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!

round 1

final round of baby shopping

Just came home from my final round of baby-shopping. Today's just "the very basic items" like special bottle detergent, bottle brush, cotton balls, cotton buds, wipes, waterproof/changing mat (i chose a cheap $5 foldable plastic mat i can double-up for use outdoors), baby powder (i chose a more ex no-mess roll-on type) and nail scissors. Wondered if i also need to buy a waterproof mat for putting above the mattress (underneath the bedsheet). Will a towel be better coz less hot for the baby??? Hmm...but decided to ask my friend first.

I think in the past, our parents just used normal detergents for our baby milk bottles/clothes. Now, parents are so paranoid about getting the "right one" specially formulated for BABIES!!! ;p

No wonder baby-shopping always makes money slip away by the hundreds... Hope this is really the final final round.

O...still need to stock up on disposable diapers! My sis' friend say just buy PETPET which is cheaper for day, and use the better/more expensive ones for night. Good good, save $$$. ;)


A friend just told me to pack my hospital bag NOW!
http://www.gleneagles.com.sg/svc_maternity.jsp
http://www.baybsupplies.net/hospital.htm
Coz her daughter was born 2 months premature, and she didnt prepare anything! OK OK, will starting packing some stuff later... Need to bring breastpump (coz i heard some hospitals charge $60/day for using theirs)??? Need to wash my pajamas first??? O no, havent wash the mittens, and i still have some missing items!!! Ahhh...

Baby Joel, this is your paranoid Mom speaking.
You dont pop out too soon okay?
Wait for me to be ready...and your Daddy to come back.

selection

Round 1

whirrrling

There's 101 things on my mind today. Firstly, i wanna seek out my purrrfect birthday gift coz Elvis will be heading to New York on Wed. He's asked me to see what i'll like to have - a MJ? Kate Spade? or even the Tod's bag i saw on Sat in Spore (but for this, he's asked me to buy from Singapore coz cheaper here). He's sooo good to me. I already feel sooo fortunate even if i decide not to buy anything - coz so much thoughts on my mind too about the money that we'll be spending on our SOON-to-be-born baby. Kekee... Hmm...my mind's in a whirl now... ;p

And the iPhone i promised to buy for Elvis. Will upload a photo here taken when he was back in Spore (with no intention to "rub it in"). Yes, you've guessed it right! The "misfortune in Bali" was that he lost his few-days-old-iPhone. Sob sob... I also wanna search for some other NY sights he can probably go visit if he has some extra time on his hands.

Then, i was reading this book that says that babies (from birth to 6 months) prefer looking at black-&-white things in stripes, checkers, dots...because of the high contrast. Weird, huh! Shouldnt be baby toys be cute and colourful?? I was telling Elvis about it last night, and said the book even suggested ways of making the flashcards/"boards" using paper plates. I've seen some of these black-&-white toys in shops , and i think they are not cheap (in fact, all baby stuffs seem expensive to me). Elvis said just buy them. Since babies probably only find them entertaining up till 6 months, it's quite a waste of money to buy, right?? Hmm...

I found a local website (click) selling this baby playmat at $22.50 (usual $28.90). And maybe also some baby books...


Ok, back to bag searching! Haha! ;p

no more 'anything'

Was searching for some high-tea places, and came across this website which i thought was pretty good http://www.hungrygowhere.com (click). So dont need to say "anything" again when friends ask where u wanna eat.

Can even click on the location, budget etc...and there u have it! I'll tag it by the side too under 'Yet Another Site'.

Boy, am i hungry now!!! ;)

what a cute mom

Just had my final haircut before baby pops next month, and i cannot wash my hair for 1 month...err can, right??? ;p

When i was walking to the salon yday, a lady giving out pamplets said, "What a sexy mom! Have a good day!". But i think she meant "What a cute mom!" Heehee... Yes, she definitely made my day! ;)

But God knows what i'll become when baby is out! Probably have dirty unkempt hair, yellowish complexion (huang lian puo)... eeee...

i love daddy & mommy

Whenever i buy something for our baby with those corny "daddy/mommy prints", i'll choose daddy over mommy. Coz i'm sure Baby will love Daddy more, vice versa. See, here are some of the stuff i've bought. ;)


But on Monday, we met up with Benson who helped us buy some baby clothes (to wear at home coz they are very cheap at 6 for $10), and i realised that ALL has 'I♥MOM' print on it! Look! Maybe it'll serve as a "reminder" (to me) to love our baby 24/7. Good good for someone impatient and doesnt like kids! Haha! ;)

Elvis' mom who's very good at sewing also made this beansprout pillow for our little one...and even comes with an extra case! So thoughtful. Thanks, Grandma. I'm sure if we live in Singapore, she'll definitely sew a lot of clothes for our kid since Elvis is her favourite son. Hmm...makes me wonder sometimes if our kid will be her favourite grandson (even though she already has 3 grandsons). Kekee... ;p


I also found a Benetton bunny (like amigurumi dolls) which we've bought for the looongest time...but always didnt manage to give it away (or maybe Elvis kept it on purpose). So, this will be for our Baby Joel now. Cute? ;)


And now, it's time to start my baby-washing!!! Arrgh... ;p

P.S. The very very cute baby socks that everybody LOVES (esp the girls' Mary-Janes) are for Claudia - Benson's daughter. To thank her Daddy for helping us buy the baby clothes. ;)

the special couple

I just saw from someone elses' shots in Facebook...and put some together here (coz Elvis didnt take any photos). I also spotted him (or rather his tshirt) in one of the shots. Heehee...

What a lovely wedding it must have been. ;)

with God's blessings

I just spoke to Elvis again (yes, I'm like his morning wakeup call), and he was telling me how lovely the wedding yesterday was - the exchange of marriage vows by the cliff (wow), white tents (wow), the speeches (wow)... And he wished i was there too.

Everytime Elvis sees something beautiful, he wishes i was there with him - in London, New York and now Bali. But it's all NOT possible coz of the little one inside of me. I dont know if it's my "misfortune" (maybe 'mischance' sounds better in this instance) OR our blessing. I hope it's the latter.

I dont need to close my eyes to imagine the beautiful setting of the cliff with the cool breeze and lovely sunset. I can picture roaming the streets with Elvis amidst the cities' splendors...and the SHOPPING!!! Haha!

Hmm...in any case, with God's blessing, i'm sure we'll get to go there next time - as a FAMILY. ;)

way to go

I just collected something for Elvis from the optical shop. It's a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer. The first time we saw this "remake" was at Changi Airport's DFS. Elvis tried it on, and he liked it - coz it suited his big head. Heehee... ;p

Elvis hasnt always been the "fashionista" he is today. So, i told him that this design is very classic. It was very popular in the early 80s, and my sister had a pair then. Recently, it's made a comeback...and in many different colours.

Wayfarer on Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

We saw it again in Bangkok and in a special "folding model" too! He wanted very much to buy it. But on second thought, it might be cheaper in Singapore (coz all imported goods in Bangkok are more expensive). Then, he saw it again while he was in the US. He was really very tempted coz it was about US$100+. The sunglasses were really "big" in the US coz he said everyone on the streets was wearing it! So, i checked it for him in Singapore (to compare with US prices), and ordered the stocks for him at an optical shop in Tampines near my house. It's quite a good deal - compared to most optical shops in town.

Elvis, you will TRY to take good care of this pair, right?? ;)

P.S. His latest pair was a Calvin Klein aviators which we bought in Hong Kong, and it lasted him only a few months. Yes, he can be like a kid sometimes (always spoiling/losing things). Kekee... ;p

big hug

A misfortune happened to Elvis in Bali last night. He was very sad when he called to tell me about it. I wished i was there with him, and Joel & i can give him a BIG BIG hug!

I just called him at his hotel room a while ago. Thank God he's feeling (and sounded) MUCH BETTER. But i still feel like giving him a BIG BIG HUG!

Hope the rest of his holiday will not be affected.
(The wedding's officially on 3 & 4th Nov, and more people are arriving today.)
Cheer UP, Daddy!
We'll see you in 3 days! ;)

and his name shall be called

Elvis & i have finally decided on a name for our Elvis Junior! Papa is enjoying his suntanning in Bali now. When he's back in Singapore next month, we'll see our baby

The meaning of the name JOEL is God Will Be Willing.
Mummy is Jo, Daddy is Elvis, Baby is Joel.
Haha! Neat huh! ;)

baby horoscope

Just found this link on Baby Horoscope (click)
Heehee... Find your kid's and just read it for fun.
Our baby could be either a Sagittarius (like Mummy) or a Capricorn.

P.S. I also found this Astrology website to be rather intriguing.

our 31 weeks baby

Starting from now, my gynae appointments will be once every 2 weeks (instead of every 3 weeks). Really hope that the timings will not be screwed-up so often. Coz our appointments are almost always rescheduled at the very last minute. =[

I've put on 10kg
Baby: 1.7kg
Gynae Tham says we're both well-fed. Keke... ;)

Last night, i also experienced a very slight "contraction" at the upper part of my abdomen. But it was only for a few seconds. I'm not sure if it's Braxton Hicks (click) coz they're supposed to last about 30 seconds. Seems like this is the time when such contractions will start at 31 weeks (click to read more).

girlfriend 123

When Elvis & i first started dating, his other "girlfriends" would call him very often. They include Weiyang (his secondary school best pal) amongst some others guys...and his mother. When he started working, he had more "girlfriends" like Benson... I often tease him about his "girlfriends" coz he would always reserve "special nights" esp friday nights with them - clubbing at Zouk. Sometimes, i feel it's just too often. These "girlfriends" were my rivals, and "sure winners". His mother would also call him a few times a day. When he started working overseas in Bangkok & Shanghai, she would still call him everyday. She's also his "most-ONz" girlfriend coz she'll be at the airport without fail everytime he's back. And with teary eyes when he leaves.

Now that i'm back in Singapore (and Elvis comes over every month), we've been staying apart every time. He prefers to stay at home with his family and his most precious "girlfriend". His mother would always ask me WHY (even after Elvis told her). And my "excuses" for not staying over: uncomfortable for me to sleep without many many pillows, need to wake up to drink milk/eat/pee in the middle of the night. I usually only stay over on his last day in Singapore coz he always take the morning flight back to Shanghai. And i'll have to bring Squooshy every time.

As his current trip back will be the last before our baby arrives next month, i've asked him if he can stay over at my house. Coz he's back only 2-3 days max in Singapore (minus his Bali trip). And also becoz he arrives about 10pm, and we'll need to be at the gynae's at 11am the next morning. He said OK, but truth is, up till the time i went to the airport to fetch him, i wasnt sure if he'll keep his word. Also, i'll feel very "pai sei" to let his mother go home alone (for the first time).

Anyway, as usual, i would find a seat and read one of those free magazines while waiting for him to come out. His mother would be standing by the glass door 1 hour before - even before the plane lands. See, i'm not his best girlfriend! Heehee... ;p
(During his previous trip back, both his mother & i stood at different sides coz we didnt see each other...i waved at him when he collected his luggage at the belt AND as he walks over.... I was standing RIGHT IN FRONT of him at the glass door [distance of just 1 meter] and he didnt see me! He saw his mother first [distance of 2-3 meters]!!! I was a little sore about it coz i thought i looked more prominent with my big belly and cap. And...I'm THE WIFE!!! His reason...I was wearing white. Anyway...i was never the winner.)

When he finally came out (YES, he saw me this time), i asked him where's his mother coz i didnt see her. He had told her not to come coz he's staying over at my house. Frankly, it was a sigh of relief for me coz i wouldnt know how to answer her when she asks me again why i'm not staying over at their house. And now, i'm even dragging her precious son along with me! Phew... ;p

This was the 1st time i felt like a Winner! Heehee... ;)
Hmm...but maybe not for long coz when our baby arrives, Elvis will have another "girlfriend" vying for his attention. ;p

P.S. Just last week, Elvis said that he hasnt gone clubbing (in Singapore) for a while - partly coz his trips back are always quite rush. I said, "Your clubbing friends like Benson have become parents too!" HAHA! BUT BUT BUT, I wanna "complain" here that Elvis goes clubbing up to 3 times a month in Shanghai. That really have to REDUCE when baby is out, right??? ...And the supportive mothers say AMEN! Haha...

TO ANY SINGLE GIRLS OUT THERE:
If u find a boyfriend/husband who's born under the star sign Cancer (click)...u'll NEVER "win" his mother.