Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Wildan's Diary : Alhamdulillah...He is 6 Months Old

Alhamdulillah...Wildan just turn 6 months last 29th November 2012. I am grateful and thankful for his well development & health. I am also proud that he is a fully breastfed baby. There were ups and downs especially when he has his growth spurt and drank 6 to 7 bottles of 5oz milk a day and I had to go to his nursery during lunch time to send supply. Lucky my office is only 10- to 15 minutes away from the nursery.

Since he has reach 6 months, I am now starting to feed him solid. His first food was a mixed of apple and carrot. He seems to like it. :). A friend of mine, Puteri said she did a mix of apple and pear for her son so I tried it. Wildan loves it. He can't get enough of it. Lucky I made extra the first time I fed him with the recipe. He screams when I stop feeding him wanting more and smiles when I feed him more. What a chicky boy! Oh..he can also hold his own bottle now. :)






Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Wildan's Diary : His First Flu

Last week was a tiring week. On Sunday, out of nowhere I got food poisoning. Vomiting and diarrhea were inevitable. I was weak and just pray I have the strength to breastfeed and Alhamdulillah...I did. Got MC for Monday but I still don't have the appetite to eat.

On Tuesday, Wildan's babysitter told me that his head was a little bit warmer than usual. We had experienced it last week and he did have a slight high temperature for awhile but then the doctor said he's ok. We didn't go to paeds but just went to a GP. That Tuesday nite, I started noticing that he is having mucus and I sucked it out to make him more comfortable sleeping and breastfeeding. I also put a wet towel to cool down his head. That seems to stop his flu as well. Maybe his head was warm, that's why he has the flu.

I send him to his nursery as usual on Wednesday and told his babysitter to call me if the same thing happen. At 11am I received a call from his nursery and I rushed back. This time, I brought him to see paeds. It seems that everything is okay with Wildan but he is just having flu but no fever. Both hubby and me has sinus, so the doctor said that Wildan may have that too but he is building is immune and antibody system. Baby will catch flu on and off just to strengthen its immune system. Fuh! That's glad to know.

We also took pneumococcal shot and oral rotavirus dose for Wildan because he is staying in nursery 5 days a week with 20 kids. Risk is not something I like. A big NO NO.

On the positive side, Wildan has finally roll over to his stomach that Wednesday morning!! I was so happy. Remember my last post when I said he is not even trying? It happened so fast and sudden that I didn't even catch it on video. Just a picture of him trying to roll over and finally did it. I am relieved to know that his development is where he is supposed to be. :)




Saturday, October 13, 2012

Pump, Pump, Pump ke Potong Rumput?

When I was committed to fully breastfeed, as a working mom, I know will have to pump at work. Giler tak pam? Mau meletop! :P And...of course to keep stock for Wildan to feed while he is at nursery.

Wildan is my first child, so I had no experience what so ever in this pumping thing. I heard of Medela and Avent brand. I bought my first pump when I was still pregnant. I went for Medela Harmony Manual Pump. Why? Because it was kind of within my budget RM199 and I thought it wouldn't be that difficult. Better than pumping using my hands directly to pump.

I begin pumping as early as 7 days after I give birth. hmmm...than I found out that, yeah...using a pump is good but manual pump can be tiring. I am surely not gonna use it at work. Then I'll be doing more pumping than my actual work. :p After discussing with my working mum friends, they advice me to buy electrical pump. And I did. I bought Medela Mini Electric. Why? Again, because it is within my budget. I got a pretty good package deal complete with ice pack, cooler bag and extra bottles.

Now, Wildan is already 4 months 2 weeks. I have been pumping for 3 months. Although Medela Mini Electric is good but it is a single pump and...it makes quite a loud sound. I will go to my office surau to pump...2 to 3 times a day. But since it will take about 30-40 minutes to both side, 2 times is normally my number. One day, one of the clerk came in to pray and it was raining. I was sitting at my usual place to pump covered with my shawl. I was also chatting on my blackberry. When the girl came in..she said..."wah...hujan-hujan pon ada orang potong rumput yer?". I looked at her and said, "huh? potong rumput? mesin pam akak lah". She said.."Huh? ahahahah...yer ker?" Enough said....ahahahahah....my pump sounds like a lawn mower. :P

Actually, I have ordered Medela Freestyle. From what my friend told me, I can't wait to receive mine and start using it. It will surely safe a lot of time and I can do other things while pumping. And sure hope it doesn't sounds like a lawn mower. LOL One thing though...I will have to sacrifice 7 months of shopping to buy the pump. Anything for my cikenit bam bam. :D




Friday, October 12, 2012

Wildan's Diary: 4 months 2 weeks

I hope it is not too late to start writing his diary. Today Wildan is 4 months and 2 weeks old. Too lazy to count by days. :P He is doing okay for his age. His development is somewhat at an average level. Not too fast or too slow.



He talks a lot...baby talk that is...and he laughs out loud. He has now established a routine. He will sleep at 8pm and wake up 2-3 times at nite to feed and will be wide awake by 7am. This is great during weekdays but for weekends...hmmm...not so good because when he is wide awake and all energetic, we wants to play. Wildan, mummy need her beauty sleep...please. However, he has yet to roll over and seldom sees him trying to do so. I really hope he'll do it soon.



Up till yesterday since he was about 2 months old, he will breastfeed to sleep but today I have decided that I want to train him to fall asleep on his own. I know it will be a challenge to mute away his cry for attention but I was determine. What do you know? I did it!! He did it. He fall asleep on his own tonite. Mummy has such a good boy. So proud of you!! Lets hope this will continue and become a routine as well.




Thursday, October 11, 2012

Boredom!

Everyday Today I am bored and lazy at work. Apahal entah?! I have lots of work to do but just don't feel like doing them. Maybe because I've been away from work for too long. 4 months, that's 1/3 of year I was on leave/MC during my maternity. So, coming back to work was not really something I look forward to.

I know, I'll go crazy if I just stay at home but I have my Wildan with me. And that is a full-time job. Unfortunately, I don't have that privilege. Not working is not an option and hub and me are just middle income earners. And with today's cost of living, one salary is not gonna cut it.

I guess that's life...:P

That's it for now. Am gonna update the blog again soon with maybe a fun story. My life is kind of dull. uhuhuhu...



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Wildan's Diary

Every weekday morning I will send my little precious to his nursery with heavy heart. I was lucky I found a good nursery for him. I was so afraid that I wouldn't. well, maybe I'll write about that in another entry.

Every morning, I will send him direct to his crib and put him down, play with him a bit and kiss him goodbye. Well, actually I kissed him plenty. LOL I think every mom can relate. And I will also chat with his babysitter for awhile. She's very friendly and has experience with children development. She suggested that I make a diary for Wildan to write down all his developments. She did that with all her 6 children until they were 6 years old and later show to them. Actually, I did plan to do that. I have lots of his pictures in my Blackberry. Most of his updates are in facebook. Am gonna take a fren's quote "FB Puaka". LOL.

So, from today...I think am gonna put his journey in this blog at least once a month. The same fren with the quote has an open letter she wrote to both of her son in her blog. To me it is a brilliant idea. I even cried to one. Maybe I will write one of those one day but I think I will cry more than I write. Ok, even now am tearing up. :(

Quick update. Yesterday Wildan's temp went up to 37.4C at 2am and I was so worried. He didn't want to swallow paracetamol I gave so I took wet towel and put on his head. By 4am his temperature was stable. I took emergency leave to monitor him. Alhamdulillah...he's stable through out the day. Mummy kancheong but Wildan seems to love all the attention. hmmm.....


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Travelling with EBM (Expressed Breast Milk)

Been meaning to update this blog with other entries before this one but didn't seem to find the time to. I don't even remember when was the last time I cooked dinner. Hmmm....

Okay, back to the main subject. During my 3 months maternity leave, my boss called me to tell me that the company will be sending me for a 4 days course in Indonesia. Told me to bring my little one along. Well, no need to tell me that...of course I will have to bring him. My hubby won't be able to handle him alone.

My little precious is 100% breastfed. Alhamdulillah (thank God) that so far the supply is sufficient and I pray it will continue until he is two years old. :) by the time the travel date to Indonesia comes, he's 3.5 months. Since this is the 1st time travelling with infants, I asked around to get more info about it especially about safety. Apparently there is nothing to worry about. We even went to see a doctor before we flew, and the doctor said since Wildan is 100% breast fed, I don't need to worry too much and he seems to be a healthy baby.

Now, that's settled. The only thing I will have to think about is transporting EBM with me. I will be attending a course and hubby will be taking care of Wildan in the hotel room while I'm gone. Of course I will have to bring EBM with me and not to forget my pump. The EBM will only be for the 2nd & 3rd day usage. Thawed EBM can only be used within 48 hours. At that time, I was thankful that I have just redeemed a cooler bag that is just perfect for this from a loyalty card points.

Our flight was at 9.15am so I booked a taxi to come at 6.30am. Don't want to be late. It's about 1 hour drive to the airport. Since this is the 1st time for me to transport EBM, I decided to put the cooler bag inside my luggage to be checked-in. Although I have read that EBM are allowed to be brought up to the cabin but I don't know for sure. I packed 6 bottles EBM at the very last minute at around 6.15am just to ensure that it stays chilled as the icepack will only last about 8-12 hours. Our flight will arrive at 12.15pm (6 hours later) and I think we should be able to be in our room latest by 2pm. And I was right! So, I quickly took out the EBM and transfer them into my hotel room mini bar. However, to my surprise..the EBM and my ice packs are still frozen. I think as they were packed inside my luggage, my clothing and other thing compressed the cold and keep them in stable temperature so they didn't thaw or melt. It was good because that way, I can just put the ice pack in the small freezer space inside the mini bar that they usually put small ice cubes and continue to freeze it.

I still direct feed on arrival day but hubby started his full time baby sitting job on day 2 and 3 and those were my full day course days. I would go back to our to during tea break to pump. Day 4 am back to direct feed. On departure day, I pack the frozen ice pack & chilled EBM into my cooler bag. This time, I did not pack them inside my luggage but hand carry them instead. Yes, all airport allow EBM to be transported on board. However, you may want to ask the airport staff once you arrive to ensure there is no problem during your departure. This way, you can plan on how to pack your EBM for transportation on the way back.


This is how I pack my EBM

This is my suggestion or tips if you are planning to travel with EBM.
  1. Take out/pack your frozen EBM at the very last minute before you depart to your destination. This is to make sure your ice pack can last as long as it can.
  2. If possible, put your cooler bag inside your luggage so that you can retain the temperature so that your ice pack will stay frozen (this will depends on how long your journey is, mine was about 9 hours till we reach hotel room). This will help to avoid complication for you to refreeze the ice pack especially if you are staying at a hotel.
  3. Once arrive, transfer the EBM and ice pack into the mini bar (if hotel) and make sure the mini bar temperature is at high. Most hotel will set it at low. Most minibar will have small freezer poket inside the mini bar. You can place your ice pack there.
  4. You can pump new stock while you are travelling but make sure the EBM age is not more than 72 hours once you reach back home to freeze it.
  5. Most airport will allow you to bring EBM aboard the cabin but you might want to check with the airport security the day you arrive to prepare for your departure on your way back. This helps you to plan on how you should pack your stuff. Especially for international flight.

I was also relived that Wildan behaved on flight. Just make sure you nurse your baby during take off and landing to ease off the pressure. If he's full, a pacifier would help.

Wildan happy in flight. :D




Sunday, July 1, 2012

Breast Feeding : Tips, Obstacles & Challenges

Am starting this entry where I left off in my last entry. While I was waiting to be warmed up after the surgery in an isolated room, I can't wait to see my baby again because I didn't see his face clearly in the operation theater. I also hope that hubby has arrived. It is the hospital policy that husband can't be in the OT during the procedure.

So after 30 minutes, finally the nurse push my bed back to my ward. I was anxious! I have waited for this moment for 5 years (7 years if I count the age I actually want a child). Once I am back at my cubicle, I saw hubby walking vastly towards me with a smile. He came and kiss my forehead and said "Yang, baby kita comel mcm muka awak. Mula-mula saya ingat anak cina mana tadi". (Dear, our baby is cute and looks you and at first I thought it was a chinese baby) I can't help to smile hearing that. Did he actually forget that his wife has chinese blood and looks like one? :-P My friend told me that when the nurse called hubby to see the baby he immediately left all his things and followed the nurse. LOL

Few minutes after that, the nurses brought our precious baby to us after they gave him his BCG and Hep B shot. And now, my story on breast feeding starts. Some women are kind of lucky to have milk early as in even when they are pregnant. Well, I am not that some. I am one of those normal women who has no sign of milk during pregnancy. If you are one of these women like me, do not worry. If you are determine to breastfeed, the milk will be there. If you read my previous post, you would know I have gestational diabetic. So, my baby was born with low sugar reading. When he was brought to me, the nurse told me his condition and said they want to give him formula milk to raise the sugar level. That is my first challenge. At that time, I didn't even think whether I have milk or not, I just immediately said "NO!" and I want to breastfeed 100%. They told me to do it every hour and if the sugar level is still low, they might have to feed formula milk.

Right after that, I immediately hold Wildan and breastfeed him. What do you know?! I have milk. Well, colostrum to be exact. Colostrum has the highest amount of nutrition and antibodies you can ever give to your baby which you normally have for the first 3-4 days after giving birth. After 3 hours, they check Wildan's sugar level and it has rose a bit even not to the normal level yet. I was so happy and kept on breastfeeding him. One thing that helps is, Wildan is also a baby that knows how to suck the nipples the right way. hehehehehe....by midnight (I gave birth at 9.50am and met Wildan an hour later) the sugar level has rose to the normal level it should be. yey!! I did it!! NO FORMULA MILK!!

However, here comes my 2nd challenge. Something happened the next day that made me so stressful that I almost didn't produce milk at all. Wildan was crying the whole night because the milk was insufficient. Am not going to reveal what happened here but if you want to know, you can PM me in facebook (that is if you are in my friend list). I called my hubby crying while I told him what happened because I was so frustrated. In fact, I called him a few times that night. Thank God I have composed myself by the next day and milk started to pour back as usual. It is true when people said don't stress yourself because it might effect your breast milk production.

My 3rd challenge was cracked nipples and it hurts like hell! It started on the 5th day. Maybe because Wildan was breastfeeding quite frequent. Thank God I recovered by day 8 but before that, I would shout in pain each time Wildan starts sucking. Seriously, I don't want to experience that anymore. When you go to ante-natal class, they teach you about breastfeeding but didn't actually tells you how to take care of the tool which is your nipples.

Tips on how to PREVENT cracked nipples:
1) Once you are pregnant, wash your nipples with only warm water. Please avoid and make sure you do not use any soap (any kind) and protect your nipples from it. How to do it? Apply some nipple cream to your nipples after you wash and wipe it clean before you bathe. The cream will protect the nipples from any soap water to touch it.
2) Make sure you do No 1 even when you starts and are breastfeeding. Make sure you buy nipple cream that is baby friendly which do not require for you to clean it first before breastfeeding you baby.

Tips on how to HEAL cracked nipples:
1) Press some of your milk and apply to your nipples area and let it air dry. You will need to repeat this a few times. Feed you baby with the less painful side first at least until the other one heals.  OR
2) Wash you nipples with salt water (soak it of possible), wipe dry and then apply some of your milk to the nipples area and let it air dry.

This is the nipple cream I use
'Pigeon' Nipple Care Cream @ RM39
You can find it at any pharmacy

My 4th challenge starts when Wildan was diagnosed with jaundice. Beside the lack of sleep because I need to breastfeed him even more frequent (every one hour to be exact), I have to go to the clinic every two days to check his bilirubin level. And with just after 5 days of surgery, I was quite strong to handle it. Thank you Allah. However, one day, Wildan's reading went high and he had to be admitted for phototheraphy treatment and I was admitted with him. While waiting for the transport ambulance to transport us to the second facility of the hospital, Wildan was put under the blue light. We were waiting what seems like forever and Wildan kept waking up wanting milk. Once he cool down and sleeps, I told the nurse am going to eat for awhile. The nurse said ok and if the baby wakes up, she will "top up". Okay....let me tell you. I am superbly annoyed  and pissed off with the terms 'top up'. Why? Because 'top up' means they are going to feed your baby with formula milk. My 2nd challenge had something to do with it!! I was mad when the nurse said that and immediately said NO! I told hubby to go eat first and then take turn to watch over Wildan. I was so afraid that they are gonna feed him with formula milk. What the hell is this? Aren't government hospitals are all about 100% breast milk? Why are they assuming I want to feed formula milk to my baby? I am okay if the nurse asked me whether she can feed formula milk to Wildan but she simply said she will feed Wildan with formula milk and assume I will be okay with it. So yes, the terms 'top up' pissed me off!!

After one night of phototheraphy treatment, Wildan's bilirubin level has gone down but here it comes again. The doctor told me that his weight has gone down. His birth weight was 3.16kg and now he is 2.81kg. I know for a fact that baby looses their birth weight at first but will start to gain it later but the doctor made it seems like it is a big deal. He said normal for a baby to loose about 10% of their birth weight but Wildan is loosing about 11% and it is advisable to feed him with formula milk. Oh come on!! What the hell is wrong with this hospital? Do they have a conspiracy against breastfeeding or are they just testing me? 10% and 11% is not to far off. Again, I feel like slapping the doctor for even suggesting that. FYI, this is not the same hospital I gave birth in. And as usual, I told him NO and said I will breastfeed and check his weight again for the next two days and see if there is any increase. What do you know?! It did!! So again, NO FORMULA MILK!! Now, the last time we check his weight was when he is 22 days and he weight 3.6kg.

This is my advise especially for first time mothers who want to breastfeed. Be committed and don't simply surrender to any kind of challenges or obstacles. Just believe that you will have the sufficient milk your baby needs. Trust me, now my milk is pouring and if Wildon doesn't feed every half an hour, it will start to leak. Think happy thoughts and believe. 

Before I end my entry for today (which took me almost a week to finish because Wildan kept on waking up wanting milk), I would like to share the best thing I have ever bought to help me ease the tiredness of breastfeeding. I know you will have sore arms after holding your baby for so long, so nursing pillow really helps. This item was recommended by my dear friend Lana and I really thank her for that. I also love Medela milk collection shells that I bought. It helps me to collect the leaked milk and then I can store it.

'Safe N Sound' Nursing Pillow @ RM119 each
You can buy it HERE

'Medela' Milk Collection Shells @ RM69.00
You can read more about it HERE or can buy it HERE

This might have been the longest post ever. Hope if anyone reads it, you will find it useful. :)

Until next time..ciao!






Sunday, June 24, 2012

29th May 2012...The Day

Wanted to update my blog for the hundredth times but never got to it. Either am not feeling like writing or I was too busy. Today, 24th June 2012 is supposed to be the day I give birth to my little precious Wildan Zaeem but I guess God had different plan. Instead he was born on 29th May 2012.


My last update was when I am 29 weeks long. Since then, I had to control my diet due to gestational diabetic which was not fun at all!! You are at the stage where you want to eat right about everything and yet, you can't!! uurghhhh Nothing much happened between week 29 to week 22 but come week 33 during my routine check up, I got to know that I have Placenta Preavia Type 3 where my placenta is at the low side and almost close my womb window. So, I was admitted to hospital for observation until I gave birth! (read..."yey!! I don't have to go to work until I give birth!!) I was scheduled for a c-sect on 12th June 2012.


Then, my life in the hospital gynea ward starts on 10th May 2012. Let me tell you, lots of things happen there. Nothing out of the ordinary though...but just I get to see the different experience of giving birth by the patients in the same ward as me. I am what they called "long stay patient" but the ward also have normal patients that are there just to give birth. So at night, I can hear babies crying and who knew there are many types of baby cry. I even thought that one of the baby cry cute. It almost sounds like a cat. hehehehehe


So, I was ok and enjoying my time being in bed most of the time (and not at work) with the doctors doing their rounds asking the same questions...."Are you okay?", "No bleeding?", "No contractions?". My answer to the questions is the same everyday.."Am ok doctor" until Saturday, 26th May when I told the doctor that I think I had a regular contractions between 2am till 5am, they quickly did a CTG (a process where they check for contractions using a machine). And yes, I did have contractions. Since then, I was under intensive observation and was moved to a different cubicle nearer to the nurse station in case a more rapid contractions occur. Regular contractions can cause for the placenta to bleed and jeopardize the baby. 


Contractions was on and off since that Saturday until I myself got confused whether it is a contraction or not. However, on Tuesday 29th May, the professors made their rounds to see the patients. One of them looked at my file and made a decision that I need to have c-sect that day. What?? Today? but hubby is not here yet!! I called hubby not knowing the time am going to go to the operating theater but the nurse has seemed to prepare me. Suddenly one of the nurse called my name and said I have to go now. What?? NOW??? But hubby is outside renewing his roadtax and insurance!! And I can't call him because he is on his bike. GOSH!! everything is going so fast. All I can do is bbm (blackberry messenger) hubby and tell him am going in. Then, I gave the phone to a friend (who coincidently also admitted in the same ward) and tell her to pick up the phone if hubby called. I was so nervous!!! I have never had any surgery in my life!! SERIOUSLY!!!


The last time I was in a hospital was in 1994 for high fever. Not to mention the operation theater was so cold!! I was half paralyzed for the c-sect and the meds they gave me blocked me from feeling any pain but I can feel the touch. So, I can feel the surgeon pushing my stomach around to push out the baby. Finally, I feel my stomach empty and then a cry of a baby. My first reaction? I cried...uhuk. 5 minutes later, the nurse brought my precious baby to my face and introduce him. :)


This is my little precious baby Wildan Zaeem




I didn't see him again until I was brought back to the ward about 45 minutes later. I will continue my post in my next one...which is more about breast feeding...

Until next time...ciao!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Pregnancy at 29 Weeks

Last two weeks (yes, this is a delayed post) on 6/4/2012 was my routine check up at the hospital for the pregnancy and was going to be 29 weeks that Sunday. This time around, I have to give blood to check my hemoglobin and glucose level. As both my parents have diabetic, I am at risk. But...the thing I hate the most is, I have to drink the awfully sweet glucose drink and I can't eat starting 10pm the night before until 2 hours after my drink the thick concentrated glucose. So, did the test and I just have to wait for them to call for the result.

I also have to scan to check my placenta placement as I have low placenta and this is risky as I might have to go for ceaserian labor as the placenta might close the window for baby to come out. The girl who the scan (not a doctor) told me that I am safe and that the placenta has gone up where it should be. I was happy to hear that and we also took the opportunity to double confirm the baby's gender. For the 3rd time, it's a BOY!! :)

So, we went home after the check up feeling happy that everything is ok. However, somehow I know my blood test will show a not so good result. And I thought right. A nurse called my later that afternoon informing me that my blood glucose level is 8.4 (normal is maximum 6.4), so I have to go again on 18/4/2012 to meet with a nutritionist. That doesn't really stop there. The next day (Saturday), hubward & I went to a private medical centre to do a 4D scan just to see how our baby might look like. To our surprise, the gynea told us that my placenta is still low at stage 2. I was shocked and hubward was upset as he thought I was out of risk. Baby was okay though. He is perfect! :) Alhamdulillah.....

Can you see his face? He is on the left and he is looking to the right (half face) peacefully sleeping.

On Monday, I called the ultrasound department to inform of my discovery and the nurse who answered the phone told me to wait for my next appointment and tell the doctor. The doctor will do the ultrasound him/herself. How can the girl made that mistake? It may seems small mistake, but I was at risk. Imagine if I was not careful...I have the risk of bleeding.

On 18/4/2012, I went to the hospital as scheduled. My conclusion, diabetic sucks. :P I think this was triggered by my cravings for Krisantimun Tea. Almost everyday I will drink it and it is sweet. I am not a sweet tooth kind of person, but since I reach 4.5 months....I just love sweet things especially drinks. And..it has to be COLD!! So, got my diet and I also have to but the blood glucose reader machine to monitor my glucose level. This is to ensure that my glucose level is at safe level. If not, I might have to take insulin which I pray I won't to reach to that extend.

The glucose reader....

The needle...small yet powerful :P

Am starting my first monitoring tomorrow. Hope am able to control my diet which is so darn hard to do!!! Wish me all the best!!

Until next time..CIAO!!




Sunday, April 1, 2012

The Importance of Cord Blood Stem Cells

I wanted to update about this on Friday but I was too tired and then Saturday was kind of a full day and I was tired again. Yeah...being 7 months pregnant can do that to you. I can't imagine how will it feels like when I reach 8 and 9 months. Just hope the time will fly fast.

On Thursday, a friend of mine shared a news on our watsapp group. She said a niece of a friend need blood type A+ for her leukemia treatment. The girl Raja Nur Kamilia bt Raja Syahrul, 12 years old with Leukemia needs white cells from male with blood type A+ donors. Knowing that hubward is blood type A (not sure + or -), I immediately bbm him to tell him about the girl and encouraged him to donate. If he agrees, we will have to be at PPUM by 8pm that nite and he agreed. We can never know when is our turn and if we can help in any way, we help. Actually, male with blood type O+ can also donate. The doctor opt for male because male has bigger vein and the transfusion of the white blood cells will take 3 hours for each person.

What is Leukemia?
It is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases. In turn, it is part of the even broader group of diseases affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid system, which are all known as hematological neoplasms.

In 2000, approximately 256,000 children and adults around the world developed some form of leukemia, and 209,000 died from it.About 90% of all leukemia are diagnosed in adults.

You can read HERE for more information.


Kamilia was diagnosed December last year (2011) with the cancer and doctor has given her treatment to kill the cancer including chemotherapy. The bad side of chemo is, it will kill all cells without being biased. So, it kill bad and good cells. In Kamilia case, her White Blood Cells were badly damaged which are very important for her to recover back to normal.

What is White Blood Cells?
They are cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Five different and diverse types of leukocytes exist, but they are all produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a hematopoietic stem cell. They live for about 3 to 4 days in the average human body. Leukocytes are found throughout the body, including the blood and lymphatic system.

You can read HERE for more information.


At first, Kamilia was doing well, but due to superbly low White Blood Cells in her blood, bacteria starts to attack her lungs, later her liver and then her kidney. Now, she is on life support. So, the doctor decides to do an alternative treatment for her. They will need to inject white blood cells received from donors of the same blood type into her blood stream until she can start to generate her own white blood cells. The first time they did it, they used her dad's blood and the reading went higher than they anticipated and that's why they need more donors as the dad can't donate daily to ensure her reading keeps going up.

We are still waiting for my hubward's blood test result to confirm his blood type and also to ensure he is in perfect health to do the procedure.

So, what does this has anything to do with cord blood stem cells? Stem cells are cells found in the human body that have the unique ability to divide continuously, often throughout the life of a human. In fact, they are the “master” cells that will transform into cells that form the brain, nerves, muscles, and other body parts. Current stem cell research is generating strong evidences about how healthy stem cells, when under the right conditions or signals, can give rise to differentiated cells.

Source: CyroCord

The easiest way to collect stem cells is via cord blood as it has the highest percentage of stem cells. Stem cells can also be collected from an adult blood but an adult will need to take some medication and the quantity might not be that high.

Umbilical cord blood, otherwise known simply as ‘cord blood’ or ‘placental blood’, is the blood that remains in the newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta following birth. In the past, cord blood was considered medical waste and if often discarded, although it is a rich and valuable source of stem cells. It provides a painless, safe and non-controversial means of acquiring stem cells that can be used to treat patients with rare blood disorders.
Cord blood stem cells, which are predominantly Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), are the key to building blocks of the human blood and immune system. In other words, HSCs have the potential to generate blood cells and cells of the human immune system. These cells are less prone to develop Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) because they are more primitive in nature, hence the chance for rejection is less compared to stem cells harvested from adults.
Stem cells that have been isolated from cord blood manually or by using AXP™ AutoXpress Platform are ultimately stored in a cryogenic preservation tank at -190º Celcius in vapour phase.
Why Store Cord Blood Stem Cells?

  1. Simple, quick and painless collection protocol that does not interfere nor complicates the delivery process.
  2. Generally preferred to adult peripheral blood transplantation due to lower likelihood of complication.
  3. No ethical controversies.
Source: CyroCord


Stems cells is the most important cells to cure blood related disease and to boost back immune system after any heavy procedure/surgery such as chemotherapy for cancer. Please note that it is not used to cure the cancer but to help boost the good blood cells count in order for a person to fully recover. Like in Kamilia case for instance, if her parents stored her stem cells, she could have used it after the chemo and lower the risk of organs collapse due to bacteria infections which happens in most cancer patients case. They are free of cancer, but it is the after effect of chemo that kills them. However, Kamilia is not that lucky because such service is only offered in Malaysia (mainly in Klang Valley) only about 5 to 6 years back.

I strongly suggest future parents to store their new born cord blood stem cells because of it's benefit. This stem cells can be used by the child (owner- 100% match), it's siblings (75% match) and the parents (50% match) should anything happen. Close relative can also use it but they will need to check whether they match. It doesn't cost you much. One time processing fee as low as RM1800 with free 1st year storage (depends on which company you register) and yearly storage up to RM250 per year (paid yearly) for another 20 years. Your child will have his/her own option whether to continue to store after they reach 21 years old and pay on their own.

To me the amount is such a small investment if you think about what are the benefits. If you can invest in buying expensive toys, gadget like iPad for your child or splurge money on other things, why not spend on something that might help save your family precious life one day. Of course we pray for it not to happen but we can never know. We can't see the future..so lets prepare for it.

I am definitely getting a package for my baby. We just got to know my hubward's niece was diagnose with Thalassemia and if she is a match to our child, we might donate to her a portion. She is 3 years old and we are not even sure which of the parents is the carrier. See, we can never know when will it strike but at least we try to be prepared.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Fisher-Price, My Baby First Toy

Today, my pregnancy has reached 27 weeks and 2 days. :) 14 more weeks to go. Honestly, I am a bit worried and soon might have panic attack since I still have lots of items in the "baby list" to fulfill. Well, most of them are small items. Hubward? He is not worry at all. I guess that's just the bright side of being a man. :P They worry less. Since this is our first baby, non of the items listed are toys and only important and essentials items are listed. Also thanx to my fren Lana who gave me guideline on the baby list.

My tummy at 27 weeks. I think it looks small. :P


On 20th March, another friend of mine (also like a sister to me) Diyana put up a sticky post on her blog (www.diyanazman.com) for a contest to win Fisher-Price toys. She is also pregnant a few weeks behind me but with her second child and she has bought many toys for the soon to be born baby. Just for fun and to try my luck, I entered the simple contest which ended 22nd March. All I have to do is sent a comment on why I love Go Baby Go: Stride to Ride Lion by Fisher Price from her previous blog entry. Actually, this is the second time I entered such contest from her blog and my luck wasn't there the first time.

Today, I received a call from her to congratulate me for winning 3rd place in the contest. YEY!! I won!! And this will be the first toy for my little baby. Although it may take awhile before he can use it but it is just wonderful!!

This is what I won!!
THIRD PRIZE WINNER -  Doodle Pro Basic Color Asst -RM99.90

This is what I wrote in her comment box and the winners were chosen by Fisher-Price Malaysia not Diyana (so no bias there :P)

Okay, first of all, I am 26 weeks pregnant and haven’t bought a single toy for the baby. Like seriously! Diyana!!! You bought so many toys. uhuhuhu….
Okay, now back to Fisher-Price. I have always loved its toys product and has always been my first choice as toy gift for any of my frens child. Either for newborn or even their birthdays. I think it has so much positive use and not just toys.
This same goes to Fisher-Price Stride-To-Ride Lion. From the pictures, I agree 100% with what Diyana wrote. The features are exactly what I meant when I say Fisher-Price toys are not just toys. They always manage to think what benefits it can give to the child who is going to play with it. For this toy in particular, it helps babies who are just about to learn to be on their feet to walk. And after that, it can ride the toy while having fun with it. with the colors, music and design, the baby can learn so much more. Parents can teach the baby of what animal it is riding, the songs can stimulate the sense of sounds, while the cloth enhance sense of touch and both create awareness to the baby. The colors they use are also a good learning tools for baby.
To me, Fisher-Price toys are always the best choice for any child. That’s why I love Fisher-Price Stride-To-Ride Lion.

Thank you Fisher-Price for choosing me as one of the winners and thank you Diyana for hosting the contest and giving me the opportunity to win the prize.


Until next time! CIAO!

Monday, March 26, 2012

The Hunger Games

The weekend was somewhat kind of slow for me. I didn't go anywhere on Saturday. In fact, I can't really remember what did I do on Saturday. One of the side effects of being pregnant. That nite I told hubward I am bored to death at home and he agreed to go to watch a movie on Sunday. Yay!! So after I did the laundry, painted one part of the baby cot and some other house chores, I waited for him to get back from his Sunday routine. Mountain bike riding. :P

As usual, I booked the tickets online to save time from queuing (I just love online facilities) and I chose 'The Hunger Games'. This time I forgot to ask hubward whether he wants to watch that particular movie or not and just simply book. hahahahahaha...absent minded again. He was like "What? Hunger Games? What movie is that?". :P

I chose 'The Hunger Games' because they say it will be as famous as The Twilight Saga and it is also based on a book series. Plus, they also said that the hero will become a phenomenon like Edward. If you know me, you would know I am the Queen of The Twilight Saga. ahahaha...it is written all over my blog. So, I really wanna see what is the fuss about 'The Hunger Games' and dragged hubward along.



What did I think about the movie? Well, first of all, you will need to read the book to actually understand what it is all about. If not, please put your full attention to the movie. I think it was a good movie and gives 7.5/10 marks for it. It has an interesting storyline but why do they call it 'The Hunger Games' because I don't see any of the contestant or 'tributes' as they call it in hunger. :P In fact, it is a brutal game created for people to kill each other and spectators to enjoy the outcome. Kind of a bit sick, don't you think? But then again, it is almost the same concept as Gladiator. Only one can survive from the arena. However, I just don't see any of the guys (Peeta or Gale) can be at the same level as Edward or Jacob from Twilight Saga. They are too far behind. Okay, I admit, Liam Hemsworth is kind of cute...but that is just it, cute. :P and errr...Josh Hutcherson...I don't know what to say. Well, maybe the girl character is more dominant but not the guys. Then again, that is just me. I just might grab the first book just to understand what is the story all about.





As for hubward, he came out from the cinema feeling frustrated with lots of questions.

1) Why are there 12 districts?
2) Why do they have to play that brutal game?
3) Who are those people who manage the game?
4) Why was the game even held?
5) Why those people from the rich place dress weird? ~ well to me they actually do. LOL

ahahahaha...and so many other 'why' that I can't answer. Pity him. Maybe, after I read the book, which am not sure when and if I read it, I can give him answers. LOL


I guess I will stop now because flu is attacking me. :( Until next time, CIAO!!


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Opening the Time Capsule

Few weeks back, a friend of mine tweeted saying she was cleaning her house and she found lots of old things and one of it was a gift or something from her ex. Since then, I've been meaning to open a box which I kept all my old stuff full of memories between me and hubward. In some movies...some friends like to bury these memories and dig it up again in 10-15 years time. They call it 'Time Capsule'. It can be either the worst kept secret or simple fun-filled memories.

For me the box or time capsule contains old letters hubward (my then boyfriend) sent me when I was in college pre-university back in 1998-1999. Yeah....14 years ago. I literally cried & laughed when I read all the letters. Cried because the letter was sweet and they bring back so much memories and laughed at all the jokes he made in the letter. He never failed to make me laugh even until now. I still remember, my room-mate that time would know I was on the phone with him because I laughed too much.

One of the letter he sent me. Yeah...that was drawn by him. <3

Recently, I was really really really really into a Malay drama on TV3 with title 'Vanila Coklat'. The story evolves around Zara & Amir who studied in the same college but hated each other and end up getting married due to their parents. Eventually, they fall in love with other. However, something happened and it was their dad's who pull them apart despite their love for each other. In one of the episode, Amir sent an email letter to Zara that reads..(Sorry to those who don't read Malay language)

"Sayang,I nak you bersabar dengan apa yang menimpa kita. Dugaan untuk kasih dan sayang kita. Sebab I tahu Tuhan bersama dengan orang yang sabar. Kalau nak cakap pasal rindu, hanya Dia yang tahu betapa I rindu segala-galanya tentang you. Senyum you, ketawa you,garang you,nakal you, kuat merajuk you, sikap you yang buat I membebel...Rindu gaduh dengan you,makan dengan you...Semua. I rindu tentang kita. I harap you pun rindu I...kalau tak,ha jaga you. I gigit pipi you. I miss you my burung kakak tua. Your Aamir Ashraf ".

I just love the short letter and think it is so sweet and it doesn't really happen in real life. But what do you know...found a similar paragraph in one of hubward's letter. Like seriously!! Similar but not the same and the situation was different because we rarely see each other since I was studying. Hubward wrote.....

"Awak..entahlah, sejak dua menjak ni kadang-kadang rindu sangat kat awak, kadang-kadang rindu kat celoteh awak, kadang-kadang rindu nak tengok awak merajuk, kadang-kadang rindu nak tgk muka awak masa awak tengah marah, kadang-kadang rindu tengok muka awak tengah geram, kadang-kadang rindu nak tengok awak ketawa, kadang-kadang rindu kat lagak manja awak, kadang-kadang rindu dengan cubitan awak, kadang-kadang rindu dengan lawak awak, kadang-kadang rindu dengan sakat awak dan tak tau lah berapa banyak lagi kadang-kadangnya. Yang saya tau sejak dua menjak ni saya rindu sangat kat awak terutama sikap awak yang suka mendengar awak tu......"

Almost the same, right? Not exactly the same..of course. Sometimes, it is just worth keeping precious memories to be relived to remind us that if now, things are not really bright....it was before and try to cherish that. Alhamdulillah...even after 14 years....things are bright for us and we have each other to rely on. :)

I LOVE YOU HUBWARD!! VERY MUCH!! TILL DEATH DO US PART!! ~ cewah...terjiwang plak. :P

Okay, I'll stop here. CIAO!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Yeeehaaaa!! It's FRIDAY!!

Friday is always the best day of the week. For working class people of course. It means the weekend is finally here. I was on leave yesterday coz I have some things to settle with my mom...but today I have to go back to work :P

It was the slowest day of all! Like seriously...it felt like it took an hour from 10.45am to 11.00am. Baby hasn't stopped moving since morning and I can't sit still adjusting to him. Even right now as am writing my entry it is moving.

Nothing much happened today but I have craving to eat beef steak so am going to uptown tonite with hubby. I sure ate a lot of meat during my pregnancy. I wanted to eat Las Vacas steak but it much more than uptown steak so occasionally is ok but almost every week...not ok. :P If you haven't been to Las Vacas or have never heard of it, I will tell all about it in my blog when I go there next time. Maybe mid of this month..we'll see. They have the best steak at the most affordable price ever (for a really good steak that is, good steak is never cheap ;))!!!!

I have no plans for the weekend so far since hubward will be working tomorrow. I guess am just gonna spend my time at home doing house chores. Normally I'll have my dance class and bicycle riding session but that will have to wait till August to be resumed. ;)

Until next time...CIAO!!



Thursday, March 22, 2012

Looking Back at 2011

hmmm....my last post was in May 2011. I guess my 2012 resolution should be 'updating my blog more often'. I think at this age, most people will look back of what they have done or achieve of the one year that has past. For me? Well..not much I think. Since my last post was in May 2011, I am just gonna pick up where I have left off.

I just got to know, people really read my blog. :p I used to think this blog is just my open online diary. Nothing much interesting to know about in my life. I think. Besides on and off hype which rarely happens. So, when should I start? I has been almost a year. This should be a looooong entry...LOL

So, I think those who read my blog knows am trying to have a baby, right? After taking all the test, everything came out excellent! Nothing is wrong with me or hubward. Both of us are fertile and my womb is in excellent condition. 'Beautiful' is the exact word the doctor put it. hmmm...then what is wrong? I have miscarriage twice and have been trying for the 3rd pregnancy but fail. I guess maybe our timing wasn't quite right or both hubward and me are in some kind of stress. Only Allah knows. right?

The first thing I did to go through with our plan to do IUI was stop dance class and keep aside my bicycle. Then I contacted the hospital (PPUM) to make an appointment for the procedures in September 2011. After consulting the doctor, I started taking hormone shots from my 3rd day of my period. Yes, shot! As in needle. But don't worry, it doesn't hurt one bit. I think an ant bite hurts more than the needle. The device they give you is not like the normal one they use to inject meds or draw blood but it is a special device that is easy to use. I have to take the shot on my stomach daily for 8-10 days. Within that period, the doctor will monitor my eggs. Then, the insemination day comes. This process only takes about 5 minutes but I will have to lay down for 20 minutes after that. I watched in films before that normally the doctor will put your legs up but I only have to lay down normally with my legs down. And then, the waiting begins.

To cut it short, after 2 weeks, they draw my blood and I got the result the next day. I was in a lunch meeting with my GM when I got the call. My GM knows all about it since I have to be at the hospital so many times for the procedure to be completed. He was as excited as I am. :P He is kind of like a father figure...although he is not that old. The result? POSITIVE!!! I still remember my girlfrens from TTDI were busy on our group watsapp asking me for the result. ahahaha...they were more nervous than I am. LOL. The first person I called was of course hubward. His response was more or less....hmmm...how do I describe it? In disbelief? Why I said so? Because he didn't exactly show any reaction at first. Then, 5 minutes later he called again? "Are you sure? Betol ker? Positive? Macam mana doktor tau? (how did the doctor know?)". Had to convince him a few times..then only he said ok and hang up.

Actually, his disbelief continued even after our first scan during my 7th week and saw the heartbeat. His belief only started around the 12 weeks of my pregnancy which by then I was already experiencing major morning sickness for a few weeks. However, right after I got to know I was pregnant, I started having stomach cramps. One time, I cried and was in so much pain that I sweat. It was even more painful than my painful period pain. I was worried since I had two miscarriages before, so I went to the doctor. Since it was too early, the doctor can't check for anything and just gave me MC to rest for two days. After that I was okay. I guess I just needed more rest off work.

Now is already almost end of March 2012 and am already in my 26th week. After an excruciating 4.5 months of morning sickness with all the smell allergies, vomiting and heartburn (my gastric made it even worst), everything now has started to be normal a bit. I still have my smell allergies and a very rare vomiting but now I am enjoying the little nudger moves inside of me. Ouh! I almost forgot, it is a boy. Yeah, hubward is  superbly excited!! Now my belly is practically the baby to him :P The baby is such an active one that it moves almost all day long. Not sure when he sleeps.

My little nudger at 21 weeks. <3


Okay, I think I wrote a lot already. Those who read this might be closing their eyes by now. Will try to update again as soon as possible :)

Ciao!