Hypnobirthing class

We've started our hypnobirthing class @ ParentLink. I won't go into details of the class, just check out their website. :)

Some pics of hubs having fun during class. hehe!

Acting emo.

How about mimicking the doll's pouting lips. haha! :P

35 weeks and counting

The bump is feeling heavier and it gets in the way. Sometimes hubs will accidentally hit my bump. Haha!

Went for appointment last week.
Kam's weight: 62.5kg
Colin's weight: 1.8kg
Head hasn't descend down.

We're thinking of changing gynae, back to Paul Tseng cause he's more pro-natural, opened to doulas and birth plans.

Michele Lee has been nice. Too bad our views on childbirth are too different. When I told her I wanted a natural drug free childbirth, she replied "Just have a taste of how contractions feel like for about 2 hours, then ask for the epidural". When I insisted, she went "we shall see on that day". Seriously?! Oh well.

Then during last appointment, she commented "Baby is still in breech position. If he doesn't turn by week 36, we'll have to schedule for c-sec on week 38". But there are babies turning in week 39, or even just prior to birth. What's with the rush? I've already indicated to her my plan to deliver naturally. At least advise us how we could get baby to turn or some other alternatives.

We made an appointment with Paul Tseng on 3 May. Dear Colin, please coorperate! :)

Week 33+

Hubs: Your bump is getting bigger!
Wifey: Grabs the measuring tape and measures baby bump.

40 inches!!

Quote

Saw this quote re-tweeted by my friend. How true.

@TheLoveStories: The happiest couples never have the same character. They have the best understanding of their differences. #TLS

爱心日

Hubs prepared breakfast for me! He was such a sweetie for spreading margarine instead of butter, and placing a slice of cheese... :) I was really afraid he might prepare butter bread for me. Haha.

Then he surprised me with my all time favorite Ritz Strawberry Strudel after work.... and prepared mama milk for me before bedtime.

A day filled with lotsa love. :D

Updates on pregnancy!
32 weeks and hiccuping! Colin hiccups daily, anytime of the day - feels like a regular pulse from within.

My bump measured 39inches today. Hope we are gaining sufficient weight. I don't have much appettite lately. So hubs prepares mama milk for me to ensure I'm getting enough nutrients.

Colin starts fidgeting quite a bit whenever I lie on my back (so much more comfortable!), so I have to rest/sleep sideway. :)

We decided to do away with the doula package with Four Trimesters. This means we will deliver Colin together, as a team. :) I am still sourcing for hypnobirthing class though. If you ask me, yes, rooting for drug free natural birth. My birth plan is more or less fixed. Hopefully Colin coorperates by getting into the right position first! Be our good boy okay?

Looking forward to next appointment on 14 April, my 28th birthday!

A little gesture

*Hubs fiddling with the alarm clock*

Wife: What are you doing dear?
Hubs: Re-setting the alarm (earlier) so I can make breakfast for you.
Wife: *melts*

A little gesture goes a long way in marriage. ^_^

Bonbebe Rocio Cot

We got Colin his cot from Taka Baby Fair 2012!

Rocio by Bonbebe, a classic and elegant 4-IN-1 cot bed with gently curving ends, solid and sturdy with a natural finish.

Features:
· Convenient on-handed-drop side mechanism
· Durable teething rails on both sides to protect your baby's delicate teeth and gums
· 4 positions height adjustable mattress base to allow easy access to your child as they grow from newborns to approximately 5 years old
· Easily convertible into a junior starter bed when, ensuring that the elegant piece of furniture lasts for many years
· Made in accordance to USA safety standard
· All in one - Babycot/ Playpen/ Sofa bed/ Junior starter bed
· Able to withstand weight of 50kg
· Made of quality Russian Pine wood
· 2 x bed rails and Junior Starter bed leg board included

 Measurement: · Outer:1350 x 770 x 1160mm · Inter:1300 x 710 x 1160mm

30 weeks

Time to see baby Colin again!
I'm feeling a little affected after the visit. :( Gynae said I'm not gaining enough weight, and that baby's weight gain could be better. Am I not eating enough? :(( is this why I've been feeling more tired lately?
Anyway, weighing at 60.4kg, with bb Colin at 1.4kg (gained about 600g).
Gynae advised me to stop moving around. Go home and rest on sofa and bed so that more blood can go to baby - basically live like a queen. How to with so much chores? Nurse gave us all their Mamil mom's milk samples to boost my weight too.
Add oil! 2 more months to go! Happy mama = happy baby. Breathe!

Little musings

We've shifted back to our love nest on 12 Mar@9.45am. But temporarily sleeping in the guest room till our Sea Horse mattress arrives.

The husband finds the guest room too bright to snooze in bed cause it doesnt have curtains. And he was soooo cute!

Last afternoon, I woke him up after his 2hr nap so we could head out to meet his friends. He got up, went to bedroom, which I assumed he was getting ready. Guess what? I found him sleeping flat on the foam mattress! Haha

This morning, he woke up, walked to our bedroom hugging his pillow like a little kiddo, laid the foam mattress on the floor, and slept.

Enjoy your quiet mornings and nights while it lasts darling. :)

27 weeks

Approaching the fast and furious phase! :D

Tummy has grown from 36 to 37.5 inches in just 2 weeks!

Stomach feeling tighter (which calls for some butter treatment).

Stomach getting heavier too, squatting down and getting up are getting challenging.

Bending forward to dry my long hair brings backache. (-__-')

Sharp increase in kick boxing sessions. Sometimes outwards sometimes inwards. Sensational. Stops when daddy places hand on tummy to feel.

Responds to Mozart's fast tempo piano pieces (ignores violin!).

I'm still enjoying every bit of our pregnancy. Thank you for bestowing us with a dear son.

This Means War

We went on a date on 29 Feb! Caught 'This Means War' at AMK Hub. I thought it was just another fighting show; Turned out to be so wrong. It's war, yea, but love war! :D

Interesing to see how and what guys do to impress girls. There was a phrase that I was attracted to.

"Don't choose the better guy, choose the one that makes you a better person..."

How true?

Chemistry

How we got to know each other. So healthy right? :P

Apple Family

I should address my hubs as iHub cause he bought me all my apple products! ^_^

First was a Macbook in 2008 (christmas), then iPhone in 2010 (birthday) and iPad in 2012 (vday)!
Thank you my love. I can never thank you enough. :D

Anyway, now I'm torn between these 3 gadgets. Since owning an iPhone, I used my MacBook a little less often. Since owning an iPad, the MacBook was hardly used, and iPhone usage dropped as well.

Here's how I decide when to use what.
iPhone - Lying down, when arms aren't tired.
iPad - Sitting around on sofa, bed.
MacBook - At desk.

Technolgy does wonders to our lifestyle, yeah?

My iPad with green magic cover! 

Back view

Stand!

Kitchen

The kitchen is almost ready! :)

Week 25 to 26

Last week of our 2nd trimester! Visited gynae today and was informed our EDD is 26 May instead of 1 Jun.


This time the staff gave me a namecard with emergency contact number, which just means there might be a need to call them anytime! I only want to dial that number once, which would be the delivery day itself. Hehe


Mama is doing well! Gained 9kg, jaw dropping 4kg since my last visit! Gulps.
Baby is doing well too! Weighs 863g, almost 500g gained since last checkup! Gosh! Amazing! No wonder my stomach ballooned so much this month.
My colleagues are beginning to discover that I'm expecting. Some are astonished to learn that I'm almost 6 months pregnant. Haha.


I'm trying to enjoy my last week of second trimester. This trimester flew by very smoothly. Lotsa energy, far away from nausea, and a growing bump. I hope third trimester will be kind to me too.


Our house isn't ready yet. Which meant we haven't got down to buying things for baby Colin. The only thing we purchased so far was a hot water airpot, 4 packets of Pampers Newborn diapers (sale! 2 pkts for $8.95) and 2 bubble mats.



The growing bump

Can't wait! :)

Kitchen

Work in progress!

Thank you hubby for overseeing the reno today because the preggy wifey can't be there.

Love note from hubby

*Melts*

23 weeks 1 day - Braxton Hicks

"At 23 weeks pregnant, Braxton Hicks contractions may start appearing now. They are usually tightenings in your lower abdomen similar to menstrual cramps. These contractions may last from 15 seconds to one minute, keep track of them. You need to inform your doctor if they last longer than an hour or become more intense. Their purpose is to begin preparing your body for labor and birth." Source

I felt some mild cramps. Maybe I'm over sensitive? :) Baby's kicks are definitely getting more forceful. I wonder what his fingers are grabbing inside! My breasts have grown and my bump is at 35 inches. Wooooo.

I have past middle of 2nd trimester and still can't get used to being fussed over and observed by people around me.

A little good news. Big uncle Ong and mummy will be helping me with my 1 mth confinement cause the dragon year drove confinement charges up to SGD2800. Madness. That's one item off our to-do list.

Next will be preparing for Colin's arrival! Cant wait for our house to be ready. For now, familairising myself with baby item check lists gotten from internet.
http://www.babynames.org.uk/new-born-baby-checklist.htm
http://www.babynames.org.uk/shopping-list-for-a-newborn-baby.htm
http://ben-wakeling.suite101.com/essential-items-to-buy-before-your-baby-arrives-a195474

Light chasing

I read from somewhere baby can see light by now. And the article suggested interacting with baby by playing light catching game. The rule is simple - Shine the light at one area and wait for baby to catch (hit) it.

I tried it just mintues ago when baby was most active and he responded! He punched/kicked at the spot which I shone! Adorable! :))

22 weeks 2 days young

Happy birthday to everyone! The 7th day of Lunar New Year is called 'Ren ri', which means man's birthday.

Baby's heartbeat at 22w2d is 150 per minute, accompanied with lot of swishes and swooshes!

Colin has been punching and kicking quite a lot. Sometimes I get 10 kicks in less than 3 minutes. He responds when I poke him at the area he just punched/kicked. :)) Wish I could see what he is doing inside!

As for me, I have gained about 7kg. Energy level is back, no backaches, no leg cramps, no cravings, no food adversion... Immunity is down though! I've caught the flu bug twice in 3 mths, compared to once or twice in a year before pregnancy.

We've signed up for Doula Deluxe Package with Four Trimester by Ginny Phang. The package consists of 2 Prenatal Sessions; HypnoBirthing & Breastfeeding Group Classes; Birth Support; 3 Postnatal Visits.

I hope my birth plan materialises - all natural, drug free and no episiotomy. Baby Colin, we will have great teamwork with daddy cheering us on right? :)

Humpty Dumpty

Hubby's version of this classic nursery rhyme.

Humpty dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty dumpty had a great fall
All the king's soldiers and all the king's man
Couldn't put humpty dumpty back together again

Dear Colin, your daddy isn't very good at this. But at least he has his own version. :) There are many other funny ones! Ahhaha

Oh, and this is mummy at 21 weeks.

Chinese New Year Day 1

Happy Chinese (Lunar) New Year dear friends! May the year of water dragon sail us through 12months smoothly!

My maternal granny passed away last Dec, so my uncles can't celebrate this year. As for paternal relatives, we stopped crossing the causeway for visitation a few years after grandpa passed away in 1994. Grandparents are the reason why uncles and aunties gather together during festive seasons, isn't it?

Hubby's paternal family celebrates new year on reunion dinner on the eve. And His maternal side celebrates on 2nd day. That leaves us with free and easy on first day! Weeee!

We spent our day catching up with rest, feeding our stomachs with Swensens dinner (I slept through lunch), then Singyee and Huiying came over in the evening for mahjong, which lasted till 12plus.

Didn't take much photos except for food!

Renovation

Our house is undergoing minor renovation before the coming of baby. And so, I have shifted to mum's place for all sorts of superstitious reasons. Hubs has been coming over most of the nights to occupy half of my bed. Kudos to him for running both sides!

We have engaged Kow Yee to replace kitchen cabinets, convert dining area to a study room, build a floor to ceiling cabinet and storage bed.

The study is almost ready! Sneak peak!

Papa and Baby

Baby Colin is usually quite active from 9pm onwards. When he kicks, I'll get TK to place his hands on my stomach, hoping he can feel the subsequent kicks too. But Colin somehow prefers playing hide and seek with papa.

Not today though! Papa called "Baby!", then felt a slight kick. "Colin!" and baby kicked really hard! :)

TK looked at me in some sort of disbelief to verifiy that the kick wasn't controlled by me. Seriously, how do I create a pop from the inside of my stomach even if I wanted to?! Hahah!

Can't wait to hold you in my arms!

Sometimes...

He says silly things too.

"Where is the nailclipper? My toes are too long, I want to trim it."

Toooooo funny!

SIM and NP couple had lunch together for the first time! :)

Halfway there - Week 20

This week we went for our fetal assessment at Thomson Medical Centre and confirmed Baby C's gender....

Yup! That's our Baby Colin Chang Ren ___. :) 

I think I suffered anxiety last night at the thought of accessing baby. As a result? Insomnia. The anxiety transformed into excitement after hearing that baby is healthy! *phew* 

Popped by for our monthly gynae visit. Dr Michele Lee reviewed the report. She commented that Colin has a larger than average head and long legs - probably big-headed and tall like daddy? Then she started asking lots of questions! Have you decided where you want to deliver? Arranged for confinement nanny? Started buying baby stuff? To which mostly we shook our heads. :P The only thing we've decided is to deliver at Thomson Medical Centre (http://www.thomsonmedical.com/maternity_pkg.htm). I was kinda shocked when she said the clinic will proceed to make booking. Is it really that soon? Hmmm. 

Anyway, I did some baby reading when I got home and chanced upon this PRIMO EuroBath bathtub, which I want to get so badly! I can imagine the convenience of bathing baby with 2 hands! Plus this tub can be used from birth - 24 months. Great savings! But...but...but...haven't found any source that ships to Singapore! Roars. Anyone heading to US? :( 

Baby Language

Expecting a new addition in your family? Hope this video will help you understand the little one better! :)

 

Start of Week 18

I'm beginning to feel like a football. Baby kicked (or punched) me the whole day as I worked! Wanna know better news? 20 weeks of kicking to go! :))

And I realised that nausea left me many days ago. Yippeee!

Day out to Malaysia

We decided to send the car for servicing on our off day! Car servicing equates to an afternoon of Malaysia (Johor), Bak Kut Teh lunch and shopping at Jusco. Hee.

Our usual routine was to send car to workshop, take a under 10mins walk to lunch location (have to leap over 2 medium sized drains, cross 6 lanes to other side of road), go back to car owners lounge with full stomach for aircon, magazine and zzz monster battle, collect car and off to Jusco!

Even shopping has a routine! Haha! We will walk aimlessly for awhile, then head to Popular Bookstore before leaving. Hubs bought me a nice maternity dress RM$215. :) I got myself a 350ml Bros waterbottle RM$16.90.

We almost purchased a stroller cum car seat set RM$799, felt it might be too early to get it (though it was at a discounted price) just before saying yes. I really liked the design and colour!

Oh well. There were very pretty Esprit strollers too.

We left SG close to 12pm and got back Singapore slightly before 6pm; really a day trip right? :)

Merry Christmas!

Did you receive a gift you fancy? We did! From our baby!

I wasn't sure when I felt baby yesterday, until a few minutes ago, I felt the same fluttering again, so I got TK to place his hands on my tummy, and he felt the flutters too!! :P Merry Christmas our dear baby Chang!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Chang Boon Leong family just turned 2 years old!

This time of December happened to be my super peak period at work. So we didn't take time off from work but headed to Bishan Junction 8 for a simple dinner at Ambush. Their beef bolognese was awesome! Hubs tried crispy chicken aglio olio, which was nice too! I want to try their sausages and grilled fish next time! Looks like we will be patronising the restaurant again very soon.

After dinner we walked past a spectacles shop and I got him to try on a few frames. He ended up getting 2 pairs of specs for $700. I blame the transitional lens and his high degree for the $$$! If only his degree was lower cause the spectacles shop was offering frames and lens for $88. Oh well. I love him the same.

Year 2011 was a rollercoaster. We've been through quite a bit of events - me taking a short break from work, him going through a minor surgery, then our miscarriage, holiday to Taiwan and Australia.

Thank you for being there for, and with me. There is so much more we can improve though! :P

Moving on, I'm really looking forward to next year. :) May God grant us the wisdom, patience and love to keep each other sane, and continue to grow stronger as a couple.

Loving you, Wifey kAm

Week 16 - Boy oh boy!

Brought forward our 24 Dec appointment with gynae cause I wasn't feeling too well; must be cause by my itchy throat non-stop coughing disrupting 2 nights of my beauty sleep.

We proceeded to the little room for ultrasound scan. 

Gynae: Do you want to know the gender of baby? 

Wife: YES!! 

Hubs: No response cause he was feeling nauseous. haha. 

Gynae: Scan scan scan... 

Gynae: It's a boy.

Hubs: Smiles

So we're 99% expecting a boy! This boy will be the first great-grand child and son for Grandma Chang, first grand child and son for both our parents too. Pray that all will be well. I'm looking forward to hold you in my arms. :)

2nd trimester has been quite kind to me. I still puke when stomach gets too empty. Apart from that, I still can hop around (with much fuss around me). 

Jurong Hill Top Restaurant

On a normal day after work, TK decided to bring me to somewhere secluded for Japanese dinner.

I requested him to take a picture of me before the sun went down.. And this was the result..

Messy hair! Grrrrrr.....and my feet got chopped off.

We had to decide on tepanyaki, japanese or indonesian. Missy wasn't in the mood for tepanyaki.. so I settled for my all time favorite katsu curry rice set for $14. It was delicious! Good food makes me really happy! TK said I'm greedy. Hmmm. Tk ordered beef teriyaki ramen cause I like beef. :))

Jurong Hill Top Japanese Restaurant
2 Jurong Hill, Singapore
Tel: 6266 3522

Oh, one last thing! This restaurant doesn't charge service charge.

After dinner, we got stuck at the carpark for awhile cause someone's cashcard was 'eaten' by the machine, which totally screwed the lifting of barrier. During the wait for technical help, mama chang called to inform TK their TV was spoilt (hinting him to get a new set) - and so we went shopping! :D

Week 13 scan

4 long weeks finally crawled by! I told myself to sleep early the night before so that morning will come faster, only to end up tossing on my bed since 6am.

Anyway, we had our usual Long John Silver's breakfast before heading for our Gynae appointment.

Say hello!

Baby front view

Baby side view

Baby doing sit-and-reach, pilates style. :P 

 I'm feeling pretty much the same as last update. Random nausea and fatigue. My colleagues commented I'm beginning to show that little baby bump.

Grow grow grow

Baby greeted me a gooood morning with 174 heartbeats/min and a few hand wavings or kicks (whooshes in the water) as I was hearing baby. Hehe.

I poked hubs awake to hear baby too! He said the heartbeats sounded like an engine. :D

At 11weeks+, My waist is expanding inches by inches, nausea comes and goes, tender breasts are getting bigger (according to hubby) and better, crazy hunger pangs and weird bitter taste on my tongue are gone too. Fatigue is still with me though. Hope my energy will come back soon.

Can't wait to see baby on 26 Nov 2011. Oh baby!

Expected weight gain

Really? Do I have to gain so much?! :S

Learning from others

Read read and read. I know one will never be 100% ready to be a parent for every child is unique. I can only prepare as much as I can to provide the best I can when the time comes, which I have been doing so since 2005 after my ex-colleague gave birth to her first kid. :) Seeing how she tried to cope with her first kid was an eye opener for me. So I was determined to arm myself with more knowledge and started deciding on what I would do if this... and if that... and if...

I've long decided to do hypnobirthing, get a pupsik pouch sling, weighed the pros and cons of cloth vs disposable diapers, learned about kiddo problems (middle child syndrome, twin's personalities, ADHD, autism...) and how some parents made their 2yr olds break their habit of sucking their pacifier, why tummy times are important for baby, how to develop their motor skills and other intelligences, and lots more... Although I don't know when I will be a mother. :D I just pray that day will eventually come.

Today I realised that I've skipped the most important step, which is how a couple, the foundation in the family, goes through the ups and downs of pregnancy - the emotional rollercoasters, physical and mental challenges, different thoughts, habits, needs and wants, and preferred method of getting things done.

That led to a new area of reading! First up! An article by Robert Allen Savage for parents to be. Have a good laugh from a dad's point of view! :D
http://www.helium.com/items/1876067-what-to-expect-during-pregnacy


Second article - The Psychological Side of Pregnancy by Brenda Hunter.
http://www.troubledwith.com/Transitions/A000000622.cfm?topic=transitions%3a%20having%20a%20baby

Linea nigra

Today I came across this...

Linea nigra (dark line running up your tummy) 

This is a dark, vertical line, up to a centimetre wide that appears down the middle of your stomach, often crossing the navel. It tends to appear around the second trimester. It is caused by pigmentation in the skin where your abdominal muscles stretch and slightly separate, to accommodate your baby as it grows.
This line of pigmentation will fade within a few weeks of delivery, although you may need to give it a gentle rub to remove any dry skin. You will notice that other areas with pigmentation - such as your nipples, moles and freckles, and even armpits - may darken too, but this will also fade with time.  source: babycenter

I checked my tummy and saw a line of pigmentation measuring 3 inches long below my navel! 

Our little beanie

Our doppler is here! :) Comes with a tube of doppler gel, 2 pairs of earphones and 1 recording cable (which I have no idea how to link up to the computer to record baby's heartbeat!).

We only heard my heartbeat and lots of liquid squishing around. Haha. But I didn't give up! I tried again after hubby left for lunch appointment and heard baby! Our little beanie's heart was beating 149 per minute. Hehe!

Oh, aloe vera gel works too if you don't have doppler gel. :))

Battling with clothes

I've outgrown my formal pants at 6 weeks. My wardrobe left me with choice of 1 pant (which used to be quite loose), and erm, skirts. :S

Over the weeks, my skirts grew tighter and shorter. Okay, fine, it was me getting fatter which resulted in skirt sitting higher on my waist.. :P

I hit another milestone of pregnancy today by unbuckling my skirt for comfort - a very wise decision indeed! How long more can my clothes last? Shrugs. I think it's time for some serious shopping for loose clothes and good flat shoes.

Luvion Doppler Deluxe-80

I finally convinced hubby to allow me to buy Luvion Doppler Deluxe-80! This device allows me to listen to baby's heartbeat as early as 12 weeks, but some moms to be in forums said they could hear their baby's heartbeat as early as 10 weeks!

Source: Babysingapore

Why buy this device? Because I worry too much whether baby is doing okay as I can't feel baby, plus previous miscarriage added a little more stress and the need to know if everything is all right. The doppler should lessen my anxieties and worries, hopefully make our pregnancy journey a happier one. :)

One last note, having the doppler makes our monthly gynae visit more bearable! :D

Our downunder trip, June 2011

I finally found time to compile our Australia pictures using iPhoto. It's actually meant to be a photo book, which I have yet to send for printing. Meanwhile, I exported it into video for sharing! Enjoy!

Random moment

Hubs: How much does it cost to park here (Far East Plaza)?
Wifey: $3.53 for first 3 hours
Wifey: Let's maximise the parking fee and walk around for 3 hours!
Hubs: Sure.

Walked....walked......walked....
Looked at pretty things at Far East and Tangs...

2 hours later....

Wifey: Let's head home. My legs are tired...
Hubs: Okay. :)

So much for 3 hours. Haha!

First down

Today was the first time I felt really unwell since conceiving.

I woke up with a throbbing headache and decided to visit the doctor, whom granted me a day off from work. I went home and slept till noon, but woke up with the same headache.

At 6 plus, I felt really nauseous. Drank a cup of orange juice hoping it would ease my chest. Couple of minutes later, I finally puked - my first. The second puke came about 10mins later.

Feeling terrible and hoping tomorrow will be better!

A picture in the library

There were 2 huge 'I love museum' bunny figurines placed in the library I couldn't resist taking pictures with... So I got TK to take a picture for me; and he went "ONE.... TWO.... (click)" in the quiet library. It was extremely funny! :D

Silly things we do that makes life interesting.

Meow Chang is back

The alarm was set at 11.20pm. My plan was to nap for 20mins before proceeding to the airport to pick up the boy, whose flight was scheduled to land at 12.15am.

The anxiety at the thought of being able to see and hug him kept me tossing and turning for awhile before tiredness took over. Then, I jolted myself awake, thinking that the nap felt more than 20mins - the alarm clock shows 12.17 (my clock was ahead by a few minutes). I picked up my phone frantically (caused a big mess in the process) and checked the exact time - 12.11am. His flight? Already landed. Hahahah!

The mess of a murdered alarm



I changed and left our home in a lightning speed. By 12.14am, I was on my way to carpark, dropped him a msg informing I overslept. He took it graciously and told me not to fly over. :))

Finally arrived at the airport around 12.30am. Welcome home TK Meow Chang. I missed you. :D

For the record, this was why he has a new middle name.

Jingwen's 1st Birthday

My cousin's little girl's 1st birthday celebration. She was so adorable and friendly!

Do all kids like Sesame Street? I don't remember liking it. :D

Suntec

Hubs: What do you want to eat darling?
Wifey: PIZZA!!! :) Cause we have a pizza voucher and I won't be able to eat it after my wisdom tooth surgery.
Hubs: Okay, let's go!
Wifey: ♥♥♥♥

Curry Chicken pan pizza was great, Prawn Aglio Olio was a total disappointment - the spaghetti was blend and the prawn was tough. Should have ordered chocolate cake instead. Oh well.

After lunch, we went Carrefour to search for plastic cabinet to be placed outside our door for feng shui purposes. I grabbed a laminator machine along with 3 packets of laminating sheets just before checking out!! HAHAHA. Talk about impulsive shopping. Total bill was $600! Can't wait for delivery on Tuesday~

Before leaving Suntec, we made a silent wish and walked round the Fountain of Wealth 3 times. I hope my wish will come true, really. :)

Love going out with you.

lovelove, wifey. 

He worries

It took me longer to ride home due to horrible traffiic yesterday.

For that, I received 2 missed calls on my mobile, 1 SMS asking for my safety and location, and a call to his parents place to check if I went to the wrong house for dinner.

He worries. :)

Recovered

We are glad that my body has recovered and is functioning well with the coming of first menses cycle after the miscarriage.

I was so happy I sent my mom a text message so she can stop worrying about me.

I'm back on my chinese medication. :) 2 more months to trying again. Can't wait!

From red to green

Latest change in Changs family - switched from red to green subscriber for our home internet. We are no longer in the red zone! :D Quite a feat considering he used to be an all red man. hehe. 

The first thing I did after connecting was to test the speed using speedtest. 

Looks not bad. 13/16mbps and faster than 64% of SG. :) 

Couple Issue #1

Does your family have a bad habit?

We do. We always conveniently leave our things on the bedroom floor, to a point of trapping dust, fur and spider webs. Yes, spider webs. The things could be left on the floor for weeks, or even months! It could be due to the lack of shelves or just plain laziness.

Whatever the reason, we've decided to kick that habit by imposing a fine of $2 per item to the other party if caught! hahaha. Since then (a week ago), we are proud to declare our bedroom floor is clutter free! Feels really good to come home to a neat and clean setting. It takes 2 to clap! :D

PLACES OF INTEREST
Singapore Zoo

PLAYGROUND
Jurong East
Blk 405 Pandan Gardens

Ang Mo Kio
Ang Mo Kio West Town Garden @ AMK Ave 6

Serangoon
Blk 504 Serangoon North Ave 4

Toa Payoh
Dinosaur Playground @ Kim Keat Avenue

Our first pregnancy - Summary

6 May
Found out we're pregnant

17 May
Started spotting dark brown

22 May
First sightings of fresh red spotting, took beta hCG test (22797). Did first abdominal ultrasound scan showing only gestation sac measuring 13.5mm, 6 weeks 2 day. Dr Paul prescribed progesterone pills to stabilise the pregnancy.

24 May
Mixed spotting of dark brown, dark red and fresh red with strings of clots, took 2nd beta hCG test (25754), Dr Paul said it was probably a bad pregnancy and told us to expect miscarriage.

27 May
Visited Dr Michele to get second opinion. Transvaginal ultrasound scan still showed only gestation sac, measuring 11.7mm, 5 weeks 1 day. beta hCG test (30000). She prescribed pills to stabilise the pregnancy. Spotting got heavier, clotting more, filling up about 1 pantyliner.

29 May
Spotting progressed to bleeding, filling about a pad a day.

31 May
Beta hCG test (25000). Bleeding about 2 pads a day.

2 Jun
Final case review with Dr Michele. Transviginal ultrasound scan showed empty gestation sac measuring 8mm, positioned quite near the exit of womb. Dr Michele suggested D&C cause I was flying off to Sydney the next day to prevent possible complications and infection. I insisted on letting my body take care of it. She prescribed me painkillers and antibiotics in case the miscarriage happens during the 15day trip. That evening, experienced slight cramps, discharged first large, half-palm sized liver looking clot, following by many small to medium clots for next 4 hours before I went to bed. I was basically visiting the toilet every 2-5mins to discharge huge amount of blood and clots after clots.

3 Jun
One large clot like no other came out when I pee-ed. It was red with greyish tissues. Pretty much like those white fatty stuff you see on meat. Bleeding reduced significantly to 1 pad a day.

6 Jun
Still spotting lightly with random minor clotting.

11 Jun
Back to normal, finally.

The M day

I was spotting and bleeding into the miscarriage since 17 May. What happened today was most 'exciting'.

We went for review after my 4th Beta hCG test. Dr Michele said the levels dropped, did a Transvaginal ultrasound scan and noticed the gestation sac was low and near the exit of the womb, which meant the miscarriage was going to happen soon. She was pushing for D&C in the evening, sharing her worries that I might have complications (excessive bleeding etc) during the 7hr no medical assistance flight to Sydney next morning. Hubs was probably on the D&C side too but he respected my decision to go all natural. I had a really good feeling about the whole thing.

After the appointment, we bought tickets for 8pm X-Men First Class. During our dinner, my tummy felt funny. Not exactly cramps, just a little sore feeling? I shelved that feeling aside. During the movie, light cramps came and went. Each wave lasted about 1-3mins, then went away for 5-20mins. Thank goodness the show was awesome to distract that little discomfort.

Halfway into the show, I felt a gush of liquid (what else other than blood?) coming out, and another one shortly after. Nearing the end of the show, another gush. The sanitary pad felt heavy as we strolled to the toilet after the show (I didn't mention anything to him during the walk). The level 3 ladies was too packed, I waited for him to return from the gents before heading to level 2 toilet.

The first half-palm sized liver looking clot came out with a little push as I pee-ed. It was then I realised the miscarriage finally began. We hurried home in case things got worse.

The cramps intensified when we got home, another large clot came out, along with a lot of blood. For the next 4 hours, I kept running to the toilet to discharge small to medium clots, along with ever-flowing blood, all these happened while I was trying to pack for our trip to Australia. Consumption of painkillers was put on hold cause I hated chewing tablets. But If finally gave in at around 2am when the cramps started to pierce and I wasn't sure where it was progressing to. Said a little prayer for smooth miscarriage and a safe flight, then went to bed with the already snoring hubs.

4 Jun morning, I woke up at 6am to get ready for my flight. I was thinking there must be many clots to be discharged during my sleep hours. So I tried to push while peeing and a huge clot came out! A clot like no other; It was red liver looking with greyish tissues - just like how the others described the POC. I made hubs see it. haha. The bleeding reduced significantly immediately after that discharge. God is good. :) My flight was a safe and pleasant one - no cramps, little bleeding, feeling normal, as if nothing happened.

I know this whole episode sounds crazy to some. Packing for 2 while going through a miscarriage and flying off the next day with unknown possibilities (more bad than good). My hubs told me: "I will never forgive myself if anything happens to you before I fly to Australia to meet up with you". It was a little emotional episode but it strengthened our relationship. I'm blessed with a very trusting and supportive husband. :D

Sidetracking to kam's Y-logic: Previously I was telling hubs that God must have inserted this experience cause He found our relationship getting a little boring since we haven't been bickering for a long while. So we should bicker more. hahaha.

All right, it is time for us to move on. :)

A little update

Nurse called to inform me that my latest hCG level was 25100.

This dip represents a baby good bye.

I pray for a quick and smooth miscarriage so we can move on. :)

2nd opinion

I really wanted a closure regarding our pregnancy today so I could move on and try to conceive again sooner.

I decided this time God would help me choose a Gynae. Called up Thomson Women's Clinic (SengKang) but Dr Adrien could only see me from 5.30pm onwards. I was doing it without hubby's knowledge so that timing was definitely unsuitable. Tried Dr Michele Lee from TWC (AMK) and she was available at 11am! I quickly changed and went AMK Hub.

Dr Michele Lee was nice. She asked about my history and proceeded to do a transvaginal ultrasound scan (not the most comfortable feeling on earth). The gestation sac measured 11.17mm, 5weeks 1 day old.

If you read my earlier post, the gestation sac was 6 week 2 days old. While I didn't mention this to Dr Michele, but she addressed the shrinking size, stating that 2mm off was not a real concern.

Upon seeing the empty sac, I was convinced this pregnancy was not viable. So I asked consulted more about miscarriage. Found out that D&C would set us back by about $1200 - $1500. Since my spotting progressed to light period bleeding, I asked about induced miscarriage so I could end the chapter nicely before I go on our Australia trip.

Guess what? She didn't want to administer. Not until she was utterly convinced that this pregnancy would fail. My blood was drawn again (3rd time in a week) for another round of Beta hCG test to see if it was dropping, another one scheduled on 31 May.

I was so convinced I'm going to miscarry I bought cheap panty liners and sanitary pads on my way home.

Guess what again? Nurse just called me to say my levels rose to 30000 and asked me to pop by tomorrow to get pills to stabilise pregnancy. Now I have to spill the beans!

Dear hubby, please don't get mad at me for seeing Dr Michele without you. I know you will still love me the same, or more!

No matter what outcome, I just need to know we've done our very best for our unborn child.

Best hubby award

These few days have been a rollercoaster for us and hubby has been the greatest hubby one can ever wish for. :)

If all else fails, i know i still have God and you. Thank you for your love hubs!

Visit Sinseh

We went back to the sinseh whom we have been visiting to inform him our pregnancy progress. He gave me some pills to stabilise the pregnancy. I'm actually thankful for him cause he didn't give up on our pregnancy.

We are at a loss. Don't know what to expect. Part of me hope that this is just a case of late bloomer.

Thank you dear friends for your encouragements. :)

Appointment with Dr Paul

Took another Beta hCG blood test and waited an hour for the results.

At week 6, my ideal Beta hCG range should be between 158 and 31795.

Sunday 4pm: 22797

after 41 hours...

Tuesday 9am: 25754

My hCG was in the range, but with only an increment of close to 3000, far from doubling. Dr Paul said this probably wasn't a good pregnancy, and that my body was trying to reject and expel the product of conception (POC). I have 2 options, to do a Dilation & Curettage (D&C), or letting my body handle it naturally. I opted for the latter.

First ultrasound scan

The dark brown spotting which started on Vesak Day (17 May) turned fresh red at around 4pm today. So we made a trip to Thomson Medical Centre's 24 hour clinic as advised by nurse from TLC Gynaecology Practice the day before.

Well, the nurse only shared half the story. Apparently, only GPs were on duty in 24 hour clinic. The nurse at reception counter said we could call in my gynae at a cost of $300. I turned to hubs with eyeballs popped out, along with dropping jaws. I had half a mind to go home, then "Okay, call him." Hubs said.

Dr Paul Tseng arrived in less than 20mins, did an abdominal ultrasound scan (our first scan!) and located my 6 weeks 2 days gestation sac measuring 13.5mm.

He gave me progesterone pills to stabilise the pregnancy, took my blood for Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) test, then told me to drop by his clinic on Tuesday for another Beta hCG test to see if my hormone level is doubling as it should be.

After we got home..

kam: Did Dr say anything about empty sac?

hubs: No.

kam: He said he only see a sac, which means only the sac and nothing else, which eventually means empty?

hubs: Don't know.

I don't have a good feeling about this. :( Blighted Ovum it seems to me.

A blighted ovum (also known as “anembryonic pregnancy”) happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop. Cells develop to form the pregnancy sac, but not the embryo itself. A blighted ovum usually occurs within the first trimester before a woman knows she is pregnant. A high level of chromosome abnormalities usually causes a woman’s body to naturally miscarry. Read more>>

Little love moments

Hubs on duty to ensure I get enough vitamin C..

I prefer my fruits to be bite size.. This was obviously too big..


Lazy to go back to chopping board, he bit a little chunk off.


There you go! Bite size apple for me!


:)) so romantic right? Hee.

From wife to mom-to-be

Introducing my favorite sanitary pad! Whisper Ultra - extremely slim yet absorbent. :)

I won't be needing it for the next 8 months (I hope!). :P

Rem on 6 May I woke up with the name Colin first thing in my mind? That day I decided to do a pregnancy test, expecting the normal result, but was taken aback instead.

Double lines, I didn't recall seeing double lines before, "invalid", I thought. I quickly dug out the packaging from the rubbish bin to confirm the test result. "Positive", it read. (@_@)

My heart skipped a few beats initially, but soon caught up on the missed beats. I sent an image of it to hubby without explanation after calming down and waited patiently for a reply after his class.

His response? "Are you happy?"

Of course I was, and still am as I typed. At the same time filled with uncertainty since I just left my job. I'm sure God has a plan for us so I shall just drift along.. :)

Anyway, that afternoon, he took half day off from work for dental appointment, but we ended up at our sinseh's clinic. There, the sinseh confirmed that I...am.... pregnant. :D The answer to unexplained fatigue the past few weeks!

Week 6 Day 1, I'm praying for a smooth pregnancy! Looking forward to meeting kidney bean sized fetus on 31 May!

Our Sinseh

Hubby and I are ready to start a family. First step was to get my irregular menstruation regulated to increase the chances of conceiving.

I read some positive forum reviews on Ban Choon Wah Medical Hall and shared with hubs! The best part? The medical hall was just 10min walk from our place. :)

Blk 157, Serangoon North Ave 1

#01-434, Singapore 550154

Tel: 6288 7439

Sinseh said my womb was weak, gave me some medication to nourish m womb and an ovulation chart to map my temperature every morning. My menses regulated immediately after first appointment and we got pregnant within 4 months!

The medication lasted 2 weeks, $64 per consultation (with medication).

Baby dusts to all who are trying to conceive.

Random love note

Hubby loves me.
Not just by words, proven with actions.
He loves me. :)

Today we did a couple feet herbal soaking session at home. This was how it looked like!


Now my feet feels ultra smooth and I'm dozing off as I type.... Good night all.

Movie: Thor

The husband said "I want to watch Thor tonight" when he got home. How possible was it to get tickets on Friday evening, plus the start of a long weekend? True enough, cinemas were mostly filled, other than a 9ish show at Eng Wah @ Suntec. Driving there on a Friday night is simply.... crazy. I couldn't bring myself to go. Midnight show? No way too. :P So... he sulked that evening.

During my Saturday day out with my girls, he sent a message saying "I want to watch movie tonight". I checked website... 8.40pm Thor at Cathay @ eHub was sold out. (-_-")

Sunday, I checked the availability at Bishan J8 GV first thing in the morning for 11am show, it was..... less than half filled! Broke the good news to him when he woke up. He said he was gonna bathe first and expects to see me washed up, changed and all ready to go when he comes out from bathroom (I like rolling on the bed on weekend mornings). (-____-")

We arrived at GV and were greeted by their shutters (yes, that early) though it was already 5mins past the opening hours. hahaha. I hope you enjoyed the show! :)