Missing all the readingI have to say that I really miss bloghopping - what little of it that I used to do, especially to my regular stops. I wish I could drop by as often as I used to when I was back in Sydney but I tell you, the Streamyx connection here is worst than getting a hernia!
What pains and irks me the most is that I’m paying [well Mum is anyway] good money for an ADSL line which is SO blardy slow that it really makes think why the heck should we be paying that much for a line which is as slow as the ancient dialup?! Really damn sickening you know?? And all TMNET can say is, o…it’s your area. Then why the hell offer the package huh??
Aiyo…..seriously la. Talk about scamming us from right under our noses!!! So I guess till I get back or if by some miracle the line gets better, I won’t really be stopping by your blog to say hi and comment. But rest assure that I really do miss reading what’s been happening at your end. *MUAKS*
I think we got us a seasoned traveler in the makingI know this is long overdue but I wholly blame blardy Streamyx for the lateness in this post as well as updates on my other blog as well. In fact, it’s affecting my entry into facebook too!!! I miss my Scarrabulous and all my Blood games. STUPID BLARDY STREAMYX!!!!
Anyway, coming back to the topic at hand. It’s mainly about our trip from Sydney to Penang. I was very stressful of the whole journey right to the moment we boarded the plane. I was stressing out on how was I going to deal with her during the take off and landing, what was I going to do if she decided to lay the Devil’s child…heck, I was worried about everything and nothing!
I guess she knew something was up the minute we checked in and was waiting for time to start boarding the plane. We arrived relatively on time and I was so surprise that there was no queue at the MAS check in counter. In fact, I had to let people through since Arianna fell asleep while on the way to the airport and since the checkin counters are always slow, I told Ted to wait till she wakes up then bring her over. Apparently we didn’t need to wait at all which was good since checking in was a breeze. I managed to bring onboard a 23kg suitcase without a fuss. *phew!* I had one bag of all her toys and books and another bag for nappies and change of clothes. All was not too bad until it was time to go and she just began to cry. All the time we were waiting, she refused to go to either me or sis. She just wanted Ted - guess she knew something was up. And saying good bye was tougher for Ted than me. Poor thing now has to return home to an empty and quiet home for the next month. He’s been sms-ing me to bring Arianna home. Poor thing!
Anyway, once we checked in, I made sure to change her nappy before we boarded just in case and also, I didnt want the hassle of changing her in that tiny cabin toilet. I really wonder how overweight people find travelling on planes….the seats and toilets are really ridiculously small! I didn’t bother getting on earlier and just joined in the line towards the back as advised and it was certainly less hassle and didn’t have to wait long before take off.
Once we settled into our seats and we were VERY lucky that the plane was almost empty hence, we got a row of 4 seats to ourselves. Arianna sat between me and sis and as soon as she sat down, I strapped her in and she was happy. We piled up the pillows on both sides of her seat and one behind her back for the fun of it but she seemed to have found it very comfy and soon, it turned into her cosy nest. We tucked her in also for fun but she didn’t mind it at all. And when the plane took off, I have her her bottle of water and the ressure or noise didn’t bother her one bit. Soon after, she just kind of fell asleep on her own. Guess it was a combination of tiredness and boredom that sent her off to lala-land. She did sleep a fair bit and I tried to get some shut eye myself but couldn’t really get any coz I was making sure she didn’t fall through the strap. It was a good thing she fell asleep that fast coz dinner was served and it was great timing since I had a chance to enjoy my food. I kept the bread roll and crackers for her which came in very handy when she woke up.
Totally out! Looks so comfy too. *lol*
It was a couple of hours before she woke up and after that, she just played a little and had her bread, crackers, and a bottle. I took out 2 books for her and her little piggy and she played with that a little. And I let her watch Shaun the Sheep which she watches back home too so she was occuppied for a brief moment. But that was about it. Guess it was also the time difference that made her feel sleepy and after her bottle, she pretty much fell asleep again. Not that I’m complaining but I felt so blessed and relieved on how she dealth with the whole flight. She slept right through until about an hour before we landed and from then, I just kept her entertained with her books.
Once we landed in KL, I put her in the sling and we pretty much had to rush and get our liquor. Who would have thought that MAS would have switched gates and not tell us about it????? We had to walk so far to get to Gate A2 to only find out that it was at A6 or something like that…may have sounded near but it was on the other side of the airport. Really pissed me off coz I was getting tired and sore from the sling as I didn’t have time to switch shoulders. Sis was scolding me coz I was carrying Arianna instead of her as planned. O well, it’s just one of those things.
We finally got to the gate in time to set foot in first. And thankfully, it too was empty so Arianna got a seat for herself. She screamed when I tried to pick her up to sit down with me since I didn’t know at that time if the plane would be full. Apparently she thinks that those seats are somewhat like her carseat since she is strapped in. The stewardess was a little skeptical about her seating on her own but I assured her that she was fine and used to the sitting on her own. Now I am worried about the trip home since it’s obvious that Arianna thinks that she has a right to sit on her own seat in the plane. I can but hope that there will be empty seats for us on the flight home….
All in all, I’m just glad that it went well.  O, by the way….we got to Penang at about 11pm and reached home about 12.30am since we stopped to buy some food back. Arianna was wide awake until 3am when her internal battery went dead flat and fyi, that’s was 6am Sydney time. Gosh, I don’t know where that child gets all her energy from!!!! Must be from all that sugar she had while on the plane! *lol*
Although it’s been a few since we arrived here, she still hasn’t gotten into her routine yet and looks like it will be awhile before she does. In any case, she is dealing fine with Nana and can giggle and laugh at Nana’s silly faces and sounds and I’m so glad that it’s working out well that way. However, she isn’t dealing well with strangers as she used to and I expected it since she is so much older. I always thought that she would end up being a social butterfly but apparently I am dead wrong. It takes quite awhile for her to warm up to anyone but she totally can’t handle strangers talking or touching her which most people do over here. She whinges and pulls away, and then pulls this face which simply says, ‘Go away!’. Most of the time it works but sometimes, people don’t get it and continue playing with her and that makes me pretty mad cause she ends up crying.
I think what makes her more and more wary of strangers is the fact that people here do really stay and away but instead think that it is perfectly fine to just reach out and touch a child and she is not used to that as no one in Sydney does that to her. Apparently it is rude to do so and if one wants to touch the child, they would have to ask permission from the parents. And I know this because someone who had seen her wanted to touch her and had asked me before doing it. At first I found that strange since no one asks here but it is the norm over there and I must has grown used to that and hence, don’t really like people reaching out and touching her and upsetting her. Weird eh?
O well, I’m off to see if this stupied blardy Streamyx is working or not….I’m blogging in Notepad now since the connection is worst than bad. I don’t even know what to call it anymore! *Arrrrgghhhhh!!!!*
Arianna’s getting a baby sister!Well, at least the doctor was 90% sure of it.
We had been called in early for my scan because the doctor had been called in to go deliver a baby. Because we had to go in early, my intake of 3 glasses of water wasn’t as bad because after I drank it, it was just a short drive to the hospital and I was the only one there. So no need to wait….after 1/2 hour or so and loads of pressing on my bladder with the thingamajig, I was ready to burst!
The scan went well but I got a shocker when the doctor said that bub was smaller…until he mentioned that I was merely 17 1/2 weeks so in accordance with that age, bub was ok. At one point, he said he couldn’t really see bub’s heart properly and that from what he could see, all was ok but just to make sure, I may need to come in again. Thank goodness, bub moved towards the end and doc was able to see the blood flow through the heart and was satisfied - phew!!
He has asked me the minute I walked in if we wanted to find out the gender and I said YES. But because of the way bub was lying and the bad positioning, he was only 90% sure which I think speaks for itself. Guess Ted was wrong!! *lol* However, Ted still thinks its a boy…so I’m trying to remember what someone told me, and I’m not sure which one is right but if you’re told to expect a girl, it MIGHT be a boy. So I guess Ted still has that 10% to hang on to! I wasn’t affected in any way where the gender was concerned since I was ok with both. Just that I’ll be seeing more pink now than ever! *lol* Also makes me think that Ted won’t give up till we have a boy and that is a worry…..  But not a worry for now.
Now, I am just looking forward to a safe journey back to Kulim and to enjoy my Christmas there. O, and also waiting to feel Pacman move too. We’re not going to change the nick just yet…still deciding on her name so once that is done, it will be Baby [Initial]. We’ve got a couple of names to toss about….but looks like we might end up with something that we had picked the last time.
Aren’t girls names so much easier to pick??
My little girl is growing up too fast!Sis has been here for the past 3 weeks or so and both of us noticed that Arianna has actually grown right before our eyes. According to sis, when she first arrived, Arianna’s head could be seen just slightly over the bar of her cot. But NOW……her head is well in view! How possible is that??? She could not have grown THAT much in just a few weeks, could she??? And the other thing we noticed was how big she has grown too - she looks more like a little girl and a little BABY girl, know what I mean? Geez, talk about kids just growing like weeds and here I am at home 24/7!! Can’t imagine if I was at work…..so unreal.
Anyway, here are some newest shots of Arianna taken in the last few days.
Simply sugar high over McD’s soft cone - YUM!
My little girl in her samfoo living up to her tiny bit of Chinese heritage.
The shots of her in the samfoo was taken while we were at a birthday party. For someone who doesn’t attend any playgroup session, I think she did extremely well with the number of kids around her. She didn’t bite or strike anyone at all, in fact, she just played with the toys around and minded her own business. In this shot, it’s amazing that she went for the book instead of one of the millions of toys strewn across the room!!! My little bookworm… O, she wasn’t even whingy despite missing out on her morning nap!! But she totally conked out the minute we got into the car and had a super power nap of 20 mins!! *lol* Wouldn’t continue her sleep after that. Cheeky child!
Quite obvious that Godma [my sis] is not a very good influence here….
Teach a child to hold a beer and they reach for one themselves for the rest of their life! *lol* This tub actually held her attention for a long while. Haha!
Pacman @ 17 weeksI’m such a bad mommy!! It’s been awhile since I took any belly pix and I guess I should coz I was nutty with Arianna so this is another belly shot of Pacman @ 17weeks.
I really pop out at certain angles and this is one of them. It’s hard since for most of the time, I look FAT. Haiz….
Was at a birthday party yesterday and no one really knew I was pregnant until Ted mentioned it. It was quite apparent that I wasn’t really showing and worst of all, I bet they all thought I was fat! Aiyo…..but it’s ok la. I’m sure it will show more in due time but till then, I’ll be experiencing a very long ‘fat’ stage la. I’m really excited because on Tuesday we will be going for my detailed ultrasound where measurements will be taken to see if bub is growing as a bub should. I’m really hoping to find out the gender too! Very excited leh….
I’m having 3 appointments on Tuesday….my ultrasound, my general checkup as well as making a booking for the labour/maternity room. I’m glad I get to do all of this here just before we leave the next day. Otherwise I’ll be worrying about it while I’m in Kulim! So let’s hope all goes well on Tuesday.
Ppsstt….I can’t imagine having to drink 3 glasses of water and hold it in for 1.5 hours before the scan - I’m SO going to burst my bladder!!!!
Look who’s pregnant too!Read about the story of a pregnant man? Well, he has safely delivered their baby girl, Susan Juliette [sweet little thing!] and apparently is now in his first trimester with baby #2! Well, talk about not wanting to wait for a bit. On one hand, I’m glad that this is possible for him though you’d think that you’d want the body to rest a bit after the birth. After all it was a natural birth so the body has definite done some hard work but apparently everything is on track and the baby is due in June.
What I don’t get is, what’s the big deal?? The media has definitely taken this to such a height that it’s ridiculous! I mean, he’s a transgender which means that he looks all man - facial hair, no boobs and such BUT the difference is that he kept his woman bits so that he could have a child. I really don’t see what the big deal is. When I first heard about this, without reading the story that is, I thought it was a MAN, a REAL man who got pregnant and I was like, omg….where is the child going to be, how is it going to be born [I know C-sect was the option then, but I wasn't really thinking] and indeed it was a really big deal UNTIL I read that he still had all his woman bits which in turn made every sense to me. And the fact that he was born a woman really toned down the story for me. I do find it intriguing and that it was a very courageous action to take but if you want something that bad, I guess nothing is impossible. And guess Thomas Beatie proved that alright.
On a slightly unrelated topic, remember the Dugger family? The one who temporarily inspired me to have a large family which I am now not really considering anymore [Hah!] Well, they are expecting baby #18 in Jan 2009!!! Makes you think - WHEN ARE THEY EVER GOING TO STOP???? *lol* Guess they are living up to the term ‘breeding like rabbits’. Hehehe…ok, that was bad of me, I take that back. After all children are God’s gift and if they are able, why not right? I say good on them since they are obviously stable in every sense to have more kids. But I do wonder what sort of impact it has on the older children…will they in turn have big families too since they grew up that way or perhaps otherwise? Have a small family because the bigger the family, the harder it is to get more attention from the parents….who knows?
But I do sincerely worry abt the mother…how does her body handle so many births? She is literally pregnant all the time! I don’t think her body has got any rest between the children. Maybe just a couple of months but don’t think it has every reached a year before she’s pregnant again. Very worrying if you ask me….
I finally did it!After a long bout of constantly postphoning and procrastination, I finally got off my bum, set up my sewing machine and got to work. And this is the result :
My first ever *completed* sewing project. Thanks to my sis who became the model and baby wearer! *lol*
It took me so long to get started and after a slight delay when I kind of busted the needles on my machine, I finally got to work and now I finally realise why my mum was always sewing till the wee hours of the morning. Man, it’s so hard to stop once you start coz when you’re in the drill, all you want to do is get it on and done with! I so understand it now…I really do. And the only reason that I have since stopped is because I have no remnants of cloth to play with and that I’m getting ready to start packing for our trip back to Malaysia for Christmas. So my visit to the Warehouse Fabric will have to wait till I get back from Malaysia at the end of December.
Another view of the baby sling. It’s quite apparent that both wearer and wearee [?] are comfortable.
Being away from home is not going to stop me though. Because my mum also has a sewing machine at home, it is my plan to get some sewing done while I’m back in Malaysia too. And it will be better as well since I have mum there to show me how to sew stuff. I might actually make copies of some of her designs that she has just to save me the trouble of doing it myself. Heh. Between me and sis, I have more interest in this and I never knew that I could pull this off. I knew that I could sew but all my sewing projects have never been completed and for most of it, mum would end up finishing it for me. So on a personal note, I am rather proud of myself for getting this done and being able to wear just makes me even proud of myself. It definite has boosted my self esteem and knowing that I can do stuff I thought I never could is great! I’m really damn semangat now. Haha!
I already have a couple of simple project in mind which I want to carry out and one of it would have to be a picnic blanket. Why buy them when they can be so easily sewn up? In fact, I also plan to sew some bedsheets as well as pillow cases and then, perhaps some curtains too. These are really very simple but practical things that will certainly save me a lot of money. So I’m really looking forward to all of this.
A big, big thank you to Aida for getting me on a roll because it was reading about her sewing journey that got me all excited about doing it myself. And the link on how to sew this particular baby sling was a blessing. And if you all would like to try it, click here and give it a shot! It’s really super easy.
Good luck!
Ps. I forgot to add that I made a big boo-boo with measurements so this iscoming straight from the horses mouth : Always think before you cut your material AND counter check your measurements ALWAYS. *lol* I take it as a lesson learnt well…..I was upset but I still got back up on the horse.
What a feeling!!On Wednesday, I finally had a chance to be totally toddler free! *lol* And what a feeling it was.
It was Ted’s day off and with sis down, I kind of decided that Ted should stay home and look after Arianna for a couple of hours while sis and I went out to go souvenir hunting which I knew Ted would not want to do plus it would be a hassle to take Arianna out for long periods of time in the pram. I’ve learnt my lesson well.
As we were walking to the bus stop, a sudden sense of ‘freedom’ overcame me and I really felt so free and light. It is hard to explain and it’s a feeling only a parent would know. I didn’t have to worry if I took enough nappies with me or if there was enough munchies for Arianna. Heck, I didn’t have to worry about her at all!  For once, I could totally turn off my Mommy-mode and be ’single’ for a few hours and I tell you, what a luxury it was!
When we arrived at the shopping mart, it was great to not have to rush and grab things. In fact, I enjoyed some window shopping as well. And it’s not something I do at all. But the thing is, once we got everything done, I started to feel worried that I had left home for too long. I wasn’t worried about whether Ted was doing ok with Arianna coz she is old enough to play on her own and foodwise, just some biscuits and cheese normally tides her over till dinner. I started to miss her and began wondering what she was up to and almost instantly, I wanted to go home. And we did.
Then yesterday, Ted and I finally had the chance to be out on our own because Yvette looked after Arianna for about an hour or so. I’ve finally got my sewing machine going but broke the needle even before I could start sewing so I had to go get new ones and went out with Ted while he did some banking. Although it was merely an hour or so, the feeling was still the same. We both felt rather ‘lost’ towards the end and we rushing home to see her! *lol* How bizarre is that??
Funny how on one hand, it was nice to get away from it all for awhile but then, it doesn’t take long to make me realise that I don’t think I could stay away from Arianna for too long. Guess that’s what makes us Moms, eh? I am glad to know that Ted thinks that I should get out more often on my own and I’m happy that he feels that way. It only goes to show that we all need some personal time out, sadly, this personal time out will continue to be a luxury for me because until Ted gets some sort of regular work hours going, it’s going to be tough. But I’m quite happy with what I have now.
BB getawayAfter 7 years of marriage and 2 kids, my cousin and his wife decided that it was finally time for them to have a proper vacation - just the 2 of them without the kids. With the kids a little older, they will be staying with the grandparents so mum and dad can enjoy a relaxing bed and breakfast getaway. I thought it was an excellent idea as it also gives them a chance to have some alone time together. So Marie is now busy looking up some suitable vacation rentals for their trip and I really hope they have an excellent time!
The biting bubbaNot too sure why she’s doing this but recently, I noticed that Arianna has taken a liking to biting Ted and I. She tends to bite Ted more often than me maybe coz she geram or what, I’m not sure. Thing is she sneaks up on and pretends as if she wants to ‘manja’ [get cuddly] with you and then she fangs you!! Totally surprising and very painful because she teeth are small and sharp. Worst still when she attacks my legs coz I normally wear shorts at home.
The first time she bit me was on my shoulder through my Tshirt and it left a mark!! How shocking is that??? Was so darn painful too….my shoulder was aching until the next day.  At first I didn’t quite bother but now that it’s happening more often, we always warn her and push her away when she tries to bite us. Anyone else having this problem? I hope this is just a short phase coz it’s really not something I want her doing to people or even the kids when we or if we ever make our way to a children’s playgroup.
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