Day 184: Miracles and Renewal

REBIRTH...RENEWAL...RECONCILIATION...Our very first Christian experience was the baptism we received as infants. At the time, our parents and godparents stood as "witnesses" for us. As we grew older in our walk of faith, we experience many challenges and reach numerous crossroads and in many instances, we lose touch with what it truly means and takes to be a Christian. Sometimes we get lost in the hustle and bustle of life or get lured by false contentment given by material things. 


Hubby and I were blessed by God to have been given an opportunity to renew ourselves with Him through the loving support of our BCBP community. Like doubting Thomas, we needed to see to believe and when we did, God's promise of eternal life became true and alive. Through our Baptism in the Holy Spirit, we were able to receive gifts of outrageous proportions. We were unworthy and yet the Lord poured out His bountiful blessings into us. 


It is life-changing...and it is indeed a true rebirth into God's loving arms. Praise Him now and forever!!!

Day 73: A Year Older

I woke up to a very beautiful Sunday morning today. For a perk-me-up, the fam bam had breakfast at the local batchoy shop.  The fresh noodles, pork bits and chicharon, garlic, leeks and glorious caldo (hot broth) made our tummies warm and satisfied.  We did a short joy ride around our small city before hearing mass at Sto. Niño Shrine.  For lunch, we hopped over to Mom's Finest Buffet to officially celebrate my natal day.  We arrived just in time for the much-awaited Pacquiao-Clottey boxing match to begin.  I was so happy to find my favorite Kare-Kare as part of the buffet...love it!!!  So my birthday feast consisted of Kare-Kare, Garlic Chicken, Fried Tilapia, Spaghetti, Pork Sarciado and Steamed Rice.  Jarred insisted I should have cake since it's my birthday but I told him that older people don't really get birthday cakes anymore.  To this he wittingly replied, "Don't worry Mom...I know exactly what to do!"  He scooted over to the dessert table and filled bowls and saucers with yummy dessert fare.  When he came back to the table, he said..."Here Mom, for ice cream, you can have this cool sago and cream mix and instead of cake, here's some Maja Blanca and Ube Jello." It was so touching!  We were all stuffed at the end of the lovely meal.  And despite the boxing match being so boring and uneventful, it was a birthday lunch that I will never forget.

We went to nearby Gaisano Mall so the boys can get their haircut and looked around for some stuff that hubby needed.  He was able to score a nice pair of driving shoes and 2 pairs of Old Navy sweat pants for an absolute steal!  Since I've been sporting a slimmer waistline nowadays, I scouted for a nice casual belt which I found after some steady search.  Before heading back home, the two older kids requested to have some fun at the arcade and armed with 2 tokens each, they chose a car race video game and a rickety bus ride.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home.  When I opened my email inbox and Facebook account, I was floored by the amount of greetings and well-wishes from family and friends.  And so, for a great day filled with delectable food shared with loved ones, precious time being together and wonderful wishes from all over the world - THANK YOU! It is indeed such amazing times we now have to celebrate getting older. I love it!!!

Day 39: TRISTAN REI

Today marks the 6th birthday of my one and only nephew, TRISTAN REI.  He's the only son of my younger sister.  My children fondly call him "cousin TREI".  Due to distance, we haven't met him face-to-face since he lives with his family in Canada.  Thank heavens for modern technology, Jarred, Cailie and CeeJae can regularly video chat with him via Skype.  At times, they would spend hours online showing off their toys and actually playing with them onscreen as if they were just in one room.  Isn't that awesome?

Trei is a cool and very smart kid...I love it when he says my name in that so husky voice..."Hello Tita Cathee!...where's Kuya Red?"  He sent tears to my eyes when at one time he said, "Oh wow Tita Cathee, thanks so much for inviting me to your home...I'd love to go there...Mom, Tita Cathee says I can stay in their house in the Philippines!"  He is such a well-mannered little boy.  No wonder he's got his Mom and Dad wrapped around his little finger...not to mention his two Lolas - Lola Linda and Mommy Cecille and his Tita Ninang Kate.  

You've grown up so fast, little man...and you've brightened the lives of people around you...I can just imagine a room lighting up whenever you enter it...you are that kind of child...so full of energy and joy!  Continue to shower your goodness to those you meet and remember that there are people back in the Philippines who are loving you more and more each day.  

Tristan, we haven't met you in person yet...haven't held you in a warm embrace...haven't kissed your head full of hair...but trust that you are loved deeply by all of us here.  We can't wait for that time when we can all finally meet and be together.

Happy Birthday our dearest Trei!!!  We love and miss you very much!!!

*** NOW photo courtesy of Tita Ninang Kate; THEN photo courtesy of Mommy Tintin

Day 12: Memories of Pregnancy and CS Delivery

A friend was asking some advice on how to prepare for a CS delivery.  She's due to give birth this week and her baby is still in a breech position so a Caesarean section is inevitable.  It'll be her first so she is kind of apprehensive about the procedure.

Having delivered all three of my children via CS, I'd like to think I'm quite qualified to give my thoughts about the procedure.

My worst experience with the operation was the very first one, only because it was an emergency CS and I wasn't prepared for it, physically, mentally and emotionally.  I was a newbie and didn't know what to do right after the operation.  Indeed, the recovery was slow and painful.  With my succeeding two deliveries, I made sure I read up on how to prep myself on all three aspects: physical, mental and emotional.  True enough, the last two procedures went by like a breeze.  I was able to pull myself up quickly and recovery was record fast.  I also had an advantage since I really decided to do complete breastfeeding for both my girls which I wasn't able to do with my son.

Here are some tips I can share to make a CS operation less daunting and scary and to ensure a smooth and quick recovery:

1. Don't be afraid to ask your OB details about the procedure.  He/She should be able to allay your anxiety or fear.

2. Make sure you get a very good abdominal binder.  It will be your best friend in making sure your stitches heal well and getting you back to your pre-pregnancy figure. (refer to the picture above for a visual)

3. Follow the NPO (non per orem) instruction of your OB strictly.  No liquid or solid intake at least 12 hours prior to your CS. This will ensure you of a shorter "suffering" and allow you to take in liquids or solid food shortly after your operation.  I went on a fiber-filled diet for the whole week prior to my CS schedule to ensure I didn't suffer constipation after the procedure.  CS and constipation = not a good mix

4. Follow the instructions of your Anesthesiologist during the insertion of your spinal or epidural.  Your obedience will reward you of an almost pain-free procedure.

5. Do not attempt to speak within 12 hours after your operation to prevent "kabag".

6. Try your best to move sideways within 6 hours after operation; elevate your bed in varying degrees within 12 hours after operation; sit up within 12-18 hours; and walk within 24-36 hours after the CS.

7. If at all possible, try to breastfeed your baby as soon as you feel you are up to it.  It will help a lot in the healing process. *** With my 3rd baby, I was breastfeeding 3 hours after the operation.

8. You can take full showers already provided your OB used a waterproof seal on your stitches.  If not, you have to take extra precaution not to get the scar area wet when you take a shower or bath.  

9. During your recovery, do not attempt to carry more than the weight of your baby for at least 6 months postpartum.

10. Refrain from going up and down stairs and exerting too much effort for at least two months after your operation.