First Trip

Some parents prefer to keep their newborns inside the comfort of their homes for a few months and allow only a trip to the hospital or to the relatives' houses. I know that will not be the case for our twins since their cousins have travelled to different places, even out-of-town, when they were still few months old. That's the reason why baptism at 1 month is a must for the San Gabriel clan.

At 3 weeks old, Sean and Sophia already attended the 1st birthday party of their 2nd cousin, JB, at the clubhouse of Urdaneta Village. I had them wear the red and blue onesies which was a gift to us by our friend who had a vacation in the US last September. Daddy Che was unfortunately not with us but kept on texting me what the twins will wear. :) We arrived the venue and some people look kinda amazed seeing a girl and boy twin. Although my kids wouldn't get to enjoy this kind of event, it was still nice bringing them along. Aheheh. The theme was Pirates of the Carribean and kids and some adults came in looking like pirates. They served japanese food (Sai Bachi Catering) with different food carts for kids to enjoy. The host, lootbags, balloon decoration etc all were in tune with the theme.

Even at 1 year old, a kid won't enjoy this kind of 'surprisingly expensive' party. But it is such a milestone that parents will not hesitate to spend money on. I believe the party is more for the parents instead of the kids. And I have to admit I am one of those parents. I am already counting the next 11 months till I plan their 1st birthday party (maybe with a Trick or Treat theme since party will be held at Nov1? haha). But before that, I am looking forward to the next trip of Sean and Sophia. The doctor recommended we go ahead and visit Tagaytay... :)

Grandma vs Mommy

It is really exhausting to take care of a newborn and for our case, it's double the effort. I am not a supermom though. I am in charge of night shift while my mom, her best friend, and our new yaya (thank god we hired one!) takes care of Sean and Sophia at daytime. When we are at my in-law's place, my mom-in-law and other househelp assist in overseeing our twins. We are indeed lucky to have all the help we need now.

There are some things I noticed about the difference of Grandma (my mom and mom-in-law)and Mommy (myself of course!):

- Grandma doesn't seem to get tired of taking care of the newborn. Mommy get super exhausted and can not afford to rise up in bed at around 5-6am.

- Grandma seems to have a magical power of keeping the baby asleep and quiet. I often don't know how to pacifying them especially when they are like screaming as if someone is spanking them non-stop. The only effective thing I do is to sing the Alphabet Song they seem to enjoy my singing prowess.

- Grandma tends to spoil the babies or should i say, their generosity can not be questioned when it is for the twins. My mom-in-law already bought 2 pairs of earrings for Sophia and other baby stuff even before they were born. My mom bought a Graco Pack n' Play worth P10k plus comforter of P1k plus which I will not consider buying. I am not saying I won't be generous for our kids. It may be a different priority - like me buying Medela PIS which I have not maximized the worth.

- Grandma is not a worrier while Mommy cries over little stuff like when Sophia got a smelly earwax. I almost could not forgive myself for allowing that to happen.

- Lastly, Grandma masters the art of bathing while I have never tried it myself. *wink*

The Twins in Bed

Home at Last!


Sleep Mode 1 (to the left! to the left!)

Sleep Mode 2 (face to face)

Sleep Mode 3 (Sophia covering her face)

Sleep Mode 4 (Sophia on her side and Sean on her back with legs wide open)

Day 6 Pics

We visited Sean and Sophia last night. They are still at the hospital due to continuous antibiotic injection and awaiting final result of blood culture test tonight. Hopefully they will be discharged na by tomorrow.

Here are more pics of our adorable twins taken yesterday. Mahimbing tulog ni Sophia. She's still pretty as ever. It's now Sean's time to make pacute. He's becoming more like her ate Sophia. Akala ng iba si Sophia mas cute ha. Mas maputi lang daw ng konti si Sophia. :)

Sean: Antok pa ako eh, nanggigising kayo!

Sean: eyes wide open/ Sophia: still mahimbing tulog

Sean's time to make pacute

Sean: Is that you Mommy?

My November 1 Babies

Yes, I have finally given birth last November 1. It was unexpected. I had a weird feeling the night before as I had a dark yellow discharge which I was still figuring out if it is the typical brownish discharge which can be a sign of false labor. The morning of November 1 at 7:30am, we woke up because our househelp delivered my daily breakfast supply. I went to the restroom and saw a bloodish discharge. It has increased less than an hour after. I had my breakfast, took a bath and went straight to Lourdes hospital after. I was very calm and excited. We waited for this day but have been trying to avoid (as much as possible) on giving birth on November 1 and 2. But we need not worry because this is the time that God has chosen for us.

We arrived at the hospital and I underwent various tests and confirmed I was 2 cm dilated. They put me on non-stress test and I was told that I will be scheduled for a delivery at 4pm. Never did we thought that delivery could only start 8 hrs after the last meal/fluid intake. Should I have not taken my breakfast, I would have been scheduled for delivery earlier. They are already close to 37 weeks of gestation and delivery is inevitable.

It waited at the labor room from 11am till 330pm. No pain whatsoever. I was just so inip. I was not scared at all.

I passed thru the corridor where Che is waiting. He seems very excited. He kissed me good luck.

I went inside the Operating Room which looked new - a far cry from the delivery room I saw in Makati Medical City. I was conscious during the operation and only few minutes after, I saw my babies. Sophia came in first then followed by Sean. They were so cute. Ang puti and kinis. It's like they never came straight from my womb.

I then woke up at the Recovery Room and few minutes after, the nurse brought me to my room where guests/family were waiting. Everyone was at awe at how cute and tisay/tisoy our twins were. They said it was all worth it.

A day and two after, I am in deep pain that I can't help but cry. I was discharged yesterday and Sean and Sophia stayed at the hospital under observation for risk of infection.

More stories to follow on their condition and my breastfeeding/pumping experiences.

Here are the pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Straight from the delivery room (Sophia on the left and Sean on the right)
2 hrs after they were born
Sophia (sleeping like an angel) at day2
Sean (mukhang brusko) at day2

Sophia and Sean at day3