BABY AND ME....

We are moving..

2008-01-22T15:24:00.000+08:00

Yes...we are moving..
Check out : www.hapifamili.blogspot.com

Sick..

2007-04-05T00:20:00.000+08:00

Yasmin's down with fever. And I'm now slightly down with flu.Hey....wait a minute....I'm always down with flu. Damn. I seriously think that the flu tab that I take ( so that I can survive the next day ) is causing me my chest tightness symptoms. Maybe I'll die of a heart attack.But what the heck....I'm too busy to even ponder over that......I just can't seem to run after time.Hey...wait up...
Btw, if you're concern about Yasmin.....yes...I've brought her to the doctor.My favourite doctor so far....at Woodlands Mart....Dr Elly Sabrina.She's one doctor who listens..now that's a gift.
Anyway, so far....the fever has been on and off.But I'm not worried coz she's still energetic.Still can't match up with her. Hope she'll ok tomorrow.Tak sampai hati nak keje when my little bunny Minmin is sick. Sigh .

Packing..

2007-03-28T09:07:00.000+08:00

It's been a busy busy day....weeks.....for months. I've been busy planning.....packing....thinking....calculating....and what nots for several changes in my life.

No wonder moving house is labelled as one of most stressful changes in one's life.

I've been packing those rarely-touched items at home but yesterday I couldn't resist. I had to pack her toys. Her toys are everywhere.In every room.It drives me mad.

But it gave me an idea for the new home.I shall allocate each group of her toys in proper compartments.I hope I can do that.For my sanity.

Papa's Day with Minmin

2007-03-26T01:12:00.000+08:00

Today, dh decided to spent his time taking care of Yasmin.(I know you read my blog.. so seriously,I'm soooo happy when you do that)

She misses dh sometimes but just couldn't tell him enough. I know. Coz when she hears the door open each time dh comes home from work, she'll get so excited.She'll be giggling like some silly school girl meeting her admirer.....runs to and fro....then runs back to me...delighted.Strange but true.

She asks for dh the moment she wakes up....

"Papa mane"
"Papa work...."
"Work lagi...?"

I went to work today....glad that at least she's with her dad at home.

Dh called me later.

"Your girl give me a lot of presents just now..."

"Presents?"

"Die berak.....panjang-panjang"

What can I say? She always gives dh unforgettable memories.

She didn't sleep for the whole day dh reported. Whatever it is....I know she enjoys spending the time with dh...

Dh's ritual goodnight wishes with minmin...

"I love you"

"I love you too"

Doesn't that melts your heart?

Mine does every single time.

Just another entry...

2007-03-22T01:18:00.000+08:00

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Conversations between me and Yasmin...

Y:Why do you have to go to work?

M:Coz I've got to get money for your school.

Y:(thinks)Then...I don't wanna go school.

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If I model in front of her, and she finds me nice..

Y: Mama, sty(style) lah .

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When dh cuts his hair,

Y: Papa handsome.

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The only very clear English word that Yasmin knows....is....NO

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M: Min suke susu ape?

Y: Susu botol dengan susu mama...

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M: Min suke bau masam mama...
(snuggles to nurse)

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Love and Life

by Ivy Sparks(1910-1995)

The Greatest thing in life is to love and be loved

To give

Find not too much fault with everything around you

Time, and patience with time, is the only answer to all things

Troubles are dissolved, hate becomes dim in memory

It is within oneself to find peace and happiness and contentment of mind.

Stuck again...

2007-03-14T00:29:00.000+08:00

Min posing @ VivoCity

If you are wandering about my disappearance...well...what can say...this pc sucks. I've been trying hard to put up a new blog, but this pc seems determined that I don't. It keeps getting hanged.And I feel like hanging this pc up too.....aaarrrggghhh.

Anyway,it's March now....(aaarrrggghh....and I was supposed to start posting on New Year).....New Year' gone.....I'm older.....Chinese New Year passed.....and suddenly Yasmin's 3!Ok....ok....not so sudden....but hey....she's 3! And pretty soon....she'll starts school....I can't wait.Not because I don't enjoy doing things with her, but because she's been bugging me to let her go to school.Well.....she will after we get our new place.

I can't wait to move coz our current place is gettin so disorganized.Boxes....boxes...messyI tell you.I'm not really a fan of changes you see...it creeps me out.But I shall have fun throwing out things....like those organizers during my poly days....hahaha...gosh....I feel damn old .

I'm looking forward to moving.Looking forward to having new plans for our future.Once we've moved, Yasmin will be going to school.I 'll be able to save some dough...no need to get the cab all the time.I want to be able to cook more since I have more time....and more shops that's so near (I have NTUC, the wet market, minimarts.....).....yipppeeee! Btw, I hate to eat outside now.Please give me home cooked meal anytime. Just rice and eggs will do too.

Btw,the move's in May!So.....counting me days till then....

Wisdom words from Supernanny

2006-12-11T00:00:00.000+08:00

I haven't been feeling absolutely superb at the moment.So there I was doing some soul-searching(seems never ending...)when I stumbled upon some wise words from "Supernanny"(it's a book...for your info..)

Adapted from "Ask Supernanny"
-available in most bookstores(hah...like advertisement hoh....w/o commisions ok...just wanna help some almost insane parents out there get their sanity back.)

"If you and your partner are going to funtion as a team,you need to remind yourselves of what brought you together as a couple in the first place and find some common ground."

"He should appreciate that all children need boundaries,and one of the ways in which you set those boundaries in place...."

"In a lot of families that I see,there's plenty of love,but not much respect.Your husband needs to know that discipline will not make your kids love him less"
(applies for me ok...dh...)

2006-12-09T02:03:00.000+08:00

This is currently dd's favourite song.She loves it so much that she always insist that I play it over and over and over and over again....till my MP3 goes flat(seriously!).

How come this song?It started with the song being dh's favourite .

Funny scene because of this song:
DD was singing it(well...kinda...coz she is still sort of learning the song)in the MRT while I was sending her to SIL.She even did the guitar strumming and stuff.So cute.

2006-12-07T01:15:00.000+08:00

I haven't got any holidays with Yasmin.It has been work, work and endless work.Yes...I do enjoy my work(if you ask me)but I don't enjoy being away from my family most of the time.

Yasmin's growing up damn fast too.Look at her now.So grown up.I miss having to just cuddle her.Coz now I have to answer all her questions.And they're never ending mind you.

dd:blah...blah..blah

mama:yasmin,why do you ask so many questions?

dd:abeh....minmin nak cakap.(because I want to talk)

And she won't accept your silence if she wants an answer from you.She'll repeat her questions till you'll admit defeat.Yes.That's her.Strong-headed girl.(Kalau dalam bahasa Melayu and a more negative description-mungkin....KEPALA BATU).But since we must always think positively...I'll say she's a determined girl.Hah.(Always have to remind myself....whatever I say is like my prayer("doa") for my child.)

2006-12-03T22:59:00.000+08:00

Life brings along unexpected journeys.
And it is through this journey that you'll learn about life.

Act as if every event has a purpose
And your life will have a purpose.

Figure out why you needed an experience,
Conquer it
And you won't need it again.
(adapted from Happiness in a Nutshell by Andrew Matthews)

It is thru' Yasmin that I'm reminded to
Love myself first

It is thru' Yasmin that I'm reminded that
why I love my hubby so much

It is thru' Yasmin that I now know
my purpose and drive

They say a child will bless your Life.
I agree.
Even in the most bleak moments
I cherish the lessons that He has intended.

November..

2006-11-13T23:56:00.000+08:00

The month of November this year certainly brings out old memories.For a start,it's been about a year since I've started working.And yes,I'm still surviving.I wouldn't say it's been a bed of roses but I've seriously learnt a lot during these times
(but yeah...all that thinking made me look older too).

I'm glad that I've been able to spent some time with Yasmin before Hari Raya too.We made a mess of the kitchen(actually,it's more like Yasmin making the mess)with all that flour,eggs,almonds...But with the help of super-hubby(yes,you've helped a great deal here)....the house was almost "dustless" on the eve of Hari Raya.

We even managed to have the baju kurung tailored despite our ever busy schedule(mengalahkan perdana menteri...I mean re:the schedule).

The "polished-look" of Isa and family...

And the month of November too...begins the start of hunting of.....property agents....yes...sadly...sadly....we'll be selling our place.I love this place so much that it brings me much agony.For someone who's not used to move places(so far I've only had 2 houses...my mum's and mine),I've seriously thought that I'll be able to see Yasmin grow up here.Ok...ok....maybe I'm a bit sentimental here....but hey,this is our very first place together.Our very first nest.

So....if you are looking a house...just look me up yah...;)

And of course,Selamat Hari Raya.Maaf Zahir batin.(never to late...)

Your song...

2006-10-17T01:27:00.000+08:00

Ronan Keating - I Hope You Dance

This song is dedicated to my dd yasmin...

I know that you can't understand the meaning to the song now
But when you do..
I hope you know what I wish for you...

Love,
Mama

The answer...

2006-09-30T02:20:00.000+08:00

I have the answer to the question.

What question?

I used to ask myself....how do kids know these characters like Elmo...Barney...Mickey Mouse...etc?

The answer....TV.

Yes...I think Yasmin watches too much tv at times.But what's a working mum to do when she has to rush ironing,cooking,washing the clothes,cleaning the house in a mere 2hrs or so...(hoping that the rest of the available time will be for dd before realising always that she'll be "flat" by then)?

I let her watch Barney.Sometimes,I watch the tv with her....and the commercials...well...what can I say...the marketing principle really works.She saw this commercial on Bob The Builder with that catchy tune.And then she asks me to buy the tickets for her(hmmm...I wonder who has taught her that?).She's able to recognize Bob the Builder's mechandise and wants me to buy it.Btw,that's not the only cartoons she knows....

I seriously try my best to pick out at least suitable tv contents for her...eg,no mtv...no violent shows.That's the best that I could do.But to eliminate tv from her life...I don't think so.It's a useful gadget but only if with proper adult guidance.

Meanwhile,Yasmin has picked up a few songs from Barney...

"If you're happy and you know it...clap your hand..."

Parenting Yasmin

2006-09-16T23:23:00.000+08:00

What's a correct way to parent your child? The hard way...dictatorship? The soft way....liberal..?I bet that's really no answer to this question which is why you see many books on how to parent your child in the bookshelves in stores.Every parent is desperate to find THE solution.

What do I think about it? That's no direct answer to it.You'll probably need to learn and read and try solutions other parents have used.... that you are comfortable with.Every single child is different...so different approaches has to be used.

So I have my dear Yasmin now....who "squeezes" my brain juices...just to think of the words to use when talking to her.It's tiring.It's tiring when I know reverse psychology doesn't work on her.She's a stubborn one.Dh says she's like me(hey....who's talking...aren't you too?...Or maybe that's why it's double the power?)But she's really a soft-hearted person too.Not coz she's a girl.She's just that kinda girl who sort of... fights for her rights.I do hope it'll come in useful when she grows up.

But for now....she knows that I mean it when I say it.Yes....it isn't fun to see your child unhappy not getting what she wants.But parenting isn't always making your child happy(which is hard since I have so limited time with her).

Yasmin loves to sulk and cry to get what she wants.She knows that whimpering lets her get away from the crime or lets her what she wants.She gives one cute innocent whimper....and walaaah....she gets it.Ezpecially works on dh most of the time.It works on me when her grandparents(paternal and maternal)are around.They are her saviours.It's difficult for me to "win" in such situation.

One way to survive her "angin"...IGNORE the bad behaviour.Praise the good behaviour instantly.Works wonders on her.But must have great...great....great patience for that.

And to make matters worse,she mimics your "nightmarish" behaviour in even less than a second.She used to follow dh's actions of smoking till I sort of explain in my best-kinda-explanation to a two year old kid and made her "beat" anyone who smokes especially her dad.Now,she reports to me of anyone who smokes.

"Mama,papa smoke."

"Tak leh eh.Nanti sakit.Go pek papa."

Yasmin spanks papa.

"Papa.Jangan smoke lah"

I smile.Mission accomplished.

I haven't seen her "smoking" till now.Although it doesn't quite work on dh.Sigh.

I think parenting itself is such a massive brain exercise.I just can't imagine if I have another child....I think my hair will be turning all white.But then again....some are already turning white.Gosh.

But looking at her again....I know it's all worthwhile.

"Camp"

2006-09-13T22:35:00.000+08:00

That's dh and dd on dh's birthday.Dah tue jugak orang tu!
And of course dd just loves birthdays.Even when it's not hers!

Anyway,dh wouldn't be home since he'll be off in "camp" for duty.So I decided to "camp" in my parent's place.I haven't been there for quite some time since work has been keeping me busy most of the time.My mum has been calling me asking when I'm planning to put dd at her place.So I guess this is a perfect timing.

We stayed over for four days.Lucky for me,my mum has stopped bugging me about breastfeeding.I seriously think dad has managed to sort-of influence her of the benefits.And yes....to those out there mums-to be....breastfeeding toddlers has great benefits.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

And the stay-over just reminds me a lot of my childhood days.Of coz,I too got some pampering.Delicious food.Desserts-mum always makes some "kueh-kueh"(now,I'm regretting not "tapau-ing" the putri salat home.My mum's place is like a 24hr kopitiam.Name it....and mum whips it up.I like.

I brought Yasmin to our "old" playground.We played the swing(the only playground I know of that still have a swing).I love that swing too.Quite sentimental about the surrounding changes too.I've lived there since birth till now.So it's like my "kampung".And now,it's Yasmin's "kampung".

She really "digs" the "pasar" which my mum brings her to if I'm working.Then she "forces" opah to the playground.She gets her Yakult daily.Mum thinks it's healthy until she finds out it's also full of sugars.She bought Vitagen instead.Health-conscious opah!Yasmin gets her "sweets" from Auntie Ah Leng(mum's next-door neighbour)though I've rationed her share(or rather ate her share).She gets to spray my mum's mini garden.

And I too got some pampering(haha...don't wanna say much).Even got dad to fetch me back home on his bike(I like)on one of my super busy days.Tak tahan lagi...have to ask loh.

But now....we are back home.Cosy as usual.But back for reality for me.Aaarrrggghhh....housework....again.Save me.

The week long weekend..

2006-09-05T00:27:00.000+08:00

Who created these blogs anyway?

It's certainly a distressing moment when you plan to blog....and the

(1)internet connections just go crazy...(unable to connect despite you shifting the modem and cable several times..
(2)you've just entered the blogger website....and the computer hangs..

Ok..ok...the causes are not many...but the distress they cause....masha-Allah(wants to throw pc on the floor kind-of-reaction...together with the cables and all)

Hey...wait....shouldn't the question be..

Who created these computers anyway...?

Anyway...back to the important issue...dd of course(although dh is complaining that I write more on Yasmin than him)Hmmmm....I think it's safer lah....or dh will "hentam" me if I write about him.

I had a week off or so from work recently....the joy...

It's like re-living my SAHM-days.Days filled with family events no matter how simple it is.

A family picnic at Sentosa....

A simple birthday celebration...

A simple outing to TTSH(suppose to visit a relative...

At home...

It was simply relaxing....until Yasmin got the flu bug.She got the fever for 3 days that went up and down.We finally see the doctor on Mon(If you realise,the doctor's closed on Sun...1/2 day on Sat-so don't start putting that finger at me hoh).She was basically so worn-out by the virus that she went to sleep straight after taking the medication.That never happens!But I was glad that I was still able to breastfeed coz throughout the ordeal she literally "hang" onto me all the time.She didn't have much appetite to eat.So thank God at least she takes it breastmilk since she threw up everything including fresh milk.She didn't lose weight(at least when SIL weighs her)but she just looks "long-ish"....till now she's about 95% recovered.

But the tantrums....

Ok...that's another topic

Missing Yasmin..

2006-08-06T23:45:00.000+08:00

I miss my Yasmin lots and lots today.I guess I've been so tight up with work that I'm just too tired to play with my energetic bunny.
She was so well behaved today.She took out her "masak-masak"(play-pretend cooking utensils)after her breakfast.She didn't even resist her morning bath time.She played her bubbles while soaking in her tub.She ate her breakfast properly.She played quietly while I got ready for work.She even told me that she had poo-ed before we head out to Opah's place(she love to keep quiet after the "business" and lets us sniff her secret-pweh).She's just plain adorable today.
I really miss smelling that "masam" hair of hers.I really miss "wrestling" with her.I really miss teasing her.I really miss bringing her to the playground.I really miss going out with her and dh.I really miss hugging her.
I waved endlessly when I went off to work.Opah's gonna bring her out to a wedding reception.I know she loves such occasion.But I couldn't bring her out.When it's my off day,I'll be too drained out.I really miss her.
I may look aloof when I have to send her off while I work....but inside....I'm not.....I miss her lots and lots and lots...

To my cheeky bunny...mama miss you so much.I promise to increase that energy level
like yours...kay....muah...

The computer's going bonkers...

2006-07-31T10:48:00.000+08:00

For those who are wondering why I haven't been updating the blog,here's the reason...my computer's going bonkers again.I've been trying to save for the umpteen times but just couldn't get it to publish.
So I'm going to type something short and sweet about my dear Yasmin(just in case if it's unable to publish again).Now,she's a well accomplished parrot-meaning she can mimic anything good or undesirable in the shortest time.She follows the antics of Barney on tv.Thank God that Barney's quite innocent.And Sesame Street too.But strangely enough,when I want to record it,she gets all shy.Just like mummy.The shy genes is in there.
I also truly envy her bout of endless energy.I get tachy after just a session of playing with her.Sigh.
We managed to have a getaway the last few weeks also.But of course,till the computer's fine again....the pictures...gotta be akan datang.

Yasmin Merajuk!

2006-06-27T15:45:00.000+08:00

My dear baby loves to sulk.And that includes my dh too.Perhaps it is his genes passing on to our dearest Yasmin.Hah(I bet dh is sulking when he reads this and defiantly saying "No...not true")Ok...ok...I confess.I love to sulk too......which makes us a family of ? sulkers....hahaha....not suckers ok.

Yasmin trademark when sulking?

She crosses her hands...often refusing to be touched...pouts mouth...with the classic upside-down smile.Then with a silent sniff...sniff....she starts to....CRY!

Disciplining...again

2006-06-15T23:31:00.000+08:00

My internet connections is going crazy again.It's really either the connections or the pc itself.Well,whatever.
So today been's a good day since I could finally post something again...provided it doesn't get hang again.
Yasmin on the other hand,as usual is growing up into a little girl.My little baby...to a little gal.
A little gal that really needs love,attention and of course the right discipline.And for the last few days.....I could certainly smile and be contented a bit more.Why?(curious right?)
Because....I am so glad that my caregiver is helping out in the "disciplining zone".I'm no "discipline freak" mum here but if you are left with practically 4-5 hrs or perhaps less ...to interact with your child....it really makes life harder that you have to spend that time "controlling" an unruly child.And mine you....within that 4-5 hrs...you gotta spent time with dd,hubby(if he's around),do the housework(no need to list the never ending list) and of course... take time to rest(after work).
And surprise...surprise.....after that incident....dd seems to have less tantrums(at least at home) coz she knows she gotta behave....and that she can't escape just because she's that little adorable gal.
It's really good when the disciplining is consistent.Says who? Notjust me-our Supernanny too(what...?you haven't catch the show?Just where have you been?)

Words of Encouragement

2006-06-03T00:18:00.000+08:00

When I was a stay-at-home mum,I realised that it wasn't an easy path....

When I started working,I remembered that it was tough juggling work and family...wasn't an easy path either.

So as from today,I've decided that being a mum itself..... is no easy path.

As in any roles....daughter...wife....being a mum gives you more choices to ponder and decide.Of course,the media...community...faith...are just some of the factors that shape a mother's mind to think what a "real mum" should be.

Wanna know want I dreamt a mum should be?

-a perfect cook...u know those pictures of a perfectly immaculate mum baking cookies in the kitchen.... wearing that "flowery" apron....a classic

-a successful careerwoman who effortlessly juggles work and family(that idea was probably brought about during the 80's when the issue of equality came)

-a healthy,well-toned, slim mum with good fashion sense (thanks to media playing up images of such celebrity mums-whom we of course forget that they are loaded with cash to allow that to engage a stylist...trainer...and what-nots)

-the resourceful person in that family....the mum must always know what to do..(we forget we are human afterall....and that we all learn through the lessons in life)

As you can see...with just a few points stated here...it just seems to be an impossible task.

So....to all mums out there...many who feel that they are alone in this journey of mortherhood.

Pls...(1)find support in friends...family...or perhaps...you never know...a good support group(2)Pat yourself everyday(not need to wait for others to reassure you first...)(3)Take charge of your life and remember life's a journey....we all gonna learn on the way(4)and finally...set a more realistic picture of a mum..

Why am I writing all this?

To remind myself too.

A day after work..

2006-05-28T22:55:00.000+08:00

It was an unexpected day out for Yasmin today.Look at the picture and give a guess where we headed to today.....
To the games arcade!Unexpected because we were supposed to head back home after fetching Yasmin from my in laws.I was drained.But I needed to get some pins for my scarves.So we headed down to the mall.
We were again supposed to head on home after getting our stuff....when I really had the "itch" to let Yasmin have her first kiddy ride,courtesy from me.We have never....I repeat never let her ride even those 20 cents kiddy ride.
My belief was..."When she start(those kiddy rides)...she'll start to demand(on seeing the kiddy rides of course)".But then again....my sis-in-law have already let her have her rides before....So....I figure....what the heck....
So besides the kiddy ride....we played kiddy bowling...mini basketball(where I accidentally bounce the ball on hubby's head....so funny)and...shooting(for dh only-strictly no violence for Yasmin).
A fun family day out......only when you have the $$$$$.

Belated mother's day

2006-05-25T00:02:00.000+08:00

As what I would expect....it was a quiet day spent with Yasmin alone since dh had to work.I needed to work that night.... so we couldn't really make any plans to "jalan-jalan".And like many mothers out there who have a young child like Yasmin....I am just perfectly happy to spent my Mother's Day with Yasmin.See that smile of hers....I can't resist!We spent our time cuddling together on the sofa watching tv.

Towards the evening,we headed to my mum's place.My turn to make my own mum happy of course.Bought chocolate cakes for her.I didn't want to buy a proper cake since we just recently celebrated my brother's birthday this May.And I had to also watch my dad's sugar intake.Darling Yasmin always brighten up my parent's face.Best gift in the whole wide world!

But that day,my darling parents were the ones to show me - their love.Somehow, the "gundu" me have forgotten to bring my uniform to work.Gosh!And I discovered that just before I headed out to work!1 more hr to go!

Super-ayah(dad)to the rescue!(after mum told my dad that I've forgotten my uniform and asked him whether he could help me out)

Grabs helmet and jacket and off to my place.From AMK to Woodlands and Woodlands to Bukit Timah.Mind you in 45mins!Never have I hugged my dad so tight while riding!Even arrive to work with some spare time.

But that day....I learnt that however old I was...married and a kid to boot...I am forever their little girl.(Sniff...sniff)

Supernanny!

2006-05-21T00:39:00.000+08:00

This is currently my favourite show.Shown on Central Arts at 10pm...Need help disciplining the kids?

Supernanny to the rescue....(with one hand up-like Superman+the superman jingle)

I seriously don't think she has any magic solutions to change your family around in a snap.If you were to catch the show often enough,the methods are all the same.

It's funny when you think about it.The number 1 reason why children seems to misbehave is because they want ATTENTION.They don't get positive reactions but they are mostly happy if they get any attention at all.Sometimes we forget that children can read our body language.

Clueless about what I'm talking about?Catch it.You'll thank me for it.

Trip To..

2006-05-05T13:17:00.000+08:00

We went to Mac....what?MacDonalds?No lah....we went to MacRitchie Reservoir today.We were supposed to go there early in the morning but somehow....we went there a little bit later(not so late...just about 9am).Not before we tuck in into our favourite Singapore dish...Mr Crispy Prata...at Upper Thomson Road(recommended ok...we go there often enough for them to know us...hahaha...muka prata)

Anyway,I have always love going there since those "secondary school" days coz it's so beautiful.So serene.So back-to-nature you(since we are surrounded by concrete walls/buildings everyday).Although there was a slight drizzle,it didn't dampen our mood a bit.Yasmin was of course excited to see the tortoise and fishes swimming under the bridge.

"Hah...tu fish kan...tu tortoise kan...."

We were hopeful to see those famous occasional monkeys but I guess the monkeys prefer to stay at "home" in that cooling weather.But we had our monkey aka Yasmin.So that's enough.

Perhaps we go there another time.This time-to run(or should I say walk)inside.That would be fabulous....don't you think?

Random thoughts

2006-05-03T22:33:00.000+08:00

There's way tooooo many things in my mind to even write anything.But I shall.Coz if not....guarantee tak kan tulis punye....and suddenly...wah....June liao...ok..ok...that's a bit of exaggeration.

Anyway,to start off....1st random thought...

Sunday wedding:30/4/2006

Was back from my nite shift.All groggy....luckily...Yasmin slept while we had over
3-4hrs "refresher" sleep.Just couldn't bring myself to wake up...But managed to get Yasmin in a pretty good mood coz she got her rest(hmmmm....no wonder I'm all moody...not enough sleep lah).She ran all over the place as usual.And of course, she enjoyed being in the limelight everytime.

We even managed to take some cute pictures,like this one above.So classic.Emir and Yasmin.Observe-they are actually holdings hands lah.So cute.

2nd random thought....

This is Yasmin with Nina(another girl whom my SIL is taking care).

Nina seems to be Yasmin's "competitor".Nowadays,it's always...I want to tie my hair just like Nina.....I want that dress just like Nina.....

Can you imagine if we have another brother/sister.She'll be competing just like that!(not that I'm expecting one-just this neurotic mom thoughts)...I want to have that just like adik's....

It has some positive points....at least I can change her diaper so much faster....she'll be the one saying....Minmin tukar diaper macam Nina eh...

But I'll be the one saying back to her....no lah...macam Minmin lah....hmmmm....maybe because I hate comparisons in families....not complaining here...but I think I was almost always compared to someone in my life by my mum(better not state who...but I think they know also hoh..you are victims of it too right?)...and frankly I just didn't like that feeling.

But when I'm tired and really need to change her......maybe the trick is not a bad idea to use hoh....(LOL).Hah...what comparisons?....just need the pillows...zzzzz

Random thoughts 3...

(This was taken at Nenek Yishun's place.She's trying to imitate us as usual donning the "telekong")

Am I doing the right thing for her?Answer: seriously....I don't know...but I know I'm trying the very best.

Random thoughts 4....

When is this Singapore Great Sale coming?I need to shop to de-stress!!!!!!(ok....this is one bad habit that I should be changing...you know... passing on the right values to my dd....but then again...most of the things are for her what....)

More random thoughts...

Wat time am I gonna sleep tonight....gotta finish housework leh...

Sigh.

Easy To Love,Difficult to Discipline

2006-04-27T17:30:00.000+08:00

It was a day of errands yesterday.DH has to get a haircut and then we had to alter our jeans,return our library books and have dinner too.

At the library,I just couldn't resist reading and borrowing this book,"Easy to Love,Difficult to discipline".How many of you parents out there feel this way as described so accurately by the book?

"Have you ever thought ,I have tried everything possible to get my child to get dressedand then sadly said to yourself,"I give up"? Have you ever punished your child and later felt guilty for having behaved in a way that you swore you never would?Have you ever promised yourself to exercise regularly,eat better,or spend more time with loved ones,but found that the promises you made to yourself are difficult to keep them?Have you then given up,or felt guilty?"

Well...it hit the jackpot for me.And the picture reminds me of Yasmin too....although of course,she's not a "blonde".And the title...Easy to Love,Difficult to Discipline....just made me nod my head in agreement.

So I'll be reading this book and don't worry....any fine suggestions that work...I'll pass it to you.OK.

Mum's day out

2006-04-26T00:13:00.000+08:00

It was a mum's day out yesterday.

No...it wasn't to celebrate an early Mother's Day (which btw I have no idea when it will be...though I'll like to know so that I could "squeeze" something out of dh...hehehehe...if you are reading this dh...joke hoh).

Anyway,it was a day where me and my mum actually went out shopping together.She had asked me out to shop since weeks ago but as usual I just couldn't find a suitable time.

I packed all my things things carefully(to avoid any "lectures" from my mum) -waterbottle,biscuits,tissues,diapers,wet tissues and a book to keep Yasmin entertain.

Surprisingly,Yasmin was so well-behaved throughout(it was even past her nap-time).

No whiny Yasmin...(Btw...that's her at 1-3mths I think..)

She enjoyed the bus ride.And when we were busy shopping,she actually just sang songs(her own) and just skipped and hopped after us.

We managed to buy all our stuff.By then Yasmin was telling us,"Nak gi makan" over and over again.So it was off for a late lunch over at Siam's Kitchen - since my mum wanted rice.

The place was almost empty.We ordered rice,Tom Yum seafood and sweet sour chicken.The Tom Yum wasn't fantastic and it was quite a small portion too.But the staff was great.They was attentive to our needs.Gave us a child bowl and utensils for Yasmin.Without me having to ask.Even gave Yasmin a cartoon plastic cup with this bendable straw for her.I'm pleased with that kinda service.Child-friendly.

Then it was off to Mak Tok's place for our massage.It wasn't any spa-like massage.But it was the most enjoyable massage ever(since I could bring Yasmin over).As Mak Tok massage me,Yasmin keep teasing me.Yep.This little gal was smiling cheekily at me.She kissed my face.Then she puts her finger to my nose.Ok...I know...you may be asking by now...how to relax like that.But I was so relax...there being massage and having Yasmin to play with while at it.

After my turn was over,Yasmin said,"Minmin nak urut macam mama eh." So Mak Tok ask her to lie down.And she did!And she was quiet while being "massaged".So cute!Of course,she didn't get massaged for long lah.It was my mum's turn then.

So the day ended just fine.We had our shopping then our massage(wah...like tai-tai for a day...)My mum was happy.Yasmin was happy.And with that it makes ME happy.

Photos & Events

2006-04-23T23:19:00.000+08:00

Why am I suddenly updating my blog regularly?

.....Because the pc is not giving me problem...(whispers)at least for now...and of course Yasmin's asleep...

Anyway.....here are some belated photos of Yasmin's birthday....yep...I can hear you say...finally.

What to do?Me no supermum leh.I admit my weakness.

The birthday cake was chosen by Yasmin.We,the parents,simply couldn't make up our mind.So many choices ok.So we made her choose.And she did!So who says that a 2-year old can't think for herself?

Yep...I knew the photo is all blurry...but it captured a perfect moment there.
(I'm wondering whether Shikin meant it to be so "artistic")

Atuk forever trying to feed her....hmmmm...doesn't the party hat looks good on Atuk?She calls him "Atuk Moto"(for the motorbike that he rides.And on the right....is Yasmin's Atuk Haroon aka "Atuk Krete"(coz he drives the car lah).But when she rides his car...she says it's nenek rahmah's car.....funny lah this gal..

My crazy nieces and nephews....evaded our "family room" to make into their playground....but many many thanks for clearing the mess before they went home(much appreciated)....Yasmin had a blast with them!

Yasmin surrounded by gifts...she looks so tiny among the gifts doesn't she.

On the whole,I was very glad that we celebrated the day for her.Not for the presents of course.But it was all heart warming to share your joy with your love ones.FAMILY.

23/4/2006

Today I went to the Jack Newman's Seminar and I must say that guy is so damn funny.Didn't bring Yasmin along as she tagged along with dh to two weddings.I miss having someone to fuss over with.But anyway...this speaker also managed to catch my interest: Love your child for who she is.Write down the many right things that she does.And not the mistakes.

Simple isn't it.Yet forgotten at all times.

I managed to meet up with Faizah and Azlina too.Their darlings babies have grown up too.Time sure flies.

And finally juz got to share this with you.....I soooo looooove this song.Of course....dedicated to dd...

Celine Dion:Prayer

I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

La luce che tu hai
I pray we'll find your light
nel cuore restera
and hold it in our hearts.
a ricordarci che
When stars go out each night,
eterna stella sei

The light you have
I pray we'll find your light
will be in the heart
and hold it in our hearts.
to remember us that
When stars go out each night,
you are eternal star
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
quanta fede c'e
when shadows fill our day

How much faith there's
Let this be our prayer
in my prayer
when shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza
un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternita

We dream a world without violence
a world of justice and faith.
Everyone gives the hand to his neighbours
Symbol of peace, of fraternity
La forza che ci da
We ask that life be kind
e il desiderio che
and watch us from above
ognuno trovi amor
We hope each soul will find
intorno e dentro se
another soul to love

The force his gives us
We ask that life be kind
is wish that
and watch us from above
everyone finds love
We hope each soul will find
around and inside
another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer, just like every child

Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

E la fede che
hai acceso in noi,
sento che ci salvera

It's the faith
you light in us
I feel it will save us

The Story of the 1-day MC

2006-04-21T23:16:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, there was a mum who was just not feeling well for the longest time.She put up with the constant flu....the migraine....the tiredness...
Then one fine day,she decided to finally take care of herself and take an MC for a day.It was a hard decision considering that an MC makes herself sound so inefficient.
The guilty voice keeps crying out to her..."sure or not".But she couldn't take it anymore when her dripping nose grew sore from rubbing it with tissue.She was basically flat-out.

Yasmin was crying out to her..."Mama...mama...nak main bubble....bangun..."

"OK...ok...Yasmin pegi main kat luar toilet..k...mama tengok..mama sakit...nak rest"

She finally thought that it was unfair to pass the bug at work and at the same time depriving Yasmin of her full attention because of the "stupid flu".It was then decided for her to see a doctor.

And to cut the story short-she got an MC lah....

If you haven't realised....duh...the story is about me lah....Hopefully,this will finally zap in more energy for my tired body...Got to load up on vitamins.....and make meself healthy....

2006-04-15T02:11:00.000+08:00

Breastfeeding mums at less risk of diabetes
Women's Health News
Published: Thursday, 24-Nov-2005

New research shows that women who breastfeed longer have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.According to Dr. Alison M. Stuebe of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, she and her colleagues were prompted to examine the issue as various studies have suggested that breastfeeding affects women's metabolism and that metabolism, lactation, and reproduction are all linked.

In order to find any association between lactation duration and the development of type 2 diabetes, Stuebe and her colleagues analyzed data from two large groups of women who had given birth.

The first group included 83,585 women who were part of the Nurses' Health Study, and the second group included 73,418 women who were part of the Nurses' Health Study II.

The second group is apparently a younger group.

The researchers found that in the first 15 years after a woman's last delivery, each year of breastfeeding was associated with a 15-percent reduction in her risk of diabetes.

The analysis took into account diet, exercise, smoking status, whether or not the women took multivitamins, which is an indicator of whether women are health-conscious, and they still found a 15-percent benefit.

Stuebe says that beyond 15 years after the last birth there was less of a benefit, but for at least the first 15 years there seems to be some long-term association that protects women from diabetes.

She explains that pregnancy in some respects is a pro-diabetic state as the mother has more resistance to insulin, which is the way the body makes sure that the fetus acquires enough sugar.

Then lactation begins which to some extent is an anti-diabetic state.

The researchers' theorise that lactation resets the body after pregnancy and if a woman does not breastfeed for a prolonged period of time, the risk of diabetes might increase.

Stuebe says the findings provide more reasons to encourage women to breastfeed as it is good for babies and for mothers.

The research is published in the current edition Journal of the American Medical Association

Another thumbs up to breastfeeding!

2006-04-15T01:32:00.000+08:00

My Yasmin at 25mths old-what to expect
from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Jumping, throwing, and brushing teeth
Your child is walking well now. Her steps are more even and she's got the hang of the smooth heel-to-toe motion adults use. She's also getting better at jumping, throwing a ball overhand, brushing her teeth without help, and washing and drying her hands.

Learning to make sentences
By now, your child should be able to use at least 50 single words, construct simple two-word sentences, and be able to follow a two-step command, like "Please get your shoes and bring them to Dad so he can put them on." You can probably understand what she's saying about half the time, but don't expect to make sense of everything she says until she's around 4. Young children often confuse pronouns — so you might find her avoiding them completely by saying "Brother get" or "Baby throw."

Thinning out
Your child will keep slimming down after her second birthday. As her head grows more slowly and her limbs and torso start to lengthen, her body proportions will become more like an adult's.

Energy spurt
Between their second and third birthdays, most children have an abundance of energy. Try to give your child a chance to run around outside each day. Moving helps her build strength and increases her coordination.

Cutting down on fats
Fat is an important part of a baby's diet, but now that your child is over 2, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you reduce her intake to less than 30 percent of daily calories. Switch to low-fat milk and cheese, and continue to offer your child plenty of whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

Needs less sleep
Between ages 2 and 3, children need between nine and 13 hours of sleep a night. Most children also take a nap in the early afternoon, but some give up naps entirely. There's no right amount of sleep at this age. Let your child get what she needs to feel alert and rested.

2006-04-12T02:14:00.000+08:00

Nope...the pictures are still not in our pc yet....still waiting for dh to store them in....

Anyway,for anyone interested:

“Raising a Healthy, Bright and Confident Child”
PUBLIC FORUM with DR JACK NEWMAN and Mrs PATRICIA KOH

Date : 23 April 2006,Sunday
Time : 2.00 – 500 pm
Venue : KK Hospital Auditorium, Level 1, Women’s Tower
100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899
(Free shuttle service from Bugis MRT)

Registration Fee is $12.00 per head ($10.00 for BMSG(S) and LLL members)

Mail registration and payment to “Jack Newman Public Forum”, ABAS Registrar, c/o #02-04, SCWO Centre, 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967. All registrations are confirmed via email only upon receipt of payment. Cheques to be made payable to “ABAS”, to reach the Registrar by 15 April 2006. Late registrations with provisional confirmation will pay on the day at the Forum venue. Enquiries at 6337 0508 or email abas.sec@gmail.com.

Yep...I'll be going...but just need to remember to post that cheque of mine.

I'm still having the running/blocked nose on and off.Really draining my energy level.And everytime I take the flu tabs...I just wanna doze off.

Things haven't been any simpler with Yasmin.It used to be easier for me when bringing Yasmin to the playground.She'll play her heart out there.I could just simply sit and rest while watching her.But now,she always almost insists that I play with her or at least be near her.I had to cajole her to play the slides or "threaten" that mama's going home if she doesn't wanna play....I mean isn't it weird to ask your kid to play.Shouldn't that be a spontaneous action of any kid?She rather hang around me when we are in the playground.But she insists that she wants the playground.Hmmmm......

Anyway,I think the ideology of having "quality time" with just 1-2hrs in your hands is crap.

Why?

Well,bonding to me takes a lot of effort.It involves getting to know your child-the likes and dislikes,familiarising and appreciating with the child's personality(it might not always be a reflection of you),teaching the child life's values and so much more.You can't say that you've spend time with your child after playing with them for an hr or so.Bonding involves the routine boring things too.

I've read this from a very old magazine that I've kept.

"I came late to the realization that it's not my job to keep everybody jolly all the time.In fact,it turns out that not only must a little rain fall into each little life, but the rain showers help them grow."

I'm proud to say that I know my dear yasmin well,at least for now.But I just can't figure out other ways to drain out that energy of hers.Another hmmm.....

I've observed her playing with her toys.But she loses her interests ever so fast.She prefers playing with my pots and pans.....the clothes peg....the teapots....which all means......a messy home!Well,at least I don't have to spend a lot of $$$$ on those expensive toys.One thing though.....she loves her books.Maybe,because she sees us reading most of the time.Now,she likes to pretend to read the newspaper.

To Jolyn...if you are reading this....if you have excess energy to burn off...I think my Yasmin could challenge you....

My brain's energy level is running low....so nite nite.And welcome pillows!

Down and out...

2006-04-08T02:33:00.000+08:00

My quest for perfection has made me searched and analysed every single "babyish" blogskin that I could use.One that screams "Mine and only mine"...."My precious"...(as in the movie,"Lord of the Ring").One that was only meant for my dear yasmin.

So I put my foot down on me.And said...enough is enough...this will be the one(my current one lah)and no more changes for me.Update the blog....that's the priority!
So although I have this voice(like some schizo)saying...so boring...so boring....sorry....gotta let go.

My quest for perfection has made me drawn a too-perfect picture of what mums are suppose to be.I am fighting so hard to have all these images erased out of my mind and just be a mum to yasmin....plain old mum.Not superwoman!I just cannot be.But it's really hard.

Harder when you flip magazines and read articles of working woman who have it all-career and family,pictures of immaculately dressed mums(goo gooo gaa gaa-ing about how i love my baby and myself...),pictures of celebrity mums(waaa.....so pretty after giving birth....with the help of those endorsements)....and wat nots.It just gets you down.

And when I read books on how to discipline babies,I blame myself if yasmin is not behaving.The books just made it sound oh-so simple.

As you can see....I'm going downhill from here...

We went out today.....yasmin,me and dh.It was really kind of dh to bring me out but I just couldn't appreciate the day.I was tired.Yasmin was active as usual.And I couldn't handle that.I was down with flu since yesterday.I was light-headed....cranky...and just plain-out!

And there was this little gal who ran everywhere anywhere...whooaaaa....those damn-old palpitations are coming back to me.

She questions me over and over again while I tried hard not to show my annoyance.She's so bright....I simply could bear to dampen this inquisitive nature.I feel so quilty.

My house looks like a war zone.....

My work unfinished...

My dear Yasmin neglected....

I wish I could blog about oh how I love my baby...my dh...my work and everything around me.

But sorry....this time I'm really out and just trying to just heal from this damn flu and stop being a perfectionista!

Give my energy back!(but then again my energy is out even when I'm not having flu-sigh:( )

I need my sleep now.With my dearie hubby and yasmin.

Nites.Hopefully things get better tomorrow(sniffles).

Reasons

2006-04-02T00:00:00.000+08:00

Haluuuu.....

It's been a long time since I've updated my blog.Well...here's the reasons to why I just couldn't update it(as if you are interested):

1.my pc was down.
2.my only saviour was dh to "treat" our pc-so have to wait patiently
3.I was damn tired
4.Fatigue
5.Lethargic

Notice that reasons 3-5 have similar meanings.

Reason: That is the biggest factor to why I couldn't blog-coz I'm terribly,terribly tired.I've read all my previous post...and all of them have me complaining about it....and it seems it hasn't got any better.I think it's getting worse coz....I'm actually doing "less" with Yasmin.My mood is getting atrocious.I'm beginning to expect Yasmin to behave like a responsible adult-when she's just two!But talking to her to teach her values just haven't gone on my top list.Sleep - that's what I need!

Anyway,Yasmin has turned 2 last 11/3.And the mini-celebration that we had for her was just splendid.It is always nice to share a great day with your love ones.Wanted to put up a few pictures of the occasion but since the pc just "healed"...no pix in my pc yet.

So....my little gal has grown up.Would she be having the " terrible-twos" syndrome?Sometimes it seems that she does.She is always vying for attention.But then again....how can I blame her?Off work time is the only time that she can spend time with me.And I am always distracted by the newspaper....books....tv....cooking...housework...look at all the factors that she had to "fight" with.

My only antidote is to read up on other solutions to "solve" her "behavioural problems".Afterall...that's no one perfect solution book to every parenting problems.

She loves to mess up the house with her toys.Just last night,she took her hair pin and deliberately throw it over the sofa.I was too tired to deal with her...so I just took her favourite CD(Anugerah....which she fondly say it as her "Pop Ye-Ye)and flung it the same way that she had previously.Whoa....a commotion came....so I reminded her that if she throws her toys around,I'll throw away that CD.So far...it works...at least for now.

Whatever it is,she's always entertaining.Always seems to miss her more when that "Ilovechildren" ad song comes on tv.Always remind me to enjoy my time with her.Gosh...if only....I could make enough mooolahs at home and still be around for her.

Life......filled with many decisions to make.To work...or not to work...

To sleep or not to sleep....

I wanna sleep.....sweet dreams.
(hugs little Yasmin-we love to sleep like that)

Happenings...

2006-01-23T13:26:00.000+08:00

New Year...

We went off to see the amazing fireworks over at the Esplanade.It should be an exciting perhaps even romantic feeling seeing those colorful fireworks and hearing those melodic tunes but I just felt tired.So was my sis-in-law.

It was crowded...truly crowded with party-goers...youngsters jamming away with local bands.I felt a bit old.All I wanted to do was grab my pillow and sleep snugly at my own bed.

But I wanted some "adventure"....to end my splendid 2005...my days as a SAHM.

As the fireworks goes off....all that was left in my mind was...what will 2006 be for me?Yasmin,by the way,was too frightened by the loud fireworks.She closed her eyes and refused to see them.Hahaha....what a wasted idea....we wanted to be there to let her see them.Oh well.....

After the "adventure",we went off to Macdonalds(where Yasmin slept throughout)to ease off the traffic first.

Hari Raya Haji....

I was a little bit excited for the day.Perhaps,it's because it's my off day.I was tired and a little good cheer would do me good.So it was off to Opah's and nenek's house for the day.

I do know that my mum miss us more since my erratic shift work.Distance really makes the heart fonder.So the day was good to actually get everyone together again.

My usual days....

I'm still terribly tired.Am seriously wondering what can I do to perk up those energy levels.My leave is only due in September.Yikes!Me and hubby have decided to go for a holiday then.Hope that nothing happens then.So now....I'm awaiting for my "crying-day-out" day that so coincides with my confirmation day.Double cheers!5 day week ....here we come.More time for my dear Yasmin.

And Yasmin turning 2 soon!She grows up so fast.All I keep hearing now is her own rendition of Twinkle twinkle little star/Are you sleeping/Pop Ye-ye...Having to put her clothes on has been a trying task too.She wants to do everything by her self.Independent gal!

Frustrations...

2005-12-21T22:51:00.000+08:00

I am truly truly exhausted because of work.But am trying hard to still spent time with my dear Yasmin.I feel like rushing off every time after work.Just zoom out.But the transport there hasn't been much "helpful" so I still take about 1hr to finally fetch her.Unless of course if dh were to fetch me.It takes merely 15-20mins.Spot the difference!

After fetching her today,though truly worn out,I brought her down with her newly-bought tricycle.Ironically,she enjoyed me pushing her around the neighbourhood.She even got to play in the playground and as usual refused to budge when we needed to return home.But I enjoy playing with her.Its just that the housework that seems pilling that bothers me.After reaching home,I accidentally fall asleep while nursing her.I'm tired...tired...tired!

Frustration at work....housework to finish....time to spent with Yasmin....I think I'm pulling out my hair soon!

I miss her very much.

Yasmin @ 20mths

2005-12-14T22:40:00.000+08:00

I was thinking of the housework....the workload...the homework when I came across this interesting poem.Made me stop to think...it did...

This young girl suffering from cancer has 6 months left to live, and as her dying wish.She wanted to send a poem telling everyone to livetheir life to the fullest, since she never will.She'll never make it to prom, graduate from high
school, or get married and have a family of her own.

This is her poem:

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift...Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower, hear the music

Before the song is over

Anyway,since I've started working,I've been slogging like crazy.I feel tired most of the time...but I guess that I just got to do what I've got to do.This is my driven purpose in life....not to work only lah....but to help provide and give my family the very best...of what I can...(wah...sound so serious like that).

Yasmin has been a lovely gal so far.She's grown so much.In a few months time,she'll be two!And she's already asking for a companion-"adik"(little bro/sis).Although I think she hasn't fully comprehend the full consequences/meaning of what she asked.She learns new words pretty fast,like a parrot.Recently, she got a new "shocking" vocab-"mampus"(die).Oh well....just hope it would be forgotten soon.Must remind dh of his usage of words-especially when he's driving....

She has been eating well too....just as long as you cook her favourite food.I tried to cook more but I'm still adjusting myself to the work schedules/routines.She do love fruits but am cracking my head on enticing her to our "Mr Greens" aka vegetables.She loves opening the fridge as well...searching for ....OUR JUNK FOOD!Ok....think I have to cut down on my junkies too.But I can't help it....when I'm stress I look for thses junkies(when I'm happy,I'm lean...when stress,I'll grow).Yasmin would be pointing to my M&Ms/biscuits.But one good thing when all these are out of stock....she'll point to her "ubat"(medicine) which actually is her vitamins syrup.She reminds me to give it to her every day.

I looooove to see her run.It is so damnn cute.Her hips would be swaying from side to side and her arms too,like someone doing the brisk walk...you should see.Hmmm...perhaps I could include her in my so-called jogging session soon(no not to lose weight lah....to increase my diminishing stamina).It would be most interesting.

Her favourite toy:"main masak-masak"(pretend play-cooking).She can get distracted for some time playing that.But at home...she loves to play using my frying pan,small pots and pans.Always wanting the real thing..this gal.

Meanwhile...everytime I'm at work...I'm always reminded of her.Pictures of babies nursing-remembers her nursing.Newborns-remember when she is born.Taking to other mothers-sharing experiences about our children.So...so far she's always close to my heart.

Hari Raya...memorable ones..

2005-12-06T20:56:00.000+08:00

Just some late Hari Raya pictures....

Do we look a-like?

Family potrait?

I was celebrating my "precious" Hari Raya days before starting work.You could say it was depressing but at the same time exciting.I miss my Yasmin dearly.But having had the opportunity to spent time with her makes it more bearable for me to start work again.

The initial days were terrible as I was clearly exhausted after work each time.It is still tiring but I have since adjusted to the timing again.I tried calling to talk to her but it didn't seem to be a good idea as she would cry and look for me after hearing my voice.It was so heart-wrenching.So I decided to just simply call when I was about to fetch her.

She seems more settled now but not me!I'm practically wanting to sleep each time I'm back home.Gosh....tried taking coffee(which I don't quite fancy nowadays) but it is just making my body sickly.I'm down with a flu.My eyes are barely open.I have tons of housework.I have tons to read up on.But seriously all I can do now.....all I need now is my nap.Goodnight....

SAHM

2005-10-30T01:13:00.000+08:00

Being a SAHM(stay-at-home-mum) is never an easy option for me.And I'm even not talking about the aspect of taking care of the child.What I find is difficult,besides the many other issues, is finding support.You'll be literally bombarded with "unkind" or perhaps "thoughtless" remarks of being a SAHM.

And yesterday article interest me to that aspect:

Sadly,a utiltarian view of people influences not just the way many of us treat foreign maids but also one another.

Consider the plight of those citizens who are viewed as less than economically dynamic: the jobles,the elderly,the stay-at-home-mums.

Many of them seem to feel there is a question mark over their "usefulness to the society".

Adapted from Straits Times
28 Oct 2005

Sadly, I'm going back to the work force soon.But what I've learnt during my SAHM days.....I'll never forget.I take my hats of them(SAHMs).It's definately not easy.

No pay, always on duty. But just to see my little darling, I am prepared to forgo anything.I'm going to work again....to build a little future for my child but this I'll remember always:

No amount of money/toys can ever replace the time with my child.

"The simple example of Prophet Muhammad is much better, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. When his daughter Fatima (May Allah be pleased with her) would come to him, the Prophet used to stand up, kiss her, take her hand, and give her his seat. Later in life, this personal type of affection will be much more memorable to children than receiving a gift that anyone could have given them."

taken from: http://www.islamicparenting.org

2005-10-30T00:58:00.000+08:00

I finally found it.This song is one of my favourites.If you're a busy parent...listen and think about the lyrics to the song.

Cats in the Cradle
by Harry Chaplin

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talking 'fore I knew it and as he grewHe'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad
You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home dad"
"I don't know when
But we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then"

My son turned ten just the other day
He said "thanks for the ball dad come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw"
I said "not todayI got a lot to do"
he said "that's OK"
And he walked away but his smile lemme tell you
Said "I'm gonna be like him yeahYou know I'm gonna be like him"

CHORUS
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon"When you coming home dad"
"I don't know when
But we'll get together thenYou know we'll have a good time then"

Well he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son I'm proud of you can you sit for a while"
He shook his head and he said with a smile
"What I'd really like dad is to borrow the car keys
See you later can I have them please?"

CHORUS
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon"When you coming home son"
"I don't know when
But we'll get together then dad
You know we'll have a good time then"

I've long since retired and my son's moved away
I called him up just the other dayI said "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
He said "I'd love to dad if I could find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and the kid's got the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

CHORUS
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home son"
"I don't know whenBut we'll get together then dad
You know we'll have a good time then"

2005-10-19T23:45:00.000+08:00

Having Aidilfirtri nearby sometimes worries me....should I bring this article to anyone who "pesters" me about breastfeeding?

Whether breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, you may get 'attacked'

(from:http://www.007b.com/breast_versus_bottle.php)

It is not uncommon that nursing mothers receive negative comments from their relatives, friends, or even complete strangers about how they feed their baby. Some people (mistakenly) think it is "gross" or that it shouldn't be done in public, etc. Moms hear comments like, "Are you STILL doing that?" or "Didn't you just feed her an hour ago?" or "He's not gaining enough, you better supplement with formula" from people who don't just understand the breastfeeding process.

Then on the other hand, some health care workers and well-meaning but not so tactful breastfeeding activists sometimes condemn formula-feeding mothers and try to "lecture" to them about the better way in a pushy manner. These mothers often end up feeling guilty after such attacks if they couldn't/didn't breastfeed.

The two main choices of baby feeding still divide mothers into two camps and sometimes results in arguments and heated discussions. In 2001, the national magazine Baby Talk did a survey of 36,000 mothers revealing that 33% of breast-feeding mothers think bottle-feeding moms are "selfish and lazy". Of formula-feeding mothers, 63 percent said they have not been criticized by breastfeeding mothers, which would mean that 37 percent have been. Then 83 percent of breastfeeding mothers said they had felt criticized by bottle-feeding moms, the main form being disapproving looks and stares, or downgrading remaks while they are breastfeeding in public. You can also see this debate over breast versus bottle flare up on almost every parenting or breastfeeding message board in the internet from time to time.

After studying the many benefits of breastfeeding and the ugly advertising policies of infant formula companies, it is no wonder many women start feeling very emphatically about breastfeeding, and some even become so-called 'breastfeeding activists' or 'lactivists', trying to promote breastfeeding in various ways.

That is certainly a good thing in itself, because even though there is no doubt that 'breast is best', there is still a lot of misinformation and misconceptions about breastfeeding versus formula-feeding, and a need for more support for women so they wouldn't wean so early. For example, many pregnant women might not know how bottle-fed infants have a greater incidency of SIDS and respiratory infections. But sometimes the enthusiastic lactivists come on too strongly and push their views and thereby may offend someone.

Condemning attitudes never help anyone, whether it is towards a mom nursing in public place or towards a mom who has made a choice to bottle-feed her baby. There are some sound medical reasons for bottle feeding, like if the baby is lactose intolerant (very rare) or if mother needs a medication that would be very harmful to the baby (though with many medications you can continue breastfeed normally). Some women also have hypoplastic (underdeveloped) breasts and their breasts don't have enough milk making tissue. In these cases the mother needs support, not condemnation.

Also, many many mothers do try to breastfeed but quit and wean fairly early because of various problems. Often those problems might have been solvable with the right information or with more support from a lactation consultant, but if weaning is already past, then it is does no good to try to condemn the mother for formula-feeding.

These women who do intend to breastfeed but end up bottle-feeding often also end up feeling very guilty for 'their failure'. They may feel very bad when reading parenting magazines or hearing health-care professionals promote breastfeeding.

Most of us just do our best according to our circumstances and knowledge; so if you bottle feed, and it is the best you could do, there is no reason to feel guilty. The MOST important things children need are LOVE, nurturing, caring, proper discipline, nutrition, education, parents, home. Just think about all the kids who do not receive those basics, and what kind of adults they grow up to be...

We hope bottle-feeding moms understand that breastfeeding isn't promoted to make them feel guilty! Breast-feeding needs to be promoted, because if it wasn't promoted, then the advertising tactics of formula companies would take over and breastfeeding rates would go down.
There is SO very much misinformation and lack of information about breastfeeding! We get comments weekly from people who have learned something from this website. For example, one teen wrote a comment to this site that she had thought breastfeeders did it for lack of money to buy the expensive formula; she was shocked (and happy) to find out breastfeeding was the healthier choice.

Don't condemn her for exposing her breast in public....
nothing wrong with it while nursing.

We hope people could get more educated on breastfeeding process in general, and in particular on how innocent and pure it is. There is nothing wrong or indecent in exposing breasts even in public while nursing, because that is what breasts were intended for: giving food to babies. Many states even have the law explicitly state and clarify that the woman has a right to breastfeed wherever she might otherwise legally be, irregardless of whether the breast is showing or not.
It is so bazaar though I think, each time that I find myself sitting in a small strange stall; having and feeding a child is so universal, ancient and knows no ethnic boundaries, yet I always find myself somehow, hiding. Across the continents from time immemorial, this is how our ancestors have been nurtured, this is how we as a people have largely grown into new generations, yet today we are so ashamed by the breast that we scorn the very act of breastfeeding, banishing mothers to dens and caves of filth.And yet, women are not encouraged to breastfeed their babies. Women are looked at instead as being sensual and sexual because breastfeeding involves the breast, which our western culture is obsessed with in an unhealthy way and to an unhealthy degree. The breast is beautiful and sensual yes, but it also exists for naturally nourishing a human being in its beginning realm of life; it is not only for sexual and profitable gain.

Francesca Biller-Safran, at What's a mother to do: Breastfeeding - healthy, not political

2005-10-15T01:58:00.000+08:00

Health Scan: Mother's milk improves in long-term nursing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH, THE JERUSALEM POSTOct. 2, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nutritional value of mother's milk has been found to be much higher during long-term breastfeeding (for more than a year) than when it is only for up to six months. This finding was disclosed by a research team headed by Dr. Dror Mendel and Dr. Ronit Lubetzky, pediatricians at the Lis Obstetrics Center at Tel Aviv's Sourasky Medical Center.
They studied 61 women, 27 of whom breastfed for up to half a year and the rest between 12 and 39 months. The percentage of fat in mother's milk during long-term breastfeeding averaged at 11 percent and reached as high as 28%, while breast milk of women who nursed their babies for only several months averaged 7.4% and went as high as 12%. Not only was the fat level higher, but also the number of calories in milk during long-term nursing - 880 kilocalories per liter compared to 741 in short-term nursing. In any case, the latter figure is significantly higher than that of baby formulas. Infancy is not a time for weight-reducing diets, as newborns need a lot of healthful calories to develop, thus the added fats and calories are considered very beneficial.
Mendel, who worked on the study with Prof. Francis Mimouni, Prof. Shaul Dolberg and Dr. Shimon Barak, said the findings constituted the first scientific-academic study comparing the nutritional value of mother's milk in shortterm and long-term breastfeeding. It counters a myth among pediatricians that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the less nutritious her milk.

Must be a long time since I've mentioned anything about my breastfeeding blues......coz now I don't have any....so shiok

Anyway,we took Yasmin to Geylang some two days ago.Yipeee!But she got a bit choked by the smells and smoke of the "pasar malam".....but on the whole....we ,the parents,enjoyed it more.Hahaha....what do you expect of a 19mths old child anyway?

We managed to buy a couple of things including Yasmin's shoes and clothes.The shoes we got for her so remind me of the days when I was a child.No wonder my dad love to buy me those kinda shoes.But no I'm not gonna show any photos. Hahaha....wanna show off my dear Yasmin during Hari Raya of course.(spoken like a true proud mama again.)

These days....it's really must enjoyable to hear her babble.She's like a parrot...simply following what you say...with simlar intonations mine you.....so damn funny....

And of course,she's attracted to much of the television commercials.Loves the Magnolia cow's saying-Baguuuus!,the paint advertisement (the one with the Sumo wrestler) and Taufik Batisah in the Harmuni's advertisement-that's where she learn how to "salam" after seeing Taufik doing the same with his mum....

Verdict:MTV gotta be out of her sight lah...

all grown up

2005-10-12T14:47:00.000+08:00

Our daily conversations(between hubby and me) would always come to this:

"Look how she has grown!"

It isn't a surprise to see her grow up but certainly a miracle to see it everyday.When you have a child, suddenly your perspectives changes(well,at least it did for me).

When I take her to the shop, it would not longer just be a trip to the shop. It would be a trip downstairs to see the flowers and trees.To meet the occasional familiar faces of the neighbourhood.It could turn out to be a "rest time" for me when I could afford the time to let her play at the playground.

When I wake up everyday, it would not longer filled with questions of what I should do today but of many activities that I need to finish up in the day. Bath time turns to fun time. The house turns into a big potential playhouse.The possibilities are endless.

Today, my little Yasmin is rather sleepy as she refused to sleep early yesterday.As I looked at her sleeping peacefully....I see...

oh how much she has grown.

2005-10-09T01:01:00.000+08:00

Felt shaken again when someones asks,"Oh..you're not working?How come?"

I replied that same old thing again,"Oh,why not?When she's older,she'll probably wouln't want me."

I get the "Why?Afraid that she wouldn't want you now?"

Urgh.Why,oh why?The term is "bonding". And bonding is not only of a child to a parent but more importantly of a parent to a child. The culture's basically changed I guess.Is it wrong to NOT work(if you have the opportunity) to take care of your own child?Isn't it part of a responsibility of a parent?

Not to say that you can't bond with your child if you are working. Doesn't mean that one who stays at home would naturally bond with their children.One can still be a good mother if she's able to juggle work and family(but it's no easy task).

Well....What am trying to say is...Find a solution that works for you and your family.No one family is similar.

I should probably learn of other ways to side-track this issue when Hari Raya comes.

2005-10-07T22:07:00.000+08:00

This little monkey,dear folks, love to test my patience....

It is without any doubts why books on raising unspoiled children are tops in many concerned parents.It would be a nightmare for any mum to have a spoilt brat.

The Toddler's Creed(as adapted from Raising a Happy and Unspoiled Child by Burton L.White)

If I want it, it's mine
If I give it to you and change my mine later, it's mine
If I can take it away from you, it's mine
If I had it a little while ago, it's mine
If it's mine, it will never belong to anyone else, no matter what.
If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks like mine, it's mine

Amazing ain't it?

But sometimes it can get pretty amusing.Like today.I had commanded her to put the CD back into the drawer.Apparently she had learnt how to open the TV console's drawer...now at 18mths.Of course my dear stubborn Yasmin refused.But instead of screaming her head off as usual,she tried to amuse me.Yeah....seriously amuse me...by dancing...smiling and laughing in her cutest voice.She seriously thought of getting away with it by amusing me.

But me,the ever-stern mum(like real) had to tell her in my ever-stern voice to put the CD back where it belong.In my heart,I was so chuckled by her.Aaaaa....just can't resist to give her a hug and a kiss.

But at least this tactic of her gets me entertained....

2005-10-06T23:24:00.000+08:00

I had started this blog hoping to update family and friends of Yasmin's developments and just simply "our" news.But it is seriously difficult to get it updated on a daily basis.But I ain't feelin' guilty,my friend.I guess this story adapted from "Chiken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul" sums it all.....

"Now I am a mother with a daughter of my own.As I put together a baby book for my daughter,I keep looking back into my own book.However,my baby book no longer looks the same.When I look at the photo of my mother bathing me,I notice that she looks tired-as I feel now.When I look carefully into the background of the photos,I see that my mother's kitchen had cluttered counters-like my kitchen has now.I see photos of my smiling, happy face in a bathtub,oblivious to the clutter and my mother's fatigue-just as my baby smiles now.

And I notice one other change in the book.There was always a section of pages in the middle of the book that were never written in.These are the blank pages that I hear my new mother friends complain that they have not filled in all of the pages of the baby book yet.I hear mothers criticizing themselves,saying that it will be depressing if their child see blank pages in her baby book.But as I look back in my baby book,I see all of the blank pages have suddenly disappeared.Where blank pages once lay,I now see my mother cooking me warm,nourishing meals and giving me hot baths.I see my mother reading me books and taking me sledding in the front yard.I see my mother tucking me into bed and bandaging my skinned knee.I see pages full of love."

Awww......ain't that sweet...

Anyway,since I'm not working.....I have been busy making memories...

Doesn't she look so innocent?

We went to JB just a few days before Ramadhan,to Yasmin's paternal granpa's place.Is was tired with work and figured that a quick holiday there might just revived his energy.

The huge area really excites her.I grew up in a city most of my life.So I guess Yasmin is pretty lucky to still acquire that mystical "kampung-like" feeling at Johor.Perhaps she relished this huge space now.When she grows up,she'll probably complain about the house not being wired to the internet or that she won't be able to call to talk with her friends.

Like a true city gal,she waved her tiny hands and said "Hot...hot".And when she stepped on the veranda,she refused to move unless she wears her shoes. On arrival,she inspected every single rooms before happily skipping back to the living room.

The next morning, I guess, was pretty "educational" for her.She saw chickens.Real life ones just walking around near the "warong" where we had our breakfast.She even get to see some wild monkeys.

She must have got a bit confused with it all ...coz she nows calls birds..."ayam"(malay for chicken).

Miss photogenic?

She even learned how to imitate some lizards....pretty cute try..I must say

Splashing fun...

Our main highlight for the trip was to blow up this huge pool for her to play in.But the pool unfortunately had a hole......so we made do with this small basin.Nevertheless it was pure fun for her still.She loved it so much that she refused to budge.Even though she was feeling cold,with the breeze outside blowing.

She even had her cousin to play with there.They can't really hang around together yet but she had fun with Emir.

Emir-one cute fella

It was a fun trip but we got back exhausted but truly "rested".

2005-09-25T01:08:00.000+08:00

I feel like a lousy mum today.Just plain lousy.A child's behaviour sometimes equates to mum's pride.

Example:
"Yasmin doesn't wanna eat?"
(Untold translation:Oh...mum doesn't know how to cook eh?Oh....mum doesn't know how to coax her to eat....)

"Yasmin misbehave?"
(Untold translation:Didn't mum know how to teach her children?)

"Hey,Yasmin still wanna eat?"
(Untold translation: What?Didn't mum give you enough food/milk?)

"Yasmin has rashes/cuts"
(Untold translation:Mum doesn't know how to take care of her child)

Gosh....I'm seriously getting paranoid.Lousy....but definately feeling better after writing this.Coz it's beginning to sound stupid to me.

2005-09-22T23:21:00.000+08:00

Yasmin the musical genius?
NOT...

Days with Yasmin are always enjoyable no matter god-damn irritating she could be....seriously...

Taking care of a child is no easy task.Yasmin is truly an "energizer-batt" baby.She goes on and on and on.

When I need to rest my mind,I'll take her to the playground.It's fun for her and "switch off" time for me.We get immersed in our environment.She doesn't do much but run,climb the steps and slide down.Sometimes we meet some other kids but they are mostly much older than her.I'll just have to watch out for her safety though.

Almost everyday now she'll requests to play on the organ.Not that she's musically inclined though....I guess she just enjoys pressing and hearing the different sounds they make.I'm not really bothered with teaching her the organ though.Simply...I enjoy music....so I would want her to share the music appreaciation too.I'm just exposing her to the different kinds of music now.

From music.....to Art.I love Art....but so far what I could make Yasmin do is to scribble her crayon on the paper.Been wanting to play paint with her but the stress of cleaning up after just puts me off...

I can't wait for her to grow up.....can't wait for her to do things with me.....but then again....when she's all grown up....will she be wanting to to those things with me?

I wonder...

At least, for now....when I cook,she'll be there.She'll sometimes say times like "Hot...Dap(for sedap-delicious)...mam(for food)" and tries to imitate me(I'll pretend to teach her how to cook).

For now,she'll grab her book when I read and wants to read together....

For now,we like to look out the window together....

For now,we love to play with bubbles...(she loves her duck although it can't squeak)

For now,we love to tickle and snuggled up together.....

For now,we love watching Sesame Street....singing my favourite..."rubber-duckie song"by Ernie.By the way,she knows "Big Bird,Ernie and Bert now....besides Elmo of course...

For now,we love to play hide-and-seek in the house...

Hmmm....when will all these end?

Taking care of a child isn't all a bed of roses either....if I might add...

She loves to scream on top of her lungs when she doesn't want to do something as told.....real high pitch ones....

She loves running away and wants to let me catch her when she needs to put on her diaper....or her hair to be comb... She'll be shrieking with laughter when I catch her

She loves playing with MY food when we dine together...doesn't fancy her "age-appropriate" utensils.She wants ADULT forks/spoons.

She loves saying "na nak(for tak nak-don't want)" when we ask her to do something....like clear up her toys....

She loves to run around in the mall....refusing to hold our hands when walking....bumping into people who can't see her..

She loves refusing to stay in her car seat....

She seriously love to mess up the house....her toys are everywhere...

But seriously....no matter what...she'll still be my girl...

Yasmin @ 18mths

2005-09-09T19:12:00.000+08:00

Yasmin could be your typically girl at times.Loves clothes and mirrors.She'll be delighted on seeing new clothes and checking them out in the mirror when permitted.

She's beginning to take autonomy when dressing up too.Loves to put on the clothes by herself.But of course,mama has to help too.

She loves wearing her pants/skirts.She'll put one leg at a time and go..."UP".And she stands to pull it up.Pretty cute I must say.

Thankfully,she's got her great big appetite again.I get worried when she just wants to nurse at times.At the back of my head,I know she's getting a lot of nutrients from breastmilk alone.But hey,I need to get her face to be "fatten up" if I want people to be convinced that she's eating right.But then again,I think I should go with my heart.Heck what they say.

When Yasmin eats,I feel all the pressure just simply goes away.But healthy food of course.She loves fruit,nuts(close observation though coz it's a choking hazard),chicken porridge,chicken,peas,corns,baby carrots....I'm guessing anything just as long she gets to mess them up.Another cool thing is that she can ask for food.She'll go into the kitchen and says,"mam".Beats me asking and trying to shove food in her mouth anytime.And she loves soup.Just like me!

She's imitating well too.A funny example:She'll pretend to throw out her crayon but hides it behind her back and tells us "no more".We used to do that to her when she takes our stuffs.And when I'm reading,usually she'll take her book as well.She loves it when I tell her the names of things in the book when she points.I think she's trying to learn to say "shampoo".She's mastered the word "soap".

Talking about soap.My Yasmin knows how to soap herself.Not too well but enough for me.Put some soap in her hands when bathing,and she'll try to soap herself.My baby's growing fast.

I'm trying to introduce her to nursery rhymes but she's just not interested.So I just let her play my organ.I don't know if she's musically inclined but she knows how to create a din alright.

I think that she's nearly ready to be potty train.She's begining to tell me when she needs to poo.Sometimes she'll fart and goes "yak...yak" mistaken it for a poo.I so love to not have her wear her diapers soon.Hmmmm....time to read up on potty-training?

Fav. song

2005-08-24T22:55:00.000+08:00

I've realised only yesterday that Yasmin's favourite song was "Don't Phunk With My Heart" by Black Eyed Peas.

Dh had that tune on his handphone.So everytime,she hears it she'll go like "hah".But the intro is so short that I didn't see much of a reaction to it.But yesterday,as I was listening to the radio,they played the song .She gives the usual response and then she danced!Looks like a fast beat tap/aerobic dance.I was so damn amused.

My hip-hop baby!

Yasmin's baby talk/myopia

2005-08-18T00:35:00.000+08:00

Yasmin's babbling never fails to make me smile.

"Ooo...so cute."

Yeap...Yasmin is beginning to learn to talk.She seems to understand us but still trying hard to imitate the sounds.But each passing day,I could hear that she's making each word that she've learn clearer.

It's really amusing when she says "boy" for ball or "nanak" for nenek.All children around her age are "baby".And when she wants milk,its "shushu".

She tickles me when she hold out her hand and says "come",asking me to follow her.Her favourite word for the day would be "Elmo",her favourite Sesame Street character.And when Elmo's show ends,she says "no more".

She's yapping alright.

Here's another good information about breastfeeding in a local context:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/
163173/1/.html

Breastfeeding can reduce risk of myopia in children by half: doctors

If you were breastfed as a baby, chances are you're less likely to be
short-sighted.

Singapore doctors have found that breastfeeding reduces the risk of
myopia in children by almost half.

The study - a first in the world - has been published in the
prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association.

Associate Professor Saw Seang Mei, Dept of Community, Occupational
and Family Medicine, NUS, said: "We also found that the degree of
myopia was different. If the child was breastfed previously, the
degree of myopia was 50 degrees less severe compared to a child who's
not breastfed."

In 2004, a team of doctors and scientists conducted an analysis of
risk factors for myopia on 797 children aged 10 to 12 years.

They found that 69 percent of short-sighted children were not
breastfed, higher than the 62 percent of myopic children who were.

And with more than two-thirds of 12-year-olds in Singapore being
short-sighted, doctors say the protection that breastfeeding has
against myopia is significant.

Dr Chong Yap Seng, Consultant, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
NUH, said: "We can't say for sure which substance is responsible.
Conveniently we can point to DHA (docosahexaenic acid) which is
present naturally in human milk as a substance that's associated with
better eye and brain development in children. However I think we
can't say that's the agent. There're many, many things in breastmilk
still being discovered everyday."

Dr Donald Tan, Deputy Director, Singapore National Eye Centre, said:
"We think this new finding is very exciting. Already we have ways of
reducing myopic progression. For example, we have atropine eye drops
which can reduce the progression of myopia. But this is the first
time we are able to show that by intervening at a very early stage,
we are able to stop myopia even from coming on from the very start."

"And the best thing is that this is an environmental type of
intervention which has got no risk, unlike eye drops. So we're now
able to do something in the environment which can affect how your
children become myopic or not myopic."

Dr Chong and Dr Tan are co-authors of the research paper on
"Association between Breastfeeding and Likelihood of Myopia in
Children".

So while mothers can't change their genes, they could reduce the risk
of myopia in their children by breastfeeding.

Currently, only one in five mothers are still breastfeeding when
their babies are 6 months old.

And doctors say this study would give them another reason to continue
breastfeeding for long-term health benefits.

The team of scientists says they intend to take the study findings to
the Health Promotion Board to get them to include "myopia protection"
on the list of benefits from breastfeeding in their public education.

Associate Professor Saw said: "This is a small initial but very
important study. We plan to launch a larger study that examines at
least 2,000 babies, and follow up with them for up to 10 years, to
prospectively ask them about breastfeeding habits, including the
duration and types of breastfeeding and we'll follow them up to
examine for myopia in later life." - CNA /ch

Hopefully,Yasmin won't be like me,having myopia.

Yasmin pics galore

2005-08-12T23:41:00.000+08:00

Yasmin is certainly growing up fast.She's 17mths old.1 year and a half already.It is during such sentimental moments that I am always sure that I did the right thing in creating more time with her.Afterall,no amount of money could bring me back these times.Prada or that brand new car could certainly wait.

I had ample time with dh too.It was no longer a headache to arrange a family outing.Just the three of us.

Here's some pics of the family:

Yasmin and me at Marina Square anticipating for the NDP fireworks(rehersal).

In newly renovated Marina Square.
(it was all so new that dh and me even got lost)

The fireworks were fabulous.I was a little bit proud when Yasmin didn't even cried when the fireworks started.Some other kids were wailing in fright.You go girl(in Anita Sarawak signature style)

Fireworks:Yasmin version:Bam!

At the zoo with one of the mascot.

Yasmin loved the zoo(me too!).She ran almost everywhere and had her share of "ooohs and ahhs" seeing the animals.She only slept when we were walking back to exit.Guess who has to carry her(no prizes for the correct guess)?I was dehydrated after all that walking and carrying.

Benefits of breastfeeding

2005-08-05T21:28:00.000+08:00

From Dr. William Sears' website:
BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Brain: Higher IQ in breastfed children. Cholesterol and other types of fat in human milk support the growth of nerve tissue.

Eyes: Visual acuity is higher in babies fed human milk.

Ears: Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections.

Mouth: Less need for orthodontics in children breastfed more than a year. Improved muscle development of face from suckling at the breast. Subtle changes in the taste of human milk prepare babies to accept a variety of solid foods.

Throat: Children who are breastfed are less likely to require tonsillectomies.

Respiratory system: Evidence shows that breastfed babies have fewer and less severe upper respiratory infections, less wheezing, less pneumonia and less influenza.

Heart and circulatory system: Evidence suggests that breastfed children may have lower cholesterol as adults. Heart rates are lower in breastfed infants.

Digestive system: Less diarrhea, fewer gastrointestinal infections in babies who are breastfeeding. Six months or more of exclusive breastfeeding reduces risk of food allergies. Also, less risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in adulthood.

Immune system: Breastfed babies respond better to vaccinations. Human milk helps to mature baby's own immune system. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood cancer.

Endocrine system: Reduced rish of getting diabetes.

Kidneys: With less salt and less protein, human milk is easier on a baby's kidneys.

Appendix: Children with acute appendicitis are less likely to have been breastfed.

Urinary tract: Fewer infections in breastfed infants.

Joints and muscles: Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is less common in children who were breastfed.

Skin: Less allergic eczema in breastfed infants.

Growth: Breastfed babies are leaner at one year of age and less likely to be obese later in life.

Bowels: Less constipation. Stools of breastfed babies have a less-offensive odor.

THAT'S WHY YASMIN IS A BREASTFED BABY!

Yasmin@16mths

2005-07-29T22:17:00.000+08:00

It's sure been a long time since I've written anything here.

Anyway,my dear Yasmin is 16mths now.Development wise,I really don't think she's having much problem.

-She's definately walking without any support.Knows how to kick a ball.And pretends to crawl when I do so as well.

-Loves to run too and "slam" against the mattress.Hmmmm....

-Starts to climb playground equipment but still afraid to go down the slide by herself.(Bet she wouldn't even want to go home if she's able to master that!)

-Enjoys splashing in the swimming pool.

Language:

-Able to say....dog...atuk....mama....papa....nanak(for nenek)....ooopah....car....almo(for Elmo)....nak(translate to english as "I want")....kakakoko(for helicopter/aeroplane)....

-Already knows how to identify some parts of her body.

Social and Emotional

-Lots of tantrums when she doesn't get her own way as she assert her sense of independence(lots and lots of patience needed for these....believe me.)

-Wants to do more for herself,especially with feeding and dressing(yeap.....and lots more mess too.)

Yasmin simply love to mess up the house although theoretically in child development books,they termed it as "exploration learning".Doesn't that sound better.Even dh is now commenting.....he knows he's home when he sees the house in a mess.

I was reading this interesting article in a magazine.It wrote:

"No matter how many years she has invested on her career,she will professionally derailed by motherhood.She might successfully arrange childcare, but one day she will be in an important meeting and will think about her baby's sweet smell.And she will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home,just to make sure he is alright."
-from Every Day Miracles,Dale Hanson Bourke

That's part of motherhood.Many have asked me this question:Why do you stop working?

It comes in different directions and have many tones to it.

At times,it sounds as like .....why the hell you stop working.Bumming around at home eh?

At times,it sounds like....why stop working?Afraid that she won't love you?(actually that came courtesy from my mum who told many that I stop working as I'm afraid that Yasmin would love her more than me.Go figure...)

At times,it sounds more pleasant...like....why stop working?Oh....it's good to spend a little time as they are growing.You won't regret.

I think....I've learnt the simplest way to answer them a bit too late.To smile and ignore them that is.Andrea(my friend) is right.I DO NOT NEED TO GIVE ANY explanation to any of them.Period.

Although I've thought of writing down all the reasons here once upon a time,now I think....heck....what for.

In a simpler version....it's a mother's sacrifice.

One day, I'll return to workforce(and that's another mother's sacrifice)and seriously,you do not need to know the reasons why.

2005-07-03T22:33:00.000+08:00

Yasmin's current reading list:

Potty For Girls
At the Pool

I like to bring Yasmin to the library.Although she can't comprehend yet what it is for, I'm simply hoping that it will be a habit for her to go there when she grows up.

She's not very interested in me reading it to her now.Now,she wants total autonomy.She wants to hold the book,turn the pages while muttering her version of the story.Cute.But story ends real fast.

Potty Training:

After much research done, I figure that potty training her earlier would not be necessary.I could merely add to the myriads of issues in my head that I have to sort.I think waiting for her to verbalise her needs is a much better idea.

Happy moments for her.And happy moments for me.

Eating:

She's demanding full control of the bowl and spoon of her meals.Anticipate a mess after meals.But it's really cute to see her eat with her fork and spoon.Not that anything gets in her mouth.It's just the actions that's cute.You know....those moments where a mum thinks..."my little girl is growing up...."

Mama's current reading list:

Raising a daughter-Elium & Elium
So that's what they're for-Janet Tamaro

Really interesting books for parents.When reading the book "Raising a daughter",I finally realised why I was acting the way I do while growing up.Miracle.To seek answers to my daughter,I found answers to my own questions.Actually,I never realised that there would be any difference.Having brought up the way I do,I was determined to have a similar teaching style for my children(future...that is)and boy,was I wrong.

Love this.Adapted from the book:

"Children don't belong to us....
They are little strangers who arrive in
our lives and gives us pleasure and duty
of caring for them-but we don't own them.
We help them become who they are."
-Ruth Nuneviller Steinem

In the book "So that's what they're for!",it's a book on facts of breastfeeding and hilarious anecdotes.

"Maybe your mom breastfed.Maybe she didn't.Even though almost 60% of new mothers try breastfeeding today,the generation that mothered us was brainwashed by formula companies and medical literature to believe that breastfeeding was crass and unsanitary and that formula was modern and healthy(incidentally,so was smoking at that time).Only a small percentage -less than 20%- of our mothers breastfed."

No wonder I have a hard time fighting for my "case"!

Weaning

2005-06-23T23:38:00.000+08:00

It all started because of the subject of weaning.What's weaning?For all non-breastfeeding moms out there:

"The weaning process begins the first time your baby takes food from a source other than your breast - whether it's formula from a bottle or mashed banana from a spoon. Weaning is the gradual replacement of breastfeeding with other foods and ways of nurturing"

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weaning_intro.html

So with that...Yasmin is weaning slowly from breastmilk as she is now taking solids aka food.But I was curious about her getting excited about seeing a bottle milk.She's practically jumping for joy when she sees one.Although it is not an indicator that Yasmin is no longer interested in breast milk(for me), there are some who thinks that Yasmin does so because she's not getting enough from me.Gosh.....not again.....

I've discovered that Yasmin has nipple confusion.No....it's not some disease. It's simply that she gets confused with the sucking technique of bottle and breast.Hmmm.....and you thought breastfeeding is that simple.....

"What is Nipple Confusion? It is a problem that arises when a breastfed baby is given an artificial (rubber or silicon) nipple and must try to learn to nurse both from his mother's breast and the bottle nipple. While seemingly similar, these two feeding methods require completely different mouth and tongue motions and swallowing skills."

"This is not to say that either feeding method is 'wrong' ... only that they are very different, and that a baby must learn whichever method he is to use. Expecting a tiny baby to learn both methods and to be able to switch back and forth between the two can be extremely frustrating to both baby and mom."

http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_confusion.html

So....no more bottle feeds for her if possible(if I'm away)....if I intend to wean her right.....I have to wean her off....till she is able to feed on solids....(no problem with that).....and taking other beverages from a CUP.

"A baby who self-weans is usually well over a year old, is getting most of his nutrition from solids, is drinking well from a cup, and cuts down on nursing gradually. If children are truly allowed to self-wean in their own time, most will do so somewhere between the 2nd and 4th year. Obviously, some will wean before this time and some will wean after this time, too. "

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/how_weaning_happens.html

With that....I bought her a water bottle.A cup with a straw!

She loves her Elmo waterbottle!
Can't stop drinking...

She drinks from it lying down even...

Hah...a perfect alternative to bottles.....the experiment goes on....my baby gal is growing.....next:food appreciation.....goodluck to me...

Father's Day

2005-06-20T01:37:00.000+08:00

The changing face of fatherhood....

Barely 1mth old Yasmin in papa's hands...

Papa with 3mths old Yasmin...

Yasmin @ 8mths old with papa...

15mths old Yasmin & papa

Note:Yasmin has grown up so much but papa's hairstyle hasn't changed much.Hahaha....

To my dearest hubby: Happy father's Day...

From me and Yasmin....

Thoughts

2005-06-15T00:08:00.000+08:00

More thoughts on breastfeeding:

Thought (1)

Allah subhannahu wa ta'ala says in His Qur'an:

"The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years..." (2:233)

and

"The bearing of the (child) to his weaning is thirty months." (46:15)

In addition, Anas relates this hadith from al Tabarani:

Sallama, the nurse to the Prophet's (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) son Ibrahim said, 'O Messenger of God, you have brought tidings of all good things to men, but not to women.' He said, 'Did your women friends put you up to asking me this question?' 'Yes, they did,' she replied, and he said,' Does it not please any one of you that if she is pregnant by her husband and he is satisfied with that, she receives the reward of one who fasts and prays for the sake of Allah? And when her labor pains come, no one in the heavens or the earth knows what is concealed in her womb to delight her? And when she delivers, not a mouthful of milk flows from her, and not a suck does she give, but that she receives, for every mouthful and every suck the reward of one good deed. And if she is kept awake at night by her child, she receives the reward of one who frees seventy slaves for the sake of Allah.'"

Thought (2):

"But I want my baby to become independent.

And breastfeeding makes the toddler dependent? Don't believe it. The child who breastfeeds until he weans himself (usually from 2 to 4 years), is generally more independent, and, perhaps, more importantly, more secure in his independence. He has received comfort and security from the breast, until he is ready to make the step himself to stop. And when he makes that step himself, he knows he has achieved something, he knows he has moved ahead. It is a milestone in his life.

Often we push children to become "independent" too quickly. To sleep alone too soon, to wean from the breast too soon, to do without their parents too soon, to do everything too soon. Don't push and the child will become independent soon enough. What's the rush? Soon they will be leaving home. You want them to leave home at 14? If a need is met, it goes away. If a need is unmet (such as the need to breastfeed and be close to mom), it remains a need well into the childhood/teenaged time.

Of course, breastfeeding can, in some situations, be used to foster an overdependent relationship. But so can food and toilet training. The problem is not the breastfeeding. This is another issue.

Thought (3)

Clearly, Allah subhannahu wa ta'ala has designed breast milk for our babies. The fact that the superior benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding are constantly being discovered should be sign enough for the Muslima. If artificial baby milk was really "just as good" as breast milk, then all or most of the benefits of breast milk would be present in formula. If artificial baby milk was just as beneficial to the mother-child relationship, then the above ayat and hadith (among others) would not be so clearly pro-breastfeeding.
The existence of the milk mother (the one who suckles a child more than five times becomes as another mother to him) in Islamic law testifies to the fact that Muhammad (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam), who himself had a milk mother named Halima, realized how extensive and important the bonding between a nursing woman and a baby is. And we know from the hadith in Bukhari that the mother is the most deserving of her offspring's attention, because of the care that she gave him when he was a child. "

Hmmm.....give that a thought!

Swimming

2005-06-14T23:18:00.000+08:00

Yes...we finally manage to bring Yasmin out for a swim!

We had planned to bring her out to a beach actually.But since the beach is way too far for us,we decided to bring her out to the pool.

So,today,we went off to get her disposable diapers and a pinky swimsuit which had 3 strawberries on them.Sweet... although Yasmin plucked 2 of them before the swim...hahaha..

Venue:Woodlands Swimming Complex

I think I was more excited than Yasmin when we reach there.I got her changed quickly in the car before we went in.

Fortunately, it wasn't so crowded.And like us,there were families with small kids enjoying the pool.

Once in the water,I could see Yasmin curiously playing with the water.But it didn't relly take long before she knows she was there for a good time.Gosh.How I wish I was there to play with her.

She was so engrossed in her play that she refused to be let out of the water!So...my verdict for today:She's a water babe!

Getting acquainted with the water.
"Looks pretty easy"

Having a splashing time already!
"More fun than our bathroom."

"Hands off.Me big gal."

"Where's mama?"
Taking your photo lah.

"I wanna go back in"

Breastfeeding

2005-06-13T21:22:00.000+08:00

I'm a supporter of breastfeeding.And I thought putting up these websites will make others understand why I am so "hardcore" about breastfeeding.There is really no rights or wrongs in either breastfeeding or giving formula to a child.I'm just hoping mothers are informed of their choices.And others could respect their decisions.

http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/lipil-rant.htm
http://www.birthlink.com/formulaset.html
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/17feed_baby_working_moms.html
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/28toxins_in_breastmilk.html
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/bf_and_guilt_01-00.html

There are really loads of information over the nets/books/literature.Read and learn.

I was reading this through and wondering if hubby could win this "survivor series".

New Survivor Show
Have you heard about the next planned "Survivor" show?

6 men will be dropped on an island with 1 van and 4 kids each, for 6 weeks.

Each kid plays two sports and either takes music or dance classes.

There is no access to fast food.

Each man must take care of his 4 kids, keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, etc.

The men only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

There is only one TV between them and there is no remote.

The men must shave their legs and wear makeup daily, which they must apply themselves either while driving or while making four lunches. They must attend weekly PTA meetings; clean up after their sick children at 3:00 a.m; make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and get a 4 year old to eat a serving of peas.

The kids vote them off based on performance.

The winner gets to go back to his job!

Taken from:http://www.kellymom.com/writings/parenting/new-survivor.html

More about Yasmin soon....

Rants of mama

2005-06-11T14:31:00.000+08:00

We went over my mum's place yesterday.I could sense that she misses Yasmin.Well,I miss her too.

I wish going over means less anxiety for me.I am anxious.Why? Because I'm wondering what comments would I have to work with later.My breastfeeding "habits" that's making her starve? Am I not making her enough food?How come there is rashes on her body?The lists could be endless.

I have good explanations for them all.But believe me,my scientific explanations would never be good enough.THEIR explanations is ultimately most acceptable.I give up."Afterall,we brought you all up"....yaddah...yaddah...yaddah...

No matter what.I love you mami and ayah.But I'm my "own" parent now.

What's so difficult about breastfeeding?Before Yasmin was born, I've always seen breastfeeding as something natural.It's Allah gift to mankind.HE created breasts for women so that they could nurture their young.Before there was formula, what do they give?

But it has been a journey till now for me to breastfeed Yasmin.I've got plenty of comments like,"Your milk is not enough","Your milk is not good enough".Well, unfortunately...if I were not equipped with good information,I would have probably stop breastfeeding her.

This site gives good information:www.kellymom.com

Read.Then pass your judgements.

Not enough food?Seriously, I can't be forcing food down her throat.Dad was making a fuss again.Sigh.Said that I was crazy to just feed her that much of food.I know Yasmin is a "snacker" kind of child.She eats.But bit by bit.When she wants to eat, she eats a lot.And I really don't stop her.I think that it's a good sign.Why?Coz....you should be eating when you are hungry.Isn't that a correct cue?

Rashes....for God's sake.Must I be blame for everything?The weather's been hot.Must I be changing the weather too?How about those chemicals in baby's products.Yes...do you know that you should not put talc on baby's diapers.Putting talc especially over baby girls diapers could increase the possibility of having ovarian cancer.That doesn't simply apply to babies mind you.Especially women.

Ok...enough of my ramblings.

Dear Yasmin....I'm just trying to be as best a parent that I could be.

PC problems again

2005-06-09T15:30:00.000+08:00

I don't know why my entries are not coming out again.

Anyway,we went out to Admiralty market today.While we were having breakfast, I noticed how easily Yasmin was sitting on the adult chair.Gosh...she was getting older.

At the moment,she loves to mumble.We just have to guess what she's trying to say.But being with her 24/7,I think I'm pretty good at it.

Just wondering whether if she's those with the "gift of the gab".

More photos..

2005-06-08T21:59:00.000+08:00

I love my chocolates.(This one taken at my brother's place)

My oh-so-sweet and innocent look.

My peasant-bohemian look.Fashionable babe!

Watching the telly with papa.

7 jun

2005-06-08T21:21:00.000+08:00

I know that I should be updating as often as I could.But with a "monster" aka Nur Yasmin always at my back,it could be pretty difficult.Somehow,she's turned all whiny and throwing tantrums almost throughout the day.

Thank God that I still very much patience to go around.Running thin though.Hmmm....why whiny and all?Coz...she's teething again.And this time 3 molars are coming out of those tiny mouth.No wonder she's all cranky.

The only way we could both de-stress was to go out for a walk.Prescription:once a day.Unless it rains.Then she'll be mumbling something like "jan.."short for "hujan" in malay.And of course with a damn cute expression to go along.

A new habit I've observed is that she is now picky with her food.She picks her likes and shoves the plate away when she doesn't want it.The high chair sure comes in handy for me now.Coz...she can't escape.But of course,Yasmin always have her own way of saying no.

I borrowed a book by Burton L.White yesterday from the library titled,"The New First Three Years of Life."It wrote,"This period inevitably will be very trying for parents from time to time.Babies at this age are compelled to oppose the will of their primary caretakers."Haha...sounds to me like a teenager.Haha...tiny teenager starting to rebel.

I got Yasmin some books too.But the fun for her wasn't the books of course.It was because she could run around the library.Pretty nice murals there too.Pictures of animals.Just her thing.

Yasmin at 14mths old

2005-05-19T13:05:00.000+08:00

In life, I've learnt that we need not only experience but knowledge that guides our way.

This excerpt soothe me today:

" Hello, Suzanna!

Does it seem as if one minute your toddler is a shrinking violet clinging to your leg, and the next he's eagerly toddling toward the swing set without a backward glance? Those are classic examples of the push and pull you'll see your child go through on the road to independence. The best thing you can do is accept that sometimes he'll act needy and other times he'll ignore you. Give him the space he needs to explore (provided it's safe), but stay close by in case he wants to run back to you for an occasional hug of reassurance. Let your child's temperament be your guide, too: A cautious tot may need extra time to warm up to a new group of children, while you may need to closely supervise a spirited child so his exuberance doesn't overwhelm his playmates. "

Babycenter.com

Hmmm...so that's why.

At 14mths old,Yasmin has been able to move confidently through the house.In Malay,she runs like a little "toyol".Hahaha..you could see her at one spot for a while.And suddenly,she springs behind you.Knocked onto her a few times actually without knowing.When we go out,she'll insist on us not holding her while she's walking.It can be tiring just chasing after her.(That's exercise-I've lost 4kgs looking after her!)

I bought her some stacking toys(small buckets with numbers on them).But she got frustrated when I'm not helping her.The good thing is that the toy could be used to play during her bathtime(It also has holes that represents the number on the bucket).So she has a splendid time scooping all the water.

Yasmin is babbling more nowadays.Sounds like a sentence of unknown words.In fact,I'll like to irritate her just to heer her make sounds.

Well...that's the recent updates about her.Meanwhile,I'm waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to shine.

It's a lovely day afterwhile.Because I'm with her.

Recent photos @ 13mths

2005-05-08T13:40:00.000+08:00

Recent photos of Yasmin:

Daddy's gal...

Learning to eat with finger foods and mastering the art of making a mess!

Me at the playground!I love the playground although it's a bit too big for me to play in.

That's me...always ready with a smile...

Motherhood makes me smarter!

2005-05-03T14:00:00.000+08:00

Me:I feel it....and now I know it!This article affirms my thoughts.I'm smarter!

Big Story: How motherhood makes you smarter Last reviewed: -->

"No doubt you've heard the unflattering (but not uncommon) mothering stereotype that babies suck as much energy from your brain as they do from your body. Ouch. Sure, childrearing takes a toll — as evidenced by the time you squeezed nipple cream onto your toothbrush. But giving birth is hardly the equivalent of a frontal lobotomy. In fact, motherhood may be the ticket to boosting your brainpower.So says Katherine Ellison, the author of the new book The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter. In her book, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, veteran foreign correspondent, and working mother of two young boys presents compelling evidence that having babies can make you smarter."

"I read an article about two researchers who discovered that mother rats were smarter — specifically in learning and memory capacity — than rats that never had babies. And it got me thinking maybe there's more to motherhood than I'd thought."

"How does motherhood make women smarter?Because smart is such a vague term, I broke the brain-boosting benefits of motherhood down into five attributes in the book: perception, efficiency, resiliency, motivation, and emotional intelligence. Each category is supported by many animal studies as well as some human studies showing ways in which mothers have an edge.The first category, perception, deals primarily with the five senses. One of the most interesting studies showed pregnant women had sharper "visual acuity" than women who weren't expecting. By that I don't mean they suddenly had 20/20 vision but they did notice a lot more. Studies show that pregnant women also have an enhanced sense of smell, which theoretically serves to protect the unborn baby from foods that are potentially harmful.Other findings show that mothers can experience a boost in motivation, fearlessness, and the ability to multitask and cope with stress. There's also exciting new research suggesting that oxytocin — a hormone important to labor and breastfeeding — improves moms' capacity for learning and memory.Emotional intelligence is probably the clearest category in which mothers benefit, though. One of the biggest brain boosts for moms is the ability to see the world through someone else's eyes. In so many relationships, if you don't agree with a person you can just walk away. But you can't walk away from your child. At least, not if you want to be a good parent. Instead, you've got to stretch your mind to understand his point of view. "

Go to http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/toddler/toddlerfamily/1428981.html to read more.

13mths old

2005-05-03T13:29:00.000+08:00

Yasmin:Hi ya all....want to know what's up with me?Hmmm....I'm 13mths old...going 14mths soon.I love walking pretty fast too.Able to climb up but a bit scared to climb down.

I have learned to make marks on the paper but really....I'm not interested in that yet...maybe later.Mama tried to make me play with some colours on a piece of paper.But I think I got carried away and made too much of a mess for me to continue.

I love to talk on the phone.Yakity yak.....Hmm....me throw tantrums?Yep..lots of it.It's just me growing up.I'm at a stage where I'm craving for lots of independence and am really confused with the myriads emotions that I'm feeling.Sometimes...I feel sleepy but wanna play still.So I just take it out on mama.Poor mama.Like this morning, I refused to go back home and had quite a scream since I still wanna play at the playground.Hahaha...naughty me.

I love to play with my food....although Mama is trying hard to be patient when I make a mess.It's a developmental stage...mama says....so yippee yeh for me.

I can sway my body to the music.And clap my hands at the same time....but only for a while.I get quite shy actually but still adore the attention on me.

I like to kick my colorful ball.Sometimes I just pick it up and throw it....what fun!

That's all for now....

mother daughter relationship

2005-04-23T23:06:00.000+08:00

Me:I am seriously wondering what our mother/daughter relationship would be like when Yasmin is in her teenage years.When I was a teenager,I depended a lot on my friends.Not my mum.Will Yasmin be like that too?Me and my mum didn't share much similarities then.But now I know I share a lot of similarities with my mum.Will Yasmin be like that too?

I would really like to be able to share thoughts with her when she grows up.It would be nice to know HER kind of life....coz then I'll be aging and simply reminising those "good ole days".Makes me feel old already.

Will she be the kind of gal who's hip and happenning?Or those intellectual ones?Sporty?Whatever it would be....I just hope she'll be sensible.Knows the barriers.

Or maybe...I'm just worrying too much...

Jealousy

2005-04-22T22:04:00.000+08:00

Me:Yasmin is very jealous of the fishes(darling husband got them from his friends).It's like whenever we simply look at the fishes,she creates a diversion.What kind of diversion?Hmm....terrible ones mostly...like suddenly wanting to be carried,crying,going to "dangerous"places...I can't believe she is actually jealous of those fishes.Funny act she does to get our attention:when I/hubby carries her in our arms,she turns and kiss us...and say fish...pointing cutely at them...you just can't resist that...can you...?

Health:She's still down with flu.Just imagining if I could just suck out those phlegm out and spit them out.....woa...gross....bleah...

Jumping smacking day

2005-04-21T23:53:00.000+08:00

Me: What can I say?Taking care of a 13mth old baby is no easy job.Yasmin seems to have loads and loads of energy.Just like those Duracell batteries commercial where the bunny goes on and on and on.I'm practically running out of ideas to keep her occupied.Just wished I had this big garden where she can walk around over and over again and just sleep of out tiredness after that.

Anyway,she's still grouchy due to her running nose.It keeps dripping.Just tried imagining her blowing her nose.But that ain't gonna happen.So it's wiping and wiping all the way for now.I think she's grouchy bacause she can't really rest well.It's like a "nose stuck attack" in a middle of a sleep and then wham!she refuse to sleep again.

Anyway,she tried a terrifying act that resulted in me smacking(not that hard)her.She climb on the sofa and released her grip.I was there.But it was as if she was so confident that I'll be catching her fall that caught me by surprise.Actually I was surprised!I sort of catch hold of her arm and she came tumbling down and saved by my feet.

She tried to make up for it though.By kissing me.Aw...kids...they know how to soften you up...

Sick& Fish

2005-04-21T01:19:00.000+08:00

Yasmin:Mama's been pretty angry with me at times because I keep being grouchy and puking all those food back at her.I can't help it...I have the flu.It's terrible because this salty water keeps dripping down my nose.How I do I know it's salty?Well....coz I keep licking it.

Papa has got a fish tank with lots of golden fishes in there.He pays more attention to it now.More than me.So I gotta learn new tricks to get back all those attention....fast!For now,I can say fish and put my finger at them(the fish,of course).Clever me!

Growing

2005-04-18T22:30:00.000+08:00

Me:Yasmin can comprehend simple instructions!Yeah.I had asked her to put all her toys inside the basket.Then I went to the kitchen.When I returned,she was putting the toys IN the basket!Miracle!But of course,she throws them all out again to play.She has some tricks up her sleeve too.Like,twitching her eyes when we ask her where her eyes are.It's so damn cute.

She is getting easier to manage now.Not that she has been that difficult anyway.But since she's been walking-it's like her first signs of independence.Yeap, for me and for her.She'll follow me around as usual.But she usually is able to engage in something of her own.

She's growing real fast now.Out-growing most of her clothes.Just watching her grow gives me that warm feeling.Almost like-gosh,sooner that I would expect she'll be skipping to school.Which could boil to-hmmm...when should I be planning for a second baby?(drum roll)

Why no blog..Tantrums

2005-04-17T00:03:00.000+08:00

Me:I haven't been able to blog as I was unable to access the site for several days.The computer has gone bonkers again.

Yasmin has been throwing tantrums here and there.Refused to wear her clothes.Plays with drawers and mess up the whole contents.Throws her bowl till it broke to two.Picking up any stuff and putting them in the mouth.Well....what can I say.Patience.Afterall, this IS a NORMAL development in a child.It has thought me a lot of lessons too.

Actually,Yasmin has thought me to examine my life. It has changed my life .But it feels good.

What am I learning from her tantrums?Well, I've learnt to examine those emotions and react in a more positive light.Afterall, how much can a 13mth comprehend from your verbal warnings? I might just tire myself out explaining to her.A few methods that help me manage:Warn(the undesired behaviour),Ignore(the more fanfare I make the more interested she'll be)and finally Remove her from undesired situations(you don't want her to be there.Then pick her up and put her somewhere else with much distraction).

Hmmm...try it out...it works.....but with much patience and love please..

About eating: Yasmin has been trying out finger food.I gave her some cereals for her to play and eat.And she loved it.It was a mess but it was a success.Now she wants to snatch her spoon when I feed her.Looking forward when she can feeds herself.Anyway, she has 8 teeth now!She gives quite a bite if you let her(which in any case is not a bright idea).

About reading: She loves to look at books and have me or papa reading to her.Thank God that she loves reading.Why?Not that she is going to be academically smarter or anything.But because I love it too.That's one hobby Yasmin can share with me.

About her hair: It hasn't grown that much.But what the heck.It will grow despite many advise to put what-nots on her hair.I don't really wish to waste my brain cells thinking about that aspect.

12mth achievements

2005-04-04T21:34:00.000+08:00

My achievements

Yasmin:I can do many things now.And that makes me happy.I can walk.Actually,I could walk pretty well after my birthday.Had lots and lots of practice too.Went to the shop and playground to show off my skills.

I love to babble a lot.Actually I pretty much talk a lot.Too bad nobody can understand me.I love to say mama...papa...bam....mamam...and other pretty much incoherent words.

Love to mess my house.Helping my mum to lose that weight off doing housework,you see.

I love to kiss people.Or maybe a lick...and a bite?

Definately showing off my temper more.But goes soft when mama nurses me...hmmm....thats's her weapon

I can wave and blow kisses.Mama just have to say Bye bye and I'll be waving bye.Obedient ain't I?

I'm also a climber.Loves climbing sofas.Pretty much gives my mama a heart attack when she sees me on the sofa.But I'm cool.I'll just climb and sit on it reading my book or laying on my cushions....watching tv.Hahaha...

Loves reading.Favourite authors?Hmmm....pretty much anjoy any if mama or papa reads them to me.Just hand them a book in their hands...they are pretty automatic.

There are many others to come...just continue to read them...ok

Photo

2005-03-26T01:32:00.000+08:00

Me:I know it's a bit late.Here's some photos of Yasmin taken at JB,12/03/05.

Yasmin:That's a recent photo of me at JB.Pretty aye?

Yasmin:That's papa bathing me at JB.Mama loves when papa does that.

Tired week

2005-03-24T22:29:00.000+08:00

Me:It's been a tiring week for me.I may be a stay home mum but it's a busy busy week.Unfortunately Yasmin was sick on Monday(14/3/05).Stupid insect bite!She had the fever.Now that made me worried!Left lower arm looks swollen.She insisted to scratch.It made itworse.So it was a whiny,scratchy,feverish day for Yasmin which lasted about 1-2days.After the fever subsided,the swell and inflammation is still there.Sigh.

Day to remember:(13/3/05)I wanted so much for Yasmin to enter the baby contest at Compass Point.So I decided to ask my parents to bring me there since hubby was working.Lesson 1:Never do that again.Well..the day wasn't that bad except that I've got a scolding from mum again.For:still breastfeeding and not bringing formula milk.Gosh!Ain't we over that yet!They said that I was starving her!Hmm....so she actually survived till now on my milk?Gosh!
So mum fed and fed.All the way at Arni's(cukur rambut)place.And then Yasmin vomitted.Too much food aye.No!Mum said that she vomitted because I,yes,I gave her syrup water(just a bit) to drink (to clear all that food that mum was giving).
For once,I didn't bring extra clothes.So paiseh.Fortunately,Arni had an extra baby shirt in pink for me(she had a baby son).
Then we got off late to Compass Point.By 3pm,the contest had started and the queue was stopped.Too many people.Big disappointment there for me.So we were off shopping instead.And still mum wouldn't let me go:what!No water!Quick must buy.Yasmin must be thirsty.Hmmm....consider that I've been nursing her in the car...milk is milk?Water is different.I grittted my teeth.Must visualize happy moments.Guess my mum love Yasmin so damn much...what to do?
But the day ended quite alright.Well....blood is thicker than water.Love my parents still.Just got to find less moments of irritation.Yasmin,you better remember that aye.Treat me well when I'm old and cranky.Hahahaha....

Recollections:Birthday

2005-03-18T13:41:00.000+08:00

Yasmin: That's me at Opah's place when we had my birthday gathering.Yep..my birthday.Ain't I cute?I'm wearing a pink "Born to be wild" T-Shirt from Melbourne given by my Mak Uda.

Mama missed writing up on this one coz she was still learning how to write here.

Anyway, my birthday was a simple affair. Pak Ngah and Opah ordered satay while mama bought my cake,fruits and ice-cream.Pak Long and family came over too.It's a small affair.But it was great.The next day,I went to JB and got more presents from all.Yeah!

My gang...

Feelings today

2005-03-18T13:17:00.000+08:00

Yasmin:
1 year and 6 days old

We went to the park near North Oaks today.It was so much fun as I get to walk (bit by bit) and crawl (in a bluish ala catepillar tunnel) at the playground.Papa and mama have forgotten their camera so I didn't get to pose just to show off.There were many kids there whom I just love to play with.I called to them but they were also engrossed in their play. A cute boy who is about 2 years old tried to touch my face. Papa said that he wasn't a local.But he's cute...

Me:

I'm loving every single minute taking care of Yasmin.Not many mothers could afford to look after their child full time.Well...maybe I won't be able to do so for long but whatever I have now....I so love it.