A new daycare?

Wow, next week is school day already? Can't believe time flies by so quickly...or maybe I'm getting older? The thing that I dread the most going back to work is sending Bono to the daycare again. The centre is beginning to irritate me. There's the small issue with the security guard (minta puji dan bikin panas!). But that's nothing compare to nap time. I believe sleep is very important...as important as eating. Before this I have no problem because the previous caretakers of Bono share this view. Suddenly when Bono was 7 mo ++, they did a rotation and new caretakers are in charged of the babies (the previous one are now in charged of the toddler).

So the new one view were that the child should be left playing as long as they want to - they'll nap when they are ready. What the heck! So most of the time Bono end up with less than an hour of nap time. I tried telling them that Bono need to be settled down in order to fall asleep but the (lazy) caretaker give the reason "kesian, dia masih nangis2 mo main bah, nda sampai hati oh saya kak"...Grrrr...So I'm really thinking of finding a new daycare. The only reason I lasted for a year because it's the only daycare in Kinarut (that I know of). I wouldn't mind sending in KK area but I need a place that are able to take care of him from 6 am. Any later than that, than I'll be late for work! So, that's the problem I'm facing right now.

And tomorrow is work day again. I need to sleep.

HFMD and the allergy

They said hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) is a very common disease among children attending daycare. I was hoping that by breastfeeding, my son would not catch this contagious disease. But one day, his caregiver suddenly called at 9.30am to tell me that he have a fever and some rashes on both his knees. So I brought him to his paed and it was confirmed as HFMD. There were also blisters in his mouth. Poor baby. And the next day was his first birthday somemore. Luckily he still want to nurse. My mom came to take care of him at home.

And then there's my supply. It's been going down and down. The last time I pumped at work, I'd only managed to get 2 oz! It was so frustrating. I planned to fully bf Bono until he's 2 yo. But I failed!! And there's not much I can do because it's hormonal (this will be in another post). So we decide to introduce formula for his feed at the daycare.

Do you know that choosing a formula can be sooo overwhelming? We went to Servay on Friday night, after almost an hour at the formula aisle, we chose Mamex Gold Langkah 2. It was the same brand that he took almost a year ago at the clinic - while I was hook with the drips both left and right :(.

We tried to feed him 4 oz of the formula on Saturday afternoon. He took it but than vommited it all out after about 2.5 oz. We thought his guzzling down the milk causes this because after that he still wants what was left in the bottle. So we let him finished it. Within minutes, hives appear on his cheeks, neck, and behind his ears. It was terrifying!

We rushed to his paed again. And it was confirmed that my poor, poor baby is allergic to cow's milk. After about 2 hours, hives started to appear all over his body and he was so flushed that it scares the hell out of me. He screamed and tried to scratch everywhere until he fall asleep because of the Dexchloramine. I felt so sad and cannot help feeling guilty for not being able continue bf him fully.

The paed suggested we switch to goat's milk instead. And this is what he's been taking until now:

Very expensive formula (huhuhu). But yesterday we went to see the paed again for Bono's jab and he was concerned that Bono is not gaining weight. He's been at 8.75 kg since he was 9 mo. He kept reminding us to feed him well and to include both meat and eggs in his diet. Both of us were like, "Yes, doc he is eating all those" but he kept giving this funny look. Ciss, tak percaya ya? He should see Bono eat, this boy could REALLY eat and he want to eat everything that mummy is eating. So no more junk food for me (well, at least not in front of him hehe).

So we were asked to switch to another brand of goat's milk formula. It's called 'Carina' and only available at pharmacy. I tried googling it and failed. Maybe it's Karihome?
Never mind lah, we'll visit the pharmacy next week. There is still one full tin of the Why Not? But why do people feel immediate concerned to see a smaller baby? It's like chubby is equal to healthy. Because as far as I can see Bono is healthy, happy, reaching all milestones and he's growing taller instead of gaining any weight.

Okay, this post is getting too long that I feel I'm writing a school essay. So before I stop here's some differences between food allergy and food intolerance, in this case cow's milk.

P/S: How do you make a post in a table form? I typed the above using Word and then copy it to Paint and saved it as image so that I can upload it here. And now it's sooo small. So click on it to make it larger.

First Birthday!

A very very delayed post. Almost 2 months late. But since the boy is taking his afternoon nap, I better upload some photos fast. Hey, better late than never.

Like I said, his birthday was celebrated at my hub's kampung (Papar). Here's a few of them photos:
The ugly (very blue) cake. I chose the flavour, shape and the colour. And the sample was so simple. White background with some blue at the edges and name written in blue( please excuse the improper baking terms). But I guess the baker got overexcited with the colour! It turns out messy. Or maybe she misspelled the name in the first place? Luckily it tasted yummy.

Some of the food. All catered. Oh yes, the second dish from the right is hinava. But I just tried a little bit only (cause it's raw!). We forgot to take photo of the compulsory red eggs. That was the only thing cooked by me and hub.

Look at his confused face! He was wondering why everyone is singing and clapping their hands. Haha. You can see someone else was feeling super excited with everything birthdays. His cousin. And yeah, I bought the superbaby costume especially for his party.

Cake cutting. But I guess a one year old is not very interested with this huh? Excuse the bad photo. I was trying to edit but terover and I got lazy editing a new one.

Even though it was a very simple party, lots of family and friends came. And as usual being a Kadazan the party went well into the night with some moginum session. Typical.

A very long hiatus

One would think that being on a veeery long break from work, one would have the time to blog. Apparently that's not the case here.

A list of things that I would have like to blog. (I might post more on it, we'll see):

1. Bono contracted HFMD (Hands, Foot & Mouth disease). I can not sent him to his nursery for a week. Luckily my mum was able to come and stay with us.
2. And there was the cow milk allergy. Due to my low supply, I tried supplementing him with the usual baby formula. The effect was immediate that we had to rushed him to the clinic. Boy, I'm definitely going to blog more on this because I was sooo irritated with certain individual who made light of this problem. She said all I have to do was change the brand of formula and when to say that her son have the same problem. When in fact it was milk intolerance. Talk about ignorance.
3. My low supply. Will blog more on this too.
4. Bono is 1 year old! Celebrated his birthday at Papar. Got some piccies but don't have the time.
   
5. We went for our first holiday as a family! And it was not in Malaysia. Some piccies to upload soon. Hope I can find the time.
6. And then we spent more than a week at Papar (hub's kampung). No internet. Thankfully I have my supply of books and mags.
   
7. I bought my third(!) handphone.
8. This weekend we are going for a weekend getaway.

That's all for now. I have to transfer some piccies from the camera first.

Sleeping on it...

I know that I should have upload piccies of the KK BW gathering by now. But I'm just plain lazy. Have not been transfer from the cam even. Anyway, it's in my to-do list. Later.

Now I'm busy comparing these 2 SSCs:
(both images taken from Tiny Tapir.)

1. Ergo

• I've been admiring the sporty look of this carrier for so long (but do not dare to buy without trying because it's quite pricey.) But after trying Kar's ergo, I fell in love with its comfort.
• The only draw back-a shorter body panel.
  

2. Angelpack LX

• I should have just concentrate on getting the Ergo but my itchy finger went clicking on the carrier. Naughty.
• The price difference is only RM20 at Tiny Tapir!
  

I wish I could buy both, but sadly I don't grow money for a living. The good news-I don't have the money now (eh, good news?). So I don't have to decide immediately...Hehe...Ergo...APLX...

Yikes!

Finally Aunt Flow is here. I was hoping to be free for a year. Never mind, 10 months is good enough. I hope it doesn't affect my supply though.

On a brighter note, I can start to shop for cloth pad. Yeah! Lets go green, girls!

(errr...after I finish my Susen stock. Another 2-3 months maybe).

Bono at 9 mo...

I know, the ticker said Bono is 10 mo. And he is. Just to post some piccies of Bono taken like a month before...suppose to post it ages ago but something or another get in the way. Feast your eyes!

After his fave activity - mandi! He got a patch of hair on top that is longer than the rest. This is his baby hair that didn't fall out.

Wrestling the giant hairy leg! He thinks all hair is funny. Maybe because he has so little on his head.

His geram face.

At this stage, he can entertain himself...

with an empty bottle of lotion.

He can play with it for hours. He prefer "grown up" stuff than his own toys. So the astro remote is given when the mum and dad need to do some chores. Hehe. Sometimes it would be the tupperware container and cup.

Posing for dad.

And another one.

He likes photo session. For now.

Like I said, these pics are not the latest one. The new ones still in the camera. Maybe I'll upload it this weekend. We'll see.

My July

Seriously. I'm getting bad at updating my blog. Last time I mentioned that I still have time to surf the net but no time to write a post. This time I truly didn't have time for anything.

There's work. Lots and lots of work. July was the month that we had to attend school on almost every Saturday. Then going home almost 4 pm almost every day (my work start at 6.50 am!). Reports to be submitted. PEKA to be completed. Meetings to attend. Extra classes again.

And then Bono was sick almost every fortnight. Must be from the nursery. It was flu season. And finally I succumbed to it. I got 2 days of mc. But it took me 2 weeks to properly get well. Because I couldn't get a proper rest. Then Bono when on a nursing strike for 3 days. I had to pump all day long and feed him using spoon. I was so glad when he went back for direct feed.

After that my supply went low. Usually I pumped once at school and can get up to 10 auns. But during this period I can only manage 3-4 auns! So I had to pump again at home. Twice. My healing body must be really stressed out. But then again my low supply is stressing me out. I tried drinking the nursing tea, eating oat and eating lots of papaya soup. Not much improvement. But my hubby gently remind me that everything happens for a reason. And my friend lend me a very good book. After two weeks, my supply is back to normal.

So you see. July was not a very good month for me. I'm so glad it's over.

Finally I'm back on the net. I had to spend some time reading everybody's old posts due to long absent. And today is our final day of Saturday school (hopefully). Yeah! Can't wait for Hari Raya. I'll be enjoying my two weeks of holiday...

Life imitating art

or rather FB game.

This is a real restaurant okay. The owners are my hubby's cousins. One of them is an avid FBer. Can't you tell?
Care to visit? It's halal (the cook is Malay). At Kg Langkuas, Kinarut (just beside old KK-Papar road).

We went there during the school holiday to show some support. Do you notice something? Anything? Hehe...

MIA

I've been away from my own blog for quite some time now. I cannot really pinpoint the reason for this absence. I could say that I'm busy or that I don't have time. But I still managed to visit my friends' blog, celebs' blog, crafters' blog and even do some window shopping on the net almost everyday.

There's a saying-Absence makes the heart grows fonder. How true! Never thought I would say this, but I kind of miss this blogging thing. It's like having a little me-time. A relaxing time. An outlet for all my emotions. That's why I'm blogging on a Monday morning just before class start at 9.20. Haha.

I have tons of pictures of my boys. Later. Another 10 minutes before class.

Woohoo!

aaand the long awaited school break has started! 3 weeks of sleeping in (i hope)...I'm such a lazy worker isn't it? But hey, I'm only human and this human certainly not doing any extra classes during this break. Kementerian sudah bagi cuti, cuti lah...saya yang menurut perintah...hoho, sungguh minta puji...hehe

Anyway, for the past 7 months ++ these are the books I've managed to read:

I'm not really a fan of Danielle Steel but I had nothing else to read during my confinement. (Oi, Philip if you are reading this I finally finish reading all the books hari tu)

So pitiful, isn't it? I'm not really a slow reader, but this little fella is taking most of my time nowadays(but mummy love you anyway, Bono):

Feeling excited to finally get to play with mummy's books. Uhm...well, not really mine, borrowed it from my friend.

Getting greedy!

Only two books are mine. Oh goodness me, I've only managed to buy two books for months now, and its the end of May already! Need to visit Times soon.

Oh, and last week was hubby punya nephew's wedding. It was the first time I attended a tea ceremony. Some action piccies:

Tea ceremony-the bride serving tea to her new uncle.

My turn. Uhhh, I feel so grown up ;)

Bono getting the red packet.

Guess what? It went straight to his mouth.

Bono and his (yummy) mummy...ehehe

My fave boys!

There's more pictures during dinner reception but they are still in the camera. And I'm feeling lazy already. It's 1 am. Need to sleep now. Happy Wesak Day and Kotobian Tadau Kaamatan!

My little affair

with shoes, that is.

A shoe fetish would surely faint to know that I bought only a pair of shoes last year. Yup, one pair. I'm not stingy you all. I found out that I was a pregger early February, so being a little shopaholic, I immediately when out to buy a pair of flats. One pair only because I kept hearing that the size of the feet will grow in proportion with the the tummy. I figured I'll get another pair, when this happen. Like a pair every month, or every trimester, you understand? My feet never did swell, only my ankles. Which means I was cheated out of buying shoes for 9 months. Well, I could always do some shopping after my confinement, right?

Wrong. I found out that being a new mom means you won't have the time to shop. And for the first few months most of my salary goes to baby related stuff. By the time I started working again, I had to content with using my pregger flats.

My hardworking flats. Very comfy but so worn out. So sad to let these go. I hope I can find another one that feels this good.

Another pair that I've been wearing. Haha. An ugly aunty-aunty shoes, very old school one. Actually I wore this every Wednesday, which is the day that I had to wear my Scout uniform.

Then sometime after my March salary, I bought this shoes. Pretty, no? I really like the bow in front and it looks so girly and dainty on my feet.

But it was a short-lived love. Less than two weeks, this pair is a tosser. Look, what happen to the soles. And the left heel broke! Guess this is meant for those who work in air-conditioned environment and are desk bound. Or have I gain weight? (Gasp!)

Then during the Mother's Day weekends, my hubby brought me shoes shopping. Yay! The only downside was that our current budget only allows for a pair. Lesson learned-must choose wisely. Our hunt started on friday night at the City Mall. No luck. But I finally got to dined at the Old Town. Hehe.

The search was continued on Saturday night.

My sporting hubby volunteer to wear Bono in my newly bought mei tai. First trial before going out (I called it In-house Training).

And it seems both boys are having fun!

We went to Palm Square, CP. I found this gorgeous, gorgeous pair at Clark's. Very comfy too. But what the heart wants, the mind can't conceive. Who would want to spend RM288 on one pair of work shoes? Those who have lots of money to spend, I guess. But I can't. I just can't. We went to Hush Puppies. Every pair was blah. My hubby gave me the go ahead with Clark's. But my calculative mind was thinking about the number of CDs that I can get with this amount of money! Dined at the Secret Recipe instead (at this rate, my fund would be dwindling!)

Next stop was Warisan Square. It's almost 9.30 pm. Most shops are closing down. I tried Charles & Keith. Luckily they closed at 10 pm. They said, third time is charmed. And when you see The One, you just know. It was perfect. And the price is right.

Here, meet my babe:

Hehe...I was beaming while strutting my stuff in these. Suddenly this week was a little bit better.

You might wonder why I keep buying black shoes? I just prefer black shoes for work. And my feet must be covered. Sandals for me, are for fun only. I don't know why I feel that way. I just do. But maybe, I'll buy a coloured one next.

Something to ponder...

I'm very interested with this program. Need to make sure there won't be any other activity on that day. To make up my mind before 14th of May.

I need to do some dusting...

both in my blog and in my home. I haven't updated my entry for so long...it's full of cyber cobwebs. In my mind there's so much I need to tell but in reality I don't have the time. And sometimes I much rather catch on my sleep ;) I wish I am one of those people that can function normally on 5 hours of sleep...

And then there's my home...if you ever want to come and visit let me know waaay in advance, like 2 hours maybe? Cause I would need to do a very very quick clean up. My home is a mess! Bono is like an indicator of the level of dustiness of my home. When his eczema starts to flare out, it's time to do some vacuuming, moping, and dusting. Oh, I'm such a lazy mum!

And then there's Bono. He should be starting on solid but I haven't bought bario rice yet. Where's to buy ah? Cannot find at CKS supermarket. I think ordinary rice also can. I must try to feed him his first bubur this week. I wanted avocado as his first solid (any reason to avoid cooking, hehe) but my hubby (being a typical old school guy) insist on rice. Haih! Try harder to find the bario rice then, my dear...

Window treatment

It's Laundry Day. Don't u love a sunny day? Look at my window:

I hang the CDs here cos it's most sunny here-and I don't have a balcony :)

So if you happen to be in the neighbourhood (BH apartments) and you see a window full of CDs, most probably it's my home.

On a lazy saturday...

It's school holiday...yabedabedooo!!! Haha...ingat student ja yang happy cuti ka? I've been surfing the net since 11 am. Found some interesting quizzes on blogthings.

#1

What's Sexy About Your Name

You Are Brainy Sexy You are sexy because you are smart. People know that there is more to you than meets the eye. You are alluring and mysterious. While many people are intrigued by you, the feeling isn't mutual. It takes a lot for someone to turn you on. First and foremost, you're only attracted to someone who's incredibly brilliant. But you just don't go for brains alone. Physical attractiveness is something you won't compromise on. You of all people can afford to be picky. You are demanding, but you are also in demand. And when someone gets you alone, you're truly amazing. Not many people get to see you in action.

#2

What Your Handbag Says About You

You tend to be relaxed throughout the day. You are naturally at peace. You are a low maintenance person. You can adapt to a variety of situations. You are open and comfortable with who you are. You don't hide anything. You are an organized and together person. You are competent and successful. Your motto is: "Be prepared." You don't like to be surprised by anything. You are a very creative person. Your life tends to be a whirlwind, but you always seem to pull it together. You are practical and down to earth. You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person.

#3

What Kind of Book Are You

You Are Humor You love to laugh at life, and if possible, get others to laugh along with you. You believe there's always a humorous side to everything. And your sense of humor ranges from upbeat to very dark. You are outrageous and very honest. You're often the only one willing to say what everyone else is thinking. You are witty and verbally talented. You like to play with words and say things in interesting ways.

Enough of them quizzes. Bono demands attention.

At 4 months

Bono is 4 months!
*at the time I started to write this post*

Current stats:
weight-6.9 kg
length-63 cm
head circumference-40 cm

He's sleeping through the night from 8pm to 5'ish am...wake up like 3-4 times for nite feeding (ala, nie senang ja, sumbat ja...hehe eksen!)...about 3 short naps per day...still love bath time, splish splashing all over the floor (I still bathe him in the living room)...is learning that shouting with high pitch voice will cause mom and dad to run to him (oh no!)...his hair is falling (and so is mine :( hmm, his pillow is full of fine hair macam bulu kucing pula...still generous with his wide gummy smile...he's drooling now...can turn over on his tummy but not the other way round yet, so he will mengamuk after some time in this position. But everytime we help him back on his back, he'll turn over immediately haiii...

Alrite, it's pics time:

Taken during his full moon...look at his skinny legs then

At 3 mo sleeping on his pink (HAH!) bouncer/rocker. A present from his aunts...hmm, where's his 2 mo pic?

Bono's cousin a.k.a the birthday girls. CNY eve dinner cum birthday celebration cum Valentine's Day celebration!

The Princess cake

Taking turn with the V-cake (odoi dogo...hehe). The cake was sponsored by my sweet SIL

On CNY day...why so serious?

Uuuh, my fav pic. Check out the kudou (eyebrows)! Photocopied from the dad.

A blurry family pic. Thanks to an intoxicated BIL.

Father & Son night when mum goes out with the ladies. I took the liberty of drawing pink sleeveless on hubby-he'll be piss off if he sees this (shhh!). Look at the sad face seeing his mum all dressed up.

While the dad was out, we had a little photo fest. I was trying to polish my photography skill :P

Hey, look at me! I could almost touch my legs

Taking a fingers-break. Must be yummy.

That's a wrap peeps. Happy weekends.

Post Note: Can you believe it took me one week to finish this post?