X'mas Day = Children's Presents' Day

The children have already been asking for the presents placed under the Christmas Tree. They have been asking since the day the presents have been placed there.

So, on the very day of Xmas itself, the children couldnt resist anymore (as we told them to wait till Xmas Day to open the presents) and asked for the presents again. This time, they got their wish granted. Hooray! Immediately, they started the mission of tearing the layers of wrappers, hoping to see their "wishes come true". Indeed, the process of unwrapping the presents is like having a war.....wrappers are thrown everywhere in the house as they are deemed "useless" as compared to the toys they are holding in their hands.

The children having "war" with the wrappers

Sometimes, I wonder whether the children understand the true meaning of X'mas. To them, it could jolly well mean Presents' Day. No one can deny that they are the happiest lot on this day as they receive tons of presents from their loved ones. Like Trenyce, she received about 10presents in all! Thats a record for this year. I believe there are many more children like Trenyce out there and I do hope they will understand the meaning of "giving" on X'mas Day and not regarding it as "Presents' Day".

Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Xmas (though I am a few minutes late) and Blessed Year 2008! Cheers!!!

Unforgettable Xmas 2007

It has just past Christmas. I have just returned from Orchard Road, bringing my PILs and SIL & family to view the beautiful decor. This was the first time I ever walked the entire stretch of Orchard to view the decor on Christmas Day itself as most of the time I would be in Labis at this time of the year. There were crowds of people and it was a challenge for a heavily pregnant woman to complete the entire stretch. We walked from GoodWood Park Hotel all the way to Centrepoint and boarded the MRT at Somerset back to Ang Mo Kio. The train was not as packed as I expected it to be, perhaps its still early....We left around 8plus but the kids and this heavily pregnant mama were already exhausted and couldnt walk any further.

Anyway, it was a Christmas unforgettable. Unfortunately, I have forgotten to bring my camera along so I couldnt snap any nice pictures to post it here.

Pre & Post-Natal Massage Contacts

Called up a few massage contacts gotten from momsinmind website and decided to post it for reference. SO any mummies are welcome to refer here..…here's my update:

1. Mdm Dolly Lim
- Contact: 97386081
- only do postnatal massage
- $50 per session (around 60 to 70mins)
- booking: prefer 3 weeks in advance

2. Mdm Naini
- Contact: 94562817
- prenatal $65 per session (60mins)
- postnatal package $450 for 6 sessions + 1 body scrub
- booking: she asked me to call next week to book though my delivery is in Feb08.

3. Mrs Hannah Wong
- Contact: 96319557
- $68 per hourly session or $98 for 90 minutes for both pre & postnatal massage.
- For the wrap or binding (mainly for post-natal), you will have to pay for the two pieces of cloths which are $9 each.
- Booking: advance preferred

4. Mdm Jamilah
- Contact: 91862917
- prenatal $70 per session (1hr 15mins)
- postnatal package $490 for 7 sessions (1hr 15mins)

Meeting up with MeowMeow

"So sorry dear meowmeow, you got to come all the way to Bishan to meet me. Although this is supposedly to be a birthday treat for you, I have to make you travel so far. Thank you for your understanding. Its really difficult for me to travel nowadays. Even walking for 15mins could tire me ot very easily...."

Met up with Cat on the Hari Raya PH. Havent seen her for a while and also owed her a birthday treat....She is one of the few friends I have managed to keep in touch with even after I got married and with kids. Its not easy to maintain the contact and I truly appreciate this friendship of ours.

We had a simple lunch at the Froggie restaurant (Sakae Sushi) at Junction 8. Hubby and Trenyce tagged along because of changes in plan going back to Labis. Anyway, its good too because it was raining very heavily on the day and hubby could give me a ride hehe....

Trenyce with MeowMeow

Trenyce enjoying her kid's meal..

Dinner at Swensen - 18th Dec 2007

Got some vouchers from company today and decided to "reward" hubby for being a stay-at-home dad today :p

We had quite a feast - spagetti, fish baked rice, cheese sticks (finger food), salad and an ice cream fondue....wow yummy yum yum....we enjoy the food and so does Trenyce.

Look who's the pussy cat here?

Attacking the fondue...

SAHM for a Day

I was on leave, taking care of my 3yo at home few days ago (17th Dec). This was the 1st time I was left at home with her alone since I got preggie. Little girl is very sensible nowadays. When she wants to pee or poo, she will tell and she will go to the potty by herself. When she finishes her milk or food, she will bring the utensils to the kitchen. When I am doing housework in the kitchen, she will play by herself in the hall.

Overall, she is considered a well behaved girl except that she will sometimes get lazy and refuse to keep her toys and put the utensils back to the kitchen. Then she gets nagging from her very-strict mummy. I don’t generally help her do all the keeping as I believe that by doing so will encourage her to be "lazy" more often. What I normally do is I will get her to keep the toys together with me or I will impose rules like if she refuses to keep her toys then I wont bring her downstairs to go kaikai or something. So far it works for me. Anyway, little girl knows no tactics work for mummy so she will obediently do what is being told. She will only "tey" daddy or the grandparents (if they are around) to do things for her.

Anyway, we didn’t go anywhere yesterday except going downstairs to buy some grocery to cook the lunch and dinner. We had plans to go library initially but had to call it off as it was raining the whole afternoon.

Shopping at RC on 16th Dec 2007

We didn’t do much today except going to Robinsons Sales at Raffles City. Hubby said he had not been to RC for a while already. Hubby got himself a pair of business pants from Ashworth and 2 business shirts. The purchase is very worth it cos member gets an extra 20% discount! Also got a shirt for FIL as Xmas present.

Trenyce also had her fair share of entertainment. She managed to take a picture with a Santa Claus at RC and caught the Barbie Princess performance at the performance hall. She was lucky as it was the last day of the 30-min show. In the end, mummy is the only one who didn’t get anything at all. Sigh! Hubby said its because I am too fussy :p

Picture with Santa

Trenyce waiting eagerly for the princess performance.

Trenyce very engrossed in the performance.

The beautiful Princess Rozella

The performance gang

Eventful Saturday (15th Dec 2007)

My PILs had left home for their annual "holiday" very early in the morning, around 6+am I think. I was still sleeping when they left so didn’t really catch their departure timing. We tried to clear some of our leaves every end of the year to take care of Trenyce ourselves so that PILs can have some rest. Usually, hubby and myself will rotate our leave schedule during this period. This has been our annual practice since Trenyce arrives. Yah, hubby is considered quite capable as he is able to take care of Trenyce by himself such as bathing and feeding her. And I am really proud of him :)

We also went for our routine visit to Dr Goh in the morning. Baby is now 30 weeks old and according to Dr Goh, Kaden now weighs 1.5kg and everything is normal. Mummy now weighs 70.6kg, gained 2.4kg. I also did the blood test and it showed my glucose level slightly on the high side. The usual reading is around 6 whereas mine is 8+. Dr has instructed me to cut down on sugar and carbo...ohoh..and my routine checkup has been changed to 3 weekly from the next appointment onwards as I am reaching the last 10 weeks of my pregnancy. Anyway, finally met Tabitha as it so happens our appointment date is on the same day :)

In the afternoon, I had my prenatal massage with Mrs Hannah. My whole body is achy and I was looking forward to a good massage. Unfortunately I was told I couldnt do a "hard" one so her strokes were rather gentle. So not really "shiok". Overall, it was ok but would be better if she could increase her strength a little....cos after one day, the effects of the massage are gone already...

In the evening, we attended my nephew's wedding. A bit amazing right? He's my eldest nephew, 26yo already. Cant imagine we are only 4years age difference. He can be my younger brother already haha. This was the first time Trenyce attended a traditional wedding dinner. She was amazed to see so many people and at the same time I think she must be curious why was that so many ah yees and jiujius popped out suddenly and most of them she had never seen before. In her little mind, I suppose she could only recall one jiujiu and one yeeyee that’s why she seemed a little reluctant to address these new yeeyees and jiujius.

Prenatal Massage

I have just booked a prenatal massage session this coming Saturday. Really excited. This is the 1st time I am doing a prenatal massage cos really cannot tahan the aches anymore. Dont know why this time like feeling more heavy than my first pregnancy. Wonder if its because of the additional 5 kg I didnt manage to shed off after giving birth to Trenyce? Just weighed myself today, I am tipping 71kg already...wahwahwah....thats my weight when I had Trenyce and I am still about 2 mths away from my delivery... hohoho....duno how heavy I will be?

Anyway, looking forward to Mrs Hannah Wong's massage session. I will share more on the prenatal massage after my Saturday's session.

Thank you strangers

***********
Dear strangers,

I have been taking MRT to work everyday. Even though we do not know each other, I thank you for being such considerate and kind soul for volunteering your precious seat to me. Thank you for your understanding and I truly appreciate that kind gesture of yours.

Yours truly
***********

Ever since being preggie, especially after the 2nd trimester, I have been receiving seats from strangers on MRT everyday. I suppose the bulge is more obvious now. But this is really one thing I am trying to get used to.

I did not have this experience when I was pregnant with Trenyce as I hardly take public transport. My kind sister would send me to work everyday because her little boy was studying somewhere near my office. However, this time round, I am not as lucky as my office has shifted to the city and I have to jostle with the crowd in the MRT everyday. It was difficult initially because I was having morning sickness and no one volunteered their seats to me likely because my bulge was less obvious then. Travelling to work everyday then was a chore!

Besides that, receiving seats from strangers does not happen every now and then, ok. Its only under special circumstances like being heavily pregnant etc. I admit it was quite embarrassing initially when people offered their seats to you because it seemed to mean that you are more "vulnerable" than them. But at the same time, I am truly grateful that they are giving their seats to me cos standing with a big bulge is really tiring! My weight escalates as the pregnancy progresses and is taking a toll on me as I can no longer bear the additional weight. My leg hurts from the standing and the journey to office seems forever....actually only 20mins + 5mins walking. But when you are unwell, 5 mins also seem eternal, agree?

Trenyce coughing again

Trenyce is coughing again. She has been coughing since coming back from Labis and she only coughs at or in the middle of the night. People called this "cold cough". We have fed her with the chinese medical coughing syrup and hearing less coughs these past few nights. In fact, on certain nights, I dont recall hearing her coughing at all. So I thought she is alright already and have stopped the chinese medical coughing syrup. But heard her coughing again just now while in her sleep. Hmm..getting a little worried.

I remembered receiving an email that gives special remedy on curing night time coughing in a child by applying Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime then covered with socks. It was mentioned that "even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly."

Wow, sounds like miracle. Not too sure if it will work but am going to give it a try tonight. Cross my fingers she will recover soon from her coughing...plsplspls... Mood: Worrying

At ah yee's wedding...

At ah yee's wedding on 23rd Nov 07. This is the first time Trenyce attended a wedding tea ceremony and collected an angbao from a new family member....

Hiding in the room, waiting for the bride and groom to arrive..

Serving tea to "new" uncle

Curious at wnat the new uncle is going to do with the teacup...

Cousin ah yee (bride) and the new uncle (groom)...

Mood: Interesting

At the Airport...

Sending mummy's extended family to the airport (T1) on 24th Nov 07.

With cousin Michelle...

Group pic with my cousins...

With my ah Yee...


Mood: Relaxed

New Clothes for Kaden

It is indeed not easy to get clothes for boyboy. After some shopping one day at Jaya Jusco in JB, I only managed to get these for Kaden. The one on the very top is for Kaden when he discharged from hospital and the 2nd one is for his full month celebration. I like the 2nd set more. Very cute but I realised most boyboy clothings are either in brown or blue..not much choices in terms of colours. Compared to the time when I go shopping for Trenyce, I am so spoiled for choice!

Anyway, Kaden will have his fair share of new clothes too since he is of different gender with his sister...so Kaden, just bear for the inital period, wearing jiejie old clothes k....

Ambitious Task

I am going to take on a very ambitious task come April 2008, taking care of Trenyce and Kaden all by myself. Its going to be a challenge and my MIL is actually quite worried :p

Well, this whole thing came about because my PILs will be going to Perth to visit my SIL, and will be staying there for probably a month or so. And since I am still on my maternity leave, there is no time better than this period for them to take the long holiday before they have to revert to the mundane task of looking after our two kids. They havent got such long breaks for 3years already, ever since they helped to look after Trenyce for us...the most is about 2 weeks break so I think they really shld go for this holiday.

Actually, they have volunteered to bring Trenyce along but we have rejected their kind offer. You can say that I am silly to reject such good offer but hubby and I seriously think its not a good idea to separate Trenyce from us during this period when Kaden has just arrived. Young she may be, she may harbour thoughts in her little heart which we do not know. She may think mummy and daddy are ditching her after the kid brother arrives and that we dont love her anymore etc etc etc, which is what we really dont want her to feel that way. And furthermore, this is the best time for both of them to bond with each other since this is the first time she becomes the jiejie..

But seriously, I dont think its an mission impossible bcos my mother also took care of me and my 2 siblings all by herself and so if she can do it, I really think I should be able to handle as well. Moreover my mother is staying just a few blocks away from me.....anytime I need help, I can always zoom over to her place..hehe very optimistic heh. Well, I just feel that this is part of motherhood too. Hubby has also promised to work 4-day week during the period when PILs are not around to help me out. Things should work out fine, I think.

I suppose the only thing I am more worried is how to keep my temper in control espc when Trenyce is so active now and very often she will purposedly do things to irritate you...

Dear Lord, pls grant me peace and calmness so that I will be patient with the little playful one at home. Amen. Mood: Optimistic

On breastfeeding again

I am still a little bewildered on BF. Alot of people I spoke to told me to feed baby on demand and then naturally the supply will come. But....how to BF on demand when we have to consume ginger and alochol stuff during confinement? The last time when I went for prenatal classes, the nurse mentioned that either you BF before you ate these "special food" or wait 2 hrs later to BF the baby. For very simple reason, ginger will probably increase the "seriousness" of jaundice (as we all know all babies no matter what will surely get jaundice in the initial period) and taking alochol will affect the quality of the breastmilk as the alochol will pass on to the baby when you BF (which is harmful to the baby).

If feeding on demand is the key to BF successfully then I really have a big problem here. How am I going to BF on demand when at the same time I have to consume food that will affect the well-being of my dear child? Sighhh.....