My First New Year's Eve Celebration

This would be my first New Year's Eve celebration, Mommy bought a hat for me and my uncles and auntie. As always, dad took some photos.

I hope that you are all safe in celebrating New Year. Don't loose your fingers by burning firecrackers, it's better to blow plastic horns, called "torotot", than to burn thousands of pesos and endanger your life.

It is best to celebrate New Year with our families and love ones and thank God for all the blessings He gave us, this 2009, I'm sure there are a lot of things to thank for. Personally, I thank God for giving me life, in protecting me and in making sure that I am healthy as always.

Have a Prosperous New Year to all.

Tooooot!, tooooot!

Have a nice day,

Photo's During My Baptism

I know everyone is quite busy for the past few days, buying gifts for our love ones and attending Christmas Parties. While everyone were scrambling on taking their rides going home, many were also scrambling to have a descent Noche Buena.

We may even forgot to greet the birthday celebrator but may we never forget the reason of Christmas. It's about giving, not just with material things and gifts but giving ourselves to others, just like Jesus did when He died for our sins.

Christmas season ends on January 10 (Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ), but may the reason of the season remains in our heart.

Merry Christmas to all.

P.S.

Here's a compilation of the photos during my Christening last December 13, 2009

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

Baptism AVP

This Audio Visual Presentation was intended to be shown on the reception after I was baptized, unfortunately, we were not able to borrow an LCD projector. I am sharing this with you anyway.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

Preparing For My Baptism

Tomorrow, I will be baptized in a Catholic Church. This is one of the important event in my life that I am waiting for. Since December is fast approaching, it was really hard for my dad to look for a church and venue for my baptism, not to mention that they need to consider the priest's (the same priest who officiated my parents' wedding) free schedule.

They really wanted me to be baptized at the Chapel of Padre Pio in Libis (Padre Pio is very significant in dad's prayer to have me in their life) but Chapel's is not allowed to give the Sacrament of Baptism. After several days of calling parishes and churches in Quezon City and Marikina, they finally found the Parish of Our Lady of Pentecost in Katipunan.

Pictorial is not easy since I only have 5 minutes or less of patience per session (The photos were used for my invitation and thank you card). Ear piercing was done 2 weeks ago (I need it to have a feminine look, LOL).

I'll be sharing more tomorrow.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

You've Got A Look-A-Like

Let's! play a game.

Some said I look like my dad, some said I look like my mom, while other said it's a mix. Well, just look into the photos below and let me know your opinion by leaving a comment below (photo from left: my dad, me and my mom).

Have fun.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

I'm One Month Old

This coming Sunday, I'll be one month old. What's up after a month snoozing, crying and feeding?. At birth, I had no idea that my arms and legs were attached to me. That's all changing now as I starts exploring my body.

I am still being breastfed exclusively (mom is determined to do this up to my 2nd year). Aside from the rashes I have right now, everything is okay. I gained 0.15 lbs and I now weighs 8.14 lbs.

There are several milestone a baby might achieved on the first month and these are:

• Lift head 45 degrees when on stomach (I did this when I was 4 days old)
• Vocalized in ways other than crying (e.g. cooing)
• Smile in response to your smile
• Lift head 90 degrees when on stomach (watch the video below)
• Hold head steady when upright
• Bring both hands together
• Smile spontaneously

I am still practicing the tummy position and I am almost done mastering this skill.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

20 Days After

Mom's womb was a warm and cozy environment, and it takes time for me to adjust to the various sights, sounds, and sensations of life outside her womb.

The only way I know to communicate is by crying (usually when I am hungry), but they can communicate with me through their voice and their touch. (I can now recognize mom and dad's voice and pick it out among others.)

I should be put down on my stomach for "tummy time" when I am awake. I should sleep on my back, but I also need to spend time on my belly every day to strengthen my neck muscles, which help me push up, roll over, sit up, and crawl. Tummy time will also help me avoid developing a flat spot on my head from being on my back.

By the end of this week, baby may lift her head (hmm , I did it for the first time when I was just 4 days old) briefly and possibly move it from side to side when she's lying on her stomach. Soon, my nervous system and muscle control will mature and my jerky movements will become more fluid.

Above photo was taken 3 days ago. After I was exposed to indirect sunlight, I bought pandesal and coffee for my parent's breakfast (just kidding).

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

My First Check-Up

Here's a video of my first visit to my Doctor, it was also my 2nd vaccination (BCG or anti-tuberculosis) after being vaccinated with Hepatitis B. I also gained 0.45 lbs. and now weighs 7.55 lbs.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

A Song From My Daddy

Here's a song composed by my father entitled "Langit Na", it's a song written just for me :D

LANGIT NA
Words and Music by: Ricky Pascual

Anong ligaya ang aking nadarama
Nang una kang masilaya't makita
Kislap ng 'yong mata'y sadyang nagniningning.
Ang 'yong tinig ka'y sarap na marinig
Sa 'king puso'y parang isang awit

KORO:
Langit ang aking nadarama
Sa pagdating mo sa aming buhay
Munti mong mga ngiti dulot ay ligaya
Ang puso ko ngayo'y sadyang tuwang-tuwa.

Bawat oras ako'y nananabik
Na makita ka habang nahihimbing
Damhin mo ang aking mga halik
Mga yakap at aking paglalambing
Sa 'king bisig ikaw ay mahimbing
(KORO)

Have a nice day,

P.S.
Here's a short message from my 5 year old cousin Kuya Luigi. Thanks Kuya Luigi!

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

A Baby's Tale

Here's the video I was telling you. It is a compilation of videos and photos from the time of conception up to the day I was born. It was edited by my dad a few minutes after I was born. Enjoy watching.

For more tales and photos, feel free to explore my site here at http://ababytales.blogspot.com.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

Homecoming

It was not really an enjoyable stay for me because I stayed for a day in the nursery before I was brought to my mom's room. My parents thought that the hospital (or maybe just the staffs) is not an advocate of breastfeeding (they prefer formula fed rather than breastfed), that is why my mom requested to bring me in her room.

Last Sunday, we finally went home after waiting for 5 hours for our hospital bill. At 4pm, we were finally discharged from the hospital and off we go.

When we got home, familiar faces were waiting for us. My grandparents, uncles and aunties, cousins, all are excited waiting for my homecoming. Daddy, together with my Popsy (he doesn't want to be called lolo or grandpa) assembled my crib. While my mom was chatting with my grandmother from abroad (she's very excited to see me). It was a very long day for us but it was enjoyable (dad note's- sleepless nights are here but it is fulfilling and rewarding even if we still haven't got the rhythm of breastfeeding her and need to wake up in the wee hours of the morning :D). It was simple and yet profound.

Today is another fine and nice day for me, our family went to the park to get some early morning sunlight (Yipeeee!!!). It's nice to be home.

Good Morning and have a nice day

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

2nd Day in the Hospital

My 2nd day in the hospital is kind of boring, I haven't seen my mom since yesterday. Mom you need to...uhum!?; Anyway, I hope to see her later this afternoon.

This is my first kiss with mom,, it was taken after the operation. Waiting for more kisses from my parents.

Hmm, It looks like I will have a voice of a soprano 2, I was crying so loud, it echoes around the nursery room.

Finally, finish line. Yahoo!!!!!!. A new race is about to begin.

P.S.
If you are going to visit us in the hospital, you will have the privilege to see my first video and other photos. I can't post it here, (I'm naked in some of the photos, LOL).

Friends, see you

The Day I was Born

Hi everyone,

Here's a photo of me with mom. I was born today at 10:35 in the morning, 7.15 lbs. More photos and videos. See you!!

A Letter for My Mom on the Eve of My Birth

Hi Mommy,

What's up?, I'm sure you're too excited and at the same time nervous of what will happen tomorrow. I know, it's kind of a mixed emotions for both of you, but don't you worry I'll be fine. At last!, after almost 39 weeks of taking care of me while I'm inside your womb, we will finally meet for the first time.

Thank you mommy, in taking good care of me and for making sure that I am safe each day of my development. I know that you will continue to love me, care for me and protect me as I grow to become a fine, kind, healthy and loving young lady.

The nine months of waiting is over and a new chapter of our life together will begin in just a few hours. It's not easy in carrying me for this long and gaining a whooping 40 lbs but I know that you were happy about this wonderful experience. It's difficult but fulfilling; am I right?.

I can't wait to feel your embrace, to feel your touch and to feel your love. I am blessed to have you and daddy as my parents. I look forward of spending quality time with you and dad who is equally excited about my birth.

Rest for now mommy, for tomorrow will be a busy day for us. I love you

See you tomorrow!!!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for protecting me each day while I'm inside my mom's womb. Thank you for making my mom's pregnancy an enjoyable experience. I know that you will continue to protect our family as we begin this new wonderful chapter of our life. Protect both of us as my birth has come.

I light a candle for "Gab" whom I did not have the chance to meet but I know she's happy that finally, I am in their life. Thank you God, You are indeed an awesome God.

Photo Session - 2 Days Before I Am Born

Last night, mom and dad held a private maternity photo shoot session in our house. It was a long overdue request of my mom, finally it was granted.

Dad didn't have accessories like lights and fast lens for this kind of set-up (dad note's- I hope to have one in the future) to make the photographs look artistic and have a professional touch. In fact, He wanted it to be done by a professional but it's a little bit expensive. To make the silhouette effect possible, dad improvised for a back lighting by using a small bulb and using only a kit lens on his camera, voila the session begun.

The photo on the left is one of the few photos that looks good. Though dad was not really satisfied with the output (those technical details he would have wanted) he is still happy and delighted with this little bonding they had before I am born. They both enjoyed it and I love hearing their laughter.

Aside from the silhouette, dad took a few more photos including a photograph with a ribbon on mom's belly (that's cool because it's pink).

The last on the set before they called the night off is the photo on the left, dad kissing mom's belly. Mom laugh at dad because of the way dad kissed her belly (LOL).

I'll be sharing with you more photos in the next few days.

Friends, see you in 2 days!!!.

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." -Mark 9:37

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

3rd Trimester Milestone

Here's the summary of the 3rd trimester of my development:

Week 28: My eyes opens
Week 29: My movement is more forceful
Week 30: I packs on pound
Week 31: My reproductive development continues
Week 32: Downy har falls off
Week 33: I can detect lights
Week 34: Protective coating get thicker
Week 35: Rapid growth continues
Week 36: I can suck
Week 37: I am in full term
Week 38: My organ function continues to improve
Week 39: Placenta provides antibodies/My birth arrives
Week 40: I guess I have to skip this week since I will be born via C-Section (Week 39)

Friends see you in 3 days!!!,

38th Week of My Development

At this point I have really plumped up. I now weighs about 6.8 pounds and over 19 1/2 inches long. I have a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold my hand for the first time! My organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color my eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If I'm born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If I'm born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time I'm 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after birth, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue (dad's note- most likely it woud be brown, LOL). Green, Hazel and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.

My lung are now producing large amounts of the hormone cortisol, which helps to produce surfactant, the substance that stops the lungs from sticking together. This will help ensure my transition from breathing amniotic fluid to breathing air once I am born is as seamless as possible, but it may take a few hours until my breathing pattern is completely normal. My fat stores are continuing to build up, enabling me to regulate my body temperature and while I may still have some vernix on the surface of my skin when I'm born, it will mainly be in creases and crevices of the skin.

Did you know that if a light is shown at mom's bump then I will turn towards it. This is known as the 'orienting response' – the reflex that causes an organism to respond immediately to a change in its environment. Wow!!!

Friends see you in 4 days!!!

Image from: http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-38-weeks

And The Countdown Begins

The time is ticking, and my birth is getting near. Mom and Dad are so excited about it. See you on Friday. Yahoooo!!!!!

Friends see you in 5 days!!!

I Can't Wait To See You

Here's a poem composed by my dad "I Can't Wait To See You" and a video from Mom's Baby Shower, it was made in gratitude to all those who gave their time for this occasion.

My heart is filled with pride
The joy In me never subsides
I am excited to hold you in my arms
As gentle and as careful as I can.

Your tiny hands and tiny feet
Your little eyes and little lips
I want to see and I want to kiss
But for now I am here gazing and waiting.

I can say this without any doubt
That I will always be there beside you
Catch you if you fall
Comfort you when you cry.

This is the moment my little dear
The moment we've been waiting
The day of your birth is already near.
Six more days, we will finally meet.

Friends see you in 6 days!!!

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

A Letter From My Daddy

Hi everyone,

I'm sure most of you already knew the day of my birth, it's on October 23, 2009. I am so excited for this day. In the meantime, I am sharing with you a letter for me from my Daddy. It's less than 7 days before D-Day.

Friends, see you in 7 days!!!

Hi Gabby,

Time really flies, I can't believe that I will finally see and hug you. I few months back, I was monitoring and writing about your development and what you are doing inside your mom's womb. The moment your mommy showed me the two (2) stripes, I begun writing about it. I am so amazed the first time I saw your movement in the monitor through ultrasound. "Wow!, that's my daughter", I said. I'm sure when you watch it, you will also be amazed with your little movements inside your mom's womb.

Your mom really did a great job in protecting you. One time, your mom slipped and she fell with her knees and elbows just to protect you. Aside from the little bruises, you and your mom are fine. I thank God that He protect both of you specially when I am not with your mom.

What joy you've given me everytime you do your kicks and somersaults while mom is laughing at me because I was making faces as if we were playing . The way I feel now is the same way when your mom and I got married three years ago. It's like a glimpse of heaven.

Everyone is so excited with your coming, your grandpa and grandmas, your cousins, your uncles and aunties together with our friends; they are all awaiting for the D-day. I can't wait to see you grow, to make your first step and to hear you say "Daddy & Mommy".

You had a sibling, her name is Gab (though we never knew her gender). She already joined our dear Lord when she was still four months inside your mom's womb. She's our little angel watching over us. It would have been better if she's here with us sharing our joy. Anyway, I know she's happy for us.

Nine months had past but my excitement never ceases. In fact, I am getting more and more excited as your birth is getting nearer. A week is just 168 hours or 10,800 minutes, but it seems so endless...it seems so long.

When you grow up you can read here in this blog site (your blog site) every single details of your development and every single moment of our life together. It may not be perfect but we'll make it sure that it will be filled with joy and laughter.

We will cherish and watch you grow. We will watch you through life as our heart fills with pride and help you with decisions, the best that we can. I know that someday you'll be a fine young women, loving God and loving others.

We love you Gabby. See you soon!!!

Love,

Daddy

A Conversation With God

Here's a tale I want to share with you..."A Conversation With God"


Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born:

One day the child asked God, "They tell me you are going o send me to earth on tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”

God relied, “Among the many angels, I have chosen two for you, they will be waiting for you and will take care of you.”

But said the child, “Tell me here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile. That's what I need to be happy!”

God said, “Your angels will sing for you every day and you will feel your angels' love and be happy.”

And said the child, “How am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, If I don't know the language that men talk?”

“That's easy”, God said, “Your angels will tell you the most beautiful and and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angels will teach you how to speak.”

The child looked up at God saying, “And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?”
God smiled at the child saying, “Your angels will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.”

The child said, “I've heard on earth there are bad men, who will protect me?"
God put his arm around the child, saying, “Your angels will defend you even if it means risking life!”

The child looked sad, saying, “But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.”

God hugged the child, “Your angels will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way you come back to me, even though I will always be next to you.”

At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard.
The child in a hurry, asked softly, “Oh God, If I am about to leave now, please tell me my angels' name!”

God replied, “Your angels' name are of no importance...you will simply call them MOMMY & DADDY!”

Friends see you in 8 days!!!

P.S. 1: Only eight days to go, I'll be seeing my two angels, my mom who carried me for nine months and my daddy who always pray for us. I know they are both excited for my coming. Ah!, eight days seems too long.

P.S. 2: Please pray for us always specially on the 23rd day of October.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."- Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Why Caesarian Operation?

Caesarean section, also known as C-section or Caesar, is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made through a mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver one or more babies. It is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk.

Conditions that may require a planned c-section include:

• You've had a previous cesarean with a "classical" vertical uterine incision or more than one previous c-section.
  
• You've had some other kind of invasive uterine surgery, such as a myomectomy (the surgical removal of fibroids).
• You're carrying more than one baby. (Some twins can be delivered vaginally, but all higher-order multiples require a c-section.)
• Your baby is expected to be very large (a condition known as macrosomia). This is particularly true if you're diabetic or you had a previous baby of the same size or smaller who suffered serious trauma during a vaginal birth.
• Your baby is in a breech (bottom first) or transverse (sideways) position. (In some cases, such as a twin pregnancy in which the first baby is head down but the second baby is breech, the breech baby may be delivered vaginally.)
• You have placenta previa (when the placenta is so low in the uterus that it covers the cervix).

The last condition is the reason why I will be delivered via C-Section (see above image). This condition is usually prone to bleeding but thank God, mom did not experience any.

Friends see you in 9 days!!!

"And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." - Mark 10:16

D-day is Coming...

As per Wikipedia.org, D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred. What I am going to tell may not be a military attack or operation but an equally significant event at least for me and my parents.

This October 23rd, D-day (Delivery Day) will happen. The much awaited event of the year will be at 11 in the morning at St. Vincent Hospital, Marikina. I will finally meet and see my parents for the first time. I am sure it would be a monumental event. Watch Out!!!

Friends see you in 10 days!!!

Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward - Psalm 127:3

37th Week of My Development

Whew!!, at last I am now in full term! This means that if I arrives now, my lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though mom's due date is still three weeks away. I weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel. Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if my hair isn't the same color as mom's. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

By now I may have moved well down inside mom's pelvic cavity. As well as ensuring I'm in the right position for birth (oops!!, per last ultrasound, I will be born via C-section because of mom's conditon called placenta previa totalis), it gives me some space for my legs to continue to grow. I may have hair on my head (although I'm likely to lose most of it after the birth). Any lanugo, the fine downy hair that covered my body and kept me warm earlier on, has all but gone. Although you may see traces of it on my shoulders and the back of my neck when I'm born. Some of the vernix, the white, waxy substance that coats my skin in the womb will still be present, but this also lessens with time. (Babies who are born after their due date often have very little still on them.)

Not only will my lungs be able to function without any assistance were I to be born today, but I'm likely to have enough fat stores to be able to keep my body temperature stable outside the womb.

Did you know that as well as everything else mom are carrying around, her placenta weighs a whopping 1.5lb.

Friends see you soon!!!

Image from: http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-37-weeks

Breastfeeding Seminar

Last July 11, 2009, my parents attended the Breastfeeding Seminar held at the Medical City in Pasig City. It is co-sponsored by Latch Inc., a group of counsellors offering mother to mother support and services to take the guestwork out of breastfeeding and the Center for Patient Partnership.

The seminar was a half-day affair. It was highlighted by hands-on training for mothers who want to breastfeed their babies (see related video below). The seminar is free with merienda and a bunch of freebies from their sponsor.

Here are some benefits for the baby if they are breastfed, according to the Center for Patient Partnership: (Source: http://www.maialancholy.com)

• Fewer ear infections
• Lower risk of asthma, eczema, and food allergies
• Protection against meningitis, diarrhea, UTI, and pneumonia
• Decreases risk of Diabetes
• Enhances brain development and increases IQ
• Reduces risks of SIDS
• Promotes psychological and emotional reassurance leading to happier and less fussy babies

More practical benefits include:

• Lose weight faster
• More savings on formula milk
• Increased convenience
• Travel easier

With these loads of benefits why choose formula milk?.

Call the Center for Patient Education and look for Gino or Shirley at Ext 6444. The Medical City’s trunk lines are 6356789 and 6349493.

Friends see you soon!!!

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

36th Week of My Development

Laying down fat is still the name of the game at the moment, and I am still gaining about 25g (an ounce) a day. This may start to slow down slightly, though. I now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. I am shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered my body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected my skin during my nine-month amniotic bath. I swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of my first bowel movement.

Most of my bones are still soft, to allow for an easier journey through the birth canal. They will harden up over the first few years of life. My circulation is fully developed and my immune system is mature enough to protect me from infections outside the womb.

At the end of this week, I will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely I'm in a head-down position.

Did you know that In addition to laying down fat everywhere else, my little cheeks are getting chubbier now. Bet you can't wait to see them!

Friends see you soon!!!

Image from: http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-36-weeks

35th Week of My Development

At this point, I don't have much room to maneuver now that I am over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in mom's womb, I am not likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times I kicks should remain about the same. When you look into my mom's tummy, you may notice an elbow, head, foot or bottom protruding from her bump now and then – and it may feel uncomfortable when I kicks.

My kidneys are fully developed now, and my liver can process some waste products. My hearing is fully formed (although some aspects will continue to develop until about the age of 18 months), so if dad is talking to me I'll be hearing him better than ever this week.

As I continues to gain weight and lay down fat, the wall of mom's uterus and abdomen will be more stretched than ever, letting in more light. I'll be able to see this and I may develop a new, daily activity routine.

Most of my basic physical development is now complete — I'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Did you know that at about this point, I have expanded to a thousand times my original size!. Amazing!!!

Friends see you soon!!!

Image from: http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-35-weeks

A Baby Shower

Last Sunday, September 20, 2009, a baby shower was held for my mom. It was planned and arranged by my parents' friends:

The celebration was filled with laughter through games like "Pinoy Henyo" (best seller among Filipinos, originated from a noontime show here in the Philippines), Babies A to Z (fill-up the alphabet with anything related to babies) and many hilarious and funny games. Thanks to Tita Cla in preparing the games and prizes.

The "Paint Me a Picture" was the last game before my parents revealed my name (Tita Anne and Tita Agirl were able to guess it). The game is consist of 2 teams trying to make a portrait out of the poems dad has written. The winner is the "In Her Womb" group.

After all the laughter and funny antics my parents' friends prayed for them (it is one of the nicest thing when your with a God-loving people). It was led by Tito Jet and Tita Lilet who came from their church service and still come even if we knew they were both tired.

It would have been better if all the invited guests were able to attend, nonetheless my parents and I were blessed because of this celebration. A celebration of life. Thanks for coming. Your presence is more important than anything else. We love you all!!!

Finally, just for fun the above photo was taken. It looks like that they are all pregnant (LOL), but they are not (LOL again). I wonder why dad did not join (hmmm!?).

Friends, see you in a couple of weeks. Please pray with us that mom would have a normal delivery, as of this day the placenta is still covering her cervix and it is not possible to have a normal delivery if this is still the case next month. Her last ultrasound is scheduled sometimes next week. Hoping for the best.

Friends, see you soon!!!

P.S.

More Photos here.

Up next: A Baby Shower Photo Story

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