August 25, 2010

My girl is singing already...

Hehehe....I started my leave since last Thursday, and I stayed at home most of the time since I am not able to walk too much. 

I find out that Chloe Darling is extremely talkative, she can start talking none-stop for an hour. And she loves to sing. She couldn't sing the whole song yet, but if you start the first phrase of the song, she would try to sing a few words that she could remember or hum it out following the melody of the song. 

Her Favourite Songs now :-
1) This Old Man
2) The Wheel On the Bus
3) Itchy Bitsy Spider
4) The Marching Ants
5) Barney's I love You Song
6) London Bridge
7) Old Macdonalds
8) Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
9) Row Row Row a Boat

She loves to dance too... hahaha...now she is singing right besides me "lalalala .." this old man tune. My darling is so cute. It is all worth it when she starts calling me "Mama, Mama, Mama...." Non-stop. 

Angry at Superstitious Fellasssss

My EDD is on the 28/8/2010, Hubby and I were expecting Baby Clarisse to come two weeks earlier like Chloe. However, it didn't turn out the way we thought, up till now, I am 3 days away from my EDD, other than pain at my pelvic and hips, there is no sign of contraction at all. 

My birthday has passed. It was on the 23/8 and co-incidently on that particular day it was also the Hungry Ghost Festival (14th day of 7th Month in Chinese Calendar). Of course, preferably, hopefully baby doesn't come out on that particular "unlucky" day but I don't mind if She really picked that "special day" to join us as I know there is nothing that I can do about it. 

It happened that my extreme pain of pelvic bone happened on the 22/8. Papa made a very irresponsible comment by saying that I wanted baby to come out earlier so now my wish come true, and baby might be born on the day of the "Hungry Ghost". I was already in pain physically and he had to add in additional emotional pain to me to mess up my day. GOSH! Man! They will never know your sacrifices; throughout my pregnancy, he kept on telling me he wants three children despite I complained about the pain that I suffering from the this pregnancy. Oh no, when I told him that I had pain, he said my body structure got problem, I got all the massive "unwanted" problems like muscle separation, stretch marks, pelvic bone pain etc etc... I was expecting comforting words from him to make me feel all these sacrifices are worth it but turns out to be harsh and unbearable. What to do? This is the husband that I have chosen to be with for the rest of my life. At least, he got the sense of BRING HOME MONEY and BRING COMFORT to the family. *sigh*.... What to do? 

Hubby is such a superstitious man. Baby Clarisse didn't come out on the "unlucky" day. She is still in my stomach, and hubby touch my tummy last night and said "Our Lui Lui (girl) is very smart, she knows how to pick an auspicious day to join us." GOSH....

Why is mummy always getting all the blames and the kids always get the credit? If she really made it on the "Unlucky" day, I would be the one to be blamed for the rest of my life because I was the ONLY ONE (according to hubby) that wanted her to come out EARLIER. Now, she is not here yet with us, and the "unlucky" day of the month had passed, so the credit goes to Baby Clarisse because she is a smart Virgo who knows how to pick an AUSPICIOUS day to join our family. Arghhhh...... 

UNFAIR but What can I do about it? Complain lor. 

August 22, 2010

Suffering from Pelvic Bone Pain

Sacrifices is inevitable, but I didn't expect it to go this far. I was out for the whole day for Chloe's activity and dinner with PIL. When we arrived home, as I wanted to get out of the car, I realized that I couldn't move my butt out of the car because there is a tremendous pain at my pelvic bone. I have been experiencing this pelvic pain since 2nd trimester but it was considerably mild, and it hurts more in the night. However, this time round, it was so painful that I could not walk or even lift myself up from the sitting position. I have heard stories like these, but I didn't experience this for my first pregnancy, and I took it very lightly until I am experiencing myself, it is so devastating. Crying was the only thing that I could do at that moment. Fear and worries - How come I can't move? How come I can't walk? It was so painful to the extent that I thought Baby Clarisse is coming soon. There was no contraction at all, but tremendous pain at my pelvic extending to my hips. Any sleeping or sitting positions are not helping me in reducing any of this pain. 

Arghh....I already have this diastasis on my muscle, please..... not on my pelvis area. Sigh!!!!

August 19, 2010

39th Week

Yes, Labour hasn't started yet! I am still carrying a big tummy with me. 

I was anxiously waiting for the labour to start, looking for the clock every nights, stroking tummy every now and then, asking Baby Clarisse "Are you coming today?" I was even thinking to go for induce if she doesn't come by today's appointment.

Doctor told me to stay optimistic and that every pregnancy is different, I can't expect the same to happen as my 1st pregnancy. I was worrying about my baby becoming too big for me to go for natural birth. But, Dr. Ravi estimated Baby Clarisse's is about 3.2Kg today (+/- 10%) which is smaller than Chloe. He suggested me to be patient, and wait till next week to decide whether to induce or not, as at this stage there is no medical reason for me to go for an induction. However, he said the choice is still mine. 

Hubby and I have decided to wait for Baby Clarisse to join us at her choice of date. 

Baby Clarisse, hope to see you next week. 

Knitting Project 3

This scarf is meant for my brother who is going to UK end of the year, glad that he likes it. 






Material : Wool
Colour : Dark Blue & Beige
Cost : RM 39.90 x 9 
Method : Two Knit Two Pearl
Time Taken : 3 Weeks
Number Visit to Lily's : ONE - for the alphabet (So easy, If I knew they are going to teach me this type of alphabet, I won't even need to go there.) 

Ya...This is more expensive than Chloe's Dresses, because I need to use more wool to make the scarf thick enough to KEEP him WARM. 

August 18, 2010

knitting Project 2

I love the Wooden RABBIT buttons. Simply SO CUTE!

The actual colour is more towards Off white, the camera effect makes the colour a little beige. 

Chloe loves it and she said "leng leng" when she put it on. But it is too long for her.

This is my second Knitting Project that was completed three weeks ago, but it is too long as seen in the picture. The dress looks nice by itself but when Chloe put it on, it is a bit err....can't describe. Maybe it is too long for her. Hopefully, when she grows taller and it will looks nicer on her too. Hahaha.. 

PERIOD TAKEN : 1 month
VISIT TO LILY'S : 3 TIMES
COST : RM 29.90 x 7 = RM 209.30 (BUT ONE ROLL OF YARN WAS WASTED because I didn't have the patient to untangle the stupid yarn and I threw it away out of frustration. Then, there is half of roll of YARN left, actual cost = RM 165.00)

Hahaha....Ya...Many told me that it is not worth it, but to me it is the satisfaction that I am getting from completing my project plus looking at my darlings putting on my "effort", the feeling of satisfaction & fulfilling is worth more than RM 200.00 :P

Hubby & my family calls me CRAZY. Hahaha... :P and My Grandma nagged at me for wasting time for it. 

My Response : I LIKE A! :P 

August 16, 2010

Banana Cake Version 2


These were my FIRST VERSION of Banana Cake.

Ingredient :-
  • 250gram – Unsalted Butter
  • 200gram – Castor Sugar
  • 225gram – All Purpose Flour
  • 200gram – Mashed Banana (Pisang Emas)
  • 2tsp – Vanilla Essence
  • 5 eggs
  • 1tsp – Baking Powder
I found a different RECIPE of Banana Cake online




Ingredient :-
  • 180gram - Butter
  • 180gram - Fine Sugar
  • 250gram - Cake Flour
  • 220gram - Mashed Banana
  • 1/2 tsp - Vanilla Essence
  • 50gram - Evaporated Milk
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1tsp - Baking Powder
  • 1tsp - Bicarbonate Soda
Steps :-
  1. Beat Butter and Sugar until creamy & fluffy
  2. Add in Eggs gradually, beat until creamy
  3. Add in Mashed Banana, Evaporated Milk & Vanilla Essence
  4. Add in Flour, Baking Powder and Bicarbonate Soda and beat for A WHILE (the recipe said BEAT, never mention FOLD - Should FOLD RIGHT? But use the machine to beat in instead of FOLDING it)
  5. Place it in a 10" greased pan and bake in the oven at 175 degree C for 50 - 60 mins.
Comment :-
  1. The texture of the CAKE is super moist until I cannot hold a complete piece of cake. 
  2. Less Buttery taste, not very sweet..compared to this FIRST VERSION of banana cake
  3. Slightly burnt at the side of the cake. Should have just stick to 50 mins instead of 60 mins.
  4. I refrigerated the cake so that I can HOLD a COMPLETE PIECE OF CAKE, but it lost the texture of the cake. 
  5. Which is better? I dunno..hahaha... the first one was a little too much butter for me. the second taste better but the texture is too moist. Is it because of the evaporated milk? Hmm.....

DSLR - Complains

I wanted to upload some photos to post it on my blog, but I realise that the connecting wires are missing. I know I shouldn't be complaining since I have decided to give the whole set of the DSLR to my brother. 

It was such a sad thing to find out that "the" (MY) expensive Prime Lens is already malfunction. I had just bought it last year and it is a very good Prime Lens 50mm @ F1.4 (and it is my favourite lens too). It is no longer working properly. I am not sure how come but it is not focusing anymore. What more frustrating is that when I asked my brother how come it is not focusing, he insisted that IT IS FOCUSING. *sigh* I know I have no right to be angry since I had already decided "OKAY, IT IS YOURS NOW!" But I had told him to protect the camera and these special lens that I had bought specially for shooting. In less than a year, he spoilt the lens. He has been placing the camera around WITHOUT BAGS at home. At times, I see it in his room, then in the living room...EVERYWHERE la. I didn't want to comment much at that times, because it is HIS camera. 
 
I will not discover that the lens is spoilt until I have decided to post some photos on my blog yesterday. *sigh* Arghh... When I pick up the camera, it was DUSTY. Errr....Really Dusty lor, and it looks OLD too. Sob Sob Sob. 

I know I shouldn't be complaining because it is no longer mine. I gave it to him because he wanted to buy one, since I hardly use it, so I thought I might as well let him have it and enjoy some shooting for his leisure. Apparently, he did not really protect my camera. There was once he came back with the camera full of SAND or DIRT and he didn't actually make an effort to clean the camera until I show him faces. What to do? He didn't BUY the camera himself, he got it SO EASILY. If I complained, he probably return the camera back to me and say he doesn't want it anymore. *sigh* .....  I am not ANGRY, but I am SAD because I spent my salary to get this DSLR with all the good lens. Arghh.... I really wanted to comment and NAG at his irresponsibility, but I know him well. If I do it, 1st thing he will do is return the camera to me, 2nd thing he will bang the door and ignore me for a day. But, come to think of it, I have a right to COMMENT because it is a GIFT from ME to HIM, and I have the right to tell him or EDUCATE him to take care of his BELONGINGS. ARGHHHHH.......

Clarisse is coming soon, and NO MORE PRIME Lens for Clarisse. I thought I can rely on him to help to take some nice pictures of Baby Clarisse like he did for Chloe when he first received it from me. So how now? SAD!

August 13, 2010

Pumpkin Bun

Ingredient A :-
150gram of Pumpkin Mash
300gram of Wholemeal Flour
6gram of Yeast
25gram of Brown Sugar
1/2tsp of salt

Ingredient B :-
150ml of Fresh Milk

Ingredient C :-
25gram of Butter

Steps :
1. Mixed Ingredient A
2. Slowly add in the Fresh Milk to form a dough
3. Once dough is formed, add in the butter to form a smooth dough
4. Proof for One Hour, covering the dough with a wet cloth (until size is double)
5. Split the dough into 14 portions and lay them sparsely in the greased baking pan.
6. Proof for One hour, covering the dough with a wet cloth (until size is double)
7. Put in the Oven for 15-20 mins @ 200 Deg C
8. Optional : Brush Egg on the dough before putting into the oven.

Comments :-
1. I forgot the brush the egg, so it turn out not shinny.
2. I also slightly over baked the bun, the top is slightly darken but not burnt. 
3. The texture of the bun is very soft, nicer than the previous Potato bun that I made before.
4. I Personally think is not sweet enough, like something missing.
5. Can't really taste the pumpkin too.
6. Overall, the texture of the bun is satisfactory but the taste of it --- something missing. Could have better if I add some raisins and more sugar. 
7. I changed the recipe a little, instead of 100ml water + 10gram milk powder - I replaced it with 150ml fresh milk. Instead of Flour, I used Wholemeal Flour. Instead of 100gram of Pumpkin Mash, I used 150grams of Mash. You may try the original recipe, maybe it taste better. *shrug shrug*
8. The original recipe also includes sausages which to be wrapped by the dough before putting into the oven. You can try! 

I didn't take any picture of it as usual, before I can actually take a picture of it. It is usually eaten! Ya..Nice or Not Nice, my family members and maids are very supportive! hahaha....Hubby and I had the bun for breakfast this morning but it was really tasteless so I added Tuna Spread to make it tastier. I handed a small piece to Chloe, she didn't like it too. Hahaha... Poor Bun!

38th Week

Appointment 12/8/2010 9.40am Gleneagles Intan Medical Center

- Mama's Weight : 60.5Kg
- Baby Clarisse's Weight : 3.0Kg (Smaller than Chloe by comparing the chart, by this time Chloe was already 3.5Kgs)
- Dilation : 1.5cm but No sign of Labor, not even mild contraction.
- Head is sitting on the right position but not engaged yet, very closed to pelvic.

Dr. Ravi said could be anytime but could be next week, hard to tell....*sigh* 

I think I have put the "waiting game" long before it should have started. Hahaha...My EDD is 28/8/2010 but Hubby and I were both so anxious and expecting the same would happen to Baby Clarisse. Chloe was two weeks early, so we have SORT OF estimated earlier EDD OURSELF. Hahahaha...That's why the arrival of Baby Clarisse seems FOREVER.

Other than estimating EDD two weeks earlier ourself, this pregnancy is really giving me too much aches and uncomfy that I really can't wait for her arrival. Hopefully these aches will disappear after the delivery. PLEASEEE DO!!!!!!

I have been sleeping sideways, on my left and right side depends on the night's condition. But, last night, the aches have extended to the side too..I can't sleep on my back or tummy, I cannot sleep on my both sides anymore because it is PAINFUL. How? Perhaps Baby Clarisse is pressing down low to prepare for the day causing the extra Pain on my pelvic. Plus, I have no idea what makes Baby Clarisse so active all day and night long. She is moving during the day (that's acceptable), but she is exceptionally active in the night also. Arghh.....Baby Clarisse, Please.......

August 11, 2010

Graco Disney Winnie The Pooh Playpen


We already have a wooden crib, that's why Papa & Mama were hesitating whether to spend to get a playpen for Clarisse' arrival. Initially, my idea was to buy a Playpen and put Chloe in the playpen while Clarisse can use the existing crib. But, it is not cheap to get a playpen, it is almost the price of getting the wooden crib (for those reasonable quality ones). There is no point for us to get another crib, one reason being that there is no SPACE for the crib and it will probably be used for another 1 year or so only. Just like the case of Chloe, she uses the crib in the AFTERNOON only as she refuses to sleep in the crib when Papa & Mama are around. 

Finally, Papa found a reasonably priced with reasonable quality playpen which come with a bassinet for Clarrise to sleep on. This Playpen's original price was RM 699.00 and we bought it at the promotional price of RM499.00. Then we top up another RM 100.00 for the Coconut husk Mattress which was highly recommended by the Seller. It is GRACO and it has WINNIE THE POOH mobile and prints at the sides of the playpen. Hahaha...

We went to see ANAKKU's Playpen without bassinet and mattress is already RM 299.00 and its' build looks fairly fragile. We also saw this China Brand - Sweet Cherry - in JUSCO is also selling at RM 399.00 with bassinet without mattress but out of stock. We also saw a good deal of Bumble Bee Promotional Set which is only RM 319.00 comes with bassinet, mattress, mosquito net and bedding covers in ISETAN but it is also OUT OF STOCK. 

We are happy with the purchase, and we are all SET for Baby Clarisse's arrival. Darling Clarisse, what are waiting for?

August 9, 2010

Stroller & Car Seat







My friend is asking about whether or not she should get a crib and stroller for her baby. Since I have the free time now, I would like to record on this Stroller & Car Seat Story of mine.

We bought this set PEG-PEREGO Piko Switch in Year 2008 to prepare for Chloe's arrival. It WAS Hubby's favourite baby's accessory, and he treated it like his dreamed FERRARI. That's why our set is in RED and BLACK, not in this colour as shown. (But I prefer this colour, so bright and green)

Hubby took months to decide which stroller to buy but everytime when he looked at the strollers, he was always eyeing on the SAME BRAND SAME MODEL, just different colours & different price. To be honest, Malaysia has limited choices plus OUR limited "budget" hahaha... He left no choice, but to choose his best "FERRARI - THE PEG-PEREGO PIKO SWITCH".

We bought this set at a so-called Special Price "RM2,200" at PJ's Bambino. Well, I have no complain on the quality of the stroller and car seat, the mechanism and material are firmly made which I am very very certain that it is SAFE and COMFORTABLE for Babies. This stroller is very steady and not wobbly at all, but because of it's heavy build, I can never carry the stroller alone. Hubby has to be the one who carry the stroller in and out for me ALL THE TIME! Even the car seat alone is as heavy. I cannot put my baby in and carry the car seat with the handle like all my other friends do. Sob sob sob. Eventually, we didn't use much of the car seat and it became a little redundant to us. 

As for the stroller, We used it for the 1st few month after Chloe's birth. Once, Chloe knows how to sit on her own and she would start complaining while sitting on the stroller. Therefore, most of the time, we hardly use the stroller when she was 6 months old especially my hubby enjoyed CARRYING Chloe himself. I think the stroller and car seat was kept in the storeroom since 8 months ago. Hahaha...deserted. Poor PEG-PEREGO. 

Of course, it will not be wasted since I am having Baby Clarisse now - means it will be used for another ONE YEAR. 

I LIKE PEG-PEREGO PIKO SWITCH because :-
1) It is very steady, safe for my children
2) It is reversible. I have an option to have baby facing me or facing out.
3) It is very fashionable (for my hubby)
4) It is very reasonably priced for it's good quality
5) it is very spacious for baby
6) Many Compartments and Hooks available to put my baby stuffs.

I DISLIKE PEG-PEREGO PIKO SWITCH because :-
1) It is very heavy, I cannot carry it!
2) I cannot put my Baby in the car seat and carry it in and out of the car.
3) HEAVY!!!!

I think the "HEAVINESS" restricted my usage of the Stroller somehow. 

Chloe Jie Jie is so Sweet

Last night, I told Chloe to kiss Baby Clarisse (on my tummy), and she did as usual and then she would stroke my tummy with her hand and say "Yang~~~" (Sayang).

Mama : Chloe a, You are a big Jie Jie now. You cannot eat Aiyer (Pacifier) anymore. You must give your "aiyer" to Baby Clarisse.

Chloe : Yes

Mama : Good Girl. Ok...Take out your "aiyer"from your mouth, give it to Baby Clarisse la.

Chloe : Yes. (She took out her pacifier from her mouth and placed it on my tummy.)

Chloe : Mama, give Clarisse Bean Bag....(Immediately, she placed her bean bag on my tummy too even though I didn't ask for it.)

Mama : Wah...Good girl. You are a big Jie Jie now. (Heart Melted, how can a little be so sweet!)

Chloe : Yes

Mama : Chloe, You ask Baby Clarisse faster come out and play with Jie Jie Chloe la.

Chloe : Clarisse, come out now.

Mama : Yes...Come out now and lay with Jie Jie.

Chloe : Come out now...play with Jie Jie (while her head rest on my tummy).

My Darling Chloe is so sweet. 

** Baby Clarisse : Jie Jie, Baby Clarisse loves Jie Jie & Ma Ma. I want Papa to carry Baby Clarisse like he always carry Jie Jie. **

August 5, 2010

I DON'T WANT!!!!!!!

Colleague A : How heavy are you now?

Mama : Why? (Shocked, in the middle of work, suddenly ask me this question)

Colleague A : Got 58Kg?

Mama : Of course more than that lor

Colleague A : 60+ kg a?

Mama : Ya lor...

Colleague B : Should be 60 + la....so Big

Colleague A : Ya...Badan dia BESAR!

Arghhh...I dun wan!!!!!!!!

A Day with Chloe

Mama did not go to work yesterday and was also lazy to go to the knitting place, so Mama stayed home all day long. I played Animal Flash Cards with Chloe in the afternoon, and she can recognize and name all of the animals that I showed her :-
(1) Pig - She knows Pig oiks oiks
(2) Cow - She knows Cow Moo Moo
(3) Dog - She knows Dog Aw Aw (She picked this up from Mei Mei, even though I told her WOOF WOOF)
(4) Cat - She knows Cat Miao Miao
(5) Mouse 
(6) Horse - She knows Horse Yeeee Yeeee (Papa Taught her Yeeeee Yeeeee)
(7) Dolphin
(8) Bee
(9) Otter
(10) Giraffe - She knows Giraffe has long Neck
(11) Tiger - She knows Tiger roars
(12) Lion (But she always says Tiger first when she sees Lion, she only changed to Lion when I told her "NO, this is not a Tiger) - Roars too
(13) Dragonfly
(14) Butterfly
(15) Fish
(16) Bird
(17) Elephant
(18) Rabbit
(19) Squirrel
(20) Monkey - She knows Monkey WU WU AH AH....hahhahaa..
(21) Sheep - She knows Sheep Meh Meh
(22) Snake - She knows Snake SSS SSS
(23) Spider
(24) Crocodile

I also set up the Pool for her since it was a HOT DAY. She enjoyed it so much in her COLD WATER Pool with her Pail, Spades, Sieve (Beach Toys) until she was so reluctantly to get out of the water. It was so nice to see her have fun splashing waters on her own.

Then, my maid sent her for a bath and I followed them to the bathroom; I just want to see how my maid handle her in the bathroom. Hmm....She did everything right except that she has forgotten to give the toothbrush to Chloe. Maybe she thought brushing teeth should only be done in the morning and night?? Anyway, it was an evening bath for Chloe, but I passed her the new toothbrush that I bought for her. She hold her brush CORRECTLY, and she started to brush her front teeth. Wow, I was amazed. She finally knows how to brush her teeth. She used to BITE the toothbrush, not BRUSHING. And now, she is actually brush with horizontal movement on her front teeth. Well, not the correct way yet but at least an improvement. GOOD GIRL!

How I wish I can OCCASIONALLY stay home just to catch up with Chloe and teach her new things and go through every single of her growth development. 

Chloe likes to TALK a lot, and expecting us to answer her most of the time. If Mama did not answer her, she will starts to call : MAMA, MAMA........MAMA...MAMA..until I answer her YES or give her any respond.

However, I must said she is lack of confidence still. She dares not sit on the Parachute ride (it supposes to build her self confidence) in the Gymboree Playclass. She is always attracted to all the Figurine Rides (Those in the amusement park, which will move with music after coin is inserted) BUT never DARE to even step 3 feet closer to the ride. *SIGH* Before I can ask her whether she wants to ride on it or not, she was PULLING my hand HARD and tell me to go away from it. 

She likes playing water but she dares not SIT on her own float and move about herself. She needs Mama or Papa to hold her really tight otherwise she will start her DRAMA again. 

AT LEAST, she is able to sit on the SLIDE now. Ya. I know many babies can do it way before this age (20th month) but Chloe only recently accepting the SLIDE. Hahaha....

I feel she is like Papa, not those adventurous type. Completely opposite of Mama. When she sees something new, she will step BACKWARD and OBSERVE Long long time, and decide whether she wants to do it or not. That's why I am not worried whenever she is near the staircase (well, I will be NEXT TO HER), because I know she is a very careful person, she will never rush. She will always observe and hold the rail tight before she moves forward. :P 

August 4, 2010

37th Weeks Appointment

- Mama's Weight : 61KG
(Arghh..I was shocked.... I quickily take out my shoes and weigh again. 60.5KG..haha...)

- Clarisse's Weight : 2.7KG

- Crown not engaged yet.

August 2, 2010

Confinement Lady

Hubby and I met up with our Confinement Lady yesterday. I thought better to waste RM300 rather than RM3000 so I suggested to meet up with her before Clarisse's birth JUST IN CASE. Yes, I had made a deposit of RM300 before even I met her in order to book her - SAU WAH "JIE". She was introduced by hubby's cousin, only comment from hubby's cousin was that this CL is very talkative. Indeed, she is a very very talkative person. After I have booked her, she called me three times to check how I am and the conversation usually lasted at least 15 minutes or more, and she was the one who did all the talking most of the time. 

Hubby and I decided to buy her a lunch and asked her about  the Herbs Packages that she recommended earlier on. We wanted to know more because she said the Postnatal Herbs Package cost RM800-RM900 plus plus. 

SAU WAH JIE in her Late Fifties or Early Sixties I believe, with her short curly hair dyed in Purplish Red, plump, average height, dark complexion, heavy make up (especially with her eye liner), in Purple Floral Top and a Black Slacks. We picked her up from the Pudu Pasar (market), and she surprised us by inviting her "friend" along when we told her to pop into our car. 

The moment she sat in the car, she was so excited and squeezed herself in the middle of the car which THERE IS NO SEAT for her. It's hubby's New BABY (Car) so hubby told her to move to the side and talk slowly when we reached the eating place. It was a little awkward to us because she brought along an uninvited guest. Not that we mind paying an extra person's lunch but we were not informed prior to this. 

So, I thought why not I start to break the ice and start a conversation while we were on our way to the eating place. So, I started...

Mama : So, how was it in Singapore? Work for How long? (In our last tele-conversation, she was in Singapore doing confinement.)

Sau Wah Jie : Aiyoh...Actually I didn't work there. I lied to you because I was actually resting in Singapore at that time. 

Mama : Huh?  ( I was shocked because during the last conversation I clearly heard the Baby crying over the phone and she was also complaining about the mother insisted on breastfeeding even though the breastmilk made the baby's poo watery.) How? ( I continued)

Sau Wah Jie : Yalor..I fall from the escalator? 

Mama : Huh? Escalator? The Condo got Escalator or you fall in the shopping mall's escalator?

Sau Wah Jie : No la. I fall at the Custom's Escalator lor...so Unlucky. I was injured badly until cannot walk. The wound was so bad and I was resting in Singapore for a month. I didn't want to tell you all earlier because I was not sure what is going to happen next. LUCKILY, my daughter bought me insurance, that's why during your confinement I need to go out to Singapore again to settle the insurance and also do a checkup there.

Mama : ?????? So........

Sau Wah Jie : Ya lor, Ya lor....I feel paiseh (embarrassed) to inform you earlier because I did not manage to get a replacement for you at that time.

Mama : .......?????

Sau Wah Jie : But now, I found someone....as good as me.... to take care of you during your confinement.

Mama : Errr......????? So, You are doing my confinement??

Sau Wah Jie : I wish I can...but really I need to settle my insurance and check up at that time. I really wish I can do it for you. 

Then she started to show me her leg (which I don't find any NEW INJURY, that injury was a very old injury which is similar to my granny's which might be more than yearsss). I didn't want to ask further because I was already confused and unhappy since it was very obvious that she was lying. 

Sau Wah Jie : Don't worry...Ah Ping is my friend, she is in this line for a long time already. I didn't want to inform you earlier because I was not sure Ah Ping Jie can take the job or not? So now, I feel so released because I have finally found someone to take over my place and take care of you. At least, I have tried my best to do my part for you. At least, someone will be there to take care of you and baby during your confinement.

SO! Now, my confinement lady is not SAU WAH JIE anymore. My Confinement lady is PING JIE. I read about it somewhere about many CL simply get the replacement right before your due date, and turned out a big MESS. Now, it is happening to me! Arghhh!

Hubby and I were looking at each other during the lunch, didn't know what to say. But to be honest, If SAU WAH JIE can do it for me, I might not use her. Because during the lunch, I was a little disgusted with her.... spitting of food (YUCKS!!!). Very typical granny's attitude. Whereas PING JIE, she was more polite and gentle. 

PING JIE in her late fifties with her fair complexion, No Make up, Black Long Curly Hair in Ponytail, Average Size in her comfortable T-shirt and Jeans. She doesn't look like her age at all, maybe because of her good skin complexion it makes her looks way younger than her age. She was less talkative, and she was more polite and less calculative. Because when I asked her how many days exactly she will work for me, she told me straight away that it is usually 28 days but if I really need help she didn't mind to stay 2 days more. But this irritating SAU WAH JIE added if we need extra days, it will be charged accordingly.

"LUCKY IS NOT YOU", I THOUGHT

But it is still early to judge anyone at this point. Ping Jie to me at the moment, she is very quiet, not too sure whether she is experienced enough to carry out the job. 

Sometimes I feel stupid, I have maids, mum and granny at home to help out, and I need to pay her RM3k to just take care of Baby and cook for ME ALONE. Is this RM3K justifiable? Still early to judge. Many told me it is, I will have faster and better recovery with CL's help. Some told me, it is nonsense paying so much for NOTHING. But of course, I have many hands to help during the daytime, CL is hired because I really need someone to help out in the night for Baby's feed. My mum and maids cannot do this for me in the night. Let me try it and shall comment it later. 

I also want to mention about the Herb Packages that we had sillily paid to her RM924.60. The package included :-

- 28 days of Hong Zhou (Red Date) Dong Sam Packages
- 28 days of Herbal Soup Ingredient - for Mama
- 28 days of Dai Feng Ngai (Herbal Bath) - for Mama
- 28 days of Herbal Bath - for Baby
- 1 bottle of Yu Yi Yau (Some Chinese Oil to ease Baby's stomachache)
- SOME baby chinese medicines...(sorry...didn't go through the box thoroughly) but I must said whatever you need to take care a baby in a CHINESE WAY.
- 1 packet PAO SUM
- 1 packet DONG GUAI

Something like that.... Not sure whether it is worth RM924.60 or not and also not sure how effective it is to me and baby. I didn't use any of these mentioned above during my first pregnancy. I had the Dong Sam & Red Dates Drinks for many many days and I had the Ginger Chicken Soup for many many days too. That's about it. Nothing on the Herbal Soup, nothing on the Herbal bath both on me or baby. Hubby and I are more to the doctor's side. If my pediatrician says NO to the Herbal Bath or any of the chinese medicine, we are not gonna use it for SURE. And I am not going to use any Herbs on myself too if it's going to ruin my breastfeeding plan. I shall comment on this expensive herbal package after my confinement. Is there any cheaper way to do a confinement? GOT! No CL No Herbs...go for the WESTERNER'S STYLE!! :)