Rise & Shine

It's 6:34am now and I have accomplished much.

* Fed Clara
* Washed up and found out B woke up, put him back to sleep
* Put away dishes in kitchen
* Tidied up one kitchen cabinet because the mess is simply unbearable. It will be another 5 hours before it gets messed up by Mr B again
* Put the laundry into the washing machine
* Showered
* Boiled the red date longan drink and its now sitting in the slow cooker
* Ibanking (read: online shopping)
* Clara just pooped - changed her diaper

I should have another hour before both kiddos wake.

Ah... strangely I don't miss sleep anymore. I function on adrenalin.

That is until my body decides its breaking down. -_-"

On a separate note, I've been monitoring Clara's weight especially after the jaundice episode. She still is abit yellow, but her wet diapers, OMG, so much. And who says girls don't "shoot" their urine. This daughter of mine has the ability to spray her urine at me while changing her. Well, at least I get to see that her urine is clear. So she's clearly hydrated enough. As of yesterday, she was 4.3kg, well above her birth weight and I'm delighted. Bradley, at 4 weeks old, was only 3.7kg, 500g above his birth weight only. Granted, he might be a poor benchmark, but at least I feel mei mei is on track. Or I hope she is, cos she won't be having a visit with our pd (B's pd) until she's 2 months.

Next Thursday marks C's one month, how time flies. But, there are some things I'm totally not looking forward in August. Come Monday, KK is going back to office and my mum can't make it to my place, so I'll be running solo. I tried to be cool about it because I have to go solo soon anyway. And, he has 2 business trips coming - someone say FML.

[Sponsored] Drypers Drypantz Review

When Bradley started crawling round about 7-8 months old, changing his diapers was a nightmare. He wouldn't lay still and would just flip and crawl away. It was still somewhat manageable if we were at home, but when we were out, it was impossible. He would try to crawl away from the changing stations in nursery rooms and sometimes there were other parents waiting for the space which made it quite stressful for us. That was when we decided to get pants diapers. But being the kiam siap (stingy) mother I am, for pants diapers are typically more expensive than tape diapers, we only use it when we are out.

Anyway, when we were sent some Drypers Drypantz for review, I was stoked! 

Mothers with boys will understand that their days, or rather our days are full of activities - climbing, climbing and more climbing. So Drypers Comfort Fit^tm in waist is perfect for active toddlers, providing softness feeling and greater comfort. Even after his time at the playground or scooting around on his Y-glider, the Drypantz still fits well and doesn't drop off or get misaligned.

Mr B being comfortable in Drypers Drypantz

Close-up look of the Comfort Fit around the waist area.

I typically change his diapers every 3-4 hours but with Drypers, I've tried changing it 4-6 hours and so far no issues despite it being soaked with urine. This is because of Activ-Core^tm which is specially designed to quickly absorb urine, preventing flow-back and provide up to 10 hours of longer-lasting dryness. Drypers diapers also contain 4 natural plant extracts with aloe vera, olive extracts, chamomile and vitamin E that helps to keep baby's skin healthy and comfortable. Say bye to diaper rash!

Having tried a few different brands of diapers, I have very basic requirements which I'm sure apply to most mums:

• Comfort - it must be comfortable for the kiddo for them to run around and be as active as they can be --> CHECKED
• Sensitivity - B has sensitive skin so quite prone to diaper rash. He's tried some which gave him rash almost immediately and Drypers diapers (both Drypantz and tape) did not give him any problems --> CHECKED
• Economical - As the kiamsiap mother and wife I am, affordability is very important. Babies go through how many diapers a day? At least 6! --> CHECKED

For those who have not tried Drypers Drypantz, don't just take my word for it. Hop on to www.facebook.com/DrypersSingapore to request for free sample.

That's not all.

From 13 July to 23 August 2015, 6 lucky Drypers consumers ( 1 winner weekly) get to enjoy a rockin' awesome 2D1N staycation in the first-ever Drypers rock themed room at Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa. Drypers will be dressing up the room with rock-inspired decor and guests staying in that room can channel their inner rock star in a private space with a whole load of Drypers goodies. 

Here's a preview of what the winners can expect during their stay:

Props for taking selfie/wefie and are all yours to bring home! That is, if you are one of the lucky winner :)

How cool is the guitar prop? Totally rocking the rock theme. Pun intended.

More props to pose with and 3 T-shirts for Rockstar Daddy, Rockstar Mummy and Lil Rocker to bring home

Awesome cot which I can just picture B wanting in and out.

What is the one thing that bothers you the most when traveling with young children? For me, it has to be packing! I'm so worried about forgetting things that I sometimes feel like I'm packing my entire house along with me. So, whenever I know certain items are provided, such as baby toiletries, it really helps ease up the luggage. See how thoughtful the Drypers rock theme room is? It comes with its very own toiletries - baby wipes, talcum powder, body wash and shampoo. All for the winners to use and bring home.

So here's what you need to do to stand a chance to win this staycation:

1. Take a rock-themed photo of your baby (0-36 months) wearing Drypers Drypantz
2. Include a creative caption for your photo and hashtag #Drypantz and #diapers
3. Submit the photo on the Drypers Singapore Facebook page

There will be one winner each week and winners will be notified via Facebook. On top of that, three winners per week will walk away with a designer's bag worth $162. Consumers can start participating from 13 July 2015 and contest ends 23 August 2015.

WAIT THERE'S MORE.

Do keep a lookout for Drypers engagers dressed up like rockers, they will be carrying photo frames with more details about the contest. Take a picture with the frames and upload it onto any social media platform and get a Drypers 10s Wet Wipes in return. As simple as that. Check out Drypers Singapore Facebook page to see where the engagers will be in the coming weeks!

You can get your limited edition Drypers Drypantz at Giant and NTUC Fairprice outlets which comes with a free sleeveless rocker t-shirt for kids, BUT stock are running low so while stocks last!

Good luck with the contest!

Finally.....

A picture of Bradley holding Clara. You have no idea how long I've waited. And he was the one who initiated it becoz he didn't want me carrying another baby.

Guilt Towards My First Born and Thoughts on Being Second Time Mum

I've been putting on hold this post for the longest time, because I know the moment I start it, the flood gates will open. True enough, I am already tearing now.

Ever since I found out I was pregnant with Clara, of course there was the initial joy, since it wasn't exactly expected. Then came the guilt. What is going to happen to B? All this time, it has always been "daddy, mummy and Bradley" (he says this all the time when he look at our pictures or when we are all standing in front of the mirror). How is he going to deal with another person in the picture? Sibling rivalry - not something I'm familiar with because I'm the youngest in my family and the age gap between me and the second youngest is 12 years, so I never had much sibling rivalry. You could say I'm the pampered one, not spoilt!

During the course of the pregnancy, I've tried explaining to him that there's a baby in mummy's tummy and next time when baby is out, she will be best friend with him, playing together and having fun. I know he understands but he tries to shut them out. Sometimes he acknowledges 'ok', but most times he just ignores.

So the day finally came when I have to deliver C - I think B's 'nightmare' literally started when he was disturbed from his sleep and had to come to the hospital with us. Sure, it wasn't the best arrangement but for us, we had no other options.

From the day C arrived, B did not have a good night sleep - first night he was home away from mummy for the first time ever. He finally fell asleep, well, sobbed himself to sleep from the exhaustion but at least he had at least 10 hours. When I found out, my heart ached so much I decided to let him stay with me in the hospital the second night. Which was a bad decision because he is such a light sleeper and when he got woken up, he takes forever to go back to sleep. And he doesn't want daddy to put him back to sleep, only me. So I had to juggle between bfg C and hugging B. Its been like this at home too.

Our initial plan was to have C sleep in her own room, which we did so the first night. But this little girl is such a gu niang even when she woke at night, she didn't even make any noise! When I did wake to check on her, she somehow managed to kick her swaddle off and her diaper even!! Thats when i decided no, she's not going to sleep alone yet. She will sleep in the 3-in-1 rocker in our room on the floor. And whenever I need to do the midnight feed, I will bring her outta the room to feed. Sounds good right? But somehow, our boy who has been sleeping through the night somehow always manages to wake up when I'm not beside him and bam! He's up officially and will take another 30 minutes or so to put him back to sleep, that's after I finish feeding C. Can you imagine?? It's really tougher managing B at this point instead of the newborn.

So, our new arrangement - daddy, bradley and mummy on our pathetic queen-sized bed (I was told I can't change my matrimonial bed during pregnancy and at least until after 4 months baby is born, otherwise we would at least have a king bed now!), C in her rocker and when I need to feed her, she comes onto the bed with me while I bf her lying down. Its not ideal BUT, its the only way that we all get our rest.

To be honest, I'm having a lot more rest at night than I expected. I don't know if this will last but I'm thankful for it for now. B was horrible as a newborn, thats why DH and I were expecting the worse. And I guess as second time parents, we more or less know what to expect, what to do and what are the things we can prepare ahead. Like bfg for one. It seems to be working this round because I religiously try to feed C every 2-3 hours whereas with B, when he was sleepy with jaundice at the hospital, I just let him sleep without bothering too hard to wake him up. My milk kicked in faster this round so I guess that helps. I'm still doubting my ability to breastfeed via latching but so far it seems that C is producing enough wet diapers and seems contented so far? More importantly, I've taken a very relaxed approach this round. I'm totally ok with supplementing ebm or fm if I'm not available to latch; confinement rules - well, I stick to those that I can, eat as healthy as I can but let's just say I shower twice a day and have gone out for dinner with B, C and hub at Sentosa. I'm way way happier than I was during my confinement with B.

I hope things remain or improve in the weeks to come.

My Birth Story - Baby Clara

So I've updated here I'd been having bloody show for a few days, lost my mucus plug. But just like Bradley, Clara decided it's fun to mess with mummy and let her guess and guess on when she will arrive.

On Monday evening before I went to bed, I started feeling some contractions. Told myself to sleep it off and if it's real contraction, I will definitely be woken up by it. At around midnight, I got woken and started timing the contractions. They were regular and painful but definitely very bearable.

12am: regular contractions about 10min apart

2am: after 2 hours of monitoring, decided to wake up and go to the hospital. Showered,  woke hub and did some last min packing

3am: called mum since she's coming along to watch B for us. Carried B but he woke up and didn't go back to sleep till 7!!!

350am: reached TMC. Settled B and mum at family lounge and went to labour ward. 2-3cm apart, cervix soft, contractions 5-7min apart. Pain level 3/10

7am: by this time my contractions seems to have died down

9am: Dr W came and checked. Only 3-4cm!! Faint. No pain. So broke waterbag and started oxytocin

1030am: texted hub to activate him back to the labour room coz I'm starting to feel intense pain. Cervix check: 4-5cm. Oh my god, so slow. Contemplating epidural. But it seems like with each contractions the cervix opened abit more.

11am: asked for gas. Realised I've been using the gas wrongly with Bradley coz I actually felt high from it while with bradley, it had no effect! Pain, pain, SO MUCH PAIN! DH was super encouraging, held my hands throughout and told me I did it with Bradley,  I could do it this time since it will be a faster labour.

Next few contractions I know the nurse was checking and each time it got bigger. Next thing I knew, she was pressing the call bell and another head popped in to ask "call now?".

"Yes, faster".

In minutes, I hear DR W running in and said, "wah so fast".

"ok, next contraction push"

Ok so I pushhhhhhhh like I had the constipation of the lifetime. And everyone around me like so excited I think they can see baby's head emerging.

"change of breath... pushhhh"

"Argghhhhhhhhhhhh"

"One more time baby coming"

"Pushhhhhhhh. .. dont stop... pushhhhhh"

And out came a whole chunk of slimy hot stuff and baby was on my chest.

Phew.

Seriously,  why this round so scary? I can actually remember everything vividly. I can even feel dr stitching me up and we were having a convo. She said the tear was v small and she's proud of me! Awwww my idol leh. .

Anyway, that is my birth story second time. Not much diff from the first except it being shorter and faster. In fact even their birth time is just 1 hour apart. Everything else kinda deja Vu.

Meet Baby Clara

My little girl was born 7 July around 1130am, weighing 3.2kg.

Both mummy and baby doing great but mummy is still trying to get used to the feisty girl's loud cries of complaints.

Unlike kor kor, her cries were not for hunger but more of anger especially when I kept forcing her to latch when she's obviously done.

I wonder what we have created.

Here's some pictures and I will be back with the birth story soon.

Mucous plug

I just had bloody show.

Counting down now!!

Deja Vu

This is beginning to feel too much like a deja Vu.

If I remembered correctly, I started my maternity leave at 38 weeks, thinking "ok full term already, baby will come anytime". I also didn't want to risk having my waterbag burst while at work, meeting a client or in the midst of a conf call.

Week 38 came and gone and no signs of labour. I went to the park and had long walks on my own in the mornings, I did a lot of housework (not sure if it was nesting), climbed a fair bit of stairs. Did everything that was said to induce labour, except sex maybe, too tired too heavy too big. I had some bloody show but not alot and no contractions. Eventually B came a day before edd and a few hours before the scheduled induction.

Today at 38w4d, I was strapped to the ctg machine to track baby's heartbeat and I could hear B and hub talking outside the room. 2 years back I was in the room with hub just feeling excited about everything.

Dr W didn't check the cervix for dilation today, say shall leave it till next visit which is 2 days before edd and just wait for labour to start on its own. Baby is still approximately 3.2kg, mummy has put on 8kg to date. Oh and unlike with B, this round I was tested positive for Strep B which means we gotta get antibiotics IV during labour.