Jaundice

Poor baby has tinge jaundice. After going back and forth to the clinic to monitor her tsb level, she was finally admitted to Az-Zahrah to undergo phototheraphy. Since I was nursing, I stayed with her and held her the whole night under the light. Alhamdulillah, she was discharged the next day as her tsb level dropped significantly. And 3 days later, after follow up with the pead, she has been given the all clear.

First Week Post-Ceasarean

I have forgotten how painful it was. I'm writing this down to remind myself that recovery after ceasarean is extremely painful!!! Moving from one position to another is so difficult and walking takes so much effort. Breastfeeding is also hard especially at night when I need to sit up. However, I am thankful that I am able to fully breastfeed my baby. And all the pain I endure is worth it when I hold my baby in my arms. I am so blessed, Alhamdulillah.

Zade's Baby Sister

Alhamdulillah, I've delivered my daughter today via c-section. She was born at 2.29 pm and weighed 2.98 kg. I was hoping to have a normal delivery but my ganae at Az-Zahrah advised against it after my traumatic delivery 5 years ago. Whatever it may be, I am just so thankful and blessed for the safe deliver of my baby.

A Day for Mama

I'm sure for all mothers, each day after your first child is born is a wonderful day. Their life changes significantly with the presence of another soul that's more important than themselves. And each year a day is dedicated to mothers for the sacrifices they make to ensure the safety and happiness of their children.

Usually I will celebrate my Mama on this day this wonderful day, but now I'm also being celebrated. We went to Cafe Lavista in Equatorial Bangi for a very big lunch. We actually went yesterday as Danial had to work today. This morning Zade and I gave my Mama presents, and unexpectedly I got a present when Danial came home from work. It was nice but it wasn't necessary. The cuddles that I get from Zade is all the gift that I need. Each day I get one is like a mother's day to me.

Zade's New Wheels

I'm sure most parents are dependent on prams and strollers, especially those who travel a lot or take the public transport regularly. For new parents, to decide on the right one can be pretty daunting given the selection available in the market. And the price starts from as low as RM50 and it goes up to thousands of ringgit - the average price of a Buggaboo pram is about RM6000. And I'm sure that there are more expensive ones on the market.

Anyway, Zade's first pram that he still uses till today is the Graco Winnie the
Pooh Travel System with Snug Ride. I actually bought it in US just before I graduated in 2004. I wasn't even pregnant back then. I knew how expensive prams are in Malaysia and so I decided to get one there as it is much cheaper. It cost me about USD150 which was a really good deal. It comes with an infant carrier which doubles as car seat. Zade used the infant carrier till he was about 6 months after which I had to get a bigger car seat. So do I like it? Absolutely. It has excellent handling qualities, the seat is easy to recline, it has a huge basket and it's very easy to fold. However it has one major drawback. It is very bulky and quite heavy which makes it unsuitable for travelling. I leave it in the carboot and only use it for shopping around here.


Zade in the Graco pram when he was three months old with the infant seat.


Zade at 10 months old sleeping in reclined position.

Before going back to Malaysia last year, I decided to get an umbrella stroller so that it would be easy for me to carry it around. I decided to buy a Baby Love umbrella stroller (Australian Brand) as it was one of the lightest that I found. It was on sale for AUD 60 at Target. I soon found out that the only good thing about this stroller is that it's lightweight. It had terrible handling, buckling was very tricky, it has a very small basket and the seat doesn't recline. After travelling with it for two months, it became harder to navigate.


Zade in the Baby Love stroller


Since I'm going travelling again soon, and this time it would be just me and Zade, I thought it would be a good idea to invest on a better stroller to make my life easier. I went online and did a little research on strollers that are available here. I found out that a Maclaren stroller would be my best bet. I'm quite familiar with the brand and I've heard some good reviews. So yesterday, Zade and I went to Baby Bunting in Thomastown to get the Maclaren Triumph. The price is AUD 269but I got it on sale for AUD 199. I've tried to unfold and fold it several times, and found it to be quite difficult. It's lightweight and has a bigger basket compared to the stroller. I'm still not sure if I really like it, but I'll know for sure after my trip next week.

Zade's Art Work

While I was at Numdaji Kwei today, I had the chance to see some artwork that Zade has done this year. I was amazed that he's already painting. When he brought home his first artwork two months ago, I realized that he's actually ready to start drawing. I bought some crayons and let him draw at home. He really enjoys it.


Zade's feet and hands


Zade's painting displayed on a wall

Easter Morning Tea at Numdaji Kwei

Today I was invited to join Zade for morning tea at Numdaji Kwei. It was in conjuntion with Easter which will be celebrated this weekend. When I came by around 9.30 am, most other parents in the babies room were already there. Zade was excited to see me again so soon after I dropped him off this morning. While Zade and his friends were having their vegemite and cheese toast with sultanas, the parents were served with hot cross bun and o.j. Very nice as it was served warm with some butter. After tea, I spent some time reading and playing with Zade outside in the playground. I left around 10.30 am and head back to the office.


Zade having morning tea


Zade relaxing with a book


Zade and Mama


Zade's all excited


Playing outdoor

Earlier this week Zade gave me and Danial a card with a chocolate egg for easter. Happy Easter!


A card with a photo of Zade with rabbit ears


A chocolate egg for mummy and daddy

Testing My Patience

Last weekend Zade taught me a valuable lesson about myself. He tested my patience and I failed. He is now able to get into the fridge and he raided every time I turned my back. Once I caught him eating spring onion from the fridge which he said was "dap, dap" - which is good. And he has discovered that throwing stuff in the toilet bowl is a fun new game. I went crazy and was frustrated. I was yelling and tried to give him time out. But then I realized that he probably didn't understand that what he was doing was wrong. I decided that I needed to take action fast. So yesterday I found child-proof locks for the fridge and toilet bowl. I've put on locks for the cabinets a few months ago, but didn't think to use it for the fridge and toilet! He tried to open them but he gave up after a few failed attempt. Ha ha now the score is even. I'm a happy mummy once more :).


Lock for the cabinet

Lock for the toilet


Lock for the fridge

Westfield Kids and Paddington Bear

Today Zade joined the Westfield Kids Club. It offers many privileges such as discounts to stores at Westfield and invitations to children's events. One such event is the story time with Paddington Bear which was on today at Westfield Plenty Valley, which is the nearest Westfield in Bundoora. Zade enjoyed the story time, especially when Paddington Bear sang and danced. Good fun.

Zade's 1st Birthday

Today marks a milestone in Zade's life. He is one year old today. It felt like only yesterday I first held him in my arms. We had a lovely time celebrating this wonderful day with family in Gombak. I ordered a Thomas cake and lamb mendey for this occasion.


Zade and Grandma


Thomas birthday cake


Singing the birthday song and cutting the cake


Time to open up the presents. Thank you to aunties and uncles, all the neneks and datuks and also unyang.


Zade's a happy boy


More presents to open


Playing with firetruck

Numdaji Kwei

Zade has been accepted at Numdaji Kwei after being on the waiting list for 4 months. It is a non-profit community based child care centre at RMIT East Campus. Initially I intended to send Zade there next year, but I was told that I might lose the spot if I didn't take it now. The fee is AUD 38 for half a day, AUD 59 for full day and AUD 250for a week. I didn't really want to send Zade there just yet because I think his far too young, but I desperately need to secure the place for next year. So I decided to go ahead and booked for half a day each Monday.

We started with a three day orientation. On the first day Zade and I was shown around the centre and met all the staff. We were introduced to the carers in the babies room where Zade will be placed. Leigh Ann and Rose were very nice and friendly. On the second a day, I stayed with Zade for lunch. I requested halal food for Zade, and there wasn't any problem as they provide halal food for other muslim children there as well. They try to cater for different types of dietery requirements. On the last day, I left Zade for an hour and waited in the staff lounge. The orientation went well.

However, when I left him for his first day, he cried and clinged to me. It was just so heartbreaking. He was still crying on and off when I called an hour later. I left him there for only a few hours. When I came back to pick him up he just cried out for me. I'm really sorry Zade. I hope it will get better in time.


Zade still sleepy


First day of orientation


Numdaji Kwei building


Going in the gate


Numdaji Kwei


Rose and Leigh Ann


Zade after the 1st day on his own at Numdaji Kwei