Our Birth Story

Little Dragon is almost 2 months old. Jeez....where did all the time go?

I am back at work and hence I have some time to update my poor abandoned blog. I wanted to write about our birth story since day one but I just couldn't find the time.

After fussing and fretting about my breech baby and method of delivery, well, I was cut in the end.
Since I wasn't showing any signs of labour up till the due date, we decided for the C-section.  After consulting the Feng Shui Master (Hey, I am Chinese..hehe...actually, it was hubby who wanted to know the auspicious timing), it was decided that the wife (me) will be butchered at 9am.

On the appointed day, I woke up at 6.30 am to get ready for the big day. Scared as hell, of course. As I was having my shower, I felt contractions which subsequently became stronger on the way to the hospital. After admission, the CTG confirmed that I was having contractions. The nurse asked if I wanted to wait and see or proceed with the C-section. At that point, I was already keen to get it over with (knowing the 'auspicious' timing and all). Also, I had already made up my mind and mentally prepared myself for a caesar. All I had wanted at that point was a calm, prepared environment for the baby's arrival. So, C-section it was.

The operating theatre was COLD but the very warm staff made it easier with their kindness. Nobody mentioned what a fat butt I had, just kidding. The anaesthesiologist was very professional. Dr B, my obstetrician who did the surgery for free was superb. While I was lying on the table, I felt very calm and well, drowsy after the spinal was given. The whole time I was praying, "Please let my baby be normal. Please cry. Please have a good Apgar. Please look like me...."

Lo and behold, my little princess came out fine. In fact, she peed all over me for her grand entrance. At that moment, I knew I was falling in love, pee and all.

Then, came the best part, recovery. Let's just say the first 2 days post C-section was f**king crazy painful and unbearable. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone to go through the same experience. Whoever recommended side nursing clearly lost their marbles. I was in so much discomfort that despite the IM pethidine, I could not breastfeed properly. Bonding? Forget about it...So, I breastfed sporadically and let the nurses feed Lil Dragon in the nursery while I rested.

I was thinking that this was another breastfeeding down the drain since she was bottle fed, even at home but hey...guess what? She breastfeeds like a charm after 2 weeks of bottle feeding. By then I was pumping regularly to build up a proper supply and supplementing with formula as needed. After 2 weeks, we were fully breastfeeding and now that I am back at work, I am able to provide enough for her. At night, we co-sleep and she breastfeeds happily. She's a booby kid, this one :)

I digress.

We were discharged by Day 3 and I was terribly excited to go home. Thank God I have a mother who had the common sense to realise that I would not survive without additional help. She managed to find a last minute confinement lady who helped out for 10 days. Boy, was she ever a help. I would have plummeted into depression if it was not for her. Her cooking was so nice I probably gained a few pounds. Also, she makes the yummiest bath water...herbs boiled with ginger and lemongrass...felt like I was in the spa.

So, thanks Mom! You really know best...

We are almost 8 weeks now and looking back, I would not have done anything differently.

Pregnancy: Jitters

I am still pregnant...sigh...and I have officially given up all hopes that my little girl is going to turn around for a normal vaginal delivery. Unless miracles really do happen....

There is still a good chance of delivering Lil Dragon vaginally since she is a frank breech and an average sized baby (smaller than Tiger who was 3.225 kg). Unfortunately, there is no sign of labour as yet. I am barely waddling! During our last scan, she weighed 2.8 kg with a slightly big head (it runs in my side of the family. Tiger's got a big head too). I made up my mind to wait until her due date, 12th of July.

If she wasn't a breech baby, I wouldn't mind going post date until she is ready see the world. Unfortunately, since she is not willing to make mama's life easier by coming out the usual manner, there is no need to prolong my misery or take any unnecessary risk.

Today, I will be reassessed if my cervix if favourable for induction of labour. Not commonly done for a breech pregnancy but since I was so adamant about a vaginal delivery, my poor gynaecologist had to go along with my crazy plan. I am sure he would much rather, cut, cut, suture, suture, and tell me "All done!"

If I am still not favourable, then I would opt for an elective c-section. Not my ideal birth plan but sometimes you just have have to bite your tongue and get on with it.

On the bright side, I have been pigging out to the max over the past one week with nightly mandatory suppers like McDs and burger Ramly; I ended up putting on 1 kilo! There is no longer the need to suppress my cravings in order to keep her small.

Lil Tiger's a little frustrated as well, probably influenced by my foul mood. You know how crazy it gets towards the end of the pregnancy.

There are days where he just turn into a lil monster by throwing things and slapping me. His appetite has been terrible to say the least since he is having a mild cold. Everything is ,"No nice!"

Other times, he reverts back to the lil angel that I know he is. Occasionally he would just suddenly hug my belly or lift up my shirt and claim, "Love mei-mei". Sometimes, when we are chilling out on the bed or couch, he would lift up HIS shirt and ask me to kiss his belly!

C-section or not, one thing I know for sure is hubby and Tiger is going to be there this time and that's all I need to be strong and brave.

Little Dragon: Nesting Part 1

I finally packed my hospital bag last night.

(Already late by my neurotic standards)

This time I am bringing my Medela single breast pump but I can't find the shield...darn!

Otherwise, I am all set.

I was telling Daddy that in case of emergency, please bring this bag to the hospital

and to remember the last-minute-stuff-note on the mirror.

He replied, "I know lar, this is not the first time, okay?"

Hmmm...

Little Dragon will be 'bunking' with us, so this is her little world for the first few months.

I would like a nursery but due to space limitations, here we are:

I am just swooning over the PINK.

After all the blue, trucks, balls and boring boy fashion, you really can't blame me....

The crib and crib bumper was Tiger's (which he used for 1 month only, brat!)

The crib bumper is for aesthetic purpose until she is able to roll over.

So, come, baby, come...but just turn around first, pleeaaase....

Little Dragon: Failed External Cephalic Version

Little Dragon is now 37 weeks POG and still a breech! :(

When a kind elderly told me that Dragons and Dogs (me) don't get along, I refused to belief. Now, I am starting to. Sigh... I already have a feeling that this little baby doll is going to be a feisty one and she is trying to prove me right. Today, we attempted to perform an external cephalic version (ECV) to try to turn her around so that Mommy could have a normal vaginal delivery. Nope, stubborn as a bull, she refused to budge.

I had a feeling that the ECV was going to fail. Maternal instinct?

The procedure itself was tolerable. (I think Lil Dragon inherited the stubbornness from me ^.^)

I was supposed to fast after breakfast but I umm, took a banana before leaving for the hospital.

Then, we did a CTG to make sure the baby's heart was strong and steady.

They inserted a gigantic branula for the IV bricanyl to relax the uterine muscles. (That was more painful than the procedure itself. I have a fear of needles)

Then, two very experienced specialist attempted to turn my little girl many, many times because I was so adamant.

In the end, she did not move at all and I ended up with a lot skin abrasions and bruises.

After the procedure, I slept for three hours (exhausted!!) and woke up with a sore abdomen....huuhuu...

Right now, I have pretty much made up my mind for an assisted breeched delivery because:

1. I really do not want to have a Caesarean unless my baby's threatened in any way. It is is not right.

2. She is a small one at 2.4 kg.

3. She is an extended breech baby which hopefully means her buttocks would descend first. (Lesser chance for cord prolapse or foot presentation)

4. I really, really do not want to be butchered.

The best part of the day was meeting the kind staff nurse who took care of me during my first delivery. She remembered every little detail including the fact that my epidural failed at 8cm dilatation. Wow! When she told me that she believe that I could do a vaginal breech delivery because I was so determined when I was pushing Tiger, I was on the brink of crying.

In the mean time, fingers crossed that this lil monkey will miraculously decide to turn. I will be extremely good and pray a lot in the mean time...

Preparing For Lil Dragon's Arrival

After posts and posts on schooling, I had a gnawing sensation that something was amiss.

Then I realised what the problem was. There are still too many things that I was ill prepared for.

After having Tiger, I knew I would love for him to have a sibling and for our family to be a little bigger.
Now, 32 weeks along, I am starting to worry a little about the second childbirth. I never really experienced labour pain since I had the epidural the first time for induction of labour indicated for post date baby with suspected meconium aspiration. Well, I did feel the pain for 5 minutes when the epidural failed at 8cm dilatation and they gave me a shot of pethidine. Everything went downhill from then. I was groggy through out the pushing and Tiger was drugged and floppy at birth. So attachment and bonding was a failure from birth.

Then, there are the frivolous issues of the baby's dresser, cot, bedding colours, arrangement, etc. You get the idea...

Of course, then I started thinking about Tiger's preschool. To hold on or enrol for toddler class? What if MIL could not cope with two little munchkins?

My live-in help is hopeless with children as she is only in charged of cleaning. I would never allow her to carry the baby. Mind you, she breaks faucets and doors. Yup, don't ask how or why.

There, it's all out.... I a mess of a worry wart.

So, I've decided to list them out so that I can tackle the problem one at a time. Easy peasy...I hope....

Mommy:
To complete shopping list
To go through birth plan 

Newborn checklist:

Red: Done
Blue: To-do

Clothing:

• 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
• 5 pairs of pants
• 2 newborn hats
• 8 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
• Laundry detergent for infants
• A bunch of other totally unnecessary but utterly adorable stuff

Blankets

• 6 receiving blankets

Feeding

• My boobs
• Burp cloths
• Breast pump
• Milk storage containers
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Lotion for sore nipples
• To get the new breast shield for pumps
• Milk warmer (for upstairs)
• 6 five-ounce bottles with nipples
• Bottle and nipple brush
• Formula
• Thermal bottle carrier
• Fenugreek

Diapering

• 1 bag of newborn size Mamypoko.
• 2 bags of S size Mamypoko
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash
• Disposable wipes

Bathtime

• 1 plastic infant tub
• 12 washcloths
• Baby soap or cleanser
• Baby shampoo
• Baby soft-bristled hair brush
• 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime 

• Rearrange and clean master bedroom
• Approved crib and crib mattress
• 3 waterproof mattress covers
• 4 fitted crib sheets

Other necessities

• Car seat
• Bean bag for feeding
• Playpen
• Sling or baby carrier
• Diaper bag
• 1 or 2 change pads
• 2 or 4 pacifiers
• Rattles and other baby toys
• Mobiles
• Night light

Daddy:
Hmmph...

Last night, I asked him, "Are you ready for the little girl? Are you alright with the baby co-sleeping?"

He replied (with a straight face),"She has my permission to sleep in the room."

@.@

Tiger was a terror for the first three months of life, with erratic sleep patterns. Luckily I had a confinement lady and dear MIL to help me survive. Now with a second one and a pampered hubby, it's going to be a different ball game.

So, it is going to take a lot of training for the both of us and we will survive, I hope... :p

Little Tiger:
He is the most important part of my planning/worrying:

Preparation/talking about the baby:
Tiger's only almost two. So far, I have been telling him that "mei-mei" is sleeping in Mommy's belly, when the time's right, she will be out.
Tiger's been pressing my belly button, asking mei-mei to come out @.@
Whenever I ask "Do you love mei-mei?" He would nod vigorously.

Make a baby book/bibliography for Tiger to talk about his babyhood

Get picture books and a baby doll for pretend play. I hope he gets the realistic idea that the baby isn't going to be an instant play date.

Visit AshleyprettiMommy, my sis who is expecting her second baby anytime now so that he gets the idea of how the newborn would look like and behave.

During delivery:

I have chosen to deliver as close to home as possible so that Tiger can be around when mei-mei arrive, well unless my little girl decides to pop out in the middle of the night.


Post delivery:

Gift exchange between mei-mei and Tiger

Remind visitors to say "Hi" to Tiger first before oohing over the sister.

Prepare busy bags/boxes for guests to present to Tiger. Also, easier on guests' wallets :)

While breastfeeding:
1. Read to Tiger
2. Sing songs
3. Ipad (yeah, I know)
4. Tiger's toy box filled with some of his fav toys so that he can play near by

Tot School/right brain:
Right now, my best bet is to continue with Brillkid's program.
I am still working on this. I will have to plan WAAAAYYYY ahead.
I am hoping that Tiger would be more of a reader by then so that it is easier to just make book baskets.
As of themed learning, I may have to put that on hold for a while until we settle into a new rhythm.
Crafting and art will have to wait as well :(

Tweedlewink/Kinderbeat/Ditoso:
Update: MIL has agreed to accompany Tiger to his classes until Mommy's strong enough. Btw, I am not doing confinement this time.


Okay, that's the list for now. I have just burdened myself with more work than I started with :p

Wish me luck!

Letter: Tiger's 22 months and Dragon's 29 weeks

Dear Tiger,

Time for another letter, my love.

Despite the fact that I try to capture glimpses of your childhood as much as I can, I still feel like I am failing in so many places and losing out to time.

In 2 months, you will be 2 years old. TWO!! It's the hormones wrecking my tear ducts...*wipes tears*

When I am old and wrinkly, I can imagine myself going through our blog and reading about our crazy adventure in homeschooling. How proud I am that you love to learn.

I just want to make a note here that it is NOT about the fact that you know your A to Z or that you love numbers. It is our special Mommy-Tiger bonding time. It is here in your study room that I sit in a corner and watch you as you put together puzzles, learn your words or simply gleeful from making a mess. It's just different from being anywhere else.

You always make me smile and laugh. I was just thinking the other day, if one kid gives me such happiness, I really can't wait for another to join us :)

I must admit that I am happiest when I see you dance and sing in your goofy manner, espcially when you sing The Planet Song where you stick your tongue out after getting tongue-tied from reciting the planets so quickly. It always sounded like this "eee-ry, ehehehehhehehehehehheeh, Neptune!"

Grandma love watching you perform to the Push and Pull song, where you will fall to the ground, then get up quickly to jump. Then you will spin round and round and blow like the wind.

At 22 months, you surprise me daily with new words like: dark, wear, hold, put, feet. You are calling all beverages soup.

Your fav phrase at the moment is, "Uh-oh, who? *Tiger*

Here are some of my fav moments with you:

Naming the planets, at least ten times a day

 When I asked for a smile, you gave me this:

Surprised!

Copying the ELC expression flashcards

<<< >>>

Dear Little Dragon,

Currently, we are at 29 weeks POG and Mommy's enlarging in all directions...hehe

You are quite the jabber cum kicker.

Already, you are making waves :)

We had a 3D scan last week and I thought you looked like me, until

Daddy said you were alien-like.

 =.="

Yeah, I felt like kicking him then. Not that I am a violent person...

Can't wait to meet you when the moment arrives...

PS: I really hope you look like me...hehe

<<< >>>

At 29 weeks:

Appetite: Increasing (bad news)

Waistline: history

Weight: 54.5kg

Sex drive: Nil...LOL!

With lotsa LOVE,

Mommy

Little Dragon: 21 weeks

This was my appointment with my gynae last week:

Dr B  : Aaah, 20 weeks. How's everything?
Me    : Great
Dr B  : You have gained 2 kgs. That's good.
Me    : Weak smile
Dr B  : Blood results look fine. A little anemic.
Me    : Hmm hmm
Dr B  : Do you want to know the sex?
Me:   : YES PLEASE!
Dr B  : Parameters are appropriate. Very active.
Me    : (Praying & chanting) No bird bird, no bird bird...
Dr B  : Looks like you are having a girl!
Me    : YEEESSSSS! (with fist pumps and all)
Dr B  : Smiles. 99% a girl
Me    : Raise one eye brow. Huh?
Dr B  : It's a girl
Me    : Stupid grin

Called hubs stat:

Me    : I just had my scan. Baby's fine.
Hubs : Boy or girl?
Me    : Excuse me. That's not the point of the ultrasound. I am not telling yooouuuuu....
Hubs : From your voice, I can tell it's a girl, okay?
Me    : Darn it...

Called mom, called sis, etc

We are having a baby girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited, my brain's gone pink :)

Seriously.

Little Dragon: 18 weeks

Little Dragon is about 18 weeks now (about 5 1/2 inches long) and he or her is still a mystery in terms of gender =)

I am starting to feel some small movements especially at night. Tiger was a superb hiccup-per towards the end, I wonder if Little Dragon's the same?

My belly's growing at an astounding rate and I have just a hint of waistline left. Most of my normal clothes no longer fit, which means clothes shopping, a lot...hah!

Differences between this pregnancy and the first:

1. I was telling hubs the other day that I feel bad about not feeling preggy all the time, kinda like ignoring my poor little Dragon. I feel like an old-timer, not re-thinking about every little decision I make. In other words, I feel a lot calmer and ready.

2. MORE SEX., enough said. When I was carrying Tiger, we did not have sex for the first 5-6 months *faint*  This time, I made it clear that we are having sex, day and night, if I want to. Yeah, pregnancy makes people horny...

3. I am not going ga-ga over baby products. Feels like a been-there-done-that thingy.

4. We have decided on baby names =)

If we are having a girl: Isabelle

If Dragon's a boy: *Ian (Hubs thinks it cool to name his kid after legendery Ian Rush of Liverpool team)

*Subject to change

Weight: 48.5 kg

Appetite: Crazy!! ...but I am trying to control myself. I really want to be a hot momma..

Skin: Drier. I am using Rosken: Dry Skin Repair. Love it! Forget Palmer's....not mosturising enough.

Boobs: C cup

Butt: M size (Can't zip my size 's' shorts)



Little Dragon: 14 weeks

I am fourteen weeks along today and my Little Dragon is supposedly the size of a lemon. He or she is now kung-fu fighting with his/her flexible arms. Hey, my ancestors are from China, so don't mess with us.

Physically, I can palpate the top of my uterus and my boobs are growing proportionately. The last time I had Tiger, the 'girls' were out of control or maybe it is because I am already used to having them a little larger since having Tiger? Currently, I am still 48 kilos (Thank heavens). My weight will probably creep up steadily now that I am not nauseated or vomity.

Emotionally, I am a little temperamental. For example, I hate it when drivers cut into my lane and I swear a lot when I am driving. The other day, while driving in Klang, I refused a man in a rusty Datsun to cut into my lane. I was in his blind spot and he nearly drove into my car. So, I honked and refused to slow down for him. As a result, I had gotten the international sign of "f**k off" ie, his middle finger. What an ass!
Yeah, some Klang people are pretty idiotic. I would know, I'm from Klang. What kind of name is Klang anyway?

In conclusion, I am a dangerous driver now, so stay out the f*** out of my lane. (Told you I have a problem with swearing). Maybe just out of performing my civic duty, I should hang a sign in my car that says:

Stay Away! Pregnant Woman Driving!

I thank you, God for making the second trimester easier. Besides a daily dose of migraine, I am pretty much symptom free which means I will be out in full force until I become seriously whale-like. So, watch out...there is a mad, fat, swearing, dangerous pregnant woman driving in the roads near you...


World peace



XOXO

A Little Dragon On The Way: 12 weeks

It's official...I am about to become a hippo again ^.^

Yup, we have a Little Dragon in the oven. Woohoo!!

That explains the tiredness and the license for laziness on my part. Totally legitimate...

I am excited, of course but I am definitely not looking forward to doubling my width. Also, I am moving and thinking at sloth speed which I cannot bear.

I am not going to pretend I love being pregnant, I absolutely hate it. Aesthetics aside, there are all the medical complications that may occur at every step of the way. It's like threading a minefield. Paranoia and OCD are some of the side effects of being in the medical field.

I am trying my level best to spend more time with Tiger before the baby's arrival.

Currently, he pats my little 12-weeks bulge when I ask him to sayang (love) his mei-mei (little sister). Yes, I am a little desperate for a little girl. I have a lot of explaining to do if his mei-mei ends up with a penis.



Progress (a la Bridget Jones)

Gestation: 12 weeks

Weight: 48 kg

Cravings: Non

Nausea : Gone

Boobs: Enlarging

Waistline: Disappearing

Sex drive: Off the charts (Ha ha!)