Our Inspiration

Louisa's 1st Birthday Party

2009-09-14T14:15:00.001+08:00

It's been almost a year since I last blogged. So much has been going on...at home, at work etc.

Since I stopped when she was 11 months, I shall continue with her 1st yr party. :)

Here are some pics of Day 2 of her birthday party. We had 2 parties for both sides of the family. Too many people if put together. I haven't uploaded any pics from Day 1 of her party. heehee...

Venue: Sommerville Park Condominium - Function Room

Thinking back about it, it was fun. She had a great time. I still remember clearly, Lance & Kelly were there early and they helped blow and tie the balloons. The other kids had a great time playing with the balloons. I think all kids love balloons - boys and gals alike.

Louisa's cake was baked by Glad, and the cupcakes were from A Little House of Dreams (the 3-tier stand was handmade by Louisa's mai mai). Food was catered from Gustos. Although we had a not so good experience dealing with Gustos, I must say, their deco and presentation was not bad....

I'm not sure how much of her party did she even appreciate. Perhaps it was just a blur and flurry of activities, meeting everybody etc...but one thing she knew for sure, was....what are presents and what a handbag means. She wouldn't let go of her presents. Before the gifters could give it to her, she had her arms stretched out, ready to receive. And she kept eyeing the grandaunties' handbags, wanting to carry their handbags. hahaha. I remember she couldn't really walk yet at that time. She was still cruising....she only started walking independently on the 1st day of CNY (about 14 mths old). Hehs...the lure of ang pows, perhaps?

*nostalgic*....she's so cute then....awwwww....

11 Months Old

2008-11-10T16:13:00.001+08:00

Yeah!! Louisa is 11 months old.

Wow, 11 months. That seemed like a long way to go, when I was still on maternity leave. hahaha. Now, looking back, time has zipped past me again.

I've been breastfeeding her for 11 months. How did I do it? I dunno. I just did. And, that just makes it more difficult to give it up. hahaha.

Her 1st birthday party is in a few more weeks...so exciting. Who to invite? We haven't sent out the email invitations yet...

But I've gotten most of the stuff ready:- the birthday banner, cake, balloons, food...what else is there to prepare? Oh yes, her birthday outfit. That's all washed and ready too. hehs...

Louisa is also cutting her 5th tooth. Awwwww~ no wonder she's been super cranky lately. Funny though...she cuts a tooth every now and then, and each time I see some "whites" on her gums, I'll go "oh...no wonder". Shouldn't I already be able to tell when her crankiness is due to teething?? Haiz....

My little angel

2008-10-30T09:29:00.001+08:00

Aunty Piggy (aka my sis, who's also a pig) noticed that L has long eye lashes...oooohhhh....pretty pretty....Think that came from her father. But she didn't inherit his dimples though. hee... Here she is. (Photo taken when she's 9 months old).

My (Our) Lucky Star

2008-10-28T09:25:00.001+08:00

My lucky star....Louisa.

I think Louisa is my lucky star...Well, not that I have gotten a pay rise or a promotion or anything like that since she's born...but rather, we've won (a bit) of lucky draws and Toto. heehee...

Just over the weekend, we've won our biggest lucky draw prize to date...a 3D2N stay at the Bayfront Villa at Banyan Tree Bintan. Yippeeee!!!!

Oh, I forgot to add....FOR 2 PERSONS. hahaha. But we'll bring Louisa along. ("huh??" you might be saying....)

Yes, it's supposed to be a romantic thing, but Louisa can't zzzzz without us (more like without me). So, how to go without Louisa? So, I think, there goes the couple spa etc...but then again, with the current economy the way it is, I doubt very much that we'll want to spend on any spa treatments too. Yes, we've saved a lot on accomodation, since it's the prize, but still, a spa treatment there can easily set us back by a hundred over bucks. Nah...not now lah. The dust over the financial crisis isn't settled yet. My take is that it still has some distance to go (in the US)...and it'll be a little while more before the effects cross oceans and become felt in this part of the world. So, while the Banyan Tree prize is timely (2nd wedding anniversary approaching, and we get to save some $$...heehee...), this is seriously still not the time to spend like that. Spa treatment? Aiyah, DIY lah! hahaha...

So...maybe we'll have a "made in Bintan" next? hahaha...

That Parenting Journey

2008-09-18T11:13:00.001+08:00

Now that I've found a new way to post on this blog (via email), I think I'll be blogging a bit more than before. hehs....

The uncertain economic outlook and current volitility of the market is also contributing to slightly more "blog time". Nobody knows what to do at work. Write a report, make a recommendation, market is still crashing...hahaha. I notice more are just staring at their screens, checking out their Facebook, emails....but that also means one thing: the prospect of losing your job is also quite real. With the fall of Lehman Brothers, there are now more people out in the labour market looking for jobs. So, hey, quit watching the computer screen and get that spreadsheet out if you want to stay employed!

Ok...in a minute...

The parenting journey has been quite interesting so far. It is often fraught with opinions from well-meaning relatives. I've gone through the challenging initial stages of breastfeeding, of expressing while at work (oh, that IS very challenging), night feeds (not often, but bad enough to render me a "zombie" the next morning), trying to ensure that she has the right stimulation, trying to make sure she eats well and the right kinds of foods...through it all, I've learnt so much about myself - what my limits are, what I can achieve, how stubborn I can be (I realise I just don't give up, when it comes to L's things), oh and what a spendthrift I can be. hahahaha.

After a chat with a friend last week, I realise that I do need to let go some. I've been "holding on" too tightly to this role of motherhood. Not that I hate it. In fact, I pretty much enjoy it. Which is probably why I can't seem to let go. The downside of not letting go is not having enough time for myself. I don't get enough sleep, I haven't had a manicure in....months. Haven't had my hair done nicely for a looooong time too. Not that I would want to spend that money also. hehs. But the lack of sleep and rest is getting to me. I find myself falling ill often (and it's tough staying awake during office hours).

I guess I'm not one who would want to 'outsource' that parenting role (feeding, playing with, interacting with, bathing etc) to anyone just sao I can spend some time with the girlfriends or at the hair salon or spa, though, I DO need a spa treatment badly. I know of a couple, who leaves the kids with the parents and maids. While they do spend time with the kids and get their own personal rest time as well, it's just not me. I'm the mother here. I want to be the one in charge of my baby's things. It is very gratifying to see and hear your child squeal (coz she can't talk yet) for you and lean towards you or crawl to you the moment you step through the door or when she's in need for anything - attention, some comforting, cleaning up....awwww....I don't think I want to give that up for all the riches in the world. I cannot imagine how I would stomach it, if my child were to clamour for her grandparents or the maid instead of me.

That said, I do outsource some aspects to the maid - washing and sterilising of the milk bottles, washing the baby's clothes, looking after L while I'm away at work, feeding L while I'm not around. And that's during the weekdays. Being the one(s) to handle L's needs myself (or ourselves, when Daddy is around) allows us to not only bond with her, but to tune ourselves to her needs. So don't tell me to "let the maid handle, lah! so you can eat and relax...", especially during the weekends. My daughter wants to spend time with me too...

Over the past few months - Photo Gallery

2008-09-17T17:02:00.001+08:00

Just some shots taken over the past few months...

9th Month Developmental Assessment

2008-09-17T14:17:00.001+08:00

On Sat, we brought Louisa to the Polyclinic for her 9th month developmental assessment.

We had scheduled an appointment, hence, waiting time was minimal. Good...especially since it was on a Saturday morning.

Louisa weighed a good 8.1kg (but she doesn't look "ba-ba". Think she has the long and heavy bones from her daddy). That's at the 75th percentile.

Her height / length is 75cm (ok, she'll be a tall gal...can be a model next time...though I'd rather prefer her to do other jobs than modelling). That's at the 50th percentile.

All other tests and assessments went by smoothly. Louisa is progressing well and on track. That's good to know. As a parent, I find that we (ok, maybe it's just I) cannot be too lax over her care, cannot take things for granted. But I think it is this metality that is resulting in more stress for myself. I can't let go. Sometimes I ask myself, is there a point in it all? Stress myself out so much, only to cause more unhappiness.

It's been 9 months...time for some serious reflection on how I want to chart my parenting journey...some will say, let it be and it will come naturally to you. Others say, it's always good to have a plan...so what's my take?

Money Not Enough

2008-09-17T14:08:00.001+08:00

Another financial giant has fallen. David reigns (as in David and Goliath). Hewlett-Packard is cutting 25,000 jobs worldwide. What does this spell for the rest of us? Economy downturn, potential job losses, essentially, money not enough.

Yet, this crazy mummy here is still spending on sprees!! Hello?? Wake up dear. *slaps face*

Ever since Louisa was born, I've been buying stuff over the internet for her. Toys, clothes, shoes, books (yeah, like she can read), VCDs, DVDs, CDs....lots of stuff. I hardly even spend on myself. The latest loots were birthday stuff for her upcoming 1st birthday.

What I've amased so far:-

~ birthday banner

~ several mylar balloons

~ serviettes (mind you, these are for the adults. I haven't bought those kiddy ones yet)

~ drinking straws (for what? I ask myself now...well, Ikea was having a promo on those straws then...$1.80 for 100 pcs of colourful straws).

~ birthday cake design (have yet to firm up with the baker)

~ #1 birthday candle

The best part.....I haven't even thought of a venue for her party. So where am I going to hang all these deco stuff???? Beats me.

Louisa's first tooth!!

2008-07-22T09:12:00.005+08:00

Wow, after a long absence in the blogging scene....

On Sunday 20 July, Louisa's first tooth broke the surface! Yeah!!! Hooray!!

Louisa has been drooling quite a bit since she was 3 months old...and she's been bitting at anything in her mouth's way, since she was 3 mths plus too. After about 1 month's of irritable nights, her tooth finally popped out. Every night during the past month, she will wake up crying/whining at 2am ~ 3am...and her eyes will still be closed tight. So we reckon it was due to the teething. It must have been irritating her so badly at night.

Well, I didn't have much sleep either. 3am wake up...3.30am back to the bed, and then 6am, wake up again. How to have enough sleep?

Anyway, that's not important. The important thing is, Louisa is has teeth! heehee...time to start brushing. hahahahaha.

At 7.5 months (33 weeks old), Louisa weighs 8kg. Hmmmm...that seems to be a little light, isn't it? Not too sure. Will have to check with the charts....

It's been a while...

2008-03-14T14:21:00.002+08:00

It's been a while since Mummy has blogged.

The past 3 months have been rather trying.

We faced challenges from:- understanding Louisa's cries, waking up for night feeds, settling Louisa to bed before we can do anything else...Mummy especially, faced challenges from breastfeeding. It is not easy, albeit fulfilling. Well, bottle-feeding is also very fulfilling. As long as there's a smile of baby's face, the whole parenting thing is fulfilling.

On hindsight, those challenges are not really challenges. I think we deemed them (except the breastfeeding bit) as "challenges" because we are first time parents and we are a wee bit lazy...hahaha.

Louisa has been good. She began sleeping through the night after her 1st month. With a more established routine (thanks to The Baby Whisperer and Gina Ford), we know her feeding times better, and we can really understand her cries. Seriously! On the whole, we are able to communicate with Louisa. I'm thankful we have a little angel (a rather vocal one, though) with us...

Louisa's Baptism

2008-02-11T15:26:00.000+08:00

03 Feb 08, Sunday

Louisa's baptism was held at the Church of the Sacred Heart at 4pm. It was a small group with only 5 kids (3 toddlers and 2 babies) having their baptism.

Small groups have its advantages. It's cosy, more informal and definitely less chaotic (no crying siblings running around screaming for their parent's attention...)

Other than the "loud" interior of the church (some find it cosy), the whole baptism setting was pretty serene. It was over in half and hour.

True to a girl's nature, Louisa was quiet throughout the whole baptism. The other baby cried, and the toddlers couldn't sit still. Hahaha... Louisa slept right though her baptism. She only flinched a little (but no crying) when the priest poured the baptism water over her head (it was cold, you see). But her eyes remained closed. I think she must have been talking to her guardian angel during the whole baptism.

Louisa's Diary

2008-01-28T19:19:00.000+08:00

Weight to date: 5.15kg (getting a tad bit too heavy for Mummy...going by the way Mummy drops Louisa in her cot while trying to get her out for night feeds. As a result, Mummy has sprained both wrists); Intervals between feeds today: 3 hours (Mummy is very happy! This means more time to blog...); Number of diaper changes today: erm...3 (ok. Mummy's been lazy. Haven't checked Louisa's diaper yet. Went through 2 Huggies S size and 1 Drypers S size. Just found out that we still have 3 pieces of Drypers S!! Gosh! Hate those Drypers S size. Louisa has chubby thighs. Drypers S size leaves "lines" on those 'pig trotters'- she's born in the Year of the Pig).

Basically, life's been great. Louisa just eats, plays, coos, pee & poo and sleep. When hungry, all she does is whine (with eyes still closed) and a teat is pushed into her mouth. All she needs to do is suckle (with eyes still closed). Basically, a feeding session can begin and complete with Louisa remaining in dreamland throughout.

Other times, she will be awake after the feed and it's play time! At 6 weeks, Louisa has displayed signs of being a keen communicator. A typical gal, I must say...I mean, we females just love to catch up with one another, don't we? She moves her mouth (as though making a speech when we look at her); she coos and "talks" to us (engaging a baby dialogue). She will be a good speaker...I think.

Take Time To Smell The Flowers

2008-01-23T00:54:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

Although it's been tiring looking after Baby Louisa (waking up every few hours just to feed her, carry her and play with her...I hardly do my own stuff now), I think it is God's way of telling me something.

Before Baby Louisa, life has been all about zipping here and there, getting reports out on a timely fashion and basically rushing through stuff. I used to do a few things at one time - be it the Internet, my reports, reading, eating etc... With Baby Louisa, I can only do one thing during her feeding time - be a cow (just feed her). Ok, maybe 2 things - feeding her and watching TV. When it's Louisa's feeding time, one hand would be holding her and the other hand would be holding the bottle (if feeding EBM). How to do anything else? I can't even switch TV channels! hahaha. Well, I can switch channels if I'm breastfeeding her direct. :-)

But that's not my point. I regard myself as a very efficient person. I do and complete things rather quickly...which has also resulted in my sometimes-impatient nature. With Louisa, I am learning (still learning) to be more patient and not to expect things to be completed quickly. As a baby, in her initial weeks, she would take at least 30 to 40 minutes to suckle. At first, I wasn't used to it. Whenever she took a breather or dozed off, I would assume (or rather, prefer to assume) that she has finished drinking, and quickly remove her and place her back in her cot. She may not even have had her fill! This led to frequent night feeds as she kept waking up every hour or so to feed. So I started to let her really suckle until she's happy and detaches herself. At first, it was like cold turkey for me. I got irritated that she was drinking so slowly. Then I made use of the time to admire her profile, talk to her, stroke her, pray. Slowly, I began to slow down my pace of life...I didn't feel so impatient with her anymore...

On reflection, I think God's telling me (through Louisa) to take time off to smell the flowers. Life is about so much more than being efficient, chasing after things...I used to pray that God will help me be a more patient person. I know now, that this is His way of helping me. Praise the Lord.

Baby Louisa's 1st Month Celebrations

2008-01-15T18:27:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

In the twinkling of an eye, Baby Louisa is 5 weeks old. Thank God for a smooth (albeit mostly sleepless) 5 weeks. We celebrated her 1st month last weekend. It was a major gathering of relatives and some friends at the function room of the condo we're staying at.

It was great fun planning her first major party (duh, this is so characteristic of me. I just enjoy planning such events - limited by $ only...). The best part? Daddy actually felt very happy at how the whole thing turned out. Well, he is not one who enjoys planning parties and entertaining...not that he is a A-social...he just doesn't take too well to socialising. But that was then. Now, he's beginning to enjoy socialising - ala Daddy's style.

Daddy told me that when he went to hand the function room back to the security guards, he actually felt a tinge of sadness...Sad that the whole event is over. It touched my heart that Daddy actually enjoyed the celebrations so much. I don't know why, but my heart was warmed. And Daddy was happy with how the gift packs (a goodie box [with 2 red eggs, 2 ang ku kuehs, 2 chocolate bars and a birth announcement card] and chocolate cakes [6 petit fours]) turned out. The gift packs were MY idea (thank you *curtsy*). I searched the internet and sourced them out. I was afraid that Daddy would scold for spending such money...but he was happy with how nicely they turned out. Phew!

I hope everyone who received them loved them too...

It really feels different when you are planning a party or event for your child. I guess it's because it's for someone other than yourself.

YEAH!! Confinement over!

2008-01-06T15:02:00.000+08:00

Phew!

I finally have some time to check this blog, log in and post something.

Yeeesss!!! Confinement is over! I can go out of the home now! hahahaha...but will still be continuing with the heaty confinement food...till I know my body cannot take the heatiness anymore.

Next up...Baby Louisa's 1st month celebration and baptism.

Baby Louisa Has Arrived!

2007-12-11T18:29:00.000+08:00

Baby Louisa arrived in the early hours (0216 hrs) of 8 December 2007.

(funny....coz that's exactly what we were talking about 1 week ago at Aunty Jenny's poh piah party - That "sekali" Baby Louisa wants 8 Dec).

Mummy pushed Baby Louisa out...after 11 hours of labour (with epidural, of course).

Baby Louisa weighs 3.482kg at birth, and measures 49cm long. Her head circumference is 34.5cm. (Gosh, I'm amazed at how I managed to carry her, esp at the last few weeks of pregnancy - I was still going shopping...remember?. AND how I managed to push her out of me.)

After the delivery, we were finally sent to the ward (Ward 82, Bed 22) at 0400+ hrs. Well, here's Baby Louisa's birth story...

**********

It all started on 5 Dec 2007, Wednesday.

I was on MC that day. Spent the day at home, re-decorating the home and clearing some stuff (strong nesting instinct). Decided to meet up with Daddy for dinner at Causeway Point, despite the VERY VERY heavy rain. Took a bus there (the bus was SUPER crowded, but the driver was nice. He made other passengers give up seat to me before he drove off.)

we had dinner at Siam Kitchen, and I was planning to finish up the ice cream at home for dessert. After dinner, it was a trip to NTUC to get some stuff. Went home, had some coconut juice (supposed to be good for "cleansing" the baby - and it really works!).

Then....at 3am on 6 Dec, I started vomitting really badly. The rest of the day went by, with both of us down with the runs. It was scary. I mean, Baby Louisa is due the next day only! and this has to happen now??

So Daddy took me to the hospital on the night of 6 Dec. I felt really weak (after the runs). I was strapped to the CTG and Baby Louisa's heartbeat was monitored. Hmmmm, heartbeat still VERY strong. Good! We decided that it was best to admit into KKH for monitoring, in case Baby Louisa decides to come out that night, and especially since I am still feeling weak.

7 Dec came....no strong contractions yet. I am STILL 2 cm dilated (an increase of only 0.5cm overnight). How? My gut feeling was telling me that Baby Louisa does not want to come out yet. Not until the week starting 10 Dec. But, 7 Dec is the full 40 weeks of pregnancy. Any later would pose some risks (albeit low). By then, with the drips and the good hospital food (surprising, eh?), I was feeling much stronger.

To induce or to wait....that is the question.

We decided that since Baby Louisa is exactly 40 weeks already, we might as well induce her out. Many others want to carry a foetus till 40 weeks, but don't have the chance to. So what more can we ask for? We shall not complain.

So here goes...

**********

7 Dec 07

1515 hrs: Made decision to induce labour (there goes my dream for a totally NATURAL labour)

1540 hrs: Pushed into the labour ward (nurses found it amusing that I could still be smiling while being wheeled in)

1600 hrs: Gynae bursts waterbag (oooh...so much water)

In the meantime, still SMS-ing my friends.

After waterbg burst, OMG! Strong contractions!! I have never felt such strong contractions before. It was "oooohhhh......" but not those sharp pains kind (so, bearable, in my opinion).

1615 hrs: Epidural administered (ooh...what sweet relief. Pain? What's that? You can pinch me, tickle me...and I won't feel a thing.). Oxytoxcin drip (to induce labour) and other necessary drips administered.

Now, we wait. In the meantime, Daddy arrives, played soothing music for me to relax, he went for his dinner, I had LOTS of sips of water for my dinner and supper.

About 2000 hrs: Baby Louisa's heartbeat dropped suddenly. It was distressing (for me and Baby Louisa). Cried buckets. Doc stopped the oxytoxcin drip as it was probably the cause for the drop in Baby Louisa's heartbeat.

2200 hrs: Still not fully dilated (in between, had a few VEs done, and dilation was around 7 to 8 cm). 2nd dosage of epidural administered.

2330 hrs: Still 9 cm dilated. Baby Louisa also not engaged.

Finally, at about 0210 hrs: Fully dilated. Baby Louisa engaged. Started pushing. Gynae came back in.

8 Dec 07

0216 hrs: Baby Louisa is out!

I am so tired.....

Gynae says she is one clean baby...guess the coconut juice thing really works!

In between all that time, I was SMS-ing friends, watching TV, joking with the nurses, drifting in and out of sleep and suffering from the side effects of the epidural. The nurses couldn't help but laugh..."still can SMS. Still can smile and laugh."

:-)

Baby Registry

2007-12-04T15:45:00.000+08:00

Like wedding registries, a baby registry serves the same purpose...to allow friends of the parents to get them stuff that they would prefer to receive (for the baby, of course). (Well, at least they won't be stuck with 30 new sets of newborn clothings etc...hahaha) Not so much of a practice over in this part of the world...

Should I start one? Initially, I had thought of just listing down the stuff I am considering getting for Baby Louisa. But then another thought struck me. What if Baby Louisa received 2 or 3 of the exact same item? Wouldn't that be worse? Besides, starting a baby registry in a particular store, means people would have to go there to pick out their items. More often than not, we find that in Singapore, it is possible to get the same item, at a much cheaper price elsewhere (compared with the store where the registry is located).

Anyway, I'm not sure how a baby registry would go down with some people. So, chuck that idea.
What we have not gotten for Baby Louisa yet though...are these few items:-

(a) Car seat - Saw one (Aprica brand) that is for newborns up to 4 yrs old (or X kg - I can't remember how heavy). Sounds like a good and worthwhile investment, since it can last that long...
(b) Stroller / Pram - The Combi brand seems really light. Will definitely need to get one, just not sure when. Now, I'm worried Baby Louisa's back and neck are still too soft for a stroller. But without one, it may be tiring to carry her around...
(c) Baby bouncer - Fisher price type? Looks really cute. Think she will enjoy the toys hanging there...
(d) Baby thermometer - Braun brand? It looks good. Should we get one now or wait till those post-Christmas sales? Hmmmm....

Just washed the mosquito net last night. Not sure how useful it will be...hahaha.

Oh, Baby Louisa is now 3.3kg...(have I mentioned that earlier?) What would her weight be when she comes out? Would she look like Daddy or Mummy?

It's Not Easy to be a Mummy

2007-12-04T11:09:00.000+08:00

Being a Mummy is not easy....Regardless of what they say about the joys your little one brings you.

I'm sure there will be many joy-filled days, which makes every "tough" time worthwhile.

Firstly, when starting to be a Mummy, we have to endure all the body pains, body aches, loss of appetite (for some), nausea, morning sickness, giddyness, breathlessness etc...all that while waiting 40 weeks for baby to pop.

Then, at the "popping" (labour) stage, a Mummy has to endure the painful contractions and the delivery pain (when pushing baby out), and risk complications occuring. And this can last for several hours.

After delivery, a Mummy must next endure the pain from recovery of the delivery wound and bear with recuperating after a traumatic experience (bearing in mind that traumatic need not be a bad thing. Just major changes the body has to go through in a short period.), while nursing her newborn at the same time. During this time, a Mummy has to put up with other pains - engorgement, sore / cracked / bleeding nipples - and still persist through all these, in order to give the best food to the newborn (breastmilk). There is also the sudden change in hormones (which is one factor for post-natal blues) that a Mummy has to contend with. This may take years to recover from.

On top of all these pains, there's the occassional housework to do.

It really is not easy to be a Mummy.

(sometimes, I can't help but feel like "blaming" Eve for tempting Adam with that forbidden apple. If not for her, perhaps women need not go through such pains...)

Time to Wake Up

2007-12-03T16:32:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

Perhaps it's the change in hormones. Perhaps it's stepping into this new role called motherhood. Whatever the reason, I can feel the change. The maternal instinct is strong. The "nesting" instinct is strong. I feel very strongly, the need to keep the home impeccably neat and clean, especially for Baby Louisa. Anything that's not necessary or UGLY (asthetics-wise) should be thrown away. Why do I need empty boxes lying around and taking up space? Put things in those boxes? But then I'll never look at the contents if I put them in a box, so might as well just throw everything. (Out of sight, out of mind). Even if I do need boxes, the boxes should look NICE, contributing to the overall welcoming look of the home.

When things look ugly, a few other consequential things/events can take place (isn't this similar to what they term The Butterfly Effect?):

(a) you don't feel like going home, because it's neither comfortable nor welcoming;

(b) as such, your mind and body will never feel completely rested;

(d) which would lead to irritated-ness, inefficiency, ineffectiveness, unproductivity (at work or time spent with significant others);

(e) which may also lead to inability to handle emergency situations, if and when they occur.

And one will just sink deeper and deeper.

Throw things away = a waste of money? Maybe. But hey, I look at it as part of the process of clearing up and preparing oneself to make more money. I mean, if (a) to (e) happens, how can one expect to be living a meaningful life, while making more money (being efficient and good at work etc)? When (a) to (e) happens, one will be "fighting" too many battles, that the impportant issues are side-stepped, and life becomes less meaningful. One may end up not achieving as high as what one can really achieve - one's full potential. Then one will fall into depression and start to wonder "How come others can achieve this and that, but I can't?"...etc. Then all the more, one will be wasting money, and wasting opportunities. Who's to blame, at the end of the day?

Strangely, these are the thoughts, emotions, conviction, that the pending arrival of Baby Louisa had awoken in me. How am I preparing for Baby Louisa and providing the best for her? When I can't even get my own act together, properly. Maybe I should have seen all these much earlier. Thank God I see them NOW. I guess part of God's plans for me, through the blessing of Baby Louisa, is for me to wake up. She has shown me something new.

It's time to wake up.

Good girl...

2007-12-03T15:47:00.000+08:00

Baby Louisa is a good girl. She listens to Mummy....hehs.

Went for gynae visit on Saturday. Still 1.5cm dilated. Hmmm, now it seems like she may wait till after 07 Dec (or so grandpa says).

I'm trying to enjoy the last few days of her kicking from within me...because, once she's out, she won't be kicking me from inside. I'm savouring that ticklish sensation when she moves her arms and feet up and down my left side (yeah, Baby Louisa is lying on her sides, on my right - she's facing my left). Each time she stretches, that lump will "pop" out....oooohhh...so fun!

We (Baby Louisa and Mummy) went shopping again today. Yup, 4 more days to Baby Louisa's arrival and we're still shopping. Hahaha...We bought the Black Wood Fungus, the Huai Shan and more of those bathing herbs. Oh! And we also managed to buy Christmas presents for Baby Louisa's Uncle and Aunty.

Well, as nervousness sets in, Mummy needs to shop to take away the anxiety. Have labelled all the herbs and other food stuff, stuck my "preferred" menu on the fridge, so I think the confinement 'nanny' should be able to handle it. If cannot...then I have nothing to say.

But Baby Louisa has been a very good girl, supporting Mummy in everything Mummy does. The aches and pains in the joints still persist. It's getting increasingly difficult to even get out of bed, just to visit the loo. (of course, the proximity of her cot to my side of the bed is one factor too...). The contractions are getting stronger, but still not close enough to be the real thing. Baby Louisa is still comfy inside Mummy...enjoying herself.

Any time now...

2007-11-27T15:03:00.000+08:00

Week 38...and Mummy is 1.5cm dilated! oooohhhh....means anytime now!!

Baby Louisa, please stay inside for at least another 11 days...Mummy and Daddy are not quite ready yet. We haven't quite gotten the Christmas tree up. Your baby cot / cradle is ready, your clothes are ready, your bottles (well, you're not allowed to use bottles till 2nd month) are ready, just that the home is not quite ready to welcome you yet. It's still a bit messy...

The contractions are becoming stronger. It's not painful...just uncomfortable. How does the "uterine massage" (aka contractions) feel on you?

During my last gynae visit, I was strapped to the CTG machine to monitor heartbeat and contractions. Woah, Baby Louisa kept moving during that whole session. Could hear her move. Gynae did an internal check (yucks!! I hate that!! It's painful....aiyoh!) and found that I'm 1.5cm dilated. Almost cried when gynae did that check. I can't imagine having to be checked a few times druing labour, to see if it's time to push...oh my. Couldn't stop shivering/shaking after the check was over. Guess I really need the epidural. What was I thinking of, when I first planned to deliver without epidural. I must be crazy.

On top of the low threshold for pain (all my life, I thought my threshold was rather high...), Baby Louisa is estimated to be 3.2kg at 38 weeks. She seems big. How to deliver naturally without epidural? I must really be mad. hahaha...That's it. It'll be epidural for me.

As the date draws nearer, as it starts to sink in - Baby Louisa will be out soon...., I find myself getting more and more nervous. I'm actually nervous about the whole labour process, something which I've been reading up on. I guess no amount of reading can prepare you enough for it. I afraid of the pain that might come with it! And any complications that might arise....

Oh dear, I need to go back to this and pray...

The past few days / weeks have been extremely hot. It's so hot that I feel like I'm melting. I have to stand in front of the fan when I'm at home. Otherwise, the air-con has to be turned on, regardless rain or shine. Whereas Daddy is complaining it's too cold. Hahaha...So I ended up eating the 2 tubs of ice-cream in the freezer to keep cool ( and also trying to finish them up before confinement, so that the ice-cream won't be around to tempt me during confinement period...)

And...my feet started to swell again!! On Sunday. This is the 2nd time the feet swelled. The first time it swelled, the swelling lasted 1 day. It was gone the next day after I kept drinking water. So, it could be due to the saltier diet I had the day before (salt retains water...). However, the 1st time it swelled, the swelling was much lesser than this time round. This time, my ankles are really fat! And I cannot fit into my shoes!! Fifrst time in the whole pregnancy, feet cannot fit into shoes...hahaha. The ankles ache when press on them. The knuckles on my hands are also aching, especially in the morning. It is as if someone had bashed my fingers while I was asleep. Owwww.....

However, all these experiences showed me how amazing our body is. The body is preparing itself for labour, hence the water retention. During labour, there's hardly any chance of a drink. Besides, you wouldn't want to embarass yourself by relieving yourself at the inappropriate time (not that one can help oneself, during labour. Baby will be pushing against the bladder!). Therefore, the body begins to store water to allow it to function normally during the long labour hours.

Amazing, isn't it? This mechanism created by God...

Sudden burst of energy

2007-11-21T19:21:00.000+08:00

For some strange reason, I had a sudden boost of energy today.

I've been clearing my desk (hey, 3 month's worth dust collecting on a messy table is NOT nice...plus, in case they get an intern to sit at my desk, how?). Desk is more or less quite cleared now.

So, today, I went down to Bugis area (the Fu Lu Shou Complex) and bought some herbs needed for confinement. Some only...as I am not sure if (a) I would eventually use ALL of them during confinement and (b) I can't carry too heavy a bag of herbs...

What I bought today:-

(a) Dang Shen

(b) Medlar Seeds / Wolfberry / Gou Qi / Kei Chi (it has several names). We still have some in the fridge, but this is something that's like ginger, used in almost every confinement dish...

(d) Dried Longan Meat (500g)

(e) Tangerine Peel (100g - and I think it's still too much. The girl wanted to sell me 500g!)

(f) The herbs for bathing (just enough for 1 week. Need more? Confinement 'nanny' can go get when he goes and buys the fresh foods during confinement)

Good thing is, all these herbs and dried goods can be used in other herbal soups (with the exception of the bathing ones) in future. So, they won't be wasted should I not finish them during confinement.

Think I still have to get black beans, raw peanuts, bei qi, huai shan and honey dates.

To Do / To Get List

2007-11-19T17:29:00.000+08:00

I do have some form of memory lapse...so I'm jotting this down to help me remember:-

List of things to get:-

(1) Diaper rash cream – Desitin (ordered)
(2) Baby bath tub
(3) Mosquito net
(4) Baby thermometer
(5) Baby bouncer (netting type or the Fisher Price type?)

(6) Those herbs for bathing

(7) Ginger

(8) Eggs (gee, I wonder how many eggs to prepare)

(9) Sesame oil

Hmmm...I think that's all for now.

18 More Days

2007-11-19T15:21:00.000+08:00

In summary:-

Baby Louisa is now estimated to be 2.9kg (week 37).

Amniotic fluid is sufficient.

She’s not engaged yet (but that does not mean she won’t come out early).

Gynae visits are now every week. Will be put on the CTG this Saturday to monitor her movements...

We collected her cot/cradle yesterday evening. I want to get her a new mattress. Foam should be better than sponge…The sponge mattress can be a spare mattress.

Should I get her a baby bouncer?

Her present for us on our 1st wedding anniversary – lots of BIG movements throughout the day. Hehs. It was fun watching my tummy move (it always is fun…)

And my confinement ‘nanny’ has not stocked up on the essential ingredients for confinement food yet. What if Baby Louisa decides to come out earlier? Maybe I should just take one day’s leave and go get them myself.

Medical, Social, Physical and Psychological aspects of confinement.

2007-11-14T13:53:00.000+08:00

Daddy's thoughts:-

The amount of information on confinement, child birth, bringing up a child can be rather voluminous.

The sources are varied - there are books, people in the medical field, relatives, associates, hearsay etc. Sometimes, there are overlaps which can be interesting. If your relative is from the medical field, then the information on confinement is both advice from a relative and from a medical person. You could think of permutations eg a relative who is an author, a friend who passes down hearsay etc...

The point here is that one needs to be sure of the medical facts. For obvious reasons, the consequences of doing the wrong thing medically can be huge. This seems to imply that authoritative sources ought to be taken more seriously since there is some form of systematic empirical findings. But you would be a fool if you thought only along those lines.

Be nice to well meaning people even if it is clear to you that the information is hearsay or weakly unsubstantated and that you seem to know more than them. The last thing you want to have is a social problem.

That said, it seems possible to tenatively think of confinement in 4 key areas- the medical, phyisical, psychological and social.

I'd like to invite comments in a category you feel comfortable with. Also feel free to come up with new categories.

Confinement "Nanny"

2007-11-07T18:56:00.000+08:00

Oh, I simply couldn't leave this very important person out.

Introducing.....my confinement 'nanny'....Daddy!! (Have I done this already?)

Yup, daddy will be helping me with confinement. Isn't he just great... =) The washing machine can do the washing. Daddy just hangs the laundry up. He's own clothes will be washed separately (by the machine). He can cook (with additional help from a book of confinement recipes). I've stuck post it notes on those recipes that I want to eat and even labelled them for different days of the week, different weeks for the month - Hey, I need some variety too...besides, different foods provide different nutritional value as a mother recovers from the delivery. As long as Baby Louisa pops out at the expected date, it should be fine...coz that's when Daddy is on holidays...otherwise,...I dun dare to think otherwise. hahaha.

My only worry? Daddy is the kind who will just fall asleep when he's tired. So, will there be a point where I'm left on my own? Coz Daddy's asleep....during the day. Will Daddy be able to wake up early enough to make breakfast for Mummy? Especially when he's probably going to be so tired. How about Daddy's meals? Confinement food may be too heaty for him. Who's going to prepare his meals for him?

FINAL countdown...Exactly 1 more month!!

2007-11-07T18:28:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

It's exactly 1 more month to Baby Louisa's EDD...07 Dec 07.

Have I gotten everything ready? hmmmm....(whips out checklist). Tick, tick, tick,...nope. Not quite ready yet. Gotta get baby soap for Baby Louisa, deco her room (or what would be her room, since she's gonna be in the master bedroom for the first few months...), get more clothes (we've got a few hand me downs, but those are kinda too big for her, I think)

Gotta stock up on all that old ginger, red dates, mee sua, rice...(for confinement).

****

I watched a CNA (Channel News Asia) programme this morning. Yupz, our office TV is tuned to CNA. It was about different birthing methods. The programme was hosted by Lisa Ang and a few mummies gave their experience. It was mainly about alternative birthing methods - hypnobirthing and water birth. I think I will go for the more traditional delivery at the hospital, afterall this is the first child. I have no idea how my body will take to giving birth... However, what struck me in the programme, was what one mother said. She shared about how happy she was opting for that alternative method, because she knew she gave her baby the best present..."by giving birth to him with a calm and relaxed mind" (ok, maybe not the exact words, but something to that extent). But that's it. The best 1st present to give her child was a mother who is calm, relaxed and not fearful of the process. A mother who is not screaming in pain at the process of birthing. Basically, a peaceful birth. Not that other births are not peaceful...imagine this, you are on your way out into this world, and your mother is screaming her guts out at the same time. It does sound like it's a "messy" world to be stepping into. hahaha. But sometimes, it can't be helped.

What she said struck me because I've been quite pre-occupied with worrying about how much pain I can tahan, would I need epidural, would I be screaming my head off etc. But it has never occurred to me to instead, focus on being calm and relaxed during the brith process. The moment I think of giving birth, I'm thinking: head full of perspiration, legs on stirrups, squeezing Daddy's hands, cringing in pain and screaming "I can't take it anymore!"... Hmmm, that shouldn't be the way. The birth process is a unique process, a miracle, enjoyed only by unique people, us FEMALES. So I really shouldn't think about how bad it can be. Rather, I should be thinking about how to enjoy the process. Yes, it sounds like a very tall order, and I do sound unrealistic. Is it a case of "mind over matter"? Hmmm....the moment I think of giving birth, I should be thinking: relaxed process, calm surroundings, my body is just guiding Baby Louisa out into this world.

Time to find a nice soothing CD to pack into the hospital bag to bring into the delivery suite...Hmmm, should I bring the aromatherapy too?

Have I lost weight?

2007-11-05T12:36:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

We went for our 2-weekly gynae appointment on Saturday. It’s week 35!!

My overall weight is 62.9kg. I lost weight?? At the last visit, my weight was 63kg. Hmmm…

When Dr. Tan measured Baby Louisa, her weight was estimated to be at 2.7kg. Baby Louisa was estimated to be 2.3kg at the previous visit. So, it’s either the measurement of the baby was a bit off (there is usually some error, that’s why it’s called an “estimated weight”) or, the Mummy has lost about 500g!

I’m more inclined to think that Mummy has lost some weight. Not because I want to lose weight, but rather, I have been so busy lately, that there hasn’t been much rest or sleep.

Lately, I have been feeling a bit of pain in the pelvic area. It occurs when I walk or sit. Dr says this is due to the body preparing for labour (pelvic bones shifting and adjusting). It does not occur together with the contractions, so it is not labour pains. At the pelvic area, it’s sharp pains. At the hip/butt area, it’s dull aches. Oh my….

Baby Louisa has been stretching a lot too. Well, perhaps it’s the same amount of stretching, but it feels like it’s harder due to the lack of space. Each time she stretches out, there’s a lump that stays there for a while, and it does hurt a little. As usual, she tends to move more when it’s meal time…I thought there would be less space for her to move much nowadays, but no…she’s still moving about. This will be one active babe, I think.

The Braxton-Hicks contractions have been coming on strong and more frequently. It’s uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. When I’m asleep, I find it more difficult to turn – BH contractions plus pelvic bones aching. Ouch ouch ouch...

Time to rest more….

2007-10-31T15:15:00.000+08:00

Daddy's thoughts:-

Unlike mummy who is constantly in contact with baby Louisa, i get to touch and communicate with her mostly in the evenings. These moments can be quite fun. Sometimes Louisa would tap on on mummy's tummy, other times kick and push. During such moments, I am reminded that there is a little life growing. Thinking about Louisa makes me feel that I have to protect her and mummy.

Concerns of an expectant mother

2007-10-30T23:43:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

It's been a busy 2 weeks. Lots of work on top of the upcoming move. Before we know, we've come to the end of October. In 1 more week, it'll be exactly ONE month to Baby Louisa's EDD!! How exciting!! (Ok, I'm trying to find some excitement amidst all the work and moving stress...hahaha).

It's really getting uncomfortable...this final stage of pregnancy. I really admire those who can work till the very day they "pop". I thought I could do it too, but now, I'm seriously doubting it. I get breathless and backaches (more of the breathless-ness). Sometimes, I feel as if I need to move around with an oxygen tank. A few days ago, I walked back from The Arcade after buying my snack for tea break (office is located in the building just next to The Arcade). The moment I stopped at the lift lobby to wait for the lift, I found myself panting...really hard. My goodness, how tough is it to just buy a snack to satisfy the stomach?

During my second trimester, I was very brave (I think). I decided for myself that I wouldn't need a confinement lady to help me with confinement. Afterall, what does a confinement lady do? Wash the mother's clothes, baby's clothes, cook for the mummy, help with handling baby. So that mummy can rest and recuperate well and focus on taking care of baby. Now, that doesn't sound too tough, does it? So why do we need to engage one? Daddy will be having his school hols then, so, Daddy can help out. Got a recipe book for him to follow (Daddy can cook!). We can handle the baby together...we just need to PLAN it well (e.g Daddy takes the day duties so Mummy can rest, while Mummy takes the night duties, so Daddy can rest. How's that?), read up lots and encourage each other lots. That's not too difficult, isn't it? =) And so, the decision was NOT to engage a confinement lady. (can save $$ too).

Well, being in the most tiring phase of the pregnancy now, I'm having second thoughts (but it's kinda like, there's no backing out anymore...hahaha). Will I really be able to handle Baby Louisa by myself? What if she cries incessantly? What if I'm too tired to do the night feeds? What if I don't hear her cry in the middle of the night? Of course, everybody has got to start from somewhere. Nobody knows how to handle a baby, instantly. It's always with much practice. Getting to be a bit worried....but, let's keep positive, yah? We can do it!

Baby Louisa, we can do it together!! You're a good gal, right? So we'll get through this together. Yes!

Week 33

2007-10-22T12:10:00.000+08:00

We went for our gynae check up on Saturday. We’re in Week 33!! Yippee!! 7 more weeks and we’ll be able to see Baby Louisa. At week 33, Baby Louisa is estimated to be 2.3kg. She’s in good position (i.e. head down, facing my back). Let’s hope she stays that way till delivery. That’s the best position for delivery…

I noticed, everytime the gynae performs a scan of Baby Louisa, she will be soooo quiet. She would not move (in other words, we have never really seen her in motion via the ultrasound scans – well, I did, when we had to do the FTS screening, and Daddy wasn’t at the clinic yet). It’s like, Baby Louisa would “freeze” all motion at that time. But before and after the clinic visits, Baby Louisa would be moving and kicking a lot. Hmmm…...

In fact, Baby Louisa has been kicking rather aggressively the past few days, that my tummy muscles are feeling a bit bruised – like when you have been exercising a lot, your muscles tend to ache a bit…..

****

At the previous gynae visit, Dr. Tan took a swab from me for testing (it’s a routine test at this stage of pregnancy). The purpose of the test is to test for Strep B infection. What is it?

Was quite worried about it, as Strep B infection for infants is no joke. While antibiotics can help the situation, no expectant mother would want it, not that we can help it. It’s a naturally occurring bacterium in the body of both men and women, and it does not present any symptoms. We got the test results at this visit, and thank God, there’s no Strep B infection. Dr. Tan says everything is ok. Yeah!

However, level of sugar present in the urine is 1 level higher than normal. Hmmm, gotta watch that diet (I hardly ate that durian mooncake from Marriott! My favourite…..*sulk*)

The Difficulties of Pregnancy

2007-10-17T12:07:00.000+08:00

Everything has its opposites, even pregnancy. It comes with its ups and downs, joys and difficulties. After the joys of pregnancy, how can I leave out the difficulties of pregnancy? These difficulties are from the perspective of the Mummy…(I have no idea what pregnancy difficulties Daddy experiences…it’s quite difficult to get Daddy to post his thoughts on a regular basis. He’s busy.)

(I never had vomiting during the first trimester, just some nausea which took me a few weeks to get used to and aches in the joints)

Firstly, there are the back aches. My back is totally aching lots. Especially when I’m at work (hmmm, is this a work–related ailment? Like those “Monday Blues” symptoms…). Perhaps it’s the chair. But whatever, the back aches. Ouch. And now, the ribs are starting to feel sore.

Then there’s also the terrible discomfort when I try to catch the snooze monster at night. I’m already feeling sooooo sleepy, but yet, every position that I lay down in, is not comfortable. Lie on my left side…nope. Right side…cannot. Prop pillows up and lay back…no, still not comfy. Cannot breathe well.

To top it off, Baby Louisa kicks a lot at night too. Just when I’m about to doze off due to sleepy-ness in the not-so-comfortable position, she’ll either kick hard, stretch or the uterus will start to harden. Arrgghhh….(anguish / agony).

As a result, I hardly get much sleep at night. Even if I do manage to enter dreamland, it’s not a very restful sleep (not in a comfortable enough position). Hence, I’m always half awake in office during the day.

Why does the uterus harden? Is Baby Louisa stretching herself and pushing her back/bum up against my belly? Or is it the body getting ready for labour contractions? Is this what they call Braxton Hicks contractions?

It is not painful…just very uncomfortable. I can feel the uterus squeeeeeze itself...like squeezing the air out of me. Cannot breathe…….Oooohhh…..In order to relief the discomfort, I’ll have to take deep breathes. (Good chance to practice all that breathing exercises learnt form the antenatal classes.) This goes on a few times at night…until I’m waaay too tired and just KO.

The difficulties of pregnancy.

The Joys of Pregnancy

2007-10-17T12:05:00.000+08:00

Pregnancy is such an amazing thing.

There’s this life inside you…

One of the joys of pregnancy is the extra attention I get. Heeheehee…Nice.

Then there’s also the awareness, that I always have a companion to talk to…24 / 7. Each time I’m bored, or feeling stressed, I’ll start talking to Baby Louisa.

And there’s the shopping! For baby clothes and stuff. Baby stuff are just SOOOOOO adorable!! Everything’s on a smaller scale (read: tiny). There is so much indescribable joy that comes along with shopping for baby stuff (not to mention washing the baby stuff and packing them).

The greatest joy of it all? Knowing that Baby Louisa is a blessing and a gift from God to us.

Louisa's Bedroom

2007-10-15T14:07:00.000+08:00

For those of you interested to see Baby Louisa's bedroom....

Sorry, but you'd have to wait. Coz we have something more important to take care of for now - moving house, to give Baby Louisa more space to grow up in and a better environment.

So, any bedroom designing etc, it's all taking place in the mind, for now. :-)

Laundry Time!

2007-10-15T13:56:00.000+08:00

It's quite fun to be washing Baby Louisa's clothes and towels. heehee...it's ALOT of laundry to do. Given the size (amt of material) of 1 piece of body suit, it's actually a lot of clothes to wash. Only managed to do 1 round over the weekend. [Hmmm, maybe I should load the machine more the next round.]

The clothes are soooo cute!! All so tiny and hanging on the clothes line. heehee...Especially the booties and mittens. It's like, i'm selling mittens! No, there isn't a lot of mittens (probably about 5 pairs - dun need so many, coz babies stop wearing them after a month or so...), but they are just so cute!! Thank God there was strong sun yesterday (SUNday), which helped dry Baby Louisa's clothes.

I used the Kodomo Baby Laundry Detergent. It left the clothes smelling....very "baby-ish". hahahaha...After the wash, all the clothes smelt so..."baby"! Hahaha...

And....I couldn't believe this (neither could Daddy)...I actually took the laundry out of the machine to hang! (Usually it's Daddy who would do that, and I would try to help him out). No prodding or pushing needed. When I heard the machine sing its tune (indicating that the wash is complete), I just went straight for it. hahahahaha....

9 more weeks

2007-10-08T15:41:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

I'm in the mood to deco Baby Louisa's room. Yup. Have been in the mood for a while already, just that there's so much other things to look out for. Baby Louisa is well travelled...around Singapore, that is. Over the past week, she's been to the North, East, South and West of Singapore. Ok, we haven't been to Central Singapore (AMK, TPY area) much...

So anyway, I've been thinking of how and where to place the cot, what to stick around the room to make it more...cute. It's so exciting, planning Baby Louisa's furniture. heehee...

Whenever I lie on my side, Baby Louisa likes to "walk" on my side. I can feel this lump (not sure if it's the feet, knee or fist) moving up and down the side...feels like she's walking or climbing. Hahahaha...Then the karate kicks. It is becoming more of a pattern. hehs. Gives us a preview into the kind of movements she is likely to be making when she's out...

My clothes are getting tighter. And they are maternity wear!! Oh my gosh! But everybody still says I don't seem to have put on weight. Still look normal. But my maternity tops are getting shorter (probably due to the growing belly). Now belly peeks out from above the skirt or pants...peek-a-boo...

Well, it's 9 more weeks....We're at week 31. Hey Baby Louisa, we made it together...to 31 weeks! Thank you, God. :-) Let's keep going.....We can do it together. :-)

Take My Breath Away

2007-10-03T17:53:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

Daddy wants Baby Louisa to come out quick, so he can touch her and 'sayang' her. Mummy wants her to stay in. hahaha....while her kicks can be a little uncomfy at times, it is an experience indeed. Of course, mummy is selfish too. Mummy wants to enjoy the priviledges of pregnancy for a longer period...hahaha. :-)

Hey, I get seats (so far, it's ALWAYS, except for 2 times) on the MRT and the bus. Even when waiting for taxis, others in the "non-offical taxi queue" at Hitachi Towers give way to me. Heeheehee....It is so nice to be pregnant. hahaha.

But, I get breathless more frequently nowadays. Just walking from my igloo in office, to the pantry (it takes less than 20 paces) would result in me panting. Sometimes, just standing and waiting for the lift or for someone, I would feel tired suddenly. I would need to take in long, deep breaths to feel better. Like today, I was in the queue at the bank. Bad mistake. In just 5 minutes, my body really ached! I couldn't stand straight (back was aching and was feeling breathless). Lukily I was next to be served, and there was a pillar just next to me. I had to lean against the pillar for support. (Now, which great bank in Raffles Place has a pillar in their lobby? It's usually an open concept thing, right? Pillar-less etc...Well, it's DBS). But wow. Just 5 minutes and I felt so terrible. I really admire those pregnant sales staff at department stores. Wonder how they manage it....

Weight gain

2007-10-02T08:44:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

It's week 30. I've put on about 9kg so far. Of this, Baby Louisa takes up about 1.9kg. She's 1.9kg in week 30! Visited the gynae yesterday. Hmmmm, the gynae says she's big (within the range, but on the big side...). I don't know if that's big or not...but I imagine putting on another 1kg plus over the next 2 months. On average, babies are about 3kg when they are born. Hmmm, will she decide to come out earlier? or will she choose to stay in till the EDD? Given the nature of my job, I'm trying to keep myself relaxed, so Baby Louisa won't pop out earlier. Think stress levels play a part too.

Baby Louisa is progressing well. Everything is fine. Mummy, on the other hand, is not that ok. Sugar level is a bit high...first time though. So just have to monitor and watch what I eat. Better to play it safe. In any case, it's only for the next 2 months. I can do it! :-)

Since I was at the hospital yesterday (Daddy couldn't make it as he has class), we signed up for the delivery package as well. We (or rather, I) opted for the single bedder. I think it would be more peaceful. No crowds visiting other mummies and I get to rest well, watch my TV in peace and talk to anyone I want to without having to worry if I'm disturbing others. Plus, Daddy gets to stay over in the same room too!

Put on 9kg so far (as of last month, it was 8kg)...looking good. Just keep exercising and eating right. 10 more weeks...

The final lap - again

2007-10-01T12:09:00.000+08:00

Have to add this to the earlier post "The Final Lap".

Yes, forgot this other important character thoughout this whole journey (hahaha):-

Yes, yes...and there's Aunty Piggie too. Aunty Piggie's been buying Baby Louisa stuff - clothes, piggie biscuit - and talking to her too. Oh, Aunty Piggie has helped Mummy buy Baby Louisa's necessary accessories (Toyogo drawers, baby detergent...). Thank you Aunty Piggie!! :-)

Internal heater

2007-10-01T10:05:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

The weather's really warm these days. Either it's really the weather, or it's me. I have an internal heater within me. I perspire tons just lying on the bed. And I'm not even lying on my back! No blankie, no long pants - just shorts. The fan is turned on, but I'm still perspiring quite a bit. Sigh, I've been warned, that I'll find it warmer in the third trimester. But what can I do? Even if we had an air con, my nose will suffer the next day. Daddy needs a blankie, but I just cannot stand to have anything across me...it's too warm!

In office, I used to wrap myself up like an eskimo (our office is really cold. Everyone who steps into our department says it feels like the Artic region). Nowadays, I just walk around without my jacket/sweater. I feel just nice...normal, while my colleagues remain eskimoes. Guess I'll just have to put up with and get used to the heat. Oooohhhh......

For now, I shall retreat back into my igloo, have my fresh catch of the day (from that pond just outside of my igloo) and continue my reports...

Cord Blood

2007-09-27T14:44:00.000+08:00

What is cord blood? Should we store Baby Louisa's cord blood when she's born? We know that the stem cells from cord blood can help save lifes, but there are still many things about cord blood (and cord blood banking) that we don't really know. There are many brochures we can read up on, but that's it...the info is just....a lot. Have to eliminate the "noise" from the real info.

Then there's also info about which cord blood bank to store it, should we decide to store. In Singapore, there are two private cord blood bank (CordLIfe and StemCord) and only one public cord blood bank (Singapore Cord Blood Bank). We have quite a few questions of our own...Why should we store Baby Louisa's cord blood? Do we have other alternatives? (we can choose to donate the cord blood, if we don't store it). How much would it cost us? What are the differences between storing in a private and a public cord blood bank? Which private cord blood bank to go for? There are just so much to think about and consider (finances included).

If we choose not to store or donate Baby Louisa's cord blood, it would be thrown away. That would be a waste, afterall, the cord blood can potentially save lives. We could use the Baby Bonus to pay for the annual storage fees. That would help a lot...

To store or to donate...that is the question.

Transition...Becoming A Father

2007-09-27T10:29:00.000+08:00

Daddy's thoughts:-

Like many things in life, we are in a perpetual state of transition.

The caterpillar spends a portion of its life feasting on fresh leaves before becoming a pupua where it hardly moves. Then it metamorphosizes into a butterfly.

The butterfly, should it desire to, can never become a caterpillar again. The reality is that the past is best thought of as being over even if memories allow us to relive the past. We must therefore be mindful that we are in transition and that each phase will past us by.

Some common transitions: not working to working to no need to work (hopefully)

: child to adult ("really meh?" my wife would ask)
: no degrees to more degrees (eyesight)
: no degree to degrees (the paper chase)

Some transitions are specical. Becoming a father.

What does it mean to "become"

To become means you must not be there initially. One must develop the characteristics to have become.

Mummy's thoughts:-

Daddy is taking a long time to complete this post. It's an interesting point, providing a different perspective to the whole meaning of "preparing for Baby's arrival". However, Daddy is too busy to complete the post. So I'm just publishing it first...heehee....

It's Just Amazing

2007-09-27T10:25:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

It's just amazing,...

...to be carrying another life within you.

...when this life within you, kicks and moves.

...when this life within you, kicks and moves, and you see your whole belly "vibrate" / move like jello / become distorted.

Baby Louisa has been kicking, punching, stretching a lot lately (that's good!). I can see my belly shake and lumps will form (up and down and across the belly). Sometimes, my belly resembles a drum, and Baby Louisa's limbs are the drumsticks beating on the skin.

The final lap

2007-09-26T14:00:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

Last week (about the time I started this blog) marks the start of the 3rd trimester. The 3rd trimester is between week 28 to week 40. Yup, It's another 13 more weeks.... :-)

Now I'm in week 29 (12 more weeks to go). The past 28 weeks or so has been fun (despite some discomforts). Overall, I enjoy being pregnant. Pregnancy does have its priviledges. You get seats on MRTs and buses. Those who don't give up their seats to you, will be thoroughly embarassed. Yes, I walk slower now, but that gives me the time to reflect about things as I walk to my destination. I actually have the time to observe the things happening around me, take in the sights, smell the flowers...

I doubt I would have gone through the first 27 weeks so happily, if it not for God, Baby Louisa and Daddy. Thank God that things went well in the pregnancy. Thank God for Baby Louisa - a constant reminder that she's a gift from Him. That's our inspiration. She keeps us (me) going. Whenever I feel stressed out, I'll talk to her and we'll encourage each other to be strong and to keep going. "We can do this together..." (that's our phrase for each other). Daddy - without him, I won't have my healthy food (he keeps reminding me to eat healthily for Baby Louisa). Daddy is someone who will reach for the stuff I can't reach, move the heavy stuff, get me whatever I need....and do housework. Thank you Daddy! :-)

Now, it's sit back, relax and countdown to Baby Louisa's arrival....

While I Was Sleeping

2007-09-25T12:05:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

Yesterday, Daddy told me how he did a spot check on Baby Louisa the night before...Daddy was already sleeping (I of course, was deep in la la land long ago). Suddenly, Daddy woke up. I had apparently turned and slept on my side. For some reason, Daddy just placed his hand on my belly (side). Suddenly Baby Louisa kicked daddy's hand....very hard (according to daddy). hahahahha....so cute! I think Daddy got a shock too...Baby Louisa was not asleep! hahaha.

Not sure if Daddy spoke to her...If he did, I think Baby Louisa must have thought "oopss...I got caught by Daddy...". hahahahaha. I was deep in dreamland...that I didn't wake up even when she kicked so hard. Makes me wonder how the inside of my belly is feeling (bruised? hahaha). But one thing for sure, she's definitely moving lots even when I'm fast asleep.

Prayer to St Gerard

2007-09-25T11:56:00.000+08:00

St. Gerard Majella, religious, is the patron of expectant mothers. He was born at Muro, Italy, in 1726 and joined the Redemptorists at the age of 23, becoming a professed lay brother in 1752. He served as sacristan, gardener, porter, infirmarian, and tailor. However, because of his great piety, extraordinary wisdom, and his gift of reading consciences, he was permitted to counsel communities of religious women.

This humble servant of God also had the faculties of levitation and bi-location associated with certain mystics. His charity, obedience, and selfless service as well as his ceaseless mortification for Christ, made him the perfect model of lay brothers. He was afflicted with tuberculosis and died in 1755 at the age of twenty-nine.

This great saint is invoked as a patron of expectant mothers as a result of a miracle effected through his prayers for a woman in labor.

Feast Day: October 16

Prayer for safe delivery:
O Great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted Child of the Mother of God: enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love. O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the Patron and Protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Well travelled Baby Louisa

2007-09-25T11:35:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

Yes, Baby Louisa is well travelled...that's because she has active parents...parents who just love to travel. hahahaha.

When Baby Louisa was in week 6, we went Melbourne. Well, we had bought our tickets and made our travel arrangements before we found out we were expecting...so...can't be helped. :-) The good thing was, I had no major morning sickness (only nausea - which took a while to get used to, and the aching joints), so I was able to enjoy myself at Melbourne. hehs...

When Baby Louisa was in week 26, we went Krabi. Everybody was asking us "You mean you can still travel?" Hey, I needed a break from work and to rest and relax. Besides, that would be the last travel we can take, as 2 persons...with 1 bag. Next time, there will be more bags, filled with Baby Louisa's stuff. The only thing was, I could not go for body massages in Krabi. Oh well....

Krabi was nice and relaxing. I did quite a bit or exercising, climbing slopes and stairs (there is no such thing as an elevator in beach resorts....and our suite was on the 3rd floor of the block right at the top of the hill...) and swimming. It was nice.

Thank God for the good trip and for keeping us all safe.

I think Baby Louisa would be an active babe. We shall see...

FTS

2007-09-25T11:06:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-

I remember that day when I went for the scheduled FTS (First Trimester Screening) during week 11. The FTS is a test that would show the risk of having a child with Down Syndrome. Well, I'm below 35 yrs old, so technically, that risk is low. But well, always good to have a check, so we can be mentally prepared for things, should they not be what we expect.

That day, Daddy couldn't make it at the scheduled timing. He still had class. But Daddy had promised he will zoom down to the hospital once class ended.

The screening was also a good chance to see Baby Louisa up close (magnified)....heehee...she was so cute! Could see her arms and legs...and she sort of "waved" (moved arms up and down).

However, the whole screening took over an hour...because Baby Louisa wasn't in the correct position to screen anything informative! She had her back to us! Not only that, she had to be lying down (horizontal) in order for the gynae to check the Nuchal Translucency of her neck. But Baby Louisa was in vertical position! Haiz....Have to wait for her to turn down a bit...hopefully she moves, if not, I'll have to wait and wait and wait.

Waited half an hour (did blood test etc while waiting)...went into gynae's office again (2nd time). Nope, still in upright position. Ok, waited again...3rd time in gynae's office...NO! Now she's moved...but she had her back to us! What can we see from her back view??? Oh my goodness...Naughty girl.

I decided to just relax at The Private Suite area - drink Milo, read mags...and talk to Baby Louisa. Had to tell her to be cooperative...and that Daddy was on his way (by then, Daddy had finished his class and was on his way down from Woodlands).

Finally, Daddy arrived. And just in time too! Daddy had just sat down on the comfy sofa when the nurse called for me again (the 4th time). We went in. This time...voila! Baby Louisa was in the correct position! Hmmmm....strange. Was she waiting for Daddy all this while? Coz she wanted Daddy to be able to see her too? Or was she "afraid" of Daddy...such that she decided to be cooperative once Daddy was around? hahahha...

Well, everything was done quickly, now that Baby Louisa was in the correct position. The gynae was so nice. He actually apologised for keeping us waiting. Hahaha. It was Baby Louisa that kept all of us (except Daddy) waiting! Well, she's entitled to do so...

Second Trimester

2007-09-23T01:13:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:-
The first trimester went by quite smoothly (in my opinion). And then I entered into the most energetic phase of the whole pregnancy - the second trimester!!

I started feeling Baby Louisa's movements around Week 16. The movements felt like gas (or bubbles) in the stomach/intestine area (like on days when I have a bad tummy and need to visit the throne). Being a first time mummy, I wasn't sure if what I felt was really gas or Baby Louisa's movements. Call it Women's Intuition if you would, or Maternal Instinct, but I was quite sure they were Baby Louisa's movements. :-)

By Week 20 when we had that detailed scan (and found out Baby's gender), the movements were getting much stronger and more frequent. By Week 23, I was really getting kicked. The kicks were hard and sudden. I could tell when Baby Louisa was flipping and moving around inside and when she was kicking/stretching out her hands. It felt fun...and it's such a priviledge...because Daddy doesn't get to experience it! hahahaha...

It was also during the second trimester that I went out and bought most of the baby stuff that we needed. Thank God for that Taka Baby Fair which was held during that period (Aug - Sep). Managed to get quite a number of items and save some $$ too. I bought some new clothes for Baby Louisa, a sterilizer, a breast pump (I plan to breastfeed totally, so I'm prepping myself for it), diapers, nursing pillow, cotton wool and cotton balls...etc. And for all that spending, Taka gave us a rocking horse! Hahaha...something for Baby Louisa to play with when she's a bit older...

I also signed us up for the Antenatal Classes at Thomson Medical Centre. Yup, we're NOT delivering Baby Louisa at Thomson, but I heard that the classes conducted by Mrs. Wong at TMC are GOOD (it's true). I wanted us to attend her classes.

Basically, I totally enjoyed the second trimester. Did quite a bit of shopping, walking around (exercise), swimming and settled most of the baby stuff that we needed. We even went travelling. The second trimester is the best time...

Oh, and I had NO food cravings (lucky Daddy)! :-) I went back to eating my fish and vege (now I like them...hehs)

Detailed Scan

2007-09-21T17:48:00.000+08:00

This is Baby Louisa. Taken during the detailed scan at Week 20. We were able to see the structure of her head...

Hello Baby Louisa!! *waves*

First Trimester

2007-09-21T16:44:00.000+08:00

Mummy's thoughts:

Was it easy? Well, I must say, I've been lucky. The first trimester (especially for a first-time mum) is never easy. But I have been lucky. Throughout the first trimester, I have had feelings of nausea, but no vomitting. (That, according to almost everybody, is VERY good...). While I had some slight aversions to certain foods such as fish, vege and sweet stuff, I am able to keep whatever I ate, in. Good...There was also no spotting or bleeding. Thank God.

The only "symptoms" I didn't like about the first trimester, were (i) the aching joints (hip joint and aches in the legs, to be specific), and (ii) the extreme fatigue (I fell asleep anywhere, any time).

We were advised by the GP to just go for a gynae visit first to ensure that everything is ok. The very first visit to the gynae was an exciting one...We didn't know what to expect. But we sure had lots of questions prepared. I still remember that day. I'm in the 5th week of pregnancy. I was waiting excitedly for my appointment time. Would an ultrasound scan be carried out? What will I see? It was raining heavily that day. As it turned out, Daddy was not able to make it to the clinic on time. He missed this first gynae visit. But it's ok...

Subsequently, we decided on a gynae at the KK Hospital. Hence, our subsequent visits were at KKH. And Daddy made it to each gynae visit! Especially on those days when he had to rush down from Woodlands (where his place of work is located). It seemed as though our precious little babe knew, and wanted Daddy to be able to see her (then, babe was referred to as "it"). He was always just on time!

It was an absolutely amazing feeling - indescribable - when I first saw the heartbeat on the screen (during the 7th week). That tiny, blinking blip on the screen is the heartbeat. Awwwww.....Baby was just a little sac then. But that didn't prevent Daddy from talking to Baby. Hehs...

The start of the pregnancy journey

2007-09-21T16:32:00.000+08:00

It all started with me (the mummy) feeling extremely tired everyday. Regardless what time I hit the sack, I'll almost definitely be nodding off (in front of the PC) in office at 9am. [I start work at 7am]. Sometimes, I wouldn't even realise that I have nodded off...until I suddenly "wake up" on my own. "Oh, you meant I dozed off? oooopssss...."

Colleagues were beginning to wonder what was wrong with me. "Moonlighting at night, perhaps?" (yeah, times are bad...)

Then, there was this gut feel. You have to hand it to the Women's Intuition. It is just so darn accurate. A DIY home test kit and a visit to the GP confirmed it. We're expecting!! 3.5 months into our newly married life.

Did we expect this? Yeah, kind of. :-) We're just glad and thankful that God has blessed us with this gift. We used to ask ourselves, when will we have kids? Our answer will always be..."When He feels we're ready". I guess He knows best...

You Are My Everything

2007-09-21T16:04:00.000+08:00

This post marks the start of our blog together...for our precious little babe. I (the mummy) have been blogging about Baby Louisa on my own personal blogs, but I decided to create a dedicated one for Baby Louisa (and her subsequent siblings). Hence the title "Our Inspiration".

Yes, most folks will start from when they found out that they are expecting a baby. Well, we'll be different and start from this point forth, recap our first "pregnancy journey" from when we discovered we're going to be parents, and the anticipation that is building up as we prepare for Baby Louisa's arrival in a couple of months.

The journey begins...