Goodbye, 2014! Hello,2015!

As this year comes to a close, I find myself in deep deep gratitude as I recap the blessings we received this year. Finally getting pregnant is the biggest highlight of the year, and I know giving birth and finally meeting our precious little fighter will be 2015's best moment. And for that, I am thanking all my lucky stars. Thank you thank you. Getting to this point was definitely challenging, riddled with many heartbreaks and disappointments. But as every ultrasound showed me, it all just melts away when I come face to face with our little fighter via the ultrasound machine. I can't wait for June when the real face-to-face happens. 

On the career end, I got promoted to AVP level, much to my surprise. I honestly thought I was just coasting along at work, as it was a convenient pit stop professionally as I pursued infertility treatments. All I asked for was some flexi time and understanding. A promotion and all the benefits that come with it was the furthest thing from my mind. A blessing when you weren't looking. Thank you. 

On the finances end, we really took a beating here. Two rounds of ivf and a hell lot of other medical conditions amounted to such a big cash-based expense, but no complaints here. All that was worth it to finally be on the way. I am grateful to have had the chance these past 4 years to get bonuses to save for this big project of our marriage. If it wasn't for this "war chest", I know I'd be stressing out now. 

The year wasn't filled with travel-- that's one thing that sets 2014 apart from the three other years we've been married. Other priorities took over. I'm grateful to have gotten so travel-drunk the past few years that I barely even noticed we haven't been traveling much. Onto other priorities, I guess. 

Thank you, 2014. You're ending in such a brighter, better way that you started. 

Welcome, 2015. All I ask is that you bring me a healthy, happy baby --- healthy in mind, body and spirit--- and a safe pregnancy and delivery. No other requests. 

:) Cheers!!!

Nuchal translucency test: Passed!

So I had my first trimester screening the other day, and baby passed! It measures the thickness of the back of the neck to check for any swelling. My baby's measured 1.1cm and I think the upper limit of normal is 4. So yay!

And here's a shot from the ultrasound!

(I must say, Kato takes better ultrasound pics than St Lukes) :p

Hello there, little love! You were so good the other day, staying on your side as the doctor measured the back of your neck. Good job! :)

The sweetest video EVER

Sharing and posting this here because it's one of the best digital campaigns I've ever stumbled upon and the sweetest video ever made--

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0C5R_12zpKM

Thanks to IVF, I know the exact date of our "first day together", little one. And Mommy loves you too. So much more than you will ever ever know. 

<3

Graduation from KATO!

Last Sunday, Kato gave me my walking papers, which refers to a medical certificate, a medical referral letter, an IVF report and an ultrasound report, meant to aid my OB (who will now handle my pregnancy fulltime). I got released at less than 10 weeks because they said there was no medical reason to keep me there longer - I had no bleeding, my cervix is closed and the baby is growing on schedule. I was so happy! Part of me never stopped bracing for something wrong, and to hear that I ticked all the boxes brought such great relief and encouragement - I've done well in optimizing myself for this baby, despite all the other issues I have. 

Also the highlight of Sunday was seeing our babylove again! This time, she grew so much bigger and even managed to show us several times that she can now wiggle her arms and legs. Awwww <3

Here she is! Dennis took a video, which I'll find a way to post here somehow. Now that I'm turned over to an OB, my ultrasounds won't be as frequent anymore, so I'm very glad to have this video to play over and over until next month when I get to take a peek again:)