A note from the bedside

by

The hormones are gonna get you. The littlest thing makes me well up now. If a touching commercial or SMS made me teary-eyed before, now it makes the tears run down my cheeks. Holy cow. This is like PMS on crack. Haha. I have a pack of tissue near me always.

*****

A lot of people have told me to listen to classical music more. I’ve tried. Normally, it calms me. Now I get so bored! H and I have discovered though that I am more partial to oldies music now — think Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Joni James, Andy Williams… I’ve always liked their music but now I am in love with it. No other music calms me more than these old songs. When I’m being a grump or so tired, H puts on those songs, I pat my tummy, and it’s instant calm.

Maybe our baby’s going to be a crooner. Or maybe s/he’s an old soul. Remember the movie “Chances Are”?

*****

I’m on house arrest for a little over a week. A stressful evening at work led to two days of fatigue, which led to some minor spotting. After a quick rush to the delivery room and a check-up with my fabulous OB, I was prescribed to get rest for a week. I’m also on progesterone now (in layman’s terms, pampakapit).

It’s not total bed rest. I can move around the house, for as long as I don’t do anything strenuous. H has taken up my share of the household chores. Funny thing last night while he was wiping the counters: “Okay pala ‘tong Clorox Wipes! Sa’n ba nakakabili nito?” (“These Clorox Wipes are great! Where can we buy more of this?”) Hahaha. He also learned how to use one of my favorite cleaning gadgets, the Swiffer Sweeper.

Now I just sit around and stay in bed. I’ve got some DVDs lined up for my time away from work next week. I can catch up on all my baby book reading too.

*****

While I hate what happened a few days ago, I am very thankful that the baby is fine. I am thankful that my vitals are good, that nothing worse happened, that my OB was there to inform and comfort me, that my husband was by my side, that I kept it together (though I was in tears on the way to the hospital), that my family and friends have been very supportive.

I love what I do for a living, but a line has to be set now. No more late night meetings for me. It’s not worth the stress and the complications.

*****

I’m much better today than the past few days. Physically, I feel stronger and more rested already. Emotionally, I am more wary about everything I do. I hate feeling helpless. I hate delegating. But I’m learning to accept the help of others, entrusting them with stuff I usually do myself. I’m also trying my best to maintain a positive outlook on things.

I find that thinking about the baby’s coming antics with my family, of possible names, singing and talking to the baby calms me a lot, so that’s what I do when I’m feeling a little tired again.

*****

Today marks the end of the first trimester for me. On to the second now! Thanks for the support and the prayers. They mean a lot to me, H and Timmy baby.

:)

35 Comments on A note from the bedside

  1. giselle
    February 20, 2009 at 12:36 pm (15 years ago)

    I’m glad to hear you (and Timmy) are okay. It’s really difficult to slow down a bit during pregnancy,
    especially in the early stages when you don’t feel too heavy yet. But yes, you do need to take things
    easy and store up your energy. Second trimester will be more pleasant, you’ll see. Take care, Toni.

    Thanks for that tip Giselle. That’s right. Even if we don’t feel that heavy yet, there still is a baby inside!

    Reply
  2. Em Dy
    February 20, 2009 at 2:32 pm (15 years ago)

    The first trimester’s always the hardest so I hope it’s smooth sailing from now on. Take care always and leave the stressors behind.

    Em Dys last blog post..Frostings

    2nd trimester now! Whew!

    Reply
  3. loren
    February 20, 2009 at 2:43 pm (15 years ago)

    aayy.. you take care Toni!

    lorens last blog post..DOES IT RHYME?

    Thanks Loren.

    Reply
  4. cathsdeen
    February 20, 2009 at 3:27 pm (15 years ago)

    Always take care. Don’t watch any heavy drama, ok?! I remember making the mistake of watching The Pianist right after I gave birth to Nathan. Can you just imagine?! Watch Twilight na lang para guilty pleasure!

    cathsdeens last blog post..Slumdog Millionaire: A Must-See!

    Yikes! How depressing that movie is. Haha. ๐Ÿ˜€ Yup, I watched lighthearted films and shows during my rest week.

    Reply
  5. jacqueline
    February 20, 2009 at 4:27 pm (15 years ago)

    get enough of rest, stay calm, and enjoy the pregnancy… i pray everything turns out for the best. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    jacquelines last blog post..Happy Valentine’s Day!

    Thanks Jacqueline ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  6. Christine
    February 20, 2009 at 7:02 pm (15 years ago)

    do try to rest toni and yes, always think of number 1 — that’s you (and the baby inside you!)…the work can take a back seat for now!

    C xx

    Christines last blog post..Valentineโ€™s Day is a day for the Foolsโ€ฆ

    Definitely. Now if only maternity leave in the Philippines took up to 1 year!

    Reply
  7. dyanie
    February 21, 2009 at 12:56 am (15 years ago)

    take care toni and to timmy too!

    btw, what’s Swiffer Sweeper? walis? hehe ๐Ÿ˜‰

    dyanies last blog post..Can’t Wait for FEB 25

    Parang broom and mop. Post ko sa 3/3!

    Reply
  8. Lissa
    February 21, 2009 at 3:39 am (15 years ago)

    That day I IMed you and you said you were *still* at the office at 1 AM totally bowled me over. Yes it’s probably a good idea for you not to stay that late at the office. You need your rest! (and so does Baby Timmy).

    About the music thing, just listen to whatever music you usually listen to. I listened to different types of music when I was pregnant. It’s funny cause when I listened to heavy bass music (hip-hop), I can feel Connor move (kick) in my belly. hahaha…

    Yeah that evening was quite unusual for me. I sure am refraining from any of that from now on!

    Reply
  9. ibyang
    February 21, 2009 at 7:51 am (15 years ago)

    here’s a big virtual >>HUG< < for you toni :)
    happy to know that you and baby Timmy are okay. as much as i hate the idea that some mom-to-bes experience minor spotting during pregnancy, maybe it's just a reminder to take things easy and that some things (or persons) are more important than work. a medical condition has taught me this lesson kasi very passionate din ako sa trabaho ko and i also had trouble letting go--ayoko mag-delegate (hehe). after experiencing a cancer scare in 2003, my greatest lesson is that family and health should come first.

    enjoy your "holiday" from work. :)

    ibyangs last blog post..Aliwness

    Hirap ngang magdelegate pero the past week and a half has been good naman. I’m not as anal anymore. Haha! Thanks Ibyang.

    Reply
  10. Eper
    February 21, 2009 at 10:05 am (15 years ago)

    Enjoy your time at home and rest galore ka talaga for the baby! While it’s perfectly normal for some women to experience spotting (I had spotting for weeks noh!),it’s always good to air on the side of caution. So best to avoid late night meetings and anything that might trigger stress. In my case, they found a hemorrhage in an ultrasound. It was soooo scary!!! But the bed rest paid of and now I’m almost 5 months preggy :)

    As for classical music, my OB advised me to do the same. I like Vivanti. You might want to give him a try.

    If you have Sky Cable, you can tune in to Home & Health. They have tons of interesting and helpful shows for moms! I’m glued to that channel this month:)

    Epers last blog post..This I Know is True – Week # 25

    Thanks Eper!!!

    Reply
  11. marie
    February 21, 2009 at 1:58 pm (15 years ago)

    hi Toni!
    my prayers are with you and baby Timmy..
    Take care okay!
    Cheers,
    Marie

    maries last blog post..Again

    Thanks Marie :)

    Reply
  12. Lindsey
    February 22, 2009 at 6:32 am (15 years ago)

    Oh wow, you hang in there. I am heading into my third trimester and have been stressed like crazy experiencing endless contractions. I was told if I don’t slow down I will be put on bed rest. I am glad everything is going okay and the baby is fine. God bless you and can’t wait to stay posted on your pregnancy as I will be posting updates as well :)

    Lindseys last blog post..Sweet Saturdays!

    Take it easy too Lindsey!

    Reply
  13. notsquare
    February 22, 2009 at 10:11 am (15 years ago)

    toni! your health and Timmy’s health always come first, ok? take it easy (((HUG)))

    Hugs back!!!

    Reply
  14. witsandnuts
    February 22, 2009 at 11:22 am (15 years ago)

    Glad Timmy is better now. I love Bee Gees and of course Andy Williams, in particular. Take care!

    Andy Williams! Moon River! Exactly. :)

    Reply
  15. Jeanny
    February 22, 2009 at 7:40 pm (15 years ago)

    glad your okay mommy toni. I’ll be here more often to check on you. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Take care sweetie!

    Jeannys last blog post..Happiness isโ€ฆ

    Sweet mo talaga. Thanks Jeanny sis!

    Reply
  16. Kay
    February 22, 2009 at 10:25 pm (15 years ago)

    The 2nd trimester is normally the easiest term. I hope that the baby stays safe and that you will be surrounded with white light and lots of good vibes. Just keep praying and I will include you in mine too.

    Kays last blog post..post valentines post

    Thank you so much Kay.

    Reply
  17. Via
    February 23, 2009 at 7:54 am (15 years ago)

    Yikes! how scary. Good to know you are both ok. Have a stack of romantic comedies to watch and comics. :)

    Vias last blog post..San Valentino Treats

    DVDs sure helped! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  18. Anna
    February 23, 2009 at 9:46 am (15 years ago)

    Oh Toni! How exciting! Know that you, Dennis and your baby are in my prayers daily.

    Annas last blog post..

    Thanks penpal!

    Reply
  19. pat
    February 23, 2009 at 2:20 pm (15 years ago)

    take care and relax. ๐Ÿ˜€ once I gave birth, i learned that i can’t do everything myself bec i’d end up so tired, frustrated and overwhelmed.

    pats last blog post..Do Drop By

    Sigh, I will really need extra hands! Hirap pa naman maghanap ng help. :)

    Reply
  20. glenville
    February 23, 2009 at 2:48 pm (15 years ago)

    Wow, a baby on the way!!! Wishing you a safe and easy pregnancy, Toni. Pahingi na rin ng preggy vibes, ahihi!

    glenvilles last blog post..Brain Tricks

    Sending you preggy vibes! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  21. tin
    February 23, 2009 at 2:48 pm (15 years ago)

    good to read that you and the bebe are doing fine. just take it easy.. from now on, baby comes first.. :)

    tins last blog post..Dream A Little Dream

    Yes! Baby is my #1 client ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  22. jenb
    February 23, 2009 at 7:14 pm (15 years ago)

    I remember when I was pregnant with my son, I cried about everything!!! So best to expose yourself to things that make you happy.

    Try to listen to all sorts of music and see what calms you. It’s fun to listen to music when you feel the baby kick already. My son danced in my belly whenever he heard Umbrella and is all quiet when he hears classical music. Up to now, we use classical music to calm him down.

    Enjoy your pregnancy. I had an awesome time during mine. I hope you do too!

    Tama, best to expose myself to happy things. Great tip. Thank you jen!

    Reply
  23. kat
    February 25, 2009 at 12:16 am (15 years ago)

    glad you are ok ms. toni-tones!! spotting is always so scary!
    i remember i had a week’s bout of spotting (the 1st day happened right before a trip to italy!); the docs couldn’t explain why, but still gave me the ok to travel at 6 months). go figure! (although i did spend hours hooked up to a monitor).
    put your feet up and relax!

    kats last blog post..did i ever tell you about the time i had a secret admirer?

    Yup, relaxing more now and trying to be calmer!

    Reply
  24. pinayhekmi
    February 25, 2009 at 1:27 am (15 years ago)

    Hi toni, i loved listening to oldies music too while pregnant, and yes I did listen to classical music. I avoided pop music like a plague. I would imagine my daughter (cause I knew it would be a girl even then hehe) playing the piano or the violin as i heard it.

    Get that rest!

    pinayhekmis last blog post..San Diego eats for your possible vacation

    That’s a beautiful visual, Tintin! I shall imagine my kid’s playing the music too!

    Reply
  25. caryn
    February 26, 2009 at 12:00 pm (15 years ago)

    PMS on crack — oh man, that “cracked me up!”

    seriously, glad to hear you’re doing fine toni! take care of yourself!

    caryns last blog post..hana kimi

    Hahaha! Serious! Tear works galore!

    Reply
  26. Tetcha
    February 26, 2009 at 12:25 pm (15 years ago)

    I remember I also had spotting but not until almost the end of my second trimester. I was also so scared then. I had to undergo ultrasound and had a fetal heart monitor (I don’t exactly know what it’s called) attached to my tummy. Luckily, nothing bad happened to me and my baby and I was released from the hospital the very same day. Glad to hear you and the baby are okay. Stay put and just rest. Take care!

    Tetchas last blog post..My Little Boyโ€™s Toy

    We gotta take extra care ‘no! We’re walking, breathing, living for two!

    Reply
  27. cindz
    February 26, 2009 at 1:38 pm (15 years ago)

    better late than never..congratulations for the baby on the way and i wish you a smooth pregnancy and delivery..i bet you’ll be a great mom! *hugs*

    Aww, thanks for the encouragement cindz!

    Reply
  28. yummybite
    February 26, 2009 at 7:42 pm (15 years ago)

    hi toni! been a lurker here for some time. you take care of yourself and timmy! =)

    yummybites last blog post..there is really nothing to miss

    Aww thanks for delurking and those kind words!

    Reply
  29. nina
    February 28, 2009 at 9:02 pm (15 years ago)

    Hi Tony,

    I hope you’re okay now! Take it easy and always take enough rest…

    ninas last blog post..Arrgh, it’s back again!

    I’m feeling stronger now. Thanks Nina!

    Reply
  30. MarysMom
    March 9, 2009 at 3:44 am (15 years ago)

    I have not been visiting my favorite blogs (and had not made much entries on mine, either) these past 6 weeks and I am so happy to learn that you are preggy! Congratulations!
    Enjoy!

    MarysMoms last blog post..Beyond Looks

    Thank you! :)

    Reply
  31. mimi
    March 10, 2009 at 6:18 am (15 years ago)

    first trimester already!?!?!? how the time flies! I hope all continues well and enjoy your rest. I too love vocal standards. Doris Day, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and a few older ones as well… I love it and know what you mean.

    mimis last blog post..A Transparent Noggin

    They’re so calming to listen to! :)

    And yes! The first trimester is done with. That was fast!

    Reply
  32. ree
    March 18, 2009 at 2:57 pm (15 years ago)

    hey, hope you’re doing better in your second tri. we tried classical music too, but it apparently wasn’t raine’s type. the OB recommended something more upbeat. we discovered that she liked everything but the girl, bob marley and U2. she also liked bossa nova. my kind of baby! hehe. now that she’s out, she still shows a preference for percussion, and she loves vanessa mae (the pop violinist).

    oh, check out sandra boynton’s “blue moo”. it’s a children’s album that adults will love. all old school style music, sung by some famous people. i mean if you’re going to listen to some kiddie album over and over and over and over again (same goes for videos–and i can’t stand barney), might as well get something you’d enjoy.

    rees last blog post..Adventures in Motherhood, Chapter 2

    Thanks for the tips ree!

    Reply

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