March Madness

Ah.. weekend's over.
There's so much I'm looking forward to in March. Moving to a new house also meant we soon will have a new household schedule. New wake-up and bedtime, dinner time, bath time, etc etc. Our movers had looked into our house yesterday to quote the expenses which also meant we're moving hopefully by next weekend. They promise it'll only take a day to move everything and also to disassemble and assemble our things. We are fortunate to not own many "crystals" or glass things so packing wouldn't take too much time. Our dining tables, wardrobes and TV table are the only ones need extra care because there are glasses. The rest should be as per usual. And the BBQ set shall remain as it it and shifted easily. Then there will be endless cleaning and unpacking to do for the next several weekends. Yikes!

Sofas and furnitures for my office are hopefully coming in by March too. Quotations been sent, materials been chosen and now I am waiting to receive the colour chart. The big boss and I have agreed on a 3 seater but he's kind enough to provide extra 2 single seaters as well. I think I might get some throw-pillows as well. The coffee table is yet to be selected. Oh and so is the workstation for my staff. Windows will be tinted and one of the windows need blinds for more privacy. And then we're done! Hopefully by March!

Early this year I was invited as a speaker to a Leadership Camp so next week is the event. That's another headache on its own course. Since I've never done Dr Gary Couture's and neither has Dr Adnan, this will be the first for CPSC team. Wish me luck!

Lil Mia's 2nd birthday bash is just around the corner. Venue, menu, theme, cake and guest list have been decided and confirmed. She'll be having 3 celebrations this year. Lucky girl! Preparations shall only start in April after March madness ends, ok!

On top of all that, I have my regular work, clubs and events to look into. How nice :)

Missing you

Sometime back I had a sudden thought about a friend. I remember missing her so much I even had posted a little poem for her Reliving the Past. Today I heard some good news of her. She's getting married and moving to the States soon.

We had our rough times, indeed. She had a good life. Though it has been more than 3 years now it still seems hard to forget. Some things people do or say just hits the world to you. And it can take a while to re-focus and re-adjust. In my case, a very long while. However, I wish her well and hope one day when she comes back, we'll be able to meet again and let by gones be by gones. 

Must-haves

The idea of becoming new parents (for the first time) can sometimes overwhelm us not to mention that we're about to go through it by ourselves - especially when living so far away from our families and relatives. So we started educating ourselves further than the norm. We read a lot, researched (medically as well), joined forums and clubs, attended classes (pre-natal and post), visited bookstores, dig out as much we can from out obs and invested a lot just for the best. I felt there was nothing we didn't do or find out about pregnancy and babies then.

Few months before the arrival of our cheek-a-boo I browsed through some parenting mags while waiting for our check-up at the hosp. Flipping through the pages there was this article I remembered from famous people in Australia of the list of "must-haves" which they swore by them put their lives (and bubs) at ease. The list goes from travel cribs to lil furry musical lamb to soothe their lil bubs at the time.

So now that our lil tot is almost turning two, we thought we shall come up with our own list of "must-haves" that we consider as things we are most grateful to have bought since lil Mia was born.

1. Muslin cloths

We bought some pretty colourful ones with prints on them as napkins to put on our shoulders in case she spills out milk from her mouth. We bought a set at Target and another set when she's a little older and only because now lil Mia is very attached to them they've became her 'security blankets' :) They also come in various sizes so the bigger ones are used as baby wraps at home for when naps and bedtimes kick in.

2. Bath-tub

Fisher Price has this tub inclusive of a baby sling so when she was an infant, we could bathe her securely without worrying of slipping or holding her awkwardly during bath time. She absolutely loves bath time when in the sling rather than holding her in our arms/hands.

3. Portacot

This comes in handy when sleeping over at people's house (visiting or hometown visit for Raya) including a night at Grandma's. Esprit has one with adjustable height (up when infant, low when baby can pull himself up) and turned into a play cot, separate changing table, musical mobile, canopy, wheels for easy portability, take-along bag where you can pack and it is such light-weight that we can put into the car and take on flight! Also it is easy to assemble and pack too!

4. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Synergy

Now this is a sure fire life saver. It is airy, with back support for carrier and baby, light weight, easy to put on and off. Lil Mia can sleep soundly while Mommy or Daddy shops :), it can be used from newborn (3.5kg - 12kg) and it saves us from taking the stroller along to packed places (eg Central Market). Also useful for me to do groceries shopping by myself, leaving both my hands free and have lunch. We took this with us on flight to Canberra without the stroller. I could breastfeed her without taking the whole thing off, and the airlines allows us to carry her in the carrier til we reach inside the plane. How convenient! We also took this on boat rides and unlike those bulky plastic baby carrier by hand, this one is perfect for us. Baby Mia had this phase of wanting to be held ALL the time. It went on for a couple weeks. Putting her down in the stroller or car seat means hell. So while on this carrier I was able to manage so many things at once and because this carrier fits snuggly, she sleeps comfotably and observes her surroundings while on it with no fuss at all :)

5. Baby Bjorn Babysitter Balance Air

I know I must sound like a Baby Bjorn ambassador now but this one is also great! Baby Mia loved it for a while then she got kinda 'scared', maybe? This self-bounce babysitter might 'freaked' her out a little since she's not used to being swooned around :) But now (at 21 months) it has been her favourite seat to bounce around in, watch TV or put her lil doll to sleep. This bouncer has 3 positions for newborns, babies and toddlers. It can be folded and dumped into our backseat car for travelling purposes.

6. Bumbo seat

So this Bumbo seat is a dream once lil Mia was able to sit (with support), she can be seated in this cute lil seat and I was able to feed her without worries. Of course this seat should only be stationed on the floor as cautionary action. This also comes with a tray that allows her to play or bang around in. Now at 21 months old lil Mia still uses this seat for snacking or watching her favourite show.

7. Fisher Price Space Saver

We were presented with this absolutely convenient seat during our Baby Shower party. This genius piece of thing can recline for babies as young as 4 months to hang around in watching their surroundings and as booster seat for them to grow into through age 3 or 4 years old. It attaches to your regular dining chair and the tray can be detached for lil ones to just sit and enjoy their surroundings or to have their meals together as part of the family.

8. Steelcraft Strider 3 and Bugaboo Bee

Okay so lil Mia has 2 types of strollers. Her first Steelcraft Strider 3 stroller is so sexy in red I couldn't stop myself from puchasing it spacious, sturdy and very good for when we stroll around Rundle Mall or the parks. The tyres are big and even when going over bumps and rocks, she wouldn't wake up from slumber. It has a big space under the seat for when groceries I can easily stuff things there, wide holding area, three-wheeler (hubby's requirement) and a canopy large enough for when she's asleep. There's also footrest for her to keep her snug inside. It really is like a small shelter for our 21 month old. Unfortunately this stroller can only be found in Australia. Bugaboo is very light-weighted. The main reason why this is kept with my parents for even they can manage it with ease. It is also easy to open and close. We brought this one to Phuket with us and it was a dream. Definitely worth it.

9. Samsung Galaxy Tab

From the day we brought this back home with us, this gadget has been a favourite and has kept our lil one entertained so long. It is a life-saver! I've enclosed details to how easy life has been with this in the previous entry.

10. Avent Storage system

I have bought loads of these. The cups can be used as expressed milk storage, stuff them inside the freezer, lid on top and just forget about it til when baby's screaming for one. Once bub turns 6 months or ready for solids, it can in turn become little containers to put food/snacks in and bring along while out and about! Lil Mia now uses them as lunch packs for rice porridge, cut-up fruits, cereals, biscuits, etc etc.

11. Concorde Ultimax car seat

I simply could not resist adding this one item. Our car seat! Now lil Mia does have 2 car seats - one for each car - but I'd like to highlight this particularly bcos I just love the functions and not to mention gorgeous colors! This one can hold up to 18kgs for when she turns 4 years old, recline even when it faces forward and everything is machine-washable! I absolutely love it. Have I mention the lovely funky colors on them? Yes, it is also spacious and the sides can be removed for large kids. The head cushions on the sides are a very good idea for when the child sleeps, their head can rest on the sides instead of hanging forward or sideways without support. And the cushions on the entire seat is soft and comfortable. It is a convertible which means it can turn forward or rear facing, easy instructions to install and really grows with lil Mia. We took her for long distance driving up to 4-5 hours on this seat with no trouble at all.

12. Cocoa Butter Nursing Cream

I suffered minor cracked nipple on my left breast. It was very painful. This cheeky cream saved my life. It is safe for baby to swallow and soothes the pain. I not only use on my cracked nipple but everytime after nursing. It goes everywhere with me for my whole breastfeeding experience.

13. Ni Organic Baby Conditioner

So this one is not entirely a "must have". But for us, it is. You see baby Mia was born with thick, long dark hair. I am sure she started growing hair on top of her hair first before any other organs or limbs. So this conditioner keeps those nasty tangles away and lessens baby hair loss. Her paed, Dr Powers told us not to forget conditioner on her hair so we've been using this organic product since Day 1. Unfortunately once again this cannot be found here so we used to import from Australia through friends.

14. Sebamed bath products

I have used this product when I was a baby and it is only natural to be using the same product on my baby. Baby Mia has only been washed with Sebamed wash, shampoo and lotion. It is compulsory for her to have lotion before putting on her nappy to avoid those nasty, nasty nappy rash.

15. Baby monitor

This is modern use gadget that saves me the trip of going up and down the stairs to check up on baby Mia. We train our lil boo to sleep without the aid of swings, pats or our presence. She shall learn to put herself to sleep by herself. It works nicely and today at 21 months my hubby and I cuddles her, kisses her all over, whispers sweet dreams and gently lay her down in her cot for bedtime or nap time and leave the room successfully. This monitor helps us hear her while (and when) she sleeps or wakes up. A very useful piece of gadget. I'd like to try those with the little video camera where you can watch them but they're just too expensive and this one does the job just fine.

16. Huggies Ultra, Huggies wipes and Johnsons wipes

Baby Mia used Huggies newborn variety (green color) when she was an infant. Now that she's bigger, she's only been introduced to Huggies Ultra (purple color). It lasts longer, soaks better and lil Mia has no problems with them. Now I was in nappies when I was a baby and those times nappies are not as efficient as they are today. Today we have breathable and certainly more efficient nappies than they were 20-30 years ago. So I am sticking to the modern civilization of nappy-wearing and donate money to the conservation in the name of lil Mia. Huggies wipes are awesome. They are thick and smells great! Now they do have them here in Village Grocer, but not the same variety so we've switched to Johnsons which is not as great but the best we've found so far. I just wish (crossing fingers) they would have wipes in those little travel packets like they do in Coles! Yes, you'd have to buy often but I seriously wouldn't mind since it's SO much easier to carry around than an 80 sheets packet!

Now these are just the list of items we found to be a "must-haves" for us particularly. Lil Mia is now 21 months old and all these products have stayed with her and we still use them daily. If you'd like to try out some of these products, we're happy to lend them to you for a short period of time and see if it suits your baby or lifestyle. Our lil tot absolutely loves all these items and suits her well. I can only understand these items can cost a bomb while some are just ridiculously priced commercially hence we're happy to lend for try outs.

Til then, happy shopping! :)

2011

 There's so much to update about I'm not really sure where to start.

1. To start the year with, Hubby presented a very sexy and sophisticated device



Samsung Galaxy Tab

With the chaos and increasing owners of iPads on the vibe, we turn ourselves to this smaller gadget to suit our family (and work) activities.

I absolutely LOVE it!!

Most functions just like the iPad BUT unlike the famous iPad, this sexy lil thing can operate as a camera, phone and small enough to stuff it in my bag wherever I go!

Most of all, it is now a favourite of our lil tot (which she named it "oyyio ollio ollio" deriving from "Pocoyo" - you can only understand this if you're a parent to toddlers :)

We downloaded heaps of Pocoyo series (and videos of her or us) into this lil gadget to keep our lil Mia (and us) sane during the flight to our family holiday (yet to be updated!) and now it has also kept us from going crazy on long car trips and whenever she gets bored exploring/playing. Hooray for Daddy! Our Hero! :)

2. Lil Boo was also sick for couple days and both of us also took turns falling ill. Mommy thinks she had it bad this time round. I was vomitting and unable to retain fluid nor food for a day. Lost a couple kgs too.

3. The following weekend I ran a talk on personality and career pathways. Must say, I learned a lot from just preparing the talk. John Holland sure puts some people in perspective.

4. I took half day off from work for another interview. Straight right after the interview, I felt it in my guts and mind that their people/company is not ready for proper psychologist/counsellor. They need to be well informed and do more research on how it works. I suppose this must be one of the reasons why Dr Adnan survived only 3 days in JB working for another company. Not many are ready for the change we bring. And it's not easy for them to understand either. Nevertheless, I hope they found the person they're looking for.

5. Papa's bday was celebrated with some great steamboat dinner with the troops and Elynn whom happened to dropby for a visit that night. Also presented both my lovely parents with some "ka-ching" from my bonus pay. Lil Mia had fun not only with food (which she always does) but also meeting some "new" friends. The restaurant's pet squirrel and fishes!

6. We headed off to our hometown for a kenduri from Papa's siblings specially to thank God for Papa and Ayah Mat's speedy recovery from their major operations respectively. We left on Saturday and lil Mia was so excited once we reached there. She met her cousins and played with aunties and uncles. She clearly was tired by 8.30-9pm (her usual bedtime) but with so many people, new activities, new environment and people just kept her right up til 11pm! She finally slept instantly in her car seat on our way back to Encik's house.

7. The best of all (so far) this year is our family holiday in Phuket! It is definitely a highlight event for us and will be for a long while because our lil tot enjoyed herself SO much! She absolutely loves the sea, sand and can spend hours and hours at the beach if we let her! Which we absolutely did on our third day there. She went swimming, had a floatie and ball, played sand-castles, looked at sea-shells and a starfish, buried her leg in sand, played with waves, had a walk by the beach, took a nap, picnic and snacks, had grapefruit from the locals and just chill! She's very much a Daddy's girl in that sense. We'd walk around and when she sees the beach, she'll point at it and goes "mine!! mine!!". There's this fresh milk she enjoys so much there I thought I'd get a whole box of them home with us before realizing they won't survive the trip :p and some local buns which she can never seem to refuse. She had her first tuk-tuk ride and sings almost all day long. She wakes up in the morning singing and if we don't leave the room in few hours she'll insist we go to the beach! Or the hotel pool in her lil swimsuit or little swimmers. She walks with us (instead of sitting in the stroller) after lunch one day back to the hotel just to be like how everyone else does and does not complain or get cranky from being tired. I cannot help but feeling all warm, fuzzy and delighted seeing how happy our lil tot is from the trip. My favourite beach babe :)

8. Back from Phuket and we thought of giving KB a visit. Been months since last she met lil Mia. And ever since hubby and I got married, flight has always been our mean of transportation from KL. This time round we thought of introducing our lil girl to train ride. She'd been on the usual ERL but never on KTM before. And to be honest, the last time my train ride was a good 15 years ago. It'd be nice to experience it again now that they travel overnight and we'll be able to reach KB early the next day. Just as we arrived frm KLIA, we were informed of the flood strikes and emergency stops the train suffered from it. We cancelled our trip and just as well because all 3 of us were just exhausted from Phuket! Lil tot had very mild runny nose too.

9. We had enjoyed our family's visit to I-City few weeks back especially lil Mia. She laughed and shrieked so much that day I thought she'd end up with sore throat but luckily she didn't. So this time round on a smaller frame, we decided to bring her to Sunway Pyramid and enjoy the lights they've put up for CNY. She did in fact enjoyed herself and so did Mommy because she got herself some new pair of shoes! :D

10. It's Valentine's Day today. Initially my very dear dear darling hubby wanted to go to the Deftones concert (yes, it's tonight) with Raymond. And I had thought about what I'd do on Valentine's night by myself with the lil one. Lucky me they cancelled the plan so tonight we shall go out for dinner to celebrate! Yay! :) Will update more soon! :)

Merry Christmas 2010

Lil Mia finally says Mommy (or more like "Mimm-my") and knows what it actually means :)

Daycare is closed for end of the year holidays this entire week so the whole bunch is at my parent's this week. And lil bugaroo is staying with Mama while Mommy n Daddy's at work. I am getting better at "not being too attached to" the lil bugaroo. In fact I even suggested to hubby dearest we hit the malls after work to get some things for myself :) Doing pretty good, eh? Guess I'm getting my life back. Little by little. Though what is life now without my baby girl..? Hmm..

Unlike last year, this year's Christmas was a lil low key. Eve night we spent some family time at Robinsons and Christmas day at the Curve. It was as usual packed tight with people doing shopping while trying their best to get some family time. We try to keep ourselves away from the crowds as best we can. While of course lil Mia gets a balloon, couple hundred dollars worth of new clothes and some play time at the playground. Also, chased after the Christmas carols, fell backwards on a lil broken ride, made loads of friends along the way and had a huge, huge feast at the beautifully-lit Marche. She also caught a mild flu bug on the way. Did I mention she accidentally peed on my jeans? :) So yes, that was Christmas 2010 for us!

Mia's Vocab Works

Our Lil Bugaroo is 19 months and 23 days. In a week's time she will be turning the golden 20 month-old.

Vocabulary
Appa/Papa/Pa
papa (my dad; she could say this at 14 mo)
Abam
abg (my younger bro; also at 14mo)
Mama
mama (my mom)
Wan
mama (my mom or her Wan Ma)
Didd-dy
daddy
Mimmy
mommy (only according to her daddy, I've never witnessed it and I've a stinking feeling she won't say this in front of me =)
Te-ku
thank you (usually when she returns things to you, not the other way round)
Cat/Auw (initially but it's almost completely being replaced by "Cat" now)
perfect pronouciation yay!!
Auw
also refers to any type of animals
Eyow
hello
Paii-Bai
byebye
Bib-bikk!
the maid (it's so funny when she calls her this)
May-en!
Min (the maid)
Ba-Na
banana
Ee-yai Ee-yai Ow
the chorus part from the classic "Old Macdonalds has a farm.."
Bee-bee
referring to any "little people" from little babies to under 5 yr olds

That's about it, I guess. Hope I've not missed out anything. Most times she uses body and sign languages to communicate. But she understands almost everything we tell her. For example, just couple weeks ago I was heading out the door and lil Ms Social-Butterfly here can never see anyone leaving the house without her! So I told her, "baby, go get your shoes on the stairs". She looked at me first, and I repeated myself one more time. And off she went! Mind you, I couldn't point out where the stairs nor shoes were because it is at the corner of the house. Nervously waiting if she's succeed, it felt like AGES!!! 2 seconds late she came back running with her pair of shoes in hand! I could not be more proud of her! It really made me feel like a zillion dollar mommy for the rest of the day =) =)

She also knows how to nod now. Daddy had to teach her how to nod. Apparently she doesn't know how to do it properly so now we're practicing yes=nod, no=shake. She used to shake her head for both yes and no. Which is quite funny and extremely adorable!

These past couple of days she seemed to laugh a lot. She'd giggle in the car and laugh histerically when we're at the mall. She's turning into a very happy baby and nothing makes us happier than that =)

We love you Mia Dahlia
xx

Home Sweet Home

I have been at my parent's for 2 weeks stretch. It has also been utterly exhausting to commute back and forth from work and from lil Mia's daycare. So you can imagine my relief now that darling hubby's back from out-stationed and we're back to our normal regime.

Few things need to be sorted which also requires time and ka-ching! But I guess we can ask Santa instead!

So dear Santa,
I've been fairly good this year and here's my wishlist:

1) New pair of lenses
2) Few makeup items - the ones I had before got trapped together with the crashed car some time in Sept. I doubt I'd be able to get those back!
3) Pair of flats - last pair lost it's flower thingy in front
4) A kiddy table and chairs for lil Mia - she's into drawings and colorings now that she can spend a good 10mins with a paper and colored pencil at hand
5) God knows how much my darling hubby needs some casual t-shirts!
6) A brand new sofa set!

Hope that's not too much to ask for, Santa my man =)

Koda went missing yesterday. She went out in the morning and was not found til this morning when Bibik went searching for her again. She was found among the bushes and open land in front of our far end neighbour's house. Thank god!

Wishlist 2011
1. Having moved to Bangsar and much closer to workplace (so I can leave an hour later for work!!)
2. Exercise, exercise, exercise! At least a walk or take lil Mia to the park every weekend.
3. Drink more fluids (am getting better than before actually)
4. Cook more often than I'd like to
5. Find some other kind of side-income I can manage
6. Plan for another family holiday!
7. Maybe a playmate for Koda?
8. Go for hair perm!!!
9. Hopefully get to visit Adelaide with lil Mia tagging along =)

Sighh..

Wonder Woman

I feel like a Wonder Woman today.

6am - Woke up, ready for work.
630am - Mia's up wanting milk. Packed her bag (breakfast, lunch and snacks) for daycare. Daddy changes her nappy.
7am - Pile everyone up and off to daycare/work. Battle traffic.
8am - Reach daycare/work.
9 - 6pm - At work.
6pm - Quick shop for tonight's dinner. Pick up Mia. Battle traffic.
8pm - Reach home. Cook rice. Daddy changes Mia and keep her entertained while Mommy changes and cook dinner (ayam masak merah yum!).
830pm - Put Mia to bed.
9pm - Dinner and ME time!!
10pm - Usually too sleepy to be awake.

And tomorrow continues.
Not to mention there's 2 bags of unfolded laundry, messy floor with toys, dishes in the kitchen and that tantrums toddlers have ONLY when you're-busy-doing-something to deal with.

Nevertheless, I love my crazy days. By the end of the day - leaves me feeling fulfilled, satisfied and fully aware that I've exercised my role as a wife and mommy. Don't talk to me about multiple kids yet. I'm not ready definitely.

So for those with maids/helpers/living with extended families, I think they're somewhat lucky with a little less load in their hands. I'd love to just stay with my parents but I prefer so much to live by myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents but I also love my independence. Makes me appreciate and value myself and my lil nuclear family even more.

Plus, with hectic days like these, who needs exercise? =)

Those single moms living with their child/children in a household with no maids/helpers/extended families, I salute you. I don't know how you do it, but you are certainly heroes. Hats off to you, definitely.

Year End

2010 is ending very soon. Sooner than I thought, really.

Have I achieved this year's resolution?
Let's see..
And yes I've lost most of preggy weight, spent time with my lil nuclear family as much as I can, love more, been to one country I've never been to before and no, I haven't been taking vitamins!

Our lil monster turns 19 months today.
We toook her to the park, the moment the car parked and she looked outside to the park, she squealled with delight! Ran towards the big kids playing slides and see-saw. Watched boys playing futsal and cheered happily. Ran up and down the skate-board ramps. She was yawning by the time her Daddy carried her to the car. So with no surprise tonight she's in bed by 8pm!! Ahh.. wonders of the park =)

I'm excited for my new office to be built soon. Temporarily I'm place in a small room fit for less than 20 people. Also, to start interviewing a new CPSC staff by end of the year. Sigh.. so much to look forward to next year. Lil Mia's 2nd bday bash, moving home, family holiday, office expansion. To name a few.

From the last update, our Raya turned out well. We celebrated at my parents' this year and head off to Pahang visiting some old relatives. Then to KB for the in-laws. In conclusion, we had road trips and plane trips this festive holidays. By the time we got back to work, there are open houses and wedding awaiting us to attend. Then comes Eid-ul-Adha. Lil Mia was down with cold this year so most of the day she was sleeping. We celebrated at my parents'. I baked macaroons, cinnamon rolls and red velvet cake while mama prepared scrumptious chicken rendang, opor, lemang, ketupat, kuah kacang and nasi ulam (I roasted the beef loin). A joyfull celebration this year.

Last Friday was our company's Annual Dinner. Held in PICC attended by more than 1000 staff. It was such a big, grand event hosted by JJ (Hitz.FM) and I could've enjoyed more than I had that night if I wasn't feeling under the weather =( Oh well, hopefully the upcoming event would be a blast.

Lil Mia's enjoying her daycare days. On Thursday she actually ran towards her school once she got out of the car and we had to call her back for a hug and a kiss. For Lil Mia, sending her to daycare is the best decision we've made for her. She's learnt SO much since. We couldn't help but notice the confidence she has surrounding strangers or other kids her age. Her social skills are building up so fast and she learnt how to play with other kids beautifully. I suppose it was the right age for her to start daycare. I know there are many school of thoughts out there about when to start. I guess the decision relays entirely on our judgment as human beings and observations as new parents. What ran through our minds starting a 16 month old? She's too young. Or we should have started sooner. Yes she had adjustment issues when she first started. Just like any other kids her age. It took her 2 weeks to adjust and she did pretty fast. They say we should start younger because adjustments would've been easier. And I wonder is it on the parents or child? And what kind of environment is healthy for a little baby to enjoy daycare? Same environment all day, no new stimulants or exposure? I guess by the end of this, we just do the best we can given what we have at the moment in time. Cross fingers, and hope for the best. And alhamdulillah so far I deem our decisions has been good so far for our little girl.

I am so behind with movies. Harry Potter just came out. I need to watch more movies.

Last Saturday I made an appointment with Keith for Lil Mia's first haircut. At first he suggested on a bob-cut which I also agree on. And then he spotted her lovely curls and changed his mind. So she had her fringe cut and a trim instead. It was her first time and I am disappointed with myself for not taking pictures! She willingly sat on the kid seat but once Keith came round and fiddle with her hair, she got a little freaked. So up on Mommy's lap she sat with her first orange-flavoured lollipop. She never had lollies before so of course she had no idea what to do with them. Once she tasted it, I was surprised she wasn't all over it. So I let her feed me with it while making ridiculous sounds with my teeth. So that got her occupied enough while Keith does his job. When he's done, I changed her clothes and off we went to the bookstore. Bought her a 200 stickers activity book, then to Delicious for a treat while waiting for Daddy to service the car. He later joined us for lunch and we head home.

The Friday on the weekend we had our Raya open house, I crashed our car into another car in front of us. There were 4 cars involved and ours was the last one. Luckily Mia was not with us. I don't know about other new mommies out there but the first thought in my mind after work is seeing my little girl. Unfortunately that day my parents took her from daycare early and spent the rest of the day in their home. So that left us driving that 45 mins drive after work to their house to pick her up. And because the traffic was bad as always, hubby dearest wanted to stop to have dinner first. So we did. After dinner, I was aching badly to see that little chubby face that I thought I should drive instead. It was drizzling and I was pretty fast on a highway. I remember slamming the brakes but the road was slippery and we were going downhill. So there goes the car and bruises on us and body aches for a week.

That's about all happened so far. Oh and I went for an interview recently. They called wanting me to come for an interview. So I did but have not heard from them so far. I'm very confused and heavy-hearted about it. We'll see how it goes.

Til then, good-night =)

Daycare Drama, Shitty Big Boss and Raya

A day before Raya. Insyallah.

Tomorrow will be my last day at work. Yep, am working til the last day before raya. The upper management are so kind they let all Muslim staffs have half days tomorrow so I'll be leaving office around noon. Pick our lil one up from daycare, pack our things and head off to my parent's.

Lil Mia has been doing pretty good so far. She still cries in the morning before we depart but instead of reaching out for me, she'd reach out for her blankie on my shoulder instead. Both of us developed a habit since her arrival of putting a little blankie on top of our shoulders when we carry her. She used to spilled milk out when she was a little baby that we always make sure to have the blankie on the shoulder she'd rest her head on. Now that blankie has turned out to be her "security blankie" together with a little cat half her size. You'd often see both blankie and cat with her where ever she goes =)

So blankie and cat are 2 severely important items to have before we leave her in daycare. Yesterday one of her teachers said she didn't cry (for the first time) at bath time. But she did cry a little when they pulled blankie away from her to pull her clothes up for bath.

This morning she cried as usual before I leave but she lets go of me when I gave her to Teacher Ivy to carry. Once in, she's okay again. So it's true. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks before they settle in. For our lil one it's even harder since she started on a Thurs, then there's the weekend, then the following Tues was a public hols, then the weekend again where she was bitten by bugs again and stayed home on Mon, then tomorrow half day followed by a week of Raya hols! Aghh!! She just started to settle!! Now I'm stressed, instead! =(

Anyway, Daddy hurt his foot. So he's off to the docs this morning. Hope all is well for Raya. So far we've done most of our Raya shopping. Not that we have much to buy this year. Lil Mia has 7 sets of bj kurung this year. 2 of which we bought, and the rest tailored by her grannies. It'll be the first time she's wearing one. Last year she was only 5 months and I felt pretty ridiculous to put a 5 mo in bj kurungs considering our weather so we bought dresses instead. This year Lil Mia is walking with almost perfect balance.

Since the last enrty, I had been in Bali and stayed at the awesome Hard Rock hotel. There are tonnes of pictures which I'll upload later. Got myself few temporary tattoos, dresses, clubbing at Discotheque, drinks and food with friends. One of the best holidays of my life :)

Then got myself into trouble with my big boss. Well, really he's asking too much. And good timing too when my immediate boss was still enjoying himseld in Bali that day. So I made a decision just to get out of the meeting room, then talked and clarified things with Dr Adnan (head of dept in another branch), turned out it is not as how big boss requested it to be. Also that he had lied abt some other things which in turn made me lose respect for him as a big boss. So to cut it short, I stood up for myself to what I believe in, my values and rights, also to what I've been trained to do, and because it is just unethical what he's asking for. Got me into a meeting with the even higher management. Put on a brave face, went to the meeting with a mindset of "if they're going to push me further into doing this, I'll resign. I do not feel there is a point of me be working for someone/something that goes against my values and unethical." So at the end of the meeting, our bigger boss turned out to be awesome. Understanding and sees my POV. Unfortunately no decision can be made yet. So I've just to hang in there for a lil bit and hopefully we'll get an answer.

At the moment, I think my big boss hates me. He takes this personally (which is very immature of him), picking on little things I do, is very stubborn, extremely high ego, male chauvinist and just generally not happy. As long my immediate boss backs me up, I'm here to stay. Don't give a rat's ass abt big boss.

So there's a lot happening. Now I'm looking forward for Raya, especially for my lil one since it's only her second Raya. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone else "Salam Aidilfitri" and a Happy Hari Raya =)

xx

The Update so far..

I left the daycare at 9.15am!!

We reached there sharp 8.30am and met a lovely young lady - Teacher Ivy. She happened to be Nicholas's (the principal) sister. We went into the room where lil Mia will be staying and playing with friends her age group. They already have an older girl named Mia at the centre so they're calling my girl, Baby Mia.
Like we use to.
I'm liking the centre already =)

So Baby Mia was not quite friendly as she used to be. Until she came into the room. We met 11 mo Tristan and his mom who just started a week and a half ago. She played a little with him then went over to hug me. I guess she kinda get the anxiety/nervous vibe I was experiencing. Then again, she just had her dose of Zyrtec and cough medicine so she could be a lil sleepy. Ivy came over and I talked over things with her - how and what time naps are, what she needs during change time, times she eats and milk, where things are, etc.

The teachers then took her out to play at their garden along with other kids. She wouldn't go if I didn't. So she walked around with me holding her hand or just walks around my legs. So I entered the garden and soon as she started playing with other kids, I kissed her head and said my goodbye. Then I slipped off. I think she didn't notice. And now I'm feeling that was not a good idea. Next time, she has to see me before I leave. A quick goodbye.

45 mins later I received a text from Nicholas

"Baby Mia had stop crying for nearly half an hour and playing with friends and
teachers in the garden. She seems getting settle herself already. A well
performance baby. Good day!"

I immediately called him. She cried about 2 mins after I left for about 15 mins. She was looking for me. I knew I should've said my goodbyes properly! Oh well.. never mind. Better luck tomorrow!

Darling hubby and I had been brainstorming on things we should pack for her. So in the end I packed 4 outfits, 6 nappies, 2 milk, 1 bottle, binky and blanket, toys, Mao and Dibo, toilettries, wipes, snacks - half an orange, yoghurt, 3 cherry tomatoes, cheese ciabatta, lunch - chicken porridge, her spoon, diaper-change mat, cough med and extra socks. I was tempted to bring along her pillow and quilt blanket bt Daddy said she hardly even use those anyway *wink*

At 12 I called Nicholas again. Just to make sure everything's allright. They must know I'm nervous and it's my first time sending her to daycare. Also mentioned to foget the cough meds. I think she's quite stressed already - doesn't need extra. Oh yes, my lil one had such nasty, nasty flu over the week. I had 2-days MC from her paed. She had fever, cold, cough, sore throat, the whole works! So she (and I) were in bed almost a week (since last Friday) til she got better today and off to daycare! *phew* That's the reason why we had to delay sending her early this week. And giving meds to an almost healthy toddler is no fun. In that respect, I'd rather deal with meds when she's sick. Damn cough meds and antibiotics!

Can't wait til 5.30pm to pick her up!

Anxiety Attack!!

I'm super-anxious. Been up since sahur. Been packing and thinking over things to bring along. Playing the scene in my mind for days. Thoughts of the good and worse can happen. I never expected to be so anxious and nervous this way. It almost seem ridiculous.

It's lil Mia's first day at daycare today.
She's 16 mths and 5 days.

-blank-

So much had happened.

So deep are my thoughts.

There are highs and lows.

I love the highs and the lows.

Nuff said for today.

First Steps

Dear all

My lil 15 month old is now officially walking. Stand back everyone!

Yes, you read correctly. On Monday (Aug 2nd) at 15 months and 12 days lil Mia and the family went to KLIA to send papa off to Indonesia on a business trip. Both Mommy and Daddy took a day off work because the little princess had diarrhea since the Friday prior. We decided to take lil Mia to the docs. In the afternoon we shot off to KLIA and boy she had fun walking! We managed to have those first few steps on video (which I'll upload as soon as I can find the time to). She had been walking with guidance at the park and few times at home or on outings. She could mange maximum 3 steps by herself from the weekend she turned 15months. It was only on Monday she managed a whole lot more steps!

Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you little one.

xx

Little Dibo

I've not written to my little one for quite a while now.

Dear baby

You are so strong and heavy now (9kgs).

You're getting cheeky and michievious sometimes.

This morning you figured out that if Bibik takes you in the morning, it meant leaving Mommy and Daddy off to work. To you, it's unfair for us to go for 'outings' without you.

Your giggles and laugh are infectious.

Often no matter how grumpy we were from long late nights of work, just that little giggle from you turned our moods and faces to smiles and later, laughs too. Do you know you make a lot of people around you smile and brightens their days? You're a special one. Very special.

You get annoyed and angry sometimes too.

And we get frustrated just as well as you do. It's okay little one. You don't need to know how to close your bottle cap yet. Or eat rice with your chubby little hands. Or put on your pyjamas. Or catch your sister Koda. Or be included in games with other kids in the playground. You don't have to know them yet. Mommy and Daddy's happy doing all those for you, for now. Take your time, little one.

However you turn out to be, Mommy and Daddy loves you to bits.

Never forget that.

xx

Updates and Trip!

It's been a while.

I had my awesome-ness campaign running and it's finally over!!!!!

Omg running the campaign took a huge chunk of me from my hubby n lil baby. All the stress, anxiety, worry, protocols, media, big namely people involvements are seriously not funny. Especially when your name (and the only name) they look at - I'm not even confirmed! How do you put someone whom is not a confirm employee in charge of something big like this!? Are you insane?? What if I screw the whole thing up? And not up to your expectations? Agggghhh!!! *faints*

Okay.. it's over now. Phewwwwwww..

Now back to slightly normal (i've still to conduct talks and workshops lined up, not to mention my schedules are filled with appointments til next week!) life. I've been working on weekends for 5 weeks in a row now. And this weekend will be the last. I cannot afford another. This weekend will be crazy since I've to be at the office by 2am!! Yes, people. AM. Bloody event!

Here are some pictures from our family trip to Langkawi. No, it's not our first trip. Our first was to Canberra. It was short, sweet and nice. We were also there for baby's passport.

Langkawi was to introduce lil baby to the beach. We went to Glenelg beach but she was too small (2 mo) to experience it. Now I have a feeling she'll love beaches. Just like her Daddy. Let's start signing you up for swimming lessons!

I'll be packing up for trip again real soon.

Hope I get to update again!

Kak Fatan's wedding

The newly weds with the Khairul's

June 5th, 2010 was their wedding reception. After 2 years of me 'langkah bendul', finally my darling elder cousin got hitched! When I told her I was getting married 2 years ago, she had actually pinched me several times for not waiting for her. Well honey, enjoy married life now =) We were there the night before for their solemnization ceremony. Straight from work, with work clothes and all. The ceremony was over but to show our support (and food!!), we went anyway.

Congratulations the newly weds and welcome Hairi to the family! =)

p/s: credits to kde for this pic which only arrived today in my inbox =p

Worthwhile

Despite my hectic schedule yesterday, during one of the breaks before my next patient came in there was a knock on my door unexpectedly. "Come in.."

And there she was. Those bright shiny eyes.
Those eyes that should really be filled with loads of laughter, shining heavily with joy.
I will always remember those eyes.

"Hi Ms Miza. I've news for you."

I've not seen her for weeks. In fact, she had peeked into my busy mind early that morning left me wondering where could she be. She's having holidays, I thought smartly. She has an appointment with me scheduled for today in fact so I'll be seeing her. So seeing her yesterday was a delightful surprise.

"I'm going to Egypt in September. Dentistry."

My heart swelled.
My chest felt like bursting.
She held a box and handed it to me.

"This is for you. Thank you for everything."

You see, this bright girl had suffered in silence for years. A victim of domestic sexual abuse. With only one person she'd confided into. A friend whom is in Melbourne now. Mom is out of the question. So all she had was her studies. Which she excels tremendously. And rewarded her with a ticket out to "safety".

"..I remember what you said. About moving out to safety. So I decided to go."

Dear H****, my thoughts are with you always. Thank you for being vulnerable with me. I feel honoured being able to share your life experiences. I am grateful for your open-ness and allowing me inside your doors. For truly, that is also an experience gained and life lesson learnt for me. I hope we keep in touch. And I hope you'll be able to find yourself in Egypt, now that you're no longer living at "home". May Egypt be your new home now and you'd feel more comfortable in "your own skin".

Love always.
xx

I gave her a huge meaningful hug. I rubbed her back. I told her I'll miss her. And I told her I'm very proud of her. I also told her to keep in touch. And she'll post me the book I gave her to write as a diary. When she had felt it was not safe to keep such diary in her home, she can give it to me as safe keep.

I think I'll leave the box on my table for a while. It is wrapped with a red ribbon. With a little card note. A reminder of another success story. And perhaps as a forgiving symbol to those I've lost in my counselling career. This is to make up for the others.

And this is why I love my job.
It makes my life worth living.

Awesome Night

I had an awesome time last night at the Ball. Don't think I had a night like that for ages! It's so good to feel that energy again. Screaming songs with a live band til our throats hurt, dancing like fool and jumping away like there's no tomorrow. It was just awesome. An awesome night, indeed. Great company + good friends = awesome night. Food at the Ball costed 8k. Up to 10 varieties including 2 desserts. Foods wasn't bad (except for those dry scrawny salmons), other than that everything else were just o-kay.

As for my LO, sorry Mommy didn't get to see you before your bedtime. I got home by 11pm and head to McD with Daddy to get something to eat. By the time we reach home, you were sound asleep so Mommy just lay beside you and kissed you good night.

Although it was a formal event, do we look like we care? =)

Once those big VVIP left, we hit the floor and danced away!

Delilah

I have been listening to this song quite a bit. I think it's beautiful, and always have. There's just something in the air these few days. Something melancholic, unspoken yet uplifting, inspiring and beautiful.