Yeah! Elvis is going to touch-down at Changi Airport in about an hour! Yday, he suggested that we go for another short holiday before the baby arrives (he always give me "surprises" like this, and i need to rush to check the price/book etc). We decided on Bangkok from Mon-Wed since my gynae appointment is on Thurs (not forgetting the many baby errands we have to run within the week he's back).
I was so efficient! Booked the flight and hotel last night! Even though we're giving Chatuchap a miss this time coz of the rush...and i'm probably too fat+clumpsy+hot, i'm still very excited about the trip!
Today, i had to rush down to the gynae to get my approval letter coz it's Sat/half-day. Hai...
Hmm...and this trip i cannot buy clothes, bras, shoes...coz of my L-size! So can only eat & eat...to XL. ;p
UPDATED:
And the customs/check-in counters (both ways) didnt even ask how many months pregnant I was!!!??? Damn it! There goes all my trouble & cabfares in rushing to get the gynae's letter!
our babies
joel - the first year
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
all aboard!
I didnt believe this when i saw the pictures from my friend's email! But true enough, there's indeed a Hello Kitty aircraft!OMG! More for princesses!
Check it out! I love the downloads! ;)
http://evakitty.evaair.com/index.htm
in all the kingdom
So many people call their daughters Princess.
It sounds sooo sweet, sooo cute, sooo lovely...
What about the boys? Prince?
That just sounds so weird! ;p
How does this sound to you:
Our little prince has arrived
to spread magic and cheer.
To keep smiles on our faces
throughout the years.
HAHA! Corny!
CREDIT: Text and pictures
Click here for your FREE baby arrival announcement!
It sounds sooo sweet, sooo cute, sooo lovely...
What about the boys? Prince?
That just sounds so weird! ;p
How does this sound to you:
Our little prince has arrived
to spread magic and cheer.
To keep smiles on our faces
throughout the years.
HAHA! Corny!
CREDIT: Text and pictures
Click here for your FREE baby arrival announcement!
Monday, September 24, 2007
gulp...are u ready for this?
The dad difference: Labor and delivery (this is for u, Elvis)
Part 1:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_the-dad-difference-labor-and-delivery-part-1_1487036.bc
Part 2:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_the-dad-difference-labor-and-delivery-part-1_1487036.bc
The stages of labor:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_the-stages-of-labor_1287352.bc
An inside look at labor:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_an-inside-look-at-labor_1287325.bc
Watch an epidural procedure:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_watch-an-epidural-procedure_1287345.bc
Making the c-section decision:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_making-the-c-section-decision_1320925.bc
How c-sections are performed (illustrated guide):
http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-c-sections-are-performed-illustrated-guide_1287363.bc
And the VERY intense version NOT for the faint-hearted:
How c-sections are performed (a LIVE surgery):
http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-c-sections-are-performed-a-live-surgery_1286554.bc
Baby, mama's scared! Are u?
GULP!
Part 1:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_the-dad-difference-labor-and-delivery-part-1_1487036.bc
Part 2:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_the-dad-difference-labor-and-delivery-part-1_1487036.bc
The stages of labor:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_the-stages-of-labor_1287352.bc
An inside look at labor:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_an-inside-look-at-labor_1287325.bc
Watch an epidural procedure:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_watch-an-epidural-procedure_1287345.bc
Making the c-section decision:
http://www.babycenter.com/2_making-the-c-section-decision_1320925.bc
How c-sections are performed (illustrated guide):
http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-c-sections-are-performed-illustrated-guide_1287363.bc
And the VERY intense version NOT for the faint-hearted:
How c-sections are performed (a LIVE surgery):
http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-c-sections-are-performed-a-live-surgery_1286554.bc
Baby, mama's scared! Are u?GULP!
baby's comfort object
1 of the item from the shopping list for baby is a 'comfort object'. Hmm...is this really necessary?? I checked with my sister's friend who just gave birth not too long ago, and she said it's good to buy one.
Almost immediately, i thought of the Bean Sprout Pillow (although i dont think i had one). The bean sprout husks inside the pillow are actually "shell" (kernel) from bean sprouts that we can buy from the market. When newborn babies/infant are shocked or frightened, they will feel a lack of security and will keep crying, easily agitated, difficult to handle and maybe a sleepless night. This pillow will serve to calm them.
I found a website that sells them. There's many designs to choose from, and this is what Elvis & i decided on! ;)
Papa & Mama ♥ our little one!
I guess u can make your own too (or get grandma to do it), but imagine all that work - just too tedious! More info on the making of the pillow can be found on the website - from the filtering to drying to sorting and filling. And imagine all the "dao gei" (bean sprouts) one has to eat! Must be a big plate at every meal! Keke... ;p
Almost immediately, i thought of the Bean Sprout Pillow (although i dont think i had one). The bean sprout husks inside the pillow are actually "shell" (kernel) from bean sprouts that we can buy from the market. When newborn babies/infant are shocked or frightened, they will feel a lack of security and will keep crying, easily agitated, difficult to handle and maybe a sleepless night. This pillow will serve to calm them.
I found a website that sells them. There's many designs to choose from, and this is what Elvis & i decided on! ;)
Papa & Mama ♥ our little one!
I guess u can make your own too (or get grandma to do it), but imagine all that work - just too tedious! More info on the making of the pillow can be found on the website - from the filtering to drying to sorting and filling. And imagine all the "dao gei" (bean sprouts) one has to eat! Must be a big plate at every meal! Keke... ;p
Saturday, September 22, 2007
shop shop
Today i received more parcels in the mail - things i had bought online for the baby. It's always fun to unwrap them. Heehee... ;p
We even bought a pair of baby pink soft leather shoes with cherry design for baby's soon-to-be-born cousin! It's so pretty...and i'm so jealous! ;p
On the contrary to what my sis said (that it's too much), we divided the clothes into the "various months" eg. 0-3, 3-6, 6-9... to prove that it's not the case! Haha! The Result: It seems most fall under the section of 3-6 months. I think it's reasonable since that's probably the time we start to bring baby out more often anyway. 0-3 months would be wearing "ugly home clothes", and above 6 months, we'll be back in Shanghai where summer is really really HOT! Then, it'll be time to buy warm clothings for autumn/winter. But baby clothes in Shanghai might not be cheaper than in Singapore coz imported stuff costs more. Things in departmental stores can also be expensive - even for local Chinese brands. Heng, there's H&M baby stuff - sure cute and affordable! Haha! =)
I also went to Suntec today coz the Mothercare outlet is closing down. Storewide 20% & apparels less 50% (for those who wanna go, hurry down before 30 Sep). I had wanted to get a stroller if the price is right. BUT, the range at the store is quite miserable, so i decided to wait till Elvis comes back next week. Instead, i bought the Avent iQ 24 Electronic Steam Sterilizer at 20% off - that's a savings of $40! Seems like a good buy since we can sterilize bottles etc even until the baby is on formula milk. We also went to the Marina Square outlet to check out the full range of strollers, and again, Peg Perego is preferred over Maclaren range of strollers. Surprisingly, they both weigh about the same although Peg Perego looks a lot bulkier. After that, we went to see the Combi strollers at Kiddy Palace...hmm...still doesnt look good enough... Feeling confused again...
Anyway, cant wait till Elvis is back and we "settle" all the rest of the baby stuff together. He's going to Beijing tomorrow for 4 days, and Singapore will be his next stop! Yeah! =)
We even bought a pair of baby pink soft leather shoes with cherry design for baby's soon-to-be-born cousin! It's so pretty...and i'm so jealous! ;p
On the contrary to what my sis said (that it's too much), we divided the clothes into the "various months" eg. 0-3, 3-6, 6-9... to prove that it's not the case! Haha! The Result: It seems most fall under the section of 3-6 months. I think it's reasonable since that's probably the time we start to bring baby out more often anyway. 0-3 months would be wearing "ugly home clothes", and above 6 months, we'll be back in Shanghai where summer is really really HOT! Then, it'll be time to buy warm clothings for autumn/winter. But baby clothes in Shanghai might not be cheaper than in Singapore coz imported stuff costs more. Things in departmental stores can also be expensive - even for local Chinese brands. Heng, there's H&M baby stuff - sure cute and affordable! Haha! =)
I also went to Suntec today coz the Mothercare outlet is closing down. Storewide 20% & apparels less 50% (for those who wanna go, hurry down before 30 Sep). I had wanted to get a stroller if the price is right. BUT, the range at the store is quite miserable, so i decided to wait till Elvis comes back next week. Instead, i bought the Avent iQ 24 Electronic Steam Sterilizer at 20% off - that's a savings of $40! Seems like a good buy since we can sterilize bottles etc even until the baby is on formula milk. We also went to the Marina Square outlet to check out the full range of strollers, and again, Peg Perego is preferred over Maclaren range of strollers. Surprisingly, they both weigh about the same although Peg Perego looks a lot bulkier. After that, we went to see the Combi strollers at Kiddy Palace...hmm...still doesnt look good enough... Feeling confused again...Anyway, cant wait till Elvis is back and we "settle" all the rest of the baby stuff together. He's going to Beijing tomorrow for 4 days, and Singapore will be his next stop! Yeah! =)
Friday, September 21, 2007
job description: parent
POSITION :
Mum, Mummy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that university will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Mum, Mummy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that university will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
super dad
Well, i wasnt exactly complaining yday...just feeling a little stressed up...
Elvis is a great husband and i'm sure he'll be a GREAT DADDY!
When we were in Shanghai, he accompanied me to every gynae's appointment. He was more eager than me, in fact, about seeing the baby. As each visit to the gynae is pretty expensive, i even asked him if we should just do the ultrasound scan every now & then (coz i understand that not all my friends in Spore do scanning every month). But he said that he dont mind paying to see if baby's doing fine. His theory: Just buy 1 less clothing will do! Haha! ;p
We had initially planned on giving birth to the baby in Shanghai (and could end up paying up to 3 times the price in Spore). Then upon discussing and trusting more on Singapore's HIGH medical standards, we decided for me to stay on till the October Golden Week holiday (by then i'll be in my 26/27th week of pregnancy), and then fly back to Singapore till i give birth. BUT becoz of all the flying around that Elvis has to do for his work this year, we changed our plans again. So, here i've been since July (15/16th week)! Yes, i'm alone without Elvis around...but at least with family and friends. And i can eat whatever Singaporean food i want. Shanghai has them too, but maybe it feels slightly less authentic...my fav Hokkien Mee, Fried KueyTiao, Carrot Cake, Meesiam, Chee Kuey, Dao Suan...
The Pros:
- I've found a gynae which i think is pretty good and attentive. And he's a Professor too!
- I've been going to church.
- I've been meeting up with friends regularly.
- I've been eating yummy chocolate sundaes (the "milk taste" in Shanghai is not that strong).
- I've had bubble teas WITHOUT milk (Shanghai only have the ones with milk).
- I've been shopping at my favourite Topshop! Heehee... ;D
The Cons:
- Elvis has to fly back every month, and in-between/en-route his work schedule.
- $$$$ spent on airfares (totally crazy if u fly anywhere out of China).
- Need to plan his annual leave very carefully (esp since they only have like 10 days/year due to the 3 Golden Weeks/holidays)
And the medical costs in Shanghai:
- Each gynae visit : minimum S$200 excluding supplements, tests etc. (We've spent S$1500 so far from May07 - July07!!!)
- Estimated total cost of gynae appointments till full term : S$5000
- Package price from 16wks till full term : S$3000 (a savings of S$2000)
- Detailed 4D scanning : S$300
- Estimated Doctor's fees : S$2000
- Estimated Hospital fees : S$X
VS costs in Singapore:
- 1st gynae appointment : S$120
- Subsequent visits under Package from 16wks till full term : S$600 (amazingly affordable!!!)
- Detailed 4D scanning : S$200
- Doctor's fees : S$1000-2000
- Estimated Hospital fees : S$1200-4000
* Still can off-set with Medisave claim
Putting costs aside, I also think that the machines which are used here are better than the ones our gynae uses in Shanghai. When i heard the baby's heartbeat for the 1st time! I was like "WAH!"...and still can zoom in/zoom out! I guessed i looked like a country pumpkin! Haha! ;p
Elvis is a great husband and i'm sure he'll be a GREAT DADDY!
When we were in Shanghai, he accompanied me to every gynae's appointment. He was more eager than me, in fact, about seeing the baby. As each visit to the gynae is pretty expensive, i even asked him if we should just do the ultrasound scan every now & then (coz i understand that not all my friends in Spore do scanning every month). But he said that he dont mind paying to see if baby's doing fine. His theory: Just buy 1 less clothing will do! Haha! ;p
We had initially planned on giving birth to the baby in Shanghai (and could end up paying up to 3 times the price in Spore). Then upon discussing and trusting more on Singapore's HIGH medical standards, we decided for me to stay on till the October Golden Week holiday (by then i'll be in my 26/27th week of pregnancy), and then fly back to Singapore till i give birth. BUT becoz of all the flying around that Elvis has to do for his work this year, we changed our plans again. So, here i've been since July (15/16th week)! Yes, i'm alone without Elvis around...but at least with family and friends. And i can eat whatever Singaporean food i want. Shanghai has them too, but maybe it feels slightly less authentic...my fav Hokkien Mee, Fried KueyTiao, Carrot Cake, Meesiam, Chee Kuey, Dao Suan...
The Pros:
- I've found a gynae which i think is pretty good and attentive. And he's a Professor too!
- I've been going to church.
- I've been meeting up with friends regularly.
- I've been eating yummy chocolate sundaes (the "milk taste" in Shanghai is not that strong).
- I've had bubble teas WITHOUT milk (Shanghai only have the ones with milk).
- I've been shopping at my favourite Topshop! Heehee... ;D
The Cons:
- Elvis has to fly back every month, and in-between/en-route his work schedule.
- $$$$ spent on airfares (totally crazy if u fly anywhere out of China).
- Need to plan his annual leave very carefully (esp since they only have like 10 days/year due to the 3 Golden Weeks/holidays)
And the medical costs in Shanghai:
- Each gynae visit : minimum S$200 excluding supplements, tests etc. (We've spent S$1500 so far from May07 - July07!!!)
- Estimated total cost of gynae appointments till full term : S$5000
- Package price from 16wks till full term : S$3000 (a savings of S$2000)
- Detailed 4D scanning : S$300
- Estimated Doctor's fees : S$2000
- Estimated Hospital fees : S$X
VS costs in Singapore:
- 1st gynae appointment : S$120
- Subsequent visits under Package from 16wks till full term : S$600 (amazingly affordable!!!)
- Detailed 4D scanning : S$200
- Doctor's fees : S$1000-2000
- Estimated Hospital fees : S$1200-4000
* Still can off-set with Medisave claim
Putting costs aside, I also think that the machines which are used here are better than the ones our gynae uses in Shanghai. When i heard the baby's heartbeat for the 1st time! I was like "WAH!"...and still can zoom in/zoom out! I guessed i looked like a country pumpkin! Haha! ;p
Thursday, September 20, 2007
anything but good
I've been feeling a little moody this week. Firstly, I've never felt so fat in all my life... Soon, i might not even be able to see my toes! ;pThe (hot) weather is also making me so lazy to go out - even to buy my lunch. Wet armpits! Arrgh... I've turned down SMS from 2 friends to meetup this week. Somehow, my feet seems to swell (edema) more these few days too. My Birkenstocks are getting tight...sometimes it hurts when i walk...so i dont feel like walking. =(
The thought of the baby arriving in just a few months is also stressing me out (a little)... Hmm...but it sure gave me a good excuse to shop more for him. I've been buying so much clothes online this week since i'm at the computer all day (even my sis is complaining)! But there's sooo many nice things, and at good prices too! Some even cheaper than in retail shops! How to stop looking?? I'm beginning to think that there's too many "going out" clothes (from 0-to-3-to-6-to-9 months), and none for "everyday home use". Hmm...do babies need cooling or warm clothes at home?? How many sets/change of clothes do they need each day?? Where do i buy them from - esp the cheap cheap ones since it's only to be worn at home?? Dont need so nice, right?? I'm really clueless.
Elvis said "baby told him" that he doesnt wanna wear hand-me-downs. Hmm... YEAH, RIGHT! So, i've asked 1 of his good friend's mom to help us buy those they bought for their baby girl. I read from their blog that it was really cheap and good - $13 for a dozen! Great, save money! Yeah, at least that's 1 more thing down. Gimme a five!
Actually, a friend offered to give me the hand-me-downs she's received, coz she's got sooo much that she can give some away. WOW! I bought my nephews nice clothes when they were young (which i would like my baby to wear), but my sis had given them all away. And i suppose Elvis' sister still have those from her son...passed on to her brother's son...passed back to her 2nd son...and soon to be passed on to her brother's soon-to-be-born daughter...and then maybe our baby in Dec (when their baby daughter outgrows them). Hmm...that would make it 4th hand...or 5th...??
The only thing i'm looking forward to is when Elvis comes back to Singapore next week (probably from 29 Sep-7 Oct), we can buy ALL the other necessities - the ultimate STROLLER (coz my head is exploding already)...and what else do we need?? Anyone can give me a shopping list??
He'll also be able to accompany me to the gynae maybe twice (coz he's coming back for a few days in end-Oct before going to a friends' wedding in Bali). I've arranged to view the delivery suite at Gleneagles too. And maybe sign up the 'Help with Breastfeeding Programme'. Will give the 'Antenatal Programme' a miss since i'll be alone (while others have their husbands with them).
Sometimes, i feel i'm like a single mom. The thought that i'll have to manage the baby for the first few months stresses me out more than anything. And i've never even carried a baby before!!! But i'm sure things will get better once we're in Shanghai to join Papa Elvis (who is busy earning money for us). Then we can wear all the nice nice "gai gai" (going out) clothes.
Cheer up, Jo! It'll be over soon! =)
Yea, 102 days...that's 3.4 months...
P.S. Just found this shopping list. Quite good! I'll tag it here: http://www.baybsupplies.net/shoplist.htm
and this too on choosing the right breastpump for u:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T025300.asp
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
lantern festival
Here's a picture of me (2nd from the front) playing lantern with my sisters and neighbours during Mid Autumn Festival. We just kept walking to and fro along the corridoor, but it seemed like so much fun back then. ;)
playpen
Yday, i decided to buy a playpen instead of a cot. I was thinking that it'll be too much of a chore buying a baby cot here, only to dismantle it a few months later to bring to Shanghai, and then fix it up again. So, we might as well buy a cot when we're in Shanghai. Since i had my eyes set on 1 from BabyCraft a few weeks ago, i decided to go buy it. My sisters helped me lug it back. It was only a 5-mins walk home, but i regretted it coz it looked damn heavy as they carried it. Hai...we should have drove there instead. =(
It's in a very practical colour - dark blue - but what i liked about it is that part of it has cartoon rockets on it. (The other design is with brownish checks which i thought looks too boring.) The playpen comes with a bassinet, converting it into a baby cot! Hmm...very practical for short-term use. It also has a board which can rest on the top of the playpen, so that's like the "changing station". And it even comes with a FREE foam mattress! (But i will buy a thicker foam mattress next time when i setup the playpen.) Everything collapses or folds away to a rather manageable (though heavy) box, so it's just the right size to bring back to Shanghai!
Haha...so there we have it... baby cot + changing station + playpen (to use when baby is older)! Mama need to learn to think 'practical, practical' when it comes to shopping for the baby now... ;p
O! The best part is, it's only S$109 (usual price S$199)! Haha...
It's in a very practical colour - dark blue - but what i liked about it is that part of it has cartoon rockets on it. (The other design is with brownish checks which i thought looks too boring.) The playpen comes with a bassinet, converting it into a baby cot! Hmm...very practical for short-term use. It also has a board which can rest on the top of the playpen, so that's like the "changing station". And it even comes with a FREE foam mattress! (But i will buy a thicker foam mattress next time when i setup the playpen.) Everything collapses or folds away to a rather manageable (though heavy) box, so it's just the right size to bring back to Shanghai!
Haha...so there we have it... baby cot + changing station + playpen (to use when baby is older)! Mama need to learn to think 'practical, practical' when it comes to shopping for the baby now... ;p
O! The best part is, it's only S$109 (usual price S$199)! Haha...
Friday, September 14, 2007
very confused mummy
I realised that more and more of my conversations with friends revolve around my baby (natural/cesarean birth), baby products (clothes, cot, pram, stroller, playpen, milk bottles, sterilizer...and the list really can go on), 1st month confinement, and yes, breast-feeding (manual pump, electric pump, breast pads, nipple cream)...
Maybe coz we're kinda "late" in being parents, people around me seem to have lots of advice on parenting, nursing etc etc... What i'm most puzzled about is breast-feeding esp when the pumps dont come cheap (probably ranges from $100+/- up to $600). Firstly, with so many breast pumps in the market - styles and brands - how would i know which is the "best" (or is there)??? What about its efficiency, ease of use, portability, pricing/cost-effectiveness, the design???
Another headache is which stroller/pram to buy. I think it's important to make the right decision since we'll be using it for a few years. Style & function are equally important. Prices can also range from the (reasonable) $200 up to $1000 (which i think is totally ridiculous). Any wrong decision (coz it's not sturdy, too heavy etc etc), and you'll end up having to waste $ getting another. My sis & i went to look at some, but those that caught our eyes costs a whooping $799! I've never seen this brand before, so when i looked it up the website, i found that it costs much cheaper (well, comparatively) in the USA.
http://www.albeebaby.com/pegperego.html
I think from all the advise given on baby products, it probably boils down to individual preference. Also, EVERYTHING will be more reasonable only IF u plan on having more than 1 kid.
But even after all is said about what kind of baby products to use, i'm just as confused as ever! And there's also the "what-if" factor:
- What if i give up breast-feeding after 1/3/6 months?
- What if the baby doesnt like to sleep in the cot?
- What if the stroller/pram is not up to expectation...not sturdy enough, too heavy, too light?
- What if the baby outgrows the clothes we buy for him now?
- What if we always stay home, and dont need any "gai gai" (going-out) clothes?
- What if...
- What if...
- What if...
I know i'll feel "guilty" wasting all that money on those stupid hi-tech looking machines and products, nice but perhaps unworn clothes (coz it's too big, too small, too thick, too thin)...
Maybe having a baby equals pouring money down the drain...for a loooong time... Papa Elvis!!!
the needy seat
Back to the same topic... I met up with my friends yday for dinner. When i boarded the train home at City Hall, i was thinking that since it's sooo crowded (i.e. no chance of sitting even though one is pregnant/old/handicapped), i might as well stand in between the cabins and read my magazine.
Then people dont need to:
1) pretend to fall asleep,
2) look down on the floor (admire their shoes),
3) have others sitting afar staring at them (perhaps thinking why arent they offering their seat),
4) or have their eyes wandering around everything except me...
Haha! Let's call it 'To save everyone of the embarrassment' (coz even the pregnant one will feel embarrassed).
So there i stood for a good 20 mins...until someone sitting at 1 (of the 2) "needy people seats" alighted... I took a step forward...but another lady was faster than me! Haha! The Musical Chairs! As i moved a step back, a guy who sat beside her offered to give up his seat for me! WOW! I said a 'Thanks!' and sat down. After that, i felt my face and ears turned red... Gosh, i actually BLUSHED when someone did the "right thing"! OMG!
P.S. I remember inside the Tokyo trains, there's cabin corner seats "reserved" for the elderly or needy. There's about 2 rows of 4/5 seats. Usually, people would stand even if these seats were empty - perhaps in case someone "needy" boards the train! Maybe Singapore's "needy seats" just look too similar to regular seats. Hmm...
SMRT need make their PRIORITY SEATS really obvious!
Then people dont need to:
1) pretend to fall asleep,
2) look down on the floor (admire their shoes),
3) have others sitting afar staring at them (perhaps thinking why arent they offering their seat),
4) or have their eyes wandering around everything except me...
Haha! Let's call it 'To save everyone of the embarrassment' (coz even the pregnant one will feel embarrassed).
So there i stood for a good 20 mins...until someone sitting at 1 (of the 2) "needy people seats" alighted... I took a step forward...but another lady was faster than me! Haha! The Musical Chairs! As i moved a step back, a guy who sat beside her offered to give up his seat for me! WOW! I said a 'Thanks!' and sat down. After that, i felt my face and ears turned red... Gosh, i actually BLUSHED when someone did the "right thing"! OMG!
P.S. I remember inside the Tokyo trains, there's cabin corner seats "reserved" for the elderly or needy. There's about 2 rows of 4/5 seats. Usually, people would stand even if these seats were empty - perhaps in case someone "needy" boards the train! Maybe Singapore's "needy seats" just look too similar to regular seats. Hmm...
SMRT need make their PRIORITY SEATS really obvious!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
pests
Yday night, i went to watch Ratatouille with my friends. It was funny! A must-watch! But what i wanna write about is not about the movie, but the train ride home. Hmm... somehow, Singaporeans always fall asleep instantly when they see a pregnant woman board the MRT!My tummy is so huge and round (like a rat's figure) that one sure wont wonder if i'm pregnant or just fat!!!?? (That's what my nephew Xan said when i told him no one has offered seats for me before.) But sure cant miss my 34-inch tummy on my petite limps mah... Actually, i'm not exactly hoping for a seat too lah, just wish people were more considerate and the men were more gentlemanly. Wait till their wives get pregnant next time! Kekeke... ;p
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
cool!
supposed to be the glitter text 'baby Joel' (but there was an error somehow)
A bit of lian, and a bit of cool! Keke...
the spree has begun!
Since i started buying those bermudas for baby a week ago, it's been getting kinda addictive!!! Haha! Everywhere i go, i'll tend to look at (some) baby stuff. O NO!!! NOW, even Papa Elvis said he bought cute tshirts for our little one from babyGap. Elvis Junior is such a lucky baby! Very much loved indeed! ;D
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
meet squooshy
This is Squooshy! He's a bear i bought for Elvis when he was living alone in Bangkok - made of super soft fabric and filled with millions of micro foam beads. (It's like Mogu products) Since i got pregnant and it became so uncomfortable to sleep with this (huge) tummy, i bought extra pillows and a bodypillow, but it still wasnt easy to find the right sleeping position.But since i took over Squooshy one month ago, I found Squooshy to be PERFECT for sleeping! It literally conforms to the shape of my tummy, and curves...and even gives my baby a big bear hug! Haha! ;)
seasons change
A few days ago, i met up with a friend who's currently going through a divorce. And because they were married barely 2 years, they filed for annulment of the marriage instead - which would be better for her anyway. The collapse of the marriage was an ugly one right from the start - with the guy showing his true selfish, stingy, petty small-minded nature (even though he is from an extremely rich family background). Even the bling bling jewels which they bought for her for the wedding (probably to show off their wealth) were asked to be returned - including the wedding band and engagement ring. I would think that IF they were merely 'boyfriend-girlfriend', perhaps it's only right to return them. But since they were lawfully 'Married', it's ok for her to keep them. After all, those are not his family heirloom.Although there wasnt any 3rd party involved, all these left me thinking of how Man's feelings can change so suddenly - and drastically.
Only God's love for us never change and never fails.
Thank you, Lord.
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