Yesterday I started to feel some pain in my lower part of the abdomen. It was like what I feel when I have my period cramp. It did not feel like a contraction, so I did not consult my gynae. Thought that an afternoon nap would ease the pain, but it was still there after I woke up from my nap yesterday. It persisted till last night. Not that painful, just feel uncomfortable and I unusually did not feel like moving and doing things, just want to lie down on the bed.
And when I told hubby about my condition last night, he commented that maybe the baby cannot wait and probably want to come out sooner to this world. Er, I don’t think that I am going into labour, and not that soon. Still about a month to go.
Today I feel much better and and pain is easing. *Inhale* Now I am learning to relax and rest more. Don’t want to think too much of the house chores, leaving those works to hubby.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Excited all over again
Just when I thought that I am going to relax and breathe better a bit, I got myself pregnant! AGAIN! Oh no! The sleepless nights are going to haunt me again. Wake up to coax, feed, burp, change and put baby to sleep in middle of the night while the rest of the household is sleeping. And that include my snoring hubby too, who does not care if the sky fall down on him!……… That was my thought when I knew I was pregnant early this year. *smile*
However as my due date is around the corner, I am overwhelming all over again. Yesterday hubby accompanied me to buy some stuff for the new baby as well as for my maternity usage. Phew! Tiring but at least we started to stock up some items for the baby arrival. Luckily this time round I do not need to buy so many items since there some leftover from my little gal, otherwise I would not know how much we would be spending! I know deep in my heart that with arrival of the new baby, there are so much things to do and things may get tough sometimes but nevertheless I am happy to be a mother again. Once a while, when I look back at little gal’s old photographs, the memories of her when she was a baby came back to me. Sometimes I felt that my girl is growing up too fast and I could not longer hold and hug her like a baby.
My little gal is 3 years old plus now. She is much easier to take care of now, no more night feeding and she eats what I cook. I guess partly she is a girl, she tends to be busybody and chatty. She can be a helpful helper around the house too. But with new baby along the way, I think I would be concentrating more on the new baby. Probably my little gal will feel neglected by me, but I am glad that I have hubby and her sister and brother to look after my little gal. She may be the only toddler around, but sometimes we felt that she feels lack of attention and loves. She wanted more from us. With new baby, I don’t want her to think that mummy no longer care about her. What should I do to make her feel better and wanted, while she does not feel like a second fiddle to the new baby?
However as my due date is around the corner, I am overwhelming all over again. Yesterday hubby accompanied me to buy some stuff for the new baby as well as for my maternity usage. Phew! Tiring but at least we started to stock up some items for the baby arrival. Luckily this time round I do not need to buy so many items since there some leftover from my little gal, otherwise I would not know how much we would be spending! I know deep in my heart that with arrival of the new baby, there are so much things to do and things may get tough sometimes but nevertheless I am happy to be a mother again. Once a while, when I look back at little gal’s old photographs, the memories of her when she was a baby came back to me. Sometimes I felt that my girl is growing up too fast and I could not longer hold and hug her like a baby.
My little gal is 3 years old plus now. She is much easier to take care of now, no more night feeding and she eats what I cook. I guess partly she is a girl, she tends to be busybody and chatty. She can be a helpful helper around the house too. But with new baby along the way, I think I would be concentrating more on the new baby. Probably my little gal will feel neglected by me, but I am glad that I have hubby and her sister and brother to look after my little gal. She may be the only toddler around, but sometimes we felt that she feels lack of attention and loves. She wanted more from us. With new baby, I don’t want her to think that mummy no longer care about her. What should I do to make her feel better and wanted, while she does not feel like a second fiddle to the new baby?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Not possible to be free from BPA
AS mentioned in my last post, I went to a baby talk with a friend yesterday afternoon. We learnt something from the sharing with the speakers and other parents. One of the topics that really caught my attention is BPA and milk bottles. I am aware of the existence of BPA in plastics and frequently reminded myself of trying to reduce the usage of plastics in my life.
When little gal was born, as a parent, I would think of the best for her. Good plastic bottles, best milk powders, safer and quality-controlled toys and nutritional food. When she was a newborn, I remember I have to use 4 feeding bottles of 5oz and 1 drinking water bottle for her. At least I have sufficient bottles to use during night feeding instead of finding myself I don’t have enough bottles and need to wash them in middle of the night! *wink* Like what other parents told me, it is best to change your baby milk bottles every 3 – 4 months. So I follow what was told.
And that is applicable to the brushes that used to clean her bottles. Dispose them after 3 – 4 months or when some brittles or sponges loose or taken off. And I used Pureen Liquid Cleansers to clean my bottles and often sterile my bottles and nipples. Why need to take all those precautions?? Because baby’s body is still weak and not immune to any infection. BPA effects brains and prostate glands of fetuses, infants and children and other developmental and reproductive problems.
Back to the talk, here are some interesting points that I would like to share here. WARNING! This may be a long post, but it is worth a reading, I assure you. :)
We are exposed to BPA everyday irregardless how careful we are. A small dosage of BPA (Bisphenol A that is used in hardened plastics) is safe for human body. The current exposure limit is set at 50 micrograms of BPA per day per kilogram of body weight. Recent study concluded that normal adults are exposed to between 0.0235 and 0.2472 micrograms per kilogram per day, so overall we are safe from BPA effects. Overdose of BPA will lead to breast, prostate and reproductive system problems and some cancers.
We can find BPA in almost every plastic products, i.e. canned food, mineral water bottles, plastic bags, tinned foil in the containers (our Milo, baby milk powders) to compact discs. We may not be ablve to avoid all those products, but we sure can minimize the exposure of BPA by reducing the usage. Like for example, instead of plastic bags provided in the supermarkets, you can bring your own shopping bag or recycled bag to pack your groceries. And do recycle mineral water bottle; dispose after use. Use glass bottle to fill your water.
Scientists are aware of the hazardous effects of BPA on fetuses, infants and children, so it is responsibilities of pregnant mothers from the very first pregnancy stage to take precautionary measures when it comes to BPA products. So as a pregnant mother, we must try to avoid too much exposure to BPA as what ever mother consume will directly go to the unborn baby. Not only that. Once the baby is delivered, he will expose to more BPA chemical such as in bottles, sippy cups, hard plastic water bottles and tin foil used in the milk powder containers too.
Some tips that may be useful in substituting the plastic products or reduce the BPA effects in the plastic products:
1. Instead of buying your milk powder in containers, you can buy the refill packages or those packed in boxes. Use glass container to store the milk powder.
2. Use BPA-free bottles or glass bottles. BPA bottles may be durable and hard unlike BPA-free bottles, but the thought of BPA releasing to the bottle with every washing and sterile, it is not worth it to harm your children’s health. I found a good site on BPA-free bottles here, so there are some alternatives to the BPA bottles. Glass bottles are the best, but glass bottles are heavier. And also the thought of bumps on baby’s head if the bottles hit him would not appeal to you. Not to mention if you have a naughty child who loves to throw bottle after every feeding, with glass bottles, you may find yourself with shattered glasses on the floor and may hurt your child and your other family members. Like BPA bottles, you still need to change BPA-free bottles oftenly as we don’t know what other chemical used in producing them.
3. Avoid purchasing plastic containers imprinted with the recycling number '7,' many of which contain BPA. Do not heat food in recycling number ‘7' containers
4. Baby food – avoid purchasing food packed in cans. Buy those packed in glasses. Or better, make your own baby food and store in containers in the fridges.
5. Get brushes with softer brittles and sponges as harsh abrasion during washing will releases BPA to the bottle. Change the brushes regularly. Used those special liquid cleansers to clean the milk bottles, not any other washing detergent.
6. Sterile the feeding bottles once every week for new born baby or less than 1 year old. For more than 1 year old, probably do it once every two weeks where as for older toddlers, once a month.
7. Do not boil your feeding bottles directly in the pot as we could not control the temperature and heat.
8. Avoid processed food in cans. Eat healthy by cooking fresh ingredients, meats, fruits and vegetables.
When little gal was born, as a parent, I would think of the best for her. Good plastic bottles, best milk powders, safer and quality-controlled toys and nutritional food. When she was a newborn, I remember I have to use 4 feeding bottles of 5oz and 1 drinking water bottle for her. At least I have sufficient bottles to use during night feeding instead of finding myself I don’t have enough bottles and need to wash them in middle of the night! *wink* Like what other parents told me, it is best to change your baby milk bottles every 3 – 4 months. So I follow what was told.
And that is applicable to the brushes that used to clean her bottles. Dispose them after 3 – 4 months or when some brittles or sponges loose or taken off. And I used Pureen Liquid Cleansers to clean my bottles and often sterile my bottles and nipples. Why need to take all those precautions?? Because baby’s body is still weak and not immune to any infection. BPA effects brains and prostate glands of fetuses, infants and children and other developmental and reproductive problems.
Back to the talk, here are some interesting points that I would like to share here. WARNING! This may be a long post, but it is worth a reading, I assure you. :)
We are exposed to BPA everyday irregardless how careful we are. A small dosage of BPA (Bisphenol A that is used in hardened plastics) is safe for human body. The current exposure limit is set at 50 micrograms of BPA per day per kilogram of body weight. Recent study concluded that normal adults are exposed to between 0.0235 and 0.2472 micrograms per kilogram per day, so overall we are safe from BPA effects. Overdose of BPA will lead to breast, prostate and reproductive system problems and some cancers.
We can find BPA in almost every plastic products, i.e. canned food, mineral water bottles, plastic bags, tinned foil in the containers (our Milo, baby milk powders) to compact discs. We may not be ablve to avoid all those products, but we sure can minimize the exposure of BPA by reducing the usage. Like for example, instead of plastic bags provided in the supermarkets, you can bring your own shopping bag or recycled bag to pack your groceries. And do recycle mineral water bottle; dispose after use. Use glass bottle to fill your water.
Scientists are aware of the hazardous effects of BPA on fetuses, infants and children, so it is responsibilities of pregnant mothers from the very first pregnancy stage to take precautionary measures when it comes to BPA products. So as a pregnant mother, we must try to avoid too much exposure to BPA as what ever mother consume will directly go to the unborn baby. Not only that. Once the baby is delivered, he will expose to more BPA chemical such as in bottles, sippy cups, hard plastic water bottles and tin foil used in the milk powder containers too.
Some tips that may be useful in substituting the plastic products or reduce the BPA effects in the plastic products:
1. Instead of buying your milk powder in containers, you can buy the refill packages or those packed in boxes. Use glass container to store the milk powder.
2. Use BPA-free bottles or glass bottles. BPA bottles may be durable and hard unlike BPA-free bottles, but the thought of BPA releasing to the bottle with every washing and sterile, it is not worth it to harm your children’s health. I found a good site on BPA-free bottles here, so there are some alternatives to the BPA bottles. Glass bottles are the best, but glass bottles are heavier. And also the thought of bumps on baby’s head if the bottles hit him would not appeal to you. Not to mention if you have a naughty child who loves to throw bottle after every feeding, with glass bottles, you may find yourself with shattered glasses on the floor and may hurt your child and your other family members. Like BPA bottles, you still need to change BPA-free bottles oftenly as we don’t know what other chemical used in producing them.
3. Avoid purchasing plastic containers imprinted with the recycling number '7,' many of which contain BPA. Do not heat food in recycling number ‘7' containers
4. Baby food – avoid purchasing food packed in cans. Buy those packed in glasses. Or better, make your own baby food and store in containers in the fridges.
5. Get brushes with softer brittles and sponges as harsh abrasion during washing will releases BPA to the bottle. Change the brushes regularly. Used those special liquid cleansers to clean the milk bottles, not any other washing detergent.
6. Sterile the feeding bottles once every week for new born baby or less than 1 year old. For more than 1 year old, probably do it once every two weeks where as for older toddlers, once a month.
7. Do not boil your feeding bottles directly in the pot as we could not control the temperature and heat.
8. Avoid processed food in cans. Eat healthy by cooking fresh ingredients, meats, fruits and vegetables.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Myself and this weekend
Yes, it is Friday again! Most working people would be looking forward to Friday as well as relaxing weekend. Probably some of you have your salary in and start planning where to go over the weekend. *wink*
For me, weekends would be like the normal weekday except I don’t have to drive so much on weekends. Once a while, I don't wear my seat belt due to my big belly but out of habit, I usually buckle up. It is acceptable for pregnant ladies not to put on the seat belt.
On weekdays, my daily driving routine would be - send and pick little gal to and from her preschool, heading to my parents’ house for dinner and sometimes going to supermarket for grocery shopping and do other errands like paying bills etc. I quite enjoy the freedom of been alone for 3 – 4 hours in the morning over the weekday, having my personal times without any disturbance.
On weekend, I would usually cook for the family as too lazy to drive after 5 days driving on the road. But I am getting lazier these days, probably fatique from my pregnancy so I only cook at least once a week. Hubby usually gone to his new office on Saturday and he will only be back for dinner. As for Sunday, we have our usual Sunday mass then brunch and if necessary, grocery shopping before confine ourselves in our cozy bedroom. Our usual tv programmes would include CSI: Supreme Sunday from 12noon to 2pm.
Tomorrow I would be doing something different from the normal routine. Me and a pregnant friend enroll ourselves in “Baby Talk” seminar organized by Cryocord Kuching Branch. Free admission and the subjects include BPA and Milk Bottles and Pre & Post Natal sharing by experts. Since my friend is keen and the venue is not that far, so I thought of accompany her along and see how beneficial the talks would be. Just treat it as a refresher course for this mummy! *wink*
Little update on my pregnancy. I am in my 34th week now, more fatigue than before. Once a while I will encounter dizziness and sweating a lot! I guess the weather does not help here, giving me more headache and fatique! Tummy is getting bigger too. I took a measurement this morning, and my waistline is 41"! Er, actually I forgot where is my waistline, judging that ny whole body is cyclinder shape. Lol! I am gaining 10kg more than my pre-pregnancy stage, and expected to gain more. Once a while I felt stretch in the tummy and getting harder to sleep at night. Baby is very active at night, making sleeps very hard. Oh, now I can't wait to have the baby out from my tummy!! :) Counting the days, it is actually about a month now.....
For me, weekends would be like the normal weekday except I don’t have to drive so much on weekends. Once a while, I don't wear my seat belt due to my big belly but out of habit, I usually buckle up. It is acceptable for pregnant ladies not to put on the seat belt.
On weekdays, my daily driving routine would be - send and pick little gal to and from her preschool, heading to my parents’ house for dinner and sometimes going to supermarket for grocery shopping and do other errands like paying bills etc. I quite enjoy the freedom of been alone for 3 – 4 hours in the morning over the weekday, having my personal times without any disturbance.
On weekend, I would usually cook for the family as too lazy to drive after 5 days driving on the road. But I am getting lazier these days, probably fatique from my pregnancy so I only cook at least once a week. Hubby usually gone to his new office on Saturday and he will only be back for dinner. As for Sunday, we have our usual Sunday mass then brunch and if necessary, grocery shopping before confine ourselves in our cozy bedroom. Our usual tv programmes would include CSI: Supreme Sunday from 12noon to 2pm.
Tomorrow I would be doing something different from the normal routine. Me and a pregnant friend enroll ourselves in “Baby Talk” seminar organized by Cryocord Kuching Branch. Free admission and the subjects include BPA and Milk Bottles and Pre & Post Natal sharing by experts. Since my friend is keen and the venue is not that far, so I thought of accompany her along and see how beneficial the talks would be. Just treat it as a refresher course for this mummy! *wink*
Little update on my pregnancy. I am in my 34th week now, more fatigue than before. Once a while I will encounter dizziness and sweating a lot! I guess the weather does not help here, giving me more headache and fatique! Tummy is getting bigger too. I took a measurement this morning, and my waistline is 41"! Er, actually I forgot where is my waistline, judging that ny whole body is cyclinder shape. Lol! I am gaining 10kg more than my pre-pregnancy stage, and expected to gain more. Once a while I felt stretch in the tummy and getting harder to sleep at night. Baby is very active at night, making sleeps very hard. Oh, now I can't wait to have the baby out from my tummy!! :) Counting the days, it is actually about a month now.....
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Cut off the puff
In the past, whenever my little gal found a cigarette pack in the house, she usually passed it to her dad, knowing that only her dad that smokes around the house. And not only that. She will take one butt out and pass to her dad, ask him to smoke! *Nod my head*
But lately, she has been more attentive to the pictures displayed on the pack. If you notice, the cigarette packs now display all possible cancers from smoking, like lung cancer, mouth cancer and premature babies. Those pictures are rather scary. If I were a smoker, I would definitely freaked out and stopped smoking after looking at all those grossly pictures. But why some smokers still do not get the cues and think of quitting? Inside their minds, they know that smoking is not only cancer-causing agent, but also costly. Imagine how much you could save per month or per year from not buying those cigarette packs. 1 box can get you a decent lunch, i.e. economy rice and a drink.
Back to my little gal, when she sees those pictures, she will ask me what do the pictures mean. So I will frankly tell her that smoking will cause sickness to her daddy and that is why we should help her daddy to stop smoking. So now, she will not give her dad the cigarette packs anymore. She simply ignore them. She also tells her dad to stop smoking. Well, if one cannot convince hubby to quit, I guess two is better at convincing him to do so???
But lately, she has been more attentive to the pictures displayed on the pack. If you notice, the cigarette packs now display all possible cancers from smoking, like lung cancer, mouth cancer and premature babies. Those pictures are rather scary. If I were a smoker, I would definitely freaked out and stopped smoking after looking at all those grossly pictures. But why some smokers still do not get the cues and think of quitting? Inside their minds, they know that smoking is not only cancer-causing agent, but also costly. Imagine how much you could save per month or per year from not buying those cigarette packs. 1 box can get you a decent lunch, i.e. economy rice and a drink.
Back to my little gal, when she sees those pictures, she will ask me what do the pictures mean. So I will frankly tell her that smoking will cause sickness to her daddy and that is why we should help her daddy to stop smoking. So now, she will not give her dad the cigarette packs anymore. She simply ignore them. She also tells her dad to stop smoking. Well, if one cannot convince hubby to quit, I guess two is better at convincing him to do so???
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Keys to help your child learn better
Every parents in the world must admit that parenting is not an easy job. It is never ending job and it does not only involve discipline your child, but also teaching him how to manage or control his emotions. Emotion coaching means helping children with their emotional development, first by helping them to understand their own emotions and second, for parents to reach appropriately to those emotions. Remember, children learn and imitate their parents!
Talk with your child
I make it a habit to ask my little gal how she feels every day. “How are you today”. Now she has started to ask me “How are you today?” after picking her up from school. When she speaks I give my full attention. Be in tune with her emotion, I learn to know how she feels, i.e. angry, sick, sad or happy.
Answer the questions
Being a 3 years old preschooler, little gal will constantly ask me a lots of questions. I always give my best to answer them and try not to dismiss or tell her to stop bothering me with more questions. Yes, sometimes it can be irritating if she keeps asking the same questions or funny questions, but it is part of her learning skill. If I dismiss or ask her to stop, it will only instill fear in her to ask questions and destroy her enthusiasm for learning.
When mistakes are made
When my gal makes mistake, I will point out to her the mistakes and assure her that it is okay to feel bad about it. Reminding her not to make the same mistakes and why she should not be doing them. Avoid scolding your child as it will causes him to become fearful. He does not learn how to rectify the problem and will soon repeat the same mistake, he scolded again and end up thinking he would never get it right!
Set limits
Feelings, good or bad are acceptable but not all behaviours are acceptable. For example, my little gal may be angry with her dad for not buying her a toy and start to hit him. This is unacceptable. She has the right to be angry and sad with her dad, but she should not be hitting his dad. What should I do instead? Telling her to respect her dad's decision. Showing her that she may not need that toy that much and she cannot always gets what she wanted all the time. Telling her what is right and what is wrong are important and it helps a child to find solutions to her problem.
Talk with your child
I make it a habit to ask my little gal how she feels every day. “How are you today”. Now she has started to ask me “How are you today?” after picking her up from school. When she speaks I give my full attention. Be in tune with her emotion, I learn to know how she feels, i.e. angry, sick, sad or happy.
Answer the questions
Being a 3 years old preschooler, little gal will constantly ask me a lots of questions. I always give my best to answer them and try not to dismiss or tell her to stop bothering me with more questions. Yes, sometimes it can be irritating if she keeps asking the same questions or funny questions, but it is part of her learning skill. If I dismiss or ask her to stop, it will only instill fear in her to ask questions and destroy her enthusiasm for learning.
When mistakes are made
When my gal makes mistake, I will point out to her the mistakes and assure her that it is okay to feel bad about it. Reminding her not to make the same mistakes and why she should not be doing them. Avoid scolding your child as it will causes him to become fearful. He does not learn how to rectify the problem and will soon repeat the same mistake, he scolded again and end up thinking he would never get it right!
Set limits
Feelings, good or bad are acceptable but not all behaviours are acceptable. For example, my little gal may be angry with her dad for not buying her a toy and start to hit him. This is unacceptable. She has the right to be angry and sad with her dad, but she should not be hitting his dad. What should I do instead? Telling her to respect her dad's decision. Showing her that she may not need that toy that much and she cannot always gets what she wanted all the time. Telling her what is right and what is wrong are important and it helps a child to find solutions to her problem.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My current dietary supplement
As usual I woke up very early today. I could'nt sleep well last night, only dozed off around 2am in the morning. Never mind, I can take my beauty sleep this afternoon. The weather has been pretty bad lately, and I feel like I am trapped in a sauna. I also lost my appetite. Most of the time, I cooked porridge and dessert (thong sui)at home for the family. Been eating a lot of cuttlefish porridge and chicken porridge for the past few days. Lol! I have recovered from my sore throat and cough, and luckily I do not need to re-visit my doctor.
I used to buy and take a lot of supplements, but now I am cutting down on the intake. Partly because of budget. Previously I have more than 5 supplements to take, namely Multivitamin, Vitamin C, Calcium Magnesium, EPO, Omega-3 and Lecithin E from Amway Nutrilite. It is not that I am sick or what ever, but I feel I do not have enough nutrition from the food I eat everyday, so supplement is a part of my healthy diet.
Since I stop working in March, I did not stock up on my supplements, but instead now I am solely taking supplement recommended from my gynae. Probably one of the reasons why I get sick easily this round is because of my reduced consumption. I remember when I was pregnant with my little gal, I seldom get sick and feel tired easily.
Recently my gynae recommended me a new multivitamin. It is called OBIMIN PLUZ, a pre and post natal vitamin-minerals with DHA and EPA. It comes in 30 soft capsules. Each day take 1 capsule.
What are DHA and EPA? DHA and EPA are essential fatty acids which stand for docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. This essential fatty acid is an Omega 3 fat, which is found in cold water fish, which why they are packed in capsules form.
DHA plays a very important role during fetal development, early infancy, and old age. High concentrations of DHA are found in the brain and increases 300-500% in and infant's brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Adding DHA to a pregnant mother diet may be beneficial for the fetus's brain development.
After birth, mothers should maintain her intake of DHA during the lactation period. It is much better that the growing baby gets direct intake of DHA from mother’s milk.
To find out more about DHA and EPA, you can try this website.
I used to buy and take a lot of supplements, but now I am cutting down on the intake. Partly because of budget. Previously I have more than 5 supplements to take, namely Multivitamin, Vitamin C, Calcium Magnesium, EPO, Omega-3 and Lecithin E from Amway Nutrilite. It is not that I am sick or what ever, but I feel I do not have enough nutrition from the food I eat everyday, so supplement is a part of my healthy diet.
Since I stop working in March, I did not stock up on my supplements, but instead now I am solely taking supplement recommended from my gynae. Probably one of the reasons why I get sick easily this round is because of my reduced consumption. I remember when I was pregnant with my little gal, I seldom get sick and feel tired easily.
Recently my gynae recommended me a new multivitamin. It is called OBIMIN PLUZ, a pre and post natal vitamin-minerals with DHA and EPA. It comes in 30 soft capsules. Each day take 1 capsule.
What are DHA and EPA? DHA and EPA are essential fatty acids which stand for docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. This essential fatty acid is an Omega 3 fat, which is found in cold water fish, which why they are packed in capsules form.
DHA plays a very important role during fetal development, early infancy, and old age. High concentrations of DHA are found in the brain and increases 300-500% in and infant's brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Adding DHA to a pregnant mother diet may be beneficial for the fetus's brain development.
After birth, mothers should maintain her intake of DHA during the lactation period. It is much better that the growing baby gets direct intake of DHA from mother’s milk.
To find out more about DHA and EPA, you can try this website.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sick again
Yeap, I am sick again. Sore throat and coughing. This time, it is getting worse. I thought I had recovered over the weekend when I had my flu, and took prescription from doctor for flu. But my sore throat was getting worse on Tuesday morning. So a visit to doctor was last resort. My only concern is that I do not want to contract the sickness to my little gal again.
I was doing fine after taking doctor’s medication on Tuesday. I still went for my lunch date with my ex-colleagues that day and spent almost the whole afternoon window shopping at The Spring. But things get worse in the evening when I woke up around 1030pm (hubby was back then). Hardly have voice and coughing non stop. And I hardly had enough sleep on Tuesday night.
Little gal was told to sleep with her aunty next door last night which she obliged. Am glad that she could sleep anywhere without “choosing” her bed etc. Luckily I am getting well this morning, I have good sleep last night. Although my coughing has reduced significantly but my whole body especially the rib cage and back are painful. Probably the pain is caused from too much coughing. See how it goes today and tomorrow. If my sickness still not fully recover, I may have to go back to my doctor. His advice is to go back to him if still not recover in 5 days time. Sigh!
I was doing fine after taking doctor’s medication on Tuesday. I still went for my lunch date with my ex-colleagues that day and spent almost the whole afternoon window shopping at The Spring. But things get worse in the evening when I woke up around 1030pm (hubby was back then). Hardly have voice and coughing non stop. And I hardly had enough sleep on Tuesday night.
Little gal was told to sleep with her aunty next door last night which she obliged. Am glad that she could sleep anywhere without “choosing” her bed etc. Luckily I am getting well this morning, I have good sleep last night. Although my coughing has reduced significantly but my whole body especially the rib cage and back are painful. Probably the pain is caused from too much coughing. See how it goes today and tomorrow. If my sickness still not fully recover, I may have to go back to my doctor. His advice is to go back to him if still not recover in 5 days time. Sigh!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bonding with baby
As my due date is nearer, every day I reminded my little gal that her baby brother will be out from my tummy soon to meet her. Baby brother may not be able to play with her since he is a baby, but soon he would. But meantime, I told little gal that she can sing and talk to her baby brother till he is fit to play with her. I told little gal that when she was a baby, I sang songs to her to make her sleep. So, now it is her turn to sing to her baby brother.
So every night, my little gal will come to me and touch my tummy, asking what is baby doing in my tummy. When ever baby is moving or kicking, I will get my little gal to feel my tummy. Then she will start to sing “Twinkle twinkle little star”. *wink* I sang this song when putting her to sleep when she was a baby. So I guess she is singing this song to make her baby brother sleeping too. Looking and listening to her singing while patting my big tummy makes me smile once a while. How sweet!
When I told little gal that I would be busy with the new baby and she has to make her own milk, she replied me "I cannot. It is too high!". Meaning that the milk can and bottles are too high for her to reach and make herself some milk. Lol! I was just kidding her, want to see what was her response. Once a while I find that little gal is very protective and possessive of me. She would not want her dad to touch, hug or kiss me. At first we thought that probably she thinks that her dad is hurting me, but it turns out that she just want me for herself only. "Mummy is mine" she would say to her dad. Hmm, now I am worry what would happen when the baby is here. Even when the new baby sleeping with me is out of the question. She said the baby is sleeping in the baby cot while she is sleeping with me.
When baby coming, baby will be sleeping in little gal’s cot while we get a mattress for little gal to sleep on the floor. She still have the habit of tossing, rolling and kicking while sleeping, so it is advisable to let her sleep on the floor instead of bed. Little gal has understand that her little cot is smaller and soon would not fit her anymore, so she finally give in and willing to give to her baby brother. Since she knew her grandparents promise to get her a new adult single bed, she is happy with the arrangement. But we would be moving to new house next year, so we shall get the new bed for her then. Don't want to double transport the bed here and there.
She doesn't mind giving up her bed and sharing some of her toy but when ask whether she would share her precious toy bear, she quickly replied me “No! It is my bear”. Oh well, that is her smelly bear. She get protective of it sometimes. I don’t think anyone would want to hug it too!
This is her smelly bear that she affectionately call it “baby bear bear”. She couldn’t parted from it. When ever she needs to drink milk, she will need to get her pillow and toy bear to be with her. Funny habit. This picture is actually taken by my little gal herself using her grandmother’s new digital camera. She dressed up her bear in a diaper and took the snap. She is a wizard with digital camera. In few minutes, she knows how to turn on the lenses and start snapping. Not bad her photoshot, right?
So every night, my little gal will come to me and touch my tummy, asking what is baby doing in my tummy. When ever baby is moving or kicking, I will get my little gal to feel my tummy. Then she will start to sing “Twinkle twinkle little star”. *wink* I sang this song when putting her to sleep when she was a baby. So I guess she is singing this song to make her baby brother sleeping too. Looking and listening to her singing while patting my big tummy makes me smile once a while. How sweet!
When I told little gal that I would be busy with the new baby and she has to make her own milk, she replied me "I cannot. It is too high!". Meaning that the milk can and bottles are too high for her to reach and make herself some milk. Lol! I was just kidding her, want to see what was her response. Once a while I find that little gal is very protective and possessive of me. She would not want her dad to touch, hug or kiss me. At first we thought that probably she thinks that her dad is hurting me, but it turns out that she just want me for herself only. "Mummy is mine" she would say to her dad. Hmm, now I am worry what would happen when the baby is here. Even when the new baby sleeping with me is out of the question. She said the baby is sleeping in the baby cot while she is sleeping with me.
When baby coming, baby will be sleeping in little gal’s cot while we get a mattress for little gal to sleep on the floor. She still have the habit of tossing, rolling and kicking while sleeping, so it is advisable to let her sleep on the floor instead of bed. Little gal has understand that her little cot is smaller and soon would not fit her anymore, so she finally give in and willing to give to her baby brother. Since she knew her grandparents promise to get her a new adult single bed, she is happy with the arrangement. But we would be moving to new house next year, so we shall get the new bed for her then. Don't want to double transport the bed here and there.
She doesn't mind giving up her bed and sharing some of her toy but when ask whether she would share her precious toy bear, she quickly replied me “No! It is my bear”. Oh well, that is her smelly bear. She get protective of it sometimes. I don’t think anyone would want to hug it too!
This is her smelly bear that she affectionately call it “baby bear bear”. She couldn’t parted from it. When ever she needs to drink milk, she will need to get her pillow and toy bear to be with her. Funny habit. This picture is actually taken by my little gal herself using her grandmother’s new digital camera. She dressed up her bear in a diaper and took the snap. She is a wizard with digital camera. In few minutes, she knows how to turn on the lenses and start snapping. Not bad her photoshot, right?
Monday, July 13, 2009
My interview
If you were wondering what happen to my interview that I am supposed to attend last Thursday, it did not happen! That morning exactly 2 hours before the agreed time, the interviewer called up telling me that my interview has been postponed and will call me up in the afternoon to arrange another time. But no calling. I spent most of my afternoon at my parents' house that day. Initially plan to go from there since it is nearer, but since no call, I stay there till dinner, then went to pick my little gal from nanny's house. Oh well, I guess the company has decided not to take me or cannot wait for me since I jot down in my resume that I am pregnant and will be available for work in October the earliest…..
Never mind, I am still hunting around. See if there are better offers out somewhere. Or if by then I could't find a suitable one, probably I will help out at hubby's company or do a part time teaching. Have been thinking about teaching or tutoring for a long time......
Never mind, I am still hunting around. See if there are better offers out somewhere. Or if by then I could't find a suitable one, probably I will help out at hubby's company or do a part time teaching. Have been thinking about teaching or tutoring for a long time......
Yummy cuttlefish porridge
*cough cough* Yeap, the usual sickness, cough and sore throat. And last night, die die also must eat McDonald's fish o fillet. One of the crazy craving. Now I am down with sore throat.
When I crave for something, I will try to think of a way to have it! And yes, today is another day when I am craving for something. Cuttlefish porridge. I remember my mum used to cook this porridge when my dad wanted to eat it. It is very simple to cook, just that the preparation of the cuttlefish is tedious.
Ingredients:
Dried cuttlefish (soak, clean, remove its purplish skin and bones and shredded into smalled pieces)
Rice
Shallots (for garnishing)
Salt, white pepper and light soya sauce
Preparation:
1. Heat up some oil in a wok. Add in some shallots and fry them. Put fried shallots aside.
2. Next, add in the shredded cuttlefish into the hot wok and stir fry till fragrant. Together with the oil, pour all the fried cuttlefish into a pot of water.
3. Throw in the washed rice and turn on the heat.
4. Let the porridge simmer till cuttlefish is soften. You can add in water anytime if you like your porridge to be watery.
5. Add salt, pepper and light soya sauce to taste. Turn off the heat. Add in some fried shallot into your bowl of porridge.
Voila!
Note: You can add some balls of minced pork and preserved cabbage into the porridge for added flavour. You may also substitute cuttlefish with anchovies.
When I crave for something, I will try to think of a way to have it! And yes, today is another day when I am craving for something. Cuttlefish porridge. I remember my mum used to cook this porridge when my dad wanted to eat it. It is very simple to cook, just that the preparation of the cuttlefish is tedious.
Ingredients:
Dried cuttlefish (soak, clean, remove its purplish skin and bones and shredded into smalled pieces)
Rice
Shallots (for garnishing)
Salt, white pepper and light soya sauce
Preparation:
1. Heat up some oil in a wok. Add in some shallots and fry them. Put fried shallots aside.
2. Next, add in the shredded cuttlefish into the hot wok and stir fry till fragrant. Together with the oil, pour all the fried cuttlefish into a pot of water.
3. Throw in the washed rice and turn on the heat.
4. Let the porridge simmer till cuttlefish is soften. You can add in water anytime if you like your porridge to be watery.
5. Add salt, pepper and light soya sauce to taste. Turn off the heat. Add in some fried shallot into your bowl of porridge.
Voila!
Note: You can add some balls of minced pork and preserved cabbage into the porridge for added flavour. You may also substitute cuttlefish with anchovies.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Personality Test Tag from Dora
Long time I did not do a tag, so it is always fun to do one once awhile. Thank you, Dora for this fun personality test tag. Actually I almost forgot about this tag till this morning. Lol! It is practically very easy, just click to the link below and answer few questions to reveal your personality. And my results?? Most are quite true, reveal my true personality except for me giving good advices and being an efficient problem solver. I can give suggestions and being good listen, but good advice and wise decision? Probably not. *wink* So here are the end results:
Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.
Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
How do you view success:
You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of:
You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.
Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.
Now come the part that I like the best! Tagging other people! I am tagging Jen, Didi and Merryn. Here are the rules:-
1. Open this website : Personality Tests
2. Take the Personality Quiz (it’s VERY short and easy, really) Copy Paste the result to your blog.
3. Tag as many friends as you can and link to the friend who tagged you.
Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.
Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
How do you view success:
You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of:
You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.
Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.
Now come the part that I like the best! Tagging other people! I am tagging Jen, Didi and Merryn. Here are the rules:-
1. Open this website : Personality Tests
2. Take the Personality Quiz (it’s VERY short and easy, really) Copy Paste the result to your blog.
3. Tag as many friends as you can and link to the friend who tagged you.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
My big bum
I am now in my 32nd week of pregnancy. Going to have my check up tomorrow. Now I am scheduled to see my doctor every two weeks.
So, here is my bum! Previously doctor commented that my baby is big, and he is going to be bigger some more as it is now my 3rd trimester. Overall my body remained the same, except for the bum, breasts and butt, so I guess the baby is the one that gain more weight, not me! Lol!
Guess what? Yesterday I got call from the company that I am applying for a job last week. They want to interview me tomorrow for the post I stated. Gosh! Now I am nervous. I cannot decide what to wear for the interview tomorrow. Talking about my maternity wear……mostly casual, not that formal…..Probably I will put on my blazer although it is not fitted to my current size, but at least to make myself look more formal. What do you think?
So, here is my bum! Previously doctor commented that my baby is big, and he is going to be bigger some more as it is now my 3rd trimester. Overall my body remained the same, except for the bum, breasts and butt, so I guess the baby is the one that gain more weight, not me! Lol!
Guess what? Yesterday I got call from the company that I am applying for a job last week. They want to interview me tomorrow for the post I stated. Gosh! Now I am nervous. I cannot decide what to wear for the interview tomorrow. Talking about my maternity wear……mostly casual, not that formal…..Probably I will put on my blazer although it is not fitted to my current size, but at least to make myself look more formal. What do you think?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Little Einstein
One of my little gal’s favourite cartoon is Little Einstein on Disney. She would mimic the Little Einstein’s moves and singing. I have been thinking of enrolling her to dance or music class, but I think she is too young for extra curriculum. I would not want her to be too stressed out, now that she is attending pre-school.
Probably it runs in the family. Hubby has good voice, can sing well and play guitar. As for me, I practiced organ for almost 7 years before I called it a quit to pursue my degree more than 10 years ago. My organ instrument has been since turned dusty and untouched in my parents’ house. I guess a lot of work need to be done to make good and re-string of my organ.
I do hope that my children will pick up music when they grow older.
Probably it runs in the family. Hubby has good voice, can sing well and play guitar. As for me, I practiced organ for almost 7 years before I called it a quit to pursue my degree more than 10 years ago. My organ instrument has been since turned dusty and untouched in my parents’ house. I guess a lot of work need to be done to make good and re-string of my organ.
I do hope that my children will pick up music when they grow older.
Monday, July 6, 2009
In memory of my rose
Instead of throwing the flower bouquets that I received in the past, I will keep a piece of them and make it into a bookmark. Just laminate the flowers or leaves on a piece of colour paper and there you have. A nice bookmark to be slipped into your novels so you would not forget which pages you last read.
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At Jas' request, I posted my hair over here. Like I mentioned in previous post, it is really short that once a while, I am not used to it. Can't tie, can't style etc. But I like it, short and easy to maintain. *wink*
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At Jas' request, I posted my hair over here. Like I mentioned in previous post, it is really short that once a while, I am not used to it. Can't tie, can't style etc. But I like it, short and easy to maintain. *wink*
Friday, July 3, 2009
Rapunzel, I miss my long hair!
It must have been the hottest time of the year! Out of frustration and heat, I have cut my hair during my trip back to Kapit. Just cut it short, like my previous hair style. It reminded me of the hair style I had when I was in the school days.
I do not regret cutting my hair this short, but once a while I do miss my long hair. Believe it or not? With my short hair, I save a lot of hair shampoo, hair gloss, and spray. Just small amount needed. Wow! And hair is easier to dry after shower too. But of course short hair has its disadvantages; it tends to go out of hand sometimes if you didn’t style it properly. More bad hair day for short hair compared to longer hair. *wink*
Well, let’s wait till my hair grow longer and I decided what to do with it. By the time I decided to either colour, perm or cut it, I think it will be 2010 Chinese New Year. Lol! By then, let see what latest hair style around.
I do not regret cutting my hair this short, but once a while I do miss my long hair. Believe it or not? With my short hair, I save a lot of hair shampoo, hair gloss, and spray. Just small amount needed. Wow! And hair is easier to dry after shower too. But of course short hair has its disadvantages; it tends to go out of hand sometimes if you didn’t style it properly. More bad hair day for short hair compared to longer hair. *wink*
Well, let’s wait till my hair grow longer and I decided what to do with it. By the time I decided to either colour, perm or cut it, I think it will be 2010 Chinese New Year. Lol! By then, let see what latest hair style around.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Not the clean freak type
I am not much of a clean freak person, but I try my best to ensure that the house is in proper and cleanliest possible. Lately I have been more of a hibernating mode; doing things at slower pace. With a tummy and weight gain of 10kg (for time being), I felt my body is heavier and reluctant to move around. Walking up and down the staircase already makes me panting for breath.
I leave most cleaning to our weekly cleaning aunty. She did not make good job out of it; hubby keeps complaining about her work. But better than nothing, right? As for the bedroom, I leave it to hubby. Today he done a good job, I have to admit; spring cleaning the room. Now it makes the room spacious and tidier!
I leave most cleaning to our weekly cleaning aunty. She did not make good job out of it; hubby keeps complaining about her work. But better than nothing, right? As for the bedroom, I leave it to hubby. Today he done a good job, I have to admit; spring cleaning the room. Now it makes the room spacious and tidier!
Soup for the day
I adore soup after I met my hubby. I guess being a Foochow, soup is a must in every meal for hubby. I learn most of my soup recipe from my mum and mum-in-law. One soup that I love is Ginseng with mustard chicken soup. It smells and tastes appetizing, that I can eat with my rice without other dishes.
It is very easy to prepare, so why don't just try it out yourself.
Ingredients: Ginseng (choose the smaller roots, not those big one); salted mustard, chicken pieces (I used drumsticks and chicken wings here, but organic chicken is much prefer), salt to taste
Method:
1. After cleaning the ginseng and mustard, simply throw them into a big pot of water. Let it boil for at least 2 - 3 minutes before throwing in your chicken pieces.
2. Let it cooks on the stove.
3. Add salt to taste if necessary.
It is very easy to prepare, so why don't just try it out yourself.
Ingredients: Ginseng (choose the smaller roots, not those big one); salted mustard, chicken pieces (I used drumsticks and chicken wings here, but organic chicken is much prefer), salt to taste
Method:
1. After cleaning the ginseng and mustard, simply throw them into a big pot of water. Let it boil for at least 2 - 3 minutes before throwing in your chicken pieces.
2. Let it cooks on the stove.
3. Add salt to taste if necessary.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Time for the kitchen act
I have not been cooking much lately. One being I am getting lazier and secondly sometimes hubby eats outside before coming home at night. Another reason is that I hate leftover. Better finish up the dishes on the day itself otherwise no one will touch the leftover at all.
But today I feel like cooking for our dinner. Little gal is easy to feed; all she needs is some soup pour over her rice and fried anchovies. Kau tim!! I am not much of a cook, but I do collect recipes. Most of my recipes I gather via internet, blogs, newspapers and magazines. I mostly collect Asian cuisine as it is easier to buy its ingredients and since both hubby and I love rice. I will cut and paste the recipes into a book and sort according to type of ingredients, i.e. rice, noodles, chicken, beef, vegetables etc for my future reference. Currently I have 2 big books full of recipes that I haven’t got chance to try most of them out. Lol!
Ok, one confession I have to make here is that I am not good at chopping meat. Like this morning, I have to get my cleaning lady to help me chop a whole chicken thigh. Lol! I am lousy at chopping chicken pieces; usually I leave the honour to hubby. But I forgot to take out the frozen meat from fridge and ask hubby to help me chop before he was off to work this morning. Luckily I got help from my cleaning lady. My cleaning lady gives me a tip as well: it is easier to chop frozen meat than fresh meat; make less mess. Hmm....Alright, time to get ready my dinner.
But today I feel like cooking for our dinner. Little gal is easy to feed; all she needs is some soup pour over her rice and fried anchovies. Kau tim!! I am not much of a cook, but I do collect recipes. Most of my recipes I gather via internet, blogs, newspapers and magazines. I mostly collect Asian cuisine as it is easier to buy its ingredients and since both hubby and I love rice. I will cut and paste the recipes into a book and sort according to type of ingredients, i.e. rice, noodles, chicken, beef, vegetables etc for my future reference. Currently I have 2 big books full of recipes that I haven’t got chance to try most of them out. Lol!
Ok, one confession I have to make here is that I am not good at chopping meat. Like this morning, I have to get my cleaning lady to help me chop a whole chicken thigh. Lol! I am lousy at chopping chicken pieces; usually I leave the honour to hubby. But I forgot to take out the frozen meat from fridge and ask hubby to help me chop before he was off to work this morning. Luckily I got help from my cleaning lady. My cleaning lady gives me a tip as well: it is easier to chop frozen meat than fresh meat; make less mess. Hmm....Alright, time to get ready my dinner.
Noise from the neighbour
Since yesterday, my neighbour from the opposite side of the road has been hacking and knocking walls and roof. I saw some people came to measure on Monday, but no work was done that day. They started to make lots of noise yesterday. Oh dear! How I wish I could go somewhere, away from all those noise. Hmm, maybe hide myself at my parent’s house…..