mellomouse* » Father To Be

Postnatal 00: My Birth Story.

mellomouse — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:44:43 +0000

My story began at approximately 4.07am on 23 February 2010. Being a 1st time Mommy, I was unsure and so I endured — almost turning this story and LBJ into a home delivery *gasps*

I recorded all the contraction time in my mobile as an unsent SMS. It was too early in the morning to wake the husband, so I laid patiently ~~awake in pain~~ until he was up and told him to take the day off. He even managed to go for a morning swim *pat on the back*

By noon the contractions were 7-8 minutes apart. Yet I was still unsure if it was the real deal because I swallowed all the pain as they came. The husband made a call to Dr Tan’s clinic and the Labour Dept asked us to come right in. But I was still adamant to stay put till I was 5 minutes apart. I must have been crazy! I didn’t want to go all the way there and come right back.

At 12.15pm, I staggered into the bathroom and took my last “real” shower. Finally half an hour later, I surrendered *sobs*

The normal 5 minutes lift ride and walk down to the basement carpark — 10 floors plus 3 — took like forever! We reached Gleneagles a little before 2pm — thankfully no traffic! — and that’s when the no-words-can-describe pain climaxed. I was already 7cm dilated!

As indicated in my Birth Plan, I only wanted Gas & Air and that’s exactly what I had. Was it any help? It doesn’t do anything for the pain and I was almost knocked out every time it took effect.

I remembered Dr Tan came in twice. The 1st was to check on me, and the 2nd about 45 minutes later when I was ready to deliver. With 2 big pushes, LBJ was heard crying so loud! His Apgar Score was 9¹ 10⁵. After the husband cut LBJ’s umbilical cord, he was taken for a quick clean before passing to me.

I am a Mother!
♥ Filled with awe & thanksgiving ♥

3 Generations in a Flash: GrandMama, MelloMom & LBJ

LBJ stared at me with the biggest pair of eyes as he cried his little heart out. A head full of fine black hairs and neatly-tugged-to-the-side ears — not like Mommy’s Mickey ears — he was the most handsome baby to a Mother’s eyes! Immediately I fell in love with God’s Gift to us.

At that very moment, I was never more sure that the name Nathaniel was meant for LBJ than anything else in the whole wide world ♥

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

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!

Nursery Painting Project, pt 1 – Choo Choo Train.

mellomouse — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:01:38 +0000

The husband has promised to paint LBJ’s nursery since forever. And because he is always so busy, the project has been on hold since forever as well. After much nagging on my part, he finally completed the project last month! *hehe*

Initially this was the idea
Happy Tan Family paper chain along the four walls

♥ Daddy, Mommy, LBJ and Scubby ♥
But it didn’t quite worked out because of the size

Then a new idea sparked!
How about a Choo Choo Train for LBJ?

Immediately the husband got to work
Just like a dedicated artist, he sat there from 2pm to 11pm

And the results 2 days later
LBJ’s very 1st wall mural by Daddy Benjac

So what’s your verdict?
Isn’t that the cutest Choo Choo Train ever!

On behalf of Little Benjac Junior
Mommy says: Thank You to Daddy for the beautiful wall painting!

♥ xoxo ♥

Wait! There’s a Part 2

Pregnancy Updates 31: Milestones 3, Week 27 – 31.

mellomouse — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:30:56 +0000

Week 27

The goodness of Coconut Water for pregnant women seems too good to be true. I wonder if I knew about it earlier, would it have helped me battled my nausea, vomiting and heartburn *hmm*

Sardines is one of the Top 7 Super Food for Pregnant Women. They are rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, the nutrient that helps in the development of the brain and eyes of the baby. I may not be a big fan for fish, but for LBJ, I can have Sardine Sandwiches everyday *yum*

Week 28

Super good news! LBJ is now already in the head down position. That means the possibility of breech is lessen and I’ll very likely to have a normal delivery *fingers crossed*

Being pregnant and Warehouse Sale doesn’t really go that well together. Especially when it involves queuing, fighting for sizes and heat! Alas we return to the Concept Store to buy my Mary Jane Crocs at full price.

An ex-colleague of mine once told me that she slept bare while she was pregnant, with the air conditioning blasting and her poor husband shivering under covers. Now I finally understand why because it really does get that Hot! *sizzles*

I’m an extremely light sleeper — a pin drop could wake me! So I could swear by it that I do not snore because then I wouldn’t be able to sleep. And that’s exactly what is happening since my hormones decided to stuff my nose *sobs*

Week 29

I love Food. Who doesn’t? And now all I seemed to think about is what to eat for my next meal even before I’ve finished eating this *LOL*

Besides food in general, I love Chocolates. And they are good for Pregnant Women *winks* So now I have more reasons to indulge a handful of these delicious M&M’s without the guilt anytime of the day!

I’ve never had this much fruits in my life, and I am loving it! But remember to take it before meal, instead of after ok

A few months back, I was trying to decide which storybook to get for LBJ as his bedtime story. I’m very happy that the Holy Spirit reminded me of my Children’s Picture Bible ♥

Week 30

Did you know that you can play with your baby before he is even born? That’s exactly what we did! And it was amazingly fun and heartwarming!

It took us 2 weeks to decide between Concord’s Baby Car Seat and Combi’s Stroller after falling in love with both at Bebehaus, Bangsar Village 1. Finally on Christmas Day itself, Combi’s Well Carry followed us home

My intention for choosing the Malay traditional postnatal massage was not because of slimming. Ideally it would be an added bonus of course! But mostly, I am looking forward to its health benefits rather than for vanity’s sake

After spending close to RM4,000 on Nursery Items, we are almost there. If not for the year end sale, I cannot begin to imagine how much more RM would be flying out the window. And there are still a few more items on the list. Anymore gift offerings out there? *bats eyelashes*

Week 31

Without further adieu, we began our antenatal course at Gleneagles. The 1st session was clearly a bomb! We expected so much more from an established hospital such as Gleneagles Intan. Hopefully the remaining 2 sessions would not further disappoint.

I’ve finally drafted my 1st ever Birth Plan. The husband commented that it is rather lengthy. But trust me, you don’t want to take things for granted on an event such as this! *kiasu*

Undignified? Well maybe. But when you’re in a hell load of pain, and knowing that giving birth on all fours can reduce it — you won’t mind being called a cow! So don’t you dare laugh *scornful snare*

I first thought that LBJ was getting bigger — which he is — and he’s running out of place to stretch. Hence the tightness that I’ve been feeling on my baby bump. Little did I know, I was actually having Braxton Hicks Contractions *LOL*

As the weeks draw closer, I am beginning to feel the excitement. What would labour be like? How would it feels like to finally hold LBJ in my arms? Then I realised that LBJ might be born on CNY and that excitement turned into paranoia

Allerhand Travel Backpack.

mellomouse — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:00:42 +0000

The husband fell in love with this yummy “diaper” backpack — Urban to be exact — while we were on my 2nd Maternity Wear shopping at KLCC a week ago. This eye candy is now going on a 10% discount at Isetan. If only it was more so we wouldn’t get a toothache if indulged.

L-R: Flamingo, Sunflower & Urban

Compact Functionality in a Bag
Normal Price: RM389

Features
+ Two large main pockets with numerous smaller pockets
+ Moisture resistant pockets for baby wipes or bathroom supplies
+ Removable zippered first aid pouch for storing any emergency supplies or medications
+ Stretchy elastic dividers for keeping toys or additional supplies in place when the bag is open
+ Removable zippered thermal pouch for keeping your thermos hot or cold
+ Removable velcro pouches for your cellphone and change
+ Removable diaper changing pad
+ Disposal bags and pouch for throwing out messes easily.
+ Rubber headphone “hatch” to allow media devices to stay in bag while headphones remain out
+ Moisture resistant pacifier pouch
+ The bag is PVC-free.

Approx. Bag: L 14 x H 17.0 x W 7.0 inches
Strap: 7-15″

We wished we could splurge. But there are more important things to spend on. Not forgetting that we haven’t saved a tiny bit since the very beginning

No doubt though, that the backpack sure is pretty *winks*

Pregnancy Updates 28: Peekaboo!

mellomouse — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:00:58 +0000

On the night before, the husband and I did something really amazing. Or should I say, LBJ did something really amazing!

Let there be Light!

At 30 weeks, your baby can distinguish light from dark and even track a light source.

If you shine a light on your stomach, your baby may move his head to follow the light or even reach out to touch the moving glow.

After reading about LBJ’s current fetal development, I told the husband that we should really try that out. And we did exactly just that at 10.30pm on Christmas Eve itself.

With the bedroom light off, the husband took a small torchlight and shine it on my baby bump. And if you haven’t already guessed the outcome…

LBJ followed the light! My bump literally went left and right following the direction of the torchlight. And it shook quite forcefully a few times too, as though he was trying to reach for the light *awed*

It was indeed incredible to see a life moving inside me! And seeing him responding to his Daddy’s and Mommy’s mischief on the outside. Priceless ♥

If you haven’t already, you must try it too!

Crocs™

mellomouse — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:18:43 +0000

Despite the namesake
They don’t bite like some footwear does

I may have went home empty handed from Crocs X’mas Warehouse Sale last Saturday, but thanks to the husband — he loves the Mommy of his son so much! — he bought me a pair at normal price nonetheless the following day ♥

Mary Jane in Cotton Candy
Woman Size 6, RM129

By adding Mary Jane to my collection, I now have 3 pairs of Crocs. My very 1st pair was the Malindi in Cotton Candy, bought in Hong Kong last year and that kick started my love for this comfy Crocodile. The 2nd was also a Malindi but in Black, bought as my working shoes. I had to go all the way to Singapore for that because there were no size in KL. And Crocs are cheaper overseas!

I’ve not always been a Crocs Fan. I remember the 1st time I saw it on TV back in 2003, I was totally disgusted by it. The original Beach design was so fugly, I would make disapproving comments every time I see it. Then Crocs began to come out with newer trendier designs and the rest is history

So here’s my very own Crocollection

I know I am boring. I wished I was braver on my choice of colours. Hopefully I could be for my next pair. The husband actually suggested that I get the Fuchsia, but it was too “hot pink” for my taste.

With a size bigger and roomier space all around compared to my Malindi, I hope Mary Jane will not be a disappointment to my increasing swollen feet…

Pregnancy Updates 24: Little Benjac is 1.07kg!

mellomouse — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:20:42 +0000

The first time we saw LBJ on the ultrasound screen, he was a tiny seed measuring at 5mm. Since the last antenatal check-up, he has already outgrown the screen. So we can only guess that he is about 38cm to date ♥

Can you spot LBJ’s spine?
Babies are born with 300-350 bones!

I’m very happy that LBJ is now already in the head down position. That means the possibility of breech is lessen and I’ll very likely to have a normal delivery *fingers crossed*

My due date has now moved to 6th March 2010. That’s another 2 days backslide, making it a total 5 days later from its initial 1st March 2010. But then again, that’s just an estimation. LBJ could very well decide to stay in his home sweet home until 42 weeks!

An update from last month’s weight watch. I assure you that I am definitely not dieting! I’ve gained 3kg – previously 5kg – making it a round total of a 10kg increase since my pre pregnancy days. I ought to be gaining another 6-8kg (or more) until delivery. Will I ever go back to forty-eight? *pouts*

With my bigger frame and growing bump — measuring 97cm all around! — sleeping has gotten more challenging and my feet feels like two puffy buns with burning heels at every step. Hopefully my new roomier sandals will help!

Do I still wish LBJ will stay within a little bit longer? I might begin to have my doubts