January 18, 2012

10 weeks and 4 days

Today has been an emotional and mental roller coaster.

Im finally nearing the end of my first trimester!!

Read that my baby will more than double in size in the next three weeks. Woohoo!!! baby bump see you soon!!

He or she is now swallowing and kicking, and all the major organs are fully developed.

More minute details are appearing too, like fingernails and peach-fuzz hair.

The external sex organs are beginning to show and in a few weeks they will be developed enough to tell whether you’re going to have a boy or a girl!!

Isnt it exciting?! here’s an illustration from babycenter.com for the 10th week!

Im going to try out lemon and honey steeped in hot water tomorrow as they say that its an appealing  alternative.

It was nice to have a spontaneous lunch out with my dad and sister earlier this afternoon! Its been awhile since we last ate at Alfredo’s. hayyy the joy of eating steak! good thing im required to eat protein and iron heehee!! i have an excuse!

In the evening, I got to share dinner with my siblings are Cerchio for some filipino food.

Im so much at peace this evening, despite the chaos. You know the feeling that everything will be ok because God has your back?

I wondered how come we do the right things and we constantly change to improve but we end up being persecuted or those who act badly are those who get blessed. like paying the right taxes and people who have nothing else to do but instigate. I even cried and told God that i wanted to give up but after hearing my brother’s unimaginable encounter with the BIR, you know that God knows what He’s doing. it gives you peace that despite you dont understand why, as long as youre right with Him, He’ll defend you.

Thank ful for my husband who constantly reminds me that despite people who hurt us, the fight is not between them. That the enemy’s first tool is to kill relationships thats why we need to never give up. A lot of people have so many complaints about other people and sometimes out of frustration i catch myself doing the same thing.

I was doing my regular reading when i understood what it meant to let go and let God. a lot of people complain about other people that we forget that we have a lot of things to change first before changing others.    ³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ 

I learned to value the wisdom and authority of mentors especially on how I saw  Jayjay and his relationship with his mentor- Jong. Thats one of the traits that I love about my husband, He trusted the suggestion, words of his mentor despite not understanding it and getting hurt. He honored him. and because of it, he got blessed.

I asked a group of high school girls how different “respect” is from “honoring”

difficult? Respect is listening and obeying what youre asked to.

Honoring is like getting a medal in school, you give recognition and speak highly about the person.

Its like when a parent asks for water, you not just give him water but with ice or with juice.

So where is this headed? Ive been having these realizations during my pregnancy about parent-child relationship.

When we were younger, we had complaints about our parents and I did the same.

And now that Im becoming a parent, I cant help but worry, and fear that my child might do the same to me.

Its difficult to be a parent, an employer, a mentor…because youre expected to do things right every time. To discipline but at the same time be a cool parent. To be a friend but at the same time instill rules.

Good thing the dogs are around for some parent hood training. we discipline them to learn tricks but it hurt when we tell them no and discipline them so they wont repeat the mistake.

Theres so many things to learn about being a wife, a mom, an employer, a mentor, a friend. And Im glad to be making mistakes

Better is hurtful rebuke than shallow flattery. You know youll grow to be a better person than a trait that is tolerated.

p.s. am so glad to be wearing my engagement ring again!! ( remember the ring that coffee ate?)

January 11, 2012

9 weeks and 4 days.

I cried today.

Been having a crazy, difficult morning sickness lately.

I didnt expect it to be this bad.

It started when I started with my pre natal vitamins and calcium tablets replacing folic acid and anmum…

Maybe its because Im still working when I know I should back off a bit?

Jayjay secretly planned a get away trip to Baguio for some R and R with our 2 yorkies; Coffee and Trooper.

It was extremely cold that our dogs were shivering with paws so cold. It was cute of them to snuggle!

Trooper learned to rush to the toilet for some poopoo and wiwi (proud owners)

During our trip, I tried to sleep my way all through out the ride so that I wont experience nausea.

I eventually wake up with a filled bladder or hungry. I guess the number 1 rule for pregnant women is to always plan pit stops and find out where the nearest restroom is.

my newman’s own organic ginger mints sustained me.

Jayjay knew which resto to go to, I noticed how much I love the things i hated before and now hate the thing i loved before.

I never realized that those stories were actually true!

I dont like cheese, spicy and everything that has extreme taste now.

And unlike before, I now love soup, vegetables and everything without taste! I even ate a bunch of amplaya today! imagine that!!

My meal would usually comprise of:

Soup: Pumpkin or hundred island sinigang

Fresh fruit juice: pineapple for fibre, orange juice for vitamin C and buko!

Salad: Ceasar, fresh and those w/o dressing, veggies!

Meal: I noticed I dont like repeating what I already tasted before. so for our baguio trip; breakfast steak from contis, arroz caldo, lumpiang shanghai, smoked bangus, beef steak, beef shank (finally we get to eat beef!! been eating fish and chicken everyday in Manila)

Dessert: vegetable! craved for melon so we had to order fruit platters until we finally found a pack of melon in SM!

Sandwiches: Tuna (which i didnt get to finish) and burger.

Rice: Brown and white

I intend to try the black rice since its filled with iron will order for harvesters!

The cold fresh air was so refreshing that I couldnt help but inhale more than I could. If only I can store this type of oxygen back in Manila.

I guess the difficult part of pregnancy is not the difficulty of it? But the changes that happen in the body? Its like you cant control it anymore. Youre not your usual self anymore (and you shouldnt be) coz you need to take care of yourself, the baby and each other’s health. Sometimes I breakdown because its so difficult not to be my usual self. But I look at my tummy and remember that am doing this for him/her then all is well.

Ive been chatting with God all through out the trip, telling Him how scared I am. Not just with the labor but motherhood.

I get to look at myself, how I became, what were the things that shaped me and killed me. Its a constant reminder to let go of my fears… to trust God’s promises that if I cling on to Him, things will be ok.

Been asking Him to reveal if we should transfer to a different home. I catch myself looking at our existing condo and imagining if there were baby items, cribs, toys, and stuff. thinking how to border things up…

I have this desire to be in a townhouse, house or apartment where we dont have to go up and down, carry laundry everyday, worry about the smell…and the fees that never stop.

I guess growing up will never end until you start growing back younger.

I intended to fix up during our trip but not even a hint did i open my make up kit.

Its something I have to watch out though, especially when things get tougher! That I can still look good while in pain haha! kidding aside.

Being pregnant gave me more will power to eat the right food at the right time. (though i get to sneak in some goodies once in a while )

Seriously appreciated some down time away from anyone… for those pregnant, the feeling of wanting to run away and hide and just be aloof is normal. after that, get back to reality! haha

…. I wonder why the show “a baby every minute” in bio channel is always on! theres a different story everytime. theres this mom who tried to stick to her normal labor birth plan but was giving her husband and nurses a difficult time with her attitude…of pain… I then thought “shucks, i dont want to cause that irritation in the room!!” but with or without epidural, all moms really had a hard time pushing that nurses had to jump on them literally to bring the baby out. ahhh… Need to make my tolerance for pain stronger! but how?! So that i can stick to our lamaze birth plan… wanting to practice husband-wife support and of course cheaper bills haha!

Stepping back made me realize how people have been to involved with their problems forgetting that the answer is pretty simple. I just hope that people will be less complicated. Its as if they are the only person in the world who’s carrying the burden of the whole wide world. Thinking about it will just make you look old haha! Life is simple.

seeing francis kong’s post was a good reminder about mindset..

There are two ways to fail. One is which, “You think and never do”. The other one is that “You do but you never think”. Everything begins with a mind set. What constantly absorb you with your thoughts? You know what? What you think defines who you are and what you are, and the outcome is usually the result of your mindset….Here’s what I want you to do, you gotta think and do, you gotta do and think, and you gotta discipline yourself into becoming an expert and then work for higher cause. Work for mastery in your craft and always give more than what you are paid for.  http://franciskong.com/values/discipline-mastery-and-excellence/

fast food is just so bad. people demand so much but dont want to work hard for it. hard work is becoming taboo.. just so sad. But its true, unlike before, you work hard and you get to buy a home. Nowadays its amazing that passion can feed you but unlike any other job: hard work + mastering your craft = makes you distinct = home. Its so difficult with so many people striving to work… loving your work in not enough…Its long suffering…much like in a relationship…things get though…you go on and choose to love knowing that no great thing was ever crafted with out fire and molding.

pretty much in every situation that crafts my mindset… so think and do!!!

Julie wore colored contacts which i love brides and models to wear as the lens reflects light and brings out the eyes! Finally we got to use the missoni trench coat and it fit very well on Arjay!

We fell it love with these 2! they were simply adorable during the whole shoot.

shot for only 2.5 hours..it was a breeze that we wanted for more! haha

Its proof that love and a fresh batch of crazy photographers and stylists would take away any shy mood you have on! Arjay and Julie were simply stunning!!

(learn about missoni:http://www.missoni.com/ing.htm)

photography CHEST KNOTS STUDIO | JAYJAY LUCAS AND JC SANTIAG | Assisted by DAN MEJIA | concept, styling and art direction LIFESTYLE BY FELIZ | TINE LUCAS, PENNY BUNAG, STEPH CUDAL | inspiration MISSONI | location TAGAYTAY | clothing FOREVER 21, CARINA VILLALUZ

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January 6, 2012

8 weeks and 6 days

Had difficulty getting out of bed today. Coming home late from Jayjay’s birthday bash last night didn’t stop us from rushing to St. Lukes and have our 2^nd transviginal ultrasound and see how our baby is doing. Time to check his/her heartbeat! A bit nervous!

TRANSVIGINAL ULTRASOUND OR TRANSABDOMINAL?

A client who also found out that she was pregnant messaged me in facebook and asked about TVS or having transabdominal. I suggested that she go for the TVS considering that she’s still in her 6 weeks but suggested that she does this on the 8^th week so as not to repeat cost. Compared to the transabdominal, the embryo is still too small so accuracy will not be as precise.

We did our first TVS during my 6^th week, Dra Capistrano suggested that we undergo the test to rule out an ectopic pregnancy because of the unusual abdominal pain that I was having. The test confirmed my pregnancy and that I was safe from an ectopic pregnancy but the heartbeat was still too faint. It was normal because of the age of the embryo.

Because of this, our Sonologist ( Dra. Sandee Go) & Ob Gyne (Dra. Regina Capistrano) suggested that we repeat the test during my 8^th week to confirm and measure the cardiac activity of the baby.

So here we are again! Back in st lukes global city! I love how abandoned it feels! You don’t have to squirm yourself and rush around. Back in the Women’s health care department, we found out that St. Lukes increased their rates by 5%.

Im thinking that the discount that reflected in the OR is the usual norm of st lukes just to make you feel better? I guess Filipinos have this trait that any amount is fine as long as they get it at a discounted rate

DATE                  TVU Rate   Discount    Net Amount

Dec 16, 2011       2,600.00         416.00          2,184.00

Jan 6, 2011         2,730.00         435.80          2,293.20

When it was time to view the baby, I got comforted when I saw how happy the doctor was. We all saw a strong and fast heart beat of the baby. Jayjay  couldn’t believe his eyes too. I looked at him and I never saw him so happy. It made me tear up a bit.  The doctor paused and asked us if we saw the baby move! It was bopping his/her head as if rapping!

Our baby grew so fast! It was just 2 weeks and it was so big already!!!  Heart beat was good at 173 bpm!

I am in awe of how wonderful God made us, imagine…I was once that tiny thing inside a womb!

Now off we went to our OB to share the great news!! We were all so happy that am undergoing a good pregnancy so far.We had a copy of the TVU in dvd and the first print out photo of our baby!

So whats next? I was scheduled to undergo my last screening test; a blood exam to check my CBC, FBS, HBs and Anti HBs, HIV, JARL and one more test that I cant read but Im sure the laboratory will get it! It requires that I fast water and food for 8 to 10 hours before I take the exam! Targeting to take it on the 11^th of January. After this, its going to be a monthly visit to the OB until I finally delivery in August!

She changed my vitamins by the way. From folic acid im now taking Natalwiz. I had the option to take this brand or Elevit. Difference is just the name, price and taste. Ofcourse I opted the cheaper version if the product is just the same.

She also replaced my Anmum with calciumade since the taste was beginning to be a chore for me.

She’ll fill me in with details and give medication to strengthen the baby’s hold during our next meeting since we’ll be flying to Hong Kong on the 25^th till 31^st.

The day went smoothly, I even got to take an hour’s nap in the office after a fulfilling work day! As usual, the road going home was giving me a headache. I couldn’t event stand anymore so we rushed down and went to TGI Fridays because I was craving for buffalo wings. (I ended up eating 1 piece only. It was so small!!!) We finished a plate of cheese burger and chicken fingers.

Coffee didn’t like her new haircut, plus the yearly injection I forgot to tell her about. She cried so bad that I let go of Trooper on the table and he did a suicidal jump because he was too scared of Coffee’s scream! It was difficult to see Coffee so scared that Jayjay and I had to take turns in comforting her. Trooper was a brave little pup! He didn’t even react when the needle hit his skin. It might be because of his fats!

Details about Transviginal ultrasound. Confirmed by my experience. Details taken from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003779.htm

How the test is performed

You will lie down on a table with your knees bent and feet in holders called stirrups. The health care provider will place a probe, called a transducer, into the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and a gel. The probe sends out sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture. The doctor can immediately see the picture on a nearby TV monitor.

How to prepare for the test

You will be asked to undress, usually from the waist down. A transvaginal ultrasound is done with your bladder empty or partially filled.

How the test will feel

The test is usually painless, although some women may have mild discomfort from the pressure of the probe. Only a small part of the probe is placed into the vagina.

Why the test is performed

Transvaginal ultrasound may be done for the following problems:

• Abnormal findings on a physical exam, such as cysts, fibroid tumors, or other growths
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding and menstrual problems
• Certain types of infertility
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic pain

Transvaginal ultrasound is also used during pregnancy to:

• Evaluate cases of threatened miscarriage
• Listen to the unborn baby’s heartbeat
• Look at the placenta
• Look for the cause of bleeding
• Monitor the growth of the embryo or fetus early in the pregnancy
• See if the cervix is changing or opening up when labor is starting early

Its the perfect time to have your prenup, honeymoon, postnup or even a family shoot!

Our spunky photographers and stylists will be flying to Hong Kong especially for you!

3 slots taken, accepting our last 2!

a time off from work! our good friend jesy alto & her hubby erron ocampo called us up for a random shoot! who couldnt say no to that! the best part was that we had to work with wake skaters! YES! these 2 gorgeous ladies arent professional photographers and yes they have filipino blood with spunk! Thanks guys!

PHOTOGRAPHY Erron Ocampo | MAKE UP Jesy Alto | HAIR Cris Rodil | LIFESTYLE BY FELIZ STYLISTS Feliz Lucas Mithi Lacaba Steph Cudal | SUPPORTIVE HUBBY SLASH BTS PHOTOGRAPHER Jay Jay Lucas | WAKE SKATERS TURNED MODELS Susan and Veronica Larsson

Check out The Rebellious Bride‘s Editor; newly married herself Mica Tuano-Fuentes! works at Publicis by day, possibly a make up artist in the afternoon, an all around wedding addict editor on top of being a wonderful wife and mom! And my favorite stunning model!

here’s a sneak peak of Chestknots Studio’ shoot of Bridalbook for Hyatt Hotel

We created a bunch of different bridal looks but this one is my favorite!

WHY?

1. I love laser cut so we simply had to use this bodice Jo Rubio

2. I love the extremely big tulle skirt which shouts character by Ryan Madamba

3. A loud black and white bridal gown ensamble that doesnt need to mix but cut it in half!

4. An extremely dark smokey make up that doesnt brick up the eyebrows that WORKS for a bridal look (2012 fashion spill)

5. Mixing clean and messed up hair with a one side sweep calls class! Thanks to Benjie Angeles

6. Who said you cant wear pearls during your wedding? mixing a drop pearl and diamond earring by Rustans here

7. Best of all we mixed 2 designers together! (Much like my 2nd favorite look; we put together 3 different designers for 1 bridal look)

I guess being rebellious doesnt mean that youre shouting for attention, it simply draws it!

Its acknowledging tradition and what other brides have done and simply making it better, your way.

enjoy Mica & Kai’s blog! its worth an RSS feed

“It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things”

(Shot by Chest Knots Studios | Wedding FA service for Mark & Gan)

When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.

(Shot by Chest Knots Studios | Knots so Ordinary for Ryan & Karen )

“life is simple, we just make it complicated.” (not from Miller)

(Shot by Chest Knots Studios | Knots so Ordinary for Chard & Anj)

“I want to keep walking away from the person I was a moment ago, because a mind was made fo figure things out, not to read the same page recurrently.”

(Shot by Chest Knots Studios | Knots so Ordinary for Glen & Shainey )

“Everybody wants to be fancy and new. Nobody wants to be themselves. I mean, maybe people want to be themselves, but they want to be different, with different clothes or shorter hair or less fat. It’s a fact. If there was a guy who just liked being himself and didn’t want to be anybody else, that guy would be the most different guy in the world and everybody would want to be him.”

(Shot by Chest Knots Studios | Knots so Ordinary for Doc Toto & Doc Donna )

 “fear is a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life.”

(Shot by Toto Villaruel of Imagine Nation | Knots so Ordinary for Jeoff & Lorvy )

“Moral #1: “If you work hard, stay focused, and never give up, you will eventually get what you want in life.”
Moral #2: Sometimes the things we want most in life are the things that will kill us.”

(Shot by Toto Villaruel of Imagine Nation | Baby Portrait Knots so Ordinary for Enzo Katipunan )

“It was a haunting feeling, the sort of sensation you get when you wonder whether you are two people, the other of which does things you can’t explain, bad and terrible things.”

(Shot by Chest Knots Studios | Product Shoot for Olive Tree Ghost Chairs)

Donald Miller

The Emirates were definitely filled with much sand and soil yet it took us an early morning call time to head out to this breath taking location! 

Len and Joshua were natural in front of the camera. Truly light, breezy and with a touch of attitude!

PHOTOGRAPHY Chest Knots Studios | CONCEPT & STYLING Lifestyle by Feliz | HAIR & MAKE UP Lifestyle by Feliz | ART DIRECTION Chest Knots Studios & Lifestyle by Feliz CLOTHING Joel Escober, Pull Bear, H&M

Len really handled this look well!!

Their friend tagged along to have 2 cars for the shoot!  

Loved the feel of this shoot. Subtle yet with texture!

woohoo! love the landscape shot for this one!