Birth Story - Gabrielle

7.30am  -  Woke up

7.45am  -   Breakfast and morning prayer with DH and my lovely parents

8.00am  -   Left for hospital

8.10am  -   Checked in 

9.10am  -   Induced

10.00am- 3.20pm  -  Contractions, waiting, moaning, groaning, praying and complaining

3.30pm  -   Received epidural

3.45pm  -  Ahhhh  B L I S S............

4.00pm-4.40pm  -  Rest and chatted with DH and 2 midwives and reminiscing Isabelle's birth story which happened in the same labour room

4.40pm  -  Doctor found out that my water broke by itself.

4.40pm-6.40pm  -  Continued resting

6.45pm  -  Told the nurse about the slight pressure I felt on my left leg.  She then checked and exclaimed that baby is crowning already!!!!

6.45pm  -  Me : "REALLY?? This soon?  So this is it? Do I push now?"

6.57pm  -  And there she is.... Gabrielle... healthy and perfect!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~  AMEN  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

39 Weeks and This Is It!

During my last appointment with my doctor on Friday, we have decided that if baby find it too cozy to come out anytime soon, we will get me induced tomorrow morning 8am. 

 

So, yeah, we will be having the first April Fool's Day baby in our family!!  How happening!

 

I am happy and relief that I will soon be non-pregnant.  But at the same time, I feel lousy as labor induction feels like I am forcing my little one to come out when she is not 'ready'.  Bad mother.

 

I am trying to figure out my mixed feelings.  Of course, the labor pain, recovery and all.  On top of that,  I am worried about so many things.  If I will ever learn the art of breastfeeding.  If I will be able to divide my time equally between attending to a newborn and at the same time, not neglecting Isabelle.  I know I am going to miss Isabelle terribly for the next few days while I recuperate in the hospital. 

 

Tomorrow onwards, life is going to be so different.  It is never going to be the same.  Our family as 4 instead of 3. 

 

Phew..............................

 

God bless Us!

38 weeks!!

• 38 weeks.
• Hospital bag, checked. 
• Shopping, done. 
• Baby clothes, washed and smells clean and new.
• Baby head engaged, YES!
• Had enough of being pregnant, clumsy and knocking into everything on my way? YES YES YES!!

 

It felt like just yesterday that we found out that we are pregnant with our 2nd baby. 

 

I am thankful I survived the nausea, the sleeplessness and all the whatnots. 

 

Now, I am anxious about the arrival of our little one.  At the same time, I want to keep her in me for as long as I can where she is safe and protected from harm.  But again, I am on the verge of raising white flag because of the pelvic pain, getting up 100 times to go to the loo in the midnight, the feeling of carrying a 10kg bowling ball between my legs and etc.

 

This pregnancy feels like forever but it is a bountiful blessing nevertheless. Whenever I think of my dear friend who just experienced her 3rd miscarriage, this pregnancy and baby is definitely and surely a priceless gift from our Heavenly Father.

Preggy No.2 Updates - Week 30

• Getting up in the middle of the night to waddle to the washroom, for like 5-6 times, every night
• Tummy feels like it is going to burst anytime
• Sleeping only on my sides throughout the night
• Having to find somewhere to sit every 10 minutes whenever we are out shopping
• Tired... tired... tired...
• Breathless... breathless... breathless...
• The weird feeling in my mouth (although no more nausea)
• Gagging almost each time I brush my teeth
• Tolerating some wushu and taekwondo kicks in my stomach during oddest hours of the day or night
• Imagining having to go through labor pain and embarassment all over again
• Not getting a good night sleep this April onwards (not that I am right now but atleast I am just getting up to get to the toilet, not to attend to a wailing and hungry little one)
 

 

With all that, I can't wait for all that to be over, yet, I also want to savour each and every moment I can, being with DH and one to one time with Isabelle before No.2 arrives.

 

And I thank God too that I passed my glucose test unlike my previous pregnancy and I did not develop scary stubborn stretchmarks (probably I am already really stretched).

 

Most of all, DH really contributed a lot to help me with housework and that has been really helpful to ease my burden.  It is not easy to get on with housechores with excess baggage as much as 6kg.  I would have feel more tired if not for DH's thoughtfulness.  Not forgetting Isabelle, she enjoys massaging my bump with lotion every night and it felt so good, relaxes me.  And she has been very cooperative with the changes (in me specially) and also very excited about the arrival of No.2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preggy No.2 Update2 - Week 23

Yes, time flies eh? 

Week 23.  Nausea is almost completely gone.  But backache and sleeplessness start to kick in.  Not forgetting, the frequent visits to the washroom during midnight.  I miss sleeping through the night.  

But it is all worth it whenever I feel baby moving and kicking.  The first time I felt it was sometime in the beginning of November.  It felt like butterflies fluttering  Although I am a mother for the second time, it all felt new and surprising.  It reminds of my first pregnancy.  Very nostalgic and sweet.

Isabelle enjoys feeling the kick by putting her hands on my tummy and once, she saw baby kicking so hard my tummy jumped.  She giggled.  So sweet.  

No, my obgyn can't confidently tell from the scan if Isabelle will be getting a sister or brother.  But DH is hoping for a girl!! You gotta be kidding!  However, I only pray for a healthy baby regardless of gender.

Preggy No.2 Updates - Week 16

In a blink of eye (yeah right!), we are at week 16!  My new 'bff' Miss Nausea is still around, but a whole lot less annoying.  I no longer spend that much time looking at the toilet bowl through out the day.  I had to be careful not to forget to eat or take food that disagree with my stomach.  

My recuperating holiday at my parents' home is coming to an end.  We will be returning to our home in a day or two.  And I will resume my usual routine as the cook, cleaner and driver.

I have to thank my DH for his utmost understanding on my long absence from home.  It meant a lot to me and has made my first torturing trimester so much more easier to endure.  And thanks to my parents for taking care of me during my 'off' days.  It felt warm to be home and to be surrounded by things, places and faces familiar to me.  But I am happy to be returning home again.

After being away from home for almost 2 months, I have lined up an agenda to keep me occupied once we are back.  A trip to my obgyn, hair salon, a treatment at the facial salon and several trips to the mall to get some new clothes to 'upgrade' and 'upsize' my wardrobe.

The next time I post, I hope I will be able to share my experience of feeling the first kick of baby no.2!

Till then, stay healthy and blessed!

Preggy No.2 Updates - Week 8

Puke

And more puking

Continously puking

More and more and more

Yes, more of it

 

The toilet has become my second home, the toilet bowl became my BFF and just staying in the toilet is my new routine.

But thank God for listening to my pleas, I do have my good days. Hallelujah!

Over the last one week, I enjoyed half of the week feeling better and more human.

I can't help but to keep hoping I would soon gain back my appetite and energy.

I miss them so much.

 

DH has been very understanding towards my condition and that is what I needed the most.

Isabelle on the other hand, has been an angel.

She rushes to the toilet everytime she hears me gagging.

She would tell me 'Mommy, it is okay.  I will protect you.  Do you want biscuit?'

 

 

 

Preggy No.2 Updates - Week 6

Picture sourced from google search

My nausea officially kicked in yesterday at 6 weeks.  Today, I threw up 3 times.  Felt sick all day long.  Ate hardly few bites.  Even caught the flu bug.  Stuffy nose, sore throat. The more the merrier doesn't work for my condition now.

Don't feel like going anywhere, doing anything.  Laundry from yesterday still hanging out in the drying yard.  I have no intention to get out there to collect them.  Dishes to be washed.  Isabelle watching Disney Junior on her own, I am sorry sweetheart.  All that will be taken care of once DH comes back from his badminton competition this evening.  Perhaps this is one of the privilege of being pregnant?

I am hoping that the nausea will only stay for the first trimester, if not, just a few days weeks (wishful thinking).  I really want to feel better and spend more time with Isabelle, knowing after baby no.2 arrives, I will have less time with her. 

Next post, I hope to share about how I announce this pregnancy news with my parents and family.

Till then, enjoy the lovely weekend!

We Are Preggy!!!

My period was late.  My breast was so tender and so sore, so much more than the usual pre-menses soreness.  I was feeling tired and sleepy as early as 8pm and mind you, I usually go to bed at 1am.  

I told DH that we can wait few more days because we let the excitement take over us or do any tests.  DH was anxious.  Last Wednesday evening, he went to get the kit and we tested right away.  Second line wasn't as dark as the first yet it appeared nevertheless, but faintly.  Somehow I knew it is a YES, although it caught me by surprise and left me in a stage of disbelief.  DH was both happy and confused.  He spent the whole hour after that googling 'FAINT LINE ON PREGNANCY TEST KIT'.  Nothing convinces him, so the next morning, we went to my obgyn.  

The truth settled in and we are all very delighted!!! Although, I can't deny that so many things are going through my head right now.  But this is all good and blessed news!

So, yes, Isabelle will have a sibling next April! :)

I am just so blissed and thankful that we are just a few steps away from completing our family.

After this, really want to tutup kilang! :) 

To Do & Shopping List for Parents-to-be

It is always so wonderful to know that someone we know is pregnant (or finally pregnant after years and years of trying). The news taste sweeter than honey. And of course, it reminds me of my experience. Unforgettable, amazing and beyond description.

Recently, a few friends found out that they will be expecting their child soon. And the first time moms (or dads) asked me all sorts of questions when we meet, on or offline. Some of it, never even crossed my mind when I was pregnant. But, I understand how overwhelming it could be for them and how little tiny issues would make them go searching hi & lo for answers. Not forgetting, lots of doubts and feeling lost at the same time. Been there, done that.

One of the common question was what to buy and what are the things they need to prepare for in advance. I have compiled the list below, for my own reference (who knows maybe God wants us to have another bundle of joy) and also for my dear friends' reference.

Here is my own preparation and shopping list:

*The items is subjected to individual's need and requirements.

What To Do When You Find/Suspect Yourself Pregnant:

1. Get pregnancy home test kit

2. If result is positive, get yourself checked by a ob-gyn.

3. If result is confirmed positive, celebrate!

4. If you will need help during the first month of the arrival of the baby, appoint a confinement lady/someone who can take care of you and the baby. In my case, we appointed a confinement lady right away when we found out the news.

5. Rest, Relax and Enjoy the pregnancy

6. For IT savvy mom, sign up and join a network or website know more or to keep track of your pregnancy. I used Baby Centre. This is a popular website for parenting related issues. Till today, I still receive updates for toddlers.

How To Prepare Yourself Emotionally & Physically

1. Many elderly will offer endless opinions and advices and usually believe they are right. Some makes sense while some don't. Just keep the sensible ones. To avoid offending the elderly, just listen, nod your head and smile. Makes everyone happy.

2. Appoint a good and reliable ob-gyn. It helps to have one who is always ready and patient to answer your questions. You will have lots of question marks floating in your mind. Don't let it bother you. Do more reading and ask your ob-gyn.

3. Some believe that pregnant mothers should just sit at home and do nothing. It is a myth. Moderate exercise does more good than harm (of course, with the doctor's green light).

4. Everything you do or eat, moderation is the key.

5. Do not worry about morning sickness, it will come to an end. If you are lucky, you might not have it at all. I had it and it lasted till the end of 1st semester. It gradually disappeared.

Shopping List

For Mommy - Prenatal

1. Comfortable inner wears

2. Comfortable shoes

3. A decent haircut about a month before due date to last you through the first month

4. Clothes ~ No need to rush off and revamp your whole wardrobe immediately. I only bought total of not more than 10 maternity blouses, 5 dresses & 5 pair of pants. That lasted me throughout my whole pregnancy. Some of my very loving & generous friends gave me some of theirs and they were still in very very excellent condition and made me look pretty.

5. Breast pump (I opted for Spectra)

6. Prenatal care book (I read Your Pregnancy Week By Week by Dr Lesley Regan)

For Mom - Post natal

1. Nursing bra pads

2. Loose and comfortable sleep wear

3. I wore sarong for the first 2 weeks. Never thought I would but it was comfortable.

4. Some comfortable and nice looking clothes to wear when you have guests over.

5. Maternity pads

6. Post natal care book (I read Asian Parenting Today by Parent Craft Education Practioners Jennifer Hor, Ho Ai Ling & Jocelyn Oo). I like this book because I can relate to most of the contents and practise because it is written for Asian parents.

Shopping List

For Baby

1. Stroller

2. Baby car seat

3. Baby crib, blanket, mattress, bedsheet, pillows & pillow cases *my Mom made us the sheets and cases.

4. Baby Carrier *We end up not buying this because we did not even need it

5. Sling Carrier *I started using this much later after Isabelle came. I regretted not using this earlier as I posted here

6. Cloth napkins *If I know about cloth diaper earlier, I would have opted for it.

7. Nappy Liners *1 box is enough

8. Newborn sized disposable diapers *2 packets (maximum) will be sufficient. Drypers and Huggies should be good enough because newborns will wet and soil the diapers very very regularly and there is no need to get the expensive ones.

9. Babywipes *Tollyjoy & Pigeon is good because it is unscented and contains no alcohol.

10. Bepanthen cream *Both baby(for diaper area) and mommy(for cracked nipples from breastfeeding) can use this.

11. Baby bath *We used Mustella. But any good brand would do. Try to use non-fragrance version

12. Milk bottles *3 newborn bottles should be enough to just standby. If you are breastfeeding, you would not need too many bottles. Otherwise, you can always get extra.

13. Napkin fasteners

14. Napkin detergents *We used Nappikleen but we found a safer & organic product from Natural Origins.

15. Steriliser *Ours was from Avent. Or you can opt for the traditional method via boiling the bottles and other baby's utensils in boiling water. If so, get a big pot.

16. Tub to bath baby *Or if your sink is huge and with hot water connection, then you can use that.

17. Antislip mats for the tubs

18. Changing mat/pad

19. Towels

Newborn Clothes

1. Newborn short sleeved rompers - 4 pieces

2. Short sleeved shirts - 4 pieces

3. Long pants - 6 pieces

4. Long sleeved shirts - 6 pieces

5. Newborn Rompers (long) - 2 pieces

6. Mittens & Socks - 6 pieces

7. Hat - 1 piece

8. Handkerchiefs - 12 pieces

*Reasonable number of clothes for your newborn. They will outgrow the clothes very quickly.

Your Hospital Bag

For Mommy

1. 1 set of clothes to wear during discharge day to go home

2. 2 set of clothes to wear during your stay (if the hospital does not provide)

3. A few pieces of maternity pads (hospital usually provides, but just in case)

4. Toiletries & some cosmetics (for vain moms like me)

5. A pair of sandals to wear in your ward/room.

6. A book/magazine or any form of entertainment gadget

For Baby

1. 1 set of clothes to wear during discharge day to go home (hospital will provide everything that your baby needs during the stay)

2. Baby's hat

3. A pair of mitten and socks

4. Few piece of disposable diapers in case you need to change him/her on your way home

5. 1 milk bottle (for water or to make milk for him/her on your way home, just incase. If your baby is on formula, the hospital will let you bring back 2 cans or so of the formula your baby is on).

6. A small blanket

If your husband is accompanying you during the stay, don't forget to pack for him too.

Okay, that is all I can recall. Not sure if I miss out anything.

Wishing all the new parents, all the best and enjoy this beautiful journey. You will miss this moments, I reassure you. God bless you, your partner and your little one in the tummy.

One or Two?

One is comfortable yet lonely. Two is merry but chaotic.

~D I L E M M A~

I found myself giving excuses if others can settle with just one, why can't I.

Deep down in our hearts, we want a second baby because we know Isabelle does not deserve the loneliness. When I look at her, sometimes it makes me want to cry. I feel selfish not feeling determined to give her a sibling. Even when posting this make me teary.

I am not getting any younger and I know I am racing with time. It is like now or maybe never.

So many issues and concerns to weigh. Help will be needed, whether I can cope with 2, financial.... the list seems endless.

When I was pregnant with Isabelle, I was always worrying and in doubts about almost everything & anything. Whenever we talk about having 2nd baby, DH would remind me, "Did we worry? Yes we did. But did we make it through? Yes we did too!"

Sigh.

We will see if God wants to surprise us with 2nd bundle of joy....

Journey of Mummyhood ~ Pregnancy

If my memory serves me right, I wasn't instantly yippee-yay-yay superduper HAPPY when the pregnancy test kit result came out positive. I was ... blur... lost... confused... afraid... and dare not believe.

DH was the happier party when I told him "Hey, POSITIVE".

Sitting on the couch, staring into the wall, telling myself "I am going to be a mother and inside me is a little baby and I don't believe this, something is not right with the test kit".

The rest is history and sweet history :) and yes, I was yippee-yay-yay superduper HAPPY when I settled in into the reality. And I know, being a mother is what I am destined to be and it is undoubtedly, God's wonderful blessing.

Our monthly check-up at the clinic was something we really look forward to every month. It was some sort of a 'gathering' of us and our baby. I was always in tears of joy of course, when I hear her heart beats and see her moving around inside my tummy. Not sure if it is truly mother instinct, but I somehow knew it would be a girl and I have had lists of names for a baby girl. DH insisted that we should also think of boy's name. Well, okay. But silently in my heart, I knew that the boy's name list would be unnecessary because we will be having a girl !

One of the pregnancy symptoms I had was nausea. My evening nausea started at about week 7 and miraculously disappeared when I entered the beginning of 2nd trimester. Hallelujah! I was praying and keeping fingers crossed that I would not be one of the unfortunate ones to have nausea throughout the 36 weeks.

My diet was also kept under control as the sugar level in my blood was rather high and I was close to the borderline of getting gestational diabetes. DH also benefited from this as he lost quite an amount of weight due to the change of food choice at home. Rice was cut down to one small bowl a day, no ice-cream, no cakes, no yummy fruity jam, no kaya (coconut jam) and most unbearably, NO COFFEE! Coffee was like my oxygen! I took up a safer option, decaf. But decaf is honestly L.O.U.S.Y. I gave it a try for couple of days. No, decaf just won't do. Coffee it is.. but I cut down to just quarter of what I usually take. Wow.. life is so much better and full of roses again.

DH and DS very kindly accommodate to my food requirements throughout my pregnancy. They very willingly and lovingly gave me their share of fish dishes most of the time. And due to a pregnant woman's craving, they also usually go with my fickle choices of cuisine. Thank you DH & DS and I love you so so dearly. Muacks.