mellomouse* » We’re Expecting

Cloth Diapers, pt 5 – Snap Buttons!

mellomouse — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:09:57 +0000

We first started with Velcro
4 Plain Colours & 1 Printed Safari White

Then added Buttons to the fun
Velcro vs Snap Buttons

After much deliberations
Velcro were up for sale

So out goes Velcro
And in comes Snap Buttons!

I bought the 4 new PCD — Twinkle Red, Blue & Lime — last Friday to replace the 4 preloved that were sold off on Thursday. So now we’re back to 8 *phew* It was pretty stressful to only have 4 to use, after packing up the velcro aside to sell.

Autumnz doesn’t have much choice for PUL material with snap buttons. I didn’t want to get Minky again as they are too bulky and warm. I like Daisy but that’s too girly. So instead I had to settle with the same design. Out of the 3 colours above, Natey looks best in Blue

Why did I buy Autumnz again? They are within budget, and doesn’t need to break piggy for it. Else it would definitely be a big pinch to sell off the velcro after only using for 3 weeks and replacing them with new ones. There’s still a lost though, but better than chucking them aside *sigh*

Anyway, I am very happy with the Twinkle snap buttons. So that’s all that really matters

It’s raining Autumn!
Natey’s Pocket Cloth Diaper Stash

In a more organised order
Twinkles, MooMoo Cow, Dreamy Dots & Safari White

Asian Parenting Today.

mellomouse — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:06:15 +0000

This book was 1st introduced to me by the writer herself, Jennifer during my confinement. I called her for a postnatal home visit — RM150 for 1.5hrs — to help me with my breastfeeding dilemma, and she was an enlightenment. Natey has been fully breastfed ever since!

Sadly, I didn’t really pay attention when she mentioned her book. Else I would have gotten this sooner and save another RM150 for Natey’s sleeping dilemma 2mths later. Not forgetting the headaches of disagreements on what should and shouldn’t be done.

Asian Parenting Today
Jennifer Hor, Ho Ai Ling & Jocelyn Oo

My verdict:

A definite gem for every 1st time Mommies & Daddies!

This book is so relevant — for Asian, especially Malaysians — and easy to read. The best time to begin would be weeks before delivery. Then everything would stay fresh in mind. Otherwise, a handy bedside bible!

What I like about this book is the FAQ right after each tiny topic. Some questions might seem ridiculous but they were some of our doubts exactly. And I bet, it could be yours too

I highly recommend buying this book — whether as a gift, or for yourself — as it would certainly be cheaper (RM39.90) than calling Jennifer for SOS when you can get everything in these pages!

Btw, if we knew about Jenlia Maternal Services during my pregnancy, we wouldn’t have signed up for Gleneagles’ Parentcraft and somehow feel cheated of our RM180 for 3 lousy sessions. Instead pay RM310 for 4 sessions at Jenlia, with Jennifer being one for the speakers.

Since I can’t turn back time, but you are on the crossroad of deciding for yours, why not check them out

Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.

mellomouse — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:35:46 +0000

My verdict:
(+) Easy to put on, adjust and remove
(+) Better fitting
(-) If not fastened securely, diaper may fall out while carrying baby
(-) Baby can easily remove by pulling
(-) Velcro’s hard corners would leave red marks/blisters when pressed continuously against baby’s delicate skin — especially the inside tabs

My verdict:
(+) More secure fastenings
(+) Not so easily removed by baby’s curious itchy hands
(-) Challenging to put on the 1st few times — it’s easy peasy once you remember which snap goes with which
(-) May not be so suitable if you have a fussy impatient baby

I personally prefer the snap buttons. Although it appears more challenging with all those buttons, it is actually quite fun snapping and unsnapping them. Call me crazy but I like the sound it makes

As you can see in Part 3, I started off with 5 Velcro PCD. I decided on Velcro because it is easier to put on, adjust and remove. But after using for a day or two, I noticed the red marks on Natey’s thighs.

I tried readjusting the part where the velcro touches his skin. I even trimmed the sharp edges into round smoother edge. They still poke! This could be Autumnz’s design drawback and does not apply to all brands. Remember to check this important element before you purchase because all velcro have hard edges.

If not for this main concern, I’m pretty happy using velcro. This was the reason why I bought the 2 snap buttons PCD. Now that I have my verdict, I’ll definitely go with the buttons.

Natey could be fussy or not during nappy change. If he is, I’ll just use the Velcros

Added 28/7/10, 12.15am
After much deliberations, I finally decided to sell off the velcro diapers.

Now I can be worry free pocket diapering Natey. No more red marks/blisters on his chunky thighs and tummy!

Hooray for Snap Buttons!

Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!

mellomouse — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:51:15 +0000

The Research began 9 months ago
I was already drooling over these eye candies

Pocket Diapers on hold
DIY Prefolds with Baby Nappies

On Disposables for 3 months
Natey outgrew his Newborn Diaper Covers

Finally the Excuse to get these!
Velcro Pocket Diapers with Microfiber Inserts

Bought 2 more yesterday & made it 7
Snap Button Pocket Diapers with Microfiber Inserts

Total Spent = RM282.30

If you want to try out pocket diapering and on a budget like us, Autumnz is not a bad choice to begin with. Definitely stretches your Ringgit more compared to the diaper cover we bought, and wasted. Not including the 40 nappies turned swaddle blankets and whatnot

I’m looking forward to add up to this collection with other brands later on. But for now, 7 shells and 14 inserts are more than sufficient for daytime use. As for night, we’re still relying on disposables to keep Natey dry for an undisturbed slumber.

For 3 weeks of cloth diapering in the day has saved us a big pack of disposables. Just imagine in a month or a year. Even during potty training years.

So be wise for your wallet and our planet!

Save Mother Earth. Go cloth!
Natey is wearing Autumnz Baby Blue Cloth Diaper

Added 16/7/10, 6.39pm
I’m selling all 5 of the above velcro PCD at RM128, including delivery. Leave a comment if you’re interested!

BabyNatey 14: 3rd July 2009.

mellomouse — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:46:08 +0000

Exactly a year ago today, we had the pleasant surprise that God has blessed us with this gift ♥

I was a 5mm tiny Embryo then
Today, I have multiplied into a giant!

Don’t you agree that time grew wings? It’s July! A year ago, I was an expecting Mother and today I am already one for 4 whole months. I still can’t believe that I have a son — a Mini Me of myself and the husband ♥

I’m always moved to tears whenever I recall the times when Natey was just known as Little Benjac Junior. How I missed those days — minus the morning sickness bit — when he was kicking and hiccuping inside me. He still does both now, but the feeling is different. Somehow I know one day, I won’t be able to remember these treasured moments *sniff*

It’s a happy day. It’s a day to be thankful, and certainly a day for a little celebration.

Hubby, do you remember now?

Nursery Checklist, pt 5 – Necessity vs Luxury.

mellomouse — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:06:09 +0000

I started putting together our 1st checklist back in October last year. Everything then was listed based on what we thought we might need, so it was only natural to get side tracked as we proceeded to Part 2, 3 and 4.

I’m a little more aware now — though still overwhelmed — of what is really needed versus those that can be compromised. I still have the urge to get everything for Nathaniel *guilty*

Thanks to family, relatives & friends — you know who you are! — for showering us with their kind gifts, Nathaniel is blessed with luxury no less

Cot & Bedding

Necessity
(√) Baby Cot
(√) Mattress
(√) Dimple Pillow (Mello says: Say no to flat heads!)
(√) Waterproof Mattress Pads
(√) Fitted Bedlinens
(√) Cot Bumper
(√) Receiving Blankets (Mello says: Nappies can also be used as blankets during hot days!)

Luxury
(√) Swaddling Blanket
(√) Baby Sleeping Bag
(√) Spring Cot

Nappies

Necessity
(√) Baby Cloth Napkins (Mello says: Not so suitable for newborn…)
(√) Diaper Covers
(√) Nappy Pins
(√) Nappy Liners
(√) Baby Wet Wipes (Mello says: Stock these up too because you’ll need them)
(√) Angel Baby Bottom Balm
(√) Changing Mat
(√) Baby Hypoallergenic Detergent

Luxury
(√) Disposable Diapers (Mello says: Stock them up while there’s sale. Newborn poo a lot!)
__ *Pocket Cloth Diapers — Thirties Duo Wraps, Happy Heiny’s or Bum Genius (Mello says: These would make great gifts *hint hint*)

Infant Clothing

Necessity
(√) Bodysuits
(√) Short Sleeved Vests
(√) Long Sleeved Vests
(√) Long Pants
(√) Booties & Mittens
(√) Newborn Hats
(√) Handkerchief

Luxury
(√) Tiger Suit — ♥ Thank you, Joanne & Mike! ♥
(√) Fancy Babywear — ♥ Thank you to Family, Relatives & Friends! ♥

Baby Care/Bathing Needs

Necessity
(√) Baby Bathtub
(√) Baby Shampoo
(√) Wash Cloths
(√) Cotton Buds (Mello says: Pls get the ones for babies, you’ll appreciate the smaller size when cleaning your baby’s nose)
(√) Bath Towel
(√) Baby Lotion/Oil
(√) Baby Nail Clipper
(√) *Baby Thermometer — ♥ Thank you, Sherece & Steven: Natey’s Godparents! ♥

Luxury
(√) *Baby Monitor — ♥ Thank you, Yvonne & Daniel! ♥

Feeding Supplies

Necessity
(√) BPA-Free Baby Bottles (Mello says: Pls use them only as storage for your EBM and nothing more. Breastfeeding rocks!)
(√) Bottle Brush

Luxury
(√) Liquid Cleanser (Mello says: You may use normal cleanser, but just use less)
(√) Pacifiers (Mello says: I don’t condone this and Natey doesn’t like them too, but sometimes they might just save you *bleh*)
(√) *Sterilizer — ♥ Thank you, Pa! ♥

Breast Feeding

Necessity
(√) Medela Harmony Breastpump (Mello says: If you have the budget, get a dual electric pump!)
(√) Washable Breast Pads
(√) My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow (Mello says: Indeed it is my BFF now!)
(√) Nipple Cream
(√) Nipple Shield (Mello says: Baby have no teeth, but they have gums that bite too! *ouch*)
(√) Nursing Bra (Mello says: Sleepbras is perfect for home wear day & night if you’re nursing)
(√) Nursing Tops (Mello says: Prepare 1-2 before you deliver because you will need them during confinement when you bring baby for check-up. After that, go shopping & fill your wardrobe!)

Luxury
(√) Disposable Breast Pads
(√) Organic Milkmaid Tea
(√) Maternity Toothpaste

Toys

Necessity
All toys that need to be purchased are a luxury *bleh*

Luxury
(√) Fisher Price’s Friendly Firsts Musical Mobile (Mello says: If you have the budget, get a battery operated one!)
(√) Children’s Picture Bible
(√) Baby safe Mirror
(√) Wrist Rattle
(√) *Baby Gym — ♥ Thank you, Sis! ♥
(√) *Alphabet Playmat — ♥ Thank you, Shalyn & Mark! ♥
(√) *Bumbo Baby Sitter — ♥ Thank you, Sis again! ♥
(√) Bouncing Net — ♥ Thank you, Rain for Baby Qin’s preloved Bouncer ♥

Nursery Furniture

Necessity
(√) Chest of Drawers

Luxury
(√) Pöang Rocking Chair (Mello says: This could very well be a necessity, because it really does save the day & night!)

Out & About

Necessity
(√) Combi Well Carry Baby Stroller
(√) Head Support Cushion
(√) Travel Changing Mat
(√) Baby On Board Sticker
(√) Car Window Shade
__ Concord Ultimax Carseat

Luxury
(√) Stroller Pad
(√) BabyBjörn Baby Carrier
(√) *Baby Ring Sling — ♥ Thank you, CheeHui! ♥
__ Allerhand Travel Backpack
__ Clip-on Fan for Stroller

Hospital Bag, pt 3 – Real Necessities.

mellomouse — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:06:54 +0000

Let’s revisit this post — because you asked — and make a little adjustment. I’ve never packed a hospital bag before, so the one I did was a bit overboard. Can I blame it on the checklist I followed? *bleh*

Honestly what went into the bag for “during labour” was unused and useless. Maybe because I delivered an hour after I was admitted, so I didn’t get to use most of what was in it. But you might need them

For Mommy

During Labour
__ Admission Letter for Delivery
__ My Birth Plan
__ Socks (Mello says: Bring extra pairs for after delivery)
__ Johnson’s Baby Oil Lite for back massage
__ Crackers & Juice
__ Birth Ball
__ Yoga Mat
__ Hot Water Bottle
__ Johnson’s Mother & Baby Book

After Delivery
__ Medela Harmony Breastpump (Mello says: Gentler to use your hands to massage)
__ My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow (Mello says: You must have this. It’s a life saver!)
__ Nursing Bras (Mello says: Wear sleep bras — comfy and easy to “open”)
__ Lip Balm
__ Shawl
__ Disposable Undies (Mello says: Get the “hospital type” at their pharmacy, extremely comfy and stretchable — 3x the price too!)
__ Disposable Breast Pads — (Mello says: Sorry to disappoint, but no flow yet at this point to stain)
__ Lansinoh Nipple Cream
__ Comfort Pillow from home (Mello says: You’ll want this because hospital pillow sucks)
__ Going Home Outfit: Nursing Top & Yoga Pants
__ Toiletries: Facial Wash & Towel, Comb, Toothbrush and Toothpaste
(+) Keepsake Book: Cute Baby Boy (Mello says: If you got this, remember to bring along to get the nurses for your baby’s newborn footprint!)

For Daddy

__ A change of Clothes
__ Camera, Extra Battery & Charger
__ Phone Charger
__ Toothbrush
__ Laptop
(+) Sleepware

For Little Benjac Junior

__ Going Home Outfit: Newborn Short Sleeved Vest & Bodysuit
__ Receiving Blanket
__ Booties & Mittens
__ Hat
__ Hankies

Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!

mellomouse — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:41:38 +0000

Failure is the stepping stone for success. What do you think? But maybe if we paid RM119.90 in the first place, there wouldn’t have been a failure to begin with *pokes the husband*

After our homemade Belly Cast attempt fell miserably apart on Monday, we went to Isetan at KLCC that evening itself and bought the 100% Failure Proof Baby Art Belly Kit. Thanks to the CNY Sale, we got a 10% off saving. And I got to eat my Spider Temaki! I ♥ Sushi *yums*

The boxset comes with
1 pair Gloves, 9 packets of Plaster & 1 container of Belly Gel

The Baby Art Belly Kit
A super quick & easy to make keepsake that last!

Once again Scubby wonders:
Why Mommy never made a Belly Cast of me?

#1: Cut the plaster rolls into strips
(i) 15cm – Breast, (ii) 30cm – Chest, (iii) 40cm – Belly

#2: Prepare water for dipping the ready cut strips
Make sure they are not too wet when applying

#3: Press strips softly but firmly over belly
Overlap 3-4 layers to get a firm impression

#4: Satisfied with your masterpiece?
Remove carefully 15 minutes later

Voila!
♥ My 1st Pregnancy Belly Cast at 37 weeks ♥

And now it lays adorably in LBJ’s cot
Isn’t this a heartwarming sight?

Aren’t you tempted to do one too?
♥ It’s definitely a keepsake I will treasure forever! ♥

For the final finishing touch, the belly cast would need to be sand papered for a smooth look. The husband is busy this weekend, so hopefully next week he can get it done. Unless LBJ decides to surprise us with his grand presence!

I’m planning to get it framed later — to protect it from itchy hands! — but definitely after getting a shot of LBJ lying inside! *aww*

So look out for Part 3 ok

Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!

mellomouse — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:26:42 +0000

It was the 2nd day of CNY. With not much time left before LBJ decides to greet us, the husband decided to be adventurous and immortalise a part of our 1st pregnancy *2 thumbs up*

After watching the YouTube below, he got into his “idealistic” DIY mode and his heavily pregnant wife “faith-fully” followed suit, only to be left plastered without success 2 hours later

A picture paints a thousand words
And these unlucky 7 will say so much more

He may be cheekily smiling here
But trust me, it’s not for long

Because 2 hours later
His DIY Belly Cast fell miserably apart!

Poor LBJ was struggling the whole time as I worked the noisy blow dryer back and forth over my baby bump. Evidently he didn’t like being cast when there were no injury occurred, or being blown dry as he enjoys being wet *heh*

So what happened after this?

If there’s a Part 1, surely there is a Part 2. The husband wouldn’t be dampened and give up that easily when it comes to his DIY obsession

Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!

mellomouse — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:45:44 +0000

Before I begin this post. . .

Our humble family would like to wish everyone a
♥ Roaring Chinese New Year this Valentine’s Day! ♥

xoxo
Benjac, LBJ & Scubby

Looks like I won’t be delivering today just yet since I am still here. And that leaves me wondering whether it is a good or bad thing, given my previous paranoia if I do.

A little on the heavy side for 36 weeks
Our Little Benjac Junior is now LOA in utero! *phew*

After waiting for “the usual” hour for our turn on Friday, Dr Tan was suddenly whisked away for a delivery. So our 3.30pm became 5.30pm, again. Note of Advice: Anyone who wishes to see a reputable ObGyn has to be prepared to wait, because it seems like the “whole world” is their patients *hint to impatient Fathers-to-be*

I am a happy camper now since knowing the exact position LBJ is in. He is lying on my left with his head down slightly facing to the back. That explains the kicking on my right all this while! And I thought he was on my right *duh* Turn a little bit to the right and he’ll be fully Anterior!

Somehow by the measurement of his tiny bones and skull, LBJ is now expected 5 days later than his current EDD at 3 March 2010. And he’s supposedly on the heavier side now too, which left me worrying should he gain much more before delivery. I don’t want to be cut opened! *panic*

The longer LBJ stays inside me, the bigger he might become and the harder it would be for me to push him out to this world. He gained 563 grams since the last check-up 12 days ago. By 40th week, he could possibly weigh 4.35kg! *faints*

I think I’m going to start praying for an early arrival now. Please keep me in yours too! *bows*