First and foremost, God still loves me and my baby, despite all the wrongs I’ve done; that I still have this great privilege to worship Him, to pray to Him and to stay within His favor; that I still possess my borrowed life and strength; and that I still have the courage, the hope, the faith, and the good health to go on with this life.

Second, for God’s most precious gift – my Little Nicholas. Whatever were the consequences which comes along this gift, they’re nothing compared to the happiness and fulfillment that I am feeling right now, especially that my baby’s coming in a few days.

Third, for my loveones, My Mama and Papa, my sisters and my nieces and nephew, my cousins, my aunts and uncles, my friends and all those who care for me (including the possibility of a lasting love with someone from afar) and pray for my well-being and safety, as well as Little Nicholas; for all their loving support and guidance; for being there always.

Fourth, for the talents and the skills that God has given me; for the wisdom and the inspiration, for the knowledge, for the job that He has given me that had helped me in supporting this life; for my passion in music and writing; for my love in learning; for all the wonderful gifts and blessings that I received from Him daily.

Fifth, for this opportunity to thank God and all my loveones and to let the world know that I am grateful…

Thanks to Mommy Elvz of Straight From The Heart for giving me this tag. I feel honored and grateful that you have chosen me to pass this forward. Now, I am passing this to a chosen few, whom I know have so much to be grateful in this life as well.

Mafe, Bryan, Mandy, Rosilie and Noemi… you’ve been tagged! This is how it works guys…

1. Re-post the picture above on your blog and kindly acknowledge where it came from. Kindly leave a comment on this post so I would know you’ve posted it.
2. Write down 5 things you are grateful for and the 5 bloggers you are tagging.
3. You may copy this or write your own quote regarding gratitude:

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

Mommy and Little Nico’s prayers were answered; as well as his Granny’s.

No more induced labor for us. We will wait until little Nico is ready to go out. When’s that gonna happen? Only God knows. The doctor’s giving him 2 weeks though.

I had my prenatal check again yesterday. It was actually the day the doctor is supposed to give me my induction schedule. But then, after the tests I took (again) and she saw that everything’s fine (especially that I’ve been taking antibiotics for a week), she lifted the “induction order” and declared me free from infection and other complications.

Hurrah! I was so happy and I thank God for the answered prayer. You see, as much as I wanted to get back to my old “un-bumpy” body again or how much I long for a normal sleeping schedule and position, or how much I wanted to go running again and exercise this body, I don’t wanna rush my little angel. It’s much much better to experience all these pregnancy “difficulties” than to go on a painful induced labor (that may hurt my little Nicholas) and then end up in a Cesarean Section! Besides, it’s just 2 weeks more. The truth is, I’ll be missing having little Nico in my tummy (sshhh! That’s a secret) but I can’t wait to hold him in my arms.

Now we’ll start counting the days again. I’m anxious to see my baby but oh well, he’ll come when he wants to! Hihihi! For now… just relax inside my tummy sweet little boy, Mommy’s just here waiting for you.

Tomorrow, November 28, 2008, Mommy and I will know our Induction of labor schedule. Yes, Mommy will go through a “forced” labor next week. It’s a choice she doesn’t really relish since she always wanted to have a natural labor.

Others see induction of labor as unethical – something that’s going against God’s plan. But that isn’t so. You see, Mommy doesn’t intend to precede God’s timeline. We know that I will be at my “ripest” for picking on the 11^th of December. But I have to be outside of Mommy’s tummy as early as December 1. Why? Read on.

Induction of labor is an obstetrical process that allows the initiation of labor before it begins on its own accord. Yes, it seems unnatural for many because the best way to go into labor is of course to wait until the baby’s ready and wants to go out on his own. But Mommy has been reading all about this process since that “Water-breaking-scare” last November 15. Mommy knows this is a legitimate process and is not breaking any law. It is even often necessary when complications arrive and Mommies and babies have to be saved from a dangerous pregnancy.

There are actually so many reasons for inducing labor. One of which is parent’s choice. Yes, parent’s have the choice if they want to deliver early due to some domestic situations that could somehow justify a safely timed induction. This is legitimate as long as the Mommy passes the following requirements – Mommy is within one week of her due date, and her cervix is “ripe” for induction. A ripe cervix is determined through its dilation, thinning and measurement from the baby’s head. These requirements are important so the doctor won’t have to fight a stubborn anatomy and thus increasing the risk of a Cesarean Section.

Another is for health reasons. A common indication to induce labor is Pre-eclampsia. Another is when the baby’s growth inside the tummy is slowing and is worrisome; it might be better for him to continue growing outside his Mommy’s womb. Also, a baby who’s overstaying inside Mommy’s tummy should also be induced to save him from fetal distress. Another could be early breaking of water. – That’s what happened to Mommy.

Mommy’s doctor told her it’s actually a race against infection. Mommy’s taking

antibiotics for days now. Just to make sure no infection can take over that would worsen the complication. Unfortunately for Mommy though, induction should be done to her whether or not she passes the induction requirements. Therefore, Mommy’s at risk for

failure to dilate and may go on a C-Section. This worries Mom so much; not only because it is more expensive but also because she doesn’t want to be “weak” for a longer time. She wants her energy back right after delivery so she can take care of me right then and there. But well, Mommy knows a CS is not the worst thing that could happen. Due to her condition, it’s just a second choice for her. But poor Mommy, she’ll be in much pain when the doctor finds her “unripe” for labor. It will be a very long drawn affair and it may wear out my Mom! And then there’s the possibility of CS looming around her. Mommy doesn’t want to be stressed out during labor. She should be relaxed right?

But on top of all these worries and complications, Mommy is still positive everything will turn out right with the Father’s guidance. God is just a prayer away, Mommy always tell me that. Surely, He won’t neglect Mommy and her little angel…

No, Mommy isn’t packing for an island cruise but she did a lot of planning when she prepared for her labor bag! And why not? These are the essentials that will make hospital stay more convenient and comfortable.

Mommy’s not really planning to stay for a few days in the hospital, one or two is enough. But well, the last thing she needed is to forget something important on D-day since it will be a no-no to go back home and get what’s forgotten when she’s in the midst of labor already. But, she’s trying not to be overboard as well.

Mommy’s sharing here the contents (and the nice things to have, if ever) of her labor bag, maybe you can compare notes with her.

For Mommy - Essentials:

1. Cash/Cards (spare change/coins may come handy too)

2. Health Insurance Card (yup, that’s Mommy’s PhilHealth) and documents

3. Clothing:

- 2-3 Nightgown/Pajamas (with front buttons for easy breastfeeding)

- Several changes of underwear (some hospitals provide mesh undies for lochia leaking, but I don’t think they do here, so Mommy’s gonna be bringing some soft old undies from home)

- Bathrobe (comes handy especially if Mommy wants to walk on the hospital halls while waiting for me to come out, it will be chilly to walk around in a nightgown!)

- Nursing Bra and Pads (essential for breastfeeding Moms – Mommy plans to breastfeed me so she’ll be bringing 2; nice for non-breastfeeding Moms too, nursing bras offer support and comfort)

- Slippers and Socks (Hospitals can be so cold, so this will keep Mommy warm)

- Going-home dress (something loose and comfortable – with front buttons – that Mommy will wear on our way home)

4. Sanitary Napkins (highly absorbent with plenty of coverage will do, Mommy will be bleeding, shucks!)

5. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, shampoo, hairbrush)

6. Lip Gloss or cream (to lessen dryness from breathing so much through the mouth)

7. Watch or Stopwatch (to time contractions)

8. Mobile phone (to spread the good news – the charger must be brought as well)

For Mommy - Recommended:

1. A camera/video camera/digital camera (to capture the moments) plus extra films, tapes and batteries (a charger shouldn’t be forgotten too)

2. MP3/MP4/battery-operated tape player (for Mommy’s favorite music)

3. Extra Pillows (these may be scarce in the hospital)

4. A small cooler with light and healthy food and drinks

5. Baby book (to record our first moments, it’s good Mommy loves to write)

For Mommy – Nice to Have:

1. Laptop (hmmm.. Mommy doesn’t have one now… she can’t send virtual birth announcement then)

2. Massage lotion/Aromatherapy items (Why not make Mommy relax right?)

3. Cosmetics (of course Mommy would love to look great in photographs – not that she needed all those cosmetics though, my Mommy’s a natural beauty, hihihi!)

For Me! (Yipee!):

1. Several changes of clothing (Mom, don’t forget my first picture outfit!)

2. Diapers for the trip home

3. Bottles and Milk Formula (in case Mommy can’t breastfeed)

4. Knitted cap (I have to look cool! Hihihi!)

5. Receiving blankets

I have just a few items since the hospital will be providing everything I will be needing during my stay. The above items are the one I needed for my trip home.

Yey! And the award banner has Buttercup’s cute face too!

Yup, yup, yup, this is my baby’s site’s first blog award and Mommy Kaye gave this to him. The award is called the Power Blog Award, now isn’t it neat?

Well, the award comes with a set of rule too, and since Mommy tries to be a law-abiding citizen here it goes…

Hmmm… Mommy’s doing Rule Number 1 right now… Rule Number 2 says 10 bloggers, 10! Hmmm… Lemme see… Yep, I guess I can see to that.. Rule Number 3 will definitely keep Mommy busy huh!

Now here are Little Nicholas and Mommy’s awardees (Tan-da-da-dan!):

Bryan of Health and Fitness (hope he likes Buttercup, hahaha!)

Mommy May of Nothing Gold Can Stay

Mommy Maddie of New Parents Guide

Rosilie of Rosilie: My Blog

Marly of Workplace on the Web

Mommy Dianna of Parenting and Baby Tips

Mommy Ruby of Pinay Mommy Online

Mommy Trish of Preschool Playbook

Mommy Elvz of Straight From the Heart

Pretty Noemi of The Chronicles of a Cross-Cultural Couple

Pass it forward. Your turn!