tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8045807808455074432024-03-13T18:35:11.553+08:00Lizzie as a MummyLizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.comBlogger712125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-76393960120809459262019-08-15T12:00:00.003+08:002019-08-15T12:00:59.314+08:00Adelyn Is Here!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My ultimate favourite birth photo of Adelyn Yasmin.</span></td></tr>
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Wow.</i></b><br />
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I’ve beaten my own personal record with this one. With the boys, it took me over a month to pen down their birth stories. But with my FIRST GIRL, it has taken me ELEVEN months to coax my writing mojo to make an appearance. Frankly, in this day and age, I’m not even sure if blogging is still relevant as a social media platform. I’ve shared so many photos and stories of Adelyn on Instagram that it feels quite odd to be still writing about her on my blog. But of course, there is a limit on how much exactly I can type in Instagram so here I am back on my blog, typing this blog post, so she can one day read this and enjoy her own birth story. </div>
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Why did it take so long? I'm not sure. For starters, I was enjoying my 5 months maternity leave a <i>bitttt </i>too much. Adel (that's her nickname!) was not an easy baby to begin with, so whatever free time I had away from her was spent binging on TV shows and online shopping. Barely 30 days into confinement, Hubby went for an operation to put in a pacemaker so I was commuting between home and IJN then assisting him in his recovery. Then when things eased up on the homefront, I got busy with planning her <i>aqiqah </i>(which deserves another post altogether), then after the <i>aqiqah </i>I had like nearly two months left of leave when suddenly my helper's mother passed away so I was left maid-less for 10 days. The most horrifying days of my life; juggling a screaming baby, pumping milk, caring for the two boys, laundry <i>yada yada</i>. I remember standing to have some leftovers for lunch while cradling Adel with the other hand. As soon as my helper came back, I had mastitis due to all the stress and was admitted into the hospital. My first experience with mastitis - no joke, I tell you! After being discharged we scrambled to prepare for our trip to Gold Coast (can watch my highlights on Instagram)... and then suddenly it was time to report for duty at work! *<i>cries</i>* Once at work, it was <i>work work work</i> non-stop, and literally no time to do anything else.</div>
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I digress. This is supposed to be a post about Adelyn's birth story. </div>
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So Adel's due date was at the end of September, and Hubby was secretly hoping that I would carry her into October (his birthday month). I initially thought it was do-able, until I realized that my mid-thirties body won't be able to cope! So if we were to have the baby in Sept, it was either wait until she decides to meet the world, or opt for induced birth and choose a nice birth date. Naturally, we inclined towards 18.9.18 due to the number <i>kapit</i>. Furthermore, Aiden was induced while Ian wasn't, and I remember how calm it was with Aiden and how chaotic it was with Ian. Imagine hounding your husband to drive faster while having contractions from Shah Alam to KL. No thank you.</div>
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So the night of 17th September, Hubby and I checked into the hospital at about 10pm. It was a very calm check-in; we didn't inform any family members of our intent to induce. We wanted to check in into the junior suite but it was full for the night, so I requested to book the suite once the baby arrives. Unpacked and reminded the nurse to wake me up early morning so I can have my last shower before being induced. (Hard lesson learnt from the last induction with Aiden; by the time he arrived at ~3pm plus recoveries, visitors started arriving and I was all stinky with a urine bag hanging off me and strict instructions to remain in bed.)</div>
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445am: Nurse woke me up for my shower. I had managed to have one last wash and blow before we went to the hospital, so I bunched up my curls into a nice tight ponytail to last me through labour.<br />
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515am: The nurse inserted half Prostin. It was painful but I had no contractions whatsoever. VE showed 2cm. Was hooked up on CTG till 6am. Still no contractions. Managed to sleep between 7am - 8am.<br />
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830am: Dr Seri arrived. I was still at 2cm so she inserted the second half of the Prostin and did an S&S (stretch and sweep). The S&S was super painful! I actually googled S&S after she left, and found out that it can only be done by experienced doctors and is done to sweep the membrane to induce labour. Showed her my bloated hand due to the IV line, so she asked the nurses to take the IV out.<br />
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840am: Started feeling slight contractions, which gradually got stronger and stronger.<br />
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930am: Strong contraction started, so I was asked to clear my bowels. By 945am, CTG started marking 'mild' contractions which were very close together. Nurse suggested to take the epidural at 11am which I agreed to immediately. (With Ian I prolonged the request and the anesthetist was not available by the time I needed it!)<br />
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1045am: Contractions were going very strong so I called the nurse. I was in so much pain that a whole team of nurses came to check in; one checked my CTG, the other <i>kelam kabut pasang balik</i> the IV line that was removed earlier, and another assisted me to move beds so they could wheel me to the labour room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still very much pregnant.</span></td></tr>
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1120am: The anesthetist arrived as promised, and she was so reassuring. The epidural process was as agonizing as I remember it to be. *<i>shudders</i>* Once the epidural was in, they did a VE and found out that I was still at 2cm! I was so disappointed. Despite the strong contractions, I was not progressing well. The nurses <i>pun </i>were disappointed because I was in so much pain, they were so sure that I was going to deliver soon. Hubby darkened the room and we managed to get some sleep in the labour room untill 1pm.<br />
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1pm: Nurse woke me up and we started on a low dose of Pitocin via drip. (<i>Tak cukup dengan</i> Prostin, I had to have Pitocin too! This Adelyn is one stubborn girl!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh hello Pitocin!</span></td></tr>
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130pm: Requested for Hubby to give me a foot massage because I was feeling really down.<br />
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145pm: Dr Seri popped in to check on my progress. While she was doing the VE, suddenly my water broke! So apparently the foot massage that Hubby gave me actually helped in progressing the labour. Water was clear, with no signs of poop; which is a sign that baby is still doing ok. However, VE showed that I was still at 2cm!!! Dr Seri gave me another S&S and increased the pitocin to full dose. After she left, I confided in Hubby that I felt really really down. I knew that if my labour didn't progress soon, baby was going to be in distress and then I would have to resort to a Cesarean. I started regretting the decision to induce. I mean, why force her out when she is not ready to meet the world?<br />
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215pm: Nurse came to do a VE. I declined because it was too close to the S&S. So the nurse said she would return at 3pm. Meanwhile, Hubby continued his (precious!) sleep beside me, while I was worrying about my labour.<br />
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245pm: Felt a strong pressure at my vagina. Woke Hubby up and he reluctantly got up. He suddenly realized that he hadn't done his prayers so he went to the toilet to take his <i>wuduk</i>. As he was doing so, the pain got stronger and I knew I couldn't wait for the nurse to come at 3pm. Insisted for Hubby to get the nurse immediately. <i>Solat pun dah entah ke mana.</i> VE was done... and I was at 9cm!<br />
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250pm: I felt a really strong urge to push. Pressure was very intense down there. Nurses started flooding my room to put my legs into the stirrup and to setup while another called the doctor. Dr Seri arrived just 5 minutes after that. During the peak of the moment, I realized that I completely forgot how to push. The nurses graciously taught me how to do so. <i>"Jangan angkat buntut! Chin down! Pegang handle ni, dan pushhhhhh!!!"</i> *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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302pm: And with just three pushes, Adelyn was out! The first thing Dr Seri said when she cradled the baby out was, <i>"Eh, dia ada mark lah!"</i> Yes, a very prominent mole above her left eyelid. She weighed a healthy 3.7 kg, beating his Babang Ian! I had to have 2 stitches because she was so <i>bam-bam</i>.<br />
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After she was cleaned up and weighed, they passed her back to me. She was wrapped tight in a white towel, and as I sat up in the labour bed, crading her in my arms, I felt a wave of gratitude and happiness flood throughout my body. It was such a different feeling from Aiden and Ian. <i>Memang betul, ini lah yang ditunggu-tunggu.</i> After so many years of longing for a girl, <i>Alhamdulillah </i>my prayers were granted. And the feeling - indescribable. Surprisingly, she was already coo-ing and blowing bubbles to us in the labour room, and I could feel both Hubby and I melted into a puddle, watching our beautiful and precious bundle of joy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Freshly out of my womb. She doesn't look too happy, does she?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cleaned and weighed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alhamdulillah, she's here!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All cleaned and wrapped in a towel. Check out her angry face. Someone wasn't happy to be forced out into the world! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Started blowing bubbles in the labour room.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Opened her eyes for the first time! See, the world ain't so bad, baby girl!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out her very prominent mole. </span><i style="font-size: medium;">Ikut Daddy nie...</i><span style="font-size: small;"> he has a prominent mole just below his lower lip.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">First smile!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still sleepy from the epidural effect.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All clean! Finally checked in into our junior suite.</span></td></tr>
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<br />N.B: Adelyn Yasmin was safely born at 302pm on Tuesday, 18th September 2018 at Prince Court Medical Centre. She weighed a healthy 3.7kg. Mummy and baby were detained at the hospital for only 2 days as the post delivery recovery was fabulous and baby only had a slight jaundice. The damage incurred during those 2 measly days amounted to a whopping RM10,000 despite staying in the Junior Suite.... thank god for medical coverage from the Dutch Oil Company!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-69403751723359874082018-09-16T16:00:00.000+08:002018-09-16T16:00:02.640+08:00False Alarm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So yesterday, we had a false alarm labour.<br />
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It started just after lunch, around 2pm-ish. I started having contractions (though not painful). I tried to move around, drink water, lay on my right, hot shower... but the cramping still persisted. BUT it wasn't painful at all. Just an uncomfortable feeling of tightening around the tummy area, then release. My stomach was also hard to the touch. It was sort of like my earlier Braxton Hicks moments (they started about two weeks ago on and off), but what worried me was the frequency of the cramping and the fact that it wouldn't go away.<br />
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I remember when I was carrying Ian, I foolishly brushed off my actual contractions as Braxton Hicks. And look at how that turned out!!! By the time I acknowledged them as contractions, it was already very painful. By the time we got to the hospital, got my contractions monitored, changed, cleared bowels <i>bla bla bla</i>... there wasn't enough time for epidural.<br />
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This time around, I didn't want to take the risk. <i>Dah la </i>they say that labour progress will be quicker with the third child. Hence <i>dengan kelam kabut </i>I told Hubby to complete our hospital bag packing <i>(yesssss banyak lagi rupanya </i>last minute things<i> yang belum masuk).</i> <i>Baru nak isi air zam zam, carik kurma</i>, pack toiletries, <i>yada yada yada.</i> It turned out that we needed a bigger bag, so we had to change bags as well before we left. Kissed the kids goodbye and left home.<br />
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By the time we got to the hospital, it was just before Maghrib. They hooked me up to a contraction monitor, and as expected, it was registered as a mild contraction, and frustratingly irregular. The nurse did a VE and decided that the baby was still high up, so we were told to go home. *<i>sigh</i>* As I was walking out the emergency room, I still felt the contractions. We then went for a quiet dinner for two at Huckleberry Damansara Heights, and even then I was still having (painless) contractions every 7 -15 minutes apart. Baby AY was really pulling a fast one on me!<br />
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Arrived home and found that my helper had packed the boys' bags in preparation to head to the hospital. *<i>giggles</i>* The boys <i>pulak</i> wanted to 'see' the baby! <i>Amboiiiii</i> everyone is super excited to welcome the princess.<br />
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Nevertheless, this false alarm definitely showed us how unprepared we were for the actual thing. And I guess this reaffirms our decision - we will induce Baby AY tomorrow, and InsyaAllah she will be in our arms on the 18th. *18.9.18*<br />
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I hope you can spare a moment of your time to <i>doakan</i> for both this mummy and baby; that the delivery will be a smooth, quick and painless one. *<i>kisses</i>*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just realized that I was so busy buying party frocks and tutus, that I did not buy any 'practical' <i>butang depan</i> clothes for newborns. Hence this was my last purchase for Baby AY - her going home outfit!</span></td></tr>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-83919935782899327252018-09-14T15:20:00.000+08:002018-09-16T16:02:48.622+08:0038 Weeks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Drafting this as I’m waiting for my (now weekly) gynae checkup. Yesterday was my last day at work, so I am officially on leave starting today. Honestly, <i>memang menyesal tak</i> accept the doctor’s offer for MC at from 36 weeks; I foolishly thought that I could cope with work until the end. What I failed to realize was that my body is aging. I’m not as young as I was when I carried Ian - back then I was baking and busy with decorating my SIL’s wedding dessert table at 38weeks!<br />
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If I can give anyone a piece of advise, it would be to have kids before their 30s. At 35 years old, b<i>adan memang dah tak larat nak</i> lug around additional weight. And surprisingly, I gained a whopping 25kg this time around, meeting my maximum weight gain as when I carried Aiden. My legs and the heel of my feet simply cannot take it. Back pain t<i>ak payah cakap la</i>. Just to shift sides on the bed pun I would be wincing in pain. Thankfully, Hubby has never slacked on his responsibility of giving me my nightly back and foot massage. It doesn’t cure the pain, but it’s at least 15 mins worth of pure bliss. <br />
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But looking on the bright side, <i>Alhamdulillah</i> I can confidently say that I did not slack off at work. This has been a relatively easy and drama free pregnancy... and to be able to work up until my 38th week, is something that I am extremely grateful for. <br />
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Ok, doctor’s calling! BRB.<br />
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Ok I’m back. So baby is now 3/5 down in the birth canal. Cervix is soft, 1cm dilated but the doctor still cannot feel the head of the baby (<i>yup</i> I went through a VE)! And she is 3.7kg! <i>Omg</i> that’s even bigger than Ian. I hope she’s not trying to beat Aiden’s weight. I’m banking on the machine’s 10% tolerance accuracy so hopefully in reality she’s below 3.5kg??? <br />
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Options on the table? Induce myself on the 18th *18.9.18* or wait for her to come naturally. I’m <i>oh so</i> tempted to get her induced <i>(sebab badan dah tak larat).</i> I’ll have the long weekend to think about it - doctor recommends a staycation close to the hospital, just in case! *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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Wish me luck, peeps! For all you know, the next time you hear from me, l’ll be proudly showing off Baby AY to the world. InsyaAllah!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-63352028272265576392018-09-12T15:19:00.000+08:002018-09-16T15:19:34.910+08:00Ian's First Concert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So <i>so so</i> proud of my baby boy. He has definitely come a <i>longggggg </i>way; from daily begs of “I don’t wanna go (to) school”, to dancing in his first ever concert! <br />
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In his recent parent teacher report card session, his teacher reported that she was very impressed with his development, progress, focus and social skills. Especially since this is his first year in school. <i>Pegang</i> pencil (motor skills) <i>pun macam</i> someone who has been to school for a few years. I have personally witnessed the focus bit a few times as well; sometimes I ask Aiden to do something <i>tapi </i>Aiden <i>masih </i>in lala land so Ian jumped in to immediately do it. *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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Hence it came as no surprise to me, that he focused and dutifully followed his teacher’s instruction to not tell his parents about his upcoming concert nor show off his steps by practicing at home. (It was meant to be a surprise.) I only found out about it when a fellow mum shared a photo of Ian in concert practice at school. That same afternoon, I asked him about his ‘concert practice’ and his gave me a surprised face; <i>“How did you know! It’s supposed to be a surprise!”</i> *<i>giggles</i>* We tried to coax him into showing off his dance moves, but as expected, he declined! <br />
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Of course after his <i>Babang pujuk berkali-kali,</i> he showed off snippets of it. He eventually showed off from start to finish to my helper, who recorded it for us. But up until the actual concert, I never figured out what song he was supposed to dance to. And when I received his outfit a few days before the actual concert day, I became even more flabbergasted. It was a printed sheer top paired with leather pants. <i>Macam </i>gigolo outfit <i>pulak</i>! Ok, definitely not wearing this ever again, baby! *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">His sheer top outfit, and leather pants. I think the leather pants is probably better suited for Baby AY!</span></td></tr>
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The morning of the concert, we drove to Sri KDU bright and early. It was a new location for Real Kids’ concerts because the old location was closed for renovation. I was quite disappointed though; not only was the hall poorly lighted with flat elevation seats (not tiered), but also because they didn’t allow early birds to enter the hall. By 9am, the entrance of the hall was completely packed with <i>kiasu </i>parents just waiting for the doors to open. No way was this very pregnant lady in any shape and form to battle for good seats! Really frustrating. <br />
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Thankfully my helper tagged along (cos Hubby was away in Palestine - save that story for another day), so she managed to get us pretty decent seats a few rows from the front. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Greatest Showkids!</span></td></tr>
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It turned out to be a remake of the Greatest Showman. Honestly, I did not watch the movie because Hubby hates musicals, hence <i>memang tak tau</i> head or tail of the story line. (I have since made an effort to watch it, love <i>love love</i> it!) All the songs the kids danced to originated from the movie. The first show was the title song; it was so beautifully done by the six years old, I felt tears spring into my eyes. Such a vibrant and energetic performance!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The opening song. Well done kiddos!</span></td></tr>
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Ian’s show was the third from the end, so I had a lot of time to fiddle with my camera and such. Because of the poor lighting, my camera was producing really horrible photos. In the end I had to depend fully on my iPhone. This heavily preggy mummy actually kneeled on the floor in front of the stage to film the whole thing, and even had troubles standing up afterwards. *<i>chuckles</i>* And without Hubby around, I had to prioritize on taking a video instead of photos, so apologies for the shaky photos below. <br />
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Ian performed so well! He did not forget even a single step. Instead he actually prodded a fellow friend to remind him of the next move... twice! Bossy much *<i>chuckles</i>* Since his show was a combination of boys from two classes, I was not happy that his class was chucked at the back. <i>Dah la Ian pendek</i>, but he was constantly at the back of the formation. Nevertheless, he gave it his best and I am a super proud mummy. And, I was pleasantly surprised when he took center stage right at the end! <i>Oh </i>how I wish Hubby was there to witness how Ian has blossomed so much!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out that curly hair!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best shot I could get.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ian took center stage at the end of the show! #proudmum</span></td></tr>
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They ended the concert by singing the Real Kids song. Ian was in the front line, but crappy pictures, as usual. I miss the old concert grounds! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can you spot Ian? Hint - front left.</span></td></tr>
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After the concert, they released the kids and when I found Ian, I gave him a huge hug and kiss. Was so impressed with how the teachers handled his hair do; bed hair messy and even sprayed slightly in pink! *<i>giggles</i>* Actually, I think most of the costumes this year are really beautiful; the girls in his class wore a beautiful purple gown complete with gloves and a sheer stole. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Posing with Dafiya and Maryam.</span></td></tr>
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Well done Ian! We are all so proud of you. Can’t wait to see you blossom even further next year! </div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-85153620619405857212018-09-10T00:00:00.000+08:002018-09-16T14:50:29.011+08:00Pink Fong Baby Shark Live Musical<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Baby shark dudududu!</i><br />
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That jingle simply stays in your head, right? It is so addictive that sometimes I find myself humming to the tune subconsciously. Both my boys love it too, even Aiden (although he won’t admit to it openly)! *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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Hence when Astro offered us opening tickets to the international debut of Pink Fong Baby Shark live musical, we were absolutely elated!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU0FLdu3w7w/W5p6LjdANoI/AAAAAAAAV1E/Og8uNt8Dp74RGlYuyzml735e9k6uH9yBwCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU0FLdu3w7w/W5p6LjdANoI/AAAAAAAAV1E/Og8uNt8Dp74RGlYuyzml735e9k6uH9yBwCLcBGAs/s640/unnamed%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids were absolutely delirious that they were one of the first few privileged to watch the musical on opening night.</span></td></tr>
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The live musical featured the full original Korean cast and crew, including popular characters such as Pink Fong and Baby Shark. The show was approximately 65minutes long, and we enjoyed every minute of it! I had my doubts about how the show would appeal to kids at Aiden’s age, but it turned out to be such a fun, cheerful and colorful musical; I found both boys singing and clapping by the end of the show!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s74dV36tW34/W5p6LTUQnKI/AAAAAAAAV1A/DsNl-DgDPvc7ChCnBZ8Ha91Jo9VB4jgmwCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s74dV36tW34/W5p6LTUQnKI/AAAAAAAAV1A/DsNl-DgDPvc7ChCnBZ8Ha91Jo9VB4jgmwCLcBGAs/s640/unnamed%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quality family time.</span></td></tr>
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In a nutshell, the musical storyline was about how Daddy Shark enlisted Pink Fong’s help to find the missing playful little Baby Shark. To bring Baby Shark back to it’s family safely, Pink Fong and friends embarked on an adventurous journey and encountered many dangerous situations. To give you an idea of how interactive the show was, we were entertained by the popular hit song Baby Shark (at least three times!), the crowd was invited to dance along and do a Mexican wave, and the cast even walked down from the stage to mingle with the crowd at the end. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbQKY5vjJBI/W5p7AWJqqHI/AAAAAAAAV1c/1yZ4EL9TC-40jpkWNlljNFzdbC1xPep_gCLcBGAs/s1600/k3-pU0kw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbQKY5vjJBI/W5p7AWJqqHI/AAAAAAAAV1c/1yZ4EL9TC-40jpkWNlljNFzdbC1xPep_gCLcBGAs/s640/k3-pU0kw.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baby Shark was definitely the star of the show.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7br6KSC9tBY/W5p7AXZ4ReI/AAAAAAAAV1g/bOfIwItRUKk1ozu1-Tow_ll46Qp2p8qdgCLcBGAs/s1600/ZB4yNlKg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7br6KSC9tBY/W5p7AXZ4ReI/AAAAAAAAV1g/bOfIwItRUKk1ozu1-Tow_ll46Qp2p8qdgCLcBGAs/s640/ZB4yNlKg.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pink Fong and friends.</span></td></tr>
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If you find yourself guilty of humming to the same Baby Shark tune, get your tickets quick before the show ends. The live musical will run between 8-16th Sept at 11am, 2pm and 6pm at the Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre. </div>
LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-37874231095753344982018-09-06T00:00:00.000+08:002018-09-16T14:49:44.534+08:00And Yet Another Pink Baby Shower!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had just finished drafting the blogpost for my baby shower, when I was surprised by yet another!<br />
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This time it was by the SPK girls. Similar as the last time, it was a semi surprise. Why? Well, Hubby learned a hard lesson the last time, hence he gave me a heads up that he was planning to take me out for an intimate lunch. What he failed to realize was that he had scheduled it just before Friday prayers... and I know my husband very <i>very </i>well. Never in a million years would he skip <i>solat jumaat</i> for lunch, even for me! <br />
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By the time we stepped foot at Empire Hotel Subang, I looked at my watch and was feeling very suspicious. And as expected, it was yet another surprise baby shower, this time courtesy of my <i>#neighbourslikesisters </i>gang! <br />
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They decorated a corner table beautifully, ironically with some items from my DIY room party stash! *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6huTT_vl-hI/W5dhyDUgZzI/AAAAAAAAV0Y/7JHsFF_hO3EZ18sAJXdjteT-UINOCYwBgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6huTT_vl-hI/W5dhyDUgZzI/AAAAAAAAV0Y/7JHsFF_hO3EZ18sAJXdjteT-UINOCYwBgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I immediately recognized my disco balls and silver sequined cloth.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6ddQvo93bw/W5dh1VWjw_I/AAAAAAAAV0c/79rEirKCr1IQALCKUq6k5DiAWLpB11b_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6ddQvo93bw/W5dh1VWjw_I/AAAAAAAAV0c/79rEirKCr1IQALCKUq6k5DiAWLpB11b_ACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8084.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love the 'GIRL' balloon! Definitely coming with me to the hospital too.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GL6DdUsjiI/W5dhtfqNLPI/AAAAAAAAV0c/tJL_jUO51yICvnr9wcbyjDz4VciIbhGqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GL6DdUsjiI/W5dhtfqNLPI/AAAAAAAAV0c/tJL_jUO51yICvnr9wcbyjDz4VciIbhGqgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8059.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful cake - the sleeping figurine is <i>soooo </i>adorable!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-F04LwPZTs/W5dh0ZsgIUI/AAAAAAAAV0Y/jXZRKQbuZP0_Mzsc1gz_4o_UA6q5ZcdYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-F04LwPZTs/W5dh0ZsgIUI/AAAAAAAAV0Y/jXZRKQbuZP0_Mzsc1gz_4o_UA6q5ZcdYwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8082.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Yeay </i>for diaper cake!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-R5eWH8clA/W5dhpRVytmI/AAAAAAAAV0U/lzYZ-O1LohIpJ7K-rf9KOtsCoDMbXvMNQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-R5eWH8clA/W5dhpRVytmI/AAAAAAAAV0U/lzYZ-O1LohIpJ7K-rf9KOtsCoDMbXvMNQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8056.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love the personalized door gifts.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkUnUestOMc/W5dhr27bKdI/AAAAAAAAV0k/jvDP7EVm9fg_zKRhf9_qzeKDCJBSkVvSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkUnUestOMc/W5dhr27bKdI/AAAAAAAAV0k/jvDP7EVm9fg_zKRhf9_qzeKDCJBSkVvSgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1620.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bath and body works cream for each of us. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX9iAXV0BAw/W5dhy4JsMrI/AAAAAAAAV0U/yZ1x2dYBKDEptCI-G3jJ6VU_QBxqtneMACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX9iAXV0BAw/W5dhy4JsMrI/AAAAAAAAV0U/yZ1x2dYBKDEptCI-G3jJ6VU_QBxqtneMACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8063.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Placemats on doilys.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REdWL3MeEvA/W5dh2nRsAXI/AAAAAAAAV0k/ZuQAXDLQousnnkxGi7lLwdvP8mGrc6pOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Snapseed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REdWL3MeEvA/W5dh2nRsAXI/AAAAAAAAV0k/ZuQAXDLQousnnkxGi7lLwdvP8mGrc6pOwCEwYBhgL/s640/Snapseed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yours truly beaming in our beautiful corner.</span></td></tr>
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It was a buffet lunch cum high-tea, and we stuffed ourselves silly. It was definitely a great outing with the girls. Different from my prior baby shower where it was all games and <i>hoohah</i>, this one was more of an intimate chat and catching up session, plus gossip of course! We did play some games, but interestingly it was a questionnaire about how well they knew me. Funnily enough, I couldn't even answer some of the questions... one if it was, <i>"What was Liz's favourite childhood toy?"</i> (<i>Erm</i>, did I even have one??!!) *<i>chuckles</i>*</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4B2v9_R66Lo/W5dh1vkVCII/AAAAAAAAV0g/Imrc45lE2LoJCJho92-ab-0SnqJERq5RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4B2v9_R66Lo/W5dh1vkVCII/AAAAAAAAV0g/Imrc45lE2LoJCJho92-ab-0SnqJERq5RgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8170.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Answering questions... ignore the messy table!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGYuI4uiaHw/W5dhmbkxexI/AAAAAAAAV0U/QryzOERnCYEcAQnuu87z7RmnzfG9nQbswCEwYBhgL/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1192" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGYuI4uiaHw/W5dhmbkxexI/AAAAAAAAV0U/QryzOERnCYEcAQnuu87z7RmnzfG9nQbswCEwYBhgL/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cake cutting session.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhLn5gHTd6M/W5dh8V6KQ8I/AAAAAAAAV0s/8Zd_odNaSHMWNWI6fR6LyFe3QyIffybHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Snapseed_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhLn5gHTd6M/W5dh8V6KQ8I/AAAAAAAAV0s/8Zd_odNaSHMWNWI6fR6LyFe3QyIffybHgCEwYBhgL/s640/Snapseed_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So much love for these girls. </span></td></tr>
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Thank you girls, for the intimate time out. So touched with your efforts and your presence. <i>Oh </i>baby AY, if only you can see how excited these aunties are for your arrival!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-59818961644553528632018-09-04T14:12:00.000+08:002018-09-16T14:49:29.286+08:00My Pink Baby Shower!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Baby A is coming!</i><br />
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That was the hashtag that my <i>gang pagar sekolah</i> apparently created for the surprise event. Boy oh boy, it was definitely a surprise!<br />
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Since surprise baby showers were a tradition in our group, I knew that a baby shower was coming. But I did not expect for the baby shower to be held that soon! (I was at 31 weeks then!) Hubby <i>pun pandai berkomplot</i> with the gang; he made up a story about an invite to a birthday party. <i>Siap</i> we bought and wrapped a present <i>lagi</i> for the fictional birthday boy. *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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So anyway, he drove us to the venue (The Saujana Hotel Subang) and then dropped me off at the entrance on the pretext of not making me walk so far from the parking lot. So while I was walking into the lobby of the hotel, I suddenly had this suspicion that this was all a planned gimmick. Why? Because I didn’t see any signage to a so called birthday party, and honestly; I don’t know any of Hubby’s friends who would splurge on a birthday party for their son in a hotel! The minute Hubby walked in, I immediately pounced on him and demanded to see the invite. <i>Nampak muka dia panic</i> while he tried to dodge the question, and insisted that I followed him. I on the other hand, refused to budge. And to my surprise, he actually walked away! <i>Ok sah sah</i> something fishy was going on. <br />
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After waiting for a few minutes, suddenly he returned with one of the <i>gang pagar</i> girls. *<i>giggles</i>* <i>Surprise tak menjadi!</i> After a few minutes of persuasion (I still refused to budge cos I wasn’t mentally prepared, nor dressed for a baby shower!) I eventually followed them.<br />
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The venue they picked was fantabulous! It was a quiet corner in Ti Chen by the lake, and the whole area was cordoned just for us. The table was immaculately decorated in pink floral flowers, with a beautiful cake and diaper cake to top it all. They even dressed me up in a sash and a floral crown! Everyone came dressed in white and pink with matching floral crowns. I don’t think I can ever do justice to the deco in words, so I’ll let the pictures do the talking:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSPGJQwCkMc/W5dQY2qdRuI/AAAAAAAAVyQ/sMbXOSpsmW4Nzi5MUBtkXn6EMMOK1UGXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSPGJQwCkMc/W5dQY2qdRuI/AAAAAAAAVyQ/sMbXOSpsmW4Nzi5MUBtkXn6EMMOK1UGXQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7335.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yours truly with a beautiful floral crown and sash. <i>Oh </i>you can call me Booties too! *<i>giggles</i>*</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78AYSg3gWJE/W5dN1ORLs7I/AAAAAAAAVx8/AAPWl8BGdJcE5xaoI5cerhkDaE60C5EfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78AYSg3gWJE/W5dN1ORLs7I/AAAAAAAAVx8/AAPWl8BGdJcE5xaoI5cerhkDaE60C5EfwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7085.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful signage, which is currently hanging in Baby AY's room.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLwdtP6i1Js/W5dN15zOwJI/AAAAAAAAVyA/UuQ1rfgPJds0mA3mePnuXhwMVq3sTrb7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/NJLM5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLwdtP6i1Js/W5dN15zOwJI/AAAAAAAAVyA/UuQ1rfgPJds0mA3mePnuXhwMVq3sTrb7gCEwYBhgL/s640/NJLM5328.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers everywhere. That beautiful floral 'A' will be following me to the hospital as deco! Cake and diaper cake lovingly made by members of the <i>gang pagar.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2ubW6MRIyA/W5dNu5qvB6I/AAAAAAAAVx8/OAk1gYkB2eQFp1IuEV24b8t_Olk5FRiwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2ubW6MRIyA/W5dNu5qvB6I/AAAAAAAAVx8/OAk1gYkB2eQFp1IuEV24b8t_Olk5FRiwgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7077.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The placemats.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clgVjZ15MqA/W5dNswyPbzI/AAAAAAAAVyI/zhQtVhVdZ3slWv2AIb_OSaiHV5tze1aNACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clgVjZ15MqA/W5dNswyPbzI/AAAAAAAAVyI/zhQtVhVdZ3slWv2AIb_OSaiHV5tze1aNACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Princess A is coming!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_ym7mCWrXQ/W5dN0uIkMjI/AAAAAAAAVx4/mUbxlBwOdLctiFVGLDgI4KY22i27ZweLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_ym7mCWrXQ/W5dN0uIkMjI/AAAAAAAAVx4/mUbxlBwOdLctiFVGLDgI4KY22i27ZweLQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7084.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matching personalized doorgifts.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BHgFcQrxOE/W5dN2S5nWnI/AAAAAAAAVyI/LdBf8FttwfsnB_lJOWyWKtYbMcKiHkXYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/SKOJ0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BHgFcQrxOE/W5dN2S5nWnI/AAAAAAAAVyI/LdBf8FttwfsnB_lJOWyWKtYbMcKiHkXYgCEwYBhgL/s640/SKOJ0078.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our quiet corner.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g41dFeTYxdA/W5dN2TwiiWI/AAAAAAAAVyE/b4pWOX0PhBo6ZpFb7wU_NTkrQI1lYDfAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g41dFeTYxdA/W5dN2TwiiWI/AAAAAAAAVyE/b4pWOX0PhBo6ZpFb7wU_NTkrQI1lYDfAgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7095.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Setup for the cake cutting session at the end of the baby shower.</span></td></tr>
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After lunch, we moved on to games. After planning two baby showers for the <i>gang pagar</i>, I knew that we had played most of the games suggested online. Hence I was very intrigued on the choices of games that they had in mind. It turned out that they focused more on word games rather than activity games. Which was quite a blessing because doing physical activities while lugging around nearly 20kgs of extra weight around is no joke, ok!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IhTUbIgc3s/W5dN1vmoKhI/AAAAAAAAVx8/b0HAkMNzL-8wr_Qkem7_adAYmH_vULXjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IhTUbIgc3s/W5dN1vmoKhI/AAAAAAAAVx8/b0HAkMNzL-8wr_Qkem7_adAYmH_vULXjgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the word games we played. They were quite tough!</span></td></tr>
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We wrapped up the afternoon with a group photo session. Despite not being really dressed for a baby shower (I was supposed to be decked in pink too!) I managed to blend in by hiding behind some bouquet of flowers. *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hJrouKmU9Q/W5da2cjr38I/AAAAAAAAVzM/mOYdaWH5AmYpJV1t30xFWvixRoZylCm0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/dfd45385-6993-44a0-8205-aa706f55d923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hJrouKmU9Q/W5da2cjr38I/AAAAAAAAVzM/mOYdaWH5AmYpJV1t30xFWvixRoZylCm0ACEwYBhgL/s640/dfd45385-6993-44a0-8205-aa706f55d923.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hiding my tummy behind a bouquet of flowers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt6MtFUv1NU/W5da1d6LddI/AAAAAAAAVzQ/_qFVkLqoweI-yZ-xvF30U4r07X5YfLr8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/JWQR5027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt6MtFUv1NU/W5da1d6LddI/AAAAAAAAVzQ/_qFVkLqoweI-yZ-xvF30U4r07X5YfLr8gCEwYBhgL/s640/JWQR5027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The girls!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_0j3ahi-Ho/W5da2ulWMpI/AAAAAAAAVzQ/iNkz1NPGVN0WJJF84QvlcCk8xp7VO1UwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_0j3ahi-Ho/W5da2ulWMpI/AAAAAAAAVzQ/iNkz1NPGVN0WJJF84QvlcCk8xp7VO1UwgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2542.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone in pink, except me of course.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8M1aDbdOBUo/W5da1YSG4nI/AAAAAAAAVzI/X9VLxGUZYwo7L32ymrbKJWg-mquFrtfBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/MUTF1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8M1aDbdOBUo/W5da1YSG4nI/AAAAAAAAVzI/X9VLxGUZYwo7L32ymrbKJWg-mquFrtfBwCEwYBhgL/s640/MUTF1508.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Posing with our floral crowns.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OORSsyDduM/W5da2aU3pyI/AAAAAAAAVzM/j4f3ArhCDWIPzp-JwqygjA2RWdlynwa2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/YIEI9710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OORSsyDduM/W5da2aU3pyI/AAAAAAAAVzM/j4f3ArhCDWIPzp-JwqygjA2RWdlynwa2ACEwYBhgL/s640/YIEI9710.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One with the master decorators!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f85vB-7cM24/W5dazitzirI/AAAAAAAAVzI/M-MFa6DUQhEtqnwqO_DFVCXiW-n0FSHrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f85vB-7cM24/W5dazitzirI/AAAAAAAAVzI/M-MFa6DUQhEtqnwqO_DFVCXiW-n0FSHrwCEwYBhgL/s640/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gang wefie.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFU5xQPfTrw/W5da0Xm3X0I/AAAAAAAAVzM/jHKxSYP0cjQHCTqhNkm8gM48atlXKbqgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/GWJP8193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFU5xQPfTrw/W5da0Xm3X0I/AAAAAAAAVzM/jHKxSYP0cjQHCTqhNkm8gM48atlXKbqgwCEwYBhgL/s640/GWJP8193.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cutting the beautiful two tier cake.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvgztoBHRLs/W5daz6LyuwI/AAAAAAAAVzI/DKtRSOuBApg25rNTbbHNyNJxnG44rnDcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/AGOD7384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1551" height="418" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvgztoBHRLs/W5daz6LyuwI/AAAAAAAAVzI/DKtRSOuBApg25rNTbbHNyNJxnG44rnDcwCEwYBhgL/s640/AGOD7384.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Selfies.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EonFIzQ925c/W5dawlq1nhI/AAAAAAAAVzE/wTzIVX1EyNkxrY-WL0nq7ncylDak1GEGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EonFIzQ925c/W5dawlq1nhI/AAAAAAAAVzE/wTzIVX1EyNkxrY-WL0nq7ncylDak1GEGgCEwYBhgL/s640/1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last photo by the lake.</span></td></tr>
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Thank you girls for planning such a lavish event for me. I feel so loved!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-66957543133141691162018-08-13T15:29:00.004+08:002018-08-24T16:29:55.479+08:0033 Weeks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
5 weeks away from a full term baby! <br />
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<i>Alhamdulillah</i>, since my last blogpost at 30 weeks, I have done leaps and bounds in terms of necessities for baby AY. Some were purchased via online shopping (BabyDash is the best!) while the rest were from the recent Mothercare sale. And I managed to refrain myself from buying anymore baby clothes; super proud of myself! *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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So here is my a photo of my recent baby shopping spree:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p25D8O7OX3U/W3Exhkmq0GI/AAAAAAAAVno/iDN7DxwgFjo5gfLEwWNZ22RtBvtGoFp3ACLcBGAs/s1600/A1721A39-1F7A-4832-AF77-5087FD10A197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p25D8O7OX3U/W3Exhkmq0GI/AAAAAAAAVno/iDN7DxwgFjo5gfLEwWNZ22RtBvtGoFp3ACLcBGAs/s640/A1721A39-1F7A-4832-AF77-5087FD10A197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I said, we’re reusing a LOT of Aiden and Ian’s stuff, but I simply cannot run away from purchasing certain things as brand new. Consider this as a baby shopping checklist <i>untuk anak kedua or ketiga dan seterusnya:</i><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Baby hair brush. Grabbed the cheapest out of the lot, which incidentally was from Tommee and Tippee. <i>Nak sikat rambut jer pun!</i> Although I am sincerely hoping that she has thick hair like Aiden, but curly like Ian.</li>
<li>Baby toiletries. Did my research online and finally settled with the Mustela range. <i>Zaman</i> Aiden dulu, Johnson and Johnson <i>tuh dah kira top range dah tuh.</i> *<i>giggles</i>* Purchased the shampoo, wash gel, moisturizing cream and diaper rash cream. HappiKiddo online was selling them at more than 50% off so I <i>borong terus.</i> <i>Minyak angin</i> is always <i>minyak </i>Yu Yee Cap Limau cos I really love the smell.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwltoN-xDUs/W3Ex1UaWfSI/AAAAAAAAVnw/q8cgLTvlI6UEdZ2Q8yFaP93JCUxr5QqTwCLcBGAs/s1600/3BBFB79D-8D43-4BDD-A266-28F02317D6E0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwltoN-xDUs/W3Ex1UaWfSI/AAAAAAAAVnw/q8cgLTvlI6UEdZ2Q8yFaP93JCUxr5QqTwCLcBGAs/s640/3BBFB79D-8D43-4BDD-A266-28F02317D6E0.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mustela smells really good too.</span></td></tr>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>For hygiene, baby wipes from Snapkis and Alexa. Euky baby hand sanitizer in two sizes, one for visitors and the smaller one for the diaper bag. </li>
<li>Cotton wool and cotton balls for the early diapering days. Plus baby cotton safety buds. </li>
<li>Medela nipple cream <i>yang super mahal</i> but super effective. Disposable breast pads for those leak days. Nursing tea from Joy Angel to boost my milk supply. </li>
<li>Baby towel from Cleva Mama. Bought one in pink and the other in white. Should be enough. </li>
<li>Baby binder <i>(barut)</i> from BumbleBee. Only because my <i>makcik urut</i> told me to buy one. Honestly, both my boys <i>tak pernah berbarut pun.</i> </li>
<li>Muslin cloth/ napkins from Mothercare. I didn’t splurge on Aden and Anais (which is so in nowadays) cos my helper said, <i>“Ala, nak buat kain lap jer Puan!”</i> *<i>chuckles</i>* Was going to buy new swaddles too but a friend just gave me three of hers so that’s sorted!</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ1CriE3L1Y/W3Eyryj0nqI/AAAAAAAAVn8/l8aq8K50BcUvgNENkw8UOple8nJHHjBzgCLcBGAs/s1600/EEF11E18-1DBA-4BD5-9313-0E6DEC367762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ1CriE3L1Y/W3Eyryj0nqI/AAAAAAAAVn8/l8aq8K50BcUvgNENkw8UOple8nJHHjBzgCLcBGAs/s640/EEF11E18-1DBA-4BD5-9313-0E6DEC367762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first time buying a <i>barut</i>!</span></td></tr>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Laundry liquid wash from NappiKleen, for washing all of AY’s newborn clothes.</li>
<li>Milk bottle from MAM and cleaning brush. I hope she doesn’t reject the bottle! Mini milk storage bottles for storing precious breast milk. </li>
<li>Baby milestone cards, to record baby AY’s progress in photos. </li>
<li>Disposable baby bibs from Pigeon. Wow, they didn’t have these back in Aiden’s and Ian’s days. It was going for real cheap so I bought it anyway although baby AY is eons away from solid food. </li>
<li><i>Set berpantang.</i> After much research, I settled with loose items from NR such as Minyak Herbanika for <i>berurut</i>, PhytoNatal pills <i>untuk lawaskan perut</i> and Akar Herbanika for drinking. Plus from Tanamera, Feminine Herbal Wash for you know what, and Brown Soap for showering. Everything else such as <i>pilis, lulur </i>and herbal bath will be prepared by my <i>makcik urut, InsyaAllah.</i></li>
<li>Last but certainly not least... a new car! <i>Hahaha </i>my Mini is definitely not appropriate for three kids so I definitely needed something bigger. That’s all I’m going to say! *<i>chuckles</i>*</li>
</ul>
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There are a few other things still in the list such as diapers, milk storage bags, car seat mirror, stroller fan and <i>pati ikan haruan</i>. But really, those can wait until at least I am discharged from the hospital. Plus the hospital provides maternity pads, disposable panties and newborn diapers anyway, so no rush. But I do have to send my Medela Freestyle for service soon; waiting for my SIL to return it to me so I can get that done. <br />
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Next weekend, I’m going to dedicate my weekend to staying at home and packing my hospital bag pulak. Honestly, <i>walaupun </i>this time around my feet <i>baru nak start bengkak</i> (with the boys <i>my kaki bengkak awal gila)</i>, I <i>dah tak larat nak jalan-jalan</i> at shopping malls. I don’t know how I used to do it when I was pregnant and younger. *<i>sigh</i>* I’m even trying to convince Hubby to chauffeur me to work. I get tired so easily nowadays, it’s super frustrating. And this cough from the <i>durian </i>(see my last post) is simply not going away. I really hope I recover soon. <br />
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Till the next blogpost, take care!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-24882722910506845862018-08-01T15:17:00.000+08:002018-08-01T15:17:05.332+08:00Penangan Durian<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Writing this in between a bout of coughing fits. And it is all the durian’s fault. <br /><br />I have always been resilient towards durian. Being a hantu durian, makan 10 pun takde hal lah. 10 biji durian tau. Bukan 10 ulas. I used to be the first one to dive into the durian, and the last to stop. Memang durian buffets would rugi besar if they had to host customers like me. When I was small, my mum used to jokingly say, “Sapa lah nak kawin dengan anak Mama nie... suka makan makanan yang mahal mahal!” She was affectionally referring to my love of sharks fin soup and durians. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Throughout this pregnancy, I’ve indulged in durians a few times. But because of the exorbitant price, the quantity was always moderate in nature. <i>Memang lah rasa panas</i> and gassy, but I made sure that I drank a lot of water to reduce the after effects. Baby <i>pun ok;</i> normal movements post durian hence nothing to be exceptionally concerned about. <br /><br />Recently, the price of durian dropped significantly due to oversupply. I was ecstatic! Knowing that I was just two months away from the dreaded 44 days <i>pantang</i>, I vowed to have 44 days worth of durians before I popped. Ok I’m exaggerating, but you know what I mean.<br /><br />It all started with a neighbour who offered to bring durians from her kampung. I in turn offered my house as host for the durian party. So that night I feasted on <i>durian kampung</i>. First to start and the last to stop. The next day, I hosted a farewell lunch for a staff of mine who explicitly wanted to have durians at SS2. Since the company was paying, <i>memang </i>gluttony took over and again I was the last to give in. Bought some for Hubby to have that night at home and made some <i>pulut </i>to go with it. I had like three helpings of it for dinner. By the way, our way of having <i>pulut durian</i> is to have the <i>pulut </i>with raw durian, drizzled with <i>santan </i>and a sprinkle of sugar. Smush it all together and eat it like you would <i>makan nasi berlauk. </i>All that <i>serawa or pengat durian </i>doesn’t even come close to this. *<i>drool</i>* So in a nutshell, in a span of 24hours I literally overdosed myself with durians. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sebakul durian kampung</i> sitting in my garden.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ian accompanied me to SS2.</span></td></tr>
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<br />That night I started feeling the horrible after effects. My throat was so sore to the point that the next morning I woke up with no voice. The sore throat further developed into a horrible cough till I think I even ruptured a blood vessel in my nose because I started spewing out bloody mucus. But the phelgm was the worst. It made me cough so hard that my ribs and tummy hurt (I was so worried for baby AY!), plus I couldn’t breathe whenever I was horizontal. I would cough so hard in the middle of the night, panicking with my arms flailing everywhere trying to get Hubby to wake up to help me up as I couldn’t breathe. My phlegm was so thick that I would gag myself in the morning and force out greenish phlegm the size of 20cent coins. It was crazy!!! <i>Menyesal gila melantak durian, memang taubat tak nak sentuh dah.</i> If anything happens to baby AY due to my durian gluttony, I’ll never ever forgive myself!<br /><br />It has been about a week of torture. My flu and thick phlegm are now gone but the coughs are still insisting on staying. I’ve been sleeping on the recliner chair for the past 4 days because I still cannot be horizontal. Also, with just a simple nudge the recliner chair retracts itself up which helps me get up in the middle of the night whenever I cough and cannot breathe. <br /><br />Honestly, I miss my bed. I miss being able to spread myself out and turn left or right to my heart’s content. But one thing that I don’t miss, is the king of fruits. <br /><br />Farewell durian, see you again at the end of the year, post <i>pantang</i>!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-7780791237139435572018-07-22T11:19:00.001+08:002018-07-22T11:19:39.852+08:0030 Weeks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today, baby AY turns 30 weeks. How do I feel? Excited of course! But back hurts like crazy, constant urge to pee (at night before I sleep) and surprise surprise, I’m not hungry all the time anymore!<br />
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So anyway, Hubby is currently off on a business trip (over the weekend, <i>jeez!</i>) so I decided to embark on my hospital bag list. My oh my, I certainly have much much more to buy. For the past 7 months, I have been buying clothes left right and center, but absolutely neglecting other necessities. <br />
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Although I am reusing a lot of her Babang’s things, there are certain items that I will still need to buy brand new for her. (5 years or even 9 years is a bit too much for some things to be reused). I threw out a lot of leftover baby products, especially baby oil and baby powder. I had like 3 bottles of baby oil, and a huge giant bottle of powder. Honestly, I’m not a huge believer of baby oil and powder. I prefer baby cream moisturizers! Anyway, here are the items on the list:<br />
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<li>Newborn diapers</li>
<li>Baby toiletries such as <i>minyak angin</i>, shampoo, wash gel, moisturizing cream, diaper rash cream etc.</li>
<li>Baby hair brush - the old one <i>dah keras gila</i>, I wonder why??</li>
<li>Baby wipes and cotton balls</li>
<li>Hand sanitizer for visitors </li>
<li>Nipple cream *<i>uurrggghh</i>* definitely a must have</li>
<li>Baby towel and muslin cloth/ napkins - the old ones <i>dah jadi kain buruk</i> *<i>giggles</i>*</li>
<li>Crib mattress - just because the old one got mouldy *<i>smacks head</i>*</li>
<li>Milk bottle and cleaning brush - just one, just in case</li>
<li>Milk storage bags, for when I start pumping </li>
<li>Car seat mirror and a stroller fan </li>
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I was in Mothercare earlier and started picking out things for my haul, but the lady at the counter was so nice, she said that there is a sale coming up for Merdeka. <i>Terus letak balik </i>everything. I’m also checking and comparing prices online - I'll share which ones offer the best deals. I’ll update this post with photos, once I purchase everything!<br />
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Hopefully I find the time to blog about my hospital bag checklist! Till then, take care!</div>
LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-4397873035969045312018-07-09T00:00:00.000+08:002018-07-09T00:00:11.394+08:00Chanel Wallet On Chain (WOC)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwmgqEI2yyI/WzyXq58mIBI/AAAAAAAAVks/crh9OLIStM8vQ9U9-Du4zXZZd5gHT8p2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwmgqEI2yyI/WzyXq58mIBI/AAAAAAAAVks/crh9OLIStM8vQ9U9-Du4zXZZd5gHT8p2gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was going through my handbag posts on this blog, and noticed that I had zero posts on my trusty wallet on chain, also affectionately known as the WOC.<br /><br />I bet you’ve seen them on my shoulder plenty of times, especially when I’m traveling. But not only that, I’ve also completely written off carrying typical wallets; nowadays I only use my WOCs as a wallet. I stuff the chain in when I prefer it as a clutch, or I take the chain out when I’m walking out and about. So convenient - not only does it forces me to be neat and tidy with the limited space that I have, but using it cross body also keeps my hands free. The chain length is suitable for both off shoulder or cross body. <br /><br />I have two Chanel WOCs which I rotate constantly - one in red Camellia rose lamb skin with silver hardware and the other in black quilted caviar with ruthenium (rusted gunmetal) hardware. I use them all the time, so much so that Hubby barely batted an eye when I wanted to buy the second (black) WOC. He knows how often these WOCs are being used, hence zero qualms about splurging on one. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Camellia in red lambskin with silver hardware.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The classic quilt in black caviar.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">With ruthenium hardware.</span></td></tr>
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So what exactly can you fit in a WOC? Trust me, it has more pockets and zips than what you’d assume. It is the perfect size for an iPhone, with some spare room for a slim (car) key or a lipstick. If you have an iPhone Plus, then it will fit from end to end but you may not be able to squeeze a key beside it; but perhaps in front of it. It has a zippered pocket for coins and six slots for credit cards and such. There is a front pouch which I use to store my loyalty cards and the main middle pouch where I house my phone, money and receipts. Inside of the flap there is a zipper but I rarely use this. My black WOC also has a secret pocket stitched onto the back of the bag (so typical Chanel!) which I use to keep parking tickets or valet stubs which I need to access quickly during a trip out. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The zipper inside the flap. Very rarely used - I store the authenticity card here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside the WOC. Plenty of space - trust me!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No secret compartment at the back of the Camellia.</span></td></tr>
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<br />In terms of material, I suggest the caviar. Caviar leather is quite robust and does not scratch easily. Whereas my lamb skin is already showing signs of wear - but that doesn’t mean that I love it any less! Since the lambskin has also softened over time, it is also now more malleable which means I can squeeze more things in the same sized WOC. <br /><br />As for the packaging, expect nothing less from Chanel. All WOCs come with it’s own classic Chanel box, dust bag and cleaning cloth. For me, the only difference between the two was the colour of the box; the lamb skin has a black box from Chanel in London but the caviar has a special white box as it came from Chanel’s mothership - Rue Cambon, Paris. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKwevncB0f8/WzyadTA_qxI/AAAAAAAAVlo/iC7Xm-AAQDE14mkGlQHX-OuiGCYVDYfhACEwYBhgL/s1600/SAM_5015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1069" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKwevncB0f8/WzyadTA_qxI/AAAAAAAAVlo/iC7Xm-AAQDE14mkGlQHX-OuiGCYVDYfhACEwYBhgL/s640/SAM_5015.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I strongly suggest the caviar leather!</span></td></tr>
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<br />My WOC is so convenient that whenever I need to change handbags, I just stuff my WOC into a different bag - that way I know everything important is carried. When traveling, I put my WOC into a bigger traveling handbag but once I check in, I forget about the handbag and only use my WOC when sightseeing. It is safe too as it’s not easy for pick pockets to nick anything from such a small compact bag, and you can wear it in a way that it’s always in front of you, close to your body. It is also very versatile. You can wear it on a long chain for a casual look with both heels or sneakers, or tuck the chain in and carry it as a clutch to complement your stylish or formal dinner wear. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can be used as a clutch too.</span></td></tr>
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Next on my handbag wish list? A Birkin. *<i>chuckles</i>* Oh well, a girl can always dream!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-53637766938924206272018-07-06T00:00:00.000+08:002018-07-06T00:00:16.760+08:00Hire a Runner for Pasar Ramadhan? Never Again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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*<i>sigh</i>*<br />
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I rarely rant and vent on this blog, but what I’m about to share really pissed me off. If you’ve been following my Instagram, you would have noticed my string of food postings during Ramadhan (license to eat <i>kannnnn</i>) and my excitement over the spread over at Param TTDI. My absolute favorites were <i>pulut udang </i>TTDI and <i>tepung pelita</i> Paya Jaras. And these goodies are not easy to get, mind you. I was constantly turned off by the <i>longgggg </i>queue for <i>pulut udang</i>, hence once I made it a point to queue up early (even before they started the <i>bara api</i>) and was number 4 in queue for approximately half hour in the hot sun. A <i>makcik </i>in front of me told me that she was late the day before and queued for over an hour and a half, only to find out that they had sold out. But the effort, was absolutely worth it. The <i>pulut </i>is plump and firm to the touch, and <i>tak kedekut inti</i>. <i>Pulut </i>pun <i>lembut </i>when you bite into it. It was really <i>really </i>good!<br />
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After that Instagram post, a friend told me that she wanted to try the same and shared how she hired a runner to go and get the <i>pulut udang </i>and <i>tepung pelita</i>... Imagine, a runner! I laughed at the absurdity of the idea, but loved her sense of creativity. <br />
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After mulling it over and thinking of how we are in the era or GoGets and Grabs, I warmed up to the idea of hiring a runner to get my share of <i>pulut udang </i>and <i>tepung pelita</i> for the day. Coincidentally, we were going to my in-laws for <i>iftar </i>so I wanted to let them try the glorious <i>pulut udang</i>. I contacted the same runner that my friend used and asked whether they could accommodate to my request, and they agreed. <br />
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I sent them my order and was very explicit that I wanted everything from Param TTDI. I ordered <i>pulut udang TTDI, tepung pelita Paya Jaras, murtabak, nasi briyani </i>and <i>popiah basah. </i>I was then inspired by one of their postings on IG - about how they could get the famous cheese burger at TTDI as well, hence I added that to my order too. Mind you, they never said that they couldn’t do it. And I in turn never doubted their capability. <i>Yer lah, </i>they delivered on my friend’s order, and even proudly proclaimed on IG that they are able to purchase from any specific <i>bazaar ramadhan, siap hashtag</i> #yesthelongqueueisreal. <br />
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At about 530pm, I got a call from the runner. He said that <i>tepung pelita</i> Paya Jaras <i>tak bukak </i>and <i>boleh tak if dia beli tepung pelita</i> Warisan instead. <i>Masa tuh </i>I was feeling quite skeptical already. I asked him a few times, <i>kenape tutup?</i> Because I was just there the day before and it was open as usual. In the end I grudgingly agreed. Then he asked me, <i>ada nak beli apa apa </i>from a different <i>pasar ramadhan ke?</i> I firmly answered no; <i>“Saya nak semua dari Param TTDI.” </i>By then I was already worried - <i>kalau pukul 530pm baru nak sampai at the bazaar, dapat ke dia pulut udang tuh? </i>According to experience, they typically sell out quite early.<br />
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7pm rolled in and there was no sign of my order. I called the same number that called me earlier, and got no answer. <i>Nak sedap kan hati,</i> I thought maybe he was driving. I then received a text saying that he's running late. Finally at 740pm (my in laws and my family had to <i>berbuka minum air jer sebab</i> all our food were ordered from them), the runner arrived. Imagine my frustration and anger when I opened the package to discover that I only received <i>pulut udang</i>, burger and <i>popiah basah!</i> <br />
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To make things worse, the <i>pulut udang</i> wasn’t even the one that was from TTDI. <i>I tau lah,</i> I queued up for it and know how it looks like and tastes like. I’m not just any jolly customer who wants to jump on the bandwagon and try it for the first time. The <i>pulut udang</i> TTDI is nicely packed and clipped at the ends with <i>lidi</i>, and wrapped in newspaper so that it doesn’t <i>berpeluh</i>. The one I received... not only was it <i>kurus gila tak cukup inti,</i> it was <i>rentung</i>! Ends were clipped with staplers and arrived in a red plastic bag. <i>Potong jari I lah </i>if that is the famous <i>pulut udang </i>TTDI . The <i>tepung pelita yang kononnya dari Warisan tuh, langsung tak nampak batang hidung. </i>The <i>popiah basah</i> was so-so (definitely not from <i>pakcik kepiah</i> in TTDI) and the burger was soggy. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MPUK5R_OvE/WzWi_gqVRYI/AAAAAAAAVjM/9Vt1cJtYjkI7BRhIcjRnVlUgD8BEpIQsACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MPUK5R_OvE/WzWi_gqVRYI/AAAAAAAAVjM/9Vt1cJtYjkI7BRhIcjRnVlUgD8BEpIQsACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5590.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A picture I took while I was in queue for <i>pulut udang</i> TTDI. I was fourth in queue then, and saw with my own eyes how many pieces they brought to site. <i>Memang confirm kalau datang lambat, sure habis! </i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Rd98hEL4I/WzWi_p3M79I/AAAAAAAAVjI/6Qnu6-FisxIOxdwzvxzM82dz0YUHsMN8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Rd98hEL4I/WzWi_p3M79I/AAAAAAAAVjI/6Qnu6-FisxIOxdwzvxzM82dz0YUHsMN8ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5591.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">See how plump the <i>pulut </i>is? Note that the ends are clipped with <i>lidi</i>.</span></td></tr>
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I was so disappointed. Dah la Hubby and I <i>dah canang nak jamu </i>my in laws with food <i>yang </i>viral from Param TTDI, but in the end this was what we got. <i>Memang bengang sangat</i> but thinking that this is our test for Ramadhan, I calmed down. I texted them to say that I didn’t get my full order. They replied and said <i>“Let me check with them”</i>, but of course <i>lah</i>, no feedback afterwards. The next day and two days after I even texted them to ask how much was the total and how can I pay, but didn’t receive a reply. You can view my WhatsApp conversation below:<br />
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Eid came and went, and last week I received a text from a completely different number, and this one had the cheek to say, <i>“Hi! XXX from lazybum here. Just checking, For your pasar Ramadan orders on 10/6 the other day u have not made payment right?”</i> And then she listed my full order... including those that I did not receive!<br />
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Oh I went livid. I got so pissed off. Dah la your service sucks, with zero apologies whatsoever, you advertise of your ability to purchase something that is viral and deliver something completely different .... and now you have the cheek to charge me for something that I did not get???!!! What kind of communications do you run in your business? I absolutely lost it. And when I protested, he/she said, <i>“I’m just collecting the bills on behalf of Puan XXX, u can bring it up with her.” </i><br />
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Wow. Just wow.<br />
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In the end he/she said that they’ve gotten to the bottom of the issue, and apparently my order was delivered to someone else in Subang. I finally got my bill (with zero offsets despite my sheer show of displeasure with their service... <i>tapi takpe, I pun tak hadap nak discount bagai</i>)... And I’ve made my payment hence I’m now free to speak my mind. You can view the WhatsApp conversation below:<br />
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Why am I so unhappy? I am unhappy on so many levels. The first one that irked me the most is the fact that they blatantly lied about the service that they can deliver. <i>Kalau memang tak boleh nak dapat kan</i> viral food that require long queues and all, then just say so. <i>Jangan pulak pegi beli pulut udang tempat lain</i> and try to pass it off as the correct order. Don’t advertise something that you can’t deliver. <br />
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Secondly, poor customer service. I clearly said that I didn’t get what I ordered. Zero follow up whatsoever after that. I asked for the bill, no replies. And then two weeks later you bill me for something that I didn’t get. And when I protest, you say you’re not aware. Yes I know, don’t shoot the messenger. But sometimes being a tad more sensitive on how you reply to messages can go miles in customer service.<br />
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And of course I saved the best for last. This one absolutely takes the cake. Why am I so unhappy? Well guess who’s photo they used to advertise their so called Param service for pulut udang TTDI? MINE! Hey, give credit where credit is due. <i>Jangan main cilok gambar orang jer</i> and then use it to advertise your service. Here’s a snapshot of their IG posting. Despite the photo being zoomed in, I know it’s the same photo that I posted on my own personal IG. Feel free to compare it at your own time and leisure.<br />
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OK, end of rant. Thanks for reading. </div>
LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-2155996060103541042018-07-04T00:00:00.001+08:002018-07-04T12:00:12.770+08:00Tips to Conceive a Girl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Despite my clear disclaimer that baby AY is an accident baby, I received quite a few requests about sharing tips on how to conceive a baby girl. Well, I’m never one to disappoint and truthfully, I did do my due diligence before embarking on my baby-making journey. It’s just that Allah didn’t want to bless me with a baby during that period. <i>Bukan our rezeki</i> at that point of time...<br />
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Well, there are a few old wives’ tales that I usually joke to. My favorite would be the <i>‘curik senduk’ </i>from a person who had only birthed girls. Despite joking about it quite extensively, I have never done this before. <br />
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The second would be the Chinese Fertility Calendar. Well... this one is much more believable than the <i>senduk</i>. Like seriously! I have had a 99% accuracy with the calendar. Out of the gazillion (okay I’m exaggerating) checks that I’ve done with my friends and family, only one was wrong and <i>itu pun </i>was a borderline case (baby was born premature). So here’s how you read it. The Chinese believe that your life starts in the womb so if you have celebrated your birthday this year, you plus one from your actual age. So for instance, since I celebrated my 35th birthday in Nov, I have to +1 year in the womb making me 36. Hence according to the 36 line, as baby AY was conceived in Dec, the Chinese Fertility Calendar predicts that she will be a girl. (But if say, AY was conceived in March - before my birthday, then I should be reading the 35 line (34 <i>sebab belum</i> birthday +1) which means it will be a boy.)<br />
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Moving to the scientific stuff aka the Shettles method. So the boy sperm (Y) apparently swims faster but survive for shorter periods of time than the girl sperm (X). Hence if you want a girl, do the deed before you ovulate. The idea is that the boy sperm will swim so fast and find no eggs to penetrate and then they die. While the girl sperm swims slowly and surely, and by the time it arrives <i>tadaaaa </i>you’ve ovulated and you get a girl. (Unfortunately with PCOS I couldn’t predict my ovulation so I couldn’t do this one.)<br />
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Other than that, there is the acidic versus alkaline diet. Apparently male sperms are less able to survive in acidic environments, so start consuming acidic food if you are hoping for a girl. Some schools of thought also believe that getting your man to eat more chicken will give you a girl, red meat will give you a boy. This was tough for us to follow as Hubby <i>lovesssss </i>a good steak. But I then banned all meats at home and started serving only chicken for dinner. Unfortunately I forgot to inform my husband of the intent, and he conveniently had his share of red meat during lunch at the office! *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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<i>Oh </i>there is also the bath time method. Many believe that boy sperm are heat-averse, hence having a soak in a hot tub prior to doing the deed may help to weaken the male sperm awaiting release. Excellent way to start the night too!<br />
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And lastly but most importantly, the spiritual tip. <i>Kirim kan doa</i> to anyone going to Mekah; mine is as simple as <i>“Doakan that my third baby will be a healthy baby girl.”</i> <i>Itu jer. Tak payah panjang panjang. Permudahkan </i>for the person you are asking help from. And the other thing I did between the doctor confirming the pregnancy to receiving the call to confirm that it is a girl, was to perform <i>solat hajat </i>everyday. <i>Alhamdulillah</i>, after a few rounds of <i>solat hajat</i>, ada a few times I dreamt of carrying a baby girl. And <i>memang rasa tenang</i> after those dreams. <br />
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Hope this helps, good luck!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-28929590990719278022018-07-02T08:52:00.000+08:002018-07-02T08:55:14.496+08:00Report Card Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last weekend both our boys had their dreaded report card day at school. Ian’s session was especially exciting for us, as it was his first ever Parent Teacher meet. Aiden on the other hand has had this numerous times, and truthfully I don’t get much from his class teachers in public school - which is quite frustrating really. For example if the class teacher teaches a particular subject then he or she can dive in on how Aiden can improve, but that’s about it. Very rarely the class teacher knows much about his performance in other subjects, other than from the grades listed in the result slip. I remember back when I was in Seri Puteri, the subject teachers were on standby (in the school hall) to clarify specific concerns. I wonder why they don’t do that anymore. <br />
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So anyway, as expected I didn’t get much from Aiden’s class teacher, other than the usual fact that he lacks focus in class and needs to improve on his Malay (what else is new). His results; Alhamdulillah string of A’s for English and Maths, two more marks to an A for Science, and a B for BM Pemahaman (<i>wowwww</i>). Unfortunately his BM Penulisan dragged him down significantly. Which was frustrating for me cos we had practiced the essay “Aku Sebuah Basikal” a couple of times but in the exam he went and embarked on a completely different essay question instead. *<i>pulls hair in frustration</i>*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kiasu Mummy was first in line. Ian kept me company while Aiden was still at Friday prayers with his Daddy.</span></td></tr>
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Thankfully I bumped into his Malay teacher, and as expected <i>memang Aiden banyak main </i>in class and due to his lack of focus, <i>selalu tak sempat</i> copy things from the whiteboard nor finish his homework. *<i>stress</i>* I guess I can’t really blame him - if he doesn’t understand the language, <i>memang </i>concentration <i>pun akan ke laut lah.</i> <i>Masuk telinga kanan, keluar telinga kiri.</i> *<i>sigh</i>* So, in a nutshell, more BM practice needed for Aiden! But anyhow, I’m still a proud Mummy. Due to the pregnancy I did not prep his as well as I usually did for his past exams, so I still believe his results are quite commendable given the situation. <br />
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Next up, Ian! We teased him mercilessly the day before his report card day, asking whether he behaved in class and whether his teacher was going to say good things about him or not. *<i>chuckles</i>* But I shouldn’t have worried at all, because his class teacher gave him an absolutely glowing report! Hubby and I were both quite shocked! Honestly, we know that Ian is quite the opposite of Aiden; he listens to instructions and is a bit more reserved when in the company of others. He even recognized alphabets before we enrolled him in school. But we certainly didn’t expect such great feedback! Ian’s teacher even expressed that she was impressed with his development and progress especially since he wasn't enrolled in any schools prior to this one. Even his motor skills and social skills are at par with those who have been in school since they were 3 or 4. I guess there really wasn’t much harm done by us deciding to refrain from sending him to school too early; my helper’s ‘homeschool’ was just as effective! *<i>giggles</i>*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheeky boy decided that he loves all subject, except for music!</span></td></tr>
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Other than that, we received feedback that Ian loves writing, mixes well with others (<i>walaupun dia lambat sikit warm up</i> and he has a certain chosen clique that he plays with) but barely speaks Malay (<i>sebijik macam </i>Aiden). He participates and even volunteers in class (<i>wowwww</i>). His ustazah said that he shared in class about his <i>solat </i>experience whilst his swimming coach said that his confidence level in the water has improved significantly - now <i>dah boleh </i>blow bubbles from the surface but is still hesitant about putting his head underwater. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Super proud of you my boy!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">English <i>memang takde masalah lah</i>, especially writing. Interestingly, he loves numbers too! Just like Aiden. (<i>Confirm anak-anak engineer!</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Full marks for "cooperates with teachers"! Well, this one I've never seen with Aiden, ever!</span></td></tr>
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My only request to his class teacher was for her to coax Ian into trying out the food at school. <i>Yer lah, sampai bila nak makan</i> Oreo, ChocoTeddy or KokoKrunch for breakfast <i>kan</i>! Even she agreed that Ian is such a picky eater! But she shared that once, Ian out of nowhere agreed to try porridge and the teacher got so excited about it! *<i>chuckles</i>* If I were in her shoes, I would have been excited too!!! For the record, Ian still doesn’t eat rice or noodles. He lives on biscuit/cookies, bread, cereal, milk, macaroni cheese and his absolute favorite - <i>roti canai</i>. *<i>smacks head in dismay</i>*<br />
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That wraps up the boys’ mid year performance. On the same note, I’m scheduled for my own mid year performance review with my boss next week. Wish me luck!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-14329567656377016102018-06-28T21:27:00.001+08:002018-06-28T21:44:04.533+08:00Eid 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Selamat Hari Raya peeps!<br />
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Overdue as usual, <i>tapi raya kan sebulan.</i> *<i>chuckles</i>* Hope you guys had a great Eid with family and friends.<br />
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Our days leading up to Eid were relatively uneventful. Despite being maidless (helper <i>balik raya</i> for her yearly holiday), I managed to take two days off before Eid for a facial plus manicure/pedicure. Dragged the kids with me and had to give them gadgets to keep them occupied. The fact that I managed to sleep throughout my mask was a sure sign that they behaved really really well! Iftar and <i>sahur </i>were purchased from various pasar ramadhans. Aiden <i>pun </i>dah big enough to help me with house chores - <i>dah boleh harap to basuh pinggan, jemur kain, lipat baju</i> (pants only!) and <i>siram pokok. </i><br />
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<i>Alhamdulillah</i>, I also managed to <i>tunaikan our nazar </i>to donate a sum of money to <i>anak-anak yatim.</i> With the help of a neighbour, we bought Happy Meals and gave <i>duit raya</i> to the kids, while the balance went to the upkeep of the children’s home. Even though I wasn’t there physically, I certainly hope <i>apa yang kami niatkan</i> made their day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Menunaikan nazar.</i></span></td></tr>
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I was so <i>so so</i> very tempted to buy <i>baju raya - rambang mata</i> with the various designs and discounts too. But the fact that I don’t know how much I will slim down post pregnancy (I certainly hope I’ll go back to my original size *<i>cries</i>*), <i>terus tak jadi nak beli walaupun jari gian jer nak </i>click the Add to Cart button. Instead, I went crazy over the FashionValet sale with Duck scarves (cos you know, my head won’t grow bigger)! Handbags were also calling out to me but I’m eyeing something quite special but pricey - so I decided to sell some of my handbags on consignment to ease my finances for the next handbag. Other than that, my brother’s <i>kontena </i>finally arrived so that eased my shopping temptations <i>oh so </i>slightly. What did I get? A diaper bag, baby swing and Trunki for baby AY, solar lights for Hubby and of course - the latest addition (and hopefully final) to my kitchen countertop... my KitchenAid diamond blender! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My handbags on consignment - they placed it on the floor <i>jer</i>! *<i>amused</i>*</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out those Fashionvalet shopping bags!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After all the analysis on <a href="http://lizzieasamummy.blogspot.com/2018/03/diaper-bag-woes.html"><span style="color: blue;">diaper bags</span></a>, my Jujube BFF is finally here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Current situation on my kitchen countertop.</span></td></tr>
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Did I mention my craving for <i>lemang periuk kera???</i> Just a few days before Eid, I saw some photos of it on Instagram and started salivating for some. The last (and only) time I tried it was in Cherating Kuantan, and upon memory the <i>lemang </i>was super <i>lembut </i>and <i>lemak bersantan</i> - it was even good to be eaten on its own! Posted my <i>kempunan </i>and so <i>so </i>many people stepped forward to suggest locations to purchase, and even some offered their Raya <i>lemang </i>orders to me. <i>Awwww </i>I was so very touched. In the end, I went with one of the suggested Instagram pages who was willing to still take my last minute order, and <i>tadaaaa</i>... <i>kempunan </i>resolved! Honestly this is the first time in this pregnancy that I’ve felt a craving for something. Usually anything goes for me, as long as it's Melayu food (no steaks, Western salads or even barbecued food for me)!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to Husna for accommodating my last minute request. Two thumbs up for her l<i>emang periuk kera and daging dendeng.</i></span></td></tr>
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Talking about the pregnancy, Alhamdulillah baby AY is growing well and according to her week age. Despite <i>puasa penuh</i>, I was honestly struggling between fasting and the pregnancy, and even at the tail end of Ramadhan I started losing my appetite and felt as if I didn’t eat as much as I usually did. Hence I gained less than 1kg from the last month’s checkup! (I typically gain ~3kg per month.) But even thought I didn’t gain much weight, my tummy has ballooned so much - I only discovered the sheer size of it when I was trying to shave. Thankfully I am still able to see my toes! *<i>giggles</i>* Baby AY is approximately 770gm now, and her latest scan showed a very prominent nose! <i>Hidung macam Abang Aiden agaknya...</i> can’t wait for her to arrive in our arms!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out that nose!</span></td></tr>
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I digress. Back to Raya stories! We headed for Teluk Intan the day before Eid. All of my sister-in-laws <i>beraya </i>in Teluk Intan this year, so it was wonderful to get everyone under the same roof. Unfortunately, I wasn’t much help in the kitchen - blame it on the pregnancy. *<i>sigh</i>* We all also managed to have one last <i>moreh</i>/supper before Eid at McDonalds Teluk Intan (possibly the most happening place in town). The durian McFlurry was <i>soooooo </i>good. Absolutely worth the price tag. Siap <i>sendawa durian</i> lagi!<br />
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The morning of Eid, we got dressed and then discovered that we were the only ones not in <i>biru (lebih muda)! </i>Apparently my MIL changed the colour scheme two weeks before Eid. But in retrospect looking at photos, I think our peachy outfits certainly stood out from the pale blue everyone else was wearing. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Balik kampung macam nak pindah rumah.</i> And a group photo of our last supper at McDonalds!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Official 2018 Eid photo.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peach versus light blue.</span></td></tr>
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We left Teluk Intan on the second day of Eid and headed to Ipoh to visit my stepmother and step siblings. Headed straight home that very same night and found myself doing already doing laundry on day three of Eid! Surprisingly, not many open houses invitations this year - which is just as well, since I don't have that many outfits to accommodate my bulging belly. *<i>sigh</i>* </div>
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Last weekend, I managed to host my stepmother and stepsister at our humble home. Despite being maidless, I served Nasi Arab (of course <i>beli!!!</i>) and some homemade <i>ayam kuzi and rendang</i> that my helper had thoughtfully made ahead and frozen in case of impromptu visits just like this one. (<i>Loveeeee </i>my helper to death!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khcs6to3STI/WzTf3XiNJMI/AAAAAAAAVik/HIp9N-fR3rIRNPAmeWC2tMY85TprkOueQCLcBGAs/s1600/4645eace-a95b-475c-ad91-a68696866d50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1350" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khcs6to3STI/WzTf3XiNJMI/AAAAAAAAVik/HIp9N-fR3rIRNPAmeWC2tMY85TprkOueQCLcBGAs/s640/4645eace-a95b-475c-ad91-a68696866d50.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the few outfits that I could still squeeze into. And Aiden and Ian posing with their cousin.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nasi Arab spread.</span></td></tr>
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Last but certainly not least, I'll close this blogpost with how the kids spent their <i>duit raya</i>. This year, Aiden was really adamant about spending his <i>duit raya</i> to his whim and fancies. I was having none of it, so we negotiated to a mutual agreement that half of his money goes to the bank while he has control of the other half. Ian, of course followed suit. Monkey see monkey do!<br />
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They pestered me for a trip to ToysRUs daily, and I finally relented. Imagined my shock at the price of the Minecraft set that Aiden chose. But a deal is a deal, and I allowed him to purchase it since it was still within the budget he had. But seriously, those are crazy pricey figurines!<br />
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I think that should summarize my past few weeks. Looking forward to my helper coming back home this weekend, so that I can stop juggling house chores and work at the same time. I am really feeling the heat at the office, especially when I have important meetings to attend and a team to manage. *<i>sigh</i>* I miss my laidback days in Upstream!!!</div>
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Here's hoping that you guys have a good Syawal ahead. Until next time, take care!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-8578209884000246622018-05-31T13:21:00.003+08:002018-05-31T13:37:14.143+08:00Resting Bitch Face<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been meaning to blog about this for a while, cos this subject has been constantly on my mind. I personally find it extremely insulting to judge a person by its cover. Meaning to judge a person by their face, i.e. to form a quick opinion and judgement based on a facial expression. <br />
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Why? Well because it feels like a personal attack. I know very well that I have a Resting Bitch Face (RBF). I don't have a smiley face, hence I come across as very <i>garang</i> and unfriendly. I've had a few friends telling this straight to my face (which I appreciate very much). And honestly? My sullen face doesn't bother me much. (In fact I pretty love it especially whenever Hubby and I come across booths signing people up for credit cards; Hubby always gets approached while everyone tend to stay clear of me!) *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am quite comfortable in my own skin, that I actually don't mind it when my boss calls me out for having a <i>garang</i> face *smiles*</span></td></tr>
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When does it start to bother me? When I hear stories about how people in the workplace (especially the junior ones) shy away from me just because they are too scared to face me. In one extreme, a graduate actually cancelled lunch with a friend, just because my friend said that I was going to join them for lunch! (What's that all about??!!) Like seriously, I don't bite.<br />
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I recently had coffee with a friend and he point blank told me, <i>"Liz, you have a garang face while Ms. X has a more pleasant face. Tapi sebenarnya, you lagi baik dari Ms. X!" *rolls on the floor laughing*</i><br />
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On a different occasion, a friend started gossiping about someone new who just came into the company. She said, <i>"Muka dia tak friendly langsung! Sure berlagak tuh." </i>I told her off immediately. Told her that it wasn't nice to make assumptions.<br />
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So there you go, my vent about RBF. Honestly ladies, I don't bite. </div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-89149706729661758802018-05-28T11:48:00.000+08:002018-05-28T11:52:53.820+08:00Salam Ramadhan 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello everyone! *<i>blows cobwebs away from the keyboard</i>*<br />
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Sorry for the quiet hiatus. This pregnancy is making me have absolutely zero interest in anything and everything. Well other than work (cos that pays the bills) and family, of course.<br />
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How is your Ramadhan treating you so far? <i>Alhamdulillah </i>for us, it has been quite a breeze although I am bracing myself for the upcoming turbulent period when my helper goes for her annual <i>balik kampung</i>. (She initially wanted to <i>balik kampung </i>later in the year but with the baby coming, she decided to return home earlier cos she expects to have her hands full once baby AY is out!)<br />
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This is Aiden's 3rd time attempting to <i>puasa penuh</i>, so far so good. Last year he was extremely cranky during <i>sahur - </i>but surprisingly this time around we don't get so much drama. He doesn't want fancy food during the wee hours of the morning so it's usually <i>ayam </i>Bob, fried egg or roti boom for <i>sahur</i>. As for Ian, he's starting to show interest in fasting (from exposure at the kindy), but still doesn't fully understand the concept - especially since he insists on enjoying food and drinks in front of his brother, much to the chagrin of the latter! *<i>chuckles</i>* In one instance, Ian <i>siap </i>offer food to his Babang, <i>"Babang you want some?"</i> *<i>giggles</i>*<br />
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Spiritually, it's slightly different for me this year. Due to the pregnancy, I am already praying <i>guna kerusi</i>, so terawih is slightly challenging especially when the <i>surau/masjid </i>is packed. I've been doing my prayers at home but I look forward to walking to the <i>surau </i>as usual this week, as the crowd usually dissipates by the second Ramadhan week onwards. Other than that, this is my third year wearing a headscarf during Ramadhan so it feels significantly easier for me. The only tricky bit was managing perception at the start, especially as I am in a new role at work. My Upstream peeps are used to seeing me in <i>tudung</i>, but the Downstream folks have never seen me in one. But <i>Alhamdulillah</i>, so far Allah <i>dah banyak permudahkan </i>the transition for me.<br />
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In matters of worldly preparations, I am absolutely done with Raya shopping. *<i>pats self on the back</i>* Again, due to the pregnancy, we made it a point to head to Jalan TAR two weeks before the start of Ramadhan. Which was an excellent idea because we ended up making so many stops to eat and drink cos it was so hot! My bulging tummy did not make it easy to shop for clothes (and I didn't bother on tailoring anything to wear only once). In the end I settled on a simple batik long dress from Jakel in peach. Armed with that, we then headed to Masjid India to get coordinating <i>baju melayu</i> for the boys. Recycle <i>songkok </i>and <i>sampin </i>from last year. Settle!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3N6JtLh69M/WwtxzdoaZhI/AAAAAAAAVfs/ZWM9gWTHF9Yu7MVVAKAPv7e4lO59KwDVgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1167" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3N6JtLh69M/WwtxzdoaZhI/AAAAAAAAVfs/ZWM9gWTHF9Yu7MVVAKAPv7e4lO59KwDVgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5188.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sneak peak of the boys' outfit - <i>siap ada tag lagi! </i>BTW Ian no longer cries at kindy - it took him a good 4.5 months to cultivate the love of school!</span></td></tr>
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I also bought two new telekung for Ramadhan - one from dUCk (love the bag that comes with it) plus a very comfortable piece from Siti Khadijah. As for the kids, we bought for them new <i>jubahs </i>as well, plus a few pairs of casual <i>baju raya</i>. The only person that I cannot stop shopping for, is for this little princess in my tummy! <i>Oh my gosh</i> - so many cute outfits! I've even had to resort to taking flat lays of her outfits according to size just so I have an inventory of what I've purchased. *<i>shakes head in dismay</i>*<br />
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Our first Ramadhan was spent at my in-laws, and then they came over to our house for the second Ramadhan <i>iftar</i>. But the most memorable was the third day; I was so excited to head to Param Seksyen 13 but by the time we arrived, we all got caught in the most horrendous downpour. Even with umbrellas, we were soaked to the bone! Ian clung to Hubby like a koala bear while saying <i>"I want to go home!!!" </i>but by the end of the trip he ended up enjoying the whole affair, jumping into puddles and all. We climbed into the car with wet clothes and our shoes filled with rain water. Absolutely crazy, but <i>oh </i>so worth it - everything we bought (<i>rojak, roti john, akok</i>) was so tasty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're ever in Shah Alam and a big fan of <i>akok</i>, this stall gets two thumbs up from me!</span></td></tr>
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Last Friday, I had the SPK ladies over for <i>iftar</i>. Two couldn't make it while a third was late due to a last minute emergency. It was a potluck affair, so three families feasted over <i>mee kari, daging dendeng, ikan kurau masak lemak nenas, ayam goreng kunyit and sayur buncis goreng</i>. *<i>nyum</i>* This year, my helper's specialty was <i>daging dendeng</i> which was definitely a crowd favourite that night. For dessert, other than <i>kuih melayu</i> we also had a scrumptious birthday chocolate mud cake - interestingly flour-less but very chocolaty!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Birthday cake and present for the birthday girl. Unfortunately no pictures of the food - totally <i>terlupa</i>!</span></td></tr>
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After that, we adjourned into the garden for our yearly tradition - our 7th year writing messages using sparklers! As usual, here is a compilation of our sparkler shots since 2012:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seven years in a row... and counting!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately we didn't get it right on the first try. My trusty Samsung camera is starting to give me problems *<i>cries</i>* so a lot of fiddling with the settings and shutter speed before we finally got it right.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A new try for us this year - writing in <i>jawi</i>! I nearly peed in my pants with this one. To write '<i>ya</i>' we had to enlist a husband's help to do the double dots at the bottom - literally <i>cium buntut bini!</i> *<i>rolls on the floor laughing</i>*</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Behind the scenes.</span></td></tr>
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<i>Phewww</i>... that's a long enough update, I think. To my Muslim readers, I wish you all a blessed Ramadhan, and selamat berpuasa! And hopefully I get my blogging mojo yet again. *<i>chuckles</i>*</div>
LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-83292025944925590852018-04-26T18:47:00.001+08:002018-04-26T19:17:57.793+08:00Aiden is 9!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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April rolls along, and for the first time in a <i>longgggg </i>time, I’m not swamped with party prep. *<i>chuckles</i>* This pregnancy is really turning me into a couch potato!<br />
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But I simply cannot let my firstborn’s special day go to waste! So instead of a fancy party, we decided to organize a simple low key brunch with my in-laws at Birch KL. After all, the birthday boy loves the breakfast spread and the burnt cheesecake there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Missing two more sister-in-laws.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My two boys.</span></td></tr>
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It really was a simple affair. 10 people sitting together enjoying brunch plus each other’s company on an early Sunday morning. Food was good (didn’t really match my baby Melayu taste buds but oh well!) and we had a fun time sampling everyone’s dishes. Hubby and MIL had the Birch Benedict, Ian had the Brûlée French Toast, Aiden and FIL had the Breakfast Plate while my SILs decided to go adventurous with Shakshuka and Morning Glory Bircher Muesli. Pictures ahead:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enthusiastic photographer in the family.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aiden enjoying his Breakfast Plate - two eggs on toast, cheese and mushroom chicken sausage, beef bacon, hash, mushrooms and charred tomato. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brûlée French Toast - brioche, dulce de leche, charred pear, white coffee crumbs paired with vanilla ice-cream. The charred pears were awesome!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Birch Benedict and Shakshuka - baked eggs, harrisa spiced tomato and red pepper stew, Greek feta, crispy kale with sourdough bread.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Us.</span></td></tr>
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After that, it was cake time! As mentioned in my previous <a href="http://lizzieasamummy.blogspot.my/2017/10/birch-dc-mall.html">review</a> of Birch, the Burnt Cheesecake is one of the best I've had. Every time we buy a slice, we all end up playing fencing with our forks for dibs on the gooey creamy center. So good! We opted out of buying a whole cake (>RM200) because everyone was too full from brunch, so we ordered three slices to share instead.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy 9th birthday, Aiden Irfan!</span></td></tr>
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And then it was presents time! My in-laws gave Aiden a sack of coins (they always do that, I don’t know why - perhaps to symbolize <i>rezeki </i>coming in or something) and Ian was so gutted that he didn’t get one too! Although I explained that his Babang will share all presents with him, he insisted on having one too. He even nicked the coin box and refused to give it back to Aiden. *<i>sigh</i>* This <i>soon-going-to-lose-bongsu-status </i>boy really needs to learn how to share soon! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ian insisted on making the presents his.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And started sulking after we told him off. *<i>tsk*tsk</i>*</span></td></tr>
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After brunch, we headed to the nearest ToysR'Us. You see, I had made a deal with Aiden. He only agreed to cancel his birthday party this year in return for a shopping spree at ToysR'Us - within a stipulated budget of course. <i>Oh </i>he had such a good time choosing to his heart's content. He went from aisle to aisle, touching and testing every toy he desired. In the end he decided to get a Nerf gun. But even then, he shortlisted three guns and insisted on watching reviews of each gun before deciding. In the end he went with the most expensive (as expected!), but it was quite a good buy as it was on sale.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">His chosen Nerf gun - fastest motorized dart blaster, fires 5 darts per second!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last photo before we ended the day - matching Onitsuka for the boys. Perhaps I should get one too!</span></td></tr>
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Happy 9th birthday Aiden Irfan. I am so blessed to have you as a son, especially since you made me a mother. Mummy and Daddy <i>doakan </i>the best for you, and we will always be here for you. I hope one day when you discover this blog and read this, you will realize how much we both love you.</div>
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Much love, Mummy and Daddy.</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-53998897614749255472018-04-18T23:37:00.000+08:002018-04-18T23:47:58.658+08:00Ian's First Sports Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My oh my, ever since I announced the pregnancy, this blog has been all about baby AY. I feel like I’ve been neglecting stories about my boys! <br />
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So Ian attended his first sports day recently. Back then, I already knew that I was pregnant but did not know the gender, hence had zero interest of blogging about it. Now, I think I owe it to Ian to at least attempt to do so. <br />
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The day before the said sports day, we had an early dinner at Citrus in BV2. I needed my share of rice so Citrus was a good choice because it offered a fusion of both local and western dishes. I also ordered a soya bean drink, which is a staple part of all my pregnancies. The drink arrived and upon my first sip, I felt as if the taste was a bit off. Aiden took a sip but claimed that it tasted fine. I did not return it as I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt; perhaps it was just a different brand with a different taste. Aiden then hogged the drink and finished nearly half of the glass, while Ian took one small sip.<br />
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Boy oh boy, that soya bean drink really screwed us all. Aiden started feeling sick by the end of dinner and Ian started vomiting nearly immediately after arriving home. Thankfully, Aiden recovered after some paracetamol and vomiting medicine, but Ian just continued vomiting through the night. We honestly thought that we would have to pull him out of his sports day the next day. <br />
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The morning of the sports day, we were all zombies from being awake that night; monitoring Ian and cleaning up after his vomiting sessions. But still, we persevered! We cautiously got him ready, lined the car seats with towels, packed a spare set of clothes and a vomiting pail, and off we went to the stadium. Ian’s hands were cold but he refused any form of food/drinks cos he was so worried that he was going to vomit. Poor boy. Texted his teacher to inform her of the situation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">First photo at the stadium. Ian's fingers were dead cold here.</span></td></tr>
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First event was the march past. I was flabbergasted when I couldn’t find Ian in line. Suddenly Hubby (who was outside the hall) sent me a picture. Apparently they kept Ian and a few other unwell kids outside, so they won’t over exert themselves. He eventually joined the rest during the school song dance, but of course <i>nampak lembik lah. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unwell boys sitting out of the march past.</span></td></tr>
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Finally, it was time for his sports event! Boy oh boy, so proud of my boy! He did so well... <i>siap buat extra</i> than anyone else! The kids were supposed to <i>langkah</i> over two obstacles and then step forward to throw a bean bag towards a target. What did Ian do? He jumped over both, I repeat both obstacles! <i>Dah la</i> the obstacles were close to each other, <i>nasib baik </i>he didn’t trip. Then instead of stepping forward, he maintained his distance at the obstacle, aimed and threw his big bag. Despite the distance, he was quite close to hitting the tin cans but because he was far away, it wasn’t strong enough to topple any of them. But still, good try <i>sayang</i>! Watch the video and see for yourself:<br />
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After his event, I thought of picking him up early but his teacher texted saying that he looked fine and even having a hot dog bread as a treat. At the end of the day, they finally released the kids and Ian came bounding out with a huge smile on his face, showing off his shiny gold medal. <i>Alhamdulillah</i>, he survived! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proudly showing off his medal!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the rare occasions that Aiden doesn't have to match with Ian. So he matches with Daddy instead!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proud of my boy!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last photo before heading home.</span></td></tr>
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The minute we arrived home, he immediately made his way upstairs. We asked why... <i>rupa rupanya</i> he wanted to go hang his medal with all our running medals and Aiden’s medals. <i>Dah lama dia tunggu </i>to have his own share of glory on that wall. And finally the day arrived! *<i>chuckles</i>* We laughed our heads off at his innocent gesture. Of course, we relented and made space for him to proudly show off his first medal.<br />
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Great work, Ian Iskandar! We are so proud of you, as always.</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-65731696129141162922018-04-09T22:08:00.000+08:002018-04-09T22:15:21.311+08:00Marching On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I simply must do a recap of March. At the rate I’m neglecting my blog (let’s blame the baby, please); I might as well do a monthly run down instead of forgetting everything completely. <br />
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Where should I start? <i>Hmmm</i>... pregnancy? So far so good. I’m in my fourth month now but this night sickness doesn’t look like it’s going to let down anything soon. On some days my nausea is pretty bad, to the point that my tummy <i>berombak-ombak</i> and if I put a finger down my throat I would most probably puke my heart out. I try to stay away from paracetamol (although my boss keeps telling me off for doing that), so on certain days I just give in and douse first one and if needed, a second tablet. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baby AY at 15 weeks! Simply couldn't resist buying that <i>oh-so-adorable</i> top for her.</span></td></tr>
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Baby AY is growing great. <i>Alhamdulillah </i>she’s approx 100gm now. Which doesn’t explain my nearly 10kg gain but <i>yeah </i>whatever. I only get three licenses in life to binge on food, so heck, I’m enjoying myself. This baby is a baby Melayu just like his brothers, so I’m always game for <i>ayam goreng minyak</i> with rice. Too easy <i>lah </i>baby! If only I can start craving for lobsters or something. Please make it more challenging for Daddy, darling!<br />
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I’m due for a complete detailed scan in my next gynae visit. Asked my gynae about her opinion on going for a cesarean so that I can tie my tubes, but she wasn’t really supportive. Said that the operation itself is 10 times riskier than a normal birth, so why do it if not needed. Other than that, I’m also opting to get the Tdap vaccination (between 27-36 weeks gestation) to give the baby some form of antibodies even as a newborn. This is to protect her from the many Antivacs in the community spreading contagious diseases. If you’re pregnant, you should probably consider this too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIM-gH3MK3A/WstwNRfBPLI/AAAAAAAAVZc/S4xxz61PJzcxOV3gNEFEW509g5r2zujFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1406" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIM-gH3MK3A/WstwNRfBPLI/AAAAAAAAVZc/S4xxz61PJzcxOV3gNEFEW509g5r2zujFwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4299.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ah if only that ~10kg lumps itself altogether at the tummy. But <i>noooooo</i>... my thighs and butt suffer first. *<i>sigh</i>*</span></td></tr>
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Kids? Aiden got his first semester exam results and as expected, BM <i>terus ke laut. </i>It wasn’t really fair though - the last question in the paper involved the kids reading a long paragraph and spotting punctuation and spelling errors, then rewriting it correctly. Why unfair? Cos it was a whopping 30 marks. <i>Memang </i>if you’re not good in <i>tatabahasa </i>and vocab, you have no chance at all. Aiden got a measly 3 marks from that. That itself pulled his marks all the way down. But all other core papers <i>Alhamdulillah </i>he did well, so I’m a proud Mummy as always. A talent scout recently approached us to cast Aiden as a young talent for a drama mini-series. The first thing I said was <i>“Dia tak pandai cakap Melayu. Susah nak berlakon!”</i> *<i>chuckles</i>* Aiden is also very dependable now. I can just wait in the car while he buys <i>nasi kerabu </i>from our local stall, top up my Touch and Go, pick up a takeaway order at a restaurant... you get the idea. <i>Memang </i>emulating the <i>abang </i>character! <i>Senang kerja Mummy, sejuk perut ibu mengandung. </i>*<i>smiles</i>*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loves extreme activities! Did laser tag for the first time and excitedly went into that round tube thing that tumbles you all over the place.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Daddy's into fashion", </i>claims Aiden. Little did he know that he's sporting the same swag!</span></td></tr>
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Ian? Still <i>meratib </i>everyday in the car, <i>“I don’t want to go (to) school.”</i> Less crying but still adamant about his stance. Enrolled him (and Aiden) in Fun Camp over the last school holidays, hoping that it would inculcate a sense of love for school - but even that didn’t work. (Although I must applaud Aiden for diligently taking care of Ian throughout the duration of the program; from comforting Ian, to even <i>suap Ian makan!</i>) Despite Ian’s apparent hate for school, he loves doing ‘homework’. He can spend hours just coloring and writing, ignoring the TV. We’ve even resorted to bringing his small desk and chair down to the living hall so he can have a proper area to continue doing so. <i>Macam langit dengan bumi</i> with Aiden who would rather sprawl himself on the couch watching cartoons. I’m currently teaching Ian to write lowercase alphabets (he’s aced the upper case ones) and I can’t wait for him to improve on his phonics so he can start reading!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTLu8cej4Uk/WstwL-ag70I/AAAAAAAAVZ4/LilH5yG1Y5cScK80namBFblDVklOlcOkgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTLu8cej4Uk/WstwL-ag70I/AAAAAAAAVZ4/LilH5yG1Y5cScK80namBFblDVklOlcOkgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4107.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This little brown bear can spend hours just scribbling, drawing and colouring away. That's his interpretation of Mummy with baby (that odd round shape on my tummy). I wonder why I have spiked hair... <i>Hmmm...</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy face from Ian - during one of the rare occasions that I get to pick him up from kindy.</span></td></tr>
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They both recently entered a Trunki Easter Egg hunt in Hamleys OU. It involved them scooting around in a Trunki and finding cardboard cutouts of Easter eggs hidden in the store. That experience certainly showed me the ugly side of parenting. It’s absolutely normal for parents to cheer and ‘help’ their kids by pointing out the location of the eggs from afar. But for a mother to snatch one and run to give it to his son, right in front of me while I was pointing to it but waiting for Aiden to scoot over in his Trunki to get it? That’s just ugly. I could have easily done the same so that we would win, but how is that fair to everyone else playing fair and square, scooting their butts off looking for hidden eggs? What kind of example are you teaching to your kids?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aiden got number three!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aiden bagged a lunch bag, while Ian won a consolation price of a cupboard Trunki; Fold-a-Trunki.</span></td></tr>
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I digress. Let’s talk about happier things. Shopping? I’m definitely enjoying myself with this. Everything in pink is <i>sooooo </i>cute! To date, I’ve filled in a whole three drawers worth of clothes, five new born shoes and twenty headbands... and counting. Just the other day I saw this cute tutu assemble but unfortunately it was only available in 12-18 months size. Went to the counter to check on a smaller size only to find out that it was the last piece. After deliberating, I finally decided to get it. The cashier, probably empathizing with me, asked; <i>“Baby tuh sekarang berapa bulan, Kak?”</i>... implying that she thought I wanted to buy it as a gift for someone. I answered, <i>“Baby tuh tak keluar lagi, nie dalam perut lagi”</i>, while pointing to my tummy. Her face was stunned... she was speechless or should I say <i>terkedu</i>? It was so funny!!!<br />
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I’m also shopping for home! My eldest brother is returning from the US with a big-ass <i>kontena </i>in tow. Other than a new baby swing plus diaper bag for baby AY, everything else I ordered was for home. From solar lights to a KitchenAid blender. Can’t wait! Just yesterday my KitchenAid toaster arrived (separate <i>kontena</i>) and it looks so sleek and handsome on my kitchen counter. *<i>drool</i>*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnbQegnVu8o/WstwN66ytfI/AAAAAAAAVZ4/i3fYbbXeQik7QH0FJqpNVUmDkTcfzWAYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnbQegnVu8o/WstwN66ytfI/AAAAAAAAVZ4/i3fYbbXeQik7QH0FJqpNVUmDkTcfzWAYwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4313.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am so domesticated!</span></td></tr>
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Work? As intense as ever. I’m currently looking to fill up a vacancy in my team, so I’m diligently having GTKYs (Get To Know You) with interested candidates. Unfortunately for one of them, that morning before the meet we had not one but two dramatic issues which compounded to the headache that I was already nursing. Hence during the GTKY I didn’t exactly paint a rosy picture about the expectations of the role. Scary stuff came out like repercussions and the need to be on-call at all times. Needless to say, she didn’t apply for the role in the end. *<i>smacks forehead</i>* I’ve also finally announced to the team about my pregnancy, and informed my #2 that he needs to step up into role while I’m away (he’s completely freaked out <i>btw </i>*<i>giggles</i>*) so that part is sorted. Now I can proudly show off my bump in the office (instead of sucking it in to hide it). <br />
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Hence that’s the end of March. Let’s continue marching on (pun intended) to April.</div>
LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-10977911294880275412018-03-29T00:00:00.000+08:002018-04-09T22:18:08.550+08:00My Tumi Calais<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After writing extensively on my quest for a diaper bag, I’m now inspired to write about my laptop bag.<br />
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Remember in <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://lizzieasamummy.blogspot.my/2017/11/women-business-laptop-bags.html">this</a> </span>post, Hubby hinted about buying me a laptop bag for my 35th birthday? Well it never happened. (He got me something <i>way </i>better!) But since I already had a chosen bag in sight, I decided to just buy it for myself. Sort of a present to myself in welcoming my new role at work. <br />
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After much deliberation with Hubby (who managed to convince me that a leather bag is way classier than everything else), I finally decided to go with the Tumi Calais:<br />
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Although I gravitated more towards the Sacha, unfortunately it wasn’t available in the leather option. Hence I went with the Calais despite my reservations about it being very <i>‘bag sekolah’.</i> (Don’t you think the two side pockets make it look very much like a school bag?)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Engraved with my name.</span></td></tr>
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However, I have to admit that I’ve grown to love it very much. I don’t use the side pockets at all (they are still stuffed with paper stuffings)... but the front pocket is super useful! My essentials such as my phone and car keys are so easily reachable. And unlike the Sacha, I don’t need to unbuckle anything. Everything is accessible via zips. The top zipper houses my laptop while the middle one is for my laptop charger, my work diary and occasionally, my WOC. The leather is super lavish and luxurious, and to top it off, the engraving accentuates elegance. Major love!</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-8412883676742343422018-03-27T10:25:00.000+08:002018-03-27T10:25:04.269+08:00Diaper Bag Woes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When expecting a third baby, the number of things that you need to buy significantly reduces. <br />
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Thankfully, baby AY is a girl - hence at least I get to buy new clothes. <i>Itu pun</i> we will probably recycle her brother’s swaddles, blankets etc. Baby equipment<i> lagi lah tak payah beli. </i>We are definitely reusing the stroller, car seat, baby chair, bathtub, sterilizer and such. <br />
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But my hands are itching to buy something new other than clothes or baby bottles! Something that signifies the coming of a baby girl. Finally I settled for a new diaper bag. <br />
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And after some research, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that diaper bags in the market are BORING. I understand that some parents would prefer a unisex colour (I would do the same for my first child so I can reuse in the future) and some would want a bag designed not to look like a diaper bag so that it can be carried by the husband too.<br />
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But for me, this is (potentially) my last baby and I simply want to scream to the world that yes, this is a diaper bag, and yes, it’s for a girl! Which means that I want the bag in prints and in pink! Unfortunately, the market doesn’t cater much for prints. And surprisingly, available prints in the market are either neutral colours, or blue!!! Yes blue!!! (So gender biased, <i>sigh</i>.)<br />
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I also think that my requirements for a diaper bag are pretty simple:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>In pink and/or pink prints</li>
<li>Lightweight (so no heavy leather bags for me), preferably a stylish backpack.</li>
<li>Suitable to be hung off my existing stroller. </li>
<li>Bonus if it comes with insulated compartments.</li>
</ul>
Anyway, I’m going to share my research to prove my point, but I’ll start with what I finally ended up with:<br />
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<u>Jujube BFF</u><br />
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Jujube probably carries the most extensive number of diaper bag prints in the market. And the only few I found online with pink prints. Jujube has multiple models so you can choose for a satchel, backpack, over shoulder, etc. But I love the fact that the BFF is convertible to both satchel or backpack. Very convenient! Comes with insulated pockets too. Love the matching changing mat, the small front pocket for my phone/camera and even a pocket for my sunglasses! My only qualm with it is it's quite bulky... I seem to think that I can pack light. But anyway here’s my choice - the Jujube BFF in Blooming Romance:</div>
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<u>Storksak</u><br />
Very popular amongst Hollywood stars, probably because it doesn’t look anything at all like a diaper bag. With the luxurious leather option, it can pass off as a handbag or even a laptop bag. The Poppy Convertible Backpack is in a quilted finish and also comes with a matching food and bottle bag. Some other options include an insulated bottle holder and fold out changing mat. No prints sighted.<br />
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<u>Petunia Pickle Bottom</u><br />
The Petunia Boxy backpacks are so awesome! Why? Because it comes with a clever built-in zip-out changing station! Creativity at its best! Convertible to both backpack or cross-body, plus available in sweet prints too. There was an adorable pink print available too but since it was more expensive than the Jujube, I settled with the latter.<br />
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<u>JJ Cole</u><br />
So many options to choose from - satchel, backpack, knapsack, bucket tote, off shoulder cum tote and even backpacks designed for daddies (Papago)! The bucket tote option even comes with a coordinating pacifier pod and single bottle cooler, and the backpack and satchel feature insulated side pockets and coordinating changing pad. Love love love the classy prints but unfortunately only available in neutral colours or BLUE. Le sigh.<br />
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<u>Babymel</u><br />
Mostly shoulder bags/totes. They have some pretty classy prints but again, in neutral colors. No pink prints backpack sighted. One interesting feature in their backpacks is the Easy Wipes side pocket with a dispenser slot. Means you can directly pull your wipes from the pocket. So novel!<br />
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<u>Skip Hop</u><br />
Multiple models available. Their prints are mostly in neutral colors i.e grey, navy blue, cream. Only one backpack model came with insulated side pockets. There were ~3 pink bags in solid colors but nothing in particular attracted me.<br />
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Oh here’s a bonus: <u>Young Versace</u><br />
Simplest of the lost but obviously the most expensive. You’re paying for the brand, not the practicality! Lovely sweet pink Baroque watercolour print and a matching changing mat. *<i>drool</i>*<br />
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So that’s my rundown of diaper bags! Hope this listing helps. *<i>smiles</i>*</div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-2845395047698977202018-03-16T23:00:00.000+08:002018-04-09T22:11:19.237+08:00Time Flies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tick tock tick tock... and it is nearly the end of my first trimester. Well, I found out I was pregnant pun at 9 weeks, naturally <i>lah </i>the first trimester just flew past in a blink of an eye.<br />
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I am really suffering from nausea these past few days. Honestly, I don’t know whether this is a genuine pregnancy sickness nausea, or just ‘psycho’ nausea. <i>Sebab dulu</i> before I knew I was pregnant, <i>takde pulak pening kepala, mual, mabuk bagai. </i>Now <i>dah tahu, mula lah mengada ngada.</i><br />
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As usual, I cannot be hungry at all. Must be fed at all times! <i>Lambat makan sikit, </i>and the headache would not subside no matter how much I eat. And it’s not just the customary three meals per day! Just to give you an example of my meal from last Thursday:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Breakfast with two pieces of bread with Nutella</li>
<li>Second breakfast with nasi kerabu bungkus</li>
<li>Lunch at Rakuzen with garlic fried rice and teriyaki beef</li>
<li>Snacks at the office makan keropok and breakfast bars</li>
<li>Tea time at Asam Pedas with mee kari</li>
<li>Dinner at home with white rice and lauk</li>
<li>Supper with fried egg <i>kapit </i>with two pieces of white bread.</li>
</ul>
<i>Fuh</i>, can you imagine my weight now? <i>Kalau tak makan, pening. Kalau makan, gemuk. </i>Le sigh.<br />
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But then again, I must really thank my lucky stars that I am just experiencing a sliver of what other pregnant mothers go through. To compare someone who has Hyperemesis Gravidarum versus my relatively mild gassiness plus night sickeness and zero vomiting, is simply unfair. Alhamdulillah, my work and career are not impacted at all from this pregnancy.<br />
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My tummy is really protruding out. Not sure whether it’s due to the baby or just the sheer amount of food I eat. It is getting uncomfortable to sleep no matter how many pillows I use to support my tummy and my back. <i>Sooooo </i>miserable.<br />
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Other than that, the itching at the tummy area is starting already. Although I am religiously putting Bio Oil and Clarins stretch mark cream after every shower (doesn’t really help my old stretch marks but <i>hey</i>, I don’t want to make them worse)... but sometimes I just feel like scratching the hell away. But <i>sabar sabar. </i>Still can <i>tahan</i>. <br />
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With this pregnancy, I'm still having the occasional acne breakouts, and my hair is absolutely limp. Hence, I have zero motivation to dress up and look good. I guess it is true - common wisdom explains that this is because the baby girl is stealing the mother's beauty. All I want to do is to dress myself up in comfy baggy clothes and curl up on the sofa and sleep. I have no interest in updating my social media nor take photos of myself. I still have to look presentable to work, but honestly I’m running out of clothes to wear to hide my bump. My mood is generally neutral in the office (as long as I am constantly fed), but just the other day a staff of mine had to bear the wrath of my hormonal crankiness. No I didn’t scream or anything, but damn - I was strict and direct. Zero smiles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKIIQ2n45ms/Wqxex0gMWDI/AAAAAAAAVV8/r1fwmjKR7QkPad7WLe6W6HOkhEXgVgEOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKIIQ2n45ms/Wqxex0gMWDI/AAAAAAAAVV8/r1fwmjKR7QkPad7WLe6W6HOkhEXgVgEOwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My sweet sister in laws arranged for a surprise bouquet of flowers to be sent to the office - they're as excited as I am to welcome their first niece! Meanwhile, the boys are starting to accompany yours truly at shopping for girls clothes. OMG I gravitate towards anything pink... and everything is so cute!!!</span></td></tr>
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Just one more week before I jump into my second trimester. Usually then, the ‘I need to eat all the time’ phase eases up, and my headaches go away too. I am <i>sooooo </i>looking forward to that.<br />
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Wish me luck peeps. </div>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-1947652726755472002018-03-14T09:35:00.000+08:002018-03-17T08:26:47.439+08:00Unexpected #3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aQJM6F7E8Q/Wqne5HBvvLI/AAAAAAAAVVc/NSqsj18n8NooA86C92z7Msj5vxJT-e0GwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180218_214603.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1542" height="348" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aQJM6F7E8Q/Wqne5HBvvLI/AAAAAAAAVVc/NSqsj18n8NooA86C92z7Msj5vxJT-e0GwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180218_214603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I’m struggling to put my thoughts onto paper as I am still struggling to process the news. <br />
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Not many people know this, but Hubby and I went though an IVF back in October 2017 which failed miserably. (I mentioned a lost in October a few times via blog and IG - this was what I meant.) I documented my whole IVF process which I’m not ready to share just yet - but all I can say is, IVF is not an easy experience for anyone; even for someone like me who is blessed with multiple eggs, two successful drama free pregnancies and a controllable PCOS. <br />
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Why IVF? Cos we wanted to determine when I would get pregnant plus most importantly, the gender. I know it might sound selfish to some - doing IVF to determine the gender while some people are simply struggling to conceive. All I can say is, I am one of the few who struggles with not being in control of something. And being pregnant with a 50/50 chance of having yet another boy was not something I wanted to gamble with. Especially since we had collectively agreed to max our number of kids to only three.<br />
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But of course, Allah had greater plans for me (and He wanted to show me who’s the real boss of life)! <br />
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Hubby and I wanted to kick start our 2nd IVF round in March. Well guess what. We didn’t even get around to doing so... Because on 18th February, I found out that I was pregnant!<br />
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I swear, this is my smoothest first trimester ever. Since I have PCOS, my last period was in November (right after the end of my IVF cycle). Of course, I started getting worried about a no show of period in Jan but decided to just brush it off. I did notice an elevated sense of hunger. <i>Asyik lapar jer.</i> To the point that I avoided the weighing scale like a plague. And my face started breaking out pretty badly, specifically a cluster on my left chin, but I thought it was due to stress at work. Because of the absence of my period, the thought of buying a pregnancy test occurred a few times, but I never got around to buying one - <i>sebab </i>the chance of me being pregnant without some form of artificial help, is practically slim to none.<br />
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We went for a day trip to Kuantan and that was when I started getting suspicious.<i> Pening pening</i> the whole trip (which I chalked off due to tiredness from traveling) and an elevated sense of smell (I wanted to puke from the smell of my nephew’s stained diapers in the dustbin). On the way home we made a pit stop to GPO and my headache got worse. Kids were hungry but we didn’t want to stop for dinner so we picked up a few tidbits at a kiosk. Upon having a few bites of Pringles (not exactly the most nutritious food), the headaches went away. <i>Masa tuh dah </i>nervous cos usually if I am pregnant, I cannot be left hungry. Must always be fed to reduce my <i>pening pening.</i> But still I was in denial. Tried to blame the acne antibiotics for causing the headaches, but Hubby was having none of it so the next day we got ourselves two packs of pregnancy tests. <br />
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By the time we got home from our trip to the pharmacy it was already night and we were just about to cuddle up in front of the TV to watch Transformers the Last Knight. Plus <i>baru jer</i> zip my luggage as Aiden and I were due to fly to Kuching the next day. Dragged myself to the toilet downstairs to do the test <i>(masih denial lagi masa nie)</i> and I remember muttering the F word non stop as the second line started appearing. As I told Hubby, <i>“That second line came up tanpa segan silu... hence I must be pretty far along and there is no such thing as a false positive. Ini semua salah you!”</i> <i>(Hahaha ibu mengandung</i> is allowed to blame anyone under the sun except herself.) Seriously, it was such bad timing for me especially since I just started my new role at work. The original plan was to do a second round of IVF and then store the embryo until a suitable period at work appeared.<br />
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Because it was late night and my flight was at 8am the next day, I had to wait until I got home from my business trip to do a scan at our local clinic. This was what we found:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Y6HJSIug0/Wqxf6weCeQI/AAAAAAAAVWI/DtT7OUlYtSkDD7-fnT7WmtM47hnOU5hSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Y6HJSIug0/Wqxf6weCeQI/AAAAAAAAVWI/DtT7OUlYtSkDD7-fnT7WmtM47hnOU5hSQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4005.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baby's first picture - 22nd Feb 2018. EDD end Sept.</span></td></tr>
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At barely 2 centimeters, the baby was already 9 weeks old! See how I practically breezed through the first trimester??!! Finally got a gynae appointment with my fertility gynae on 28th Feb. We saw the baby waving his/her arm towards us! Also requested to do a blood test to check for abnormalities and most importantly to check the gender. <i>MasyaAllah</i>, I cannot even begin to tell you the nervousness I was carrying around for the past few weeks, waiting for the results to come out. Last child slot, and it turned out to be an accident baby. *<i>cries</i>*<br />
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As a coping mechanism, I completely shut everything off. Zero blog updates, zero social media presence. I distanced myself from family and friends and started wearing baggy clothes to work. I didn't want to tell anyone that I was pregnant... at least not until the gender is known. Practically everyone around me knows how much I wanted a girl, so if they knew that I was pregnant, they would probably comfort me by diagnosing my pregnancy sickness, comparing it to theirs, checking the shape of my tummy and then correlating it to the chances of it being a girl. I don't think I can cope with that, especially if my hopes get crushed.<br />
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So yesterday afternoon, I was lying on the couch nursing a headache after a long day at work. Lab results were due the next day. Suddenly the hospital called. Answered the call, and it was my gynae's nurse. It was close to 7pm already so I was very nervous about the reason for her call. I remember her introducing herself, and then she started giggling. (I couldn't tell whether it was a joyful or nervous laugh.)<br />
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Then she said these magic words, <i>"It's a girl!!!!"</i><br />
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OMG I felt tears of joy spring into my eyes. <i>Alhamdulillah Ya Allah. </i>I asked her whether she was sure and she said, <i>"Test results tulis absence of Y chromosome, so kalau XX means it's a girl!" </i>I asked her the accuracy of the test and she confirmed 99% accurate. After saying thank you and goodbye, I disconnected the call and the first thing I did was hug my helper!!!! *<i>chuckles</i>* She was as elated as I was.<br />
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Immediately called Hubby afterwards. He was buying groceries before heading home, and when I gave him the good news, his voice raised excitedly, so much so that he said everyone looked at him in curiousity. *<i>giggles</i>* He actually had to abandon the groceries trolley and walked out to continue our conversation! After the call, I did a <i>sujud syukur. Alhamdulillah, termakbul doa. </i>Until today, I still have goosebumps whenever I remember the exact time that I found out the news. <i>Syukur sangat sangat,</i> feels so surreal!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The announcement.</span></td></tr>
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The kids? Frankly they don't care about what gender the baby is. Ian has absolutely no preference (although he loves his boy baby cousin to bits) but Aiden can be swayed to either side. I tried baiting him by saying, <i>"Well the baby girl won't take any of your toys cos she will need new girl toys!"</i> and he curtly answered, <i>"But she will take over my TV and watch princess movies all the time!"</i><br />
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Will I need another TV? Only time will tell. *<i>chuckles</i>*<br />
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Wish me luck with the pregnancy!</div>
LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804580780845507443.post-38280331100874991942018-03-05T00:00:00.000+08:002018-03-05T00:00:39.367+08:00Swaying<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was this <i>*shows tiny space between index finger and thumb*</i> to buying a Samsung.<br />
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Despite my arguments on how Samsung has a non user-friendly interface (which is still true, by the way), I found myself swaying to the dark side purely due to the superb quality photos and beautiful selfies that Samsung produces.<br />
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Up until I found out that I was going to get a company phone with this new role. And guess what it was? An iPhone <i>*rolls eyes*</i><br />
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So here it is, the only reason why I'm still an iPhone fan:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGNHvt9IkM/Wpk25kt2OdI/AAAAAAAAVU0/8dvR6YELLBYOsfZSTcphsAdSf-_HxikrQCLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_8810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGNHvt9IkM/Wpk25kt2OdI/AAAAAAAAVU0/8dvR6YELLBYOsfZSTcphsAdSf-_HxikrQCLcBGAs/s640/SAM_8810.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Company phone = no more excuses of not being reachable at all times.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#stillaniphonefan #unfortunately</span></td></tr>
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LizYahayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13839506136713181360noreply@blogger.com4