31 Week 5 Days U/S

Little Keith 3d profile shot. Can see that his hand around his chin area.

Little Keith 3D profile shot. Can see his eyes, nose and lips.

Little Keith 3D XXX area, can see his balls >.<

I went for my prenatal check up today. Dr. Soon mention that I skipped another check up routine >.< haha ~

My weight didn't go up much, only 800gm for the pass 4 weeks, which is quite low but then Dr. Soon said it's not much of a big deal since my body is quite a small build ^^ as long as baby is growing well inside.

We did an u/s to check on the baby to make sure he's in pink of health. We start with the head, going down to the heart, tummy, bladder, kidney, private parts, waist and everything is measuring at normal level. We even get to hear the baby's heartbeat and it's very consistence which is very very good.

Keith is weighing around 1.7kg at the moment, a tiny bitsy little smaller but then still in the range of normal so there's nothing much to worry about.

We get some 3D snapshot of him, as he's showing his face, not fully as part of it is blocked cause he's already head down so it's difficult to get a full view. We can see clearly that his lips area looks so much alike like his daddy and his daddy is very content about it. His nose bridge is high and big eyes. Well this is just a rough image, will have to wait him to come to this world and we'll see whether he's taking daddy or mummy gene more ^^.

My next appointment for prenatal check up will be on Apr 12 2012 which we plan to postpone it to at least Apr 23 2012 because hubby will be outstation.

Budget - Part 1

It is not easy to raise a child now a days. It cost more than we can imagine. Not just for first time parents, but 2nd and 3rd child, though some people said, 2nd child will be easier because most of the items can be passed down, uh-uh not really, unless the age gap is less than 1 years old.

Kyle and Keith will have a 5 years age gap. Though I have kept most of Kyle's items, still there's a lot of things that need to be prepared and it didn't cost a little, it cost a huge burn in the pocket.

I'll do rough calculation on how much I've spend for my Little Keith. This may be a rough summary to parents to be out there, to let you know how much you may need to get ready for your little one.

First thing first, to confirm my pregnancy:

Home pregnancy test x4 - RM10 per try = RM40 (yes i used up 4 before I get a faint positive line - 14 days from the day I suppose to get my period).

First prenatal check up at PAH 6 weeks from lmp (last menstrual period) - under Dr. Soon Su Seong -

Consultation fees (1st time) - RM60

Ultrasound - RM30

Blood test for HCG - RM45 (yes I needed it because in my ultrasound Dr cannot find any baby inside my uterus, so need blood test to confirm my pregnancy).

2nd prenatal check up at PAH 8 weeks from lmp

Consultation fees (follow up) - RM45

Ultrasound - RM30

The following prenatal check up schedule at 4 weeks once till 28 weeks.

Consultation fees (follow up) - RM45

Ultrasound - RM30

Urine test - RM9 ++

Besides the routine ultrasound and urine test, there's another full blood test @ RM100 (to check for HIV as well). For detailed scan (anatomy scan), it's around RM65.

Prenatal vitamins are optional as we can get outside pharmacy but I decided to take from PAH since the pricing there and outside is about the same.

30 tablets

Pramilet (multivitamin) + Calcium+ @ RM40 below

Fish oil @ RM35

So total up to date (@30 weeks), I've spend around RM900 for my prenatal check up and vitamin. I've skip 1 time 4 weeks check up, and yeah from 28 weeks above we're suppose to get our routine check up every 2 weeks, which I plan to skip and make it at every 4 weeks until I'm 36 weeks. At 36 weeks, we're required to get our check up once a week, plan to skip to 2 weeks once as well. As long as baby is healthy, I don't think I need to be check that frequent.

Some mummy will visit private for ultrasound and monthly routine check up at Klinik Kesihatan to save on cost but for me as I don't plan to give birth in Government Hospital, I prefer to keep all my records with one doctor, just in case any emergency happen, the doctor will have all my medical record.

So all in all, it is better to prepare at least RM1500 for the prenatal check up for the whole 40 weeks duration.

Let's move on to the maternity package:

I'll most likely take the 3-bedded room 3 days 2 nights package from PAH which cost around RM1688 ++ all the admin fees and so on, estimated I need to prepare RM1800. This is for non medical - normal delivery.

If in case needed the help of vacuum, forceps or induction do add in another RM300 or so. As for epidural it's RM900.

I would love to have 100% non medicated delivery, but sometimes things might not turn out the way I want it to be so my budget is now at RM2100. I'm not going for epidural as I can give birth naturally with Kyle without needing epidural so for Keith, I have confidence I do not need epidural.

In any case of emergency c-section the price would raise by x3 the package price, roughly around RM5000. I'm praying hard I do not need to go into emergency c-section.

Right right, after birth, it's confinement time, there's a few choices -

Confinement lady: price ranging from RM3200 to RM4000

Confinement center: price ranging from RM2500 to RM3500

Catering confinement food: RM2500 above (this mostly can find in KL but not in Penang - where they will deliver the confinement food to your house everyday).

Mother in law / Mummy's lovely confinement: RM500 above (we will need to at least give them an angbao and purchase all the confinement food ingredient)

Maid: RM40 for half day, RM80 for full day (to help clean the house or wash the dirty laundry).

I'll have my mum helping me with my confinement so I save up a lot a lot ^^.

Oh, please don't forget to budget at least RM1000 for baby's jaundice ^^, baby will have jaundice but it depends on how high the level is. To admit baby for the ray, it cost around RM500 per day.

Compulsory and Non Compulsory Vaccination

Here are the compulsory vaccination, and not compulsory vaccination that I took out from Kyle's immunization record book.

Compulsory:

At birth - B.C.G - 2nd day of birth

At birth - 1st Hepatitis B - 1st day of birth

At birth - Vitamin K - 1st day of birth

1 mth old - 2nd Hepatitis B

2 mths old - 1st Triple antigen (DPT), Oral / IM Polio and Hib

4 mths old - 2nd Triple antigen (DPT), Oral / IM Polio and Hib

5 mths old - 3rd Hepatitis B

6 mths old - 3rd Triple antigen (DPT), Oral / IM Polio and Hib

15 mths old - Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR)

18 mths old - 1st Boost Triple antigen, Oral / IM Polio and Hib

Non compulsory:

> 1 years old - Chickenpox

> 1 years old - Japanese B Encephalitis 1 / 2 / 3

> 1 years old - Hepatitis A 1 / 2

Pneumococcal

Rotavirus

Kyle took all the compulsory shot and also chickenpox but we didn't give him Pneumococcal and Rotavirus cause it is super expensive.

Vaccination - KK or Private Hospital?

It's time to look and ask around regarding baby's immunization, whether private hospital is better for Klinik Kesihatan is better.

I have never step into Klinik Kesihatan for almost 20 years, the last time I recall is going to Ayer Itam KK opposite Lai Lai, RM1 for fever, that time I was like 7 years old.

I heard from my friend KK's vaccination is better compare to private hospital because of the medicine that they use is different, but i also heard from another friend saying that now a days KK using all local made medicine so private hospital is better.

For Kyle, all his vaccination is done at PAH, and I can say that I love the service there and I have no problem of him having fever or swelling at the injection area after vaccination. Thanks all to attentive and caring Dr. Mary.

It is not guarantee that sending baby to private hospital means they won't be having fever or swelling, as there's 1 time Dr. Mary is on emergency leave so I have no choice for to go for Dr. Agnes, and yes Kyle came back with a fever and swelling at the injection area. So it is actually depending on how skillful the doctor is.If I'm not mistaken, in KK all the injection will be done by nurse instead of a doctor.

So let's see here's a few good points of KK that I know of:

1. It's free of charge.

2. The nurse will call and remind the parents on the vaccination date.

Other than that, I'm not sure because I haven't personally went to KK before so I need more information that I can get from friends or whoever that have send their babies there for immunization.

From my own experience in private hospital:

1. Attentive doctor explaining each vaccine that the baby is going to get, why and what is the purpose of the jab.

2. Doctor will be doing to vaccination, showing the medicine bottle and make the vaccination in front of the parents.

3. Most of the vaccination medicine will not cause fever.

The only downside is, it cost quit a hole in the pocket. So that is why hubby and I are considering KK for Keith's immunization. As I heard, if the first jab is done in KK, means all the jabs have to be come in KK and vice versa for private hospital, so it's very crucial for us to determine whether we're sending Keith to KK or private hospital for his jab.

Baby Wear Shopping

Kyle is staying overnight at my mil house today, so hubby and I get some free time to go for a date. We decided to head over to Sunway Carnival for a window shopping but end up we bought a bunch of clothes for Keith.

I suppose to head over Avent section to check on nipple shield, haven't decide to buy it now or later. It's the same price as in Jusco, both with 20% discount at the moment. I'm not sure which size to choose for now as this will be my first time trying on nipple shield, my last resort if I'm giving up on breastfeeding due to nipple crack. I somehow need to get a pair before giving birth so I can ask the lactation consultant to guide me on using the nipple shield.

As I walk around other section, just to window shop, I happen to came across Pigeon counter, a corner with clothes being rummage through so I just take a look at the price tag, as I can remember that design cost around RM30 ++. The price has been slashed by half ^^. With no further ado, I waved at my hubby and start picking up the designs, ransacking the whole thing searching for 3to6mths size. Too bad some design only left 12-18mths. So I end up buy a few of 3to6mths, few of 6-12mths and 1 12-18mths.

It's 100% cotton Little Coro, not the cheaper range of Pigeon where you can get top and bottom for RM15. All this are their higher range, and they're clearing stock for new designs to come in. To me little one doesn't need to follow fashion trend, so it doesn't matter if they're wearing discounted/clearance clothing as long as the quality is good.

For almost RM200 good quality clothes if without discount, I manage to get it at around RM100. What a bargain. It's more worth than buying Fiffy, Tollyjoy or Pureen brand. The Pureen NB clothes that I bought is almost the same price and it's not that good quality, but for Keith to wear for 1 month, it's not necessary to buy expensive NB clothes just for that.

We also get a small laundry basket for Keith, to put all his dirty laundry.

His Jabs and Kicks

I do love baby kicks, and they have to give me some twitches inside every hour at least 10 times. Keith's rock and roll in me makes me difficult to sleep, I guess sleepless night starts not right after giving birth, but now.

During the day, maybe due to my movement, he only gives soft massages - I can feel his knee, his elbow, his movement - soft and gentle. Loving it. The movement will gone wild at night when I lay on my side to sleep, it's like he doesn't allow me to sleep at all.

Kyle and I are doing a bedtime routine by singing some children songs, so that might get him excited throughout the night.

Sometimes, when hubby place his palm on my tummy, he'll stop moving or give small kicks. Maybe the warm of his hand is transferred in and soothes him but hubby is very naughty too, he loves to poke on my tummy then Keith will return kick as if both of them are playing and when hubby is sleepy, he just went right to sleep while I have to take care of the aftermath.

Sleepless night not just because of Keith's jab and kick but also due to my frequent leg cramp during the night. It's annoying and painful, not even to mention frequent toilet trip.

Above all this, the happiness of feeling him inside me, is the one and only thing that I can feel and understand - mummies in the world will - cause it's the only thing that we get to experience, the guys won't.

Confinement Plan

It's time to plan on my confinement as it's getting nearer to my due date. I'm not going to hire a confinement lady, not just because of the ridiculous pricing ranging from RM3.2k to RM3.8k - I have considered the pros and cons of having a confinement lady.

1. I'll be taking care of my own newborn, Keith will be rooming in with me, bonding with me. I won't put my baby to confinement lady and rest for myself. Newborns need bonding with their mummy not the confinement lady. So I do not need a confinement lady to feed/bath Keith for me or even sleep with her at night. I don't trust them to bath my baby either.

2. I'm a picky eater as in I eat only a certain food. I can enjoy a sesame ginger stir fry pork for the whole month and didn't get bored with it. I do not need fancy confinement food. A simple dish with sesame and ginger + a black dates tea for me will do - the whole month.

3. Finding a place for the confinement lady to stay in. My house got 4 rooms but all is occupied. 1 master bedroom which going to be occupied by hubby, kyle (mostly will be staying with my in laws and only back during the weekend), Keith and me, 2 Kyle's room which non renovated - full with his toys, 3 hubby's office, 4 my store room. Where to fit a confinement lady?

4. Confinement lady's job for now a days is to take care the baby and cook for the mother. They don't help in the cleaning the house and the price offer doesn't include ingredients for them to cook and their meals.

So why do I need a confinement lady for? I rather save that money and spend it on my children.

My mum will be taking care of me, we that's what we're planning from the day I told her I'm pregnant. She'd done my confinement for me during Kyle's birth so for her to help me with my confinement this time around should not be a big problem. The only problem we had is I'm going to have my confinement at my house in Butterworth, while she's staying in Penang Island.

She needs to take care of her fashion store during morning market session, so she only available to drop by my house after she closes her store. For her to travel back and forth is costly too but definitely won't as much as a confinement lady. At first I've asked her to stay in with me, but she doesn't want to and prefer to travel everyday.

Hubby asked me to plan as if - my mum is not available to come over what should I do because I can't rely on my mum coming over everyday. So we come up with a plan to find a caterer to cook for me 1 sesame ginger stir fry dish + 1 bowl of rice for lunch and dinner. So in case my mum is busy or cannot come over in time, I still have something to eat.

As I'm living in an apartment, finding someone staying in the same block to cook for me will be easier, as I can ask them to deliver to me (if I find someone outside - I need to go to the guard house to collect my meal each day). I found an aunty staying in the 4th floor, which she said she doesn't do confinement for other people but she did for her own daughter, if I don't choose the food she can help me cook for lunch and dinner, I shall provide all the ingredients for her.

I gave her some time to offer me the price for her service and I myself did a little research on how people will charge and I find average is around RM10 per meal just for the labour charge, so I estimated at the highest she'll offer is RM600.

She finally let me know her price the other day, saying that she'll charge RM1000 for 1 dish + 1 rice (lunch and dinner) exclude ingredients. My jaw drops once I heard the price, as my finger type on the calculator it's RM33 for per day. I didn't reject her right away but I told her that I'll consult my mum first but I plan to reject it already, I don't even feel like bargaining for it.

If I want to pay the RM1000, I might as well get a monthly maid, teach her how to cook that 1 dish + rice yet she can help me with cleaning the house and Kyle may not need to be put with my in law as there will be someone to help look around.

Hubby asked me to find from restaurant, to help me cook my dish, the most is to see if they will do delivery or we need to pick up by ourselves but I told him I don't want to, because it will be more tiring for me to go up and down the lift, walk to the guard house to collect my meal and I have to carry Keith around.

I told him, I would rather cook it myself. It's not difficult, if all the ingredient is well prepared. It's not that my mum won't turn up later in the afternoon, so if I'm hungry in the morning I can cook - it only took me 5 mins or so, or I can put everything in slow cooker. If I needed to wash, I'll wear a glove or he can help me to wash it ^^.

I also told my mum about the aunty's charges and my mum said it's too expensive, and she'll try come over earlier, or she/my sis will cook and her boyfriend will deliver over to me in the morning first. I ask her not to worry that much. It's just a confinement, I'm free to do whatever I want as long as I didn't carry heavy stuff or move around too much. I know what my body can handle and I don't care about 'You'll know when you get old'.

So conclusion - we'll see how it goes, I'll update my daily confinement routine haha ~

Baby's Development

When Kyle is born (even before that) I've read and online search a lot on baby development milestone, same goes to Keith. To me, each child is unique, they might achieve something in the milestone chart earlier or later but they must not go too far off the chart. A medical attention maybe needed, if the child development is slowed or not happening at all.

Kyle is fast in everything, he skips crawling (most likely due to I never put him down on the floor because of the dog's fur in our house) and directly to standing and walking, except his speech skill is very very slow. He doesn't want to open his mouth to talk, he only point to what he wants. I was afraid of autism, so for each or quarterly routine check up with Dr. Mary at PAH, I'll raise my concern, but Dr. Mary assured me it will be fine as long as he understand what we're trying to tell him and he did babble a few sounds.

He did speak baby words (which no one understand) and the only words we able to understand is mumm mumm and nen nen, by 15months. We've been teaching him words like dada, mama, papa, etc but to no avail. He went to nursery at the age of 18months, and from there he still didn't talk much only baby words that no one understand.

Everyone assures me that it will be alright, some child will be slow in their speech but once they open their mouth to talk, they will talk non stop, and I'll wish that I have a remote control in hand for the mute function. I hate to say that but it's correct >.<. I really wish I have a remote control in hand to keep in quiet for awhile, sometimes.

He starts calling mummy at the age of 2 1/2 years old, yes first time and directly mummy, no mama or mimi. Before that he starts calling Dada, then to daddy and papa and mama for grandpa and grandma, from 2 1/2 years onwards, he talks non stop. He can recognize football club logo better than me at that age and he knows who is supporting which team in the house.

Last few weeks, I have babysit a friend's 14months boy. He is very slow in everything, and I find it hard to believe that his parents never pay any attention to this slow achievement in milestone chart. From my observation, he might have autism, though autism is difficult to diagnose in early age but if his parents didn't bother about his condition, it might be worsen from a normal child to become an autistic child.

Why did I said i sense autism in this baby? 1st, his teeth grinding, for a 14months old child to teeth grinding (not just in the sleep) in the broad day light. 2nd, banging his head to sleep and rocking back and forth, knocking his head for relaxation. 3rd, excessive crying for no reason.

I feel I have the responsibility to tell his parents about his condition, but hubby and a few of my friends that I talk to said his parents would've notice it and they didn't care, cause the baby is taking care by his mummy full time and I might find fault or trouble for myself cause some parents they don't like to listen negative feedback regarding their child. For me I'll be worry and might have visited the pediatrician few times per month to discuss on his condition.

His motor skill is way slow than a 14months old should have. He can't hold his own milk bottle, his hand is always in a grip position, and only pincer grip toys with his thumb and pointer, he can move up to sitting position once in awhile but rarely, he can pull himself up to stand with the help of the furniture or surrounding but not flat on his leg, it's on his pointed toes and he doesn't try to move around, even when I hold him up in standing position and ask him to try walk, he just doesn't know how to move one leg at a time or get any excited in learning to walk.

Other than all this, if he feels like his leg is stuck (which sometimes is not) he'll cry excessively and not consolable. Same goes if he can't reach a certain things. For normal child, when they can't reach they'll try to move, roll over, crawl, walk or stretch to reach it but he doesn't even try and will start crying.

He got only 1 crying style so for the 4 days of babysitting I got no idea what he is asking for at times, cause all the crying is in the same tone. I have a hard time taking him out even for a short while as I'm heavily pregnant and he didn't know how to grip tight on me. His finger is always in gripping position and he doesn't know how to open his leg to grip at my waist, so I always need two hands to carry him. It's difficult for me because I usually need to buy things or hold Kyle's hand. From enjoying babysitting him to become annoying.

I'm very fond of children, and I can't find any children in the world to be annoying especially at such young age (not to compare to those kids that screaming and running up and down my hallway) but babysitting him has put a lot of stress in me for the 4 days.

To say he is naturally slow in nature, I feel he is not as I tried to teach him to hold his own bottle and succeeded after a few tries. Maybe his parents didn't spend enough time and pay enough attention to him when taking care of him. Well I can't say anything regarding his parents who can leave him alone in the house while he is sleeping to enjoy their own dating in cinema for movies. The little boy might have stress himself out when awake when parents is not around that's why he needs to bang his head to sleep to find relaxation.

Taking care of baby is like taking care of a puppy, we need to teach them and care for them. Like puppies we can't scold them for peeing around if we in the first place didn't paper train them. So the first one to blame is always the parents / the owner.

Hospital Bag Checklist

I have written down my hospital checklist. I can't really remember what to bring along and what not to bring so I YT a few clips and Google some checklist to see what others have packed in their hospital bag.

For myself:

- Disposable pad x 20pcs

I won't be using the maternity pad, as I've used it before it's not really nice to use, too big and without wings, I still smear until everywhere. I'll be using my normal Kotex Style Night Time Slim Wing pad. If not mistaken PAH will give me 10pcs of maternity pad as well, but it is safer to bring 1 pack of 20pcs along.

- Panty x8

I'll be staying there for 3 days and I don't guarantee I won't smear everywhere haha...

- Nursing bra x 2

I never bring any nursing bra to hospital during Kyle's labor stay and I know the difficulty for not having any especially staying in a breastfeeding support hospital.

- Disposable breast pad x10

A definitely need to prevent the bra and clothes to get wet from the milk leak.

- Nipple shield

If I happen to have crack nipples, this will help a lot. I won't be using a nipple cream, as our breast milk itself is the best medicine to cure nipple crack.

- Robe / Jacket

Hospital dress usually got big hole behind, a robe can help to cover it if I want to walk to nursery to express my milk. A jacket in case it's cold.

- A set of going home clothes

Something light and easy to wear going on homes.

- Slipper

I'll most probably wearing a slipper to go for my labor so I do not need to bring any extra.

- Socks x2

A must, to cover up the cold little feet.

- Hair band

No harm taking an extra.

- Toothbrush & toothpaste & facial wash

Hospital most likely will provide this but I feel more comfortable using my own.

- Phone and charger

Staying there for 3 days definitely need to bring along a phone charger especially the phone will be my main entertainment there.

- Hospital card & I/C

I won't be taking along my purse, since it is not advisable to take valuable stuff to stay in hospital so I'll be only taking my i/c and my hospital card for registration purposes.

- Crackers

Though upon request they will give me some crackers to munch, but they actually don't allow to eat when we're ready to deliver the baby because in case of any emergency c-section. Last time i went in at 12midnite, I don't get to eat till i deliver Kyle after 12noon the next day. So hungry, no energy to push T_T.

- Hand sanitizer

Everything should be sanitize when handling a baby so a hand sanitizer would be in good use.

I won't be taking any breastpump or storage since PAH got breastpump machine in their nursery.

For baby:

- Infant car seat

Its not compulsory in Malaysia to have an infant car seat to take our baby home, but for safety wise, an infant car seat is a must.

- Disposable diaper x 10

Hospital usually will provide it but just bring some extras for just in case and while going home.

- Baby wipes

NB wet their diaper 8-12 times per day, wee and poo, definitely need some wipes if they poo poo in the car.

- A set of going home clothes

I plan to bring along 1 romper and 1 jumper depending on the weather of that day.

- A set of bonnet/mitten/booties

A definite need.

- Receiving blanket

A big one to comfortably swaddle up your baby to keep them safe and warm.

- Handkerchief

In case they burp out some milk.

That's practically what will be in my hospital bag. Will start packing around 35 weeks or so...

Baby Porridge

Kyle is still having on and off fever today, which means total of 3 days of fever. If fever continues tomorrow, he might need to go for doctor to get antibiotics.

I made him a baby porridge, the one that he enjoys during his baby years ^^. A very simple way to cook and can replace with any ingredients. This porridge is without any meat, only a slight seasoning using bovril.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of rice (washed)

2 tblspoon of quick cook oats

1 potato (holland, washed, or any potato)- diced

1/2 australian carrot - diced

1 tiny stalk of brocolli - cut

1/2 teaspoon of bovril (optional)

I usually use whatever vege, roots or fruits i can find in my fridge. Sometimes i replace with sweet potato, pumpkin, cauliflower, apple, pear, banana (just drop some in after it's cooked), etc.

Just drop everything into a rice cooker (if you're rice cooker got porridge cook function) and cook till it's done. Alternately can cook over the stove or in a slow cooker.

The texture is more suitable for 8 months above baby, if below 8 months old (or first few times feeding) most of the ingredient need to be pre cook and puree then drop into the porridge so it got smooth consistency, easier for them to swallow and won't choke.

If baby enjoy this, you may add in pork (bak thau) to cook with it for sweeter taste when they reach 10months old.

It is so easy and simple, and baby won't get bored by the taste. Just switch the ingredient for them once in awhile ^^.

Checklist

Today I managed to check out on 2 types of car seat - Aldo - Ego convertible and Sweet Cherry - Cleo and I eliminated both of my list. Now I left Sweet Cherry LB585 Bianca to find out. Hopefully it's up to my expectation for the price of RM269 after discount (i get info from Jusco promoter - she also said LB585 is better) but too bad it's currently out of stock so I don't get to take a look at the real product. Tomorrow will be going to Jusco Aeon Seberang Prai to have a look, see if there any chance to take a look at this model or not.

If it's not into my interest, I got no idea which other model that I need to put into my consideration list as this 3 is totally in my budget, others are so high up.

I've purchased 88 99 out of my check list. I only left around 5 items left in the list.

Let's see part of my list:-

Checked - Clothing - 3 NB rompers, 3NB jumpers, 2 size 14 rompers, full moon set, 6 pairs of mittens and booties, 3 bonnets. The rest will be using ex-Kyle clothes and also ex-Jayden clothes (borrowed from my neighbour - as they offer it - thanks a lot).

Checked - Blanket & Towel - 1 receiving blanket, 2 towels, almost 20pcs of handkerchief. I have kept Kyle receiving blankets, though it's a little old after wash it's still usable. I may top up another blanket if I can find nice and cozy blanket. Adventist will give us a free lullaby blanket, but I got no idea how is it looks like.

Checked - Diaper & Napkin - 10pcs baby napkins, 2 napkins wrapper, 100pcs nappy liner, lots of baby wipes, safety pin, 36pcs NB disposable diaper.

Checked - Bottles & Pacifier - 2 4oz bottles, 2 9oz bottles, 4 4oz milk storage bottles, 2 pacifiers, 1 pacifier chain, 1 bottle brush.

Checked - Bedding - 1 play pen, 1 mattress, 1 7pcs bedding set, 1 rubber mat.

Checked - Bathing - 1 bath tub, 1 slippery mat. Shampoo will be using Kyle's Johnson night time baby bath, and might get a lot through people's hamper gift. Jocelyn will borrow me a bathing board as well.

Checked - Out and about - 1 stroller, 1 changing mat.

Checked - Breastfeed - 1 manual breastpump, 72pcs disposable breast pad.

Checked - Others - Baby nail clipper, baby clothes washing detergent.

Things that still in my list that haven't purchase - Nursing bra, nipple shield, car seat (extra), nursery bag, baby lotion and nappy rash cream and that's about it. Should be nothing to add on for now.

It is not easy to prepare for baby's arrival, definitely need to be mentally and financially prepared. Imagine the cost of all the necessity stated above, it's more than few K even with proper budgeting and not spending on those branded. Each prenatal check up and prenatal vitamins, more or less around 1.5K for the whole pregnancy, labor charges for natural birth in a private hospital might cost up to 2k. What if c-section, it's x3 the price of natural birth. Confinement lady/confinement center cost after birth, if unlucky to have any mother / mother in law to help us, that will cost at least 3k.

This is the budget for the whole pregnancy and the birth of the baby, after all this, imagine if fail in breastfeeding the cost of milk powder, babysitter, food, toys, education.. the list go on and on.. It is not easy to raise up a child but every parents always try their best to give the best for their child no matter how hard it is so do respect and love our parents, they did the same thing we will be doing to our kids.

Disney on Ice

After shopping in Queensbay we head over to PISA for Disney on Ice. Poor Kyle is having slight fever but we've already bought the ticket 1 month ago so it will be super waste if we didn't attend the show. Imagine per ticket after 15% discount is RM117.75 and Kyle is so looking forward for it. He cried in the morning when wake up and found himself still having fever, afraid that we might not bring him there anymore.

We reach PISA around 12p.m, we thought we're quite early but there's bunch of people already arriving, i guess mostly free seating patrons.

There's A&W food stall selling double chicken/beef burger set and rootbeer. No price tag on the banner or whatsoever but I know the regular around 120z rootbeer cost us RM4.30. So i wonder how much will the burger set cost.

At the entrance there's also a few booth selling Disney product, but we never bought any due to the superb pricing.

A book regarding Disney on Ice + a felt type wizard hat @ RM25.

Snow Mug - Mickey / Minnie mug with shaved ice and rainbow colour syrup on it @ RM30.

Water Bottle - A simple Disney water bottle filled with juice (or soda) @ RM30.

Pop corn - A box with pop corn inside (i guess the pop corn size is like regular popcorn from TGV) @ RM30

Cotton Candy - Cotton candy with a Mickey crown @ RM40

Soft toys - ranging from small to medium size @ RM45 - RM75

Other merchandise @ RM30 above

1 RM50 definitely not enough to buy two things there.

It stated in the ticket T&C no camera or any recording devices allow but a lot of people still brought their camera in and snap all the way, the usher and all doesn't really care.

I prefer to just sit and enjoy the show rather than those people snapping and video recording it cause it's dark and with spotlight in there, how good the picture quality will be when you're using a handphone and normal digital camera to capture it.

Kyle enjoyed watching Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. His favourite is Goofy. He's not really into all the Princes & Princesses session and he's definitely afraid of the villain's session. When he saw the skeleton from Nightmare before Christmas (I can't remember his name) he closes his eyes haha...Hubby and I enjoyed the littl e pig from Toys Story >.<

Overall it's a good show, to bring children along.

Sweet Cherry Bedding Set

Sweet Cherry 100% Cotton 256 thread counts per metric cm ~

This is the bedding set I'm talking about. Love the colour and design and most of all 100% cotton. Today Jusco having 20% sales on most baby items but no member's day which means no extra vouchers to collect.

This set is a 7pcs set which includes - 2 bumper pads, 1 mattress sheet, 1 comforter, 2 bolster and 1 pillow for NP: RM189, discounted 20% = RM151.20 only ^^. Lovely ~

Halford S8 Pramette Java

Finally got our hands on Halford S8 Pramette Java. We went to Queensbay Mall Mom's Care last Thursday just for window shopping and have a look at some stroller. We have earlier made up our mind on either Halford S8 or Sweet Cherry SCR9.

Halford S8 Pramette

S8 Pramette Stroller Product Descriptions:
* EN1888 Certified
* 5 point harness
* 4 position recline system
* All wheel suspension
* Swivelling or locked front wheels
* Foot-operated brakes
* Adjustable footrest
* Height adjustable handles
* Peek-a-boo window
* Adjustable and removable front bar
* Rear foot board for second child
* Compact umbrella fold
* Large shopping basket

Specifications:
* From newborn to 4 years old (18kgs)
* Product Weight: 10.0kg
* Packaging Dimension: 30cm (L) x 28cm (W) x 103cm (H)
* Packaging Weight: 11.0kg

We love this model because as it can be umbrella fold and it's suitable for infant till 4 years old / 18kg. We didn't mind of the heavy weight - 10kg product weight as it is very solid looking and able to sit until Keith around 4 years old. If you're looking for a light weight stroller, this is definitely not the one.

I'll do a review and more pictures on this stroller after Keith is born and uses it. Now it is packed and kept inside the store room to prevent dust ^^.

Sweet Cherry SCR9

Features	:
Suitable from newborn to 3 years old (not more than 15kg) Multi-position adjustable backrest and adjustable footrest With removable front bar and large shopping basket Canopy with UV protection Simple and compact folding convenient for traveling

We did consider this model too because of the basket style, Keith can sleep on his tummy when we go out shopping, but after much look at it, it is not that solid cause even without any baby in the basket it is move able, so imagine when Keith learns how to move we scared the basket cannot withstand the weight. It only has blue and red which is not really my favorite colour.

The pricing without any promotion for Halford S8 Pramette is RM699 (promotion price usually: RM559.20) while SCR9 is at RM499 (promotion price @ RM459). Both stroller can equip with carrier which they call it travel system but I do not need the carrier so I just got the stroller only.

The travel system (consist of stroller + carrier/car seat) cost around RM999 (promotion price: RM799) for Halford S8 Pramette, RM499 + RM239 = RM738 (normal price) for Sweet Cherry SCR9 - using SCR7 carrier.

Java is the latest colour for Halford S8 Pramette and we bought it at only RM489 ^^ in Mom's Care. Not sure when will the promotion ends because the promoter told me that it is while stock last but when i request for a new stroller instead of the display set, she said she can order it for me and after i purchased it, she some more ask me to introduce this to my friend 0.0 so when will this promotion end? I also don't know hahahaha ~. RM489 only for Java color though, they have Scarlet (red) and Papia (orange) which I don't really like but if Halford didn't come out with Java, I've most likely chosen Scarlet.

Kyle playing with Leslie & Jasper

Found an old video in my laptop. Kyle that time should be around 15months to 18months. Copying daddy and mummy chasing dog for wee wee and mumm mumm. The video seems to have fast forwarded a bit due to the phone I guess.

Kyle got no problem with dogs and their barking sound since birth. He's not scared of it maybe due to he's been listening to dog's barking when in the womb. He enjoyed his time with all the dogs.

Keith will not have much play time with dogs as now we're staying in apartment. The most he'll get to play when we are at my mil's house. Really wanted to get ourselves a dog to keep the boys company but to handle 2 boys + a dog, mentally and financially need to be prepared. Dogs need attention just like the boys do. They need to be love and well pampered ^^.

Maybe if Keith is around 6 months old, we might take in one Pug ^^. Hubby always wanted a pug and I'm okay with it because Pug is cute and also short fur. Good for me, as I don't have to worry much of grooming it and also flying furs around the house.

The cute worry look of a pug. Awwwwwwwww ~

Baby Cot Review

This is a baby cot we bought for Kyle @ Teik Seng, Penang 5 years ago @ only RM138. Now the cheapest you can find at hypermarket like Carrefour, Giant and Tesco, it's around RM188 above. Sometimes can get @ RM159 if they're having promotion but now a days more fancy and white colour wood baby cot can be found in all this hypermarket or baby store which range from minimum RM300 above.

This cot and be adjusted 2 levels, as you see in the picture this is the lowest level, suitable to put at this level once they start to sit up as they might have start crawling and trying their way out from the baby cot. To prevent them from falling it is better to put to the lowest level. Though it is still not safe, if you leave them unattended. Kyle has climb out from the baby cot a few times, but luckily his cot is beside our bed so he just fall onto our bed. There're times when he climb the other way around and fell @_@ and he end up knowing just how to climb out safely by the age less than 2 years.

This is what happen when you have a super active baby who will climb, shake and kick the baby cot once they know how to stand haha...temporary we use a cable tie to fix it. It's not safe when baby is sleeping in there, so hubby will get it fix up and replace some old screws before Keith arrival.

The simple toy game at the end of the court is good entertainment for them when baby wakes up in the middle of the night. We can always hear Kyle play - pushing it left and right - making lots of noises and wake us up ^^. It is also a tool for me to use to teach him colours when he's in playing in the cot or trying to sleep.

To me baby cot is a need to invest in, as it is more safety for them to sleep, rather than sleeping in a swing or sharing bed with parents. Other than letting them sleep in it, it is also use to cage them haha when you need to. Cage them as in put them in just awhile unattended while you going to toilet or get some water to drink and not to leave them alone and you go enjoying a 2 hours movie ^^.

Baby cot also helps them to learn gripping and standing up. Kyle can stand at 7months with the help of the bar. He just grip and stand, dancing (shaking) his butt and leg, showing off that he can stand. But once they learn how to stand, they'll learn how to climb >.< but it's a leaping milestone ^^ every mother would enjoy watching their baby grows and learn new things.

Beside mattress, bumper set is very important to use together with a baby cot, though some research said bumper is one of the cause of SIDS but if use it wisely it helps preventing the baby from knocking onto the baby cot bar.

I can't find Kyle's bedding set, a Sweet Cherry brand - blue with bear bear around it. If not mistaken i bought it at RM144 per set which consist of mattress sheet, two baby bolster, 1 baby pillow, 1 comforter and 1 bumper pad.

I have look around Jusco and other baby store for bedding set, and I confirmed I'm going to get the Sweet Cherry 100% cotton bedding set. Normal price at RM180, so waiting for Jusco sale to get 20% discount or Jusco Member's day to get some cash vouchers ^^.

Last 2 weeks when Jusco is having a baby fair, there's 1 bedding set under Sweet Cherry brand, selling at only RM74.50 7pcs set. It is very cheap if you're okay with polyester material. I don't like the smooth surface, i prefer cotton surface and the colour is quite dull - pink / blue / green.

Sweet Cherry have another range, white base with some giraffe pictures @ RM140 or so. It's 85% cotton and 25% Polyester same goes to Pooh Classic and Doraemon product range. It was quite okay but I still love the 100% cotton design ^^. Can't wait to get my hands on it ~

Car Seat Review

This is Kyle's car seat that we bought when he's around 4months old @ Jusco Queensbay Mall, RM299 with 20% discount so it's around RM240 only. This is LB303 model. Here are some of the brief specs:

Net Weight : 5.5kg

Features :

Suitable from 6 months to 4 years

Removable, washable padded seat cushion

Easy accessible belt path

5-point, 1-pull safety harness

3 reclining seat positions

Chest and buckle pad; Padded support seat

Retail Price : RM299.00

It's been around 5 years since then and it's still in good condition. We're heavy user as we travel a lot. He used it each time he's in the car and he's a real good boy, always enjoying his car seat. He used this car seat until he's around 4 years old before switching to normal seat in the back of the car ^^. Now this car seat will be pass down to Keith, his little brother.

We have checked on Sweet Cherry latest collection of car seat and we still find this model on shelf with a retail price of RM299, and will have discount once in awhile when Jusco is having promotion. We're very glad that we have bought this.

Hubby and I are now scouting for 1 new car seat that fits newborn as I'll be driving in and out fetching Kyle to and fro from his kindy everyday, so i'll definitely need a suitable infant car seat for Keith.

We do not want to spend on infant car seat as they will grown out of it very fast and it will be a waste of money. We will be looking forward for specs that can fit 0mths - at least 3 years old. This is what I've search and had in mind. Will start going around looking at all this model soon.

Sweet Cherry Cleo Car Seat

Features:-

*Suitable for newborn to 18kg

*For newborn to 10kg, use rear-facing position on the seat of vehicle

*Removable padding seat to suit growing child

*For 9kg to 18kg, place the car seat in forward facing positions

*3 positions adjustable reclining backseats

Price: RM269.00

Sweet Cherry LB585 Bianca Car Seat

Net Weight : 7.3kg

Features : Suitable for newborn to 18kg

For newborn to 10kg, use rear-facing position on the seat of vehicle, and pull out the angle adjustment lever

For 9kg to 18kg, place the car seat in forward facing positions

3 positions adjustable reclining backseats

Retail Price : RM299.00

Aldo: Ego convertible Car Seat

Product Descriptions :-

Suitable from newborn to 4 years ( 0 to 18 kgs )

5 point security harness

Allow rear & forward facing

Internal cushion for extra comfort

Breathable fabric reduce the heat for tropical weather

Car seat weight : 8kg

Price: RM299 after discount is around RM239

As long as the price range from RM200-RM300 we will take in consideration as this is our budget for car seat. Though branded car seat may have more safety features in it but after testing with Kyle's Sweet Cherry car seat, it is easy to use and reliable. After so many years it's is still in very good condition, mind that I'm not someone that good in taking care of things ^^.

Prenatal Check Up Updates

Updates of my prenatal check up :-

11 weeks 4 days check up:

Little Keith has grown from tadpole like fetus. He's now looking like a little baby through the U/S. Nothing much on this check up, just ultrasound to make sure he's growing well and Dr. Soon prescribe me my prenatal vitamins which consist of Pramilet (a multivitamin) and Calcium +.

15 weeks 4 days check up:

No morning sickness anymore 'hip hip hurray'. We did an ultrasound to check on Little Keith and we get to count his fingers and toes ^^. This is part of his detailed scan that need to be done from 18 to 24 weeks. We get to see his 3d ultrasound and he's looking like wrinkled alien baby. We manage to take a good picture of his private area, though Dr. Soon doesn't want to confirm anything to us yet but hubby and I know he will be a little boy.

18 weeks 4 days check up:

Detailed / Anatomy scan for this trip. Dr. Soon check from his head to toe, making sure Little Keith is growing to his gestational age. Everything is fine, just that the waist is a little small but still in the normal range. Heart chamber will be check on next check up as 18 weeks is still too small to see the heart clearly.

27 weeks 4 days check up:

I've skip a check up due to hubby busy work schedule, so it's been 9 weeks since my last check up. Very anxious to see my Little Keith who is already busy kicking me for the pass 9 weeks. I was hoping he will be in head down position and thank god he is. Which means my chances of natural labour is higher. Dr. Soon said they can still change their position but ask me not to worry too much. Hubby didn't follow me in the consultation room this trip because he needs to take care Wyson (his friend's son) and I'm really disappointed.

27 Weeks Ultrasound

Little Keith 27 weeks 4days U/S. 3d snapshot of his limbs as he's crouching and face down with placenta blocking most of his head, i don't get to see his face.

Little Keith 27 weeks 4days U/S. 3d snapshot of his limbs as he's crouching and face down with placenta blocking most of his head, i don't get to see his face.

Little Keith @ 27 weeks 4 days U/S. Blurry snapshot of his private areas to confirm he is a boy again. Can't really get a good shot at it as he's in a crouching position and doesn't want to move to give us more clear shot.

18 Weeks Ultrasound

Little Keith @ 18 weeks 4 days U/S. 3d profile snapshot, can see that he is more form. Looks like little alien. The placenta is covering his back.

Little Keith @ 18 weeks 4 days U/S. 3d profile snapshot, can see that he is more form. Looks like little alien. The placenta is covering his back.

Little Keith @ 18weeks 4 days U/S. Dr Soon confirmed to us that he is a boy.