My Wonder Years

Just a Little Update

2012-01-28T11:17:00.004+08:00

Merry Christmas...

Happy New Year 2012...

GONG XI FA CAI!!!

Yes, it has been that long since my last posting. I must admit I got lazy and was also absolutely overwhelmed with work and one very demanding 2 year old and another very mobile 9 month old.

MeiMei has moved on from rolling onto her tummy, to crawling, sitting and standing. She has 2 little white caps at the bottom now and we have already started her on semi solids. Isabelle just does about anything and everything to keep herself entertained - running, jumping, hopping, singing, shouting and of course, still crying to get her way around! It's high time we start sending her to pre-school.

MeiMei is 9 months old now

Crawling at the speed of a torpedo!

Sitting up well

Took her first stand at 8.5 months

Ju came back from Paris for CNY. Isabelle is pleased to see her cousie again :)

Isabelle is 2!!

2011-10-11T22:40:00.005+08:00

My little baby has turned 2! Time surely flies... 2 is the best age. They do the funniest things, say the darnest things. Though she drives us up the wall (almost all the time), she always have her ways to melt our hearts. Happy Birthday, Ling. Mama and Papa love you so dearly :)

Happy to see balloons everywhere and a new toy!

We think she likes the balloons better =.=

Her way of showing the "peace" sign

Peace, everyone!

I love you, Mama...

Ooooo... what's that? A big yellow cake for a little girl in yellow

There goes the peace sign again

What am I supposed to do with this?

I'm getting a hang of it

We took many, many, many shots and this turned out to be the best!

With the gang

Blowing it right. Good girl!

Look at the enthusiasm cutting the cake!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, ISABELLE

Kristabelle Updates

2011-10-11T22:09:00.007+08:00

HELLO again blog! Yes, it has been quite a long while and I'd like to start again by posting some updates on lil' Kristabelle...

Just slightly over 2 months old. Ain't she a cutie?

Tummy time. Still struggling to lift her head

All smiley in her favourite rocking chair

Tummy time is my daily routine

Posing with my Che Che

3 months old. I can lift my head much higher now

Getting stronger by day

Trying to sit at 3 months old

4 months old

Whoa... look at those "Michelin" arms :)

Putting on my first pair of shoes

Play time. I usually keep myself entertained

Looking all girlie

I don't like this thing on my head

5 months old. Now attempting to sit without support

Things I Do...

2011-07-23T11:52:00.012+08:00

...at 18-20 months old:

1) Drinking from my cup without spilling

2) Potty trained and I am diaper free

3) Giving an "extra hand" around the kitchen

4) I prefer playing with Popo's cooking set than those colourful ones Mommy bought

5) Dialing up my fashion sense

6) Trying to keep myself fit and healthy

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

2011-07-01T14:32:00.004+08:00

Big words... for a little one. This has been (and still is) one of our greatest nightmare for both Baby Kristabelle and I.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a condition where food and stomach acid flow back up into the esophagus. A ring of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. The LES normally opens to release gas after meals. With infants, when the LES opens, stomach contents often reflux into the esophagus and out the mouth, resulting in regurgitation, or spitting up, and vomiting.

GER is apparently quite common amongst healthy infants and more than half of all babies experience reflux in the first 3 months of life. Most stop spitting up by the age of 12 - 18 months (Oh no!!!! That's still quite a long way to go)

Because I breastfed exclusively, I could no longer do so in view of this condition. Baby Kristabelle needed a thicker feeding in order for the milk to stay in her stomach and avoid regurgitation. I had to add Anti Reflux Formula to my expressed breast milk for each feeding. It wasn't a 100% treatment, to be honest. She still vomitted at times, but lesser.

And because Baby Kristabelle wails and fuss so much, I had no choice but to introduce the dummy so that she stays calm and least get some rest.

A fridge load of expressed breast milk. I suspect there's going to be a surge in supply since Baby Kristabelle is feeding on very low doses of my milk! Anyone needing fresh milk, please message me. Hehe!

My produce each time I expressed. Approximately 14 ounces (420ml) per pump. And I express 4 times a day. That's a total of 56 ounces (1680ml) a day!

2 Months Gone!!

2011-06-24T17:06:00.017+08:00

Now where did the time go?? 2 months just flashed before me! My maternity leave is coming to an end and I'm heading back to work next week. Argghhh... I must admit, I have kinda gotten used to the full time homemaker/housewife... whatever you call it.... routine. Baby nursing, diapering, bathing, expressing and giving every energy and attention I have left to Little Isabelle has become every part of my life, my soul - 24 hours a day, everyday. I won't deny I will miss this "domestic" lifestyle, but most of all, I will miss having all this time to spend bonding with both the girls.

Here are some snapshots of Baby Kristabelle. Pre and post "botak" pictures taken before and after turning 1 month old.

28 days old

Full month - 30 days old

A typical chinese custom to bathe the baby with a variety of flowers for good blessings

Becoming more wakeful at day

My newly found friend, Hippo

"Don't you think it's a little too soon for tummy time, Mommy?"

Posing for the camera

"You're really quite heavy, Hippo. Get off me!"

"Ta ta"

"The day I got cooed to shave my head bald"

All comfy even after shaving off all the hair!

Playtime

"Aren't you too big for this, Che Che?"

A big smooch from Mommy :)

A genuine smile

53 days old - "Adios"

My Con"fine"ment Cuisine

2011-06-20T15:18:00.029+08:00

It has been 7 weeks now since delivering Baby Kristabelle. My 30-day stint staying home, going through the confinement period have been the most pleasant days of my life. Forget about the taboos and the do's and don'ts during this period - I bathed every single day, shampooed and washed my hair squeaky clean every other day, taking short strolls along the house garden and best of all I was fed like a King, with a vast variety of delactable "non-cooling" meals 3 times a day for 30 days! All thanks to a very special little lady we all fondly call "popo". Every dish had little surprises - the presentation, the flavour, the aroma... all prepared with so much love. I am one lucky woman to have such a talented mom when it comes to cooking.

Here are some of the Masterchef's finest cuisine...

Bacon, eggs, tomatoes & baked beans

Thick Mee Suah in chicken broth & ginger

Mee Hoon soup with fried egg and char siew

Special fried rice with steam chicken rolled in fried egg. Yums!!

Close up

Healthy fried rice (using brown rice) with many veggie goodies

Steam fish with mint

Stir fried "Loh Shu Fun" with egg

French toast with sausages

A typical meal - fried rice with pork, chicken and soup

Yummy fried rice

Chicken stew with ginger and mushroom

Vinger Pig Trotters - a must dish during confinement

Chicken soup with lots of carrot, onions and pepper

Stir fried udon with black pepper with fried chicken and egg as side condiments

Claypot "Loh Shu Fun"

Foil steamed "Beggar" Chicken

Chinese Wine Chicken - another must have (in almost every meal) during confinement

Kunyit fried chicken with rice and fresh veggies

French toast with egg and ham

Mee Hoon in "Dang Gui" soup with meatballs and deep fried fish

Fried rice with yummy grilled chicken

Fried Mee Hoon with mushroom, char siew and onions

Thick Mee Suah with chicken, mushroom and wolfberries soup

Healthy brown rice

Papaya soup - the ultimate secret to unlocking abundance breast milk

French beans stir fried with roast pork

Steamed chicken with "dang gui" and wolfberries

Double boiled whole drumstick with D.O.M

Pepper soup

Steamed herbal chicken

Fried rice with deep fried chicken flavoured with cream sauce

Ginger steam fish head

Deep fried "ma yau" fish with ginger

Steamed mince chicken with stuffed tomatoes

Fried rice with onion sauce chicken

Here She Is

2011-05-06T16:05:00.011+08:00

Say hello to our latest member of the family - Kristabelle Chong.

29 April 2011, 2:24pm @ 3.07kgs

"Stop touching me!"

Well done, Mommy!

Peeking already - Mommy & Baby finally meets

"Hmm.. what a strange place, this is"

Our home is now filled with more "XX"

What a loud wail

Isabelle meeting her Mei Mei for the first time

"Ahhh... I love to be swaddled up. Feels like I'm in Mommy's tummy still"

Yup, this is my kiddo alright!

"I need a manicure"

Little toes

At the comfort of home

"I've got more hair than Jie Jie"

Happy dream

"What?! ANOTHER picture? Maaan, you people just love to snap eh?"

"Take this!"

Daddy and Isabelle is thrilled. The little one...? Can't seem to be bothered =.=

"I love you, Mei Mei"

Happy dream, part 2

"Bleeekhh"

Happy dream, part 3

* Wink wink * See you soon :)

Labour Diary

2011-05-04T18:13:00.014+08:00

39 weeks and 4 days later, we say hello to a new member of our family. Another lady boss around the house has arrived. Baby Kristabelle was delivered on 29 April 2011 at 2.24pm.

It was like any other morning, wet and rainy like it has been for the past week. I literally had to drag myself out of bed that Friday morning and headed to Sunway Hospital for my weekly check ups. Sis so kindly offered to drive me there, while mom accompanied. It was as though they sensed I would be checking in and not return home that very day. And they were right...

Arrived at the hospital at 8.15am, got my weight and urine checked and was #1 in queue to see Doc.

9am - still waiting for Doc to arrive...

10am - still waiting... Was told by his assistant, Emily, that he would be caught up in labour room as there were 3 other patients about to deliver. So mom, sis and I decided to go have our breakfast at the cafe opposite the clinic. Just as I was about the pay for the fried noodles and drinks we ordered, Emily rushed over and told me Doc is in his clinic already. So I hurriedly followed her back while mom and sis continued having their breakfast.

Doc checked my blood pressure and subsequently did a scan. Everything seemed normal. "No signs of labour?" he asked. "None, but I begin to see a lot of mucus like discharge though not reddish in colour". Then Doc said that it was better to check my cervix. He found that I was already 3-4cm dilated. "Better to get admitted now and proceed with labour" Doc added. Hmmm, seems like deja vu all over again. It is the exact same experience I had with Isabelle. Dilation with no signs at all. My girls just love to give me surprises!

Called Pete immediately and told him to get his a** to the hospital ASAP. Went back to the cafe and informed mom and sis. Everyone started to get nervous. Sis got my hospital bag out of the car and I told them to head home since there was nothing else left for them to do anyway. So off they went, and I was all alone again and the nerves started kicking in.

11.30am - I walked to the labour room and checked in myself (sounds familiar, eh?).

12.00 noon - Nurse gave me a dose of Enema (a form of laxative) to clear my bowel.

12.20pm - All set. Laid on the bed, waiting for Doc to arrive.

1.00pm - Doc arrived and broke my water bag. Clear water *phew*. Was then given Oxytocin to induce labour.

1.10pm - Father of the baby arrived. I felt a great sense of relief. He missed the delivery of our first child, so no way he was going to miss this one! I started to feel the contractions, stronger and more painful each time. 20 minutes later, it became exceptionally unbearable.

2.00pm - the height of the contractions and the pain... gosh... I already wanted to push the baby out. The nurse keeps telling me "Not yet, not yet". I snapped back " It's coming, it's coming" (I thought to myself: What do you mean not yet? I can feel it coming out!!). The nurse checked my cervix again and I was already 8cm dilated. Faintly, I overheard the nurses telling Pete that there was another lady next door, also dilated by 8cm and was sharing the same Doc as mine. Great. Now it was like a competition - competing to see who reaches the 10cm mark first.

2.10pm - I was fully dilated and ready to push. Seconds later, my Doc appeared and I was THRILLED to see him. I guess I won.

With Pete by my bedside, I squeezed his hands so tight like never before. All it took was 5 big pushes and the baby was out. Sounds easy, eh? Believe you me, it was not! With the first to pushes, I felt the head popping out. I felt the shoulder and the rest of the body all out after 3 more strong, hard push. I plunked back to the bed and I felt nothing but relief that it was all over.

Still huffing and puffing away, I saw her tiny legs from a far. I heared her wail and cry - I teared and knew everything was just fine. Doc took a while to mend me up. The Episiotomy wound was quite severe. At that point, nothing seemed to hurt anymore. My attention was all on the little one. Pete was busy snapping away. Though he has performed several deliveries before, I guess it is never the same when it is your own.

2.40pm - All done with the suture. Doc came over, congratulated us and hurriedly went off. We continued snapping more pictures, until I fell asleep! I was so drained and tired by the end of it all.

3.30pm - I was wheeled to the Deluxe Suite at 2332-1. Turned on the tellie and caught up with the "other" highlight of the day - the marriage of HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton. What an auspicious day, it was!

So that was my story and here she is... Our home is even more complete now, especially when it is filled with "XX" :)

What do you see?

2011-04-28T15:20:00.019+08:00

Stretch marks - words that strike fear in every Women, especially pregnant Women!

Stretch marks are small, depressed streaks in the skin that appear most often on the abdomen in the later stages of pregnancy when the belly is rapidly expanding to accommodate a growing baby. Stretch marks are caused by changes in the elastic supportive tissue that lies just beneath the skin. They start out pink, reddish brown, purple, or dark brown, depending on your skin color. They later fade, although they never totally disappear. Some will get them, some will not. I am one of those not-so-lucky ones getting it this time around.

I figured I won't sulk over this souvenir my little one wants to give me. Over the last 2 days, I have learnt to appreciate the "art" on my belly... and guess what I started seeing...

What do you see?

Picture perfect gift from my little rabbit girl :)

Waiting, waiting, waiting...

2011-04-28T11:23:00.011+08:00

I've been doing nothing but waiting, waiting and waiting for the little one to arrive. The past few days have been extremely difficult, with the intensity of pain all over, getting from bad to worse. Sleeping at night has become gruelling too - there's just not one position that allows me comfort :(

Gosh... I hope she is not getting tooooooooo comfy inside me!

So, here's a very pregnant me, whom has gained 13 kilos by the way, with horrendous stretch marks all over my belly, hot & sweaty even at 0'c, Braxton Hicks contractions that keeps giving me false alarm and having countless days of bad-hair-day. Good on ya', mom! Hang in there... Just 6 more days....

We Will Name Her...

2011-04-20T14:55:00.003+08:00

Reflections of Little Isabelle

2011-04-20T13:12:00.006+08:00

I did this video when Little Isabelle was born. Oh, how time flies...

Goodbye, Ju...

2011-04-17T11:15:00.011+08:00

Ju and his family will be leaving for Paris next week. The one person who will be missing Ju the most is Little Isabelle! They've been spending so much time with one another over the last few months, being partners in crime around the house and getting onto their Po Po a.k.a Nai Nai's nerves! I'm sure Little Isabelle will feel something amiss when her most beloved cousin is no longer next to her for the next 2 years!

"I'm going to miss you, Isabelle"

"I'll be missing you too, Ju" (*sobs and looks away from the camera)

"Isabelle, you must drink more water even though I'm not around, ok?"

Best buddies

See you soon, Sophie & Ju!! Have a fabulous time in Paris. We're gonna miss you...

Little Isabelle Again

2011-04-16T12:08:00.026+08:00

It has been a while since I posted pictures of Baby Isabelle. Ooppss... she's no longer a baby - a toddler now! Little Isabelle turned 18 months a couple of weeks back. Oh, how quickly she has grown. I honestly do miss the moments when she was much younger, when I could cuddle her in my arms. Now, she jumps, run about, screams, pesters, grabbing everything and anything that comes her way. She is draining every single energy I've got left in me, seriously.

As demanding as she is, Little Isabelle will always be our little angel we all love so dearly :)

The Final Countdown...

2011-04-07T20:57:00.006+08:00

... 25 days left, to be exact...

I have been feeling awfully, awfully weak and weary the past week or so. Each time I stood or walked, I felt the little one inside me pushing and stretching vigorously. Oh my, she's quite an impatient one. Not time yet, little one...

Well, let's hope this delivery will be a quick one (just like the first), minus the drama :-)

Our New Home

2011-04-03T10:03:00.010+08:00

We're excited! Pete and I have recently bought ourselves a new home. From the moment we stepped into the garden, we fell in love immediately. The garden was so vast and spacious, we couldn't help but gazed at it in awe. It would be perfect for any sort of gatherings, BBQ nights or even for the kids to run about. And yes, it comes with a pool too - I'm sure the girls will love it!

We are very pleased with our new purchase and the irony is that we were not even seriously looking for a new place. Well I guess some things tend to fall into the right place, at the right time. So here's to another new chapter of our lives...

A view from the garden, overlooking the front facade

The car porch, looking out to the garden

Gong Xi Fatt Chai!!!

2011-02-03T18:03:00.002+08:00

Happy Rabbit Year 2011 - From all of us with love :-)

To the Zoo!

2010-12-18T11:07:00.005+08:00

Baby Isabelle have always been fascinated with animals. She will jolt with rejoice whenever she sees a dog, or a cat or even a bird by the road. So where would be the best place to show her all the animals but the Zoo...

Feeding time for the Giraffes

Afraid of the huge elephant. Hanging on tight to Daddy

Can't get enough of "Sang Kancil"

Getting friendly with Mr. Goat

Deers anxiously waiting for their feed

Loving fishes the most!

Unconditional Love

2010-11-06T12:04:00.003+08:00

Pictures always say a thousand words...

Need I say more? I love my family :-)

I Love Holidays!

2010-11-06T11:22:00.003+08:00

All set to go

Amazed with bright and colorful sorroundings

Can't wait for her meal

Loving the Mickey balloon

Peculiar Taste Bud

2010-11-06T10:58:00.004+08:00

Baby Isabelle has quite an unusual taste bud, unlike many toddlers her age. She loves all kinds of fruits and vegetables, even the most piercing sour green apple or the most horrendous tasting bitter gourd!

A green apple a day, keeps the doctor away...forever!!

Happy Birthday!

2010-10-10T16:36:00.010+08:00

Little Isabelle turned ONE yesterday (9 Oct 2010) !!

We had a simple family celebration at the comfort of home and of course with our very own Chef Po Po, stirring up some signature home cooked cuisine.

" I'm one years old today, everyone :-) "

Colourful Jelly Cake decorated with many mini teddies

A big cake, for a little one...

With Mommy & Daddy

Mmmm.... the cake looks yummy!

Our little family

Am I suppose to eat this?

Attempting to open her presents...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ling Ling!!

Seeing Ju Again

2010-09-10T15:32:00.008+08:00

Ju and the rest of his gang came back for a short trip last Sunday to celebrate Nai Nai's 60th birthday. Isabelle was the happiest - getting to see Ju again.

"Po Po, I want whatever Ju is having..."

"Come on Ju, let's race up the steps"

"Quickly, come here!"

Ready. Get set. Go

Isabelle: "Ehhh... cepat lahh.... I'm going already"

Ju: "Why put me in here?"

"Stop slapping my head, Isabelle!"

"Ok, I'm sorry Ju"

"Maybe I can pull your hair? You've got so much hair, anyway..."

"Hey, don't take my dummy"

"That's mine!"

Ju: "Help! Get me outta here..!!!"

We are all set for Nai Nai / Po Po's birthday lunch

Happy Birthday, Po Po :-)

11 Months Old

2010-09-10T14:17:00.006+08:00

Cruising, gesturing, monkeying around - that's the theme for Isabelle at 11 months old...

Beginning to stand independently

Going up and down the steps seems to be her favourite past time

Slowly does it...

Safe landing

" Yaaaay Mommy. I did it!!"

Getting ready for her meal

Gesturing when you sing her favourite tune

Showing her ears when you ask her to...

Twinkle, Twinkle little star...

Bless you!

"I can take biiiiiiiig steps"

Aiyoooohhh... My little monkey!!

Happily sitting on a stool

"Mommy, I'd like a nail art too!"

Meet The "Chong's"

2010-08-14T09:47:00.011+08:00

What a fun month it has been!! Baby Isabelle turned 10 months old last week. And for most of July, we spent invaluable moments catching up with the rest of the "Chong" family. Alex (Peter's eldest brother) and his family returned from Cardiff, UK for a 7-week summer break. All of the Chong's were reunited again in their little hometown located in the far east of Malaysia - Sibu, Sarawak. It was Baby Isabelle's first trip ever back to her Daddy's roots and the same for little Iara - Alex's 15-months old daughter. What can I say? - it was hectic but nonetheless these are the moments we will treasure very closely in our hearts....

Baby Isabelle loving the cap Nai Nai bought her

Cheerful little one

"I like being on the jet set"

Alex and his family - Sandra, Henrique & Iara, together with my parents

Little Iara is happy she doesn't have to put on thick clothings anymore in this weather!

Baby Isabelle & Little Iara having a light moment

10 months vs 15 months

Back in Sibu - meeting Yeh Yeh for the FIRST time

The Chong's decided to have a family portrait taken. And we went to this "most exclusive" photo shop in town!

Photos hanging on the wall to show the different sized portraits they have

Just the 3 of us :-)

The other kids (from L-R): Michael (2nd nephew), Joel (3rd nephew), Belinda (2nd niece), Henrique (eldest nephew) & Irene (eldest niece). With Baby Isabelle right smack in the middle!

All getting ready on the set. Was no easy task to get all the kids to look into the camera!

All the grandchildren together

Baby Isabelle had so many toys to play with. All inherited from her Gor Gor's/Jie Jie's

"I'm liking this"

First time in a walker

More toys!

High chair - Sibu style...

Baby Isabelle's signature *wink*

Iara looks like a girl... Baby Isabelle looks like a boy!

Jie Jie and me on the motorbike

"Hang on tight, Isabelle! Here we GOOOOO...."

Relaxing by the sarong - "I've never been on this before"

Some days are spent in the pool

The whole gang in the public pool

Lady Isabelle

The daddy's and their little ones at Sibu pasar malam

Dinner with the family - Table 1

Table 2 - Kids zone

Going home

"I love daddy"

"Yay, I can't wait to see Po Po again" :-)

First Family Trip

2010-06-26T20:42:00.018+08:00

FINALLY! We packed and hopped onto the plane, headed for a short trip up north. Like any new parents, we were equally nervous about bringing Baby Isabelle out on a "mini adventure", away from the comfort of home, not knowing what to expect going out and about with a little tot. We spent 2 days packing for a 3 days trip, trying not to forget or miss anything from our "to bring" list. Fortunately all was well and much to our surprise, Baby Isabelle wasn't so demanding as we have expected her to be. We still got a chance to rest, relax, rejuvenate and even fine dine! AAahhh.. the joys of life....

All set to take off!

Arrived. "What are we waiting for?"

"I'm all set, Mommy!"

"Ooooohhh... I love this bed"

"This is da best"

"Daddy, I want whatever you're ordering"

"Hei... get this hat off me!"

Room service

Paradise - I could be here forever...

Baby Isabelle's first swimming lesson

Already confident for a first timer

"This is how I relax, Mommy"

Fine dining with our best gadget - the baby monitor!

" Vitamin C, AGAIN?! "

Relaxing by the beach, baby style

Mommy and Daddy fooling around

One for the road...

The Cousins... Again!

2010-06-26T15:26:00.008+08:00

What could possibly drive Nai Nai cum Po Po up the wall? 2 little monkeys!! Baby Isabelle and Ju were partners in crime for a month, turning the house upside down and driving their Nai Nai a.k.a Po Po absolutely nuts!

Yep... it's official - partners in crime

"Hi Ju. Long time no see"

"I like your nose"

"And your lips too"

Curious about each other's toes

"Mmmm... I like the smell of your hair"

Play tub

"Stop it Isabelle"

"Go away"

The monkey's play nest

Favourite standing spot

Yay - off for a swim in Yeh Yeh a.k.a. Gong Gong's jacuzzi

But must fool around first

8 Going to 9...

2010-06-26T14:04:00.006+08:00

Whoa! What a month it has been with back to back work travels and having spent so little time with Baby Isabelle. She is 8 months, 3 weeks old now to be exact. She is now an expert in standing (pulling herself up by hanging onto something with her dear life) and can even lower herself from a standing to a sitting positon steadily by bending her knees - a great milestone for an 8-month old, so I learnt.

"Haven't seen you for sooooo long, Mommy!"

"I missed you..."

"Look Mommy. I can stand"

"Po Po loves to give me Vitamin C, but its sooooo sour!"

Belle = Beauty

"Mommy bought me a new swimsuit. I feel funny in it"

"Is the pool out there?"

My 2 Front Teeth

2010-05-09T13:28:00.000+08:00

Grrrrr...

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-03T10:44:00.006+08:00

09.05.2010 - My first Mother's Day celebration. No fancy prezzies or cake, just a simple dinner with loved ones...

To all the mother's out there - you are a great inspiration and the light of our children's life. Our love and bond for them is endlessly priceless. Have a very Happy Mother's Day...

Mothers and Daughters... And I had the privilege to play the role of both, Mother and Daughter :-)

"Ah Mi" - my pillar of strength, happiness & love

7 Months Old

2010-05-03T10:24:00.004+08:00

Baby Isabelle is starting to sit on her own and get up on all four...

"Shhh.... don't disturb me! I'm watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"

We Are Family

2010-05-03T10:16:00.009+08:00

Daddy's Little Girl

Mommy's Little Rascal

Having a light moment with Daddy

We are one....

Crawling

2010-05-03T09:55:00.005+08:00

At slightly over 6 months old, Baby Isabelle has begun to crawl rapidly.

Hot Pants

2010-04-10T22:06:00.003+08:00

I got this mini Dockers Pants from my office and thought it would be cute for Baby Isabelle.

Po Po putting it on

"Do I look cool in this, Mommy?"

"I think I like my nappy better, just as it is..."

Playful Little One

2010-04-10T21:40:00.003+08:00

I finally manage to catch up with Baby Isabelle today, after not spending much time with her over the last couple of weeks. She has just started to crawl this week and is definitely more playful now. AAaahh... the joy of my life!!

"Hello Mommy!"

"What's on top of my head?"

"Oohh.. a new friend"

"You're mine!"

First White Cap

2010-04-10T21:28:00.003+08:00

At precisely 6 months old, Baby Isabelle's first white cap sprouted at the bottom middle zone...19 more little tooths to go!

Sitting Up

2010-03-20T12:54:00.005+08:00

Baby Isabelle has just started to sit momentarily without any form of support.

"Hey Mommy, look at me!"

"Hi Ju...I can see you now"

5 Months Old

2010-03-20T12:43:00.004+08:00

Baby Isabelle is 5 months 2 week-old to be exact. I've started her with some weaning diet early this week. I got Po Po to prepare her a tablespoon full of very diluted porridge, to be fed over her first meal in the morning. Baby Isabelle loved it so much we ended up feeding her 2 spoons full instead.

"Oooohh... what's this? Not mommy's milk?"

"Mmmm... I'm loving it. Can I have this everyday?"

*Yums*

Falling Off the Bed

2010-03-20T12:27:00.004+08:00

Now... about that fall. I usually place Baby Isabelle on the "Guest Room" bed to play by herself in the mornings. I didn't realize she could turn so much now. Having placed her there, I scooted off to the kitchen to get a quick drink. The next thing I heard was a loud wail! I knew she had fallen off the bed. I rushed to the scene and saw the poor little one crying profusely in pain, on the floor. My heart fell a thousand miles down the earth. No one witnessed the fall, but we are glad she did not exhibit any signs of internal injuries.

Po Po has eversince child proof the bed with tons of pillows and additional mattresses.

The after effect - with a swell just above her ear

Roseola Infantum

2010-03-14T21:22:00.003+08:00

This week have been extremely exhaustive for me. It started with a fall off the bed. Yes, Baby Isabelle fell off a 2ft height bed. There was an "Ah Mo Lau" (direct translation for a swell in Hokkien) on her head. Then came the high fever for 2 days straight. After the fever has broken, then came the horrid rash. Baby Isabelle was down with Roseola Infantum

What is Roseola?
Roseola is a mild viral illness of sudden onset and short duration that most commonly affects young children. Roseola is most common in children 6 to 24 months of age. The average age is around 9 months. Less frequently, older children, teens, and adults may be infected.

What virus causes Roseola?
Roseola is primarily caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and less commonly by human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7).

What are the first signs and symptoms of Roseola?
The signs and symptoms of HHV-6 (or HHV-7) infection vary depending upon the age of the patient. Infants and toddlers routinely will develop sudden symptoms with a sudden high fever that lasts for three to five days, irritability, bulging "soft spot" on the head (fontanel), swollen glands in the front or back of the neck, runny nose, puffy eyelids (due to swelling with fluid), and mild diarrhea. Within 12-24 hours of the fever breaking, a rash rapidly appears. Older children who develop HHV-6 (or HHV-7) infection are more likely to have an illness characterized by several days of high fever and possibly a runny nose and/or diarrhea. Older children less commonly develop a rash as the fever abates.

*source: http://www.medicinenet.com/roseola/article.htm

Rash at its peak

It has been 5 days now. The rash is appearing less visible. Praying hard for it to heal completely.

I'm a Fashionista!

2010-02-27T15:00:00.003+08:00

Tele-babies

2010-02-27T14:50:00.002+08:00

Just like their big sister, Sophie... the babies are beginning to show alot of interest in Channel 613. See how they are enjoying themselves in their Gold Class rocker chair...

Finger lickin' good. No need for popcorn.

Double Chubbiness

2010-02-27T14:48:00.000+08:00

Don't you just feel like biting them...?

The Cousins

2010-02-27T14:28:00.002+08:00

It is really difficult to get a nice photograph with all 3 kids looking straight into the camera. *Eyewear sponsored by Khai Veun Yi Yi*

Sleeping with Daddy

2010-02-27T14:24:00.004+08:00

Now we know who's genes is more dominant in Isabelle....

Sleeping Poses

2010-02-27T14:15:00.002+08:00

Babies sometimes have very distinctive sleeping poses...

Ju - Mouth wide open

Isabelle - Legs wide open

Playing with Mommy's New Toy

2010-02-27T14:07:00.002+08:00

"Oooohh, oooohh, ooohhhh.... this looks interesting"

"Hmm... I wonder where I should be touching next..."

*thinking*

*still thinking*

4 Months Old

2010-02-14T13:40:00.005+08:00

Battle of the Babies

2010-02-14T11:53:00.009+08:00

Ju: "I'm bored. Let's play, Isabelle"

Isabelle: "Yeah, yeah... ok ok..."

Isabelle: "Hey, you're crossing over to my territory"

Ju: "This is what you call wrestling, girl!"

Ju: "You think you're so smart?? Here, take this!!!"

Ju: "And another one!!"

Isabelle: "Kao Mou, Ju is bullying me!!!"
Ju: "No, I didn't Ma Ma...."

Isabelle: "Yes he did... Yes, he did!!!"

Isabelle: "Eh Fei Chai... It's tummy time. Quit being lazy and get on with it!!"

Isabelle: "Can't lift up your head like me, eh??"

Ju: "Who says I can't?? Nahhh....."

Isabelle: "But my head is higher... heheheheh"

Ju: "Look, I can do the Superman stance"

Ju: "Nai Nai, are you impressed? Hehehehe...."

Isabelle: "Why... getting tired ahh?"

Ju: "No lah... See, I can still smile :) *tahan Ju, tahan. Just a little longer* "

Isabelle: "Look... I can go higher, hiiiiiggheeeer..."

Isabelle: "Huff... puff... that was quite tiring"

Ju: "Don't aksyen aksyen lahh..."

Isabelle: "What's wrong Ju?? Don't cry..."

Ju: "You always call me Fei Chai :( "

Isabelle: "Ok lah.. sorry...You'll always be my best cousin.. hhehe... I love you!!"

Ju: "Promise you won't call me Fei Chai anymore..."

Isabelle: "Ok lah.. promise, Fei Chai... Oooppss.. I mean Ju...."

Gong Gong's Company Annual Dinner

2010-02-12T22:48:00.006+08:00

32 years... Kudos Gong Gong, for pioneering such a legacy... Time for celebration, indeed!!

Girl Power

The Soong Siblings

Shopping Downtown

2010-01-31T19:10:00.007+08:00

Chinese New Year is approaching and I have not gotten any new clothes for Baby Isabelle. Hence, what better way to spend a lovely Sunday doing what women does best - shopping!! I decided to go to Pavilion for they usually carry better ranges, with wider selection.

Painting the town red

Baby Isabelle and I at the main entrance

Concourse Decor

Baby Isabelle's all smiles when it comes to shopping - just like Mommy!!

"Do I look cool in this?"

Playing about in the nappy room

Seeing double

All worn-out after a long day

When I'm Happy...

2010-01-31T19:05:00.004+08:00

Teething

2010-01-31T18:53:00.003+08:00

Baby Isabelle's been sucking her hands vigourously and salivating alot lately. I wonder whether her teeth's begining to sprout. I bought her a teether hoping it will soothe her. She seemed interested at first... (well at least for half an hour or so).... Now, she's back to using her hands *sighs*

My Best Friend

2010-01-31T18:45:00.005+08:00

My Po Po is my BEST friend. She plays with me everyday and makes me laugh. She loves to sing "Bah Lo Bak" and makes me exercise with the song. I love my Po Po very much!!

"I Love You, Po Po"

Mood Swings

2010-01-29T21:38:00.007+08:00

Baby Isabelle can get quite temperamental at times. One minute she can laugh, and before you know it, she will frown and burst into tears after!! I still adore her to bits!!

100 Days

2010-01-24T11:16:00.005+08:00

Its amazing to see how Baby Isabelle has developed over the last 100 days...

At birth

10 days old

A very tanned 20 day old baby!

Botak head - full month

Chubby at 2 months old

Today, Baby Isabelle can flip, lift up her head high, sit up right and trying very hard to crawl too

Finger Sucking

2010-01-24T10:43:00.009+08:00

Or should I say hand sucking? If Baby Isabelle could put both hands into her mouth, she would!! An inevitable stage for any 3 month old, I guess...

Sleeping Poses

2010-01-24T10:22:00.003+08:00

I begin to notice Baby Isabelle's been adopting new sleeping poses. A sleepy-head indeed, just like the dad!

Favourite Playtime

2010-01-17T13:00:00.005+08:00

When Isabelle was barely a month old, I've been religiously encouraging her to strengthen her neck by giving her at least 5 minutes of tummy time daily. Now, at 3 months, she loves it so much and has just started to flip over on her own!

Reading at 3 months?

2010-01-17T12:56:00.003+08:00

I hope she picks up reading as her hobby and not going after PlayStation or Xbox!!

Professional Photoshoot

2010-01-10T14:41:00.002+08:00

Isabelle's "Kao Foo" (Cantonese for mother's brother) is a professional photographer at leisure. Here are some pictures taken. Thanks for your magical fingers, Kor...

Isabelle in a Dress

2010-01-10T14:39:00.001+08:00

"Mommy is my personal fashion stylist"

Daddy's Little Girl

2010-01-10T14:13:00.006+08:00

Isabelle seldom sees her daddy. And when she does, they both have some kind of special bond happening. Daddy loves to tease her, but I can see that he truly truly adores her!

"Don't I look like daddy?"

"Look daddy, I can see you!"

"Stop disturbing me, daddy!!!"

Out for a jog in the park

3 months old

2010-01-10T13:53:00.007+08:00

Have been very busy with work over the last 3-4 weeks. Juggling between work, travel, breastfeeding and caring for the little one is indeed tough and requires alot of perseverance. Nevertheless, I'm determined to give her my best no matter what it takes. I missed Isabelle so much, especially when I was in HK for work for a week. I've come to realize she has grown so much, getting stronger and smarter by day :)

Isabelle is always cheerful, smiling and cooing away whenever you talk to her

"Talking" to her friends

Her neck is getting stronger

Letting Isabelle sit up right in the "Bumbo". She enjoys it!

A happy 2 month old

2009-12-07T19:46:00.003+08:00

Baby Isabelle is 2 months old today. I'm sure going to miss being next to her, full time. Am starting work next week *sighs*

50 Days Old

2009-11-28T12:30:00.000+08:00

More of The Cousins...

2009-11-27T16:37:00.002+08:00

Full Moon Party (Part 2)

2009-11-25T14:39:00.006+08:00

It was a double happiness celebration for all of us on 22 Nov 2009. "Yeh Yeh" aka "Gong Gong" decided to throw a huge party for his new born grandson and grand daughter. Friends and family from all over joined us for the joyous event.

It has been raining consistently for weeks. "Nai Nai" aka "Po Po" placed some red chillies on the ground, believe to be able to stop the rain. Guess what? It worked!!

Canopy set up

"Nai Nai" aka "Po Po" preparing some kuihs for the nite

Proud Ba Ba & Daddy

The next day - opening our gifts with much help from Sophie

Something we definitely need!

Meet the Cousins

2009-11-25T13:57:00.005+08:00

Baby Julian (my brother's 2nd child) came back to KL to celebrate his full moon together with Baby Isabelle. The both finally met and boy, they both sure look adorable together! When we were pregnant, my "tai sou" and I were scheduled to have the same expected due date. But Baby Isabelle arrived 2 weeks earlier. Hence, she is 12 days older than Baby Julian. They seem to get along well :)

"Hello, Julian"

"Hi, Isabelle"

Baby Isabelle is asleep most of the time, while Baby Julian is usually awake...

Baby Julian - "I can't sleep. Why is she always sleeping?"

Baby Julian - "I'll wake her up!"

40 Days Old

2009-11-19T14:57:00.008+08:00

Baby Isabelle is already 40 days old. She is getting more playful everyday, curious of her surroundings and seeks much attention. She is such a darling!!

Cow at Home

2009-11-14T21:15:00.005+08:00

My breast milk supply have been tremendous. I don't know if it was my diet or that I'm naturally a cow! I could express up to almost 12oz (360ml) in a single pump. Now, that's a record!!!

Stocking up at home

On a Sleepy Friday Morning

2009-11-14T20:42:00.001+08:00

My tongue is thiiiiiiiiiiis long

"I'm sleepy, Mommy"

Play time with Po Po

Tummy Time

2009-11-14T18:48:00.003+08:00

I've been trying to get Baby Isabelle on her tummy lately. By the second session, she managed to lift up her head and even turn from one side to the other. I'm so proud of her progress!

Trying to lift her head up

Can you see her putting in the effort? Hehe...

All up!

Resting

Careless Mommy!!!

2009-11-14T18:36:00.002+08:00

Baby Isabelle was asleep one night when I was changing her. I decided to cut her finger nails as it was already very long and getting sharp. As I was cutting her fourth finger, she suddenly jumped from her sleep and wailed so loudly in pain. I knew I had accidently cut her flesh. It bled profusely for about 10 minutes or so. She was in such pain and so was I. My heart froze and I couldn't help but cried too :( I know now I'm not cut for this. It is really a surgeon's job! Over to you Dr. Peter!!

The damage done...

Baby Isabelle's First Outing

2009-11-14T18:20:00.003+08:00

After a month's work of hard core cooking, I decided to give mom a break and treat her to a nice japanese dinner. We went to Jogoya at Starhill, KL for I know they have the widest selection of everything under one roof. It was also Baby Isabelle's first outing. She slept the whole nite thru, allowing us to enjoy our scrumptous dinner :)

All set for the nite - Po Po, Mommy and Baby

Daddy & Mommy with sleepy Baby Isabelle

At the entrance of Jogoya

Po po & Gong Gong enjoying their meals

"Kai Yi Yi" & Po Po

The sushi spread

The best drink of the nite. I had so many I lost count!

More sushi!!

Seafood spread

Oh, glorious dessert!!

We all went home with a happy full stomach :)

Baby Isabelle's Full Moon

2009-11-12T15:27:00.014+08:00

Baby Isabelle is finally 1 month old! During a baby's full moon, there are a couple of things which is customary to follow in order to be blessed with good health, good luck... the list goes on!! Also gave away gift packs to family and friends.

The gift box

Baby Isabelle's postage stamp

Customized post card (designed by "Kai Yi Yi")

All the little goodies! Red eggs (which are symbolic for full moon, cookies, chocolate and lollipop)

Baby Isabelle and her post card

Now you know Baby Isabelle's sleeping posture is inherited from who...

Mom preparing my morning bath

I had to bathe with 2 types of water - floral and ginger. I believe the floral bath is to make you smell good since during confinement, you don't get to shower at all (but I did... every alternate days! hehe...). The ginger bath is suppose to remove "wind" from the head. Hmmm....

Preparing Baby Isabelle for her first haircut - "Botak" style! Look how much hair she's got!!

"What? Botak?? Nooo...."

At the salon - 3 generations

There goes!

Baby Isabelle looks like she's enjoying her shave

All done. The final work of art

"Do I look funny to you?"

"I think I look better with a beanie"

After shaving Baby Isabelle's hair, time for her floral bath

Our first family picture!

As usual, Mom would cook up a feast. No big celebration, but we had GREAT food!

First signature dish - "Sei Yuet Fun" (4 combinations)

Oyster roll with brocolli

Vegetarian Fu Chuk with Mixed Chicken filling

Stir fry "nai pak"

Cold chicken - Yum yum! I've been eating chicken everyday for a month but I still find this so TASTY!

Steam promfret fish

The gang which joined in the "party"

3 Weeks Old

2009-11-01T12:09:00.006+08:00

I cannot believe Baby Isabelle is already 3 weeks old, coming to 4 weeks. How time flies! She is snuggling in perfectly fine so far, getting cheekier by day. Oh, I so adore her!!

Sound asleep

Getting cheeky when she is wakeful

Still likes to show her tongue

"Does this beanie look funny on me?"

Gazing upon a star

"Hello strange bird"

Getting all comfy for a nap

"Hello Mommy"

My Confinement Lady

2009-10-27T13:49:00.013+08:00

Profile
Name: Maggie Yong
Skills: More than 30 years experience of raising children, prepares gourmet home cooked food
Additional Info: Always very particular about cleanliness, has a modern take to confinement myths and has great fashion sense.
Blog: http://www.nainaigang.blogspot.com/

When I was pregnant, people have been asking whether I've hired a confinement lady. I dread the thought of it, having heard so many unpleasant stories about them. Peter and I decided to just get another maid to help around the house. And the confinement lady? - that would be MOM!

I must say, there's no other person in the world that would beat Mom's attentive love and care. Mom would go to the market every morning, buying only the freshest produce. She would prepare various type of delicious home cooked food to keep my appetite and also made sure every meal was well nourished for confinement. And the best part is Mom would allow me to take my bath and wash my hair! Of course, I had to compromise by taking herbal baths.

Mom, you're truly THE BEST! Thank you for everything *hugs*

Breakfast: Toast with sausage & cheese. Side condiments - fried "nin gou"

Lunch/Dinner: "Kai Zhao" (Chicken in rice wine) - a MUST in every meal during a months' confinement

Dinner: Stir fry spinach with pork, ginger and rice wine

A typical dinner set menu

American Breakfast (minus the coffee)

Lunch: Pork with ginger and rice wine

Lunch: Pork Chop with onion sauce + fried rice

Dinner: A VERY VERY tasty pork ribs. Not too sure of its ingredients :)

Dinner: Stir fry papaya with roast pork

Dinner: Papaya soup (many believed this was the remedy behind having abundance of breast milk)

Breakfast: Mee Hoon with pork chop in rice wine soup

Dinner: Steamed tomato with mince pork and brocolli

Supper: Double boiled chicken broth in coconut

Lunch: Fried rice with egg and assorted vegetables

Never Give Up Breastfeeding!

2009-10-27T13:04:00.011+08:00

Being a first time mom, I was very pro breastfeeding exclusively to my little one. I've read so much about it during my pregnancy days and I've been mentally preparing myself for it. Little did I know, it was such a stressful task (well, at least for the first week).

Since birth, I've made Baby Isabelle suck on my nipple. She didn't know how to suckle properly and I didn't know how to guide her properly. My nipples sored and bled. She didn't have anything down to drink for 2 days straight! She was wailing in hunger and my heart just could not bear seeing her this way. We had no choice but to give her formula on the morning of her third day of life.

I didn't give up. I continued to pump my breast milk (with much help from Peter) and slowly, the milk began flowing.

It has been almost 3 weeks now and I've got a freezer filled with nothing but breast milk!!!

12 Oct, 3.30am: My greatest achievement on Day 3 after birth

13 Oct, 5.50pm: Manage to pump out 4oz on Day 4 after delivery. It still wasn't enough to feed Baby Isabelle as she needed more to keep her hydrated during her photo therapy session

14 Oct, 8.45pm: The best moment - one fully bottle!!

Today, a freezer filled with milk. Creamer, anyone??

Too much until I had to discard older milk!

Jaundice

2009-10-24T14:18:00.011+08:00

Baby Isabelle was found to have jaundice on day 4 of her life. She was brought back to Sunway Hospital to check on her Bilirubin level. The result wasn't good. Her Bilirubin level registered at 245 which was beyond normal. She had to be admitted immediately for photo therapy. My heart ached as I saw what she had to go thru at such young age...

She stayed over a night and Peter had to ferry my breastmilk to the hospital a couple of times, just to make sure she had enough supplies.

Baby Isabelle was discharged the next day at around 3pm. Over the next few days, we made sure she sun bathed in the morning.

Nurse preparing Baby Isabelle for photo therapy

In the therapy chamber

Baby Isabelle was rooming in with twins

Baby Isabelle's expression when we visited her in the evening

Worried parents...

Sending breast milk to Baby Isabelle at 6.35 in the morning

Discharged. Home sweet home

Sun bathing in the morning with eye masks

Her "sun tanning" gears

Isabelle Chong Khai Yuan

2009-10-24T11:47:00.010+08:00

With Nai Nai after a good warm bath

" Where's mummy & daddy?"

"My favourite gesture"

Happy dream

"I like the smell of mummy & daddy around"

"Is that mummy's nipple?"

Our little puppy

"Where are my clothes?"

Popo feeding

Tiny feet

Little fingers

"My favourite sleeping pose"

A beautiful little lady