Immunization

Babies when born is very susceptible to many illnesses. Their immune system is very fragile. They needs certain vaccines to boost their immunity.

Before in the Philippines when my nephews and nieces were born I don't remember they have shots as soon as they were born. But here in the US, with my own experience, our DD received two shots on the time that she was born. The shots are the first dose of HepaB vaccine, and to help blood clot formation, Vitamin K. Then we were told by the attending Pedia the next immunization schedule will be on her two months well-baby check up.

July 16, Shiloh had her doctor's appoinment. Aside from the physical and vital exams she received four vaccines. Three shots and one oral. The oral vaccine is Rotavirus vaccine. Rotavirus is a virus that can cause severe diarrhea, especially in babies and young children. This vaccine will prevent them to have diarrhea or certain diseases caused by rotavirus. Three doses is given orally from 2 months, 4 months then at the age of six months. The other three vaccines were given as injectables. The DTap, Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine; IPV, Polio Vaccine; and Hib, Haemophilus influenza Type b Vaccine.

While Shiloh receiving her shots Daddy didn't fail to get pictures to show her when she gets older about her baby shots. And Mommy almost had a heart attack when baby got her first shot and started to cry. Here are some pics below:

Receiving the Rotavirus vaccine. Didn't like the awful taste; and

with this (2) shots on the left thigh and then

one shot on the right; poor baby ended up like

this!

She didn't cried like I expected her to. After I picked her up and rock her she stopped. We waited for 5 minutes in case she will have allergic reactions but there was none. The nurse told us to give her baby Tylenol when she develops a temperature which she had around night time and was gone afternoon the next day. Her thigh a bit swollen from the shots that she will protest when I accidentally pressed it to my sides when I'm nursing her. I was glad she wasn't cranky that night. But just the same I didn't have any sleep at all coz I was so worried she got sick. I wish there's another way of giving those vaccines without them getting hurt. Do you agree Moms?

My Birth Story I

My maternity leave started on 13 of May. During the last week at work we were short at management team. Our store manager had an emergency. She has to rest until Monday, May 14. Nobody will work closing on Saturday, May 12 and opening/closing on Sunday, May 13. I am not the kind of worker that will leave everyone hanging. So I switched shift from my co-asst. mngr, instead of opening on the 12th, I closed and then I will be working on Sunday, 13th, for my manager's schedule.

I have no exact break the whole time I worked on Saturday. I only get to sit once in while if we will not get busy. The mall was packed because it was day before mother's day. People did their last minute gift shopping. We closed at 9pm but got out of the mall 10 til 10pm since I have to do my paper works and sales deposit for the day. My hubby was already at the mall's parking. As soon as I hopped in the car I felt very hungry. So hubby told me that we will have pre-mother's day dinner at Friday's. We headed there after I did my night drop-off.

We frequented Friday's especially after I got off work from a night shift. The buzzers and some receptionists knew us already. They told me they thought I already gave birth but my hubby jokingly told them it could be now. We were ushered to our table. Our food was served and we dined. We headed home almost midnight.

I hit the bed around 1am of May 13th. I even asked my hubby to greet me happy mother's day. He said it's not official yet but still I insisted to him. So he greeted me anyways.

It was around 1:52am that I woke up and felt wetness on my pillow that I made as wedge on my belly. I woke my hubby and told him "Honey I think I peed on my pajamas". But when I was fully awake I realized that the gushing of liquid didn't stop even if I did the Kegel exercise. I rushed to the loo and still the fluid is pouring out. I told hubby this is it. My amniotic sac broke and the fluid's gushing out. Hubby handed the phone to me so I can call the hospital.

I spoke to the nurse on duty and told her my situation. She told me to come to the hospital right away. Two things can happen either gave birth right away or wait for sometime. The nurse asked if there's bloody show, I said a little bit. She added that I should not delay coz my amnion may dried out and it will be harmful to the baby.

Since I'm all packed, after my hubby cleaned out our bed and got dressed, we head to the car and off we went to the hospital. The military hospital where I was admitted to is 25 min. away from our place. While on our way hubby keep asking me if I am in pain or if I felt contraction. I told him none really. I felt contraction but not a painful one and the interval is longer. But I felt my tummy shrunk in size though.

While traveling, I called my family back in the Philippines. I talked to my Mom and she told me to be strong and keep on praying. It's a relief that even if she's not around at least I heard her reassuring voice. I also left a message to my co-worker letting her know I can't make it to work that day. I also called my former manager to call the new mngr that I can't be at work coz I am in labor.

By the time we were near the military base's premises, the reality sunk in that anytime then I can hold my baby in my arms. And I felt the anxiety and at the same time excitement of what will happen. My husband keep holding my hand while driving assuring me that everything will be alright. He keeps telling me jokes so I will keep smiling. He even told me what if at the gate the security will ask us to pull to the side for inspection, which I refute.

Before we can get inside a military post we have to pass by the gate and has to show our identification. Since it was still in the wee hour of the day, past 2am, the security scrutinizes us. Ask for IDs. While checking our ID's, asked my hubby to pull to the side for radar inspection. Hubby blurted a big WHAT?

Up and About

Gosh! Been up and about after couple of hours since I gave birth but this is only the second time that I have the chance to post here. But since I already have established routine and fully healed from birthing, I can post updates about us here especially my growing little bundle of joy.

I wrote from my last post that I will share my birth story. Actually I have a draft about it that I made in June but wasn't able to publish it. I will reconstruct and post it real soon (kasi panis na). It was overridden by busy-ness.

Right now I am enjoying the journey of motherhood. My husband said that it suits me fine. But I can say the first few weeks was one heck of a roller coaster ride. Hubby is very helpful and very hands on with our darling daughter. He's relax and very confident but myself is a worry-wart and full of what-ifs. Just can't help it. I was overwhelmed by the task at hand especially when hubby got back to work. Now, I am gaining more confidence, more patient and i would say starting to learn more the art of mommying.

SHILOH'S MILESTONES:

Shiloh @ 4 weeks starts being a party girl :-)

Shiloh @ 5 weeks. Held up her head during tummy time with daddy.

Shiloh @ one month & 1 week wearing wrists and feet rattles.

Shiloh @ 8 weeks. First time I saw her focused on her swing mobile's every turn.

Shiloh @ two months (Jul 13) love kicking and focusing on colorful toys esp her mobile and her aqua gym mat. She also loves to coo, gurgle and smile a lot. She's very ticklish too. Daddy was amazed last night when she tickles her and she let out an excited laugh.

Not a Half-Baked Mama on Mother's Day!

Yes, in the truest sense of the title, my baby made me an official "Mother" on Mother's Day, May 13, for coming out early than my due date (May 27). It was also my first day of my maternity leave. Could it be gut feeling that I put May 13 as the start of my leave or just sheer coincidence. But anyhow, I am extremely happy for the wonderful gift ever that I received especially on Mother's Day and my birthday yesterday. Both me and baby is Taurus so daddy will have his hand's real full :-)

One hour and 14 minutes (10:46 p.m.) shy before Mother's Day expires our healthy little angel was born weighing 6 lbs. and 3 oz.; 19.28 inches long with APGAR score of 9. I will post my birth story soon. I am still in the process of adjusting all my skeds and resting as well as attending to my online class. I am very glad that my hubby was able to get a 2 week vacation so he's able to be here beside me and the baby.

WELCOME Shiloh Isobelle NeFerti