Still waiting and waiting and waiting (10 days more)

The last couple of days has been really boring and torturing for me. Not doing much just sitting around and nesting getting really bored. Sleeping patterns also upside down, waking up at 5am (to look for food) and taking naps in the evenings. No fun...but they say rest more now coz later you'll hardly get the chance.

Now anxious looking out for labor signs plus reading lots of books anticipating the MOMENT.....really not fun. ha ha ha but still not any major signs yet. Although the pre-labor symptoms listed in the books am experiencing it now e.g. The engagement, increase pressure on pelvis, change in energy levels, change in vaginal discharge, diarrhea, intensification of Braxton Hicks Contractions. Have not seen the pink or bloody show plus loss of mucous plug. 6/8 is not too bad...getting closer I think. Also, cravings have actually increase more these past weeks. So weird, suppose to decrease in appetite but seems to be eating more now. :P We will know more when we see the doctor tom for another weekly checkup.

Well, the good news is that we finally got the confinement person sorted out. Have not met her personally but got around to the agency today and manage to pay deposit for one. She'll come stay with us for 28 days and help to take care baby and mommy.

No Confinement Lady =(

With only 12 days left to my delivery, got a call yesterday afternoon that my confinement lady is unable to come as she has fallen down and sprain/twisted her leg and now unable to walk. Why la?!!! Now got headache trying to figure out what to do next. Been surfing around the internet and found 2 confinement agency. So far, SHL Cares Sdn Bhd in Kepong responded and said they can help. Not sure if they are any good but some help is better than none. I guess I can't be choosy at this point. So have anyone used them before? Any good? Just wanted to know before I sign up with them.

Sophie and Ryan Surprise Visit

Lynda is back for summer holidays and guess what I was totally surprise to her. This was after Sophie's Full Moon dinner which I totally missed out cause I over slept.=(
Was really looking forward to it and felt really bad cause I didn't show up. Anyhow, we met for lunch the next day @ Delicious. It was really a nice surprise to see Lynda, Gordon and Ryan.

The next visit, we met Sophie....so cute and adorable. I got cake from Patisserie Rui - Flower Garden (Red Velvet) "so yummy" for all to try. Even Aunty Chor Ming dog had a go at it :P





So happy to see babies...can't wait for my little one to show up. Any day now!

Disney Animated Movie - Wall-E

This would probably be the last movie I get to watch in the cinema before baby arrives. It was so so only, love story mainly..Wall-e its really cute and adorable but I expected much more humor in the movie. Overall, the movie was ok only. 5 out of 10 I would rate it. I guess the other movies like Sex in the City, P.S I Love You and Maid of Honor is more my liking now...hehehe! After Kungfu Panda, quite hard to match.

Looking forward to Madagascar 2...saw the trailer. It's damn hilarious and I can't wait to see that.

Gifts for Little One

For those who would like to get gifts for my baby...this are the things that are still missing from my list. Just in case you can't think of anything and would like to get the little one something....here's a hint :P

1. Changing Nappy Mat - Mothercare (RM65.00)

2. FISHER PRICE Ocean Wonders Music & Lights Activity Friend -

Jusco Mid Valley/Isetan Gardens (RM229.90)
This toy is really cool, has music, lights and the fishes inside moves. Very soothing and hope baby will like it. Cause mummy likes it alot :P

3. Lamaze Toys (RM39.90)

4. Baby Monitor (RM249.90-399.90) Lindam or Chico

5. Concord® Ultimax car seat- Champion (RM1399) Bebehaus

Beijing Olympics 2008

It was last Friday, lots of event on Rhythmic Gymnastic, Synchronize Swimming and Taekwando. I'm only interested in the first 2 sports mentioned above...not Taekwando but since Phil can't watch so I watch a bit to let him know what's on. And guess what it was one of the most boring sport to watch. They are not really showing any skills or techniques but just hoping and bouncing around. A really complete waste of time to even have the sport in there. Anyhow, I enjoyed watching the other sports, my favorite Artistic Gymnastic. I really think that the Team from China n USA did really well.

This is Phil comment on the Taekwando

"I think the current Olympics Tae kwon Do should be completely taken out of the Olympics as an event. This event is a complete waste of time as I do not see any skills or techniques involved in this sport. I cannot understand what would compel a person to train for four years for the Olympics, only to spend maybe 20 seconds really fighting. Most of the time, I see the participants of this so-called sports dancing around like chickens in what resembles a Mexican cock fight. The fighters of this sport seem to be hugging each other every few seconds because they do not want to engage in proper combat. If hugging and dancing around in the ring seem to be the goal, perhaps the OIC should introduce ballroom dancing as a replacement for this sorry sport.

I did a search on the internet and the meaning of Tae Kwon Do and this is the translation Tae = kick, Kwon = punch/hand and Do = Art. I think the Olympic version of this sport should be renamed Round House Kick Do as this is the only kick executed by the participants and mentioned by the commentators every time. What happen to the punches, high spinning kicks, combination kick punches and high jump kicks which are the foundation of this very sport?

Furthermore, I understand that Tae Kwon Do Olympics does not necessary represent the best competitors in the world as there are a few equally strong governing bodies in the world of Tae Kwon Do.

Tae Kwon Do goes against the very motto of the Olympic; Swifter, Higher, Stronger. I do not see this sport demonstrating these qualities. Oh well maybe “swifter” round house kicks but not executed properly, “higher” the screams as if being possessed by the devil in a sorry B rate movie, and “stronger” the bouncing around like chickens fighting.

For Olympic Tae Kwon Do to survive as a sport in the long run, the sport needs to reinvent itself. Firstly, the Tae Kwon Do committee in the OIC needs to re-look at the scoring system in the free sparing event. Participants should be encouraged to execute proper techniques and encouraged to use more combination kicks and punches with extra points awarded for difficult executed techniques. Judges should penalize single technique fights such as round house kick through the match.

Secondly, new events such as high kick and distance kicks events should be introduced. For example participants should be competing on how high or how far they can successfully kick a static target over obstacles. This introduction will see improvements of the participants in every Olympics as they will be looking forward to break these height or distance kicking record. Even gymnastics has included the trampoline into its discipline.

Thirdly, OIC should include all Tae Kwon Do governing bodies in order for it to be recognized as a truly global sport. When the gold medal is awarded to a participant, the spectators will know that the person standing on the podium is really the world’s greatest."

Opening Ceremony was fantastic and mind blowing, although they were controversy over the fireworks and some of the events. But still, it was way awesome. As for the closing, it was kinda of a let down. Nothing spectacular except the fireworks display at the end. Talking about fireworks....this year didn't get to go to Putrajaya for the Fireworks Competition. ;(

Anyhow, 16 days passed so fast....now we shall await the next event - THE DELIVERY!!!

Long time no post.........

Sorry for the absence the last 2 months, been really busy. Time just flies doesn't it. Been nesting a lot, getting the house ready for baby's arrival. Been shopping a lot too, mostly buying baby stuff since got Mega Sale. Also with the start of the Olympics been glue pretty much to the tv. Also not forgetting visit to the doctors as well as to the library. So my life pretty boring nothing much exciting happening. Just waiting for the arrival of the little one and having a countdown...that's all. :)

UM Graduation 2008

Hehe not me la, its my hunny that graduated @ UM. Very proud of him as he came in top of his class (Master of Management). All the years of support and hard work paid off finally. Congratulations!!!!

The ceremony was really grand at Dewan Tunku Canselor. Raja Nazrin was there to give out the scrolls. Overall, long day for mummy and baby but we survived. Also was very happy in the evening at Graduation Dinner (Legend Hotel), both mummy and daddy won prizes. Mummy won a toaster at the lucky draw thanks to luck from baby and daddy won the best male dressed for the evening. Also daddy receive his Best Student of the Year Award.

Kungfu Panda

If any of you haven't seen this movie, you've got to check it out. I rate this the best animated film of the year. It's just super hilarious and entertaining. Thinking of watching the Cantonese version next week :P Love them shorts :P Phil says Panda is just like me....only motivated with food hehehehe :P

Little Penang Cafe - Mid Valley

This is us pigging out at 2pm Little Penang Cafe on Monday. We all got up late from watching Euro (ITA VS ESP). I actually was surprise to wake up at 4am to watch the game which Spain qualified to the quarter finals :P My baby is a big football fan, watch EPL now EURO. Tonight TUR VS GER. Not too sure want to watch or not. But will definately try to catch ESP VS RUS tom night :P

Ok enough about football bcak to lunch. Tracy and Chris just got back over the weekend and we decided to meet up for lunch. They both look so cute together.
We ordered assam laska, curry mee, char kuey teow, top hats, otak otak, lobak and cendol. Was good awesome but Chris said it was too spicy for him. He seems to like the lobak and top hats. He knows a few words in malay (jadi and tak jadi) and of course cantonese - POW CHA!!!! funny guy. Anyhow, after lunch we just jalan jalan for a bit in the mall. Wanted to go swimming but it was starting to rain :(




Also found out that Chris and I are born on the same day and same year...cool isn't it. :)

Also would like to thank them both for getting these cute baju for my little baby. Can't wait for he/she to wear them :P

Mother in Law - Prawn Curry

Last weekend, my mother in law invited us over to E-Ling place to eat Phil's favorite Prawn Curry. It was really yummy and tasty. Have to get recipe from her later. Can't seem to remember much these days :P

After lunch we rush over to Pantai Hospital, no no my water did not break. We had our last ante natal class - exercise and breathing. So fast the classes were over, Phil miss the previous one which turns out to be the most important one were they teach you to take care of the baby, how to handle the little one and bathe them. They also took us around the labor and maternity ward - preview of what to come :P

Now the only thing left is a bit more shopping to get the big items and sit and wait till baby comes....only 75 more days to go and counting.

Peter Grant at Alexis Bangsar

Just last week, the jazz performer from UK came to town. Seeing that Phil likes Jazz a lot we decided to go check him out. Decided to have dinner at Alexis then stayed on to watch the show. He's truly amazing, only 21 yrs old but voice very mature. He kinda reminds me of a younger version of Barry Manilow. Pregnant mummy actually went up to him to get his second album autograph. :P

The show was very entertaining as he's a great singer and performer. I can't say must about his audience. There were a couple of ppl who just really don't know how to behave themselves, talking/laughing loudly and public displace of affection (get a room pls ya). Overall, we had fun, its good to get out once in a while. It's been quite a while mummy and daddy gone out to a nice place for dinner.

Steamboat - Talipon

We had steamboat about a month back....just thought I blog about it. Food was ok, the guys did all the bbq - me just sat back. The bakwa pieces were really yummy and we kept on eating and eating. As for me, i was mostly looking forward to the durian ice cream at the end. Guess how many I had - 2.5 cones :P Pig ya
Normally, I don't eat ice cream but somehow ended up eating so much that nice :P

New Washer and Dryer

Daddy finally bought a new washer and dryer for mummy to clean clothes. We got a good deal at Harvey Norman. They just delivered it an hour ago. Unfortunately, can't try it out yet as the tap head is not matching. Will have to go out to the hardware store to get the adapter head and also see if they sell washing machine base so that it won't get wet on the floor.

We got the Electrolux 7KG Washer(EWF 1084)and 5kg Dryer (EDE429). Can't wait to try them both out. Now with the new electricity tariffs and increase in petrol prices, going to cost more to do laundry at home. Must start conserving water and energy soon.

Baby Shopping

My mommy bought us a Maclaren Techno XT in Singapore last month for my baby. We were down in Singapore for the Diamond Distributor Rally and came across an add for baby stuff. The XT was on sale, S$379 I think, can't remember memory loss is quite rapid these days. But its still cheaper than getting it here. Mom thinks that getting black color would be good since we still don't know the gender of the baby yet. Car seats was on sale too but didn't buy since it won't fit in the car.

My friend Grace, lend me her medela breast pump for expressing my breast milk. Comes in a really cool bag pack.

So far, I've bought some clothes, diapers, blankets, washing detergents and nappies for baby. I guess there's still lots more stuff to shop for. Car seat and playpen should be next on the list. Then baby cot, mattress, etc.

Chef at Home

It's been a while since my last posting. Been cooking lots more after the 3rd month of my pregnancy. Getting lots of inspiration from the AFC (Asian Food Channel), my favorite show now is watching Chef Michael Smith. Easy to follow and cook recipes. So far I have tried a few of the recipes and it turned out yummy.

During the 4th month of my pregnancy, baby/mommy was cravings mostly "ang mo" food. Anything not Chinese is the preferred menu. We had lots of fast food (mostly McD's and KFC), Dominos twice, Italian and Chilis. So during that month mommy was way over the weight limit. Thank god now we are back to eating more healthily, more home cook meals.

I made Ratatouille and Corn-Bacon Chowder Soup.... here are the yummy pics.


Ratatouille

Corn Bacon Chowder

Ante Natal Classes - First Lesson

With only 100 days left till baby comes along, we've actually signed up last weekend for the ante natal classes at the hospital. The fees for 5 weeks of classes came up to RM200. Not bad, hope to learn lots from the class. The nurse who was conducting the class was not a good presenter, she just kept reading from the slides and even reading also pronounce all the words wrongly. So bad ya focus only on peoples bad point. Can't help it! English also very broken, but she knows her stuff.

First lesson was on the importance of breast feeding and how to breast feed baby. They showed us a video on how's baby suppose to latch on to our breast. The daddies were looking weird and making silly remarks. Asking if they could get a copy of the video to take home. :P Unfortunately, is all about practicing and getting the hang of the real thing. Got to wait till baby comes first.

Next class is on Monday night, going to learn about labor pain relief and care of newborn. This should be interesting, hopefully they will get the dad's more involve.

Shopping time for baby stuff

I'm been looking around and feeling rather overwhelmed with all the baby stuff out there. Man there's so much choices, in a way its good (spoiled for choices) but on the other hand too many to choose from, not too sure where to begin. I guess the most important is to make a checklist of important stuff and start from there.

We went shopping around and found this shop in Hartamas Shopping called Bebehaus, the guy was really friendly and helped us understand lots of things from strollers, car seats to milk making tea (for breast feeding). We learned a lot and found him very helpful.

Baby Checklist
--------------
Feeding :
Steriliser
Feeding Bottles & Teats
Teat & Bottle Brush
Pacifier & Pacifier Holder
Bottle Cleanser/Detergent
Bottle Tongs
Breast-feeding
Breast Pump
Breastmilk Storage Containers/Bags
Electric Bottle & Food Warmer
Nursing Tops
Nursing Bras
Breast/Nursing pads
Nursing Pillows/Supports
Nipple Cream
Cooler Bag & Cooling Aids
Bottle-feeding
Formula Milk Container/Dispenser
Thermos Flask
Warmer Bag

Nursery :
Baby Cot
Playpen / Playard (Optional)
Mattress - Latex / Fibre / Foam
Mattress Protector / Waterproof Pads
Bedding Co-ordinates (Cot Bumpers, Fitted Sheets, Comforters, Pillow & Bolsters)
Chest Of Drawers

Clothings :
Tops & Pants / Rompers / Sleep Suits
Mittens & Booties
Receiving Blankets / Thermal Blankets / Swaddling Blankets
Hats
Bibs

Bathing & Grooming :
Bath Tub
Bath Seat / Bath Bed / Bath Net
Wash Cloths / Sponges
Toiletries (Baby Bath, Baby Oil/Lotion, Baby Powder etc)
Bath Towels
Cotton Wool Balls / Swabs
Cotton Buds
Baby Comb & Brush
Baby Nail Clipper / Scissors
Bath Thermometer (Optional)
Tummy Binders
Nasal Aspirator / Cleaner

Changing & Diapering :
Changing Table & Changing Mat
Baby Wipes
Disposable Diapers / Nappies & Nappy Liners
Diaper Rash Cream / Barrier Cream
Safety Pins / Nappy Fasterners

Travelling Necessities :
Stroller / Pram
Car Seat
Baby Carrier
Nursery Bag With Foldable Changing Mat
Sunshades (Optional)

Safety & Monitoring :
Baby Monitor
Baby Thermometer

Laundry :
Nappy / Clothes Detergent
Nappy / Clothes Softeners
Clothes Hangers
Laundry Basket (Optional)
Pails

Stimulating Toys :
Black & White Soft Toys / Flash Cards
Play Gym
Musical Mobiles / Rattling Toys
Mirror


Wow got to start shopping real soon. Can't wait.

I'm pregnant !!!

Wow how time flies. Never expected to be pregnant so fast but yes our first child is on its way. Am now 15 weeks pregnant and baby is doing great. Not too sure about the sex of the baby yet (could be a little Mickey or Minnie), as long as its healthy we are very happy.

The last few months has been quite a roller coaster ride for me. Have been experiencing not morning sickness but evening sickness. Thank god no vomiting just nausea and fatigue. Been getting lots of rest and sleep. Was not eating very much especially in the evenings. Now very different, everything also wallop. This baby really likes to drink Ribena, eat lots of ice-cream, meat and now apples, just like daddy. Not too sure if that's considered cravings but so far so good. Haven't sent Philip out at wee hours in the morning to get me food yet...will have to see.

Overall, we are really thrilled and can't wait for the little one to make its debut.
I guess that's all the updates I have for you all now. Will post more stuff as I get bigger and bigger and closer to the due date.

Huang San - China 2008