Free Internet Access??

I was given free internet access yesterday when I checked in at my favorite hotel here in KL. As I was typing, I wondered whether it truly free as now the rate is RM214 as compared to years back it was in the range of RM 180 - 190. Perhaps that's the price for the new upgraded LCD TV and also so called "free internet". I can't be bothered about having new or clearer TV as I'll be using the hotel to catch forty winks only. I need a fridge more to store my precious milk. Pretty frustrated when I was given a room with a malfunction fridge. I requested a new room and was given this more spacious room. Now, happy me is pumping while typing this entry.

That's the fridge, the LCD TV and the jug kettle.

Close-up my ice packs (in black pouch) and 2 bottles of fresh milk expressed late night yesterday. Missing my tiger cub a.k.a Noah. I bet he misses me too.

Back Karabau-ing

Just a quickie. It's been 2 months now since I get the much needed leave. Now back karabau-ing since 1st Sept with many things to pick-up from where I left them.

On another note, baby Noah is also 2 months and here are his stats:

Weight: 5.8 kg
Length: 58.5 cm

And yes he is smiling, gurgling, and sometimes we can catch him laughing. And he loves to socialize even at mealtimes. Another happy baby in the house...

Welcome Home Baby Noah James!

We are happy to announce the new addition to the Happy Little People gang

Baby Noah James

DOB: 30 June 2010
Time: 2.20pm
Weight: 3.24kg
Length: 49cm

Me - just happy baby is finally delivered safely. So here's my delivery story for treasure.

I was worried sick since the day I got false labour. Everytime the contraction hit me I was ready to run back to the hospital but at the same time worry that it might be another false labour. I must have got food poisoning as I had a feast of young jackfruit soup, hinava, bamboo shoot soup, peanut soup, cake, etc on Saturday (day before false labour). Perhaps the food mixture trigger some chemical reaction in my tummy that's causing me to have contraction.

Glad to be home next day (Monday) and went to work on 28-29th June. I even went to Ryan's birthday dinner on 29th June and ate a variety of dishes. And again that night, my tummy start to grumble again. At 3 am, I cried because I feel as if my tummy going to burst like full blown balloon (feels like tummy cramps too). Hubby call MIL to come over and we head to the hospital straight away.

As soon as we reach the hospital, contraction monitored again and was showing dwindling pattern just like before and baby heartbeat is somewhat faster than normal. Anxious that it maybe another bout of food poisoning, I asked for enema to relieve constipation. I was feeling better after some bowel movement but contraction still went on but not as strong as before.

Then, Dr came at around 9am and checked but I haven't effaced and dilated yet. So he suggested that it's better for me to be induced as prolonging the unsteady contraction may not be good for baby. Well, I agreed but with heavy heart (just afraid it does not work and I had to go for emergency c-sect).

So I was induced with pitocin 8ml at first - result no contraction and still smilling. An hour later, Dr ordered to increase to 10ml, few minutes later I felt the strong contraction again. At 1pm, Dr came and felt I only opened 3-4cm and still high. So he broke my water and told me I'm going to deliver at 5pm. I shouted... whaaat still a long way to go (I was already in pain...).

At around 2pm, the contraction already torturing me and I can even feel the baby is pushing himself out. Hubby even asked, "Sakit kah?" I answered him "Napa mau rasa kah?" He answered back smiling "Tidak apalah ko sajalah". (Kurang asam...)

Told the nurses baby is coming out and frantically they send me to the delivery room. I was already shouting... "Nurse call the Dr I can feel baby's head... and call my hubby too" and yet they still give me that cool look. Finally few minutes later, Dr came and said "Cepat juga...". He took his time to tie my legs, injected the LA and cut perineum area and asked me to push (I just can't believe how the Dr and nurses can do everything so gracefully and slowly when I can feel the baby head going to pop... unbelieveable no panic at all). So with one push baby Noah is safely delivered. After baby is out I told Dr "I thought you couldn't make it already..." He said smilling, "No la..." (Ciss... confident punya Dr).

The nurse showed the baby to me and Noah gracefully peed for the first time (just like his brother Joshua).

The End







.

False Labour

I thought it would only happen to first time mothers and that I won't be fooled by my own body as this is my 4th pregnancy. How totally wrong I was. On Sunday evening, I dragged myself and hubby to the hospital because I was having terrible contraction from morning. I also had diarrrhea like symptoms in the morning.

When we reach the hospital the contraction is already 9 mins apart and by the second hour 5 mins apart. However, cervics only open 1cm then 2cm, then stopped progressing anywhere. Then by midnight contraction getting further apart that I even enjoyed watching German Vs England world cup match - despite being sleepy from tiredness due to the pain.

In fact, that night was supposed to be my mom's 40th day memorial service. I so wanted to go but hubby said better err on the side of caution better go to the hospital and get checked rather than regret later. Prior to this, during the 38wks review the doctor already caution us to come if anything happen. He told us he just did emergency ceasarian due to baby not moving for 2 days but mother take it lightly and only come to see him on the second day. When he delivered the baby is already blue and not breathing. Huh... that made me and hubby worried. Now if baby did not move I would poke my tummy just to see him move.

Anyway, I'm still around with my very pregnant belly. Walking like penguin now. Doctor also advise me to go for a walk. Haha... maybe I should do that. I've been delaying the walking exercise as I wanted to wait until the 4oth day memorial service done but I missed it anyway. I feel sad but sis told me all went well. A lot of relatives attended the service and the food was more than enough. So with everything is over now, I can concentrate on labour, baby and my own stuff.

The Result is Out...

Waiting for the result of the Histology is like waiting for a life sentence to be read out. Anyway, I went for review with the Genereal Surgeon last week on the 10 June 2010 and here is the result: - "NO MALIGNANCY" whew...



I had lumpectomy done on my left breast on the 3rd June 2010 and now the scar is still healing and the swelling almost subside - but slightly painful to touch. It was an hour procedure and I requested Local Anesthetic without sedation. Huhu... brave me and lucky me when I chose not to be sedated as apparently the lump keep moving away causing the doctor have to cut bigger area (around 2 inches incision and pretty deep too) and inject the LA a few times at different spots during the procedure. I smelled my flesh being barbequed and keep imagining what were they doing.

The surgeon was quite nice actually -he keep asking me whether I'm afraid or not and I told him as long as I'm not in pain I'll be alright and he also told me that I'll be hearing lots of sound but nothing to be scared off. Pat on my back I manage to stay still for 1 hour - though it's pretty difficult for a 35 wks pregnant body to be in one position for too long (back is aching and the baby is kicking like nobody business during the procedure - perhaps he too can feel the tension). Poor baby - mama has to get you involved but it's a relieve also to feel you moving all the time which means you are alright in there.

Thank God I can now rest my mind on the issue and concentrate on the new baby arrival. Last review with Obgyn at 36wks I weighted at 60 kg and baby is approx. 2.6 kg. No wonder it feels heavier now and my pelvic bone is in constant pain. I guess my body is preparing for the Day. I even feel the need to clean the house - "nesting instinct" everyday that I won't rest until all is done for the day. And as usual, I would sneak at 2 am to have my delicious ripe mangoes (afraid that I might go into labour and can't have it for a month). Uhhh yummy...

To do or not to do...

I have finally made my decision - that I am not going to do the lumpectomy this time. Apparently, I found out I'm having lots of lumps in both breasts and doc suggest to do lumpectomy to take some samples to send to the lab. I've met 3 doctors so far, all suggest that I do but I can still postpone if I want to and I'll be put under observation. So for now I opt for the latter suggestion due to the current situation I'm in. Mom has been hospitalised since last week and going to hospital a lot can risk infection. I'm afraid the wound from lumpectomy won't be able to heal in time for delivery and may cause unnecessary risk/difficulities for me and the coming baby. So - KIV first.

Last check-up I was only 59kg and baby estimated weight 1.98 kg. Well, I didn't gain much weight after a lot of walking the past weeks. Still plan to fully breastfeed baby with current condition, it is even riskier not to breastfeed. I hope the lumps are just lactation cycst that will go away with breasfeeding.

Life is difficult right now. But praying hard that I'll be strong and nothing will go wrong.

I won these...

RM 200 Cash, RM 200 Hamper (from Johnson&Johnson),
Certificate and Silver Crown

I feel so proud, elated, adrenaline-rush, I-don't-know-how-to-explain feeling when the emcee announced my name as the 2nd prize winner for the "Outstanding Breastfeeding Mother Award" during the "Our Little Wonders - Our Future" Baby Contest held at City Mall today 06 June 2009. I registered TeeTee too for the baby contest. He cried as soon as he saw the judges (perhaps he was terrified by their un-friendly faces).

I didn't expect to win (though I hope to win) as there were so many people. I was tired and the kids need their afternoon nap but luckily hubby suggested we hang around a bit till the result is out.

We didn't manage to take any photo as me & hubby busy minding the kids.With 3 kids on-tow it's hard to move around, we even lost UaUa for a while when I went to take the prize.

I personally feel my breastfeeding experience really paid-off. Special credits to hubby too for the encouragement and support (especially when I'm outstation). Tomorrow, I'm going to watch the news. Most probably the news will come out in the Chinese paper. Heee... I'm just so happy.

I will post the photos once I got hold of it..

10 years... now what?

I'm in this particular stage of my life (career-wise) - I call it the "cross-road" where I have to decide to turn left or right or just move on. For the past few months I've been thinking about it. Until now I'm still not sure what to do but I have this yearning to turn right or left and not go ahead.

There are a few motivations for me to think this way (not in particular order):-
1. I need a change of environment
2. I love my family
3. I love my kids
4. My bond is finally coming to an end
5. I want to spend more time with the kids
6. I'm exhausted - I need a break
7. I want to do something that I like in my own time

and if I can find ways to do what I want to do and still get the same pay I would. Haha... I'm stuck in a situation. God help me.

Busy Momma

Latest update... I've been busy for the past one month. My mom was not feeling well which add up to the existing busy schedule of minding the kids and family business (the usual stuff - cooking, washing, folding etc).

I have to KIV anything to do with shopping, pampering myself, internet or hobbies until everything settle into normal mode again.

So for now, I shall concentrate on my work which was left untouched for 2 months - my boss did some of the little task while I'm away. Thanks Boss!

The other half of my time shall be spent on the kids and family.

Life as a mum is always busy but I'm not complaining because as the kids grows it will get easier. So for the time being just go with the flow.

Theo is 1 week old!

Time flies so fast and it's been a week since baby Theo first introduction to the new environment (other than the darkness in the womb). Here is his photo at 1 week...


He still looked bit jaundiced but he is feeding well and now start to have regular bowel movement. Hope this will help clear the bilirubin. Actually, Theo has undecended testicle (both left & right) at birth but I got one of the local masseurs to correct the position and lucky she managed to get one testicle down. The other one still a bit higher but I can see that he is finally wetting more nappies now as compared to the first few days only3 nappies in a day (Perhaps it was due to his testicle being undecended).

Theo is also exclusively breastfeed and I was quite amused at 1 week old he totally refused to suck the expressed breastmilk from the bottle. I guess I have to train him to accept bottle earlier - otherwise I would have problem when I go to work or outstation later.

Life is good at the moment after 1 week with a new-born baby - long break, spending more time with the kids but I was a bit sad that the school holiday is going to be over soon and I didn't do much things with Uaua - I have lots of plans of things to do with him but somehow it didn't materialised. The only thing that I manage to get him to learn is swimming which starts 28 November 08. It was his first time in the pool and having sensitive nose he sneezes all the time - poor boy.

Momoi is also pretty grown up now - I spend most of the time with her during the 2 weeks nursery break. Comparing her with Theo now I can't believe she has grown this big - I still miss the baby Moira. She is so adorable with her smiles, big eyes and chubby cheeks. She can sing A-Z, say 1-10, sing few nursery rhymes (in her own language) and can understand simple instruction. She eats on her own (starts taking solid - rice & family meal when Theo arrives). I can see she can be independent and loves her baby brother. I guess the timing is just right - the only thing that I didn't manage to teach her yet is potty training. At night, she still try to escape from her brother's room to our room to sleep next to me.

While Dodu (MIL) was busy bathing Theo I manage to catch Moira doing her funny stuff again - she took the small bucket and put on top of her head. MIL & I can't help but laugh... hehe...


Finally thanks to MIL for helping with bathing Theo and cooking delicious meals for hubby and kids. All this time I never get bored with my confinement food until I saw my MIL cooking in the house - I almost forgot I am only allowed to take my food. Thanks to Mom & Dad too for sending me my delicious confinement soup (so eager to have them- my favorite lihing soup) and bath daily and even stayed with me in the hospital until I delivered. I know mom is not feeling very well but she still stayed on. I am so lucky to have such wonderful parents and in-laws.

Here's a photo of MIL with Theo at 1 week. This photo was taken by our talented Joshua.

Phewww...

I went to get the GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) result from Pathlab yesterday. I'm so relieved the result turn out OK... Within normal limits. I have also done similar test during my previous pregnancies and the result were also the same. In fact, my O&G tell me no need to do but I'm worried as my urine glucose is always high. So I did the test again - don't want to take chances.

Hee... so happy with the result that Me and hubby went to celebrate at Hana Japanese Restaurant, Citimall yesterday. But darling hubby reminded me not to eat anything sweet - good result doesn't mean I can indulge. Thanks darling for reminding...


Since I got family history of diabetes I'm actually cautious about my diet - normally I would drink tea or coffee without sugar. Consume less carbohydrate, but sometimes this can be very difficult especially during the festive season. Do more exercise (for me house cleaning is an exercise).

So until then, I pray that our precious baby is doing well and will be delivered healthy and safely.

Maroon

What colour are you?

Maroon You are a creative mind that loves to express yourself in diffrent ways. Your friends often come to you for advice but you don’t really know why. You can be two entire different people. It really depends on your surroundings and the situation. Having fun is a big part of your life but you alsow want some time to yourself or just a minute or two to relax. You hate when things are taken too seriously and think that the world whould be bettre if people could just cut eachother some slak!.. You are a layback person and dislikes doing things in a hurry. You have a couple of friends that you really understand and feel you get something back from, but you do have some that you feel are just tagging along. Numbers: odd numbers and numbers in a signifigant order.

Fun quizzes, surveys & blog quizzes by

What's your personality type

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal. A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways. In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music. You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for. In love, you express your emotions through actions. Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well! At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist. How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's Your Personality Type?

An Amateur work of art

I had my first attempt to make flower arrangement for Moira's Birthday recently using the crystal bowl I had from our wedding gift. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to shop for fresh flower from the market so I make do with the 2 bunches of flowers (mixed colours) I got from nearby sundry shop.

Initially, I wanted to do white and yellow but I didn't have enough colours, so I mix all three colours I have - white, yellow and purple. Then I ask Joshua to comment...

Me: Uaua... what do you think... lawa (pretty) kah?

Joshua: Hahaha.... bida... (soo... ugly) ooh mama...

Me: Why you laugh out so loud?

Joshua: Because it's really-really ugly....

Me: (pandai juga ni budak komen..../this kid really know how to comment...)
Ok... let me try change.... hmmm....

Fortunately, I had enough purple so I decided to use 2 colours only - white and purple. This time I got 3 thumbs up and Hi-Five from Uaua and hubby and also little Momoi... yay.

My 1st flower arrangment project...

Close -up look...

I lurrve the purple chrysantemum...
aren't they just lovely....

I'm a bird...

I was in Penang last week from 21-24 Jan attending a workshop held at the Paradise Sandy Beach Resort. I didn't manage to go out as the time was quite packed with activities & discussions until late at night.

The beautiful sandy beach at Tg. Bungah Penang

However, while taking a break on the sandy beach I did manage to do something daring the 2nd day with my boss...

Guess what... we went para-sailing!

The instructor telling us how to operate the chute...
see the excitement on our faces... fun eh

And here's the clip...

It was a fun, thrilling and exiciting 6 minutes flying experience. Now I know how the birds feel on the sky. If there is such thing as reincarnation - I want to be reincarnated as a bird...

Welcome Year 2008

Happy New Year 2008!

On New Year's eve me and the kids went to fetch Papa from work and bought KFC for our dinner. We also manage to take few pictures with my favourite X'mas tree in town...


Huh... didn't manage to update this blog for a long time although I was on leave since 14 Dec 07. I guess I was too preoccupied with tidying up the house and caring for the kids since Moira's nursery was also on Christmas holiday.

This year, perhaps I should do better planning of my time and space so that I spend less time tidying up. With the fresh New Year spirit, I hope this year will be a productive year for me - more output in less time and energy.

Hmm... I always wonder how other moms are coping with the demands of kids, hubby and work all at the same time. They must be wearing the Super-mom suit- with big 'S' on it ;-)

Bye-bye Breastpump....

Nicely packed breast pump & milk bottles for my future project ;-)

I'm finally saying bye-bye for now to my faithful breast pump after 8 months of milking in the changing diaper's room, meeting room, hotel room, wash room & filling room (basically any room with a private space).

What a newly found freedom for me...
1. I don't have to worry about pumping at the exact time morning, noon & evening.
2. No more leaking milk, painful & swollen breast if I don't do or forgot to do or no time to do no1.
3. I can eat & drink the taboo food - coffee, chilli, liver, black beans & chives (I did eat some chillies & chives while breastfeeding though).
4. I don't have to worry about coming home on time for Moira's feeding.
5. I don't have to worry about keeping stock whenever I have duties away from home.
6. I don't have to carry my ice-packs everywhere I go.
7. I don't have to worry where to store the milk when I'm away from home. (I have even tried persuading the hotel personnel to help me freeze the milk at the hotel's F&B dept fridge against the hotel rule. I was lucky, he finally agreed after reasoning with him.)

Although some mothers continue to fully breastfeed their babies until the age of 2 years, I don't think I'll be able to make such commitment due to the nature of my work. Most of the time I have to work away from home for 2-4 days. I have only been able to keep stock for 3 days supply of breast-milk. There is one time when Moira totally refused to take formula (Mama's milk taste nicer...) and my milk supply was low that it got me worried sick. I'm lucky now Moira is fully adjusted to taking her formula and she is ready to wean from the breast. However, I still breastfeed Moira for her late-night feeding/sucking needs.

Anyway, being able to fully breastfeed my baby for almost 7 months is the most satisfying achievement for me as a mother. Everywhere I go with my pump, bottles & ice-pack bag, I always get the encouragement from other moms who have been through the same experience and respect from others who didn't persevere or didn't have the patience to breastfeed. Personally, I have learn a lot through my own experience with my baby Moira and I would certainly fully breastfeed my baby if I have the chance to do it again in the future.

I'm 100% Mama's Milk
(Moira at 2 months 1 week)

What kind of girl are you?

You are a Brainy Girl!

Whether you're an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books. You know a little bit about everything, and you're always dying to know more. For a guy to win your heart, he's got to share some of your intellectual interests. A awesome book collection of his own doesn't hurt either!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

Haha... This is what hubby used to tease me. I'm a bookworm through and through... and will dig my head into any books and not care about anything else. I don't watch tv but read books. My mom told me that when I was a little girl, I will not let her rest until she reads the newspaper to me.