On Wednesday 1st Dec 2010, my firstborn, Muhamad Mubarak will be turning 4.
We will be taking leave on this day and spending the day with him, to celebrate the day he was born, along with all the people he loves. Although it seems that the celebration is for him, in truth a small part of it is for us, the parents. We want to celebrate the day he was gifted to us by Allah s.w.t, two souls who had nothing – no money (well, not much) , no knowledge on how to raise a child other than the little we had read, no clue as to what to except and yeah basically Nothing except lots and lots of love for each other and the firm belief that we are truly blessed to have been awarded this perfect child by Allah s.w.t and that we will do our best to raise him right.
I know this is going to sound cliché but honestly it does feel like it was just last year that we had him and we brought him home from the hospital. Of all the things that happened in both my deliveries, the most poignant moment were the trips home from the hospital.
I remember vividly every single detail about the journey from getting dressed in the hospital room, saying goodbyes to my Gynae and the wonderful nurses at Glen E, being escorted out of the ward on a wheelchair (hospital procedures) by the hospital staff and waiting at the lobby while the valet brought us the car. I remember carrying the small, precious bundle in my arms, dressed in his best. Most of all, I remember my thoughts lucid and crystal clearly. All the time on the wheelchair and all the way home in the car, I was thinking to myself “OMG, OMG, OMG, Is this real ? Are we going home ? Am I really ready to be a mother? Can the both of us take care of a baby?”
Ahh....Memories….
Now as I look at my son, I realized so much has happened since then. He is now a bright young man who is full of sunshine. He is very expressive, articulate and a cheerful child. He is well liked by his teachers and friends and my uncles and aunts as well as the hubby’s uncles and aunts continuously sing praises on how well behaved he is.
He is well-rounded, loves Lady Gaga as much as he loves his Asma’ul Husna (and he can recite it well too) He is great at taking care of his brother and relishes any duty given to him to carry out. The best thing about him, he has a sense of humour and is able to see the funny side of things! (something not many people can do)
He has a looong way to go and I hope the hubby and I will be around to hold his hand as he makes his way through the meandering roads of his life.
Happy 4th birthday my darling Mubarak. May you succeed in life and make all your dreams and aspirations a reality. Insya’ Allah. Amin.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Things your Momma should've told you !
I got this off this blog http://my2centstoo.blogspot.com Its a list of advise the author is gicing to her two daughters. The kinds of things nobody else will tell you except your mom. And exactly the kinds of things you will need to arm yourself with to face life's curveballs.
I am inspired to write my own list for my boys. More on that later....
Meanwhile enjoy !
1. You DON'T have to please everyone all the time. You DON'T have to please ANYONE at all, if you don't feel like it. Sure, nice people sometimes do some things for others that make them (others) feel good. I am all for such niceties. But remember - NEVER be forced into doing something, anything for someone if your heart, gut or mind says no. Listen to your "self". I am not condoning selfishness. I am just saying that do not give in to someone's "Good girls make sure their parents/husbands/boyfriends/friends/God/whoever are happy". Remember, a happy and contented self is much better than a happy anyone-else. But diplomacy sure does make life easier - remember that!
2. Stand up for yourself. Because no one else will, if you don't. Don't be bullied into doing something you don't want to. If you think what you are offering someone is reasonable and fair, it probably is. If they don't agree, negotiate. But DO. NOT. BE. BULLIED. INTO. SUBMISSION!! It is possible to be pleasant and yet stand your ground. At the same time, never be hesitant in unsheathing your claws when you have to. Sometimes you HAVE to show people what you are really made of in order for them to take you seriously.
3. Remember good men don't hit women. They don't terrorize women, humiliate them or coerce them into doing something they don't want to do. There are plenty of good men around. You DON'T have to settle for anyone less than "good". Not even for "good enough". It is better to spend life alone than to put up with an abuser just because "Good" didn't come along. Have the confidence to go on your way alone and I am sure you will find someone who is just right for you. Even if you don't, remember YOU are perfect for you! Remember how your dad loves and respects me. Always remember - you deserve such a partner too. Never settle for anything less.
4. Be financially independent. No matter how loving a husband/partner you have and even if you are well taken care of, make sure you have at least one UPDATED skill that can get you gainful employment whenever you need. You never know what curveball life will throw at you next year, next month or next moment. Be prepared. If you WANT to work, never let anyone tell you that good wives or mothers don't. Never let another person dictate whether or not you should work, or where for that matter. There is no blessing greater in this world than to be able to do what you want to do in life. And don't let any idealist tell you that working to "earn money" is inferior to any other goal. Don't let money be your be all, end all. But do make some money. You will realize a healthy bank balance brings along mental peace and allows you to focus on the more important things in life - like family. Don't undervalue money, but don't overvalue it either.
5. Take good care of yourselves. Take time out for yourself, no matter how crazy life is and no matter how many responsibilities you have. Even if you are with someone, make sure you take out time for YOU. Alone. Very important for your "self" AND for any relationship. Eat healthy, exercise, be active. Have some hobbies that take you outdoors and allow you to be physically active. Mental agility is good too. Try and strike the balance between the two.
6. Be cautious. In unknown locations, uncertain situations and around unknown people. ALWAYS be on your guard! Safety should be a habit, not a "hobby". I cannot stress this enough.
7. Learn everything there is to learn to survive AND to live comfortably. Learn what it takes to progress in your professional fields, learn to cook, to sew, to change a flat tire, change a light bulb, repair a fuse, fix a toilet. In short - anything that you might need to do one day. Or earn enough to be able to pay others to do all this for you. But I'd still say knowing how to do all these things is a good idea - then you will know if someone is trying to rip you off by charging, say, 50 bucks to fix a fuse.
8. Don't hold regrets and grudges. They poison minds, hearts and relationships. It is a difficult thing to learn. I am still learning it. But I hope you will do a better job of it than me. Talk things out. Don't let a little disagreement fester into a big one. Learn to apologize when it is your fault, but don't be apologetic all the time. Learn when to say "I understand you feel this way, but I think I am right".
9. Take a long time to make friends and even longer to end friendships. Remember it is hard to undo the hurt of a mean word or gesture. But also know when to let a relationship go. If it is preying on your mind and being, but going nowhere, you are probably best OUT of it than in.
10. Be competitive. Healthy competition builds character. Don't let the pacifists tell you that participation is good enough. Participation is good but winning, or trying to win, is better. I don't mean to tell you that your efforts are worthless if you don't win. What I mean to tell you is put in your 100% efforts and then some more. If you win, good, if not at least you know you tried your best.
11. Love each other unconditionally. A sister (sibling) is our first and ever lasting best friend. Sure you will have differences. Who doesn't? But learn to resolve those differences amicably. In the end, when your dad and I are gone, you will only have each other to lean on.
I am inspired to write my own list for my boys. More on that later....
Meanwhile enjoy !
1. You DON'T have to please everyone all the time. You DON'T have to please ANYONE at all, if you don't feel like it. Sure, nice people sometimes do some things for others that make them (others) feel good. I am all for such niceties. But remember - NEVER be forced into doing something, anything for someone if your heart, gut or mind says no. Listen to your "self". I am not condoning selfishness. I am just saying that do not give in to someone's "Good girls make sure their parents/husbands/boyfriends/friends/God/whoever are happy". Remember, a happy and contented self is much better than a happy anyone-else. But diplomacy sure does make life easier - remember that!
2. Stand up for yourself. Because no one else will, if you don't. Don't be bullied into doing something you don't want to. If you think what you are offering someone is reasonable and fair, it probably is. If they don't agree, negotiate. But DO. NOT. BE. BULLIED. INTO. SUBMISSION!! It is possible to be pleasant and yet stand your ground. At the same time, never be hesitant in unsheathing your claws when you have to. Sometimes you HAVE to show people what you are really made of in order for them to take you seriously.
3. Remember good men don't hit women. They don't terrorize women, humiliate them or coerce them into doing something they don't want to do. There are plenty of good men around. You DON'T have to settle for anyone less than "good". Not even for "good enough". It is better to spend life alone than to put up with an abuser just because "Good" didn't come along. Have the confidence to go on your way alone and I am sure you will find someone who is just right for you. Even if you don't, remember YOU are perfect for you! Remember how your dad loves and respects me. Always remember - you deserve such a partner too. Never settle for anything less.
4. Be financially independent. No matter how loving a husband/partner you have and even if you are well taken care of, make sure you have at least one UPDATED skill that can get you gainful employment whenever you need. You never know what curveball life will throw at you next year, next month or next moment. Be prepared. If you WANT to work, never let anyone tell you that good wives or mothers don't. Never let another person dictate whether or not you should work, or where for that matter. There is no blessing greater in this world than to be able to do what you want to do in life. And don't let any idealist tell you that working to "earn money" is inferior to any other goal. Don't let money be your be all, end all. But do make some money. You will realize a healthy bank balance brings along mental peace and allows you to focus on the more important things in life - like family. Don't undervalue money, but don't overvalue it either.
5. Take good care of yourselves. Take time out for yourself, no matter how crazy life is and no matter how many responsibilities you have. Even if you are with someone, make sure you take out time for YOU. Alone. Very important for your "self" AND for any relationship. Eat healthy, exercise, be active. Have some hobbies that take you outdoors and allow you to be physically active. Mental agility is good too. Try and strike the balance between the two.
6. Be cautious. In unknown locations, uncertain situations and around unknown people. ALWAYS be on your guard! Safety should be a habit, not a "hobby". I cannot stress this enough.
7. Learn everything there is to learn to survive AND to live comfortably. Learn what it takes to progress in your professional fields, learn to cook, to sew, to change a flat tire, change a light bulb, repair a fuse, fix a toilet. In short - anything that you might need to do one day. Or earn enough to be able to pay others to do all this for you. But I'd still say knowing how to do all these things is a good idea - then you will know if someone is trying to rip you off by charging, say, 50 bucks to fix a fuse.
8. Don't hold regrets and grudges. They poison minds, hearts and relationships. It is a difficult thing to learn. I am still learning it. But I hope you will do a better job of it than me. Talk things out. Don't let a little disagreement fester into a big one. Learn to apologize when it is your fault, but don't be apologetic all the time. Learn when to say "I understand you feel this way, but I think I am right".
9. Take a long time to make friends and even longer to end friendships. Remember it is hard to undo the hurt of a mean word or gesture. But also know when to let a relationship go. If it is preying on your mind and being, but going nowhere, you are probably best OUT of it than in.
10. Be competitive. Healthy competition builds character. Don't let the pacifists tell you that participation is good enough. Participation is good but winning, or trying to win, is better. I don't mean to tell you that your efforts are worthless if you don't win. What I mean to tell you is put in your 100% efforts and then some more. If you win, good, if not at least you know you tried your best.
11. Love each other unconditionally. A sister (sibling) is our first and ever lasting best friend. Sure you will have differences. Who doesn't? But learn to resolve those differences amicably. In the end, when your dad and I are gone, you will only have each other to lean on.
Sibling love
It has been long since I put down thought to paper and really there has been too many things going on in my life that I have hardly had the time to blog. Ok that’s an excuse. Truth is, any chance I get away from the kids I have been playing games on my HTC . Angry birds, WordUp you name I have it.
Anyway I wanted to share a little about siblings love. I am the only one from my mother and I have not truly felt any feeling of sibling love or rivalry, Which is why I am adamant about my Mubarak not being an only, lonely child, like I was.
As a child, I was always aware that I am an only child. Sure I had siblings from my dad’s earlier marriage but they were so old and distant they were as good as aunts and uncles.
I am always in awe of this great love between siblings. I feel a twinge of jealousy when my mother meets up with her sister and they huddle close together in a room and whisper. I feel lonely when I see my cousin and her brother share an inside joke on their parents. Of course, there are times I feel sorry for them when they have to share their toys /books (FYI, I hate sharing! That word shld never have been invented) and I secretly gloat about being an only child when my cousin or friend has to give in to a younger sibling just because and they scream “IT’S NOT FAIR! THAT’S MINE!!”
Still, I thought being an only child was no fun and I am glad that I am now the proud mother of 2 boys !
My husband and I try to inculcate sibling love right from the beginning. We tell the elder that his first best friend should be his brother and that no matter what he should always priorities his brother. We will tell the younger one the same when he understands the concept.
At 4 and 18 months. It is really too early to see if they have developed a lifelong sibling bond but we are happy with what we see so far. Whenever the younger one is being disciplined, the elder one will rush in with a hug and will try to soothe n placate him with a toy or food. Out of the blue while they are playing, the younger one will suddenly stop, turn to his elder brother and give him a loving hug which is reciprocated eagerly.
I also like how, despite having playmates his age, my elder will ask his younger brother to join in the fun. Whenever I ask the younger one to join me for a short bout of reading or when I call him to have his dinner, he will pull his elder bro along.
Of course this has its embarrassing moments too. Once while my mother and sister –in-law brought the elder out for some shopping, a lady shopper commented on how smart (mouth) my boy was and gave him a toy and a $2 note. (I don’t know why ppl give money to strangers’ kids but that is another post altogether) Instantaneously, he asked the lady, “what about my brother ? Where is his ? “ Ooops !
I have a distant relative who has 5 kids and the siblings are super close. They do everything together and now , even though they are each married and with their own families, they are still very close and always make it a point to meet up at least once a week. I would very much for my kids to be like that and I have on numerous occasions asked the mother what does she do to instill this great bond between them. She says she does not have any particular formula other than making the elder one personally responsible for the next one and that participating in family event is a must and is non-negotiable. Simple? Sounds very simple but actually implementing it will not be so easy, I think.
Anyway I wanted to share a little about siblings love. I am the only one from my mother and I have not truly felt any feeling of sibling love or rivalry, Which is why I am adamant about my Mubarak not being an only, lonely child, like I was.
As a child, I was always aware that I am an only child. Sure I had siblings from my dad’s earlier marriage but they were so old and distant they were as good as aunts and uncles.
I am always in awe of this great love between siblings. I feel a twinge of jealousy when my mother meets up with her sister and they huddle close together in a room and whisper. I feel lonely when I see my cousin and her brother share an inside joke on their parents. Of course, there are times I feel sorry for them when they have to share their toys /books (FYI, I hate sharing! That word shld never have been invented) and I secretly gloat about being an only child when my cousin or friend has to give in to a younger sibling just because and they scream “IT’S NOT FAIR! THAT’S MINE!!”
Still, I thought being an only child was no fun and I am glad that I am now the proud mother of 2 boys !
My husband and I try to inculcate sibling love right from the beginning. We tell the elder that his first best friend should be his brother and that no matter what he should always priorities his brother. We will tell the younger one the same when he understands the concept.
At 4 and 18 months. It is really too early to see if they have developed a lifelong sibling bond but we are happy with what we see so far. Whenever the younger one is being disciplined, the elder one will rush in with a hug and will try to soothe n placate him with a toy or food. Out of the blue while they are playing, the younger one will suddenly stop, turn to his elder brother and give him a loving hug which is reciprocated eagerly.
I also like how, despite having playmates his age, my elder will ask his younger brother to join in the fun. Whenever I ask the younger one to join me for a short bout of reading or when I call him to have his dinner, he will pull his elder bro along.
Of course this has its embarrassing moments too. Once while my mother and sister –in-law brought the elder out for some shopping, a lady shopper commented on how smart (mouth) my boy was and gave him a toy and a $2 note. (I don’t know why ppl give money to strangers’ kids but that is another post altogether) Instantaneously, he asked the lady, “what about my brother ? Where is his ? “ Ooops !
I have a distant relative who has 5 kids and the siblings are super close. They do everything together and now , even though they are each married and with their own families, they are still very close and always make it a point to meet up at least once a week. I would very much for my kids to be like that and I have on numerous occasions asked the mother what does she do to instill this great bond between them. She says she does not have any particular formula other than making the elder one personally responsible for the next one and that participating in family event is a must and is non-negotiable. Simple? Sounds very simple but actually implementing it will not be so easy, I think.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Its My Birthday Party!!!
Ok I have always loved my birthday coz the Don always makes me feel like a queen... what with the flowers, cake, dinner and the bday gift but I certainly did not expect my new colleagues to give me a "surprise" birthday party !!
I knew they ordered in food because I saw the delivery guy arrived and I knew there was a cake coz I met the cake-buyer in the lift in the morning with her huge bag. She had this "Pleze let there be a hole so I can disappear look" and I really felt so sorry for her and guilty that I didn't mention anything about the cake. But I certainly didn't expect such a big spread!! They ordered enough for an army !! And the way they celebrated my birthday was sooo very extravagant !!!
I was on the phone when I received an Instant Message that the Country Manager (CM)wanted to see me in the conference room. I peeked from outside and the room was dark so I knew something was up. I entered the room cautiously and inside was my CM in the dark holding a birthday cake with lighted candles and my other colleagues all came in after me to sing me a birthday song. Now THAT was a big surprise !! *flashback to my last birthday party when I was 7 years old* 
And when I got home, I received another surprise. My birthday bouquet of a dozen pink roses plus that one essential red rose !!!
Now that for that bday gift I've been waiting for....... hehe
Ain't birthdays the best !!!!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Don't Wake Me Up Sweetheart Sleep Tight !
Mubarak has not woke up for a night feeding ever since he was barely a month old. I have been enjoying uninterrupted sleep almost since forever.. that is ..until last week. Mubarak is not eating as much as he used to and as a result, is drinking a lot more milk than normal. Unfortunately this also means that he now wakes up at 3 in the morning and screams for milk. I have never had to wake up in the middle of the night and considering I was breastfeeding until recently, we do not have any milk making facilities in the bedroom. So, it's a real nightmare having to wake up in the middle of the night, make the trip to the kitchen and having to do it real fast since he is crying for milk at the top of his voice.
Most nights, it is his Abah who has to make the trip to the kitchen so last night, we decided to bring in a small flask, tepid water and milk filled bottles into the bedroom so that we did not have to make the dreaded trip to the kitchen. When he woke up promptly at 3am, I trudged to the milk station and made Mubarak's nightly cap. Strangely he took one sip, took the bottle out of his mouth and shook his head (all the while still sleeping) I kept insisting and he kept shaking his head. Thinking he has changed his mind, I left him in his cot and continued sleeping. Barely a few mins later he screamed bloody murder again and this time despite many attempts by his Abah to give him milk, he also refused. Out of desperation for sleep, I offered him breast milk instead. At 6am he woke up again asking for milk. Clearly the breast milk was not filling enough. Again he refused the milk when his Abah gave it to him. Suddenly his Abah realised why. Instead of filling the hot water and tepid water into the bottle with the pre-measured milk, I had poured the water into a nearly empty bottle - the bottle Mubarak had finished before he fell asleep. No wonder he refused the milk. It was 99.9% water and 0.1% milk residue. In my sleepiness stupor, I must have mistakenly poured it into the wrong bottle.
Umi is so so so sorry Darling. I promise not to do it again. From now on I will make sure ONLY ABAH WAKES UP TO MAKE YOUR MILK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Breakthrough link between asthma and breast milk
"In a paper published online on Sunday by the journal Nature Medicine, a National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm) team exposed lactating mice to airborne dust containing ovalbumin, a well-known asthma allergen that is found in egg whites.The mother mice transmitted the allergen to their newborn through the milk, helping the offspring to develop an immunological tolerance to the irritant.The tolerance was induced thanks to the presence of TGF beta, an important signalling protein, in the breast milk.Breastfed mice whose mother had been exposed to ovalbumin were far less likely to develop wheezing, airway mucus and other asthma symptoms than non-breastfed counterparts." more...
One of the major reasons I insisted on breastfeeding Mubarak and Insya'allah all my children is because I would like to try my best to ensure my children do not suffer asthma like I do. While the other benefits of breastfeeding like increased immunity etc are more widely known, the theory that breastfed babies were unlikely to inherit asthma has never been really proven. In fact there are some research that suggest the contrary. Still, I am convinced that breastfeeding has benefits far beyond what has been discovered. If it says so in the Quran and Hadis, no amount of studies and research with whatever results can convince me otherwise.
I'm glad to say that I have reached my initial goal of fully breastfeeding for the first 6 months. I thought my downfall was sure to happen when I started work and had to pump at work but despite the difficulties, I survived. My next goal was to continue fully breastfeeding for the next 6 months and while I fell short by one month when I started partial formula at 11 months, I must say I am very proud of what I have achieved. At the present moment, I am still partially breastfeeding Mubarak and insya'allah I will continue until he reach 24 months, the recommended breastfeeding duration in Islam. He no longer breastfeeds for hunger and nutrition but more for comfort. Nothing is more blissfull to me when I walk in the door from work than to find him running to greet me at the door and asking for his milk. Even if he just finished his 180ml bottle a few minutes earlier. He may not be able to express himself in words yet but his actions is enough to tell me he misses me and want to be close to me.
The additional benefits that come with breastfeeding is also truly remarkable. I thought it was just my good luck that Mubarak is an easy to care for child. He very rarely falls ill, has great self-confidence and sleeps through the night. Until my aunt (who breastfed all her 6 children to 2 years) told me that breastfed children are usually easier to care for. Well, let's hope its true for all of my children as well. Insya'allah.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
HELP!!! I'm losing it!!!
I was warned both by the books and by my mother that there will be major hair falling post partum but I paid no heed to it. I mistakenly thought since my hair keeps falling anyway prior to pregnancy it won't make much of a diff. Besides, during pregnancy my hair was almost shampoo commercial quality and when I combed my hair not a single one ends up on the floor or the comb. I guess I was lulled into believing that the situation will remain permanent especially when even 2 months after delivery my hair was still in prime condition.
But now, 3 and a half month after baby it has started happening. Its horrendous!!! When I comb my hair, it falls out in clumps, when I wake up in the morning, my whole pillow is full of hair!!! And the floor.... I have to sweep twice a day just so that I can remain sane and not get on my hands and knees to pick up every hair I see. And lets not even mention the shower drain. That's a major chore to clear every single time I take a bath.
Despite all the books I have read that discusses this phenomenon and all the old wives tale I hear from all the makciks, the first day it happened to me, I had visions of myself balding and in need of chemotheraphy (Ok I know its the chemo that causes hair fall but I can't help but associate hair falling with chemo and cancer) Nauzubillah min zalik.
Apparently its called postpartum telogen effluvium and it happens to most women about 3 months after delivery. It seems that its normal to shed about 100 hair a day and during pregnancy since you don't shed much hair due to hormones, at some point those hair will have to be shed anyway to make room for new hair. But must it all fall at the same time??? Uurrgghh !!!
It totally doesn't help either that my boy is at a stage where he is super curious and super active and every so often I find him holding fistfuls of my hair and I frantically try to clear it before he plunges his fingers into his mouth.
I have been told that the situation should clear up within 3 to six months. It is almost guaranteed that by the time my lil' hero is a year I will stop shedding hair like a shaggy dog but that's way to long to suffer, if you ask me. Till then, if I greet you at the door with a shower cap please don't be alarmed. You have been warned!
But now, 3 and a half month after baby it has started happening. Its horrendous!!! When I comb my hair, it falls out in clumps, when I wake up in the morning, my whole pillow is full of hair!!! And the floor.... I have to sweep twice a day just so that I can remain sane and not get on my hands and knees to pick up every hair I see. And lets not even mention the shower drain. That's a major chore to clear every single time I take a bath.
Despite all the books I have read that discusses this phenomenon and all the old wives tale I hear from all the makciks, the first day it happened to me, I had visions of myself balding and in need of chemotheraphy (Ok I know its the chemo that causes hair fall but I can't help but associate hair falling with chemo and cancer) Nauzubillah min zalik.
Apparently its called postpartum telogen effluvium and it happens to most women about 3 months after delivery. It seems that its normal to shed about 100 hair a day and during pregnancy since you don't shed much hair due to hormones, at some point those hair will have to be shed anyway to make room for new hair. But must it all fall at the same time??? Uurrgghh !!!
It totally doesn't help either that my boy is at a stage where he is super curious and super active and every so often I find him holding fistfuls of my hair and I frantically try to clear it before he plunges his fingers into his mouth.
I have been told that the situation should clear up within 3 to six months. It is almost guaranteed that by the time my lil' hero is a year I will stop shedding hair like a shaggy dog but that's way to long to suffer, if you ask me. Till then, if I greet you at the door with a shower cap please don't be alarmed. You have been warned!
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Post-Baby World
It's been a loong while huh? Lotsa things happened and so many pics were taken but I guess I lost the urge to blog. I'd rather watch the steady rhythm of my son's breathing while he is sleeping than to blog about what has transpired in my life. But today with The Don away on reservist and MM sleeping the day away I guess I'll drop a line or two.
Oh yeah his reservist sucks!!! 2 days in camp n 2 days off for two weeks is quite hard for someone like me who has spend very few nights away from him. Especially since MM's arrival. When he's home I'm like Helen Mirren (The Queen, for those of you who don't watch the Oscars) He bathes MM in the mornings and evenings, change all his pampers, puts him to sleep and even does his fair share of the housework. All I do is provide the milk supply when it is needed and cook, of course. He even wakes up in the middle of the night to burp his son when I'm done feeding him. So you bet I miss him like crazy when he's on reservist! he he
The Don is as considerate as husbands could ever be. He knows that being at home, all I do all day is entertain that lil' munchkin so when he's home he takes over and lets me take a break and do my thing. He even insisted I go out with my gal frens and have some "single time" while he takes care of MM.
Its amazing how having the little one totally changes our perspective. The Don and I used to hit the movies whenever a good movie hits our shores and we're never home on weekends and public holidays, always with a plan up our sleeves, usually involving a road trip. But recently, we're more than contented staying home, playing with our son and watching DVD marathons. At most, we'd hit the parks in the late afternoons to let MM get some sun and make a pitstop at the malls to get some baby supplies. And if I never gave a glance at supermarket adverts in the papers then, now I go through them diligently looking for any promotion for MM's pampers. (We recently bought about 3 mths supply of Pampers since they were going for 2 packs @$35 instead of $24 each)
We do try to make sure we have our couple time. It certainly helps that my mom is staying with us (and thank God for the invention of breast pumps) because almost nightly, The Don and I will sneak out for some late night shopping or supper. But almost always, we both want to rush home although neither of us will ever admit it. The power this tiny chap has on us is unbelievable!!!
But I'm thankful that MM is fuss free (so far n Insya'allah will always be) He started sleeping through the night even before he was 1 mth old and when I started introducing the bottle when he turned 2 mths, he took to it like fish to water. (Mcm da biasa plak die minum botol) He hardly cries and I can leave him to play on his own while I cook / eat / whatever. Even when he was down with flu last month, he wasn't cranky and was his usual chirpy self. And when we went back to Pahang last month (7 hrs car ride to and another 7hrs car ride back) he slept the whole way!!!! Alhamdulillah.
Oh yeah his reservist sucks!!! 2 days in camp n 2 days off for two weeks is quite hard for someone like me who has spend very few nights away from him. Especially since MM's arrival. When he's home I'm like Helen Mirren (The Queen, for those of you who don't watch the Oscars) He bathes MM in the mornings and evenings, change all his pampers, puts him to sleep and even does his fair share of the housework. All I do is provide the milk supply when it is needed and cook, of course. He even wakes up in the middle of the night to burp his son when I'm done feeding him. So you bet I miss him like crazy when he's on reservist! he he
The Don is as considerate as husbands could ever be. He knows that being at home, all I do all day is entertain that lil' munchkin so when he's home he takes over and lets me take a break and do my thing. He even insisted I go out with my gal frens and have some "single time" while he takes care of MM.
Its amazing how having the little one totally changes our perspective. The Don and I used to hit the movies whenever a good movie hits our shores and we're never home on weekends and public holidays, always with a plan up our sleeves, usually involving a road trip. But recently, we're more than contented staying home, playing with our son and watching DVD marathons. At most, we'd hit the parks in the late afternoons to let MM get some sun and make a pitstop at the malls to get some baby supplies. And if I never gave a glance at supermarket adverts in the papers then, now I go through them diligently looking for any promotion for MM's pampers. (We recently bought about 3 mths supply of Pampers since they were going for 2 packs @$35 instead of $24 each)
We do try to make sure we have our couple time. It certainly helps that my mom is staying with us (and thank God for the invention of breast pumps) because almost nightly, The Don and I will sneak out for some late night shopping or supper. But almost always, we both want to rush home although neither of us will ever admit it. The power this tiny chap has on us is unbelievable!!!
But I'm thankful that MM is fuss free (so far n Insya'allah will always be) He started sleeping through the night even before he was 1 mth old and when I started introducing the bottle when he turned 2 mths, he took to it like fish to water. (Mcm da biasa plak die minum botol) He hardly cries and I can leave him to play on his own while I cook / eat / whatever. Even when he was down with flu last month, he wasn't cranky and was his usual chirpy self. And when we went back to Pahang last month (7 hrs car ride to and another 7hrs car ride back) he slept the whole way!!!! Alhamdulillah.
MM will turn 3 mths tomorrow but you'd never guess his real age if u were to meet him. He acknowledges people he recognizes around him by smiling at them, has loud and noisy "conversations" with whoever willing to engage him and absolutely refuses to lie down or be carried horizontally if he were not nursing, prefering to sit up straight instead. I could leave him on his own for hours with his mobile as he just loves those dangling noisy toys. ok ok I could go on forever.......
Its just amazing how the world has seemed to change for The Don and me with the arrival of our munchkin. Suddenly nothing matters more than this gem we have been awarded with.
BTW have you heard the age-old question of Who would you save first in a ship wreckage - your spouse or your child? Suddenly the question seems so stupid. I'd save my son in a heartbeat and I certainly don't expect anything less from The Don.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Grab, Snatch & RUN!!!!!!
Today I felt a feeling I have never felt before. I have always read the description of feeling "your stomach turn inside out" but since I can't imagine what that felt like, I dismiss it as an author's fanciful way with words. Today I knew exactly what it felt like to have my stomach turn inside out.
Today I watch my precious boy being given his 1st month vaccination the hepaptitis 2nd jab at Baby Bear clinic. I was chatting animatedly with the doctor about Double M's input and output levels and was feeling just fine but as soon as the doc retrieved his syringe and placed it on his table in front of me, I swear my stomach and intestines did a backflip. He asked me to hold Double M on my lap while he administered the jab on his thigh. Somewhere inside my heart and head, I seriously considered getting up and leaving the clinic. I felt I was surrendering my child to be slaughtered (mentang mentang musim Aidiladha) For the record, Double M let out a loud squeal as the doc inserted the needle in his thigh but as soon as I carried him, he promptly fell asleep as if nothing happened.
I know it sounds silly (as I know my single friends will be rolling their eyes and sighing in disbelief that this friend of theirs have lost her mind and is a bucketful of emotions now) and even I didn't know I will feel this way. I am usually a hardy person and is not easily intimidated by any bloody show. (and to think there was hardly any blood just now. What if there were?) Perhaps it's a mother's protective instincts or am I just being a paranoid mom? I wonder how I'll make it through seeing my son being circumsized next month. Let's just hope I don't grab, snatch and run.
Today I watch my precious boy being given his 1st month vaccination the hepaptitis 2nd jab at Baby Bear clinic. I was chatting animatedly with the doctor about Double M's input and output levels and was feeling just fine but as soon as the doc retrieved his syringe and placed it on his table in front of me, I swear my stomach and intestines did a backflip. He asked me to hold Double M on my lap while he administered the jab on his thigh. Somewhere inside my heart and head, I seriously considered getting up and leaving the clinic. I felt I was surrendering my child to be slaughtered (mentang mentang musim Aidiladha) For the record, Double M let out a loud squeal as the doc inserted the needle in his thigh but as soon as I carried him, he promptly fell asleep as if nothing happened.
I know it sounds silly (as I know my single friends will be rolling their eyes and sighing in disbelief that this friend of theirs have lost her mind and is a bucketful of emotions now) and even I didn't know I will feel this way. I am usually a hardy person and is not easily intimidated by any bloody show. (and to think there was hardly any blood just now. What if there were?) Perhaps it's a mother's protective instincts or am I just being a paranoid mom? I wonder how I'll make it through seeing my son being circumsized next month. Let's just hope I don't grab, snatch and run.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Moo Moo Here... Moo Moo There.....
Have you any idea how frustrating it is to wake up every day, look through the papers, see all the advertisements of the year-end sales, Christmas sales, warehouse sales, member sales, scrutinise till my eyes glaze over then realise I'm still in confinement and I'm stuck at home for at least 2 more weeks?????? (In case you are wondering yes I am pantang-ing very strictly. No leaving the house except for doctor's appointments only) That does not include the multitude of sale brochures and invites I get in the mail!!! AAAARRRGGHHHH !!!! Why did I ever wanted a December baby???? My next child I will plan for an October baby so that by Dec, I'd be past confinement but still be on maternity leave. By then I'd have a accumulation of my pay and plus my bonus I'd be in prime position for shopping. I guess I'd be the first woman planning my family according to the shopping calendar. WAIT!!!!!! Did I say NEXT CHILD????? OOooppps that was totally not the opening para I wanted to write but well.......
Today marks a month since we have been blessed with the arrival of Double M. And also a month since I have been breastfeeding him exclusively. I have always been determined to breastfeed my children, probably as soon as I found out I wasn't breastfed as a child. I always wondered if I would have been so sickly with asthma as a child if I had been breastfed.
My breastfeeding "adventure" started relatively fuss-free. My gynae is pro total bf and totally encouraged our decision. We had the baby room in with us all the time and The Don joked that we were robbing Double M's chances of getting to know the girls in the nursery. The nurses were all bf-trained so they helped with the latching on when I had intial problems.
Things were prety smooth from there. There were moments of tears definitely, especially in the middle of the night when the baby refuses to latch (I called in an LC for a house visit to check on my latching technique just to be sure) and when his drop in birth weight was so apparent I feared he was malnourished. (he has since gained his birth weight and more) The lowest point of my breasfeeding adventure was last week when a blocked duct had me shivvery and feverish for two whole days and my breast was like a red, hot throbbing brick. My mother panicked looking at me in that state but alhamdulillah with lots of feedings, the situation resolved on its own without the need to stop or suspend breastfeeding. It certainly helped that we have a very co-operative baby and that I have an abundant milk supply Alhamdulillah. He hardly cries and is an efficient drinker. As early as the end of the first week, he was already sleeping through the night with his last feeding at 1am and the next one at 6.30am or so.
I must say reading on breastfeeding during my pregnancy has helped me a lot in anticipating and resolving problems when they arised. (the best of which is this one) But no amount of reading beats having a supportive husband who shares your determination with as much grit and committment. There were times when I feared my son wasn't getting enough milk, and suggested we supplement him with formula but The Don resisted and encouraged me not to give up. It was also a huge help when my two aunts (one has 5 kids the other has 6 and ALL their kids were exclusively breastfed till the age of 2)came to visit from Malaysia and stayed almost a week each. Their tips and pointers could have filled a book. (P.S Did you know that you could be watching tv in one room and your child could be sleeping in another but you would know when your child will be awake even before he cries out as your breasts would start to tingle. Amazing huh?)
Ok enough of my cow story. Now here's another cow story. The Don is arranging for the aqiqah of his son in Pahang at my uncle's. And while usually people slaughter goats (2 for boys 1 for girl) The Don wants to slaughter a cow instead. So together with a few other cousin's children aqiqah, a cow will be downed on 20th January 2007. My uncle is handling all the details of the kenduri that will be held. So far, we heard there will be another cukur rambut for Double M and 500 people have been invited and tents will be erected all along the road leading to my uncle's house. *rolls eyes* Trust my uncle to hold to hold the ceremony with such grandosity.
So till my next update .Mooooooooooooo
Today marks a month since we have been blessed with the arrival of Double M. And also a month since I have been breastfeeding him exclusively. I have always been determined to breastfeed my children, probably as soon as I found out I wasn't breastfed as a child. I always wondered if I would have been so sickly with asthma as a child if I had been breastfed.
My breastfeeding "adventure" started relatively fuss-free. My gynae is pro total bf and totally encouraged our decision. We had the baby room in with us all the time and The Don joked that we were robbing Double M's chances of getting to know the girls in the nursery. The nurses were all bf-trained so they helped with the latching on when I had intial problems.
Things were prety smooth from there. There were moments of tears definitely, especially in the middle of the night when the baby refuses to latch (I called in an LC for a house visit to check on my latching technique just to be sure) and when his drop in birth weight was so apparent I feared he was malnourished. (he has since gained his birth weight and more) The lowest point of my breasfeeding adventure was last week when a blocked duct had me shivvery and feverish for two whole days and my breast was like a red, hot throbbing brick. My mother panicked looking at me in that state but alhamdulillah with lots of feedings, the situation resolved on its own without the need to stop or suspend breastfeeding. It certainly helped that we have a very co-operative baby and that I have an abundant milk supply Alhamdulillah. He hardly cries and is an efficient drinker. As early as the end of the first week, he was already sleeping through the night with his last feeding at 1am and the next one at 6.30am or so.
I must say reading on breastfeeding during my pregnancy has helped me a lot in anticipating and resolving problems when they arised. (the best of which is this one) But no amount of reading beats having a supportive husband who shares your determination with as much grit and committment. There were times when I feared my son wasn't getting enough milk, and suggested we supplement him with formula but The Don resisted and encouraged me not to give up. It was also a huge help when my two aunts (one has 5 kids the other has 6 and ALL their kids were exclusively breastfed till the age of 2)came to visit from Malaysia and stayed almost a week each. Their tips and pointers could have filled a book. (P.S Did you know that you could be watching tv in one room and your child could be sleeping in another but you would know when your child will be awake even before he cries out as your breasts would start to tingle. Amazing huh?)
Ok enough of my cow story. Now here's another cow story. The Don is arranging for the aqiqah of his son in Pahang at my uncle's. And while usually people slaughter goats (2 for boys 1 for girl) The Don wants to slaughter a cow instead. So together with a few other cousin's children aqiqah, a cow will be downed on 20th January 2007. My uncle is handling all the details of the kenduri that will be held. So far, we heard there will be another cukur rambut for Double M and 500 people have been invited and tents will be erected all along the road leading to my uncle's house. *rolls eyes* Trust my uncle to hold to hold the ceremony with such grandosity.
So till my next update .Mooooooooooooo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)