Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Musing and reflections.. 


These past few days, i find myself pondering a lot on things that was, things of the present, and things that i still want to become/have/achieve.. I reflect a lot..it keeps me grounded..it helps me focus..especially now when i have this alone time, i stare at this gloomy grey sky and wonder, have i achieved what i wanted to achieve this year?..have i lived a life with a purpose?..what drives me?..what keeps me going?.. I am always an optimist..even when the sky is grey and the day is gloomy..I don’t dwell much on the negative vibe..i see the glass half full instead of half empty.. 

The year 2022, i can say is the year of ‘emergence’ - the gradual beginning or coming forth..year 2022 when some restrictions were lifted little by little and we started to emerge from that place of uncertainty and fear to a place where we can at least find a sense normalcy again..we can travel again..we can go out and see family and close friends again..and we appreciated the little things like a hug or a pat on the shoulder more than ever..the pandemic has taught us a lot of things - of what really matters and what is most important.. 

 On a personal note, year 2022 is the year when i emerged as a new me and coming out victorious on my quest to reach the most coveted master’s degree..it has been a long-standing plan of mine to do my master’s..it has been sitting on my “to achieve” list for more than 10 years now and it has been pressed, shoved and pushed on the side because of other priorities, but when the opportunity presented itself, despite the pandemic, i just dove and took the risk..and sometimes the world rewards the brave.. 

Also this year when we plunged and gave a green light to a big project we have been planning since 2020 - the house in the Philippines..and hopefully next year we will be able to see the fruit of our labor.. 

2022 was not always marshmallows, unicorns and rainbows..the road was not always smooth..we were also tested, challenged, and confronted with bumps and bruises along the way, but we stayed the course and came out stronger than ever..this year when a sister of mine was diagnosed with cancer that shocked us all..our boat was tipped and shook us all, but we remained steadfast and united as a family making her feel that we are behind her (and her family) all the way..the road to recovery for her is still long but we are faithful that she will emerge victorious in this battle! 

With this year coming to a close, i just want to spread my positive energy to you all..because no matter what circumstances you are into, everything will be okay…like my favourite phrase in Desiderata “and whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be..and whatever your labours and aspirations in this noisy confusion of life, keep PEACE in your soul..” 

Wishing you all a wonderful 2023!

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Birthday celebration 2019





My birthday celebration this year is mostly about what Kassandra loves to do..nothing makes my mama heart happier than seeing my daughter having a great time.

Sunday, February 5, 2017




January 2, 2017

The moment we've been waiting for -- meeting our princess!

Back story: Up until the last minute, I wanted to have a normal delivery..that was the birth plan. I wanted to experience it all..the labor pains, the excruciating pain that all mothers have to go through to bring a human being to this earth.  My actual due date was January 11, so a month before the due date I have to go to my OB consult weekly for an ultrasound to see if the baby is in the right position to make the grand entrance. I remember a week before Christmas during my prenatal checkup my gynecologist told me that she would be on a 2-week Christmas vacation. My stress level went sky high because she knows I can give birth any time after Christmas. I was then told that if things did not go as planned, meaning if I have to give birth before she's back, that I will be in good hands with her colleague who also did one of my ultrasounds when she was not around. So that last week before Christmas she told me that the baby's position is oblique, which means that there's a high probability that she can not turn anymore on a head-first position because there is not much space in my uterus to move around with..which also means that it would likely be a C-section. Really??!! So first you're telling me you might not be there if I deliver before my due date, and second, that it would probably be a C-section. She might have seen my panic face that she consoled me with "things might still change the last minute, you'll never know." She scheduled me for Jan 2 early in the morning ultrasound to see if the baby moved to a head-first position, and if not, I just have to accept the fact that some things cannot always go as planned..

The night of January 1, we were early in bed because of our early appointment the next day, plus I was so tired from the new year's eve party with friends and we also went to my mother-in-law's on new year's day that I was just so ready to hit the sack as soon as we got home..I remember that night I was already feeling uncomfortable and here and there some contractions. I actually thought it was just Kassandra doing some somersault in my tummy trying to move and position herself head first so we can still go with the birth plan of normal delivery..yeah I was still hoping it would be like that..and the contractions were not on regular intervals yet so I did not think it was already the beginning of labor..Around 3 am when I woke up with this massive contraction. I remember my tummy feeling so hard and tight and it was so painful I can't breath. Almost the same time I was doing my breathing exercises to relax myself, my water broke! I shouted to Patrick "Sweetie it's time! my water just broke!" I remember him bolting out of the bed, went down to get himself ready while I was still in the room taking off the bed sheets and cleaning the floor!  We were able to get to the hospital a little after 4 a.m. We went straight to the emergency room. My contractions then was getting more and more intense and in closer intervals. I was then wheeled to the maternity department where they put me on monitors. Since I have appointment that day, I was already expected to be there, but now it's not just for a prenatal check. The ultrasound revealed that Kassandra is lying transverse, and because my water already broke, the only option to safely deliver the baby is through C-section.. and so it was...on 9:18 a.m. of that lovely Monday morning of January 2, 2017 to be exact, we saw our most precious baby girl. It was a day of love and celebration. A day of worship and thanksgiving to our Lord who blessed us with this most amazing gift!

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Part 2: My journey to motherhood: The pregnancy

First trimester: 

They say the first trimester of pregnancy is the most delicate phase..because during this period, the baby grows faster than any other time..bones, muscles and vital organs form and develop..and also in this period that there's a big chance of miscarriage..so we did not announce yet that we are pregnant until the second trimester. The only ones who knew we're pregnant at this time were my family (even Patrick's family does not know yet) and colleagues from work who knew we were doing the IVF.
Cravings - I was craving for ice cream all the time.. and not just any ice cream.. it has to be mango flavor.. I remember Patrick would come home with Haägen Dazs mango and strawberry and I would be so happy indulging! From the 8th week mark it began the dizziness and vomiting that at some point I have to call in sick at work..I would be very sleepy and just tired..I experienced it all during my first trimester..it was all so new to me..the body changes, the hormonal changes, the crying fits..it was an emotional roller coaster..Kassandra at this time is growing and developing as she should..I even downloaded a pregnancy app in my iPad to know how big the baby is at a particular week and what to expect during that period.. 
@8 weeks 

Second trimester:

As first time parents, we are very excited to prepare for her grand entrance, so at this time we already started shopping for her..those little cutie dresses, rompers, socks, gloves and bonnets.. Her room has started to fill up with stuffed toys, musical toys, and all things in between..I would be reading blogs about what to buy and what is needed for the first three months of the baby..I have books like "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and I would be reading and browsing a lot in Pinterest for posts about child-friendly baby rooms, what to bring in the hospital and so much about baby stuff...during this time my dizziness has subsided a little bit, but I would still have cravings..mostly craving for Filipino food, which makes it difficult for me because I am on strict diet at this time. I was diagnosed on my second semester with gestational diabetes (maybe from all the ice cream I ate 😁).. and I have to monitor my blood sugar three times a day..so apart from my appointments with my gynecologist, I also have to be closely monitored by an endocrinologist and dietitian. Lucky enough I don't have to inject insulin, but a strict diet is a must..my baby bump is getting more obvious at this time..it's actually big for a second trimester..a lot of people actually thought I'm having twins..so at the end of this term, it was really time to have my maternity leave..
@21 weeks

Kassandra @22 weeks

Kassandra @22 weeks

Kassandra @22 weeks


@29 weeks
Third trimester:

The final stretch of my pregnancy..this phase feels like the longest...don't get me wrong I love being pregnant..I love the feeling of Kassandra moving inside me..I love how she is so active..the feeling that you are growing a tiny human being inside of you is indescribable..the down side is, she is doing all that somersault and double spins in my tummy at the wee hours of the night..and finding your most comfortable position in bed is always a challenge..everything about me has doubled in size by this time, my boobs, my arms, my thighs and legs, my face, and of course my baby bump..I would feel my hands and feet swollen and it's sometimes difficult to breath..I would be walking a lot, I even do some yoga but I would find myself short of breath most of the time..and that is mostly because Kassandra would give me a hardcore kick on my lungs or so that's how it feels..
Nesting.. by 30 weeks I began to be obsessive compulsive with cleaning..I would wash all her tiny clothes, hanged and ironed them then put them so organized in the cabinets..only to re-organize again after a week because I bought new stuff that needs to be put up in the cabinet as well. I would arrange and re-arrange her room..I would prepare our hospital bags (for me and Kassandra) only to put things away again because I would change my mind ever so often on what to bring..I would be designing our birth cards and I would make our do-it-yourself souvenirs.. it's exhausting! But at the same time it is my way of making my mind busy on other things than thinking of the actual giving birth and the anxiety that goes with it..I have to admit there were times when I would think what if something goes wrong during the delivery..I don't want to entertain the thought so I would rather make myself busy with organizing and cleaning...
so why I say this period feels like the longest? Because of anticipation..We are already at a point when we are so ready to meet her and by the 38th week we feel it can happen any time soon..we know it can already happen any time soon..and the wait for that moment feels ages! My tummy is so big you think it would just pop out..I feel so heavy that any attempt to move is so big of an effort..I move so slow and it seems like everything is in slow motion..every second, minute, hour, day that past feels like an eternity..and then it is time..the moment that we've been waiting for!

@36 weeks

@36 weeks


Friday, June 3, 2016

Part 1: My journey to motherhood: The Chronicle of an IVF mother-to-be


“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.”  1 Samuel 1:27 (Hannah’s prayers for a child were answered).
10 Jan 2015: Our appointment day with the gynaecologist to start the IVF treatment. A month before this, we already had our talk with the fertility nurse and the gynaecologist to discuss the treatment plan in details, the step by step process of an IVF treatment cycle, what is expected of me, what is expected of the treatment, what are the do’s and the don’ts, the what’s and the when’s and the how’s. I was already given my supply of hormone injection medications that I would inject myself in the course of the treatment, so I was already prepared physically and mentally for what is about to happen. The appointment with my GYN is for a routine check (transvaginal ultrasound and blood sample) before the actual IVF treatment cycle starts. Oh talking about blood sample, flashback around 4 months back (October 2014), before any treatment has to start, we are required to undergo blood screening, blood typing, genetic screening and all that hullabaloo to make sure you are healthy and your cells are healthy. If you get the go signal from the screening committee, then you can proceed with the treatment.
So going back to day 1 of the treatment cycle (which is the second day of the menstrual period), after the appointment, I was given the instruction to start the injections that evening.

I have to do two sets of subQ injections to my tummy every evening for the next 10 to 14 days. The first hormone injection is the Menopur which contains follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. These hormones stimulate the ovaries to make eggs. The more egg cells produced, the better because that means more chances of eggs being fertilized, which means big chance of embryo transfer. The second injection is Gonapeptyl which prevents premature ovulation during ovarian stimulation.
Stimulation is supervised through regular monitoring which consists of carrying out ultrasound scans and hormone level test. This means going back to the gynaecologist after 4-5 days (depending on the availability of the doctor) after starting the first day of hormone injection. The doctor checks how many follicles are present and if it is stably growing. Blood test are also done to monitor hormone levels in the blood. This is needed in case where dosages has to be adjusted depending on the reaction of body to the hormone injection. This goes on for the next days until my day 11 of the cycle wherein Pregnyl has to be injected. When the follicles are ready, you get a "trigger shot," the Pregnyl, which is an hCG hormone injection that causes the eggs to mature fully and become capable of being fertilized. About 36 hours after the hCG injectuin, the eggs are ready to be retrieved.

22 January 2015: The day of the egg cell pick up. We have to be in the hospital at exactly 7:30 am. I have to be "nuchter" which means no food or drinks from 9 p.m. the evening before. At 7:30 a.m. we were escorted in to our room for preop. When all documents were filled in, IV lines were in placed, blood pressure and O2 sat were monitored, I was then brought to the operating theatre. The egg cell retrieval was performed under general anaesthesia, so I was asleep during the procedure.
     
In the meantime, while I was in the OR, Patrick also has to do his share of fatherhood by giving his sperm cells, which is not much of a painful procedure.  I woke up 2 hours after the procedure feeling light-headed and the need to pee. The first thing I asked was how many eggs were retrieved. They told me they were able to pick up 2 healthy egg cells. It was not much as I hoped it would be, (I was actually expecting 4 egg cells because during the check-ups, there were 4.) But it was then explained to me that the other 2 egg cells were not mature enough. After checking my vitals, and making sure that I have already gone to the toilet, they discharged me before noon. They gave a prescription of Utrogestan, a progesterone pill to be administered vaginally 3 times a day, and Dafalgan for pain relief. I was also given another 2 days more of vacation days to recuperate. We were told that we should be expecting a call from UZ Ghent, (where our egg cells and sperm cells were brought into for fertilization) the day after to confirm how many eggs were fertilized and when the embryo transfer would take place.
We went home with high hopes that the eggs will be fertilized and that there will be an embryo transfer.
The 2 more days of recuperation is actually needed because as soon as the anaesthesia wore out of my system, pain began. It was so painful I cannot even get up of our bed. The pain began as a cramping pain at the lower abdomen, something like menstruation pain but worse because after some time the pain is all over my lower back. The painkillers does not seem to help and I just felt so helpless. Pain eventually subsides after the second day and it's a good thing because I need to get back to work. The day after the pick up we received the most anticipated call from UZ Ghent. We are scheduled to go to Ghent for the embryo transfer on the 25th of January on 12 noon. Both the 2 eggs were fertilized. Patrick and I were ecstatic! We are now a step further to having our little miracle.

25 January 2015
Geared with so much excitement and anticipation, Patrick and I drove to Ghent and arrived there an hour before our appointment. I was advised to have a full bladder during the embryo transfer and when I'm too much excited, I tend to pee a lot so good luck to me. After registering at the registration office, we were told to go to the fertility department which was in another building. Upon arriving at the waiting hall, there were already four couples waiting. I have then the realization that we are not the only one going through the same ordeal. For one or other reasons, we need science to assist us. There were even younger couples in the waiting hall and English speaking at that, which means they are not originally from Belgium. Anyway, going back to the embryo transfer, the exact procedure that was used by the embryologist to fertilize my egg is a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI. With ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the mature egg. The embryologist then selects the most viable embryo to place into the uterus 3 to 5 days after the egg cell pick up. Extra embryos, if there are any, may be frozen and used for future IVF cycles. In our case, two were fertilized but only one was viable for embryo transfer.
Both Patrick and I were escorted to the operating room for the embryo transfer. This time, no anaesthesia was needed to carry out this procedure. An ultrasound-guided catheter was passed through the cervical canal to deposit the embryo in the mid-portion of the uterine cavity. The bladder must be full to facilitate the transfer. We saw everything in the screen. There was a big screen in front of us and the doctor explained to us every step what she was going to do. It was an amazing feeling knowing that there's already an embryo inside me. I was even afraid to stand up in fear that it will fall off! But the doctor assured me that once the embryo is caught between the endometrium, there is no risk of it falling out. I was then advised to return to normal activities, avoiding lifting heavy objects, and not be stressed out. The next appointment to the hospital is 12 days after the embryo transfer for the pregnancy test. It was the longest 12 days of my life...


Until now, going back to what we have gone through the past year, after four unsuccessful IVF treatments, makes me wonder how I was able to survive it all. Patrick and I have been closer than ever, his support was invaluable. And we have been closer to God, His love is immeasurable. If not for that, and the support of family and friends, I would have lost it. I can take the physical pain, but the emotional and mental pain was way harder and heavier. There were times when I just wanted to give up, but then Patrick would remind me why we're doing this in the first place. Our desire to have a child/children outweighs all the miseries that we encounter or will encounter. We are given six chances to try the IVF. Here in Belgium, we are lucky enough to be covered by the insurance for six IVF tries. Although we still have to pay part of the gynaecologist fee, lab works and some medications like painkillers, a big bulk of the expenses are already shouldered by the government, so it's actually an opportunity you cannot turn your back on. After fiur unsuccessful IVF treatments, we decided to move to another provider. It is not that I don't trust the gynaecologist in Roeselare and a great institution like UZ Ghent, but part of me wants to believe that there are other ways to make it work, that part of me wants to try another protocol treatment. Maybe a change can make a difference. It was not easy convincing Patrick to go to another healthcare provider especially when firstly, logistically it will be a hassle (I plan to transfer to Jette in Brussels, which is an hour and a half drive from where we live). Secondly, after our third embryo transfer (fourth IVF cycle treatment) I was already tested positive but the hCG was low, then two days later got massive bleeding which is so devastating, so Patrick does not want to go to another doctor for the hope that the next IVF treatment cycle would yield better results. It is already straining our relationship as it is going through this ordeal so I did not push it until after the new year of 2016.

2 February 2016 when we had our first appointment at the Centrum voor Reproductieve Geneeskunde (CRG) or Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussels in Jette. We were then met by Dr. De Brucker who explained to us how it is done in CRG. We were then referred to Prof. Stoop, who would then be my fertility gynaecologist who would do all the follow ups during the course of the IVF treatment.
15 February 2016, our appointment with Dr. Stoop. He made sure all lab works are done that day for both Patrick and me. Another round of blood tests for routine check. We talked about our previous IVF cycle treatments and we were told that he would be needing my old files from the previous hospital, but he will be the one to communicate with them. Then after the consult with Prof. Stoop, we were assisted by midwife Nathalie who explained to us step by step the hormone treatment protocol that we will be doing. We also needed to sign some administrative papers and then we are good to go.


Coincidentally, Feb 15 is also Patrick's birthday, so after our appointment with Prof. Stoop, we celebrated his birthday in a stone-grill themed restaurant and a movie date. We are so looking forward for this new beginning.




































6 April 2016: We went back to Prof. Stoop's office to get my hormone medicine kit and do the initial blood test. Today is the second day of my menstrual period, and if all is well on the blood test, they will call me before 5 p.m. today to tell me if I may begin with the first hormone injection. Later that day, I got the go signal to start with the injection of Cetrotide that evening.

9 April 2016:  After injection of Cetrotide for three consecutive evenings, we had our appointment in CRG in the morning for our first follicle measurement and blood test. We were told that there were two follicles, one at each side of my  ovaries, but they are still small and it's still early to tell how many more there will be. With my age, they don't really expect more than five, but we will still hope it would be more. Later that same day, patient monitoring called me up to inform me that I have to start that evening Gonal-F, which is a follicle stimulating hormone and to stop the Cetrotide. I have to do that for the next 5 days. Then on the 10th day of the cycle which falls on the 14th of April, I have to do two injections, instead of one, and that is Cetrotide in the morning and Gonal-F in the evening.


16 April 2016: We went back to Jette for our second ultrasound for follicle measurement and blood test. No additional follicles were seen. There were only two follicles, one is good in size and growing, and the other one is a little bit smaller than expected for this time after the hormone stimulation. The news did not dampen my mood that day. Still I have high hopes that it will turn out good eventually. You only need one good fertilized egg to conceive right? Although I was kind of expecting more, I am still feeling optimistic about the whole thing. Later that day, patient monitoring called me again to inform me that I only need to do one more injection of Cetrotide in the morning the next day, 17th of April. Then on the 18th of April at exactly 3:10 a.m., yes it is in the wee hours of the morning, I have to do the last injection, Pregnyl, which is an hCG injection to trigger ovulation. This hCG injection has to be carried out at an exact time so that egg cell retrieval can take place 34-36 hours later.
Arrived 9:30 a.m. and we are assisted in our room

19 April 2016: We are scheduled to be in the clinic on 10:30 a.m. for Patrick's appointment to give his share of the deal. Then 2:30 p.m. for the egg cell retrieval. It was a whole day affair in the clinic, and I have to be "nuchter", so I have to be NPO from 9 a.m. Good thing, I was still allowed to have breakfast, but no more food and drinks after 9 a.m. Time seems to be going so slow when you are waiting, and stress is not helping at all. The same feeling all over again. The feeling of excitement and anticipation. So many questions running inside my head, a lot of if's.. I am confident that things will come out good after this, but I have doubts as well.. I have to be ready for both the positive and the negative outcome. But for now, all my heart say is to just let things be and trust in the Lord..
This is it! After reciting a prayer, I was rolled in to the operating room.
This time I was not put into general anaesthesia like the one in Roeselare. In Jette, the retrieval procedure is carried out under assisted local anaesthesia. Unlike in Roeselare where I just slept and when I woke up, it is done, here in Jette, I saw, heard, and felt everything. I was only given an oral sedative before entering the OR. Once settled in the operating theatre, I was draped and the perineal and intimate areas were disinfected. The gynaecologist who was going to perform the operation was not Prof. Stoop, but another one. He introduced himself to me but because I was so nervous, I cannot remember his name anymore. I was instructed to relax because it seems like I was tensing all my muscles. I cannot help it when you see all those instruments in front of you. I tried to relax and I was told that he is now going to administer the anaesthetic injections. I felt it all! And I gather all the courage I could master so as not to shout or cry there. Retrieval is then performed under ultrasound guidance. It took him not more than 30 minutes for the actual procedure. He was able to collect 2 egg cells, but he told me that the other one was still small. I was then rolled back to the recovery area, where they monitor my blood pressure and O2 sat. After making sure that all was stable, I was brought back to our room, and I was so relieved to see Patrick there waiting. I was given toast and jam to eat after the operation. Patrick was so attentive and caring, giving me the toast with the jam and making sure I eat. He knew I was hungry because my last meal was from the morning and it was already almost 4 p.m.  After eating, I felt nauseous, so I asked Patrick to get me a basin, and there goes my lunch. I vomited it all! It was an awful feeling! The nurse said it was the side effect of the anaesthesia so I don't have to worry about it. It was already past 5 in the afternoon when we were finally discharged. They will call us the next day to tell us when we should be back for the embryo transfer. I was also given 2 vacation days to recuperate.
The day after the egg cell pick up, I was anticipating for a phone call from the hospital. Hoping and praying that at least one egg cell was fertilized so there will be an embryo transfer. Flashbacks of the past IVF treatments made so restless I cannot keep myself calm. I remember our second try of the IVF cycle when only one egg was collected and the next day they called me up just to tell me that there would be no embryo transfer because it was not a good quality embryo. I felt so helpless that time but we have to move on. Now this waiting for the phone call from the hospital gave me the same feeling of fear and anxiety.  I lighted a candle and prayed that whatever the result would be, that the Lord may give me the strength to carry on. In the afternoon around 2 p.m. I got the most anticipated call of the day! One egg was fertilized and embryo transfer would be on Friday, the 22nd of April. I cried tears of joy hearing that news!

22 April 2016: The vicinity of the hospital has become so familiar already by now - going back and forth here for the blood test and ultrasound and egg cell retrieval, and now for the embryo transfer.
Our appointment was 2:15 p.m. and we were there already an hour before. Unlike the egg cell pick up, I don't have to be "nuchter" and anaesthesia was not needed. It was a simple procedure of putting the embryo back to the uterus with the use of an ultrasound-guided catheter. Patrick and I were both very nervous. This would be our fifth attempt in getting pregnant through IVF, but actually only the fourth time for an embryo transfer. Every time is the same feeling...We were called around 2:30 in the afternoon to dress up to go to the operating room.
We are so nervous but it does not show...
There were like five of them in the operating room, one is the embryologist who would perform the embryo transfer, the nurse beside me who would be holding the ultrasound in my lower abdomen throughout the procedure, another nurse to assist the embryologist to give the instruments, the laboratory assistant (I assumed) to get the catheter with the embryo from the laboratory (which is just beside our room), and I guess the fifth one is an intern observing all what is happening in the OR. The embryologist introduced herself and told us that she is going to transfer one very good quality embryo. She showed us the monitor from our left side which will be our guide to see the inside of the uterus. I was draped, disinfected, and prepped. She is telling me beforehand what she is about to do before she does it. The procedure itself was pain-free but it left me still feeling a little bit uncomfortable with my vaginal orifice wide open and long catheters were being pushed in. She has a little bit of a problem inserting the initial catheter because my cervix is a little bit curved and the uterine wall is somehow oblique in position, or something like that. Her technique is very precise leaving no room for error. Once the uterine wall was prepped, the laboratory assistant came with another catheter with the embryo. We were watching the screen the whole time she is inserting the catheter inside and we saw a tiny flicker in the screen. I heard her say "perfect" and told us that the tiny flicker was the embryo nestled in my uterus. I was so relieved hearing her say the word "perfect". I am also not superstitious but when I checked again the monitor I saw the number 111 in the screen. I don't know what it means in the screen but I took it as a good sign. Before going home, I told Patrick I want us to drop by a church to say a thanksgiving prayer. We went to the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg in Brussels, which is not very far from the hospital.

Now after the embryo transfer, the burden of two weeks wait was again upon our shoulders. Believe me, this two weeks was torture. Two weeks of sleepless nights. Two weeks of the same things going through inside my head. I was told not to stress myself out, to just live each day as usual and to think positive. But it is always easier said than done.  Every day I am lighting three candles and praying that it will yield to a positive result this time. Positive thoughts gives positive results because your thoughts become you. That is actually my mantra. Your thoughts become you. We were scheduled to do the pregnancy test on the 5th of May. The days went nearer and nearer and I felt more and more anxious. The day before the pregnancy test, I still went to work doing my routine activity. I remember being so tired that day and feeling sore all over. When I went home that evening I had a little bleeding. It was a streak of a light red in color blood like that when you are about to have your menstruation. I was in panic! I told Patrick when he got home but he just reassured me that it could just be an implantation bleeding, so we don't have to worry for now and just wait for the result of the pregnancy test. To ease my nerves, I lighted a candle and prayed to accept the result tomorrow. Then I lift up everything to Him for His will be done. That intimate prayer with God comforted me that night.

5 May 2016 is Ascension day, and here in Belgium it is an official holiday. So luckily, no work, no school and no traffic. We arrived early around 8:30 a.m. in the hospital for the blood test. There were not much people in the lab so we were done in less than 15 minutes. They will call us before the day ends they said. So this day is another long day for me. I was already so stressed out from the day before because I had a little spotting. It is already nearing 5 p.m. and I have not received any phone call yet so I called the hospital myself. I was on hold for like ages and then a busy tone. I tried calling again for three more times and still the same on-hold tone. I was going out of my wits trying to do things in the house and looking at my phone every 5 minutes wondering what's taking them so long to contact me. If this is their way to torture people, then it is working. At 7 p.m. my cellphone rang! Finally! I put it on speaker so Patrick can also hear what she is going to say. The hCG level she said was very good. That we have to go back next week 12th of May for another blood test. I asked if it means I am pregnant. She congratulated me and said "yes you are pregnant!" I was shaking when I finally heard it. Patrick and I were hugging each other. All emotions were flooding us both..I was crying and Patrick, I know, was teary-eyed too. We just hold each other there for I don't know how long. Absorbing the good news that we just heard and what it means to us. It was a euphoric feeling. Something I could not find a word to describe.
Days flew by so fast and the succeeding blood tests were all good. The hCG levels were constantly increasing, which means that the embryo has successfully implanted and is now growing steadily into a baby. We were then scheduled for our first ultrasound on the 27th of May.


27 May 2016: An exciting day for us! Every day I am finding it hard to sleep good at night. It can be from the excitement of this day or it can be from all the pregnancy symptoms that I have to go through for the first trimester. My breasts are sore which is also difficult for me to find a comfortable sleeping position. I constantly need to pee, even at the wee hours of the night. I would feel warm in the middle of the night so I will take the duvet off, then feel cold again, so I would put it back on again. My morning sickness is not only in the morning. It strikes any time of the day or night. So this special day of our ultrasound appointment, I woke up feeling so drained, but at the same time feeling giddy for this is the day we would be hearing the heartbeat. I still need to go work in the morning because our appointment is on 12 noon. I just left early, at 10 a.m. to be on time for our appointment. When it was our turn for the ultrasound, the doctor told us that I am already 7 weeks and 2 days pregnant and heartbeat is very much audible now. It was an emotional moment when we first heard it! It was amazing how so little tiny flickering light on the monitor could be the heart. I cried right then and there. It was different when you can actually see and hear the growing life inside of you..
7 weeks and 2 days

Fetal Heartbeat: 153 bpm

Crown-rump length of our little one is 8.3 mm

The gestational sac and the yolk sac

The gestational sac

Every day is a blessing. Every day I thank the Lord for this great blessing that He bestowed upon us. We have prayed for this for so long, and now that He entrusted this miracle to us, we will make sure that no harm will come his/her way. We love you already anak!
To be continued...

 
                  Coming soon...January 2017 😍

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Bouillon, Belgium







Bouillon is a city that is situated in the province of Luxembourg, in the western section of Belgium. It is located very near the French border and is surrounded by Ardennes.  The city is filled with incredible castle structures and many historical sites to see. 


Brief history of the city ~ The city of Bouillon is the location where Godfrey of Bouillon first left for the Crusades in 1095.  Godfrey was the fifth and the last on the line of The Dukes of the House of Ardenne and owned the castle until 1096. He sold all of his Duchy to Otbert, prince-bishop of Liege to enable him to finance the First Crusade. Godfrey conquered Jerusalem and died there in 1100 with the title "Defender of the Holy Sepulchre," and the castle was not bought back and remained to Liege for nearly six centuries. Further, the city of Bouillon was, at one time, under the rulership of the French-specifically King Louis XIV in 1676.  After Waterloo, the second treaty of Paris (1815) granted the ancient sovereign land of Bouillon to the Netherlands. In 1830, after the Belgian Revolution, the Dutchy was integrated into Belgium.


Our first stop ~ Chateau de Bouillon or the medieval Castle of Bouillon.  (Patrick and I didn't go to Archeoscope anymore (although it is always recommended for travelers who has no idea about the city) where there are exhibits and show explaining the history of the city and the First Crusade ~ because hubby patiently explained to me weeks before the trip the vast rich history of Bouillon, and Godfrey and the First Crusade (Patrick has books in the house).. Anyway, the Chateau Fort was established in the late 900′s and was formerly owned by Godfrey of Bouillon. The Chateau Fort houses long, vast corridors, and dark dungeons for tourist exploration and the medieval charm of the Fort is truly amazing and unforgettable. I find the Chateau Fort incredibly interesting and walking through its stoned structures, seeing the walls and the fortifications, the ramparts, the vast rooms, and the dungeons always makes me feel at awe at how marvelous medieval architectures are and how they're able to preserve it for us to experience it up to now.  A guidebook is given and just follow the number guide and you'll easily understand what you are looking at with the explanations in the book.  The Chateau is accessible from 10 am to 6:00 pm and the cost of admission is 6.50 Euro for adults (and 4.50 Euro for children).


We're also able to watch the annual Falconry Demonstration (offered between the months of March and November) called the Ballet de Rapaces as part of the Castle of Bouillon visit. The show lasted for about 1/2 hour, just a short time for us to see the beautiful falcons and their abilities.  At the end of the tour, there's a "Scriptura" exhibition, which is in the old tag-covered dockyard which shows how learning how to write has evolved from the Middle Ages to the present day.


Outside the castle, we visited the church of Bouillon.  Patrick and I (on silent agreement) always make sure that we visit the town's church every time we visit a new city.  Also in the city, we saw the old town's cinema, the Hotel de Ville (town hall), and went inside the Ducal Museum (which is just beside the town hall). The Ducal Museum is housing exhibits pertaining to the First Crusade to the present and and guests can take in the breath-taking sixteenth and seventeenth century architecture that the museum is famous for. 


Ultimately, Bouillon is a source of historical exploration that Patrick and I (though exhausted for the day) have truly enjoyed. :D



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Fiancée Visa Processing

Part II of my blog is now all about Fiancée visa processing... I divided the process into 3 portions: 
First, gathering the requirements (1.1 Philippines and 1.2 Belgium), cost, and its timeline. 
Second, visa appointment, interview, and its timeline. 
Third (and I believe the grueling part), is the waiting part, checking the website for updates, requirements after the decision was given, cost, and timeline.


My Situation:  Patrick proposed to me! (Smile from ear to ear). And we can't wait to start our lives together. There is no time to lose! We have to process our papers ASAP. 


First part - Gathering requirements


I.1 PHILIPPINES


September 2010
1.  Get a copy of birth certificate and CENOMAR in NSO.  What I did here is ALL online.  Go to this link https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/frmIndex.asp to have your birth certificate and CENOMAR delivered right at your doorstep. (DISCLAIMER: I don't have any monetary gain by promoting their website nor am I liable for any transactions you make with them. I posted the link for info purposes.)  Isn't that so convenient! No need to stand on queue for a long time. It's great for working individuals who doesn't have to file for leave of absence just to get birth certificate and CENOMAR. 
<<From the website ~~ e-Census accepts requests for delivery within and outside the Philippines.
• LOCAL REQUEST: delivery destination is within the Philippines; PhP315.00 per copy for copy issuance of birth, marriage and death certificates, and PhP415.00 per copy for Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR or Singleness). The additional Php15.00 serves as the Documentary Stamp Tax (Sections 173 and 188 of the Tax Code and Revenue Memorandum Order 13-2008) per copy of certification issued.
• FOREIGN REQUEST: delivery destination is outside the Philippines; US$20.00 per copy for copy issuance and US$25.00 per copy for CENOMAR (Singleness).>>


~ I ordered 2 copies of birth certificate and 2 copies of CENOMAR and the documents were delivered 4 days after.

2. Go to barangay and get a resident certificate ~ I think this cost Php 50 in our barangay in QC and you get this the same day.  

3. Then go to city hall to get the barangay certificate authenticated. ~ In QC, you have to be very assertive so you can get the authenticated certificate the same day. Another Php 50 for this.





4. Also in the city hall, get the mayor's certificate.  ~~ Now, this is going to be challenging because in QC, the signatory is really the mayor (not even OIC or a stamp pad), so I really have to wait until the mayor signed the document...I have to pay another Php 50 for this (or more? I can't remember ~ I'm having a memory gap LOL!) I got the mayor's certificate 4 days after (after a lot of calling and pestering them every day following up that one precious paper).






5. And while you are at the city hall compound, might as well go to Hall of Justice. Why? Because you will be needing a Special Power of Attorney (Dutch: Volmacht) authorizing your fiance (or the one who is going to process your papers in Belgium) to sign on your behalf. Please have the SPA notarized by a judge in RTC (Hall of Justice) Cost: SPA is Php150-250 (you can haggle! :D) and notarization is Php100. Notarized documents are ready after 2-3 days.




6.  One thing good about being in QC is that most government offices are within the area.  And I am talking about the NBI office (which is also just adjacent to the city hall).  Renewing is just easy and very fast.  Same day processing as well for Php115.  Here is the link for more info http://www.nbi.gov.ph/faq.htm 
(NOTE: NBI clearance is only required in the embassy on the day of your appointment and doesn't need to have red ribbon.)


7. By the way, I also want to add in this list of requirements a photocopy of my passport, affidavit of passport, and have it notarized. Why? Because Patrick's town hall asked for my national ID, and as we all know, we (Filipinos) don't have a national ID but our passport ~~ and so they asked to have an authenticated copy of it.  Now, I don't know if this holds true for other town halls or just in West Vlaanderen.  Anyway, affidavit is Php150-250 (depends on where you have it done ~ again, if you have the charm and power in haggling, you can always use it. :D) and authentication (from RTC again) is Php 100. Notarized documents are ready after 2-3 days.


8.  Now that I have all the official and notarized documents, I went to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and have all of them authenticated again ~ or should I say re-authenticated (red tape is really big in our country! ~ hence, the red ribbon on the documents).  Regular processing takes one week for you to have your documents back (I'm not sure the cost though, from Php75-150 per document I think..) and expedite service  is next day processing, so if you are in a hurry, you can avail this express option (the cost is still reasonable).  You also have an option to have your documents delivered to you by DHL (they have a booth located inside the DFA itself) so you don't have to go back after you have brought your documents for authentication...Or for some reason, you cannot personally go to DFA, in the internet day and world, there is always an option to do things online  (what a wonderful and convenient world we have now isn't it?) ~ here is the link http://authenticationexpress.com/index.html and you can ask for their services. (DISCLAIMER: I don't have any monetary gain by promoting their website nor am I liable for any transactions you make with them. I posted the link for info purposes.)



My Checklist:
  • a. Birth certificate + DFA authentication (red ribbon) <I have 2 copies: 1 to send to Belgium (town hall's copy) and 1 for my copy for the embassy>- ✔ 
  • b. CENOMAR + DFA authentication (red ribbon) <I have 2 copies: 1 to send to Belgium (town hall's copy) and the other for my copy for the embassy> - 
  • c. Resident certificate (barangay and Mayor certificate) + DFA authentication (red ribbon) - 
  • d. Special Power of Attorney (notarized) + DFA authentication (red ribbon) - 
  • e.  Copy of passport, notarized affidavit + DFA authentication (red ribbon) - 
9.  After completing DFA authentication of documents, I went to Belgium embassy and have the following legalized: 1 Birth certificate with red ribbon, 1 CENOMAR with red ribbon, Resident certificate with red ribbon, passport copy with red ribbon, and SPA with red ribbon. (Note: This is NOT yet lodging of the application for visa).  Please click this link for more information (cost and schedule) on legalization of documents: 
http://www.diplomatie.be/Manila/default.asp?id=28&ACT=5&content=18&mnu=28
Authenticated documents were released after a week.


10.  As soon as I received the legalized documents from the embassy, I mailed them to Patrick through International Express Mail Service (IEMS).  There are other couriers as well like DHL, but (for some reason) I always prefer the postal service.  Again, I'm not sure how much I paid for it because it depends on the weight but what I'm sure of is I didn't pay more than Php2500 for the package.  Patrick received the documents a week after.


NOTE:  After we are done with the DFA authentication, Patrick and I decided to call the embassy for an appointment to apply for fiancée visa. We were given an October 18 appointment.


Timeline for preparing documents in Philippines: 2-4 weeks.


I.2 BELGIUM


October 2010
1.  Only after Patrick received my papers was he able to do his part of the work.  ALL documents should be translated to their official language (Dutch, French, German) for the town hall to process the Marriage Declaration Act (akte van aangifte van huwelijk) which the Belgium embassy requires for fiancee visa.  Good thing, he knows someone who is doing this kind of translation for visa or legal purposes ~ the very good-hearted and kind Mr. Van Bogaert who is actually a Philippines honorary consulate in Antwerp who helped us in so many ways possible to prepare our documents in Belgium.  For those who are interested, you can e-mail Mr. Van Bogaert at pb.vanbogaert@skynet.be and I am sure he will be willing to assist you.




2. While waiting for our papers to be translated, Patrick went ahead and complete the other papers that the embassy requires.

a.  Original Affidavit of Support “called Bijlage 3bis / Verbintenis Tot Tenlasteneming / Prise en charge/Annexe 3Bis”, legalized by town hall.
b. Family Composition called “Composition de Ménage / Samenstelling Van Het Gezin” to be obtained from town hall.
c.  Photocopy of his resident or Belgian ID card.
d. Recent proof of income of the sponsor (must be within the last 3 months).
Note: For both a and b requirements from the town hall ~ they are free and can be processed the same day.





Patrick's Checklist:
  • a. Original affidavit of support - ✔ 
  • b. Family composition - 
  • c. Photocopy of Belgian ID - 
  • d. Proof of income (for the last 3 months) - 
  • e. Marriage Declaration Act - Pending (as we are still waiting for the translations of my papers)

3.  Also, with Mr. Van Boegart's assistance, he gave Patrick all the necessary papers that the Philippine embassy in Brussels will be requiring from us. For documents a, b, and c ~ Patrick sent them to me via e-mail (as I have to fill some of it out), then I scanned and e-mailed them back to him.
a.Affidavit of Single Status
b. Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage


 c. Notice of Intended Marriage
d. Evidence of Customary Law 


One of the challenges that Patrick faced while processing our papers in the Belgium side is time. He has a full-time work and he cannot ask permission all the time to go out and "do this and that" for our papers.  Town hall schedule only extends their service hours on Wednesdays (from 2-6PM) ~ and that's the only day he can go there (after his 5PM work) to submit papers (or follow it up). (Please take note that town hall schedules vary from every municipality.) My translated papers were done 3 days after Patrick has given them to Mr. Van Boegart (who is in Antwerp), but he can only go and get it back on the next weekend ~ again, because of his work.  And so before we know it, two weeks had lapsed, and still no Marriage Declaration Act. :-(


Back in Manila, a week before my embassy appointment, I went ahead and did my medical exam. It was in the Clinic of Dr. Peralta which is also located in Makati (very near the Belgian embassy).  I paid Php7800 for the medical examination and the accredited doctor will return the results of the exam and medical certificate directly to the embassy.  I didn't get to see my medical exam results, (although I can if I requested it in the embassy), but I just phoned the clinic the next day to follow up if there is anything wrong with my health and they told me that everything is well and good and that they will forward the results and certificate to the embassy within the week.


Although not in the primary list of requirements from the embassy website, Patrick and I also prepared printouts of e-mails, chat history, snail mail, cards, pictures, phone bills, etc. ~~ that proves that you are in a relationship. I remember printing out our e-mail correspondence from 2009 and our conversation in messenger (it's good to save your chat conversation history) and I run out of ink! Then our pics from his trips in Philippines (with me of course) then our Europe trip together. (I brought with me 2 albums :D) You have to come in prepared as you don't know what they might ask of you.


Checking my list of requirements (I also advise you to have a checklist) ~ I have everything with me in my bag ~well, except the Marriage Declaration Act. :-(


Timeline for preparing papers in Belgium:  6-8 weeks


Second Part: Interview


October 18 @ 8AM Belgium embassy ~ I feel uneasy this time (compared to the time I was interviewed for visit visa).  Maybe because Patrick is not with me this time (I feel secured when he is around) or maybe because our requirements were not complete yet (the Marriage Declaration Act is still pending) or maybe the combination of both ~ I am not used to not having Patrick around anymore and I am not used to going to battle missing an ammunition.  Anyway, I was called 30 minutes after my appointment time (there are a lot of people there that time), and as usual, the lady in the counter ask for the basic requirements first:  Please click the link for complete info on requirements for fiancée visa
http://www.diplomatie.be/Manila/default.asp?id=28&ACT=5&content=11&mnu=28



The interview went well and lasted for a good 20 minutes. (Please read my previous blog on interview tips). This time, unlike the visit visa interview, she asked me things about my relationship with Patrick. Here are some of the questions asked:
1.  Who is your fiance? - (Here you have to know his complete name) :)
2.  How did you meet him? 
3.  When did you meet him?
4.  Have you seen him in person? When? Where? How often? - At this point, series of questions will be asked based on your answer from the previous question. You also need to be very definite with your answers especially with dates and places, circumstances or occasions.
5. Tell me about your fiance. Where does he work? Who are his friends? Hobbies? Tell me anything you know about him - At this point, the lady is establishing how well you know your man.
6. Have you met his family? Give me the names if you know them.  

Then the lady asked for proof of relation and that means the letters, cards, e-mails, pictures, etc.  They need the original and 2 sets of photocopies of each (Yeah 2 sets!). Then I was asked of the papers from Patrick and I told her I have all of it except for the Marriage Declaration Act because my papers are still being translated. She did some typing in her computer and told me to pay the fee.  She then gave me my visa reference number and a checklist paper for my pending documents.  And since I still need to photocopy in 2 sets of the "proof of relation," it was also in the checklist with the Marriage declaration act as my pending documents. I still have time before the embassy closes at 12 noon, so I went ahead and have the papers and pictures photocopied.  I was afraid that the pictures will not be returned back to me and so I just pick 10 pictures to submit to the embassy.  All was accomplished by noon that day. :D

As soon as I was home, I e-mailed Patrick my visa reference number and we talked that night about how the interview went.

Back in Belgium, a week after I lodged our application, Patrick was able to get the translated documents from Antwerp.  

Wednesday that week, geared with so much anticipation that finally the translated papers were with him and the town hall can finally start processing our papers for the Marriage Declaration Act ~ lo and behold ~ the man who's assigned to do our papers was on vacation! What a stressful and frustrating week that was! 

November 2010
Time flies so fast for others, but not for me who is waiting when that Marriage Declaration Act will be done.  It also didn't help change the stress level I have when Patrick e-mailed the Belgian consul in Manila asking if there is a deadline for pending documents or they will proceed with sending my papers from Manila to Brussels even without the Marriage Declaration Act.  He just replied Patrick that incomplete papers are ground for visa denial. He didn't answer if there is a deadline or if my papers were sent already to Brussels. That time I was really upset. After all the works I have done on my end, I cannot accept that only for that one paper alone (which, on Patrick's defense, is also not his fault ~ he didn't know that there is only one man doing that kind of paper in his town hall and he didn't know that the man will be on his vacation) can make the difference in their decision.  I even remember Patrick going directly to the Burgemeester (Mayor) to consult our case, but he just told him to wait because there is only one man in the town hall who is authorized to do that kind of papers.

Second week of November when Patrick finally received a post mail from the town hall stating that he has an appointment with them a week after. November 23, when finally, the precious paper was given to us!


Patrick was also interviewed in the town hall that day.  Most of the questions were also about our relationship. He was asked a couple of times on what language we communicate on, and he told the man we converse primarily in English.  Apparently, not many can speak well English here (because the 3 major languages spoken in Belgium are Dutch, French, and German), and Patrick has to prove the man that he can speak well English. He showed him our e-mail correspondences and chat conversations. After 30 minutes of interrogation, the man told Patrick that he will forward the papers to Brussels and all we can do is wait.

Our original plan was to get married on my birthday (December 8), but we just had our pending paper sent to the embassy and we cannot expect Brussels to send a decision a week after. And so the original plan was postponed to February 15 (Patrick's birthday).

November 30 when I received a call from the embassy scheduling me for an appointment on December 7.

December 2010
Second interview was intensive.  I was asked inside the office to fill out first some questionnaires.  The questionnaire is all about basic information about myself and my fiance like address, phone number, work, family members, etc. Then I was called to go inside another office of a Caucasian lady (which I believe is the consul or an immigration officer from Belgium ~ I might be wrong though).  Question and answer portion lasted for almost 3 hours ~~ and believe me, it was draining! She asked me things and events from the time Patrick and I met to the present.  So don't be intimated by this, because questions will only be about him and you, and your relationship.  You might not know everything about your man (because I don't know if he has a favorite movie or not), but you should know a good deal about him, especially the thing that matters.  The good thing about the interview was I'm seated and even she throws intimate questions on me, we are in the privacy of her room.

Third part: Checking the website for updates, requirements after the decision was given, cost, and timeline.

A week after the interview, I can already check the status of my visa online https://infovisa.ibz.be/InfovisaNl.aspx

And here is the English translation (I am using Google Chrome browser and it has an option to translate foreign language to English) 

January 2010

Waiting...and waiting..and more waiting...and no new update from the website...

February 2010

Patrick and I are both getting uneasy and restless and missing each other so much!! It has already been 6 weeks since the documents were registered in the Immigration Department and no new update yet. Our plan of getting married on his birthday is again postponed. :-(  And this time, we didn't set the date anymore. We decided that we will get married as soon as the visa is granted ~ this way, we don't set ourselves up on being  disappointed ~ less stress and more years in life. Well, that is easily said than done I know. 

I googled for blogs (if there are any) about fiancée visa and their experiences ~ but there are none :-( and so I promised myself, I will write a blog about my experience, and I will make it as informative as possible (because I know, in this way, I can make a restless mind and heart be calm when they get some answers (at least) to their enormous questions.)..and I feel better already...knowing that I can be of help even to a single restless soul.

Second week of February, Patrick cannot take the idea of not doing anything but wait, and so he e-mailed the immigration department in Brussels to inquire for the status of our application. He was given the contact person's e-mail who is actually the one handling our case.  He was told that investigation was still ongoing and status of visa will be updated from the website, but he is to expect an inspector officer (from the federal police) to visit his house any day of the following week or the next.

March 2010

First week of March, Patrick received a mail for an appointment the week after in a federal police station. March 8, he was interrogated in the police station the same way as I was interrogated in my second interview. He told me he was questioned for nearly 2 hours by not one but two officers. We found out that most questions the visa officer asked me in Manila were also asked by the police officers to Patrick. This is for sure to check the consistency of our answers and if we are really being honest all throughout the process.  Finally, the police told Patrick that there will be a local police officer who will check his apartment, and that would be the last of the all inspections required.  Two days after, the house was inspected.  Patrick told me that they even checked my closet! (I already have my closet from my last trip and had left a lot of my stuff there plus Patrick had been buying for me some winter clothes since November).

Two weeks after the inspection ~ March 21, we received the good news!

English translation:

The next day, I received an e-mail from the embassy informing me of my visa approval and was requested to submit the following documents through e-mail on or before April 12 to issue the visa: one-way ticket with confirmed dates, travel insurance with coverage of 30,000 Euro valid to all Schengen countries and valid in 3 months. We submitted the requirements 2 days after (again, we opted for an AXA insurance, and Patrick paid 80 Euro, valid for 3 months).

March 31 was my flight. April 1, reunited with Patrick. And finally, April 8 ~ we got married! :D


Timeline from the lodging of the visa application to visa approval: 20 weeks or 5 months

the longer you wait for something,the more you appreciate it when you get it… anything worth having is definitely worth waiting for…