Kimmy and Julie :: Family Journal

Malaysia International Fireworks Competition by Julie

Last year was the first year Malaysia hosted the Malaysia International Fireworks Competition (MIFC). It was back again this year.

This year, we only have the time to watch the grand finale on Friday, 29 August 2008 by team Spain (I hope I get it right). I was looking forward and was eagerly excited as I want to see Jonathan’s reaction towards the sounds and lights. I was 7+ months pregnant with Jonathan boy last year and as the fireworks were lit up and exploded high in the dark sky, this little unborn baby was kicking in my tummy. 

Jonathan boy is a rather timid baby. He is easily awaken by soft sound or light touch. He gets shock whenever he heard a sudden noise which is not really loud like the squeeking sound when opening the door. When we laughed out of a sudden, he gets frightened and will cry too. He’s getting much better as he grows older.

So, how was Jonathan boy doing throughout the whole fireworks display? Did he cry and distract the spectators?

Look at him! He was clinging to Darling so tightly. His cheek was “glued” to Darling’s chest. He dare not lift up his head and eyes. He was peeping at the sky and twiching his eyes everytime he heard the loud bang. But suprisingly, he did not cry or shudder which I thought he would. How to be a brave boy lar?

Blighted Ovum by Julie

Does blighted ovum or empty sac sounds familiar to you? A blighted ovum is a fertilized egg which implants in the uterus, and begins to devlop a gestational sac. The fertilized egg, however, fails to form beyond the sixth week but the placenta continues to grow. From the ultrasound, you will see a empty gestational sac and fails to detect a heartbeat. Usually by the 8th to 9th week, the heartbeat should be able to be detected via ultrasound.

In the past, many women miscarried blighted ovum pregnancies without knowing what had happened. Today, thanks to the technology that an ultrasound can diagnosis a blighted ovum and because of the advancement of technology, blighted ovum is becoming more common. If you are lucky, the unhealty embryo will be delivered via natural miscarriage. If not, you need to go through a D&C which could be something tough to accept. The most hurtful misconception is that there never was a baby. There are many conflicting discussions about the choice of waiting to miscarry (allowing a natural miscarriage) and having a D&C done.

I first learn of this medical term when it first happened to my sis four years ago. She was lucky enough that it got miscarried on the day she was supposed to be admitted for a D&C. I’d also been through this tough time with my first pregnancy two years ago. I waited and prayed for a natural miscarriage but it never happen until the 12th week so ended up having a D&C. Lately, my staff went through a D&C because she was having a blighted ovum.

I truly believe that our style of living contributes to the health of our pregnancy. The food that we consume nowadays are not as healthy as before. The water we drank, the vegetables and poultry we consumed are exposed to a poluted environment. More women are working adults so they are bound to stress and are lethargic.

My advice to all ladies out there who are planning for a baby, to take care of your health and diet at least 6 months before pregnancy. You should begin to consume folic acid and additionally, milk for pregnant mothers. Obviously it is not viable to be on exotic slimming-down plan eventhough your plans for a baby is more than 1 year down the line. You may look healthy but your internal system may not be so.

I was so blessed having beside me my Darling who is so lovingly supportive and bold. Blessed to have the care and concern from my sisters and parents.

A Great Meet… by Julie

What a wonderful weekend I had. Besides spending time with my parents who were here, I got the chance meeting with two friends.

Last weekend was the 4th Parenthood Expo in Midvalley. Gone there to grab some freebies and nursing blouse. It was so crowded with babies, toddlers, parents…and strollers. The aisle is so narrow. The organizers should have expected parents with strollers.

So, guess who I met by chance?

You probably can’t recognize the pretty lady at one glanze, neither do I but I’m sure the cute little princess looks familiar. Yup…that’s June. She and her darling Rachael was among the 20 contestants that were selected for the semi-final of Parenthood’s Modern Mum & Baby of the Year 2008. She was so stuning with the make-up and cheongsam and I just couldn’t recognized her until she introduces herself. I knew she would be there but didn’t realize that she would be sitting next to me.

That evening itself, I attended my ex-university mate’s wedding dinner. There, I met up with my seniors and juniors. Sorry to say that I’d forgotten some of their names. The person that I had long to see was one of my very best friend in university. 

Eunice and I were sisters-in-Christ and serving together in UUM’s Christian Fellowship those days. The last time we met was during her wedding 4 years ago.

It was indeed a great joy to see both June and Eunice.

It is B.I.G but I am S.M.A.L.L by Julie

There was one day when my niece and I passed by Crocs in one of the shopping mall. She showed me the big Crocs on display in the shop and she said…”Wu Yi (5th Aunt), this shoe is so big hor? My mommy say we can even put Jonathan inside”.

One weekend, so happened my mom wanted to try on some Crocs’ footwear. My niece is so right. See… here’s Jonathan boy in Crocs. (p/s: I hope I won’t get summon by displaying Crocs pic here)

Mommy, you sure you bought the correct size for me?

This is definitely not a photo trick. He enjoyed it especially the strap. As usual, with his itchy teeth, he tried to bite the strap.

Later, we rented this stroller for Jonathan boy.

From the way he smiled (an old man smile), you know he enjoyed it especially the horn. But the stroller is still too big for him as he can’t even sit properly or he is short. Yup, I find him kinda shorter from other babies around his age. Our gene… *sigh*

Dragon Boat Championship by Julie

So this was the reason we traveled down to Penang three weekends ago. It was a last minute plan. Darling has not seen this kind of race and always wanted to so here comes the opportunity.

It was held at the Teluk Bahang Dam. Love the place cause it’s so windy despite the sunny day. The wind overcome the heat. I was warning my youngest sis that the wind could blown her away since she’s skinny.

Mind our hair…you can imagine how strong the wind were. (In the photo: Youngest Sis, Mom & Dad)

Darling and Jonathan boy.

We didn’t managed to get a close view because the race was positioned a little further from the fortress of the dam. Here are some shots…

The place where all teams getting ready to row to the racing point to begin the race.

The race…

And not forgetting the FOOD! Here are where the pork knuckle and octopus that I’d mentioned earlier.  The name of the restaurant is Kedai Makanan Laut Swee Garden in Nibong Tebal (not far after you exit the Nibong Tebal toll).

 

 

 

 

 

The octopus and sauce to go together.

My all time favourite sinful dish…pork knuckle.

Didn’t get to taste the octopus this time because apparently it’s seasonal. But the above pictures was taken the previous time I was there.  Didn’t get to taste much of the local food this time. I surely missed the Tom Yam Maggi at Sunshine (I think it’s the wet market foodcourt) because my parents don’t fancy those food. And I missed the refreshing, thirst quenching drink and wedges with salsa sauce at The Spice Garden.

Not to worry…I’ll be there again soon. “A Christmas in Penang”…

“Olympic Baby” @ 10 Months by Julie

Olympic Baby? Quite exaggerate huh? Cause Jonathan boy was born on 8th October, so today is the 8th of August and it marks the beginning of 10 months’ milestone…and it’s the opening of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. So this day should be a great day!

This is our lovely Jonathan boy.

This little one of ours (not so little anymore), instead of learning to nod his head, he has learned to shake his head vigorously. At first we couldn’t figure out what makes him shake his head but later discovered that he will only do it when he is happy or excited. If you watch the video on his Choo Choo Train ride, you will notice it at the end of the video.

He is adding new vocab to his babbling. Yup, still babbling and yet to utter any word that we could understand. I think he will call Daddy first ’cause it’s easier to pronounce “Pa-pa” than “Ma-ma”. That will be great cause he will call for Daddy and leave the Mommy free at last!  *grin*

July month was not a good month for Jonathan boy as he was down with fever, flu and cough due to the renovation work of our house and since last Thursday, he has been passing motion (not watery but loose stool) for 3 - 4 times a day. Good thing there’s no fever and vomiting but poor boy’s butt become reddish. Brought him to see the paed and it could be due to food poisoning. Pray for a good month ahead.

And not forgetting to mention, today is 2 weeks after the 1st Anniversary of my first post in our Cyberhome about our pregnancy and parenthood journey with Jonathan boy. Such a great joy having two most important person in my life, Darling and Jonathan. We give praises to our Great God!

Choo Choo…. I’m riding on a train by kimmysia

Video will take some time to load.

Jonathan starts to love this kind of rides. This is him at 9 months old.
The face impression he shows when the train stops is so original. Cute and naughty, especially when he starts to shake his head at the end of the video.

How It Is Made by Julie

This is how Jonathan boy’s porridge are cooked.

I have the Magic Saver Cooker (MSC) from Cosway and a ceramic pot. The MSC comes with a inner stainless steel pot (to cook the food) and insulation pot (to warm the food).  

  

Jonathan boy is having two feedings of porridge each day so I just have to prepare once and it can last till evening (still warm) using the MSC.

Step 1: To come out with two feedings of porridge, I put in 3 milk powder scoops of rice with 3 x 4oz of water in the ceramic pot.  I’m giving him unpolished brown rice as the content of nutrients is better than polished rice.

Step 2: I’ll make sure I always have at least two types of vegetables of different colour. My favourite mix is pumpkin and broccoli because pumpkin gives the sweetness and broccoli gives him the vitamin C and folic acid and the easiest to prepare. I just need 2 - 3 florets of broccoli without having to chop finely. As for pumpkin, I’ll grate it otherwise I can cut into cubes. Just put the florets of broccoli and grated pumpkin into the ceramic pot. Sometimes, I’ll add 2 cubes of chicken meat, fish, pork or scallops.

Step 3: Put the ceramic pot into the inner pot of the MSC and fill the inner pot with water.

This is called the double-boil method. Bring it to boil then simmer on low fire for 45 mins.  With the lid still covering the inner pot, transfer it to the insulation pot. Do not open the insulation pot until feeding time so that the porridge can continue to cook on its own till soft.

So here’s the outcome and greatness of the MSC.

I prefer to cook this way compared to slow cooker as this is faster and energy saving. Each morning, I just need 5 - 10 minutes to prepare the porridge ingredients. Then leave it to simmer while I bath and change to get ready for work. Before I leave for work, I just turn off the fire and transfer the inner pot to the MSC. It’s so easy and hassle free.

I Adore My Cry Baby… by Julie

 

  

I just love to make him pout and cry because that expression and looks of him is so cute to me just as his heart-melting smile. Since born, he dislike bathing or changing. He will cry and yell…it’s really scary as though he’d got beaten. It was not because of cold water or hungry baby. In fact I fed him full before his bath time. It was a mystery where nobody can answer. Good thing my MIL (Jonathan’s caregiver) can bear with it. It got better gradually when he was 3 months old whereby he will only struggle and cry a little occasionaly when washing his hair. But suprisingly on his full moon, he did not cry at all. Probably he knew that it is an eventful day and I’d been telling him to behave well.  But now, he loves bathing. He loves the shower head. He will whine and cry if I took it away from him. *Headache* 

When I leave him in the cot or on the floor playing with his toys alone, he will yell and cyr. Separation anxiety, I guess. When he really get scolded, he will cry sniffingly. He gets frightened easily by even a moderately loud sound.

When he is tired and napping time, he will whine for his pacifier. I love to pull it away from his mouth cause he will whine and cry. Again…I love to see his expression especially his mouth. Evil Mommy, huh?

p/s: Ann, fyi, he didn’t cry when I pretended crying in front of him. He just blurly staring at me.

My CG members and friends commented that he is such a good boy because he don’t simply throw tantrums and could sit on the high chair throughout meals. Perhaps it’s because we know how to keep him quiet by stuffing food in his mouth. :P  After all, he is actually a well behaved but demanding baby.  Most importantly, I always pray that he will keep real quiet in church, during the sermons especially.

I used to bully my nieces and nephews whenever they cry for their mommy…”I want my Mommy!”  And now, my son is doing that. He has yet to utter those words but he has started to reach out his hand demanding for me to carry. Yesterday night, I was busy cleaning my house after the renovation. My cry baby woke up and was crying for me. No matter how hard Darling pleases him, he wouldn’t stop crying. Until when I walk in to the room, he stoped crying immediately and reaching out to me. As usual…my jealous big baby, Darling commented, “He only wants you! “

That’s my adorable cry baby…I hope it is just a phase and that he will grow up to be an independent boy.

Left Brain, Right Brain by kimmysia

Let me fill up with a filler post while Julie is compiling the next family updates.

From Wikipedia:-

Anatomically, the brain can be divided into three parts: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain the forebrain includes the several lobes of the cerebral cortex that control higher functions, while the mid- and hindbrain are more involved with unconscious, autonomic functions. During encephalization, human brain mass increased beyond that of other species relative to body mass. This process was especially pronounced in the neocortex, a section of the brain involved with language and consciousness. The neocortex accounts for about 76% of the mass of the human brain with a neocortex much larger than other animals, humans enjoy unique mental capacities despite having a neuroarchitecture similar to that of more primitive species. Basic systems that alert humans to stimuli, sense events in the environment, and maintain homeostasis are similar to those of basic vertebrates. Human consciousness is founded upon the extended capacity of the modern neocortex, as well as the greatly developed structures of the brain stem.

The above is just something to stimulate your brain once again. Remember those dreaded time when our science teachers who made us memorize and understand each and every part of human anatomy? Yeah.. Scary. Glad that I’ve overcome that stage.

Here’s what I would like to share with you. I got from myklang forum.

Are you a left brain or right brain person?
Look at the dancer animation on the left. Do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice-versa. Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS (Anti-Clockwise)

• uses logic
• detail oriented
• facts rule
• words and language
• present and past
• math and science
• can comprehend
• knowing
• acknowledges
• order/pattern perception
• knows object name
• reality based
• forms strategies
• practical
• safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS (Clockwise)

• uses feeling
• “big picture” oriented
• imagination rules
• symbols and images
• present and future
• philosophy & religion
• can “get it” (i.e. meaning)
• believes
• appreciates
• spatial perception
• knows object function
• fantasy based
• presents possibilities
• impetuous
• risk taking

Personally, I’m a touted from this experiment to be a Right Brainer. Most of the mentioned characters matches mine. What about yours?