Another baby when?

Now that Vanessa is nearly 2 ½ years old, a lot of people, friends and family alike, have been asking us when we’re going to have another baby. “Don’t you want to give Vanessa a sister or brother to play with?” ; “You don’t even have to buy new baby bedding set or baby clothes, just reuse Vanessa’s old ones.” It is only normal for them to come up with this question/remark, especially the elderly relatives. So, I don’t really mind them asking. :)

Okay, to answer the question. Yes, we do want another baby. We are trying but so far, no luck yet. :) Nevertheless, it didn’t stop me from browsing around for baby items like baby blankets, high chairs, strollers, toys, room décor, to name a few. :) At DesignerBaby.com you can find designer brands of baby furniture, bedding and decor minus the designer price tag! Designer brand with its stylish superiority and enduring quality at an affordable price? Yes. No kidding! If I were to become a first-time mom, I would have gone for this fantastic deal... hehe…

Well, since I am not and we already have most of the necessary items, we won’t be buying as many things as the first time when baby #2 come along. It’ll be such a waste to not reuse our older children’s things since they are still in pretty good condition. The baby crib bedding set I got during Vanessa’s baby shower is still good. So are the strollers and most of her clothes, mitten, booties and toys. When I look at the pile of her outgrown clothes and toys, it brings back fond memories. It’s amazing how fast time has gone. :)

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Lets take a stroll

I was helping Mom to find the pruning saw in the store room yesterday. Vanessa wanted to help too, so I let her. Before long, she went excited, “Mommy! Mommy! What is that?” while pointing at her old strollers which are leaning against the wall. They have been there for quite sometime, collecting dust. *smile* One of them was bought by us and the other was a gift from my then boss and colleague.

Speaking of strollers, I know of this great place you can buy one, Stroller.com. Stroller.com offers full line of baby strollers of various brands and types, single, double and triple strollers, jogging strollers as well as the increasingly popular, all terrain strollers. The latter type of stroller is known for being highly durable with a suspension system and air-filled tires to handle your off-road adventure while also giving your child a smooth ride. However, they are usually heavier and more bulky than classic jogging strollers. Even if it is folded, it may still not be as compact as the classic jogging strollers.

*smile* Should you be lost in all the options, take a stroll through their Stroller Information. You’ll find free info on brands, stroller reviews and buying guides. Another point to visit Stroller.com.

Thinking of adding some accessories to your stroller? Good idea but make sure they fit well. Some stroller accessories are great but may not fit perfectly. So it is wise to go for the Universal Stroller Accessories. They consist of, well, everything, from protective covers for rain, sun and bugs, to stroller seat liners, strap covers, baby head support and changing kits. Equipped your stroller with the right accessory, then both you and your little one are ready for most weather event! Yeay!

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MomBloggersPlanet Cutest Baby Smiling Contest

I’m in for another contest. The last monthly contest for year 2009 from MomBloggersPlanet. This month’s theme is “Cutest Baby Smiling”. :) The prizes are generously sponsored by PhotoBookMalaysia and AliceWonders. For further info, feel free to visit the contest page by clicking on the “MomBloggersPlanet” text above.

Here’s my entry for daughter, Vanessa Avery, DOB : 05 Oct 2007.

Picture #1 was taken last January during the First Day of Chinese New Year. Vanessa at 15 months, was fully dressed in her sam fu and her sweetest smile.

Picture#2 was taken when she was 21 months. After seeing her Mama (Grandma) weighs a live chicken she wanted to sit on the scale too. I find this picture funny…hehe..

Okay, as a parent, I love to see my own flesh and blood smiling because it shows that she is happy. Her smiling face never failed to brighten-up my gloomy days. It makes me forget my weariness and the tension at work. But above it all, I love to see my baby smiling… simply because… it is therapeutic… :)

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MomBloggersPlanet Cutest Baby in NATURE Contest

I’m in the mood for contest. *smile* The fact that I haven’t had any luck in any contest didn’t de-motivate me from entering more contest…hehe…The generous sponsors for this contest are PhotoBook Malaysia and AliceWonders. Contest runs from 01st to 15th, November. For further info, feel free to browse the MomBloggersPlanet contest page . :)

Okay, I’m counting on these photos of Vanessa to stand a chance in this contest. Photo #1 and #2 were taken at the Keningau St. Francis Xavier Cathedral’s compound. It was Vanessa’s first sight of palm oil trees and its fruits. So curious that she went to touch the leaves and have a closer look at it...under our supervision, of course.

Vanessa Avery, DOB: 05 Oct,2007

Photos #3, #4 and #5 were taken at FIL’s kebun sawit. Since Vanessa is fascinated with the palm tree at the church, I decided to expose her to more of it. Where else to gain more exposure if not at FIL’s kebun ? Coincidently, FIL and hubby are going there after all. Me and Vanessa just kinda tagged along; FIL and hubby welcomed the idea. *smile*

Instead of watching the men at work (unloading some papan (timber) for the new sulap (pondok rehat / hut), I just lepaskan dia saja and biar dia sendiri explore the surroundings. More palm oil trees and padi bukit planted by her Po-po. She was so absorbed into 'exploring' that she didn't even realize mommy was snapping her photos...hehe...Nasib baik Vanessa didn't ran off to the bushes. Kerja-kerja membersihkan semak-samun ni masih belum siap bah tapi memandangkan hari itu hari Ahad, semua pekerja cuti rehat. :)

Hubby and I always believe that nature is the best teacher. Therefore, we never discourage Vanessa to play outdoor. As with other working parents, it is only during the weekend or holidays that we can take her jalan-jalan. During weekdays, we let her follow her Mama around at the backyard…helping her Mama weeds her plants. Vanessa loves the idea so far. *smile*

I think every parent should know that nature plays an important role in children development, be it intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually or physically. Studies have proven that children with early experiences with the natural world tend to be more imaginative and have stronger sense of wonder. Wonder is one powerful motivator for life long learning.

Lagi pun, experience with nature boleh membantu dalam menyemai perasaan cintakan alam sekitar dalam jiwa anak-anak kita. I totally agree with this quote by Anita Olds, "There's no way that we can help children to learn to love and preserve this planet, if we don't give them direct experiences with the miracles and blessings of nature." Kalau diorang ni tak kenal alam sekitar, siapa lagi yang boleh diharap untuk meneruskan usaha kita untuk melindunginya?

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Contest fever

Okay, just a quick update. The result for MomBloggersPlanet Cutest Baby in Carseat Contest is out. And…no, my Vanessa didn’t win. *smile* No hard feelings. I didn’t put high hopes at the first place. *smile* Congratulations to all the winners.

Speaking of contest, I’m sure all the mommies out there are aware about the Johnson & Johnson's Baby of the Year Contest. Have you submitted your or rather your little one’s entry form? Well if you haven’t, don’t worry…still got 1 month time (contest ends on 31 August).

Hehe…I know what you’re thinking now?! Did I send my girl’s entry form? Yes, I did. I didn’t rushed off to the nearest store to grab a Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo just to enter this contest,okay. I have been using J&J baby bath and shampoo on Vanessa since birth.

Anyway, wish my girl good luck ya! Tq *wink*

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1 year, 9 months, 1 week and 3 days…

Oh my, we are already in the mid of July. It might sound so cliché but time flies so fast, especially when you are watching your own kid grows. There are times when I found myself wishing daughter Vanessa would grow faster and yet in the same time, I want her to stay as she is. I guess many mothers out there feel the same way about their kids.
Okay, in her 22nd month, Vanessa now weighs 11.5kg and 87.5cm tall. She was such a darling on her recent visit to the clinic, giving the nurse full co-operation. Here are some of the milestones she has reached:-

~ Able to point out body parts
~ Able to identify animals especially domestic ones (anuk = manuk/chicken; ingaw = tingau/cat; abau = kalabau/buffalo; ambing = kambing/goat; utik = putik/duck)
~ Remove her clothes (with help, on the buttons)
~ Brush her teeth (with help)
~ Speaks and be understood most of the time
~ Increase in vocabulary (her current favourite words are, kiu = thank you; tuada=kotohuadan/thank you; apap =hapap/ feet; melo = watermelon; belo = balloon; odop = modop/sleep)
~ Able to make short sentence (Mami balik uda = mummy is back; Au bulih = no can do; kiu Mama = Thank you, Mama)
~ Graduated in potty-learning (but some times she wet her pants juga la… hehe..)

Last week, BIL, his wife and 5 months old baby son came to stay with us for one whole week as his wife had some course to attend in KK. Vanessa was so fond of the baby that she insists to rock him in the cradle. Is this a sign that my daughter is ready for a baby brother or sister? Hehehe…

She wanted to be near her baby cousin all the time, watching him sleeps, bath, feed and even nappy-changing. That last activity brought her to the discovery that her cousin has something she doesn’t. Baby Ivan has a penis. Vanessa seems so concerned and curious about their difference. Since then, I often caught her looking inside her pants checking her private part. I think I should get one of the simple illustrated book to help in explaining the difference in a boy's and girl's anatomy. :)

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Getting ready for a baby

“What are the things to prepare for the baby?”, “What kind of baby care product you use?”, “What kind of diaper you use?”, etc, etc. These are some frequently asked questions I get from friends who are on their way to become a mother themselves. Well, being a mother of one daughter does not make me an expert but I’ve been there, done that. So, I am qualified to share some info and tips with them, right? Hmm, how fast the time goes by; 2 years ago I was the one who’s asking the same questions to experienced-mommy friends. :)

Okay, as a first time mom-to-be, it is perfectly normal to have the nervous and/or anxiety bugs in your system. Before your baby comes, you don’t exactly know what to do. Therefore, it is wise to have a checklist on hand before your little one’s arrival. In your baby checklist , you should list down all the essential things you need for your new bundle of joy. This should help you get thing organized and ensure none of the necessities are left out. What serves better memory-aid than a comprehensive baby checklist? :)

Now that you are ready with your newborn checklist, future mommy and daddy are ready to go shopping. Don’t feel silly bringing along your checklist! It is an absolutely normal thing to do. Beware! Baby items are simply irresistible! LOL. As soon as you set an eye on those cute, colorful items, you will want to buy them all. Trust me, the temptations are overwhelming! By having a checklist, you will be able to distinguish the necessities from the conveniences, making sure that you stay in focus. There you go another excellent point to have a baby checklist. :)

Hahaha…I recalled my own experience where hubby and I were so eager to shop for our baby. We were advised by other parents to only start shopping on the 28th week onwards. I’m not quite sure why though. Perhaps it is one of the many superstitious beliefs (pantang-larang). But logically thinking, I guess it has something to do with the baby’s sex/gender. At 28th week scan; the doctor should be able to confirm the baby’s sex. You don’t want to buy all baby boys’ clothes only to have a baby girl instead, right? Nevertheless, the wait was totally tormenting! Argh!!! I'd tried my best to restrain myself from going into the baby section. But once or twice, I succumbed to the temptations. Hahahaha..it is just too much to bear!

Okay, ever heard of baby shower? Well, baby shower is a popular tradition in the West. It is a party held to celebrate the future birth of a child. Would-be parents will invite family members, relatives and friends to the party where they will receive gifts for their newborn or expected child. The popular gifts are baby clothing, baby care product, pram / stroller etc. Sounds like fun? Yup, you bet. It is always fun getting free gifts! LOL.

Unfortunately, baby shower is not a common practice in Asia, Sabah especially. Hmm, I didn’t hold one for my daughter and I certainly don’t remember attending any of relatives’ or friends’ baby showers. However, I did get a few gifts from my then boss and colleagues after daughter were 5 days old. Does that count as baby shower? :)

Anyway, hubby and I were very grateful for all the gifts that we received. It helped us with the extra expenses. Among the lovely gifts that we received were baby clothes, a complete baby bedding set (crib sheet, crib bumper, comforter and crib blankets), baby basket, 2 dozens cloth diapers, a stroller, and my favourite gift was - a pink scrapbook, to record the special moments of our daughter, Vanessa from the day she was born until her 5th birthday.

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Sleepy...

That’s what I’m feeling now. Monday is supposed to be a busy day but not today. Well, at least for me la. I am bored. Nothing to do in the office. While colleagues in PJ are enjoying their replacement holiday for Thaipusam, here in Sabah, it’s working like usual. No half day for Chap Go Meh either. But strange, even with so much free time…I’m not in the mood to blog-hop. So, to prevent me from dozing-off to la-la land, I typed this quikie post. * wink*

How’s your weekend? Mine was fine. On Saturday, I went to our ex-3B1 reunion. * sigh* Looks like I have to re-schedule the post to tomorrow. Actually, I already finished typing it but darn, I forgot to download the pic from camera. Cis! Hmm…tida syiok bah bercerita teda gambar ni…felt like lost saja. Hehe…picture says a thousand words bah urang bilang.

Yesterday, I took mom to visit my Aunty house in Kg. Maang. It’s been a while since the two sisters met each other. Bila suda berjumpa, banyak la story mo share…..Spent 3 hours there but it felt like only a few minutes. I had an enjoyable time too, chatting with cousins like nobody’s business. Even daughter had great time…bonding with her cousins

Notice the little copycat, trying to imitate her cuz,Terry's action. :)

P/s: Happy Chap Go Meh to all !

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Ouch! It hurts...

Spent the whole weekend at home, having quality time with daughter. I patiently layan all her antics which include playing with her toy piano, running around, supervising her at the stairs, stopping her from grabbing the cat’s tail etc. It’s tiring especially the carrying her around, all 10kg…*sigh * Hopefully I burned some calories along the way…LOL. A look at her happy face and a flash of her magic smile make the tiredness go away. I guess, this is the factors that make a mother can endure all the pain and suffering…some time beyond our imagination.

Okay, back on track. While having happy-happy time, out of a sudden daughter started biting my left shoulder. Ouch! Told her politely to stop doing so bcos it hurts…she gave me that innocent smile and stopped but only for a while. Then the second, third and few more bites follows…she didn’t stop despite my warning until I left her alone at the couch. Said I’m going away bcos daughter don’t want her mommy anymore that she began to cry and scrambled down the couch to get her mommy. Ah…this tactic always work…after that no more bites.. but she refused to be put down lah pulak…afraid mommy’ll leave her. Aiyaa…* a slap on the forehead *

Biting is often associated with tooth coming out, making the gum all itchy. This is most probably what daughter going through right now since her saliva is drooling like tap water again. But in the same time, I’m afraid the biting will become a habit. She often bites her grandma on the arms and shoulders as well. Kesian her grandma…since she is diabetic, the bite marks will turn into bruise and takes a few days or sometime a week long before it disappear. Forget the teeter, daughter's interest in it has long gone.

So, all the experienced mommy or daddy out there…got any useful tips on how to curb the biting and/or clingy problem? Please share them. Me, trying to curb it at an early age bcos bad habit die hard.

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Cry baby and Cinnamon story...

Daughter Vanessa was all cry baby when she was carried by our local Sabahan artist, Abu Bakar Ellah aka Ampal. He was the guest artist during the Fund Raising Dinner for the Annual Pesta Koningau (Pesta Kayu Manis @ Cinnamon Festival) on 25 October at the Dewan Masyarakat. We were there bcos hubby’s Auntie whose in the organizing committee had sponsored a table for us..so no excuse not to come ...hehe

I guess Ampal just couldn’t resist but carry this cute little sumandak of mine…*LOL* But obviously, daughter is not a fan of Ampal...hehe. He entertained the diners with his jokes and belted out a song from his latest album. I wasn’t really paying attention though as daughter was getting cranky…so we left. It was passed her bed time already. Leaving behind our Lucky Draw Tickets for my SIL to claim the prize…in case we got lucky this time, BUT nope, we didn’t. Seriously, I NEVER won any prize in any lucky draw before…hmmm wonder why??!

The annual Pesta Koningau is a three-days event, starting today until 09 Nov. I guess I’ll miss it out again this year. The activities include agriculture exhibition, handicratf, cinnamon products, traditional dance performance and fireworks display…sounds interesting enough. The hightlight of the festival is the crowning of the new Beauty Queen, the Ratu Pesta Koningau. During the Dinner, all the contestants were introduced…but it was kinda odd because there was a contestant from Sipitang. As far as I know, Sipitang is another district and it is far, far away from Keningau…

I was also enlightened that Keningau District is once the largest producer of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) in Sabah. I never knew this…hubby never told me either. The name, Keningau itself originated from Koningau, a popular term among the Hokkien community and was derived from the plant that is endemic in the district. After World War II, the British renamed the district Keningau.

Couldn’t help noticing, nowadays we celebrate all sort of festival in Sabah annually. Besides the Kaamatan Festival and Cinnamon Festival, there are also Kudat’s Coconut Festival (Pesta Kelapa), Kota Marudu’s Maize Festival (Pesta Jagung) and Kuala Penyu’s Sago Festival (Pesta Rumbia).

Have a nice weekend ya!

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12 months, 2 weeks, 3 days

Daughter Vanessa is officially 12 months old on 05th October. Hehe…looks like I kept postponing this post. Apa-apa pun here it is. Despite being a chubby baby, I must say that daughter develops quite fast, compare to both her cousins that are of same age.

Here, I proudly present her achievement:-

~ weight = 9.67kg, height = 82cm

~ able to walk without support …hmm, not perfectly but yeah, she can walk and now start to run as well :)

~ can climb on the sofa and tackle the stairs…giving us headache..

~ babbles a lot …some time it sounds like – Da-da-da or Ta-ta-ta ; other time, I can't make out of it, I just don't understand baby talk

~ join in the laugh…her laughter sounds so cute that it make us laugh even more…

~ can put her toys inside the box when asked…after a minute or two, one by one it’ll be scattered back on the floor...*sigh*

~ imitate action eg answering the HP (she’ll put anything in her hand onto her ear and pretend it's a HP), whistling (for her, 'ooo-ooo" only la ...), changing the TV channel (she suka-suka press the button, some time ngam juga the channel)

~ imitate sounds eg Grandma coughing, the angsa/goose sound…

~ understands simple requests eg hold out toys, giving a kiss, wave bye-bye, clap her hands & main mata

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