May 2010 - Appetite is Back and Stronger

Yep! You heard that right... to Mommy's delight mommy's appetite is back... Mommy felt a lot less nauseated at random everyday things and began to eat more and more heartily. In doing so, Mommy was much stronger and able to participate in many activities outside home and bed... hehehehe

Mommy enjoying Grilled Fish, Ambonesse Style with Colo2, Boiled cassava and Sweet Potatoes..

Once after A dinner together with Jan and Rusty, they took us to a very nice Garden in Lewes. Wonderful flowers are arranged in color scheme with small bridges over small brooks. It was just after rain so the flowers are wet with rain drops on the tips of each petal. It was very refreshing... Jan and Rusty loves gardens... and Mommy and Daddy too

This time Daddy loves to take picture of us and Mommy is no longer feel crappy so never said no to a photo session... hehehehe... in fact your mom is somewhat love-to-be-pictured hehehehe...

 

Two (and you) on Across UK Backpacking Trip

April 2010 - We finally embark on Backpacking trip Across UK. Your Dad and Mom love traveling - going places, see new things, experience different culture, taste new food and meet new people. We love that one day you will share this passion of ours. 

I’m 4 months preggo and boy… Mommy felt much much better.

Daddy with his adventurous instinct immediately coax Mommy to agree to 1 week backpacking trip across UK. Daddy assumed that its much better to do it now before Mommy got too big and too heavy to walk.

So Yes, one thing you need to know about Mommy and Daddy is that Your.....

Daddy is an adventurous, spontaneous and fun person.

Mommy is more of a planner and always think 2 and 3 times on this matter, but hey, Mommy is fun too. 

Anyway… We worked out the tasking for backpacking preparation. Daddy will deal with the transportation; booking buses, trains, airplanes as well as the designated photographer. Mommy is responsible to do the itinerary, book accommodation, plan meal on the road and researching interesting and affordable must-visit places. Of course Mommy is the designated official photo object and will try to the best of Mommy’s ability to show up the baby bump.

All set and we are ready to go. Mommy still got the ‘morning sickness’ and sensitive to motion but Daddy assured Mom that he will took care of both of us. (Note: He did an EXCELLENT Job!). Daddy is excited for the trip and can’t wait to begin. Mommy was excited but also a bit worried that the trip will be too strenuous for you, baby girl. But we prayed and we know things will be awesome. 

Have a look yourself at below pictures of our 7 days - 7 cities Across UK Backpacking Adventure..

Day 1 Edinburgh

Day 2 NewCastle

Day 3 Durham

Day 4 Manchester

Day 5 Birmingham

Day 6 Coventry

Day 7 Oxford

4th Month: Two (and you) go on Adventure! (Part 1)

By this time, Mommy feel much much better. So your very adventurous Daddy. Decided it's time for us to hit the road for some adventure. Initially we wanted to travel Europe, but knowing you are coming, we decided to keep the money and travel UK instead. We drafted out a plan for 7 days 7 cities Backpacking Holiday.
It was fun to plan and of course more fun when we're on the road.

Dad had to finished his papers (as we are in England for your Dad's Master's Degree) so Mommy got the task to create the itinerary, listed things to do and places of interest to visit including the entry fee and other cost, planned out our food and accommodation and of course means of transportation. Then Daddy and Mommy discussed it and then it's Daddy's turn to use his magic card (bank card) and start doing the reservations etc.

Soon everything is set and we're ready to go. Backpack are packed, Tickets on hand, Money in the wallet, itinerary printed, Lonely Planet book ready, cameras+batteries checked, food packed - next we pray for good weather, safe and fun trip - (and no nausea for Mommy)

Few days before we left Mommy and you had an appointment with our midwife. She assured us that we are both fine and fit for travel. She even said that this will be good for both of us. More walking for pregnant woman is good and healthy. Visiting new place also brings joy. When Mommy is happy you are happy, Daddy is happy too.

We told Jan and Rusty about the plan. Grandma Jan of course always exclaimed in her usual cherry tone, "O "Darling How Lovely!" ... she will continue with, "I'm sure you both will love and enjoy the trip"... and she will always add, "But Darling, do make sure that it's alright for you and peanut to travel. Simon take good care of her".

I hope one day you get to meet Jan and Rusty. They are your British Grandmother and Grandfather... or we call them Grandma Jan and Gruff

The 3rd Month - Begin to feel slightly Better... HALLELUJAH!!!

The first Picture Daddy officially post on Facebook
titled "Helena and The Bump

It's March and we're entering 3rd months or period between 9 - 12 weeks of pregnancy.
By this time, Mommy is fed up with staying in bed, nauseated, vomiting, dizzy and tired. Grandma Jan was really concerned with Mommy's condition so she came down often to check on Mommy while Daddy was in campus. She's such a lovely person. You will fell in love with her the second you met her. I wish one day you got to meet Jan and Rusty. Anyway, The headache was becoming unbearable so Mommy had to go to the doctor. He said it's a bad case of Migrane and it's normal to happen to the 1st Trimester. He advised Mommy not to take any other painkiller except for Paracetamol.

On the second week of the months. Mommy was feeling slightly better and it was Mothering Sunday in UK. We surprised Jan with homemade card with all our pictures. Later Jan and Rusty took us for wonderful walk up to the Longman of Wilmington, High and Over and An old Church in Alfriston. We had a really great time exploring the English country side. It was a blessing. Most tourist, or student or visitors never had this opportunity.

At Long Man of Wilmington

With Jan, Rusty and Jessica the Dog - Background is High and Over view

Very beautiful and old Alfriston Church

It was such an enjoyable walkabout that Mommy forgot about the nausea.... that is... until we're back in the car. well well well....

This month also marked the beginning of feeling better. Appetite is slowly back or Mommy should say, we can keep a little food inside Mommy tummy for sometime. Then one day, Mommy said Mommy would like to eat and would like to eat Indian food. hahahaha.... so Daddy took Mommy to an Indian buffet restaurant and we ate heartily. This is the first time Mommy can eat and actually enjoy the food. jan and Rusty took up the initiatives too and sometimes invite us for dinner over take-away Indian food. really delicious.

You know what? There is one blessing we often neglect... it's blessing to be able to taste, enjoy and digest food well. So Dear God, thank you for the come back of my appetite!

1st Antenatal Appointment

Two days before mommy's birthday, We have gone to our Antenatal Appointment. Mommy was a little over 10 weeks pregnant. According to NHS information,

Antenatal care is the care you receive from healthcare professionals during your pregnancy. You'll be offered a series of appointments with a midwife, or sometimes with a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth (an obstetrician).
They will check that you and your baby are well, give you useful information about being pregnant, and answer any questions you may have.

During this appointment, Mommy was assigned to a Midwife whom will be our chief supervising Midwife during pregnancy. She asked Mommy a lot of question to build our Health History. She then gave mommy information on healthy life during pregnancy, estimated time of delivery, information on our rights as pregnant women in UK and some forms to fill. Pregnant Mom also got a hand-held book containing all information plus forms to fill out by the midwife every time we come for an appointment. It's a kind of medical history. We have to carry it with us where ever we go, thus, if ever anything happn to us doctors and medical staff anywhere can easily follow up our conditions from the book. Very thoughtful!

It was a very good session. The Midwife was very kind, patience and reassuring. Appear to be professional but very friendly. Mommy believe we are in a good hand. Daddy was present in the session too.

We got to hear the sound of your heartbeat.

It was the most magnificent sound we have ever heard in our life.

It was the sound of life... growing... and promising. 

Your First On-Screen Appearance!

We couldn't touch, hug or kiss,

but magic moments we didn't miss,

Even oh so tiny as you seemed,

you were already our star of the screen.

We woke up very happy on March 11th 2010. We're going for our first glimpse of you dear!
Your first ultrasound. Mommy was a little over 13 weeks of Pregnancy. As happy as we are, Mommy feels slightly scared. Don't know why? Maybe Mommy is afraid that you will have problems etc. But Praise God! all went very well! We see your head and your body. We can hear your heartbeat too. How beautiful moment that was! Mommy still has tears of joy everytime we remember that day. You are now becoming more real to us.

The nurse and midwife at Royal Sussex Hospital who served us was very kind and helpful. They gave us the copies of your ultrasound to take home. oooh what a Joy! Mommy swear that in one of those pictures you were smiling back at us.

This is the picture that mommy swear you were smiling

Note on 14th February 2010

Mommy' Birthday. This is a memorable time because Mommy already received the best gift of all. You! in Mommy tummy. Mommy is no longer the birthday girl but a Birthday Mommy-to-be. How cool is that?! Very cool indeed. Nothing can beat that. On that day, we thank God for trusting us with the greatest gift and ask God's wisdom and joy for days to come. Two days before this Mommy had gone to our Antenatal Appointment. Stories on the appointment click here

Daddy Surprise Mommy with Breakfast in Bed and some presents, new pants - 2 size bigger of course in preparation for your development. What Daddy didn't know was, we both had gotten him a surprise... ^_^
Despite the nausea and vomiting, you and Mommy had walked to the city center and got daddy his teenage dream... A SKATEBOARD!. Daddy was so surprised and happy to see the gift we hide under the bed. Hahahaha... one thing for sure, daddy had to ride it.

Daddy trying out his skill in Skateboarding. He's a natural!