First Trimester- Morning Sickness

My first post about my pregnancy. I am reaching 12 weeks mark....YAY!
Baby is due on June 25th.
We were trying to get pregnant since we were back from Kenya end of August.
We used the Clear Blue ovulation test to help us conceive:
http://www.amazon.com/Clearblue-Digital-Ovulation-Test-Count/dp/B002VLYAOI/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1387182861&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=clearbue+ovulation+test

It totally works! I got the first smiley face about 8 days after my period is over.
Here's youtube video to learn more about the ovulation test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ZSbCtpN-0

We also are eager to know whether we are pregnant, so we bought the pregnancy test that can detect pregnancy even before I missed my period:
http://www.amazon.com/First-Response-Result-Pregnancy-Packaging/dp/B000052XHI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387182971&sr=8-1&keywords=rapid+pregnancy+test
The lines that show whether I am pregnant or not was faint before I miss my period. So, I tested again after I missed my period and the result show clear two lines. So, I am pregnant!

The first month of pregnancy was a bliss. I was not tired at all and I can eat all I want.
The nausea starts at about the 6th week (counting since the day of your last period) - I started vomitting after lunch at work. I went to the Polyclinic and they said that the symptoms is normal for pregnant women. I know that it is not ok for me since I have had random hormonal spike every 3-4 years. I had to go to ER that night to get fluid IV-ed in since I was very dehydrated from throwing up the past 12 hours.
They gave my 2 dose of zofran to control my nausea but it still doesnt help. Luckily after I can sleep, the vomitting stops. The nausea somewhat lingers, but not too bad. The next week after that, I was totally fine without nausea. So, I was under the assumption that it is just my normal hormonal spike.

Little that I know, the next week, on Sunday the vomitting starts again after my dinner. This time, I waited until morning to go back to the doctor and after several tests, they decided that I need to get IV-ed in again. I went home with another prescription for zofran and phenergan. They did not help to stop the vomitting. I am not sure whether I should take them as soon as I am feeling nausea since I feel nausea almost all the time.
I had to miss work that day and no one at work knows about my pregnancy.

On Tuesday night, the vomitting starts again, and I started to get very skeptical that I will have an easy pregnancy. I started to believe that I have the "hypermesis gravidium" HG (which what the doctors diagnose me with) and felt sorry for myself. I got IV-ed in again on Wednesday and had to excuse myself from work. Thank God it was not a month-end period, so, it was fine for me to miss that couple days. But, this can't continue on. So, we decided to tell people at work to help them understand and cope with my circumstances better. The people at work were very understanding. They told me to do what is best for me.

I read more and more article about HG and avoids spicy food. I couldn't stand the smell of food coming out of microwave- which means we have to make/buy fresh food every meal. Even the smell of rice freshly cooked would stir up my nausea.
I started to eat banana in the morning with 50mg of Vit B-6 and that really help with my nausea. I am still nauseous but I don't have the urge to throw up. On my last visit, the doctor prescribes me with "Diclegis"- which supposed to help me with my nausea, however, the dose has 20mg of Vit B-6 that I am afraid I will take too much of vit B-6 considering the 50mg B-6 I took was not prescribed. "Diclegis" is also very expensive- it is $120 after insurance coverage. I wish the Dr. would prescribe me that medicine sooner before spending all my money into buying Reglan, Phenergan, and Zofran.






The best thing is that after the 3rd episode of getting IV-ed in, I was doing much better. I had nausea almost every day, but no throwing up. The salty preserved plum, satsuma/tangerines, and decaf diet coke are my best friends. For some reason, I tried ginger and the baby doesn't seem to like anything ginger-y. So, I do what I can do and as long as no vomit, I am a happy mom.

Upsetting morning

Today I have a very upsetting morning- coming to work late because Jack couldn't wake up. I do not really know why but it is very troubling me.
I felt that my job is already close enough, but I can't have "buffer" time to get to work not rushing.
I really do not like "rushing" feeling. I know that I am more of the morning person, rather than Jack. But it is a marriage, people works what works for the marriage.

If Jack couldn't get to work early enough, that means he will get home past 7.30pm, which for me, it is no point on having dinner already. If he expects having dinner together, then he should make sure to be home around 7.30pm (which means he has to get to work the latest by 8.30am~ 10 hours work)

I don't know what to do. I don't like counting on Jack to take me to work, but I felt that by doing that, I make sure that he gets to work by 8.30 the latest so that he can come home for dinner. But, if he has no desire/motivation to wake up in the morning, then I would rather not counting on him and count on the buses (they are more reliable) and not having to be upset often in the morning because of being late.

If I don't go with Jack in the morning, then we'll scrap dinner together as I do not want to eat past 7.30pm.

SIGH!

The sweetest thing...

Jack was so sweet yesterday morning....
When I was taking shower, I heard him turning on the hair dryer.
I was wondering what the heck is Jack doing with that hair dryer.
As soon as I stepped out of the shower, Jack handed me my warm and dry towel!

For some of you that doesn't understand, I live in a damp basement apartment.
My towel is always half-way dry when I used it.
I recall telling Jack the day before of how nice it was for me to go back to my Greenwood townhome and took shower with dry towel.

So, Jack blow-dried my towel for me to have a warm and dry towel!
How sweet is that.......



"Sometimes, the smallest things in life bring the biggest joys"

Attitude of Gratitute

I was pretty down these few months due to work situation and just filled with dissatisfaction....
I kept on thinking on how could I end up in this "dead-end" job, end up with this "basement apartment"
But, today, I chose the "attitude of gratitute"
I reflect back and see what God has done.
I am thankful that Jack did not get lay off before I applied for my green card. That would be very difficult for us. I thank God for a husband that loves me and sponsor me so that I can have my green card that allows me to stay and work in the US.

About my job and my education: I remember when I was little, I always want to go for higher education. I like school - well, I should say, I like earning degrees :P
When I started Amcut, I enrolled in City University for Master's Program, but I did not finish it. I asked myself, why didn't I?
Then I remember, at that time, I had to pay off the debt that I had and I am glad I did.
Also, my priorities were to stay in the US so I have to accumulate enough money so that I can hire a lawyer and apply for green card. During 2008, my priority shifted a bit, I want to accumulate money so that I can have "assets" to bring back to Indo.
So, yeah, throughout this year, this is why I did not finish my master's degree. Because I don't want to invest in it if I don't see the ROI.

I guess, there is time for everything. Wait.

Permanent Resident Card ARRIVED!

YAYYYYYYYYYY!
For my 6th month wedding anniversary gift, God gave me my PR!
It arrived super fast! 2 weeks after our interview.
It allows us to plan our trip to Whistler for labor day weekend......
DOUBLE YAYYYY!
Praise God :D

Bully does not work

Can't describe what i have to put up with at work.
I wish for a calm and peace working environment.
I can't imagine why there is a certain individual feels like he can boss me around and giving his advices when not being asked.
The owner is the boss and will always remain the ONLY authoritative person in the office.
He hires, he signs paychecks, he fires people as he wishes because he owns the company.
I am a nobody, but I don't put up with bullies.

What does people think? this is high school? :S

People do not have to be scared to tell the truth. You don't have to "threatened" people to not tell something unless you think you do something wrong and fearful of what you have done. Think before you bully! -.-"

I will bring praise! No weapons formed against me shall remain...I will rejoice, I will declare, GOD is my victory and He is here. (Hillsongs)

"He who doesn't learn from history is forced to repeat its mistakes"
-Ravi Zacharias

What would it take?

What would it take for me to give up my comfort zone?

Last Friday, when I was attending my friend's mom's funeral, I had conversation with a friend that switch career. She was working in accounting field for one of the Big4 and now she is a teacher.
I am sure the pay cut that she takes is at least 20%. I wonder what would it take for me to switch career?
I am not fully satisfied with my current job since there is no growth for me even though the pay is good.
My friend got laid off, hence she decided to pursue teaching- her passion.
So, for me, do I need to get laid off before I can choose what I really want?
or........what is it? is it just "taking the risk"? will it be worth it? Will i regret if I had not taken the risk?

Recently attending funeral, also makes me think that "life is short" How can I make my life count?
Will it be sickness that prompt me to do "what i want"- to take the risk?
Another question also, what would it take for someone to "ask for forgiveness"?
I know some people hold grudges- unwilling to forgive or to prideful to apologize when they know they do something wrong.
What would it take for someone to initiate that forgiveness?
Many people reconcile when they are already near dying. Do you have to wait that long before you reconcile?

I guess, i am being anxious with my health issue prompted me to think too much of some stuff ><

Lottery

Today, seems like the Mega Million $640 M winning is all over the news. I did not pay attention to it but yesterday bought one ticket at the grocery store just because a lady in front of me bought lots of them.
Sometimes I'd randomly bought 1-2 tickets just out of fun.

But, if I really win, how will I spend the money??
hmmmm...........

1% of 640M is already 6.5M!!
OK, to start off 50% is already taxed so I'll left with 320M
1% for legal issues
I'll do my 15% tithe to the church (since we are in the process of moving our home church- we'll do 5% to LECC, 5% to IFGF, and 5% to our future home church)
5% for any organizational.

5% for me.

Left......  29%
Jack is super conservative......so 10% saving.
left.......19%. Family 5%
1% will be given to my work mates - since Mike, my co worker also promised me 1M if he wins.
the rest.....13%.........what should i do with it?

Hmmm.........so easy to dream, and so easy to spend. 100% pie...only left 13%? >.<
hahaha. I hope i'm not too greedy.

Anyway, I told Jack earlier, I am claiming: Proverbs 10:22 "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."
He asked me, "Since when are you joining Joel Osteen's church?" =P

.Fail.

Today, a sad story happened.

I went to get my facial done at a new spa place in Queen Anne neighborhood. Close to the spa, there was a French cafe- Cafe the Lion- and I went in to check out the place. I went and got 4 macaroons: chocolate with salted caramel inside, taro with vanilla filling, mocha, and green tea. After I got them, I went straight to my facial for an hour. After the facial at 7.20 pm, I feel little hungry- So I ate the green tea one since I know Jack does not like green tea. The green tea macaroon was sooo good. It melted in my mouth!
Still feeling hungry, I waited for the bus. When I got to the bus stop, the bus just passed by. I was just 30 seconds late. Disappointed, I took out the macaroons box from my bag again. I ate the chocolate one and planning to eat the rest of them with Jack (2 of them- taro and mocha) I checked out the bus schedule, and found out that the next bus will be 30 minutes away. I went in to the nearby Safeway and got a frozen potatoes for breakfast. I went back to the bus stop and waited for the bus. 5 minutes went by, and I checked the bus schedule again, and the bus would be late by 10 minutes. I opened the macaroons box and just realized that I was not given the taro macaroon (purplish color) but I got the vanilla instead. It is quite hard to tell the vanilla apart from the mocha. So, I ate one of them, and hoping to leave Jack the mocha one. I ate the vanilla macaroon. Looking at the only mocha left in the box, I felt so bad to leave Jack with only one macaroon, plus I am still hungry! I ate the last bite although I felt guilty and wanted to leave Jack with half. But, I can't resist! I ate them all! FAIL T.T

On the way home, in the bus, I was thinking on how could that happen. I had 4- and I couldn't resist, then i left with none.

I think the root is: self control ~  I have no self control :S  
Another problem is disappointment.
and the last one is idleness.

I realize that this can be the problem of life: small things add up (1 by 1 and gone!)
In financial- the way I spend my money, if I rationalize going out to fine dining and shopping, just once, just twice....without a STOP, I would end up with no saving. I need to know when to STOP!
Same thing with negative thoughts and sin. Some things are harmful at first, one, one, then..... you are trapped.

The word of God said, ""If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities."

Jealousy

James 3:13-18
13 Who among you is wise and understanding ? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

My heart was really troubled yesterday since it was filled with jealousy. I was jealous of couple of my friends who get new -better -jobs. It is so easy for greed to creep out from inside of me even though the hour before I was very grateful of my loving husband, supportive friends & family, and having stable income.
Thank God today for reminding me to sow in the Spirit. Be peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.Lord, I am sorry for being so ungrateful. Please restore my joy and my peace in You.

Why 02.18.2012?

We got this question a lot when we announced our wedding date.
Why February 18, 2012?
We got engaged in July 4, 2011 although we kind of been talking about our wedding since May.
We were thinking of getting married at the end of 2011 but then, it feels like we only have short time to plan.
Taking into consideration about family that will be traveling from out of the US as well,
we decided that early 2012 sounds much better.
Especially also that end of the year is the busiest time of the year for my work place.
Being an accountant, January will not be a good year too since it is the time when I have to prepare federal & state filing for closing 2011.
So, that leave us with February being the earlier possible month in 2012. We want to make 2012 a fresh start for both of us.

After talking to our parents and inquire the venue we like, we decided to get married on 02.18.2012!

10 more days.... counting =)

Found OUR home!

I am glad we have found our future home together!
The "home" search was quite challenging due to the option of "buying" vs. "renting"
More so because I want to live somewhere convenient busing to Downtown Seattle.

After researching the house market, evaluating the economy, consulting with several people,
we decided to rent, rather than to buy.
We were looking at several apartment complex close to the Overlake Transit Center within our budget of $1000.00 for one bedroom apartment.
We were quite settled with Archstone Redmond Court for $970/month and Jack would drive me every morning to the transit center. However, when we contacted them about a week ago regarding their availability for next month, the rent price went up to $1085/month!
We decided to look some more until we found some units on craigslist within our budget.
Sadly, those units did not include washer & dryer - which was a big turn down for me.

Thank God, last Monday, we found this apartment in downtown Bellevue for $1050/month.
We checked it out and we both like it. I like it more because of the 2 additional storage closets it has.
The only problem is just that the apartment is located down from a very steep hill.
If Seattle has bad winter like two years ago, we can end up getting lock in our apartment for days.

Despite the challenge, and the option of looking into more apartments, we have made our decision.
We pray that God will help us settle down quickly and build our home peacefully =)

Mini Honeymoon: booked! =D

Yayyyyy! I am so excited :)
We just purchased our hotel for our mini honeymoon next year.
It will be in Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
http://www.hautelook.com/getaways/home/show/556

I also purchased an hour long photoshoot just to document our mini honeymoon at the Balboa Park through Living Social with Alon David Photography.

Excited. Can't wait :D

phós : φῶς : Illuminate

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5: 14

This morning, as I put on the diamond jewelries into the cases that have lights installed in them, I notice that the diamonds glare beautifully and the cases lit up against the gloomy Seattle sky today.

This makes me think about our lives as children of God. We should lit up like that cases because we have Jesus in our lives. We should shine. Am I shining against the gloomy world? What can I do to shine? - more Lights perhaps? (the diamonds shine more inside the cases because of the newly installed lights in the cases :P)

5457 phṓs (a neuter noun) – properly, light (especially in terms of its results, what it manifests); in the NT, the manifestation of God's self-existent life; divine illumination to reveal and impart life, through Christ.

Wedding blog & website launched!

Please check out Jack & Theresia wedding website at www.jackandtere.com
Meanwhile, during my wedding planning,
I also documented some of my findings on
weddingsinseattle.blogspot.com

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Life without Jesus

How do you think your life would be without Jesus?

I was just thinking on how would my life be without Jesus.
I saw couple of my friends that they are doing "fine"- on social standard- without Jesus.
They have good jobs, great family, being faithful husband/ wife, blessed with wonderful children, financially secure, healthy....
I thank God that I have great family that raise me with great moral values, surrounded me with love. Then I started thinking....... "I would have been fine too without Jesus"

i paused. "really?" my heart said....

I asked Jack, "Where do you think your life be without Jesus?"
He replied "Jail? :P I don't know~"

I thought at that time that a person need to have a good moral foundation in order to be a "good" person- a faithful husband- Being a Christian alone is not enough. But, I am wrong. Our lives totally centered around Christ. He set the moral standard. He changes people- that's His best job- especially from a wretch to something beautiful.

My mind flash back to couple incidents where I desperately need Jesus.

"No, I probably wouldn't be fine without Jesus - I don't know where I would be."
What a prideful, boastful answer I had before "I would have been fine too without Jesus"???!!

I repented.

No, I need Jesus. all the time in my life.
My life will not be the same without Jesus.

The shadow of Your wings

I love this new TV series "Fairly Legal"
in this particular episode I watched this morning...
there is a scene where a daughter, Kate Reed, misses her deceased father.
She said "When Teddy (her dad) was here, it feels like I fit in every puzzle"
a judge who listened to her statement said "That man (Teddy) knows to put things together"

I sometimes miss my dad in Indo, too. I remembered when I was a kid, I can always run to him with any problems that I had and he was always able to rescue me, to provide me a way out, to give me the view of the big picture.
Now, being a grown-up, I feel I'm quite alone. My father is not as powerful as he was before and I feel that I need to face my own dilemmas alone...

However, somehow, a tiny whisper slip through my ear "You can always hide under the shadow of My wings"

I said in my heart, "That's right."

I am reminded that God has this HUGE wings (He is always portrayed as an eagle- do you ever know how big the eagle's wings are?Adult eagles have a wing span of about 7 feet, yet they only weigh 12 pounds on average!)
Whenever I feel sad, whenever I want to run away from things, He is there for me.
He can rescue me, I am safe under His wings.

My God -my Heavenly Father, knows how to put things together- His promises in Romans 8:28 said, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. "

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. ~Psalm 36:7

Panda. love.

Last week, Jim & LL gave Pez cute plush to Selina.
and......my 17 years old boyfriend glanced avidly.
He said "I want that. I want that. in Panda"
I asked "How old are you?"
He said "seventeen"

"Once a boy. Always a boy." I thought.
However, I got it for him :P

He Smiled.
I satisfied =)

Starting the 2011 right::

2011.........
Might not be an easier year.
But, i am sure it will be marked with God's faithfulness^^

I am starting a new daily devotional that so far has blessed my days...
http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/in_touch/

Reading 1 chapter of bible per day with Jack =)
His insights and questions challenge me to dig deeper to the words of God.
As I think upon His words day and night, God reveals new things to me.
I'm lovin it! (Mc D style ;))

One thing that I choose to learn this 2011:
"Be still and know that I am God"- Psalm 46:10
I will learn to pray more and trust God that He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what I can think of.

Looking forward to more of God in 2011!

Swing Dancing

Yes! I went swing dancing :P
Not something that I imagined I would do, but i did it.
It was kind of fun + some kind of exercise, of course I enjoyed it ;)
We went to Halo Room- 500 E. Pike St last Saturday.

Going there, we were talking about how dance is similar to playing instruments together.
Both people need to be in sync.
Both has to know when to create spaces for one another......
follow the rhythm...eye contact- communicate-and have fun!

My lesson learn from Saturday night dancing: I need to trust my partner more- follow his lead...
*sigh...i realized how strong headed i am...