While almost everyone else is out partying, getting themselves marooned (silly) in the crowd and traffic jam, here I am at home. Boring old me. While almost everyone else is trying to figure out how to get home after all the partying, here I am at home. Boring old me. While almost everyone else is wondering how much the taxi fare back home would cost after all the partying, here I am at home. Boring old me. In short, I am not regretting the fact that I am boring and that I did not get to enjoy NYE's celebration (again). Hehe, I am a killjoy like that. What to do?!
But seriously speaking, after 27 years of living so far ( and more to come insya'allah), may I confess that I have never celebrated NYE outside before? I am not a party goer, hence I have never seen the need to trouble myself to party like crazy. And may I also add that my husband is exactly like me? He too, is as homely a person as me. Aahh, a perfect match indeed! Give me 5 la, Tatek! :)
Besides, we have three kids in tow here, so how to party la dey? How to work it and shake it like Beyonce? Lol! Aiyah, it's never in our daily agenda to leave our kids in the care of our parents unless we really need to. Partying in this case, is NEVER a need.
Taking pictures of the girls in action constantly however, IS a need.
Let's just say that I do not want to miss a minute even watching my girls grow up. They are just too beautiful.
Especially so after they are dolled up to my liking. Lol!
Oh well, Happy New Year once again!
Let's start off the brand new year with a BIG smile...
and an early night!
Good night!
@ 12:11 a.m.
: NEW ARRIVALS : Sunday, December 28, 2008
Alternatively, you might want to visit http://studiofrost.livejournal.com
Either way, its still STUDIOFROST.
@ 12:11 p.m.
: We are Three... : Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Three months old, that is.
Oh hello, everyone!
Myreen Nadya I am, and I think it is only apt that I create an entry this time round. Mysha, your turn to read now. Bluek!
So have you heard? Us M&Ms turned 3 months yesterday. So yup, since Mummy and Daddy could not think of a suitable place to celebrate the joyous occassion, they took us to the clinic AGAIN for our third month vaccination. What a painful way to celebrate, I say. Of course, us being the helpless babies we are, could not have a say in this. We could only cry helplessly. I guess you could say that crying is the social norm for Mysha and me, at least for the next few months or so.
So anyway, I seriously think people should start to take the extra effort to differentiate us M&Ms. Even though we were in Mummy's tummy together for 38 weeks, we are not as dependent on each other or similar as people would have thought we are. For sure, I do not cry when Mysha cries. I only cry after Mysha cry, provided there's nothing else for me to do. I can still sleep peacefully without Mysha's presence in the same room. I do not need Mysha by my side in order for me to enjoy my playtime or storytime. So are you know convinced when I say we are alike but yet so different? Please be careful to not confuse our differences as with detestation. We DO NOT detest each other. We are just two individuals with different personalities although strangers tend to refer to us both simply as the twins. This generalisation that we are alike in every way just because we are twins is so, so, wrong. To add on to this, may I mention that we are fraternal? Fraternal means we are not identical. So stop assuming things like just because one cries, the other will cry too, or if one is hungry, the other will be hungry too. The matter of the fact is, we do not do things or react to things together at the same time. We take turns, and we will continue doing so because Mummy thinks taking turns is a good thing to do.
Mummy however, still insists on dressing us alike because she thinks it is only fair that Mysha has whatever I have, and I have whatever Mysha has. I personally think she is also doing that because she finds it really cute to have us both dressed up alike each time we go out. Oh well Mummy, what can I say? I do not mind looking like Mysha if it's nice looking outfits you are talking about here. It's definitely better than wearing a second-best outfit!
Okay, okay.
Back to the main point of this entry.
Mysha and I are three months old already and you should wish us good months ahead, and no more vaccinations in time to come. Wishful thinking, right? Bah!
To Mummy, thank you for taking good care of us all this while and taking the extra effort (and money) to dress us up nicely all the time. However, you have yet to master the skills of holding us both in your arms at the same time, sadly. Please brush up on this particular skill as it is a very essential skill that you will need for phototaking sessions with us.c
No offence Mummy, but you seriously do not expect us to lie flat on the bed each time you want to take pictures with us both, right?
To Daddy, thank you for giving us that extra space on the bed every night just so that Mummy can breastfeed us in peace. That's a really big sacrifice, Daddy!
To Nana, thank you for always taking care of us when Mummy is busy. Thank you for always showering us each morning, and yes, thank you for always showering us with your undivided love too!
To Dada, thank you for always rubbing your as-good-as -sandpaper moustache against our smooth and delicate skin each time you carry us. By doing so, you have already introduced to us different textures.
And to our Kakak Sharleez, (no) thank you for always calling us both 'Wyreen'. It's okay to be confused at times but not ALL THE TIME, okay? I do hope you will learn to differentiate us in time to come. ;p
But we adore you all the same no matter what you call us. Thank you for always spending time with us despite the very busy toddler you are.
And we do know you love us just as much too, Kakak!
Muakkks!
With love,
Myreen N.
@ 08:06 a.m.
: THREE. : Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dearest Mummy & Daddy,
Happy Wedding Anniversary Number Three!
I hope that the both of you will continue to share the good times
and bad times together.
And of course, keep each other close to the heart.
But most importantly, keep sharing the good food with me.
Even it means having to do so on your wedding anniversary.
I am sorry I had to spoil your romantic time together the other day but I am sure both of you didn't mind my cute little presence, right? I mean, how could anyone mind my presence? ;)
Yes Mummy, here's to ten more years and more of a blissful marriage!
I love you both, A LOT!
Your daughter,
Sharleez N.
@ 11:19 a.m.
: OFFICIAL LAUNCH: STUDIOFROST.NET : Wednesday, December 10, 2008
@ 02:36 p.m.
: STUDIOFROST: THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL! : Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Studiofrost is in the giving mood so we have decided to start something new. Every week, we are going to feature in our blog some items under 'This Week's Special'. If you purchase any of the items featured, you will get to enjoy free normal postage.
Yup, normal postage is on the house!
How good a deal is that? :)
So come on now, let's start with Studiofrost's first ever 'This Week's Special'!
More reasons to shop, only at Studiofrost.
@ 11:05 a.m.
: A FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS? : Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Just what exactly was I looking at in the above picture?
Just whose picture was I pointing at?
Just why was I so smiling from ear to ear?
Me! Me! My picture! In a magazine!
And its not just one picture! Its two pictures! In a magazine!
And, and, and..I was the chosen princess to go to the ball with the handsome prince!
To find out more, go get the December issue of Mother & Baby magazine!
THE END.
Kisses & Hugs
Sharleez N.
@ 01:43 a.m.
: HAMSTER LAND : Monday, December 8, 2008
So what are you waiting for?
Second hand cages which are as good as brand new are also available for sale at $15 each!
Contact my Daddy, Mr Roslan, directly at 92394542 to view the hamsters at their terrace! :)
@ 04:19 p.m.
: A Fairytale Christmas : Wednesday, December 3, 2008
: Mysha & Myreen Antics I : Wednesday, December 3, 2008
@ 11:17 a.m.
: STUDIOFROST: RAINBOW RUSH : Wednesday, December 3, 2008
@ 08:53 a.m.
: STUDIOFROST: STARDUST : Saturday, November 29, 2008
Looking for something trendy?
Or something dressy?
Or perhaps something elegant?
Look no further.
Our latest collection, STARDUST, will definitely FAIL to disappoint you.
Forget the recession, drop by Studiofrost today! ('_')
http://studiofrost.livejournal.com
@ 01:39 a.m.
: Nostalgic. : Thursday, November 27, 2008
This was not too long ago, wasn't it?
I did not expect myself to be saying this so soon but yes, I miss being pregnant, with twins! God knows whether I'd ever get the chance to be pregnant again, with or without twins. I truly miss having a really huge tummy. I miss having that rosy glow on my face. I miss indulging my cravings sans guilt. I miss the kicks and punches from the twins. I miss the impulsive shopping for baby items. I miss feeling extra special. I miss gettin away from the humdrum of daily routine. In short, I miss the power of pregnancy. Lol! Those 38 weeks has got to be one of the most wonderful and memorable journeys of my life so far.
So mummies-to-be, do cherish and relish your pregnancy please! It's a one in a lifetime experience and it is definitely worth all the sacrifices, if there is any.
You are truly blessed! :)
Find delight in that!
Picture by Studiofrost.
@ 11:28 p.m.
: November 25th 2008. : Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Yesterday my dearest husband turned yet another year older. We are still finding it hard to believe that he is 29 already. Nobody will ever believe it either. In my eyes, Tatek is forever 21, and I am not even saying this just because he is my husband, hokay? Look at his boyish looks lah dey, LOOK! Even the cake was one candle short as Ian and Nurul thought Tatek was turning 28! Ili had wanted to get him a Braun Buffel wallet initially but changed her mind as she thought the brand was too old for Tatek. Lol.
So anyway, we had dinner at err, a buffet restaurant at Downtown restaurant. Let's not mention the name of the restaurant, shall we? Food was a disaster. I swear we are never going to eat at that place anymore. My mum even commented that she felt like she was in hell. Lol. Ya, that bad. And to add on to our misery, the twins were especially cranky during dinner. The initial plan to cut the cake and open the presents there was cancelled. We went straight back home to celebrate instead. Home sweet home, indeed!
Once again, Happy Birthday Tatek!
As usual, thanks to my family members for making Tatek's 29th birthday extra special by just being there. You guys are the best, lor!
My top: Nicky $31 from RAINBOW RUSH edition, our latest collection.
Nurul's dress: Huckle $34 from AUTUMN LEAVES edition.
Visit STUDIOFROST today!
@ 09:33 a.m.
: Sister's Act : Sunday, November 23, 2008
Here Sharleez is, trying very hard indeed to soothe her crying baby sister, Mysha. I could not stop giggling when I captured this precious moment on video as Sharleez was mimicking what we do and say to the twins on normal days to comfort them like for instance, "Okay baby", "Okay darling" and "Where is Mummy?" Of course you cannot expect my girl who is barely two to speak in perfect sentences, so do look out for her saying "Okay darLIN" and "Where Mummy?" instead in this video before she got distracted for a while by the what else but the TV. I say it is really hilarious, lor! And oh, that repetitive patting on Mysha's mouth? THAT we did not teach her, okay? That is really Sharleez's own way of err, shutting the babies up when they get a bit too much for her to handle. :)
Now do you believe me when I say Sharleez is a good big sister to her twins? Aiyah Sharleez, what else can Mummy say to and about you? I say you are indeed our pride and joy every single minute of the day, can?
@ 11:01 p.m.
: Singapore’s First Blogger Blood Drive : Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hello bloody readers.
Please bloody pardon me but I just feel like bloody educating you today on the importance of blood donation, lor! I bloody feel like educating, because I suddenly miss teaching so bloody much and I bloody feel like teaching right now, right here!
And why the sudden use of the word ‘bloody’?
Well heck, this bloody entry today is about blood, what else?
But seriously, we all do bloody know the importance of blood in our live. Blood is, after all, thicker than water. No pun intended! Blood is needed for transplants, regular blood transfusions, daily surgeries and for accident victims. So what other way is there to ensure the adequate supply of blood for others and possibly ourselves in the near future, other than to donate blood? Remember, you reap what you sow. The Singapore Red Cross Society’s blood donor recruitment programme aims to encourage everyone to come forward to give the “river of life”. And one way you can go about doing so is by joining the first bloggers blood donation drive. How bloody cool is that? Participants for this blood donation drive will receive a certificate to acknowledge that they have participated in this Blood Donation Drive. That certificate can then be framed up in your living room as a proof of the bloody nice person you really are. Lol. You can proceed to this microsite for more information, or join Are You My Type’s Facebook group to show you bloody care! By joining the Facebook group, you will, make friends (like duh!), receive updates on blood donation/ event, discuss about the blood donation/ event, and of course, have fun!
So what are you bloody waiting for?
Add your bloody good deed and let the world see how bloody good it really is.
@ 04:29 p.m.
: STUDIOFROST: AUTUMN LEAVES : Saturday, November 15, 2008
@ 12:53 a.m.
: Babyfrost Tights : Friday, November 14, 2008
@ 08:40 p.m.
: What's the formula? : Thursday, November 13, 2008
So hello, I am still here.
I have been really busy with my three girls, especially the two self declared heavyweight champions, Mysha and Myreen. At one month and a half, they are each almost 5 kg heavy already! All I can say is as much as I would love to totally breastfeed my twins like what I did with Sharleez, I am glad I made the brave move to partially breastfeed and fully supplement them from the start. My twins, they just cannot seem to get enough of milk! They each drink 120 ml of milk at every feed, and that is not including the expressed milk which I mix with their formula for every feed, and the breastmilk they get directly from me. Can you now imagine how much they drink? In fact, they finish up their formula every three to four days! That's like about $400 of Similac a month! It is pretty scary, and I have already told Mak to cut down on their milk intake. Wey, I do not want two overweight babies, hokay? Sure, they may look really, really cute but please remember, fat babies are not necessarily healthy babies.
And please believe me when I say I am handling two heavyweight champions.
Mysha at her best.
Now quick, tell me where is the chin and neck!
Lol.
And here is Myreen.
And don't be deceived by Myreen's side profile. Look at her from the front and you would think you are looking at a puffer fish!
Oh well.
Can you give me some of those baby fats, M&Ms?
@ 04:11 p.m.
: STUDIOFROST: PLUSH! : Tuesday, November 11, 2008
@ 01:25 p.m.
: A Fairytale. : Sunday, November 9, 2008
Hi babies and tykes,
Sharleez N. is in the house now. Move aside Mysha N. Goodness, suddenly this blogspace is so crampy, what with my two little sisters' sudden interest in blogging too! Mummy, you seriously need to create another account just for the three of us sisters. I am not implying that I do not like to share but a little privacy at the comfort of my own blogspace will do me good. Imagine all the wonders I can do! So give me! Give me! Give me!
Anyway, just thought of sharing my magazine photoshoot experience with you. Remember that favourite magazine of Mummy, Mother & Baby? What do you know, I have been called for yet another fashion spread! Of course I did not say no, especially when I was told that I could smile and laugh all I want for the photoshoot. Why, I love posing myself silly for the camera if you don't already know by now! And so we met up with the pretty Aunty Vivien again, and oh, two little fairies in white. To the two fairies in white, we have some unfinished business to settle. ;p
I'll leave you now with some pictures from the photoshoot.
This, the must have picture with my folks.
Don't ask me why the expression on my face.
This, another must have picture with my favourite auntie, Aan. Again, don't question the expression on my face.
Here is Daddy, my personal assistant for that day.
He was trying really hard to make me stand like a lady.
I wish I could take home the laptop. Aunty Vivien, I WILL take it home next time! I want all my pictures in it, can?
One of the fairies I was talking about. And that pretty aunty pretending to be a funny bunny at the back? She is Aunty Vivien!
For more, go buy the December issue of Mother & Baby magazine.
Support local babies, can?
Lots of pictures, hugs and kisses,
Sharleez N.
@ 04:53 a.m.
: Can't take my eyes off you. : Saturday, November 8, 2008
Hi blogworld! It is about time us twins make our debut entry. And even though we are twins and are always together like it or not, you cannot possibly expect us to think alike too and type this entry together right? So yes, we have decided that both of us will take turns to blog. And since I am the older twin by five minutes, I shall be a good example to Myreen and show her the right way to blog. Myreen can be quite a sissy at times, you know?
But do not tell her that I told you that!
Contrary to the cute sayings on our bodysuits, we HARDLY close our eyes nowadays, no matter how sleepy we can be most of the time. I personally think we are driving Mummy and Nana a bit insane during the day. Mummy for instance, HARDLY has time for herself. She practically needs to sneak away from us before she can use the computer for a few minutes. But hey, let's be fair here. You cannot possibly expect us to sleep all the time right? I mean, if life is that boring, then I would very much prefer to stay in the womb forever. God gives us beautiful eyes to open and see the beauty around. God does not give us eyes so that we keep them closed all the time. So why is it that them adults want us asleep during the day and night?
I have tried explaining to Mummy and Nana. We both have tried. Somehow, our words got lost and all that came out were our cryings. So yes, whenever you hear us babies crying, you should seriously try to find out what exactly is wrong with us. At least try too. Again, it is not our fault that our words sound like neverending cryings to you. Never our fault. Sigh.
Anyway, to those of you who still insist that we are identical or look identical, YOU ARE WRONG. You are so wrong. We are as different as we could be even though we usually end up looking so alike when we are asleep and yes, in pictures. Time to learn how to photoshop from Mummy and edit my pictures as much as I possibly could so that I do not end up looking like my sissy sister, Myreen. Again, do not tell her that I told you that!
But seriously, she is a sissy! Look at this picture and tell me who is crying. Err, okay so you cannot differentiate me from her. Let me tell you then that the one crying is Myreen. I am the one with the large beautiful eyes.
I was not lying, see?
Babies never lie.
Lots of truth, hugs & kisses
MYSHA N.
@ 07:13 p.m.
: POSB: Everyday Champions Award '09 : Friday, November 7, 2008
Every family has strengths that makes it special and unique from the rest.
Have I told you how proud I am of my family? If you have been an enthusiast of my humble blog, you would have noticed that majority of my entries have been about my family, and I would prefer them to stay that way for all my future entries, thank you! I am just so proud of them, and they are more than worthy of all the entries that I have dedicated to them so far.
Just what makes a family strong?
Personally, it all depends. In my case, a strong family support is key. We are extremely bonded and dedicated to each other, although we do not tend to show it openly. Thanks to my parents and their way of nurturing us since small, we celebrate almost every event together. Events like birthdays, for example. Despite the hectic schedule that each of us has, we always make it a point to be there for each other during birthday celebrations. Making time for the family is one way to nurture a strong family support.
My family is not as perfect as we could be. We squabble a lot. We disagree on a lot of things. We are egoistic. We do hurt each other at times. However, despite all these imperfections, we are still as happy as we could be. We joke a lot. We tease each other. We laugh at each other. We kiss and make up. We do not bear grudges. We take interest in each other’s life. We cover up for each other’s mistakes. We try our best to help one another at times of needs. I think that’s the secret of our happiness. We build on each other’s strengths, and not live on the weaknesses. Too often, families focus on problems or concerns, and fail to acknowledge the strengths their family can call upon. As a result, families may unnecessarily fall apart.
Just recently, my brothers, Tatek and the rest of the team from Street 51 Soccer team had their virgin match at SAFRA Tampines. Just like any other events, the whole family turned up to support the team. Yup, even my three little girls and I came to support despite my lack of love for soccer. I had to be there. I wanted to be there. You know, my parents have taught us since small to always be there for each other, and that has somewhat turned into a habit that we prefer not to kick. Even though we came to watch the match with high hopes that the team would win, we were more concerned about the moral support that we should give them once we were there. Daddy, who was also the birthday man on that day was their number one supporter, hollered words of encouragement each time they managed to get hold of the ball, and he was also the one who was busy taking pictures of them in action on and off the field. So what if they did not win the first match? I remember Daddy saying that soccer is after all just a game, and life is not all about winning all the time. Life is about doing your best. The true winner in life is one who is willing to err, lose and face setbacks. We certainly did not go home as sour grapes that night. In fact, Daddy even managed to snap several fun shots of the team together after the match. Everyone had fun at the end of the day, and even sang Daddy their own rendition of the birthday song, despite the results. Daddy blushed and did not know how to react to all the sudden attention. Lol.
If you ask me, if I were given the choice to vote for one spirited sports supporter, I would nominate Daddy, without a doubt! He has inspired us so much with his positivity and his neverending support for his family.
What about you?
Any inspiring family member or supporter who goes beyond just watching sports and devotes his or her energy to support or help you excel further in your sports? Or perhaps you know of a sports coach who goes beyond his or her expected responsibilities to motivate you to reach you for the impossible? Or maybe you are working in an organization that builds a healthy sports culture for all its employees?
Who would you nominate for, given the choice?
The search for POSB Everyday Champion Award 2009 is now on, and you can start nominating your deserving everyday champion now till 16 November 2008. Each champion will stand to win a POSB Everyday Champion Award 2009 and a certificate of commendation. In addition, the stories of all the Everyday Champions will be posted online for the public to cast their vote on. The top three favourite stories will stand to win a cash reward of $2000 each while the nominators will receive $1000 each.
So what are you waiting for?
Nominate now!
@ 09:24 a.m.
: HUGGIES ULTRA: PHOTO CONTEST : Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Psst!
Babies and fellow tykes,
I have a confession to make. I have decided to thicken my skin a bit and participate in Huggies Ultra photo contest. You cannot blame me, you know? The attractive prizes that the winners stand to win is so tempting! A month supply of Huggies Ultra plus lots more! Also, if I am the selected as the lucky winner, my picture will be featured on Huggies website! How super duper cool is that? Imagine winning all that just by submitting my best picture and telling Huggies why I am a happy Huggies Ultra user! Telling the truth should not be a problem. Winning prizes has never been this easy.
What makes a happy baby, really?
Happy Mummy + Huggies Ultra = Happy Baby
Thank you Mummy & Huggies Ultra for bringing happiness into my life!
Meanwhile, which picture should I submit for the photo contest, you think?
One that shows the always happy side of me?
One that shows me the ehem, model side of me? ;p
One that shows the cheeky side of me?
Or one that shows the BACK side of me?
Bah! I was just testing you.
We are talking about Happy In Huggies Ultra photo contest here, so its obvious which picture I should choose.
So make my wish come true and support me!
Click HERE to vote for me, please?!
('-')
Oh, you can participate in the contest too, if you want!
Go to HUGGIES website now!
Entries close on 16 November 2008.
Kisses & Hugs,
Sharleez N.
@ 10:09 a.m.
: Boho Chic : Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Bohemian Sandals are the IN thing now!
Hurry get yours from Studiofrost today!
@ 12:34 p.m.
: 51. : Sunday, October 26, 2008
Daddy dearest,
Happy 51st Birthday!
All along, I have known that I am very blessed indeed to have a dad and role model who, while as imperfect and flawed as any other human being, embodies so many of those qualities that I have come to hold oh so dear. An unconditional love for the family. The willingness to selflessly sacrifice for the sake of others. An unswerving sense of duty. A keen sense of responsibility. A perfect definition of the word 'father', in short.
You have done so much for the good of us, and as cliched as this may sound, I really do not how else to repay your kindness and undying love. This entry is an attempt, though! ;p I do not think there is even a need to compare you to other daddies as to me, us, you are the best daddy and that's all that matters. For now. Forever.
And what better way to celebrate your 51st birthday than to watch your sons and son-in-law play for Street 51's big match? Their first ever soccer match, and possibly their first victory too! Lol. Insya'allah. Words has it that Ian is determined to score at least a goal for Daddy, and we pray hard he will achieve just that!
Go 51!
@ 04:19 p.m.
: HUGGIES online. : Sunday, October 26, 2008
Have you noticed I have actually provided a direct link to
Huggies website. HUGGIES ULTRA website? I do not know why but I have suddenly turned fanatic ever since I started introducing HUGGIES ULTRA to my girls. Boy was I glad when I found out about the website! You should drop by HUGGIES website as it is not all about diapers only. Here, you can find insightful information about pregnancy, parenting and play & learning games for your kids. There is also a forum for you to get in touch with other mummies, as well as the HUGGIES CLUB where you can join as member and enjoy special offers and promotion!
My most favourite is the Play & Learning section. As a mummy, I admit that I often run of ideas for games or activities to play with Sharleez. You know how toddlers and kids on the whole often get sick of the same old game? So we mummies are left with no choice but to be ingenius. Not that it is a bad thing altogether! The Play & Learning section not only provides various types of games and activities but it also provides the skills for baby age suitability and duration for every game and activity. I can go crazy every day choosing the game and activity to try out with Sharleez! That’s Huggies online for you, and we are only talking about the play & Learning section here. I say you should go to the website yourself and explore NOW!
I was chatting online few days back with an acquaintance who is also pregnant with twins and she was asking me for my honest feedback on HUGGIES ULTRA for newborns. Is HUGGIES ULTRA that good? Yes, my friend, it is THAT good. Besides the great fit, my twins have not had problems with leaking urine or poo so far. No matter how heavy the diaper is, it somehow always feels dry. My twins were using the newborn size during the first three weeks. And now that they are both a month old and reaching 5 kg, we have since switched to size S. Again, great fit and no complains!
Once again, happy turning a month old, Mysha Nadya & Myreen Nadya!
Let me leave you now with some screen shots of HUGGIES online, and basically what you have been missing out on all this while.
"I have missed out on all the good fun!"
REPEAT AFTER ME, MUMMIES.
@ 02:06 p.m.
: DESPERADO. : Saturday, October 25, 2008
What happens on days when there are two crying twins but there is nobody around to help out? Desperate measures are taken to prevent the room, and possibly the whole house from turning into a vocal concertato, that's what!
So here.
My really desperate attempt to pacify both twins.
One in my arms.
One on my rocking lap.
Lousy quality picture taken by my lousy handphone.
Oh, who is who, you wonder?
That's Myreen on the lap and Mysha in my arms.
Myreen.
Mysha.
At times as desperate as this, I wish I was born with three pairs of hands so that all my girls can get undivided attention from me all the time. It's a dreadful feeling when you know that there is just so much you can do. I am really thankful to the real Superwoman, Mak, for helping me out with the twins. Without her, I do not know how I would be able to manage the twins. Day by day, bit by bit, I am learning what real motherhood is all about from her, and honestly speaking, there is no better person I could have learnt it from.
So you can ask me again how come I've lost the weight so fast and easily.
I guess you can pretty much figure out why, but hey I think that's the best reward a mother could ever get for taking care of her children. :)
No need even to waste money on cheap thrill slimming or weight loss programs! THANK GOODNESS!
@ 07:59 p.m.
: STUDIOFROST: HAUTE COUTURE : Saturday, October 25, 2008
Want to see more of Haute Couture?
Items are selling fast so please, hurry!
No time to think twice even!
@ 10:44 a.m.
: ONE. : Friday, October 24, 2008
Please keep reminding me to take more pictures of the twins as I have been too busy to even remember where the camera is, what more take their pictures? Cannot find time to take pictures but can find time to blog. Funny or what?! Or is it because the fixation with the idea of having a baby which I once had has now worn out? Hmm.
Yesterday morning was both the twins' second hepatitis B jab. The nurse had their weight taken too, and my did we get a shock when we saw their weight! Mysha was 4.5 kg as of yesterday while Myreen was 4.3 kg. time to sumo wrestle each other, girls! But seriously, are they going to put on 1++ kg each month? My goodness, at the rate they are going, my miserly skeletal arms will most probably need all the extra weight and workout they can get! ;p I have two problems, though. One, my arms hardly put on weight. Two, I do not workout. Tsk.
Whatever it is, happy turning one month old my dearest Mysha & Myreen.
Mummy cannot wait to see more of you girls.
@ 09:48 a.m.
: STUDIOFROST: VOGUE EDITION : Monday, October 20, 2008
Enough already of Hari Raya, its time to get back in fashion and yes, IN SHAPE!
@ 12:51 p.m.
: My Night Safari. : Saturday, October 18, 2008
Having three babies is a bliss.
TAKING CARE of three babies is a test.
Not easy. Not easy. NOT EASY.
In my case, I guess you can say that I was taken by surprise at the sudden responsibility thrown at me upon the arrival of the twins. All of a sudden, I am a mother of three. All of a sudden, I am expected and trusted to attend to the needs of three babies. While I was still pregnant with the twins, I thought I was more than prepared to take on the added responsibility but truth is, I am not! My time which used to be totally devoted to Sharleez has to be equally devoted to Sharleez AND the twins now. Again, I stress that it is not easy and I am still trying. Giving up is never in my dictionary, so yes, I’ll keep on trying as I know I am not the only one blessed with twins. I know of so many mothers out there with twins and if they could survive the first year of the twins, so can I.
Never mind how they weathered the first year.
In my previous entry, I was talking about how the diapers we are using now, HUGGIES ULTRA , help to prevent diaper rash and this really takes one burden off my shoulder. I am worry-free now as Sharleez is no longer getting diaper rash. And so far, the coast seems clear for the twins as well. Their buttocks are soft, tender, clean, and diaper-rash free.
Last week, when Tatek was on the night shift for four nights straight, I worked all through the night as a soother, diaper-changer, cow, milk formulator, and basically everything else. Some facts about my twins for you first. The twins wake up for milk every two hours or so, and each time they do so, I make it a point to check their diapers first before feeding them back to sleep. On most nights, the twins take turns to wake up. There are of course, those few nights when they just want to be what twins should be like and do everything together, and so they will cry at the same time for milk, wet their diapers at the same time, and demand my attention at the same time. So much for unity, huh? So during those nights when Tatek was not around to help out, I was practically awake the whole night. Just as I had finished settling down a twin, the other twin would wake up. The process basically repeated itself throughout the entire night. It does not help that both twins want to latch on to the real thing every night. But I cannot possibly allow that, can I? So each time they woke up, I had to quickly get out of bed, prepare their formula, feed them, and suffer from a bad case of migraine thereafter. I was lucky though that I did not have to change their diapers each time they were awake. Despite the significant amount that the twins drink every day, their diapers always seem and feel dry. The fewer diaper changes due to HUGGIES ULTRA premium absorbency helped to reduce my stress during those four crazy nights, seriously. Even Sharleez can sleep through the night without having the need for a diaper change. No leakage. No diaper rash. No funny business. And even if I have to change their diapers, it is always a fuss-free situation as the waistbands of the diapers are soft and stretchy and thus, really easy to fasten and unfasten.
So yes, let me reiterate to you that a good diaper is very important.
VERY IMPORTANT.
And yes, bring on the night shifts, Tatek!
I think I am already equipped with the best “tools” to handle the babies at night.
Whether or not I get to sleep is another concern altogether.
@ 06:23 a.m.
: The STAR : Thursday, October 16, 2008
Hear Sharleez sing, but please do ignore the poor quality of the video. It was really late at night, lah!
She is so into the song 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' currently and that's the only song she sings all day, all night, all the time. And the funny thing is, she will always sing the first line of the song only. I seriously think this girl of mine is musically inclined and I am so going to enrol her in a music school soon. As they say, when your child starts showing interest in a particular hobby or activity, you should and you must help him/her to be further involved in his/her interest, even if it is something you don't really agree with.
So do not be surprised if you see Sharleez one day on Singapore Idol singing her very own rendition of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'!
Don't forget to vote for her then when that happens! Lol!
@ 01:53 p.m.
: A BIG Loss. : Thursday, October 16, 2008
I have lost 16 kg.
Just before I gave birth, I was 75.9 kg. I took my weight again this morning and I weigh 59 kg now. Three days ago, I was 60 kg. This also means I have lost another kilogram within three days. Not that I want to sing my own praises or anything, but even I am surprised at the drastic weight loss. I mean, I knew I would lose the weight eventually, but I did not know I would lose it this fast! Fine, I still have not returned to my pre-pregnancy weight but at least I’ve lost some weight! It's amazing how staying at home and taking care of three kids can make me lose 16 kg ever since the birth of my twins three weeks ago. Everyone has been asking me to share my secrets. As usual, my answer remains unchanged. There is no secret because honestly there is no secret. Or could it be due to the post-natal massage which I had religiously for a week or so? Is that the secret? Or maybe it's the breastfeeding! Breastfeeding has been proven to help boost post-baby weight loss. So maybe THAT'S the secret!
But if you were to mull it over, I was pregnant with two babies, two placentas and two waterbags. The twins' weight at birth when added up was already 6 kg. So maybe the remaining 9 kg was for the placentas and waterbags? Err, wah, that heavy ah?!! Lol.
I am still on confinement and earnestly speaking, I do not watch what I eat, what more with Hari Raya and the too hard to resist spread and goodies. I drink gassy drinks without thinking twice. I neither drink the Jamu nor swallow the Jamu tablets. I have stopped wearing socks at home. I bath everyday, twice a day at times! Yes yes, I know what I am doing is not something I should be proud of. I know all mummies, aunties and grannies out there reading this entry must be fuming mad at me right now. I just cannot help it. I am a rule breaker. I do not like to be bounded by rules. And most importantly, I am a strong believer of my body and the wonders it can do. I lost the weight naturally when I was pregnant with Sharleez, and deep down inside me, I somehow knew I would lose the weight for my second pregnancy too without the need for drastic measures like exercising radically or going on a strict diet. So there.
Right now, my only target is to completely lose the flabby tummy, which I know will take quite a while. After all, I had been pregnant with twins and my tummy was that big, so you can pretty much picture the state of my tummy now. T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E.
@ 08:38 a.m.
: MISTAKEN IDENTITY. : Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Gosh!
I realise I've been rambling on so much about the twins but I have yet to talk about one thing. So allow me to talk about that one thing now.
As we all know, twins can either be identical or fraternal. While identical twins usually look alike, fraternal twins can end up looking alike too, if not different. Take for instance the famous twins, Mary Kate and Ashley.
Don't they look the same?
They are fraternal!
So the question is, what type of twins are my twins?
F-R-A-T-E-R-N-A-L.
So alike but yet so different.
Shame on me, it took me a while before I could tell them apart. Even so, I still end up giving them the wrong bottle every now and then. I still get confused, okay? And if the mother herself already has difficulties differentiating her own children, what more others? So far, almost everyone who has seen my girls think that they are identical. Like a recorder, I will then bring to the light the differences between them.
Difference 1:
Mysha's face is rounder and broader.
Myreen's face is longer and smaller.
Difference 2:
Mysha's features are sharper.
Difference 3:
Mysha's hair is thicker.
Difference 4:
Mysha drinks a lot of milk and is always hungry.
So to friends who have yet to visit the twins, do not ask me again whether they are identical or not, okay? And please oh please, do not feel bad about not visiting me still till now. As it is, there are still some relatives who have yet to make their GRAND appearance despite it being Hari Raya and all, so you need not feel bad. If relatives can take THIS long to visit, so can you! :) Besides, you are not compelled to visit the twins.
We would love to have your company for Hari Raya, though!
So do drop by, for the sake of Hari Raya, and nothing else.
@ 04:32 p.m.
: RED SHAWL. : Monday, October 13, 2008
Last weekend was the shortest Hari Raya outing ever, this time round with the in-laws to Tatek's aunt's place. When I say shortest, I really do mean shortest as we only went to one house! The initial plan was to visit Tatek's uncles and aunties since we did not do so on the first day of Raya. Furthermore, they wanted to see the twins oh so much. Coincidentally, one of Tatek's aunties had an open house on that day, so we thought it would be best for us to just hang out at the aunt's place and wait for the rest of them to come. Save the hassle. Save the fuel. Save the earth.
The day basically started with me getting cross with the helper for misplacing my red shawl. My mother-in-law told me to just make do without the red shawl since I am already a mother of three and that I still looked alright without the red shawl. I refused. I told her that the number of children I have should not be a barrier to my soft spot for dressing up, especially for an occasion as important as Hari Raya! Lol. Aiyah. In the end, the red shawl still could not be found so I figured my helper must have swallowed it. So to the aunt's it was WITHOUT THE RED SHAWL. :(
Sickening.
Oh well, at least I still had my red rose.
My girls too!
And here we go, yet another family picture.
One with the parents-in-law.
Myreen & Mysha with Tatek's cousin and granny.
I love Hari Raya!
I still do, despite the missing red shawl.
@ 07:37 p.m.
: RASH. : Sunday, October 12, 2008
What is the utmost important thing in a baby’s, toddler’s and the mother’s life?
A GOOD DIAPER.
Think about it. A baby will only have a good and peaceful sleep if the diaper is comfortable and dry. A toddler will only have a good time playing all day long if the diaper fits him/her nicely and does not leak at all. A mother will only have an easy time managing both baby and toddler if they do not whine unnecessarily due to a wet or uncomfortable diaper. And each night will only be serene if the mother, toddler and baby are sound asleep.
I am especially more finicky about diapers now that the twins are here. You can never imagine how frequent they wet their diapers! Every two hours, or less! So yes, of course I have to be really particular, especially so for those four nights a week when Tatek is on the night shift and I am the only one handling all three kids at night. Bah! You know how a baby will go on crying like a broken record when the diaper is wet and he/she does not feel comfortable? Multiply that by three and you can roughly envisage the scenario in my room every night! Do not forget to add one mother with disheveled hair to the scene. Its madness! What more, my twins have tender and sensitive skin, just like their sister, Sharleez. And I believe not only my twins have sensitive skin. All babies do. Currently, the twins are using HUGGIES ULTRA and I must especially laud HUGGIES ULTRA for the great fit. The twins are tiny and if the diapers do not fit nicely, I can jolly well say hello to urine and poo leakage! Urghh!
We have started using HUGGIES ULTRA for Sharleez also about a month ago and we are not sorry we made the switch. The main reason for the switch is because of Sharleez’s eczema and her ultra (no pun intended!) sensitive skin, largely. Sharleez’s diaper rash went downhill at one point of time, even nappy rash creams did not help! I thought enough was enough for my poor girl and her cute little bottom. Mummies, we all do know oh so well that those nasty diaper rashes on our baby’s bottom are never nice to look at! And we are only looking at them! Imagine how the poor little baby must be feeling with all those red hives! Ever since we started using HUGGIES ULTRA , Sharleez’s diaper rash lessened and it has been a while since the diaper rash last paid a visit to Sharleez’s bottom. HUGGIES ULTRA , which by the way, have been clinically proven to prevent diaper rash, seriously give us a two-in-one solution to the diaper rash problem. No need for those messy nappy rash creams, and a soft diaper for Sharleez’s sensitive skin.
I wish they could have HUGGIES ULTRA made into maternity pads for me! Seriously!
Unlike diapers, maternity pad brands are so limited!
I do get pad rashes sometimes, okay?!
Welfare for mothers with pad rash problems, anyone?
Lol.
@ 12:03 p.m.
: Ka Ka Kak! : Friday, October 10, 2008
Sharleez is still not used to the whole idea of being a big sister to her two litle sisters. First things first, she does not even know who is who. Secondly, she calls both the girls Myreen. Thirdly, she does not even know why we have been calling her 'Kakak' (Elder Sister). And lastly but most importantly, she is too young to understand. Why, she is still a baby in our eyes!
Of course, on our part, we still need to do whatever we can to foster the desired elder sister qualities in her like being loving and gentle always towards them, for example. We make it a point to ALWAYS praise her whenever she helps out. I think praises work a whole lot better than them dressing-downs. I mean, of course there are days when i just totally lose it and Sharleez has to be the casualty of my unruly anger. So far she has been taking it well, and I am truly proud of her for being the remarkable daughter she is. Note to self: Control your anger please, you mother of three!
On a happy note, it is indeed amusing to see how confused Sharleez is whenever we call her 'Kakak'. Take today for example. I asked her to do a simple baby errand. She did just that willingly, and so I said to her "Thank you Kakak!"
And what was her ever so energetic reply?
"You el-come, Kakak!!!!"
Read: You are welcome, Kakak!
Lol.
@ 04:41 p.m.
: SUPER BLACK TIGHTS : Monday, October 6, 2008
Super Black Tights are back!
Visit BABYFROST now at:
http://studiofrost.livejournal.com/536.html
You want them fast?
Email us directly then at askstudiofrost@gmail.com
Really, it is not our fault if they are all sold out again.
:)
@ 09:59 p.m.
: Sister Act. : Monday, October 6, 2008
Calling all little tykes in the house!
Come listen to the story of my life. Do not be deceived however so by the sad look on my face. It might not necessarily or entirely be a sad story, you know?
As you all already know by now, I am a big sister. I am so new at this new role that has suddenly been given to me. Sister. Eldest sister. Not to one younger sister, but two! Too overwhelming, you say? SISTER. Big word. Big responsibility. Big CHANGE? I don't know. Mummy, Daddy, and basically everyone else are still the same towards me, so I do not really feel the difference as yet. Even though the attention used to be wholly on me, I do not mind now that the attention has to shared equally among the three of us. When the babies were still inside Mummy's tummy, Mummy would tell me every night how much she loves me, and how much I mean to her and everyone in the family. Mummy would also tell me to love the babies as they are not just her babies but my babies as well. Mummy loved reading to me books about family and she kept assuring me that I would be a great sister to the babies. In a way or another, Mummy had prepared me well for the arrival of the babies.
After much thought and consideration, I have decided to emabark on this new journey bravely. I want to be the best big sister one, or in my case, TWO, could ever have. I want to change their diapers. I want to hold their milk bottles for them while they are feeding. I want to pat them to sleep. I want to soothe them when they cry. I might not be perfect and I know I will get scolded for not being able to meet Mummy's and Daddy's expectations every now and then, but I am willing to try. I know Mummy and Daddy love me just as much now as they did before the babies arrived.
Just like Mummy, I did some readings and I managed to find a great article on how to be a caring elder sister.
Few thumb rules
1. It does not pay to be condescending towards your younger siblings. They find it belittling and end up not respecting you enough. If it is required, you may be firm but polite, and teach by setting a good example.
2. Take time out from your own routine to spend time with them, they appreciate it more than you realize, even though they may not usually be vocal about it.
3. If you are domineering towards your younger siblings it will only make them timid; instead of growing with you they may grow away from you.
Do’s
1. Play games that interest your younger siblings and be patient while playing, because remember they have shorter attention spans than you and may lose interest if the game is too intricate.
2. Help with their schoolwork and make them feel welcome when they come asking you for assistance.
3. Try to sort out their fight without it reaching the elders in the family. They will appreciate your help.
Don’ts
1. Don’t ever laugh at their efforts, either at work or play, it will sap their confidence.
2. Don’t fight with them as their equal, in fact give in gracefully if it is just a fight over a parent’s attention or who gets what.
3. Do not get into scraps with other family members or elders in front of your younger siblings, remember they want to follow your footsteps and copy your behavior.
If I can be a great big sister, so can all of you!
Do not give up, and always believe in yourself and your family!
Family matters! A lot.
Kisses & Hugs,
Sharleez N
@ 08:29 p.m.
: STAGE FRIGHT. : Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hello little tykes and everyone else!
Can you guess who is in the October issue of Mother & Baby magazine, which happens to be Mummy's favourite magazine? No, not Mysha. Not Myreen either. It's me! Me, me, me! How could you forget about me now that the twins are out? Sharleez still reigns, okay?
Thank you Auntie Vivien and M&B magazine for giving me the chance to flaunt my stuff, some of Babyfrost's items, Fox Kids, United Colours of Benetton and Colettee. I think I looked pretty chic despite the frosty look which Auntie Vivien wanted! ;p
I did not know modelling could be so fun!
Till then!
Kisses & Hugs,
THE QUEEN
Sharleez N
@ 12:34 p.m.
: Boy(s) or girl(s)? : Saturday, October 4, 2008
It has been twelve days since I gave birth to Mysha & Myreen.
Do you know how hard it is for me now to use the computer?
I have been so busy trying to adjust my daily practice and basically, my entire life. So now that the girls are all asleep, I will try to update as much as I can.
The first few nights at home were, dare I say, catastrophic. Both Tatek and I did not sleep. Not that we did not want to sleep, but we COULD NOT SLEEP and WERE NOT GIVEN THE CHANCE to sleep! Thanks to our M&M's. We could only nap, like for one to two hours before the twins were up again and again. Yes, they took turns to wake up and cry! Since I was still at the recovery stage and my body was exceptionally weak, Tatek had to do almost everything. All I could do was to feed the twins and change their diapers from where I was. I was helpless and immobilized like that. It was so infuriating because I could only do that much. By daytime, both Tatek and I were already so enervated. We thought we could not possibly go through the same depressing process every day as it was definite that we would be done in by the end of the week. So we decided to think positive. We brainstormed for ways to make each night more sleep ideal. No, getting the maid to care for the twins is not an option. We do not want the maid to handle the kids as far as possible. After thorough brainstorming and some corny jokes while we were at it, we decided that the twin who sleeps the most during the day will sleep next to me at night. See, the twins sleep so soundly and hardly wake up if they sleep next to me. But I cannot possibly sleep with both twins next to me, so it has to be just one twin a night. In other words, I will handle one twin while Tatek handles the other. For the past two nights, it has been Mysha who has been sleeping next to me. I wish I could take Myreen at times, and I did try doing that for a night. It did not work out as Mysha ended up crying real badly. Now, when one twin cries, the other will definitely end up crying too. And when both twins cry, Sharleez will wake up crying too. Madness! This crying marathon has got to stop.
And what do you know, we are coping well already! The past few nights have been fulfilling for all of us. Our sleeps are not exactly 100% undisturbed but at least we get to sleep. Even when they wake up for their night feeds, they do it more tranquilly now. No more howling. Just a bit of stirring here and there, a little whimpering, and we get the idea. Alhamdullilah.
Am I breastfeeding, you ask? Well, of course I am. However, I cannot afford to fully breastfeed this time round as we are talking about a pair of always hungry twins here. So rather than to have them go on formula completely, I am supplementing them with breastmilk as well. I make it a point to latch them on before they drink their formula everytime. I will then express either at night or early in the morning. Alhamdullilah I have been able to express about 6 oz of milk each time. Half of the expressed milk will be stored, while the other half will be fed to the twins.
Phew!
So you see, motherhood is not easy but it is certainly manageable if you have the support of your loved ones. I certainly have the 100% support and I have only got my hubby and parents to thank. Thank you for being here for me and the girls.
Thanks Tatek for always swaddling them real good and tight, especially. Them includes Sharleez, who wanted so much to be swaddled the other night. Tatek used our quilt to wrap her up as a result. She liked being swaddled so much that she remained in that position and refused to remove the quilt. Sharleez, deprived babyhood is it? Lol!
Oh, this I must mention. When you see a little girl like Sharleez wearing a dress with black tights and black maryjanes, and her long hair tied back, would you dare ask the mother whether she is a boy or a girl? EXACTLY. Some people are just annoying. So annoying that I have to tell them off whenever something like this happens. They are either gender blind or completely blind! Just yesterday, we were at Whitesands and we had this one auntie coming up to us to ask whether Sharleez is a boy or a girl. I am sorry but I just had to snap at her. “Auntie, she has long hair ley and she is wearing a dress. You think she boy or girl?” “Orgh! Girl ah? Wah, like boy ah? Very pretty!!” was her shamefaced reply.
Do you see her problem?
LIKE BOY BUT VERY PRETTY!!!!!
So I see, Sharleez is like a boy but very pretty.
NO THANKS AUNTIE!
And that’s not even the end of the gender problem. Even our twins were mistaken as boys on several occasions. Come on la, pink swaddles and hairclips? Would you dress up your baby boys like these? You must be completely out of your mind if you would.
Annoying.
SO ANNOYING!
Tsk.
Signing off,
The annoyed mother of three (Lol!)
@ 04:23 p.m.
: Selamat Hari Raya : Thursday, October 2, 2008
Selamat Hari Raya to one & all.
Maaf Zahir & Batin.
Love,
Diah, Hidayat, Sharleez, Mysha & Myreen.
And Studiofrost, too. :)
@ 12:16 p.m.
: HOW TO PUSH OUT TWO M&M'S FROM YOUR BODY : Sunday, September 28, 2008
THE LABOUR STORY:
22ND SEPTEMBER 2008:
7.45 am:
I woke up and thanked Allah for the amazingly good night's sleep. As to when the next good night's sleep will happen again, ONLY GOD KNOWS. Felt really miserable too as I was going to leave Sharleez for days. I have never done that before except for that one night where she was hospitalized for jaundice, so you can more or less imagine how I felt. We left house quietly without her noticing as I did not want hear her calling out or worse still, crying out loud for me. Even so, I was already shedding tears silently. :(
10 am:
Reported at KKH's Delivery Suite. We were brought to Room 3 of the delivery suite to have the twins' heartbeat, my blood pressure and contractions monitored for about half an hour before the Pitocin tablet was inserted into my cervix. Well, the midwife promised me half an hour, but the tablet was only inserted at 11.36 am. Why insert a tablet into my cervix, you ask? It was not because my cervix was sick. It was to ripen my cervix and make it soft, thinned out, or dilated enough for delivery. After it was administered, the midwife connected the fetal monitor to monitor closely the twins' heartbeat about two hours. Can die, I tell you! I had to lie still on my back so that they could accurately capture the heartbeat of both twins. The midwife did not allow me to lie on my side but I ended up doing just that at one point. I could not take the backpain and the contractions. Even though the contractions were not regular and strong yet, pain is still pain, what! There is no compromising as far as pain is concerned so that was why I ended up lying on my side. Ya okay so I ended up getting reminded again by the midwife to not move and lie on my back. Lol! Luckily she was nice or else I would have refused to do as instructed.
1.40 pm:
Everything looked fine. Since contractions were still so mild and kuniang, I was brought to my ward to rest, relax and basically bore ourselves until the contractions started going really strong and regular. Ward 81 Room 23, this I must jot down. I should have taken the hint when I was given this room. What hint? Later. Labour story also must have a bit of suspense! So yeah, while Tatek had his rest on the sofabed, I took the chance to eat all I could. Ordered lunch, and soon after, tea break, pre dinner and dinner. Lol! My appetite this time round was so much better while waiting for labour to start.
7.30 pm
After breaking of fast, Tatek slept some more while I tried to bear with the contractions. I was seriously bored as I thought there had been no progress as far as my labour was concerned. i did not want to spend 22nd of September at the hospital in a ward! I wanted to desperately give birth. So there I was reciting all the doas/prayers Mak had told me to recite. At about 9.30 pm, contractions were still bearable though I could feel them getting more intense. Give me more, I thought.
10.30 pm
The nurse came in to take me to the delivery suite. It was time for the second tablet of Pitocin to be inserted. By then, my contractions were already strong and I had to be wheeled to the delivery suite. Before the second tablet could be inserted, the twins' heartbeat, my contractions and blood pressure had to be closely monitored again for half an hour. As usual, what was supposed to be a half an hour procedure turned out to be a two hours procedure. The midwife had to keep connecting and reconnecting the fetal monitor as she could not detect the second twin's heartbeat. My second twin was already well-hidden by my first twin, so it was really difficult to find her. It was already coming close to 1 am. My contractions were so intense and regular already, at five minutes apart. The midwife did a quick vaginal examination ('VE') on me but to my utter disappointment, I was only 2 cm dilated. What nonsense, I was telling myself. I could no longer take the pain. The midwife said she could not insert the second tablet as planned earlier on. I was having regular contractions and labour had seemingly started. So yes, the second tablet was not inserted. The contractions never affected me until minutes later. Without thinking twice, I asked for my good friend, Epidural, to make a comeback! Oh yeah, I could not take it. Only 2 cm dilated and that much pain! And I had been using the breathing in and out technique since noon okay? So since the breathing technique was no longer working, I had to think smart and ask for epidural. So, from the Pitocin room, I was wheeled to the Labour Ward.
23RD SEPTEMBER 2008
1.15 am:
Epidural was inserted. Wah, this time round Tatek was not allowed to be in the room while they administered the epidural. I no longer had to curl up and form the fat letter 'C' shape also. Thank god they have finally chucked out that technique. All I had to do was sit and look down like a puppet, and wait while they inserted the epidural. I simply hate the feeling when the epidural was administered. It was like being electrocuted. My whole body actually vibrated when the epidural was inserted.
1.30 am
Epidural was successfully administered. I did not feel numb this time round but at the same time, I could not feel the contractions. Very good! My gynae made his appearance and tried to detect the second twin's heartbeat too. He could not find it and proceeded to do an ultrasound on the twins. First twin's head was still down. He could not find the second twin too. After several tries, he finally saw the second twin. Head was still down too. Good! I was going natural! My gynae burst the waterbag for the first twin. Seriously I could not feel anything when the waterbag was burst. It was unlike the first pregnancy where my waterbag burst at home and I felt warm water gushing out of me profusely. Tatek saw the procedure though and chuckled to himself. My gynae then told me that I had to give birth in the operating room instead of the normal labour as he feared that complications might arise at the very last minute. He added that with twins, I've got to expect the unexpected, and that the unexpected might mean a c-sect ion. In other words, Tatek could not be beside me during delivery to record the whole procedure. He was taken to the waiting area instead. :( I know how disappointed he must have felt as he really wanted to cut the twins' umbilical cords after forgetting to do during Sharleez's birth. Before my gynae left me, he did a quick VE and I was 4.5 cm dilated. He estimated that I would only deliver at about 6 am. Tatek then decided to nap again since he figured we had more waiting to do anyway.
1.40 am:
BUT TATEK was wrong! My gynae thought wrong too. 10 minutes later, I started feeling really heavy and sore near my vaginal area. I thought it was because the epidural was not working and the dosage had to be increased. I tried to bear with the heaviness but soon after I felt a very strong urge to pass motion. I told the midwife and immediately she called for my gynae before doing a VE on me. I was, believe it or not, 7.5 cm dilated already! About ten minutes ago, I was only 3 cm dilated. Simply put, I had dilated from 3 cm to 7.5 cm within ten minutes. CRAZY! It was madness in the room. Nurses started streaming in and out. My blood pressure was taken again. I was made to sign about three documents. Don't even ask me what I signed. I seriously do not know! I was made to swallow a cup of liquid. Don't ask me what I swallowed too as I was already in so much pain I was practically screaming like a hyena! And despite all the madness, my dear husband was still fast asleep on the sofa bed. I was crying in pain and shouting at him at the same time to wake up but he did not. I wanted to throw something within my reach at him but I could not find anything. The midwife tried waking him up but he did not wake up too. Finally, the midwife resorted to shoving him hard at the shoulder. "Mister, you dont want to wake up ah? Your wife giving birth already ley!!" she exclaimed. He woke up and was lost for a second when he saw all the tumult in the room. I bet he must have thought that he was dreaming, or worse still, having a nightmare. Lol!
2.10 am:
I was brought to the operating room. On the way there, I kept having the urge to push, so I did. The nurses however were telling me not to push but breathe in and out instead. How can?! It was natural instinct. I had to push so I pushed. How could I stop two babies from coming out? The operating room was scary. It was so big and bright, and I had about 10 medical staff including my gynae waiting for me. My legs were fastened with straps and my gynae was right in front of me, with the ultrasound machine next to him. He immediately asked me to start pushing when I felt the pain. I was already doing that anyway and I kept on pushing. When I was pushing, everyone in the room was screaming and encouraging me. It was like one big drama in the operating room. Had I not been in piercing pain, I would have laughed out loud. But I ended up crying out loud instead, like a crazy woman. Painful, you know?
2.25 am:
About five to six pushes and Twin A was out. Her weight was a hefty 3.1 kg, not bad at all for a twin. My gynae then proceeded to break the waterbag for the second twin. Again, I did not feel a thing. And just when I was about to take a breather, I felt the urge to push again. Hmmm, I thought the second twin would usually come out much later?
2.30 am:
Three more pushes and five minutes later, Twin B was out. Her weight was 2.92 kg.
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Alhamdullilah, after 38 weeks of waiting and suffering, everything paid off on the 23rd of September 2008. Coincidentally, 23 was also my room number during my stay at the hospital. So yes, that was the hint. You can never imagine the look on my face when I saw not one, but two beautiful beings coming out of me safely. And the best part of it all is, they are mine to bring home and keep. :)
So there you have it.
The labour story of my M&M'S, MYSHA NADYA and MYREEN NADYA
Mysha (pronounced as Mai-Sha) means 'happy for entire life.'
Myreen (pronounced as Mai-Rin) means 'bright and beautiful like the sun.'
Insya'allah.
May I also take this opportunity to thank the following people;
My family for all the care and support while I was pregnant.
Mak for your endless prayers and for taking care of my confinement meals during this period.
My lovely husband, Tatek, for his care and patience while I was pregnant and craving for crazy food, and for doing almost everything for me right now during my confinement period. Thank you also for being a great Daddy to my three babies.
Nurul for taking care of Sharleez from day to night, and showering her with endless love while I was at the hospital. She did so well till Sharleez did not even ask for me or her daddy for those two nights we were at the hospital! :)
Dr Benjamin Tham for being the best gynae ever. His optimism throughout my whole pregnancy is the reason why I could and dared to give birth naturally.
My friends, readers and fellow bloggers for all their endless prayers and well wishes.
Hana & Heriati for the akar fatimah.
I have made it, and it's all thanks to the one above, and all of you. :)
HIP HIP HOORAY!
@ 12:50 a.m.
: M&M'S, Singapore Made! : Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Want some of our M&M's?
Sorry this entry has to be such a quick one as I have some serious mothering to do. No big joke, okay?
