D20: We gave LilBums a good bath!

LilBums is D20 today, and I gave him a good bath, by myself!!! He's still so tiny and fragile, and it was super terrifying! I have to learn, sooner or later. Then Bums dressed him up. From lotioning, to powdering, struggled to put on his rompers, the full works la! We be so cekap parents!

Trying really hard to keep him from falling off!

Wipe, wipe! Powder, powder!

Almost done!

Handsome and all ready for next ( . ) ( . ) buffet!

Mummy was changing LilBums diapers earlier. She kept it open, and he decided he wasnt done. He gave one last poop explosion, which soiled the bedspread and splattered all the way to the floor. While we were cleaning up, suddenly he pancut upwards and had pee all over him and his face!! Then he happily smiled and giggled!! Day 20, and already wrecking up havoc!

Our son is finally here!

And a hero is born!

LilBums was brought into this world, dramatically, at 6.48am on the 7th of December 2013, at Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya via an Emergency Lower Segmental Ceaserian Section by Dr Jaswant Singh. Woot, woot!

I woke up early on Friday morning (6th Dec) coz I was supposed to send Mummy to class. The night before, I noticed my thighs were wet, but dint think much of it. But when I woke up, I felt more wetness and some dripping even. So, yea I was leaking liquor and I had to be speculumed. Got to Dr Jaswant's clinic around 10am ish, and after being speculumed it was confirmed I was leaking. Pooling visible, and liquor was clear, os was only 0.5cm. I was told to get admitted to Assunta pronto. I was still ok, no contractions yet.

Since I was still well, we went to McDs and whacked Prosperity Burger first.. teeeheheheheh, super epic! Got myself admitted to Assunta's Delivery Suit around noon. Was immediately strapped on for CTG tracing, which revealed one deep deceleration, with a poor pick up. Baby was in distress. He came around 3pm, and judging from the CTG, he suspected the possibility of Cord Compression. I was to be on continuous CTG tracing. A deep deceleration again around 5pm. At 7pm, labour was augmented with IVI Pitocin 2units/ml.  Os was only 1cm, contractions were mild and quite far apart. But from then on, I started experiencing stronger and more frequent contractions. I requested for ny first IM Pethidine, and instead of lasting for 4hours, it only calmed me down for a mere 30minutes! Around 9pm, contractions were almost 5minutes apart, lasting 10-15secs each. At 11pm, contractions were 3-4mins apart, and lasting about 15-20secs. 2am, os was still 1cm. We discussed the option of an EMLSCS, to which I was ready for. But both Mum and Bums wanted to wait it out and see if labour will progress. 5am, os was still 1cm, contractions were strong every 3-4mins and LilBums kept decelerating every time after a contraction. The CTG machine was beeping frantically.

I was wheeled in to OT, almost passing out from the contractions. Caught a glimpse of Daddy who was waiting outside all along as he wasnt allowed into the delivery suite. Was prepped and given spinal anaesthesia, while still having contractions. Minutes later I was numb waist below, and they started opening me up. I've assisted in surgeries as such many times, but to have one done on me is pretty scary. I caught reflections of my opened up lower abdomen from the lights above. Shortly after, they brought in Bums, whom  I was so glad and relieved to see, coz I was starting to get really scared and anxious. I looked to my right several times, and next thing I knew Bums was standing up and looking across to where they were operating on me. Was very proud of him, for not fainting and passing out. He witnessed the birth of our son, and next thing I heard were cries of our son. With an Apgar of 9/10, the nurses brought him over to me and that was our first contact, they showed me his cuckoobird to confirm he was male. At that moment, just for a split second, I couldn't think less of all that I just had to go thru. I was just glad LilBums was safe and well. He was wheeled out to the nursery with the excited new Dad tailing behind, after given the chance to carry him for the first time.

Bums told me later, that LilBums had his cord around his neck. Loosely, yet that was probably what was causing his distress.

I was discharged 2 days later. I was dragged outa bed to ambulate the very next day, and extremely proud of myself for making it all the way to the nursery and back.

Over all, my stay in Assunta was very pleasant. The nurses were mostly very helpful. My obstetrician, Dr Jaswant is a gem of a person. He dint charge us for consultation, and we only paid him for conducting the surgery. It has been such since the beginning of our Antenatal follow ups, an unspoken doctor-to-doctor code.

LilBums is 16 days old today. Im still getting used to being a mother, who is fully breast feeding her son, who cries for milk almost hourly >_< But seeing him smile occasionally, and having his lil head rest on my chest while he sleeps gives me a great sense of responsibility and splutter of joy. Of how Bums and I have brought in a wonderful being, who'll grow up being very pampered by his grandparents, yet charms us all with his cheeky smile.

Thank you for all that made is a miraculous for us. To some of the few who have visited us with warm wishes, gifts and yummy food. To many who called and texted. To several who's helped me out thru out confinement. My parents have been very supportive and helpful taking care of both of us, my Periamma who's done too much for us making sure we recover well and fit, and of coz my Husband whom I can strongly vouch, has been more helpful than most of other husbands Ive known.

Shall post photos soon!

This itself was written over a span of 2 days, in between ( . ) ( . ) service!

Ring Sling!

I think LilBums is too comfortable in there!! He's not showing any signs of exiting my womb anytime soon. And surprisingly, as we edge closer to our due date, I feel less pregnant. Perhaps coz, his very much engaged into my pelvic now and hence not giving me very much fundal pressure. I can breathe easier, and I dont feel so heavy and stuffed after meals. SPD has been ok too. All's good, all's going great!

Bums wrote impressively about our stroller shopping experience. Seriously, dont get fooled by the many expos and fairs around. The prices there arent really that cheap, as perceived by many. It's very important to do ample research on the type and design, and once you've finalized the kind you're keen on look around for a good deal. Bums mainly covered all the points, but I'd like to add a few. Apart from what he's mentioned, we also wanted a stroller that could be turned to face rear and forward. And the seat should be able to be reclineable. Have to admit, although we got a good deal, we kinda splurged on the stroller. There were probably other kinds that would fit the description as well, but honestly we kinda fell in love with the Quinny Zapp :) A striking red, 3 wheeler with it's super cool red Maxi-Cosi Cabrio car seat, was just simply too cool! Though, it does have a few disadvantages. For one, the handles are not telescopic, taller people may find it a bit uncomfortable if they may need to bend forward to reach the handles. Bums tried it, and he's pretty fine with it, and he's coconut tree height. Another setback is its storage space, or perhaps the very lack of it. Bums said we'll just carry along a backpack of everything we need, and plus I honestly dont like the idea of hanging everything onto the stroller. So, yea.. there you go!

From all that we've bought, Im most excited over our JumpSac Ring Sling PopArt! Ive been following their FB page from way before, been wanting one ever since. It's super cool, so convenient and so cantik! We got it for a steal deal at Fabulous Mom. Been learning to thread it and how to sling it, and its many ways of carrying!! It's quite cool in a way as it increases skin to skin contact between us, keeping us close at all times. We got a nice pink one, it's so vibrant and cantik!

So pretty, kan!

LilBums, there's so many cantik things waiting for your arrival. Come out quick!!!

Happy Mid-week ya'll...! Much love!

Price Matters!

One thing I have gotten to know while baby shopping is the abundance of things and items that are there in the market for all to purchase. Luckily me and my wife are rather level (and money minded) headed. You know its so easy to just get the most priciest thing in the market and comfort yourself that even though the price is steep you are getting the best for your child. Ting Tong! It is not always the case...

We have gone to a few fairs and compared prices. Dont ever think that all prices in the fair are discounted or the same price when you visit the store. Some of the items are priced more higher than if you got the item from the store. So beware.. just do your homework... dont get things from the fair just because you think the price is good. Do your research and find the best price that you can get.. after all uncle Google is just within a laptop away..

Our first purchase was a stroller that comes with a car seat. We have been looking online for quite some time, went to some fairs, shops and compared prices. We wanted a stroller based on a few factors:

a) The stroller has to be compact and easy to prop up. It is best to get a stroller that doesnt take too much storage space. From what i encountered, you have lots of things to put into the car trunk especially when you go travelling as a family. And a stroller has to be easy to put it up especially when you have 2 babies (Anan and lilbums!)

b) Price of course. We surveyed around and determined the price that we can afford. Of course, the stroller would be used for the future. So we dont mind getting a better quality one.

c) Have to be easy to clean. You dont want to get a stroller only to find out that stains are hard to clean. So get a stroller which is easy to clean with and doesnt leave any odor.

d) Must be in a dashing color. Having a nice color helps as this will make pushing a stroller a better experience especially for dads. It would not be cool if daddy pushes a pink stroller.

e) Looks slick and simple and easy to turn. Some stroller i realise are difficult to do a 360 turn. We want a stroller that we can turn with ease especially when controlling 2 babies out in the loose (Anan and lilbums!).

f) Stroller has to be car seats compatible. If your baby is out with you, life would be much easier if you can take the car seat and just plonk it into the stroller. It saves time (you can spend more time at the bar.... !) and effort especially when lilbums is out with either one of us.

We shortlisted a few based on these criterias and narrowed down to Quinny, Halford and Mclaren. We did research for each one of them and decided to get the Quinny as it fits our need. When we tried looking around for it, we discovered it is priced more than rm2100! and thats only the stroller without the car seat... . The price is just too high for our budget.. Just when we consoled ourself that good stuffs doesnt come cheap.. my wife discovered something over in mudah.my:... Tadaaaaaaa.... Introducing the Quinny Zapp Xtra 2.0 with Maxi Cosi Cabriofix set.....!

The price was about 30% cheaper than the ones we saw in fairs or shops. Initially we were quite skeptical because even when we were looking around for breast pump, we saw some advertisements that were too good to be true. But based on the seller's description, and also the company is registered with SSM and she has been in this business for some time, we decided to give it a shot.

We got touch with the seller and she appears genuine. Nothing like.. Oh!... the goods is in Timbuktu land. Please pay rm1000 and i will courier the goods to you... Nothing of that sort ok.. If you encounter that, then suggestion is to drop that seller like a hot potato! We made an appointment to meet on a weekend... Waited at the discussed spot.. She came as promised.. Took the box out, cut open the box seal in front of me... Everything inside it was wrapped with plastic and sealed just like how you will buy it from a store. Comes with the manual and guarantee card. Satisfied with it.. and paid the money. So thats how online sales are made. The important thing is to ensure the goods are received as to how you expect it to be. If you are not satisfied, then dont pass the cash.

So we were happy as we got a good price for our stroller and car seats. So the bottom line is shop smartly. If not, you will realize that you have over paid or unhappy over certain items that you bought.

Ok. thats all people! So this is our stroller story...

Raging hormones. Literally!

I seriously dont know where 9 months went! And can hardly comprehend, that in another 2 weeks we'll be 40 weeks pregnant! Like whooaaaa..... so, yea we are 38 weeks preggers today. No signs of labour yet. Thought I had contractions, but tak de pulak.

Chapati man said not anytime soon. Head still 3/5 palpable. Semangat to go walking and what nots, but it has been raining for the whole day today! Need to exercise more to induce contractions. I dont wanna be post date. Will try all means.

I think the whole anxiety and all has gotten my nerves tied in bundles. Im always pissy and easily irritated. Small things irk me easily, and Im just so edgy! Bums say Im thinking too much of so many things, mentally scheming things. Yea, I just want things to go smooth. Dheepa says I have to learn to just chill and take it easy and trust others with some of the chores as Im in no position to run around now. Sigh... shall try. Im just very nervous and anxious, Im scared and terrified, Im excited and happy. Haiyo.. seriously, I think Im going gila!

Having very supportive family and friends play an extremely significant role. Really, it does. An understanding husband, who tolerates me (to a certain extent!) helps. One who, although not from the medical line but tries to understand what Im going thru by Googling my symptoms. One who helps me out with perineal massages to I wont have a hard time delivering LilBums' head thru that teeny weeny opening later. Parents who try to make me feel comfortable and do everything for me. Some cousins who support me along the way, and make me feel better. A best friend who somehow reminds me things will be ok (ya la Dheepa, this is you!). Im so ever grateful.

Ok, enough of being emo. See, em hormones kicking in again.

I wanted to blog about our stroller shopping tips, and about Fabulous Mom. But tak jadi la, so late edi. Perhaps tmrw.

Nitey nite!

Pretty soon!

And we are full-term! We are 37weeks and 2days today! That's a mega milestone, a true blessing. We've managed to successfully reach full term without any major complications. All three of us doing fine, LilBums stretching away happily in his confined space, I'm barely surviving but doing ok nevertheless and Bums is coping well too.

And now, the anytime anywhere anxious wait begins. It can happen tomorrow, next week or simply next month. Literally, anytime and anywhere.

I'm super freaked out. I'm so anxious and nervous. Thought about it last nite, and I'm in a mega twist of nerves. Having butterflies is an understatement! I'm so everything, that I'm mostly quiet at home. I'm so deep in thoughts, running thru so many things in my head that I hardly speak! And that silence of my own voice sometimes scare me even! I just want everything to go on well. Really.

We met Chapati Man on Sunday. LilBums is now estimated to be around 2.75kgs. AFI is ok. Placental ad umbilical perfusion is good. No issues la. Been having slight headache lately, told him about my BP, of which my DBP sometimes exceeds 90. Been monitoring, so far ok. Urine albumin negative. Perhaps I've just been a bit paranoid of things, as always.

I just need to be reassured again and again. I've done major things before, but nothing can ever prepare me for this. Childbirth. Bums has been trying his best to support me emotionally and mentally, holding me to sleep on nights when I'm too freaked out to even sleep. Last nite while he was applying hot compression on my back, I can't help feeling so lucky and blessed, as I'm sure not many husbands would go to great ends like him to make me feel comfortable. I hope LilBums grows up to be the man his father is.

I may not say it often, but thank you Bums! I Sayang you, a lot a lot!

Breast Pump gilaness...!

Wheeeee.. mission accomplished!!! Had a whirlwind of thoughts over the past few days, going thru strollers and breast pumps options. Reading online, looking at the many reviews, weighing out the pros and cons, fighting discussing with Bums, and simply going mad. But it's all worth it. We've finally narrowed down our options. All these, with the pregnancy fog.. seriously, I kept getting so distracted so easily and forgetting why I was on this and this page and what was I was looking for at again. Sheeesshh...

And today, we survived a day at the 6th Maternity and Baby Expo, at Mid Valley.

Seriously, it was like an episode in Survivor. For me at least. I had to overcome my backache and SPD and breathless, and march forward. Dodging equally hormone-pumped preggers around, squeezing thru strollers and prams. Had a mental list of what I needed to look for, and we were spot on! Feel so accomplished!

I would like to share my take on Breast Pumps. Been surveying on em for quite some time now. Been recommended a few, but we've finally settled for the Rumble Tuff Set.

Not to sound like a know it all or what, but I kinda relied on online reading. So I hope this benefits some, at least. This is merely my personal opinion la. Others may beg to differ, though.

For us, we needed these features in a breast pump:

• Double breast pump, instead of single. Saves time, and stimulates milk production. Single pumping pumps one breast at the time. But double pumps both breast at once, either alternately or simultaneously. 
• Able to control vacuum suction. Very important, coz what if that particular model was too painful with that particular setting. One vacuum setting may not be suitable for all mothers. Hence.
• Electrical motor. Definitely tak larat wanna manual pump (bless those who had the energy and patience to manual pump, like my mom some 30 over years ago!). Would be better if that particular model can be changed from auto to manual, and vice versa.
• Cost, of coz. Must be affordable la.
• Effectiveness in mimicking natural sucking of baby. No problem, as most pumps now come with the 2 phase suction. First 1-2 minutes of the Stimulation Phase, which provides rapid suctioning to stimulate mother's ejection reflex and thus to a 'let-down', or a rapid flow of milk. This is followed by the the Expression Phase, which are longer deep suctions, similar to a baby drawing mouthful of milks. And it'll be better if these phases can be adjusted according to our comfort. Coz different mothers achieve 'let-down' at different rates.
• Portability. Has to be easy to lug about here and there, and have a battery operated option as well. Just in case I decide to express my milk in the middle of the jungle or something :p
• Should have good after sales support, for parts and stuffs. So preferably store bought, not from some online agent.

All the other factors, like noise, cleaning options, free gifts, handsfree, parts and all.. no issue la. Can be managed.

Relying on these factors, I was almost gonna get the Medela Pump In Style Advance (backpack). Almost. So so very close. Loved the Freestyle as well, but it was too expensive. No need so canggih la, either me or Bums can hold em bottles :p Weighed upon the Medela Swing Maxi as well, looked awesome and all. Decided against the Philips Avent, coz many said it was too painful and it rosak quite fast. And I wasnt very appealed by the Ameda pumps. Many other brands out there, but dint want go with the small timers la. So, we decided on Medela, it being so reputable and all. Retailed by many agents, and found some online ones as well. Retailed at around RM1k-1.5k, depending on model and which package and stuff. 

Super canggih looking, rite.

Then found some online fellas, offering the Medela PISA for RM550-650. We got really excited, and thought we've got a steal deal. But when contacted, most hardly replied and when some did, they sounded really fishy. Then Bums came across this.

We experienced the same thing, when asked to view the set the fellow suddenly said the stock is in Kelantan, so can only be posted. He wanted us to pay RM500 first\, then balance when we receive the product. Although, we doubt we'll even receive it at all!

Pheewww, lucky thing we dint commit.

Then somewhere along reading online reviews and scrutinizing every nook and corner for a good deal, we came across Rumble Tuff. Rumble Tuff originates from Korea, and is half the price of Medela, around RM500-600, depending on what kinda package you opt for. It has all the features we need in a breast pump, and according to most reviews I've read some even deem it superior to Medela. One of the minor cons of Medela, is that some say the tubing connecting the motor and the pumps tend to be vaporized sometimes, and some mothers have to keep checking paranoidly to see if there's backflow of milk. The Rumble Tuff apparently solves this problem with a anti-back flow valve. Also, the Rumble Tuff can be switched from Manual to Auto, who knows in the middle of the above said jungle my battery dies out :p so all I have to do is attach the manual lever, and get Bums to start pumping :p But apparently the Rumble Tuff is slightly more noisy than the Medela, and the tubings are a bit shorter so it kinda restricts movement a bit. But otherwise, I personally feel it weighs our the Medela in other factors. For having almost the same features (if not more!) it's so much more affordable.

Ta-da... Rumble Tuff!

So, we finalized on the Rumble Tuff Serene Express instead. Gonna beli next week.

I like the cute elephant logo, also :)

Not doing any promo or what, but those who are equally interested can visit Fabulous Mom. They were at the fair today, and the sales and discounts are similar if purchased at their store as well. So we decided to go pay them a visit next week, instead of squeezing around with other preggies today. Plus, if we buy things at their store, we're eligible for various PWP, and I can hence get more things for a cheaper price *claps* At FM, one can also opt to test run any of the available breast pumps, to make it easier to choose. Coz what is best for me, may not be good for you, kan?

I really hope to be able to Breast feed LilBums, exclusively at least til 6 months. Semangat now itself, hopefully will have a good supply and not much issues. Hope most mothers-to-be feel the same! 

Once purchase, I shall share my shopping experience at FM. Kinda looking forward to it, coz there's so many things at the store I wanna borong!! Cant wait.

Ok, tired of typing.

Staying over at Shah Alam tonite, coz Bums has class and he'll be going out Karaoking later with his friends. So I dont wanna be home alone. What if I go into labour. What IF la.. tteehehehehehe....

Hope this helps. Perhaps after actually using a breast pump, I'll review on it as well. 

Next, if rajin, I'll share my stroller shopping adventure. New stroller to be collected tomorrow *claps*

Happy Friday, all!

Super cool app!

Past few days, been resting at home. Literally. Felt good, felt relaxed. And today, when Im back to work, LilBums has been up to his normal yoga routine. Stretching and kicking away, so much so I had to stand up and walk around when consulting patients just so they dont see me cringing in pain. Forget Kegels for pelvic floor muscles, I think LilBums is shaping up my diaphragm to become muscle man. Pheewww....

Feeling ok today. A bit tired from work, but tolerable.

Waiting for Bum Bum to come home, he's stuck in traffic :(

Oh, if you're an Instagrammer like me then you'd be happy to know about this cool app called InstaB Pro which is currently FREE on iTunes! So go go grab it fast, it's a super cool way to snap photos of your lil ones later. It's FREE for a limited time, soon it'll be $1.99 I think. Download it here! I dont know how to tampal the iTunes store badge :)

See.. pretty cool, kan!!!

Yay!!! BumBum just came home..and Moo Moo's gone all crazy, jumping over him! I dunno who is more happier that he's back.

Mummy boiled wax pumpkin soup again today. Hopefully it'll reduce my lower limb swellings.

Happy mid-week, ya'll!!!

36!

Been super busy last week. Ultimate locum marathon! T'was the last straw, before all engines take a hiatus and start preparing for the upcoming excitement!

Yes, we are now 36 weeks! *gasps*

Im feelin em Braxton Hicks, and they're getting stronger. Still irregular, so Im pretty sure it's still ok. There were many a times last week, I had contractions while consulting a patient and it was an ultimate challenge to keep a straight face without having to look like a constipated nut! So far, they've been aborted spontaneously aborted. Ive got Ventolin tabs around just in case, but havent needed to use them just yet.

New symptoms: more like new super powers! I can sleep in the same position for hours! I realised, Im able to lie down on my side (either left or rite, most of the time left) for over 4 hours! But when I eventually do wake up and need to turn, it hurts like hell and is super susah! Sometimes I wish a crane will left me up, and place me down comfortably.

Also I noticed Im salivating a lot. I wonder if that's normal?

Slowing down things a bit this week. Getting ready. Sorting things out. Lots to do. Mentally, physically and emotionally. We're now staying in Shah Alam, most likely till delivery.

LilBums is kicking away happily now as I type. And in  a matter of weeks, we'll be able to cuddle him in our arms.

Much love!

35!

Selamat Pagi!!!!

I caught my reflection waddling to my penguin gait this morning, and people having breakfast in the nasi kandar shop there must have been thinking... 'What a crazy pregnant penguin!' Coz I dint realize I was giggling to myself! So funny!!!

We are now 35days and 2days! In less than 2 weeks, I can have my water bag pecah while walking, or develop contractions while watching tv, or have a show of blood just before I pee. In less than 14 (HOMAIGOD!!!!) I can go into labour.. In the middle of the night, or while driving, or while waiting for the lift, or while in the movies. Y'know.. Like anytime, anywhere! Or if LilBums is too comfortable in there he might just wait til 40weeks and decide he's had enough of womb service and pop out only around mid/early December!

Our visit to Chapati Man last weekend finally bore great news. LilBums' weight and size has finally normalized, and now corresponds his gestational age. Weighing in at 2.6kg, he was super active but we still managed to catch glimpses of him waving his arms around and opening and closing his mouth like a gold fish! Overall, both Mummy and LilBums are doing well!

As for me, the increasing gravidity is making it much harder for me to go on daily! I get breathless just by showering and getting ready for work. I hate bedtimes coz it's so hard to get in bed and turn around during sleeping. I've become accustomed to having puffy ankles, and they only start hurting towards the end of the day so it aint so bad! All I think about is the gifted child I'm carrying, and anticipate his arrival and that keeps me going. You'd better be super cute, LilBums! 😜

I'm now eating small regular bites, almost hourly. Nibbling like a lil mice. And that keeps the bloatedness and nausea at bay. Coz LilBums goes into this yoga craze sometimes and stretches so much his bums literally pushes the fundus to great heights! That squeezes every available space around that area, and most food stored in my stomach will most likely be projected outward! Hence..

I'm glad Bums tries to help me out at home. Last nite he made most of our dinner, and cleaned up the kitchen even! And this morning, he made me sandwiches so I can nibble on small portions all day long. Thank you BumBum!!

Told Chapati Man about the increasing SPD pain. Past two nites, it was so painful I was crying myself to sleep 😞 Chapati Man said he'll check for CPD, and ensure I can birth via SVD. *fingers crossed*

LilBums just woke up, and is happily tickling away at my bladder and lower abdomen! 💖👪

Have a good week, ya'l!! Much love!!

Food and Rest

This week is dedicated for food and plenty of sleep. Took a week off to catch up on my sleep and also to makan makan since its the deepavali season. For my thalai deepavali, I had a good time in Shah Alam. I was taken care of well with lots of thosai, chicken curry and biscuits. Am continuing my holiday break in JB now with plenty of sleep.

Once I am back to KL, things will start being busy. We havent set up the 2nd room to welcome our new born. Need to sell off the bed so that to give more space. Who wants a queen mattress together with the bed and is hardly used for a stellar price of rm850, contact me!! Doing a bit of promo here :)

Baby is becoming bigger and bigger. I think towards the end of the trimester, the growth is quite rapid so much so you can feel the baby's head and buttocks just by pressing on to the stomach. I think looking at how Anan movement is so restricted, we might be moving to her parents house in Shah Alam so that she can use the bedroom in the ground floor. Her walk i guess is more difficult now since the baby is becoming quite a size, as it is Chappati man says the baby is rather big.

Next month, I would be becoming a dad. Cant believe.. This year my status changes so fast.. Last year, I am still a bachelor, early of this year I am married and next month I am a dad. Weeee... Familia.... So me and the baby will have a full day work annoying Anan :) I have a feeling that the baby would be in my camp most of the time.

Have a good day, y'all.. Till I blog again.

Panic Attacks!

Back to work, after such a long break! Double whammy, coz Bums is visiting his mum back in JB and will only be back tomorrow :( I miss him :( 

I keep looking at my BabyBump app and keep getting a nervous breakdown. It's just a matter of days now, and I really can't help freaking out. Had baby nightmares again last nite :( I know I've gotta stay positive and be prepared for it all, but sometimes I can't help being so paranoid of what could go wrong, especially after having witnessed so many births. Haihs.. Should have been a farmer instead!

Anyways, LilBums has descended lower now, almost completely engaged. I think there's hardly room for his random acrobatics in there now so I only feel him tickling or punching me at my suprapubic area (this becomes really challenging especially when I need to pee!!!) or feel his bum bum pushing upwards towards my rib cage, or feel his tiny feet kicking lightly at the sides. His movements are less vigorous, due to his expanding size and limited space but I still get a ganas kick once in a while!

Today I tried eating smaller amounts, but frequently. As its harder for me to walk arnd with a filled stomach now that I'm so much more gravid than before. The bloated sensation and refluxes are now super exaggerated, and I have to sit upright in order to feel comfortable from the pressure exerted by the uterus. Overcoming it gradually, and trying to be comfortable.

Mum has been cooking wax pumpkin lately, as we've been told it helps with the leg swelling. And surprisingly it really does reduce my swelling! I expected the wax pumpkin to taste like regular pumpkins which I like, but it doesn't.. I don't really like it. But have to telan nevertheless!

Ok, I'm gonna google relaxation techniques and calm my nerves. And not think about birthing and everything associated to it.

Have a good week ya'l!

Happy Deepavali!

Been a super busy week!!! Festivities and all. And guess what, we be 34 weeks tmrw *lub*dub*lub*dub* Super freakin out now, as in another 21 days we'll be full term and can pop, any given day! I wonder, and wonder when will you choose to come out LilBums. Will you decide to peep thru by 37th-38th week, or will you wait the whole 40 weeks and pop only by mid December at the given date. I know Im gonna be super anxious the moment we hit 37th. Coz by then, it could really be anytime, anyday. Whoooaaa... this just got so real.

We managed to find the support belt, and that has really been an ultimate blessing. It has gotten rid of 80% of the pain, making this so much more easier. Especially on days when we had so much to do, and I had to be on my feet the whole time. If it wasnt for the belt, my SPD would have defnitely caused premature contractions! As it is, the Braxton Hicks are getting a bit stronger. But it is still tolerable. I strongly suggest most mummies get the belt if at all they experience the similar pain. Bums literally went hunting for it, online and around MV, and we finally found my size in Mothercare, MV and got it for RM79.90. So far, Mothercare has been really helpful and most outlets are pretty well stocked up. It has gotta be tight so you really have to test it out and make sure it's more than just a snug fit.














I find this version more comfortable, as it doesnt hug the entire belly. Also, it's adjustable and more convenient to use.












This is the other type. I personally feel, this hugs quite snugly around the belly and make limit movement a tad bit. Also, it's not adjustable and I do wonder if the garters will get loose.



Both legs have been hurting so bad over the past few days, from all the swelling. It swelled up really bad, especially last nite going all the way up towards almost the knees. So today's rule is to hydrate-hydrate-and more hydration. Nothing but just good ol plain water. Constant elevation, especially when sleeping. And when sleeping, try lying down on the left side to encourage venous return. That helps a lot too. Another comforting measure is when Bums massages both feet just before bed time, that really does wonders!


This year, we celebrated Deepavali for the first time as a married couple. T'was simple, yet memorable! Being around loved ones, awesome food and all. Played fireworks and nite, and I kept checking to see if LilBums was ok after each deafening one of those bombs! T'was just lovely. And the lil tiny thought in the very lil corner of our minds, over how this time around next year we'll have LilBums crawling around making it a much more merrier celebration! *grins* Life's pretty amazing!

Yummy breakfast of chicky curry and thosai!

Mummy & Daddy gave us Deepavali pressies!

Now married edi, must give Thambi angpau!

And another Thambi!

In the evening, we visited Chuppu Patti who's admitted for Pneumonia. We brought Deepavali to her, with idli, thosai, chicky curry, payasam and cookies! 

Mummy and I!

We brought Patti walking, and brought the entire party to the Floor's waiting lounge!

Mummy & Daddy!

Tired looking me, and kenyang looking Bums and happily kicking away LilBums! :)

Tiga puluh tiga!!!!!!

Homai.. Super busy today! It's Monday, and everyone wants to call in sick! Some are really sick, but most are just pretending to be sick and bugging me for MCs!! Heck, if I am working, all you lazy bums must work too!

And.. Drumroll please! We are now 33 weeks! Excuse me while I go hyperventilate in a corner for while...!!! And we're left with 49 days to go (to 40 weeks that is) but we are fit to go into labour anytime in another 4 weeks! That's in just another 28 days!!!! See, my heart rate is racing even as I type, and LilBums is thubthumping away..!! Homai.. Homai...!

We were at Chapati Man's last week. My weight is up, that's a good thing. Put on 2kgs in the past 2 weeks. Good weight gain, finally. Noticed I've gotten a bit gundu too, Bums say I don't have a neck anymore! And LilBums is doing ok too. Discrepancy is less this time, compared to the previous Scan.

I was just telling Dheepa the other day, at this stage pregnancy is no joke! It's such a reality check! Legs swelling up, becoming so super gravid, dad nearing close, SPD getting worse and the dos!

Speaking of SPD, we've been hunting for the support belt high and low an suddenly they are all extinct! Bums has been searching thru the net and checked out several outlets, but to no avail! Looks like we've either gotta settle for the size L one we saw at Subang Parade, or get the uncomfortable band type. Will post up pictures soon. Apparently it really helps relieve the pressure over the pubis symphysis. And I really need that now. Tha pain is sometimes utterly unbearable.

On the other hand, I think I've been sleeping better past few nites. That really is a blessing, as it makes such a vast difference to my day ahead. I think it's mainly coz Bums has been giving my foot rubs to reduce the leg swelling, and that really helps me sleep better. The swelling has reduce significantly, and doesn't trouble me as much as the SPD pain now!

Happy Monday, all and have a productive week ahead!

Bummer.

Woke up this morning to horrible nightmares. One of them was of me giving birth, and when they placed the baby in my hands, he dint have a left arm and a right earlobe :( Was so disturbing.

Got dressed, and dragged myself to work. Legs were already swollen in the morning, it'll prolly gonna be so painful and oedematoused by the end of the day. Sigh. Realized, that driving makes it more teruk.

But, the pelvic pain wasn't too bad today. Hopefully it stays that way.

Feeling utterly down and upset today. One of those day, I guess. Just gotta put up a strong fort and fend forward.

Kerandomness!

After a consultation earlier this morning, a patient commented on how pretty my Mehndi was. Explained it was for the 'Vallai Kappu' over the past weekend. And how we celebrate pregnancy and pray for a safe delivery at the 7th month of pregnancy. To which she replied, in utter shock, 'Huh.. You're expecting?!? 7 months?!? Hardly look anything like it!'

Compliment? Well she was pleasant, and wished me a safe and joyous labour process. So guess she was genuinely awed!

Have to see the dentist soon, my gums are really becoming so teruk! We are finally going this Friday after many times canceling!

LilBums is super hyper this morning, happily acrobating in his lil nestle! I can feel his bums pushing on my hands as I rest my hands on my uterus fundus and type this! Both my legs are still slightly swollen, shall raise them up thru out the day. Was supposed to have slept on my left last nite, but forgot. May the swelling subside gradually!

Can't wait to see how it goes with ChapatiMan later!

Woraits! Happy Thursday, ya'l!!!

Oedema is back!

Just when I was getting excited that the swelling subsided, it came back again today :( Towards the end of the day today, I felt my legs were really heavy and the ache was getting more unbearable. Pitting up to the ankles :( But it's so fun to keep pitting the oedema and watching is rise again! We made dinner, and chilling now with my feet resting on a cushion, and it hurts :(

Speaking of dinner, it was simply yum tonite! Bums pan seared salmon fillets to perfection and I made yummy mashed potato with sauteed onions, garlic and olives. Aaahh, so sedap!

We've been doing antenatal exercises diligently these past 2 days. Really need to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles and my back. I managed to duck squat all the way to end today, without stopping. Trust me, that's a mega achievement! The whole Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is causing more pain than before. And hence, being my wake up call. To get those muscles kuat kuat for birthing!

Bums is much better now. Finally back to work, after 2 days of MC. High grade fever, which was hardly responding to anything I gave. And then suddenly, his fever just subsided. Just like that. Weird person, with weird penyakit!

Oooh, last nite we went over to MBO to watch Insidious 2!! T'was so super scary. One moment, I felt LilBums literally jump out!! Watched the rest of the movies between Bums shoulder and partly covered eyes! Phheeww... no more horror movies!

Have to sleep with the legs raised again, and get back to bananas (eewww :( I hate bananas), and lotsa fluid and sorts. Have to get rid of the swelling. Deepavali's next week, and Im sure Im gonna be on my feet much :(

Off to see ChapatiMan tmrw. Hopefully LilBums behave, and doesnt appear so gundu anymore!

Vallai Kappu!

Whhooaaa boy, (literally!) time's really zooming past! Tomorrow we will be 32 weeks, yo! Im just very anxious and nervous at the moment. Honestly, Im more scared than before. But sometimes, I try not to show that Im very really just scared. Homai....

So, the weekend was pretty busy! Mummy & Daddy organized my Hindu ceremony of a baby shower, the Vallai Kappu, literally translated to The Bangles Ceremony! Was quite fun actually, it was like my nallugu all over again (albeit, a bit too soon!). Wore my wedding saree again, this time with LilBums popping out thru the front making it pretty complicated drape. Made a mistake by agreeing to sit on the floor, coz half way thru I couldnt feel my legs and when I stood up, it felt as though I was gonna have a syncopal attack. It's basically a ceremony where married ladies bless you and pray for a smooth delivery, though I dont know how this works out with the bangles though. Each of these ladies, will sprinkle rose water and rub on some sandalwood on me, and then don me with some bangles. By stringent tradition, apparently I'd have to wear the bangles till I give birth (yikes..!) But with work and all, it kinda doesnt apply nowadays I guess. Overall, it was a nice pleasant ceremony!

The set up for the day

Tried sitting down, was ok till mid way of the function.

Bangling time!

I love this photo! 

Apparently to ease birthing. They pour milk down my spine. Not sure how this works out though!

Patti's turn!

Bum Bum mengambil kesempatan!

My Periamma, my Godma! Who's always been there for us!

Le familia!

Teeheheehehe...Kabi!

Daddy and I. With LilBums peeping out thru the saree :D

Bums woke up that morning with a sorethroat, and halfway thru the function he was burning up. Poor thing. Gave him a jab today, fever is now low grade and hopefully he feels better by tmrw. He be sleeping in the second room tonite, coz we cant risk me falling sick too. Especially, not now.

New symptom: Bilateral lower limb swelling. Yea, it's finally here. Hurts like hell. Pitting oedema all the way up to the shin. The pitting part is pretty cool, I keep pitting it and looking at it. A bit jakun, I know. Can hardly stand for long, it really really feels super heavy and hurts so damn much. Gonna try to reduce it a bit. Really hope it subsides a lil bit, coz this week's gonna be a full swing locum week.

Have an amazing week, all!

31!

Wwhhhheeeee... We are now in our 31st week!! In just another 6 weeks, we'll be considered full term and it'll be perfect for LilBums to finally pop out. Homai... So nervous!

I think with LilBums growing bigger, he's getting a bit restricted in doing his routine daily acrobatic acts in there. His kicks are less pronounced, but I can feel his bum bum push up against my rib cage, and that kinda suffocates me sometimes. Otherwise we are both doing fine!

I think I've put on a bit of weight, noticed my face is a bit mee gundu with the double chin playing hide and seek sometimes. Also from the luscious glow of early pregnancy, now my skin is very much hyperpigmented with areas of dark spots and dry skin. Sometimes on my face, sometimes on my arms and mostly over the gravid uterus. All the roller-coasting hormones are taking on different roles I assume. I miss te natural glow though, now I look haggard and old :(

Bum bum will be back tmrw!!! It feels so odd not having him around, I couldn't sleep at all past few nites, the bed felt so spacious without his gundu self around. Although he annoys me much, I miss him dearly. And I think LilBums does too :(

Just had my once-in-a-while coffee fix, and it feels so damn good! LilBums is also a bit hyper now!

Gonna be a busy week, lots to do. Small lil function over the weekend, sounds like fun seeing how mum has this and that all planned out!

Have a good week, all! Much love!

Gundu LilBums

Halo..!!!!

I'm at locum, trying not to fall asleep. It being a Friday, and the weather being so rainy and sleep inducing is making it a whole level harder to stay awake!

So, ze MGTT is normal. Though slightly within upper limits of the normal range. Very borderline. And last nite during our routine visit to chapati man, LilBums is still slightly gundu, about 300g excess! Seriously la, I don't look like I'm carrying a 30weeker.. And chapati man keeps telling me LilBums is gundu! How la? I no understand! So he said have to repeat MGTT in 2 weeks! Bummer..! Thru chapati man's super canggih 3D scan machine, we always catch a beautiful image of LilBums at every visit! Last nite, we saw how he was opening his mouth like a lil fishy! And how cute his curled fingers were! Also we noted how chubby his cheeks were, and I immediately thought of how that gundu head is gonna crown out thru my you-know-what! Chapati man also showed us LilBums' cuckoobird and his bilateral descended testis! So big, I terkejut! Seriously gundu boy la..! He's otherwise doing well, good heart rate and all.

So yea, have to repeat MGTT sometime next week! Blleerrgghhh...

Bums has been helping me do duck squats and other antenatal exercises at home! Duck squats look easy, but with a gravid self, it brings it to an almost gila state of difficulty level! New found respect for ducks, especially pregnant duckies! :)

Cooked sambar, and chicken varuval and some cabbage thingy for dinner the other day. And Bums ate like a monster! Typical Indian man who loves his rice and curry! Truly became a believer of 'a way thru a man's heart is thru his stomach'! :)

Sorethroat and flu is back, though not as bad as before. Hopefully it stays mellow! I really don't wanna fall sick!

New symptom: very gnawing lower abdominal pain as LilBums' head crushes thru my pelvic floor! Sometimes it's so painful, feels like I'm in labour. Though I really don't know how how being in labour feels like. Yet!

Bums will be in JB over the weekend, and so I'll be staying with Mummy n Daddy. Think since we've got married, this be the first time we are gonna be away from each other :(

The Result!

Good afternoon all! It was such a heavy downpour the past hour! Hope mommy and lilbums got some sleep at home. Today I took the results of MGTT from PathLab. What is MGTT? It stands for Modified Glucose Tolerance Test. Some pregnancy cases, the mother will be at risk in being a diabetic. So this is not a good thing since this will impact the baby as well. We decided to do this since the baby seems to be heavier than what is suppose to be currently.

The MGTT result is normal. So mommy has no diabetes. So my conclusion with the baby being big and all, I think it is because the parents are big! Haha..

After work, we are going to the gynae for the routine checkup. I always get excited when seeing lilbums in the stomach. For the past few times, he seems to be really active. And also his face, feet and hand is becoming more well defined. The house is slowly getting ready to welcome him. Planning to turn the second room into a nursery. Need to clear some big items in the room. Give it a more baby friendly appearance. Would be cool if we buy those glow in the dark star stickers and stick on the wall. So lil bums can sleep well and tight.

This year is coming to an end soon. This i think is one of the best years for me. I married the love of my life, and its close to 7 months of married life. And plus with the baby coming soon in december, I have a family to love and care for. Nothing gets better than this. Although I think it comes with huge responsibility, I hope I am able to keep the family happy and safe :). Mommy is becoming more pregnant day by day. We are doing duck squats as often as possible as apparently this will come in handy during delivery as it strengthens the pelvic muscle. There are scores and scores of youtube videos out there. Initialy i thought we missed out going to prenatal classes but I guess with the abundance of pregnancy videos out there, we might as well do it at home with comfort.

Ok ciao people. Have a wonderful day. Just a day more for the weekend!

Eventfulness!

Whooaaaa... we are now finally in our last 10weeks!! Hit the big three-oh today!! So fast, really. Felt it was just a copla weeks ago we were staring at the UPT stick in shock, wondering how (we knew how!) but more of... WTH how? WHoaaaa! And other mixed emotions...

Anyhow, it has been a good 30 weeks. Im thankful it has been pretty uneventful, no massive red flag issues. Normal backache, hypereming, leg cramps. I find it harder to sleep at nite, just to get into the right position. The other nite, I was awake from 5am and was talking to Bums, who was asleep but still replied me. Told him that I wanted to go eat Dim Sum, and he remembered :) Woke up early, and we did go have Dim Sum for breakfast! Bestest Husband! Sometimes, I end up playing Candy Crush til I fall asleep again. At times I start thinking of labour, and get all worked up and that makes the insomnia worse!

This weekend has been pretty hectic. Had to attend to a family emergency. Grandma sorta had a TIA. Over these past few days, Ive learnt a lot about my family (nothing new, though!). It's good to know we still have some we can depend on during emergencies, but at the same time it's disheartening to know of some who appear more like a visitor rather than a family member. Many know-it-alls made things more complicated during the admission process, I understand many were concerned but it's best to take a back seat when you're merely assuming not giving out proper correct details. I try my best to offer the best for my Grandma, alter her medications as per when needed as she complains of the many side effects. But it becomes so troublesome when others kacau things again, and it all becomes a rojak yet again. For example, she was on a anti-hypertensive which was long put on hold. Dunno who told her to go back on it. This made her HR lowish, and during admission it was with held. Someone also removed her statin, I just found out. How can a 2VD patient, post angioplasty not be on a statin? We have two qualified doctors in the family who try to help, but at the same time, there are also many other self educated 'doctors' who create a mess. Things will never change, I guess. But Grandma is doing ok for now. Will prolly be discharged tomorrow.

Bums was also sick thru out the weekend. Good thing he's not a horrible patient, like I am, and took to his medication and other measures willingly, without much fuss! Hence a speedy recovery, and he's a-ok now!

Finally did the MGTT at PathLab last Friday. Think I'll prolly drop by tmrw to collect the results. Blood taking x3, and that yucky 75% dextrose. Somehow survived, and dint throw up. The Indian uncle Phlebologist was quite cekap, so that made things better! Hopefully, the result is normal *fingers crossed*

We bought our first piece for LilBums, despite all the pantang! It was too hard to resist! We got him a blue hippo bathrobe, and it's super cute!!! Though we prolly have to wait till he's about 1 yr old to fit into it..but still! :D

Oraits, have a good week ya'll!