1) Sleep
For three weeks now - on and off, I have been having problems sleeping. I wake up at 5am and have a hard time sleeping again. I get bothered with small noises and my Panget's snores! I try my best to sleep but usually doze off after an hour or so, is this normal?
2) Leg Cramps
A total of 4 times this has happened to me. The most recent, I didn't feel the cramp up until I woke up and felt my calves so sore. Was it because I walked for about two hours the day before?
3) Acidic Tummy
I am honestly confused. I am not sure if I feel the acid or the hunger. Let's say at 8:30am I eat two bananas, by 10am I am hungry again! I can't seem to figure it out whether its hunger or the acid.
4) Constipation
My gosh - I have been having a hard time. I mean, I feel like I'm getting rounder because of the non-pooping instead of the baby!
5) Lower back pains
While lying on my back, I have a hard time getting up! Or when I sit for a long period of time, I feel sharp pains in my lower back. When I lie face down for a while and try to move right side up, I feel shar pains too! And when I walk for a long period of time, my lower back feels like its swollen. Does this really happen?
6) Dry Skin
My skin on the legs are UNUSUALLY dry. Even after applying lotion, they still feel a little inflamed.
7) White heads or something like it
Been having them on my forehead and cheeks.
8) Obsession with certain TV shows and actors
I am obsessed with Matt Bomer aka Neal Caffrey of White Collar. Whenever I watch any of his episodes, I feel so giddy and happy and excited! I find him sooooo handsome and charming!!
9) Food Cravings or something to that effect
There are only three foods that I will ALWAYS eat in an instant, and those are French Fries, Steak and Pizza! I can have these babies ANYTIME I am hungry.. Put them in front of me and I will surely gobble them up.
10) Longing for massage
I was a massage addict, but now - I badly need one for my lower back, and I desperately need and want one! Can anyone suggest a pre-natal massage therapist? I am surely missing those foot and body massages.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Helper woes while pregnant...
When I was in Grade School, all my friends and I could talk about was when we'll reach High School and stop studying. When I reached High School the topic shifted to boys and dating. When I got to college, almost the same topic was discussed who was dating whom, what careers we would eventually go to. After college, we discussed about settling down and about the future.
When I got married, the number one topic of discussion - the house help.
There are people who are lucky to find that perfect helper that will stay with them for a long time, while some are unlucky and keep changing from time to time. It is stressful because managing a household is not easy. Believe me, it looks easy but it's not.
This brings me to my recent stressful moment. Helper woes.
You see, I have this helper who is very lazy. I already made out a list of things to do, printed them on paper and even laminated it for her so she can browse on it from time to time. But she doesn't care, she just does her own thing. She was with me for seven month. Until I really got tired of reminding her of things to do - I had to let her go. But before she left, I got to speak to the sister of a friend's helper - the sister of the friend's helper was looking for a job (she was based in Bacolod), and thus I asked to speak to her, to interview her a bit. I asked if she was masipag, and she said yes, I asked if she could cook, she said a little, I then told her her salary and that there's a day-off of only once a month and I do not allow overnights day-offs, she agreed. After the conversation - my friend then sent money for their boat fare and their 1k salary advance. After a few days - she got to Manila, I had to pick her up at my friend's house. She seemed really nice and looked decent, although I doubted her age, she said that she was 39 but she looked older than 39, but I didn't mind this little detail. I was more concerned on how she'd work. For a week, my mom's helper was with her to help her out and guide her on what she has to do.
My mom's helper who has been with us for about ten years told me in confidence that my helper has told her that she wished that they were together, and that my mom's helper doesn't leave her alone. This made me wonder, why she would say that. After a few days with me, when I was about to go to work, she asked if she could make an advance on her salary. This made me laugh, I mean - barely a week with me and she's asking for a salary advance? I then told her about my policy on not granting salary advances, she then told me that she just asked me, she was taking a chance that I might say yes. I also lent her a cellphone so I can contact her in case of emergencies, and so that her family can contact her too! I gave her a load good for one month also, so she can make calls right?
After a few week, when I reminded her to always have breakfast prepared for my Panget, she burst into tears and told me that she was having a hard time cleaning the whole house and that she was takot to cook for for us because we might not like what she has cooked. She then proceeded to tell me that she didn't expect to work for a Chinese couple. This irked me because what the hell is the difference working for a Pinoy, American and Chinese couple? If she was looking for work, whatever race her employers was should not matter right? But I guess for her, it mattered heavily. She then told me that she's feeling numbness in her arms from working all day. First of all, I NEVER told her to clean the whole house everyday, in fact - I have a laminated list of things to do everyday, once a week and once a month! Where did that come from? When everything was settled and cleared, she then looked happier and normal.
Then come last week, she asked me if there was 'something' in our house, because she felt that there was. She was cleaning our bathroom one day and she said that she felt something touch her waist. I then told her that it might have been hunger or paranoia because if there was indeed something, my two previous helpers would have mentioned it, my mom's helper would have told me too.
Last Saturday during dinner, she went up to me and told me that she wanted to leave already. This was because she felt something and was really afraid. She then told me that the night before, she saw something - a black shadow going up the stairs. She said that she couldn't sleep and that she has been bothered for a while. I am not the type to force the issue, if she didn't want to work anymore, by all means go! She was convinced to go, she even said that her brother will pick her up the next morning. She then called her sister, my friend's helper - her sister then asked to speak to me, she asked me if I had a problem with my helper. I told her that I do not have any problems, it was her sister that had issues with the work and the house, she then asked me if it was okay to still take her, I said yes of course but it seemed like her sister was convinced to leave already. I then told my helper that my mom suggested for me to buy a radio for her to use since the house was quiet during the day. After saying that she told me that was willing to work again, and so I accepted.
Just before lunch, I received a call from my friend. She told me that my helper spoke to her sister and told her that she didn't have any food to eat for the past two weeks. What the hell?! My friend said that she called me so that I could fix whatever issue there was with me and my helper. I thank this friend of mine, THANKS S!!
I was honestly pissed, I then confronted my helper. I told her what was this she was telling her sister that she didn't have food to eat. She then burst into tears telling me that she wasn't eating because she didn't know what she was allowed to get frozen chicken & meat from the freezer and veggies from the refrigerator. I was very much irritated because all of my helpers knew (because I told them from Day 1) that they could get anything from the fridge. She said that she didn't recall me saying it - which was honestly bull because she remembers me asking her what she wanted to eat! Why would I ask her what she wanted to eat when I didn't want to feed her in the first place? When her sister would call her to ask what she had for lunch, she tells her that she hasn't eaten lunch, of course - her sister will get worried right? I then asked her why she didn't eat - she then tells me that she has lost her appetite after doing her chores - now, is that my fault?
I was really worked up and so I asked her, if she was just making an excuse to leave her work, because I don't buy those excuses - she could just tell me flat out if she wanted to leave and I will let her leave! Why make an excuse to leave right? She then said that she wanted to continue to work, but she had to call her sister first to ask if she will stay or leave. Oh my gosh, by this time - I was pissed. If she had to ask her sister EVERY little detail, then she might as well ask her sister for her salary! I mean why ask her sister's opinion? Couldn't she decide on her own? My gosh! I then waited for about 15 minutes while they spoke - her sister told her to work till she reaches a month so that she can at least get part of her salary, to which I agreed. I would let her go easy because I advanced her part of her salary and the boat fare, how was I supposed to get those back right?
I have to say, I treat my helpers very humanely. I give then more than enough food, they share what my Panget and I eat. I encourage them to take breaks and even tell them to watch TV at night. I speak to them in a very soft tone using 'po' for elder helpers. I never raise my voice to them and when I need something, I ask them nicely with a smile and say thank you after. I have never threatened them nor have I hurt them in any way. I do not understand what this current helper's problem is, I am honestly hurt and confused. I mean, it would be okay if ever I did not give her food, but I always reminded her to take food from the fridge, I even have a stash of sardines, instant noodles, corned beef for her in case she gets hungry.
Hiring help is so stressful, what more in the coming months when I'll be looking for a good and capable yaya. Will they get along? Hahaha!!
These woes of ours tell us that we're in a certain stage in life. Right now, I'm at the stage of newlyweds looking for good help! hahaha...
Oh yeah, I asked her real age - she's 42.
When I got married, the number one topic of discussion - the house help.
There are people who are lucky to find that perfect helper that will stay with them for a long time, while some are unlucky and keep changing from time to time. It is stressful because managing a household is not easy. Believe me, it looks easy but it's not.
This brings me to my recent stressful moment. Helper woes.
You see, I have this helper who is very lazy. I already made out a list of things to do, printed them on paper and even laminated it for her so she can browse on it from time to time. But she doesn't care, she just does her own thing. She was with me for seven month. Until I really got tired of reminding her of things to do - I had to let her go. But before she left, I got to speak to the sister of a friend's helper - the sister of the friend's helper was looking for a job (she was based in Bacolod), and thus I asked to speak to her, to interview her a bit. I asked if she was masipag, and she said yes, I asked if she could cook, she said a little, I then told her her salary and that there's a day-off of only once a month and I do not allow overnights day-offs, she agreed. After the conversation - my friend then sent money for their boat fare and their 1k salary advance. After a few days - she got to Manila, I had to pick her up at my friend's house. She seemed really nice and looked decent, although I doubted her age, she said that she was 39 but she looked older than 39, but I didn't mind this little detail. I was more concerned on how she'd work. For a week, my mom's helper was with her to help her out and guide her on what she has to do.
My mom's helper who has been with us for about ten years told me in confidence that my helper has told her that she wished that they were together, and that my mom's helper doesn't leave her alone. This made me wonder, why she would say that. After a few days with me, when I was about to go to work, she asked if she could make an advance on her salary. This made me laugh, I mean - barely a week with me and she's asking for a salary advance? I then told her about my policy on not granting salary advances, she then told me that she just asked me, she was taking a chance that I might say yes. I also lent her a cellphone so I can contact her in case of emergencies, and so that her family can contact her too! I gave her a load good for one month also, so she can make calls right?
After a few week, when I reminded her to always have breakfast prepared for my Panget, she burst into tears and told me that she was having a hard time cleaning the whole house and that she was takot to cook for for us because we might not like what she has cooked. She then proceeded to tell me that she didn't expect to work for a Chinese couple. This irked me because what the hell is the difference working for a Pinoy, American and Chinese couple? If she was looking for work, whatever race her employers was should not matter right? But I guess for her, it mattered heavily. She then told me that she's feeling numbness in her arms from working all day. First of all, I NEVER told her to clean the whole house everyday, in fact - I have a laminated list of things to do everyday, once a week and once a month! Where did that come from? When everything was settled and cleared, she then looked happier and normal.
Then come last week, she asked me if there was 'something' in our house, because she felt that there was. She was cleaning our bathroom one day and she said that she felt something touch her waist. I then told her that it might have been hunger or paranoia because if there was indeed something, my two previous helpers would have mentioned it, my mom's helper would have told me too.
Last Saturday during dinner, she went up to me and told me that she wanted to leave already. This was because she felt something and was really afraid. She then told me that the night before, she saw something - a black shadow going up the stairs. She said that she couldn't sleep and that she has been bothered for a while. I am not the type to force the issue, if she didn't want to work anymore, by all means go! She was convinced to go, she even said that her brother will pick her up the next morning. She then called her sister, my friend's helper - her sister then asked to speak to me, she asked me if I had a problem with my helper. I told her that I do not have any problems, it was her sister that had issues with the work and the house, she then asked me if it was okay to still take her, I said yes of course but it seemed like her sister was convinced to leave already. I then told my helper that my mom suggested for me to buy a radio for her to use since the house was quiet during the day. After saying that she told me that was willing to work again, and so I accepted.
Just before lunch, I received a call from my friend. She told me that my helper spoke to her sister and told her that she didn't have any food to eat for the past two weeks. What the hell?! My friend said that she called me so that I could fix whatever issue there was with me and my helper. I thank this friend of mine, THANKS S!!
I was honestly pissed, I then confronted my helper. I told her what was this she was telling her sister that she didn't have food to eat. She then burst into tears telling me that she wasn't eating because she didn't know what she was allowed to get frozen chicken & meat from the freezer and veggies from the refrigerator. I was very much irritated because all of my helpers knew (because I told them from Day 1) that they could get anything from the fridge. She said that she didn't recall me saying it - which was honestly bull because she remembers me asking her what she wanted to eat! Why would I ask her what she wanted to eat when I didn't want to feed her in the first place? When her sister would call her to ask what she had for lunch, she tells her that she hasn't eaten lunch, of course - her sister will get worried right? I then asked her why she didn't eat - she then tells me that she has lost her appetite after doing her chores - now, is that my fault?
I was really worked up and so I asked her, if she was just making an excuse to leave her work, because I don't buy those excuses - she could just tell me flat out if she wanted to leave and I will let her leave! Why make an excuse to leave right? She then said that she wanted to continue to work, but she had to call her sister first to ask if she will stay or leave. Oh my gosh, by this time - I was pissed. If she had to ask her sister EVERY little detail, then she might as well ask her sister for her salary! I mean why ask her sister's opinion? Couldn't she decide on her own? My gosh! I then waited for about 15 minutes while they spoke - her sister told her to work till she reaches a month so that she can at least get part of her salary, to which I agreed. I would let her go easy because I advanced her part of her salary and the boat fare, how was I supposed to get those back right?
I have to say, I treat my helpers very humanely. I give then more than enough food, they share what my Panget and I eat. I encourage them to take breaks and even tell them to watch TV at night. I speak to them in a very soft tone using 'po' for elder helpers. I never raise my voice to them and when I need something, I ask them nicely with a smile and say thank you after. I have never threatened them nor have I hurt them in any way. I do not understand what this current helper's problem is, I am honestly hurt and confused. I mean, it would be okay if ever I did not give her food, but I always reminded her to take food from the fridge, I even have a stash of sardines, instant noodles, corned beef for her in case she gets hungry.
Hiring help is so stressful, what more in the coming months when I'll be looking for a good and capable yaya. Will they get along? Hahaha!!
These woes of ours tell us that we're in a certain stage in life. Right now, I'm at the stage of newlyweds looking for good help! hahaha...
Oh yeah, I asked her real age - she's 42.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Black Poo!!
I know its GROSS but I just have to write about it..
I noticed that since I started taking Iron vitamins, I've been having black colored poop!!
I was quite alarmed when I saw it while I was in HK, but set those thoughts aside because I thought, it might have been because of the 'char-grilled' steak that I ate with Panget's cousin.
But three weeks later, its still colored black!!
WTF??
I then searched it online, only to find out that - indeed, when one take Iron vitamins, there's a tendency for the poop to be .... BLACK!!
Problem, SOLVED!!
I noticed that since I started taking Iron vitamins, I've been having black colored poop!!
I was quite alarmed when I saw it while I was in HK, but set those thoughts aside because I thought, it might have been because of the 'char-grilled' steak that I ate with Panget's cousin.
But three weeks later, its still colored black!!
WTF??
I then searched it online, only to find out that - indeed, when one take Iron vitamins, there's a tendency for the poop to be .... BLACK!!
Problem, SOLVED!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Morning Sickness
Just now, I experiences my second ever morning sickness..
I had milk and mini-wheats this morning for breakfast, and just a few minutes ago, I felt a little weird and then, I had to go to the bathroom because of the purging feeling.
Bye bye milk and mini-wheats.
I hate the feeling!
I was thinking that I was out of the woods already since I'm on my 10th week already..
Sigh....
I had milk and mini-wheats this morning for breakfast, and just a few minutes ago, I felt a little weird and then, I had to go to the bathroom because of the purging feeling.
Bye bye milk and mini-wheats.
I hate the feeling!
I was thinking that I was out of the woods already since I'm on my 10th week already..
Sigh....
I am 10 weeks and 4/7 days pregnant!!
What am I feeling?
Well - I've been feeling acidic, well - if that's what you call it!! It seems like I want to burp, but I can't seem to burp! And when I do burp - at the end of the burp, I feel the acidic saliva!! Yuck!!
And then I have been having sudden headaches, sudden morning sickness (whilst talking to my mom, I suddenly felt the need to vomit! I headed to the bathroom, but nothing came out, only acid-y saliva! Yuck, again!)
I have been lazy to cook dinner. Thank goodness for my mom's trusty helper! Thank you Josie!!
I've been constipated lately. Having a hard time, even with the help of Papaya, which normally works wonders - no result. I am honestly tempted to take a laxative, but right now - I'm trying cereals - Mini-wheats from Kellog's! Let's see if its effective!!
As for some good news, my OB says that I can eat salads!! Yahoooo!! :)
I've been noticing though.. that my waist... getting more laman....... I can't diet because its unhealthy!!
I weight myself just after dinner, and I gained 2 pounds since July 31, 2010. Hopefully that's good!!
Well - I've been feeling acidic, well - if that's what you call it!! It seems like I want to burp, but I can't seem to burp! And when I do burp - at the end of the burp, I feel the acidic saliva!! Yuck!!
And then I have been having sudden headaches, sudden morning sickness (whilst talking to my mom, I suddenly felt the need to vomit! I headed to the bathroom, but nothing came out, only acid-y saliva! Yuck, again!)
I have been lazy to cook dinner. Thank goodness for my mom's trusty helper! Thank you Josie!!
I've been constipated lately. Having a hard time, even with the help of Papaya, which normally works wonders - no result. I am honestly tempted to take a laxative, but right now - I'm trying cereals - Mini-wheats from Kellog's! Let's see if its effective!!
As for some good news, my OB says that I can eat salads!! Yahoooo!! :)
I've been noticing though.. that my waist... getting more laman....... I can't diet because its unhealthy!!
I weight myself just after dinner, and I gained 2 pounds since July 31, 2010. Hopefully that's good!!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Back from HK trip..
Let me tell you, travelling while pregnant - NOT EASY!!
My usual energetic self - well, quite the opposite, as I was tired very easily.
I was always hungry and thirsty, so I had crackers and a bottled water in my bag!
I was extra careful where I walked since it was raining like crazy in Hong Kong.
The food I ate, I had to watch! I couldn't just buy from just anywhere!
Shopping? Well - to be honest, I was quite depressed. This is because I couldn't purchase anything that isn't for maternity because I knew that in a few weeks time, I might not be able to fit in them anymore.
Thus - I shopped for some maternity clothes. Pants, Capris, Tops and a dress.
Now, I understand why pregnant women complain that they do not have a decent place to shop for nice clothes! Thank goodness for H&M for they have a maternity line!!
Panget and I were deciding whether to go to the World Expo in Shang-Hai, I begged off the trip because I knew that I would have a hard time walking, and waiting in line..
Another thing? I experienced spotting on my second to the last day! Hong Kong's pharmacies were very strict on prescription drugs and so I just had to rest and be extra careful! The next day, I felt my lower back hurt! It felt and looked like the left portion of my lowerback was swollen! And every time I walked - it felt like a vein on my lowerback was caught in something. It was terrible!!
Good thing, we were already on our way home to Manila.
After a good night's sleep - lowerback pain was no more. Thank goodness!
My Panget and I went to the doctor and good thing, everything was normal!! :)
My usual energetic self - well, quite the opposite, as I was tired very easily.
I was always hungry and thirsty, so I had crackers and a bottled water in my bag!
I was extra careful where I walked since it was raining like crazy in Hong Kong.
The food I ate, I had to watch! I couldn't just buy from just anywhere!
Shopping? Well - to be honest, I was quite depressed. This is because I couldn't purchase anything that isn't for maternity because I knew that in a few weeks time, I might not be able to fit in them anymore.
Thus - I shopped for some maternity clothes. Pants, Capris, Tops and a dress.
Now, I understand why pregnant women complain that they do not have a decent place to shop for nice clothes! Thank goodness for H&M for they have a maternity line!!
Panget and I were deciding whether to go to the World Expo in Shang-Hai, I begged off the trip because I knew that I would have a hard time walking, and waiting in line..
Another thing? I experienced spotting on my second to the last day! Hong Kong's pharmacies were very strict on prescription drugs and so I just had to rest and be extra careful! The next day, I felt my lower back hurt! It felt and looked like the left portion of my lowerback was swollen! And every time I walked - it felt like a vein on my lowerback was caught in something. It was terrible!!
Good thing, we were already on our way home to Manila.
After a good night's sleep - lowerback pain was no more. Thank goodness!
My Panget and I went to the doctor and good thing, everything was normal!! :)
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