Me in 37 Weeks of Pregnancy

Mama patiently waiting for you to come out baby.. :-)

Mom's Care Baby Carnival Sale on 28th Oct - 7th Nov 2011

We went to the carnival this morning. There were not so many items there. Maybe bcoz I've almost everything already, so nothing interesting that makes me wanna buy. But, if you're looking for a stroller, car seat, baby carrier, baby cot and mattress, this is the place you should go. The price is quite reasonable. 

I just grab myself First Year bottles dry spinning rack for only RM50 (original price RM69), Arsyad's toys and pants. Go and have a look!!

2nd Maternity & Children Expo on 18th - 20th Nov 2011

Don't miss out this largest expo of the year mommies~ :-)

Perineal Massage to Help Avoid An Episiotomy

I'm already in my 37th weeks of pregnancy. I might give birth anytime soon. Hopefully I will give birth on my hubby's off day and my sisters will be around to look after Arsyad during my delivery. I don't know what to expect this time around, just pray for the best. 

Btw, I did read about this perineal massage somewhere to avoid an episiotomy during delivery. Means no tear and no stitches. We have to do it on 34th weeks of pregnancy and above about 1 or 2 times a week. I don't know whether it works or not but research shows that it does work, with a condition we listen carefully to the midwife and doctor on when to push and when stop pushing.

Maybe you can give it a try and see whether it works on you or not. Here is the guide on how to do it. Good luck~

Breastfeeding Tips for Young Parents

After the euphoria of the birth and discharge from the hospital, coming home is not always easy. You feel overloaded and you find breastfeeding complicated and tiring. You have the impression of not being able to go out and being "locked" at home. Or maybe you also think you have too little milk and are uncertain if the baby is drinking the right amount of milk. But let's take a calm look at things. Relax during breastfeeding. Remain calm. Imagine how lucky you are to be able to breastfeed - even if it scares you a bit and how you wonder you will manage everything!!

If your baby is crying, his probably hungry. Therefore, you only have a choice, breastfeed him/her. But, you will also have to learn to tell the difference. After several weeks, the baby crying doesn't mean exclusively that he is hungry. It can also be that his diapers are wet, he is tired, or simply that he wants to be cuddled. You will learn when to do what by paying good attention.

Arsyad - 1 day old

Generally, a newborn needs to be breastfed every 2 - 4 hours. As time goes by the time between feeds will increase (since the milk the baby drinks changes and the baby also drinks more at each feed). Most babies develop an individual regular drinking pattern. Maybe your baby drinks more often or less often, or maybe more in the morning and less in the evenings. It will, like all people, have its own rhythm.

Also your body will adapt to the rhythm of your baby. Maybe you will experience how your breasts swell and the milk is coming when your baby is crying (and even a few minutes before the baby gets hungry). Sometimes you will be waiting impatiently for him to wake up, after his feeding time has passed for a bit, as your breasts are already ready for feeding. The most important thing if you are breastfeeding is that you are relaxed. 

Breastfeeding is a magical experience, but it takes a bit of getting used to. You are a bit afraid and wondering how it works? Don't worry breastfeeding is something that can be learned.

Breastfeeding offers a lot of benefits:


- Human breast milk is the healthiest form of milk for human babies and has all everything that is important for the development of the body and brain of the baby.

- At any stage, even if your baby is premature, the nutrients in your breast milk re adapted to the need of the baby.

- Your milk contains antibodies that support the health of your baby and help to prevent diseases and allergies.

- The colostrum (the milk that is produced in the first days after the baby is born) helps the baby to eject the meconium.

- Breast milk is sterile, has always the right temperature, is always available and doesn't cost anything.

- Through breastfeeding the mother and baby experience deep bonding.

- In the first weeks after the delivery, breastfeeding helps the uterus to get back to its usual size. It can be accompanied by contractions and pain, but it helps the mother to recover faster from the delivery.

Arsyad - few days old

How to breastfeed?

It is thought that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, but sometimes it is not that easy. There is a rule of hygiene, before each breastfeeding you must wash your hands. Hold your baby in a position that won't leave your arms and back sore. Add support around you with plenty of cushions and pillows. Many women find the cradle position works well, although it really depends on what is most comfortable for you.

Get yourself and your baby in a relaxed position before you start feeding. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. He should take in a big mouthful of breast, the areola. If latching on hurts, break the suction by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, he will be able to do the rest.

Arsyad - few days old

Remember to change the breasts, to achieve balance. With each breastfeeding, the milk quantity that you have is being determined, and it should be equal for both breasts. If you do not remember and have to crack your head trying to figure out, use a trick to remember with which breast you should start the feeding (put a safety pin on the strap of your bra on the breast with which you should start).

Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, encountering no major hurdles. But many new mothers find it hard to learn. So, if you're feeling discouraged, remember that you're not the only one. If you feel like giving up (or just want professional advice), contact a lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding takes practice. Give yourself as much time as you need to get it down to a fine art. If you're having a bad feeling day, tell yourself that tomorrow will be better. And keep in mind that any problems you are having are likely to be temporary. By the time of your six week check, you'll probably be breastfeeding without giving it a second thought. If not, don't hesitate to ask support.

Arsyad - 5 months old. Look how chubby he is.  :-)

Thomas Matching Game

I was so amazed looking at Arsyad playing the Thomas matching game in the Iphone. I never teach him how to play it, but he discovers it by himself. And he actually can remember which one is, to match another one. 

I can't wait to send him to pre-school next year and see his progress. He can actually perform solat properly now, just can't recite anything yet, but the movement is correct. I just have to start potty train him by end of this year. If not you can't go to the school yet Arsyad. I hope I can do it. Huh~

Autumnz Cloth Diaper

I just bought myself Autumnz cloth diaper at onebabyworld. I found it is a lot cheaper than other online stores. The material is not as same as China brand. At first, I doubt to buy it via online, so I went to the store last Saturday to look and feel the material by myself. 

When I first touch it, I love it!! The material is way softer than the China brand, almost the same like the US one that I bought to Arsyad. And I bought it for RM32 per CD. Not as expensive as other imported ones, but the quality is almost the same. I still didn't use it so I can't review it just yet. Needs to pre-wash it few more times, so that it can absorbs very well. Owh~ I can't wait to see Arsyad wearing it. Hehe. 

Getting Ready for My 2nd Breastfeeding Journey

It has been almost 8 to 9 months I stop breastfeeding Arsyad. Now, I am about to continue my breastfeeding journey for my second child. With the experience that I have, I hope that I can do better this time. And hopefully I don't have the mastitis and breast abscess problem anymore. 

Alhamdulillah, since I was 6 months pregnant, my milk already came out a bit. And now colostrum already started to come out. I really hope that my milk supply will be enough for my lil one just like Arsyad. 

So, these are the things that I prepared to make my breastfeeding journey a lot easier.

1. Medela Freestyle breast pump - I've been using this breast pump since Arsyad is 3 days old. And till now it is still in excellent condition. It is really worth it buying this pump. I love the size of the pump which I can just put it in my handbag, bring it anywhere I want and I can even do other job while I'm pumping. 

2. Bottles - Lots of bottles for storage. I didn't buy any storage bags this time coz I found it is difficult for me to refreeze the milk then put it in the bottle. So, this time around I just use the bottles, easy for me to just warm it using the bottle and food warmer that I have.

3. Medela Purelan - I use it during my first and second week after delivery. It feels better when I applied this to my nipple, especially when it started to crack. Usually our nipple will be cracked and sometimes bleeding if the baby doesn't latch properly. This Medela Purelan really useful when that happens, and it is safe for the baby to latch on. No need for us to wipe it off first. 

4. Disposable and cloth breast pad - I have to buy lots and lots of disposable breast pads. I have the cloth ones but just a few and it will not be enough, coz I'm using it a lot. I always use the pigeon brands, coz it is soft and it absorbs very well. Now, I have about 8 boxes which I bought RM36 for 2 boxes. Hope it will be enough at least for a month. Hehe.

5. Nursing pillow - The nursing pillow is very useful especially for c-sect moms. I'll be using this nursing pillow too so that my arm can rest while holding the baby to breastfeed. And it is easier for me to do the football hold if i'm using this nursing pillow. Remember to always change your baby's position to avoid mastitis.

6. Quickclean Micro-Steam Bag - I only use this micro-steam bags to sterilize my bottles (if only 2 or 3 bottles) and breast pump parts. It is very easy indeed, just put a bit water in it and then put it in the microwave for 3 minutes and you're done. And we can use it up to 20 times per bag. But, I will still use the Tommee Tippee's sterilizer if the bottles can't fit in the bag.

7. Quickclean Breastpump & Accessories Wipes - Easier for me to clean and wipe the breast pump accessories anywhere and anytime. No need for me to clean it with soap and water all the time. Good for traveling.

8. Snow Bear Home & Car Bottle Warmer - It is good to warm the milk and food. You can use it in the car too. 

9. Tommee Tippee's sterilizer - To sterilize all the bottles.

Wow~ so many things that I have already. Alhamdulillah. I really hope this time around everything will goes well. And I can't wait to start my breastfeeding journey again. I really miss the moments. :-)

Arsyad With His Twins Cousins..

Last weekend, my sister came with her twins to our house. While we were busy baking, three of them were happily playing together. I hope Arsyad will be happy and excited like this, with his lil brother too. Hehe.

They're so cute chasing on their bike and cars. Haha. Next time do come again kay guys~ :-)

Bedroom Ideas

We are thinking to buy a new bed frame and either wardrobe or chest of drawers to be installed in our third room. I love to have everything in white, so that the bedroom will look more spacious. All my bedroom's furniture are dark in color; the wardrobe, chest of drawers and bed frame. So, I want something different.

I love this Ikea's bed frame and chest of drawers. I just want these two things in the bedroom coz of the limited space. And, there's nothing much to be put in the drawers either. So, no need to buy a wardrobe. But, I doubt that I can make sure the bed frame will always clean from the dust. :P Whatever it is, I need to present the budget to Mr Financial Advisor first coz he is the one who will buy all those things. Haha. Hopefully he'll approve it and I can decorate the bed with all the queen bed sheets and quilt covers that I have. I can't wait!! :-)

Shawl For Sale!!

This is one of my own custom-made shawls. Actually I got few more designs, but all of them already sold out. So this is the only design left and only 2 pieces are available. I'm selling each for RM35 inclusive postage. Anyone interested do e-mail me at jue_2806@yahoo.com. 

Material: Cotton stretchable

Length: Approx. 1.75 metres

Easy to wear and so comfy. I only use 1 brooch to wear it and no pin at all.

Forgive Is The Easiest Thing To Do..

Something that I got from fb and would like to share it with all of you.. 

A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and the boy was the apple of their eyes. When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle open. He was late for work so he asked the wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. The mother, preoccupied in the kitchen, totally forgot the matter.

The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle and, fascinated with its color, drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed, the mother hurried him to the hospital, where he died. The mother was stunned. She was terrified how to face her husband.

When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child, he looked at his wife and uttered just four words.

What do you think were the four words?

The husband just said "I Love You Darling"

The husband's totally unexpected reaction is proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only he have taken time to keep the bottle away, this will not have happened. No
point in attaching blame. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her.

Sometimes we spend time asking who is responsible or who to blame, whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know. We miss out some warmth in human relationship in giving each other support. After all, shouldn't forgiving someone we love be the easiest thing in the world to do? Treasure what you have. Don't multiply pain, anguish and suffering by holding on to forgiveness.

If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world.

Take off all your envies, jealousies, unwillingness to forgive, selfishness, and fears and you will find things are actually not as difficult as you think...！

Cloth Diapering Newborn

I'm still thinking whether want to start cloth diapering my baby immediately or wait till he is few months old like Arsyad. I really want to do it immediately but hubby said just wait until our baby is 3 or 4 months old. I know he wants me to take a good rest during my confinement as I have to take care of Arsyad too. And, newborn will always poop, so need a lot of CD to rotate it. But, looking at the cuteness of CD and thinking of we can save a lot from spending our money to buy the disposable ones, I really want to start once my baby is out.

Hmm~ So, should I start it now or not? I have to buy few more CDs coz Arsyad is still wearing his. Maybe I should try for the first few weeks and see whether I can cope with it or not. What say you mommies??

My Happiest Moment

Over the years, I have had many happy moments. Celebrating Eidulfitri with family and friends, birthdays, my convocation, getting my first car, my first job, falling in love, being a wife to my lovely husband, my wedding, my honeymoon, and finding out I was pregnant with our first and second child. I'm sure there are other moments worth mentioning, but these are the milestones that stick out in my mind. There is one, however, that tops them all, hands down.

Up until I about to describe, the happiest moment in my life was finding out I was pregnant with my first and second child. Seeing the positive pregnancy test and being hit with the realization that we were really and truly going to have babies was such a mix of fear and elation, much like the high one might get from a roller coaster ride. We had planned it, we welcomed it with full of joy and tears.

Despite my bad morning sickness during my first 4 months of pregnancy, I would say I really enjoy each and every moment of it. We always looking forward for the monthly checkup to see our precious one in my tummy. How well and healthy he is growing up in my small tummy. And, how excited his big brother is when he was first time looking at the screen, and calling his lil brother, 'fish'. That was one of the funniest and spontaneous thing that came out from his mouth. 

Looking at my tummy that growing bigger and bigger every month makes me happy and smile. I just can't describe the feeling of thinking that there is a small creature living in my tummy. Everytime watching my lil baby during the scan, I know he is happy in my tummy, he is actively moving around and sometimes a bit shy to show his face. It makes me cry when I first saw my lil baby's face during the checkup.

Now I can't wait to see my lil baby to come out, and watch my two kids playing together happily. And I'm going to miss the feeling of my baby moving and kicking in my tummy. Sometimes it does feel a little bit uncomfortable, but this is the only moment that I always want to record and memorize for the rest of my life. Not everyone has a chance to experience this beautiful moment in their life, I'm glad I'm one of those lucky women who got a chance to go through this. :-)

Looking back at this picture makes me smile all the time. This is definitely one of the happiest moment in my life. I don't have a chance to take my maternity portrait during my first pregnancy. This time around I won't miss this very wonderful moment that I'll treasure for the rest of my life. 

Remember to always capture your sweet memories with happiness and make those moments last forever. Happy photography you guys~

p/s: Don't miss a chance to join this contest. 

Me in 35 Weeks of Pregnancy

Wow~ I'm in 35 weeks already.. I've started to feel that my baby is in lower position already.. Everyday I feel like he is pushing his head down, getting himself ready to see mama, papa and his big brother, Arsyad.. Hehe.. Mama can't wait to see u too baby.. 

I didn't gain weight so much like my first pregnancy.. Maybe coz I've to look after my active toddler all the time, so I burnt a lot of calories.. Hehe.. My baby also quite small, but still in normal range.. Harap2 baby sihat je dlm perut mama ni.. :-)

Btw, hubby suddenly wanted to take photos of me during my pregnancy.. We just do it at home and just using his iPhone.. haha.. So, this is one of my favorites.. Others still in his handphone.. I want to do it again after this.. Hopefully Arsyad will behave and will be in the photo too.. Hehe

My tummy is so small in this picture.. Maybe bcoz of the cardigan that I wore.. Actually it is bigger than that.. :D

p/s: Please buy a new lense before I give birth darling.. hehe.. I can't use your iPhone all the time.. Hehe

My Big Boy..

My big boy is so demanding nowadays. Always want us to do what he wanted us to do. If he says he want that, then he'll make sure he'll get it. Usually papa is the one who always can't stand hearing him crying out loud, and just give him what he wants. So his trick will always be successful if papa is around, but not if just with me. Coz mama will just ignore his tantrum and told him once that he can't have that or can't do that. If he wants to cry or just lying on the floor (usually he will just do it at home), I'll just let him do that. And I'll hug him back after he stops crying. But, it really test my patience.

Lately, he just behave when we go out. He wants to sit back in his car seat and also stroller. Hubby and I was so relieved coz we don't have to carry him around anymore if he didn't want to walk by himself. Hopefully he will be like this forever. He also sleep on his own now, few months already actually. We put his bed just beside our bed, and everytime he wants to take a nap or want to go to sleep at night, he knows he has to sleep on his own bed. No need for us to ask him to do so. Once we switch off the lights, he'll immediately go on his bed and try to sleep on his own. 

The only thing that I wanted to do now is to potty train him. But I don't have a gut to try it yet. I just let him wear his cloth diaper during the day and he'll let me know once he feel uncomfortable. But he didn't want to tell me if he wants to poo-poo. Hmm~ maybe I should wait a little bit longer coz I can't do it alone right now. Hopefully he will be ready coz we want to send him to play school next year. 

I really hope he will love his brother and be nice to him. Hopefully he'll not be jealous towards his brother. And mama will try my best sayang to give my full attention to you too. I know it will be challenging coz he is so attach to me, and when he saw his lil bro always be by my side he'll feel strange. Hopefully everything will be fine. Ameen... :-)

Mama loves u so much sayang.. :-)

Free Samples From Libresse

I just received free samples from Libresse last 2 days.. Who doesn't love freebies right? I forgot when and where I applied for the free samples.. This is not the first time I received free samples.. I just applied for the free samples from any site that I found.. I did reveive Kotex Luxe samples, Mamypoko pants samples for Arsyad, Pediasure, Sustagen and lots more samples, and most of them are for my lil one. You can apply them too. Just hop on to their website and go to the free sample link. You just have to wait coz it might takes few weeks for them to deliver it to you. Hehe.