SHOCKING NEWS

JULY 7, 2012

I started thinking about all the wonderful things that come with a baby! I realized that we were in a pretty great place in life to start a family… we are happily married, we both have jobs, we are in good health and we have an awesome support system! In all honesty I think we are as ready as we will ever be to start our family! It’s really AMAZING! Being parents and hearing the words like mama, papa, and our family, is incredibly great! The words seem so crazy, yet exciting to me right now! I also recalled how your papa prepared baby stuffs now. He was happy to show it to me through the internet all the little things he bought.

My sister patted me, signaling me that my queue number was called. I was awakened from my reverie.  I was in the hospital actually. I went in the room for the ultra sound. So there I had it! I saw you and your heartbeat. I learned all kinds of interesting facts about you! We already love you so much and you are just a tiny little being. Your aunt who is with me in this journey already called you a blessing! You are going to be an amazing boy!

Later, the sonographer asked me series of questions while I was watching you in the big screen as she continued to check you in the 3D ultra sound. Questions were incredibly personal like, am I a smoker, or drink caffeinated drinks? Did I experienced miscarriage before or drunk any aborting pills?

My answers were all simple. “No. I never experience one.” Then, she let me waited for 20 minutes before I had to make a conference with my doctor. 20 minutes passed, my attention was called. Immediately after I had seated, my doctor pronounced that you have abnormalities. The word "abnormalities" echoed to my ears.

 "You have a lump in your tummy! Your baby might be Dawn Syndrome.", he spoke straightly.

Since, I was shocked of the news, I was blurred at first. I heard lump in the head. I asked the reasons why you had it considering none in our family line got Dawn Syndrome or any abnormalities in genes. I asked further could it be due to our blood incompatibilities or stress or the food intake.

He never cited of these possibilities. None of it caused the growing lump in your tummy. He suggested that I must undergo amniocentesis to determine your chromosomes whether you belonged to the Dawn syndrome or you have any other genetic abnormalities. He just further told the pros and cons of carrying a mentally challenge child. He let me contemplate whether to abort you or to continue the pregnancy if they found out the abnormalities in the genes.

I was so worried and depressed of the news. I can’t help but to cry. My poor baby experienced a horrible disorder! It was a dilemma. 

I still work in spite of the pain that the check-up had brought me. I told my colleagues of the sad news. Some of them were sad but only Teacher Linda prayed for me that very moment after I confined my deepest emotions. That night, I announced it to my family overseas. They were so sad but hopeful to see the best of it. They comforted me. They prayed for me, too. My in- laws threw inspirational quotes of encouragements. Instead my husband will cry and be pitiful to our situations; he only sealed our conversations with prayers and hopes for miracle.

I will keep you posted on the many changes that are going to take place in the months to come. Keep growing and we will continue to pray for your healthy arrival.

We love you lots and can’t wait to enjoy this wonderful journey with you!

JULY 13, 2012

            It was Wednesday. I was reluctant to work yet I dragged myself to work because a lot of worksheets that needs to prepare. I looked strange because I went to work without make-ups and my enthusiasm was really low. On that night, I experienced vaginal bleeding which frightened me of miscarriage. I was crying. I don’t want to lose my baby. I felt a poking sensation in my abdomen. I immediately called my sister for help. She let me calm down. Luckily that day was her day -off so she was able to assist me. She expected me to be in the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of SGH.  I calmed down myself before making any moves. Then, I called one of our staff to take over my post considering I was on emergency situation. I made all the necessary things before I left the office as I entrusted the keys to her. I rushed myself to SGH were I was expecting to meet my sister there.

            Upon arrival, I was crouching already yet I forced myself to walk properly. In the reception table, I was assessed. Then, they carried me in a wheeled-bed thus, no need for me to walk. I was brought to the Level 2 of OB/ GYN Department where I was assessed further. They checked your condition and my placenta. Your aunt never left me. I had been crying because of its pain. She was there to reassure me. At this point, my pregnancy was getting rough. I never knew that your aunt phoned our parents overseas which then lola, phoned Rosevelt, your papa of my situation.

            I heard my phoned rung. Though I was in bed, my personal belongings were not far from me. I reached it and I heard your papa’s very sad voice. “Is he crying too?”, my thoughts ran. I narrated to him what had happen as I shed in tears. He felt so helpless. He reassured me that things will go fine in spite of our distance. Then, he prayed for our safety-me and you, my beloved baby.

            After we had received the decision of the doctor, I was grateful that I was only an out- patient in order we can cut the hospital cost. My sister made all the necessary information to my superior of my immediate hospital leave due to my health situation.

In the OB-GYN Lab

WE SAW YOU again! You’re really in there moving, swimming like a shrimp. It was wonderful! Words just can’t describe the way I am feeling right now. Seeing you was INCREDIBLE! We saw your tiny heart beating away and your little body moving all about! I think you were waving to us a couple of times. You looked like restless yet when we asked the doctor, she said you were fine. It was found out that my placenta was low and my membrane was thin. They gave only dydrogesterone to help resolve the problem. They injected me something to strengthen my placenta, too.

You are already so perfect, tiny, but the lump remained a mystery to us.  I had never felt like that in my life. I was on an emotional high right now and I just can’t stop smiling. I asked the technician for your pictures as souvenir.

We had a strong family support. They were praying and hopeful that you will be healed. Eventually your lump will be gone.

Here are some wives old tales which I found funny! I never tried the wedding ring thing yet! I am sure that the ultra sound will give us the gender for sure! They are all very scientific! 
Ha! Ha! Ha!

You’re going to have a boy if:

• You didn’t experience morning sickness in early pregnancy
• Your baby’s heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute
• You are carrying the extra weight out front
• Your belly looks like a basketball
• Your areolas have darkened considerably
• You are carrying low
• You are craving salty or sour foods
• You are craving protein — meats and cheese
• Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
• The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
• Your hands are very dry
• Your pillow faces north when you sleep
• Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you
• Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
• Your urine is bright yellow in color
• Your nose is spreading
• You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles
• You are having headaches
• You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you
conceived and the sum is an even number 

It’s a girl if:

• You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
• Your baby’s heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
• You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
• Your left breast is larger than your right breast
• Your hair develops red highlights
• You are carrying high
• Your belly looks like a watermelon
• You are craving sweets
• You are craving fruit
• You crave orange juice
• You don’t look quite as good as normal during pregnancy
• You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
• Your face breaks out more than usual
• You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread
• Your breasts have really blossomed!
• Your pillow faces south when you sleep
• Your urine is a dull yellow color
• You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
• You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you
   conceived and the sum is an odd number