Before I Forget...

Marion @ 1 year 1 month

2011-12-11T23:53:00.006+08:00

So far I have not tracked Marion's progress on paper, and when I looked back, somehow I have forgotten even her major milestones.. I regretted not doing it. The milestone that I put in facebook was not detail enough as I only update once a month cos I feel lazy to choose a suitable photo and upload it to keep up with her progress. Maybe not an interesting thing for other reader to read, but this is merely for my own tracking..

These are Marion's progress as of today at 1 year 1mth.

Physical Development:
1. Have 2 lower teeth, 4 upper teeth.
2. Already started to run.
3. Weight 8.25kg...
4. Is going through Roseola (a type of chicken pox) since the past 2 days. Tomorrow should be cleared already.

Social development:
1. Can pronounce (and recoqnize) : Daddey (daddy), Dodo (a BabyTv channel character), nenen (milk), mam (eat), star, red, bluh (blue), yes
2. Smiled/excited when hearing the word: Circle, triangle, square
3. Loves : Babytv channel (esp Oliver the Monkey), the cuddlies esp Dodo, Hi Five ntv7, nursery rhymes, her Baby Bright CDs
4. Favourite nursery ryhmes : Twinkle Little Star, If You Happy, BINGO
5. Can dance following the music tune
6. Can sing "dah, dah... da, da,dah" (to B.I.N.GO tune)
7. Can wave and say "bye-bye" since 10mth old,
8. Dislike sad songs by "crying without any reason"
9. Start sharing her food with us
10. Sudah pandai main kejar2 with my babysitter's grandson (last time main kejar2 pakai walker)

We have just started to let her feed herself using her finger, but she can drink from a trainee cup since 10mth old. I've also started to get her to drink from a straw and subsequently using a bottle with straw, but that has not been an easy thing to do though. Will try harder.

Food Critics Gone Wrong

2011-11-14T13:44:00.006+08:00

Eventhough I consider myself to be slightly introverted, one thing I actually love to do is having guest at home. When having guest around and sharing our food, I honestly belief that it is the act of kindness, and by doing that, I will actually have more 'rezeki' come to our home.

For a small gathering, I very much love to prepare my own cooking compare to catering, if time permit it. I know I am not that much of a cook, eventhough I never poisoned my hubby with my cooking. But still, I noticed that guest (including myself) are more drawn to home-cooked food prepared by the host themselves, somehow we can tell the difference. We understand the effort taken by the host to prepare the food with their bare hands, and food well cooked shows the sincerity of the host.

So far that I have organized a small makan-makan, some food that I cooked will vanished very quickly, and some will slowly diminished towards the end, and some of it took us a few days to finish the leftover. Having the same familiar guests over the years, I have roughly know their individual preference and taken a mental note whenever they mentioned about it, but of course I can't produce a single food that will suit every individual guest, so I make varieties. I sometimes ended-up handling too many types of cooking, and found myself still in the kitchen by the time my firs guest arrived.

I do not expect any compliments from anyone in regards to what I made. I just hope that everyone will enjoy themselves. On the other hand, some guest do make a constructive critism and gave me some plus point or some tips for me to try, which I'll be gladly happy to hear.

Among all the guests I have had, there is this one guest that we have been having over very frequently. On at least 3 occasions, the husband has commented on my cooking. The words chosen was upfront, and the first time it happened, I was taken aback and speechless. I do not know him that well for him to be able to say that to me (he is a friend of hubby's). I tried to brush it off, although I felt a bit hurt and could not forget about it until this day. The second time he commented, I just laughed and smiled, I thought maybe he or his wife is a very good cook, and knows about food very well. But somehow after being to his place many times, I did not really find his wife cooking to be that great, but I always made sure to say something nice to show my appreciation, or if the food wasn't that great at all, I just pass it and there is no need for me to say anything. There were plenty of other food for me to eat anyway.

Recently, we have had them again, and in one night he commented negatively about the food I prepared twice. And on the second instances, he had compared my food with the one he had eaten in the restaurant before. And of course he said the restaurant food is better. I mean, if I can cooked that well, I won't be doing what I am doing right now, I should be opening a restaurant right? Those are home-cooked food, don't they realized how much love, care and effort has been taken to create the food? And if my cooking is not spicy enough for his taste, what about the rest of the guests and small kids who have lower heat tolerance?

After that incidence, I am considering very heavily either just cater everything the next time around, or not organizing any gathering alltogether. Just because of this one person who gave negative comment, and never said anything about the rest of the food that he piled on his plate, it made all my effort to be unworthy, and I started to ask myself why would I bother to do what I did.

P/S : I am sorry for those who have came to our gathering before, I really hope that I do not offend anyone. It's just because of one person, this post come about, I couldn't let it go since it keep on bugging me. Please don't shy away from our invitation next time. For a well-meaning critism, of course I could take it very well, but as the saying goes, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything OR just say something nice anyway!

Elite

2011-10-28T22:04:00.007+08:00

It maybe a bit too early to say this, but I really glad that I made the decision to take up the job that I am currently into. It has been two weeks now since I joined. The first day was a full-day orientation program, and the rest of the week I was sent for a software training. Last Monday was the first time I saw my workstation, and shortly after warming up my seat, I was called and immediately being briefed by the technical director. And after that, nobody really bothered me so far, I was being left alone to go through their system in the server, which actually had help me a lot in figuring out the overall picture of the department I am currently in.

After going through all the correspondence, what I found out was that the department I was in right now was just initiated in 2009, and the system that we do is a pilot test project not just in the company, but also in Malaysia. My particular field was just being started by mid of this year though, and I am very honoured to be chosen to fill up the gap in the department as it is becoming one of the 'elite' arms among the group of companies. The top management are visionaries and are very supportive of us in terms of investing in the training, hardwares, softwares, marketing strategies etc as we will going to change how construction will be done in Malaysia in the future.

This Monday we will move from Level 9 to Level 1, to our very own brand new office solely for our department. On Friday, I will be going for a managers conference with a very well known key speaker, which was organized by our Group. I will be rushing out to go back immediately after that to catch flight to Kuching as we gonna be celebrating Marion's pre- 1st birthday together with families, relatives and friends.

Please Don't Touch My Baby

2011-10-12T14:18:00.002+08:00

Dear readers (yes the two of you..) what do you think about letting strangers playing with your baby while you were outdoor?

I personally dislike it when some strangers come up and pulled my daughter's hand and touched her cheek without even asking for permission... I am not being stuck up whatsoever, but you can't imagine what that person has touched before they touched your baby. I don't mind they playing with her or be near her, as long as there is no physical contact. So far most of the rude strangers I encountered are the middle eastern tourist, somehow my daughter has attracted their attention everywhere we go. They will just come up, raving and cooing at her, touched her hands and hair with total disregard of whether we like it or not.

I am still not sure how to prevent strangers from touching her while at the same time being tactful about it. If you have any suggestion on how to do this subtlely, let me know.

Lone Exodus

2011-09-30T14:42:00.004+08:00

Watching my daughter, Marion, waving her hand while saying 'baa baai' at the cartoon character in the tv just a moment ago. I still couldn't accept the fact that she doesn't need me to carry her around tightly in my arms anymore... my little baby is a big girl already.. am dreading the day that I have to stop her from going out dating with a guy when ~~we're~~ she's not ready.

Well, about the good news. Heh. It is still a good news, but it has a bit of a twist to it. Okay, I got a new job actually. The day that I resign after I could not cope with the mountain of workload, another company was trying to reach me via email and phone but to no avail. I was truly busy I did not have time at all to open up my personal email, and my phone was on silent mode on that very day. I saw a few missed call from the same number, I tried to call back but it was a hunting line. Had discussion with my boss regarding my workload and proposed some solution, and let me think about it over the weekend.

The next Monday at 9am, I finally picked up the call. I could not hear clearly the first time and I thought it was another ambitious tele-marketer, but when she mentioned, "bla bla job offer... would you like to join us?", I sat up on my chair and asked her to repeat from where she is calling.

It was actually the company that I had went for an interview, just a few days after I went for an interview with the current (former now) company. I was not really sure I would be able to secure that job, but at the same time I know their hiring process will take longer so in the meantime I'll take whatever comes my way. At least if I did not get it, I already have a job in hand.

To cut it short, I did secure the job with the company, but it was NOT the one I applied for (oh ow..) I only figure it out after I went to take the offer letter.

At the moment since I had only a two weeks notice, my last day was last week's Friday. I am supposed to start on the 3rd October, but have to join another intake's batch cos I have already registered for an induction course conducted by ACEM which I do not want to miss.

Ok will update again soon as I needed to answer my daughter's nature call.

I am Elated

2011-09-13T22:05:00.004+08:00

Uhmmm aaaa... ehehehe...

I need to pinch myself again and again. The news that I was waiting for almost 2 months, has finally came through. If not because I was at my workstation, I would have screamt my hearts out, and leaped in joy as high as I could.....

I really hope that either this would be the last one, or it will be a platform for me for something much much better in the future!

Guilty Pleasure-Deep Fried Oreo

2011-08-06T23:48:00.015+08:00

I've watched Ann Ward, the winner of ANTM Cycle 15 made this Deep-Fried Oreos in one of the episodes sometimes ago. Since then, I have been wanting to try it. And finally today I did.

It was super easy, especially so if you happen to have a ready-made pancake batter. But from my experience using the pancake batter below, I believe it's worth to make your own batter, really. I can taste a heavy dose of preservative in it, and it doesn't taste great, although still edible. I suggest you to take the pancke batter recipe from here, it's looks very simple, and there are lots of good reviews.

With this ready made batter, I needed additional 1 egg, palm oil, and water as per the box instruction. After mixing the batter, just dip the oreo in the pancake better, then deep-fried it until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Then munch.
And munch..
and munch...

Update : I've tried the batter to make a pancake today, and gosh I feel like crying! It was my first pancake, it was the best I have ever tasted! So fluffy and light! Thanks so much to the contributor. She didn't realized she is spreading the love all over the world!

How to Make Crispy Pork Rind (Lanyih)

2011-07-27T15:55:00.010+08:00

Crispy Pork Rind/Lanyih

Pork rind (or Lanyih in Iban language) is actually the part of pork with lots of skin and the fat. It resulted from that pork skin and fat fried in its own oil and separate into pork lard and crispy crackling pork rind. When I was small, my mother likes to add this pork into vegetable soup, it tasted and smell divine. It also can be taken on its own as a snack. In Chinese hawker stall, you normally find these small pork rind bits in your char kuey teow, dry pork mee etc.

I always found the pork rind sold in packets in Pasar Bau, Sarawak to be a bit smelly and I do not like them (in it's uncooked form). That was until I tasted a homemade pork rind done by Momo's grandmother. It was the best I have ever tasted, we could just munch on it on its own. It never crossed my mind that we could actually do it ourselves. Since Momo also knew how to do it, I have been bugging him to buy pork fats for me to try, and that was about 3 years ago. Finally he bought it for me last Sunday.

Its very easy to do. What we need is just a kilo of pork fats. That cost us RM10/kg. The lady pork seller has already cut it nicely into small bits, just nice to sprinkle on your char kuey teow, but I would not mind for a bigger pieces either.

Clean and dry it. Sprinkle just a pinch of salt.

Heat up wok. Once it's hot, lower down to medium low fire. Dry fry the pork fats. Pls excuse the dark wok *shy*

You can fry it in big batches. It was my first try, so I was just being safe. Then just let the stuff cook away. You can see that the pork rind and the pork lard slowly separating. It's done when the pork rind turn gold color. Drain the excess oil from the pork rind using paper towel.

For a kg of pork fats, you can get almost a kg of pork lard. Keep this for when you stir fry vegetables.

And the resulting crispy pork rind, about 4 cups, and to be kept in an airtight container. Yummy... Add this to my maggi mee, mmg sodap!!

How To Choose Milk Powder Dispenser

2011-07-23T23:20:00.003+08:00

When my baby was younger, she would feed few times at night so I like to prepare her milk powder with the right amount in a milk powder dispenser and put it at the bedside table. This way, I don't need to go to the kitchen and make fresh milk dispensing whenever my baby cried. This is a helpful little invention, as I can shorten the time for me to prepare her milk, make her happier and both of us can go back to sleep as soon as possible. This is the usage other than the time when I am going outdoor with my baby.

Basically, there are two types of milk powder dispenser available. One is cascading type, and one is rotating type. See the photo below.

Left to right : Cascading and rotating type of milk powder dispenser.

Here's the pros and the cons;

1. Cascading Type:
Pros;
-bigger compartment with wider mouth. Easy to fill up with milk powder, that would means less spillage.
-dispensing hole at the center, thus ensure that no milk powder remains when you dispense
-easier to wash

Cons;
-The compartment has to be rearranged after one of the compartment being used up. Very messy sometimes, especially when you are in a hurry or very sleepy :D

2. Rotating Type:
Pros;
-Just rotate the dispensing hole (the cover) when one compartment is being used up.

Cons;
-Compartment can be small, especially for dispenser which have more compartments, thus more spillage occur when you pour the milk powder. For this reason, try not to buy a dispenser which has more than 3 compartments
-Normally wider in size, thus taking up space e.g in your baby bag
-Dispensing hole is not on the center, there will be some milk powder stuck at the corner. Sometimes you have to shake it so it fall.
-Slightly more difficult to wash as it have corners.

My choice would be the rotating type just for the reasons that it is so convenient to rotate the cap. It made my life so much easier..

How to Use Little Bean Steam Sterilizer

2011-07-22T02:09:00.013+08:00

Since I received lots of traffic coming to my site with keywords such as 'how to use Little Bean steam sterilizer' whereas I did not put any instruction on how to, I think I might as well put it in here in the hope that it can clear new parents doubt.

I am still head over heel over the sterilizer, I don't think I can live without it. It really made my life so much easier.

This is step-by-step instruction on how to use the sterilizer.

1. Wash the bottles and wash the sterilizer. Add 90ml filtered water to the sterilizer. From my experience, 90ml is just enough to cover the steel plate on the sterilizer, so it's not necessary to measure anymore..

'

2. Put on the bottle rack.

3. Arrange the bottles on the rack. Since the second tier is not enough for all 6 nos of MAM bottle accessories, I attached the bottom of the bottle loosely together to the body, minus the rubber valve. Arrange the rest of the accessories on the second tier.

4. Put on the cover. Switch on the main power. Then switch on the Start button.

5. While the water in the sterilizer is boiling, there will be random numbers showing on the indicator.
When the water become steam, the countdown from 8-0 minutes will start, as shown on the indicator. This is when the sterilizing process going on. Do not touch or open the cover at this moment.

6. When the sterilizing process is complete, there will be beep sounds. After that, the number '3' will show. This means that the bottle will stay sterilized for up to 3 hours if it remains unopen.

7. You may re-sterilize by just pushing the button again by waiting at least after half an hour (eventhough for me I will do this only twice a day).
8. You must wash the sterilizer and change the water EVERY DAY. Otherwise, you may feel kinda soapy slippery on your bottles. Air dry your sterilizer after use if possible.
9. If there is accumulation of calcium deposit, pour vinegar to cover the steel plate overnight. Scrub and washed it thoroughly the next day, then use as usual.

Caution: The sterilizer is very hot during and after sterilization. Please handle with care. Make sure to cool down your feeding bottle before using.

Disclaimer : I will not be held responsible for any accident occur due to users following the instruction above. Common sense apply..

Good Luck Charm

2011-07-20T00:05:00.011+08:00

Last Monday, my white gold chain broke. I did not realized that the thing inside Marion's grip was actually my heart-shape white gold pendant which was given by my hubby for my birthday this year. She dropped it and it fall into a tiny hole at my car's handbrake which I never knew existed. Out of all places... What was the odd? I felt like crying...

I actually sent my second job application last week Friday night, and I was very confident that they will call me. Call they did,on Monday morning. I was surprised it was that fast. You know what else? He asked me to go that evening itself. I was stuck for words. I told him it was too short notice, the next day (Tuesday) would be ok. Set. I panicked since I haven't actually done much revision so far, I kept on putting my reference books aside.

Told myself I should be fine, despite being brain-dormant for almost a year. I would just cocked-up some long winded stories so they would forget to throw technical questions at me. Sounds good. Ahaha...

I got a day for preparation, including my file and my attire. Neat cloth, washed hair, simple make-up, a dash of perfume, high heel waiting by the door, yada yada.. and yet I felt incomplete without my necklace. Then I remembered Marion's necklace and Cross pendant which was a gift set given by her daddy.

Hmm.. maybe.. maybe my necklace was meant to be broken. Maybe I was meant to wear Marion's necklace for the interview. Put it on, I felt complete, I kissed the Cross and went off with butterflies in my tummy.

Almost 1 hour into the interview, my interviewers who are the directors of the company, went out, I guess for some deliberation. 5 minutes later, one went back in and told me, "Ok, we can match your expected salary, although it's a bit high yada yada (that's a BS, I know). Pls wait for 5 minutes, we are printing your appointment letter."

My mouth dropped. I could only said, "Uh? That was fast". Never in my entire working life. Ahaha. Marion's pendant must have been the good luck charm ...

Happy..... :D

An Eye for An Eye

2011-07-12T10:09:00.010+08:00

I was chatting with my ex-colleague yesterday afternoon. I am not proud to say this, in fact a chill running through my spine when she told me about it. I just found out that immediately after I left, my former boss was sick, gone through an operation and warded, had MC for a month, and was using a crutch to work. He was just recently got slightly better and managed to walk around without the crutch. My ex-colleague told me that it might have been because I had cursed him. I had only felt a slight tinged of empathy, but I remember I was thinking about him almost every night prior to my delivery, and I tell you it was not in a good way. Little did I know that the silent prayers that I made those nights was actually happening at the same time.. and I know what I had prayed and wished for.. in fact was not fully done yet. There was more. Someone has done injustice to my yet-to-be-born daughter, and it was fair enough that one's generations to come will suffer the same, if not worse than what one did to her.

Do I want to undo it?

Really, I don't know if I want to. Not yet.

What Was Life Like At that Time

2011-07-06T23:34:00.006+08:00

Oh ya..before I myself forget. Let me just jot down my peculiar behavior during my pregnancy with Marion, so that I can compare it in the future *God bless us*

Things that I like :
a) Homecook food, esp my mom's and my siblings cooking, esp traditional food
b) Malay food
c) Mamak food (except curry and sambal)
d) Heaping on Sunny Hill's ice-cream during the final month. Heaty..

Things that I hate :
a) Chinese food
b) Curry and laksa Sarawak
c) Soya bean & milk .. still dislike, but no more gagging
d) Fruits... until to date :(

Things that I normally don't do:
a) Super lazy to cook. I practically stop cooking since the first 2 months of pregnancy. The most I cooked was maggi mee for myself if Momo too tired to go out to buy food.
b) Lazy to do ironing, cleaning, laundry etc. To think of it, I was just too tired to stand up on my feet.
c) No more shopping. No mood..

Main Masak Masak

2011-07-04T19:24:00.007+08:00

Honestly, i have been a bit quiet recently in the blog but hey im still around. I got a renew enthusiasm for cooking at the moment, as I know once I get back to join the workforce, these days of culinary experimentation will literally be over. I have not just learning how to cook better, but also on how to do better food photography. I don't know where it's gonna bring me, but at least my hubby is a one happy man right now eheh, He not just get to eat good food, but also get the chance to practice his photography skill using his new dSLR (ahemm). I've been slowing down these few days as I need to get ready to be called for interview. I did not apply much this time around, I already got one appointment from a MNC who headhunted me, and I just sent my cv to my ex-company biggest competitor. Serve them right if i able to get it. Anyway, wish me luck, i badly needed one right now!

The Three of Us

2011-06-14T13:32:00.004+08:00

The Effects of Sterilization to MAM Feeding Teats

2011-05-20T15:23:00.003+08:00

During Marion's stay in KPJ, we were provided by the hospital with cold sterilization (tablet form) to sterilize her MAM feeding bottles. Despite the chlorine smell, seeing how convenient it was, I went out and buy Pureen brand sterilizing tablet (RM26.90 per pack of 52 tablets) upon her discharge.

Prior to her admission, I was boiling her MAM bottles since I had left my beloved Little Bean steam sterilizer back in KL. I had noticed that the bottle teat change slightly from clear to slightly frosted, but it will turn normal after a while. Whereas I never encountered this situation with the steam sterilizer.

Then again, when I start to use the cold sterilization, somehow the teat became seriously frosted in a matter of a month, but I continue to use as I didn't find it brittle. Momo also started to notice it, but I just brushed it off. However, seeing how Marion started to drink less milk lately, I became a bit concern, and decided to stop using the tablet and switched back to boil the bottles and the accessories.

And see what happen...

From right to left:
1. New MAM teat (All Teat No. 2)
2. MAM Teat after constant heating/upon 1 week cold sterilization
3. MAM teat severely frosted after cold sterilization, and get the burned color after subsequent boiling

I am not sure exactly what happen, but my suspicion was that the teat has weaken after the boiling process, and it react with the chlorine contained in the tablet. The burnt color from the subsequent boiling process was because it has penetrated into the teat itself. I had no choice but to throw it away, no way I'm gonna let Marion use it anymore.

It was a blessing in disguise after all, as I only have Teat No.3 with me. I tried it on Marion, at first she choked a bit due to the faster flow, but she managed to control it after a few gulps. Smart baby.. And because of that, she drank a lot more faster and without realizing it, drank more milk than usual. Thank God for that.

Babywearing-Baby Ring Sling

2011-03-16T13:20:00.009+08:00

As a new parents, me and Momo were very inexperienced in terms of how to be mobile with a baby in tow. We did not know in the beginning what was the best method, their pros and the cons. So what we did was watching how other parents do it and do a trial-and-error. We have 2 sets of stroller (1 in Kuching, 1 in KL), 1 baby carrier (for Momo), 1 baby car seat cum carrier, 1 cheap sling and 1 sling ring! After trial and error for 3 months and literally bleeds money, we finally settled on the method that suited us three the most, which is Baby Ring Sling.

Our first try-Marion at 2.5mths

I am quite familiar with the using of baby sling, since as long as I can remember. When I was little and already know how to play-acting, we couldn't afford to buy any dolls to play with, so we formed a doll by rolling up a towel and pretend to take care of a baby and carried it with a sling made of kain batik, as how the orang kampung normally do it. That is how I had practiced, so when I use this sling, it came naturally to me.

Before settling on this method, we have tried going around with the stroller, but it was kinda heavy (to me), troublesome to unload from the car, difficult to maneuver, taking up space especially at the aisle, and we have to find lifts instead of using the escalator for safety reason. End up, most of the time one of us held Marion and the other push the empty stroller duh.. Using the shoulder strap baby carrier was also troublesome, as I will explain in detail in another post on "How To Choose Baby Transport" next.

One day when we were in SDMC, we saw a Chinese mother pushing her daughter in a buggy, and have a younger son in a baby sling, and I immediately pointed it out to Momo. I had been wanting to get one for myself but I know it is not cheap and Momo is doubtful to spend for yet another stuff that we are not really satisfied with. Just a week before, I had tried make a home-made sling as how I use to do it with kain sarong, and Marion fall asleep in it within few minutes, so I was sure she would be able to accept it too.

Sleepyhead..

When Momo saw how convenient and easy it was for the mother as she was not with her husband or a maid to help her, he gave me the green light to go ahead and buy it.

Hands-free!

So this is the baby sling that I bought. Mine is Mamapatch Baby Sling Ring-Auburn Rose Petal with linen. Honestly, this is so far the most expensive local brand in the market. I was in a hurry to buy it at that time, and I still feel a bit sorry that I didn't wait and look out for a better option. Luckily you can avoid the same mistake by learning from me :(

I did not understand the terms babywearing at first, but when I saw this photo taken by Momo, then I realized how the terms babywearing came up...

My best and priceless accessory, my baby!

Does He Worth My Cent?

2011-03-14T10:18:00.004+08:00

Oh yeah .. Definitely.

Before I got lazy, I better update my blog with 'post-mortem' of my first Michael Bublé’s concert. I am a big fan of Michael Bublé. My wedding song theme was his rendition of ‘Quando Quando Quando’, just to let you know how much I adore him :D

After dropping Marion at her Inik’s (Momo’s aunty) in Bukit Jalil at 7.45pm yesterday, we drove as fast as we could to catch Michael Bublé entrance at 8.30pm, but we were stuck at the Melawati Stadium parking lot due to the jam at the parking and miss half an hour of his performance.

The first thought came to me when we were ushered to our seat and immediately saw him on the big LCD screen at the left side of the stage was,

“Oh. Wow. He looks chubby…”

Watching him singing life is just like listening to him in records, no flaw at all, including the 13pcs musical instruments that accompanying him. It was really a world-class performance and it worth my every single cent. He is not just a really good singer, but excellent performer and entertainer as well. The audience laugh, sang and dance with him. Eventhough review saying that most of his fans are women, but last night I heard more men’s voices singing along with him, especially when songs like Save The Last Dance for Me, Me & Mrs Jones including Everything came up.

I was wondering whether he would belt out my favorite which is Quando3x, but I was a bit disappointed it did not come out. Of course, he would have to sing with someone, a local would be easier bet such as Sheila Majid or Ning Baizura. Oh that would be nice.

Those funny moments were when he tricked the audience believing that one of his musician was a Malaysian, and his impersonation of Michael Jackson with his famous moon-walk, only that he cheated by walking backward through a slippery and slanting stage. That was hilarious, coming from him.

There were lots of memorable moments last night, and those worth to mention is when he sang “Home”, he left the front stage and went near the back console to be nearer to the audience who were seated higher up. The stadium was totally black-out and the spotlight shone only to him who were literally centre-staged, and it was a heartwarming moment to watch him sang in such a beautiful voice.

Nearing the end when he sang Me and Mrs Jones, I managed to look around and saw many couples of all ages lovingly hold or hug their partners, sang or swayed to the music. It was definitely a sight to behold… there were so much love around.. that was how powerful his music can be. It can evoke emotions in human.

His final song, I don’t know what it was, but as a closure he sang it MINUS the microphone and the music. The stadium was totally quiet and you could hear a pin drop. He was singing at the top of his lung, and yet despite the huge stadium, we could still hear him loud and clear. The audience cheered and gave him a standing ovation for his powerful vocal, and that sealed my belief that he is actually one of the centuries’ legend in music world.

It was a memorable and great performance overall, we went home happy but wanting more, and crooning his songs on our way home. Although the tickets are definitely not cheap (ranging from RM250-RM1098), the organizer was targeting the right kind of audience and it was a sold-out anyway. The location chosen was great, the sound system were flawless, the event was very organized, and the audience, despite being modest and orderly, were very ‘sporting’ and wonderful.

Oh. The show last night was a blue-themed. Me and Momo, including Marion eventhough she did not came with us, were being such a sport and wore blue too :D

Parenting's Bible

2011-03-11T15:52:00.006+08:00

Being a new parent, do you ever wish that there is a book that can tell you everything about babies and parenting and answer your doubts and question without waking up your own parents in the middle of the night, or calling the emergency room?

Well, this book almost give you all that. The reason why this book is more special than any other book available is that, it's written by Asian and it is specifically written for Asian parents.

I received this book as a gift from my mother-in-law when I was warded at SDMC during my morning sickness period. It stayed unwrap for the next 3 months. I only opened the plastic packaging when I was 3 days away from my trip back home to deliver, and boy I was hooked!

I really recommend this book to anyone especially new parents as it answered almost 90% of my questions and doubts, that my own parents couldn't. It deals with lots of asian parenting practices and converge it with the opinions of pediatrician and healthcare practices. It was written in a very straightforward manner, points by points facts and easy to understand. This book also has helped me to educate people around me too with old parenting myth e.g. baby crying during cleaning of their umbilical cord with alcohol not because it sting or painful, but because alcohol is a bit cold when it touched their skin.

This book also deals with parenting issue for newborn baby up to 12mth old toddler, so by reading this book, you will know what to expect when they grow up. I always put this book within my view so I can grab and read it whenever it's convenient or when I need a fast reference. It is faster than switching on your laptop and googling for information.

The price is RM39.90 only and available at major bookstore and online shops. This book is also can be a great gift for new parents to be!

The backcover description can be found here.

Extra note : This is a free personal review.

Michael Buble Crazy Love Tour Live In KL-We are Going Hihihi!!

2011-02-14T18:26:00.005+08:00

Yeaiha yeiihaaa Buble is coming to town!!!!!!! It's what I've been waiting for..

XOXOXOXO

Just bought tix for me and Momo, his Valentine's Day present :D

Anybody else coming?

More information on Michael Buble Crazy Love Tour can be found here!!

Loving Those Teats!

2011-02-07T21:12:00.014+08:00

Wow. Surprisingly, my review regarding Little Bean Sterilizer & Warmer has produced such an overwhelming stats. The moment it was posted, I got lots of hits everyday. I really hope it has help some parents-to-be in making their decision. As a first-time parent myself, I wished I had received lots of little tips that made lots of difference before the arrival of my baby, thus enable me to save lots of money from making mistakes. Therefore, I will continue giving simple yet practical tips based on my own personal experience and opinion every now and then.

Next on my list of review is the MAM brand feeding bottle. Initially, I had bought 2 bottles of 160ml MAM wide neck feeding bottles. In the end, the endless cleaning and sterilizing of bottles per day got to me, and I had to ask Momo to get me another one. Luckily, Mummycare boutique, which is very popular in Kuching, carry this brand too.

The pros of using MAM wide neck feeding bottle are;

1. The purpose of wide neck bottle is to cater for a wider teat to simulate mother's breast. Wider teat is good for baby's oral and jaw development, although I felt there is nothing wrong with my jaw when in those days wide neck bottle is unheard of.

The design shape of MAM teat is wonderful, my baby has less messy feeding from the leaking at the side of her lips. Once she get used to the bottle, I found that she can do stronger suction on my breast compared to before. I am thankful for this as I had initially feared she would have 'nipple confusion', but instead it has helps us both. I believe this is one of MAM bottles strongest points, it made the transition from mom to bottle easier. I have tried giving Marion the normal rounded teats, she had no idea what to do with it, she just chew on it or place it at the corner of her mouth.

2. MAM bottle is BPA-free, very sturdy, have 4 choices of color (I have blue, green and purple but not pink) with pleasant bottle design. I don't have any Phillips Avent feeding bottles, but I have heard lots of complaints about it getting yellow stains (imagine plastic bottle that has been subjected to high heat many times, u can imagine how it looks like), and I have seen it with my own eyes too in few occasions. I never heard of MAM bottle having the same complaint so far.

3. The anti-colic design is by using silicone valve at the base instead of on the teats. It works, but so does any other anti-colic design of other brands. I don't know about you but I really find this anti-colic thingy is an overstatement, you still have to burp your baby after feeding anyway.

4. The base is separated because of the valve, made it very accessible for cleaning.

And the cons are;

1. The base is separated because of the valve, so you have extra 2 piece of parts to clean. Imagine if you are using 4 bottles, it means you have additional 8 parts to clean everyday. I admit that after a month, I am getting tired of it already.

2. Wear and tear-You have to change the silicone valve, not just the teats. It means extra money to spend, and the valve and teats are not cheap either (teat alone cost 1/3 of the feeding bottle price).

3. The base has open holes at the bottom. If you forgot to put the silicon valve in place in your haste to beat your baby's crying, things can get very very messy urgghhh >.<

4. The holes at the base may cause cross-contamination. Although MAM never encourage or discourage the user from immersing the bottle in the warmer and cause water to sip in, I have my own reservation. This is one of the reason why I prefer to heat up milk in the storage bottle instead of feeding bottle.

5. At RM33.50 per 160ml bottle, it's not cheap. You need about 3-4 bottles (don't forget the babysitter!) so you are spending more than RM100 for bottles alone. And don't forget the teats, as you need to change it as your baby grows. It cost about RM12 per teat. So please do the math..

I think the pros and cons are quite balance. If you don't mind the extra parts/price and ignore the possibility of contamination, I can say that this bottle is really good especially if you want to bottle feed but still wants to continue direct feeding at the same time. Bear in mind though that babies are unique individual, so what I experience with my baby may not necessary be the same with yours.

Little Bean Sterilizer & Warmer

2011-01-08T12:41:00.011+08:00

This is my own free review based on my personal opinion and experience. I hope this review can help a lot of mothers-to-be out there with their planning and purchase.

Remember when I bought my Little Bean brand Bottle Steam Sterilizer and Warmer before I delivered? Well, it proof to be few of my best purchases so far, eventhough I can still wish for few features to be thrown in together. Let's get straight to the point:

A. Little Bean Steam Sterilizer
This steam sterilizer is in my opinion, a better alternative to the conventional method of sterilizing by boiling the bottles.

The pros are;
1. I never have to worry about forgetting to switch off the gas and frying the bottles instead.
2. It took only 8 minutes for the whole process.
3. It's easy to use. Just a push of a button.
4. It use only 90ml of water for the steaming process.
5. Can sterilize 6 bottles at one time, and can fit most wide neck bottles.
6. Resterilizing is possible and easy by just pushing the button again.

The cons are;
1. Of course it is the costliest among all method. But Little Bean steam sterilizer and warmer are one of the cheapest combo buy around.
2. The steam droplet stays on the bottles and accessories long after steaming process completed. Drying is a problem, so if you want, you may opt for a steam sterilizer that come with a drying option. There is one brand of steam sterilizer with this option, you can try look for it in Littlewhiz.com. (I against drying it on the drying rack as it is exposed to the environment, and can cause contamination instead. I use Ikea drying bowl that come with a cover, at least it's better than exposing it to the environment).

Wish Ikea had been more sensitive to the Bidayuh in choosing their product name hahaha! (Tokig means poopoo owkay? LOL)

B. Little Bean Warmer

We (me, my MIL, SIL and hubby) really love this little milk&food warmer/juicer for these reasons:

1. Compare to warming milk in hot water, the temperature stay 'constant' as it has a thermostat that can control water temperature to your selection. It means, the hot water will not turn cold, which is the case for the conventional method. This proof to be very useful when you are not using the milk immediately, but just to get it ready by the time the baby cry, or when u have unfinished milk. This reason alone far outweighing the cons of using this warmer.
Note: I heat up storage bottles instead of feeding bottles, so that I can half the quantity and use the rest for later, or when baby wants more than usual. I advise against reheating feeding bottles with unfinished milk because the teats is already tainted. I only do this if I continue feeding her with the same bottle she used before her shower, which is only a short span.
2. You can use it to heat up solid food when the baby is older.
3. It can be use to sterilize small accessories like pacifier, but I don't normally use it for this purpose.

The cons however are;
1. That I wish I have bought one that can be used in the car or everywhere else. Little Bean also have a separate model that does have car adaptor with it. But I wish more for one that is portable AND battery operated, which I haven't found yet.
2. When you heat up storage bottles, there is a chance of heat build up in the bottle as the heat could not escape. So please check for temperature of milk before giving it to your baby. What I did is to loosen the cap of the storage bottle a bit so that it can release the heat during prolong warming of the water.
3. It can be a bit slow compare to hot water, so you need to set temp selection to higher at the beginning to melt frozen milk or to fasten the heating (not too high, you'll destroy the nutrition value of the breast milk), then lower it down to desired selection. Based on my experience, the selection of milk warming at 40deg only means the bottle is hot, but not the milk, unless you wait for few cycles of heating. So it takes some getting use to, to maximise the potential of this warmer.
4. If you dont switch off the main power overnight, the water may dry up eventually, so beware. Eventhough the thermostat still work to protect the warmer, errr.. you don't want that to happen do you? These warmers are not cheap leyy..

Note : If you are formula-feeding, this warmer may not be necessary except when you start on solids.

The Day Marion Is Born

2011-01-02T12:13:00.025+08:00

I have been wanting to update my blog with proper post, there were so many things I wanted to write I don't know where to start. I had promised myself that I would write about the day I delivered my daugther, so that would be my first ever post for the year 2011.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Marion was 9 days overdue. It was such an agonizing wait for us all. I got so many advice regarding how to induce labor naturally, some of it plain superstitious and some made me flabbergasted. What I did and believed in was praying to God that everything will be ok, and asked for the elders especially my mother's blessing. Apart from that, I followed one tip that I got from babycenter.com which actually proved to be effective (I won't revealed here which one, write to me if you wanna know hehe).

On 10th Nov, the day after I went up to kampung to see my mother and asked her to 'persuade' my baby to come out, I finally got a 'blood show' at about 3pm. I had been having mild and irregular contraction for the past few weeks. After I got the show, I followed my MIL went out to buy some stuff, hoping to kick start the first stage of labor. By 7.30pm while having dinner at the restaurant, there were mild cramping and about 15mins apart, and I had to leave the restaurant by 9.30pm to get some rest. I managed to sleep quite well as the contraction had stopped, and awaken at 2am by a strong one. I didn't want to wake Momo up as the contraction was still irregular and went back to sleep.

The next day, I took a walk with Momo around the house to further encourage the labor. While having breakfast, the contraction got stronger it took my breath away, but it was still more than 5mins apart. We made our way to the hospital soon after and I brought my hospital bag along just in case I would be warded. Got checked by my doctor at 9.30am and she confirmed I was in active labor and my servix had opened abt 1.5cm. She estimated that I would deliver in the evening, and she admitted me to the labor ward to be monitored.

Eventhough I went for the antenatal class provided by Kuching Specialist Hospital before, I had never learned any breathing technique. I did as what I have seen in the movies all these while, and it worked to relax me and saw me through the painful contraction. At about 12pm, I saw more blood when I used the washroom and told the midwife about it. The nurse became concerned and told my doctor immediately. By 1.30pm, I was asked to go to the delivery room. My doctor came soon after and I was told my servix opening is still 2cm, and she broke my water to speed up things. About 2.30pm, the contraction became unbearable it scared me so much. I finally gave in and asked for epidural to ease the pain, despite Momo's concern of the procedure. But what the heck, even the pain from the procedure is much welcoming than the contraction pain, and helped me to relax and rest before the start of the second stage of labor.

At about 3pm, we went through a bit of panic moment as the midwife ran in to see the monitor and then shook my belly with a look of terror on her face. A moment later, she breathed and told me that she heard the baby's heart beat had stopped for those few seconds. Luckily after she 'awaken' the baby, the heart monitor showed that the heartbeat had turned back to normal. At the same time, I was checked and informed I was 5cm opened, and by the rate of things going, I would be fully dilating real soon.

At 3.30pm, suddenly the pain from the contraction was building up again despite the epidural. When the midwife saw me panting, she informed me that it may be a sign that I was already fully dilating and ready to push. She asked me if I want to be checked again. And yes, true enough I was 10cm opened, and she told me I can try to push, and went out of the room again.

At that point, I was puzzled and looked at Momo as I did not know how. So I just did what my MIL told me to do sometime before. I laughed as I felt the situation was still a bit unreal. A few minutes later, the midwife came back with another nurse, and taught me when to start pushing, and how to do it correctly. My doctor came in for a while to check on me, and reduced the epidural drip to help me to time my push with each contraction.

From then onwards, other than the moral supports that I got from my husband and the nurses, it was like a lone battle for me. I fought really hard, at a point I was so exhausted, giving up and looking silently at the midwife to help me get the baby out whatever way possible. She saw my pleading eyes as she looks on and got a worried look on her face. She must have went out and called my doctor about it, but the doctor said to give me chance as I was progressing well (I was told of this later on by the doctor herself).

As the baby's head was approaching nearer, more shouts of encouragement came from the nurses and Momo. I felt helpless as my energy level getting lower and frustration came over me as I did not know how far more I had to go. The environment in the delivery room change when all of them suddenly became quiet and were looking at the heart monitor, and with urgency, Momo told me that the baby's heart beat had stop, and the midwife urged for me to push harder as we need to get the baby out asap. Momo told me that it was all up to me as the baby's life depend on me now.

I became panic, and suddenly out of nowhere, I found such a powerful strength in me that I have never known existed, and begin pushing with all my might. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to my baby. At that moment too, my doctor came, and they were rushing to get ready the bed to receive the baby. I pushed within 3 more contraction afterward and the baby's head finally crown. I could feel all my muscles tightening as the doctor stopped me from pushing and made the episiotomy incision. I screamt for the first time, urging the doctor to do it real fast as I couldn't hold it any longer, but the midwife told me not to scream to save my energy for the final push.

Finally, amidst scream of encouragement and one big push, at 4.41pm on 11th November 2010, Marion was finally born. I heard the cutest cry ever.... I couldn't see her at that time as I did not have my specs on, but I've known for sure she's perfect little girl as Momo kept telling me so. It was only days later on Momo told me he cried when he saw her coming out of me, and said it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

I cuddled my baby for the first time after she was wiped clean and while I was being stitched up. She was so calm when I hold her, and it was a moment I would never forget in my whole life. Her fingers are so tiny and somehow, weird as it sounds, I did not dare to look at the rest of her as I was scared I might find some imperfection. In my state of grogginess, I had refused to give her back to the midwife, as I was puzzled why anyone wants to take my baby away from me, until she explains that the baby needs to be given her jab. She had fallen asleep in my arms, and cried the moment the midwife took her away from me.

I had always wonder how every women I'd known whom have given birth can recall the minute details of their childbirth experience, be it 4 years or 40 years it has occurred. And now I understand why, nothing in life can compete with this kind of experience. No wonder despite the pain, most women did not mind going through it all over again.

Merry Christmas 2010 and Happy New Year 2011!

2010-12-23T16:04:00.003+08:00

We'll be celebrating Christmas day in Kuching town, and will be going back to kampung in Bau for the New Year countdown by 29th. Wish all of you Merry Christmas 2010 and Happy New Year 2011, sincerely from Nimi, Momo and Marion for all readers and blogger friends out there!

2 more Days!

2010-12-08T18:56:00.001+08:00

2 more days to finish my confinement period... arghhhh...

first thing i wanna do on my 'graduation' day, go to saloon and wash, cut and blow my hair.. i can feel it already in my head mmmhh...

Our Little Girl Is Here

2010-11-15T19:08:00.002+08:00

Finally, our much anticipated little girl is finally here, born one day before the date of induce. Thank God our prayer was answered. Baby Marion is delivered at Kuching Specialist Hospital on 11.11.10, 4.41pm, weighing 3.72kg via normal delivery. I cannot write too much at the moment, but we are both settling down well after staying in the ward for a night. See you soon. Bye.

Week 41- And Counting

2010-11-09T13:33:00.002+08:00

Sigh.

2th Nov 2010 came and went, and my mini human is still not budging out yet.

On 5th Nov 2010, doc had wanted to 'help' me a bit, but still being hopeful, I had turned down her offer. She was being very understanding as she knows the procedure can be quite uncomfortable, but she is determined to induce me and set the date on 12th Nov 2010 if I am not making any progress by then. By that time, I would be 10 days overdue and she does not want to expose us to any complication, and so do we.

At least the waiting is bearable for me since Momo was back last Thursday, and took leaves in anticipation of the baby arrival. What makes me a bit agitated are the questions of everyone asking me, "Is it out yet?" I got so fed-up answering this question, and do not bother answering anymore. Pandaila saya bagitau nanti ba... :(

So everyone, if by this Thursday there is no update here or in my facebook, meaning by default I will be going to the hospital on 12th Nov, Friday at 7.30am, and hopefully we will be able to see our beloved baby on the same day. We are still praying that I will get into labor naturally though, so all I need at the moment is for everyone to pray with us too..

Bunga Kampung

2010-10-31T14:14:00.004+08:00

Reading about Dama Music Award 2010 which was in the news for the past few weeks in Sarawak local newspaper, always made me think about 1 Bidayuh song which has always been my favorite. Such a simple song yet it strike right home. I know many Bidayuh ladies who can confirm to the message that was being sent through this wonderful song, it was obvious from the shy smiles which was being exchanged by Bidayuh couples whenever this song is being played. Listening to it can evoke such a powerful and sweet memories..

As it is sung in Bidayuh Jagoi, I will provide my own translation in Malay.

Bunga Kupuo (By Megaforce)
Bunga Kampung

Oh bunga kupuo di oggi daang otinku
Oh bunga kampung yang ada dalam hatiku
Di slalu ku natong daang asongku
Yang selalu ku ingat dlm jiwaku
Raan ku odi suba sikien muu
Ku berniat untuk cuba melamarmu
Pak doik manah nyam gayaku
Tapi rasanya peluangku amat tipis

Bulan bintang tong mok puan geh otto
Bulan bintang pun sudah arif tentang kita
Siniak onu oku dapod bisamah mu
Bilakah masanya ku kan dapat bersamamu
Onu rami di mo ropas ku kirin mu
Di pesta yang lepas ku melihatmu
Pak muu doi mu kirin oku
Tapi kau tak memandangku

Oh bunga kupuo sikia mun sangon
Oh bunga kampung kau sungguh ayu
Jawak ngarom slalu ku natong muu
Siang malam selalu ku teringatkan mu
Asong ku raan bisamah samah duoh muu
Hatiku ingin bersama-sama denganmu
Watki ku tanon nudu muu?
Bagaimana harus ku memberitahumu?

To me, the best part of the lyrics shall be, "Watki wat ku tanon nudu muu?" which literally means, "How should I tell you?" which actually represents a true character of a typical Bidayuh guy who have difficulty in expressing their feeling and emotion in words. Between me and Momo, this was the phrase he used when we first met and started to get to know each other. I know he was referring to this song, and I knew what it means hehe.. Hopefully he doesn't read this. He even taught his Sabahan and Malay friends this song, and the meaning of it, and they just love the melody and the meaning it carries :D

Here's the video link of this song from Youtube. Enjoy!

Week 39 - Counting Days

2010-10-30T13:54:00.004+08:00

As of today, I am at my Week 39 and 4 days being pregnant. Feeling so much like a mommy kangaroo. I went for my weekly check-up at Kuching Specialist Hospital yesterday, and baby position is back to head down, facing down position. But as my amniotic fluid still sufficient, baby still have space to move around and change position anytime. The doc was in quite a hurry because the lady before me was in the midst of a labor and had to be warded, so I had forgotten to ask about baby's weight. My own weight is 84.4kg, back to my Week 37 weight. As I have no medical history, my doc was not so worried and will be seeing me in a week time (5th Nov), passing my estimated due date on 2nd Nov, Tuesday next week. It is very common for a first time mother to pass their due date up to Week 42.

Touch wood but if I still don't get any sign by Friday next week, I might want to go to be induced by the following Tuesday 9th Nov (exactly at Week 41) as I don't want any complication to arise, or the baby to grow to big to be deliver varginally. Oh my sweet baby, please help mommy kay? Everybody in the family is eager for the baby's arrival and start calling me to find out how am I doing. We had finished assembling the cot and crib, and baby's clothes also have been taken out from the dust bag, into the drawers in anticipation of the arrival.

Luckily for the past one week Kuching has been raining and it's getting cooler and bearable. I was hoping it to be that way as I cannot imagine how to go through my confinement in a hot weather. I have always felt very warm and sometimes sweat in an aircond room in my last trimesters, and I look forward to feel my usual self again.

Week 38 - Waiting in Anticipation

2010-10-25T16:55:00.002+08:00

Another 8 days to go for my due date.
Cepatla keluar baby. Mummy and daddy really couldn't wait to see you..

Last Friday check-up, baby is already 3.45 kg, while mummy is 83.4kg, dropped 1kg from Week 37. Doctor said that my chances of normal delivery is still good as the scanned weight and her quick check on my stomach is very encouraging. It's too bad that baby had missed the daddy's birthday last Friday, otherwise that will be the greatest birthday gift ever!! :)

Right now, for every small twitches I felt on my tummy, I was hoping it would lead to a contraction, but no such luck. I am watching out for any signs of bleeding or water breaking, and yet nothing is happening at the moment. On week 36, baby head position is already facing down and low, although it hasnt engaged on my pelvic area. On Week 37 though, on the early morning of Momo's birthday last Friday, I had noticed that the top of my belly flatten out and spreading side way, and doc confirmed from the scan that the baby is lying on the side. Mmm.. a way of telling mummy, baby is not ready to come out. Doc has advised me to walk especially in the evening and do some crawling exercise to encourage the baby to be in the correct position.The swelling on my feet reduced tremendously since the past weeks, and that may have explained the dropped in my weight.

Last Saturday I had attended the Antenatal Class conducted FOC by Kuching Specialist Hospital. It was a very useful class especially for a first time parents like me. I wished Momo was there with me though. We received lots of free gifts from baby and mother care products suppliers. For those who have never attended an antenatal class before, I really encourage you to go if there is a chance as there are a lot of things you can learn and asked during the session.

Week 36 - Can I have a bit of Your Courtesy Please?

2010-10-14T15:20:00.005+08:00

Safely arrive in Kuching at about 11pm last Thursday. Went to Kuching Specialist the next day and had my first appointment at 36th Week with Dr. Wendy Loh.

................

Despite the complaints I have abt being heavily pregnant, I cannot deny I do enjoy the attention and special treatment given for a pregnant woman. For example when onboard, we get to board the plane first, we were given a pillow and a blanket without being asked, we get to have the meal before everyone else, and we have special lane for immigration check. Not to mention many others e.g shopping malls and public transport. These are little tiny perks but one I truly appreciate especially now that I got to know first hand why it is important for us.

A lot of people however did not understand how we feels, and why we were given this special privilage. It's very obvious especially when lining up at the priority cashier counter meant for preggers, elders and handicapped people, they just hog the lane without even bothering to offer us to cut the queue (which was in the first place not meant for them!). so far in my almost nine months being pregnant, not once an able bodied person let me cut the queue in Jusco Equine.

I am not a racial by all means (maybe in other situation, yes.. a bit) but I notice that those who are Chinese, hardly bother being courteous. Try the train during the peak hours. They, especially the teenagers just pretend not to see by being busy with whatever they have on their hands like Ipod, Iphone etc. Those who are the most gracious were surprisingly.. were Indian guys.. sue me.. but these are my own personal observation. Even when I was not pregnant, they have always being kind and offer helps whenever possible.

I believe, only those who have been pregnant, and men who have kids really understand why we need all these perks. Majority of pregnant women were going through a major physical changes, both internally and in appearance, which makes them much weaker and vulnerable compare to their normal self. It's especially getting worse when it's nearer to the last part of the third trimester. With a big tummy, swelling legs and bodies full of water, One can hardly walk, what more to stand. Their energy level dropped to almost 40%.

Not to mention the rude stares with a smirk at our belly that we do get sometimes, as though we are a freak with a humongous tummy which will explode at anytime and excrete the aftermath at them.

Sometimes, when I met people who are just plain rude to us, I'll silently curse them that one day they'll have it worse than us. I always believe that a curse from a woman who is carrying an unborn child, is very powerful. So if one day you encounter a pregnant woman, try treat them with respect and courtesy, and be extra nice ya *wink*

Week 35 - Stabilizing

2010-10-06T00:01:00.004+08:00

Last Friday was supposed to be my last prenatal check-up at SJMC, but I needed to see the doctor this Thursday to do the CTG test based on something I had experienced during my 5th and 6th month, which I had forgotten to tell her all this while. I hope the test will turn out fine. Doc also did a vjj swab test to see whether I am at the risk of having a Group B Streptococcus, which can lead to death to newborn baby after few hours of delivery if not being treated.

Our stat on 35th week:
Mommy's weight : From 80.6kg to 81.7kg (increase total of 1.1kg in 2 weeks) pheww :D
Baby's weight : From 2.7kg to 3.0kg (increase 0.3kg)

Both of us gain weight just fine, after a panic moment from the last visit. Doc said from now our weight and baby progress will stabilize since baby is already snugged in my belly with limited space to grow.

As everyone know, last Thursday was my last working day at my workplace. A day before, I suddenly felt so overwhelm with sadness, thinking of the next day will be the last day I ever stepped my foot there. That office has been like a home to me..

My boss had organized a simple farewell lunch for me the next day. I did choke for a moment during my farewell speech.. i had to keep it short and sweet. And when the time comes to leave, I could not muster the guts to shake hand with anyone because tears already welled up in my eyes. All these while, they have seen me as a colleague with a tough demeanor, and I didn't want them to see me otherwise. Honestly, I bawled my head off when I reached the car. I did not expect to be that sad at all... *sigh*

Now I just need to concentrate on preparing physically and mentally for the baby's arrival. Most of the things that I needed for my confinement have been settled, so does the baby needs and as of today I am already 90% finished with our packing and will be ready by the time for our flight back to Kuching on Thursday night!

Pump It Up Babe!

2010-09-28T23:40:00.006+08:00

Yeayyyy again! Littlewhiz.com did not dissappoint me at all. I had placed the order online before I left for lunch yesterday afternoon, and the package arrived at about 4pm today! Super efficient delivery service.

One happy mummy-to-be :D

Let see what we got here *wink*

I bought myself 1 set of Spectra 3 breast pump kit, and it comes with a free gift containing 8 nos 150ml Autumz brand of breastmilk storage bottles. Spectra 3 is within cheaper range of breast pump available in the market. Since I cannot afford those higher range breast pump brand eg Philips Avent, Medela, Dr Brown etc, I have to make do with Spectra 3 as the review I read from others were not that bad. Anyway since I cannot test it yet, I have to rely on those reviews. I'll make my own reviews someday.

The retail price for this breast pump set is RM388, but Littlewhiz offered the cheapest price compare to other online shop so far, which was RM328, plus the free gift above! I went to a baby and mothercare shop nearby my office, and they still could not beat that price :D

At the same time, I ordered these 2 x 160ml anti-colic, BPA-free feeding bottles of MAM brand. One green, one purple in color, a neutral gender color selection *wink* Each with retail price of RM33.50, but Littlewhiz offering sales price of RM30.15 each, which is the cheapest around. Talking about the price, I never realized how costly a feeding bottle can be *sigh*

I chose MAM bottle instead of other brand because most reviews mentioned that their baby have less nipple confusion problem, they normally facing less issue during transition from mom to MAM (its also mentioned on the package :p)

Since my purchase is more than RM200, the shipping fee is free! Phew.. just goyang kaki la shopping nowadays. I don't have to sheepishly explaining to any sales girl that I am window shopping & comparing prices, and feeling guilty leaving the shop empty handed.

I have 2 more days left to my last day, and this is how I spent my working hours lately, doing online shopping hahahaha seronoknya..

Next in my list is a thermal bag for the feeding bottles, and I had also decided to try buying some cloth diapers. I know that the breast pump set and this cloth diapers required high capital cost, but certainly it can reduce our overall running cost. Momo gasped when he heard how much I need to spend for all these, but explaining about the ROI, I managed to let him see my reasoning.

Week 34-4 days to go for My Last Day

2010-09-26T18:56:00.006+08:00

I am into my 34th week now, another 2 days into my 35th week.

Looking back into my pregnancy journey, it's unbelieveable that I have achieved this stage where at one time I thought I could not make it. Now my journey into my first pregnancy has almost come to an end, 5 more weeks to go yihiii!! Baby kicking and squirming is getting more pronounced, i can feel tiny fingers and hand at my lower abdomen scrapping around. once in a while i can feel the bum-bum. when the baby stretched too much, i got a little bit uncomfortable, almost puke sometimes. had to rub the part to encourage the baby to be in original position. My movement getting slower, of course since I am lugging additional 20+kg around with me.

So far I can still sleep soundly. The only challenge is to find a comfortable position. Once I found it, I could breath easier, my back relaxed and went straight into lala land. When i wake up in the morning, the joint on my fingers became stiff and hurts like hell. I have to massage it so I could grab and remove the pillows which I arranged surrounding me the night before.

Looking at my growing belly, it never failed to amaze me that a human skin can stretch to that extend. I was browsing thru some of my photo 'masa bujang dulu2', including my pre-wedding photos, oh how i miss that moment, now I could appreaciate how slim I was eventhough at the particular time the photo was taken, I never like what I saw.

4 more working days to go, and that would also means I will not have any more laptop to use. Have to depend on Momo's laptop at night to be online from then onwards. My last prenatal check-up with Dr Delaila at SDMC will be this coming Friday. Momo's family is making their 1 week trip to KL for the last time this year, arriving Friday night.

My New Baby Toys

2010-09-22T21:36:00.005+08:00

Feel so happy my brand new toy is here. Bought it from an online store selling babycare stuff at LittleWhiz.com, and it took only 2 days to reach me.

It's Little Bean Bottle Sterilizer & Warmer Combo Pack!

Isn't it cute? Even Momo got so excited only by looking at the packaging :D

I was hesitating at first to buy anything to do with feeding bottles as I wanted to encourage, or more like forcing myself to breastfeed and not be tempted to give baby formula milk since I have the bottles. I can imagine how easy it is to give in to temptation. But I have made further research regarding breastfeeding, and it turned out that I can still give my baby the nutricious breast milk eventhough I am not around by keeping storage hehe.. This would be especially useful when I start to go back to work later on. yea.. feel so jakun, only by being a mother-to-be one can start to be aware with this kind of thing hehe..

I have bought this brand since it stated that it can fit most wide neck bottles and it was the cheapest combo pack available. Checked on other people review (after I bought it) on the same product seems to be quite encouraging too pheww.

My next hunt would be good feeding bottles and breast pump. Cost of course is a concern to me, and I hope I can manage to make good decision based on reliability, functionality and cost effectiveness for my purchase.

Week 33 - Growth Spurt

2010-09-19T20:29:00.006+08:00

Had my 33th week check-up last Friday, and we were in for a big surprise! 2 weeks ago, our stats were the following;

3rd Sept 2010:
Mummy : 77.4kg
Baby : 1.8kg

the latest;

17th Sept 2010:
Mummy : 80.6kg (total increase of 3.2kg)
Baby : 2.7kg! (increase of 0.9kg)

and I still have about 6 weeks to go! My goodness.. Not just the nurse, even the doctor mistakenly thought I was about 36 weeks along by looking at my tummy before them looking at my actual record. Now I am a bit scared of how big the baby will be by the time Im about to deliver. I have rooted for normal delivery from the very beginning since I want to witness my child's entrance into this world myself. But as long as me and baby is healthy and safe at the end of the day, I will prepared myself for a plan B if necessary.

After my check-up, since I took one day leave that day, me and Momo made our way to Genting Highland for 1 night stay for my last vacation before my delivery, and certainly the last vacation between the two of us alone. Well, to think of it, we were never twosome anyway, the baby is with us :-)

I do not really want to show my pregnant photo actually because I look so ugly and fattt but bwahahaha what the heck! Here you go!

And this is the only photo that shown my tummy the smallest, and I won't show the rest :p

Week 32 - Getting Heavier Everyday

2010-09-09T23:33:00.005+08:00

Sorry friends i was away from my blog for quite sometimes. blogger.com has been banned from my office line, eventhough i can still read blogs. whenever i'm home, im just too tired to switch on my laptop. Not that I'm overload with works, rather I am quite free. Now my pregnancy has reached Week 32, plus minus another 8 weeks to meet our new family member, and my weight was 77.4kg last week, an addition of 3.4kg in 2 weeks time eeekksss!! The baby is already 1.8kg, and doc confirmed that our weights are just nice. Many people had already noticed the swelling on my feets, and my soles feels as if having a thick padding. Going around especially shopping is quite a challenge now cos I get tired very easily.

We are almost done with baby stuff's shopping. I'm holding my decision to buy feeding bottles, as I planned to breastfeed exclusively for the first few months. I hope that everyone will support and understand my decision without doubt as it is very important for me.

Now I have to start thinking about my confinement stuffs. Baby stuffs may be quite an easy stuffs to handle, but I have almost zero knowledge on confinement. My mother was even furious when I asked so many questions that she could not answer, including "if I cannot touch cold water, then how am I going to brush my teeth? shud i use hot water?" haha..

Tomorrow is Hari Raya. I had planned to bake Layer cake for my neighbor once I got back from work today, but castor sugar was none to found from 4 shops that I went to, including Jusco hypermarket! shessh! Maybe everyone is making layer cake kot? I finally found it on the 5th shop I went to, but when I reached home and start to open the cookbook, I realised I had missed one crucial ingredient one way or another from different recipes. Maybe it's not my neighbor's fate to get any..

Oh ya, my parents were around for a week during Indepence Day holiday. We went to Malacca and stayed for one night in town, and another 1 night in Tanjung Kling. Happy to be able to bring my parents to see A Famosa, but our trips were not that fulfilling since I felt quite unenergetic most of the time. I hope I can blog about it soon.

Week 27 - If Only

2010-08-06T12:42:00.006+08:00

Thank God it's Friday. Nowadays I felt so exhausted without any apparent reason. My workload in the office is almost next to none, and I made sure to try going back on the dot, or compensate for being late in the morning with the same amount of time after office hours. My last day has been fixed on 30th September, the reason was I was just promoted to management level last April, and together with it I am tied with a 3-months notice period. Since I need to go back to Kuching to start my maternity leave earlier, the management has agreed to cut short my notice period and at the same time pay my 2-months maternity allowance. I did not expect that, but I am still grateful that they did consider to pay me, cause based on experience they know I may fight for it. The only thing was that I loose half of the bonus I am supposed to get for last year. I felt unhappy for that because it was my effort for last year and I deserve it since it's only the balance of what I got last February. But I have told myself that it is ok, money is not everything in the world.

I had my monthly materniy check-up on 23rd July, and from 68.9 kg on 25th June, I have increased to 71.6kg. 2.7kg in a month, not bad since the range doctor advised me should be from 2-4kg per month. After the surprise hike in June (from 61.8kg in May), I have managed to control my food intake. Well, nobody could blamed me for that balloning since I have lost 7kg during my first trimester due to the extreme morning sickness. So far my health has been quite normal, only that since the past 2 weeks, I feel slightly headache before lunch hour. In the evening by 6pm, I had to eat things like bread, kuih, cakes etc while waiting for dinner, otherwise I will feel lethargic. Must be from the low blood pressure. I am being supplied with iron and anaemic tablet from doctor, but sometimes I hate it since it can caused bleeding in my nose. Hopefully it's nothing too serious.

It seems so far until the date of my last day, if only they would change their mind and let me go by end of this month instead. I don't see any point sitting around doing nothing. Not that I want to be given anything to do anyway, but might as well just let me go and rest. They did not pay my bonus for my slaving last year anyway, so why should I work as hard anymore now, right?

That's It

2010-07-14T16:54:00.003+08:00

My intuition has been right all along. When I came back from the holiday, I have noticed a slight changes in attitude and cold shoulder my boss had given to me.

The last straw was this morning. What happened was, last Monday I had met with an accident on my way back home, and as the accidednt was bad enough, I have went to hospital the first thing when insisted by Momo, and subsequently made a police report. Only by 11pm we managed to leave the police station compound. Before going to the hospital, I have made a call to my boss who where waiting for us yesterday in Kulim that I may not be able to join them. Without asking how bad the accident and how I was doing, he coldly said that he did not asked me to drive but I'll be following my colleagues. He was implying that it was not an excuse, that I could make arrangement to go for the meeting, which was in the afternoon.

Well, I am not in a way asking for symphaty from him. I know how important is the meeting for our organisation, and understand why he wanted me to be involved as a key person in the team. But call it bad luck. The accident was never my intention. He did not understand why I had to make the hospital visit and why I could not make the police report and the insurance claim on the same night. But as much as he think that I am exaggerating the situation and I did not put the right priority, I rather loose the job than loosing the baby. He did not know that I have to send my car to our own workshop and the insurance claim had to be done the next day since it was already 11pm (eventhough he himself aware that the time frame for the claim is 24hours). I'm suspecting that he had expected that my husband could have taken care of the problem for me, but did not remember that I had to be there to sign the claim form myself, and why should I dragged my husband into the picture? Why was he supposed to sacrifice his time away from his job at our company's expense?

So this morning, I quietly told him that there is another trip to go to Batu Pahat tomorow. He does not seems to care when I told him I do not have a car to go (the truth was Momo's car was not in a good condition to travel long distance, and again I think that it should not be at his expense too), but he just want to know that things are settled without him having to give any solution. I was so sad that since previously we have discussed that due to my pregnancy also I am not fit to travel long distance by myself, he does not seems to bother assigning anybody else to go.

So, I called Momo, and told him, I could not take it anymore. I gave my resignation letter, and had a heated discussion with my boss. And to my surprise, he had thought about it since the day that I left for the long sick leave, that I actually could not cope, it made me fall sick due to the stress and felt that I am trying to 'run away' from problems. It made me sad that he did not realized the extend of my situation at all, that it even crossed my mind many times to end my pregnancy because I was never that sick in my whole life. When he kept telling me that never to think he does not understand my situation because he himself has 5 kids and gone through all that, I decided that the discussion will not benefit anybody. Anyway, since he is more or less accepted my resignation, I waste no more time and mentioned about the notice period and my intention to deliver in Kuching, which falls within my notice period.

So folks, I'll be soon out of job. I am not that happy to leave, but again I do not feel comfortable any longer. I know that based on my annual bonus, they appreciate my contribution to the company very much. But when I fall sick, this is what had happened to me.. true what people said.. never fall in love with a company, because the company will not love you back if anything happened to you..

Week 23 - Blues

2010-07-05T11:53:00.005+08:00

Feel a little bit down since last night. I am furious with myself that I do not know how to say it out. I thought I am so good at expressing myself in a straightforward manner. Yet since i know the topic is very sensitive I tried to talk in a diplomatic way but I just couldn't.

I carried my mood to my workplace. It's Monday, I am late as usual and I have nothing to smile about. Even thinking of all my clothes that does not fit me anymore makes me unhappy. I have been home late way after midnight, including outstation travels which requires me to drive for 4 hours one way, and walkabout a huge dangerous site all by myself. I felt I am expected of too much at work even in my current condition. I am frustrated too that I could not find a proper way how to discuss this with my superior to be more understanding. Futhermore, I could not afford to fall sick at all this year since I have exhausted all my MCs. If only I can just resign, but I still have 3 months to go till the start of my maternity leave.

Momo called me a while ago telling me he did not get the job from the interview he went to 2 weeks ago. I could sense from his voice that he is a bit down too, and yet I did not say anything to lift up his spirit and be a suppportive wife. I know normally I do that, but today I just feel I couldn't, and I felt bad about it.

Maybe today is just one of those pregnancy blues day..

Week 19 - Kick

2010-06-14T17:46:00.005+08:00

Just so that everyone does not forget my blog ever existed, here I am alive and kicking.. well sort of. The kicking is coming more from the inside actually. Yes, I could feel some kicking by now, not so obvious but I could feel it when I put my arms on my stomach while lying down watching TV.

Yesterday went to Nilai to look for new curtain for our house. The first shop that I went in, I fall in love immediately with one grey silver Thai silk curtain sample on display. Too bad they have finish the stock. A tour check for other designs or color from the neighboring shops failed, as they all seems to be pale in comparison compare to that particular curtain that I wanted. Left Nilai empty handed. Maybe will make another visit in a week or two just to check whether they will replenish the stock, or maybe by that time I would be able to change my mind and accept some of other nice design with different material or texture. Momo is quite busy with our house renovation. Once our back extension completed by this week, we could sigh in relief for the time being and wait for the next phase in a month or two, which is the kitchen cabinet.

I am already back at work since Monday last week, and by Thursday I was already outstation in Batu Pahat, Johor attending a site coordination meeting. My appetite is in full swing, but I still avoid anything with curry that contained coconut milk for the time being.

Week 16 - First Gawai

2010-05-28T21:05:00.003+08:00

I'm back in Kuching using 1.50pm flight today, along with Momo.

Yesterday check up at SJMC was quite a long wait, but the moment we saw the ultrasound scan of the baby showing everything is all well and I am putting slightly a bit of weight (despite the food binging I did at my parent's house last week), we were all smiles and let out a happy sigh. 2 weeks ago, I was suffering and yet now I could barely remember what had happened, except when a mild nausea strike once in a while. The doc had confirmed the baby's sex about 90% now, but I would seal my mouth here as long as I can :D

Am so excited for the Gawai celebration next week. Tomorrow we'll be in Cultural Village helping my MIL selling ethnic food and delicacies for an event being held there, and at night me and Momo will be attending a wedding dinner in town. On Sunday, Momo will spend half a day riding with his friends, and by evening we'll make a move to kampung until 2nd June to celebrate Gawai with my families. This will be the first ever Gawai for the baby :)

Week 15 - Light At The End of Tunnel

2010-05-20T17:43:00.014+08:00

Yep. Here I am, I survived my first trimester.

You may be wondering of my absence since the last post from the Week 12. Let me just put it briefly (or not so brief I guess).

2 days after I started work (the day I posted my Week 12 post), that evening I was in such a bad state I could not drive myself back. Momo was on the way meeting his friend in Midvalley, and he had to turn back to Putrajaya station to pick up his car and another friend to drive my car back. The moment I reached the car after waited for 2 hours, I was retching badly all the way home. I was so weak I couldn't eat, and immediately slept being too exhausted until the next morning. I took MC the next day. On Thursday, I felt slightly better and went to work. HR and my bos had given me green light to take 1-month extra leave, on condition that I hang in there until Friday. But slowly approaching noon, the stress from reading and correcting technical documents on my laptop was proved to be too much for me. Plus, my HR had just finished calculating my MC and I was furious and did not agree with their figure. If they stood by their calculation, I would loose almost 1 month salary from the extended leave. But that would be a story for another day.

On Friday, I went to work again, worried more of the consequences to my leave if I didn't. By then, I was unable to function at all. I sat slumped on my chair the whole day, staring blankly at nothing in the meeting room while controlling my guts from coming out. Half an hour before office hour finished, I just left because I know if I don't, I would be facing the jam and that would be enough for me to break down and would never reach home.

My condition worsen over the weekend as I could not hold anything on my stomach for more than 5 minutes, including water. My weight started to drop steadily, within 10 days I had lost 5 kg just by breathing and did nothing. By Tuesday (4th May), when my weight dropped 1 kg within a day, badly dehydrated and my mind started to play tricks on me, I knew that it's time to stop being tough and called Momo at work that he need to send me to hospital asap. Went to clinic to get my referral letter, with one look at me the gynea told me to go to hospital immediately to be warded. Went to ER at SJMC, and straight away admitted for the 3rd time.

This time, my recovery took slightly longer because I have taken longer time to seek for treatment. I did so because I was affected by so many opinion of the so called experience and non experience women that I had to toughen up and I 'SHOULD' controlled it, whereas I very well knew that I had Hyperemisis Gravidarum and what other majority pregnant women experience is different than mine. Again, I will explained that in another post, but for those who are interested, pls click on the link so that you understand better what I am actually going through and avoid giving the wrong advices to sufferer like us.

I actually had bought a return flight tix back to Kuching on 6th May, but I was warded from 4th May and discharged on the 9th. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) automatically cancelled the tix that I bought cash, including my return flight from Kuching to KL on 21st just because I didn't show up on the 6th. That is another reason to add to my mental stress, gosh. Talk about that later lah.

So I finally made it to Kuching on 12th after I made sure that I was strong enough to make it for the 1hr45min flight trip (this time Airasia, thank you). The moment I reached the KIA airport, I felt 10 times better than what I went through the past 1 week. During my 1 week stay, not even once I ever vomited, not even the sensation. I took the chance to eat as much as I could to gain my weight and my strength back. Everybody at home told me to just say and eat what my heart, or actually my stomach desire, and that's exactly what I did.

Now I am at my in-laws place awaiting for my flight on Monday, and I would have follow-up appointment at SJMC on Thursday. Right now besides light nausea in the morning and the occasional tiredness, I felt just fine and normal again.

I'll be going back for Gawai, and that trip back next week shall be with Momo :). Can't wait to meet up with my big family.

Week 12 - Home

2010-04-27T15:12:00.002+08:00

When I was discharged on Wednesday and received another 1 week MC, I decided to go back to Kuching. Went to office on Friday to handover some urgent matters and also getting approval for additional 2 days leave. By 4pm, left office and went straight to airport.

I was quite well for the whole week I spent in Kuching. I ate more than usual and quite enjoyed the food in fact. I got almost every home cooked food that I been silently craving.

My nausea started back on Friday, the day I was supposed to fly back to KL. It must have been the stress of thinking about getting back to work. My condition returned back to square one that night when I was at home.

I started work yesterday and lots of thing to catch up. At least my boss tried his best to let me delegate most of my things to other staffs, and what i need to do is just to check their works. But still it's all a bit too much for me.

Our HR manager has advised me that if I am not ready to get back to work, it's best that we sit down together with my boss and tried to get unpaid leave and come back only when I am ready. Worst come to worst, I will consider resigning as my last option if the situation continue as it is. Let's see for these few days how it goes.

Week 11-Careful What You are Asking For

2010-04-13T15:21:00.002+08:00

you might get it, or more.

I was hoping the doc will extend my MC during follow up visit supposedly yesterday. But by Thursday night my condition turned for the worst. I vomitted everything-i think by now you must get bored of reading about my vomitting.

By Friday, I was so weak I can't do anything except lying down in between wretching my stomach out. Thank God my MIL was around since Tuesday, she was the one doing all the cooking, cleaning and laundry for me as I was not able to function at all.

Early Saturday at 4.30am, I woke up vomitting water and stomach acid, I have nothing else left. Started to get dizzy spell, indicating bad dehydration. Me and Momo left immediately to 24 hours clinic to get referal letter, and made our way to SJMC. Immediately being ushered to ER, put on drip and readmitted to Prenatal Care Ward.

I felt much better today, and doc already indicated I can be discharged by tomorrow. The pressure from the office to get my ass back to office asap is mounting by tonnes of emails I received, and panic SMSes and calls every now and then. Now they know how much I've been doing all these while, I'm sure they appreciate me more from now onwards huhu..

Tensen

2010-04-08T16:37:00.003+08:00

Tensen la neighbor sebelah ni. The whole week I'm at home, cannot rest in peace cos they have been renovating their home. My car full of dust, don't like to open the door but I'm just too stingy to switch on the ac.

Hopefully next week I can get to extend my MC. I'm totally not ready to get back to work yet.

Week 9 - Well Rested

2010-04-04T16:43:00.006+08:00

Finally, I got the rest I had truly deserved.

Albeit in different style.

I was so exhausted on Tuesday morning I decided that I'm going to make a visit to the clinic nearby to get my MC. Started having bad wretching until all the acid from my stomach came out by lunch hour.

Vomitted again while having evening shower. I saw something dark came out, but I don't remember eating anything dark. In the middle of dinner with Momo, everything that went in, came out back again, including........

fresh red blood.

omg.

Shaken and crying, asking Momo for confirmation. He was equally shaken. Rushed out to clinic, got our referal letter. Came back home to pack just in case I need to be warded. Reached SJMC by 10+, immediately being ushered from the registration to the Emergency Room. Put on drips and given strong anti-vomit medication. Been warded eversince and finally being discharged today.

I was given additional 1-week for home-rest and will come again for follow-up visit. Hope next week will be a better week for me. Pls don't tell me otherwise, let me keep whatever remaining positive spirit I had left in me.

Happy Easter!

Week 8 - Bad Week

2010-03-26T17:03:00.003+08:00

I have started vomited on 17th of March. Vomitted after breakfast and while driving to office and back. Had it very badly on the 18th while stucked in the traffic jam. Luckily I brought extra plastic bags with me. It was not easy for me to maneuver the car, at the same time ensuring I did not knocked on the car in front of me by opening my eyes while having the spasm. Maybe government should have a ban on pregnant women in their first trimester from driving and give people like us 1-month paid leave? Muahaha..

Had a very bad weekend, very weak and unable to eat properly. By 24th however I felt so much more stronger eventhough the nausea and the occasional ‘almost’ incident happened. Yesterday vomitted twice on the way driving back.

My eating routine for Week 7-8,

Breakfast : Milo+cracker/dry toast (milk is banned from my sight)
Lunch : a bit of White rice, green vege, egg/fish
Night : Clear pork soup with white rice or chicken rice
In between meal : Dry crackers (to reduce nausea, my MIL tips)
Drinks : Ice water, apple juice with slice of lemon or MILO

Colors play a role in my food selection, anything red like curry or chilies, or milky white is unacceptable. All food portion reduced to half of what I normally consumed.

Physically, I think I lost 1-2kg due to my changing diet. I noticed most probably I vomitted whenever it's almost meal time and my stomach was empty. That means I have to watch my mealtime and not go hungry at any time.

Ah.. Sudah!

2010-03-25T12:22:00.005+08:00

Aduh.... aku mengidam yang ini...
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macam mane ni Sayang?

It's Ours!

2010-03-23T09:28:00.003+08:00

Remember my post regarding our Bumiputera status was questioned when we bought this house?

Well, after all the heartache, bruised prides and 3 appeals later, now the house is ours wohoho!!!

Thanks to our seller for the extra effort they have taken. Praise the Lord for listening to our prayers, especially Momo's.

Wow.. what a good year.. this baby really bring luck to us :D

Beautiful Friendship

2010-03-19T13:00:00.010+08:00

I was talking on the phone to one of my BFF yesterday and updating each other of our latest news. She is actually one of the few girlfriends I have that I can talk to on the phone for hours and yakking away, meet up and not say much to each other but just enjoy our time together. Since we left university, we have drifted apart, but we still making it a point to call each other up every once in a blue moon.

We were talking about among other few things, an ex- uni-mate whom we found on Facebook just recently, and that triggered our discussion about the old times and the stupid things we did. She vaguely mentioned about a particular incident I considered as the darkest moment in my life, a dark secret of which only my parents, my sister and few closest friends knows about.

You see, she was one my friends who accompanied me on one of the nights in the hospital and the day I was discharged. She followed me around for about a week, came to my room to check on me and brought me out for meal. She never asked me anything about why I did the thing I do, what triggered it or how I feel. We would just walked side by side, sit at the park, or ate on the same table, but never once she prodded me or gave me any advised about what happened. She always talked about something else, and the closest she would mentioned about the incident at that time was.. no matter what I would be okay…

At that time, I had never expected her to do that for me. I didn’t know her that well, and even wondering why she was following me around, not saying much and never asked me anything about the incident, of which I myself wanted to forget anyway. But much later on I realized what she did was such a tremendous act of self-lessness. She made my life much more bearable at that time, indirectly helped me in my emotional recovery, and just be a good friend using her presence when I have no family around to comfort me.

For countless times, I was thanking her for being there for me. It was exactly what I needed. She brushed me aside lightly, and said thank you too for being there for her during her time of need. I could not help but asking her sincerely, have I been a good friend to her, and have I done enough for her? I always had the feeling that I am not that helpful or nice to anyone, and did not reciprocate what was being given to me.

She assured me that I’ve done more than enough, that I had been a friend and never once judged her, especially when she made a very bad decision which had affected her reputation and her personal life until this day. I had always been hanging around even though she knows I did not agree with what she had done. She appreciates it so much that I have kept in touch with her after all these years, during such times where everyone we used to know is busy with their own career and personal life, and many old friends drifted away.

She is much successful than I am, but she sounded almost forlorn and lonely. I could understand her feeling in that sense, although I considered myself luckier than her that I have my husband to share my life with, a bigger family who dots on me, and friends from my old days who still think about me and my wellbeing. That includes her too, she has always been happy of my achievement and what I have become today.

I sincerely wish that one day she will be able to find what she’s looking for and truly be happy, and that our beautiful friendship which transcends beyond race, religion and geography, will never ends.

It Comes

2010-03-19T09:34:00.004+08:00

The symptoms came back yesterday. In full force. Never did I felt so glad to be so sick. Vomit and all. Looks like mealtime going to be a battle, driving is a challenge, and keeping awake is a big feat.

7-Week Journey

2010-03-17T13:00:00.009+08:00

Let me recall back my journey on this pregnancy so far:

Week 1 - My last first day period was on 26th January 2010. I was hoping that my home pregnancy test that I took would turned out positive, but I realized I got my period just when I was about to test. Felt very frustrated.

Week 2- Awaiting for another fertile days cycle on the weekend using self-check ovulation indicator.

Week 3 - On 12 Feb, I started to feel different. I was feeling I had 'something inside me', but I need to wait another 12-14 days to test. Before going back home, was shopping in Jusco when I tripped and twisted myself badly on an unforeseen obstacle in the market area. After that incident, my instinct told me clearly that I was not my usual self, and I must be very careful.

16 Feb~ I had trouble sleeping. Partially I think caused by the heat, but I was very restless. I had cramped on my back, and bad flatulance. There seems to be a big wave going on inside. Had wanted to tell Momo of my suspicion, but I didn't want to jump the gun too soon until I do the test.

18 Feb~ On the way back from JB. Feeling weird and very tired. Didn't feel like walking around at all. Reached home and tried do the test but still show negative, maybe still too early cos hormon build up still low. Went for dinner at A&W, and had my first bout of empty-vomit right after. Momo already got excited instead of being concerned, and kept telling me I was pregnant. Still, I kept my skeptism cos I don't want to be dissappointed again.

19 Feb ~ Had breakfast, and vomit air again. Still too ealy to test. Lying down the whole day. Thought maybe it's the heat, again.

20 Feb ~ Went to Ayam Penyet @ USJ9 for dinner. Vomit air again afterwards. Momo just smiled. Started to have cough, flu and mild fever.

21 Feb ~ Feeling too sick to go out. Been lying down the whole day and letting the wave inside me flowing. By 6pm, I decided to go ahead with the test. It took 1 nerve-wrecking minute wait, but the second line appeared albeit very slowly and very-very faint. :) Showed Momo the test, this time he was the one being skeptical, and we agreed to re-do first thing in the morning.

22 Feb ~ Had trouble sleeping. Kept waking up to go to the loo, and felt so thirsty. Was worried by the time in the morning, my urine would be too diluted to show the hCG build up. At 7.30am, took the test. Initially, was very dissappointed cos 1 complete minute did not show anything at all, not even a faint one. Suddenly when I was about to toss it, it appeared clearly without any warning :) Went to clinic to confirm, but since both home test showed positive, the doc decided not necessary to do any test. Asked to come again in 3 weeks time. Given folic acid and Vitamin B complex.

Week 4 - All my pants start to feel tight. Still with flu and mild fever but not dare eating any medicine.

Week 5 - Fever and flu gone. By the end of the week, started to develop constant nausea, and have trouble concentrating. Had my site accident on 3 Mar, and given a tetanus injection, which I found out was actually good for expecting mother. Boobs size increased too :)

Week 6 - Nausea getting worse. Feeling lots of stress, especially regarding works. Having trouble eating, became extremely choosy. At night, woke up at least twice with extreme thirst. Could feel lots of activity in my stomach area.

14 March - Suddenly felt nothing. All the waves and the occasional mild cramps gone. Felt like not pregnant at all except when looking at my expanding boobs. Went a bit worried especially thinking about a friend who got an ectopic pregnancy and by the time they found out, the baby was 7 weeks old and had to be aborted.

Week 7
16 March ~ Went for my first ultrasound scan. Doc said may not be able to see the baby yet, only the sac. Once scanned, doc showed white small spec which was the baby. Measured my womb, and determine location and date correct. Told doc about my concern that the symptoms gone, but doc said it's normal, it might come and go. Asked to come again on Week 12 to do card. Forgotten to ask doc to look for baby's heartbeat.

17 March ~ All my working pants not wearable anymore, can only wear either dresses or low-waist jeans. Google up on "does pregnancy symptoms gone when miscarriage". Felt very surprised that lots of miscarriages happen during Week 7-8.

Touch wood, but I hope I'm just worry for nothing. Pls God, watch over us............

Take Me Far Away From Here

2010-03-16T13:58:00.001+08:00

So stresssssssssssss... i cannot tahan! So many idiots, so many politicians! Damn it!

The More The Merrier

2010-03-12T09:19:00.005+08:00

Hehe....
I'm so happy to hear one of my BFF is pregnant too! My little one has so many friends even before getting out to see the world. 2 of my nieces just gave birth last January and February, my own sister gave birth last week, Momo's cousin will deliver this August, Momo's biker friend is awaiting for their twins delivery early July, and now my BFF? Wow.... So many tigers! Roar!

LATEST UPDATE (13/3/10):
1. My nephew's wife is also expecting and estimated to be due this August. That's make 5 baby tigers and tigresses at my parents house comes Christmas.
2. 2 of my colleagues from other subsidiaries are expected to deliver this June and November respectively.

phew.. it's getting a bit overwhelming...

I'm Never A Hero

2010-03-11T10:08:00.009+08:00

I feel so much stronger today. The energy and appetite came back last night. 2 hours after reaching home, I was famished and Momo tapau for me a packet of steam chicken rice, of which I finished off till the last bit of rice. For 2 days in a row, I had been trying to leave office by 5.30pm sharp, but still I overshoot to almost 6.00pm. Guilt must have overcome me as usual.

Last week I have spoken to my boss about my pregnancy and he did advise me to know how to delegate my work to my juniors so that I have more time for myself and to get enough rest I needed. So by right I should not be feeling guilty whenever I pass by his room on my way out. Could not help it, but it's one thing I need to learn and to adjust my mindset.

Moreover, since most of my colleagues and HR has also known about it, including the site accident I had last week, at least the HR have shown some empathy and willing to try to speak further on my behalf to my boss so that I can be involved less in site activities except meetings and normal visits. I know my boss is not in an 'asshole' category, but sometimes he just likes to push me to my limits and see how far I can go before I break. Yeaa.. at least that's what he told me personally some times ago. His reason is that so I can become stronger and be a good example to my colleagues, showing that I can do a good job, if not better by being a female for doing what I do- a coolie that is hehe...

But I think this time is definitely not the right moment for me to become a hero! Not that I ever want to anyway. Futhermore, everybody has been advising me to be extra careful so that the incident did not happen again, as if it was my fault altogether. Of course I insist that it was not my fault, the danger at that particular site was a mishap waiting to happen. Yesterday we revisit the place and the facility personnel has taken the liberty to cut off all the sharp angles which was getting on the human traffic way. They could have done that long time ago, considering that the angle is rusty and obviously had been there for ages!

Cooler

2010-03-10T17:21:00.003+08:00

Thank God the days have started to cool down a bit and it rains every now and then. Otherwise, it is very difficult to cope with the heat especially in my condition now where there's a lot of hormonal changes occur and higher than normal temperature can make me feel feverish easily.

Exhausted

2010-03-09T13:05:00.003+08:00

Worked late, reached home 3.40am.
Came to work at 10.35am this morning.

Arghhh.. if only I don't have to do all this. It's becoming so exhausting. No amount of money from the OT can replace the time that I have lost for enough rest. Hopefully little one inside there is strong and not angry at me.

Hang in there sayang..

The Hurt Locker-Does it Worth it?

2010-03-07T20:36:00.004+08:00

Have you watched The Hurt Locker, the movie that is head to head with Avatar when it comes to awards?

What do you think? If you ask me, I will say that I will not really go gaga over it cos after watching it and assessing how I feel *haha*, I realized I did not feel or think anything at all. Flat, that's how I described how I feel, if there is such a term. To me, the reason why it was nominated or won lots of accolades is because most of the awards are American movie awards, and this is an 'American-wants-to-feel-good-about themselves' movie. In my opinion, there are lots of other war movie that should receives more tribute compare to this. The storyline and plot is quite simple, and I did get the ending, of which was not really a typical ending that we would have expected and that is a small tiny plus. Some scenes were quite interesting, some good jokes thrown here and there, but other than that, I've got nothing else to say.

Honda City 2nd Generation Defective?

2010-03-05T14:33:00.004+08:00

Extract from Star Motoring, The Star dated 28 Feb 2010:

PETALING JAYA: If you own either a second-generation 2008 Honda City or a first generation 2003 Jazz, Honda Malaysia is recalling your vehicles for product update.

According to the local Honda distributor, those two models could have power window master switch failure with the possibility of short circuit or fire.

However, as of today, there were no faulty cases reported in Malaysia (abis yg aku tukar actuator sampai 3 kali tu ape?)

The recall will involve some 12,935 units of City with 7,713 units of V-TEC and 5,222 units of i-DSI variants respectively.

As for Jazz, there are 3,090 units of 1.4-litre Japan-made units in Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi said the company would bear all charges incurred in the inspection and replacement work.

"We would like to assure our customers that all current selling models are not affected."

For details, call Honda toll free number at tel: 1-800-88-2020, or visit any authorised Honda dealer.

Mr Takahashi, while you are at it, why don't you admit the problem with the jet sound at my gearbox is your manufacturing problem and do something about it, instead of saying "it's like that one!!!" whenever I complained?

Two Heartbeats

2010-03-04T16:09:00.009+08:00

It's feels funny that all these years I felt only one set of heartbeat in my body, and now I can actually feel that another set exists and beating deep inside me. It's indescribable and feel so surreal. Some might say it's just to early to feel it, but I instinctively know what it is :)

I feel very grateful that God had given me the chance to go through this experience. I truly understand now how significant it is, knowing that there were so many others out there who were not as fortunate as I am....

Ellen Shouldn't Be There

2010-03-03T21:42:00.007+08:00

...being the American Idol judge.

1. She is not funny at all. Never been.

2. Her comments are all layman.

3. She always repeats her words in every comment as if she has 1-minute memory lapse.

4. She always repeats her comments every weeks.

5. She knows nut about music.

She's so amatuer, it's becoming annoying and irritating every week watching her there. She should just stick to whatever she has been doing before, which I don't really care what it was anyway.

Site Accident

2010-03-03T14:25:00.010+08:00

I just told my bos yesterday regarding my pregnancy, so that I don't have to be assigned to work at site or go outstation during my first tri-mester. He understand my situation but assigned me to replace him for today visit since he would not be available, and supposedly it was only for a discussion.

Barely 24 hours later, while walking at the client's production area, out of nowhere a low protruding rusty angle hit my head (or rather, the other way round). Initially I felt only pain, and I was standing there with my palm on my head for a good minute waiting for the pain to pass. My colleague and our client were there, waiting with me and trying to see whether there's any blood. The moment I let my hand go and look at it, I was so shocked to see my whole palm was wet with deep red blood. Not just that, my hair started to get wet and streams of blood trickling down my forehead and cheek. Everybody was panic, including me who started to cry more out of shock rather than the pain itself.

Cleaned up there and everybody was trying to stop the bleeding. We left the place and went to clinic nearby. By that time, the blood has somehow slowed down. The doc cleaned me up again with antiseptic solution and jabbed me with anti-tetanus injection, and luckily the wound was small enough I don't need any stitching.

Driving home from the office after picking up my laptop was quite a feat. I couldn't wait to reach home and lie down. The throbbing and pounding dull pain still there up to the time Im writing this post, cos I'm trying to avoid taking the painkiller provided.

Hmm.. Really feel like sueing somebody.

Portable Induction Cooker

2010-03-01T12:54:00.007+08:00

Call me so-yesterday, but I'm so grateful to have this item. It was a portable induction cooker given by Babai's colleague as a post-wedding gift 2 weeks ago. And it proved to be very handy for me.

Last Saturday ~~Babai~~ Momo was cooking me breakfast (yes, he does now :D) when half-way cooking the stove ran out of gas. We don't have any phone number of the grocery stores with us, and to change and go to the shop and get them to send it to us was too much trouble. Momo finished up his breakfast using my baking oven.

After breakfast, I was arranging our stuffs in the store when I kept on looking at the unopened box of the induction cooker. I had wished that I have found a wok or a pot which is suitable for it when we went shopping the day before.

Since at night JenJen and hubby going to organize a makan-makan, we had planned to bring keropok. Chris suggested to me to bring it over to her house and fry it there before we made a move to JenJen's place. I said ok and planned to go there after midday.

Not sure why, just after my mid-afternoon shower, I instinctively went to the store again and took out the cooker box, just to admire it hehe. Suddenly I noticed it was written at the back of the box that a stainless steel pot was included! Cheh!

Buang karan betul..

Naa. See I used it to fry the keropok. Sure I am not use to it yet especially with my style of cooking. The plus sides are, it was very easy to use, it has function selection for 4 types of cooking e.g soup, stew, stir fry and steambot, or you can adjust the temperature manually. You will also not experience the blackening at the bottom of your cookery because of the gas combustion. It's portable and convinient of course, you just need an electrical outlet to use it anywhere. It's easy to clean too.

The downside is the power consumption. The highest wattage is for stir-frying which consume 2,000W. Definitely not suitable for heavy cooking. Cookery also must be suitable for induction cooker type. And if it's blackout, logically this will be useless.

Definitely I still prefer gas stove over induction cooker when it comes to cost effectiveness. I only plan to use this during emergency such as whenever I'm out of gas, during makan2 or during holiday.

Why So

2010-02-27T10:13:00.009+08:00

I am supposed to work half-day today. Earliear on before CNY, we had planned to spend a night in Cameron Highland. After coming back from JB, we decided not to. The fuel and toll cost for 2 long distance trips in a month could just kill us.

I'm not sure whether I owe any of you an explanation over the sudden closure of my sumukeyes.blogspot.com blog, and also the change of identity for both me and my hubby. Someday (if) when I'm ready, I might explained, but for the time being let's just keep it that way. I would only be able to say that, it was all for our own wellbeing. Whether it's making sense or otherwise, we do not want to take any chances. The sudden change does affect both of us in some way. Me and hubby had been struggling in trying to get used to our new name (which is not Nimi or Momo hehe), but after 1 week we could see some progress eventhough once in a while we do slipped subconciously.

There is no particular theme for this new blog. I'll just write whatever things that cross my mind. I know I am not a great blog writer, nothing interesting about my blog, and some people thought I write craps, but nah.... what do I care? I have a day job which pay much more for my piece of mind, and this blog is just a place for me to trash around and have fun. I did consider to stop blogging altogether. Not just because I'm busier at work, but also because I've been having conflicts of what I am able to blog publicly and what we should just keep to ourselves. This also includes my day at work as I'm very careful not to let my colleagues knows about my blog existance. As I don't want to take any chances, I dare not write anything about work that can be damaging to myself and against my profession ethics. But having personal blogs, I could not help writing about personal stuffs and by stop doing that, what else is there left to say? *scratch head*

Then again, seeing few cents I get everyday from the Nuffnang ads did give me some motivation to continue. Those money is actually nothing compare to what I earn (and spend hihi) but I am happy that Nuffnang is generous to consider that my blog (or my crap) does worth something. The monetary value is cheap, but at least better than nothing kan?

Ermm.. I thought I had write this crap before. But.. what the heck.

Kena Buli

2010-02-25T14:49:00.004+08:00

By coffee girl and fonsusz utk jawab tag ntahapapa:

1. Adakah anda rasa HOT?
auk. baru lepas kena demam panas dan selsema...

2. Upload wallpaper PC/laptop yang anda guna sekarang.

3. Cerita pasal gambar.
rumput hijau. sedap mata memandang.

4. Bila kali terakhir anda makan pizza?
semalam kat Pizza vs Satay. Farewell lunch utk colleague.

5. Lagu terakhir anda dengar?
Mlm tadi American Idol.

6. Apa yang anda buat selain menyelesaikan tag ini?
tgh buat shop drawing (kenapa aku lak kena buat dwg? cheh)

7. Selain nama sendiri, anda di panggil nama apa?
the 'sun' (sbb muka bulat). also used to be known as sumuk.

8. Tag 8 orang.
i) Miss Little Colorful Macaw x 8 kali

9. Siapakah orang no.1 kepada anda?
Adik blogger yg comel..

10. Katakan sesuatu mengenai orang no.5.
x

11. No.3 ada hubungan dengan siapa?
x

12. Bagaimana pula dengan orang no.4?
x

13. Pesanan kepada orang no.6?
x

14. Kata-kata cinta untuk orang no.2?
x

15. Adakah no.7 dan no.8 mempunyai persamaan?
x
16. Berikan 5 perkara yang anda tahu tentang org yang mengtag anda.
coffee girl:
Pendek (muahahahhaah!)
Tapi good looking weh
Best jadi teman berborak
Smart
Can write well

Fonsusz:
Budak kelas aku dolu2
Baru beli dslr uuu.....
Ada kampung dekat bintulu (samala kita)
Had a long journey, but he never gave up to become what he is today
Chain smoker

17. Persamaan antara KAMBING dan LEMBU?
Pakei polah kari nang nyaman juak.

18. Perasaan anda buat tag ini?
takut kena tangkap bos kat bilik sebelah

19. Adakah anda tau si Razman itu sengal?
razman tak pasti. tapi ada sorang minah kat opis aku mmg sengal.

20. GAY or LES?
gayless territory only.

New Year

2010-02-24T12:59:00.000+08:00

February 2010 is the month for lots of good news;

A promotion and a big raise... for both Nimi and Momo

some angpows..

fat bonus ngeh ngeh...

and the best of all...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

need I say more?
:D

*praying everything will be ok*