mellomouse* » Dr Tan Lay Seng

Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?

mellomouse — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:05:32 +0000

Peekaboo! I see you
Everything is good, says Dr Tan

29 weeks 4 days
♥ The eating hand shot ♥

Can you see her cute little nose there to the right? And her tiny clenched fist on the left? At this stage, LBT is about the size of a squash fruit. The video above of her rubbing eyes and “eating” hands is just too adorable as well *squeals in delight on the background*

LBT was happily showing off her motor skills in utero as Dr Tan slides the ultrasound transducer across my baby bump this morning. Occasionally covering her face but quickly moved along to show us more tricks

Whenever she moves these days, I can feel my entire bump shakes. At first I wasn’t too sure which is head, and which is tail. But after experiencing more hiccup episodes and today’s ultrasound, I am happy to share that LBT is now head down and has comfortably settled on the right side (Right Occiput Posterior) — just like her brother previously.

Our darling water dragon is definitely an active little swimmer in there. I’ll expect nothing less when she debuts in April ♥

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 01: Introducing Little Benjac Too.
Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.
Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.
Pregnancy2 Updates 09: I Need Space.
Pregnancy2 Updates 08: 3rd Trimester Woes.

Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.

mellomouse — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:43:26 +0000

It was a very exciting day and also a day for thanksgiving. Since our last check-up 6 weeks ago, we finally got to see our darling LBT again this Tuesday morning and this time with the much anticipated detailed ultrasound

♥ Complete & Perfect ♥
Blissfully sucking her thumb without a care

23 weeks 3 days
605 grams

I must admit that I did spend weeks worrying about LBT’s development. Having a glimpse of her and hearing Dr Tan announced that all is well — did he really say very pretty girl? — and complete is such a relief *amen*

Ever since I started feeling her movements 7 weeks ago, it has been a wonderful familiarity that I’ve missed since LBJ days. Feeling her strong kicks and wiggles everyday never fails to put me in awe. But seeing her sucking her thumb on the ultrasound plus feeling her move all together was definitely a prize. It literally warmed my heart and entire being inside out! ♥

It’s going to be another 6 weeks wait again before we get to see our darling girl again. By then I will be in my final trimester at 29 weeks. Suddenly time is passing too fast. Why?

It never dawned on me that these 40 weeks is a once in a lifetime journey between me and my baby. This is as close as we can ever be with each other — her growing inside me and sharing one breath — before I share her with the world on her birth day. As much as I look forward to hold her in my arms, that could wait because after that I could never hold her in my womb ever again… *sniff*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.
Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?
Pregnancy2 Updates 01: Introducing Little Benjac Too.
Pregnancy2 Updates 04: 2nd Trimester, pt 1.
Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.

Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.

mellomouse — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:54:03 +0000

Yesterday finally came after weeks and weeks of anticipation. Nate has been calling LBT a baby girl girl for so long that we started to follow him too. Well except the husband because he didn’t want to have false expectation. Little did he know of his son’s true premonition

Pink or Blue
18 weeks 4 days

X marks the spot
Dr Tan shows us where to look

So how did Nate knows? Since no one taught him, I’d like to believe that Jesus told him instead *wink* How else does a 17mo toddler — 3 months ago — choose between little brother and little sister by answering that he wants baby girl girl. Does he even know the difference between brother, sister, girl and boy?

I am blessed and thankful for my “almost” complete family. By April 2012, we will be wholesomely complete with Daddy, Mommy, Natey, LBT and Scubby. Therefore, I hereby declare myself as “factory closed” for business. Seriously! *LOL*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.
Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?
Pregnancy2 Updates 01: Introducing Little Benjac Too.
Pregnancy2 Updates 04: 2nd Trimester, pt 1.
Pregnancy2 Updates 09: I Need Space.

Pregnancy2 Updates 01: Introducing Little Benjac Too.

mellomouse — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:20:43 +0000

I’m very happy to share our good news that we will be expecting a little Water Dragon next April 2012. I’ll soon be clocking into the 2nd trimester and I can’t wait! The past 8 weeks — and still is — had been a rollercoaster ride going down with no ups. Yet *fingers crossed*

We went for my 2nd antenal check up yesterday morning and I was very happy to see LBT kicking up a storm inside me. The ultrasound was so clear, I could see the little hands move vigorously as though excitedly waving to Mommy. It filled me with so much awe that I was floating on cloud nine ♥

Presenting our Little Benjac Too
Estimated 12 weeks 4 days

This time we brought our camera with us and I got Hubby to record everything. I’ve probably watched the clip a dozen times and still feel fluttered from it. I can’t begin to explain the joyful feeling. Seeing my unborn child move inside me — separated only by my skin — from the outside is really so surreal. It is awe-some! Here’s a short snippet of the ultrasound

Our next appointment is in 6 weeks time. By then we will know if my Mommy instinct is correct and Natey’s request comes true. I started this pregnancy with the inkling of a boy but because of Natey’s constant chanting of “Baby Girl Girl” when I asked if he wanted a little brother or sister, I now suspect LBT could be a girl too. And Dr Tan agrees!

Whether it is a boy or a girl, it matters not but a healthy and complete baby. And I doubt Natey really knows the difference — just yet *hehe*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy2 Updates 07: What’s she doing?
Pregnancy2 Updates 03: Guess the Colour.
Pregnancy2 Updates 05: Anomaly Scan.
Pregnancy2 Updates 09: I Need Space.
Pregnancy2 Updates 06: 2nd Trimester, pt 2.

Postnatal 00: My Birth Story.

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

It was it!

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 took like forever! We reached Gleneagles a little before 2pm and that’s when the no-words-can-describe pain climaxed. My water broke and had the bloody show all at once. 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. It would have been better not taking.

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 ♥

You Might Also Be Interested:
My Birth Plan, pt 1 – The Draft.
My Birth Plan, pt 2 – Approved!
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 1 – The Research.
Pregnancy Updates 20: Little Benjac is 642g!
Giving Birth On All Fours, pt 1 – The Research.

Pregnancy Updates 45: Is This It?

mellomouse — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:37:54 +0000

At approximately 4.07am this morning, I was shot awake with a bad cramp in my belly. I’ve not been able to go back to sleep because the pain returns every 10 minutes or so. It is now 9.34am *yawn*

Could this be the real deal or a false alarm?

The contractions are similar to that of a very bad period pain like what experienced Mommies and books described it. They last about 1 to 1.5 minutes each time. Since it started 5 hours ago, the cramp has gotten more and more intense.

I know it’s going to take a long while before we can decide if this is it. Unless my water breaks — no it doesn’t happen like in the movies — or if there’s bleeding, we’ll have to wait until the contractions are 5 minutes apart before we make a move to Gleneagles.

We actually have an appointment with Dr Tan today anytime after 3pm. But it looks like I might not be seeing him in his room, but in the Delivery Suite instead *fingers crossed*

Am I scared? Out of my wits! (-__-||)

To be continued…

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 29: Little Benjac is 1.6kg!
Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!
Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!
Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!
Pregnancy Updates 13: PUPPP Pregnancy Rash.

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*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 29: Little Benjac is 1.6kg!
Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!
Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!
Pregnancy Updates 20: Little Benjac is 642g!
Pregnancy Updates 24: Little Benjac is 1.07kg!

My Birth Plan, pt 2 – Approved!

mellomouse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:51:34 +0000

2 February 2010

Attn To:
Labour Delivery Unit
Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre
Kuala Lumpur

Dear Midwives & Nurses

Below is my “ideal” birthing scenario, but I am aware that in the event of a life-threatening emergency, I will be relying on your professional judgment and skills to see us through.

#1 – Labour

Birth Companion
My husband

Pain Management/Pain Relief
Walking, Stretching Exercise, Breathing Techniques, Birthing Ball
Gas and Air only

Hydration/Food
Drinking fluids rather than having an IV
Light nibbling on biscuit or bread to prevent gastritis
Water or juice for hydration

Monitoring
Intermittent EFM if baby and I are doing well

#2 – Delivery

Delivery Position
Preferably on hands and knees
Otherwise remaining upright on the bed

Perineal Tear/Episiotomy
Allow natural tearing before episiotomy

Cutting the Umbilical Cord
My husband

Placenta Delivery
Syntometrine Injection

#3 – After Delivery

Hold baby and begin breastfeeding immediately
All newborn procedures done in my presence or in my husband’s presence
Vaccinations — BCG (on the arm) and Hepatitis B1

#4 – Infant Care

Breastfeeding only — no bottles or pacifiers

#5 – If C-section is needed

To breastfeed as soon as possible

Thank you

Sincerely,
Mellomouse

Approved by,
Dr Tan Lay Seng

You Might Also Be Interested:
My Birth Plan, pt 1 – The Draft.
Giving Birth On All Fours, pt 1 – The Research.
Pregnancy Goodness: Birth Ball, pt 1 – Research.
Postnatal 00: My Birth Story.
Anterior & Posterior Birth, pt 2 – Homework!

Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!

mellomouse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:12:05 +0000

Just like our 1st antenatal check-up months ago, today we waited a good 2 hours for Dr Tan because he had 2 deliveries back to back earlier at noon. The poor man didn’t get to have his lunch — until it was 4pm — after he had cleared all his morning appointments. Then immediately he began the afternoon queue, with us being at number 6 that was supposed to be at 2.45pm.

Dr Tan’s usual greeting when we enter his room is always: “How’s everything?” But today it was a little different: “Why are you not delivering yet?” he greeted in a jester manner while looking at my records. Then added that LBJ “would” be greeting us on the 1st day of CNY aka Valentine’s Day. Remember this post? That’s less than 2 weeks from now! *sweats*

Not too big, Not too small & in a Good Position
♥ Here’s LBJ facing us in the ultrasound ♥

Once again, I wondered if I am readied. I am actually fearful today. Only last night I dreamed that my water broke and my knees went weak. My 2nd respond was asking for the date — if not mistaken, someone told me that it was February 27th. What happened after that, I cannot remember

Dr Tan has approved my Birth Plan! A copy has been submitted to the Labour Room, and one for me to bring along in my Hospital Bag just in case. I’ve checked with one of the midwives, and she said it is ok to bring along a laptop into the Delivery Suite. Insane as it may appears, I hope blogging would be a good distraction for the pain *denial?*

Starting from tomorrow, I shall begin the Fetal Movement Charting to keep track of LBJ’s wellbeing. Although I feel him moving a lot now — and hiccups immensely — I should not take it for granted. I need to keep a record of 10 movements any time between 12 hours and everything is fine. Even a 9 is not!

So Little Benjac, here’s your Golden Ticket to kick Mommy more ok

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!
Pregnancy Updates 29: Little Benjac is 1.6kg!
Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!
Pregnancy Updates 20: Little Benjac is 642g!
Pregnancy Updates 24: Little Benjac is 1.07kg!

Pregnancy Updates 34: We’re 34 weeks pregnant.

mellomouse — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:44:22 +0000

Your baby now weighs more than 4.7 pounds (2.2kg) and is 18 inches (45cm) from top to toe.

Your baby resembles a tiny person at this point. He will continue to grow by adding on valuable weight from now onwards.

By next week, his hearing would be fully developed.

LBJ does resembles a tiny precious person! His small pouty lips and little nose was just so cute. And we saw all this very clearly through the black and white ultrasound — didn’t have to spend extra hundreds for a 3D/4D scan

It feels like it was only yesterday that I first felt LBJ move inside me. I was 17 weeks pregnant then. Soon in a few weeks, I shall have him in my arms ♥

How do I feel, you may ask. I have to admit I’m a little dazed at this point, and slightly overwhelmed of the remaining weeks I have left as a wife and daughter. Because after that, I will be a Mother too. You cannot imagine the weight that the word alone carries.

So am I ready after 34 weeks? I shall know when that day finally comes. Even if I am not now, I’ll have a lifetime to practice!

As for now, I’m going to continue enjoying LBJ’s movements inside me and capture them forever in my heart. For one day when he’s all grown up, these will be my private collections to dote on of our days as Mother & Baby ♥

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 23: We’re 28 weeks pregnant.
Pregnancy Updates 02: We’re 6 weeks pregnant.
Pregnancy Updates 17: We’re 22 weeks pregnant.
Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!
Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!