The day Zachary was born..

This happened exactly 7 months ago, on the 20th of July but it feels like it happened very recently. Can't believe that 7 months have passed! Was just looking at his photos which were taken when he was born and he has changed so much!

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On the 19th of July, Thursday:

So, SY was right! We told baby that we would induce him and force him to come into this world if he didn't give us any signs that he wants to be out naturally before 20th July. Contractions happened on the 19th July and he was not induced! Read this post on the date we picked for induction.

I woke up at about 9am and show appeared (bleeding). I told SJ that but we didn't have any big reaction; that was a sign that baby could be coming anytime soon. When a show appears, the contraction could take from hours to days to occur. We went to Antipodean, Bangsar for our huge breakfast. It was yummy! I was about to enter the confinement period for one whole month right after delivery, I just had to make sure I get to eat my favourite foods on the day before I deliver.

After our yummy big brunch, we drove to Amcorp mall in PJ because we decided to get a good camera on that day. I have been telling SJ that I always wanted to get a better camera because the current one that we have does not take good clear photos in low light. Told him I 'needed' a good camera to take baby photos :)) and he said, ok! He started to search for the camera model the night before. He even posted that question in Facebook and many suggested Canon G12 and we decided to get that! Found out from the internet that the shop in Amcorp mall gives one of the best prices for cameras. 

I was so happy and in good spirit because we have a new toy! :) Spoke to Dr Choong briefly while I was at the camera shop to explain to him about my condition. I was supposed to go into the labour ward in preparation to induce labour that very Thursday night after dinner. Since the show appeared that morning, we thought maybe we should wait for another few days because natural would be better for both mommy and baby. Asked Dr Choong for his opinion but he said it was entirely up to me. Dr Choong voiced that he preferred me to wait for baby to come out naturally. 

After that, we did some errands; stopped by at the lighting shop to confirm the lights for our new home. At about 2.30pm, I felt a regular rhythm of hardening and releasing of my tummy. It felt like baby was stretching really hard in my womb, which I initially thought it was baby kicks but realized that it was contractions because it occurred on a regular pattern. The contractions were 20 mins apart. I quickly messaged my friends and family members with this new update. My mom was asking me to quickly rush to the hospital because she was afraid baby could be popping out anytime.

We went home to rest. I had a nap but was woken up by the pain whenever the a contraction happens. Had my shower, washed and dried my hair. The Chinese's confinement observes that new mothers are not allowed to wash hair during the one month confinement period because it could cause rheumatism. We packed 4 bags of things to bring to the hospital. It was like we were going on a holiday because we had so many things. We had a bag of food; bicsuits, instant cup noodles and even isotonic drinks which we barely touched when we were in the hospital. I read that we won't be given any food when we were in the labour room and I should eat a little so that I would have energy to deliver the baby. So, the kiasu me packed a lot!

My mom-in-law was so anxious that she advised us to bring our dinner to the hospital instead of having it at home. At about 7pm, my contractions were about 15 mins apart, we had dinner at home and we watched an episode of CSI before we decided it was time to leave to the hospital at 9pm. The antenatal class instructor advised us to only leave to the hospital when the contractions were 8 mins apart.

Reached Pantai Bangsar at about 9.30pm and I was ushered to the labour room. 

Wires were being stuck on my belly to monitor baby's heartbeat and contractions, as shown on the machine located on the right side of the above photo. The nurse or midwife confirmed that I was already dilating and there was no need to induce anymore. Yay!

Just the two of us. Third member of the family would be joining us soon!!!

 In front of my bed was a small little bassinet where my baby would be placed inside when he was born into this world.

After the initial 30 mins of monitoring, I thought I would be transferred to a nicer room with an extra bed. During my tour when I was about 5 months pregnant, we were shown different rooms with an extra single bed for daddies to rest and there were tv in the rooms. I thought those rooms were great because SJ could rest and I could probably distract myself with the tv but I was told that I had to stay in this labour-delivery room until the baby arrives. I was shocked and feeling a little sorry for SJ because he had to sleep on the plastic chair. Tried to negotiate with the nurse that I wanted a better room but was unsuccessful because she said I would had to move back to this room when I deliver which could happen anytime soon.

My plan was to walk a lot while waiting for baby's arrival. I was walking around the room for a bit, stopped in between when the contractions comes and practicing my breathing but when the water bag breaks at about 10.30pm, it was almost impossible to move. Water was trickling continuously and it was so uncomfortable to even move a little. I was advised to just sit or lie down :(

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On the 20th July, Friday: 

At about 2am, when I was at about 5cm dilated, the pain was rather unbearable and I was not able to get any rest with the contractions that I decided to get the epidural. The epidural took about an hour to arrive and the anesthetist told me that I would still feel the pressure of the contraction but the epidural will take the pain away. A catheter was inserted to my back to numb the bottom half of my body and I would not be able to leave the bed at all because the epidural solution would continuously flow into the body. Babycentre explains epidural very clearly: http://www.babycenter.com.my/a542571/epidural

The epidural effectively removed the pain and I could sleep for a good few hours. SJ was sitting beside me the whole time observing the contractions and baby's heartbeat monitor. I was in so much pain without the epidural when the contraction number went to 60 but with the epidural, I could still sleep soundly even when the number went above 100. 

I had a fever at about 4am and I was shaking uncontrollably. I was feeling so cold and my teeth were chattering but it stopped after I had some paracetamol. At about 6am, Dr Choong came in and told me that my baby's heartbeat was beating faster than usual. Baby was in distress and it could due to my fever. At that time, I was 8cm dilated and if I did not reach 10 cm in another 2 hours, Dr Choong suggestted caesarean. 

9am came and Dr Choong examined me and I was still only 8cm dilated. He said he would let me wait and take my time if my baby's heartbeat was not beating so fast but because my baby was in distress, he strongly advised us to have caesarean to get the baby out fast. We agreed and preparation for surgery started immediately.

I was pushed with my bed to the operation theater  This was my 2nd time being in the OT, the first when I had my thyroid surgery in April 2010 but this 2nd time was quite an exciting and happy moment because I was nearing to meeting baby! The hospital staffs were fussing over me, preparing for the surgery that they almost forgotten about SJ. They left him standing outside of the OT. Dr. Choong was about to start when I reminded him to bring my husband in. 

Operation started at about 9.30am and baby came out at 9.49am! I could see the digital clock clearly in the OT and I could see a little from the reflection of the lights above me when Dr Choong pulled the baby out. The moment baby gave a really loud cry, we were relieved because baby was ok! SJ immediately took out the camera and followed the nurses. Our first born, Zachary was born! He was weighed 4.15kg and 51cm tall. I was so thankful that Zachary was a healthy baby.

The nurse brought Zachary to me so I could kiss him before they took him away

Our new precious!

It was love at first sight!

Yay! All good! 

That was 7 months ago! This past 7 months was probably the most special 7 months in our lives. It's really amazing that this tiny little human being could bring so much joy to our families and it such a blessing to have him. I hope I am doing alright as a Zach's mommy. SJ was amazing and very supportive throughout the labour and delivery. He is such a hands-on daddy and he is my pillar of support. I am really lucky to have him! :) I hope Zach would grow up to be like his Daddy. 

We're so EXCITED that we'll see baby soon!! I'm 41 weeks pregnant tomorrow!

These photos were taken by Jay at my baby shower thrown by my wonderful childhood girlfriends on the 3rd of June 2012. Will blog about this fun filled party another day.

This post is probably the last entry before baby is born because tomorow at this time, I'll be in the hospital. SJ is taking a day off tomorrow to accompany me so we'll spend some time together before the 3rd member that forms our very own family unit joins us on Friday ;) We will have a good relax day tomorrow and I'll get admitted tomorow night after dinner. Then, inducing of labour will happen on Friday morning and we'll meet baby on Friday evening! :D

I have organised almost everything at work today and I promised my assistant that she won't be seeing me again for another month or so as baby will definitely come out on Friday. She kept getting surprises from me appearing in office and she asked me today whether do I feel any pain or discomfort as I have past my due date. I told her I am feeling good, just heavy and big; I even drove to office today.

Came back home and called my confinement lady to finalize the ingredients to buy so she can cook for me when I discharge from the hospital this weekend. I have tidied and packed our things to move to my parents' for confinement. Here are pictures of my confinement room:

SJ set up the portable baby cot few weeks back and we bought a storage shelf from Ikea to temporarily store baby's items during confinement period. The room has two single beds; one for me and another for my confinement lady. We'll be moving to this room right after I discharge from the hospital; which should be Sunday or Monday afternoon. 

The day that we have been waiting for months is finally here! It is quite hard to believe because I used to think that the day baby will be born is very far away. I used to worry so much that sometimes I could get so negative and worried that this day would not come.. but it's finally here! SOOO HAPPY!! :)))) SJ asked me whether would I miss being pregnant since I have been carrying this bump with me all the time for so many months. Baby has been accompanying me in everything I do on a daily basis for the past 9 months. It is quite hard to believe that 41 weeks have passed and I think it would take me a while to get used to not having a huge bump and the kicking sensations in my tummy. Well, I guess if I missed it so much, we can always go for the second baby ;)

Realizing that baby is arriving also gave me a realization that our lives are REALLY going to change forever and there is no turning back now. We are officially responsible and in charge of another human being's life for a very long time. Suddenly felt a little stressed and pressured that I need to plan better and be focused. I guess it's a good positive change. We're growing up and we have a new title now: PARENTS! I could still remember the time when I was discussing with SJ the pros and cons of having children before we decide to get pregnant, and at that time, I viewed parenting as a job or a thing which can be measured and weighed. But now I have a completely different viewpoint of parenting; you cannot measure the love you have for another person, my child! I'm looking forward toward bringing up the being in my womb into this world and to show him all the wonderful and beautiful things in life. I feel that my life and our lives as a couple is complete with the arrival of our newborn. Can't believe that we've created a life together and it's truly a miracle.

Baby coming to this world on Friday! Life is beautiful! 

Just 3 more sleeps!!!

Just 3 more sleeps and we'll meet baby!! Hopefully baby will come out on Friday and hopefully everything will be quick! SJ and I are so excited!! :))))) So are our family and friends. The most common question is these past few days were, 'Baby's here already?!' or something similar to that: 'Your wife or You deliver already?'

I think I felt contractions while watching tv after dinner tonight; my bump suddenly felt very hard and contracted for quite a long while and then the muscles released. Felt it twice within a short period. Told SJ that I could be having contractions and we started to time the 2nd one at 9.43pm. Waited for a long time for the next one and it didn't come. So, that was not a contraction; it was a Braxton Hicks. The moment I thought I had contractions; SJ said that he had to cut his nails because he is afraid that he will be too busy when baby arrives. I told him immediately that I need to update my blog more, complete some forms for work and do some yoga moves before baby can comes :S Well, that was a false alarm, so I have more time go update this blog and prepare more things.

I had the most productive day today in the past 1.5 weeks since last Monday, 9th July whenI officially took off from work. I have bought almost everything I need or want before baby comes today :))))) Started off today by driving to Midvalley to have a lunch with a client as she wants to increase her insurance coverage. We had a very good happy chat. Then, I walked a lot around the mall buying things. I was swiping my credit card almost every 15 minutes and I told SJ that I should redeem something for free from the mall for doing this. Was chatting with SJ and sending photos via whatsapps while shopping, so it's like he was also accompanying me virtually to shop. 

First stop, I went to Jusco and bought my pajamas that has buttons so it's easier when I want to breast feed baby. Bought 4 sets of these : 2 one-piece and 2 two-pieces pajamas in both red and blue colours. I was searching for them at Carrefour but couldn't find any. So glad to have found these at Jusco and most importantly, they are really affordable; one piece pajamas cost RM29 each and 2-pieces pajamas cost RM49 each. Now, I have the right equipped clothes to breast-feed baby full time during confinement.

A client of my mine heard that I wanted to to fully breast-feed my baby, so she suggested that I must get this nipple cream called Lansinoh from Mothercare. Walked to the information desk of Midvalley to enquire the location of Mothercare and found them on the first floor. Bought this next ;) It's only 10mg! Such a small amount.

Went to use my Rm20 birthday voucher from L'Occitane next. I have been using this scalp care conditioner since I've cut my hair really short when I found out I was pregnant. You can read more about my haircuts here. This conditioner has been really good because I used to have major dandruff problems. Had Rm20 discount on this, was quite happy ;) The promoter was trying to ask me to get more things; like getting more shampoo and conditioners which I rejected him by telling him that I won't be washing my hair so often soon because I would be in confinement. He wanted to ask me to get more cream or oil for stretched marks which I rejected him by saying that L'Occitane was not very effective. Very pleased with myself that I didn't get anything more because I could be easily influenced to buy more things; I was tempted to buy birthday and Christmas presents for family and friends.

Next, went to Crocs to get myself a new pair of slippers :)))) I bought a pair of slippers in the middle of this pregnancy and the sole is almost completely worn out due to my heavy weight. The colour of this slippers cheered me up and I wearing this to the hospital on Thursday! 

My confinement lady called me asking about my labour and she is glad that baby has not arrived yet as she wanted to attend her nephew's wedding on the 14th July. She jokingly said to tell baby to come after 15th so she can attend her beloved nephew's wedding. Well, her wish came true :P She told me to get a few Chinese herb items for my confinement which are 'So Hup' pills and 'Wu Kan' pills. I have no idea what are these and I was very skeptical because I was not sure if this would affect my breast feeding and most importantly, would these have an effect on baby since whatever I'm having would also go to baby through breast milk. I posted this question in 'The Breastfeeding Advocates Network' (TBAN) on Facebook; TBAN is a forum founded by Malaysians lactation experts and as the name suggests, it fully supports new mothers on breast feeding. I have been following this forum for months and it has helped me a lot in gaining confidence in breast feeding and I have learnt so much from this forum. It is so fantastic that I have been adding many new mothers into this group, not only new mothers; I added SJ and my mom too!

So, the first few replies on TBAN after I posted my question was it was alright to take these pills during confinement as So Hup pills are for expelling wind from the mother's body and Wu Kan pills are for removing blood clots in the womb. However, some replied much later that they would not advise taking any of these as it would probably affect breast feeding. I told my confinement lady that I want to fully breast feed my baby and would taking these affect the flow of my breast milk. She told me no because she had experienced with breast-feeding mothers. I thought I will just get some and if I don't feel comfortable about it, I won't take them at all. Was advised by a lactation expert in TBAN not to take any Chinese herbs on the very first week because it could cause jaundice in baby. I seriously have no idea what are these as these chinese traditional medicine are mostly in Chinese as I can't read Chinese. I thought it would be good to get them from reputable shops so I can be sure the ingredients are at an acceptable standard.

Went to Eu Yan Sang and asked about So Hup pills. This is the smaller packet and it's a supply for 3 days only, to take 2 sachets every day and I was advised by this shop's promoter to take it for 3 weeks to one whole month. The promoter was telling me that if I shower everyday, I should take 2 sachets but if I am about to shower less, then I can take less as it is believed that showering will bring in or trap 'wind' in the body. I only bought a box which cost RM45. The promoter was trying to introduce me the whole range of post-natal soups and herbs which I sort of zoned out when he was explaining because I have no idea what he was talking about. I felt I was entering a whole new strange world which I know so little about. They should give me an introduction leaflet instead about this whole post-natal herbs/foods.

Eu Yan Sang doesn't sell Wu Kan pills, so they directed me to another Chinese herbal shop called Yin Onn, which I also have no idea what/where was it. That guy who was serving me gave me the strangest look that I have never been to Yin Onn before because it's huge and probably been in Midvalley for many years. Went to Yin Onn and it's a Chinese shop that I have seen for years but never entered it before.

The person serving me immediately showed me a box of  So Hup pills but in a different brand, hence a different English spelling; Su He Wan and this is a box for 10 days supply costing Rm44. 

My confinement lady told me to get only 6 pills of Wu Kan pill which I've got that. This certainly look like Chinese medicine to me. It's RM5 for each pill. He advised that if I'm concerned about these herbs affecting my baby; I should take it 2 hours before I feed baby so these herbs would be fully digested and not enter to baby via breast milk.

The last thing that I've bought was 'Yu Yee' oil which is going to be used to rub baby's tummy and body to expel wind from his body (maybe before or after shower). I remember my mom used to apply this on our tummies when we had stomach ache when we were young. 

I will try to find out more about these Chinese herbs before I start taking them. My father-in law thinks that all these are completely fine and won't affect baby in any way because many Chinese have been taking these for decades. I guess he has his point and many Chinese beliefs have their benefits; it's just that there is not hard scientific proofs that these are effective. Many Chinese are just following based on information passed down from the previous generations. At the end of the day, it's my body and I'm going to be a mother; I'm in charge of another person's life until my baby turns 21, so I'm responsible of my own well being. I just going to do my very best based on the information that I've gathered. I'm so thankful that both my parents and parents-in-laws are easy-going and giving me the freedom to choose on what I want ;)

Just before I left, I went to Robinsons and bought another bottle of Clarins's Tonic Body Treatment Oil. Am still trying to get rid of my stretched marks and will not give up even after delivery! Went home feeling very happy and satisfied because I had such a productive day! Oh, I even filled my car tank full with fuel before I reach home :)))))

16th July 2012: Our last antenatal visit before baby's here!

July 20th 2012, this Friday is the date that we're going to induce labour if baby doesn't arrive naturally before that. We saw Dr Choong at our 12.15pm appointment today and as usual, he would take my blood pressure and the result is normal. My urine test result is also good. Did an ultrasound and baby's head is still down and his heartbeats sounds really strong and loud today. It seemed much louder and clearer today, maybe because baby is bigger; or maybe Dr. Choong turned up the volume of his ultrasound machine. I always love seeing the black and white images on the screen especially when Dr is focusing on the blinking part, which is the heart!  

Dr. Choong then proceed to measure baby's head circumference, abdominal circumference and the length of baby's femur bone. Before I could really see the numbers at the bottom of the ultrasound machine screen, SJ exclaimed loudly, 'WAH! 4.1kg!'. Dr. Choong measured everything again (I think twice) and finally he said that baby is estimated to weigh 3.732kg today. This is just an estimate; baby's real weight could be plus minus 400grams. I think Dr. Choong gave me a lower weight number so that I would not be so frightened about delivering a huge baby. He doesn't know that I am actually fine to deliver a big baby because my antenatal class practitioner told us that a woman delivered a 4.9kg baby in normal birth, a new record; and I thought since that woman can do it, I'm sure I can do it too. Anyway, I don't think my baby will be more than 4.5 kg. 

Ultrasound for today! Baby's head is on the right and his body is on the left. I cannot make out his head and body as baby grows (that was about since week 30).All we could see was his heart and his spine. Baby is 3.73 kg and Mommy has gained 18 kg in this whole pregnancy.

After that, we sat down and told Dr. Choong that we have decided on the induction date; which is this Wednesday, 18th July. Dr. Choong felt that 18th is too early to induce. He really doesn't recommend induction of labour because it would cause a lot of stress on both the mother and baby with a higher risk of having cesarean section. He explained that my pregnancy has been a very good and smooth one, my placenta is functioning really well; that is why baby can be so big because baby is able to absorb all the nutrients via the placenta. The date that he recommended for inducing labour is between 23rd and 26th, which is almost 2 weeks from my EDD. 

I was telling him about I'm just worried if something is not well; I was telling SJ that I couldn't feel baby much yesterday and I was quite worried over the weekend; my mom was concerned about baby suffocating etc, which Dr. Choong thinks that there is really nothing to worry about because everything about my pregnancy has been good. SJ was nodding and completely agrees with him. SJ always thinks that I'm such a worry-pot! They both don't think that my placenta will stop functioning or baby suddenly unable to live in the womb after EDD because the EDD is just an estimate, it's not the final date of baby in the womb. SJ's colleague, SY told me that if we pick an induction date, baby would usually come out earlier than the date that we picked because the baby is afraid of getting induced. We'll see if this is true!

After listening to Dr. Choong, I am feeling more confident and my mood was lifted. I told SJ that I should see Dr. Choong every 3-4 days so I could get a confidence boost every 3-4 days. There have been so many people telling and asking me why am I not inducing earlier or having a c-section now since I've passed my EDD for so long?! It's only 4 days!! Met a colleague in the hospital after my Dr's visit and she also asked the same thing. It's a world of difference when speaking with Dr. Choong and I am so thankful that he has cleared all my doubts. I know that many people have good intention but they usually based their opinions solely on their one or two experiences. Dr. Choong has more than 30 years of experience and I trust and have confidence in him. He is very logical and he speaks very sensibly. I am definitely happy to have him as my doctor ;) 

So, now it's just another 4 days to go before baby arrives by 20th, which is this Friday!!! Can't wait! Baby could be coming anytime earlier but Friday is definitely the last day! I asked Dr if I need to prepare or do anything before I get admitted. He told us to have a very nice dinner on Thursday night and then get admitted after dinner, at about 10pm on Thursday. Then, a pill will be inserted vaginally to ripen and soften the cervix on that night. I would be given an intravenous drip the next morning and inducing of labour will commence. If everything goes smoothly, baby should be delivered by Friday evening. I was wondering would inducing labour will have a short labour and delivery? Dr. Choong told me that some people could take days; some needed to be induced twice and some would have a quick one. So there is nothing certain. I hope my labour would not take days because I wouldn't want Dr. Choong to work on weekends. Must tell baby to be good and quickly come out to see Daddy and Mommy!

I'm 40 weeks & 4 days pregnant!

I'm 4 days overdue and there is still no signs of baby wanting to see this world yet! Dr. Choong's prediction is right! My mom was getting worried about baby being overdue that she called me twice today and advised me to speak with Dr. Choong tomorrow on our weekly visit on our next course of action. She thinks that we should pick a date to induce and we should pick an early date. We have picked a date! It's going to be 18th of July, this Wednesday, about 6 days from my estimated due date (EDD), 12th of July. 18 is a good number for Chinese (means 'sure rich' in chinese) and an ob-gyn specialist friend advised me not to wait more than 41 weeks because baby could be in distress after 41 weeks. I'm feeling a little worried and emotional in these two days, maybe we really should induce labour soon. I know that baby is all ready to come out and I somehow have a picture of baby with a round face, big eyes and a head full of hair in my mind. So happy that I'll be seeing Dr. Choong tomorrow afternoon so I can hear baby's heartbeat again! :)))

The Chong family had a bet on the dates on when baby will arrive. My sister, Jamie Yi Yi is the winner because she chose 15th and the nearest to the date is the winner. My dad, mom and SJ picked earlier dates. So many friends and relatives have been calling and messaging asking about baby's arrival. A client of mine, Fidael was so excited that he called me yesterday just to ask if baby has arrived and when I said not yet, he just said ok and ended the conversation. That was a rather funny phone call. I have been putting up photos and updates of myself in Facebook to let everyone know that I'm still hanging around and baby is not out yet.

I have been eating so much desserts for the past week! I'll definitely have a dessert with SJ almost every night after dinner, thinking that the dessert that we're having that night would be the last in case I go on labour the next day and I would be in confinement for one whole month. Have to go slow on the cold desserts and drinks because many people advised me that it could cause my baby easily to catch a flu and cold in the future. 

Let me update what I have been feeling and experiencing in these past few weeks: 

Getting out of the bed and turning on the bed for the past few weeks had been really painful and difficult :( The pain in my pelvic/pubic bone has been so bad that I don't think there is anything could be done to relief the pain. I told my yoga instructor for weeks about this pain, which eventually in week 39, she told me that there is probably nothing I can do about it; so, I'll just have to bear with it till delivery. I cannot sleep on my back anymore as baby is too huge and is pressing against my chest which would make breathing very difficult. I couldn't lie on one side for too long because my arm and hip that I lie on would ache terribly; I had to turn to my other side in the middle of the night and it has been such a huge chore every time I do that - I struggle so much, making so much, grunting away while holding my tummy to push it to the other sides that SJ would usually wake up too. When morning comes, I literally had to swing both my legs together out of the bed to be on the sitting position because if my legs were separated, my pelvic bone would ache a lot; almost felt that it is going to break apart. This pelvic pain is making me waddle when I walk and I had to arch my back to balance my huge belly; hence, walking really slowly and like a penguin.

Other than that, my fingers are so swollen with water retention that I could wear SJ's wedding ring! His ring used to be able to fit my thumb only but it can fit my ring finger now. I sure hope my fingers (and my feet!) will be able to get back to its old size so I can wear my wedding ring and my many favourite shoes! My Aunty couldn't get back to her old shoe size after she delivered her children more than 10 years ago. Her feet got permanently a size bigger. 

The swell on my fingers has also caused my fingers joints/knuckles to ache, especially in the mornings. The pain is worse on both hands' 3rd and 4th fingers. I would shove my hands to SJ every morning when I wake up and request that he give my fingers a massage. Same goes for my swollen feet too. SJ has been extremely sweet to fulfill my requests; giving me feet massage almost every night and fingers massage every morning :)))  

I can deal with swollen fingers and feet or the pelvic bone pain. I think the most depressing part about this whole pregnancy is the stretch marks!!! :(((( Stretch marks beginning to appear in week 36 and I was really sad about it. Since the beginning of this pregnancy, I have tried my best to make sure I apply oil and lotion everyday (morning and night) on my thighs, arms, bust areas and the whole tummy area with the hope that stretch marks would not appeare. There is a guide on where to apply oil in the L'occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil box which I follow closely. I even look and scrutinize my tummy area almost every night after shower for stretch marks; was quite pleased until week 36 when I saw nasty red lines on my buttocks (!!!), the lower part of my belly and both sides of my belly :(( It just caught me by surprise that stretch marks would appear on my buttocks!!?? That's the last place I actually thought it would appear, hence, didn't apply any oil in that area at all :S

Somehow, deep down I know that there is nothing I can do or prevent these stretch marks from happening because I was told that this is genetic, if your mom has it, you'll surely have it. So my mom has it, I would surely have it too plus my bump is really huge compared to many people. I noticed in these 2 weeks that stretch marks appeared around my belly button. My bump is really quite huge, measuring at 43 inches today. So many people been asking me whether am I carrying twins. SJ's theory was that I'll definitely have stretch marks because of these reasons: my bump is huge, baby is huge, I'm been so active walking and moving around which gravity plays a part in pulling and stretching my bump downwards which the skin will definitely stretched. The body needs a much longer time (more than 9 months) to accommodate and adapt such a huge change of the body. I was wondering those fat men with huge beer bellies on whether they have stretch marks or not; SJ doesn't think so because they had years to get to that huge belly, which their bodies can adapt to that changes slowly. 

 I quickly bought a bottle of Clarins Tonic Treatment in week 36, that is specially applied to treat stretch marks (heard many good reviews but was told that it was expensive) but I guess it's a little too late now because the stretch marks just increased (quite drastically) in these past few weeks. I am not even bothered to look at them in  the mirror anymore after shower. Was talking to a friend and she told me that she didn't have any stretch marks because she literally shower in these oil or cream. She used a huge amount Palmer's cocoa butter and Bio Oil until it drips :S Both her boys were also very small when they were born; they were less than 3 kg. My baby is definitely more than 3.5kg. So, her bumps were smaller than mine. If she wasn't as mobile as me, it should be surprising that she didn't have any stretched marks. 

I guess there are worse things that could happen in this pregnancy; like having varicose veins, lots of facial hair, terrible acne problem, darkened spots/patches on face or neck etc. I should be thankful that this pregnancy has been good so far because I didn't have any of those mentioned above :))) Well, I guess I can always do laser treatments if I 'really' want to get rid of the stretch marks in the future. I was complaining to SJ that it's not fair that my body has changed to much; stretch marks, putting on so much weight (I'm the heaviest now in both Yong and Chong's family) and so much cellulite on my thighs! Now I know the sacrifices that mothers have to go through to deliver a child. No wonder everyone told me that you'd appreciate your mother more after you become a mother. I totally agree with that statement. 

 SJ's colleague who has the same EDD as me, we are seeing the same Dr. Choong for our pregnancies, we even attended the same antenatal class with Jenlia; she delivered her baby girl on Saturday, 14th July and her baby is 3.85 kg. We didn't expect her baby to be that huge! My baby is definitely bigger than hers, so now we're expecting our baby boy to be about 4kg or more! :O I am ok that my baby is big, I don't really mind because many people been reassuring me that bigger baby is easy to care for. I'm ok as long baby is healthy ;) Am trying to set a very positive mindset for baby's arrival. I can't wait to meet baby! Now I can't wait to listen to baby's heartbeat tomorrow afternoon!

I'm 40 weeks pregnant today!

A photo of me taken yesterday, 11th July; a day before I'm 40 weeks pregnant. 

SJ and I were sharing a Baskin Robbin's Brownie Ala Mode ice-cream :)))) 

Yes, TODAY is the date of my estimated due date (EDD) of baby's arrival but there's no sign of baby coming tonight! Can't believe that 40 weeks have gone by so fast and we're anticipating baby's arrival anytime now! Dr Choong told us that baby most likely will be late based on his 30 plus years experience because it's our first baby. In my last antenatal visit, which was last Monday, 9th July, as usual, we (or rather just me) have many questions to ask him. Questions that we've asked were: 

1. How long should we wait before we induce labour? Dr. Choong said that the EDD is just an estimate and usually it's not accurate. We should not use this date as the last date for baby to be born. He is willing to wait for another 14 days but he is up for negotiation to induce earlier depending on how I feel as many new expectant parents would be pressured from the grandparents and friends. Dr doesn't suggest induce because it puts a lot of stress on the mother and baby, which could cause a difficult labour and delivery; unless both mother and baby have medical risks such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, low amniotic fluid etc. Dr. thinks my pregnancy been good so far, so it's good to wait. SJ and myself agree with him too.

 2. I was concerned about baby swallowing feces at birth because I was told by my colleagues that this is very possible if the baby is overdue. SJ has no idea what was this about when I mentioned it to Dr. Choong. Dr. Choong explained and clarified further that baby could be ingesting his own poo (meconium aspiration) starting from week 38 onwards. This means that it could be happening way earlier and before baby is due and I should not be worried about it because there is nothing I can do to prevent this. Of course I had to find out more about this from the internet and I found this site to be very informative in this area: 

Meconium (the first stool that passed out by baby) aspiration is a potentially serious birthing complication that could result in severe respiratory complications in affected newborns. This condition occurs when a baby breathes in meconium, the black, sticky waste product that has been present in their digestive tracts since the 10th week of pregnancy. Factors that might increase your baby’s chances of suffering from meconium aspiration include an extended or difficult labor, a history of gestational diabetes and a prolapsed cord. 


 Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/530644-signs-symptoms-of-meconium-aspiration-in-newborns/

3. Is SJ going to cut baby's umbilical cord? Throughout this pregnancy, Dr. Choong never mentioned about cutting baby's umbilical cord. We have friends telling us that their doctor would ask the dads to decide whether they want to cut the umbilical cord on the birth-day or not and I was wondering why Dr. Choong never asked us this. When I brought up this question, he said that it has been his standard operating procedure for the past 20 years that the fathers were the ones that been cutting the umbilical cords. He has not been cutting umbilical cords for many many years. He said that if the dads are not going to cut the cord, he would offer it to the grandmother and if the granny doesn't want to do it, he would offer to the new mommy to cut it herself. I thought it was pretty cool and I was happy with his reply.

I'm liking Dr. Choong more and more as this pregnancy proceeds. He is experienced and he never fails to give me comforting and positive replies. Most importantly, he is always patient and answers all my questions. Both SJ and I like his standard operating procedure and we know that he will respect and will work together with us on how we want our baby to be delivered ;)))

I am off from work since beginning of this week! FINALLY! It was so difficult to tear myself away from work and finally able to do so this week. I guess I just love my work too much :D Been wanting to stop work for the past 3 weeks! Will try to update this journal as much as possible on my experience in this pregnancy while waiting for baby to 'decide' to come out. :P

I'm 34 weeks pregnant today!

I'm officially 8th month pregnant today! Baby is arriving in about a month time!!!! The moment I received my weekly email update from babycentre.com.my about me in week 34 now, it was like an alarm went off in my head.. OMG! Baby is coming so soon & I'm not sure if I'm ready for baby's arrival! Instantly I messaged my friends & family to tell them that I'm 8th month pregnant now. My mom called me right away to tell me that 8th month is a very crucial month and I should really relax and stop working soon.

So glad that SJ and I have separated all our baby things according to baby's age in months and we have put them all in our storage boxes, ready to be sent to my parents' place as I'll be doing my confinement there. We just need to send the clothes, towels, toy etc for washing first before to my parents' place. After that, I will pack my hospital bag. A good friend of mine, Cin Neng been asking me about my hospital bag since 2nd trimester. Her biggest concern is the hospital bag but I'm having the more relax attitude towards this hospital bag. I shall get it packed when baby's clothes are all washed :P

Updates on my pregnancy and how I feel..
1. I think I had my very first experience of Braxton-Hicks contraction today! I didn't (and still don't now) really know what is Braxton Hicks until my yoga instructor asked us about this last week. I asked the yoga instructor what is braxton hicks and she described it as a mild contraction, cramp of the womb. It felt like a contraction but it sporadic, it comes and go randomly. It could due to dehydration. I think (am not sure) I experienced one today while driving. It was a sudden cramp in my womb with a slight ache and then it went away. Most probably because I didn't drink as much water today as I used to.

2. I am still drinking lots of water during the day, I can finish about 2 litres of water in the day and would start taking sips of water after dinner time to reduce water retention and the need to go to the wash room at night.

3. I am still very thankful that up to today, I don't wake up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom. I don't have interrupted sleep and have been getting restful sleep throughout this pregnancy :)) Hope this will go on for as long as possible in this pregnancy.

4. I could feel that my bump is getting really big. I could feel it resting or touching my thighs when I am sitting down :S Been measuring my belly's circumference on every Sunday, and last Sunday, 27th May, it was measured as 42 inches. It would stay in the same measurement for about 2 to 3 weeks and steadily grows bigger by half an inch each time. I would scrutinize my belly almost every night in front of the mirror looking for any stretch marks. I admit I am a vain person! :P So far, no sight of stretch marks yet. Finger crossed that it will never come but from my findings with other mothers, I don't think I can avoid them even though I put lots of lotion and oil every day. I guess I will have to accept that this is part (the stretch marks) as being a Mom.

5. I am starting having problems finding the good comfortable position to sleep as my belly is getting bigger. I definitely cannot lie on my back (this is my favourite sleeping position!) now when I sleep as I would feel very breathless with my belly is pushing against my lungs. I have been resting my head on two pillows since last week so I could breath easier, at the same time elevate my feet so I would not have swollen feet, which have caused extra stress on my back, hence, I have worse backaches now. When I lie on my sides, I would get numbness on the side that I lie on as I would sometimes stay on the same position for the whole night. I need about 5 to 6 pillows to sleep now: 1 or 2 for my head, 1 for my feet, 1 for my belly to rest on, 1 for between my legs and 1 for my back so if I were to roll on my back, this pillow would serve as a stopper so my back would not be totally flat and therefore, won't give me terrible back ache in the next morning. SJ been very nice; arranging the pillows for me every night which leaves him with very little space to sleep in the bed.

6. I am temporarily permanently walking like a penguin now, due to my huge belly. I think the only reason why pregnant women are waddling like a penguin/duck is to create a balance so we won't topple over. It is also so much harder to get up from the floor or chair and I am definitely walking way slower now.

7. I am feeling so much warmer nowadays too. This is also because the weather is really hot recently but I know I am feeling it more than others. The air-con in my bedroom is turn on with the lowest temperature and in 'powerful' mode almost every night for the past few weeks.

8. About a month ago, we went to get a 3D scan and the doctor told us that our baby is bigger than average. Hence, I do look bigger than average for someone at my stage. There is this funny lady, Shirley that works in my company, she thinks that I am so huge and she has been asking me to stop working and rest at home for the last 3 days, consecutively past 3 days every time she sees me! She is so afraid that I would pop anytime. haha! She has never met me until last Monday and she has been telling me the same thing everytime she saw me :S

9. I have been going for my weekly yoga classes since week 13 and these classes have been really helpful in relieving pains at my back and joints. Just counted that I have 7 classes more to go in my 12 classes pass. I must try to go for all before baby arrives.

10. I went for my very first pre-natal massage last Friday at Amvory Puchong, and another one tomorrow! Bought these massages at the Mommy-Baby Fair at Midvalley in May. I was really looking forward for these massages because the last time I had one was before I knew I was pregnant, which was last year! Been wanting to get a massage but been has adviced against it. The massage I had last Friday was good even though it was short, only an hour. Looking forward for my 2nd and last massage of this pregnancy tomorrow! I was told that I shouldn't have any massages from week 34 onwards :(( and was told that foot reflexology is a big NO NO :(( I thought it would be ok to get a foot reflexology in my final trimester but was told it's really dangerous as it would cause early labour.

11. Am feeling easily tired nowadays, mostly because it takes so much effort and energy to move because I am getting heavier. It's like I am carrying a ball that weighs a few kilogram the entire day for weeks/months. I have gained a total of 14 kilograms since my first visit to the doctor in November 2011. Am seeing the doctor tomorow and will know my new weight. I am hoping to gain another maximum of 2 kilograms before baby arrives. I read that I would be gaining about 250 grams every week in my 3rd trimester, so that's about 1 kilo per month and I have about 1 month plus to go.

12. Baby is moving practically all the time! This baby hopefully is a day baby because he moves more during the day, especially between 9 to 11am and move much lesser at night. He sleeps when Mommy sleeps :)

Things to look forward this coming week:
1. Going for my fortnightly antenatal visit tomorrow! So happy that I'm seeing doctor every two weeks now ;)
2. SJ and I are going for our Antenatal Class next Saturday, 9th June!

Overall, I'm doing good mentally, emotionally and physically :))) Trying to fit some time to swim in my schedule and trying to finish all my work before I officially takes off in the middle of June. I feel torn between the workholic me and the want-to-be-a-good-mother me. There are so much to do at work (I know work will never end!) which I love doing especially things in the office are getting better and gaining momentum but I know I have to slow down to enjoy my pregnancy and prepare for baby's arrival. I read it somewhere that, being a mother and watching kids grow up is really precious, and you have the entire life to work. Oh well, maybe I should follow that statement and enjoy every moment now ;)

I'm 32 weeks pregnant TODAY!!! Babymoon (Day 1 & 2)! (4th - 8th April 2012)

I'd get excited on Thursdays because I'm closer to meeting baby as I'm approaching to another week closer. Babycenter.com.my sends me weekly updates of my pregnancy on Thursdays. I'M WEEK 32 TODAY! About 8 more weeks to go! Will record about how I'm feeling later. As for now, I want to record the one and only holiday that we had in this pregnancy and probably the only holiday we have for the next two years. Lots of photos, especially photos with food in this post!

What is babymoon? Just found this on http://www.baby-moon.eu/questions-answers-about-going-on-a-babymoon/

A last vacation taken by expecting couples before the birth of their baby (preferably in the 2nd trimester). Treat yourself with a luxurious getaway before your baby arrives. Celebrate your pregnancy ! 

SJ and I were advised to go for a holiday in our 2nd trimester when we first found out that we were pregnant. Our architect, Cheryl advised us to take a nice holiday in my second trimester because we won't be able to travel much when the baby arrives. We wanted to go somewhere but couldn't decided on the destination; we were torn between  Koh Samui, Thailand or Macau. Koh Samui would be a beach relaxing holiday where there's nothing much to do but just laze around and get massages, which would be really nice but also will be quite boring with nothing to do or EAT! The thought of going to a place with lots of tourists and food that would cost a lot and don't taste good was not very appealing. Macau on the other hand, is much busier and not as relaxing but food would definitely taste much better. So, finally we gave in to FOODS..

I was working as much as I could on the week before we flew to Macau. This initial 5 days 4 nights trip to Macau was then later included Hong Kong to eat! So, this babymoon trip was really an eating trip, but at a comfortable pace.

YAY! We're going for a holiday! :))))) A photo of us before our airplane takes off from KL. 

I was 26 weeks pregnant.

SJ booked Venetian Hotel and it was one of the nicest hotel in Taipa Island, Macau. 

This is the smallest room in this hotel! :S It was HUGE! 

This hotel is so huge that when the receptionist gave us a map of the hotel, I thought it was the map of Macau. It was quite funny because almost every space available in this hotel were fitted with casino tables or machines. This is definitely the gambling heaven for gamblers. 

Our dinner at a Portuguese restaurant on our first night in Macau 

We hopped into a cab and told the cab driver that we wanted to go a famous crab porridge restaurant  at Taipa village but the cab driver told us that he is worried that the restaurant might be closed due to a long weekend; 'Ching Ming' celebration, Good Friday and Easter Sunday public holidays. We somehow always picked the wrong timing for holidays; it was the worst snow-storm when we were in Europe for our honeymoon, we experience 9-level of typhoon when we were in Hong Kong in 2006, monsoon season when we were in Phuket in 2010 and now, long weekend holiday and raining season in Macau and Hong Kong. I still had a lot of fun because SJ is such a fun travel companion! ;)) So, our spirits were not dampened. 

This is our first time trying Portuguese food and I think portugese likes tomatoes a lot. It was quite an experience and it was the most expensive dinner we had in this trip. We have decided to celebrate our 3rd wedding registration anniversary in this dinner because of those two reasons :P

The must haves for this trip : DESSERTS!!! 

Finished our first night with my favourite chinese glutinous rice (tong yuen) dessert

Day 2: We took the free shuttle bus to Macau Peninsula, where they have most tourist attraction sites and much older casinos. We have learnt that we can practically go anywhere for free by catching these free shuttle buses from the hotels! 

Our breakfast!! Super yummy Portugese eggtarts from Margaret's Cafe e Nata. We stumbled upon this tiny cafe in our first visit to Macau back in 2006 but this cafe has became really popular as we see this cafe being mentioned in many blogs. The queue was quite long to get these tarts. It opens daily from 8.30pm-6pm but closes on Wednesdays. 

We walked to our next food destination for lunch! Took this photo on the way. 

Loja Sopa Da Fita Cheong Kei. No idea what that means because they're in Portuguese but I think it meant Cheong Kei Restaurant

Squid balls. This was yummy. It was freshly fried!

Fish skin. It tasted better than it looks. Texture was chewy and we were told that fish skin is filled with good fats and collagen!

Wantan noodles. Nothing spectacular. We noticed that all wantan noodles in Hong Kong are almost the same. The best thing about wantan noodles in Hong Kong and Macau is the springy texture of the noodles. 

Dry noodles with shrimp paste. Interesting and tasted pretty good. 

This was recommended by the waitress. Hard boiled egg with herbal tea. It was just ok. 

A must go/see/visit place in Macau: Ruins of St Paul's. 

We took the opportunity to visit other hotels since we have free shuttle bus rides. This was taken at Galaxy Hotel, situated beside Venetian Hotel and it was sooooooooo nice!!! It was so beautifully decorated with bright lights and fountains that Venetian looked so old and boring compared to Galaxy. The best thing was Galaxy has free wi-fi and Venetian don't!

 Tea-break for Day 2. We knew we had to go to this pork chop bun place in Taipa Village, which was located opposite of Galaxy Hotel. This place only opens from 3-6pm and it would have super long queues. We reached this shop at 6pm and they sold out of their usual buns. We had 'polo' (pineapple) bun and 'chan' (normal) bun with their same popular pork chops.

SJ was happy we made it on time, before 6pm to grab these pork chop buns! We were so late that the advantage of this was there was no queue!

Tea-break dessert on Day 2! I insisted that I want to try this recommended pudding near the pork chop bun shop. 

Saw-dust pudding. The direct translation name of this pudding sounds quite weird. It's an ice-cream topped with crushed biscuit (something like digestive Marie  biscuits) powder. 

Yay! I love desserts especially ice-cream!! :))))

A picture by the fountain in Venetian Hotel before we leave for Hong Kong the next day

There was a baby fair the next day! Was tempted to go and have a look but we had such a long list of eating places to go that we had to let this go. 

Dinner on Day 2: Crab porridge!

 We ordered a vegetable with scallops dish. It was yummy!

Main attraction in this restaurant. I think all tables ordered this crab porridge. 

It was wet and cold!

The day does not end until we had our Chinese desserts!!! We had Sweet Splendor at Galaxy Hotel because it was pouring outside and we had free wifi in Galaxy! ;)

SJ has soy bean with fried you tiao (breadsticks/chinese churros) and I had red bean soup. 

I love going on holidays with SJ because we just eat all the time!!! :))))) I had such a fun time and  I hope my baby won't be a glutton when he grows up. We walked a lot in this trip and there were times I felt a pain at my lower abdomen while walking, which we had to stop to take a break and watch people for a bit. Will blog on our Day 3 and 4 next! Can't believe that I'm in Week 32 already! Suddenly got into panic mode that there are so much things that are not done yet! Time to get new shoes for my final 2 months because my old good nice red shoes are wearing out.