Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I miss those days ....

I miss those days that I can sleep through the night
I miss those days that I have my uninterrupted sleep
I miss those days that I wake up so fresh and energetic
I miss those days that I didn't have to set alarm in the middle of the night
I miss those days that I have so much time for myself
I miss those days that I can take my own sweet time handling stuffs
I miss those days that I look fresh
I miss those days that I have sparkling fresh eyes
I miss those days that I can slowly enjoy my meal
I miss those days that I do not have to run like a headless chicken at home
I miss those days that I put Ashlynn to sleep and kiss her forehead saying goodnight
I miss those days that I don't feel so heavy headed
I miss those days when I were pregnant
I miss those days when Ashlynn was just a little newborn
I miss those days when I carried Daniel in my womb, feeling those priceless kicks
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.
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And the list goes on.

Well, I really miss those days ....
But, living at the present, I learn to enjoy my every day, that in future, I could list down a lesser "I miss those days". Because... I have lived my every day to the fullest. =)

Two more months to TWO

Exactly two months from now, my dearest daughter is TWO. It's true that in hindsight, time goes by in a flash. Two more months to two wonderful years. And we could not have imagined life any sweeter than this. I'm beyond thankful! Two amazing years, also two years when my gray hair started growing wild. =p 

You are no longer the little newborn we brought home, and as much as I miss that, I love more than anything to watch you grow. I can literally sit there, doing nothing but watch you. Look at the little things that you do. Sometimes I couldn't help but giggle. And you love doing silly acts that makes me Laugh! You added so much joy to us, this family..

At times, I wish I could bundle you up and keep you young forever, but at the same time I like to watch you grow. To watch you unwind your personality right in front of my eyes and to watch when you discover what toddler-life is all about.


And When it comes to celebration, your mama is pretty excited. Every day is worth celebrating , what more this special day. The day you will be two. The day you are one year wiser. One year older.

We celebrated a Princess Party last year, and this time round, your mama decided to go on with a Hi-5 party! You love Hi-5. You love to dance. You love to sing. So, that's it! We will have a Hi 5 party! And I really hope you will enjoy this special day of yours.....
Monday, July 22, 2013

My life lately....

....has been fully occupied by the two little munchkins. And as I watch them grow day by day, my heart is so full. Full of love. Full of satisfaction. Full of thankfulness.

I feel full. And I feel complete. And I couldn't wait for the day we say it's time for baby #3.

Maternity holidays ended in just a blink of an eye. Unknowingly, I'm already back to work. Full time working mom is never easy. Neither do full time stay at home mom. Both jobs are equally tiring. But fulfilling!

Back to work, and I'm still adapting to the working life. And most of the days, I can never make it to reach office on time, 7am. Some how some what, I'm late. Lots of bags to carry, lots of things to pack and yeah, see my schedule below. After work schedule.

7pm - Reach home with both babies. Take a super quick bath (but still clean). Wash all milk bottles and sterilize. Nurse baby boy because at this hour, he will be crying to nurse to sleep.

8pm - Take my quick dinner. As late as this hour, I try my best to omit rice because I will be going to sleep the next hour and I do not want to be a fat mommy! Wash plates/pots .. settle some laundry. And divide the morning pumped breastmilk into the milk bottles to hand over to babysitter the next day.

8.30pm - Pump. Hang clothes. Pray. Get ready the big sister to put her to sleep.

9.30-10pm - Time to sleep.

1am - If baby wakes up, I will nurse him and then pump. Pack the pumping equipments.

2am-5am - Nurse baby if he wakes up.

5.30am - Wake baby up. Change his diaper. Nurse him. Pack the bags and milk.

6.30am - Off to work.


Even though I mentioned here 6.30am off to work, but I can never make it. After dingling-dangling here and there, we ended up leave home at 6.45am. Weekends schedule will be a little different as during the midnight pump, I will cook Ashlynn's porridge in the slow cooker. Perhaps it's time to change her meal, from porridge to soup rice. Let's see how it goes.

Basically, I only have 3 hours of "proper" sleep every day. Midnight sleep is all dedicated to my little boy. I'm not complaining here, but this is just a phase. Very soon, Daniel will be sleeping through the night and very soon, I will miss all-about-newborn babies. Did I ever mention that Daniel is such a sweet baby? He LOVES to smile all the time! He can even give you a smile when he's down with flu/cough/after vomit. Thank God for such a happy baby! His smile alone makes all the sleepless nights worth it. I feel recharged with just that one smile! And that smile alone is priceless! I love my babies!

Well, motherhood is fun. Some days are challenging, I feel lousy, I feel terrible.. but some days, I think I can have 10 babies! (I can see Justin is rolling his eyes, haha)


Monday, July 15, 2013

Back to work resolution

*yawn*
*sleepy*

12 July 2013. Marks the end of my maternity leave. And the start of my working life. Back to the routine. Back to the not-enough-sleep mode.

On my first day of back-to-work... I was greeted by many colleagues.. Ohh, you're back ... Long time no see... How are you .. 2 months fly so fast.. How's your baby.. How's Ashlynn settling with the newborn?

And... there was one particular "greeting", that made me stepped back a little. I just do not know how to respond. My heart ache a little. Because all this while.. "that" has been my huge concern. A silent stab in my heart....

What can I do
How to go back in shape
When only I can go back to normal
How long does it take?

That little "greeting" that spoiled my back to work mood...

And... that little "greeting", will be my back to work resolution.

Those words that spit out directly to my face "You are fat, your fat tummy, your fat thigh" ... I take it seriously, and I will make it happen. That one day, that little "greeting" will be a great compliment.

Thank you for throwing those words to me, that you made me realized how important it is to go back in shape. And I will prove it to you.. that it will happen. It will happen one day.. not now. But one day.




Monday, July 8, 2013

Top lists of baby items - A must or good to have at home!

Ever since we upgraded from family of two to four, when our babies were born... our first aid box expanded as well. We ensure that we have many of these standby at home, just in case we need them at wee hours. And... to save all the trouble going to 7 eleven at 2am! Well, we could find all these useful, but maybe not to you... so research each product carefully, understand what it is for and why you need them and consider how it is going to fit into your lifestyle.

Obviously, not all of these are "must have".. but I could say all of these are GOOD to have at home. And.. all these made our lives easier!

1.
Definitely a must have at home. Especially when you have babies at home. Well, we owned 3 thermometers. And what we do is, we will always get three readings from the three thermometers and then compare and get the average. You can easily get this from any pharmacy.

 2.
 
Very useful, not a must have. But it saves a lot of your time sponging the forehead on and off. After you've done one round of whole body sponging, attach this kool fever on the forehad and off to sleep! 

3.
Instead of buying Dettol spray, we bought this natural eucalyptus spray. And we find it so useful, at least for a peace of mind knowing that it's derived from natural ingredients. We use this on baby bags, stroller, car seat, baby room... and anywhere that you think you need to disinfect.
We bought this from fabulousmom.com. You can get this from mothercare or any baby shops like babyland at SS2.

Product description : 
A multi-spray with the fresh, clean fragrance of Australia. A natural air and surface purifier, kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria plus helps prevent their re-growth. Also an excellent deodorizer. Helps the whole family breathe easy.

4.
 
It's another oil that makes our baby breathes better! Especially when your little one is suffering from cold/blocked nose. Apply some on the pillow or handkerchief and place near to baby's head. It helps a lot!
Bought this from fabulousmom.com as well.

Product description :

A pure natural premium quality eucalyptus oil with a fresh clean fragrance. ‘Euky Bear’ Brand Eucalyptus Oil has many medicinal and household uses. It helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. It gives soothing relief to arthritic and muscular pain. It is a natural cleaner, air freshener, disinfectant and deodoriser.

5.
Vitamin C liquid for the little girl. She has been falling sick quite often, perhaps it's due to the hot and humid weather. Hopefully this helps. We have just started her on this last month and we will see the result in the coming months. 
We bought this from iherb.com and it's cheap! Imported all the way from US and if you wish to get the same, 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.

Alternatively, you can purchase this from local stores like GNC, saw them selling for RM60+.


Product description :

Well-known as a primary antioxidant, Vitamin C is also important for healthy immune functions.* Daily use may help to maintain and improve overall health. Vitamin C can be used daily for supporting natural immune responses and defending the body.



 6.
 Good for out and about. Especially when your toddler is actively running around touching public things. Call me paranoid, but I would rather be safe.

Can easily purchase this from any baby departmental store. Like Jusco, Parkson, or baby shops.

7.
My Life Saver!! This is so useful for breastfeeding mommies.... And I couldn't live a day without this cream. 
Bought this from iherb.com as well. 
Or get it from baby stores like One Baby World.

Product description :
Clinically tested, hospital recommended this is safe, lanolin-free, zero toxin nipple cream for nursing mamas, and anyone with dry, cracked skin. Chapped cheeks? Check! Dry elbows? Yup. And of course, healing help for nipples that are taking a beating from breastfeeding. Made with soothing organic Calendula and non-sticky natural plant butters to comfort and protect. Safe for baby too - no need to wash it off before nursing! Apply as needed, and after each feeding. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth.

8.
 
Useful on the kids... and we use mainly on the wounds, bites or scratches and it heals very fast! We even use this when we are out in the garden or places with lots of mozzies. It helps to shoo those mozzies away too... Buds does sell Mozzie Clear Lotion, but if you are out and about, this alone is sufficient cause it serves two purposes, wounds and chase bugs away. 

Bought this from Parkson, or can get from baby stores. And apparently, Babydash.com.my sells them at a very reasonable price, cheaper than anywhere else that I know.

Product description :
Treat and heal baby’s ouchies with First Aid Lotion. Featuring the beneficial bacteria boosting prebiotic, Gluco-oligosaccharide selectively fuels the growth of healthy bacteria on your baby’s skin while inhibiting the growth of detrimental bacteria. Organic Tea Tree Oil provides potent anti bacterial defense and anti-oxidant rich Olive Leaf extract protects the skin from free radical damage. Keep the First Aid Lotion handy by having one in your baby bag and first aid kit.

9.
Baby care that we couldn't live without .... We are into organics and natural. Especially when it comes to baby items. Melvita is a good choice. And these are also the few organic/natural baby care brands that we love : Baby Buds, Weleda, Melvita, Nature's Baby Organics, Badger

Melvita easily available at 1Utama. 

Oh yeah, I love the Melvita diaper cream! Very very effective in preventing diaper rash.

10.
 Very useful chest rub, especially when our kids are down with the flu bugs. And it helps the babies to breathe better. It's natural. Safe to apply under the nose, behind the ear and on the chest. But, not for consume even though it's organic and natural. 

Bought this from iherb.com as well.
Or you can get locally at One Baby World. Not sure any other baby outlets do sell them. 

Product description :
Ah-Choo Chest Rub Help congestion. Help your whole family, from baby on up, relax and recover with this creamy, organic spreadable gel. The organic eucalyptus menthol helps loosen chest and sinus congestion, allowing your body to rest better and bring in the oxygen it needs to heal. Meanwhile, unwanted microbes take a ride out on the runnier mucous. Massage gently onto the chest, and cover with a soft cloth at first to prevent transfer onto sleepwear.

11.
We use this sparingly on our baby boy when heat rash strikes. And the next day, the heat rash is gone! It works like a magic... I would strongly recommend this. Don't worry on chemicals, parabens, GMOs or any bad stuffs, this is purely organic and natural. Very safe to apply on babies' skin. 

Bought this from iherb.com.

Product description :
Care for your baby's delicate skin with 100% natural, safe and soothing Badger Baby Balm. Smooth onto baby's skin after bath, and to soothe the itching and discomfort associated with diaper rash, cradle cap and dry skin patches. It can also be used for a calming baby massage and for a gentle baby belly rub. 

 12.
Useful during out and about ... when the washroom is too far away and you need to carry/come in contact with your kids the next second. This sanitizer is always in our baby bag... in our pocket.. in our car.. and obviously, life with kids is not any better without clean hands. 

 13.
We have been using this when the kids have serious diaper rash/redness. And this ointment is so effective that the next diaper change, we see improvement and the next day, the rash/redness is gone! Highly recommended if your little one is suffering from diaper rash or redness.

 14.
Last but not least......... do you want a peace of mind? A good night sleep without worrying whether your baby is breathing or your baby is ok? Or when you are working and baby is at the nanny and you can't stop worrying if your baby is ok? Get THIS one!! And recently, I've came across tragic stories that baby passed from SIDS. I knew what it was. It's sad. How the parents cope with her death. Life to them is never the same again. 

Even Daniel's pediatrician mentioned about SIDS. So, what can I do to prevent this? And how to keep a close eye when he's at the nanny, when I'm not around? This small little tiny thing, attached to baby's diaper.. came with a big price tag. But was it worth it? Yes! Although this little item cannot prevent SIDS, but it monitors your baby's heartbeat and ALERT you the minute your baby stops breathing. 

Life is precious and I'm glad that I made this purchase. Price tag in exchange with a peace of mind. A little extra assurance knowing that our baby is fine. 

Made this purchase from my friend via her FB page.

Product description : 
Snuza Hero is a mobile and easy-to-use movement monitor which clips onto baby's diaper to ensure that normal movement is maintained. Hero detects even the slightest movement and will alert you if your baby's movements are very weak or fall to less than 8 movements per minute. If no movement at all is detected for a period of 15 seconds, Hero will vibrate gently. Often this vibration is enough to rouse the baby, and Hero will revert to monitoring mode. After three vibration/rouse incidents, the Rouse Warning will alert you to the fact that your baby's movements have stopped for 15 seconds on three occasions. If no further movement is detected for another 5 seconds, an alarm will sound to alert you.

Pheww. That's all I have in mind on those things that I can't live without. And feel free to share if I miss out anything. It's not a die hard rule that you, first time mom.. should also own all these.. As I said, do a research and evaluate if you need them in your home. Happy Parenting! *cheers*
Thursday, July 4, 2013

Daniel - 7 Weeks

Date : 1 July 2013
How far along : 7 Weeks

Weight : 4.7kg at 7 weeks checkup

Height : 57cm at 7 weeks checkup

Sleep : Since week 7, you started to sleep through. And hopefully you really into sleep through the night and I hope this schedule does not change. That it stays put! Your last feed will be either 8/9pm and I put you to bed and then you travel to your dreamland. You make some noises around 2amish, but I ignore, because you didn't cry. And you continue sleeping until 5-6am. Thank you Daniel, you are giving your mama a whole lot of energy, she now has some sufficient rest. Except to get up at 2amish to pump. =)


Food :  You are still drinking well from both breast and bottle. And you do not fuss when we give bottle. Well, you will be going to the sitters' on 12 July and of course, I will miss DL-ing you. Your suck works so much greater than pumping. And, I do not have to wash bottles. =/


  
Best moment this week : The picture below explains it all. Don't you think you both look so adorable here ? Especially when your sister goes near you, stroke your tiny hairs and pointed to your eyes, nose, and mouth. You both are just so precious.

And you know what? It has been pretty challenging to change your diaper! I have to be really fast. You will either wet your shirt or the mattress or even me! And now I learn the tactic, to just take a napkin and cover. Just incase. Haha!


Well, we brought you for your 7 weeks/1 month checkup with the Dr. And everything was great. You gained well, and for sure, you are going to be a tall baby. See how much you have grown since the last checkup. From 51cm - 54cm - 57cm! I'm happy. Really happy that you grow so well. And extremely happy knowing that you are healthy and fine!

You had your 6in1, rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccination. You cried buckets, but after everything, you were your usual self again, with the coos and aaahh. You had 2 days fever. Mild. And you vomited once a day. You don't feel irritated, you were not fussy.. and we are so thankful!

Your next checkup will be on 21 Sept. Whereby you will be having your checkup together with your sister! And at that time, you will be in your 4th month... =)