“what’s that”
For the first time since baby shopping started, the husband actually took an interest to my purchase!
Bo: What’s that?
Me: A diaper caddy
Bo: To contain diapers?
Me: Diapers & essentials like creams, wipes etc. during diaper change time
Bo: Oh. how much?
Me: Got it at a discount
Bo: When did you get it? How come there are new things appearing?
Me: Got it a while back, but only managed to collect it from a friend recently
Bo: Orh….
And he goes and takes a shower.
the empowerment of labour videos
I’d admit that each time someone mentioned how disgusted & gross out they were after watching the vids on labour that were shown during their ChildBirth Education (CBE) class, I used to squirm for a bit even if I was just reading it off a forum, blog or website.
And while I knew that I would eventually have to watch it when we started our CBE classes with Mrs Wong Boh Boi (aka WBB) 2 weeks ago, I wasn’t sure if I could handle it.
So during today’s class, the Bo & I were late as per usual (darn, we always don’t allocate enough time for the horrid parking at AMK hub) and as a result, missed watching all 6 videos that were shown, only to see “The End” appearing on the screen as we took our seats on the mat.
I contemplated staying back after our session ended to watch the videos with the next class (the Bo was completely fine by it) but was initially dissuaded by a friend when I asked if it was worth to do so. She & her hubby warned me that I may be gross out by the video, especially the first one (and said I was lucky to have missed watching any of it) yet a huge part of me was really curious to watch it. I also agreed with what WBB mentioned during the class earlier that seeing & knowing what to expect can help tackle those ‘fears of the unknown’ which empowers us to be more confident come labour time; hence we decided to stay on.
The first video showed a couple who decided to have a natural and home birth. I was so intrigued by how calm the woman managed her labour with zero drugs. And the highlight for me in the video (in fact, for all of them) was when they showed the crowning of the baby. Always wondered how that would look like, and when I finally saw it..I got a wee bit excited in my heart. I was amazed by God’s creation of how the cervix opened up so naturally to facilitate baby’s head and how easily baby came out after the head & shoulders were out. It was such a beautiful moment. Kudos to such encouraging doulas/midwives shown in the videos too though. I do hope to meet an equally motivating one at TMC come D-day.
I was a little taken aback though by how the midwives and gynae tugged and pulled the baby out. It did look a bit forceful initially but again, I was in awe of God’s creation at how a fragile little human could also be so flexible in being turned, tugged and pulled out without being hurt (aww). The husband was supportive throughout the videos shown too, esp. when I exclaimed at how tiny and discoloured the newborns looked, assuring me that they will be a little purplish when they come out. At one point, he even mentioned that the baby was already crying as he was half way delivered and that it was a good thing. I loved that he was so calm, positive & entertaining while adding his inputs at the same time “come on, just a little bit more of a push”. Encouraging too.
We did see some couples cringing and using pillows to hide their eyes away from the screen, but for us I was really glad that we decided to stay behind to watch the videos. Because after that, I’m actually looking forward & excited about my labour! And to know that I have an assuring husband who shares similar views as me – SCORE!
p/s: I am a little nervous about deciding when’s the right time to make the trip to the hospital though. :p Time to pack the hospital bag maybe?
The single-digit countdown
A few days ago, I turned 32 weeks in my pregnancy (and little chungkin weigh in 2.15kg).
That’s 8 months, which meant…there was only 1 more month to go, 5 weeks to full-term, 2 weeks to baby being able to room in with us should he decide to say “hello, mom & pop” early. Someone on Facebook even helped calculate that we had some 35 more days to go (she’s kinda my birth buddy, with her EDD just 2 days after mine).
35 more days. wow.
I can’t believe how quickly 8 months of pregnancy bliss have just whizz by. There I was, some 6 months ago, wondering if it will all work out (still in disbelief that we got our first bfp)…proceeding the weeks with caution, envious of all the 3rd trimester bellies that I was greeted with when I started pre-natal yoga in my 16th week and BAM – suddenly I was one of them now. I was going to be a mom-to-be now.
It also wasn’t till I started seeing chungkin’s cute little clothes being hung out to dry in the sun yesterday that I realized how close a gap we were to seeing him now. For months, I was just buying stuff for our little bundle and chucking them aside each time I got home. But as I finally unopened each item’s packaging this week, the emotions that hit my heart were just overflowing with so much joy…BIG TIME.
I haven’t started packing the hospital bag nor sort out the administration for the husband to settle the necessary paperwork in a folder. I’ve been procrastinating for about 2 weeks, still thinking that we’ve got time but truth is I know we don’t. Another birth buddy reminded me that I ought to get the cot delivered by at least next week when we hit 33 weeks so that there would be enough time to sun the mattress and let the cot ‘breathe’ among other preparations. I couldn’t agree more. The last thing I wanted was to just sit on things till the last minute (like the wedding, which thankfully turned out well thanks to a team of trusty friends) and frustrate myself & others around me unnecessarily when I could channel all that energy to being a positive & relaxing one instead.
It’s all getting extremely exciting now. I can’t wait!!!
a cozy bday celebration
My birthday celebration this year was simple. Yet cozy.
No cake, no candles, no drinking, no travelling, no noisy merry making, no party.
And it was fine by me, because I already had the best birthday present – who was actively making his existence known in my tummy through the day.
Though the husband wasn’t the first to wish me as I had initially hoped, nor was he able to take the entire day off to spend my hatch day with me – he didn’t forget about my birthday after all! He did take a 1/2 day off after some compulsory meetings & company CNY luncheon, shuttled between venues to get my birthday plans & gift sorted out before meeting me for our quality time together – a lovely afternoon tea followed by some window shopping, watched a movie, before ending the evening with a hearty dinner from a delish heartland hawker.
There wasn’t anything fanciful but it sure tugged the heartstrings out of me that despite managing a busy work schedule & mugging for an impending exam – the Bo still made time.
Mom & J.J also pampered me silly with their gifts too (thank you!), and this really made me tear knowing how blessed I was.
And of course, the celebrations with my friends & family which led into the following day were nothing short of amazing. The food we shared, the laughs we had, the sweets we ate, the catching up…utterly enjoyable.
I had such a great time that I was practically knackered by the time I got home at about 11.30pm last night (having start my day at 10am in the morning).
{a photo booth shot before starting out my lovely day}
{a sweet surprise from Annie – yummy birthday cupcakes!}
{with my gorgeous mommy friends}
{I had a cookies & cream cupcake all to myself}
{Birthday dinner with the cousin at Zaffron’s}
{finishing off the evening with a cuppa hot choco at Max Brenner’s, which was disappointingly sweet}
{And some tutti frutti waffles}
{with the cousin. note to self: unflattering arms}
What an amazing year of adventure it has been, and I know the year ahead will be an even more exciting, albeit challenging one. Thank you Lord for the many blessings, opportunities, for providing & showering me with oodles of love & grace.
And while I’m still in disbelief that this will be my last birthday celebration become I become a a mommy (and birthday celebrations will no longer be in the same, carefree fashion since we will obviously keep thinking of the little one regardless whether he will be out with us or not), I’m totally looking forward to my next birthday celebration, where the chungkin will obviously be a part of it!
{happy 31 weeks}
30 weeks
And just like that, 30 weeks of pregnancy bliss have pass me by.
I can’t believe how far along we’ve come, how I’ve managed to make it without a serious emotional/hormonal breakdown in between, how I’ve enjoyed almost every step of it except for 2 tiny pockets of negative news which turned out good eventually (Amen!) and how I can start counting down to the next 7-8 weeks before we say “anytime, now” to anyone who asks how far along we are.
Baby Chungkin’s presence to our last weeks of couple hood has also been more regular & significant. No longer do I have to let the husband know when baby’s moving actively for him to feel it. These days, all he has to do is start talking, and the little one will respond with a flurry of rolling pins, kicks, and punches before daddy tells him to stop & take a break.
Last night, after the Bo told the chungkin that we were watching ‘Rocky III’ and what the show was about; the little one after being encouraged by daddy to ‘punch & move to the beat’, actually used mummy’s tummy as a punching bag when ‘Eye of the Tiger‘ was playing. Thankfully he wasn’t at 36 weeks yet so ‘em moves were still bearable.
What a daddy’s boy.
The past 2 days have been a reality check for me. Being admitted to KKH delivery suite for monitoring, albeit nothing serious thankfully and no contractions in sight was the closest glimpse and experience I had to knowing what was to come on D-day.
And this morning, after reading about another lady’s labour experience under the same gynae which took place last night, provided me with insight of what to be mentally prepared for. Apparently even giving birth at 36 weeks is considered premature by the PD and baby has to be put in niuc for monitoring due to lungs development despite what the gynaes tell us. Though the mother was assured that there were no big issues foreseen.
It also made me think, that if I do deliver at 36 weeks like this lady, effectively I’m left with 6 weeks from today to be as mentally & physically prepared as I can be!
To my little bub chungkin, thanks for being such a good listener and a strong warrior to fight the recent virus. I know it was a struggle being in that hot oven alone as mommy and daddy desperately tried to cool your environment as much as we could, but thank you for staying strong and responding with movements when we needed you to. Be it 6 weeks, 8 weeks or 10 weeks before you decide to say “hello mom & pop” to us in person, we will respect that and patiently wait to embrace you.
Right now, mommy needs to start getting her things & hospital bag in order.
Skyving on Lunar New Year’s Eve
I had a craving for some western brunch after church today and remembered reading about the ‘Croque Madame!’ which Skyve served so off we went – although the Bo did ask me to consider Chalk’s Sunday brunch too, but my mind was quite made up.
We arrived at 10 Winstedt Road (location of Skyve) and took a little stroll around the ex-school compounds before settling ourselves in the relatively un-busy and tastefully modern setting of Skyve. Saw the menu and instantly knew what I wanted – Croque Madame, of course! and was utterly pleased that the staff was able to accommodate my request of ensuring that everything, including the supposedly runny yolk on the sunny side up, would be cooked thoroughly well for their pregnant patron. :D
Food arrived in reasonable time and boy was I sniffing my croque like a puppy, asking the Bo to sniff as well. The smell of melted cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sliced ham grilled on brioche bread was just so so so so alluring. It was also then I think the husband might have regretted ordering his usual classic breakfast over mine (I did share eventually). It tasted so good as I devoured morsel of ‘the loafing breakfast’.
And so, we left 2 happy campers, with our tummies satisfactorialy filled, heading home to complete what seems to be the last 15% of spring cleaning to do.
Have a happy reunion dinner everyone!
Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar
No.10 Winstedt Road
Block E, #01-17
Tuesday to Friday: 8:30am to Midnight
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to Midnight
Public Holidays: 10am to Midnight
(Monday closed till further notice)
Reserve:+65 6225 6690
Bo turns another year older
Every year during Bo’s birthday, I’d usually have something up my sleeves to surprise him with one way or another. It could be just bringing in his favorite Bengawan Solo pandan-kaya cake at the end of an impromptu family dim sum or at the stroke of midnight on 9 Jan, or gathering some of his best buds for ‘surprise’ drinks (which includes injecting in some pranks on the birthday boy as well), organizing a McDonalds’ ‘kids’ party, springing an impromptu trip or even just hiding his good friends in his room all ready to surprise him when he opens the door – yes I’ve that much mischief lined up for the man considering that his special day comes only once a year plus I’ve always been big on birthday celebrations since young; something that has been running in the family for as long as I can remember.
So this year, I felt like a total party popper when I had zero plans & ideas on what to do. Well technically I did think of doing a nice dinner out (our usual) but when the Bo confirmed that he had the rest of his birthday off too just 2 days prior, my brain just could not generate a list of things to do. All I could think of was…sleeping in or visiting the loo…which just made me feel even more guilty that I wasn’t even making much of an effort.
In the end, I told myself to just let the ‘plan-perfectionist’ in me loose. I didn’t have personal disposable cash I usually would have to dispense off spontaneously on a trip or pampering activity to speak to (since everything goes towards baby’s necessities funds now), but I knew I was going to make this birthday count nonetheless. The Bo had been working hard for most of 2011 just so that I could ‘relax & have an enjoyable pregnancy’ so it was only deserving that I reciprocated his love back in my little own way.
8 Jan, eve of birthday: My eyes were shutting on me quickly at 10.45pm, but I struggled and managed to resist, watching his favorite anime series with him till midnight before being the first to wish him Happy Birthday with a huge hug from me & baby chungkin (he actually responded with a kick, well done son!).
Then this morning, I made a mental note not to sleep in nor snooze so that we could have an early start. Woke up by 9am, greeted & kissed birthday boy again; got myself ready quickly so that we could do whatever he wanted (with some backup brunch places and activities in mind) and not before long, we were out of the house! We didn’t end up visiting any of the 4 brunch places I had in mind, but I told myself that I was going to let birthday boy decide what he wanted to do. If he wanted to run some errands, chill at a local coffee shop for a bit before watching a show – then that’s what we’ll do. It was his day anyway.
Come evening time (amazing how time flies when you’re on leave and having so much fun quality couple time together!), we took a little stroll around the quaint neighborhood of Katong before meeting mom for dinner. I also managed to sneak away for a sec & purchase the last pandan-kaya cake on display at the shop on the pretext of ‘needing to take a dump’ (and had mom’s help to aid with collection of cake and restaurant reservations).
All in all, a simple and relaxing celebration. There wasn’t anything fancy going on – no huge surprises as with the past few years, but as mom succinctly reiterated during dinner – this year was indeed a very special celebration for the Bo because it’s the year that he is going to become a daddy! We couldn’t agree more.
Happy Birthday my Bo. Thank you for being the best husband and friend that you have been and can be. I can’t wait for little.C to join in the celebration next year and the years to come – giving you that birthday kiss & hug in person! Here’s wishing you a very wonderful year, a great beginning of fatherhood, may joy, love & laughter continue to fill your heart and that our Good Lord will continue to keep you, bless you and grant you your desires. – much love always.
xo.
{soup}
{a birthday tradition & must have – ee fu noodles}
{papa chung, mama chung & baby chung}
{family}
{birthday boy and his favorite cake of choice}
Silver Lining
So yeah, I had a bad day, shitty to be exact. I woke up feeling miserable and misery was made worse with my mil’s insensitive comments.
But what finally cleared the dark clouds away and gave me that silver lining was the visit to the gynae. I got a little frustrated from trying to call to check on appointments availability. And when I finally get through on the 18th call, the nurse told me to come for a walk-in hearing how bad I sounded, and so I did.
And thank the Lord for making my day – I didn’t have to wait long. There were 3 patients in front of me when I walked in, nurses were sympathetic & did their best to slot me in (I was told that it helped that I chose to walk in on a not-too-busy day too), I got to see my gynae within 15 minutes of wait time and the best highlight – I got to see b.chungkin on the new scan monitor (gynae just opened his private practice this week), hear his heartbeat loud & clear; and got 3 shots of chungkin’s face in 3D thanks to my gynae (and the saleslady beside him who was guiding him how) fiddling with his new machine and exploring new functions – all at the usual scan price, which is really affordable. :)
Although I’m still physically sick (I was told I’d just have to sit this out until the bug leaves), emotionally I’m one happy mama. Praise the Lord! Hooray.
And instead of the usual belly shot, here’s a shot of b.chungkin sporting his daddy’s nose (hopefully an improved one :p)
{Top photo shows his eyes closed, right side of photo is covered by his hand and amnio fluid. Bottom photo shows his eyes opened}
Seeing him on the monitor for a good 7 minutes definitely made all my earlier frustrations go away!
I love you my baby chungkin. Thanks for staying strong, and reassuring mommy with your power-packed punches/kicks throughout the day. Daddy & I can’t wait to meet you & embrace you in our arms come April 2012.
bobo & me i wore this today people i love weekends yay yay yay!: resolutions
by natasha
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A cozy goodbye to ’11 and first few moments of 2012
Obviously the plan (from NYE 2010) to celebrate NYE 2011 in NYC didn’t work out since baby chungkin came into the picture this year (no flight mandate, remember?). Not that we would trade it for anything else.
Hence this new year’s eve was celebrated with mom and bo over a hearty dinner (thank u mom!) & desserts before we welcomed 2012 under a spectacular display of fireworks amongst thousands at Marina Bay Sands! I loved how ‘em 2 angels were also busy protecting b.chungkin from getting squashed/squeezed/hit in the belly from the crowds. :)
Had a wonderful time bonding with them, albeit pockets of exhaustion hitting me in between dinner & fireworks despite an arvo snooze earlier. B.chungkin was a good boy, or so I thought, responding mostly when we ‘communicated’ with him via talking or light pats on the belly. Just wanted to check in to see if he was enjoying himself too, and I could only assume he was, since his mama was having such a ball of a time.
{graze}
{family}
{mushroom soup & accompanying bread was delish}
{mom absolutely loving her appetizer – and oh those prawns!}
{the bo enjoying his lamb, which was very juicy & sweet}
{my order of baby roast chicken which was sweet, tender and not a wee bit dry}
{a lobster-red looking bo, just after a pint of beer}
{before we head out for desserts}
{mommy & me}
{Marina Bay Sands}
{Just before the countdown to 2012}
{the first of a spectacular display of fireworks to welcome 2012}
Happy 2012!
Here’s wishing you lots more love, joy, laughter, peace, patience, understanding, friendships, relationships, and that your resolutions, ambitions, goals, desires take that one big leap towards being fulfilled. xo.
Thankful for 2011
2011 was mostly amazing.
It started off with a blast of a holiday in Japan where the Bo & I celebrated NYE 2010 and ushered 2011 in Tokyo, immersing ourselves with local activities & culture; followed by our first ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train in Japan) to visit my side of family in Gifu for a lovely home cooked meal on the 1st day of 2011. And the next 3 weeks of 2011 spent in Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido where we got to experienced a lot of wonderful things together such as falling on snow, skiing, building snowman, skinny dipping in hot springs (which really did burnt), savouring local delicacies such as sea urchin and other raw, fresh seafood which I usually won’t attempt to eat.
It was a year of many fabulous firsts for myself – deciding to take a real break away from work to focus on my personal growth, faith & family planning since starting work some 9 years ago. Re-taking up yoga after a 3-years hiatus & finally deciding to get wee bit serious on photography via personal lessons from a mentor and committing some finances to get some serious camera accessories. Cooking consecutive meals for the Bo which he really enjoyed while mil was away on holidays. And of course, us finally being pregnant with our #1 chungkin which has resulted in making joint decisions for b.chungkin, being blessed with new friendships and strengthening existing relationships. Amazing what big changes a baby’s pending arrival can do.
It was a year of positivity – mustering that courage to see a life coach to get my life/thoughts organized & energy back, daring to believe that July-2011 would be that special month when b.chungkin would happen due to a good feeling which I couldn’t shake off since June-11, acceptance of my choice of unemployment which inadvertently turned a lot of situations for the better, and having that strength to pass on good vibes to pals who really needed a dose of it.
It was a year of personal growth – where I was more willing to let go of hurt, sadness, disgruntlement and be more accepting of changes regardless how big or small. One I could managed anxieties better and learn more about myself as an individual.
It was a year of strengthening relationships – especially with my 3 musketeers (mom, bo & jj); and I’m thankful for your ever ready listening ears, assurances and generosity in anything within your means including your love. Thank you for being such great givers and for being in my life.
The not so amazing bits of 2011? - days when I woke up or slept in tears. Days the bo & I fought verbally which left us both feeling very hurt. Days when I questioned all the personal decisions I made. Days when I didn’t feel like I had any support or anyone I could really pour out to. Days when I felt utterly useless as a person, wife, friend & daughter and all I could do was wallow. Though I’m absolutely thankful (to the Lord) that they did not outweigh the good that happened.
And as I type this entry with the little one throwing me some power punches in the belly as a reminder of the most significant thing that happened in 2011, I know it was an mostly awesome year.
baby chungkin bobo & me i wore this today people i love weekends yay yay yay!: Christmas
by natasha
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Christmas 2011 round-up
I had the longest nights in the past 3 days – turning in only at near to 3am due to festive celebrations (and sadly still waking up at 9am due to habit) but boy was it worth every moment of yawn & exhaustion; knowing that I had a little party-mate who was enjoying himself in the belly – bobbing and dancing to music played loudly & giving a little punch of acknowledgement each time I gobbled down some lovely cakes and ice-cream.
This Christmas, spending our last as a couple was also made extra special as the Bo took us on little dates & strolls in between; enjoying the last bits of us-time as we reflected how much has happened (for the better) since 12 months ago – when we were still deeply desiring to be parents then and how difficult it was for me to enjoy the festivities because everyone was practically asking when we were going to be parents (which really sucked because I wished they would just say ‘Merry Christmas’ back in response and let me enjoy those few hours instead). And thanks to a very supportive husband who would constantly whisper to me that our time will eventually come and that it would be magical, I managed to survive through christmas 2010.
So back to this year’s roundup, I totally enjoyed feasting on the spread (as always) being prepared although I was reminded to limit my quantity on prime ribs, beef & lamb (but they were just soooo good) and desserts (instructions from the gynae). The Bo also allowed me a sip of his cloudy bay – which was all I wanted anyway. It was extremely heartwarming receiving gifts mostly for b.chungkin from the usual suspects (I did receive a very beautiful box of baby shower bingo and maternity-styled dress from the cousin for myself though :p) too. And too hilarious when some started asking the Bo if we had really decided on baby’s name to be ‘chungkin’ (along with a puzzled look) – due to my sign off in the card. (p/s: chungkin is really more of a term of endearment for us and yes, he will have a proper name).
{family shot}
{pre-christmas dinner with mom}
{christmas dinner with the BR}
{posing with BR’s gift to me}
{after a midnight tea with BR at the hotel lobby}
{iphone candid with mom}
{iphone candid with the Bo}
{group shot with the godparents}
