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

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.

.

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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. =)

Purchase # 6 Iherb

Ok, I admit. Online shopping is pretty addictive! And with the two simple steps : Add to Cart - > Pay.. this is dangerous, because you tend to add everything into the cart. Things that you don't need. Things that you see cheap, but after adding lots of the cheap things into the cart, the bill is no longer cheap.

Well, the main purpose of purchase # 6 is to stock up Vitamin C for Ashlynn. Ever since she started on vitamin C daily, we see some improvement in her immune system. Eg : She caught flu bugs the other day, but she recovered fast, within 4-5 days.

The only Vitamin C that is in liquid form and suitable for toddler is ChildLife brand. You can find this in GNC, quite expensive, about RM60+ per bottle (same size). So, we decided to just purchase in Iherb. Shipping fees for all the items below only cost USD14 (DHL with tracking). After some calculation, it's still cheaper even after converted to ringgit Malaysia. If you don't mind without tracking, then the shipping cost is only USD4. But.... risky!

Oh yeahh.. if you would like to purchase things from Iherb, don't forget to browse through the FREEBIES section and choose any free items that you like! And this time round, I chose a free IHERB COFFEE TRAVEL MUG! It's free! But, while stock lasts. So.. hurry up. Anyway, the freebies item changes from time to time.

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 is 3 Months!

Daniel Boy! You are a whole whopping 3 months old today! Your sister no longer call you Didi, but Da-iel Boy. The sweetest words ever. Whenever you stretch, she says you "scratch", and whenever you smile, she says " Aha..Da-iel boy Smiles". Whenever you pass some gas, she points to you and says "poot poot". We couldn't help but laugh. So much joy having both of you in our lives. 

Today, I'm going to exaggerate a little. YOU ARE ONE BREATHTAKING AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL LITTLE BABY! And you mean a lot to us, papa-mama-big sister. You are growing right before our eyes, at an exceptionally fast rate. You smile from ear to ear. You are one happy baby. You are trying to reach out to us, with your baby ways... you get all excited at the sight of one of us and your arms and legs go flying in the air. Especially when your sister talks to you. You responded with the coo and aaahh. I'm pretty sure you both will make a good companion, that both of you will love to talk to each other.

Baby Stats:

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Sleep

 To begin with, I want to say "Thank you". You are one easy going baby. You do not need to be cuddled to sleep. The only thing you need, is your mommy's pacifier. You drink , you suck and slowly, you fall asleep. And when you're in your deep sleep, you let go off mommy's pacifier and after burped, swaddled, I kiss your forehead and whisper a soft Goodnight and put you on your baby bed .. and you doze off just like that. I couldn't be happier. 

You still wake up at least once at night to nurse. But you're dream feeding. Perhaps you miss your mama?

Feed

Still breastfeeding and going strong! 

Pumping twice at work and freezer is almost full. Your sister has a share of breastmilk as well. Glad that she still loves it. And yesterday, your babysitter just told me to upgrade from 4.5oz to 5oz. You definitely have one good appetite, and I am happy! Keep growing little man .... mama's milk has lots of nutrients/antibodies and keep drinking! =)

 

Weight

 At birth : 3.02 kg

7 weeks : 4.7kg

3 months : (still not checked)

Funniest Moment

  

We couldn't help but laugh every time we see you sucking your little fist. You enjoy it so much that the "chup chup" sound can be heard all over the house.

Milestone

 

Can lift your head up for a few minutes whenever you're on tummy time

Learning to love the taste of your fist. Delicious little fist.

Drooling!! Perhaps your first tooth will cut through pretty soon.

Tons and loads of smile!

You turn wherever there is sound.

Favorite Toy

Your Fist!

Three amazing months... month after month... and we look forward to the next. Because .. your baby moments never fail to melt our hearts in many many ways!

I hold on to my JOY

It feels good to be in the house of God, after many many months accompanying Ashlynn in the nursery. Finally my daughter is a big girl that she does not cling to me whenever she's at the nursery, but she plays on her own. She looks for her toys, hanging around in the nursery like a big sister, instructing everyone by saying "No" "Stop" "Share". I'm proud of you baby girl!

Oh, how I've missed sitting and relaxing and enjoying today's sermon. Keith preached about "Do not lose your JOY". What a powerful sermon .... 

I couldn't control my emotion, my patience, my anger whenever I'm tired. Having two kids in tow is never an easy job. I learn to work like an octopus. But, I only have two hands and two legs. In the end, I get so tired, my heartbeat pumps at unusual rate and by 12pm (not 12am) I'm flat! 

And... where did my joy of having two kids gone? I gave it away ... to who? To the name of "emotion", "Impatience" and ... most of it, I gave it all to "Mr Anger". I started yelling, showing faces and most of the time, I keep quiet. Oh dear... looking back, I should be thankful that I have two healthy kids. And why do I shout? Where is my joy then? 

Today, I'm looking at the cross. That the Joy of the Lord is my strength. I'm never near to perfection, but I know, I have a sovereign Lord, that moulds me into perfection. He's the potter and I'm the clay.

I will rejoice in the Lord, 

I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights.

And today, I'm learning to hold on to my Joy. I do not want to give it away. That few years down the road, when I look back, I know that I had lived my every day happily. That my yesterday was a beautiful day. My yesterday was a happy day. That when I'm old, I will cherish those days... the yesterdays. 

And, I will live my life happily so that my kids are happy. My husband is happy. Everyone around me is happy! 

So, start to live your life happily... that everyone around you is H-A-P-P-Y! Keep your joy close to your heart. Do not surrender your joy to Mr Anger, Mr Impatience... but hold on tight your joy!

(City Harvest KL)

Birthday Party Invitation - Checked

Next month! It's next month! She's no longer 1 year old, but TWO! Where did the time go? Can I keep her as a baby forever? It seems like I've just brought her home from the hospital yesterday, and now, she's going to be Two. Time waits for no man!

Birthday party theme - Hi Five.

And I couldn't find any Hi-Five invitation cards out there in the market, so I have to DIY one on my own. Well, I'm pretty lousy with crafts and with the limited time I have, very very little time ... this is the 'best' card that I made. And I guided Ashlynn to write her own invitation card.. it's fun to write all her friends' names.

 

And there she goes... all her friends.

Claire, Isabel, Jayden, Jason, Sha

She enjoys writing .. first time holding a coloured pen.

Jup Jup is a must ! She even called Ribena as Jup Jup. Haha.

Well, a very simple birthday invitation card and see her handwriting. Cute ?

I do hope this party will turn out to be a success. And everyone enjoys the party .. the food .. Everything! =D