Week 10

Dear baby,

Here we are on week 10. Mommy and Daddy are going to be busy this week. We have to go to NSO to get our certified marriage certificate and SSS to update Mommy's name and status. Then Mommy will be meeting your titas at Tita Leigh's bridal shower on Saturday. Mommy is excited to meet up with them, too bad we will have to leave early because Mommy has work. Ugh. You know what else Mommy is excited about? I'll get to see you again when I get my second ultrasound this week. 

What's new with baby?

• Size: About 1.25 inches long

• Weight: 0.25 ounce

• Vital organs: kidneys, intestines, brain and liver are starting to function and will continue to develop

• Nails forming and peach-fuzz hair (lanugo) on skin 

• Bendable limbs

I'm excited to see what your new CRL would be (you started at 0.99 in at 7.5 weeks). I also wonder what your new heartbeat rate is.

I love you baby. Be comfy inside Mommy. 

More of Week 7

Dear Baby,

I hope you are feeling comfy inside Mommy. This week, we had our first prenatal check up week and met our doctor. We also had to go back several times to the clinic to complete the tests our doctor ordered to make sure both of us are healthy.

Remember the first day when we had to fast for a whole night and the entire morning? That was  so Mommy can take a test called OGGT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). A glucose tolerance test is a medical test in which a standard amount of glucose is ingested orally and blood samples are taken afterward to determine how quickly it is cleared from the blood. This test is commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

We hadn't taken any food or water for hours so I was so worried that you might be hungry too but I guess we had no choice but to take the test because we have a history of diabetes in the family. Your grandfather and great-grand father both have diabetes so I know that a positive family history will put us at a greater risk but I was still hoping for the best. We went to the clinic at 7 am in the morning, got our blood drawn for the first time so that they could  determine our "fasting" blood glucose level. Then we had to gulp down that yucky, sugary, orange drink which has 100g of glucose in it. We then had to wait with daddy for the next 3 hours. Mommy also had to take some other tests (urinalysis and CBC) and of course our ultrasound which I was totally excited to take.

Daddy was so busy reading "A Dance with Dragons" by GRRM. He really likes the character named Daenerys, a girl who has three dragons. I think you will like her too since you are a dragon baby yourself! I will let you read this book but not till when you are a bit older. Anyway, Mommy was not feeling so well. More than 10 hours of no food and water and then that super sweet drink swirling around her empty stomach was making Mommy dizzy. You know what happened, we had to rush because Mommy could not hold it any longer and has to throw up. I felt a little better after that but not for long because I knew we had to start all over again. I am so sorry baby! We have to fast again that night and I know it won't be easy.  

The good thing is we got your pictures from the ultrasound and can finally eat! Mommy and Daddy had some lugaw (rice porridge) along the way and went home. After fasting that night, (good thing Mommy was on leave!) we went back to the clinic for a second round of this awful test. This time, Mommy tried really hard to hold it down by watching a movie on our laptop  and walking around outside the clinic once the dizziness set in. Congratulations baby! We finished the test. We went to Goldilocks because Mommy decided to eat barbecue because we didn't eat any meat the previous day. Then we got some cinnamon-flavored sugar pretzels from Auntie Ann's which I think you thoroughly enjoyed because we also ate Daddy's share (Thanks daddy!).

Now we wait for the results. Hang on tight baby!

P. S. Daddy shared your picture on Facebook. Why do I have the feeling Daddy will be the one busy posting when you come out? 

Week 7! (and Baby's First Picture)

Dear Baby,

It has been almost 2 weeks since we found out you were in Mommy's tummy. It has been an exciting and eventful time for Daddy and me. When we found out about you, you were already 7 1/2 weeks "old"! What a busy baby you must be, growing inside Mommy!

Here's your first picture taken from our first ultrasound:

I'm trying to keep track of your development. Here's what's supposed to be happening with you this week:

Now about 1 cm long, the size of a grape, your baby has distinct, slightly webbed fingers and toes. They look a bit like tiny paddles. Your baby is a jumping bean, moving in fits and starts. His liver is churning out large amounts of red blood cells until the bone marrow forms and takes over this role. At seven weeks, your baby enters a very busy stage. Between now and 20 weeks, he will grow rapidly. Body parts that formed in the first few weeks of life, such as the heart and brain, will become more specialized and complicated. He now has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. Tooth buds, palate and tongue are forming, while his ears continue to develop and eyelids are starting to cover his eyes. Your baby’s skin is paper thin, and veins are clearly visible. 

When I look at your picture I think I can see your little hands and legs. I think I also see the outline of your nose. I hope you take after Daddy in that area! According to your ultrasound you are now 0.99 cm long. This is your CRL (crown to rump length), meaning the length from your head to your bottom. You will be measured this way for several more weeks because your legs will be curled up for some time!

Keep busy growing and stay healthy! We are excited to see you but we know you have a lot of growing to do so we will patiently wait for you! 

Poems From Daddy

Hi Baby,


There were tough times in daddy's life but daddy likes to read a lot. Some poems helped daddy overcome challenges in life. Remember there are no such things as difficulties, only challenges. I am sharing this to you and hope it would help you in the future. Just simply click here. Remember, daddy can be a tough person to get along with sometimes but daddy loves you soooo much.


Daddy.

Our little dragon baby

We're having a dragon baby!

Dear baby,

Mommy would like to tell you more about the times and the world you are being born into, but I think I will leave that to Daddy (I think he will do a better job than Mommy at this).

Your estimated birthdate is November 29, 2012. And since 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, you are going to be our little dragon baby!

Mommy will tell you a little more about what this means.


The Chinese Zodiac consists of a 12 year cycle, each year of which is named after a different animal that imparts distinct characteristics to its year. According to this legend, the year of a person's birth is the primary factor in determining that person's personality traits, physical and mental attributes and degree of success and happiness throughout his lifetime. 

So what's so special about being born into the Year of the Dragon?


Among all the 12 animal signs, it is believed that the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Asian zodiac. The dragon can swim and fly, traversing the seas as well as heaven. This symbolizes a life with no obstacles.  Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. 

So you see baby, the year of the dragon comes only once every 12 years, and it so happens that you will be born into this year, so Mommy and Daddy believe that this is a lucky sign. Of course, this is just superstition. What's important is that Mommy and Daddy will always be here to help you be happy and successful in life.

P.S.
I know you will be a curious baby and will want to know what Mommy's and Daddy's animal signs are so here they are. Can you guess who is which?

Positive News!

Dear baby,

You know what? Mommy has been closely monitoring her ovulation dates for the last 3 cycles (pretty difficult stuff for you right now but if you are a girl, Mommy will make sure you understand this at the right time) to increase our chances of having you. Your daddy and I have been talking about you a lot and we were wishing you will be with us soon.

The day finally came when I can take a test to see if you are finally in my belly! Can you imagine how excited and nervous Mommy was? 

The first time I saw the 2 lines on my test, I couldn't believe my eyes. I wanted to tell your Daddy right away. I couldn't keep a secret from your Daddy anyway so I called Daddy and told him the news. After that I couldn't wait to go home so I can retake the test. Mommy wanted to be sure (I'm sure this concept will not be unfamiliar to you soon!) The results are positive! Mommy and Daddy were so happy to know that they finally have you, their baby, growing inside Mommy's body.

We love you from the instant we knew you existed. Just knowing that you have life, changed Mommy's and Daddy's forever.