Pregnancy Diary

First Trimester

When I found out that I am delayed for 3 days, which is unusual, we decided to have a pregnancy test. I never thought that those two lines would be the start of a life-changing journey. Upon getting confirmation from the OB and assessment of ultrasound results, we rejoice at the thought of having our little bundle of joy in the months to come. Of course, there were feelings of whether we’d be good parents and all, but with heartfelt prayer, a ready heart and an open mind, it was a positive experience. This was the time when I equipped myself with information. I read to be informed. I would also list down my questions to bring with me to ask my doctor during pre-natal check-ups. I filled myself with information from books and downloaded apps that provided updates such as What to Expect and Baby Center. I was fortunate enough never to experience the dreaded days of the first trimester such as morning sickness. But everything’s not perfect though. I had my own fair share of nausea, fainting attacks and dead tired weariness at night. They also say that this is the time when women get to eat what they crave for. I did not feel that to-die-for-craving, yet I found myself wanting ‘taho’ and hard-boiled egg all the time. I could eat hard-boiled egg for breakfast every day! As for taho, I regularly walked fifteen minutes a day just to buy taho in the morning. I wanted my taho with LESS arnibal (sugar syrup). I even had a funny encounter with my husband when he bought taho from the vendor in our subdivision. He regularly buys for us but that one morning, he forgot to mention that I want LESS arnibal, and that made me cry! Now, it seems like a hilarious encounter but yes, blame it to the hormones.

Second Trimester

If we are to name the golden age of pregnancy, I can say that it is the second trimester. I felt like my normal self again, with renewed strength and clearer mind to accomplish everyday tasks, except that I had to me more mindful of the baby inside me. Nausea bid goodbye and energy was restored. It is also the time when you’d feel the first movement inside you, such as a feeble and slight kick that will make you smile with joy. This is also the time when you can do the parent-baby bonding (hearing develops during this stage) or play a classical music track expecting that baby remembers it when it comes out. As excited parents, we regularly talked to our baby. Also, the baby bump develops and now is the time to show off to the world that you’re one great expectant mom. You can see strangers smiling at you whenever they see that bump. Priority lanes (together with senior citizen and PWD) become your best buddies. Another ultrasound can be scheduled during this period to check if baby’s fine inside the tummy and to finally experience the moment everyone’s waiting for – the gender reveal! Not everything turns out as expected though, as my gender reveal ultrasound experience turned out. It took 3 ultra sound appointments before we found out baby’s gender since his favorite position was crossing his legs. Feeling shy, right?

Third Trimester

The once-cute-lump turned into a big bump and it took effort to carry this baby bundle. Third trimester introduces slow walking (sometimes even duck walk) and side lying during bed time. It is also the time when expectant moms experience back ache due to the pressure of the baby’s weight. And yes, frequent urination kicks in as there is force on the bladder. I experienced going to the ladies’ room every 15 minutes. During this time, walking is the best workout. Swimming is also one of the best forms of exercise. Long travels are not recommended during this period and the waiting game is the most anticipated time of the third trimester. In my case, I kept myself busy and prepared everything I could before the baby arrives. I did not wait long before this trimester ended. Click here to read my birthing story.

Yes, pregnancy is one marvelous experience. Upon experiencing it, I can now understand when they say that the essence of being a woman is to bear a child. Every time I see a pregnant woman, I beam at her and at her bump, ensure that she gets the priority seat/lane, and think of a silent prayer to make her and the child safe.

Maternity shoot by  Baby Love Studio

https://www.facebook.com/babylovestudio

Coin Bank - DIY

Look at this A DIYed coin bank! Talk about creativity and resourcefulness of a little kid - a previously-used container wrapped with used paper and there you go, savings in the making! I fully understand that it takes much effort to instill to people the value of saving. Even grown-ups have difficulty applying the 80-20 money saving formula (save 20% of your net income, and then spend the rest for expenses). So I really appreciate kids who have the discipline to save and their parents who patiently teach them how to. But then, the kid is saving for what?

KH is written on the coin bank. What does it stand for? This stands for Kingdom Hall – the place of worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Everyone is invited to freely attend Christian meetings in the nearest KH in the area. The little kid saves money, not for his own personal use, but to donate to the KH to support preaching work, relief activities and construction activities worldwide. How selfless!

A few months ago, I blogged about another kid saving in the same manner using a plastic bottle. These kids give just as what they have resolved in their hearts. These are just simple gestures, but impactful reminders to give and share. When we give, let it be with joy, out of love,  remembering that “God loves a cheerful giver,” and that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” ( Acts 20:35)

Farm Health Good Food at The Urban Farm

With its bright green signage, this restaurant never fails to attract my attention every time we pass by it along President’s Avenue in BF Homes Paranaque. After one fruitful ministry day, we decided to try out some real fruit (and other healthy viands). True to its slogan, ‘Farm Healthy Good Food’ is what it really offers. The food served in this restaurant was created by a US accredited chemist and master herbalist.

Hand-painted murals on the wall reveal uplifting messages with a sense of humor. The interiors are cozy and homey providing a feel that you are in a farm with white fences and gardening tools. Wait for a few minutes and the produce will be shortly served to you – fresh and clean.

We tried the following:

 Dijon Half Roast Chicken (Mustard marinated half of chicken with gravy fries)

 Salmon & Mash (Grilled salmon fillet with cream sauce and mashed potato)

 Beef Steak and Frites (Imported beef fillets with gravy and seasoned fries)

Being regular brown rice consumers, this time we enjoyed black rice served with the Mains.

For drinks I ordered a Healthy Smoothie - Fresh Strawberry Mint Lemonade (with herbs, spices and vegetables).

For the Starters and Mains, serving size is big enough for sharing. Food is fresh, unique and delicious.
The Urban Farm‘s concept is relatively new since they emphasize that they only use organic vegetables and grass fed animals.Truly, out of the many sprouting restaurants in BF area, The Urban Farm is definitely a must-try for the health buffs (and curious foodies) out there.

THE URBAN FARM
#4 President's Ave. cor. Adelfa St.
Tahanan Vill., BF Homes Subd.,
Paranaque City
823-8495

Loom Love

Just like any other fad, I thought the loom bands craze would just go away one day. But when loving kids gave me a LoomBands 101 session, i realized the value it instills on kids - patience, creativity and thoughtfulness. And so I got my own, loomed with love by Jannah :) I chose the rainbow-inspired set because life is indeed full of colors!

Keep on looming, kids (and kids at heart)!

Abe - Where Good Friends (and Families) Dine

Lately, it seems like the area in and around Parañaque and Alabang has been a hotbed for lots of fresh and trendy food-related developments. But nothing beats a Filipino restaurant that serves true Pinoy food and rivals with other foreign restaurants in terms of value and quality. 

So one late night, we had our family dinner in this place 'where good friends dine' - Abe Restaurant in Alabang Town Center. As part of the LJC group of companies, Abe serves similar dishes like the ones of Cafe Adriatico, Bistro Remedios, etc.

Homey as it appeals, we all got engrossed into talking and bonding, thus I have limited time to take shots. Sharing the top three favorites from our order list.

I am not so much of a Crispy Pata lover but my foodie loved ones wanted to have it in our list.

It was actually the guys who really craved for this, assuring the ladies that it was cheat day.

And so, the Crispy Pata to die for (with double meaning haha) was served on our table.

Abe's Crispy Pata is really good, with the perfect crisp and flavor.

 Oh well, mom's favorite, the all-Filipino Kare-kare!

Abe's version is more of a creamier one and has no artificial coloring - no orange color that stains the plate.

Hubby's pick - Bicol Express.

He loves the spicy sting put into every Bicol Express meal. 

Instead of having more meat, Abe makes their Bicol Express more of a 

vegetable serving with less meat and more greens. Truly healthy!

And oh, what (or who) is Abe, by the way? Abe (ah-beh) is a noun which means either of the two:

1. Capampangan word for friend, companion, and getting together.

2. Nickname of a beloved son of Pampanga, Emilio Aguilar Cruz (1915-1991), writer, editor, painter, connoisseur, bon vivant and legendary eater outer.

We can add another meaning, though. Abe = great restaurant. :)

So, if you are looking for a place with a cozy ambiance, great quality of food, value for money and friendly service; visit:

Abe Alabang Town Center
Lifestyle Strip, Alabang Town Center, Commerce Avenue, Muntinlupa City
Phone: 623 0899 / 804 2148-49 / 917 550 6033
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday / 11 am – 11 pm

Seating capacity: 140

Also, if you have foreigner friends (or balikbayans) who are craving for Filipino food, Abe is one great option. Certainly, Abe is not just a place 'where good friends dine', but is also a setting for families to reconnect and delight in each other's company.