骨莫裂，筋道发炎

"骨莫裂，筋道发炎 ，三只手指无力"

Saw acupuncturist, tui na shi fu and worn wrist guard. Doesn't help and the pain got more and more intense. It got worse few days ago after baby gave me her flying kick when I change her diaper.


Seen a chinese bone specialist shi fu. I was warned not to move my wrist for at least 3 days for the bone tissue to recover. Today, my mom helped me and the next 2 days hubby will help me. I cannot even carry baby for a second. This is how serious it is.

And of course Papa will have to wake up for night feeds (Friday, Saturday and Sunday - and Monday is a public holiday; full day for him to rest). He just commented that he "will die". One full day to recuperate he still will die -_-||   If so, I would have been dead 3 months ago.

This shifu even knows that I keep looking down. He asked me not to look down so much cos my neck is starting to give me problems too. Of course la, feed baby milk every 3 hours - look down. Latch baby - look down. Pump milk - look down at hp. Change diaper - look down.

It's challenging showering on my own cos I cannot wash the right side of my body and can't reach my back. Oh, and I managed to hold my pump bottle with the injured hand. I still manage to pump. In fact I think I can pump on time since now hubby is helping to take care of baby. LOL.

My left hand

I know I need to seek urgent treatment when:

1. I am being woken by several times by the sharp pain from my left hand.
2. I cannot hold a cotton bud to clean my ear with my left hand.
3. I cannot shampoo my hair with my left hand.
4. I grit my teeth and endure the pain each time I put on/take off my bra.
5. I can't hold my pump bottle with my left hand after 5 mins.
6. My right hand is showing symptoms of what my left hand experienced months ago.

And it doesn't help when:
a) I am the sole caregiver for baby. My condition has worsened after her various kicks and punches.
b) I need to handwash baby's laundry all by myself.
c) I need to do simple housework at home.
d) I need to wash seemingly endless bottles and teats after pumping and feeding.
e) FIL can't take baby's crying.
f) The maid calls it a day and shuts herself in her room at 8.15 pm everyday

The pain is so intense that each time I froze for a good 4-5 minutes when it strikes.

Last night at 8.30 pm, when I was busy washing baby's clothes, I left her in the playpen. She cries for me. So I put her on the rocker and continue with the laundry. She still cries for me to carry. I went to carry baby and I broke down with her.

I didn't ask the maid to take care of baby. She has never changed a single diaper or showered baby at all. At the most is help me carry when I need to take a bath or go to the toilet. But she still decides to leave, so previously what she claims ("If I need to take care of mil and baby, I don't want.") doesn't stand.

I broke down feeling that my life is so much tougher than the maid. She sleeps and rests longer hours than me and still complains that she is tired and has too much to do. *appalled*

Baptism

My baby is a good gal. Went through Sunday mass and then Baptism mass. She was well-behaved throughout and attentive through both masses. No fussing even when the water was poured over her forehead whereas a 4 year old child yelled on stage when it happened. Mommy is so proud of you baby.

Sprees

This entry is for myself so that I can keep track of what are the sprees pending.

1. happypan - PAID
2. osh kosh / carter 1 - Alisen - - PAID
3. osh kosh / carter 2 - Krystne
4. playpen - - PAID
5. spanx - Paid Ref: 7285575115 
6. brightstarkids - Selena - - PAID
7. taobao - Elise - - pending second payment
8. headbands a (6 items) - Krystne - Paid Ref: 7285575115 
9. headbands b (4 items) - Krystne - Paid Ref: 7285575115 
10. motherlove
11. teething pad - Steff
12. tutu - Summer Peh - - PAID
13. Seahorse - Eunice Sng - - PAID
15. happybellies oat - Farry Kat - - PAID
16. socks - Summer - - PAID
17. Frog and apple Bibs + Skip hop bibs - Karen Tay - - PAID
18. Thermos - Eunice - - PAID
19. Drugstore - Farry Kat - Paid Ref: 7285899315 
20. iHerb - Paid Ref: 7285575115 

3 months old baby

Baby will be 3 months old by the end of this week. It's been tough being a stay-at-home-alone-mom (SAHAM). From not being able to eat breakfast at all, to having cold lunch at 3 pm and dinner almost 10 pm, to having only 4-5 hours of accumulated sleep in a day and at the same time keeping up with good deals and sprees by the mommies group, and also most importantly, building my supply and trying my best to relactate, I AM STILL SURVIVING. In fact, I am proud of myself to have come this far.

These few months, due to the lack of rest, I fell ill for 3 days and then passed the virus to baby and she had fever for 1 day. Contrary to what my family members think, I would like to believe that it's my breastmilk that makes her recover faster. Yes, my cranky baby didn't make me give up breastfeeding. When lots of mommies been sharing about their dip in milk, mine has increased.

I have close to 70 ml now :)

I feel that working life is easier and less stressful compared to a SAHAM. I am very stressed up when my PIL are back home coz they cannot stand baby crying, probably not even 'eh eh eh'. It's difficult cos I have to drop the pump and attend to baby. I have to carry and quiet her in the shortest possible time.  I have to give pacifier earlier. I have to feed when I would have waited 30 mins more if I were home alone.

In general, mommies can't wait for babies to outgrow this stage, and wish for a magical wand to turn them into 1 year old straight away. But if I can turn back time, I will choose to go back to the day of my delivery. I dun mind going through the contractions, show, waterbag leaking, labour pain and all that all over again just to correct what I did wrong, or should I say, not do right. I mean it. However, in reality, there's no turning back and we can only move on.

I  have high expectations of myself and seriously, buying all those supplements of fenugreek, motherlove blend, domperidone, anmum lacta and multivits for breastfeeding cost alot of money.

Alot of ppl say 'chin chai chi, chin chai dua'. To me there is no such thing. Even the formula milk selection, I can stand for 30 mins to check and analyse the ingredients. I almost wanted to take picture of every brand and compare the ingredients back home.

Anyway enough of the lengthiness, I just wanted to give myself a pat on the back. I have done well and I am doing the best I can. All the sleepless nights magically doesn't matter when I see baby's big grin in the morning.

I just bought this baby swim float from SMH forum after Evon's recommendation. My baby really enjoys her bathing and swimming sessions at BabySpa. She sleeps very well after 20 minutes of swimming for almost the entire day.

Medela Supplemental Nursing System

I did some research and I bought Medela SNS from Amazon.com. few weeks ago. Finally it's here.


Supplemental Nursing System - Helps mothers breastfeed adopted babies, helps with relactation, and is useful with premature babies or low milk supply. With an SNS, the baby is supplemented at the breast, maintaining the important physical contact while stimulating your breast to increase your milk supply.


Why it's useful:

1. baby receives formula as she nurses
2. nursing stimulates milk production
3. formula satisfies baby, so she continues to nurse

I'm unable to starve my baby enough so that she is forced to take my breast. I can't bear to see her wailing in hunger but yet I want to give her my milk as best as I can.

I have nothing against formula milk (and I'm still giving). Just that I think breastmilk is the best for baby.

I really should have gotten this way earlier when everyone was telling me that I don't have milk instead of giving baby a bottle. Quote from this site - "Because bottles can weaken the baby’s suck reflex and even lead to early weaning".

I have just started using it. Baby is okay with this, just that in 30 minutes, she merely finishes about 20 ml of milk and keeps falling asleep at my breast. Because FM can only tahan for 1 hour, I have to quickly transfer the remaining to a bottle and let her finish her milk. On top of usual pumping, I am using this SNS in the day time, which means feeding time is lengthened. More things to wash and sterilise and lesser resting time.

 - - - I found one very useful link here on extra tips on how to use the SNS. Haven't read in detailed yet. But perhaps it can explain why baby is drinking so slowly even with the fastest flowing tube.

Yesterday, baby seems to be confused. When I bottle feed her, she keeps turning her head towards my breast and sometimes, pushing out the bottle teat and turning her head left and right (seems uncomfortable or uneasy). She also cries a little when drinking milk from a bottle from time to time. Is that what they call nipple confusion?

To avoid this is not to let mommy bottlefeed her so that when baby comes to mommy it is only latching. But I am unable to resolve this because I am the 99% caretaker of baby. If hubby is around, he manages to help for 1 feed in a day.

I did cup feed and syringe feed baby when she was 1 month old. It was too late when I implement it and has caused her much misery. She would yell down the house. She'd rather be hungry and yell than to take milk from cup or syringe.

That is why... there is this warning on all infant formulas to say that if you want to breastfeed, don't introduce bottles to baby and World Health Organisation recommends total breastfeeding for a period of 6 months. That's also the reason why all milk companies don't give free samples for babies less than 6 months old. Even online purchasing of milk is for 6 months and above. They seem to make it less easy for people to buy milk powder for infants online.

Ok shall stop here, lest I go into the emo mode again.

Baby Signs

Baby is 10 weeks old now. I've just started signing to her, esp after Evon gave me the signing book (see earlier photo). These are some of the words that I've signed and also asked my Hubby to do the same. [bath, happy], [milk, more, finish], [change], [love], [daddy, mommy], [sleep/bed]. Will start with 10 first and then increase slowly.

Some youtube videos here - http://pandielammieluvs.blogspot.com/2011/04/baby-sign-language.html?zx=783a06d7bef35cf3

Someone blogged about it here too - http://www.askelaine.net/baby-parenting/baby-sign-language/

August Moms and Babes Gathering

7 weeks old newborn

My newborn is 7 weeks old now.

I have been building my supply close to a month ever since CL left. I thought it would be easier now that I am at my own place. Well, different issues arised.... eg whether or not to shower baby on a rainy morning, finding out the reason of baby's crankiness, FIL kept asking us to give pacifier, my mom kept feeding her when it's not time to drink etc. Tension was building up at home somehow or rather. I also could never enjoy a meal properly and be on the lookout for any stirring or cries, whether it's time for feed, how come baby is sleeping so much and so on. I've learnt new skills like speed-eating, speed-showering, speed-shitting. Everything fast. LOL.

Just last week, I still cried and blame myself for all that have happened, for not insisting to latch on baby, for letting people fed my baby bottle etc. I think I should not be so harsh on myself and give myself some credit. From zero latch, I have 3-4 latches a day. Now everytime after baby showers and just before the midnight feed, she will have to latch on me otherwise she can fuss for an hour. Anyway, all in all, whether my milk increases or not, I am just going to give her the best that I can and know how.

I love latching on baby. It's a priceless precious moment and bonding time with her. And sometimes even after latching, I pump out too, to totally drain out all milk. It's so much washing and backache and wrist pain. It's a tiring moo-moo career but I'm enjoying this process for as long as it lasts.

On top of calling several breastfeeding helplines, I need to specially thank some online friends, Jaz, Joanna and also Annabelle, for encouraging me, teaching me and bringing positivity on this topic on breastfeeding. Whenever I feel lazy, feel like giving up, I just think about what they've told me and it gives me strength to carry on for another day, another day and another day. 

Also thanking people like my sis, Looying, Shufen, Baoli, Shulin, Michelle, Adeline, Jac, Jess and Elin (in no particular order). They care alot about me and keep telling me to relax, don't feel stressed out, jiayou and that I'm doing fine. 

Yes, even though baby will have to wean off the breast sooner or later and go on total FM sooner or later, that's a problem I will face eventually. And I will worry about it later. 

Yesterday, while holding on baby upright around my neck area, she ee ee eh eh and wanted to struggle free from my arms. I wanted to see what she does and where she is going. She wriggled to my breast area and opened her mouth really wide to get the nipple. I LOL at this special moment. How will I bear to wean her off now? 

One last pic that made my day. Baby was grabbing my boobies during feeding like eating a hamburger. And she actually looked at the camera. :)

my bunny ;)

Breastmilk and Re-lactation

Saw some mommies in the facebook group giving away breastmilk. They have too much until their fridge can no longer contain them. I am SO VERY KEEN to take from them but Hubby and mom didn't think that it's a good idea.

I have been and still am eating confinement food even now. Been ordering tingkat confinement food and will continue until next week, since I can't go out to get food and my house downstairs only has tze char and they open after 4 pm daily.

I'm also still eating my multi-vitamins, Anmum Lacta milk, calcium pills, chicken essence on top of the soups that my mom and grandma brewed specially for me. I also didn't take any junk food, fast food, cold drinks at all. Every drop of breastmilk that I give to my baby is solid and nutritious. If only, I have that much for my baby too. Sigh.

I realised that being stressed up or unhappy also affects the quantity of milk. The days when I am quarrelsome with Hubby, I have little milk.

------
Re-lactation

Quoting from Alisa (the website below)


Relactation, the rebuilding of one's milk supply weeks or even months after lactation has stopped, or induced lactation, the production of milk from where there was none (as may be the case with adoptive moms), are both viable options for any woman eager to breastfeed.


But under these circumstances, the making of milk is a time-consuming undertaking likely to be fraught with moments of heartbreak, frustration, and worry—but many more, and more lasting, moments of joy, tenderness, and pride. 


Look for other encouraging signs of success, including fuller, more tender breasts, nipples changing color, increased thirst, and changes in menstrual cycle or libido.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gjxZHZuWI0&feature=related

http://www.alisaikeda.com/Clients_Clips/Relactation/body_relactation.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/decrease-formula.html

Mild Depression

I had mild depression after I delivered Baby. There was an article in Straits Times recently with the headlines 'Confinement Period Triggers Depression'. I think it's so true.

I was practically upset with everything and everyone.

I was upset that Baby was taken away from me. For the whole day, I didn't get to carry baby (yes, not even once). I didn't get to latch on Baby. I suffered from engorgement. My breasts were hard as stone and they are so big, I looked as if I'm a D Cup. It was very painful until I couldn't sleep. My milk supply didn't increase. My pump output was 5 - 10 ml.

I couldn't use my hp (and computer too - of course) even while I was lying on my bed resting. I couldn't wash my hair. I stink. I have ugly stretchmarks. I am still fat even after baby is out. My wound hurts. I didn't like that the CL fed my Baby alot of milk and make her sleep for long stretches (as long as 5 hours). That shouldn't be the case because Baby has jaundice. She needs to wake up often to drink and poo.

I felt that no one supported me. No one understood me. I was forced to do things against my will. I was upset and loss that Baby is taken away from me majority of the time. The only time I had some time with Baby was when Hubby came back from work and bring her to my confined room. I cried 7 days out of 14 days. Then the first CL left because her FIL passed away. The second CL came.

She made my mom upset because she broke the slow cooker. And after being here for 1 week, she doesn't know how to brew red date tea. She doesn't know how to cook AT ALL. She doesn't know how to feed baby. Every time she feeds, Baby throws up and gets choked. I witnessed that twice myself. It was so tiring for my mom. She has to correct every single thing that she did everyday. And I woke up 4 times through the night to monitor her feed baby. We decided that she has to go.

After latching for a week, I went back to pump again. Saw that my output was still the same. I cried. I have been very hard on myself. I had high expectations. Then a few people told me that breastfeeding is not everything of motherhood. I didn't have to feel bad if I have to supplement it with formula milk. Hubby also said that it's okay if I've done my best and if we decide to give total FM.



New challenges ahead. I pray that God will guide me through and give me strength so that I can give my best to Baby.

Breastfeeding issue

During my hospital stay, I latched baby on well. Yes there were a few trial and errors on latching and how to unlatch etc but overall baby latched on me and was on total breastfeeding except for 2 times of cup feeding. I also room in with baby on the second day. Sure it was tiring as I only had 1-3 hours of sleep in a day but it was very satisfying to see baby's happy face after each feed. I also automatically wake up whenever it's time for baby's feed.

Back at home, the nightmare started. The CL suggested stuff which ruin my milk supply. Baby started to get very impatient at my breasts and she yells so loud. I just can't bear to hear her cry this way and lets my mom take her away for bottle-feed. The CL also suggested that I give pacifier but I strongly objected. We used the infant goat's milk to supplement her diet because I could only pump out max 10 ml (both breasts combined). The whole day, I managed to have 40-50 ml then I feed baby in a bottle in one feed.

Remm I bought the medela cup feeder? It's $55+ and was never used. Not even once. Baby has only managed to latch onto me once for 20 mins ever since the CL came. And all the time, it was hubby who brings the baby to me.

My massage lady is very encouraging. She keeps saying that I will have more milk and it will come slowly. She asked me not to be stressed and just relax. If I don't have, just give formula in the mean time. She also massages my breasts and clears the block ducts. After her session, I am always happier and positive.

The CL left coz her FIL passed away. The new CL is here and we have set some ground rules, which is to allow baby to latch on me before her actual feeding time. I also decided to call up Mount A Parentcraft for help.

I just hang up the phone with them. Such a coincidence that the person who returned my call is the lady who taught me in antenatal class, Joelynn, and she remembers me.

I told her about my problem. That I have been giving bottlefeeding and today is Day 17. Baby is impatient and refuse to latch and that my pumping supply has been remaining at 10 ml and doesn't increase.

She said that she is very glad that I call her now instead of waiting until baby turns 1 month. Coz as baby grows, she will get smarter and fiercer. She also said that babies will not refuse mommies' breasts.

She told me that my dip in supply is mainly due to NOT latching. She asked me to stop pumping now. Practice latching again. I asked her HOW? She said bring bb to me when she is not already hungry. Gently wake her before her feeding time. And reduce the formula feed. Instead of 60 ml, give her 30 ml. When she is half-full, she will be more interested to come to your breast.

Then I asked her, if I stop pumping then supply will drop. She replied, a few days of not pumping will not affect so much. And even if I am very diligent in pumping, supply will never go up much. Cos stimulation comes from latching, not pumping.

She carried on to share with me another person's success story. And she said that she is confident that baby will latch on me again. Tomorrow is Sunday. I will have to try latching. If I still have difficulty, she said that I can call up on Monday. She will see me on Monday with baby.

I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.

----------------------
I latched baby for an hour at Mount A with the lactation consultants - Joelynn and Wang Yan. They told me to room in with baby and latch whenever I can. Back at home, we made the changes. I made an effort to wake up before baby, to massage my breasts and to put warm compress on them. But I realised that night feeds, baby isn't in the mood to latch. She is in a dreamy state and prefer fast flowing milk.

One week has passed. I managed to latch baby here and there. Baby and me are both learning together. Sometimes, she adjusts her position to get the right suckle, sometimes she suckles for comfort and falls asleep at my breast. Whatever it is, I enjoy the bonding time with her. I will talk to her, encourage her, play soft music for her and kiss her hand. Yesterday baby opened her eyes while latching (normally she closes her eyes) and gazed at me. Such a precious moment.

I will have more opportunities to latch on when I move back to my own place. Can't wait for this confinement period to end. Seriously.

Track baby's development

http://www.happybabydiary.com.au

Labour

5am wake hubby up. 

545 am reach hospital.
Enter deliverysuite. Changed. Ctg scan.  

630 enema. Midwife checked 3cm dilated.
Lots of contractions in between. Strangely, coffee aroma helped ease pain.
Took out CTG wires. Because not working properly and restricted my movement.  Too painful and feeling frustrated.
Dr poon came at 745. Dilated around 4cm. ETD afternoon. Left to do c-sect at tmc. 

830 epidural and happy liao. Hubby eat bao then sleep. Mommy slept for 15 mins.
915 nun came to pray and mommy received holy communion. 

1015 drain urine. Dilation 4-5cm.  

1100 contraction drip. 

1315 9cm dilation  

1345 dr poon say not sure why heartbeat drop. May have to use vacuum. dr poon check n put his whole hand in. Said that within 30 min or so baby will be out.

Tried a few pushes still can't push out much. 

Doctor had to use vacuum cos baby's hand is in the way, maciam ultraman pattern.

Baby was put on mommy's chest and she was wailing away. 

Welcome baby!

Dr Poon stitching mommy up. Papa started taking photos of baby. She is 2.52 kg, 47cm long. 

I was so hungry that I requested for milo when I reached my ward. Due to the side effects of epidural, I vomitted 3 times on the bed.

Waterbag burst with blood

I was awakened by a gush of fluid flowing out. Somehow I knew I stained my panty already but I carried on sleeping! Checked the time. 1.30 am. Then contraction starts and I timed. 12 min, 8 min, 7 min interval. Couldn't get back to sleep coz the pain kept coming.

Forced myself to go to the toilet and check. (Not that I can't wake up, it's more like Baby, is this real?) My whole pad is soiled with bloody and gelish discharge, together with sticky liquid. Again, I took a photo of it. This time I didn't post on SMH facebook, just posted a note. More than an hour has passed but no one replied as yet. I think no one dared to reply after I was sent back home from hospital yesterday.

I decided to force myself to lie down and observe for another hour. Can't seemed to lie down and here I am, 2.45 am typing this. Hubby was awakened just now coz I on the toilet lights. I told him that I'm observing myself and ask him to sleep.

I went online - googled - How long can a baby survive in the mothers stomach after the water bag burst? I found the answer. It's 24 hours. As I'm typing this, I am feeling the contractions. So I stand up, walk to the kitchen, get myself water and sit down again. Enjoying my cup of water as I can't have it for 1 whole month.

Oh did I forget that I had changed to a maxi-long pad earlier? Some trickling still but I'm ignoring it for a while until maybe 30 mins later if it gets too full. I must be sounding crazy. But after I was being sent back home yesterday I felt very paiseh already.  I told Hubby that it seems as if I am playing 'cry wolf'. No one believes me that I have red bleeding. I still can't understand why I was being sent home.

Ouch. Contraction pain, until I can't breathe. Ok can breathe again.

Anyway, thank God that I had Gelare waffles with Hubby and we even managed to catch a movie - Planet of the Apes yesterday at Vivocity.

Ok some mommies replied me saying that my waterbag has burst.

But this very current moment, seems like the water stopped leaking again?~ Errrr, how ah?

Let me take a shower and I will call the emergency line later. It's 3 am now (same as yesterday 3.15 am). Baby, your favourite number is 3 huh?

- - - - -
Gynae called at 3.30 am. Asked me to observe for another 2 hours. Whether I need to change to a new pad and see if the contraction is 5 mins apart first then call him later. He asked me to lie down, don't walk about and try to sleep. He said if I can sleep it away, it's probably false labour again.

Red bloody show

I had red bloody discharge this morning at 3.15 am. At first I thought maybe it's more water and I tried to get back to sleep but a wave of contraction woke me up. I wanted to sit up and maybe walk around to make the contraction go away. And since I'm up, might as well go to the toilet.

Realised that it's fresh red blood and immediately went to shower. Even deliberately wash my hair twice. I took a photo of my pad and posted it on SMH facebook group. I on the bathroom light, brushed my teeth, showered but Hubby still sleeping as dead as a log.

So I called him to wake up and showed him the blood. First thing he said was 'Then how?'. Coz at 8 am he has to do a training at another place with 80 people. My heart sanked but I didn't show it. I said maybe he can fetch me to the hospital and then go off a little while and come back to visit me again.

We went to have prata for breakfast and then headed straight to Mount A. Dr Poon did say that if there is fresh red blood, just proceed to hospital first. While eating prata, I had mild contractions and I really thought today is the day :) Bunny decided to make her appearance after we prayed to our blessed Mother Mary last night (Day of Assumption).

We reached Mount A at 4.55 am to be exact. I was being put on CTG scan again. One nurse came and inserted her fingers inside my down there because there was no further bleeding or obvious close contractions observed. She said that I'm only 1 cm dilated. Then Hubby left for work at 7.00 am, as he couldn't contact his colleagues to cover him. He was worried that I'll be upset with him but I told him if he needs to go, he can go. Soon, Dr Poon came at 7.45 am. He put his fingers in and then he said my cervix is still thick. Even if he induce me today, my cervix may not be opened and might end up ec-sec. He strongly recommend that I go back home to rest and not admit today. I just have to see him on Thursday.

I was put on CTG for another round and I left the hospital at 8.45 am. The bill came up to be $256. I can't stop tearing while walking to the bus stop. I am so disappointed with myself, with my cervix, why issit not opened and ready? I thought I could see Baby today and carry her in my arms by tonight. I thought today is the day 16/8/11. Antenatal class taught us that if we see red discharge, have to admit to the hospital. But how come for me it's considered as false alarm still? I'm feeling confused, upset, disappointed and even quite angry - because according to Dr Chen my EDD is 30 August but Dr Poon mentioned twice to the nurses that it's 7 Sept.

When I boarded the bus, no one gave up seat for me and I cried even harder. I'm not sure why. I am not upset or anything, just feeling emo. On the way home, I decided to buy Macdonalds to cheer myself up a little (though still crying). Hubby called and checked on me but I told him that there's no need for him to come back home. He can carry on working since I'm fine and will be resting.

I'm still sad but will be fine after a while. I need to go catch some sleep. Very tired.

Brown discharge, Water leaking

I had brown discharge yesterday morning at 10.30 am before my dim sum treat to my family members. Yup despite the brown discharge, I still went out. I called gynae. He said if I see red discharge, waterbreak burst or tummyache, then straight away admit to hospital.

After the dim sum treat, we went home and I took a 2-hour nap. When I woke up to bathe, there were a few drops of water from my down below. I touched and smelt it. No it's not urine. Then I thought maybe it's my sweat. I told Hubby about it. He thinks it's sweat too.

No action all the way until night time. I still manage to go to church at 6 pm and had dinner with my parents at Boon Keng market. Contractions were felt on and off throughout the night but they were bearable and I thought there is nothing to be concerned about. At 4 am, I was awakened twice by two waves of contractions. But they went away shortly and I managed to sleep until Hubby woke up at 7.15 am.  Realised that I have some brown discharge again. But since not red, so didn't panic.

Dr Poon called at 8.00 am to check on me. I was lying on the bed. I told him that I'm okay, just that I had some brown discharge and some irregular contractions. He told me to see him at his clinic abt 9.30 am. I hung up the phone and then wanted to shower and prepare myself. But I felt a trickling of liquid from my buttocks. I thought maybe it's blood. I took a tissue and wipe, it's water leh. My sweat again?!

When I undressed, there was again that same droplets of water from my down there. I went to touch and smell it again. It's not urine. The texture is slightly sticky. It's transparent. I wiped off the fluid from my inner thigh and concluded that perhaps it's my amniotic fluid leaking. But weird, it's not waterbag burst or constant mild water flowing out. It's just droplets of water - as if the last day of menses that kind of flow or even lesser.

I showered and sms my mom. My parents are coming to fetch me to the clinic while I am typing this. Haven't told Hubby about it yet because he is busy at work. Will update him after I see Dr Poon.
-----------------

So suay that my hp is dead. I can't call out, answer calls, access any of the apps, cannot even shut down my hp. So I can't call the clinic beforehand. We just went down to Hougang directly. When we were there, the receptionist told us that doctor is in the hospital and they tried calling me but can't reach me.

So after a quick breakfast, we headed down to Mount A coz I told them that my water is leaking. Was put on CTG scan again and then Dr Poon came. He put two fingers into my down there and felt the baby's head. He said that it's not low enough and still not engaged. He also put an apparatus inside and said there is still brown discharge. Later, he did an ultrasound scan and said that Baby is fine and heartbeat is okay. The bill came up to be $180!

He asked me to go home and wait until REAL labour kicks in, which he guessed would be this Wed or Thursday. I guess he didn't want to induce me because he didn't want to risk cutting me, as Baby's head is not engaged yet.

My parents waited for me and then my mom talked to Dr Poon too. He told her Wed or Thurs will be it. Just now, my mom asked me to call the clinic coz they are looking for me. (Remm my hp is down?) They told me to go straight to Mount A this Thursday.

Hope baby be co-operative and guai guai.

Maternity shots

Wanted to save money so asked Hubby to take some shots for me at the swimming pool instead of having it done professionally. I liked 5 pictures out of all that he took.

37 weeks (low amniotic fluid)

Yesterday, I had slight light brown discharge. So I called Dr Poon, whether I should see him earlier instead of 8 pm. He said it's better to come in and asked me when is the earliest I can reach. I told him 2 pm. Informed Hubby about it. After meeting Ferene, we had wanted to watch 'Planet of the Apes' at Cineleisure but the plan has to be cancelled and I headed back home.

Hubby asked whether today is the day? I told him maybe not, coz it's light brown discharge, not blood and I didn't feel much contractions. Nevertheless, I showered and ensure my "luggage" is ready, just in case I have to check into the hospital.

Dr Poon said that from the ultrascan observation, my amniotic fluid is low and baby has lesser movements. I need to go Mount A to do a CTG scan in case baby is in distress. I thought he meant the next appointment, but he said if you can, go today and go NOW. He mentioned that after the report is out, if need be, he will come down to the hospital and might need to induce or do a c-sec for me. (c-sec because Baby's head is down but not engaged) And he asked 'Are you prepared already?'. Baby is 2.5 kg and he said it's safe if she wants to come out now though he prefers that she pops next week.

Then after Hubby and me had our late lunch, we headed straight to Mount A. Thankfully CTG scan shows that baby's heartbeat is within the safe range, I'm having mild contractions already but I don't have to be admitted. It costs $60 for the 1 hour scan. Dr Poon called and asked the nurse to fax the report over to him. And he asked me to see him at his clinic tomorrow for follow-up, just in case.

Hubby sensed that I am quite tensed and he said I look stressed. I told him it's because I'm having contractions now and trying to time the intervals. I also didn't have much appetite lately. My weight remained at 59 kg (but glad that Baby put on from 1.9 to 2.5 kg).

I feel ache all over - my head, neck, shoulders, arm, legs, joints. I hope that Baby comes out soon.

The confinement lady called me up to check on me and asked roughly when I will deliver. She said to let her know once I'm admitted to the hospital.

---------------------------
Back from gynae. He said that amniotic fluid is not low until I must induce esp since that now her head is not engaged yet. The best case scenario is to wait for baby to be ready to decide when she wants to come out. Yup, so baby... we are all waiting for your grand appearance.

My next appt with gynae is on 15 August.

2nd batch of Osh Kosh/Carter loots

2nd batch of Osh Kosh and Carter's spree I did for Baby. These are all wearable from 9 months - 2 years old. Mommy really kiasu hor. Baby is not even out yet and I've bought so many clothes already.

Foods to avoid from mommy's diet that may be upsetting to baby (when you are breastfeeding)

• Dairy products (eg milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt)
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, softdrinks)
• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapes, strawberries, mangoes)
• Certain vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, green peppers, cauliflower)
• Spices (chili powder, cinnamon etc)

The colic-causing properties of these foods are most likely due to the fact they are difficult for the infant to digest.

Read more:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/268313-foods-that-cause-colic/#ixzz1TYi2THm8

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/index.html

35 weeks

Going into my 35th week soon. Just back from gynae yesterday. Baby is 1.9 kg. Dr Poon said that baby looks thinner and lost some weight. He asked me to eat more. I've already gained 15 kg throughout this pregnancy. Does it mean that I'm gaining most of the weight instead of baby? Hmmm, how come?

I went to google an estimated baby's growth online. It does seems like my baby is on the lighter side. She should be between 2.3 - 2.5 kg now. My strep B test results are okay and normal. Baby head is downwards now, still not engaged. Hope that Baby will be engaged by the next gynae visit. I'm seeing him every 2 weeks from now onwards.

10 weeks 20 g
11 weeks 30 g
12 weeks 45 g
13 weeks 65 g
14 weeks 110 g
15 weeks 135 g
16 weeks 160 g
17 weeks 200 g
18 weeks 250 g
19 weeks 270 g
20 weeks 380 g
21 weeks 450 g
22 weeks 500 g
23 weeks 550 g
24 weeks 650 g
25 weeks 750 g
26 weeks 850 g
27 weeks 1000 g
28 weeks 1150 g
29 weeks 1300 g
30 weeks 1500 g
31 weeks 1700 g
32 weeks 1900 g
33 weeks 2100 g
34 weeks 2300 g
35 weeks 2500 g
36 weeks 2700 g
37 weeks 2900 g
38 weeks 3000 g


Perhaps my mood plays a part? I've been easily moody and feeling sad recently at the slightest thing again. And having lots of negative thoughts even though I already remind myself to think positive. Last night I have nightmares upon nightmares again. Woke up and apologised to Baby because I was too tensed up and agitated, worried that my emotional state affected Baby.

Busy baby

This week, I feel like I have to go to the toilet more frequently. Like this morning before going to work, I pee-ed twice, then upon reaching office, I have to go pee again. It's only a few drops of pee but don't know why I keep on having these frequent toilet visits.

I'm not sure if this is what mommies refer to as lightening as my tummy is not high to begin with (at least if I compare it with other mommies). Few of my colleagues also mentioned that my tummy looks low. Some people until now, still asking me whether I'm having a baby boy because I have a sharp tummy. But weird leh, coz to me, looks round.

Baby is still moving alot but the movements are kind of different. She can elbow me and jab me now. Some people say when the baby grows bigger, there's not much space for them to move and will be quieter but it seems to be different for my baby. It's also quite difficult for me to walk very quickly now and quite impossible to run after the bus or jump up and down.

Now, whenever she jabs me, I will ouch and let her finish her movements before I can walk again because at times it can be quite painful. Or when I am lying on the bed and she starts to move about, I cannot turn my tummy to the other side. Have to let her finish what she's doing, then I turn. Aiyooo my baby don't know how come so busy. LOL.

But it's good that she is active too. At least I know she is safe and well and STRONG.

Papa seems to be more excited about Baby's arrival. It's only a month away and we can carry her in our arms already. I'm excited but at the same time anxious, scared and at a loss.


Anxious when the day comes - don't know whether I can take the contraction pains, whether my waterbag burst will embarass me (sekali break in the mrt!)
Scared - really scared of the pain, scared that things screw up, scared that I cannot cope.
At a loss - hope that the confinement month will be good. I have all the information from antenatal class and all the necessary knowledge from the other mommies, I need to be more assertive of what I want for myself and Baby.

Baby having her hiccups

I can actually feel my baby having her hiccups right this very moment very prominently. I thought to myself "Ahh! so this is how hiccups feel like in the womb". It's just very cute lah. She is having hiccups and swirming around at the same time.

Read 'Why Do Babies Hiccup So Much In The Womb?' and it's so assuring to know that "only more mature fetuses hiccup in the womb because their central nervous system is adequately developed in order to allow this to happen."

I ordered Sophie the giraffe for Baby through a spree. And realised that there is another seller on blogspot.com too. Quote from Sophie's website:

This is baby's first toy, and stimulates each of his senses from the age of 3 months.

Sight: At the age of 3 months, a baby's eyesight is still limited and can only make out high contrasts. The dark and contrasting, attention-catching spots all over Sophie the Giraffe's body provides visual stimulation and she soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object for baby.
Hearing: Sophie the Giraffe squeaks when pressed and keeps baby amused and stimulates his hearing. In later months, this helps baby understand the link between cause and effect.
Taste: Sophie the Giraffe is made of 100% natural rubber and food paint and is completely safe to chew, just like a feeding bottle teat.
Touch: Her soft texture and numerous chewable parts (ears, horns, legs etc) make her perfect for soothing baby's sore gums during teething.
Smell: The scent of natural rubber from the Hevea tree makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your baby to identify amid the other toys.
Easy to grip: Sophie the Giraffe's shape and size are perfect for baby's small hands. She is very light, and her long neck and legs are easy for baby to grasp, even in his early days.

Something extra

Looking at some of the mommies' maternity shots (from LittleMissRabbit, Studioloft) , I also feel like doing it. I was thinking about it some time ago but decided not to (for now). Maybe I'll do it for my #2 baby. I realised that I have been overspending for #1 baby. New clothes, new pram, new toys, everything new. Definitely for #2, these things can be passed down and that will free me up financially.

Papa said that he wants to do the footprints and handprints thing for baby and he will be paying for it. The standard package for hand and foot imprints is $345. Very expensive indeed.

And I'll be paying for baby's newborn photography with Kelly Soon. $500. I really like Kelly's skills.

Baby organiser

Thanks to Serene, my colleague from HR Dept. She gave me a baby organiser. It's a nice and simple booklet to jot down some of the milestones of baby's growth and development. It also has a weekly page for me to input baby's feedings, diaper change routine etc. I will make full use of this booklet.

Cravings satisfied

More teng, more juicy chicken, more waffles, more strawberry vanilla cake please.
And definitely more durians.

More More More!!!

Ordered this twice at two Xing Hwa stalls.

Grandma made salted chicken for dinner.

Waffles from Waffletown. I still prefer Marche's.

In the hunt for many many different strawberry vanilla cake.

Baby massage

Start with a gentle "hello" stroke from baby's head to her toes. If baby stiffens, cries, or becomes irritable, move to another body part or simply end the massage for the day. If she responds well, start gently massaging her body section by section.


Source: http://www.parents.com

Tummy

1. Hold your hand so your pinky's edge can move like a paddle across your baby's belly. Starting at the base of the rib cage, stroke down with one hand, then the other, in a paddle-wheel-like motion.

2. Massage her abdomen with your fingertips in a circular, clockwise motion.

3. Do the "I Love U" stroke: Trace the letter I down your baby's left side. Then trace an inverted L, stroking across the belly along the base of her ribs from her right side to her left and down. Trace an inverted U, stroking from low on the baby's right side, up and around the navel, and down the left side.

4. Walk your fingers around her navel, clockwise.

5. Hold knees and feet together and gently press knees up toward her abdomen. Rotate baby's hips around a few times to the right. (This often helps expel gas.)

6. Place hand on tummy horizontally and rock your hand from side to side a few times. Note: Avoid massaging tummy if the cord hasn't completely healed.

Head and Face

1. Cradling your baby's head in both hands, massage the scalp with your fingertips, as if you're shampooing. (Avoid the fontanel, the soft spot on top of baby's head.)

2. Massage her ears between your thumb and index finger.

3. Trace a heart shape on your baby's face, bringing your hands together at the chin.

4. Place your thumbs between your baby's eyebrows, and stroke out.

5. Again with your thumbs, stroke gently out over baby's closed eyelids.

6. Stroke from the bridge of the nose out over the cheeks.

7. Using your fingertips, massage the jaw in small circles.

Chest

1. Place both hands on your baby's chest and stroke outward from her sternum to her shoulders.

2. Beginning at her sternum, trace a heart shape bringing both hands up to her shoulders, then down and back together.

3. In a crisscross pattern, stroke diagonally from one side of your baby's hip, up and over the opposite shoulder, and back down to her hip.

Arms

1. With one hand, hold baby's wrist. Relax her upper arm by tapping it lightly.

2. Hold her wrist with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape around baby's upper arm; stroke from her shoulder down to her wrist.

3. With each hand grasping her arm, one right above the other, stroke down from shoulder to wrist with both hands rotating in opposite directions, as if you were gently wringing a towel.

4. Massage her palm, moving thumb over thumb from heel of her hand to her fingers.

5. Stroke down top of hand from wrist to fingertips. Gently squeeze and pull each finger.

6. Massage her wrist by moving your fingers in small circles.

7. Roll her arm between both your hands.

Back

1. Place baby on tummy horizontally in front of you, or lay her across your outstretched legs. Keep her hands in front of her, not at her sides.

2. With both of your hands on baby's back, move each hand back and forth (keeping them going in opposite directions) from the base of the neck to her buttocks.

3. Hold your baby's buttocks with one hand and use the other to stroke down from her neck to her buttocks.

4. Using your fingertips, massage in small circles down one side of baby's spine and up the other. Avoid pressing on her spine directly.

5. Massage her shoulders with small circular motions.

6. Massage her buttocks with big circular motions.

7. Holding your fingers like a rake, stroke down her back.

Legs

1. Lift one of her legs by the ankle and relax it by lightly tapping the upper thigh.

2. Hold her ankle with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape, thumb down, around your baby's upper thigh. Stroke from her thigh down to her foot.

3. With your hands grasping the leg at the thigh, one right above the other, stroke down from hip to foot with both hands rotating in opposite directions, as if you were wringing a towel.

4. On the sole of her foot, use a thumb-over-thumb motion to massage from heel to toes.

5. Use your whole hand to stroke the bottom of her foot from heel to toes.

6. Stroke the top of her foot. Gently squeeze and pull each toe.

7. Massage around her ankle using small circles.

8. Roll her leg between your hands, as if you're rolling dough.

Durians

  small seeds

Papa had a nosebleed last night. I guess the durians were too heaty for him. Yup, we often have durians now; like once a week. But he always ate the least durians. I am the one who eats the most because my parents would ask me to take more. More "bu" for baby.

Other than chicken essence once a day, durians are my "bu" food since I don't get to enjoy home-cooked boiled soups all the time.

Yesterday, I cried when an elderly gave up her seat for me. I told her that she needs the seat too. She replied "no, you deserve the seat more". I cried and said "thank you". There was another mommy standing nearby. Her tummy is almost as big as mine. I wasn't sure whether to reject the old lady or offer the seat to the other mommy. I was feeling lost, not sure what I should do and yet touched by her kind gesture. Maybe that's why I cried.

So far, there are 7 kind souls who gave up their seats for me in my 8 months of pregnancy. Usually, the trains are so crowded that I'll be glad if I have standing space. Yesterday, my backache kinda worsen and I feel so much like sitting on the floor because my back felt like breaking. I sms Hubby that I will not hesitate to sit down next time as I really cannot stand the ache. Hur hur...

Baby First Month Preparation

I was doing some advanced research as I read from forums and SMH page :)


I should be ordering my Full month buffet from Chu Wei San Tong. Cindy is very nice to throw in FOC red eggs because I've been ordering tingkat from her for my PIL.

1. Pineapple Rice
2. Ee noodle
3. Curry chicken
4. Kai Lan vegetable
5. Champagne Pork Rib
6. Sweet Sour Fish
7. Golden Oat Prawn
8. Chef's Beancurd
9. Sea coconut and cocktail
10. Barley

Additional items:

• Red eggs
• Ang ku kueh $0.70 per pc
• Glutinous rice $1 per pc

I am also ordering helium balloons and deco from Freesia Birthday Services. Carole's lobang. I will choose the Hello Kitty theme balloons. Hope it looks nice and "grand" as I don't intend to hold a grand one-year old party for baby. Carole is very understanding to accept cash on delivery instead of advance payment. I hope she can cope with the business coz there are alot of mommies delivering in August and ordering from her!

I've googled, went to a few Sanrio shops, asked my colleagues and posted on Twitter on where to find infant Hello Kitty apparel. I also combed the whole of Raffles Place. Finally found one shop which is moving out soon. They have this! Going to let Baby wear on her man yue celebration.

Ordered a Hello Kitty taggie for Baby too ;)

Was thinking of ordering a Photo cake from Yiling (I ordered twice from them before), since I will be doing newborn photography with Kelly Soon. Will KIV this for baby's one year old birthday instead. I think getting the Hello Kitty cookies is a better choice. I'll order 50 pieces of these.

From: YummyBaking

I will be ordering extra confinement food via lunch tingkat after the confinement month. I thought just take more 'bu' for myself for another 2 weeks since I need the extra nutrients for breastfeeding. And I reckon I will go out in the afternoon. Have paid a $100 deposit to Carrie Pang from SMH and confirmed my meals :)

Checklist for Papa

In the hospital:
(1) Contact Confinement lady
(2) Contact Jamu Massage lady
(3) Contact Kelly Soon photographer
(4) Check with auntie Baby's Ba Zi before submitting name (Birth Cert)
(5) Baby Bonus Application (to fill in form in hospital)
(6) Baby's Health Booklet (given by hospital)
(7) Baby's Bath tub (free gift from hospital)

Upon discharge from hospital:
(8) Settle Hospital and Gynae bills
(9) Book Kerrisdale Function Room
(10) Re-confirm date of full month with:

• Full month cake order from PAPAMAMA - 6385 0038 
• Hello Kitty cookies - Henry Lau $82
• Chu Wei San Tong - 67439383 Cindy $450
• Freesia Balloon - 93669005 Carole $140

My first coconut drink

My first coconut drink 

• prevent dehydration
• relieves exhaustion
• improving "good" cholesterol levels (HDL)
• prevent urinary tract infections
• promotes digestive health

Benefits of coconut water - http://phenomwater.com/how-drinking-coconut-water-during-pregnancy-helps

Braxon Hicks Contraction

I think I just realised that I got my braxon hicks (again). I felt some tightening of my stomach for a few seconds (hmm, maybe 12 seconds) and then back to normal again. It's not painful but can feel the pressure. I suppose it's a sign that the body is getting ready. If it's not increasing in intensity and seems to be appearing randomly, it's nothing to worry about.

I didn't know that this is braxon hicks. I thought it's just widening/ stretching of the uterus or that baby is doing her stretching inside. Coz I get that stretchy feeling in my earlier trimester too, just that this time round, is stronger and longer duration.

Braxton Hicks contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together. If they are not lasting for 60 seconds and about 5 minutes apart, it's considered as false labour.

I've learnt about false labour in antenatal class just that they didn't name it "Braxton Hicks" in the notes.

I can also feel clearly that baby is using toes and/or fingers to feel her surroundings inside my tummy. It's really cute. I can't seem to describe the feeling in writing. Some mummies say they are practicing finer motor skills already. I guess baby also has lesser space to move around now that she has grown bigger.

My iphone3 doesn't have the video function and unable to capture these moments. (and ipad forever occupied by Hubby) I'll set aside a time to see if I can record it next week.

Crying Baby: Swaddling and Baby White Noise

I did some research and reading on the topic and thought i'll jot down here, in case I forget next time.

What to do when baby cries:

1. check if baby is hungry

2. check if diaper is soiled and needs to be changed

3. burp the baby

4. check ventilation of room and baby's clothing; if too hot or cold

5. check if baby is bored/needs attention (try talking, playing, singing)

6. swaddle baby and plays the white noise CD / mozart music

7. carry and cuddle baby

8. check if baby needs a bath, followed by massage

9. check if baby is not feeling well (fever/cold)

10. at the last resort, give pacifier

Thanks to a friend in SMH facebook who shared about this link - http://www.happiestbaby.com

I learnt something new about swaddling - that it keeps baby stay calmer and sleep longer when wrapped with the arms down at the sides. It's recommended to swaddle baby during the sleep period only (nighttime or nap time). Snug swaddling also reduces a baby’s mobility and may help keep babies from wiggling into a dangerous situation. It's okay to swaddle baby until they are 5-6 months old.

I also learnt about baby's first white noise. These are sounds that helps to calm crying or fussy babies, ease colic or sooth baby to sleep through the night.

More about baby white noise - http://www.babywhitenoise.com/babywhitenoise_faq.html

I was quite enthusiastic. I called up Borders Wheelock Place and check if they carry The Happiest Baby book/dvd/cd. If they have, I'm going to buy tonight after work. Unfortunately, this book is out of stock and they are not sure whether they'll be ordering and if so, when it will be in stock.

So within minutes, I login to my Vpost and placed an order with Amazon.com! I'll also buy the swaddle blanket later at Spring Maternity. (organic Swaddleme $58, normal ones $30+)

30 weeks

I'm into my 30th week. Can feel baby strong punches and kicks now.

I requested for DHA pills from Doc Poon because baby's brain is developing this week. According to Baby Center.com, Baby's head is getting bigger to accommodate the growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.

That's why I have to be diligent in eating my calcium and DHA (NeuroGain PB Vegicaps $42) pills from now.

Doc Poon said that baby's head is downwards now but may shift later on. Weight is 1.3 kg and limbs are growing well. Right now, I can't seem to understand the ultrascan image and have to ask which part of baby is he scanning. He mentioned that baby's head is slightly big. Then Hubby said big head is good, means cleverer.

Doctor also said that I have to do a vaginal swab test 2 weeks later. He didn't make it optional for me but asked me to go for it. This test is outside of the package, which means I have to fork out extra cash. I am not sure how much (for now). I will do it on a Saturday since am not taking anymore annual leave.

Because of this test, my scheduled appointment has to be pushed back further and it means in July, I only get to see my baby once. I was rather upset but Hubby says it's okay as long as baby is doing fine. I still feel abit bo-hua. This is the second time they pushed back the appointments, which will delay the days I get to see my baby scans, which also means I get to see my baby lesser. I am quite angry with myself for not checking thoroughly what the package consists of and just signed with them.

The $700 package doesn't include ad-hoc appointments made with the doctor. There are a few occasions that I had spotting and I had to pay full fee when I see doctor (as if I didn't sign any package). It also excludes detailed scan pricing, all the supplements and additional tests eg OSCARS (I didn't go for OSCARS or Triple Test with Doc Poon, I did Triple Test with Doc Chen).

Which means to say the package only includes about 7 or 8 visits at the clinic (consultation fee) - calculated to be $88 each time just for consultation fees and probably short waiting time (less than 1 hour wait).

Anyway, I have nothing against Doc Poon. He is gentle and caring. It's just that I find other gynae's package more attractive and they are flexible in giving HL and generous in giving MCs for mommies to rest at home.

Faye Wong's music

I have been listening to Faye Wong's songs the whole of yesterday night and this morning. I think baby is feeling sian? Hehe. Can't help it. Faye's coming to Singapore in October 2011. And I've bought the ticket through the fan club in May. I bought the 3rd most expensive ticket ($380). The VIP seats costs about $580 (really crazy right?). And also Kenneth came back from Hong Kong recently, he got me a Faye's Concert DVD, which was never sold in Singapore and almost sold out in HK. I've also been to Blue Max, Sembawang Music, HMV, Popular etc but I couldn't even find any of Faye's CD. So lately I have been listening (non-stop) to my collection of Faye's songs.

And then after listening to her songs, I want to go KTV very badly. LOL.

This is a preview of 王菲巡迴演唱會2011. 

Organic red raspberry tea

My organic red raspberry tea leaves are here. I ordered from Babydust.

I'm quite surprised that the packaging of the tea leaves is like that. I mean, who knows what's really inside hor? But I do trust Babydustshop la, as I've previously ordered from them before. And the seller is quite sincere and prompt in replying emails, so it's fine.

I ordered the 100g pack and she even packed in a sealable transparent bag for me. Very thoughtful of her. Though it's sealed, the fragrance of the tea leaves still permeates through the envelope. Really nice aroma.

It's mentioned in the website to only consume during the later stages of pregnancy. I intend to drink it when I reach 31st week and only in the morning coz I don't know whether it's decaf. Don't wish to get sleepless nights :p

More reads on raspberry tea here.

Dreamt about my grandpa

Last night I dreamt about my late grandpa. We were back at our 23A terrace house. Grandpa was lying on the ground in his room. I walked in and called out to him but he didn't respond. I don't know why I went to take a photo of him lying on the floor and then called my sister in. Together, we both held him up and manage to let him sit on a chair. His eyes were opened and looking at one direction. My sister and I were not scared but rather, we were worried, wondering what's wrong with him. Then grandpa turned to me and said in Mandarin “现在有孩子了, 你要照顾好自己”. He said it very clearly to me and I woke up from my dream immediately.

Dear 啊公
谢谢你的关心，我会的。
等宝宝大一点，我会带她来给你看。你也要照顾好自己哦。

Suddenly I realized that I don’t even have a photo of my grandpa. We didn’t even take any pictures with him during Chinese New Year all these years (though we did take with my grandma). I really regretted this. Rest in peace grandpa. I still think of you occasionally and often have dreams that we were living together in the 23A house.

Moving stuff to Kerrisdale

Thanks to Looying who passed me some maternity clothes, breastfeeding and childbirth reading materials, baby high chair, play gym, baby rocker amongst other small items. We drove to her place one weekend :) Her hubby and her are so warm and they shared with us their experiences.

Hubby has bought the Toyogo drawers and also fixed up the Quinny Buzz stroller. We are slowly (in batches) shifting things to Kerrisdale. I have also asked the maid to wash all the baby stuff and sorted them nicely. Everything seems to be in place. I just need to pack the hospital bag in July.

Hubby also helped me cut my toenails yesterday coz I couldn't reach my toes already and it's abit straining for me to bend over. My backache is terrible still and I think it will only get worse until I deliver. Thank goodness Hubby never fails to give me gentle massage to soothe the aches. I also did some stretching to ease the muscle tension.

Bottomless pit stomach, terrible backache and leg cramps

As I'm into my third trimester, I notice I am easily hungry (even more so compared to my second trimester). I can eat a plate of Cai Fan from Mirana (chicken, egg and green vegetables) and 30 mins later, I feel hungry again. It's not like mouth itchy and want to munch some biscuits. I can really have a bun.

Yesterday after a packet of Xing Hwa bee hoon for dinner, I was hungry 45 mins later. I have to control abit otherwise I will really become a big elephant.

I noticed that my backache worsens too. I experience such a dull pain every night when I turn to the other side or whenever I wake up to go to the toilet. It's also harder to fall asleep whenever I wake up. Usually, I wake up at 4 am and only managed to sleep at 5.30 am (but that's when my FIL's alarm clock rings!) only to wake up again at 7.30 am if Hubby's alarm doesn't ring at 7 am for his jogging session. Really shag mann.

Nowadays, I also find it difficult to go shopping for too long. Just a mere 30 minutes walking, the back pain will start to creep in, resulting in my frequent stretching at escalators. When Hubby helps me massage my back, it soothes a little but the ache will come back again T_T

Last night I experienced my first leg cramps. Two cramps in a night. Very pain! But I have to ouch softly because I didn't want to wake Hubby up from his sweet dreams. He has been very nice, enduring the cold temperature at night. He wraps himself every night like a cocoon while I don't even need the blanket at all (and still thinks it's abit warm).

This morning Hubby told me that he'd be giving me $500 for my (and I suppose baby's) monthly expenses when I'm at SAHM next year. It's very nice of him to offer, but let's see how things go. There are alot of unknowns eg, we don't even know whether we will be getting a car or balloting for a new flat yet.

Things to buy for mama

1. maternity bras - done
2. nursing pads - done
3. nursing wear - done
4. open front button pyjamas - done
5. nipple cream - done
6. disposable panties - done
7. long sanitary pads - done
8. radiation blanket from Kiddy Palace - done
9. dry confinement hair powder (for 5 days) - done
10. Warming Shampoo for Confinement $19.90 (by Kalis Chay)
11. Healing Herbal Pericare Wash $23.30
12. Lemongrass Confinement Shower Gel $35 (by Ai-lin Lee)
13. Pure Ginger Cream $13
14. Hand sanitizing gel (coz cannot wash hand) -  done
15. Facial wet wipes (coz cannot wash face) - done
16. stretchmark oil/cream - done
    
    These are the links that I bought from :
    http://www.motherhoodwecare.com/pregnancyconfinement.html
    http://www.littledreamers.com.sg/catalog.html

In fact, I have too many bottles of oil (this are excluding the creams!)

Things to buy for baby

1. Steriliser - done
2. Warmer -done: pass down from Joanna
3. Baby Bottles - done: I 've got 3 and medela cup feeder too.
4. Bottle teats - done
5. Breast Pads - I've got both disposable and washable
   
6. Breast Milk Storage - I've got disposable cups instead
7. Standby milk powder for 0-6 months infant- done
8. Cloth Diapers - done
9. Normal Diapers- done: Huggies newborn and Huggies S size
10. Liners for Diapers- done
11. Waterproof mat - done
12. Alcohol swaps - done
13. Sterilising tablets - done
14. Gripe water
15. Ru Yi Oil - done
16. Baby bathtub - done and also free one from hospital
17. Baby Towel - done
18. Baby Wipes - done
19. Small Face towel - done
20. Square Cotton Pads - done
    
21. Receiving blanket - done
22. Baby Powder - done
23. Baby powder holder - done
24. Baby Oil - done
25. Baby Lotion - done
26. Diaper Cream - done
27. Baby Detergent - done
28. Baby Softener - done
29. Pacifier (optional) - done
30. Baby Bathgel - done
31. Baby Towels - done
32. Nursing Cover - done: gift from Shufen
33. Baby Sling (cloth) - done
34. Baby Carrier - done
35. Baby Stroller - done
36. Baby Cot - done: passdown from Joanna
37. Baby Cot Quilt Set - done
38. Taggies - done
39. Breastfeeding pillow - done
40. Breastpump - done
41. New Breastpump parts - done
42. Baby clothes - done
43. Baby mittons - done
44. Infant Car Seat - done $199 from Maxi Cosi Dori
45. Baby rocker - done: passdown from Looying
46. Toyogo drawer - done (5 tier drawer with wheels $49.95)
47. Swaddleme blanket - done
48. Braun ThermoScan 5 - done from spree 
49. Osh Kosh and Carter's baby clothes - done

4th and 5th antenatal class

Hubby is always tired/sleepy during antenatal class. Last week we were 20 minutes early so we sat outside the class while he took a short nap to recharge.

After the class, there was a tour around Mount Alvernia hospital. We went to the delivery suite, the 2 bedder room, the single deluxe and and super deluxe. We also saw newborn babies in the nursery.

..

5th antenatal class is solely on breastfeeding. I learnt alot from Joelynn's class. She is very interesting and I can't help laughing at some of the things she say but Hubby has on two occasions fall asleep in her class -_-

Anyway, Joelynn told us that it's not recommended to pass down breast pumps to other moms or buy second-hand breast pumps, because 99% of all the (different brands) breast pumps are open system, meaning, the milk flows two directions (into the system and out). And there is a risk of contamination even though we sterilise diligently all the parts all the time before every feed. Only the ones in the hospital that are rented out to mommies are close systems breast pumps, meaning the milk pumps outwards in one direction and not back to the system.

If you have already bought a second hand pump, it's okay to purchase the parts, change them and sterilise before using.

We also had a hands-on session with a dummy baby. How to do cradle hold, football hold and lying position. Thankfully, I bought my Brest friend breastfeeding pillow as I have rather clumsy hands and it'd be my first time handling a newborn baby, so I don't need to be too bothered about what kind of hold. Just place baby on pillow and bring baby near to my breast to suckle. Easy. LOL