Signs that you are a mummy #01

1. You go out for minimum of 2 hours and you think of nothing except your baby at home.
2. You are late but you kept looking and kissing the baby.
3. You go out for facial from 1.30pm to 5.00pm and you called home to ask if your baby has drank his milk and did he cry.

Growth Spurt

~ This entry may be disturbing to some readers, so please exercise caution! ~

6pm - Zachary woke up. Mommy latch him on
6.35pm - He fell asleep while feeding. Mommy let him rest for 3 minutes. No reaction from Zach (still asleep). Mommy got up and wanted to put Zach down in his cot. He woke up and found my breast automatically.
6.40pm - Mommy sat down again to nurse.
7pm - He fell asleep. Mommy got up and managed to put Zach down in his cot.
7.05pm - Mommy had her dinner - smelly papaya + fish soup and chicken. It was a quick dinner cos the soup has a really bad fishy smell.
7.15pm - Zach calls out for attention again. First signal which was ignored..
7.20pm - Zach calls out for the 2nd time.. mommy carries him and he starts searching for my breast again. Maybe he is hungry
7.23pm - Sat down and nurse him again
9pm - Zach empties mommy's pair of breast!! He was 'milk drunk' (as usual) and fell into deep slumber..

Arrgghh.. my breast was never as sore as these few days! He must be going through the phase called Growth Spurt which usually happens at the 3rd, 5th or 6th week. I kept thinking my breast will not be able to produce enough milk to satisfy his hunger or mabbe he is juz taking mommy's breast (nipple actually) as sucking ice cream? Hehe.. after his feed, my nipple will have the 'pins and needles' feeling which is due to milk being produced for his next feed. This is when mommy will assist by drinking more warm fluids like red dates tea, warm water, Milo or Horlicks.

Get that negative thought off my head as it will affect milk production!! I think of nothing but how to increase milk supply, how to store more milk for future usage.. all is MILK MILK and MILK. What does Kathleen drink? Red dates and plain warm water..gotcha and you think I was going to say Kathleen drink MILK? Wrong.. she hates milk!

It is not even one month and I am at the verge of giving up breastfeeding. Well, maybe not breastfeeding but latching on. It's quite tiring. I must think of an alternative. Read from magazine that it is best to breastfeed for at least 6 months to give baby a good headstart. 5 more months to go, can I take it? By the end of the 6th month, I will prob:

1. Turn into a milking woman / cow
2. My breast will sag
3. My nipple will drop off or go out of shape
4. My cup size will be smaller which is a good thing
5. I will be so sick of Milo and Horlicks and McVities Digestive biscuits
6. Zach will take mommy as his milk provider!!

Seeing Zach growing day by day is really heartwarming.. but what I want to see is more flesh. He is still skinny to me but I realised when I carry him, he is a tad bit heavier but how heavy? Not sure cos hv not weigh him since his second week. Fingers crossed by the next visit for his first 6-in-1 jab, his weight would reach 4kg? Mommy's target..

A picture of Zach that never fails to brighten up mommy's pain.. Notice his face has some heat rash which breaks my heart.. another phase. Oh well, it will phase out soon..

Life during confinement

Its Chinese beliefs that mothers must observe at least 1month of confinement period or max 40days after delivery. Of course, I being a Chinese is no different from other mothers. Sigh.. confinement means confined to the house, with no fan, no tv, no book nothing! Supposed to be only you and the baby!! Well, at this age of time, who will follow such strict rule? At least not me..puhleez..

We (mummy and Zach) were discharged on 08 Dec 2008 with Zach having slight jaundice and Dr. Keoy suggested that we strip him naked except for his diaper and sun him every morning but with the cooling December weather, and Zach being so 'skinny', I was reluctant to do so.

Due to my emergency case, I do not have a confinement lady for the first week hence my mom have to stay back and help me out. She will cook and bathe the baby as well as wash baby's clothes. I am really grateful that my mom was there to keep me sane though I did lose my temper a number of times due to lack of sleep. Zach was really cranky the whole week, trying to get used to the surrounding. I moved to his room and he practically cry every 10minutes or so and being first time mom, I supposed he is hungry. My breast became his comfort zone. One night he even slept while sucking. I too dozed off and before I knew it, he woke up on his own and began sucking again. Cute! All these comes with pain.. my c-sect wound of course. Getting down and up the bed umpteenth times every night really made me wanna cry at times. At one point, I thought my stitches were going to burst cos it was so pain..

The following week went by without much hiccup as my confinement lady is here and she took care of Zach except for the feeding. I still nurse him all the time to create the special bond between us. There are times when remarks such as "I think Zach is still hungry cos he is still licking his lips" "How much milk does Zach takes now?" Err.. who knows since I latch him on completely. The ultimate question "How much milk are you pumping per session".. what does that got to do with her? In my mind, I was thinking, you are my confinement lady whose job is to take care of my son and I and it is your responsibility to ensure that I eat proper food that can boost my milk supply!!! Hahaha...this will be my response if she ever passes such comments again.

As mom is not around and hubby do not know how to do grocery shopping, I did go out a few times. Actually almost twice a week. No choice, I still need to eat, my confinement lady still need to eat. I go to places like the wet market (once a week) and Compass Point (that's to do last minute Christmas shopping for hubby). Occasionally I will go to the provision shop near my block to purchase some small items. Hehehe.. what confinement?

I did wash my hair after 7 days despite my mom's protest. She was lecturing me about the consequences of washing my hair so frequently but I turn a deaf ear. There is a time when I washed my hair and did not manage to blow dry them as Zach was crying for feeding, I got another long long long lecture. Now that she is in Malaysia, I wash my hair every alternate day and I shower twice a day! What a bliss...hahahaha

One thing that I love during confinement is that I do not need to wash any dishes but I knew I will be doing massive clean up after that - the whole house smells of meat and fish! The food is nice especially pao shen with chicken and the chicken essense that my confinement lady made! Yummy..

On a nicer note to end this blog, I started my massage 2 days ago and received a good comment from Mdm Nadia that I have good skin and no flabbiness at my tummy area. In fact, my tummy was flat when I started the massage and now it is much firmer. I can even fit into my pre-pregnancy shirt but yet to try on the pants! Shall try once I finish the session.. kambatei!

Surviving motherhood

It's been 13 days since the arrival of Zach and we being promoted from couple to parents! Proud parents to Zach of course! Hee..

The first week was really a test for me, Zach was being very cranky which I take it that he is trying to get used to living outside mummy's warm and comfortable womb..*grin*. He wakes up every hour and without a confinement lady, I have to resort to taking care of him myself (I couldn't let my mom to be the one waking up right??). Every hour, I have to latch him on and I probably have insufficient milk because he will be crying the moment I place him back to his cot. This does not help to the fact that I had a c-sect delivery and I am still recovering till at one point I thought my stitches were going to burst with all the climbing up and down the bed!

Well, one week of nightmare is over! Confinement lady is here now but I still wake up every time to nurse Zach - I want to form a bond with him and I believe nursing him is the best way! I manage to catch an hour of rest in between the day when he sleeps which is good enough for me. I am so glad that I am not the sort that requires alot of sleep.. ;)

Watching Zach grow everyday is really an eye opener.. we learn with him along the way. Learn to understand his need based on his crying. It is always either hungry or he poop! Hahaha...

Some pictures of Zach.. I really can't help but snap pictures of him everyday!!! These are some of my favorite shots of him...

My birth story

Better post this before Zach wakes up!!

My last post mentioned that I will be undergoing c-sect due to my severe preeclampsia and low blood count!

We checked into TMC at 10.30pm and after all the routine questions and answer and procedures, finally managed to settle down at 11.10pm! I have to get ready for bed since the op was scheduled to be at 7.15am.. did not manage to sleep much as the nurses were in and out of my room monitoring my BP and at one point of time inserting edema for me to clear my bowel. My birth story as follows:

04 Dec 208

10pm Left home after packing and setting up Zach's cot to TMC

Zach's cot all set up to welcome him back home

11.05pm Finally went into Room 507 to rest

11.45pm Changed into my pyjamas and ready for bed

I'll always keep this pix to show how blown up I am

05 Dec 2008

5.10am Edema administered and was asked to hold for 15minutes but I can't..rush to toilet.

6am Took final BP reading, baby's heartbeat, change into operating gown and brush my teeth (need a clean breath to give Zach his first kiss..)

6.30am Received SMS from Joanne that her waterbag burst and she is joining me at TMC!

6.45am Anaesthetist start me on drip and try to draw my alr low blood count for cord blood banking

7.05am Epidural administered, I started to shiver coupled with nervousness! My BP shot up very high..all asked me to relax!!

7.15am Dr Soong arrived, hubby joined in - I was sliced open..hehe

7.36am A tug and a push from both doctors, Zach came out wailing even before his butt was slapped!

Zachary came out crying - he's clean thanks to coconut drink!

Mummy's first kiss to Zach - overwhelmed with emotions..after 9 months

No longer hubby and I, there is little Zach joining us in our life journey

And the journey continues...

Mummy's popping tomorrow!!

My 24 hour urine collection officially ended this morning at 11.07am. We left home at 10.30am to submit the specimen for test. We then went to Orchard to have brunch and shop at Borders and Marks & Spencer..

Gynae called shortly after that saying that the blood test result is out and it is confirmed that I have pre-eclampsia. She wants to see me so I scheduled it to be tomorrow, 9.30am. However, I still felt abit uneasy because my heart has been pumping very fast and hard since last night that I could not really sleep very well. And I could feel my veins are swelling and my feet do have bruises forming which I do not think it is a good sign..

I called them back and told the nurses that I wanna see the gynae today instead and they agreed cos Dr Soong also wanted to see me by today. Well.. I can only think of more bad news?? True enough, she said my condition is different and it is progressing very fast and she is not comfortable with the forming bruises which means that my blood is not circulating well and today's BP reading is extremely high! She said I can choose to deliver from tomorrow till next Tuesday - she let me choose! Me and hb wasn't exactly prepared and hence we ask her the pros and cons.. seems that baby is safe just that mummy's life is in danger cos of the high BP.

Decision made: We opt for c-sect tomorrow, 05 Dec 2008. Operating theater is full so the operation have start at 7.15am and because of my high BP, I have to 'check-in' by 11pm tonight for monitoring.. because of this last minute arrangement, we rushed home to prepare Zach's cot, wash the final load of his stuff and as for my parents, they hv to purchase last minute air ticket to fly out here by tonight!! They were so unprepared for all these..well, who is right?

I called my CL and she can't make it in time for my discharge on Sunday. Her current assignment will only complete on 15th which means I have to 'beg' my mom to stay back and help me out with the confinement.. I guess I will not dare to carry the baby for the first few days..hahahaha!!

I will post loads of Zach's photo and the birth story tomorrow.. :)

Stay tune..

A little hope

Maybe I count my blessings too early? Week 37 and I was at my gynae's office super early as she has to go off earlier than her usual time.

I failed my urine test - which I never failed before even before pregnancy because I am a water tank. I drink litres of water daily so when they found out I have high content of protein in my urine, the alarm rang!

My blood pressure shot up higher compared to last week. I did not really paid any attention to it since it was unusually high for the past few visits. Nurse Alice will always take up to 4 readings to get a good result. This time round, she did twice and both readings were high. I was sent in the room to do a CTG first so that I could rest and relax! Why are they always asking me to relax and calm down? I actually felt relaxed and calm leh when doing the pressure test or maybe all these while my relax and calm definition is wrong??

Only consolation, my CTG is okay, baby is moving and he is so cute today. Nurse Alice was in the room chatting with me (I think it's her way of keeping me calm?!?) and Zach kept moving about..hahaha! I thought I experienced several contractions but when the contraction readings were high, I actually felt out of breath - a feeling I've been getting quite often lately. Even now at wee hours in the morning, I couldn't sleep because I could feel my heart pumping too fast and I am getting breathless.

Met my gynae and she is worried that I may have preeclampsia (read more here). Well, the symptoms are all there coupled with my excessive swelling yesterday which I must say, I can't even recognise myself cos my face n eyes are so swollen! She said "Girl, why not I induce you next week? I worried that this is pre-eclampsia and is harmful for the baby". Nothing prepared me for this. Hubby wasn't with me.. no one to discuss with etc.. I do not know my options. Anyway, guess she understood and we proceeded with scanning the baby - Zach put on 200g since the last visit which means he is now 2.7kg at 37 weeks. Smaller compared to other mummies babies but as long as he is gaining healthy weight and still moving ard, I have no other worries. Doctor also did a VE for me, cervix is still closed! Which means baby is not engaged!! Arrgghh..so she said, may need to do a c-sect!! Last thing I need is another scar on my abdomen..since I alr had one last March. I told her, I do not mind inducing but I really want to try natural birth if possible.

I guess, now the only way is to wait for further lab results - she sent me for blood test and urine test. I was to collect my urine for the last 24hrs into this super huge 5 litre container..hahaha. It was damn funny to lug that container around. So far the collection has been good and I have not wasted a single drop of my urine (which was said will affect the outcome).

I have been talking to Zach asking him to get engaged ASAP..hahaha so that mummy don't have to go through the pain of c-sect and I am sure he do not want to see his mummy suffer..hehe, I hope he can hear mummy's plea for help. By next week, he should be engaged since he will be 38 weeks..praying hard and keeping my toes and fingers crossed!!

Counting down - 2 or 3 more weeks!

Last day of November and I've missed out several great deals lined up by merchants for birthday month - yeap!! My birthday was in early part of Nov.. I missed the Body Shop birthday privilege, missed Aussino 40% members privileges, and few more!! Y? I am feeling so lazeeee

I am getting bottom heavy day by day..walking becomes waddling and I really hope I am not walking like a duck or penguin!! It gets worse when I can't sleep well at night that I get so frustrated, hubby hv to bear the brunt of it! How cranky I can get?? I woke up middle of the night, crying for no reason - actually there is a reason, I can't get proper sleep..I ignored him for the whole of last week and I myself do not know why.. I feel so tired and I just wish he would understand but as guys will always be guys they will never get it, I shall forgive and forget and live on!

Looking back, it was just in April when we announced to both parents that I am expecting and in a blink, I am giving birth in 2 weeks time (I think)... I must thank God that this pregnancy is a smooth one. I do not have any morning sickness nor lose my appetite, how can I based on the amt of weight I am gaining..I do not have any severe breakouts etc..but towards last stage only severe water retention but I think it is all worth it!

Mummy's tummy at 36 weeks 4 days

Daddy got a new toy and we will be using it to showcase Zach's journey to the world!

LCD Photo Display

Still here

I really can't wait to stay home and rot! I was at gynae's visit on Monday and my weight went up to a whopping 5kg within 2 weeks *gasp* Thankfully she attributed that to severe water retention which can be seen from my puffy eyes, swollen hands with painful joints and not to mention the can't-tell-difference-between-calf-ankle! Hahaha

Not only the weight gain is high, even my blood pressure was high. I had to take up to 5 readings before the reading was satisfactory..I knew in advance it would be high cos I do feel more breathless lately.

Enough of mummy, Zach did not grow much over the last 2 weeks, onie managed to put up about 200g and is now 2.5kg which I still feel he could put on more. Dr's advice if want him to put more weight, I hv to eat more..how to?? Then I will hv problem losing those weights leh..dilemma!!

As usual, gynae predicted that I will pop anytime after 37weeks which is about 1.5weeks from now..which means I have to finish clearing all Zach's stuff by then..tonnes to do!! I can't wait till then because I m having difficulty sleeping and waddling to work everyday is such a chore! Hahaha

I can't wait!

I am nearing to 35 weeks of my pregnancy..minimumly 3 more weeks to go and if Zach decides to stay put till his EDD then will be 5 more weeks, which is just in time for Christmas! I am not going to ask him to come out earlier nor staying put. Hubby and myself kept telling him to come out only when he is ready so that he is not 'stress' over it..wahahah!! As if..

As the due date is drawing near, I am experiencing more heartburn, fatigue, feeling sleepy most of the time, loss of appetite, swollen and painful feet!! It does makes me irritated at times and I did woke up middle of the night crying because I couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep!! I am glad hubby is understanding and sleep at the corner of the bed most of the time so that the big fat whale can toss and turn anytime.

Kath's trotter

Side view - tummy at 34 weeks

Never been seen before - frontal view of my tummy...

During my last checkup, Zach has grown quite a big, from 1.7kg to 2.383kg within 3 weeks but gynae was telling me, he will prob hit 3kg or less during birth which is not exactly what I had in mind but oh well, God will decide for us. Overall, gynae is quite satisfied with my progress and claimed that my pregnancy is really a smooth one.. which I am really thankful for and hope that it stays that way. As Zach grows, his squirming and kicking has grown quite a bit too and it is more fun to 'play' with him now. Yes, he is quite playful.. the moment we place our hands on my tummy, his leg will portrude out..hb will tickle or try to grab it, Zach will move away then come back again..we are having such fun time playing 'hide-n-seek' with him!!

Next week will be an exciting time as we will be taking some pregnancy pics - keeping my fingers crossed that hubby knows what he is doing and taking..hahaha

Anticipating the arrival of Zachary...

Washing mama

I finally had enough of procrastinating and decided to pick my big fat butt to start washing Zachary's clothes.

Started with all his clothes for the first 3 months and all his booties and mittens. Towels and hankerchiefs will be saved for next week follow by comforter etc etc.. After calculating, I realise that I will only have about 5 Saturdays and Sundays to finish up all the cleaning and packing up Zach's room.

Daddy: Wah! My baby's socks is taking over daddy's hanger

Zach's clothes - its so cute seeing these mini clothes hanging in my kitchen

Zach's cot finally arrived yesterday. The delivery man helped us to set it up in the guest room, which will be Zach's room but it made the room so crampy in turn making me moody and tears start to fall (been on roller coaster ride lately).. hubby realise it and he push the cot out to the living room, so hv to leave it thr till I deliver and push it back to the room. In the mean time, I have to brace myself for the upcoming mess..

The cot which is outside the study room

Counting down - 8 more weeks

I enter into my 8th month yesterday, which means I have 8 more weeks to go if I deliver according to my EDD, 24 Dec 2008. However, Dr. Soong says most probably I will pop by week 39, that will leaves me 7 more weeks to go!!

My tummy at Week 32 + 1 day

How I am feeling now? Abit scared - been having weird dreams ever since. I have not done alot of things. Note that I said done and not shop because I have finish all the necessary shopping (I think) but after all the shopping, there are follow-ups to do.. Baby's clothes need to be washed, his nursery not done yet, actually nothing has been done. This mummy only knows how to shop and shop and shop! Hahaha

Zach's clothes all sorted to be hand-washed or machine-washed

I was mentioning abt weird dreams but I also have some weird thoughts that I don't know who should I ask, hence I asked my dear hubby

Me: How will I know if my water bag burst?
HB: Err..how would I know?
Me: What if the bag burst when I am sleeping, there goes our Simmons bed? What if it burst when I am in the living room, who will clean up the mess?
HB: Why are you asking me all these when you know I do not know the answer??
Me: I don't know. Maybe because I also do not have the answer?
HB: Don't worry, you will know when the time comes

The above conversation happens multiple times but each time with a different topic. His end statement will always be the same, I will know when the time comes. What if I don't? Is mummy nervous? Very!! Is mummy excited? Yes, I can't wait to give Zach his first kiss!!

I've been getting really breathless lately and it always occur after dinner when my heartburn is at its peak. My feet hurts because I walk alot and its really swollen. I feel my walking shoes are getting tighter each day but I do not want to buy a new pair since I seldom wear flats! Wonder can I wear my Crocs to work? All the above is not a complaint from mummy, is merely a phase that all mummies have to go through but the moment I feel Zach moving happily inside me, responding to my touch, my tapping, my singing (yes, I do sing him nursery rhymes daily), my chit chatting, every pain or sleepless night I have is nothing!! How I wish hubby get to enjoy all these with me though he is with me all the time but somehow I know the feeling he get is very different from me!

Better stop, I can talk abt Zach the whole day long!

* As I am blogging, Zach is kicking me!*

Baby Zachary Tan

Formally introducing our precious son, Zachary Tan. Chinese name is not fixed yet as mummy is not Chinese educated, hence could not decide on the name. Will let the expert do it! Wahaha

It was my last week in my 7th month (31weeks). Another 9 more weeks to go and we will welcome Zach to the world! As I visited my gynae this morning, she told me Zach is growing well, 1.7kg at 31 weeks and his due date is about 23rd - 24th Dec. However, it is usually an early birth for first born, or so I heard. Me and hubby is hoping Zach will come out on 24th Dec though, will be special to hv a Christmas Eve baby but nevertheless, whichever date, we are still happy.

• Hospital Pre-admission - Checked
• Necessities for Zach - Checked
• Necessities for Mom - Checked
• Breastpump - *Still considering which model*
• Confinement Lady - Checked
• Post-natal massage - In progress

I am all set to go!! Only need to pack the hospital bag.. Dr. Soong was teling me that she will give me 10 days of Hospitalisation Leave to rest at home before my EDD which I felt is absolutely unnecessary! She and hubby insisted so I guess I have no choice but to work from home.

As my birthday is around the corner, hubby gave me an early birthday present! A 4D scan of Zach. Zach was very relaxed in the morning, as my tummy is soft but the wait made him restless, he finally fell asleep and not moving alot. The whole scan process took nearly an hour. Enjoy the video..

Zach has very prominent features, defined by the eyes, mouth and chin. Can't really tell at this point he resembles daddy or mummy more. Keke..

Besides this 4D scan, hubby bought baby bag for my birthday as well! I am a generous mummy, will not need any birthday gift for myself, anything and everything purchased for Zach will make me very happy.

Mummy bought Care Bears while Daddy bought Elmo for Zach!

Inquisitive Baby

Baby is very active these few days. I wanted to capture how he move and wriggle ard which can be seen by the way my tummy moves. Each time I take out my phone and ready to video it, he will stop. The moment I put down the phone, he starts again. Maybe he knows? Hmm...

This morning I realised there is a bump on my right and start asking hubby to touch. The bump was still there few minutes later, then I realise it's probably baby's head. Could it be he trying to be kepoh and listening to what daddy and mummy talking?

See the bump?

Stroller Tips

Was looking into strollers though we are not buying one till our precious turns 5 months but still think that it is best to do the necessary research first.

Still blur.. to find out the tips, click on the title above

Lucky Charm

I can't believe I am actually blogging at this hour!! 12.40am and I can't sleep. I am having heartburn which I did not know the reason why.. I did not eat alot since the food is totally inedible during our division's D&D @ Suntec Convention Center few hours ago..mabbe all the loud noises and whistle blowing made baby uneasy and start kicking me.. I intended to stay longer but due to the noise and I worried that it will not be good for my precious to be exposed to such loud decibel, I have to leave!!

Alot of people says that pregnant woman are always very lucky hence no one really wants to play mahjong with them. However, whether I am pregnant or not, I never won any mahjong game so far, nor have I won any gin rami game with my family too! Not me, not even hubby dearest.. we can lose $100 plus per session of mahjong game and I ever lose few hundred in gin rami..hahaha! Not that I am complaining about this because I am totally okay abt not winning - I always say that gambling is not the way to wealth..our precious darling may not want us to play mahjong or buy 4D (waste of $$) but we are lucky in another way!

1. I have very smooth career..my bosses took care of me which I am quite surprised!!
2. Hubby just got promoted with a very good increment - this is good news since he just got promoted earlier this year
3. I won the 1st prize in lucky draw during my department's offsite trip to Putrajaya last week. This is my first lucky draw win since I knew what is lucky draw..wahahaha
4. I won $100 Robinson's voucher during the D&D lucky draw

Isn't the above luckier than winning other ppl's money? Baby definitely is our lucky charm and to reward him, the Robinson's voucher will be used to purchase all his stuff.. he is also a very lucky baby cos mummy is buying nothing but the best in everything for him! Even his maternal grandparents is doting him before even seeing him..they are alr thinking of what toys and what clothes to dress him up with and not forgetting how to deco the nursery room back in Klang!!

Baby...U R DEFINITELY LOVED BY EVERYONE!!!

Week 28 and still counting

Officially into my last trimester. My energy level took a dip! No matter how early I sleep, I still find it hard to get up the next morning. Baby punch and kick non-stop. Even at a point he will curl up and my tummy will harden, which is even more difficult for me to sleep. All this kicking and punching at times left me breathless and in pain but at the same time I am still happy that baby is very active.

My tummy @ 28 weeks..slightly stretched and my navel is poping out soon.

I also felt that my body temperature is rising gradually especially in the morning and night time.. I was so fed up with my 'aunty' look hence decided to chop away my locks for a short bob cut! At least I look more refresh and energetic..I will post up some pics when I have them.

Joy Ride

Week 26 of my pregnancy! 14 weeks (or lesser) to go.. baby is growing and how I know? His kicks and punches are stronger and he no longer limit himself to early morning toss and turns, even when I am in meeting, walking or watching TV, he will punch, kick and sometimes even turn.

I can juz put my hands on my tummy the whole day just to feel his movement. And sometimes I can see my tummy moving from left to right because baby is shifting his position! Such joy that only a mommy can understand!!! Wonder how much weight will our precious gain this time round? Finding out on 23 Sept 08

I will need to go for glucose test this Saturday and I will need to fast from 12am till end of the test (which will take up to 3hours). How to survive without a drop of water and expect to have urine the next day leh?? Puzzled..

Scrapbooking for Love

Mommy decided that simply blogging will not be enough to create keepsake memories.. the latest fad: scrapbooking!!

She ordered some of the stuffs online via http://www.joann.com/ but bulk of it were purchased at a scrapbooking shop @ Plaza Singapura. Initially it was quite tough, not sure on how to create a creative LO but soon after seeing how others do it, referencing some magz, she concludes that she's improving..

Scrapbooking is indeed an expensive hobby but it does gives me joy to create every details during my pregnancy and every firsts, seconds that our precious will go through in future.

Weight Watcher

I was given an off-day on Friday, 29th August 2008 because it was check-up day!! It's the last check-up for my 2nd trimester, which means by the next visit, I will be in my 3rd trimester..heart pumping very fast because I am anxious and nervous and scared at the same time..very very mixed feelings - how come I felt that my pregnancy is so short?

I was at 23 weeks 2 days and weighs 60.2kg as oppose to 56.9kg 4 weeks ago. I gained approx. 4kg within 4 weeks, way beyond the 500g per week quota!! *Gasp* Dr. Soong advised me to watch what I eat, which she explains, out of the 4kg I put on, baby only gained 500g because his previous weight was 324g and as at Friday, he is 800g, and this concludes that the remaining weight is mine!! Wonder where did it all go?? Must be to my expanding butt...gosh..

After gynae's visit, we went to Isetan Baby Fair and bought baby a play gym, which is sold for $99 (a steal considering Taka was selling at $129).

As we were about to head back home, I saw this bag which I fell in love immediately. Within a short 5 minutes, $350 flew off from my wallet!!

My Che Che NY bag

As the pregnancy moves on..

As I reach the near end of my 5th month into pregnancy, I noticed several changes:

1. Not as agile as before..can be explained by me falling down even when walking abit too fast.
2. I became hairier - I noticed hairs has been sprouting around my abdominal area and it is so unsightly!
3. Belly button - I gauge that by the mid of 6th month, my belly button will popped-out completely. The surrounding area of my navel is bruised for reason I can't explain.
4. Baby's movememt - Baby's movement is more frequent and prominent..I can sense his feeling at times based on his kicks and punches. My tummy will turn hard when he is not happy or not in the mood but will be soft when he is happier..
5. Breathlessness - I can't squat for long now.. I get out of breath easily and the growing tummy is hindering it..I am not complaining. Happy that baby is growing

Expanding tummy at 22W+4D. Notice all the veins forming - carrying nutrients to baby

Last week, I bought a baby heartbeat monitor thinking to listen to our precious' heartbeat. As I settled on the bed with hubby ready to listen to baby's heartbeat, he kicked on the device so hard that not only can I feel it but it can be seen..I tried again and he kicked it away again!! Baby not happy that mommy n daddy wants to feel his heartbeat! Hahaha.. end up I told baby that we will try again next week (which will be tonight)! Let's hope baby is cooperative..

As I am counting down to Week 40, anxiety has also kicked in.

Me: Next week I will at Week 23, another 7 weeks to Week 30 and will be another 10 weeks before I POP!! What if my water bag burst when I am sleeping or walking ard the house? It will be messy right?
Hubby: Dear, why are you thinking abt messy?
Me: Of course, who will clean up the pool of water? What if it is on our bed? How?
Hubby: Don't worry abt such thing..you should think abt baby only and not how messy the house will be, haha

Easier for him to say, he don't have to be the one cleaning..hehe

I have alot of thoughts and vision on how the baby will be when he is born..how will he behave, what activities will we be doing with him, etc etc.. I can't wait!!

Marriage & Parenthood Package

All the mummies between Aug 08 - Dec 08 were given a rude shock on 18th Aug 2008 NDR when some minister announce that the new M&P package were to start on 1st Jan 2009 instead!! How much we lost?

• Enhanced Leave Measure (2mths 4 weeks to 2mths 8 weeks)
• Enhanced Baby Bonus ($3K Cash Gift to $4K Cash Gift + $6K matching CDA)
• Enhanced Childcare Subsidy ($400 infant-care subsidy to $600)
• Enhanced Childcare Leave (existing 2 days child care leave to 6 days child care leave)

We raised a ruckus!! Online petition, writing to REACH, calling MCYS, presses, etc etc.. finally it worked.

22nd Aug, minister announce again that they will back-date the above M&P package to 17th Aug 2008. Hip! Hip! Hooray! Baby get to enjoy the benefit after all..

Hubby's comment: Baby is a rich kid even before he is born - why? Mummy will maximise govt's contribution and put the fund into FD as part of his growing up fund.. baby's future is secured.

Shopping spree

We have been in a shopping mood for the past few weeks for baby stuffs.. having spent about $320 on our first trip to Takashimaya Baby Fair and today another $550!! OMG... I will need to stop spending alr..but like hubby says, anything for our precious, it is really worth it..

As I was packing our precious' essentials, I realised we have bought those that are required. Today, we confirmed on a Rocio 4-in-1 cot which is going at 50% at the Taka Baby Fair. It's a steal at $359 with some freebies..Delivery will be on 8th Nov 2008..don't want them to deliver it too early since I will prob not be ready to clean up the room.

Feeding essentials - mostly from Pigeon. Need 2 more 4oz baby bottle. Will be targetting NUK

Shower essentials - after doing the sums, no difference to purchase GAIA or J&J..so will try GAIA, love the scent

Booties and mittens, baby wrap and Pupsik plush pad! Not forgetting, soccer socks

Daily wear during the first month - long sleeve button / ribbon with matching long pants and some shorts. These are the cheaper ones ($9.90 for 3 or $10 for 4)

Some rompers which our precious can wear after their 3rd month - abit too big

T-shirt, soccer jersey meant when he is older

Bibs purchased at Mothercare, Kiddy Palace, Pumpkin Patch and Aussino..

Baby's hat - not very practical but I am sure he will look very adorable!

Baby's Detailed Scan

2nd Aug 2008, 11.45am - Appointment was fixed a month ago for our precious detailed scan.. though he is not fully 20weeks yet, but is about there, 19 weeks 3 days.
One week before our scan, we both kept talking to baby on what the scan is all about and how baby should be cooperative with the sonagrapher. True to our words, baby is very cooperative and the whole scan took only 20minutes compared to others that took much longer! The sonagrapher took a few pix and measurement and then explained to us!! Yeah..100% confirmed a boy because we can see his 'asset'..wahahaha!

Head measurement - baby's head is bigger than average baby (in the 95th percentile)..what does this mean??

From mom: Smarter baby

From gynae: Hard work during labor

Measurement: 177.6mm

Baby's spine - see how clear and strong the spine is!!

Baby got a sharp chin - like mommy!!

Baby's feet - all 10 baby's toes can be seen

Baby's genatalia (XY, means BOY!!) and thigh (Femur)

Measurement: 31.5mm

Baby's hand

All in all baby is very healthy and my placenta placement is neither high nor low. Heart has 4-chamber and all blood vessels are okay!!

Baby's weight at the moment is 324g.. average weight!!

The Kick

My tummy at 18 weeks. Still not very visible especially when I am wearing my working clothes.

There are times when my tummy is very obvious in the evening but surprisingly no one will give up their seat for you in the MRT! This is especially true if you are taking the East-West line.. well, this is Singapore and Singaporeans for you..

Counting down to 2nd Aug 2008 - where we will be going for the detailed scan!

Hb managed to feel the baby's kick two nights ago. Baby is very active at the wee hour of the morning especially so after I went for a pee! He was kicking furiously and I took hubby's hand and put it on my tummy. He felt it immediately and since then he will place his hand on my tummy every night! I feel so loved!

A Scare

While everyone is enjoying the tom yam steamboat last night, I felt a nagging pain at my right abdomen. I dismissed it as the baby is kicking and moving.
The pain was unbearable at night, at one point, I think the baby is kicking on my bladder that made me get up to go to the toilet, aish.. I have a very active baby coming up. Hahaha... but the abdominal pain is still lingering. Happening every 5 to 10 minutes. No matter how I sleep; face up or lie on my left, the pain is still there..I began to get worried.

I woke up tired today and still having pain.. I called the gynae's clinic and told the nurse about my condition. She ask me to monitor for another 2 hrs and ensure that my tummy is not hard as then it may be a sign of early contraction and may result in premature birth!! Imagine how scared and worried I was when heard of pre-mature birth.

By 11.3oam, the pain still persist and that's it, I took a cab straight to TMC and saw the doctor. The cause? Could be due to a stretched I gotten when vacuuming the floor yesterday or cleaning out my shoe cabinet or.. I've gotten a yeast infection!! Something common for preggers.

The cure: Some pills to be inserted and some cream to ease the pain on my abdomen.

Fun part: Doctor was kind enough to do a scan for me. Saw baby's head and all his 10 fingers and toes clearly. He is counting his fingers, literally lah..

Infant Care or Nanny?

All these while me and hubby were thinking of placing our precious with a nanny preferably near our place at Punggol.

In order to know more about our neighbours, I went down several times to the provision shop nearby to buy some stuff and observe the 'aunties' ard..Hmm.. they don't really meet my standard (I have some standard minimum requirements) hence, infant care is next up.

My colleagues and I sprang a surprise visit to The Little Skool-House premise at our office building. First impression is good. They took all our temperature and we even hv to sanitize our hands. We were shown ard the place - it is huge!!! A special room for kid's assembly, music room, shower room, dining area, play area, nap area, etc.

When we saw the infant room, I am impressed again! It's built just like hospital's baby room. There is a special room for baby's nap time. They encouraged mom to come down during lunch time to feed and bond with baby. They even have a room for breastfeeding!! Yeah.. the principal mentioned that we can leave our breastpump there as well..Good for me..

Of course there is cons as well. This means that I may need to drive to work, ERP gantries, sigh. High cost - though may be offsetted by the staff price we will be getting and some govt subsidy.

Here's the link: www.littleskoolhouse.com

Next up, need to consult my parents first.

Baby Boy for Us!

As I officially enters the 2nd trimester, I found myself having full energy but losing some of my big appetite - I still eat alot, but much lesser and less frequent compared to my 1st tri. I told Dr. Soong abt it on Saturday and she seemed puzzled!! What is even more puzzling, I put on more than 2kg in 3 weeks! Wonder where did all those weight come from? My tummy is not very obvious yet compared to some of my friends but I am not complaining.. :)

My tummy at 17 weeks 5 days

Hubby asked Dr. Soong to confirm the baby's gender when we were at her clinic on Saturday. Baby was very shy, crossing leg and lying still all the time. And you know what, the doctor's ultrasound screen can't even fit the baby's pic. Baby is now 12.2cm and she mentioned that he is a tall baby and very big size too!! A funny moment, Dr. Soong said she can't confirm the gender cos baby is not cooperative. She said "Maybe baby's birdie flew away alr..." Hubby looked so shock!! I knew what he was thinking. We bought so many baby boy's stuff and if it is a girl, what are we to do? Hahaha

Baby at 17 weeks, measuring 12.2cm. His head is on the left and tummy on the right (note the size of the tummy..hahaha). The black dot is our baby's heart

Frontal view of the baby - the eyes

As my parents were ard, I wanted them to catch the first glimpse of their grandson (though not confirmed), we invited them in.. our baby is indeed cheeky, once my parents were in, he opened his leg so wide, we can all see 3 white spots - his testicles and penis!!! My tears start to roll.. My parents were so happy..hahaha.

So all is not lost, the shopping continues and the search for baby's name will be finalised soon, stay tuned!

FP Infant to Todder Rocker - $99 from Robinsons

Booties and mittens & NUK Glass Bottle - all for $22 only

Clothings from Baby Gap

Pumpkin Patch bodysuit - Mommy love green

Bedtime Story

Baby's first book, Disney's Bedtime Favorites. Got it from Border's at 30% + 10% discount..

We were thinking of either getting nursery rhymes or bedtime story for our precious and I was at Border's with my lunch 'kakis' and saw the book, decided that it is suitable for our baby.

Baby should be able hear us by week 20 (which btw, I am at my 16th week now), so I suppose, it doesn't matter to start 4 weeks earlier..hahaha

I started reading it to him yesterday, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, one of the old time fave.. hopefully when our precious is out to this world, the same stories he heard in my womb will soothe him down.

Next up in our lists, more baby clothes, bottles, etc etc etc...

Fluttering moments

I was chatting with my mom over the weekend (a usual routine) when she casually asked if my tummy did grew bigger than previously. I gingerly replied "No..in fact ppl commented that it looked more like a spare tyre than a baby tummy". Guess what..she raised her voice and asked if it is cos I am not eating (afraid that I will put on weight) - which is definitely NOT TRUE!!! I have been pigging alot! Constantly munching at 2 hrs interval but I can't figure why the tummy is still that small.

Next week will mark my 17th week, which means into my 5th month alr. Time flies and I agree!

Back to my mom..she asked if I can feel baby's movement. I did feel some sharp pain at my abdomen at times. I asked my gynae before and she said it could be baby's movement. My mom said NO when I told her that..hahaha. She told me how it will feel.. after I hang up, i immediately drank a glass of OJ and lie on the bed.. very very quiet environment, rest my palm on the right of my abdomen and start to close my eyes to concentrate.

To my amazement, I felt some fluttering - very very light movement, like bubbles bursting and a faint touch to my palm.. I woke hubby up immediately but too bad, he can't feel it yet. Wait a while hubby dearest..u'll feel baby soon!!

What are we doing now? Cracking our heads for baby's name.. I will start shopping this weekend when my parents are here. Spending moolah time and gorging time as well.

First purchases!

Ever since the gender of our baby was 70% confirmed, both of us were busy thinking of English and Chinese name respectively. Since I am Chinese illiterate, hubby has the privilege to think of the Chinese name, while I have to put on my thinking cap for an English one.

Not forgetting purchases for our dearest!! Whenever we visited baby store, hubby have to pull me away fr ooh and ahh over those cutesy girlish wear..how to resist!! So cute... We did manage to get a few items for baby over the weekend when we were at Mothercare @ Vivo and Harbourfront. There was a sale going on, hence can buy. After this purchase, I will be getting those plain cream colored or white colored shirt for baby - trying to reduce buying bodysuit as feel that initial phase, baby wil be more comfy in normal shirt.

Purchase by proud daddy!

Of course mommy will buy one for baby dearest!

Hubby is dreaming big that his baby boy will be playing in the Premiership Leageu till he got baby a soccer ball!! *Faint* Dreaming big... but hey, who knows, he could be a star in making - now that he is listening to Mozart!! Wahahaha...

Thanks to mummy Verne for buying baby's first bib - very cute! Will take a pix later.