Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas

WARNING: Long post ahead.

It's sad and disappointing to hear the news (from wheninmanila) regarding the robbery at Club Balai Isabel that took place last Saturday, February 13. We also stayed there the weekend before, February 7 & 8. The place was indeed great and relaxing. The food was, uh-okay. The view makes it all worthwhile, especially seeing Taal Volcano right where you're at. The downside though is their customer service. They totally lack on that, which, I think, is the most essential part.

Reception Area

"Nothing lasts forever.. even heartbreaks."

Photo from lovehigher.tumblr.com

As much as I'd like to convince myself that whatever I'm feeling right now is just "temporary", I couldn't, because it kills me so much inside. I want to shout to the world how hurt I am and how painful it is to be in this situation.

For the past couple of days, I've been crying myself to sleep. My daughter sees me and she understands. Somehow, she's trying to comfort me with her hands wiping the tears off of my face. And it just makes me cry even more. I couldn't talk to anyone 'cause if I do, I'll just cry nonstop. I think it would take time. But crying surely is helping me cope. I actually feel good afterwards. 

But that doesn't mean I'm gonna be okay. Not any sooner.

Mommy's little angel

Meet my baby girl, Alexandria! ♡

Ria was born last 18th of March at 6:29 in the evening. I must admit,  I had a hard time delivering her. I was contracting for 5 hours. I was told to be undergoing a C-section if she still wouldn't come out after an hour and 30 minutes during active labor, fortunately, she came out on the last minute! She weighed 6.6 lbs, a little big for me. So it was really painful. Though, it was all worth it after I heard her tiny little cries. The first time I held her in my arms was priceless. I'm a mommy now! It's been really overwhelming. Sometimes I just look at her and I'd get teary eyes. Such a big life-changer. I love you, anak!

Counting down the days

I'm going to be a mommy soon! Yep, I'm 32 weeks pregnant. Everyone's already excited since she's (yes, my baby's a she) going to be the first grand daughter in the family (my side).☺

During. Pregnancy hasn't been really smooth for me. I suffered a lot during my first trimester wherein I experienced a lot of nausea, vomiting, and sleepless nights. My family and my partner have been really supportive to my needs though, so I was able to conquer each day with a little less pain. On my second trimester, it has started to go back to normal. The nausea and vomiting lessened. I can eat whatever I want and I had all the energy. Now, on my third trimester, it's kind of both. There are times I feel nauseous then my head will ache. But most of the time, I'm fine and energetic. My appetite hasn't changed! But my weight surely did. I eat A LOT. I eat a lot of sweets. :3 So far, I think, I've already gained 20 pounds. I feel so heavy already and I get tired easily. I walk so slow (but I still walk fast whenever I can, hihi) and my feet easily hurt whenever I'm standing up. Oh, well. Everything will be worth it once she arrives.

The kicks. Yes, those punches and kicks. The stretches and the hiccups. Whenever she moves, it tickles me. Sometimes I still get shocked by her movements. It feels like there's a snake crawling on my belly. I think she gets more and more excited each day because her movements are leveling up! But it really feels nice whenever I feel her. Somehow, we're already communicating.

In preparation. I read articles online. What to do. What to expect, et cetera. It's been really helpful, especially when you read something that moms-to-be like me are experiencing. I get aware. In terms of my baby's needs, we've bought a couple of newborn stuff for her. Just the basics. It's actually exciting! Whenever we're at the mall, we make sure to pass by the kiddie section, and just look. We're waiting for the sponsors lol, so we're not investing too much right now on baby clothes and items... not just yet. :D

Motherhood. Until now, I still don't know if I am ready to be a mom. If I'm ever going to be. It's a big word. And it comes with great responsibility. But I believe that you won't know something until you experience it. I know I'm going to have a lot of mistakes, 'cause it's going to be a first time. However, I'm still looking forward to those days that I get to carry my own child. To feed her. To caress her. And to love her... in ways I know.

A few more weeks to go 'til we see you, my little one. ♥

Thank you, 2014!

Stretch. It's been a hella good roller coaster ride. Been through so many ups and downs. 2014 has taught me so many things; be it in life and career. Thank you to those who never left my side and those I've recently met who already made an impact in my life, I owe you guys. Without all these hardships that tested my faith, I wouldn't come out as who I am today. My family, who I once turned my back on, never gave up on me, and my friends whose ears never got tired listening to my endless cry for help. I've been so stupid, childish, and helpless. But these people have always stayed. And of course, to my partner, I know we've been through a lot. Thank you for adjusting and compromising. It's still going to be hard and much harder in the long run. But as long as we both keep our faith to each other, especially now, it's all gonna work out alright.

God is great, indeed. He even blessed me with a new life inside me. Must be the greatest gift of my 2014. Looking forward to see you, anak! ☺ Let's all welcome a new year with warmth, joy, and forgiveness in our hearts. Happy New Year! God bless us all!