Caught smiling while sleeping.

Daddy's favorite dinning table.

While feeding L.A, I asked hubby one question, whether he preferred square table or round table? He answered:-

"Round dinner table". After shortly, he was fast asleep.

I think his opinion matters. 

The love of my life, I love you. *virtual hugs*

P/s: We were in IKEA, on 24th April 2011.

9 steps to deal with separation anxiety -_-"

1. Practice separation. Leave your child with a caregiver for brief periods and short distances at first.
2. Schedule separations after naps or feedings. Babies are more susceptible to separation anxiety when they’re tired or hungry.
3. Develop a “goodbye” ritual. Rituals are reassuring and can be as simple as a special wave through the window or a goodbye kiss.  Kiss and hug your baby when you leave and tell him where you're going and when you'll be back, but don't prolong your goodbyes. And, resist the urge to sneak out the back door
4. Keep familiar surroundings when possible and make new surroundings familiar. Have the sitter come to your house. When your child is away from home, let him or her bring a familiar object.
5. Have a consistent primary caregiver. If you hire a caregiver, try to keep him or her on the job.
6. Leave without fanfare. Tell your child you are leaving and that you will return, then go—don’t stall.
7. Minimize scary television. Your child is less likely to be fearful if the shows you watch are not frightening.
8. Try not to give in. Reassure your child that he or she will be just fine—setting limits will help the adjustment to separation.
9. Let your baby get comfortable. Ask a new sitter to visit and play with your baby several times before leaving them alone for the first time. For your first real outing, ask the sitter to arrive about 30 minutes before you depart so that she and the baby can be well engaged before you step out the door. Employ the same approach at a daycare center or at your nursery, church, or health club.

*Data sourced from helpguide.org

Separation Anxiety

It was a troubled night. I couldn't sleep because my mind was thinking, why is that I'm so desired to be there 24/7 for my baby. 

When I looked back through the past, and recalled the parenting style that was practised in raising me up. I finally figured out why.

Don't get me wrong, I think my parents love us in the measure of love that is indescribably. They communicated their love in their way.

But I guess, I didn't feel their love as much as they gave, or when I was in primary school, I wish they were there.

Are you one of those kids that wishing upon the stars that your parents are there for you?

I recalled the girl that has her hair tied up by her mum. Her long hair. But for me, I never had the chance to have a long hair.

I recalled my friends that has talcum powder in some of their face because their mum get them ready for school.

I grew up expecting that they will never be there for my report card day, for my sport day UNLESS my teacher tells me that it is very necessary.

When I bullied by my teacher at primary 2, nobody really remember what was happened. But it left scar in my mind. For a very long time. The watchers may recalled the moment, but it is just one particulars bad scenario that happened to their classmates. But I remembered it for a very long time.

Up to now. 

I finally figured out why I wanted to be there for my baby.

When I small, I didn't really have the control. But now that I'm an adult, I'm blessed with capability to make my own decision, and take charge of my life.

No, no, no. I won't let my past effect my present decision. 

What I'm trying to communicate is that, I'm going to learn from the outcomes of my past.

I certainly want my kids to be loved, and know they are loved my me and hubby.

That they are the priority.

I want them to know that I cherish and respect my parents.

I want to be an exemplary, a person that they will look up when challenges come along the journey of their life.

And yes, this morning, when I left L.A to work, I experienced separation anxiety. 

She experienced her first fall and injured her lip, and her upper nose. My heart BREAKS!!! :(

While on the way to my parent's place, I placed her on my chest, cuddled and kiss her.

I kept apologized to her. 

It looks to me, that if I apologized to her, and cuddled it.

It made her comfortable, and secure.

My chances of having twin babies.

I always tell my sisters and close friends that I wish I can have a twin baby. But you know, I never asked and prayed about it before to God.

Early this afternoon, my close friend replied my email, she said "if you really want to have twins.. then just pray and tell Him your desire.. with God nothing is impossible even if your genes in your family don't have any twins. the genes can start from you. "

I always know He knows and only gives what is the best for me.

So starting from today, I'll ask Him.

I know He will give me the best for me. 

In dilemma (20110418)

It happened. The person that you loved, cared and respected threw the milk bottle. Out of frustration. Over unresolved issue. I wish what you did, is not what has happened. The seconds. 

I'm sad with the whole incident. 

But with silence, I walked away. 

With heart was pierced with spears, I walked away. 

I can curse.

I can gossip.

I can choose to pay back.

I'm capable of doing what you did too.

But I will not. 

Though what you did left me cried over spilt milk.

Though what you did left me restless in the sleeping bed.

Though what you did prompts me to have unnecessarily thought.

I choose not to disrespect you.

I choose not to hate you.

I'm not the BIG GUY up there.

If I am, I wish I could kiss the pain away, right away.

I respect you.

I love you.

Because of that, I need time-out.

Medela Freestyle Breastpump review

This is the most expensive gadget that I bought for 2010. It cost almost RM2K, but I was lucky enough to bump into Kak Aja. I have introduced her to number of my friends because of her fantastic customer service. She sold this gadget at attractive price of RM1,699 (more or less). I can't remember the exact price because this purchase was made about a year ago. 

What I really like about this gadget is that, it provides FREEDOM. Perhaps what is said about FREESTYLE is indeed equivalent to FREEDOM. This product worth every cent. If you think breastfeeding journey is tough, and you can afford a quality breast pump. I recommend this product.

Oh, occasionally, Kak Aja provides installment based payment or in other words "kutu". :)

Other than spelling freedom to this product, I'm attracted to the size of the breast pump, it is very light compared to other breast pump, and you can bring it everywhere you want.

I can multi-task while pumping, set the pumping rhythmic that encourage the milk flowing from my breast, I can bring it everywhere without experiencing back-pain. I can pump at my room, living room, reading room, anywhere!!!

But I must be honest, although this product support lactating mother to continue breastfeeding their kids, mother still required determination to further this passion because breastfeeding journey requires sacrifice =/

Don't we, sometimes just hate sacrifice. Sacrifice equivalent to NO FUN!!! 

But as the expert often said: You want success, you've gotta sacrifice!

Home Improvement: Got to have it chic

Style up with our top ten must-have decor pieces for your home

1. Spotlights
Bounce beams of light off your ceiling or walls. You'll achieve two things with this - the illusion of space and the ability to highlight a feature wall or vibrant painting. Choose multi-swivel spots, so you can point them in different directions.

2. Feature anything
Think out of box. You don't have to use paintings, sculptures or furniture to decorate. Use splashes of color on your doors and printed wallpapers that will draw the eye and keep attention

3. The lamp shade
What an invention better than the light bulb? Beautiful lamps that go pop, of course! Use them in any form - as table pieces, or as big feature over your bar counter or dining table.

4. Mirror on the wall
Tired of enclosed space? Open up with wide mirrors by adding them to a feature wall. The reflection of light on the mirrors will bring out space (and the colors) in your home. You can even choose to use them artistically by creating a mirror collage.


5. Set your table
Who doesn't love to host intimate dinner parties? Go classy and make an effort to set your dining table! Start with a table runner and a centerpiece and work from there. Simply add a little thought and revel in compliments.

6. Rug it out
Express yourself with textures, in the form of lush floor rugs. Keep it simple with a soft, sedated colors, or go wild with prints! Unlike other decorative items, rugs can be switched up anytime you wish, so don't be to afraid to experiment.

7. Go beyond basic bedding
Turn your master bedroom into soul of your home with a beautiful bedding. We're talking about fluffy pillows, pretty display pillows and beautiful sheets. Find one that fits the color scheme of your room and even play with prints. remember, the higher the tread count, the better. Feel like rolling around in bed all day? Well, you've achieved your goal.

8.  Artwork
If you have a white wall and do nothing to do with it, add artwork! You don't have to go out and purchase the most expensive painting in the art gallery to amp up your walls. Even putting paint to a while canvas haphazardly yourself will do the trick. Besides, you can always tell family and friends it was done by an obscure budding artist -- you.

9. Accents
Accents around the home such as cushions make a difference In fact, these could be the staple of your living room, by keeping the walls and furnitrue a cool, cream colour and go wild with the throw pillows.

10. Photography
Turn your four walls into a lived-in and vibrant home with family photographs. Instead of random photo frames on table tops, make a wall collage. Your photographs should speak a thousand word,s so keep the feature  simple with clean and sleek frames.

*Sourced from www.propertyguru.com.sg*

In love with L.A

Hi L.A, 

While at work, mummy miss you. The memory of spending time with you after returning from office, keeps mummy happy.

Mummy thinks that she is in love with you. If daddy hears this, probably he'll be jealous, but no-no, daddy is still the love of mummy's life, irregardless of what happen.  Daddy is an amazing person. 

Mummy is proud of you. 

Mummy wish she can spend quality time with you. 

Love,

Mummy.

Are you POLO enough?

Everytime when I see the ads by Nuffnang, I'm attracted to the POLO car. Not only it looks stylish, it is also a red-hot car! The 5 years warranty provided by Volkswagen is a steal too!

*day-dreaming*

My other dream car is Honda Jazz. 

If budget allows, then I'll have it. 

If not, well, I'll just keep on dreaming. At least it made me happy.  

It a happy motherhood ride.

Hah! Sad, she cried when I left her to my mum and to work. 

I miss her though she woke up few times in the night called MAMAaaa, MAMAaa. I had interrupted sleep.  I shared this to an experienced mum, she told me, well, at least that's better, you don't have to wake up and prepare the formula milk, and she reminded me, well, that's mother's sacrifice loh.

True true. Motherhood brings me a tremendous joy. But I guess behind all joys, there is this thing called sacrifice. 

New Paradigms by Os Hillman

Hi L.A, just want to share with you on what mummy read this morning:-

If you want to experience something you've never done, you must do something you've never done. In his book Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing His Will, Henry Blackaby writes, "You cannot go with God and stay where you are."

Mummy loves you.

Playing with a 13 months baby activities after work.

I'm going to write about what we did yesterday after I came back from work. I hope I don't sound bored to the readers, or to myself. Hahaha.

I reached home about 7pm. L.A looked exhausted. The moment she saw me, she screamed "MAMAMA". I quickly dropped my bags on the stairs and went over to her. I read and understand her signal...

She want to be held immediately. She usually demands this, when she is over-tired or hungry.

The moment I held her, I remembered that, I actually need to go to the toilet first, to pee =_+

So my plan was to put her down back to her highchair....but it didn't happen. So I forget about the toilet visit first, and continue entertaining her, feeding her, bringing her walk across the rooms of the home over and over again (few rounds, the same rounds!!) putting her back into her high chair, cleaning up all the mess she created with the foods given.

L.A plays with food and eat them. I don't seem to mind cleaning up the mess, though sometimes it can be tiring. But I guess, because I saw the benefit of self-feeding before. The mess, they are just the mess. 

You want your kids to learn? Let them explore. So, I think.

All these activities, right after work, it sure left me feeling all exhausted. Of course, later on, I managed to steal some time to the toilet. 

Secretly, I hope I can perform better in entertaining my baby. More stamina, especially right after work. 

Working mom

In the middle of the night, she woke up and called "Mah" and move her head closer to my body as a signal that she want feeding. Few times. It's tiring, but I don't mind. That's the only that I get to be close to my baby and that's how I defined bonding.

This morning, I passed her to mum. Before I did that, I asked her to say "duck". She learnt this new word during bathing session (last night). She said "duck", I praised her. Then I waved goodbye and said "bye", she said "bye bye" and waved with her hands. Then I told her that I'm coming back to pick her up after work.

I walked. She cried.

Sad.

Bathing a baby

I had a fun time bathing with L.A, last night.

After we returned home, it was pretty late already as I was on standby (my work) at my mum's place.

I think it was about 11pm when the bath tub was finally filled with the warm water.

I put her on the bath tub as soon as I'm done shampooing her hair and rubbing her body with body shampoo.

Then I let her play in the bath tub while I took my turn to bath myself.

While rubbing my hair with the hair shampoo, I thought "the three little colorful ducks made her happy. They are a good investment"

I'll like to note this fact. 

a) Yesterday, 31st March 2011 was the first day that I actually play water with L.A outside the bath tub. I supported one of her hands, let her stand, and we play "rain-rain", the typical bathing game that I used to play with my sisters when we were young. 

b) Last Sunday, 28th March 2011, it was the second time, L.A gave me the signal that it is a poo time. I put her in our toilet bowl, and she quietly complete her poo business with focus, hahaha. 

I was determined to ensure our toilet bowl will be cleaned on daily basis to accommodate to that little sunshine's need. Small matter, I'll do it every time when I'm taking shower! ;)

L.A, mummy loves you - the very very much one.