Sleepless Nights

Had I known that I will go into labor last week, I would have hibernated for days prior to it.  Giving birth is truly hard work.  I applaud all moms out there for that.  It's much like running a long and painful marathon that doesn't seem to end... And then you hear the baby squeal.  Pure bliss!  He's born!

Sleeping Renzo

I was overjoyed the first time I held little Renzo in my arms...  How could something so tiny give so much happiness in plain sight? The feeling was just indescribable.  

I am now officially a mom.  Sleepless nights begun when I went into labor.  Renzo stayed in our room at the maternity unit.  I breastfeed while the hubby changes the diapers.  We were on 24-hour duty since he arrived.  

Changing Dirty Diaper

Renzo, as expected with newborns, has an erratic sleep-wake cycle.  Nights have been turned into days and vice versa.  Sleep deprivation at its best. I have actually lost track of time.  Sometimes, not even sure what day it is or was... 

Yet, I'm just simply happy... Happy and thankful for Renzo and everything he is and will be.

Meet Renzo

I've been very much preoccupied this last week.

I went into labor July 19, 2010

And 20 hours later...

Baby Renzo

Tiny Fingers

So Precious

Family Picture

Meet the newest family member...

Renzo.

Born July 20th 2010 at 1:13 p.m.

He weighed 7lbs 4 ounces and measured at 19.5 inches

Healthy and happy.

We're so thankful.

We're All Set... But When Is He Coming Out?

For several weeks (and months) now, my husband and I have been excitedly preparing for our baby's debut into the world.  As part of our preparation we have listed everything we need to do prior to his arrival and as of today, we have checked off almost all items on the list.

Nursery done. Clothes washed, folded and stacked neatly in the cabinet.  Diapers in storage. Feeding items as breast pump etc. ready. Bassinet ready. Baby name checked. Infant car seat installed. Prenatal classes done. The list goes on and on. And I'm proud to say, we pretty much have everything prepared.

However, when will the little bud make his grand entrance? I honestly have no idea...

I am having cramps, irregular contractions and all those unmentionables that women close to their due date go through.   So I feel that it's just around the corner...

We're now on our 38 week and 5 days and practically on the waiting game.  Waiting for our baby's birth day.

All I can say to my little one is to just come out whenever he's ready... Mom and Dad will just be here eagerly, lovingly and patiently waiting. 

A Letter To My Baby

Dear Son:

It's already July... We'll be seeing each other in just a few more weeks (or days).  Depending on when you'll decide to pop up.  It's alright.  Me and your father will just be here waiting...

How are you doing these days?  Summer's here so I hope you're not too bothered by the heat.  I can sometimes feel that you're very uncomfortable with the confined spaces of your present "quarters".  I do apologize for it.  I promise you, things will get better. 

I cannot contain my excitement to see you.   I want to touch your face, fingers and toes... I want to kiss you in your soft cheeks and sing you a lullaby.  Your father is very excited too.  Although, sometimes he wouldn't really admit it.  I feel he's even more excited than I am.  

We have already prepared your bed.  I hope you don't mind that you'll be sleeping with us in our room for the first few weeks or months.  We just want you to feel comfortable and safe.  The nursery is all ready for you.  That's where we'll spend most of our days nursing, playing and reading...  By the way,  are you liking the books I'm reading to you?  I hope you do! 

We've received gifts for you from loved ones and friends who are all excited to see you...  You will be a part of a big loving family both from my side and your father's.  

Next year, we'll go visit your Lolo Daddy (my dad) in the Philippines cause he's looking forward to meeting you.  It will be fun, I'm sure...  You'll also get to meet your cousins there.

Son, your father and I are very happy that you'll be coming into our lives.  From the very first time we found out, it has been a great magical experience for us and it became a learning process which has brought us closer to each other every day. We promise to be the best parents we can be, although we're not perfect.  We will love you unconditionally.  

Love,

Your Mother

Birthing Music

I'm in the process of preparing music for my upcoming labor and delivery... I've just created a birthing playlist on my Ipod which I labeled as "Joy's Birthing Music". 


So far, I have the following songs from three of my favorite artists: 


Answer by Sarah Mclachlan
Angel by Sarah Mclachlan
Only Time by Enya
Fields of Gold by Sting

Sarah Mclachlan

Enya

Sting

I know it's not much but I'm hoping you can suggest some birthing music for me... Someone suggested putting "Push It" by Salt n Pepa on my playlist which made me laugh no end!  


I think relaxing music would work best...


What would you want to listen to if you're in labor?  


Thank you for your suggestions!































Photo Credits: Google Photos

Ready or Not?

My husband and I have just finished attending all our prenatal classes.  It was a truly enjoyable way to bond together before the baby comes.  It also gave a certain degree of confidence since we don't know what to really expect once the little boy's finally here. 


There was a "childbirth preparation class" that taught us breathing techniques, floor exercises  and other "exciting" things that we need to do once labor and delivery comes.  It gave us a grand tour of the labor and delivery in the hospital as well as the maternal unit.   I could see that it has somewhat lessened the hubby's nervousness (even though he wouldn't really admit it).  Another good class was called "breast feeding your newborn" which taught us the fundamentals of the breast feeding process.  It enabled us to practice holding the baby with the use of dolls, proper latching techniques and all that... It was very informative and I'm more excited to breast feed now more than ever.  The hubby's most favorite class was about "baby care" which gave us information on how to handle our newborn.  It taught us how to change diapers, swaddle, give him a sponge and a full bath, take rectal temperature  etc. We had a good laugh since we were in this class with other first time parents.  You could just imagine how hilarious it was every time the men try to put  diapers on the baby and swaddle.  It was quite adorable.  They were all able to get the hang of it after several tries.  We also have an "infant emergency and cpr class" which is a must for all parents and nannies. We just love it!


Aside from these classes, we have several books on child birth preparation, baby care and others.  All the information we need on how to take care of our baby? Perhaps... But probably not!  Therefore, how could we say we're actually ready for our baby's arrival? Well...  Children doesn't come with owners' manuals after they're born.  I wish it's that easy. Every child is different.  As much as we have gathered the best information out there about child rearing, we could never be fully prepared.  There will always be moments that we don't know what to do in a particular situation... And that's all a part of the learning process.  


I guess, the best thing to do is to take one day at a time... A day at a time to get to know our babies and to give them the attention and understanding they need while armed with the knowledge that we have, parental instincts and of course, lots of unconditional love.