The hardest thing to do..

I hate being apart from my baby when I'm down with flu and cough. I can't resist the temptation to cuddle, kiss and hug him. I must get well as soon as possible. Tired of wearing face mask every time I go near him. Sorry baby, nothing but the best for you. Looking forward to the long weekend being healthy. Yay!

Worth Every Cent I Would Say

There are things I would like to share with new mommies and mommy-to-be out there. I find these products useful for newborns and toddlers. Well it depends on your baby actually. Good to start from his/her early age. No promises but at least it works for me and my baby. You can give it a try.

1. Baby Cradle [RM230]

I used it during confinement and up till now. It is easy as it can fold flat, light weight for travel and it can be easily carried from one place to another. The 3 level adjustable cradle heights has wheels and could also convert into a rock-a-bye motion. I got this for only RM230 if I'm not mistaken. It is suitable for infants below 15 months with rocking & maneuvering functions.

2. Bugaboo Bee Stroller [RM2700] +  Cocoon [RM450] 

I would say that I am quite picky when it comes to my baby's comfort. My hubby and I discussed long and hard before making any decision on what stroller to buy for the little one. After comparing a few brands, we decided to go for Bugaboo Bee for its features and specs. Compact when folded and unfolded, the Bugaboo Bee zips through tight aisles and fits in cramped closets with ease. It is suitable for newborns and toddlers because it can fully recline and extend the seat bottom for more comfort. The other thing that we were amazed by was the two front wheels that could swivel 360 degrees to make maneuvering a one-handed task with independent suspension and foam-filled rubber tires to ensure smooth strolling. The 3-position reclining seat adjusts to suit the mood of infant or toddler. Sit up straight when awake, recline when relaxed or lie flat when fast asleep. The other thing that we like about it is the reversible seat and the height adjustable backrest to accommodate a growing child. For tall parents like us, we appreciate the one-piece height adjustable handlebar to fit your height and retracts for easy storage. Just like a few other stroller, they have easy accessible foot brake that locks the back wheels firmly in place with the tap of your toe. The fun thing about Bugaboo Bee is that you can have as many colors as you want, all you have to do is change the sun canopy. Hubby doesn't want to get Maxi-cosi so we bought a Bugaboo Cocoon for an additional of RM450. The baby cocoon is for extra comfort and protection.

3. Fisher Price Mobile Cot  [RM299]

We couldn't decide which cot mobile to get for our baby boy coz there are heaps of them in store. Everything was so pricey. Baby stuff are crazy expensive. But the thingabout new mommies, they will always give in for their little ones no matter how much it cost. We just bought ours a month ago and thought it was somewhat worth the money. Alex loves it. He could stare at the show on the projector for more than half an hour.  What short attention span? Let him experience nature sounds and sweet lullabies. With this 2 in 1 light projection mobile, your baby will enjoy watching little precious planet animal friends twirl around and smile down at him. The included remote control allows parents to activate and deactivate the music and motion from a distance. It plays peaceful lullabies, nature sounds, heartbeats, and white noise womb sounds for up to 20 minutes. It can also converts from a crib mobile to a music box when your child grows.

4. Tommee Tippee Bottle Sterilizer   [RM399]

As a new parent you’ll know that bottle sterilization is extremely important to keep your baby safe and healthy. An electronic steam sterilizer is one of the easiest and effective methods to ensure your baby bottles are germ free before feeding. The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature model is super easy, and really quick too! Once loaded simply push the button wait five minutes for the light to go off and the cleaning cycle is complete. It comes with a whole host of features such as the 24 hour sterile environment (so long the lid stays shut), 6 bottle capacity, slimline, BPA free and more!

5. Tommee Tippee Close To Nature Bottle & Food Warmer  [RM179]

Suitable to use from birth and warms food/bottles within minutes. Thermostatically controlled for safety. It is suitable to use from birth. 

6. Movement Sensor Pad   [RM799]

This unique sensor pad has three settings - low, medium and high and is designed to sit under baby's cot mattress, sounding an alarm if no movement is detected after 20 seconds. Whether indoors or outdoors, the baby monitors have a long distance range up to 300m - offering reassurance from afar. The two way talk back feature on Closer to Nature baby monitors lets you reassure baby from another room. You can just press a button to talk back to your baby in case he gets all moody. hehe.. It also displays the temperature in baby's room on both units, with Celsius and Fahrenheit options available. They also provide a gentle night light controllable from the parent unit provides a low, medium or high light for a reassuring glow. I don't usually use this as I have Ikea night light fixed on the wall. The monitor comes with a paging function to help you relocate a misplaced parent unit in case you are a forgetful or clumsy parent. Last but not least, a rechargeable docking station makes this monitor ideal for flexible and portable use. 

6. Medela Swing breast pump [RM799] + Storage Bag & Bottles [RM269]

After reading some review about breast pumps, I decided to go for Medela Swing. It is comfortable, silent and efficient. This pump express milk quietly and discreetly. The thing I like about this pump is it can be used easily and switches automatically from stimulation to the expression phase. It is easy to assemble, use and clean.it has a range of vacuum levels and settings. Overall I would give this a 5 star.

7. 4 in 1 Convertible Crib   [RM1699]

we were looking for a baby cot for lil Alex but couldn't decide whether to get the normal type or the 4 in 1 convertible crib. Here I would like to share about the wonderful features on 4 in 1 baby conversion cot. It is one of the best baby nursery furniture you can get in the market which is versatile and converts right through to a double bed. it is fabulous. If you are looking for nursery furniture that is useful even when the baby outgrows and need for a twin bed is great felt. I guess most of the parents do not foresee that. This convertible crib converts to a lovely daybed and then to a full-sized bed with a headboard and foot board. 

8. Puku Formula Milk Dispenser [RM25.90]

If you are already giving your little one formula milk, I would suggest this dispenser milk container from Puku. It is a 4 container set of 150ml. The thing I like about it is the lid that is connected to one another. Senang tak tercabut or hilang. 

9. Changing Unit from Ikea   [RM149] + Basket Changing Table Sets of 3 [RM40]

Nobody mentioned about having a changing unit at home so I couldn't be bothered getting it at first. After a while, I started having back ache while changing my baby on my bed and on the floor. What is RM150 compared to terrible back ache every time. So hubby and I went looking for a changing unit. Found a few that we really liked but we didn't want to spend so much on it. The one that I fell in love with was like a chest of drawers with a cute changing top. But since we've already bought chests of drawers from Ikea earlier, we decided to get a simple changing table which doesn't cost a bomb. Although it doesn't look that good, I'm glad we bought it. Worth every cent. 

10. Panasonic Thermo Pot  [RM239]

If you've started giving your baby formula milk, I think this is a must have item in your baby's room. I started using thermo flask but I got tired having to make frequent trips up and down just to refill hot water in the small flask. So my mother in-law gave me this.  It is a 3.0 liter capacity which saves energy while keeping warm. It is a 2 way dispenser with 4 types of temperatures control at 98°C, 90°C, 80°C and 60°C. It also comes with a safety lock.

11. Graco Contour Electra Bassinet & Travel Cot   [RM799]

We bought a playard to leave it over at the in-laws' place just in case for any sleepover. Didn't want to buy something heavy so we opt for a playpen instead. This playpen includes an activity panel for daytime and a night scene to help baby sleep. Its durable frame makes it perfectly suited for travels. There are also 2 wheels for easy mobility. I like it because it is quick, easy to assemble and it also includes a carry bag for easy storage. It is suitable from birth up to 24 months; approx 15kg. 

12. Disney Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier   [RM229]

Since the little one have his own room, we wanted to equipped his room with all the essential things. One of the important thing is having air purifier and also humidifier. While we were at a baby expo, we came across a cute Disney humidifier. So we thought why not get it as we seldom see any cute humidifier for a baby room. This adorable humidifier provides a comforting nursery environment while complementing the nursery decor. Multi-directional mist provides room comfort for 8 hours and up to 48 hours depending on the level. The thing I like about it is the variable mist dial, silent operation, see-through water tank and on/off/ empty indicator light display. The power for this unit  is 220v, with the mist volume of 180cc per hour. Provides nightlight functions.

13. Boba Carrier 3G - Montenegro   [RM438]

This carrier is ideal for babies and toddlers alike. Its ergonomic design, patent-pending foot straps and multiple adjustments make this carrier the perfect fit for the entire family. There are a few colors and designs but hubby wanted black. The good thing about this carrier is 100% cotton and can be modified into four styles. (Front carry, back carry, Lucia Style and newborn hold). They also provide removable sleeping hood. It is made to fit parents of all shapes and sizes without purchasing an extension belt or accessory. All straps are fully adjustable, and elastic bands are provided so you can comfortably tuck the straps away once you have the carrier adjusted for you and you child. 

14. Chest of Drawers from Ikea   [RM849]

To complete a baby room, I would suggest for new parents to get chests of drawers instead of a normal cupboard. You need drawers more than the hanging ones. Knowing me, an Ikea biggest fan, of course I shop in Ikea. Good to have handy husband to fix things around the house. Thanks sayang! Thought of getting a different one but I don't think it fits my baby's room coz we already have a 4 door cupboard in there. So we went for this instead. We got it in a different color black-brown.

15. Bath Set from Mothercare.   [RM249]

As new parents, hubby an I didn't know what to get for our baby when it comes to bathing set. So, one day we went to Mothercare just to have a look. Lucky us they had promotions at that time. Bought the whole bathing set which includes bath tub, top & tail bowl, bath thermometer, shaped sponge and 100% cotton towel. It is a unique flexi-handle reduces movement of water when carrying to avoid spills. Thought it was good but quite pricey I would say. 

16. Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather  [RM129.90]

To add up to the kekecewaan terbeli expensive bathing set, one weekend we went back to Penang and there wasn't any bath tub around as kak wani took hers back home. So had to look for a new bather. Went around Queensbay looking for an affordable one but we couldn't find any. So after discussing with hubby whether to get like a seated bather, we just went with our guts and got it for a smashing RM130. Damn, kids stuff are expensive nowadays. But no regret, this bather is so good. It makes bath time easier and safer. Well, at least for me. hehe It fits all baths and provides comfort and reassurance for parent and baby at bathtime. The backrest has 2 positions to accommodate growing babies. The good thing about it is, it folds flat for easy travel and storage, the material is easy to wash, the base give newborns extra support and security while they're on it. I like the design with soft mesh, head support and solid, non slip base. Overall, I would recommend this product to new moms. 

17. Changing bath mat   [RM40]

I got this way before I got the changing unit. It is great. We put it to good use and carry this everywhere we go (long distance). This basic foam filled mat fits all dressers and the good thing about it is the surface is easy to wipe in case you get poo poo or urine when you're changing. 

18. Sparco Baby Car Seat F500K    [RM599] - A gift from hubby's friend, Edmund.

While I was pregnant, I went to Sunway to accompany hubby to a car shop. Waited in the car for him to make payment. Then he called and asked me to meet him in the shop. Told me that there's something cool for baby. Wow, at less than 5 months pregnant, how is a baby bucket seat top in the list? I thought to myself. So at about 7 months preggo, Edmund, a friend of hubby was leaving for Melbourne, so he surprised us with a cool gift. It's like an advanced baby present for our lil one. There you go, hubby was so happy and I was so shocked to receive such a pricey gift. Oh well, Alex is one lucky baby with loving uncles and aunties around to spoil him. Okay, just like his father, Alex is lucky to have a bucket seat as his first car seat. This seat grows with the child and could be used since birth. It combines a rearward facing seat (birth to 13kg) & a forward facing sear (9 kg to 18kg).It has recline positions and performance chest pads harness. 

19. Fisher Price Rocker    [RM349]

Starts out as an infant seat/rocker. You can also convert this seat easily to an infant seat to add interactive toy play. It is suitable from bith to 4 years old (18kg). Folds easily and has a build-in handle. This rocker is equipped with calming vibrations and gentle rocking motion to help comfort and soothe baby. It is also convenient for feeding. 

 20. Baby Swaddle. Summer [RM80]  & Ergo Cocoon [RM100]

When babies are first born they like to feel snug and secure, just like mummy's tummy. At the early stage of development their arms have a startle reflex which wakes them up if they are not restrained. So I used swaddle to help my baby sleep longer and better. 

And ergo cocoon

21. Activity gym [a wide range from RM70 onwards] - Got it as a present from Nadhyrah and Yasmin during my babyshower.

You also need a play gym for your baby's brain development. I was told that babies can start using the play gym right after birth. It is a basic and must have toy for any growing baby. Playgym can actually keep your baby busy for hours or so. It is so enhance baby's development through fun and play. It is also excellent to stimulate baby's hand-eye coordination, sensory development, imagination, exploration, focus and problem solving skills. 

22. Sleep Sheep by Cloud b.   [RM120] - A gift from hubby's friend, Brian. 

When babies sleep better, parents sleep better. Why count sheep when you can listen to one in bed? Never thought of buying one actually. This cuddly companion is a must have for newborn. It soothes baby to sleep with calming "white noise" sound. It has four soothing sound options (mother's heartbeat, spring showers, ocean surf, whale songs). With two sleep timer options of 23 or 45 minutes, you can leave your baby to soothe and sleep by himself. The good thing about this cute toy is, it has Velcro tab for easy attachment to baby's crib. 

Bonus:-

23. Nuna Leaf   [RM999] - Got it for Mother's Day from my in-laws.

Nuna leaf is suitable from birth-over 100lbs. The side to side swaying motion is a smooth and relaxing place for babies or kids to hangout. (Chewah mengada betul) Great design, terrific quality and hypnotic movement. It has 3 point harness with great metal buckets, Velcro to adjust and locks to allow you to choose either stationary or swaying movement. It works at playtime, lunchtime and mummy's chore time  The good thing is, it doesn't require batteries, no cords, no buzz and no noise. You actually don't need this unless you have extra money to splurge on your newborn. hehe Lucky for me for having such loving and thoughtful in laws. 

.x.o.x.o.

Welcoming The New Bundle of Joy

The wait is finally over after 35 weeks and 6 days.

Baby can't wait anymore.

On the 9th of February, a day before CNY, we welcome our baby boy into this world.

He was eager to make an appearance before the Dragon Year ends.

(Tak sabar nak kutip angpau lettew)

I went to the hospital for my monthly doctor's visit on Friday the 8th of Feb wanting to hear the good news "You're okay. You can come back in a month or call me when you approach your due date" but, no it doesn't go that way..The amniotic fluid or bag of water broke while waiting for my turn to see my Ob/Gyn.

Muka sembab nak terberanak. haha 
Right on time masa my water bag broke.

Wasn't sure about it at first but after doing trips to the ladies to make sure, yup its the real thing. No more little leakage and main-main. It was coming down literally like a pipe with warm water. Well, just great! That calls for a trip to the labour room once again. I managed to cut the long queue, maybe 10 or 12 people before me. Haha feels like a VIP right there. My ob/gyn Dato' Dr Siti Zaleha did a final check up. Too scared so I kept asking questions and wanting to know whether its the real deal. And yes, it is time for me to shine. Hello contractions and pain! 

"Your water bag dah pecah, I will send you straight to the labour room okay my dear.."

Those words were vivid in my mind. Then one of the nurse came in with a wheelchair asking me to sit. I though to myself, wheelchair again? Dengan memalukan sekali, masuk bilik doctor ok je tapi bila keluar kena naik wheelchair pulak. Everyone was looking, dah la cut the queue pastu dapat special treatment. How unfair.Well, it looks like a royal treatment but it wasn't the best time after all. I was brought straight to the labour unit. Every step closer jantung dup dap dup dap. My heart was beating realllllll fast. Don't know what to expect. (Macam la baby keluar terus after air habis, not that easy girl! silly me. oops!). Hubby had to leave for registration and get my stuff from the car while I happily settled in my new room and started calling my family members. (After the false alarm 3/2/13, we brought the hospital bag everywhere we go. Ready in the car). Hubs bought me Mushroom Soup from Dome coz I didn't want anything heavy. I thought it was my last meal before I deliver but nope, baby doesn't want to make an appearance just yet.

So I waited

And waited.

No signs of heavy contractions.

15 minutes to one I would say?

So I took naps on and off. Nobody was allowed in the labour room except hubby.

We waited patiently in the cold room.

4:27pm - Hubby was all ready in his cocoon. 

All wrapped up in his cocoon. cuteness.

There wasn't any extra bed for him. The chair was too hard so he got himself a sleeping bag.  (Too cold and backache from the previous hospital visit). So we waited and waited but no sign of labour yet. I was in and out of the toilet because it was uncomfortably wet. Even had to changed a few sheet covers (the blue ones).

Since not much progress, they asked me to eat because I will need all the energy I could get to push.

Insipid hospital food (Tengok terus rasa tak lapar)

Then after a while they gave me enema to 'kosongkan' everything inside in case the baby decided to pop out soon. Haha really weird feeling. I was told to hold it in for at least 5 minutes but it was crazy impossible. 

Nope no happy news yet

Even at 10pm, the progress was still very slow. So they told me to get something to eat. FiL bought me a cup of McD porridge. I have people waiting for me in the waiting room.(Hubby's parents, cousin and a few friends). It was like waiting for a party to start. So many people around waiting to hear the happy news. There was so much anticipation the baby coming out to the world. They were there until 11pm. Everyone was dying to meet him. There wasn't any luck because my progress was still very slow. So they left assuming that they can make it in time for tomorrow. hehe After a long emergency case, my gynae came over to check at 11.30pm. Since my progress was really slow, she asked me whether I wanted to speed up my labour. I couldn't wait any longer so I opt to induce. Soon after that, I was given pitocin to induce the labour.

 Pitocin is a liquid medication which is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone, oxytocin. Pitocin is diluted with a standard saline solution an introduced into your body by IV drip. 

I was told the progress could take up about 6 to 7 hours but within 10 minutes after inserting the drip, I started having stronger and stronger contractions. The next time they checked how far I've dilated, it was already 7cm. I decided to take the painkiller shot but it doesn't help a tad bit. The pain had become very very very very very strong. Hubby was by my side the whole time holding me and whispering everything will be okay and started counting my contractions time. At first it was once every 5 minutes and then once every minute. The painkiller only works after half an hour. It only made me sleepy. By 7cm dilated, I was so drowsy. 5 minutes contractions felt like 20 minutes and 5 minutes of rest felt like a minute. It was crazy. I was in excruciating pain and I just couldn't wait to push. A minute feels like forever. I was told not to push yet because the doctor is on her way to the hospital. 

I couldn't talk and couldn't open my eyes let alone concentrate what hubby was saying. I just closed my eyes and pray. Pray that everything will be okay while reciting a few doas over and over. By the time I was 9cm dilated, I told them I couldn't hold it in much longer and the urge to push was so strong. Everything was very fast after that. When I started getting into 10cm, everything was getting chaotic. They prep for labour and got my legs up into position while waiting for my gynae to arrive. I closed my eyes to distract myself from all the busy nurses, the environment and the pain. "Sayang, tahan sikit lagi ok, doctor dah sampai & tengah jalan from car park", he told me. By the time she came into the room, I was ready to push. Hubby kept reminding me not to lift up my buttocks takut terkoyak. I held his hand close and when it was time to push, I switched to the bedside handrail. After prepping, my doctor came in and told me to relax and push whenever I feel the contractions coming..

First try:

"Okay, ready, push...

Second try: 

Tarik nafas, one, two, pushhh

Third try:

Okay stop stop pushing, sedut gas tu kalau sakit.

(She performed some quick procedure)

Forth try:

You are doing so good,

I can see the baby's head, okay now give me one hard and long push."

The labour pain of pushing was nothing like the contractions, after my long last push, it felt so good. We welcome our baby boy at 1.06 a.m. weighing in at 2.66kg. Such a big relief. I didn't know what was happening. Hubby left my side to cut the umbilical cord. A few minutes after, I can hear the baby screaming. He held the baby and performed the Azan & Iqamah. I was really tired by then I couldn't open my eyes. Feeling so high on the drug they gave me, my baby was then given to me wrapped in a pink towel. I got the sense of emotional. I was so excited to meet him for the first time. The pain was no longer there, all of a sudden I can't remember the pain I went thru; the 8 months of somewhat difficult pregnancy, the cold sweat, the contractions, all the pushing and the labour pain when I finally held my precious blessing from Allah. Ahh just like a new gift, I was eager to take my first peek at him. At that very moment, I fell in love and all I could think of was what a blessing from God. A truly wonderful gift someone could ever hoped for. I looked at his innocent face and kissed him all over. It was love at first sight. Never knew a newborn would smell so good. 

 Sabda Rasulullah S.A.W., "Bau bayi itu (berasal) dari bau Syurga".

If you ask me, I would do it all over again. It's beautiful.

8+ months of pregnancy, the extra weight, the preggo hormones, moodswings, bloating, hot flushes, the aches, the throwing ups, body changes, stretch marks & cellulite,  edema (swelling feet), braxton hicks, the monthly check ups, tests and procedure to check for healthy baby, the crazy amount of vitamins, contractions, injections, drugs, labour pain and last but not least, the stitching up.  It was all worth it in the end. Anything for you my baby.

No wonder they say:

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."

Only God knows the pain of bringing a new life into this world.

Betapa besarnya pengorbanan ibu. Thank you so much Mak. Only Allah can repay you. 

My Mom has taught me lots of things, so many that I can't possibly name them all. 

She has been a wonderful inspiration to me and has taught me what it means to be a Mother. 

.x.o.x.o.