Hello VBAC! (Part 3)

As I was being wheeled to the labor room. I felt calm and was aware that a million possibilities might happen tonight. The midwives calmly enquired if I would want to walk about for a while which I said I don't think I can walk much. I have urges to push. So i laid down on the bed and was examined. I was 6 cm dilated which explains the pain that I was experiencing since 2 pm. The midwife asked me,"Were you not in pain to come in at 6 cm?." I said I was! But it was bearable. They proceeded to inform my gynae and I know my gynae lives nearby so she was in the labor room in no time. 

Tremors 

She examined me and said your baby is small and is so close to coming out. She will be out within an hour and try to push her out within an hour because if it is more than an hour it will create unnecessary stress to the baby. My gynae broke my water bag and she said we will start pushing soon. I asked the nurse what would be the right technique in breathing during labor and I started pushing when my gynae signalled me to do so. Was i in pain ? No. I was very excited. You can ask Adam. He was there throughout my labor so he can verify that not even once I told him I was in pain. Truth is the pain in giving birth is more on the second stage of contraction which I went through at my in laws place (not knowing it was contraction). Alhamdulillah Eleanor was out after 40 minutes in the labor room. When my gynae placed her on my tummy, the first thing I did was check whether she has 20 fingers (I'm sure i am not alone in this)

As soon as Eleanor was wheeled out of the labor room, Adam told me that I did a good job and we can have another baby. Aih men... 

A few minutes after Eleanor was wheeled out of the labor room 

Fresh from the oven 

Zombified mommy 

The daddy and the daughter 

Grandparents, Grant Aunty and Abang Isaac 

My Precious Eleanor Azizah Johnston 

Hello VBAC! (Part 2)

This post is a continuation from this https://sillyducklingwalks.blogspot.com/2018/06/hello-vbac-part-1.html

So yes, I had terrible cramps just when we were cleared to go home. Thinking I had UTI, I brushed it off and made a mental note to check whether I have leftovers painkiller and antibiotics from the previous case of UTI I had a few weeks before.

We came home, unpacked and I checked the medicine cabinet and we didn't have any. At this point the pain radiated towards my back and I told Adam we need to drop by any general clinic and get some medicine for my UTI. Since we had plans to break fast at my in laws we dropped by a clinic in Seksyen 7 and the doctor gave me the medicine after I explained that i have cramps and I self diagnosed myself as having UTI (which was silly of me to do so)

While Adam and Isaac had their dinner downstairs, I proceeded to rest on the bed and told my in laws I was in pain. Nobody suspected that I was currently having contractions because I was just discharged that day. I diligently diffused White Angelica and dropped a few drops on the pillow as well to help me manage my discomfort. Adam came up about 9 pm and said we should go home but I told him maybe it is wiser to just stay at my in laws since the hospital is closer. Adam agreed but he said he would want to go home and take some of his clothes from our house while I opted to stay in bed. Despite taking the medicine my pain didn't go away but it was still bearable. The funny thing is that I even called one of my friend to ask if contractions leading to labor would be more focused on the lower back or on the tummy itself (in which my friend answered it would be on the lower back). I told her I think its UTI because the pain was actually bearable.

I only started to realise the probability of me having contractions when during one of my toilet trips, I literally felt the baby head came down and my mucus plug was out. At this point, I started to feel an urge to push every 10 minutes or lesser. I felt bad for Adam because he just came back from our house and was JUST trying to sleep. I had to tell him that I think that I was having urges to push every 10 minutes now and this might be it- I am going to give birth! Adam turned to me and said are you sure we can't go in the morning? I actually hesitated but told him I think its best that we just go to the hospital.

I peed in my pants in one of my toilets episode (its okay, pregnant woman are prone to peeing in their pants anyway. this is a fact!) so I grabbed anything that I could wear which was a kain batik only to realise at the hospital that it was torn in many parts that it barely covered anything. It was a procedure in AVISENA that all cases after office hours are referred to the emergency department first before deciding that you might need to be warded. When we arrived I was referred to the emergency department but I told the registration counter I would want to be in the labor room. Of course he hesitated but once the doctor in charge came around to see me and I told him about my pushing urges he straight away said this, " wheel her to the labor room!"

.... to be continued in Part 3 (the final part, promise!)

Hello VBAC! (Part 1)

If you remember I have a previous post which I was contemplating between going for an elective caesarean or to attempt a VBAC. I decided to go for a VBAC and signed the papers to agree that I am aware of the risks that I am taking when attempting for a VBAC; which was scary by the way thinking about how I could have suffered from internal bleeding and also the risk of losing my child as well. 

So here is an entry of how Eleanor was born 

On Friday (25th June), I had slight cramps which comes and goes at the office. I continued working and even managed to do some shopping plus had dinner at Publika with Adam. However on the morning of Saturday (26th June), I told Adam that we probably need to go to the hospital as I couldn't sleep well the night before due to the cramps. So we went to the hospital thinking this might be it. Our baby will be out today! However, again the nurses detected that my blood pressure was on the high side and I am aware that if it continues to be high, there is more probability of me to be wheeled into the operation theatre for the second time. My gynae came in about noon and said that there are only two choices, to be cut open or to be induced. I was only about 1 cm dilated hence I asked my gynae can I have a 3rd choice? I would want to wait for my blood pressure to drop to normal. She agreed but with one condition; I need to be warded to be monitored. I was left with no choice but to agree and to the ward we went. 

Happily went to work on Friday not knowing that I will give birth over the weekend

Isaac and my MIL came to visit me when I was warded. Also in this photo is the same gynae who greeted him when he was born 

Throughout my stay in the hospital, I tried to stay calm and if you are familiar with essential oils, I used White Angelica for positive energy and Lavender to just keep calm to keep my blood pressure normal. What I did was to put a few drops on my pillow and try to rest and rest and rest. Everything worked well, and somehow the cramps went away. 

I didnt use Peppermint but my husband took out all of the oils I had in my bag 

They detected no contractions so I thought this must be another case of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) which I had a couple of weeks back. After gaining clearance from my gynae, I was clear to be discharged but she said that my blood pressure is to be monitored on a daily basis. However, during the discharged process, which was about 2 pm, the terrible cramps came back! I didn't inform Adam because we were going to be discharged and I don't fancy being detained again. In my mind, I kept on thinking this must be UTI, I just need some medicine and I should be okay. 

... to be continued to part 2 

To VBAC or not to VBAC

My gynae has been asking me what is my preferred method to deliver my second child. My first thought was I wanted to try going for a normal delivery or better known as VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean) since I went through a Cesarean when I had Isaac. 

She said there are risks that I have to be aware off. Honestly, delivering a baby is a risk all mothers take regardless whether it is a normal delivery or a Cesarean. For some women, even being pregnant is risky. However, when she laid down the risks, I would not lie to myself that I had doubts about choosing VBAC. Adam? He decided it was too gory for him to think about it that I caught him playing with his phone while the Gynae was talking about the possibility of a uterine rupture. If you look at the image, yes scary! 

I also told my gynae I am open to the idea of Cesarean IF all fails. The most important thing is to get my baby out as well as me in one piece, with minimal damage. 

I will know what is my luck in delivering my second child in a couple of weeks. The waiting game has officially begun at 36 weeks plus. She is currently 2.2kg which is well above Isaac's weight at this very same week so whenever you are ready, girl. Remember, minimal pain for mommy please. 

note: I'm pretty sure that when Adam reads this post he would ask, "Are your sure you don't want to opt for an elective cesarean, bb?"

Hello America (October 2017_Part 1)

I would be lying if I were to tell you guys I wasn't nervous about bringing a toddler on a long haul flight. Fortunately for us, my in laws will be accompanying us on the trip going to US but it would be just the 3 of us when we take our flight back to Malaysia. 

So what should you prepare when you travel with a toddler? 

Definitely a lot of patience.. and new toys! We even wrapped them like gifts so Isaac will have the joy of unwrapping them. This trick worked on Isaac because he wasn't really attracted to watching the flight entertainment. I did make sure that I packed enough formula milk and diapers. I sure don't want to run out of them along the way. That would have been disastrous. So yes, pack enough or always go for more if you are unsure. 

In general Isaac behaved well on flight. He slept most of the time on flight and only waking up for diaper changes. However, when he is awake he will wonder why is it taking so long to reach our destination and tried to position himself in many different positions to make himself comfortable in between us. 

Sleepy before our flight because it was a night flight 

Another tip when traveling is the lesser hand luggage the better it is 

Our little traveller 

Apparently I don't have any photos on flight so these are the only ones I have of our journey going to US. I was 3 weeks pregnant when I went for this trip and we went for an appointment with our gynae to ensure that I am fit to travel. I was prescribed with hormone pills and of course folic acid. I remember being unsure that my pregnancy would survive but hey, this little lady in me is a strong lady. 

Better Late than Never

Oh my, how time flies. When i looked at my last entry it was in 2016! I don't know how i became lazy to update my blog but like the title states, better late than never.. 

So here I am, April 2018 and 34 weeks pregnant. We have always known that we would want another child and are thankful that our prayers were answered much quicker than expected. 

We are expecting a girl this time and as I have jokingly told everyone that this might be my last child ( I really think we want another one if it is in God's plan as well)

Here is our precious daughter first photo. We will see you in 6 weeks time, sayang

33 weeks then, with soon to be big brother, Isaac 

The first time Isaac saw his little sister. How can you resist that smile?

Hello, baby girl. You have my lips there 

PS: I'm going to try and blog about our US trip that we took in October 2017. May the force be with this momma!

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!

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! 

Wheres the Glow?

Once you go into the second trimester, everyone would be telling you that you would have the 'glow'. Scientifically it is due to you producing more blood and such. Anyway, have you seen the movie 'what to expect when you are expecting'? If you have, then you would know that not all mommies-to-be would have the glow. Honestly when I had my first pregnancy, I don't have any glow. You could spot my tired face a mile away. Heck, someone even guessed I was pregnant judging from my tired face. 

Thankfully, I think I do have the glow in this pregnancy from the comments people often gave me over and over again. However, to me, it really boils down on how well you take care of yourself. Your skin probably needs more attention with the hormonal changes and all.

What's important is proper cleansing, toning, and moisturising

In this post, I would like to share my secret to a glowing skin. My favourite mai'amy serum. I first stumbled upon it when I started following this girl on instagram and she was one of the seller for the brand. I decided to try 2 bottles of diamond serum first, following a recommendation from her .

It worked like a charm. Never turning back. 

No glow you say? I create my own 'glow' thank you very much. Currently I am using the stem cell serum from the same brand and I honestly like it better than diamond serum. 

By the way, there's also a myth saying that when you are pregnant with a baby girl, it will drain out your natural glow and the opposite happens when you are pregnant with a baby boy. A theory that I can't really prove but hey, thanks for the 'glow' BabyIJ 

I ll be sharing my favourite cleansing products in the future. Can't wait to share but make sure you leave some for me when I go to Sephora! 

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