For The Baby's Brain

When we found out that we're pregnant, I got too excited that I think I planned most of the years to come. Expectant moms can't be more than too excited, can't they? Anyways, one of the things that I planned of doing during my pregnancy was to read to my baby and let him/her listen to classical songs. We'll that's two things.

I've started listening to classical music during my first weeks (as per daddy Mark's orders) and still do so today and will continue to listen to those when the baby comes out. I believe I'm already out-dated when it comes to songs that are being played nowadays. I'm stuck with these lovely classical songs that I play over and over again. Most of the songs are from Mozart, Bach and those kind of composers. They are very soothing and heartwarming. It relaxes my mind and sends me to sleep with no fail. I've read (and also what Mark told me) that these type of music is very good for the baby's growing brain. It is said to make your baby smarter, who wouldn't want that.

Classical Music for Baby & Mom

I plan on letting these music resound throughout our room when the baby arrives and hopes it soothes her/him as it does to me now. But then I've read some articles telling that there's this "white noise" that somewhat relaxes the baby more than any kind of music when the little one starts to be grumpy. It is said to be the most effective way to send the baby to sleep. The continuous sound of anything can be considered a white noise. From the nature's waves, the drilling of the wall, sound of the washing machine and even the vacuum cleaner is considered music to the ears of a newborn. Kind of weird but true.

White Noise for baby

Today, I found the book that I gave Mark, two years ago, as a gift. Entitled "Guess How Much I Love You". I think it's a baby book but nonetheless a very romantic book to give to a love one. For days now, I searched for books that would be great to read to read to my baby while the little one is still inside me. Top on the list is "oh baby, the places you'll go by Dr. Suess", but since I don't have that book yet, I'll stick to this one instead. It may not be on the top baby books for expectant moms but then I love the message of the book. I've just started reading it once today but plans on reading it again daily. But when I get to buy other books I guess I'll swap from one book to another so that my baby won't be bored with just one book. As if the baby will get bored, who knows.

Baby's first book

I found out that during the second trimester, which I am now, the baby can already hear sounds. Our little angel can already recognize mom and dad's voice. So by reading or singing to my baby when he/she is still in the womb will help him/her recognize our voices when he/she comes out. Ain't that amazing. I haven't really felt my baby's reaction to my reading but I believe he/she is enjoying it in there. Hopefully, my baby will continue to be a book lover when he/she grows up.

I love you right up to the moon --- and back!

Is It A Kick

Is it real or am becoming a little too excited about the kicking of my baby. I'm starting to feel a few small kicks (i think) below my tummy. I can't tell if it's just my grumbling tummy, the acid working inside there or really the baby is kicking. It feels like tiny flickering-magnetic energy inside me. Just like the involuntary twitching of the eye, the lips, a muscle and any part of the body. It feels that way. I've experienced a few of those so I was thinking it may be that. But then realising that I have a human being inside me makes me think otherwise.

I wonder if my baby will also show us his/her tiny foot like this

Mark, who is more excited than I, has the fervent belief that it is indeed the baby's kick. Whenever I tell him that I think I feel the baby kick, he'll immediately place his palm on my tummy. But regretfully, it doesn't happen. Naughty baby doesn't want dad to feel it though.

We're beginning to feel more and more thrilled for the coming months, with the baby's kick and all. Especially that on the 8th of May we'll be having our second scan. We're hoping to know the baby's gender by then. Mark's rooting for a boy and ofcourse I'm on for a girl. But whatever the gender be, our little angel will surely be a very special one.

It's A Fun Sunny Day

It's beginning to feel like spring now! Hoping for it to continue the next months. But knowing London's weather, I doubt.

Days before, we were already planning on park strolling since the sun will be up and shining as per weather forecast. Kew Gardens intrigued us and many were saying that it's indeed a very nice place. We booked our tickets the night before and printed it out. We weren't really sure if we can purchase the tickets upon entering at the garden so we opted to buy it online to be sure. It was 14.50 per person. We then searched for the route that we are to use on the day so as not to waste time going there. Thankfully all the tube lines and buses are working that day eventhough it's a Sunday. Woke up early, prepped ourselves, had breakfast and we're off to a fun day.

Rhea, Yric, Mark and I arrived at the Kew Gardens Victoria Gate at around 11 o'clock. There were already a lot of people in the queue, mostly older people and families. We then noticed that we can in fact buy the tickets at the booth. By the way, the garden is quite far from the Kew Garden Station. We passed by many beautiful houses and shops before reaching the garden.  Entering the garden, we were all awed. It was a very sunny but windy day. There were still not much of flowers blooming in sight but then it was a great scenery.

Entrance to Kew Gardens

Frist stop -- cafe. The four of us decided to fill our tummy first before venturing into our stroll. Ordered some cakes, sandwiches and coffee to warm the tummy. Then we're off the our walk. We're determined to cover the whole park for the day, but noticing the photo sessions we had at the beginning of the walk, we brushed off the idea of conquering the entire park. The guide map that was given to us upon entering was indeed an enormous help. We were able to visit (i think) all the main attractions that the park offers. It is a huge park and I suppose no one can wander around it in a day.

Cherry Blossoms in full bloom

We saw the Temple of Arethusa just outside the cafe. Took pictures around the lake infront where alot of ducks were having their afternoon swim. Went up the Temple of Aeolus then down the Davies Alphine House where a beautifully made trellis walkway awaits the visitors and the Rock Garden that is intricately maintained.

Alpine Davies House

Rock Garden on the left, Secluded Garden on the right

Around half past 12 at the Princess of Wales Conservatory, we were joined by LJ who was all famished so we again decided to head on to a restaurant for a quick lunch. We passed by the Secluded Garden where shabby wood patterns stood around a shape (not sure what it's called). Then we're off to the Orangery Restaurant, which we thought would be an orange building but instead a white one. The meal was sumptuous but the four of us, except LJ were not that hungry to be excited about the food.

Not wasting any time at the restaurant, we headed off to the Kew Palace & Royal Kitchens where there's not much to see. The only thing that caught our attention was that the palace is the one that's color orange. Funny. Anyways, we head down to the Queens Garden just at the back of the palace, which I thought was worth admiring. The bushes that was made into a maze with the statues at the back  and the orange-colored palace was picturesque.

Kew Palace

Queen's Garden

Huge tree we saw while strolling towards the Treetop Walkway

Off to the next destination -- Rhizotron & Xstrata Treetop Walkway. We passed by many families in the area since the Climbers and Creepers (a kid's playground) is located at that place. It was a long walk from the Queen's Garden to the Treetop Walkway but we were persistent on reaching that area. Seeing the walkway from afar, Mark was already a bit nervous and was ready to back out but I insisted that he come with us. We did manage to climb the treetop using the stairs (there is also a lift that can be used). Arriving at the top, I was exhausted and Mark was becoming more and more anxious. He ended up staying at the beginning of the walkway while Rhea, Yric, Lj and I took the walkway experience. It was an exciting adventure. We realized that when you are just standing steadily you would feel it shake but when you are moving it's just like walking on a flat platform. Upon reaching the beginning of the walkway, I saw Mark holding the rails tightly. It was a funny sight but then I hugged him for I know that he was really nervous. (Sorry baby if I urged you to go through that. But know that you've been a very brave man joining me up the treetop. I love you!)

Treetop Walkway

Relieved to set his foot on the ground again, Mark was ready to go to our next journey. I teased him when he was looking for the map but then cannot find it. I told him that it was left up the treetop and he needs to get it. He just said that we can manage to go through the park without it then. Funny.

Pagoda

Tired and hungry (again), we continued our journey and passed by the Temperate House. We were not that much eager to go inside so we decided to pass it off and continue to the Pagoda. It was beginning to feel chilly and the sun's almost down but we're determined to finish the walk. We reached the Pagoda where we set up our mini picnic blanket, had some chips and rested for awhile. Around half past 4 in the afternoon, we all decided that it's time to go home. We first headed to Nando's for our last meal of the day and then off to our sleeping place.

Overall, it was a very nice and exciting day. It would be nicer if it weren't that chilly but then the weather was tolerable. We all enjoyed the nature-walk and was well-fed the entire day. Hoping for the next sunny day-out soon!

Maternity Pants Are Sexy

My belly's getting bigger and bigger as the day comes and I cant help it. Even my regular leggings and tights are beginning to tighten around the belly. I wasn't really planning on buying maternity clothes as I've read that they tend to be more expensive than the regular clothing.

I realized that having these regular leggings and tights will do me and the baby no good. So I opted for maternity pants. A month ago while scanning through the displayed items on the rack at H&M, I bumped into a mama tights. I smirked as I was expecting a "maternity thights" not "mama tights". Oh well. It was a relief knowing that a store like H&M sells maternity items. I didn't bother to get any as I wasn't really planning on buying one. But today, I ended up having 3 pairs of pants and a leggings.

Maternity pants at it's best

I didn't realize until recently, that they can be so comfortable and sexy! Believe me they are sexy. I'm so happy that I'll get to wear pants again. I'm not really the dress/leggings type of girl, it's just now that my belly is growing that I decided to forego my pants. Now that I have my sets of pants and leggings, I can feel great again! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I feel the opposite for these past few months because I wasn't able to wear any pants. It's just that I feel more at ease and attractive in pants. 

Kudos for the maternity pants and leggings! 

Sew It All The Way

I now have my very first sewing machine. Yay! 

Thank you so much baby!!!

So today the sewing machine I ordered online came in the post. I bought it at Sewing Machines Direct  the Janome 2070 model. It came with freebies so I adored it more. I'm not really an expert sewer and I have no idea what brand or model is good for beginners. I spent a week or two browsing from one site to another checking reviews and blogs about the numerous kinds of sewing machines out there. I cannot just buy one without knowing anything about it. I was choosing between Singer and Brother as these were the only models I'm familiar with. But then there were alot of reviews that Janome is a nice brand for beginners, so I went on an searched for that brand. 

I ended up purchasing this Janome 2070 and finger-crossing for a swift sewing experience, as per reviews online. 

My very own sewing machine!

With its freebies

I've had my share of sewing back in the Philippines with the old fashioned one (owned by my grandma) and also an electric one like the above. I was hoping to rekindle that sewing-energy inside me, if there is left. I applaud those who get to make different things from sewing. From blankets, aprons, toys, clothes and so on. I'm not planning on doing this for a living but who knows, maybe if I get to be as good as those professional sewers out there, I can make and sell the items I make. Bravo. 

Since we're expecting, I plan on sewing some baby items. Blankets, bibs, burp cloth, hooded towel to name a few. If I master the sewing practice, maybe I can do some baby clothes and shoes. That would be absolutely fun and adorable!

I'm just waiting for the fabrics that I've ordered and then I'm good to go. Can't wait for the finished items! 

Ten - Twelve - Fifteen

I enjoy looking at pregnant women taking photos of their babybump each week. You can really see how the belly is growing... fast. I did my own babybump photo sessions, Mark as my non-so-professional photographer but an eager one.

So here's my babybump photos during the 10th, 12th and 15th weeks. 

10 weeks (23feb13)

12 weeks (09mar13)

15 weeks (30mar13)

I'm very anxious and ecstatic for the coming months! Seeing my belly grow makes me realize that the next years will not be the same but in a very grateful way. Looking forward for the kicking of the baby. Most expectant moms and moms that I've talked to said that it's the most wonderful feeling in the world --- feeling your baby's first kick.

What's Happening?

Yesterday, 1st of April, Mark and I decided to finally go to Westfield to satisfy my cravings (yes, at 15 weeks I'm still having cravings. Is this normal?) for pretzels and frozen yoghurt. Since it's a bank holiday, some of the tube stations were closed for the day, so we opted for another route. Thankfully the mall closes at 9pm on that day, so we have plenty of time.

Upon arriving, mark asked me what I want to do first. While others would say, "let's shop!", my very first words were, "pretzels!", which made us both giggled. Ofcourse, were off to find my pretzels. No one messes with a hungry pregnant lady. Having the parmesan and cinnamon flavored pretzels on my hand, I let Mark guide the way. I'm not really in the mood for anything at that time, expect to get hold of those yummy pretzels.

yummy!

As for Mark, he was very eager to visit each and every shop and look for any bargains he could get. We did explore most of the shops. First stop was at Nike store where Mark was intrigue by the personalized shox Nike shoes. He had doubts buying so we proceed to the next store. Finally got to buy a few pieces on sale at Burtons. One happy Mark. Still not satisfied with his purchase, we managed to have our last stop at Next where he got a new pair of casual jacket, not on sale, but worth the price. Still a hungry pregnant me after finishing the 2 pretzels, we had our late lunch at Yo Sushi. (Forgot to take picture of the place  though) It was a bit pricey for a couple of maki, sashimi, yakisoba and tempuras but still a treat for our hungry tummy.

I was starting to feel a bit light headed at that time but I managed to finish my lunch. But I was envied by how Mark was munching through his food. How I wish I could eat that way again. It's just so frustrating that when I'm about to eat, I have all these thoughts that I'm gonna eat alot but when it's the actual eating time, I lose the appetite. What's going on? I thought this things would be over as long as I've gone passed the first trimester. I'm on my 15th week now but most of the morning sickness dilemmas are still there and some I've only experienced just now.

So, after having a tummy-filling lunch, we decided to go straight home as my headache is becoming worse. But then we came across a frozen yoghurt shop. Not to be missed ofcourse. Even though I'm totally full, I forced Mark to buy me the smallest size they have, just to satisfy my cravings, while I bought another set of parmesan and cinnamon pretzels to take home. One spoiled mom, that's me!

Refreshing!

I finished my yoghurt before we head home but my head was becoming worse and worse. I felt like it's beginning to crack. I was afraid that if I ride through the tube, I would vomit. Luckily I didn't. I just chewed on a few candies all throughout the travel and thankfully, we arrived home without creating a mess. When we arrived home, that's when I rushed to the toilet to vomit. It was alot, I think. I wasn't prepared to look at the things I vomited. Who would be eager to see those things? It was a very awful feeling.

It somehow eased my headache and uneasy feelings inside my chest but still there's the unwell feeling overall. I decided then to have an early evening. Cuddled on my bed with my pyjamas while listening to classical music to soothe my mind.

I was just thinking if having this headaches for quite sometime is normal for all pregnant women. I'm still not sure what's causing this. Is it something I ate, something to do with the weather or maybe something I did for the day. Also the vomiting, I hate it. I just wish it would stop. Then last easter sunday, 31st of March, I felt something that I've felt for the first time. After doing my usual ritual at the toilet, I ended up lightheaded in the room. My head was spinning, the sounds around me became really soft and I felt like I was in slow motion. Then suddenly I felt a pain on my chest and running through the back. Mark was worried because it can be a heart problem. After awhile, maybe 10-15 minutes, I was back to normal. Mark took my blood pressure and it was fine. What's wrong with me?

We are scheduled to meet with our midwife this 25th of April, so we're hoping to get some answers then. Praying that nothing is seriously wrong with me and my pregnancy.