Malapit Na.... =)

Last weekend, I really planned my move na. No matter what happens, I'll start buying stuff na for the baby. :o Binilang-bilang ko na paulit-ulit 'yung money na inipit ko sa aking passbooks... and I vowed to save the meager cash I earn from odd writing jobs I do for a reporter at work para pambili pa ng extra para kay Baby.

I was taking a nap yesterday when this reporter that I write for woke me up, saying, "Marianne... ito nang damit para sa baby mo...."

I was really very thankful! You see, I didn't expect him to be able to give me anything since he has a 7-month-old baby boy at gumastos pa sila ng extra noon for clothes kasi pang-girl ang nabili nila noong clothes... only to find out na boy pala ang baby nila (mali rin minsan ang ultrasound 'pag girl ang resulta... posibleng naipit lang kasi, hehe). And yet, what he gave me is already enough para mailabas ko ang baby ko sa lying-in once maipanganak ko na siya!

To augment that, I bought two 4-oz feeding bottles, a breast pump, and a hat, mittens and booties trio pack. So far, heto na lang ang nakikita kong kailangan pa niya:

* Receiving blankets
* Gauze diapers
* Disposable diapers
* Shorts, pants
* Toiletries, safety pins

Sobra-sobrang salamat, Lord!

Ang galing talaga ng timing mo, kahit kailan!

Meanwhile... nasabi ko na ba??? Palagay ko, hindi pa... sa pinakahuling checkup ko pala, nagpa-ultrasound na ulit ako... and, as the baby's daddy has guessed, ICHABOY! :D Yey! And his name will be Mark Reign... and we'll be calling him Baby Marky! :)

These coming days, habang palapit ng palapit ang aking due, nagpi-print na ako ng stuff at nag-aayos ng papers na kakailanganin sa aking panganganak. These include my birth plan, my OB-Gyne records, my baby's birth certificate info sheet, and all other info sheets. :) This is supposed to save me additional stress and pressure during the labor process since I've read stories about women being asked to answer lots of questions from a nurse sa pagkakataon pa na nagpu-push sila and the last thing they want to hear is stuff na hindi makakatulong! :o Also, I will be preparing our room for welcoming the baby... Mommy and Baby will be sleeping on the mattress, while Daddy will be sleeping on the floor... of course, I have to make sure the mattress is dust-free and the pillows, pillow cases, and blankets that we will use are washed clean. =) Kailangan na ring tanggalin 'yung spider webs sa bubong... kagabi ko lang nakita na meron na, while I was making an inventory of Marky's stuff (iba siguro talaga 'pag Mommy na, lahat nakikita, hehe). And the floor needs to be swept free of dust and dirt and then scrubbed.... Willing akong gawin 'yun lahat, and actually, gusto ko ako ang gagawa, para alam ko na pulido talaga ang paglilinis....

Sa ngayon, ang pinaka-worry talaga namin is finances. We have some money, pero enough lang 'yun kung hindi magkakaaberya ang panganganak ko. :o And the aftermath... medyo we're not sure about it. :o Plano ko, raraket ako, but can I leave my baby behind with other people? Ang rule ko, I don't want to entrust him to a smoker (other than Daddy, pretty please) at sa taong dumihin... kung sana laging available ang kanyang lola, pero siguro, pwede rin akong makigulo sa baby ng Ate ni Daddy....

Ayun lang.

Prayers, please.

Thanks! :)

I So Love My Brown Slippers...

... even if they don't compliment my outfit! :)

You see, most of my outfits are either black-toned or brown-toned.

So, the universal shoe color is black.

But my black slippers look like they've been nibbled by rats already.

Last night, I requested (pretty please!) Daddy to allow me to buy a new pair.

Just because I HATE going to work in my closed shoes (they're fashionable, but not comfy at all when you're pregnant).

I chose one style that cost P179. (Hehe)

There were three colors: black, flesh and brown.

The black one looks a bit trashy (or so I thought, because I was wearing brown that time).

With the flesh one... aargh, it just doesn't work out!

And then, the brown one... I instantly fell in love with it.

So what if it looks kinda rugged or... something?

I... LOVED... IT.

Period.

:D

By the way, it's our 8th anniversary tomorrow. :) Still wondering what to give Daddy on our birthday. I've read that most guys basically want TIME OUT, as in out, to celebrate. But we just couldn't afford it at the moment. :o

Right now, what I'm really planning to give him is a set of briefs, hehe. :) You see, I know he used to have lots, but when we started living together, I found that he uses only three, plus three other boxers. :) And, ya know what? Hehe... I really think he looks so sexy in black briefs. Hehehe... it's my secret fetish... Daddy's image in his black briefs... so, well, maybe I could find him a set. :) I still have P200 left out of my baby-shopping spree... maybe I could buy something decent for him out of it. :)

For my anniversary message, here's all I have to say:

Our 8th anniversary is resplendent of the symbol of infinity, brought about by the presence of this little darling angel in my womb. You know I have always loved you and will always love you for you are basically everything to me. I hope we'll be together forever.....

Indeed, people who are meant to be together always find their way at the end. =)

Good Lord, bless us.

Prayer to Take Authority

Very powerful prayer. :) I literally feel Jesus taking over me whenever I recite this. Naalala ko lang bigla when somebody asked me for a copy. I used to memorize this. At least, naka-post na ito dito ngayon. :)

In the name of Jesus, I take authority and I bind all forces in the air, in the ground,
in the water, in the underground, in the netherworld, in nature and in fire.
You are the Lord over the entire universe and I give You the glory for Your creation.

In Your name, I bind all demonic forces that have
come against us and our families and I seal all of us in the
protection of your precious blood that was shed for us on the cross.

Mary our mother, we seek Your protection and intercession with the Sacred
Heart of Jesus for us and our families, and surround us with Your mantle of love to discourage the enemy.

St. Michael and our guardian angels come defend us and our families in battle against all the evil ones that roam the earth.

In the name of Jesus I bind and command all powers and forces of evil to depart right away from us our homes and our lands.

And we thank the Lord Jesus for You are a faithful and compassionate God.

AMEN

I Miss Singing :o

Calling Johnny, Miyo, Kuya Gen, Jear, Romer... basta lahat ng mga katsokaran sa Music Min! Pagka-panganak ko, mag-concert naman tayo... kahit tayo-tayo lang! :)

I miss singing for the Lord. Huhu.... :(

Hanap-hanap na ng chords! Hehe....


LYRICS FROM: Bukas Palad online :)

Pastorale

First heard and learned about this sa choir. =) It's so quiet, and it makes me feel super peaceful. =)

I am your reed, sweet shepherd, glad to be
Now if you will, breathe out your joy in me
And make bright songs or fill me
With the soft moan of your love
When your delight has failed
To call or move your flock from wrong

Make children songs or any song to fill
Your reed with breath of life
But at your will
Lay down the flute and take repose
While music infinite
Is silence in our heart
And laid on it you reed is mute

God Of Silence

Lagi ko naman 'tong naririnig na filler sa early morning stint ko sa NBN. =) Also very touching. =) 'Pag naririnig ko 'to, parang hindi talaga ako nag-iisa. =)


The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits
O Lord, I hear You calling tenderly
To You I come to gaze
At the beauty of Your face I cannot see

To rest in Your embrace I cannot feel
To dwell in Your love hurting but sweet
To be with You; to glimpse eternity

God of night, fount of all my delight.
Show Your light . . . that my heart, like Yours, burn bright.

Be still the torment of the night
Will not encumber you, if you believe
My child this darkness isn't emptiness
For here I mold your heart
Unto My image painfully you long to see

The self you yearn to be, but fear to know
The world from which you flee in Me find home
All these I give you, if you remain in Me

COUNTERPOINT:
I am ever here
My child, you need not fear
The dark will set you free
And bring your heart to Me

CODA:
The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits me.

Your Heart Today

Una ko rin itong narinig at natutunan sa choir. =) Sabi nila, unang sinulat ang kantang ito sa panahon ng gyera. Sikat 'yung personalidad na sumulat pero nakalimutan ko na kung sino. =) Pero I love its message. I'm sure you'll love it, too. =)

Where there is fear I can allay
Where there is pain I can heal
Where there are wounds I can bind
And hunger I can fill

REFRAIN:
Lord, grant me courage
Lord, grant me strength
Grant me compassion
That I may be Your heart today

Where there is hate I can confront
Where there are yokes I can release
Where there are captives I can free
And anger I can appease (REFRAIN)

BRIDGE:
When comes the day I dread
To see our broken world
Compel me from my cell grown cold
That Your people I may behold

Where there is fear I can allay
Where there is pain I can heal
Where there are wounds I can bind
And hunger I can fill (REFRAIN)

CODA:
And when I've done all that I could
Yet there are hearts I cannot move
Lord, give me hope
That I may be Your heart today

Awit ng Paghahangad

So lambing. =) Always brings tears to my eyes tuwing kinakanta ko 'to. =)

O Diyos, Ikaw ang laging hanap
Loob ko'y Ikaw ang tanging hangad
Nauuhaw akong parang tigang na lupa
Sa tubig ng 'Yong pag-aaruga

Ika'y pagmamasdan sa dakong banal
Nang makita ko ang 'Yong pagkarangal
Dadalangin akong nakataas aking kamay
Magagalak na aawit ng papuring iaalay

KORO:
Gunita ko'y Ikaw habang nahihimlay
Pagkat ang tulong Mo sa tuwina'y taglay
Sa lilim ng Iyong mga pakpak
Umaawit akong buong galak

Aking kaluluwa'y kumakapit sa 'Yo
Kaligtasa'y tiyak kung hawak Mo ako
Magdiriwang ang hari, ang Diyos, S'yang dahilan
Ang sa Iyo ay nangako, galak yaong makamtan (KORO)

CODA:
Umaawit, umaawit
Umaawit akong buong galak

Breath of God

Nakaka-rejuvenate. =) Pang-taize. Hehe. =)

Breathe on me, Breath of God
Fill me with life anew
That I may love the things You love
And do what You would do
Breathe on me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, Breath of God
'Til my heart is pure
Until with You, I have one will
To live and to endure
Breathe on me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, Breath of God
My soul with grace refine
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Your fire divine

Breathe on me, Breath of God
So I shall never die
But live with You the perfect life
In Your eternity
Breathe on me, Breath of God

In My Heart

Parang nasa Bible 'tong mismong lyrics nito. And it's very confident. I love it. =)

REFRAIN:
In my heart I know my Savior lives
I can hear Him calling tenderly my name
Over sin and death He has prevailed
In His glory, in His new life we partake

I know He lives as He has promised
For me He's risen that from fear I may be free
Not even death can separate me
From Him whose love and might remain in me (REFRAIN)

For I have seen and touched Him risen
To all the world will I proclaim His majesty
With joy I sing to tell His story
That in our hearts may live His memory (REFRAIN)

And all the earth shall bow before Him
His blessed name all will adore on bended knee
His truth shall reign, so shall His justice
In Christ, my Savior, let all glory be (REFRAIN)

CODA:
In my heart I know my Savior lives
In His glory, in His new life we partake

In Him Alone

Ito rin, parang napaka-confident ng nagsulat nito sa promise ni Lord. =) Ang sarap dalhin sa battlefield. =) hehe.

REFRAIN:
In Him alone is our hope
In Him alone is our strength
In Him alone are we justified
In Him alone are we saved

What have we to offer
That does not fade or wither
Can the world ever satisfy
The emptiness in our hearts
In vain we deny (REFRAIN)

When will you cease running
In search of hollow meaning
Let His love feed the hunger
In your soul till it overflows
With joy you yearn to know (REFRAIN)

DESCANT:
In Him alone is our hope
Unto Him I pour out my heart
He alone will save me
With His love and mercy.



Huwag Kang Mangamba

Hindi ka talaga mangangamba if you keep in mind the message of this song. =)


KORO:
Huwag kang mangamba, 'di ka nag-iisa
Sasamahan kita, saan man magpunta
Ika'y mahalaga sa 'King mga mata
Minamahal kita, minamahal kita

Tinawag kita sa 'yong pangalan
Ikaw ay Akin magpakailanman
Ako ang Panginoon mo at Diyos
Tapagligtas mo at Tagatubos (KORO)

Sa tubig kita'y sasagipin
Sa apoy ililigtas man din
Ako ang Panginoon mo at Diyos
Tapagligtas mo at Tagatubos (KORO)

Prayer Of Rupert Mayer

First learned about this from Kuya Gen. =) Memorable ito kasi on the spot lang itong tinuro sa 'kin sa recon. Since then, I've loved it, because of the message of surrender. =)

Lord, what You will let it be so
Where You will there we will go
What is Your will help us to know

Lord, when You will the time is right
In You there's joy in strife
For Your will I'll give my life

To ease Your burden brings no pain
To forego all for You is gain
As long as I in You remain

REFRAIN:
Because You will it, it is best
Because You will it, we are blest
Till in Your hands our hearts find rest
Till in Your hands our hearts find rest

Stella Maris

Lagi ko 'tong naririnig, pero natutunan ko lang talaga itong kantahin sa Teatro. =) Reminds me, too, of Iskra days. Haaaayyyy... kakamiss!

Kung itong aming paglalayag
Inabot ng pagkabagabag
Nawa'y mabanaagan ka
Hinirang na tala ng umaga

Kahit alon man ng pangamba
Di alintana sapagkat naro'n ka
Ni unos ng pighati
At kadiliman ng gabi

KORO:
Maria sa puso ninuman
Ika'y tala ng kalangitan
Ningning mo ay walang pagmamaliw
Inang sinta, Inang ginigiliw

Tanglawan kami aming ina
Sa kalangitan naming pita
Nawa'y maging hantungang
Pinakamimithing kaharian (KORO)

KANTAHAN NA! :D

Stuff For The Baby =)

I REALLY NEED THESE NA! This will be next in our list of investments. =) Hand-me-downs are very, very welcome. =) Friends, kung keri niyong mag-help, pa-help din... kahit pinaglumaang baby clothes lang. =) Thanks. {Would like to thank Baby Center for this list of essentials. I really need it! =)}

What your baby really needs



• Diapers. Newborn babies need their diapers changed 10 to12 times a day, so buy enough diapers to keep you going for at least a week. Disposable diapers are convenient -- choose a size that fits newborns. If you plan to use cloth diapers, opt for those made of cotton. There are cloth diapers that are pre-folded, which will make changing quicker for you. Otherwise, the regular kind works just as well, just learn a few easy tricks when changing your baby's diaper. Before using cloth diapers, wash and iron them first.

• Baby wipes or cotton, for diaper changing.

• A changing mat, protective plastic sheet or a changing unit.

• Baby clothes. Avoid clothes with frills, bows, zips, and beads which may cause bruises or rashes on your baby's soft skin. Avoid buttons or laces in the back as they can cause discomfort to a tiny baby -- instead choose those that have them in the front or at the side seams. Side-tie shirts make dressing baby easy with because they open up front. Depending on the climate, buy a few long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or sleeveless shirts. Make sure that sleeves do not close tightly around the wrists or arms. Cotton pants can protect your baby's legs in colder temperature, and from insect bites. (Remove care labels from the neck and side seam after you have read the washing instructions. Most labels are made of polyester or synthetic tape which may cause irritation to your baby's soft skin.)

• If you plan to use the air conditioner, or if the climate is cooler, a couple of cardigans and thicker pants to provide an extra layer of warmth for your baby.

• Bonnets, cotton socks, mittens and booties.

• Bibs. The bibs will protect the baby's clothes from getting messed up from spit ups and drool.

• Baby washcloths. You may need to wipe the baby from time to time so keep these little towels handy.

• A bassinet or crib, unless your baby will be sleeping in your bed. It is wise to choose this carefully as there are many options available and some can even be used till your baby is a few years old. You will need a mattress that fits securely, as well as sheets and a bumper mattress.

• Receiving blankets. While experts advise to avoid using blankets on babies when they sleep to avoid SIDS, you can use them for swaddling to sooth your baby when she's being fussy.

• A baby bath tub. A simple basin will also do.

• A couple of baby bath towels and some mild baby bath.

• A large bucket to soak your baby's diapers, if you're using cloth diapers.

• A rear-facing car seat, if your baby will be traveling by car. Choose a brand which suits the specifications of your car.

• A stroller that is suitable for newborn babies (with a lie-flat position).

• A breast pump for expressing, if you are breastfeeding. You can buy a manual pump which uses hand-squeezing device, or an electric pump which is faster. (Or, you can forego the use of a pump and express by hand.)

• Bottles, teats, bottle brushes and sterilizing equipment, if you are bottle feeding.

• A baby bag. It is useful when you go out with the baby as it has lots of separate sections and compartments for diapers, a few sets of clothes, feeding bottle or flask, baby wipes or tissue paper, napkins and essential medication.

• A mosquito net, if you have a lot of mosquitoes, flies and insects hovering around your home.

• A separate shelf or cabinet to store your baby's essentials like medication, diapers, diapers, bibs, cotton wool and wipes.

• A camera and record book -- you wouldn't want to miss those special first moments!


SOURCENOTE:
http://www.babycenter.com.ph/baby/buyingforbaby/knowhow/whatyoureallyneed/

Something To Do After Pregnancy =)

After the baby's born, these three will be my priorities:

a.) Caring for and breastfeeding my baby
b.) Finding ways to cope for the expenses incurred during childbirth
c.) Getting back in shape! :)

According to Baby Center, this is how I could get back in shape:

Wait six weeks after your baby is born before you start to think about losing weight

To give your body some time to recover from labor and birth, wait six weeks or so before you think about slimming. Do bear in mind that your body may change shape after pregnancy, and you may find it difficult to return to your exact pre-pregnancy weight.

Don't go on a very restrictive diet, just cut back

If you're not breastfeeding, you can start to eat a little less than you'd need to maintain your normal weight. But don't go on a strict diet -- women need a minimum of around 1,200 calories a day to stay healthy.

To get started, choose low-fat, high-fiber foods, plan healthy snacks such as fresh fruit to stave off hunger instead of grabbing a biscuit on the run, and avoid grazing from the fridge. Also, do watch what you drink, as a surprising number of calories can be hidden in juice and other drinks. Enjoy eating a nutritious, varied diet, which will help to speed your recovery from labor and birth, and help you keep up with the demands of being a new parent. For the average woman, this means eating about 1,900 to 2,100 calories daily.

While many women who breastfeed lose weight because of the energy it takes to produce milk, the non-breastfeeding mom will need to work harder to get the same results. "The 10 pounds or so came off really quickly after the birth," says mom Lucy. "And I lost about another half in a coupe of weeks. But the last couple of pounds were worked off at the gym and brisk walks pushing baby Amelia in the stroller."

Your body needs up to a year to restock nutrient stores

If you ate a good, nutritious diet before and during your pregnancy, you may only need a few months to restock all the nutrients your baby needed to grow and develop.

But, if you did not eat well before and during pregnancy -- for whatever reason, including morning sickness, food aversions, or other pregnancy-related difficulties -- it can take a lot longer, around a year or more. It may take that long even if you were a model eater. Remember, you've just accomplished a strenuous, nutritionally draining feat. Give your body the time it needs to get back in shape.

Sourcenote: http://www.babycenter.com.ph/baby/youafterthebirth/nutrition/diethealthyweightloss/

Can't Get Over It =)

If there's one thing I find irksome yet somewhat adorable about Daddy, it's the fact that he has insomnia, and when he lays down beside me at night, he makes "kulit," regardless if I'm already sleeping or still wide awake... and when I'm already sleeping, I get mad because it's been hard for me to fall into a deep sleep these days... and I do cherish my sleep....

And then, when I fume up, Daddy mimics disappointment and threatens to leave his side of the bed... and I instantly spring up and would have to bear with him 'til he falls asleep.

And then, I'd realize, while it may be true that I lost some sleep because of his "pangungulit," Daddy has made me happy anyway. So, we're quits. =)

{It doesn't take so much to make me happy. I think Daddy knows by now na mababaw masyado kaligayahan ko. Hehe.}

But le' me share with you the craziest, funniest thing he's ever done in this category. (I stil can't get over it. Haha.)

Well, it was Wednesday, but the night being Wednesday night doesn't make it any different from those other nights when he'd have bouts of insomnia. And so, I slept early, and he drank some booze before going to sleep. I hardly noticed him when he lay down beside me... and as usual, when he did, I was mad once more because he was making kulit, pinching me all over and playing with my face and hair. So, he said, "Ayaw mo? Sige, matutulog ako sa labas." And then, he went out. I followed, maybe a minute after. I went outside the house and looked around. When I looked up, 'guess what I saw?

Daddy's perched on to the window grills like a monkey. At the sight of me looking at him, he grinned like crazy.

It was simply the MOST INSANE thing I've ever seen! I went back inside the house... Daddy went down from the window... and when we went inside the room, my frown was transformed into a pair of giggles. I honestly forgot to punish Daddy... we were just laughing our heads off, and then, we hugged and finally went (back) to sleep together.

The next day, whenever that event flashed back to my memory, I couldn't help but grin, wherever, whenever. =)

Haha! =) Just a sharing. =D

* This post can also be read here, featured on the Mommy Diaries blog. =)