Sweetest days of my life

2016 Yeay!

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 05:49:00 +0000

Wait whaa? It's 2016 already.....

2015 has been kind, a lot of strategizing to get where were are at today. I am not that open to pour my heart out to let everyone read my life but it has been challenging but progressing. It takes hard practice to change the way we think and it takes nothing to be swayed to adapt to a condition we do not want. Where we want to be is about to become a reality (I tell you it takes guts and a lot of courage to be say this).

It has been a good 1st week of 2016. Alhamdulillah.

BTW, we are dealing with a new kind of pest at home. A blood sucking one. And I seriously don't like it. It makes me nervous. They are bed bugs! I have been living in our little home for the past 15 years, not once been infested with bed bugs. Going into 2016 we were bitten by them. Maybe its a good sign. I don't know.....there must be something good out of all this misery. So we got ourselves a potent remedy called diatomaceous earth. I've sprinkled this white dusty powder everywhere and will strip all bed covers, pillow covers and sofa covers tonight to be cleaned and dried with high temperature. I see myself vigorously vacuuming my crib tonight...I can't wait!

My first born has just started Standard 2 which is kind of nice. My little girl is a big girl. I want to try those bento lunch boxes. I do want her to eat better food than just sausages at school. The review I get is that it tastes like paper but school kids loves them. Ish! She still misses her friend Ruth. She mentioned her again before the start of school and asked us to invite her for her birthday party last year. We didn't have her contact number so we went to the school and asked if we can have Ruth parents' contact. They couldn't release them due to privacy. If her senses is strong enough I know one day she will meet Ruth again.

My second born still doesn't like school. Lucky for her we are only registering here in March after we have the in laws house moving sorted. For now she is safe and I am saved from the morning drama. I've got to read more about dealing with drama with toddlers going to kindy. The 1st born was easy which makes it hard for us. No reference. Oh well, we'll deal with it when the time comes.

What else? Owh for the first time ever I watched a Hindustan movie at a movie theatre. It was Dilwale. It was nice. I haven't even watched Star Wars yet. I really like Shah Rukh Khan's lean masculine body. Hihi I mean who doesn't. It was funny because typical Hindustan movie you see dancing and singing. Rain would fall at a perfect timing while the hero wearing a white shirt. You see. It only happens in a Hindustan movie. Haha I enjoyed it.

Looking forward to see what 2016 brings us.

All the best dear friend

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:40:00 +0000

The school 2nd terms has just started ...

Being 6 months in school, my standard one daughter has just started to get close to Ruth (not her real name). I hear her name every day for the past 2 months how my 1st born played with Ruth, not being friends with Ruth (and make up), Ruth buys things from school shop for her (when I asked to decline, my daughter says Ruth said it's ok every time), giving my daughter gifts and how Ruth teaches her Mandarin in the Mandarin class. I was happy she was friends with Ruth. One day she came back saying Ruth didn't come to school and was on a long holiday. I said to my daughter that it's ok and she'll come back (consoling myself really).

A few days before school holidays, my daughter told me that sometimes Ruth gets bullied by 'naughty boys'. I almost raised my voice asking who and why. I was very concern. Mr Hubby came close to us to see what happened. I was almost angry. I'm sure her parents would be if they know. I almost wanted to go and see the teacher. I almost pleaded to my daughter to ask her to defend Ruth if it happens again. I ask my daughter to stand up for her friend and be brave or just go and tell a teacher if it happens again. My daughter said Ruth will run away when the boys kacau her. I feel sad.

After school reopens my daughter told me Ruth is no longer in the school. I feel sad at the same time happy for her. I wish her well and all the good things in life.

It was a pleasure having her as my daughter's friend.

I fell like I lost a friend too...

Mindful of feelings

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 08:31:00 +0000

We're currently dealing with a child who will be 7 years of age in September who is mature and sensitive. Literally she is 6.5 years old.

2 nights ago I had a breakdown. I was tired physically and a bit, mentally. I wouldn't be if I hadn't had to deal with my first born's sudden explosion (because I did not let her press the lift button). When I say sudden explosion, its a bit of an exaggeration. I believe our way of parenting is gentle parenting where our actions are executed with thought and care, hopefully. Well most of the time. So every cebik, merajuk, anger and cry are dealt with caution and care.

Just yesterday, my husband told me Nia said to him a few weeks ago that she thinks Mama loves Adik more and always gives in to Adik. She said, "I don't know why I feel this Pa. It's not a nice feeling. I don't like it. It's not me."

Both of us are quite surprised by this reaction. She can differentiate what her heart is feeling vs her mind thinks how she should react. Both of us thought the same, we wouldn't have been able to think this at 6 plus of age. Not that we remember. Being sensible was much later in life. Well quite recent I would say. So for her to distinct that her mind was sensible but her heart was in turmoil is amazing. And more importantly being able to communicate that clearly to us.

Mr Husband being him, explained to her what she thought was right and she has to learn to take control of her feelings. I mean, wow. And she did.

At the same time, her feelings was real. I may not see it the same way through my eyes but I was reminded to look thought my first born's eyes instead. So I will and need to be reminded all the time because I forget sometimes.

This morning she had another cebik session with me. The reason was I did not tighten her school shoes tight enough for her. See what I have to deal with? I was angry because she was angry. She showed her feelings, I showed my feelings as well. After we both calmed down, I told her that I loved her and I do not like being angry with her. It is just her feelings and learn to look outside. Look around how people are just moving on. Being calm and relaxed in the morning is very important and everything is not just about her. We end up saying sorry to each other, hi-fived and smiled. We moved on. And we shared foundation and put on make up in the car on the way to her school. Seriously, who was I kidding? I was actually telling all that to myself, hah.

I learn a lot from my children. They are just little angles and for that I am thankful.

Calling Mama

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:09:00 +0000

2 days ago my SIL's maid told me Nia cried in the evening after school while I was at work. When she asked if her cousin's did anything to her or she wanted to use the phone, Nia said no. Nia told the maid she wanted me.

I had to speak to her in the morning before school as she had already slept when I picked her up that night and she slept through the night.

When I asked her why she cried, she said the same thing. I wanted you. Awww...

Coming back from work yesterday, only then I realised there was a miss call and a voice mail from Nia. Her first call to me from MIL's house. My BIL gave her my phone number in case she wanted to call me. That is one thing I forgot and should have done now that she's in school. My phone number. Hearing Emmil's and her voice trying to figure out how to call me makes me feel sayu. She called and my personal phone is usually on silent when I am at the office. Their voices was recorded in the voice mail. She tried a few times until I called my MIL on her handphone, I heard my MIL told her that I was on the other line and heard my voice on speaker a bit. Hearing that again feels rather weird.

Awww....sayunya hati ini....

I am going to keep that recording.

Far away land

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 07:34:00 +0000

These were mostly my view when I was in Australia for work. These were taken in January 2015. It was autumn. I loved it. Summer was just over. I was there in November 2014 during the peak of summer. Everything was miserably brown and dry.... just imagine the picture above brown and blue, nothing else. Wait I lied, with patches of white cloud.

At most it was 2 weeks at a time. I wouldn't want to stay there longer than this if I had to. Firstly, I was missing my 2 girls and husband. I am a mom first. If I had all of them with me I wouldn't mind.

Secondly, well...thinking about it, that's the only reason. It is in fact a nice place. Different from what we are used to here in Malaysia. From Brisbane airport to Kogan, we could see mostly wide farms and flat land plantation with a little house in the middle. It was quite nice actually. Makes want to own one too.

Hujung jari di pelipis

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 05:53:00 +0000

Sebenarnya bukan tidak reti tetapi terasa janggal kerana dari segi penulisan memang sangat jarang digunakan. Dari segi lisan memang selalu mengguna bahasa kebangsaan tetapi dengan orang tertentu sahaja. Itupun bila bertutur dengan gurau senda dan bersahaja. Memandangkan pengarah syarikat juga adalah seorang yang berbangsa Inggeris, maka secara keseluruhannya bahasa yang digunakan di pejabat juga adalah bahasa Inggeris.

Pentingkah berbahasa Inggeris? Bagi saya dalam bidang yang diceburi ini sangat penting. Melainkan berkomunikasi dengan pegawai sektor kerajaan, rata-ratanya penyampaian selalunya dalam bahasa Inggeris. Dari segi penulisan mahupun pertuturan.

Bila saya bertutur dengan anak-anak, boleh dikatakan Bahasa Inggeris menjadi keutamaan. Mereka boleh berbahasa Malaysia (atau sedikit Bahasa Indonesia kerana bertutur dengan Bibik) tetapi lebih pandai mengorak ayat dan meluahkan perasaan dengan penuh ekspresi dalam Bahasa Inggeris. Tidak dapat dinafikan penguasaan dan pemahaman Bahasa Malaysia kurang tetapi bagi saya bahasa Malaysia mudah dipelajari dan bersekolah di sekolah kebangsaan membantu mengukuhkan lagi penguasaan penggunaan Bahasa Malaysia.

Pernah pada suatu ketika, Nia menangis bila bertutur Bahasa Malaysia dengannya. Risau pun ada.

Salah satu cara untuk membiasakan dan melancarkan pertuturan bagi saya adalah membaca.

Setiap hari saya cuba membaca dengan Nia sekurang-kurangnya satu muka surat.

Mungkin naluri seorang ibu sentiasa risau dengan tahap pendidikan anak-anak. Maklumlah anak pertama baru mula bersekolah.

Setiap pagi ketika mengejutkan Nia dari tidur, saya akan mengetuk perlahan dengan hujung jari di pelipisnya (temple) dan mengatakan , "Katakan kepada mindamu, untuk mengampaikan kepada badanmu, Nia perlu bangun kerana hari ini adalah hari yang baik", "Katakan kepada mindamu, untuk menyampaikan kepada badanmu, yang Nia akan berasa sangat sihat dan kuat", "Katakan kepada mindamu, untuk mengampaikan kepada badanmu, yang Nia akan fokus" dll.

Menurut buku yang saya baca, menyampaikan nasihat semasa minda separa sedar lebih efektif. Seelok-eloknya sebelum tidur sewaktu sedang mamai.

Of my precious.....

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 08:43:00 +0000

I just realized that since 2013, I posted one entry a year. One in 2013 and one in 2014. Just to break the trend, I am posting this.

Look how quickly they have grown, except for Tia's hair. She has springy, curly hair but the growth rate is just like its not growing. The last time we cut her hair was never, except for balding her all together when she was 2 months old. Nia snipped her hair once for fun. One inch of her precious lock. I was not happy but because her hair is springy, no one ever noticed.

Tia is the 3 years 8 months old imaginative one. She can tell you where she's been, who she spoke to, which school she goes to, who her friends are, who the teacher is and what drama happened where without experiencing any of this. All in her mind. She tells it with so much expression. I like to encourage her by asking a lot questions and she will come up with more drama every time. Haha

On the other hand, Nia, the 6 years 5 months one with stubborn straight hair, is a very sensible, sensitive and determined girl. She has interest to learn new things all the time. When at home, she give me ideas of what experiments she want to do. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. This is where I feel I am lacking of. I wish I had more energy to do things with and for her.

She wants to learn piano and gymnastics. I have started giving her the basic piano lesson but she wants to go to a proper class. She told me this morning on the way to school. I plan to start sometime around this year. If that's what she feels like, my hope is what ever she decide to do, it may be something that she can appreciate in later life. Like everything else.....

A come back maybe.....

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 03:05:00 +0000

It's like leaving my loved one for some time, to be given some space and ponder on important things. Coming back to see it's patiently waiting and being glad to be back. Oh dear blog.

Last year I went on 5 business trips to Australia. It was mainly for work with some leisure trips here and there. Some were short 3 to 4 days trips and some were very long with 3 weeks maximum. Long enough for a mother of 2 to rebel and didn't care if she had to extend her stay for a few more days. It was extended once and another extension was a no-no. I was there for to finish off a project in Queensland and the scope was to design, fabricate and supply an Instrument Air and Nitrogen Generation package for the coal seam gas industry. The whole process was a very valuable experience for me, from tendering right up to the commissioning and signing off the package. In the end everything went really well at site.

For this project alone I had the opportunity to travel to Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast and other cities along the way. Places I never dreamed of going like Tara, Kogan, Dalby and Roma.

One trip to Adelaide, we had a night stay at Victor Harbour and was given a tour to Granite Island, Hahndorf, Port Elliot, Mount Lofty, Cleland Wildlife Park and Melba Chocolate Factory. To be honest I had to google to remind me of the places I went to. I was there for winter once or maybe twice. The start of and the peak of. God no! I am not meant for cold weather. It was just below 10 deg C and I almost couldn't function. Who could? Eskimos and no one else! Another trip was spring or autumn. Oh who knows! But it sure was not as cold as freezing winter.

I have been waiting to make a journal of the places I have been to. Not electronically like this blog but hard copy old fashion diary. I used to have diaries since I was small till university. There were times I pen down every single thing that I did, what I said, who said what, who called me, my lust, my love, my passion, my interest and I threw it all away just a few years ago. Writing this makes me regret it but at that time it was the right thing to do. I still have my last diary though, which was written after schooling years to university. I can't say I am proud of it. I am sure there is nothing in there that is worth keeping. I haven't looked at it for years. I'll go through it and rethink again. You know, just in case I sort of opened can of worms, in the eyes of my 2 princesses. It would be a disaster. God help me!

Back to my glorious Australia trips.....one of the trips to Adelaide, I had the privilege to visit the Royal Adelaide Show 2014. Privilege because I was given the ticket and pocket money to spend. Hehe....It was a really nice experience. I was alone though. My boss said I could bring the whole family but at the time I thought it was really difficult. It was a last minute trip and the whole thing with work was too much for me to be in a holiday mood. So I had to thank him and said next time. Yes...I will come back and haunt you.

And there was a trip to Sydney. I had meetings in Brisbane and took 3 days 2 night off to see Sydney. Took a day tour to the Blue Mountain, Taronga Zoo and Sydney River cruise on Captain Cook. I love the fast pace, busy and entertaining mood. Again a city by the waters are just so syiok. Its the combination of land, water and sky that makes it perfect. Anywhere, whenever!

And there was Brisbane. Another perfect land, water and sky combination city. Lovely lovely lovely!

And Gold Coast, unfortunately all of them were just transits. In the back of my mind, I do not want to see and experience the city just yet. Not without the kids and other half.

And Tara, Kogan, Dalby and Roma....to me they were interesting cowboy towns. Lowly populated and vast fields of crops and livestocks. Eye opening. Makes me want to buy big lands and tanam pokok and bela binatang. Not sure what yet and when.

In my next post, I hope, will post photos.....

Give L.O.V.E

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Fri, 23 May 2014 10:40:00 +0000

A child is so honest and you can just trust every word they say.

They cry when sad.

They laugh when happy.

They are mad when angry. I mean really mad without knowing how to hide how mad they are.

When they love, they really love.

I love my little Tia. I mean I love her and I show her how much I love her.

In return, she shows me how much she love me.

They are that simple, no pretense.

She was down with a really nasty bug once.

We were about to go out of the car to have dinner at a restaurant.

I carried her with care and careful that I was gentle with her.

Holding her so she knows I am there to comfort.

I believe she must have felt the mother's love.

She looked up at me weakly and said,

"I sayang you, Ma"

It's a warm fuzzy feeling, you know.

Just a few weeks back, walking out to the living room at home with her Papa.

She casually told him,

"Pa, I love Mama."

The fuzzy feeling is so warm.

She must really love me. :)

And she must know that we love her.

Thank You Creator

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:11:00 +0000

I feel blessed and very happy.

No specific reason why I feel like celebrating but I am truly grateful for what I have now. Life does not always have to be perfect at this moment but a happy heart and a smiling face can always mean that we are always grateful.

Ar-Rahman. The Most Gracious.

I have been practicing to count my blessings every day. Everything needs practice including being grateful and happy.

Terngiang Nia and Tia before going to sleep

"Good night Mama"
"Good night Papa"
"Good night Nia/Kakak"
"Good night Tia/Adik"

"I love you Mama"
"I love you Papa"
"I love you Nia/Kakak"
"I love you Tia/Adik"

"Bismillahirrahmannirahim. Amin"

Comel & compassionate

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:46:00 +0000

Nia yang comel

Cute conversation by Nia...she's going to be 4 years old next month. She is increasingly cute and presses my anger button at times when she doesn't want to listen but still a darling to no end.

I was lying down on the bed feeding Tia and Nia climbed up the bed handing me an rubber band wanting me to tie her hair. I told her to be patient because I was feeding her Adik.

She said, "Owh come on, it's to (for) me mom!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her cuteness. She never said it that way before.

____________________________

Nia yang compassionate

She was upstair from the room looking over her Papa by the poolside doing some work. She shouted to him through the window,

"Papa I want you to come back home"
"Papa why do you have to work Pa?"
"Papa I want you to listen, come home Pa"

I just told her casually that her Papa will come up as soon as he finishes his work.

She came up to me with a whispering voice, "But Mama I am worried Ma, I want Papa to come back, I want to care to Papa"....I guess she was trying to say I care for Papa...it's just funny to hear her say that, I chuckled and she giggled back. Gave her a big bear hug and assured her her Papa will be up soon.

Somehow I felt she said this because of an experience we had last week. I'm not going to talk about it now. At my own time.

_________________________

Tia on the other hand, everything she does now is just gigantic amount of cuteness..

Moonshine

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Thu, 31 May 2012 09:42:00 +0000

My little fish now can walk 4 steps last Tuesday...
She swims first, then walk....

She claps and smiles...
She puts one hand on the ear like using the phone when we say 'Hello'....'eewoo'
She laughs when others laugh...
She screams when excited...
She smiles and laughs when I am mad..
She cries when I walk away...
She melts my heart..

Go Baby Go!

Girls rule!

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:03:00 +0000

Nia is 3 years 8 months and Tia is 11 months. I am just so happy that Nia loves and is protective over her sister. There are days when Nia makes her little sister cry but none the less it was out of love. Just yesterday she was playing catch with Tia, Tia crawls and not walking yet by the way. Tia crawled away from my sight to the corridor and Nia picked up her little sister by grabbing under her arm pit from behind. I told Nia not to pick Tia up and put her down slowly on the floor. But Nia already acting like a real big sister insists her sister to not crawl away from me. After a few steps she lost control and both fell. Of course Tia was just shocked and cried but non were hurt in what so ever way. Nia was upset and said sorry to her Adik many times.."Sorry Adik". I reminded again for her to be careful and gentle with Adik. To me it is not wrong but it is not right. A few incidences have led me to think the same. It is right to be protective of her Adik but it is wrong to let a child carry another child like that.

Yesterday we went to have a big dinner with the in laws at Fatty Crab. Hubby showed Nia a Hello Kitty fan knowing she's a big fan of Hello Kitty these days. What does she do next? Of course she was persistant and cried wanting to own the Hello Kitty fan. It was not about the money. I would have baught her the fan if I hadn't baught her the pink lip gloss she's been wanting for a few weeks and a sparkle colourful glue for art she saw at the mall earlier that evening. We want to teach her to appreciate things and patience. That's how we deal with life on a daily basis. We don't always get what we want and naturally we appreciate more when things are given or gotten at an appropriate time. This time she cried at the restaurant and we tried to talk to her. Console her and it would have taken a bit more time for convincing. Her kind Aunty Neer finally gave in to her and baught her the fan. Nope, no wrong of Aunty Neer getting her the fan but myself and hubby was adamant not to give in to her but in the end she got what she wanted and back to her happy self. I told hubby its not wrong but it's not right. I told hubby imagine her being an adult. Would we have liked it if she is very persistant and would do anything to get what she wants. Yes, we would really like that. In this case in my mind, it is not wrong for her to satisfy her but it is just wrong to stopping her from getting what she wants. It depends on how you want to look at it. I always think about my actions that would affect her self being later in life. I would like to try and be the encouraging one.

Tia on the other hand is a smart girl. I don't have to teach her anything. She does things on her own. Not that I have made much initiative to 'teach' her much like Nia. At 11 months she is standing on her own without touching anything. Not walking yet but saw her took a step forward and fell. She is pretty much a determined girl. I brought Tia to a swimming classs when she was 6 months old and proceeded to have our own swimming lesson at home due to the classes being held on weekdays. After 3 months of conditioning, we got it. She knew what to do, oh well, the fact is finally I had the confidence to let her go and submerge in the water. She was a pro. Just like those videos I saw on youTube. I'm so happy. I am looking forward for more development with my little fish. Nia I will start soon.

Tia is already starting to talk a few words at a time. TATIH, TATAK (kakak) etc. We thought we heard her say 'ape tu?' Maybe hubby and I were halucinating. And the other day while sewing I put her on the baby chair next to me. I just said to her (or imagining her saying outloud) 'Mama that's so pretty' ...quickly she mumbled something that sound like 'Mama that's so pretty' Did I hear her say that? Seriously I was not imagining.

Ya I know. I got the smartest children in the world!

And they really know how to make their mother melt.

They hold hands and hug each other while they sleep.

Who wouldn't, right?

Life as it is...

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:27:00 +0000

So picking up from where I left off, my life has been very normal apart from some monetary glitches, demotivation and motivation from work, girls growing up really fast, me getting wiser by the crop of little white hair peekabooing itself, birthdays, lovely moonshine and sewing. Ah yes, sewing is not normal. Sewing is phenomenal. It keeps me sane. I am back at the machine again. Good meditation that is.

The girls, yes the girls too. They don't deserve to be in the normal category. They are abnormally wonderful.

I feel so blessed right now. Both NM and TA are healthy and growing up well. I have nothing to complain.

Rindu

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:13:00 +0000

TA is 5 months old now. She is such a dear and she'll smile from ear to ear just by looking at her.

She makes my heart melt and I miss her all the time. Even when I'm in the kitchen....

Yesterday was a rare outing between me and NM, my now 3 years and 3 months old 1st born. We went to the in laws house after a wedding reception in the afternoon. My SIL in law suggested we should watch the new in Malay movie, Ombak Rindu. I've always wanted to see it given the very good review and a little bit of crying helps since I haven't done that for some time. Heh!

Here's me thinking and making plans in my mind, leave TA with bibik and hubby while NM and myself watch the movie with SIL, MIL and an aunty. I had some expressed milk supply to last (NOT!). Perfecto!

I bath TA, fed her and put her to sleep. So off we go. The moment the car turned the first corner, my heart was already at home with TA. Guilt feeling started to hover me. "I should have asked hubby to send me later!", "the movie was going start in 2 hours time, ample time", "is the milk supply enough", "will she cry?", "Mama misses you baby TA" bla bla...

No doubt we had a good time especially me getting to spend time with NM alone together for a few hours. Very rare! I held her hands walking around the mall, she sat on my lap and hugged her and kiss her while watching movie like two lovers in love..hehe yes, I am in love with my child.

The thing is NM missed TA too. Aaawwwww....

About an hour into the movie,

NM : Mama where is TA?

Me : She's at home with Papa. NM rindu kat TA? *hugging her tight*

NM : *Angguk*

Me : Mama pun. Later we'll go home and be together again ok? NM, Mama, Papa and TA.

hhhaaaiiihhh....my helt melts.

A tear jerking movie is not interesting enough for a 3 year old.

"Mama I dont' want to watch this. I want to watch Disney Junior only!"

Birth of Tia Ayesha (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:55:00 +0000

I felt contented! I did it! And now all I wanted to do was just rest and be with my baby. Her smell, her calmness and her cute face just makes me melt over and over again.

After the placenta was out (in the toilet), we went back into the room and rested. If I remember correctly Tia released the first meconium while we rested. Kak Fiza did most the things afterwards. She bathed Tia and placenta while both being attached together. Hubby held the placenta close to Tia. She placed the placenta in the plastic container and clothed Tia. I took a long warm shower. It felt good to be all clean again. Well there were blood stains on the shirt and my skin and we did wait for 4 to 5 hours for the placenta. Walking and being upright felt a bit giddy. So after dressing up, most of the time I would just lie down and look at my newborn sleep.

Nevertheless the whole process was not over yet. We had planned this earlier. After a calm and gentle birth we would rest and make our way to the hospital to cut the cord and be monitored. Honestly at the back of our minds there's always the 'just in case' baby need to be checked. I am not at all concerned about me because I know I am alright and will survive this. Also we didn't want to bother about making a police report so cutting the cord at the hospital was the only answer.

After a short nap and lunch, we made our way to the hospital. Abg Li drove us there. Just before reaching the hospital we all recited Basmallah and prayed that everything goes through smoothly. Our prayers were answered.

We were received by almost a dozen standby doctors and nurses at the UMMC emergency ward. It was a Sunday afternoon, the staff were not too busy. Everyone were excited and curious of this 'accidental homebirth' mother. Hehehe...Maybe they bought my story, maybe not...but they were all kind. They were surprised to see a well dressed, smiling and cheerful mother carrying a nice smelling and wrapped baby - with the cord and placenta attached to her, in my hand. Tia's cord were cut by a nurse in the car. There were some interviews in the car about what happened, is baby ok, is mother ok, what time, when and how. I am glad that the response by the standby doctor was "Laa kalau macam ni tak payah doktor pun tak pe. Tak de kerja la saya" with a laugh. Heh! He was a nice guy. After that the nurses were more interested to play with my cute baby. She was all pink, round and healthy. That didn't end there, of course a few more interviews by different doctors.

On the way to the hospital 9 hours after Tia was born.
All showered, eaten and rested.

The standby staff rushed out to help me out of the car, surprised to see a smiling mother with a dressed baby with the placenta attached.

They brought out the stretcher for me. I told them I could walk but the asked me to climb on it anyway since they brought it out already.

The cord cutting was done in the car hence the birth certificate stated that Tia was 'born' at the hospital. Owh well. We'll tell her ALL about it when she's older.

All I wanted to do was go to the hospital, get checked and go home but that didn't happen. They wanted us to check in because I looked pale and they were concern because delayed cord cutting, therefore too much blood went into the baby's blood stream. What? I read about this and there is no concern at all. It is designed that way. God has designed it that way.

After we were checked in, they took Tia away to the paediatric ward for monitoring and I was told that I will be warded in the maternity ward. I specifically mentioned to them that I wanted to fully breastfeed her and injections to be done on her buttock (Vitamin K and BCG which is compulsory for newborn in Malaysia). It took about 2 hours before I was given a room and another 2 hours for a doctor to come and check me. That was how long I was separated from Tia. 4 hours in the evening on her first day of birth. I mention evening for a purpose! I was sad but I kept myself positive. The first thing they gave her was antibiotic because I gave birth at home! All the family came to visit right after which was really nice. I was consoled. Ya, the only person who was a bit harsh was a nurse at the paediatric ward. I don't care because I made a choice to give the best for my baby and that was what she got.

The paediatric and maternity ward was on a different floor. That night I had to go back to the maternity ward for the late evening rounds. I waited and waited and finally the doctor on duty came. She said that I had minor tear. So stitches was not necessary. I wanted to go back to the paediatric ward to visit Tia right after but was not allowed because I needed a relative to push a wheelchair for me. They didn't want me to faint on my way there! This was not highlighted to me earlier! I was as strong as a horse. I was walking everywhere in the ward while other mothers stayed on the bed. Even the nurses commented how strong and OK I was. Hubby went home that evening because it was a women ward and visitors were only allowed at specific time. I was a wreck! I called hubby and cried while pumping my breastmilk in a dedicated room. But not for long. I regained my composure and told myself that I am strong, my baby's strong and talked (telephathy-ed) to my baby asking her to be strong. Why I didn't fight some may ask? I was not ready to be emotionally wrecked and broken into pieces at that very time. So I redha, stayed calm and passed my few drops of colostrum to the nurses to feed my baby. Did they give them to my baby? Did they feed FM to my baby on her first day? I choose not to know. Or until today I'll be saddened by this. So yeah on her first night till morning, she was separated from me also. After the morning rounds check up, I immidiately went to the paedratic ward and didn't go back up to the maternity ward until they looked for me. Somewhere around this time Tia got her BCG shots on her arm and not on her buttock as I have requested. Sigh!

That evening it was all clear for me and I was able to check out. On the other hand, they wanted to monitor Tia in case of jaundice. No she did not have jaundice. I made sure I drank enough carrot juice to avoid this. The pricking of her foot to get the blood sample every few hours was not easy to see.

I wish not to say more about my hospital experience but the pictures below are some of the things I don't like about the after birth. I wish we didn't go to the hospital but we did. We went there healthy and pink but came back a little bruised. Inside out....unnecessary.....

I was given drips and antibiotic...Not nice!

Tia had this on both of her thigh...Not nice!

She was given antibiotic on the first day through her feet
*my heart still sink when I see this*

I am not sure why she had this

but we were bruised....

my poor baby!

Birth Story of Tia Ayesha* (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:34:00 +0000

It was a beautiful birth to a wonderful pregnancy to a beautiful Tia Ayesha. This sums up my feeling really. No words can actually describe how perfect it was. Alhamdulillah.....all praise is due to Allah.

I will try to write as detail as possible on the accounts of my birthing experience, therefore this post may be a bit lengthy one but really, it is for me, an experience which I keep very closely to my heart. Here goes...

Everything was so smooth sailing, from the moment we got pregnant on the first trial, with me having only one side ovary functioning for fertility, till the birth of Tia Ayesha*. It's a miracle and to Allah I am very thankful. This God's given gift only makes me more eager than ever to experience the natural birth that I've always wanted (even with Nia) but never in my living soul that I thought I would be doing a homebirth. All I wanted was the birth of my baby in a very natural manner, no intervention and letting the body to do its work as how God has created it to be. Baby and body does the work and we as parents are just there to guide her right from the start of her very life.

Somehow after the successful homebirth experience of my little nephew, Andy Malik, it got me thinking maybe, maybe its an option. This was 2 months before Tia's birth day. However, we were also grateful to have found DrC from PMC who have agreed to our Birth Plan and every single request ( I will share the Birth Plan vs Homebirth plan after this post) which includes no drugs to be administered (pitocin, epidural etc), to be able to birth at any position, delayed cord cutting, no episiotomy, no time limitation to birth my baby and the list goes on. This got me thinking the medical professions really have different thought and theories to everything. So there is no right or wrong to certain things, that includes natural birthing.

Getting to agree on homebirth was another thing. I have to admit it was not an immediate decision between me and hubby. It came with much thought, discussion, research (this was all me I have to say :P) and mostly support from family and friends. The FB Gentle/Homebirth Group (Buddy Chat) has a lot of influence in this. It has so much information, research, experienced mothers with both hospital and homebirth experience and mothers who voluntarily and willing to give support. I love them all for this. The best assurance was after my meeting up with Soo Wai Han at a small gathering at her house, founder of http://www.hypnobirthing.com.my/ and a Hypnobirthing educator herself. With a big heart she mentioned that she doesn't mind assisting the birth of Tia even though we did not attend to any of her class sessions. That seals it for dear hubby. At 37th week in my pregnancy, he was finally given the assurance and agreed to homebirth! However, I have to mention here that hubby refused to be included in the gathering because he didn't want to change his mind after listening to others and very nervous of the whole homebirth thing. He specifically mentioned that my Homebirth Plan was enough info and he trusted that everything will be fine.

By this time, we've got the choice of both worlds, a natural hospital birth and homebirth. We were relieved that now we can focus on birthing and location were secondary.

I have been feeling tightening since the 36th week . It was just pressures without any sensation. By 37th week the tightening was daily but not consistent. I was very happy my body was already preparing for the birth of my baby. By 38th week, I was already anxious and hoped that baby will be birth sometime around 39th week. I constantly walked and sit on the birthing ball to help baby descent down. Probably baby noticed my anxiety and gave the first sign of going into labour which was defecate more that once (very rare for me during this pregnancy) at 39th week. 2 days before the actual birth of our dear baby.

The next day, at 39 weeks and 1 day, as I was cleaning up the house and sorting out Tia's clothes, at about 4 pm I noticed that the tightening were somewhat noticeably consistent and started to time it. It was about 15 to 20 minutes apart but didn't really think it was true labour as it was the same tightening sensation I felt for the past 2 weeks. That night we had dinner at my in law's house. They had a relative farewell dinner cum June babies birthday celebration. On the way there at about 6 pm I told hubby that the tightening were already 10 minutes apart and we may be expecting baby that night itself or the next day. Hubby silently tried to keep calm and was visibly a little nervous because by this time we have decided that it was going to be a homebirth but location was either my in law's house or our doula's house which is my SIL, Kak Fiza who had homebirth 2 months before. I couldn't help but to laugh at hubby's expression. By this time I needed a bit of focus to breath with every tightening.

Once arrived at the in law's house I decided that I should go for a walk to speed things up. So hubby and Nia accompanied me to walk along the road in front of the house for about 1/2 an hour. The tightening were still 10 minutes apart. When we got in, guests started coming and we had a nice dinner. We informed Abg Li and Kak Fiza that I was probably (by this time I still wasn't sure if it was true labour) in labour and to prepare if Baby should be birthed any time that night or the next day. Right after dinner about 10.00pm I felt a long and a bit more intense surge. Suddenly with a little pop, what seemed to be clear and diluted mucous plug released. Immediately the surges were a bit more intense and needed focus. So I went on and sat on the birthing ball which felt so comfortable and manageable during surges and listened to the Marie Mongan's Birth Affirmation. I realised the most comfortable position on the Birthing Ball was to realy tilt my pelvic to the front while leaning the ball to the bed to stabilize myself. By this time I was 5 minutes apart. We discussed with Abg Li and Kak Fiza and decided we should birth at their house and be there before 12 midnight. While they went back home to settle down and put Dina and little Andy to sleep, at 11.30pm I suddenly threw up. I knew for sure now that I was in labour and already in transition and moving to active labour. We grabbed our things, left Nia at in law's house and made our way to Sunway SPK.

I can still remember clearly. my last communication with Nia and her being my only baby was when I was on the Birthing Ball focusing on my breathing and Nia came into the room excited and asking me to go out and see the birthday cake. She said with an almost whispering voice, "Mama come, look. Let's go outside. Cake mama..." They were already bringing out the cake for the June babies. I couldn't respond to her. Her every touch and bump somehow elevate the intensity of the surges. Hubby took her away and distracted her. She went away with a cry and calling out for me. Sorry Baby Mama! The next time I met her was at the hospital and suddenly all grown up and took the role as a big sister immediately.

On the way to the car I had another surge and had to hold on to the gate. I almost went on all fours right in front of my in law's house. Boy! Thinking I almost gave birth under the moon in front of my in law's house. Phew! Sunway SPK only took about 15 minutes without traffic but it took us more time as I had hubby stopping the car with every surges. In all we made 5 stops. Fortunately it was night and traffic were not too bad. Even the slightest bump was excruciating. We got to Abg Li's house around 12 am. By this time I was 3 minutes apart. Kak Fiza, Abg Li and hubby prepared the room, burnt the lavender incense, dim the lights, lay out the mattress, plastic sheet, surgical mat, towels and later Abg Li went to inflate their Birthing Ball at a nearby Shell station. For that I am very thankful but just want to mention here, somehow the ball was too inflated that it was a bit hard and pressure was a bit intense when I sat on it. A bit more deflated woud have been more comfortable.

First I was lying on my side on the mattress and had the earphone on. I wanted to be in the same position as I was when birthing with Nia. It felt comfortable the last time and I was able to rest. It felt comfortable this time too while hubby and Kak Fiza took turn doing the Light Touch Massage on my back but I think by this time Kak Fiza was already on the phone or SMS with Wai Han and her advice was for me to be in an upright position to speed things up. Boy! Was she right. By now it was probably 1ish to 2am. I think Kak Fiza went to breastfeed little Andy (God bless her!) when I changed to sitting on the Birthing Ball. Hubby sat right in front of me on the bed holding my hand while he did his meditation when I was relaxed. When the surges came we both focused while I did the deep breathing. I thought it was funny, in between this 2 to 3 minutes apart I told hubby that I was very sleepy and wish I could just go to sleep but couldn't because when the surges came I had to focus again. I told him that while looking at the mattress longingly. Hubby said he was sleepy also but gave me the encouragement to continue.

Kak Fiza came back into the room about 2am and told me to change position again. I stood up and hugged hubby. My intension to slow dance was shortlived. Suddenly there was a strong and long surge. I felt like going down on the floor. Hubby pick me up and held me to the standing position and reminded me to breath. I told him I feel like pushing. Quickly Kak Fiza and hubby helped me to my final birthing position which was on my knees and my body leaning on the bed and on the big pillows. This position was very comfortable as it lifts off the gravity pull on my cervix. After about 2 more surges at probably around 2.15am, my water bag burst and yellowish and clear (I was told) amniotic fluid gushed out and immediately I had the urge to push. All this time I was still on my earphone listening to the Birth Affirmation.

Kak Fiza asked Abg Li to bring down the radio and put on the Birth Affirmation CD because by now I have to listen to Kak Fiza's instructions. I won't be able to hear her with the earphone on. With every surge Kak Fiza did the counter pressure massage which really helped. I believe I would have just pushed hard if she didn't help with the massage. Her constant instruction to me were "Breath, Do your Berak Breathing, Smile, Don't Push, Deep Breath". I remember Kak Fiza said it with a very motherly soothing voice. Me feeling helpless, just listened and do as I was told.

By this point with every surge without pushing and just deep breathing , I was able to feel baby descending down. In the first few surges I actually felt as if baby was moving down with the surge and when the surge was over the baby moves back up slightly. I am not to sure if it's the baby or I was actually feeling the muscles but I thought it was interesting. During this time I felt what really helped was to face the surges with really deep breathing, a slight pause and let go with a moan. Once I felt baby was about to come out I announced it to Kak Fiza and hubby, "Baby's coming out" and with that I slowly felt the stretch and slight ring of fire with the next few surges. It was not painful. It was just stretchy feeling. After a few more surges, Tia Ayesha* was born healthy in the hands of her Papa at 3.16am. An hour after the water broke, all clean from vernix and with a loud strong cry. All the while, hubby was very quite and did not say a word. I was told later he was nervous and was trying to focus. Hugs!

I did it! We did it! All safe and sound. Alhamdullillah. Tia Ayesha* was passed to me and given her first feed immediate and azan by her Papa.

Now is only to wait for the birth of the placenta. I was high on the birth of my baby, Kak Fiza reminded me to focus on the birthing of the placenta. By this time I was already lying down and have fed Tia. She was so alert and looking around very quietly. I waited for a few surges and tried to breath and push the placenta out but the surges were not strong enough. After 2 hours and Kak Fiza speaking to Wai Han, she suggested I resume to my birthing position and tried to birth the placenta in that position. We had to carefully maneuver Tia close to me as her cord were rather short, maybe about 1/2 metre or less. A few minutes there without any success, Kak Fiza thought that maybe sitting on the toilet bowl will help. Tia was laid on my lap and slept. The surges were still not very strong so Kak Fiza help to tap my tummy and hubby did the natural stimulation. I did the deep breathing and somehow the surges came back but still not strong enough. I feel like peeing but felt something was blocking the way. We were there for quite sometime and finally on the phone Wai Han told Kak Fiza to give me some 'encouragement'. She told me that if the placenta still cannot be released, we needed to go to the hospital either drive or call an ambulance. Once there doctor will administer pitocin to artificially start the surges again and expel the placenta out. In my mind I feared the cervix would be closed by now and doctor had to do a c sect just to get the placenta out. All our effort would go to waste and no way I am going to let that happen. Kak Fiza went out to speak to Wai Han on the phone again and suddenly with a mild surge and just a little push out came the placenta 4 hours after the birth of Tia Ayesha*. We all laughed at the 'scare' that worked. Thank God it was all happy ending after all.

A smooth sailing pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:32:00 +0000

I have not written much about this second pregnancy. The reason being is I have nothing to complain and everything was so smooth sailing. Not that I always complain in my posts but sometimes I feel as if it's any other normal days. I was that comfortable and happy being pregnant.

Start with the first trimester, there was no scares like the earlier pregnancies. I felt and know that baby was there to stay. The morning sickness were mild. Less than 10 occasions that I actually threw up. Just about 7 times more than preggy with Nia. I was working as usual and going about as normal. During this time I actually went to Terengganu driven by the contractors for work. I didn't tell them what I had in the oven so not to create any unnecessary concern or panic. I visited the installation site in an oil and gas vacinity which I wouldn't be able to do during my pregnancy with Nia.

Second trimester, was a joy. I enjoyed being pregnant and eating right. Carrot juice was as usual in my (almost) daily diet and seems to work for Tia as well. She had no signs of jaundice. I have no signs of carpal tunnel this time. Practice labour or commonly know as Braxton Hicks we manageable. I spend more time with Nia going to the park, bringing her around when I go out and about after work or during weekends. During this time I went to more outstations and some drove alone....Ipoh, Penang, Johor and Terengganu. Alhamdulillah everything went well. I constant spoke to Tia to be strong and comfortable in the womb as I was always carrying my stone heavy laptop bag around.

Third trimester, I slowed down on my outstation trip except for one which couldn't be avoided. A trip to Terengganu which hubby and Nia tagged along. I love them to bits for that. That was when I was 7 months preggy. Somehow this trip was a bit uncomfortable as I had to wear the Fire Retardant material coverall in the same O&G site. I didn't bother buying a new one to accomodate the 7 months preggy belly as I was only going to wear it one last time before giving birth. So the elastic at the waist stretched to the last bit. It didn't look ruffled at the waist as it was stretched to the maximum. LOL. Going in and out of the coverall is another story. Being pregnant and having to pee every half an hour. Not fun! Fortunately I was only allowed in the indoor area. I was not allowed to go to the site for safety reasons. Adding to that, shoes are not allowed at the indoor area. So I wore my socks indoor and to go in and out of toilet I had to open them. OK 7 month pregnant and bending down to touch the feet to open socks? Not fun! In all I was a wriggling worm trying to get out of a waist tight coverall and socks every half an hour to pee and putting them back on after. Not fun! To think of it now, it was quite funny.

Third trimester was also a joy. I only had mild feet swelling. It came and go. Sleep was great. I could sleep well and constantly listened to Marie Mongan Birth Affirmation. I rarely listened to the Concentration audio because honestly I couldn't concentrate. I had to give attention to Nia before sleep and during the day so 'concentration' was definitely not in the list but I was focused. I was focus with what I wanted. A natural birth with no intervention at all.

The only discomfort I had was in the final week, 38th week. I was getting heavy and getting in and out of bed was quite a task. I had the discomfort of heartburn and couldn't lie down to sleep. I slept almost sitting up on bed but once I am asleep I could change position to laying down and go into deep sleep. I am thankful for that. Other than that I absolutely have no complains. Love my pregnancy and endure it with happy and positive thoughts.

At the final week (at 38th week) I was already working from home, that I really have to thank the management. It really helped to focus on the birthing of Tia and I kept busy with nesting instict at its best. I manages to sew curtains for my home, a dress for Tia, the cloth diapers, ring sling, baby carrier and clean up the house here and there. I went walking, I sat on the birthing ball and able to spend the last few days with Nia alone, which I really needed and appreciate. She's such a doll and love to cuddle and kiss my tummy. I can see she too was excited of the arrival of baby Tia.

I had a homebirth with Tia but that's another story which I will post in my Birth Story.

Picture below : The day before Tia's birth, after me and Nia's evening walk outside Tok Mummy's house. I was sitting on the birthing ball (Neer's exercise ball) while listening to the Birth Affirmation via earphone.

Our latest addition

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Welcome darling

*Tia Ayesha*

Can't describe how happy we are to finally meet u and have u here...

Born on 26th June 2011 at 3.16am @ 3.34 kg via homebirth

You are received with much gentleness and love darling baby...

My little girls

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:05:00 +0000

Nia will soon be a kakak at the age of 2 year and 9 months. I will definitely miss having her as my only child. At the same time I am very happy and delighted with the coming of another baby. It is one step further to another level of our small family unit.

She is such a gentle and obedient girl. I don’t have to stress myself over anything with Nia while growing up. I guess she gave me enough that her Mama can take during the first 3 month which honestly is not bad at all.

I love it when she tells me she wants to hug and kiss me. I do it to her all the time. I guess you treat people how you want to be treated never fails you even with little people. Most of the time when I am with Nia spending time in the room together we are the two most cuddly people in the world....hehe. Me time with Nia would be spending the evening with her in the room while she does coloring on a coloring book or art block. She loves that and I always encourage her. I am surprised recently she can draw a face. A round face with eyes (2 circles), a nose (2 circles more like lubang hidung), a smiley mouth and ears (2 circles outside the big round face). I don’t know where she learn that but she never fail to surprise myself and hubby everyday.

I often browse her baby pictures and she looks babyish in all the pictures. It’s funny how at the time when the picture was taken, I always think Nia has grown up so much but looking at the pictures today she still looks like a baby. I guess as mother you always see your little one as your baby no matter how old they are. Hmm maybe not after their 25…hehe

The pain, the journey and the joy to finally have her probably makes me more sensitive and emotional. But definitely it will be no different when baby no 2 arrives. This is why I am planning to have baby no 2 in a very natural manner, natural birth with no drugs, no intervention and to have control over my body. The baby will lead the way and myself and Papa will just guide her through the path, from the very start of her life. I am very passionate about this I can’t even explain how important it is to me. I guess all this hormones is getting me all prep up for the big day. And most importantly I’m very happy hubby is very supportive with the decision. His joking question came one fine night, “Can’t you be like normal mummies out there?” My answers were simple “I am normal, the others are not!” Haha

Not quite remembering things

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:41:00 +0000

I had this incident during my last pregnancy, where I was in the office and forgot where I placed my handphone and thinking some within the office stole it.

I had similar experience of being forgetful during this pregnancy and this time it was more frustrating than before, somehow.

I went to IOI Mall Puchong after work to look for something. You know what? I forgot why I was there but I knew I went to Jusco to check out the swimming suit price….owh ya, I had Jusco vouchers given by the company but that was not the actual reason. Maybe to check out some sewing stuff. Anyway, after a meal and walking around, I decided that I had enough of walking and feeling tired. So going home was a kind decision to my tired feet.

So, paid the parking fee at the vending machine, drove the car out from the basement parking lot (at this point everything seem normal). It was raining quiet heavily outside and if you have been to the mall, right after you come out from the basement parking, you will come to the mall porch entrance. Right in front of it on the opposite road there is an entrance ticket vending machine for outdoor parking. I stopped right there and searched for my ticket to pay and exit. I looked everywhere, in my handbag, in the car, opened the car door just in case I dropped it at the floor while coming in and EVERYWHERE. After about 10 minutes of searching I was ready to go out to the security guard and report my ticket has lost and was already miserable thinking I have to pay for the lost ticket penalty for nothing. Mind you it was still raining heavily.

So I took a deep breath and tried to regain myself. I saw some cars passed by mine and went out to the exit road without stopping. I was confused. And then it all came to me…OMG I paid. I bl**dy paid my tickets, have already exited the basement carpark and all I have to do was to drive out to the main road. I really felt like I was loosing my mind the 2nd time during this pregnancy.

Owh! Did I tell about the 1st one. Just to make long story short, I thought I left my watch by the poolside at home. It was a wedding gift from hubby BTW. I went down to search for it and it was no longer there. I asked the café owner if he has seen it and asked him to keep aside if he has found it. I went back feeling dread and what do you know? An hour later my sister called and said that it was in my mom’s room and I brought it up after swimming. All I could remember was where the last time I placed it at the poolside but have no recollection of bringing it up with me after swimming. Blah! No fun!

1st Teacher's Day

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:56:00 +0000

This year Nia get to give presents to her class teachers for Teacher's Day. She was so excited. I ordered cookies from my sister. She made a heart and flower shaped cookies and packed nicely with the Selamat Hari Guru note on it.

She enjoys school now. Even though initially for the pass few months it was to follow Mama to work, she has no problem getting off to school once we get there. I think now she genuinely likes school and meeting friends. At home she imitates her teacher teaching and talks about her friends. According to the school assistant, she hangs around and plays with older girls. She would be the youngest one in the group. Just like how she likes to play with her bigger cousins Kakak Mia and Kakak Iman. She gets more attention and loves to be treated like the little sister.

Latest addition to the LC Clan

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:34:00 +0000

Welcome Andy Malik to the family :)

My sister in law, Afiza had a gentle, painfree, calm, drug free homebirth through Hypnobirthing.

It was so inspiring. Read her story here.

Cuppy Cake and craft

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:16:00 +0000

The weekend after my birthday, my dear sister invited me to her house. She made red velvet cup cakes which was yummy. Unfortunately no pictures to show. I totally forgot about it.

And Nia had fun with her 7 year old cousin she calles Kakak Mia. They did arts and craft. Try this. It's so fun and simple to prepare.

All you need is a bottle with small nozzle tip (like a sauce or honey dispenser). My sister baught for Amira specialy for art at Chow Kit Road about RM2.50. Cheap. You will need a few for different colours.

The ingredient:
1 cup of flour
1 cup of water
1 cup of salt (yes, that's a lot of salt but the after effect is really nice. When it dries up, it gave the glittery effect)
Different food colouring. My sister had American food colouring she uses for her cake decorating which was really nice and rich.

Divide every thing equally in separate bowl and mix each one with different coloring.
Put them in a separate dispenser and start your art work on a hard paper/cardboard.
Let it dry.

Nia loved it.

Hard at work with Kakak Mia

Mia's art

Yet another year wiser....

noreply@blogger.com (opsiedaisy) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:49:00 +0000

A month late post. My birthday was on the 19th of April....year? Does it really matter..? hehe. Mother in law cooked a special dinner, Italian and hubby bought a 'surprise birthday cake'. It's really cute and funny. Everyone in my husband's side of the family will have a 'surprise' birthday party every year. So you can imagine more than 10 birthday surprises in a year. Everytime, mother in law will cook a special something for dinner and there will be a surprise birthday cake. What I mean by surprise is, after dinner the birthday person will be distracted with something while the other family members prepare to bring out the cake with candles litted on and the lights out. When the birthday person comes out the whole family will shout "SURPRISE!!" EVERYTIME! hehe I think this is so cute and fun. It has become sort of like a culture in the family. I think the children will remember this and have fun stories to tell each other.

But this time, Nia kinda blew it. I was literally doing something in the room after dinner and she came to me and ask me to come out "Mama come! Look there! In the kitchen. Come Mama!" I went out and saw SIL preparing to light up the candle.....Hahaha! I had to retreat back in the room and act (or shall I say act to act) surprise. It was so funny.

Thanks for the love cake guys..

Nia and her cousins waiting to blow the candles during lights out .

During lights out and when the cake comes out, the children will be the most excited ones and of course there will be birthday songs and candle blowing for all of them. There will be 5 rounds of that before we can actually eat the cake. :)
Thanks Papa for the lovely cake.

2011 birthday celebration at 7 months preggy with my 2nd baby.