Preparing for Wacky

Learning about my conception was one of the greatest joys I’ve had. Though I had a rough start (my first trimester was terrible), my ignorance of every step I am to undergo during the entire pregnancy made me feel so excited going through all of it – with the fascination of carrying a human taking form inside me; of knowing that the Lord granted us a baby boy; with the progressing kicks and movements he is slowly making me feel; and with all the extra attention I am having from friends, relatives, and even strangers outside. My life seems to go through another phase again and about to open another door and lead me to a new place I have to be into, and stay in soon.

This is the fruit of love – of Rhyan and I’s faith in the Lord that He will BLESS our marriage. More than a home, a harmonious relationship, a stable career, He made us stewards of a life that has a purpose for His kingdom. He made us caretakers of Wacky when he will be born soon – to prepare him to be used by the Lord at the right time.

When me and my husband organized our wedding 3 years ago (2 years preparation and we are now 1 year married), we went through series of nerve-cracking brainstorming, pocket drainers, misadventures and endless opportunities for bonding and getting-to-know-more-about-each-other moments as well. It was one roller coaster ride that we will forever be etched in our hearts and the learnings we’ve had were made wisdom in our lives already. Now that we will be facing another milestone in our married life, I am feeling the same excitement and the whirling ride as well.

Preparing for Wacky’s coming is no different feat – although a wedding is more elaborate, financial-wise, raising a kid is far more demanding and it is a no one day event! I remember raving about getting more and more stuff for him when we pass by the Baby’s Section in the department store, or is pouring over the internet for the “perfect” and unique name for our little angel. I even went as far as planning his Dedication and 1st Birthday! Upon learning we’ll have a boy kiddo made me thought of setting up a basketball court, buy lots of Lego, and prepare for a hyperactive child who will be bruised over and over again yet will play and play nonstop. His dad even count how many girlfriends he will have!

Tons of advices rummaged me, and for how many times I’ve turned to books and internet information to know more about the changes brought about by my pregnancy. Again, the joy of learning new things was cultivated in me. Education stops when you graduate college – but wisdom is a continuous pour of experience that makes us wiser; and better individuals.

Meanwhile, overcoming my tough first trimester and now, approaching my last made me decide to indulge and enjoy before the final “pain”. Although I cannot enjoy eating as much as other preggies do (Project: Normal Delivery!:D), I did the second best happiest moment – shopping! Before you call me “rich mama” (I “swiped” everything..:p), being that frugal yet not scrimping, mind you, made my husband and I exercise our “special talent” towards spending (and investing!).

Our strategies (and tips as well!):
1. Wood cabinets are wise investments. For most, its lifetime is longer and is more durable. Although the lowdown is it costs much, bulky, and nowadays, manufacturers use less durable wood to make it cheap in the market. We opted to buy a plastic, 5-layer cabinet. We also purchased stackable plastic storage boxes that has wheels (for easier transport) and to save space as well.


2. Most of Wacky’s stuff storage and organizers are made of plastic. Rhyan and I went directly to the factory for plastic merchandise to buy – a lot cheaper and they even give discounts as well.
3. We are blessed to spot a baby stuff sale, and most of Wacky’s stuff are bought there. Our best find was his crib, which was slashed 50% off its original price. The price came out to be cheaper than other cribs we saw which have less “specifications” than with what we bought. We decided to buy a crib instead of borrowing one, for we are still planning to have another baby soon. Other stuffs we bought are slashed even as high as 70% off! We even had freebies and sample packs to try to know which better brands to use. Seminars during the sale were also a plus.
4. Canvass. We did not buy everything right away, instead, we go on side trips during malling to see and compare products and their prices from different department stores and shops. We also asked our relatives (which are parents themselves), which brands have better reputation over the other in terms of quality and price, and they speak of experience helping us gain credible comparisons. Asking experienced people also saved us from buying unnecessary and impractical baby stuff. Also, some of Wacky’s stuff, particularly infant clothes are hand-me-downs, which are impractical to buy since you will need a lot but will be used only for a short span of time (babies tend to grow very fast!).
5. Explore Divisoria and you will never run out of good finds. We bought Wacky’s duyan, gauze pads, reusable diapers, rubber changing mat, and lampins there.
6. I only bought a few maternity wear pieces during my entire pregnancy, all of which are wearable still post-partum. I’m also thankful that my sister-in-law gave me her used ones, which saved me from wearing the same pieces over and over again. Fashion concerns eh?:p
7. Ask for an idea of how much ceasarian and normal delivery would cost. This information can be answered by your OB, and you can ask her early so that you can have an idea how you and your husband can save up for it. Other financial concerns that has to be considered while you are pregnant are consultation fees, laboratory fees, vitamin supplements, and yes, even food cravings…:)
8. Check for maternity claims and have them processed early while you still can. If you are working, check with your company how you can claim your benefits for Philhealth and SSS. I resigned from work in time I conceived, and decided to give voluntary contributions to government agencies stated above to continue my coverage. I also secured the necessary forms regarding claims already for faster processing.
9. Have dates with your husband! While it is very “pocket tiring” to have a baby on the way, your time together is still a wise investment. Those were also the times that we can get to talk about the future changes that are to come, and assurances are expressed that having a baby will strengthen our bond more.

By the way, here are the photos of some of our Baby Wacky’s essentials:

Feeding Bottles

Bottle and Nipple Brush

Cotton Balls

Bath Sponge

Body Wash

Bath Tub

Tooth and Gum Cleaner

Baby Brush and Comb

Petroleum Jelly

Baby Oil

Lotion

Cotton Buds

Alcohol

Rubber Mat

Infant Shoes

Bonnet and Socks

Bibs

Hooded Blankets

Blankets

Crib

Diapers

Baby Wipes

Milk Storage

Baby Bag

Nasal Aspirator

Pacifier for Newborns

Photo Album (for baby's memories!)

I’m 35weeks pregnant now, more than a month before the “first cry” (for there will be lot more after..:p). I don’t know when will the next post will be, but for sure, a mom blogger will take my place. I’m excited to gain more wisdom in life – for after my husband; I will have another mentor – our baby. Wacky will introduce me to honing my “caregiving” skills, nursery rhymes, and sports. I will have to re-learn how to teach colors, shapes and opposites, as well as animal sounds and English-tagalog translations. I need to learn how to drive a car too, and plan nutritious meals, as well as take my budgeting skills to the next level. Maybe, I will post a review for a baby food here too, and our trips will extend to zoos and parks. My Facebook page will contain milestones of Wacky’s journey – lots of them for sure.

See you soon, Rafael Joaquin P. Madrigallos – our Wacky…

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