The Apple's Diary!

This is not the first time it happened and it sure won't be the last time it is going to happen. The problem started last October when we realised that our direct upstairs neighbour hung out wet dripping clothes. So can you imagine our washed and almost dried clothes were dirtied by them. I was of course angry and wanted to march straight up and told them off. But my good natured husband held me back and went to talk to them. He came back and said the upstairs lived an elderly couple with a maid. The old woman had already apologized and scolded the maid. So I thought it was resolved. But this keeps on happening. This morning, I wanted to bring out our laundry to dry and I saw big water droplets dripping down again. I stuck out my head and there it was.... Totally wet dripping clothes again. Really pissed me off, ya. Such inconsiderate act and looked at the amount of water the clothes were dripping. I waited for 45 minutes for their wet clothes to finish dripping and then brought ou...

In the antenatal class, I noticed the different shapes and sizes of mummies-to-be. There was one lady which caught my attention. She is petite, slightly shorter and smaller than me and her tummy is equally small. But the thing is she is due in August and from her backview, she doesn't look preggie at all. Naturallly I was also curious how I look from backview. I took this backview pix of myself after shower yesterday. Okay, at least now I know I don't look like a big elephant from behind.

I have started my antenatal class (childbirth education) for 3 weeks now. We chose to have the class at Mount Alvernia instead of Gleneagles due to the schedule of the class. So for 3 weeks already, we spent our Saturday afternoon learning about the nutrition that mum-to-be needed, exercises to strengthen the back and also the latest topic was on labour. I was glad that in the class, we were taught about breathing techniques and also how to observe for signs of labour. This is so important for 1st time mummy like me who is absolutely clueless what to do when water bag breaks, or when contraction starts. Now that I'm better equipped, I think I can handle the labour process better. Or at least I hope.. haha..

One of the common problems faced by preggi-ers is swollen feet or also known as water retention. The medical term would be oedema of the feet. In any case, I'm always checked for water retention by my gynae. I was cleared by him on my last visit. But on last Monday, I was upset by how swollen my feet was. Now, this is my feet on normal days and which I'm trying to upkeep now. And my elephant feet on Monday. Totally swollen and enlarged. Note, my skin was also inflammed. I was naturally upset at my feet condition. But I'm glad that my feet has resumed to its usual state. So I figured out that it must be the salty chicken rice I had on Sunday night. Made me so thristy that I kept drinking water the whole night. Then the next day, I suffered from water retention plus the hot hot hot weather made my feet expanded and my heat rashes flared up. To avoid having elephant feet again, I now consciously elevate my feet when sitting and sleeping. It really helps and hope there won'...

After the gynae's appointment today, we went for Gleneagles Maternity Hospital Tour. We were introduced to the maternity wards and also the delivery suite. So for mummies (especially 1st timer like myself) going to deliver at Gleneagles, you may want to take note of these few points. 1. Husband is advised to drop off at main lobby instead of going down to carpark. There will be a grace period where the security guard will look after the car. Once the mummy is in the safe hand of nurses, husband can then park the car properly. 2. Valet service is available at $10. 3. Delivery suite is at Level 5. The 1st stage is whereby mummy is strapped to a CTG machine to monitor contraction. Upon in labour stage, mummy is transferred to delivery suite. Please note that 1st stage room does not allow husband to enter. So hubby can wait at the lounge outside and enjoy some warm beverages. 4. Delivery suite is huge! There's an attached bathroom to it. Plenty of walking space. The weighing scale,...

I didn't know the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre has been transformed to a food paradise. Last Thursday after dinner with friends, the walk around the basement brought some surprises. One of it was Grandma's... ever since then, I wanted to try Grandma's. Finally last Sunday after Church, I got my wish fulfilled. Dinner at Grandma's.... it's so local I couldn't agree more! We had Kailan in garlic ($7.90). Chicken Curry (4 meaty pieces @ $12.90) And Seafood Soup ($12.90) We had 2 plates of white rice ($1.50 each) to go with the dishes and they really tasted very good, almost like those you would have eaten at home. Unfortunately, I was so full that I couldn't try their dessert. I hope I can go back there soon!

What could be more enjoyable than to have a bowl of chilled dessert. Decided to make my own almond beancurd with longans to cool myself down in this terrible hot weather!

Now that I'm entering into the 3rd trimester, I begin to understand why people label the 2nd trimester as the honeymoon period. I'm just at the start but I have started to feel the full blown of the 3rd trimester symptoms. 1. Pain - Yes... Pain everywhere. I have pain at my back, at my hip joint. Pain when I walk or stand for too long. Leg cramp at night. I was a little confused initially with my back pain, wondering if it's the disc problem or a pregnancy issue. Dr Tan did a check for me and said all my pain was due to the expansion of the pelvic joints... in another word, my body is preparing itself for D-day. 2. Piles! - Yucks a million times! I also pride myself for not having constipation, having my regular bowel movements, drinking lotsa of water and eating plenty of fruits. But all these still don't prevent me from getting piles. Occasionally, I still experience the "bloody toilet bowl" symptom which freak me out a big deal. 3. Pregnancy-related rashes ...

Entering into the last trimester of my pregnancy, is time to take out all the baby's clothes and start washing them. There are many different opinions and advice on how to go about it. Some people only go by hand washing. Those going for machines wash, are advised to clean the washing machine drum with vinegar and water. After weighing out all the pros and cons and looking at my own time limitation and energy level, I decided to just wipe down my washing machine with wet wipes first (to remove dust) and then with a bit diluted dettol to "disinfect" the drum. Then I left the the drum door open to air it before I started my washing madness. We bought a very basic front loading machine which has no self cleaning and no baby care function. So I chose the longest and most gentle program at 40C to begin my laundry journey. This program really took its time to wash... the wash cycle was 1hour long and it took doubly the time to wash the whole cycle than usual. I guess for the in...

After 3 months of hiatus of work, the lift upgrading finally progressed to the next stage. The lift shaft was stacked up on Wednesday. I hope they can quicken the pace, especially for any part that needs drilling and causing a lot of dust. Xiao Poh is coming soon...

Mother-in-law brewed bird's nest for me today. Actually I have been taking bottled bird's nest since week 16, twice a week. I wasn't sure why bird's nest is good but after yesterday antenatal class, I know why. First, the birds fly out to the sea and catch small fish. On their way back to build their nest, the birds chew and chew the small fish. And mixed with their sputum, the birds spitted out to make their nest. So by the time, we have our bird's nest, we are actually eating their half chewed fish and their sputum. It means that there will be calcium and protein in bird's nest so it is nutritious for the baby. The myth of having bird's nest will let the baby to have lush hair and fair skin may hold some truth after all. But with such a concentrated bowl of bird's nest, I sure can save a few weeks' of supply. =D

Woah! Received the 1st free diaper sample from Goo.N on Monday.

I keep telling myself I shouldn't buy anymore baby stuff. Because the room is so messy and I really need to pack and clean and stock check before buying anything more. But the last weekend Motherhood Fair 2011 saw me buying even more things for Xiao Poh. I bought Huggies diapers and wet wipes, changing mats, bibs and wash clothes. Avent milk bottles, moisturizing cream for baby, Pigeon baby detergent and breasts pads. Total damage in a 2 hour affair = $173.20 When I reached home and put the things away, I told Darren we shouldn't buy anymore because the room is just getting more and more messy. Darren said we should be thankful that we have the ability to buy things for Xiao Poh. ('_') " Talking who is spoiling Xiao Poh more!

These days, my workload has tremendously increased instead of dwindling down in preparation for my long maternity leaves. Yesterday, I was so close to tears as I worked alone in the lab. Maybe it was the preggie hormones, maybe it was just too much for me to handle. But Xiao Poh seemed to understand what I'm going through. He kept on moving the whole day as I worked. It was as if he was trying to tell me that I'm not alone. He's with me. Yes, my little baby.. mummy has heard you. Suddenly I was reminded that God will not give you anything more than you can endure. Xiao Poh is God's miracle to us and Xiao Poh's presence signified that not only me and Xiao Poh are in the situation together, God is also with us. And at night as I was coughing away, Darren told Xiao Poh to hide in my womb and pray for mummy's recovery. Xiao Poh responded with a gentle kick at my side. This kind of feeling and bonding... no words can describe. My Xiao Poh... mummy just wanna give you...

Yesterday, someone pressed our door bell. I peeped over Darren's shoulder when he opened the door. It was a delivery from Reebonz?! Oh gosh! Could it be? Was it really .....? Darren : Take it... this gift was for my mistress. Me : (Examining the box) Wow! So nicely wrapped up with golden ribbon. Darren : Aiyah! For you lah. Me : (Still examining the box) Huh?! You bought the Coach bag!! Darren : You unwrap and open up lah. Me : (Unwrapped the box) .... Oh gosh! It's the Coach bag I was telling him the other day. I wanted to buy for myself but backed out because felt that we have overspent in the month of May. He got it for me secretly while I was blur blur and counting all the expenditures we incurred in May. Okay, now I'm feel more than just abit guilty. I feel quite piay say (embarrassed) that he spent so much on me now. I better be a good girl and stop whining on the nonsense things. Certainly, counting all my blessings now. Thank you God for letting me have such a good...

At the last weekend of May, Darren completed his mission of giving me a complete set of 四点钻. The 1st 钻 was given on our 1st Anniversary in Jan 2008. It was a Celestial diamond cross. The 2nd 钻 was given as the Proposal ring in May 2008. It was a round brilliant Lazare diamond from Larry Jewellery. The 3rd 钻 was given as Valentine's Day gift in 2009. It was a diamond bracelet from Tian Po. And the final one... using the birthday voucher and the Tian Po membership, The 4th and the last 钻 were 2 pairs of diamond earrings. A pair of solitaire earrings from the Heart on Fire series. And a pair of designed round earrings, with 5 diamond studs in each side. Of course, I'm elated with all his expensive gifts. But feel abit guilty for spending so much on me. The money could be channelled to Xiao Poh's fund. But I guess once Xiao Poh is out, luxurious items won't be considered. Right now, I'm just thankful and grateful for a loving husband. Really make me want to be a better ...