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

4D sonogram of YOU

My Dearest Sweetheart,

I just remembered that I totally forgot to post pictures from your 4D sonogram. How bad of me huh?!

We had the sonogram done when you were 29 weeks and 0 days in my belly. It was done at this place called Motherhood Sonogram in Tyson's Corner. We were so excited to see how you would look. Only thing is, you were so sleepy and didn't want to move much for us so it was hard for the technician to get good pictures of you. Somehow, your face was squished up my placenta and you refuse to move from it. It must feel nice and cozy to you. They made me walk 2 times, eat, and drink, and even listen to music to try to wake you up to move, but you would not bulge. We actually saw you yawn more than 4 times during the whole video shoot. It was too cute.

Your Papsi, U. Tim, and I were there at the sonogram.

Here are some pictures of you taken at 4D:

A clear shot of your lil cute face. You look so peaceful sleeping.

Puckering your little lips at us. Your daddy likes to do this often : )

Are you thinking or trying to cover your mouth after you yawned??? I love it...you are adorable!

I love your pudgy cheeks and puckered lips again. Again, your Daddy likes to do this. You definitely have his cute little defined chin.

You look like a little clown here. I think you were yawning at us for the millionth time : )

We were so happy to see you 4D even though we did not get too many good shots. We cannot wait to see you in real life though. I think you are going to be one adorable little girly.

Love you Bootsie,

Your Mami

Preparing for your arrival

My Dearest Bootsie,

This past month, your Papsi and I have been going crazy preparing for your arrival into this world. I know it may be a bit early, but we figured that the earlier we get started, maybe the less chances you will come early. As you will soon find out, I am a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse. The myth is that when you are a doctor or nurse, unexpected things happen and many times, their little one comes early. I thought that if I got your thing ready, then if you did decide to come early, we would be ready : ).

Since we live in a town house with your Auntie Mandie, and your two Uncles Tim and Tophe come visit during their vacations, we do not have an extra room for you at this time to turn into a nursery. However, our bedroom is so huge that we decided to make you a little corner "Kimi's corner." We would rather have you close to us for the first few months anyway so we can bond better and we can make sure that you are ok. Once your uncle Tim graduates and no one really uses the other room, my next project is to turn it into a beautiful room for you.

I have been going crazy trying to get the house all cleaned for your arrival. I had someone clean all the air vents and furnace, had the carpet shampooed, and have Sonia come often to clean the house. I want to make sure things are clean before you come. I have also been washing all the clothes, bibs, blankets, burp cloths, and miscellaneous things people have given or we have bought to make sure that things are clean before I put them on you.

Last week, your crib and dresser finally came. It's a pretty cherry brown color that will go well with your crib bedding. I wanted to get a white color since you were a girl but I figured that a white full size bed in the future might not be too cute. Also, the walls in the other room are all white so it would blend too much with the furniture. So, we decided to go with the cherry brown color which I think came out so beautiful. We waited almost 10 weeks for your furniture to arrive and we were very anxious to see it placed in your corner. We were able to find a really cute lamp to match your bedding at Ikea this past weekend. We definitely lucked out on that department. Your Papsi also set up your little arms reach bassinet already. I'm so excited your uncle Soy Sauce and uncle Pinky got it for us. It will definitely make those night time feedings so much easier on me, and also keep you so close to your Papsi and I. We also ordered the glider and ottoman to go with your little corner. I told your Papsi that we definitely needed it for nursing/feeding, and to rock you whenever you get fussy. It's very comfortable and I'm sure you will love being rocked in it. It's a nice cherry brown color with a fern colored fabric. I can't wait for it to come and for us to set it up.

Even though it may seem like we have done so much already, I know there is still a few things to do to get things ready. Your Auntie Mandie and I are going shopping at Buy Buy Baby tomorrow to get you some other necessities. I'm waiting for the wood letters I special ordered to come in the mail to hang up on the wall. Also, once you are born, the professional photographer will come and take newborn pictures of you. I plan to put up those pictures of you and some from my maternity shoot up on the wall as decor. It will give it a nice and personal touch.

I am officially 36 weeks pregnant and you have been baking in my belly for 9 months now. I'm so glad you have behaved all this time. I was so afraid you would come earlier than that just coz everyone keeps saying that my belly is dropping low already. I was thinking that maybe you can wait two more weeks and make it for Mama Mary's birthday on the 8th of September. That would be truly special...but really, I know you will come when you are ready. The day you decide to come with the most special day for us of course.

Before I forget, below are some pictures of your up and coming lil corner:

Your lil Corner in our room with no furniture yet : )

Another side of your corner with the dresser, lamp, and little book shelf. As you can see, your Papsi's books took over half of your shelf already.

Another shot with the lamp off this time.

Your beautiful crib with no sheets yet.

Your mini arms reach bassinet from U. Soy Sauce and U. Vic-Thanks so much you both, you saved my life : )

Your lil bookshelf that doesn't really match color wise with your corner but useful at this time. We have a Bose player that your Papsi bought a few years back. Now it can be put to good use for sure. I'm going to be playing you a lot of music. Also, I'm going to be reading you many books. I have two purple photo albums waiting to be filled with your pictures already, and a red binder compiled with all the papers/info from my pregnancy and you. I like to keep things organized so the next time we go through this, I can refer back to it.

The cute lamp shade we got at Ikea to match your crib set.

Another picture of the lamp shade not lighted up. I just love it...it's sooo cute and totally matches your Brooke Nursery Bedding : )

Ok my lil princess, this is all for now. I will be writing to you again real soon and keep you updated on your/my pregnancy progress.

We love you so dearly and really cannot wait to hold you in our arms. Your Papsi rubs my belly every night to help me go to sleep and you just love it when he rubs my belly because you move like crazy. He cannot wait to hold you and give you tons of kisses.

Yours always,
Mami

Baby Shower

My Dearest Baby Kimi,

Guess what? Since we are naming your Kiyomi, I came up with the nickname Kimi (first and last two letters of Kiyomi). Everyone loves it too and it's easy to say and spell. I hope you like it. Your grammy Lim is always calling you Kimi and no longer Bootsie. I will always have Bootsie close to my heart though because it was one of the first names we called you when I got pregnant.

I am writing you this letter to tell you about the awesome baby shower I had. It was on the 11th of July, 2009. We had it at the Sully Station Community Center and Pool near our house from 3-8pm in the evening. I had a friend of Tita Stella's named Ruby cater yummy Filipino food and dessert. Everyone loved it so much. Just so you can imagine, we had Beef and Chicken Empanadas, Chicken and Pork filipino BBQ on the stick with a sweet and spicy sauce, Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit Palabok, Pancit Bihon, Lechon Kawali, and Beef Mechado with steamed rice. For dessert, we had Turon, Brazo de Mercedes, Leche Flan, Sans Rival, and a White and Milk chocolate mousse cake. Seriously, the food was to die for. We had it for merienda, dinner, midnight snack, and some for lunch the next day.

The baby shower itself was a great event but it was so much fun because we made it a weekend event. Many of our friends from out of town came just to see me pregnant and wanting to rub my belly. Really, you are so lucky because so many people love you so much already and you are still in my tummy. The people that came from out of town included, Joan & John, Fatima, Nicola, Tj & Vic, Aisha, Sara, Maureen, Jen, Joseph, Yan, Akari & Wan Chen, etc. Then, many of our friends from here came to the shower also. We started partying from Friday all the way till Sunday. Really, I felt so loved because of all that came to celebrate "You & Me." Everyone cannot wait to meet you already and are planning to come back once you are born.

I'm posting pictures below so you can see what happened throughout the weekend.

Fixing baby shower party favors on Thursday evening at our house: From left to right Joan, Mandie, Me, and Nicola.

Friday morning after a hearty American breakfast. Waiting to go have our nails done at Allure Salon & Spa with the girlies.

At the nail place getting pampered!

After a yummy dinner at Burara Thai Restaurant in Reston Town Center with Fatima and Nicola.

The real partying starts that night at our house. Your Papsi Daddy is the champion Alcoholic Drink maker...as you can see, your Mama is being good and doesn't have a drink in her hand : )

At the baby shower on Saturday with your Auntie Mandie and my twin sister. Do we look alike? Not too much anymore because I'm pregnant with a belly and wearing flats so I look so short beside her! : )

Girlfriends at the shower from left to right: Anna, Amy, Me, Aisha, Nicola, and Mandie

Being silly with a very good friend Kimmie. She is sooo happy that you have both have similar nicknames.

Your Daddy and I so excited to get such a creative gift from Paul & Mimi: A beautifully hand made diaper cake.

The after party at our house. It was one crazy and memorable night. Everyone was so happy eating, drinking, singing Karaoke with Singstar, and just hanging out.

The girlies again from left to right: Mandie, Aisha, Me, Kimmie, Nicola, and Joan. Bestest girlfriends ever. Your Auntie Fatima is out of sight. She was prolly singing Karaoke or doing pictures : )

Ok, enough pictures for now. I have tons of them still that I'll shower you one day.

I cannot wait for you to meet all these wonderful people who love you already.

I have to go now baby...time to make dinner for your Papsi and also for you. I need to feed you!

Love you always,

Your Mama