Week 41 - EDD+5

We went for a check up 5 days ago on your EDD. I was supposed to be induced then as the doctor was afraid that you may get too big and make labour a little more difficult. There were no contractions still except for a lot of Braxton hicks tightening. We did an examination and found my cervix very soft and I was already 1.5cm dilated. The doctor allowed us to progress naturally since things are going well. He tried measuring your estimated birth weight and it went off the scales! He tried again and got a 4kg registered!! He then said it's probably not accurate as it has only been about a week and I had lost half a kilo myself. Anyway, he gave us another five days which is today before we think of what to do next. Baby, everyone is waiting for your grand arrival! Ah Gong has been here for two weeks now waiting. The confinement lady Ah Mei Che came over a week ago! Even though she agreed to come a week earlier, she now seemed bored of waiting too as she has nothing to do except to cook for us. My friends have been calling or texting to see if you are ready to meet us yet. So when do you think you want to, baby?? Anyway, I continue to pray that you will come naturally without being induced. At God's perfect time, I will start to contract and dilate and help you out. I pray for a fast and smooth delivery without any complications. See you soon, pumpkin!!

Week 39

Dr gave us another 10 days or so 10 days ago. You are still cozily snuggled up in my womb as we went for another check-up today. I gained another 1.5kg and you are about a whopping 3.5kg! Dr wanted to stretch my cervix to help speed things up a little but we wanted to let it happen naturally and pray that it will these few days as he said that we will definitely have to do something if you still don't appear by next week as you would have grown even more by then and labour might be a little more.. well, labourious.

Ah Gong is already here on standby to watch your che-che should you decide to appear now.

We still have not decided on a name but thinking of naming you Evan as it begins with 'E' so then we will have L (me), O (che-che), V (Papa) and E (you) in the family. :-)

Gung-gung is not well and needs another operation under general anaesthesia back in Ipoh. It has been difficult for Po-po with no help and support but Kau-fu will be heading back tomorrow. It has been a tough time for me too not being able to be there but we just continue to pray that Gung-gung will pull through this surgery safely and recover completely so that he can come and see you, his first grandson!

We continue to pray for you to be safe and will arrive at God's perfect timing quickly and safely. We all can't wait to meet you! :-)

Group B Strep (GBS)

I had the GBS bacteria during the last pregnancy. I had to be in hospital after my water broke even though there was no signs of labour yet so that they can insert a line in me to start the antibiotic drip. It was horrible. First it was on my right hand. Then it got blocked and my hand was all swollen as the drip went into the surrounding tissues instead of the blood vessels. So they had to reinsert the line on my left hand! It was agonising. I couldn't even go to the loo! Plus it was lunch time when that happened and your Papa had just gone to grab lunch or something and I was supposed to carry my own lunch tray! I still have the scar on my hands till today.

You can imagine how hard I prayed this time that I am free from GBS. Two weeks ago, we did the test and when I got the phone call, I broke out in sweat. When the nurse said that the result was negative, I couldn't believe my ears!! Praise God!!! Am so, so, so, thankful! ;-)

11.11.11

Ok, you are officially not a 11.11.11 baby. Although you are expected to be due on the 24th, somehow, I have a feeling that you will pop earlier and often wonder if you will make it for 11.11.11... especially after the mucous plug incident! Guess not. Ah, well.. guess you are feeling very comfortable inside the womb still!

Feet-a-swollen

Generally my body seems to retain more water this time and they show especially on my feet. Was a little worried yesterday when I noticed that my feet were a little more numb and swollen than usual. So I had to prop them up during bedtime and they seemed better this morning though still puffy!

I have been feeling more numbness on my feet when I wake up. I also get numbness very easily on my hands especially during naps or bedtime.

Mucous Plug Off

Started to panic a little yesterday when I think I saw what seems like the mucous plug came off. Quickly packed che-che's bag in case we had to go in in the middle of the night. Then I read in the "what to expect" book that it means nothing. Once the plug is off, it can be a day or even a week or longer before anything happens. Hmm... Somehow psychologically every tinge of pain will jolt me up a little. You may still have a chance to be a 11.11.11 baby!

Useful tips for Pelvic Girdle Pain

I probably mentioned somwhere in this blog before that I have pretty bad pelvic girdle pain this time round even from the 1st trimester itself. I had it with the first pregnancy but I was still very much mobile till the end. This time round, every turn I made in bed is a nightmare. There were days especially after walking too much where I couldn't even get out of bed without help from your Papa or I just had to drag myself somewhere.

Anyway, I read this great tip shared by a mom at Babycentre.co.uk for people like me. She mentioned to wear satin or silk pajamas to bed. It helps to glide so much more easily without the friction.

Another tip that I would recommend is to have the whole double bed to yourself if you can. Then it is easier to move around without having to consider someone else who is sleeping soundly next to you. I had this luxury once in a while. Papa will be in the next room and your big che-che is obediently sleeping on her own mattress. Rare but it did happen now and then.

Although it is recommended to sleep on our sides and stuff pillows and what nots between the legs,  I actually felt more relief lying on my back during the 2nd trimester (after consulting and getting approval from doc). It is not so comfortable anymore now that I am huge and off balance to lie on my back but the sides feels better though I need to rotate from side to side ever so often.

Those with pelvic girdle pain are also advised to keep their legs together as much as possible. There were times where I had my legs spread apart and I did feel more pressure but keeping my legs together seems so difficult now with a big, low lying belly! Well, whatever it is, it is just another 10 or so days to go. Hopefully the pain goes off soon after you arrive!!

Almost 38 Weeks

Doc says you are now engaged at last night's check-up. He gave you another 10 days or so to meet us. I think that sort of woke your Papa up a bit and he is starting to feel the tension as he has been quite laid back with this pregnancy.

Since we had an early appointment yesterday, we also had an early dinner and decided to go for a hotel buffet (especially after since the doctor approved of me eating sashimi and fresh oysters!! Well, as long as they are fresh!) After dinner, I was totally stuffed!!! I have never felt so huge in my life! This is how I look like now. Gosh!

I am now 73.5kg. Gained another 1.5kg since our last check 2 weeks ago. Might have just gained another 1.5kg after last night's dinner! I was also so tired after the dinner that all I wanted to do was sleep.... I have actually just been a lot more tired lately. Wanting to sleep early but getting up early too after about 7 hours of sleep which is not bad. I had difficulty falling asleep last night though as my legs were just too restless! I found that twisting my foot around helped but last night I had to do so many times before I could settle myself down. I did read somewhere that restless leg syndrome is worse when the sufferer is tired.

With your name, I think we are quite there with the Chinese name but have not confirmed an English name as most of the names that we like have all been taken by someone we know! We may just choose one of the names anyway... Keep praying!

Week 37.5

Only 2 weeks or less to go! Still so unprepared. Still no name. But probably getting there.

It's getting harder by the day for me to move around. I'm getting clumsier dropping things all the time and having difficulty to pick them up. Dressing up is a chore. I wake up with every turn I make in bed so that I can do it comfortably without triggering any pain on the pelvic area. I am not eating a lot as you are probably taking up my stomach space but I have more frequent meals and snacks.

We have decided to stay with Dr Ng in Tanjung Medical Centre after our last visit about two weeks ago (which reminds me that we have an appointment later today!!!) We loved the labour rooms and nursery at Island Hospital and the midwives are probably much more experienced. However, we were told that babies are not allowed to room together with mommies and to nurse, we have to bring our babies to the nursing room! Imagine having to do that every 2 hours or so! Tanjung Medical Centre allows rooming in to encourage breastfeeding though babies will be wheeled back to the nursery if mommy needs rest. We also talked to a very nice ward sister who was very calm, experienced and assuring so I guessed that gave us the peace to stay there even though I still love the labour rooms in Island Hospital compared to the very clinical and basic ones in Tanjung Medical Centre!

I realised that delivering a baby here in Malaysia (or maybe even Asia) is very doctor-oriented. Doctors decide when to induce you and what to do sometimes without even confiding in you. In the UK previously, everything is about the mother. Is mommy comfortable, she decides if she wants pain relief and when, what sort of labour etc.. (provided that it is not a high risk pregnancy). Then in the UK, you basically are on your own postnatal most of the time but here in Malaysia, mommies can be so pampered if you can afford it and choose to have it. Most mommies are encouraged to not get their hands wet and just put their legs up and rest while either their parents or relatives or a confinement lady will do most of the work cooking for mommy and taking care of the baby. I now get to experience both! Quite looking forward to the being pampered part this time round!

Anyway, I finally got some washing done last week - clothes, mittens and booties, blankets and bedsheets. We received lots of other clothes that needs to be washed for you. People have been blessing us with some of theirs which is great as you will be growing so fast that clothes for the first few months are often worn just a few times. However, it has just been raining cats and dogs everyday that it is just impossible to do enough laundry so the rest might just have to wait. Friends are also lending us a Moses Basket and playpen and a sling, saving us a lot! We are so blessed!

Ok, time to get that hospital bag packed! You might just be a 11.11.11 baby?!?!?!

Bersih 2.0 Rally

9 July 2011 was

A pretty clear representation of what happened on 9 July 2011 on the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The people gathered in peace to ask the government for a clean and fair election. The government replied with tear gases and water canons.

To be continued...

The Passing of Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the co-founder and CEO of the company Apple Inc and CEO of Pixar Animation Studio passed on at the age of 56 on 5 October 2011. He is involved in revolutionising how the computers (Mac) work and is presented. From what I can remember, most computers were black or silver before. Macintosh came in colours. However, the Macintosh computers didn't really buy into consumers till years later when the MacBooks were launched. MacBooks has a sleek design and came in white. They were also known to have very good graphics which is why most designers used them previously but Apple made them a lot more affordable later to all who were interested to own one too regardless of whether you are a designer and interested in graphics or not. Apparently the nice fonts we get in computers were from Steve going for calligraphy classes after dropping out of college. And I am actually writing this post on our very own first MacBook.

Macintosh computers

A MacBook

I also recently own the iPhone 4, another revolutionary gadget in the 21st century. A gadget many out there are trying to compete with and copy. Steve Jobs and Co. somehow made people with an Apple gadget seem to be in a class of their own.

The iPhone 4

Then, Pixar, the company he founded several years after he was fired from his own company, Apple Inc., gave us some of the most memorable animations on the big screen in cinema. Toy Story is one of them. We recently watched Toy Story 3 earlier this year and your big che-che loves the 'A Busy Day' book and knows some of the characters well.

This is one of his famous speeches made at the Stanford University in 2005 tells a little of what Steve Jobs is like and what he has been through with some very inspiring words. He is hailed as a great innovator.

Thanks for all the greatness you brought into this world and especially reminding us to live life as how it should be led, to the fullest and not from others' point of view.

Week 33

And the countdown continues!

Not long to go now. We had our last check-up last Monday, a week and a half ago. All is well, thank God. You seem to be growing well and a good size. I on the other hand put on 3.5kg!!!! Yikes! So I'm officially overweight. My total weight gain with your big che-che was only about 12kg. I have already gained 13-15kg with you know with 7 more weeks to go. In the last weeks, babies usually gain even more rapidly, about 3kg per month. So there is still another 5kg or more which will make my total weight gain 18-20kg!!! Whoa! The doctor is actually advising me to control my diet and eat less carb more veg, which I though I have been doing. I do eat more meals now. I need a tea break most days and frequently desert too after dinner especially. So I now go for milk with cereal for tea and try to stick to a bite of chocolate and fruits as desert. Not easy. This week we went for a swim twice. Which is pretty rare. We also started your big che-che in school so I moved a bit more though I am also more tired due to late nights and earlier mornings. I cooked more too so we had sumptuous wholesome homecooked meals instead of too much outside food with loads of gravy and whatever else they put in. So we are pretty good this week and hope it will continue till your big arrival.

I must say that I am getting more anxious as the day draws nearer! There are still things to do like washing your clothes and packing my bag but mostly, how will I handle two now. Moreover, you seem to be a night owl, kicking vigorously and non-stop only after midnight when I am in bed that I have to mutter 'thank God' during the day whenever you move because you are so frighteningly quiet in the day!

I continue to thank God for you, little precious one that you are well and asks that He will bless you with intelligence and a kind heart especially a heart after His. May He also bless you with big, round, beautiful double eye-lid eyes, a fair complexion, curly hair and a tall and good physique.

As for me, I pray for a speedy and safe delivery without pain. Most importantly, I pray that everyone will be ready when the time arrives. I pray that you will be engaged in the right position, I am physically and mentally as well as emotionally ready, your Papa is ready, you big che-che is ready to share the attention she has had the past two and a half years, your Ah Gong is here to help along with the confinement lady and the doctor and his team and the hospital are all ready so I won't have to wait long for the delivery.

Meanwhile, stay strong and healthy my little chipmunk! I love you!

Week 30 - Exercise, or rather the lack of it

Our cell group had a belated mooncake festival celebration last night. We lighted up lanterns and walked to the nearby playground for the little ones to play before heading back for food. I woke up today with sore calf muscles. Supposedly from the short walk past a few blocks of houses to the playground and back! Yikes! And with all these weight I am gaining, how will I get myself back in shape again??? 8-@

Week 30 - Sleep, or rather the lack of it

I have been so tired because of all the disruptions to our routine. I am usually knackered by 10-11pm. However, your big che-che on the other hand is jumping on the bed, dancing and singing away and wanting to read or be told bedtime stories. By the time she is knocked out, I have already missed my sleeping window. I will then be wide awake, tossing and turning in bed to find the most comfortable position, and trying to shake off my restless legs. It's really no fun listening to everyone else sound asleep while being wide awake so I usually get myself downstairs and dose myself with one or two back episodes of Grey's Anatomy along with a glass of Milo. I will usually be tired again at around 2-3pm when I will head to bed praying hard that your big che-che will continue to sleep in and not wake too early. Often, I get interrupted by Papa's alarm to get to work. Other times it's the roti (bread) man ringing his bell incessantly to announce his arrival to the whole neighbourhood although it is usually only to the household across us. Urgh.. Regardless, eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is.. well.. non-existent. So I am zombified... most of the time... And I only have 10 (more of less) weeks to catch up with my sleep before your grand arrival!

Week 25 - Getting pieces together

Last weekend, we went to scout around for a few things for you. Mainly to get a carrier car seat and some other bits and bobs. We were thankful to find a good looking pre-loved Maxi Cosi Cabriofix at JuaiMurah, a second hand shop based here in Penang that I frequent. Costs us RM300 instead of close to RM1,000 for a brand new one. Looks much better and comfortable than the one your big che-che was in when she was a baby. We also got a bathtub (which we needed) free.

At the same time, we got the crib up. This is given by another family without the mattress so we have to go look for a suitable mattress before your arrival.

I bought you some body suits during the sale some time back so you don't have to wear all big che-che's pink ones. ;-)

We still have a few items to get here and there as we did not retain a lot of things last time since big che-che was delivered in another continent altogether. So in a way, I am experiencing many firsts again!

Week 26

This is how you looked like during the last scan. This is a good view of your 'manhood'. *Chuckle* I think the doc just wants to make sure... ;-D

I gained 1.5kg which is a good increase. Though I still feel a whole load bigger than when I had big che-che. Everything else was great during the check-up.

We also went to the nursery and wards for a little tour. Not much since it is a small hospital but good enough. Just wondering about if the midwives (if any) are equipped enough to help deliver you before the doc arrives as I have heard from two (out of three) friends who delivered there that they were asked to hold their legs together and not push even though there was an urge till the doc arrives! That is a nightmare! Anyway, keep praying!

Week 29

We are now in our third trimester! The past few weeks has just been hectic! We have not stopped travelling or having visitors since our trip to Singapore. I have just been feeling swamped! So have not managed to do much especially blogging. Probably have not even cooked for a whole month and when I did so over the weekend, I ended up with such paralysing pelvic pain that it took me 5 minutes to get just from the bed to the loo. Gonna take it easy this week.

The insomnia is back too so that is not really helping. Went to bed at 1.30am and woke up at 4am for a wee break but ended up with a hunger pang so here I am having cereal and milk while feeding the equally starving mosquitoes with my irresistible pregnant blood at the same time.

Physically am so huge now that my movements are restricted. Your big che-che (who thinks you are cute by the way) is being potty trained now. She is getting very good at it but the thought of having to bend to help her get onto the potty and all is just.... unthinkable.

The linea nigra is also starting to show. My skin is all dimpled up probably from the lack of exercise and excessive fats depositing especially around my thighs! Nose have expanded beyond recognisable and my chin is doubled regardless from which angle. Yes, I put myself off physically but there is so much going on and so much to do that it doesn't bother me as much. We have to think of a name for you, sort out a mattress for your crib which doesn't conform to the sizes available here in Malaysia, considering sticking to the same hospital or switch, prepare your big che-che to start school in October, wash your clothings, pack my hospital bag, read up on delivery... yikes! And there's only 10 weeks or so left!

Week 23 - First Flight

You went on your first flight last Wednesday and came back yesterday. We went to Singapore to visit your Uncles, Aunty, Ah Gong and cousins. We ate a lot! :-)  I managed to rest too with no worries of house chores and cooking! That was the best part.

Now that we are back, we are getting busy searching for a suitable name for you. We have a few that we like but want something with a good meaning behind it... Might wait till you arrive and see which name suites you best!

We have also been praying about the hospital to deliver you in. We are very comfortable with the doctor but unsure of the hospital. Dr Ng has moved from Adventist Hospital previously to now Tanjung Medical Centre. Today I heard that Dr Ng may be starting his own clinic outside and delivering in Gleneagles instead! Hmmm.. answered prayer?? Well, let's see during our next appointment next week!

Moving Belly and Other Symptoms at Week 22

Wow! You are really kicking! Like I mentioned before, I didn't feel the kicks with your big che-che till well into the 6th month. Now, I actually saw my belly move with your kicks!

 This week, I also managed to cook more. So good to have homecooked food. Simple and nutritious. I suppose I also managed to rest more back here with Papa around to help compared to the last week when we were back in Ipoh and I had to tend to your big che-che all on my own as well as going about with Po-po and Gung-gung. So much so that my pelvic pain was excruciating earlier this week but much better now that I managed to rest more.

I have also not been able to sleep early. Mostly around 2am. And thus needing supper. Yikes! Ok, Papa is back with burger for me at 12.20am. Shall log off now!

Week 22

We went for our routine check-up on Monday and did a thorough scan. All is well with you, lil one. Doc kept saying you are very active. I thought that was what babies do in scans. Hmm... He also mentioned that you are now facing downwards which is good. The doctor also showed us that you are confirmed a boy. :)

I gained a good 3.5kg since my last check-up. 1kg extra if I were to follow the textbook and gain a pound a week but that is alright for now.

Doc says we don't need to go for any antenatal classes as we have been through the real thing before. It will be mainly on things like breastfeeding, what to expect during delivery, bathing baby and all. We are still considering a refresher course. Will see how it goes.

You just gave me a hard sidekick! I don't remember feeling such strong kicks with your big che-che till I was in my 6th month onwards. :) I also remembered myself climbing ladders, finishing up prescriptions after prescriptions at work and going about the last time but today, I struggled to even get out of bed because every attempt gave me shooting pains on the hips. But to know that I will be holding you in my arms soon, makes it all worth it...

Week 20

Oh my! We are at week 20 already! Where did the last few weeks go?? I still remember when I first started this blog, I kept asking myself everyday what week we were at and it was always the same answer.. Week 6... still Week 6... uh huh, Week 6! And now, we are half way there, my dear bubs! Things are getting bigger.. and more exciting!

You are now probably the size of a medium sized mango. Vernix is now formed to protect your skin from being submerged in all the amniotic fluid. That's the white stuff you will probably appear with which helps you slip out of the birthing canal when you are born. You are also learning to swallow by taking in the amniotic fluid which will, in about 20 weeks later, come out as poo-poo or meconium.

Recently, we finally got to meet one of our neighbours who are also young parents to two little boys aged 5 and 1. She was so kind to offer to drive me to the mall and I managed to finally get some non-maternity larger than my usual size clothes at a discount. Now I wonder how long they will fit me as I seemed to have suddenly ballooned up since then!

After a night chatting with our 'new' neighbours, I have also begun to wonder if we are with the right hospital. We have no problems with the doctor attending to us but my initial doubts about the hospital as well as the capability of the staff crept back. It is a small and basic with no frills hospital. We actually went there because many friends recommended this particular doctor who was from another hospital previously. He is a really well-known and well-liked Christian doctor. We are also very comfortable with him. Just wondering why he moved to another hospital now. Well, we'll keep praying and see what happens next...

Since I am also more energetic now, I have been wanting to exercise a little more especially now that I feel (and probably look) like a whale. I really missed the programmes that they have in the UK like aquanatal and later things like baby massage and baby cafe. I also miss going to the library there where they stock up loads of baby books! Not to mention the nearly new sales and buy one get one free bargains! Will just have to make do with what we have now and try to go for a little swim every week and some activities on the balancing ball as well as 'flying around the house' with your big che-che.

Pain here + pain there = pain everywhere!

I have always had backaches. Mainly on the shoulder blades, around the spine, between the shoulders, below the neck.... ok, the whole upper back. With the pregnancy, comes the pelvic girdle pain, especially when I have walked too much (like in the mall the other day), or swim the breaststroke. Then this old pain at the right waist reappears out of the blue. Especially since I am encouraged to sleep on my sides instead of my back now. Initially, it started some time back when I was working on the computer a lot placed on the left arm rest of the sofa. Today, there is just this arthritic kind of pain on my wrists. Makes me wonder if it was from playing too much ring-a-ring o' roses with your che-che earlier on.

What makes the pain more bearable:
Upper backaches
Move head back, kinda like trying to form double chin, release and repeat.

Rotate arms around, first in one direction then the other way round and repeat with the other arm.

Tilt head to the right and stretch left arm on the opposite direction and hold a few counts. There should be a stretching sensation around the neck area. Repeat a few times before switching sides. 

Waist
Stuff pillows/ blankets around waist and between my legs during sleep so that when sleeping on my side, I am aligned.

Prevent facing the left from the waist for too long.

Wrists
Haven't really thought much as tonight is the first night of the attack. Maybe no more ring-a-ring o' roses for the time being? :( I am sure some pregnancy approved painkillers like paracetamol will help but I try to stay away medication as much as possible unless it is that unbearable.

Pelvic Girdle Pain
Sit on the balance ball with an upright posture and do breathing exercises - in through the nostril and out through the mouth.

Sleep with pillows/ blankets/ towels/ bolsters stuffed in the right places (see 'Waist' picture above).
Don't walk too fast or too much too suddenly or swim the breaststroke.
Swim or rather dip (actually just float) in the pool to get some pressure off. Incorporate some arm punches along as a form of exercise...

Hopefully no more pain anywhere else!

Week 17

Ok.. I must admit that I'm a little confuse to how far I'm in the pregnancy now as the gynae kept changing the due dates each time he measures you. You should be 17 weeks old now and kicking away! I have been feeling flutters when I place my hands around my belly but wonder if you are the one causing the movements or something else (eg. gas!).

Other than that, I am feeling tonnes better. Gaining back the majority of my energy and have been skipping some afternoon naps going about doing some housework and all. I even managed to bake a banana cake with your che-che yesterday after so many months of absence from the kitchen scene!

I am still nauseous but only when I don't get food into my stomach in time and during night time teeth-brushing. A vast difference compared to earlier!!

Taken from: www.babycentre.com

This week, in addition to your usual growth and development, we pray that your eyes will start to look forward instead of to the sides, your ears will move to their final place, your soft cartilage skeleton will harden, the myelin will grow and cover your spinal cord, and you will continue your aerobics in there!

Week 10 Scan

This is how you looked like at week 10. Just managed to dig it out and post it....

Looks like there's a lot more space around you compared to the recent 16 week scan!

Check-up and blood test

At the Dr's clinic now. Weighing 62.5kg after 5 weeks. Not much but as long as you're growing well. Let's see later. I'm also due for a blood test today. Not looking forward. Very keen to have a look at the scan today as I didn't seem to feel any activities from you today.

Update: You.. Were so active that the Dr had difficulty measuring you! You... are now expected to arrive on 24 November instead of 29 so you are now actually 16 weeks old. You... Are a boy!!! ;-)

Japan Earthquake

On Friday March 11, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit the East of Japan. It is deemed one of the most powerful earthquake to have hit Japan and one of the most powerful in the world! The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami which destroyed parts of Japan and caused serious damage to the nuclear power plant.

Epicentre of the eartquake

More than 15,000 lost their lives, more than 5,000 are injured and more than 8,000 are reported missing. This is probably one of the worst disasters that happened in my lifetime that I can remember right now. As of 3 June, there are still aftershocks all over with some hitting Japan in April killing more people.

People are evacuated, there's no electricity in the bitter cold, still many are missing... the extend of the earthquake and tsunami is just unimaginable! It will take a very long time before Japan rises from this crisis again.

You are in our prayers, Japan.

Most Wanted Terrorist Dead

Osama bin Laden, founder of the al-Qaeda jihad group and mastermind behind the September 11 attacks in the USA was shot dead on May 2 by the US under orders of President Barrack Obama.

9/11 happened exactly ten years ago in 2001. It was a series of co-ordinated suicide attacks by the al-Qaeda terrorists. They hijacked four airplanes and crashed two into the World Trade Centre and caused it to collapse. The third airline crashed at the Pentagon while the fourth which originally targeted Washington crashed into a field. There were no survivors on all the planes. Total lives lost was close to 3,000 that day including workers in the buildings, firefighters, on those on board the airplanes.

I remember watching the twin towers of the World Trade Centre collapsing on the news as though I was watching a Steven Spielberg movie! It was a very gloomy day especially in America.

I wonder what will happen next now that Osama is dead. Will there really be peace? Or will it instigate a retaliation by the al-Qaeda? There are as it is enough natural disasters taking many innocent lives happening now and then. Why is there a need for more unnecessary lost lives?

American Idol 2011

I haven't really been watching AI nowadays. It is already in its 10th season. There was a major change this season which saw the exit of one of the judges whom you either hate or love - Simon Cowell. He is well known for his sarcasm and blunt remarks.

Two new judges came on board - Steve Tyler and Jennifer Lopez whom your poh-poh idolizes!

Anyway, the winner of the 10th season of American Idol is a young 17-year old chap with a deep husky voice named Scotty McCreery. The country singer grabbed the title on May 25.

Scotty with runner-up Lauren Alaina

Thought I would mention this as he is only young and you may be listening to his songs in the future when you are a teen! ;-)


Scotty's Audition:


Live performance:

It's next week...

Just went for another puke trip. Probably from the dou miu vegetable we had from dinner that was difficult to digest.

Was actually looking forward to see the doc coming Monday for a few reasons:
- To see how you're doing in there
- To see if we can identify you are going to be a little didi or meimei
- To get some meds for a break from all the vomiting
Not really looking forward will be the blood test but that is essential so I won't take that into account.

Was housekeeping my calendar and just realised that the appointment is actually next Monday the 13th! Aww... Kinda disappointed a little...

Anyway, gotta go lie in bed to rest my sore feet, back and a headache... Gotta long day tomorrow! Night bubs!

Still not there yet...

I'm much better.. that's for sure.. but I am still not only nauseating, I am vomiting! Daily, any time of the day. Today is also the second time I developed an itch on my palms and it is after having some seafood again. Today is worse as my soles are itching too. The first time was last week when we had prawns in our dishes.

I still don't fancy cooking as the smell of the kitchen is just repelling! I am feeling more energetic and needing less sleep than before

We will be having our next appointment coming Monday. Will have to speak to the doc about these. Just praying that you are all well inside there!

Meanwhile, your big che-che already knows that you are growing in my belly and had been trying to listen to you making any sounds! She sometimes sings to you too! Can you hear her sweet little voice?

Week 12 Symptoms

I am feeling better, mmmuuuch better compared to the initial weeks. Funny I got so worried yesterday because I didn't have any symptoms at all. Then they came back today to reassure me! Hah...

Finally got my hands back on the What To Expect When You Are Expecting book. I remember skipping through all the nausea and stuff pages before. So I have plenty of pages to catch up now!

Bump is getting slightly bigger. Definitely noticeable but doesn't seem like I have increased much weight. Maybe I have increased so much during the first trimester at one go that I'm slowing down a little now.

Looking forward to having the uterus lifted off my bladder, sleeping better so I have more energy, no puke trips to the loo, and feeling your kicks and squirms!

Week 13

Welcome Week 13, my little beanie the size of half a banana :)

It's 6.30am. Woke myself up whole night a dozen times from snoring. Or a stuffy nose. Or am I having sleep apnea??? Oh dear. I'm supposed to be more susceptible to having a stuffy nose at this stage. Bummer. Already having an active toddler sleeping next to me and can't seem to find the best most comfortable position to sleep. Still waking up searching for the loo too! Yikey. Oh, uterus, will you move up the pelvis and release the pressure on the bladder already???!

Anyway, you have fingerprints! And already start to root for the breast for milk! Wow.

Week 12

We are in the second trimester! Woohoo!!!!! Risk of losing you is significantly lower. The best part, this is supposed to be the honeymoon trimester where we (very gladly) wave bye-bye to the nausea and all the rest of the uneasiness in the first few months as well as regain some energy back!

You are about 2 inches long now and we are praying that your tissues and organs will continue to grow and mature properly.

Week 11 Pregnancy and Symptoms

We went to the gynae about a week ago and saw you through the scan again. You have grown so much (about 1.5inches now) and you were dancing excitedly away! I think I have been feeling your dance moves occasionally too. Not very often, just maybe twice in the week. Anyway, all is well, thank God and we shall continue to pray for you to grow healthily.

I on the other hand, have started having restless leg syndrome which makes it even harder to fall asleep at night. I'm also having minor heartburn but causing so much discomfort throughout the day. Also now helping is your big che-che who loves to snuggle up close to me in the middle of the night for security and sometimes leave me awake and unable to fall back asleep!

Some other things that I have noticed but had not written down: I now have tougher nails. They used to break easily but I haven't cut mine for weeks and they are still all intact! The other thing is my face is as rough as a piece of sand paper. All thanks to the hormones I suppose.

By the way, the doc mentioned that you're gonna be another pink bundle! We wonder if it's still too early to tell as he told another friend that she was expecting a girl too but delivered a boy! Will wait till the next check-up for confirmation. :-)

Swim

Went for my first proper swim today since discovering you were on board. We had just joined the Penang Sports Club and it was our first swim in the pool there too. It felt sooooooooooo good having all the weight taken off me. Gotta do that more often.

Weird Dreams

The last two nights, I had the most vivid and the weirdest dreams ever. I don't think I can bear to tell anyone these dreams! It's just too weird. These dreams, caused by the increase of progesterone in my body is suppose to reflect my emotional reality. I am still wondering how are they related to how I am feeling nowadays....

Week 10

This week, you will you will be about the size of a 20sen coin and can already kick, swallow and move! You will start to have fingernails and hair and all your vital organs in that little body of yours are already fully developed! Your sex organ is also forming and in another few weeks, we will know if you are going to be a little brother or little sister to your big che-che.

Sick

We came back from a lovely retreat time at Stella Maris, Penang with our cell group members on Monday but I immediately did not feel well starting with a runny nose and my hips were aching. I did not feel like eating and even vomited once that night. I woke up 3+am and was tossing and turning before that trying to get a comfortable position so my hips won't ache as bad. In the end, I ended up sleeping on the sofa with lots of cushions tucked here and there and managed to sleep till this morning. Yesterday was the worse feeling I have ever felt since a very long time ago! My body felt weak, still sneezing, no appetite, .. I just laid in bed the whole time. Your Papa had to take a day off to take care of both your big che-che and myself. I vomited maybe about ten times after dinner.

What was more worrying was I discovered a pink discharge and some spotting later. I was terrified! A quick check on the internet says that it is quite a common sight and it may just be breakthrough bleeding - hormones covering the usual menstrual cycle. Anyway, I think we are making our way to the doc's tomorrow. Praying that all is well!

Week 9 Pregnancy Symptoms

Early morning wakings and difficulty falling asleep again is no fun at all. I have been waking around 4+am (like now) and will be wide awake till hours later. What is worse is that I already lack the energy that I need to take care of your big sister during the day.

I had Symphisis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain before but much later probably in the third trimester. This time round, I am already feeling the discomfort in the pelvic area especially after a long day or while lying on the bed trying to get the most comfortable position which can sometimes be so impossible. Lots of pillows and an extra blanket helps to tuck into any extra spaces.

Still as nauseous as the week before with some bouts of vomiting. 

The good thing is, this week has whizzed past quite quickly and I am already entering Week 10! Woohoo! Now, let's try and get me back to sleep before the day actually begins...

The Royal Wedding

Today marks the day of the wedding of the century - the holy matrimony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, more fondly known as Kate. It was such a beautiful event feeling all the love in the air although I was only watching it live on TV. Kate looked absolutely stunning in the lacy corset dress and Prince William was the perfect Prince Charming! This event will definitely be one that will go down in history in the year that you will be born in!

Week 9

You are now the size of a grape! But why do I already look like a whale??? Many seemed shocked when I told them that I am only 8-9 weeks pregnant. I am too! I feel like I am at least 5 months now.

Anyway, your arms, legs, eyes and other organs should have now been formed and you are getting more and more good looking! Can't wait to see you again in about 10 days' time!

More Cravings!

The day before it was hot dog WITH mustard. Has to be because mustard as it is sour. Yesterday was spinach in superior soup - am I short of iron??

Other than that, I must say that the symptoms are slowing easing off (at least that's what I hope!). I don't feel as hungry quickly or that nauseous or even tired. I have not fallen asleep in the afternoon the last three days. Though I would still love to be asleep now at 4:26am!

Still praying that all is well with you.

Cravings

taken from http://ilovemad.multiply.com/

Last night was Japanese, specifically the sweet bean curd rice rolls. While at the restaurant, we ate a whole load more. We even ordered something new on the menu - Yakiniku Ramen (pork noodles) and tonight, I'm craving just that! Mmmm...

The night before, I craved Ginger Chicken with Black Fungus in Soy Sauce similar to this:

taken from http://pengskitchen.blogspot.com

Haven't been cooking lately so it was good to go back to the kitchen. Basically fry about two big thumbs of ginger (sliced thinly) with a clove of chopped garlic in about a tablespoon of sesame oil till fragrant. Add two chopped chicken drumsticks and thighs and fry for about two minutes. Add the soaked and cleaned (and trimmed to smaller sizes if required) black fungus and give it a little stir. Pour water in to cover. Boil and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add two tablespoons of soy sauce and a tiny pinch of salt to taste. Yums. It tasted even better today!

I'm Me Again!

Today is the very first day in a long time that I actually feel normal - not as tired, not as nauseous... Maybe because it's Good Friday!

The nauseousness actually went up a notch this week and I even threw up a couple of times. I find that I usually feel nauseous when:
1. I don't get to eat when I'm hungry. Then the build-up of gas at the speed of light cause me to feel like there's a whole chicken stuck in my oesophagus, and at the same time, nausea.
2. my saliva glands go into overdrive and the excessive saliva cause me to want to throw up.
3. my oversensitive smell receptors is causing me to dread cleaning including myself! The what used to be pleasant but is now overpowering fragrance in soaps and washing detergents just makes my stomach churn!

How I deal with it if I can:
1. eat frequent small meals but this can be hard when I only feel like eating certain foods.
2. suck on a sweet. Not just any sweet for me, can't stand the sweet ones so HACKS ginger and mandarin works miracles for now.
3. trying to get non-fragrant shampoos and washing liquid here is almost impossible. so will try to stay with mildly fragrant ones or the ones that smell acidic - lime/ lemon actually helps.

I keep counting the days to 2nd trimester when hopefully all these will go away but it still seems so far away!

Week 7 Pregnancy Symptoms

How weird. Contrary to the week before, I don't feel like eating this week although I am still hungry every other hour. The nauseous feeling have gone up a notch. I am now constantly wanting to throw up. Today, I just feel oh so sluggish...

Praying and hoping all is well with you and tomorrow is a better day for me! ;-)

Week 6 Pregnancy Symptoms

Woke up this morning at 5am for a wee. Besides frequency in urination (most dreaded in the middle of the night), I have difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. Hence, I'm in front of the laptop now...

Have to be fed very regularly and can't be left hungry or will feel queasy and nauseous. The excessive saliva doesn't help either. I will usually go for something tangy like a kiwi fruit, sour gummies or diluted juice to help ease the nausea.

Yesterday, I craved roasted chicken rice. Past cravings, porridge, Kentucky Fried Chicken, stem ginger biscuits, wan tan mee, dim sum, Indomie mi goreng... just all sorts!

Breast tenderness still very apparent.

Still feeling the energy drain and feeling sorry for your big sister whom I have not been able to do so much with the last few weeks...

Well, only about seven more weeks to go...

First Meeting

http://www.whattoexpect.com

We finally saw you for the first time last night at the doctor's! Your heart was flickering and we even heard it through the ultrasound scan! Amazing. By measuring the thickness of your sac, the doctor says that you are right about seven weeks now. Just a little raisin but getting real busy forming those arms and legs. Praying that everything grows well with you, my little raisin!

Unfortunately I wasn't holding the camera when we scanned you so I didn't manage to get a video of you. Will just have to wait for the next appointment four weeks later!

Ed: Forgot to mentioned that we are expecting to meet you on the 29th of November this year!

Weight Gain

We actually have not informed anyone yet about the pregnancy but if someone were to see me now, they'd think I'm about four months pregnant! Went on the scale properly this morning and I am already 60kg! Not going to mention what it registered the night before! I feel so much more pregnant now then I was first time around. Aiyaiyai!

Holiday!

We didn't go far, just a few kilometres away to Hard Rock Hotel at the Ferringhi Beach and only for a night. This is probably the first time we went on a holiday as a family since we came back to Malaysia a year and a half ago. Also probably the first time I did some (mild) exercises swimming across the pool since, well, I can't really remember. Honestly, everything was good to the extend that I didn't really experience as much nausea compared to when we were just around at home (except for when I overate at the breakfast buffet spread!). I also realised that I have not been eating as well as I should especially since I am ALWAYS hungry nowadays. I haven't had the mood to cook so I just grab whatever junk that is available. Good thing is we actually ate quality and relatively healthy food at the hotel the last few days to make up. I promise to try to eat as healthily and as regularly as possible from now on. Fruits, sandwiches, salads.... Hope you enjoy them too!

Enhanced Senses

It is a good thing when I can taste all the lovely flavours in certain foods. However, a lot of times, it is making me nauseous. Simple things from shampoo fragrance to toothpaste to artificial flavours in foods and drinks will make me wobble at my knees. Overall making me just queasy and sluggish... Hope it goes away soon!

Day Sickness

No, it's not just night this time. It's anytime of the day sickness now. I'm also perpetually hungry and can eat a horse! Starting to feel breathless too! Yikes!

Unfortunately we only managed to get a night appointment with the doctor for next Monday so we'll only get to see you then... The doctor thinks you may be about seven weeks old now. Can't wait to see you my little one!

Night Sickness

I'm still eating like a bottomless pit but the nausea has started. Feels like I've eaten too much and want to throw up..

Affirmative

| | = +!
Now to get a confirmation from the qualified one. Meanwhile, praying that you will continue to grow healthily!

Could this be it?

Over the last week, I have a ravenous appetite, tender parts of the body, woken up in the wee hours of the morning to locate the toilet, ballooned up all around and extreme tiredness. Are you joining our little family soon?