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 Devon
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Baby Sounds and Movement
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
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
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
We're back...
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.
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.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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)
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)
Monday, June 16, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
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. :)
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. :)
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