The Car Seat

We were looking for a car seat that our baby can use from 0 to 4 years old. It's between that, and getting an infant carrier which can be used up to 12 months, then getting another car seat that can be used from 9 months to 4 years old. The advantage of the infant carrier is that it can be used to carry the baby in and out of the car without disturbing him too much. We figured that we will probably not be carrying our baby that way, so not much point for that. We also came across one that can be used from 0 to 7 years old. The price tag of such car seats are almost double that of the 0 to 4 years old kind. Given that we are planning to have more than one child, it did not quite make sense to get that one. That settles it. The search for a car seat that can be used from 0 to 4 years old begins.

After shopping around, we were down to two - Maxi Cosi Dori and Britax First Class. There is an ongoing promotion for the Maxi Cosi Dori, and most stores are selling it for $238. The down side is that it does not recline much and does not have much support for new borns. The Britax First Class is pricier, but has more recline positions, and looks more comfortable. Other than Mothercare, I couldn't find any other shops that carry the Britax First Class. Mothercare sells it at $468, and members get a 10% discount.

The Stroller

After much shopping around, we finally decided on the the Maclaren Techno XT. We were looking for a stroller that I'd be able to manage on my own with baby in tow. This one is light enough for me, and can be folded with one hand. We actually wanted to buy the one in scarlet red but we'd have to pay the full price for that colour. I decided to buy the one in sky blue instead. We can still get the comfort pack (for $30) in scarlet red if we decide to later on.

With the ongoing great singapore sale, all the places I've checked out are selling it at $428. Decided to make our purchase at Mothercare so that I'd get the VIP card. With the card, I can get baby's car seat at 10% discount.

Looking forward to quiet walks in the parks, grocery shopping, visits to the library/book stores, zoo outings... with baby in tow.

Preparations

Antenatal Classes

We have signed up for antenatal classes at Raffles Hospital. The six 1.5 hour lessons will cost $168. Very much cheaper than Birth and Beyond. I explored the Birth and Beyond option as we were put on the waiting list for the RH class commencing 30 June. If we didn't get a confirmed place, we'd need to attend classes elsewhere as the next run will not end before I deliver. Thank God we managed to get a place in RH. I suppose it'll be better as we'll get to tour the RH labour facilities. According to the schedule and topics, the following will be covered.

Lesson 1

- Maternal Nutrition

Lesson 2

- Changes in a Woman's Body During Pregnancy

- Exercises During Pregnancy

- Safety Considerations for Each Trimester

Lesson 3

- Relaxation Through Massage

- Coping with 1st Stage Labour

Lesson 4

- Coping with 2nd Stage Labour

- Moving Around During Early Postnatal Period

- Essential Exercises for the Postnatal Mother

- Hospital Tour

Lesson 5

- Prepartion for Breastfeeding & Common Concerns

Lesson 6

- Transition into Parenthood

- Normal Characteristic / Appearance of a Newborn

- Care for the Newborn

Suppose it'll be good for Deanaling who are still pretty clueless about the labour process.

Prepartion for Parenting

Two couples we spoke to over the weekend recommended Gary Ezzo's books (the Becoming Babywise series). There are also courses based on these books that are run by Growing Families International. I've bought the books, and signed up for the course. I believe we'll be able to pick up some useful pointers on parenting from this.

A Present for Daddy

Look what Baby got for his dearest daddy for father's day...


























With the help of mommy of course. She intentionally chose the 12 to 18 months size so that Baby can still fit into it next father's day. Daddy was rather amused. :)

The Essentials

My sister compiled a list of essentials c/w her favourite brands. With the numerous brands available in the market, I suppose it can be pretty daunting for first time moms. So I'm posting the list she gave me here. If you prefer the "tried and tested", here goes...

For Baby

1) Bath/Shower gel: Cetaphil, Quwash

2) Cotton pads: Guardian

3) Nappy rash cream: Nephew & Smith

4) Diapers: Mamy Poko Newborn (night time) & Drypers Small (day time)

5) Wet wipes: Pigeon, Tolly Joy (fragrance free)

6) Comb: Pigeon

7) Nail scissors: Pigeon

8) Milk bottles: Pigeon (buy 2 of the smallest size for water)

9) Pacifier: Avent (set of 2)

10) Bean sprout pillow: Spring Maternity

For Mommy

1) Breast pads: Tolly Joy

2) Sanitary pads: Kotex Ultra Thin, Cottony, Ultra Long with Wings

3) Nursing bra: Mothers En Vogue, Spring Maternity, Mothercare

4) Nipple cream: Cocoa Butter

Oh boy!

Went for my 20 week scan last Thursday. Dr Tan took measurements of our baby's head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD), and compared these measurements with the norms. Everything fell within the expected range, so there's no cause for concern. The EDD by scan coincides with the EDD by date, which is supposed to indicate that the baby is the right size for dates. The doctor also confirmed that we're going to have a baby boy. Thank God the baby's growing well. It is so amazing seeing how our baby has grown over the last few months. From the first time we saw him at week 7, till now, when we can see his entire form taking shape.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderfull, I know that full well." Psalm 139:4

We are now thinking of a name for our baby. For now, he's affectionately known as 'Baby'. Dean has been talking to him eversince I told him that according to what I've been reading, babies can hear us while they are in the womb, and we should start talking to them now. so they can recognise our voices. He has already decided that Baby will be attending ACJS and joining Scouts.

My tummy has started to show in recent weeks (around week 19). I read that my tummy line will increase by 1cm every week from now. Dean says he's not used to seeing me so big. I've started taking out the maternity outfits that my big sister passed to me. Great that I get to save some money here. We'll also probably be getting some pre-loved baby clothes from her. Thank God for big sisters.

We have to start clearing out the spare room, and turning it into a nursery. I suppose it'll be good to get this done before I hit the third trimester, when I'll have a bigger tummy to manage. Setting up the room will be fun!

We're praying that God will continue to watch over our little family of three, that the baby will grow strong and healthy, and that He'll prepare Dean and I for our journey ahead as parents.

A Short Holiday

Deanaling spent a lovely weekend in Batam, at a resort called Tempat Senang. It is a small resort with only 5 suites, each decorated with a different theme. I understand that the resort just opened about six months back. It is well maintained, and though small, has all that we need to wind down, to relax, to take a step back from our hectic schedules in Singapore. We liked the idea that it is nestled on a hill next to a golf course with plenty of greenery. It was nice waking up to the sound of running water and crickets.

The owners are really friendly, easy people. It was a pleasure staying with them. They have a dog and a parrot who supposedly has an amazing vocabulary!

We enjoyed the 3-hour long spa treatments. I think the spa and accommodation packages are value-for-money. There is an ongoing Citibank promotion that gives you about $50 off the rates published on the website.

Just a 40 minute ferry ride away from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal... time to pack your bags and go!

Pain in the butt!

I can't quite remember when the pain started. When I change positions... like from sitting down to standing up, or lying down to standing up, I get this pain in my right butt. A few weeks back, I decided to vacuum and mop the entire house. Bad decision! After the job was done, the pain was excruciating. Good thing it went back to 'normal' (i.e. bearable) after a few days.

Was wondering if it is a normal occurrence for pregnant ladies, or if there were other causes for concern. So I did a google, and found that they actually have a name for what I'm suffering from - Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). Now, I'm wondering if there is a remedy for PGP. I shall ask Dr Thong at my next appointment.

Two plus baby makes three

Yes! We are expecting our first child this September.
















Dean & I first found out on 22 Jan, but we didn't tell our parents till 3 Feb, after our first visit to the obstetrician.

Initial reactions
Ling's > Yay!
Dean's > So fast?!
Thereafter, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

It has been a pretty good first trimester. Morning sickness sets in in the evenings (which is good since I'd most likely be home from work by then), and I threw up less than 10 times the whole 3 months. So thankful cos I absolutely hate feeling nauseous.

I hear that I'll feel a whole lot better in the second trimester. :) Got to get myself out of the house and keep up with regular exercise. The doctor says that swimming is good and it'll help strengthen my back muscles for delivery.

Praying that our baby will grow strong and healthy, and that God will prepare us for our journey ahead as parents.

Firsts

1998...

first held hands...








first kiss...


first love...














10 years on...
first anniversary

"to have and to hold... to love and to cherish..."


Thanks for 10 years of good lovin! You've been a blessing.

I look at the past 10 years that we've shared and I am so thankful. I'm so glad that God brought you into my life... for having someone like you to walk this journey with me. The last 10 years were filled with many changes... graduating from college, we went different ways - you went to army, and I started my undergraduate studies. Until then, our lives have been pretty much mapped out for us by the education system. Subsequently, we entered the working world and had to deal with struggles of a different kind. Then came our plans to marry, which brought along a host of issues that we got to work thru. Our hopes, our dreams... Practical issues such as buying a house, thinking thru finances, career plans, sharing ideas about how to bring up our children in future...

And now, here we stand - at the end of our first year as husband and wife. Looking back at the year that has just gone by, I remember feeling really overwhelmed at the start. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to be a good wife. I didn't really know how things will be after the wedding. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to cope with being a good daughter, daughter-in-law, wife... I didn't know how I would be able to juggle work, keeping the house clean, doing the laundry, preparing dinner... I wasn't sure if I'd do a good job of managing the household. I wasn't sure if I'd be a good mom when we have children of our own. It was just so overwhelming. I remember coming home after the wedding rehearsal in tears. That was when I prayed and asked God to teach me how to be a good wife, helper, mother... all the roles that I'd have to play. Proverbs 31 paints such a beautiful picture of a perfect wife. I'm far from perfect, but that's what I'm trying to be - a perfect wife & mother (in future).

Proverbs 31:10-31

A Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Thanks for all your love & companionship all these years; for all your patience as you watched me struggle with all the 'house wifey' stuff; for being the husband that you are.

I look forward to many more 'firsts' in the years to come.

First time parents...


First steps...


First words...


First birthdays...


Indeed, two are better than one!

Thanks love!