37W (pregnancy updates)

PREGNANCY UPDATES

How far along?

37 weeks (finally a term pregnancy!)

Total weight gain?

12 KGs (based on scale at home)

Maternity clothes?

Mainly nightdresses at home and dark stretchy long-sleeved blouses or dresses + black maternity leggings and underwear are the only thing that fits the growing belly for outdoors.

Sleep:

Sleeping on side most of the time now because lying on the back causes discomfort. Been woken up in the middle of the night to pee/poo/snack.

Miss anything? 

Miss wearing my non-maternal wear, being lighter than now (as it is getting harder to get out of the sofa/car) and not having to pee every few minutes.

Food cravings:

Juicy fruits like watermelon/honeydue/mandarin. Indian curry/spicy food. Wish I can eat Sashimi and drink German beer and even salads which I hardly ever eat.

Anything making you queasy or sick?

Being in a crowded place with little ventilation during mealtimes- makes me feel light-headed and nauseous.

Gender?

Boy

Tests done during doctor's visit:
On 25.10 I had blood test for Hep B and the doctor found the cervix has closed to 2.2cm. Since that marked my being 34 weeks pregnant, I was allowed to walk freely around without much worry of baby's health. Doctor also revealed to us that our baby has quite a lot of hair on his head, duh. And he was about 46cm long and 2200g then. She could not take a good 3D photo of the baby as he was hiding his face with one hand in front. Oh well. Two weeks later on 8.11, the doctor said the insurance will not cover for any further ultrasounds so she did just pap smear to check for any infection and felt that the baby's head was already fixed in the pelvis. She later shook my belly left-right-left (not sure why???). Yesterday Andreas measured his height to be about 49cm long but only 2500g heavy. He advised me to eat more!!! He also found that the umbilical cord was found behind the baby's neck- potential danger of blood supply being compressed if my amniotic fluid were to break.

Labor signs?

Irregular uterine contractions and downward pressure at lower abdomen when walking for too long.

Symptoms:

More significant baby movements when sitting down and standing up. Gets hungry and full easily. Feeling out of balance when squatting. Finger numbness or cramps during sleep.

Happy or moody most of the time?

Anxious of what is yet to come for these next days.

Activities recently?
Buying baby/maternal stuffs in baby stores and online. Packed my hospital bag. Attended Birth Preparatory Course last weekend at hospital. Met up with midwife this morning at home.

Looking forward to:

The birth of Baby AR anytime now!

29W4D (pregnancy updates)

PREGNANCY UPDATES

How far along?

29 weeks 4 days (a.k.a 3rd trimester)

Total weight gain?

9 KGs (based on scale at home)

Maternity clothes?

Mainly pyjamas since on bed rest order at home.

Sleep:

Sleeping on side most of the time now. Noticeable pressure on back and feel breathless when lying on back since entering the 28th week.

Miss anything? 

Going out of home, grocery shopping and eating out in restaurants. Thank God for online shopping! :P

Food cravings:

Sashimi and German beer! (My "Nasi Padang" cravings are much satisfied by mum's cooking at home.)

Anything making you queasy or sick?

BBQ food still. (Thank God summer is over now!) No nausea but few times reflux.

Gender?

BOY and we got to see his chubby face last week!

Tests done during doctor's visit:
On 24.08 Dr found out that the white spot on heart wall was gone, but she detected cervical insufficiency. So I was admitted to hospital immediately that day and put on medications daily to stabilize/improve my condition. Had blood tests done weekly and 3 cervical scans during the 3 weeks plus admission. Some showed improvement, while some showed similar findings as on admission. I was discharged 18.09 upon arrival of mum and still on bed rest order at home until birth. Next control should be in 2 weeks after the discharge.

Labor signs?

Irregular uterine contractions. Pressure at lower abdomen when sitting for too long.

Symptoms:

Hungry easily. Feeling out of balance at times. Right hip pain when lying on right side while sleeping, but not so last night. Calf pain after the first night at home.

Happy or moody most of the time?

Depressed in hospital and with the food. Now happy to be eating mum's food daily and being at home sweet home a.k.a new house.

Activities recently?
Organizing home. Lots of lying down and eating! All the homey stuff.

Looking forward to:

Dad's arrival on Sunday morning & term birth of Baby AR in earliest 7 weeks 3 days!

23W3D (pregnancy updates)

PREGNANCY UPDATES

How far along?

23 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain?

4 KGs

Maternity clothes?

Same as last update, although weather is colder this week. So yay to long sleeves/cardigans and leggings/jeggings.

Sleep:

Sleeping on side most of the time now. Still able to sleep on back without feeling breathless.

Miss anything? 

Swimming free-style, jogging, cycling etc.

Food cravings:

Sashimi and caesar chicken salads!

Anything making you queasy or sick?

BBQ food I guess. Much less nausea than before.

Gender?

No ultrasound done today. :(

Tests done during doctor's visit:
Blood test (sugar level), weight and BP, cervical swab (apparently previous doctor forgot to check for cervical cancer!!!). I dread them all! I miss being healthy and just having to worry about my high cholesterol. Now my BP is on the rise and God knows how my sugar level is doing.

Labor signs?

Minor upper abdomen cramps when lying on bed last night.

Symptoms:

Hungry easily. Feeling out of balance at times.

Happy or moody most of the time?

Still moody generally at home and happier when I'm outside (when shopping to be exact)! :)

Activities recently?
Finished reading "Happy Healthy Pregnancy" book and moving on to "The Official Lamaze Guide" book recommended by my cousin Pris. Decided not to go on to learning to drive because of advanced pregnancy stage. Better safe than sorry!

Looking forward to:

Moving some stuffs over into our new home next weekend and proceeding into 3rd trimester next month! Yoga classes probably starting in October.

21W6D (Pregnancy Updates)

PREGNANCY UPDATES

How far along?

21 weeks 6 days

Total weight gain?

4 KGs

Maternity clothes?

Some of slim-cut clothes don't fit anymore, but I still feel the maternity dresses Mum gave are too loose, except those maternity leggings ;)

Sleep:

Feeling lots of kicks especially at night, actually husband felt one of his kicks with his palm on my belly just last night!

Miss anything? 

Energy and being leaner, and most importantly my PARENTS!

Food cravings:

Nasi Padang

Anything making you queasy or sick?

Steamy or smoky environment, such as in a steamboat restaurant or bbq events

Gender?

We're certain now it's a BOY! Immediately went online to buy some baby stuffs! :)

Labor signs?

Lower abdomen cramps during swimming yesterday, probably because it's the first time I've been swimming for this whole year, and I was swimming free style instead of starting slow with frog style.

Symptoms:

Hungry easily

Happy or moody most of the time?

It depends on what occassion, but I would say I'm quite moody generally at home and happier when I'm outside (poor husband has to tolerate my tempers)

Looking forward to:

Moving into our new home in the last week of August and proceeding into 3rd trimester!

"I like to move it, move it!"

One of the greatest changes I felt this week is baby kicks inside my belly. I could feel them strongest in the morning and late night when I'm resting on my bed. Funny it felt like waves inside and I tried as much as I can trying to feel it with my palm across the belly. Sometimes I could palpate his kicks, while other times not. Like as of now I'm typing, the kicks are towards my left belly. So far today I have felt more than 10 kicks already. I still have yet to get Andreas to feel his kick across my belly.

Many mamas said this is one of the things they missed about pregnancies. So I will try to enjoy it while I can. It's both fascinating and also strange at the same time. It's because there's lots of involuntary movement in there, which is similar to a stomach gas I guess but not painful in any way.

And now the kick is towards my bottom centre of belly. The fetus has still lots of room to change its position around until late in his 3rd trimester, at which point in time I hope it'll be facing head down in my pelvis. Most importantly, I hope that the baby is growing healthily and it will be a smooth pregnancy in Jesus Name! Amen.

21W1D

Dear baby,

Today we are 100% sure WE ARE EXPECTING A BOY based on today's ultrasound findings! Mummy immediately got home and ordered you clothes online in excitement. Now all we want is for you to be healthy and grow to be stronger everyday.

The doctor said that everything was perfect with your brain, abdomen, spine, kidneys and almost perfect with your heart, except that she found small white lesion on the wall of left ventricle. She assured Mummy that it was a one of the common founding on ultrasound in this second trimester and it should go away as the pregnancy lengthens. In Wikipedia, it states that this occurs in about 3-5% of normal pregnancies and causes no health problems. Mummy hopes so too! This 'soft marker' has been associated with Trisomy 13, 18 and 21 and there are tests available if we would like to exclude the chromosomal abnormalities altogether but the specialist did not think it's necessary. Mummy is still young and so there is no other risk suggesting that as well. Moreover, the test cost us 400+ Euro! So she suggested us to come back in 4 weeks' time for her to have a look at it again and also to get a better view of your face. You were hiding it despite the shakes the doctor gave. Today you were doing this feet-up-to-the-front-of-your-face pose the whole time during ultrasound and doctor said you are 'sporty'! You are about 440 grams heavy now and about the size of a carrot. :) Mummy did not have any pictures of you for this ultrasound because the doctor captures her shots in a CD instead. Mummy wished she could video instead. Oh well.

Your soon-to-be Mummy,
R

21W0D

The past few days were the best days we had in Germany: 8 days of road trip from Duessie - Roermond - Badenburg - Stuttgart - Ingolstadt - Munich - Hohenschwangau - Ravenburg- Constanz - Triberg - Offenburg - Strassburg - Heidelberg - Frankfurt - Duessie. Although everyday was a hassle, sometimes visiting 2 cities in a day, we were able to see different cities and enjoy different environment. It was definitely tiring, especially for my parents, but I'm sure they enjoyed their time here with us. This trip surely is an eye-opening experience for my parents, about life in Germany and its people. I am extremely thankful to my parents for visiting us and pampering us every day they are here! Everyday was filled with laughters with them around. Their narcism at photo taking or selfies, and fashion styles, cracked us up. They are planning to come visit again in late November-December when the baby is due. We are expecting a full house in December!

Andre drove us all the while, and for that we were forever grateful. I'm so blessed to have such caring and capable husband. Although he's tired, he didn't complain much. Only when we arrived at the hotel and there were stairs instead of elevator, he'd get really pissed off. I agree, it's my fault for not doing my research well enough. Some of the hotels I booked doesn't have aircon and parking on-site. Next time I'll make sure of those details especially when travelling with my parents.

The past weeks I've been feeling baby kicks/flutters in me. Especially last 2 weeks when I put on Hillsong music using belly buds. They say this is one of the best feeling you get from pregnancy. It's true because not only is your belly growing with the baby but also you would anticipate movements to be felt as the baby grows bigger and stronger. It's also good signs to know that your baby is growing and alive inside of you. Also, my nausea had dissipated which is a real relief. It only comes back when I'm super super hungry. Slight hunger would not trigger it unlike before. However, I need to be more disciplined in taking multivits. I think I've skipped 3 days already so far. Naughty me.

Just an update of last ultrasound: Doctor Schmidt thought we would be expecting a boy!Although she could not be 100% sure, I agree after looking at its 'Popo' (meaning 'bottom' in german). But who knows we could always be wrong with ultrasound scans. And tomorrow is going to be my scheduled fetal anomaly scan at Andre's hospital by his colleague. It is usually done in 2nd trimester between 18 to 22 weeks. I hope by tomorrow the gender of the baby can be 100% confirmed! Of course, more importantly, I hope that all will be well with the little one. :)

Til here for now. Later peeps!

18W5D

There are certain kinds of food that make me feel nauseous:

bbq food (smoke smell), chinese hotpot (probably because of the hot weather), looking/touching raw meat (slimy), pork, carbonated water (because it makes me gassy)

On the other hand, there are certain types of food that I feel positive about:

fruits (watermelon, oranges, grapes, bananas), curries, chicken/beef, instant noodles (sadly, yes), chocolate milk, egg, tofu, bread (waffles or simply white bread)

Let's see if our baby will have the same food preference as what I'm having at the moment.

Also I'm feeling these prominent lump in my tummy when I'm lying on my tummy. I guess this is the beginning of feeling the baby inside of me.

OH I HAVE SOME EXCITING AND GRATEFUL NEWS! We found ourselves an apartment nearer to Andreas' hospital, which is so convenient when my water burst near to the delivery date. Also it is on ground floor, which means it will be convenient for us to move in. I also really love the apartment room positioning and the space of the living room area. The previous renter sold us her kitchen, wardrobe, cupboards in kitchen and room and her bed for a very reasonable price, which is a WIN-WIN. Last but not least, the rental price is within our budget and very reasonable. So THANK YOU GOD for giving us the best of the best! I remember then, that I cried when the previous apartment in the same neighbourhood (so crazy and it is not a coincidence) rejected us. But the guy called us back the day we inspected our approved apartment to renegotiate terms for us to take over his apartment. That was when we realised that his apartment was not the best for us after all. The room positioning was not ideal and his furniture conditions were below our comfort zone standard. Although he had bigger garden than what we had now, it is still overall not worth the price which was more than 150 Euro/mth and with a minimum of 2 years rental period which we are not even sure if Andreas is gonna be working at the hospital by then. So overall the pressure on money is definitely lesser for the current apartment with greater comfort and peace of mind. The previous lady in this apartment keeps it really spick and span and she has really top quality furnitures which we will be taking over possession. Once again, PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD! PRAYER INDEED WORKS MIRACLES. What I thought is not possible (same neighbourhood as the previous offer is rare in the area, cheap price for this neighbourhood) and I almost gave up hope, our prayers and efforts definitely work wonders.

Next week is my next ultrasound visit at the doctor's so hopefully the doctor can let me know a more confident judgement on whether we will be having a boy or a girl. So cool! Also, my parents will be here for over 2 weekends! And we have plans for road trips with them to cool places of South-West Germany. Can't wait for them to be here!

Tomorrow we are checking out cameras and might be bringing one home. Hopefully we make the right best decision. We are also having connect group at a friend's house and they are thinking of bbqing for dinner. To be honest, I am so sick of it. Seriously. I might have to eat at home before going over there.

Til later!!!

17W2D

Updates on how I'm doing:
- still nauseous (vomited out water last week due to hungry stomach)
- tummy has grown suddenly rounder (not sure it's all the eating or the baby)
- feeling like too much boobs
- tired and lazy most of the time (kinda feel bad for husband at times for not wanting to cook, clean the house etc)
- odd feeling in belly (not sure if that's kicking or stomach gas or bowel movements)
- sleeping on my back is at times uncomfortable (stretched out tummy contents)

Just found out last week that my body oil contains 'Paraffinum Liquidum' in it, which means it's blocking my skin pores which does not mosturize or supplement my skin in any way. It acts as like an oil layer over my skin and it's controversial product. The best type of body oil to use would be natural oil. So I've done my research and found another of Nivea product which is supposed to be suitable for pregnant women. It contains Q10 and Avocado Oil.

It scares me to know what the other Nivea Soft Oil (contains Paraffinum Liquidum) had been doing to my skin and I've been using it for the last 15 weeks! Oh my goodness! I hope it's not too late now to improve my skin elasticity. And i don't recommend anyone to use it! I mean I thought it was good at what it does for not drying out my skin, but turns out it's blocking up my pores! Grrrr!

Also, we haven't had any luck in finding a bigger house. So still keeping our fingers crossed and trusting in the Lord for the perfect one!

July is also coming- that means my parents will be visiting us real soon for a week or so. Their visa are out! We're planning to bring them around south Germany to see the touristy sights and many more! Can't wait! =)

16W3D

Dear baby,

Today I had an ultrasound and the doctor thought you might be a girl! However, it's still too early to be 100% sure. She suggested for another gender scan on 13 July with her colleague. Can't wait for them to be sure sure so I can start shopping for you little one!

<3 p=""> The doctor printed out some snapshots of you! Such round head and chubby foot you have.

Also I recorded the attempted gender scan for memory's sake! :D

Tomorrow I'm planning to attend an Information Evening Session to check out the University Hospital on how the birth support is like there. Should be fun!!!

I also need to do dental check up and search for a midwife to support me during the birth period. So far not done yet. Not to forget we need a bigger apartment! Still hoping all to fall nicely into place when the time comes.

Your mami-to-be,

R

Pregnancy and new house

Today is the first time that I vomitted out my stomach contents. To my luck, it's before breakfast and consisted only water. But it was disgusting. I hope that I'll never have to experience that again. Ever. I was doing so well before this. I guess I'm really super sensitive to empty stomach and should really avoid that situation. A little advice I read online is to take small bites straight when you wake up and having light but frequent meals is the key. That I must do from now on.

Also, the guy that was supposed to call us back today, regarding the rental apartment, did not call us. We've tried calling and texting but so far no response. Terrible. We really needed the confirmation asap so we would know whether to continue/end the current rent. We just hope that whatever happens, happen for the best for us. We are really happy with the apartment though, and it is not easy to find such nice house with convenient location and it comes with a kitchen set inclusive in the rental fee. Unlike most houses here which we have to buy our own kitchen and set it up ourselves. Such a pain. That's why we've been trying to avoid such arrangement and will settle for a house with a kitchen set up. Although it might be pricey, we thought it was worth it- no fuss. We also thought that the renter would prioritise us because he seemed happy about our financial situation and appeared promising about it. Oh well.

Life is really beyond our control. What we can do is our best, and God will do the rest. Amen. He is in control of our lives, and He has prepared a place perfect for us for sure. All we could do now is follow up with that guy and keep on praying for the guy's call to happen. Or else, I might call him again tomorrow noon.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

14W3D

Dear baby,

I am so proud of you for making it this far into the second trimester! Truly God is good. I pray that He will keep on blessing and guarding you in my womb til you are ready to be born into this world in His awesome timing.

This week I've noticed visibly a belly bump and at times it hurts for me to squat for minutes. I hope you are doing fine inside despite all my movements. Also the nausea had not stopped in contrary to the view that it should wean in the second trimester. I will give it time and hope it will stop, because it's making me lazier and lazier to cook due to the strong smell whenever I cook. Yesterday for example I tried making Prima Taste Chicken Rice and the heat and smell made me really sick. Dizziness, strong nausea and profuse sweating and urge to puke. All together as one. I have to say it's a pain. I blamed myself for not drinking enough water daily- advisably 2-3 litres.

Despite the bad effects, I have to say being pregnant lets me experience things I've never felt before. I dreamed definitely more bizzarely than ever; few days ago of seeing my cousin's newborn and he can already walk! Also, I stepped into a baby shop yesterday and looked through the newborn wear, it's all so lovely. :) I just can't wait to see you face to face; hug, play, laugh and sing to you everyday. Whenever I think about it, I'm so touched by God's grace that I'm close to tears. My mother was pregnant with me 27 years ago and I was in her womb then. Now I understand how a mother-to-be thinks and feels like over her upcoming baby. And my mother, despite being 10,000 km away, concerns about me and you. She advises me to listen to classical music, eat healthy, care for my skin etc2... She is now experiencing what it's like being a grandmother-to-be too. :)

Also, we've started deciding baby names. It might change as time goes by!
Girl:
Rachel Sofia Winarno
Boy:
Rafael ? Winarno

Til here for now. Will keep on updating the blog as much as I can. Next doctor's appointment is on 21st June! Can't wait!

Your mami-to-be,
R

11W1D

Dear baby,

Today we got to monitor you again. Papi did the NT scan and he said it's all fine. Yayyy! And gosh i kept uttering, "It's so cute!" the whole time during the ultrasound because I got to see you jiggle inside me AGAIN and this time I could see your hands and feet clearer than before. Plus you danced so wildly like you are excited to be alive and I noticed you've got long feet! It is the most wonderful feeling in the world to be growing someone inside. Thinking about it makes me feel special and I get overwhelmed and teary. Praise be to God that He has made childbearing women able to feel such indescribable joy. Here's your very first video and photo at 11 weeks. I hope you'll like it!

I immediately showed you off to closest family and friends on social media. I can feel everyone getting excited as I am. Sharing my joy with others is definitely a great feeling. I also asked them to pray for your healthy growth!

You are now the size of a lime at 4 cm long. Next week a plum!

So we are off to Italy bright and early tomorrow at 8.15am. And I still need to do lots of packing! :)

Your Number 1 Fan,
Mami

10W2D

Dear baby,

So on Monday, I went to see Dr Rockmann and we saw you once again (for the second time) on Ultrasound. She said growth was appropriate for gestation age and heart is present. However, she did not let us hear your heartbeat. That was a pity, perhaps next time. BUT I think I did saw you wriggle your hands and feet (unless that was her moving the ultrasound probe to another angle). I fell in love once again with you. Your head is now bigger than last time and my uterus too. She said you are about 3cm long now! Congratulation for growing this much and please keep it up!

I also had blood test done for standard blood grouping. The next pregnancy check would be on 31st May and Doctor is gonna do this special test called Nuchal Translucency Scan (usually done between 11 to 14 weeks in 1st trimester). That's when we'll know if a baby have got Down Syndrome. Of course we hope everything will be perfectly fine with you! And during the next scan I want to video you!

This morning I think I felt you wriggling in my tummy, or maybe that's just my intestines moving? I'm not sure. But if that's you, I felt you! It's kind of a strange feeling, like my stomach rumbling without the sound and minus the intensity. I'm feeling it now again as I'm writing this. So surreal.

Also these past few days I have been having not only sore breasts but also very intense dreams. It's a mixture of good and bad and I can't quite make sense of what they mean. Blame the hormones for them!

We will be leaving to Italy next week for 10 days. It was supposed to be our honeymoon, but I guess it's babymoon now. Hope you little one will be suited to rich Italian food then! XOXO

Your future mami,
R

8W6D

Dear baby,

You are the size of a raspberry this week! I can't believe I'm three-quarter into the first trimester with you. It is both an exciting and also difficult time. Feeling nauseous is constant both night and day. Having very little appetite throughout the day, and having sudden craving for certain type of food at other times. For example, last night we went out with friends for movie and then dinner after. Normally I will go with the flow to whatever everyone else wants to eat. But yesterday I had to disagree with their suggestions, and insisted on eating at a restaurant, which is relatively expensive for non-working students. I felt myself being imposing on them, but at the same time, I know I have to or else I might not be able to eat. And almost everyday, Indomie/Korean Spicy Noodle is the only comfort food for me. Fruits too such as apple, banana, orange, plum. And i bought Watermelon and Pineapple too the other day. Not being able to eat sashimi, green salads, salmon etc kinda sucks because they have no strong smells and so would be perfect to build my appetite. I wished myself for rujaks, casuarina prata, bakmie and so many other foods back in Indo and Singapore. Also, I have no desire to cook because of the strong smells it causes. That's also another problem for both me and Andre. He kinda needs to bring food to work everyday for lunch and dinner on night shifts. I felt bad not cooking at times and he resolved to cooking for himself and the smell seriously makes me wanna puke. Oh this first trimester days have been not pleasant, except for the fact that you are growing day by day inside of me. It makes me smile and tingle inside every time I thought of you.

So far I've told both my sisters Lyn and Erica about you, and they're both super excited to know if you'r a boy or a girl, to meet you and be your aunts. I plan on announcing you to my mum next week 09.05 after the doctor's appointment. By then you'll be 10W old! The whole family, except Erica, is planning to come here in July so I need to tell them fast about you so they can plan to come in July or December or both!

But there are so many things to be done before you are born to this world. Firstly, we need to move to a bigger house. Secondly, we need to pray for your healthy growth and safe delivery. Thirdly, we need to get your supplies ready.

I pray that my appetite improves so I can nourish you with good food and nutrients necessary for your growth. Lord, please bless our baby and this little family who is still learning how to love you and one another more each day.

Your mom-to-be,

R

7W4D

Dear Baby,

First of all, I am so grateful to God for letting me have this experience for the first time in my life & of course, for bringing you into both Andreas (your Dad-to-be) & my life! It is truly a feeling I can't described with words. When I saw you in the Ultrasound scan, I asked Andre if that's really a fetus on the screen. And he repeatedly said, "I knew you're pregnant already, I told you."

And that's actually obvious. I have been missing periods (3 months long, I think) and have been feeling nauseated especially since last week. Every strong smell or thought of certain food makes me want to throw up, but I have not so far, hopefully never gonna have to. My mind didn't immediately come to the conclusion I was pregnant, because I was under lots of stress lately - TestDaF and looking for future Uni programmes I might be interested in, such as Business. Also, I did pregnancy test twice which showed 1 thick line and 1 faint line both times, but I didn't treat it so seriously because the pregnancy kit was expired since January. Hahaha.

So Andreas gave me valid pregnancy kits from the hospital recently. I tested it this morning and it showed solid 2 lines! WHAT??? :-D

I was speechless and told Andreas and he affirmed that I am pregnant. I did it a second time and again, it showed two lines! Andreas then told me to see a local ObGyn doctor to get an Ultrasound and blood check for hCG. I called but none was available today, so Andreas decided to do it himself at the hospital since he is on night shift tonight. That's when we first saw you and the machine determined you to be 7W4D old! WOW! It never occured to be that I was pregnant before we went back to Singapore & Indonesia for a short 2.5 weeks holiday. And to be honest, when I saw your heart beating, I was both happy and scared at the same time. So many thoughts crossed my mind, such as: Are you healthy & growing well? Did that Radler Beer & coffee that I drank affect your development in any way? Did my flu 3 weeks ago affect you? I haven't been eating the Folic Acid supplements & Vitamin D regularly as I should. Should I be eating prenatal pill/drinking prenatal milk? But whatever happens, I know, that God is watching over us & He will give us the best result possible. Amen. I really want you to grow healthy and strong. I am also very excited to find out if you'll be a boy or girl. I guess only time will tell. Patience girl! ;-)

Now is too early to announce 'I am pregnant' news to everyone I know. It's now still a secret between me & Andreas. It's too early in the pregnancy but I really wanna tell my mum at least... Maybe on her birthday 29 May? :-) She's the person I depend on ever since I was young, emotionally and physically. Even after we were married, she is still the same. You'll love her (future grandma) for sure! Not to mention my funny, young-at-heart dad (future grandpa). He'll be so happy to have his first grandchild. You know, both of them have been asking me for you & they said they would come to Germany just for you! Not for me, but for you. Haha. And of course my 4 other siblings, who will be your loving uncles & aunties. :-)

So I am very eager to see how you grow inside me. Stay strong & keep holding on, Baby!

I love you even before we meet face to face. And you are actually the size of a cocktail olive, according to this book about pregnancy your grandma-to-be gave me last year.

Can't wait for us to meet!!! :-D

Your Mum-to-be,

R