Public Transport on T.G.I.F. Knock-off Time, in SG.

*breathe in, breathe out* 

Managed to survive despite the train packing like sardines during last Friday's peak hours. The experience was crazyyyyyyyy because no one really cared if you have a baby, are preggy, is handicapped or old during that period of the week. OMG. And I don't think I exaggerated. You really see the ugly side of human beings in such times.

S touching his reflection

Shopping, before the crazy train ride

It rained pretty hard that day but my sister and I insisted on bringing our beans to J.E.M. because we thought," Hey, it's just a few stops away from us. YJ a.k.a. Amei (my sister's baby) needs the Ergobaby carrier URGENTLY and we can always cab back home if the rain got worse." What we didn't expect was to be caught in the peak-hour train ride because oh boy were the taxi-stands full of people and the trains packed like crap. Haven't been out during peak hours for a long time and we were dumb enough to go experience it again this time with out babies. 

To be fair, there were several people who helped. But only after successfully squeezing into the train. Somehow, people suddenly saw light, literally, and started helping out with S and my pram when we were in. wth right? Luckily babies' bones are quite soft and can afford to be squeezed a little (not sure if I'm right about this though). lol.

My sister's mother hen instinct came into play and she shouted, "Those with baby, board first!!!!" when she saw me pretty helpless when I was squeezed by the people around me at the point when we were boarding the train. Imagine it, I was carrying S without a carrier. Could have dropped him if it got worse. OMG. So yes, very thankful for having such an older sister.

Despite all these, being me, I always see the rainbow after the rain. S got a chance to ride a jammed packed train for the first time and it is considered a milestone for him as he survived! And not only did he survive it, he managed to endure hunger, as it had already passed his dinner time, and still smiled his ever-so-endearing smile at the aunties, uncles, sisters and brothers on the train ride. And that's not all! He shouted, " PAPA!" for the first time in his life. Yes! I can still remember it vividly. He tilted his head to face me as I was behind him and smiled and called out those 2 syllables. It was as though he remembered being on the train for the first time with his papa and also sitting on his pram when he was 4 months old. Now that I recall, that was the only time he had taken the MRT other then this time. You might think I hallucinated or it was pure coincidence but I really don't think so because the next moment when he got impatient and insecured, having so many people towering over him, while in his pram, he called " MAAAaaaaa." So he does know the difference between "mama" and "papa", I guess.

The more important thing was my sister finally got her Ergobaby 360! Such a cause for celebration! It really does wonders.

Satisfied Amei!

Home Sweet Home

NEVER BRING YOUR BABY ALONG IF YOU KNOW YOUR SCHEDULE WOULD CLASH WITH THE PEAK HOURS. DON'T BE DUMB, like us. *sheepish smile*

A Mum's Life

While I was in Jakarta to hide from the haze, I did most of the mum duties by myself. I guess I can now safely say that I've been promoted to a pro mum. You know your have gotten the auto-upgrade when your weight reduces to before you got preggy. lol.

On an ordinary day, my day goes like this...

S wakes up, rolls on me repeatedly to wake me up. Yes. He works like my alarm clock, one that is physical.

S dressed and posing to look like his bedroom kaki, Pokojang.

With sleepy eyes, I hold S on the potty to let him take a dump. Sometimes yes, sometimes only after 3 days, his poo gets so hard it sounds as though it might make a hole in the potty when it drops.

We would go out for a morning stroll if the sun is merciful enough. S faces outwards in my ever-so-satisfied purchase, the Ergobaby 360 degrees. It is really the best investment when your baby starts to put on weight. S loves the walks as he can meet friends in the neighbourhood and of course his newly found friends, dogs, cats and hoppity-hop little birds.

S's First Holiday in Bandung! Remember?

Next, I'll feed S a small portion of fruit and then porridge for breakfast. If you can't get up so early to cook, the alternative might be fruit purees or brown rice powder with homemade applesauce.

Once he is full he will get cranky as he has got to crash. I'll breastfeed him till he falls asleep. It is actually not advisable to do that as it would become a sleeping habit for your baby and he will only be able to sleep when you are around. I'm trying very hard for him to quit it and switching him to bottle feeding in the day. So far so good! Touch wood, touch wood! 

Makes myself a cup of oh-why-so-fragrant coffee to perk me up and remain energetic through the entire day. Have a simple breakfast, like a Speedy Gonzales, and I'll be back in my room to make sure S doesn't fall off the bed now that he rolls and crawls around like a squirmy wormy just that he moves at the rate of light. Really one...

Feed S porridge again when he wakes up. Breastfeed him again if he feels sleepy or not allow him to play with his toys till he is bored then play with him and show him attention. Time for a fruit snack. out for a walk. Time for porridge as dinner. Take a bath and read a bedtime story w him. Then, breastfeed him to sleep.

That's my normal routine. If S feels unwell and doesn't sleep much, i will have to be with him for as long as he is awake.

But of course once in awhile there are surprises like,

"Oh! My baby's teeth are appearing!" OR

"Omg! You don't need to nap?" OR

"What! You bit off an edge of your favourite book?" OR

"WHAT"S THAT IN YOUR MOUTH!"

Up to more mischief nowadays. lol

Below is a good read for people who don't appreciate what SAH mums do and those of you who are contemplating on the choice of being a SAH mum: Being a SAH mum is a luxury for your spouse.

Milk Rash Attack!

Do you know that milk rashes are actually ringworms? It is infectious and can get pretty nasty when it gets uncontrollable. If you see red patches that are slightly rough in texture appearing on your baby's skin, it should be milk rashes. 

S got attacked quite badly after playing with his infected cousin in Singapore. Her mum's fault, not hers okay. Ok, actually S's fault coz he went to grab her face. It worsened when we got back to Indonesia as I fed him and had to wipe his face with a wet cloth and it spread all over his cheeks and chin.

Ewwwww. Look at those rashes.

I had to consult my ever-so-sweet granny-in-law, since she is the most experienced mum around. Is it how I should call my hub's granny? Upon spotting the rashes, she went around the estate looking for the remedy to this on that very day. She came back happily with a bag filled with Jasmine flowers she collected from neighbours who planted it. We are so blessed to have her around, seriously.

These gentle-looking Jasmine flowers killed the ringworms! OMG!

Tried and tested! Natural method is always the best! It isn't panting ok! It really worked due to some chemical reaction that happened between the flowers and the ringworms!

My granny-in-law showed me how to hold five flowers and use it as a brush and gently brush it on the infected areas. S did not show any discomfort when she did it to him but somehow he retaliated when I did the same. This boy just knows who to bully one. Tsk tsk tsk! So now I just sneakily do it after he falls asleep. No big deal!

This is how it is done! Try it! 

Just make sure your baby doesn't wake up as it can get a little itchy-scratchy. lol.

 See! It got so much better after three days!

Now, my granny-in-law plants two jasmine flower trees at home to get fresh ones for our little rascal every day. Blessed boy. If you have space to plant it at home it'll be good if you do the same because I heard the flowers in Singapore might have a lot of pesticide which is harmful for your baby. Use the water which you use for washing rice grains for watering the plant, it will bear flowers sooner, according to my botanist granny-in-law. Love her so much!

Most importantly, keep the hygiene level up for for your baby. Always prepare a wet cloth to clean the milk that gets onto your baby's face after every feed.  As the old saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure." 

Home Basics Collection 2

Home Basics Splashed with Fun Colours and Prints!

• SGD6.90/set
• 100% cotton
• Suitable for hot & humid weather in Asia
• Purchase individual pieces at SGD4.10/top & SGD4.30/bottom

To order:

Whatsapp +65 9151 2008/ Email loveeworld@hotmail.sg

Delivery:

Choice of self-collection or by post.

Buyer bears the postage if it is posted. 

Free delivery for SGD50 or above worth of products from Pod.mum/Bean.baby .

Payment:

Cash payment for self-collection.

Payment must be transferred via ATM or ibank-ed to my POSB or OCBC savings account before products are posted to you.

Happy Shopping!

Home Basics Collection @ Bean.baby

For Mummies who are looking for good quality home basics for your babies at great bargains.

• SGD3.90/set
• 100% cotton
• Available in baby green, blue and yellow
• Front buttons for ease of wearing and removing
• Suitable for hot & humid weather in Asia
• Purchase individual pieces at SGD2.30/top & SGD2.50/bottom

SGD7.90/set

100% cotton

Available in baby green, blue and pink

Pyjamas with long sleeves top and pants

Purchase individual pieces at SGD4.10/top & SGD4.30/bottom

To order:

Whatsapp +65 9151 2008/ Email loveeworld@hotmail.sg

Delivery:

Choice of self-collection or by post.

Buyer bears the postage if it is posted. 

Free delivery for SGD50 or above worth of products from Pod.mum/Bean.baby .

Payment:

Cash payment for self-collection.

Payment must be transferred via ATM or ibank-ed to my POSB or OCBC savings account before products are posted to you.

Happy Shopping!

Holidaying in Bandung, Indonesia.

I was told that it isn't as cool in Bandung now due to industrialisation. To my surprise, it was actually quite cooling in the mornings and evenings as long as there wasn't any sun. It was a pleasant surprise though and it gave me a reason to shop since I only packed our usual clothes for the trip.

S had to pick his own socks.

It was a virgin vacation trip for us with S and I guess he enjoyed himself. I brought my Ergobaby carrier and it was so helpful for sightseeing and shopping. It was the first time I allowed him to face the front. No matter how sleepy he was, he would be delighted to be able to look forward while I walked.

S's curiosity for new places and objects really made it a joy for us to bring him around. Amazingly, he was able to adapt well to the new environment and could sleep anywhere. For the first night, we arrived late and checked-in to a hotel we had booked beforehand. The place was poorly maintained, furnished and even had mozzies. S slept like a log that night not really bothered about his surroundings and even could poo the next morning. We were totally taken aback by his ability to adapt. So proud of our boy!

We switched to Fave Hotel at Cihampelas, which is like Orchard in Singapore, the next morning. This  hotel was so much better. Even room service food wasn't that bad. I tried a few dishes as on some afternoons, we just chilled in the hotel.

 New cap for the vacation!

This trip was special to us as S achieved many milestones. 

Needless to say, it was the first trip to Bandung for him and also for me. It was also the first road trip for S. We headed to Bandung from Jakarta. It takes about 2-3h car ride with smooth traffic. We were caught in a jam on the way there and it took us about double the time to reach. In Indonesia, it is always important to plan your schedule well to avoid such jams. So time-wasting!

Power naps on the long car rides.

Playing with his newly discovered toy to kill time.

It was the first time S went onto the mountains for sightseeing. I doubt he knew those were mountains but he did breathe in fresh air. It didn't occur to me that I should take pictures as it was just too breathtaking.

S rolled from back to chest and back again for the first time. Previously, he could only turn onto his chest while lying on his back. He did it when he was about 2-month-old.

Mums, always make sure your babies are "fenced up" on a normal bed as you do not know when they'll be able to turn or roll. You don't want to see your baby falling flat on the ground right in front of you just because you were not prepared.

It was the first time S had direct contact with an animal. And it had to be a rare animal, a marsupial! How lucky! We were not even at the zoo. Just chanced upon it at a mall where a community of marsupial lovers brought their little marsupials to interact with humans. Their owners were very friendly and they chose the tamest one for S. To be honest, that tiny creature left a stench on my arm. I guessed his owner hadn't given it a bath for a long time. Tsk tsk. Had to just make do with wiping my arm and S's hand with wet tissue to disinfect them. From then on, S was in his Daddy's arms for hygiene reasons.

Trying to touch the marsupial, a flying squirrel, while getting distracted by another one.

We love Bandung for it's beautiful sceneries and cooling climate and we'll definitely be back for more when S is older. It was a learning journey for my hub and I as bringing a baby along for a vacation wasn't easy at all. Quite a bit of hiccups experienced along the way with a breastfeeding baby tagging along but still no regrets since curious S got to be exposed to so many new stuff. 

Looking forward to the next trip!

FlaBye @ Pod.mum

Good news! I've found a supplier and have been selling this fuss-free abdominal binders that Auntie Rose recommended offline but since it is so economical and good, I have decided to offer them under Pod.mum label in my blog to enable more mums to be aware of the good lobang.

FlaBye comes in 2 designs. Tada!

 Floral FlaBye
3 bands with 3 separate velcro attachments

Front

Back

Plain Jane FlaBye

3 bands with 1 combined velcro attachment

Pod.mum is now selling both designs of FlaBye at just $15.90 each. Since at least 2 is usually needed, for change when one is dirty, Pod.mum is offering it for just 2 for $30 now.

If you would like to purchase this or have questions, feel free to post questions in the comment box or whatsapp me at +65 9151 2008. 

Bye Flabby Preggy Tummy!

Mums, who have just gave birth, don't feel depressed over that postpartum flabby tummy hanging around your waist. It won't stay there for too long... if you put in a little more effort. Trust me!

I lost my flab only after 6 months because I went thru caesarean, had to breastfeed and was the main caregiver for my baby while I was in Sg. Being physically unfit then, caring for the baby alone was a taxing job. I couldn't start any form of exercise in the first 4 months as my free time was limited and during those times I just felt like lying on the bed. So glad it is over and I'm back to being the healthy lady i once was.

I started my post-natal massage 10 days after delivery, as advised by my massage lady, Auntie Rose. My mum's close friend recommended her as she is experienced, skilful and doesn't mind doing the dirty jobs.

Besides the full-body massage which prevents engorgement of the breasts and stimulates good blood circulation to reduce water-retention in the body, she helped to clean and check my wound every time she came. She also cleans and check vaginal wounds which is really helpful for mums who have difficulties checking themselves. Wounds have to completely heal to ensure there is no infection that would cause secretion of pus or fever if it gets worse.

As I did caesarean, she couldn't exert too much pressure near my wound area and thus she had me wait for 3 months before she could massage my abdominal area to lift my uterus so that it would return to its normal position.

She recommended an abdominal binder which is very easy to use. You can wrap it around your body without help at all. Its function is to aid women recovering from normal delivery or caesarean in returning the uterus back to its original size, increase abdominal support to reduce backaches and maintain good posture to regain self-confidence. Auntie Rose uses her traditional cloth wrap for each session. However for hygiene reasons it is better to get one for your personal usage.

Auntie Rose did a good job and is highly recommended for her services. She does normal body massage too. Her charges are reasonable and only expects to be paid after every session. Any enquiries, do contact her directly at 97987240 to book appointments.

The massage and abdominal binder did help reduce the size of the uterus and flab but to firm up the abdominal muscles, exercise is required. I opted for Pilates and after a month, I was already able to fit into my pre-preggy clothes! Sweating it out also makes me feel much fresher and healthier.

Hang in there, Mums! You will get there!

Overdose of Fun Despite the Jabs

We were back for S to get his fifth & sixth-month immunisation jabs. No photographs was taken as he was more conscious of the pain now that he is older and wailed uncontrollably. I had to calm him down by explaining the good effects of the jabs gently before he quietened down. And, of course, a sip of breastmilk did the trick to soothe him. 

Dancing away in Gran's arms before getting poked.

I noticed, after the jabs, some parents or grandparents tried to calm the babies down by defending them, telling them that they would take revenge, gesturing that they would hit the paediatricians or nurses. That is wrong education.  Don't ever encourage your children to think that the professionals are monsters if you want them to be obedient when they visit the clinic the next time.

Try to calm your baby down before you leave the clinic to make sure they do not relate the place to an awful experience. Don't underestimate your babies' ability to understand you. Read Babies understand your behaviour.

Despite the pain from the jabs, the rest of our stay in Sg had been pretty good for him. Everyone who missed him came over to visit and couldn't help hugging and kissing him. Recently, he developed rashes on his cheeks and it has come to an extent, we have to start prohibiting people smooching him.

MIL sent us to my mum's place for a stay cation after the immunisation. My mum got teary when she saw S, after being away for only a month. I had no idea she actually missed him so much.  

My mum taught me how to prepare nutritious and tasty porridge for S. We tried making spinach/pumpkin & pork/fish porridge for his lunch and dinner. Porridge was cooked with scallop/oyster broth to made sure no additional flavouring was needed. For breakfast, S ate Moon Rabbit brown rice cereal stirred with dissolvable Hipp biscuits to sweeten the bland tasting cereal. The cereal and biscuit can be bought at NTUC Fairprice.

Mums, make sure you choose the right timings for feeding. Don't ever feed when he is sleepy, he will get so mad.

Those were home meals. When we went out for meals, his diet got quite exciting for his baby palate. I gave him baby biscuits when the hygiene level of the eating places weren't that great but at restaurants, I didn't mind getting him to try new food. He has tried mashed salmon with tofu at Ichiban Boshi, crumbs of toasted bread at Yakun Kaya Toast and homemade soya tofu at Chun Sheng Yuan Eating House. We made sure no extra flavouring was added to those food, of course. He loves tofu just like his daddy. No wonder I was a fan of tofu when he was in my tummy. 

 Tasting toasted bread at Yakun for the 1st time.

So happy that I allowed him to try tofu!

The haze didn't affect S much since he was kept indoors most of the time. With his little cousin, Yijing meimei at home to keep him company, there really wasn't a need to go out! He simply enjoys exploring her little hands and fingers. Such a cute sight to see. Look at how much this little cousin has grown.  

3-month-old S and 3-day-old Yijing. 

We had likened them to Pooh and Piglet back then.

Yijing was caught hitting S. Actually it's S who always bullies her. Ooops! 

"I really didn't purposely hit meimei!"

Mini pyjamas party!

Farewell hug with my sis & her baby.

 S feeling on top of the world, hugging soon-to-be Ms Universe.

I wonder how our little ones will feel when they look at these pictures when they grow up. These priceless expressions are the reasons why parents love their children more each day.

I brought S on board alone for the first time today and we are safely back to see Daddy. Good thing all went well with the help of kind and encouraging Samaritans on the way. Now I'm one step closer to being a pro mum!

Weaning(Winning). Back to Reality.

It's normal for mums to feel some sort of insecurities when your baby starts to switch from breastmilk to formula and solid food. You are afraid your baby will love you less, grow distant from you, start being closer to the main caregiver of his/hers instead of you and blah blah blah.

But MUMS, be realistic, most of us need to have some freedom or bring in bread for the family sooner or later. Living in a developed society is challenging but that also forces us to be more productive mums. These adorable babies can't koala-hug us like in the early breastfeeding days. We can't be on leave forever. We need to learn to be cruel and let go of our babies one day, anyway. I've learnt that starting early, when they aren't so conscious of their surroundings, is better than late. It is really less cruel to our babies.

Even though the recommended period of exclusive breastfeeding (first 6 months) for S is over and I'm starting to wean him, S is still very needy of me. I haven't got the chance to separate from him to work for a long period of time in the day since his birth. I wouldn't say it is a luxury for me to stay home. He still prefers drinking directly to being bottle-fed and it is not doing him or me any good.

Luckily, the decision has been made to to start weaning him once he turns 6-month. He is eating 2-3 meals a day and is getting accustomed to it. *applause* I've noticed that I have to be out of his sight during his mealtimes. When I'm around, he'll wail and want me to carry him. Experienced mums, do enlighten me on this.

 Grouchy S having pumpkin porridge

 Can't get enough of his favourite fruit, banana!

Newly introduced weekend snack, mashed sweetcorn

This also means the milk machines aren't that frequently used these days. I'm starting to get back my freedom gradually. Slowly but surely, yes! It's really a win-win situation for a modern mum and baby because how ever much you love your baby you need some freedom and from 6-month onwards the baby needs more nutrients from other food sources, now that he is getting more active. So yes, wean means win actually.

As a mum, I've noticed the expensive prices of baby & mum products in the malls these days. I've been travelling a lot and have noticed products with comparable qualities to those sold here.

Guess what? I found trusted suppliers! I'll be bringing in affordable products in my blog and be useful once again. Hopefully by lowering baby & mum's expenses, I can contribute to the society by boosting the birth rate! Weeeeeeee!

I'll be posting Shopping entries once they are ready for viewing! Have fun reading & shopping!