Diaper Bag Dilemma

The problem with living in Penang, Malaysia is that there are not many options when it comes to cool diaper bags. 

I am on the hunt for something of quality, functional and looks pretty fashionable - of course! It should also last at least for a couple of years. I came across a couple options at a couple of maternity stores, including Mothercare, Peekaboo, Mom's Care... but nothing there really captured my attention. 

Hence, I started my online research on a range of diaper bags available over the past couple of months...

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My top favorite picks are:

1) Skip Hop Studio Diaper Tote 
    Price: US$90
    Video Review
    Features:
    - 14 pockets & zip-top closure (big enough for most laptops) 

    - Zip pocket protected by Agion antimicrobial lining

    - Two roomy insulated side bottle pockets 

    - Quilted cushioned changing pad

    - Water-resistant inside & out 

    - Snap-down front pocket that enables hanging a blanket/bib underneath 

    - Nickel feet to keep the base of the ground & scuff-free 

    - Hangs neatly on a stroller & can be worn over the shoulder 

    - Contrasting lining that makes it easy to find what you need

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this in either Indigo Dot or Pewter Dot!!! It's super stylish and seems to be incredibly functional. This would be my 1st choice for diaper bag. It's just so me! :)

The biggest bummer about it is that neither Skip Hop or Amazon delivers to Malaysia, for some reason. I've been trying to find other alternative online outlets that sell this, including eBay. There were two sellers. One actually stated clearly that they do not deliver to Malaysia (...and why not?!?); the other, the shipping fee seems to cost a bomb (...hmmm, maybe that's why they don't deliver to Malaysia). *sigh*

2) Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared Diaper Bag
    Price: US$180
    Video Review
    Features:
    - 2 exterior insulated bottle pockets
    - Structured bottom with luggage feet
    - Unique main zipper closure systems for easy access
    - Color coded tabs to know which pocket is for which child
    - Tote handles can be tucked away and hidden when not in use
    - Full zip-down mommy pocket for super access
    - Picture pocket to keep photos handy when bragging to friends
    - Teflon - so stains don't stick
    - AgION Anitimicrobial Linings - kills germs, mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria etc.
    - Memory foam changing pad
    - Crumb drains 
    - Metal hardware
    - Mommy pocket
    - Light colored linings
    - Quiet magnets
    - Bottle pockets

 

I really like this a lot, especially in Shadow Waltz, as it's super spacious (yeah, cos it's meant for twins). I can stuff plenty of things in this, but sadly, this one's way off my budget.

3) Skip Hop Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag
    Price: US$58
    Video Review
    Features:
    - Zippered compartments that are easy to reach and with perfect depth for storing diapers 
      and wipes
    - 3 magnetic closures (main pouch and two front pouches)
    - Side pocket with Velcro closure
    - Side mesh pocket with locking drawstring closure - perfect for water or baby bottle
    - Removable, adjustable strap
    - Handle for carrying without shoulder strap
    - Clips on to stroller
    - Easy to clean interior
    - 2 interior pockets
    - Includes on-the-go cushioned changing pad     

 

I have a soft side for the color red (and pink of course) so naturally I love either of the two blush red/red variations. Comparatively, this is one's more on the affordable price range that my other favorite pics.

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Nevertheless, from the looks of it, I don't think I'll end up with any of them anytime soon and may need to settle for one of the cheaper options that are available and sold in Penang. 

Perhaps I'll just settle with one the free bags that I received from the hospital first (like the one above) - at least until I can hunt down my favorites (or close to favorites).

I've also asked a couple of close friends to keep an eye out for the availability of Skip Hop Studio Diaper Tote and Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared Diaper Bag in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed in the meantime...

Celebrating My 1st Mother’s Day While Pregnant

Is it wrong for me to feel like I deserve to celebrate this year's Mother's Day like every other mother even though I haven't given birth and am not a "true blue" mommy yet?

On one hand, I feel like I don't deserve it yet, but on the other hand, I feel like I do deserve it cos I have been loving, growing and nurturing the little "gift of life" inside me for the past 36 weeks... Today seems like such a appropriate occasion for me to cherish all my blessings and look forward to be becoming a family. It's no longer going to be just Kevin and I - baby's gonna make three. She's going to make us become an official family unit!

Regardless, we did our usual Mother's Day routine celebration with our moms. Kevin, Elaine (my sister-in-law) and I took our moms out for a Mother's Day treat. But of course this year's celebration was extra special as it was not just the five of us. We were also joined by the little sweetheart growing inside of me, who thoroughly enjoyed the food and other guilty pleasures of the day (I can tell from her endless belly taps and what seemed like hi-fives for mommy).

Lunch at Chilli's, Gurney Plaza with our moms.

 Followed by dessert at Swensen's, Gurney Plaza... Banana Crumble and Earthquake. Yummy!!

I can't wait for next year's Mother's Day for when the little munchkin officially joins our yearly celebration in the flesh and I can truly feel worthy of celebrating the day as a true mother (and not just a momma-to-be)! :)

36 Weeks Pregnant

We hit Day 1 of 36 weeks today!!! By the way, is the start of 36 weeks considered full term? 

Well, my pregnancy update email says that 37 weeks (the end of 36 weeks) is actually full term - so, I guess we'll be full term at the end of this week?... Yay! Which ever is fine with me as I don't think the little munchkin will be coming out this week anyways although I do feel like I'm carrying a watermelon in my belly now as she continues to grow :)

As of today (Week 36 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are: 

- Heartbeat: 130bpm

- CRL: ~34cm

- Weight: ~3.0-3.2kg

She's so much bigger and her positioning today made it difficult to see her full face profile during the 4D ultrasound. We were only able to see her left eye as her left hand was blocking parts of her face. She's still cute regardless and when mommy called out her name, she reacted by trying to open her eyes. I'm a little concerned about the limited space she has at this point though as she's used to having space to roam about freely in there.

My Ob/Gyn also pressed down on my pelvis and alerted me that baby has dropped slightly. Although our little honeybun is remaining in head down position, it seems as though she is not settled in "engaged" mode yet... Slightly relieved to hear that as I don't mind being pregnant a little while longer :) 

Oh sure, my lower back hurts like hell most times these days (mostly night time) and fatigue has certainly kicked in during the day time... But I love every moment of it!

Moreover, I'm amazed at how I am able to still work through and endure my long work hours (late night and early morning conference calls) and stay on my feet at the office even at this stage of my pregnancy. The last couple of weeks, workload at the office has been crazy but it's amazing how my baby gives me the extra energy boost to keep at it while tiring me out at the same time. 

At some point, and real soon, I would have to come to terms with reality (and hopefully, when the time comes, my boss will understand it too) and will need to slow down and stop my work routine and concentrate fully on welcoming our baby safely into the world.  

Since the little one's not "engaged" yet, I'm only planning to start my maternity leave on June 3, the week that I'm due. Hopefully from now until then, I can pace myself and slow down when it comes to work as per my Ob/Gyn's advice, but how is that possible when there's just so much to do at work and so many new projects coming in??!!??

I still can't help but wonder if we'll end up with a May or June baby at this point... Secretly, I'm wishing for her to make it out in time for Kevin and my 4th Year Wedding Anniversary - our Akad Nikah / Solemnization of Marriage - on the May 23, 2013 (two weeks before her EDD - June 7, 2013).

But, I won't force it especially since she seems to be enjoying her stay in there and has not given any signs of coming out anytime in the next week or two. She can come out whenever she's ready... It's just that May 23 would make it a little extra special and memorable - don't you think? 

I guess we'll find out soon... :)

My Birth Preference

I'm about 4 weeks+ away from my due date, so it's only natural for my nerves to be twitching and my heart racing - anxiously awaiting labor and birth day of my little munchkin.

At this point, I'm quite certain of my birth preference (I much prefer the term "birth preference" than "birth plan"), after all a "plan" implies that you have control over your labor and delivery and it's usually circumstances that determine how labor and deliver go.

In terms of preparation, I believe I've prepared all I could in the early stages of my pregnancy and found out all I needed to know and expect for when "labor day" comes. Books are definitely one way (I have have bought tons of them), but for labor, videos I felt are still the best way to know and see what actually happens. Thanks to YouTube, I have seen the "real deal" experiences and as traumatic as many of them may be, I still feel that it's the most beautiful experience in the world. 
  

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MY BIRTH PREFERENCE

My birth preference would be natural delivery, with epidural assistance, of course. I know my limits - I have low tolerance when it comes to pain! I have spoken to many friends who have been through labor and seen the videos to know that if I wanted to go with the natural way, epidural would be the best way to go.

However, I am aware that there could be complications and if the need really arises for interventions which may become necessary to be explained to me and in such a way that both Kevin and I understand what is happening, and why it has become a necessity. Regardless, I want the environment to be as calm and supportive as it can be under whatever the circumstance.

Hence, I'm still amazed that I have numerous female friends who actually opt for natural delivery without epidural and they live to tell the tale. I really salute them and although a part of me (deep, deep, deep, deep, deep down x1000) would like to say "Challenge, accepted!", the voice inside my head (which sounds so much like my husband's) is screaming "Don't try to be a hero. Go with epidural, woman!".

My birth partner:
- My husband** will be my primary birth partner, of course, and he should be present throughout the entire process. However, since he's been experiencing more of the pregnancy symptoms than I have, perhaps I should get the hospital to standby a bed for him next to me, just in case he goes into labor as well. Hmmm, it that happens, he would need to go caesarean for sure - no choice! *devilish grin*   
- My mom and mother-in-law can be present as well, if they choose to be since the hospital allows for it (yeap, I checked!).
- I would also like to have one more person - preferably one of my female cousins - to be in the room for photography/videography reasons. I'm hoping my cousin (who's studying to be a doctor) will do it as it will also be giving her first-hand experience of watching real-life labor/delivery :) 

**Hmmm, then again, I'm not sure for when the labor pain strikes if I really, really want him there as I won't be able to control my emotions and may just start hating him at that point in time for being the reason of giving me this pain in the first place. We'll see ~ drama, drama, drama - and I wonder why the little munchkin inside me is already such a drama queen!

Positions for labor and birth:
- I would definitely prefer to remain lying upright in bed with my back propped with pillows for for as long as possible and be involved throughout the labor/delivery process. 
- Lying on my side could be an option, but I don't think I would be comfortable in that position. Same goes with standing or squatting. Not my thang.

Pain relief:
- Let's stick to the "plan" - epidural, please!

Assisted birth:
- If the need arises, I am open to what my Ob/Gyn recommends at that point in time as much as I'd like to avoid forceps or vacuum delivery. 

Third stage (delivery of the placenta):
- I would prefer to have a natural third stage without any injection to speed up the delivery of the placenta.
- My husband, who will be my birth partner, will be the one to cut the umbilical cord.

Skin-to-skin contact:
- I would like to have my baby to be placed directly onto my arms straight after birth. She does not necessarily need to be cleaned up before she is handed to me.

Feeding baby: 
- Breastfeeding is my ultimate and only preference. No formula, unless of course there are "technical" issues that cannot be avoided. Even then, no Anmum please!

All in all, I'm planning for a peaceful and normal delivery. If for some reason things go off track, Kevin and I will accept them together and and move ahead with whatever needs to happen. We'll be way too excited to meet our little girl at that point that I'm confident that we can bring her into this world together.

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Pregnant Me doing my part for the GE 2013

Today is Malaysia's 13th General Election!!! So excited and proud to see our election day featured on the Google Doodle first thing this morning :)

I, of course, used the same strategy I did 5 years ago... Instead of flocking the polling center at an ungodly hour so early in the morning, I went at 3.45pm as I know that's when the crowd and chaos would have cleared out. Plus, I'm pregnant and the last thing I want is to stand in line waiting in the heat and I try my best to avoid crowds as much as possible.

And the strategy worked yet again. I was in and out of Sekolah Kebangsaan Bayan Baru within 5 minutes!!! 

No queue whatsoever - and, most importantly, the end justifies the means - I did my part in casting my vote with two big "X" (one for Parliament; one for State Assembly Representative) for my area! :) No hassle there ~ easy-peasy!

The only hassle was having my left index finger swabbed with blue indelible ink (apparently, a necessary act to prevent double voting). Hate it cos whatever ink stain that remains from just a quick water wash, it smudges even when you wash your hand and if you're not careful, like me, you'll have ink stains all over your face too. *comot*

 Water wash/rinsing with soap didn't do much in removing the indelible ink...

 ... Thankfully, when I got home, dipping my finger in Clorox got most of the ink off!

Yeah, it's about time for dinner and medicine for pregnant me while following the General Election results on TV!  

Will there be change??!!?? Well, let's watch and find out together-gether...

 

35 Weeks Pregnant

At exactly 35 weeks today, with just 5 more weeks to go, IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!

I finally feel EXHAUSTED, HUGE and just TOO DAMN PREGNANT to do anything. 

It's also the first time I ever felt like I had to drag myself out of bed (belly and all) on a Saturday morning for our weekly date with our little munchkin at the hospital for the usual 4D ultrasound and checkup. Same goes for Kevin too! We both just felt so drained for some reason this morning, but we still made it to the hospital in the morning... which was of course super crowded!

As of today (Week 35 - Day 1), the little munchkin's fetal stats are: 

- Heartbeat: 140bpm 

- CRL: ~34cm

- Weight: ~2.7kg

She's gonna be like mommy and daddy - with thick hair :)

Looks like she's trying hard to open her eyes...

At the visit, I expressed my concern to my Ob/Gyn about having a big baby, especially since my little munchkin is growing much faster these days and I can feel the pull in my stomach weighing me down... and, not forgetting, the pressure/strain on my back! 

Nevertheless, my Ob/Gyn says it's nothing to worry about as baby is pretty average in size and flashed me her growth chart (and her stats are aligned with the standard growth scale). Phew!!! That is good to hear and see :) In fact, my Ob/Gyn estimates her weight to be about 3.5kg at 40 weeks.

Good news is that she remains in head-down position again today... Yippee!!! (She's been head-down since the past couple of weeks.) I guess she is currently in "Ready, Get Set" mode, but mommy keeps reminding her "No go, no go yet"... it's not time yet. At least let us hit 36 weeks before she starts prepping for the "Go". So far, she seems to be listening to mommy and has not stepped further into "engaged" mode yet... Good girl! :)

Hide & Seek / Peekaboo with Daddy ~ from inside the womb!

Playtime with daddy has been going on since the early weeks when we could first her light flutters and movement. Yet, we are still amazed as to how playful our little "cupcake" is as she expects plenty of attention from us just for her and her alone ~ from inside the womb!

She finds ways to connect with Kevin practically every night (cos that's the only time she hears his voice and knows they can have some quality time I guess - she plays and hears mommy all the time throughout the day) and adapts to circumstances to make their play time something that daddy would look forward to every night. 

And what does mommy do during this time - one might ask??? Nothing!!! Mommy has no role whatsoever during this father-daughter bonding, aside from lying still in bed while they do their daily thing.

During the first and second trimester, her play date with daddy is just heart-meltingly cute! She would lift her head up from inside my belly so as there is a big bulge on one side of my belly as soon as she hears daddy's voice in the room. If neither my husband or I notices this, she will shake mommy so that mommy alerts daddy that she's waiting to play "hide and seek". To which, Daddy will have to rub the bulge, as if to say "I found you" and as soon as he finds her, she disappears again (making mommy's belly symmetrical again), repositions herself and then re-submerges at another spot. To which daddy has to find and tap her again. This will go on until she, and only she, is tired and stops the game... Believe me, it sometimes lasts more than an hour!
  
Once third trimester kicked in, the dynamics of their nightly "hide and seek" game changed as she's much bigger now and is spread across my belly. Hence, she has limited space to move about freely (as she used to) to appear, disappear and reappear. Yet, she still manages to find a new mode to play "peekaboo" with daddy - yes, via mommy's belly button!!!

She somehow finds a way to push my belly button out to announce "It's play time with daddy" and expects daddy to caress and talk to her every night. She will bring it back down and allow daddy some time to anxiously await her move to push my belly button back up. It's not as dramatic as the "hide and seek" game, but it's still just as cute as mommy watches the two of them do their nightly father-daughter bonding.

 

She is after all, as my husband keeps reminding me, "daddy's little girl"!!!