I'm grateful as can be for your generosity.

Baby Mittens,Baby Booties and Baby Bonnet
Ms. Joy Casio of Victory the Fort- thank you so much ang cute cute talaga ng bigay mong Cinderella mittens,booties and bonnet.

Diapers
Sister Tess Escudero- Thank you for the Diapers one week na yan na magagamit ni Baby Banana.

Baby Things
Mommy's Academy- I do love all the Baby give aways. Shampoo,soup,cotton and many more.

Mommy's Academy Magazine
Mommy's Academy-  The best magazine talaga to dami ko natutunan. Every Article sarap basahin.

Bedtime Stories

Ms. Haydee Bernardo-Sampang- Includes daily prayers for girls and fun tips for both children and parents to read together. Excited na ko basahan si Baby  Banana ng Bedtimes Stories. Thanks Ms. Haydee so much appreciated ko talaga mag eenjoy kaming mag-ina na basahin ito every night.

Soft Pillow and Bed Pad

Tita Anabel and Ate Ac- buy me a soft pillow and bed pad nung nagvisit sila sa akin. Thank you po super love ko ang pillow pero ko ginadumog hehehe...

Baby Bath
Jiselle Alvarez- I will get enjoy bathing Baby Banana instead of being nervous.

Baby Album
Cheer Hermoso- Alam mo talaga na mahilig ako mag journal. Love it photographs and memories ni Baby Banana.

Kitchen Toy
Niecee  Adanza - I just love the adorable Toys for Baby Banana ako na lang muna maglalaro kasi after 3 years nya pa siguro yan malalaro he...he..he...

Tita Jane Armada- Thank you very much sa pink Jacket lage ko po to suot suot twing aattend ako ng service at papasyal sa mall.

Tita Ivony Torremonia- twing visit nyo sa akin lage kayong may pasalubong. hehehe...maraming salamat po.

A great joy is coming.

My family and friends and my husband Toto and the pregnancy fulfilled me with so much love.

Dear Pregnancy,

Wow, I can't believe it's been nine months already! Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday that I was tentatively running my hands over my lower belly, wondering how I was going to grow  baby is in there, unsure of what was to come. And now look at us!

I have to admit, when we first got together, I had my doubts about you. It wasn't your fault, but I'd been burned before and had my heart broken, and for a while there, I wasn't sure if I'd ever recover from it. But, you brought me back to life, you gave me my spirit back. I knew with you, early on, that this time, things were going to be different. And they were ...

Of course, from the beginning, you always kept me guessing. Like at the six month ultrasound, when the doctor told me, "There's the heartbeat ... oh." I remember asking, "A baby girl?!". "Yep," the doctor said. "Baby Girl ." So, yeah, that was kind of a shocker. I was stunned, but also thrilled, so relieved that there was one strong heartbeat, and then doubly blessed that she is healthy.

Oh, and thats a baby girl? What was that about? My husband Rik  started thinking of girls' names.  

We also just seem to fit together, don't you think? Overall, you've helped me feel so healthy and strong -- my skin was glowing, my hair was soft, I had plenty of energy. Granted, you inspired me to take better care of myself as well, so maybe that was part of it too. I mean the weekly seminar abour pregnant woman  every week, all of those fruits and vegetables, sacrificing my coffee and sweets foods -- yeah, that was all for you. (Okay, maybe I didn't always treat you as well as I should have. Even in the last couple of months, with all of my  rib pain and itchy skin, I still feel like you went pretty easy on me.

 Toto Ric: The best way to support your pregnant wife is by learning as much as you can ... 

Mainly though, just look at what you've done for me -- you grew  (hopefully) strong, healthy baby girl in this body of mine. And you kept them in there for 38 weeks. That's incredible! I never ever thought that we'd get this far, and I'm so beyond grateful at what you've been able to achieve for me, for my baby Banana. I don't mean to sound like a Disney movie, but you're amazing, you're a miracle. This experience of pregnancy has been such a gift already -- watching my body grow and change, feeling those flutters and kicks reminding me of the tiny lives inside, that point when I realized that they were already little beings all their own, and I was now just a vessel to keep you safe and strong. I'm so lucky that I was able to grow your lives in my body and, I promise you, not for one second did I take it for granted. Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me have this.

Nene Joy: Because of your love i became pregnant

So, in just a few days, we're going to part ways, you and me. Of course, you're leaving me with a precious mementos of our time together, a gifts that were the result of a lot of love, a lot of patience, and a lot of banana pudding. (Oh, and I think you left me with a few stretch marks too, but I forgive you.) I should have gotten you something in return, but what do you get for that someone that's given you everything? I can tell you this -- I'm always going to cherish our time together and will miss you more than I can express, especially because I know we're not likely to cross paths again. I'm sure in the weeks to come, I'll find myself tentatively running my hands over my belly again, marveling at how it used to hold my baby is in there. Then, I'll probably strap on my tummy girdle, load up the diaper bag, and take my babies for a walk in a stroller, my pregnancy already starting to feel like a distant memory.

Well... it is my due date today...

And I'm still pregnant.
Joy Soliman


COMMENT:

Ana Balingit- :-( im sorry Chong Joy! how long does ur dr. let u  go over due?

Rhea Adanza- Mercuyo-  Any day now!  I feel your frustration, but in no time at all you will be updating us all with your wonderful birth story.  Good luck my beautiful insan kaya mo yan update na lang pray ka namin at ang anak mo,

Freda Sagucio- Actually you are lucky in my opinion. I am being forced to have a c-section in 2 days but I would love to have my LO naturally. It would be great if she could come when she is ready. 

Mrs. Victoria Meneses- Ano sabi ng Ob mo? Regular kba nagpapacheck-up?

Joanna Jamero-  My original date was the 3rd and they just pushed it out at least another week.... I feel ya.

Linda Joper- you are not alone my dear sisi ! im due tommorrow &dr thinks she wont be here until the 10th its the most worst feeling

Shane Ynarez- Your LO just wants to cook a little longer ;)

Jamie Graff-  We have our first mommas hitting/passing their dues dates now. All the babies thus far have come early. It's a good thing though, you will be holding your Lo in no time. Good luck.

Fiona Mae Fray- How exciting! And anxiety producing since now you'll really be hoping any little twinge is labor ;) Congratulations on making it to 40 wks! I read that the average delivery date is 8 days overdue for FTM and 3 days for subsequent pregnancies so either way you are still on track to be average :)

Beth Ortiz- :) and this is my 3rd! My first was 10 days late induced, my second was 7 days late natural, so I am thinking or hoping this one will be here toward the end of this week...hang in there, at most you will only be pregnant for about 13 more days if your doc does the whole not going more than 42 wks thing like mine does.

Giving birth – what to take to the hospital

Packing check list

• Bible
• Your medical records and birth plan.
• Cosmetics bag, including soap and shampoo.
• Sanitary towels.
• Underwear.
• Dressing gown and slippers.
• Change of clothes.
• Nursing bra and breast pads.
• Medication.
•  Camera for photos
• Clothes and nappies for your newborn.

What are the important things to take?

The most important item to take is your medical records – don't forget them!

Other things you will want to take are a cosmetics bag, sanitary towels (not tampons), clean underwear, slippers and a dressing gown. Even if you are not spending a long time in hospital, it can feel incredibly refreshing to take a shower and change into clean underwear.

It might be a good idea to take something to wear after giving birth – after all, it will be your first opportunity in months to put on something other than maternity clothes.

It can also be quite practical to have a nursing bra in addition to breast pads. If you're breastfeeding, you'll find this more convenient than taking a regular bra off and putting it back on every time your baby needs feeding.

Your birth plan

It's a good idea to make, and take, a birth plan outlining how you want labour to proceed. Factors to consider include.

;

• the form of pain relief.
• type of lighting/ambience.
• where the baby is to go after birth - for example most woman want their baby placed on their chest immediately after birth.
• who is to be allowed in the delivery room.

Write everything down so both the doctor and the midwife have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the plan.

When it comes to actually giving birth, you may well be too exhausted or absorbed in what is happening to remember the exact details.

Keep in mind, too, that some aspects of the plan may need to be changed if complications arise.

Comfort items

If you like listening to music, it's a good idea to take some favourite CDs or tapes to the hospital that can be easily played via a device that doesn't need to be attached to you. Studies have shown that music helps relaxation and is extremely soothing.

Time can sometimes pass slowly when in labour so books and magazines may come in handy. If you are very tired, get a companion to read to you.

Are you taking any kind of medicine?

In general, pregnant women are advised not to take any kind of medicine. But there can be exceptions and if you are on medication, this needs to be taken into hospital.

The doctor and the midwife need to know about it so they can take it into consideration.

What should I take for my baby?

You may not want to bring baby things into the maternity ward, but it's a good idea to have a packed bag ready for the journey home from hospital. This could include:

• nappies
• clean underwear
• a set of clothing for you and baby, suitable for the journey home.

If you are planning to take your baby home by car, it's a good idea to have a carrycot and blanket ready. You must be able to fasten it securely so your baby can be transported home safely.

Would you like to make a phone call?

After giving birth, parents will probably want to share the good news with others.

Mobile phones are not allowed to be used in hospitals, because they may interfere with sensitive electronic equipment there. So remember to take small change or a call card for phones.

Pregnancy Stages (First, Second, and Third Trimester)

Introduction

Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters (TREYE-mess-turs). Find out what's happening with you and your baby in these three stages.

Dance Crazily... Yes! Its positive.

What is the first trimester (week 1-week 12)?

3 weeks pregant

During the first trimester your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Your periodstopping is a clear sign that you are pregnant. Other changes may include:

• Extreme tiredness
• Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
• Upset stomach with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
• Cravings or distaste for certain foods
• Mood swings
• Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
• Need to pass urine more often
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Weight gain or loss

As your body changes, you might need to make changes to your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or eating frequent, small meals. Fortunately, most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses. And some women might not feel any discomfort at all! If you have been pregnant before, you might feel differently this time around. Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy.

8 weeks

What is the second trimester (week 13-week 28)?

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. But it is just as important to stay informed about your pregnancy during these months.

You might notice that symptoms like nausea and fatigue are going away. But other new, more noticeable changes to your body are now happening. Your abdomen will expand as the baby continues to grow. And before this trimester is over, you will feel your baby beginning to move!

As your body changes to make room for your growing baby, you may have:

• Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain
• Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
• Darkening of the skin around your nipples
• A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
• Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Patches often match on both sides of the face. This is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy
• Numb or tingling hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome
• Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet. (Call your doctor if you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice or fatigue combined with itching. These can be signs of a serious liver problem.)
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
• 
  

• What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?

  You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine and these problems will lessen once you give birth.
  Some new body changes you might notice in the third trimester include:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heartburn
  • Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum (kuh-LOSS-struhm)
  • Your belly button may stick out
  • Trouble sleeping
  • The baby "dropping," or moving lower in your abdomen
  • Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor
  As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. Get excited — the final countdown has begun!
  

  

  
  

  How will my baby develop week by week?

  First Trimester (week 1-week 12)

  At 4 weeks:
  • Your baby's brain and spinal cord have begun to form.
  • The heart begins to form.
  • Arm and leg buds appear.
  • Your baby is now an embryo and one-twenty-fifth inch long.
  At 8 weeks:
  • All major organs and external body structures have begun to form.
  • Your baby's heart beats with a regular rhythm.
  • The arms and legs grow longer, and fingers and toes have begun to form.
  • The sex organs begin to form.
  • The eyes have moved forward on the face and eyelids have formed.
  • The umbilical cord is clearly visible.
  • At the end of 8 weeks, your baby is a fetus and looks more like a human. Your baby is nearly 1 inch long and weighs less than 1/8 of an ounce.
  At 12 weeks:
  • The nerves and muscles begin to work together. Your baby can make a fist.
  • The external sex organs show if your baby is a boy or girl. A woman who has an ultrasound in the second trimester or later might be able to find out the baby's sex.
  • Eyelids close to protect the developing eyes. They will not open again until the 28th week.
  • Head growth has slowed, and your baby is much longer. Now, at about 3 inches long, your baby weighs almost an ounce.
  
  
  

  Second Trimester (week 13-week 28)

  At 16 weeks:
  • Muscle tissue and bone continue to form, creating a more complete skeleton.
  • Skin begins to form. You can nearly see through it.
  • Meconium (mih-KOH-nee-uhm) develops in your baby's intestinal tract. This will be your baby's first bowel movement.
  • Your baby makes sucking motions with the mouth (sucking reflex).
  • Your baby reaches a length of about 4 to 5 inches and weighs almost 3 ounces.
  At 20 weeks:
  • Your baby is more active. You might feel slight fluttering.
  • Your baby is covered by fine, downy hair called lanugo (luh-NOO-goh) and a waxy coating called vernix. This protects the forming skin underneath.
  • Eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have formed. Your baby can even scratch itself.
  • Your baby can hear and swallow.
  • Now halfway through your pregnancy, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 9 ounces.
  At 24 weeks:
  • Bone marrow begins to make blood cells.
  • Taste buds form on your baby's tongue.
  • Footprints and fingerprints have formed.
  • Real hair begins to grow on your baby's head.
  • The lungs are formed, but do not work.
  • The hand and startle reflex develop.
  • Your baby sleeps and wakes regularly.
  • If your baby is a boy, his testicles begin to move from the abdomen into the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in place, and a lifetime supply of eggs have formed in the ovaries.
  • Your baby stores fat and has gained quite a bit of weight. Now at about 12 inches long, your baby weighs about 1½ pounds.

  Third Trimester (week 29-week 40)

  At 32 weeks:
  • Your baby's bones are fully formed, but still soft.
  • Your baby's kicks and jabs are forceful.
  • The eyes can open and close and sense changes in light.
  • Lungs are not fully formed, but practice "breathing" movements occur.
  • Your baby's body begins to store vital minerals, such as iron and calcium.
  • Lanugo begins to fall off.
  • Your baby is gaining weight quickly, about one-half pound a week. Now, your baby is about 15 to 17 inches long and weighs about 4 to 4½ pounds
  At 36 weeks:
  • The protective waxy coating called vernix gets thicker.
  • Body fat increases. Your baby is getting bigger and bigger and has less space to move around. Movements are less forceful, but you will feel stretches and wiggles.
  • Your baby is about 16 to 19 inches long and weighs about 6 to 6½ pounds.
  
  
  
  Weeks 37-40:
  • By the end of 37 weeks, your baby is considered full term. Your baby's organs are ready to function on their own.
  • As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth. Most babies "present" head down.
  • At birth, your baby may weigh somewhere between 6 pounds 2 ounces and 9 pounds 2 ounces and be 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges. But healthy babies come in many different sizes