   

Date and Time: St Anne church only have schedule for Infant Baptism every last Sunday of the (even) months. So, we've only left with 2 options: Oct 28 and December 23. We choose Oct 28 @ 11am coz we've assume that by Dec 23, we might have been flown to Philippines for our vacation.

   

Reception: Just right in time, after we've finalized the church, the date and time, we're now discussing to where will be our reception after the baptism ceremony. Our initial plan was to have the reception at The Studio (http://thestudiobar.sg/) but since the church is near our place, so we've decided to hold it in our flat in Sengkang.

Aleina's Baptism Preparation - Part 2

After completing the basic requirements for baptism - church, date/time and the reception venue, I am now thinking of which theme is appropriate for my baby. Coz for me, if I prepare at least a theme, I will have the idea of whatelse to plan - with the help of google of course! So, I've chosen white and pink colours with prints and stripes.

So below are the list I think that I need to prepare or engaged with: 

• Guests & Invitations
• Food Catering Services
• Cake
• Give Aways
• Decorations
• DIY Photobooth - my husband is so techy so he told me he want a photobooth for my child so I was fine with this.

Guests

We only invited our family, godparents and closed-friends in our party. As this is only a small celebration, we didn't invite more people.

Invitations

I've sent an invitation to my guests at least 2 weeks before the actual event through Facebook Event. I design Baptismal Invitation using Adobe Photoshop and placed it in my Facebook event page. I also did a print out of this invitation and set out to Aleina's godparent to make it more official ;).

Cake

Now that I've got my theme, I've read lots of forum to where can I get a good cake (in terms of design and taste, of course). For this kind of event, the cake is really not so important, but I'd still want to proceed as this is my very first baptism preparation to my child - it really gets me excited! Browsing around the Cake Avenue's facebook page, I was really amazed of their designs so I made an inquiry with them for my desired cake. Alas, I've managed to order a cake to them at least 3 weeks before the event. I also found out that Natalie is good in customer service and she is prompt to my inquires.

Food Catering

Since all of our guests are Filipinos, I've decided to cater to a Filipino caterer. I've got a contact to Pinoy Catering SG with the use of PinoySG Forum. The main person I contact with is Tintin, seems quite good at first and also, replied my queries promptly though their price is quite expensive compare to the local caterer.

Give Aways

After tons of tons of browsing, sometimes I even find myself browsing at US websites, I have found a good website that offers customization - Do Me A Favor. I've found their candies, lollies and other sweets can be cuztomized according to your theme so I've decided to stick to it.

Decorations

2 weeks before the event, my friend Rio & Marge (together with their bf, TJ & Marvin, respectively) helped me for my diy stuffs. They are also excited of decorating the entire living room for this event. Sadly, Marge & Marvin, wasnt be able to attend to the party as they need to fly back to Philippines to prepare for their wedding for January 2013.

DIY Photobooth

Albert's prepare the necessary equipments needed for his DIY photobooth especially his photobooth software. Since we have a vacant room, we allot this for our photobooth section. My sister helped me to decorate this room as well as the backdrop (background), my niece and nephew are also enjoying helping their mom... :)

I'll share my photos in my next post.

Applying Philippine Passport for NewBorn

Aleina was discharged from KKH Hospital on July 21, 2012, Saturday. All the documents was processed and prepared by my hubby :). The next day, we immediately go to Phil Embassy in Nassim Road (Singapore) for our baby Aleina's passport. Newborn baby is always their priority to process first. Though Aleina got 42 days of stay in Singapore (special pass) we're targetting to have Aleina her passport before September 1 coz there will be a new rule issued by the MOM (Ministry of Manpower) that the salary requirement for an EP holder (Employment Pass Holder) will be increased. So, again this is our goal - to have Aleina a dependent pass, so she can stay in Singapore as much as possible.

Sunday morning, my husband left our house at 6am and proceed in the PH Embassy. Of course, at this hour the embassy is still closed and will only open by 8am. After 2 hours of queuing, he called us and informed us to prepare and go directly to the embassy as soon as possible. We've arrived in the embassy at almost 10am. Since we have a newborn baby (that time Aleina was just 8 days old!), we're allowed to come inside the office. Btw, we dont have an appointment coz we're not sure when is Aleina's schedule discharged from the hospital.

Below are the documents we've prepared for Aleina's passport processing, both original and photocopy:

- Marriage Certificate (with red ribbon or DFA authenticated)

- Aleina's Birth Certificate / Report of Birth

- Passport Application Form

- Parent's Passport (and Singapore IC)

- Cash Payment $102.

Click here, for complete reference. http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/consular/report-of-birth/

Pls note that the embassy only accepts marriage certificate with DFA authentication if the parent are married in the Philippines. If the marriage was place outside of PH, then no need for DFA authentication. If you need further information about this, I would strongly advise to call the embassy.

We still queue inside the embassy office coz we are not the only one whose processing the passport of their newborn baby. As I remember, there are at least 8 newborn in the room. There's still a queue for a passport picture taking inside. For the baby, it might take more time than the usual to take her shot coz you need to get baby's attention and should be awake.

In the outside, where lot of people there queuing including my hubby, he prepared the documents and passed to the counter (I forgot which window number hehehe). The documents needs to be validated as well as the application form. After doing this, we've moved to the payment window/counter. We prepared exact amount ($102) to make it quick transaction. We've managed to complete this process at almost 1pm.

We've advised that for newborn it may 5 weeks before our passport arrived. Ang received the info sheet that Aleina's passport will arrived on August 31, which is exactly almost the deadline for our Dependent Pass Application.

Passport collection:

By 29th August, I've managed to collect Aleina's passport in which the date should be 31st of August. Immediately I've send the details to my hubby so that he can forward this information to his HR and help us process for Aleina's DP.

Aleina's Full Month Celebration cum Post Baby Shower

My friends suggested to have a baby shower for me, while my baby is still inside my tummy. I dont seem to like to hold a baby shower party without the assurance that my baby will be ok after her birth, which my hubby also agreed to me too.

So after Aleina was born, we'd planned to hold her first month birthday mini-party @ home, we treated this as post baby shower as well. Unfortunately, that time I was sick! But this doesn't stop the party though. My mil and Ate Nene helped us to cook the food for my guests. In fact, my friends (guests) did bring their food too like pizza, chewy donut, etc. I invited only a closed friends of ours.

The party is quite short though they stayed longer for some chit-chat. They were also insist to put some decoration @ home, with the use of balloons. It's quite a pleasure for me having them and this party, to celebrate Aleina's full month.

Our friends

mini celebration... full month

Aleina's 1st Month

Aleina's First Week of Life

Aleina's first week of life is in the hospital, in KKH.

Day 1: In her first day, she has undergone some monitoring in which the doctor found out that my baby is having a high blood sugar. This is not a surprise to us due to me having GD during pregnancy. So the doctors are closely monitoring her for improvements. At day 1, I wasn't be able to see her personally, only in pictures taken by her daddy using camera phone.

Day 2: At day 2, they have done one procedure to her, dilute her blood coz it was found that her blood is sticky. (I dont know the exact procedure name, but there's a procedure). My hubby signed to that procedure before the doctors can proceed.

Day 3: they are still monitoring her, but my baby's condition is progressing, stabilizing more. My family and friends visit us in the hospital and at the same time, we've celebrated Albert's birthday. They also tried to see my little Aleina in the Special Care Unit, but was not succeeded. As SCU only allowed parents and grandparents to visit the newborn there. I was informed also by the nurse that I can be discharge from the hospital - as instructed my OB Gyne as well.

Day 4: Leaving from the hospital with an empty-hand and hoping that Aleina will be out of hospital too soon. I woke up early to prepare my things. Before Albert and mil arrived in the hospital, I have almost packed up my things and put it inside my bag. While waiting for the right time (11:30 to discharge). Mix emotion striked again, it's too difficult to leave my baby in the hospital and I am going home without her. Feeling guilty but I couldnt stay in the hospital as to our hospital bill is also going to hit high. So I just remind myself that the doctors and nurses there will take care of my precious Aleina. During this time, Aleina's blood sugar is now stable but still in SCU. Her feeding is having a very small amount of formula milk in mls. Then gradually increase every day or 12 hours or so.

Day 5: Aleina is still in the hospital. I stayed at home all day long, didnt go to the hospital to take full rest so I can go to hospital the next day as much as I can (just thinking). But hubby is regularly visiting Aleina and at the same time, send her my expressed breastmilk (ebm). After work, Albert visit Aleina in which he've sent me bad news. My baby got jaundice (but the doctors never informed us about it!). I'm too worried and ask hubby to talked to the doctor in duty there, if not the nurse. I cant do anything about it but cried and prayed. I asked GOD why? I have had enough! I prayed to GOD that hopefully He could send me one person to talk to me (in the hospital) about Aleina's real condition.

Day 6: The next morning, I rushed down to the hospital - to visit Aleina and deliver her my ebm. I stayed there for full day, so happy that out or 3 tries of latching only 1 have succeeded! Still lucky at least there's 1. According to the nurse there, jaundice is a common to newborn babies. It usually appears in a baby's few days of life - especially born through cs operation. So there's nothing to worry. In the afternoon, I have talked to one Pedia Doc on duty. This time I remembered last night what I've prayed for, it feels like I was talking to an angel. She got soft voices and told me that I should not be worried, and gives me hope that I could bring Aleina back home soonest as long as everything went well. As her thinking, Aleina's is almost ready to take home, just told me no need to rush. I left the hospital at night time around 9pm, stay there at the whole day carrying and taking care my precious Aleina.

Day 7: This is our very first day. Hoping that we could bring our baby Aleina home. We'll wait will night for as long as she is ready to be home! I'm expecting that at least we could bring her home at 11am, talking to nurse asking them here and there, but no signal from the doctor yet. Until, one nurse informed me that we could go by 5pm. 5pm had passed still not discharge from the hospital yet but Aleina's prick in her foot has been taken away... I cant wait for too long anymore! So patience is a virtue! The nurses prepared Aleina's things, clothes and vaccination. By 7pm, we left the hospital will Aleina's things. Soo much happy. When we arrived home, my family are waiting for our precious little baby Aleina.

My Pregnancy Journey

It was 29th day of November when my pregnancy test result comes out to be POSITIVE. At long last, after so many tries, we've finally made it. At the very first time I saw this 2 red lines in my pt (1 is still even faint), still cant believe it. I was so happy to tell this to my hubby.

When I go back to our room, I told my hubby the result and even his self cannot believe it. So he suggested to do one more test. Again, still showing 2 lines. We've decided to keep it to ourselves first and wait for 1 more week. I couldn't hide this happiness I feel inside, I want to confirm my pregnancy as soon as possible so I could not wait for another 1 week. So after 5 days, I bought a Clear Blue Digital Pregnancy Test at Watsons, Compasspoint. This Clear Blue Digital PT will test how far are you in your pregnancy in weeks.

So, when I arrived home I go directly in our toilet to do my testing... Again, still positive and this time it is showing 1-2weeks (which will makes 3-4wks, additional 2wks when counted by the OB). At this stage, the next morning we've decided to set an appointment with an OB Gyne referred by one mommy from PinoySG forum.

First appointment with Dr. Dolly Wee @ Mt Alvernia was on 7th December 2011. Done with my ultrasound and from that I saw my baby so tiny, not even a baby but looks like a bean from the monitor. No heartbeat yet as this is just so early, 5th week of my pregnancy. Then my OB scheduled a visit for another 2 wks.

Second appointment, 7th week of my pregnancy still with Dolly Wee, we can see that my baby's heart is now beating. A simple joy to celebrate for us! Dr Dolly advise me to do exercise and not just stretching coz I am so fat. She is really frank and careless with her words that's why I told my husband that I dont want her to be my gyne to this pregnancy journey.

My husband's colleague refer us a very good gyne from KKH - Dr. Wee Horng Yen. At first, I'm a bit hesitant to set an appointment with him coz he is a MALE gyne. We've done lost of reading from forums, google and lots of reviews about him and found out that he is really good in handling pregnancy, etc. I just think that I'm doing this NOT for myself, but for my baby. There's nothing important in this world, but my baby. So, we've set an appointment with him and from then on I found him good in handling his patients and I also feel comfort through him, as well as his assurance that my pregnancy/baby will be well until I give birth.

On my 20-24wks of pregnancy (forgot exactly which week or date), he requested me to undergo a OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). His nurse ask me to do fasting from 8pm to 8am, 12hrs of no eating. Went to KKH early morning to the testing. I drink a super sweet drinks (almost a glass or 8oz) which the nurses prepared and advise me to go back after an hour. This time, still no eating and no drinking is allowed. One hour have passed and I came back to the nurses' station, this time will get sample of blood from me. They told me that I will receive a call if something is wrong in my result within 1 week time.

After 3 days, I was in the office, I received a call from my husband that KKH has called him and asking for me to return a call. So I do what they was told and found out that I am positive with GD (Gestational Diabetes). I cant believe it first but I just told myself that I'll just follow whatever their advise, all of this is for my baby. I went to Nutrition & Dietetics for 1 day, where there are nurses adn dietitian to teach us what to eat and NOT to eat during our pregnancy, as food intake monitoring is important in our condition. In this, we're only 3 mummies in this room for this day. In the end of the day, they provided us a booklet about dieting, daily meals and snack and to record the result of my blood sugar for every meal.

For 3 months after my positive GD result, I think I can say is I managed to eat well according to my diet plan though there is really sometimes that my result failed. :)

All I can say that my pregnancy went well except for my positive GD condition.

Unexpected Birth

I've stopped my job at July 1, 2012. Since I was under contractual and due to my previous neonatal history, I've requested to end my contract early (about 12 days early as expected). So during my 35weeks and so on, I am staying at home waiting to give birth to my precious Aleina.

We've booked for Maternity Premium Package B (Caesarean Delivery) with Dr. Wee Horng Yen @ KKH on my 32nd week of pregnancy - http://www.kkh.com.sg/Services/Women/MaternityServices/Pages/Home.aspx and paid around $3,000 for the deposit as required by the hospital.

On July 11, 2012 (36w3d), it was my (last) schedule for the NORA Study and NOT my regular visit with my gyne. After my check up/detailed scan, the doctor informed me that I'm having low amniotic fluid. If I remember correctly the number she gave me was 3.8 AFI? For this, they proceed me with further testing, to know the reason why I was having low AF. They got some swab from me and test it, it seems to them that I am not leaking yet, and everything seems normal. I also feel normal. I've asked them if I can go home and come back the next day to see my gyne, but informed me that with that low AF I should be giving birth soonest as possible and monitor my baby from time to time. For this, I'm really worried as in super worried... Too afraid of the possibility that my first pregnancy history repeats. I cant loose this baby now, I've suffered enough and I think that is already enough!

The Survey: It was my 1st trimester in pregnancy, when one lady from KKH has asked me to join for the Neonatal Suvery conducted in the KKH by the SG Government (I think) where they want to study the risk associated in neonatal. So discussing about it, I think it's good for me to join for the following reason - addl test to be conducted which is totally FREE, free ultrasound and they also gave $10 each visit and a MILO. To be honest, I dont aim for $10 I only need is the extra check up they will provide and detailed ultrasound for each visit, ALL TOTALLY FREE. The only requirement is that you are in the early pregnancy and you'll give birth in KKH so they can totally monitor your pregnancy althroughout and even after giving birth. This is not a way of KKH to get more patients but a move of SG Government. The only cons is that, they dont operate in weekends, so if you need to conduct their test or check up, it should be during weekdays, and most of the time I'm taking a half day leave for this.

Heading to the delivery suites and talking to the nurses there, Dr Wee Horng Yen instructed that I should be admitted to the hospital and NOT allowed to go back home. But, I still feel ok though worried about me having low AFI. I asked the survey people if drinking of plenty of water may help for this condition, and said it doesnt help. They wasnt be able to know the reason why I was having low AF. I tried to insist to go home but they ask me to sign a promisory note that anything happens to us (me & baby), the hospital will not be liable. So I've talked to my hubby, and he told me that this time I need to trust my gyne.

July 11, 2012 - We've activated our package during my registration in the Delivery Suite. At that night, I stayed in the hospital and just waiting for me to give birth. I was only 36wks plus, not even 37wks to make it in a safer side. I've discussed with my gyne if possible at least to follow our July 24 CS Schedule, and he told me that it is not possible due to this condition. Then ask, if possible to be it on July 17, hubby's birthday. He replied to me yes this is possible but for everytime I stayed in the hospital, are hospital bill is increasing day by day. I was put in 3 days CTG monitoring to monitor baby's heartbeat and at the same time waiting for the right time administer steroid shots (to help mature baby's lungs) before giving birth. This time, I'm still monitoring my blood sugar.

July 12 - stayed in the hospital just to monitor the baby. At night time, the first shot of steroid was given to me. It was really painful (but bearable). There's only 1 thing in my mind, I dont care how painful it will be, as long as my baby is safe and alive, I'll be ok.

July 13 - after 12hrs+ of the first steroid shot, another/second steroid was administered to me. For this, we need to wait for 24hrs before I scheduled for cs operation. Due to the steroid shot, my blood sugar went so high (around 11+). Due to this, we cannt schedule for cs operation until my blood sugar has been normalized.

July 14 - afternoon, we've talked with Dr Wee about the scheduled operation to be done on Sunday, 15th of July @ 10am. My husband ang I agreed to this, we just dropped the idea of having our baby's birthday the same as her dad's. I have felt mix emotions: excitement, joy, worry.... I told my husband not to worry for me and focus to our precious baby once she's out of my belly. They have left the hospital at around 11pm almost.

At night time, I cant help myself to worry about my baby as this is unexpected birth, a bit early as to my expectation. I was teary-eyed but then suddenly a nurse walk into the room and talk to me. I told her all my worries, I told her I'm so much worried of loosing my baby (this time). She told me, that my condition is almost common and manageable and there's nothing to worry about. Thanks GOD for sending this woman to talk to me at least I find myself at peace. Before I go to bed, I pray hard to GOD to guide us for tomorrow's operation especially to my baby's condition.

July 15 - I wake up early at about 4am, then 6am. Hubby and mil arrived early in the hospital at around 7am they are already in my room. Almost all of our things are ready, we're just waiting for the nurse to assist me to the delivery/operating room. Early compare to the schedule, the nurse ask me to take a shower, etc.

At around 9am I was already inside the operating room, the nurses are talking to me, trying to comfort me and giving me some tips (coz they are about to administer anesthesia). I told them I am still ok, not feeling of too nervous (compared to my first experience when I gave birth to my #1). The anesthesiologist is seems not good coz as far as I could remember, he tried so many times (at least 5 tries) for me to get the correct point for the anesthesia... (Whew, he get me afraid of it, lol).

So once done, they have started the procedure. I choose only regional anesthecia so I'll be aware of what is hapenning around me. I can hear if my baby come out crying or not, or whatever it is. The lady nurse presses so very hard on my belly, the feeling of me almost going to vomit, to push down my baby. After a while, I heard Aleina's first cry. And their rate 9/10... Soooo happy, only one thing I can say in my mind - Thank You LORD so much... Even till now when I remember all this, and while writing this, I've got teary-eyed. All seems fresh.... One nurse first told and congrats me that my baby is well. Then later Dr Wee congratulate me and informed me that due to my GD she needs to be monitored for Low/High Blood Sugar. In the end, all is well.