Preggy Day-Out

Ready for my preggy day-out!

It's Bonifacio Day and the whole Philippines is enjoying a non-working holiday. Me, Eejay, together with Mama Daday and the kids (Eejay's younger brother and nephew) drove to General Santos City earlier today. We're also going to meet Eejay's older sister who works in one of the hospitals there.

On our way to GenSan

It was almost lunch time when we reached Polomolok, so we decided to stop over at Durian Garden. It was my first time to go there and I've always wanted to try their durian shake.

The Giant Durian at Durian Garden, Polomolok, South Cotabato

The restaurant is surrounded by a spacious garden. They also keep birds and other animals. We saw a talking parrot, lots of love birds, and rabbits. The kids had fun running around and looking at the animals. Eejay and I, on the other hand, enjoyed taking pictures while Mama Daday ordered our food.

Picture, picture!

Unfortunately, their blender broke so I didn't get to try their durian shake. But, I enjoyed the simple lunch we had which was native chicken tinola and lechon kawali, served with steamed rice. Busog! Now, off we go to GenSan. We really like going there because they have bigger and better malls than the ones in Koronadal.

Me and my husband

It's not everyday that I get to go out of the house, so I really enjoy  simple trips like this, especially with my husband. 

Breaking Dawn and French Fries Cravings

During the first trimester, I was so strict about what I eat because I wanted to have a steady pregnancy weight gain. Experts say that eating the right foods during pregnancy can prevent excessive weight gain and will ensure the health of the mom and the baby. Having a normal and gradual addition of pounds can also help prevent the appearance of stretch marks and make it easier to get back in shape after giving birth.

But, now, it's just so difficult to fight cravings, specially the unhealthy ones. Haha! Just in time for the screening of Breaking Dawn, my pregnant mind already knows the perfect snack to satisfy my pregnancy cravings...and these are french fries from NY Fries and Dip (NYFD). Gaaah! 

Hubby and I were supposed to watch Breaking Dawn last Saturday and I already told him that I really, really, really want to eat french fries for our movie snack. He didn't want to approve at first because it's bad for my health and the baby's. It's ok because we had to cancel our movie date anyway. He suddenly had to go home to Iloilo to fix some things in our apartment. We recently found out that there's been another termite attack and it's worse than before. Also, there's a couple from church who are arriving from Saipan and they'll be renting one of the rooms for two months. Hubby stayed there 3 days to clean, pack our things in boxes and instruct our friends staying there to take care of our house and to watch out for any signs of termites.

So, hubby got back today and we picked him up at General Santos City which is an hour-drive away from Koronadal. He arrived at 2:00 pm and we were just in time for the 2:45 pm screening at Robinson's Movieworld GenSan. Yay! As his way of making up to me for being away for 4 days, he bought me some NYFD french fries and I ate happily while watching Bella and Edward get married, go on a honeymoon, and have a baby. Good thing NYFD only uses trans-fat free canola oil to fry their potatoes. Cravings satisfied without the guilt! :-)

At 24-25 Weeks: The Pencil Test

Just got back from the long weekend. I'm not really used to going to the cemetery during the All Saint's day season because our relatives live far from Manila and also because my grandparents are still alive..oh, except for my grandfather (father side) who died only a couple of years ago. However, when I'm with my husband's family, I get to experience a trip to the cemetery.

Honestly, I just couldn't wait for the holiday to end and for the OB clinic to open again. It's because this is the month that we're suppose to have an ultrasound to find out the baby's sex. Unfortunately, my OB suggested that we reschedule it on my 7th month. She said that at that time, the doctor will be able to see more, like what will come out first- the baby or the placenta and of course, we'll know the baby's gender.

Today, we just went on with the usual prenatal check-up. I am now 24-25 weeks. My blood pressure is 90/70 and I weigh 126 lbs. Fundal height measures 20 cm and the fetal heart rate is RLQ. I also had my first dose of Tetanus Toxoid. The doctor also gave me new set of vitamins called Iberet Folic (500 g).

When we got home, we received a message saying that our friend from church, Klaris already gave birth to a healthy baby girl and that she didn't have a hard time bringing her out. She did it with only 2 pushes! Isn't that amazing? I pray the same for me, too! Haha!

Because of the news, my husband and I felt envious and the more we wanted to know if we're having a boy or a girl. So, we did the pencil test to make up for not having the ultrasound. We know that it's just an old wives tale and doesn't have any scientific proof for accuracy. However, our Chinese friend swear by it because her mom used it on their family and got accurate results. Just for fun, we tried it and the pencil predicted that we're gonna have a baby girl. Hahaha!

How To Predict Baby's Gender Using The Pencil Test


The pencil test is believed to have originated from Hungary during the time when ultrasounds haven't been invented yet. It eventually became one of the most popular gender prediction methods used by women today. It's not accurate of course, but anyone can try it just for fun!

• First, you'll need a pencil, a piece of thread, and a needle. Make sure that the pencil is sharp to help you see the movement easily.
• Thread the needle. Allow the thread to be long enough for you to hold on to something while dangling the pencil above your wrist.
• Pin the needle through the pencil eraser.
• Position your hand on a flat surface with your palm facing upward. Be still and stay away from any source of wind that could affect the movement of the pencil. 
• Hold the pencil by the thread over your wrist, with the sharpened tip facing downward and touching your skin. 
• Observe closely as the pencil starts to move. If it moves vertically, it means that you're having a baby boy. A horizontal movement indicates that you're having a girl.