mellomouse* » Preparations

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!

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 Updates 41: Officially Full Term!

mellomouse — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:30:17 +0000

And ready to pop at any given time from now onwards. It could be today, next week or maybe even a month later at 42 weeks. The exact date depends on this little miracle breathing inside me. Mommy & Daddy would just have to be patience

Your baby weighs close to 2.8kg and may be about 50cm long from head to toe.

He may have a full head of hair, with locks maybe around 2.5cm long. He is now well developed to function in the outside world should he be born.

Are you excited? I bet you are! I can’t wait to meet our son for the very 1st time after being so close but yet so far for the past 9 months! ♥

For the meanwhile, LBJ be a good boy for Mommy ok. And engage in anterior so you’ll be more comfortable with the extra head space, and Mommy can have a peace of mind until we meet *hugs*

See you soon, Little Boy! xoxo

Anterior & Posterior Birth, pt 2 – Homework!

mellomouse — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:31:49 +0000

I’ve been trying to figure out LBJ’s exact position in utero since last Thursday and I am simply hopeless. The husband can’t seem to understand why I’m getting so worked up over it *humph* But thankfully, LBJ is definitely head down!

Even with a Compass
Mommy is so hopelessly lost with her imagination

L: Left, R: Right, O: Occiput, A: Anterior, P: Posterior, T: Transverse

LBJ is facing left because his fetal hiccups are always felt on that side. The right side of my bump is bigger and there are more stretch marks because of his weight. So that means he could be either OP, ROP or ROT.

What I need to do now is help him turn Anterior (OA) before labour or while delivery. 3 of the common positions I could do daily is going down on my hands and knees like the lady below.

Hands & Knees or Kneeling

Does the position looks comfortable? Surprisingly it is not so. At least the 2nd & 3rd visual is not. The weight of my body – thigh pressing onto my calves – causes a numbing burning sensation after a minute. Will I be able to go through with this position during labour?

I do these a few times a day for 5 minutes each. Every time it does feel like forever because of the pressure. I hope with more practice, LBJ would turn anterior effortlessly and help speed up delivery *fingers crossed*

Did the Fetal Compass above help you in visualising your baby’s position? If not, maybe these telltale signs may.

Anterior Baby

The baby’s back feels hard and smooth and rounded on one side of your tummy, and you will normally feel kicks under your ribs.

Your belly button (umbilicus) will normally poke out, and the area around it will feel firm.

Posterior Baby

Your tummy may look flatter and feel more squashy, and you may feel arms and legs towards the front, and kicks on the front towards the middle of your tummy.

The area around your belly button may dip in to a concave, saucer-like shape.

Find Out More

As for me, I am more lost. Now it feels like a little of both positions because: 1) I normally feel kicks under my ribs and 2) The area around my belly button does look concave.

Headaches aside! I’m going to ask the husband to draw it out for me this Friday when Dr Tan does the ultrasound scan for our 8th check-up.

So will I be delivering this Sunday / 1st day of CNY / Valentine’s Day?

Hospital Bag, pt 2 – All Set!

mellomouse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:32:10 +0000

For Mommy

During Labour
(√) Admission Letter for Delivery
(√) My Birth Plan
(√) Socks
(√) Lip Balm
(√) Shawl
(√) Disposable Undies
(√) Johnson’s Baby Oil Lite for back massage
__ Crackers & Juice
(√) Relaxation Materials: Birth Ball, Yoga Mat, Hot Water Bottle, Johnson’s Mother & Baby Book & my Comfort Pillow ♥

After Delivery
(√) Medela Harmony Breastpump
(√) My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
(√) Nursing Bras: Sleeping & 2nd day Discharge
(√) Disposable Breast Pads
__ Lansinoh Nipple Cream
(√) Going Home Outfit: Nursing Top & Yoga Pants
__ Toiletries: Facial Wash & Towel, Comb, Toothbrush and Toothpaste

For Daddy

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

For Little Benjac Junior

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

The remaining few unchecked items will be dumped into the bag on the day itself. Hopefully I don’t forget anything. But even if I do, it’s just a few minutes drive away!

Nursery Painting Project, pt 2 – Hot Air Balloon.

mellomouse — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:44:49 +0000

Finally getting its debut!
The Canvas that was bought back in 2005

Scubby says: Daddy is up to something…
And I’m going to be part of it!

The Husband getting ready the paints
Dulux’s Chardonnay & Moroccan Mint Concoction

Day 1: Brush & Paint Warm Up
A smiley face hidden below

Scubby says: Daddy, I want you to paint me…
Wearing ONLY this, my white furry bundle

Day 2: The paint has finally dried
Background colour: Dulux Moroccan Mint

The Tan Family Fly-away!
♥ Daddy, Mommy, LBJ & Scubby ♥

The Artist begins his Masterpiece
With Dulux’s Chardonnay

Scubby says: I believe I can fly!
I am Scubby the Flying Warrior

Day 3 & 4: Final final touch-up
Can you spot the difference?

The results 4 days later
LBJ’s very 1st Painting by Daddy Benjac

Day 5: And up the wall it goes!
So what’s your verdict for Project No.2?

So which do you prefer?
Choo Choo Train vs Hot Air Balloon

Or simply both!