A Bead in My Nose

by Tiger

Hello, aunties and uncles. I am pseudo blogging today because mama is very angry at me for getting a bead in my right nostril.

I know she trusts me with tiny things like googly eyes and nuts and stuff but the Montessori golden bead is too shiny and cute. I had to sniff it. I like to sniff things, I don't know why. I know it could be dangerous but I can always get it out later, right? I will just sniff it gently...here goes nothing....

*SNIFF*

Holy bananas, there is one in my nose....I can't get it out. Let's not panic and tell mama calmly, she's my Doc Mcstuffin, she can fix this.

"Mama, there is a bead in my nose. Cannot come out" (These were my exact words and I doubt Mama will ever forget it)

I saw mama's face turned white and the smile on her face replaced by a a frown. This is bad.

I tear up.

Mama grabbed my hands, looked up my nose and she cursed. I cannot tell you what she said, but it was a bad word. Then she shouted, "OMG! #$$#$%% Why did you do that?"

She counted the beads. Nine. Obviously, mama. One is in my nose. Ten minus one bead in my nose is NINE! I can count! Mama didn't praise me. She looks really worried and ANGRY. Oh shit, I am going to cry. Maybe she will be less angry if I cry

"DON'T CRY! Do you want the bead to go deeper?"

I stopped crying immediately.

She ran around looking for the nose bulb. She tried sucking it out using her mouth, I hated that. She gave me pepper to make me sneeze but SHE sneezed instead. Haha! In the end she took me to the hospital.

I don't understand what the fuss is all about. I am okay, mama. I can breathe. In fact, I would really like some chocolate now.

"NO CHOCOLATE"

Ooops, okay. I will just sit very still.

At the hospital, mama tried to remove it with something called a yonker and she vacuumed my nose. The bead is as stubborn as me. After 30 minutes, she gave up and called another doctor to help me. We went for some cendol while we waited for him. At this point, I love papa more because he didn't yell at me or told everyone that I have a big nose but she just couldn't get it out.

Uncle's room had a nice blue chair that went up and down. I sat on mama's lap while he looked inside my nose. In one second, it was out. I WASN'T SCARED AT ALL. I  WAS SO BRAVE. Mama said I should be sacred. She is confusing me.

Overall, it was a great day for me even though I missed my nap, cancelled a trip to the seed playground, exhausted mama and papa, made the nice uncle with the up-and-down chair come on a Sunday, and scared everyone. I even got a toy egg with a car inside. Oh, and mama promised me a Cars puzzle.

At night, before bed, mama asked me if I will put stuff inside my nose again. I said no but she wasn't convinced. So she said very seriously, "Sweetie, do that again next time and I will cut open your nose"

I believed her, so I said, "I won't do it again"

She said I love you and that she was angry because she had higher expectations of my intelligence. On the other hand she was glad that I am a little more adventurous and curious.

Mama, stop it with the confusing statements already....sigh. I am only four. I am allowed to be mischievous and naughty. I love you very much, mama. You are still my best friend. And I get it, no more stuffing/sniffing things up my nose.

Before I forget, here's my souvenir from the whole experience.

Regards, Tiger.

Health: Post MMRV Reaction

Please note that I am not dispensing medical advise via this blog.

Any child who is ill must be reviewed by a medical professional. A complete history and physical examination is crucial in reaching proper diagnosis.

Both my kids have never develop post vaccination reaction. Not even a small swelling.

Here is our first.

I gave Lil Dragon her MMRV (Priori-Tetrax- GSK) jab on the evening of 2nd August 2013. A week after that she woke up with these small maculo-papular lesions on her face and a swollen left eye. First thing MIL said was, "Mosquito bites."  Rubbed some Lucas Papaw on the lesions, praying for them to be bites but nothing miraculous happened.

 

She was still her usual cheeky self, so I decided to go ahead with our weekend getaway. I just packed some extra anti-pyretics into our medicine bag, just in case. I will write another post on our medical bag's content.

The boobs came in handy..I no longer carry my pumps like the previous Hari Raya break when we stayed at The Majestic Hotel, Malacca. Now, she just DL. Ladies, please do try to breastfeed, you will thank me later. A soother, a pacifier, food, medicine, fluids all rolled into one travel convenient package.

 

We went for a swim and she was the first to run towards the wading  pool. She was laughing, kicking and splashing; unlike Tiger who cried and cried when we first introduced him to a pool.

Later that evening, she developed fever. MIL complained that it was the 'swimming'. Bah...I just gently suggested that it was most likely the vaccination. In anticipation that MMRV is likely to cause febrile seizures, I put her on regular anti-pyretics for the next 24 hours. The fever was well-controlled and it was gone with the rash within 36 hours.

Here she is, the next morning. All better. I am sharing this because I know a lot of parents are worried about the MMR vaccination. The most important factor here is your role as an informed parent. Do the right thing.

A little on MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) and MMRV (plus varicella)

At 1 year old, the MOH offers MMR vaccination. Varicella (Chickenpox) or the combination (MMRV) form is only available in private healthcare centers.

When you opt for MMRV, you are saving the child from one extra prick but at the same time, the child has a higher risk of developing high grade fever within 42 days post vaccination. Commonest at 5-12 days. Febrile seizure may or may not occur.

Common Myths:

MMR vaccinations do not cause autism. Period.  
The Lancet published a study by Mr. Andrew Wakefield, MD (previously Dr) that stated that the combined MMR vaccine was linked to autism. However, investigations proved that Wakefield’s research was fraud, unfounded and biased. The Lancet itself withdrew the article and Wakefield lost his medical licence.

Breastfeeding replaces vaccination. 
Passive immunity from mommy comes in the form of IgG via the placenta and last about 6-8 months for your baby. After that, your baby is no longer protected. In order to give them active immunity, man created vaccination. That man would be Edward Jenner who saved the world from smallpox. Vaccination basically imitates an infection which will cause production of IgG for further protection. Occasionally, boosters may be needed like the DPT shots.

Now, breastfeeding on the other hand provides protection in the from of IgA.
It means that if you breastfeed but do not vaccinate your child, he or she may still get chickenpox but breastfeeding will make it less serious.

Risks and responsiblities
For parents who are against vaccinations. Sigh....for the sake of their children, I hope that 'herd immunity'  protects them for as long as possible.
Every medication comes with risk, even paracetamol.

So, the most important step for you as a parent is to empower yourself with knowledge BUT do not be the doctor. Always seek professional opinion instead of posting silly questions on FB.

Get the correct information from:
1. CDC: For parents. Understand how vaccines work, misconception, risks, etc

Health: Choosing A Water Filter

I have been scouring the internet for more information on water standards in Malaysia and the types of point-of-use water filter available. Of course, thrown into the mix would be budget, maintenance and hopefully fuss-free (reliability) in the long run.

The water quality in Malaysia has always been bad but it is deteriorating to dismal level as indicated here.I cannot understand how some people in Malaysia can live in big houses but try to save money on water quality.

Previously, I have been using Diamond Classic filter but after much consideration, here are the reasons why I have decided to terminate my contract with Diamond water.

1. There was no deposit but installation itself came up to more than RM1000. Like I said, I was ignorant.
2. Monthly fee for indoor unit. RM83/month. So, in three years, we paid RM2988.
3. The contract states 3 years free maintenance but in REAL LIFE, they only change the filter for you in the first 2 years, the total cost of the filters was less than RM1000. In the third year, when you are required to change four filters, amounting to more than RM1000, you have to renew your contract. So CLEVER!
4. If I were to renew my contract, my new fee would be ONLY RM65 per month. (again, SO CLEVER!) In three years, it will amount to RM2340.

If I were to be so stupid and renew my contract, for six years of not that superior water, I would have to pay RM5328 + RM 1000 (installation) and the machine is still NOT MINE!!!!! So SAD :(

Out of the six filters, only two are certified.  
Diamond uses carbon filter but doesn't effectively remove harmful contaminants. Reports and news from Taiwan and Hong Kong claimed they have made false claims and banned them.

So, I set on a quest to find a new one.


WHAT DO YOU WANT IN A WATER FILTER? 
What I am looking for in my system is disinfection and purification.
Alkalinazation, I am not convinced about the effect. Your stomach is acidic, for what? Kill bacteria and whatnot. Then you are taking alkaline water for what? Neutralize the stomach acid? Sorry, don't see the logic here.
Coway - RO water. Meaning it removes every single impurity up to minerals - so your water is mineral free. Can't eliminate virus. Mineral free water causes joint pains after years of consumption. Not very good in the long run.
The only way to kill bacteria without boiling the water is ultraviolet. I don't trust ceramic.

Now that I know what I want, which one to buy?


WHAT ARE THE BRANDS YOU TRUST?
1. ESTABLISHED BRAND (It is afterall an investment)
2. EASY TO PURCHASE
3. SIMPLE TO MAINTAIN
4. CONVENIENT TO GET SPARE PARTS
5. SELF SERVICE. NO NEED TO RELY ON SALESPERSON TO CHANGE PARTS
6. ARE THE FILTERS CERTIFIED BY NSF? 
Since I am no expert, I referred to these sites NSF and WQANSF independently tests, audits, certifies, trains and consults for the food, water, health science, sustainability and consumer product sectors.

So, my options were:

Picture from amway2u.com

1. Amway Espring.
Exorbitant pricing. RM3000 plus :(
Filter change every 6-12 monthly (RM500 per filter)
Certification: NSF 42,53 & 55


2. Aquasana AQ 4000
Price RM 790. Filter change every 1000 gallon. 6-12 monthly: RM 339
Certification: NSF 43 and 53
This is a well established brand in the states. I really, really wanted to get this but...

Customer service was really bad. Reliability is out but that was then. You will have to do more research to see if they have upgraded their customer service.
3. Philips UV water purifier WP3892/01 UV Class A Intellifill
When researching on this model, I was told it had been discontinued. I called Harvey Norman and confirmed with PHILIPS. Don't argue with me saying its still in the market.

Similar to Espring for a fraction of the price.

4. Panasonic TK7585
A friend recommended this. 
Rm1799 at Harvey Norman but hmmm, I want a bug killer, not alkaline ionizer.
Filter/cartridge: RM 175

5. Coway:
I like the hot water and beauty of the design for petit and mach but how to kill bacteria with just ceramic. Not sure if its fortified ceramic or not.
NSF 53


In the end, I bought the Espring with a 12 month installment plan in July 2012. To purchase the Espring, I registered to be an Amway member and was forced to pay RM90 for a beginner sales kit. WTH?

Update June 2013: Changed the filter once after 11 months. Love the beep beep function that basically tells you that the filter is dying on you, please change.

Picture from Amway.com

Update Nov 2013: The rubber pipes/tubings cracked and leaked after 14 months. (indicated by orange arrow). I wrapped it with silver foil and plumber's tape to prolonged its lifespan. Otherwise, you may have to replace it every 4 months if exposed to sunlight. They cost about rm 43, which I have yet to pay my sister. I used her account because mine expired and I don't intend to renew.

I am still using Diamond's outdoor filter simply because I am used to its backwash function. Each time I back wash, the water is dark brown, rusty and disgusting. Note that I am doing it and not my husband.

Update March 2014: Replaced cartridge and filter by myself! The whole time I was stressed about damaging the damn thing. This time it only lasted 10 months. I blame SYABAS for providing Selangor with filthy water. Disgusting money sucking water concessionaires.

April 2015: Replaced filter and cartridge. Lasted 13 months in a household of 4 adults and 2 kids :) 
Must be partly due to the fact that I changed the outdoor filter too.


.

Health: Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

Poor Tiger's caught the Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).

I am having some oral ulcers too but none of the other symptoms. I have been exposed to HFMD constantly in the infectious unit for years which makes it quite unlikely that I may have it.  Although, being pregnant does make my immune system a total wuss.

Given the incubation period 3-5 days, he must have caught it in:

1. Mothercare, Bangsar Shoping Village
OR
2. Toys R Us, KLCC
OR
3. Tweedlewink
OR
4. Mommy

Since Prettichubbi's alright, we can rule out Bangsar. Both his Tweedlewink classmate are also fine.  That means KLCC or Mommy!

Just as his previous two influenza and one roseola infections, he is handling his current ordeal pretty well.
His mouth was probably ulcerated since Wednesday morning as he kept poking it with his fingers and refusing solid food. Then, he developed high-grade fever on Wednesday afternoon but still well enough to play with his ipad =.="

The rashes broke out that night itself, mostly on his feet and palms. By Thursday, the rash had spread to his knees and elbows with several vesicles. Today, the rash is drying up and he is pretty much fever free.

Luckily for me, he is still taking his milk despite the pain. He actually refused Haagen Daaz!
He is still a little monkey, jumping all over and asking for 'school' all the time. So, I have no worries about him developing any life threatening complications such as myocarditis, meningitis, encephalitis or dehyration.

Since HFMD is a viral infection, I just forced him to take lots of fluids and adequate amount of ibuprofen when the fever is >38 C. A little fever is good until it turns your child into a tantrum/whiny monster. Another 5 days till the storm blows over.....

Hopefully, my Little Dragon is alright too but being in mid pregnancy, it is quite unlikely for any malformations/miscarriage. It is also not contagious to Little Dragon as I am not about to push her out anytime soon.

Another bump in the journey of motherhood.



On Day 2 of illness.




Links on HFMD:
I linked the Malaysian guidelines first because outbreaks are commoner in South East Asian countries. Sarawak is famous for the 1997 outbreak.

HFMD Clinical Practice Guideline (MOH)
http://jknns.moh.gov.my/doc/cdc/Hand%20Food%20and%20Mouth%20Deasease%20(HFMD)%20Guidelines.pdf

HFMD Guidelines (Sarawak Health Department): more parent friendly
http://www.sarawak.health.gov.my/hfmd.htm

CDC

 

Health: Brushing with Toothpaste Containing Flouride or Not?

I have attempted to brush Tiger's teeth several times in the past.

He's had his molars since 4 months..

He would suck on the rubber bristle (thinking that it was food) and throw the brush away.

I bought the Pigeon brand set of three (6-36 months) loooong ago.

I love that it came with a shield to prevent Tiger from eliciting his gag reflex.

I research practically everything before I buy them for Tiger, in this case toothpaste as well.

I check for parental feedback on his stuff on Amazon.com before I make a purchase.

Save a lot of money this way.

There has been a lot debate on the fluoride issue.

Here's the gist of what I found:

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that also happens to prevent tooth decay. Hence it is added into toothpaste.

Is there fluoride in Malaysian water?

In Malaysia, our water has undergone fluoridation since 1972. Thanks to Singapore. It is a long story....

Anyways, our local levels are targeted at 0.7 ppm (ppm/part per million is like 1 sen in RM 10,000, so it is very little). This is also the level recommended by the CDC, Atlanta.

Why do we need fluoride in our water?

It is the cheapest & effective way to prevent tooth decay in all ages. Not everyone can afford toothpaste, you know?

You can read more from the Malaysian Malaysian Association

Anyway, is our water fluoride within the safe limit?

According to a published study done in 2009 by Syazwan et al

They found that the fluoride levels in Selangor (where I live) is at 0.71 plus minus. 

I hope nothing changed too drastically in the past 3 years.

What happens if there is too much fluoride?

If it is a little too much, you may get some not so appealing white spots/streaks on your teeth.

It is way over the moon too much, like in some regions of China where fluoride is high naturally, you can get bony deformities.

How the heck do our children get too much fluoride then?

By swallowing toothpaste containing fluoride! In Malaysia, most of the junior brands contain fluoride. I also remember swallowing quite a lot of KODOMO, especially the strawberry flavoured ones.

So, it is recommended that you use one pearl size glob of toothpaste, twice a day and make sure your kiddo SPIT it out! Then your kiddo should be alright =)

Update: 

Pureen brand has toothpaste for kids that is fluoride free. Price: RM 2.80 only for 40g. 

Reader, Jade recommended First Teeth BUT so it was RM25! Almost 10x the price *faint*. Since the Pureen Brand has been approved by Malaysian Dental Association, I guess it wouldn't be that bad. 

Teach your kid to spit. When they are pros at spitting, then switch to flouride toothpaste. Common sense la.

There is a new children's dental clinic opening soon in EMPIRE shopping gallery next to Toys R Us. Will write a review after we visit. Children are encouraged to see the dentist for annual check-ups after the age of two. (American Paediatrician Association)

Check your water filtration system and see if filters out flouride. We are using Espring, so flouride is spared.

Brush!

Finally getting it!

Cleaning his tongue too ^.^

How to Calm A Sick, Cranky Little Tiger

Tiger is sick agin :(

Thanks to Daddy's terrible viral infection, now I have two babies in the house.

Tiger has had remitting fever for the past two days now and it peaked last night. This is his fourth infection.

Isn't it the worst when your kid is ill and you feel bad but you are unable to take away the boo boo?

At 2.30am, he was running a temperature, I gave him paracetamol but he was still burning at 3.30am. All he wanted was to be hugged and put down at the same time.

Hmmm, so we had 2 Vitamin C gummy bears in the wee hours of the morning. Then I fed him with some ibuprofen.

Guess what finally made my Little Tiger calm down?

Yup, he wanted to draw and play school at 4am. After he filled up the paper, he proceeded to 'tattoo' himself and his jammies. That's how we calm a sick, cranky kid in our house. Weird, I know.

He has been ill for a few days now and still insist on schooling. Must say I am proud of him :)

Hmmm, poor Tiger. Get well soon, OK?

Happy Mid Autumn Festival + *Drip drip*

Happy Mid Autumn Festival to all Chinese and all who enjoy playing with lanterns, fire and make believe cooking. 

We celebrated with Little J and Aunty Sharon last Wednesday. Here are some pictures:

Checking out the paper lantern. A few were destroyed before we started :p

Clapping his hands to 'Happy Birthday'

Aunty Sharon singing to him, hence the clapping

Happy memories were not the only things we went home with. Little J gave us all the FLU BUG!! That's why there is a *drip drip*

 Little Tiger sniffing away

Guess my breastfeeding doesn't trump all :)
This is our 2nd influenza attack. It's not too bad except he is a little cranky at night. He's refusing milk but takes any other junk well o.O

Just a note on influenza vaccination. These are the latest update on guidelines from Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Published online August 18, 2011.

You can get the influenza vaccine for free at your nearest Klinik Kesihatan

MOH Tel   : 03-8883 3888 
Or you can get it at any GP/paediatric clinic

Children:

• Children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years require 2 doses of influenza vaccine, at least 1 month apart, during their first vaccination season. 
• Subsequently, they may receive 1 dose annually

Pregnant ladies:

• Vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk for illness in the mother as well as the risk of influenza and influenza hospitalization in their infants during the first 6 months of life.

We have completed G for goat/farm week. On to H for hammer/tools. Will share more tomorrow.

That's all. Must run back to wipe Tiger's nose!

How to lose your post baby flab?

When I first found out that I was pregnant with Tiger, the first thing I did was to run out to get Palmer's body oil and tons of body butter. Yes, I am so vain and shallow. I was petrified of stretch marks. My mum had it, so that means genetically I was screwed. Did I get it? YES...damn those body oil. On the other hand my sister who was super lazy and never did a thing didn't get a single line or dot....WTF!!??

Well, the truth was because I am a shorty ( I'm only 5 ft 3') and the fact that I had put on a whopping 17 kg during my pregnancy, it was really just a nutter's fantasy to think that I would be spared. Was it bad? Nah, Just at the suprapubic area. Can still wear my bikini but high cut la. Did I lose all the 17 kg? Yes!! And honestly I didn't do much. Not a single diet program or exercise. Ha ha. What I did was absolutely free and anybody can do it. 

Just suck it up and breastfeed your baby. I tried very hard and failed to breast feed Tiger directly. My Tiger, like his namesake was a feisty little dude. He simply refused to latch on. I had to supplement with formula but that's ok. Finally I resorted to fully expressing my breast milk.  I think breastfeeding is like ballroom dancing, if one partner has 2 left feet, it just isn't going to work. It's lots of work of pumping, washing the pump parts, sterilizing, warm up the milk, feed the baby, wash the bottles...arrgghh...but, happy baby = sane mummy.

Well, Tiger's 14 months now and I am still expressing.

Benefit of breastfeeding so far:

He's gotten viral fever once but fed well and was active despite high grade fever. It was over in 4 days. Occasional diarrhea and mild eczema during teething. Otherwise, height and weight is 50th to 75th centile.

Developmentally, he's about 18 month old, so I guess that's good.

Mummy get to save money on formula. Enfa formula is damn expensive..

Mummy lost all the chubbiness of pregnancy.BONUS!!

This is why I breastfeed :)




3 months post baby: still fat at 55 kg



Tiger's 1 year old: back to 47 kg!!
Note to self. Arms still flabby

 The saying, 9 months up, 9 months down was so true for me. Well, I am just grateful to be able to wear all my old clothes except the button shirts. Some areas are still big, which is a bonus too.

So ladies if you are too busy or lazy to exercise, simply breastfeed or like my case, express! A lot of women I know lost their baby weight this way and I am living proof :)


Update  Oct 2012:

It is the battle against the dreaded post baby weight again. Since I gained 12 kilos this pregnancy, at 3 months post partum, I am 50 kgs.  I am still too lazy/tired to exercise and this time I am breastfeeding exclusively. Fingers crossed that I will lose all the weight again. Another 2 kilos to go....gambateh!!