As I have said before, my doctor advised me not to worry to much… So I stopped reading about pregnancy; its complications and risks. And since I am just at home doing nothing (aside from FB games), I became interested with online university studies…

Ever heard of Western Governors University? It is a private, non-profit online university that is fully accredited online education institution. They offer bachelor’s and master’s online degree programs specifically designed for working adults who aims to advance their career. Since it is a non-profit institution, the tuition fee is about half what other reputable online schools charge; partial scholarships are also available through several specialized scholarship programs.

For those who wants to be promoted in their work, this one is worth checking. I also check their twitter and what can I say… I am convinced! Will consider this in the future since I will be a Mama to my dear Baby A next year. One tough job, huh!

Had another check up today… I am experiencing pain in the right side of my lower abdomen. The pain is not that painful and it comes and goes away… I called the clinic and asked the nurse but was advised to see my doctor instead. Since I have no appointment, I had to wait for sooo long. I had another ultrasound to check on Baby A and a urinalysis… Thank God, everything is fine especially my Baby A. In just a span of days, Baby A grew more than 1 cm!

After getting the result of my urinalysis, my OB talked to me again and said not to worry too much. The pain I am experiencing may be due to stretching of ligaments since my tummy is expanding… She even told me that I looked ok, no sign of pain can be seen. Actually, before that, I had already read that explanation somewhere but Alvin insisted to inform my OB.

Since it was an emergency visit, it was not included in my package. I had to pay $$$ again! Anyway, at least we have peace of mind now… So after my check up, I headed to Suntec to look for barcode scanner and to have some chicken porridge for lunch. As usual me and my Baby A were so busog!

Look at my Baby A:

I had my check up last Saturday and we were so happy to see Baby A! Initially Baby A was in a seated position but when my OB was about to capture the image, Baby A moved… Baby A turned around, Baby A seemed very playful. Before I entered my OB’s room, I talked to Baby A to wake her/him up. My OB also allowed us to hear Baby A’s heartbeat. She said that Baby A is a healthy baby… It was a very nice experience for us; so happy. Can’t wait for Baby A’s arrival!

Next month, hopefully we’ll already know Baby A’s gender. Hmmm… Boy or Girl??? Actually, it doesn’t matter as long as Baby A is healthy and normal. Anyways, looking at the ultrasound image reminds me of my childhood pictures… when I was so tabachingching!

Dear friends,

Sorry if we are not able to answer or text back some of your messages sent through Alvin’s Globe roaming numbers… Most of the time, the hand phone is just inside the cabinet since we are not expecting any calls or messages. What bothers me most are the prank caller and texters:

1) Almost every week, I receive messages asking for load. The texter pretends that he/she is a relative from abroad and is about to send packages for us.

2) Prank callers pretending to be Citibank’s credit card department! This is very common in the Philippines and many are victimized. One tip: Citibank only uses one number which is +639959999.

Anyways, not all text messages are pranks… some texts aere welcome messages from Singtel; others are agents offering car insurance, trainings and properties. Just this morning, we received a message from Globe Platinum personal relationship handler of Alvin saying that he can upgrade his handset or bill rebate for 24 months.

For urgent matters, please text our Singapore number.

I’ve been eating a lot lately… Since my Mom is here, we eat more than 3x a day! If I am not pregnant, weight loss would be my primary concern… but since I have a good reason to eat and to take lots of rest, I am relieved.

A few more days and I’ll be on my second trimester… Alvin told me that I still don’t look like I’m pregnant; just FAT! I’ll also be having my check up this coming Saturday (I am excited to see Baby A ) and I will be availing my OB’s antenal package. Alvin and I have decided that I will give birth here in Singapore.

For the past few months, I can say that I’ve never had a hard time coping with pregnancy symptoms… its just that I am having a very dry skin to the point of considering buying LaMer moisturizer! So arte; maybe (just maybe) its part of hormonal change.

We have been planning to go to Ikea weeks ago… but I am always too lazy to travel. Not even the Swedish Meat Balls can convince me to go there. Yep, it’s one of my favorite places but I am just not in the mood since I don’t have anything to buy… I will only be tempted to buy organizers that are used in preschool but I saw an online store that says: discount classroom furniture. So I am having second thoughts since we are saving up (trying ).

Actually, it is my mom’s idea to go to Ikea to buy a can opener! Do you think it’s worth the trip???

We were looking for a live chat software but end up shopping… Takashimaya had their four days (October 8-11) additional 15% off for Takashimaya cardholders. Finally, I was able to buy a WMF cookware set for only $84.15 (original price is $337) for our new home in Manila. Alvin hoarder (again) Clinique Products to avail the free 7 pieces grooming kit for men. My mom bought a new pair of shoes and a watch for a very good deal.

Branded stores like Bottega Veneta and Gucci offers only 10% off. As if we’re buying. 

Hay, a few more months and I’ll be shopping for my dear Baby A. So excited! Wishing for another Taka cardholders additional discount!

For the live chat software, maybe next time.

I am calling Alvin as Chombits Jovits (obese) because he’s been gaining weight lately and his tummy is getting bigger (just like mine ). And just this morning after the routine check up with his doctor, he was advised to exercise and to cut down his carbohydrates intake. His blood test shows that his liver fatty acids increased (almost doubled) compared to his last test; his glucose also increased though both are still within the normal range. From the last check up, he was advised not to gain weight or the maximum weight gain should only be 1kg. And since he can now eat well (very well), he consumes too much rice three times a day!

And after our check up, we dined at Sushi Tei with my mom and brother. As usual, he ate too much again… He had his favorite Beef Steak and almost 3/4 of my chicken curry rice. Today, I allowed him to eat what he wanted but tomorrow, I’ll see to it that he’ll start to exercise…

After our lunch, we just went to Taka but my mom and I got too tired after the small walk… so my mom and I got home ahead of Alvin and my brother. So the two boys had their time to look for grill guards and some stuffs in Orchard, Vivo City and Orchard again but went home empty handed… Well, at least Alvin had time to shed some sweat!

Our unit will be ready in the coming weeks or months… Up to now, Alvin and I are still arguing if we are going to hire an interior designer or just an architect. Since we are working on a limited budget, I think an architect/contractor will do and I want to personally design the place since we will be the occupants. We want a minimalistic and modern design for the house. I want simple TV stands in the living room and bedroom but I’m having second thoughts of just mounting the TV to save space. We have some ideas in mind that we got from magazines and home exhibits here in SG but it’s very difficult to decide since we haven’t seen the place, not even once!

We are both super excited to see and decorate the place… especially Baby A’s room.

Every first day of September, Filipinos already start their countdown until Christmas day. Well, Christmas is one of the ‘expensive‘ days for us. As you can see, Alvin and I usually have a hard time thinking of gifts for family and friends but now, we both agreed that we won’t buy any gifts here in SG since I cannot go out and shop. Probably we’ll just be giving Christmas cards with a little money for our ‘inaanaks‘. Since most of them are already grown ups, I think it’s better that way so that they can buy what they really want… Actually, only few of our ‘inaanaks‘ come to our house during Christmas. Well, sorry for those who are not coming, we are not sending gifts either! For oldies, I don’t know what to give… personally, I prefer giving foods for Christmas to my relatives. Since Alvin’s relatives live in another province far from us, I don’t have any idea of what to give. Hmmm…

To my Dadh Alvin: my wishlist to follow!