Rocco's Mom

I'm Immunified!

I now declare myself as immune! No germs can affect me! I've got protection. Harhar!

Kidding aside, I can't remember the last time I had a vaccine as a child. But now that I'm pregnant, every OB checkup means I have to endure another tortuous needle being stuck to my left flabby arm :)

During my 1st trisem, I had two tetanus shots. I'm not sure if the two were any different from each other. All I remember was the PAIN. It hurt for a couple of days, and it was quite difficult to use the arm.

During the onset of my 2nd trisem, I had anti-flu shots. Then came the hepa shots. I think I also had anti-measle shots.

I'm only nearing my 6th month, so I'm expecting more vaccines.

Getting pregnant is SO costly. What more once the baby is around. Hello BABY vaccines!

For more information on pregnancy vaccine guide, visit this link.

In the Womb!

Poor me! I never knew that there are many ways to perform an ultrasound. I'm so naive at these things, and all the while, I thought that they're done just by checking the abdomen. So there goes my shock and shame again when on my first ever ultrasound, my OB ordered a TVS (trans-vaginal sonography) where the "thing" is inserted to the vagina to check the condition of my reproductive system. But what the heck, anything for my baby!

It's so amazing to see and hear the life inside of a mommy! It's such a great bonding experience knowing that he/she is there! I'm looking forward to my next ultrasound where we'll finally learn the gender!

Baby embryo at 5 weeks

Baby at 15 weeks with very good cardiac activity

The Road to Breastfeeding

I know that breastfeeding isn't for everyone, but it's something that I really want to try. The benefits are just GREAT, that any mom who will be blessed with bountiful milk will not have second thoughts breastfeeding/milking their babies.

For a working mom like me, it would be such an effort to sustain it. As they say, it takes a lot of commitment and sacrifice. Well, if others can do it, so can I :)

I've been researching a lot about breastpumps, and so far, I've been reading great reviews about Avent. I also know of some moms who actually use it. Here's one:

Avent Duo Electric Breast Pump, BPA Free

I searched online stores and it's priced from P13,000 to P15,000. In the malls, it's priced higher. In one bazaar I attended, they were selling it for P39,000. Woooooaah!

Thank God I have a sister in US who can buy it for me. It's only $225 there, and some online stores even give discounts which lowers it to $190. That's only P8360 to P9900 when converted to peso.

Such a big difference.

The Search for the Perfect Stroller

There's so much to choose from, and honestly, at this point, I'm not sure what my priorities are in terms of choosing a stroller.

One thing for sure, I want something not so expensive, yet lightweight, and I can use preferably from newborn to the toddler years.

My sister told me not to invest too much in a stroller because we don't live in the US where moms are really on the go and bring their babies everywhere.

Also, some babies don't like being placed in strollers, so it would be a pain if you have an expensive, yet unused piece.

I've looked at some brands so far and here are my initial reviews:

Maclaren- Lightweight & sturdy. Good for traveling. Midpriced in US, expensive in PH.

Graco- Has a wide variety to choose from, but I find their strollers too heavy & bulky.

MaxiCosi/Quinny- I also find this big & bulky. Midpriced in US but very expensive in PH.

Chicco- So far, I'm liking this. I've actually seen a few models and they're lightweight, slender, and not so expensive.

Goodbaby- an Asian brand which is fast becoming popular among moms. This was actually recommended to me by my sister. The features are quite innovative, and it is priced reasonably. I've also seen a lot of moms using this stroller during malling.

Let's see how this stroller search turns into :)