Monthly Archives: August 2010

Kissing bebe

Posted by Misty Mom on 31/08/2010 None comments

Would you belive it that in just less than 2 months we’ll be welcoming a new bundle of joy into our lives??? Tis shocking when I think back to the time when we first found about the pregnancy! *lol* I guess the bulk of the time literally zipped past because I spend a chunk of 3 months in Malaysia with Mum and sis. And time truly does fly when you’re having fun.

A quick update on the girls :

Arianna is now 3 years old with a rather wide range of knowledge when it comes to animals but thats what I think coz I have no one else to compare her with. She’s loves singing and catches on to tunes rather quickly. She’s slowly becoming a little diva in that she’s actually quite vain and if I don’t check that, I’ll be having one hell of a drama queen by the time she goes to preschool and that’s just NEXT year!!

KR is now 1 year 5 months old and although a late bloomers in the mobility department, her verbal communication is quite surprising. For most of the time, she understands us quite well and can even tell us quite clearly what she wants. Most surprising is how quick she picks up new words and retains it. She can now count to 10 but missing out a few numbers which I think is quite an achievement!! :)

I took this vid just yesterday and it’s quite clear that she enjoys kissing my belly because it’s “Kiss kiss bebe” for her and love the sound effects too. :) I reckon she’s trying to strike up an alliance with JR so that they can gang up on Arianna when the time comes! *lol* After all, Arianna can be quite the bully IF she wants to.


Giving ‘bebe’ kisses @ 30/08/2010

Mum’s a genius!

Posted by Misty Mom on 28/08/2010 2 comments

I’m pretty sure that I had mentioned in one of my previous post (or was it on FB) that I was having issues trying to get Arianna to have her bath everyday. There were days I wanted to sell her off to te gypsies!! >.< At first I thought it was just a fluke thing that she refused until it became a daily (painful) task trying to get her to have her bath. Everyday we would have a major drama happening with me screaming my head off and close to having a brain aneurism from all the stress I had to keep in until one day, my Mum the genius came up with this brilliant idea!

Get the kids to sit in their chair and have their bath!! :D Sounds so simple, I still kick myself for not thinking of this or more so, for thinking outside the box with it comes to kids. All this time, I had them standing up and I would shower them down. KR was more than happy to have her bath any way but Arianna was a whole different story. She's like a mixed bag of pre-packed beans - you don't know when you'd get a rotten bean!

Bath time!
KR having her shower in a chair – her BLUE chair.

Successful Project Paksa Mandi
Arianna’s turn….note that she’s in a RED chair – must not make the mistake of sitting if someone else’s chair ok?

A clean bundle of joy
A nice, clean bundle of joy! ^_^

It didn’t take much after that to get Arianna to bathe coz she was excited about the whole idea having seen KR bath that way and me….not only I was less stressed, I avoided that backache I was experiencing when I was bending over showering them down. Thanks Mum, you are indeed a genius!! :) Memang patut put you’re their Nanna. :D

What happens to a tired toddler who doesn’t want to sleep BUT needs it…

Posted by Misty Mom on 27/08/2010 None comments

I think this is one of those classic shots/scenarios but pity I didn’t get a proper shot of it.

Desperately sleeping
They ransack your room in the attempt to keep awake but succumb to the fact that sleep is inevitable and literally drops right behind the door thinking you’d come and ‘rescue’ them despite all the racket that is going on in the room. *Please excuse the rude angle, I took this shot from outside the room window*

Yes, that’s Arianna in totally zonked out lala-land! I took this while we were in Kulim and this was one of those afternoon where she created so much racket when it was time for nap time. But since she had quieten down after some time, I thought she had fallen asleep which she was. Just that she fell asleep on the floor!! The first time this happened, I didn’t even know and when I tried to open the door, I was met with some resistence and then realised that she was behind the door. I had to (no choice) wake her up rather rudely by shouting and pushing the door so that she’d stir. Poor thing!! I wonder if Ted had to deal with this in his healthcare jobs prior to holding this current post. Perhaps he’s had to deal with even worst things, I think. After all, he’s dealt with a lot of kids with various issues and pulling tantrums is one of those common things that he used to deal with on a daily basis. I’m surprised the man is still sane!!

But the point is that, she NEEDS her nap otherwise she’d be cranky and whingy and whinny till it’s bedtime again, and I rather her carry out in the afternoon and get some rest than to wind everyone else up just before bed….kids need to rest. Period.

Vain pot(s) in the making!

Posted by Misty Mom on 26/08/2010 None comments

It’s no surprise that kids will copy what you do hence, we are very careful with what we say and do in front of them. One incident that really made it clear that although they may be toddlers, they are aware of what they are watching was when I had the tv on watching SVU and there was this shooting scene followed by a car explosion.

Arianna was still up at that time (it was approximately 8.30pm and the kids are normally in bed by 8pm or at least I try to get them in bed by 8pm) and when she saw that, she went, “O, poor car!! Car ouchies..!! Poor car…poor car!”. She was clearly distressed about it and Ted told me to switch the tv off which I promptly did. She repeated it a couple of times but soon after it was forgotten and since then, no more tv after 8pm.

Now with KR in that copying stage as well, she’s like Arianna’s shadow! Whenever we are getting ready to go out and I slap on some makeup (I’m super quick by the way – lipstick and comb hair and we’re outta here!), Arianna comes running to me shouting, “Red, red please, Mummy!” referring to lipstick of course and I’d have to pretend to put some on for her and trailing behind comes KR, and with arm outstretched, “Pease…pease!”. *lol* It’s SO funny and cute!! And when I bend down to pretend, she ‘O’s her mouth just like how we do it when we’re putting out lipstick on, simply hilarious!!

I tell you, I think Arianna is turning into a vain pot. If she’s all dressed up and ready to go out, she’s ever waiting to be asked to check herself out in the mirror and if you tell her she’s pretty, o my…the smile on her face – worth a million bucks or more! ;)

If she’s got a new dress on, humph…..twirl and twirl and twirl the whole time!! Won’t even take it off for me to wash….I won’t be surprise that KR will soon follow her footstep too. They may fight and try to kill each other but it’s so noticeable that they miss each others company when the other is not around.

Can’t live with, can’t live without…. ;)

KL Trip : Day 1, 02-08-2010

Posted by Misty Mom on 25/08/2010 None comments

Instead of our annual family getaway to Parkroyal Penang, we decided to take our (complete) family in KL. Actually this was a 2-in-1 plan as I had to go to KL anyway to sort out my Visa since I renewed my passport and in order to avoid any complications at Gold Coast airport upon arrival back in Australia, I had to have my passport revalidated and updated in the system. So a visit to Australian High Commission was the main agenda for the trip. We took MAS on the way there but Air Asia on the way back, and lets just say that although everyone CAN now fly AA, most of us prefer not to (and you’ll know why in Part 3).

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Waiting for the plane in Penang Airport

Thankfully there was no delay at the airport and Arianna was pretty good as well. I was stressing out thinking back to how bad it was when we first came over. How my sis and I suffered!! Thank goodness my tummy was still small at that time and I could still carry Arianna, if not…Lord knows how things would have been. She was a pretty good traveler and didn’t cause much trouble at all. By the time we got to the hotel, we stayed at KLCC Impiana, it was way passed their bedtime and they were hungry. So we quickyl gave them their bottle and they had a quick nap.

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Cheeky poser pulling the same pose as Arianna did once upon a time in Parkroyal, Penang. :)

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Checking out the bed

The room itself was alright but I wasn’t too happy when told that they didn’t have 2 baby cots as requested many months ago when I first booked the room – there was only one. This meant that Arianna would be in bed with us, between us. :/ I was more afraid that she wouldn’t be able to fall asleep but apparently this was no problem at all. The only thing was that when it was bedtime/naptime, she wanted us BOTH in bed with her. So we’d both go to bed with her and pretend to be asleep. The problem with this was that more often then not, Ted would really fall asleep!! lol BUT the worst news was when reception called again and told us that there were NO cots at all and that they only had a matress for KR and I was like, WHAT??? But what can you do? If I had paid full price for the room, I would have kicked up a HUGE fuss seeing that I booked in a long time ago, BUT since we were there on a special rate, I didn’t want to pull my weight and just stressed out about it, internally. But surprisingly and praise God, there was one cot in the room after we got back from some shopping. Phew! So KR could at least sleep at the same level as we were. :P

We spent the first day just taking it slow and it was then that I realised that I had forgotten to bring their milk with me! >.< Imagine my shock, my horror....a quick, short walk to KLCC Suria solved that problem since we had to go get some other stuff as well.

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Here’s proof they were at KLCC, at least they can say, I was there!

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After our shopping, it time for bed and just before that, I bravely decided to let the girls have their bath together. This was the first time in a long time since they had shared a bath and I was a little worried that Arianna might try and drown poor KR. But surprisingly, the girls enjoyed their bath together!! :) The first time I put them in together back in Sydney was a major disaster! Arianna was totally upset about it and was close to shoving KR out of the bath. Poor thing didn’t know what was happening… :P

Needless to say that everyone was in bed by 9pm under protest nonetheless…but it had to be done. Although it was suppose to be pretend sleep, there was nothing to watch on TV plus switching it on would disturb the girls so, everyone turned in early. Plus the next day was going to be a busy one.

31 weeks 1 day and counting!

Posted by Misty Mom on 24/08/2010 None comments

Omg, I can’t believe how time flies when you’re ‘having fun’! Someone on FB comment on my FB status…fun indeed. lol Well, technically it’s still a ‘honeymoon’ period for me since I am still able to move around without much distress and not THAT huge yet though I gather that I’ll be massive in the next couple of weeks. After all, at my last check up at some 28/29 weeks in Malaysia, bub was merely approximately 1.4kg and now he’s 1.7 kgs and me….I’m 88kgs now and was merely some 84 kgs the last time!! O.O So yes, I reckon I am piling on a fair bit although I don’t really know where it’s coming from since I don’t really eat much or stuff myself silly with that all time favourite line – eating for 2.

At the checkup today, doc was pleased with JR’s progress. All is going well and developing well too. Today’s scan showed him already facing downwards but I reckon with still space in there to do the tango, samba and disco, he’s still be moving about a fair bit before he settles into his birth position which I pray and hope is not sunny side up. That would be bad for me – painful as heck! As if labour itself is not painful enough. :/

Anyway, with things going well with the both of us, we’re scheduled to see the doc in 3 weeks times instead of the usual 2 which is good for us. One less appointment a step closer to D-Day. I couldn’t resist but ask doc about the miraculous raspberry leaf tea pills I have every intention of taking and apparently he doesn’t think it works but at the same time, it doesn’t hurt to take it either hence, I’ll start taking it from 34 weeks onwards.

After all, if it don’t hurt why not right? Plus, I still got my supply here from KR’s time. LOL :P A good reason not to be wasteful….

Arianna the Robot

Posted by Misty Mom on 23/08/2010 None comments

I actually took this while we were back in Malaysia. I thought it was rather creative and imaginative of Arianna to come up with this. Mind you, I had no part in this at all and I reckon she got the idea from watching Lazytown especially that one particular episode which had this robot called Soccerbot (or something to that effect). It was really funny and all she needed was a laundry basket!! Makes me feel happy that I don’t need to spend a truckload of money to buy her expensive toys. :P And this also meant that I ccould use my vitacost coupons on something else. Yiippeee!! :) After all, I’m such a sucker for online shopping. :P I’m sure I can find something that I really like coz I think I deserve a little something for myself, for once. ;)

Ze robot
Robot! Robot!


The vid speaks for itself. :P

Speaking of coupons, I reckon we’ll have to go shopping for just a few baby clothes for JR. It’s not that he can’t wear some of Arianna’s hand-me-downs but it’s just that I’d like him to have something of his own rather than all the old clothes. Even KR has a few of her own just so she can say that, ‘Hey, I actually own this – Mummy sewed/bought it for me.’ kind of scenario. I’m trying my best be equal as I’d to have my kids grow up thinking that I favoured one over the other, that would make me feel really bad, like I’ve let them down, sort of. After all, I have enough love to go around, always. :)

Ps. I forgot to mention that she carried on like this for at least a whole week! *shakes forehead* Totally an overdose for me! :P

Ways to to induce labours

Posted by Misty Mom on 22/08/2010 3 comments

I’m sure there are loads of ways to induce labour especially when you’re overdue or when u’ve reached your duedate. I reckon once bub is 38 weeks, they are ready for the world and coming anytime from 38 weeks is fine. Arianna was about 38+ weeks old (9 days early) and KR took her time, she was a week overdue!! Born at 41 weeks and I reckon that if she didn’t have to come out, she wouldn’t have! While I tried everything under the sun to get her going, nothing worked. I can’t explain to you how terrible it is to play that sort of waiting game. Given the choice, I wanted her out at the 40th week but doc said to give her another week before I could get induced – that was ‘painful’ to hear coz I pretty much had had enough of lugging around the extra weight and I was just TIRED. I was BIG too. :/

Here are just a couple of things that was shared amongst some friends on mine on a forum when I was desperate and trying all sorts of methods to get KR moving and OUT! *lol* :P

1. Shopping & walking apparently helps but didn’t with me and I walked A lot! :P

2. Have unprotected sex (the few times you’ll get to tango for at least a while!) because it’s something (I forget) in the semen which labour going and apparently, it’s in the gel they give you too.

3. Spend time on your hands and knees and rocking on your haunches – Sometimes that can get the baby’s head into the right position to stimulate labour.

4. An extreme measure – castor oil (Take only if you’re really THAT desperate as I’ve been told it is FOUL!) I was desperate but didn’t resort to this. lol

5. Curb walking – walk along the road one foot up on the curb and one down in the gutter. I reckon this would look hilarious but seem to have worked on one woman. :)

6. Eating spicy foods

7. Going for a ride on a tractor! (Yes, someone who lives on the farm tried this – bub still wanted to stay in!)

8. Evening primrose capsules put near the cervix – It’s supposedly meant to help soften the cervix.

9. Acupressure points in the hand you can try and this would also include some reflexology spots on the feet, the heel if I’m not mistaken.

10. And what I’ve done with both the girls (a little too late for you, Annie if you haven’t been doing it for about 1-2 months prior to your duedate) is take raspberry leaf tea pills which also helps soften the cervix and prepare for labour. One doctor told me it doesn’t work and another did, so I’m just taking it anyway. – Ok, this one doesn’t really help induce labour but I thought I mention it anyway. Heh. :)

When all is said and done, bub will come when he/she is ready unless it’s just been too long aka 1 week overdue by which time you will definitely get induced to get it all going. Come to think of it, Ted and I have actually decided to con our doc into getting us induced as soon as possible after 38 weeks. As ‘cruel’ as it sound to ‘kick’ bub out of that comfy living area, after 2 induced labours I’m not really looking forward to experiencing a proper (natural) labour. ..I hate having to wait it out at home and timing my contractions till they are 5 minutes apart or whatever time it is they have to be before we rush to the hospital. Induce me so that it can all be over sooner! :P Sounds crazy, but you go with what’s suits you.

*Note : These methods have been collected from various people based on their experiences. I do not guarantee that they will definitely work for you.

I miss postcard swapping!

Posted by Misty Mom on 20/08/2010 None comments

Before KR came along, I was very active in Postcrossing. It is like a whole global network of postcard crazy people who sign up to receive postcards. The more you send out, the more you get and I was a regular, posting 5 official Postcrossing postcards and numerous swaps and tags and what-have-yous from their official forum. I was in postcard heaven then! My postbox would never fail to have at least 3 postcards a day – I really made the postman work for his money! lol

But these days, all the swapping has totally ceased. I can’t remember the last time I ever posted one but I did get one last week or so from someone random on FB. She was someone I swapped it many, many, MANY moons ago so much so that I had totally forgotten about her! lol Glad she still remembers me though. I remember that I used to spend a fair bit of money on this hobby of mine. In fact, as a remembrance of those days, I have boxes of postcards I don’t know what to do with. I treasure everyone of them but dont know what to do with them at the moment coz it’s taking up space! Wish I could swap them for money, really….most of these are bought postcards. I rather buy them as well than to be printing postcards out. Although I reckon it’s not such a bad idea to be printing postcards out for special occasions and send it out to family members say for Christmas. I’m still toying about the idea of doing so since there will be 5 of us by then. :) We’ll see how it goes…but it’s definitely a thought! :)

A mother load of advice for new parents/parents-to-be

Posted by Misty Mom on 18/08/2010 2 comments

Annie, this one’s for you. I know I was meant to post this up much, much earlier but somehow, it just didn’t happen and I was also waiting on for more advice. :) Most of these are coming from mum who have more than 2 kids so I reckon these are pretty good advice! I wish you all the best in your up-coming ‘download’. You can do it woman!!!

1. Invest in a great baby carrier – not a baby bjorn crapola – but a real well made soft structured carrier and wear your baby. Best to carry them and use a trolley – so much more room for shopping than in a pram

2. Be yourself, relax…if something doesn’t get done, it doesn’t. People come to see you, not your house…enjoy your child, he/she will remember you playing cars or barbies with him/her, not if the floor was swept.

3. Accept all offers of cleaning/food/etc! Sit back and enjoy your bub as much as possible!

4. Follow your gut instinct it usually is right (well-meaning strangers and family for that matter) don’t know your child as well as you do) and just enjoy your little one as they grow up sooooo quickly and give them lots of cuddles

5. Whatever happens, just remember that it really does get easier (this is referring to those early newborn days/first 6 weeks which can be quite challenging when EVERYTHING is new). O, and “this too shall pass”. ;)

6. To love the poop machine unconditionally (A really funny one to add!!)

7. Set aside time for each other, mum and dad. Go paktor/dating!

8. Be reminded that it is not easy, expect the unexpected and have patience be your best virtue

9. Find out what sort of parent you want to be AND get involved (this applies to men). Nothing speaks of parenthood more than spending quality time with your children (this means changing diapers and disciplining them as well).

10. Get as much sleep as possible now (I personally second this!)

11. Buy lots of extra clothes pegs prior to having baby

12. Try not to get caught up on the one thing in your baby’s life that isn’t what you expected it to be.

13. Snuggle lots, roll around the floor and laugh. In other words play with them while they’ll let you

14. Respecting them as people will not ‘make a rod for your own back’.

15. Comforting a crying baby and cuddling a sleeping baby doesn’t spoil them – and if you don’t do it while they let you you’ll miss out!

16. Don’t stress about every little thing. I reckon your own stress is felt by the baby too. Relax and enjoy, there’ll be time for all that ‘other’ stuff later

17. Take in everyone’s advice, keep what you want and forget about the rest.

18. And from me, get a routine started as soon as you can or when you notice that he has one. It makes life easier for both you and bub. I can’t imagine my life without a routine for the girls….everything would be upside down!

So there you go, Annie! :) I hope that helped you a little if not get a clearer picture of what to expect and well, what you’re in for. :P After all, too late to back out now. Hehehehe…..*I’m so cruel, aren’t I?* Sending positive vibes from across the continent woman…. ((HUGS))

And to all the mums (mostly from my sewing forum) who have contributed to this, thank you very much. Reading all this has also reminded me of certain things which I too tend to not do, but should. :)