on stretch marks

At days past 37 weeks, you can count me in the women who'd swear by cocoa butter lotion!

Unfortunately, I had so focused on my tummy alone that I had forgotten about other stretch mark prone areas like the thighs and buttocks. Which means, that I have more than just a few of my share on them. Although they hadn't multiplied to more when it had caught my attention since I also began applying liberal amount of cocoa butter lotion to them.

They are, however, still unsightly and are very dark marks! So, it is a comfort to know that they will start to lighten up as soon as Baby Joram's birth ends my pregnancy. I would continue to apply the lotion as it claims to reduce dark scars or marks.

Anyway, I remember years ago back when I was just a little girl ;) that my mother would really put time and extra budget on buying me the local version of the cocoa butter... a.k.a. "mantika de cacao". And it does work!

It is in a balm form, however, which would make it less easier to apply to a large area than does a lotion.

I'd like to thank my Mama who had so encourage me to purchase cocoa butter lotion. (even giving me allowance for it!)

And to my Mother-in-Law who had told me over and over again not to scratch my tummy as she herself doesn't have a single stretch mark even though her bump was larger than mine and though she'd had generalized edema as early as the 4th month of pregnancy.

studio shots at 37 2/7 weeks AOG

taken yesterday, July 11.

ultrasound at 36wks

I am happy to see this same question on the internet since this is precisely what my case is.

My baby is already 8lbs and I'm only 36 weeks, will my doctor induce me?

Click on the question to see the answers to this.

Our doctor wants our baby out on the 38th week.

The ultrasound showed that there's a cord coil.

(would update this post next time...)

Pregnancy Week 36

By pregnancy week 36, the baby tends to weigh around 5.9 pounds and is around 18.6 inches in length or even longer in some cases. The baby continues to focus on adding to its body weight till the time of its actual delivery. There have been some theories that state that the baby may actually be able to trigger the onset of labor and one such theory claims that on account of the baby's brain having matured, it sends certain signals to the fetal adrenal glands which then begin to secrete a hormone that tends to alter the metabolism of progesterone and estrogen thereby resulting in labor. Another theory proposed by researchers is that the baby's lungs emit signals which indicate that they are mature and ready. Additionally they also release enzymes that in turn release prostaglandins that are known to aid the ripening of the cervix and uterus contraction.

In case your doctor recommends a check up, when you are in your 36th week of pregnancy, it is quite normal for him or her to conduct a 36 weeks pregnant ultrasound test too. An ultrasound is a great way to view the images of your baby, within the womb. This procedure is especially useful to a doctor, who can monitor your baby's growth and development. On average, the desirable weight for a baby, during the 36 weeks pregnancy ultrasound, should be 5.78 pounds, which is 2,622 grams and the ideal height should be 18.66 inches, which is 47.4 centimeters. The ultrasound will also let your doctor know if your baby has moved into the birthing position or not.

There are several ways in which a 36 weeks pregnant ultrasound could be beneficial for you too. Viewing images of your baby even before he is born will help forge an early, yet strong bond between you and your baby. You can see if your baby moving around or sleeping within the womb. In case your baby is below the normal recommended weight, you can try to change your diet and include more protein rich foods, so that you can increase your baby's weight. Some parents also find out the gender of the unborn baby, so that they are better prepared. There are some people, who question the safety and reliability of the ultrasound procedure and wonder if it could cause any harm to the mother or the baby. However, ultrasounds have been conducted for decades now and there is no evidence to prove that it can cause any harm to either the child or the mother. In fact, in some rare cases, doctors may even recommend that you go in for a 36 weeks pregnant 3D ultrasound test, especially if the doctor suspects any complications.

A 3D ultrasound is quite different from a regular ultrasound. The images of the baby that are captured by a 3D ultrasound procedure are from 3 angles. This allows both you, as well as the doctor to view images of the baby, that are much clearer. In fact, when a 3D ultrasound is conducted after 26 weeks, you may also be able to see the features of your baby quite clearly. Unfortunately, in spite of the fact that this procedure helps strengthen the bond between the parents and the child, there are several people that do not go in for it, mainly because of the cost factor. 

on edema: cutting down salt

I had always liked salty foods and have been craving for some chips early in my pregnancy.

This time, however, as I have been sacrificing my own sweet tooth, I have said goodbye to additional salt to prevent or reduce edema during my pregnancy.
But of course, this is just temporary... or better, I'd grow a taste for less salt and then I'd actually save myself from a lot of diseases that is induced by heavy salt intake.

Also, I have kept a generous amount of water intake... more than 2 liters per day excluding the cup of coffee that I get to treat myself each day.
Amazingly, in articles that I've read online which I reposted previously, this would lower edema.

I have also added a pillow more to raise my legs up during sleeping. And tried to do a minute or two of stretching and foot rotation during the unwelcomed pee breaks that interrupts my much needed sleep.

The result = significantly less swelling on my feet and toes at the moment I wake up.

edema or swelling/puffiness during pregnancy

I woke up at around 4am to pee this morning to see that my toes have swollen.

Oh my! EDEMA!

Edema is when excess fluid collects in your body tissues. Minor edema is normal during pregnancy.

But as they say, none is definitely better than a little edema since a little more edema than usual must be avoided.

I am having positional edema or so i hope.

Positional edema is brought about by one's position as in sleeping or lying down when the body's circulation is compromised to a certain degree. This then causes blood to pool on the extremities thus leaving excess fluids in the tissues of our hands and feet.

As the name indicates, since it is caused by one's position, then, positional changes may help to reduce it.

So, instead of going back to bed/sleep, I decided to do a little stationary walking and a lot of wriggling my toes. And I also stretch out my calf muscles by stretching out my legs and dorsiflexing my feet. (dorsiflexion) 

NB: Pointing ones toes out is a no-no since it induces the terrible cramps.

And, I also wriggled my fingers during this time since it felt like I had arthritis... as if the joint of my fingers are getting stiff.

This, I also credit to positional edema.

To my relief, both the edema of my hands and feet are significantly reduced with the positional changes and exercise.

Here's an article I bumped into online which says more on how to reduce edema.

What can I do to minimize the puffiness?

Here are a few tips:

• Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk. At home, lie on your left side when possible.
• Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting.
• Stretch your legs frequently while sitting: Stretch your leg out, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.
• Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood circulating.
• Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate the swelling.
• Don't wear socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.
• Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn't have a chance to pool around your ankles.
• Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, this helps your body retain less water.
• Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike. Or try a water aerobics class — immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders.
• Eat well, and avoid junk food.

Try not to let pregnancy swelling get you down. The sight of your swollen ankles will probably add to your feeling of ungainliness, but edema is a temporary condition that will pass soon after you give birth.

reviewing the signs of labor

I am 8 days away from our last prenatal monthly visit since I'd be going weekly after that.

So, I am reviewing the signs of labor yet again.

I still don't see my tummy dropping.

I don't think I have those Braxton Hicks contractions either.

Much more those other signs that come after.

Yes, we're so excited.

But while we're waiting for the labor day, we've already packed baby's stuff for that day. I've placed it in a plastic 12L container (it looks like that of a picnic basket). I like it better than having it in a bag since I can see everything inside and check it even without opening and yes, it looks more organized.

I'll blog the contents of the container soon.

I'm also checking my checklist every now and then. 

For now, I still lack at least two bonnets and the crib furnishings (pillows, crib sheets, etc). We need to get it soon, maybe tomorrow ^^<

i am at least 4 weeks away

Baby Joram had been moving more frequently this past days. He too seems to be excited at going out!

But I have to remind him that he is at least 4 weeks away!

I have been sorting out my baby checklist. Although most of the items were already given to me by dear family and friends, there's about a couple more things that we've yet to buy.

We are to get the crib this week. And to purchase the mattress covers and pillows to go with it.

As our home is undergoing a repair at this moment, we're waiting on it to be done before we could finally put things "baby safe" and neat as a welcome to baby.

We have no nursery in the house. But we're dedicating a big corner of our bedroom to him... which will be a place for his crib and most baby stuff.

Hopefully, I could get to decorating next week. I am thinking of cartoon transport to decorate and had been busy Googling images that would be great for our baby boy. I am excited!

I need to check our budget though. We can't go overboard.

more on leg cramps

Apparently, it is true that pointing your toes while in bed does summon leg cramps. Unfortunately, pointing my toes the moment I wake up is one of my habits. The research on the net yesterday about the probable causes of the painful cramps and how to prevent it really helped. As early this morning, as I was to point my toes yet again in bed, I noticed the beginning of a leg cramp in my calf... and reversing to dorsiflexion helped a lot! In fact, I was able to stop the leg cramp from ever occurring that time! Hurray! Indeed, knowledge is power!

photobook: pregnancy journal: attempt #1 (unfinished)

I have yet to download my preg strip results from my camera... meanwhile, these images are from google (just so this page won't look empty & anyway, mine look just about like those two)

I would have wanted to put in more texts... & edit the 8 weeks to 9 weeks at right but I seem to be having problem on typing down at mixbook... (same prob with the rest of the pages starting here)

this is my second ultrasound! IT'S A BOY!

MORE PICTURES COMING SOON! still to download from cam...

normal delivery vs. cesarean section (my opinion)

My opinion (another article would be written on the real pros & cons)

As a nursing student years ago, I had seen both normal delivery and the cesarean section performed at the hospital.

I have first witnessed a normal spontaneous delivery. It was really painful. It felt like the pelvis would snap or that the mother's entire vulva would shatter.
It made me think then, that if I were to be pregnant... I would choose a C-section.

It wasn't long after that when I had my duty at the operating room where the doctors need to do a C-section on a mother whose babies (she carried twins) were in distress for such a long unsuccessful labor.
I saw the doctor sliced through the the woman's tummy in a flash... they do have to do it in a hurry if they want to save the baby.
But to me, it looked like butchering.
Then, it made me think that a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD) would be a better option.

A year after, I got the chance to witness a scheduled C-section. There was no fetal distress at this time so the client's OB was not in such a hurry. She got her a "bikini cut" incision. And it was done with such grace and gentleness.
This made me think, that maybe, I'd want a C-section after all.

Anyway, more than that, I did read on articles comparing the two methods of delivery which I will be sharing on a different entry.

It is also interesting to note, that a lot of celebrities do go for a normal spontaneous delivery even when they have all the money to pay for a CS.

Right now, the cost alone of a normal delivery over a CS is enough for me to go for the first. Since the latter is more than twice the amount of an NSVD package.

We're praying that all will go well with our pregnancy and to a normal delivery.

In fact, I would want to strengthen my chances of a normal delivery which I would be writing about in another entry as well. Right now, since I have yet to read much, I can only point out diet and exercise... plus lots of prayer.

before i'd go...

Three of my friends contacted me at Facebook recently after knowing of my pregnancy who were unfortunately still without a child after more than a year of trying to conceive. My husband and I are especially thankful to God for hearing our prayers and for allowing us to pregnant. As in my previous post, I had realized that getting pregnant is not as easy as I thought it would be. With all the rumors and events of unwanted pregnancy, I thought it would be as easy as coitus during your ovulation. But in our first 3 months of trying... I was proven wrong. In a way, I can feel for these women since those three months seemed so long for me... the fear that I may never get to be pregnant closes in but I need to remind myself that God is in control and that He has nothing but the best for me. ... that has eased my anxiety. There was a time when I actually think that maybe... just maybe... I wasn't meant to be a mother to one or two children... maybe I was destined to be a mother to more than that as I am so in love with children and I seem to be gifted with kids (as in a mother in the orphanage or in the classroom). But anyway... we are expecting a baby boy by the end of July. And we hope and pray that he will be healthy ^^< Back to the 3 women, I got to share my article on getting pregnant. And I do pray for them, along with other wives who have long waited for those two lines in their pregnancy test kit. The first one, whom I talked to last January, is now 6 weeks pregnant with twins! God be praised indeed! The other two, I had them read it this March (the 3rd one, just today), I really hope that the article would be of help. But in all these, I trust in God's perfect timing. There is grace in waiting. I believe that with all my heart. If God had granted our prayer of a baby on our honeymoon night (yes, I was ovulating then), I wouldn't be able to have an idea on how difficult it is to conceive. And, my husband and I wouldn't have that bonding in prayer of begging to God for a baby. And in that wait, we realized that this baby in my womb is indeed God's gift!(which is why we were to name the baby LIA had he been a girl) So, with this pregnancy, God be exalted! (JORAM's meaning)

4th Month - 15 to 18 weeks AOG

A pregnant woman may experience any or all of these symptoms at one time or another: □ fatigue -- indeed! I always feel tired even when I wasn't really able to do a lot of things around the house. I really salute those pregnant women who still manage to work full time! It must have take a lot of discipline and determination. □ decreased urinary frequency, constipation -- I still get to void frequently since I am into drinking a lot of fluids... which does me good since I have no problem with constipation during my pregnancy. Before, I used to have my bouts of constipation especially when I'm on to something at work or if I am travelling... so, with this pregnancy, I increased my fiber and water intake just to help out my excretory system :) I don't want to increase my chances of getting hemorrhoids. □ an end to or decreased in nausea and vomiting --  AMEN! I really thank God that I had said goodbye to morning sickness by the end of my 1st trimester. There are indeed some women whose nausea and vomiting persists way until the end of their pregnancy. My mother-in-law had her bouts of vomiting even at the hospital while they were preparing her for C-section. □ continued breast enlargement, but usually decreased tenderness and swelling -- I have never been one of those girls with gifted bosom. And the hormones of pregnancy give me larger ones! I now have a cleavage to show... too bad this goes gone after breastfeeding and would likely sag unless I'd do some chest exercises.  □ occasional headaches, faintness or dizziness, particularly with sudden change of position -- which is why it is necessary to shift positions slowly... especially when you plan to get up from a lying position. Which means, you get up to sitting position first, count to ten, before getting up.  □ nasal congestion and occasional nosebleed; ear stuffiness -- I'm past my four months and I hadn't felt this. Thank God. □ "pink toothbrush" from bleeding gums -- This I still experience. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to have prior dental visits during my pregnancy but I do have an appointment with my dentist next week. □ increasing appetite -- Indeed! With everyone (friends and family alike) encouraging you to eat along with the increased hormones and demands during pregnancy, there is an increase in appetite. □ varicose veins of legs and/or hemorrhoids -- I am praying that I won't be getting any more varicose veins. I had mine on my foot way before my pregnancy because most socks would tend to constrict my ankles when I was still in school. And I sure pray that I won't get any hemorrhoids... I heard that they are painful. □ mild swelling of ankles and feet, and occasional of hands and face -- I check my ankles and feet for swelling or edema as this may be a sign of fluid retention or too much salt intake. So far, so good ^^< Just today though (I'm on my 21wks now), I noticed my fingers being more plump... which I'd take that I really need to cut down on my salt intake unless I'd want to have any edema soon. □ slight whitish vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) -- Pregnant women should be able to understand what 'slight' is. Since, a little more than that would mean a urinary tract infection or something... which needs to be reported to our OB especially if it is accompanied with painful urination or itchiness and foul odor. □ fetal movement near the end of the month -- I felt my baby's movement as early as the 14th week AOG... or maybe I was imagining that I had to check my pregnancy journal & the internet if indeed it was fetal movement already or a very angry stomach. It turned out that some feel the earliest movement at 14 or 15 weeks. It felt like butterflies in your stomach. But it was more regular to me by the 17th week. If you haven't felt your fetal movement yet, then maybe you'd feel it around the time that most women do: sometime around Week 18-20.

planning

... well, planning to blog down - the baby's progress in utero - what to do/eat - what to expect on the month's prenatal visit - what to watch out for i'd want to start from the 1st month down to the nine... but since i'm currently on my fifth month, but I guess I'd start at the 4th since that's when pregnant women are likely to feel the baby move ^^< which is the first and closest thing to sensing the baby, ultrasound aside... and well, maybe when i'd feel like it.. go back down to the previous months...

ultrasound: 21 weeks AOG

Posted as promised!

These are the clearest shots that our OB sonologist got.

His right forearm was over his face most of the time... he didn't move it away when our OB was taking still photos. So, that was the clearest one that we've got.

His nose is already projecting. Our OB even described it as "matangos" looking over Dennies and I to see if from whom he got it.

His chin is also prominent and I am really trying to think whose facial contour he got. He reminded me a lot of Jobbie, my little bro, though. (Maybe because he was the only baby that I had really cared for in a long period... or that I miss my not-so-baby brother a lot & he's birthday's upcoming.)

But his face's shape could easily be from Dennies too or mine. :)

biparietal diameter (head), right; femur, left
The other one is of the head (at right) and the femur (at left) which is the longest bone in our body (that is the one in our thighs). These two measurements would give the doctor an estimate on the expected date of delivery.

This is the photo of his heart when the OB sonologist was assessing his cardiac functions. The two hollow spaces are 2 of the 4 heart chambers since this is on the lateral side. And the other hollow space, beside the 2, is probably the stomach. All the measurements from the ultrasound got us close to July 30 with an allowance of 2 weeks prior or later, which correlates to our 1st trimester ultrasound as well as with my last menstrual period.

checklist -- basic

PREPARING FOR BABY

Getting ready for our baby's arrival on July or August is exciting! But being a first time mom, it can be confusing as well especially since I am as always and as I should be on a budget but there's the temptation to splurge indeed.

Anyway, our new OB provided us with a prenatal care book which includes a page of a basic checklist.

And yes, I am to check off items as I shop or get them as dole outs from friends who had just their bundle of joy as well.

I'd copy it down here.

Prepare a plane in your home for the baby.

□ Sleeping area (crib or bassinet/cradle)

□ Place for clothes and supplies

Clothing

□ 5-7 undershirts or 'onesies'

□ 1-2 hats/bonnets

□ 1-2 sets of baby washcloths and towels

□ 3-4 dozen newborn diapers (plus 3-4 waterproof pants and diaper clips if using cloth diapers)

□ 4-6 receiving blankets

□ 2-3 pairs of booties or socks (you won't need shoes until he is walking well)

□ 2 washable bibs

□ 4-6 cotton diapers to use as burp rags

□ 3-4 fitted sheets

□ 2 crib blankets

□ 1-2 blankets for the carriage or stroller

*Be sure to wash all baby clothes, bedding, towels and washcloths in baby detergent before using.

Feeding Supplies

□ 4-6 baby bottles (4 and 8 ounces)

□ bottle brush

□ nursing bra

□ nursing/breast pump

Other basic items that you may need include:

□ pacifier if you choose to use one (choose a one piece, silicone model with a soft nipple and has a shield that is at least 1.5 inches wide)

□ infant carrier

□ 1 nasal suction bulb

□ thermometer

□ 1 stroller, carriage or combination of stroller/carriage

□ 1 front pack or back pack to carry your baby until he is 5-6mos old

□ 1 diaper bag

□ 1 calibrated spoon, medicine dropper or oral syringe for giving medicine

□ baby bath tub

□ diaper rash ointment and/or petroleum jelly

ultrasound: 2nd trimester

The second trimester starts at the end of 12 weeks AOG (age of gestation).

I had mine at 21 weeks AOG which is a common time to get one since the baby's gender can be readily determined. And yes, since the family has had enough time guessing if the baby's a girl or a boy. And also, there is the pressing need to start buying baby stuffs and accessories by the 6th month where in knowing the baby's gender would come in handy.

But could gender be determined at a much earlier time?

In order to be certain the sonologist  should reassure himself that he actually sees the penis and scrotum in the case of a boy and the labia in the case of a girl. The absence of the penis must not be taken as sufficient evidence of the fetus being a girl. The 3-lines sign which denotes the labia in the fetus is a very valid and accurate indication of the female gender (at right). Most of the time one should be able to tell the sex of the baby by about 20 weeks and very often even at sixteen. With modern equipment, the diagnosis can be made even as early as 11 to 12 weeks (at right). On the other hand, as the correct visualization of any fetal part depends of a host of factors such as fetal position, amount of fluid and thickness of the abdominal wall.

The pictures here are not from my own ultrasound but ones i got from the internet.

The one on top is at 21weeks AOG which shows the baby thumb sucking which one of their common activity as in these times, reflexes are already present to help them survive life outside the womb.

In my own ultrasound, the spine is also evident and in place and during the 20-24wks of gestation, the baby undergoes a fast growth which would require a lot of vitamins and minerals essential for it.
Our OB emphasized on Calcium and Iron and had prescribed supplements for me since it was not uncommon  for pregnant women to loose teeth during this period due to calcium deficiency nor develop iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

The OB also checked out the baby's cardiac activity. The normal heart rate at this time is at 120 to 160 beats per minute. His heart valves are already working in sync!

Also, the placenta is already in place. It is good that I don't have a low lying placenta or placenta previa which would cause common labor complications like bleeding and/or the need for a Ceasarean section.

ultrasound: IT'S A BOY!

we had an ultraound last saturday... IT'S A BOY! I'd post a better picture of this one soon. Anyway, my husband and I were so amazed that our baby waved to us during the procedure. It's priceless! It would have been better if it were recorded. but it was too late when i learnt that our OB sonologist could have had recorded the whole procedure. next time... I'd definitely remember to remind her to press the record button. I hope that Baby Joram would be awake on my 3rd trimester ultrasound... maybe he'll give us more than a wave next time. a somersault maybe? or a flying kiss would definitely do! His facial contour is also evident, and his chin appeared prominent during the ultrasound although it is not quite clear on this print. He had his hand over his face most of the time. He also had his foot crossed over the other... i need to see whose mannerism this is. And he likes rubbing his right hand to his left in such a cute way! We are indeed excited and waiting for you, baby Joram Anthony! Thanking God in the blessing of love and family! Thank you so much, Lord!

boy or girl?

i've read this article from a back issue of Working Mom magazine that i got at Filbar's last Sunday.

I wish i could find the article online so i could just lead you to it but to no avail.

and typing down everything would take a lot of my time... hehehe

i have attached tables sort of a summary on the article though...

enjoy

dennies & i did the RING AROUND THE BELLY... just for fun. 

it went back & forth and it also went in circles. tales say that this would mean twins!
but anyway, since we've had an ultrasound the 1st trimester... so we know we're having one.
the ring did more of the pendulum though...
so base on the ring... a GIRL it is!

i got nauseous with fried garlic and other colognes but i could down yogurt, milk and proteins very well. Although, I don't want the fat portion of meats.


& i remember sucking on calamansi for nausea relief and it worked! I even downed tomato ketchup.


So, it's like I'm going on boy and/or girl in these myths...

this means one thing... I need to get an ultrasound! :)


PS: I do have an OB appointment for check-up and ultrasound tomorrow.

on baby names now that I am Mrs. Espina

If we were to have a baby girl…

Again, Denise is a given name.

And for the other name… Lea (meaning = bringer of good news) the wife of Jacob, Lydia of the new testament.

But Dennies' opposed of Lydia since it reminded him of Aling Lydia who was their neighbor. It does sound so off when it would be pronounced as Li-Ja instead of Lid-Ya. But most people would probably say it as the first... so, Lydia is dropped.

And then, there's Lia which is a variant of Lea and actually of Hebrew origin itself which means 'I am the Lord's'

... and Lia is the winner.

So, If we were to have a baby girl, she'll be Lia Denise.

If we were to have a baby boy...

I asked Dennies if he would want Dennis or Anthony... he went for the latter. Since Mommy's maiden name is Antonio. So, his second name would be Anthony as well.

And now.. for the J from the Bible.

...choices... James? John? Joshua? Jacob? Jonathan? Jethro? Jotham? Josiah? Joseph? Jeremiah? Job? Jude?

or maybe Jose Antonio?

Then I found Joram. His story in the Bible is not really that of victory and he is definitely not one of the popular ones. But I do love the meaning of this name... 'God is exalted.'

Indeed, after the days, weeks and months that we've prayed for this baby, God alone deserves the praise!

So, Joram Anthony... if our baby were a boy.

on baby names before I were Mrs. Espina

I’ve been so excited about motherhood that I’ve thought of what to name my baby even before I met a suitable husband.

And yes, my mind has changed more than a thousand times.

There are things that remain though consistent ever since:

1.   1.    I want to have two names for my baby.

I’ve always hoped and maybe even envied (although not that kind of serious envy) my classmates back in school with two names.

That way they their paper looks better formatted (or so I thought)… the down side, they take longer time to write down their names. And the better side, they get to practice their handwriting and scripts! J

2.    2.   I don’t want any of those combination names of parents into 1 name.

No offense meant. Although,

3.    3.   I’ve always wanted one with a good meaning and that with a story to tell plus a touch of history and family in it.

Since my baby is bound to write one formal theme in grade school about his/her name… I want it to be a lot easier for him/her. *winx*

And things that have remained consistent since around 2000:

4.      4.  I want a Bible name as much as possible.

5.      5.  I want one of the name from my husband’s name… a derivative if our baby were a girl.

(e.g. Joelle, Josie, Denise, Ianne, Ivanne)

 6. I want a J as a start in one of the names especially if our baby were a boy.

Since practically every one of my immediate MALE loves are J.

(Lolo Jose, Papa Joel and my brothers,  Jon and Jobbie) 

Not to mention the big J in our lives who is our Lord Jesus Christ!

Plus my nickname starts with a J too.

7.     7.  It may start with an L if our baby were a girl.  

… from Ligaya and my Mama’s Luzviminda.

Around 2006, I guess, I fell in love with the name Abigail since she was the only one in the Bible described as a beauty and brain… and her story is not that familiar. I never even thought that she was a Bible name.

And well, here comes Dennies! (His Dennis was misspelled in his birth certificate… you all know the hassle that comes with that so they stuck with it)

I actually thought of Denise Abigail as a name if we were to have a baby girl. Well, that was before I learnt about his sister’s first and only name. (No offense meant) I love my sister-in-law, Abbi. It’s just that I don’t want both of our baby’s name to mimic anyone from the immediate family.

So, If I were to marry Dennies… and if we were to have a baby girl, one of the names would definitely be Denise… and if we were to have a baby boy, one of the names would either be Dennis or Anthony (Dennies’ second name).