mellomouse* » Nursery

Baby Car Seat vs Stroller, pt 3.

mellomouse — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:06:54 +0000

After much deliberations, we finally bought Natey’s car seat last Saturday at Jusco. We — I meant Me — have been going back and forth for a few weeks between Combi Coccoro (2nd choice), Sweet Cherry Bianca (3rd choice) and Halford Zeus (4th choice).

If you remember back in December last year, our original 1st choice daydream car seat was Concord Ultimax. But at the end, our wallet decided on Bianca. Hopefully our Made in Malaysia car seat would not disappoint us.

Desire vs Affordability

Ultimax RM1,599 | Bianca RM299

I have been Natey’s car seat since the 1st day — when he was 5 days old, today 113! — he rode home from the hospital. Whether being cuddled in my arms, bundled in the baby sling or carried with the BabyBjörn, Natey always had direct contact with his Mommy’s warmth. So it shouldn’t be a surprise when he made a big fuss sitting on his own.

It started out fine. Daddy buckled him in forward facing, we drove to pack dinner nearby, then the whiny sound began. In an instant, the I-don’t-like-it cry exploded! To no avail, he was back on my lap all the way home.

The car seat is now in Natey’s nursery so I can give him daily car seat training. And I think it is great! Because I can let him sit upright without worry. These days he just refuses to lie down and wants to be upright most of the time. When will he learn to flip?

Indoor Cruising
Natey says: Mommy, can we keep this here?

Mommy says: Baby, that’s my thought exactly!

Daddy dearest, can we keep the car seat at home during the weekdays? It shouldn’t be too much hassle to bring it up and down 13 floors right? *bat eyelashes*

Only until Bumbo arrives, I promise!

Added 28/6/10, 2.26pm:
Car seat training was a success. After a week of sitting on Bianca in his nursery, Natey can be buckled in without problem for 2 weekends outing.

If you have the same problem, try what we did!

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

Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.

mellomouse — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:18:39 +0000

Remember this project?
My pregnant bump at 37 Weeks in February

The make believe Nathaniel lies in his cot
Patiently it awaits the rightful owner

♥ Wearing my bump with awe ♥
What fond memories it brings *sniff*

A sight of amazement!
Natey: Why does this look so familiar?

Nathaniel at 1 month, 1 week & 5 days
Natey: This was my Home Sweet Home for 38 Weeks! ♥

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!

Keepsake Book: Cute Baby Boy.

mellomouse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:58:50 +0000

Look what we got yesterday!
Even Scubby is quick to sniff out a gem

♥ Isn’t this the cutest book ever? ♥
Illustrations by Lori Siebert

A Treasure Box in the making!
I can’t wait for it to be filled up with priceless memories

There’s so much to write!
♥ But it’ll be all worth it 30 years from now ♥

The 1st Cute Baby Boy in the house
Scubby says: Where’s my Keepsake Book? *pouts*

Scubby knows a Secret.

mellomouse — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:58:28 +0000

Daddy is up to something on the balcony
And I’m not supposed to see or tell yet

What he doesn’t know is
I can smell! *doggie giggle*

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

Nursery Checklist, pt 4 – 95% Complete.

mellomouse — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:00:08 +0000

We are almost there. And how much have we spent so far? I dare not total it up, for fear of a heart attack. But as you can guessed, there are at least a few Karrots involved.

Besides completing the last few items on the checklist — except the asterisk *hints to friends* — we need to wash all the baby wears. Did you know that we must wash new nappies at least 5-10x before use?

Cot & Bedding

(√) Baby Cot
(√) Mattress
(√) Waterproof Mattress Pads 2x
(√) Fitted Bedlinens 2x
(√) Cot Bumper
(√) Swaddling Blanket 1x
(√) Receiving Blankets 4x
(√) Baby Sleeping Bag 1x
(√) Spring Cot
(√) *Bouncing Cradle/Swing — ♥ Thank you, Nathaniel’s Godma! ♥

Nappies

(√) Baby Cloth Napkins 40x
(√) Disposable Diapers
(√) Diaper Covers 7x
(√) Nappy Pins 6x
(√) Baby Wet Wipes
(√) Nappy Liners
(√) Baby Puff Case
(√) Nappy Rash Cream — Angel Baby Bottom Balm
(√) Changing Mat
(√) Baby Hypoallergenic Detergent — Pureen H-A-D
__ Cotton Balls
__ Baby Powder
__ *Pocket Cloth Diapers — Thirties Duo Wraps, Happy Heiny’s or Bum Genius

Infant Clothing

(√) Bodysuits 6x
(√) Short Sleeved Vests 4x
(√) Long Sleeved Vests 2x
(√) Long Pants 2x
(√) Baby Socks 3x
(√) Booties 6x
(√) Mittens 6x
(√) Newborn Hats 2x
(√) Handkerchief 16x

Baby Care/Bathing Needs

(√) Inflatable Baby Bathtub — Richell Soft Baby Bath
(√) Johnson & Johnson Top to Toe Wash
(√) Wash Cloth 8x
(√) Baby Toothbrush
(√) Cotton Buds
__ Bath Towel 2x
__ Baby Lotion/Oil
__ Baby Nail Clipper/Scissor
__ *Baby Thermometer

Feeding Supplies

(√) BPA-Free Baby Bottles 4x
(√) BPA-Free Silicone Teats 3x
(√) Bibs 5x
(√) Baby Teether
(√) Pacifier Chain
(√) Pacifiers 2x
__ Liquid Cleanser Safe for Babies
__ Bottle Brush
(√) *Sterilizer — ♥ Thank you, Pa! ♥

Breast Feeding/Maternity

(√) Breast Pump Set — Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
(√) Washable Nursing Pads
(√) Disposable Nursing Pads
(√) Nursing Pillow — My Brest Friend
(√) Nipple Cream — Natural Nipple Butter
(√) Maternity Sleep Bras
(√) Maternity Pads
(√) Maternity Toothpaste
(√) Disposable Undies
__ Breast Pump Replacement Parts
__ Nipple Shield/Shells
__ Nursing Tops
__ Nursing Bra

Toys

(√) Musical Mobile — Fisher Price’s Friendly Firsts
(√) Storybooks — Children’s Picture Bible
(√) Baby safe Mirror
__ Wrist Rattle 2x
(√) *Baby Gym — ♥ Thank you, Sis! ♥

Nursery Furniture

(√) Chest of Drawers
(√) Rocking Chair — Pöang Rocking Chair

Out & About

(√) Baby Carrier — BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Original Classic
(√) Baby Stroller — Combi Well Carry
(√) Travel Changing Mat
__ Infant Car Seat — Concord Ultimax
__ Nursery Bag — Allerhand Travel Backpack
__ Baby On Board Sticker
__ Car Window Shade
(√) *Baby Ring Sling — ♥ Thank you, CheeHui! ♥