3rd Day of MC...Still Pregnant

That's right. Nothing to report from the pregnant front. Had a few Braxton Hicks, but that's about it. I've started reading on "things that may hasten your labour" but the thought of doing any of their suggestions just wears me out. Walking about more? Yeah, when you have a bum leg and 4kg packed up front, that's easier said than done. Caster oil? Yucks!! Nipple stimulation? Hahahaha. Sex? Even bigger HHAHAHAHAHA.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to wait this out. I'm still 9 days away from my EDD ( and birthday!!) so here's hoping I don't stay pregnant longer than that.

I thought I would take the time to blog about stuff that happened the last few months, that I didn't get a chance o blog about due to workload. I want to tell you guys about the trip we had to the KL Bird Park last school holidays (in March).

As I mentioned a few blog posts ago, we had fun at the KL Bird Park. I had read about it at J.A.D's blog and was looking for a relaxing, cheap family activity for us to do during the week long holiday. We had such fun at the park that I even wrote about it here at Tripadvisor.

We started out early from my parents place, around 10am. It only took us 30 minutes to get there. It was rather easy to find the place, thanks to the many signboards. Even parking was a breeze.

Entrance fee to the park is MYR15 for adults and MYR6 for children (for MyKad holders only). However, if you have a Jaya Jusco or Metrojaya card, adults get extra MYR5 off. What a deal!!

Now the birds are free range, meaning most of them are not locked up in cages and such. This does mean you have to be a bit careful where you sit, like under a tree coz you may end up with bird poo on you. Fortunately this didn't happen to either of us; I guess the birds were rather well behaved. I loved the fact that the peacocks wee allowed to roam freely. We got some amazing shots of them showing off their beautiful tail feathers.

We had timed our arrival so we got to see most, if not all of the feeding activities that were scheduled for that day. The girls particularly loved the feeding frenzy that went on at the World of Parrots. For only MYR2, you are given a cup of milk and sunflower seeds. All you had to do was to hold out your hand and the little birds would be literally feeding out of it. At one point, I had 6 small parrots feeding out of my hand!! What an experience. The worker there was even gracious enough to refill my sunflower supply for no extra charge, several times.

The bird show was fun too. I even got to volunteer to feed an eagle, by holding out a stick with a piece of meat on it. We then went to see the emus (I can never get over how big these birds are) ad the girls got a lesson in the many shapes and sizes of birds' eggs. We saw the flamingos and also got a chance to see some eagles in action. Magnificent birds, I must say!!

All in all, we spent nearly 5 hours at the park. Mostly because there was just so much to see but also because I was 7 months pregnant at the time. So there was a lot of resting during our tour. Fortunately the parks had many rest areas, plus it was shady for most parts. We were also allowed to bring in our own bottles of water (unlike some places), so it wasn't so tiring.

At first we wanted to eat at the Hornbill Restaurant & Cafe but then hubby wanted to try out a different restaurant. So I can't comment on the food but from what I've read online, it's supposed to be good and not so expensive.

Enjoy the pictures below. And remember, next time you're looking for a great, cheap family activity, look no further than the KL Bird Park. You won't be disappointed.

Hubby and the girls in front of a peacock having fruits for lunch.
The girls and I in front of a peacock showing off its tail feathers.
The peacock in all its glory.
Dina having fun feeding the Lories at the World of Parrots.
Dania feeding the Lories too.
One of the many birds at the bird show doing some tricks for the crowd.
The eagle that I fed with the meat on a stick. Why hubby didn't take a picture of me actually feeding the eagle is anyone's guess.

2nd Day of MC....Still Pregnant

This waiting game has gotten me all antsy. For one thing, I'm constantly feeling hot, like I'm baking in an oven. I'm thirsty 24/7, no matter how much I drink. Because the baby is already so big and constantly pushing against my bladder, my toilet trips are like every 10 minutes. I know that once the baby is here and I'm like waking up every 30 minutes to breastfeed, I'll be like all "how I wish I could get more sleep" but for now, I'm just so anxious for this pregnancy to be over.

Yesterday I had a bit of a scare. It wasn't until 3.30pm that I realised the baby hadn't moved much since the night before. I tried shaking my belly, scratching it, patting it, talking to the baby but got no movement. I was beginning to panic and was just about to call hubby when the baby suddenly moved. And then moved a bit more. And then some more. And then it was moving, moving, moving until late last night. Phew!! Eventhough it felt like the baby was trying out new Wushu moves, I didn't dare complain.

Oya, how do you guys like the new template? Rather fresh, don't you think? It took me a while to decide which one to go for since there are so many nice ones out there. I think I'll stick with this one for a while.

Yesterday hubby and I discussed names for the baby. I can't believe hubby doesn't have any lined up already. I think it's because he doesn't know the sex yet. I already have my names selected, for both boy and girl. Maybe I should be the one naming this baby for a change.

I'm going down to watch the rerun of last night's Amazing Race. I still can't believe one team lost a spot in the Final Three because they stopped to pee!! Crazy!!

1st Day of MC...Still Pregnant

I'm on my first day of leave today. Hubby asked me this morning what time did I intend to wake up.

"Maybe around 10am", I said with a smile.

Hehehhe..

Last night, I tried to update my boring looking blog template. As a result, I not only made myself dizzy checking out all the available templates online but I also lost my blogroll list. Grrr...I tried to recall a few from memory but I know I've missed out a few. I still intend to change the layout. Maybe I should list down my blogroll list in Notepad or something before I start tweaking again.

Joe mentioned since we had bought so much Anakku stuff, he wouldn't have to buy me anything else. Haha..actually there are a few more items on my shopping list. BIG items. Items Joe can buy for me. Hehehehe..

1. A baby bath tub. This was actually my mom's request. She's been having some pain in the arms so she's worried she wouldn't be able to hold the baby during bath time. She asked whether we could buy the kind of baby tub where you can just the baby sitting upright without having to hold it. I think this is what she meant.

I saw a tub like this when we were in Parkson yesterday. I think it cost like RM85. Rather expensive.

2. A car seat. The old car seat is not suitable for a newborn. Plus all the padding is nearly gone. When we first got it for Dania, it was 2nd hand anyway, so I think we need to get a new one for this baby. I want one that we can use from birth up to 4-5 years old. I know these cost more but in the long run, it would make more sense than buying a carrier now AND a car seat later on. Hubby and I have looked at a few and depending on the brand, a new car seat would cost us between RM400 to RM2000.

Other than those two things, I think we're pretty set for the baby's arrival. Now if it would just hurry up and get here already!!

Still Waiting for the Big Day

Yesterday I had my doctor's checkup. Alas, she didn't announce any dilation news (hmmm) but everything looks ok. I lost a bit of weight (0.4kg) but the baby gained 0.1kg. It now weighs 3.3kg. Hmmm. Just waiting for the day to come (soon!!!). I asked her whether the baby's head had engaged and she said "Oh, it's different for your 3rd baby. You don't have to wait for the baby to engage. Most probably your water will break first."


Hmmm...thing is my water has never broke by itself. Now I'm like a bit paranoid, everytime I go to the loo, I think I'm breaking water. Hahaha..


Oya, Heather asked me what the hell a snakehead fish was. I've posted some images below.

Yeah, nasty right? Believe me, the taste isn't anything to hoot about either. The smell...goodness..bau longkang!! What does it do? It helps heal the birth wound and helps build back protein molecules in your body for cell regeneration. So, the suffering doesn't stop after giving birth. 40 days of confinement is so much fun too.


We went shopping again today. Hubby cashed in his Bonuslink points and got like RM500 worth of Parkson coupons. So naturally we used that to buy more baby stuff, like the stuff I listed down in my previous points. I bought most of the stuff from the Anakku section, mostly because their stuff was slightly cheaper than the other brands but also because Anakku was having a contest. The grand prize is a Grand Livina!! If we win, we'll have an MPV. Hahahah...yet another wishful thinking. But one can dream, right?

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Yesterday was my last day at work. Most probably. I mean I think so. We'll see. If I haven't exploded by Wednesday and I'm bored out of my mind, I might drag myself to work. If it wasn't for my bum left leg, I probably would have stuck it out for another week. Hmmm, like I said, we'll see.

As the big day draws nearer, I find myself thinking up of more and more things to buy for the baby. Like baby bath and shampoo. Hmmm, you'd think I would have stocked up on those things sooner but I kept putting it off. I've made a list of other things to buy too.

1. Breast pads
2. Maternity pads.
3. Changing/travelling mat.
4. Bath mat.
5. Baby butt cream.
6. Baby washing powder.
7. Snakehead fish drink (pati ikan haruan).
Luckily I've already bought my jamu (confinement herbs). I found this site online selling them at a much cheaper price than at the shops. The items arrived yesterday.

My SIL brought back my baby cot she borrowed like a thousand years ago yesterday. All the baby clothes have been washed and folded.

I have my next checkup tomorrow. Hopefully the doctor will have good news like congratulations, you're 8cm dilated!! Hah..yeah right.


Oh my god! I think I just had a contraction!! Was that a contraction?!! They say if you need to ask, then most probably it wasn't. Damn it, maybe I just need to poop.

Apartment for Rent

The students that are currently staying at my parents' apartment will be graduating this May. Therefore my parents are looking for new tenants. Anyone interested? The apartment will be available starting 1st of June 2009.

*********************************************************************************
Perdana Apartment, Shah Alam. 4th floor, with lifts

850 sq.ft. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Ready to stay with built in cabinets in kitchen and master bedroom plus built-in utility cabinet in hallway. Air conditioner in master bedroom. Water heater in common bathroom

Opposite the Giant supermarket. Near the Macro supermarket, Shah Alam Stadium, Federal Highway & Elite Highway.

RM1200 (negotiable), including maintenance fees.

Interested or need more info? Please contact 03-78457333, 013-3367333 (Nor Ainee) or you can leave comments here.

38 Weeks & Dina's School Report

I'm official 38 weeks today. Lord, is this pregnancy taking forever!! At my last checkup on Saturday, the baby weighed in at 3.2kg. Perghh!! No wonder I can no longer walk. My left leg is acting up, feels like all my ligaments have gone soft and can't take the additional weight any longer. This may be my last week at work. Eventhough my new staff has yet to arrive, it's becoming harder and harder to drag myself out of bed in the morning. What with the leg cramps, maybe I should just try working from home starting next month. Hopefully my boss will ok my request.

Last Saturday was also Parent-Teachers day for Dina's school. We went early but apparently so did a lot of parents. We didn't have to wait that long though since the teacher only allocated 10 minutes per student. We were very pleased with the feedback Dina's teacher gave her; hardworking, very smart, does her work quickly, top marks in all her exams (she's a geek like her mom!!). She scored excellent marks in Spelling and Mathematics. However, she needs to brush up on her communication skills since her teacher commented that Dina was rather quiet in class compared to her other classmates. Dina...quiet??!! Hmmm...will have to investigate further. Her teacher did comment that she liked to sing but would only answer a question if the teacher asked her directly.

Anyhow, both hubby and I are very proud of our little one. Bravo Dina!!

Review - Wizard's First Rule

I know I was supposed to update my blog during the weekend. I apologize but in our haste to get to my mom’s house on Friday, I forgot to bring my laptop along. Duh!!

So while I didn’t get to do any blogging, I did however get to read this really great book, courtesy of my brother. The book was titled “Wizard’s First Rule”, written by Terry Goodkind. If you liked Eragon (the book, not the movie), then this book may appeal to you too.

The story is mainly about this guy, named Richard Cypher, who finds out he’s destined to be a True Seeker. What exactly that is takes too long to explain but he joins forces with the heroin of the book, Kahlan who is the Mother Confessor (again, you have to read the book to find out what that is) and some of his friends, Zedd and Chase. Together they need to defeat the evil Darken Rahl, a mighty wizard who is trying to use the Boxes of Orden to gain power to rule the entire land (kind of like Dr. Evil from Austin Powers, only not that funny).

So there’s lots of magic and good vs evil in the book and the way Terry writes it makes you feel like you’re in the battlefield at times. You can visualize the Mud People’s village and imagine flying on the back of a Red Dragon. You feel Richard’s pain and agony when he’s captured and tortured by Mord-Sith. Most importantly you can sense the sexual tension between the two main characters and almost wish from the start they end up together. Whether or not they do in the end, I won’t reveal here but I love the way the characters are built.

Apparently the book has been adapted into a mini series called Legends of the Seeker. I found some clips on YouTube and the guy that plays Richard is HOT!! Hahahaha. The plot seems to have diverted a bit from the book, in terms of time and storyline. I guess since it’s a mini series, not a movie, the producers want to drag the storyline out a bit.

Check out the hero below.
This is Richard with Kahlan. Ignore the gal. Imagine it's me instead...hehehe.

The guy playing Richard's character is Craig Horner. Which is kind of ironic coz I get horny just looking at him. Muahahahaha...!!
Super Yummy!!!

Plans for the Weekend

Hubby is away for a 3-day teambuilding session in Lumut. I told him if I deliver early, he has to make his way back in time, whatever means possible if he wants any rights in naming the baby. Haahhaa…

Since I can’t drive anymore, I got my brother to send me back home, pick up the kids and take us to my mom’s house. My mom is ecstatic that we are all sleeping at her house; it’s been a while since we’ve been anywhere but our own home during the weekends.

It’s not that I don’t like sleeping over at my parents place (or my in-laws for that matter). It’s just that I prefer to stay at home, where it’s nice and cool and I can lounge around commando style (hahahaha).

I intend to use this weekend to update all my old (and stale) posts and pictures. I owe posts on the following:

1) Our trip to KL Bird Park. We had fun!!
2) Hubby’s birthday celebration. Not what I had originally planned but we still had fun.
3) Dania’s exam results and her reward for being as smart as her mom. :D.

Luckily my afternoon meeting got cancelled so I can use the time to write up the minutes of this morning’s meeting. Yes, that is my work life…meeting after meeting after meeting, with the occasional workshop thrown in to spice it up.

I can’t wait to go for maternity leave. Hehehehe…

36 weeks...

I'm still at the office, waiting for hubby to finish his meeting. Jeez, why do these people like to start meetings at 6pm, when office hours is until 5.30pm? Get a life people!! The world won't stop turning if you go back on time once in a while.

I myself, just finished a 2-day workshop session. Luckily this time, it was held on the 50th floor of the office, not some remote resort somewhere. My head hurts from all that brainstorming, plus it's becoming increasingly uncomfortable for me to sit for long hours.

I am huge. Seriously. I walk into the elevator, and people stop having conversations to stare at my tummy. You can almost hear what they're thinking.

"OMG, she has a basketball under her blouse!"
"She's having twins, for sure. Or triplets."
"It's amazing she can still stay vertical."

People in the office keep asking me when I'm going off for maternity leave. I wish I could but I have so much to settle before I can take leave. First on my list is getting my new staff in and settled down. I have a few interview sessions lined up for potential candidates next week, hopefully I'll find reliable people to handle my product whilst I'm away.

My last scan was last Saturday. Despite the cramp environment, the baby is still moving actively. Good in a sense, but not when I'm trying to sleep at night. Add to the fact I need to pee every 20 minutes because the baby has descended down and keeps on pushing against my bladder. Arghhh. I've thought about wearing adult diapers a couple of times, just so I don't have to walk to the toilet so often. Seriously.

We still don't know the sex of the baby. During the last scan, the baby wouldn't even turn to face us, so all we got to see was the back of its head. It has a full set of hair already. It weighs 2.4kg so plus all the water and placenta, I'm carrying around 3kg up front. It IS amazing I can stay vertical!!

I'm still eating like a horse eventhough I can't take large portions at one go. Constipation comes and goes but I have medication for that, so not a major problem. Leg cramps have been happening more often, especially in the morning when I forget myself and stretch. Hurts like hell!!

I can't wait for this pregnancy to be over eventhough I'm a little anxious about labour. I've already discussed with my doctor on pain medication (no epidural, just gas and air) and although I've had easy (relatively speaking) labours before, there's a part of me that's worried something might go majorly wrong with this one. Fingers crossed and prayers to Allah, nothing will.

I'll write again when I have the time and energy. Who knows, maybe next time I might have a new bundle of joy in my arms. Until then, take care everyone.