Ready or Not, You've Got to Come....

My Dearest Kimi,

As of today, September 26, 2009, Saturday, you have been in my belly for 40 weeks and 4 days. Actually, it really is 38 weeks and 4 days because technically you were not conceived until week 2. I will explain to you one day how all this womanly cycle thing works so you will understand.

In our human world, your due date is when you reach 40 weeks. By this time, it means that you are fully mature and ready to come out. They say plus or minus 2 weeks though since most people do not know what date their baby was actually conceived. I myself do not know what day you were actually conceived because I do not know when my ovary was exactly fertilized : )

I know you probably love being in my belly because it is such a cozy and warm environment. You are fed around the clock whenever I eat with no effort at all, your body temperature is constant and warm due to homeostasis, you can move, sleep, and wake up whenever you want without anyone dictating the right time. Even I would love to stay in that kind of environment. Unfortunately, you cannot stay in there forever because I am only human and have limitations. My placenta which has been keeping you nourished with food and oxygen will not be able to function too well after 42 weeks of doing it's job. It will start to deteriorate and will not be able to do it's job like it used to. Because of that reason, you will have to come out and continue to be nourished by me and your daddy.

You will soon learn that in our world, there are limitations to everything. In an ideal world, maybe you could stay in my belly forever...but then again, you would never be able to get to know me, your daddy, or your family. There is a good reason why you need to come out. God made us humans this way. We can interact with you, care for you, and most especially, love you. Your are the fruit of our Love (Your daddy and I). Love has to continue to grow and cannot just be stagnant. Your daddy and I love each other, and with that love, you were made and are the fruit of our love together. It's really a beautiful thing once you understand it. We cannot wait to hold you in our arms, care for you, and love you. Hopefully in return, you will learn how to love and pass on that love to others around you.

The doctors who have been caring for me during my whole pregnancy have given me a date for when I will have to be induced. It basically means that if you do not come out on your own naturally, they will give me medicine to allow my uterus to contract and go into labor so that you will be forced to come out. The big day is scheduled to start tomorrow, September 27, 2009, Sunday at 8:30 in the evening. We have been waiting for this big day to arrive. If you choose to come out on your own, you will have to do it before tomorrow evening. One way or another, hopefully, you will be in our arms by Monday. It is also a special day on Monday because it is the feast day of the one and only Filipino Saint, Lawrence Ruiz.

This will most likely be my last letter to you before you come out. The next time I write, it will be all about your birth and my delivery experience. I cannot wait to go through this special moment with you, even though I have to admit I am afraid of the pain and anything that could possibly go wrong.

Everyone has been praying for you and me all over the world, from the Philippines, Taiwan, Nicaragua and all over the US. We are truly blessed to be loved by so many. Everyone is waiting for your arrival and to see pictures of you.

We love you dearly and cannot wait to spend the next years of our life with you.

Yours always,
Mama

Kimi's Corner All Ready for Her

Updated Pregnancy Photos

False Alarm!!!

Dearest Kimi,

You are still in my belly but already have become a drama queen who likes to keep your parents in suspense and constant excitement.

Yesterday, the 23rd of September, I woke up suddenly at 2:30 in the morning because of intense back pain and cramping to my abdomen. I tried to sit up, change positions, and even went to the bathroom to empty my bladder but the pain would not go away. I thought to myself, it must be labor contractions that are starting. I tried to go back to sleep but the pain kept me awake for a long while. I debated whether or not to wake your Papsi up but decided against it because I wanted him to get a good night's rest if I was truly in labor and had to go into the hospital later that morning. It was so hard to figure out if I was really experiencing true labor contractions because I have never experienced them in my whole life. You are my first baby of course so this experience is so foreign to me. I never had braxton hicks during my whole pregnancy so I really had no clue. I kept waiting to feel for my bag of waters to break or something else to happen to tell me that I was really in labor. But nothing happened. I must have dozed off but woke up again around 4:30 because of the same pain that was getting worse. I got up to empty my bladder again because I felt the need to constantly empty it.

Finally, around 5:30 in the morning, I decided that your Papsi had enough sleep and I had to wake him up because I was getting really uncomfortable. He got up right away and got his watch to help me time my contractions. But, I really didn't know how to time it since I felt like my belly was constantly hard and painful. Your Papsi told me to check my underwear to see if anything is showing down there. True enough, when I pulled down my pants, my little pad had a glob of dark brown blood and had fluid accumulated all over. Your Papsi said "Yep, that's your water that broke." Because I am a nurse, I said "let's not assume it's my bag of water that broke, it may just be a mucus plug or bloody show." Since we were not sure and the pain I was feeling was not getting any better, I decided better to call the doctor. Dr. Silas, my favorite OB called right back and asked me to go into Fairfax Hospital to be checked. Your Papsi was so excited for your arrival that he woke up his parents and told them to get ready for the big day. He took a nice shower and put on his favorite pink button down shirt to celebrate your arrival. We got everything packed into the car ready to welcome you.

As I arrived in the hospital, I was brought into Triage and hooked on monitors to check for your heart rate activity and my contractions. The nurse was not very happy with your HR and asked me when I last ate. I told her my last meal was dinner the night before. She asked me why I had not eaten since dinner the night before. I told her I was not hungry and felt nauseated with the pain I was having since 2 am. I was slightly annoyed because she expected me to be like her. She had replied to me and said that when she was pregnant, she ate constantly. Hello! I'm not like her. I eat only when I'm hungry and not around the clock. Anyway, she ended up giving me some juice to wake you up a bit. Your HR was fine after that...I knew you were ok because you kept moving. You do love to sleep in the morning though regardless if I eat a heavy breakfast or not so I was not surprised when you didn't have much activity when they hooked you to the monitor.

Anyway, it was showing that I was having contractions on the monitor but the nurse said it was not strong enough because I was still able to smile and talk. Dr. Berry, the new OB on shift came to say hello and said he would check me out in a while. I was not too happy to see him since I wanted to have Dr. Silas instead. Eventually, the nurse told me that I will most likely be sent home and will have to come back when the contractions get stronger either later in the evening, the next day or the day after. Finally, Dr. Berry came to see him and did a vaginal exam. He did say that I had a bloody show but that my bag of waters was still intact. He wanted me to go home and rest and come back if anything more exciting happens.

I keep telling your Papsi and your Auntie Mandie that maybe when you found out it was Dr. Berry there instead of Dr. Silas, you decided to delay your debut...hahaha!

I was glad to go home and get some rest because I had been up all night long in pain.

I guess the contractions were not real labor contractions yet and just practice contractions for the big day! I got your Lim and Kubota Grandparents too excited and everyone who had found out wanted to know if you were born already. You do love the suspense I'm sure! I know you will come when you are good and ready. I'm hoping in a day or two before my scheduled induction on Sunday.

Thank you for letting me sleep through out the night though and not coming just yet because I was in need of a good night's rest.

So many people including your Papsi and I are sooo excited for you to finally make your appearance. Please don't let us wait too long ok? We want to hold you already and welcome you into our family!

Love you so much,

Your Mama

Waiting Patiently for Your Big Debut

My Dearest Kimi,

I am now 39 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Tomorrow is the big day for your Due date, Sept 22nd 2009. I have been waiting patiently for you to make your appearance into this world for the past few weeks. The desire has only gotten stronger with the last 2 weeks. Everyone keeps telling me that I have to be patient and wait for the right time. I have been praying about it and really practicing the virtue of patience. Now, I am so used to you being in my big round belly that I'm not sure if I want you to come out just yet. I've gotten so comfortable with having a round ball in front of me constantly that I really don't mind anymore.

Luckily, I am able to rest/sleep well at night even though I do wake up once in a while to empty my bladder or just look at the clock. I have been on maternity leave for the past two weeks so my body is relaxed and not stressed out about having to go to work. Also, your Kubota grandparents Ogisan and Obasan (Gigi and Baba) have been here since September 2 and have spoiled me rotten. They feed me healthy and freshly cooked food 3 times a day and don't let me lift a finger to do anything. Maybe that's why my cervix has not dilated because I don't get to do all the things I used to do before. I really cannot complain because I am truly lucky to have them here and care for me. They love you and me so much even though they have not met you yet. Your BaBa prays the rosary for you and me daily and offers us up to Mama Mary. It's so touching and heart warming to hear her pray for us both. Your Baba is truly special and we are lucky to have her. I am grateful and thankful that they decided to come early to help us out.

Last week, I was constantly complaining about my belly being so heavy and my feet swelling up like Fred Flintsone's feet (Yabadabadooo feet). Everyone around me has been very encouraging and told me to pray and be patient. Since then, I've had a peace around me and I can look at my feet and just laugh at them. I look at the stretch marks in my belly and say that it's part of life and being a mother. No matter what, I am thankful for having them because at least I am able to get pregnant and be an instrument of God in this wonderful Miracle of Life. Some people are longing to get pregnant and will never be able to have the opportunity. Even though you were a surprise to us, we are ever grateful and happy to have you. It is truly an honor to be bearing you inside of me and helping you grow from a little cell to a real human baby. It's an experience that is hard to describe. Only mothers who have gone through the same experience will be able to understand how I am feeling. There is sooo much joy in it despite the difficulties, aches, and pains. I chose to focus on the joys than the aches and pain.

You have 5 more days to enjoy my warm belly environment my dearest baby before the doctors will have to force you to come out on Sunday. It is for your safety that we also have to force you to come out. My placenta will have done it's best and will start to deteriorate as the days go by. For now, I am scheduled to go into Fairfax Hospital where your Auntie Mandie works on Sunday evening at 8:30 pm where they will give me medicine and start your journey to the outside world. We are sooo excited to meet you already and hold you in our arms. Everyone is waiting for your Big Debut, my princess!!!

Just wanted to tell you that we love you sooo dearly and cannot wait to see you real soon!

Yours always,
Mama

Princess Party for the little princesses

My dearest Kimi Chan,

A few weeks ago when I was 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant, the ladies I work with at the Special Care Nursery in Sibley hosted a baby shower for me and another co-worker Deirdre who is also expecting a baby girl. The called it the "Princess Party for the little princesses."

The party was hosted by Lynnie who lives in Bethesda. We had it at her beautiful home. Everyone brought really yummy food and Jane baked 2 special cakes for Deirdre and I. It was such a heart warming event. My co-workers treated us like real princesses.

Below are pictures from the event:

The cutest Japanese Kimono T-shirt from Haley. I love it!!!

More sleepers from Beth! I can't get enough of them...you will enjoy sleeping in them my darling.

Look at all the generous gifts. Aren't they just so sweet!

Generous clothes basket from my boss Pauline! Imagine, you have clothes for next summer and 4th of July already. I'm so grateful.

Deirdre and I with the beautiful and yummy cakes.

What an adorable cake with a little girl baby on it. It was a chocolate cake. Real Yummers!

Couldn't have a princess party without a cake with a Tiara. How precious. It was a delicious lemon cake.

Time to cut and eat the yummy cakes says all the ladies.

All the gifts given by the special care nursery ladies. Thank you all for being so kind and generous. Kimi will look adorable in them and will enjoy all the books, toys, and blankets : )

Ok, that's it Kimi love...next blog!

Love always,
Your Mama

Lovely comments from your Aunties & Uncles

My dearest Kimi,

All your Aunties and Uncles are awaiting your great arrival. While they wait patiently, they have written me so many encouraging and kind words to keep me going while I wait for the most exciting day of my life. I am posting them here so that you can read them one day and know how many people love you already even while you are still in my belly.

Fatima Samson Nicdao Kimchi!!!!!!!!!!!! come out come out wherever u are!!!!!!!!!!

August 31 at 6:58pm

Evelyn Kubota "PRAYER" is my gift for you everyday that you will be fine, protected & have the strength to cope with all the pressures & stress of the day. Have a blessed day!!!!

September 8 at 5:58am

Luisa Crane

I'm glad you're feeling well, are you still being abke to sleep at night? I remember not being able to find a comfortable position in the bed the last few weeks. I also hoped that Bella would come early, its so hard to be patient, even frus...trating at times. Just remember, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecc. 3:11) Btw did you get a birth announcement and a gift from us? I hope they made it to you ok! Rest up, enjoy a lot of alone time with your hubby bc you won't get much of it those first few months :) keep me posted! Xoxo Read More

September 9 at 7:36am

Samantha Chow Hey Andie, hope you're doing well! I got something mailing to you, but I was in such a rush I didn't put a card in it, so it's coming separately :) I hope baby Kimi likes all the lil goodies I put in there :) Oh, and it's from my family and I :)

September 10 at 1:55pm

Angela Nyakairu Hey Andrea, How are you? I am sure you can't wait till the little princess gets here. I keep on checking on your wall everyday to check if you have given birth yet:) Can't wait to see her. Take care.

September 12 at 9:55am

Fatima Samson Nicdao Kimchi, baby let's go! Come out already! No Filipino time ok? Love you, Tita Fatima

September 12 at 11:56am

Andrea Lim Kubota

Tita Fatima, I am taking my time in my mommy's belly trying to look perfect and pretty to make the best entrance into this world. Remember, I am half Filipino and like you said, Filipinos are always late. Please be patient...you will see me real...ly soon. Love you and can't wait to meet you. Love, baby Kimchi :)Read More

September 12 at 1:29pm

Fatima Samson Nicdao

you're already perfect my love!!!!

Mon at 1:33pm

Fatima Samson Nicdao Dearest Kimchi, I want to let you know that I was thinking about you today and wondering what kind of music you would like: love songs, or techno. Hmm. Maybe heavy metal? hahhaa. I want to take you to your first rock concert. Love, Tita Fatima

Mon at 9:10pm

Andrea Lim Kubota

Tita Fatima, thank so you so much for always thinking about me. You are such a sweet Tita and I really cannot wait to meet you. As for music...I'm not sure yet which kind I would like. My mom listens to all kinds and sings to me all the time. I hope I will like to sing like my Papsi and Mommy. You can definitely take me to my first rock concert one day. Love you and thinking about you also. Baby Kimchi

Yesterday at 1:14pm

Nicola Sequeira

Andie, when is Kimi coming out!! I got her a little something and its wrapped here ready to be shipped:) I have to only get to the post office soon. Can't wait for Kimi to be here already!! Keep me posted. Can't wait to see you all soon. Lo...ve to everyone at home. Kisses to Kimi. Love you all!Read More

Mon at 10:33pm

Victor Postemski TJ and I are keeping you and Dex in our thoughts and prayers this week! We're looking forward to welcoming Kimi to the world!

Mon at 11:19pm

Mary Doka Hi Sweetie... how are you doing? Can't wait for baby Kimi to come... I'm sure she will be one spoilt beautiful little gal...... Can't imagine what your house looks like...all baby stuff.... love you loads & praying that she will be here soon...

Yesterday at 9:44am

Kristin Attiogbe

Can't wait to hear the good news!!

Yesterday at 1:22pm

Jacqueline S. Ramos

Soon, Andie! Soon!!!:)

Yesterday at 2:00pm

Joy Lao

Congratulations and praying that both of you and your baby will be safe and continue to be healthy. I am happy for your parents too , the Lolo and Lola. :) Is that how your baby going to call them?

Yesterday at 7:41pm

Julie Ahring

Congrats!!! Hope you have a safe and uneventful birth!

Yesterday at 8:07pm

Anna Cabugao Espiritu

Gah! Lapit na!!! So exciting! Ako din, I made a deal with Joaquin. I told him I have to be fully recovered for the New Moon premiere on the 20th. Haha! That will be my first night out after delivery.

Tell Mandie to text/call us as soon as she can when you go into labor para we can pray all together and then come visit you and Kimi afterwards!

Yesterday at 9:40pm

Amanda Lim

Pop na! We can't wait!

Yesterday at 12:55pm

Jen Mead wow! cannot wait to see your little one soon!! prayers coming your way for a safe delivery!

37 minutes ago