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.

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.

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

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