tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010335106889001272024-03-14T13:48:17.738+08:00SUPERWANIQueen-for-a-day.blogspot.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.comBlogger598125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-21591473220211185752016-10-30T09:00:00.000+08:002016-10-30T09:00:11.250+08:00A Scorpio<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-GFWyKBjpbdPu4fR-Zzw-qMhPwo4HMZON_HahrUxnsynUj3P3x6wODOcnFbRPc4Dakzd27T_sAKWk9txxZ2iBUPPUAyPCmzu5jZivHnafTjGwtVBhbFa8IX6ztlrczeyEcoL0RLMOVf3/s1600/IMG_7384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-GFWyKBjpbdPu4fR-Zzw-qMhPwo4HMZON_HahrUxnsynUj3P3x6wODOcnFbRPc4Dakzd27T_sAKWk9txxZ2iBUPPUAyPCmzu5jZivHnafTjGwtVBhbFa8IX6ztlrczeyEcoL0RLMOVf3/s640/IMG_7384.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snap this scene from film 'The Boss' 2016.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ain't a redhead, but I am a scorpio. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many people told me that I am very intimidating (I assure you that's only my appearance lor..).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What else?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-73402061354847476602016-10-29T12:47:00.000+08:002016-10-29T12:48:34.541+08:00#Asyraff32<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwYycbHqCBeDQHyoBr8e5PUlpeDuup3B7B6Sx7G-fT1mXtpRCq874cfki6hHqJjtNnaaMjAghlgp7-pMUV6bA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
October..has to be my favorite month. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For a bias reason, I was born in October. Not just that, the love of my life also was born in this month..also, his beautiful mother. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I gets older, I noticed that time gone by too fast. Everyday I promised myself for a better tomorrow, but again and again I found myself failed to use the time wisely. I found I missed so many great memories and the chance to make one. Do you know who is the culprit behind it? The demon call 'lazy'. Even at this age, I still lose in the war againts laziness. Astaghfirullahaladzim.. For this reason too, I shall not forgetting to leave the memories of the day my 'A' turned 32.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSsakpX8T_zd7gIjGehBUGtD-O0vUbkAC-uucN5c4gXNt5GhXqV5Fh41ZQvaG3L6KEwuFleImZbSQW82kFRn-w8tZn51zkCWasaZ9jN5rvvpmEHgtJYoED6Z5Di4meyrFOP4rTKjsbwYL/s1600/IMG_7486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSsakpX8T_zd7gIjGehBUGtD-O0vUbkAC-uucN5c4gXNt5GhXqV5Fh41ZQvaG3L6KEwuFleImZbSQW82kFRn-w8tZn51zkCWasaZ9jN5rvvpmEHgtJYoED6Z5Di4meyrFOP4rTKjsbwYL/s640/IMG_7486.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spread of that day. It will always be a simple celebration as long as we live abroad like this. But still it is not the reason we are not celebrating the milestone in life, especially the day you turn older and healthy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGioZ1A_PMvORE4C2huhYjLQ84JKAveasMC2ROJEY16vP6N00eXMoiK0hWmIAAGW5huFzufIhawR5DsHffmBVrdFEh8nlVhyO6ZzGihn_o0UrnGoZOKyfjK4-LgxZPQin0W_d9vQWCKrO/s1600/IMG_7487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGioZ1A_PMvORE4C2huhYjLQ84JKAveasMC2ROJEY16vP6N00eXMoiK0hWmIAAGW5huFzufIhawR5DsHffmBVrdFEh8nlVhyO6ZzGihn_o0UrnGoZOKyfjK4-LgxZPQin0W_d9vQWCKrO/s640/IMG_7487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 5 years celebrating birthdays only with 2 of us, this year we managed to 'invite' a VVIlittleP to memeriahkan majlis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thank Allah s.w.t for his health, his rizq that we can share together and above all, to be fated to be married to him. I have always lost for words if it came to making speech for this man. I hope he knows how much Lily and me loves him and want nothing more than his well-being and many good returns for the good man he has been.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy birthday 'A'. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-75243600173386732532016-10-29T12:22:00.003+08:002016-10-29T12:22:59.966+08:00Fighting stretch marks<div style="text-align: center;">
Assalamualaikum..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been postponing writing about this topic until I can really say that I managed to avoid stretch marks during my 9 months pregnancy. For that alhamdulillah..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my not-so-secret potion to my no-stretchmark pregnancy..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmta8hNzefTY2sQCqGczVZ3DWM830peL4MICErvm5367_0RPjA82rn18DSotq0YfS-HrUsZF7x6SbaMpOdIxYnntaKjYD9Jjd_hAzUt9C8mdNH9k6JtSXaYmtVi0raiJUJQU7BLpH5fukn/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmta8hNzefTY2sQCqGczVZ3DWM830peL4MICErvm5367_0RPjA82rn18DSotq0YfS-HrUsZF7x6SbaMpOdIxYnntaKjYD9Jjd_hAzUt9C8mdNH9k6JtSXaYmtVi0raiJUJQU7BLpH5fukn/s400/IMG_3784.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weleda stretch mark oil..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In total, I used up about 4 bottles of this. I started to apply the oil religiously when I enter the third months. I need to mention that my pregnancy happened during the dry season; from autumn to winter to spring. So, imagine the itchiness if the skin at that area became dry. So, to those of you mommies looking for any means to fight stretch marks, maybe you can consider trying Weleda :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember, there is no remedy for stretch marks once they appear. What we can do then was just improve the appearance and..make peace with it. So, it is very crucial to avoid them at the first place. Till then, good luck!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-25626825276920217902016-09-13T13:26:00.001+08:002016-09-13T13:34:51.951+08:00Okayu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Okayu=rice porridge, was Lily's first meal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plus with the fact that babies in Japan start solid at 5 months old, she has shown signs of readiness for solid a few weeks before that. Lily is now 5 months and a half and I decided it's time for solid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so unlike many of you. I was so malas and not too keen to go through all the excitement to prepare her food. bahaha. My style? Just ask one person I know what to buy, which brand, go to the shop, went straight to the section and look for the brand that she mentioned, without taking extra effort studying the others. Coz you know, one brand that suits others might not suits us. But in this case I just make use of whatever I bought. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjqS5nyYxMzjb-9iKin9FAieMpO_n9uWeyw4oliTDxpHeCriap725dyzi0HZfKtB2AAijKHNAyAsEUZFvAtFUG36STtwrJNHInOX__4GFMdvQDLqDzweBzLcwd6w_tysTtxeucsoSqBiC/s1600/IMG_6999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjqS5nyYxMzjb-9iKin9FAieMpO_n9uWeyw4oliTDxpHeCriap725dyzi0HZfKtB2AAijKHNAyAsEUZFvAtFUG36STtwrJNHInOX__4GFMdvQDLqDzweBzLcwd6w_tysTtxeucsoSqBiC/s640/IMG_6999.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The haul. (1) Pigeon baby food preparation set, (2) baby spoon set, (3) okayu set (pink box), (4) sippy cup, 5-7 months old, (5) a bowl, (6) cube trays for storage (not in the picture).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know I was one of the left behind woman in the clique pretty much in every clique I belong to. So, before Lily I just listened to their story of raising their babies, so I did catch here and there and made mental notes from that. Raising Lily alone in this foreign country, these mental notes really helps. Now it's time to use another one, i.e. the first meal paeds in Japan will recommend is okayu. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u>Okayu</u></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PMbisq0HwaidWDQYNk7qXW9MKAnAFSPDOx5jsK_Nfx0yjetlm5l8n52vEQnGCslIX2zAmOqab77cs3mtXuZetEm8O3vZtGXL2m6IaCsS53-IDatEIszi4YmAb0FsXaYhNhDNvECdxyHb/s1600/IMG_6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PMbisq0HwaidWDQYNk7qXW9MKAnAFSPDOx5jsK_Nfx0yjetlm5l8n52vEQnGCslIX2zAmOqab77cs3mtXuZetEm8O3vZtGXL2m6IaCsS53-IDatEIszi4YmAb0FsXaYhNhDNvECdxyHb/s640/IMG_6998.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The okayu set (in pink). The set comes with a glass pot, a dual-function plastic cup (pink) (to measure the water and as the mortar) , a spoon with dual function (to measure and as a pestle), a silicon fetcher.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember the ladies were talking about a small pot for babies' okayu preparation that is invented to be used in the normal rice cooker. So, mommies won't need to prepare the okayu separately especially when we only need to prepare the okayu from one teaspoon of rice. That would be mendokusai (troubling). So, that was the first thing I bought. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pot is designed to prepare okayu from 1/1-1/10 consistencies complete with a cup to measure water needed for each consistencies. So, for Lily, since she is a 'beginner', she'll start with 1/10 consistency. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V4QZHQxdh89IKARz7Roi3IBpA1ifUGTPjVz9UgyItNFVq-RZTEo9H6LmsfERWiXMjhWK7YhCegc5CyF-iQD-2U8x8zkBYi0vuUVeMrtpBg70PHWg5OBricDN39hdkDG1Q5WivwAqxOsl/s1600/IMG_6916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V4QZHQxdh89IKARz7Roi3IBpA1ifUGTPjVz9UgyItNFVq-RZTEo9H6LmsfERWiXMjhWK7YhCegc5CyF-iQD-2U8x8zkBYi0vuUVeMrtpBg70PHWg5OBricDN39hdkDG1Q5WivwAqxOsl/s640/IMG_6916.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okayu preparation. (1) We need our rice; cleaned and ready. For preparation of 1/10 okayu, measure 1 spoonful of rice and water (according to the measurement on the pink cup. (2) Place the glass beaker in the middle of the rice cooking pot and cook like usual. (3) Rice and okayu when cooked. Take out the okayu from the rice pot.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRESi9Gc_B734XbelM_4uOWOx6gExouEqKZpcU-rE9YU7-ezf0ivSx2UwqR4qtNAcZI3pZuJXii1YHiCw2yC5pPrPnWVxzGW-H2WTBEs4B1Txyu548ziifeL1xLglaVj7-GHBOBYJooauk/s1600/IMG_6918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRESi9Gc_B734XbelM_4uOWOx6gExouEqKZpcU-rE9YU7-ezf0ivSx2UwqR4qtNAcZI3pZuJXii1YHiCw2yC5pPrPnWVxzGW-H2WTBEs4B1Txyu548ziifeL1xLglaVj7-GHBOBYJooauk/s640/IMG_6918.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(4) The cooked okayu is transferred into the pink cup which also used as a mortar. Pressed the okayu with the back of the spoon provided. Back of spoon has rough bumps that helps to puree the rice beads. (5) the 1/10 consistency-okayu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZkdDC4GEIpN1pCET_wsh8nkM_7nShhJGns-GnuhAHGTOKgNSpIOAl3ooooJCjJu4qHC9Zew6owI6Os7uUvsM_ahoZtcHuE6EDaMTqalZVl11lN1y-Rmo1kyT3zOKxO4OkouYqb5RL2oF/s1600/IMG_7001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZkdDC4GEIpN1pCET_wsh8nkM_7nShhJGns-GnuhAHGTOKgNSpIOAl3ooooJCjJu4qHC9Zew6owI6Os7uUvsM_ahoZtcHuE6EDaMTqalZVl11lN1y-Rmo1kyT3zOKxO4OkouYqb5RL2oF/s640/IMG_7001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's first feeding session. hehe.. she need a high-chair for feeding, her okayu in a bowl, baby's water in a sippy cup and..her favorite butterfly (which is so not recommended to have any toy while feeding).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-38377579858014094682016-09-12T13:29:00.000+08:002016-09-12T15:17:47.017+08:00Majlis Aqiqah dan Tahnik Lily chan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Aqiqah</span></b>; is the form of sadaqah and it is sunnah muakkadah (confirmed sunnah). It is believed that by slaughtering two sheeps (for boy) or one sheep (for girl) the baby will be safe from harm. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tahnik</span></b>; is an act to stimulate baby's sweet taste buds by touching the baby's palate with honey or pressed dates. (For more explanation, please visit this <a href="http://drzubaidi.com/blog/tahnik-dan-kebaikannya-dalam-perubatan/">link</a>).</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were back in KL a few weeks ago. A lot in the list to be done for this little girl. One of the highlight was her aqiqah day. She is the only grandchild my in laws have currently, so I'd like to make a proper aqiqah for Lily and them as new grandparents. Oh yes, for us too..a new parent after all these years :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I meant this event to be intimate and sederhana for us. And gladly, it went so perfectly well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a little sneak peek of the day:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><u>The goodies</u></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had fun discussing on the goodies cause everyone just had so many crazy ideas to consider! Finally mommy agreed to muffins, pineapple tarts, mixed nuts and buku surah. Mommy only paid for muffins and sticker. bahahaha xp Semoga murah rezeki penaja-penaja goodies sekalian :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAMDF2WMid58tzlY-u_q1Lte7Se7xnBuioeXyV5_D9wGvgkjyBeMVFknUoklpf5J8I5d4nTP3hw8cyfKuFyPLxJ1nHLFoeXsfaKHzympPlG1uK-kj7lfWrBziAQKs3RlKN1BAJWT_PCMw/s1600/14114946_10154423029249304_4635059145257915862_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAMDF2WMid58tzlY-u_q1Lte7Se7xnBuioeXyV5_D9wGvgkjyBeMVFknUoklpf5J8I5d4nTP3hw8cyfKuFyPLxJ1nHLFoeXsfaKHzympPlG1uK-kj7lfWrBziAQKs3RlKN1BAJWT_PCMw/s640/14114946_10154423029249304_4635059145257915862_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The goodies. I have to thank Lily's Wansu for managing this department so well. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u>Majlis Aqiqah</u></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lily is..obviouly a girl :D So, we slaughtered one sheep for her. We decided to cook gulai instead of grill it as I intended at first. I was advised to do so, so more people would be able to enjoy the meat. Despite of that, the gulai finished only halfway the event because it was so so sedap!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq6KuCeqb7ILklLvVAsnRdQDb6eW0BpEo2l5zphbHwTjUYMnjWABCtoDfKtpY87IpSJ0ufxdWv6UusY1XCOS4IY4Ss4ZiIsOHDJv5-sYc1HgivibY3x8ucZWUmywwp9LSVxNJE8roQAam/s1600/14124511_10154423040799304_826506837954907820_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq6KuCeqb7ILklLvVAsnRdQDb6eW0BpEo2l5zphbHwTjUYMnjWABCtoDfKtpY87IpSJ0ufxdWv6UusY1XCOS4IY4Ss4ZiIsOHDJv5-sYc1HgivibY3x8ucZWUmywwp9LSVxNJE8roQAam/s640/14124511_10154423040799304_826506837954907820_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Majlis was started off with doa selamat and selawat while daddy carried Lily around so all atuks and uncles can see Lily more closely. Then mommy took over and bring Lily to all aunties and grandmas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><u>Tahnik</u></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I only knew that there'll be majlis bertahnik when it was about to happened -_-" alhamdulillah and thank you to Lily's Tokmi for arranging the occasions. If up to mommy...*blur*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM2JFNs-QsnmncbmIfcf0RegsX5IE5jrVYkvmYqswVD91WlqnqPhzotcqXWLeRmt0pqkddjPezAmFdzxseylz7R61Ms-OpIiCPxaxlGByFIDqWmPX7H6R9aki2HGYBg-THVOOdUXsFdUB/s1600/IMG_6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM2JFNs-QsnmncbmIfcf0RegsX5IE5jrVYkvmYqswVD91WlqnqPhzotcqXWLeRmt0pqkddjPezAmFdzxseylz7R61Ms-OpIiCPxaxlGByFIDqWmPX7H6R9aki2HGYBg-THVOOdUXsFdUB/s640/IMG_6921.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Majlis bertahnik Ms Lily Aaira by Ustaz Subki.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQGWRsN-BJHvy349eDuHEQr81iO2srSUVWiKTmVSIHolAU_fGe01CaqZYy0fbLQvhoz56UMr3d5ubqghKr4Q_zgkLcR1E3BKz0RTPWius9vkCmL1o-rprX0J41M4E6fsbXwa9drSjsg-d/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQGWRsN-BJHvy349eDuHEQr81iO2srSUVWiKTmVSIHolAU_fGe01CaqZYy0fbLQvhoz56UMr3d5ubqghKr4Q_zgkLcR1E3BKz0RTPWius9vkCmL1o-rprX0J41M4E6fsbXwa9drSjsg-d/s640/IMG_6922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u>The setting</u></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J0cfoB6KEob-TmmH7WrB9cOjvMwivrNfEeKtiwZHsJ4-myC7MQkTanTb6pByjNaEvk7sFugm8iEPWVd7ci1ixTn5g_lGkH6AOyD7XSFuaMr75QICctWaybjAaTqLjedriDCJxl05oNNs/s1600/IMG_6923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J0cfoB6KEob-TmmH7WrB9cOjvMwivrNfEeKtiwZHsJ4-myC7MQkTanTb6pByjNaEvk7sFugm8iEPWVd7ci1ixTn5g_lGkH6AOyD7XSFuaMr75QICctWaybjAaTqLjedriDCJxl05oNNs/s640/IMG_6923.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minimalis cradle for Lily Aaira with fresh lilies..buds >,< only fully bloomed after 2 days -_-" But, loved it anyway. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrksugR2odGOay8c1EX_iqJ0CyZzyahyphenhyphenjcbiXB2e8a09raMY0itqhMvYGOmoigNOcGTEHQACvUNWIpN_Qxhej5p3ard3I6LPtlvkF5t7w5gVbQCtM6rN746_6WaGukoss2wQLoNRlA-rC/s1600/IMG_6924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrksugR2odGOay8c1EX_iqJ0CyZzyahyphenhyphenjcbiXB2e8a09raMY0itqhMvYGOmoigNOcGTEHQACvUNWIpN_Qxhej5p3ard3I6LPtlvkF5t7w5gVbQCtM6rN746_6WaGukoss2wQLoNRlA-rC/s640/IMG_6924.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardly have nice photos of Lily and mommy. trust me, this is one of the nicest >,<</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8dyYMs_1Vz2y7EPndSka03aZwgpjuS34EtSHqUCkkMMcXZ7UbRgqyPYqCXMcarJVF1RpxsosJ7vXFiBhUFa0N3yq0ivSx4wdh-eiRM5FtmxyV2RrB6oP7ZbDUWe2uNkUShJUoNyVXil2/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8dyYMs_1Vz2y7EPndSka03aZwgpjuS34EtSHqUCkkMMcXZ7UbRgqyPYqCXMcarJVF1RpxsosJ7vXFiBhUFa0N3yq0ivSx4wdh-eiRM5FtmxyV2RrB6oP7ZbDUWe2uNkUShJUoNyVXil2/s640/IMG_6925.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily and mommy. Mommy chose white as the theme despite of her weight -_-"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhqAOkdhZujvpjC9lkog9WAizfgINq7CBKHAcH1_ydT-4RP99rGGzDUWhPhnzpEQI_1Bmx-8jFj5qgdhAmyuNLX7y7q1k1Zex0g3bu5EjWg0WDpsm_i8wlbFRu-M-VAIwKNfAypbAqym3/s1600/IMG_6926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhqAOkdhZujvpjC9lkog9WAizfgINq7CBKHAcH1_ydT-4RP99rGGzDUWhPhnzpEQI_1Bmx-8jFj5qgdhAmyuNLX7y7q1k1Zex0g3bu5EjWg0WDpsm_i8wlbFRu-M-VAIwKNfAypbAqym3/s640/IMG_6926.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a parents. Pray for us to be the best parents for Lily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFf5F8EeyUYBFjQI-KKnLTwOtMSsTLpV2UdiuOAManiZMU8-yYXwArymIbLoiHmeONtnho67mSFTsfE7yB_3-VKp0vP0jN0w8ztKtLhrmFMq9QrJEl7HZ9twaNij-OSo9JY5Y40i50oEK/s1600/IMG_6927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFf5F8EeyUYBFjQI-KKnLTwOtMSsTLpV2UdiuOAManiZMU8-yYXwArymIbLoiHmeONtnho67mSFTsfE7yB_3-VKp0vP0jN0w8ztKtLhrmFMq9QrJEl7HZ9twaNij-OSo9JY5Y40i50oEK/s640/IMG_6927.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of photos taken on that day..My brain and surprisingly my beloved macbook air -_-" hang kejap processing all the photos. It took me days and days to finish one simple photobook just cause..sigh.. #needthepropronto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I meant the event to be about Lily and that's how it happened and more. Mommy feels so content. Alhamdulillah...Lily is so blessed to be loved by so many people. Mommy hopes she will grow up and make us and these people proud :)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-72246106186813324092016-09-07T16:01:00.001+08:002016-09-08T14:32:29.628+08:00Busuk<div style="text-align: center;">
First of all, I miss blogging. There are many funny occurrences happened all the time in my daily life. And each times I wished I get to sit down and blog about it. But, the old demon in me (malas) is getting stronger day by day. I don't like how my time have been wasted, so here I am, trying to leave something so I could remember the time before they gone unnoticed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I shall start with a short story which happened so many times now that Lily is in our lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love baby talks. I think I'm very good at it at the level at it sounded so annoying to the adults. When doing baby talks we tend to make the words sounded so <i>pelat </i>like <i>comel</i> becomes '<i>omey</i>' and so on. One of the words I often said to Lily to describe how irresistibly cute she is, is '<i>bucuk</i>' (comes from the word busuk). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that 'A' is so surprised looking at my new side. That I can baby talk to the level of annoyance. I think he could see that Lily responds to that so well. The thing with 'A' is, he is everything but fatherly. That was before he became a father. Now that he is, I can see that he is trying to copy what I did, like baby talks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made it Lily's routine to send her daddy to the door every morning. We tried.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, one morning when Lily was still so little, 'A' is kissing Lily and keep saying </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"busuk...busuk"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I replied, "really?I didn't smell it? what is it?" while trying to smell Lily's butt and the surrounding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a minute then only I realized 'A' was trying to baby talk...and it was an epic failed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since that day and many occurrences that lead to misunderstanding on my part, he stopped baby talk altogether. And I must say, it is better this way. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-59777144859036512352016-04-30T11:41:00.004+08:002016-04-30T11:47:05.188+08:00Meet my princess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNfMTQsZgXC6KfpxPfaxRGA1L4kxGQKhFSvXyRjgn3_PLmElLAJQVxanJyl9pETi5ZSXP6wTloqpcnsYuYVHmbG-aKU9Ni2uDzmHSPbf5RetUvUGh7v2V4QksUdTc3cAgileRB3oNtjDP/s1600/IMG_5213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNfMTQsZgXC6KfpxPfaxRGA1L4kxGQKhFSvXyRjgn3_PLmElLAJQVxanJyl9pETi5ZSXP6wTloqpcnsYuYVHmbG-aKU9Ni2uDzmHSPbf5RetUvUGh7v2V4QksUdTc3cAgileRB3oNtjDP/s640/IMG_5213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Born on April the 2nd, 2016 at 11.09 a.m.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We named her <b><span style="color: #741b47;">Lily Aaira Muhammad Asyraff</span></b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#LilyAairaMA #BabyL #LilyA </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><i>Behind the name</i></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Phew..it was so difficult to give name to a person, especially when she is made out of you. After all the pain and tears, of course all you want is everything to be perfect for her. Especially for the name, the calling that will stay with her for the rest of her life! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been hash-tagging her with #BabyL during my pregnancy journey. 'L' stands for Lily. I have been calling her Lily since I can remember. At first we thought that she is going to have only one name, Lily, that's it. But, due to some circumstances, we added the second name at the last minute. A very last minute which was so frustrating for me as I couldn't find a name that I like. After I went through the name suggestions listed by 'A' for the umpteenth times, I found something interesting; Aaira has the same meaning with Asyraff in arabic. It's like the female version for Asyraff, which means <i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>noble/ respectful/respected/honorable</b></span></i>. 'A' likes the name Aaira because in Japanese it means superior love (Ai=love, ra=superior). Well, he has been listing names that has both Japanese and arabic meaning. It's like it is expected that his children will be raised here. That's how we both agree to give her another name, Aaira. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6-vf8-6SGvgPlSyP4SBxaIrA9k1E-ps50qqIqWu_MEbgZEfKDsTFCbS3UgmIWVv2ESV0A04OB3130LGjYDSHqtUYIr0SXIE1USzjk7Q2JjLysrC9fpfjA5j6RahVpOfdOP74xsDnE56X/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6-vf8-6SGvgPlSyP4SBxaIrA9k1E-ps50qqIqWu_MEbgZEfKDsTFCbS3UgmIWVv2ESV0A04OB3130LGjYDSHqtUYIr0SXIE1USzjk7Q2JjLysrC9fpfjA5j6RahVpOfdOP74xsDnE56X/s400/IMG_5269.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her hospital tag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwC7UwAnp_le5r6FdlF1ImKJfOFHwIbkwk9odguT_EWCzmknplb9FmErrxN5lFQfG11k38huqS752Ul5AnbBL2BlPKU27L_spX2_15FxGyoP9HAcS0x2-Ae8Q-cHjn8SLUrDmQ67Sa4rF/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwC7UwAnp_le5r6FdlF1ImKJfOFHwIbkwk9odguT_EWCzmknplb9FmErrxN5lFQfG11k38huqS752Ul5AnbBL2BlPKU27L_spX2_15FxGyoP9HAcS0x2-Ae8Q-cHjn8SLUrDmQ67Sa4rF/s400/IMG_5277.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her cot's label.<br />Rosli chants baby girl<br />D.O.B. Heisei 28, April, 2nd<br />Time 11.09am<br />Age when born 39weeks, 0 days<br />Weight 3014g<br />Length 49.5cm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C1mYb9ZxeK2VRpcEWyfh2bqoMsbq_KfXfQ6kl0s1XHAbM3StgZgV-OSY-7qtQCEcIyNi-tFogJQ3xNwRJN-zC6VDzQC4W_a8My-GaijzVjqn50vLFbeUTphz4LmKb1rfLkSSMtXYUlMq/s1600/IMG_5284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C1mYb9ZxeK2VRpcEWyfh2bqoMsbq_KfXfQ6kl0s1XHAbM3StgZgV-OSY-7qtQCEcIyNi-tFogJQ3xNwRJN-zC6VDzQC4W_a8My-GaijzVjqn50vLFbeUTphz4LmKb1rfLkSSMtXYUlMq/s400/IMG_5284.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's first day home in her cot :) welcome home my baby :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-52457326480759680732016-04-29T23:36:00.000+08:002016-04-30T09:51:28.240+08:00The moment I became a mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>*read part one: <a href="http://queen-for-a-day.blogspot.jp/2016/04/when-water-broke.html">when the water broke</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>April 1st, 2016...7 p.m.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We settled in the labor room with our luggages. Yes, luggages as I was expected to stay in the hospital for 7 days. I was so optimistic, I even carry all my work thinking that 7 days stay would be so boring. Anyway, first thing first, I was asked to change into a labor dress, which is a very cute pink knee-length dress. Then the midwife strapped me on the bed with ctg to monitor baby's heartbeat and contractions. So, I was expected to stay on the bed until...well, the baby decided to come out. Then, the midwife handed us a huge bag full with supplies like varieties of maternity pads and some baby's stuffs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpBATEhWsXekpiv9l207Sp_OhyQDojaZRNYQW5sAaNKmeRLXCEt1eh11prgOwnWA4yaIxCCESNP2gM8xxzKx3FhYR0PqIcA0RV8CU-SlU98iZg_wCY-nR8D_cgOGSNljOxx4rvBRA3NLQ/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpBATEhWsXekpiv9l207Sp_OhyQDojaZRNYQW5sAaNKmeRLXCEt1eh11prgOwnWA4yaIxCCESNP2gM8xxzKx3FhYR0PqIcA0RV8CU-SlU98iZg_wCY-nR8D_cgOGSNljOxx4rvBRA3NLQ/s640/IMG_5117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'A', who just recovered from influenza and the midwife who welcomed us. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlck0pj1wseHqh2hosyPLWxFFyHce6Ux19Ik79i1XYtL6CShDvJtqq0glTb000FL2SHh02LzIOEB06hjm7_vkaISM8gmrtrtwWHOLT4cBM7JNRV2r7lpY0BjR-jqAv5KvChDKM638RDREQ/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlck0pj1wseHqh2hosyPLWxFFyHce6Ux19Ik79i1XYtL6CShDvJtqq0glTb000FL2SHh02LzIOEB06hjm7_vkaISM8gmrtrtwWHOLT4cBM7JNRV2r7lpY0BjR-jqAv5KvChDKM638RDREQ/s640/IMG_5118.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The woman in labor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was so hungry by the time I settled on the bed. I used to have dinner at 6, and then it was already 7p.m. So, 'A' left to buy some dinner and went home to get things that we forgot to bring. By 7.30, he came back to me and we had dinner together. That time, I can still laugh and there wasn't any significant contraction I could feel. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then at 8p.m. I felt weak period cramps on and off. I was thinking, oh, has it started? If the pain is like this, I can do this! I know..don't laugh at my naivety. Anyway, I took this time to finally read to notes given by the doctor. She gave me weeks in prior asking me to study on the breathing. But, I didn't. So, basically, I came in without any knowledge at all on the breathing or anything in regards to labor. Sigh..I know..so ignorant. I figured things like this can't be understood by books. I need to experience it to know how to manage it. I was right. When the pain is so unbearable that I can't ignore anymore, the midwife taught me the breathing technique. She also taught 'A' how to help me ease the pain, i.e. the right way to roll the tennis ball on my back. When we enter the labor room, we noticed the tennis ball and we questioned ourselves what tennis balls doing in labor room. lol xp. By the way, it really helps, that tennis ball! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQALELBb-6ti0w5o-VlYEI3z0AtSiNHmKZ5nCptxoGXMF7Zui9WD7dHcldq3jqgqcufQocl5B0C5y9_kgIa0YeEDBBROd96dwHSmxTEAl_IZNtlkZpN1YD0sPGiAtJoNOvcPq2AenuLWpX/s1600/IMG_5121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQALELBb-6ti0w5o-VlYEI3z0AtSiNHmKZ5nCptxoGXMF7Zui9WD7dHcldq3jqgqcufQocl5B0C5y9_kgIa0YeEDBBROd96dwHSmxTEAl_IZNtlkZpN1YD0sPGiAtJoNOvcPq2AenuLWpX/s640/IMG_5121.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ctg and the TV.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, you can have the midwife's full attention in here as it is usually only one person gave birth at one time. Despite of that, she didn't entertain my request for pain killer or any pain lessening procedure that they can offer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>April 2nd, 2016</b><br />
<br />
<u><b><i>Dealing with contractions and labor</i></b></u><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While at latent phase, I actively 'what's apping' friends and family. Most of them were surprised as they also expected me to deliver later than the due. They gave me a lot of tips and ritual I can do to ease the labor. In between the messaging, I also shopped for handbags and baju raya online :p. However, when I started feeling sleepy at around 1a.m., I feel the contractions get stronger. I can't entertain myself with anything anymore. The pain took over my mind and I was frustrated because I was so sleepy but the contraction didn't allow me to fall asleep. I regretted for not resting well when the midwife suggested me to.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHufdGxlU0k4wYyFgTU2t-HjdtMmFT89ALOySu5THL-ZEDwq9v3J45CJ5l-JIenB_o72zMZb7TNW9TjyHEZ0di85GLuJxGXSjis-wChh8UrYMBhmHTNE6nRX4lEFOCUiPlik33lRhdC_e/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHufdGxlU0k4wYyFgTU2t-HjdtMmFT89ALOySu5THL-ZEDwq9v3J45CJ5l-JIenB_o72zMZb7TNW9TjyHEZ0di85GLuJxGXSjis-wChh8UrYMBhmHTNE6nRX4lEFOCUiPlik33lRhdC_e/s640/IMG_5098.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The notes given by the doctor a few weeks before. I didn't read it until I was strapped in the labor room with CTG monitor. hehe. Still, I couldn't relate, until I experienced every steps myself. The notes really helped on what to expect. Alhamdulillah my labor process was text-book alike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'A' was by my side assisting me breathing. If not because of him, I don't think I can do the breathing at all, and I would probably will get crazy dealing with the pain. The breathing did helped a lot for me to handle the pain because without it, the pain will be unbearable. Good breathing is the only way you can get through the process. Time goes by, and the pain did not get easier. I spent so much energy trying to get through each phases. Without me realizing it, suddenly the sun was up and the clock showed that it was 8a.m. It was the time when I feel any breathing couldn't ease the pain anymore. Suddenly, the pain I felt was so strong and accompanied by the urge to pass motion. I told 'A' that I wanted to go to the toilet. Then he called the midwife saying that I wanted to go the toilet. Then, when the contraction subsides, I don't feel like going to the toilet anymore. So confusing, I know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For those of you who not yet go into labor, contraction will get stronger and more frequent as the labor progresses. So, like 3 minutes later I screamed for toilet again. I really..scream.. guys...although I had sworn I won't be one of those dramatic lady in labor. But then I cancelled the call again as the contraction subsided. As I told you, the contraction only gets stronger. Another 3 minutes later, the urge to pass motion came again and it was way way stronger and uncontrollable that I just let whatever my body wants to do. I tried to push the 'stool' out of me, but all I feel was air coming out from the anus. lol xp. Turned out guys, that's the signal your body gave when you are ready to push.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The midwives finally came into the room and this time she took my scream seriously and finally took the initiative to check my opening. sigh..then she discovered that I have fully dilated T_T It's all because everyone assumed that I might take longer to reach the full dilation T_T Now I know what it feels like when they said they really want to push. It's your body did it. It's your body that made you want to push. I tried my best to keep to the breathing technique but it was too painful that all I did was screamed for help..help to ease the pain. I tried so hard not to scream though, but I'm just a human..with no experience in labor T_T</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They immediately prepared the room for labor and called the doctor. Although all the process will be assisted by the midwife, the presence of a doctor is still required in case there's any complications that might need their intervention. Anyway, thank God everything was ready by the time clock struck 9 as that was the time the doctor arrived (it was Saturday). I had no idea how to do it, so the midwife was so patient teaching me how to push and attempted several styles that could help me with the labor. By the way, nothing really helped, finally I settled with the standard position..baring je.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After 2 hours, many attempts of pushes and beggings for caesarean, I finally succeeded delivering a healthy baby girl. It was so difficult, I tell you. And it's true people say that after the baby is out, all the pain is gone. Despite of that, down there you still feel pain la...when the doctor took over to stitch me up, I gasped and asked her whether the procedure is gonna be painful. Then she showed me a syringe filled with local anaesthetic. I was so relieved, you guys. The saying that you won't feel pain during stitches is not true for me, I think, because I felt it strongly when she injected me, let alone all the stitches without numbing that part first!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The push, it was so hard for me. I think part of it was because I was drained of energy and I was so hungry. Because of the hunger, I looked up the clock and saw the time. It was 8a.m. That's how I remembers the time. I was already tired while dealing with the contractions for 12 hours. I remember I kept telling 'A' I was tired and keep saying "I can't do this". Then, the contraction came despite of how not ready or how tired you are. You just had to deal with it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE2qHJ-EDaAZYRNMpJy39yoQT0Qq6wMQRMl49ApxZEbHFKGeXIIHv9dS6ZY3e9gyl-u3_CY5G0HdtI0uwZvwnAq-rVMYBpgTY-_pF_9boNYZnNhKYzGtlkf7aarCMZUad2z9ZFqMf8MmY/s1600/IMG_5122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE2qHJ-EDaAZYRNMpJy39yoQT0Qq6wMQRMl49ApxZEbHFKGeXIIHv9dS6ZY3e9gyl-u3_CY5G0HdtI0uwZvwnAq-rVMYBpgTY-_pF_9boNYZnNhKYzGtlkf7aarCMZUad2z9ZFqMf8MmY/s640/IMG_5122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I remember I keep asking for water in between contractions. According to 'A' my energy booster was this lemon tea. He said I appear to be able to have a fruitful push after he fed me with this lemon tea. Maybe you guys can add this into your list for possible energy booster in labor. heh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u><b><i>'A'</i></b></u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua9mqINm_doh6RMhVRzxmlYjP7NqxIHjRA66cTnoFvj_VJYs44f7G5HZqk4bed3PNV0l9Wiqc1mBz0WbtUKyRjPcAUNY6kfnkj8FvTB1FuLqVFWcHGUXluAvgAvfdFzUtpK4yEgRMLGwz/s1600/IMG_5127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua9mqINm_doh6RMhVRzxmlYjP7NqxIHjRA66cTnoFvj_VJYs44f7G5HZqk4bed3PNV0l9Wiqc1mBz0WbtUKyRjPcAUNY6kfnkj8FvTB1FuLqVFWcHGUXluAvgAvfdFzUtpK4yEgRMLGwz/s640/IMG_5127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'A' yang sedang membuat onar dalam labor room. This time I still can laugh and make jokes. A few hours later...you don't wanna know.umpama dirasuk >,<</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgDJsUzjvktLac4i4lmqq0Azyn5WaoYtCO0HH4mXJInTrNn2f0S5H6NcK4Z2AOrr51dm2I7BO7guA3BBRtwtaUz12s3ujck1Gw_3v8jfrwt6uHcnW1zOuR0TJUDfNtVgwXkFJo69HcEfb/s1600/IMG_5128+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgDJsUzjvktLac4i4lmqq0Azyn5WaoYtCO0HH4mXJInTrNn2f0S5H6NcK4Z2AOrr51dm2I7BO7guA3BBRtwtaUz12s3ujck1Gw_3v8jfrwt6uHcnW1zOuR0TJUDfNtVgwXkFJo69HcEfb/s640/IMG_5128+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'A' managed to get some sleep. I was still in latent phase this time, so I actively messaging with my friends on the phone. Still optimistic about labor and refused to get some sleep. What a wrong move! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was also awkward for me to deal with different 'A'. Both of us rarely act serious. We both always being sarcastic to each other and always twisted things to make it funny. So, when dealing with life and death situation like that, I don't know how do I deal with 'A'. I saw his eyes got wet while cheering for me. He came out with some serious quotes in which if on different days we both will end up bursting in laughter. It was so not fun looking at 'A' like that. I wish I can tell him don't be sad/ don't cry, I'm fine. But, I was seriously in pain. Maybe that would be the only time I will allow him being all serious with quotes and all without making fun of him. and of course 'A' had some serious tears coming out when he sees his daughter came out of me, perfect, healthy and so beautiful. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<u><b><i>Baby girl</i></b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zOomrv07P9_VeDqHyar0HdI-LSntVMX4adFOm1ojarNWjwfIT7s1dBlpVyYiQvUg18nnDFaRPhihf9ppgX0Pl1E1-BiHHCXlfKUQ63ANIa3AeSomPewZdnmoBwGLDaxg7UWszRFcqTc1/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zOomrv07P9_VeDqHyar0HdI-LSntVMX4adFOm1ojarNWjwfIT7s1dBlpVyYiQvUg18nnDFaRPhihf9ppgX0Pl1E1-BiHHCXlfKUQ63ANIa3AeSomPewZdnmoBwGLDaxg7UWszRFcqTc1/s640/IMG_5271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been waiting for her arrival for 5 years. So, when we hear her first cry and the midwife said that the baby is perfect (and kept saying how she resembles 'A'), we were overcame with joy. I cried, obviously, and said to 'A' we are finally a parents, a status we have been patiently waited for. I think 'A' was so happy for one, he is now a dad, and two, for the fact that I did it.<br />
<br />
The doctor had been telling me that my baby will resembles her father a lot since she was in my belly. When she came out, that was what everyone was saying. As soon as the head was out, the midwife immediately declared that the baby looks like the daddy. Sigh..after all the push and dramas, she came out looking like daddy in every ways. Nevertheless, alhamdulillah for her to be one healthy baby. She's indeed looked a lot like 'A'. Now I need to go all through this again until I get one looking like me..at least. heh.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><i>Post-labor</i></b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFAOK8hF6WsxHwWxGEaFNQVhz4qUGEGRkVdQyGEMqADmdMEJ9APphLi7by4mvPLLImVJEfYoRv1eBgZOxIue9t-T8GgX9JrVGntiwNv9I0M9TNxvjJDkV3khX58YtRkdoSjttlAnDEtgq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-30+at+10.49.19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFAOK8hF6WsxHwWxGEaFNQVhz4qUGEGRkVdQyGEMqADmdMEJ9APphLi7by4mvPLLImVJEfYoRv1eBgZOxIue9t-T8GgX9JrVGntiwNv9I0M9TNxvjJDkV3khX58YtRkdoSjttlAnDEtgq/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-30+at+10.49.19.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Skin to skin contact (STS) was done first as soon as she came out. The midwife made the baby latch on both breasts for a few minutes and took her away for a while for a thorough check up.<br />
<br />
We were so exhausted after battling for more than 12 hours. We were given a 2 hour bonding time with the baby in the labor room. 'A' held the baby for a moment to whisper than and iqamah to her ears. Then, she was placed on my chest again for STS and after that, I passed out. When I wake up, I saw 'A' sleeping on the sofa and baby was sleeping on my chest. Apparently, we were all fell asleep! nice bonding time.<br />
<br />
The midwife then sponge-bathed me and changed my cloth. I didn't have to lift a finger. She changed my diaper several times until she think the blood could be well absorbed by the maternity pads. I finally had my meal after my last one, yesterday's dinner. Then I was wheeled to the ward. It was around 3pm when I settled in the bed that I'm going to spend on for the next 7 days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>p/s: I should stop here. There's a lot more stories to share with my future self and to you, readers. I think I don't know many things until I experienced it myself. It's either people are being selective in telling their stories or they are just lucky to have everything went so smoothly. Enough for me to tell you, labor and contractions, they are just the beginning. The tougher journey ahead is going to be more challenging at least at emotional level. No, it's not the baby that tested you, it's your body. Ok, enough with the clue. I'll leave you here. See you in the next entry!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VQohpSY5J2winMuZXbuq3kM6IvDSIhl7R7l_g9Ng12bicdoyeZbPYgGmnTMGxQi4jq0MMUafjHKofRXecwaPTmsrw_gvegJrVAGPuS_wY7aC44KRpfvk94v7ks6QC-5a6MsxlzIVpFh7/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VQohpSY5J2winMuZXbuq3kM6IvDSIhl7R7l_g9Ng12bicdoyeZbPYgGmnTMGxQi4jq0MMUafjHKofRXecwaPTmsrw_gvegJrVAGPuS_wY7aC44KRpfvk94v7ks6QC-5a6MsxlzIVpFh7/s640/IMG_5133.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baby girl who has changed my world and myself. The one who has made me a mother :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-29410327369197062192016-04-28T18:02:00.001+08:002016-04-28T18:02:16.894+08:00When the water broke<div style="text-align: center;">
April 1st 2016..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a fine Friday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The weather was at its best, not so cold and yet not so warm, just enough to elaborate the kindness of spring would bring. In addition to that, the long awaited sakura was in the full bloom (mangkai). Unlike last year which witnessed quite a rainy sakura season, this year's mangkai was accompanied a much friendlier weather. Like the rest of the population, I have the same idea in mind, i.e. going for hanami on the next day, which happened to be Saturday. I can't explain more of the strategic time the sakura got mangkai. It was almost sure that everyone of us will be able to experience a nice hanami with our families and loved ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, it happened that on that particular week, I decided to start my maternity leave, although I was really 50-50 about it. On Monday until Wednesday, I was full dressed for work before I decided not to go because dressing up itself drained me of the energy of the day. At the end, I stayed in, in full dress, watching the TV while counting the minutes 'A' is back from work. Meanwhile, 'A' was very happy every time I told him I didn't go to work. He was so worried of the possibilities I will go to labor while at work. That Friday too, I was at home, sleeping most of the morning. Then I filled my time planning for the next day hanami (sakura viewing while having picnic). I was so ready to go all out for hanami this time because of the great weather and just the right amount of sun. I tried on a few dresses while imagining how I wanted to look like in a picture with sakura and me, pregnant. I tweeted about the activities and how happy I was to discover that I still can fit into my XS maxi dresses. But, at the end I decided not to dress in any maxi/gowns at all as that kind of dress will only exaggerated my pregger's body.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After deciding on what I would wear for hanami, I went out to buy some stuff for the picnic. On the way to the supermarket, I took photos of the sakura tree around our housing areas and tweeted it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp-qDGfSZJJtT_kHJSrtx4x53L2MFLDGc3JJ4v4OCDrdN3lOrtyK-dyuEMj9AP7_wM8qyK3qv13lwknwdtV-NnP75C79XwGTiIwVkoweGW-WVV-CLh_GqFKXGc-n4x1EKXS1rd_2MORTp/s1600/IMG_5373.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp-qDGfSZJJtT_kHJSrtx4x53L2MFLDGc3JJ4v4OCDrdN3lOrtyK-dyuEMj9AP7_wM8qyK3qv13lwknwdtV-NnP75C79XwGTiIwVkoweGW-WVV-CLh_GqFKXGc-n4x1EKXS1rd_2MORTp/s640/IMG_5373.PNG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was supposed to enter week 39 on that Saturday. Almost everyone told me I would probably exceeds 40 weeks given that it was my first time giving birth and because of the gender of my baby. Although I didn't want to believe that, but after so many people said it, it had set well in my mind. That's why both of us ('A' and me) was very slow in completing the baby's necessities and that includes the hospital bag. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While walking, suddenly I felt a gush of water coming down from down there. I convinced myself that I might peed myself again as I did the previous Sunday after sneezing. But this time, I was neither sneezing nor coughing. I stalled when I feel it at first. I continued walking and that time the water came out much more and I was convinced it wasn't from the bladder because I can't seem to able to control it. Then, I turn back trying to walk towards my house and oh my God, the water came out like its nobody's business. I walk as fast as I could (I was so huge, how fast could I go especially with water gushing out from under you like that). I searched for my phone and you know, at times like this our phones usually decided to sink deeper in the bag! arghh.. at that time I attracted dogs who happened to cross my path. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When finally I reached home, the keys decided to hide themselves and I happened to carry a lady Dior. That bag is so hard to fish out for things because of its firm body (double sigh). The water came out much more as I was standing still fishing for the keys. My pants and socks..soaked. I stepped into the house with trails of amniotic fluid following me. I was panicked and didn't know what to do. I panicked not because of the fact that it's amniotic fluid, but because I don't know how to manage the leaking water. I changed pants and wear an overnight pad, still it got soaked so fast until there's no pants left anymore. So, I was worried what to do if I don't have pants. What to wear to the hospital. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I called 'A' and he was so panicked although I told him I didn't feel any pain, yet. He arrived home in 10 minutes. Thank God his office is so close to home. While waiting for him, I try to grab all the necessities for the baby. I grabbed everything that crossed my mind, but still it wasn't complete. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was 6 o'clock when we left home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLr_hngBJ1cRgV1LTEGfB5SIrXFbtIQxCkme27RBO9RmTCQ0Akswlc-AESaLjd05YsVddgIUg46X1AVWtneHjC-CbZuNZ7nqkKBOxfWutrVQNhyphenhyphencfw6MU8PWtqbE1khLLTjiwz1ytz2VA/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLr_hngBJ1cRgV1LTEGfB5SIrXFbtIQxCkme27RBO9RmTCQ0Akswlc-AESaLjd05YsVddgIUg46X1AVWtneHjC-CbZuNZ7nqkKBOxfWutrVQNhyphenhyphencfw6MU8PWtqbE1khLLTjiwz1ytz2VA/s640/IMG_5116.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ride to the hospital -_-"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way to the hospital, 'A' called the hospital to tell them about our arrival. The midwife asked me about my condition whether I feel any pain and the color of the amniotic fluid. The admission people has already expecting us with all the documents necessary (it was amazing as it was only 15 minutes journey from home). We were told to go straight to the labor room where a midwife stood there, waiting for us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The midwife asked me to pee and immediately checking my opening. It was so difficult for me to do all these procedures because of every moves seems to accelerate the leakage. I think I used up the whole pack of overnight pads at this point. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, what was my condition at that time? My opening was still around 2cm (I was at 2cm from week 36). Then we were ushered to the labor room where we were told that we are going to stay until the baby comes out. It was 7 p.m. by then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*to be continued*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This post is getting longer, so I'm going to break the story into two parts. So, I'm going to stop the story of my April 1st of 2016 here. See you in the next episode where hopefully we are going to see the climax!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-75250592168780050452016-03-18T09:30:00.000+08:002016-03-18T09:30:29.843+08:00My home 'interior'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know if you notice..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Men, they never move on from their childhood. Their interest with toys seems to stay despite of the age, unlike us ladies, we move on. We don't play with dolls anymore as soon as we hit teenage years, am I right? The men, even they don't really play, but they seems to have this strong attachment to their toys that they tend to keep it until the things probably degraded due to nature course. haha. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My 'A' too is like those men I just described above. The fact that they still got excited over hot wheels and attempting to buy the models he could not afford when he was a kid, really did not bother me. I took it as 'A' is a person who had a great childhood given that everything he does can be associated with that time. For example, the time we need to decide on the car's plate number. He was so adamant to register the car as 87. When I ask what is the significance of that number? We weren't born in 87, or have anything to do with number 87. Apparently, 87 is the car's number that he rode to school when he was a kid -_-". I understand his attachment and envy at the abundant of good memories he had. But, I just could not accept the reason for once. It took him a long time to change his mind though -_-" And nope, our car's plate number isn't 87. Maybe for this one. For next, I'm not really sure -_-"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway, he is also a man with a lot of hobbies and interest. Now that we are living in a four season country, made the situation worse. Ask me why?? Of course he would do different things for different seasons. Didn't I tell you that he's so into sports? He didn't just watch sports, ok? He does it! So far all sports except sumo? haha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are currently entering the spring. But, a few months ago, these are what my house's interior looked like...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7oGx0tjw2cz7VwQZ7ZBolYtYnHbaP__v60bqdhj4QI-S74h3QRHMCNA2stdPC-gfWQj1oYumkvvtee1AxMibnL5iyjEg49j0BOLJxsqs32jiRtP4FFT3ufy66InsIISnaMf86Q8CIU5f/s1600/IMG_5043.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7oGx0tjw2cz7VwQZ7ZBolYtYnHbaP__v60bqdhj4QI-S74h3QRHMCNA2stdPC-gfWQj1oYumkvvtee1AxMibnL5iyjEg49j0BOLJxsqs32jiRtP4FFT3ufy66InsIISnaMf86Q8CIU5f/s400/IMG_5043.PNG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next to my kitchen counter. <br />Binder for snowboards. When I asked, "why you need two?" He answered, "in case one rosak". I know la one can rosak, but can he just bought another one when one actually is rosak?:/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws4dtPib6_IL2lF3ckXQIqc64rX8Xppa2cFqg22f_hfkU5AnK5UrPcRge8juC8nq0XSO6amBTgMg4ByYQYkJNrbH_3fkWSthjymcaZLweeJSahuQB2J4oWsujxYQUFbY63DRm7KJ0VpRo/s1600/IMG_5044.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws4dtPib6_IL2lF3ckXQIqc64rX8Xppa2cFqg22f_hfkU5AnK5UrPcRge8juC8nq0XSO6amBTgMg4ByYQYkJNrbH_3fkWSthjymcaZLweeJSahuQB2J4oWsujxYQUFbY63DRm7KJ0VpRo/s400/IMG_5044.PNG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boards. Yep, he got two boards too..for the same reason he got two binders. Btw, this is the entrance to the toilet. So mencabar to enter toilet for months -_-"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaBMpZCFf8p8ZPWwAxfhas5GYmEDt_WPmHbXE77oQxM7aFYEvo2kZkCetXLOhnRNoWgEapfvv3za3_419zZgZaLTtJpJB-FxYcAg5AnISNFDRH2ZzFQ0uph7PU3XISPSPXfY7y5ERXAAE/s1600/IMG_5045.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaBMpZCFf8p8ZPWwAxfhas5GYmEDt_WPmHbXE77oQxM7aFYEvo2kZkCetXLOhnRNoWgEapfvv3za3_419zZgZaLTtJpJB-FxYcAg5AnISNFDRH2ZzFQ0uph7PU3XISPSPXfY7y5ERXAAE/s400/IMG_5045.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to our house. You will be greeted by his recreational road-bike (he has another road-bike for everyday use and that is kept outside at the designated bicycle space). Please find the golf club, his snowboard's boots, and inside the umbrella's holder, there's a portable badminton net in a blue bag. yeah..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, although my house looks like that the whole winter, I'm glad that he knows how to enjoy life. I always told him to try as many things as possible while you are at it. But, he actually doing it, unlike me who just knows how to utter the words. I'd say he is the example to what we call 'living life to the fullest'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that he is about to be a daddy, I said 'ok' to every requests for his boy's time. I said yes to his hundreds of snowboard's trips ( #perksoflivinginHiroshima ), futsal, footballs, time-out with his colleagues until late at night, trips to watch live footballs and baseballs, etc. I said 'yes' even though I already booked him much earlier ( #wifemithali ). Our baby will be in full term (37 weeks) in a few days. Till then, I'd give him as much his-time as possible. After that, he needs to be a dad, and the luxury of time he is enjoying now will come again maybe in 20 years. haha. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-51272187528023060662016-03-17T13:56:00.001+08:002016-03-17T15:48:05.216+08:00Ika-pea<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been two days I've been craving ika-pea (squid-flavored peanuts). But, the one that I like is from Daiso. I didn't have time to go or have any encounter with Daiso, so, I told myself to be patient a bit until we can find the opportunity to get some.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, a miracle happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'A' arrived home much earlier than me. And I didn't even home late. So, imagine how early he was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, after I cooked and had our dinner, I asked him to go buy me some ika-pea given that how young they night still is. I didn't think I was too much as I rarely asked him to fulfill my pregnancy cravings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said he will go buy me some but he wanted to watch the TV first. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was so excited, I could feel crunchiness of the ika-pea in my mouth already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PPsR9rs1CmTE4Qn_vPVAPTmzNRjdzfzTiazy6Er_1lo96g_PAv5WRI5YjaaCm2WKizRj5PgFx_M9VJ0B46vwHWOpAYOIO0hQeCbhAZ6dyLUWepsgpBeREpCnTVSJqt3B80jxZdPwqk5c/s1600/IMG_5042.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PPsR9rs1CmTE4Qn_vPVAPTmzNRjdzfzTiazy6Er_1lo96g_PAv5WRI5YjaaCm2WKizRj5PgFx_M9VJ0B46vwHWOpAYOIO0hQeCbhAZ6dyLUWepsgpBeREpCnTVSJqt3B80jxZdPwqk5c/s400/IMG_5042.PNG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, he fell asleep. The thing with me is, I never would wake him up when I know he was tired from work just to ask him to buy me snacks. I know we are entitled to do so as a wife, pregnant and all. But, I never had the heart. Then I tell myself, "it's ok, the night is still young. He has two hours before the shop close". But, to my disappointment, he slept until late that night that I need to wake him up for Isya'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When he wake up, he realized that it's already midnight and his face was filled with guilt. I was controlling myself from crying for not be able to taste the salty and crunchy and addictive ika-pea that I was expecting to finally have it a few hours before. But he's lucky I didn't let my emotion took over my sanity. I know there'll be tomorrow and ika-pea is not worth a fight or emotional disturbance on my part. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I just go to sleep with a plan to stop by Daiso on the way to work tomorrow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because 'A' has already slept for hours, he stayed up that night. But, at 1am I was awaken by pain felt like the period cramp. I thought I was dreaming, but when I open my eyes I realized the pain is real and made me remember the dreadful monthly routine that I had to endure pre-pregnancy. While dealing with the pain, I heard 'A''s movement around the house. Then, at 2, he went out. I think he went out for about 20 minutes. I guessed he might do something with the car or he was fetching his bicycle which he left it at his office that evening. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, morning came. On the dining table I saw packs and packs of variety of nuts from 7-Eleven. Then I know where he went to at 2am that morning :) There's no ika-pea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
among the loots though. Coz 7E does not sell ika-pea. But, I still touched by his gesture :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you, sayang :') </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-58532091323603198982016-03-11T10:00:00.000+08:002016-03-11T13:13:51.120+08:00Maternity photoshoot<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't really have photos of my pregnant self by months or weeks like many others do especially when it's their first pregnancy. I don't know if I will ever regret that, I don't really know. But, I don't really have those. I took photos occasionally like days I wasn't pregnant. Like, when I meet people, on special occasion, etc. for the purpose of not recording my pregnant self. You know what I mean?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Family and friends, they did asked for the photos of me, pregnant. Maybe this is my first time and everyone is curious how this so-petite body can carry a child. hehe. So, I tried to selfie myself in front of the mirror, but I failed most of the time. After some training with my friend who is so good at taking pregnancy selfie, I managed to snap one or two but not suitable to share as I was wearing pyjama. lol xp. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then suddenly I'm at my third trimester and realized we have no proper photos or memorabilia of our pregnancy. I would probably don't think it as a big matter now, but I'm afraid I might regret it later. Who knows I wouldn't be given another (nauzubillah minzalik). I told my friend here that I don't have a single nice photo of me pregnant and she thinks I should take a few. She even went to the studio for it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told 'A' about my concern of us lacking pregnancy memorabilia. He's a guy, so of course he doesn't really know that it's a thing. But, he's fond of the idea and strongly think that we need that. Despite of my concern, I was so lazy to drag myself into doing this photoshoot. haha. I don't know why. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one Saturday, suddenly the weather was so nice that we can ditch those heavy winter coat and roam happily in the Japanese garden which happened to exist only 2 minutes away from our home. After much contemplation, 'A' finally succeeded to take me out of the house and finally getting our decent shoots as the first time parents :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnoSFutwRTwe8BeR5tAnBfsKKm1lkT45g4G6lNdDDPV-5qAldFNOl-lVhVPjuCS28zF-MoWVOOEYCokiM1jFTaLsfKbhKiEf26DsTU4lDtGRToMQ_Ln0mvSanGjF92_lmfepQXwbxKTAN/s1600/IMG_5023.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnoSFutwRTwe8BeR5tAnBfsKKm1lkT45g4G6lNdDDPV-5qAldFNOl-lVhVPjuCS28zF-MoWVOOEYCokiM1jFTaLsfKbhKiEf26DsTU4lDtGRToMQ_Ln0mvSanGjF92_lmfepQXwbxKTAN/s400/IMG_5023.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We often just pass by the garden, but this time we finally had the reason to stop by and enjoy every inch of the garden. So, from here you know that we didn't use any professional photographer. All tripod-assisted shoots. So jimat!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGJ0CHJ_Gh7ZREgSJ4JV5DFaYyU7mKPzcuKbIVrDfq-Cw5CJZAydYt80ZdXCwXmi4_HiIR-oESFQLbqej7RoETMPpjl0C5M2BBo484398wtupQmDuph9_liPLYRB1HZ8-tdXuoose87cu/s1600/IMG_5024.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGJ0CHJ_Gh7ZREgSJ4JV5DFaYyU7mKPzcuKbIVrDfq-Cw5CJZAydYt80ZdXCwXmi4_HiIR-oESFQLbqej7RoETMPpjl0C5M2BBo484398wtupQmDuph9_liPLYRB1HZ8-tdXuoose87cu/s400/IMG_5024.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#walrus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-53524523626300930732016-03-10T20:10:00.000+08:002016-03-10T20:17:19.613+08:00Aiskrim Biru<div style="text-align: center;">
Before I got married and move to Japan, I can swear to you I maybe eat ice cream in a frequency of em..3 times a year. The most I think. When I feel like eating ice-cream, I'll look for the high-end ones la because I rarely had them, right? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Call it fate, I got married to 'A' who eats ice cream like they are staple food. OMG! Really!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first few days being married to him, I was shocked how he can eat ice cream so much at a time. Despite of witnessing this bizarre (to me) talent of him, my likes towards ice cream still did not improved. So, this is one thing about married couple completing each other. One is an extreme ice cream consumer, and another is just so repulsive. It's good that we are now living in Japan. I think their sweets; i.e. ice cream, chocolates, are less sugary than ours in Malaysia. However, this opinion of mine still needs some back ups as I don't know whether that really is caused by the content itself or it's actually the palate given that the weathers are different. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Selection of supermarket ice creams in Japan is so banyak! Banyak sangat! haha. Really. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the simplest ones like matcha and red beans on stick to some complicated ones which consist of layers of fruits and chocolates. Among them, 'A''s favorite is this one simple stick ice cream which consisted of vanilla ice cream coated with blue soda, which I always call '<i>eskem biru</i>'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember I told him, "Among so many ice creams I see you eat, I hate this <i>eskem biru</i>. It's like so boring!Like tak ada makna." followed by me ranting about how he should choose ice cream (coming from some one who doesn't eat ice cream, I know).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's funny how the universe works some times. Now that I'm carrying his baby, my appetite has completely transformed to 'A''s! Currently, I'm the one who stock up '<i>eskem biru'</i>. Sometimes he doesn't even know that we have it in the house. A few times I was woken up by dreaming of eating <i>eskem biru</i>. So, I will go to the fridge and eat one. Yeah, that's how my addiction with eskem biru was, up until a few days ago that I got busted eating too much ice cream. The nurse who took care of my well being asked me to stop eating ice cream, snacks and cut my fruit intake *cries a river*. I think I was in my worst mood for two days due to withdrawal. I really suffered a lot for one, there are still plenty of <i>eskem biru</i> in the freezer and two, 'A''s chomping sound while eating the <i>eskem biru</i> is the new sound of nail screeching on the chalkboard to me. Suddenly the sounds of he's licking and sucking the ice cream is amplified for 100x. I really am going crazy that time, which was just a few days ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the way, due to rapid weight gain I'm having for these few weeks (only), I was strictly advised to stop taking all kinds of snacks, sweets or salty. I was so depressed leaving the hospital on that particular day thinking about my '<i>eskem biru</i>' that I just stocked up that morning. I could imagine the smell and the joy it brought when I had them while watching Pawn Stars. sigh... Goodbye <i>'eskem biru'</i> for now (3 months at least >,<).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlP8q8YXdZmKxSwTZaMvt0bE5ByxeaDiwikX5O3vHeboiX2TuLv-cJET0-gpT_P7os4Dq4XRU8Ety0AFU8KALF-ChY9jTsIvRady12cAR0iOrIBwUSj5aRj1Ao_bupFFIuaFike_eTaQG/s1600/IMG_5022.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlP8q8YXdZmKxSwTZaMvt0bE5ByxeaDiwikX5O3vHeboiX2TuLv-cJET0-gpT_P7os4Dq4XRU8Ety0AFU8KALF-ChY9jTsIvRady12cAR0iOrIBwUSj5aRj1Ao_bupFFIuaFike_eTaQG/s640/IMG_5022.PNG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the legendary 'eskem biru' that is now haunting me..I almost put a box in my shopping basket just now. Amazed at my own self-control which honestly, barely exist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-7738262274861879862016-03-08T20:04:00.000+08:002016-03-08T20:08:25.591+08:00Second Trimester<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's over already. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the sad thing about it is, I forgot most of the things I went through already. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally open my blog (while waiting for 'A' to pick me up because it's too cold outside for me to walk home). I clicked on the previous posts and..I like the feeling. Memories that I'll surely take for granted if I haven't written it down.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, this post will be written much slowly, as I'm trying to recall all the small, big things I went through when I was in my second trimester.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. The saying that second trimester is the <b><span style="color: #e06666;">time for us to enjoy</span></b> is very true. For yours truly, I felt like myself again on my 12 weeks, 1 day of pregnancy. Yes, the first day of the second trimester, I instantly felt like myself again. I regain my health and energy that I almost forgot how it feels like. I was so grateful. It's exactly like when you wake up, you became someone else. tsk..the power of hormone. But, unfortunately, not all mommies get to enjoy their second trimester well. Many around me were still experiencing pregnancy sickness such as nausea, lethargic, excess vomiting, etc. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">First kick</span></b> was felt when I was at 18 weeks. I was praying, and when I perform rukuk, I felt a strong kick to my diaphragm. It was very strong that I moved a bit. haha..I remember I was waiting for the kick because everyone around me was asking if I could feel it. I was so relieved to finally feel it. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. At 18 weeks, the doctor could <b><span style="color: #e06666;">see the face of my baby</span></b> and said to me (without hesitation) that the baby will look like the father. And I said (in my mind), that it is still too early. Maybe it will change. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
It does not, people. The baby still is looking like daddy till date :/ Oh, and the gender was discovered at week-18 also. And it doesn't change until today. haha xp. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. Apparently, baby will not just looking like daddy, he/she has appetite like daddy also. I've been eating like 'A'. Symptoms of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">transforming to 'A'</span></b> started off at the second trimester and getting more pronounced now that I am at my third trimester. For example, ice creams and chips. I don't eat these two. Ice cream? I hardly eat them. When I got married with 'ice-cream ghost' (direct translation for hantu aiskrim), only I familiarize myself with ice-cream. But usually I could only eat one or two spoons, the most. But, this pregnancy changes me. I'm the one who is stocking up ice cream and we had a hard time with sharing. There can't be two 'ice-cream ghost' in a house I guess. But, 'A' might as well prepare for that in a few years!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Weight gain</span></b> wasn't an issue during this time. I hardly gain any. Maybe because I became myself again. My 'original-self' is someone who doesn't eat in a large portion. Instead, I used to eat many times, but in small quantity. I can't say if it is self-taught, but that's who I am. I gained a lot during my first trimester and now that I'm at my third trimester. During the first trimester, the hunger I felt was so out of control. So, I ate a lot of times of nasi berlauk and snacks. I carried so many kinds of snacks in my bags but baby doesn't like snacks. He/she only wants fine dining T_T Now at third trimester, I still feels like myself but the weight gain is so rapid that I have no idea where they came from. can anybody explain this >,<</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6. One of the thing I was worried when I got pregnant abroad is <b><span style="color: #e06666;">food cravings</span></b>. But, so far, alhamdulillah..I didn't experience any food cravings that are impossible to get. Among the food that I craved for were lychees and fruit cake. I freaked out when suddenly I really wanted lychees. Because lychee is not a common fruits in here. But, luckily canned lychees are usually as good as the fresh ones and my baby (and myself) seems to tolerate it well. So, I think I ate about 10 canned lychees until my cravings satisfied. There's one can left at home and it's been months there. I didn't attract me anymore as the craving isn't there anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wardrobe malfunction</span></b> started and it was no joke. I can't remember when was the last time I had to shop for attired because of needs. Usually, I shop for attire because of wants or because I like it. But this time, I shop because I had to. For comfort. Especially all the undies and all. Many of my friend survived with their pre-pregnancy undies, which I find it awesome. I looked for maternity undies and pants when I was in my 6th months I think. During that time, my belly wasn't that big that I need maternity pants. But, when I tried them on (despite of how ugly they are when hanged), I felt so relieved at the belly part. So, I just grab a few and practically live inside it till today. Only at 30weeks plus the maternity pants really fits me well though. Before that they were slightly loose but it's okay. As for the top, not much problem except if they have very precise cutting on your body. But, at the second trimester, I don't think you'll have any problem fitting in. Now at 36 weeks, I finally found myself needing to put a lot of effort to fit in into my tops except the loose ones. So, I guess saber jela for a few more weeks wearing the same loose tops I have in my wardrobe. And of course, juba and abayas would be the best to save the day. Unfortunately, it is cold now, thus pants and tops.<br />
<br />
8. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Pregnancy brain</span></b>. I think I experienced pregnancy brain at the slightest maybe. I think this progesterone made me lost for words so many times. The frequency is too much even I noticed it. Well, it's maybe just me getting old though.</div>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-32191768600024512852015-11-09T16:43:00.000+08:002015-11-09T16:43:24.145+08:00False alarm<div style="text-align: center;">
I used to love the Big Bang Theory TV series. But, my like towards the show slowly faded at season 6 until now I'm not sure how many season there are anymore. Starting at season 7, it was very hard for me to really laugh at their trying-too-hard jokes. But, episodes from season 1 to 5 are still on re-run on my iPad whenever I feel like laughing. hehe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just last week, I experienced something new which I wasn't sure whether it was caused by pregnancy. The day was Tuesday. While I was getting ready to go to work, I did my usual stuff like going to the toilet first to do all the businesses necessary before I enter the bathroom. As I seated with a Running Man episode played on my iPad, I feel pain at my abdomen which I wasn't sure whether it came from the stomach or the uterus part. I thought that was just a terrible case of 'gas stuck in my gut. But, the pain got more excruciating as I was trying to calm myself. A few minutes later, I feel like vomiting. The pain made it difficult for me to move. I started to talk to the baby, I hope it wasn't related to him/her or any condition that might affect him/her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, I crawled my way to the bed and look for phone. I was so close to call an ambulance. I dialed 'A's number which I rarely do. I always avoided to disturb him at work. But he didn't read messages, so I had to ring him this time. Luckily he picked up, and I told him '<i>I have pain at my belly and I'm worried that it might be the baby</i>'. I even consider appendicitis but was too in pain to really read about it further. At first 'A' was skeptical because he thought I might just have stomach pain because I tend to eat various things in the morning since the pregnancy. lol xp. But, when I mentioned the baby, he got paranoid and reached home about one hour later. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I fell asleep while waiting for him to arrive. I woke up when I heard someone opened the door. When I saw 'A', suddenly the pain was not there anymore and I was feeling very healthy, healthier than 1 hour ago. ahaha xp But too late, 'A' has arranged appointment with the doctor and not intend to cancel it. I understand how difficult it is to push an emergency case at the gynea. I just went ahead with the appointment and of course baby and mummy are healthy. Alhamdulillah.. The doctor must feel annoyed entertaining the two paranoid parents.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This story is just a bad example of a person who knows too much, thinks too much and a bad gassy reaction. Now I understand how Sheldon feels...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b6OdRibBSPo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b6OdRibBSPo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must have definitely eaten something too gassy. Sorry guys, this gassy occurrences are too new to me. I wasn't a gassy person pre-pregnancy. But, anything for you dear my baby :)</div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" src="" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-17454976076461478632015-11-07T09:00:00.000+08:002015-11-07T09:00:02.360+08:00Pregnancy in Japan-the early phase<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to pen down this one. I believe, this will be the experience of a lifetime :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I should write it before I forgot everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the UPT test, we tried not to bring the issue out all the time. It's like both of us keep it low even among ourselves. 'A' especially was very calm in receiving the news, unlike what we always see in the TV. I think he tried to not be too happy in front of me, so that I won't feel the pressure. You know, the pressure for the fact that he has been longing to be a daddy for so long but won't talk about it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started doing some reading here and there. My sources are my friends who have been through the experience and wrote it somewhere (blog, Facebook, etc). Different people experienced it differently. Some only go to the doctor only when they have reached 8 to 10 weeks. It's either because of policy or it's just them. So, I thought, I would probably go at week 8 then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, I was so rajin google about pregnancy in Japan. The steps I have to take as soon as I have my UPT positive. Apparently, in Japan you need to go to the doctor as soon as you get positive UPT. In here, it is very important to have prenatal care as early as possible. I showed that article to 'A' and he paranoid like always (when it comes about me), tried to search for a good gynea (can speak english and easy access. It is a plus if it's a woman). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was at week 3 when we had our first appointment. The doctor did the ultrasound to validate the UPT test and immediately we could see the gestational sac :) It was the moment of truth and 'A' is more convinced and was showing more emotion than before. While I, was over the moon. I forgot every questions I wanted to ask the doctor. Everything was forgotten. It was a very nice timing as the next day we were schedule for flight back to KL to celebrate Syawal, the remaining of it as it was the last week of Syawal. So, we managed to share the news with our close family members.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6zEgWd7U3lORk0UrYQPThE3gQ2XRlLZuIq15TFJLPFnmv4Yzkv8S-E59G0akkLx95Xn5JJWNe29quXYtmyq6z1mpa-LelmSu2qh3rDmM88G3EH1oHgPWdeAzleC47NavM8Ds_IbFlEjh/s1600/IMG_4179.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6zEgWd7U3lORk0UrYQPThE3gQ2XRlLZuIq15TFJLPFnmv4Yzkv8S-E59G0akkLx95Xn5JJWNe29quXYtmyq6z1mpa-LelmSu2qh3rDmM88G3EH1oHgPWdeAzleC47NavM8Ds_IbFlEjh/s400/IMG_4179.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just want a nice small album to keep the ultrasound photo. But, 'A' had a better idea. He said he had eyed this maternity album for so long. I didn't know they even make this. It's so cute inside!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The doctor asked us to come again at 8 weeks to check for the heartbeat. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At week 8, we went for another check-up. I was even more relieved to know that our baby survived and I saw the beating of his/her heart from the ultrasound. This check confirmed my pregnancy and the doctor asked us to report my pregnancy to the city hall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the city hall, we were called into a counseling room where she asked me about myself and how do I feel of this pregnancy. Do I feel sad or happy, etc. Following that, she briefly explain to us what we have to do each months, the classes I need to follow, the vouchers I need to use, a lot more! I couldn't digest all. Too many informations! At the end, we were given a bag of books and pamphlets to study. Sigh..I was still at my first trimester then, I was tired all the time, so I'd say my acceptance to the information was only about 5%. So now, I just asked around the previous mummies of what to do. 'A' is just too busy studying baby gadgets >,<</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSGKOXRgcs4G3a-4JYbWlEGznmFl55wAfXH9y-IRf-DiuUld3bcwyUddSe1zSb9fSI0dX1UnpRMrGszAChgQftSoQWQH1qLD4Fny_8yCMHBvam4R9AsrTEP3J5TMWIbQobi7cYBpRro_J/s1600/IMG_4178.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSGKOXRgcs4G3a-4JYbWlEGznmFl55wAfXH9y-IRf-DiuUld3bcwyUddSe1zSb9fSI0dX1UnpRMrGszAChgQftSoQWQH1qLD4Fny_8yCMHBvam4R9AsrTEP3J5TMWIbQobi7cYBpRro_J/s400/IMG_4178.PNG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books and pamphlets for mummy and daddy to study. There are bag's tag for mummy so people would know that I'm pregnant. Also a number of vouchers to be used for mummy and baby until the baby is 1 year old. So, during the pregnancy and 1 year post-pregnancy, all the compulsory check up will be covered by the government.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's it so far, I will update more on the milestones slowly of my journey. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" src="" style="display: none;" /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-11982418013465218662015-11-06T10:00:00.000+08:002015-11-06T10:00:04.231+08:00Announcing pregnancy<div style="text-align: center;">
Actually, I don't plan to 'announce' my pregnancy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For me the season for me to join the excited mummy club has passed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most my friends I think has passed that stage. You know, the stage where pregnancy is a big deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's true in a way. The tone down feeling does not just come because everybody has passed it, but age may also be the factor. Coming from me alone, I wasn't that ecstatic that I want to shout it to the world that I'm pregnant like I have seen for years among my friends and keep wondering when will be my turn? I was instead, extremely thankful and filled with all the worries, you couldn't imagine. So, my acceptance towards my pregnancy news is more to relieved than ecstatic (or too ecstatic that I felt numb?). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To me, at an advance age like this friends has shifted to other excitement, that is sending their kids to school. So, everybody is more interested at that rather than announcement that someone just got pregnant. Not a hot news anymore. haha. But, it's ok. I'm not one who succumbs into social pressure. People are gifted with different rizq at different time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, I was thinking to just update my Facebook and instagram like usual without creating suspicion. I keep telling myself, I'm nobody so, it's not a big deal that I announce or not. I managed to do that...for 2 months only. sigh...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's all started with my sharing of an article entitled 'Pregnancy in Japan'. This article is just a simple write up on the differences of pregnancy in Japan and other countries, at the surface. That's all. Just a few seconds after, that shared post got a lot of likes and followed by congratulatory wishes, private and non-private. Sigh...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I couldn't imagine my feeling if I wasn't even pregnant and my sharing is just for the sake of sharing. How would I feel? Lucky for them, I'm actually really pregnant. As soon I realized what's going on, I changed the view setting to close friends only. That helped stop the spreading for a while. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnHXrx0yp_b_s-uScL6C0Cmoo061JRzKJymODE1mSgMn1j5mD4958MBzRbCyfroIf15AuMYm0mKfd9i9nzfjygA1sQIwPtb9rbSmgaXqYy78PqrqUDZHwKQ9UsHpsGwvjPEe1REAu1i-g/s1600/IMG_4167.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnHXrx0yp_b_s-uScL6C0Cmoo061JRzKJymODE1mSgMn1j5mD4958MBzRbCyfroIf15AuMYm0mKfd9i9nzfjygA1sQIwPtb9rbSmgaXqYy78PqrqUDZHwKQ9UsHpsGwvjPEe1REAu1i-g/s400/IMG_4167.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then at night my husband was telling me that something weird has happened. His phone was loaded with congratulatory wishes. Bahaha xp. So, this has also affected him (he rarely checked Facebook. Mine or his). So, I told him what happened and of course the blame is on me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next day, I try to rectify the situation by posting a status that I considered ambiguous (to me.lol xp). And situation did not get any better. That has only make people even more suspicious and the congratulatory wishes pour in much more than the day before. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, when I look at the messages it made me realized, these people actually made du'a for me and the baby:')Alhamdulillah..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know what is the big deal for me to hide it. I hope all of their du'a is granted and returned to them back.</div>
<i class="_4-k1 img sp_fM-mz8spZ1b sx_f1b071" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yx/r/pimRBh7B6ER.png); background-position: 0px -391px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #141823; display: inline-block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; line-height: 19px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">tongue emotico<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></u></i><i class="_4-k1 img sp_fM-mz8spZ1b sx_5371b4" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yx/r/pimRBh7B6ER.png); background-position: 0px -340px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #141823; display: inline-block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; line-height: 19px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">smile emoticon</u></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" src="" style="display: none;" /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-73110754400613611422015-11-05T11:57:00.004+08:002015-11-05T11:58:37.347+08:00October 31st 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
While others were busy celebrating halloween (the one festivity with vague purpose), I'm busy replying all the warm wishes that came into may way through various channels.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was my birthday :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9q7SbKbbr8csLG91-HOT_rqbce0-VT4VCP6CN3y_w5lrlbX44sjxzBPepuJ5gUv4hQ9e3ZNa71pM0PjXcTL0bkthbYdK08cbupKvVB3RNUaFWPdrh8tgaLP5UEMpdViJyX7Wz13VcS8S/s1600/IMG_4150.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9q7SbKbbr8csLG91-HOT_rqbce0-VT4VCP6CN3y_w5lrlbX44sjxzBPepuJ5gUv4hQ9e3ZNa71pM0PjXcTL0bkthbYdK08cbupKvVB3RNUaFWPdrh8tgaLP5UEMpdViJyX7Wz13VcS8S/s640/IMG_4150.PNG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy replying all the whatsapp messages. Until today I still hasn't replied the birthday messages in FB. Sigh.. I hope they know that I read them and they do made my day. It may not be a big thing for some of you, but hey, they made time to wish us!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrrtB42jQjsFogtxb6R79Lit3135gJh3L_XaeWyea3fn4jSrURE1mR-zZNBcryDjakPXqh1SWfQNW3UBPawfPORLyKvjCR4CTxSXxlhZsfEsZjD98tN-bPinkKyZFJiLLGAHfFxGkLV3r/s1600/IMG_4152.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrrtB42jQjsFogtxb6R79Lit3135gJh3L_XaeWyea3fn4jSrURE1mR-zZNBcryDjakPXqh1SWfQNW3UBPawfPORLyKvjCR4CTxSXxlhZsfEsZjD98tN-bPinkKyZFJiLLGAHfFxGkLV3r/s640/IMG_4152.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because the birthday girl loves breakfast, so it's just right to give her a nice breakfast at the place that serves her favorite yuzu tea :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx9e2jzRQipGZAgFrniYB1OTZ-Yd4g-_Wxh97haD903Km7N13bR4a-Q2xxaG12XnSU0vlPu2aDWzBDiHN0j0HyycZuY2KQ4WyCWaDF4c8uzUDrr8Tg47AMEb7nMt3fHRZ7NiLVuQapHko/s1600/IMG_4153.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx9e2jzRQipGZAgFrniYB1OTZ-Yd4g-_Wxh97haD903Km7N13bR4a-Q2xxaG12XnSU0vlPu2aDWzBDiHN0j0HyycZuY2KQ4WyCWaDF4c8uzUDrr8Tg47AMEb7nMt3fHRZ7NiLVuQapHko/s400/IMG_4153.PNG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cafe is located next to this scene :) the weather was great, the people that greeted me was very kind and lively. It was such a perfect beginning of October 31st :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, I lied. My birthday was celebrated much earlier than this. As the clock struck 12!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6uu1hEOkdyFPMojFcMRmERyPVxK9RQCKlwmsY7DgXxSWN_5p2ZsSjta6xceRh_Vb_BDSYN0bUxCOflhIW1VknhKr62egOezGwUy-wSVFQn4yvE7Fg3d5BgWEK8ts3oygoXFSPnqIB_Ic/s1600/IMG_4165.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6uu1hEOkdyFPMojFcMRmERyPVxK9RQCKlwmsY7DgXxSWN_5p2ZsSjta6xceRh_Vb_BDSYN0bUxCOflhIW1VknhKr62egOezGwUy-wSVFQn4yvE7Fg3d5BgWEK8ts3oygoXFSPnqIB_Ic/s400/IMG_4165.PNG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'A' presented me the birthday (cup)cake while hiding his face (and the cake) behind the door. He was too ashamed of his cake. I had to fight him to get a closer look at the cake. At the end he fell asleep while trying to hold me down so that I wouldn't get close to the 'cake'. So, that's when I snap this photo :D <br />He is a bad cook, so, of course he will have no idea how cake is made. ahaha xp. But, I'm ok. I love chiffon cake anyway:) The thought that counts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, most of the night I was busy chatting away with my friends who made time to wish me the best of birthday ahead. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can't thank you enough for your wishes and of course your du'a is one of the priceless birthday gift to me. May Allah bless.</div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" src="" style="display: none;" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-91120357960125940842015-10-30T13:08:00.001+08:002015-10-30T13:08:42.569+08:00WTF<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you read the book WTF 23 properties by 30, by Mr. Faizul Ridzuan?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like to read, but my choice of book is so complicated. So, when my SIL told me about the book, I instantly became interested. She told me about small tricks that's applicable by practically everyone. I was amused!So, I borrowed the book from her, and decided to finish reading it on the plane home to Japan.I plan to make 'A' read it too as he is now into property, but having totally zero knowledge about it. I think the book will be a good start. Also, he has been telling me that he wanted to start reading. I think he never read a book except our holy book.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, after finished reading the book, I was impressed by the author's achievements. Of course la kan. For me, to get into his level does not just involve a lot of research and brains, but also a lot of sacrifices. Good thing for Mr Faizul, he is focus and has only one thing in mind, i.e property.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Basically, the formula that he adopted is, use the money you have to make more money. Like when finally have RM50k, you can't use the money to buy whatever you have in mind, but instead you roll the money to get another 50k. For him is buying properties. But for many others could be gold, fashion, etc. I guess you get the drill. But for many of us, we like to buy for satisfaction. It will be unfortunate if the satisfaction factor involved things that degrade in price, like cars and...handbags!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been months, but 'A' still hasn't open the book. But I think he already know what's in it, because when I read, I will cite everything that I found interesting, that is most of the pages. lol xp. So, it is okay if he doesn't read it first hand. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, it's been years 'A' contemplating to buy car for him to bring back to Malaysia. You know each of us is given an AP to bring back a car. So, we must use this once in a lifetime AP to a good use. Must buy the nicest car (i.e. economical) and oh boy, it's so hard to decide. What's hard about it you ask? The Japan's prices are very affordable. That's why many of us buy car using cash. Rarely you heard people buy car using loans. The dilemma came when dealing with Malaysia's custom tax later. It could reach 200% worth of tax if we buy the most recent car. But, it was so stressful to see these new cars with such an affordable price but had to forget about it when thinking about how awful the tax later. Could be higher than the car's price! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'A' is very passionate about cars. That could be the main factor for him to be an engineer in that department. He has been stressing about what car to buy to bring back home. If can, we want to reduce the number of potential loans we might need to have when we settle in Malaysia. Now, we only have house loan, and that already made us uncomfortable. I can't imagine people having house loans, car loans, etc. But, I know, it is how many of us live. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, I've been telling 'A' not to use all the saving he has for one car. Then I cite the book (WTF) about using the money we have, into making more money. Spending most of the saving for one car, to me, doesn't sounds like the correct move. Now, I understand why people take loans for a car. haha. So, they won't need to use all the cash they have. So, the cash they have can be used to make more cash. Hmm, now I'm not sure anymore which one is better. I wish I could forget that loans are debt. If I can do that, maybe I can adopt the same formula as the book. But it's business kan, must have its risk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I keep reminding 'A' about the tips in WTF book, and choose cheaper car (which is of course not so economical and will be a waste of AP). He always disagrees and said "I can't follow him, because he doesn't like cars". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Err...yes, the author doesn't like car. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, different people have different priorities huh!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" src="" /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-73242863664414648712015-10-27T14:30:00.000+08:002015-10-27T14:30:07.182+08:00Week 13-the beginning of bad dreams series<div style="text-align: center;">
When I'm writing this entry, I was at week 13 of pregnancy. Just finished my first trimester. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, I noticed that I dreamt more frequently than I used to. I rarely had dreams. I guess that's the result of mind training and I don't like dreams. They made me scared of going to bed although when I was made to recall, the dreams did not have any scary element at all. I don't know why. I remember as a child, I would refused to go to bed at night as I scared of dreams. Of course I can't tell anybody that time as who would understand me?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, the dreams I had felt more real that it always made me woke up in the middle of the night either with bad feelings or a very loud thumping of my own heart. It was the loudest I have ever had that it almost burst our of my chest. I was worried for my baby, and I quickly composed myself together and told myself it was all a dream. I was fine seconds after.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In other dreams, I kept telling myself in that dream that it was all a dream, and I don't have to feel sad or scared. It works. I guess if I live in the divergent movie's era, I must probably the divergent. haha.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one time, I had a dream that I rescued a dog and I wanted to keep it. But, knowing our community, it is not an option. When the neighborhood know that I keep the dog in my home, they went into my home and take the dog away. I remember I was heartbroken I trying to tell myself, this all must be a dream. Wake up. I did wake up, but when I wake up, I wanted to be in the dream again. I need to save the dog. I managed to get into the same dream and tell the dog I will look after him, even if its just in the dream. Then I remember I made du'a that Allah would allow me take care of the dog even if it's just in my dream. Then I woke up, still with sad feeling remains inside of me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not like I never have dreams before, but dreams that happened lately feels so real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One night I went to sleep with throbbing headache. I rarely have headache. Whenever I have it, it is usually unbearable for me. Usually, sleep it off would help. In the state I am in now, more the reason I avoid any drugs. That night I got a dream where my house was broken into. Tried to escape to the nearest petrol station but the burglar managed to chase me and trying catch me at the petrol station. Then I woke up. The chasing has made my heart beat really fast that I can hear it. My headache was still there when I woke up. The strong beating of the heart has made the headache worse that throbbing made sounds. All I can think of was my baby. Is she/he alright? Because the pumping of the blood felt like my head is going to burst. I tried not to think of all the bad consequences. I hope it wasn't that serious. I tried to compose myself and sleep again. See, the story wasn't that scary but since it felt so real, it affected my emotion while I sleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, one of these days, I made time to read about pregnancy at week 13. Then, I was greeted with 'are you having bad dreams?'. Oh my god..it's like they knew what is happening to me. Apparently, starting of week 13, I will experience more of bad dreams due to progesterone. Unfortunately, progesterone will mess with your sleep by giving you bad dreams. After I read that, I tried to have control over my mind, telling myself not dream. lol xp. Oh, I haven't had any bad dreams ever since I read about the revelations. Hopefully, this stays for a very long time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hate bad dreams!</div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" src="" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-58815232747745534232015-10-22T15:54:00.000+08:002015-10-22T15:56:57.706+08:00'A' is 31<div style="text-align: center;">
'A' has turned 31 last weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'm so glad that he's finally gonna be a father (inshaAllah). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I feel sorry for him when he hang out with his gang with only he with no kids. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although I know he was okay, we are okay, but kids surely made us happier, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So again, I was facing with the same problem, what to get him for his birthday????</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not so often I get him anything. Er no, I think I rarely get him anything using my own money. heh! So, on his birthday I make it a mission to get him something good, something really special.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course at times, I would tell him this one problem of mine which never seemed to get solved. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What to get him for a present? So far, I failed miserably. These few years, he really being honest by telling me what he wanted and I know he wasn't kidding because I knew he was eyeing for them. The things are like a Mercedes GLA (or at least a C-class), a markII camera (he even offered to pay half of it), a Panerai (he said at least an Omega), or Rolex (he even accepted the preloved ones). So, if you are me, would you even consider them? Me? Not a chance. Anyway, why is men's toy is getting expensive by age? geez..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, he can keep on dreaming I would really buy those for him, or even consider any of it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since we are abroad with scarce number of Malaysians, we have only each other. I made it a mission to make his special day, a special one! I know I couldn't do much, but at least I made him know that someone in this world really adores him. That he has affected this particular person in many ways. If he couldn't realized that he's made this world a better place, I want him to know that at least he has changed the world of this one person to the better. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It sounds like I threw him a headline's worthy party, isn't it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, I just make sure that I made him a cake and buy him present. A present that would signify he's turning 31, also at the same time letting him know that I love him and that he deserved something good for himself, at least on his birthday :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like it that people wish me as early as possible on my birthday. So, of course I would do that for him! When the clock struck 12, I took out the cake that I made in front of him (it's a Japanese house, how could you not see what each other's doing all the time), and lighted the candle. The thing was, he's already fast asleep at that time. And oh boy, it was so difficult to make him get up and blow the candles T_T</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i-lLPfzeEQNEEquIVZ_cvdvQma3DxCQPagOKmVe3XOWLoBR_HLChsRvbynAb3Bb0iLN1d2DhSHuhM6j-i8NH1Cvcb0UUVrPfhPRtP4IGgD2HoIYR2DnQVCjaAN4TbKbpEmKuTA9OwjlH/s1600/IMG_3999.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i-lLPfzeEQNEEquIVZ_cvdvQma3DxCQPagOKmVe3XOWLoBR_HLChsRvbynAb3Bb0iLN1d2DhSHuhM6j-i8NH1Cvcb0UUVrPfhPRtP4IGgD2HoIYR2DnQVCjaAN4TbKbpEmKuTA9OwjlH/s640/IMG_3999.PNG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a red velvet cake. Of course because it is one of the easiest and sexiest cake there is. haha. <br />
Oh, look at all the melted candles. By the time he wake up, tinggal lidi je T__T </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When asked what's the special food he wanted on his birthday? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The answer was..chicken nuggets. So, he had chicken nuggets all day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85t_zExJw6YiRWMVdMReQW5DZJNM34Y9uweaJDA4A2Sm3WBkqQGcWKwu6WoSX-0pwWi8wLrgHAq3iBhqAgX1rNaOYA5AGKyTuzJMH_Eql9Rkc_qSZ_AD8IIEuAkH6iYS8FDxeXL1CET_q/s1600/IMG_4001.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85t_zExJw6YiRWMVdMReQW5DZJNM34Y9uweaJDA4A2Sm3WBkqQGcWKwu6WoSX-0pwWi8wLrgHAq3iBhqAgX1rNaOYA5AGKyTuzJMH_Eql9Rkc_qSZ_AD8IIEuAkH6iYS8FDxeXL1CET_q/s640/IMG_4001.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brought him to dinner by the river :) We didn't order much because his tummy was still full with chicken nuggets. What a waste of seats, the waitress must have thought. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-p43lYR7jZyHIG8UdECftRSmtxj2TAL49HV6gGPkaBcrUhFVTNrv2n3as3jls3kK_VQTGPJVNJoo-aBYApjUs4rNoAhwnK5Rl0MoxcAbPSe1EjeZr3IBOeWChAngMD85vJqd9klrIzbNI/s1600/IMG_4002.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-p43lYR7jZyHIG8UdECftRSmtxj2TAL49HV6gGPkaBcrUhFVTNrv2n3as3jls3kK_VQTGPJVNJoo-aBYApjUs4rNoAhwnK5Rl0MoxcAbPSe1EjeZr3IBOeWChAngMD85vJqd9klrIzbNI/s640/IMG_4002.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday, dear my greatest blessing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div id="UMS_TOOLTIP" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: pointer; left: -100000px; position: absolute; text-align: justify; top: -100000px; z-index: 2147483647;">
<img class="UMSRatingIcon" id="ums_img_tooltip" src="" style="display: none;" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-35757879486890902772015-10-20T09:00:00.000+08:002015-10-20T09:00:03.454+08:00First Trimester<div style="text-align: center;">
Before, I've never really paid attention when women are talking about their first trimester symptoms. But, I somehow get it and never understood it. Part of me believed in them, and part of me was asking, "how come?" "is it that terrible?" "they kind of lose who they are. Is it real or it was just in their minds?" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, my time has came. And girls...it was that terrible. Although the process was torturing, but you can't really complained as you know, that's just the smallest kind of sacrifice you need to endure for the little miracle inside your womb. Now I know why my friends never said negatively about their first trimester experience. Strong woman they ae.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me? sigh...I tried guys. When I told my mom about my experience, I got something like this "Yeah...because you are too old already." -_-" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Geez...thanks mom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, only when I experiencing this, I started to ask around. And the result was, my experience was not as severe as most of my friends. The worst I heard some have them have endured;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>i. <i>Bedridden</i></b> - and no, not because they are older, ok. In fact, I heard this from younger moms.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>ii. <i>Excessive vomiting</i></b> - I can't remember when was the last time I vomit. Really. Maybe when I was 22, a day before I sat for my final papers due to food poisoning. That time, I felt really tested. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>iii. <i>Can't smell food, hence can't get near kitchen, hence can't cook</i> </b>- I heard this so many times from my friends in here. While the wife is dealing with the first trimester, the husband will take over the cooking duty. That means, the husband needs to cook before leaving for work, and when they return home. Tough for both parties. I shudder to the possibility I might be experiencing the same thing as this symptoms is quite famous around me. Because..I can't eat my husband's cook..His cooking is just out of this world #sorrysayang.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>iv. </b><i><b>Can't smell food, hence can't eat, but you are hungry</b> </i>- I also hear this a lot. My very good friend who has just discovered that she's pregnant experienced this one. She can't smell food, but keeps feeling hungry and keeps vomiting her gut out! So, most of the times only water comes out of her. It must be really painful. I pray that Allah s.w.t eases her pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, when I hear all of these, I feel very thankful that mine wasn't that severe and yet I felt like dying T_T So, here's the list of my symptoms:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>i.<i> Nausea</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>This is the earliest symptoms for me. It started at week 4, when I was convinced that I might be one of the lucky star who may not have noticeable first trimester syndromes. I was at Malaysia during this time, celebrating the remaining of Syawal. And suddenly, I was tired (like the body ache you usually feel when you are about the have a fever) and the thought of seafood will make me nauseated. It is so sudden, no warning whatsoever. The next day, it got very noticeable that I nauseated whenever the sun sets. I was so nauseated even I don't understand myself. I can't find the solution to it and that made me so frustrated. If I don't understand what's going on, how to manage the feeling, I can't make my partner understand and help me. So, I just close my mouth and sleep it of. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>ii. <i>Extreme tiredness</i> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is like body ache when you are having fever, but you don't have fever. All your joints, muscles feels like they are soaked with lactic acid during anaerobic respiration. I quickly google whether my condition is normal or it was just in my mind. I felt relieved to discover that it was normal for some woman to experience this. Phew....But, that was the toughest part for me, for someone living abroad in a non-muslim country. You see, I have to cook almost everyday. My husband brings bentou everyday and he usually come home very hungry. Looking at him eating dinner despite of how awful my cooking was is the highlight of my day. and of course..I can't eat his cookings. That's not an option. You must know that I also work with Japanese, which means longer working hour than we have in Malaysia. I have a flexible working hour, but usually the classes seminar will be held after working hour. I hope I can understand that too, but I don't. So, I need to stay until 8-9pm most of the days, and my nauseous was at its peak at these hours. I wanted to cry, but no use. I better accumulate any ATP left to walk back home (I can't ride bicycle as I am pregnant, remember? and I can't bring car as distance from home to university doesn't allow me to get a parking inside the campus. The minus point of working in the middle of the city). So, when I reach home, I need to push myself to do some cooking. It's not just for him, but for me and the baby. By that time usually I'll feel very hungry that the word hungry cannot explain it well anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>iii. Unexplainable state of hunger</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm serious guys. The hunger is something I never experienced before. I even woke up at 4am crying because I was too hungry. Then 'A' got me some cereal so that I can get back to sleep. And at 6am after fajr, I eat again. It gets more complicated for me because my baby doesn't seem to like snacks. He/She likes proper meal, hot food which is hard to get it in here except when I'm at home so that I can cook it myself. Seems like baby still didn't noticed that he/she is in Japan where we don't have food stalls every 10m T_T. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told my doctor about my nausea strike and she said that also means that I'm hungry. I was like...really??!! Usually when I feel nauseated, I just want to lie down and sleep it off. It is something that I don't know how to deal with to make myself feel better. It seems like nothing in my knowledge about myself can shoo that nausea away. Anyway, I tried the doctor's advice although it was such a torture to shove food into your mouth while you are nauseated. Turned out, the doctor was right. I feel better a moment after forced eating. But, I don't think this tips work to those who have excess vomiting. It works on me as I didn't experience vomiting. Alhamdulillah for that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>iv. Pelvic pain</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although I tried to cry whenever my symptoms got worse, I just can't. That means, I wasn't sad by it. But, I had pelvic pain a few times at around the time when the first trimester is about to come to an end. That one, I cried because my butt was in pain and I couldn't sleep or move freely and..'A' wasn't a good masseur. lol xp. After that one night that I cried to sleep with painful butt, the pain disappear the day after until now I haven't had any. Alhamdulillah. That just means my pelvis is preparing itself. It's ok. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>v. Food cravings</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Girls, the cravings for food that we always experience when we are in post-ovulation, is nothing compared to pregnancy cravings! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before I discover I was pregnant, maybe about the first week, I started to crave for fish eggs, specifically fried one that we always find in Malaysia. But, in here the closest I could get was roe. Before, I don't like anything associated with roe. But, that evening I called husband to come home early because I craved for roe. He felt weird at first because he knew I don't eat roe. haha. On the way home, I bought bean sprouts- the kind of vegetables I rarely cook. I just don't like bean sprouts. but that evening, I crave for bean sprouts with a lot of tofu. So, I think 3 days in a row, I keep wanting to eat roe, bean sprout and I drove miles to buy green beans for I craved for 'bubur kacang hijau'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the cravings afterwards usually came in my dream first. The dream was very real, thus is made me more frustrated when I wake up. The two things I could not realized for my baby are gardenia bread and peanut butter jelly, and 'gulai pisang muda'. That one, mummy cannot make, sayang T_T. And can you believe me, there are no peanut butter jelly in Japan T_T I told my friend about my cravings and dream and she said she also experienced the same thing. Phew....again. I'm not alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that the first trimester is over, the cravings also gone with the wind. Maybe there will be small cravings here and there, but I'm sure it will be much under control than the first trimester's one. That one, if can't get it, you'll feel like the world will be over. sigh..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>vi. Hormonal Acnes</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know, as a modern day mom, I have to download the pregnancy app into my phone. So, it was so exciting that changes that happened to myself is so accurate according to the app. One day, the app said 'by this time maybe you will notice acnes start to appear..' and when I look into the mirror..I saw acnes. arghhh...It was totally the pregnancy's acnes. The acnes still come and go on my face (now week 13) but I don't bother to give my worry to it. It will be no use as it is all part of the process. Don't want to waste my energy fighting the nature. I hope the acnes will subdues soon. but if it's not, I will endure it as long as the little miracle inside me can grow healthily. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
My pregnancy so far is a textbook pregnancy. I hope it stays that way so that everything is explained better for myself. As soon as week 12 is over, my old self appear again. Everything that I used to think, I used to like, habits instilled in me again like they have never lost before. It's very difficult to explain and it does sounds like myths. But, here I assure you that when your pregnant wife said they don't feel like themselves or even they don't say it but you feel that way, it is just the pregnancy. It will be over in three months so, in the mean time, be patient with each other and help each other keep the positive vibes around!<br />
<br />
Said the first-timer mom :p<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-4132091708105329822015-10-17T19:00:00.000+08:002015-10-20T09:24:36.191+08:00My TTC journey<div style="text-align: center;">
You know we are granted this miracle after only 5 years of marriage. No, I'm not complaining. I'm so blessed in other ways, waiting for a while is not a problem. The problem is the society we are living in. However, I'm one of the lucky person for Allah s.w.t sent me here as soon as I got married. He knows best that I may not be able to bear the pressure for what is coming in my way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, we were in long distance marriage for 3 consecutive years. It's not like once a week, but it had reached once every 3 months or so, due to 'A's commitment, and also mine. But I can't keep explaining this to everybody who are so caring asking us when we are going to have a baby. Because, even I myself know, despite of the distance, frequency of baby dancing may not be the factor. If it is written it's your rizq, distance and frequency is not the main factor. If it is the time, one time try also can be fruitful. So, that's why, the correct answer for all kind of questions which all means 'why I still haven't got any children' is, it's not the time yet. But you know, who would like to hear such a cliche answer. So, during this 5 years, I was very thankful for the location I am in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We finally live together like a married couple meant to be during our 4th year of marriage. After a month, I start to feel the pressure of wanting to get pregnant. I felt like I have too much love in me to give away. By that time I was convinced that 'A' feeling so rimas already with too much attention he was having :p<br />
<br />
The pressure, it comes very naturally although you try to take over your mind. I told 'A' that I might need help (although it's just a month we've been living together). I said, although it's still very new, but I want to show the Almighty my effort, my kesungguhan to get our own zuriat. 'A' understands or I shall say, in a situation where you wife is in that fragile state like that, a husband would usually just said 'yes, mam!'.haha. So, he looked for a good doctor around the city that can speak english and can accept my case. It was very difficult to get a slot apparently. I managed to get a slot a month after we called. Wow, right?! But again, if you weren't 'kibishi' (fussy) in choosing your doctor, there are plenty more with shorter waiting time. In this case, it wasn't me who was kibishi, 'A' was and always is >,<<br />
<br />
On the day of my first check-up, of course the doctor will interview me. It was easy for me as the doctor speaks english very well, so I don't need to choose my words wisely. But, since he is familiar with cases like mine, I wasn't made to tell much. Then he explained to me the list of check-up that he'll do to rule out my fertility problem.<br />
<br />
There are 5 areas that you will be examined:<br />
i. Blood test to check your hormone level (estrogen, progesterone, hypothalamus, pituitary)<br />
ii. Ultrasound-checking the ovaries for abnormalities.<br />
iii. X-ray to determine of any blockage in the fallopian tubes<br />
iv. Colposcopy - To examine you cervix condition<br />
v. Ultasound-checking your uterine lining<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlcJOQ1nZdb2QYTF-Oh47ff_ZLdtrBwVRy4266uNyHUtbAt-UU6ofE103NMSzfIOKyv1PX_10G5MhjnbWQz84Oit24YI-WklPuKZAwanFYfA62zEv5aHAmSzfMTq7VcH14W4jaxPFU-iQ/s1600/IMG_3921.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlcJOQ1nZdb2QYTF-Oh47ff_ZLdtrBwVRy4266uNyHUtbAt-UU6ofE103NMSzfIOKyv1PX_10G5MhjnbWQz84Oit24YI-WklPuKZAwanFYfA62zEv5aHAmSzfMTq7VcH14W4jaxPFU-iQ/s400/IMG_3921.PNG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The figure that the doctor used to explain to me of the procedures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All examinations were painless except the one that checks for blockage in your fallopian tube, in which the doctor will insert this blue liquid through your miss v, which feels so much like an intense period cramp. This liquid would travel through your fallopian tube. Subsequently, this blue liquid would be detected by the x-ray scanner. The doctor was aware that the procedure is painful for me, so he did that very quickly, so it was all good.<br />
<br />
I waited about half an hour to get all the results. Alhamdulillah, 'A' and me are healthy, which made us more puzzle of why it was difficult for us to conceive. The doctor could not do much as doctors here are mostly pro natural for everything. So, he never mentioned to us to try for artificial options such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilization). You have to listen to birth stories here, very scary but they believed it's all for the good of the mother post-delivery.<br />
<br />
So, there are three ways to assisted TTC:<br />
i. Timing method - the method recommended to us.<br />
ii. IUI<br />
iii. IVF<br />
All methods are covered by insurance (in Japan), but for IVF, only 10-20% of the cost will be covered (if you are eligible).<br />
<br />
<b><u>Timing method</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
So, we proceed with timing method. For about 7 months (before I quit), the doctor helped me monitor my ovulation, as he and us thought it was the timing that we got wrong all these time. So, by helping us deduce the ovulation time, it will increase our chance at conception. Some months, we missed the correct time, and some it was not successful for God knows why. Some months we knew we definitely missed it as I need to travel abroad without 'A'. Some months my period was just longer than usual and doctor had to prescribed me with hormone pills. So far, the pills didn't work on me. I think my body has this way of override it. Even if the doctor increased the dose, my period cycle was still not shortened. Besides helping me at stimulating ovulation (on cycle which I ovulated later than usual), I was given HCG shots during two weeks post-ovulation. That was meant to help with the implantation should the conception occurs. I was also made to chart my basal body temperature (bbt) every morning (which 'A' was more committed doing than yours truly).<br />
<br />
After 7 months of dealing with the unfruitful 'timing method', I quit clinic and started looking into IVF. I was considering the extreme measures because this one time suddenly I'm surrounded by successful IVF stories among friends. Although it cost a lot, but the rate of success at my age is higher than it's gonna be later. despite of our failure in 'timing method', I was still calm. Maybe this calmness was influenced by 'A' who is always calm anyway.<br />
<br />
<b><u>To finally got pregnant</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
However, in the midst of researching about IVF in Japan, I found myself pregnant. At the time when we least focus on trying to conceive, this miracle took place effortlessly in my body. We are extremely shocked but eternally grateful for Allah s.w.t finally answers our prayer :)<br />
<br />
So in my opinion, if you and your spouse are proven to be medically healthy, all you need is patience, positivity and lots and lots of lots of du'a. I have so many people to thank, especially our mothers who never failed to make du'a for us. It is also important to surround yourself with positive people and remember to always put your trust in Him for He who knows what's best for you. Trust me, after everything that happened to us in the last 5 years and now, everything falls just on their right places :)<br />
<br />
Baby dust to all ttc couples out there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-66225640133982786612015-10-16T10:30:00.000+08:002015-10-16T10:30:01.190+08:00The early signs<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my early signs of pregnancy. You and me, we might have experienced different symptoms.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>i. Tender breast.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, this is also the sign that I'm about to get my period. But, if at day 18 of post-ovulation you still experience tender breast or the tenderness is more than you used to have, you might be pregnant. I read, change of areola's color also indicate pregnancy. But, I didn't experienced that, hence tender breast alone is not helping for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>ii. Cramps.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I usually have cramps when the period due is approaching. But, the period cramp feels different, it feels like something is making its way down. The cramp I felt in early pregnancy is more like in situ (locally), the pain that moves horizontally. It's not something about to leave your womb. It's very hard to explain, but it's different. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I felt it was different, but I didn't think that was the early sign of pregnancy that my baby is trying to attach his/herself on my womb. Oh I think the pregnancy cramp is a little bit more intense than the period cramp. When I got the cramps, I had to stop doing whatever I was doing at that time and deal with the cramp. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>iii. Lethargic.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought the lethargic has became me. Apparently it's just my body adjusting. haha. The tiredness is so annoying until you found out that it's the pregnancy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>iv. Implantation bleeding.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Among many early signs of pregnancy I keep track as one of those who is ttc (trying to conceive), implantation is one that I disregard. Because only a small percentage of woman get this. And from my experience, I am not that lucky to be given an easy clue like that. lol xp.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And yes, I got the implantation bleeding which I mistook for period stain. lol xp. It was different from period stain btw, it is darker and very slight that if you wear a black or dark-colored panty you might not be able to see it. haha. Yes, always wear panty liner girls.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-601033510688900127.post-78359238405257399692015-10-15T11:00:00.000+08:002015-10-15T14:03:59.045+08:00A dream I had<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of last year, I came back to KL alone, while 'A' came to see me a few days afterwards.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That time, I took the opportunity to catch up with friends, family members that I haven't seen for a long time. Texting is not the same with sitting down, talking with each other, guys. I'm still value presence better than phone communication.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, I was so depressed that time, just because of bad traffic. I haven't had stuck in traffic jams for a very long time, that is, since I live in Japan. So, maybe the pressure that I felt when stuck in traffic jam means nothing to you. I tried to use Waze and google map, but to no avail because unfortunately the roads that I got lost in have changed and it wasn't updated in both applications. After I think 20x making rounds and rounds, I stop my car at the emergency lane and burst to tears. I can't believe I cried for the smallest thing, when I hardly cries for anything. So basically, all the days that I had to drive around by myself, my face will be so scary even I myself refused to stare in the mirror. haha.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On this one Sunday, I promised my very best friend a breakfast date. I think she was worried about me because I called her when I was in the middle of nowhere crying because KL traffic is suck. So, she was probably thinking that I might cancel the plan. But, I went ahead anyway because I figure maybe this much awaited breakfast date would change my mood.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I arrived at her house at 8am. When in Malaysia, I love mornings. So, breakfast date is always something I prefer for a girlfriends meeting. We hugged and she asked me whether I was okay. Of course my tear is about to burst when she asked that. Not because of the traffic, but because someone is actually care even the things that bothers me is..traffic jam. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, we had a nice moment over breakfast. The food was so-so. But, it's the moment that I cherish. With her, I managed to talk my heart out. Telling things that I can't share with family members or people other than myself. It's good we have someone we can trust, someone that's willing to spare her time just to listen to your problem. Alhamdulillah that I have her for that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, we also shared the same life struggle. A struggle that we can't do much about it except making a lot du'a and have a lot of patience. This one problem, maybe only those who is having it can understands it. Lucky for us, we already are best friends for years, and have each other to go through this. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way home from our breakfast date, I told her, "I wish that we can get pregnant around the same time. If that happened, I'd be the happiest person on earth!" "Can you imagine....bla bla..."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She just smiled the brightest like she always has and we nod to each other thinking the odd that could happen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And just a few days ago (I was at 14weeks), she contacted me and told me that she is also expecting! and the best part is our estimated delivery date (EDD) will be in the same month!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not always the thing I randomly said came through. This event just proved to me, what you said could be du'a. In this case, I really really grateful to HIM that HE listened and granted us the miracles that we have been waiting for. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wish us all the best in raising our little miracle!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06874496302893586007noreply@blogger.com0