Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Babymoon no more

Welcoming to the world...Munckin's future playmates...

My cousin, Nan & Sara's daughter, Leah Azahra Aznan, born 30th June 2010 @ Melbourne.



My cousin Timmy & wife's daughter, Adrina Alyani Bt Amirul Zamri, I reckon she was born on 25th June 2010.


And also, my ex-school mate, Nisa & hubby's daughter, Adra Zahara Bt Ahmad Fami, born 21st May 2010 @ DEMC (the same hospital as Munckin!)



This year is definitely a baby booming year! :)

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Where art thou toes?

I forgot to post this pic for my last entry.

That's my baby bump at week21.. yes, no toes!Now I can't see my toes from the top..I tried to breath in, but it won't work! (obviously!)Let's see how big this baby bump will grow..

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I wrote an entry about parenthoodway back in June 2007. The last bit of the entry goes:-

Fyuhh, parenthood is definitely not easy.
An important key to parenthood is to have a reliable + helpful "partner" to make a great team.
Me + Rai took turns in cooking, or taking the kids to bath, or playing with them + such.
Teamwork gets the job done!
Also, as parents, having a routine + planning ahead helps to get the day going.
Not forgetting having patience with your children..very important!!


As for now, I will appreciate my late nights, my sleep in's, my 'uninterrupted' sleeps..
just me, myself + I.. (^_^)
Until the day comes, when am ready to be a parent.
But firstly, I need somebody who can make a great 'team' with me! haha..
Not in the near future, that's for sure~ =p


I actually wrote this entry 2 months before meeting Mr Bert.
God really has great plans for me back then..Inilah Qada' & Qadar..
Alhamdulillah, I have found my perfect partner/team player for my adventures in "parenthood".
Mr Bert, we can do it! Bring it on partner! :)

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I wrote an entry in April this year about my outstation trips.
So far, we managed to go to JB, Singapore & KB as planned.

But...cherating didn't happened. It turned out that everyone is busy with their own lives.. even up to now. I really wanna watch SATC2 with my girlfriends, and guess what? NO ONE IS AVAILABLE! boohoo~ Our lives have certainly changed since last year.. We had more outings last year!


And, the saddest news that we received today..my Babymoon is off. :(
Initially, it was supposed to be Langkawi, but looking at the expenses issue, we decided to change to Bukit Tinggi. But, it couldn't happened. Let's just say, takde rezeki for us.

I was rather upset, to be honest..I was looking for a nice holiday just the 2 of us before Munckin arrives..But now, looks like we have to forgo the trip...

So, I have no Honeymoon..and no Babymoon.. :(
The only "Moon" I have is my Mr Bert..
It's alright Meen.. there will be more trips for us in the future Insyallah.. :)

Monday, June 28, 2010

Halfway there...

Holla peps..
Yes, MIA again..boohoo..
Last week was intense! After my KB Trip, I had a full 1 week Teacher’s INSET training for the whole day, then there were several functions to attend (CPEd Convo, KITA the musical, Syira’s wedding, spring cleaning the house)..Plus, there’s something wrong with the wireless connection at home. Therefore, at this particular moment, I am at the no-longer-master-storeroom-but-soon-to-be-master-bedroom, using a LAN wire to connect to the Internet. Oh well, better than nothing.. (except that I can't watch TV while surfing the net anymore).

Anyways, I don't want this entry to be a long entry, just the main highlights yeah.
This is the most precious item I found when I was back in New Fort..Mr Bert's passport picture, aged 6.



Yes, muka super serious..chomel bangat! :p
Munckin, I hope you'll learn how to smile like your mama..;)

This is me at exactly 5 months pregnancy..



Yes, baby bump is getting bigger. This week, I remembered having lotsa cramps and knee paining. I actually had to sembahyang duduk for a week! I think it was partly cause we travelled by bus ( return trip of 16 hours in total). So, the journey might have sprain my knee..Lucky thing it was only that 1 week only. I am doing alright now alhamdulillah..

I enjoyed the recent trip to New Fort.. I grew closer to my in-laws, getting to know their personalities better. I truly feel like part of a family. I grew much closer to my mom-in-law, having lotsa of "mother-daughter" time with her. That was nice.. I also grew closer to my nieces! They are super adorable.. Munckin, hope you'll have great bonding with your cousins kay..and my sisters-in-law, I've been sharing stories with them. And of course, lets not forget about the yummy food there! *droolss.......*


Okay, now to my dearest little Munckin. We have scheduled an appointment with Dr Z a month ago, unfortunately he was on MC that whole week. So we had to reschedule to the following week, and this is Munckin's latest photo!



Personally, I think Munckin's side profile is the same as Mr Bert. The "hidung mancung" part..hehe..Can see the face quite clearly now..So far everything is good Alhamdulilah.. Munckin is growing well, my sugar level in the body is low..Doc even scanned "that part".. he actually "paused" to that part, and said "Do you see that pointy thingy there? But takpe..belum confirm ..belum confirm..". Chet, Dr Z is very good at confusing us.. So,I guess Munckin might be a boy...might kay..but, we are still wanting it to be a surprised!So, let's wait & see..

Finally, on 20th June 2010 (week 21), Munckin finally gave me "nudge" at the tummy! That time, I was in the car while Mr Bert quickly went to the supermarket to get some drinks. I was just holding my tummy talking to Munckin, when suddenly "dushhhh"..a nudge from within!! Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! Lately Munckin does move around like that.. out of the blues, there will be a "dushh dushhh" or a "wiggle wiggle"in my tummy.. But, I am uncertain about the kick.. cause ppl always say kick is 'stronger' a little bit.. Well, hopefully I'll feel it soon..Mr Bert has yet to feel Munckin's nudge or kick.. hopefully soon enough.. Keep on "moving" Munckin! :)

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Daycares for Munckin

Baby bump at 20 weeks..


Yeap...toes still visible. But today somebody commented that my tummy is not "big" enough for 5 months. :( Munckin, I hope you're growing well inside of Mummy..

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After some "serious" discussion bout Munckin's future plans, I have decided to survey some daycare centres for little Munckin.

We have firmly decided that we won't invest on a maid.

#1) cost. Need to pay RM 7000 ++ when hiring, then the monthly salary. Nope..not happening.

#2) attitude + behaviour. With the current "maid" stories that we read/hear nowdays (stealing, lying, lazy, mental!), it's a risky to choice to have someone looking after your baby.

#3)reliability + dependability. It depends on your luck if you get a reliable maid or not. Yes, another risky business when it comes to hiring a maid.

Bottomline: we'll stick to daycare for now, until Munckin is ready for pre-school, or until another "adik" comes along. :P

Anyways, back to today, right after work, I started my day-care search.

1st day care: at my apartment.
Initially, this place was my first choice, cause it is convenient. Imagine, I get back from work, park my car, and I can straight away take Munckin from the daycare, and bring him/her up to our home.

But, when I went inside..errr...I was not impressed. The place needs touch-up: BADLY! The furniture were "old" looking, things were everywhere. Plus, they don't have an outdoor environment for these kids to play. Honestly, not really a place where I wanna send Munckin to..
Plus, the lady I spoke to.. she keeps on talking & talking... I think she has never heard of "comma" or "full stop". She started to talk about her sis-in-law's children, then about going for kindergarden courses, blah blah blah. I had to stop her to leave the place! O_o

So, this daycare will be my last choice. The "if-there's-no-other-place-to-go-I-*gulp*-have-to-send-Munckin-here" choice.They have about 20 kids, but only 4 babies. So that's a plus point. But still, I need to find elsewhere for Munckin.

2nd/ 3rd daycare: across my "taman"/ "suburb.
I didn't know the exact locations, but I saw banners & signage heading to the place. I saw 2 banners, followed the arrows, parked in front of the daycare & called the place. Unfortunately, BOTH daycare will only accept children 3 years & above. Bah~ Lucky thing I called, if not it would have been a "waste" of time. Next!

4th daycare: down the road from my crib.
I remember seeing this daycare across the road, so I've decided to check it out. I saw some ladies & some babies. Great! It is a Taska. Great! So, I headed in to this corner lot semi-D, and I must say..I was pretty impressed! The walls were very colourful. (Plus points, they have rainbows around too..I like!). The place was clean. Everything looks organized. So far, they have only 6 kids (5 toddlers, 1 baby). They have an outdoor environment, with a small slide, bicycle & such. And, they also open on Saturdays! So that's good.

The verdict: The 4th daycare is TOP of the list! I remembered when the lady was talking to me, I can feel Munckin turning around in me! (perhaps a sign of agreement! hehe). I have no doubts with this daycare. Plus, it is not far from my place. So yes, I love this place!

However, when I called Mr Ber to update him about my research, he didn't sound too happy cause he commented that this daycare cost RM100 more than the 1st daycare. I was trying to convince him that I rather pay extra for a good quality daycare rather than the pathetic daycare I saw earlier. But halfway thru, the line got cut off. Guess need to discuss further when he comes back.

Oh well, it will only be in January 2011 when Munckin joins a daycare centre. Let's hope we'll find the most suitable daycare by then..:)

Sunday, June 06, 2010

plans for munckin

Sunday afternoon. No outings. No good TV shows to watch. No hubby :(
So fine.. blogging it is!

Munckin & I have been "eating well" since we were at my mom's house. Thursday nite Mama cooked Ribs + Salad + Garlic Bread. Friday nite was Roast Chicken + salad + Garlic bread. Yesterday Aunty Mah invited us for a wonderful lunch at her crib. She cooked Mee Bandung, and Tuk cooked Nasi Goreng & Ayam masak rendang. Last night's dinner was Dim Sums + Pizza. Yummy treats for the both of us!

Aunty Mah handed over some bajus & things that were still "brand new" & some passed down from Baby Suri. And believe it or not, most of the items are BLUE!

We got tops, sleepwears, mittens, booties, baby hats..even some new born diapers! Aunty Mah claimed that she was in denial & bought blue things (although that time, she knew that Suri is a girl!). Oh well, if Munckin is a boy, it would be PERFECT! If it is a girl..then erm, girls can wear blue, right? ;)

Aunty Mah also advised me on several things to purchase before baby is born:- baby cot, baby playpen, sterilizer, bottles (preferably AVENT), Diaper table, etc. It was really useful tips! Now I need to sit down with Mr Bert & decide on things that we need to buy this year, and the things we need to buy next year (tunggu $$$ masuk!). Prioritizing is important.

But like Mama said, sometimes (if we're lucky), ppl will buy things for the baby. (ie: blankets, towels, BABY CLOTHES! :D )So bottom line, we need to spend wisely. As long as it is sufficient for our baby Munckin Insyallah..

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Now to update about the mak buyung.. me!

Straiting from week 16 onwards, my feet has started to swollen! I couldn't fit into my normal shoes. So, I bought myself a pair of Crocs! (from the Pasar Malam..:P )



They were about size 10. So, it's more comfy..and as for the button things, I used to have 6 of them, 2 "went missing", so now left with 4. Will buy more to make my Crocs shoe more interesting. My kids LOVE it when they saw me wearing it in school. But at times, I do feel like a cartoon character when wearing these Crocs. (Somewhat like how Ronald McDonald would feel in his shoes!). I even wore this with my Jubah to Arfan's Aqiqah! hehe.. Will try to buy the slip on shoes, if they have BIGGER sizes!

Also now, when I go up the stairs, I will be out of breath once I reach the 1st floor. Seriously, it's only 1 flight of stairs, and it is as though I've run 10 minutes on the track mile. Gosh! Also, when I bend down, especially during prayer times (between rukuk to sujud), my knees became to hurt when it touches the floor. I think not long from now, I will need to sembahyang duduk on the chair. My walking speed is beginning to slow down too. I have to hold my tummy before sitting, shifting seats or moving somewhere.

And the best part, everywhere is expending....fingers, face, thighs, tummy (of course)..Now, I truly feel "fat". Even when I wear tudung, I need more "kain" to wrap the tudung around. Aiyaya.. and I am only soon-to-be 5 months preggie...still have 4 more months for the body to expand even more!

The things a pregnant woman have to go through.. But it is all worth it for the little one Insyallah. :)

ps: Mr Bert will be back tmrw! *yeay!Won't be husband-less anymore*

Friday, June 04, 2010

week 16-18

Hola...Munckin & I are back..


Yes..I was M.I.A for a bit.. almost 1 month?
There were several reasons.. either Mr Bert conquered the laptop when I wanted to use it, or I was too tired/too sleepy/ too busy to update, or it was raining heavily hence Internet connection was bad. Either way, no more excuses. Yesterday, Mr Bert went back to New Fort for a friend's wedding. I wasn't able to follow, so I am back at my mom's house. And now, I have PLENTY of time to update this "dusty" blog of mine!


Just to prepare you, this is a long entry with pictures.. you have been warned! ;)


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Munckin's 3rd check up at 16 weeks!

At the check up, I was required to fast the night before so the nurses can take my blood sample to indicate my sugar level. We were early this time, we reached there at around 8.30am, and was the 2nd to go in.

Before we went in, the nurses took my blood sample and I was required to drink this glucose drink. Imagine a ribena drink, but extra extra thick and extra extra sweet. Bluerrgghhhh.....

Then, we went to see Dr Z, and he observed our little Munckin. He went really detailed this time, looking at Munckin's face (couldn't see really clear...wish it was 3D!), Munckin's feet, Munckin's backbone..and even, Munckin's *toooott* part.

To be honest, I think I saw a 'burger' quite clearly.. I did ask the doc, but he mentioned "Erm no, I look more like a birdy.." Huh? Has my eyes deceived me? Or, does he wants to play along since we informed him before hand about the gender surprise? Hmmm..

Anyways, all looks good.. my sugar level test will only be known next month. I hope everything will be okay..

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A couple of days later, I realized there were some "discharged" from "downunder". Not the normal white ones, but it was rather greenish. (Imagine 'kahak', but coming from down there..yucks!). And there's a LOT! I got worried, so I went to see the docs again.

But this time, it wasn't with Dr Z, cause he was on emergency leave. I was with a lady doc, Dr F. Friendly lady, same vibe sorta..I love her clinic, more equipments..
Anyways, she explained that I had some fungus infections (eeuuwww....), and many factors may have caused it. She took some sample (didn't like the procedure..!) and also put in a "soapy-like" medicine down there...super uncomfortable kay! And I am supposed to put the "soapy" thingy twice a day..gross!

After seeing Dr F, I was thinking..should I give Dr F a try for Munckin's next check up? Just to see how she differs from Dr Z. But deep inside, I feel like I sorta betraying Dr Z, cause he is a super nice Doc..

After a week with the "soap", it didn't make much of a difference to the discharged. So, I went back to see Dr Z. And he explained to me thoroughly, (with pictures! I am a visual learner, and it helps me understand better)! He decided to give me antibiotics instead..which makes the discharged subsided within 2 days!

So our verdict? We're sticking with Dr Z! :)

And yes, during this checkup with Dr Z, he scanned Munckin, just to see if Munckin is ok. And yes, Munckin is doing well! Growing accordingly..I was so happy that I got another scanned photo 2 weeks after the 3rd check up! :)



As you can see, my munckin shows the 'perut buncit' again *geram :)*. Dr Z again scanned the *toot* part..and he has a strong feeling that Munckin might be a boy..but again, he said it is too early to tell. Let's wait till next month to find out..


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During the recent long weekend (Wesak holiday), my family drove down to Johor for Yaya & Farin's son, Arfan's aqiqah in JB. The "pelamin" had a garden theme with a buai in the middle.. classic!

I wore the same baju as Bartisyia's aqiqah. The attire colour code was blue, but I didn't have any blue jubah in my wardrobe. (Which reminds me, I better send my baju raya to the tailor soon!)

Here's Kak Long, Adat, the adorable Misha & myself during the ceremony.

That's Farin & Baby Arfan in the buai. Farin dah kurus balik, am so jealous! Within less than 2 months, she is back to her original body! Her secret: no rice during pantang. Must do that nanti!


That's baby Arfan in a cute baju melayu & samping! Adorable!!! He is so chubby.. muka Daddy exactly...


Here's Arfan & Uncle Latif after the 'cukur jambul'. Semakin bulat la si Arfan tuh...

I managed to snap photos of Munckin's future playmates.. Here's Baby Afnan (cousin Attiyah's son) at 4 months old...

..and also the adorable (& sexy!) Baby Suri...also 4 months old. Here with her sister, cousin Sarah.



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While we're down in JB, we made a quick trip to Singapore. Visited Grandma & Grandpa.. and also Kak Yaya & family. 2 houses, 2 feasts! *Kenyang sungguh...*

Then, we headed off to Orchard Road for the GSS- Grand Singapore Sale!
First stop, Takasyimaya. There were SO many people..rimas pun ader. We saw Carter's outlet, and starting to browse thru the adorable bajus...
This one says "Daddy & I agree: Mommy's the Boss".

And this one "Who needs a Superhero when I have Mum"

But I didn't buy these caused it looks more for "Boys". I wanted more neutral based bajus.

Halfway thru, we took a train to Centrepoint. I was quite disappointed caused no one offered me a seat in the train. "Well, your tummy is not that big yet. Plus, it is just one stop.." Mr Bert said. Hmmphh..fine!

At Centrepoint, I managed to meet up with Emma, my ex-housemate in Adelaide. It was great to meet her, but only for 30 minutes! Oh well, next time perhaps..

Here's our first "overseas" (cheewahhh) photo together.. The Bert family! :)

And below, are the bajus we bought for Munckin.

1) "I Love Hugs" top

2) A ducky top & bottom.

3) A rainbow baju that says "Mom makes me smile". My favourite by far.

(I hope it doesn't look too girlish if Munckin is a boy..)


So far for the GSS, I only bought 3 tops for my baby! well, I still have 4 more months until Munckin is out. More bajus to come! :D

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This was a back-dated entry that I wanted to write. My mom registered us for HerWorld mag's "Mother's Day retreat". It was only RM 50 per couple at 7th Heaven at Pavillion. So, why not?



To be honest, I didn't know what my mom has sign us up for. We were slightly delayed (due to the jam), and when we arrived, they were about to start with the Cupcakes making, organized by Cupcakes Chick! Sweet~

Each mother-daughter couple will make 4 cupcakes, with different designs. So we headed from table to table & the lady will show us ways to decorate the cupcakes.







This is the 2 out of the 4 cupcakes that both Mama & I made. I made the ribbon one (not bad huh?) while mama did the flower one.


There was a leopard cupcakes, but my "spots" were too big & ugly. :P But Mama & I enjoyed making the swirling cupcakes. You need to have a good hand control to swirl the cream around the top of the cupcakes, and just sprinkle some "beads" & "flowers" ..and voila, my very own swirly cupcake! :)


Not long after it was lunch, they served Japanese "Teppanyaki & Sushi", which I finish the entire plate! :p

The next session includes a 'lingerie' fashion show (yes I know, so in-appropriate for me at this moment..wouldn't fit into any of it), a bra demo, a L'occataine demo, hair demo (we skipped that), leg massage demo..and Make up demo! We all got a free Make over by STAGE makeup!


Posing mosing with Mama dearest after our make over session..






At the end of the 'retreat', everyone got a lucky draw. I got a free facial session at Sothyls. And not forgetting our goodie bags, which was filled with SO many things! Overall, it was a good session, worth paying RM 50, and you get all these goodies. I really enjoyed myself! Thanx mama... "Happy Belated Mother's Day" :)

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Another addition to Munckin's playmate..Aina's number 2.
Aimal Daud, born 10th May 2010 @ Pantai Hospital.
Weighs 3.5kgs, length 49cm.

She's too cute! She smiled when she first saw me! (just like how Aiman did when he was a baby). Congrats Aina & David.

And of course, I took some shots with the 'Abang', Aiman. He's grown so much!




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Okay, there you go.. all back-lock entries for my readers..I hope I will keep this blog updated as frequent as I can Insyallah ;)