3 Dec 14, Wed - 3rd day in Childcare

My 宝贝, Mummy knows that I should type in the entry on your 1st Birthday on 15 May 14  instead of this post at your 18th month. Also, there was also your follow up review at NUHS Clinic A and the first (hopefully the last too) X-ray that the doctor ordered you to take which totally broke my heart. 😢

But since this is the freshest piece of memory, let's start on this first okay? Lest I try to remember what happened in the past to the extent that I also forget about today.

Today marks the third day of your transition to the Childcare (CC). Actually when you turned 18 months on 15 Nov 14, you should have progressed to the Childcare but the teachers decided to let you stay on in the Infantcare (IFC) till the end of Nov 14 so that the subsidy claimed will be nearer, i.e all under IFC. Daddy concluded this to be good and said that you will then get to enjoy the aircon IFC for another half month before joining the non-aircon CC. Thus, that's how you managed to stay on in the IFC till end Nov 14.

First day of CC on 1 Dec 14 and you held on so tightly to my top and refuses to go in to that door (different entrance to IFC and CC). In fact, am not sure why, but for the past week, you were also reluctant to go to the IFC on some days. Could it be that you have developed stranger anxiety (something that is commonly seen in kids at around 10months of age) or could it be the fact that you are somehow aware subconciously that Mummy is having a little baby inside of me (Mummy tested on the Ovulation Predictor Kit on the night of 1st Dec 14, after going for Thong Thai massage in JB with Daddy and rhe masseue was stepping on Mummy's back and stretching me around, as I wanted to estimate the date of my next cycle and also I had a weird and nagging feel that I could have been pregnant during the massage). The HPT on 2 Dec 14 returned positive results within 30seconds and now, I am going to start recording the milestone of your little sibling, just like what I did for your Sista and you simply, because I myself am curious about how my parents aka your grandparents felt when they know of my existence in your Grandma's tummy and also, I wanted to leave something unique to each of you, a story of you and me only, to you when I pass on.

Well, I digress too much over here. Back to today, you cried alot when we sent you in to the CC and ended up one of the teacher had to carry you in her lap. Hoho.

Mummy is currently not working, since 1 Dec 14 and hopes to get back to the workforce by Jan 15 which is the reason why I have the luxury of time now to type out this piece at Tiong Bahru MacDonald's. Am missing you already but it is for your own good, the sooner you can assimilate into your new class, the faster you will find the joy in going to School to learn and mingle with your classmates. ☺️

P/S: Just to let you know something cute, you stole the hearts of alot of the IFC and CC teachers and you wanna know the many nicks that they gave ya out of love? Be prepared and here goes:

睿睿, 宝贝，小帅，帅哥, handsome and your Daddy recalled one time whereby the CC teacher said that you are the reason why she keeps on popping over to the IFC section. Highest compliment ever, my 宝贝! 😍 I hope thay you will know how deep my love is for you and this is a fact that will not change.

March & April 2013

Well, let me see..

Nothing much for Mar 2013, our appoimtmemt was on 16 Mar 2013 amd 30 Mar 2013. Both appointment went well. :) glad to know that you are growing well imside. :)

For April 2023 it marks a downturn in Mummy's career luck. I was scolded for no fault of mine amd the person was so bad as to even scold you who is in my tummy. Sigh. We had done our best for the case and there wasn't anything much that can be done for him. Technically he isnt even our customer to begin with and we need not even bother with him. Sigh.

The superstitious Me then went to the usual fengshui aunty and she sold me coupla things and all. Let me briefly share with you on what made me counsult her..

Firstly was the uncalled for curse from one unreasonable non-customer, secondly was when we were on the way to the fengshui aunty shop and upon stepping out of the carpark (read: there is a supermarket located at level 1 of the carpark with high human traffic) and of all peeps, I was the one who tio the birdshit. OMG! I know that when I start getting bird shit on me, it is the start of bad luck and not just a simple downturn only, it may be difficult for me to get out from thay trough if I just leave things be. Alas, upon reaching the stall even after making an appointment with the Aunty for that Sunday after your Sista's lesson, I was shocked to find it closed and quickly fumbled for my phone only to see the 2 messages that the Aunty left me:

Hi Angie, can know u coming tks @ 1442hrs on 7th Apr 13

So sorry, raining soon so i left already @ 1452hrs on 7th Apr 13

Your Sista's lesson usually ends at 1430hrs and to think that I was still glued to the phone and surfing net till 1430hrs and just missed those 2 crucial messages.

But as luck would have it, if this person is meant to help you, help will be there and what is yours will be yours. :)

Turned out the aunty had not gone far and coincidentally, she turned around and saw your Daddy who also saw her while I was still looking despondently at the closed stall.

The aunty came back and helped addressed our concern. She also told me to wear something like a badge which will help to protect you and me as the year of your birth, i.e. Snake is supposed to be good but as the water Dragon was overwhelming, the Snake year will now be a Water Snake instead. Well, truth be told, I do not really understand but as long as I can believe in something and we will be alright, that is good enough for me. :)

Catch-up Posts..

Today is 27 Feb 13, Wednesday..

Looking back, Mummy realised that the last post made in your blog was in Dec 12. Opps, apologies for not being able to update your blog for the past months.

It was pretty hectic for the past months and that is why Mummy hasn't been able to update your blog. Let me give you a run-down on the past events. =)

21 Dec 12, Friday: Detailed Scan

Our appointment was in the morning and after registering at the clinic, we were directed to TMC's department for the detailed scan. The sonographer that greeted us was pretty pleasant, a woman with few words. First, she asked if we had know what's your gender already and when we mentioned that we were informed but it was not really confirmed, she proceeded to scan for your gender.

Well, you are confirmed to be our little baby boy! =)

Next up, she went about her job quietly taking all the measurements and checking all the necessary, such as whether there is any cleft lip seen, count the number of digits on your little hands and feet, check your heartbeat, blood flow, sighting of the 2 kidneys, 1 liver etc. After she is done with all the screenshots, she guided us through briefly on what was seen on screen. After the check, we were sent back to the clinic with the report and the gynae then read through the report and said that all is good.

24  Dec 12, Monday: Christmas's Eve

We sent your sister to school and then Daddy dropped Mummy off at Vivo City as Mummy's office had planned an outing on Christmas Eve. Daddy then drove off to his office for work or rather, Christmas celebration in his office maybe? =p

The day went by pretty well and after the event, Daddy picked Mummy up again at Harbourfront and we went to pick your sister up from the Childcare. The mood was relatively light and good, as is every Christmas as this marks the end of the year and Everyone just seems so happy. Not sure why, but that is the feel that one gets, maybe it is due to the shorter working week (in view of the half day on the eve of Christmas Day and eve of New Year's Day and the full day off on Christmas Day and New Year's Day etc).

31 Dec 12, Monday: New Year's Eve

Today, Mummy's office is going to visit the Gardens by the Bay! As usual, Daddy dropped off both your sister and Mummy at the office and after sending your sister to the childcare, Mummy proceeded to walk over to the meeting point at the carpark to catch the bus to the Gardens by the Bay. As this is a Company wide event, transport and even simple breakfast was catered for! =) So nice!

The day went by pretty well and it was really relaxing to walk the 2 gardens (Company paid for admission to 2 of the many gardens) such that very soon, it was time to part ways! Mummy went with 2 colleague and as it was pouring, we took a cab out to the nearest MRT station, i.e Marina Bay station as there was no covered linkway out from the gardens. Bad linkage, I would say, considering that there are so many MRT stations nearby (Bayfront and Marina Bay etc) and Marina Bay Sands was also so nearby but there was no linkways to them. -_-

Mummy then took the train over to Daddy's office, met up with Daddy and then took the car over to pick up your sister.

The days of Jan 13 went by in a daze, things just seem to fly by and we were also busy packing our place for Chinese New Year and also packing our bags for our holiday to Taiwan! =)

Imagine, we only have around 2 weeks plus, or rather 4 days over the weekends to tidy up everything. -_-

19 Jan 13, Friday to 2 Feb 13, Saturday: Taiwan Trip

Our flight is actually on 20 Jan 13, Saturday midnight, but as one will need to check in 2 hours prior to the departure time, we were there at the airport on 19 Jan 13, Fri around 9+pm to 10+pm.

外婆,小舅，阿姨 and 阿姨's boyfriend came over to send us off. They helped us to load our 2 heavy luggage into the cab and 外婆 gave us red packet for good luck, with $100 inside for each of us. Once we were inside the cab, the taxi driver jokingly asked us if we were travelling or migrating. Oh man, this is so so so embarrassing but this is how travelling with kids will be like. Actually our stash seems to be pretty alot, with 2 big hardcover luggages, a big bag for Daddy to carry on-flight with your sister's milk powder etc, a stroller for use over in Taiwan and a trolley bag with pull-down seat for Mummy to rest when tired.

Upon reaching the airport, we unloaded everything and checked in almost all of our stuff, except for Daddy's big backpack, the trolley bag with pull-down seat and the stroller.

We walked around the airport and while time away, trying out those leg massager, eating the wanton noodles and sushi while your sister played at the T2 playground. Haha, while Daddy and Mummy was chomping away on the food, your sister ran around the playground and a group of seemingly Korean students (most likely to be below 12 years old) entertained your sister and played with her, carrying her up the stairs and then catching her when she slide down etc. Such fun! =)

Time again, seems to whiz by while we were in Taiwan, except for the first 5 days when we have to remain in Taipei while waiting for 外婆 and 阿姨 to join us on 24 Jan 13, Thursday. Once they touched down in Taipei, the five of us proceeded to move out of Taipei to places of interest around Taiwan.

After coming back to Singapore, we are only left with a week to clean up our place for Chinese New Year on 10 Feb 13, Sunday.

Mummy's office was quite good to grant all off at 3 pm on 8 Feb 13, Friday considering that it is not Chinese New Year's eve. (If it is Chinese New Year's Eve, we would only need to work half day). Mummy then went to pick your sister up from Childcare and we took the bus and train home. The whole journey back home took us more than 1 hour. -_- Your sister was pretty accommodating on that day and did not really whine even though I made her hold my hand and walk on the pavement riddled with puddles of water (as it just rained earlier). I was not able to carry her as I will get breathless easily and was carrying her school bag too.

The waiting for the bus took a while but the good thing was that there were seats. =) But the journey on the MRT was a different story, it was pretty packed and no one was willing to give up their seats. We stood near to 2 girls (primary school going kids) who were totally engrossed in their handheld games and did not bother about us standing there, even though it would be real courteous and considerate of them to volunteer their seats (or seat) to us. In the end, the lady sitting beside them gave up her seat for your sister and Mummy. I was pretty grateful to the lady but the 2 girls sitting beside was looking at the lady strangely, as if asking 'why is there a need to give the seat up?'

Then another lady sitting on our left decided to give up her seat for your sister so that I will not need to manage her school bag and carry your sister on my lap etc. But your sister was not willing to sit on her own and my feel is that there isn't a need for us to occupy 2 seats since we can manage. Well, I am glad to say that the empty seat then went to someone in need too, an old lady who boarded the train a couple of stops later.

After alighting from the train, it was only then that I realised that the lady who gave up her seat for us is actually the Mummy of the 2 girls as they were calling her Mummy, which stop are we getting off etc. -_-"'

We then walked home slowly from the MRT station and Mummy taught your sister colors by giving her M&Ms chocolate along the way, trying to link the colors to the sights that we see along the way, such as green is for the color of the grass etc.

Back home, Mummy proceeded to change the curtains and when Daddy came home, he helped to change the bedsheet in the master bedroom.

There was a night whereby we went to the NTUC to buy the mandarin oranges and other stuffs to fill up the fridge (the belief is that if your fridge is stuffed full with food and all, it signifies abundance and the coming year will be filled with food for all and one will not need to worry about going hungry etc). The queue was horribly long and Mummy was almost falling asleep while your Daddy queued to pay for the stuffs. It doesn't help that your sister was feeling sleepy too and exceptionally cranky, wanting to get to her Daddy amidst the crowd. -_-

9 Feb 13, Saturday: Chinese New Year's Eve

Mummy and Daddy busied ourselves with last minute cleaning and also bringing out the new clothes that we want to wear for Chinese New Year etc. After that, we proceeded to prepare the red packets before leaving house at around 4+ pm to Vivo City for the reunion dinner at J Pot with 阿嫲 and aunties. After the dinner, we moved on to 外婆's place for our second round of reunion dinner. The dinner was good, with all the members home, i.e 公公，外婆，阿姨，小舅and 大舅. 大舅 had actually moved out for quite some time, staying with his girlfriend but surprisingly, he came back home on 年除夕(aka 小年夜) to help with the cleaning and also to have the reunion dinner and stayover too. So heartwarming, especially when the kids grow up and all are busy with their own lives but one still makes the effort to spend time with family and value such traditions. =)

We only reached home at around 11+pm after our dinner and proceeded to hang up the 蒜 above the doorway to the kitchen (for good luck too, 年年有的算) before retiring for the night, tired out.

10 Feb 13, Sunday: Chinese New Year Day 1

First stop was to 阿嫲's place to 拜年, next up is to Mummy's 阿公's place followed by Mummy's uncle's home with the last stop being Daddy's uncle's place.

11 Feb 13, Monday: Chinese New Year Day 2

We pretty much lazed around and rested the day away.

16 Feb 13, Saturday: Day of Our Gynae Visit!

Our appointment is at 9:30 am and then after that, the plan is to drop by Mummy's colleague's place for a quick gathering. However, to our dismay, the gynae was not in. Well, this is the first time we have encountered such a situation so we patiently waited in the beginning. But as time passes by and it is nearing 12 pm, the time whereby we need to clear our from Mummy's colleague's place as she has an appointment in the afternoon, Mummy grew more and more worried. Finally, the gynae was back but it was still some time before he started seeing patients and during this time, a lady was wheeled out from the corner of the clinic (that corner was where the nurses draw blood from the patients, breastfeeding area and our gynae's room is situated) but I am not sure from which room exactly. The lady was dressed in a pink night gown and covering her face with a tissue. It appeared that she was sobbing as it was noticed that her shoulders were heaving up and down uncontrollably. I really hope that all's okay for the lady as we overheard the nurses at the clinic mentioning that the gynae had been gone for a long time and hope that everything would be fine. Really really hope that she did not encounter something bad. But from the look of things, it appeared that she encountered a heartbreaking event. =( This got me down as well and I was kinda affected and scared, hoping that you will be good inside Mummy's tummy and grow well and come out alive and happy in May 13. That would be my greatest wish now..

The scan was okay and you are weighing in at 1.1 kg at 27 weeks. When I told the gynae of the searing pain that I have sometimes at the lower abdomen, he brushed it off as something that will occur during pregnancy. Sigh, he just seems so detached and aloof. But no choice, he is the recommended gynae for his pro -natural stance, so I will have to stand by him and hope that he can help me to achieve what I have been dreaming of, a natural birth.

Well, after the appointment, we moved on to Mummy's colleague's place (she was so nice to wait around and the rest were still there too) until we arrived and we 捞鱼生 over at her place.

After the visit, we went back home to rest.

17 Feb 13, Sunday to 19 Feb 13, Tuesday: Your sister had the runs

Your sister was sick and having diarrhea multiple times on Sunday, vomiting on Monday and diarrhea again on Tuesday. Apparently, she had caught the stomach flu virus from your Daddy (Your Daddy was sick around Chinese New Year period with stomach flu but was on the road to recovery already when he caught the stomach flu virus which may have mutated when it was passed on to your sister). So Daddy stayed home with your sister on 18 Feb 13, Monday while Mummy took a day off on 19 Feb 13, Tuesday.

During this time, we restricted the milk feed and your sister seems to understand that taking milk will only aggravate her diarrhea and vomiting and only requested for water on 19 Feb 13, Tuesday when I looked after her.

She has since recovered, I am glad to say. =)

27 Feb 13, Wednesday: Rainy Day Forecast

While updating your blog, Mummy has been feeling movements that you make inside my tummy and it is indeed reassuring and comfortable to know. It brings along a sense of peace and happiness knowing that I am able to nurture a life inside of me and I really hope that Everything will be good for you inside and that you will also be good and stay safe, happy and comfortable inside me for another 11 weeks inside and we shall see you, a healthy and lively baby in time to come.

We Love You! =)

Dream of You..

The long -awaited post...

Our little sweetie, firstly, apologies for not being able to update your blog for quite some time.. Let me re-start the updating now, okay? =)

I shall start with the dream of you that I had yesterday and then after this post, I will move back to check on my last posting in your blog and then update from that date.

While changing out of my working clothes yesterday, I noticed that my tummy is significantly bigger recently and it seems to have hit the peak that I was when I was carrying your sister. This makes me wonder how much bigger can my tummy really stretch and grow. The thought of it is really scary, as imagine, yesterday was only 26 Feb 13, Tues and our edd is mid May 13, that is like another 11 weeks away. Even if we take the due as full term, i.e 37 weeks, there is still a good 8 weeks more to go. And, during this last trimester, babies tend to grow at a faster rate than before, so if we have so much time on our hands, then the growth rate may be exponential.

Maybe this is what some people term as 日有所思,夜有所梦. The reason why I have this feel is because I dreamt of you after this.

The Dream..

The date is 26 Mar 13, not sure why this date, but this is the date that I supposedly gave birth to you. naturally in the dream. If we were to go by that date, you will only be 32 weeks, which is considered as premature. But in the dream, you were born chubby and all, looking like a full term baby instead of a pre-term baby. We were at a loss over what to do over your early arrival and Mummy has yet to plan for the handing over of my work to my cover during my absence for maternity leave etc and am actually supposed to go to work the following day. What was amazing about the dream was that I gave birth to you at home and the good thing was that Everything was smooth sailing but the fantastic thing was that I actually felt very good and unlike the frail me that I experienced when I underwent the first delivery. But considering that the birth was delivered at home, we were unable to store your cordblood (as that would require the gyane's expertise in the extraction) and Mummy was quite sad that kit was so near (at home) and yet so far (lacking in the expertise to extract the cordblood).

You were a very happy baby in the dream and very easy to look after too. =) Such a blessing! There was also a funny incident whereby I had already took off your clothes, planning to bathe you only to realise that the bathtub is still in the storeroom and Mummy then hurriedly have Daddy take out the bathtub for you. =p

When I awoke this morning, the dream was still fresh in my mind and I told Daddy about it. Guess what was Daddy's response? He said that we should be packing the hospital bag already. Haha. Well, the hospital bag is basically any bag that we will need to pack to bring it along to the hospital and in it will be the necessity for the hospital stay, like the PJs, chicken essence (which my Boss said will sorta gives strength in the pushing) and any other stuffs needed.

Come to think of it, I have forgotten what is needed in the bag. But considering that Singapore is so small and that if there are other non -urgent stuffs that are missing, Daddy can actually bring it over the next morning etc.

Well, just in case, let me go online to search for the list of items needed in the hospital bag.

Here goes,

What should I pack in my hospital bag?

• Your birth plan and maternity notes.
• Dressing gown. This will be useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour and you'll need one on the maternity ward.
• Slippers
• Socks. Believe it or not, your feet can get cold during labour.
• An old nightdress or a T shirt to wear in labour. It will probably get a bit messy, so don't buy anything specially to wear in hospital.
• Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labour.
• Lip balm
• Snacks and drinks for you while you are in labour. Isotonic sports drinks are good or bring some glucose tablets to keep you going.
• Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as books, magazines, games and so on.
• A hairband. If you have long hair, you might want it tied up.
• Pillows. The hospital might not have enough to make you really comfortable.
• TENS pain relief machine, if you are planning to use one.
• Toiletries
• Music to listen to. Take a battery-operated machine, as most hospitals won't let you plug things in. Some hospitals provide their own CD players or radios - again, check first.

http://www.babycenter.com.sg/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag#ixzz2M3vgX8ZT

For labor

• A picture ID (driver's license or other ID), your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need
• Your birth plan, if you have one
• Eyeglasses, if you wear them. Even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you're in the hospital.
• Toiletries: Pack a few personal items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.
• A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor and afterward, but some women prefer to wear their own. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that you don't mind getting dirty. It should be either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily. Slippers and a robe may come in handy if you want to walk the halls during labor.
• Whatever will help you relax. Here are some possibilities: your own pillow (use a patterned or colorful pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital's pillows), music and something to play it on, a picture of someone or something you love, anything you find reassuring. If you're going to be induced, think about bringing some reading material because it may be a while before labor is underway.

For your partner/labor coach

• A camera or video camera with batteries, charger, and memory card (or film or tape). Someone has to document the big event! (Note: Not all hospitals allow videotaping of the birth itself, but there's usually no rule against taping during labor or after the birth.)
• Toiletries
• Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
• Snacks and something to read
• Money for parking and change for vending machines
• A bathing suit. If you want to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want your partner to get in with you to support you or rub your back.

• After you deliver

• A fresh nightgown, if you prefer to wear your own
• A list of people to call and their phone numbers, your cell phone and charger or, if you'll be using the hospital phone, a prepaid phone card. After your baby's born, you or your partner may want to call family and friends to let them know the good news. Bring a list of everyone you'll want to contact so you don't forget someone important when you're exhausted after delivery.
• Snacks! After many hours of labor, you're likely to be pretty hungry, and you may not want to rely solely on hospital food. So bring your own – crackers, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or whatever you think you'll enjoy. A bottle of nonalcoholic champagne might be fun for celebrating, too.
• Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras. Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in, which can happen anytime during the first several days after delivery. A good bra can provide some comfort, and breast pads can be added to help absorb leaks.
• Several pairs of maternity underpants. Some women love the mesh underwear usually provided by the hospital, but others don't. You can't go wrong with your own roomy cotton underpants. The hospital will provide sanitary pads because you'll bleed after delivery. Make sure you have a supply of heavy-duty pads waiting at home!
• A book on newborn care. The hospital will probably provide you with a book, but you may prefer your own. Of course, the postpartum nurses will be there to answer questions and show you how to change, hold, nurse, and bathe your newborn if you need guidance.
• Photos of your other children. When they come to visit, they'll see that you haven't forgotten them.
• Gifts for older siblings. Some parents bring gifts for the new baby to "give" to big brothers and sisters.
• A notepad or journal and pen or pencil. Track your baby's feeding sessions, write down questions you have for the nurse, note what the pediatrician tells you, jot down memories of your baby's first day, and so on. Some people bring a baby book so they can record the birth details right away.
• A going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into (believe it or not, you'll probably still look 5 or 6 months pregnant) and a pair of flat, comfortable shoes.

For your baby

• An installed car seat. You can't drive your baby home without one! Have the seat properly installed ahead of time and know how to buckle your baby in correctly.
• A going-home outfit. Your baby will need an outfit to go home in, including socks or booties if the clothing doesn't have feet, and a soft cap if the air is likely to be cool. Make sure the legs on your baby's clothes are separate so the car seat strap can fit between them.
• A receiving blanket. The hospital will provide blankets for swaddling your baby while you're there, but you may want to bring your own to tuck around your baby in the car seat for the ride home. Make it a heavy one if the weather's cold.

Well, it is good to be prepared and guess I shall refer back to the list attached here and then try to pack the hospital bag by Mar 13. =)

See you, our happy, healthy and crying baby in May 13! =)

Flutters ~~~~~~~

I had been feeling some sort of flutters inside since last week (15+ weeks) albeit it being on an on and off basis. But it still feels good and ticklish. Well, it feels very much like bubbles inside and sometimes I can feel your movements even though I can't see anything on my belly yet (as you grow bigger, when you move inside, I will be able to see your elbow etc scrapping against the tummy).

Okay, am not making much sense in the above paragraph. =p But what Mummy is trying to tell you is that I can feel you, your little movements inside, on an ad-hoc basis.

However, you are still resting on those veins such that the pelvis discomfort still remains and in fact, worsens at times. But still, sometimes, when am too pre -occupied with stuffs, it does not really bother me much. The time when I felt the discomfort the most is at night when resting.

The discomfort got worst last week, when Mummy and Daddy took leave for our exams on 3 Dec 12, Mon. Sitting on those hard benches is really uncomfortable so much so that by Day 2 of my leave, I am starting to develop such a bad backache, pain at the middle portion of the spine area and aching neck too. However, I still refused to take medication such as Pandanol etc as a pain relief for fear of the unknown. But I just could not take it anymore and called up the TCM to check if I can go in for the accupuncture, tuina or ba guan aka cupping. The sinseh mentioned that as the pregnancy is only considered as stable from 6 months onwards in TCM's view, she does not suggest accupuncture but may try out cupping and tuina instead.

However, the thing that is holding me back is that the cost, the sinseh will be charging me on a per session rate even though the accupuncture is skipped etc, which then makes the treatment relatively expensive. While I was thinking through and looking for alternatives, the sinseh called me back and said that it is best not to attempt and advised that I try to endure the pain. Since she is unwilling to do it, I will not force her too.

But the pain is horrible and my head feels so so so heavy and I feel so much like puking due to the giddiness and all. After calling another TCM, Ying Chuan at Jurong East up, the lady mentioned that they do not offer accupuncture services but instead, has guasha and cupping which is suitable for pregnant women, just that certain points may nee to be skipped. I was totally okay with it and your Daddy sent me over to the TCM.

The wait was short, maybe around 20 minutes or so and soon enough, it was my turn. The guasha session is fast, maybe around maximum of 10 minutes for which I was charged $20. Well, it is relatively expensive (considering that for an hour, it would work out to be $120) but at least it sorta helped to relieve some of the tension in my head, neck as well as the upper back. She avoided the shoulder saying that there are major arteries running through the area and it is best to avoid the area. Whatever she says, as long as I can regain some of my senses and get rid of that drowsy and heavy head feel.

After the session, Daddy and Mummy decided that the timing is just too odd to return to our study place. Hence, we proceeded to Tiong Bahru Plaza to catch a movie 'Life of Pi' instead. It was nice and the 3D version's timing is just perfect, we can pick your sister up after the movie and it would not be too late, only around 6+ pm. =)

The leave days started a blur but as the days progresses on, it was more of stress and excitement as the exam date drew nearer. However, there was one other thing that was bugging me, that was I did not feel much bubbles inside after the guasha session and I was real real real worried about you. I tried prodding, poking, vibrating the tummy slightly using my hands but there was still no response from you. In the end, I really wanted to bring out the doppler to use but considering that I do not really know how to use the doppler, I figured that it will only end up giving myself more stress. Just at that moment of dilemma, you moved and I felt bubbles inside my tummy again! =) That is indeed a relief to me, that you are alright inside! =)

Today is 4 Dec 12, Tuesday and Mummy is back in office after the exam ended on 3 Dec 12, Monday. I am not sure why, but I really could not sleep well yesterday night. This was despite me being so shagged after the examination, but when we retired to bed, I just kept waking up, at 1+am, 2+am, 3+am (by your sobbing sister, guess she had a bad dream) and 5+am.

Let's just hope that I will be able to get a good night sleep tonight. =)

Our 3rd Appointment with You on 24 Nov 12, Sat

Finally, the day has come again! =)

It is what we have been eagerly waiting for, to see you again, our dear!

Our appointment is early at 9:30am and we woke up at 8+ am and proceeded to prepare ourselves for our appointment.

In view of the early appointment, we decided to have breakfast only after the appointment.

Daddy commented that he is not sure why, but at the previous gynae, even though we have had appointments, the waiting time was still long whereas over here at this new gynae, even though the clinic was packed, the clinic assistant managed to keep to the appointment time. =p Well, food for thought, I had never wondered about this though. The only reason that Mummy can think of is maybe the gynae that we had chose does not see that much patients and the cost of seeing him is relatively high (think consultation of $80 and scan of $40).

Once we were inside the gynae's room, Mummy proceeded to offload her fears and concerns, i.e the persistent pain at the pelvies area (something that felt like one had cycled on the bicycle for many many kilometres) and the seemingly increased watery discharge.

Pertaining to the various feelings, Mummy's concerns/fears are listed as follows:
1. persistent shooting pain at the pelvis area: (a) symphysis pubis dysfunction, (b) incompetent cervix or (c) UTI
2. watery discharge: (a) incontinence due to the lack of proper care after delivery of your sister or (b) waterbag leakages

The gynae sorta laughed off the concerns and mentioned that the dysfunction would feel otherwise whereas one is not born with incompetent cervix etc and said not to worry unduly. As for the persistent pain that I am feeling, he reckons that it could be the pressure that you are putting on the veins delivering blood etc to the area, such that pain can be felt.

As for the watery discharge, the gynae was saying that if it is the waterbag leakages, basically, the water will rush down the legs and instead of like once in a while, there are wet patches.

Well, at least this allayed quite a fair bit of my concerns/fears. Next up is the scan and your Daddy carried your sister to the scanning area and your sister was so amazed by the screen that was hanging from the ceiling that she kept pointing to it. Haha.

Let Mummy describe the room to you, it is a squarish room and at the corner of the room, there is a curtain which cordons off the scanning area. So, once the Mummy is inside with the pants pulled slightly down to expose the tummy, the curtains would be drawn. Over at the feet of the bed, there will be a screen hanging from the ceiling, that is for the Mummy to view what is going on in the ultrasound scan. Beside the bed (on the right side), there will be the scanning machine and the gynae will scan and view the inputs from the little screen on his scanning machine.

The gynae found you fast (you are resting somewhat on the left side of Mummy's tummy) and commented that Everything looks a-okay and then added 'Hmm? I see something there.' This gave poor Mummy such a BIG fright! I thought we just cleared the OSCAR test, what could have happened and what could the gynae have seen? This is so frightening.

Then he said that 'Wait, let me see again.' After which, he happily announced that you are a boy! Oh My God! What a fright he had given me! I really worried for you and was wondering what could have happened. My dear baby.

The gynae then said that he wants to ensure that what he is seeing is not the umbilical cord and that it is really part of your manhood. Heh heh. So he did another clearer scan and at that moment, I think both your Daddy and myself saw it. There is something protruding out to which the gynae said that it looks like a fire hydrant! Haha, such humour. Mummy then sought to double confirm this and asked the gynae 'Usually at 15 weeks scan, the gender won't run right?'

The gynae replied 'No' and then added on that he is going to commit himself and typed 'I am a Boy' right next to the little fire hydrant! Haha!

Daddy and Mummy are ecstatic over the news even though we are not gender biased and had enjoyed your sister's company thoroughly. I guess the thought of you growing well and good is comforting enough, knowing your gender is a bonus. =)

We will have to wait for the detailed scan on 21 Dec 12, Friday for confirmation and regardless of what your gender is, you are still Daddy and Mummy's little dear. Please grow well and good, stay comfy and snug inside Mummy while I continue to nourish and take care of you. Stay safe and do not play with your umbilical cord and we shall see you well and good in time to come! May 13, I am so loving you! =)

OSCAR Test on 2 Nov 12, Friday

Finally, today is the day of our OSCAR Test. =)

Our appointment is at 0900hours but we have to report to the clinic for the drawing of maternal blood at 0840hours.

Well, we were slightly late and it doesn't help that the parking at TMC is relatively messy. We reached the clinic only at 0850hours. In the end, the clinic assistant decided to send us for the OSCAR test first and then have us return to the clinic for the blood test after the OSCAR.

We then proceeded to Level 4 for registration. The system for the registration and payment was relatively fuss free and quick too. We paid up the full $400+ for both the OSCAR and Detailed Scan (aka FA Scan aka A3 Scan) promptly and moved on to the waiting area inside the centre for our turn with the sonographer.

The wait was short too and after taking Mummy's height and weight, our queue number was called. The sonographer was relatively nice and proceeded to give instructions and have us settled down. However, you were not too 'helpful' and decided to give the sonographer a hard time, i.e by not being in the right position for her to take the measurements. Haha!

The measurements that she needs to take are simple, the NT values etc and then make a brief scan on the digits of your feet and hand etc. After staying inside the room for around 15 minutes, she decided to have Mummy empty the bladder in the hope of a better view (as I was really really bloated from downing the water as instructed by the centre assistant previously).

We returned to the room after this and this time round, it was slightly easier for her to have a little look-see without causing much discomfort to Mummy (imagine having someone press onto your tummy when it is filled with so so so much water).

The sonographer had to make some shaking movements on my tummy in order to make you turn to the right angle that she needed to take the measurements. This went on for quite some time before we were given the okay. After she had taken the measurements, she then showed us the screen and pointed our your little toes, fingers, feet and hand, blinking heart etc for Daddy and Mummy to view.

I am really really glad that the OSCAR test did not take up too much time as we had heard of one mummy having to stay at the centre for the whole day, from 0800hours to 1600hours because her baby was not cooperative. We sure won't want that as we needed to take lunch before rushing over to your sister's childcare for her birthday celebrations! =)

This is indeed a happy day for Daddy and Mummy! We get to see you again after such a long wait since our last appointment on 23 Oct 12, Tues. Looking forward to seeing you again soon, our dear! =)