Canon EOS 500D!

from Dear!

He told me that this is my Mother's Day present. I love it so much that i think he can be exempted to buy me presents for quite sometimes already! (Dear, u should be very happy to know this right :p)

Hope i can capture better photos of my boys with this new camera! Snap snap snap!!!

18th month booster jab

Zq had his 18th month booster jab this morning. He seemed uneasy and kind of nervous from the moment he stepped into the clinic. I think toddler at this age is smart enough to recognise this "dreadful" place, where they would get injectionS!

As usual, he cried a while when the injection was administered but his cry ended fast as well. He is a big boy now :)
His next jab will be the 2nd dose of Hep A to be taken in June.

Doc mentioned that fever will usually come about within 1-2 days, pray hard that no fever for him! Fever under such a hot weather is really torturing...

Last gynae checkup @ BJ

This is my 34th week and my last gynae checkup at Beijing. Tomorrow i will back home! Hurray! :)

Overall, all is well for the ultrasound and urine test... Yan An is about 2.65kg now (which is on bigger side). The sonographer commented that his head circumference is 34cm now, equivalent to a full term baby's size and i still have 1 more month to go! Gosh... She measured thrice coz she couldn't believe this as well.. And she also commented that he has long legs, must be daddy's genes working here :p

One thing she mentioned made me worried most. She told me baby's neck is surrounded by placenta one round, though she ensured me that it's quite common and nothing major to worry about, but the thought of it still seems dangerous to me... I have to monitor baby's movement closely to make sure he moves as usual.. I hope he's okay, pray hard that everything is alright...

Some info on week 34 pregnancy:

How big is your baby?

Your baby will be weighing in at around 4.73 pounds (2.146kg) and measuring 17.72 inches (45cm).
How big are you?Your uterus now sits about 5.51 inches (14cm) above your bellybutton and about 13.38 inches (34cm) above your pubic symphysis.

How is your baby developing and growing?

Your baby is already starting to develop his/her immune system to help him/her fight against any infections.
The fingernails will be nearing the end of the fingers, and may even need to be trimmed within the first couple of days after birth. Your baby's eyes will appear blue now, although they may change after the baby is a couple of weeks old.

When will your baby drop?

A few weeks before labor begins, you may notice a change in your abdomen, and if you measured the distance from the top of the uterus to the bellybutton or pubic symhysis, you may notice that the distance is now less. This is known as lightening, and occurs when the baby's head enters the birth canal.
You don't need to become concerned when this happens, as it happens at different times with different pregnancies, sometimes weeks before signs of labor begin, and other times just before labor.

With lightening you may experience a mixture of benefits and problems, such as:
Benefit: more room in your stomach, making you feel less squashed, ability to breathe easier. Problem: More pressure on your bladder, anus and pelvic area.
Other signs which you may experience at any time now is loosing your mucous plug. This is usually described as looking like mucous from your nose when you have a cold, and may have a brown, red or pink tinge.

Look what i had done!

Before:

After:

The culprit:

& the mummy... :(

As he always made a big fuss when we brought him for haircut, so i decided to buy a shaver to trim his hair. There are many advantages i can think of:

1) saving money - since he needs hair trimming quite often and i will have 2 boys soon, sure will spend lots on this

2) hygiene reason - this shaver will only be used on my 2 boys, so there will be no contamination or accidental cut from the barber

But but but.. look at what i had done to his hair! Side and front still okay, but the back was so uneven and i accidentally shave it too short, so after all the trimmings it became shorter and shorter.. And look at how grumpy he was after the haircut...

Sorry Zq, mama needs more practice to perfect my skill, please give me more time ya... Meanwhile, i hope your hair will grow faster!!!

Misunderstanding

Situation 1:

When Ayi showed Zq some babies photos today....

Ayi: 这是妹妹 (pointing to a baby girl's photo)
Zq: Girl
Ayi: 不是"哥哥", 是"妹妹"...
Zq: GIRL! (louder and eyes open bigger staring at Ayi)

Coz Ayi don't understand English..... :p


Situation 2:

When i flashed Vegetable flashcards to him...

Me: Zq, which one is bamboo shoot? (Holding 2 flashcards - bamboo shoot & cucumber for him to choose)
Zq: ...... (Reluctant to choose one, bending down and keep pointing to his socks)
Me: Zq, point to me which one is bamboo shoot?
Zq: Shoooo shoooo (Still pointing to his socks and mumbling)

Only then i realised he thought i asked him "Where is your shoes?" :p

This is the way i comb my hair...

He is getting more and more vain nowadays. Likes to comb his hair so much but always comb with the wrong direction... Haa

This is the way i comb my hair... comb my hair.. comb my hair...

Do i look more handsome after the combing?

Fruits

Zq knows his fruits (11.04.2009) from Carol Toh on Vimeo.

Colours

Zq knows his colours (11.04.2009) from Carol Toh on Vimeo.

外婆, 生日快乐!

外婆, 明天是您的生日. 我有 2 个礼物要送给您!

1) 生日卡片

漂亮吗? 妈妈和我一起画的, 她握着我的手写这些祝语, 可是那些五颜六色的线条是我自己画的喔! 我会把这张卡片收在我的包包里, 等我从北京回去再亲手送给您!


2) 生日歌

好听吗? 妈妈, 爸爸和我一起合唱和电子琴拌奏. 希望您会喜欢! :)

Zq wishes Ah Mah Happy Birthday! (11.04.2009) from Carol Toh on Vimeo.

外婆, 我爱您!

Happy 18th month old!

The lovely cheeky face that i cant resist to muack muack muack all day...............

Zq, seems like we just had your 1st Birthday celebration yesterday and you are now 18th month old!

Some of the things you capable of doing nowadays:

- knows how to say boy & girl and distinguish the genders on streets and pictures on books
- calling me "mama" with your ultra sweeeet tone and lovely expression everyday, i think more than 20 times a day? and this makes your papa very jealous for sure :p
- says “Volvo” whenever you saw flower & butterfly
- you are very clingy towards me nowadays, always hug on my legs and backside while I cook dinner in kitchen, so it often takes me longer to cook our meals
- able to distinguish a wide variety of animals: on top of the ones that I mentioned/ shown on video before, you able to recognize frog, rabbit, antelope, gorilla, cheetah, orangutan, rhinocerous, skunk, wolf, camel.. maybe like what Choy Yeen yiyi said, you aspires to be a zoologist when grown up.. haa

And you are weighing at 11.8kg and 84cm in height. Seems like your growth has been quite slow over the past few months, not sure whether is it because of your high metabolism rate or your activeness that burn out all the fat. But many mummies assured me this is normal for toddler at your age, so i guess i don't have to be bothered so much, as long as you are growing healthily and happily :)

Looking back 18mths ago, you have grown up so much… from a tiny infant in my arms, who relies on me totally for your every needs, to a little boy who gains some independence and eager to show it to me every now and then.. Though your independence may result in more “work” and “trouble” for me most of the time. But im still glad you are a courageous boy who dare to try out all the thing, despite all the bumps and cuts you get.. You can be quite a handful now eversince your physical mobility and behavioural maturity improve, as you keeps on challenging yourself and me in doing those dangerous stunts and push my limits on getting what you wants which you knows you not suppose to do so.

For me, it’s a continuing learning process, I have to watch my words & behaviours when disciplining you. It is definitely not an easy task as im not a very patient person either. But I have to try my best, to lay down a positive discipline ground and growing environment for you.
This 18mths had been very fruitful journey for me… And im so glad I can be with you all the while to witness every of your special moments..

And I’m thankful to you, my Dear, for supporting me to be a full time mummy. I really grateful to you as you have been working hard to provide all our needs, be it essential or luxurious, and you never complained at all… Eversince im pregnant with our 2nd boy, there are many sweet little things you do, the full body massage every night, the waking up early every morning to feed Zq breakfast before you left for work in order for me to have more rest.. You doing all these yourself without my request and im real touched.. Thanks for everything dear.. I am blessed to have you and happy for Zq to have a father like you…

Zq, Papa and Mama love you very much... And you gonna be a big brother soon, we hope you will love didi as we do which im sure you will... You have been a good brother, sayang and kiss didi everyday, and have learnt how to burp didi... Mama is very proud of you, and you will always be my dear baby... :)

VBAC

Wish to have a natural vaginal birth after my previous caesarian, hence did some read-up on this. I am now pondering the decision to engage a doula...

Some info extract from the web:

BabyCentre:

What is VBAC?

VBAC (pronounced vee-back) stands for "vaginal birth after caesarean section". It's the term used when a woman who has had a caesarean gives birth to her next baby vaginally. For most of the twentieth century, many doctors tended to hold the view "Once a caesarean, always a caesarean". But research now suggests that having a VBAC may be safer than previously thought. One of the main reasons for avoiding VBAC has traditionally been the risk of uterine rupture, but studies show that this risk is no higher than eight in 1,000. If you had a caesarean for your last baby you can elect to have a repeat caesarean with your next baby, or you may want to go for a vaginal delivery, or you may simply be undecided. Guidelines recommend women should be supported if they wish to have a vaginal delivery after a previous caesarian section, provided they are clearly informed about all the pros and cons.

Advantages of VBAC :

Many of the advantages of VBAC are the same as those of a vaginal birth compared to a caesarean. Following a normal delivery, you are less likely to:
• need further surgery
• be admitted to an intensive care unit
• need a hysterectomy
• have a blood clot
• have a placenta praevia in future pregnancies
• suffer injury to your bladder
• need a blood transfusion.
• Your baby is also less likely to have breathing difficulties following a vaginal delivery.
• You'll take less time to recover than from a caesarean, so your hospital stay will be shorter.
• It may take a little longer to conceive next time following a caesarean.
• If you felt disappointed that your last baby was born by caesarean, it may give you a sense of achievement to be able to have your next baby vaginally.

Disadvantages of VBAC :

These are generally the same as those experienced by mothers who have had previous vaginal deliveries and may include:
• Perineal pain and/or stitches following the birth.
• More chance of stress incontinence in the first three months after birth (although not in the long term).
• Increased chance of your womb "dropping" (prolapse) in later years.

Some disadvantages are specific to VBAC:
• In very rare cases, the uterus may rupture, which could put you and your baby at risk
• Psychologically, you may feel that you cannot risk having a failed VBAC attempt.

What is uterine rupture?

If you're considering a VBAC, someone will almost certainly mention the words uterine rupture at some point. This is when the scar on your uterus gives way, usually during labour, although it can happen during pregnancy, or during a caesarean operation, too. It's possible for your scar to gape slightly - what's known as a dehiscence - during pregnancy but this is unlikely to cause any problems for you or your baby. Uterine rupture, on the other hand, can be life-threatening for both mother and baby. However, it's also very rare: studies show that the rate of uterine rupture in women giving birth vaginally following one previous caesarean section is 0.09 to 0.8 per cent. It's so rare, in fact, that a 2004 study published in the British Medical Journal calculated that doctors would have to perform 370 repeat caesareans just to prevent one uterine rupture.

Your risk of uterine rupture increases if:
• You have a vertical, or classical, scar, but it's much more usual to have a horizontal scar now.
• You are given prostaglandin to induce labour - the risk of rupture is about eight per 1,000 ordinarily, but 24 per 1,000 if prostaglandin is used.

What are my chances of achieving a VBAC?

This partly depends on why you previously needed a caesarean and on how your pregnancy is progressing this time around. If you needed a caesarean for a problem that is on-going, such as a small pelvis, then you may well need to have a caesarean again. However, if you had a caesarean because of something particular to your last pregnancy - for example, if your baby was breech or you had a low-lying placenta - then you stand a good chance of having a vaginal birth this time. Although figures vary, research suggests that at least half of women attempting a VBAC achieve a normal delivery.

Your chances of having a successful VBAC are higher if:
• You have delivered at least one baby vaginally in the past
• Your last caesarean was for a breech baby.

VBAC rates are lower if you:
• Previously had a caesarean because of a small pelvis
• Have already had more than one caesarean
• Have oxytocin to induce labour.

What is a trial of labour (TOL)?

Trial of labour (TOL) is the jargon used by doctors to describe labour after a previous caesarean. This rather negative term highlights the fact that it is considered uncertain whether the labour will be successful. Because of this uncertainty, you and your baby will be closely monitored during labour so that any problems can be spotted early on. A maternity unit offering VBAC should offer electronic fetal heart monitoring and be fully equipped to perform an emergency CS immediately. It should also have access to blood transfusion services.

Key messages :
• If you wish to have a VBAC, your doctor should support you, but you should also be fully informed about the pros and cons, and take your obstetric history into account
• VBAC carries a small risk of uterine rupture - in about eight cases in 1,000.


ParentingWeekly:

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC):

For many years, the medical community believed that once a woman had given birth via a cesarean section that any additional babies she has must also be born via c-section. In fact, safe and successful vaginal deliveries are possible after a c-section, giving women the option to experience the childbirth process if they wish.

Experts estimate that 60 to 85 percent of women who had cesareans the first time around are able to have a normal labor and deliver vaginally their second, third or subsequent baby without incidence. Successful VBAC rates are higher for those women with non-recurring causes (such as a breech presentation with the first baby, but the favorable head-down position with the second) and those who have previously delivered vaginally.

There are many reasons a woman might choose to deliver a baby vaginally after a cesarean. Some women feel a sense of accomplishment with a vaginal birth, others have a medical condition which makes a repeat c-section riskier, while others do not want to repeat the lengthy and often painful recovery process associated with a c-section. Cesarean is also considered major surgery and, as such, is not without risks to mother and child, such as hemorrhage, infection and venous thromboembolism, and may place future pregnancies at increased risk for placenta previa, placenta accreta, uterine rupture, and peripartum hysterectomy. In addition, the process of labor and delivery helps prepare your baby for life outside the womb by helping him or her to expel much of the mucus and fluid from his lungs. There is also a decreased incidence of surgery-related fetal injuries (lacerations, broken bones) with a VBAC.

The type of uterine incision (which may differ from your abdominal incision) you received during your previous c-section will largely determine whether or not you will be able to attempt a VBAC. If you had a low transverse incision (horizontal, across the lower part of the uterus), there is an excellent chance you can deliver vaginally without incidence. However, if you had a classic incision (vertical, down the middle of your uterus), your obstetrician may not allow you to attempt a VBAC because this type dramatically increases your chances of uterine rupture.

Uterine rupture is the most common problem associated with VBAC; however, it happens very rarely – in approximately 1 to 2 percent of VBACs. Your doctor will be able to assess your risk and advise whether VBAC is an option for you.

While the ACOG considers oxytocin use during VBAC acceptable, induction of labor, regardless of the method used, is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for uterine rupture, according to the AAFP. Recent VBAC studies have shown three to five times more ruptures among induced mothers compared with those having spontaneous onset of labor, and the AAFP recommends prostaglandins and oxytocin (Pitocin) be used with great caution during VBAC.

Positive Factors (increased likelihood of successful VBAC):
– less than 40 years old
- Prior vaginal delivery (particularly prior successful VBAC)
- Favorable cervical factors
- Labor begins spontaneously
- Non-recurrent indication that was present for prior cesarean delivery

Negative Factors (decreased likelihood of successful VBAC):
- Increased number of prior cesarean deliveries
- Gestational age – baby is less than 40 weeks
- Birth weight – baby weighs less than 4,000 g (8.8 pounds)
- Labor must be induced or augmented

If you decide to attempt a VBAC and you wish to use pain medication, such as an epidural or narcotics, you should discuss this with your obstetrician well before your due date. Pain relief medications can be used with a VBAC; however, it's important to use them wisely. Epidurals can slow labor and may increase your chance of needing another c-section. However, some studies indicate that if you delay an epidural until you are dilated at least 5 centimeters, your chances of having a cesarean delivery drop dramatically. Narcotics can lessen your anxiety and help relax you and, while they do not increase your chances of having a cesarean, they do affect your physical mobility and may affect your baby because they enter your bloodstream and therefore can cross the placenta.

There are plenty of ways you can help ensure you and your baby are safe during a VBAC delivery. Consider taking a childbirth refresher course to brush up on breathing and relaxation techniques that will help you labor efficiently and reduce stress on your body, or hire a doula to help coach you through labor. And during labor, let your doctor know immediately if you feel any unusual abdominal pain or tenderness.

The best way to prepare for your VBAC is to educate yourself and your partner about the benefits as well as the risks, and what you can expect. Read everything you can on the subject, ask plenty of questions of your doctor or midwife, and talk to other mothers who have experienced a VBAC, as well as those who have never had a cesarean.

Yan An's lovely nest!

Finally done up with Yan An's lovely nest! So happy and feel so accomplished, coz all of the items are bought online and delivered to my doorstep! :)

Here are the costs of the items:

- Height adjustable cot: S$170

- 100% latex mattress: S$60

- Bumper set & bedsheet: S$25

Total: S$255! I think it's a good deal as all the items are custom-made according to the dimension and design i want! Zq got a new bedding set as well and is of Mickey Mouse design... And im gonna custom-made another bedding set for Yan An, which is a cow moo moo design! :p

This is his lovely bed :)

New Bike

Bought this super kawaii Doraemon tricycle for him at S$30! It was delivered to our doorstep but we gonna assemble it ourself and it's definately not easy!

This cheeky boy cant wait to "test-drive" and give me funny poses on his new bike :pCant sit still for a single second! Papa had to fix up the bike while make sure Zq would not fall down from it. I tried to drag cum bluff him down but to no avail.
The end product! Thanks Dear! :)

Brought him down to the playground with his new bike. He was anxious to come down from it once he reached. Insist to climb up the stair himself without any help
Interested in other's basketball

Trying different ways to slide down
Prefers to push the bike instead of sitting on it

南锣鼓巷

Today is a Public Holiday in Beijing - 清明节.

Since we don't have any ancestor here for tomb sweeping, we decided to go out for a short walk...

Dear suggested this 南锣鼓巷, according to him it's an unique alley (胡通) with special bars, cafes & shops. So here we go!

Modern bar along this 胡通

Mail box or "milk box"? Haa

Got this leather-cover notebook at S$5 only! Will revisit this shop again coz they can personalise a notebook with photo on it at a cheap cost, will choose a photo of Zq and bring it along next time! :)

And this lovely patchwork cow moo moo for Yan An!

Dear drinking the ever famous 酸奶

And u must be puzzled why there isnt any photo of Zq. Coz he slept all the while!!!

Kilos & inch

Mummy whale's size at week 32 of pregnancy:

weight gained: 14kg
tummy size: 42.5 inches

another 8 more weeks to go....

Blue Sonata

Some photos taken at the little garden of Blue Sonata (a shopping mall at BJ). It's only 5 mins drive from our house and it has my favourite supermarket - The Market Place! Hence, we frequent here lots :)

Papa & Zq

Zq & Mama (angry with Dear, i always manage to capture better photo of u & Zq. Look! this is your best shot of all - Zq not even looking at camera, hmph!)

Haa.. very obvious that he unwilling to take photo with us! He just wana get down and walk!!!

My cool boy. Very difficult to capture his smiley photos nowadays, he just reluctant to smile at the camera.

He walked up & down the ramp for more than 20 times i think! He protested and screamed so loud when we wanted to get him out of here!