1 week of motherhood

I've been a mommy for 1 week! It's been wonderful so far - especially when i see my baby's cute face. ;)

We spent 4 days in the hospital.
On the 6th day, we had to go to the hospital for Joel's checkup (and sadly, he was hospitalised).
On the 7th day, we had to go to the hospital again to bring him home (thank God).
On the 8th day (today), i had to go to the hospital again for my gynae checkup to redress my wound.

Next week, we'll have to go to the hospital again TWICE for baby's jaundice review and to change my dressing again.

It just seems never-ending of hospital trips! My in-laws also come by often to see their new grandson. I'm always sitting up or walking around that sometimes my wound really hurts. I really havent had much rest at home - to produce more milk, and for my wound to heal etc etc...

My breastmilk supply has been pathetic too...only 30-50ml max. And i dont pump too often too. Not much of the "engorged feeling", and it's already sore! Sob sob... They keep saying it's becoz i dont drink much of the red dates water/soup (good for helping to produce more milk). Hai... :(

My mother-in-law keeps saying i have to EAT MORE MORE to produce more milk for the baby (just like her other daughter-in-law who eats A LOT during her confinement until there's too much milk leaking from her other non-feeding breast!!!). But arent people supposed to lose the extra pounds during confinement period instead of putting on more weight??? She might be lucky that she eats like a pig and doesnt put on weight (it's been only about 1.5 months since her daughter's birth, and when i saw her today, her figure is already better than before - with sexy curves and all). But i dont think it'll be the same for me coz i gain weight easily, and i still have a 5-month pregnant tummy! It's making me very stressed up too... :(

I also just heard that once the baby is drinking formula milk, he wouldnt want breastmilk anymore coz formula milk tastes sweeter. Now, i'm more worried!!! I've tried to pump while playing computer games, but i feel the supply slows down! Maybe i need to think of my baby while i'm at it! Heehee... Hope my milk supply will come in quicker. Some timely new year resolution! ;p

BUT Elvis has been VERY encouraging (i love him for this). Everytime i try to pump my breastmilk, he's always says, "Well done! It's very good already" - even though we both can see the bottle is only 1/20 filled! HAHA!

May we be wonderful parents to our wonderful baby in the new year!

all are invited

YOYO! Please come celebrate baby Joel's 1st month with us!
We've booked a chalet at Aloha Resorts-Loyang (click)
on 20 Jan 2008, Sunday.
GETTING THERE (click)
SHUTTLE BUS from Pasir Ris MRT (click)

Sorry, we only managed to book the Sea View Bungalow (so dont need to bring your swimming gear). All the pool chalets and Saturdays have been booked. Please call Daddy Elvis to RSVP/confirm the time nearer to the date. We are still coping with the new baby. He's been wonderful... ;)

P.S. Pleeaassee DON'T buy any gifts for baby Joel.
Just come see him, makan makan and chit-chat with us...or coo with him. We've already got so many stuffs to lug back to Shanghai. Ok! See u then!

We went to Aloha to check out the chalet 1 week before, and realised that BUNGALOW UNIT 16 is quite a distance from the Entrance/Reception. Oops...sorry. For those driving, just drive in and turn right from the entrance...all the way to the end. For those taking the shuttle bus, after u alight (at the Reception), u might need to walk straight ahead for abt 5 mins or so.

sunkissed baby

Our baby is back from his indoor tan! Yippie! Everyone's happy for him! Thank God! ;)

We even sneaked out for some shopping! Kekee... Maybe baby Joel will turn out a shopaholic like Daddy & Mommy! ;p

Confinement Aunty said that the Avent sterilizer was spoilt, so Aunty Audrey drove us to MarinaSquare Mothercare to change it...and Daddy went out to walk walk too. (Daddy said he did think of baby while he was out! So touched!) When i went home, i realised it's coz she dont know how to operate the digital version! Kekee...

(Today, she still kept telling Mommy Jo what is not good lah, what is a better one lah etc etc... When she said that a "netted bed" is better than the cot baby is sleeping on...and Mommy Jo didnt say that she will buy it, Aunty said it's only $39. But the thing is not that we cannot afford the $39, it's becoz we dont want to move sooo many things to Shanghai!!! Bloody Hell! If she wants all couples to do things/buy things her way, she might as well state the COMPLETE LIST when they call to employ her services!)

Here's a flaky Joel sleeping soundly on his way home. The vibration and bumps on Aunty Audrey's car didnt bother him at all! He loves to put his hand on his face. Sooo cute...

Joel Chau Ze Zzzz... on Day 7.

the confinement nanny

We engaged a confinement nanny from Malaysia, and things just didnt seem right from Day 1.

1st, she said she could only reach on 28th evening (we're discharged from hospital on 27th). So, Elvis' mother offered to cook for me for 2 days. As usual, we dont always agree with each other. She kept asking me to wear more (i.e. ALL covered up) when i was already perspiring like crazy! On Day 2 (at home), Elvis' sister also came in the morning and the both of them asked me to do this, this, this...and i really didnt know which one to prioritize! It made me perspire even more! Suddenly, i realised that i havent even brushed my teeth! I felt so dirty and angry. Arrgh...

When the confinement nanny finally arrived on Day 2 evening (about 7pm), she kept asking my sis where is the BIG pot/flask/pail etc etc etc... My sis was very pissed. If she needed all those things and any "ingredients", she should have told us to prepare them before she came! I thought that she was supposed to be the expert and was supposed to tell us what to do when she arrived! Anyway, my mom said that she would bring her to buy those things the following day. So that part was settled.

Then, when we chatted for a while in the room, she kept asking all these questions about my family, Elvis' family (staying in condo?), what "business" he does in Shanghai etc etc... I felt she was being very "kay-po", and i was angry with my mother for letting her in on some "personal things". Then, she kept saying that this and that product (Medela breast pump, Avent bottles, nappy rash cream etc) that i bought is not good lah etc etc...a little indicating that mine is "cheaper" (when it's not the case at all)!

On the 2nd day, she removed ALL the "decorative things" from Joel's cot - the bumper, soft toys (from daddy, cousin Xan etc). I also realised from the 1st night that she didnt like to use the beansprout pillow we bought for baby Joel. That was not removed, but merely placed by the side (for show). She also kept saying that babies are not afraid of the cold, so dont need to cover so much in aircon room.

I feel she's starting to get on my nerves... Elvis scolds me for calling my friend to complain about the nanny. Even my friend's husband says that the nanny is not good coz she asked me to cook some pork porridge for myself before she comes (apparently, porridge causes "wind" which is not good to post-pregnant women).

Hope things will change for the better. Maybe it's too early to tell... We shall see... :(

my poor baby

My sis and brother-in-law offered to drive us to the hospital in the evening to see baby Joel when they learnt that he's been admitted. We called to check, and the next feeding time is at 830pm. When we got to the nursery room, we could hear a baby's cry... It was baby Joel's... Coz all he wore was his diapers. Nothing else. And he laid on the hard plastic bed for his "indoor tan". Perhaps the darkness from the "gauze sunglasses" also made him scared. I wanted to cry again when i saw my poor baby. (My eyes were already swollen from the day's of sobbing since the doc said he has to be admitted.)

When we fed him his bottled milk, i couldnt hold my tears. Elvis said i was silly, but i know he's also very sad. I think he knows i'm his mommy when i held him. His fingers just opened out to hold onto mine too. All of us took turns to carry him before we went home.

Hamster (baby's nick coz he always does this funny sucking action), u must be strong and get well soon, ok? Be a cool and tanned beach boy! We love u very much.

PHOTO OF JOEL ON DAY 4

miserable mommy

Today, baby Joel is due for his 1st appointment with the paediatrician on Day 6. We brought him there happily, and even took pictures for him at the clinic while waiting. He looks happy and alert and so very cute (yes, i'm obsessed again).

His weight dropped to 2.6kg on the first few days (which doc said was normal for all newborns), but today, it went up to 2.8kg. We were glad he's growing! ;)

Doc tested his neck muscles by turning him in ways we couldnt even imagine trying...and said he's got a strong neck. Phew... But when it came to his colour...he said that Joel needed a blood test for jaundice. The results came out 45 mins later, and we were told that baby needs to be hospitalised. (It was a 16, and anything above 15 would require babies to be hospitalised.) We did the admission for him and brought him to the room for his "indoor tan". We were told of the possible side-effects and that treatment would be for the whole day except for feeding times - i.e. almost 24 hours.

I was sooo sad i couldnt help crying... It was so painful for me to leave him for even a day. I didnt think i would be sooo affected by it and would love someone this much - so soon.

On a lighter note, Daddy Elvis said we'll lunch out since baby is not with us. So we went for lunch at Soup Restaurant at Royal Plaza on Scotts. It was nice, but my face looked otherwise. After that, Daddy Elvis went for a haircut before we head home. Didnt think that i can get to shop in Orchard during my confinement period! But i sure wished Joel was with us.

Baby, please get well and come home tomorrow. I miss my baby sooo much. :_(

my baby

This is baby Joel - the one we've been seeing on ultrasound scans for the past 39 weeks! He's finally out, and Daddy Elvis & Mommy Jo loved him from the very 1st time we saw him. We were so touched we cried. ;)

Weight: 2.655 kg
Length: 49 cm
Head circumference: 33 cm

I never liked kids...especially those who are 'uncute' AND naughty. I even think that some are 'alien-like' (those with cone-shaped heads). Arrgh...

But i'm a little obsessed with Baby Joel! I think he's sooo sweet and cute and maybe even quite good-looking. OK...I'm very obsessed with Baby Joel! And he's cuter everyday! Haha!

Here's a photo of Joel on his birth day - 24 Dec 2007. He has daddy's nose and mouth (but it's nicer lah). He's not very photogenic...these 2 'trademarks' looks smaller in person. Haha! ;p

(I took it off Elvis' Facebook coz i dont have time to upload any. Today had to wake up for baby's 1st doc appt, so i just thought i'll update here)

Thank God for my Baby Joel. ;)

P.S. A big 'Thank You' to everyone who came to the hospital to see us at Christmas...and for all your lovely gifts. Thanks! Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

prep time

Since Elvis came back, we've been running errands to the gynae etc, and (as usual) shopping in-between. Papa Elvis LOVES TO SHOP! Plus with all the year-end sales, it's just too tempting to run around in town. Just Day 1 of shopping, and he spent more than S$600 on a jacket, wallet and another Wayfarer (hmm...why does someone need 3 Wayfarers???). He said 'No more shopping'. But we continued on Day 2 with a $100+ shirt when we had 45mins "interval" in-between our errands (after he collected his Macbook from servicing). Again, he said 'No more shopping!' A few days later (today), he bought a digital camera for his brother to take photos of his family. (NO SHOPPING for fat mommy and only 1 romper for baby Joel.) Haha! I bet Elvis will start shopping again before Chinese New Year...and hopefully, mommy can buy SMALL-sized clothes again! ;p

We've setup the playpen/cot and packed mama's very messy room. Now, waiting for Aunty Sandra to pack her extremely messy room. It'll be quite a squeeze...but no choice coz we dont have a house (and too late to rent now).
THE PLAN: Let confinement nanny sleep with baby in Room 1, and we sleep with Aunty Sandra in Room 2. So Aunty Sandra will have to bear with it & baby's noise during the 1 month.

We've also signed up with StemCord to store the baby's cord blood. We're taking it as "buying insurance". The registration fee of S$1200+ is expensive (can pay with UOB credit card for 10% discount), but the annual fee of S$250 quite is ok lah (comes up to about S$20/month). And the 1st year is "free". Since we're not expecting a 2nd child, it might be a good idea to store baby Joel's cord blood (which is a 1-time opportunity only during baby's birth). Touch wood lah, but siblings/parents/grandparents can also use the cord blood if necessary.
SAVE $ PLAN: If anyone wants any StemCord referrals, do let me know (can SMS me/Elvis)...coz you can save $50 and we can save $100 (for 2nd year only).

We also managed to catch the movie Warlords (probably our last movie in years to come). Just when the movie started, baby Joel was moving sooo much i thought it might be labour contractions (since doc said my threshold of pain is high). At times, it was even quite painful! I was worried coz i didnt wanna give birth in the cinema! It would have been tomorrow's front page! I tried to bear with it (as long as the 2hr+ movie). Thankfully, it was a false alarm. Maybe the movie was too violent for his liking. Phew...

Ok...to a smooth delivery on Monday! Baby Joel, wait 3 more days, ok? ;)

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LAST UPDATE BEFORE DELIVERY:
Baby Joel is 2.7kg at 39 weeks.
Mommy is still more/less the same at about 11kg weight gain.

(jō′əl, el′)

Some say that 'Joel' is a girls' name.
Some say a unisex name.
Most babyname websites i checked say it's a boys' name.
What's your say?

Some say it should pronounced as 'jo' [silent 'el'].
Some say it should be spelt as 'Joelle' coz 'Joel' is a girls' name.
This is the pronunciation (click) that came up...

(jō′əl, el′)
How would you pronounce it?

lazy mama i will not be. i hope

I enjoy reading friends' blogs especially those with children/babies to see what are the things they encounter as parents. Most update pretty often - complete with photos of their lil' ones. Some, well, just update not too regularly...maybe once in a month. I always wonder if they are too busy with parenting, tired or just plain lazy... Heehee... ;p

I hope i wont end up being the last type of blog mama (even though i'm extremely lazy in "daily mundane chores" eg. cleaning and packing) . But I believe if i have a cute baby to show off (i'm praying hard), i'll take LOTS of photos for him and cant wait to tell everyone his every little action and progress! As a parent, i believe this can be very 'heart-warming'... Hmm... Right???

And IF i didnt update my blog months from now, it could be that:
1) i'm still recovering/in pain from the caesarian
2) i'm very very very very tired
3) i'm too lazy to take photos of Joel
(and upload, resize, update & write)
4) i'm too into being a MOM
(Haha! I doubt this will be the case lah)
5) baby is not very cute - YET
(sob sob)
6) etc etc etc lah
Did i get myself well-covered???

Elvis will be back in Singapore in another 3 hours (YEAH!) ...and will be here for TWO MONTHS until after Chinese New Year (YEAH!). I believe i need him here more than the confinement nanny. I'm sure he'll be the perfect daddy who'll put me to shame in every "parent task" to come. Thank God for him. And may we be good-enough parents. Keeping my fingers tightly crossed. ;)

Baby Joel, you have "endured" till daddy is back. Now, must continue to endure till Gynae Tham is back. See you on Christmas Eve! ;)

band-aid mama

I started on my blood/glucose testing this morning - only once. Now i'm waiting to prick myself again 2 hours later (coz i just had my breakfast). It's gonna be 6 times a day. =(

This is the device (click) that i'm using. Doesnt look so scary here coz it doesnt show the other part which is used to prick your finger - to get that drop of blood! Haha! ;p

Actually, truth is, it's not that painful lah...just scary that i have to "pull the trigger" to shoot myself in the finger...and continue with the other steps. I also wonder if i should rotate among my 2 middle fingers (for the "2 hourly"-testing between meals). If i use all different fingers, 6 of my fingers will be band-aided at the end of the day! Aka Michael Jackson! Haha!

READINGS:
Day 1
4.1 - before breakfast
6.6 - after breakfast
4.6 - before lunch
4.6 - after lunch (maybe not accurate)
5.3 - before dinner
8.6 - after dinner (ALERT!)

Day 2
x - before breakfast (woke up too late for breakfast)
x - after breakfast
5.3 - before lunch
x - after lunch (missed coz watching movie)
4.6 - before dinner
6.3 - after dinner
x - before supper (didnt measure coz it's just after dinner)
7.9 - after supper

Day 3
5.0 - before breakfast (just before going to see gynae)

TARGET BLOOD/SUGAR LEVEL:
Before food 3.5 - 5.5 mmol/L
2hr after food 5.5 - 7 mmol/L

to greater things

Elvis' ads for the Adidas campaign are well-received! I'm happy for him! ;D
http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/adidas_china_diving

Elvis, see u soon - on Sunday!

backup gynae 2

It was my 1st appointment with the "backup" Gynae 2 today. He was okay...looks like he's in his early/mid 40s...but seemed a little less confident than Gynae 1. I kinda feared he'll really be the one delivering our baby. Baby Joel had indeed changed to the head-down position. Oops... Baby, we gotta wait till Xmas eve, ok? ;p

Baby is 37 weeks and weighs 2.4kg. I'm still the same, with weight gain of about 11kg. Baby Joel is too big now to fit into the photo, so i only got a shot of his big head (which turned out like a big black circle on print). Yes, Gynae 2 confirmed that Joel's head is fairly big!!! ELVIS, he's taking after you!!!

When the nurse put me on the CTG machine, i took the chance to ask about Gynae 2. She said that he's also good and always appear on TV...maybe just not as experienced as Gynae 1 lor. Hmm... Okay...

Whenever the nurses came in to check on me halfway through the CTG, they always ask, "Very pain arr?". Coz judging from the "peaks", it seems like my contractions were pretty severe...but all i felt was the usual baby movements lor. I only dread the sharp noise coming from the machine - deafening! Hmm... Will real labour contractions feel this way too??? (I didnt attend any antenatal lessons, so i'm not too sure.)

When Gynae 2 reviewed the results, he also said that maybe my threshold of pain is very high, and wont need epidural at all! Haha! This is a joke! I dont even dare to look when i need to do any injections!

Sadly, i still had to listen to Gynae 1 & 2's advice to prick myself in the finger 6 times a day (for 2 times a week) to get my blood/sugar levels at home. When the nurse did it for me today, i kept my eyes closed, preparing to OUCH! And she kept saying, "Dont close your eyes, or else how u do it yourself???"

Gosh, i dont know if i can do this the next few days!!! Fainting already... ={

diabetic mom

The gynae called to inform me that my blood test and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test results are out, and i have diabetes! A normal person's blood/glucose level is 7.8 and mine is 8.5. =(

He said to see his partner (whose taking over his duties while he's away) next week, and they'll let me know what to do. I hope i wont be needing any insulin jabs. The thought of it is making me faint. Meanwhile, i'll have to cut down on sugary stuff (which i love) and avoid carbohydrates (eg. rice, noodles, potatoes). He said to eat more meat and whole wheat bread. For someone who dreams of eating up every ice cream sundae on Facebook, this is a real torture!

Just barely 3 more weeks, and baby Joel will be out. Hmm...i dont know how it will affect him since we're in the final stages of the pregnancy. =(

Did a search (click)...and possibility of having obsese babies is higher to diabetic moms amongst others. And here's some info about changing my diet (click).

I'm a little worried now. And also imagining the worst - that my waterbag will break before Elvis or Gynae Tham comes back!!! (I believe most pregnant women worry about the waterbag thingie too)

Anyway, please pray for us. We can only leave it to God now...and stay away from Ben & Jerry's.

daddy's work

Click here to watch the TVC http://2008.adidas.com

1 of Elvis' work for Adidas Olympics 2008.
His efforts paid off...and he's moving on... ;)

一起 2008

ouch ouch

I had plans today to go out and get some stuff for Elvis. But it's been raining cats and dogs since morning. So, i'm going to stay in - esp after all the walking after my gynae appointment yday.

My internet connection is also a bit crazy today...it could be the rain and/or the computer. Luckily, the new laptop that we bought will be arriving tomorrow. (Hmm...need to upload softwares on our own???)

So, maybe i should write about our baby at 36 weeks (click). Elvis has specifically asked me to remind the gynae to take a photo of baby (coz he's been quite forgetful of late). Actually, yesterday at my checkup, the gynae didnt do any scanning for baby. I merely did my blood tests (for the high sugar in my urine & blood last week). I was pricked TWICE - once on each of the back of my palms. I was so scared my palms were all sweaty! Wondered what it'll be like when it's time to have the caesarian. Gulp... :[

I've also had this "feeling" that baby has changed to the head-down position (coz of the kicks getting nearer my ribs), but since we didnt do any scanning yesterday, i'm not that sure now. Hmm... Gynae Tham will also be on leave/holiday from next week till 23 Dec. So little Joel's delivery will be the 1st surgery when he comes back. Meanwhile, his partner will be taking care of us from next week. I counted - only 2 more appointments. Keeping my fingers crossed he's good too. Oops...i forgot to ask Gynae Tham about the cord blood (click) again...

Any advice???

34 mom-to-be

I turned 34 two days ago! Gosh, so old already... ;p

I was quite surprised by the many birthday wishes via sms/msn/facebook/friendster/calls from friends - elin, aaron, becky, stella, celine, tomy, janis, josefyne, timothy, leslie, erchie, linda, diana, agatha, foongyen, kelly, cindy, elaine, priscilla, astrid, jessica, jenny, peisin, juvena and clara. Thanks guyz! And of course (most importantly and heartwarming), Elvis' wish at the strike of midnight...and my bday gift which will arrive in 2 weeks. Yeah! He's probably arriving on 17 Dec!!! He bought 1 of my final shortlisted item (between 2 bags). I havent seen the real thing, but i'm sure it'll be nice coz Elvis said it's nice. I'm very excited! Heehee... ;)

I remembered we spent my 1st bday in Shanghai last year and he bought me a pair of light blue suede Fornarina boots - those with furry furry insides. (I had been searching high and low for these furry boots, but not exactly in that colour though) Anyway, it was really good and kept my feet and ♥ warm all winter! Too bad i didnt get the chance to wear it this year since i skipped winter. ;p

I've already met up with some of my friends last week (kinda to "celebrate" my bday). Thanks also for the gifts. I'll be sure to utilize the Topshop credit ASAP when i get back into my Small-size - hopefully after my 1-month confinement, and before i leave for Shanghai (sucks that there's no Topshop in SHA).

How i spent the day??? I just went shopping in the afternoon and had dinner with my family at a Teochew restaurant. We loved the food there from the starters to desserts. We're Teochews with the tastebuds of Cantonese. ;p

I've always hated the "Birthday Cake & Song" thingie... Feels very awkward leh... Haha! Are u also like me???

cutie felties food

I was at the John Little Expo Sale the other day, and bought 2 cute craft kits for my sis - who looovvveesss food. That night, we searched some sites and she got sooo motivated!

Yesterday, i went to Spotlight & Diaso and bought some more felt pieces for her to start on her "felties food"... We could create new flavours, and she plans to make some sushi too! The donuts are miniatures measuring only 4cm in diameter. Looking good huh! The craze has begun! ;)


When i was in Shanghai months ago (and very much into swapping), i realised a lot of "angmohs" are into felting & knitting/amigurumi...and many projects look sooo cool! But of course, i never got started - except for my darned knitting project. Here's 2 examples done by my Sweden swap partner, Malin. I love the toilet!

Look at these! Dont u just wanna eat them up???


If u are already drooling, wait till u see these too!
Click, click, click, click...
http://www.flickr.com/groups/handmadefeltfood/pool/
and some cuties felties softies blogs:
http://softiescentral.typepad.com/blog/cupcake_wars/index.html
http://www.cakespy.com/2007/09/make-it-dont-bake-it-felt-cakes-and.html
and lots of Japanese yummies:
http://5.pro.tok2.com/~mic/sub/gallery.html

Sorry, I just had to upload 1 last cute picture, and the people behind it.

spot the big head

And updated images of the Adidas event in Beijing:

are you serious?

Elvis is in Beijing today for the Adidas Beijing Olympics 2008 launch ceremony. He told me that they had booked a 城门 "chen men" (literally translated to 'city gate') for it, and it looked very grand. His speech was also shown on the projector, and he looked "silly". Haha!

Yes, this is what he has been up to - all the trips he has been making to Beijing, London and New York for the past months - for his work for Adidas/Olympics 2008. Now, he finally has time to prepare for his other baby...our baby. ;)

I didnt manage to google the launch, but here's a very funny video that came up in the search! Haha! Watch it! ;p



Also, there's all these jokes about the Beijing Olympics logo, but i just realised here's the correct version:
"The official logo of the games, titled "Dancing Beijing," features a stylized calligraphic character jīng (京, meaning capital), referencing the host city."

I've never been interested in "China-China", but having lived in Shanghai for some months did change part of my thinking (of the country/place & people). Maybe i should find a chance and go to Beijing too to see the magnificent Forbidden City.

My nephews went to Beijing for holiday in May, and they were so crazy about the 5 mascots "Fuwa" for the Beijing Olympics. I think they are so cute too - esp JingJing (the one in black). Xan is hoping to go Beijing again for the Olympics in 2008 even though he cant speak Mandarin. He is VERY anti-Chinese. When he says "māo" 猫/cat, it'll come out as "máo" 毛/hair. Keke... Hmm...maybe there's something there... So i should really go too!

sweet

I've always been a sucker for anything cute. I suspect i refuse to grow up!

I've seen these Chupa Chups cellphone straps selling online for a while now...but didnt think i should waste money getting it coz i've already got so many cellphone accessories - my latest fav being a very pretty Agnes b. strap Elvis bought for me in Tokyo - and many others not in use.

Today, when i was at the supermarket "Shop & Save" (which i hardly go to), i saw the supposedly limited Chupa Chups cellphone straps FREE with twin-packs of Chupa Chups!!! I couldnt resist it! There's not many "flavours" left, so i chose the Strawberry. Actually upon calculating, i'm actually paying about $3-4 more for the twin-packs, but getting my hands on it made my day! Definitely worth it! Haha! ;)

fund raising 1-for-1

My sister's company is currently doing a fund raising for this organization - Vietnam Outreach.
http://www.vietnamoutreach.org/home.htm

The best part is, 1 of her Director will match dollar-for-dollar the amount that their colleagues/company donate! I'm not sure when's the "expiry" for this... But of course, you can also donate directly to the organization (click here).

Spread some love this Christmas!
Make someone else' life more beautiful!

believe it or not

All parents hope that their kids are "born smart". As such, many pregnant women eat fish, hoping that their babies brains will be "more developed". To make up for or boost their intelligence, many kiasu parents in Singapore also sign their kids up for so many lessons outside of school - some even before they start kindergarten. All these lessons dont come cheap either. And it must be sooo stressful for both the kids and their parents.

Since the only fish i like is Filet-O-Fish, so maybe i should start doing something too... Heehee... So i bought these Baby Einstein DVDs (click). I just received them in the mail, and really wish i can try it out on baby Joel immediately...to see his response! Haha! So kiasu, huh.

This is one of the best deals around too. S$86 for the entire box set of 24 discs. (Usual Price: US$19.99 per DVD) I hope it's money well-spent - unlike some toys which might be thrown out after a short period.

P.S. My sister's friend said she borrowed it from her friend, and it's VERY BORING! Hmm... Anyway, i'll definitely update in future how much or how little Joel likes the DVDs. ;)

baby einstein episodes

Tagging this here for future reference:

DISC 1 Baby Noah; Animal Expedition
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- A musical introduction to animals around the globe.
- Includes the music of Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss.
The Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal.
iParenting Media Awards.
Parents' Choice Approved Award Winner.

DISC 2 Baby da Vinci; From Head to Toe
Appropriate for aged 9 months and onwards.
- Babys first introduction to their eyes, ears, hands, feet and more.
- Includes the engaging music of Vivaldi, Bach and Handel.
The Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal.
Parenting Magazine - Video of the Year (2005).
Parenting Magazine - Video of the Year (2004).
The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.
Parents' Choice Approved Award Winner (2005).

DISC 3 Baby MacDonald; A Day on the Farm
Appropriate for aged 9 months and onwards.
- A fun-filled introduction to the sights and sounds of a farm.
- Features live-action images and engaging visuals of puppets, children, toys and real-world objects.
- Combines traditional nursery rhymes with the beautiful music of Schubert, Schumann and Strauss.
iParenting Media Awards.
The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

DISC 4 Baby Bach; Musical Adventure
Appropriate for aged 1 month and onwards.
- Visually stimulating.
- Features many of Bach's favorite compositions.
Multiple award-winner including the Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal.
Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence.
Kids First! Endorsement.

DISC 5 Baby Beethoven; Symphony of Fun
Appropriate for aged 1 month and onwards.
- Featuring many of Beethovens favorite compositions.
Dr. Toys 100 BEST Childrens Product 2002.
Kids First! Endorsement (Video/DVD).

DISC 6 Baby Mozart; Music Festival
Appropriate for aged 1 month and onwards.
- Introduce your little on to the splendor and delight of Mozart's classical music with visually stimulating real-world objects.
Child "Video of the Year" (1997).
Parenting Video of the Year" (1998).
Specialty Retailer "Video of the Year" (1999).
The Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal.
Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence.
Kids First! Endorsement.
Scholastic Parent and Child "10 Best Videos" from the last 10 years (2003).

DISC 7 Baby Galileo; Discovering the Sky
Appropriate for aged 9 months and onwards.
- Babys first introduction to the sky above.
- Features captivating footage of the sky, planets and galaxies.
- Features musical scores by Mozart, Chopin, Strauss and Tchaikovsky.
Parents' Choice "Parents' Choice Recommended" (2003).

DISC 8 Baby Neptune; Discovering Water
Appropriate for aged 9 months and onwards.
- Babys first introduction to water.
- Features the melodic scores of Handels Water Music.
Parents' Choice "Parents' Choice Recommended" (2003).
Gold Award National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) for Children's Resources.

DISC 9 Baby Newton; Discovering Shapes
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- Introduces your baby to five shapes.
- Features many of Vivaldi's favorite compositions.
KIDS FIRST! Endorsement.

DISC 10 Baby Santa's Music Box
Appropriate for aged 1 month and onwards.
- Joyeux Noel! Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! Merry Christmas.
- Celebrate with holiday musical sounds from around the world.

DISC 11 Baby Shakespeare; World of Poetry
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- Poetry in Motion with real world images.
- Features award winning Baby Beethoven soundtrack.
Dr. Toys Best Children Vacation Products.
The Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal.
Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence.
Kids First! Endorsement.

DISC 12 Baby Van Gogh; World of Colors
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- Exposes your baby to the wonder of color through Van Gogh's artwork.
- Introduces your baby to classical music selections from Van Goghs era.
Kids First! Endorsement.

DISC 13 Language Nursery
Appropriate for aged 1 month and onwards.
- Exposes your baby to sounds of languages
- A great way to interact with your child
Parenting "Video of the Year" (1997).
Parents' Choice "Parents' Choice Award" (1997).
Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal.
Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence.
Kids First! Endorsement.

DISC 14 Neighborhood Animals
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- Meet animals that live in and around the home.
- Complimented by our Animal Discovery Cards.
- Engaging music from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kids First! Endorsement.

DISC 15 Numbers Nursery
Appropriate for ages 1 year and onwards.
- A playful and interactive introduction to the numbers 1 through 5.
- Uses familiar, real-world objects to show what numbers mean.
- Features the melodic scores of Haydn, Chopin, Strauss and Schubert.
Billboard Digital Entertainment Award Nomination (2004).
iParenting Media Best Products for 2004.

DISC 16 World Animals
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- Discover animals from the jungle, savannah and ocean.
- Complimented by World Animal Discovery Cards.
- Features music from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

DISC 17 Baby Monet; Discovering the Seasons
Appropriate for ages 6 months and onwards.
- Discover the seasons, Spring, Summer, Winter, Autumn.
- Includes the music of Vivaldi.
The Dove Foundatin Family Approved Seal.
iParenting Media Awards.

DISC 18 Baby Wordsworth; First Words Around the House
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- A musical introduction to babys first words and communication.
- Includes the music of Bach, Bizet and Schubert.
The Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal.
iParenting Media Awards.
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

DISC 19 Baby Einstein On The Go; Riding, Sailing and Soaring
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- A musical introduction to transportation and "things that go".
- Includes spectacular real-life images with classical music by Hayden, Beethoven, Mozart and Rossini.
iParenting Media Best Products for 2006.

DISC 20 Meet the Orchestra; First Instruments
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- Introduces your little one to musical instruments that make up an orchestra and the different sounds that they make.
- Includes spectacular real-life images with classical music by Beethoven, Brahms, Joplin, Haydn, Mozart and Strauss.
- Entertain them with fun puppet shows, inspire them with captivating real-world images and beautiful classical music by Beethoven, Brahms, Joplin, Haydn, Mozart and Strauss lets them discover their favorite instrument.

DISC 21 Baby's Favorite Places; First Words Around Town
Appropriate for aged 1 year and onwards.
- Provides a playful, interactive introduction to first words from around town - spoken and in sign language.
- Special guest Marlee Matlin introduces little ones to the concept of nonverbal communication, which provide a strong foundation for early literacy and stimulate intellectual development.

DISC 22 Baby's First Moves
Appropriate for aged 6 months and onwards.
- Special Bonus! Pilates Instructor Michelle Dozois shows you moves and stretches you can do while interacting with your little one.
- Dance ! Twist ! Clap ! Encouraging Playful discovery of movement and more.
Product Awards : iParenting Best Products 2007.

DISC 23 My First Signs - See and Sign with Baby
Appropriate for aged 3 months and onwards
- My First Signs rounds out a language collection created to expose little ones to the idea that communication can take on many different forms, including written, verbal and nonverbal.
- Join special guest Marlee Matlin as she demonstrates this exciting way for babies to express themselves even before they have master verbal communication.

As a BONUS (NEW):
DISC 24 My First Signs - See and Sign with Baby
Appropriate for aged 9 months and onwards.
- Playfully introduces five basic forms -- circle, oval, triangle, square and rectangle -- as each appears in the context of toys, nature and everyday objects.
- Captivating real-world imagery accompanied by beautiful classical music to provide a delightful sensory experience.

just for fun 2

Have u seen this chart (click) before? I saw it on 2 issues (back-to-back) of a baby magazine, and am wondering why the hype over it...

Chinese Birth Chart: Predict Your Baby's Gender
Legend states that the Chinese Birth Chart was buried in a royal tomb near Beijing over 700 years ago. The original is alleged to be at the Institute of Science in Beijing.

Rumors have it that this chinese chart is over 90% accurate when used properly but please remember that this chart is for entertainment purposes only.

If you are using the birth chart to plan a baby of a specific gender, you can base your conception date on a future date and use that date when calculating the Mother's Chinese Age at the time of conception.

As this chart is for entertainment purposes only, you may have more luck chosing a gender selection method that is based more on scientific fact like the Shettle's Method of Gender Selection.

Apparently, it's not accurate for us. My baby should have been a girl based on the above Chinese Birth Chart. From what i see, it can only proof that there are indeed more births of girls than boys.

This website (click) seems rather interesting too.

Hmm...is there really a right time/day for everything???

just for fun

It's for certain that our baby Joel will be born in the year of the Golden Pig....and will also be a Capricorn baby. Here's some reading about the 2 - just for fun:

Your little Capricorn will have a quiet, meditative nature ruled by reason instead of impulse and may seem older than his years at times. These children are thrifty, reserved, diplomatic, deep thinking, and determined. They are cautious in what they do and say. They know what they want and they usually get it by methodically planning every detail ahead of time - they like to take their time with things, learning lessons well along the way.

At school, the Capricorn boy stands out from the rest of his class because he is so quiet; and the little Capricorn girl is so very tidy. Both have ‘old heads on young shoulders’ and seem to prefer the company of adults to that of other children. They will make slow but steady progress with their studies, but may show little inclination to join the social side of school life. At most, they will acquire one or two school pals. Even if not happy at school, they will not complain to parents. If you are a Capricorn parent, you will have to take special pains to make sure that your child is not worrying about school and other problems – for Capricornians maintain a poker face and give little or no clue to their feelings.

Not unruly children by any means, they can however be very stubborn on occasion; at such times, be patient and try to find out the reason for this. Then, if you discuss the matter calmly with them, they just may be ale to see things for your point of view. Do not be too hopeful though, for Capricornians are the most inflexible of all the zodiac types.

There is no need to teach Capricorn children thrift.
Taken from Nappies direct (click for other baby horoscope)


Chinese Zodiac says that the Year of the Golden Fire Pig comes only once every 600 years and rumor has it, 2007 is this special year. It is Golden because the combination of elemental Fire, the sign Pig, and Yin/Yang components bring this year once every six centuries!

It is said that children born under this sign will live in comfort as wealth and luck are always near. The Fire Pig is known to have traits of wealth, prosperity, luck and fertility but people in Korea and China have taken this “Golden” prophecy to new levels. Reports indicate that fertility is on the rise – over 10% in Korea and China – sparking the onslaught of everything from websites for “Golden Pig Mothers” to hotels creating special maternity “stay” packages for Fall 2007...
Taken from firepig.com (click)

the new niece

Today, i also went to see Elvis' niece. It's been almost 2 weeks since she was born. Here's some pictures of her - for her doting Uncle...and also the clothes i bought for her today.

Elvis, u pay $ hor. ;p


A very pretty and cute Ralph Lauren terry-cloth dress with matching "panty"/training pants.

I also happened to see these really cheap rompers today! They're so pretty & sweet too! I love the polka dots! They are only $3.90 each, but when i went to the cashier, i was told it's 3 for $10. The long-sleeve-footed sleepsuit was the last-minute grab coz I also bought 2 other pieces for little Joel. Boys' not so cute of course. ;)

our baby's birthday

Today, I went for my weekly gynae appt, and told the doc that Elvis' dad had chosen 2 auspicious dates for our baby's birth - complete with timings. Apparently, he looked through the Chinese almanac ("tong shu") himself. You must be going "WAH!". That's also my reaction, and my gynae's too! He even asked me if it's accurate since my father-in-law calculated it himself. Haha! But gynaes are used to these "special requests", so i guess he wasnt too surprised about it.

They are 16th & 24th mornings...so doc said 24th coz he's away on the 16th. So our baby Joel's date of birth will be 24 Dec 2007 - Christmas Eve! Also happens to be my parents' 40th wedding anniversary.

Today, our baby is 35 weeks old and weighs 2.2kg. Mama weighs the same. But i'm kinda high on sugar, and needs to fast for a test next week i.e. No food & drinks after midnight the night before.

O ya, today on my way to the hospital, i suddenly broke out in cold sweat on the taxi. When i'm almost reaching the hospital's taxi stand (taxi moving slowly in the queue), i opened the door and vomitted onto the floor with my butt was still in the taxi! And it was a few times...and again when i rushed to the toilet. ALL of my lunch was out! I felt sooo terrible and was teary...so gross!!! It was exactly what i went through during the first few months of my pregnancy. Gosh! But after that, i felt ok. Gynae said it could be motion sickness that some pregnant woman may experience. Maybe the day's errands plus the rain had also gotten to me too.

glory to God

Firstly, we really have to thank God for guarding Elvis' luggage. They finally located it and delivered it to his Shanghai house last night - all the way from New York! Nothing missing, nothing is taxed. Heehee... ;)

Initially we were sooo worried coz UA managed to locate his colleague's luggage shortly after she faxed over her "luggage tag" (the sticker that's issued when you check-in your luggage), but couldnt locate Elvis'.

Praise God that all's well now! And thank my sisters for helping to pray! Most importantly, I'll be getting my birthday gift! Yeah! ;D

Here's an article i found about ways to track luggages but it's dated April 1999 from The New York Times. I'm sure it's more advanced by now.
(Click here to read complete article)
"...Lost or delayed luggage costs up to $10 billion a year worldwide over all, according to industry estimates. But bag tags and boarding passes made with Bi statix technology could still be read even if they are folded, scuffed or ripped...Since new information can be encoded into fields on the tags, Bistatix boarding passes could track people just as easily as their bags. ''One could reserve selected fields for the original flight information, the intervening airlines that one might transfer to in the course of that trip and then the final destination -- all tied into system locator information,'' Mr. Krueger said.

That could result in fewer lost suitcases..."

angels pleaseee

Nothing seems to go right lately.

Now, Elvis' luggage was checked-in yesterday night at the airport (supposedly to transit at Chicago)...then he couldnt board the UA flight coz "no seats???"...then coz of Thanksgiving, no flights till the following day...so they were transferred to another flight transiting at Narita Airport. BUT their bags already left with the original Chicago-bound flight. We're worried now that the luggage will be lost in transit etc etc... (We've heard of cases that some Chinese take others' luggages at the belts)

O no!!! There's my sister's Coach bags, my birthday MJ bag, 4 iPhones...and Elvis' shopping! If the luggage is lost, I'll faint!!! Now can only pray and keep our fingers crossed.

My sister said, "The Lord send angels to guard our bags!" AMEN!

bad sleeping habits

Here's what Terry did when his pillow is in the wash. He found his way to sleep conveniently in a plastic bag with a pair of slippers inside. And the slippers was his pillow! Heehee... ;p

And here's what Terry does when i'm using the computer. ;)


P.S. He's sooo cute that whenever i think of him (in Shanghai), i'll cry...sob sob :_(

too big for comfort

Some of you might have known from Elvis (or his MSN name) that his hotel in New York is "haunted" - at least the 1st room that he checked into. When he reached, he was checked into the biggest room in the hotel. He felt very "uncomfortable" inside the room, so he requested for a change. But as it was already midnight (the staff had gone home), they said they could only change another room for him in the morning. They called the US Producer, and he said they were CRAZY to request for a change in hotel! He even asked them to move into his apartment, and he go stay in the hotel!!! Apparently, it's very difficult to get a room at this boutique hotel. So, for the night, he bunked in with another (female) colleague who was there with him. Oops... No lah, dont let your mind wander off... He slept on the sofa, and they are close friends - with her husband too. ;p

Everytime i called him at the hotel, it's an 'automated' answering machine...coz there's no receptionist/front desk at this boutique hotel. I'll have to follow the instructions to get my line transferred to the room. (No wonder the staff dont need to work 24-hr shifts) Anyway, today i decided to google the hotel after listening to the answering machine's "greetings" and since Elvis was not back in his room yet.

So, this is it! Lafayette House. From the photos shown on the site, very nicely-decorated rooms indeed. But maybe the European-styled deco is a tad too scary for me too - esp when alone. I supposed this room (above) is the one that Elvis was talking about. He also mentioned it's the corner room, on the top floor, a huge door leads to the toilet (which he didnt even dare to step in), lots of black-&-white photos along the corridoor (of people in the 20s/30s with very weird hair).... Eeee.... Giving me goosebumps already!

well equipped

Being modern parents "in the know", we may also tend to be kiasu at times. Just going to the 'Children Department' in shopping centres everywhere, and there's so many parents already buying educational toys and CDs for their (yet-to-be-born) BABIES. Just the thought of it can be scary and stressful, huh?

I've heard about this brand Baby Einstein (click) - toys, books, music CDs, VCDs, DVDs etc - and am wondering if we should also be equipped with at least some of the discs for baby Joel to watch when he's errr...1 month old???

OMG! Parenting sure sounds like a tough job - even before baby is even born! ;)

thanks thanks

I'm sooo touched by all the kind words and encouragement by our friends (in the post below). It's great to know that so many people care for me, Elvis & baby Joel. Elvis was pretty stressed too, and probably more worried than me since he's so far away from us in New York.

THANKS, everyone! ;)

Today, we were on the CTG machine again for more than an hour...i saw a few "dips" in baby's heartbeat too...but doc says everything's ALRIGHT. Just need to be careful not to "workover"! Haha... This coming from someone not literally working...very funny, right??? ;p

Next gynae appointment is next Monday...Hmm...maybe doc decided to speed up the tempo!

our 33 weeks baby

I'm feeling a little depressed now. Coz there was some "spotting"/slight bleeding on Thursday, and i went to see the gynae on Friday. Went through a CTG (to check baby's heartbeat and my contractions/baby's movement) ...and am under orders to rest in bed for 2 days. Will review us on Monday.

Gynae Tham forgot to take a photo of baby again, but he looks pretty much like this (right) when i saw him yesterday. He's also put on more weight now at 2kg at 33 weeks. As for me, I didnt put on any weight, but even the doc said, "You looked fatter, but dont worry, you are still not fat." Is that a compliment??? Haha...

Now, I'm quite worried about our baby. Hope that he'll come out at full term strong, healthy and handsome - just like Daddy! ;)

Ok, i've got to go back to bed... ;p

round 2

3.30pm
Just did my Round 2 of baby-washing.
Today, it's just mittens, booties, socks and bibs.

I dont know why it took me so long to wash them (by hand). And when i hang them to dry...it's only "a little bit"!!! So tiring...

Round 3 will be the receiving blankets, towels etc + maybe some of the 3-6 months clothings...err using the WASHING MACHINE! And I'll be done with it (i hope). Haha! ;)
6.30pm
Just finished hanging them to dry...really no more energy already.


P.S. Elvis helped my lug home 1 of those plastic drawers. I'm sooo happy! I can put all the baby items inside now! Just need to setup the cot/playpen when he's back again. And we're set! Yippie!

fat joel and mommy

Sometimes i can still wear girly shoes...but i've still got a bigger nose and still cannot say 'CHEESE'. Bet u cant tell from here. Heehee... ;p
Nice nice photo taken by Daddy Elvis on 5 Nov, Vivocity.

pig trotters

Even the soles are bloated that I need to "press my toes down" just to touch the floor. Ouch! Haha! ;p

Whatever happened to my beautiful feet???

O ya, talking about FEET...it reminded me of something very funny!!! Yday, I was on MSN with 1 of my primary school friend who happens to be working in Shanghai too (also about the same time i moved to Shanghai)...and Elvis happened to need a Print Producer a few months ago, so he employed her to be their freelance producer for a project.

Anyway, she told me that she went to our house to deliver some colour-seps to Elvis over the weekends. She said she wanted to kaypo-kaypo and take a look at our house. And she told me, "SOOO MANY SHOES!!!" I told her that it's ALL Elvis'!!! There's no space for mine at all, so they can only be placed inside the room. Yes, she noticed it's all mens shoes!

I wish i can show u a picture of our shoe-rack. It's those flip-out-drawer types with 6 compartments. Each compartment can hold 3 pairs. And i still need to squeeze some slippers in-between the shoes. That's not all! What's more terrible is the many many shoeboxes ABOVE the shoe-rack!!! Coz i decided it's better to keep the boxes since there's absolutely NO MORE SPACE! So can only keep stacking... They are sacked till it's much taller than me, and in about 2 columns (NOTE: Figures accurate as at July'07 when i left Shanghai). Since then, Elvis bought more shoes!!! He told me he bought like 3 pairs in London, 1 pair in New York (well, something like that)... I've lost count. When he was back in Singapore, we went shopping, and he also bought 2 pairs of Calvin Klein flipflops. Most recent was another Quiksilver flipflops in Bali (but coz his feet hurt from walking for days on the CK...so that cannot be helped lah). I can imagine our shoe-rack will go "ceiling-high", and even up to 3 columns when i'm back in Shanghai by next year! I'm really not complaining. I just find it very amusing that a man loves shoes sooo much!

He's hopelessly in love with his feet! And for the record, they are not very beautiful, quite as "meaty" as mine now! Haha! ;)
Related link (click...and read Elvis' own comment too!)

GOSSIP 1: When my sis was in Shanghai. 1 morning, she saw Elvis prepare for work, and he was wearing his green super-highcut shoes already (lots of "holes"/shoelace to tie). A while later, she saw the SAME pair of shoes lying on the floor. So she asked me how come he have 2 pairs of the same design???
ANSWER: He came back to change after he left the house.

GOSSIP 2: Once we went shopping, and Elvis tried a pair of flip-flops. The length was okay, but we both thought that the strap (on top) is too thin. I commented that the strap makes his feet look fat. Guess what the salesgirl said???
ANSWER: It is not "look"...your feet is indeed VERY FAT! Haha!
(Please pardon the Chinese, they can be quite crude at times.)

P.S. Every woman dreams of a walk-in wardrobe. Elvis dreams of not only a walk-in wardrobe, but also an entire wall of built-in cupboard with slots for his SHOES! Haha!