Prayers to God

I was taking care of both girls for a few days and found out that I get very stressed out easily, especially when Pie doesn't listen and starts to be super duper naughty. I've scolded (numerously) and beaten (a few times) Pie... but then couldn't help thinking that Pie is only 2 1/2 years old.

Therefore, now I am trying to ask God to:

• Give me the Strength to be more patient with Pie
• Let me to see things in a happier mode
• Spend more time with Pie

I know I should count my blessings that I have 2 wonderful girls (imagine some people don't even have kids), that I should appreciate them, that I should spend more time with them as they are growing everyday...

Thus, will start praying to God (and I know God will answer my prayers... he always does and never fails me)...

Queen Pie's command

Our elder Queen (Queen Pie) likes to command me (the Princess Mummy)...

Incident 1
I asked Pie to pick up her blocks, and told her that I need to take care of Pea.
Mummy: Pls. pick up your blocks. Mummy needs to take care of Pea.
Pie: No, Mummy pick up blocks, Pie take care of Pea.
Mummy: No, Pie pick up blocks, and Mummy take care of Pea.
Pie (so insistent of me picking up her blocks instead, tried to pull me out, while sitting on my chair and rocking Pea on the bouncing net): No, Mummy pick up blocks, Pie take care of Pea.

Incident 2
I was feeding Pea, and singing to both Pie and Pea.
Mummy: Polly put the kettle on, Polly put the kettle on...
Pie (interrupted me): Mummy...
Mummy (still singing): Polly put the kettle on, Polly put the kettle on...
Pie (shouted at me): Mummy... stop singing, look... book (pointing to her own nursery rhyme book)
Mummy (looking at her book): Yes, book...

My Queen in command :)

Our firsts...

Last week, we had lotsa first times...

• Pea's First time staying overnight at my Mum's place
• Pea's First time sitting both my Dad's and my Sis's car
• Pea's First time sitting in the pram
• Pea's First time going to 1 Utama
• My First time taking care of Pea without hubby's help / around

As hubby had to go outstation for work and have annual dinner on Saturday, as well as my Mum keep asking me numerous times to go and spend a few nights at her place, I decided to do so starting last Thursday. I thought it would be a change for Pea, but I knew that it would be slightly more tiring as I have to do the hours that hubby usual does (between 8 pm till 12 am).

Luckily for me, Mum helped out whenever she could (that is when Pie is sleeping or when Pie wants me instead of Mum). When I was there, Pie was extremely naughty (according to Mum). I know she wants my attention, ever since Pea was born. But then also, at times Pie was a very good helper (which I deemed her to be "Mummy's helper").

Yesterday morning, we brought Pea to 1 Utama (for her first time). It was kinda messy, as we had to take so many things (the pram, Pea's bag which includes her diapers and clothes and esp. the EBM - expressed breast milk, Pie's stuff such as diapers and water bottle). On top of that, Mum bought so a set of cutleries (she wanted to change the existing set), and then Pie's foot hurts (due to her shoes), thus had to immediately buy a new pair of shoes and socks for Pie. And then Sis saw discounts at WOC (World of Cartoon), and I went to choose a few clothes for Pie. By the time I finished paying for the stuffs, it was noon (we went out around 10.30 am, and Pea's last feed was around 8 am), so I quickly gave her one bottle of EBM to drink. But all in, Pea was quite a good girl, she was either sleeping in the pram or looking at the lights and decors.

Pie's visit to the doctor

Pie was down with runny nose on Sunday morning (when she was still with me), and I had to send her back to my Mum's place... for fear of her passing the virus to Pea.

As we had previous medication for Pie, Mum didn't bring her to see the doctor until Wednesday (yup, Mum had to skip her line dancing class :( )

Anyway, when Pie met the doc, (according to Mum) she practically told the doc what was wrong with her. She told the doc that she has flu and running nose. When the doc asked her if she has fever, she answered yes (actually she doesn't). Then she said that she has cough. She has listed all her illness to the doc... what a girl.

Numerous proves that I've got a talkative and sociable girl on my hand. Really like her Grandfather, who's also born in the Year of Monkey ?

Coincidence ?

My mum told me this when I went home yesterday for lunch, as well as to see if Pie needs to visit the doctor, as she has running nose.

Pie saw Uncle Tiam's car and commented to Mum this... Big Ki Ung drives big car (and even elaborated it with her hands stretched out wide), Small Ki Ung drives small car (same thing, elaboration with hands but this time made the gap smaller)

According to Mum, nobody taught her these things... it proves that toddlers are aware of their surroundings and they just say whatever comes across to their minds.

Both Uncles were laughing when Mum conveyed it to them... For now Small Ki Ung can still laugh about it (maybe because Pie is still young and just say whatever is on her mind), but will he be offended in the later stage ?

Welcome to Ashley's show

Yesterday, Ashley gave us a performance (eventhough she had the sniffles :))

She went up a bean bag (assuming it was a stage I guess), and using her hand as a microphone, she started this:

"Ladies and gentleman, Welcome to Ashley's show."

Then she started singing "Twinkle, twinkle, little star"...

At the end of the show, we clapped our hands, and she said "Thank you! Thank you!"

I was amazed at how she does the entire thing, since nobody claims to have taught her to do that. MIL said maybe it's due to all the cartoons she's exposed to (yeah I know, she actually watches too much TV)... but hey... she gets good education from there... Look at how she's turned out to be.

Hayley's full moon pix (Part 1)

Happy 32 month old to Pie

Pie is 32 months old now.

You've grown to be more independant everyday. You also 'sayang' Pea a lot, though at times you want to do things on your own... like rocking the bouncing chair without our help... You help Mummy out a lot, in bringing Pea's stuff, esp. when bathing and during nappy changing. And how you show your affection towards Pea ? You like to kiss her legs (or rather the legs of her pants :))

Weight: 15.6 kg
Height: 101 cm

Your weight is slightly above average, but you are tall for your age; thus it compliments your weight. You were such a good girl when you visit Dr. Foo. You said morning to him and when he continue conversation with you, you answered until a certain stage you were mumbling. Dr. Foo commented that you are such a talkative girl. Mummy ensured that you take your jab first, because Mummy was afraid that once you see Pea's jab / cry, you wouldn't want to take yours. But then you're such an angel. When Dr. Foo did a body checkup, you didn't make a sound, neither moved an inch. And when he showed you the needle, you were just watching it intently... you didn't cry when it was poked onto you (which was why I like bringing my kids to Dr. Foo... his injection doesn't make kids cry... except for the 1st month jab) Overall, Dr. Foo commented that you are very healthy and your progress is very good. There are no more jabs for you until you are 6 years old (meaning no more returning to Dr. Foo's clinic to play toys... which I think you might be dissapointed, coz when we left his room, you kept looking at the toys, kinda saying that I don't want to leave, I still want to play)

After your jab, it was Pea's turn. As Dr. Foo's room had lotsa toys to play, Mummy allowed you to play while Dr. Foo checked on Pea. You were such a good girl, playing with the blocks and the doctor kit.

(These were all taken just a few days b4 I delivered Pea)

Happy 1 month old to Pea

Today marks Pea's 1 month old... Happy 1 month old Pea

You've grown to be more 'manja' everyday... you need people to carry you and pat you and walk around in order for you to sleep. Mummy can do that only when you are super drowsy; else Mummy will have to feed you again and again...

Weight: 4.33 kg (up more than 1 kg from birth weight)
Height: 52 cm (up about 4 cm from birth height)
Head Circumference: 37 cm (up 3 cm from birth head circumference)

Dr. Foo said that you are above average (just like your sister)... but above all, you are a healthy and strong girl, with good reflexes.

You had a jab today, with Dr. Foo's expertise, you gave out one loud cry... and that's all. You are such a good girl... and Daddy, Mummy and Pie Jie Jie love you so much!

(These were taken few days b4 her 1 month old)

Pie came home (for a few days)

I brought home Pie yesterday afternoon, in order to let my Mum attend her line dancing lesson. Her lessons are on Wed, but she missed last week's class. As I've gone through the Full Moon thingy, I thought that I would be able to go out.

As I've not driven for 1 month, when I initially went into the car, I was a bit scared :( Had the feeling of not knowing how to drive. Had to drive slowly, and stepped onto the brakes even b4 reaching the 1st junction. Later on only did I got used to my car again.

Went over to my Mum's place, picked up Pie, brought my Mum to Centrepoint as I needed to replenish my milk powder and biscuits. Dropped Mum back home and head straight to home.

By the time we reached home, it was time for Pie to have her afternoon sleep. After numerous ways of getting Pie to sleep, she simply refused; giving me the excuse of wanting to play with Pea, not sleepy yet, etc... Had no choice but to give in later on, as Pea wanted to be fed. Thus Pie missed her afternoon nap (I wonder if it's her 1st time missing it ?)... Thought that Pie would be sleepy and will go to bed early in the night. But then she still had the energy to run around until almost 9.30 pm, whereby she herself went to bed and requested for milk. After drinking milk, she konked out... Similarly, Pea went to bed at the same time (very surprising), and both hubby and I had the time to do our own work (yes, office work)...

No point writing about midnight jobs (waking up to feed Pea)...

Both girls are now sleeping, though Pea woke up multiple times to be fed, changed and patted back to sleep (again and again and again)... I thought that Pie will be waking up soon... but then again, she went to sleep quite late (at last she did had her afternoon nap... after numerous excuses again... you'll be suprised at how much excuses she can come up with). She must be tired as now with all the noise around (phone ringing, cars outside, Pea crying / screaming) and she's still in dreamland. Sure enough dreamland, coz she just talk in her sleep. Truthfully speaking, I was supposed to go and take my bath, but when I wanted to go in, Pea woke up, thus had to be patted back to sleep. Therefore instead of taking my bath, here I am writing about Pie and Pea.

And here we go again... Pea is crying again...

Growing Ups

It was the day where sweetie pea was born and that thought struck deep inside my head that time was actually moving very fast. Sweetie pie had grown up and sweetie pea had just started.

Thinking of the times where sweetie pie had to be fed every 2 hours and changing her pampers , those times were long gone. She had grown to be independent and could understand language. When life was beginning to adjust back to normal, things were back to start. However, I am happy that sweetie pea was born and brought the joy of a new baby girl. The senses were back and I would not be happier to see a new life being born into this world.

The fact that I can see my girls grow up slowly and it's the reason why we also imagine our children to be 2 year olds even after they have entered adulthood. It's the past vision and images that make us think , our children is only 2 years old afterall.

Pix of the 2 sisters

1) Pie rocking the bouncing chair, being a good helper.
2) Pie and Pea together. Hard to get Pea to look at the camera though.
3) Getting Pea to learn English.
4) Pea and her (2nd hand) ducky musical mobile.

Pea's Full Moon Day

We celebrated Pea's Full Moon last Sunday. It was not the actual day, but because the actual day falls on a weekday, it was a hassle for hubby to take the day off. Therefore we decided to celebrate it on a weekend. At least we know that everybody would be around.

We ordered a Full Moon Package from H&H Full Moon Services. The package costs us RM 13.50 (up RM 0.70 from 2 years ago). Yeap, we ordered the same package for Pie's Full Moon previously. Basically, the package contains 2 Red Angkoo, 2 Pandan Angkoo, 4 Red Eggs, Curry Chicken with Potatoes, Nasi Kunyit and Pickled Ginger. The next pix you see consisting of Red Angkoo and Red Eggs was meant for offerrings to God.

It was a long and tired day, as we started at home by making offerings to God, and then it was off to my parent's house. Same thing... offerrings to God, and then lunch there, before going to my Grandma's house. Same thing again... offerrings to God and then 'lepak' for a while, before leaving around 2pm. By the time we went home, I was tired and exhausted. Hoping for a rest, but Pie had other thoughts. It was milk time for her... though I tried to feed her from the bottle (EBM) in the car. Luckily she fell asleep fast, thus leaving me enough time to rest. But then it was like half an hour / an hour of rest (lost track of time ever since I got Pea), and it was milk time again. This time around, she want to be carried and fed, carried and fed until dinner time.

I was hoping that by night time, she will be able to sleep early, so that we get to rest. How wrong of me to think so. She wanted to be fed again and again and again... until goodness knows what time it was. By then, I was too tired, passed her to hubby and snoozed away.

Presents for Pea


1) Top and bottom from my cousin sister, Lily.
2) Top and bottom from Aunt Liz & Nancy.
3) Baby wrap from Aunt Liz & Nancy.
4) Toy from Aunt Tiam.

Reminiscing Year 2006

February
Family went to Genting and Camerons for Chinese New Year. Had lotsa fun, especially for the 2 little girls, Sweetie Pie and her cousin sister, YY.

This month, I was given added responsibility to take care of my team. Though I was not officially promoted, some of my team members started calling me 'TL' (short for Team Leader). It made me a bit uneasy, as I am not holding that position.

March
My 3rd wedding anniversary, thus hubby and I went to Sabah to celebrate. It was a good holiday, away from office and all those added responsibilities.

April
Was assigned to go to Melaka (attend to 1 customer there) with another colleague. Had not been assigned for any outstation work for almost 5-6 years now. It feels different now, as I have a daughter now, and leaving her in PJ to go to Melaka was killing me. Few weeks before the trip, I couldn't help myself but cry thinking about it. The trip was a tiring one... we had to work until late at night everyday, except for the last day. I didn't even had the time to think much about family.

When I came back, I found out that I was 5 weeks pregnant. I was ecstatic... at last I'm having another kid.

May
Celebrated Pie's 2nd birthday. It was a happy occassion, celebration at my Mum's house. But then late that night, Pie had fever and diarrheoa. Had to bring her see the doctor. When the doctor asked how is she, I answered 2 years and 1 day old (so exact, coz the day before was her b'day). Luckily she felt better in the next 2 days.

June
Celebrated YY's (Pie's cousin sister) 1st birthday. Pie had fun during the party, and was very helpful in giving out the cake.

November
One sad thing happened to hubby's side. His nephew (age 10) passed away due to asthma case. I cried for few days, and couldn't help having bad thoughts of Pie... scared that something bad will happen to Pie.

At the same time, I couldn't wait for Pea's arrival to the world. Kept telling the gynae that I couldn't wait anymore, and he kept asking whether I want to be induced or not. Decided against it, wanting to leave it up to Mother Nature to take its course.

December
The arrival of Sweetie Pea, and the start of my confinement. Was waiting for this day to come (the birth of my 2nd baby girl). X'mas for me is a 'come and go' day, as I was in confinement...

Then, it's time to say bye bye to Year 2006, and welcome Year 2007. Hope that the new year will bring good things and happiness to all of us.

Sweetie Pea: Pregnancy & Labor tales

2 years have past, and I realized that I would love to have another baby. Therefore, during our 3rd wedding anniv, we decided to go on a holiday in Sabah.

My pregnancy in a nutshell
My 2nd pregnancy was by far more worst than my 1st one. My 1st trim was totally non-stop vomitting, until I keep complaining to my gynae whom then prescribe me some medicine. Doesn't seemed to work though. Coming on the 2nd trim, it all came to a stop, and all the kgs that I've lost then, was piling up again (as usual). Armed with experience and knowledge, I didn't pay much attention to this pregnancy. Moveover, I was bogged down with work and it was a stressful time. The only difference I had this time was leg pain and occasionally leg cramps. Had fainting spells once in a while, which made me think that I could be delivering early.

My labor
As my 1st born was 3 weeks early, I assumed that this one would be the same. Thus nearing to 3 weeks before due date, I was anxious to see my newborn. Kept asking my gynae whether can I deliver, and his answers where always "Induce lor". My answer back to him then was "Let mother nature takes its course then", which he do agree.

I had contractions on and off, and I was thinking, maybe it's time. But it was all false alarms. Just a week before my due date, during midnight, I had contraction again. This time I felt that it was time, as I was shivering and colder than ever. Woke hubby up, and told him that maybe we should go to the hospital. He carried Pie to PIL's room and off we went to the hospital.

12+ am:
Admitted to the hospital. Similarly, was strapped to the machine to listen to baby's heartbeat and checking on the contractions. This time around, I was only 1cm dilated. Long night to go again. Nurse advised to catch some sleep and call her if anything. Couldn't sleep a wink, though hubby had don't know how many chapters by morning.

6+ am:
By the time I could sleep, I was awaken half an hour later. Nurse came to check and still it was 1cm dilated. Was then given the liquid to clear motion.

7+ am going 8am:
Breaskfast time. Nurse asked whether I want to take epidural. She scared me by saying that if I don't decide now, and want it later on, I could wait for hours... With that in mind, I told her "Yes, yes, I want to take epidural now."

8+ am:
Was given epidural (and induced at the same time), and this time I could feel the stinging sensation (couldn't feel it last time, maybe because I was concentrating more on my contractions then). As I was still 1cm dilated only, I couldn't help thinking whether would my cervix dilate some more or not (I've had 2 friends whom took the epidural early and their cervix couldn't dilate, thus had to go through c-sect). Was thinking that I don't want to go through c-sect...

12+ pm:
Gynae broke my water bag... supposedly to let the contractions be more intense to hasten the labor. A nurse came in to clear my bladder... and from then I could feel the contractions coming (obviously not painful as I've taken epidural). Prayed that my contractions would come faster so that I don't have to go through c-sect (whoever goes through such prayers ?).

2+ pm:
Had intense pain (don't know why this time around I could feel the pain, eventhough I took epidural). Kept calling out for the nurse, and they checked and said that I was around 8-9cm dilated. Just a while longer... Then I had the urged to push (feeling was more like wanting to pass motion)... Called the nurse in again, and she said it's fully dilated. Then off she went again... I had to wait for about 20 mins, with the urge of pushing... which made me think what if I really pushed and the baby comes out and nobody is around to help ? Luckily, a while later, my gynae came in... Just 1 push (imagine I told them I forgot how to push ?), and Sweetie Pea came to the world...

My labor in a nutshell
In labor (from being induced): 6 hours

Whoever said that 2nd one will be faster is not true. Maybe theirs is, but definitely not mine.

Sweetie Pie: Pregnancy & Labor tales

Just wanna jot down my memories of having Pie and the labor... before I forget.

We got married in the year 2003. At that time, we decided to have our first baby 2 years later (or rather 1 1/2 years later get pregnant), so that we can enjoy our "freedom" of the twosome only. But then, when it comes to getting pregnant, nothing follows closely to the schedule. I was pregnant 6 months later... Though it was much earlier than we planned and expected, we were still overjoyed.

How did I realized I was pregnant ?

We were in Genting one weekend... During the night, I was having bad stomach pain (feeling more like diarrheoa but cannot come out kind). My initial thoughts went back to my Grandfather (whom passed away with stomach cancer). Whenever I have stomachache, I would think whether do I have the same illness. I cried myself to sleep, trying not to think so much, but still couldn't brush the feeling away. When we came down from Genting, we immediately went to my usual GP, just to find that she wasn't around. Not wanting other GPs, we droved back home. During the ride home, I suddenly had thoughts that I could be pregnant. No idea why I suddenly think like that... maybe it's because my menstrual had yet to come (it was late for 1 week). Thus we went to Guardian to buy a pregnancy test kit. I also asked the pharmacist in charge whether one of the symptoms of pregnancy is having the feeling of diarrheoa. It's either she's trying to console me or that she do know something, coz she answered me yes, as well as listing other symptoms.

Back home, I tested, and had a shock... There were 2 lines... I immediately told hubby the news. As we had dinner to attend, we brushed the thing aside until the next day, when we went to see my GP. She confirmed my tests... I was truly excited...

My pregnancy in a nutshell

My pregnancy was like most mothers, going through the nausea-vomitting-heartburn-baby hiccups-baby kicks stage. I do have my fair share of vomitting, if not mistaken, it lasted for about 1 month (on and off). I lost some kgs then (which I'm gladly to lose it again now), but piled up again when 2nd trimester came in.

Overall, it was a truly amazing experience, watching my body grow, with the baby growing inside. Couldn't wait for the moment of truth, the due date to see my firstborn.

My labor

During my 35th week checkup, my gynae mentioned that the baby's head is quite big, and that if the head grows bigger, I'll have to go through c-sect. When I heard that, I was quite devastated, as I wanted to go through a normal birth. To tell the truth, I am quite scared of operations, and during my pregnancy, I had thoughts that maybe I will die during giving birth. Nights before delivery, I tend to cry myself to sleep with such thoughts.

A few days later (into end of 36th week), I had stomach pain at night (around 10+). Thought maybe I ate something that doesn't go well with my stomach, I just went to sleep. In the morning, I was still not feeling too comfy, thus didn't go to work.

Initially, I wanted to just see my normal GP, just to get an MC from her; but MIL advised me otherwise as I am nearing to my due date.

11am:
Hubby brought me to visit my gynae. Imagine my shock when he told me that I am 3cm dilated, and should be admitted to the labor room. I kept asking whether will the baby be alright, will the baby be prematured (which he assured me that the baby is big enough and healthy to be born).

1pm:
At the 1st stage room, I was strapped to the machine, to listen to the baby's heartbeat. It was beating fast and loudly. Was thinking in a few hours, I'll be seeing my newborn. According to the machine, I had contractions, but I couldn't feel it at all.

2pm:
I was allowed to walk around the room (it's a private room), and I chit chatted with my Mum (hubby had to go back to the office and Mum came over instead). I even called back to the office to inform them that I am in the labor ward and left some messages. Was thinking, gosh this is taking too long...

8pm:
As I was still 3cm dilated only, gynae said that I need to be induced. Was given some form of liquid to clear the motion, and then walked to the labor room. Here, I was given a drip (to be induced), and we waited again (watched some shows along the way).

10+ pm:
Gynae broke my water bag, and the pain came intensely. Could still bear with the pain, thus refused gynae's suggestion of taking epidural.

12+ am:
Contractions were coming much more stronger than I anticipated (I could withstand pain, but this was too much)... Requested for epidural, and was informed that I had to wait for the anesthetist for about an hour (everyone would be at home sleeping, which was what my gynae did as well). At that time, I was like, shucks, have to bear with the pain for another hour ? Time passed and half an hour later, the anesthetist came and gave me the epidural. With the epidural, I could relax... and found out that I was 6cm dilated.

1+ am:
An hour later, my cervix was fully dilated, and I felt the need to push. After 2 pushes (with the vacumm's help), Sweetie Pie was born.

My Labor in a nutshell
In labor (from being induced): 5 hours

True to the words "Once you've seen your baby, you'll forget how painful the journey of labor was". I immediately forgot about the pain and all my focus was on my baby girl. My bundle of joy...

Introduction to Sweetie Pie & Sweetie Pea

How they got their nicknames ? It all started by my Aunt Liz. She started calling my 1st born Sweetie Pie and it got stuck till today. Then when I have my 2nd girl, she called her Sweetie Pea.

Sweetie Pie
Pie's name is Ashley. She's 2 years old, going 3 this coming May. She's now a Jie Jie (Big Sister), as her Mei Mei (Small Sister) was born end of last year (Pea). Pie is an active girl, who loves to run around, play with me, watch TV and her fav... jump on the bed (though she's not allowed to). Pie does her best to take care of her sister... whenever her sister cries, Pie will call out for me to go and see her, letting me know that her sister is crying.

Sweetie Pea
Pea's name is Hayley. She's going to be 1 month old. Pea's favourite thing to do now is eat and cry... what would you expect from a baby ?

First blog post

This is my 1st blog post, though am not too sure if putting thoughts in LiveJournal counts or not. Nevertheless, am giving this a try, and see how it is. Will be penning mostly of my 2 lil' girls, well known as Sweetie Pie & Sweetie Pea... thus the blog name is called.