Quick Update

I have been so so busy for the past few weeks that I didn't have time to update my blog at all. Maid suddenly dropped me a bomb on 24 Mar when we were having lunch at Centrepoint that her dad wanted her to go home for good after her elder sister (Romsiyah) gets married. She even gave me a deadline and told me that she has to be home by 18Apr! She's not even with me for a year though she has cleared her loan already. I was quite taken aback because upon questioning about her intention to leave, she said KengYong scolded her on 23 MAr and threatened to send her home! Apparently on 23 Mar, Greg doodled on the leather carseat when we were out and maid did nothing to stop Greg or to tell us (we were sitting in front!). KengYong got so angry and after scolding Greg, he scolded the maid but she said she didn't see!?!Anyway, I decided that I couldn't keep this maid for long because she acted very pathetic and lethargic after telling me that she wanted to go home. I felt very cheated because it was only later that I realized that she had it all planned. She requested to buy some new clothes and hairclips weeks before and then even went to the dentist to have her teeth done and well-polished (though dentist said her 'toothache' didn't seem that bad). Well, it doesn't pay well to treat her so well I thought. Quite upset because after she left, Greg was very much affected for at least a week. Besides having to juggle Greg's emotions and the two boys (in fact three, including KengYong), I had to do housework. Not easy especially when KengYong went on a business trip the whole of last week and Greg came down with some digestive problem during mid-week. Come to think of it, I really wonder how I managed the whole household last week. But well, I survived. New maid just arrived last night and yup, I have to start from scratch when it comes to training her up. I do feel quite frustrated at times because I thought she's pretty slow in her work, and she couldn't quite engage in activities with my two boys. Maybe I should give her some time to adjust, and perhaps I shouldn't judge her too early.

Okie. An update. Gareth is now 4 months old. Just started him on cereals (for fun only) though he's still fully breastfed. He's a darling, and he loves Greg a lot. Greg is getting more difficult to manage. He verbally challenges me at times, and would find ways to press my buttons. I could see that Greg has made some cognitive progress - he's indeed pretty creative in building ships, buildings, cars, trains etc using lego blocks. He has also started drawing nice stick figures, beautiful sun etc. I thought he's a lot more artistic than I! Above are some recent pictures of my two boys.. cute hor?

As for KengYong, he's still the same. He is quite busy with work and always has to travel. I went through a bit of rough patch about two weeks ago when my ex-boss accidentally/ deliberately (I don't know!) sms-ed me a nasty note. Quite upset when I received it and it took me a while to really put those words behind me. I didn't know she could be so unsympathetic and nasty towards me. Well, life has to move on.

My neighbour has also just given birth to a baby girl! I am so happy for her. I could smell the aroma of those confinement food that she's taking. Her dad (who's also my dad's childhood friend) drops by everyday to bring her fresh food from the wet market for her confinement lady to cook. Apparently her confinement lady came out late but my neighbour was lucky. Her mum stood in and looked after her, her newborn and now she's helping my neighbour take care of her 2 year old daughter so that she could do her confinement in peace. She's so so lucky.. *envy envy*. She may be leading a fortunate life but she may not see it that way.. well, I may not be that lucky but I think I need to count my blessings too. There may be some things people envy that I have and they don't possess. I guess I need to tell myself that I am also (or was) lucky in that at least I ever had very good and loving parents..

I Am Back to Breastfeeding Again!

Heehee.. I have decided to return to breastfeeding again. I surfed the internet quite a fair bit on some breastfeeding forums and I thought I should give it another shot as my main reason for ceasing my supply wasn't because I didn't have enough breastmilk.I have also gathered a lot of support from friends (of course not to forget my younger sister who had breastfed her daughter for 18months) who breastfed/ are breastfeeding their kids and yes, I was convinced to return to total breastfeeding Gareth again. Oh my, I was so anxious about not having enough to feed Gareth at first yesterday because I had introduced formula milk for the past few days. I even got KengYong to help me buy Fenugreek. Well, I am glad that it gets a lot better today. Gareth seems more satisfied after each feed, and I truly felt that my efforts put in have been paid off so far.

One primary reason why I decided to fully breastfeed Gareth again is because he's going to attend infant care when I return to work. I really hope that his immunity could be strengthened via my breastmilk. Sigh.. but Gregory told me that he didn't want my milk - he said he still has his tin of milk powder..haha. Thanks to all my friends and relatives who have encouraged me to return to breastfeeding again. Well, at least now I could tell myself that I have done all that I could to give the best to both my boys..

My Second Baby Has Arrived!

The day has finally arrived. I took this picture of my tummy before I went KKH to deliver my baby on Thursday at 6+am. My cervix was 3cm dilated, and my gynaecologist decided to break my waterbag. I had my epidural at about 8+am when my contractions became really unbearable. My cervix was fully dilated at about 12pm but because my baby was not in the ideal position for birth (he's facing up though head was down), the midwives put me in various positions to push the baby out while they used their hands to turn the head of the baby. It was quite tedious because I had to go through this procedure for about two hours and my epidural medicine finished at 12+pm. The midwives convinced me not to top up the medicine because I suffered quite bad side effects from epidural (e.g., vomitting, shivering) and told me that baby would be out soon. The effects wore off at about 2pm and I had a hard time managing the pain till the baby decided to come out at about 2:30pm when the gynaecologist made her way to see me. KengYong was very supportive throughout the whole process; he even "pushed" the baby out with me by timing his own breathing to coincide with mine. I also had to thank Rina, my younger sister, who took leave to help me mind Gregory while I was in the hospital. I could see that Gregory had a great time with her and Regine.

When the baby was out, KengYong and I were so amazed that he looked so so much like Gregory. See pictures below (Left: Baby. Right: Gregory at birth). Baby was 3.455kg and 52cm long. He was a lovely baby, just like Gregory two years ago. I was discharged from KKH on Friday, a day after I have given birth. I was relieved that Baby didn't have jaundice on the first day, which Greg had gone through. Both boys look so much like KengYong, and they have the same blood group as their Daddy (A+) too.

Sentosa On Sunday

Greg had been pestering us to bring him to Sentosa. KengYong and I were wondering how he came to know about this place, as we have not talked about it, and the last time we took him there via cable car was when he was about 1 year+. Anyway, we promised to bring him to Sentosa on Sunday morning if the weather was good. Greg was happy admiring the environment around when he was in the cable car, but I think he's a little scared because he kept asking KengYong to hold him. After the cable car ride, we drove in to Sentosa because Greg wanted to play sand on the beach. We went to Siloso Beach and on our way to the beach, he spotted the place where he could play Luge. He insisted that he wanted to play Luge with KengYong after his sand play.

Greg's height was measured at the Luge station where KengYong purchased the tickets, and was re-measured again before he and KengYong took the "sky-bench" up. Apparently, the minimum height for the kids to play was 90cm if accompanied by adults and luckily, Greg's height is slightly above 90cm (sigh! He didn't grow much!). Actually, I was quite worried about him taking the "sky-bench" up because the staff said they could not do much if Greg decided not to sit on it half way through. Anyway, I guess I was overly worried for nothing. Greg seemed brave enough to take it, and he nodded his head when I asked him if he really wanted to do it just before he hopped onto the "sky-bench". Well, he appeared thrilled to be able to take Luge with KengYong when I received them at the end point and Greg had wanted to go another time!
Greg: Mummy, you go up with me can?
Me: No. Mummy can't.
Greg: Why? Your tummy too big?
Me: Yes. Mummy has didi inside. Not safe for Mummy to play the Luge. Next time ok? When Didi comes out, Mummy takes the Luge with you.
Greg: Why Didi so long still doesn't wanna come out??? *pulling a long face*

Anyway, just before he napped at home, he asked if his cousins (Edwin, Roy, Xian, Regine and Reuben) can go Sentosa and take Luge with him the next time.. hmmm.. I guess I should organize one family gathering at Sentosa when Edwin returns from his China exchange programme trip. It should be fun! =)

Weekend Hotel Stay

KengYong had a free one night stay offer at Ritz Carlton Hotel Singapore and we decided to use it this weekend. We thought we had better used it before our second boy decides to make his appearance into this world. On Saturday morning, we were busy packing our luggage and even for a night stay at the hotel, we had to lug so many things there. Of course, most of them belong to Gregory. I really cannot imagine how many luggages we have to bring along with us if we were to travel overseas with two boys for more than two days in future! Below is a picture of Gregory enthusiastically pulling the big luggage bag out of the house.. he has packed his stuffed toy dog and giraffe into the little orange haversack he's carrying. It's a must that he bring them along...otherwise, he would not be able to sleep well.

We arrived at the hotel at about 12+pm. The ambience there was grand and nice. We were given apple juice/ strawberry iced tea on arrival, and free flow of cookies. The room was also quite big and comfortable. Greg was so excited that he couldn't nap so we brought him down for a swim.













After his swim, he took a nap while KengYong and I decided to shop around Marina Square. Our helper kept an eye on Greg while we went shopping but Greg napped for no more than an hour that afternoon. Yanti called us to inform that Greg has woken up. I guess he's too excited about the stay in the hotel. Anyway, to keep him entertained before we had our dinner, we walked around the Millenia Walk and Marina Square. Greg went into a shop and I was showing him a big black scarf. He said if the scarf were to be put around his head, he would look like Teacher Salimah (one of the teachers in his childcare who wears tudung). Yanti laughed and without hesitation, she folded the scarf and placed it on Greg's head. I quickly dished out my camera and took a photo...haha.. he looked quite girlish with the "tudung" on, and he kept saying that he's "teacher salimah"... I wonder how Teacher Salimah would feel if she knows about it..

We met Rina for dinner at Imperial, Marina Square before we headed to the little play area at Kiddy Palace, so as to keep little Regine and Gregory occupied. Below on the left is the picture of Rina enjoying her food, taken by Gregory. Photo of Greg and Regine on a swing is on the right.

It was indeed a tiring Saturday for me. I was so exhausted by 9pm but Greg was still so full of energy despite the fact that he only napped for less than an hour that afternoon. Anyway, I woke up at about 8am on Sunday whilst KengYong and Greg were still snoring away. I decided to use the hotel's bathtub to have a relaxing morning bath. See picture below: I filled up the tub with water and the bath salt (provided by the hotel).

I had a quick shower at the shower area, and as I made my way to the bathtub, suddenly someone opened the toilet door (cannot be locked) and said, "Mummy, what are you doing?"... aiya... there went my relaxing morning bath! *sobsob* Still, I jumped into the water, and soaked myself for a while before I decided to change into my clothes. How I wish he could sleep longer.. always waking up at the wrong time!

Asked Greg how he felt about the trip, he said "I am so tired. Even dogdog and giraffe are tired". I asked him how he knew his stuffed toys were tired... and well, he showed me a photo he took (see below).. hmmm..
Well, it is indeed a tiring weekend for Greg, KengYong and I though it was just a one night hotel stay in Singapore. However, it's certainly a weekend different from the ones we usually have. =)

My Saturday..

Greg has suddenly requested to sit on the adult toilet bowl when he wanted to pass motion this morning and yes, he managed to poo successfully without any fear.. he has been using his little potty all these while. Hurray! I don't have scrub and wash his potty anymore! Heehee. I could sense his pride in his little achievement this morning and I am also proud of him! Well done, Gregory!

We decided to go airport this morning to spring KengYong a surprise. Originally we had to attend a housewarming gathering at a friend's house, but we decided to detour to the airport first. KengYong didn't know we were at the airport waiting for him, and Greg was so thrilled when he met his daddy. I guess he must have missed KengYong for the past four days.

(Above pictures: Greg was happily waiting for his daddy and keeping a lookout for him. Pictures in the second row: Left - Greg was more concerned with the gift his daddy has got for him than anything else. Right - Greg helped KengYong manage his luggage). Hmmm... I wonder how KengYong felt about this surprise that we have sprung on him..

Well, we didn't miss the fun at HuiSan's housewarming gathering. We managed to arrive there at about 11am. Greg met some of his classmates there - Rayhan and Edna and they had a great time together. Kovan Melody is indeed quite nice place. The playground is so well-liked by the kids and this condominium has many fun pools. Last but not least, I must say HuiSan has a warm and cozy home. I had a great time there too! =)

My Saturday morning passed very quickly... *sob sob* it'd be my working Saturday next week..

What a Way to Start my Tuesday!

KengYong is away on a business trip to Jakarta this week. He would only be returning to Singapore on Saturday night. Yanti falls sick. Unsure if it's because she's too sad about her sister's departure over the weekend. Greg's a little cranky because he has developed some cough and blocked nose at night and in the morning. I got Yanti to rest (because she looks quite sick) and I tried to manage most of the things on my own. Waaah.. really had a taste of what it's like as a "single parent"! How I wish I am not pregnant now! Being heavily pregnant makes it even more difficult for me to cope.

Anyway, Greg complained about having blocked nose this morning. I gave him a dose of actifed syrup and off I drove to TTSH. Half way through the journey, he started crying and screaming that he couldn't breathe. You can imagine how panicky I was then. I was trying to be cautious on the busy road while I was ensuring that he's fine in his car seat behind. My goodness. Immediately I off the aircon in the car to make it slightly warmer for him but he kept whining and crying. I suppose all these behaviours of his would probably make his nose even more blocked. Luckily we arrived at TTSH quite safely within half an hour. When I asked him if his breathing was fine, he would cry and say no. Then when I asked him if he wanted to follow me to my office (a place where he loves to go), immediately he said he could breathe and he wanted to go office with me! *aaargggh* I did feel somewhat frustrated.

When we arrived at Greg's childcare, it was about 7:45am. I changed him into his school uniform, and he said he wanted to pass motion. Greg never like poo-ing into the toilet bowl in school. I don't know why. However, I thought it's a good time for me to "overcome his fear/ dislike" towards his school's toilet bowl. I was with him, reassuring him when he told me "his faeces is hard and his hole is painful". Greg has not been taking fruits for the past two days because of his cough. Anyway, he said he didn't feel like eating fruits. I believe that's why his poo was hard. He refused to sit on the toilet bowl eventually after a few tries and he couldn't force his poo out. In the end, Greg requested to have his pull-ups on. He asked me to sit down, and he held onto my knees supporting himself. He was pushing his poo out till his face was red and he was perspiring profusely. I tried encouraging him by saying "push push push".. and finally at 8:10am, he stood up looking tired and said, "Mummy, my poo poo is out!". Waaah.. first time I felt like I was his "gynae"! Hahaha... and his "baby" was indeed hard and in a shape of a big ball... think I have to get him to drink more water and perhaps take some fruits such as apples tonight.

Gynae Checkup Today!

I went for my 8th month growth scan and gynae checkup at KKH this afternoon. KengYong is away in Indonesia and I was so worried while waiting for my turn. I felt so relieved when the sonagrapher told me my baby is ok. However, baby's estimated weight now is 2.6kg! Oh my gosh! This baby is huge! The first thing that came to my mind was how I am going to push the baby out if he's going to be so big. Greg's weight is average at birth hence I never expect myself to have such a big baby. Gynae assured me that baby and I would be ok since my OGTT results showed that I didn't have gestational diabetes. Hmmm...I guess I have to trust what my gynae's words right?

During my last gynae checkup which was a month ago, the baby weighed only about 1+kg. I expected his weight to be around 2kg today hence I was very taken aback when I was told that he's actually now about 2.6kg. I almost fainted. He grew so fast and fortunately, my own weight increment over the past one month is only 0.7kg! Heehee.. so I supposed everything that I have consumed over the past one month went mostly to him! Anyway, most importantly, the baby must be healthy. Just hope that the birth process would be a tolerable one.. *keeping my fingers very crossed*

By the way, KengYong and I are still thinking of a name for our baby boy. I would be delighted if you could give me some suggestions... thanks..

Greg and Ma

Greg suddenly insisted to go Grandma's house when I fetched him from childcare yesterday. He said he wanted to visit grandma and to play his toys there. I told him Grandma wasn't around and no one was at the house but he believed that the house wasn't empty. Since my mum's house is very near to TTSH, i agreed to his request. We arrived at about 6:30pm. Greg's behaviour was a little strange in that he used to prefer to wait for the lift. Yesterday evening, he was somewhat impatient and asked me to walk up the stairs with him instead. When I opened the door, he dashed into Mum's room. His shoes were still on.

I saw him at the side of Mum's bed. He turned to look at me and asked, "Mummy, where's MaMa?". I told him Mum has passed away and is no longer with us. He looked at me, and seemed quite puzzled. He then asked, "Why Mama never bring the tiger pillow along with her?". I was struck dumbed. Not knowing how to answer him, I diverted his attention by asking him what toys he wanted to play. Greg selected the toys and plonked himself comfortably on Mum's bed to play. He wasn't bothered with the heat in the room (windows were not opened) or his shoes not removed. After some time, he decided to leave but together with some of his toys. Greg turned to look at Mum's bed one last time before leaving her room. I know Mum loved him and enjoyed his company a lot. I have taken pictures of him in Mum's room but they didn't turn out to be very nice when I tried attaching them in this blog.

Hubby's leaving for HongKong today. On a business trip. I told Greg about it last night.

Gregory (with his arms stretched out, just like an airplane): Daddy, you are taking aeroplane and you are going HongKong?

KengYong: Yes.

Gregory: Why must you take aeroplane to go HongKong? You cannot drive there?

KengYong: HongKong is very far away. It's not possible to drive there. Must take aeroplane.

Gregory: Are you going HongKong to fetch MaMa home??..

Well, Greg must have thought Mum's still around but somewhere far far away. I guess Greg must have missed Ma a lot too.. It's just a pity that Greg lost both his granddad and grandma at such a young age...