Mommy's Page

28 February 2010

Same time tomorrow, I will be a fully fledged mother. Can't wait! It's been a short 9 months. I can not believe how it went in a blink.

Tomorrow, I will be holding my precious Pablo in my arms =)

I started feeling contractions this morning.. probably induced from the dinner we had last night at the Atlantis. Chi and I had a buffet at Safron to celebrate our 7th Anniversary. They gave us free cake to take home when they found out. How quickly they have changed their customer service? Far improved from two years ago... that time I booked the restuarant to celebrate my birthday with my family and when we arrived we were told (short minute advice) that the place was booked by a sheikh or someone important for the night and we would have to transfer to a different restaurant. How awful! Cried my eyes out!!! And they did not even ease the burden with a discount =( Well, those were the haydays of Dubai, when it was difficult to get into a hotel in the first place. Now, it's a different story.

Take for example the apartment letting... being pregnant and scheduled for a c-section, we decided to stay where we are despite the rental being a bit higher than our budget. So, yesterday, Chi called our Landlord to let him know that we've decided to stay. When he found out that we're staying, he increased the rent again by another 5K. We were devastated. But because of the situation, we went and looked at the Discovery Gardens flat that was listed with a 2 bedroom with maid's room at 100k but 12 cheques!!! Nobody used to give such a deal ... And it turned out to be quite a surprise! A pleasant one =) It was the best flat ever that we've been to (well that is compared to the ones we've looked at so far in the past weeks). The area was as big as our current flat, it had a gas powered kitchen (which was free along with the chilled water). My favorite being it had a real vent so the kitchen smells will not stay in the house. There's an extra storage apart from the maid's room. And the bedrooms are a decent size. The beauty is the first cheque will not be a stretch =) Thank you, Lord.

Chi will need to book the place latest 2 weeks from now as it can only be reserved for a month. We move in early April. I'm hoping the place will allow us to move in early and then our contract can start 1st of May =)

Overall, Chi was happy as it fitted all the things he was looking for should we move. The best being we can fit our current furniture and would not need to buy a new set. The place is 1,800 sq. ft. Very nice family room =) He said at least Pablo can move around in the house freely. And there's even a nice courtyard outside the building. The agent (Nabil) also said that there are plans of having a soccer fielf in front of the cluster, that is if Nakheel gets the funding to finish the project. There's also a pool, a basketball court and a playground =) Best of all, there are lots of trees. Well they're still quite small now, but in a year or two they would hopefully be verdant and would offer lots of shade =) It's promising. We're hoping once we move, we could stay at least 2-3 years or longer, depending on the market that is. Lord, we thank you in advance for taking care of us.

Wee! We now have a carseat for Pablo. We finally got one from Babyshop, Maxi-Cosi cabrio fix, black reflection. I really wanted the Pebble (it's in blue color) but the one we got is ok. Just in the time as we check into the hospital tomorrow at 6.30 am. Last week was a different scenario, was so upset from the shop not having enough stocks so I sent an sms to my client (Troy) to tell him why do they always not have stock for their trolleys and carseats??? It's so frustrating for a soon-to-be-mom really! Anyway, thank goodness their delivery just came and he called to let me know that he'll have his store manager give me the list of available stock and we can pick it up in their Oasis store. So we went and chose the black reflection one. Eddy, the pinoy staff helped us, he was nicer than the other guy who assisted us last time and told us there weren't any stocks =( Anyway, at least that chapter is closed and we're just waiting for the our adorable passenger to get on board his seat =)

The day before we also got a chance to buy our boy his first gifts from us. His Daddy got him a pair of Ferrari shoes and I got him a Ferrari bib with a matching rattle =) His first Ferrari stuffs =) We'll give the gifts to him tomorrow when we see him =) Can't wait. I doubt if I'll be able to sleep tonight. But I have to as have been told I can't eat nor even drink for 8 hours. So, from 8 pm tonight till the operation I would have to be really patient before grabbing a glass of water...

Last minute check:
Cord Blood collection kit: ready (Need to call Ella tomorrow to confirm the pick up)
Pablo's bag: prepared (overflowing now actually, I keep adding things)
Chi and my bag: ready
Car seat: bought
Cradle: need to put the newly drycleaned linen onto Pablo's cradle and we're good to go.
I'd like to bring a CD player in the hospital for his nursery ryhmes and Mozart music (will sneak that in the car lest Chi thinks I'm overdoing it, hihi)

Chi is picking up my Mom tonight from Abu Dhabi (from my Brother's place, as his Nanny has now arrived =)

Our Nanny's (Gigi) coming this week, enshallah.

Now, I just need to buy a gift for my Baby's Daddy for our anniversary and all's a new chapter tomorrow. Thank you, Father. It has been a pleasant ride (despite all the puking and tiredness =) Thank you for the miracle of life and the upcoming life as parents and personally as a mom. Everyone keeps telling me, life will never be the same again! I agree and I am looking forward to it. We've been married for 7 years now, life needs to change. And I have no doubt it will be for the best. Chi's fortune cookie last night seals the deal, 'you are destined for finer things in life'. =)

To My Dearest Pablo,

My love, my darling, thank you for being with me throughout these 9 months. You've kept Mommy going in times of depression and added meaning to dull moments. You made Mommy laugh with your soft nudges and tickling especially in meetings =) I will miss having to talk to you while in my tummy but I can't wait to hold you in my arms and start knowing you as you grow up. We'll have lots of fun together =)

I'll see you tomorrow my Dearest. I love you so much already =)

Love,
Mommy

Mommy's Last Day at Work

24 February 2010

Wee! It's Mommy's last day at work tomorrow and then she goes for her maternity leave to take care of me =) She won't go back to work until 2nd of May =)

She's already done her handover list today but still have lots to finalise tomorrow. Poor Mommy, working till the last minute. But I guess, it's better than having been laid off. She spoke to one of her colleagues who got sacked a few weeks back (Monina - she will also be one of my godmothers). Tita Monina has not found work to date... poor Tita Monina. Mommy says she's a hardworker and good at what she does. It's just the times are really hard to find work for the same salary they were previously getting....

Today, Mommy went to see her midwife, Karen, for the last time, before I come. Karen said apparently I've turned and now engaged? There's a bit of blood in Mommy's urine and was told that anytime from now till 1 March that she feels contractions and thinks she's in labor, she can readily go to the hospital for admittance. Karen said Dr. Nataliya (Mommy's OB GYN) will try to deliver me normally in that case. However, if I still don't arrive before 1 March then the planned caesarian will go ahead.

The operation is scheduled for 8am. So, Mommy and Daddy have to be in the hospital at 6.30 am for the prep. Mommy's hoping there would be music during the procedure (to keep from the uncomfortable silences or keep her from getting nervous and over imagining things). She's thinking of bringing her own CD player with my Mozart CDs and my new nursery rhymes (from Tita Dab)....

Tita Jackie (Mommy's officemate) treated her along with the other Leasing Team members (who's left from the redundancy) to lunch this afternoon to bid her goodluck for my arrival and also goodluck to one of her officemates, Sreejith, who surprisingly found a better paying job and recently resigned.

Mommy and Daddy still haven't found a place to transfer to... they're really undecided as Mommy's condition would not allow her to move around so much (especially when I arrive). They're also mainly thinking of me. How difficult it would be to move me to and fro for a complete house move. Mommy's praying that their Landlord just decides to bring down the rent to at least AED96K. That way they'll just stay in place.

Please Lord, please help Mommy and Daddy. Thank you =)

Pablo Isidro Mercado

Buzz 3

20 February 2010

Mommy and Daddy got me a Quinny Buzz 3 =)

Color: Dark Brown
Price: AED2,185

Mommy wanted to get the Buzz 4 in dark blue color but the only stock available was the one in display. She felt that for the price it should be brand new, well tecnically it is brand new but it's been out in display for almost 2 weeks. She said that she does not want to settle as it won't be good for me (with all the dust and all).

Anyway, they went to check out the Babyshop in Mall of the Emirates and lo and behold, there was another color available but for the Buzz 3. It's also a display piece but at least only out for no more than 3 days.

Today, Mommy and Daddy went out to look at probable flats to transfer to. Mostly at Barsha. Yesterday, they went to check out the Springs. Mommy likes the Springs but Daddy didn't. Daddy likes Barsha, but Mommy doesn't.

I wonder where we'll end up. Maybe, we'll still stay here (JLT)? If their Landlord brings down the rent to AED96K we won't have to move. But Ricky (Landlord) is not budging no less than AED100K. It's really best for Mommy not to move with me arriving very soon. We'll see.

Pablo Isidro Mercado

Shower Shower Shower

19 February 2010

Before I forget, since start of this year Mom's had showers one after the other.

• Shower 1 - was a surprise one from her office. It happened the Monday after the lay-offs. So it was a bit uncomfortable for Mom. She is very grateful nonetheless. Her officemates (even her boss) were there. The shower was for all the four pregnant ladies in her office: Her, Maria, Resmi and Shirley. Maria is part of the Leasing Team and PA to Mommy's Boss. The latter two are both Indians. Maria is a month away from Mom. Resmi is a week's ahead. And Shirley is a week or two away from Maria's due date.

Her officemates gave the pregnant ladies each the following:

Fleece blanket

Shoes

Gift Voucher (AED400 from IBM) which Mommy used to buy me Mustela products: shampoo and body liquid soap, anti diaper rash cream, lotion =)

• Shower 2 - The Saturday of that week, Mommy's Filipino officemates organised a shower for her and Maria at the Zabeel Park. One of Mommy's officemate's wife was also pregnant. They met up around 9am (well Mom came at 10am as it was drizzling and was asked to delay so as not to get wet). They had Pinoy stuf for brunch, yummy! And Rommel, her officemate organised some games for her and Maria and the Dads =) It was so fun! One game, where surprisingly Daddy joined, the dads had to put a diaper on a teddy bear. Daddy won! I'm so proud of him =) Mommy got lots of gifts from her officemates that day: a steriliser, receiving blanket, wash cloths and towel, clothes for me, some toys, crib cover, shoes, a feeding bottle and a pacifier and lots more. It was quite touching.

• Shower 3 - My Tita Cheng organised this one together with Daddy. It was supposed to be held same day as Shower 2 but then, Tita Lanie's birthday was on the same day. It will be her last birthday here before she goes to Australia. So Mom said best to have the supposed surprise shower the week after. They had it at Ponderosa Restuarant in Deira. It's been one of Mommy's favorite destinations since she got pregnant, more for the noodle soup =) It's a buffet of all sorts (mexican/ italian and more). Bland food, but that's what Mommy wants these days. Tita Cheng and Tita Lanie hosted the games (Daddy was a bit uncomfortable with the noise being inside a restaurant), but Mommy was fine with it up until the Management alerts them, hehe... Mommy got a surprise for that day =) Her previous flatmates came to celebrate the occassion (Ate Minda, Malou and Maries). It's been almost 2 years now since they last saw each other. They gave me nice presents =) A bottle heater, steriliser (so now I've got 2) and a set of clothes =) Mommy got loads of presents for the the last shower: hotdog pillows from Tito Othan and Tita Aira, a photoframe from Tito Tito (Daddy and Mommy's photos included), bathrobe from Tita Shirls, cute clothes from Tita Lowella, and touching - clothes from my future friend Justin (Tita Lowells niece). Mommy's favorite gift was from Tita Dab: a 12 CD set of nursery rhymes =) Tito Julios gave Mommy a baby monitor =) I got a cozy blankets and bath items from Tita Jhang and Tito Jason =) And touching again, Tita Angie and Tito John prepared the giveaways for my shower (and also gave me milk powder separator). Most of my Titos and Titas are initially my Tita Cheng's friends from Singles for Christ and through the course of time they've married and are now Couples for Christ.

Tita Cheng gave me a set of Avent feeding bottles and a cute set of cap and booties for when I leave the hospital =)

Tita Lanie, on Mom's request, got me the set of Baby Mozart CD =)

Wow, I got lots of presents =) Mommy was excited to put them all in my newly delivered changing/ bathing drawer =) She started washing my clothes to be ready by next next week when I come.

My baby bag is now prepared too:

1. Book (s) - Mommy brought Guess How Much I Love You and my new soft book, Snail

2. Diaper - Pampers (the cottony one)

3. Baby Wipes

4. 3 Sets of clothes (for while I'm at the hospital)

5. Going home clothes

Mommy's bag is also ready:

1. Daddy's clothes for 4 days.

2. Mommy's going home clothes

3. Passports and Marriage Certificate

4. Cord Blood Collection Documents

5. Mommy's Maternity Pads

6. Toiletries (just in case the hospital does not provide these: toothbrush/ slippers/ bath items)

7. Video Cam borrowed from Tita Cheng

Mommy has not decided if she'll bring towels (she'll ring the hospital to check)

My parents are going out to buy my stroller and car seat today. They've decided to get the quinny brand for the stroller and a maxi cosi for my car seat.

Hopefully, I can post the pictures of the above events and my presents =)

Pablo Isidro Mercado

1 March 2010: My Birth Day

19 February 2010

Nope, I am not psychic knowing that my birthday will fall on the 1st of March =) My Mom went to see her doctor yesterday and she was still advised that I am still not in the engaged position. I'm still comfortably lying on my back, enjoying my Mom's company.

Well, two or three weeks ago, Mom was told I was in breech position (meaning) I'm standing instead of the other way around. Her doctor said there might still be a chance that I could turn and hence come out naturally. She did say about 2% chance. But, I've got other plans.

Hence, 1 March 2010, will be my birthdate, via caesarian section at the Medcare Hospital.

Mom and Dad already checked the hospital. They looked at the parking, the room (4 days and 3 nights of stay for C-section patients). They asked what the maternity package included:

• Maternity pads for my Mom with wings? Check
• Diapers for me? Check
• Milk formula for me? Check (S26) Same milk formula Mommy intends to use, very good. She actually bought a can already last time she did her grocery, along with my diapers (Pampers, the new one that has more cotton than the usual =)
• How many people can stay in the room? Dad can stay, since there's a couch.
• What time do they need to be at the hospital? Mom's scheduled for an 8am delivery. So they need to be there an hour before for the prep.

The Maternity package is AED17,000 but it does not include nursing fees (AED2,000) and additional incidentals. My Mom's insurance cover is AED25K but for the entire year. So hopefully, the bill won't exceed AED20K. The leftover AED5K covers her check ups since start of this year. The good thing is Medcare is part of the approved hospitals for her Neuron card. So, they don't need to shell out money (except I guess for the stuff for me). The money they've saved up (they started an account for me when they found out about my coming) they've decided to use to purchase the package for my stem cell banking =) Mom says it's my health insurance in a way =)

Wee, only a week to go and I get to meet my Parents =)

Can't wait. Mom keeps whispering to me to take my own sweet time, lest I decide to go out prior to 1 March. Mommy will keep working till end of next week (Thursday). So, best that we stick with the plan.

1 March 2010, World... here I come!!!

Pablo Isidro Mercado

Future Health

15 February 2010

Valentine's Day brought a lot of nice stuff for me =)

I forgot to mention that yesterday my Mommy and Daddy had another surprise for me! Yesterday, my kit for Cord Blood collection arrived. My parents decided to go with the Future Health Company from the UK. They will store my cord blood cells and cord tissue for 20 years!!!

My Mom keeps saying they hope there won't be any need to use the stem cells but just in case at least they've banked it. It's my health insurance =)

Speaking of insurance, Mommy and Daddy also got me an Educational Fund from Friends Provident. It specializes in such plans and has a base in the Isle of Man. The plan has been approved last week. It will be monthly payments of $408 for the next 20 years. By the time I go off to Collegel or before then, I would have some funds to use =) Mom and Dad got it from their financial advisor, Arthur from Nexus. They've been saving with Zurich for almost 4 years now. Time really flies, next thing you know, I'll be coming out and will be going to College!

Aside: Tito Art will be one of my Godfathers for my baptism =)
Got a baby gym yesterday from one of my other future godfathers, Tito Jiffy, who works at the autodrome. I'm excited to use it =)

Pablo Isidro Mercado

Heart's Day

14 February 2010

Wee my stuffs arrived today! Mommy and Daddy bought my cradle and changing cabinet last weekend. Daddy also got Mommy a rocking chair with an ottoman in blue color. They all arrived today at 6.30 pm. I also got my gift from Tito Jiffy and Tita Jane, mobile gym, the expensive one hihi, chicco brand.

Mommy's fixed my clothes and stuff for the changing cabinet and will start laundering this week. Hmm, she's dreading the ironing though so she's solicited Tita Julie's help =)

My Nanny has yet to arrive, Ate Gigi. She still needs to process her passport. Hence, the delay.

Hopefully, she comes prior to my arrival =)

Mamala is still staying with my cousins Ice and Baby Blake. Her visit visa expires by the 7th of March. Will she see me before she goes back home? If she doesn't, it will be another month before she can come back. Hmmph, visa matters are always changing here...

Pablo Isidro Mercado

Week 32

28 January 2010

Today is a sad day. Mom has been crying since this morning. I can feel her pain. A number of her colleagues have been made redundant. Signs of the times. My Mom has been spared (yet again) this time. The first wave came last Nov 2008. Soon after one or two would be laid off. But today, 15 of Mommy's officemates were let go.

She's both relieved and apprehensive. Relieved that she still has a job and hence would still have medical coverage for when I come but also apprehensive that prior to going on leave which is coming very soon, her workload will more than double with all the tasks left by her collegues transferred on her plate. I have to say I hate recession.

Weird though is in her office, there are four women pregnant all at the same time. And 3 of her colleagues wives are also carrying. Signs of the times? None of the pregnant women got the sack.

Anyway, what has been happening aside from the not so good news? Mommy has decided to buy me a picture book for every week that I am keeping her company. She, well, I now have around 10 books and Mommy reads them to me every night. She's thinking to keep them in a cabinet together with my toys for when I come she can keep reading one every night. Daddy was adamant I be read Dr. Suess' books =) Trust Daddy to be in the 80's stage. He also wants me to watch Sesame St. videos instead of Barney. Because he grew up with Sesame St. Mom's looking at complete sets of both Dr.Suess and Sesame St. videos from Amazon.

I'm a bit drained from Mommy's emotional ride so will also sign off for now.

Pablo Isidro Mercado

31 Weeks

17 January 2010 (Have to get used to 2010)

I've now entered my 31st week... and still growing... everyday my movements are getting more active. Today for example, I think I did a somersault. Well, my Mom taught so =)

Mom's not feeling too good today, despite her going for a pregnancy massage yesterday. She's decided to go every week from here on as I'm getting closer to the term....
I guess she must have eaten something with milk or butter yesterday. That's why she constantly needs to go...

My poor Mom's lactose intolerant. She was only diagnosed last year!!! No wonder she's always queesy after eating cakes... I wonder, will I also end up lactose intolerant? Hmm...

All for now...
Pablo Isidro Mercado

Pablo Isidro Mercado

I am now 30 weeks old (roughly the size of a cabbage head according to babycentre.co.uk) and proud to say that I now have a name!

After months of debating and searching for the best name for me, Mommy and Daddy have decided to call me Pablo Isidro Mercado.

Pablo for Pablo Picasso. In itself the name means little.
Isidro, meaning gifted with many ideas (I like this, very promising). Good one Daddy.
Mercado, merchant.

Hence, I am the little boy gifted with many ideas for business =) Hmm, looks like I'm a tycoon in the making! Let's see how that pans out...

On my parents: Daddy is an architect and Mommy too. All though Mom has diversified to Retail Leasing for some years now. Daddy is still practising but looking into entering the world of project management as it seems to be very lucrative these days. Let's see how that pans out...

So far, having me has been one of the best gifts for my Mom. Well, she often tells me before she sleeps how much she loves me and can't wait to meet me (all though technically we've met via the scans =)

She always whispers to me how much she loves having me, how she loves being pregnant despite the many bouts of vomit she goes through for me... Just over the weekend, she had to puke out the Thai food she had for my uncle's birthday. She has also avoided Chinese food eversince she found out about me. She keeps telling her friends, "My baby does not like Chinese Food and Thai Food". Her friends just simply laugh off the comment and say, "it's not your baby, it's you who do not like these food'. But I think my Mommy's right. I don't like her having the oily, spicy, msg foods these days. Makes me queesy...

Only a few more weeks and I'm coming to taste for myself all these lovely foods from different parts of the globe. I'll decide for myself by then =)

Soon...

Pablo Isidro Mercado