Leon Maddox's Arrival

Just would like to share once again my child birth experience.

My due date was last Sunday, August 28, Saint Augustine's Day (Doctor of the Church), and it seems I'm part of the 5% of mothers who gave birth on their exact due date. (I was late with my first-born and was expecting the same with the second one.) This time around he just came right on time.. :)

It all started at 5:13 am on Sunday morning. I couldn't tell at first if the pain and pressure I was feeling was a contraction. I forgot all about the pain from the first pregnancy cause it was an induced childbirth. Not that it didn't hurt but I was more excited to meet my first born that I just knew I could take all the pain along with that process. Anyway, because the same pain was coming regularly like 7-8 minutes apart, for 50 seconds... I woke up my husband at 6am and told him that I might be giving birth soon.. I was trying to keep him from being so excited so we talked for a bit. I was concerned that I may not be able to do it without any Epidural. I was already in doubt. Narealize ko bigla, masakit pala... :))

Louie helped me time the "pains". The contractions became 4 minutes apart this time but were shorter (30 seconds). At 6:30 pm I took my shower and dressed up just in case the "pains" continue to progress. We rang the hospital's maternity suite. I was advised to immediately go to the hospital but I said to the midwife nurse that I still want to have my breakfast so I might drive thru McDo first. It was a risk but I was really hungry. We needed to rush but I even had a hard time leaving the house cause Luigi was crying. He wanted to come so badly. I just had to walk out without giving him another look.

Everytime a contraction was coming along.. I had to chew my sausage mcmuffin slowly and Louie has to pull over.. Hehehe! Looking back, it was a funny sight.. trying to breathe slowly through my contractions and chewing my brekky at the same time.

Fast forward, we were at the delivery suite at 8:30 am and 4 cm dilated already. An hour later, my OB came and because my contraction slowed down, he decided to break my waterbag. So I obliged... I was 6cm dilated after that. The contractions suddenly became stronger.. After 2 hours, we couldn't time it anymore. But I could remember texting my family and friends imbetween contractions and somehow I was losing track to whom I sent the messages successfully.. Hahaha! Great pressure was coming along with each contraction and it was happening every 2 minutes and lasts for at least a minute. And I try to breathe slowly, letting my body sag on the bed, relaxing the tensions, through each pain as my coach (my hubby) would always suggest. My OB was telling me that I looked relaxed and I told him of this Bradley Book and I think he got the idea that I don't want any form of pain relief.

It's a bit hard once the pain reaches its peak... Needs a lot of effort to relax the abdominal muscles to let the pain run its course, so to speak. I just moan through each breathing.... And I try to remember, that this one too shall pass as I silently ask for St Gerard's help and prayer.

At 11 am, I was roughly 8 cm dilated. I was like .. "Gosh.. 2 more hours to get to 10??? Oh No!". The main problem was my posterior cervix. At 11:30 am, I told the midwife to check on me again cause I was starting to feel the pressure downwards - meaning I might want to push too soon again and I was afraid again that it would cause another major tear. She checked on me and I was just between 8-9 cm. She went out to talk to the OB, and was advised if I wanted my my cervix pushed behind the baby's head on the next contraction.. I obliged again, just to open the way for the baby's head. AND BOY, IT DID HURT BIG TIME!!! It was the first time I shouted. And when she did that, I had the urge to push a bit, so a bit of the head came out.. I looked at the time and it was 11:46 am. The midwife rushed to call the OB and instructed me to pant and avoid anymore pushing. The OB came and he helped me push the baby out slowly with 3 more contractions...

On the next contraction, I felt the head crowning. I had to ask my OB to confirm it so I'd know if I'm near the "finish line". They asked me if I wanted a mirror. I'm scared to see it, I really said no! Then, another push popped out half of the baby's head. He was hanging out there.. Hehehe! The OB gave me a smile and asked me to have a look at the baby's head... Final push and his body was all out at exactly 12 noon.

I was so happy that it was all over and that I can finally wrap around my arms our little Simba (Leon - "lion" Reyes - "king").

Leon weighed 8.8 lbs and measured 52.5 cm.

View Leon Maddox's first pictures.

Luvsyu,
Maan

2005 Overseas Holiday

We just arrived this morning from our 2-week holiday in the Philippines via Malaysia Airlines. And I swear I will never board another Malaysian aircraft. Service is terribly bad 75% of the time.

Let's just talk about how we spent it. We took advantage of the 5 hours stopover at Kuala Lumpur on our way to Manila. We hired an airport cabbie to take us to the Petronas Tower.

In Manila, we spent most of our time shopping and pigging out at new restos. My Luigi was very happy to be reunited with his Tito Mart and Ninang Mahlu. He had his advance Jollibee bday party last May 1, c/o Ninang. We took him to Manila zoo even if it's not at par with Sydney's Taronga zoo. Hahaha! But they have this Kinder Zoo where Luigi was able to touch the python, love birds, and baby crocodiles.

We attended Louie's brother's wedding in Pampanga last April 30. My first born looked so cute in his barong. It was just the right size. Everyone adored him. Shempre proud ang stage mom. :)

I'm now 5 months pregnant and next time I visit Philippines, 2 kids will be in tow. Exciting! Hahahaha!

Luvsyu,
Maan

It's another BOY for us

Today we went for our ultrasound and no doubt it's going to be another boy for us. Well I guess we will just have to try our luck ... NEVER... or maybe 5 years form now. Hehehe!

We plan to name him Leon Maximus. Sounds so macho to me! :)

First OZ interstate trip

We just arrived from a 5 day stay in Melbourne and I can't recall what we actually did during our visit. Our visit didn't leave me any impact of awe of any memorable sight. The first 3 days it was raining and hailing once in a while. What a sight, eh!

Louie can only remember spending each day doing shopping - that is going back and forth to Richmond - which has got a strip of factory outlets. My folks were just so busy catching up with dad's cousin living in Melbourne. It was an eating and drinking binge day ang night for them. My plan to visit Philip Island for the penguins was ruined. All because we were always discouraged by my aunt when I dont' expect her and her husband to accompany us. But I can't really complain, can I? We chose to stay there and we'll just have to go with the flow.

How I wish we opted to stay in a hotel at least for 2 nights so we can just do whatever we want -a lesson learned... Next time we'll know better.

And if you want photos.. I got nothing to show really. My only consolation was getting to the warehouse sale at Melbourne Exhibition Centre were all Sheridan bed linens were on 70% off. Geeze - really huge savings!!! And the best thing about it is they have lots of King Sized Bed sheets! Love my linens and towels... They were all for a bargain.

Christmas Greetings!!!

Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!!!

Love,

Louie, Maan, and Luigi (soon a "kuya")

Look @ Reyeses with Santa

A merry Christmas gift

Louie doesn't know that I took a pregnancy home kit test at work around 10:30 am. I'm 5 days delayed today, (I think.. cause I really failed to take note when was my last cycle.. hehehe!)

When I saw the thingy slowly turning positive - I smiled... I thought I was brave enough to handle the situation when I suddenly felt alone and weepy. I wished there was somebody next to me whom I can hug tightly and share my joy and fear. I wish I can give Louie a call now - but I told myself that I will let him be the last to know. Para Christmas surprise...

I'm planning to keep it a secret from Louie throughout the day .. (well, I told my Ate Mahlu by SMS and my parents afterwards... I just told my Dad when I rang home that Luigi's gonna be a kuya soon. Hehehe! I think he almost fell off his chair.)... I want to tell my boss that I must go home for I'm bearing the good news.. Hahaha! Baliw na ako!

I just couldn't concentrate anymore.. I'm just sooo in a holiday mode...

Maan

Rescue me...

Both mama and daddy are here to stay with us in Sydney for the next 12 months... Woohoo!!!

They just arrived today...

Luigi's First Movie

Friday, June 25 after hubby left for work (or some .Net Training he's attending the whole week), I started doing my domestic duties like - starting the laundry, tidying up the living room (Wiji's toys are just everywhere), giving Luigi a healthy breakfast (which by the way he finished up while we were watching his first Hi-5 dvd), and giving him a bubble bath (it's a bit of luxury for him cause he doesn't really get a lot of it during weekdays because of our work sched), and a lot of other small chores that I just can't force myself to let go. Although at the back of my mind, I hear an echo that says "Let GO!". Ah, I just brush it off every now and then. I want the hosue tidy and in order when we come home the following day.

Anyway, so from 8-9:45 am, I've been doing all of these in a, well, "hurried fashion" to make it to our Gymbaroo (trial) class which is set at 10:30. After too much mucking around, we were able to get on the road at 10:15 am. Waaaahhhh! We'll never make it... Luckily I had a plan B. In case we don't make it at the session nearby, I can catch a toddler session at 11:10 am but in a different district (but I didn't notify them! Hehehe!). Aarrrgh! Why am I always running late?

Anyway, in one minute I made up my mind and went back home - to hang more washed clothes on the line (hahahaa!) before we proceeded to that "different district" - okay let me tell you the suburb at least - it's Ryde (which is at least 20 minutes away from Baulkham Hills).

We were on our way by 10:30 and I was really happy that I have an alternative location for this Gymbaroo class. But I had a hard time looking for the building .. It was in a busy location and I was going in circles for 10 minutes before finally I found the place. What a waste of time! But I must say that it was all worth it. Luigi was paying attention to the activities and was more or less cooperative. He just didn't like the idea of mixing with other kids without holding on to Mum's hands. He was always cautious about my "whereabouts". He had fun at the gym too where we tried different toys, obstacle courses, skateboards, etc. How I wish I could take him there every week. But my work doesn't permit me, too bad!

Anyway, after attending a trial of Gymbaroo class, we went back home to pack up our things for our overnight stay at Mariott Hotel in Sydney CBD. We got in the hotel at half 3.. and by 4pm we took a nap... Louie followed us at the hotel (which is like 500 meters away from where he works) . Then, we started getting ready for Luigi's first trip to the movies.

It's going to be "SHREK" tonight. We had a quick dinner and bought some chips and M&Ms in case Luigi gets bored. By the way, I hardly give my son any chocolates and until now he doesn't know Coke or any softdrinks for that matter.

Amazingly, our little bub sat on the whole movie, "Shrek" and never bothered taking M&Ms or chips. He just kep asking for water and his only request was to sit on his Daddy's lap so he can see better. When the movie was flashing the credits, he was asking for more.. Hehehe!

Louie and I were certified movie buffs until we had Luigi. But now I can say that we're back to the movies and with Luigi in tow!!!

Ten Years Later - still 2gether4ever

June 24, 1994 - The first day that Louie came to visit me at what-used-to-be-my home in Manila. The first day he met my family. The day he asked me the question, "Do you love me?". Okay enough of the kabaduyan cause I'm sure it has been read over and over again from our wedsite. But to tell you the truth - these "kabaduyans" were all recounted, ten years later - TODAY, that is! - Also, nicely written (oh yeah, my hubby has a very nice penmanship) - in his Anniversary Card for me, were 10 reasons why he enjoys life with me:

1. because you understand my weaknesses.
2. because you cook delicious food.
3. because you encourage me to be a better person.
4. because you give me a massage every once in a while.
5. because you take care of planning our holidays.
6. because you drive for us when I had too much to drink.
7. because you are able to tease me so badly that I'd burst into anger and yet still manage to laugh hard at me.
8. because you are so good in bed.
9. because you inspire me to be creative.
10. because you love me despite of my shortcomings.

Oh and in case you knew that he gave me Hershey's kisses 10 years ago... He has never given me one since then. (Cause in Australia you can only get them in SOME Filipino stores. You're lucky if they have it in stock too). But today, he did. *sweet, totally*

Nothing fancy of some sort has been planned for tonight. But tomorrow, Friday, I'm taking a day off to take Luigi to Gymbaroo. Then Mum and Bub will be city bound to check-in at Mariott Hotel (overlooking the Sydney Harbour) while waiting for Louie to finish his training so we can all watch Shrek 2 and spend the evening cuddling in the hotel suite... This is how we're celebrating the day after our 4th wedding anniversary!

I thank God today for the gift of spouse - Louie. Nothing in this world would mean anything without him.

Luvsyah,
Maan

Luigi's 2nd Birthday Party

Luigi's first time to blow his birthday cake. 




Luigi's Second Birthday Party 




Luigi 

It's almost Mother's Day!!!

In less than a week, it's gonna be a Sunday for Mums. Hmnn, but it doesn't really mean that I'm gonna get anywhere near lying-on-the-couch-munching-on-some-Becky's-crinkles-(that I got yesterday via courier sent by Mum)-while-watching-my-favorite-feel-good-movie.

There are loads of chores needed to be done plus my routine to cook as many dishes as I can for the week is back! Oh yes - I always prioritize preparing Luigi's meals (comprised of soup-based dishes) for the week now that he's back to a child care. I want him to gain back the pounds he lost when he got sick during our trip and on our first week in Sydney.

Forgot to mention that on the way back to Sydney, Luigi was nursing a very high fever. It was on-an-off while we were in Singapore. Finally when we reached Sydney, he tested positive for UTI. My poor baby - enduring the pain all throughout. He was even rushed to Baulkham Hills Private Hospital for some immediate IV drug. And I wasn't even around to cuddle him. I felt guilty but relieved because I know Louie's there to comfort him and also my brother.

Aha, forgot to mention that I've finally fulfilled my long-forgotten-promise to my young brother - a trip down under for his summer school break, that is! So now he looks after his nephew during Mondays and Fridays. A perfect setup to help Luigi gradually get at ease with the child care.

So you see, I've got 3 boys to look after. Indeed, I've got a busy household. Full-house!!! But it's all good. I haven't really spent so much time with my brother ever since I left Manila five years ago. At least he gets to spend more time with his fave BIL (Kuya Louie) and of course with Wiji.

It's Mother's Day and I can't ask for more... except for a few, like..

1. wish mum is here. (We celebrated Mum's day together last year)
2. wish we can go back to Palawan.
3. wish I have more money to buy that nice pink coat I saw the other week.
4. and maybe extra cash for some new pair of sneakers.
5. and a long weekend will do.

Hehehe! Don't get me wrong.. I'm totally contented whenever my son laughs at my silly acts.

I love being a MOM!

Luvsya,
Maan

New Wedding Bands

One of the main purpose why we travelled to Singapore last March was to get our platinum wedding bands.

It's been more than a year since for Louie and two years for me since we stopped wearing our original rings. Why? Because they don't fit anymore especially when I was on the last trimester of my pregnancy with Luigi. :( I don't like to resize them cause there's a diamond stud on both. We'd rather preserve it. Anyway, my eternity ring is white gold so might as well buy something that goes with it. Ever since we've been discussing what we like our new wedding bands to look like. It was a long discussion that entails another question, "Do we have the budget???".

A year ago, the hopeful me started browsing through Lee Hwa's website for new designs that will match our old ones. We thought we've found the one among the John Rainier's collection until we saw the rings in person. It wasn't our type. Our quest for new bands was doomed. So we tried another branch in SunTec City just before meeting up with Singapore N@Wie friends for dinner - and here we found the one we like.

We're both very happy with our platinum rings - still the same design - with a diamond stud (only for the wife this time) - and it matches the thickness of my eternity ring - Louie's gift to me on our first Christmas as husband and wife.

Maan

Back to Work!

It's been over a week now since we came back from our vacation in Singapore and Manila and I'm already planning when's our next holiday gonna be. Hahaha! Can't get enough!

It was fun and was all worth it (even after looking at my VISA bill with one eye close). Hehehe! Now we're back to work and Louie just started yesterday with a new company - Commonwealth Bank Premium Financial Services.

I'll try to tell you some more in the next few days. You see, I'm still getting the hang of doing chores without Mom's help. For now, enjoy our pics and hope it tells something, somehow.

L n M - 2004 Holidays

Luvsya,
Maan

Mixed Emotions...

The last few days that passed were full of excitement, anticipation to our 3-week vacation overseas. But today, I'm feeling a bit strange. The day started with a heavy heart. I don't know why... I was nostalgic! Perhaps at the thought that tomorrow's mom's flight back to the Philippines. And after that, I'll have domestic chores back on my shoulders (Which I am fully aware is my responsibility!!! Stop nagging me about it! Thanks!).

Sometimes I envy my siblings back home that they have our mom to look after them. Geeze, what on earth am I thinking? I'm already a mom myself. And I should be doing motherly chores for my husband and son myself. I guess it's the child in me thinking out loud. It's been one whole year with all her love and support. Not to mention her little antics here and there, our mother-daughter misunderstandings, her mood swings and the like. But she's still the best cause she would always put up with me and my stubborness.

Why am I feeling odd today when I'm going to see her again on Monday. Hehehe! I feel like I'm gonna miss my mom more than Luigi, my son. Cause I'll be looking at her empty bedroom again - imagining one of those soap opera themes playing in the background - and memories of her sitting by the bed flashing through. Then realizing, it's gonna be indefinite when I will be seeing her again.

Then I remind myself, this is where I belong. Then I thank God for all that I have, the people that I love and their unconditional love.

Lusya,
Maan

Change of plans

I dont know if I should be happy - but I think I should be. Last night on the way home my other travel agent rang me to let me know that they can confirm 2 seats for me on March 27 travelling to Singapore. Aaaahhh.. I've already made a deposit with Flight Centre. Luckily, I haven't issued final payment to them. Today is actually the last day. I knew it - something was keeping me from closing the deal with them.

Thank God, I can still use my deposit to purchase ticket for domestic/international flights and even hotel accommodation anywhere in the world!!! When the travel consultant told me about the accommodation I suddenly felt relieved of the pressure to travel interstate in the next 6 months just to use my deposit. Cause I'm actually in the process of looking for a hotel to stay in on the way back to Singapore for us (LnM plus Luigi).It just worked well in the end!!! God knows best indeed!

So now I've got a perfect itinerary leaving on the 27th of March and coming back on the 18th of April (Although this new agent's fee is like $38 more per person. But that's okay! These are minimal trade offs.)

Luvsya,
Ma'an

I hate books but I try to read some...

Well, lately I'm into a couple of books.

One is that "Purpose Driven Life" - as recommended, or should I say upon the prodding of my dear friend. Took her several weeks to convince me to get the book. During the week that I finally decided to "look" for one, I received it as gift /Christening souvenir. That's what I call divine intervention!

Second book, that I've just started to read is written by Sophie Kinsella. I've been intrigued by her Shopaholic series. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a copy at either Dymocks or Angus & Robertson. Hmnn, maybe next time I should try Ebay. Anyway, I - with I, I meant, hubby - just bought "Can you keep a secret". So far, it's getting me glued to the story. It's about this female financial analyst, after screwing up a deal with another company in London, shared her secrets to a stranger on a plane...

Maybe when I get to the end, I'll be able to give a clearer gist. But I know they're starting to make this into a movie.

Anyway, happy reading to you and me!

Luvsya,
Maan

H-Mode is turned ON!!!

H-Mode : (1) Holiday-mode (2) Honeymoon-mode (3) Happy-mode (4) Have fun - mode

It has been a long while since this "switch" was seen "on". :) For the record it has been a little over than 2 years when Louie and I went on holidays, particularly overseas, to have fun and just enjoy the time together.

My mom's (very long) vacation in Sydney will soon be over. Gone will be the days when both Louie and I will come home from work with dinner all set and ready. Yum! Yum!

When mom leaves for Manila this month, Luigi will be coming along with her. Which reminds me that I need to process his Filipino passport so he wouldn't need a Philippine visa. I'm still waiting for his Australian passport. Hopefully before the week ends I'll have it on my hand. And another document - Waiver of Exclusion - because he's travelling with neither his parents. Anyway, let me not elaborate further on those requirements cause it's starting to hurt my brain again. :P

So there, when our little tot visits the Philippines for the first time to meet his maternal Lolo, Tita, and Tito, Louie and I will be child free!!! But not for long!!! We figured, we wouldn't be able to withstand the loneliness of being apart from "Luis Miguel". So we decided to follow Luigi sooner than we originally planned for. But we'll be stopping over at Singapore before we reunite with our little one. We'll arrive Singapore on March 28 and arrive Manila on March 30. The following day, we take another plane ride. This time to enjoy the luxurious beach of Palawan islands for the next 3 days. How's that for a third honeymoon?

After that, I can say that we'll be staying put in Manila until the 16th of April. It really depends on our moods. We might take an overnight trip to Baguio or visit Canyon Woods or enjoy a sumptous meal at Antonio's in Tagaytay.

I know I sound like I've known and have been to these places. Hell no! Hehehe! It's all listed in my I-wish-to-do list. I just wanna make the most out of our trip.

To all our friends, we hope to catch up with you again very soon.

Luvsya,
Ma'an