Delivery of Isabelle

So you know, I have been in and out of hospital for many reasons.. From durian cake poisoning to early contractions to threatened pre term labour to breech baby. Super eventful last trimester..

On 27th May ~730pm, I started to feel frequent tightening after dinner, followed by aches over my lower back. I was not sure whether I was in labour or not and decided to watch first before going to delivery suite again! 

~9pm, Desmond and I decided to watch our last episode of The Walking Dead season 6, and if by the time the show ends and I am still in pain, we will call the delivery ward. Haha. The aches over my lower back and tightening over tummy seems more frequent and the show was only halfway through... A completely different feeling when I had contractions with Gabrielle. 

~10pm I gave up tolerating the pain and asked Desmond to call the delivery ward. I prepared myself by showering and brushing my teeth... hahaha. All ready to pop and not shower for a day or 2 post delivery. Eeeks!

~11pm I was 3cm dilated! I opted for epidural straight even though I could tolerate the pain at that moment... who knows whether I will scream the next few hours to come! 

~4am I was only 4cm dilated?! I was given medication to induce and by 6am... I can feel my baby's head already!!!! 

~6am POP! Welcome Isabelle!

37 weeks

I survived threatened pre term labour! Thank God!

Last week, I had my follow up with my gynae, my baby was breech..
It was the first time I encountered such issue and it was pretty scary~ I was scheduled for ECV (External Cephalic Version) last Monday when I am 36th weeker. Procedure on Monday was cancelled after I fasted for 12hours and waited in the delivery suite for an hour plus! Some system cropped up and Prof did not know I was in the delivery suite. Gaaahhh. I was rescheduled for it the next day.

Tuesday, I fasted the night before again, waited for Prof as he was in the midst of a cesarean. Got cannulated by my own hubby, 18G cannula. Not painful at all! No kidding~
The team then came and pop by and did a bed side ultrasound to ensure that the location of the baby head... GUESS WHAT! She turned back down! Thank God!! This baby caused me a lot of inconveniences in my last trimester! Yikes~

Now 37th weeker, I can't wait for her arrival. I feel soooo much pressure on my pelvis. Please come out sooon~
I do not know why, but as I am blogging, somehow I feel that little little teo is not in the position she is supposed to be. Oh well, time will tell..

Oh yes... I still have to complete my last assignment due end of the month! gaaaaaahhhhhhh.

2nd Pregnancy LAST trimester LAST post before I pop

A quick summary of what I have been through past 7-8months......

Yes! I'm in my 35th week now, did not take as much picture as I did for the 1st one.. This pregnancy is so different despite the same gender as my first baby!

Current weight gain is about 10kg-12kg? Cravings only came in at about 33 weeker and all I crave for is HaiDiLao..
This whole pregnancy was pretty stable in terms of morning sickness and energy level till I reached 32 weeker. There wasn't any burst of energy unlike my first pregnancy 2nd trimester. In fact I felt slightly more tired than usual in my 2nd pregnancy, perhaps its because no.2 came tooo early! haha! Well, its kinda planned.

So, I was recently hospitalised due to multiple contraction and they did a swab and was positive for threatened preterm labour. Kinda sucky cos I was only 34 weeker. Anyhows, I safely survived 34 weeks and I'm on 35th week. Its a love-hate relationship cause I really could not wait for baby to pop. I can't sleep well at night as I was really resting in bed MOST of the time during the day. Lots of emotional built up as I felt that the world is moving and I'm just stagnant lying down at home doing nothing!
Okay, not really nothing per say, I get to read books to Gabrielle, watch her eat.. etc. Her eating habit got me worried, She loves her Milk and Packet food which contains.. carrots, quinoa, cinnamon, broccoli etc etc. and clear soup. Everyday is a challenge to feed her! What's comforting is, there is actually worst kids out there or kids in the same situation as me, i'm not alone! So I take it as part of their growing phase. At least she drinks her milk. =)

On the side note, Gabrielle learns how to express what she wants or do not want like shaking her head when she does not want something, say words like apple, mum mum, ball, lion and wow. LOL(not included).
Sadly, she still could not walk independently, AT MOST 4 steps only! Super duper lazy! Coming 13 months end May and she still have not mastered it. Well, what I've noticed is she really loves books, I could read to her 7 story books at one go, she would sit with me and listen, and YES, I got to be damn drama with my tone, what I say etc. Haha ~ Motherhood.

During this last trimester, especially this week, I have a strong urge to save up as much as I can to provide a bigger home for my children, bigger home meaning a HDB 120-144sqm is also okay! I do not need an extravagant upgrade, just ample space for my kids especially when they grow older, they will have more things, and my current living room is... cui. That being said, we gave ourselves 3 years. Of course, I am still thankful for what I have now, having a family with 2 kids, and a super loving hubby that cares a lot for his family and my mother who sacrifice a lot to help me, and of course my sis.. my bro.. LOL. Without them, I wouldnt grow too. Just that sometimes, they can be irritating. HAHA! Which of your siblings aint irritating really?~ LOL. oh yes, cannot forget my helper, kept my place in tiptop condition and help to feed my little gabby when Im at work!

I'm also on my last assignment before I finally graduate like finally? Good to have a degree, but not necessary.

Okay, my heartburn just got resolved, so I'm going to end my post here! I hope I can blog again after baby no.2 pops!

=D

Oh boy!

I was reading my previous posts to refresh my memory on which part of my life have I stopped blogging. I realized it was about me trying to breastfeed Gabrielle and not wanting to diet at that point!

Right.... despite all the milk boosters I've bought, consumed.. etc. etc. My milk supply did not increase at all! Why? because..... IM PREGNANT AGAIN! weeee~ (No, I'm not addicted to pregnancy life; I just want to get over and done with pregnancy for good ASAP)

Some mothers may want to spend more time with their current kid before having the next. Seriously? I think that is very normal. I guess I am the abnormal one. I do not enjoy having a break of 2 years, then come the 2nd one. I find it a torture. LOL. On the other hand, I'm currently having a dilemma of having a break of 2-3 years before having no.3 and no.4. If no.3 ever comes, I think I will regret again during the 1st 3 months of torturous morning sickness.

This pregnancy is sooooo different from the first one. Let's talk about the first trimester, the hot topic of  all pregnant mothers -

Morning Sickness

1st pregnancy: So freaking bad. I dread going to work; it was a real challenge. Every smell especially FISH made me want to puke. There was a point that I was dehydrated till I need to be on drip. Tired... lethargic.. vomit... tired.. lethargic.. vomit.. and... repeat.

2nd pregnancy: On and off morning sickness. Gastric pain was not as bad as the first one (may be due to confinement that made my gastric stronger- never know). Not so tired and not much appetite.

Cravings

1st Pregnancy: After the 1st 3 months of morning sickness, I craved for carbs, meat, ice cream and waffles! I ate like no tomorrow. Cos no one gonna judge a preggy when they eat. haha!

2nd Pregnancy: I only craved for salad.... and fish. I'm so crazy about cod fish and .. fillet o fish! I'm so happy lah, my cravings this pregnancy so bloody healthy. hehe. Yes, no one is going to judge a pregnant lady when they eat, so I judge myself.

Weight Gain

1st Pregnancy : I was 81kg at least at full term? Didnt manage to weigh myself as I was on maternity leave... Total weight gain of 26-28kg~~~

2nd Pregnancy : I lost 2.2kg during the first trimester, Now at 5 months pregnant, I gained about 1kg nett. I find it a lot eh! Because I was bingeing on fillet o fish for 3 nights! yikes!!!! I need help! I need mac to ban me from drive thru.

Goodbye Confinement! (I realised I did not post this after I typed it!) For latest post, please scroll down

Oh Gawwwwwwwwd~~~~ I have so many things to share with you guys!

First of all!!! I need to admit something! I had....... EPIDURAL. I was literally crying for it!!! The pain is crazy! Everytime when contractions start (when i'm 4-5cm dilated), it is so painful that I feel like pulling off every monitoring device off my body! ROAR!

I was willing to try not having epidural at all! Now, I am totally in love with it. It is a love hate relationship!

The first week post-natal was very taxing for my husband and I. Due to Gabrielle's premature atrial contraction, she was warded to ICU. I kept crying and tearing, for what reason? I really couldn't tell. I guess it is post natal blues.

Soon, it was 2nd week post pregnancy, and my I hired a confinement lady just to cover for two weeks till my next CL to arrive. Sadly, I trusted this agency, and it was a wrong decision made. Being so stressed up due to Gabrielle's admission and post natal blues, I thought I could finally rest my mind and have a good confinement.  Upon arrival of the CL from this agency, things was pretty okay until I see her long nails! That made me very very uncomfortable. Then, as she was going to cook dinner for me, she asked me how would I like my vegetables cooked? I said anything, cause frankly, I am ok with any food as long as it is allowed during confinement period, on the other hand, I am not someone who cooks frequently so I wouldn't know how you want to cook the dishes! I understand if she were to ask, do you want to eat fish pork or chicken? So she suggested, vegetables with sesame oil. Okay, lets try. GUESS what was served to me during dinner?? BOILED PLAIN VEG. I got quite pissed and asked her," I thought you asked me what would I prefer? why did you only boil the veg?" SO smart of her to put the blame on my helper! So I told her," You asked me what I would like, why did you listen to my helper instead?!" She could only apologise. Then I told her, in the morning, i needed her to prepare herbal shower water for me, SHE GAVE ME A SHOCKED LOOK! GOSHHHHH!! The final combo she gave was, I can cook for you ABC soup and Lotus soup (these are NON-HERBAL). Reason? " So everyone in the family can drink, more convenient" FAINT MAX! she got sacked within half a day. That agency should QC their CLs... Instead of lifting off burden from Mothers, they caused more inconvenience. SIGH.

My husband took up the role of the confinement lady standing in for night shifts and I thank him so much! NOT even a single complaint. AWWW BOY I LOVE YOU.

Finally a real confinement lady came. I manage to have proper sleep... GOOD food... Baby is well taken care of. IF any of you need contact, EMAIL ME! She is DAMN good at cooking. Lots of effort made.

Confinement is coming to an end, I can't wait. I cannot wait to go shopping! I cannot wait to go grooming! Most importantly, WORKOUT!! eeeeks!!! EXCITED MUCH.

Negativity vs Positivity

I always have negative thoughts about EVERYTHING. okay, not everything lah but most of the things. Especially post pregnancy, your thoughts really plays with you.

Some examples in my life that can be seen differently.

FACT #1: I am 63kg now. 

Negativity: I am damn FAT lah! Used to be 55kg slim and damn hot (no shame siol), no stretchmarks, toned etc etc. Why 5 months after birth I am still so fucking FAT! 

Positivity: FREAK! I LOST 18KG in 5months! that is like 3.6kg per month! and... hEY! I did not work very hard to lose weight. I took fatty food to boost my breastmilk supply- like avocados, bananas, virgin coconut OIL, CHEESE, nuts.. etc! (Yes, to me, breastfeeding is important, I did not because of how I want to look, stop breastfeeding.. pleaaaase do not wrong me.) So imagine, if I really worked hard, exercise like siao, go on diet... my achievement gonna be AWESOME.

FACT #2: I have stretchmarks.

Negativity: EEW LAH! I look like a zebra! How many girls, at my age, have stretchmarks, even though they are pregnant or have kids, their skin so nice lah (I assume la, no evidence)!  eew, 27 years old, with a stretchmark filled skin... fml.

 (ok. this zebra is cute.)

Positivity: EH! EH! EH! I got one super cute daughter! 

My husband loves me even more cause he see what I have been through during pregnancy! I am thankful I can spend on lasers.... RFs... etc etc... Not everyone are willing to spend or have that kind of money to spend on such treatments. It is not about money too. Lets say, I am damn rich, but no one help me to look after my baby, how am I supposed to leave home for such treatment? SO.... really thankful for my mum for supporting me, helping me to look after Gabrielle so I got time for myself. 

Anyone can say anything they want to. They can TRY to make you happy or unhappy by simply saying something....... But it is you who control your thoughts on what they say. It is you who control how you want to react or feel towards it.. 

So which one do you belong to? Positivity or Negativity? 

Stressful September/Life as a mother

Hola! September has been hectic, there is so little time for so many things! Assignments... Essays... whats not. Thank God it is coming to an end by Oct! 2 more exams paper to go!

Just a sudden thought, that made me want to blog about this.

My life, as a mother.
By the way, I have only 7.5kg more to go to my pre pregnancy weight! and........ I am not dieting at the moment. One huge reason, I want to continue to breastfeed.

When I was 13kg away from my pre pregnancy weight, I told myself I have to do everything to achieve my "ideal weight" cos the whole family is going to Maldives. Of course, I would not want to be in "sarong" in maldives. My weight drop as each day passes, so does my milk supply. I was in a serious dilemma because I want my weight to drop... but not my milk supply! To a point that I have to decide to introduce formula to Gabrielle. (and yes, the paranoid me bought organic formula powder with no soy oil by the way). I began to search for lactating food, spending on fennel teas, lactation teas, lactation cookies, multivits, brewer's yeast, alfafa.. etc. etc. I told myself to stop dieting, it is only 2 more months till she reach 6 months old before I can introduce basic food and top it up with breastmilk, by then, I will have enough and she wouldn't have to take formula powder. And so, I am stuck at 7.5kg away from my ideal, but I am happy and comfortable with that. Being able to provide breastmilk for Gabrielle is the least I could do.

Yes, I do not have ample or sufficient time to spend with her. I guess by doing the least, supplying her "gold" milk is what I can afford. I wouldn't paint a fake picture to the social media saying that I am how good to my daughter and that I do the most for her blablabla. In fact, I spend the LEAST time with her. Being so busy at work and school, Gabrielle has only 1/36 of my time? It is not that I do not want to spend my time with her, but I am already caught up with school and work. I have also decided to take 1 module less for the next semester so I can contribute more time with my baby because soon, she would not be a baby anymore.

My mother has been the main caregiver to little teo (Gabrielle) and I am really thankful for that. It is really so tiring and stressful at times. Especially when she left little teo all to myself and I have an ongoing 3000words essay to be completed; that very moment was super stressful. I can imagine how tired my mother is, and I try to urge her to go back home as many times as I could afford. Being a very nice grandmother, she did not mind staying over at all. I took advantage at times, to sleep longer, to "run away" from home. I hope everything will be better as this semester ends. I will have slightly more time and I hope my mother can have better rests at the same time I can spend more time with Gabrielle.

Having a kid now changes my perception of material goods too. All of a sudden, I feel the urge to save, to save for a bigger home so that no.2 can come along, and it will be big enough for my parents to move in. To save for a change of car after a bigger home, then all the holidays with the family. I never thought I would have such a mindset. Now, I get it when people says," when you have a kid you will know" or "when you have a kid you will change".

I have not been a good mother for the past 4 months but I will definitely try to be a better one as compared to last 4 months.

=)

my girl.

Post Pregnancy Weight Loss

IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO LOSE! Serve me right seriously. I've gained at least 26kg during the whole pregnancy. I am currently 65.9kg(at least), and 66.4kg (at most). I've got 10 to 11kg more to go? I am not doing a strict diet as I am still breastfeeding my child, and definitely want to be a responsible mother. My Carb-less diet only applies to dinner. Breakfast are not consider carb-less as oats contains a small amount of carbohydrate. In general, I try to cut carbohydrate but not totally take it off my diet..
I used to lose weight very easily! All I need was 2 to 4 weeks of diet watch (includes occasional drinking) and workout 2 times a week... and I can get the body I want. Now, I think it requires double the effort!

Being fat is not a sin, please do not get me wrong. It just causes a lot of aches and pains. For example, my plantar fasciitis came back and it really hurts really bad every time I walk. My old hip injury I had from dance came back. My thigh and knee joints hurts every single time I attempt to get up from sitting or lying. My posture is haywire! My core muscles is not strong. I really need to visit my myotherapist coming week and start pilates sooooooon!!! What is more disturbing? I cannot seem to jog cause my new weight is hurting my knee, running a few minutes made me feel so heavy and uncomfortable. SIGH.

Thank God for Jessica from Neuage clinic for introducing Figurerobics by Jung Da Yeon. It is a low impact workout and you can really perspire buckets! Always feel good after doing the workout. For those who is struggling with their weight and are facing problems like me (old woman body), can always try out! Good things are always worth sharing. You can get the DVDs from Qoo10 if you are really into it!

After much consideration, I guess I will not go for liposuction. I should only do it if I really try so damn hard to lose but fail or only after 2-3 kids. Going under knife will be the last option. Not that I am against plastic surgery ( I am actually quite open for plastics, hehe) but there are so many accidents that happened during lipo! I was quite taken aback when I google Liposuction deaths. LOL. Perforation, Overdose on sedation... whats not. Scarli haven't even suck out the fats, then just die on table due to overdose of GA. Damn scary.

In conclusion, I just want back my old weight, 55kg. 51kg is tooo slim for me, I've tried it and I do not like it. I don't look good being too skinny.

To my friends who are working out too, YOU CAN DO IT! Never give up! Giving up is the worst thing you can do! If you are thinking whether to exercise today or not, JUST DO IT, Do not ponder. After working out, you will feel happy and satisfied! OR you can text me! We can motivate each other! Jiayou everyone!

Love my girl, she is just so cute even when she cries.. haha!

Breastfeeding/Back to the rat race/ Radiofrequency

Breastfeeding is really worth it and rewarding. Being able to provide your loved one with the best food on earth is a blessing! It is not an easy task and requires a lot of education (like a diploma course) and determination and of course.. and....... SUPPORT. I would love to thank Breastfeeding mums support group in facebook. I have learnt a lot and will continue to learn as my kid grow.
Somehow, I hope that I will have 2nd baby soon. Get over and done with it! *ROARS*

The 1st and 2nd month of breastfeeding is really not easy, you experience blocked ducts, HARD BOOBS, pain, sore nipples, cracked nipples etc etc! but it gets better! So.... ENDURE! chinese saying, taste the bitterness first, then the sweet.

It is really worth it. =)

Thank God.

Been back to work since the 15th to help out, but officially I will only start on the 20th! Those 2 days tested my mental endurance rather than physical endurance.
Basically my routine goes like this :

630am- Prepare for work (Including pump milk)
1030am - Pump at work
(lunch)
230pm- pump at work
530pm- End work

Work is considered easy for now? The real challenge will be when it is full house, that will be a test whether I still can prioritize as well as before. I really enjoy working and communicating with patients so work is not an issue!

Evening:

6pm-Shower
630-645pm- Pump Milk
7pm-Feed the baby
Dinner and try to make baby sleep. Usually in the evening she does not require much sleep. Awake till next feed...
930pm-10pm- Feed the baby
11pm- pump milk

Last feed? Nope! I stayed up till 1130pm-12am to feed her last feed, even though she drinks very little, don't want her to wake me up tooooo early the next morning to feed.

2ish 3am... ALWAYS jolted awake by baby cries (not my baby). I literally jumped out of bed and ran to baby room, in the end? she is soundly asleep. pHEW. Then again, interrupted sleep.

430am -  Pump milk. Wash and sterilize.

630am. GOOD MORNING!

I really hope I can continue this routine without feeling tired. Or least, get used to it. The above tasks are not difficult really. It is insufficient sleep I get that is really bothering me.
School resumes next week! Seriously, I don't really care about qualification, cause it does not mean you are smarter or competent at work. Since I started it, I WILL TRY to complete it. Every Saturday, I will either have work or class... I can do it! Looking on the bright side, I might feel very tired and skip dinner every night. How awesome. Hahaha. I am so gonna be wonder woman, being a wife, mother, daughter, student and worker.

Juggling multiple roles, will I get identity confusion? LOL.

Happy Mothers' Day

A dedicated post for my mother!

First and Foremost, Thank God for a Wonderful Mother.


Happy Mothers' Day to you, Mummy. I'm 26 yrs old now turning 27 this year. Thank you for taking care all of US all these years. You have always been a pillar of support in our lives. It has never been easy to raise 3 kids and yes you did so well in raising the 3 of us together with Dad.

You done your part to provide us your best and always supporting us in whichever decision we made. E.g which school to go to (yes I chose it myself)., the sports I play. etc etc. Oh yea, but you don't really support me when I go partying. =/ hehe!
Also, always bringing us out to eat good food, that is why we enjoy food so much and thus got all of us FATTER. but thats fine............ =D









Anyhows, now that you are a grandmother.. and we are all grown up. It is time for you to retire and enjoy life without worrying.

Mummy, I love you even more now after being a mother myself. Taking care of kids is really not easy. The stress starts right from the moment I knew I was pregnant. Post pregnancy blues are even inevitable. Thank you for standing by supporting me, helping out with grocery shopping, buying all the good stuffs from the market, thank you for making me chicken essence once a week, thank you for providing me bird nest everyday!

Now that Gabrielle is born, you are busier running errands for me and that there were no complaints from you at all. 

I truly appreciate what you have done and once again, THANK YOU MUMMY AND I LOVE YOU!

Hey, besides saying thank you, I really do not know what else to say. Coz Im really thankful for what you have done for us all these years. 

Some pictures that I have picked out for you! ENJOY!

P.S. STOP DRINKING SO MUCH

And Dad, We Love you too. Just that it is Mothers' Day you know. Attention all to mum. Hehe.

To my another Mummy (MIL), Thank you for raising Desmond as a filial, respectful, helpful, patient, loving person. I Thank God for sending Desmond into my life. Being my MIL, you treated me and the rest of us like your own daughter. Always worrying for our health. Thank you for treating us like your own daughter. I look forward to our next overseas trip! <3

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

Pregnancy Fatigue... Woes..... BUT!

It comes and goes without any warning. The past week had been really tiring both physically and mentally. I could sleep as early as 9pm, and wake up as though I have not slept through the night. Totally zombified. During work, I look forward to going to bed more than anything else... more than eating.... more than dessert. YES! DESSERT! no kidding. zzz. I could not endure the sudden onset of rapid bloating, pain, fatigue... guess what! When I lie supine on my bed for maybe... 10mins? then change position to lateral, my pussy hurts like fuck! REALLY PAINFUL!
Thankfully, I managed to call in my masseuse for a good massage, introduced by my hermes SA! She is strong and I fell asleep as the massage was toooo shiok. haha. Last lap of pregnancy is really not easy. There are so many things I have to accept. e.g. MY SUDDEN BLOATING. Whenever I laugh or smile... I couldn't feel my cheeks, neither can my eyes be seen. LOL.
On good days, I could go shopping and hang out with friends, but it lasts no more than 4 hours. By the 4th hour, my energy level dropped drastically, I could feel the weight on my pelvis and my face looked as though I am hypoglycemic.

Right.. all will be gone soon. I look forward to weight loss after pregnancy and will definitely share my journey on weight loss! by the way.................... I have already gained 24KG!!!!!!!!!! For the upcoming week, I plan to have..
Breakfast: Oats with eggs instead of bread.. nasi lemak... bee hoon .....
Lunch is going to be slightly unhealthy because there are limited choice (ahem,... excuses actually, there are super healthy food selling at paragon... HAHA!). Fine! Lunch is cheat meal, unless I feel like eating healthy.
Dinner will be at home! Steamed fish.. soup... BROWN RICE...
Dessert : Birdnest/strawberries/papaya milkshake. NO ICE CREAM ALLOWED ANY MORE.
It is easier to say/type than to be done. Really got to be more disciplined so that post natal meal restrictions will be easier for me to handle!

OH YES! I am also looking around and reading up for stretch mark removal lasers that is effective. IF IT IS EFFECTIVE I WILL SHARE DEFINITELY. IF it is not, I will share too, so that you guys dont waste your money. haha!  It is really depressing to have our skin ruined just because of pregnancy. AND I do not believe in looking ugly/aunty post pregnancy. I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO POST CONFINEMENT, where I can start planning my meals, workout... and do whatever that needs to be done to be normal again. Does not mean after having a kid I will not have time for myself right? Just got to move that huge ass of mine! Haha!

Hey! That being said, it is really amazing to have a little one wriggling in your tummy. On random moments she will give me a big kick! Funny and cute at the same time. Can't wait to see her face, how she will look like... how her character will be... Hehe. Gonna be exciting but scared at the same time, I really WANT a total natural birth...NO Pethidine/ NO Epidural/ NO Caesarian! I hate the side effects of Pethidine and Epidural, Some mamas that does epidural complain of achiness over their waist. Some, complain of side effects of Pethidine... VOMITING (Had enough vomiting during 1st trimester. DO NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH IT AGAIN! ROAR!) For casearian, the only thing I dread is recovery, it takes about 3 weeks to recover from that cut? OR is it even longer? I do not dread the scar.... I DREAD wasting my time lying around and restricted to do any exercise. BOO! I hope I can go through the pain and at the same time baby teo will come out smmoooooooothly.


Hehe.

Xiaxue VS Gushcloud

Just finished reading XX blog on Gushcloud and I find it so freaking interesting. You can check out her blog!

I just could not believe bloggers from GC can go all out to slam other service providers just to hit target. Seriously? Lie to all your readers just because of monetary benefits? After XX posts, I just would not have trust in what they advertised for. Imagine they claim to have used a product... its SO good, then? whats next? you paid for it (already fall into trap), its not good and you prolly think oh! may be it is just not suitable for me. LL. Next thing you know, they did not really use and test it. 

HOW TO TRUST THEM AFTER ALL THESE. 

Well, people who know them well may know the truth whether they are lying or not. I am just taking it on the surface. Which more or less already proved it? 

It is disappointing to know such things about bloggers, faking stories just to support an advertorial. No matter how chio you are... Being fake is already ugly. Used to think "wah, she is so pretty", " wah she is using this eh, shall we try?" NOW, it has became, "Advert again, of course will write good stuff." then brush it off. I am GLAD I did not get the phone you raved about. Save my money. LOL.

Oh well, lets see how GC and their fellow members will reply to XX. 

Sigh.

Planning planning planning! 32 weeks going on 33 weeks!

Little Teo is 32 weeks + 2 days old today! Weighing at 1.97kg. =D Soon this little girl will pop out to turn my world upside down (in a good way I hope!) ha ha..

Today, my VP asked me.. how do I want to spread out my leave! I told her most likely 12 weeks one shot.... then 4 weeks spread out over 1 year. For now, I still could not see myself not working for a good 4 months. My cannulation skill will drop!! I will become weird if I do not communicate with the outside world! Haha.. I told my mum to retire so she could have my helper and over see everything. She can play with the baby, bring maid n baby go shopping (erm.... window shopping allowed, coz my mum is a shopaholic! hahaha), no need to do housework.. etc. That is what mothers deserve right? When their kids are old, it is time for them to enjoy life.. Coz frankly, we will never know when they will leave us, and regretting is just not in my dictionary (in this context).

I kept reminding myself NOT to be overly stressed, protective and nervous over the baby. I need my life too. HAHA. I hope my stand do not change after little Teo pops out. Hehe. 

The Preggy's journey is coming to an end soon!!! I realized planning before hand is so important and we should not procrastinate. If you PLAN for a baby, Jolly well PLAN after baby pops. Responsiblity does not end after you have given birth, in fact, responsibility increases. Planning should be done BEFORE baby pops, and not after? 

Little Teo is definitely UNPLANNED, there are so many changes over the past 7 months. All in preparation to welcome the little princess (I WILL NOT TREAT HER LIKE A PRINCESS.DUH). hahahaha! 

To all my preggy friends, I humbly emphasize that planning is important, after baby is born, it does not end there. Please include plans after baby is born as well! I am not saying that I am damn good in this aspect, but I learn as I walk this journey, just my 2-cents worth. Whatever you plan may and may not work out, always have a backup plan as well so it can be initiated if plan A fails. Plans should be at the interest of people you wish to include. Start researching and planning! Never too early! (erm.. but after your 1st 3 months la) Best during 2nd trimester when you gonna be oh so energetic.

OH YES. PLAN HOW U GONNA LOSE THOSE KILOS! hahahahaha! for those super skinny ones, dont need to lose lah! just maintain, in fact may look more curvy and hot mama. Hehe. 

Then, I can keep all my preggy outfit into a nice ziplock and chuck them aside for at least a year. WHEEEE. REALLY CANT WAIT.

Lastly, I really would like to thank my hubby for tolerating me for the past few months, satisfying my food craves.. weird temper etc... Hubby are not maids, Mothers aint maids either. Get a proper helper if you need. Thank you dear for walking this planning journey with me and realizing that planning before hand is important (after all my nags). Hehe. Love you Des. 

Alrighty, Ciaos till my next update! =D

Pregnancy Fatigue, 29 weeks now!

Fatigue......... yes, I am feeling it and worst of all? I can't seem to sleep well at night. despite being so damn tired. This has also caused me to be less patient to the people around me.

Oh well, those who do not understand will just blabber unpleasant comments...that to me, I could not be bothered anymore. Some who understands, I am really thankful for. Some, go ahead and be unhappy and pull long face for all I care. Too tired.........

I think I am overwhelmed.    

Come on Jamie Lim, Mind over body!! I still force myself to do some housework because CNY is just 3 days away?? I can't just slack and do nothing like others.. I am way more useful than that. SO yes..... tired....... BUT! I CAN DO IT.

More packing up tomorrow! Bring brownie for grooming... Hopefully baby room will be ready by tmr evening. Just in time for CNY. Cause after CNY.... i am 30-31 weeks? I am afraid... I will get even more tired....... and I do not want to tire my husband to do packing all by himself cause he is already tired from work everyday!

When room is done up (by sunday evening)..... I shall look forward to our 5th year anniversary celebration on Monday. =)

Coming on 27th weeks!

Pregnancy craving can be a killer especially if you crave for unhealthy food! Be it sweet or salty, its going to affect your overall weight!

Recently I have severe craving for ICY COLD dessert... chin chow... sea coconut.. It went over-board when I had cravings at 12am? My husband got to hunt down dessert with me all the way till 130am! Finally got some icy cold dessert at swee choon (a place that sells dim sum). The moment I had the first mouth, it was heavenly! My husband is the best liao. Love him much! My cravings for desserts are tooooo strong and severe. Hehe. 

When I know my boss is going taiwan? I had cravings for pineapple cake (Feng Li Su). Too crazy. I must control! hahaha. 

I can have dessert instead of proper dinner! Super unhealthy and non-nutritious. Hahaha.

I HAVE TO watch what I eat before I gain tooo much weight! I cant wait to be full term, give birth, confinement... EXERCISE AND WORK! And..... BE LESS CLUMSY? I had a fall few days back and it hit my tummy and chest, The two areas that will touch the floor first. IT HURTS BADLY! LOL. I never see myself being so clumsy before!

Can't wait to live more like a normal person. Rather than stay home nua all day with my kid, its so lifeless? 

shower

feed

sleep

feed

repeat. 

That being said, my perception MAY change after my baby is out. I hope I will not be too obsessed with my child. If not, there goes my social life. I, too, pray that I will NOT turn into a weird fuck after birth. LOL. 

Before the arrival of our baby...

I am coming to 26 weeks... There are so many things to buy.. whether it is a want or a need. It has fallen into my list to do/get before baby arrives! You may or may not agree with me, If you don't, feel free to leave.. but whatever, I'm just sharing my views!

No 1.

1. Helper *yikes!* Very important for working parents. Many of my friends and colleagues asked me, "What are your plans after maternity leave?" Initially, I kept on saying, " Stop working lor." It definitely is the most undesired decision but at the moment, I could not think of any solution. Way before I got pregnant, I USED TO have a thought, "If I decided to have a kid, raise the kid up myself. Don't throw to my mother, maid or in laws. TOOT." They have spent half of their life taking care of us. Finally, their grandchild is out, its time for them to enjoy playing with them and not looking after them like a maid. Actually, right now as I type this sentence out, I still feel that once we decided to have a kid, we should not throw to others to take care of them, especially first few months! That is why... there is still a dilemma, whether I should go back to work even when my helper arrives. SIGH. 

I love my job, I love my company and I love my patients EVEN MORE; at the same time, I have to fulfill responsibility as a mother. Yes, maybe my helper will help me with the housework and I would just be a full time mother. I really do not know what the plans are going to be like. But a helper is a MUST. DO NOT TIRE people around you especially if you have high expectations of cleanliness, just like me. 

Being a very anal person, I would want to bathe, feed, look after my own kid especially during the first 4 months.. BUT WHAT HAPPENS AFTER?! When I go back to work and my kid is left all alone with my helper?! I still cannot accept it till date. Even if my kid is left alone with my mother and helper or in laws and helper...... just isn't right. It is like... what is the point of having a kid when it is taken care by others? I guess I just would have to trust my CCTV and Helper. Well, time will tell whether I am all ready to go to work and leave everything to my helper. OR just do part time. OR stop working. OR infant care =/ I REALLY HAVE NO PLANS NOW! 

Going for a short trip and leaving your kid to your helper or parents is a different thing altogether ok! IMHO.

That is why here comes No. 2 of what I have to do...

2. Install spy camera.... Even though my decision is not set, I have got to have my place ready before baby comes and I get all busy. I super agree that my helper gets her own personal time/room/space, whatever. Just do your job well. Spy cams are there for us working mummies to make sure that everything is alright. Too many abusing cases out there and I am just taking precautions. Any recommendations out there? 

Convenience sake.... No. 3!

3. Electronic lock. Okay, seriously? This is convenient, Keyless! Haha! Imagine I am carrying my girl and I have loads of groceries on my hand (worst case scenario), SPARE me from searching of house keys from my bag. Hehe. This obviously a want and not a must to have. Oh well, not priority in the list though.

NO CHOICE........ No. 4!

4. Prepare my baby room!! This include.... Cot (from my brother), changing table (from my sister), cabinets/drawers for baby clothes, bed for confinement lady and helper. Oh yes! I also got a baby bag from jujube and bedside cot from mothercare for my masterbed room! This way I can BREASTFEED her whenever she feels hungry!
The baby room is currently in a mess, it looks like a 2nd store room to me. Yes, I got to get it sorted out soon! Hopefully by this weekend with the help of my husband.

Which leads me to do list No. 5!

5. STOREROOM SHELVING. If I do not pack up my baby room, no.5 on the list can never be achieved! I shall put in more effort with hubby over weekend and get this sorted out as soon as possible so that I can doll up the baby room. =D

Miscellaneous No. 6!

6. After things are more organized in the baby room, you can clearly see what is needed or anything that has been missed out.

There are so many things to prepare before little Teo arrives. Some of the items, we will only realize what we need to get only after taking care of little Teo. I can't wait for her arrival, though this means that I will be super busy with life. BUT I also get to start exercising! HOooraay!



These are some of the items I bought for little teo from mothercare, it is not a lot as my elder sister has newborn clothing to pass to me! I am glad and thankful to have my elder sister as she guides me through what I have to get besides the essentials (mittens/Breast-feeding cover-up/nailcutter/bibs etc.)
I will also be glad to share with anyone who needs help! You can always email me if you are a new parent and lost in what you need to get etc.. Different people, different style of doing things. It is not a must to follow exactly what I have. =)

For Stroller, we bought Stokke Xplory All Black and I may write about it soon! Oh yes! Together with Jujube Baby Bag! =D

Panasonic Lumix LX100 and Casio TR35

Happy New Year Everyone! New Year.... New Camera! =D

I have been an owner of Casio TR35 for maybe 2 years? I am still loving it! Its super good to take selfies... makes people look more chio.. Thats what girls like right? Admit it!

Selfie taken by Casio TR35
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FLAWLESS! And it doesn't look fake, it just look as if I have super good skin. Haha! There is a "make-up" function that you can choose either brightening or natural, you can choose the effect between a scale of 0 (nothing.. duh) to 12 (FLAWLESS). It is different from those kind of beauty camera apps when you edit your pictures, you can see that the "lighting" is unnatural. Trust me!

Before I got this camera, in my mind was.. "Super expensive!!!" But now... Its all worth it. Because! It can take nice scenary shots AND has wide angle lens; make things easier when I want to take food shots.. selfies (no more worries for people who has shorter hands.)

Example of a macro shot with TR35

Picture says it all. =D

Food shots are made easier with its wide angled lens.. 

It can cover a table of foood!

Super love my Casio TR35. Downside? It does not have the camera feel, that is why.... this year, We got ourselves LUMIX LX100. 

Although its wide angle loses the Casio TR35, but compromise lah. We bought it mainly because it is a point and shoot camera. It is able to capture shots of a moving baby clearly. Tried on my niece and I am amazed! This is one thing that Casio TR35 can't do as well as Lumix LX100. So.. In preparation of the arrival of our baby, it is a good investment. Haha!

Some pictures taken by Lumix LX100

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Look at this macro shot. Lumix LX100 does not require to change any lens to do such shot. BUT of course a real photographer would love to play with lens. For me, convenience, good pictures. I'm happy!

Such fine details....

Yes, 2 cams I have with me now... I do not find it a hassle bringing both out cos it serves different purpose! Maybe the Casio TR35 are more for parties... where we can camwhore like crazy! Haha!

Whereby Lumix LX100 is good for babies shots, overseas trips. =D

Confinement ....

My views on confinement changed drastically. I used to think that confinement is nonsense and that not washing my hair for a month is disgusting, not only that, sleeping without air condition?! YOU MUST BE KIDDING RIGHT?

Now, due to frequent gastric pain, indigestion and vomiting, I am more determined to get myself stronger. I have heard from mothers that after pregnancy, the body resets, this is the time you have to take super good care of yourself and eat nutritiously! It is my guess that my current gastric problems were all due to alcohol, chilli and vinegar intake prior to pregnancy and these 3 stuff literally kills my gastric.

With the whole new view on confinement, I do think that not washing my hair for a few days are actually quite okay (haha! please don't freak out okay). By doing so, it is believed that "wind" will not enter your body and cause the post-natal mum to feel cold or weak. I rather believe and practice with the hope that I get stronger after confinement! My friends told me to wrap up my hair if they were to visit, cause they are already freaking out when I told them I am not going to wash my hair for few days. Hehe..  I am also going to stock up long sleeves and long pants PJs to keep myself warm 24/7. It is only 30 days! I am sure I can get through this! (super enthu now..... hope this enthusiasm continues after I have given birth, haha.)

And yes, NO to chilli, vinegar and alcohol during the 30 days. I do not know whether it will really helps? But I just want to whack everything and hope for the best. =) Then hopefully, when 2nd child comes, things will get better. =D

Oh yes, my sis in law told me to eat steamed food instead of fried. Great idea! Difficult to achieve, I KNOW. I MUST BE DISCIPLINED! Naturally, I have big thighs and butt. Really want to shake it off post-natal. I am super positive of losing weight after pregnancy, slowly but surely.... hehe. Gonna engage a masseur to bind my tummy and do some real massage!

HELLO?! I still have 5 months more to go?! and what! I am getting all excited already? LOL...

Confinement confinement confinement...... I cannot wait for you to come.

Happy Marriage Anniversary!

It has been a year since we got married! So much things and changes happened just within a year!

Next year, we will have our Daughter (90% confirmed till date) to celebrate with us! Haha.. That's if nothing happens. 

I want to thank the man that I marry to:

THANK YOU FOR...

1. Being such a good husband. 

2. Ever so patient

3. Always providing me love 

4. Always buying me things I like. (But not for unpractical ones)

5. Taking care of me during my 1st 3 months of pregnancy. It has not been easy, I know. With all the housework (mainly washing of clothes), cleaning up after Brownie... etc.

6. Waking up early just to make breakfast for me ever since I got pregnant.

7. Making Milo for me whenever I felt hungry or am having gastric pains.

8. Pampering me
9. Feeding me with a lot of medication to ease symptoms of morning sickness (Yes, thats what you do I know.... -.-)

10. Bringing me to eat whatever I want (except for alcohol and raw food.. for now.......)

11. Buying back food during wee hours just because I had cravings or felt hungry.

12. Visiting me at home during your on-call night when I was feeling horrible because of morning sickness PLUS food poisoning.

SO MUCH MORE.

Really thank GOD for sending each other into our lives. Not only for Good times but also bad times. Believing in God and trusting in God does not mean only receiving good things, it also includes set backs,. But most importantly, the walk with Him. 

I can't wait for the arrival of our baby already! Even though it has only been 4 months.. Meanwhile! I shall start signing up for maternity yoga, massages... etc! Pamper myself a bit lah.

5 more months Jamie Lim! You can do it! YIKES!