Aleina's Baptism

Aleina's Baptism. Table Deoration

It was Friday (26 Oct), 2 days before Aleina's baptism, we attend a Prepatory Session required by St. Anne Church. In this session, we were told that any parents/participant who were unable to attend in this session will not be allowed their child to be baptised on this coming Sunday. The next prepartory session will be held on December. We are very lucky that Poland (one of Aleina's godfather) is cooperative and supportive for us; and he really allot his time to attend the session.

28th October, Sunday - the weather is sunny, just right for our event though the reception is just inside our flat. The church is just 15minutes walk from our place. We've start preparation of Aleina at around 8:30 in the morning still we're late in Sunday mass. We have arrived I think in the middle of the Sunday mass. At least, we're not late for the baptism ceremony.

After the Sunday mass, we still have 15minutes allowance before the actual baptism ceremony commence. In which they advise the parents of the child, to feed their baby first, as much as possible. During this time, some of our guests especially the godparents arrived in church.

Initially I thought ceremony will only take about 1 hour. Due to the reason that infant baptism is doing by batch, the actual duration takes for at least 2.5hours.

It was past 2pm already when we reached our flat - the reception venue. All of the food I ordered are there, with full setup and decorated completely! Thanks to my sister, cousin Irish and mil for helping us decorate the house while we're in the church.

I loved the dessert table decorations! Where we placed the cake and other give aways.

Aleina's Baptism Preparation - Part 2

After completing the basic requirements for baptism - church, date/time and the reception venue, I am now thinking of which theme is appropriate for my baby. Coz for me, if I prepare at least a theme, I will have the idea of whatelse to plan - with the help of google of course! So, I've chosen white and pink colours with prints and stripes.

 

So below are the list I think that I need to prepare or engaged with:

• Guests
• Invitations
• Food Catering Services
• Cake
• Give Aways
• Decorations
• DIY Photobooth - my husband is so techy so he told me he want a photobooth for my child so I was fine with this.

 

Guests: We only invited our family, godparents and closed-friends in our party. As this is only a small celebration, we didn't invite more people.

 

Invitations: I've sent an invitation to my guests at least 2 weeks before the actual event through Facebook Event. I design Baptismal Invitation using Adobe Photoshop and placed it in my Facebook event page. I also did a print out of this invitation and set out to Aleina's godparent to make it more official ;).

 

Cake: Now that I've got my theme, I've read lots of forum to where can I get a good cake (in terms of design and taste, of course). For this kind of event, the cake is really not so important, but I'd still want to proceed as this is my very first baptism preparation to my child - it really gets me excited! Browsing around the Cake Avenue's facebook page, I was really amazed of their designs so I made an inquiry with them for my desired cake. Alas, I've managed to order a cake to them at least 3 weeks before the event. I also found out that Natalie is good in customer service and she is prompt to my inquires. You can also visit their Cake Avenue Facebook page for the complete list design cakes.

 

Food Catering: Since all of our guests are Filipinos, I've decided to cater to a Filipino caterer. I've got a contact to Pinoy Catering SG with the use of PinoySG Forum. The main person I contact with is Tintin, seems quite good at first and also, replied my queries promptly though their price is quite expensive compare to the local caterer.

 

Give Aways: After tons of tons of browsing, sometimes I even find myself browsing at US websites, I have found a good website that offers customization - Do Me A Favor . I've found their candies, lollies and other sweets can be cuztomized according to your theme so I've decided to stick to it.

 

Decorations: 2 weeks before the event, my friend Rio & Marge (together with their bf, TJ & Marvin, respectively) helped me for my diy stuffs. They are also excited of decorating the entire living room for this event. Sadly, Marge & Marvin, wasnt be able to attend to the party as they need to fly back to Philippines to prepare for their wedding for January 2013.

 

DIY Photobooth: Albert's prepare the necessary equipments needed for his DIY photobooth especially his photobooth software. Since we have a vacant room, we allot this for our photobooth section. My sister helped me to decorate this room as well as the backdrop, my niece and nephew are also enjoying helping their mom... :)

 

I'll share my photos in my next post.

Aleina's Baptism Preparation - Part 1

At first, we're not fully decided to where we can baptize our baby Aleina. In Filipino tradition, we were told (by my grandmother) that if a baby needs to travel, s/he should be baptise first. This is one consideration we took to make our decision that our precious baby Aleina will be baptised here in Singapore coz we've already set our vacation this coming December - to celebrate christmas and new year in the Philippines - with our respective family.

Before you've move which food, theme and other more party planning details, first you need to finalize the following first:

• Church
• Date & Time
• Venue

First things first, we need to secure to where we can register Aleina for her baptism. Then other planning should be followed like venue, food, decorations, give aways, etc.

St Anne Church, Sengkang East Way

Church: Scouting around, searching the internet, with the help of google, I've found quite a number of church to where we can have the ceremony. Most of them required the following:

• Marriage Certificate of the child's parent issued by the church
• Birth certificate of the infant/baby
• Child's Godparents (1 female and/or 1 male). Child's sponsor/s should provide their baptismal and confirmation certificates.
• Attendance for preparatory session is compulsory for parents and godparents.
• Should register the baby at least 2 weeks before the baptism

 First thing I've inquired was Sacred Heart Church, near Dobhy Ghaut mrt. I've been here in this church once, during my nephew's baptism about 4yrs ago. As I know, that the church doesn't have much requirement for baptism compare with other churches. I've called the church's office to make inquiries but unfortunately we cannot proceed with this church for the following reasons:

                (1) I should register my church near my place

                (2) If we were regularly attending mass to that church, we will be allowed.

                Btw, my sister managed to have her son to be baptized here even though they only had a marriage certificate which is not issued by the church - as they only have civil wedding. According to her, they also didn't have to undergo a prepatory session, which is more I like :).

                So moving forward, I think I've got no choice but to register in St. Anne's church. St. Anne's is quite strict with their requirements; I was having difficulty to get baptism and confirmation certificates of at least 1 godparents we've chosen. At least, we're still lucky that Albert's colleague, Aleina's godfather, who managed to gave us his certificates so we've finalized the venue, date and time for our infant's Baptism.

   

Date and Time: St Anne church only have schedule for Infant Baptism every last Sunday of the (even) months. So, we've only left with 2 options: Oct 28 and December 23. We choose Oct 28 @ 11am coz we've assume that by Dec 23, we might have been flown to Philippines for our vacation.

   

Reception: Just right in time, after we've finalized the church, the date and time, we're now discussing to where will be our reception after the baptism ceremony. Our initial plan was to have the reception at The Studio but since the church is near our place, so we've decided to hold it in our flat in Sengkang.

Aleina's First Week of Life

Aleina's first photo in the outside world.

Aleina's first week of life was in the hospital, in KKH.

Day 1: In her first day, she has undergone some monitoring in which the doctor found out that my baby is having a high blood sugar. This is not a surprise to us due to me having GD during pregnancy. So the doctors are closely monitoring her for improvements. At day 1, I wasn't be able to see her personally, only in pictures taken by her daddy using camera phone.

Day 2: At day 2, they have done one procedure to her, dilute her blood coz it was found that her blood is sticky. (I dont know the exact procedure name, but there's a procedure). My hubby signed to that procedure before the doctors can proceed.

Day 3: they are still monitoring her, but my baby's condition is progressing, stabilizing more. My family and friends visit us in the hospital and at the same time, we've celebrated Albert's birthday. They also tried to see my little Aleina in the Special Care Unit, but was not succeeded. As SCU only allowed parents and grandparents to visit the newborn there. I was informed also by the nurse that I can be discharge from the hospital - as instructed my OB Gyne as well.

Day 4: Leaving from the hospital with an empty-hand and hoping that Aleina will be out of hospital too soon. I woke up early to prepare my things. Before Albert and mil arrived in the hospital, I have almost packed up my things and put it inside my bag. While waiting for the right time (11:30 to discharge). Mix emotion striked again, it's too difficult to leave my baby in the hospital and I am going home without her. Feeling guilty but I couldnt stay in the hospital as to our hospital bill is also going to hit high. So I just remind myself that the doctors and nurses there will take care of my precious Aleina. During this time, Aleina's blood sugar is now stable but still in SCU. Her feeding is having a very small amount of formula milk in mls. Then gradually increase every day or 12 hours or so.

Day 5: Aleina is still in the hospital. I stayed at home all day long, didnt go to the hospital to take full rest so I can go to hospital the next day as much as I can (just thinking). But hubby is regularly visiting Aleina and at the same time, send her my expressed breastmilk (ebm). After work, Albert visit Aleina in which he've sent me bad news. My baby got jaundice (but the doctors never informed us about it!). I'm too worried and ask hubby to talked to the doctor in duty there, if not the nurse. I cant do anything about it but cried and prayed. I asked GOD why? I have had enough! I prayed to GOD that hopefully He could send me one person to talk to me (in the hospital) about Aleina's real condition.

Day 6: The next morning, I rushed down to the hospital - to visit Aleina and deliver her my ebm. I stayed there for full day, so happy that out or 3 tries of latching only 1 have succeeded! Still lucky at least there's 1. According to the nurse there, jaundice is a common to newborn babies. It usually appears in a baby's few days of life - especially born through cs operation. So there's nothing to worry. In the afternoon, I have talked to one Pedia Doc on duty. This time I remembered last night what I've prayed for, it feels like I was talking to an angel. She got soft voices and told me that I should not be worried, and gives me hope that I could bring Aleina back home soonest as long as everything went well. As her thinking, Aleina's is almost ready to take home, just told me no need to rush. I left the hospital at night time around 9pm, stay there at the whole day carrying and taking care my precious Aleina.

Day 7: This is our very first day. Hoping that we could bring our baby Aleina home. We'll wait will night for as long as she is ready to be home! I'm expecting that at least we could bring her home at 11am, talking to nurse asking them here and there, but no signal from the doctor yet. Until, one nurse informed me that we could go by 5pm. 5pm had passed still not discharge from the hospital yet but Aleina's prick in her foot has been taken away... I cant wait for too long anymore! So patience is a virtue! The nurses prepared Aleina's things, clothes and vaccination. By 7pm, we left the hospital will Aleina's things. Soo much happy. When we arrived home, my family are waiting for our precious little baby Aleina.

Unexpected Birth

I've stopped my job at July 1, 2012. Since I was under contractual and due to my previous neonatal history, I've requested to end my contract early (about 12 days early as expected). So during my 35weeks and so on, I am staying at home waiting to give birth to my precious Aleina.

We've booked for Maternity Premium Package B (Caesarean Delivery) with Dr. Wee Horng Yen @ KKH on my 32nd week of pregnancy - http://www.kkh.com.sg/Services/Women/MaternityServices/Pages/Home.aspx and paid around $3,000 for the deposit as required by the hospital.

On July 11, 2012 (36w3d), it was my schedule (and supposedly last) for the NORA study and NOT my regular visit with my gyne. After my check up/detailed scan, the doctor informed me that I'm having low amniotic fluid. If I remember correctly the number she gave me was 3.8 AFI? For this, they proceed me with further testing, to know the reason why I was having low AF. They got some swab from me and test it, it seems to them that I am not leaking yet, and everything seems normal. I also feel normal. I've asked them if I can go home and come back the next day to see my gyne, but informed me that with that low AF I should be giving birth soonest as possible and monitor my baby from time to time. For this, I'm really worried as in super worried... Too afraid of the possibility that my first pregnancy history repeats. I cant loose this baby now, I've suffered enough and I think that is already enough!

The NORA Study: It was my 1st trimester in pregnancy, when one lady from KKH has asked me to join for the Neonatal Suvery conducted in the KKH by the SG Government (I think) where they want to study the risk associated in neonatal. So discussing about it, I think it's good for me to join for the following reason - addl test to be conducted which is totally FREE, free ultrasound and they also gave $10 each visit and a MILO. To be honest, I dont aim for $10 I only need is the extra check up they will provide and detailed ultrasound for each visit, ALL TOTALLY FREE. The only requirement is that you are in the early pregnancy and you'll give birth in KKH so they can totally monitor your pregnancy althroughout and even after giving birth. This is not a way of KKH to get more patients but a move of SG Government. The only cons is that, they dont operate in weekends, so if you need to conduct their test or check up, it should be during weekdays, and most of the time I'm taking a half day leave for this.

Heading to the delivery suites and talking to the nurses there, Dr Wee Horng Yen instructed that I should be admitted to the hospital and NOT allowed to go back home. But, I still feel ok though worried about me having low AFI. I asked the survey people if drinking of plenty of water may help for this condition, and said it doesnt help. They wasnt be able to know the reason why I was having low AF. I tried to insist to go home but they ask me to sign a promisory note that anything happens to us (me & baby), the hospital will not be liable. So I've talked to my hubby, and he told me that this time I need to trust my gyne.

July 11, 2012 - We've activated our package during my registration in the Delivery Suite. At that night, I stayed in the hospital and just waiting for me to give birth. I was only 36wks plus, not even 37wks to make it in a safer side. I've discussed with my gyne if possible at least to follow our July 24 CS Schedule, and he told me that it is not possible due to this condition. Then ask, if possible to be it on July 17, hubby's birthday. He replied to me yes this is possible but for everytime I stayed in the hospital, are hospital bill is increasing day by day. I was put in 3 days CTG monitoring to monitor baby's heartbeat and at the same time waiting for the right time administer steroid shots (to help mature baby's lungs) before giving birth. This time, I'm still monitoring my blood sugar.

While admitted to the hospital and waiting to give birth to my precious little baby Aleina.

July 12 - stayed in the hospital just to monitor the baby. At night time, the first shot of steroid was given to me. It was really painful (but bearable). There's only 1 thing in my mind, I dont care how painful it will be, as long as my baby is safe and alive, I'll be ok.

July 13 - after 12hrs+ of the first steroid shot, another/second steroid was administered to me. For this, we need to wait for 24hrs before I scheduled for cs operation. Due to the steroid shot, my blood sugar went so high (around 11+). Due to this, we cannt schedule for cs operation until my blood sugar has been normalized.

July 14 - afternoon, we've talked with Dr Wee about the scheduled operation to be done on Sunday, 15th of July @ 10am. My husband ang I agreed to this, we just dropped the idea of having our baby's birthday the same as her dad's. I have felt mix emotions: excitement, joy, worry.... I told my husband not to worry for me and focus to our precious baby once she's out of my belly. They have left the hospital at around 11pm almost.

At night time, I cant help myself to worry about my baby as this is unexpected birth, a bit early as to my expectation. I was teary-eyed but then suddenly a nurse walk into the room and talk to me. I told her all my worries, I told her I'm so much worried of loosing my baby (this time). She told me, that my condition is almost common and manageable and there's nothing to worry about. Thanks GOD for sending this woman to talk to me at least I find myself at peace. Before I go to bed, I pray hard to GOD to guide us for tomorrow's operation especially to my baby's condition.

July 15 - I wake up early at about 4am, then 6am. Hubby and mil arrived early in the hospital at around 7am they are already in my room. Almost all of our things are ready, we're just waiting for the nurse to assist me to the delivery/operating room. Early compare to the schedule, the nurse ask me to take a shower, etc.

At around 9am I was already inside the operating room, the nurses are talking to me, trying to comfort me and giving me some tips (coz they are about to administer anesthesia). I told them I am still ok, not feeling of too nervous (compared to my first experience when I gave birth to my #1). The anesthesiologist is seems not good coz as far as I could remember, he tried so many times (at least 5 tries) for me to get the correct point for the anesthesia... (Whew, he get me afraid of it, lol).

So once done, they have started the procedure. I choose only regional anesthecia so I'll be aware of what is hapenning around me. I can hear if my baby come out crying or not, or whatever it is. The lady nurse presses so very hard on my belly, the feeling of me almost going to vomit, to push down my baby. After a while, I heard Aleina's first cry. And their rate 9/10... Soooo happy, only one thing I can say in my mind - Thank You LORD so much... Even till now when I remember all this, and while writing this, I've got teary-eyed. All seems fresh.... One nurse first told and congrats me that my baby is well. Then later Dr Wee congratulate me and informed me that due to my GD she needs to be monitored for Low/High Blood Sugar. In the end, all is well.