Sunday, June 05, 2016

National Museum of Singapore - Kid's Activities

10:27 AM 0 Comments
I wanted to bring the kids to have fun. I was a little too lazy to do the research, so PaPa Koh did his job again. This time round he found that Children's season Masak Masak 2016 is  at National Museum of Singapore . 

The moment we went down the escalator, we spotted some kids' activities, which Royce deep dived and went over to check it out.

I like the way small kids hold the big object


We were ntuc cardholders and we got our ticket free to some of the galleries.

Because of the timing , we went to register for the cycling activities. As we had to wait for our turn, we went to find things to entertain the kids. The Fun cycling was a fun concept
Interesting Bicycle's concept , the power from cycling generates bubbles foams or washing clothes.
However, little tots like Royce loses his interest and went over to play with the puzzle pieces and it entertained the little ones for quite a while. And at this moment, Adele walked on her own for the first time.

      
Also during the waiting moment, we have decided to explore the museum. It is too know our history,  and to experience what it is like being there,  back in time.  

We went to the theatre.  I always had the fascination with drive in movie. The museum done up the drive in scene,  could picture and imagine those days soaked in the ambience of watching movie outdoors

The childhood's memories of the film are presented in the museum.  Makes me feel old. 
The day at the museum ended with the cycling activities, with the help of parents , it was a success that the kids were enjoying themselves
Papa Koh helping Royce amd a random kid 

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Happy Willow Indoor Playground Review By Adelynn Oei

12:00 PM 0 Comments
With Royce turning 3 years of age, we were looking for ideas to celebrate his birthday.
While I was looking after children. Papa Koh pulled some time to research and found a good deal on Groupon. It so happen , I was just talking with a bunch of good friend mummies about indoor playground. And I was like let's do this, it looked like fun. 

I felt more excited than my son, who probably has no idea where he is going. 
At age of 3, he did not warm up to the playground instantly. He did not explore the area immediately . Infact, his little sister was more daring at the age of 1. I guess also because she did not have the concept of heights or playground.
Stored little Adele at the toddler's turf corner . Papa and Mama Koh braved the 'tough' terrain. In the procss of climbing up and through the nets, bumped my heads a few times.                                                            
Royce was only convinced when Papa and Mama Koh climbed up and he followed suit . I am not sure when did my maid and Adele sneaked in. Royce somewhat got his guts when he saw his sister walking on the net and crossed to the other side of the platform. 

Papa Koh Spotted climbing up and joining the fun.
The kids had alot of fun with the slide . I have been to a few outdoor playgrounds and had a go on the slides, this is one of the better ones. One of the slide here is defintely great fun. As the slide is tilted at an angle, where the kid will slide all the way to the bottom . To me , an *unslidely slide kills the fun for the kid. 

I had a good impression with their services. They were smiles all the way.Happy Willow has a two rooms ideal for birthday cake cutting and  games and party. The best part of doing such party , while the kids screamed and used up their energy . The adults get to chillax at the sofa corner. This puts the host at ease that the kids are well entertained. If the younger kids are alittle drained, they can checked in at the play area , which had playhouse , cafe and sink .
The day was over ,when the kids are tired and the adults are more tired.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Motherhood Bring Out the best in Me - Ade Oei

11:31 PM 0 Comments

I wasn't that popular girl in secondary school, which I wished to be or the one with the well do background.

I had low self esteem , along the way of my growing up and marriage to Papa Koh. I never thought what kind of wife I am to him or a daughter I am to my parents.

Being a first time parent was tough, but I always thought I was coping well with motherhood, of being a daughter, a wife and a career woman.

I remembered the first time my Dad reprimanded me for not knowing how to cook porridge for his grandson. That struck me , what a horrible mum I am. I gathered tips from mum and mother-in-law to cook a decent porridge for Royce. I strive hard to know to how to cook more dishes, so my kids will come home for dinner when they are bigger.  Moving forward 3 years later , not that I know a lot more dishes, but I know I can put food down on the table for my kids.

The daughter role that I played, the rebellious , not wanting to come home. I don't give a damn if my mum waits up for me. To a now because I have kids, and I saw how my parents take care of them and loving them. It will not be any less love for me and my brother back then. It made me travelled back home more often to visit them and to have meals with them. I am not able to pay back them the amount of money and love they spent on me, but I do it my own ways to repay them back anyway possible.

Maybe all these while, in a long term relationship. I do admit we take my spouse for granted . While being married for 2 years, I wouldn't give in on any arguments that could sometimes lead to ugly incidents. The parents that we are now, do not allow the quarrel to lead to the next day. As we did not want the anger to affect the kids. 
Being a mother , naturally I put my kid first before me . This has given me a new perspective to take a step back and check on my husband's needs. The little things , for e.g when he is back home from a run , I get him water . Which do lead to better quality in the relationship.

As my career role, the mistakes that I do, will trigger me to think what kind of mother I have reflected on my kids. As I will very much like them to excel in this aspect of their life. I am constantly trying to make improvements. In hope that what attitude I have for work , will be the same in everything that I do. 

Motherhood bring out the best in me and I am loving it.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Gracious Singaporean / foreigner giving up seats for pregnant lady , kids and elderly

5:23 AM 0 Comments
If you heard complains about people not giving up the seats in MRT , buses for pregnant lady and kids and elderly.  My stories are all about good Singaporeans and foreigners too.
I lived my pregnant journey for #1 and #2 a little privilege, as my hubby will do his best to fetch me to work before heading out for his work/appt. On those days , I had to take MRT and buses, I stood a couple of times.
When I was pregnant with Royce, there was a teenager asking me if I would like to sit, his friend gave his seat up from the other corner of the bench, and it was not even the reserved seat. While I was walking over , a man sat down, thinking the teenager was dropping off. He told the man if I could sit down because I was pregnant. The man saw me and stood up immediately. I am proud of our youngsters, if you keep thinking our youngsters are rebellious and self-centered. I think you can banish that thought now.
There was so many a time, people has given up their seat for me. Especially, when I was pregnant with Adele, a young pair of working adult also asked the person in the reserved seat to give up for me. If you think the strong and young who did not give up their seat, should shamed and disgraced, you could hold on to your thoughts. I think it take someone to ask nicely. Sometimes, in my tired and moody days , I boldly requested for him/her to give up the seat in my nicest manner. They do give up willingly.
A foreigner , perhaps a Bangladesh worker gave up his seat upon my request and smiled politely when I thank him.
An auntie who looked tired after a day's work asked a boy to give up his seat. However, a Chinese worker in the reserved with slightly greyed hair mistaken, thought he should be giving up and walk away instead.
The lasting impression was a young couple who asked me to sit down , he gave up his seat and his girlfriend moved over , we chatted a bit on nutrition. :)

The list goes on and on, the Singaporeans that I once knew and thought poorly of, grew up and in a more gracious manner. I knew of Singaporeans whom went abroad and think why Singaporeans could not be more courteous , just because we don't say 'Hi' to each other. My argument is because we are Asians , and our roots taught us to be more reserved. However, because of chances to go abroad and getting more exposed.
I see the reserved Singaporeans opening up , giving up seats without a second thought to my dad whom was carrying Adele.
That National day , I could not be more proud to be a Singaporean.

To those Singaporeans whom have given up their seats ! Thank you Papa and Mama Koh

Friday, March 27, 2015

Baby Adele delivered in Mt Elizabeth Novena

2:03 AM 0 Comments
Murtarbak before clearing your bowels is not very friendly. The senior midwife inserted enema into the anal. It is not the feeling of discomfort but the instant bowel movement was incredibly fast ! The signing of the epidural forms was done next. 
Me eating a sinful supper before checking in



Was looking at the poster on the wall to give me motivation

I know it could be part the doctor's job to follow up with the patient's admission to hospital. I told my doc I was admitting at 12am and she had called the nurses at Mt E to standby for me. I felt delighted that I did not had worry as much. Always knew that everything is in smooth progress with my doc and her team.

Doctors' orders was to insert epidural straight away. I was concerned that the labour hours shorter and I was not in time for the epidural after water bag burst. 

Dr Yvonne the anesthetist came in and greeted me with 'Hello Sweetie'. Somehow or rather, this greeting melts my anxiety of going through the epidural again.

In my last blog post, I requested for Dr Loo. However, he was not available for the day and Dr Yvonne assisted in my insertion of epidural. It was nerve wrecking , I shy away when doc cleaned my back with the cooling swap of alcohol.  I was told to inhale the laughing gas.
The laughing gas did not tickle me, but it made me dizzy, a moment of blocked ear with buzzing sound. I felt very nauseous.

I felt the pain but it was bearable , however, I clutched the side of the bed very hard without knowing. 
I asked the nurse a question ,'When will the contraction kick in?' The staff nurse says I will not feel it, I was perplexed, didn't make sense of it. Had to face palm myself. The epidural took effect and I could't feel the contractions. I was able to rest until Dr came. 

This delivery , I was still able to smile
Dr Claudine Tan came in about 7am, burst my water bag with just her fingers . I was half way more to go. To tell u the truth I was I was afraid about the labour pain. Dr Claudine in her own words ' siao ah, second time mum le' , which translate, that's nothing to be afraid of, for a 2nd time Mom. 


Papa Koh definitely more comfy than Mama Koh
Look who is happily eating my food
Oh yup, the pain kick in. I was one of the moms whom will feel that 10% of the labour pain. It strikes every 5 mins and I was chatting away with the rest of the mummies. And before I know it , the contractions were two minutes apart. I asked Papa Koh to google the breathing method . 
I am not sure if the breathing method did help at all. Because I felt like cursing and swearing still. It felt like eternity. At 10plus am,  they gave me the good news. They rushed for my Doc. I hoisted my own legs on the leg rest. Just when I thought I was supposed to be numb.

Before I started pushing , I  told Dr Claudine that Papa Koh wants to cut the umbilical cord. So it will be a treasured moment for him

If they told you that 2nd-time is going to be faster, that is true. Within 15 mins, I yelled the loudest and pushed the hardest. Dr Claudine Tan told me that she didn't had to cut me, it followed my old tear. I actually feel the expanding of the Virginia and head assisting the expansion. I was so exhausted when I had her head pushed out. I was glad little efforts were needed to push her whole body out Little Adele came out into the world.



When they measured Adele and weighed her. I was casually mentioning that the coconut water doesn't work. Adele still has the white mucus. Dr also said that the vernix was meant to protect the baby's skin from wrinkling. That's why you have it at week 38. 

I also read up the other function, it is supposed to moisturize the infant's skin to facilitate the passage through the birth canal. Now that you know the function, do you want to get rid of it?

They asked me if I wanted skin to skin contact. This time I was ready. I held her and I didn't want to let her go. (Though the nurses just wanted to clean her up. )


Skin to skin contact

As they cleaned her up, they transferred me to maternity ward , where I got to rest a little, before the guests arrived to say hi. :)

Last peek before sending her to clean up













Thursday, February 26, 2015

Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital Tour by Ade Oei

12:30 PM 0 Comments
Papa Koh did his research and book for Hospital Tour at Mt Elizabeth Novena.
I have of heard its impressive facilities and those whom went for the tour were wowed by it.

I had to check it out myself. We were greeted by the hospital staff near the concierge , who immediately asked if we needed any help.

The concierge staff 's services makes me feel that we were checking in a hotel.

While waiting for the tour to start , we sat in the posh lobby, read through the prices of the room.

I was abit horrified that the prices went up and it went up like $500 from last year. And they have only opened up the maternity department in March last year. I don't think whatever reason justifies the great jump!
Our lovely lady whom lead the tour
Our tour guide was friendly and professional. She brought us to the delivery room which it comes with the attached toilet. The last time I remember having to share and I had to wait for my turn. The maximum number of mummies whom will deliver in one day is 6 . This gives mummies a sense of relief that we will not be subjected to a short handling of staff.
Delivery ward
It was the room next which she brought us over.  the great thing about Mt Elizabeth Novena that the hospital has only single rooms. It gave me a sense of another relief that the hospital will not ran out of a single room that day. As I remembered my friend had to rest in a two bedded. I think it is preference or situation when come to choosing. However, I insist that Papa Koh accompanies me for the 3 days. Mama Koh is not comfortable of being alone.
Lacatation consultant will be introduced to the mummies and one time massage will be thrown in as well. Sorry daddies ! The massage is cater for mummies only.



The room is defintely smaller than the previous Super Delux room I stayed. 


Comfortable sofa for Papa Koh
I told Papa Koh the sofa looks more comfy this time. The room looks spacious enough to accommodate all Papa and Mama Koh's guests.
Crabtree and Evelyn
Yes, like a high end hotel, the toiletries are from Crabtree And Evelyn!

 
The crowd gathered to see the nursery . Excitedly when I took a peek into the nursery , I was told that the only baby was discharged that morning. >.<

Pro-breastfeeding mummies will be glad to hear that the hospital will provide breast pump (electrical) . Previously I had to add on milk powder as Baby Royce did not have enough food. Milk powder is available in the various brand . It comes in a tin form and it is available at $1.
 
Lovely decorations that include into the collaterals that include all the info that Papa and Mama need
The junior suite impressed me with space,  big toilet and outdoor rest area. Accommodating a huge lot of guests. Daddies can watch TV without disturbing Mummies as the the TV is in another room. For the premium price you pay, it include the accompanied stay. 





The price for accompanied stay in the single room is $97 inclusive of GST.

The price for single room as follows :


And the prices for the junior suite :


Necessary documents to bring :



With the end of tour , with the details and facilities that wowed us,we have made up our minds to send the pre-admission form to Dr Caludine Tan :)

Just hope the services will be as good as its facilities.
 
Sign off Mama and Papa Koh




Dr Claudine Tan charges and clinic's routine by Ade Oei

1:47 AM 3 Comments
I think this is one of the last few visit to Dr Claudine Tan's clinic. From stepping into the clinic. Never fail to see the familiar faces at the front desk greet me by name. 


The normal routine get your blood pressure checked and weight checked. At 35 weeks , I weighed 57.2kg ..... And I always try to think that is baby has gained all that weight. >.<

Do a glucose test, by peeing on on strip of paper. The last time I had bread with ovalmaltine (Nutella like). Instantly, Dr Claudine knew I had too much sugar for breakfast. This time I drank 3/4 of my coffee and await the results. Phew ! It was normal.

For hospital , Dr Claudine Tan charges as follows: 
consultation fees : $200 region
Surgical Fees : about $3000
With Vac/Forceps : $3000 region 
Emergency C sect : $3000 to $4000
Recommended PD - $600 to $900
anesthetist : $600 - $800
 
I wanted to find the anesthetist whom helped me with Royce .With a help with Papa and mama Koh's description. Dr Claudine Tan was able roughly know who is the previous anesthetist. Just hope he will be found and has time for me :)

Had to do a swap for streptococcus B ,
Group B strep (GBS) is a kind of bacteria that many people harbor in their intestinal tracts. The bacteria may also inhabit (or "colonize") your vagina as well, and be passed on to your baby during labor and birth. 
Approximately 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women carry GBS in the vagina or rectum or surrounding area. While GBS is generally harmless in healthy adults, it may cause stillbirth and serious infections in babies.

One gentle swap of the cotton bud cost me $45.

Mama and Papa Koh did not start saving as early this time,
With the charges and the previous experience, we calculated the hospitals bills. Hopefully, we have enough , (with claimable from Medisave) before i deliver. 
 
http://www.babycenter.com/0_group-b-streptococcus-screening_1647.bc

Mama and Papa Koh Signing off

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

25 + 5 Weeks and traveling to BangKok

12:39 AM 0 Comments
My second day in Bangkok and I am more recharged to do some blogging now. I have heard mummies concern about traveling when they are pregnant. So this is my life and now pregnant at 25 weeks and travelling.

I heard that airplane companies give priority to pregnant women. I took SQ flight this time round. However, unsure of what is the priority. I have decided to pass them my letter written by my gynae. 

My luggages had business class priority tag and I didn't really had to wait long. Once I reached luggage claim , my luggage were ready to be picked up. This was good, I was getting very tired.

Priority Luggage Claim
I do realized that Bangkok is not friendly for heavily pregnant women, strollers and wheelchair.
The pavements are very uneven. In the event, we had to cross the bridge , there was no escalator or lift. There were no pedestrian crossing in sight nearby, poor Papa Koh had to lift the two luggage up the long flight of steps

I wouldn't recommend Bangkok for heavily pregnant ladies. Bangkok has been flourished over the years and thank goodness for that ,it make hotels closer to the malls for middle incomers affordable.

Checking in at The Berkeley Hotel , which was walking distance from Platinum Mall. This was where I got my loot for Royce two years ago. Before I headed out , I took a shot at my baby bump. I
want to send a reminder to mummies to be more diligent in putting the stretch mark cream. I was ignorant during my pregnancy of Royce. I did not see any stretch mark until I gave birth. My 'battle scars' scarred me still 21 months later.

Looking sharp from this angle
if you can see my battle scar on my tummy
I brought my dermatix stretch cream. One of the smallest stretch cream and non -sticky cream.


This is one the stretch mark cream I used and  it works
At Central World , we didn't get to find cheap deals for babies .However, You can find kids' store such as Mothercare or H & M kids . it did not seem cheaper than Singapore. However, Central World is one place you can bring your running tods and let them ride the kid's train

My mission to purchase for Adele, only kick off on the third day.  Maybe I have bought some necessity for Royce, I felt we have lesser to buy this time. I had to squeeze into my brand new Melissa shoes , and i felt my feet expanded after that.

it was uncomfortable for me at this point . Wear comfortable shoes ,
round shoes will be more comfy, 


 
 
The mummies was exchanging baby bumps phots on the forum and I was excited to show off mine too. :)

  Mama and Papa Koh bought :
  1. 3 sets of  romper with cardigan and pant at 250baht per set.
  2. Luavle Friends set of rompers at 300 baht
  3. headband and a socks(SGD $12).
  4. 4 Pair of slippers at 200 baht
  5. Royce's pants at 280baht
It was a good buy from Platinum Mall !!!
Happy Purchases

Maybe my stomach is bigger this time round. I had a lot of attention from women in Bangkok. They seemed fascinated with my tummy, or it could be the protruding belly button. They keep asking me how many months I am. I am intrigued by their fascination. Travelling in Bangkok, I felt tired all the time, I wore the new Melissa shoes that I bought the day before. I realised my feet expanded and it was a tight squeeze after wearing the shoes . I had to rest and stop at a café at Platinum , didn't had the energy I had before I was pregnant. Thank God for an understanding husband .
It was a satisfaction to be able to get so many stuff that you can't get in Singapore at the same price.

Trying to get good buys from Bangkok. I always wanted to buy Melissa shoes for Adele, from Royce's growth of his feet. I felt that Adele will outgrown them very fast. However I did manage to find Mel by Melissa with the same bubblegum smell at good price.
 

After the happy buys and purchases, we jet back to Singapore . Manage to get Royce a trolley bag . And Papa conveniently used as hand carry luggage. For Pregnant Mummies , please note that Changi Airport has priority queue for Taxis. I got a cab under 2 mins... :)

Look's who jetting back happily with his new found School bag :)


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