Popcorn Journals

Announcement

2009-01-11T22:48:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

Due to time constraint, we would not be able to update this blog regularly. However, we will still post pictures of Devon on Facebook. So see you there! :)

Xmas Shots

2008-12-05T23:21:00.008+08:00

Today, we brought Devon to Studioloft to get some shots of him for Xmas. If you remember, that was where I went to take my Bloom maternity shots. How time flies! That was 4 months ago.

We made sure Devon was well fed & well rested before his photoshoot so that he'll be jolly & in a good mood. We brought along a Santa costume for him which we bought from a kiosk at Raffles City as well as a Gap santa hat which his grandmother got for him.

Devon had loads of fun at the shoot & was laughing & smiling away! That made the Popcorn parents very happy too!

All smiley for the camera

Squealing in delight

Santa's helper

Little Reindeer

Back in Action!

2008-12-05T22:05:00.007+08:00

Hello! Firstly, I would like to apologize for the long hiatus, I realise it's been more than a month since I last updated our blog.

I've gone back to work & have been really busy juggling work, baby & family. Things have finally settled down & I'm back to blog.

Here are some recent shots of Devon taken over the past weeks.

Our very first family shot

Devon on his one month old celebration

One of our very favourite shots of Devon smiling away

Devon all cosy in his pjs

Devon relaxing on his Fisher Price vibrating chair, which we jokingly name his 'Osim' massage chair

Skinny Dip

2008-10-29T22:38:00.007+08:00

I received a complimentary voucher for baby swimming in a baby hamper that I received & we decided to bring Devon for his first swim session at Harbourfront.

Here's Devon getting undressed for his swim session.

Devon is serious over his first swim session

And it ends off with a relaxing massage.

Seeing how much Devon enjoys his swim, we signed up a package for him & we'll bring him for his swim every weekend.

More Misc Shots!

2008-10-22T15:50:00.004+08:00

Father bottle feeding baby with NUK bottle

Milk Junkie strikes again!

Milk Junkie on diaper changing mat

Happy Grandfather with 2 grandsons

Exercise : Tummy Time 1 (Let's go!)

Exercise : Tummy Time 2 (Heads up!)

Exercise : Tummy Time 3 (Too tired... )

Baby & Family

2008-10-22T15:42:00.003+08:00

Some shots of Baby out with family

Milk Junkie!

Baby with Mum at Botanic Gardens Children Park

Baby in the Wild (ssshhh...)

Father and Baby!

Graduating to 2 blops of shampoo now...

Shower Time!

Looks like the sling is quite snug for Devon

Content Devon dozing away... Zzzz...

Tired father with baby at the end of the day!

The 3 Muskeeteers!

2008-10-22T15:36:00.002+08:00

Today (08 October 2008), Popcorn Mummy met with 2 other mummies (Vickie and Wendy). Here are some exciting shots of the beautiful girl being flanked by 2 dashing boys.

From left (Eamon, Charlotte, Devon)

Bald is Beautiful

2008-10-22T15:27:00.003+08:00

Sorry for the late updates! Today (5th October 2008), just after his manyue celebrations, Popcorn Mummy arranged for a baby hairdresser cum chinese brush maker to come down to trim Devon's hair. The hair was collected to be made into a chinese brush. Apparently, it is good fortune to the baby when the brush is given to him in the future. It supposedly helps his studies. We also passed the hairdresser Devon's umbilical cord for her to encase in a seal. We will post pictures when they out!

Anywayz, onwards to the pictures

After the Haircut (Front View)

After the Haircut (Back View)

Who says Bald babies don't need shampooing?

Bald is Beautiful!

Bonus Shot: 2 Bald Babies (Devon on the left, Louis on the right)

Man Yue Celebrations (2nd October 2008)

2008-10-06T21:55:00.005+08:00

Later that day, we trooped over to Devon's Great Grandmum's place to pray to our ancestors. This was Devon's first trip in the Maxi-Cosi car seat. Here are some hi-lights

Great Grandmum holding Devon!

Grandpapa holding Louis and Devon

The altar we prayed at. Notice the Candele cake that we bought for $70 over dollars. It was delicious!

Baby Devon with his presents!

Our Confinement lady holding Devon at the Crystal Jade Restaurant in Taka

Pretty Auntie Harvon!

Pensive looking uncle Harvey!

Man Yue Preparations (2nd Oct 2008)

2008-10-05T22:07:00.005+08:00

Today, we had our full month celebration for Devon. Here are some highlights from the preparation!

Our confinement lady cutting the nails of Devon

Cutting a lock of hair

Check out the flower bath

Baby Devon looking pretty with 2 orchids!

All cleaned and refreshed. Ready to go to our great-grandmum's place!

Baby in Stroller

2008-09-27T19:59:00.005+08:00

We tried putting Devon in his stroller (a red maxi-cosi mounted with 2 adapters on a Quinny Buzz base). Devon looked very contented in his stroller!

Looks so snug in his stroller.
Red Hot Baby coming through!

Proud father & Son!

Cutey Boy!

My Personal Fathering Targets

2008-09-26T09:03:00.004+08:00

Hmm... since I'm in the mood to update the blog, let's make hay while the sun shines.

MY PERSONAL FATHERING TARGETS
1) Carry baby properly

I can carry Devon comfortably now in both arms if he doesn't struggle. However, I need to expand my repetoire of positions to (a) 2 hands cradling in front of me and (b) carrying on my shoulder, with baby peeking over my back. However, if Devon struggles and "rigidifies" himself and starts crying, I tend to get flutstered. My wife says I sound like an old auntie, going "aiyo.. aiyo...", whenever I get panicky.

2) Burp Baby

Managed to burp him once in a while, but the way I hold Devon during burpingneeds some working on.

3) Diaper Change

I can change diapers fairly well now by myself. I have learnt how to prevent being splashed by Devon (which had happened to me 4 times), but inadvertently, Devon's clothes still get stained (need to work on that... hmm)

4) Baby Showering

Have not tried out yet. Popcorn Mama will be trying out this week for the first time before our confinement lady leaves.

5) Baby Feeding

I can perform the necessary setup for the breast pump and sterilizer, and do the cleaning and sterilizing. I have fed Devon through a bottle about 3 times successfully so I think I'm good to go here.

6) Baby Coaxing

Discovered yesterday that Devon can fall asleep if I sing to him continuously... Will try that again tonight. Seems he prefers Emil Chou to Jay Chou.. heheh.

Full Month Preparations

2008-09-26T08:40:00.005+08:00

Have been busy with work and the full month preparations for our baby.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday 1st Oct

Need to bring Popcorn Mama to cut hair (I'm cutting my 8+ weeks unkempt hair too)

Thursday 2nd Oct

Full Month Anniversary @ Popcorn's great grandmother's home, in the morning.
Lunch at Takashimaya Crystal Jade.
Bring Devon to maternal grandmother's home for a bit
Drop Gang-Jie (our confinement lady) at Feng Lian's (our masseur, Gang-Jie's good friend) home. (Last day with us for her! I understand that she needs to stamp her passport and rush off to another job - her new client had delivered 8 weeks early!! Luckily, she's still in Singapore, so we can still bring Devon to look for her occassionally.)

Friday 3rd Oct

Nothing much happening, except Popcorn Papa needs to come back late from work as he is organising a soccer league for his company.

Saturday 4th Oct

Need to be at SICC for Baby Celebration by 10 am.
81 Cakes from Gobi arrive (need to pay an additional $269.50 as I changed the figure from 51 cakes to 81 cakes) @ 11 am.
Guests arrive from 11 am to 3 pm.
Go back to rest and recuperate (3pm to 7pm)
Shangri-la for my mum's friends get-together (should be back early to rest after the long day)

Sunday 5th Oct

Zzzz time
Probably go out for a walk at Botanic Gardens, weather permitting.

Monday 6th Oct

Popcorn Papa will take leave to bring Devon out to jia-hong (it's a hokkien word. Closest translation I can think of now is shopping)

WHEW... what a busy week our little family has next week. Hope Devon can keep up with us!

Things to do

Need to confirm the change in numbers at our Saturday's venue (outstanding)
Order 81 cakes from Gobi (done)
Print out and give out invitations (done)
Check out vaccinations for Devon (Popcorn mama called KK hospital yesterday, apparently Devon doesn't a 1 month vaccination if he gets the 6-in-1 vaccination in the 2nd month)

What Popcorn Papa did in his free time

2008-09-26T08:32:00.004+08:00

Now my hobbies have been whittled down to the following (in order of most time spent now)

Mainly playing PSP - easy to start/stop games while taking care of babies
Sometimes playing some magic (once every 2 weeks? mostly at my home)
Origami (I think I have folded a baby origami somewhere, I'll take a pic of it next to Devon and post it here) - only managed to fold one model since baby Devon popped out.

Yesterday, members of the magic forum I help to manage suggested (Working Title MTG) I make a magic card for Devon. Here is what I came up with!

Paparazzi Parents

2008-09-15T10:33:00.004+08:00

A newborn baby is comparable to the most sought-after celebrities, hounded by the clicks & flashes of cameras. The only exception is that the paparazzi are none other than us, the parents, who are determined to capture every detail we can of our precious little one. :)

Here are some random shots taken over the past few days which we would like to share.

Devon with his eyes wide open

A heartwarming shot I love of Papa & baby bonding. Delvin was helping me to burp Devon after a feed.

Cousins sharing

Bringing Home Baby

2008-09-14T11:23:00.007+08:00

The very next day after the birth of Devon, the doctor swung by our bed & certified a clean bill of health for both mother & baby.

Evon fed Devon before we left & during the feeding session, I placed my finger in my son's small hands. I had read somewhere that the grip of the baby is enough to support it's own weight (although I strongly suggest that readers don't try this at home).

I made at least four trips up & down the hospital to shift ten flower gift displays down into the car. After packing up all our things, we, together with my mother-in-law & Aunt Gina, took our precious bundle of joy & went down to the first floor pick-up point. My mum had earlier reminded me not to bring the baby down to the basement carpark due to the possibility of inhaling fumes from the vehicles & a belief that the baby should leave from the main door instead of a side entrance.

Here's grandma holding Devon all bundled up.

I drove home carefully at a snail's pace & when I reached home, my mum, my sister & her 2-month old baby, Louis, were at the door to receive us.

We placed our baby in his cot & he looked absolutely beautiful and serene sleeping inside it. We placed our nephew, Louis, next to Devon for a group picture! Isn't that cute?

We then placed our Pupsik bean sprout husk bag over Devon & wondered how we managed to get such a beautiful baby.

First Poop!

2008-09-14T10:52:00.006+08:00

Once I was transferred to my ward, we requested for Devon to be brought in with us for our very first family bonding session.

All was well with the cuddling & hugging when all of a sudden, Devon started screaming his lungs out.. gosh, this little one sure has huge vocals! Esther came by to visit then & she told us to check his diaper (thanks experienced mummy!) & what we saw was a tar-like, sticky substance on his diaper. Esther clapped her hands in glee & quickly rounded us up to take a picture of Devon's first poop which is called meconium.

Meconium is the earliest stools of an infant. Unlike later faeces, meconium is composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus, intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile & water.

We've never been so happy to see poop, but this shows that Devon's digestive system is doing fine & as parents, it's little things like this that matter, isn't it?

Ta-dah!

Devon's First Foray

2008-09-13T22:31:00.013+08:00

Hello Everyone!

Yes, I have popped! On 3rd September 2008!

It was indeed an experience of our lifetime, although no drama stories of waterbag bursting or me screaming & writhing in pain in the backseat of our car while Delvin rushes me to the hospital as it was an induced birth. :)

We have been really busy with Baby Devon so I only have some time now to log in & update everyone.

Here's a brief summary of my birth story.

On 2nd September 2008 at around 4:00pm, I went for my 38-week check-up & my routine test showed that my blood pressure was very high at a reading of 149/96!

At 4:10pm, I proceeded to do the CTG scan, baby movements are active & no contractions were detected.

At 4:40pm, we went in to see my gynae, Dr. Tan & everything is good. We told Dr. Tan of our decision to induce (after considering for a week when she gave us this option) due to my high blood pressure & concern over the umbilical cord seen around Devon's neck during the 3D scan. Moreover, I was getting really heavy & uncomfortable.. we really did not like the waiting game.

Dr. Tan gave us the green light & asks us when we would like to induce & we told her we are ready anytime. She called to ask if there were any vacancies in the delivery suite & fortunately there was one available straightaway. Some blood samples were then taken from me. She adviced me to opt for epidural as it'll help to lower blood pressure & I agreed, although my initial plan was to go drug-free, if possible. But most importantly, it's the well-being of Devon & myself.

At 5:30pm, I was made to sit on a wheelchair & I was being wheeled to the delivery suite. I changed & waited for Dr. Tan to arrive.

I was then hooked onto the CTG machine, the reading on the right shows my contractions & the reading on the left shows baby's movements.

At 6:00pm, Dr. Tan arrived & did a check for me. I was already dilated 2.5 to 3cm. She ruptured my water bag & the amniotic fluid was gushing out like a dam being released. Hmm... the water is very nice & warm.. no wonder babies love it in our wombs.

Here's Papa Popcorn all geared up for my labour

At 7:15pm, I was administered epidural. I felt all warm & fuzzy, really nice feeling.

At 7:45pm, oxytoxin drip was given to start contractions, but I couldn't feel a thing due to the epidural.

From 7:45pm to 2:40am, all I did was to sleep, watch tv & suck on ice cubes. At 2:40am, I was checked again for dilation & I was only 5cm dilated, so slow!

Here's me waiting for the labour, looking not that presentable.

At 5:00am, I was checked again & I was 9cm dilated already! Yippee.. the nurse told me that I can get ready to push in around an hour's time.

At 6:00am, Dr. Tan arrived & checked me. Yes, I was fully dilated. The epidural was lowered so that I could feel the contractions. I was told to try to push but it was not successful as I couldn't feel a thing.. no sensation to push at all. Dr. Tan asked me to wait for the sensation so as not to waste my precious energy pushing.

At 6:40am, the contraction pains started coming in strong & I started to feel the sensation to push. I tried my very best to push with all my might but Popcorn refused to come out. I tried & tried, with Delvin holding my hand, mopping my perspiration off my face & giving me moral support, with the help of three nurses who came in to hold my legs & Dr. Tan was at the end of my bed. Another doctor, Dr. Goh was also called in to push my tummy to assist baby to be pushed out. Finally, after much effort & some burst blood vessels on my face & my right eyeball, Baby Devon arrived! He weighs 3.355kg, length 50cm & head circumference 34cm. Proud Papa Popcorn had the honour of cutting his umbilical cord.

The feeling was indescribable when the nurse placed him on my chest immediately after the birth & I shed a tear. Though he was all bloody & gooey, Devon looked beautiful to me.

Fresh out of the oven

Our precious bundle of joy

Bloom Shots

2008-08-25T20:43:00.009+08:00

On 2nd August, we made our way to The Studio Loft for my maternity photoshoot, aptly called 'Bloom' shots. We wanted to capture this wonderful moment in our lives & my blooming tummy. Our photographer, Maryann is fantastic and she made us feel very at ease. It was an afternoon filled with fun & laughter!

Our photos are finally ready & I raced down excitedly to the studio to collect our album today. Here are some shots we would like to share. Tummy size is when I was 34 weeks 1 day pregnant.

Preparations!

2008-08-20T15:49:00.013+08:00

Hi Everyone... we know it's been a long time since we last updated our blog. As quoted by a friend, our blog is gathering cobwebs! Feeling guilty, Popcorn Mama decided to sit down & update our blog today. :)

We've started our countdown to Popcorn's arrival & as of today, we have only 23 days left to go, how exciting!

The past few weeks have been spent with the final preparations for Popcorn's arrival... in late July, MotherCare sent Popcorn's cot. Popcorn Papa excitedly set up the Fisher Price Rainforest cot mobile which we bought ages ago. We'll only lay the beddings & bumpers when Popcorn arrives.

Here's Popcorn's changing station. We got the drawer cabinet from Ikea & bought the changing mat from Baby Avenue. The organiser is from Munchkin.

And presenting Popcorn's 'bursting' wardrobe, he follows his Mama!

This is Mama's bursting wardrobe, see the similarities?

Our hospital bag all packed & on standby.

33 Week Check-up

2008-07-29T10:03:00.003+08:00

Yesterday Popcorn Mama went for her checkup.. I'm already 33 weeks 3 days.. just another 46 days to go!

Popcorn has grown around 700 grams since our last check-up three weeks ago and he's now 2.4kg. He's also already in a head down & anterior position.

According to a website I frequent, Babycentre.com, the best position for your baby to be in when you go into labour is head down, with the back of his head slightly towards the front of your tummy. In this position, he fits snugly into the curve of your pelvis and it's easy for him to move gently down during labour. When he gets to the bottom of your pelvis, he turns his head slightly so that the widest part of his head is in the widest part of your pelvis. The back of his head can then slip underneath your pubic bone, and, as he is born, his face sweeps across the perineum, which is the tissue between the back of the vagina and your back passage.

A baby who has the back of his head towards the front of his mother's abdomen is described as being in an anterior position. Labour is nearly always shorter and easier if the baby is anterior.

So, my dear Popcorn, do be good & stay in this position till you're all ready to pop ok?

Baby Sounds and Movement

2008-07-18T10:36:00.005+08:00

Seems like Devon reacts quite firmly to loud sounds. For example, yesterday Popcorn Mama and myself managed to catch the Dark Knight. Devon was very quiet prior to the movie screening. Once the movie started with the gunshots and fistfights, Devon began his squirming and kicking. The same thing happened when we watched other movies.

Another interesting thing we tried to accomplish over the last few weeks is to record the heartbeat sounds of Devon (albeit unsuccessfully) using the Bebe sounds (as seen below)

We, being the excited first-time parents, bought this device when Popcorn Mama was still in her first trimester. Obviously when we tried using it, only thing we heard was the pops and crackles of Popcorn Mama's stomach. We were disappointed and discarded it as a bad buy.

However, we decided to try it again a couple of weeks ago (Popcorn Mama is in her third trimester) and we managed to detect some heartbeat sounds, similar to the ones we heard during the detailed scan at KK Hospital. It took us quite some time to hunt for the sounds as the "sweet spot" is very small: 1cm away and you get a drastic drop in volume. A couple of times we managed to hear Devon's heartbeat clearly.

Last week, we remembered that this machine had a microphone jack out, and could be plugged into our laptop for recording purposes. We tried to record the sounds but Devon seemed to be lying in a different position, which made it difficult for us to locate his heartbeats. We will continue to try out best to record the sounds and maybe post it here for you to hear!

~ Popcorn Papa

We're back...

2008-07-09T11:36:00.017+08:00

Hi Everyone!

Yes, yes, we know.. it's been a long time since we last updated our blog and we apologize for that. Basically, we were just plain lazy & have been chilling out, hence no exciting adventures or stories to share. Major baby shopping & preparation have all been done, so we spend our free time doing nothing at all!

Just some updates...

Two weeks ago on 25th June 2008, we made our way to the Antenatal Diagnostic Centre (ADC) at KK Hospital for Popcorn's 3D scan. This is an optional scan but Popcorn Papa wanted to spend $250 for the experience. We feel that it was worth it as we got to see our little Darling so clearly.

We spent a long time at ADC as Popcorn was sleeping & facing downwards when we went for the scan.. we realise that that's his favourite sleeping position in my womb as he's always like that at every, single scan.

Anyway, I was told to walk around & come back half an hour later... so I went to the toilet & shook my belly & stomped around. That woke him up & he was facing upwards when we went back. But, he was using both hands to cover his face & at one point, even used his feet to hide his face from us, what a naughty boy! I think he was irritated with us for waking him up from his beauty sleep as we saw him crinkle up his forehead at one point, so cute!

Anyway, after much nudging, poking & talking to him, he finally put both hands down & we managed to take a few shots of him.

The sonographer also took some measurements of Popcorn & his estimated weight at 28 weeks is 1.28kg.

Here's a side profile of him.

And, yesterday we went down to KK Hospital for Popcorn Mama's routine 30-week check-up.

As usual, I went for my routine test. This time, sugar was detected in my urine! I was so freaked out that I have got gestational diabetes but thank goodness, after a blood prick test, no glucose was detected. I'll just die without my coke & desserts! Phew...

I also did not gain any weight since my last visit two weeks ago but Popcorn did & he weighs a lovely 1.7kg at 30 weeks.. just two weeks ago, he was 1.28kg, so he has gained 0.42kg within a span of two weeks and I am very pleased.

We visit our doctor at The Private Suite at KK Hospital & it's really relaxing & spa-like. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Antenatal Class

2008-06-19T09:31:00.013+08:00

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!

2008-06-17T23:32:00.007+08:00

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!

2008-06-16T22:38:00.016+08:00

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

2008-06-14T22:18:00.017+08:00

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...

2008-06-12T21:47:00.015+08:00

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)

2008-06-06T14:53:00.015+08:00

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

2008-06-06T08:18:00.009+08:00

Found more humor on this friday morning. Enjoy!

~ Delvin

Shopaholic Strikes Again!

2008-06-05T23:25:00.008+08:00

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

2008-06-05T16:09:00.013+08:00

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!

2008-06-05T08:38:00.004+08:00

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!

2008-06-04T18:05:00.003+08:00

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

2008-06-04T13:30:00.001+08:00

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

~ Delvin

A Scare!

2008-06-04T12:01:00.000+08:00

I freaked out yesterday. My tummy tightened, hardened & felt slighty crampy. It made walking kind of difficult, I was waddling around like a duck.

I poked my tummy to wake Popcorn up & asked him to give me a kick to let me know he's fine. Popcorn listened to me & did so & that put me at ease. I was going to monitor the situation & see my doctor if I still felt discomfort but when I woke up this morning, I feel fine, Phew...

Hmm.. could I be experiencing Braxton Hicks?

Choosing that special name...

2008-06-03T13:29:00.000+08:00

As some of you would already have known, we have decided to name our baby boy 'Devon' (pronounced as DEV un). How we came up with this name is rather obvious, basically our names combined, but I was joking to Delvin that Popcorn's name has my full name in it & his has only the letter D in it. Delvin corrected me by saying that Devon has four letters of both our names in it, so that makes us fair & square... ok, I admit defeat.. Boo!

It may seem really straightforward but it wasn't an easy task, we went through several names before finally deciding on this one. We feel that it's unique & a derivation from the both of us and that is what makes Popcorn so special.

There are several meanings of this name.. in English, it means a county in England noted for its beautiful farmland and in irish, it means poet. That's not too bad isn't it? Maybe we have a future Oscar Wilde in the making?

Greetings!

2008-06-01T23:38:00.000+08:00

Hi everybody!

This is Delvin & Evon here. We are in the midst of setting up a blog for our baby (aka Popcorn!). His delivery date is due on 12 Sep 2008, and we will update this blog more regularly closer to that date!

We have given him a nickname 'Popcorn' as he pops a lot around in Evon's tummy, hence the debut of this Popcorn Journal!

~ Popcorn Parents