...

I am moving!

2009-01-27T23:18:00.004+08:00

Ok guys, this will be the last entry that I will be writing in for izzul-haq blogspot. Not that I am too caught up with school and giving up blogging... although close enough...haha.. Basically we are moving to a new address: baby-pedia.blogspot.com
I will still share updates about Izzul but we will have a better range of topics and discussion going. Plus, my hubby will be part of it too. SO you can hear stories from both sides of the coin. That will be interesting. ANyway, I already went for my 5th month check up :) wanna know? go check it out at baby-pedia.blogspot.com

Thanks for all your support all this while and hope that you all stay in tune and continue o support tIBG and baby-pedia.

Warm regards,
Masrurah

2nd trimester = 1st trimester + heavier tummy

2009-01-20T07:27:00.003+08:00

I may be only a week away from my 5th month, but I can still feel the nausea and pukey feeling creeping up my throat nowadays. My schoolmates mostly commented on my small tummy compared to my other friend who was already 6 months. And it is definitely true. Even compared with my first, this time around, I am still able to squeeze into some of my non-pregnancy blouses. Well, each pregnancy will be different. That's what I gather so far.. and it does not necessarily get better. I hope that does not apply to labour pains too.
IBG latest updates: We're extending distributorship to fellow friends, relatives, acquaintances, etc.... It applies to all our Baby Kaed collection and if you are able to clinch a sale, 15% will go to your pocket. We thought it's a great way to help each other out in bad times.
Hope to hear from you guys soon!

Dance school for "playschool'?

2009-01-12T22:34:00.003+08:00

I just can't remember what made me so tied up that I couldn't write in. Although the new semester has already kicked in, work load is still light. What is the latest with Izzul then? He dances funny. Seriously. It is so bad that I am considering sending him to dance school. Any song whether RnB, Hip Hop or High5 song comes up, he just shakes his head right to left. He looks just like his chanting. He is a disgrace to our family especially coming from a background of back-up dancers for Step Up ;)
Anyhow, I love snuggling with Izzul. He is sleeping right now but while typing, I just feel like resting in bed right beside him. Guys don't fancy the snuggling thing so Izzul is a good avenue...hehe.. But I think sometimes he felt suffocated too.
Oh before I forget. I would like to apologise to those out there who had send enquiries for some of our Baby Kaed Collection but we don't have any on hand. We promise to bring in more in the near weeks to come. Shall keep you all updated.
Have a good cuddled night!

Back to school... Pallas Jazz.

2009-01-05T13:58:00.002+08:00

So I am back in school. I am not entirely thrilled to be back but I am not too reluctant about it either. I guess I have to “berpijak pada bumi yang nyata”, be realistic that I will have to continue to work for the next few years. And I am being hopeful when I say a few more years.
Well, we attended a one year old birthday party at Gymboree yesterday. Imagine 8 to 10 kids below the age of 5 years olds getting together. Major mayhem. But it was hilarious and fun for us too.
So we parents talked among ourselves, sharing ideas on where to send our little ones now that they are almost old enough to attend childcare. So many questions ran across my mind. Which childcare to send to? But first, what is my aim sending him to 'school' that early? To interact only, to have a headstart academically? To make him incline towards a certain hobby like maybe trying his hands on musical instruments? Or have moral and religious values and beliefs embedded in his early age. Or just it - to send him away while I'm at work?
To answer all those, I'll say, I dunno. Anyway, is it too early to even send him to school? Personally, I think not. Even for now, I think he is craving for some company. He is bored at home most of the time. How do I know? Because when I am busy doing something and him left on his own, he will make sure he will make me stop doing whatever I am doing and entertain him. I shall not go into details on what he is capable of. But another part of me is thinking, will he get the right amount of attention at these centres... ?
So anyway, moral of the story. I still don't know. Will recce and maybe ask around. Any take on this?

My parents are back!

2009-01-02T09:40:00.007+08:00

Alhamdulillah, they are healthy and glowing! I know I have not been writing in for a while. Our KL trip were stupendous. I didn't want to come back. In fact, I just want to stay there for good... Just shopping, eating, sight-seeing.. We stayed at Holiday Villa just a few minutes drive from KLCC. Situated at Ampang, it is an easy to get to genting or to sunway now that they have built those expressways.
We found a restaurant nearby our apartment that we frequent during our stay there. It is at Ampang Park and the restaurant name is Cozy Corner. They have kampung food and western. If you are those who don't mind to spend a little bit more for a cozy place and good food, might want to try this one. Other than that, I believe we went to the usual spot that we Singaporeans like to visit.
Gotta go! Breakfast with my parents.

Weird..Sweet... Adorable!

2008-12-24T06:17:00.005+08:00

It's 24 Dec already! Finally time for the much awaited KL trip. Back from the trip, it will only be 2 days away from my parents return. Woohoo!!
I had my check up last Monday and everything was great. Did I tell you I had a hunch about my baby's gender? Yeah, well my gynae had his hunch too but he said it is better for him to wait for the detailed scan.
Something really weirdly sweet happened yesterday. As usual, it is really difficult to put on his diapers and clothes after a bath. But yesterday, he was adamant to get away from me. The moment he got out of the bathroom, he ran around the room and then he peered himself in the cupboard mirror. Before I could finish imagining the worse that can happen at that moment, I saw him doing just that - peeing into the cupboard. I didn't know why but I broke down. I guess I was just feeling really tired and now I had to clean up the entire cupboard and make it to my brother's place by 7pm.
So Izzul seeing me cry, he stopped all his nonsense and came up to me. He watched me crying silently and then he went over to the table and picked up my hubby's glasses and pushed it to my face. When he saw I didn't do anything, he looked around and picked my glasses on the side of the bed and forced me to wear. He must have thought that wearing the glasses will stop my crying. I couldn't help but laugh and hug ever so tightly my very 'nakal' but adorable baby Izzul.

Izzul at 13 month

2008-12-17T16:52:00.004+08:00

Just feel like putting up some of Izzul's recent pic... but not his latest. He just got his haircut. There goes my Zac Efron. ha!

IMM fiasco/fun

2008-12-13T00:44:00.003+08:00

Spent more than 2 hours at IMM this afternoon. The last week had been quite on the low for both of us and I really pity him because he is all alone with no one to play with. There's me but with the age gap thing going on and carrying a week 14 tummy is really not helping me to be in any mood for play. But I had to try. He had a blast at the wet playground while I had a terrible time at Giant. He made me chase him all around and he gleefully ran away from me as if it's just another 'chasing' game at home. No point forcing him onto his stroller because somehow he can squeeze himself out from it.
At the moment that I needed him the most to remain active, he went limp on me. He slept in the cab on the way home. Seriously it was such a short distance but he must have been so beat that he slept while seated. So with 2 big giant plastic bags, the stroller, the diaper bag and Izzul asleep, I dragged myself back to the house. From that moment onwards, I believe I have what it takes to be a Superwoman.
On a serious note, he may not have come with anyone to the playground but being so easy-going, he mingled easily with other kids. I was really happy to see he enjoyed himself. So happy that I was still left wth some energy to do dinner... sigh...

Year End Sale

2008-12-13T00:36:00.005+08:00

We're having a clearance sale and the Diaper Bags are going at an unbelievable 35% discount. Yes, we're indeed very generous...haha.. (and yeah, we hope to bring new stocks since we already know which ones are a hit here)
Ends this year(2008)

2008-12-11T14:55:00.002+08:00

It's the holidays and I don't have time to blog. How am I feeling now a week later? A little better now that I'm seeing Izzul getting along pretty fine. Keeping myself busy with Ez's family. I have really been unfair to my hubby who is trying so hard to make things fine for me. I was so upset about my parents gone for the months that I didn't mention anything about him suprising me with a bouquet of roses and a cute black cat with hearts all over it. It was our anniversary a day before my parents flew off. I came home and my mum told me that I got a present from someone. I totally forgot it was our anniversary. So sweet of him. Last year, I didn't get him anything because I was in my confinement. This year, a week before the day, I wanted to get him something he has always wanted but I can't surprise him coz it is a little too expensive so I had to seek permission from him. So now, he said, that can wait. I really should do something for him right? Pre-Izzul days, I love making things for him. Cards, Picture frames... he still have them from way back in 2002 up on his wall in his room at his mom's place. Sure bring back memories.
Oh and he still has this test tube with jelly in them and there's macaroni letters spelled his name stuck in it. Olin, you might remember this one. I did this in your hostel room. Hehe...
Actually i wanted to blog about how me and my son got stomach flu the last few days. Vomitting and diarrhoea - really bad. It was really terrible. But then, my blog needs lightening up.

Away to Mekka

2008-12-04T09:48:00.004+08:00

I know they are gone for a good cause. But I just can't help myself. My tears were streaming like tap water. I didn't want to talk to anyone or I will just breakdown. But what is it that makes me so sad? Well, for one, they have always been there for me. I mean, they never go off for holidays just on their own because my father don't like the idea. Or go anywhere out of Singapore for anything longer than 2 days. He likes to go off for a holiday as a family. SO for the last 26 years, they have been there always. As for me,I have never travelled far enough- long enough. So, they are always within reach. Now that I've moved out, they are just a traffic light away.
And my mum is like my helpline. Trouble in the kitchen, household matters or with Izzul, I just dial her number. She's always at home.
And if I'm not schooling or have free day, Izzul and me will laze around till noon before making plans with my mum to go shopping.
The problem with me is that I treat her more than a mum. To me, she is a friend that I hang with. As sad as that sounds, that is me. I love spending time with her. Especially at 4pm when we have our teatimes. It's girls talk.
And Izzul........ how he must feel... Seeing him hug my mum and dad, I can see how much he will miss them.
Ok, i gotta go before i start streaming again.

Little hands and feet

2008-12-01T11:00:00.003+08:00

Had my first check up earlier this morning. I went alone because Ez had to work and my parents are waiting for relatives from Melaka to arrive. It was just me and the Doc. It was a different scene from the first time I went to scan Izzul. It was a big event for everyone then.
Anyway, I decided to take up a different gynae this time around. At first, I had my reservations and was ready to jump back to my safe ol gynae but fortunately, this Doc is great. Nice and friendly.
He did ultrasound scan for me and there he/she is. So adorable!!! He/She is kicking around so actively and almost jumping. With cute little hands and feet all formed. Alhamdulillah, weight and everything else is well.
Looking at the baby, I have a hunch about the gender ;)

Slacker Mum

2008-11-25T10:30:00.003+08:00

I really have been slacking for the last week. My intentions to finish holidays assignments before my parents leaving for pilgrimage seems to be mere future plans. And hit by stuffy nose and sudden rashes around neck and chin area, all I want to do is sleep and eat.
It is sad how days go by without me doing anything productive. Before I know it, school holidays will be over.
News about pay cut for the ministers are splattered all across the news. But looking at the pay that they are getting anyway, they better not be fussy about it.
Civil servants receive a 2 mths bonus compared to 3 mths last year. I'm not complaining. I had worse year-end news.
Anyway, what is the latest with Izzul and IBG? It is getting harder day by day to make him sit and flash him the reading cards. He has an attention span of a fly. Sigh, just when we thought he was making progress. But I was told to be patient and persevere. He'll come around again. Well, I certainly hope so. Chasing him around the house is more fun for him than me.
IBG is at a crossroad. Our next project we intend to name it after our second. The problem is we don't have a name yet and worse still, it will be a few months more before we know it's a he or a she!
Let's just pray this one decides to show early.
Btw, I receive a couple of enquiries on whether our Baby Kaed will be having promotion for the other bags. Indeed we are - for the month of Dec. Look out for that!

Early education... How early?

2008-11-18T09:20:00.003+08:00

Now that I have a little more time for myself with school holidays just around the corner, I manage to start on a book. Whether I can finish it, is a totally different story.

Anyway, I came across again an interesting part about how early should you start educating your child. While montessori and mozart effect begins when baby is still in the womb, Islam encourages the 'education' starts when a man starts to choose 'a woman' for his wife.
Although the relation is subtle, the implication here is almost perfectly logical. We might not be 'educating' anything or anyone yet however, by choosing the type of life partner, he is choosing the conditions/settings that he would like his children to grow in or grow with...
On the other hand, with both parents working, will 'conditions' now is more suited to 'finding the appropriate helper'.
For myself, I am just grateful that my mum still have the vigour to care for my super energetic 1-yr old. I don't think I turn out that bad.. so my mum must have done a pretty decent job eh... ;) ha!

Nov Alert! Noobia Alert!

2008-11-11T23:37:00.002+08:00

I really don't know why am I still attending the classes. I don't really pay much attention to the details and I am pretty sure I am not the only one. We are being fed details that we know we are going to forget anyway... so that is why we have the internet, we have wikipedia and books! for reference.... so why bother. But putting things in perspectives, I am in "the system". So I shouldn't be complaining coz one day, I might have my kids reflecting on the same thing.

This Friday is Izzul Haq's Day! I still haven't got for him anything. His grandparents over at punggol already bought him a car. One that he can sit in and we control using the remote. Talking about spoiling. How can anyone beat That present.
But I can give him something that is so priceless.... no money can buy. A mother's love....
Ha!I wonder how would I have reacted if my mom told me that on my 10th birthday...

ANway, updates - I believe some of you on the mailing list would have receive our little mail alert. For those who didn't get... here u go...

Approximately 27 days to 3 months.....sigh

2008-11-06T22:43:00.005+08:00

I am counting the days to say goodbye to my first trimester. The all day sickness is daunting. Lucky me that I'm left with only Chemistry lesson and 2 other small courses, all through November. To make this trimester speed through even faster, Izzul Baby Gift is coming up with something new real soon. Hopefully by end of November. Also busy planning for something for early next year. Hope health will be with me to keep me going and keep up to schedule.
Taking this opportunity to congratulate a friend who has taken the first step to build an online empire insyaAllah for Muslimah garments and accessories. TJ boutique offers unique array of clothes for ladies and cute dresses for your girls too. Visit her online site of TJ boutique for a better picture.
www.tjboutique.multiply.com
Kudos to Siti and Juriah and all the best!

2008-11-02T22:42:00.002+08:00

Tonight, we showed Izzul the word "Monkey" and "hyena". Then we asked him.."which one is Monkey?". He pointed to "Monkey". We thought it was plain luck or a plain Izzul trait of pointing to anything and everything. We tried again with "panda" and "swan". This time we switch the word of choice on the opposite side. He got it right again. Alhamdulillah. It's a little but I'm feeling so syukur (glad) anyway. Faith and patience, InsyaAllah.

Zoopic

2008-11-02T22:36:00.001+08:00

grumpy ol' Mas

2008-10-30T23:49:00.003+08:00

I have so many things to talk about.. we went to the zoo on Deepavali holiday, then just now I took Izzul to the wet playground. Then, I want to talk about how my nausea is killing the people around me... BUT, I'm tired. I get so tired easily these days. Even when I'm not tired, I want to sleep because of the queasy feeling in my stomach.. or somewhere there.
It's heartburn. For some people, they have morning sickness, they vomit. For myself, I just can't seem to throw it out my mouth.. So it just got stuck somewhere in between my throat and my chest.
This discomfort made a little grumpy the other day during a group discussion. But seriously, even if I was right on my opinions, I shouldn't let it get to me that way.
You know how a happy pregnancy can lead to a happy baby. That explains Izzul. I was so happy when I was carrying him. Even when my superior then, was breathing down my neck, I could just walk right pass him and give him my brightest smile. When I was 2 weeks away from my due date, I remembered he made me sit with him in the meeting room for almost 2 hours and he tormented me with unreasonable work requests and he purposely questions my commitment to the company. On that day, he almost made me cry(I was sad that he was not able to recognize the work that I contributed to the company)... but I didn't..Because I already made up my mind about leaving!
Anyway, that's history. I was really happy though when we went to the zoo the other day. I had such a great time although it did rain halfway. We managed to see all the animals still. I was so enthusiastic about the trip that I was not tired from all the walking. And I was in a long dress, mind you! We didn't plan of going to the zoo that day. it was a last minute thing and I was from my in-laws place. So, long dress was the only thing I had in the big duffel bag. So long dress it is. I'm on my school laptop, so I don't have the pic with me but I promise I'll have it asap. Hmmm, as soon as I finish my assignment due on 4th Nov :)
So looking forward for the term break!

Efficient tip 1

2008-10-24T07:26:00.002+08:00

Just to share >>

2 second to fold t-shirt @ Yahoo! Video

P.S.I think the Jap came up with this ...

A friend expecting...is a friend indeed

2008-10-23T21:56:00.004+08:00

If you have gotten a copy of Berita Harian today, you probably would have seen the 3 of us under the Ekstra segment. I felt so embarassed by all the messages that we receive but thank you and Alhamdulillah for all the well-wishes. I'm not sure what happen to the article but the main gist of it was supposedly to announce about the GD Baby Awards (which they put as Izzul Baby Gift Awards). But somehow I guess after listening to Ez about his experiences, they must have found that to be interesting to add them in the very first paragraph.
Anyway, bcause of that too I receive a message from an old friend. Haven't heard from her for sometime. So I gave her a call and found out that she is already 3 months pregnant. How nice... A preggy friend. It is always nice to have a preggy friend because you can share your feelings and what you go through with her everyday. I had one when I was carrying my first one. We were only a few weeks apart so we will update on each other on our progress via MSN at work.
Azza, would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your first. Enjoy the rollercoaster ride!

The Discovery

2008-10-22T21:34:00.002+08:00

Enough of the cat and mouse game (well, only for some who are unfamiliar with the terms...) Yes, I am preggy for the 2nd time!!!
I'm in my 6th week. It was probably my best birthday present ever :)
I'm not expecting it to come so early when Izzul only reached 11 months, it really came as a huge surprise but I welcome this one just as much as I welcomed Izzul into my world. I believe it is a gift from Allah. Any child is a gift.
So how did Izzul's father taking it? Well, at first when I told him I was 2 weeks late, he was joking about me being pregnant all over again. So, I was like, mb it's the assignments and tests stresses that is distorting my VERY regular cycle of mensuration. Yeah, ok, maybe it'll come tomorrow. Tomorrow came and nothing.. Uh-oh. Rushed down to watson's to get a pregnancy kit. Came back all nervous and since I was holding it quite some time, I almost soaked the entire test strip. So, the test became invalid. Frustrated, put on my scarf again and rushed down to watson's to get another one. Doubly nervous now. The Watson's staff was peering at me this time.
"It didn't work. Test came out as invalid." I told her, too nervous to care what she thinks. Interestingly she replied" you must test the middle part of the urine, not the beginning." How nice.
So yeah, then, I saw the 2 blue lines = 99% accurate.
I asked him how is he coping. He said that now that I have tested it, he would have been disappointed if the test was negative.
That was enough to make me feel brave enough to go through the 9 month all over again.

2 Blue Lines

2008-10-21T07:49:00.000+08:00

I'm Late

2008-10-20T00:04:00.001+08:00

hmm.....

2 wks Raya Leave

2008-10-09T14:52:00.008+08:00

Raya came and gone...Well, not really gone..gone.. but just my most favourite part of it - the eve of Raya and the first day - they came and went swiftly. While people took only one or 2 days leave, my blog took almost 2 wks to get back into action. Haha.. Well, mostly I was bogged down by my assignments. So now that I have a little breathing space before I head to ShengSiong to buy items for this weekend plans, I am ready to indulge in my favourite topic. Izzul!
Besides seeking forgiveness and eating a whole load of food, Raya today also brings a whole new meaning - To get the most recent updates.. about everything under the sun and anything going around "beside your skirt". That sounds totally wrong..but nevermind.
Anyway, my pity goes out to small kids like Izzul. They know nuts about what is happening and they are being dragged from one crowded house to another with no supply of fresh air but just the smelly odour from the adults surrounding him. Worst part, kids like Izzul is too young to enjoy the food and even too young to appreciate the green packets given to them. But look at Izzul, he looks happy anyway..... Maybe it's just me.

Oh anyway, did I mention - my dream came true.... Let me present to you... MY latest fad - it's mine! only mine! whee hee...!!!

Announcement!

2008-09-24T23:20:00.004+08:00

Just dropping by to announce that we have a new blog up. Called 'Baby Can Read' - its aim is to share views and information about literacy at early age and critical baby developments. Do drop by and share your views and experience. Would love to hear from you.

Regards,
Mas & Ez
Izzul Baby Gift
Baby Can Read

I swear....not!

2008-09-22T00:01:00.003+08:00

Syawal is drawing closer. I vowed to myself earlier this month that this year is going to be simple and decent. Just one new outfit and nothing else.
But girls will always be girls. I just can't keep to my promise. I was walking pass by a few shoe stores and I am already eyeing for.... not one.. but 2 pairs! Sigh! Yes, Olin, Both heels. I miss heels so much during my pregnancy. My mom barred me from anything higher than 0.2 inch. ha!
What's our other soft spot, ladies?? Did I hear bags? Bingo! In fact, I'm itching to get for myself Jaipur Tangerine. That is so going to match well with my outfit this year - happens to be orange - and the shoe that I had my eyes on....

But I got for myself Dhara - Cozy in Koh Samui and Ez offers to carry them all the time. He likes that it is a backpack. So... sigh!
Another life changing decision to make...

Izzul's first Terawih

2008-09-15T22:56:00.004+08:00

Izzul turned 10 months yesterday. And today I can officially say he can walk! Hmm, do taking 3 to 4 steps at one go considered as walking? It's ok. I shall mark this on my calender anyway.
It is already 15th day of Ramadhan. And this year, Ramadhan is definitely quite different. For one, I have Izzul with me to enjoy the joys Ramadhan (and enjoy the beautifully-lit geylang serai which we visited every other weekend despite 'swearing' not to step into geylang once Ramadhan comes) , but at the same time, it deprives me of the night prayers known as Terawih that I have always been accustomed to. No feelings of regret, instead it got me thinking how I could miss going to one when I used to dread going to it last time. "Alah bisa tegal biasa" A malay saying that quotes as a difficult task that if being done over and over again can eventually come with ease.
So today I tried bringing Izzul to Terawih :) He loved the wide carpeted space so I let him ventured out.. but yet he stay close enough for me to keep watch. Good enough for now.
And yes God-Aunties, Izzul would love to "iftar" with you people. Just a word of caution from his mom. It is not going to be a peaceful break fast. She's going to let you guys decide...

2008-09-09T11:28:00.003+08:00

Well, Ros, I was trying very hard to capture him with his teeth... so I made him say aaahhhhh........... instead this is the best I got >>>>

ok, maybe it's not supposed to be aaahhh... but eeee... But that's gonna be quite a task since he only knows how to work around one vowel and that is "a".

Ramadhan is here!

2008-09-03T08:32:00.004+08:00

It's the 3rd day of Ramadhan. Hope it is not too late for me to wish all Muslims a blssed Ramadhan.
This is the first year we are celebrating with Izzul. After the sun sets on the last day of Syaaban, I was overwhelmed with syukur. It was less than a year ago that I was thinking to myself, next year, it will quite different celebrating Ramadhan and Syawal. And I can't believe how fast time flies. I am so happy to be able to meet Ramadhan again and to have all my beloved family with me all in good health.
I was all pregnant at 8 months last Ramadhan and was still working at my previous company. During lunch time, I would sneak into an empty room and take a short nap. Sometimes, the "trials and tribulations" of being pregnant makes the experience memorable. I do miss stroking gently my big round tummy. hehe..
Anyway, we have done almost all our Hari Raya shopping last Saturday. Even then was not even Ramadhan yet, I could already see crowd forming at around 5pm at geylang. Totally forgot that there were the lighting up of Geyland Serai ceremony going on. We rushed out of the area after one hour of speed shopping. WIthin that one hour, we managed to find all our baju kurungs and tudung for myself and one cute songkok for Izzul- which he hates to wear. Izzul also had a chance to try on a baju kurung. Yes, just baju. No Pants.

Mugging part 1

2008-08-28T18:53:00.005+08:00

NIE modules would have been more interesting if I had taken them just out of interest. Not when I am craming to absorb as much information into my head so that I don't have to spend extra hours reading through the notes again. It is the time in NIE when they have started to throw in all the assignments, project works, presentations.... and whatever other terms that you can think of that is related to assessment and evaluation. So what am I doing blogging? It is essential for sanity sake. It's a way of detoxication. This is only the first part.. more will be coming in End Oct and Nov.
Anyway, I spent the entire weekend at the hospital. Remember Diana? The girl who just celebrated her birthday last week? She met with an ugly accident involving 2 lorries :( I don't think I need to say more. I pray that she will have a speedy recovery.
Updates on Baby kaed Diaper Bags, we are bringing in more variety and colours to our current collection - so keep a look out. We are giving away 15% discount for these 2 months - in conjunction with the raya season.
Anyway, I sat for my first 2 hrs test in 3 years a couple of days ago. I miss the adrenalin pump.

No fear fellow Mummy's!

2008-08-21T22:29:00.005+08:00

Ah... more good news to come - IBG is here to save the day... What else could complement your new Baju Kurung/Kebaya if not our stylish - functional - not looking a single bit like a diaper bag - Baby Kaed Diaper Bags to complete you and your baby this Raya. ( Ermm...correction - and even days after the festive month)
Hari Raya Promotions for Baby Kaed Diaper Bags is on till 31 Oct 2008.

Dali Collection

2008-08-20T09:18:00.009+08:00

I think I mentioned in my previous entries that I will showcase Dali - The messenger Diaper bag bought by Matt Damon and later aunctioned off for charity purpose.

Well it is finally here. Judging by the outlook, I didn't second guess that the bag will be big enough but it is surprising spacious. Furthermore there is a compartment for laptop! Eureka! What I don't understand is the implication made here. Only men carry laptops? Anyway, as masculine as I put it out to be in the website, it is definitely usable by the ladies too. It also comes with the many many accessories that baby kaed offers. Right now it is retailing at SGD 207.30.

I would like to address some concerns about the pricing of Baby Kaed bags. Firstly, most good looking diaper bags naturally are priced between SGD 100 to 300. I did receive 2 bags from the hospital- One is a backpack and the other is the bear printed - soft colour sling which we normally see. Styles aside, practically these are rather small and the material may not be water proof. Compartments are quite limited and they do not come with the matching accessories that Baby Kaed offers.

Price is attributed to quality and material of these bags. These bags need to be well put together because they are expected to hold up a fair bit of weight. We definitely do not want the bags to give way while we are outside.
And I guess it does not hurt if the bag is sooo nice looking :)
And for Dali collection - it is one of our special Leather collections.

Anyway, You know how things take a different turn after you have a baby. Most things you get will be for your little precious one.
But once in a while, we should pamper ourselves a little bit..
And hubbys' out there.. you listening? shower a bit of love will ya... - especially after those late and sleepness nights we've been through :)

Fun, celebrate and Congratulate!

2008-08-18T10:39:00.009+08:00

Izzul didn't win anything yesterday at the Baby Race held by Explorer Kid at Downtown. But he sure had a lot of fun. It was really packed. We have them on video but no time to upload yet. As for the pics, need to wait for Auntie Yaya.
There were altogether 55 over babies competing. But not at one go. There were made to 6 rounds. It was also fun for us watching the babies in the race. There was a few who refuse to race and kept on crying. One was sleeping even when the parents were already standing at the race mat. Some weren't crawling but running already. We had a fun family time.
That aside, we do have something to celebrate though. If you manage to get your hands on this months Manja issue, you could not have miss Izzul on the 2nd page. Fasha Sandha is on the cover page - Almost one of my favourite actress in Malaysia's scene. Ha!

Yes, Izzul Baby Gift is promoting Baby Kaed's Diaper Bags. I would like to extend my thanks to Iskander & family for being such a sport and making the photo-taking a breeze and fun time. Thank you to Amsyari for your professionalism and great pics. Even at 3 am, he was working to meet the deadline. You can check out his multiply for more of his beautiful pics :

In the advert, we didn't get to mention more about the bags however I will make sure I am able to squeeze sometime to feature some of the bags. Not all of the range are up yet. My sincere apology - issues with the iron bird. Some are out of stock but you can expect more before Raya. However you can feast your eyes on these beautiful and stylish bags at the official website: www.babykaed.com for more information. For any inquiries on specific style of bag and price or anything at all - you can always reach me at mas@izzulbabygift.com
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my dear friend, Olin! or Eulyndra - A Happy Engagement - for the few months before the big day. It will be a hectic few months with all the decisions to do and errands to run.
And also a Very Happy Birthday to Diana who turns.... can I say your age? :) turns 24 today right? May you have a fantastic year ahead. Looking forward to your big day too!
hmm.. what to wear... what to wear.. haha.. so many special occasions! I am excited for them.

Two's a company.... Three's ?

2008-08-15T23:31:00.005+08:00

so what is the latest and hottest movie in town? You know what, it's ok. I don't have to know coz I probably gonna miss it anyway. Months back when Izzul was a lot smaller - and definitely easier to take care of, me and hubby do have our fair share of getaways - for a quick lunch or movie date. But things a little different now that Izzul is older. I feel bad if I consciously make the decision to leave him behind knowingly that I could bring him along for the outing.
Maybe it is just me - especially now that he is able to comprehend a little of what is going on and now that he is able to recognise faces and even voices. We could quietly sneak out of the house but still - plain conscience that is holding us back. We feel that it is a selfish act on our part to leave him behind. Or is it?
On another hand, on other grounds - sometimes it is best to have that personal space and to have that time just with him. I think it is important for one's well-being, strengthening the relationship... etc.
Yet, I haven't gotten around to take that step to leave the house for a date with dear hubby.
Well, till we get over it, it's just going to be midnight DVD with ChaCho's. .

2008-08-08T11:45:00.003+08:00

I think August has been a pretty good month for Ez and me so far. Despite the contagious flu bug hitting all 3 of us, we managed to struggle through our days of work and no play. Poor Izzul. We did manage to squeeze in some time to bring him to Downtown East Explorer Kid playground. If any of you haven't been there, you should drop by sometime. It's a huge and safe playground and your child will have endless time of fun. I have also seen some adults trying out some of the obstacles. They are really cool.
Coming August 17, Izzul will be joining the fun for Baby Race. I can't wait. Ez must remind himself to take a video. (Not me to remind him because I will most likely to forget). Wish my baby luck!
For Ros: Yeah, I thought it won't be too bad. Last year the crowd seems tamer...

Natas UN-fair

2008-08-04T14:29:00.003+08:00

Did anyone of you go for the Natas fair over the weekend? OMG! I was there on Saturday and the crowd was really crowded. All age, all races, all height, all sizes. All i'm saying is that it seems the whole of Singapore was there. I was getting really giddy and so not in a really good condition to make a sound decision. And things like these - it is important decision. You're forking out part of your savings to travel. It better be good.
Really didn't help if you are carrying a 9 month old who is hungry and wet, pushing a trolley and carrying a bag - amidst of a kiasu crowd. I was only like 2 metres away from the changing room and the only thing that was parting me and the room is the stream of people moving horizontally in front of me. Saying "EXCUSE ME!" didn't help as my voice got drowned by the din in the hallway. Eye- contact with the people almost impossible as all were eyeing the front entrance.
As Izzul was slowly sliding down to my hips, I pushed through the stroller with all my might - not caring the glares and "Oi!" thrown at me. And when I reached out to open the Baby Changing room door - IT was freaking lock! And for a very long time! So what did that leave me? To walk against the crowd to another changing room further down! Sigh! I gave up. What made it worse - we didn't get the trolley bag for free gift. All were fully redeemed!

School... school...school....

2008-07-29T11:50:00.003+08:00

It has been quite a while hasn't it? So caught up with school. It was difficult at first but I think I am getting warmer to the whole school environment again. The timetables, regular blackboard updates, rushing to tutorials and lectures, oh and of course, the canteen. Good and rather cheap food.
During introductions in the class, I am proud to announce that I am married and a mother of a 9 mth baby. Most of my classmates are fresh graduates from NUS or NTU. Not that I am THAT old but it makes me feel young and 'free' again to be surrounded by them.
I also realize that I was not the Old Mas in school. I am friendlier, more vocal and I think, more focus - (uhh.. I hope I will remain this way for the rest of the year) See, that's why mummy always say, No BF until you leave school...
I have forgotten my chemistry and maths - which compound to the busy timetable I already have. Need to do a lot of reading up. Hey - It was what... almost 10 years ago.
Anyway, enough about Mummy. Izzul is mad about walking - or more like trying to walk. He even tries to walk in his sleep. One day, my mum caught him grabbing onto his bed frame, pulling himself up with HIS EYES CLOSED!
Well, good for him and for me. I can start playing catching with him soon. That shall be a good form of exercise for me. With all the steps and stairs in NIE - I could do a little work out.
Our bags at IBG are low in stock. Only coming in, hopefully early next week. Keep a look out. They are gorgeous, I promise! Oh and I shall introduce a bag that J Lo got for herself ;)Watch out for this space.

The power of speech

2008-07-21T12:20:00.003+08:00

The smell of NTU Lee Wee Nam library have not changed since I left. The moment you step on the last flight of steps facing the glass door, you can feel the gust of the freezing cold air and then came this distinctive smell. Till today, I do not know what or why the smell. How I miss this place :)
Anyway, I am glad that Baby Kaed is doing so well. On the hand, I am running out of stock a bit sooner than expected. However, 2 weeks time, I promise to bring them back.
Me and my husband were just talking in the car the other day - giving each other updates on our progress.. and then he cut me in and said,"You're too sensitive." Not in a demeaning way. But as a matter of factly. I just then realize that, unlike him, I not only offer facts and figures but also my emotions.. :) Expressing my frustrations and delights for every account of my progress. I guess, we, girls do that all the time. And it becomes second nature to us that we never realise we are doing it.
So why am I pointing this out? Because the moment I tried isolating my feelings into our discussion, I can no longer offer great insights and ideas. Like as if my mouth was taped and then I try to speak (well, that's a bit exaggerating..but you get the idea)
So, men, listen up. It does not hurt you to listen but somebody is sure to get hurt if you don't let us speak up.

FUN FACTS about Baby Kaed Bags

2008-07-19T00:15:00.005+08:00

MATT DAMON
Matt Damon had used Baby Kaed Messenger-style tote (known as Dali) to fit his 'newborn identity'. And recently, he had donated this bag to the Johnson's and ebay celebrity auction to rasie proceeds for charity. The Baby Kaed bag retails at $198 USD but was awarded the highest bid in the entire auction in a total of $620 USD. - People Magazine (May 5' 08), Scoop - Pg 28

You will be seeing this B-Kaed Bag soon at the store.

RED ALERT! Baby Kaed has arrived!

2008-07-18T10:53:00.006+08:00

The bags are finally here! I was so excited that I made a trip all the way to punggol from bukit batok just to have a look the bags.
I knew they are gorgeous but my concern was more for the material and weight.
I am so glad to see that the bag is of A* quality. Having some tiny knowledge about product design back from my school days, the design showed that much thought has been put into the use of the bag. Comfort and functionality are not compromised for the sake of style and design. Purr-fect!

The bags are already available at the Store
Definitely, these are great as gifts. Something unique and trust me - amidst of all the attention and gifts that the new arrival is getting, she will be so happy that someone got her something.

Blue swing

2008-07-15T16:26:00.003+08:00

You know these things - useful when they are still sedentary. Once they have acquire mobility - it becomes obsolete.

Suitable for 3 months and below.
Donation amt: $20 (Cash/IB/Cheque)
Pick-up point: Bt Batok Mrt / Ar-Raudhah Mosque
Delivery charges: $5 (delivery only upon request)

Permintaan Hati

2008-07-15T09:52:00.003+08:00

Heard this one already? I really like this. Hope you all enjoy!
A lil tip: Play, pause, let it d/l for abt 5 minutes - then play again. Should be able to enjoy the whole video at one go.

Permintaan Hati - Letto

Izzul at 8 months

2008-07-14T10:00:00.003+08:00

Izzul is 8 months today! Funny thing, I can't remember well how was it like being 8 months pregnant. Maybe I had a good pregnancy. Alhamdulillah. But I will definitely remember Izzul being 8 months. He is a handful. As I read in this book, as he grows more mobile, his daily schedule gets more packed with things like discovering under the table, inspecting all electric socket in the house, rearranging the books on the shelf, etc. I also learned that Izzul has a thing for baskets - he spends a little bit more time on them than he does with other things. Basket full of his diapers, powder, lotion... Maybe because he knows that Mummy and Daddy is doing gift basket business :)
Anyway, talking about that, we are giving away free parental workshop for anyone who registers with us. Yes, as simple as that, Just register with us and you are entitled for a free workshop. Take this opportunity to understand more about your child - don't under-estimate their capabilities.

Workshop for Izzul

2008-07-08T14:35:00.003+08:00

As ridiculous as it sound, I bought a Maths set of cards for Izzul. That entitled me to the free workshop held by GD Baby. Going through the technical part of the workshop, I learned the correct way of using the flash cards. I realised it is not as simple as it seems. It is important to understand how a baby thinks, his response and why he’s responding that way.
Like in any other talks that I’ve been too, they tend to digress and that’s when I learned the importance of crawling and creeping.
• A child does not need a walker. A child learns to walk on their toes rather than using their whole foot. Let your child move around on their own in their own time.
• At that age where everything is so new to them, they love to explore. How else would they explore if not through their senses. When they are about Izzul’s age, I can only understand what these parents are going through. Having to observe him all the time and ensuring he is not fiddling something that is dangerous and might hurt him or stirring up a mess somewhere around the house – it can be exhausting. So that is why they invented the playpen. Restricting the child to explore but instead throwing in all the toys inside hoping that would keep him occupied. Often, he will grab hold of his toy, rattle it a bit, bite it, hit it on his bed and leave it aside to move on to something different. That probably takes a whole of 90 seconds. Our disregard for his need to explore deems us as selfish. I am perfectly alright with Izzul on the floor. But there are times when I need to attend to something else more urgent, I will have him placed in the playpen. I think that is ok – as long as he is not place there on a permanent basis. Having Izzul on the floor, I have to be really careful and vigilant because our floor is not carpeted. Even so, Izzul had his share of ugly falls.
• Slings are alright but don’t have him wrapped up always. It will hinder his movement and chest/breathing developments. After 6 months, it is better to get a carrier where his limbs are able to roam free and material is not stiff. A carrier allows the muscles at the ball joints to develop better. So Baby Sit and Carry carrier that Izzul is using is pretty ok.
Having Izzul in my life, I feel I am entrusted with something so vital. I believe putting him in a walker is not the only mistake I have made and will make. Right now, I am learning more new things about him and I can't be happier to be there to witness his growth everyday.

a walker? a NO-NO

2008-07-07T07:52:00.004+08:00

I always would like to think that whatever that I had done and am going to do for my child is the best that it could and should be. As a first time mother, there are a lot of questions and uncertainty that I face when dealing with situations. From the day he was born, I was bombarded with a string of decision making questions which is not easy as it would affect how Izzul turn out to be later in life or so I thought.
Are you giving Izzul pacifier? SHould I?
Are you breastfeeding only or mixing? WHich one is better?
Should I let him be swaddled or let him loose?
I was at lost at first. But over time, I learn to make decisions fast and be firm about it - Mostly based on mother's instincts. And one day, I decided, let's put Izzul on a walker - reason: it might help him to walk faster. (see entry on walker)
Last Saturday, I found out, that what I did, basically is hampering the most critical physical activity that a baby should do - Crawling and Creeping. This was based on a research by The Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential.
So how concrete is such a claim? I could only wish he was some neurotic guy who love to see mums like me beating themselves over this.
But no, Glenn Doman was honored at the 2007 Pio Manzù International Conference, held in Rimini, Italy, on October 27-29, 2007 for his dedicated work in the field of child brain development.
I was alarmed, sad, mad.. and a lot of other things at first. Izzul is turning 8 months. He is crawling now... although according to the lecturer, a little bit late -more sad news for me there.
But I can't reverse the time. As disappointed as I am, I am glad at least I am revealed this information now. I believe that it is a lesson learnt for me. I am still raw at being a mother however so, I will try to make it right with the first.
Anyway, this piece of information was given to me at a seminar held by GD Baby (S) Pte Ltd. I will share with more things that I learn during the talk in my next entry. Keep tuning in if you would like to avoid unneccesary turmoil.

Baby Talk

2008-07-02T08:58:00.004+08:00

At 5 months, Izzul had already uttered his first consonant – BU. I would like to think that he was trying to say IBU (mother). But at 6 months, he had forgotten he had mentioned Bu altogether and proceed with a series of TA-TA-TA. When we say “bye-bye” to him, he will reply – “Ta-Ta-Ta”, when we say “Would you like to eat?” He’ll say, “Ta-Ta-Ta”.
Although these may sound just like random babbles to us, it probably means something to him. I know that babies develop skills at their own pace but there is nothing wrong with creating the supportive and interactive environment for language learning.
I think I mentioned before – my passion for singing for my son. Well, almost always my high-pitch singing is a good way to keep my son riveted and learn to decipher some words.
Izzul also loves it when his Dad reads Bedtime books to him. Yes, I secretly feel that Izzul prefers his Dad to do the reading and me to do the singing. I could never get his attention when it was my turn to read.
So, his latest progress on language learning - he can say 2 syllable! Not that it is sensible or anything but it is a great. I mean, there are so many words that are 2 syllable right?. I-bu, A-yah, Bu-ta, Gi-la...for English word, there’s Mo-ther, Fa-ther, Brad-Pitt, Jus-tin...
His new favourite word is"A-Bah" and he says it so adorably. Followed by a string of Ba-ba-ba.... At this point of time, deep in my heart, I am much awaiting for his first REAL, meaningful word that comes out from his mouth. Just wondering...Would he call out to me first? Or call his dad first? What if his first word is neither Ibu or Ayah – just someone else...or something else.

Oh Btw, last entry's pic - Izzul looking all comfy right? nah, that's not his room. He will only have his room hopefully end of this year. That is at a showroom...hehe..

Bad weather

2008-06-26T23:08:00.004+08:00

Izzul is down with cough and running nose. He was coughing really badly - It was dry and his throat must have been so itchy and yet he could not release his cough. He turned tomato-faced. That's when we decided that it can't wait till tomorrow. So we were out to the GP right smack at midnight.
I think this might have been caused by his new found hobby - putting everything within his reach into his mouth. The elders in the house insist that Izzul got sick because he is going to start to do something new. Either walk, speak or grow some teeth. I still don't get how these two are related.
Anyway, according to some pediatrician him getting sick now is a way of him knowing his "enemies" and finding a way to protect his body against it. Building up his immunity system now means preparing to defend his body against the same virus in the future. Now, that sounds a little bit more logical to me.
But does that mean Izzul escapes from taking his medications? Although plenty of rest and fluid are said to be the best medicine for one to recover from flu and cough, bringing him to the practitioner puts my mind at rest..To know an expert's take on things, that it's nothing serious and that he will recover. Soothing words that calm my worried soul. Yes, I am willing to pay $44 for all that.
So right now, Izzul having his rest. And I'm heading for mine.

Call out to all bag fanatics

2008-06-26T09:21:00.003+08:00

I think I have been so blessed the last few days. It has been 3 days since school reopened but I still feel like I am on holiday. Because - I have no timetable. Yes, no class to teach! No sore throat from all the shouting, no 'leg pain' from climbing all the steps. No lesson planning...No marking... I can go on, really. But instead I'm going to tell you WHAT I HAVE been doing.
Since I do not want to be called as per malay saying " Makan gaji buta", I am contributing to the Official School Opening which is on July 11 by helping out set the walk-in Art Gallery. WHen I am not busy with the preparations and all... I will be on the surf board riding the waves.
Which brings me to this new hot thing that I am going to rave about. Diaper Bags!
Close friends will know the kind of bags that I'd die for. They are usually big and I prefer those with edge. Squarish - boxy - trapezium. However, it's general preference - not a restriction. There are of course exceptions. Also, i love compartments. It gives me this false impression that I am going to be a little more organized when I get the bag.
SO when Izzul came into the picture, going places with a big bag is a priviledge to me. Priviledge because no longer do my friends wonder why I need to carry big bags. Priviledge because it gives me the perfect reason to buy new big bags each time.
so this new hot thing... Uncool name until you take a look at it. Watch out for this space. A lil sneak peek :

Sit & Carry By Baby Compact

2008-06-24T08:27:00.013+08:00

School has begun. Quite caught up with work but finally, it is just me, my laptop and moi blog page. A friend introduced me this product a while back and I have to say I have fallen in love with it so much that i have gotten 2 more and added them on my store. I own a sling but my mum is the only one who can skillfully place Izzul on it and confident enough to let go of her hand. But I guess I am those who do not know how to handle fabrics well.
I wanted to get Baby Bjorn - they look really good but the maximum weight it can carry is 10 to 12 kg. So I was still thinking about getting it when this friend of mine showed me Baby Compact Sit and Carry.

Why I like it?
>>> It can carry up to 15 kg, Izzul is 8.5 kg now. So I was thinking, not too bad. At least better.
>>> It folds really easily into this tiny little thing and I can put it in my diaper bag. This is important because although we have a stroller, Izzul wants to be carried at times.
Anyway, due to this fact and the fact that my arm aches after only 10 minutes carrying him, I had to get some kind of support. So this is a perfect bring along item.
>>> Slick and simple. Imagine, you're wearing something really nice. You're ready to show off your new dress that accentuate your figure from pre-pregnancy times.. but it all got distracted by this more attractively design cloth in front of you. So, black is the way to go.
>>> Going to a coffeeshop? Or packed restaurant where all the the baby chairs have been nabbed away for people to put their child or for some.. their diaper bags? No fear, have this with you when you are out. Weighs nothing.. well compared to your thermoflask, milk bottles, diapers, etc.. it is nothing.
>>> Cloth material - If your baby is like mine - hardly can sit still for one minute especially mealtime - then cloth will help. Just throw them in your washing machine and voila! as good as new.

Bad sides to it?
> Used for babies 6 mths to 3 years. But usually babies smaller than that don't mind lying down in their pram all the time while you spend half the day at the mall.
> It's an inflatable seat. Some may not find it too glamourous to be huffing and puffing in public. Takes about 7 to 10 full blows.
> Adjusting the buckle. You need to adjust them when you are using it for chair.

But these points are not too bad since Izzul is 7 going on 8, and I usually have the buckle ready for carrying and not for sitting. I usually fight for a baby chair when others not utilising them the right way and I don't mind blowing in public. To the inflatable seat i mean.

So if you would like them for a gift or even for yourself, I have got them up on my store. Or you might like to contact me personally for it. No problem.Check it out at www.izzulbabygift.com

NTU - view from the 'front'

2008-06-19T09:42:00.005+08:00

Digressing away from the topic of babies a bit. I was at NTU Auditorium yesterday. It has been ages since I last went to NTU. Memories flood back as I walk along the North spine. I was speechless not because of the physical change that she has went through. Although I am so happy to see the change. But as I drive across the library, halls, the carparks even, I let the memories sink as I enjoy the feeling of deja vu.
I was not popular or anything back in NTU. In fact, I only had a small circle of friends. But even an isolated table at a corner where I used to shelter to do my tutorials while waiting for another class is a moment that I will keep forever in my heart.
The way I look at the school now is different then when I was studying there. Now, almost 4 years since I graduated, I found it a place that only the real smart and innovative made it there. It's funny and unbelievable that I went through my 4 years there. Then, NTU was just this really big place that I need to shuffle back and forth from North spine to south spine just to clear one tutorial to another. Being part of the entity make you look at things in a close range perspective. All I cared about is that I ace my exams, projects.
As an outsider now, who is going to be studying in NIE for the coming 1 year, I see NTU as a place of opportunity. To grow, explore and seek. Not just academically. I know that sounds somthing you can read from an orientation pamphlet.
But really, I wished I had seen the meaning of it all 8 years ago when I started my journey there. SOund like regret? No. Because exploring and seeking will not guarantee me a better grade. It's just that, I want to learn more lessons. This could be coming from someone who is no longer part of NTU population or she just learn that learning things in the real world is harder.

Cute Camou & Casual wear

2008-06-17T13:24:00.003+08:00

We bought this specially for a good friend's wedding from Taka. Azza in particular. So, Izzul didn't get a chance to wear it more often. He grew too fast before he could wear it again for another formal event.

Size: 3 ~ 6 mths
Donation amt: $20 (Cash/IB/Cheque)
Pick-up point: Bt Batok Mrt / Ar-Raudhah Mosque
Delivery charges: $5 (delivery only upon request)

A gift by Nek Su. Again, couldn't gauge well on his size. Manage to squeeze Izzul in them one time.

Size: 3 ~ 6 mths
Donation amt: $15 (Cash/IB/Cheque)
Pick-up point: Bt Batok Mrt / Ar-Raudhah Mosque
Delivery charges: $5 (delivery only upon request)

Contact myself ( Mas ) @ 91270043 or my hubby ( Ez ) to purchase the items.
Further contact details @ http://www.izzulbabygift.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewDoc&docId=4

Here kitty-kitty!

2008-06-17T07:53:00.008+08:00

Worn once only by my baby to a family bowling game. Adorable to be worn for a day of dress up of fun. Actually I don't mind him wearing even if it's just another outing to Orchard Rd, we have people gushing out "so cute" to him wearing this before.

Size: 3 ~ 6 mths
Donation amt: $10 (Cash/IB/Cheque)
Pick-up point: Bt Batok Mrt / Ar-Raudhah Mosque
Delivery charges: $5 (delivery only upon request)

Milk & Diaper Project

2008-06-17T06:13:00.009+08:00

Almost a week now since my last entry. Away for a short trip over the weekend. Anyway, I have been really excited to talk about this for a while now, finally got this chance.
About a month ago, while I was marking some exam papers, I was passed a piece of paper from my colleague sitting next to me. There was no heading whatsoever and it reads...
"Dear Friends,
As some of you know, I was with my friend who works for this wonderful organisation when an urgent call came in requesting for milk powder for a 6 week old baby who was fed rose syrup by her teenage mum who could not afford milk powder and did not hae family support. It was so upsetting to witness the whole episode..."
She went further to explain her purpose of writing to all of us teachers in the room on how we could help out in any form of donation. At the bottom of her letter, she provided information on donation drive that she was working on and beneficiaries in this move.
Later in the day, me and a friend went up to her to find out more on this and after talking about it for a while, I knew somehow, I would like to contribute too.
So you might like to browse through a bit on this:

http://www.beyond.org.sg/StaticBeyond/Programs/Prog-Child.asp

So here at Izzul Baby Gift, in our effort for the fund-raising drive, we are selling away some used (and some untouched) baby items, mostly clothes (since babies outgrow very fast) that I have on hand. I will update the items up for sale in a folder. You may refer to it for any new items posted. All proceeds from the sale of this will go to the Healthy Start Programme. Or you might like to make your own contributions with KKH Outreach/Babes which are also beneficiaries of the HSP. More information at:

http://www.kkh.com.sg/WaystoGivenVolunteer/Donations

I understand that some parents have their reservations when it comes to "Passed Down clothings" or second hand wear. Many of Izzul's day to day wear are handed down from a friend. We do not mind Hand me downs items if they are still in good condition. Some of these may even be new clothes that the child may never have worn for babies outgrow their clothes very fast. I believe we save about $300 on baby items for the first few months since we have gotten so many of newborn items such as clothes, rocker, toys, etc.
It does not mean we are in a bad position or we don't get anything new for Izzul. Of course we do buy things for Izzul, he is our first after all. But especially now that he is really active and really hard to cuff him down during his meal time, extra pieces of clothes sure comes in handy.
However, even if you are not interested to get the any of the items, do take the time to visit some of the websites above and reach out in the many ways that you can. For some of you who would like to donate some of your baby items, ring me up or email me. Contact information can be found at:

http://www.izzulbabygift.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewDoc&docId=4

2008-06-11T15:36:00.003+08:00

I realise long before that I'm no mariah carey but I love singing to Izzul. It calms him and make him lay still and listen. For me, it's quality bonding time.
I sing to him wherever and whenever I feel like breaking into a tune. My hubby, my in-laws, my friends, cousins... they all have been my 'faithful' audience :)
I think most of us already know that singing and talking are important stimulations of the environment for babies and young children. Music makes children artistically more sensitive and also contributes to the development of his brain.
But how true is it that classical music makes children smarter? The Mozart effect is said to have been proven to help stimulate the senses and mental development of babies. They claim that listening to Mozart raised the IQ of children, helped retrain the ear to hear better, and developed spatial reasoning skills in early cognitive development.
But a simple fact is that any slow songs can soothe a fussy baby. That's why we have lullabies.
The truth of the matter, Mozart effect research has been conducted on college undergraduates while no test yet involving the possible influence of this music on infants' has been conducted. Despite popular sentiment, the evidence that listening to classical music made anybody smarter is still questionable.
For me, I'll still sing for izzul..any song that comes to mind... I'll just recite them. From ba ba black sheep to Alhamdulillah.. from Sometimes to Sukiyaki.. yes, I am from that long ago.. from Majulah Singapura to Negaraku.
And if mozart effect is still tenuos, there are still million other ways we can think of to educate and raise our children to be intelligent. Well, it won't be as easy as listening to a piece of music, but I believe in any hard work, it will sure pay off.

Are elephants scared of mice?

2008-06-10T17:27:00.002+08:00

I know this got nothing to do with babies or my life whatsoever but I thought it is intereting to share. I saw this on one of Mythbusters pisodes, they try to find out whether the fabled myth that the elephant’s arch nemesis the mouse is true or not. Check this video out...

Mouse v elephant
by krupis

Izzul Baby Gift Launch

2008-06-07T15:55:00.008+08:00

The day has finally arrive for me to officially announce the launching of our online baby gift store! Named after our beloved son - Izzul Baby Gift sets its mark yesterday when I send out the launching email.
After months of hard work, most of my part is almost done.
Working my own husband in this project had been a wonderful time as it gives us the opportunity to learn another side of us - our work ethics... There are definitely times of thrashing and disagreements, but we somehow need to come to a consensus based on the best outcome.
In fact, I am also working with my close friends, Ros and Olin. Thank you for your support in this.

Our gift store comprises of specially designed gift baskets - the baskets are real nice and they can be used to hold other things after that. Also, instead of bags, we have items packed in chic insulated bags so the moms can use the bag as bottle or food warmer. It is defninitely a great gift for mom who's always on-the-go.
Bouquet of flowers almost always make hearts melt - so we have incorporated this in our gifts - we present to you baby bouquets - bouquets filled with bodysuits, bips, face towels, etc. It's a great gift and you can carry them off stylishly.

We also carry baby-licious diaper cakes - we have auntie jamz to help us with this one since she is good with her hands... we love them, thank you so much. We also have big items such as baby gyms if you would like something simple, practical, pretty and cute.
For those of you out there who worries about getting something she might already have, we would like to suggest our glamourshoot package. Instead of the getting a tangible gift- let her hav the gift experience of her life. Photoshoot will be taken by an experience and friendly photographer to make sure Mommy and baby will have a great time. For their portfolio - check out: www.rashideulyn.com.
Do drop by our store at www.izzulbabygift.com.
We would really appreciate your feedback... maybe what you would like to see more of, whatever it is, we want to hear it. Email, leave me a message here or even call me if you'd like.

2008-06-02T22:43:00.008+08:00

We had such a great time at IMM yesterday. Not shopping but we were there because I wanted Izzul to play at the open air playground on the 3rd floor of the building. The best part of the playground is that it is divided to wet and dry playground. Since Izzul can't walk on his own yet, I brought his walker along. Good thing my hubby was nice enough to let me have the car this week to roam about. Izzul also had a great fun 'waddling' around in the big open space. Check out Izzul's vid.. It's hilarious. It's not very clear that the water's pouring but there are water jets and buckets of water hanging from the top which will tilt over splashing water all over below..

Cheesy saturday

2008-06-02T08:19:00.004+08:00

Yes! I finally and successfully made a cheescake. Dari tunjuk ajar Chef Ros, my mum atually ate 2 slices of it. Thank you! I just realise that it is quite easy to make. But my first attempt at it, the cheesecake refuse to stand on its own. I couldn't even make out where was the separating layer between the cheese and the biscuits. I am that bad. Anyhow, my brother thinks that my cheesecake is a bit cheesy. Honestly, I don't what he's expecting... *urr**
While we were waiting for the cake to bake, we wake Izzul up from sleep and play with him a bit. Ros get to be first to witness Izzul's attempt to stand on his own. He gripped hard on the crib's railings and pulled himself up..woohoo! but dropped again. Bravo! I was too excited that I forgot to take any video of it.
However, he still can't crawl. If a toy is out of his arm's reach, instead of going all fours, he will stretch his body almost 90 deg.
Ez is back in camp. Sigh! 3 weeks is just too long.

2008-05-29T14:24:00.003+08:00

Looking at the developments of my baby, I can see that at 6 months, Izzul has no intention or even show any effort to crawl. Once on a mattress, all he does is flips over. And over and over until he reach the cool floor.
It's ok. It's better in a way because Izzul has the habit to put anything and everything in his mouth. So when he is on his walker, his selection of things are quite limited.
So what's the latest development besides rolling and rolling?
He's able to sit up and balance. Even better, he plays with his toys in his hands showing that he is confident of sitting up by himself. However, he is too brave at times and loses his balance falling sideways or to the back. But of course preventive measures, we always sits him up in his crib or on mattress.
Izzul also talks a lot now. Gibberish mostly. But it's ok, it's cute anyhow.
Oh and I just found out today that he's not scared of the vacuum. In fact, he will tailgate my mum on his walker and flail his hands wildly in the air. I wish I can get that excited when it comes to vacuuming.

2008-05-26T22:17:00.005+08:00

I am so tired but I have no idea from what. I just am. Maybe I have not been working out enough. No, to put it honestly, I have not been working out. Coffee didn't work as well as it did when I was in Uni. Then, coffee was like 'ice'. I could go days without rice but not coffee.
However, Izzul needs no working out, no coffee, yet he is like high on sugar all the time... especially at night. He is only 6 months plus and I am complaining about him being so hyper-active. I can't imagine when he starts to walk. Of course, I am grateful that he is active and healthy but really, I feel my energy being drained. Furthermore, I am only working half day yet I feel my entire body is limp.
Izzul is finally asleep. Phew...! See there, he has his father's t-shirt as a blankie. My mum said that in order to prevent Izzul falling sick from missing his daddy, she wants me to bring a "masam" shirt of his dad's.

Anyway, my day did start out well. WHy? Because somebody guessed I was younger than I really am. We girls are a sucker for praises aren't we? Hahah. Nah, he was sincere and I guess he was comparing me to his fellow nationals.
We met during invigilation at a secondary school earlier today and we got on talking and he was surprised when I said I was working elsewhere for 3 years. He thought that I was an 'A' Level graduate. I didn't realise I looked THAT young... haha... I think I covered the lines well today. The power of compact powder.
Before you all get the wrong idea... you too dear, this guy is bald and reaching his 40s soon. Not my type, I like floppy hair or at least, there's hair..and age matters. He's a tamil teacher all the way from India but has been teaching here the last 12 years. But nonetheless, a great guy. We may have nothing in common but we clicked almost right away. He's warm, casual and great sense of humour. How I wish he was posted to my school. I probably won't meet him again but I do wish him the best.

Nation call

2008-05-22T16:38:00.003+08:00

The last time my hubby went for reservist I was around 6 months pregnant with Izzul. Now, Izzul is 6 months old and Ez is away again for 3 weeks. I thought the void I felt then will be less with a baby around. Not true. In fact, I feel his absence even more. Maybe because I am more used to have him around me. Or maybe because I miss watching him play or read bedtime stories to Izzul. Believe it or not, he is more expressive than I am when reading to Izzul. He has the capability to create the atmosphere and capture Izzul's attention almost immediately. No, I don't believe that it is because he is the father figure and that Izzul is scared of him. On the contrary, I believe I am the stern one.
My mom said that Izzul is feeling his father's absence. Although he is as playful as he had always been on any other day, i think he is aware that he has not seen much of his father. There's something in his facial expression.. almost like expressing a little sadness.
These days he is also rather clingy to me. He doesn't want to sleep in his crib. Rather to sleep with me on the floor. So there we are cuddled on the mattress spread out on the floor. I hope he won't catch a cold. He just recovered from one.

Seminar at the Grassroots Club - Dato' Dr Fadzilah Kamsah

2008-05-20T16:09:00.002+08:00

2008-05-19T17:24:00.010+08:00

We had an event"full" weekend. On Saturday, we were down at the Ministry and I have willingly agreed to be tortured for at least the next 4 years of my life. On Sunday, my hubby and I went for Seminar held by our neighbourhood Mosque. The one and half hours spent at the seminar was worthwhile. The speaker was Dato' Dr Fadzilah Kamsah. A renowned motivational speaker and a hilarious one at that too. We didn't even notice the time passing.
I was surprised to see how small he was. He stands at about 1.55m max. But when he is on stage, his persona just fill up the entire room.
The talk was about "Understanding your Spouses/Partners". The target group for this talk was more for the newly married couples but there are quite a number of engaged to be married couples that joined in the session. With the rising divorce rate among Malays in Singapore, the aim of the talk was to provide guidance on how we can keep a marriage going.
Having attended pre-marital course previously, the content discussed was not any different but the delivery and examples given were definitely something close to our hearts.
What I have learnt is to be thankful always. Being thankful to humans indirectly expresses our gratitude towards Allah. Saying thank you especially to your close ones. Husbands to wife and vice-versa. A moment often forgotten - Husbands are to say thank you to their wife after a wonderful time with her.
Besides being thankful, a good practice before going to sleep everyday, is to hug your spouse for at least 10 seconds with love and the husband forgiving the his wife. If her husbands forgot to do so, the wife seeks for his forgiveness. This is because the "syurga seorang isteri itu terletak pada keredhaan suami. Dengan itu, mohon keampunan dan telah difirmankan Allah s.w.t - Seorang wanita, yang cukup puasanya, solatnya dan yg diredhai suaminya - akan dimasukkan ke syurga dari mana2 8 pintu surga yg Allah telah sediakan."
I remembered asking Ez this question - Why do the rich gets richer and healthier and luckier even when they have no faith in Allah.
Dr Fadzilah reaffirm his explanation. It is called "istidraj" - which means Pemberian Tuhan Dlm kebencian.
So he reminded us to be thankful when we face hardship, deterents, tough challenges and even when we fall ill because these serves as reminders. Because only during hardship are we reminded of God. This is real tough. When things are uphill for us, we tend to neglect our roles as His hamba.

Interestingly, he mentioned that it is not healthy staying with the in-laws. Staying on your own will allow you to mature faster and solve issues you face with your spouse by yourselves. It is also an opportunity for you to learn and understand your spouses. No intrusion from any sides.
There will be problems when you gets married because according to him, "Lelaki adalah seperti spesies dua alam" He said this because, a man before he is married and after are 2 different people. While a woman will still be herself. So sometimes, it is difficult when the change is drastic and for the worse, the woman is not able to accept this. So as the saying goes, "Kau hanya mengenal seseorang itu apabila kau sudah tidur bersamanya, makan bersamanya, ...".
Last but not least, he said, a spouse should be the incomplete part of you. According to research, a successful married couple has at least 12 similarities between them... so guys, start searching for them.
I know it is not much. I didn't write down a lot because I was so absorbed when he was talking. I am no expert but the little that I know, I share. Hope it is helpful :)

2008-05-15T12:22:00.002+08:00

Izzul went for his 5th month check up last Tuesday. He had a slight fever the day before. I was worrid that the nurse might push his immunisation to another day. Luckily Izzul bounced back the next day showing the nurse he was all well and ready for the needle.
When the needle went in his voluptuous thigh, his expression showed that he was ready to cry any minute. I quickly distracted him singing some ridiculous nursery rhyme. I don't even remember what I sang but I knew that it worked. He changed his mind about crying.
These days I have been quite busy with juggling work, maintaining the house chores ang spending quality time with our parents. But I am lucky in so many ways. Right now, Izzul is still small and I am happy that my transition of changing my career path has allowed me to spend more time with him. However not all contract teacher has the same workload as I do. My sister in law for instance. I have heard her complain of the heavy workload. By the way, both of us will be entering the teacher training course the same time. How coincidental.
But I know that I am not going to get lucky all the time, so I really appreciate the times that I have with Izzul now.
Oh I forgot to mention, Izzul Haq now weighs a healthy 8.2 kg!

Cultivating good reading habits

2008-05-11T21:59:00.005+08:00

wHAt? Reading again?!!?

I'm getting sleepy....

Zzzz.....

What it means when he turns 6 mths...

2008-05-11T21:41:00.002+08:00

FINALLY! Izzul gets to eat biscuits, fine cereals and lot of other baby foods for babies 6 mths and above.

To be or Not to be...

2008-05-10T09:24:00.003+08:00

I got THE letter from the Ministry of Education. Didn't expect it to come so fast. I'm still enjoying life as a contract teacher. It's too early to decide now whether I would like to dedicate the next 4 years of my life as a teacher. The senior teachers there believe it is a rewarding career. The younger teachers just felt that the main attraction is the stability. The rewarding part is only on the 12th of each month when the payslips comes in.
SO far what do I think? I think what I think do not matter. Make sense? after all, I have only taught less than 3 months and I'm called in to sign a bond of 4 years.
But then again, what other choices do I have? Back into the industry? Only if I get what I wanted to do - next step after QA engineering, Auditing. After my previous job failed to challenge me to new heights, I quit.
"Takde rezeki." Or Allah has other plans for me.
I have always been a firm believer of fate. Things will have a different take if I am not meant for teaching. We'll wait and see.
In the meantime, I'm just enjoying my working days ends usually by 2pm (Not going to happen often when I become a full pledge teacher)... . How shiok is that?!!!

The mystery of the missing flask, charger and purse.

2008-05-06T12:20:00.003+08:00

I'd like to share an article which I stumble upon months back while I was still pregnant with Izzul. So what triggered me to dig back for this article - you're right. To back myself up for my recent series of mysterious loss or misplacement of things. First, it was my charger, then it was Izzul's flask, then the ultimatum, my purse.

Having a baby means losing very vital brain cells. I read, it gets worse after each baby. Luckily, I am not alone. At least 80% of all women say that they become more forgetful during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester and that it continues even after delivery. According to a recent study in Australia expectant mothers probably are more forgetful. Based on their research, pregnancy turns pregnant mothers into 60 year olds, at least when it comes to their memories. They say that women can become impaired for at least a year after giving birth. Researches do not know why this happens.

Here's the link to the article:
http://in.news.yahoo.com/ani/20080207/r_t_ani_hl/thl-pregnancy-does-make-women-more-forge-3b18f0d_1.html

Anyway, even so, I am naturally neglectful. I was praying hard that pregnancy will have an adverse effect on people like me.. but I think not.
I felt so bad that we had to travel all the way back to my in-laws place to get my purse. I have to do something... Should I make myself a checklist? So that each time before I make a way out with the family, I have to make sure everything is in the big duffel bag. Somebody advised me to eat gingko nuts. I don't really fancy the taste. One or two is fine - but a whole bag of it... no way. Previously I took tablet, eat lots of raisins, dates - still, nothing seems to work.
What is worse is that when I start to forget something once - it has a kind of domino effect for the next couple of weeks.

Izzul's First Driving Lesson

2008-05-02T16:50:00.001+08:00

Watch out for the red light!

Internation Family Buffet - IFB

2008-05-02T12:46:00.006+08:00

How did you spend your labour day holiday? We had a great time shopping as a family. We bought Izzul 2 new toys. It's really adorable. It's really affordable.. I got them for $17.90 at Takashimaya. There were so many toys there that we could not decide what to get for him. Since Izzul will be playing with them, we let him choose. Izzul is very expressive so it is quite easy to tell if he is fascinated with something. We pulled out a toy train - Nothing. He glanced and look at the other toys surrounding him. We pulled out a bouncy penguin and his reaction was adorable - His eyes became large and he started to kick and flap his arms.. like a penguin..heheh.. So we got the penguin and the rabbit.. We got the rabbit because as adults, we were quite amused by it. We are sure Izzul will grow to like it :)
After tired from shopping, we were ready to pounce on the buffet table at International Family BUffet. Have you been there yet? Well, if you ask me, if you have been to Sakura Buffet and Carousel, then this is no different. Sakura has a wider range of food to pick from although IFB has slightly more cold dish to serve. Carousel have a head start from here.Desert? Nothing beats Carousels deserts. Next - service... well, they need to learn A LOT from their competitors. My dad wanted to get tea but he doesn't fancy the flavoured kinds so I was asking the waiter if there were any the original flavoured teas. What did I get? - shake of the head and point at the tea counter. He looks like he is not from around here. SO ok, maybe he didn't understand me. I tried again asking a local looking waitress - even before I could finish my sentence, she said, pointing towards the tea counter," That's all we have." Yeah right. We paid $30 over dollars to get "that's all we have" I was so pissed. It was a simple enquiry and yet it couldn't be addressed well. So Ros, you can strike this one out.

Anyway, my lovely hubby had accidentally deleted all the pics and a video of this day event.. no worries, I will try to get them from my back-up photographer - Mirul! Kiki, when your exams are over, can you send over the pics?

The Singapore Flyer

2008-04-30T09:42:00.015+08:00

I think I forgot mention that I went to SIngapore Flyer last Friday. It was a trip funded by the school for all teachers to attend. The observation wheel stands high at a stunning 165 metres - exceeding the London Eye by 43 metres. Which ones nicer? The eye of london has 32 capsules which can hold 25 people in it. It can also be used to host corporate meetings and other conventions. The SIngapore flyer capsule can accomodate to 28 people and there are altogether 28 capsules. There is sure something about the number 28 isn't it...
Although lack of originality, I have to say it is sure to become an iconic visitors attraction. The surrounding area is as captivating as the wheel itself. The man-made Asian rainforest sits at the foot of the flyer and the waterfront dining promenade is really beautiful at night.
But what caught my attention the most was - the mechanism driving the capsule and the structure. Hahah.. yes, engineering students.
Anyway, So Olin, how's my phototaking techniques? Now, will you take me in as your apprentice.
By the way, we also went to the Hort Park - near Alexandra. I have not uploaded the pics. Shall do it soon. An interesting place. Some place you might want to bring you children too for some outdoor learning activites. But pls DO NOT go noon time. Don't say I didn't warn you. You will get fried.

Post Natal Blues

2008-04-29T19:34:00.006+08:00

I was back early from work today. Nothing much left for me at work since it's exam period now. Once back, my mum, who is also Izzul's nanny, took the opportunity to take time off from taking care of him. So it was just me and Izzul at my mum's place.
Being home alone with Izzul brought me back to a couple of months back - My confinement days.

A lil' tip about confinement
In many Asian societies, new mothers observe traditional confinement period and practices which have been handed down through generations.

Chinese women observe a 30 - day confinement period, while confinement period for Indian mothers is generally 40 days. Malay women would also go through 40 days of confinement, although not all would observe this strictly. I am not sure if it is practised in other places of the world, but from where I come from, our parents swear by it.

There is something that I really would like to share which I would never have admitted to anyone back then. How do I put this... hmm, I was a little scared being "alone" with Izzul. Yes, I was. I was worried that I won't be able to nurse him. I was worried that he will not stop crying. I was worried that I will scold him for not going back to sleep when I am already so beat. Basically, I was worried that he will realise what a horrible mother I am.
Maybe I was paranoid. Being a first time mother is definitely not easy for me. I do remember one night I cried to myself with Izzul in my arms because he wouldn't go to sleep. I had a hard time breastfeeding him and my nipples were already sore. I kept singing to him but he refuses to sleep. I think he finally dozed off after 2 hours in my arms.
There were also other things then that bothered me. I was feeling rather low (although everyone else is jumping for joy for the new addition). I remembered telling a friend of mine how jealous I was because my hubby was showing more love and care for the baby than for me. During pregnancy, my hubby was super sweet as he always puts me first before anything or anyone else. But I felt isolated the moment Izzul was born. Also, I was feeling tired all the time - it didn't help that we were told to sleep at an angle for 40 days for some blood circulation reasons.... and our tummy were wound up in cloth for 24 hours for 40 days. Imagine the suffocation. (of coz I cheated all the time.. who can bear that especially with Singapore's weather)

So how did I cope with it? Read stories about other first time mothers experiences, also I got back to work, which helps too - and also, learn more about post-natal blues. Knowing that it is perfectly normal really help you to get you back on your feet.

Here are some things I learn about post-natal blues.
Feeling out of control
Extreme loneliness
Pressure to feel instant love for their baby
Tiredness like they have never known it before
Frustration and anger
Detached from their previous lifestyle and friends.

These feeling are often particularly strong over the first few days and weeks. Every one of these reactions and many more are perfectly normal ways of responding to having a baby. As your body recovers and you have some sleep, albeit brief, most women gradually feel more normal and find themselves adjusting to their new role as mothers over a period of time.

Now I treasure the moments I have with him alone.

A Seiko watch from Takashimaya, please!

2008-04-28T12:12:00.004+08:00

My dad-in-law b'day is just around the corner. It's going to be a simple occasion of just going out for dinner and presenting him a gift. Nah, it won't be a surprise kind of event because he is the one suggesting the restaurant to have our dinner at and he had also dropped a BIG hint for his present.
It can be so easy getting presents for people who are more than willing to announce what they would like to have for a present isn't it. Definitely not my style. Maybe because I can never decide on what I want.. and I am shy *sheepish*. Really. I would rather get the "wants" myself so that if I grow to hate it, I have no one else to blame. Does that happen to you at times? You buy something from a store, then you bring it home, it sits for a while and you decide that it is not as nice as you thought. You wish you could have gotten something else with that money.
Sometimes, the opposite happens. Some things grow on me. Usually like bags, clothes and especially shoes.
Anyway, May 11 is Mother's Day isn't it? Have you thought of anything for your mum yet?

Teacher's biggest dread

2008-04-25T11:50:00.004+08:00

To be teaching a class of hyper-active teenagers who channels their energy to other things than studying. There were only 17 students in the class and yet, they are infamous. For the first time, I was actually worried.
I was allocated to THE class to relief a teacher who was hospitalized. Yes, the teacher was hospitalized. Who wouldn't be worried?!!??
When I told this to my husband, he said, "Long ago, it was the teachers that the students fear of, now, teachers are even scared to get into the class." He makes it sound as if I am being thrown into a dungeon. But quite close to how I was feeling at that time. I had been warned earlier by the head of Mathematics that this is a class to watch out for. So I really don't know what to expect.
When I came in the class, which by the way, the only class which has only one door unlike the other classes (to make it a little harder for them to run away from class in the middle of the lesson, i believe) , there was only 1 student. He was reading. 5 minutes later, a girl turn up. A while later, the school OM came to inspect. I think the head of Maths could have told him to back me up. Yes, I needed back up. Slowly the class make up to the supposed 17 students. As punishment for coming in late, they had to do detention. Too light a punishment for them maybe. Because they just looked bored.
SO after everything settled, I just continued to guide through an exercise I just gave out. They are not as bad as their reputation spells. They are just a group of students who have weak bladder, who has an attention span of a lightning bolt, whose mouth would start to itch if they do not irritate their classmates, the only ones who have an answer to rhetorical questions and the only ones who can ask the Head of Department to stop his nagging because he is exhausting their lesson time. I take my hats off for the last one. Something I have not seen a teacher done with their HOD. Expressing their thoughts :)

And shall I add - a new stroller too!!

2008-04-23T22:53:00.003+08:00

Yes, we love bright colours and he loves his new ride

When will be a good time for a walker?

2008-04-23T13:00:00.005+08:00

Exams are just around the corner. Previously, I didn't even notice if it is the school holidays already. Now, I can even tell you when is Earth day, international Friendship day, Racial harmony day, and what-not. Things are getting a little busy but still manageable.
Anyway, Izzul is doing fine. Have I told you that we bought a walker for him. I wanted to buy something for my hubby with my first paycheck as a teacher, but he was really sweet and we ended up buying a walker for Izzul instead.
I know, he can't even sit up and we have bought him a walker. But you'll be surprised at how fast he can move with that thing. Personally, there is really no right and wrong when it comes to your child's development. You are the best person to make the call. Once you feel your child is ready to move on to the next stage, by all means. My baby is not crawling yet but I believe he will one day. Or maybe he has plans to go straight to walking, we will never know. Each child is special and development rate is also different.
The only thing is, he can move really quick - backwards. He has problems moving forward. Hehe... He looks so funny when he tries to move forward furiously but ended up getting further and further.
It comes as no surprise that it had become habit for him to listen to our bedtime stories before going to bed now. What surprised me was that he had also become my biggest fan for singing lullabies. Seriously, if I were to put him to sleep without singing to him, he will hum to himself. Or I can call that mumble. With his pacifier in his mouth, he will hum a tune to himself. hehe....
Anyway, pics of him? On his walker of coz.

A beautiful story.... Get ready your tissue box

2008-04-18T11:51:00.005+08:00

I was going to talk about calming and soothing babies when I suddenly rememberd this story. Have you heard of a premature baby who survived because of a cuddle. Here I'll share with you this beautiful story:

It was to be the one and only cuddle Carolyn Isbister would have with her tiny, premature daughter.

Rachael had been born minutes before - weighing a mere 20oz - and had only minutes to live. Her heart was beating once every ten seconds and she was not breathing. As doctors gave up, Miss Isbister lifted her baby out of her hospital blanket and placed her on her chest.

She said: "I didn't want her to die being cold. So I lifted her out of her blanket and put her against my skin to warm her up. Her feet were so cold.

"It was the only cuddle I was going to have with her, so I wanted to remember the moment." Then something remarkable happened. The warmth of her mother's skin kickstarted Rachael's heart into beating properly, which allowed her to take little breaths of her own.

Miss Isbister said: "We couldn't believe it - and neither could the doctors. She let out a tiny cry.

"The doctors came in and said there was still no hope - but I wasn't letting go of her. We had her blessed by the hospital chaplain, and waited for her to slip away.

"But she still hung on. And then amazingly the pink colour began to return to her cheeks.

"She literally was turning from grey to pink before our eyes, and she began to warm up too."

Four months later, Rachael was allowed home weighing 8lb - the same as a newborn baby - and she has a healthy appetite.

Miss Isbister, a 36-year- old chemist from West Lothian , said: "Rachael has been such a little fighter - it is a miracle that she is here at all. When she was born the doctors told us that she would die within 20 minutes. But that one precious cuddle saved her life. I'll never forget it."

Miss Isbister and her partner David Elliott, 35, an electronics engineer, were thrilled when she became pregnant.

At the 20-week scan at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, doctors told them she was carrying a girl and they decided to name her Rachael.

But at 24 weeks a womb infection led to premature labour.

Miss Isbister, who also has two children Samuel, 10, and Kirsten, eight, from a previous marriage, said: "We were terrified we were going to lose her. I had suffered three miscarriages before, so we didn't think there was much hope." When Rachael was born she was grey and lifeless.

"The doctor just took one look at her and said no," said Miss Isbister.

"They didn't even try to help her with her breathing as they said it would just prolong her dying. Everyone just gave up on her."

Ian Laing, a consultant neonatologist at the hospital, said: "All the signs were that the little one was not going to make it and we took the decision to let mum have a cuddle as it was all we could do.

"Two hours later the wee thing was crying. This is indeed a miracle baby and I have seen nothing like it in my 27 years of practice. I have not the slightest doubt that mother's love saved her daughter."

Rachael was moved on to a ventilator where she continued to make steady progress.

Miss Isbister said: "The doctors said that she had proved she was a fighter and that she now deserved some intensive care as there was some hope.

"She had done it all on her own - without any medical intervention or drugs.

"She had clung on to life - and it was all because of that cuddle. It had warmed up her body enough for her to start fighting." Because Rachel had suffered from a lack of oxygen doctors said there was a high risk of damage to her brain. But a scan showed no evidence of any problems.

As the days passed, Rachael began to gain in strength and put on weight. She had laser treatment to save her sight because the blood vessels had not had a chance to develop properly in the womb. And she also had six blood transfusions.

"We couldn't believe that she was doing so well," her mother said.

"Her heart rate and breathing would suddenly sometimes drop without warning, but she just got stronger and stronger."

After five weeks she was taken off a ventilator and Miss Isbister was able to breastfeed her.

Then, after four months, the couple were allowed to take her home - a day they thought they would never see.

Miss Isbister said: "She is doing so well. When we finally brought her home, the doctors told us that she was a remarkable little girl.

"And most of all, she just loves her cuddles. She will sleep for hours, just curled into my chest.

"It was that first cuddle which saved her life - and I'm just so glad I trusted my instinct and picked her up when I did.

"Otherwise she wouldn't be here today.."

Izzul Haq and his GOD!-"aunties??"

2008-04-14T22:43:00.010+08:00

Efficient Aunty Olin has already uploaded the pics from last Saturday. I just realized, she took all the pics and she is not in any of the pictures. Anyway, thanks Olin for the lovely pics. They don't look half as bad as you say. Our dear friend here has taken photography to another level and really enjoying it. As friends, what we can do for her is to give her the support, sit back, look pretty and smile for the camera.

A day of a few wrongs

2008-04-14T06:02:00.005+08:00

Last Saturday was an eventful day for me. I started off the day uploading photoshop software to my laptop - which I faced a lot of problems because I am just hopeless at fiddling with uploading and downloading of things. It can be as easy as just clicking on next button - yet something can almost always go wrong. SO, yes, the day didn't start out good. I got on with the marking of my sec3 class work. Which was quite ok.
Izzul wasn't around that morning as he has left with his grandparents to accompany them for breakfast. Once he reached home, he looked he was ready to sleep. And he did. Unfortunately only for a while because I already promised my friends that I will be meeting them for lunch - and I'm bringing Izzul along. So my poor little baby was dragged off his bed and to the pram.
I haven't gotten the photos from my friends yet but it was a fun afternoon. It's been a while since we last met. And it had been ages for me and Ija.I hope I get to see the pic soon. Olin, please upload them as soon as you have finished your exams yah?
Izzul was ok that afternoon, but you will never believe how he was that night.
After meeting my friends, we went down to meet Ez's parents at parkway. Ez's sister wanted to eat at the coffeeshop nearby Parkway, however, deep down, I was a little reluctant. The time was close to 7pm. And I have my worries when Izzul is out around this timing. So I asked Ez if we could have something indoor. I was torn. Lin probably wanted to eat at the coffeeshop so much as she hardly suggests any place unless she really feels like it. But I had no choice. Anyway, even indoors, I can already sense Izzul getting really restless. I bet he can't wait to get home and relax. Trust me, babies like to be carried around but if they have been "man-handled" for several hours, they do get tired.
So that night, he didn't sleep well. He was crying out loud - practically screaming. I have never seen him cry like that before. And it wasn't easy pacifying him like other times. It took longer that usual but he did calm down a bit and fell asleep. A while later, he woke up again crying in the same manner. Everyone was worried, if he was bloated or because he had blocked nose. I wasn't sure.
So on Sunday, we brought him to the doctor but he said he was nothing. So my guess is, he was just tired. Moreover, earlier in the day, he enjoyed himself too much, laughing and shrieking at the top of his voice.
Yesterday night, he did cry a little loud but way better that the day before. I am no expert at this. But I have read somewhere, once your baby cries, try to pacify him quickly so that he will not get carried away with the crying. Once he gets carried away with it once, it will be like a habit to him to cry that way each time.
On the other, as he grows slightly older, he gets cheeky and cries because he wants you to carry him up. DO this only once in a while. Other times, try distracting him with his toys or just playing with him but don't pick him up. Otherwise, he will know that by crying, he'll get his way. I can't stress this more - I am just a first-time mum who's just sharing her observation. You are welcome to share your experience and views as well :)

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

2008-04-07T11:47:00.004+08:00

Many who has carried Izzul can imagine why I am suffering from back aches. To date, he is 7.8 kg. Quite a handful at 4 months and 3 weeks. But I am glad he is growing well and healthily. I think those nutritional tablet and the tins of milk I drank during my pregnancy paid off.
Izzul also started to drink juice as early as 2 months old. Initially, Izzul was not passing motion like normal babies. At least once a day, so we bought for him white grape juice and he loved it. Then we started buying different flavours for him. I'm no nutritionist but I think it has also helped provide the necessary vitamins for Izzul. His skin recovers fast each time he scratches himself.
However you need to be careful when buying these juices, there are age restrictions imposed on certain brands. I would recommend Gerber. I will update the pic when I'm back on my personal laptop.

Disposable diapers

2008-04-04T11:40:00.002+08:00

Tonight we are going to Punggol again. I'm so glad Izzul is all well again. Anyway, there is something I wish to share for all the first-time mums and even mums-to-be. Well, I have not tried all different brand of diapers available in the market but have tried a couple which is good enough to summarise the good diapers to use. For myself, I have tried pampers, drypers, pureen, huggies and a few others. I can't remember at the moment. Usually when identifying the best disposable diapers, many factors come into play: absorbency, fastener quality, fit, affordability and resistance to leaks.

However, my criteria for diapers is much simpler - it needs to absorb well, not too stiff, able to stick on and re-stick the tabs well. I think diapers nowadays there's hardly any that leaks. With so much competition in the market, there is no place for bad quality products. Over time, I believe the quality and cost rockets side by side to each other. Reportedly, Pampers Custom Fit Cruisers, Pampers Baby Dry and Huggies Supreme, are some of the most expensive of the name-brand diapers on the market.
1- But my favourite will be Huggies Ultra. It is definitely the best so far. Although I did not change the diapers for 8 hours, Izzul's bum remain dry.
2- Falling a bit short is the new Pureen Dry. Quite absorbent and the cloth-like material on the outside makes it comfortable for Izzul (I don't know - that's what I heard from people).
3- Thirdly, I use drypers on short occasions. I would change his diapers regularly when he is using drypers. Drypers are popular with parents here because it's absorbent level is not that bad and it is at an affordable price.

Flu bug

2008-04-02T18:13:00.002+08:00

Yes, Izzul finaly caught on with the flu bug. Don't get me wrong. Of course, I never wish him to fall ill, but the flu bug has been going around for weeks. Although we have been very cautious, we can't exactly avoid him totally. Especially when he coerce you to talk to him, giggling and act all cute around you. He's sound asleep now. He didn't have a good sleep last night. And I have no idea he was catching a cold. I felt so bad when my mum called me at work this morning to inform me of his condition. He woke up a couple of times last night. I checked his temperature, it was nothing. Checked his tummy. Nothing too. I was really so shacked that I asked my hubby to put him to sleep when Izzul woke up crying again at 3am. It didn't even cross me that he might have a block nose. I was feeling so bad but a good friend of mine turn it around for me. Her words of wisdom made it all better :) Thanks Ros. I will better second time around.

2008-04-01T22:42:00.002+08:00

I feel so lethargic and it is only tuesday. Or maybe because it is only tuesday that I feel so down and tired. We just came back from Changi Hospital - the hospital located on the eastern side of Singapore. It is quite a distant from where we are staying - the west. Anyway, geography aside, we actually went to visit my hubby's cousin who just underwent a procedure known as a tonsillectomy. I think that was what it was called. A common procedure to have the tonsils removed. A symptom she had was persistant sore throat and recurring fever. Yaya is usually the life of the party - always there to inject humour out of any occasion. Now that she is the one infected, the ward seems empty. Just the normal quiet whisperings can be heard. I hope you get well soon Yaya! And resume your post as the family MC.

By the way, we had our dinner at Carousel yesterday - complimentary of Faizal and Yati. Thank you so much for the lovely time. It was Izzul's first time to a dinner buffet. He was enchanted by the candles outside the restaurant. Well, he can't sit by himself yet but he can balanced on his Huggies diapers for a few seconds - long enough for us to capture for a pic.

For the love of Izzul

2008-03-30T23:18:00.005+08:00

I can't believe that the weekend is already over! Back to school tomorrow. I am just starting to enjoy waking up late and spending the entire afternoon doing nothing but snuggling up with Izzul. He has been sleeping quite a lot the last 2 days. I realise a pattern with him. After several days of active mornings and afternoons - not sleeping much - he will later restore his energy by catching up on his lost sleeps.

But we did go to Sakura for fmaily dinner on Saturday. Lin ( Ez's sister ) was sick of staying at home the last couple of days. She was on medical leave for 5 days as she had to go under some surgery to remove her wisdom tooth. Such pitiful thing. I can't imagine the pain that she was going through. Anyway, check out the photo we took at Sakura's. His cap was a lil too big for him.. hehe. He reminds me of Sudin from Seniman Bujang Lapok.

He was throwing tantrums a while ago. Each time I left him with his dad, he will start to cry. Ez was slightly affected by his child's action although he did not say. But I totally understand how he feels. I think maybe Izzul feels a little detached from his father. Ez has been quite busy lately and coming back late from work. But it wasn't Ez fault. Anyhow, how busy we are, we have to make a point to remain existant, even if we only manage to kiss them good night. I felt the same way last Friday. Izzul seems a little distant. Call me paranoid but yeah, I feel something was amiss. But we got on as usual as we spend more time over the weekend. I hope Izzul will get the idea sooner and later and forgive us for the times we are not around.

The 4 month phase

2008-03-26T10:41:00.003+08:00

Lately, he has been waking up at 3 am or 4am for his bottle of milk. And when he does that, I will most likely to miss my first alarm at 5.30am. I will snooze it and go back to sleep. Like this morning, we woke up at 5.50am and had to rush through everything - which means, there is a high chance I'm going to forget something, and this morning, it was my mobile. Yes, the other part of me. Well, not that my life is entirely dependant on it but you got to admit it's usefulness and also.. it's habitual to check your phone once in a while. So anyways, dependant on it or not, my hubby insisted to go back and get them.
Right now, I am contemplating on whether I would like Izzul to join the Shichida Method. I know it might be a little early to think about this right now but since we don't grow money on trees, we got to work out a little planning so we can arrange for Izzul to have the best education. Izzul and his siblings that is :)
I first heard about Shichida method from my university mate who was at that time working there as a teacher. We bumped into each other in the train and she started telling me all about this method and how it will help your kid with photographic memory, artistic ability, etc.. . And this was before I got married but I kept the idea that if I have a kid one day, I might like him to join the class. And surprisingly, being a forgetful bugger, I could remember this thing although it has been almost 2 years now. It must mean something right? (you see, I'm the kind who believe in karma, signs and fate) I will learn a thing or two about this method and let you know more what it is all about.

Teaching madness

2008-03-25T09:42:00.003+08:00

Now, I understand what my friends have been talking to me about all this while. And it is only my first day of lesson. I only had 3 classes and I already felt like I'm pulled in all directions. Well, maybe that's how one of my upper secondary students made me feel anyway. But craziness aside, I am longing to spend time with my son again. A quiet evening just with him. Seeing him giggle or shriek with laughter each time I throw him up in the air. this pic was taken at in our room at my in laws place. He loves lying on his tummy. I heard it's also good to strengthen his neck muscles. It wasn't intentional the way his hair was done. We only realize after we uploaded the photo. Don't ya think he resembles the lead from killerz? haha...

I try my best to spend a little bit of time with him, some time with my hubby and some time with my parents. And all this has to be done after work, which can be about 5 or 6 in the evening. And since Ez has to go anchorage these days, he will need to pack one-dish food from home. Don't get me wrong. I love cooking for Ez, simply because he gives honest opinion and I will always aim to exceed his expectations the next time. But I wish I have the extra hours to do my groceries and whip up something better or different than the usual. It's only too slow and mind-grinding since I'm no natural cook.

I haven't mention anything about last weekend. Maybe I'll do that on tmr since I need to get back to my lesson planning. Ciao!

New interest?

2008-03-21T09:23:00.002+08:00

I never thought myself as a creative individual. However that never stops me from trying my hands on art and crafts. I stumbled upon the idea to learn the art of gift baskets when I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy. My hospital ward was filled with gift baskets, bouquet of flowers and joyous people to celebrate the arrival of Izzul Haq. I was mesmerized by the gift baskets given to me on that day and promised to learn the art of gift basket during my 3 months maternity leave. That was the start of my new-found indulgence. I was thinking of coming up with something different and bring a whole new meaning to gift baskets. I haven't really thought how but shall try. How long will it last? We just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, I will try to squeeze in my new interest in between spending time with my son and teaching and..blah..blah... But whatever it is, I shall update here if I manage to come up with my gift baskets.

Anyway, it's a beautiful Friday morning. Because it's a holiday! Izzul is sleeping soundly. Look how adorable he looks.

Back to work

2008-03-18T13:49:00.000+08:00

Yup, I have started work again after a 2 weeks break. Nothing much to tell on my first day (or second day I would expect) as we have to undergo a 2-day preparatory programme before entering the classroom for the first time.
Anyway, I have just uploaded a picture taken last wednesday. My newly wed brother had treat us (my family and his in-laws family ) to a sumptuous dinner at a restaurant. They too have a 4month old baby. Only 2 weeks older than Izzul. Look how adorable they look sitting on the dinner table. Of course, dinner wasn't serve yet ") but they look so cute we can eat them up anyway.

Do you know me? Do you know me not?

2008-03-16T20:05:00.000+08:00

When I started working 2 months ago after my maternity leave, I have to say that the transition was not as rough as I thought it would. I resume my "working mode" pretty easily. I have other mothers asking me how was it for me the first day away from Izzul Haq. I told them it was pretty ok. I made my way outta door without having my mum kick me out the door. Izzul took it pretty well too. Yeah, we do think about each other at times. But that was it. I think my answer was something unexpected. I questioned myself if not having such emotional connection makes me less of a mother. I do wonder myself why I didn't cry or sad when I left the house. Was I that eager?
Yesterday, something happen over at my mum-in-laws place that my hubby said "That should answer your question whether you're a good mother". Izzul suddenly cried his lungs out while I was performing my prayers. He refused to quieten down although everyone was pacifying him. He was really crying with tears welling up his eyes. It was so pitiful. After my prayers, I picked him up. As if magic, he slept in my arms within 3 minutes. Despite everyone's view, I was still unsure it was mother's instict or was it just that I have learned the right technique to soothe him.

Dilemma

2008-03-13T08:15:00.000+08:00

As you can see, I have religiously write in 3 days in a row. Not that I am an avid blogger in the making... but just that I have that disposable time (usually when my baby is sleeping and I have done my chores) I use to surf net, check my emails and catch up with my fav soap operas. These disposable times are contributed by the fact that I have recently resigned from Fastenal Singapore. Yes, finally I have done so. Applause! For finally dragging myself up from a comfortable position as QA Engineer and seek for something more... More what? I have got no idea. Challenge maybe, better remunerations definitely, something fulfilling I guess. All I know is that it is about time.
So what am I doing after this... TEACH! Yes, I have gotten a placement in a nearby secondary school to teach Maths and Chemistry. Am I looking forward to it? Not really. I kind of like what I'm doing right now. Spending all my time with my son. Sooo.... get to the point. What's the dilemma about? I am contemplating of joining 2 openings at separate organisations. Well, not contemplating really, since I have already submitted my resume :)
One is an engineering position. Another is graphic designing. Yes, the latter definitely is more attractive but the company have told me that they might not be able to match my expectations. There are Pros and Cons for all and I am aware of it all. I just can't make up my mind and I don't feel like deciding now.
Izzul is sleeping soundly. It has been raining for days. Good weather to sleep.
Yesterday, my brother and sis-in law brought me and Izzul to Johor Bahru in Malaysia. I haven't been there in ages. I used to frequent there while I was single. But since I got married, my husband kinda stop me from going there. He means well. He just fear our safety. But since my brother was around, he let me off for one day. Thank you Dear!
Lucky for me, Izzul was not fussy or anything. He was a doll- he played and mumbles to himself or sometimes just look at his surroundings with curiousity. Sigh... I am so going to miss him when I start to work next week.

Reading at 4 months?

2008-03-11T21:14:00.001+08:00

Since the moment I got pregnant, I constantly remind myself that everything that I do, might in one way or another have effect on my baby. They say that if I start reading to my baby while he's still forming his toes, he will pick up the good habit. What they never say is whether the kind of book that we read will have effect also on the baby. I love reading. But.... I was a little worried that my choice of bedtime story is not exactly suitable for anyone below the age of 16. So to be entirely honest, I didn't read that much. But I remembered my nights then, filled with a lot of brainstorming sessions with my hubby. I will get to that some other time.

Anyway, I am determined to make up for those loss moments by reading to Izzul now. I am thankful that he is quite attentive when I read to him. I will regularly pause and check that I am not reading to a sleeping infant. Usually I will catch him looking at me with his huge brown eyes. At times, he will give cute little mumblings as if trying imitate my mouth movements. Same goes when I sang to him lullabies. He will try to follow. It is SO adorable.

Check out the pic I took yesterday. hehe...

3 more days to 4 month!

2008-03-11T07:04:00.000+08:00

Finally, I got a blog! I have been postponing these for months. That will be since I gave birth about 4 months ago. Yes, a simple thing like having a blog was still a tough decision to make for me. Imagine the kind of brainstorming I was doing when I decided to get married and have a baby. Ha! You see, I have always known as "Jack of all trades but master of none". When I took up crocheting while I was pregnant, my good friend, Ros, had a good laugh. She said that she wants to see how far I will go with the "knitting" frenzy. And she was right, I didnt complete the blanket I wanted to do for my baby. Well, we just have to wait and see how long this lasts.

The reason why I am having a blog today is because being pregnant and having a baby is a miracle experience. I love sharing about Izzul Haq developments, his pictures and even when he just gurgles out some funny sounds, it is a joy. I want to capture every moment. I never knew I could love someone this much. No offence dear. I love you too... it's a different kinda love ;)

this one was taken a week ago at his cousin's 1 year old birthday party...