"Not Yet Pepita..."

It was around 4am when i first experienced the pain. Alvin and I just called it a night around 2am, after seeing everyone home from the post birthday celebration that Alvin had that night.

I thought i just badly wanted to pee so i went downstairs and pee'd. However, when i got back to bed, it just got more painful. It's something like you really have to do number 3 plus terrible menstrual cramps. Around 5am, the pain has not subsided yet so i woke up Alvin. We went back to the bathroom but nothing was coming out but the pain was increasing. I got the book "What To Expect When You're Expecting" and it says there to go to the doctor IMMEDIATELY if you are experiencing the following:

1.) Heavy bleeding or bleeding with cramps or severe pain in the lower abnomen
2.) Severe lower abdominal pain, in the center or on one of both sides, that doesn't subside, even if it isn't accompanied by bleeding
3.) Sudden increase in thirst, accompanied by reduced urination, or no urination at all for an entire day
4.) Painful or burnign urination accompanied by chills and fever over 101.5 degrees farenheight and/or backache
5.) Fever over 101.5 degrees farenheight
6.) Very sudden and severe swellingor puffiness of hands, face and eyes accompanied by headache, vision difficulties or suddend significant weight gain not related to overeating
7.) Vision disturbances that persists for more than a few minutes

I was experiencing number 2.

Alvin carried me to the car while i was crying because of the pain. We went to Paranaque Doctors because it was the one nearest to our house. In the ER, they wanted to admit us immediately without even knowing what is wrong. Something is terribly wrong with this hospital! And also since, my OBGYN is not affiliated with that hospital, we left and proceeded to Manila Doctors Hospital. We picked up Alvin's mom along the way.

When we got to Manila Doctors ER, they wheeled me immediately to the Delivery Room. I looked at Alvin and panicked! I cried on the spot! Pepita is not due till May 1! The nurses and doctors assured me that all the medical facilities and the specialists that i needed were inside the Delivery Room. It doesn't necessarily means that i will go and labor. And so we went. They strapped me to the monitoring equipment, asked questions, did tests and asked more questions. They told us i was having preterm labor. They have to control the contractions otherwise Pepita would go out.

Alvin waited outside. I spent six grueling hours inside the Delivery Room. I watched other mothers scream in pain! I watch them labor. I just kept on shutting my eyes and praying. I was so scared! Thankfully, at around 2pm, contractions were under control and they informed Alvin that they can transfer me to a private room.

As soon as i saw Alvin, i wanted to cry. As expected, he scolded me for not being careful. He told me that my malling will be stopped, no more shopping, no more doing "sidelines", no more meeting with friends, no more stress. In short, my social life will be cut to zero.

During that time, i was just quiet. I don't know how i will be able to do it. I PALPITATE when i don't do anything. I was born to multi-task. But i guess, i just have to follow Alvin and the doctors. It's for our baby and there are only three more months of waiting. My doctor even said that its very expensive to have a premature baby. You have to be ready to spend at least 20,000 pesos a day for the baby without having the assurance that the baby would live. It will be like half a million pesos for that. So okay, bed rest it is.

Whenever i feel bad, i just look at Alvin and see how much he panicked when we were in the hospital. I saw how much he loves me and Pepita. One night, when all of our visitors left, he told me "Babe, while you were inside the delivery room, I felt so scared that i got the rosary from the car. I tried praying it but since you always lead our rosary prayers, i didnt get to memorize the mysteries. I just skipped that part and continued praying just to finish the rosary." This touched me so much. It brings tears to my eyes whenever i recall that conversation.

Now, we're home. We set up the couch at the ground floor. This is where i stay, eat and sleep. Alvin fusses over me so much. I cannot move without him rushing to my side and scolding me to be careful. I don't know if i can do this for three more months but i will surely try.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who prayed for us. Our families from both sides who visited and called (my dad). Our friends who provided moral support by visiting, leaving facebook messages and sending us text messages. Thank you very much!

Most especially, Alvin and I want to thank God for being with us through this.

Our Baby Girl

Everybody, we would like you to meet our baby GIRL!!! She's five months in that ultrasound picture. As of press time, she's six months already inside my tummy. We, especially Alvin, is so excited for her. Im super itching to buy her clothes and super nice things but Alvin's not allowing me yet. We plan to name her Anikha-something but everybody else is already calling her PEPITA. Lolo Pepito (Alvin's dad) is very happy with that! =)

The Wedding of Our Dreams

September 19, 2009 was the date I said goodbye to singlehood and married the man I know God has destined for me. Everybody knew my and Alvin's lovestory and they still cannot believe that things like that still happens in real life.

The day was perfect. What made it more perfect was two weeks before the D-Day, we learned that I was two months pregnant already!! (Well, that explains my nausea and constant urge to throw up! I thought it only had to do with the pre-wedding stress! -nana)

I am happy that all of the suppliers that we hired for that day worked perfectly for us. The wedding entourage and guests were all beautiful! The last minute dance number that we prepared for our visitors was greatly appreciated! Alvin rocked the dance floor!! Whew!

One of the memorable things that i cannot forget was the walk down the aisle. I thought I was going to pass out already from the nervousness that i felt while waiting outside the closed doors of the church. When the doors opened, i put one feet in front of the other, towards Alvin. I saw my dear Tita Judith seated at one of the last pews, smiling at me. Halfway to the altar, I saw my mom and dad together waiting for me. When I got nearer to them, I saw my dad with a camera in his hand, and took a picture of me. It was so like him! =) And then we proceeded to walk towards the altar. There were so many people in front! The photographers, videographers, Alvin's parents, the bestmen and finally I spotted Alvin. Goosebumps ran all over my body and tears blurred my vision. I was so happy and it was finally sinking in! I am getting married to the man i love. The one I've always loved. No more saying goodbye and parting ways during nighttime. I can finally talk to him till whenever I please when we're home. I have someone to love so much without fear if he reciprocates or not. And finally, I have someone who I know will never ever leave me. "Till death do us part" touched me so much!

During the reception, the feedbacks were great. The program wasn't boring, the food was delicious and the guest (and principal sponsors) did not leave until the program was finished.

It was exhausting but we were very, very happy. We thank the love and support of both our parents and families and friends.

Another chapter has come and we are looking forward to what tomorrow brings =)


Here are some of the photos of us during that day: =)