Somewhere over the rainbow…

Barney Is In Town

What are Justin and Xin Yi looking at?

It’s Barney and Friends!

Barney has come to Ipoh and he’ll be performing at Jusco until this Sunday. So, if anyone drops by Ipoh, remember to bring your kids to Jusco for the show. There’re a few shows a day at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. During the weekend, there’s another 1pm show.

I think most parents in Ipoh already know about the show as there’s lots of kids today, even if it’s a Wednesday. It must be even crowded during the weekend.

There’s a technical problem during today’s 3pm show, and the show stopped for a short while. Justin whinned as he wasn’t satisfied with it yet, and kept saying “some more, some more”. But when the show finally continued, he became restless and kept saying “go back”, which means going home. Xin Yi also asked us to leave as she’s too sleepy to watch the show. Anyway, it’s her 3rd show already.

Since Justin didn’t finish the watching the show, we’ll be going again when hubby’s coming back from KL. Oh boy, I hope he’ll be able to enjoy the whole show next time as it’s rare to have Barney in town, and it’s FREE!

Going Botak!

Brought my 2 kids to the hairdresser yesterday. I couldn’t do it by myself, so asked hubby to get a few hours out of work and drove us there.

Justin had his hair shave here by the hairdresser, so it’s the same for Isabelle.

I dare not hold her as I’m not that fast to react if the shaver might hurt her (you know lah, mommy always worried too much), so hubby’s holding Isabelle while the hairdresser shaved her hair. She’s quite reluctant for the shave as I think the sound of the hair shaver might be scaring her. She’s crying for a while and twisting her head around.

Shaving the front of the head:

Shaving the back of the head:

The end results (I think she hates her new look!):

She looks different after the shave, and looks more like a boy. Too bad she had a tiny cut at the back of her head when she’s twisting during the shave, I was so “sum thong” seeing her cried.

Then, it’s Justin’s turn to cut his hair. This was his 3rd time to the salon, and last time he gave me an headache as he’s screaming and crying during the cut, even if I’ve prepared lots of toys and junk food for him. So, again, I let hubby hold him. Funny leh, this time he’s as good as he can be and let the aunty cut his hair while enjoying his raisins. See?

End results? He looks like ah pek,

How My Kids Changed My Room

When I was preparing to get married, I painted my room by myself, “designed” the furnitures with hubby, bought all the bedsheets, curtains, toilet accessories & etc after “carefully” thought about the designs and colours, hanged our pictures at the nicest spots and made sure the room is as pretty as it can be within our budget.

But once Justin and Isabelle are born, I can’t make the room back to its original state. There’re 2 tier drawers for their clothes, a playpen (or cot but moved downstairs already), 2 single mattresses on the floor, children books scattered around, toys placed randomly, and endless handkerchiefs, diapers, nappies everywhere!

My maid helps me to clean the room every morning, but when Justin goes in the room right after she finishes, it’s back to square one: MESSY again! Sometimes he helps me to keep his toys and put them back at the bags or drawers I’ve prepared for him, but most of the time, he enjoys lying them around everywhere.

I read from an article saying that it’s good for children to place their things wherever they like as it helps them to remember the place where they have placed them. It’s better for adults not to interfere with this behaviour or judge them with our orderly way of placing things. I’m not sure how true the article is but I sometimes stop picking up things because I’m too lazy to repeat the same routine again and again. But I’ll put the things back after he’s asleep, as I’m afraid that we’ll trip over them in the middle of the night.

I think my room will be messer when Isabelle grows up in a few months. Oh boy, if I have extra rooms at home, I hope they can have their own rooms and mess up their rooms while leaving mine as neat as possible. But that will only happen after a few more years.

Full Moon Party

We held Isabelle’s full moon party (not birthday party as written) at Ipoh Town McDonald yesterday afternoon. There’re about 13 children involved, and I have to admit that it’s more like a party for them as Isabelle is clueless about what’s going on. She tried hard to have her afternoon nap but it’s just too noisy for her to snooze off. See how cute her fussy face was?

I dressed Justin in new clothes that I bought days before so he’s really excited about the party. Handsome or not?

The kids were happy to see the balloons, party hats, and of coz, lots and lots of french fries!

All of us started munching out the food first, really hungry lah. After meal, the children played at the playground for a while. They’re really noisy and had a good time sweating out there!

Then, it’s time for some games. Justin joined in the musical chair, but he didn’t understand the rules, just followed the older kids running in circles. But he didn’t take part in the running games as he’s too young to understand that there’re 2 teams competing. So, he only watched from the side.

After some games, Justin gave out the goodie bags to all the kids, including baby Isabelle!

The party ended at 3pm and most of the kids were already exhausted, except Isabelle who’s so alert after some cat naps.

BTW, we didn’t give out the red eggs to the guests who attended. MIL decided only give out to those absent guests tomorrow. About the full moon gifts with chocolate, cookies, and baby’s photo printed on the box, it’s from www.one-joy.com. Thanks khongfamily from telling me. I had to cancel my order with them as they only deliver the parcels around KL area only, and no one’s gonna pick them up for me. So, back to glutten curry rice and red eggs.

Confinement (Part 2)

I got the green light from MIL to end my confinement earlier, on TODAY!!! Yippie!

I was busy getting myself ready, but seems like Isabelle and Justin didn’t want to cooperate. Maybe they sensed I was going out as I’ve changed to kai kai clothes, that’s what Justin called it. Actually, I planned to leave home at 12pm plus, but Justin refused to take his lunch! Both of us had lunch together while Isabelle was lying in the cot. But before I could finish wallopping my lunch, Justin was throwing his food around and Isabelle’s crying to be carried. My maid helped me to carry her for a while, but she’s still screaming.

So, I was busy cleaning up Justin, the mess he made, and comforting Isabelle’s verbally that I’d carry her soon. After cleaning up, I nursed her while asking Justin to get in the room where he’ll take his nap. But he’s just being there to play with Xin Yi first, it’s too early to him to take his nap. Isabelle refused to let go of me, still latching on like no tomorrow. I had to detached her and handed her to MIL. By the time I managed to get out of house, it’s already 1.30pm. It’s really hard to be punctual!

Then, I quickly drove to Jusco and brought the things I’ve planned to buy: New clothes for Isabelle and Justin (angpao from my parents) and for myself, I bought a pair of jeans, 5-quartered jeans and a skirt. I couldn’t fit in my old jeans / trousers / skirt yet, but still need to wear something right? That’s why I bought the essentials only, as for tops, can still squeeze myself in them. Oh boy, totally out of shape now, and that’s one of the greatest fear of most post-natal mothers.

After shopping, I rushed to my facial appointment at 3pm. Really need to get a facial done as there’s no time for me to put anything on my face during confinement. Just being busy with kids only, and can qualify myself as “wong men po” (yellowed-face si lai). Hopefully, that facial helped to “beautify” my look for a while.

Finally, I got back home at 5.30pm and MIL’s feeding Isabelle at the door. She doens’t have problem taking milk from bottle, even if today’s her first time. But when she heard my voice, she started crying already. She wanted to be nursed directly, I think she missed me. I pumped and nursed at the same time, and got 4oz milk to be stored up. But milk production is still lesser comparing to last time, maybe Isabelle’s not taking much milk yet.

Tomorrow, I’ll be going out to wash my hair!!! I’ve been washing them, but I just want it to be done properly by the hairdresser. Waste of money huh? But don’t care lah, just want to get out of the house for a while. Ahh…miss the fresh (or poluted) air outside.

Full Moon Plans

Isabelle’s full moon is another 8 days to go, but we decided to celebrate it earlier. Our plan is to have a mini party with friends and relatives at McDonald’s this Sunday afternoon. Why?

1. I don’t like full moon dinner at chinese restaurant.
2. Thought of having buffet at home, but MIL is against it since she doesn’t want to invite the neighbours who might think we’re trying to grab angpao.
3. There’re lots of kids involved, so they’ll be thrilled to eat and play at McD.

I know it sounds funny having a full moon party there, and even wondering if anyone has done this before. But I’m still think if I should give out red eggs and curry rice for my guests? Last time I found a website which provides special full moon gifts like chocolate, candy, teddy bear and etc and wrapped in a nice box with baby’s photo printed on it. Hubby went to the office in KL once, but now both of us forgot about the name! Sigh! Old already…

So, worse come to worst, no gifts lah.

Happy Mothers’ Day

Lots of people will be out celebrating Mothers’ Day today. I called my mum this morning to wish her Happy Mothers’ Day. Too bad I’m still stucked at home, if not, I’ll be celebrating it with her and MIL this weekend.

I joked with hubby about where’s my gift since I’m a mum now. He asked me to wait until Justin and Isabelle grow up first then ask from them. So unromantic!!! But anyway, like most mothers, I begin to understand why they say they don’t want any gifts but as long as their kids are healthy and happy, the mothers are happy too. I also don’t wish for anything much, but only good health for both my babies!

Happy Mothers’ Day to all!

Trying to be Ang Mo Gao

Last night, my hubby must have short some of his nerves, and he asked me to nurse Isabelle immediately so we can all go out for dinner at one of my favourite restaurants. I was puzzled, but still nursed Isabelle as told. Then, he asked me to change while his excitedly dressed up Isabelle.

I doubted his knew what he’s trying to do, so I asked him to tell MIL about his plan to bring me and baby out for dinner first. He quickly went downstairs and came up minutes later telling me to change. What? MIL agreed to let us out during confinement? He said she’s only looked annoyed and frowned. Oh no! Hubby had stepped on “her tail” but still didn’t aware of it. I told him I’m not going as I couldn’t fit in my clothes yet, and didn’t want to dress in tracksuits to that restaurant. So, that excited fella grabbed Isabelle’s baby bag and left the room.

I quickly followed downstairs to see if he managed to get her out of the house. Ha! Ha! He was “caught red handed” by MIL who ordered him NOT TO BRING BABY OUT! Then, MIL asked SIL to ta pao pizzas as she didn’t want to have dinner out anymore. Wow! I could smell the hot flames coming out from MIL’s head.

She carried Isabelle from hubby and sat down. Then she started LECTURING hubby why baby could go out before full month because she has weaker immune system and would easily got sick in a crowded place. Last time, old folks waited until 100 days before bringing baby out of the house. Hubby was sitting there and listening without a word. I dare not make a noise too.

Poor hubby, so old already still got scolded by his mom for trying to act like ang moh, not following our chinese custom. MIL has been very open minded already, but there’re still some border lines not to be stepped over with.

So, everyone’s having pizzas at home, no more eating out last night.

Tell Me Why?

It’s my second confinement, but there’re so many pantang that I have no idea why we are still practising them.

1. No bathing until day 12
Sorry, I took bathe right after came back from hospital. The room I stayed in was rather hot and I was sweating a lot. Once I reached home, MIL already prepared some ginger water for me to bathe with. Luckily, MIL allowed me to bathe everyday, if it’s my mum, have to wait until day 12. Can’t imagining not bathing for so long.

2. No hair wash.
I’m bad, I curi-curi washed my hair. Last time MIL “caught” me air-drying my hair but kept quiet. I know she doesn’t like it, but I still wash my hair once in a few days. Can’t help it as I didn’t want to cut my hair short since I prefer to tie it up. I salute those who can tahan until 30 days then only wash their hair!

3. Chicken and ginger
I have chickens almost every meal. I don’t take p*g’s stomach, kidney, liver or other body parts. So, MIL sticks to cooking chicken, vege, fish and p*rk for me by adding ginger. A bit bored of chicken already after taking for 2 weeks. As for ginger, I never like it. But now I’m forced to taste it every meal, sigh!

4. Don’t sit, just lie down
MIL and my mum complain that I don’t lie down enough to prevent my uterus from falling off. Seriously, will the uterus fall off if we don’t lie down after delivery? I’m taking care of 2 kids so it’s really hard to lie down most of the time. During the day, I’m spending time with Justin; at night, I’ll get up to burp or change baby’s diaper after feeding. Baby poos after every feed, and I don’t like her to soak in messy diaper until morning. Of coz, hubby wakes up to help sometimes, but I kesian him looking so tired the next day when he’s going to work.
So, should we just lie there throughout confinement period?

5. No plain water
Gosh, I’m thristy! I only drink red dates water and I was told not to take plain water. Why? Sometimes I forget and “accidentally” drink some plain water. What’s the effect of taking water during confinement?

6. Don’t touch tap water
So, how am I gonna wash my hands or brush my teeth? This pantang is totally impossible for me. I failed it, and old folks say I’ll get “fong sap”. Really?

Well, luckily my MIL is rather open, or she prefers to let me have my own way. If not, I won’t be able to break the rules and enjoy being full time at home now.

Confinement (Part 1)

After more than 1 week of confining myself at home, I must say that I begin to enjoy my confinement. Last time, I was struggling to breastfeed Justin, sufferring a bad episotomy as Justin’s head was too big and got to be vacuum out, and of coz, baby blue. This time, I feel so much better. Besides the occasionally backache and excess sweating (why huh?), I think I’m coping well.

Isabelle is easier to handle, comparing to Justin. At least she’ll sleep for a while after a good feeding and clean nappy. Like most babies, she wants to be carried around when she’s alert. I don’t mind doing it, but MIL complains that I might be spoiling her, then she’s gonna have a hard time when I return to work. But hey, who can resist carrying and rock a baby, right?

Justin is still having his “reading session” before his morning nap when I’m breastfeeding Isabelle. But I have to use a nursing pillow. I wanted to capture a photo but there’s no one to help me with this yet. Have to wait until hubby’s free at home first.

For the next few days, I’ll be having a chinese lady to come to my place and give me a massage, especially for my back. She’s not doing those Malay urut, which I tried last time and gave me a scare because it’s so PAINFUL! This lady’s massage is more gentle and I can ask her to concentrate more on my back. My backache is getting better, thanks to the massage.

BTW, this time there’re nurses from Klinik Kesihatan who come for home visit for a few days during the first month. Last time, I didn’t have this service. They’ll come to check on the baby and me, but some visits were very “cin cai” only, so it depends on the individual nurses. Some of them are really good, and advised me to wear a waistband (like a corset) to “straighten” my back and prevent me from bending wrongly. Of coz, there’s a bonus of slimming down the waistline too. I’ve just bought one yesterday, really expensive leh! Didn’t know that this thing cost a bomb! But after trying it out, I admit that I’m more conscious when I bend, and fingers cross, hopefully I’ll also get back in shape faster lah.

Oh ya, hubby took a photo of Justin kissing Isabelle, and see what a big different in their head size!
Justin adores baby a lot, but I have to watch the way he’s interacting with her. Sometimes he’ll touch her roughly and Isabelle will cry. He’s still learning how to express his love to her in a gentle way.

I have to admit that Justin has grown up a lot. He’s looking more like a boy than a baby to me now.

Sometimes he amazes me by being so understanding when I tell him that I need to attend to baby’s needs first, then only I can spend time with him. He won’t make a fuss, but waits patiently and watches me changing or feeding her. I hope I’m not “manipulating” him to grow up too fast, there’s always a pressure around first born to be mature faster and most adults forget how young the first born is when there’s another younger baby around. Hopefully I’m not doing that now.