Dressing the bump

Getting into my clothes when I am pregnant has always been one of my main concern. Thankfully there are many many online references now and Adam has been my fashion consultant in case what I plan to buy is too short or rather inappropriate for a pregnant lady

23 weeks now, I have no problem on deciding what to wear except the fact that I can't fit into my working pants anymore this week (this was written then. I DO have a problem now at 35 weeks). I can't even zip up a tiny bit and at one point one of my pant's zipper broke just as soon as I got to Uni. I have however resorted to dresses and leggings as a much safer choice for my growing belly. I've compiled what I've worn so far and I even have a hashtag for it on instagram! It is really fun dressing the bump. I think of it as a precious accessory. I can't wait to have you here, BabyIJ. We'll have fun dressing up ! Lets see how my bump AND face has grown throughout 35 weeks

4 weeks. BabyIJ F1 experience. Now don't you go saying we have never brought you to F1

13 weeks. Announced our little gift from God 

16 weeks 

21 weeks 

23 weeks

24 weeks 

24 weeks 

26 weeks 

28 weeks

34 weeks - no neck mommy has emerged!

34 weeks- waddling mommy. Thank god for maternity jeans

35 weeks. Baby shower for BabyIJ and mommy

I don't know how far am I from giving birth but I surely can't wait to see babyIJ ... and my WAIST!

The shopping bug bit me

I've been really shopping lately. Despite saying from the beginning I would probably not need a fancy rocker, I wanted a fancy rocker late last month. So yes, the shopping bug bit me. Hard. 

As you know all baby related gadgets are pretty expensive and I've got my heart set on two products which are the Cocoonababy and a fancy rocker. Of course the most popular brand for a fancy rocker to date would be the Nunaleaf. However, a fancy rocker would cost almost 1k and the Cocoonababy which I have surveyed many many times would cost almost 1k as well. Now, I couldn't possibly get both with the current retail price. 

I can't remember how exactly I joined to the preloved baby goods page on fb but I did and I started browsing. Now, there are a whole lot of baby things! I regularly browse the page to see what else that I might need for BabyIJ. To my surprise, someone wants to let go of her Cocoonababy for merely RM300 with an extra cover! I said merely RM300 because of its actually price of course. After discussing on the date of purchase and such, me and Adam went to see the seller to inspect on the item. Adam agrees to purchase to satisfy my 'needs' and of course because the price is right for an item that is difficult for the baby to use once he starts turning. 

Not the real item photo but mine also comes complete with the packaging and manual 

The second item I purchased was a rocker. No, I did not get the nunaleaf. The Nunaleaf apparently operates manually and you have to swing it every 3 minutes. Then again the  main selling point for Nunaleaf is that it can be used up to 60kg. There are people selling off their Nunaleaf BUT the price hasn't gone down a lot. The last time I checked the preloved price for a Nunaleaf is still about RM950. Decided to purchase the Joie Serina 2 in 1 due to it being able to become separate rocker which is easier for us to bring the baby downstairs whenever we want to, and the price is within our budget (and how can you resist that baby..) 

We recently picked this up over the weekend and was very satisfied with it. True to the seller's description 9.5/10 (it really looks brand new) and everything works as how it is supposed to work. I can't really give a review until the baby is out to know whether it works in putting the baby to sleep or keeping him occupied but I'll surely do a review on these items in the near future. 

All in all, I'm glad I saved a lot of money buying preloved things. One person's junk is another person's treasure, no? 

26 weeks

Our detailed scan that was done on my 22nd week was probably the most confusing scan of all. The doctor was checking on the important organs and was telling us a lot of technical things shown on the ultrasound. All in all, babyIJ was growing well except that his heart chambers can't be seen clearly due to him moving all the time during the scan. Of course I was very worried but when we came in for our 26th week check up, the doctor confirmed everything was okay just that I got to know I gained 3.8 kg over raya. Darn those raya food and me assuming I won't gain much (yeah right) 

I was also given a tetanus shot that day itself. I did tell my nurse I need at least a month's notice for every shot given throughout my pregnancy. Sigh. It was painful and it stayed being painful for days after! Nope, not exaggerating. I'll be given another tetanus shot again when I reach my 30+ weeks because this is my first pregnancy. 

The things I do for you, BabyIJ 

So, my next check up would involve a glucose test (29 weeks). I am unsure whether it is a must to do a glucose test in DEMC or could it be because my dad has diabetes which automatically means that I would probably have it as well. The glucose test wasn't too bad. It was sweet but I honestly think people were exaggerating on it. The only thing that I was afraid on that day was drawing blood twice!

Anyway, here's our baby at 26 weeks. Looks like he has full luscious lips like me and .... my nose! I should look at Adam more instead of myself in the mirror in the remaining months. 

The Hunt for Baby Cot

Following our room revamping process, we went hunting for a cot for BabyIJ. Now, I don't know whether my little man would want to sleep separately, but we would want him to sleep in his own cot. Its a matter of preference of course. There is nothing wrong if you prefer your baby to sleep in your bed. Besides, in our case, he will be sleeping in the same room, just separated by the cot. I hope I won't be the one who would go all soft and bring him to bed with us. Adam, you need to toughen up too!

Our first stop was mothercare in KLCC. Took us a while to find it since we were not familiar with the whole kids/mothers department placement in KLCC (this will soon change). I admit I have been eyeing on stokke sleepi because of its interchangeable ability, can be used up to 10 years AND the mini size is just too cute! Apparently it is shaped like a nest to give an environment of the womb to the newborn. 

Can you see me beam?

Alas, the price was a bit too high for us. We also found another brand that is similar to Stokke in terms of function, but in a much smaller size. The Farska is also interchangeable. When looked up online, it seems like its a more popular choice for the Japanese. This is of course not a surprise as the Japanese are known for their choices for compact living which is also what we would want for the room

It is more flimsy than the Stokke Sleepi though. The price is within our budget but we decided to wait since this is only the first time we've looked through some baby cot options.

We finally bought our baby cot last weekend and we decided to buy the Gelite Grace 4-in-1 baby cot which is exactly like the Stokke Sleepi but cheaper by 1k. Currently on promotion price of course from the original price which was 4.3k. Best thing about it is that the price includes all bedding accessories and bumper, complete with the mosquito net. Worth checking them out at the baby loft at Publika. 

Also, our room is 80% ready. My nesting mode can finally calm down. Oh wait, i need a new dressing table *grins*

*excuse the wires. Adam was supposed to figure out how to mount it under the shelving unit. 

Nesting mode

My nesting mode started a few weeks back but was escalated when I hit 24 weeks. We started with a trip to IKEA right after raya since Adam was on his long raya leave. Main point is to get an idea on how the room would look like. Since we are staying with Adam's parents until our apartment is ready, BabyIJ would be sharing our bedroom which is totally fine with us. 

Now, the problem is that the room that we're staying now used to be Adam's when he was still single. The condition? Lets just say that posters from his teen years with a row of dinosaurs are still there. Now with BabyIJ on the way, we decided it is time to wave goodbye to Adam's bicycle/skate posters. I have no idea why I didn't bother about it before but thanks to the baby, we are finally upgrading our room (Mommy owes you one, BabyIJ)

The trip to IKEA was a success as we get many ideas and it made us both excited to start right away. But first, to paint the room. 

What color should it be? Started off with inspiration photos from Pinterest ( you have to love the Internet for this!) At first we decided to make the tv wall a darker shade to give it a cinema like feel to the room but it would make the room smaller. 

I did tell Adam right away that I wanted yellow for the room following my yellow raya craze. Yeap, still not over it. Yellow and grey is such a good combination, no? 

Im also a fan of soft lilac. So calming.. 

After going through our choices, we decided to go with a soft buttery yellow and lilac. Felt pretty nervous about the combination but I can't wait to share how the room will look like complete with the new deco and all. One of the deco that would be a part of BabyIJ corner are these adorable cloud stickers from Ohmayesa. 

Draco approves the colour, I approve Adam's paintwork. Good job! 

16 weeks - All about the gender

... and then I hit 16 weeks

The checkup wasn't as nerve wrecking as my 8 weeks and 12 weeks. I guess once you've passed the first trimester, you can finally relax and be much more confident that your baby is safely tucked in your tummy. We also passed the Nuchal Translucency test which lowered lowered down the baby's risk of having Down Syndrome and some other chromosomal abnormalities, as well as major congenital heart problems. This test is of course optional. I guess you can discuss with your gynae on this test but it must be done precisely in the 12th week.  We decided to do it because .. well its our first baby.  You know how paranoid first time parents are ( Yeap, I guess we're that type of parents ) 

We also found out that we were going to have a boy on our 16 weeks check up. Baby IJ was really showing off his penis so I knew even before the doctor told us. You are an exhibitionist, huh BabyIJ. 

Adam was so excited and he also won the bet. Damn. Anyway it took me quite a few days to sink in that I am going to have a boy. A boy! The first question I asked myself is that 'What do boys wear?'. Like, seriously. Bye tutu skirts. I guess I ll see you when I have my second child ( I hope ) 

I found this online. Ain't that a cute baby dinosaur? I can't wait to bite your chubby cheeks, BabyIJ

The Belly Story

Recently a few people has been asking on how to maintain a no stretch mark bump (Hmm how do you know I don't have stretch marks? )

I've never really give a thought about it until me and my best friend, we were talking about it over our break time at Uni. The whole conversation really got me thinking. So i did some research via some pregnancy forums. My previous pregnancy I was using Bio Oil, and apparently based on the review in the forums, unfortunately it doesn't really work. Perhaps its good to lighten stretch marks and not to prevent them. I was looking at prevention rather than damage control. 

I decided to try the Mama Bee range from Burt's Bees. Even the name is cute, no? Mama Bee. Bzzttt. 

My first purchase was the belly butter. After using it for 2 months, I can safely say that I don't have any stretch marks yet. Phew. I usually apply a generous amount because the tub is huge! I can't possibly finish it in this pregnancy period. The fact that it has no parabens is a plus. Due to it also being all natural, it doesn't really have a pleasant smell (at least to me). It contains all the goodness of cocoa, shea and jojoba butters. The belly butter is so moisturising that your belly stays moist even the next morning. I apply it to my bump every morning after shower and every night before sleeping. It is priced at RM120.80.  Pricey but if it works, its worth the price. You really don't want to get any stretch marks, trust me. 

I've only recently added on the nourishing baby oil a couple of weeks back. Best decision ever. The SA specifically said that it would work better if I apply it right after shower. It did. Mind you I have really dry skin especially my leg area. Very prone to turn scaly. This product is god sent. My skin feels so moist and unlike the belly butter, it has a pleasant honey smell. Adam would always comment how nice I smell in the morning, thanks to this. This was priced at RM74. The only thing I dislike about the product is the packaging. The oil is prone to moist even the bottle. I often wrap it with tissue papers when I need to bring it along on my weekend trips to my mom's place. 

Overall the products by Burt's Bees' has exceeded my expectations. Thanking God that although I am allergic to it's range of lip balm, these two products are going to be my best friends for at least 3.5 months more and beyond. 

So if you ever want to give BabyIJ anything, feel free to give us the Baby Bee range (this is serious) 

Can't wait to share with BabyIJ the goodness of Burt's Bees.

Theres also a myth that if your mom has stretch marks then you'll have it too. I've checked my mom's belly. No stretch marks. Now lets hope the myth is in my favour 

8 weeks

Since I told myself that I would really like to jot down as much memory as I can about my pregnancy. Let me try to remember how my 8 weeks check up went. I remember being nervous. Like really nervous peeing all the time kind of nervous. That morning, we had an appointment with DEMC with Doctor Jumeah. The doctor was probably randomly set by DEMC when I called to make an appointment on my 5th week. My in laws wanted to come with and we had no problem about it. I was nervous mainly because if the doctor gave me bad news, we have to start all over again with the whole ordeal of wanting a baby and I can't possibly take another 'Sorry, your baby didn't survive/dont have a heartbeat.' 

So the main point for this appointment is to check on the BabyIJ's heartbeat. With the heartbeat, we will know that there is a baby in there and it is not an empty sac.

We were pretty early and was the first patient to see Dr Jumeah. Yes, the whole 4 of us came into the room so plus the doctor and nurse, there were 6 of us in the tiny room. The doctor didn't object the extra company of course knowing how important it must be for all of us to be there to witness the ultrasound. 

As I lay on the bed, the doctor proceeded with the cold gel and started scanning my womb. I remember Adam holding my hands and saying we're in this together. When I had my miscarriage 2 years ago, it was very unfortunate that I didn't have Adam around as he was in US for his annual trip. I was pretty much alone emotionally although my mom was with me throughout. 

Thanks mama. Forever will be grateful for that.

After much anticipation, lo and behold. BabyIJ, all grown up from the last time we saw him with a healthy heart beating on the screen ( future mommies, look for a flicker. Thats the heart) . Adam literally cried with joy while holding my hands tight ( I told you adam is more emotional than me.. he really is). 

It really is a miracle to see BabyIJ. 

I remember everyone beaming with happiness. Such a happy glow in that tiny room. 

Note: all babies look like a seahorse this young 

Hong Kong oh Hong Kong ( the search for accommodation)

I don't know where did we get the idea that Hong Kong would be cheap. Hmph

After much delay and discussion for months about the trip, mostly trying to determine when would be the suitable time to go to Hong Kong because I can't possibly go on my due date. 

The first thing we did was to check the season. Hong Kong can be very humid and can also be the total opposite of having heavy rainfall. Both can be uncomfortable to travel. Due to this we decided to move our trip to December, and since Hong Kong is known for its tremendous fireworks during NYE, we decided to spend our NYE too. This is to replace last year's NYE; me and Adam went to bed at 10 pm! I kid you not! 

We moved the tickets and it was a hefty sum to pay (for us anyway). But since this would be our only overseas trip... we should have the budget for it. 

Next, the search for accommodation

We decided to try Airbnb for the first time as the hotels in Hong Kong are really expensive, plus we would want to live among the locals as a change for this trip. 

I narrowed down some of the accommodation that I find suitable for us. Mostly small studios. Since we are both in the design industry, we re picky when it comes to the design of the apartments. Im also picky on the bed that they provide. All in all, it has to look clean, and close to the public transportation. It is very important that you read the reviews before enquiring/booking to avoid disappointment or images that could be deceiving. Always ALWAYS read the reviews.

Days and days of researching, we finally narrowed it down to two places and contacted the host on the availability

Choice 1 is a beautiful apartment and I LOVE the bedroom. However, the host has confirmed that the place won't be available for the dates that we wanted. Boo hoo. We would definitely want to try living here if we ever come to Hong Kong again with a couple of friends as it is huge for just the two of us. 

Choice 2 is a much simpler studio apartment. As you can see it has a small kitchen, a double bed, and enough space for us to move around. It is so cute and definitely has the characteristics of Hong Kong. Small tight space. A bonus for this studio is that it has a private balcony for us to enjoy as we please. Contacted the host and she approved our booking right away. She did warn that her apartment is on the 7th floor. Thats my cardio for 2016 and we need to pack light (yeah, right!)

Im looking forward to spending winter in Hong Kong! 

So, should we bring BabyIJ?

Hong Kong oh Hong Kong

Well, truthfully we have never really thought over where should we go this year. Last year was filled up with many trips and we decided that we can go on ONE trip this year. After discussing for many months end of last year, we decided to go somewhere Asia since we haven't really been to all Asia countries. After weighing between Korea and HK, we decided to go to HK. Adam doesn't really fancy going to to Korea so feel free to let me tag along if any of you are planning to go to Korea. 

So, Hong Kong!

We are pretty much clueless about Hong Kong except for the fact that they have good halal dim sum and it is really dense in terms of buildings and people. I do worry if theres any language barrier as how we have experienced when we were in Uzbekistan. Seriously, we can't even order ice cream in Uzbekistan because we can't read the menu. After much thought, we decided to go to HK in November to give us ample time to prepare for the trip. Tickets booked and paid when we saw that MAS had a promotion of almost 50% the full price. 

But then... God has a better plan. He gave us a surprise in March. I got pregnant and my due date is in November, exactly on the dates that we have planned our trip. Lesson learned, NEVER plan too far ahead especially when you've decided to try for a baby. 

I'm thankful you came into our life BabyIJ. No trip is not worth postponing to accommodate you

Here is our very first photo of BabyIJ. This was taken when he was just a few weeks young. He was less than 1 cm. If you look carefully, he is that little bubble near the top. He is currently near to 30 cm at 22 weeks. 

and so with this little miracle, the planning for HK was put on hold and is to be continued ..