Precious Moments

For those who have known me long enough, they’ll know that I’m a very sentimental person. I like keeping birthday cards, movie stubs, entrance tickets, photos, gifts and any form of evidences from memories I really cherish, even things from ex-boyfriends I’m no longer in good terms with anymore. For I know that these moments – good or bad – are priceless, never repeatable and one of a kind. They are all stored away in a treasure box placed high up within a spot that is rather unreachable, if untold.

My sentimental trait is also displayed in my passion for the Precious Moments figurines. The fad began a couple of years ago when I started earning a living on my own. With five figurines to date, they are nothing to shout about but I’m proud to share that each and every sculpture signifies the milestones in my life from marriage until now.

“With This Ring I…” symbolises the beginning of my marriage

Knowing how much I love ‘Precious Moments’, Hubby presented this to me the moment he got through the ‘challenges’ prepared by my ‘ji muis’ on the morning of our wedding day.

In January 2008, we welcomed Odee into our home.

“We’re Pullin’ For You” symbolises Odee’s arrival into our lives

At the beginning of our marriage, Hubby was always very occupied with his work. His diligence paid off when he was offered a job promotion. He leads a life of work-family balance now.

“Note to Self: Take Time For Me” symbolises Hubby’s effort in keeping a balance between family and career

At the same time, I juggled with my new married life and environment, having entered a new job and moved from the city to an outskirt area.

“Believe It or Knot, I Luv You” symbolises my struggle with keeping up with the changes in my life

Then, after my mother-in-law passed away, baby thoughts came along. We wanted a November 2009 baby girl named after her.

“November Princess” symbolises our hope and attempt to find a replacement for our loss

Destiny decided otherwise and we learned to accept that everything happens for a reason. No longer bothered about the gender preference as long as Bub is healthy and strong, we are very grateful to be blessed with a baby boy in the making, due in March 2010.

Come December, there will be a new addition to my Precious Moment family, all the way from Singapore named “Blessed With A Miracle”. Heartfelt thank you to Audrey for getting it on my behalf at a discounted price.

Tips: It’s much cheaper to buy Precious Moments figurines in Singapore.

Adjusting to Changes

Things change when you’re pregnant, even way before your baby arrives. And I don’t mean just biologically. For me, some changes are welcomed, some are a little tougher to adapt to.

Physically, I’ve grown sideways. Being challenged in height, I’m practically a hippo in the making. Finding clothes that flatter these days is a challenge; I dread trying on pretty clothes and seeing myself in the mirror. Most of the time, I look like a balloon that is trying to squeeze itself into an outfit. More often that not, I walk out of the fitting room feeling even more unattractive and demotivated. The only consolation is, I love the way my belly looks from the side; it reminds me of how much Bub has grown from day to day.

Emotionally, my pregnancy hormones have been going haywire and messing up with my optimism. On good days, everything seems holly jolly and on bad days, everyone seems nasty and is out to get me.

Socially, things took a drastic turn as well. I have always perceived myself as a modern, happening mommy-to-be – that pregnancy will not deter me from enjoying life and being less adventurous. After all, we’re pregnant, not handicapped. However, I couldn’t help but to feel blue over the sudden, uncalled for “isolation” imposed by friends. Suddenly, I’m excluded from outings/activities and unexpectedly, decisions are made on my behalf without even consulting me first. Ever since when pregnant women can’t eat cheese cake? Whoever said that pregnant mommies can’t join in outings because they are ALWAYS tired? For the record, cheese contains calcium and it’s good for both mommy and baby. Plus, we’re not always tired. In fact, our energy levels surge in the second trimester and we feel like everyone else. Ask, don’t assume. And if you really dread being seen with a pregnant woman in the public and losing your ‘market value’, say it out loud too because only then I will know that you’re not worthy of my time. Just don’t make up stories, please, because I can sense insincerity from 10 miles away.

Looking at the bright side, it’s actually a blessing in disguise. At least I don’t have to fork out money for extravagant meals or gifts but instead, get to spend some quality bonding time with my hubby, furkid and the little Baba in my tummy. At least I do not have to expose Bub to a smoky, hazardous environment.

Like what my bestie said to comfort me, “After all, they will not know (how miraculous it feels) whenever baby kicks you. Only you know what’s important, what’s happiness, what’s worth your time and what’s not.”

For now, the blues are slowly melting away as I conclude this post. Thank you for listening

5 Months & Counting…

I. only. have. four. months. before. my. life. changes. FOREVER!

The thought of it both scares and excites me. Scared because I’m not sure if I’ll be a good mommy and excited because of the 2-month maternity leave we’ll be welcoming a baby created with Steve and Joey’s love.

Me at Week 20. . Odee insisted to be in the photo