Last Scan of The Year!

This morning's appointment with Dr Tan was the last one in 2007. We waited for almost 2 hours before it was our turn. We had overheard that Dr Tan had to do a delivery in the morning, and hence all the appointments were delayed. Well, gotta book either the first or last appointment slot in future, in order to cut down on the waiting time!

After doing her routine checks on the U/S machine, she measured our baby's weight. As of today, he is 680g, which is within the normal range. He was also in the right position - head down and legs up. She seemed pleased too, with my weight gain over the past month - I am now at 54.7kg (before lunch..haha).

I asked her whether there should be any cause for concern if I didn't detect baby's movement for 2 days. She replied that at this stage, not to worry too much. However, I could lie on my left side and gently tap on the right side of the tummy. Another pointer from her was not to rub my tummy too often as it could cause uterus contraction. Even when applying stretch mark cream, I needed to do it gently. She also advised me to do brisk walking and swimming as I would need to exercise. Gosh... I am getting breathless even after a short walk.

See you next year, baby & Doctor!

Wishing All A Merry Xmas & Happy 2008!

More gifts for our baby... (and none for Daddy, nor Mommy)...















Went to Great World City's Mothers Work over the Hari Raya holiday to grab more Babysafe products while the 20% discount lasts. From left, mattress protector at ~$18.30, and an extra mattress cover.
















Finally got this Snuzzler from Robinsons, @ ~$34 after the discounts (cheaper than online bulk purchase price). It was out-of-stock just a week ago!
















Our online purchases from Old Navy finally came: 3 pcs of short-sleeved bodysuits, 1 romper for sleeping, 1 knit cap, 3 pairs of ankle socks, 3 pcs of long-sleeved bodysuits. All at 3-6 mth size, which is a tad too big for a newborn.

A Worried Grandmother

Since Sunday, I had not felt our little boy kicking as actively as he did in the previous week. In fact, I didn't remember feeling any feeling on Sunday and Monday. I told my Mom about this on Monday evening, and that made her worried. She even went to pray and occasionally, would stare at my tummy and then ask, "Did you feel anything?". My SIL even helped me rub the tummy to 'psycho' our boy to show some reaction. She said that I must talk to the baby frequently, because I would bond with him more than anyone else.

When hubby fetched me home and I told him about it, I think that got him worried as well, and kept checking whether our baby kicked. Finally, he did, even though for only a brief moment.

This morning, my Mom called just to check on me. She was very relieved when I told her everything was ok. I'm sure she was going to make me see the doctor if there still isn't any feeling. She guessed that our baby just has to take a rest after an active week. Felt a bit guilty to cause such worry to my Mom as she herself is recovering from a recent operation, but nevertheless, it is a moving gesture from her and a joy to know that she cares so much for her grandson. Despite her current shoulder and arm injuries that still require frequent physiotherapies, she still made an attempt to cook some tonic for the family.

This evening, our baby has kicked more frequently. No matter how ticklish the sensation is, it is such a wonderful feeling, and to know that your junior is doing well inside.

Oh yes, finally received our Desitin ointment!

Christmas must be one of the best times of the year to shop. Loots at 20% off!

We rushed down to Robinsons at Centrepoint after work on Friday, wanting to get the Babysafe mattress. However, it was not part of their storewide 20% sale.

What we got instead: a baby carrier, SwaddleMe, and 2 Nuk pacifiers (bisphenol-A free!). The SwaddleMe was a great buy (@ $22.72) because it was cheaper than online bulk purchases. The only con was that the designs were VERY limited. For small size, only cocoa dots prints in pink & blue were available.

Latex mattress was actually recommended to us by a friend, so that our baby will not feel so hot when lying on it. We happened to pass by Mothers Work yesterday, and who would have predicted that we came out of the shop with the Babysafe products that we didn't get to buy at Robinsons last Friday. Mattress @ $81.60, newborn pillow @ $13.52, & pillow case @ $7.04 after discount.

Make Way! Make Way!

First Clothes & Miscellaneous

We went to the John Little Expo sale last Sunday and grabbed some items which we felt were pretty cheap!

A mini clip-on fan @ $6, with changing LED lights.

2 packs of story-telling playmats @ $19.90.

Night romper @ $12, pack of 12 washcloths @ $2.90, and thermal blanket @ $12.

Basic rompers @ $1.20 each! 2 newborn sizes and 3 S sizes.

Bought these from Cerisi @ $2.90 per pack (each pack has a set of mittens & booties)!

More to come from my online purchases, arriving next week. Stay tuned...

"Chi2 Di4 Sheng1" aka Ginseng

Last Saturday, I dragged my SIL along to the next-door Hock Hua shop to get some replenishment of Cordyceps. However, the lady recommended us to take the "Chi Di Sheng" (a type of Ginseng) instead because the price was a fraction of Cordyceps and the benefits were same/better, one of which was to boost memory power. My SIL and her sister, who joined us later, were convinced by the shoplady and each got a box as well, so we got a 35% discount for buying in 'bulk'.

1 box costs me $98 after the 35% discount. Can last me till confinement.





Preparation method: Soak 10 pcs of "mao2 dun4" for 10 mins. Rinse 2 pcs of ginseng and 2 tablespoons of wolfberries under gentle running water, in a sieve. Slow-cook all the ingredients, with lean pork (no chicken!) for 1-2hrs. Remember to eat the ginseng.

** This is best eaten between 4-6pm, and best to avoid taking other food 2hrs before and after. ** Not to be taken with sickness.

The shoplady advised us to eat this fortnightly, up to the end of the 7th month of pregnancy. From the 8th month onwards, the tonic "Shi2 San1 Tai4 Bao3" is recommended for easier birthing.

Dear hubby made this for me on Sunday and somehow, baby has been kicking more actively. I wonder whether the tonic has taken effect, or because the baby is bigger? Hmm..

Detailed Scan on 3 Dec

The long-awaited scan came, when I was at 20 weeks 5 days. Dr Chang kept saying "good" while performing the scan. All the measurements fell within the "average" range, as Dr Chang put it, which was good. Our baby's estimated weight was 377g. It was with a great sigh of relief that everything was normal. It was another load off our minds! Dr Chang also helped us confirmed that we are expecting a little boy indeed!

After the detailed scan, we had a short check-up with Dr Tan. She commented that I had to watch my diet as I gained 3kg since the last checkup a month ago. Less carbos for me, and more low-fat milk...

So far, many people have remarked that my tummy looked small for a person of 5 months' pregnancy. But after this visit, I felt relieved as neither our baby nor myself is under-growing. In fact, I have to gain LESS weight!

Oh yes, another milestone for the Daddy - he has finally felt the kicks. :)