{7qt} prayers and the going-ons on social media

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1. Divine Mercy Chaplet

I was invited by  @mikesibal to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3p PST/6pEST. What a powerful prayer specially today. Mike messaged me last minute and I felt it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit. This week has been out of sorts and prayer is much needed!

You can check out the live here. Just ignore that you can only see half my face and that I was super magnified when I came into view. There was a glitch and I was zoomed in on the live but it looked fine on my end. (apparently not). 

Make sure you get to the end because there's a treat. Nash made a cameo. 

2. Geriatic pregnancy

My age is catching up on me. I have high BPs on and off since 20 weeks but because of stress and yes third trimester, they are persistently high. Thankfully, my labs are fine. I have no swelling, cramping, contractions, abdominal pain, headaches or vision changes. Those are all signs of pre-eclampsia - a life threatening pregnancy complication for both mother and baby. Praise God I don't have those symptoms. Now if you could  please join me in praying that I keep the baby cooking for at least 4 more weeks to make it to full term. 

3. More prayer request

Please pray for my aunt who suffered a brainstem stroke. Please pray for my grandma and my cousin who are taking care of her. My grandma is not allowed in the hospital because of strict covid rules. She  is worrying at home, thinking of her child. :( If I am in distress thinking and praying for my aunt, I cannot imagine being a mom feeling so helpless and cannot do anything for her child. 

4. Christmas Jammies

Be A Heart Christmas PJs are here! If you do priority shipping, they will arrive Christmas Eve (if USPS cooperates).  Use disisd10 for 10% off new customers. 

5. Private group about beauty and skincare

So as not to overwhelm instagram (which I still do anyway) with all things clean beauty and skincare, I made a private FB group. If you'd like to join, please send a request here.

6. OSV Kids

One of the great partnerships I am proud to share this year is spreading the word about OSV kids magazine. OSV sent us a goodie bag and I made an "unboxing" video to share the books and items we received.  You can watch it here. 

7. Christmas Octave

For the Christmas Octave, I have planned  an Oprah-like "my favorites" giveaway. Dates are 12/27 - in honor of the Holy Family until 1/1/2021 the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. That's 6 days of gift-giving so be sure to check out instagram for items that may interest you.  I hope to get everything mailed so that winners can receive their winnings by Jan 6th, Epiphany. 

Think makeup

Something for the family

Something useful

Something sparkly

Something Marian

Happy start of the weekend, friends. May you find peace and rest this weekend. Please pray for me! I am praying for you. 

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{7qt} life lately

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// Commissions are made if you purchase using my links. Thanks for your support //

1. I blogged! I blogged!

When was the last time I wrote a 7 quick takes post? I do not even remember. 

For my first take ~ a pregnancy update.

I am now 31 weeks + 2 days. My prediction is that I won't make it to my due date. 

-- first because this is my 7th. 

-- second because I have gestational diabetes and  Rose will probably be a big baby. 

My sugars are not super out of control. My fasting BG are between 95-101. My postprandial BG 1 hour are all below 125. I am actually losing weight (per my home scale). I am curious what my weight will be next week when I go to the office. I will be 32 weeks then and will start my weekly NSTs. 

The fatigue is crazy for this pregnancy. I long to sit or put my feet up. I cannot stand for long periods of time. I don't even carry Nash for a long time either. He sits on my lap and cuddles with me on the couch. He loves to bounce off of my belly. It is not a comfortable game. 

2. Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

I am actually >50% done. Because of the pandemic and lack of traveling and extra curricular activities with the children, I prepped their list waaaaay before Thanksgiving. I shopped quite a bit during  Thanksgiving week. It was insane seeing Black Friday deals the day before Thanksgiving. I did most of the shopping last week than what I did on Cyber Monday. 

Some notable sales ~ Old Navy currently has 25% off sale. (It was 50% off last week!)

Target ~ where I bought of the children's toys ~ if you're part of the Target circle, there's 10% off on your online order. I got toys that were still full priced. I have been stalking them since Thanksgiving week and they did not put them on sale. Not even during Cyber Monday. When I saw the extra 10% off, I used it right away!

3. Twelve days of Christmas Book giveaway

I am sponsoring a book for the twelve days of Christmas Book giveaway that's running live right now on Instagram. Be sure to enter and win all those great books. 

4. We survived the first week of e-Learning. 

I say WE, but truly, it's Derrick and the children survived it! Props for my husband who is now sharing the library (his work area) with our first grader. I give props to the teachers as well for adjusting to this new way of teaching. My third grader thrives with the schedule. She said it is less stressful this second go-round compared to the quarantine months when I was their teacher. 

5. Prayer request

-- Baby Agnes as she recovers from spinal surgery

-- Beckett and his family

-- Britt (Agnes' mom) who will start chemo soon

-- Safety and protection against covid. 

-- Frontline workers, those in the ICUs, ERs, urgent cares. 

6. Work

We are transitioning to more virtual visits again. It is not quite the same as the shutdown of clinics back in April and May. But most of my returns will be virtual appts to decrease foot traffic in clinic. 

I am trying my best to be as careful as I can be at work. 

I go back to my office where I am alone to eat my lunch. 

I don't drink my water in the work area where other docs and learners are present. 

I wear eye protection which is recommended but not mandatory in our health system (unless treating covid pts of course).

I was advised by my OB to exclude myself from direct patient care with someone with covid. But if I have to, she said I should  do the full she-bang and garb up, suit up, N95 masks, face shield and all. 

Being a neurologist and a consultant, I am not really at the front lines.  Our team does not have a primary service at the hospital either. So when I cover a weekend at 34 weeks, if there's a covid pending or covid positive patient, I can do a provider-to-provider consult. 

7. Never in a million years would I see myself selling makeup. But here I am!

I became a BC consultant this week. I was introduced to Beautycounter by my friend, Stephanie. She sent me an eye shadow palette that I fell in love with. The quality of the pigments is amazing! Every time  there's a sale, I grab a few more items. 

Why did I do it?

First the discount! I won't lie. I love a good discount as a consultant. I already like the brand and its mission. The products are of good quality (and clean!)

Second Stephanie. She's a great mentor. 

Third I am already sharing BC on my ig account. Stephanie was right.  I might as well share my OWN link. 

From the November sale, I got the following items (and I cannot wait to share them with y'all):

-skin twin concealer

-conditioning lipstick

-luminous lids cream

I have already shared:

Golden hour all-in-one palette - here's the IG Reels

Eye shadow palette STATEMENT - another IG reel

Eye shadow palette CLASSIC - IGTV

Happy Friday, friends! Thanks for reading.

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maternity fashion instagram round-up #1

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For throwback Thursday and to celebrate Nash's 1 week old milestone ~ I am sharing my instagram round-up of my maternity outfits. I have quite a collection to post here so round-up will be in several posts. I was meaning to share these here on the blog during pregnancy (but it did not happen!)

// blue lady //

// embroidered dress //

// work wear //

// kiss me, i'm blue //

// sweater over a dress //

bump's sunday best finale {wiws linkup}

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Old navy dress gift from my sis // Zac posen crossbody, also a gift from my family // shell earrings, from my grandma, from the Philippines // Valentino sandals, dupes I found here for SO MUCH less // lipstick here

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

lightning speed pregnancy recap

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// ASOS sunglasses to use code ASOSNEW15 for 15% off //

ASOS maternity dress, similar also maternity // Free people oversized sunnies // MAC lipstick // Valentino sandals // F21 leggings, less than $5! // Gucci marmont shoulder bag // Gucci skinny belt, exact one

Get 15% off select new styles with code  ASOSNEW15.  Valid through 6/30.

Enter promo code ASOSNEW15 at checkout for 15% off everything (including sale items).  
You don't have to buy maternity items to use code. You can buy nonmaternity dresses, tops and accessories! Anything your heart pleases!

five tips for an unmedicated natural birth

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1. Go to a birthing class.
I was already a resident physician when I was pregnant with my eldest. Yet, I learned lots in that birthing class that I did not learn during medical school. My husband is not in the medical field either so learning the stages of labor and what pregnant mamas go through was helpful.

The class we went to also offered a book. Keep this book! If you plan on doing a second (or third... or fourth) natural birth, then reread this book. Reread your notes. Keep the handouts with the different relaxation techniques and positions.  I learned about swaying, bouncing on an exercise ball and the breathing patterns of "shh, shh, who..."  Lower back massages are so helpful during a contraction.


2. Have a labor support partner.
This is key! Whether it is your husband, partner, mother, sister, doula. I cannot imagine going through all that pain alone. Make sure that you and your labor support are also on the same page. There has to be a balance from the labor support of "you can do this" and "I am here for you if you change your mind."

My husband and mom were there for my first delivery. Then hubs was there for the other four. He was encouraging but also supportive of changing my birth plan if needed.


3. One contraction at a time.
Labor can be mentally exhausting. Specially if you paid attention to your birthing class and then reread your book during early stage of labor. You then remember that contractions get closer and stronger during the transition phase. This for me was the most painful part.


However, it's best to think of one contraction at a time. In between contractions, close your eyes. Relax. Listen to your labor playlist (if you have one). We played pandora classical music station during my 3rd delivery but those ads in between (sometimes timed during a contraction) were not relaxing. I did not have any music on for my 4th or 5th labor.

There's lots of free apps that can time and record contractions. Ask your labor support partner to time contractions for you. So he/she is onboard with your progress.


4. Offer it up. Eye on the prize.
I just said  take one contraction at a time but here on the next tip - I am asking you to think of the reward. Kissing and cuddling my newborn was definitely a HUGE driving force why I was able to do 5 unmedicated births. I know that there is an end to the pain. That the pain is temporary. It has an expiration time.

I also offered up my pain. I put those painful contractions to something bigger than me. I offered the pain for those children without parents. I offered the contractions for my own children.


5. It's okay to change your mind. 
If you're not doing well; If the labor is a long one;  If the baby is having decelerations -- it's ok to change your mind.  It is not a sign of failure. It is actually a sign of strength. Loving oneself and knowing your limits is a strength.  There are so many battles we deal with as wives and mothers. A natural birth (thanks to modern medicine) is not something we have to face if we do not want to.


For all my pregnant mama friends, good luck! You will soon see your sweet baby. Whether it's a natural or medicated or Caesarian delivery ~ labor and delivery is hard work.


For birth stories~
baby #1
baby #2
baby #3
baby #4 - here's the first part ~ or just skip to the end
baby #5

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get active with aaptiv

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//cute kicks to motivate you//

top, Old Navy, old, similar for only $7

capri lace up leggings, Bally's via hautelook

stroller and carseat

adidas athletic shoes

postpartum blues

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those postpartum blues are real.


i feel sad... why do I feel sad? i smell my baby's head. I see my children run and play. Yet I feel sad.

My husband asks me a question.  I did not want to answer. I did not want to converse at all. Like there is no reason to talk so why answer.  I know it's rude. But why am I mean to him? He did not do anything wrong.


It's 11:45pm. Instead of sleeping when my baby sleeps, I am here sitting at the loveseat, staring at the moonless, cloudy night. I did not do this before. I was either knocked out because I need sleep or busy, busy, busy doing something and checking off my to-do list. Yet I am sitting here, about to cry.

Cry... Those postpartum blues are real. Why am I suddenly crying for no reason?
I am sleep-deprived. I am tired. I am adjusting. I am constantly counting how many children are in my field of vision. If not all 5 are  accounted for, I go through my head where one (or two or more!) child(ren) is/are located.

Thoughts of failure and defeat enter my mind. I try to push them away. But they keep coming back. I just cry. Cry... then hopefully afterwards I will feel so much better. lighter.

That's the hope, at least.



Photo taken by hubs. Postpartum blues has not hit me yet. Just the tired face of a mama who went through an unmedicated birth. 

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longest i've ever been pregnant + house updates

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Dress/tunic, MissGuided

Capri leggings, Nordstrom rack

Manolos, 50 mm in nude

Gucci soho disco bag

lipstick ,Maybelline

kate spade bracelet, mine is sold out, this one with a bow as well

         

        

 earrings, Nickel and Suede

I really think I am going to  deliver  baby #5 on my due date.  Just when I thought there will be a pattern - this baby throws me (everybody!) a curve ball. 

Daniel came at 38 weeks + 6 days. 

Isabel (the one closest to her due date) was the latest one at 39 weeks + 2 days. 

Sebastian was born at 38 weeks + 4 days.

Lucy was my earliest (yet still full term babe) born at 38 weeks.

polka dot + red {Sunday best}

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Polka dot dress, nonmaternity, Old Navy
Chanel mini
Salvatore Ferragamo flats, via RueLala

Bump at 38 weeks + 2 days

The photos on this post are worse than usual. Apologies. (I really want a new cam!)

There's nothing exciting in the L&D* dept. I am typing this and I am 38 weeks + 3 days. Made it longer than Lucy's birthday.

 

I offered to help out tomorrow at the hospital. Maybe the walking at the hospital will help the baby move along.

 

 

More polka dot options

 



I had a productive Monday.
OB appt - check
USPS package drop off - check

then thanks to hubs -- I was able to squeeze in a pedicure and a salon appointment! :)

of course now, I am tired. I am resting my feet up while blogging.. Then the nesting continues. I want to empty some boxes of clothes! This means I will be posting clothes for sale on my instagram closet. I purged some clothes already and donated lots to Goodwill before we moved. But I am still finding things I can sell and donate.


Have a good week!
Maybe sometime this week, I will be posting a birth announcement.



*L&D = labor and delivery


affiliate links are used. Linking up with Rosie, Sarah, Doranda, Leanne, Elena,  Jaymie,  Sydney, Ada, Brooke.

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push present -- should I keep this Chanel mini?

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 My push present came today!
I have had not-so-good histories with push presents. (not blaming Derrick or anything). I ordered a ring before when I was about to deliver for Sebastian. It was backordered then just cancelled altogether.

I got a  push present when I was in labor with Lucy. That one I kept... but truly, I rarely use it. It's such a pretty wallet for everyday use*.... so yes, you guessed it. I am selling it. It needs a loving home which will use it instead of just sitting on my dresser.

Then this one came but I need your thoughts! Should I keep this Chanel mini?
watch me (as I struggle to) unbox this push present! It's such a pretty pre-loved piece.  IS IT A KEEPER? IS IT FUNCTIONAL?

I wanted to open the package right away but also film. No patience at all, so apologize for the bad lighting.


My chanel mini has a middle divider which I think makes a difference on how much I can put inside. if you watch other youtubers' reviews -- they are able to put more inside their rectangular mini bec there is no middle division on their lambskin or caviar leather minis.

let me know your thoughts. I love that the bag is orange. I don't have an orange bag in my collection but it's not as functional as I have hope :(


***Here's my VLOG sale, if interested with the Chanel bifold wallet. it's still available.

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blue and about to pop

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Guess what y'all! I am featured over at Ada's Thursday Moda Link-up. wow. Thank you, Ada!
check out her linkup and outfits she chose from my blog.

 dress, missGuided,  exact one

Desi Perkins x Quay Australia, via eBay

flats, via zulily

Chanel wallet on chain, preloved

 

 

 

Today is my last full day in clinic. I am about 37weeks +2 days on these photos. Today, I am just a day shy of 38 weeks. 

This bump is so low. look at that innie belly button that is asking to be an outie. 

Also -- is this a sign that I am carrying a boy? why all blue all of a sudden?

The girls were wearing matching blue dresses and I wanted to color-match them. 

Majority predicts I am carrying a boy. I think I am carrying a boy.  hubs is among the minority voting that I am carrying another baby girl. 

 

   

I love how this outfit turned out. Different shades of blue. Baby blue for the dress. Patent shiny blue for my wallet on chain and blue mirrored sunglasses. 

 

 

  

photos by my 7 yo. 

Again, head on over to Ada's blog and check out the link-up. if you have an outfit post, link it up!

affiliate links are used. Also  Linking up with Rosie, Sarah, Doranda, Leanne, Elena,  Jaymie,  Sydney, Brooke.

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that belly is huge

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Cardi, jcrew, old (I have had it since 2010!)

thrifted, Old Navy maxi dress

Celine, mini luggage tote, trio leather (bye bye to the red one)

Anne Klein heels, saks off 5th

  

  

 

Thanks to my in-laws for watching the children a couple of weeks ago and also taking lil D to his baseball practice. Hubs and I tried this New Latin restaurant (mix of cuisine of the Americas, Carribean and Spain). He got the seafood entree. I got the short ribs with roasted veggies and sweet potato mash.

Before heading home, I wanted to use my old DSLR (still, still waiting aka saving aka don't buy any more bags so you can get the upgrade) canon 6d.

There's a new Fresh Thyme near the Canal in B-Rip.  That's where we took these photos.
Then when turning around, we found a jiffy lube with a pretty wall art!


So a camera question for y'all... I found some online sellers and eBay too (with 99.9% positive ratings) and they sell the canon 6d for a couple of hundred dollars less. Should I trust those third party sellers? Any experience buying cameras from them?

 I am still in the dreaming phase of this holy grail of cameras...
I am having a baby soon... which meant staying at home without a possibility of a bonus. Except for a bonus  of a treat of kissing a newborn! that treat is better than any holy grail camera!


affiliate links are used. Linking up with Rosie, Sarah, Doranda, Leanne, Elena,  Jaymie,  Sydney, Ada, Brooke.

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