Ons Kruimeltje

1 + 1 = more than 2

2009-07-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family and friends for their love, kindness and prayers. To my hubby who's always at my side. Thank you to all of you.

It's been a while that I've never post and now is just a perfect time to open again and share our joy. For almost three years of our marriage, and living just the two of us, now is completely different. One is added. We received our little angel last february 15, 2009. I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Time just flies and she's now 19 weeks old. Her name is Gabriëlle Ariane.

Our baby announcement card. First photo: Front and back page of the card;
Second photo: Inside page (ordered from Poobies).

Here are my two sweeties :-): Gabriëlle on papa's lap, was just 4 days old with her beautiful, and wide opened eyes.

We've been blessed and we enjoyed our time very much with our little girl that I could not spend time in blogging. Anyways, I would still like to jot down my experiences on this page once in a while. I'm just so overwhelmed with all the changes now. It's overwhelming it is because, there are changes of more joys and more colors. It's inderdaad overflowing!

Our treat...Bischuit met muisjes (Biscuit with mice). This is a traditional food served to celebrate the birth of a baby in the Netherlands. The biscuits are round crisp bakes. They are spread with butter (or margarine) and the muisjes (little mice) are sprinkled on top. These muisjes are sugared anise seed balls. Pink mice for a baby girl and blue for a boy.

I'm trying to make up and for all my friends and to those who happened to drop by here...thank you for reading my page. See you here later...

the baby prepees...

2009-02-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

It was my 19th week, that hubby started to put up the baby room. It was not yet completely finished but the baby closet, bed, drawers etc. were already fixed.

Before all the fixing was done, I did my part which is cleaning the room. So, voila! Here are some shots that I took.

This was done two weeks ago...the final touch :-) where this piece finally fixed to the wall. There was a need of this annoying drilling machine.

The final view...
(below photo).

Right above is the view of the baby room, before you get in...( Is the baby in? :-))

The baby bed (at the left) with a music mobile...that plays Mozart, Bach and Beethoven... Uhmmmm..we'll see how the baby's sensory motors react to that classical pieces...

The baby box (following photo), which we placed in our living room serves as a playpen and of course, the baby can also sleep here during the day. Temporarily, we're using a baby craddle made of ratan that's placed on top of the box. This is just nice for the baby when just couple of weeks old. When the child grows, the box can be adjusted and can be lower down, just safe to play not to get out while mommy is busy later cleaning the laundry :-(

Well, with all these basic preparations, we're all set but there are just more than that. Physical, emotional, mental, social, spritual and financial aspects are combined and make them balance to the daily family living. That's the biggest challenge that we can't ever prepared for. We can anticipate them and try to plan contingencies, but still not enough not to get worried. At the moment, we're over supplied of informative books and naturally, overflowing ideas found in the web on how to survive the challenge.

But most of all, the strongest way is just to pray, pray, pray, pray....and pray.

Let's pray for each other.

surprised baby shower

2009-01-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

This is an old happening but I would like to post this as our baby's future to-read journal.

Our picture with all the gifts...

My friends and family of my hubby surprised me a baby shower last month. Hehehe...To remember it right, it was the last first week of december 2008. Hubby knew it actually but then, he was also surprised about the rest of the agenda. They really organized it perfectly, that they see to it that I was home that day. Thanks to my parents-in law it was because they had arranged an appointment for a short visit at home. Naturally, I was set to be home. They told me it was short so I did'nt need to prepare for them...That was it.

My parents in law arrived...and I was just relaxed to receive them and just few more minutes...a knock in our door followed. I opened the door and there a group of familiar faces greeted me.

It was really great. I was speechless. I used to surprised people but I'm not used being surprised and feel like sitting on a hot seat :-)

It was well organized that I was just receiving them and felt that I was really at our home. They brought food and of course gifts...Hmmm...we we're lucky :-) We received a lot... They also gave us a diaper warm-up. We succeeded from that test.

Thank you friends and to my hubby's loving family who are also my family now. Thanks for all your support. We would not forget that day...right Kruimeltje?

Just waiting...

2009-01-21T04:52:00.001-08:00

So we're just waiting when Kruimel is ready to come out :-) quite exciting heh! It's a little bit sad that I'm not able to update all things happened tru-out my pregnancy. Blame the time people!
Well, still trying to post them...but now it's just too busy to sit and type.

For the record, our baby room is already finished. We received a lot of baby stuff from handed-down to new items. Some items I already don't know how exactly to use them hehehe!

Anyways, somebody will help me to set things out. A kraamzorg hulp...I don't know how to translate them exactly but she's like a social helper specialized to help the mother and newlyborn and who is paid by our insurance caregiver.

For this last trimester, I'm still enjoyong it and have much time playing with the baby...The movements are stronger now and sometimes I just received a kick anywhere...but they were tender and loving touch that the baby's ways to let us now that there's a life inside of me.

later I'll post more and even pics... wishe me well and I'll just about to got out with my bike...Don't raise an eyebrow on me...çoz yes, I'm still biking at my 37 wks +3 days old tummy...

See you later.

Welcome 2009

2009-01-05T04:40:00.000-08:00

(This is posted in my Journal with this tag Welcome 2009.

Hello friends... I would like to start my blog with my warmest greetings to everyone. All the best for this new year 2009.

When we look back to what we did in the past few years...sometimes we're not satisfied and thought that we've done not enough. But realistically, we did it guys. Though we did'nt surpass all the challenges but then we did our best and we're now to start a brand new year.

It means that we had built a memory about things in the past, things that we once spent our time, effort, attention and even love. We deserved for a another year and even have the chance to make things right and make it beter on what we've done wrong thinking backwards.

For me, I would say that I did a lot despite of my weaknesses. Not to mention my not-easy times here in Netherlands but then, for every new year, we make things even better. For the record, I've good three years living here and am still counting.

With God's graces and his ever supply of love...I'm filled. I'm blessed with my hubby, with his family, with our friends here as well as in my native home.

With this new year, we are welcoming it with joy and more challenge to come. I'm now on my 37th weeks of pregnancy, and we're now excited to have a new family member. Basically, we're growing in number this year :-) A good sign of blessing. This is really a challenge coupled with responsibility. Sometimes is scary but then, I would think that I just have so much to share that God gives us more people to love and to care nonetheless of the difficulty that may come. For sure He will provide.

Right image is the traditional oliebollen being served during new year's eve. So we did with champagne is best lekker (taste good)!

For all the happiness and dissapointments in the past...let them be our shield to face 2009.
Cheers!

Maria's tummy

2008-09-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! For the record, my tummy is now 5 months old. I'm about to end my 2nd trimester of pregnancy. My dailies is even more exciting. Soft movements inside of my tummy is now remarkable. It's really special...believe me :-)

As usual, Im tight up with my schedule. My parttime work...my driving lesson and running our errands. Hmmmnn...Even baby sked is now up to my agenda. It's quite busy nowadays. I decided now not to go to school for further professional study. I just coudn't do it along with other things. I'm already in and out of my swimming lesson but I would really try to do it deligently when I'm back after vacation. It's not because I'm busy but the reason that I just don't like to wear my two piece swimsuit with my bulging stomach :-) Luckily, I just bought a pregnancy tankini. Just on time for a beach treat this late summer.

By mid-December I'll start a pregnancy gymnastic course. It could be more fascinating I think :-) Most of my colleagues now know that I'm preggy. Some just did'nt noticed it until I told them. One said that she's ashamed of her tummy which is bigger than mine...hehehheh!
So far so good. I tried to enjoy this special time. Anyone surrounds me is very supportive. Many of them already gave baby stuff. Many are handed-downs which are just good as new. As of press time, our baby room is almost ready :-) Are we not obvious? We already know our baby's gender...but then we will just keep it with close friends and family. Hopefully I will download our filmed 19th week ultrasound sometime. Just keep on track at my journal.

Next time I'll try to share my driving escapade. It's something to jot down how's being an automobolist here in the Netherlands. I'll try when I have sometime after our vacation. Where we going? We will fly to the land of Flamengo, tapas and bull fighting :-) in Spain. There I would like to check out the roots of our former conquerors. Well, not to mention the Spanish occupation to the Philippines, where my forefathers had their 'buenas gracias, noches' great influence. It's something, right? Anyway, it's our plan to rest there and do something else that we can't here in the flatland.

I'll post pictures later. uhmmm...I think I've promised many things here. We will just see :-)
Bye for now.

Kruimeltjes heart beat

2008-08-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

We already heard for the first time our baby's heatbeat dated last friday (22/08/08). It was special. When I heard it, it was like O my God! A life breathing inside of me! We heard something like a brushing of wind, a creature just learning how to catch his breath. Amazing I should say.

At this stage, our kruimel has now developed his/her twenty tiny nails. Starts to identify the dark and light. So in the morning, I try to catch sunshine and expose my belly for the baby to feel that it's daytime.

Just last saturday night, when I was lying on bed, I had felt the move of the baby the first that I've ever notice, that made me laugh...it was a little bit ticklish though.

Just had a pose of my 4 months old tummy :-)

By the way, I'm starting my list of baby names. After sunday church service, we walked down to a coffee shop and right there I did while hubby was busy reading a magazine. So far, I got five names for every gender. Take note, it was just for an hour...maybe I can write a book out of names for the next few months :-)

Have a nice day !

2nd ultrasound

2008-07-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

This afternoon will go to our midwife. I'm three months on the way. Actually, I passed now the 1st trimester of my pregnancy. Later we will have our second ultrasound. This time we can see and hear the heartbeat. It's exciting to see how our "kruimel" lies inside of my tummy. According to the book that I'm reading, the baby by now has an heartbeat of 120-160 per minute and chance that he/she is lying while thumbsucking. So cute, is'nt it?

Well, let's wait later.
P.S. I'm doing good and so far no pick and throw snydrome. Hope it will stay smooth as it is.

bloodletting...

2008-07-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Just this morning we went to the hospital for bloodletting. I was a little bit reluctant since the last time I sit in that laboratory room was quite threatening.

When I first arrived in Holland I have to undergo certain tests that requires sufficient bloodletting but in a horrifying state that they can't find my right vein to inject. At the end I received seven unsuccessful needle combat.

So the second time this morning created a feeling of uneasiness. But I have to get ready since the series of blood tests is just about to begin for this pregnancy. You think I'm donating my blood? Hey not nor selling it :-) They need to test if I'm free from any infections and away from probable diseases that might harm for my pregnancy. Well, I have to swallow all my doubts and do what the baby needs, right? Anyway, it went very fine. My vein was so cooperative and the attendant got five syringe filled of my blood. She was also happy after we're done. She was relieved after she heard my story the first time I sit on that chair :-)

Now, my tummy is 11 weeks old. On the 28th of this month we will see our baby again for the second ultrasound. We're looking forward to it.

Have a nice weekend.

My 1st pregnancy consultation

2008-07-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the verloskundige (midwife), who is specially trained in providing total care for the expectant mother here in the Netherlands. From this first visit until my delivery, I'll be up-close to my midwife :-)

For the first time, I had my first baby ultrasound. It was very special. We saw our baby. From this moment, I can already believe it that there's a life inside down in my tummy. I'm 9 weeks and 5 days preggy now:-) I'm expected to due on the 8th of february.

As usual, when we went home, we're being handed down with so many paper works and many paperbacks to read. This week will be expected to make different calls for appointments, for another check ups and laboratories.

Take note: I don't have any food cravings eversince. I hope I can make this pregnancy lighter and sexier :-) Now, I'm wearing a pregnancy dress. Just quite excited how I look :-)

By the way, I'm encouraging anyone to suggest names for our angel (girl or boy, whatever). It's still early but I know this gonna be a long fight against hubby :-) So why not starting thinking about it. Right?

Stay tuned...

the doctor is in...

2008-06-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

We knocked our huisarts (doctor) downstairs in the morning. She knew we're coming and she congratulated us. It was just a brief orientation and then she gave us some referrals and folders-to-read about our next what to-do's. Our doctor gave me some few advises and tips. However, there was one thing I did'nt expect.

Ummmmh. For the first time I was just down-naked in-front of a stranger, and not only like that but she tried to do what a doctor does. I was actually blushing. Thanks that our GP is She.

Well, I think it was just a warm-up:-) I should get ready for more.

Second test

2008-06-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Just today early morning, before I off to work, I did the second test. Two strips :-) No doubt but both of us can't still believe it. That we've made it...a life inside!

FYI, I just stopped my pills two months ago for more than a year of taking. Fyi again, in span of two months I did already two negative tests (being excited) before it became positive. Now, so soon...in nine months time, we will be norturing and raising a new life in our home. Many couple waited for long, and for us...it happened as what we've ask for. Hubby said, that we're just really blessed with a comforting smile while saying it. His answer was already enough for me. (Thanks honey for being here).

At press time, only me and hubby know that I'm preggy. We will tell everyone after consulting our doctor tomorrow.

I'm keeping my mouth shut though I would already like to spread the news. Well, I can still hold it. This page is not yet introduce to our family and friends. So, I'm just openly sharing my thoughts here, though no one might reading this post. Anyway, I'll launch this journal as soon we've made the formal announcement.
Bye for now.

Open Announcement

2008-06-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

When you plan of something that you achieved, just right there it feels so overwhelming that you forget how to react normal.

We've plan this year and this bound to happen. Just in this morning, my piece of test is positive. I'm pregnant people :-)...

I was speechless...I felt glad but there was a feeling of anxiety not to jump for joy. I would like to be sure before I'll shout that I am. But then, I did not like to do again the test right away, so I called up hubby in his work. Tried to be calmed and relaxed as I could, just to feel as a normal morning. My question to him was: Are you happy? Stupid question but I would like to know. Of course he was! He was at first worried about me, of what I'm feeling. I was fine I said. Fine...I'm happy but I was scared then...mixed of feelings but for sure, these are pieces that we need to grow with later.

This is now my new page of life.

I'm inviting family, friends, and anyone just happened to bump on here...to share and be a part of this journey. For our future child, this serves as a window of myself from the time of conceiving to giving birth. A book that he/she will love to read later in life.

I will give a toast! Cheers