It was a Sunday in the month of July 2012 when I found out that I was pregnant. It was the best day of my life… well, apart from my wedding day. I rushed to Ej, who was sitting at the ‘kabisera’ of our dining table. I remember that day vividly. I showed him the home pregnancy test result. He said “what’s this?”, then after a few seconds, I got a tight hug. We went to my OB that Wednesday just to be sure. I had my first trans-vaginal ultrasound and the doctor confirmed that I was pregnant. I was so happy! I called my mom and dad to tell them that they were going to be grandparents and they were all shouting with glee at the other end of the line.
TWO YEARS AGO…
For those who do not know, our story two years ago (May 2010) elicited a different reaction from all of us. It was February 2010 when I found out that I was pregnant. We thought everything was perfect. It was during the second ultrasound that we found out that I had a blighted ovum or an anembryonic pregnancy. This is when the fertilized egg clings to the uterine wall but does not develop further. It then needs to cleaned out of a woman’s system through D&C. I was emotionally affected, since I was really hoping to have a child, but 10 days after my D&C, I realized that this was not the end of our problems.
I was in a dinner at my ninang’s house when I suddenly bled profusely. I was rushed to the ER of Medical City and was advised to stay overnight. They had me undergo another ultrasound and found out that my placenta was still there and not completely cleaned. Early that morning, I was scheduled for another D&C. The findings came out after a few days and they were surprised again to see that they placenta was still there even with 2 D&C operations. At that time, I sought and explanation from 2 obstetricians. One of them mentioned to go to Dra. Diana Sarmiento in Asian Hospital as she would be an expert in Gestational Trophoblastic diseases. This was what doctors told me I may have had.
When I saw Dra. Sarmiento, she mentioned that I may have what they call Placenta Accreta. This is when the placenta deeply attaches to the uterus. In the States, the cure that they suggest and take always is an abdominal hysterectomy. Since I did not have any children yet, Dra. suggested that we try low dosages of chemotherapy until my HcG levels return to normal. I had to go to the doctor to be injected daily (one course was 5 consecutive days). I had the choice to stay at the hospital to have it through IV, but I chose injections. I had to wear a mask all the time. People had to take a bath and put alcohol before visiting me in my room. Even my husband went straight to the bathroom before he could see me, since my immune system was low.
After two courses with a 3 day gap in between, I was cured. I had to rest though from strenuous physical activities and from baby-making activities for at least 1 year. I was on the pill as recommended by doctora, since I could not risk getting pregnant. It was a traumatic experience for me. I thought I was dying. I really thought so. During that 12 month duration of resting and even afterwards, I was really scared of getting pregnant. I didn’t want that to happen again.
2012…
Baby at 5 Months…
This was the year when I gathered enough courage and prepared myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. So, in July 2012, I got preggy! Yey! The minute I got pregnant, I knew that this was my priority. During the first trimester, I didn’t feel good. I had morning sickness and during my 10th week, I experienced spotting. I was working for a bank and I was actually in a Leadership Accelerated Development Program, which gave me the chance to be an AVP within a few years (probably around 5 years). It was already my third year into the program. I have been in the bank for almost 7 years and I enjoyed my job. I really enjoyed it! You can ask my husband on how he teases me that I love the bank more than him. 🙂 Everything was going well for me. I had big projects. I was producing results. But then, I decided to leave.
THE BIG LEAP
I really thought about it long and hard. It wasn’t an easy decision. I’m the workaholic type. I love being surrounded by people and loved filling in my calendar with things to do (yes, I’m a nerd). I knew that if I finally decide to resign, this will definitely be a big change. No steady income. No benefits. No meetings. No people to talk to on a daily basis. No deadlines. No presentations. No lunch breaks. No overtime. No title. No promotions. No bosses. Nothing of all these things. It will just be me, my baby in my belly, the maid and the condo unit… and my husband when he arrives. I’ve been so used to the corporate environment, that when EJ and I made the decision that I should quit for the baby, I was constantly crying. I didn’t know why. I didn’t know if it was a sign of relief that I didn’t have to go to work (happy cry). I didn’t know if it was the over-achiever in me who was crying — scared of not earning anything and contributing anything to the household budget. Maybe it was also because I knew that I will miss my friends and this life that I had in the corporate world — fear of letting go and fear of change.
But then again, I went back to priorities. My child, in this womb, was my number 1 priority. I had to let go of all stress and just concentrate on being a stay-at-home-mom. Our long term goal, too, as a couple was that I be in charge of starting a business that we can take care of in the future. EJ will be the source of the ‘steady income’ for our household. Ej encouraged me to follow my dreams. He said that I was the more ‘entrepreneurial’ one of the two of us. As to what business that is that I will build for the both of us, I still have no clue on what to do. Anyway, reflecting on what was important for us as a family was what made me decide. I took the big leap out from that world.
How has it been so far? Let me start by saying God is so good. Early 2012, I started helping people conduct their own workshops and seminars. I was sort of the logistics and the implementer. I enjoy these things since I get to help other people achieve their dreams of being an entrepreneur — since most of the workshops were skills on professions or businesses that they can do. The brand that I created was Manila Workshops.
Manila Workshops Logo
I then realized that I enjoyed helping people achieve both their personal and professional goals in life. I resigned in October 2012 and in the two months that I have been ‘mostly’ at home, I have built my network and I have shared this passion I have with others. With this, my 2013 calendar is almost full, thus, requiring me to even think of hiring an intern for the month I will be indisposed due to my pregnancy. I have built partnerships with people and I have seen people happy and grateful for giving them the opportunity to learn.
I am excited for 2013! Now, all that doubt of leaving the life I was contented with is gone. I now have something to strive for and to work on (as a work-at-home-mom), and what makes me happy is that I get to help others in this journey.
This is my story.
Very touching and inspiring! I quit my corporate life too when I was pregnant. I understand the pain (I cried also) but I enjoyed the journey of being pregnant. All my worries and fears were wiped away when I saw my daughter. Have a safe and healthy pregnancy! Enjoy every moment of it! 🙂
Author
Hi Mommy Angel! Thank you so much. I’m really praying that everything turns out okay with this pregnancy 🙂 Thank you for your kind words.
This is such a touching story Ginger. I am so happy for you and your husband. God is so great indeed…may timing ang lahat 🙂 God bless you on your pregnancy and motherhood! 🙂 Im sure you’ll do great
Author
That is so true… God is indeed so good! I remember when the doctor said that I could only have one more child if my condition happens again. But so far, with all the check ups, it looks like I may have another child after this one 🙂 Yeah, and may timing nga ang lahat! Thank you, Mommy Lique!
Hi Ginger!
I have been following your blogs. I am one of the many people who became happy when you announced that you are already pregnant!
I, myself, am also a mother who had to make the same decisions that you made. It was hard indeed but every time that I see my daughters smile at me I know deep in my heart that I made the right choice. The kisses and hugs that I get from my kids and my husband are way better than the salary that I get from my work if you’re going to ask me! 🙂
Congratulations Ginger. We may not know each other personally but I am genuinely happy for you and your husband.
God bless,
R
Author
Hi Rhea!
First of all, thank you for following my blogs. I am truly touched. Thank you for wishing me and my family well. I wrote about my story thinking that somehow and somewhere, I hope moms/ladies know that they are not alone in making these kinds of decisions in life. Thank you for sharing, too, and letting me know that everything will be alright. I hope to meet you someday, Rhea! 🙂
I wish you all the best Ginger! 🙂
Author
Thank you so much, Jonel! 🙂
Hi Ginger!
I also made the same decision back in 2008 and I admit that it wasn’t an easy ride. My husband and I didn’t know of anything to augment our family income which made the plight even harder.
4 years later, we’re still struggling but we’ll get through this for sure 🙂
Author
Hi Mommy Iris!
Thank you for your message! 🙂 What are you busy with now as a momtrepreneur? I’d love to interview you for the Momtrepreneur section of my blog. 🙂 Let me know if I can email you my questions. We, momtrepreneurs, need to stick together! 🙂
Love lots,
Ginger
Don’t worry Ginger, kasama mo na ako this year haha 😀
Author
haha! 🙂 Let’s do this! Dapat mag-super brainstorming session tayo! 🙂
May God bless you on your journey to motherhood! 🙂
Author
Hi Chris! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Hi Ginger!
Your story is inspiring. It’s nice of you to share it. I also have a lot of challenges when it comes to my health. In fact, I cannot have children but I never questioned God on His plans. God said, “What I send is not always easy to understand. It may even seem unjust or foolish to those who are living only for this world. The man of faith takes all from my hands, knowing that I plan all things for the best.”
All my best to you and the little one. I’m excited to meet you on the WAHM workshop! 🙂
Author
Hi Rory!
You are right. God has his own reasons for that. We may not understand it yet. You may have another purpose in life that you may yet have to discover. I’m excited to meet you, too! 🙂 See you in the WAHM workshop 🙂 ~ love lots, Ginger
Hi Ginger! That was a big leap indeed. You were blessed to have Manila Workshops as your business, and it also helps people realize their dreams, too. I made a not-so-big leap to be a SAHM, I have to admit that until now, I feel pangs of guilt for not contributing to the family income. But, truly, God is good because my hubby supports my decisions, and he has been blessed with many clients in his business. I also want to have my dream realized, with my children as my inspirations. Enjoy your pregnancy!
Author
Hi Cym! That’s true. I never imagined that Manila Workshops could grow bigger. When I started it, I was only thinking of how fun it was going to be to meet people, to help people connect and learn. Don’t worry about being a SAHM and don’t feel guilty! Ano ka ba? 🙂 I’m sure your husband is very proud to have you as a wife and a loving mother to your kids! Let me know on how I can help you achieve your dreams 🙂 See you, Cym!
Hi Ginger,
Change can be scary and exciting but we know that we all have to go through it and welcome it in our life.
Glad you made the big leap – when you have your baby in your arms, you will cry and feel so good about making that decision. Look forward to crying more as you continue to experience moments that validates the beauty of your decision to make that big leap. Of course, look forward to more teasing from your husband about your crying 🙂
My best wishes to you and your husband!
Author
Thanks, Gigi! 🙂 Awww, I certainly am looking forward to seeing my daughter! I know all of my decisions will be worth it! haha! yeah, I’m sure my husband will tease me a lot!!! haha! Love lots ~ Ginger
I was touched by your story. You’re a strong woman. I think you made the right decision to be a WAHM.
Congrats on your pregnancy! My husband and I lost our first baby in September 2012 (he died four hours after he was born due to complications) and we’re recovering from the tragedy one day at a time. It seems God has a different plan for us. We will continue to trust in Him. 🙂
Author
Thanks, Edelweiza! I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙁 I’m sure God has greater plans for you, though. Just keep the faith. Hoping 2013 will be a better year for you and your husband!
Hugs,
Ginger
Your story is really inspiring. It’s hard to get out of our comfort zone and face the big change or the uncertain. I’m actually in that situation now but can’t seem or is afraid to do it myself.
I’m sorry to hear about the traumatic experience that you have encountered 4 years ago. But past is past, now that you have your baby Zeeka, I’m really happy for you. Congrats on your WAHMderful life and career. Hope to learn from you more. I didn’t know that Manila Workshops is just fairly new (1 year) in the industry. Galing! 🙂
Author
Hi Sally! Thanks for your message! 🙂 All great risks have great rewards rin naman (think positive BUT plan thoroughly and plan well) 🙂 If you need help thinking things through, just message me. Thank you! Yes, Zeeka is such a wonderful gift! 🙂
Manila Workshops is fairly new palang and I thank everyone who supported it. We wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t because of you and of everyone. Sounds like a showbiz answer, but that’s the truth! 🙂