Tuesday, November 27, 2012

An Afternoon at Old Town

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon. We got bored being at home for the weekend, so we went in search of comfort food. We went to Old Town @ Precinct 10.

Shern had his favourite Half-boiled Eggs. Hubby had the Ipoh Hor Fun. I ate the Springy Noodle with Chicken Sausage and Egg, which is actually instant noodles with extra 'liow'. Min said it's the expensive instant noodles. Haha.
Anyway, that was comfort food to me that day. Springy noodles in hot ajinomoto soup...yummy. :)

While waiting for our food to arrive, we took some photos. Funny photos of us.
Shern was in a cheeky mood, so let me show you the cheeky side of him.

Some photos were a bit blur coz it was taken using Min's lousy iPhone4. :D

24 November 2012

Our puffed-up fatty faces.
Spot my double-chin. omg.

My tweety-bird mouth, and Shern's puffed-up mouth.


 I dunno what pose we were doing here. No-talking poses. Haha.

Shern couldn't stop doing his puffed-up mouth pose.
Somehow, to me, this photo shows how small-sized Shern is.
You all think so?

Hubby joined in the photo.

That was Shern putting his whole weight on me.


Ok. let's not forget the little-est man in the house. My cutie pie Khye.
He sat there quietly the whole time while we ate in peace. Sometimes we really forget he is even there.
So I am actually very blessed to have such a good little cutie pie who sleeps/lie down in his stroller quietly. :)

Ok, that's all for today from our family of 4. :)

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Review: Graco Snugride® 35 Infant Car Seat

Graco Snugride® Infant Car Seat in Nolan

Graco Snugride® 35 Infant Car Seat
Weight without base: 9.7 lbs (~4.4KG)
Weight with base: 16.7 lbs (~7.6KG)
Dimensions: 15.6H 18.7W x 30.7D"

We decided to buy this Graco Snugride® 35 Infant Car Seat in Nolan at the last minute although we already had this Anakku Infant Carrier Car Seat

The reason so because we were searching high and low for an infant car seat with a base. This is so that we don't have to instal/strap the car seat belt around the car seat every single time baby travels in the car. The hassle is that we could only instal it after we strap baby into the car seat. This is from troublesome to super convenient.

However, most of the infant car seat that has a base costs so much. I was eyeing the Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix intially but then even after discount the car seat is RM699 and the base is sold separately at RM999. Yes, the base costs more than the car seat itself which I find it so ridiculously priced. I'm most certain I won't fork out so much for an infant car seat which most probably I will use for just a year.

I'm so thankful I found this Graco Snugride® 35 Infant Car Seat at Peekaboo on the last day of the Merdeka Sale at only RM699, and the price include the base. *happy happy*

This seat is a top-rated seat in the U.S and has won some award in the US.
At a glance, the features are impressive.

  • Helps protect rear-facing infants up to 32 inches (~81cm) or 35lbs (~15.8kg)
  • Top rated by leading consumer magazines and publications
  • Rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed U.S. safety standards
  • Side-impact tested* (*In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable US safety standards, the SnugRide® 35 has been side impact tested for occupant retention by the harness system.)
  • EPS, energy absorbing foam for effective impact energy management
  • Removable infant head support cushions baby’s head
  • Convenient, LATCH-equipped stay-in-car base with one-hand dial adjustment
  • Base features integrated belt lock-off for easier seat belt installation* (*versus using the locking clip)
  • Easy-to-read level indicator helps eliminate installation guesswork
  • 5-point, front-adjust harness helps you get baby in and out
  • Compatibility with most Graco strollers lets you create custom-built travel systems

However, we don't make use of all these features.
But what I like about this infant car seat is that the safety features are top-rated, with excellent standards of rigorous crash and side-impact tests.

And I like the fact that it is slightly bigger than other infant car seats so that it can accomodate a bigger baby. And even if your baby is smaller during birth, it is still ok with the infant head support cushion, which is removable once baby gets bigger.
So it was no problem putting Khye inside it when he was an infant as he was a hefty 3.99kg during birth.

Our cars doesn't have the isofix brackets, so we have not tried the 'Latch' installation. But looking at the manual, it is even easier to instal the base with it. We use the 'Seat Belt' installation and I super like the belt lock-off function in the base which is so much easier to instal the seat belt, although we don't instal it often. But then the belt-lock off function at the base is so stable and tight and doesn't move at all after installation, which I find it very safe.

We don't make use of it as a carrier. This infant car seat's weight without the base is 9.7 lbs (~4.4kg) which is rather heavy. And once I put the baby in it, it weighs like a tonne. So there is no way I'm carrying the baby inside it alone.

But there were a few times when hubby was around, we used it as a carrier. Khye fell asleep in the car seat, and when we reached our destination, we hadn't the heart to wake him up. So since we won't be long, so hubby just lifted the carrier (with Khye inside) off the base, and brought him out. Left him on the floor and he was still sleeping away. After 15 minutes or so, when we went back to our car and clicked the carrier in place, Khye didn't even stir.
And there was another time when we went to my friend's house. We used it as a carrier when we brought Khye inside and rocked him to sleep there.

But that was about the only few times we used it as a carrier.



16 November 2012 - 10 weeks old


Usually, I will just use the stroller if we are going to a restaurant or something. However, we don't have a Graco stroller, so we can't use it as a travel system.

But I am pretty happy with this purchase.

Here are a few photos of Khye sleeping contentedly and happily inside Graco Snugride® 35 Infant Car Seat.
Khye sitting/sleeping in it at 3 weeks old (29 Sep 2012):






And this is Khye in it at 10 weeks old (16 Nov 2012)



In summary, these are the pros and cons that is applicable for me:-

Pros:
- Comes with a base
- Can accommodate a bigger and heavier baby
- Excellent safety features which is side-impact crash tested
- Infant head-support cushion, which is also removable 
- Base features belt lock-off system for easier and also very stable seat belt installation

Cons:
- It is heavier than other infant car seat at 9.7 lbs (~4.4kg)
- The plush cushion can be rather hot if your car doesn't have a cool air-cond system


All in all, this branded car seat is a good buy at the price of RM699. I find it so much useful and suitable for me compared to my previous car seat. I love this, and have totally no regrets buying it.


***Please take note that this post is NOT sponsored. I purchased this Graco Snugride® 35 Infant Car Seat with my own money. All text and opinions are of my own and represents my honest opinion of the product(s).

Friday, November 23, 2012

Review: Avent Washable Breastpads

I bought the Avent Washable Breast Pads for RM51.92 after a 20% discount from Mum n Me. The reason I bought it was simply because I prefer that they were washable, rather than using disposables.

Pic Source: http://www.urbanbaby.com.au/Avent-Ultra-Comfort-Washable-Breast-Pads-6Pk#.UK24glHlaPU

First impressions when I opened up the box was very good. They came in a small laundry bag which is good for storage and for laundry (although I hand-washed them). And 6 pieces are more than enough for me to wash and use.



When I tried them on, I immediately felt the difference of wearing washables vs disposables. The soft-cotton lining feels very soft and non plastick-y.
The outer layer is with anti-slip lace which holds the pads in place when you are wearing them. I find it quite ok as they don't move about inside my bra.

Absorption was quite good and I had no milk leakage, but I am also not one of those breastfeeding mums who leak a lot. So I had no problem with it.

However, I quickly realized that when I wanted to take them out, they stick to my nipples. And when I tried to remove them, it was quite difficult and tricky to remove. I guess my milk leakage together with the cotton material, the pads stuck to my nipples!

I quickly googled about it and read in some reviews that other mothers are having the same problem as well. So it is not only me facing this problem, althpugh some mothers don't seem to have this problem.

I ignored it at first and just continued to remove them this way, although it was difficult to. That was until I had nipple tears and cuts. My nipple area became sore and there was once when I tried to lift the pads to breastfeed Khye, I pulled it too quick and because the pads stuck to my nipples, it tore off a layer of my nipple skin. Ouch!
It caused bleeding of course, and since the skin around that area is so sensitive, it hurts and caused me further discomfort.

I stopped using them for 2 weeks until they healed. Once everything was healed properly, I decided to give them another chance. I wore them again and although absorption was good, they still stick to my nipples and I had a tricky time to remove them very gently, because I was afraid of it causing my skin to tear again.


Conclusion:
Pros:
- Comfortable, and not plastic-ky feeling
- Absorbent enough for me
- Includes a handly laundry bag for storage and laundry
- Economical

Cons:
- It's inner cotton material sticks to my nipples
- Quite bulky, and very visible when wearing a thin bra/top


So, what do I say about these Avent Washable Breast Pads? Nay, they don't work for me. And although they are washable and more economical, and environmental friendly, I'm sticking to using disposables from now on, until I can find other brands of washable breast pads that don't stick to my nipples.

Rating: 3 / 10

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Khye: A Good Hefty Weight

I took Khye for his 2-month checkup for his immunization jab last week and as usual, his ped measured his weight and length.

Khye's Measurement @ 2 months old

Weight: 6.1kg
Length/Height: 58.5cm
Head Circumference: 40cm


Yes, my baby weighs a hefty 6.1kg at 2 months. His ped says he is at a very good weight for a breastfeeding baby and totally not overweight. Just a healthy breastfed baby gaining weight. I was like...erm..ok, no wonder he is so heavy when I carry him!

But I'm so proud that all my efforts paid off. At that moment, all the pain caused by nipple cuts and tears, and milk blisters, are all worth it. I would totally go through everything again to see my little baby growing up so well.

This is how Khye looks like at 2 months 4 days old. So very chubby.
18 November 2012 - 2 months & 4 days old

Some people told me that breastfed babies are thin and look malnourished due to 'diluted' breast milk. Some told me that breastfed babies' flesh are soft to the touch.
Well, Khye proved them all wrong. He is chubby and certainly does not look malnourished. And his flesh is pretty supple and firm.

I posted this photo of Khye on facebook and many people asked me if I am on a special diet.
Well, I am not. I don't eat any special food. But my mum do cook for me unripe papaya soup, and also fish soup every now and then. Not sure if these boost my milk supply (It didn't during Shern's time), but it makes me feel good though.
But I do drink lots of water and milk. That's about all. Actually I feel very thirsty now that I am breastfeeding, so basically I just drink lots of water when I feel thirsty.

Ok, good night people. Chubby Khye is saying good night too. :)

Om My Gosh!

Our 5th Year Wedding Anniversary (27 Oct 2012) flew by and we didn't remember.
Our 11th Year Dating Anniversary (17 Nov 2012) passed by and both of us also didn't notice.

This is what happens when you are parents to a pre-schooler and a newborn.
You get all muddled up with dates and days. The only schedule I remember now is when was Khye's last feed? Is it time to wake up Shern from his nap?
Sigh.

Ok. ROM Anniversary coming up. I need to remind hubby.

Anyway, love you hubs and muaks.




Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Khye: Labour and Delivery

Ok, let me jot down my labour and delivery experience of baby Khye before I forget them.
It has been more than 2 months and I am still drafting this long-winded post. (You have been warned)
Well, here goes...

I was dilated 2.5cm and doc said I could deliver anytime, and that was since 29 August 2012, when my due date was actually on 18th September 2012. But during these 3 weeks, nothing happened. I waited and waited but nothing happened. No spotting, my water bag didn't break, and no contractions.

And in the end, it was the piles/hemorrhoids that made me couldn't stand waiting anymore. My piles/hemorrhoids developed and got worse during this pregnancy. But on the last week, it has gotten much much worse. I couldn't sit or walk or even sleep properly. I called my gynae on 13 Sep 2012 Thursday night to tell him I wanted to be induce the following day. I couldn't even wait another 4 more days.

I admitted at Island Hospital at about 7.40am and had to wait for awhile while they arrange a labour room for me. I was told that the labour rooms and wards were all full, and there were about 20 babies in the nursery. I remembered thinking 'Great, dragon kids year, long waiting queue everywhere!'

Checking into the labour ward

Once labour room was ready, the nurses prepped me. Dr. Eric came in about 8.15am and after awhile broke my water bag. I could feel warm water trickled down slowly. I guess baby's head was blocking the passageway, thus the slow trickle. And then they started on a small dose of Pitocin to induce me.

Not too long later, contraction started. It was short contractions at about 5 minutes interval or so, and very quickly the contraction accelerated to very long and painful. The nurses there exclaimed that I had very 'good contractions'. I guess they called it 'good' because it was painful and lasted quite long for each contractions. Each contraction lasted about a minute. It was crazy.

I winced every time I felt a contraction. And every time I winced, I somehow agitated my piles/hemorrhoids. I could feel the pain of my piles as much as the contractions, it was awful. The nurses there told me not to wince, and just breathe. How could I, when both were so painful? No matter how hard I tried not to wince, my whole body tensed up and winced by itself!

The piles were making it much worse to bear, compared to Shern's time. I couldn't move or sit/lie properly, if not I could agitate the piles. My piles were about the size of a small egg. Yes, it was that big!!!! And worst thing is that they were raw! So you can imagine my pain. Doctor did told me earlier that when I pushed, the piles would get even bigger, and when baby is out, it would pushed the piles, and it might be very painful, and I had to be prepared.

By 11am, I could bear it no longer and I told hubby I wanted epidural. It was not the contraction, it was more of the pain of my piles. Gosh! It took the anesthesiologist 1/2 hour to arrive at my room. During that time, how I wished I had called for epidural 1/2 earlier. ;P

Anyway, Dr. Lee came in and started asking me if I understood what I was getting myself into. And I told him I knew as I went to pre-natal classes during Shern's time. But I asked him about the backache side-effects again. He told me that these were not scientifically proven. And people associated backaches with epidural because of a physical needle being poked into their backs. But basically the backaches that most woman faces are due to carrying the baby for 9 months.

I believed him because I had mild backaches after delivering Shern and I didn't even use epidural that time. And with Khye being such a big baby, I'm sure my posture during pregnant weren't perfect and any backaches won't be because of the epi.

After signing the papers, Dr. Lee started preparing me. A very large needle was poked into the epidural space behind my back. Not much pain, just like an ant bite. The needle was then replaced with a tube. No pain for that. And when the medicine drip was turned on, I could feel a tingling coolness behind my back. And that's all. But I could still feel the very much contraction pain. Uh oh.

Dr. Lee said it would take about 15 minutes for the meds to work. 15 minutes later, the pain got better but I could still feel the contraction, but less intense. Good. This means I could feel and push better.

After epi

At about 12.45 noon, I was fully dilated and the machine said my contractions were very good. They lasted about a minute or so. I think that's really crazy. But with epi my pain was very low, so I felt good and was so ready to push.

I started pushing at 1pm somthing and it was crazy. I pushed and pushed and pushed but baby Khye is not coming out. I pushed so hard 'til I was sweating in the air-cond labor room, and tears were also out, but baby Khye just moved down a little. I think I tried for a good 45 minutes, until Dr. Eric says that's all, we need to proceed for c-sec because baby Khye's heartbeat dropped indicating that the baby was in distress.
I was disappointed. There goes my VBAC dream. But what to do, my baby won't come out and his heartbeat dropped so I could try no further.

So I was wheeled to the Operating Theatre and they prepped me immediately.
The anesthesiologist there upped my epi meds for me to feel all numbed below my spinal, but then I told them I could still felt him when Dr. Eric tried pinching my stomach.
And because it was quite an emergency, they couldn't wait any longer, so they gave me general anaesthesia and I blacked out quite immediately.

By the time I woke up it was almost 3pm and I was already resting in the OT resting area. I asked about my baby immediately. They told me he is a boy and he weighs 3.99kg. I was like...'wow...3.99? That's almost 4kg'. They then wheeled me to my room.

Then they wheeled my baby over to me and let me to have a look at him and also for breastfeeding before they bathed him. He looks so lovely.

Baby Khye before bath

I immediately breastfed baby Khye and he was latching quite well.
Then my family came in, together with Shern.

Then Dr. Eric came in and told me that during the c-sec, he saw that near my bladder, there were a lot of scarring. He was concerned so he called the Urologist Dr. Sritharan to have a look at it. Lucky for me it was nothing. Phew.
Dr. Eric then told me that those scarring might be blocking the passageway when I tried pushing my baby out. Furthermore, my baby is a big baby. Oh yes, he is...at almost 4kg big!
He told me not to worry as he removed those scarring before sewing me up.

We then had some photos taken right there and then.
4 of us

They then took baby Khye out to bathe and to clean him up. Then they brought baby Khye back to me ;)

Khye after bath



So this is the story of how Khye came into this world.
The story of a new beginning of a family of 4.


***Please click here to read:- 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

My First Baby

Found these photos in my laptop and I suddenly felt like uploading them in my blog. These photos were taken almost a year ago when Shern was 2 1/2yo.
These photos of me and my boy was before I was even pregnant with Khye.

No amount of gold can compare, to the love and bonding Shern and I share....I love you baby.

30 December 2011 - Sushi Zenmai, Precinct 10




Friday, November 16, 2012

Yiu-Khye - Week 8

8 November 2012 - Week 8


Breastfeeding


End of Week 8, I saw light at the dark tunnel. There was a glimmer of hope as my old cuts on my nipples began healing and there were no new cuts! Yay!
Khye was beginning to learn how to latch properly most of the time. So removing the pacifier was the solution to my problem.

So what does this mean?
I means that I would have pain-free breastfeeding time again in due course. It means that I don't have to be stuck with Khye again 24/7. It means that I could leave Khye to mum for awhile while I go out as I could express milk and not depend entirely on Khye to suckle when it gets full. This means freedom! ;D



Smile

As you can see, Khye is smiling more and more often now.
He sometimes gives us this this kinda-smile.....
3 & 8 November 2012

Or this demure smile..... 
4 November 2012

Or this wider smile...
7 November 2012

Or this priceless wide, happy smile!
8 November 2012


Sleep

I love watching him sleep.
And when he sleeps, he looks so peaceful. This is why I have so many photos of my babies sleeping.

3 & 5 November 2012

4 & 5 November 2012


Visual Stimulation

Khye likes his Lamaze playmat, and the Ocean Wonders musical cot mobile, as it provides him with the visual stimulation. He could sit there quietly watching the hanging toys for up to 30 minutes.
This is especially helpful where I can use this time to prepare my older kid, or to do some house chores.
4 November 2012

Bathing

Khye still loves bath time. I bathe him once or twice a day depending on the weather. These few days, the weather gets so hot and stuffy and I bathe him on most days before bedtime.
8 November 2012

 After bath time, Khye loves being wrapped up like this.
2 November 2012


Going Out

As mentioned, we go out a lot for breakkies. This one is at Dome, Straits Quay.
8 November 2012

But we do go out as a family of 4 sometimes. It does get chaotic at times when both kids go cranky, but we survived so far ;)

We were at Sushi Tei, Gurney Plaza.
3 November 2012 - Sushi Tei

Shern got nice food to eat while Khye slept in the stroller


Siblings

Shern & Khye lying down side by side.
7 November 2012
Sometimes they take naps and sleep like this.
7 November 2012

At other times, both of them want my attention at the same time.
So there are moments like this on some mornings.
5 November 2012



So How Is Mummy Doing?

Although I was feeling much better at my breastfeeding ordeal, I was feeling a bit emo at being myself being 30 years old.
So I scrapped about myself being 30. (and also to complete the scrapbooking friendly challenge by Sharon :>)
At 30 years old, I am now a mum of 2. I barely believe it.

The photo of me in a green top was taken when I was 31 weeks preggy. That was the only decent photo of me alone.
You know, when you have kids, you barely take photos of yourself alone. It is usually photos of me WITH my kids, never a photo alone.

7 November 2012

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