Hospital Vacation

I think the title of this post is the subtle way of saying that Bella was again  confined to the hospital some few days ago. What happened was really unexpected, but thank God we managed to bring her to the nearest hospital when her seizure took place. We were actually on our way home from my driving practice when it happened. Earlier that day, she showed some signs of fever but I thought it was manageable so I just gave her sponge bath and  vitamin C and it really didn't occur to me that she will have seizure that day because she was still walking and playing some few minutes ago before that incident.

This was the third time that it happened to her and  her doctor told us that this will possibly recur until she's 7 years old. I was totally freaking out but praying hard while trying to revive her by putting some ice on her head and her armpit on our way to the hospital. Our little girl was totally helpless but I can see that she's also fighting for her life because she's already half-conscious though a bit delirious. Oxygen, IV and a paracetamol suppository was immediately given at the Emergency Room. The nurse in the ER  find Bella's temperature a little strange because it was already normal before all those things were given. A chest X-ray was also ordered by her doctor before we finally settled to her room. I always chose private room whenever we are in the hospital that way I can be sure that Bella can have some privacy and  at least a feeling that she is just in her room. 

Bella is already asleep at around 8PM  but I never had a single nap checking on her the whole night. She woke up by 12MN  for her second dose of paracetamol. Although crying, she took the meds helplessly. She will not drink her milk afterwards but preferred to have NOVA as midnight snack... all to herself. =)

Munching NOVA at 12 midnight....

She was really enjoying her Nova but everything was spoiled  when somebody from the laboratory came in to get her blood sample for the CBC test. She cried harder this time and I feel like crying too but I need to be strong for her. I just thank the Lord that for the whole night,  her temperature was generally normal and by the next morning the doctor granted my request that her IV be removed for her to be more comfortable. My little Bella seems like not sick at all; playing and walking like there's no tomorrow early that morning.

The utility box as her car...

Tatay Bren pushing her car and holding her IV or else she won't go near him...

We were discharged from the hospital after 24 hours because all her laboratory results were normal and her fever was just viral  although her X-ray result showed that she has a mild pneumonia but  her doctor said that it can  be treated at home. We thought that everything about her is  already stable but that night her fever  came back and it happened repeatedly for  five days already. I am so bothered about it so I  brought her to her doctor for another check up this morning. Her doctor have prescribed dental paste and an ointment for her gums and skin lesions found near her mouth but good thing is,  this time the fever is all gone.

As of the moment, she is playful but kind of lost her appetite for food because her gums are sore due to teething. There are like 4 teeth starting to show up both on her upper and lower gums. Her medication is still on going until the next few days. I've had  sleepless  nights since Wednesday to check  on her because she seems to have fever every early evening and during dawn.

I am really praying and hoping that she well get better soon. Bren will be celebrating his 40th birthday tomorrow and Bella's good health is the best gift that he would want to have on his special day. I took a week off from my online work and also from blogging. I would like to apologize for not returning your visits and thank you very much for all your support and understanding. 

Moments At the Swing

The native swing at home was made of rattan and has been  with us a few months after I gave birth to Bella. My mother having known  the  importance and usefulness of  a swing was very  insistent so I bought one just to gave in to her request .

Sleeping or sitting down in the swing has become a part of our daily routine especially every morning and  afternoon after Bella's daily walking and strolling activity. 

Mama's daily thing... putting Bella and Yoshi to sleep at the same time...

Kuya Macky with Bella at the swing...

It made me so happy to see how this swing  has become a silent witness to our family's loving and  bonding moments. I bought the swing for 400 pesos but  I've got more than my money's worth. This is not just an ordinary swing for me but an important part of Bella  and Yoshi's childhood memories.

 

All By Herself

I am so amazed when I saw Bella trying to stand all by herself last night. It was actually the first time I saw her do that. To date, Bella is already one year and two months old and other people says that she should be walking by now  but you know, our little angel is a bit pampered and her Tatay Bren wouldn't want to let her stand by herself alone until she was already one year old. 

 

Her Tatay Bren believes that babies will learn their thing in their own precious time. Bren  said that since Bella is a girl she shouldn't  be taught how to walk at an early age to avoid deformity on her legs. I think Bella is now ready to walk because she can now make a step or two  without help from any of us. This progress marks another milestone in Bella's life.

Another achievement that makes us proud and happy. Keep it up Bella girl. We are all here to support you.

Daughter and Mom Bonding Time

One of the things that gives me great joy as a mother is the time I spent with Bella. I am so thankful and proud to be a full-time mom because  I have every opportunity to enjoy and look after Bella all the time. As mother and daughter, we got to enjoy simple things like cuddling and playing anytime, anywhere...

Enjoying a beautiful afternoon at Waterlily Street....

One precious moment with Bella...

I  am loving every minute of being a mother to Bella. For me, nothing compares to the joy of being a mom especially when you have a baby as lovable and as happy as Bella.

Thanks Tita Algene for the First Comment...

My Share for:

First Swimsuit And A Borrowed Inflatable Pool

Bella had a blast in her first swimming pool experience and it looks like she didn't had enough that time so the next day, my sister let her use the available inflatable pool owned by Kuya Tep (Yoshi's cousin). It was her first time to use an inflatable pool and she is just so delighted. 

And for the sake of first experiences, I let Bella wore the first ever swimsuit she have given to her by Tita Cindy ( Kuya Tep's mom) as a birthday gift.

Bella is just so happy! Thanks Tita Cindy and Kuya Tep...

After her first experience swimming in the pool, I realized that  Bella  likes being in the water sooo much. Although Kuya Yoshi is there but kind of hesitant to join her, Bella enjoyed the inflatable pool all by herself  while Kuya Yoshi is on his usual "swimming basin" on the side.

My little girl had so much fun wearing her first ever swimsuit while playing and swimming in a borrowed inflatable pool. I thank God for the simple things that made Bella happy which of course made me a happy mother as well.

First Swimming Pool Experience

One of the activities  we attended during our vacation in Cagayan de Oro was a pool party courtesy of my  college buddy Erwin. It was actually a mini-reunion plus his wife's advance birthday celebration. I initially do not have  plans to let Bella swim in the pool because she have colds that time but since we were already there and also due to the encouragement of everyone around, I allowed Bella to play in the pool side.

Bella playing  while Erwin and his kids (Ethan and Enzo) on the background...

She did enjoy playing in the water letting her feet get wet at first and eventually her hand and finally her whole body as well. Since I  was not planning to let her swim, I did not bring her swimsuit but let her wear a dress  and   leggings instead. Her Ninang Lucille was making fun of her swimming outfit. Lol!

Happily playing with Ate Nonon...

With Ninang Lucille, Tita Jing and Enzo...

It was raining that night and although she's obviously feeling cold, Bella was so hesitant to get out of the pool. She enjoyed playing with Ate Mika, my first inaanak and Ate Nonon, Mika's younger sister . While a little worried about her colds, I  was also delighted and proud to see that Bella is not afraid of water but rather  enjoyed it. It was a revelation for me and I  consider this experience as another milestone in Bella's life.

Thank you Marie for the First Comment...

My share for:

Christmas with Bella

This has been our second  Christmas with Bella and we always look forward to celebrate this season with her together with family and friends. She was still a month old when we celebrated the first Christmas with her  in 2010 and during that time she was just practically sleeping all night long.

Bella's first Christmas...December 2010

This year was somehow different; we let her sleep earlier on the night of December 24 and woke her up to join us in the celebration of the Noche Buena. She was a little sleepy as you can see in  her  pictures but she did enjoy the food as she was lavishly eating her share of lechon manok which sadly triggers  her allergy. 

With Tachu Bren enjoying Lechon Manok...

A pose after eating our Noche Buena...

Bonding time with Nanay and Tachu at Waterlily Street...

We just celebrated a simple Christmas  this year aside from the fact that our budget is tight due to our previous spending especially on our recent vacation and also on Bella's birthday celebration   last month. No matter how simple, Christmas  is always perfect when shared  with friends and family.

As a mother, Christmas will always be happy and memorable with our little girl around. My only wish and prayer this Christmas is for Bella to be in perfect shape all the time.  

Merry Christmas and advance Happy 2012 to all  of you! 

Thank you Sis Jessica  for the First Comment...

Linking this to:

Bloggers Helping Sendong Victims In CDO

Cagayan de Oro is like a home to me. I was actually there a few weeks ago appreciating the beauty of the  city, enjoying the festivities of my Alma Mater and loving  the warm welcome of my  family and friends. But now, Sendong's wrath changed everything. The devastation brought about by Typhoon Sendong have left thousands of families mourning and displaced. As of this time, death toll has already reached more than a thousand and still increasing and more than 276,000 people remain homeless and sheltered by evacuation centers.

As a Kagay-anon, it breaks my heart to see my countrymen in such a helpless state. I know that in my own little way, I need to do something to help. The first thing I did was re post in my other blog the call to HELP CAGAYAN DE ORO and I am so happy upon knowing that many of my friends responded. Others called me and confirmed their willingness to donate. During that time I recommended that donations be given to the foundations and groups stated in my blog. Donations in any form  will be given to all the victims anyway.

Until, this particular blogger friend from the US who wishes not to be named,  reached out and send monetary help to my sister in Cagayan de Oro and even encouraged some of her blogpals to donate and help in the cause of  providing mats and blankets to 240 families staying at Xavier Heights Gym in Balulang thus "Bloggers Blanket" was given birth.  The victims are somehow surviving day by day with the food  and clothes from other  donors and also from the barangay. What they are asking right now are mats and blankets for them to at least combat the cold weather and the coldness of the cemented flooring inside the gym.

As of the moment, the funds gathered by  Bloggers Blanket are not yet enough to give a pair of mat and blanket to all the families in the community. You might wonder, what's the difference between donating to a big agency or to an organized group compared to Bloggers Blanket, I can say that there's a lot. First, you can be very sure that your donations will go directly to the recipients. Second, the only interest and objective of the group is to help the victims directly which means that corruption has no place in the group. Photos and documentation of the activities will be visible through the blog posts of this blog and the blogs of some supporters and finally someone from the group is tasked to account everything and will make sure that every penny goes to the recipients. When you donate,  you can help these people rebuild their lives...

These kids are waiting for your support. Please make their lives a little better

Victims of Sendong housed at Xavier Heights Gym in Balulang.

Bloggers Blanket aims to provide mats, blankets  and a little financial support to these families for them to start anew. Distribution of relief goods are facilitated by my sister Allyn, her husband Cy and her SIL Cindy. If you want to be a part of this cause, please send your donations via Paypal to:

 marquee_29@yahoo.com

Your support will really make a big  difference in the lives of this people. May the Lord  give you back all the blessings you share  more than a hundred times. Please be a  part  of this cause. Share your blessings and spread love and joy this Christmas.

*Photo credits to Allyn, Cycy and Cindy