In random order, these are all my fried brain can throw out today. May the weekend get better...
Sight for sore eyes
Story of our simple lives - of our family, of our beautiful children, Kate & Jake
Friday, September 30, 2011
TGIF
Stormy morning. Golf ball in throat. Throbbing headache. Bad sleep-in. Work calls. Cheeky Kate. Sucky lunch. Throbbing headache. Parched mouth. Greedy breakfast. Funny Kate. Kate hugs. Bloody work. Butterfly bumps in tummy. Achy body. Throbbing headache.
In random order, these are all my fried brain can throw out today. May the weekend get better...
Sight for sore eyes
In random order, these are all my fried brain can throw out today. May the weekend get better...
Sight for sore eyes
Thursday, September 29, 2011
With lots of heart
To the sister who is oh-so-kind-and-lovely to help fulfill my Subway craving (no coupons nair mind!) yesterday. Much looove!
And on another note, here's my little one this morning. Sleeping peacefully in the wet weather while I had to boo-hoo-hoo leave the warm bed to go be an adult.
Love to the beautiful women in my life - today, especially to the sister and the daughter
And on another note, here's my little one this morning. Sleeping peacefully in the wet weather while I had to boo-hoo-hoo leave the warm bed to go be an adult.
Love to the beautiful women in my life - today, especially to the sister and the daughterTuesday, September 27, 2011
Sick bugs
The poor mother has been unwell for a while and after a few weeks of little/no improvement, she's finally better the weekend past. The sister and her then contracted food poisoning/gastric flu a week ago. For a week now, Kate was unwell with a slight cold and cough. It became a full-blown cold (leaky nose, non-stop sneezing) last Friday, which pretty much worsened over the weekend with her temperature creeping up & her cough worsening. The husband and I have been fighting hard against the bad air around but alas, I’d succumbed to the bug too. I’m self-medicating (drugs overload at the pharmacy) but my heart goes out to the little one whose temperature rocketed to 39 this morning. Good thing the husband was able to take off from work to bring her to the doc’s and (sniff) my baby is diagnosed with bronchitis. It’s nothing serious (blood test all clear!) but this will mean a tough week ahead for us as we nurse her whilst continuing to fend for ourselves.
GO AWAY BAD BUGS! GO AWAY!
GO AWAY BAD BUGS! GO AWAY!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Kate, my baby celebrity
Two weeks ago,we went to the bird park. The day was, overall, pretty good. It’s something that the sister had planned for agessss (we nearly forgot about it) – and when the day came, we started it late (missed a show!) but we caught two others; and best of all, we managed to route the entire bird park before the rain washed us out. Woe be to the sister who was suffering from a hangover, but yayness that the outing was pretty good! No pics from the bird park, but something interesting happened – not once, but twice – when we were there.
The husband was carrying Kate and we’d just finished taking a picture in front of the parrots. When we stepped off the podium, I saw a lady touch K’s face. The husband later said that she’d taken a picture of her (Kate). I found it rather amusing, but didn’t think much of it – until minutes later, the same episode happened again – i.e. another lady came to touch K’s face & took a pic with her – this time, while the sister was carrying her. How odd!
Last Friday, the husband and I were at Raffles City & after dinner, we walked around idly and found a big empty space which delighted K to no end as she could just run around aimlessly & silli-ly – which she did. Suddenly, two men walked towards her and (I was watching from a distance) I’d initially thought they were going to walk past (it was a common area). Instead, they stopped and patted K on her head. They looked to the husband (who was nearer to her, playing with her) and asked for permission to take a picture with her – and they did so. I was so stumped (again!)
I watched very bemusedly & quickly decided to sneak a picture and here you have it – Kate and her passers-by “fans”.
They took turns to carry & take a picture with her
How funny is that! I find it rather cute and am proud that passers-by will find my daughter so attractive that they wish to take pics with/of her; but still, rather odd!
The husband was carrying Kate and we’d just finished taking a picture in front of the parrots. When we stepped off the podium, I saw a lady touch K’s face. The husband later said that she’d taken a picture of her (Kate). I found it rather amusing, but didn’t think much of it – until minutes later, the same episode happened again – i.e. another lady came to touch K’s face & took a pic with her – this time, while the sister was carrying her. How odd!
Last Friday, the husband and I were at Raffles City & after dinner, we walked around idly and found a big empty space which delighted K to no end as she could just run around aimlessly & silli-ly – which she did. Suddenly, two men walked towards her and (I was watching from a distance) I’d initially thought they were going to walk past (it was a common area). Instead, they stopped and patted K on her head. They looked to the husband (who was nearer to her, playing with her) and asked for permission to take a picture with her – and they did so. I was so stumped (again!)
I watched very bemusedly & quickly decided to sneak a picture and here you have it – Kate and her passers-by “fans”.
They took turns to carry & take a picture with herHow funny is that! I find it rather cute and am proud that passers-by will find my daughter so attractive that they wish to take pics with/of her; but still, rather odd!
Indeed, moving
The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently.
Cited from www.babycenter.com; developments of your pregnancy at 16weeks
Now I'm pretty certain that what I'd been uncertain about is indeed baby little bouncing about!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Dear baby little
Dear baby little,
Another 3.5weeks until we get to "see" you again. I'm beginning to get used to having you with me all the time. The aches are bearable, sleep is less evasive and we both get decent rest together. My appetite's been good and you're such a good eater - giving me rather clear indications of your preferences and I enjoy my food much now (provided it isn't yucky). My tummy, however, has been extremely sensitive and that's something I hope goes away - it isn't fun to experience stomachaches so often. It's such a common occurance that Kate knows to say "Mama has stomachache".
Mommy's been trying to educate cheche about you. She knows that I'm "sayang-ing" you - when I rub cream on my growing belly. And it's cute how she gets me to exercise (stretch) with her, referring to the pregnancy handbook. She also knows that you're growing and the reason why "Mummy's stomach so big".
I'm used to the 5-day week by now (it's been 3weeks since I'm back at work) and I just wish that we continue to rest well each night so that we can function just as well in the day. I don't know if it's my imagination, but I've been feeling you "move" for a while now. It started off as if you were a tiny ball jumping hoops in my tummy and I wasn't entirely sure if it was you yet (may have been gas). However, the movements seem more pronounced these few days and I'm beginning to be more mindful, so I can enjoy you.
Continue to grow well, baby little and you are very lucky because not only do you have Papa and Mommy to love you, there is a cheche too!
Love, Mummy
Another 3.5weeks until we get to "see" you again. I'm beginning to get used to having you with me all the time. The aches are bearable, sleep is less evasive and we both get decent rest together. My appetite's been good and you're such a good eater - giving me rather clear indications of your preferences and I enjoy my food much now (provided it isn't yucky). My tummy, however, has been extremely sensitive and that's something I hope goes away - it isn't fun to experience stomachaches so often. It's such a common occurance that Kate knows to say "Mama has stomachache".
Mommy's been trying to educate cheche about you. She knows that I'm "sayang-ing" you - when I rub cream on my growing belly. And it's cute how she gets me to exercise (stretch) with her, referring to the pregnancy handbook. She also knows that you're growing and the reason why "Mummy's stomach so big".
I'm used to the 5-day week by now (it's been 3weeks since I'm back at work) and I just wish that we continue to rest well each night so that we can function just as well in the day. I don't know if it's my imagination, but I've been feeling you "move" for a while now. It started off as if you were a tiny ball jumping hoops in my tummy and I wasn't entirely sure if it was you yet (may have been gas). However, the movements seem more pronounced these few days and I'm beginning to be more mindful, so I can enjoy you.
Continue to grow well, baby little and you are very lucky because not only do you have Papa and Mommy to love you, there is a cheche too!
Love, Mummy
Mei2 mei3 lai liao
Not sure who/when/how/why, but some time ago the little one started calling herself "mei2 mei3" - it means "pretty" in Chinese. On her daily coffeeshop visits, she'll announce her arrival by shouting "mei mei lai liao!" (Pretty is here!) It's quite cute and she's obviously quite confident, and I just find it hilarious.
Anyhow, the husband's gotten his way and brought mei mei for a haircut.
This is my favourite-est pic. Just look at her silly-cheeky grin! *kisses those cheeks
My cute little mei mei fishball
Anyhow, the husband's gotten his way and brought mei mei for a haircut.
This is my favourite-est pic. Just look at her silly-cheeky grin! *kisses those cheeks
My cute little mei mei fishball
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Little steps
I watched Kate step into the house. She’d just gone for a walk with the in-laws and come home sweaty & happy. She sat down on the floor and proceeded to take off her shoes. She’s been taught to put on this particular pair of slip-ons a while ago and she’s also learnt to take them off. The shoe on one side came off, and she proceeded to peel off her sock too. She then stuffed her sock into the shoe. She did the same for the other foot. When she was done, she aligned both shoes side by side, picked them up –with one hand! – and put them into her shoe rack (I say ‘her’ shoe rack because it’s really the TV cabinet but her tiny shoes fit so cutely within).
Such simple actions, but to witness her independence brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t bawl or anything, and it wasn’t that obvious. But it still touched me and made me sigh with amazement/disbelief/wist.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Kate's Barney Day
Saturday, 17 September 2011 - It was a beautiful day, one that I was stressed/happy/excited about. It turned out to be super, and though I was tired, it was a very happy occasion and it was all worthwhile to see Kate smile.
"Barney come (she means came) to Kate's party" - these words alone are pure gold. Special thanks to the sister & the boyfriend who made it all possible, and to the husband: we did it. Two years, well done!
"Barney come (she means came) to Kate's party" - these words alone are pure gold. Special thanks to the sister & the boyfriend who made it all possible, and to the husband: we did it. Two years, well done!
Colour of the day: Purple
Kate & her Barney balloon-friend
Kate through the years
Kate with the mini-Barney balloon
Papa: who's that, Kate?
Mesmerised Kate
Kate & her favourite friend!
Playing games
Kate & her favourite friend!
Playing games
Happy Birthday Kate!
Family photo love
Happy Kate
Happy Kate
One of my favourite pics of the day
Super thank you to the sister, sandwich of love
Friday, September 16, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
What comes after Friday?
Only another two days to Kate's 2nd birthday. Thanks to the sister (and the boyfriend), I'm becoming increasingly excited about her birthday party.
Monday... Tuesday... Wednesday... Thursday... Friday... Barney Day!
Woot!
Monday... Tuesday... Wednesday... Thursday... Friday... Barney Day!
Woot!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Boring Mommy
My energy levels have been dipping due to the growing belly (well done, baby little!) and I’m really tired by night time. Especially when I don’t get to snooze at work and even more on days that I have to take public transport. My energy drains and last night, I really felt it as I couldn’t stop rubbing my eyes and lying down and closing my eyes every few minutes in the 1.5hours that I had with Kate before sleep.
I tried to conjure up dormant-like games like “let’s read, Kate” and I’ll do so half-lying down with her sitting by my side. But it’s so tough when all she is really keen to do is jump around on the bed. I have to protect myself from her flinging arms & legs. I also played “hairdresser” with her where she washes my hair for me. It’s this thing that she does as she has personally experienced salon hair-washing, so she knows how to “put shampoo” (she takes my sunscreen bottle and uses that as pretend), scrubs my hair and pretends-blowdry. This is a most apt activity cos all I have to do is lay there and she’ll do all the work…. Until she wanted me to wash her hair in return and I really did such a bad job that she gave up very quickly. And she totally finds me a bore because I’m so inactive! She gets upset with me when I lie down for too long so I have to shift myself about to camouflage how lazy I really am.
I recently made an attempt to do some exercise (okay, merely stretching) and I refer to this pregnancy book for references. It’s really simple stretching stuff and I engage Kate by asking her to sit down on the floor with me to do them. She’s since learnt to ask me to “read Aunty book” (that’s what she calls the book – there’s a pregnant lady on the front and she calls her ‘Aunty’) and said “on the floor” and I know she’ll want to play stretching (everything is play to her). I quite like how she does that cos then I’ll feel encouraged to do stretching and it’s fun to play with her. But last night, I really could not move myself out of bed and she was sooo upset with me! “Mama wake up!” “Mama don’t sleep!” “Mama on the floor!” … I felt awful not able to interact with her as much as she wanted and I had little choice but to play the sympathy card. I told her “Mama has stomachache Mama lie down ok” and she backed off after hearing that. What a good girl… am so proud of her.
I nearly wept with relief and delight when the husband came home after class and I had to handover Kate to him. Kate quickly told him "Mama has stomachache"... what a cutie. I crashed within minutes and I’m still so tired this morning.
Dear Kate, Mommy gets tired easily now so please bear with me. I’ll definitely play and jump with you if I can & I feel so guilty when I'm not up to it but I can't really help myself so be patient with me, ok?
Dear husband, thank you.
I tried to conjure up dormant-like games like “let’s read, Kate” and I’ll do so half-lying down with her sitting by my side. But it’s so tough when all she is really keen to do is jump around on the bed. I have to protect myself from her flinging arms & legs. I also played “hairdresser” with her where she washes my hair for me. It’s this thing that she does as she has personally experienced salon hair-washing, so she knows how to “put shampoo” (she takes my sunscreen bottle and uses that as pretend), scrubs my hair and pretends-blowdry. This is a most apt activity cos all I have to do is lay there and she’ll do all the work…. Until she wanted me to wash her hair in return and I really did such a bad job that she gave up very quickly. And she totally finds me a bore because I’m so inactive! She gets upset with me when I lie down for too long so I have to shift myself about to camouflage how lazy I really am.
I recently made an attempt to do some exercise (okay, merely stretching) and I refer to this pregnancy book for references. It’s really simple stretching stuff and I engage Kate by asking her to sit down on the floor with me to do them. She’s since learnt to ask me to “read Aunty book” (that’s what she calls the book – there’s a pregnant lady on the front and she calls her ‘Aunty’) and said “on the floor” and I know she’ll want to play stretching (everything is play to her). I quite like how she does that cos then I’ll feel encouraged to do stretching and it’s fun to play with her. But last night, I really could not move myself out of bed and she was sooo upset with me! “Mama wake up!” “Mama don’t sleep!” “Mama on the floor!” … I felt awful not able to interact with her as much as she wanted and I had little choice but to play the sympathy card. I told her “Mama has stomachache Mama lie down ok” and she backed off after hearing that. What a good girl… am so proud of her.
I nearly wept with relief and delight when the husband came home after class and I had to handover Kate to him. Kate quickly told him "Mama has stomachache"... what a cutie. I crashed within minutes and I’m still so tired this morning.
Dear Kate, Mommy gets tired easily now so please bear with me. I’ll definitely play and jump with you if I can & I feel so guilty when I'm not up to it but I can't really help myself so be patient with me, ok?
Dear husband, thank you.
Love, Mummy
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Having two
The husband and I were ready for baby little, just as we were ready for Kate. To me, I'd always wanted two children. Having grown up with two siblings, I (especially now) value the company and love I share with them. Of course, growing up with them was a pain - hah! - as any normal sibling will say (it's the sibling love, la). But now that the three of us are adults, we hang out together, we talk a lot (of co*k), we have one another to go to when there is a need or a crisis, or for anything at all, really. The husband also comes from a family with three children (all boys!) so I guess to us, having one child only was not really a preferred option.
Of course, now that baby little is happening and truly well on the way, we are very happy. But at the same time, we haven't talked about how things may be, how our lives may be impacted when he arrives. Childcare is the key thing on my mind.
In a couple of month's time, we will be moving to our very own place. That's fantastic news and a milestone in our relationship, but it will also change the way our lives have been living with the in-laws for the past 3 years. The living-with-in-laws have been pretty smooth sailing since day 1 of me moving in after the husband and I tied the knot, and it has definitely improved and sealed things with the arrival of Kate and the MIL looking after her. Moving out will mean that the husband and I are independent of looking after Kate which is already a new thing on our to-do list. No more having an extra pair of eyes to watch her if either of us are occupied, which is a BIG thing for those who understand. Kate will begin childcare come Dec 1, and that will also be another big step for 3 of us to take.
Add baby little to the equation and well... I really don't know how it'd be like. One thing is for sure, the husband and I will have to work even better as a team, upping our game from how we have been partnering each other till now.
I wish that the children will enjoy each other as much as siblings should. I can already imagine how bossy little Kate will be like with baby little, and I hope the two of them will grow up to be strong, caring, loving, happy individuals who will always care and love each other because we are family.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Music to my ears
- Mummy... MUMMYYYYYY (in the most endearing sing-song fashion)
- Kate hug Mama, Mama is happy
- Mama hug Kate, Kate happy
- Love you very much!
- Good morning to Mama (to the tune of Happy Birthday)
- Good night Mama
- Mama come eat!
- Mama don't sad
- Mama come play with me
- I love Mama
- Mama mama mama Mummyyyyyyy
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Too lovely not to keep & share
dear God, we lift up lil Kate into Your mighty hands and ask that Your hand of protection will be over her as she continues along her daily activities. help her to grow up well and may You pour out double portions of Your wisdom upon her life as she gains knowledge. we pray for strength and courage upon this precious life and we ask that by Your grace she will grow up to be the person You've created her to be. in Jesuss name +
Amen.
Amen.
Yiyi
I. Need. Sleep.
Not too long ago, I was complaining about how sleep was evasive. I suspect it was the lack of brain activity & the overdose of physical discomfort that caused it. I've been well enough to be back at work for exactly a week now and I now sleep pretty much like a baby!
I head home after work, have my dinner & have my shower. In between that I talk to Kate, play with her a little, read to her... and before 10pm I can feel my eyelids growing heavy.
The husband had class on Monday so I had to put Kate to sleep. Honestly, I was not entirely lucid and I declare that I wasn't sure when she fell asleep. Normally, I'll be terribly patient (or enjoying myself, depending on how tired I am/how long she's been fussing) and give in to her zillion requests for a lullaby/story/to scratch her back/pat her butt; while protecting myself from her unintentional attacks (when she rolls/jumps around, she sometimes knocks into me). And only when she knocks out, will I switch off the night light and go to sleep. However, on Monday, it was lights off and I patted her butt but I was not able to stay awake and I vaguely remember doing so half-heartedly because I was too tired. So I don't know when she really fell asleep and I only know that it was pitch black and dead quiet when I opened my eyes sometime in the middle of the night and Kate had fallen asleep - on her own.
Fortunately, the husband's been around the past few nights and I'm able to go to sleep when the zzz-monster hits. Kate's very quickly gotten used that Papa will be putting her to sleep while I go to sleep and last night, when I announced that "Mama is going to sleep, good night Kate", she happily replied "good night Mama", gave me a kiss on my cheek and pulled the blanket to my shoulders. I was so amused and touched by her gesture that I swear I went to sleep with a smile on my face!
And the truth is I really KO when I go to sleep, so much so that I have zero idea how the husband manages to put her to sleep (unless he tells me any special stories/antics of hers) or what time they go to sleep. It's amazing how tired I am and I'm grateful because I really need to charge my batteries as I'm still getting used to functioning normally.
Yawns.
I head home after work, have my dinner & have my shower. In between that I talk to Kate, play with her a little, read to her... and before 10pm I can feel my eyelids growing heavy.
The husband had class on Monday so I had to put Kate to sleep. Honestly, I was not entirely lucid and I declare that I wasn't sure when she fell asleep. Normally, I'll be terribly patient (or enjoying myself, depending on how tired I am/how long she's been fussing) and give in to her zillion requests for a lullaby/story/to scratch her back/pat her butt; while protecting myself from her unintentional attacks (when she rolls/jumps around, she sometimes knocks into me). And only when she knocks out, will I switch off the night light and go to sleep. However, on Monday, it was lights off and I patted her butt but I was not able to stay awake and I vaguely remember doing so half-heartedly because I was too tired. So I don't know when she really fell asleep and I only know that it was pitch black and dead quiet when I opened my eyes sometime in the middle of the night and Kate had fallen asleep - on her own.
Fortunately, the husband's been around the past few nights and I'm able to go to sleep when the zzz-monster hits. Kate's very quickly gotten used that Papa will be putting her to sleep while I go to sleep and last night, when I announced that "Mama is going to sleep, good night Kate", she happily replied "good night Mama", gave me a kiss on my cheek and pulled the blanket to my shoulders. I was so amused and touched by her gesture that I swear I went to sleep with a smile on my face!
And the truth is I really KO when I go to sleep, so much so that I have zero idea how the husband manages to put her to sleep (unless he tells me any special stories/antics of hers) or what time they go to sleep. It's amazing how tired I am and I'm grateful because I really need to charge my batteries as I'm still getting used to functioning normally.
Yawns.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
It really happened!
The sister (ala yiyi) wrote to me after reading my last blog entry. And I totally understand what Kate was saying in our earlier conversation!
"yiyi DID, NOT want to eat the porridge mom cooked on sat.
and mom kept forcing me to eat and in the end.
i ate some.
yiyi was sad because nainai asked kate whether she (yiyi) could have some of kate's porridge but kate said no.
so yiyi was sad.
and went to take some herself !
HAHAHAH
it REALLY HAPPENED ! "
"yiyi DID, NOT want to eat the porridge mom cooked on sat.
and mom kept forcing me to eat and in the end.
i ate some.
yiyi was sad because nainai asked kate whether she (yiyi) could have some of kate's porridge but kate said no.
so yiyi was sad.
and went to take some herself !
HAHAHAH
it REALLY HAPPENED ! "
Chit chat with Kate
The husband is home so I rang him moments ago on this lazy afternoon. While we were talking, I heard Kate in the background "Mama?"
Husband: Yes, I'm talking to Mommy. You want to talk to Mommy?
Kate: Yes.
Husband hands the phone to her.
K: Mama
Me: Hi Kate! What are you doing?
K: Eating porridge.
Me: Are you sure you are eating porridge now?
K: Yes. Nainai cook porridge for Kate. Yiyi so sad.
Me: Nai nai cook porridge for you? Why is yiyi sad?
K: Yi yi don't want eat porridge. Yi yi so sad.
Me: Yi yi doesn't want to eat porridge & is sad?
K: Yes.
Me: ... who are you?
K: I'm Kate.
Me: Who am I?
K: Mama
Me: So clever! Ok Mama has to work already.
K: Bye bye
Me: I'll see you tonight ok? Love you
K: I love you.
Me: Bye bye
K: Bye bye
Me: Pass the phone to Papa please
K hands the phone to Papa.
I then spend the next 30secs relaying the convo to the husband and gushing how happy I am that Kate is so clever & coherent! Except that I didn't understand her story about porridge and yiyi. But we had a brilliant conversation! Hee hee.
Husband: Yes, I'm talking to Mommy. You want to talk to Mommy?
Kate: Yes.
Husband hands the phone to her.
K: Mama
Me: Hi Kate! What are you doing?
K: Eating porridge.
Me: Are you sure you are eating porridge now?
K: Yes. Nainai cook porridge for Kate. Yiyi so sad.
Me: Nai nai cook porridge for you? Why is yiyi sad?
K: Yi yi don't want eat porridge. Yi yi so sad.
Me: Yi yi doesn't want to eat porridge & is sad?
K: Yes.
Me: ... who are you?
K: I'm Kate.
Me: Who am I?
K: Mama
Me: So clever! Ok Mama has to work already.
K: Bye bye
Me: I'll see you tonight ok? Love you
K: I love you.
Me: Bye bye
K: Bye bye
Me: Pass the phone to Papa please
K hands the phone to Papa.
I then spend the next 30secs relaying the convo to the husband and gushing how happy I am that Kate is so clever & coherent! Except that I didn't understand her story about porridge and yiyi. But we had a brilliant conversation! Hee hee.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Baby little - early days
Inspired by another Mommy’s blog entry on her first trimester, here’s my journey the past few weeks.
I’d wondered if I was pregnant the initial days and the only person whom I confided in about my “I wonder if I’m pregnant” state was the sister (besides the husband). It was a Friday night dinner with the siblings & partners (celebration of the brother’s b’day) & I recall sharing with her (with muted excitement) “my period is late for two days. I’m going to test over the weekend if I still don’t get it!”
However, the weekend came and passed and I didn’t do the test. I think it was largely because I didn’t want to “think too much”. It took us a year to conceive Kate and I’d pretty much not wanted to think too much about it all. To those who know, waiting to confirm a pregnancy when you’re trying is well, very trying. To take my mind off things, I still went ahead to run the GE Women’s 10km Run that weekend. I felt tubby then and at the run I recall telling the sister “mebbe I’m not fat. But running for two!” Little did I know…
A week into my period that hasn’t come, I was antsy to test but again, the fear of disappointment kept me from actually testing. I know, some people will say – just test la! Then you’ll know ma… but to those who also know, you’d understand my anxiety and reluctance to do the test (yes yes, I think too much). It was the husband who finally went to buy the test kit. And it was 6 July when the husband and I saw the positive results on the kit. I did the test early in the morning (highest levels of hormones for a more accurate test – something I learnt from the first pregnancy) & similar to the sharing of news with Kate, I woke the husband up before our alarms rang and I whispered to him “I’m pregnant”. The feeling is indescribable – a mix of happiness, thrill and disbelief. I quickly made an appointment for that weekend and we confirmed the pregnancy again with a visit to our gynae and seeing the little seed on the screen, lying in the gynae’s room – it all felt so familiar and I teared the first time I saw baby little.
The next week was a fun ride with us sharing the news with our family members and it was awesome that we could give my dad a great b’day gift! Then morning sickness struck.
As with Kate, I experienced “all day sickness”. There were intense feelings of nausea in my chest which progressively worsened through the day – 5-6pm was the bewitching hour where I’d feel truly awful and more likely than not, I’d have to vomit within the hour. My appetite was affected, I could barely keep anything down and it was really a difficult time. This pretty much went on for a whole month and it was so bad that I couldn’t function at all and even ended up hospitalised to be on the drip as I was dehydrated. For the first two weeks, I slept a lot and I preferred to sleep as I’d not be feeling the icky feeling then. However, in the later weeks, sleep was fleeting and that didn’t help matters much. I must admit, I was pretty down during the time as it was very tough being cheery when I was physically knocked out. I had no control over my body and if I remember accurately, I’d say that I vomited more this time than the last. I remember one Saturday night where I vomited really badly and I was so tired out I couldn’t even wash myself afterwards. The kind husband turned on the air-con and told me “just go sleep, we’ll change the sheets tomorrow” – and it wasn’t as if I had any other choice as I was physically unable to do anything else, I crashed.
One consolation of me being down was that I spent plenty of time with Kate and my family since I was pretty much bedridden and confined to home. I’m very fortunate to be showered with care and food and I think the husband didn’t have a good time during this period too. I was entirely reliant on him as I was unable to do anything myself (not able to drive, not able to handle Kate, not able to do much really) and it was also tough for him amidst his very busy schedule.
Thankfully! After that trying period, I’m better now. I’m so glad that I’m feeling more normal now and man, baby little sure has taken much outta me! But as they say, it’s all worth it – simply because.
Dear baby little,
The gynae called you “the little trouble-maker” – I don’t think you’re intentionally being naughty! I’m very happy that you are such a strong little one and I’m still excited as ever to meet you. Each time we go to the doc’s, I look forward to seeing your B&W murky picture. It reminds me that you’re there and I hope you can feel the love that Kate cheche, Papa and I have for you already.
Love, Mommy
I’d wondered if I was pregnant the initial days and the only person whom I confided in about my “I wonder if I’m pregnant” state was the sister (besides the husband). It was a Friday night dinner with the siblings & partners (celebration of the brother’s b’day) & I recall sharing with her (with muted excitement) “my period is late for two days. I’m going to test over the weekend if I still don’t get it!”
However, the weekend came and passed and I didn’t do the test. I think it was largely because I didn’t want to “think too much”. It took us a year to conceive Kate and I’d pretty much not wanted to think too much about it all. To those who know, waiting to confirm a pregnancy when you’re trying is well, very trying. To take my mind off things, I still went ahead to run the GE Women’s 10km Run that weekend. I felt tubby then and at the run I recall telling the sister “mebbe I’m not fat. But running for two!” Little did I know…
A week into my period that hasn’t come, I was antsy to test but again, the fear of disappointment kept me from actually testing. I know, some people will say – just test la! Then you’ll know ma… but to those who also know, you’d understand my anxiety and reluctance to do the test (yes yes, I think too much). It was the husband who finally went to buy the test kit. And it was 6 July when the husband and I saw the positive results on the kit. I did the test early in the morning (highest levels of hormones for a more accurate test – something I learnt from the first pregnancy) & similar to the sharing of news with Kate, I woke the husband up before our alarms rang and I whispered to him “I’m pregnant”. The feeling is indescribable – a mix of happiness, thrill and disbelief. I quickly made an appointment for that weekend and we confirmed the pregnancy again with a visit to our gynae and seeing the little seed on the screen, lying in the gynae’s room – it all felt so familiar and I teared the first time I saw baby little.
The next week was a fun ride with us sharing the news with our family members and it was awesome that we could give my dad a great b’day gift! Then morning sickness struck.
As with Kate, I experienced “all day sickness”. There were intense feelings of nausea in my chest which progressively worsened through the day – 5-6pm was the bewitching hour where I’d feel truly awful and more likely than not, I’d have to vomit within the hour. My appetite was affected, I could barely keep anything down and it was really a difficult time. This pretty much went on for a whole month and it was so bad that I couldn’t function at all and even ended up hospitalised to be on the drip as I was dehydrated. For the first two weeks, I slept a lot and I preferred to sleep as I’d not be feeling the icky feeling then. However, in the later weeks, sleep was fleeting and that didn’t help matters much. I must admit, I was pretty down during the time as it was very tough being cheery when I was physically knocked out. I had no control over my body and if I remember accurately, I’d say that I vomited more this time than the last. I remember one Saturday night where I vomited really badly and I was so tired out I couldn’t even wash myself afterwards. The kind husband turned on the air-con and told me “just go sleep, we’ll change the sheets tomorrow” – and it wasn’t as if I had any other choice as I was physically unable to do anything else, I crashed.
One consolation of me being down was that I spent plenty of time with Kate and my family since I was pretty much bedridden and confined to home. I’m very fortunate to be showered with care and food and I think the husband didn’t have a good time during this period too. I was entirely reliant on him as I was unable to do anything myself (not able to drive, not able to handle Kate, not able to do much really) and it was also tough for him amidst his very busy schedule.
Thankfully! After that trying period, I’m better now. I’m so glad that I’m feeling more normal now and man, baby little sure has taken much outta me! But as they say, it’s all worth it – simply because.
Dear baby little,
The gynae called you “the little trouble-maker” – I don’t think you’re intentionally being naughty! I’m very happy that you are such a strong little one and I’m still excited as ever to meet you. Each time we go to the doc’s, I look forward to seeing your B&W murky picture. It reminds me that you’re there and I hope you can feel the love that Kate cheche, Papa and I have for you already.
Love, Mommy
Friday, September 2, 2011
Hari Raya Holiday
It was a happy Tuesday (as all public holidays are) as we met the sister, the brother, the boyfriend for brunch. We checked out a new place which to me was so-so only. Perhaps, it was because the place didn't serve *GASP* ketchup?!
Anyhow, after a very enjoyable session of great company, the sister and the boyfriend headed off for makan session round 2. The brother continued to hang out with us and we strolled down the road for our own makan session round 2 (desserts of pancakes & dessert).
We chanced upon Hari Raya-themed activities at the Singapore Art Museum where there were cut-out boards in traditional costumes.
Har?
O?
Heh
Hee
There was also a kueh-making workshop (of clay) and it's Kate's first time getting her hands dirty in craft. (I feel ashamed saying this as it's totally lack of effort on my part to introduce her to painting!) It was so cute seeing her sit at the miniature table & chair alongside other children, watching the cheche conduct the session. My kid is ready for school!
Some observations:
1. She kinda gets the idea of following instructions as she 'rolls' the clay as told, though she's not able to actually do it herself.
2. She is fidgety. She wanted to stand up several times in the course of 10-minutes and I think she'd have wandered off if I wasn't there to keep her in her seat.
3. She doesn't like to get her hands dirty. 3/4 through the session, she wanted to get up to wash her hands. I helped her to do so thinking that she's had enough of sitting still. When her hands were washed, however, she wanted to go back to "roll some more" - so I deduce that while she enjoys the activity, she didn't like how her hands felt grimey.
So proudly, I share with you Kate's first craft piece - clay pineapple tart!
Don't judge the horrid colour ok, everyone got turd-coloured clay thankyouverymuch :P
Anyhow, after a very enjoyable session of great company, the sister and the boyfriend headed off for makan session round 2. The brother continued to hang out with us and we strolled down the road for our own makan session round 2 (desserts of pancakes & dessert).
We chanced upon Hari Raya-themed activities at the Singapore Art Museum where there were cut-out boards in traditional costumes.
Har?
O?
Heh
Hee
There was also a kueh-making workshop (of clay) and it's Kate's first time getting her hands dirty in craft. (I feel ashamed saying this as it's totally lack of effort on my part to introduce her to painting!) It was so cute seeing her sit at the miniature table & chair alongside other children, watching the cheche conduct the session. My kid is ready for school!
Some observations:
1. She kinda gets the idea of following instructions as she 'rolls' the clay as told, though she's not able to actually do it herself.
2. She is fidgety. She wanted to stand up several times in the course of 10-minutes and I think she'd have wandered off if I wasn't there to keep her in her seat.
3. She doesn't like to get her hands dirty. 3/4 through the session, she wanted to get up to wash her hands. I helped her to do so thinking that she's had enough of sitting still. When her hands were washed, however, she wanted to go back to "roll some more" - so I deduce that while she enjoys the activity, she didn't like how her hands felt grimey.
So proudly, I share with you Kate's first craft piece - clay pineapple tart!
Don't judge the horrid colour ok, everyone got turd-coloured clay thankyouverymuch :P
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