This is IT .... My birth story

FINALLY......

Thursday, October 5th - 36W6d

All started with some liquid leaking on evening after I got home from singing practise with Priscilla, Leanne, Sophie, Alexandra and a short meeting on music things with Michi, Arne, Mary and Susan. Had a pad on my pants and went to bed earlier hoping it will be gone. It's normal at the end of the pregnancy, as experts


Friday, October 6th - 37W

8 am - The layer was wet. There had been some more liquid on my pad. Told Hardy about it but convinced him (and my self) that's normal. My due date was still three weeks ahead. This couldn't be the sign that I will deliver the baby soon. When I had Abigail the water was broken, the leaking was straight forward not slowly. It's all right and normal at the end of pregnancy, I thought. Checked for several times if the baby is still moving.

09.15 - Took Abigail to barnehagen and stayed for a while until she started her music therapy (sounds a bit scary...heee - it's just a music class for kids with non norwegian mother tongue). Abigail also had a trip to her classmates' and teacher's houses today.

9.30 am - Rang the hospital to consult and they suggested me to come for check up when the leaking goes on. Tried to tickle my tummy for several times again and felt relief when the baby was still moving.

10 am - Rang Priscilla to tell her that I couldn't come to the morning group at Leanne’s. She offered to take me to the hospital, but I thought better to wait for a while hoping the leaking will stop. A very kind of her, offering a ride anytime I need to go to the hospital.

Rang Hardy and told him that I might go to the hospital just to make sure the baby is fine. No reason to worry and the due date is still far ahead... but I got my emergency bag ready in case I need to stay at the hospital for the delivery... tried to stay calm and to continue the crochet.



1.30 pm - Saw Abigail with her friends and teachers Doris and Laila passing our apartment. Grabbed my camera to catch them with it, not so clear. I was thinking a lot of Abigail since I dropped her and glad to see her - the smallest one among all kids - with her friends, walked with her small steps and almost running to catch up with her friends steps.

2 pm – Couldn’t stop thinking about the leaking and decided to go to the hospital even the leaking was almost gone. Better had my condition checked up before it's late. Rang Priscilla for help with the ride. Rang Hardy, as well. Agreed to meet up at the hospital.


2.30 pm - Got in the hospital, couldn't find the entrance right away though I had been there for the visit... good it's not the time to deliver the baby with pain and contractions - there's time to go around and find the entrance. Hardy had been waiting there.

Went up to the reception at the 5th floor and waited for fifteen minutes or so. Went into the checking room but they moved me the delivery room as they saw a note 'rask fødsel' or quick birth on my card. Priscilla was off back to her home and offered to pick up Abigail if needed. Had those two wires put on my tummy to monitor the both contractions and baby's heart-beat, had to press another button, too when I feel the baby is moving.

3.30 pm -
Rang Priscilla to pick Abigail up from barnehagen at 4.30 pm and stay with her until Hardy comes home. We wish Uli, my sister was there – as planned, so we don't bother anyone else- but grateful to have friends around.

5 pm - After being monitored for about one and a half hour with no regular contractions the midwife told us that I could go home, but we thought it's better for me to stay in case the contractions get stronger and more often. We'd agreed that if the water breaks, I would rather stay at the hospital until the delivery. Having experience with Abigail's delivery which was so quickly after the water was broken.

5.30 - Hardy decided to go home and I went to the canteen for dinner. Back to the room and waiting. So lucky that they have internet access, telephone, telly, and CD player at the room. Took some pictures. Had some music and made phone calls to check on how Abigail is doing at home - miss her so much. Watched telly and checked emails. No contractions, no sign of the baby's coming.

7.30 - Taken to another room and being checked by the midwives. They weren't sure if the liquid is amniotic fluid comes from the sac.

8.00 - Took a cab to go home. The driver was nice and talked a lot. So glad to meet Abigail and Hardy at home. Missed them so much. Went to bed at 9.30 pm. Better be prepared to have the baby soon.



Saturday, October 7th

3.30 am
Awoke to feel more painful contractions. Not so often, though. Laid awake for one hour to follow the contractions. It came every 25 minutes for 20 seconds.

4.30 am
Awoke Hardy and told him that I felt some painful and stronger contractions which I'd never had before. Still every 25 minutes for about 20 seconds. Had early breakfast, prepared some food to take with to the hospital. Prepared the bag and all things needed in the hospital. Tried to go to toilette with success.... Found some blood spot came along with it.

5 am
Rang the hospital telling them about the blood spots. Could it be the sign of labor?
The midwife at the other end told me that's normal and no need to worry, besides my due date is still three weeks ahead and there wasn't any pattern of contractions yet, neither some pressure down to my cervix, a bit surprise to me but it could be right. Took a nap again with some contractions every 25 minutes.

8.30 am
Awoke by Abigail after a beauty sleep, so did Hardy. Didn't remember any contractions while sleeping. Had breakfast.

9.30 am
Watched cartoon together with Abigail and Hardy. Felt more painful contractions. Hardy took note on them. I thought that I was into labor at that time. The contractions were getting more intense. Tried to be positive and felt good that we'll get to see our baby three weeks early.
9.37 - 20 sec
9.45 - 20 sec
9.52 - 20 sec
10.06 - 20 sec
10.20 - 20 sec
10.20 - painful
10.30 - more painful

After the movie, tried to walk in the house and did the crochet. Felt more often, more painful, stronger and longer contractions.
10.38 - painful
10.42 - 20 sec
10.44 - not so painful
10.48 - not so painful
10.52 -
11.00 -
11.05 -

Laid down, read book and felt more painful contractions. I had a lot of pain in my cervix, It hurt a lot when I walked and when I went to sleep. Tried to take a deep breath when the contractions come. Try to thank God for being with me and helping me, and I would sustain my pain. It'd be over soon.
11.16 - painful - 40 sec
11.33 - painful - 1 min
11.40 - painful - 50 sec
11.45 - painful - 30 sec
11.48 - painful - 55 sec
11.52 - painful - 55 sec
11.56 - painful - 1 min

12.15
Rang Priscilla and got ready to the hospital. The contractions were getting stronger and longer and painful. Couldn't remember that I had such kind contractions with Abigail.

12.45
Priscilla and Gunnar came. Off to the hospital a s a p. Gunnar drove us to there. Tried to smile when he made a joke that this painful of labor is women's fault.... Couldn't bear the pain... go go go faster faster but mind the bumps, please...

1 pm
Got into the hospital and straight to the 5th floor. That was the worst waiting time ever... why it took so long for the midwife to come?? Hardy asked for a wheel chair but they seemed not to notice him. I moaned through my pain and Hardy asked me to higher my voice so they could hear me and come quickly, I couldn't ... I was in lots of pain. It was the longest, hardest, more painful fifteen minutes in my life.
Finally the midwife - the one I met in the evening before - fetched me. It was the most hard walk I'd ever had - just from the waiting room to the delivery room but needed to stop for several times and leaned on Hardy because of the heavy pain. I couldn't think of anything else, I just want to push push push and let the heavy burden in me through... as I felt the pressure down to my cervix were getting stronger and unbearable.

Finally, I got into the føde stue or delivery room. The midwife checked me and said that the cervix was fully dilated. She seemed to be a bit panic and didn't say anything - called another midwife to help out. Time to push now... and I forgot how to do it right until the other midwife - the young one who speaks English - came. Couldn't think of speaking norwegian in those time. I tried hard to push and breath and push again. Had the mask on, but didn't help so much to relieve the pain... Changed position, got on my knees and push again... Hardy was there too and ready with water. I took a sip several times... and back to my work... grabbed everything I could to share the pain... (includes Hardy - later on he told me that he hurts a lot...)





2.10 pm
FINALLY, our baby boy, Jonah, was born!!!
After a big and powerful pushing the baby came out!! I could feel once the baby were stuck in my cervix and after the next push I could feel it through... and it was a huge-giant relief. Couldn't believe that it's over, so did Hardy. Didn't expect it went so quickly but it's true. I heard the baby's crying. Thanks God!! I had the baby on my arms right away. Hardy cut the cord and got some blood spilled out on his sweater. He grabbed his handy cam and camera right away. Didn’t want to miss any of those special moments.




Had some stiches, which I didn't care at all, had rested and eaten. Jonah was being measured, the weight (2,775 kg), height (47 cm) and the blood sugar (3,7) - because his weight is under 3 kg. Jonah tried to feed as well.

6 pm - Moved to barsel rom - maternity room and had supper with Norwegian flag. Risgrøt (rice porridge) with sausages.

7.30 pm - Hardy went home, tired but excited, I guess. Wish Abigail could be there and see her little brother.

It's over now. Our tiny baby boy is here. He is ten days old today and it’s amazing to watch him growing, what a miracle... He is a peaceful and sweet baby. I feel all right and looking forward to meeting my sister Uli who is coming today.

Abigail plays her role as a nice and sweet big sister. She is more getting used to Jonah's existance. She is so alert and care for Jonah, though it was a bit tough at the beginning.






He is a bunch of joy to our big family and friends, epecially Hardy's parents, Ompung Siantar, Amangboru & Bou Stephani, Amangboru & Bou Laura, Uda Tony and Bou Vera. Amangtua & Inangtua Dominique, Tulang Sindak and Tulang Sadrak.
It made a perfect birthday present for my father Ompung Medan, who shares the same birthday with our baby and a perfect present for Uda Saibun & my sister Inanguda Uli Sirait who celebrated their first anniversary on October 7th.
Ompung Medan gave a name ‘SUJUD’ and another name will be given by Ompung Siantar soon. We call him JONAH. For sure, he is SIAHAAN.

I'll update when I get the chance but with another story. My diary about Jonah. Thanks for all prayers, thoughts and supports. To God, to Hardy and Abigail, our parents, all families and friends.

Hope you will enjoy sharing in all the challenges that each time brings for us, as much as Hardy, Abigail and I have been enjoying.

Everything is here

Finally after waiting for one week, I've got the changing table. Not a new one, but still good. Everything is almost settled up for the baby. The baby cot, clothes, nursing tea, nursing pillow.... Time to think of my self, Hardy and Abigail now. The emergency bag, nursing jumper, nursing t-shirt, baby doll for Abigail and enough food in the fridge for Hardy - are on the to-do-list now.
I get back to do my crochet after a long break... sit back and relax!!
Excited, excited, excited...

Mye liv

36W3d

Had an extra check-up today with the midwife and took Abigail with me. It's amazing how the baby grows in one week. The measurement of my tummy catch up with the curve again. Thank's God.
My blood pressure is good also. 100/77. My weight remains the same.

'Mye liv' noted the midwife. Lots of movements, showing that he is alive and awake. That's right. The baby moves strongly and oftenly. I think he awakes mostly at the evening.

Will have another check-up with her in two weeks.

Slow down

...Week 36

I think, it's time to slow down. Do less, take more rest, go to bed earlier and just wait...

To day I played for the last time at the service. I got a beautiful-thank you-flower from the congregation. Will get back next year, I guess.

One at the service said that my tummy has dropped lower. Other can tell that I am having a baby boy looking at the shape of my belly.

I feel good, in good mood and shape... Excercising is one you don't want to miss if you want stay fit and have an easy delivery, so I try to do it while watching telly. A massage is still a nice routine.


YOUR BABY THIS WEEK

You will probably visit your health care provider on a weekly basis now—a sign that the delivery day is drawing near. Although your appointments will be frequent, they''ll also be short; bring a list of any questions you have, particularly about labor and delivery.

Your Baby: Nearly 21 inches (53 cm) long and weighing in at 6 pounds (3 kg), your baby is rapidly approaching her birth weight. You may notice your “belly” seems to have dropped and may seem slightly smaller. That’s because your baby has dropped lower in your pelvis, relieving some of the pressure on your abdomen. While she may still move around a bit in the weeks to come, generally she''ll settle comfortably in the lower part of your uterus. In the meantime, baby''s brain tissue continues to develop, and finally, the lungs and respiratory system are nearing maturity.

Your Body

Well there’s no getting around it—you’re feeling like a beach ball! Driving will become more difficult, as will sitting in the front seat of a vehicle; going up and down stairs will start to feel like climbing a mountain! Even though you have a few weeks to go, your weight may stabilize around this time, so you won’t get much larger. Stay off your feet as much as possible to minimize swelling and cramping, and rest when you can.

Does size matter?

35W3d

Had a check-up with the 'jordmor' the norwegian word for midwife.

Weighed 63,7 kg.
My blood pressure is low 96/63 and my tummy's size is bit under the curve.
Need to have another appointment next week to see its growth.
If the size is still and much more under the curve then I have to get ultrasound check-up to see if the baby is ok.

I feel worry but the midwife said it's ok as long as I feel the baby's movement. Besides, the curve was made according to the European size, not Asian size.
I still feel worried, though, and feel that my tummy now is smaller compared to the size of my tummy on my first pregnancy on the same stage.

When I told Hardy about the result, he rushed into the store, bought lots of food, cooked them and asked me to finish them all. Which was really nice and very thoughtfull but I couldn't eat them at once. The space for food in my tummy is getting smaller.

Rang my mom and consulted with her about my condition. Her tummy was not so big either, she said. Don't worry too much. That was a relief and I try not thinking too much about it, then.

I just can cross my fingers and asked Him to protect me and my baby.

2nd visit to midwife

30w4d

Met up with the midwife at 09.30 this morning. Had to take Abigail with me on bus as she is free from the playgroup today. It went well and I got there just on time.

I am 61,2 kg. 11,2 hb. Bloodpressure 120/109.
The baby is in head-down position. That's good. I am still feeling quite lots of movement. I can imagine the baby inside me and kicking his legs. Ask her about stretch-mark, hoping she could recommend one for me... but there is none!! Hmmm. I used a stretch-mark oil from Avent when I had Abigail, but didn't help!! Just need time for curing and go on with the moisturizer I am using now, I guess.

Popped in at Astri's for lunch and had tempe goreng with sayur pecel. Yummy........ Thanks, Ast!

I bought lots of baby stuff this month, all shops really cut down the prices this month. Just the right time to get some supplies. Most summer items but some all seasons ones.

We've got a nice boy name for the baby since two months ago and Abigail has been saying his name in her prayer before going to bed and having meal. She mentioned toys Simba and Ceetah, as well. She likes to sing for the baby and kiss my belly, too... that's a sweet sista!

What's Going on with Your Body?

You may begin to feel some significant discomfort now. Weighing more than ever, you may even wonder how much bigger you could possibly get! But your tummy will continue to grow, much faster now than in the previous months, and you’ll continue to gain, about one pound (0.5 kg) a week, for at least the next 6 to 8 weeks

Sleeping is not as beauty as before :(... sometimes I awake at six in the morning and can't go back to sleep. It wasn't like this before... Lucky me, I can take a nap later during day time...

Back-pain especially after sitting position. Can't sit in front of the computer too long... But Hardy gives me a long massage every night...

What's Going on with Your Baby?

The fetus is packing on the weight now! In the last two weeks, she’s gained almost 12 ounces. She’s a wrinkled little thing, but getting more "baby-like" by the day.

Now that your baby weighs about 3 pounds (1.3 kg) and measures about 17 inches (43 cm) in length, you’re beginning to feel that your tummy will pop if she keeps growing!

Your little cherub is starting to look more like a chubby little cherub, growing plumper and cuter every day. Her hair is growing thicker on the scalp and those lashes are lengthening. The hands and feet are now fully formed and baby's head and body are closer to normal proportions. Overall, your baby is beginning to look similar to how she will look at birth—just tinier. To prepare for her big entrance, your baby is now starting to control her own body temperature!

Check-up with midwife

26W3d

Today at noon, I had a check-up with meadwife for the first time. I gained 2 kgs which makes me 60,2 kg. Blood pressure 110/63. Had a nice and quite long talk with her. The check-up itself is not different with the one with the doctor which is the heart beat checking, taking measurement and urine test.

The baby is moving stronger and more often now. I feel great. No complaints at all. Try to drink a lot and stay away from the sunshine tho the summer is really beautiful and I want to stay outside.

We went to buy the present for Abigail's 3rd birthday right from the health center - which was unplanned at all. The wheather was so nice and we had been planning to dine out to celebrate her birthday. We got a nice bike on offer for Abigail, great window shopping for me - with some purchases for me, the baby and Abigail, and nice dinner for all of us at EGON.

That's all for today. It's been a nice and busy day.

What's going on with your baby?

The fetus may weigh two pounds now and is busy growing a bigger brain! The lungs are beginning to make surfactant, which keep the lung tissues from sticking to each other and help protect against infection once baby is born.

This week, your baby may now be able to open and close his or her eyes.

The baby’s length is about 9.25 inches long (head to rump).

Week 23

Week 23

I am in my tri semester now and happy about it. Couldn't wait to see our baby who is rolling around inside me and makes strong kicking when I watch movie with high volume. I feel great tho I am big and heavy.

Try to exercise every night bed while watching TV - which is why the pain around my pelvic is less than before, I guess. We had some beautiful summer days and went up to Bymarka to enjoy the sunshine and watch Abigail playing in the lake.

I enjoy cleaning the house trying to get rid of all the rubbish and put away our old stuff to make more space and room. Did some shopping for the house with Caroline and still need more things to make our small apartment nice to live in with 4 people. Still a lot to do.

Had a chance to take Abigail swimming with Intan and Sandra which I really enjoyed. I was lucky at my first pregnancy because I could go swimming regularly from my course which was free, but not this time, I am afraid. It will cost a lot of money. But it's all right, I have enough exercise doing all the work around the house and going out with Abigail.

Need to be carefull with the kind of fish I have. Salmon is good and luckily it's affordable here. Will have less mackrel, which I like a lot.

Read more on this article


What's Going on with Your Body?
You're feeling like a human jungle gym! It’s a rockin’ and rollin’ in there! Since there’s still room to move, that little guy or gal is using it all! Somewhere around now, you may have an internal exam to check your cervix for risk of preterm labor.


What's Going on with Your Baby?
The fetus weighs about 500 grams. If it is born at less than 500 grams, it might survive with disabilities. If it is born weighing over 500 grams, it may be able to survive and thrive.

Week 21 & 22

It's been a nice weather lately and we've been invited for a BBQ with some friends last week. Since then I had sambal more than usual. Eating is one of my problem right now, as I couln'd eat much (even I want to), otherwise I will feel a bit sick afterwards and hard to move because of the full tummy.
Now we are having lunch and dinner earlier so I don't feel so hungry and want to eat much by then. I have to resist the temptation of all that sweet stuff like cookies, cakes and ice cream, it's really hard and sometimes I tell myself that I deserve to have ice cream and cakes in such a warm days... :)

I get use to the need to pee several times a day, and the kicking inside me is getting harder. When I play on the keyboard I can feel the baby reacts and kicks. It's nice to know that the baby can hear your voice and listen to the sound around you. Abigail sings for the baby, too sometimes, tho the kicking is not as hard as when I play on the keyboard.

The other problem is the pain on my hips, I do exercise and take a nap but the pain is still there. Hope it will be getting better later as my body adjusts better with the burden on my back and hips.

The babysitting is over as Celina's mother has finished her course. It's nice to be able to get up late and stay a bit on bed in the morning.

I did some changes in the bedroom and wash the curtain (the first time after three years... he he he). There are still a lot to do and we are thinking of a way to put our room in order with one cot, one double bed and one toddler bed plus the cupboards. It's quite a challenge and make me thinking nights and days!!
Have done some resetting in the living room, which is the least we can do right now. There is plenty of time to do more later, I hope.

I just made a nursing pillow out of an old blanket sheet, just need to buy the cotton or fiber to be put in it. It's nice thinking of holding a new baby on a soft and big puffy pillow.


21 w

Your Baby

Your baby weighs approximately 10.5 ounces and is about 7.2 inches from head to rump and is busy moving within your uterus, surrounded by amniotic fluid.

He or she is learning how its arms and legs move, and using its hands to feel its facial features, which you may be able to see on an ultrasound. Most clinics and hospitals offer to videotape your ultrasound for a nominal charge; it's a great keepsake!



22w

This Pregnant Body

Only a few more weeks and you'll be in the home stretch: your third trimester! In the last few weeks of your second trimester, you are probably feeling a little tired, a little hungry, and a little uncomfortable much of the time. I can only tell you that the joy that your newborn brings will make all of these hurdles of pregnancy seem inconsequential. (You really have to trust me on this one!) If you are having a tough time thinking of what to have for dinner, here are some delicious and nutritious recipes that are so easy to prepare, your partner may even make them (hint, hint)

The baby

Your baby weighs about 11 ounces, measures about 7.6 inches from head to rump, and is growing eyelashes and eyebrows. These two latest developments will be a key method of communicating his or her happiness, frustration, confusion, or interest until he or she can talk.

Only half way more to go...

20W

Fifth Month
As far as your baby is concerned, this month is just like last month, but more so. Your baby is moving around a lot more and growing a lot bigger. By the end of this month, your baby will weigh as much as a pound and be as long as one foot. You are somewhat larger. You are not yet large enough to be uncomfortable, but your size may cause bowel problems, sudden spikes in your heart rate, leg cramps, and a need to nap. Luckily, none of these are particularly challenging: drink more water if you're constipated, don't worry about your thumping heart, take more calcium to battle leg cramps, and rest when you need to. Your baby, too, is becoming quite the nap taker. He or she is now sleeping and waking at regular intervals, and busy listening in to your life while awake. Your baby can hear your heart beating and a muffled version of the sounds outside your uterus. You will be able to feel your baby responding to sounds, now and again. Fine hair, called lanugo, covers your baby's body, as does the creamy vernix that protects your baby's skin from here on out. Almost literally.

Month overview from www.pregnancyweekly.com


The baby's movement is getting stronger and harder. I even can see my belly moves and shakes sometimes.
But I wondered why some friends couldn't see my bump? Lynda asked me once. 'Lasma, can I ask you a question? Are you having a baby?'. I didn't mean to keep it secretly or just tell it to some certain people but I couldn't remember who I have been told to that I'm expecting and hope that the news spreads automatically... (emang orang sini kok nggak cepet ya nyambung lidah... coba deh orang Indonesia, gw cukup ngomong ke satu aja yang bisa dipercaya menyebarkan info, langsung deh seisi kota ini tau semua...). Look at this bump now, I think every body can see that I'm having a baby... Hardy also said that my belly is not so big yet. He must be wrong, look at this bump. Sometimes I need to change clothes for several times just to make it look nicer... :)

Even Abigail can see my round bump. The funny thing is that Abigail said that my belly is a ball. May be because she remembered when once Hardy put a ball in her dress to make her looks like having a bump...
She likes making fun of lots of things these days.
She pretended throwing up, 'Gege untah..' katanya. Padahal nggak.
Once she also said that she is having a baby, too... 'Gege unya bebi di sini (sambil nunjuk perutnya).'

It has been half way, will work on the baby name more. Later on I will need to go through Abigail's baby cloths and see which one I can use for baby boy (if it's a boy..). Yah, nasib anak kedua deh dapet barang warisan kakaknya ya... he he he...

Mencari nama... kenapa kayaknya susah yak..?? Kayaknya mo pilih nama Indonesia atau Batak, tapi kok hampir semuanya sama dengan nama2 teman?? Kalo gak temen gw ya temennya Hardy...

Pusing deh!! Hardy yang awalnya mengklaim gilirannya ngasih nama - karena nama Abigail itu usulan gw - sekarang gak mo pusing2 lagi dan minta gw aja yang ngasih alternatif nama ntar dia yang tentuin....
Tapi gitu giliran dikasih usulan katanya itu nama temanku sekolah lah, nama anak tetangga lah, ato ejekannya si anu lah...
Apa salahnya ya kalo nama anak samaan dengan nama temen... gak mau dianggap niru2 namanya ya...
Lebih 'parahnya' lagi kalo kebetulan calon nama itu sama dengan nama orang tua di keluarga kita (baca: tulang, amngboru, ato ompung). Berkesan kurang sopan, katanya.... Karena memang dalam budaya kita, orangtua tidak boleh dipanggil dengan nama pertamanya atau nama kecilnya. Sehingga kalo nama anak kita sama dengan nama salah seorang dari orang tua kita, ada kesan tak sopan setiap kali kita memanggil nama anak tersebut. Seolah-olah kita mengejek orang tua kita.

Satu sepupu gw terpaksa diganti nama panggilannya oleh salah satu tulang gw karena namanya kebetulan sama dengan nama mertua tulang gw itu. Wah, menyebut nama kecil mertua itu salah satu hal yang tabu, begitulah kira2...

Mudah2an sih generasi sekarang gak sekaku orang tempo doeloe lagi ya... nama pertamanya Abigail aja Yosefa, untung nyokap gw gak komplen, padahal nama ompung gw dari nyokap Yosef (Oooopsss!!), gak sama persis sih ya... tapi kali kalo orang dulu itu gak boleh ya!

Sebaliknya bagi orang di sini, memberi nama anak 'after' orang tua (kakek, nenek, om, tante) merupakan suatu kehormatan bagi orang tua tersebut. Sering kali cucu dan kakek mempunyai nama yang sama. Budaya orang di sini juga beda banget dengan budaya kita, tak perlu ada embel Pak, Bu, Oom, Tante, Mbak, Mas, Kak, Bang... Semua dipanggil sesuai dengan nama pertamanya. Jadi gak ada masalah dianggap gak sopan kalo manggil orang tua dengan nama kecilnya. Memang sih, orang di sini namanya ya itu-itu juga... Kalo gak Gunnar, Ole, Ivar, Egil, Knut, Kristian buat yang cowok ato buat cewek yang mungkin lebih bervariasi - tapi tetep itu2 juga, Sigrid, Kristin, Birgitta, Britt, Inger... Jauh lebih bervariasi deh nama orang di Indonesia.

Pantes aja ada orang yang kreatif ngadain sayembara nama buat anaknya ya... he he he... boleh juga tuh idenya!! Tapi rasanya makin pusing juga ya,... makin banyak pilihan, makin banyak pusingnya ya... :) Tapi fun juga sih ya... So, siapa nama si ucok atau si butet ini?? It's gonna be really fun finding it out!!

3rd visit to the doctor

19W 5d

I'm 58,2 kg, blood pressure: 103/56. Good shape :)

Just waited for 15 minutes in the waiting room, which was nice.
The check-up went quickly. I have no complaints at all. Everything is fine.

My bump is getting bigger and I need to pee more often. Sometimes every 15 minutes. It's quite disturbing especially if I'm in the middle of watching movie with no commercial or when I'm going out for a long time. The first thing to do is always going to the restroom... luckily, it's easy to find it everywhere.

I really enjoy eating, I like asian veggie like 'sayur sawi', 'kangkung' and 'kacang panjang' a lot. Ikan bakar is one of our favourite dish right now; and still ikan teri sambal balado. Thinking a lot of 'sayur asem' right now, I'm going to make it soon. Sayangnya, nggak ada melinjo ...

I like this 'rødbit salat', mackrel, cheese and jam.

Have a glass of milk with my multivitamin before going to bed.

Just read that hot dog is one food that can be harmfull during pregnancy, as well as feta unless it's well cooked. Hmmm ...

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2nd Ultra Sound - It's a ......

19W 5d

At 11 am today, Hardy and I went to the hospital for Ultra Sound Check up. Luckily, we got our turn just in 15 minutes.

Astri has been so kind to do the babysitting. Abigail and Celina were ok when I left them playing with Akhtar.

Thank's God, everything is ok. All the organs looked clearer than the first visit. The size is normal, heart, cidney, brain, other organs and the placenta.

The baby moved around all the time, sucking its finger and played with its legs. Hardy said that it is like him... just judge from his black and white profile picture... he he he... ok, we'll see soon...

We have been told by the midwife that it's a baby boy, and it would be great if it is right. A baby brother for Abigail. Oooo what shall I name him??

What a challenge to have a baby boy in our home soon...

Growing Everyday

19W 2d

Need to keep up with the exercise... feel some pain on my hips. Most of the time I sleep on my right side. The bump is getting bigger everyday, my zipper broke a few days ago when I tried to zip up my black favourite trousers last Thursday...
Felt just want to buy new trousers and we went to the city to do some shopping on Saturday (didn't know that the shops were closed at 3 pm because of the 'pinse aften'). I found a nice trouser but I changed my mind of buying it... I still have some trousers left from my first pregnancy I can wear.
The baby inside is getting stronger. Can feel the kicking more often and harder. I think the baby is kick-boxing in here...
Like balado ikan teri so much... have tomatoes these days, too...
It's so gloomy, rainy and cold lately. Hope the sun is coming out soon so I can have a walk to get rid of this pain.

More pillows, please...

18W 6d

Got an appointment with midwife on July 25.
I feel some pain on my hip.
Need more pillows and need a proper position when sitting and sleeping.
The weather is getting worst... windy and rainy.

Teri Goreng

18W 1d

It’s a day to grief. An earthquake hit Yogjakarta early this morning.
Felt more kicking and movements. Most of them were in my right side tummy.
Mostly in the morning and evening. It was the most amazing feeling you ever had. Love ‘balado udang’ and ‘teri goreng’ these days.
Fed up with grilled chicken.
Tried to eat less rice but more veggie. Missed the multivitamin for 2 days…

More check-ups

17W 4d

Rang the health center (helsastasjon) to set up an appointment with the midwife.
It's not a must to go to midwife for your pregnancy check-up here, you can just go to you doctor if you like. Just feel like want to experience the check up with midwife. Need to wait for them to call me back for several days.

Sleep tight

17W 1d

Walked for 25 minutes to Moholt student housing for the Indonesians gathering. Made ‘balado udang’ and ‘es teler’. Had ‘soto ayam’, ‘sayur lodeh’ and ‘tempe goreng’. Love them all.
Couldn't button up my trouser anymore and couldn't hide the bump anymore.
Thanks to Egil, Tetty and Angling who offered us a lift going home.
Felt great and enjoyed the ‘take-home tempe’. Work-out a lot, ate a lot and hope to get a good sleep tonight.

My 1st Ultra Sound Check Up, it's a ...

15W 3d !!

Had an Ultra Sound check up this morning. All of us, Hardy, Abigail and I went togehter. It was quite long waiting for my turn. It was about 40 minutes or so, but there was a corner for children to play so Abigail didn't get bored.

Asked the midwife whether it's ok to take Abigail in ; on the letter it says that it's not allowed to bring kids :( no problem, she said.
All of us got to see our little tiny new member to our family. It might be difficult for Abigail to recognize the baby, but hopefully she understands seeing the moving 'white thing' on the screen.

To my surprise, it was too young, too early, said the midwife. I am in my 16 week and 1 day pregnancy right now, not 18 weeks as predicted before. Ok, may be there is some miscalculations with my period or something.

I need another check up in the next 3 weeks. Everything looked fine, except she couldn't see the heart's chamber clearly and other organs. The baby moved around, kicking and turning up and down, sucking its finger and moved its hands and feet.

Hardy was a bit worried when he heard the word 'for ung' and thought that the baby is too small. While the midwife meant 'too early'. Hopefully the baby is doing fine and healthy.

Well, we asked whether it's a boy or a girl... it's better keep it in secret for a while and wait for another 3 weeks to make sure. The most important thing is that baby is healty and ok, right?!!

Thinking a lot about baby names. So excited...!!

Old due date: October 13, 2006
New due date: October 30, 2006

Temptation

17W 2d

It’s a wonderful Sunday. Warm and shiny. Went to church and International Sunday where they had food festival and cultural shows. Had pizza for lunch, rice and grilled chicken (again) for dinner. And ice cream. Hardy just bought a pack of yummy ice cream. Oh, resist the temptation, Lasma…don’t want to gain too much weight, but it is ice cream… everybody loves ice cream.

My 2nd Visit To The Doctor

16W 6d


Everything is all right. I am 57,4 kg, blood pressure: 106/61. No need for iron tablet, said the doctor.
A bit crossed for waiting too long to get my turn, which supposed to be at 09.10. He forgot, I guess, but it's understandable. Nice old guy... I knew him since my first pregnancy. He sometimes acts funny. Forgets the scale of my womb or my blood pressure... :) A nice one, too. He is so patient listening to my poor norwegian, too... and kindly correct my language.
Managed to play outside with Abigail and Celina. Ate well and took a nap.
I felt great all the day long.

Stay fit

16W 3d

It’s holiday. Relax!
No croissant anymore. Back to the normal breakfast menu.
Today I had toast, with chocolate, banana and cheese. Can eat more and more of them.
Try to do some exercise in the evening to stay fit. Started with multivitamin today.

Si Ompung, datanglah dikau!!

16W

Rang 'orang Siantar dan orang Medan' and chatted with 'inang' and 'mama'.
Told them that I feel much better than what I felt with my first pregnancy. They know how bad it was with Abigail. Stayed in the room for hours, for days... so many throw-ups... even in the middle of the night. Luckily Hardy was there and being a very good 'servant' to me.

I asked one of them to come over when the baby is coming. There will be a lot of works with the baby and Abigail, especially for the first three months. At least that what we experienced with Abigail. Not to mention Hardy's work at the end of his contract. We really need help this time. No one else to ask for help - please, ompung datang sinilah...

My mom was very happy and will get things sorted out for her visit.

Yes... !! Looking forward to your coming!!

Back to normal ...

11W 3d

I felt great and managed to get back to the kitchen and did all the cooking again. I love grilled-chicken and rice. Felt hungry all the time. I had bread with cheese or liver paste, fruit or paprika for breakfast and lunch, warm dish for dinner, at 4 pm. Felt a bit sick whenever I filled my tummy too late….

The first day for me to take care of Celina, it was fun. I took Celina and Abigail to the playground and I read while they were playing. The weather was wonderful with lots of sunshine. Managed to take a nap for an hour. Felt great all the day long.

BBQ Day

10W 1d

BBQ at Intan’s and I had lots kind ‘sate’ today, ‘sate ayam’, ‘sate kambing’ , with ‘bumbu kacang, padang and kecap’, yummy… sausages, tempe, bakwan and rice for the first time after being pregnant. Hardy was a bit worried about how I would stand the smell of the food but nothing happened. I felt great all the day. The ambassador with her family was there and had a talk with all of us. Went home early at about 4 pm and took home some food. What a day… felt tired but happy…. No more sickness I hope.

Hurra...

9W 3d

It’s holiday and Astri gathered the other moms to come by. Intan and Sandra, Ninik with Kristian and Oda, Leni with Shania and Yasmin and Nancy with Samuel. It was nice to have them here, and surprisingly I felt great even when I smelt the potatos being baked. Abigail was very happy to have so many of friends to play with. And what really made me happy was the ‘rujak’ by Astri. Love them and saved them for the next few days!
Felt great until the evening and no throw-up for to day. Hurrah! I hope that’s the sign that the sickness will be over really soon. Hurra...

First visit to the doctor

7W 6d

It’s my first visit to the doctor. I am 55 kg, with blood pressure 104/66 … I lost a couple of kilograms in the last three weeks. I’m in my 11th week already, hoping to get over this sickness soon. Got my blood taken and urine checked. Then, normal check-up to see how my womb is. Everything is fine and normal. My doctor set up an appointment with the hospital for my ultra sound check up when I’m in the 18th week. That’s the regular procedure for pregnant mother in this country. Mothers and kids are very well treated here.
Everything is taken care of, you just need to ask for the first appointment with the doctor after you got pregnant. The rest is all arranged. You will get the next appointment with the doctor or midwife for every month, an appointment for ultrasound check-up when you are in the 18th week (or more when necessary) and will have registered at the hospital so they are ready for you at the time you deliver the baby. The best part is all with no costs. Imagine how it is back there in Indonesia. Having a baby means being prepared for both more efforts and costs. But still, having a baby is a blessing.

Need some air!

Managed to take Abigail to the playground today, she missed her friend and got bored being at home all this time… The snow is still thick, the stroller felt so heavy, took me more time than usual to get to the playground, and I couldn't stand not to throw up when I got there. I have forced myself to go out more often and get some fresh air and have some exercise as well. It helped a lot but still feel sick and tired… No rice please, no warm dishes… spinach soup is ok, tough… Feel that all my trousers are so tight.

Close the door, please…

Couldn’t stand the smell … it’s getting really bad… feel very tired of this sickness… but still better than my first pregnancy, I think… so I feel grateful and hope it will be over soon.
Try to drink more lately, it says 8 cups a day on that article I read… couldn’t manage to eat healthy food…I felt happy enough to get some food into my stomach…
I like waffle, cereal, mango, croissant with cheese… and milk. Healthy enough!!

It's My Day!

I got congratulations cards from some friends both for my birthday and the baby. Haven’t called my doctor yet… felt so sick all the day. I spent more time reading and knitting… From novel, comics and of course books on pregnancy…
I won’t have time to update my journal for a moment… this room smells bad and I feel yucky… Happy Biirthday and enjoy!

No more cooking, please!

Had oatmeal with raisin for breakfast. Bread for lunch and spinach soup for dinner. Feel so sick and couldn’t eat normally. It’s time for Hardy to take over the kitchen work, I guess…
Kitchen smells bad … wanted to stay in bed longer. A bit pain on my hip… too much sitting and sleeping, I guess… It is time to read those books I haven’t read. Started with ‘The Silence Gondoliers’. It is an interesting one...

Evening Sickness

Told Priscilla the news at the service this morning; she was hoping to hear that news from me, she said. I might look tired, pale and missed some of our Friday morning group.
Still manage to eat everything so far and work as usual at home. Felt a bit sick in the evening,…
Starting today I am wearing the special wristband which I had at my previous pregnancy which I think worked really good to prevent sickness.

Pancake Day!

Shared the great news with Nancy and Astri.
Had pancakes with bacon for dinner on Shrove Tuesday at Waisenhuset. Told Mary S. Felt great today but must prepared for the worse. It was really bad with my first pregnancy. Nausea and vomit all the day long. Hope I will cope with it this time. Thinking of buying some food supplies soon… ginger tea worked really good when I was expecting Abigail. Need crackers and dried peach (a good iron resource, said Indira, my Indian friend who delivered her baby boy last December).

P o s i t i v e

I missed my period for two weeks and kept wondering what’s going on…. Took a pregnancy test this morning and yes,.. the result is positive. There were two red stripes there
Told the great news to Hardy who had been waiting and hoping to hear the good news. We’ve been planning for having baby #2 since we got back from our holiday in Spain last December. We thought that it is the time for Abigail to have a little brother or sister and we miss baby’s cry and cutie face. Felt confident enough to share the news to our family in Indonesia, Medan and Pematangsiantar. What a wonderful surprise!!