Baby room Ideas

I have been thinking of decorating baby's room with lots of colours and cuteness ^__^. But my dear hub thought it might be too early as baby only eat, sleep, poo (you get the drift) and will not appreciate the design. Of course, as usual, one of his first questions "How much?", "Have you done budgeting?" "What's the plan?" boo. 

What I want to do together with him was brain-storming of ideas....but anyhow. 

Here are some of my findings:

Project Nursery

Design Sponge - Best of Kids Rooms

Ikea Hackers

DesignKidsRooms

I gotta get my creative juices out soon. Hmm.

Sake Sushi

Need a break. So I took one day off today before the beginning of the month reporting madness.
Suddenly I crave for Japanese food. So here I come - Sake Sushi (not that it's super delicious but nearest to my place.)

1. Spicy Idako Maki - 6 pcs (The seasoned chopped octopus wrapped in the rice roll stuffed with cucumber in between, coated with spicy seasoning powder and topped with lobster salad with mayonise).
2. Curry chicken Udon

I don't think I can ever finish the above if I weren't preggy (and I would probably not order the above), not to mention drinking honey lemon (1 bottle from the medicated hall) + 1 slice of mago cake from Bengawan Solo. Yum!

Guess my little babe loves them. =)

Major Event Log I

My pregnancy is coming to an end soon. Thus I thought of having a brief summary of major events/turning points:

1. March  (1st Trimester) - Holidaying in Korea; had very good appetite but I thought it was due to the cold weather. Was feeling extremely lethargic during my business trip in Shanghai but I thought it was due to continuous travelling KOR-SIN then SIN-SHA. 
2. April - Had a extreme stomach-ache (like menstrual cramp) while on night flight from SHA to SIN. Didn't sense anything amiss until end April. Went for a check-up with gynae and confirmed the good news. [ FAQ: "Where was baby conceived?" Seriously, I don't know, cos my menstrual period was quite irregular this year. Urgh. So, in the end, my answer to all is: "We made love everyday!" whatever. @_@ ] 
3. May - Down with sore throat and flu. Extremely tired. Think of nothing except the bed. Feeling nauseous everyday, unable to burp properly. Vomiting is a norm. Look like a zombie.
4. June (2nd Trimester) - Getting better, but still can't drink water. Have to depend on other types of liquid. Gotta feed on Hudson/hacks sweets almost everyday. Craving changes slightly.
5. July - Sick of Ribena and start drinking more of orange juice. Start eating some fish.
6. August - Start drinking water and fish taste normal now. 
7. September (3rd Trimester) - Change of gynae. Able to swallow pills without much hassle. Start attending parent-craft lessons and doing exercises such as pelvic stretch and breathing techniques (lazy but getting some momentum -__-). Can step into more crowded places without feeling nauseous. Start to develop more phlegm.
8. October - Appetite is better than before but still need smaller meals with frequent intervals. Baby's head is down. Getting myself prepared for child-birth -baby check-list, packing bag for hospital, room-cleaning. 
9. November - ???
10. December - ???

To be updated ... ...

How much have I spent ......

... so far just on maternity clothings:

1. Toa Payoh Central: (around May/June 2011) - 3 Triumph Bra + 2 Triumph Panties + 1 Triumph nursing bra = $80+  (can't remember exact amount, but there was a promotion)
2. Toa Payoh Central: (as above) - 2 Tops ($39.00 +$14.00) + 1 3/4-pants ($15.90) = $68.90
3. AMK Market: (around June 2011) - 2 3/4-pants ($24) + 1 Tunic ($22.00) = $46.00
4. Asos Online: 31/7/2011 - 2 Tops (GBP 8.00 + 16.00) + 1Tunic (GBP 12.00) = GBP 36.00 = $73.05
5. Sinma: 24/09/2011- Panties-XL (2 for $4.90) + Bra (3 for $9.90) = $14.80           
6. Moms-rus:  8/10/2011 - 2  Nursing Tops ($25.00 + $28.00) + bra extenders (2 in a pack: $4.00) = $57.00 
7. Baby Expo 2011: 21/10/2011 - 1 long pants ($25.00) + 1 nursing dress ($19.00) = $34.00
8. BJlingerie: 29/10/2011 - Panties-XXL (3 for $10.00) + 1 nursing bra ($8.90) = $18.90 

         TOTAL: $392.65

Note: The above excludes 2 tops and 1 bottom bought by my mum-in-law for me.

Thanks to the pass-me-down tops and dresses from my mum, sis-in-law and colleagues, I don't have to spend more. I can't imagine the amount I need to spend just on clothings without the pass-me-downs. =|

Mug Root Beer

It has been quite some time since I last drank Mug Root Beer.
But my craving came as I saw the drinks stall selling it in cans.
In the end, hub bought a bottle to "share" with me - I can only drink at most one-third of the bottle due to the sugar content, but better than nothing. heh.

Stretch Marks

I just bought Jorubi Aloe Vera Gel  from Unity pharmacy - hopefully it can soothe the itchiness around my belly button area, some parts of the tummy and my legs (there goes my blemish-free legs). I read that Aloe Vera Gel can also prevent stretch marks, lighten recent scars and relieve skin irritation so I just gotta give it a try.

I am not sure if it works but I know for sure it is definitely a good treatment for burns and bruises as I remembered that I used the aloe vera sap from the plant at my mum's mini garden to apply for my younger bro when he accidentally scald himself with an iron. His skin was swollen but after application, the bruise mark subsided and no scarring detected later.

Currently I am using the following for stretch marks:

1. Elancyl - Stretch Mark Prevention - buttocks and back thighs (cos I can't stand the smell - not that it is very smelly, just that the smell gets stronger when you apply the lotion generously - thanks to my sensitive nose during pregnancy - so the application is at the back of my body.)
2. Clarins - Stretch Mark Control - tummy and around breasts area
3. Clarins - Tonic Body Treatment Oil - tummy and front thighs
4. Johnson & Johnson baby Oil (non greasy) - all over body (just to moisturise)

Still, I can see very faint "white spots" - like stretch mark is emerging around my thigh area. Urgh - what I can seek comfort now is the word - faint - who knows it will become obvious later?

Perhaps I was not diligent enough as I started applying on alternate days after my first trimester for a few weeks before I apply it everyday. Even then, I didn't really "massage" with the lotion and oil cos I was just too tired. It was only in the middle of second trimester that I started to take it seriously.

Well, let's see what happens to my skin after the delivery. =\

Bean Sprout Pillow

The following are some of the websites I found about bean sprout pillow:

1. Bean Sprout Pillow - for the fuss-free mummies
2. Pupsik Studio - for the fussy mummies
3. DIY Bean Sprout Pillow - for those hands-on mummies

I think for this, I fall under the number 1 category, but as my aunt -姑姑 told my mum she will sew for 1 bean sprout pillow and bolster for baby, so I don't have to worry too much on this. yeay !

Baby Blues

Baby blues is one of the comic relieves I count on these days besides Dilbert.

While watching my baby's development is heart-warming,

Baby Blues

I can't imagine what it is going to be for me during times like this ....

Baby Blues Archive

= |

Hair Cut

Just had a hair cut at Jean Yip. I was walking and along the salon and thought I should just cut my hair shorter to prepare for the delivery and confinement. Anyway my hair looks like a brush now. With natural wave/curls, you can imagine the ends of the hair curl up everywhere it likes when your hair is around your neck area. =(

Hope I don't look too auntie. eeks.

Green Beans !

Lately, there are more pimples/rash-like dots popping around my neck and back (again!) and tummy (new!).

Instead of using tea tree oil ointment, I have been using green beans - going natural -although tea tree oil is safe to use during pregnancy. (Thanks to my colleague for sharing this):

1. Soak some green beans in a small bowl of water for 1 hour (half hour or even slightly longer).
2. You will see the colour of the water turn slightly yellowish.
3. You may wish to put it in the fridge to make it cooler. 
4. Dip cotton wool in the water and dab the cotton wool onto the affected areas. (something like a toner.)
5. Use it for at most 2 days (if place in fridge) 
6. Use new green beans and repeat the steps above if you need more days of application.

It works for me - at least the "dots" subsided, but it doesn't help in removing any scar, at most, it lessen the scarring effect. If you were to try it, let me know if it works for you.

Note: See previous post for other "antidotes"

Weight and baby position as at 22 October 2011

1) Weight
I am 58.20 kg today !
Baby = 2.019 kg
Doc. said she is on the smaller side (so easier to give birth ? * heh*)

How much weight have I gained - excluding baby's? 

Calculation : 58.20 - 47.50 - 2.019 = 8.68 kg

So, I am gaining weight gradually which is a good thing.
Anyhow, I will continue to eat to healthily so that baby will get all the nutrition! :)


2) Baby Position
Yeah! She finally turn her her head down! (Good job, girl!)
I am not sure if the actions helped (but I have been doing 1. Visualising and 7. Massage regularly) cos sometimes baby can position themselves in the "last minute" - as late as 36 weeks. So *fingers-crossed* - hopefully she maintains head-down. =D

Baby Expo 2011

Baby Expo 2011

As I have got many pass-me-down items from my sis-in-law and relatives, I don't really need to get stuff like baby cot, play-pen, stroller, cloth diapers etc. I was actually checking out the AVENT steriliser but the price doesn't seem to be too attractive. In the end, I got stuff for myself at the fair. *bleh*

- 1 maternity long pants ($25)

- 1 maternity nursing dress ($19 - clearance sale!)

What I need to do now:

1. Pack my bag to the hospital
2. Go through the check-list on baby essential items
3. Review parent-craft reading materials on how to care for baby
4. Review again which cord blood banking provider to sign up: Cordlife or Stemcord.

Gotta shoo my procrastination germs away.

Massage Techniques

Something I learnt from ParentCraft class for back massage:

I must say hubby learns fast and his massage skills is pretty good.

Thanks dear!

Overcome Swelling feet

1. Brisk Walk or have a short walk after meals

2. a) Lay down on the bed.
    b) Raise your hands and legs
    c) Do a "twinkle twinkle little stars" (clasped hands and open) simultaneously with your feet pumping up and    down (10x per set, do as many sets as you deemed fit.)

The above works for me, especially for 2).
Anyone has different method?

Phlegm =(

I am developing lots of phlegm in my throat recently and I suspect this is due to frequent consumption of lime and honey sweets (Hacks and Hudson) in my first trimester. Urgh, can't be helped, gotta eat some sweets to get rid of the nauseous feeling. Now it's drinking lots of plain water and avoid any sweet stuff. Guess I have to cut down eating oranges from once a week to once every 2 weeks or even a month. =(

Baby Position

Baby is still at breech position which is not good news to me.... but then again, I should not panic too much else it might make things worse. *Breathe*

I am trying some of the suggested ways (see list below) to turn the baby without having any pain/surgery etc. Visualisation is one of them and I really need to remind myself to do it everyday. Swimming sounds good too. But er..getting a swim suit to fit my preggy size is a tad too troublesome. Urgh.

1. Visualizing the baby moving down with the head very deep in your pelvis, several times a day; especially in conjunction with positions and exercises below. = Will try !

2. Swimming as often as possible. This keeps your body and pelvis loose and relaxed. Do in conjunction with headstand below if you have help.  = maybe ?

3. Headstand - with assistance and in a pool frequently as possible. = No way ! Upside down scares me now. 

4. Breech Tilt - begin at 32-35 weeks gestation. Do 3 times daily for 10-15 minutes each time, when you have an empty stomach, and the baby is active. Prop one end of an ironing board securely on a sofa or chair 12 to 18 inches high (or may use slant board). Lie down, bend knees but keep feet flat on board. Relax, breathe deeply, avoid tensing. May also use pillows on a flat surface to raise hips 12-18" above shoulders. Gravity pushes the baby's head into the fundus, tucks it, and baby can then do a somersault to a vertex position. = Not too sure if I understood it correctly, might try with hubby's help !

5. CD/iPod headphones - place them inside mom's pants toward her pubic bone and play classical music for 10 minutes 6-8 times a day. = 6 -8 times a day can only be done during weekends. Will do once every weeknight and then more for weekends.

6. Flashlight - try moving slowly down from the top of the uterus toward your pubic bone while you are in a breech tilt position. = Will try !

7. Massage - start with your left hand at the bottom of the abdomen and your right hand just above it. Move move your hands clockwise around the right side of your tummy. As your right hand reaches the top of your abdomen, slide the left one over your right and move it down the left side of your tummy. Your left hand leads as you you come full circle, continuing clockwise. Massage gently as you would to apply lotion. Massage for ten minutes or more up to several times each day. = Will try !

8. Clothespin - place on the small toe of each foot at the outside corner of the toenail; sideways so that the toenail and toepad are stimulated for 30 minutes per day, this is an acupressure point that is a "moving down" point. You can also do this with just finger pressure as you remember to do it. = huh ?

9. Motion Sickness band - place with the bead four fingerwidths above the inner ankle bone - another acupressure point that is used for stimulation of the uterus. Do not use this point if you are experiencing any pre-term labour. = huh ?

10. Glass of orange or other juice - follow this with a side-lying position with your hips positioned higher than your feet. Babies move more after a sugar high! = maybe ?

11. Pelvic Tilt- with an ice pack on the top of your tummy on an empty stomach, 10 minutes twice a day. Do this while lying on your back on the floor with knees flexed and feet on the floor with three large pillows placed under your buttocks. Try this in conjunction with headphones and visualization. = Will try !

12. Cat stretch - start with all fours, then lay your head and chest flat on the floor with your buttocks in the air, as you round your back and return to all fours. = maybe ?

13. Knee-chest position - by kneeling with hips flexed slightly more than 90 degree, but with thighs not pressing against your tummy and your head, shoulders and upper chest are flat on a mattress for 15 minutes every two waking hours for five days.

14. Belly Relaxing followed by Inversion - Partner places a shawl, sheet, towel or rebozo under mom's hips as she lays on the floor. Lift up on the corners of the cloth and shimmy her from side to side moving your hands up and down to wiggle her belly from side to side. These should be very small movements which mom should find very relaxing. Do this for about 5 minutes. Then mother kneels on the stairway landing. Walk your hands down 2 or 3 stairs into an all fours position; have your partner support your shoulders to balance you. Remain in this position for about 5-10 minutes or as long as comfortable. Also do this on an empty stomach. = huh ?

The following techniques to turn breech babies to vertex involve the assistance of a specialist or medical professional:

15. Acupuncture - find a acupuncturist who is familiar with pregnancy and knows the points to stimulate for turning a breech baby. = NO WAY !

16. Webster's Breech Technique - see a Chiropractor who is experienced in this technique. = No WAY !

17. External Version - this can be done in the hospital at about 37 weeks; see an Ob-Gyn for assistance and more information. = NO WAY !

Baby, baby, help mummy !

Stereo Mood

I have gone from the StereoLab mode to Stereo Mood now.

Geez, how motherhood has changed me (for now?)

Nevertheless, I heart you baby.

Pre-natal Massage

I went for a  recommended by my gynae to go for a back massage at Novena and the masseur is really good. My muscles were loosen and not so achy after that. If not for my gynae's recommendation, I don't think I would go for a massage as I am afraid the it might affect the baby. The only slight discomfort is the tilting position cos I have to tilt one side for the masseur to massage my back, but after a while, you get the hang of the position.

After the massage, you will also feel:

• hot due to blood circulation
• super hungry and thirsty

Dinner was Cedele's rosemary chicken wrap. Yum!

Leg Cramp

Had a leg cramp while sleeping. :( Think this is the 5th or 6th time since pregnancy. But it lasted a short while..guess it is due to the cold weather as muscle contract more easily.

Solution (taught by physiotherapist):
Place a long towel at your bed side.
Create a loop and then place it at your feet and then pull it towards you to stretch it.
Alternatively can use your blanket.

As for myself....I just place my feet on a raised platform by resting it on a pillow and then stretch my leg on its own, and it usually work for me.

Anyone who has a different method ?

Braxton Hicks Contractions vs (True) Labour Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions: 

1. are infrequent, usually happening no more than once or twice an hour, a few times a day
2. often stop if you change activity, so, walk around if you've been sitting, and vice versa
3. are usually irregular, and if they are regular they only stay that way for a short spell
4. do not last long, usually less than a minute
5. continue to be unpredictable and non-rhythmic
6. do not increase in intensity

Compared to Braxton Hicks contractions, labour contractions are usually:

1. noticeably longer
2. more regular
3. more frequent
4. more painful
5. keep on going, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity as time goes on

Source: BabyCenter (sg)

"V" time

[Read this and this to know what is "V" time.]

Dinner : Ban Leong Wah Hoe @ Casuarina Road
Date: Saturday, 1 October
Dinner time: 8:15 pm
End time: About 9:00 pm+
"V" time: About 9:45-10:00 pm
Venue: Home
Reason: Eat too much, too fast  + phlegm stuck in throat =(
(timing should not an issue since the last time I also had late dinner and nothing happen.)

Popiah Craving v.2

hub was really sweet cos he got me another Popiah version -Vegetarian Popiah , together with Qiji popiah from Hougang. What a pleasant surprise ! So I ate that for dinner before heading down for our parentcraft class in the evening. Yummy !