Category Archives: Motherhood

PBC Baby Expo

Posted in Motherhood by

So finally had the time to blog about the PBC Baby Expo that we went to in August. Was down with a chest infection all last week which has now spread to hubs and bubs 😦 Boo! I still feel guilty spreading it to the family.

We decided to go to the PBC Expo on the last day, Sunday with Filzah and Darren. It wasn’t overly crowded. Usually, I would print out the exhibitors’ map of the expo and highlight the different stores I want to go so as not to waste time/money/focus but this time we decided to explore the whole expo with the excited first time expecting parents.

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What a way to start the day, we head to my favourite, the only and a must have Bum Barrier Spray go to provider, Nenni and Tom. Had to stock up of course! That was first on our shopping list! How lovely, they even expanded their range of products to baby baths and even a Paw Paw balm which I’ve fallen in love with!

As some will know, Ayden gone and still going through a phase of vigorously scratching his head when he is tired! When I say vigorous, I mean he scratch it so deep, it bleeds! Painful to see. I’ve clipped his nails, buffed it and had to have SAFETY mittens on all the time! So the PawPaw balm was a life saver in treating those cuts and made them heal quickly! Great job ladies xx

I was also looking forward to get the banana brush for Ayden. Heard it’s a major hit for teething babies! So we got the baby banana brush and the toddler one too since it was on special! 2 items for $25! And it work wonders! Ayden loves it! The only teether that he plays for along time..

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I am quite surprised that none of the major baby carriers were at the Expo; particularly Ergobaby and Stokke! I was very excited and keen to check out the new Ergobaby Adapt and the new Stokke® MyCarrier™. Guess the only way to try them on is to make a trip down to baby bunting!

It seems that there were heaps more samples given out at this Expo than the previous expos and what’s more interesting is that there are some booths that encourages event goers to give a gold coin donation for their charities in exchange for a bag of samples. I really like that idea!

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Especially with Ayden started on solids, the team at Nestle were very knowledgeable and addressed my concerns regarding the Nan Formula and Cerelac product range. We even scored free samples too! Unfortunately, the Wheat and Prune range did not sit with Ayden and he end up having constipation each time. 😦 Heard that some infants may take it well and some don’t.

To end the day, we did scored good bargains at the Baby Jogger booth, We got the snack tray and the rain cover for the Mini GT. So that was great ! It was on our shopping list for awhile. It was a good day overall. Looking forward to the next expo!

xoxo

ana

Two Words Too Fast!

Posted in Motherhood by

Ayden just turned six months a few days ago! Oh my how time flies!

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And to celebrate he had his first Solids! Yay another milestone achieved! Oh this boy ate it all! His first bowl of Cerelac and me, I just beamed with pride! He looks so content eating his meal! We were so excited to feed him, we (ok not even!) I even got him an Airplane spoon! Haha OMG Newbie Parent Alert!

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As excited as I was, part of me will miss this moments. He’s growing up so quickly! I want to be in every moment with him! As much as I can!

Work drains me all the time but the thought of rushing home to kiss this lil man forgets all the stress I had at work.

We did have a few unsettled nights especially when he is learning a new skill. It can be frustrating but quite rewarding to know that he is picking up new skills along the way. Very proud mumma!

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Because I work full time, it’s hard to go on play dates and when we do, it’s so nice to see him playing with other kids.

Mummy did had a movie matinee with her girlfriend while Baba looks after Ayden! Oh my it’s been a while! What a movie to watch as well! Bad Moms! It’s awesome! Every mom shld go for destress  movie night and watch the movie with their girlfriends! Highly recommended 😘

 

 

Stumbled and now a must have! 

Posted in Motherhood by

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I stumbled on the Milton Mini Portable Soother Steriliser at Woolworths but didn’t think nothing of it. And then I came across it again at Baby Bunting. After a month of seeing it in stores, I decided to check it out and thought it might be useful since Ayden drops his Dummy a lot! And even with the Dummy pinned to his clothes, it just goes on everywhere, tables, cot, floor and etc. And when I finally decide to purchase it, Neither Coles nor Woolworths stock it anymore! And I had to settle for a less attractive color at Baby Bunting. It costs about $10 and comes with 10 mini sterilising tablets.

The Milton Mini Portable Soother Steriliser cleans and sterilises dummies on the go in only 15 minutes.

Key Features and Benefits

  • BPA free
  • Sterilises in 15 minutes
  • Stays sterile for 24 hours
  • Comes with an adjustable strap
  • FREE INSIDE: 10 Mini Sterilising Tablets

The great thing is that you can reuse the same solution throughout the day and the adjustable strap means you can attach the Mini to your buggy or change bag so you can make sure you always have a sterilised soother to hand.

Before leaving home, simply fill the Milton Mini with cold water and add one Milton Mini Sterilising Tablet. The unique sponges inside the Mini absorb the solution to avoid spills as well as helping remove dirt from the teat. Add the soother, replace the watertight lid and after only 15 minutes the soother is sterilised and ready to use straight away with no need to rinse.

Another stumbled upon product! Was at Chemist Warehouse while picking out monthly necessities for Ayden and came across Milk & Co product range. What attracts me was the Nighty Night Room Spray!

Milk Baby Nighty Night Room Spray relaxes and calms your baby, preparing them for the perfect slumber! With just a few sprays, the lavender-based formulation works it’s magic. As the saying goes “you will find your bubba’s eyelids (and yours) are shut before they even hit the pillow”

I was sceptical at first but since it was on special; any two products for $15. I decided to purchase it and try it out on Ayden! So we had our regular bath time in the evening, massage and a little playtime, decided to spray it around the room and in his cot and bedding. Less than 5 minutes into it, he fell asleep on my arms! It was amazing! Although it was his regular hour nap after his bath, I tried it again during bedtime and amazingly he sleeps soundly! This is part of our nightitme routine now! Now i can’t wait to try the other products in their baby range!

This will definitely be one of those items I’ll pack together with the other essentials to make it into a Mummy Survival Kit for my gorgeous expecting girlfriends!

PS: Michael Klim and his wife created the Milk & Co range.

 

Ramadan, Eid and Milestones

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5 months has passed. I try not to be paranoid or overstressed about Ayden’s developments, although, during our 4th month visit to the Maternal Health Nurse she did asked if he has rolled over. Which we shake our heads carefully. Then, exactly on his 5th month, 11th July, he rolled over from back to front and front to back, again and again! We were ecstatic! Ayden has always been surprising us of what he is capable of. One minute we are worried of his milestones, next minute he aced it! Oh don’t grow too fast my dear boy!

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And on the same day I embark on a difficult journey of returning to work. Full time period. It was hard and now coming on to my second week, I am gradually getting used to the routine. But I must admit I miss Ayden so much sometimes, I sprint the last 100 metres home just to see him. I am thankful and blessed I have my in laws to look after Ayden and send me photos every now and then to cure my missing-Ayden-syndrome.

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During the last visit to the MHN, she referred us to the Chiropractor as Ayden has a slight flat head. We are still thinking whether we should as it is not a major concern and is only a slight flat head. Chiropractors are not cheap at all each session is about $160! Maybe we will take him for one session just to see how bad the condition of his flat head. Gosh! We’ll see…

 Winter has been depressing! Extra cold, Extra emotional! Mum just had a few surgeries to her eyes due to her deteriorating Glaucoma and I really wish that I could be there for with her instead. To help around the house and such. Times like these really pulled my heart strings knowing my parents are really getting oldL. Raya is quite not as cheerful this year but we do what we can for Ayden. InsyaAllah we are able to spend Raya in Singapore next year.

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We did had a few guests over during Ramadhan which was fun. We went sight seeing to several attractions and there were some that we’ve never been before. We even took a road trip to the snow ( yes with a 4 month old!) That was a bit of a distraction and a good road trip before I end my maternity leave ! Ramadan during winter is shorter too. 🙊 Sweet!

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Because of the cold weather, everyone in the house was sick one after another and that includes Ayden too! We even bought a humidifier for our room to help and it did surprisingly! It helps all three of us to sleep so much better! We even had to smother (haha this is just an expression!)  Vicks on his two tiny feets, chest and back! Oh my I never thought I would use the Nasal Aspirator on Ayden, but I couldn’t stand his block nose and surprisingly how good he feels after when he can breathe properly! Alhamdulillah he is so much better now!

I am trying to get the husband to wake up early on the weekends! So we can go out and spend some quality time! Being away at work sucks big time and trying to make up lost time is my excuse.

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Oh boy #woesofaworkingmother they say!

Mummy Struggles.

Posted in Journal, Motherhood by

It’s been two months since i last blogged.

Yes. Motherhood taking its course alright. Everyday, is always something new to learn, to deal with and to adapt.

I learnt a lot, hurt a lot, disappointed a lot yet am still very proud.

People ask me all sorts of question from my birth story to my recovery and motherhood. But the following question stabs me in the heart. literally.

“Do you breastfeed or is Ayden on Formula?” 

A harmless question i never thought will hurt me the most. With low supply issues and expressing every so often indeed was very exhausting. Even Sophie my gynae did mentioned how exhausting it will be and if I can’t, i shouldnt be too hard on myself.

From the start, we have been mix feeding. Expressing breastmilk and topping up with Nan Pro Gold. It has been since the day he was admitted to Special Nursery due to my Gestational diabetes.

After 8 weeks, i decided to wean him off breastfeeding. I was exhausted and in near pit of depression. Guilty? I was swarmed with it every single day. I feel like i kept finding excuses not to breastfeed Ayden. Until one day the husband advised that nothing can replace breastmilk and no matter how little it is. It’s better than nothing. He supported and encouraged me to continue. 

Got myself a new breastpump. Spectra 9+. Now waiting for it to arrive. For the extra motivation to continue providing Ayden with breastmilk no matter how much the output will be. 

InsyaAllah he will guide me through.

To all mummies out there who are struggling with breastfeeding. Formula feeding is absolutely fine as long as Bub is well fed and gaining weight! He’s healthy and that’s all that matters. Don’t beat yourself up so badly! You’re awesome. You’ve done all that you can and the best that you can! Chin up!