imparfait saint

He's From Planet Earth

2011-08-20T07:07:00.002+08:00

So many things that I want to update...Cai's (brother in law) engagement, Singapore trip, meeting my best buddies in JB but goodness my work is super crazy.

But I need to write about this. This happened few days ago during buka puasa

MIL: Thought your boss is giving you a driver

Hubby: Yah...but nantilah. I'm still young to have a driver

Me: (rolled eyes)

MIL: Is not about you only. You can use the driver for your wife & kids

Hubby: Nantilah...seganlah

MIL: Gosh...what planet are you from Din!

(Maiqel suddenly look excited)

Maiqel: He's from Planet Earth Wan Zi!

Hubby: Give me five Maiqel!

(note:my MIL decided to change her gelaran from Wan Jijah to Wan Zi - sound more glamour katanya)

Sorry Sayang Part II

2011-07-16T00:15:00.003+08:00

The Mommy feeling guilty episode continues....

I decided to send him to school this morning and asked Hubby to drop Zaqrie & Maid to my Mom instead.

Though Maiqel was his normal self this morning but I don't know why I just feel so guilty about yesterday. Felt it was unfair for me to simply snap at him and owh! the yelling.

So Mommy was extra patient and courteous this morning.

On the way to Pre - School

Mommy: Sayang, do you want a drink

Maiqel:Nope

Mommy: How about Honey Stars?

Maiqel: Nope. Not Hungry (still busy watching YouTube). Mommy can you slow down the radio, I can't hear the movie.

Mommy: Ok, sayang

At the Pre-school

Mommy: Give me your cheeky smile

Maiqel: Why

Mommy: I want to see the smile please (with my cartoon tone)

Maiqel: Ok.....

Mommy: Give me a big hug

Maiqel: (Hug)

Mommy: Kiss Kiss

Maiqel: (Kiss)...Mommy can I go to school now? (with that boring tone)

Mommy: Ok...ok...can I snap your picture

...and he gave me this fake smile

Maiqel: Ok Mommy can I go to my class now

Mommy: Ok Ok

(I wonder if he might be thinking "Why is my mommy so annoying today")

My Big Boy

Sorry Sayang

2011-07-14T23:08:00.008+08:00

All 4 of us had viral infection this week. We suspect it came from Mom and Mom got it when she was in Alor Setar.

So I'm gonna call it virus Aloq Setaq.

On Tuesday, the 3 boys & I had diarrhea and the worst part was the vomiting. Pity the maid, had to do several rounds of laundry. Despite the diarrhea and vomiting, the kiddos were still cheerful but Hubby & I were totally flat. Felt better on Wednesday but slightly weak.

Today, I was so semangat to go back to office. Hubby was still weak, so I decided to run the morning show myself. Feed baby Zaqrie, bath Maiqel & put on his uniform - not to forget I need to blow my hair & put on some makeups.

Things were smooth but the traffic was crazy!!!!!! I was stuck for an hour from BJ to KJ (when it only took 20 minutes every morning). Drop baby Zaqrie & maid at my Mom's and headed my way to Maiqel's Pre- School. Maiqel was busy watching Jurrasic Park on my iPhone....and suddenly he vomited.

I was already mad with the traffic this morning and now this.

I don't know what got into me. I started scolding him.

Mommy: Maiqel, why did you vomit here. Why didn't you ask for the bucket

Maiqel: ( crying ) I'm sorry Mommy

Mommy: You only listen to Daddy. Next time, you ask Daddy to send you. I'm late for work and now I have to make a u turn to send you back to Mak Tok's

Maiqel: No Mommy. I want to go to school.

Mommy: How can you go to school. You clothes are dirty, your bag is dirty. No you are going back to Mak Tok. Tomorrow Daddy can send you because you never listen to me.

Maiqel: Sorry Mommy. Please send me to school tomorrow.

( I think I was so mad that I notice the guy next to my car quickly avoid any eye contact with me the moment I look at him)

Maiqel was still crying when we reached KJ. Mom quickly pujuk him and maid helped me with the mess.

BUT

I felt so bad after that.

I even felt some pain around my chest the whole day.

I knew I wasn't reasonable.

Hubby volunteered to send him tomorrow morning since he has a court case in KL.

But I told him I'm gonna send him.

I don't want him to feel that I was really upset and it was his fault.

No, it wasn't his fault. It's the damn traffic and my body was not fully recovered.

Pity my baby. I'm so sorry my baby T-rex...how can I be so unreasonable.

Definitely will hug you the whole night tonight.

Court

2011-07-11T23:03:00.003+08:00

Work is crazy for the past 2 weeks.

Anyway went to court for Mention last week.

Mention jer kan.....not like the boys in prosecution...trial after trial after trial

(Back then I was the only gal there but now they can call themselves the true boy-band)

My current portfolio, other than HR Law is to monitor our civil cases.

Still not the same as my prosecution cases.

Me & my court outfit - something I rarely wear nowadays.

Damn it.

I miss the court.

beezeee....

2011-07-03T04:16:00.003+08:00

Work was crazy last week. But yah work....yawn. To distress myself - I went shopping. A set of makeup on Monday, 3 inches heels shoes on Tuesday, chiffon material on Wednesday, a pair of jeans + 2 office pants + 2 tops on Friday. WTH!!!! and someone told me that I will buy new outfit almost every week. Really need to control my spending.

Anyway I'm pretty excited about Cai's wedding and instead of spending time on updating my blog...I was checking all this wedding website and my current favourite weddinginspirasi

Lunch on Friday was fun. Went out with Sherly & Shafira to the Loaf at BV II. These gals are fun lunch buddies & Shafira is like my permanent breakfast buddy. I wanted to take our pics but both gals were like "No...I don't look good today.I look so pregnant." (Sherly is pregnant - due somewhere in August or September while Shafira was like "Oh no...I'm wearing cotton baju kurung." I donno...I thought they just look fine to me. Anyway I plan to visit Sherly during her confinement. So prepare yourself Sherly, coz I'm gonna snap your pic & upload in this blog.

I'll try to update more...seriously work is damn crazy and I feel so tired. Maybe I'm also tired because Zaqrie starts to demand for more milk. He's 5 months plus...can I start with solids???

Anyway my Mom told me a story about Maiqel today:

My Dad was sweeping the floor and Maiqel tried to help by adding more dried leaves on the floor.

Wan aka Dad: Maiqel don't shake the trees.

Maiqel: Why?

Wan aka Dad: They have feelings

Maiqel: Huh?

Wan aka Dad: Later the trees cry and say no Maiqel don't shake me

Maiqel: But Wan...trees cannot talk.

Raya & Wedding Fever

2011-06-25T21:47:00.008+08:00

My three boys and I went to Euromoda today to get our baju raya. I was lobbying for salmon orange but Hubby disagree.

He chose dark green "pucuk pisang". Green!!! Err...green is never my colour. But he was touching the material like as if the material was a cat "Cantiklah B..." then wrapped the material around Maiqel "See looks nice on him". Well I lost.I ended up with the same colour but lighter tone.

Then Hubby kept on asking me about my baju raya design "B, you nak buat design macam mana. Neckline you macam mana". ...so sibukkan. From my wedding dress, every year's baju raya, Hubby always wanted to have a say.. sometimes I feel so geram....coz every year he'll suggest the same design. Lace jarang with tube dress. Anyway the design of my green baju raya will be something like this....

A design by Pronovias. Ok its going to be something like this but less sexy with 85% of Puan Jawahir's dresscode compliance . Showed to Hubby...he was like "No, I think you should put lace around the neckline and hand." Well, I'm going to proceed with this design and I hope Ah fong can do it for me.

Then we went to in-laws place for Tea. Hot topic - My brother in law, Faisal or Acai will be getting married. So we are busy with the preparation for the engagement and wedding. Acai is my favourite bro-in-law. He respects the elders and very polite. So MIL showed me the colour that Acai pick for the groom's reception - dark orange. Well I was kinda surprise. Is not a common colour for weddings.

So I told MIL that the family members should not wear the exact colour. At least lighter tone. So I suggested salmon orange/peach....tiba-tiba ada suara sumbang "No I don't think so, its the same colour. The pengantin will blend in"...yes Hubby...oh he loves wedding. Trust me and I'm sure he'll self appoint himself as the floor manager (he almost did that for my own reception! )...he continued" I think we should all wear beige." Beige is really not my colour, I look nice in white but not beige. So I whispered to MIL "Mak, you don't want the rest to wear beige, kesian the bride, most of us will look like we are wearing wedding dresses. You know beige is a common wedding dress colour". MIL agreed.

So I googled and showed MIL some of the colour combination that can go along with orange.

Orange + Plum +Marroon

Orange + Turqoise

Orange + Fuchsia + Apple Green

Orange + Purple

MIL, FIL & Acai going to Jakel tomorrow - to look for materials. Hubby & I decided to menyibuk as well.

I love weddings!!!!

Super Duper & Fed Up

2011-06-24T22:22:00.004+08:00

My weekdays routine. Wake up at 5 am - feed baby Zaqrie-bath Maiqel - make sure the maid place the kids stuff & laundry in the car - send Baby Zaqrie & maid to Mom/MIL and drop Maiqel at his pre -school.

We usually left the house by 7 am and arrived at Maiqel's pre -school by 8 am. Yup, thanks to the heavy morning traffic, an hour journey every morning (without heavy traffic, its only 20 minutes journey) from BJ to KL. MIL asked me to persuade Hubby to move to their house since it will be convenient for me. 10 minutes drive to Maiqel's school and 10 minutes drive to my office. Of course it will be longer for Hubby since he's working in Shah Alam but he'll be driving against the traffic - so it's not that bad.

But I don't mind really...at least for now. I get to spend that one hour by having meaningful conversation with Maiqel everyday. Some of it were quite cheeky and these are my two favourite lines of the week:

Monday - Super Duper

Mommy: Do you have bestfriends in school

Maiqel: Yes. Haruki, Zackery, Ryan and Amman

Mommy: Oh...is Mommy your bestfriend as well?

Maiqel: N0

Mommy: Why not?

Maiqel: Because... (pause)

Mommy: Because?

Maiqel: You are my Super Duper Bestfriend

Mommy: (smile....)

Friday - Fed Up

(Maiqel watching Jurrassic Park Cartoon from iPhone)

Mommy: Maiqel, what are watching

Maiqel: Spinosaurus fighting with T-rex

Mommy: How come you are watching that. I thought you were into Playmobile videos.

Maiqel: I'm fed up of those videos

Mommy: Ok......

Anyway I slept at my in laws house on Wednesday night since Hubby had an outstation court case. So on Thursday morning, I had sometime to play with the boys (since its only 10 minutes drive to Maiqel's school from my in-laws place). Zaqrie adores Maiqel...everytime he sees Maiqel, he tried to be close to him. That Thursday morning, Zaqrie used his army crawl skills to move from the big bed to Maiqel's bed and what happened after that...

Maiqel: Mommy can you take Adik. He rolled on my bed

Maiqel: Mommy Adik is pulling my hand!!!

Mommy: Help Mommy. He put his fingers in my mouth. Smell of his air liur. Mommy!!!!

Obsession

2011-06-21T22:38:00.005+08:00

I need to exercise.

Did sit ups & leg lifts during weekend.

Need to start with my cross trainer.

I requested for cross trainer for my birthday this year.

And I regret

If I knew I could lose all my baby weight without even using this machine.

I would have asked for this

Cabas MM Monogram Sabbia

Dear Abang Maiqel...

2011-06-19T19:58:00.009+08:00

Mommy thinks you're doing a great job as Abang.

Able to tolerate whenever Mommy & Daddy had to give our attention to adik Zaqrie.

Sleeps in your own bed.

Willing to give adik Zaqrie your favourite sleeping spot - between Mommy & Daddy.

But I know sometimes you miss your old spot

You also have your own sense of dressing nowadays

Most of the time you always asked for your NYPD, Shark, Freddy Krueger or T-rex T-shirt.

Macho style I assume.

But Mommy still thinks you are a baby.

So sometimes I make you wear Elmo or Cookie Monster T-shirt.

But most of the time we would let you decide.

But there are times we had to interfere

Like in times like these

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You wanted to go to Empire Mall like this.

No way.

Sick

2011-06-18T22:27:00.008+08:00

I'm sick today

Runny nose & wet cough

Wasn't feeling well since Friday morning but

I had to attend to several important matters that day.

One of it was the Parents & Teachers Day i.e.Report Card day.

I couldn't believe that I would be so nervous...I mean he's only 3 plus!

Imagine how will I feel when he's 12.

Good feedback from the class teacher. Maiqel love science, music and speaks very well.

But he's also a cheeky boy who likes to distract his friends during lessons..hmmm

I felt slightly better in the afternoon. Met up with Hanisah & Zeti for Lunch at La Risata.

Me, Hanisah (love her hijab style), Tengku Zeti & Tengku Ina

La Risata Specialty

Beef Carbonara

Donno why... I was craving for Italian food. I Had Prawn Aglio Olio on Tuesday, Seafood Marinara at New York Deli on Wednesday and La Risata Specialty & Beef Carbonara on Friday. Errr....too much of carbs. I have to go back to my protein diet!

Back to my flu. It got worst after my 3pm -7.30 pm meeting. I was coughing like as if I had an allergy attack.

Still coughing.. hope it goes off by tomorrow.

Italiano

2011-06-15T06:32:00.007+08:00

Tuesday's lunch was awesome.

I went to Michelangelo @ Solaris Mont Kiara.

Classy Interior

Of course with my favourite lunch buddies Liris & Zoe

Liris : Hot mommy of two beautiful daughters. We met by coincidence but we just click!

I guess we could relate to each other. We have 2 kids. We both got pregnant almost the same time (for both pregnancies!). We went to the same gynae. We stay in Bukit Jelutong. We are obsessed about getting back to our pre-pregnancy body. Hehe

Zoe: The nicest, sweetest and FUNNIEST guy in the Bank. Liris & I could not stop laughing whenever Zoe is around. He'll crack jokes like almost every minute. So Liris & I suggested that he should enter Raja Lawak... hehe...oh ya he's a good singer too!

I had Prawn Agli Olio - one of the best Olio I've tasted so far.

Definitely will come back to this restaurant.

After lunch we headed to this coffee place

Dr. Cafe!

The Caramel Macchiato is way better than Starbucks.

Zoe...promoting my favourite coffee "Caramel Macchiato in Jumbo Size"

Ok time to give Maiqel his nabulizer.He's climbing behind me,

pretending that I'm a donkey.

Gosh I have to attend 3 meetings tomorrow and so many datelines.

Nite:)

Old Uni Mate

2011-06-13T21:54:00.005+08:00

I decided to go to Telawi Bangsar during lunch break

My eye brows were in the mess.

I can't concentrate on my work, thinking about my bushy eye brows.

I even cancelled my lunch plan with Hubby's friend.

I felt bad at first but it was the right decision.

Guess who I saw this afternoon.

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Dayah!!!!

It was a great surprise! I think the last time I saw her was like 3 years ago!

Dayah was one of my closest buddies during LLB Honors programme.

Anyway I showed her latest pictures of Zaqrie and Maiqel.

She was not able to view the pictures in FB because she had to close her FB account.

Apparently they are some people who had no other business but to

jaga & sibuk pasal kehidupan orang lain.

Please lah people get a life!

It's ok Dayah,

Great people talk about ideas. Small people talk about others

Last Day of School Holiday

2011-06-12T21:42:00.005+08:00

I feel so guilty towards Maiqel. We didn't bring him anywhere during the school holiday except kidsports, playgrounds & shopping complex.

Still, Maiqel was a happy boy. Spending time with his cousins and followed my mom to her religious classes :).

Yesterday, on the way to Kelana Jaya, Maiqel said he wanted to go to Aquaria:

Mommy: Why do you want to go to Aquaria. We went to Aquaria before and you saw sharks in Australia

Maiqel: No, I want to get a tattoo, here at my hand (pointing at his arm)

Mommy: Ha...who told you that you can get a tattoo at Aquaria

Maiqel: Sufyan...I want to look like bad guy

Mommy: Don't say that

Maiqel: I pretend only Mommy

Hubby had to prepare for his trial next week. I hate going to KL without Hubby. So I told Maiqel that we're going to have Mommy & Maiqel time at Empire instead.

Maiqel: Can I get a toy?

Mommy: Hmmm...ok. Don't pick the expensive one.

So we went to Empire Subang Jaya today. Spend our time at Toys R Us. After more than an hour, Maiqel finally picked a toy.

Block Squad from Mega Bloks

We had lunch @ our favourite place.

The Loaf...hehe...Hubby said I'm just like my Mom - Obsessed about Mahathir Club.

He said if Mahathir claim that he can fly, my Mom & I will be among those who believe in it.

So not true ok!

I am objective about everything and I love The Loaf because of the food...

I had Smoked Salmon Sandwich & Cube 60 Degrees Coffee

Maiqel had Tun's Favourite Japanese Curry with the soft bread

While I was driving, Maiqel snapped this picture

Maiqel studying the new toy

Studying other toys...hai tak cukup lagi

Of course Mommy bought something for you Zaqrie. Baby Zaqrie enjoying his new play mat

But also loves the camera

Maiqel had this weird dry cough yesterday.I knew it's going to be a wet cough later...so I start putting him on nebulizer last night in order to dissolve the phlegm.

Hopefully, the cough can clear off within few days.

Playing with his Lego

Kutu Gathering

2011-06-11T22:23:00.003+08:00

It's my favorite time of the month

It's our monthly family Gathering! This time at my Mom' s place.

Ignore the "separuh kering" hair. I seriously need to get new blouses for weekend outings/functions. I purchased this colourful blouse in 2008!!!.

Mom saw me in this blouse, shook her head " Baju apa hang pakai, terkoyak kat tangan. Nampak habih lengan. Sexy mak tengok. Meh mak nak jahit sikit kat tangan tu" . I responded "Mak this is so not sexy. Its long and no plunging neckline.This is so sopan Mak"

Thank god Hubby was not there. He'll laugh like mad every time this conversation happens.

My lasagna was a hot stuff among the guest

The two boys , Maiqel & Sufyan- bestfriends forever

The Guest of Honor on that day was....

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little baby Zaqrie Ghazali aka Baby Ghaz!!!!!

With his all time favourite Auntie - Auntie Radziah

With my Dad aka Wan

With Mak Chaq ( she's a pharmacist - if I need to know anything about vitamins or medication, I just need to call her - will definitely get an honest opinion from her.

With my MIL

The Cake Designer - Kak Cik who just got back from Amsterdam & Belgium

With Mommy! I showed this picture to Mom and my cousins "Mak, I think I got to use collagen soon. I look so old here."

Mak quickly replied "Don't you dare!!! You need to put on weight!"

Me "Mak if I put on weight, it goes to my hips not my face. I like my body now"

Seriously, I look oldlah

We also celebrated Sarah (6 yrs old) & Sufyan (4 yrs old) Birthdays

Bday gal & boy with their Harry Potter Theme cake!

iPad kids

Kids Group picture!

Last to leave - from left: Me, Mom, Kak Su (keletihan... had to rush back home before that coz her hubby was trapped in the house ... hehe..), Radziah, Kak Chaq and mom-to-be Nana

Blur

2011-06-09T22:21:00.010+08:00

It's my blood review day.

I tried not to feel too positive or negative about it.

But I had a great morning. The Kids were in super good mood.

Look Mommy I can run!

Baby Zaqrie was laughing & giggling from Shah Alam to Kelana Jaya

Maiqel's sweet smile for Mommy.

Oh my big boy!

Anyway the INR result came out in the afternoon.

Not good BUT improving (well at least we are getting somewhere right).

And I bought a new pair of jeans.

(The last jeans that I bought was French Connection I think and it was in 2008!!!!).

So it's been quite some time - so my purchase today is totally justified.

This new pair is from Dorothy Perkins - the price tag was so good, I had to buy it.

Anyway I wore this to office today. Very the sopan

Yawn...really need to close my eyes now. Nite!

Gleek!

2011-06-08T22:03:00.004+08:00

I was kinda bored with Glee Season 2 until the producer introduced The Warblers.

Sorry Rachel & Finn....I think the favourite couple now goes to Kurt & Blaine

Hubby can't stand the Warblers especially their Katty Perry's version of "Teenage Dream".

But he knew I was crazy about the Warblers...he even got me Glee presenting The Warblers soundtrack.

I hope Blaine will remain in Season 3.

My favourite song by the Warblers

"Somewhere Only We Know"

Not so blue afterall

2011-06-06T23:13:00.005+08:00

I was kinda moody when I woke up this morning. But I knew I had to force myself to at least look/sound ok. I know if I'm moody, Hubby would be moody too.I don't want this to affect his performance in court.

I thought it might be a bad day for me. Call me superstitious but yah I do get nervous if I start my day with a bad feeling.

But

My supervisor was happy with my legal opinion
The briefing with one of the top management went well
I was nervous about an assignment - due within this week. But I discovered it was nothing major (print out the assignment,put it in my bag---->yes dear I'll deal with you tomorrow morning).
Had a good meeting with client dept.

It is a great Monday and I hope to have a good week, months and years to come hehe.

Oh my colleague, Lili wore this beautiful top!

I cannot tahan already that I had to snap a pic of the top.

Lili wearing something that she got from the UK.

Ok I'm yawning away already and loads of work tomorrow

Nite!

Weekend Pics

2011-06-05T17:24:00.003+08:00

Normal weekend for us. On Saturday we went to Sunway Pyramid to have lunch and catch the 40% book discounts at MPH (only for BNM staff hehe - one of the perks working at this organization).

Of course need to have our compulsory tea session before heading back

Daddy reading the new book

We met up with my in laws at KLGCC for dinner. Maiqel really loves music. He was dancing throughout the live band performance.

I slept really...really late. Watched Glee episodes while doing my opinion.

This morning I was like a Zombie but I had to do my groceries. I thought of leaving Maiqel at home with Hubby. But he gave me this sad look. So there I was with two boys @ Giant (of course the maid came along) still it was havoc! (With Zaqrie's off & on crying/screaming out of excitement and Maiqel wanting this & that)

Came back...I was too exhausted. Zaqrie wanted milk. Both of us end up sleeping for 2 hours. The room is in the mess. Need to kemas, shower so that I'll feel fresh and edit my opinion.

And it's Monday tomorrow! Why!!!!!

Tiring Friday

2011-06-04T09:23:00.003+08:00

I thought of writing this last night but Hubby asked me to sleep " When you reached home just now, you look so pale. Sleep. You need to recuperate. I don't want you to be sick again."

I agreed. Both Maiqel & Zaqrie ambil kesempatan to sandwiched their Mommy left & right.

Why I was tired. I slept at 3 am the night before. I was working on a legal opinion and suddenly I got all the flows and I knew I have to write (type) down everything. So I only slept for 2 1/2 hours.

Reached office, my supervisor told me that we need to prepare an urgent report to the management. It was a fire fighting morning for me.

Then my boss asked me to join him for the meeting with the management after lunch.

( Damn...I was looking forward to have lunch with some friends at the Apartment @ the Curve, ...looking forward to eat the Tiger Prawns Olio ..sob..sob

So we went to Jalan Ipoh instead. Initial plan was to go to Sentul Curry House but I didn't want to smell of curry during the meeting. I saw Subway at this new eating place area ...so we decided to go there. By the time we reached Subway, there was this restaurant behind it serving mostly pasta.

So I told them that I feel like having pasta (fickle minded kan - but they knew I was tired and I need stress free food)

I had breaded fish pasta. The sauce was ok - bit of local hint. I like it because it's light and cheap haha. Don't ask me the name of the restaurant. I know it's behind Subway (next to HSBC) and its pink. Definitely going back there again.

I left the office at 8.15 pm but with a happy feeling. I got a case that discussed on the position of dissenting judgement and it is a Federal Court decision. (I know some people must be thinking, hish pathetic betul life minah ni. Dapat case pun happy..hehe. Oh well, I don't care...I felt happy)

Things will be better

2011-06-02T18:13:00.009+08:00

I'm on leave today. I have an appointment @ Pantai -to review my INR. Before I could step out of the house, I receive a call from office --- they needed something urgent to update big bosses. Of course they felt bad but I felt obliged also coz I'm the desk officer. Quickly I draft an e-mail & attach the opinion.

In my heart "Is this a bad sign of my INR?"

Anyway went to Pantai

Took my blood

My concern NYPD boy looking at the process

(you'll see him in this t-shirt very often after this - everytime after shower, he'll check the drawer if this t-shirt is available for him to wear)

I would know the result after lunch. So we had sometime to kill, so headed to BV. When we reached BV, I got a parking right infront of the entrance. I thought..."ahh good sign. Maybe my INR result will be good"

NYPD boy begging me: "Mommy lets go to KidsSports please".

I thought he look so macho in this picture

Ok except for the bag. Got this when he was 1.

Ok sayang I think I'll get a macho looking bag for you after this.

Favourite spot. Ball Pit!

We had lunch at the Loaf. Currently my favorite place.

Although the restaurant sells bread but I find it so easy to get high protein food here.

Nuggets dia sedap dari KFC & McD...tak tipu

I'm not a red meat person but I have to say the meatballs here mmg ada ump!

My Mahathir Obsessed Mom thinks this is Mahathir. Nolah Mak

Went back to Pantai. We could only see the doctor at 2.45 pm, so we decided to wait at Starbucks.

Maiqel took this picture. Telling me " Mommy don't move alright"

Anyway my INR result was bad. Had to increase the dosage. My doctor even discussed about my diet. He called me a health freak hehe. But yah its bad.

Trying to be positive anyway. Now its once a week blood test...urrrgghhh

My bodyguard keletihan

Cutie Pie happy "Mommy you're back!"

Bedtime Story

2011-06-02T07:47:00.004+08:00

I'll try to read a book to Maiqel everynight before he goes to bed. Among all the books I've read to him, I think "The Gruffalo" is the best bedtime story so far.

It was a gift from Maiqel's grandaunt, Wan Eda...complete with DVD.

She resides in the UK and always send story books for Maiqel

When it comes to "The Gruffalo", I have to read it like 3 times. Maiqel even memories the story.

The book has been adapted into a 30-minute animated film, which features Helena Bonham Carter as the mother squirrel narrator. We love the animation and the whole family enjoyed watching the short film. "The Gruffalo" won numerous awards and sold millions worldwide.

Highly recommended for a bedtime story!

May Babies

2011-05-31T22:43:00.008+08:00

This is definitely a late entry. I was too lazy to charge my camera. Managed to do that this morning before going off to work and downloaded the pics while feeding Zaqrie just now.

Anyway May is special month. For the gals, its a double celebration!

We had a surprise birthday party for Hanisah @ BJ house. But I think she's not that surprise ( apparently her Hubby asked her what cake does she like...from there she was able to guess).

Homemade Olio from BJ Kitchen

Homemade lasagna from BJ Kitchen

While waiting for the Bday gal to arrive : The Sri Amanian

Choc -cheese from the Gourmet BSC (Thanks Zeti!)

Ada gaya surprise tak?

While the guys chit chat

The Gals had to look after the kids

Happy Mommy's Day

About a week later, I got a message from Zeti --asking whether I'm free on 17th (Wesak Day) coz she wanted to celebrate Sab's birthday at Busaba BSC. Oh yah Sab just got back from the US so she was craving for spicy food. I thought it was an intimate occasion and it was something different compared to other birthday celebration. One thing for sure, the food was superb!

The gals

With my anak teruna

After two birthday celebration, Maiqel keep on asking me "When is my birthday?"

Monday Blues

2011-05-30T22:47:00.008+08:00

Monday Blues...yes I was so sleepy this morning. The clerical officer was asking me about the status of our cases and I was blur after halfway talking to her. Like "Errr again, what did you say?". I can see she was annoyed but because we are friends from day 1, she gave me the due respect.

I knew I needed coffee. I've not been taking coffee for quite sometime but today I needed it.

Since I have to contol my coffee intake, I refuse to buy the coffee at our cafe - might as well get a good one!

Went to Bangsar to do eye brow threading @ Sheela, Jalan Telawi ( I felt restless with messy eye brows). After threading, decided to have something light for lunch.

My favorite - Loaf's Black beauty (I call it Oreo Bun - soft and not that sweet - me loike!). Had Black beauty bun for lunch but the main reason I chose Loaf today was because of the coffee:

Cube 6o'C - I swear it's the best coffee in town!

Ice cubes coffee and just pour the milk ...walah!

I felt so good after that...

Clean eye brows and coffee....

Left the office at 8.30 pm. Better sleep now. It's going to be a long day tomorrow.

Not a Desperate Housewife

2011-05-29T18:57:00.007+08:00

OMG!!! 2 entries in a day. I'm not a desperate housewife but a desperate working mom. Nolah...it's quite stressful this past two weeks (trying to strike the balance between office & home) but I felt better after writing an entry yesterday. I guess maybe I didn't write anything last week, as a result Hanisah & Zeti had to hear my yapping. So I better write something everyday....:).

How I spend my Sunday afternoon --- working at the office. How exciting (rolled eyes).

I had to send my kids and the maid at my in laws. (I still have the policy - maid need to be supervised by a family member). Hubby was at home actually but he had to prepare for his trial on Monday (requested for no distraction environment...yes sir!) . Of course MIL was happy...straight away planned to bring the kids to the club.

[Maiqel wearing NYPD t-shirt & cap...ordered all the way from New York]

Dropped them at Royal Selangor Club Mont Kiara, then I went straight to office. I was hoping someone from the Legal Department gonna be there. I saw Lili's name but she left already. Sob sob!

There I was...alone in the office. Scary...

I even brought my lunch - BBQ chicken wings from fastfood restaurant at BJ. Sambil buat kerja sambil makan but I could not help thinking about the ghost stories shared by some of the officers last Friday ( infact I was one of the story teller as well..hehe). While eating the chicken wing, I was hoping that I won't hear voices or see anything. I even thought of keeping away the chicken just in case the ghost might be upset that I didn't share it with them (like ..."Hoi makan sorang je ker") Hmm...but finally habis jugak . Completed that particular work at 5 pm. I had to rush home coz we promise to bring Maiqel to the playground.

Hubby said I don't have to go to the playground. He'll look after Maiqel, ask me to rest. Ever since the doc increase my warfarin dosage, I get tired easily. I suspect it's the side effect of the meds. Didn't want to sleep since it's already 6 pm. So decided to arranged my office wardrobe.

[I now label my office attire - based on days...ok now you guys can laugh at me]

Hubby came back and told me the "orang surat khabar lama" came in the afternoon. So he sold my old magazines. Quickly I went to the magazine rack to check on something.

Definitely not our wedding pictures

Yeay my scrapbook. Thank god he didn't throw it away.

Welcome to my boring life :)

The boys this morning

2011-05-29T09:27:00.005+08:00

(4 month old Zaqrie)

Mom I think I'm wearing a gal's sleepwear. Boys clothes do not have laces around the collar. You better have proper explanation when I finally ask you in person.

Mommy why must you tickle me every morning

Checking out Daddy...wake up Daddy...

Exercise kaki sikit

Look Mommy, I can angkat my bum bum

Daddy wanted to get me a pacifier coz I'm a nen nen boy even though I was not hungry. It's ok Daddy I have my 5 little fingers.

Donno why...Bibik love to tuck in my shirt or t-shirt.

Then Mommy will untuck my t-shirt...I'm confuse with these grown ups

Updates...updates...

2011-05-29T00:31:00.006+08:00

I wish I could write everyday but the workload and managing the kids & hubby ---the only thing I want everyday- a good sleep. A colleague asked me how am I coping with work...honestly I almost freaked out last Friday due to numerous datelines but I decided to drop everything & told myself "I'll comeback on Sunday" ---hopefully I made the right choice.

So many stuff that I want to update in my blog but what to do...no time to write them in details. So I'm gonna provide the clips of events (taklah interesting manapun...oh well if you have time to kill...read on bebeh)

1. Meeting the Idol

Ok if Maya was excited with Zein Ruffedge tweet reply to her (not surprising since Zein is a cute fella) mine was different.

I got so excited meeting this guy.

Our AirAsia guy - Dato' Tony Fernandes

I was @ Pantai Hospital waiting for Maiqel's medication. Suddenly I saw this familiar looking guy. I thought he looks like Tony Fernandes but hmm...this guy is thinner. Then I heard the cashier called him "Mr. Anthony Fernandes". OMG its him! You see whenver people ask - who I want to meet. Most people would say Tom Cruise, Brad Prit, Angelina Jolie, Dr. M but me...yes I've always wanted to meet Tony Fernandes.

I didn't know what to do. I wanted to greet him but we were in a hospital. Maybe he's not feeling well, so it may not be the right timing. But guess what...he came and sat the row behind me. I was nervous...donno what to say. You see I've always amazed with his success in AirAsia. Come one, admit it peeps...he is one super intelligent guy! Guess what...he started the conversation with me:

Dato' Tony: What game is he playing (referring to Maiqel)

Me: Oh errrr (nervous tone) Angry bird

Dato' Tony: (then he said stg about the game)

Me: Mmm...are you Tony Fernandes

Dato' Tony: Yes I'm that guy

Me: Oh I'm a big fan. You did a good job with the new airbus....yadayadayada..

(Maiqel look at me with this confuse face)

Me: Maiqel remember the plane that we took to Australia. That's uncle's plane

Dato' Tony: Yes...with others too (laugh)

So we chit chat about kids, new routes etc. I was so happy that day and I told Hubby. Hubby didn't believe me. He said I must have spoken to a wrong guy...hish. I should have snap a picture with him.

2. Visits from Popular Bloggers

Maya (a colleague at BNM) actually wrote an entry about me. She's a popular blogger and she was too kind with her entry. She even introduced my blog to her readers...one of them is Redmommy. Redmommy actually checked out my blog! Wah!

Anyway Maya, thank you so much!

3. Shopping bebeh.

Zara & Massimo Dutti warehouse sale started last Thursday. Guess who went. Me! Believe it or not, I purchased 10 tops within an hour...hahaha (a satisfied laugh!):

3 working jackets

3 shirts

4 knit tops

Nyumeh....

Part time - FOC - Model holding Zara Tweed Jacket

Massimo Dutti Wool Jacket with leather trimmings

Zara Dark Purple Suede Jacket

I want some more warehouse sales!

Meeting the gals

Zeti, Hanisah & I decided to meet up for lunch last Friday. Pity the gals. First meeting and there...they had to listen to my complains. Sorry gals. But after talking to them, I realised I was over reacting about this whole issue. I hope to meet them again after this and will make sure that I won't bring any negativity to lunch :). Anyway we had fun especially the part when we realized that we are the less active/always tired people compared to the rest of our friends :)

Bad Auntie

2011-05-22T23:01:00.004+08:00

Donno why. Feel so sleepy the whole day. I had my hair treatment today and slept all the way during the treatment. Next thing I realised my head was "senget" and the salon lady had to adjust my head several times hehe.

I'm still sleepy right now ...so I'm going to bed early. Planning to wake up at 4.30 am to read some materials on WTO ....errr...still feel nervous about this particular porfolio.

Anyway need to tell this story first. My niece Shera wanted to follow me to my in laws place today. . She didn't have anything nice to wear. So I decided to get something from my wardrobe.

She's 8 by the way.

She tried few of my old tops and this was her reaction:

Shera: Err...taknaklah sexy

Me: No... is not sexy. try this one pulak

Shera: Sexy jugak

Then Puan Jawahir aka Mom came inside the room

Mom: Eh...don't let her wear anything sexy. Mak dia tak kasi

Me: She's 8 lah mak

(I passed a sleeveless top to Sheera)

Shera: Maktok...shera nak pakai lengan panjang.

Mom: Hang nak pakai tube ka sleeveless ka pakailah. Toksah dok ajaq dia (My mom was trying to say Don't try and inflence my granddaughter)

Suddenly I felt like a bad auntie...hehe.

Busylah

2011-05-21T23:27:00.004+08:00

I want to cry...nah...not really. I enjoy my new portfolio but ahh..the workload. Currently I'm doing HR Law, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Trade & Services. All 4 areas require different kinda skills. Seriously exciting but tiring.

Honestly, I want to write about so many stuff but too tired to think & draft anything. 3 months maternity leave and suddenly the brain had this shock in the system...writing opinions,reading cases and drafting contracts...oh yah refreshing my knowledge on civil litigation yang dah berkarat..as a result I abandoned my blog.

Oh I've been following this blog "proudduck" (Thanks Lili!). OMG...she is so cute,funny, smart and of course lucky. I feel like biting my husband looking at her handbag collection...eeeee...Looking at her blog and looking at my blog (goodness how boring my life is hahaha...but seriously I have to do something about it...I'm only 29).

And I got my INR result. Still not good. Had to increase the dosage & need to go for blood test every 2 weeks. Hai....I felt kinda down until I got this all the way from Bicester Village

Tod's Pashmy Media D Bag....weee!!!!

Flu & Office

2011-05-01T22:19:00.004+08:00

I was so busy for the past 2 weeks.Yes the flu season is back. Parents watch out. Maiqel had high fever & asthma 2 weeks ago. Didn't get enough sleep for 3 days. I had to make sure the room was not too cold due to the asthma and must not be too warm due to the fever. Bad combination... Alhamdullillah after 3 days Maiqel recovered...but Zaqrie caught with the flu. Thank god his fever was mild,only the cough sounded aggressive. Lucky I have the nebulizer machine,if not I have to spend a week sleeping in the hospital.

Maiqel& the nebulizer

Fever & Asthma tools

While waiting for the medication, Maiqel took this picture

I'm back at the office since Thursday. So its final...I won't be doing Prosecution anymore due to doctor's advice. My new portfolio - HR Law & Civil Litigation and bit of contract/trade. Hubby called me during my first day and I told him about my new portfolio, straight away he got me this set of books from the KL Court bookshop.

The whole set cost RM700. Wish I could tell him - "can you get me a handbag instead."

I'm kinda sad leaving prosecution but health is my no. 1 priority now. As my former boss Puan Harbans told me"God is telling you to rest". I think so too. I decided not to go for the Manager's interview for the Prosecution Unit... I believe God has better plans for me...maybe I'm destined to be a TaiTai and open a Spa hehe. Although I'll miss the interview/promotion, Allah gave us rezeki through different ways. Recently Hubby had a good offer which includes a driver( I think I was praying too hard for a driver ngeee...).I find having a driver is good for him & the family. He can travel and go to court without going through the traffic stress. We don't have to trouble our parents about fetching Maiqel from school (Occasionally, wifey can use it as well....hehe) He felt the driver part was unnecessary since he is young. But of course I told him "TAKE IT!".

Too tired to continue writing. I have those books to read anyway....

Majlis Aqiqah Zaqrie Ghazali

2011-04-19T23:03:00.005+08:00

I'm on a night watch tonight. Hubby & Maiqel are not feeling well. Hubby coughing and having slight fever. I believe he's too exhausted with the back to back trials. Maiqel is worst. Cold, Cough & Fever. Cold& Cough I can still go to sleep...as you are able to hear if he's coughing badly but fever especially in children it can just shoot up.

Anyway last Saturday was Zaqrie's Aqiqah. It was wonderful and I felt kinda emotional that day. Having two kids, the complications I had after delivery and the support I received from family members. Zaqrie was such a good boy during the caremony. He was smiling and listening to the recital of quran & marhaban. Food was great...Diners caterers never fail us especially the lamb. Check out the pictures:

Tasting either Kurma or Honey

Nyum...so sweet

Smiling at Daddy

The best mom in the world!

Mommy standby EBM during the marhaban coz little Zaqrie wants milk all the time

Maiqel aka bodyguard

In Laws

Abah

Thank you Kak Cik!

We celebrated Opah's 83rd birthday that evening (Din maternal grandmother). Each of her children & cucu got her a gift. I got her Ashdene's Tea For Me set. Most of the them gave her imported chocolates. Of course no one can beat MIL's gift to her...a Limited Edition of Longchamp - 2 weeks old.

Ok...Maiqel's body temperature seems ok...maybe I should close my eyes for short while.

What went wrong?

2011-04-13T20:05:00.004+08:00

Surprisingly traffic was good this morning when I send Maiqel to school. Not like the day before...horrible! We reached his school exactly at 8.15 am despite leaving Kelana Jaya at 7.45 am. When I drop Maiqel at his class all the kids wished me "Good morning Auntie!" The kids look so cute with the aprons...ready for their sand play today.

Headed to Pantai after that for my appointment with the Hematologist. While waiting for the blood result I had this for breakfast

Somehow Pantai Starbucks taste better than other Starbucks. Maybe because it is in Pantai. The canteen food really taste like hospital food...

I felt good this morning and I really thought my INR result would improve or at least consistent. But I was wrong. It dropped to 1.4. I was confuse - I stick to my diet. Didn't take any greens...Only take carrots for my vege. Didn't take any Herbal Supplement...even any supplement. What could have interfered with the warfarin! I've been avoiding any food that is high with Vitamin K based on the list given by the dietitian.

Did more research at home and it seems that caffeinated beverages (cola, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, chocolate milk) should be avoided since they can effect warfarin therapy. Maybe this could have effected the result. But all this while I've been taking Milo & Hot Choc and result was ok...maybe the Latte & Mocha I had recently. Ahh...I'm confuse. They said I can still take some of this food but at the same time I should not change my diet drastically.

No more coffee after this. I may have to go for another CTscan since I complained of heavy breathing especially at night. Kesian Hubby...so worried on the phone. Insyaallah. Hmm...wanna hug my boys now.

Monday Holiday

2011-04-12T16:30:00.013+08:00

Since last Saturday was Maiqel's Sports Day, the school declared Monday as a holiday. Yeay! I promised Maiqel that we would spend quality time together.

That morning I send Zaqrie and the maid to my Mom's house. Maiqel was all excited about the outing but became grumpy after I set up the baby gym for Zaqrie. Yes...Maiqel starting to show the big J

Zaqrie likes to look at colourful things and the mirror so I decided to set up the baby gym given by Baba & Sri. Zaqrie was giggling and smiling the moment I put him at the baby gym. Maiqel was jealous. He wanted the baby gym. I explained to him that it is a baby toy and belongs to his brother.

Maiqel: No Mommy, this is a big boy toy.

Mommy: Maiqel, if you are grumpy like this you are not going to follow me to the cinema.

Maiqel: I want to go to the cinema. Bring this toy also to the cinema.

Mommy: No!

I decided to just start the car. Our little Maiqel followed me but still crying. He kept on saying "Its a big boy toy Mommy, right Mommy" I was tired of scolding him...so I called Hubby -

Wifey: Sayang, I set up the baby gym that Baba gave to Zaqrie but Maiqel insisted that it is his toy. I told him it is a baby toy. Can you please explain to him.

Hubby: Ok let me talk to him.

Maiqel: (on the phone with Hubby) Ok Daddy. It's a baby toy. My toys are lego, dinasours & shark. Ok I listen to Mommy.

The grumpiness went off immediately. I wish I have Hubby's aura...yes my son is not afraid of me.

Grumpy Maiqel

We decided to watch a Movie at GSC OU. Maiqel been wanting to watch Rio. I managed to get a 3D show at 2.30pm.

Since the show was at 2.30pm, we headed to Chillies for Lunch. Maiqel had the Kiddies Pizza & I had the Firecracker Fish Fillet (I think so). Maiqel enjoyed the lunch...he almost finish off the pizza & my rice too!

Waiting for our turn

Colouring

Took a picture of Mommy

Pizza!

Firecracker Fish Fillet

By the time we finish our lunch it was already 2.15pm. So we rushed back to the cinema and got our popcorns . Before we entered the cinema, I saw a nice poster of the movie Hop. So I asked Maiqel to stand at the poster so that I could take his picture. Before I could snap his picture, he ran to a different direction.

Maiqel : Mommy I want to take picture with this.

Bertuah betul anak teruna sorang ni

Both of us enjoyed the movie. I felt like taking a plane to Rio De Janeiro ! The colourful carnival & the samba! Maiqel even dance in the cinema (nasib baik takde orang keliling). While watching the movie, Maiqel kissed my hand and said "Thank you Mommy, I love you"

After the movie we had to make few compulsory stops

latest obsession : Lego

When I came back Zaqrie was screaming for milk. According to my mom & maid he's drinking 4 ounces for each feed. What????!!!!!

Anyway Zaqrie is getting smarter now. He refuse to drink from the bottle if he knows I'm around...rejected the bottle using his tongue but he won't do that if I'm not around.

The kids can drive me crazy sometimes especially when they cried ops...scream simultaneously. During this maternity leave I only had one good night sleep. Yes - one i.e. numero uno. But I know I will miss all this when I'm back in the office :(

Maiqel's 1st Sports Day

2011-04-09T17:50:00.017+08:00

This is the highlight of the month and will always be one of my sweetest memory. It's Maiqel's first sports day! I missed the Chinese New Year celebration since I was in confinement...I was so frustrated coz I heard they were so cute with the costumes. When I got the news about the Sports Day, I was beaming with joy!

Before the sports day, Maiqel was telling both his grandparents about the sports day and even practiced in front of my parents. He even told me one morning before sending him off to school "Mommy will you cheer for me during my sports day?" Mommy "Of course Sayang".

The Sports Day started at 9 am but the kids need to be in school by 8 am. We drop Zaqrie & the maid at my in laws. MIL & FIL were excited about spending time with their new cucu. By 8 am the school was already crowded with kids, parents & grandparents. The parents look more excited than the kids.

The school has its own field

Parents - excited & nervous as well I'm sure

Mommy & Daddy - extremely excited

There were stalls selling food and drinks. Since charity work is one of the main mission of the school , proceeds from the sale of food & drinks will be channeled to Japan for the relief work in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. Parents of the Japanese children also set up stalls selling Japanese craft & food in support of this cause.

The event began with March Past of all the classes - Pre - school (6 year old students), Kindergarten (5 year old students) , Nursery (4 year old students) and the youngest students the Playgroup (3 year old students). They look so cute and disciplined!

March Past led by the Pre - School Children

All the children singing Negaraku & the school song. So cute!

Maiqel!

Each class had different sport programme like "Prince & Princess" by the Playgroup, "Farmers Day" by the Kindergarten and for Maiqel's class was "Laundry Day". There were also performances by the Pre-School & Kindergarten group.

"Farmer's Day"

"Poker Face" performance by Kindergarten children

"Prince & Princess" race by the Playgroup

Maiqel waiting for his turn

Hubby & I were amazed that Maiqel could sit still for more than an hour

- this doesn't happen at home

Pre-School Girls performing "Single Ladies"

"Laundry Day" by Nursery group - Run Maiqel!

Hehe....pandai anak Mommy guna hanger

I know who can help me for Laundry if the maid is not around

Maiqel had his snacks after the race. While waiting, Hubby & I check out Maiqel's class.

Maiqel with his teacher Mrs. Goban & Assistant Teacher Ms. Nambuk

Maiqel's artworks

Family Picture

2nd Place!

After that we brought him out to celebrate & bought few toys for him :)

Anak Mommy tired

Grumpy Wednesday

2011-04-07T07:31:00.004+08:00

Baby Zaqrie had an appointment with the E & T and the paed yesterday afternoon. Din & I together with baby Zaqrie fetched Maiqel from school. Drop by at my in laws place to bath Maiqel. Decided to have lunch at Dome BSC. Maiqel refuse to go coz he wanted to play with the toys.

Maiqel: Daddy, you come back here and fetch me alright.

Daddy: No. You are following us

Not that we don't want him to stay at my inlaws, my MIL was at the gym and my FIL was busy rearranging the stuff at the house.

Maiqel was grumpy all the way from Semantan to BSC. Keep on saying.."I want to play. I don't want to have lunch". Hubby scolded Maiqel. He was quiet for awhile and later repeated the same words again. I was not able to calm him down as baby Zaqrie was having his susu cap gantung.

By the time we reach BSC Zaqrie was fast asleep. Maiqel stopped crying and said sorry to both of us. He said he wanted to sleep so I asked him to rest his head on the table. Both Hubby & I had our peaceful moment....

the peaceful moment didn't last long.

When we arrived at Pantai Hospital , both boys were crying. That's an understatement. They were screaming! Baby Zaqrie wanted to be carried all the time and Maiqel all the sudden wanted milk in a bottle (Maiqel nowadays only drinks his milk in the bottle at night before he goes to sleep and sometimes in the morning). At the same time it was our turn to see the E & T. I asked Hubby to go and see the E & T (since he's the one with the 101 questions) and I brought Maiqel to Starbucks. Maiqel was screaming "I want milk in the bottle, I want milk in the bottle". People around me started staring. Got him hot chocolate...again he scream "No!!! I don't want chocolate drink! I want milk in the bottle! I want milk in the bottle!. The screaming went on like for almost 20 minutes and people continued staring at me. I feel like screaming at these people "Stop staring!". First was the soft approach "Calm down Maiqel...I will get you your milk". Didn't work. Then the throw away your toys approach. Didn't work either. Finally I remembered the lift incident...it did calm him down abit. By the time we saw the paed, he was just crying . No more screaming.

While waiting for the medication Hubby aka Bad Police took over "You hold Zaqrie, I need to talk to Maiqel". I saw Hubby talking to Maiqel. Both having this super serious look.

Later Maiqel came to me and hug me "I am so sorry Mommy for being grumpy" Hubby even said "The stress level today is worst than the court". I smiled (dalam hati: and you said I'm not doing anything at home).

But trust me...how furious I was during the day....

With this "Thank you for the milk" look

and

"Take a chill pill Mommy" look...

that night. All the stress just went off instantly.

Lovely Tuesday

2011-04-06T05:42:00.010+08:00

I had a lovely Tuesday. Hubby still on leave so he volunteered to send Maiqel to school in the morning. So I took my own sweet time in the bathroom and ate the left over wantan mee for breakfast. Since we planned to go to Empire Mall that afternoon, I took sometime looking through my wardrobe...thinking what to wear. Decided to wear my old Levi's jeans & Guru top which my SIL Kak Azah bought from Abu Dhabi (dalam hati: definitely I need to shop for more clothes after this)

Hubby came back with Maiqel. Bath Maiqel, changed Zaqrie's diapers & fed him and ready to go!

[Me - upstairs hall (sempat tangkap gambar before keluar). Hubby: Why do you want to take picture here? Wifey: I want to show Kak Azah I'm wearing the top that she bought and also to show Huda the bag I purchased from her. (Hubby just shook his head).]

We had lunch at Ole-ole Bali. The food was yummy!

[Ordered grilled fish & chicken with rice - the portion was huge. So I shared with Maiqel. Both Maiqel and I love the gravy. Hubby didn't order anything coz he's on diet due to last nite's dinner]

[Maiqel, Mommy & baby Zaqrie (covered by the shawl)]

[Baby Zaqrie - only susu cap gantung for now ok]

Then we window shop...looking at future purchases :). I was gatal to wear my silver high heels. Half way walking "Sayang I think I need to get a new pair of shoes. Sakitlah jalan." Went to Charles & Keith...eee...I love the latest collections! Bought a pair of wedges...fuhh...then I could walk without feeling any pain

Of course we had to stop at this place:

[Maiqel - happy after getting his lego]

Cooked daging masak merah & kailan ikan masin for Hubby that night. Hubby was happy. I was happy. Both boys were happy....a lovely Tuesday indeed!

My boys. Syukur.

Hubby on Leave!

2011-04-05T10:31:00.005+08:00

Hubby on leave for 3 days. We were suppose to join my parents & 3rd bro family in Langkawi but due to my DVT, I was told not to travel so soon...maybe 3 months time ok kot. Hubby decided to maintain the leave in order to spend time with us

Anyway Maiqel was coughing during the weekend so we decided to let him rest on Monday. In the afternoon we decided to bring him to watch a movie at the cinema. We drop the maid and baby Zaqrie at my in laws.

We managed to get tickets for the movie Hop!

I told Hubby to bring Maiqel to the cinema first since the show was going to start while I line up to get pop corns and drinks. Maiqel was so happy during the show. Off and on he'll hug and kiss my hand (happy sangatlah tu...movie + pop corns).I thought the movie was cute. Hubby agreed as well. My head keep on hearing "I want candy" song after I left the cinema.

Zaqrie was a happy baby when we picked him up...yelah got all the attention from granparents. Hmm but at night he refuse to let go of "susu cap gantung" and at the same time Maiqel keep on saying "Can you sleep on my bed with me Mommy". Hubby saw my octopus hands in action, quickly he told Maiqel he's going to tell him a story. Fuih!

That night I cooked Wantan Mee for Hubby. As usual, Hubby's request "Make sure pedas yer sayang". Oh ya...managed to get my favorite lemonade drink. Besides Coffee flavoured milk, I was crazy over Solo Lemonade when I was in Aussie. Trust me...its refreshing!

Ok now going to eat my Steam Talapia for lunch

Baby Zaqrie Ghazali

2011-04-03T20:54:00.006+08:00

He is 2 months old plus already! So far he's a well behave baby especially among strangers. I feel slightly tired this time handling Zaqrie compared to Maiqel coz he drinks alot especially at night I've not been getting enough sleep but Hubby will try to help out especially during daytime.

Initially Zaqrie hated water. Whenever we bath him, he'll cry as if he's going through somekind of painful process. But he's ok now...the trick is to feed & play with him first. But one thing which was obvious was he loves being around Hubby. Maybe he knows Abang Maiqel is so clingy towards me.

Can't wait for the time both boys can start to play and relate to each other. For now big bro always act as the body guard. One day I was in the kitchen cooking. Maiqel was in the room with Zaqrie. Then I heard Zaqrie crying.

Maiqel: Mommy adik wants milk

Mommy: Ok I'm coming

Maiqel: Adik don't worry. Mommy is coming ok. Don't cry ok.

I really want them to be close as brothers. The kind that can depend on each other and share their problems & happiness.

Anyway these are few of Zaqrie's latest pictures

Zaqrie & Almeera (Cherap's daughter) - both jual mahal

Love his cot mobile

Check out my muscles

A perfect Sunday view for me

BJ Kitchen with Love 13: Masak Tempoyak Ikan Patin

2011-04-02T22:05:00.006+08:00

I've been cooking dinner for Hubby almost every night. He said he missed my cooking.So I cooked his favourite meals... Lasagna, Beef Olio, Seafood Olio, Curry Mee, Green Curry Beef, Lemon Chicken, Sechuan Chicken, Nyonya Prawn Sambal & Cod Fish Sambal.

Mom bought few ikan patin for me. I love steam ikan patin. Usually the maid would steam the whole fish. I'll eat half for lunch and later the other half for dinner. Then I remembered how much Hubby loves Masak Tempoyak Ikan Patin. I always thought that it was difficult to cook masak tempoyak but its actually an easy peasy recipe.

Got this recipe from my MIL (modified a bit as Hubby wanted it to be really...really hot)

Ingredients:

1 medium size ikan patin

5/6 red chillies - I used 4 red chillies

3/4 birds eye chillies - I use 8 instead...yes its hot (4 red & 4 green)

2 stalk of lemon grass - I use 3...for no particular reason

2 1/2 cup water

1 piece of asam keping

5-7 tablespoon of tempoyak (depending how thick you want the gravy)

1 ikan bilis cube - I use 1 cube of chicken cube (coz that was the only one available at home)

salt & sugar for seasoning

Now here come the easy part!

Crushed red chillies & birds eye chillies using a mortar. Add water in a pot. Add the chillies, lemon grass & asam keping - slow boil it. Then add tempoyak and chicken cube -stir it. Finally add the fish. Continue to slow boil until the fish is cooked.

So easy...no coconut milk, no belacan....the wonders of tempoyak!

Ikan Patin Sungai Pahang...meow

Slow boil - chili paste, lemon grass & asam keping

Tempoyak

Didn't get to take the final product picture. Maiqel was using the camera (doing his own home video on jurrasic park) and Zaqrie was crying for milk when i finished cooking.

I was so afraid that Hubby might not like it. This was what he said "I've tasted so many tempoyak ikan patin...yours is the best." Yipee!

Abang Maiqel

2011-04-01T17:50:00.007+08:00

Maiqel was so excited when he first saw his brother..."Call me Abang".

Until he realized the amount of time that I had to spend with his brother and the fact that I was not feeling well during the confinement...I first realised Maiqel's emotion was affected when he saw me at home just after I was discharged from the hospital..."Mommy is everything back to normal?". He started to cry every morning before going to school "Follow me Mommy. Last time you always send me to school." Thank god my father was very patient in handling Maiqel during that period. Maiqel is close to my in laws too but during the confinement period he refused to be with anyone else except me. Everytime my MIL/FIL fetch him from school he'll say "Bring me to my mommy". It got worst when I was admitted to the hospital again for DVT. When he saw me on the wheelchair, I knew he was disturbed. Keep on telling me "Try to walk slowly Mommy."

Alhamdullilah I was able to walk about a week before my confinement ends. I was able to send Maiqel to school, feed him but every time he wants me to play with him baby Zaqrie would cry for milk. I didn't see any jealousy but a frustration. Don't get me wrong. Maiqel loves his brother. Everytime someone said that they want to take Zaqrie away, he'll scream "No! That's my brother".

Thought I already gave him enough attention by sending him to school and being at home with him. Then the poo-poo incident started and he'll follow me everywhere I go. Even when I'm cooking, he'll be standing beside me. One morning before going to school he told me "Why didn't you read to me last night, you are suppose to read to me every time before I go to sleep." I apologized, telling him I was too tired.

Then I realized the time I spend with him wasn't enough. He wanted the attention that I gave him before. Looking at my EBM stock, it may be more than enough for baby Zaqrie once I go back to work. Hence I started to give extra attention to Maiqel, at least 2 hours a day. So usually right after school, we'll go out for lunch instead having it at my mom's. It made a lot of difference.

Maiqel looks happier and not so clingy. Someone told me is a phase and he needed the time to adjust. But one thing for sure he loves being Abang.

These are few of the pics taken during lunch time on Thursday.

Playing Jurrasic Park

Mouth full of fries

His favourite : Fish & Chips

Full & Tired

Hair

2011-03-30T16:57:00.005+08:00

Mak been nagging me about my hair "Tulah hang ni rambut dah elok-elok hitam, hang pi colour. Hang tau rambut hang macam apa mak tengok. Macam Becky."

Becky was my favourite cat. Been with the family for almost 14 years. She died last year. Didn't have the time to go through the family album to search for Becky's picture. So I googled for pictures of cats that look similar to Becky.

This cat looks exactly like Becky but Becky has this white spot on her left eye I think. Anyway, I did plan to colour my hair after the confinement. This time I wanted to go for darker shades. I like lighter colours but it was very difficult to maintain. I salute friends like Farazwine & Didie Intan who can maintain those shades. Plus my hair was so dry!

I went to this salon at Bandar Utama. It was recommended by my High School senior Suraya (by the way her hair colour is so gorgeous. )

BEFORE

Look at my dry hair but I don't think so it looks like Becky's fur. The stylist recommended for darker shades for easier maintenance and for some treatment. I even commit myself to certain promotion package in order to compel myself to go to the salon every month for the treatment.

Hasilnya:

Love the colour & the layers.

How about mak ----> Ha! Lagu nilah (means this is the way it should be)...hari tu rambut hang macam Becky sungguh.

Yelah mak.

The Negotiator

2011-03-29T23:39:00.007+08:00

Meet future negotiator

Maiqel Ibrahim

Maiqel has been a cool and responsible big brother. I could actually leave him in the room with baby Zaqrie and he would inform me whenever baby Zaqrie cries "Mommy, adik wants milk!". Jealousy...hardly but of course indirectly he still wanted the attention. One of the signs was his reluctance to go to the toilet to do the big business. This situation only happens at home because at other places he’ll inform us that he needs to go to the toilet. Though we know is a phase but both Hubby & I agreed that we still need to correct the situation.

Whenever he “poo-poo” in his pants, he’ll get the scolding from his Daddy. But scolding alone didn’t work. Maiqel would usually hide somewhere and after he did the big business, he’ll come to me.

I decided to approach the situation differently.

Maiqel: Mommy, I poo-poo in my pants

Mommy: Maiqel! You know how to poo poo in the toilet. Why are you doing this?

Maiqel: Sorry Mommy. It just an accident. …it just an accident.

Mommy: No. It is not an accident. You said sorry yesterday and you promise to poo poo in the toilet but you still poo in your pants why! (by now the maid stood outside the room to rescue Maiqel but I gave her the “not to interfere” signal)

Maiqel: It just an accident.

Mommy: Since you like to poo poo in your pants, you can sleep with your poo-poo. I’m not going to clean it up.

Maiqel: Its ok. Bibik can help me.

Mommy: No, I told Bibik not to help you with your poo-poo. I don’t care, you sleep with poo-poo

Maiqel: Please Mommy…pretty please…just for a while.

Of course I did clean him up and warned him not to do it again. Unfortunately same thing happen the next day. This time I was furious, so I took all his favourite toys – sharks, dinosaurs and lego. This time he cried and begging for his toys. Hubby later told Maiqel that until he proves that he’s going to poo-poo in the toilet, he won’t get his toys back.

Initially he tried to play with other toys…pretending the cow as the dinosaur, the farmer as the policeman, the spoon as the shark.

After a day of punishment, he came to me and told me that he needed to go to the toilet to poo-poo.

Mommy: Very good sayang. Ok go ask Bibik for help.

Before he went to the toilet, he look at me and said “If I poo-poo in the toilet, what do I get?”

At that point I didn’t know what to answer (should I give all his toys or only part of it). Called Hubby. He was shocked “He actually negotiated with you. Ok give him the lego city. We still keep the rest”.

So since then everytime he goes to the toilet, he’ll ask me te same question “If I poo-poo in the toilet, what do I get?”

Squeem & Invisible Tummy Trimmer

2011-03-19T08:29:00.008+08:00

I maybe a bit obsessive about getting back my pre-pregnancy body. The main reason is that I don't want to waste money getting a new set of clothes but of course I still shop for some new ones...you still need to treat yourself, right :).

This is something I discovered from another online shop Supermodel Secret and I purchased 2 slimming shapewear.

First Item: Squeem - The Perfect Waist

When I first look at it, I thought how could I fit into this and I didn't cheat about my body measurement (I ordered size S). But the moment I pull it and place the first buckle I realised that the material is stretchable. First thing you'll notice is the waist - yes the size of your waist will reduce instantly...even my pre-pregnancy clothes had extra space at the waist part. I have to say eventhough it looks like a corset but it is definitely more comfortable than a corset maybe because of the material of the product - rubber & cotton.. I've worn this product almost the whole day (except during shower of course) . I give this product a 4.5/5 and will definitely get another set. This is definitely a product that one should get if you want to look good in your wedding dress, kebaya or evening dress.

Second Item: Invisible Tummy Trimmer

This product does not reshape or reduce the waistline. Instead it helps to hide those extra bulges on your tummy. Well you can't compare with a girdle but if you want to have that smooth tummy while wearing a tight baby-T without any wire getting into your way, this may be a product for you.

The best part was I received a free gift when I purchased both products.

Tadaa! Hair bumpit & Bun maker...Ok need to change baby Zaqrie's diapers. So check out the website...trust me it's very interesting & tempting.

Home

2011-03-17T12:36:00.004+08:00

We are home! Ahh...I'm so happy to be back home. Not that I don't like living with my parents..I like it (especially Mom's cooking) but once you have a family, trust me...you prefer your own space.

The happiest person is of course Mr. Hubby. Got to do his work in his mini-office (which I hardly enter due to the ciggie smell). His DVD nights in the TV room.

Maiqel is happy too...to be united with his countless toys. We have to abandon the plan on Maiqel having his own play room since the maid is living with us. Mom said due to my health condition, I need a maid to assist me with the kids. Thank god the master bedroom is very big. Of course he is extra happy because it's school holiday and mommy is all the time with him.

How about baby Zaqrie. I think he loves the house. Sleeps well and always putting on a smile. But my plan to make him sleep in the crib at night doesn't seem to work. During the day he can sleep in the crib but at night he'll be crying but the moment I put him beside me...he'll be quiet and sleep throughout the night. If Maiqel love to sleep on my chest when he was a baby (well until he was 2 year old actually), baby Zaqrie wants to sleep under my armpit...he even give this low rumbling sound if I put him elsewhere. I don't know...Hani, Zeti & Hanisah don't seem to have a problem about their daughters sleeping in the crib. Maybe only boys coz Nani & Sri faced the same problem before with their sons.

Anyway check out few of the boys pics.

My limited sleeping space - both boys nak mengepit

Baby Zaqrie Sleeping

Morning mommy

Aktiviti cuti sekolah

Big Brother Maiqel

Treatment for DVT

2011-03-14T06:48:00.010+08:00

How do you know that you have a DVT? These are the signs especially if they occur suddenly:

1. Swelling in one or both legs

2.Pain or tenderness in one or both legs, which may occur only while standing or walking

3.Warmth in the skin of the affected leg

4. Red or discolored skin in the affected leg

5. Visible surface veins

6.Leg fatigue

My symptoms were no. 1, 2 & 3. If you have any of these symptoms...don't massage your leg, contact your doctor straight away.

Once a person has a DVT, there are few adjustments need to be done during the treatment. As for me, treatment will be at least 6 to 12 months. From the medication, diet & lifestyle.

The first thing the doctor gave me was Heparin shots (twice a day) together with Warfarin tablet.

Heparin

The heparin shots were given to me twice a day at my tummy. I am ok with shots but at the tummy?!!!! So when it was given, I avoid looking at it (baca majalah ker or watch tv). But the worst part when the doctor told me "I want you to do it yourself tomorrow. After this you'll do it at home and in case you need to travel, you can do it yourself. My nurse will teach you. I want my patient to be independent". I just look at him...stunned and gave his a long "ok....". Well is not that bad actually. I did my own shots for 6 days (twice a day) during my stay in the hospital and continued at home for 4 days.

Warfarin

I was given warfarin by pill once a day, beginning while I was on heparin. Now I'm only on warfarin and it will continue for 6 to 12 months. While on warfarin, I have to go for regular blood tests to ensure the correct dosage -- too little increases clot risk, too much increases risk for bleeding. Warfarin can also interact with other medicines especially herbal, vitamins, or certain foods rich in vitamin K -- making regular monitoring even more important. So I have to carry a new passport everytime I go to hospital for any kind of illness so that other medication will not interfere with the warfarin.

The Warfarin Passport

I have to change my diet totally (many kind of food I have to avoid) and must ensure that I don't change my diet drastically.Because I'm breastfeeding the dietitian advised me to go on high protein diet.

I'm able to walk now, but would feel slight pain after walking for maybe 15 minutes. I'm wearing compression socks which help me feel comfortable while walking and standing. The hospital gave me the T.E.D socks:

I asked for skin colour but the supplier only carries white colour. I'm heading to Caring pharmacy next week... trying to get a skincolour compression pantyhose or above knee socks.

Something like this. The above is Sigvaris Compression pantyhose. Is a a product from France and quite famous in the UK & US. If anyone see something like this, appreciate if you can inform me.

Oh well I'm counting my blessings. The recovery process looks positive so far.

Online Shopping

2011-03-10T23:14:00.007+08:00

Confinement can be quite boring especially when the baby is sleeping and my 3 year old son conquers the TV. Thank God for Online Shopping...is so fun whether you actually shop or just window shopping.

Today I bought few items online. Initially I intend to get this one item for baby Zaqrie but end up with few stuff (p/s: Hanisah if you are reading this, I bought few stuff so tak rugi bayar delivery charges).

Nosefrida: I was suppose to get this item only...but as Hanisah said "rugi bayar delivery charges kalau beli one item" hehe. This item was recommended by Hanisah and according to her it is very effective to suck out the mucus from the baby's nose.

Mittens: Ni pun nak beli??? Most mittens are sold together with booties, I don't like booties...prefer socks.

Purelan: Well I don't have to explain. I started storing the EBM earlier this time...some part needs help.

Storage bags: All my 20 storage bottles dah habis. I had to kidnap few of my mom's mini plastic containers. I thought the storage bags kinda practical & cheap too.

I also got myself something not related to nursing/maternity...;)

A jacket for office hehe.

Oh ya...besides my friend Huda Shegrud @ Soyaree Closet (who is a successful online businesswomen), another schoolmate Suhana Dato' Ishak also has an online shop selling handmade jewelery. I actually ordered a bib necklace from her and love it! You may want to check out the online shop Sura Sura. Anyway check out the bib necklace...

Ok time to sleep. Need to wake up at 2.30 & 4.30 to feed baby Zaqrie. Need to hug abang Maiqel...dah start mengigau "Mommy...Mommy...".

Angan-angan menjadi model

2011-03-09T11:24:00.005+08:00

When I was in primary school, I was one of the tallest girls in class. All my brothers were 6 footers, so I thought I'm going to be a 6 footer too. I remember when I was 11 or 12 years old, I told my eldest brother that I'm going to be a model...of course he laughed at me.

Somehow...my height remain stagnant after I entered high school...I was far from 6'...only 5'4. Those who were shorter than me suddenly became taller. (that explains why I'm crazy about high heels...and it must be 3 inches and above). Oh yah not to mention, my ass & my hips didn't help either.

I was approached by a modelling agency when I was 14. I was so excited, but I was worried about my mom. So I decided to ask my cool Dad. My Dad didn't look happy about it but he didn't want to be the bad cop. So he said "Ask Mak" (thinking that my mom would say no). I was upset...but mom said "Ok". I could see Dad was surprise but he could not do anything so he asked my 3rd brother to accompany me to the agency.

On the way to the agency, my Dad called the car phone (masa tu no handphone...we had those bulky motorola car phone) and told my brother don't let them take her pictures...don't let her sign anything...you do the talking. Oh yes my 3rd brother did all the talking. On the way back home, he was all excited and wanted to be my manager...I can't remember how much percentage he was asking (boleh tak...the agency only wanted to put me under their profile).

Came back, Dad was waiting infront...so my 3rd brother told him that its ok...its a good opportunity etc. Dad just brush it off and gave me a big NO followed by the "All your friends will be CEO" speech. Of course I was sad but looking at me today....I don't think I'm going to go anywhere as a model kah..kah...kah.

Nowadays there were offers for casting...but mother & son thingy ( I think they were more interested with Maiqel but invited me along to make the mommy feel good about herself). But now I have Hubby who says "Maiqel yes, you no.". I never brought Maiqel for any of the casting anyway.

Today I was going through my picture folders and I saw these pictures. Hei I was a so called model for BNM for the career fair I think in 2008. Ok it was a bidan terjun thing. It was like "Hi Jas, are you free. Can you comedown to link now...we want to take your picture". But you know what Hubby was upset when I told him about it...it's for career daylah. But at least I get to represent something...now I sound so desperate hehe. Anyway these are some of the pictures.

Shape wear

2011-03-08T01:16:00.009+08:00

I always believe that shape wear does help ladies get back their pre - pregnancy bodyshape...well based on my previous experience. After my first delivery, the massage lady recommended this shape wear pants. I could only wear it after my 30th day of confinement as mom felt it's not good to wear any kind of tight pants during the earlier stage. So I thought of getting new sets for this round, but the massage lady was missing in action. I tried looking for the same shape wear pants but failed . I really like it because its comfortable and only cost RM160. So I start looking for other products.

Premium Beautiful

Everyone been talking about Premium Beautiful especially in FB. Most people say its effective. They lost between 1 - 2 kg within a week.I thought of getting one myself until I saw the price tag. Goodness, I just have to add another 1K and get myself a TOD'S handbag...even Ipad is alot cheaper. It may be effective but I think it's too expensive and looks uncomfortable.

After searching around...I finally decided to get these two products.

Assets Sensational Shaper - By Sarah Blakely

I purchased this online. I bought one initially and it's so comfortable that I decided to order another two :). Of course I applied the slimming cream before wearing this.

The second product is Lytess.

Lytess: Micro-Massaging Anti-Cellulite Bike Shorts

Purchased this from my good friend who is currently staying in the US. ----> Huda Shegrud and description of the product as follows:

Lytess shapewear features skin-perfecting microcapsules for an all-day slimming effect. Enjoy softer and smoother skin as you shape your figure!

Micro-massaging anti-cellulite shorts
Smoothes from waist to thighs
Provides moderate control
Comfortable stretch nylon
Tones the rear and decreases dimpled skin
Tagless for added comfort
Infused with micro-capusules to hydrate skin
Contains: Mango butter, sweet almond, and more
Sweet almond oil infused fabric softens skin
Important: avoid product if you have nut allergies

I can't wait to wear this. So anyone interested, you can e-mail Huda - sooyaree@gmail.com.

Ok Zaqrie dah bangun. Need to give Maiqel his puff (he's having flu & cough- I think memang season) & feed baby Zaqrie (hmm...Zaqrie ni memang suka minum pagi-pagi buta)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

2011-03-04T15:43:00.006+08:00

This is going to be a long entry.

I was in the hospital for 1 week due the complication I had a day after my delivery (refer to previous entry) . The team of doctors did a good job especially the neurologist. Both Din and I agreed that the neurologist was exactly like Dr. House…the way he talk, the way he analyzed situation, comparing notes.. Since my case was the worst in Pantai Hospital (I guess my previous entry didn’t do justice since I was not aware of the surroundings most of the time). But I know it was bad since my O&G nurses told me that my O&G even told them to pray for me. Like my mom said “We didn’t know when you are going to be normal again, thank god it was only 2 days.” But what I can say the headache was really bad and if you ask me the pain – 9.5/10.

After that I went back to my parents house. Did all the confinement stuff like urut, tungku etc. Everthing went well, the headache went off completely.

Something happen on Sunday 20 February 2011. I had some form of cramp on my left leg. The kind of cramp after you play sports. By evening, I notice there was swelling and it felt worst. Din & Dad brought me to a chiropractor. That night was a nightmare, I was crying & my mom just didn’t know what to do. Finally she gave me a painkiller. I felt better on Monday but was limping. I called my O&G just to get her opinion but she was on MC. Tuesday was a .public holiday and the leg didn’t improve…I googled, seems that swelling is normal after delivery but it got worst at night. By Wednesday I find it difficult and painful to walk. My O&G return my call that evening and ask me to explain. When she heard only one leg “Jasmina, come in tomorrow morning. I need to check. It might be blood clot.” I googled… “Blood clot after delivery”…read about it. It’s DVT and I know its bad news.

Thursday morning I was not able to walk at all. It was too painful. Thank god we have a wheelchair at home. Dad had to support my left body when coming down the stairs. By the time I reached downstairs, I was crying like a small kid. The O&G saw my leg…I saw a worried look on her face. She send me to the Radiologist for Ultrasound. The Radiologist looked calm when she came to the examination room…but her facial expression changed the moment she scan my leg. In my heart I keep on saying àPlease say that this is just like the CT scan & MRI result (suspect it was a stroke but the result was clear). So the Radiologist confirmed its DVT but the worst part when she said “Hmm…there is pulmonary embolism (PE)”. I knew this is definitely bad news and she continued “I have to see if it has travel up”. By that time I was in tears…I was so nervous but Alhamdullilah it didn’t reach the lung & heart.

I’m not a typical candidate for DVT. The blood test was clear. So the doctor concluded it was due to my kind of work during pregnancy. A lot of standing up and heavy lifting while I was pregnant plus I was carrying a big baby. I remember about 2 weeks before the delivery I was examining a witness from 8.30 am until 5.30pm. I guess I was pushing myself. We were under staff and I was afraid that the boys in the unit might think I’m using pregnancy as an excuse to do less work. So I push myself..but you know what…it’s not worth it.

Coincidently Serena William also suffered DVT and described it as “extremely hard, scary and disappointing” .Now I’m in the process of recovering...on thinning medication for at least 6 months, can be longer. Have to be on strict diet due to the medication that I’m taking. To avoid long haul flight until I get the green light. Even after this if I decide to travel, I have to take an injection. Oh yah now I even know how to use an injection as my doctor wanted me to be independent. I was advise to wear compression socks. The hematologist said most of his patients refused to wear but I’m wearing it 24/7 (except masa mandi). I just want to be normal again…able to chase Maiqel, able to carry baby Zaqrie without feeling the pain. But whatever it is syukur I'm alive and it could have been worst.

It’s overwhelming with new baby and all. I had my moments when I got very frightened that I would not recover. Initially I even cried when a good friend came to visit but I’m stronger now. I even got the chance to walk Maiqel to his class one day…my little boy keep on telling me “Walk slowly ok Mommy”

I’m lucky that I have a strong family support. I would like to thank my cousins and friends who visited me and keep on asking for an up date on my condition.

This is an eye opener for me. I look at life differently and my priorities are different now. I feel closer to God and want to be even closer.

2nd Delivery: The Delayed Reaction

2011-03-01T10:03:00.013+08:00

I find it so difficult to write about this as it is so far the most terrifying, painful and down moment of my life.

It all started the day after my delivery. Hubby left the hospital about 7 am to fetch Maiqel from my in laws house and send him to school. Both of us were in this jolly mood...still feeling excited about our 2nd son Zaqrie. I receive a call from Hubby at 7.45, spoke to him and later to Maiqel.

I don't remember what happen after that.

According to Hubby he came back to the hospital room at 9 am. He saw me looking at my handphone. When he spoke to me...I keep on saying "If not, if not, if not". Hubby was confuse and asked me to rest. He went out and asked the nurse. The nurse said I complain of headache, so she took Zaqrie to the nursery. ----> I didn't remember this.

For two days (Friday, 28/1 & Saturday 29/1) I was not able to communicate & lost coordination. Only certain words. I'm only able to say:

- If not

-Last night

- Ok

- No

- Sayang

- Bau rokok (everyone was surprise)

Neurologist was brought in to look at my condition. Initial examination showed that I was showing signs of mild stroke and he felt that I don't understand any form of communication. Later he said I do understand but I can't express with words. So he asked Hubby to draw.

The anaesthetist suggested to flush out the epidural but the neurologist felt it was unnecessary. Hubby even said they gave me sleeping pills but I was not able to sleep.

How about me. I only remember certain things. I remember having a mega headache that I find it difficult to open my eyes. I remember asking for milo from Hubby but I could not say milo...I keep on repeating certain words. I remember feeling frustrated and angry towards my mom and my MIL as they could could not understand what I said. I remember their confuse faces.

Since I was showing signs of mild stroke so I had to undergo CT scan & MRI. -----> this I remember. All test cleared. So the neurologist felt what I need is time. Both my parents and in laws even took the spiritual approach. My parents good friends heard about it also tried to help by contacting certain orang alim. My eldest brother even went all the way to Bangi to see Ustaz Harun Din ( I heard he went out before Subuh...TQ Bang Chaq appreciate it!)

3rd day I begin to show signs of improvement. When I open my eyes, I saw Hubby holding a piece of paper with picture of a plate & mug. I said " I want milo...hei I can say milo". Hubby smile "Yes you can say milo now...you know I can't do this without you. I'm happy with 2 boys". I was kinda confuse. Although I was able to communicate at that time, I still slur abit when I talk and very sensitive to lights. Headache still there and the headache only cleared only after a week despite taking the medication. I remember on the 4th day I tried looking at my handphone, the words in the handphone were all backwards...after trying to focus for several minute then it was ok. It felt like a computer rebooting itself. I called the massage lady to hospital and it actually help to clear the headache.

Family members told me how much Hubby was affected by all this. He broke down infront of my mom, mil & his grandma. He even told the doctors & family members not to discuss the result of the MRI infront of me...afraid that I might understand and feel sad if the result is bad. The one that touch my heart was when he told my MIL "Mak, I can't do this without her". By the time I recovered by that episode, Hubby fell sick (due to the sleepless night taking care of me). He even send me a bouquet of flower with a message " I love you long time" ------> it's a joke that we use to tell each other.

Thank you to everyone especially my mom, dad, parent in laws, brothers & sis - in -laws for their prayers.

To friends who didn't get personal sms when I delivered Zaqrie, I guess now you know the reason why. But most people already aware of the good news through FB.

But I had a different health episode 2 weeks after that...nothing to do with the above. But it is scary too and currently in the process of recovery. Will update in the next entry.

The New Car

2011-02-28T18:35:00.007+08:00

Remember the last time Hubby wanted to get me a new car and he gave me 3 options and suggested sedan car for me. Chevrolet Cruz, Mazda 3 or Peugeot 308.

Many people were against Chevrolet - difficult to get spare part. Mazda - Hubby & Dad didn't like the design & Peugeot 308 - same as Chevrolet.

My eldest bro asked me to get a Honda, as according to him the brand has the best resale value. Due to my current health condition, getting a new car was not really the main priority. So I didn't really put my mind to it whenever Hubby wants to talk about it.

Until last Saturday, Hubby went to Honda Service Centre to send his CRV for service. He called me and start talking about Honda Freed. He came back with all the brochures and start promoting about the car.

My first question ---"Hmm...this car is slightly over your budget"

Hubby said he's ok with it since I'll be getting a bigger & better car. Well, since he's paying for the car, I let him decide. Actually I love the car. I can picture myself driving the car with Maiqel & Zaqrie sitting on the individual seat, watching DVD. Gosh now I really sound like a soccer mom. If you ask me, I think Freed looks like a longer & bigger version of Honda Jazz

This is the colour that Hubby chose including the dark tinting (according to the Honda dealer, it is within JPJ compliance. Something I requested - leather seat, very important if you are carrying small kids)

This was the feature that captured my heart. Hubby even created a scenario when he showed me this picture "See sayang when you send Maiqel to school, you can ask him to take his school bag at the 3rd row. " Dang...he knows my soft spot.

We manage to get a good price for the Swift from the second hand dealer. Hopefully I'll get green light from the haematologist for me to drive once the car arrive at our doorstep.

Comments by a Toddler

2011-02-28T11:12:00.004+08:00

Na came to visit me yesterday. Din, Na & I were chit chating about the kids. Na's son is 2 year old plus. So Din asked this question "So your son dah pandai menjawab?". Na said his son now likes to show his anger. Din said wait until he reaches Maiqel's age...i.e. 3 plus where they tend to ask alot of question and answer you back as well. But Din didn't mention that kids at that age also tend to pass comments.

I got one this morning.

Maiqel was telling me that he wants to stay home instead of going to school. So I gave him a slow talk...on the importance of going to school. By the end of the conversation, this is what he said to me.

"Mommy why you sound like a grandmother"

Marriage for a Toddler

2011-02-27T07:47:00.002+08:00

Yesterday Maiqel and I were looking through 2010 Raya pictures . When he saw the former maid's picture, he asked me where is the maid.

Mommy:I think she got married

Maiqel:I thought the police is searching for her?

Mommy: Yah, but I think she got married.

Maiqel: I want to get married too.

Mommy: To who?

Maiqel: Ahhh....to Mommy.

Mommy: Ha! You cannot marry me. I'm your Mommy.

Maiqel: Oh...

Mommy: Why not Aira (His classmate)

Maiqel: Don't want

Mommy: Why not?

Maiqel: She's not beautiful

(My mom heard the conversation....she said Maiqel is going to one fussy boy. Anyway I got a new maid but I'm letting my mom to manage her)

ZAQRIE GHAZALI AFIFUDDIN

2011-02-12T12:41:00.010+08:00

Few people asked me how come I have not updated my blog. I mean such a big event, something worth to announce at my blog asap. Well, I was not well after the delivery...long story, will update in the next entry.

Most people say that 2nd delivery would be easier than the 1st one. I wonder how easy can it be when my 1st delivery was a bliss.

1st lesson...(as stated by one of the maternity nurse at Pantai Hospital) "When it comes to delivery of baby, different people have different experience and it does not mean it gets easier after no. 1". So don't trust what most people say :)

As I've updated in my previous entries things were pretty hectic when I was pregnant - the outstation cases, the runaway maid, long working hours and of course being a mom & wife. Again people said to me "You are very active, mesti senang beranak". Hmm I thought so. Walking up & down the court & driving from Bukit Jelutong to KL everyday...well there are exceptions

The moment

I've been getting irregular & minor contractions throughout my 36th week. Went for a checkup on Monday 25 January 2011 (38th week), 3 cm opening (but the cervix was still tick).My O&G had a big shock when she saw my baby was already 3.5 kg. She said she needs to take this baby out by Wednesday if it doesn't come out by Tuesday night.

So she asked me to walk & do lot of squatting...went back did whatever she asked me to do including belly dancing to encourage labour -----> still no strong contractions...only minor once. But my body was already tired as the baby is too big for me to carry and keep on kicking my ribs.

Tuesday -----> No strong contractions.

Wednesday -------> Admitted at about 8 am. Status still like Monday. So the O&G broke my water bag. By 2 pm only 4 cm, only by 10 pm I was about 5 cm and I started to feel the strong contraction . They predicted that I would only deliver by the next morning instead of midnight. I was shocked. I told Hubby I need to take some form of painkiller as I need to sleep to gain my strength for the delivery. I know I won't be able to sleep with strong contractions going on for such long hours. I decided to take epidural though Hubby was quite reluctant. By about 1 am the anesthetist came to apply the epidural on me. It took sometime (not 5 minutes as informed by him before that) as he said I have "S" shape spine.

After the epidural I knocked out straight away. I got up about 7 am and felt drowsy. I was thinking how I could I focus feeling high like this. Just before 8 am my O&G came in "Oh there's the head, so now we need to work hard for the pushing". There were many cheerleaders as I was the only patient left at labour ward .I think 4 nurses, 2 student nurses, O&G and of course Hubby. Gila meriah. Few pushes, came baby Zaqrie. One of the nurses shouted "3.8 kg at 8.08 a.m.!" Hubby said I look so calm during the delivery...My parents, In laws, Maiqel & Pah were waiting outside. My O&G smiled "So Jasmina, exactly 24 hours & yet you are calm"

So now I have 2 sons, Maiqel is officially a big brother, Hubby is so proud having to boys.

My 2nd son - Zaqrie Ghazali ---This name was picked by me. I just love the name Zaqrie when I first saw the name & Ghazali is my grandfather's name (Dad's side)

Maiqel was excited but of course he wanted to see his mommy first...such a loving boy. Zaqrie looks exactly like Maiqel when he was born except the eyes. Maiqel has big round eyes & Zaqrie got his Daddy's eyes (ala2 sepet) but both have long eye lashes.

Alhamdullillah & Syukur to Allah for such a valuable gift in my life. So I guess I need to be prepared for a faster roller coaster ride.

Deja Vu

2011-01-23T16:52:00.004+08:00

When I was pregnant to Maiqel, Hubby got me a new car. After series of pujuk - memujuk as I was reluctant to let go of my 10 year old Honda Civic, finally I agreed to change the car. I have to admit that Hubby was right about changing the car - its old and its 3 doors. He felt I need a 4 door car. Based on Hubby's budget, we were looking at Vios, City (old version) & Swift. I agreed with Swift. I always love compact cars.

Deja Vu ...now that I'm expecting Baby no. 2, again Hubby suggested that I should get a new car - something bigger than Swift...jokingly I told him I want an MPV - berangan nak jadi soccer mom. Hubby felt I should get a sedan. Again I was reluctant, this time because the Swift is still relatively new and it's still good. Today he brought me to Naza showroom at TTDI. Hubby said "Alah...tengok jer, we don't have to get it now. " He did it again...he showed me the cars within his budget and asked me to get the feel of it. Then he asked the car dealer about the value of my Swift if we decide to trade in the car. The value is still good and Hubby felt its good to sell it while the value is good.

I'm confused but yeah I kinda like the cars that he suggested particularly Chevrolet Cruze (its value for money, its big, fierce looking & so far good review hehe)...oh well I need to check some details before we decide to get a new car or not.

Meanwhile...mari cuci mata & berangan.

Car 1: Chevrolet Cruze

Car 2: Mazda 3

Car 3: Peugeot 308

Asthma & Morning cough among kids

2011-01-22T12:17:00.008+08:00

Treating an asthmatic child involves a lot of time, constant monitoring, consultation with the specialist and controlling the condition of the environment. Asthma is not new among my family members. My dad, my 2nd brother, myself, nephews & nieces - yup its family history. But we grew out of it. Maiqel showed symptoms of asthma since he was 1 - the vomiting and coughs that reoccurs quite often. Only in March 2010, when he got his major asthma attack, he was given a full treatment for asthma using the aerochamber, nabulizer and physiotherapy. Alhamdullilah, since then I was able to control Maiqel's asthma condition. Through the blood test, we got to know that Maiqel is allergic towards dust mite which could have triggered the attack. Something difficult to control but we took several measures in order to prevent any future attack:

Remove carpets from the room and his play area
Service the air - conditioner
Use anti dust mite mattress cover & pillow
Occasionally spray the mattress with anti dust mite spray

Of course, occasionally there were minor wheezing episodes which we were able to administer the medication from home since we have the nebulizer machine. (if your child has asthma, it's worth to get a nebulizer machine especially if the wheezing happens at night).

However Maiqel develops a kind of persistent cough in the morning and would stop just before noon. What worries me is when he asked for milk, he'll vomit due to the irritation from the cough. I knew I have to do something since he'll be going to school. The first week was havoc, Maiqel would cough and later vomit in the car. I end up cleaning him up and the car before sending him off to school. Although he's ok in school, but he can't continuously be vomiting in the car...

The Paediatrician suspects that Maiqel maybe sensitive towards the morning air i.e. between 5 am - 6 am. She suggested that I should try to change the room air condition as to see how Maiqel reacted to different air condition. I started to switch off the air - conditioner at about 3 am and switch on the fan - the cough was worst. Then I tried to switch off the air conditioner about 4.30 - 5.00 am and only switch on the fan at about 7 am, he seems better...but the cough was still there. Of course we have the puff and the antihistamine medication to control but both the Paediatrician & I discussed and agreed that we would try to adjust the environment in order for him not to be dependable on the medication too much.

So I googled...see if I could find any answers. There was a slight relief that this is a common symptoms among kids. So after reading few articles and online forums, I took several steps based on the common experience shared by mothers from all over the world:

Manuka Honey. There are several types. I opt for 15 + total Manuka Honey Activities (is about RM 120 per tub). One teaspoon of manuka honey mix with 2-3 tablespoon of warm water , twice a day (morning before going to school & at night before sleeping).

Air purifier. We switch it on at around 10 pm. It suppose to clean the air in the room and increase humidity. There are many in the market. One officemate tried to sell one that cost RM 5000. I bought this at a hardware shop in OU - cost me RM 169. I like it due to the small size,portability, comes with a night light and easy to operate & clean.

Eucalyptus Oil. Apply twice a day - morning before school and night before sleeping. Chest, back body and foot area (quickly cover with socks).

Raise the pillow for sleeping. I usually place a soft toy under the pillow.

Sweater - kids tend to kick the blankets at night. So I'll make sure Maiqel wear a sweater at night to keep him warm.

Both Hubby & I noticed tremendous improvement in Maiqel - no more morning cough. The Paediatrician was so happy as well.

Syukur and I have to thank the Paediatrician for her advise and of course mothers out there who were willing to share their experience...May god bless all of you.

A 3 year old boy emotion

2011-01-19T09:24:00.009+08:00

We might be getting a maid sooner than expected. This girl was actually meant for my cousin, Kak Cik but she heard about my dilemma & I think she also kesian my mom for not having any assistant (Kak Cik you have always been an angel!)...I'm hoping for the best and I really hope that this maid is a good maid just like my former one but the important thing is she is good to my kids and my parents (since I'm placing the maid at my parents now). Dear God, my parents are good people...please give them a good person to assist them.

Talking about maids...many theories about her MIA episode but honestly I just hope that she is safe & happy and if she has another job, I hope these people fulfill whatever they promised her. Maiqel was very attached to the maid and even said to me "Asih is my best friend". I was not jealous at all because it is a good sign that she treated him well. Even my nephews & nieces adores her.

Many people asked me hows Maiqel doing since the maid went missing. Surprisingly Maiqel was ok. Maybe the timing was right. The Gold Coast holiday, end & early of the year leave that I took and the MCs, Maiqel practically spends most of his time with me. In fact whenever he asked about the maid. I told him the truth " Asih is missing & the police are searching for her". He replied "Oh I see". No cries, no anger & no sadness. In fact he hardly asked about the maid. And I thought he had forgotten about her.

Two days ago - while both of us resting on the bed, he asked me.

Maiqel: Mommy, where is Asih

Mommy: I told you sayang, she's missing and police is searching for her

Maiqel: I think she doesn't want to friend me anymore.

Mommy: That's not true. She likes you.

Maiqel: Why she go away?

Mommy: Maybe she wants to have her own family or maybe she has a better job.

Maiqel: I think she doesn't like me anymore.

Quickly I hugged him "Don't say that...she loves you but she has other important things to do. Remember Mommy and Daddy will always love you and I'm here, see."

Maiqel: Ok Mommy.

That night we were going through the Disney Classic DVD, so he wanted to watch Jungle Book. Half way watching the movie, he asked me "Mommy, where's the boy Mommy & Daddy?"

Crap. How am I suppose to answer this " Well, the boy got lost but not to worry, he'll meet his parents."

Just before the movie ended Maiqel asked me to switch off the show "Mommy, I don't want to watch this movie. His mommy & daddy are gone. I want to watch another show.".

Mommy still trying to persuade him that everything is going to be ok "Maiqel don't worry, is just a story" but he insisted" Please Mommy. I don't want to watch this show. Change to another show."

So we watch Peter Pan instead. I was in teary eyes when I told Hubby the whole story about what Maiqel said about the Maid & Jungle book. I told him we really need to do something extra when baby no. 2 comes into picture.

Send him to school this morning. As he entered the class, his classmates screamed "Hi Maiqel!" quickly he let go of my hand and told the teacher "I want to draw too!" and join his friends. I felt slight relief. Well I guess one day, he'll learn that his world will get bigger and there will be more people in his life. But I hope I'll still be the most important person in his life.

House Project 1: The Boys Room

2011-01-15T15:24:00.011+08:00

One thing I notice that my nesting instinct is stronger while carrying baby no. 2. Hubby saw my semangat about these stuff. First was the TV room downstairs. I told him since we are spending most of our time watching movies at home...lets have a nice flat screen TV with the proper sound system (konon like a mini cinema room at home...nah not that gempaklah). But yah...it became Hubby's private sanctuary...so I told him I should have my own TV corner too so that I can watch my shows . So we rearrange the furnitures in the master bedroom and I got my own TV section complete with a sofa for me to relax (but now it became Maiqel's TV corner) hmm....

When my maid went missing, Hubby & I agreed that we don't want to have any stay in maid. Of course its a luxury but somehow we prefer the privacy. So we decided that maybe our future maid should stay with my parents instead :). I told my mom about the idea (the arrangement is that although the maid is ours and we'll pay for it, my mom will manage the maid - the maid will take care of our kids & laundry during weekdays but the rest she'll assist my mom).

Without a stay in maid, we'll have an extra room upstairs. We have 4 rooms upstairs including the master bedroom. We have converted the multipurpose room to Hubby's mini office since he works most of the time even at home during weekend. We use to have an empty room which the maid use it to do ironing.

So we decided that the former maid's room to be a multipurpose room i.e. ironing/guest/prayer room. The empty room now will be the boys room. I decided it's time for Maiqel and baby no. 2 to have a proper room. I want the boys to have a fun looking room, a place to play and eventually learn to sleep in this room so that mom & dad can finally have total privacy again hehe. So this is one of my project after my confinement period. We even went to Ikea to look at suitable furniture and of course to estimate the budget. Hubby volunteered to paint the room! Yippeee...and surprisingly he said "Up to you how you want the room to look like" - ahhh! I have the freedom (most of the time Hubby will be the one who dictates about the house deco). In fact I want Maiqel to contribute to some of the decorating ideas.

Check out some of my inspirations:

Budget seems ok...hopefully angan-angan ini menjadi kenyataan. I can even upload before & after pics...like I said it will be after my confinement period. Timeline: End of March 2011

Happy New Year

2011-01-09T22:41:00.007+08:00

Not too late to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Year 2010 was tough, at office and home. The unit was under staff so we had to work really hard to cover each other. We had to work late and travel outstation since we conduct cases all over Malaysia. Imagine there were 10 of us before and in 2010 they were only 5 of us. Home was mainly Maiqel's asthma condition. His major attack was in March and I had to be alert all the time especially when the triggering factor is dustmite (something that is so hard to control). Thank god I had a capable maid to assist me (but now she's missing/ran away) - I really hope she ran and in a safe place. Well you can't help to have a soft spot on someone that took care of your child for more than 3 years. Of course 2010 ended wonderfully in terms of my end of the year review - being in a big organization, competition is tough but alhamdullillah I manage to get the due recognition - rezeki Maiqel & baby No. 2

The start of 2011 was interesting and exciting. Maiqel first time in pre- school. I know most people (especially my family members) thinks I'm kiasu and being over protective. Now, Maiqel is not like any normal kids (not that he's abnormal) but I can say he's different. Maiqel has a mind of his own and parents at the pre - school said the same thing. When other kids were busy singing - he went out and check out other people's class. He loves to run. The first day, the assistant teacher had to chase after him as he was running around the school compound. But the thing that worries me the most is his asthma condition. He coughs when it's dusty or when he gets very active...which resulted to vomiting. Alhamdullillah so far so good...in fact he has improved. Oh well the teachers are all old timers, I'm sure they've handled all kind of kids before this. The school is run by the Good Shepherd Sisters since 1959 (initially in Ampang and later moved to Damansara Heights in 1970's). I always felt that missionary school has one of the best approach in education - the discipline and the dedication of the teachers. I still remember my Assunta days. Of course most muslim parents were sceptical in terms of religious issues. Well, I was in Assunta for 6 years and I never (even a single day) heard any form of preaching on Christianity - in fact we have a special building for our Agama Class. Well, I just wanted Maiqel to have a good start in terms of certain core value in life, especially on racial integration and I felt I may get it here. I was so happy to see that he has a very good mixture of race in the class - 20% Malays, 20% Chinese, 20% Indian & 20% expatriates (European/Japanese). Oh yah, they do have proper Agama class too for the Muslim kids. Another reason why I chose the school is because of the facilities -the pre-school sprawled on a 3.4 acres piece of land with large playgrounds, Computer lab , Sand and water play, Air-conditioned multi-purpose hall,large and well-ventilated classrooms, Library building and science garden. Ok Maiqel sayang, Mommy & Daddy spend alot to pay for this school - belajar rajin-rajin yah.

Another exciting thing about 2011 is that our small little family will be expecting Baby no. 2 soon. I pray everything goes well with the delivery and of course the baby. I was pretty nervous when my maid went missing but Mom & Dad gave me their commitments to help me out (sampai KIV all their overseas trips). I was also touched when my 2nd brother offered his maid to assist me since all his kids are going to school in the afternoon. Not that I am reluctant to get another Indon maid but they are too many runaway stories and we need a trustworthy one. His maid Marni was originally my mom's maid for 4 years then my mom passed it to my brother. She's been working for the family for almost 10 years. I hope Dad's mission to get a local maid will be a success.

Since we are expecting another boy, there were nothing much to prepare. Most of Maiqel's baby equipments & outfits are in very good condition (invest in quality outfits and if you intend to have another baby - store it in a sealed container). That's why when Hani asked me the stuff I need for baby no.2, I had to really think...end up listing stuff like TinyTapir carrier, bottle & food warmer etc. Thank you gals for the gift. Oh yah I'll be enjoying full pay 90 days maternity leave...yipeee!!!!

Ahhh...anytime. Praying very...very...hard!

Mokhtar's Clan Family Trip to Gold Coast: 5 & 6

2010-12-24T15:26:00.011+08:00

What is a holiday without shopping. Our next programme was shopping at Australia's famous brand outlet - Harbour Town! [Of course Huda, nothing can beat US Outlets (dengan nada cemburu terhadap Huda)] ...Didn't get anything for myself - well maybe few tops. Other than that its all about shopping for Maiqel & Baby No. 2. Yes I went overboard. One thing I like about the Harbour Town was the food especially Pastries and hmmm Dairy products ( I think they have happy cows there)

We had lunch at the near by park in Broadwater. There was a food kiosk i.e. Charis Seafood which sells take away seafood. While having lunch we enjoyed watching people feeding the Pelican birds as well as the kids chasing after seagulls. After lunch was Movieworld....again! Adults can't get enough of the roller coasters and kids with their rides. Maiqel & Sufyan went wild with the Looney Toons water park.

Annoying seagulls

Pelican Birds kelaparan

Seafood...nyum!

Aperlah best main air

Pregger & Kids waiting...

The next day was Free & Easy. Some of us decided to continue with shopping (me!). Later we went to Surfers Paradise to visit the usual suspects like Hard Rock Cafe...of course the best part was riding on the Aquaduck i.e. a Hybrid Bus that travels on land & water. Of course the happiest people on the Aquaduck was Maiqel, Sufyan & Liyana as the Captain allowed them to drive the Aquaduck when it was cruising in the water.

It was the best family holiday ever that the kids still talk about it until today....Tak sempat plane landing, all of us dah start planning for another family holiday. 2011... cuti-cuti Malaysia (any suggestions?) but 2012 - Family Holiday Hong Kong & Macau (although Abah still attempt to lobby for Perth)

Mokhtar's Clan Family Trip to Gold Coast: Part 4

2010-12-17T18:21:00.009+08:00

Its Movieworld! Everyone had fun....in fact we came back the next day to make sure we try out all the rides. Movieworld has a special park meant for smaller kids. Kiddies version of roller coasters, bumpercars & solero shots. But my best moment was when Maiqel went on the Pounce & Bounce Ride (Kiddies version of Solero Shot).

Before going on the ride, he was so excited and keep on saying "My turn! My turn!". Now...let the pictures below tell the rest of the story...

Still donno what to expect. Both her Kakak Leyana & Shera accompanied him.

My little boy still blur

Panic Moments

This is when he cried "Help me Sufyan!!!!!"

The guy incharge of the ride even asked me if I want him to stop the ride.

Sorry sayang, it was a tough love call, Mommy said "Its ok, no need"

The rest of matsaleh parents laughed.

Still screaming

I'm so proud of you baby!

Ok check FB for the rest of the pics.

Mokhtar's Clan Family Trip to Gold Coast: Part 3

2010-12-06T12:15:00.008+08:00

This trip was my second trip to Gold Coast. The first time was during my honeymoon. Both Din & I just fell in love with Gold Coast that when my family suggested for a family trip, we didn't mind to go back there again.

As you can see this trip was designed for the kids to have fun. Since it's Sunday, we avoid the major attractions like Movieworld and decided to go to Currumbin Wildlife Park - of course to check out the Australian animals like Kangaroos, Koalas and Tazmanian Devil.

It was fun. I just discovered that my son, nephews & nieces are advanterous bunch of people. After every animal show they would rushed in front in order to hold the animals...including snakes & crocodile. Maiqel is not a fan of camera...but he gave us a big smile to the camera when he was holding the snake and the crocodile. Mommu from far dah naik bulu roma. I wanted to upload the pics that Maiqel took with the snake & crocodile but been too busy to scan. Nantilah...maybe I'll upload it later.

First bro managed to locate a shop selling fresh halal meat. So we had makan besar that night. Black paper chicken, Beef Curry & Kurma Daging..nyum!

Rombongan Keluarga Mokhtar

On the Choo...choo train

What are you doing baby kangaroo...

Waiting to to hold the snake...ewww

Bergotong - royong untuk dinner

Rest of the pics in FB. More to come after this.

Mokhtar's Clan Family Trip to Gold Coast: Part 2

2010-12-01T17:23:00.010+08:00

One of the best part about this family vacation was Mom’s action in the kitchen. Since Subuh was around 4 am, by 5 am Mom would be busy preparing breakfast for the whole family . Early riser like me & my niece Leyana would be waiting anxiously for the breakfast. Mom of course forced me to help her out in the kitchen. The usual breakfast menu – scramble eggs, French toast & fried rice. But I was addicted to one thing – the coffee flavored fresh milk….ohhhhh…so creamy & tasty.

Breakfast and my niece Shera looking sleepy

After breakfast, we headed to SeaWorld. 2nd bro purchased VIP card package for the whole family i.e. unlimited access to SeaWorld, Movieworld & Wet & Wild until June 2011. It was a good deal for us.

Us infront of SeaWorld

The kids enjoyed the shows as well as the Sesame Street Park. I didn’t realize Maiqel loves Elmo. He insisted to take picture with Elmo (those that you have to purchase the picture by end of the day – of course Mom had to give in, I mean how many times you get to visit Gold Coast). He even gave Elmo a big hug and ignored the rest of the Sesame Street characters !Adults especially my brothers could not resist the Roller Coasters. Of course preggers like me…just have to sit and watch.

Maiqel was the happiest kid when he saw his bestfriend – Sharks! This is when my baby boy showed his knowledge on the different types of sharks. One of my SIL pointed at one shark and said its hammerhead. Little Maiqel corrected her “No, its Angelsharks”. He was not even afraid to touch the Stingrays and Starfish.

Sharks!

Waiting to touch Stingrays

Hmm....this thing is pretty handy for me

Starfish

If you are planning to go to SeaWorld – please try the ice-cream – oh sangat sedap and I also love the fish & chips. Not to forget it has Prayer Room for Muslims (including Movieworld). I bought a lot of Sesame Street stuff for Maiqel on that day. My favorite purchase was the Elmo Fisherman Hat.

Mommy infront of Sesame Street Shop and Sleeping Maiqel

Dinner prepared by Mom – Rice, Prawn Sambal & Fish Curry. Yummy!

Mokhtar's Clan Family Trip to Gold Coast: Part 1

2010-11-30T14:25:00.013+08:00

After numerous e-mails and calls between my brothers and the relevant parties in Australia the day finally arrived! Mokhtar's Clan Family Trip to Gold Coast. Everyone especially the kids were excited when they board the plane. Maiqel even told the stewardess that he's going to see sharks in Australia.

I was pretty nervous travelling with AirAsia as this is my first time using it for a long haul journey, plus I'm 7 months pregnant! But I have to say I am more than satisfied with the service. For journey to Australia & Europe, AirAsia is using the brand new Airbus with new seats. I think it was launched March this year...lucky us!. The seats are comfortable and enough leg rooms. The family members were all satisfied! The flight was smooth and quiet (thank you to the new generation of Airbus).

Munawir aka Bang Chaq (Bro. No. 1) & Kak Azah (SIL no. 1)

Radziah (SIL no. 3) & kids - Sufyan & Leyana

Dad, Mom & Muzaffar (Bro. No. 3)

Kak Noreda (SIL no. 2 ) with kids no. 5 & 3 - Alya & Shera

Munahar (Bro No. 2) with kids no. 4 & 2 - Elisha & Amir

Bro. No. 2 eldest son - Syafiq!

Me & Yawning Maiqel

Hubby & Maiqel aka Little Batman

We arrived approximately 7 am Gold Coast time. It was a beautiful morning. Immigration & Custom checks went well. The golden rule about Australian Custom check - just declare everything...In fact I put all the items in one big transparent zip lock bag (eg. medication, dried food & dairy products). My mom was the happiest person since the Custom officer allowed all items through. Of course they were shock looking at the number of instant sauces e.g. kurma, curry, sambal etc. that she brought from Malaysia. My mom's answer " I have to feed 10 adults and 8 kids for this holiday". The custom officer smiled and laughed.

Gold Coast from the sky at about 7 a.m. (GC time)

My 3 brothers headed to the car rental counters and managed to get 8 seater Hyundai Imax and Toyota Estima together with GPS for each cars. With all the strollers and big bags, my brothers somehow managed to fit everything & everyone in. Since the check in time was 2 pm, we headed to Australian Fair for brunch and grocery shopping.

The arrival & trying to fit everything in

After we got the keys from the Real Estate office, we went straight to the Holiday Property at Bellara St. , Ashmore (approximately 15 minutes from city centre and yet it's located in a very peaceful suburbs, next to a beautiful river. Its a 3 storey banglo with 7 bedrooms, 6 bathroom, kitchen, swimming pool & laundry (the owner even provide us with kitchen utensils - enough to organize a party!). Each floors has its own cable TV, one room even designed for the kids complete with toys and not to forget Playstation too. Maiqel, my nephews & nieces just enjoyed their time with the toys & of course playstation. We decided not to go anywhere that evening in order to enjoy the house and of course the view of the river. If you are planning to go to Gold Coast and travelling in big group like us (especially as a family) and interested to rent this property or anything similar to it , you can check out First National Broadbeach website. The real estate agent provide various holiday houses depending on the number of people. It was a beautiful house with classic decorations (oh well the house owner is an interior designer, should I explain more). Special thanks to my father who sponsored the accommodation.

The holiday house & the surroundings

We had chinese fried rice for dinner and had a good night sleep that night. Check out the rest of Part one pictures here

Stay tune for part 2 of the trip!

What are you cooking Honey?

2010-11-02T14:24:00.007+08:00

Unlike Zeti’s husband, my husband does not cook. Oh well except for Maggie whenever he’s too hungry during his 2am – 4am movie weekends.

I told Hubby that I intend to rest last weekend. I was too tired that I feel like sleeping the whole weekend (but kesian Maiqel, it’s his jalan-jalan time). Suddenly Hubby volunteered to cook. So sweet!

For Hubby cooking means BBQ. Hubby loves having BBQ that he intends to build a permanent BBQ structure outside the house. He’s even more excited when there is a new Deli at BJ selling fresh meat from Australia “Ayar Rock”. I’m not a fan of BBQ honestly. But dah ada tukang volunteer nak masak. Why notkan?

Anyway, thanks hubby for the wonderful dinner…I think I’m going to declare another lazy day this weekend.

Maiqel " Say Shark!"

The Cook a.k.a Hubby

Tiger Prawns (Fresh from Kota Kinabalu)

Chicken (special request from the Maid)

Burger....look at the size!

Rib eye!

Healthier choice : Brown Button Mushrooms

Boss kecik enjoying his meal

www.sooyaree.com

2010-11-01T17:44:00.004+08:00

Dear Saving Account,

I told myself not to shop on unnnecessary things this month since we are going off to Gold Coast Australia. But....my friend Huda Shegrud posted a beautiful Blue Etienne Aigner Tucson Tote which I could not resist...I can imagine myself with the bag matched with my pre-pregnancy blue jeans (hopefully).

The bag looks so practical and perfect for Mommy to two boys and yes...my friend Huda said the leather is very soft. Oh! Splendid!

The bag shall be a good motivation for me to lose weight after giving birth to baby No. 2.

I shall behave in Gold Coast. Shopping only for Maiqel & Baby No. 2.

Yummy!

P/S: Dear Huda. You shall hear from me in December 2010/early January 2011. I think I'm going to get a handbag for Puan Jawahir. She likes soft leather with loads of compartments. Inilah akibatnya ada member yang menetap di US dan punyai citarasa yang amat bagus.

BJ Spring Cleaning

2010-10-26T00:00:00.002+08:00

I've been bugging abang botak aka Hubby on the above matter. Telling him to arrange with his brother for the rearrangement of some furniture in the house. But we've been too busy with programmes & work.

Until Hubby told me last Friday that his brother could come over on Saturday. Yippee! Now the big tv is in the master bedroom . I now have my own private TV area (only fair since the TV room is a private sanctuary for Hubby).

We have also relocate Maiqel's play area (last time it used to be everywhere in the room but now one specific area only).

Thought of posting some pics...laterlah - need to put up those wall decoration for Maiqel's play area, the nursery and my study corner. Yeah...the Master Bedroom in BJ is really huge.

Since I was so happy - we had huge crabs for dinner!

Maiqel's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-10-18T23:15:00.007+08:00

"Morning Mummy, its morning already!" Maiqel was all excited last Saturday. He knew we're having his party that day.

We decided to have it at KFC rather than at home due to my tight schedule this year. Yes, it was so convenient. I just had to get a cake, a shark balloon & some extra door gift (to add on to KFC's door gift).

I was trying to get him to sleep in the afternoon but nope the cheeky boy just can't stop talking about his party.

The kids enjoyed the party but the havoc came when the adults participated in the games. Everyone from grandma, aunties/uncles & cousins were very sporting...siap sanggup buka baju ok. Like Din said "Wah everyone so semangat

Of course the highlight of the moment was the cheeky dance between Mr. Cheeky & Maiqel. I didn't realise Maiqel could really shake his body & he's not shy at all!

He also love the shark cake by Kak Cik (special thanks to Farah Husna for bringing the cake to the party).

Maiqel told me that he was so happy with the party and today he asked me if tomorrow is his birthday party. "No sayang, your birthday is next year yah? What theme do you want to have next year?"

"ahhh...i like Dinasours"

Mummy "Ok we'll have Dinasour Party"

Maiqel " Can we have Dinasours & Shark Party"

Mummy " No sayang, you can only pick one."

He agreed "Ok Dinasour"

Anyway feel free to look at the pictures here. Looking at how much Maiqel love the party this year and just can't stop talking about it...hmmm...maybe I should have a big one next year hehe.