The Apple's Diary!

If you attend New Creation's services, you would know that Pastor Joseph Prince would have an anointed phrase for a new year. 2012 was a year of unceasing fruitfulness. Indeed... this is truly a year of fruitfulness by God's grace. There are so many things I want to give thanks to... 1. I was on maternity leave from end Aug to Nov 2011. Although I returned to work in Dec 2011, it was a lull period. So only in Jan 2012, did I really return to work full force. By April 2012, I discovered I was pregnant. Naturally I was shocked and overwhelmed and afraid of what my bosses would think. However, not only they were supportive, I received a good appraisal for the Year 2011 and this was reflected in my Performance Bonus. Indeed God has blessed me richly. 2. When news of pregnancy had finally settled down, I received waves of bad news. Spotting, low placenta, complete placenta previa that could lead to major hemorrhage at childbirth. Possibility of needing to remove my womb to c...

This is truly the most boring Xmas ever. No turkey, no gammon ham, no sashimi and fresh oysters, no ribs and no wine! The only thing that I had closest to Xmas was a mini log cake which I shared with Darren and Jonathan. mini logcake from Polar But the days leading up to Xmas was eventful.  1. On Sunday night, I broke my hot stone. broken hot stone Hot stone is my best friend in my breastfeeding journey. I depend on it to clear all the lumps and blocked ducts. Without it, I would be quite lost. At the same time I broke my hot stone, my Avent pump went dead. 2. Avent pump went dead on me. Even though I have Medela Freestyle, the suction was not strong enough to draw out the milk. It was really frustrating and nerve-wreaking (another episode of engorgement was definitely not welcomed). So I latched even in the wee hours and all the way until my new Avent pump arrived.  3. I actually bought my Avent single electronic pump 2...

Breastfeeding. Looks easy, seems easy, thinks easy. However, even the lactation consultant begs to differ. There's a lot of hard work (and sweat) for each precious drop. 想当年, my milk only kicked in at Day 6 after I delivered Jonathan and I was crying buckets over my failure to provide milk for him. This round, I'm more cool and less stress about everything. For a start, during my pregnancy days with Matthew, I worn non-wired bras throughout. I periodically used hot water to massage my breasts during showers and drank fish soup now and then. It really paid off. Also, I don't rush to latch my baby when the nurse push in Matthew. Instead, I drank my warm red date tea, massaged my breasts before picking Matthew up. I ensured that there's colostrum first before latching him. I'm glad my efforts paid off this round. Day 5 - 60ml EBM At Day 5 - I am pumping out 60ml for 3-4 hours interval. Yesterday at PD, Matthew's weight was back to almost birth wei...

38 weeks 2 days - 16 December 2012 Matthew decided to meet us on this special day. 15th December 2012 6+pm - started to feel irregular contractions. Thinking it was just one of those contractions when I over exerted myself, I ignored it and continued my activity. Went over to MIL's place for dinner and left her place at 8pm. 8-9+pm - started to feel that it might not be a false alarm. Darren settled Jonathan to sleep while I packed my hospital bag and activated my mum. 10+pm - contraction came at a regular pace of 10mins apart, with tightening of tummy and pressure at the pelvic. Called the hospital hotline and Dr Irene Chua advised me to head to the hospital. 11+pm - bathed and finished my TVB drama. Mum reached my place and we left for the hospital. On the way, made a detour to Mac. I was still grumbling that I couldn't have my sashimi feast before admitting to hospital. 16th December 2012 12.30am - Reached Gleneagles and was ushered to the delivery ward at l...

Finally, we bought my latest gadget. What's in the bag? Have been looking for a better and faster camera but don't want a bulky DSLR as it would be totally unsuitable if you still need to bring out a stroller, a diaper bag and a heavy weight toddler. So I have been asking around... what's good at the market that fits my criteria? 1. Price 2. Fast 3. Compact After all the research and trying out of various models and brands.... I finally nod my head at this. converting to olympus Bought my latest gadget from a reliable source for $989. Not much freebies thrown in except for an extra original battery. But I love its speed... I can finally capture Jon with his multiple expressions at one go in clear definition. The price was the cheapest we could haggle and though not exactly a compact camera, still manageable for me. my new toy Thought of going to Botanica Garden to do some justice for my new toy with Jon as my model. But alas, just...

Birthday is such a special occasion, at least to little Jonathan. Ever since he had his 1st birthday party, he always has this smiley look when a birthday song is sung. Yesterday, Jonathan celebrated Grandma's special day. Got this traditional coffee cake from Balmoral Bakery and little boy enjoyed to be in the limelight as much as Grandma. a special moment Luv this pix of 2 of them =D

Jonathan was delivered at 36 weeks 5 days. Today at 36 weeks 4 days, XP2 is still very cosy in my tummy. I'm so glad that I can carry him to full term. Amniotic fluid is good and he is not engaged. He's now 2.6kg which is on par as Jonathan. As for myself, gain a 7kg to date and *cross fingers*, I didn't suffer from any water retention. Could still wear my wedding band and my covered shoes, quite different from the 1st pregnancy. Most importantly, my nose didn't enlarge on its own. But then, I am still suffering from flu.. and it has been more than a week. I'm still sniffing even though I already took 5 days worth of medication. Also, this round swab test came back with a positive and I have to be put on antibiotic course now and during labour. my assortment of medication On administrative side, we did the pre-admission and packed the hospital bag. Looks like we are all set to receive our 2nd bundle of joy!