Thursday 23 April 2015

39 weeks! Summarizing my pregnancy journey

I am 11 days into my Maternity Leave and yes! I have not given birth yet. Past few weeks had been rather painful for me especially the hormonal mood swings! Urghhhh.. But! Things are getting better.... I guess it is because I am learning how to let go.

Let us take a step back and reminisce the past before I step into the next chapter of life anytime soon!

You can also read my thoughts during 1st trimester here .
During my 1st trimester (1st 3 months of pregnancy), I still remembered on the 29th of August, Desmond and I celebrated my 26th birthday at Morton's; the funny thing was, I did not have any craving for wine! It is really amazing how the body protects the baby by making me feel queasy when I think of alcohol. Haha! I ordered a small bottle of red wine just for the sake of having some wine on the dining table.
The next day, my family celebrated my birthday at a Korean BBQ restaurant at Dempsey, I did not even have the mood to dress up?! or Party? Moreover it is over the weekend! As usual, my alcohol connoisseur brother (alcoholic bro) ordered beer and soju. It is apparently damn good and it is placed infront of me! GUESS WHAT! I only took a sip! LOL.
On the 30th, I was all dressed up! Went to work and I went somewhere that I cannot remember! On my birthday itself, Hubby and I were strolling at Takashimaya, I told him, "Eh boy, my menses is 5 days late already.." As usual, he said, "watch and see how lor........" I got to drag him into Watsons at Taka to buy the test kit and TADA! Happy birthday Jamie Lim, You've got a kid as your birthday present!
No wonder I felt nauseated when I was driving to work for the past few days! No wonder my girdle suddenly felt soooooo tight that I could not even breathe! No wonder I whipped up sour salmon as dinner one night! NO WONDER I DISLIKE ALCOHOL! Hahaha

This is me taken during my company's Bali trip. 1st trimester but do not look pregnant at all! Love my "flat", scar-less and smooth tummy.
Will I ever go back to this state? I really have no idea! Surgery or not, options are open. I will do surgery to boost confidence, why not? Maybe after 2-3 kids? Maybe year end? No plans yet as I have to give myself time to recover.

WHEE! SO CAREFREE EH?


Nausea seems to get better after 16weeks, 2nd trimester! It is the best time of pregnancy? You just look like some fat ass enjoying food. HAHA. Had a really good time in London/Newcastle/Paris during my 2nd trimester with hubby. Time passed really fast during the 2nd trimester because it was almost all about enjoyment. 
Body changes and low mood kicks in during the 3rd trimester when I see my pretty body stretched, puffed,  fattened up and start having MRT tracks on my body. This is when I feel that I am the ugliest woman on earth. The only thing I felt was good is my complexion and my boobs. LOL.

Gonna show you guys how my body, tummy and stretch marks grew! As these pics are taken using my colleague phone, I do not have the dates with me! Enjoy the pics and yes, you can start gossiping about my stretch marks. 



















The above last pic was taken quite some time back, prolly 3-4 weeks ago.. I do not have a recent pic of my baby bump! Or rather, I can't find an appropriate one to be posted online. So anyways..... back to stretchmarksssss...

Initially the stretchmarks started to appear over the butt and upper thighs, then at the sides of the knee and at the very end, the tummy and guess what! Those over the butt and thighs are fading already! I really do not know what is helping, as you can see from the above pic, stretchmarks over the hip area are not active anymore. The only active stretchmarks now is over the tummy and side of knee.

I have been using these products religiously, ensuring it is on my body for 24/7. I cannot say it is super useful? Because I still have marks growing on me despite applying, and those that are faded is either due to the products or natural progression of the stretchmarks. So yea...... but better to continue than have nothing on right?



Before applying Stratamark, I use the Clarins StretchMark Cream occasionally, instead of the body oil. Somehow I stopped using the cream and continued with the oil.
Anyways, side track, the oil is to be applied on damp skin after showering, then rinse with cold water and dap dry. Read this on Clarins website as they did not mention it in the package insert.
Stratamark is used to seal the moisture, so I apply it last!
I have spent way too much on all these products.. maybe 5k throughout the pregnancy? Products only... I am not born with awesome skin so yea... Will be going for treatment post confinement as mentioned earlier on my previous post!



Bad skin elasticity on my body. Thankfully I still have good complexion. *Consolation Prize*

I have learnt how to let go with the marks on my body and looking forward to exercise, tone and laser off those ugly marks away. Not forgetting the weight I have gained so far.. Worst case scenario of weight gain.... Maybe 30kg? Gonna take a chill pill for now and wait for Gabrielle's arrival! 

During this pregnancy, you kind of know who really cares for you and who doesn't and it is really unexpected! Really thankful for those people who are there to keep cheering me up and supporting me in any ways.. from my SA to work colleagues to friends to family... You know who you are. I really THANK YOU.  Guess what.... I have ONE colleague who can say that I am fat and laughed at me (she is not joking by the way. *roll eyes* I shall not expose you on the internet)

Lastly, Thank you Lao Gong for being there always! Literally. Especially when I feel moody and crazy. These past 39 weeks had not been easy for you. Thank youuuuuuuu! 
I LOVE YOU!


My next update will prolly be after Baby Gabrielle pops out! =D