Our baby girl! (Part 1)

Wow..was it really just 2 wks ago that we were wondering when to buy airticket for my hubby to come back for the delivery? First and foremost, our baby girl greets the world on  14 Nov 2011 @ 1.04am. And it has been a long journey before (for me anyway) and after.

I was actually admitted on Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Saturday, 12 Nov (AM). We were told to go straight to labor ward for admission. Since SGH has renovated since the last time we were there many yrs ago, it took us a longgggg time to get to it and that is also after mom asked one of the doctors where the labor ward is. And the doctors being busy people, forgot that the huge pregnant lady cannot walk at their phase! Only realised when they near the lobby with the lift and how come we not behind them. AND only then they ask are you in labor, can you walk. LOL!!!

Anyway, the labor ward is on the 3rd floor of the main building at around 8.30am. When we finally got there, and the nurse guide me into the main ward alone (note: only the pregnant lady can go in.Family members all  need to wait in the waiting area), was abit upset because the doctor in training keep saying how come they ask u to come for induce today. Geez..the doctor told me to, so I came la on a Saturday. After more than 1 hour, someone finally took details and medical history. Lots of questions that was asked before and is already in my clinic card but I just repeat everything again because not interested in the trainee doctors to make any mistakes! (At this point, am wondering if i made a mistake of not going to private hospital but abit too late for that since mom registered me for admission).

Then at 9.30am, their MO specialist finally arrive to review the cases. After discussion, they decided that
I am in the high risk category and should proceed to induce me right away instead of waiting for Monday. So, off I go into one of the examination room where the doctor in training proceeded to explain what they will do and the risk it may involve.

(This is where the faint hearted and underage need to skip reading now). 

Basically, they will put a medicine commonly used called Prostin to try and encourage the cervix to open and contraction to start. The success rate is approximately 70% and the risk is minimal. However, they will still do monitoring of both the mother and baby heartbeat to make sure that the contraction/medicine is not causing distress. One of the risk includes over contraction that cause bleeding to the uterus or placenta but the risk is actually less than 1%.

So, after explaining the risk, he proceeded to insert the pill deep inside the cervix and he keep apologizing everytime I accidentally let out a whim. (Cant help it la ok....sigh...the things we mother/wife do) Was told not to move and need to lie down for 1 hr to prevent the medicine for falling out. I thought they are gonna leave me on he examination room but the trainee doctor proceeded to take a wheelchair and help me into it and pushed me to the nurses counter.

They pushed me to 4th floor which is called the maternity ward. One section is basically 6 person max. Initially, they were gonna push me to one of the 3 bedded aircon room but since the bed was not ready, they put me on the nearest available bed right in front of the nurses station. At first I not very happy about this because there is no airconditioning but later, I am glad that I am there. (explain later).

So, stay in bed for 1 hour! That is really a hard thing for a super pregnant person to do because the moment someone mention toilet, then the urge is there! haha! Anyway, after 1 hour, the nurse very kindly came and say, ok, do u need the toilet? I think the look of relief I gave her must be very comical because she smiled and let me know where the toilet is and ask me to change into a sea of pink balloon shirt and sarong.

Once I am back in bed, the nurses (with the training nurses) proceeded to strap my to check the baby heartbeat and movement. Another start to check my blood pressure and yet another my temperature. Talk about efficient! Standard question that I hear over the next 2 days, any pain/contraction? Do you feel dizzy/ headache? How are you feeling? Please do tell us immediately if you feel dizzy or headache or blur vision ok. Not too bad experience.

To cut the story short, the medicine was inserted at 9.40am and my contraction only started a 2pm and not very strong ones. After examination by the house doc, not even dilated yet! Basically, he will check every 4 hours but no dilation and at 10pm, he did a cervix sweep to try and stimulate dilation. (Warning, this really hurts!). At 2am, I was finally 2cm dilated (Hooray?!?! Another 8cm to go.....).  But guess what, the pain has gone away! No more contraction...

In my heart, I know the medicine has failed and will need another dose tomorrow once the MO came in the morning for his rounds. In my heart too, I was wondering if this will end with ceaseran...anyway, the 2nd day will be for part 2. Time to feed my lil beautiful daughter...

Week 38 - The day has come

Cant believe that it has been and only been here a few days. Everyday has been a busy day, catching up with parents and friends. Most time was spend at either policlinic or private clinic. Also, was helping parents run a few errands such as bank in, collect supplies and buy stuff.

Of course, spent lots of time eating things that I will not be able to eat after delivery and not available in KL as well. Bought some baby stuff as well, clothes, diapers, pampers, etc. Mom want to get her granddaughter a baby cot. I told her only a few months, no need but she insist....So, lets see.

Today went to the Obygn specialist at GH after being refered there by Kota Sentosa policlinic MO for high blood. Actually, this was based on the recommendation by Dr Phillip Kho from KPJ to induce instead of waiting till full term, looking at my highblood history. So far, my blood pressure has been up and down. I guess thats why they decided to go ahead and induce.

I went to Dr Phillip last Friday after I called in the morning to ask if I should as I was having cramps the night before and in the morning. Also, my legs swollen pretty big. And to be on the safe side, the nurse recommended coming in for check up. Well, turn out to be false alarm. No contraction or anything. But that was when the Dr Phillip recommended that I should consider induce by middle of Nov when I am approximately 38 weeks.

I told him frankly then that I have not decided that to do it there or at GH. Was abit worried that he might decided to hands-off because of this. But turn out he was very understanding and even gave me a few suggestions. To him, the new facilities in GH is as good as KPJ and the expertise as well. He used to worked in GH previously. He recommended that during my next appointment at the policlinic, ask them about being induce for early delivery due to high blood. Coached me how to say it actually :P

He also gave me lots of milk formula samples but did warned me not to bring it to GH as they encourage breastfeeding and the nurses will definitely scold if they see the formula! HAHA...I think he reminded me many times on this. So, lets see how since GH is practising room in, meaning the baby will be with me all the time.

So, on Tuesday at my policlinic appointment, that was exactly what I told the nurse and since my blood pressure is still elevated, she refered me to the medical officer on duty there. I repeated the same questions and the doctor surprisingly told me yes, it is better but ultimately, this will be my decision to make. As both private and GH doctor is recommending to induce early, then that is what I am going for.

So this morning woke up super early and left the house by 7am for 8am appointment. Register myself at the registration counter (which took only 15 minutes) and proceed to the Gynea specialist clinics. Took urine samples, weight and blood pressure. Then it was more waiting. Looking at the crowd and the fact that I was not the first one in there, I am expecting a long stuffy wait. Instead, to my surprise, I was the first one being called to go in.

Immediately, the doctor got me on the examination table for an ultrascan because the prelim examination at the policlinic the day before indicated the baby is smaller than 38 weeks. Luckily the ultrascan tells otherwise and the baby is doing just fine. Then, without telling me what she wanted to do, the proceed to give me an uterus sweep! Only told me AFTER she done it. SHEESH! Anyway, what is done is done. So, there is a possibility that I will start labor withing 24 hours as well because of this.

Hence, now hubby and I are in dillemma how to book his ticket back. Do we just go ahead and book for Saturday ticket (since he need to work half day that day) or wait till tomorrow just in case I start contraction tonight. Anyway, finally decided to wait and see. If nothing happen tomorrow, then we will buy the ticket for Saturday.

Sigh...I really wish my hubby is here already though......sigh..

Back in Kuching

Been back in Kch since Friday midnite, well, more like Saturday early morning. Spent 2 days with hubby at his sister's place with his nephews. Had good time. Actually just want to spend more time with hubby since we might not see each other again until the lil gal is ready to come out. Still trying to look for cheaper fair too so that hubby can come for a weekend visit in a week or two time. Of course this mean that poor Ginger will have to stay at the kernel again. Really hope that she likes the place better than the previous one.

Anyway, what baby and I done since hubby went back to KL? Monday, went to the policlinic at Kota Sentosa to try and get my blood test result that I did previously. Arrived there around 8.30am and my number is 169. Guess what number they were calling at that time?30+!!!!! So, I decided instead of waiting, went for my breakfast at seven mile Jollibee since baby is kicking and squirming for food.

Whenever hubby and I go there, we will have laksa and so that is what I had. Turn out that is not the laksa seller that we usually have. According to hubby, the usual one only opens in the evening. Sigh....

Next I went down to Kuching Specialist (KPJ) for my usual check up. When I arrived, the place was jammed packed with people and so damn stuffy and hot. Registered myself and went to see Dr Philip Kho but thye nurse informed me that there is around 10 people in front of me and most probably mean at least 1.5hours wait. (GAWD!) Anyway, seeing my distressed face, the nurse offer me to make an appointment for Tuesday afternoon at 2pm, less people at the time.

So, made my appointment and went home. Without much done for the day except help dad and bro to bring some supplies back to the house, went home defeated and ready to cook dinner.

Tuesday, dad truck broked down while they just about to leave for their outstation destination. So, I drove the Innova to pick them up (Dad, Mom and sis). We went for short errand while the truck is being repaired. Then around 10am, they left for wherever they going and I went to town to finish one more errand for dad.

Arrived at KPJ around 1.45pm and the clinic is still not open. The waiting area is semi full but damn hot and stuffy. Outside is raining and inside is like a steam room. Are they saving electricity by leaving the air con at 23 degrees???? Feels worse than GH okay!

Anyway, the nurse finally came at 2pm to open the door to the clinic. 5 minute later the doc open the door and call me in. Asked the prelim questions that all doctors ask when its your first visit to them and more since this is for obgyn. Doc abit abrupt especially when he was talking on the phone to someone (most probably some family member?) but his bedside manner is not too bad.

He got me on the examination bed to scan the baby. Doc confirmed baby is gal (again! hahaha) and she about 35week+ few days now. So, good progress. Everything is consistent and good. Baby moved alot but he still managed to catch baby's side face profile which I of course immediate took a photo of and sent to her daddy! :)

But I did get scolded though for not continuing my high blood medication because my blood pressure was 128/94. So, doc increase the dosage by 50mg and said that if in 2 weeks the blood pressure still stays this high, might want to discuss/ consider induce for both baby and my sake. Not sure if doc is trying to scare me to make sure that I take my medication but I been taking it very dilligently. Not skipping any dosage at all so far. I want to make sure the baby only comes when she is ready to come.

Anyway, was told to count number of times baby kick per day as well. Minimum 10 times starting 8am till night before I sleep. If by noon, baby has kicked more than 10 times, then I can stop counting for the day and start again tomorrow. If less than 10 per day, must go back to see him immediately the very next day. So far, baby is kicking and squirming up a storm. And I can see my tummy moved more obviously and often too.

Just really wish hubby is with me to witness this....

Week 32 - Last Doc Visit

On the last 2 weeks in KL now. Will be flying back with hubby next Friday. And then it is really a waiting game. But lots to do though when back to at hometown. Need to go policlinic and get my previous test results. Mom said the nurse from there been to our house twice already trying to find me. Seems that government clinics does this when the mother dont come back for their appointments. Guess they just want to make sure the mom and baby is okay.

Also want to go check out the government hospital policies in regards to delivery and maternity ward. Heard from SK that they allow the husband to be with the wife during delivery but the husband cant cut the cord. But that is okay. As long as hubby can be with me there to give me moral support and keep the interns away, I am happy. Definitely am not interested to have inexperience interns poking me here and there without knowing EXACTLY what he/she doing.

Also need to find out what is their policies for me going to private gynea till delivery. Really am not keen or looking forward to sit for hours at the policlinic waiting for my turn. Not to mention the rude doctor. My first and only experience there that time was so unpleasant that I almost made up my mind to delivery in the private hospital. The bloody doctor that sees me makes me feel as if I am stupid and am not even there! GEEz..I can only say this to the doctor: You chose to come to our 'backward' clinic and gain experience. Dont act as if you are forced to do it. At least have some respect for your patient and tell them whats going on. Where is your bedside manners??

Next would be to look for the gynea, most probably going to check out KPJ's Dr Phillip. Heard he is not bad and in case I finally decided to deliver in private hospital, at least I am ready.

Then, there would be baby clothes, toiletries for both baby and I, diapers and those stuff. Also need to run some errands at EPF, banks and so on. So, hopefully, with all the running around, it will give me the needed exercise that I keep hearing about to help with the labour...

Am just going to be glad to stop working for awhile and just relax till its time. And then I guess it will be huricane typhoon turning things upside down again.  But I am definitely looking forward to getting rid of this forever heaty hot forever sweating feeling, backache, heavy stomach, etc.

Okie..enuf moaning! Kuching, here I come in 14 days!

Week 31 - HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY!!!!!

Phew! Week 31 and already I cant wait till the due date for a number of reasons. For one thing, I am looking forward to starting my leave and go back to Kuching on 21 Oct. Although, I do wish that my hubby can also moved there for 3 months with me! But alas, he is only going to fly back with me on 21 Oct, Friday and back to KL again on 23 Oct, Sunday. Then he will be spending lonely few weeks with his four-legged fur kid, waiting for the call to tell him to hop on the next plane immediately.

For another, I am starting to feel extremely heavy and tired especially with my legs and arms that is starting to swell. My left fingers is tingling most times but worse a I try to do something like typing. My right wrist started to feel pain like sprain since last week. Told the doctor about this during our check up appointment and he said it is pretty normal and asked me to make sure I take my calcium. He wanted to give me painkiller as well but I decline and decided to bear with the pain.

On top of that, I am constantly exhausted now especially when I do some additional activities that never bothered me before I was pregnant. For example, today we went to 1U, hubby parked at the old wing and we walked at a slightly fast phase to get to the new wing, which I think perhaps is approximately a 1km walk. By the time we are there, my heart was racing, I am feeling faint and super tired. And oh, not forgetting, sweating like crazy. Had to find a place to sit down and rest for a while before we can actually start shopping. Even then, hubby had to walk slowly at my phase! HAHA!

Oh yar, did I mentioned that the doctor said the baby weigh roughly 1.4kg only so far and I have now gained a total of 14kg! I know, I know, it is the amionic water, the 50% extra blood and water retention and lots of mothers are telling me that they gained up to 20-30kg at the end of their pregnancy. But but but but but....I feel soooooooo heavy! Sigh!

On a positive note, I think we found the baby nursery that we can put the baby. It is very near to where we are staying and will be staying when we moved. The people looks professional and the place is clean. They also know how to handle expressed breast milk. So, all the plus. But I feel it is abit pricey! RM750 per month, RM100 for registration and upon registration, they will give you a cot bedsheet and towel for the baby to use when the baby is there at the nursery. They will launder this once a week but if we want the towel to be launder everyday, then we just supply them an additional towel.

Nursery is from Monday to Friday, from 7.30am till 6.30pm and closed on public holidays. If we are going to be late, then they will charge us RM10 per hour. However, if we know we will definitely be late constantly, ie around 730pm, then we just pay additional RM100. There is no school holidays but they might close longer during festives such as Raya and CNY. If we have urgent need to put the baby there for weekend and so on (daycare only), then this can be pre-arranged and they will ask for a fee of course.

Once the baby start to take solid food, then they will charge RM240 which is paid once every 6 months. So, that divides into RM40 per month which is not bad. Also, the caregiver will try to follow our schedule as much as possible so that it is easier for the parents. For example, if the baby last feed was at 7am and feeding is roughly every 3 hours, then they will follow the next feeding at 10am, 1pm, etc. This includes nap time.

They will also try to bath the baby twice a day, ie once at around 930am and 330pm. But if the baby is still sleeping, then they will adjust accordingly. There is also activities for the baby, tummy time to strengthen the back and neck, reading time where the baby is given cloth-book and so on. They also record feeding, nap, bath, poo, wee and so on. Pretty good I guess. So, next few days I am going to call the nursery up and place the deposit to send the baby there in Feb2012 after CNY.

Anyway, I am glad that is done...was worried that we cant find someone to take care of the lil one...Then my hubby would have to be a stay at home dad :P

Week 30 - Cloth or Disposable Diapers

I know that there is the great debate on whether to use cloth diapers or disposable ones. I still have not made up my mind yet. At the moment, I am thinking of using both, i.e. daytime use cloth diapers and night, disposable. Mom was also saying it is better for baby to use the cloth one to prevent nappy rash. But now, with all the improvements on the disposable diapers, there are those that has barrier cream to prevent nappy rash.

Also, am definitely gonna be ready with at least a tube of diaper rash cream and all the other baby necessity. Guess going to buy those when I am back in Kuching next month. Bought our tickets already. Going back to Kuching via MAS on the 10.15PM flight. Hubby will be escorting me home and fly back to KL on Sunday. Poor him, must be super tiring! But he just feel more comfortable knowing he sent me and baby back to Kuching safe and sound I guess.

We also bought his Xmas ticket and CNY ticket. Bought hubby, baby and my ticket back from Kuching as well on the 2nd day of CNY. No choice as hubby will not be able to take leave for CNY since his boss is Chinese and will be taking leave to go back to his hometown in Malacca. And I dont have confident to fly alone with a fairly new baby. So, he comes for CNY holiday on Saturday afternoon flight and we will fly back together on Tuesday. Guess must be grateful. At least get to have reunion dinner with my parents and first day and part of 2nd day of CNY with them. Baby will be collecting alot of ang pau??? HAHA!

For Xmas, hubby will be back in Kuching for more than a week. Flying back to Kuching the Friday before Xmas and back to KL again on 2 Jan after new year. At least he get to spend more time with his daughter. And if we are so lucky, get to celebrate the full month with him there with us. I wonder if we can postpone the full month until hubby is back and we can have a double celebration with Xmas or something....

Week 27 - Finally END of 2nd Trimester and start of 3rd....

Feeling sooo tired today. Had a calf cramp this morning as I was waking up and guess what was the first thing that I did? Called for my hubby of course. Well, actually, he was still sleeping and I basically said loudly: Honey! Pain! Pain!

And he jumped and asked 'WHERE?'

And I said: Leg! Leg! Cramp!

Phew! But I am glad that he did wake up though because he helped to pull my leg start and push my toes up which makes the pain goes away so much faster. Although my calf still hurt on and off throughout the day. Anyway, what a way to start a new trimester.

And I know I shouldnt be laughing but thinking back to this morning, it is rather funny! I wonder if hubby is thinking I am having tummy pain or something :P

Week 26 - An IKEA day

Heard from a friend that IKEA sells pretty good cheap baby cot and decided to check it out. Actually, hubby & I never thought of IKEA because we assumed that it will either be super expensive or the cheaper ones are of low quality. But since the friend gave pretty good recommendation, we decided to make an outing to IKEA today after our lunch at our friend's stall (Hubby had his usual tomato kueh teow and today I decided to have crispy tomato mee.

Anyway, we arrived IKEA around 12.30pm and was pretty lucky to get a parking immediately right at the entrance. Went to walked around in Ikano first since babe want to check out ALL IT for Wireless Modem Router.

ANYWAY, finally went to IKEA and this is what we actually bought:


Baby Cot (RM165). Pretty good buy considering the wood is solid birch. Initially I am worried as the base is made of fiberboard but it is said can take up to 18kg weight. So, should be pretty safe for the baby till maybe around 3yo. By then, I doubt baby wants to sleep in the cot anymore anyways. By the way, the cot does not come with cot mattress. We saw one that is RM25 but SUPER thin and the next one is actually RM140 which is thicker but to hubby & I, just not worth the price. So, we decided to check in Jusco tomorrow night and see if we get better value for money. Oh, and the photo is actually from IKEA website. Have not opened and assemble the one we bought. By the way, the package size is 130cmx70cm. So, pretty tight fit for our Myvi.

Wrap blanket (RM59). Got one in red and another in blue. I read in babycenter.com that this is good to help the baby feels secure as well as prevent the baby moving around and having the blanket covering the face.

Baby cot bumper guard (RM49). Nothing special about this. Just something to cover around the cot to prevent the baby from twisting the arms of legs in the gap.

Baby bath tub (RM19.90). Like this and hubby & I think that it is a good buy becuase of the anti-slip at the bottom and inside the tub.

The friend is also recommending to buy a changing table so that it is less stressful on our back whenever we need to change the baby. Before this I was wondering if this is a necessity or luxury but looking at hubby who seems to have problem with his back recently and me with history of disc tear, guess we should consider seriously to get one. From IKEA website catalogue, can find the below 2 that looks to be within our budget.

Basic change table (RM125). No frill with very basic table which later can be used as shelf.

Change table cover

Foldable change table (RM295). Space saver but once baby outgrown, no use for it anymore.

Cant decide yet but since will be going to Jusco @ 1U reopening of the departmental store, guess we will check the place out first.  



Week 26 - Airbag....

Went to the hospital last night after work and dinner. Follow up to check on my bp. Lucky all was well and my bp was 75/120. So, back to normal. PHEW! Urine is clean too. And guess what, the hospital didnt charge us anything. Nice huh? Guess because we didnt scan since we just went for our routine check up last week. Decided not to scan till the next appointment.

While we were on the way to the hospital, my darling hubby said something to me, which makes me realised he must have 'baby' on his thoughts alot too although he tried to act macho as if all is well. We were driving our myvi last night and he said: 'You should drive the other car insted of this because no airbag...in case the airbag accidentally deploy or something.' HEHE! He always have low opinion of Malaysian made car but I never thought he will think till there! Sweet of him huh?

Shopping Spree @ MidValley Parenthood Fair

Hubby and I went to the Parenthood Fair at MidValley end of last month. We saw the banner hanging around (I did anyway) and told hubby. Hubby went online to check and found that there will be a few hundred booth and definitely a good place to go browse for baby stuff and also to know the price to expect roughly. Plus, we assumed that the discount should be pretty good with so many stalls in place. We also aimed to buy the baby stroller immediately if we can find something that is within our budget and/or value buy.

And this is what we got when we were there!

Avent Manual breast pump. I think it was RM300+. Cannot really remember. Comes with a manual pump, 2 storage jar which can be converted into baby bottles and carrier bag. Was thinking of electric pump at first but the thing cost RM800+!!! Anyway, understand that this brand is good because the suction cup mimic baby sucking.

Avent bottle steriliser set (RM300). Comes with 2 bottles. Understand that the normal price without the 2 feeding bottles was actually close to RM400. So, not a bad buy considering the fact that just purchasing the 2 feeding bottles alone would cost RM50-60.

So total damaged at the Avent booth, RM600+. If purchase during normal time, can be more than RM800.

They call this the travel system, shich include a baby carrier (used up to 18months) and a stroller (use up to 4 years old). Actually the indicator is weight of the baby but cannot remember what is the limit and too lazy to go to the storeroom to check. The whole system cost RM1600 after 20% discount. We opted for this eventhough there are cheaper ones in other booth because of the safety features, sturdiness and guarantee that comes with it. 2 years warranty against manufacturing defects. Within the 2 years, free inspection by Germany HQ for damages if we suspect any.

The black carrier backpack is RM45.

And we also got a baby sling for hubby to carry his baby around for a change. The sling we got was RM40, which is the cheapest sling at the fair. Others are all at least RM200!! Told hubby, we have the travelling system, no need to get such expensive sling since baby wont want to be in the sling one the baby reach certain age. He also wont want to carry the baby that way after the baby reach certain weight anyway! LOLZ!

Hhm...overall damage to our bank account? Close to RM2300! But I guess its okay since we have done with all the big purchases. Just the baby cot left. This we decided not to get something too expensive. Maybe something around RM200-300 should be more than sufficient. That would be for downstairs so that we can make sure Ginger dont disturb the baby and get hair all over the baby. Upstairs, baby will sleep with us or her own mattress near me. Easier for feeding eh! :P

Week 25 - BIGGGGGG SCARE!

Hmm..I must be more vigilent in updating this blog *GRIN*. This is week 25 and my previous update was week 17? LOL! Initial plan for this blog was to update it with short messages everyday! And little did I know how much effort this will take! Anywayyyyy...I am going to try to fill in the gap for the last 2 months! Here goes!

Doc basically confirmed that the gender of the baby when I was roughly 20 weeks. He said: Should a xxx (HAHA! I am not telling you guys. It is a surprise! :P) But hubby was not convinced because we went for our next check up and and asked to doc to confirm again but this time, cant see because baby was shy and closed the legs.

We were suppose to go for our next check up last Saturday but the whole of last week, I was not feeling too well. In fact, I black out few second last Monday but didnt actually faint. I thought it was because the cafeteria was too stuffy and hot. Hence, the near fainting smell. I waited till Thursday and finally when flu like and stomach bug simtom appeared, I went to the doc in the morning.

I basically just asked him to check my blood pressure (some internal instinct or something) and lo behold....my blood pressure 100/150!!!! Even the doc looks worried. He said, how about you sit outside, rest first and we check again. 15 minutes later, still the same. Doc wanted me to go to the obgyn immediately but instead, after discussion, agreed that I come back in the afternoon just before 3pm after having a good sleep first and check again.

3pm, guess what..BP still 100/150. We went thru the 15min routine again and still the same. So, off I go to the Obgyn. Doc there was concerned too because historically, I did not have any high blood there. That plus my bodyweight, need to be careful lor. And he gave me pills which I took for 2 days. Makes me groggy, headache and nausea! So bad in fact that I called the hospital and asked. Turn out this is common side effects for first timer taking the pills.

On Saturday night, I finally just too lazy to take them before we go for bbq at hubby's fren place. And checked my pressure the next day. YAHOO!! 90/130! It is dropping without medication. So, I decided to check again during the weekend. AGAIN, it is between 90/130 and 80/120! Discussed with my husband and we decided to stop taking and continue to monitor. And since our doc appointment is this Thursday, we will see then how it is.

I just checked again just now and it is now 90/130. So, not too bad. As long as it is below 100/150 and it should be okay. Must have increased because not sleeping too well last few nights due to work stressed! (SIGH! If only win the lottery jackpot! I will quit my job IMMEDIATELY!HAHA!!!) So, will see this Thursday evening..what the doc says not the lottery! :P

p/s: Oh yar! Gonna ask the doc to confirm again the gender. At the same time ask for the letter for me to go maternity leave early because cannot fly after x-week.

Week 17, Day 4 - Glucose Test

Went for glucose test on Saturday during my routine visit to the obgyn. Gosh, never in my mind would I ever think that I need to spend almost 3 hours at the obgyn for the glucose test. I arrived @ the hospital around 830am and was #2 on queue. Damn happy about this because I thought this will be a quick one. Turn out, 830am, the nurse register me n prick my finger to test my blood sugar level. Then makes me a tall glass of glucose drink which consist of 1/3 cup glucose! I have sweet tooth since I am preggie and love a glass or two of ice cold cordial daily but this is too much! Anyway, finished that glass and had to wait for 9.30am for 2^nd blood test and 10.30am for 3^rd blood test. Then, had to wait some more to wait for my turn to see the doctor. All in all, I finally leave the clinic around 11.30am.
But at least I get to see my baby at 17 weeks, the backbone, the head, hand, everything is more defined now. Still don’t know the gender yet. Guess we will know during our next check up. Doc gave a clean bill of health. Just abit diabetic and asked me to control my sugar intake. So,  guess instead of 2 class cordial per day, cutting it down to 1. Instead of 3-in-1 milo, gonna have milo kosong without sugar or sweetener. Less rice too since carb converts to sugar as well. More vege, fruits and meat (but some meat still makes me gag)…
The baby is also super active. Took the doc a few snapshoot before he can take proper scan shot of the baby to measure the size of the head to check the number of months. I am also starting to feel ache at the side of my tummy like being poke repeatedly. Tried to let the baby listen to baby music today to try but instead the poking intensified! Guess the baby didn’t like my selection of music? HAHA!

Oh and more happy news! The pharmacist called and said they found me one maternity back support from another pharmacy and the belt is with them now. Can collect anytime! YAHOO!! Hope this means bye-bye to backache!

Week 16, Day 6- Part 2 - After Effect of Food

Lunch done! Meeting finished on time at 1pm for once since last week. So, instead of going out in the hot sun to search for lunch, decided to just drop at the cafeteria. Initially was planning to eat at the cafeteria but in the end, all the smell make me decided to just pack the food and go. (Yar, still have some problem with that in my 2nd trimester...sigh)

Now our cafeteria, truth be told, the food there is really not bad. There is the main con, the cafeteria operator which serve the economy rice in huge bulk. Sometimes they have something different such as briyani rice, nasi minyak, chicken rice and so forth. And they do serve mean dessert such as bubur caca, green bean porridge and so on with lots of coconut milk + sugar. DROOL! But limiting my sugar intake...soooo..no no..skip those today!

Then we have the Chinese stall (halal) serving economy rice too and chinese stirfry such as cantonese noodle, yang chow fried rice and so on. Initially, I use to eat from this stall but the food is rather bland and not imaginative at all. Standard not there lar. So, sometimes I will just take from the main con economy rice and top it with vege from the Chinese stall since I dont feel like eating masak lemak or spicy vege all the time.

Then there is the fruit stall serving fresh fruits and freshly squeeze juice of your choice. I love the mango and papaya. Also, the carrot juice is really really fresh and full of flavour. Not surprising since per cup, the put at least 2 carrots in to juicer. There is also a kueh stall which happens to do simple stir fry as well such as maggie goreng.

Recently, there is a new mamak stall and I have been a faithful follower since. Eat there at least 2-3 times per week. Not only is the food really good (they use very good curry powder I presume), its not too pricey too. I would say it is damn cheap. Take for example today lunch, I had rice+chicken curry+long bean+deep fried bittergourd+papadam, all for RM3.80 only. And I also asked the 'uncle' to help me pack RM5 worth of mutton curry for our dinner tonight. WAH! ALOT of gravy and mutton. Enough to fill 1 big soup bowl worth! If I am to buy mutton myself for RM5 and all the ingredient, I doubt I will even get half of that!

ANYWAY, I have run away from the topic that I wanted to talk about! HAHA! Food excites me alot nowadays! I wanted to say is that I am sooo full! Extremely full and since yesterday, after every meal, I am starting to have either nausea (worse than in 1st trimester) and heartburn..sigh. I guess I really need to make sure I control my portion no matter how hungry I am at the time....

Week 16, Day 6 - FOOD!!

Appetite is really good since 2 weeks ago! I didn't realised how much until a couple days ago, my staff and I took our customers out for lunch at Sushi King during their monthly audit. I guess my gal noticed that I have not been eating much in the first trimester because after lunch and we are alone, she say, WAH, your appetite really improved already hor!

Aidui, so embarrassing! Seriously, I just didnt realised. I mean I was super super hungry because our meeting run from 12noon till 1.30pm and we only managed to go lunch at 1.40pm. And all I had during the lunch was a temaki, 1pc tempura prawn rice sushi, 1pc scallop rice sushi, 1pc ebi tofu, 1pc tempura prawn, 2pcs courquet (spelling?) and the japanse green bean. Alot ah? HAHA!

Anyway, this got me worried and thinking of cutting down on rice to manage the weight gain. As it is, I am already heavy to begin with and with the potential 15-20kg weight gain at the end of the pregnancy and my history of backache, I really need this. Still trying to find the maternity back support for the back. So far, the pharmacist called me to say supplier also no stock. If order, will only arrived in July and not sure what date. SIGH! See if we can go around to the larger malls this weekend.....

Week 16, Day 5 - Caring Hubby

Having really bad backache since I start gaining weight 2 weeks ago. In total, as of now, I have gained total 4kg. The pain was worse on the day that I was suppose to fly back from Kuching last week. But gradually, it improved over the weekend. But today, it seems to feel worse. No matter how I adjust myself, move the small pillow also not doing much help. We started hunting for a maternity back support belt and far, most pharmacist do not carry this. Even their supplier do not have stock and need to order. And here I was, hoping to get the belt within this week so that the pain would go away. I am tempted to do online ordering.

Been doing some research already actually. Saw one that looks promising, ‘mother-to-be maternity support’ from Advance Brace (http://spinalbrace.com/obesitymaternity/index.htm). Sent the customer service an email to find out more since my case is slightly different than just being pregnant. The belt is not cheap too – USD50, ie. approximately RM150 excluding delivery cost. So, it might easily end up to be around RM200. But no matter what, must get one because

I am starting to get desperate. Feeling tired and cranky most of the times. Walking, even short distance is a chore. Standing to cook like yesterday was super tiring because the pain spread from the back to the side. And the house is in a mess because I simply cant face the pain from the bending, standing, walking to vacuum and mop the floor.

But thank God that since I am preggie, hubby was super super caring especially this few days:

1. Suddenly said that we should get the small night light and put near the toilet since I wake up middle night go toilet to pee so much. Worry I knock something or fell down in the dark! Haha…
2. Vacuum our bedroom without being asked!
3. Helped me cooked dinner yesterday – ginger chicken with oyster sauce. DELICIOUS!
4. Suddenly msg me and say lets start getting food catering. (I been bugging him to try for almost a year!)
5. Each time the toilet is wet, he will remind me to be careful because it is slippery (Cant blame him since I fell in the bathroom few weeks ago and tore my knee ligament. Even Ginger, my dog will sit outside the bathroom and wait for me every time I have to go! She was the only one home to witness my fall and scream of pain. HAHA)
6. Makes his own chamomile tea in the evening!
7. Ask me ‘why’ everytime I sigh. (So now I try to keep the sighing soft and minimal. Don’t wanna worry him bah)
8. Smokes outside the house!
9. Took out the garbage without being asked.
10. Asked a few times whether I am sure I go alone to the obgyn this Saturday (because he cant come since he have to work).

Yes, babe, I noticed. Thank you!

Week 16 - My Mother-In-Law

We just came back from Kuching, Sarawak last week. Unfortunately, the reason for us going back was not a happy one. My mother-in-law left us on 3 Jun morning unexpectedly. On Thursday, hubby got call from sister around 4pm that MIL is in emergency is really critical and told him to be on the next flight back. We panicked and checked internet for flights but since it was late, not able to book thru internet.

We droved (more like I 'flew') us to LCCT in our attempt to purchase a ticket at the counter, at that point, any ticket on the next immediately flight will do. We arrived LCCT around 730pm and rushed around like crazy because we are not sure where the ticketing counter is. He must go first tonight no matter what and it being school holiday peak season, hubby was extremely lucky to catch the 950pm flight that will land in Kuching at 11.30pm!

By the time we got his tickets, he can check-in and we went to McD for dinner. Seeing how blurred and worried he was, I told him to go grab a table and I will queue for our food. Blardy LCCT McD (excuse my language), really really really slow. The name is fastfood but it was more than half hour before it was my turn to order (only 3-4 ppl in front of me in the queue but I will keep this for another time).

When I finally got my orders and join my hubby, he have received another call. A really bad one. Doctors are telling his sisters and relatives that they have done their best. My heart dropped....no..too soon! Wait for us! Please let it be time for my husband to see his mom at least one more time. Had to force hubby to eat something because I know he will not be eating properly again for a while...I really wish I go with him! But so many things need to be settled first before I can go..but at least I got my ticket for tomorrow evening..

After he went into the boarding hall, I went home and waited for news. Hubby was asking me to sleep but how could I not knowing....worrying....hoping..praying....wishing yet again that I am there already... By 1am, I got an sms from hubby...mom is on the machine. My heart stopped, tears in my eyes (even now...)

Memories flash thru my mind....images of my MIL whenever I go a visit her. I tell you, my MIL is really unlike others. The stories that I hear about fights between MIL and daughter-in-laws, I was fortunate to have none of that. I might be imagining this but my MIL cared for me like her own daughter. She used to travel alot and wherever she goes, she will definitely buy something for me together with her 2 daughters. It might be that she knows I love her son very much and her son love me but I really think I am very fortunate...

I remember when I just moved to KL with my hubby to start our new family life, I remember she keep reminding hubby that he is bring someone's daughter and he better take good care of me~! When we moved to our own place and because it is apartment, can be rather chilly, she will remind hubby to get me an indoor slipper because I have a stainless steel in my right ankle from previous injury - so that my feet are not pain from the cold!

Sigh..by 545am, hubby sent another sms, my mom is gone... I immediate call him. First thing I asked, when? Then I not able to get much word out or ask for more because I know I will start to cry and I must not cry in front of hubby. I must be strong for him.

All I can think of is my baby will never get the chance to see his/her grandma...The baby that my MIL keep asking hubby, is 'your wife pregnant', 'when want to pregnant' each time he call or she call. I can only thank God again that she knew her grandchild from her son is finally materialising before she passed. We actually wanted to wait till 2nd trimester before announcing to family and friends because of previous incident.Somehow, by twist of fate, hubby told her when I was approx. 2.5 mths pregnant.

Even after passing, she still worries about me because I am the only that dreamt about her. I dreamt that hubby and I dropped his sister at a shop because she need to get something. We were suppose to pick her up after that but we forgot. So had to turn back and in town, we saw MIL in a old style coffee shop, sitting at a round old style marble table on a round old marble stool. MIL was all dressed up as if she is going to the church. Her hair was immaculately styled as it always is whenever she is going out. She was actually having dessert - transparent jelly and tong yuan (glutunious ball). When she was me, she took a spoon of the jelly and told me to eat.

Baby, I really wish you got the chance to meet your daddy's mommy. But I also know that she is definitely watching over you from heaven no matter what happen.....