How’s River?
According to What to Expect App, starting past the 28th weeks, I should be counting River’s kicks. My OB did mention something like that before, but did not give specific instructions. I have yet to see my OB. Last time we saw her said that she’ll be the one to tell me when to have my next check up depending on the scan and lab results. I guess my lab results are good or she just might be forgetful. It’s about time to ask her when we should go back to see her one of these days.
Counting kicks – River should be kicking 10 times in an hour. I should check once in the morning and once in the evening, and this is best done when lying down, since kicks are most likely to pick up when I’m lying down. He’s been moving a lot that I think it’s more than 10 times an hour, and it feels great. 🙂 He’s really there inside me and I still can’t believe we’ll see him in around 2.5 months time.
If I haven’t counted 10 kicks within an hour, I should have a light snack and try again. A little sugar rush can make the baby be on the move again. A word of caution – I should inform my OB when I get fewer than 10 movements within two hours. The app says chances are, everything’s fine, but better to be safe than sorry.
Those “kicks” are not necessarily from River’s feet, but mostly from his elbows and knees. River is getting stronger and excitedly responding to all sorts of stimuli – movements, sounds, light and whatever I eat. I haven’t been playing River’s playlist lately – will take note to play it at least once a day instead of browsing through baby stuff to shop. 😐 Or play the music while browsing for stuff to buy? 🙂
The app says I couldn’t see my legs when I’m standing straight anymore. I tried it and it’s true!
As for my appetite, I’ve been craving for Cheetos and dark chocolate cake. Wahhh… but I should be strong to resist them.
How’s Daddy?
He sings “Moon River” to River but has yet to perfect the lyrics. Singing with the right lyrics isn’t really one of his strengths 🙂 He’ll have to review those nursery rhymes or else River will pick up the wrong lyrics. 😀
How’s Shopping?
My cousin invited me to join an exclusive for moms closed Facebook group, and the thread I caught today was on “What baby items do you regret buying?” Interesting thread, and it shows that there are different strokes for different folks / babies. Someone’s regret was someone else’s best friend. Some mentioned items that
(1) I already have: feeding bottles (because they ended up direct feeding), play pen, expensive stroller (though mine’s not considered the expensive more than 20-30,000 pesos ones – this mom said she could have settled for an umbrella type less expensive one; another mom says her baby prefers a carrier instead of stroller); receiving blankets (these I sort of have at least 10 because they come in sets and the designs are irresistible 😀 ), too many hooded towels (I’m glad I only bought one actually, and the rest are regular, good quality 100% cotton towels I bought from S&R’s buy 1 take 1 sale 🙂 )
(2) some items that I am considering to buy: Zoli nail trimmer, Swaddle Me (glad I didn’t because I can do the swaddling myself; Baby K’tan baby carrier (I am still considering this because others say it was ok, and among the baby carriers I’ve been eyeing, I love this one 🙂 )
(3) some items that I don’t plan to buy: got affirmation not to buy too many mittens, bonnets, socks, shoes and baby clothes (branded at that) for newborn – I am waiting for my nephews hand-me downs but I did buy two to three sets of clothes; too many burp pads (I think I just bought a set of 3); wooden crib – glad we ended up just buying one play pen and didn’t fall in the trap of buying one of those nice, tempting, Instagram perfect 3-in-1 convertible cribs; walker, play pens with baby changer and many other accessories; play gym; too many baby toys; electric breast pumps (I plan to borrow)
I don’t have to buy more clothes… some addition to River’s clothes:
The rule of thumb is not to get too excited and buy a lot. As I have been trying so hard to learn 🙂
Recently, I bought nursing tops to prepare me after I give birth. I might be too busy to think about it later on, so better be ready. I like Elin.ph‘s dressy blouses (bought 2) and also Mome‘s casual tops (bought 3 and prices range from 300 to 450 only!). I bought infinity nursing scarves from Seve’s Mom (priced at 380 – 400 each; couldn’t believe that there are really expensive nursing covers at 2000-3000 pesos!). I ‘ve found things in my closet that I can use for nursing too, so no need to buy a lot.
As of now, I am on a self-imposed shopping moratorium. 😀 Listing down things here I need to read about instead of browsing for baby and nursing stuff online:
(1) newborn care
(2) baby sleep patterns
(3) how to increase breast milk supply
(4) Kegel exercise for pregnancy
Many friends say that birthing classes are useful, even though one doesn’t plan to give birth without anesthesia. At least you’ll know what to expect when it’s time to delivery the baby. We can’t find a schedule that fits us, but will also research more and see what we can do. Eyeing on attending another seminar on newborn care, since the first one we attended is for free and not too comprehensive.
Ok, I ramble too much. This serves as my writing exercise too. River, maybe you won’t be interested to read about these stuff too in the future. But know that we’re excited to meet you and been preparing for that day we can finally hold you in our arms! 🙂 (Yes, Mommy’s being cheesy 🙂 )
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These past days, my husband and I were reading about how everything we have comes from the Lord and are His. We are mere stewards of what He has entrusted to us. This is true not just with money and possessions, but also with loved ones, and children. Reminded me of the poem by Kahlil Gibran, “On Children” (from http://agutie.homestead.com/files/children_1.html)
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.
Waiting 4 Zara 