Antenatal Class

We have graduated! Yes, the Popcorn Parents have graduated from the Antenatal Programme conducted by the Patient Education Centre at KK Hospital.

Yesterday, we finally completed our Antenatal Programme which we have been attending since April. There are a total of 10 sessions which we attend weekly. The programme helps new mummies to cope with changes associated with pregnancy, prepares us for labour and gives us tips on baby care.



Papas are encouraged to attend the sessions to understand what we are going through as well as give us support. Like what our trainer mentioned, our hubbies are the best form of pain relief and I couldn't agree more!

We found the programme pretty useful, although some lessons really bored us to tears like the topics on medications and diet during pregnancy. Topics which touched on the three stages of labour and delivery were very informative to us. I also liked the lessons on breastfeeding & caring of the baby.. we were given a dummy baby doll to practise on and it was pretty fun! I can remember clearly what the lactation consultant mentioned about engorgement during breastfeeding. That we have to constantly pump/latch to regulate milk flow, we don't want to open a Hard Rock Cafe.. that really got Popcorn Papa and myself laughing away.

Our last lesson


Classroom where the programme is conducted


Popcorn Papa practising the position for labour


Popcorn Mama showing off her bump.. gosh, look at my huge nose... I do hope it subsides back to the original size after delivery!


Now that we have completed the course, we will be taking our 'final exam' in around 85 days' time.. I do hope we are good students and remember all that we have been taught.

Devon's Second Toy .... Made with Tenderness!

After a good dinner at Upper Bukit Timah (the row of restaurants opposite Beauty World and Bukit Timah Plaza), Popcorn Mama and Papa arrived home to make another toy for Devon.

Yesterday, I had cut out the pieces for the brown bear. I washed it and let it dry. This time, I decided not to try to sew any part of the bear as my backstitch sucks big time. I let Popcorn Mama do all the sewing while I did the stuffing, marking and threading of the needle (luckily I can still do it... else I need to go see an optometrist).

We started around 8 pm and completed the bear around 12 midnight (about 4 hours of work). Sewing the separate legs, arms and ears was the easy part. Later when we tried to put everything together, Popcorn Mama had a hard time sewing all the body parts together. Once it was sewn together, I had a hard time trying to turn it inside out (it's almost like doing surgery... pushing 4 arms/legs through a small hole based on feeling is tough). Nevertheless, we completed the bear, and we sewed on a small little tail, and the face.

It seems that the arms are uneven, but we learnt quite a bit from this bear (as it was much more complicated than the bunny we did yesterday). I think we can definitely improve from this!

All the pieces cut out neatly, ready for Popcorn Mama to sew them together!


Mr Wabbit playing around with the uncompleted legs/arms of Mr Fuzzball


Mr Fuzzball all stuffed and ready for his facelift!


The final product - Mr Fuzzball!


Here is Mr Wabbit poking Mr Fuzzball's tail!


Best Friends Forever!


Bonus Content for Pregnant Moms with cravings for Coke
Mr Wabbit introduces the caffeine free Coke! (expensive at $1.95 per can as it's imported from USA. You can find it at selected Cold Storage outlets)

Devon's First Toy... Made with Love!

Yesterday, Popcorn Mama and myself went to Spotlight to pick up a few things -> yellow jersey cloth, brown terry towel cloth, thread, cotton stuffing and some felt. We wanted to make a toy for Devon!

We had earlier bought a book that detailed how to make a stuffed toy, and decided on something simple for a start... a small yellow bunny for Devon.


I spent yesterday tracing the designs out and cutting the yellow cloth. It was actually quite tough as the material was quite stretchy and was difficult to cut.


Popcorn Mama washed it and let it hang out to dry.

Today, we took it down and ironed it. Popcorn Mama then began the tedious process of sewing the bunny together. She sewed the pair of ears first, then the legs. (I helped to sew a bit myself too!... although Popcorn Mama complained that I cheated on some of my backstitch as I made the stitches too far apart. She had to remove it and sew all over again.)



We turned the bunny inside out and stuffed the bunny.

Let the stuffing begin! Notice the black felt eyes next to the bunny.


Popcorn Mama pushing in the cotton stuffing.


Popcorn Mama sewing on the eyes, nose and mouth.


Tada!!! Our baby's first toy. We think it looks a little bit imperfect, but that's what makes it so special for us.


Tomorrow, we're trying a teddy bear. Here are the pieces hanging out to dry. (I washed the pieces myself with baby laundry detergent).


I'll keep you guys updated on the results!

Aquafitness

Every Saturday afternoon, I head to KK Hospital for my Aquafitness class. The programme consists of four sessions which lasts 45 minutes per session.

Just a brief introduction to Aquafitness... it is a water-based fitness programme specially designed for expectant mothers. The buoyancy of water cushions muscles and joints and supports the increasing weight of the body during pregnancy. The warm water helps soothe tired and aching joints and the movement of the water creates a massaging effect over the body.

When I found out about this class, I was very interested and immediately signed up for it. We needed to be attired in swimwear so I happily took out my Old Navy maternity tankini which I ordered online months ago. But, when I put it on, I just somehow feel like this animal.. heheh.

The Dugong



Anyway, this is the Hydropool where the class is conducted, the water is warm and soothing.



We do warm ups, stretching, marching, various aerobic moves as well as strength training using noodle floats and dumb-bells in water. I can even jump and hop around in the water and feel light as a feather. What a confidence booster!!

As water resists body movements, muscles work harder. The next day, I'll feel a slight ache and that means I've worked out right?

At the end of the session, there is a relaxation segment where we just float on our backs, close our eyes and relax... A really therapeutic feeling...

I enjoy my classes a lot as it's really fun and it makes me feel energised... not to mention that I also made more new preggy friends. :)

Mid-Week Pursuits...

Thursday is the day of the week where the Popcorn parents spend time apart in the evenings doing the things they like.

I go for my weekly pilates lesson located right smack in Bishan Park. The environment is relaxing and tranquil, perfect for getting myself back on track after a hectic week at work.

I decided to take up pilates after I passed my first trimester... somehow I felt restless not doing any exercise. I used to go for aerobics lessons twice a week before I got pregnant. I needed to have some form of exercise, lest I balloon (further) into a whale!

Pilates is recommended as a form of pre-natal exercise. It focuses on breathing, concentration, control, centering, precision and flow. I find that the tough bridge exercises and breathing techniques that we were made to do are essential for getting me prepared for the labour process. I just hope that I don't forget everything when the time comes.. heheh.

Bishan Park where the pilates studio is nestled in



Entrance to the pilates studio



This is the studio. I practise reformer pilates where the exercises are done on the reformer machine.



As for Popcorn Papa, this is what he does every Thursday...



Yes! Magic Cards!

For those of you who have got no clue what this game is all about, it's a collectible card game with a big following in Singapore (I didn't know that until Popcorn Papa enlightened me).

Getting together with a group of friends to play magic cards, that's how Popcorn Papa destresses from his hectic week at work.

"Jiak Poh" (Tonics)

I was never one who placed much emphasis on taking tonics to boost health & well-being. All I ever did was pop some vitamin pills on a daily basis and go for my workout classes twice a week, that was about it.

However, since I got pregnant, I found myself more concerned on taking tonics & supplements for my health as well as Popcorn's.

These are what I take on a regular basis.

Obimin, which is a multivitamin, Natal Care Plus which is fish oil rich in DHA & EPA for baby's brain development and function as well as Calcium supplements as I am not a great fan of dairy products. I take these supplements on a daily basis every morning.



Concentrated Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar. I take a tablespoon once daily before bedtime. I love Bird's Nest!



Essence of Chicken with american ginseng, cordyceps & huaishan which I take once every two days.



Grinded american wild ginseng powder from Eu Yan Sang. This is expensive man.. $260 for a small bottle (only 37.5 grams!). I mix a small teaspoon with water & drink it once every two days.



Walnut & black bean soup, brewed by mummy. I take this concoction once every two days. Walnut's for baby's brain development & black beans are supposedly good for lactation.

Funny Pregnancy Tips (Part 2) + Baby Handling Tips

Found more humor on this friday morning. Enjoy!



















~ Delvin

Shopaholic Strikes Again!

Gosh, I'm a shopaholic, aren't I? You are sure to agree with me after reading this post. :)

After work, I went back to my parent's place for dinner. Mummy brewed chicken soup with cordyceps specially for me, Mum's always the best.

After dinner, my sister wanted to visit the Home & Living Fair at Expo as she'll be renovating her new place soon. So, mummy, sister & myself made our way to expo. The Home & Living Fair was a disappointment, it was boring. So we went to the next hall, the Motherhood Fair & walked around. I ended up buying the Terumo ear thermometer & probe covers, it was going at a great price at nearly 40% off compared to the pharmacies.



I also bought 3 packs of Nepia diapers, one pack of newborn size & two packs of small size. It was going cheap too, with an additional four pieces thrown in. I am guessing we need a lot of diapers as babies poo & pee a lot!

Finally, I bought 5 nursing tubes & bras for only $70. What a bargain!

I'm going to tell Popcorn Papa that we better not go to the fair tomorrow as I've bought a lot already.. :)

Motherhood Fair at Expo

Today's the first day of the Motherhood Fair at Expo. I figure that the crowds will be really bad during the weekends, so I made my way there during lunch since my office is just a five minute drive away.

My main agenda was to sign up for the Bloom maternity photography package from Studio Loft but I ended up spending much more than I intended... hehe.

My photoshoot will be in early August, that's when I'm around 33 weeks. Maryann, the photographer mentioned that the bigger the belly, the better. She did ask me if I wanted to book my appointment when I'm 35 weeks, but I think that's cutting it a bit too close. I'll share the photos if they are fit to be seen, so no promises. I don't want to freak anyone out... lol.

There is a promotion going on for 'CordLife' cord blood banking.. $300 discount off when we sign up at the fair. Since we have decided on cord blood banking anyway but been too lazy to move our butts to sign up, this is the perfect time to do so. Anyway, if anyone needs a referral for an additional $50 discount, please do let us know.

This is the collection kit which we will have to pack into my hospital bag to pass to our doctor for the cord blood collection. It consists of some documents, the blood bag, syringes, test tubes & what nots.


I also signed up for the Motherhood magazine subscription & got a huge goodie bag.

Here are the goodies


Another one of my buys, a baby pouch from Pupsik Studio.


I also bought 4 bottles of concentrated bird's nest from the Eu Yan Sang booth, going at $110 for 2 bottles, it's quite a bargain.

We might pop by the fair again tomorrow.. Delvin wants to shop, he loves shopping for baby stuff.

Confinement Lady Fiasco!

There was a big fiasco over our confinement lady last week.

2 to 3 months earlier, We had paid our confinement lady (from Malaysia) $200 as deposit. She asked for $2000 for 1 month's service (This excludes the customary two hongbaos). She also asked for us to reimburse her ticket back to Malaysia.

Last week, my mother-in-law (Evon's mother) called her to let her know that our confinement lady had been caught stealing money and we had to change our confinement lady. It was a shock to us as we feared that it might be too late for us to find a new confinement lady.

Later that day, I called the post-natal masseur (let's call her 'M') that had arranged for our confinement lady to find out the details. Apparently, our confinement lady (let's call her 'A') stole $100 from her employee. However her employer had installed a CCTV camera that 'A' did not know about. When her employer went back home later that day, they reviewed the camera and caught 'A' stealing on tape. Her employer confronted 'A' and casually mentioned to 'A' that she lost $100 and asked 'A' whether she knew where it was. 'A' was still unaware that she was caught on film at this point. 'A' then replied that she did not know but suggested that the post-natal masseur, 'M', that came earlier that day could be the culprit.

Her employer was very angry but chose not to confront 'A' at this point. Her employer then called 'M', whom had recommended 'A' to her employer, who was equally pissed off when she knew that 'A' had accused her. 'M' later canceled all her appointments and went down to see 'A' and her employer. Upon confrontation and showing of the video, 'M' threatened to send 'A' and the video tape to the police. To cut the story short, 'A' asked for forgiveness, and 'M' and her employee gave her a 4th chance (!) and told her that she was not to come back to Singapore and to return all the deposits that she had collected. 'A' left immediately, and 'M' arranged for a new Indonesian confinement lady to come the next day.

Apparently, 'A' had allegedly stolen small amounts of money earlier (about 2 to 3 times) from different employers, but her employers always gave her second chances and the benefit of the doubt.

Another thing to note if this happens to you.
We are actually illegal employers of these Malaysian or Indonesia confinement ladies (who are not working without work permits). If 'M' and 'A's employer had went to the police, it might cause some trouble to the employer. However, if you go thru proper agencies, it should not be an issue.

Last Sunday, we met up with 'M' and got a new confinement lady, and our $200 deposit back, which we paid to the new confinement lady.

So.... just be careful.

~ Delvin

Popcorn Shopping List!

Spent sometime researching the net and found instructions to add a Shoutbox and Hit Counter. I also modified some of the settings. If any of the mothers want me to "zhng" their blog, drop me a shout. I'll see what I can do!

Anywayz, something baby related. Here is our shopping list of items bought for Popcorn so far
1a. Stroller - Quinny Buzz
1b. Car Seat - MaxiCosi Seat + Adapter for Quinny Buzz
2. Cot - St Ives Cot Bed + Mattress + Bedding (Note : If you buy cots from Mothercare, be prepared to purchase their beddings (as their cots require special bedding sizes) which can be quite expensive.
3. Clothes - Popcorn Mama went overboard buying stuff from the 0-3 month range (I have banned her from buying 0-3 month range hehehe)
4. Confinement Lady (interesting story about this. I'll blog about it some other time)
5. Feeding - Avent Sterilizer, Bottles, Baby Monitor
6. Towels
7. Consumables - Toiletries, Diapers (enough for 1 month... I think)
8. LOTS of toys (Popcorn Papa went crazy at a Tuas warehouse sale where almost everything was 30% to 40% of the current market price. These toys were still on the shelves in Toys R Us, so they are quite current. The only thing is that they are quite dirty, and needs some cleaning up to do)
9. White Cabinet (from IKEA!), with a diaper changing station
10. Bathing Tub (I am psychoing Popcorn Mama to buy the stand for it. Hard to bath the baby squatting down leh)

To get
1. Cord Blood Banking
2. Breast Pump (Avent Isis Duo)

Popcorn Mama complains to me that we bought almost everything... Nothing left to buy :)

~ Delvin

Funny Pregnancy Tips

This is extracted from a website I visited earlier. Some funny tips about pregnancy. Enjoy!
























~ Delvin