Our First Toilet Training Experience Part 2

Salam.

Last week I have shared about the general rule I followed for toilet training our first son. Here is the next part of that. :)

Monday, 16th of January 2017. First day of toilet training. The most tiring! We rolled and kept away all the carpet in the house. We told him he won't be wearing any diaper from now on, and that he must pee/poop in the toilet. We asked him to repeat that many times.

We had nearly 10 accidents. He nearly ran out of pants to wear because we had to keep changing him. Not to mention the amount of work to mop the mess on top of doing the usual housechores.

Sometimes, he peed during the toilet trip. Sometimes he did not. When he did, we would congratulate, praise and encourage him. When he did not, we simply say "ok perhaps next trip you will pee". Patience is the key.

The moment my husband got back from work, I passed the baton to him to take our son to toilet. It was really tiring! But we persevered.

Night time, we slept on a comforter (because thick mattress is more difficult to clean, so bye bye comfortable bed) and layered it with a thin plastic below another layer of thinner comforter (which can be thrown into the washing machine, just in case). The tips says not to wake him up more than 2 times at night to pee, so when he wakes up for milk (12-1am and 3-4am) I would take him to toilet and ask him to pee.

Tuesday, 17th of January 2017. Same routine except the time gap between toilet trip is longer. I felt as tired as the first day (probably more). Sometimes, our son asked for his diaper. "Lampin" as he would say it. But we were firm in telling him, he won't be wearing any "lampin" anymore after this.

Just like the first day, once my husband got back from work, I passed the baton to him. Thank goodness he was ok with it.

Wednesday, 18th January 2017. Third day. We saw less accident, but I tend to ignore my guts saying that "it's time for his toilet trip" so there were some frustrating accidents. However, each toilet trip is fruitful. He was then able to pass urine when taken to toilet.

He passed motion 3 times this day. Once in toilet (I was running like crazy and taking him to toilet when I saw his grunting face, which indicate defecating is in proses a.k.a muka meneran), another two at the living room. It was easy to not be angry at him because he seemed so scared and clueless. It was apparent that he needed us to guide him so we could not get angry.

Day 4 basically had no accident. We were back to sleeping in our bed. Yay!

Friday, 20th January 2017. Day 5. A new challenge because we were taking a trip back to our parents' for the weekend. We stopped a couple of times along the highway for toilet visits and once he fell asleep, it was such a relief because we know he will not pee in his sleep.

Saturday, 21st January 2017 Day 6. He had one accident while at my husband's father's house. Probably triggered by the change in environment as well as him being busy playing with his cousins that he forgot about peeing in the toilet. Otherwise all was well.

To be continued...

Our First Toilet Training Experience Part 1

Assalamualaikum wbt / Hi

We are extremely blessed that our first son is quite a quick speaker. He started speaking comprehendable words before he was even 18 months old. He picks up words as we speak them and repeatedly try to pronouce them until he is able to remember. On top of that, he is able to use the words correctly within context afterwards.

Since we stayed at my parents' place until he was about 19 months, I had to delay his toilet training, despite seeing some signs that he is ready. However, I took the chance to introduce him to be aware of the act of passung urine and passing motion and what they are called. For example, during showertime, when I see him pee I will repeatedly tell him "this is peeing". After a while, he is then able to say it himself (the words pee & poop, "kencing" & "berak")

Once we are back in our own house, we picked a day to start, and never looked back. I am also blessed that my husband is so cooperative about this. We did our readings and strategised. We also spoke to him repeatedly about our intention a couple of days before we started.

DAY 1 Every 15 mins. Stay toilet 5 minutes. 1 hour = 3x 12 hours = 36x

DAY 2 Every 30 mins. Stay toilet 5 minutes 6 hours = 11x 12 hours = 22x

DAY 3 Every 1 hour. Stay toilet 5 minute 12 hours = 12x

No leaving the house for chores/errands at all for that 3 days.

Stop the diaper cold-turkey. NO DIAPER AT ALL EVEN AT NIGHT. (We found these tips on fb by the way)

To be continued...

Wisdom Tooth (Third Molar) Removal Part 2

Assalam / Greetings.

Remember what happened on 18th April? Well, you can read it here.

After less than an hour, the local anesthesia's effect began to fade, leaving me in PAIN. I was so hungry but I cannot eat! I could barely open my jaw!

Anyway I searched for some information, so basically this is how I looked after myself after the procedure:-

1. Avoid hot/warm food/drinks for a couple of days to promote blood clotting. Iced drinks were the BEST!
2. Take soft, liquid diet like soup, porridge, milk to avoid moving the jaw so much.
3. NO GARGLING AT ALL for the first 24 hours. Which means, no toothbrush too! This is important to promote blood clot, which will ensure good healing and prevent infection.
4. Avoid heavy/strenuous activities for at least a couple of days. (I rested for the whole week!)
5. Apply ice packs over the cheek to reduce swelling and pain. (This is so helpful!)
6. Take the pain medications as prescribed (I did not, because I'm still breastfeeding so I would prefer to avoid medications unless REALLY necessary)
7. If bleeding occurs, put the gauze as supplied by the doctor and bite on it over the affected area for at least 20 minutes to ensure blood clot is formed nicely.

So why did I say my choice was awful?

Because, having a baby means having to breastfeed him, carry him, having him wanting to hold you, cuddle you and punching your swollen cheek! 

BIG OUCH!

The swelling started a few hours after surgery. and really, I just wanted to sleeeeeeeep afterwards. But, having a baby (with husband not around) means, not being able to simply sleep. I was counting the days and telling myself, it will get better. 

It WILL and it DID.

So, cheer up mommas. We have got to do what we have got to do, right?

Finally, the appointment to remove my stitches was one week later. So, after the removal, the lady dentist said I can totally do anything I want. LOL. What a relief. It took me at least another week to exercise my jaw to function normally again due to stiffness after resting for the whole week. Phew.

I'm done. I hope I don't need any more of this surgery. Aamiin!

Moral of the story : Go and get yourself checked before you became pregnant!

Wisdom Tooth (Third Molar) Removal Part 1

"Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require removal"

source :  www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth

On the 18th of April 2016 I got to experience something new. Truthfully, I regretted waiting until I have a child to finally get it over and done with.

From here

My first third molar erupted sometimes in 2011 if I'm not mistaken. The process was slow, and I noticed earlier on that I would definitely need to remove it because of its awkward position. Cleaning it was difficult, and every now and then the tooth would bite into my cheek and cause pain and swelling. Prior to getting married, I have already planned to visit a dentist to remove it, but as usual, I procrastinated.

Bad choice!

Finally after my son turned 10 months old, I went to a dentist and was referred to the specialist clinic after they took an x-ray of the tooth. On the day of the 'mini operation', I had breakfast and went there with my sisters and son. The dentist was really nice. He asked me what was my problem, listened to my answers and explained every procedure to me simply but with enough information to make me feel confident despite the tremor in my fingers.

So this is what happened:-

1. Signing consent form once explanation given - I get to ask questions and my wuestions was answered nicely.
2. Cleaning the mouth.
3. Giving of local anethesia.
4. Waiting for anesthesia to work.
5. Cutting open the gum.
6. Drilling to cut off the bony parts (according to the dentist)
7. Removal of tooth.
8. Stitching.
9. Gargling one last time. After that I was not allowed to gargle for the next 24 hours.
10. Biting into gauze to promote blood clot for at least 1 hour.

Everything was settled within 1 hour. I was then discharged with paracetamol as painkiller and a bottle of mouth gargle to be used three times daily after the first 24 hours.

So, why did I say my choice was an awful one?

to be continued...

Exclusive Breastfeeding Journey Part 2

I can’t remember how many time I have cried in pain and frustration at seeing my son getting more yellow by the minute, with his dark green stool (normal adequately breastfed babies should have mustard-coloured stool) and refusal to drink. I felt like a failure, as though as a mother, I was unable to help my son through one of his most crucial stage of his life. Needless to say, comments from others did not help, too.

“...the baby is crying every night as though he doesn’t get enough milk...”

“...why don’t you give him formula milk...”

“...the baby sleeps too much, why don’t you wake him up...”

and so on. Thank goodness my husband had been there a lot. The one week of leave that he was with me was so precious, because otherwise, I felt so alone and down. He’ll prepare my daily bath water and snacks with hot drinks whenever I need it. I can remember panicking when he had to leave to settle our son’s birth certificate and other paperwork, and the rush of absolute relief when he returned. And the help I get from my in-laws with the baby and my meals was priceless.

As crazy as it was during that time, the thing that kept me going was knowing that the moment will pass. I am a mother now, I told myself. I must be strong for my son! No matter how painful breastfeeding and the stitched wounds down there before they heal were, or how tired I was, or how unstable my emotions were, I must keep going for my son! This tiny, breathing human being needs me. I must be strong!

Although I managed to pump out a lot of milk at that time, I did not freeze any due to storage reason. We did not have extra fridge space. So I would recommend to parents-to-be who intend to continue breastfeeding their children even after going back to work to save up for a freezer to store the milk supply. I didn’t, mainly because my husband and I have decided that for the time being I would not have to go back to work. So I only kept some milk as much as our refrigerator can accommodate.

Day after day, our struggle during feeding time became less and less. At one month post delivery, I had my routine post natal check up and was given a clean bill of health by the doctor. The trick was, I kept taking the pregnancy vitamins (iron, folic acid, vitamin b-complex) as well as the milk that I drink during pregnancy (Frisomum) to replace the loss during delivery and breastfeeding (blood loss, nutrients, etc.) A few weeks down the road and my son no longer needs to be checked for his jaundice. His weight is gaining accordingly. He is healthy.

During the first few months, I had some issues with cracked nipple due to poor sucking technique by my son. After all, both of us were still learning. The only required remedy for me was to apply my own milk around the sore area and leave it to air-dry. A couple of hours later it will feel much better. It was the method I learnt in nursing school, so I’m sharing it with all of you.

After that, I realised that both of us were becoming better at feeding. Initially, my son, who is quite easily excited would be looking for the nipple frantically - a lot like a hungry bird pecking to get food. If he didn’t find it in a couple of seconds, he would cry and cry angrily. Naturally, the baby is unable to see yet, so he was easily anxious. I had to move as quick as I can to offer him the nipple. After a few months, though, he can find it himself, and to my profound surprise, the initial pain during let-down reflex was then replaced by a kind of relaxing and pleasant sensation that I do not know how to describe. It feels so good that I frequently fall asleep while my son is feeding! :)

Honestly, I did not take any so-called milk booster product, as I am quite a skeptic when it comes to those products. I only made sure I drink enough plain water and also take milk myself to replenish the nutrients needed as well as to maintain a variety of diet. So far so good.

At five months plus of age, my son suddenly had his first fever. His temperature was as high as 38.6 degree Celsius. I was in a dillema. I did not want my son’s first food to be medicine, although I kept the Paracetamol supply given by the clinic with me. I decided to try conventional method first, which is to wipe my son down frequently and to put him on thin clothing to promote heat loss. Thank goodness he was quite cooperative, as he accepted me wiping him down and leaving a wet towel on his body without much complaints. He was still feeding as usual and wanting to play despite becoming tired after only a few minutes, so my worries became less. I checked his temperature hourly and wiped him down about every half and hour, even at night during bedtime. We huddled together a lot, as I noticed my son to be more clingy and whiny during the time. Alhamdulillah, after 24 hours, his temperature remained below 37 degree Celsius.

Finally, this month (December) we both have passed the 6 month exclusive period. We are now working towards weaning my son with solids and to continue until he is two years old as mentioned in the Quran. Alhamdulillah for the opportunity! I’m thankful that we are blessed with enough milk and patience. The most important thing is, LILLAHITA’ALA. In sha Allah, help would arrive.

All the best to other moms out there!

Exclusive Breastfeeding Journey Part 1

I contemplated writing for quite some time, phrasing and organising words in my mind whenever the ideas come. Today, I have decided to write, hopefully to share my journey, probably to answer some questions, and hopefully to inspire other mommies / mommies-to-be out there who might read this.

My son was born in the early morning, which made the beginning of my journey quite smooth. I’m saying that because despite staying up (mostly) all night for labour - I was in labour room from midnight till approximately 8 am - I was feeling energetic and, well, not as sleepy as I imagined having delivered at night would be.

The first time I fed my son was on our way back to the ward from labour room. We were both doing quite fine. Unfortunately, a few hours since then, (nearly four, to be exact) my boy kept on sleeping despite my numerous attempts at waking him for his feed. I voiced my concern to the nurse, and they even tried to wake him up unsuccessfully. After a brief discussion with the HO at the nurse counter, they decided to take his blood sample to check his glucose level. The results came back normal, thank goodness. I do understand that a newborn’s tummy is so tiny that they need frequent feeding in small amount, so, I did not give up. He had his second feeding quite successfully and I felt better. Then, we struggled for his third feeding as he prefers to sleep and sucking poorly. I was in distress, but I chose not to worry about it too much. That evening, we were allowed to be discharged from the ward, so we went home to stay at my in-laws house for a week until my husband had to go back to work again.

Delivery was the most tiring thing I had ever gone through. During the wait for my son to be delivered, at 40 weeks, I felt so tired I had wished and prayed and cried for my baby to please end his stay in my womb. My whole body was aching due to the relaxing hormone which was acting on my ligaments to ease delivery. I could barely sleep at night. The frequent toilet pit stops, the swollen ankles, aching back and pelvic and so much more. I thought after the baby is born, I’m going to get my old body self, and be as strong and fit as before. I was so wrong. *chuckles*

Anyway, during the nurse visit on his second day of life, my son was told to get his blood test done for bilirubin. Apparently he’s starting to have jaundice. The worse thing was, he refused to wake up to feed despite our many attempts. He’ll either sleep or cry loudly but still refused to drink. Alhamdulillah, I was blessed with plenty of milk that I had to pump out to prevent engorgement. To tell you the truth, the first few days after delivery, the milk letdown was so awfully painful, that during the rare time my son would suck from me, I wish to scream STOP because it was so painful. Otherwise, we had to force-feed him via bottle.

to be continued...

#3 RapidKL Bus

The other day I boarded a T424 RapidKL Bus from PPUKM to TBS with balance of RM0.30 in my Tn'Go Card. 

I told the driver, and can you guest what did he do?

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from here

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He stopped by a petrol station and waited for me to top up before continuing on our journey.

Nice! 

So Nice!

I was touched!

Thank you very, very much mister!!! :)

p/s: I'm going to Ipoh to attend a cousin's wedding this weekend ;)

p/p/s: My boyfriend had to postpone indefinitely his plans of coming to East Malaysia this week :(

#3 The Sims Social Internet Game

OK, I used to play the real Sims, for hours on my eldest sis laptop. 

Now that they're having it on FB. Hooray!!

LOVE IT!!

obtained from here

sample of a home : from here

sample of the items : from here

#3 Blueberry Tarts

Tell me, have you tried these before???

Oh... they are HEAVENLY!!

obtained from here

Initially tried it during Eid and was hooked since.

My aunt [mother's cousin's wife] sells them, 

and I'm hoping to be able to get them for the upcoming Eid..

obtained from here

nyum nyum nyum!!

not to mention...... these too :)

miza mizo

My sister sells these and I love them too :)

#1 Work

Needless to say

Short but sweet 7 days of my life.

Now I can officially put Bank Negara Factory into my resume :)
Anyhow, they are looking for both temps and permanent workers now. Anyone interested may kindly check with them in Syah Alam :)

#2 Tutti Frutti

Anyone recognise these? ;)

New premise in Bandar Sri Permasuri :)

#1 Durian

last year with Gervanne

It's in season now. 

Been seeing this everywhere.

I want I want I want...

#2 Cityville Internet Game

Do you have facebook account?

Have you heard of Cityville before?

Well, I started playing since a couple of years ago, I think, and I got hooked.

cityville

It's really fun :)

When I'm under a lot of stress, this game helps me calm down.

I even played during study week!!

Caution, don't start playing unless you want to get hooked. Seriously :)

Heard that they have the real game version, maybe I'm going to buy it ;)

#2 Merlin

This show is a favourite in my family.

Even dad loves it :) I rarely get to enjoy it, because I don't have TV in KL.

Recently I could.

Wow! I'm loving it!!

It's presented in a simple, cheerful way that it's really easy to love.

and the main character plays his part so well. :)

Simple but Nice

Anyone else knows about this show???

#1 CSI

Favourite! Loved! Devoured! Enjoyed!

CSI New York

Eversince dad started ASTRO at home, I was able to watch them almost daily!! :)

Isn't that nice?

CSI Miami

Now who's with me?

#3 Taxi

After midnight cab from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to my place is RM27.80 :S

That's 50% increase from the real rate because it was past midnight.

They used ticketing system, so you'll know how much you need to pay before you ride in the cab.

No money exchange will occur between you and cab driver.

But still.......

[I'm broke!!]

#1 Kenny Rogers

This is so yummy!! 

Can I have this again please??

Yummy!!

Try it if you don't believe me. ;)

#1 Hyppo Stuffed Toy

salivating......

Anyone wants to give me a gift?? A HUGE hyppo stuffed toy is PERFECT!! ;)

#1 Strawberries

nyum nyum!! 

I wish, I could eat these E.V.E.R.Y  D.A.Y.

#2 RapidKL Bus

... is now no longer accepting cash. 

At least they've got Touch and Go topup machine onboard.

You can also purchase the RapidKL Touch 'n Go onboard, but it'll be a hassle if there are many people boarding the bus.

So prepare your own card beforehand yeah :)