Aubrey Organics - Men's Stock Natural Dry Herbal Pine Deodorant

You see, I'm always into organic. If that organic product is within my budget, of course I will choose organic. Less chemical equals to less harm. Since my hub is a heavy deodorant user, I actually banned him from using anti-perspiration deodorant, which has a lot of chemicals which lead to a number of side effects.

I looked around in Iherb for organic/natural deodorant for men. I found this. I read a lot of good reviews about this Aubrey men's stock. And I decided to try one bottle. Oh well, we came back for more! I purchased another two bottles from Iherb! =D

 

In Iherb, it only costs $7.44 and after conversion, about RM26. If I purchase this locally, the price is RM70. What a big difference. And that's why I love shopping in Iherb, especially organic products. I save a lot!

What I like about this deodorant:

1) 100% Natural

2) Vegan

3) Against animal cruelty / No animal testing

4) Without harsh chemicals/ingredients

5) Smells good and natural - you do not have to use perfume if you're using this
6) Contents Biodegradable

The most important is it's natural. Since my hubby uses deodorant everyday, it is important to purchase an organic one or at least, a natural deodorant. He has been using this for almost 1 month, and recently, I purchased two more for him. He loves it. The pine smell is absolutely breathtaking. It smells so natural and well, he can even use this as a perfume. (Oh yeah, the smell is a little too strong if you dislike strong woods' smell) The smell alone is already so good that you do not need to top up with perfume. The smell lasts up the entire day. And I do read reviews that this spray deodorant does not cause any yellowish stain on the shirt. So, it's already a bonus point.

So, we've discarded all the artificial/chemical deodorant that he has been using all this while. The smell of those anti-perspiration makes me dizzy and I actually told my hubby to stop using. I couldn't stand that artificial chemical smell. So smelly! Unlike this natural herbal deodorant, I love it. It's so natural, and doesn't make my nose burnt. =D

Note : This is my personal review, I didn't get any benefits from reviewing it here. But, my main intention is to share this good product to you. A natural good product. Safe to use and nice to use. =)

Here's where I purchase this product:

http://www.iherb.com/Aubrey-Organics-Men-s-Stock-Natural-Dry-Herbal-Pine-Deodorant-4-fl-oz-118-ml/7582

And good news, feel free to use my product code (HUZ619) and get discount on first purchase.   

You will receive $10 off the first order of $40 or more, or you can take $5 off orders less than $40.

Shopping in USA from Malaysia - IHERB *again*

Will I ever get bored of shopping in Iherb? Definitely no. Ever since the baby boy started solid, I've been browsing high and low to search for the suitable organic baby cereals. Unfortunately, most of them that I wanted to buy run out of stock. This time round, I purchased a number of varieties, different brands of organic cereals for the baby. I notice that he's going to be a picky eater (keeping my fingers crossed) and hopefully he loves those cereals that I purchased for him.

I saved a lot by purchasing from Iherb instead of getting them in the local supermarket. And not to forget, some snacks and vitamin C for the big sister.

Honestly, shopping in Iherb is so convenient, and so cheap. Shipping is affordable as well (Approx 5.3kg for $14.48) Opt for DHL instead of the normal international airmail. At least you get a peace of mind and most importantly, it's reliable. If you are able to get a few friends to share the postage with you, then you save more!

If you're first timer shopping in Iherb, good news for you!
Feel free to use my product code (HUZ619) and get discount on first purchase.  You will receive $10 off the first order of $40 or more, or you can take $5 off orders less than $40.

Daniel - 6 Months

Daddy and Mommy and Big Sister's Little Champ is now SIX months old. Indeed time waits for no man. I've said this countless times because this is so true. I closed my eyes, woke up the next day and he's Six months. Oh boy, the next time I blink my eyes, he's going to kindergarten. And I will definitely miss all the baby fats, the baby snuggles, the baby coos, everything about babies.

Baby Stats:

 --------------------------

  

Sleep

You are getting more and more active and it's a bit tough to put you to sleep especially in the afternoon nap. You cried buckets when you wanted to sleep, and you cried in between of sleep and you cried when you wake up from sleep. Pheewww... It's tough, and your mama hope that this is just a season that when you grow older, you will be a happy sleeper. =D But, you have no problem sleeping at night.

Feed

Still breastfeeding and going strong! Stocks are building up in the freezer and your sister will have a taste of them. Still drinking 5oz of milk. And yes, we've started your first taste on solid. On the first day of solid food, you cried buckets. You dislike the taste of solid, you hate it when you see the spoon moving towards your mouth. But on the second day, you ate like a champ. Your mama was adventurous and moved you from cereal to apple puree the other day, but you dislike the apple puree so much. Perhaps we should try again this week. 

Solid Food Adventure:

20 Nov - First intro on Oatmeal Cereal (Yumm)

25 Nov - Oatmeal and Banana Cereal (Yumm)

1 Dec - Apple puree (Yuckk)

Weight

 At birth : 3.02 kg

7 weeks : 4.7kg

3 months : (still not checked)

4 months : 6.2kg

5 months : (not checked)

6 months : 6.5kg

6.5 months (30 Nov 2013) : 6.7kg

Funniest Moment

Ever since you became so efficient in rolling, from tummy to back, from back to tummy, you are trying to roll everywhere. Even in your stroller. Ooopss. This is a little dangerous, and we definitely have to watch over you all the time. =D

Milestone

  - Loves to roll left and right
- Loves to sleep on his tummy
- Loves to sit more than lying down
- Cried on his first day of solid food, but ate like a champ on the next day
- Hates pacifier from day 1- screams if I ever stuff that little binky into his mouth
- Still wakes up to nurse once/twice every night
- Always wakes up SMILING

Favorite Toy

Your mama's HAIR and Mouth. You grab anything that is within your reach. And your favorite past time while you nurse, is to grab my hair. Please don't pull too hard yeah, your mama has already lost a number of hair. Haha.

Thank you Jesus!

I'm beginning my post today by thanking my dear Lord. Thank you so so so so so much!

I just couldn't imagine how my days will be, if I ever lost all of them.

Well, since my daughter was born, I diligently captured and documented all her monthly development. I ensure that I organized her photos nicely in the hard disk, and get them printed and bought few photo albums to put her lovely baby pictures. I do have folders "Photo" and "Video" and I organized them month by month. I did the same for my baby boy. And I even have those pictures of my weekly belly. The ultrasound pictures and videos. I heart memories. All those memories are just so important. Especially those softcopy memories that I kept in the hard disk. From time to time, whenever I have nothing better to do, I will sit down in front of the PC and look back at the day my daughter was born, how she grew up from 0 to 1, 1 to 2 and then now, she's 2 years old! I teared, I smiled, I laughed in front of the PC. This baby girl makes me a complete wife/mom. And then, the baby boy was born. Today, he's 6 months old. Oh boy, time passed by just like that.

One evening, as I walked out the bedroom after nursing Daniel, I saw my hubby was sitting on the floor. He had this disappointed look in him. His sad face looked unusual to me, and I knew something was not right. He opened his mouth, and he said "Dear". Ok, faster tell me what was wrong. "Dear, the hard disk is EMPTY." I was shocked. Why empty? How did it happen? Are you joking?

Ok, I calmed myself down and asked him what we can do now. He was already in the progress to recover the files from the hard disk. Scanning the hard disk was in progress. And as I checked the progress, I saw 61234 files found. I saw hope. I saw light. It seemed like it's possible to recover back the files. All I need is my babies' photos and videos! I need them so badly that I couldn't sleep well that night. I just couldn't imagine how my days will be, if I ever lost all of them - the photos and videos.

Scanning of the entire hard disk took about 6 hours, and at 3am, I saw the files that I can recover. And I quickly scroll to check if I can see my babies' photos/videos. Hallelujah! I saw them. I'm not sure if it is all of them, but I saw the folders that I created, from 0-12months, from 1 year to 2 years. My heart leaped for joy. And my heart says, "Thank you Jesus."

Till today, I still couldn't stop thanking my dear Lord, for making it all happen. That the recovery was successful, I get back all my precious photos, precious memory lanes. All my travel photos, baby photos, wedding photos, birthday photos... all of them!

Lesson learn : Backup Backup Backup Backup! Backup as many as you can!

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Jesus!!!!!!

I think you will cry...

If you see how my baby boy cough his lungs out...

He looks as if he uses up all his might, all his strength, he curls up his body, just to cough out the phlegm...
And he looks like he's in so much pain.

When I look at him, I felt so helpless. All I can do is to scoop him up, give him a peck on his forehead and said "It's ok" and then I position him 45 degrees to help him cough out his phlegm. Sometimes it works, sometimes he get irritated and he screamed and sometimes he struggled and kicked.

We brought him to ER yesterday and after a dose of nebulizer, he seemed to be better. He's not wheezing, so I'm not sure if giving nebulizer is a good choice. Nebulizer helps to open up the airways and after the first dose, we did see some improvement in him. He vomited out the phlegm 4-5 times right after nebulizer and he felt so much better ever since.

Get well soon baby. It hurts me so much whenever my babies are not well. =(

Somtam Nua (Bangkok)

*non-halal restaurant*

If you've been wondering where to have a nice, cheap and affordable lunch or dinner, here's the place that you should not miss. The food is nice, price is cheap and yeah, take note on the dishes mark with star. Those food are must-order food. You won't believe me if I say we actually visited this restaurant twice for dinner during our 3/2 nights stay in Bangkok.

How to Get There?

Very easy. Take BTS to Siam station. Walk towards Novotel Siam Hotel and walk further down, you will see the restaurant with a big signboard named Somtam (at the back lane).

 

 Honey Lemon and Strawberry shake... very nice! The strawberry shake is the best!

 Tomyam Pork 

 Garlic fried Chicken. Must order. Justin's favorite!

 Fried spicy fish. Only 100bhat. Cheap right ?

Pork Chop - must order.

Mango Tango (Bangkok)

Again, if you ever visit Bangkok, Mango Tango is a must. It's a little pricey, but it's delicious. Bangkok mangoes are so sweet! 

How to get there?

It's located at Siam Square, can be reached by BTS to Siam station. It's just opposite Somtam Nua (if you know this famous restaurant).

 

The Best Mango Sticky Rice (Bangkok)

If you ever have the chance to hop on to Bangkok, this particular mango sticky rice stall at Thong Lo is a must. If you are a sticky rice lover, this is really must eat. You will not regret because the taste is so good! 

How to get there?

Take MRT to Thong Lo station and use the right lane. From there, if you look down, you can see the streets like below. The mango sticky rice stall is the very first stall, on the right.

 How to recognize if you're hopping on to the right stall? Look at the number 38 on the stall name, and the stall is operated by two sisters. 

 This plate of mango sticky rice only cost 60bhat. So yummy! Really Must eat! :p

Daniel - 5 months

I feel as though I just brought you home yesterday and today, you are Five months. Within a blink of an eye, you grow just like that. And everything seems to go by faster the second time around. You are our biggest chatterbox and you just love to babble. It seems like you are on top of the world whenever people talk to you. And when you see anyone of us talking to you, you cast your biggest smile ever. And that smile alone, makes me the happiest mom on earth! Happy Five months old baby! 

Baby Stats:

 --------------------------

  

Sleep

Some days, you sleep well. But some days, you can be not-wanting-to-sleep mood. Even though I've tried many methods trying to put you to sleep, but you wake up every 30 mins. But overall, I'm still one proud mama because you sleep pretty well during the night.

Feed

Still breastfeeding and going strong! 

And still drinking 5oz of milk. Night time you will DL because it's so much easier. Thank you for not having any nipple confusion . =) Are you excited baby boy? Next month you will be having your first taste on solid food. Rice cereal! Or Fruit puree! Your mama is extremely excited! How about you? =D

Weight

 At birth : 3.02 kg

7 weeks : 4.7kg

3 months : (still not checked)

4 months : 6.2kg

5 months : (not checked)

Funniest Moment

Ok, I think this is funny. When your Jie Jie is taking turns to sit on your bumbo. She's pretty cute when she says "Daniel I carry you". Hugs to both of yo u.

Milestone

  Can sit pretty well on Bumbo.

Rolling from back to tummy happily! And very fast!

Favorite Toy

Previously was your fist, and this month, it's your little fingers!

Daniel, I carry you.

Recently, Jie Jie has been wanting everything to be hers. She says "Mine" and hides the things she wants behind her back. We have been constantly repeating the word "Share share" with her a couple of times.Well, this is just another phase of growing up. A normal part of the development process. I will not be so strict or upset because of this, oh well, the power to possess is a natural part of the child’s growing awareness. Give them some time and they will outgrow from this, very soon. Don't make a big deal out of it. Some of these struggles should be ignored — you don't want sharing to become a parent-child battleground.

One trick that works for my daughter to share her things is to ask her to keep back her things. Strange? Yes. She feels happy if she owns the things, and she doesn't feel happy if I ask her to pass the toys to another child. So, what works is I ask her to put the toys on the table/keep the toys in the room, which means nobody owns the toys. And it works pretty well. She even clap her hands after that. So, parent your child your own way. Do not have to be that strict because they are growing up and they are learning. And you do not have to follow the book step by steps, follow your instinct, follow your heart.

Here's one funny act when Jie Jie wants to sit her Di Di's Bumbo.

Ashlynn : Daniel, come I carry you. Go sit your chair (the fisher price rocker)
Daniel : Looking at Jie Jie.

Ashlynn tried to carry him but she couldn't.
She gave up and she stood next to Daniel.

So, I carried Daniel and put him on his rocker and within a split second, Jie Jie was already sitting on his Bumbo.

Haha. She's so cute when she said Daniel, I carry you. =D

The "Protective" Big Sister

You know whenever I see the big sister adores her little brother, I just couldn't describe the feelings in me. I love seeing both of them together...and that feeling is just awesome.

Today, our dearest daughter woke up with a smile. She saw her little brother on the bed and she went over, called his name "Daniel Boy" and then she kissed his forehead. Such a simple act like this, puts a big smile on my face. I cherish days like this. And it became my prayer every day, that my kids wake up with a big smile on their face.

Ok, back to the reason why I'm writing this post.

Recently, she has been "body-guarding" her little brother a lot. A protective big sister I can say.

See below.

#1
Ashlynn saw Daniel was pulling the blanket.
Ashlynn : Mama, see. See Daniel. Blanket. No Daniel. No pulling blanket.

#2
Daniel burps.
Ashlynn : (Ran over to me) Mama, Daniel vomit.

#3
Me : Daniel, don't roll over yet. Wear your pampers first.
Ashlynn : Mama, who? (she was asking I scolded who).
Me : Daniel.
Ashlynn : Mama scold Daniel.

#4
Daniel was sitting on his Bumbo seat.
Ashlynn : Daniel, come. I carry you. Go and sit on your chair .
(Her intention was she wanted to sit on the Bumbo and asked Daniel to lie down on his rocker instead)

#5
Daniel was playing with his pillow.
Ashlynn : Mama, see Daniel. Daniel, no playing with pillow.

She's such a cutie pie. A live reporter. She reports everything that Daniel does to me. Haha.
My cutie pie.

Funny Chats #1 - #4

Some funny talks with my daughter.. it's just amazing that the moment she turns two, her ways of expression are so cute and funny. I'm laughing away while chatting with my daughter... =D

Funny Chat #1

Me : (sms-ed Justin) Please help me to wash and sterilize the bottles.
*Came out from the room after nursing Daniel*
Justin : Why you sounded like Aunty? Should type like "Dear, help me to wash bottles".
Ashlynn : (laughing at me) Aha.. Papa scold Mama.

Funny Chat #2
Heavy rain - thunder and lightning strike
Ashlynn : Scare me...... (laughing away)


Funny Chat #3
Me : Ashlynn, time to sleep.
Ashlynn : Ok. Papa, bye bye. Barney, bye bye. Jup Jup, bye bye. (while walking to her room)


Funny Chat #4
It was bedtime and I was busy with my phone.
Ashlynn : Mama, what are you doing?
Me : Mama shopping.
Ashlynn : Me also. Shopping. See.
Lol, my future shopaholic.

I shall create a new hashtag called "Funny Chats" and record all the funny conversations with my daughter. Few years later, I might look back and laugh and smile.

Everyday is a milestone

If you read my previous post, I will do all I can, not to miss any golden nuggets watching my babies grow. They grow EVERYDAY. It's just amazing how much they learn, how much they know and how much they grow in just a day. Today, I hear her saying new word. The next day, she is already constructing a sentence. I'm just impressed at how fast she learns. People used to say babies brain are like sponge and today, I couldn't agree more.

Few months ago, she just started learning how to talk few words in a go, expanding her vocabulary. But today, she's two and she's already a talkative little bubbly girl. She's able to relate situation and talk. Able to express her feelings. Able to say what she wants. And, complain if she's not happy or if someone bullies her. In just that few months span, she's not only growing in size, but also in character and personality.

Everyday is a milestone.

There's never a dull moment with her around. She lightens up the whole house and recently, she's so much into Hugging. Whenever she sees me, she run towards me with her arms open wide, ready for a big hug. My heart just melted away ... I stop doing whatever I'm doing, I squat down and open my arms wide enough, grab and hug her, and give her few pecks on her cheeks and say I love you. Then, she smiles. That priceless precious smile.

A genuine smile...

My baby girl.... I love you!

One More Year

...The hubby finishes his Masters, moving up to the next level.
...Ashlynn is getting ready for kindergarten .
...Daniel is 1 year plus, entering into toddlerhood.
...And me... I get back my sleep.

Literally, I do not know what one year later unfolds. Those above are all that I envisioned what one year later brings me and my family. All that I know, time is moving by pretty fast. Sometimes I just couldn't catch back with what the day has got hold on me. At the end of the day, I lie down, close my eyes and before I could reflect back my day, I was fast asleep.

I constantly remind myself to slow down and enjoy my babies, while they are still babies. And enjoy my husband while we are still young and fit. But most of the times, whenever I wanted to slow down, I remember those bottles that are still lying in the sink, those clothes that are all over the bed not fold, those sticky floor, etc.... And I get up, get those things done .. AND I never ever learn to slow down. I do not know how, there are just many things calling me, following after me.. "Please clean me".

Well, one year later.. I do not want to regret for not enjoying my babies. They are growing up too fast.. and I believe, next year, I will miss Daniel's baby moments. I will miss Ashlynn's learning-to-talk moments. As I watch my babies grow, I know that I really need to slow down and enjoy every seconds I can with them. Forget about those unwashed bottles, laundry, washing, cleaning etc.. those things can wait. All I need to do is to lie down and sit with them, watch them grow and re-learning life with them. Well, my children do not need a super clean house, but they need me to be by their side, learning and growing up together.

And today, I'm learning .... learning to slow down and enjoy my babies.

Happy 2nd Birthday My Princess!

Our dearest daughter has just turned TWO one week ago and we had a simple Hi-5 birthday party for her. The best that I could do, with that little time that I have. We prepared some food and thanks to our babysitter for cooking nasi lemak and sambal kangkung. Delicious!

28 Sept 2013.

Dearest Ashlynn,

I just couldn't believe that you are now two. It seems like you were just born yesterday and when I looked back those pictures captured and saved in our hard disk, I smiled. My heart feels so full! I'm happy. I'm proud. I'm blessed. I'm beyond thankful.

One of the things that I cherish the most is your SMILE. Whenever you smile, whenever you giggle, that's the moment that I want to bottle up and keep them close to my heart forever. I'm on top of the moon whenever you are happy. And that's my proud moment.

You brighten each and every day of ours. With you at home with us, it's never a dull moment. Our lives have never been the same again, the family grew from two to three and now four. We are just so so so blessed to announce that you are our daughter, and we are your parents.

Thank you Ashlynn for making this family complete. Thank you for making us the happiest parents on earth. Thank you for being who you are, and thank you for your smiles, giggles, hugs, kisses, love....

Papa, Mama and Daniel love you!

2 more days to Hi-5 Party!

With the very little limited time that I have, I still want to do the best for my daughter's birthday party. It's only once a year, so I really want her to enjoy her birthday and I will do all I can, to make sure her birthday party is a success and she really enjoys it. 

The preparation .... 

Lately I've been working hard on "stickers". 

I've done another sticker for the mini burgers but I've forgotten to take a photo of it and those stickers are now with the "burger man".

 My daughter is TWO!

Since she loves Hi-5, especially Jup Jup, I decided to do a Hi-5 birthday party for her. Wait till she's older and she tells me what theme she would like... till then, I will decide for her. =D

I'm all excited to celebrate her Big Two. My daughter is growing up fast, and I just love to talk to her. I love to hug her. I love to kiss her fingers. I love to kiss her cheeks. I love to hear her calling me Mama.

I will be on leave tomorrow to get the birthday party packs done..... And I just couldn't wait for the day.

Her Birthday!

Daniel - Four Months!

My sweet precious prince is FOUR months! 

I love planting lots of big fat kisses on your lovely cheeks. 

I love those eyes that stare at me when you nurse. 

I love holding your little fingers and smell them. 

I love tickling you on your neck and make you chuckle. 

I love you more and more! Just like how much I love your Big Sister. 

Thank you for being my squishy mushy soft cuddly baby.

Baby Stats:

 --------------------------

  

Sleep

You're still an easy going baby that you fall asleep easily when your tummy is full. But sometimes you cry buckets just to sleep, perhaps you were over-stimulated during the day. Overall, we are still happy that you can sleep anywhere, anytime, as long as we feed you full!

Feed

Still breastfeeding and going strong! 

You are drinking 5oz of milk now. And there was once you can go up to 7oz! Of course, in two sessions but in a very short interval. Anyway, we always live on the motto "Feed on Demand". And I just love it if you're fully breastfeed and you look like Michelin. Those chunks are just so lovely!

Weight

 At birth : 3.02 kg

7 weeks : 4.7kg

3 months : (still not checked)

4 months : 6.2kg

Funniest Moment

  

You love to SMILE a lot and sometimes you shout. O.O Your papa and mama got frightened what happened and when we looked at you, you smiled. You're definitely one charming Prince!

Milestone

 

Learn to sit.

Very alert baby!

Babble, squeal, gurgle and laugh.

Recognize faces.

Wiggle and kick more purposefully now

Favorite Toy

Your Fist! Or anything that is within your reach, eg blankie.

The Tayar Pancit

The tayar pancit of mine, was a great oven. It baked my two little yummy and delicious and pretty and handsome buns, up to term. I'm thankful. Even though it doesn't look that pretty especially when I'm on my body fitting shirt, but hey... this tayar pancit reminds me that I once baked those buns. And where ever I go, whenever I miss my two little munchkins.. the tayar pancit that I carry, create a wonderful history that reminds me my two buns are with me. All the time.

Such a vivid memory, that those two buns are just so precious. The spare tayar doesn't bother me at all because the two cute buns are worth everything. Well, if I couldn't fit into a body hugging tee, I shall get a loose tee. If I couldn't fit into my current jeans, I can wear a dress. So, don't look at the spare tayar as a hindrance not wanting to get pregnant. Pregnancy is beautiful. You wouldn't regret your size change because of pregnancy. Because when your precious one is born, the spare tayar is a history. And that history itself is an amazing story.

Last but not least, I'm proud of this little spare tayar. So many wonderful memories that I will definitely miss when this oven bakes her last bun. And, I secretly wish I could have many kids as possible. =D

This cute little spare tayar indeed has done two great jobs, that our buns came out healthy and strong, beautiful and handsome. Thank you Spare Tayar.

Yell Less , Love More - Achievement #2

Oh well, I'm proud to say that I made it again. The hubby was away for a wedding dinner, and I'm alone with the kiddos. The usual me, will definitely yell at least once. But last night, I didn't. Even though the apple crumbs were all over the floor, I just looked at her with my stern look and reminded her "no more playing with food". And that stern look works. She stopped playing with her apple and continued biting and eating them. Until few minutes later, the whole apple dropped on the floor. Ok, this is just another phase when toddlers learn how to eat on their own. (I reminded myself). All that I said was just "You see!" And I cleaned up the floor, took the apple, washed it and I ate it. :p

As a whole, we had a great night. She was cheerful, happy and when putting her to sleep, she kept calling me mama and this alone was already a bliss. I saved the entire atmosphere by not yelling and making her cry. 

Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving.
- Penelope Leach

It's 12.12am now and I'm looking forward for the sun to rise, and it's another day to give more love to my babies. Both of them are asleep now, and yeahh, I already miss the bonding time. And. I'm looking forward so much for the day to come. The more I yell less, the more I enjoy my weekends. Even more enjoy with both babies in my arms. Love wins!

Yell Less , Love More - Achievement #1

I've created a new hashtag in my blog called "Yell Less, Love More" mainly for the purpose to constantly remind myself this hashtag does exist and I'm working towards the goal to yell less and love more at home.

Last night was a win. I managed to hold my breath and I didn't yell. You might think this mom yells everyday, all the time. Well, I have one growing up toddler at home that still learning how to express herself whenever she's not happy. So, looking at it positively, she's growing up, she does not live life before and whenever things didn't go her way, she gets upset. True enough, we as adult get upset too whenever we didn't get what we want. We get emotional, but, we are matured enough to know how to control our emotion.

You know, this little girl of mine.. is the sweetest of all, whenever she's HAPPY. She's the prettiest among all, whenever she casts a big SMILE on her face. She's a heart breaker when she's on cloud nine. And because of this, I'm working towards this goal of mine, that I want her to be happy all the time, to carry a big smile wherever she goes and most importantly, tons of happy memories for her to remember down the memory lane. I wouldn't spoil her by achieving this goal, but the little goal that I set is to be stern yet loving. And, yelling is not the case.

It's not easy. But last night was my first achievement of "Yell Less, Love More". The result of it, she went to sleep happily. And the whole night, she was one happy lively bub. She chuckled, she smiled, she called "Mama" and "Papa" with a happy tone. The most important, the entire atmosphere at home is so SWEET and CHEERFUL. And this morning, she woke up with a smile. How much I desire for this, everyday. And all these smiles and happiness, lie in our hands, as parents. That, we should make it a point to Yell Less and Love More.

Let's work it out for our children, that everyday, they wake up with a sweet smile, looking forward to a happy day.

The ugly side of Parenting

Yelling!

Automatically when something frustrates you, you yelled. Little did we know the side effects of yelling, especially yelling at your kids. A permanent marker in their life, the Yelling marker. The ugly side of parenting is by raising your voice. I lost my patience a couple of times and after finished yelling, I scooped her up, wiped her tears and gave her a kiss. I felt bad. I know, being loud is just like a noisy gong/cymbal. No love. No message transferred. 

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” — Rumi

One of the biggest reason toddlers misbehave because they still haven't learn the right approach to express their feelings. Newborn babies, when they are upset, they cry. When they are hungry, they cry. When their diaper is wet, they cry. And why do we yell at them?"Our goal as parents should be to teach our children how to effectively express themselves by validating their feelings without validating their behavior," LaRowe says.

Are you hurt when someone yells at you? Of course; so why wouldn't your child be?
"Our goal as parents should be to teach our children and to build them up, not to tear them down. When we yell at our children we risk damaging their self-esteem and sense of self-worth," LaRowe says. Consider how you'd feel if your boss yelled at you. You'd likely be embarrassed and hurt. LaRowe points out that often you don't have a chance to process what your boss is saying because of how it was said. The same goes for your child. You want to be able to teach him what is acceptable and what is not without making him feel shame or embarrassment.
{quoted from Parents.com} 

Today, I'm learning to yell less and love more (inspired by Orange Rhino). It's not easy, especially when your little one does something that makes your blood boiling, and when your patience are already at the verge of explosion. But. By His grace, I can be the best mom for my children.. and definitely, I will try to be one.

I'm sorry kids, if I ever lost my patience just like that. I'm so sorry.. and I will make it up for you both, by being the best mom I can ever be, with His saving grace.

Keep her in your prayer, will you?

My darling daughter is not well again ... And how much my heart aches when I learned that she had fever last Friday evening when we picked up her up from the sitters'. I thought she might have caught the flu bug, spread from Justin to Me and most probably to her..

Until Sat afternoon, she kept complaining her face pain. She pointed to the right side of her cheek and said "face pain".. and followed on with cry. We didn't make a big deal out of it, we thought it was just a normal pain, which she might have knocked her face on something ... until we notice that her food intake reduced and worst of all, she didn't want to drink! She refused her porridge, milk, water ... everything! And then I knew, her face pain was really painful for her. She didn't make a story out of it, but she might have felt some discomfort inside her mouth. I tried my very best to ask her to open her mouth to check for ulcers, but she refused. She shut her mouth tight.

Since Fri 23 Aug onwards, her fever came back once a day, every afternoon, about 12-1pm. Strange? Yes. We did not know what was the cause of her fever and mouth pain.. Ulcer? Teething?. And till today, we still do not have the answer. We brought her to the pediatrician on 27 Aug since she still didn't recover from her fever and she still complaining "face pain". The Dr checked but couldn't find anything amiss in her mouth. No ulcers. No redness in throat. So, suspected teething at the back of the gum. But, she's not drooling. Hmmm.... and we were told that if her fever didn't go off by the 7th day, on 29 Aug, we should bring her back for blood test.

Thank God, the next day itself, after the checkup with Dr, she started showing some improvement. She complaint lesser on her face pain and she can drink. But she's still not that keen to drink milk. I actually offered her packet drink Yeos Chrysanthemum the other day to keep her hydrated since she was so picky and cranky.

Today, she's so much better. She can bite on apples without complaining and making fuss out of it. And she's back to her happy self again, except for the phlegm in the throat. Well, it hurts my heart so much to see my little one struggling to eat. Whenever she sees us eating bread, she wanted to eat so much.. but she couldn't. And seeing her like that (she couldn't sleep and eat well) .. I just couldn't hold back my tears.

Well, we're so glad that she's back in full gear. Look at the happy smile. The smile that I have been longing for days. I miss her bubbly active self... I miss to see her enjoying her meal, eating and chewing on apples. I miss her laughter... I miss her sweet soft happy voice calling out Mama. And how much I miss seeing her enjoying talking to her little brother...

Please keep her in your prayer, will you? She has been falling sick quite often, almost once every month ... =(

Motherhood

(in office)
I still miss my kids..........

Even though with the little sleep

Even though at days things didn't go as it should

Even though sometimes the kids let out a wail

Even though friends around me say I have no life

Even though people say I've given too much time to kids

Even though people say I have no time for myself

Even though people say I didn't pamper myself

Even though I'm cancelling a lot of night out dates

.

.

.

.

To become a mother, there are lots of things that you need to sacrifice. To who? To your kids. But... I don't mind a single. Because I asked for it. I prayed for it. I prayed for kids. I prayed to be given a chance to be called MOTHER. I wouldn't trade a single thing, for not getting this title. And by all means, I will try my best to be a mother that when my daughter grows up, she wants to be like me. That when my son grows up, he wants to find a wife like me. I'm praying for wisdom. That I will be that mother that my children will look up at.

Well, I've received a lot of comments that "I have no life" "I've given too much time to kids" "I didn't pamper myself"... etc. In return, I give them a huge smile. I didn't sigh. I didn't frown. I didn't agree. But .. a smile. Because I'm happy. I'm truly happy to be given this title "Mother", a real award that no time or money can buy. A precious gift from Heaven.

Today... I've been rejecting a number of night dates. I really couldn't make it, when come to think of who will take care of my kids if I ever go out, who to put them to sleep, and the little baby needs me, the human pacifier before he goes to bed. And, I need to be a moo-moo cow every 4-5 hours. If you say bring baby along ... I would rather stay at home. And if you say I'm overly protective for not bringing my babies out (especially to crowded places)... Read this if you haven't. The answer is in this post. I've gone through that traumatizing stage ... and I've learned the lesson.

So, if you think I didn't do it right .. be a mother yourself to capture the whole picture that lies behind the name MOTHERHOOD . =)

When she learns how to talk ....

When she learns how to talk .. sometimes we couldn't help but to giggle. And every time she sees us giggle, she gets even more excited and she started to do funny faces/expressions to make us laugh even more. She's one girl that is cheerful and happy .. and with her around, we feel full. Indeed, she has brought us.. this household.. so much of joy! She taught us many lessons of life, and we are re-learning life together with her.

I'm happy to document some of her funny words when she just started to learn how to make sentences.

1) Daniel Boy Smiles
2) Jiak Ha Mi (Hokkien)
3) Jiak Bak (Hokkien)
4) Share Share
5) Apple Juice ( in fact it is plum, but she called it apple juice)
6) Mama, cut apple
7) Mama, take ... this one
8) Happy ... (songs from Hi5)
9) Down ... (london bridge is falling down)
10) No ... Mama ... No
11) Sleep Sleep ... Mama .. Want (She wants me to sleep with her)
12) Rice ... eat rice
13) (take my phone) Ahma talk... want. (she wants to Skype with her ahma)
14) Gu ... (tua gu)
15) Mama ... Daniel Boy .. where? (Daniel is sleeping in the room and she's looking for him)
16) Fliwer ... (her version of saying flower)
17) Daniel boy ... sayang.

Talk #1
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At church's nursery after Saturday service, papa standing at the door. And a small little boy running to Papa. Ashlynn with her big reaction ran to the boy and said , " No ... not you". (open her arms wide running to Papa)

Talk #2
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Mama ... seee... seee.. Bel! No No ... (her tai ka jieh's expression)

Talk #3
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Mama ... Daniel Boy .. seee... Daniel Boy smiles.

Talk #4
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Mama ... cut apple.. eat apple

Talk #5
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(In the swimming pool) Splash Splash ... happy.. splash splash

Talk #6
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(Mama bites her hand)
Ashlynn : Mama ... No. Pain.
Me : Where pain?
Ashlynn : There ... (points to her hand)

My talkative little lady at this age is full of fun. As she learns how to communicate/ how to talk like us... I absolutely enjoy every moment of it. Sometimes it's cute, sometimes it's funny .. and most of the time, I'm amazed at her learning skills.

Essential Kits for a successful breastfeeding

To a successful breastfeeding journey .. these are the important kits that you need to have. (errmm, I mean I need to have) It's already 3 months now, and I'm still moo-ing happily. And we are still going strong. I've given myself a target of 6 months first.. and once I meet this target, I will set another 6 months .. hopefully, I can successfully bf my baby at least to his first birthday! Praying for a really smooth journey, no mastitis, no blocked ducts, no cracked nipples. Keep my fingers crossed....

Here is a list of things you may want to put in your shopping list.. But you may not need to buy many of these after all. If you are fully breastfeeding...

1) Baby

 Well, this is not a kit. But baby... my baby boy! The most effective way to empty your breast is through your baby. Your baby's suck works way better than a breastpump. A 10 mins of direct feed is equivalent to your 20-30mins of your pumping. That was why I prefer so much to direct feed than pump.. I save a lot of time. I don't need to wash/sterilize pumping equipments/bottles. Especially midnight feed!

2) Breastpump

A lot of breast pumps available out there in the market. Remember, get a double pump because in long run, if you plan to breastfeed for a long long time, it saves a lot of your time! And if you are a full time working mom with a tight schedule, you really need a double pump. Choose one that suits you. If you want to test which pump suits you, drive to the shop named ENJOY BREASTFEED in Klang. A variety of breast pumps available for you to test, and... you can buy them at a very cheap price. Cheaper than anywhere else. I bought my Ameda Lactaline dual pump from there! With lots of free gifts as well.

3) Fridge to Go/Cooler Bag with Ice Packs

 I bought a cooler bag, also known as Fridge to Go from Pigeon brand and I love it so much. As a full time working mom, I need a cooler bag to transfer the milk from office to home and from home to babysitters'. I like this Pigeon cooler because it fits baby bottles, and I can even add on ice packs which I bought from Daiso. Only RM5 in Daiso.. and the ice packs work way better than the one given by Pigeon. So.. get some and add inside the cooler bag.

4) Nipple cream

A nipple therapy. This cream is my life saver, especially I'm a pumping mom during the day. It helps to prevent sore/cracked nipples. And so far, after applying this cream.. no injury on the nipple. *happy*

5) Storage Bottles

This is the storage bottles that I use to store the breastmilk and freeze them in the freezer. The process of storing/freezing breastmilk is important and do read them up so that you know the right way to store your breastmilk safely. Just Googled it up and you will get a lot of useful information. Alternatively, you can use storage bags.. but I still prefer storage bottles. And I do have a fridge dedicated just for breastmilk so that I do not freeze the breastmilk together with the raw meat.

6) Nursing Bras

You will need this for easy feed especially when you are out and about. Just unclip one side and feed. And remember, don't get one with underwired because it will promote plugged ducts.

7) Washable/Disposable Bra Pads

I would suggest to get washable bra pads that in long run, you save a lot. In fact I don't really use this ... I'm not the one with oversupply problem that leaks all the time. =D

8) Nursing tank top with pads

  This tank top is pretty useful and I used to wear it most of the time when I'm outside. Get the one with bra pads. Only one clip and you are ready to feed your baby. Furthermore, it covers your tummy and you do not have to pull your shirt up to nurse. Get this from fabulousmom.com.

9) Nursing Cover

Some mothers do not need this sheet of fabric that covers the baby while nursing and attaches around your neck so that it doesn’t fall off.But .... I need it. I don't feel comfortable nursing in public if I do not have this cover in hand. Most of the time, I will look for a nursing room. If I desperately need to feed, then I would use this nursing cover. The only last option that I will do, if I couldn't find any nursing rooms nearby. I bought Lilie Pilie and I like the wired neck so that I can peek at my baby.

10) Nursing Pillow

I don't find this useful, I bought one and I don't use it at all. Most of the time my baby finishes one side in 10mins.. so I don't even bother to use. In the end, it's collecting dust.

Well, none of these stuffs are essential for a nursing mom. But if you think you need it, then you get it. But sometimes when you get it, you don't use it. =D

Snuza Hero

I have never heard of Snuza before..  but I read million of stories about SIDS. The more I read, the more I fear. I do not want anything to happen to my babies, I love them so much. I want to keep my kids close to me forever. Suffering from two miscarriages, you won't know how it felt by losing two babies. When the Dr broke the news, your baby has no heartbeat. I went home and cried. I cried for days. I went on crying for months. And years. At days, I hid in my room and cried. I cried when I walked pass baby's department. My tears rolled down my cheeks when I walked pass pregnant woman, woman with baby in her arms.

The day I stopped crying... was the day I gave birth to a healthy baby girl, my princess.. Ashlynn. Since then, I do all I can to protect my baby. Mr Google is helpful in some ways.. but not helpful in another way. Because.. the more I read, the more paranoid I became.

I literally worry about EVERYTHING.

And lately, the news of baby passing of SIDS went viral. I read of this everywhere in the net. I couldn't hold back my tears when I read this particular phrase from a mommy's blog "I hate it when small casket like this exists". This is life. Full of surprises. A life of roller coaster ride.

I'm determined, that I will do ALL I can to ensure my babies' safety. And that was when I decided to make this purchase. A baby monitor. Snuza Hero. A small little gadget that monitors baby's movement. And with this purchase, my heart is at ease. I'm more relax. A monitor that I can rely on to serve as a "double check".

I have been using this for almost 2 weeks now, and I'm fully satisfied. Don't under estimate this small little gadget. I rely on this so much, especially at night. Very easy to use, only two buttons (on the left and right). It fits perfectly on the diaper without slipping off (make sure the diaper is not loose), I can even use it when my baby is on his tummy. I just need to move the monitor a little to the side of the diaper. And it still works as it should. Only one time of false alarm, when my baby moves too much and I didn't wear his diaper tight enough.

Overall, I'm glad I purchased this. A small price to pay. For an assurance. For a peace of mind.
Here's where I purchased this little gadget, Snuza Hero.
Mymateria House.

(I wish I'm staying in US now)

Friends... if you can allocate some budget, please include this in your baby's shopping list. It's worth every cents you pay. And, if you can spend few hundreds for shopping, you can definitely allocate some for this. =)