mellomouse* » Vanity

BabyNatey 00: First Haircut.

mellomouse — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:35:37 +0000

Earlier today at noon, the husband and my Mother took Nathaniel to the neighbourhood salon to get his 1st haircut and eyebrows shaved — a tradition commonly practiced for newborn a few days before fullmoon. The fine baby hair would be replaced by thicker ones once the new hair grows.

According to the husband, Nathaniel was a total eye candy and created a crowd of lady admirers at the hairdresser. Why am I not surprised? *beams*

The face of Contentment
Even KumaKuma couldn’t agree more

If one Shoalin in the family wasn’t enough, the husband also went and gotten his head shaved to join the breeze *humph*

Who rocked the hairstyle better? I’ll let you be the judge. Photos of bald Father & Son on FB now!

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Pregnancy & Soya Beans.

mellomouse — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:10:36 +0000

A chilled glass of Soya Bean Milk is simply heavenly on a warm day, or whenever. Don’t you agree? That’s exactly what I’ve been having almost daily for the past 2 months. Whenever possible, we would buy a large bottle and that could last us for a day or 2.

This is not uncommon among us Asians to include soy into our daily staple. Often Expecting Mothers would go out of their way to consume more because we were told that soy will give our babies fair and beautiful complexion. I did it simply because I enjoy the drink

So you could imagine my shock when I found out last night that all this health talk is really just pure garbage. Soy is probably one of the most misconceived myth that it is some sort of miracle food that prevents and cures diseases. Soya Bean is not a Health Food!

My immediate reaction was: OMG, what have I done!?! And you would too after reading what I have excerpted below. Especially if you are expecting a baby boy!

BBC NEWS Reported in 2004

The humble soya bean may play a role in the problem of male infertility, a team of researchers in Belfast has found.

If boys eat a lot of soya when they are growing up, it can damage their reproductive capability. The key time for that is when a male foetus is developing and in the early toddler years and up to puberty.

Too much soya affects the development of the male’s reproductive tract. It increases the structural abnormalities like undescended testes and testicular cancer.

Continue Reading

The Truth About Soy
Another interesting Article

There’s still a half bottle of Soya Bean Milk in the fridge. After that is finished, I don’t think I’ll be drinking anymore until after LBJ is born or longer.

Even though I am making an informed choice now to not drink it, there are still a multitude of food products in the market that I would not be able to escape from, that are made from soy

2 weekends ago, we stocked up a carton of Soya Bean Milk to serve our guest during CNY. Will you drink it if/when you visit us after reading this post?

Pregnancy Updates 40: Cinderella No More.

mellomouse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:53:55 +0000

These may not be Glass Slippers
But they could well be since I can’t fit them no more

The swelling almost always goes down a little during morning time. They are at worst in the evening due to the burden of carrying me — 16kg of excess baggage — the whole day long, and also because of water retention.

But since yesterday morning, the swelling didn’t go anywhere and now I do feel like walking on puffy buns. They hurt a little, and my toes can’t curled as they used too

Besides my feet, both of my hands are swelled up too. I know I’ve whined about this 2 weeks ago, but as they are getting worst, I am getting worried as well. Simply because a sudden increase of swelling is a sign of something very serious! *yikes*

As I am typing this, I’m downing gulps and gulps of water. Hopefully by keeping myself extra hydrated would help my body to retain less water so my hands and feet could look more human again *fingers crossed*

Pregnancy Updates 38: Fat Mama!

mellomouse — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:06:22 +0000

Unfortunately, I suspect that’s exactly what you’ll be calling me because I will simply become one. Though I don’t mind being called Phat Mama, but reality is often bitterly cold *humph*

Since September last year (16 weeks into my pregnancy), my weight has been going up, up and up *blaming it on the milk!* @#$%& (-__-||)

At first I didn’t worry much because I lost a few in the early months. But now after looking at other expecting friends — why are they so tiny?!? — I am fearing! I am gaining way too much for my small frame and the weight has been taking a toll on my tiny swollen feet *sobs*

This is what I ought to be
I’ve now exceeded it by 2.5kg and I’m not even due yet!

Want to know what’s yours? Calculate it >here<

I’m looking at another few kilos of weight gain in the next few weeks. Once I hit full term this weekend, I might be sky rocketing at 1kg per week. So if I were to deliver on my EDD at 40 weeks, I’ll possibly gain another 4kg. Making that a whooping Two-Zero-Kilo-Grams! *faints*

Btw, 29.96lbs is equaled to 13.59kg. So that means I’ll exceed by 6kg! How am I going to loose 15kg? That’s if the Fetal weight is 5kg. Else I might be looking at more *numbed*

I promise that I’ve not been eating for Two, if that’s what you’re wondering

Pregnancy Updates 36: Stretch Marks!

mellomouse — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:01:04 +0000

Or should I call them Glory Marks? Else the pregnancy would not be complete without them *console self*

Although some women are lucky to avoid them completely, I am not that fortunate because genetics plays a role in this peeving aftermath. If your mother or sister had them during pregnancy, you will certainly do too

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are small, depressed streaks in the skin when the belly is rapidly expanding to accommodate a growing baby.

They are caused by changes in the elastic supportive tissue that lies just beneath the skin.

I actually thought I’d escape them. I didn’t realise that they have been hiding right below my baby bump — where I could not see — all these while *pouts*

In late September last year (4 months into my pregnancy), I actually started using Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with idle hopes to prevent developing stretch marks.

Within 2 weeks, I was almost done with the 1st bottle and went to buy a spare. That’s when my belly and both of my breasts began to sprout nasty PUPPP pregnancy rash. Immediately I had to stop on Dr Tan’s orders, or literally die itching *sobs*

What can I do to prevent stretch marks?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do.

There’s no proof that any of the creams, salves, and oils that claim to prevent stretch marks actually work.

Do stretch marks ever go away?

They become considerably less noticeable about 6-12 months after childbirth.

Although the marks fade later, but they will never totally disappear.

So now the new bottle is kept wasted in my drawer. I dare not use the lotion again since the PUPPPs have not fully gone away. I’ll just have to wait for my marks to fade away naturally *fingers crossed*

If you’re currently using other stretch mark products, by any chance you’d be interested to buy this off my hands? Or better, I can give it to you as a gift! I’d rather the latter than to waste. The husband has been complaining that I’m spending on things I cannot use *humph*

It comes in a boxset of: 1) 250ml Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, 2) 50ml Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks and 3) 20g Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E for Dry Skins.

I got it from Guardian Pharmacy, so you can pop by any of their outlets and have a look. Do let me know if you’re interested!

Pregnancy Updates 35: Water Retention.

mellomouse — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:14:45 +0000

The 1st time I wrote about my swollen feet was back in November. In actual fact, my feet has been slowly increasing in size since late September (17 weeks pregnant) when I had to borrow my Mom’s sandals. Now my once skinny tiny feet has grown snuggly into the generous size 6 Mary Jane!

Swelling During Pregnancy

This is quite common and some women tend to swell more than others.

Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to edema, which involves swelling of the hands, face, ankles, neck and other extremities.

Besides the swelling feet, my hands have also filled out. And thus, I have not been able to wear my wedding band for months now. I was not born with long slender fingers, so now my hands look even squarer because of the water retention.

The swelling is not really that obvious. But once I curled them into a fist, I can immediately feel the puffiness. Or if I clasped my hands together, my fingers can no longer fit in between each other comfortably.

What annoys me most is my chubby cheeks. And that pesky double chin! I didn’t realise how much they had puffed up until I compared some recent photos of myself. I am Fat!

I know I shouldn’t be whining, but vanity is a woman’s 2nd nature. Not to mention that my once clear complexion has also gone haywire *sobs*

Why it “has to” Happen?

During pregnancy the body produces roughly 50% more blood and fluids than normal to accommodate your growing baby. It can contribute up to 25% of weight gain.

Water retention helps keep the body flexible and allowing ample room for expansion during pregnancy.

The extra fluid contained in the tissues and muscles of the body also help our joints prepare for labor and delivery.

Scubby at House of Groomers, 2.

mellomouse — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:50:17 +0000

After an overdue wait of 4 months this time, Scubby finally gets his furry paws pampered once again by Suvia at House of Groomers. He was so excited to get out of the house on Saturday morning, he was already waiting by his doggie bag right after breakfast

Somehow he didn’t look too excited here
Maybe he sniffed that we’re going to the vet later? *hehe*

Look just how scruffy he is!
Don’t you feel like giving him a belly rub? ♥

Doesn’t this look familiar?
Definitely looks like a duplicate of his 1st visit…

Done with the pampering, now off to the Vet!
No wonder he looks so sad *pouts*

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 12: Maternity Wear is Beautiful.

mellomouse — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:25:31 +0000

Ever since I’ve begun to grow sideways and front *ahem* my wardrobe has also gone the other direction. Except for the house T-shirts and shorts that I wear at home, everything else has “shrunk”.

Besides battling morning sickness and lethargy, going out now presents another headache — nothing fits! What remains wearable are these 2 Harajuku babytees, and I’ve wore them for the past 3 weekends to church and everywhere else. And now they barely fit

I’m now in a lookout for a few affordable casual maternity wear. We were at Miki Mom last Sunday, a simple tee and blouse each cost minimum RM89 and RM119. Imagine buying 4 different pieces *mental calculation* That’s expensive right? Considering after 5 months, I won’t be wearing them anymore.

Where can I find something under RM50 but still looks attractive? Just because I am expanding doesn’t mean I want to dress like a sack of potatoes. The fullness of your baby bump is supposed to make you feel sexy. And I’m Not kidding! So why hide it? It’s ok to wear hubby’s tee at home, but to go out? *shakes head in horror*

Here’s something I put together at Polyvore
But I doubt any of it is under RM50, except maybe the earrings?

I’m planning to drop by Sungei Wang this Saturday and find a good bargain *cross fingers* My energy level between each nap is 3 hours. So I hope we can find something decent between then and hurry home so I can recharge.

Hopefully after this weekend, I can retire the Harajuku tees and give it a good 5 months rest. But then again, I wonder if I’ll ever be able to fit into anything I own now ever again…

Added 21/12/09, 6.11pm
I’m in my 7th month now and yes, nothing fits anymore! I can’t believe how big I’ve grown *horror*

I finally got Miki Mom’s Maternity tees yesterday at Isetan with 50% and 30% off. I simply love their simple horizontal stripes tee. Yup, Horizontal! And they were in a size bigger to accommodate my growing bump until 9th month.

Do I look like a whale? I cared not because I love the pastels too much

Westie Lion Cut at House of Groomers — My Verdict.

mellomouse — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:31:31 +0000

Today’s visit to the groomer was Scubby’s little belated birthday pamper. We’ve been planning this for a while since I’ve not been well to give him a proper treat.

I was very excited for Scubby as this was only his 2nd visit to the groomer. I actually made the appointment since Monday morning for today’s make over at 11am. I’m glad this time we finally took Scubby here!

My Verdict:

We went to the House of Groomers at Plaza Damas in Sri Hartamas. Suvia was Scubby’s groomer for the day and she did a very good job!

Went we came to collect Scubby at 1.30pm, she was very kind to share some grooming and care tips with us. We were quite unhappy to find out that Amour from Style Essentials might have damaged Scubby’s fur by clipping his back during the last grooming. Stripping should be the better way.

Anyway we are very pleased with Scubby’s transformation and would definitely be back!

Total cost this time = RM80

Here’s a look at the Before and After shots

Scubby says: I know I’m a messy scruffy doggie *sobs*

Scubby says: Am I handsome now? Am I, am I?!? *very serious face*

Scubby says: Of course, I AM HANDSOME! *wroof*