What made it BIG this Year

 Okay, okay, so I said I’m going to be active in writing my blogs again and yet I only have five entries here. I won’t argue, but hey, give me a break.

After giving birth to Eliza Yohan, I was so focused on mothering and being a wife. We were also busy with our first small business, selling digital cameras for instalment. When that went on, we added another small business which was selling cellphone load for Smart and Globe carriers, but it only lasted for a month or so because we had to change residence down south. Not to mention our trip in search for our beloved suppliers of toys, accessories, and other general merchandise for another business venture, our Gift Shop at Bamboo House. Thank God things went on smoothly as I joggled working at night and coming home nursing a baby, attending to my husband’s needs and manning our store from time to time. Yet it wasn’t still the right time for me to sit down and have a “me time” with Microsoft Word and the keyboard. I had to report back to work after two months of hands-on nurturing to my cute little miss angel. I have to admit, though I’m getting used to it, being a wife/mom/trainer/entrepreneur is very taxing.  You see, I had two whole months of maternity leave but all I got to compose was one blog entry. I had too much in my mind going on like plans on how we could provide well for our budding family and also my husband and I had to start and put some plans into action. It’s a valid excuse, don’t you think?  Thanks to Facebook, somehow I could still relay the gist of some of my thoughts.

So while I was trying to find time to write, we had to bring our 3 month old baby then to my in-laws in Dipolog because her nanny needed to leave. It was a heart-breaker for me and Ace but we had no choice. I chose not to write it before so that I won’t be reminded of the loneliness of partially leaving our child behind and all the “baby’s firsts” moments we’ll miss. But the good part there was we had Eliza baptized before we went back to Dumaguete. Now I’m at peace and very much happy.

To keep us preoccupied, we expanded our gift shop by adding balloons and pvc card printing. Thus, Eliza’s Gift Shop was born. These are pretty fun things both of us love to do despite the extra hours of labour. In some way it made us bonded, my husband and I. That’s why instead of being sad, we considered the situation as a blessing in disguise. Perhaps God heard my thoughts and I am certain that what He wanted to say was this, “You were asking help from me on how you could start your business and have time to do it for your family, right? So here’s a solution for you. It’s not permanent; you only have to part for some time and sacrifice a bit so take advantage of the opportunities and catch the blessings. Now enough of that sad-looking face and pull yourselves together.”

 Well I’m not that good of an interpreter of God’s signs but in my heart I know. My husband feels it too so he’s like, “mind-over-matter” and “very soon we’ll never have to be apart.” I appreciate him motivating me. He was actually God’s instrument to remind me of what we should focus on. Plus “pogi” (handsome) points to my hubby!

We had a chance to visit Eliza at least every weekend and spend quality time together. The only weekend we weren’t able to see her was during the typhoon Sendong since both Visayas and Mindanao were badly affected. Good thing there’s what you call, leave of absence, we took the chance to have a 1 week leave for the holidays to be with her. Thanks to our supervisors who made it possible.

As of writing, I’m still enjoying the 5^th day of my leave and I’m now able to collate some thoughts to plainly just give an excuse of why I wasn’t able to update my blog.

So that explains it. May I be excused now?

Wait, wait, wait. I just gave you the biggest happenings in my life this year! What made it big to the news, er, I mean, in my life are these events and of course being married to my one and only love.  

O by the way, before I forget, I hope you had a meaningful celebration of Christmas and may you have a great year to look forward to! Remember, we have a nonstop shower of colossal blessings; we only have to catch it, accept it and make use of it for the good because God gives it all to us, even if we don’t feel deserving of it all. That’s how much He loves us.

A prosperous & love-love-love 2012 to all! ;)

For Eliza's First Month

We’re celebrating my daughter’s 1^st month today! Hmmm… my daughter… still feels a bit awkward saying this, yet it also gives a sense of pride and joy in me. Yes, I am now a mother and I declare it with a big smile on my face.

Until now hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nakaya ko ang 9 months at kinaya ko ang normal delivery. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi ko yun kakayanin kung wala si God at ang asawa ko sa tabi ko through it all.

Here’s the whole story:

BACKTRACK A BIT

“Baby, wag ka muna lalabas agad ha? Antayin mo umuwi si Papa,” were my husband’s words as he leaned to my tummy and talked to the child inside. My OB told me that I could experience labor pains as early as the last week of August even if my due date is still on Sept. 15. “Wag muna sana doc, hindi pa pwede kasi aalis pa ang Papa nya,” were what I told my OB. My husband needed to fly to Cebu for a 4-day training so despite my knowledge of some pre-labor exercises, I deliberately didn’t do it. Nag-walking lang ako from time to time.

We made several arrangements like me sleeping over at our office each night until my husband gets back kasi mas secured ako because my shift starts at 3am. So every night at 6 or 7pm I arrive at work bringing a few of my stuff including my cell phone inside the sleeping area, in case of emergency. I sleep there and wake up at 2:30 am to clean up and prepare for work.

Sunday, August 28, I still had to facilitate a class. I went to mass, went home and waited for my husband’s arrival. When my husband got home, I was so happy and I felt safer. He again leaned towards my belly and whispered, “ayan, andito na si Papa, pwede ka na lumabas.”   

The following day, we had another pre-natal check up. My OB performed IE and said 1cm na ako. Magwalking na raw ako sa boulevard every afternoon para hindi ako mahirapan kasi 135 lbs na ako (gained around 30 lbs during pregnancy). So after that Ace and I went to the mall para maggrocery and para na rin makapag walking ako. When we got home, I saw that I was bleeding but the doctor just told me not to worry because it was just a normal occurrence after an I.E.

Around 9 pm I woke up to prepare for work. Our shift then will start at 11pm. I saw that I was still bleeding and again, the doctor said na normal pa rin as long as minimal ang blood. I told her, it’s okay kasi I don’t feel any pain naman. I continued to observe. At work, Ace told me to take a nap to which I obliged. Nagvisit pa ako sa chapel namin before I went to the sleeping area. At around 2:30 am I woke up and I went to the C.R. Ang feeling ko noon, may menstruation ako kasi nararamdaman ko yung flow. I was right. So I called my OB and she advised me to go to the hospital para magpa-I.E. So ako, nagworry kasi I thought something’s wrong with the baby. I even asked my officemate if what I’m experiencing was normal. But NEVER did it cross my mind that I am at the verge of delivering the baby.

THE MAIN EVENT (TOTALLY UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL)

I went to Ace’s class and told him about what happened so we went to the hospital. Sabi ko pa, “sana okay lang si baby para after, makabalik tayo agad sa office.” What I had in mind was ipapa-check up lang ang status ni baby and kung ilang cm n ako then balik na sa office. That’s it. But when I got to the hospital at 3:30am, they told me na 4cm na ako and humiga lang daw ako. I told them, “a talaga? Wala naman ako nararamdaman na super sakit.” Nakinood pa nga ako to an actual delivery which was next door. Ang sabi ko pa, “hala, ako kaya? E hindi pa naman ako marunong umire.” I found myself amused of what’s happening around me. Then the nurse told me to go back to bed kasi bawal na daw ako tumayo.

Then everything became so fast. I called up our training coordinator, chuckling in disbelief that I was already in labor. I told one of the nurses, pwede ba na umuwi muna ako then balik na lang kapag 10 cm na? That’s me, the “neophyte mommy” talking. Talagang clueless sa mga nangyayari even if I have read tons of things about labor. It’s really true – no labor and delivery stories are the same. I put a seal on that.

Totally wala pang gamit na nalabhan para kay baby!!! For the entire week na plan ko maglaba, hindi natuloy ni sa isang araw out of that week because it kept on raining and also for the fact na limited lang ang time ko sa bahay cause doon ako nagsleep over sa work.

So I texted Ace on what to bring. Good thing we’re blessed to have our helper Lizel to prepare all the necessary things. I also texted Ace asking him kung kamusta na sya kasi alam ko clueless din sya. I also told him na kinakabahan ako pero sobrang excited. Natatawa ako kasi hindi ito ang scenario that I pictured out. It was really not like in the movies at all! Cool na cool lang kami. Walang panic moment or any drama.

At first hindi pa ako naniniwala na manganganak na pala ako. Hindi pa talaga nag sink-in sa akin. But when the nurse already shaved me, doon na ako naniwala. Doon na ako kinabahan. I felt alone amidst all the attending nurses. Wala si Ace sa tabi ko. I requested for him pero I only got to see him sa may door kasi hindi pwede.

That’s the time I surrendered everything to God. I prayed for my baby, Ace, the nurses and my doctor. In my mind I was singing “How Great is our God” and continued worshipping Him. Habang lumalakas ang pain, mas lalo akong kumanta. This was how I drew my strength. I talked to God, “Lord, everything right now is uncertain but I believe that You are here with me and that You will keep us safe and help me throughout this time.”

5:56 am I texted my husband that my water bag broke and 5cm na ako. At 6am they already called my OB and she arrived 15 minutes later. My last message to Ace was to send me socks cause my feet were cold.

“Manilyn, are you sure you don’t want any pain reliever?” asked my doctor. I told her, “kaya pa doc.” Then after a little while I realized that I needed to reserve my strength kasi kung titiisin ko lang yung pain baka wala na akong lakas para umire. So I finally asked for a pain reliever. At that time it was already really, really painful (10 out of 10).

My doctor said, umire na daw ako kasi 7cm na. Ang bilis! Nagugulat ako sa mga pangyayari noon kasi ang bilis talaga. Then all I can remember was they were all ngarag, nagmamadali kasi lalabas na raw ang baby and hindi pa ako naprepare. I felt they lifted me and nalipat na ako ng bed. Then ayun na, nagpupush na ako. Wala akong makapitan. I felt a steel tube sa side ng bed ko, Dun ako kumapit and gave it my all to push. Naramdaman ko talaga na lumabas na si baby and yung cord. Never have I felt so tired in my life like that before. Knock-out! It was a struggle for me to open my eyes na but when I saw the doctor lift my baby and heard my baby’s first cry, I was relieved and thanked the Lord.

Ruptured by 5am, the whole labor lasted only for 3 hours and 44 minutes. AMAZING! AKALAIN MO YUN?! Well wala talagang imposible kay God!

THE DAY WE FINALLY MET OUR CHERUB

August 30, 2011. 7:44 A.M. – a milestone that will change my life forever.  It has been a long 9 months of waiting and throughout that period, worries flew in and out of our heads but the thrill and happiness immediately washed it away.

The day finally came. Mixed emotions surged in me and in spite of my trembling and tired body, I felt really strong. My will to recover as fast as I can for my baby took over me. Our baby girl is finally here with us, for good. Her excited grandparents from both sides were our baby’s first guests.

ELIZA YOHAN

Her name is meaningful to us. Her first name, “Eliza” (E as we pronounce evening, and Liza as it rhymes with “Aiza”) is a combination of our mothers’ names – Izobel (Ace’s mom) and Chiza (my mom). We had an agreement na kapag boy, we’ll combine our fathers’ names while a mix of our moms’ names will be done if it’s a girl. Eliza is also a Christian name which means “my God is a vow”.

Our baby’s second name, “Yohan” is a German form of the name John. I chose this name cause I like something na parang pang-boy na name pero pwede naman sa girl. But more than that I chose the name for 2 important reasons: On the day that we learned about her gender, it was the feast of St. John the Baptist. The 2^nd reason is connected to baptism. Since Ace and I got married in civil rights and is yet to be wed in church, I opted to choose the name because of St. John the Baptist who was God’s instrument to baptize Jesus. This is my way of offering my child to God prior to receiving the sacrament. Yohan means “God’s gracious gift.”

FROM TITA TO MOMMY MAYEN

God indeed prepared me for this. I’ve been a tita to my 3 wonderful nieces for quite a long time. I’ve experienced being hands-on tita/yaya and playmate/teacher and also a second mom to each of them. Now, it’s my turn to be a full time mom to my own child. I’m not saying that I’m already an expert at motherhood and mothering. Heck, it’s a big learning curve. But despite of my reservations, I know I’ll get by – with a large chunk of help coming from my hubby Papa Ace, our families, friends, and of course, my main man, God! :)

God has given me a new direction, a new vocation, which are being a good wife and mother. I wholeheartedly accept it.  Please Lord; hone me to be terrific at it. Please Mama Mary, help me too.

To our baby Eliza Yohan, I just want to let you know that God loves you more that we could ever love you. But as your parents, we have loved you even if we haven’t met you yet and now that you’re with us, we love you much more. Your mommy Mayen and Papa Ace will shower you with love, protect you and keep you safe, provide for you the best way we can, and become your friends, your mentors, your guide, and your companion for the rest of our lives. We are so happy to have you and will always be grateful for you.

So now, on with the new and very exciting chapter of my colorful life! :))

Sisiw lang yan!

The big question is: "HOW HARD COULD IT BE?"

Preparing all the stuff for the big delivery -- easy, just have a checklist, get a hold of all the moms I know (as much as I can) and ask, ask, ask.

Walking and doing a little stretching every now and then -- madali lang yun! I'm a "walk-lover" if there's such a term or I'd prefer travelling on foot before pa. Though right now, it's more of a challenge 'cause poor feet, it has to carry the weight of my cute cherub inside. Pero di bale na, kaya pa rin yun and I can't be lazy now, for my baby.

Eating less and drinking more water -- a, kaya! Wag lang magdemand ang tyan ko...hihihi... eat small portions and eat frequently. Another motivation is, if i get even heavier than this (water retention and all), then it would be harder for me to lose weight! hmp!

Working and living alone for a while 'coz hubby is training in Cebu -- working, yes, kaya. Going so early in the office and dun na magsleep 'till my shift, carry lang. But I'm super sad cause I'm missing my hubby nga kahit hindi pa sya umaalis. Well, one thing to be grateful for is that mas mabuti nang ngayon ang alis nila kaysa sa September pa.

Laundry day for Eliza's clothes and stuff -- kaya pa rin, of course! All for our precious one! Plan ko magpicture taking while washing her cute little clothes so that when she grows up, she'll see how much we love her even if we haven't met her yet. :D


The "dreaded" LABOR PAINS -- waaah! Let's cross the bridge when we get there, pwede ba yun na lang muna sagot ko? Hehehe... ;p but in reality, I'm quite excited 'coz I don't know what to expect kahit ang dami nang nagkwento ng experiences nila. I have yet to experience it and tell my own tale. Prayers are what I have and a strong belief that I can do it! God will help me go through it! So kahit may fear ako at worries of what would happen and what the scenario would be, I don't care! Kaya yan!

The Delivery -- YEHEY! That's supposed to be our code (we got it from  Ice Age 3, they had "peaches" as their code when the lady mamoth was about to give birth na). We'll see if it works. It's gonna be TEAMWORK for me, baby Eliza, Papa Ace, and of course, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want to get it over with 'cause we're excited to meet our baby para i-hug, kiss, kulitin, at panggigilan siya! September 15 EDT. Get the cameras ready for our little miss superstar!

By the end of this blog, I realized that I've just answered my question -- It's all worth the physical pain and sacrifice. It's all for LOVE - LOVE - LOVE! With that, it's no longer a sacrifice. :D

I need a Re-charge

Two weeks ago I admitted to myself that I need to be recharged; my spirit needs it. With all the things that I'm anticipating, I'm gathering all my strength - physical and spiritual. I have to get a stronghold of things so that I may be able to overcome my fears and worries and can have an immense faith to totally surrender everything to God (especially now that my due date's approaching).

God must have heard me and so immediately, with the help of our newly installed na cable tv, I learned na may Keygma TV pala sa IBC 13. Oh yeah! Thank you Lord for hearing me! Ang bilis ng sagot mo! :D

      

Now I can reserve my time every Sunday morning for that. I consider it a life-saver. Just by that, I’m already blessed! :D

A time of strength when you least expect it

Having another being here in my body amazes me a lot. I am 31 weeks pregnant as of yet and sometimes, the thought of having a baby inside my womb and actually feeling its twirls and kicks still surprise me. I don't think I'll ever get used to this. Why? Simply put, I am astounded by the marvel that is life.

In our office, particularly in our department, there are now a total of 5 pregnant women, me included in the list. Why put emphasis? It just goes to show how women are strong. We continue to work and try to do our daily tasks along with child-bearing and added weight - exposing ourselves to the idea that we too are still equipped and capable of what we used to do despite the erratic hormones, hot flashes, mood swings, morning sickness, and vulnerability.

In these times I mostly realize that women are strong beings who are made even stronger because of our condition. I for one couldn't imagine me being pregnant then. I got a sister and my other friends who have been pregnant a couple of times, but all I can say now is, "iba tlga kapag ikaw na ang nakaranas."  Not to compete with the guys, but hey, haven't you noticed how pregnant women can still hold their composure and think straight amidst pressure?

Although some do decide not to continue, those who push through with the 9 months of pregnancy becomes stronger in a way that they are not only physically able to carry on; they become emotionally and mentally harnessed. (Imagine how many websites, books, and experienced moms and moms-to-be I've consulted, all because i diidn't have much idea of what to do. I needed facts mostly, and I got it plus more stories of elation to labor pains -- shocks! Info overload!)

An officemate told me that at the moment of delivering the baby, the mom's life is put into grave danger (in her words, "ang isang paa, nasa hukay") but once the mom takes sight of the new borrn child, the feeling is irreplaceable and everything becomes all worth it. The mom will then have this emotional shift - from the one who's in peril to becoming the protector of her young. I'm glad she told me this. I am blessed cause it gave me confidence, erasing a big protion of my fears.

It is at this stage that women become more aware of their weaknesses and understand that the capabilities have lessen. Yet, this is also the stage when we bloom into more mature individuals, being unselfish with our bodies, providing a home for our unborn, and finally giving birth to a wonderful gift. We are beautiful in every sense of the word.

Hail to our mothers and moms to be!

New Beginnings

Blogging all the way...

It's the first time I'm writing a blog here in my new home. Time for me to re-introduce myself. I am Manilyn L. Elvinia but my name now comes with a hyphen and a new last name, Templo. Yes, I am married now and I'm loving every second of it. This is just one of the many new happenings in my life.

I realized that it's time for me to blog again all that's inside my head, to just let me think aloud or do my own blah-blahs of whatever comes my way.

Oh, by the way, regarding the name of my blog, it's "ever hopeful" not because it's just wishful thinking. On the contrary, it's my belief, my mantra, my choice. In every thing that we do, we have a choice. It may offer us the slimmest or the slightest ways to which line or curve we should follow to get on the track that we'd hope to get on, but hey, options are there; we just have to know where to look for it or even use up all other senses to recognize the real choices that await.

This doesn't mean I'll solely be writing about all the positive things cause then there won't be any balance. I believe in how much negativism can affect positivism yet despite some downbeat turn of events, I'd say I'd still try my best to shove off those dark episodes and find light in whichever and whatever occurrence. Just as what they say, "Look at life as positive and optimistic as you can; besides, nobody has gone blind yet for looking at things that way." 

I dare myself to be this kind of person, each day. I'm not perfect and I may have my own ups and downs but that's why I have this blog - to remind me and help me out. I hope that in some way or another, you may also share your thoughts with me and we could learn and inspire each other.

Ciao!