Our Christmas blessing from God

Hello World!


Meet our boy... 

James Tan

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17

Our First: My Labour Story

I've been trying to find time to update my blog since our baby was born. I've finally found time today and it's also because I got used to our baby's schedule. :)

Before I show you photos of our boy, here's my labour story.

I felt mild pain on Monday morning. The pain started at 3am. I told my hubby that it feels like tummy ache but I can't go to the toilet. He asked if I would like to go to the hospital but I told him that it's not that painful til I need to be admitted. So we decided to see my gynae the first thing in the morning.

He did an internal examination (which I felt was more painful than the contraction that I was having) and found that I'm already dilated. He advised me to be induced the next morning or I'll just keep waiting for 'the day' the come. Hubby and I took his advise. The gynae told me to look out for 3 signs until tomorrow that is 1) Water bag burst 2) Show (bloody discharge) and 3) Very strong contraction. 

If any of the three signs appear before I'm induced, I should head straight to the hospital.

I was suppose to go to work on that day. I went ahead to settle somethings. We even had lunch with my colleagues.

After lunch, I told hubby that I would love to have one last Toffee Nut Frappucino for the year. He sent me to Starbucks immediately.:)

Later in the evening I noticed some Show. Hubby and I went home to get ourselves ready and head to the hospital.

The nurses were very calm when I told them that I'm in labour and it helped me.

I could still utilize the Wi-fi available at the hospital. Was on Facebook & Twitter while waiting for contractions.

Monitoring baby's heartbeat and my contractions.

Our baby kept sleeping inside, the nurses had to keep moving my belly to wake him up so that they can monitor his heart rate better and I have to keep sleeping on my left side.

The nurse gave me the green light to eat. Hubby bought a HUGE 1901 hotdog for me. :)

As my contractions were mild, they decided to move me to the Post Natal Ward. Hubby and I were anxious but we manage to catch 4-5hours of sleep before I had to be induced.I think I was just too tired that I slept while having contraction.(The nurses did come in every 2-3hours to monitor the baby's heartbeat.)

The next morning, I was asked to go back to the labour room. They strapped on the belt to monitor my baby's heartbeat again and my gynae then came to do another internal examination. (and again, it was more painful than contraction.)

He decided to break my water bag and put me on a drip to help me with the dilation. At this moment, I was induced!

The contractions were much stronger, coming in every 2-3 minutes.

Yes, I could still pose for a photo with hubby.

I gave in to painkiller after 3 hours of using the breathing technique. The nurse gave me a shot of painkiller.I manage to catch some sleep even though I had strong contractions.

Haha, I don't look so happy anymore huh?

2 hours after, the painkiller wore off and I asked the nurse how far along am I. She said I'm only 5cm dilated! I discussed with hubby to get the Anthenox as I felt very tired from practising the breathing technique and he agreed.Anthenox helped me throughout my dilation from 5-10cm.

My gynae came by to check on me in the afternoon and at that time I was only 7cm dilated but as soon as he stepped out of the hospital, I was ready to push. The nurse had to call him to come back.

The whole process happened so fast that all I could do was listen to instructions. I'm not even bothered by the contractions anymore.

There were 2 nurses, my gynae(of course) and my husband in the labour room helping me. I felt like I was in some kind of army camp as they were all shouting "1...2...3... PUSSSHHHHHHH!!" 

After a moment of pushing (I don't know how long I was pushing, just didn't look at the clock), I heard the nurses and my gynae shouting "CONGRATULATIONS!"

Our bundle of joy!:)

I have to thank my husband for being so calm and an amazing labour partner. I wouldn't have been as calm if he wasn't there and I have to say he seems like a natural in helping me support my back and neck when I was "pushing" the baby out. Thanks darling! :)

Many of my friends/family asked me how painful it was.All I can say is that I can't describe how painful it is.It's very painful but it's all manageable as you can still use the breathing techinque and drugs to help you out. The pain that you go through is worth it. :)

Thanks everyone for all of your support throughout my pregnancy and during my labour (those who texted me and messaged me on Facebook & Twitter).

Thanks for sharing the joy in welcoming Baby James!

(More about the little one in my next post!) :)

What have I been up to?

Firstly, I'll have to apologize for not updating my blog for a VERY LONG TIME! I can come up with plenty of "reasons" why but I shall not. I can only blame myself for not pushing hard enough to update my blog. :)

In case you are wondering, I have not given birth yet. This is how big my belly is at 35 weeks. :)

As of now, I'm already in my full term. My Dr told me to just wait for the pain! (I shall just patiently wait for the pain.. *HUMMMM*)

I've had some "scary" moments throughout. My legs were suddenly swollen and I felt like I was walking with a permanent cramp on my right calf. Dr was worried that I may have DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), so he requested me to rest and wear DVT Stockings to help with the water retention.

These stockings ARE SUPER TIGHT!! My hubby initially helped me with it but he asked me to try wearing it on my own in case I need to wear them when he's not around. 

It's definitely not easy to put these socks on. First, I have to cover my legs with lots and lots of powder so that it won't be itchy if I sweat while wearing them. Then, the stockings is VERY TIGHT! I have to use all my might and strength (please don't forget that I do have a big belly to block my way) to pull them up! *HAAAHH* just trying to describe the process of wearing it is tiring. :P

After a few days of wearing them to sleep, my legs are back to its normal size and the "cramp" subsided. The Dr requested to see me 3 days after and he confirmed that it was just water retention. Thank God! :)

He still prefers me to rest at home.So I haven't gone to work for 2 weeks! (I can imagine the work load waiting for me when I get back. Definitely, not going to be easy..)

Throughout my last trimester, I prefer to eat any type of cuisine but Chinese. Yup! I'd rather have Indian, Malay, Thai, Japanese, Western, FAST FOOD.. anything but Chinese. If I'm given the choice!

Of course my favourite remained my favourite... JAPANESE would be on top of the list! :)

Next would be anything SUPER SPICY! YUUUUMMMYYY!

I also have to mention that I also developed a very soft spot for dessert.. you just have to mention cake or ice cream and you'll see my face glowing with joy! :)

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Pavlova.. anyone?? MMMMMMmmmm..

Godiva Chocolate Cake! YUMMMY!

(Thanks to one of my bestie, I got to taste this sinful chocolate cake before I give birth!)

You should be *drooling* by now! SLURPPPP!!

(Just by posting these pictures up, I'm craving for some ice cream/cake already. :P )

Oh.. not forgetting, I also love anything that is icy cold! 

My current favourite super cold icy drink! Starbucks Toffee Nut Frappucino! 

(No worries, I do control the amount of caffeine that I consume.)

We are also preparing for the baby. I've finally packed my labour bag and I took the opportunity to wash baby stuff. Must always take advantage of any super hot weather these days since the weather is unpredictable!

36 pieces of baby napkins out in the sun!

Mittens & Socks!

These things are just so adorable!

and baby needs some "underwear". :P

That's what I've been up to! So, tell me what have you been up to lately? :)

A week after..

Last Sunday it was one of my closest/longest friends' birthday. We met each other in Primary school when we were in Standard 3! (How time flies huh?)

Due to all of our busy schedules, we haven't found time to meet up to celebrate.

Another bestie and I, decided to surprise the birthday girl (belated birthday girl) with mini gifts! Well, our age was not that significant to do a "countdown" but we decided to countdown anyway.

We sent a parcel to her work place 6 days before her birthday. Hoping that she would receive it 5 days before her birthday. [Unfortunately she only received it 4 days before her birthday! Plan failed!]

The mini gifts all wrapped up!

All placed in a box ready to be delivered via Pos Laju.

Mini Gift Day #1

Well, she had to open gift for Day #1 and #2 on the same day because the package arrived a day later than thought. :P

Mini Gift Day #2

May the "dark days" be eaten up!

Mini Gift Day #3

Yup.. she's still a fan of stickers! hahaha..

Mini Gift Day #4

I have to admit that I ran out of idea of what to get and we couldn't remember what her favourite chips were. Our bad. :O

Mini Gift Day #5

This is something she asked for this year.

Every year we would ask each other what we would like for our birthday so that we won't end up getting stuff that we don't want/need. Well, we are after all the best of friends. There's no need to be shy about telling each other what exactly you want! As long as the gift will make you absolutely HAPPY!!

Birthdays are meant to be filled with surprises and fun! [Well, some would say that it's just another day- My late father likes to say that. Now, this is something I disagree with him all the time.] It is a day that everyone close to you would look forward to celebrate it or wish you and rejoice that you have came into their lives and touch their hearts!

To our friendship that lasted more than a decade and to the many many more years that will see us still trying to get to know each other.. this post is for you! (ermm, you know who you are! haha..)

Happy Belated Birthday dear! 

*HUGS*

Our First- 8 months & Antenatal Class

We have been attending Antenatal Class since the beginning of the month conducted by Jenlia2u. So far the classes has been quite good. Especially for fathers who don't have time to read up.

Last weeks' class nearly brought me to tears. We were first brought to the Labour Room for a short tour. Everything was explained. Then we discussed on a husband's role during labour and preparation for normal/natural/c-section delivery. We also discussed on "pain management". Before we went on to our breathing exercise, we were shown a video of a lady giving birth.

My heart stopped for a while when I saw the little one coming out as it was very pale and the baby was quiet and did not struggle. And I think I only manage to start breathing again after the baby made a little sound. *haaaaaa* I still had tears in my eyes but not to the extend that anybody could see it. (I can still blame the hormones?)

It's such a beautiful thing to watch the video even though it got me a little on the emotional side.

Is it too early to wonder how our boy would look like? I'm sure his little voice would bring me to tears. :)

My belly is now this big!

Ok, it doesn't look that big in this photo.

I've been seeing my Gynae more often now. His only concern is my weight as the baby is growing healthily. I have a normal sized baby but I'm putting on weight very quickly. Even though I control my food, I still can gain 2-3kgs in a month! So he suggest to exercise every day. It could be the best to help me control my weight. If not, I'll just have to keep praying hard that there won't be complications and that I can give birth naturally! (Please pray for me!)

So Long.. Farewell..

A colleague made a decision to leave the bank and her last day with us was last Friday. She is one of the colleagues that I've met when I just started working at the bank 3 years ago.


Even though she won't be very far from us, it's still sad to know that we will have one less "lunch buddy".


Here's to the lady that I've known to be lady like.. (ok, not all the time but most of the time. :P )

The amount of food that we had for just a 7 pax party

Just to make it an official "CUT"!

Arigato for making my corporate life more entertaining! 

*BOW* ;)

Marbled Banana Chocolate Cake

My hubby bought me a new oven! :) I was very excited and decided to utilize it for the first time today! 

I chose to make a "Marbled Banana Chocolate Cake". Recipe credited to Little Corner of Mine.

Baking the cake in the oven! :)

*fingers crossed* that it would rise up and turn out nice.

AND

How it turned out?

.......

.....

...

..

.

Burnt at the sides. :(

The texture is a little fluffy and the taste is good. (That's for me.) Shall wait for my hubby to wake up from his nap to see what he thinks of it.

I shall take this opportunity to wish all my Hindu friends...

HAPPY DEEPAVALI!

May this celebration bring you and your family full of joy!

For the lady who LURVES! :D

I've just purchased the cheapest birthday present ever. haha. Well, it's for the girlfriend who was so excited about LURVE.

We made a deal not to get any present for each other on our birthdays but I broke the "deal". Well, the present that I purchased was stored in an expensive brand paper bag but the present itself is not expensive at all. (Just proves that you should never judge a book by its cover.)

The idea just came to me cause I was going to meet her for dinner the day before her birthday.

So here's the "outlook" of the present...

I gave her instructions not to open it til it's past 12am, 15th October 2009.

The moment I gave her she scolded me! But I told her that it's only the "outlook" that looks "expensive".

SO......

...............

WHAT'S INSIDE???!!!??

..........

.........

.......

.....

....

...

..

.

Cheapskate me? hahahaha..

Oh well, it's for the one who loves LURVE in Hot N Spicy!

I mean the Multigrain chips. OK, she does love to be loved (who doesn't?) but the point here is that she loves these chips.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR!! :)

*HUGS*

Sweet & Sour Cod Fish with Prawns

I made this recipe up. It's rather simple. We were suppose to have sweet & sour prawn and pan fried Cod Fish seperately.

As I was cooking the sauce for the prawn,  I realized that I could just "dip" the Cod Fish into the sauce too.

I used tomatoes, onions, red chilli, ketchup and pinches of brown sugar to make the sauce. Fried the Cod fish & prawns first before making the sauce.

 A small piece of the Cod Fish that was hidden underneath the full bowl of sauce.

Verdict:
Hubby said it was nice. Simple and surprisingly it was good even though I didn't follow any recipe.
I find the sauce a little too much. Perhaps I should learn how to estimate how much water to add in.

Almond Croissants

This is one of the Monday breakfast that I've made for my hubby.

Was suppose to use Pastry Cream but I couldn't find any. So I used Castard Cream instead.

I bought mini croissants (yes yes, I cheated!) and fill them up with Castarad Cream that was mixed with Almond Powder. Then brush egg yolk on top of crossaint and top them up with sliced almonds.

Put them into the oven for 10 minutes and TAADAAA!

Almond Croissant is one of hubbys' favourite. He was quite sad when he found out that Delifrance stop making them for a while. When I stumbled upon this recipe on this blog, I had to try it! It was very easy! (Thank you Dhanggit's Kitchen!)

The only feedback given was that it's not sweet enough. Oh, hubby also mentioned that he preferred these mini croissants rather than those normal sized ones! YAY!

Tuna Nicoise in Pita Pocket

I wanted my husband to have a healthy breakfast every Monday and also so he doesn't wait til lunch to fill up his tummy.

I went online and found this easy recipe! (I have to admit, I can't remember which website that I went to.)

On Sunday night, I prepared the Tuna filling (minus the green beans. I didn't want to put green beans in because it will give wind and it's not that nice to be letting go "air" at work.). 

The ingredients were just a can of tuna flakes, onions, cherry/plum tomatoes, olives, olive oil, dill  and lemon juice! EASY! Once done, I kept them in a tupperware and refrigerate it.

The next day, I woke up 30mintues earlier to put them together. All you need is Pita Pockets and some Lettuce leaves. Cut the Pita pockets into half and just fill them up with lettuce leaves & the tuna nicoise! :)

It took me only 10minutes to prepare (4 Pita Pockets) a healthy breakfast for Hubby!

:)

Our First- 7 months

I'm now 7 months pregnant. 29 weeks to be exact. I have 11 weeks more to go! WOW! Time sure flies!

Well, I haven't been updating much about "Our First" cause there wasn't a lot of difference throughout. Just that I've gained more weight and my spine & feet hurts whenever I walk too much or do too much housework.

My body is also heating up easily. So I NEED the air-cond every night. At one point where it got too hot during the day, I started to complain until I felt like going to a swimming pool and eat ice cream in the swimming pool! (Yes, it was that bad but I didn't do it.) The only other not-so-insane thought that came to me was to cut my hair SUPER SHORT! Unfortunately, I couldn't find time to do that.

Falling asleep at night is also something that I'm getting used to cause whenever I sleep on one side, the little one inside will start moving/kicking. Sort of like telling me "MUMMY! I don't like this position!" because I tried sleeping on my back and the baby just sleeps but I read that it's best to sleep on your sides. So I just take his moving/kicking as a rhythm for me to fall asleep. Sort of like him "patting" me to sleep. It's quite soothing! (Perhaps that's why Mums have to return the favour when the baby is born?) :)

So...here's me!

A lot rounder compared to the last photo that I've posted of myself.

Now I can tell people that I'm an All-Rounder!

(get the joke? no? haha.. oh.. nvm...)

:P

Random Shots

Here are some random shots over the past few days.Please note that I'm not a "photography" enthusiast. I don't own any super high tech DSLRs, just a digital camera that fits perfectly in my handbag. (But I do love admiring beautiful photographs.)

o
WANG WANG Rice Crackers
I had a sudden crave for junk, I bought these!
My mum just shook her head when she saw me carrying them home.


Fruits to start the day!
I've gained weight and I could hear my gynae nagging at me.
I shall stick to this fruits for breakfast diet.


Fitnesse Cereals with Chocolate Milk
I tend to get hungry faster now that I'm in my 3rd trimester.
I "stop" the hunger by having a bowl of these! Well, it's nutritious and not so fattening.


"Raining" face!
Hubby & I went for Chappati at a shop near my office over the weekend.
This is how he looks like whenever he eats spicy food.
Sweat will start "flooding" his forehead and face.


Do you LURVE these chips?
A girlfriend came over for dinner last Friday and we went for drinks after.
She was eyeing on this packet of LURVE ever since we bought our drinks.
When the Baristas went around giving each table one packet, she was very excited!
So we made her pose with it! haha..

Egg Mayo Sandwich & Salmon Salad

After my sudden urge to cook over the Raya weekend, I decided to cook the next weekend too! There are a few reasons. One of them is so that my hubby can get some home cooked food since he is always eating out when he's at Port Dickson (PD) and the other reason is that we both try to abstain from meat on Fridays.

Since I get back from work early on Fridays, I decided to make a simple meal. Here's what I made:

Egg Mayo Sandwich
Not very tough. Just hard boiled eggs and mayo with a pinch of pepper.


Salmon Salad
We bought a fillet of salmon the weekend before.
All I had to do was splash some lemon, white wine, dill and olive oil then bake it in the oven for 20-30minutes.
Remove the Salmon meat from the skin and toss them into a big bowl of salad.
I used French Oil as the salad dressing.
Also added some Cherry Tomatoes and Black Olives to make the Salad more "colourful".

Fresh Mango Jelly
While waiting for the eggs & Salmon to cook, I made these!
Jellies are currently my favourite because it helps cool my body down. :)

Perhaps I should make it a habit to cook/bake every weekend. (Well, I'm also more motivated to cook after reading many food blogs. They are inspiring! But of course, most of these food bloggers are SAHM. [Stay At Home Mothers])