The guru rants...

Hair Cuts...

2009-05-11T14:47:00.002+08:00

Mia and Fia had their had cut last week at Junior League...here are the before and after pictures...

Anasofia Before

Anasofia During

Anasofia After

Miasara Before

Miasara After

Endo Thermal Cooker

2009-04-28T13:33:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I tried using the Endo Thermal Cooker to cook chicken curry. I was completely surprised. I started putting the curry into the pot at 6.30am. I reached home at about 5pm and when I opened the cover, it was still steaming hot! I actually put chicken curry and fish soup (for Mia) into that pot and both turned out great...still hot and the chicken was very soft and tender....

Gonna try to cook scones and cakes using the cooker next...wish me luck!

Miasara diaper-free, day AND night...

2009-04-20T14:11:00.002+08:00

Last night was the fourth night Mia went sleeping without her diapers...she had been diaper free during the day since a month ago but only recently did I stop putting on diapers for her at night. Alhamdulillah, she did not soil her bed, well, at least so far so good...

I am so proud of my darling Mia. It only took 2 days to train her and come the 3rd day, she is already able to know when to go to the toilet...

Last week before I...

2009-04-20T14:05:00.002+08:00

This is the start of the last week before I actually start school. Today is also the day I started sending my girls to my mum's house...

Initially, Mia was crying every time I told her I have to go to work and she has to stay at rumah nenek. SHe keep saying she wants to follow me to work. Finally, I told her I have to go to school and there is policemen at my school so she can't follow. Again, tears flowed down her chubby cheeks but she nodded her head. I told her to take care of adik with nenek...

So, just now, once we reached rumah nenek, she took out her Play-Doh that I brought for her and she started playing. After a while, I told her to salam, explained to her where I am going and kissed her goodbye...With a sad face, she said ok....

I guess I am suffering from separation anxiety as much as she is....now I am at Long John Silver's Yishun. Met my hubby for lunch just now and just killing time before I go and pick the girls up later...missing my girls already and it's only been 2 hours! Why can't I just stay at home or maybe work at home so that I can be with my princesses all the time???? Feeling quite lost not fussing around with Ana or hearing Mia's chatter.....

Eh, you lost weight?

2009-04-17T15:10:00.003+08:00

I am really envious of my hubby...everywhere we go, he got lots of comments about the weight that he had lost. Just the other day, at my mum's house, we saw my sis' fiance and he said my hubby looked slimmer. Then when we went to my in-laws house, his auntie was also there. She commented on his weight loss too. Then, on Sunday, when we were about to go grocery shopping, we saw our neighbour.

And he said to Miasara,"Wah, ayah pun dah kurus lah sekarang..." (Ayah also lost weight lah now).

Even my bro-in-law wants to try it too...hehe, hopefully it works for him too.

My hubby used to wear pants size 42. Last week, we went to buy new jeans for ourselves. His new jeans size: 34!!!!

I got comments too but not as frequent as him. Most of them commented on how fast I lost my pregnancy fat...well, it's all thanks to the supplements. I also bought jeans that day. I used to wear size 28 pre-marriage...my new jeans size: 29. I guess I did quite well considering I have given birth to 2 babies and just gave delivered my 2nd baby 3.5 months ago. And the jeans was the skinny type....

Heheh, I guess both of us did well. Of course, we had help. Without those supplements, I don't think we both could do it.....

How our worries change through time...

2009-04-16T08:47:00.002+08:00

Just sitting down and thinking about how our worries change as we went through the different phases of life...

When in primary school - you worry about whether your teacher likes you, your friends don't want to be friends with you, the toys that your parents won's buy for you...

When in secondary school - you worry about whether that boy likes you, what your friends think of you, the new handphone that your friend possess and you can't get...

When in tertiary education - you worry about your boyfriend who did not call for 1 whole day, the endless projects that needs completion, what to wear to school so that you look cool...

When starting to work - you worry about whether your boss likes you, what your colleagues think of you, how to go up the corporate ladder...

When married - you worry about whether you can get along with your mother-in-law, what to cook for your husband, paying the monthly bills, managing your finances...

When thinking of having children - you worry about whether you would be a good mum, could you provide for your precious one, how do you divide your time equally...

When actually with children - you worry about what colour is their poop, about the small red dot that suddenly appears on her little hand, about the toy she wants that you can't afford....

And the list goes on and on endlessly. I guess you never stop being worried! So thge only thing you can do is just handle them wisely and not let them overwhelm you...

We're off to the Zoo

2009-03-31T13:33:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday, we went to the Zoo. It's been 1 year plus since we went there. I remembered bringing Mia while she was about 6-7 months.

We went in bringing a bicycle for Mia and pram for Fia, complete with 2 fans. After going in, Mia was sooo excited to see the animals that she ditched the bicycle. My darling then brought the bicycle to the zoo locker to be collected at the end of the day. Anasofia also refused to sit in her pram for long so in the end, my darling carried her in the sling while Mia rested on and off on the pram...fun and educational for Mia...

Ana 3rd month checkup & Robinson Sale @ Expo

2009-03-26T13:27:00.002+08:00

Today was Anasofia 3rd month checkup. We took the 6 in 1 immunization for her. Just cried for 5 seconds after the shot was given, hehe...after that the jab, we went to see the doctor. She checked Anasofia's whole body and said that everything was good. Then she put her on her tummy. This little girl lifted her head so high and keep looking at her ayah...hehehe...the doctor was amazed.

Anyway, after that, we went to makan at Al-Amin and head to Expo for the Robinson Sale. The sale not as gerek as Metro or JL sale. The stuff were more branded and thus more expensive...

The fun thing was there were lots of Disney Princess products so Mia was lucky. Bought a few items for her but nothing for Fia cos nothing looks good...

Anasofia, the water baby

2009-03-13T16:09:00.002+08:00

We went to Bukit Batok CS Club swimming pool yesterday. My darling hubby was on leave so we decided to bring the girls swimming. I wanted to introduce Anasofia to the water so I put her feet in first. I thought she would be screaming as the water was cold but she was loving it. She kicks her feet and soon, I put her whole body in except for the head. She really love the water.

I allowed her to play in the water for about 30 mins and took her out. Just after removing her wet clothes (she swims in her jumpsuit), I dried her and wanted to change her. She started crying! I guess she wants to remain in the water, hehe....Anyway, after changing her, I rock her to sleep...both my princesses, the water babies....no pics to show as I left my hp in the car!

Finally...to the beach!

2009-02-24T05:38:00.002+08:00

After harping on the swimming pool, for the past few days, Mia had been wanting to go to the beach. It doesn't help that Higglytown Heroes keep showing the episode where they go to the beach....anyway, we went to the beach last Sunday.

As usual, went to East Coast and parked at the big carpark. Went there with my family and Athirah...Mak brought nasi lemak, yummmy....

On the way there, Mia was already groggy from her medication but she still refused to sleep. I told her to sleep first before we reach the beach but she kept saying, "I don't want to sleep. I want to go to the beach!"

The moment we reached there, I fed her the nasi lemak although I know she is just itching to go play with Athirah who is already building sandcastles. After the food, she dragged my darling to bring her to where Athirah was. I was with Fia who was being fussy again...

We left East Coast at about 2pm and we went to Ikea with Khaliza and Azril. Shopped a little and then went to Charco's to eat. That was how our Sunday goes....

I am blessed...

2009-02-22T05:23:00.002+08:00

I hear complains from wives all the time about their husbands dumping everything on them...and I am blessed that my husband, flaws and all, is supporting and sweet.

Even though I am on maternity right now and he has to go to work in the morning, he still tells me to wake him up for Fia's night feeds...I sometimes do wake him up when I am just too tired but I try not to cos he is working. He would willingly look after Fia and Mia the moment he got back from work. Although tired, he would share the parenting duties without complains. He would even help clear the dishes if there was any. And when I complain about being tired, he would just tell me to rest and take it easy...if I can't clear the household chores, just leave it. He tells me to do it another day or wait for the weekend and we would do it together...aaahhh, I am truly blessed, alhamdulillah.

I love you, my darling....

Much needed spa retreat!

2009-02-16T08:57:00.002+08:00

On 14th Feb, my darling and I went for a spa at Spa Le Kraton!! We had to separate the 2 girls, though, because at Jurong, there is nobody to take care of Fia. So Fia was sent to Yishun while Mia was sent to rumah Abang Sap to play with the Kakaks and later they went to Jurong.

We went to the Bukit Batok branch which is newer than the Serangoon branch. It was inside the HomeTeamNS clubhouse. It was much bigger and the decor is similar. I like it very much...very classy and romantic! We were brought to the VIP suite and started the Shanti treatment.

We started off with a Javanese massage and I told my therapist to concentrate on my shoulders. It was great. I could actually hear my knots in my shoulder being 'unknotted'! It was followed by the lulur. By then I was shivering. This branch do not have heated massage bed like the Serangoon branch. I could here my darling trying to clear his blocked nose due to the cold. Anyway, after the lulur, our body was covered with yoghurt and we were wrapped like a sandwich.

Lastly, we had a shower and then a bath in the jacuzzi filled with milk and honey. We were served fruits with a chocolate fondue and champagne (non-alchoholic, of course!). It was pure heaven. We were given 45 minutes to enjoy soaking in the jacuzzi....aaaaahhhhh!!!! Pampered to the max....

Going swimming again!

2009-02-15T09:10:00.002+08:00

On 13th of Feb, we went swimming at the club again. This time, my darling was working so we brought Khaliza with us since she was on MC...hehe. Mia was excited at usual!

She got in the moment we got there. I went in too but with Fia in my pouch. I also tried putting Fia's feet into the pool. I thought she would cry because of the cold water but she just kicks...heheh....but I don't dare put her in the water yet...maybe when she is older...

Anyway, after like 3 hours, we left the pool and went to Jurong Point to eat. That place was damn big after the extension....Mia got tired to walking from one end to the other...

At 5 plus, we went home and our girls' day out is over...

Big girl Mia!

2009-02-13T08:42:00.000+08:00

Mia is finally sleeping in her own room together with Fia!! My girl is growing up fast....

on 8th of Feb, we went to Ikea looking for a new bed for Mia. We saw a single bed with pull-out and thought of buying that for her so that when Fia is bigger, she can use the pull-out. We got there and walked around. While looking at the kids section, we saw a kids bed which is much smaller than a normal single bed. After much deliberation, we decided to buy the kids bed which cost only $55.

Once we got home, my darling hubby got out his toolbox and started assemblying the bed. Mia of course helped, and keep saying she is like Handy Manny! After the bed is made, I placed a new Mickey Mouse bedsheet and once she saw the bed all made up, she got so excited. We still were not sure if she would sleep there that night.

When it was time to sleep, I said, "Let's go and sleep, Mia!" And to our surprise, she pointed to the new bed and said "There?". So, we went in, I read her a storybook and 'tepuk' her to sleep.

For the first 2 nights, she woke up in the middle of the night and cried for us. I went in and just 'tepuk' her and she went back to sleep. After that, she did not wake up in the middle of the night anymore. Yay!!

Now, the only thing is to hope that Fia would be able to sleep through the night soon...my body is really getting very tired....Yaaawwwnnnn!!!!

Anasofia's first month check up

2009-02-04T20:20:00.000+08:00

Today was Anasofia's first month check up. Our appointment was at 9.20am. Since it was her first time at the clinic, she had to see the doc first. The wait was very long. After the doc check-up, she was given the jab. She wailed until her whole face was red!!! Luckily she stopped crying after a short while.

while waiting for doc, there was this nenek with 2 grandchildren. One was about 3 while the other one was a baby in a stroller. She was asking the big boy where the other boy is. It seems that she had 3 grandchildren and somehow, one of them got lost. She sounded so panicked as she shouted the name of the lost kid. Luckily one kind soul saw the kid wandering around on the 1st floor (we were on the 2nd floor) and brought him up to look for the grandma. The kid was about 2 years old so I guess he had told the man where the nenek was. The nenek looked so pitiful, have to bring the 3 kids to the clinic all by herself.

Anyway, after that, we went to eat at Mr Teh Tarik and off to Bukit Batok Civil Service Club for swimming. Mia had been asking to go to the swimming pool for ages...so, today, she swam with ayah while I look after adik at the bench...

Breastfeeding...dejavu...

2009-01-29T16:11:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile since my last post. Been busy managing my time between my two princesses and my one and only king. Although my mum was kind enough to come, I just could not bear to see her limping with her aching knees, having to take 3 buses just to come to my house...so, I told her she need not come if she is tired. And when she does come, I just tell her to play with Mia...

Anyway, as the title suggests, I am updating about my breastfeeding experience. This time, with Anasofia. My experience with Miasara was a real nightmare (as described in my post)...

The first few days was a dejavu experience. There were no milk. My gynae suggested taking Fenugreek pills...so I did. I just could not bear to latch Fia on and see her struggling to get any milk at all...so I express milk. The first week I only managed to pump like 5-10ml at one time. I persevered and just continue expressing. I read on the forum that there are many new mothers experiencing the same thing and they saw their supply increasing with each day.

So, I increased my expressing sessions from 3 times per day to 6 times per day. And slowly, I managed to express 20-30ml per session. I supplemented her feeds with formula milk. As weeks go by, my supply increased, alhamdulillah.

And now, after one month, I am able to feed her with breastmilk totally...syukur...I hope to be able to provide her with my breastmilk for a long time and help her be a healthy baby.....wish me luck!

Jaundice checkup

2009-01-03T15:49:00.002+08:00

Anasofia and I had to go for our check up today. Mine is just a routine checkup to see if all is well while Anasofia is to check her jaundice. When she was discharged, her jaundice was measuring at 10. Dr Rhonda Watt advised us to keep her hydrated with milk and try to catch some morning sunlight.

So, upon reaching the clinic, my darling was to bring Anasofia for the blood test while I waited to see Dr Lee. He said everything is fine with me and he will see me in a month's time for another post natal check up.

After the test result was out, we went in to see Dr Watt and she told us that Anasofia's jaundice level is very low, 1.8. She said that this is very good and this is the lowest she had seen so far. Usually after a week, the level would drop but still at 6 or 7 but for Anasofia, it is nearly gone...alhamdulillah....

Went home and sadly, had to continue my confinement.....can't wait for 26th January, confinement over....

My hospital stay at Mt Alvernia

2009-01-01T15:37:00.002+08:00

After the birth, the 2 nights stay at Mt Alvernia had been fun, apart from the pain of course. The reason for this was because we had the whole room to ourselves and my darling and Mia kept me company throughout the 3 days and 2 nights.

We actually asked for a single-bedder upon admission but all single-bedder was full at that time. After I gave birth, there were still no single-bedder available so they put me in a double-bedder room. The other bed was empty. After checking, the nurse told me that they are able to convert my room into a single-bedder room. So that's the story. Oh ya, they also provided a cot for Mia...which my darling said looked like a cage...heheh...here are the pictures of our 'hotel' stay....

My darling get to sleep on the bed next to mine and that's the cot that was provided for Mia...

This is the dresser cum wash basin...

And this is my bed next to the balcony which had a lovely view of the Christmas tree...

And of course, the nurses are all superb and the service rendered were excellent...I would recommend Mt Alvernia Hospital to everyone who wants to give birth...

Anasofia birth story

2008-12-30T15:21:00.000+08:00

The date was 26th December, Boxing Day. Woke up at about 2.30am with full bladder. Oh my, got show! But no contractions so went back to sleep. At 3am, felt stomachache. Bowels cleared but the aching still lingered. Went back to bed but felt contractions....remembered what happened the day before so decided to ignore the contractions and tried to sleep...

3.45am and still couldn't sleep. Contractions still coming...since can't sleep so decided to go and time my contractions just for the fun of it. Again thinking it's a false alarm. Started timing and the contractions were about 7 mins apart. After one hour, contractions became 6 mins apart. Still not convinced that this could be it...so waited and waited some more...

Until about 5.30am, the contractions were about 5 mins apart and some times 4 mins apart. Decided to bath and change. Then I woke up my darling and told him it's time. He woke up dazed, hehe. Showed him the timings and he rushed to the toilet to bath. I called my mum and told her to come to my house ASAP as Mia is still sleeping.

Left the house at about 6am. Road was clear and my darling my speeding at 120km/h. Reached the hospital. Told the nurse about the contractions timing. Took my weight (66.8kg) and was ushered into the delivery suite. CTG was strapped and nurse checked and told me that I was already 7cm dilated!!

Around 8 plus Dr Lee came and checked me. He then burst my water bag. The contractions became more and more intense. My darling keep asking if I wanted to take epidural and I said no. He also suggested the laughing gas and I know from experience that the gas is useless in times like this so I said no and endured. Alhamdulillah, after much pushing and pain, Anasofia came into the world at 9.25am.

So happy that my labour was a short one and I had the energy to push Anasofia out without the use of vacuum...

False Alarm!

2008-12-25T15:16:00.001+08:00

Woke up at 5.30am today with stomachache. Went to the toilet, cleared my bowels and then tried to go to sleep. Felt contractions on and off. Still tried to sleep. Can't so decided to time contractions. Not regular but my back aches like crazy.

Is this for real? Waited and waited but the pain is still there. Wanted to wake my darling up at about 7am to tell him to get ready just in case but decided not to. Waited some more till about 8 plus. Suddenly, the pain is gone....haizz...false alarm lah....so, went out to have lunch...hehe, luckily did not rush to hospital...so paiseh!

Visit to Changi Airport

2008-12-22T16:45:00.004+08:00

We didn't know where to go yesterday. Thought of going to Vivocity or Downtown East but I didn't feel like jostling with the Christmas crowd so we went to Changi Airport instead!

We parked at Terminal 2 and ate at Mcdonalds. After that, we took the Skytrain to Terminal 3. There was a photo taking session with Mickey Mouse and friends at the Basement but we had to queue and only the 1st 100 is allowed so we took pictures with Mickey Mouse and friends lanterns which was on display, hehehe!

38th week check-up

2008-12-20T18:00:00.003+08:00

Went for my 38th week check-up today. My weight dropped again. Dr Lee asked what happened. He is worried that my water level might be low. While doing the normal scanning, Dr Lee suddenly exclaimed, "Eh, how come so big, ah?" I was shocked to see that the baby's weight is 3.4kg already! Then he re-measured and said that the baby is 3.2kg, plus minus around there. So, I take it the baby is about 3.3kg...Oh man! I just hope the baby would not be too big...Anyway, the water level is still ok and my cervix is not dilated yet.

My only hope is the labour would not be too long. Not so for me but more for Mia. I don't want her to be without her ibu or ayah for too long especially now that she is so used to seeing both of us sooo often...

Anyway, this waiting game is really scary. You know the signs and keep looking out for them...contractions, show or water bag burst. Then I read the mother forum and read all the different birth stories and with each day, I wonder whether is this it...Haizzz...anticipating, excitement, worried, sadness, all feelings mixed up inside...

Mia watched Bolt

2008-12-15T17:48:00.002+08:00

We brought Mia to watch Bolt at Cathay Causeway Point today. Actually wanted to watch Madagascar 2 but the timing is not convenient so we watched Bolt instead. Mia just loves eating popcorn! She was excited watching the Super Dog and never stop mentioning about Super Dog even after the movie...

After the show, we went makan at Banquet and window shopping for a while. My back is really aching so had to go home.

Mia @ the library

2008-12-10T14:17:00.002+08:00

Brought Mia to the library. We went to the new Yishun library last night and I saw this special promotion for mothers-to-be. You can just go up to the counter and show them your bulging tummy, fill up a form and receive a goody bag. Inside the bag, there is a CD which contains songs, rhymes and stories, a small booklet on parenting, a height chart and a wonderful baby journal. This baby journal is retailing at $19.90 and it is just like a scrapbook where you can jot down information about your pregnancy and birth. There are sections for you to put baby items or footprints, etc....pregnant mothers, go get it now....

Then today, I brought Mia to Bugis Central library. Signed up membership for her and since she borrowed four books on the same day as her sign up, she got a free bag...hehe, I am really a sucker for freebies...

37 weeks checkup

2008-12-10T14:12:00.002+08:00

Went to Mount Alvernia Hospital for the CTG monitoring today. Was strapped to the machine for about 20 minutes. Reading shows that I am not having any major contractions and the baby's heartbeat shows that the baby is not under stress...so Dr Lee said there are no signs that the baby might be too early...YAY! I can continue to be active and mobile although it hurts sometimes, especially my back after walking too long...

The best thing is, the baby has more time to grow. My own weight dropped slightly but luckily baby is gaining weight at 2.8kg now. That's about a growth of 400gm for the past 1 and half weeks. From now on, the checkup would be once a week so the next checkup is sometime next week....

Mia @ the pool

2008-12-09T11:24:00.006+08:00

Kak Yu and the girls are going to the swimming pool today. They asked to take Mia along. Mia do not want to go without me so I had to tag along.

We went to the Civil Service Club pool at Bukit Batok. There were not many people so the girls were ecstatic. Anyway, I just sit down under one of the big umbrellas and surf the net and updated my blog. Kak Yu and Suzi swam with the 4 girls...Mia was so happy just floating along the lazy pool...

Mia did not want to go home even after 3 hrs in the pool. She keep crying every time they decided to go and wash up. So, in the end, had to trick her. Told her that they are bringing her to the slide area but actually go all the way to the shower room, hehe.

Rantings of a mother-to-be again....

2008-12-05T11:44:00.002+08:00

Now is the time where I am experiencing mixed feelings...just like my pregnancy with Mia. Part of me wants my baby to come out fast and for me to be able to touch her small feet and hands, smell her fresh baby smell, hear her cries, hug her little tender body and kiss her soft skin. I want to stop feeling bloated, clumsy and aching all over my body....

On another part, I do not want to stop being pregnant! I love being pregnant....I know I am being contradictory but that's how it is...I love feeling the kicks and bumps on my tummy, the extra attention that is given to pregnant ladies and the fact that I am able to protect my baby from the harms of this world....

I know, I know, I am being melodramatic.....anyway, right now, I am lavishing all my attention on Miasara. She knows that her baby sister is on the way soon and so she is being extra manja with me and her father. When my baby is born, I will be trying my utmost to ensure that Mia does not feel left out or inferior in any way.....

35 weeks check-up

2008-11-30T12:35:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was my 35 weeks check-up. I complained about my pain in the pelvic area and Dr Lee said he had this feeling that I might pop much earlier than expected. Oh no! He said I should get more rest so as to avoid this.....

Anyway, baby is fine...grown to about 2.4kg and water still a lot so everything is fine. On the 10th of December, I have to go to his Mount Alvernia clinic to do a CTG monitoring. It's routine to check for baby's heartbeat and contractions...I just hope that everything is well and I do not have to be induced again. The waiting time after being induced is too long...pity Mia!

Well, will try to rest more from now on but need to complete my Malay Dance school website update first. The dateline is drawing near....

Another batch of P6 leaving...

2008-11-15T09:24:00.004+08:00

Everytime I take a graduating class, I get emotional at the end of the year. Especially during PSLE results day...I always cry. This year, I know I will definitely cry buckets of tears....

This batch of P6 is the closest group of students I have ever been with, especially the P6 Malay dancers...

I taught some of them when they were in P3, then most of them in P4 and again in P6. We shared jokes, some hard times in class and we shared secrets using the journals...I am closer to the Malay dancers who are in my Malay class as we went to Bali together, all those performances and practices, the heartache we all felt during the SYF results....

Yesterday was an emotional day. Nisa actually asked me to give a speech during my last Malay class with them. I just smiled because I know I can't do it. If I do it, I would surely cry...

Then, while preparing them for the Achievement Day performance, I look at them and just felt sebak. I had to leave at 12pm and so can't be there for the actual performance. Zubaidah told me just now that the girls were crying after the dance, their last dance with us....

I don't know how I will be able to stop my dam of tears on results day...almost feel like not going to school on that day, too saddening...but I want to see them for the last time, haizzz dilemma.....

Breastfeeding

2008-11-10T08:23:00.003+08:00

This is a very sensitive topic. I was not able to breastfeed Mia...I tried so hard, eaten the things that was supposed to help, had a very bad engorgement experience, bought a pump, massage...u name it, I have tried it but the milk still refuse to come out.

I nearly went into post natal depression. Luckily my darling husband was there to be my pillar and my mum was there to support me with all that she could do. Even typing about this, brings tears to my eyes....

It really pains me to see Mia crying for milk and me not able to provide it for her. My heart aches so bad, even worse than the engorgement that I was experiencing. She is missing out on all the goodness of the colostrum and the building of her immune system. I cried many times but again, my darling husband is there for me.

I even blamed myself when she kept falling sick when she was only 4-5 months old. She had to use the neubalizer (I think that's how it is spelt). I keep thinking that if she had been breastfed, she would have been stronger and better able to fight the virus....

Now, with this pregnancy, I am trying to get my hands on information on breastfeeding. I am reading books, information on the net and I found this great site on breastfeeding, with videos on proper latching on and all that...

I also intend to get my baby to latch on immediately after she is cleaned up...

Mia's birth story

2008-11-10T08:13:00.002+08:00

Now that THE TIME is just a few weeks away, I am reminded of giving birth to Mia. I was induced as Mia was quite big so I went to the hospital at 12 midnight on 7th July 2006. Doc's advise to come at midnight so that should the labour be long, I would not incur another day's hospital charges...

Anyway, took a taxi there and once I reached there, the nurse inserted a pill to help me clear my bowels and then started to induce me. The contractions started but not too strong. I was still able to sleep through the night.

At 8.30am, Dr Lee came and broke my water bag. The pain was indescribable! Anyway, the REAL contractions came like immediately and the intensity grew. I guess I was in real labour starting then and only gave birth at 6.17pm. So the labour was 9hrs! By then, I was too tired to push, eventhough she was crowning so Dr Lee had to use the vacuum. Finally she was out.....

Malay Dance performances

2008-11-07T20:25:00.005+08:00

For the past 2 Fridays, we have had Malay dance performances. Last Friday was at PCC and today was at Catholic High School. As usual, the preparation took like hours while the actual performance is only for 5 minutes....and after each performance, the teachers, especially myself at this stage, would feel drained out.

These were taken at the holding area at PCC. We were given the gym! Pictures taken at the performance area were not too clear. This Deeparaya concert was actually a very stressful performance for us. We forgot to bring the plates! And I only realised it when our bus reached SGH. Had to trouble Mr Majeed (our OM) to send it to us. So paiseh! He had to travel all the way to PCC to send the plates. And to make matters worse, our performance was supposed to be the opening act. Luckily we managed to push other items first and Mr Majeed delivered the plates just in time. Lina and Norin had to rush up from the loading area to the gym and we quickly distributed the plates. The waiting for the plates nearly caused my heart to drop. I could feel Braxton Hicks on and off....quite an adrenaline rush!.

These pictures were taken on the way back from PCC. The girls as usual still had energy to spare. They are singing and joking all the way back to school. As for us, the adults, all we could do was just close our eyes and wait patiently for us to reach home.

These were taken at Catholic High School. We were performing for an event for Food from the Heart where they were distributing toys for FAS students. The FAS kids had a great time going from one booth to the other and choosing the toys that they want.

That's it. Now, we are awaiting our last performance of the year next Friday for our school's Achievement Day...and sadly, the last performance by my darling P6 girls....

31 weeks check-up

2008-11-03T09:20:00.003+08:00

Well, last Saturday, we went for our 31 weeks checkup. Everything was good and my baby is already 1.9kg. Very fast! Dr Lee said she is growing accordingly and my water bag is still full.

I have been getting Braxton Hicks these few weeks. I don't really remember getting it this early for Mia. Maybe because that was my first pregnancy so was kind of ignorant. Told Dr Lee about it and he said it was fine especially since there is still a lot of water and my baby's head is not too low, although she is already facing back and positioning her head downwards. So now, the checkup is every 2 weeks until I am 36 weeks, then it would be weekly...

He told me to continue taking all the supplements and milk that I am taking as whatever that I am doing looks good for the baby. Alhamdulillah...

It's funny how you start to take care of your OWN body only when you know ANOTHER human being is being directly affected by it. Previously, I would not think twice about taking instant mee or eating junk food but now, I try very hard to eat healthily. I just pray that my baby would be healthy and gain benefit from all it all...

At the movies with Mia

2008-10-29T17:49:00.000+08:00

We went to watch a movie with Mia last night. We have started bringing her to the movies ever since she was 1 year old. But once she turned 2, we have yet to bring her to a cinema. Especially since she started talking non-stop. So, we took a gamble yesterday. We went to GV Yishun and wanted to watch Tropic Thunder starring Ben Stiller and Jack Black. We went to the ticketing office and told the girl what we wanted. She looks incredulously at us and asked, "Is she going in too?" With which we answered yes. "It's an M18 movie. She will not be allowed into the theatre!"

Damn! We forgot about the rating. My darling said my baby would not be able to understand anyway but the girl looked at us as if we were crazy and said no. Since there are no other movie to watch, we had to watch High School Musical 3!

Initially, we were quite apprehensive about bringing Mia to the movies. Afraid that she would start talking and making comments just like when we watch tv at home. While waiting for the door of the theatre to open, she was super hyper. Running, dancing, singing, jumping and we almost did not want to bring her in.

Luckily, the moment we went in, she mellowed. My angel really behaved herself. In fact, there is this couple behind us who kept talking during the movie. You would not even notice that there was a 2 year old in the theatre. So proud of my baby!!

7th Month Checkup

2008-10-28T11:17:00.000+08:00

Again this post is overdue...will be going for my 8th month checkup this Saturday, hehe...

Anyway, the 7th month checkup was good. My weight increased by 2.5kg, must be because of all the lontong, rendang and kuih consumed during the Hari Raya period...Dr Lee commented on my weight increase, hehe and he said baby must be about 1.2kg since it's already 7 months...luckily during the scan, my baby's weight is 1242g, so the growth is normal, alhamdulillah....

I noticed something weird, during the fasting month, I did not feel faint. In fact, I feel energised and could even do housework and bake my cookies...but after Hari Raya, I have been feeling weak, having fainting spells and even fell sick (still coughing, actually). I am guessing it is because of the Herbalife supplements.

During the fasting month, I religiously took Formula 1 for sahur every morning together with my Aloe, Multivitamins and Omega3. Then Hari Raya came and the schedule becomes haywire. I only took Formula 1 like once a week, sometimes did not take at all. I miss my Multivitamins and Omega3 on a number of occasions. My Aloe was also neglected and as a result, my heartburn came back.

So now, slowly getting back the routine...taking my Formula 1 every morning, well, started again yesterday...hopefully my energy will come back and my cough would stop...

Post Raya review

2008-10-24T10:11:00.006+08:00

Here are more pictures taken during Hari Raya...actually, I don't really like taking photos so that is why it is kind of limited.

Mia with Athirah under Kak Pet's block...Athirah with her heels...like makcik-makcik, hehehe....cute especially with the 'jewellery'....

This is the green outfit was the one which we bought on the eve of Raya. We got this whole family set for just $120. Good bargain, I think as compared to having it tailor made...

My hubby's side family outing. We went out on the Sunday and this was taken at my house after like so many shots. It was on a timer so me, kak yu and remi had to run to and fro just to set the timer, arrange the camera and run back to pose.

My Malay dancers coming over after practice....bergaya betul....more glamourous than the cikgu!

1st day Hari Raya

2008-10-24T09:56:00.004+08:00

Here are the pictures....

Bermaafan di rumah mak....my pix can't be uploaded...censored, hehehe...very touching moment!

At Mak Eton's house. My parents with Wak Di and Mak Noi. This picture is taken after we savoured the delicious laksa....I could still taste it....

My 2 darlings...this is actually my baju kurung that I bought during the last 2 years raya. Surprisingly, still muat with my perut and all...we bought a similar colour baju kurung this year for Mia...

Mia with Kak Ita's kids...actually wanted to take together with Kak Yatee's kids but they had already gone visiting....

That's it for first day raya...actually, I forgot to bring my camera that day, of all days! These are photos taken using Adik's camera.

Pre-Hari Raya days...

2008-10-10T10:57:00.003+08:00

I know Hari Raya is over but this post will be about the last few days of Ramadan...Well, exactly a week before Hari Raya, my mum was admitted to SGH for stomach ulcer! We were so worried especially when the doctor had not confirmed the diagnosis. Luckily, the ulcer is still small (about 2cm) so surgery can be avoided. If not, I could not imagine what Hari Raya would be like this year. Anyway, mum was discharged after 2 days. The only problem is she gets giddy after taking the ulcer medication. So, the morning of Hari Raya, she was not in the best of health. Despite that, we still go on our normal first day visiting....

The last 2 days before Hari Raya, my darling and I had more or less done with the cleaning and putting up of the new cushions and curtain. I also wanted to iron the Hari Raya clothes so that we would not be rushed on the night of Hari Raya. Before ironing, Mia came into the room and saw the new clothes. She was like all excited and keep saying, "Cantik!". So, we put the green one on for her. Guess what! She hated it the moment the cloth touches her skin. There were some lace material in the outfit and she protested saying, "Gatal!" She refused to put it on and would not even hold it near. We ran throughout the whole house trying to put it on her again. The next day, we tried again and she still refused, crying and running....so, on the last day of Ramadan, we had to go Geylang again to find another green outfit for Mia. This task is more daunting as we had to match that green with our current green outfit!

For those of you who had been to Geylang on eve of Hari Raya, you would know what's like. We actually thought of buying the outfit in Joo Chiat, but there were no more size for Mia so we still had to 'rempoh' the bazaar, reluctantly....anyway, after searching for hours...we somehow gave up trying to find a green outfit for Mia that matches ours...we bought a whole new set for the whole family!! So, in the end, Mia, my darling and me got a new green outfit (will post the photos soon)....raya sakan this year.....

we spent so much especially with the new cushion covers that was tailor made and new curtains for the whole house, we also tailor made 2 sets of outfits that cost like so much. My darling and I promised that next year, we would really need to tone it down...the only problem is, hopefully we will remember it next year, hehe...we keep saying it every year, but every year, we would be spending like crazy....aaaahhhh!!

6th month check up

2008-09-15T10:25:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday was the 6th month check-up. Alhamdulillah, everything went well. Dr Lee briefed us about the report that we received from the detailed scan. Baby is healthy and growing well...I told him that I am fasting and he said that if I can take it, it should not be a problem. After scanning, he told me it is safe to fast as the baby's weight looks good and the water bag has ample water. But just to be safe, I will continue to drink enough water to avoid dehydration.

Well, as for the gender...before the scan, as usual, Dr Lee will comment saying if we would see any 'pisang raja' or not...but alas, that is not to be. He said judging from what he can see, it's going to be a girl.

I don't know if I am disappointed or not. I guess, it's okay if it's a girl or a boy. If it's a boy, it would be a nice change as Mia's other cousins are all girls. Both my side and my darling's side. So a boy would be refreshing. But the downside is, if it's a boy, we would have to be buying a whole new wardrobe for him. Raising a boy would be totally different as compared to a girl. Especially since Mia slept right through the nite from the first day we got back from the hospital. I think boys would need to be fed more often....He might also be spoilt as he is the only boy in both families...

If it's a girl, Mia would have a playmate/bestfriend (hopefully!). We would not need to have separate rooms since both are girls. And of course, the clothes can be recycled. But of course, I know both grandparents would be disappointed...

Anyway, both my darling and I are happy if it's a girl or a boy, as long as the baby is healthy. Now the only problem is, the name. If it's a boy, there would be no problem as both of us have agreed on a name but if it's a girl, the name would be a problem....because both of us can't agree on a name yet. He wants one name while I want another....so, now that Dr Lee said high probability of the baby being a girl, the 'fight' for the name continues....

Ramadan is here...heartburn nowhere in sight

2008-09-05T17:13:00.003+08:00

It's the 5th day of Ramadan and I am happy to say that I have been able to fast for the past 4 days, alhamdulillah...of course the true test would be next week when I have to go to school...

Heartburn has been plaguing both my pregnancies. When I was pregnant with Mia, the heartburn would be soothed after I took some hot milk. But this time, the heartburn refused to go away even after several cups of hot milk. It got so bad that I can't breathe at times. The acid feels as if it's burning my throat. Especially if I have not eaten for like 3-4 hours. So fasting during this month would be challenging with heartburn. But so far, my heartburn has not been visiting me since I took the Herbalife aloe vera drink. I started taking the drink on the first day of fasting and I have not had heartburn since. I also don't feel any gastric pain that I used to feel when I fast. Of course it's only 5 days so we shall see how it goes...

Surprisingly, I did not feel too weak from fasting. I thought I would be feeling weak and just tired but I have been able to do housework and go window-shopping, grocery shopping....but then again, it is the school holidays. We shall see how I am after school next week...The only thing is, I hope my fasting is not affecting my baby in any way. Hopefully, Dr Lee would not have any negative news during my next checkup next week...

Not perfect but good enough

2008-08-29T10:04:00.004+08:00

On the way to work today, I was listening to Glenn Ong and the Flying Dutchman on Class 95. They were talking about the boy who was born with two heads that died. They also commented about how we should be thankful for what we have, worries and all...

Then, at work, I received an email from a colleague about a blind boy. The message, be thankful for what we have. 2 messages of the same nature...someone must be telling me something...

It got me thinking. I do have problems, everyone does but it's how we handle it and the severity of the problem. When I look at it, my life is not bad at all. It's not perfect. In fact, I don't think there is a PERFECT life.

I have a loving husband, beautiful daughter, healthy pregnancy, supportive family. I am stable financially, although there are shortages (at times, hehe), but we still manage to eat a full meal everyday. I can afford a car, a nice house....alhamdulillah...life has been easy for me.

Especially after the learning journey to Bukit Candu yesterday, it really made me feel so lucky to be alive in this decade, in this country. Despite all the complaints, I realised that I might not have it this good elsewhere in the world. Sudddenly, I am glad to be a Singaporean. A bit too late, I know, since National Day was weeks ago, but hey, better late than never.

Darling's birthday

2008-08-23T13:53:00.003+08:00

My darling husband celebrated his 29th birthday on the 21st of August. I have already decided to buy for him an Arsenal jersey. So, after school, I went to Sportslink and looked at the jerseys. I don't really want to buy for him the new home jersey. He already has last season's home and the only difference is the sleeve so I thought of buying for him the away jersey. Now, the last season's away is white with maroon collar. The latest away jersey is orangy-yellow. Last season's away is more appealing in terms of looks but the orangy-yellow one is just launched this month. Should I buy the nicer one or the newer one?

I spent like 10 minutes just looking at the 2 jerseys. The salesperson must be thinking this pregnant women is so fickle. She keep coming up to me and say, "Can I help you?", "This is the latest", "Shall I get the size for you?". I couldn't make up my mind. In the end, I bought the latest season's jersey!

By the way, found a splendid website that allows you to watch TV from your computer....movies and can even watch football if you don't subscribe to the sports channel....

Anyway, I digress...After that, I picked Mia up from my mum's and headed home to bake some brownies. I didn't bake a cake because both of us are not exactly cake eaters...but brownies, yum yum! Mia loves it too...

After the brownie is baked and the present is wrapped, I hid the brownie in the oven and the present in the shelves. When my baby gets home at around 8.30pm, I just pretended that nothing is happening. We talked for a while, he played with Mia then he went to bath. While he is in the shower, I switched off all the lights. Took the brownie and placed a candle on it. Placed the present on the table and prepared Mia by the table. I had to keep her hands off the brownie, of course! And as soon as he comes out of the showers, we started singing Happy Birthday...hehe, so that was the celebration.....

To take medication or not to take

2008-08-19T12:29:00.005+08:00

Well, the flu that I got on Friday did not subside. In fact, it got worse. And as usual, the flu resulted in a blocked nose and very bad cough. To make matters worse, every time I cough, my stomach hurts, especially the lower abdomen. So, I had to go to the doctor to get some medication and therefore am on MC since yesterday. I kind of lost my voice and every time I tried to speak, I would cough uncontrollably. Luckily today, I felt much better. Although my stomach still hurts when I cough, the number of coughs has decreased much.

I do feel very guilty when I take the medication. Would it affect my growing baby some how? What are the risks? How do I know what is going on in my pregnant body?

I feel groggy after taking the medication, would my baby be groggy too? Of course at times like this, I have to think of the risks. Which is more risky? To deprive my baby of oxygen because of my blocked nose and to cause undue stress from my coughing OR to take the medication? I choose to take the medication so that whatever virus that I am having would stop attacking me or my baby. The risk of NOT taking the medication outweigh the risk of actually taking the medication.

My darling is on reservist for these 2 weeks and he will be on shift. Well, I have gotten used to it actually. When he first started going for night shift, it was kind of hard not to be with him at night. It felt different not to have another body in the bed next to you. You just have to get use to these things, I guess...at least he is not away for 2 or more consecutive nights...

Wear your baby!

2008-08-16T06:18:00.010+08:00

I have always been an advocate of babywearing. I have been wearing Mia since she was only 2 months old and I love it. I recommend it to everyone. Especially now with the forum buzzing with people talking about strollers being a nuisance especially in shopping centres or crowded bazaar.

About 90% of the time, I wear Mia when we go out. The stroller is very seldom out of the bonnet of the car. It's easy and quick. I can shop, eat, carry bags with two hands...I just love it. I love the feeling of having her near me. She can sleep peacefully in it. At times, even when I am at home doing housework, I wear her. These are times when I get to teach her about household chores, hehe. Always start early! I only stopped wearing her after she weigh more that 11kg. After that, I have no energy to carry her for long periods of time. Anyway, by then, she is able to walk by herself.

Back to babywearing. I have experimented with lots of babywearing methods. I first tried the ring sling. Although when she was only 2 months, this is not the position she is in. I feel that the ring sling is great especially if you are breastfeeding. You can use the extra cloth to cover your modesty and should there be a slight drizzle, you can always use it to cover your precious little one's head.

Then I saw the wrap. Now, this is a bit different in that it's basically just a very long cloth. Of course you need a lot of practice wearing this one....I used this one mostly during my holidays...for sightseeing and shopping...in fact, when I was in Australia, I got quite a few eyes on me and some even asked me where I got it....I guess it's something new there. When I was in Bali and Batam or even Malaysia, no one asked or even glance in my direction. Babywearing is not something new in Asia anyway...

The next babywearing equipment I got was a pouch. Now, this is the easiest. I just put it on and pop Mia in. Simply in and out.

I guess different people would prefer different methods...as for me, I choose one according to the type of activity I am going to be involved with...so everyone out there with a baby, go get yourself a babywearing thingy fast...you won't regret it. Aahh, talking about this makes me miss wearing Mia....

HFMD?

2008-08-15T05:43:00.003+08:00

Do I have HFMD?

Had quite a scare today. Especially in the wake of the HFMD tragedy of the 3yr old boy who died of HFMD...

I woke up with a mouth ulcer!! Actually, since I came back from school on Wednesday, I saw some red thingy on my hands and my stomach. It was damn itchy. My darling kept asking me to go for checkup but I said no. Wait till later. On Thurs, one of the red thingy on my hands disappeared but the rest are still there and itching. Then on Friday, while waiting for the students, I felt an ulcer in my mouth. I was like, DAMN! To make matters worse, I somehow got the flu and sneezed quite a bit. So, straight away after school, I went to Mak house and waited till to 2pm for the clinic to be opened. Can't sleep, can't eat! Too nervous.

Once my number is up, I went inside and told the Dr Tan about my worries. He inspected my mouth and throat with the torchlight. Finally, after what seems like a few hours (it's only a few minutes, actually), he diagnosed that it is not HFMD...Alhamdulillah....that was such a relief! Well, he said that he is 95% sure that it is not but I am to monitor the ulcer. Should there be more ulcers or any rashes or blisters appear on my hands, I am to go see him immediately. He is quite worried cos I am pregnant and he said that there are no concrete evidence to show that the baby would not be affected...

I just cannot imagine how it would be if I were to have the dreaded HFMD. Can I still hug and carry Mia? Do I need to go to hospital and check on my baby? I must stop this. Just think positive thoughts......

5th Month checkup

2008-08-11T05:43:00.004+08:00

Went to Mount Alvernia Hospital today to have my 5th month detailed scan. Appointment at 9.45am. Came and went to see Dr Lee first before the scan. We talked about the blood test that was done last month. Alhamdulillah...he said the tests showed good results. That was great to know. He told us that he would be doing a 3D scan for us that day because he is trying out his new machine. We were excited. So excited that I completely forgot all the questions that I have been waiting to ask him, like can I rebond my hair while pregnant, can I take off-counter cough syrup and flu medication, is my aching normal....sigh...only remembered all these questions while waiting to do the detailed scan.

The 3D scan was amazing. As he was still learning how to use the machine, we got to see quite a bit of our baby. You can even see the baby's facial features and body contours....It would have been clearer if the baby is bigger, as in more that 28 months. I was only 19 months so there was not enough fats on the baby to see much. He said that once the baby has more fats, the image would be clearer. But the sad thing was, he did not give us any printout. He said the machine at his woodlands clinic can also do 3D scans. Again we forgot to ask if additional payment is needed to have the 3D scans.....hope not.

Anyway, after that, we had our detailed scan. The radiologist measured baby and checked for his organs. We saw the kidney, the 4 chambers of the heart, bladder. In fact we saw quite about everything except the genitilia. The gender could not be confirmed yet as the baby is not in a 'conducive' position...

The radiologist kept pressing and pressing my stomach with the scan thingy cos my baby would not stop moving. Baby kept moving and changing positions whenever the scan thingy is pressed onto my stomach. The radiologist kept chuckling and asked me if I can feel the movements. I could feel it but just slightly.

Mia too was super hyper that day. My darling could not contain her as she was squirming and talking and just touching every single thing in that small scanning room. I guess the baby was excited to hear Mia's voice and got her energy too.

Well, that's it. After that we went to makan and went to Jurong. Exciting day!

After very very long hiatus...

2008-08-10T17:04:00.006+08:00

I know it's been soooooooo long since my last post. Like 2 years ago!! Anyway, a lot had happened since then. My precious daughter was born on 7th of July 2006. I did went through all the confinement stuff and managed to lose weight quickly but the weight did not stay off for long. I think after about a year or so, I gained weight again. And so the battle continues....

Well, during the past 2 years, we had gone on several holidays and I am proud to say that I went to my holidays with my baby. Australia when my baby was only 5 months, then drive up to KL with Ju, Ain, Ivan and Josephine when she was 10 months. After which, we went to Batam with my family in the same month. At the end of 2007, we went to Bali where I brought my Malay dancers on a school trip. And recently, we went to Mauritius in June. So far, it has been hassle free...well, except for the Mauritius trip. And that is not because of my daughter. I WAS the hassle. You see, I am currently pregnant with my 2nd child. So, during the Mauritius trip, I was only 2 months pregnant and I was having the morning sickness. I got worse there and I was feeling crappy most of the time. Yah, so that's the holiday stories...

Other updates include, my sis got engaged this year and will be getting married at the end of next year. Ju and ain also got engaged this year (FINALLY!) and getting married by mid next year. Ivan also having the Chinese wedding at the end of next year. It's going to be a year of marriages, I guess...Oh ya, Az had her 4th child last month I think. It's a girl.

I think that about sums it up. Hopefully, from now on, I could find the time to update more frequently....

Sick @ home

2006-04-28T10:55:00.000+08:00

On MC today. Been coughing and sneezing since yesterday. today, I cannot take it anymore so decided to stay at home and rest. my stomach kind of hurts everytime I cough. i did not manage to sleep well last nite either. keep waking up due to the coughing.

anyway, the open mic day was such a hilarious event. i videotaped the auditions as well as the actual competition. everyone who watched it laughed like crazy. the kids are soooo cute!

now that my stomach is so much bigger, most of the students are asking, "You have a baby?", "You giving birth?", "In there got baby rite?" and so on....the questions just keep coming. the older kids would ask the gender of the baby and my colleagues would be asking when my 'holiday' would begin...

it's the exam period rite now and we all so busy covering the syllabus and making sure the students get the necessary practice that they need. I am really afraid about my P1s. this is the first time they are sitting for an examination. just hope they can do it....

most probably, my hubby and me would be doing our baby stuff shopping this weekend. we have yet to list down the things needed. but we really need to get started or I'm afraid i would not have the energy to do it much later. rite now, my energy level is really low and I dont' feel like doing anything at all. just feel like lying down and doing nothing...feel so weak and tired most of the time!

Open Mic Day

2006-03-27T08:23:00.000+08:00

Been busy preparing teaching resources for my SEED. anyway, i just bought a play microphone for school. i will be having an audition for my singing competition this wednesday so the students can use the mic. after that, it can also be used for story telling and what not...i hope it helps those soft spoken ones who are always eager to contribute and share but whose voice no one can hear...

talking about the singing competition, once i announced it to my P1 and P2, the whole class got so excited. most of the talkative ones want to join but there are quiet ones who actually put their hands up as well...my Aidil's reaction is the best, he immediately started singing the Pop Yeh Yeh song. He continued singing all the way to his form class...my P2 as usual, started asking lots of questions, can we sing Hindustan, Arabic (must be from Mawi!), why cannot, can we dance, i got no CD how, and the list goes on and on...wonder how many participants i will get. hopefully it won't be like my colleague. she actually open the mic to her students and several students came up to the mic and just stood there staring at the whole class! some put up their hands and when asked what song they want to sing, they just shrug their shoulders...aaaahhhh, so irritating!

will be going for another checkup today. hopefully we will be able to confirm the baby's gender. my hubby's cousin who is 5 months pregnant now, already know that the baby's a girl...

i can really feel the movements in my stomach now...at times, the movements can be quite sharp. it's not painful or anything. my hubby gets excited everytime he manages to feel the movements. our baby can be playful sometimes...when i can feel movements in there, i will inform my hubby to put his hands on my stomach but the moment his hands are on my stomach, the baby will stop moving...hehehe...i think the baby is doing it on purpose just to spite the daddy...hehehe.

End of school term

2006-03-11T16:15:00.000+08:00

today is the end of the school term. this one week hols is not really a full holiday for me. I have to go to school on Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri. the only holiday is Thursday...so sad! this is the time i am going to prepare my exam papers, worksheets and teaching resources. I have to start early so that when i leave for maternity, everything is ready. i do not want to burden anyone during my absence...

an out of the blue moment - just the other day, one of my P1s came up to me and said: "Cikgu, saya tengok cikgu gemuk macam nak beranak aje..." i just smiled. then one of the other students said, "Eh, cikgu kan ade baby." then they giggled and told other friends. so cute...they can be so innocent sometimes and it is so endearing...so different from adults. they just say whatever is on their minds.

Another out of the blue moment - during class, while everyone is doing their work, my Aidil just say out loud, "Eh, kita ada datuk tau." the whole class looked at him and one of them commented, "Alah, kita pun ade datuk." To which my Aidil replied, "Eh, datuk kita tak pakai baju, ah!" and then there were laughter...

Standard questions

2006-03-10T14:05:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine who just got married was kind of pissed that I asked him about when they would be having a baby. I mean, that is one of the standard questions that come with marriage. just like when are you getting a house? or where did you go for your honeymoon? these are questions that you will be asked over and over again. if you are gonna get pissed with every similar question that comes your way, you will get frustrated over nothing. the questions will come whether you like or not and if you are going to be sensitive over it...then just don't go out in public. friends and relatives are definitely going to ask...even if they don't ask you, your parents would be hounded as well...i just don't understand why he has got to be worked up about it...everyone goes through it, so do you think you are special and therefore should be spared....i don't think so!

about having a baby...for me and my hubby, in the beginning, we thought we would wait a while...settle down, stabilize our finances, get used to being married, enjoy each other's company...but then when we think about our aging parents, we know that we don't have the luxury of relaxing first. our main concern at that time was finance but we also know that a child is rezeki from Allah. and so, the journey begins...i stopped taking pills and just leave it to God.

alhamdulillah, the baby is growing wonderfully. in fact, we just had our 5 months scan the other day and the baby is healthy. the only thing is we still do not know if it's a boy or a girl. the doctor states that it is a girl with a question mark because we really can't see for sure. the baby still refused to open up the legs...hopefully, by the next checkup, we would be able to confirm the gender...

Post natal theory

2006-02-26T16:59:00.000+08:00

well, for the malays, after a woman gives birth, she has got to go through some post natal rituals. these includes getting massages, using 'pilis', eating jamu, etc. my hubby and I believe that these rituals have physical and mental benefits.

the physical benefits are that the woman would be healthier, regain her energy and get back her shape. the most important benefit is the mental benefits. from the rituals, even if she is not healthier, just going through the whole process would somehow make her feel healthier and revitalised.

most importantly, she would not have a culture shock from the sudden change of attention. you know, when she is pregnant, everyone is giving her the attention and care and concern. she is looked after like a queen, then suddenly, after giving birth, nobody looks at her anymore. all eyes are on the baby. if the baby makes a little noise, all hands are ready to cradle her. imagine...for the past nine months, she is the centre of everyone's lives and suddenly, she is invisible. that can be traumatic!!

so, by going through the rituals, it shows that she is still being taken care of. as most of the ritual has to be carried out by another person, preferably a midwife, the mother feels that she is not invisible and slowly will get used to the transition of being a queen to being a provider for the little queen/king.

that is why I intend to go through the whole process after I give birth. our nenek moyang who actually thought of this is really a genius. power to tradition!!

Why didn't you come?

2006-02-26T16:30:00.000+08:00

I was absent on thurs. so on fri, the moment I step into the classroom, my students came up to me and ask why didn't I come yesterday. when I told them I was sick, they ask again what sickness was I suffering from? yesterday, we had a meet parents session and one parent even told me that her son went home on thurs and keep asking his mother why I didn't come that day...kids can be so curious sometimes...anyway, my P2s made get well cards for me which was very sweet, hehe.

the flu bug is spreading amongst my students. some of them were absent for 2-3 days and even when they come back to school, they still look very weak. so pitiful. i even got one P1 kid who just fell asleep in class while I was giving spelling. she was crying and burning up and so I called her grandma to come and pick her up. so kesian!!

talking about meet parents session yesterday, it went quite well. I meet some wonderful parents who shared stories about their kids. some are quite honest and told me their feelings about being a single parent, about being a working mother who hardly has time for her child, about a mother who is not too educated to teach her own son....it was a nice sharing session. I just took some tips from their stories...

Yikes, stretch marks!!!!

2006-02-23T20:09:00.000+08:00

I really, really worry about stretch marks. I have been applying Jojoba Oil Lotion on my bulging tummy and hips everyday after bath. I hope that's going to help!

Don't get me wrong. I love being pregnant. all the attention i get especially from my hubby is just superb. (hope it continues even after birth, hehe!) I am waiting to experience all pregnancy have to offer. I am prepared but the only complaint i have is my aching back and the possibility of having stretch marks.

talking about my hubby, he is just excellent. putting up with my complaints and crazy mood swings and everything else....love him sooo much...

when we watch television, we used to see actresses holding their back and walking as if the stomach is soooo heavy...i used to think that hey, it can't be that bad right? I mean, how heavy can carrying a baby in your belly be? oh please, we don't see a fat person walking about holding their backs like that!! some of them have bigger tummy that the pregnant ladies, and they are walking fine.

but now that i am experiencing it, i know. it's not about carrying the baby, it's just one of those things that expecting mothers have to go through. and the pain....ah, i shall not say it.

last night, i experienced my first muscle cramp on my left calf. I did not know it can be sooooo excruciating. my hubby had to get up and help stretch my leg. the malays call it simpul biawak. I have read about experiencing cramps and wondering when it would come....well, serves me right. just hope it would not happen too frequently!!!

everyone is asking about my baby's sex. what can I say! the kid refused to open up the legs and reveal what's in between...we all have to wait, I guess....

Hanyut = Adrift

2006-02-23T09:02:00.000+08:00

Met my secondary schoolmate yesterday...she got married the same day as me. very fun! anyway, we had a long chat. she still remembers that i used to shout at my sis. she reminded me to stop yelling at my sis, now that I am pregnant. well, i don't shout at her anymore but i do shout like tarzan at school.

my current batch of P1 is very much different from last year. last year, they were all so cute and innocent and adorable but this year, some of them want to grow up to become Hanyut. (A popular TV series featuring real life criminals turned good).

It was really a rude shock! some of them are saying that they want to be gangsters and one even claimed to have been in jail before. this is P1 and P2 students here!!! I tried to set the record straight by asking them if the people in Hanyut are good or bad examples. All of them said bad but they still want to Hanyut! Scary, very scary. Being in jail is something cool for them! I can't use that to stop their crazy ideas so I had to use religion. Saying that if they do bad things, they will go to hell. hopefully they will get the message.

I really wonder about their parents sometimes. they allow their kids to see these shows without explaining to them that it is not cool at all. kids need to be told about the consequences of choosing those actions. if the parents think that only teenagers need to be guided, then they are wrong. like the saying goes, bila melentur buluh, biar dari rebung. these young, impressionable kids are the ones we need to monitor. Once they reach adolescene, it's too late. they have already made up their minds.

who's fault is it anyway? the TV station for airing the series at a bad timing or the parents who do not hold their child's hands.........

Why never update????

2006-02-09T08:45:00.000+08:00

Well, finally another update after like ages.....

A lot have happened since November...first up. My bro's thingy have been settled, after dragging for so many months. Good for him. at least he can get on with his new life...wish him all the luck....my sis as usual, been in and out of 'rehab'!!! wonder when she is settling down....

my life had been hectic. with school, household chores, stomach growing bigger....still managing. my daily routine have somewhat changed due to my current school schedule. wake up in the morning, subuh, then masak. sometimes when I'm too tired, then no masak. wake my hubby up and clear the kitchen and house. then I will go to school. but there are days when I have to go early to settle some marking, then some of these steps would be skipped. and the week goes on with me doing the same thing over and over again...

i have been feeling less sick. I guess being nearly 5 months pregnant means I am in the honeymoon period (that's what my bro said). but if honeymoon means extreme backache...then i am definitely in honeymoon stage....getting up from a sitting or lying position is really a challenge...in fact, just changing position during sleep can be agonizing...

I used to think that pregnant women are just overacting to get attention but in actual fact, the pain that we go through is really indrescribable. it is NO EXAGERATION.

Holidays are here...NOT!

2005-11-28T17:06:00.000+08:00

Well, nov/dec hols is here but as usual, i am not enjoying my hols as of yet. the whole first week had me going to school for workshops and meetings. today, another meeting. tomorrow, another meeting from morning till 4 plus...and next week, i will be in school on wed, thur, fri for tarian practice. ah well, what was I expecting...a holiday where you actually don't go to work? wishful thinking...

yesterday was a tiring day. my hubby's cuzzin got married so we had to be there the whole day, till it was time to pack things up. so tiring...sitting, standing, sitting and standing all day long...

i am actually missing my students especially the P1 students. miss their silly questions and antics. next year, i will be teaching P1, P2 and P5. hopefully i will be teaching the good lot of my current P1 next year. very cute! now need to plan for next year's batch. new strategies, worksheets, portfolios...you know the drill...

still feeling seasick...need orange peels....

is it true?

2005-11-25T17:17:00.000+08:00

the past few days have been like a roller coaster ride...well, that's what i am feeling literally. can't help feeling seasick and been having uncomfortable sleep as well. must be because of the changes that's happening rite now.

last sunday was really a turning point. we did the test twice and both of us cried both times. i really do not want to bring our hopes up too high only to have it crashing. so the next day, monday, we went to a doctor. he confirms it.

i don't really dare to tell everyone. just parents and siblings. i don't know why, but it is quite scary. the possiblilities of complications are endless but i try not to think too much about it. i am somehow afraid to tell a lot of people in case Allah thought that I was showing off and changed His mind....i know it's crazy but that's how my mind is right now, crazy.

been crying or laughing about the simplest things. my hubby must think that i am crazy. he even mentioned that if he can survive NS for 2 years, what's nine months...hehehe. not been craving much except for some simple things like mcdonalds filet o fish and nasi lemak bungkus for breakfast.

aside from the nauseous feeling, the only other thing that is making me wince is the fact that i am already putting on a lot of weight. aaaahhhh! i really don't want to put on too much weight cos i know getting rid of it later is a torture but i really can't restrict my diet. i can't seem to be hungry. i need to be eating something the moment i feel a slight hunger. if not, i will be feeling seasick again. very seasick!

i am just hoping and praying that everything would go smoothly and this seasick feeling would be over soon....

My Vios is here

2005-10-14T12:31:00.001+08:00

Finally, i just got my vios. boyan called me yesterday evening to say that the car is ready for collection that nite, so, being the excited couple that we are, we went to collect it yesterday. we parked the bike at our house and went to turf city in a taxi. it was cheap. only $9.80. anyway, upon reaching there, i had to beri so we went to the toilet and i let go.....

then we went straight there and saw 2 vios. was wondering which one was ours because boyan still busy handling a customer. one of the guys there told me that the 2625 is ours....hehehehe, nice number right! we took the car for a ride while waiting for him. need to get used to the width of the car, so used to the small kancil. then, we went to fill the car with petrol, and went back.

after all the proceedings, we took the car home and bought carpark coupons. we put the night coupon but did not pun any day coupon because i am going to school early today...or so I thought...

i overslept and woke up at 10 am this morning and rushed to bath and off to the carpark. ho and behold....the carpark fine is nicely slit under one of my wipers....even worse, the time of the fine is 9.57am! aaaahhhh! very irritating.

will be posting the picture of the new car later....

Honeymoon pic (a little outdated actually)

2005-10-08T12:56:00.000+08:00

here are my honeymoon photos...dah basi, I know but hey, what the heck! it's not everyday I get to go to the Maldives...

view of the sea from the sea plane (on the way to Hilton resort)

arrival at Hilton resort

the Hilton bed (where all the action is, hehehe)

view of the balcony from the bed

Maldives cigarettes (wrapped in newspaper with NO filter!)

Last lunch on the island at Hilton resort....so sad to be leaving...back to reality

on MC today

2005-10-07T22:44:00.000+08:00

i'm on MC today. very bad cough. did not get a good rest last nite. the cough woke me up. so, can't really teach with this irritating feeling in my throat, so took MC to rest.

it's ramadan. this year, i really welcome the fasting month. i intend to do as many ibadah as i possibly can. i am really trying hard to get the 5 waktus done. u know, there are times when the 5 waktus could not be met due to time constraint or plain laziness....very bad...i intend to change that and am really trying to get the 5 waktus completed.

waking up early for sahur is making me kind of tired. i wake up at around 4.30am, prepare the food, then clean up the kitchen, read the Quran, subuh then take a quick nap before waking up again at 7.30 to prepare my hubby for work. after he goes to work, i sometimes sleep but there are times when i had to make the bed and clear up some mess and head to school to do some work. oh man, talking about work, i forgot about the SEM report that i was supposed to hand in today. shit, i hope he don't mind me emailing it to him tomorrow....

i tried out just now and found that 6pm is not enough time to prepare the buka feast so i have to prepare the ingredients in the morning before going to school so that when i reach home at 6pm, i can start cooking and the meat would have time to cook before buka time...

right now, my baby is playing his computer game and me sitting next to him typing on my powerbook. oh yah, i forgot to update about our new car.

we actually booked a toyota vios last month with Boyan. then a few days back, he called to say that he needs my IC for registration. that means the car will be ready in about 1 week plus. so excited. actually we the decision to have a car is very much influenced by the fact that we decided to have a baby.

intially, we wanted a baby some time next year, after we are more ready. but now, we know that we are ready and we are working for it...very hard indeed, hehehe! so, that's where the car comes in. we really thought the car would be a financial burden to us but if we want to have a baby, we need a car. i don't think it's healthy for me (in terms of conceiving a baby) to be bopping up and down on the bike everyday, right? then, the issue of when the baby actually arrives, we need transport to ferry the baby back and fro from parent's place, so after careful financial planning, we figured that we can afford a car right now...insya'allah...

Children's Day

2005-10-01T22:34:00.000+08:00

i decided to stop posts at elguru.blogspot.com and just continue my school stuff here. it's hard maintaining two blogs.

it was children's day celebration yesterday. we had a concert and after that, the teachers gave out their children's day gifts in the classrooms. i gave my prezzies and the students got excited especially the p1 students. the moment i came into the classroom, they are keep asking me about their prezzies...i had hidden their prezzies under the table before they came in the class....

i said, "ok, who wants to have their presents first?" everyone put up their hands. so i told them to come and get it. the present is a hug and a kiss from me....some laughed and some of the boys just screamed saying eeeeeeee! hehehe, so cute. one kid even came up to me and got a kiss and a hug... well, after that of course i gave them their prezzies. we had a small party where they ate their goodies in the classroom. after about 30 mins of enjoying themselves with the food and games, irfan stood up and ask, "so, today, we won't be studying?" and i replied of course not. he shouted yeah and told all his friends about it. hehehe...i think he must feel weird not to be studying while in the classroom.

in the hallway, there were some students who were expecting me to give them prezzies and a few actually ask for it. so i asked them, "did u give me anything for teacher's day?" so they just smiled and walked away. hahaha, that should teach them....

oh yah, the concert was fun. some of the teachers performing on stage. cute especially the P3 teachers performance...very nice and simple. yet effective!

Another long hiatus...

2005-09-29T22:21:00.000+08:00

hahaha, finally I am adding an entry. i don't even know when the next entry will be, hehe.

anyway, i'm a wife for about 4 months now and i must say that it is hard work. i love it though. I get to play house every day. my daily routine includes waking up, boil water to make coffee for my hubby, then make breakfast which can range from epok-epok, sandwiches, mushroom soup or just a simple cereal with milk. then i would wake my baby up and while he is bathing, i will iron his shirt. after that breakfast, he will leave for work. there are days when i need to go early, so i took a ride from him but other days, i just wave goodbye from my bedroom window...

after he left for work, i would go about preparing lunch. then, i will clean up the house and kitchen. then bath and have lunch before going to work. that's my daily routine...

now that i am a wife, i find that my time at home is spent housekeeping. i just find it hard to find time to do my school work like marking and lesson plans. hectic but at the end of the day, i am bushed. really tired. weekends are the 2 days that i look forward to. these 2 days are mostly spent at home...mopping, vacuuming, marking my worksheets, doing lesson plans and practice papers and everything else that did not get done during the week.

although i like taking care of the house, there are times when i just could not be bothered and just lie on my soft sofa, doing nothing...just idle my time away. but the thing is, at the end of the idling session, i would feel guilty about wasting those precious time, hehe.

The wedding!!! Finally over!!

2005-06-20T16:41:00.000+08:00

As you can see from the date, I am already Mohamad Norfitri's wife and living in our own house in Woodlands...I shall recap the days

Thursday, 26th May

Today, I had my henna done. It was so bloody long. I had to sit there like a statue from 3 pm till 12am! Can you believe it!! But then, it was worth it. kak ina did a wonderful job doing the henna. i did not eat and only went to the toilet once. sleeping was a torture as well. I could not sleep in my usual position....aaaahhhh! so tiring. the wedding bed was also put up today...can't sleep on it though. still had to sleep on the floor using comforter......

Friday, 27th May

The moment I woke up, I was feeling lethargic from the restless night. also, today would be the day they put up the wedding dais. in the day, we all just rested and cut the daun pandan for bunga rampai...cik gani from terengganu arrived and mum and mak noi took them to geylang. I had to stay at home. can't go out because scared 'hilang seri'. anyway, here is the wedding dais. this is the one they put up at home. i can't show you the picture of the dais under the block. I can't go out of the house, remember!!

Saturday, 28th May

AAAHHHH!!! This is the day. I woke up with thousands of butterflies in my stomach. had a light breakfast but can't really taste anything cos too excited and nervous. shower, then kak ija arrived. starts doing my make-up from 10.30am all the way to 1pm. opit and entourage supposed to come at around 3 so, I took some photos alone first. tough, having to pose and smile especially when I hate taking photos....

anyway, the kadi arrived but opit is still not here. apparently, he got car trouble or something...nervous....very nervous. Finally he came. The akad nikah began.

he looks cute right! sitting right smack in the middle, looking so nervous. he got through the akad nikah only once...alhamdulillah.....we are husband and wife. he went into the room and we exchanged the rings. he kissed me on the forehead then we took photos. such relieve!

The end is near...

2005-05-21T14:14:00.000+08:00

The end is near...my singlehood I mean. I will soon step into the realm of marriage life...wonder how it would be! oh yah, will be starting my marriage leave on wednesday. huray!

completed doing the barang hantarans with kak ita's help. lucky she help if not dunno when i will get to complete all the stuff. opit will be sending his to the tukang masak who will be decorating all the stuff for him...so lucky! anyway, i prefer to do it myself, to my taste!!

long weekend but got lots to do. can't update much. need to buy some last minute items like ribbons and glue and whatnots.

can't wait for my wayan on wednesday...lulur and massage!

It's been a while...

2005-04-12T14:09:00.000+08:00

it's been a while since the last update...ok, got the house keys, reno started, still going on...supposed to be completed by end of this month but doubt it would happen. benson predicted maybe first or second week of may!! so late...

anyway, right now still thinking of ways to decorate the barang hantarans...no idea yet. maybe will be buying some mags to curi ideas.

alright, now busy looking in on the renovating house, preparing for wedding and on top of all that, school work!!! aaaahhhh!!! STRESS!!

Got HDB letter

2005-02-12T13:01:00.000+08:00

Got HDB letter

ok, we have received the HDB letter. it stated that the TENTATIVE date for us to get the keys is on the 24th of Mar. then today, i checked the HDB website, and found out that the ACTUAL date for getting the keys is to be on the 24th of Mar, 3.30pm. surprise, surprise!!! NOT! well, i guess that is good enough that we are actually getting the house and the grant way before our wedding.

now, we are surveying prices of furniture. we are thinking of buying the furniture at Picket and Rail, Wihardja or some where in JB. so, we are still comparing the prices and the quality of the items.

as for the house reno, we are a fickle couple. we keep changing our minds on what to put in and what to take out. dunno whether to keep the console and bamboo or to just take it out....pening kepala!

once we meet sonia, we might just have to ask her to expediate the reno process. hopefully we can complete reno by the last week of april so that we can at least get the house ready by the first week of may. after that, we need to concentrate on the marriage stuff.

really need to start getting enough sleep. my eyebags is getting bigger and bigger.....

HDB first appointment

2005-02-03T08:55:00.000+08:00

HDB first appointment

on the 28th of jan, we went to HDB for our 1st appointment. i took UPA leave for that day. we met abg malek at mac at toa payoh at around 9 plus. talked for a while and then we went in about 10am. we waited for the makcik and her agent. then we took a number and waited on the 2nd floor. then we were called to a counter and signed some documents. after that we waited some more to meet up with a HDB officer.

when it was our turn, we went in and the officer did not ask us much. he just took our details and when we wanted to have the 2nd appointment earlier, his face turns like an asshole. abg malek did not help much either. he did not say much. only the other agent tried to talk to the guy. our agent accepts it just like that...no bargaining or anything....so fed-up.

after that, we went to see the lawyer. the lawyer not in so the secretary handled our case. she took our particulars and papers and we signed more documents. we are asking the lawyer to try to make the 2nd appointment a bit earlier but do not know how it turns out.

really excited to see how everything turns out....can't wait for the letter to arrive.

Coloured Perspective Drawing

2005-01-20T20:29:00.000+08:00

Coloured Perspective Drawing

Last tuesday, we met up with Sonia to see our coloured perspective drawing. actually we were hoping it would be like 3-D on computer or something but it's just the normal 2-D drawing filled in with colours. anyway, looked really nice but do not really know how it would really turn out...

really nervous about having the first appointment on the 28th of this month. would HDB really approve our application? we are asking for deferment of marriage cert for about 2 months as well as getting the grant...really hope shima or abg malek would be of great help!

sonia also gave us her work schedule...starting on the 21st of feb. dunno whether we would have received the house key or not...might just have to postpone.

now we are surveying furniture and toilet accessories prices...we are comparing between the prices in JB and singapore. that day, we went to JB and found some really nice furniture at the same price as the Singapore ones but of course in Ringgit Malaysia. we estimated that if we were to buy some of the furniture in JB, we would have saved about half of our budget. a lot!!!

really excited and scared to see what the results would be on the 28th of Jan....

updates..

2005-01-13T10:09:00.000+08:00

updates...

ok, had an outing the other day with merv, ju and ain. it's been such a long time since we met merv but he had to leave early cos of his eyes....on the 7th of january, we went out to celebrate ain's birthday. we watched a midnight show and then went to al ameen to have a late supper. we talked and cut cake until about 3am. very tired so i suggested we go home....

the reason for that is me and opit are supposed to be going to ROMM the very next day. we registered and had an interview with the kadi as well...the interview was very short with not much questions asked cos it was a saturday and the kadi was busy. he said, if u got any friends who are getting married, tell them to come on other days...hahaha, opit was so relieved the kadi did not ask much.

saw the perspective drawing from sonia the other day...we were expecting a coloured one but it turns out black and white. it seems that she needs to know the colours first before she can produce a coloured one. it would only be ready tomorrow evening. so, will only get to see it next week cos this weekend very busy.

this sat, we are going to JB to see the prices of the furniture and toilet stuff there. see if it is cheaper there and things can be bought there instead of here. we roughly know the prices here so, just compare and when the time comes, he can just buy...

tomorrow, my birthday...26 already....4 more years to being the big 30!!!!! aaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!! so scary......

Yesterday's outing

2004-12-27T11:15:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, we met the others at al-ameen again. actually it was a last minute thing. we decided to go there n thought that it would be nice to meet up. so we called them up and ju, ain, ivan came. we talked till about 1 plus....now quite tired.

oh, something fun. ain also just bought a zen micro...the same colour..hehehe!! but i can't use mine first. anyway, did not know that ju's mind also like our parents. when i told him that one of our hantaran is the zen n the xbox, he laughed. so narrow minded. why must hantaran be the same boring list of things? why must we really follow what's been given before? anyway, the things are things that we would be using....so, why must we conform to the norm?

oh ya, still have not registered the zen n the xbox....dunno how to do it...

Hantaran list completed

2004-12-25T23:00:00.000+08:00

Today we completed our hantaran list with our electrical purchases. I bought Zen Micro while opit bought XBox. Bought everything on our list already. Below our budget which is good. the only thing left to buy is our wedding bands. decided not to get opit to buy me a diamond ring. instead will be buying wedding band. figured that diamond ring difficult to jaga if worn everyday but wedding band better. would not be tersangkut2. but since wedding band a bit cheaper that diamond ring, will be getting some other jewellery as well...yahooo!

most of our things are not too branded. budget for each item is only $200. we went shopping last sunday. luckily borrowed dad's car. so many things until the whole back seat was filled up....so fun! had not been shopping for quite some time. was leaving town with several paper bags...hehehe.....such a great feeling to shop. we already bought:
1) 2 pairs of shoes each (one casual and one rugged wear)
2) handbag / wallet
3) watches
4) telekong / songkok
5) baju kurung
6) crabtree n evelyn
7) quran
8) towel
9) xbox/zen micro

anyway, will need to save lots of money for our home and honeymoon. oh yah, for honeymoon, decided to book during the NATAS fair next year March. hopefully got great offers.

Ciseern, U-Home and Unimax

2004-12-17T11:21:00.000+08:00

After getting quotations from chew, roslan n hamid renovation contractors, we went on to get quotations from Interior Designer firms. As mentioned previously, we got quotation from U-Home. Good...not too high...gave us an idea for the balcony as well, with drawing. instead of changing the door, they suggested making a platform with dividers at the side...nice, like rumah kampong.

next stop is ciseern. met up with sonia and talked about the quotation. keep changing our minds but she was patient. price still okay as compared to the previous 3 renovation contractors. last night we went to unimax n met up with winson. after comparing all the prices, discovered that unimax is the most expensive. after lots and lots of thinking, decided on ciseern. so tonight will meet up with sonia to create new contract and make payments...can only afford to pay her 200-500 only. can't pay any more cos the money needed for HDB first appointment later next month (28th of January)

gonna tell sonia that we managed to get 25k loan and will only be able to pay 2-3k more only. that's going to be our budget. will also tell her to include the basins and running of wires plus L-Box in the new quotation. we will also get her to do our balcony the U-Home style...hehehe...steal idea...anyway, really hope more can be done with our budget....scary yet exciting....

Bintan Trip

2004-12-13T08:00:00.000+08:00

Got back from our Bintan trip yesterday. we went on friday and reached singapore yesterday about 4 plus in the evening. great fun and i really did relax and did not even think of school work.

the itinery for that trip starts at 8.15 am. me and opit was supposed to meet ain and ju at khatib mac so that we can take a bus to tampines and then from there take another bus to tanah merah. as usual, our good friend, ju had to be late. he came at about 9. then he wanted to have breakfast first so we ended up leaving mac at around 9.30. we had to reach the terminal and check in at the counter at 10! so all 3 of us made ju pay for the taxi ride that we took. haha...

upon reaching bintan, we took a bus to mayang sari and at the lobby requested to have an early check in. we only managed to get one room so we grabbed it first and put our bags. by then most of us were famished. oh ya, ain's cousin n her partner also joined us. so we headed to nirwana hotel and have our lunch at The Coffeeshop which is actually a restaurant. ate nasi rames...very delicious!! yum....after that we walked back to our chalet. then we slept and me n opit couldn't sleep so we headed on to the beach. lounged by the beach and then went swimming. the waves were huge as compared to the ones in east coast....of course lah, hehehe.

anyway, after that, we washed up and rested for a while. then we went to the kelong to have our dinner. had to wait cos lots of people. finally ate chilli crab, prawn oats, kangkong n the other dish which i forgot...

next day, we woke up, have breakfast then took bus to Pasar Oleh Oleh. Bought some oleh-oleh for family, t-shirts and the sarong. nothing much, everything in singapore dollars so quite expensive. then, bought lunch (packed mee) and headed back to chalet where ivan is already waiting for us. they played the banana boat. at first i didn't want to swim cos my contacts getting itchy but later after the banana boat ride, they went swimming n i just can't help it. so i swam also. ain n her cuz gave up half way through the banana boat ride cos they said it's too scary....opit fell into the sea by the way....hehehehe....

after the swim, we lazed around. took photos and the boys clown around....then we bath and just talk cock while waiting for our room service. too tired to go out n eat. watched repeat telecast of singapore idol....taufik sing....aaahhhh! ivan had to leave around 7 plus cos had to catch the ferry. just the four of us...then had dinner, talked some more n went to sleep.

the next day, woke up, have breakfast, took photos and headed to the ferry....upon reaching singapore, we went to tampines, had dinner together and headed home.....

can't wait for the next holiday......

So expensive!!!

2004-12-05T22:14:00.000+08:00

Today we went to ginza plaza. chew and hamid are there, so one stop with two quotations...first stop was chew interior design. we looked around the showrooms and looked at the furniture. nice and some were to our taste. later we sat down and have a chat with one of the contractors. he wrote whatever we want on the quotation form...saying yes to whatever we said...so comments or ideas, just yes...

at the end of it, he wrote the price for all the things on our list and the total came up to 33k. we were so shocked! that is way off our budget. after that, we visited Hamid and sons which is on the other side of ginza plaza. guess what, for the same items on the list, we were quoted 34k!

at that moment, we really do not know which is the correct quotation. the ones given by interior designers at the exhibition or the ones given by these two contractors...a real headache! so, we decided to get quotations from another set of designers. this time, the small companies...like those at IMM.

we went straight to U-Home upon reaching IMM. we were told that we can only get the quotation some time next week. so we ended up going round IMM and most of them can't give us the quotation right there and then....so, waiting for them to call us next week...

Homemakers exhibition

2004-12-04T23:00:00.000+08:00

Homemakers exhibition

Today we went to the Homemakers exhibition at Suntec City. The moment we came in, we didn't really know which booth to visit first. So, the only thing to do is start from the right. We went and pretend to look at the posters outside the booths. The first stop is at Unimax. I think we spent about 1 hr at Unimax. Winston served us and gave us ideas for the house. told him what we actually wanted for our house...the zen/resort theme and the other build-in stuff. in the end, the final quotation is roughly about 25k.

we walked some more and looked at some others...while walking, we were stopped by this apek-like guy from creative or something like that. we were not really interested so we walked on. then, stopped by Ciseern designer. The name is Sonia Liew. Actually, just wanted to get the brochure then somehow we were coaxed to go in and have a chat. It was a nice chat. she showed us her project file...looks organised. gave ideas and was open to our ideas...both of us got a good impression of her...final quotation might be more than 25k but includes customised dining table, console and build-in wardrobe.

quite a fun day today...finally starting to get quotations...tomorrow will continue again. might go to chew interior and hamid and syurga....

exercise regime

2004-12-01T21:41:00.000+08:00

Exercise regime

Hooray! today i started my exercise regime...i will be doing 15 mins jogging/brisk walking on my treadmill. then i will be doing some weight training for about 10 to 15 mins. I managed to do those things today...hehehe....finally started on my regime...(felt like bush using the word 'regime').

anyway, the only thing that i forgot to do is to take my measurements...will do that tomorrow and will be taking my measurements weekly to see if there is any effects or not....hopefully, by May next month, i would have shed some kilos....or at least shed all these excess fats...

oh ya, i will also be using a toning cream together with a corset at night....most probably, about 3-4 nights per week. really hope to see some significant change....

Taufik will win Singapore Idol! The first Singapore Idol is Taufik!!!!

Signing of OTP, for real!

2004-11-26T08:37:00.000+08:00

Signing of OTP, for real!

last nite we went viewing. started viewing at 8 pm. met agent n his PA. then went to 787D, chinese house. next to ju's block. got too much fixed furniture. price is 275k. after that, went to 770. also chinese house, bankrupt case. the house like tongkang pecah. walls stained black, toilet door broken, ceiling peeling....price 255k.

after that, we visited two more houses. both malay house, both price is 265k. first house second floor. ok but i don't like the diamond shape...opit seems to like it...then we viewed the second house. block 538, next to vista point. both of us fell in love with it. 7th floor, views from 3 bedrooms and balcony not blocked. facing the sports school....windy also.

after that, we went to vista point and discussed about the houses. actually, my opit wants to think some more and tell our agent our decision the next day....although our decision is kinda made up already....but then considering, the good location and the price, we decided delaying would result in losing it...so, we told then and signed the OTP that nite itself!!!

wonder what the mama and his agent would say if they found out.....tomorrow, both me and my opit gonna make a collage of our dream house so that we can show it to the renovation contractors during quotations....

signing of OTP....NOT!

2004-11-25T10:51:00.000+08:00

signing of OTP....NOT!

last nite, we were supposed to meet the mama and sign the OTP. but then after negotiations, the mama told us he wanted 275k while we had agreed on 270k...then to make matters worse, he wanted 3k upfront! we were really prepared to sign the OTP but the moment we entered, the other agent told us the mama's conditions....we were taken aback.

we had several discussions outside the house and me being soft, was already taken in by the pujuks...my baby was different. he was adamant and was really half-hearted about buying the house but the problem is, he could not voice out his feelings...so i did the talking.

just when we were about to withdraw money for the deposit, we had another discussion in the agent's car...so, although the mama had already signed the contract, we decided not to go through with it...the owner's agent were not too happy about it but then, it's our money...

so, tonite, we are going to view other houses and see how it goes from there....hopefully we can get a suitable place. anyway, we decided that from now on, my baby will set me straight, be the anchor and i will the spokesperson...

can't wait to start the viewing tonite....wonder how it's gonna be like....so exciting!!

house financing

2004-11-12T01:40:00.000+08:00

house financing

we met our agents a few days back. they said that we will go ahead with the OTP after raya but at that time, halik still needs to discuss with this owner about it about the selling price of the house...

then a few days after that, we met again and this time, they had already worked out our monthly payment as well to see if we can manage it...well, from the looks of it, we can manage it for at least the first 5 years insya'allah...

so, now, the only thing that needs to be done about the house would be the signing of the OTP after raya and i must remember to take pictures of the house as well...we really need to get several quotations from renovation contractors so that at least we know what can be done with our budget....

decided that after the OTP, we will get our agents to pass us the house floor plan and together with our pictures, we will go recce several contractors to get quotations....

the day is getting nearer and the headache is increasing by the day but then again, at the end of it all, we would be looking back and marvelling at how we actually managed to overcome it all.....looking forward to that....

sofa dilemma

2004-11-02T20:47:00.000+08:00

sofa dilemma

continuing about the sofa issue...i really do not know what to say if my mum really decides to give me the sofa...i would have to decline but be very tactful. when it comes to these things, old people are very sensitive...

anyway i would suggest, if mum really wants to throw the sofa, she can still keep the cushions and just placed it against the walls. just like the houses in Iran, but with carpet in the middle of course. that would be real nice and cosy as well as spacious. great idea huh! maybe can just casually bring it up some day...

now, really in desperate need to lose weight. i feel as if my double chin is getting bigger by the day...or maybe it really is true!!! The HORROR!! i have been walking to and from school most of the days except those rainy days. i walked to my MRT, then reach my school's MRT and then walk some more. next step would be to start my weight training. hopefully, after ramadan, i would be able to swim so as to burn more fats. i think i will start my weight training this coming thursday....updates later!!

breaking fast at jurong

2004-11-02T18:18:00.000+08:00

breaking fast at jurong

yesterday, i break fast at opit's place. had lontong and roti kirai...after that, we just sit down and talk. remy really can't wait for opit to be gone...he is already planning to decorate the whole room. change everything...his mum just said never mind, he got a lot of money, sarcastically!! hehehe...

the other day, my sis told me that my mum is thinking of giving me the sofa...alamak, i hope she will not. i really do not know what to say...

oops, have to prepare for buka now...updates later...

Housing woes

2004-10-30T13:31:00.000+08:00

Housing woes

last wednesday, we break fast together just the two of us but then we met abang malek, our house agent. so, he updated us on the house situation...

he said that he and khalid in discussions with HDB right now and HDB will call them up within this two weeks. The situation is like this: we want to buy a house before we actually get married. it would not be much of a problem if we are not taking the housing grant which is 30K. that is a lot of money which we cannot do without. so now, we are appealing to HDB to allow us to move in around feb/mar next year and produce the marriage cert in may after our wedding AND still get to use the grant. oh by the way, our marriage date would be 28th of May 2005!

going to bussorah street to visit the bazar....updates later!

wedding = headache

2004-10-30T13:08:00.000+08:00

don't get me wrong. getting married is something that i can't wait but along with it comes worries, decision-making, headaches and more decision-making...

as of now, my wedding issues are taken care of by my wedding planner which is Kak Ina. despite that, i do have to make decisions. The baju nikah and baju sanding have been decided. I can't upload the photos cos I don't have the digitised version.

as for the food, my parents have discussed it with kak ina and decided on the types of food, so no more problems there. now, on my part, i need to prepare the berkat flowers, hantaran stuff. Now, that would be the fun part! We go shopping...hehehe...

watching style doctors now, updates later....