Preparations...

Over the weekend, I packed my hospital bag. We are 37 weeks tomorrow and it's already considered full term, meaning I can deliver the baby with a good chance of being healthy and no complications. Thank God.

See, he still insists covering his face with his hands. All his monthly photos are like these despite my OB "stressing and pushing" him. Haha. He said it looks like we are raising a strong willed baby. 

We are extremely excited to see him and we are praying that I deliver next week. God willing.

So what are in my hospital bag?

 Top on my list are my books. Yes. Better be ready for the waiting time than be caught empty handed.

Then the essentials. My hospital has provided a list of what to bring for me and for the baby so it was pretty easy. No brainer. I just had to compartmentalize everything so my bantay won't mess my bag when I am drowsy and unable to give instructions. Thanks to Ziploc.

Today, I have to photocopy all the required documents. Unlike in the Philippines, here you have to bring your passport, marriage certificate, OB and insurance related documents. Although we have already received the preauthorization from our insurance and my OB clinic have sent it to the hospital, it's still better to have those papers with us. Of course we don't like to shell out 23,000 AED just because we failed to exercise some prudence and foresight.

Despite having delivered three babies, I am still being attacked with anxiety every now and then . I dread the unfathomable pain, the cramps and every pain during labor and after the delivery. It helps that I have a very calm and compassionate OB. I ask, he answers. He encourages me to express my fears and my uncertainties. He is Greek and I intentionally chose him because based on my research he specializes in high risk pregnancy. Though I am not under high risk, I still consider myself one because of my age. 

Today is Sunday and the start of the week in the Middle East so everyone is in their own businesses.

Hope you guys have a pleasant Sunday with your families.

Stay happy!

We are getting close...

My angel has begun washing the baby stuff.

Tomorrow, I have to pack my hospital bag. I'm soon approaching my 37th week and that means I have to be on my toes for anything and everything. I am hoping the baby doesn't come out later than 40 weeks. I want an October baby :)

I am glad I am in control of my weight. Actually, it's my OB and my endocrinologist who are strict. I don't like to be scolded during my check ups. Kidding. Seriously, I would like to eliminate the possibility of a CS which is inevitable if gestational diabetes is not taken cared of. And I hate taking any form of medication brought about by my GD. So I have no choice but to get rid of sweets and lessen my carb intake. Anyway, old routine will be back this November. Can't wait.

By the way...

Last year, we finished our "little luxury wishlist" like watches, bags, vacation and a big car here, etc. We accomplished it first because it was our way of getting ourselves adjusted to our new environment. Or perhaps, it was our effort to drive away our homesickness and loneliness. 

But before the year ended, we plotted our goals for 2015. You see, as an OFW you have to have a direction/schedule where you wanted to spend your hard earned money. After all, working in another country is definitely not a joke. Besides, there is no security of employment if you are not in your homeland. Dubai is a city of temptations and you have to master the art of self control. And oh, if possible don't be too vulnerable on getting a loan here. I heard there are a lot of Filipinos who are having troubles in the UAE because of their loans. 

Top priority on our list was firming up our emergency fund (and totally forgetting that we have it in the bank because it shouldn't be touched unless extremely needed). I got it from watching On the Money in ANC. Next was the repair and renovation of our house in the Philippines (done!) but fencing and expansion will be in it's own time. Third was being absolutely debt free this year so full payment of our car loan was done last April (we got that Honda sedan back in 2013) and now we are saving up for the full payment of our housing loan this December. And after all the pagtitipid and "no luxury policy" we are optimistic we will be able to meet our deadline this year. Thank God.

Secondary on our list this year is investing. Since we are quite illiterate on stocks we agreed not to dip our hands on something we are not knowledgeable about, however tempting it is. We decided instead to start collecting gold. I am not into jewelries. My mother is and unfortunately or fortunately ( I am not sure) I didn't acquire that trait. But  we were advised by friends and relatives to invest in gold while we are in the Middle East. If others are glued on how their stocks are behaving, we, on the other hand is constantly checking the price of gold. 

 This is one of the places we frequent during weekends if price of gold is low. There are gold markets here in the UAE (gold souk) but since I am unable to do lengthy walking now, those gold souks will have to wait. 

There are also a lot of diamonds here, exquisitely cut and beautifully designed. They are expensive but they go on sale up to 70%. However, it's not in my radar yet. Jewelries for me must serve it's purpose. It must be an investment. You won't get your ROI in diamonds in the Philippines because there, we put more value in 22 carats gold. For those who are in jewelry business, diamonds are just for fashion. No money in diamonds. hehehe

We only bought a pair of earrings for our dear daughter for her birthday last August and yes, she is truly loving it. Diamond is truly a girl's best friend. Diamond is beautiful and it glitters esp. if it's color and clarity are high (and there is such a thing as accreditation in diamond). But that's it. :) I still have my eyes and heart on golds. I remember my mother, who I told you is so passionate about jewelries, would always tell us that what saved us during our college years were her jewelries which she pawned and sold for our school fees and allowances. So I am thinking, she must be right, I can enjoy my gold and if emergency arises, I can still profit from it. 

And 2016? It's all beefing up our kids' college fund. 

But I still want another bag. Churi. Can't really give up a bad habit.  Tsk... tsk... tsk...

But this time, not the expensive one. I want LV's classic Speedy Bag in medium size. Oh! One day...

Haha.

So, I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday. I wish you a blessed and safe week ahead!