Anasofia birth story

The date was 26th December, Boxing Day. Woke up at about 2.30am with full bladder. Oh my, got show! But no contractions so went back to sleep. At 3am, felt stomachache. Bowels cleared but the aching still lingered. Went back to bed but felt contractions....remembered what happened the day before so decided to ignore the contractions and tried to sleep...

3.45am and still couldn't sleep. Contractions still coming...since can't sleep so decided to go and time my contractions just for the fun of it. Again thinking it's a false alarm. Started timing and the contractions were about 7 mins apart. After one hour, contractions became 6 mins apart. Still not convinced that this could be it...so waited and waited some more...

Until about 5.30am, the contractions were about 5 mins apart and some times 4 mins apart. Decided to bath and change. Then I woke up my darling and told him it's time. He woke up dazed, hehe. Showed him the timings and he rushed to the toilet to bath. I called my mum and told her to come to my house ASAP as Mia is still sleeping.

Left the house at about 6am. Road was clear and my darling my speeding at 120km/h. Reached the hospital. Told the nurse about the contractions timing. Took my weight (66.8kg) and was ushered into the delivery suite. CTG was strapped and nurse checked and told me that I was already 7cm dilated!!

Around 8 plus Dr Lee came and checked me. He then burst my water bag. The contractions became more and more intense. My darling keep asking if I wanted to take epidural and I said no. He also suggested the laughing gas and I know from experience that the gas is useless in times like this so I said no and endured. Alhamdulillah, after much pushing and pain, Anasofia came into the world at 9.25am.

So happy that my labour was a short one and I had the energy to push Anasofia out without the use of vacuum...

False Alarm!

Woke up at 5.30am today with stomachache. Went to the toilet, cleared my bowels and then tried to go to sleep. Felt contractions on and off. Still tried to sleep. Can't so decided to time contractions. Not regular but my back aches like crazy.

Is this for real? Waited and waited but the pain is still there. Wanted to wake my darling up at about 7am to tell him to get ready just in case but decided not to. Waited some more till about 8 plus. Suddenly, the pain is gone....haizz...false alarm lah....so, went out to have lunch...hehe, luckily did not rush to hospital...so paiseh!

Visit to Changi Airport

We didn't know where to go yesterday. Thought of going to Vivocity or Downtown East but I didn't feel like jostling with the Christmas crowd so we went to Changi Airport instead!

We parked at Terminal 2 and ate at Mcdonalds. After that, we took the Skytrain to Terminal 3. There was a photo taking session with Mickey Mouse and friends at the Basement but we had to queue and only the 1st 100 is allowed so we took pictures with Mickey Mouse and friends lanterns which was on display, hehehe!

38th week check-up

Went for my 38th week check-up today. My weight dropped again. Dr Lee asked what happened. He is worried that my water level might be low. While doing the normal scanning, Dr Lee suddenly exclaimed, "Eh, how come so big, ah?" I was shocked to see that the baby's weight is 3.4kg already! Then he re-measured and said that the baby is 3.2kg, plus minus around there. So, I take it the baby is about 3.3kg...Oh man! I just hope the baby would not be too big...Anyway, the water level is still ok and my cervix is not dilated yet.

My only hope is the labour would not be too long. Not so for me but more for Mia. I don't want her to be without her ibu or ayah for too long especially now that she is so used to seeing both of us sooo often...

Anyway, this waiting game is really scary. You know the signs and keep looking out for them...contractions, show or water bag burst. Then I read the mother forum and read all the different birth stories and with each day, I wonder whether is this it...Haizzz...anticipating, excitement, worried, sadness, all feelings mixed up inside...

Mia watched Bolt

We brought Mia to watch Bolt at Cathay Causeway Point today. Actually wanted to watch Madagascar 2 but the timing is not convenient so we watched Bolt instead. Mia just loves eating popcorn! She was excited watching the Super Dog and never stop mentioning about Super Dog even after the movie...

After the show, we went makan at Banquet and window shopping for a while. My back is really aching so had to go home.

Mia @ the library

Brought Mia to the library. We went to the new Yishun library last night and I saw this special promotion for mothers-to-be. You can just go up to the counter and show them your bulging tummy, fill up a form and receive a goody bag. Inside the bag, there is a CD which contains songs, rhymes and stories, a small booklet on parenting, a height chart and a wonderful baby journal. This baby journal is retailing at $19.90 and it is just like a scrapbook where you can jot down information about your pregnancy and birth. There are sections for you to put baby items or footprints, etc....pregnant mothers, go get it now....

Then today, I brought Mia to Bugis Central library. Signed up membership for her and since she borrowed four books on the same day as her sign up, she got a free bag...hehe, I am really a sucker for freebies...

37 weeks checkup

Went to Mount Alvernia Hospital for the CTG monitoring today. Was strapped to the machine for about 20 minutes. Reading shows that I am not having any major contractions and the baby's heartbeat shows that the baby is not under stress...so Dr Lee said there are no signs that the baby might be too early...YAY! I can continue to be active and mobile although it hurts sometimes, especially my back after walking too long...

The best thing is, the baby has more time to grow. My own weight dropped slightly but luckily baby is gaining weight at 2.8kg now. That's about a growth of 400gm for the past 1 and half weeks. From now on, the checkup would be once a week so the next checkup is sometime next week....

Mia @ the pool

Kak Yu and the girls are going to the swimming pool today. They asked to take Mia along. Mia do not want to go without me so I had to tag along.

We went to the Civil Service Club pool at Bukit Batok. There were not many people so the girls were ecstatic. Anyway, I just sit down under one of the big umbrellas and surf the net and updated my blog. Kak Yu and Suzi swam with the 4 girls...Mia was so happy just floating along the lazy pool...



Mia did not want to go home even after 3 hrs in the pool. She keep crying every time they decided to go and wash up. So, in the end, had to trick her. Told her that they are bringing her to the slide area but actually go all the way to the shower room, hehe.

Rantings of a mother-to-be again....

Now is the time where I am experiencing mixed feelings...just like my pregnancy with Mia. Part of me wants my baby to come out fast and for me to be able to touch her small feet and hands, smell her fresh baby smell, hear her cries, hug her little tender body and kiss her soft skin. I want to stop feeling bloated, clumsy and aching all over my body....

On another part, I do not want to stop being pregnant! I love being pregnant....I know I am being contradictory but that's how it is...I love feeling the kicks and bumps on my tummy, the extra attention that is given to pregnant ladies and the fact that I am able to protect my baby from the harms of this world....

I know, I know, I am being melodramatic.....anyway, right now, I am lavishing all my attention on Miasara. She knows that her baby sister is on the way soon and so she is being extra manja with me and her father. When my baby is born, I will be trying my utmost to ensure that Mia does not feel left out or inferior in any way.....

35 weeks check-up

Yesterday was my 35 weeks check-up. I complained about my pain in the pelvic area and Dr Lee said he had this feeling that I might pop much earlier than expected. Oh no! He said I should get more rest so as to avoid this.....

Anyway, baby is fine...grown to about 2.4kg and water still a lot so everything is fine. On the 10th of December, I have to go to his Mount Alvernia clinic to do a CTG monitoring. It's routine to check for baby's heartbeat and contractions...I just hope that everything is well and I do not have to be induced again. The waiting time after being induced is too long...pity Mia!

Well, will try to rest more from now on but need to complete my Malay Dance school website update first. The dateline is drawing near....

Another batch of P6 leaving...

Everytime I take a graduating class, I get emotional at the end of the year. Especially during PSLE results day...I always cry. This year, I know I will definitely cry buckets of tears....

This batch of P6 is the closest group of students I have ever been with, especially the P6 Malay dancers...

I taught some of them when they were in P3, then most of them in P4 and again in P6. We shared jokes, some hard times in class and we shared secrets using the journals...I am closer to the Malay dancers who are in my Malay class as we went to Bali together, all those performances and practices, the heartache we all felt during the SYF results....

Yesterday was an emotional day. Nisa actually asked me to give a speech during my last Malay class with them. I just smiled because I know I can't do it. If I do it, I would surely cry...

Then, while preparing them for the Achievement Day performance, I look at them and just felt sebak. I had to leave at 12pm and so can't be there for the actual performance. Zubaidah told me just now that the girls were crying after the dance, their last dance with us....

I don't know how I will be able to stop my dam of tears on results day...almost feel like not going to school on that day, too saddening...but I want to see them for the last time, haizzz dilemma.....

Breastfeeding

This is a very sensitive topic. I was not able to breastfeed Mia...I tried so hard, eaten the things that was supposed to help, had a very bad engorgement experience, bought a pump, massage...u name it, I have tried it but the milk still refuse to come out.

I nearly went into post natal depression. Luckily my darling husband was there to be my pillar and my mum was there to support me with all that she could do. Even typing about this, brings tears to my eyes....

It really pains me to see Mia crying for milk and me not able to provide it for her. My heart aches so bad, even worse than the engorgement that I was experiencing. She is missing out on all the goodness of the colostrum and the building of her immune system. I cried many times but again, my darling husband is there for me.

I even blamed myself when she kept falling sick when she was only 4-5 months old. She had to use the neubalizer (I think that's how it is spelt). I keep thinking that if she had been breastfed, she would have been stronger and better able to fight the virus....

Now, with this pregnancy, I am trying to get my hands on information on breastfeeding. I am reading books, information on the net and I found this great site on breastfeeding, with videos on proper latching on and all that...

I also intend to get my baby to latch on immediately after she is cleaned up...

Mia's birth story

Now that THE TIME is just a few weeks away, I am reminded of giving birth to Mia. I was induced as Mia was quite big so I went to the hospital at 12 midnight on 7th July 2006. Doc's advise to come at midnight so that should the labour be long, I would not incur another day's hospital charges...

Anyway, took a taxi there and once I reached there, the nurse inserted a pill to help me clear my bowels and then started to induce me. The contractions started but not too strong. I was still able to sleep through the night.

At 8.30am, Dr Lee came and broke my water bag. The pain was indescribable! Anyway, the REAL contractions came like immediately and the intensity grew. I guess I was in real labour starting then and only gave birth at 6.17pm. So the labour was 9hrs! By then, I was too tired to push, eventhough she was crowning so Dr Lee had to use the vacuum. Finally she was out.....

Malay Dance performances

For the past 2 Fridays, we have had Malay dance performances. Last Friday was at PCC and today was at Catholic High School. As usual, the preparation took like hours while the actual performance is only for 5 minutes....and after each performance, the teachers, especially myself at this stage, would feel drained out.




These were taken at the holding area at PCC. We were given the gym! Pictures taken at the performance area were not too clear. This Deeparaya concert was actually a very stressful performance for us. We forgot to bring the plates! And I only realised it when our bus reached SGH. Had to trouble Mr Majeed (our OM) to send it to us. So paiseh! He had to travel all the way to PCC to send the plates. And to make matters worse, our performance was supposed to be the opening act. Luckily we managed to push other items first and Mr Majeed delivered the plates just in time. Lina and Norin had to rush up from the loading area to the gym and we quickly distributed the plates. The waiting for the plates nearly caused my heart to drop. I could feel Braxton Hicks on and off....quite an adrenaline rush!.




These pictures were taken on the way back from PCC. The girls as usual still had energy to spare. They are singing and joking all the way back to school. As for us, the adults, all we could do was just close our eyes and wait patiently for us to reach home.





These were taken at Catholic High School. We were performing for an event for Food from the Heart where they were distributing toys for FAS students. The FAS kids had a great time going from one booth to the other and choosing the toys that they want.

That's it. Now, we are awaiting our last performance of the year next Friday for our school's Achievement Day...and sadly, the last performance by my darling P6 girls....

31 weeks check-up

Well, last Saturday, we went for our 31 weeks checkup. Everything was good and my baby is already 1.9kg. Very fast! Dr Lee said she is growing accordingly and my water bag is still full.

I have been getting Braxton Hicks these few weeks. I don't really remember getting it this early for Mia. Maybe because that was my first pregnancy so was kind of ignorant. Told Dr Lee about it and he said it was fine especially since there is still a lot of water and my baby's head is not too low, although she is already facing back and positioning her head downwards. So now, the checkup is every 2 weeks until I am 36 weeks, then it would be weekly...

He told me to continue taking all the supplements and milk that I am taking as whatever that I am doing looks good for the baby. Alhamdulillah...

It's funny how you start to take care of your OWN body only when you know ANOTHER human being is being directly affected by it. Previously, I would not think twice about taking instant mee or eating junk food but now, I try very hard to eat healthily. I just pray that my baby would be healthy and gain benefit from all it all...

At the movies with Mia

We went to watch a movie with Mia last night. We have started bringing her to the movies ever since she was 1 year old. But once she turned 2, we have yet to bring her to a cinema. Especially since she started talking non-stop. So, we took a gamble yesterday. We went to GV Yishun and wanted to watch Tropic Thunder starring Ben Stiller and Jack Black. We went to the ticketing office and told the girl what we wanted. She looks incredulously at us and asked, "Is she going in too?" With which we answered yes. "It's an M18 movie. She will not be allowed into the theatre!"

Damn! We forgot about the rating. My darling said my baby would not be able to understand anyway but the girl looked at us as if we were crazy and said no. Since there are no other movie to watch, we had to watch High School Musical 3!

Initially, we were quite apprehensive about bringing Mia to the movies. Afraid that she would start talking and making comments just like when we watch tv at home. While waiting for the door of the theatre to open, she was super hyper. Running, dancing, singing, jumping and we almost did not want to bring her in.

Luckily, the moment we went in, she mellowed. My angel really behaved herself. In fact, there is this couple behind us who kept talking during the movie. You would not even notice that there was a 2 year old in the theatre. So proud of my baby!!

7th Month Checkup

Again this post is overdue...will be going for my 8th month checkup this Saturday, hehe...

Anyway, the 7th month checkup was good. My weight increased by 2.5kg, must be because of all the lontong, rendang and kuih consumed during the Hari Raya period...Dr Lee commented on my weight increase, hehe and he said baby must be about 1.2kg since it's already 7 months...luckily during the scan, my baby's weight is 1242g, so the growth is normal, alhamdulillah....

I noticed something weird, during the fasting month, I did not feel faint. In fact, I feel energised and could even do housework and bake my cookies...but after Hari Raya, I have been feeling weak, having fainting spells and even fell sick (still coughing, actually). I am guessing it is because of the Herbalife supplements.

During the fasting month, I religiously took Formula 1 for sahur every morning together with my Aloe, Multivitamins and Omega3. Then Hari Raya came and the schedule becomes haywire. I only took Formula 1 like once a week, sometimes did not take at all. I miss my Multivitamins and Omega3 on a number of occasions. My Aloe was also neglected and as a result, my heartburn came back.

So now, slowly getting back the routine...taking my Formula 1 every morning, well, started again yesterday...hopefully my energy will come back and my cough would stop...

Post Raya review

Here are more pictures taken during Hari Raya...actually, I don't really like taking photos so that is why it is kind of limited.



Mia with Athirah under Kak Pet's block...Athirah with her heels...like makcik-makcik, hehehe....cute especially with the 'jewellery'....



This is the green outfit was the one which we bought on the eve of Raya. We got this whole family set for just $120. Good bargain, I think as compared to having it tailor made...



My hubby's side family outing. We went out on the Sunday and this was taken at my house after like so many shots. It was on a timer so me, kak yu and remi had to run to and fro just to set the timer, arrange the camera and run back to pose.




My Malay dancers coming over after practice....bergaya betul....more glamourous than the cikgu!

1st day Hari Raya

Here are the pictures....

Bermaafan di rumah mak....my pix can't be uploaded...censored, hehehe...very touching moment!


At Mak Eton's house. My parents with Wak Di and Mak Noi. This picture is taken after we savoured the delicious laksa....I could still taste it....



My 2 darlings...this is actually my baju kurung that I bought during the last 2 years raya. Surprisingly, still muat with my perut and all...we bought a similar colour baju kurung this year for Mia...


Mia with Kak Ita's kids...actually wanted to take together with Kak Yatee's kids but they had already gone visiting....

That's it for first day raya...actually, I forgot to bring my camera that day, of all days! These are photos taken using Adik's camera.

Pre-Hari Raya days...

I know Hari Raya is over but this post will be about the last few days of Ramadan...Well, exactly a week before Hari Raya, my mum was admitted to SGH for stomach ulcer! We were so worried especially when the doctor had not confirmed the diagnosis. Luckily, the ulcer is still small (about 2cm) so surgery can be avoided. If not, I could not imagine what Hari Raya would be like this year. Anyway, mum was discharged after 2 days. The only problem is she gets giddy after taking the ulcer medication. So, the morning of Hari Raya, she was not in the best of health. Despite that, we still go on our normal first day visiting....

The last 2 days before Hari Raya, my darling and I had more or less done with the cleaning and putting up of the new cushions and curtain. I also wanted to iron the Hari Raya clothes so that we would not be rushed on the night of Hari Raya. Before ironing, Mia came into the room and saw the new clothes. She was like all excited and keep saying, "Cantik!". So, we put the green one on for her. Guess what! She hated it the moment the cloth touches her skin. There were some lace material in the outfit and she protested saying, "Gatal!" She refused to put it on and would not even hold it near. We ran throughout the whole house trying to put it on her again. The next day, we tried again and she still refused, crying and running....so, on the last day of Ramadan, we had to go Geylang again to find another green outfit for Mia. This task is more daunting as we had to match that green with our current green outfit!

For those of you who had been to Geylang on eve of Hari Raya, you would know what's like. We actually thought of buying the outfit in Joo Chiat, but there were no more size for Mia so we still had to 'rempoh' the bazaar, reluctantly....anyway, after searching for hours...we somehow gave up trying to find a green outfit for Mia that matches ours...we bought a whole new set for the whole family!! So, in the end, Mia, my darling and me got a new green outfit (will post the photos soon)....raya sakan this year.....

we spent so much especially with the new cushion covers that was tailor made and new curtains for the whole house, we also tailor made 2 sets of outfits that cost like so much. My darling and I promised that next year, we would really need to tone it down...the only problem is, hopefully we will remember it next year, hehe...we keep saying it every year, but every year, we would be spending like crazy....aaaahhhh!!

6th month check up

Last Saturday was the 6th month check-up. Alhamdulillah, everything went well. Dr Lee briefed us about the report that we received from the detailed scan. Baby is healthy and growing well...I told him that I am fasting and he said that if I can take it, it should not be a problem. After scanning, he told me it is safe to fast as the baby's weight looks good and the water bag has ample water. But just to be safe, I will continue to drink enough water to avoid dehydration.

Well, as for the gender...before the scan, as usual, Dr Lee will comment saying if we would see any 'pisang raja' or not...but alas, that is not to be. He said judging from what he can see, it's going to be a girl.

I don't know if I am disappointed or not. I guess, it's okay if it's a girl or a boy. If it's a boy, it would be a nice change as Mia's other cousins are all girls. Both my side and my darling's side. So a boy would be refreshing. But the downside is, if it's a boy, we would have to be buying a whole new wardrobe for him. Raising a boy would be totally different as compared to a girl. Especially since Mia slept right through the nite from the first day we got back from the hospital. I think boys would need to be fed more often....He might also be spoilt as he is the only boy in both families...

If it's a girl, Mia would have a playmate/bestfriend (hopefully!). We would not need to have separate rooms since both are girls. And of course, the clothes can be recycled. But of course, I know both grandparents would be disappointed...

Anyway, both my darling and I are happy if it's a girl or a boy, as long as the baby is healthy. Now the only problem is, the name. If it's a boy, there would be no problem as both of us have agreed on a name but if it's a girl, the name would be a problem....because both of us can't agree on a name yet. He wants one name while I want another....so, now that Dr Lee said high probability of the baby being a girl, the 'fight' for the name continues....

Ramadan is here...heartburn nowhere in sight

It's the 5th day of Ramadan and I am happy to say that I have been able to fast for the past 4 days, alhamdulillah...of course the true test would be next week when I have to go to school...

Heartburn has been plaguing both my pregnancies. When I was pregnant with Mia, the heartburn would be soothed after I took some hot milk. But this time, the heartburn refused to go away even after several cups of hot milk. It got so bad that I can't breathe at times. The acid feels as if it's burning my throat. Especially if I have not eaten for like 3-4 hours. So fasting during this month would be challenging with heartburn. But so far, my heartburn has not been visiting me since I took the Herbalife aloe vera drink. I started taking the drink on the first day of fasting and I have not had heartburn since. I also don't feel any gastric pain that I used to feel when I fast. Of course it's only 5 days so we shall see how it goes...

Surprisingly, I did not feel too weak from fasting. I thought I would be feeling weak and just tired but I have been able to do housework and go window-shopping, grocery shopping....but then again, it is the school holidays. We shall see how I am after school next week...The only thing is, I hope my fasting is not affecting my baby in any way. Hopefully, Dr Lee would not have any negative news during my next checkup next week...

Not perfect but good enough

On the way to work today, I was listening to Glenn Ong and the Flying Dutchman on Class 95. They were talking about the boy who was born with two heads that died. They also commented about how we should be thankful for what we have, worries and all...

Then, at work, I received an email from a colleague about a blind boy. The message, be thankful for what we have. 2 messages of the same nature...someone must be telling me something...

It got me thinking. I do have problems, everyone does but it's how we handle it and the severity of the problem. When I look at it, my life is not bad at all. It's not perfect. In fact, I don't think there is a PERFECT life.

I have a loving husband, beautiful daughter, healthy pregnancy, supportive family. I am stable financially, although there are shortages (at times, hehe), but we still manage to eat a full meal everyday. I can afford a car, a nice house....alhamdulillah...life has been easy for me.

Especially after the learning journey to Bukit Candu yesterday, it really made me feel so lucky to be alive in this decade, in this country. Despite all the complaints, I realised that I might not have it this good elsewhere in the world. Sudddenly, I am glad to be a Singaporean. A bit too late, I know, since National Day was weeks ago, but hey, better late than never.

Darling's birthday

My darling husband celebrated his 29th birthday on the 21st of August. I have already decided to buy for him an Arsenal jersey. So, after school, I went to Sportslink and looked at the jerseys. I don't really want to buy for him the new home jersey. He already has last season's home and the only difference is the sleeve so I thought of buying for him the away jersey. Now, the last season's away is white with maroon collar. The latest away jersey is orangy-yellow. Last season's away is more appealing in terms of looks but the orangy-yellow one is just launched this month. Should I buy the nicer one or the newer one?

I spent like 10 minutes just looking at the 2 jerseys. The salesperson must be thinking this pregnant women is so fickle. She keep coming up to me and say, "Can I help you?", "This is the latest", "Shall I get the size for you?". I couldn't make up my mind. In the end, I bought the latest season's jersey!

By the way, found a splendid website that allows you to watch TV from your computer....movies and can even watch football if you don't subscribe to the sports channel....

Anyway, I digress...After that, I picked Mia up from my mum's and headed home to bake some brownies. I didn't bake a cake because both of us are not exactly cake eaters...but brownies, yum yum! Mia loves it too...

After the brownie is baked and the present is wrapped, I hid the brownie in the oven and the present in the shelves. When my baby gets home at around 8.30pm, I just pretended that nothing is happening. We talked for a while, he played with Mia then he went to bath. While he is in the shower, I switched off all the lights. Took the brownie and placed a candle on it. Placed the present on the table and prepared Mia by the table. I had to keep her hands off the brownie, of course! And as soon as he comes out of the showers, we started singing Happy Birthday...hehe, so that was the celebration.....

To take medication or not to take

Well, the flu that I got on Friday did not subside. In fact, it got worse. And as usual, the flu resulted in a blocked nose and very bad cough. To make matters worse, every time I cough, my stomach hurts, especially the lower abdomen. So, I had to go to the doctor to get some medication and therefore am on MC since yesterday. I kind of lost my voice and every time I tried to speak, I would cough uncontrollably. Luckily today, I felt much better. Although my stomach still hurts when I cough, the number of coughs has decreased much.

I do feel very guilty when I take the medication. Would it affect my growing baby some how? What are the risks? How do I know what is going on in my pregnant body?

I feel groggy after taking the medication, would my baby be groggy too? Of course at times like this, I have to think of the risks. Which is more risky? To deprive my baby of oxygen because of my blocked nose and to cause undue stress from my coughing OR to take the medication? I choose to take the medication so that whatever virus that I am having would stop attacking me or my baby. The risk of NOT taking the medication outweigh the risk of actually taking the medication.

My darling is on reservist for these 2 weeks and he will be on shift. Well, I have gotten used to it actually. When he first started going for night shift, it was kind of hard not to be with him at night. It felt different not to have another body in the bed next to you. You just have to get use to these things, I guess...at least he is not away for 2 or more consecutive nights...

Wear your baby!

I have always been an advocate of babywearing. I have been wearing Mia since she was only 2 months old and I love it. I recommend it to everyone. Especially now with the forum buzzing with people talking about strollers being a nuisance especially in shopping centres or crowded bazaar.

About 90% of the time, I wear Mia when we go out. The stroller is very seldom out of the bonnet of the car. It's easy and quick. I can shop, eat, carry bags with two hands...I just love it. I love the feeling of having her near me. She can sleep peacefully in it. At times, even when I am at home doing housework, I wear her. These are times when I get to teach her about household chores, hehe. Always start early! I only stopped wearing her after she weigh more that 11kg. After that, I have no energy to carry her for long periods of time. Anyway, by then, she is able to walk by herself.

Back to babywearing. I have experimented with lots of babywearing methods. I first tried the ring sling. Although when she was only 2 months, this is not the position she is in. I feel that the ring sling is great especially if you are breastfeeding. You can use the extra cloth to cover your modesty and should there be a slight drizzle, you can always use it to cover your precious little one's head.



Then I saw the wrap. Now, this is a bit different in that it's basically just a very long cloth. Of course you need a lot of practice wearing this one....I used this one mostly during my holidays...for sightseeing and shopping...in fact, when I was in Australia, I got quite a few eyes on me and some even asked me where I got it....I guess it's something new there. When I was in Bali and Batam or even Malaysia, no one asked or even glance in my direction. Babywearing is not something new in Asia anyway...





The next babywearing equipment I got was a pouch. Now, this is the easiest. I just put it on and pop Mia in. Simply in and out.



I guess different people would prefer different methods...as for me, I choose one according to the type of activity I am going to be involved with...so everyone out there with a baby, go get yourself a babywearing thingy fast...you won't regret it. Aahh, talking about this makes me miss wearing Mia....

HFMD?

Do I have HFMD?

Had quite a scare today. Especially in the wake of the HFMD tragedy of the 3yr old boy who died of HFMD...

I woke up with a mouth ulcer!! Actually, since I came back from school on Wednesday, I saw some red thingy on my hands and my stomach. It was damn itchy. My darling kept asking me to go for checkup but I said no. Wait till later. On Thurs, one of the red thingy on my hands disappeared but the rest are still there and itching. Then on Friday, while waiting for the students, I felt an ulcer in my mouth. I was like, DAMN! To make matters worse, I somehow got the flu and sneezed quite a bit. So, straight away after school, I went to Mak house and waited till to 2pm for the clinic to be opened. Can't sleep, can't eat! Too nervous.

Once my number is up, I went inside and told the Dr Tan about my worries. He inspected my mouth and throat with the torchlight. Finally, after what seems like a few hours (it's only a few minutes, actually), he diagnosed that it is not HFMD...Alhamdulillah....that was such a relief! Well, he said that he is 95% sure that it is not but I am to monitor the ulcer. Should there be more ulcers or any rashes or blisters appear on my hands, I am to go see him immediately. He is quite worried cos I am pregnant and he said that there are no concrete evidence to show that the baby would not be affected...

I just cannot imagine how it would be if I were to have the dreaded HFMD. Can I still hug and carry Mia? Do I need to go to hospital and check on my baby? I must stop this. Just think positive thoughts......

5th Month checkup

Went to Mount Alvernia Hospital today to have my 5th month detailed scan. Appointment at 9.45am. Came and went to see Dr Lee first before the scan. We talked about the blood test that was done last month. Alhamdulillah...he said the tests showed good results. That was great to know. He told us that he would be doing a 3D scan for us that day because he is trying out his new machine. We were excited. So excited that I completely forgot all the questions that I have been waiting to ask him, like can I rebond my hair while pregnant, can I take off-counter cough syrup and flu medication, is my aching normal....sigh...only remembered all these questions while waiting to do the detailed scan.

The 3D scan was amazing. As he was still learning how to use the machine, we got to see quite a bit of our baby. You can even see the baby's facial features and body contours....It would have been clearer if the baby is bigger, as in more that 28 months. I was only 19 months so there was not enough fats on the baby to see much. He said that once the baby has more fats, the image would be clearer. But the sad thing was, he did not give us any printout. He said the machine at his woodlands clinic can also do 3D scans. Again we forgot to ask if additional payment is needed to have the 3D scans.....hope not.

Anyway, after that, we had our detailed scan. The radiologist measured baby and checked for his organs. We saw the kidney, the 4 chambers of the heart, bladder. In fact we saw quite about everything except the genitilia. The gender could not be confirmed yet as the baby is not in a 'conducive' position...

The radiologist kept pressing and pressing my stomach with the scan thingy cos my baby would not stop moving. Baby kept moving and changing positions whenever the scan thingy is pressed onto my stomach. The radiologist kept chuckling and asked me if I can feel the movements. I could feel it but just slightly.

Mia too was super hyper that day. My darling could not contain her as she was squirming and talking and just touching every single thing in that small scanning room. I guess the baby was excited to hear Mia's voice and got her energy too.

Well, that's it. After that we went to makan and went to Jurong. Exciting day!

After very very long hiatus...

I know it's been soooooooo long since my last post. Like 2 years ago!! Anyway, a lot had happened since then. My precious daughter was born on 7th of July 2006. I did went through all the confinement stuff and managed to lose weight quickly but the weight did not stay off for long. I think after about a year or so, I gained weight again. And so the battle continues....

Well, during the past 2 years, we had gone on several holidays and I am proud to say that I went to my holidays with my baby. Australia when my baby was only 5 months, then drive up to KL with Ju, Ain, Ivan and Josephine when she was 10 months. After which, we went to Batam with my family in the same month. At the end of 2007, we went to Bali where I brought my Malay dancers on a school trip. And recently, we went to Mauritius in June. So far, it has been hassle free...well, except for the Mauritius trip. And that is not because of my daughter. I WAS the hassle. You see, I am currently pregnant with my 2nd child. So, during the Mauritius trip, I was only 2 months pregnant and I was having the morning sickness. I got worse there and I was feeling crappy most of the time. Yah, so that's the holiday stories...

Other updates include, my sis got engaged this year and will be getting married at the end of next year. Ju and ain also got engaged this year (FINALLY!) and getting married by mid next year. Ivan also having the Chinese wedding at the end of next year. It's going to be a year of marriages, I guess...Oh ya, Az had her 4th child last month I think. It's a girl.

I think that about sums it up. Hopefully, from now on, I could find the time to update more frequently....