Confinement

Its been 4 days since I was discharged from the hospital.

Baby C had to stay a few more days as he had to undergo phototherapy for his jaundice. It really pains my heart to see him "sun-tanning" in the nursery with a dozen other crying babies, having his blood drawn every day.
Nonetheless, he has since been discharged to our care, and we are going to visit the pediatrician tomorrow for another checkup.

Anyway, I'm officially into my 30-day confinement.
Contrary to lotsa horror stories I've heard, I'm actually enjoying my confinement!
Part of it must be attributed to our confinement nanny.
We are SO SO SO blessed to have engaged a SUPERB confinement nanny from Malaysia, at the recommendation of our friend Jiaqi.

Quoting my husband, she is really GOD SENT.
Though she is 71 years old, she is such an efficient worker - Cooking, laundry, taking care of the baby. But most importantly, she loves babies, and she LOVES Christian. You know she is not here just for the $$$, because her love and concern for Christian is so genuine.. it moves my heart. I find myself "fighting" with her for Christian because she wants to personally tend to his every need, which makes me the mother rather redundant.

She wakes up at 4am every morning just to prepare food, do the laundry, prepare bathing water for me, housework etc. Adrian and I are quite worried for her health as she is getting so little sleep having to watch over Christian at night.

I find myself chasing her to take a nap in the afternoon/at night, whenever Christian is sleeping. It pains me that she is working so hard.

I really love our confinement nanny, she is such a sweet, kind old lady.

Aunty is an excellent cook too! I've been enjoying yummilicious food everyday, and so is my husband. We were joking that we are going to get fat together!!!

So if you are looking for a confinement nanny, she truly is an excellent choice :)

Some photos of the yumillicious food I've been enjoying!

Baby C!

After 24 hours of labour, Baby C is finally Here!
Born on 23 July 2209Hr, weighing 3.6 Kg

Tons of stories to share about the delivery, but for now,
I'm just enjoying the baby.
Will post some more entries soon.

So here you are, introducing Baby C!


Oh C stands for Christian, C stands for Choong
Christian Choong :)
My good friend Jun-er says that we are an ACE family
Adrian, Christian, Esther
Hmmmmm

Ok, time for me to feed again!
Yes... at 339am. Oh Sleepless Days!

Rochor Beancurd House 梧槽豆花水

I've never been really picky about food, hardly a gourmet.
But I thing I can never resist since young - silky delicious Tau Hway!
I will eat it anytime, any day!
Unfortunately, ever since I'm pregnant, sweet stuff and bean products
(tau hway, soya mean milk, bean cakes etc) always trigger uncontrollable nausea.
Sigh..

Anyway, went to visit Dr Wong, my OBGYN this afternoon, one last time before I'm admitted at midnight today. Before we left the clinic, Dr Wong asked me to "eat a nice last meal, eat whatever you want!"
Armed with his encouragement, hubby and I decided to make a detour to Rochor Beancurd House, just behind Plaza Singapore.
We've heard so many good reviews of the tau hway and you cha kuay that we decided to have some before my delivery.


To be honest, the Rochor Original Beancurd You Tiao is totally over-rated.
It was quite a disappointment.
(Pardon, didnt bring my camera along.. couldnt capture the pictures for you guys)

1. Bad Customer Service

The shop is staffed mostly by PRC workers.
It was late afternoon and there was hardly any customers around. While I was seated waiting for hubby to park the car, none of the staff bother to take my order. In fact, one of the staff was "glaring" at me for occupying a table without ordering anything (as I was waiting for hubby).

2. Less than satisfactory food quality
I ordered soya bean milk while hubby ordered the signature cold tau hway. We also ordered you cha kway (you tiao) to go with it.

The you cha kway was cold and starchy, lacks the crisp and fluffiness that usual you tiao has.
Soya bean milk was so-so, a little diluted loaded with sugar syrup, one can hardly savour the 'bean' taste in the drink.
Hubby didn't enjoy his tau hway at all. It wasn't smooth and tender as advertised. It was lumpy and thick. We had to "force" ourselves to finish the portion.

Overall it was quite a disappointment.

Feeling totally unsatisfied, we went over to 敏豆花 (Min Tau Hway) Min Tau Hway, the tau hway shop next to it for our 2nd helping.
It totally exceeded our expectations.

The lady boss was extremely friendly!
Their home made tau hway was really tender and smooth; the youcha kway and butterfly bun was crispy, fluffy... overall it is oh so goodddddd!
Hubby and I give it a THUMBS UP!
We highly recommend this tau hway shop anytime!

Oh.. I'm so looking forward to the end of confinement... I wanna eat Tau Hway!

This is IT!

This is IT!

Gonna be induced on Friday 23 July 2010 to deliver Baby C,
2.5 weeks earlier from his due date.

To be precise ...
Need to be admitted to the hospital at 0001HR on 23 July 2010.
Doctor will start the process at 0100HR
Baby C should arrive by 1900HR
(Yes.. I actually used the 24hr time format.. well trained by the Navy Husband)

For my speculative friends out there, NOPE, there is nothing magical about 23 July 2010.
And NOPE, I certainly did not sign up for the horoscope package offered by the hospital (I bet some of you are not even aware there is one right? Me too:)
Truth is, baby C is growing way too fast
2.6Kg at week 33
3.0Kg at week 35
3.5Kg at week 37
Plotting his growth chart, he will most probably cross 4Kg at week 40, and by then C-section is most probably the only way to go.
Hence, in order to avoid that, induced birth is the way to go!

Est Vs Adrian Vs Doc

Est: " I can't believe I have to go through this"

Doc:" You dont have to be induced, I'm not saying it's a must, but it's an option for you"

Est: "I'm not PREPARED at all, I can't opt for this option!"

Adrian and Doc.. :"Because...?"

Est: " For one, I have not packed the hospital bag."

Doc :" You have another 5 days to do it, why worry!"

Est: " There are outstanding items for the baby that I have not purchased.."
(Rambling off the list)

Adrian: " This can be settled within 2hrs at NTUC "

Est: "Ok fine, I'm not prepared.. Mentally"

Adrian:" Well, you have 5 days to get into the mode!"

Doc: "There is certain drama and romance about natural childbirth
that women dream about you know?"

Est: "Doc, I'm not drama lei and I certainly dont need this kind of romance!"

Adrian: whipping out the calender.. " So when are you free to deliver the baby...."

Est: ....(speechless, state of shock)

So Excitied? Nervous? Apprehensive?
Mixture of everthing.
Excited... because I cant wait to see Baby C
Nervous... not mentally prepared to give birth now
Apprehensive .... coz my pain threshold is very low

Pls say a prayer for me this friday ya?

On a lighter note, I wish I have twins, because....

CUTE!

Baby C's first automobile! :)

Parenthood changes everything.
Most evidently, from your shopping loot.

Ever since we knew I was expecting Baby C, shopping has never been the same again!
This especially so when we'd spent the bulk of my pregnancy in the States.
Man, one would NEVER want to shop in Singapore for baby stuff because the price is so ridiculously expensive here.
From milk bottles, to stroller, to carseat, breastpump, baby clothing.. etc, the price differential between Singapore and the States is up to 50-60%!
We had a ball of a time shopping for Baby C!

Our proudest purchase.. Baby C's first automobile!

Peg Perego Vella Stroller in Kiwi!
We bought it at USD180 whereares its going for SGD800 here in Singapore. Woots!


Next up,
A Cosco Scenera convertible carseat
We love this purchase given its great reviews by parents thus far and given that its a convertible car seat, it would allow Baby C to utilize it from infant till 3-4 years old
And the best part, it only costs us USD60!

Our "loot" is being shipped from USA even as I'm typing... probably somewhere at the Pacific Ocean now. We bought so much stuff for Baby C that we need to ship them back in 4 big boxes.

Baby C is SUPER blessed :)

ChannelNewsBetter

Mr. Brown and Mr. Miyagi are 2 of my favourite local bloggers.
Been following their blogs since 3 to 4 years back.
Though they can be pretty critical of the local political scene at times, but I must say that some of their comments are pretty insightful.
To be honest, some of their articles are excellent materials for Social Studies class,
and it aided alot in my teaching preparation.

Below is taken from Mr. Miyagi's blog.

The same facts on Temasek's Holdings networth,
completely different spin.
2 sides of the same reporting?

Never trust the media at face value :)

WSJ Article vs CNA article

Now that I've commenced... What's next?

Post - MPA commencement.
So now that I've graduated, or erm commenced..
whatever, what's next?

I should and I wanna conquer the world with my much-coveted-new-found degree.
Hey, not that I wanna boast,
but I did work really hard to complete the course,
and I didn't do too badly either.
So, should it be the Public sector ie civil service?Private sector?
Or the NGO? the one sector that appealed greatly to me.

This has been the No. 1 discussion between Adrian and I over the last 8 months.
(Yup, not so much debate on public policies in the post-MPA days :)

He has always been ultra-supportive in whatever decision that I wanna make.
But, the soon-to-be arrival of baby C changes everything.
On one hand, the go-getter-competitive nature of me wanna go out and conquer the world;
I know I want to and I know I can.
YET the lack of childcare option and our unwillingness to place Baby C in the hands of maid, nanny and infant care centres warrants a decision from us.
Having a baby entails sacrifice, and one of us would have to make that choice.

So, What's next?
After much deliberation, calculation (of course la, need to count the cost ie $$) and prayers, I've decided to take a break from work and be a SAHM (Stay-at-home mum) cum housewife for the next 2 years.


On one hand, I'm excited about this decision.
I want to spend as much time as I can during Baby C's formative years. I cant imagine missing out on his major development milestones.
I'm glad to be spared from the "guilt" that working mothers sometimes experiences having missing out so much on their baby's life.

Yet, the decision is not without its concerns.
Can I cope with losing my economic independence?
Would we survive ok with single income?
Would I be too bored? Cooped up with a baby at home?
What if i become a 黄脸婆？
Would I be able to integrate into the working world if I choose to do so after a few years?
What would life entail?......

Question. Question. Question.
Decision. Decision. Decision.
But one thing is for sure.
If Baby C is a precious gift from God to us, then he deserves the best that we can give.

SO, herein begins my SAHM journey.
For a start, I'm getting acquainted with the grocery prices of NTUC, shop-and-save, wet market, neighbourhood stores etc :)
This is my new found hobby.
My husband lsaid I'm fast becoming a HDB tai-tai!

Hey you think becoming HDB tai-tai so easy ah?
Quoting shop-and-save's advertisement : "省，省，省， 妈妈最行!”

So here's wishing me ALL THE BEST!

MPA Commencement

I always wonder why a graduation ceremony is known as commencement?

A quick check with the dictionary,
commencement = the act, or instance of commencing(beginning)
Shouldn't graduation be a celebration of the ending of a phase more so then the beginning of a new one??
Ah well..

So... below are some pictures from the MPA commencement.
Thankful to my parents who came all the way to support me


Pam (who is pregnant with a baby girl!) and KK, my 2 wonderful classmates

Adrian couldnt make it, though he tried hard to take leave.
I wish he was there to share the joy!
I wouldnt have made it without his "super brain" :)

This is a picture taken during the MPA graduation dinner last year.
(Argh... Look at the amount of weight I've gained since pregnancy!)

Thank you dear for all that you've done!
GPA of 4.5 could never have been achieved without you.

This last photo is taken for Baby C.

Gonna tell him some day that "Mummy was here, when you were 37 weeks old! '
I hope he will be proud of me.

Preparation for Baby C

Spent the bulk of the day preparing for Baby C's arrival.
Never knew thatthere is gonna be so much preparation work.

I finally unpacked the 2 suitcases of baby stuff that we lugged back from the States.
I rearranged Baby C's "wardrobe".
Wiped down his cot diligently with Dettol!
Such is never the expected behaviour of a lazy bum like me. *claps*
I guess motherhood changes everything eh?

Ended the day with Baby C's laundry.
Seeing all the nicely laundered and hanging clothing gives me a great sense of fulfillment.
Really looking forward to seeing Baby C soon.
I guess that's how he must be feeling too, judging by the "vicious" kicks
he's giving me right now.

Motherhood beckons.

Socks, mittens, booties, wash cloth!

A fraction of the spoils from the States :)

MPA Reflection

MPA Commencement today... Finally !
After 2 years of hard work - numerous policy memos, assignments, group projects and discussions, I've finally graduated today.
To be very accurate, we've completed our coursework cum capstone exam in July 2009, but because we couldnt make it in time for the 2009 commencement, we had to join the Class of 2010.

I'd chanced upon MPA (Masters in Public Administration) course with the LKYSPP purely by chance back in 2007.I've always enjoyed learning and has always been really interested in public policies and social-related issues. I knew I wanted to further my studies, yet courses in Arts, Business and Social Sciences did not appeal to me. I wanted to pursue something that appeals to my interest while at the same time challenge my intellect. And there begins my 2-year long journey towards my post-graduate degree.

Looking back, I can only say its truly the grace of GOD!
Juggling part-time school work, full-time job, ministry and family is no mean feat.
Shuttling to class 3 days a week after work during rush hours, numerous projects over the weekends, the late nights rushing for assignments, studying for exams.
YET, I've truly enjoyed the process.
I've GAINED so much more and had definitely become a better person.

For one, I met my wonderful husband Adrian in the midst of the course.
(Nope he was'nt my classmate)


How we met and eventually got together warrants another loong entry.
He was a church friend who'd helped me throughout my exams and assignments.
I was very intrigued by his analytical prowess!

We argued alot over government policies.
Some amicable, others not so.
The classic one was a discussion on the personnel management of New York Transit Authority.
After 45 minutes of discussion (disagreement mostly...) over the phone:

Adrian: "So do you agree with what I've just said? If you do, take the solution and run with it. Get the memo going now, this is the way for NYTA to manage her personnel!"

Me: "Hey, this is not the military, I'm not one of your man, so don't talk to me like I'm your subordinate! What do you mean just run with what you said? I have a brain and I'm THINKING!"
And you wonder how we even got together eh?

Throughout the 2 years,
I've met wonderful friends all over the world!

With Allen (Taiwan), Ivy (Singapore), Helen (Phillipines)

With Erika (Canada)
With Prof Scott Fritzen (USA)

Viresh and Chandrasen (India)

Had alot of fun - eating, merry-making with classmates!


Visited places...
My first visit to a mosque

And so much more!

I've enjoyed every bit of the journey and I thank God for the wonderful 2 years at LKYSPP.
I really couldnt have ask for more :)

To all my MPA friends, miss you guys and let's hope for a reunion soon.. some day.

So you are expecting a Baby Boy... status elevate high high!

So you are expecting a Baby Boy!

Went to the wet market this morning for the first time (wah the food there is so much cheaper.. that's for another entry, if any :) and had an interesting encounter at the chicken stall.

Chicken Uncle : " Is this your first baby? It's a boy right?"

Me: "Ya, first baby and expecting a boy!"

Chicken Uncle: "So good hoh, first one boy, then no need to 'poh' (hokkien = try) again for the next kid"

Me: "It doesnt make any difference, my husband and I are happy whether it's a baby girl or boy"

Upon hearing our conversation, the Chicken Aunty shouted from within the stall with displeasure in hokkien:

" You bigoted fool, old antique, old thinking! what era is this? Why must have boy? Why daughter cannnot? Son very good meh.."

Chicken Uncle who was chopping the chicken that I bought, started waving his cleaver (which I must add, dangerously close to me) at his wife and retaliated in hokkien:

" You old woman, still so stubborn after 30 years, your thinking never change.. %^&^%^&^%^&^!....!"

And the squabble went on and on. I could only stare at the half chopped chicken and waited patiently for the domestic squabble to end. And yes I did get my chicken in the end, albeit, not very nicely chopped I must say :)

I find this encounter rather amusing and it illustrated the poignant difference between Asian and Western (in general) view towards gender of the baby.

While we were in the States, when friends or even strangers at the mall found out that we are expecting a boy, the general reaction is usually:

"Wow that's wonderful! Boys are usually more energetic than girls, so be prepared to run around more. But little boys are tougher, you can get really rough with them and so it would be really fun!

Upon our return to Singapore, when friends around us found out that we are expecting a boy, the typical remarks include: (pardon the Singlish)

"Wah very good, first one boy, no need to poh again ah"

" First baby boy, confirm got trump card, close factory also can!"

"Is your husband the only male child in his family? what, he's the only child.. wah lucky you, now status elevate high high liao lor"

"Status elevate high high??"
Mind you, these are comments from 20+/30+ Singaporeans.
Besides being thoroughly amused, one wonders what era are we living in. It is worrying and in a way disheartening that while Singapore prides herself as a leading First World Nation with a highly educated population, such medieval thinking is still prevalent among many. I'm not in a position to judge and neither will I, but its ironic that in this time and age many still trumps the birth of a baby boy as a higher honour compared to a girl while we purport to preach and fight for equality between the 2 sexes.

When I first found out I was expecting, I had a feeling it would be a baby boy though secretly I do wish for a baby girl (Yes, to fulfill my vanity of dressing her up :). Subsequent scans confirmed the chromosome pairing of XY, YET I still harbour the secret desire.
So my usual question to my Obgyn both in the States and Singapore on every visit :

"So what did the scan show? It's a boy?"

Untill the very last visit in Singapore, Dr Wong told me:
"Just let your desire die la, its a boy, 100% confirmed"
He went on to enlarge the scrotum area of the ultrasound scan, complete with circle and arrow and printed it out for me as a, quoting him, "take home present".
OK, I got your point :)

Anyway, A and I are happy as long as our baby is healthy.
Our sincere prayer for Baby Christian is that he will grow up healthily, with a healthy dose of self esteem, learning the ways of the Lord and walking in His Will.
A bible verse that pops up constantly during our prayers for him from the beginning of the pregnancy till now:

Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.

We pray that Christian will grow up to be a righteous (not self-righteous) man, and be a blessing to the down and out of the society.

So.... we are expecting a baby boy!
Just like any other child, he is a Precious Gift from God.

To our baby Christian, We Love ya very much, Daddy Mummy cant wait to meet you!

Perks of a Preggie!

I'm back!
Obviously since my last post in December, I have NOT been updating the blog at all.
I had a ball of a time in the States, it was such a wonderful experience with my Hubby A.
We deemed it as our "all-expenses-paid" extended honeymoon. The traveling, the sightseeing, the experience with different culture was and still is such an eye-opener for us. Our short stint in the States gave us the time to bond with each other, adjusting to married life, talked through issues, rethink our perspectives to life. I know, sounds philosophical eh? But, its so essential for us, we deemed it as our "mid-life" transition :)

Anyway, back to the title of the entry.
Not many perks of being a preggie in Spore, one will feel so especially if you commute regularly via MRT. Its disheartening when youngsters pretend to sleep or talked loudly on the phone while occupying the "reserved seat" section, oblivious to the very pregnant lady in front!
But on the brighter side, this is one of the perk!....

Who needs coffee table when you have a nice big bump!:)

This is me at 36th week of pregnancy! Baby C is around 3kg, putting on 300-400g consistently per week. He is healthy and moving around constantly and we are truly grateful! The doc says that he is by NO MEANS a small baby, I suppose that is good for a boy eh?

I'm so thankful that I do not experience any water retention thus far, though my face has gone rounder, thats for sure! Gained 9.5Kg so far, hopefully the weight gain will stay within the 10kg range, easier to shed the extra fats after that! :)

I'm thankful to God for a fuss-free pregnancy! Baby C is the one most precious gift to us. Looking forward to meet him in 3 weeks time