Dianne & Rodjun: We want to build a family right away

When Rodjun Cruz and Dianne Medina got married in December last year, their fervent prayer was for God to give them a baby at once. Wish granted. Dianne is expecting their firstborn sometime in September or October.

“After the wedding,” Dianne told Funfare, “we really wanted to have a baby already. We wanted to build a family right away. I found out that I was pregnant end of January. We both cried upon seeing the positive sign of six different brands of the pregnancy test. We thanked God for this blessing. It’s a dream come true. Sabi nga namin, blessing ito ni Lord agad sa amin, regalo Niya since I have no more mommy and Rodjun’s mom passed away last year. It was sad that she wasn’t around during our wedding.”

We prayed for this...a dream come true. Thank God for this blessing.

Dianne experiences the classic signs of pregnancy. “During my first trimester, nakaramdam ako ng nausea at morning sickness. Sometimes, I would vomit pero wala naman lumalabas. It was also very crucial since I had Subchorionic Hemorrhage so my OB advised me to take a leave from work and take a bed rest to ensure the safety of the baby. In my second trimester, I got my appetite and energy back. I was more matakaw and I could eat anything.”

Rodjun Cruz and Dianne Medina during their wedding at the Manila Cathedral on Dec. 21, 2019

Photos courtesy of Nice Print Photography

Expectant dads are said to also infanticipate (naglilihi). Ganoon ba si Rodjun?

“Naglilihi sa food, ako lang ‘yon. I eat anything but with me, for example if I eat adobo today and sarap na sarap ako sa kanya, the next day I don’t like adobo na, nasusuka na ako sa kanya. Kailangan iba-iba food ko, as much as possible no ulit of food. So hard kasi we are on ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine). The food that I crave is hard to find because restaurants are closed, and we cannot go out. And we also limit deliveries to avoid exposure sana.”

It’s sad that both your moms were unable not only to be at your wedding and they are also unable to hug their grandchild.

“Yes, but I believe that God has a better plan for all of us. Everything happens for a reason. And I know Mama Beth, Rodjun’s mom, is happy and smiling down from heaven. We always talk to her and to my mom who passed away in 2011 due to breast cancer. We ask them to pray for the little one. And I’m sure they are both happy for us.”

Incidentally, you really prepared before you decided to settle down, like having your own house. This time, how are you preparing for the arrival of the baby?

“As early as June, we renovated the room for the baby already. We are completing the list for mommy bag, hospital bag and baby bag. We started buying baby items via online. Jenna Sy of Aprica is helping me with all the items, where to get them, what items I really need.”

Are you reading books, asking tips from your friends who have kids, etc.?

“Since my mom is no longer here and even Rodjun’s mom, I read pregnancy books, search online and watch pregnancy vlogs. My sister-in-law Andrea Cruz-Medina and Chi Medina also help me. Some baby companies have approached me and offered to help. I have taken online classes about newborn care and breastfeeding. I have zero knowledge so we also got a midwife to train me for the first three months only. I’m glad I have friends like Max Collins and Luane Dy. Dami rin nilang tips for me.” (Note: Max delivered via water birthing her and husband Pancho Magno’s first baby last week.)

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