Just like mommy, daig ang punctual...

daig pa sa punctual, baby Jerard Danniel came way ahead of schedule...At 38-39 weeks, he decided it was unfair of his mom and dad to be celebrating new year when he could also join them...saka i think he was growing nervous of the plans being made by his titos and titas to go to Norzagaray, Bulacan (a couple of hrs away from Manila) for an overnight post-Christmas and pre-New Year family reunion.

so, right after hearing that plan, Jerard Danniel aka Jedai aka OB-1 decided to put a little pressure on mommy's tummy. At 3:30 am, mommy knew it was time to go to the hospital. Without labor pains (well, the type being shown in the movies, with all that yelling and screaming), I was scheduled for a 6 am C-section (to allow my doctor to remove an old dermoid cyst as well). The rest, of course, is history.

Samutsaring Kwento

This year, Jam and I were able to watch several concerts for free, c/o our [wedding] sponsors-godparents Ninong Danny and Ninang Marlyn. We always get free patron tickets, sat amongst the rich and famous (of sorts) and get star-struck. Always, we keep the digital cameras focused on the stage...even if Luis Manzano and Anne Curtis were just a few feet from us and we could easily snap pics away.

But during the Side A - Freestyle - MYMP concert at the Araneta last December 1 (yup, big as I am with Jerard Danniel), we didn't let the chance for a pic with [Journey lead guy] Arnel Pineda pass us by. Buti na lang, medyo nakapag suklay ako that day...hehehe.






We also bought a second hand digital SLR. Actually, May pa this year, sa Sagada trip, inaawitan na ni Jam ang camera nila Ninong Danny. Jam and I had a long long discussion about savings, our future home, birthing costs, postponing buying a house...but to make a long story short, we made a go for the camera.


We should have bought 2...hehehe. Ngayon, nag-aagawan kami. And we don't leave it at home talaga. Wherever we go, the camera goes...

Trial shots namin...Feeling professionals!

The little boy inside mommy's tummy

Got the DVD from In My Womb yesterday, and so, without much ado, may we (Jam and I) present....

Jerard Danniel O. Segun. at 28-29 weeks.
EDD: January 10, 2009
CS Schedule: January 3, 2009

He is named after St. Gerard, patron saint of childbearing women; and Danniel, which is (was) my pseudo.

For more pics, visit my photos

Goodbye to Papa

Sad news.

Papa (my maternal grandfather) passed away due to kidney failure last October 18, Saturday. He was 89 years old.

I would have thought (and a lot were hoping) that this will put a period to the ugly feud among the siblings. But the interment yesterday was uneventful and we went home wondering if they would, too, go to the grave carrying their angst, the animosity and unforgiveness.

I'd been stressed out a little during the wake. For one, (Princess of the Unemployed) little sister is finally getting on my nerves about being...well, a snob. Repeat after me: 90% ego + 10% angst = 0 substance. She had the gall to look at me last Monday night, from across a chapel room full of people, and ask as if I was her personal maid, "Yung laptop?". If the laptop was in my hand, I'd have hit her head with it.

I had just come from the office, was nearly crying out of ire and frustration on my way to St. Peter (out of sheer anger for some big bosses here), was just barely containing it, and so, I would have let all hell break loose if I'd been allowed to. But husband stepped in the middle, shushed me like a little kindergarten kid, and made me feel worse. What ensued was another silent world war 3 that earned me a sleepless night and puffy eyes, and him...a drunken night with my cousins (Of course, we couldn't stay mad at each other for more than 24 hours, but I sure did try! hehehe).

But I got my point across. I'm still waiting to shake my fist at my sister (who, I forgot to mention, refers to me and Ate as "evil sisters" with me being the more evil) but I think Ate got to it first.

Anyway, back to the topic of Papa...it is sad news. Sadder still to see my uncles and aunts being so unforgiving. Papa went to his Maker asking for forgiveness, and I am sure he was heartbroken that even if he was forgiven, he wasn't given time to enjoy it...I hate to see his kids experience the same.

The BSP's EFLC Launch

After months and endless preparation, the EFLC launching FINALLY pushed through last October 3. There are still tons of things to be done, but officially, the facility is open (by appointment, as per the press release...).

The EFLC is a combination of Library, Statistical Center, Exhibit area and internet cafe (yes, free internet access, WiFi, access to some database etc etc). The second floor, which will house the EFLC staff, is not yet finished, and our tables and chairs are yet to be delivered. Except during the launch itself, the facility has no proper air conditioning yet. And the furnitures (oh by golly, the furnitures!) aren't complete yet, though by looking at the area, I'd say we're over-stuffed.

Anyway, I had fun at the launching...I got to buy me a new blouse (from Guess, heehee) and I got to bring home some flowers. The waiters crowded around me because I was in-charge of the "loot bags" (which contained pad paper, brochure and a pen) and because I probably look cute, pregnant and all. I got to practice my new-found friendliness (believe it or not, I didn't get tired of smiling) and well....just felt good being part of the group that will become the EFLC staff.

Anyways. everything's all quiet now...we've settled down again to the normal humdrum activities of updating database, website, reviewing presentations, checking if hardwares and equipments are intact and okay.

The only thing that makes me sad, though, is that it won't be ready of "occupancy" until January next year. So the staff will be moving while I'm on maternity leave. I won't be there!!! huhu. Oh well...

22 weeks

One of the things I miss most now is...my IDENTITY. I used to be Dhing to most people, Danniel to some of my friends, Winter to the cyberworld...now, I'm just plain...BUNTIS. Yep, Buntz for short.

I've lost my identity and have assumed a new name...one that is guaranteed to be shed along with the extra poundage after nine months.

Anyway, my little cocktail (well, he/she is a spawn of Jambo...) must be practicing his/her aerobic skills in there, for all the little kicks and punches I feel now and then.

Makes me more excited about being a mommy!

Dream..Believe...BSP Singers' 3rd Concert

Originally scheduled on 30 July 2008, the BSP Singers' concert finally pushed through today, 13 August. Despite having a bad case of cough and colds, and almost (almost...) not fitting into my corset-top, mermaid-bottom gown, I was able to make it as alto...my last performance with the chorale until I give birth...Thanks to a lot of plea bargaining with God, warm tea and Jam's midnight Vicks chest and back rubs.

I'm two weeks into my 4th month...and hey, I've got boobs! Too bad for self portraits, I didn't notice the dirty mirror. duh!

Finally, Tita Norie took pity on me taking self-photos...Here's me in full costume, inside the huge cabinet (yes, we've been known to sleep inside this thing) while waiting for curtain call.

Surprisingly, despite our doubts, the concert was a resounding success. We thought the less-than-an-hour lunch concert would attract only a handful of fans (plus some Hakots) but lo and behold! people were already standing due to lack of chairs...wait a minute...did somebody remarked there were only 10 seats? Joke.

BSP PRAISE

July 16'th BSP PRAISE Awarding Ceremony was moved to today, bumping the BSP Singers' concert off their July 30 lunch-time 45-minute mini-concert (Dream, Believe...The BSP Singers in Concert)

The good news is that, since the Singers would (undoubtedly) sing in the ceremony, we were able to practice a little more. We sang Pambansang Awit and two intermission songs, You Raise Me Up and Magandang Pilipinas. Since I am one of the awardees, I didn't have to be in chorale get-up. I didn't mind because, being 4-months pregnant now, I can't fit into my gown anymore.

And by the way, lunch was a treat for all awardees. Center Table was the best...I kept looking for Rica..heehee. Hingi sana ako ng take-out bag ng Tiramisu.

Here's me with some of my co-awardees (and ex-classmates)...with newly-appointed Monetary Board member, Mr. Ignacio Bunye...the good thing about these events is you get to mingle with those you otherwise would just read about in newspapers.

Berry Pancakes

I've been badgering hubby for strawberries for a while now...and not because I'm "infanticipating" but because I'm dying to make strawberry pancakes. I scoured SM grocery for strawberries, but came to nil. So I settled for good old strawberries in can.

Not only that, last week, I bought a 170-gram pack of dried blueberries. When I was shopping at Shopwise, everything was topsy-turvey. They were moving merchandise around. So I was shocked to see dried blueberries in one of the shelves. I got the shock of my life when the cashier punched in the price. At 320, it's more than I bargained for..so I figured I might as well maximize the blueberries.

So, here it goes...blueberrie pancakes with strawberry sauce.

Growing...growing

A few weeks ago, I got a tip that I should start taking pictures of my growing belly for a memorable pregnancy album...as if pregnancy is an easy thing to forget...

So here's a shot taken on May 23...at 6-7 weeks, I think...

And here's The Tummy (with a personality all its own) on 7 July

Yup, those are stretch marks. But I didn't get them because of my sky-rocketing weight gain...I've had them ever since I can remember...

10th Week

Books and the Internet says pregnancy shouldn't be too obvious (meaning, tummy, while not that flat, is still not really "distended") on the 10th week. Tummy will start to grow and be obvious around the 14th-16th week.

So that means, I'm just plain fat and bloated. Ha ha ha. Now nearing my 11th week, I've managed to gain 10 lbs, lose whatever idea of waistline I have and grow the breasts I've been waiting for since freshmen year.

So far, people just say I don't really look pregnant yet, just....well-fed. But now, I'm so well-fed I can't fit into any of my pants (yes, including the ones I had to hold up with safety pins and belts). I'm on the verge of raiding my giant of a sister's wardrobe, pending my overdue shopping spree for maternity wear.

On the brighter side, nausea has abated a bit...but only since yesteday when Jam and I attended a christening party for his boss' baby daughter. Days before that, I've been throwing up worse than ever, and Jam (im)patiently asked me if I would also be too sick during the baptismal reception. (Great, huh? Not even asking if I feel well enough to go...)So anyway, I had to plan my day ahead, and started by waking up to the sound of Beckay's (our househelp) footsteps, and asking her if breakfast is ready yet. I had to eat every two hours or so, and stuck to that timeline and it worked...So I was able to down a plateful of lunch and didn't get sick...I'm crossing my fingers this be the beginning of a wonderful week.

I've also begun attending choir practices again, lunch nap-times notwithstanding. They were able to schedule a July 30 concert, and I wouldn't dare to miss it, not when we'd be singing Bohemian Rhapsody! So after lunch, I'm now hauling my ass and getting my much-needed exercise, walking down a flight of stairs and to the next building. Plus maybe all that vocalization will improve my lung power as I scream my head off during labor.

But that's looking too far ahead.

7 weeks

I'm scanning through articles in the web for anything about pregnancy. Foremost on the list is how to survive Morning Sickness, second is how to make sure the little tyke is okay. Despite all the stuff floating around, it's pretty hard to grasp the one info any mother-to-be needs...How to be assured one is going to be a good mother.

Anyway, I've been advised to not really think about being pregnant. HUHWHHHAAAT? I mean, yeah, when I am asleep and not dreaming about filling up bottles with breastmilk (yes, that's how far my preggy-concsiousness got), I am awake and swallowing gallons after gallons of bitter saliva, convincing myself that MS spells a healthy pregnancy.

I also got the blood test results yesterday. As usual, I am anemic. Last year, the office doctors gave me 30 days worth of (nausea-inducing) Sangrobion (or something sounds like) to give my body more iron. I took about 15 days worth and dumped the whole lot into the medicine pouch. Now, I am almost regretting it. Almost...I don't think it did me any good. I've always been anemic and I'm sure I need more than gigantic capsules of iron to boost my blood count up.

I've got to submit the blood test results along with my ultrasound to my OB by this week. She told me to call-in the results but I don't know how you'll relay all those numbers (hematocrit and hemo whatever) via phone so maybe I'll drop by her clinic next Saturday. Then maybe I can personally ask her some of the stuff I've been surfing the Net for...Like how to survive MS.

What's Next

For the nth time, I found myself rushing to the ladies' room to retch. Nothing comes out but bitter saliva, and I could feel the wave of nausea building yet again.

After a while, I come out of the stall. A colleague asks.."Buntis ka na?"

"Yup", I answer...Actually, I am now, as of today, 7 weeks pregnant...or so the ultrasound said.

And so the daily routine. For two weeks now the morning sickness has been a constant, wretched companion. From the time I wake up until I retire at night. What's surprising is that I am still gaining weight (golly, I have gained 10 lbs since March 15) despite my seeming lack of appetite. And the stuffed nose has suddenly cleared and I can now smell like a dog...adding to the causes of my retching.

But all these, I gladly bear for the little me or little Jam that's currentlt taking residence inside my tummy.

So now, it's goodbye to a lot of things and hello to...fruits, vegetables and Anmun...and yeah, those big orange and pink capsules that are my vitamins. Hello, too, to unbuttoned blouses (yay! I'm now a boobsie!) and unhooked pants. Goodbye to my tight denims and high-heeled shoes (bhuhuhu) and hello to mightnight snacks.

Monthsary

It's been a month since Jam and I tied the knot..and up to now, we're still pretty shaken about the whole wedding thing.

whenever I'd meet old friends and acquaintances who knows that I got married, they start asking me all these questions...

1. How's married life?

Well...what can I say? I always answer, "Same as the single life."

Jam and I decided to live in with my parents in our "ancestral" (funny how that sounded...so rich and so high society) home. Not only is it very practical for both us and my parents, it was also my parents' request. Jam told me that on our wedding eve, dad talked to him about the reasons why we should live with them.

Of course, we're still thinking about buying our own house. Given that married life is considerably more expensive (dinner out, movies, shopping...) than being single, it would take some years before we can afford to pay downpayment for a small unit. Also, I'm adamant about the location. No to Cavite, Rizal, Faraway Fairview etc. If possible, I want to stay near my parents. The location is convenient for both Jam and I as he works in Ortigas and I in Malate.

Probably the only thing that has changed now that I'm married is the ehem...I have someone to go home to everynight..Someone who holds me in his arms, kisses me, hugs me...okay, 'nuf of that.

2. Are you pregnant? May baby na ba?

None. Wala pa. Not that we're not trying.

3. When are you going to have a baby?

Soon as God wills it. Wish I know when that will be. Soon I hope.

The Wedding - The Morning Preparation

March 15, 2008
10 AM
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish, Philam Homes, Q.C.

After two and a half months of preparations, stress and anxiety, Jam and I tied the knot. It was a simple wedding, with a simple mass in a quaint church inside a peaceful subdivision. As the wedding was set at 10:00 am, I was a sleep-less bride. My sister-coordinator Ate Wheng showed up at the hotel at 10 pm on March 14, Eone, Kuya Jing and Nanay Nita in tow...only to go back to far away Taytay since they forgot to pack Kuya Jing's pants and undershirt. Kuya Jing is designated proxy Ninong (in place of Ninong Mike) and Bridal Car Driver.



Leo - or Lea - my HMUA showed up at 5 am, ever prompt. As I took my bath, they set-up the make-up and their thingies. I've already prepared my gown the previous night, putting it on the body form I bought from Divi. My arrhaes, pillows, cords, veils, shoes are all laid out on the bed, ready for the photographer.



Jam was on the way to the hotel at around 6, having come from MY house. He's driving the family car, with dad, mom, my youngest sis and maid aboard. They alsso pickep-up the flowers from Ninang Soc's shop.

Jaime Dolera and the rest of Pixelmix, our P/V arrived at 7. By that time, I was already fully made-up and harrassed. Sister Coordinator Wheng has just taken her bath, and Younger Sister Maid of Honor Gie and Mom and Maid are just about to. Imagine!



I dressed myself as the rest of my entourage was having their make-up done. Pixelmix went up to Groom's room, took pictures and was back to snap more shots of me. I was finding it hard to really smile for the camera as my mom kept on looking for her wallet...



We were able to leave Garden Heights at about 9:45...Mom and I had to carry the bog box of souvenirs and wedding stuff down...What a sight I was, in my gown, train over one arm and one hand carrying the box...stuffing myself inside a cramped elevator. It was turning out to be a nightmare wedding.

More Wedding Updates

With dad confined in an (alternative medicine) cancer clinic in Tarlac, the wedding preparations seem to be harder to focus on. Mom, who's in charge of my documents, is with dad in Tarlac, while Jam and I can't afford to go on leave from work.

Still, God is good. Being both practical, Jam and I are focused on the essentials...and have decided to meet only those we intend to book. No sense in meeting all these suppliers when we know we can't afford them anyways.

Last Sunday, after going to Tondo Church for the annual Viva Sto. Nino (of which we are both devotees), we shopped for souvenirs and stuff in Divisoria. I was getting tired of surfing the internet for wedding favors, some of which are really way beyond my resources (both monetary and time) so Jam and I decided to order shotglass souvenirs. It saved us the hassle of printing stickers to label the favors, plus it will be ready within the week. It will be wrapped in green tulle with green ribbon. However, I asked them to just give me the pre-cut tulle so I can still put in some chocolates and what-have-yous in the glasses as an added touch.

With favors out of the worry-list, we shopped for entourage gifts. The day before, big sister texted and said she's shopping for teas in Sri Lanka. Last March 2007, Chitrani, a Sri Lankan who I met during the BIS seminar in Hong Kong, gave me two bags of teas as gifts. They were wonderful! So I asked my sister (after consulting with Jam, of course!) to buy 20 bags of assorted teas for the PS. We'd just buy tea pots to put them it, and viola, practival gifts for the PS. For the entourage, we found these manicure/pedicure sets that came in a box with reversible green and blue ribbons!

We also bought ribbons for the flower baskets, and additional satin cloth for Alanis and Nina, our flower girls.

In the afternoon, we braved a two-hour traffic, courtesy of the Bambini (Sto. Nino) parade in Pasig to meet with our caterer, Anj, so she could escort us to the bakeshop where we ordered our Cathedral style cake. Sorted out the colors and details, and we're done. Another item off the list.
Jam is still single-mindedly decided on wax seals, faux though it may be, so we decided to check out The Wedding Library. However, the only stocks left are not in our initials. The staff referred us to The Paper *something* two floors below, and we got our "R" wax stamp. Jam was literally ecstatic with his loot!

I've also semi-completed our invites, with the monograms cut and ready to stick, and the main invites/envelope cut and folded already. We have the rsvp ready as well. We need to finalize the entourage this week so by end of next week, the invitations will be ready to go! Yey! Still within schedule.

I've contacted three hair and make-up artists and need only to decide who to book. I need a trial HMU, so the Cavite-based artist may have to go, even if he is affordable.

I've compared packages (apple to apple) of Photo-Video suppliers and need only to meet the one we intend to book so we could discuss details, pay the DP, and ask for freebies. Hehe. Jam is much better in haggling than I am. Put in tandem with mom, they could probably ask for a free wedding...hahaha.

So what else...Just the misalette, which is semi-done. I've asked Jane whether we could include a Unity candle ceremony and she said it was all right with Sta. Rita. I've asked my aunt Ate Maris if she could be our first reader/psalmist and she was okay with that. I need only now to finalize who to get for the offertory.

Plus, need to assign family members some duties such as Emcee-ing (have in mind my ever ham of a big sister..she's a show stealer even if you put her in a box), coordinator for the reception, coordinator for the wedding preps, ushers, and so on.

Plus, still have no Hotel booked for the wedding preparations.

And need to list down the songs for the program.

Haven't gotten enough nerves yet to ask our sponsors Tito Danny if they could rent us a small van for Jam's family. Haven't talked with our sponsor Ate Tet if we could borrow their Mazda for the bridal car. Haven't spoken yet with our sponsor Tita Soc if she could do the flowers for a discounted price.

Sigh...so much to do...so little time...with mom missing-in-action pa.

So Far...So Good

Well, it's a little less than 2 months before the BIG DAY. And thank God (really!) we've managed to book a church, a function hall, and caterer...Which are the essentials.

Here's my checklist:

1. Bridal Gown - check. Measurements taken first Saturday of January...Will be able to have the first fitting on Feb 9. Crossing my fingers it will be the way I wanted.
2. Birth Certificates - check. Uh-oh. Jam's BC is okay. Mine is not. As I have foreseen, the way my first name was spelled in my BC would be a complication to deal with....Now, Church needs a lot of affidavits and legal documents...
3. CENOMA - check. We are both single (as I knew I would be, and hoped he would be)
4. Certificate of Confirmation - check. Uh oh again. Mine is missing my "second" first name...Sigh...Have to obtain legal documents and submit affidavits again!
5. Marriage License - check. Applied last 14 January. hehe. Was able to attend the required Pre-Marriage Counselling. Will get the license on the 25th. Yahoo!
6. Entourage Attire - semi-done. Green satin cloth and matching lining purchased. Have to distribute to entourage.
7. Flower baskets - semi-done. Need apple green satin ribbons.
8. Unity Candle - still have to call Jane of the Church to ask if Unity Candle Ceremony allowed.
9. Invitations - purchased paper/board already from Star Paper. Production underway. Jam is adamant on the wax seal. Heaven forbit we don't put wax seal on the invites.
10. Cake - Cathedral style, 4-layer cake c/o Anj, our caterer.
11. Favors - big big big question mark.
12. Photo/Video - will set up meeting with Jam's colleague's husband. Should be booked before Feb.
13. HMUA - still need to find someone cheaper. Managed to contact someone from Cavite but I still need a Trial HMU and that means going to Cavite. In fairness, he's cheap.
14. Program - I'm okay with not having entertainment. Jam and I want it simple and quiet. Will have to discuss with Sound System people about music (from CD which I have to burn SOON). Maybe a few close friends can render songs...Ces certainly is volunteering to do an interpretative dance number...err...can I take a rain check?
15. Cord - A last minute whim...I want the current trend of a rosary/bead cord instead of the usual "included in the bridal package" cord....
16. Hotel for the Preps - thinking of Imperial Palace Suites or Great Eastern Hotel...need to know their rates ASAP.
17. Chuch Music - need to coordinate ASAP. ..I at least want to have "The Prayer" and "You Raise Me Up" and "Panunumpa" on the list.

What else...hmm. I'm so full of ideas but I keep forgetting them...It's good that I am cramming. At least it's just 3 months of rushing instead of 9 months of dilly-dallying.