So my firstborn turned 5 years old on 3 January 2012.
She chose a Tom & Jerry cake eventually. Brought her to the cake shop to choose and I was quite surprised she did not want a Hello Kitty cake. She was like, “Mummy, I enjoy watching Tom & Jerry so much. Let’s buy the cake for my Cat Party.”
And since it was going to be a Cat party, her goody bags had to somewhat look like cats too. Duh. So I decided DIY-ed the goody bags – bought the clear bags and printed papers from Daiso, the goodies from NTUC, and drew out the eyes, ears, nose and whiskers myself. Thank goodness Tatek was around to help me out, so we managed to get the goody bags done within hours! 
Nice or not?
Can la hor!
It is just my poor girl’s luck that her birthday will always and forever fall on the first day of school every single year. Definitely no class parties for her but I am more than thankful that Teacher Suhailah managed to squeeze in a bit of celebration for Sharleez and her classmates, took pictures of the celebration for me, and even whatsapp-ed me the pictures thereafter. Thank you Teacher Suhailah so very much.
Thank you dearest Hannah & family for the gift!
So yeah, Sharleez started kindergarten last Tuesday, and it was basically a wild week filled with all sorts of emotions for me, and obviously for my girls as well. Oh yes, Mysha and Myreen started Nursery 2 last Tuesday. Hehehe and they are both in the same class still, together. Looks like they will be each other’s BFF (Best Friend Forever) again.
Their first day of school provided me with a SUPER HUGE reminder of the importance of always being in the moment with the girls. I think I an stress enough on the importance of it all. I was almost confident that I would cry on the first day of school. The day before school started, I could not sleep (just like most mummies) because I was simply too emotional. So many thoughts on my mind, and I was almost in denial that my girls have grown yet a year older. I knew that I could not longer hold on to my girls ever so tightly like before, and that it was time for me to release them slightly but surely, into the big world. The change was overwhelming that it knocked me down and took my breath away the moment I sent them to their classrooms. When I saw how Mysha and Myreen looked at me with those sad eyes, I had to control myself from crying or going over to them because I knew deep down inside that they would be fine. I mean, their teachers will not eat them up or anything, right? And their cute little friends look pretty harmless too.And relating to my past experience as a teacher, obtrusive parents will only make it tougher for the teacher and kids to settle down quickly. So I put up a brave front, said goodbye to them, and left. Of course I still needed some reassurance from Tatek, and he was like, “Don’t worry la oi, you know they will be okay what!” Urghhh. This Tatek is always so cool and composed one. How can?! I am sure you mummies can relate to this, right? We mummies are a bunch of emotional wrecks plus drama mamas, aren’t we? But we are also the chosen ones to be mummies, so let’s take pride in that.
Sometimes it is just so hard for us mummies to learn to let go but I guess we have to, bit by bit. I am always telling myself this just to make myself feel better about letting go – overprotective or authoritarian parents will most of the time, result in the kids growing up as underprepared children. It is good to be protective, but sometimes don’t you think that we overestimate the dangers in the normal world and deprive our kids of coping skills and fun? And when parents are overprotective, the kids will know that expectations are big, and may therefore feel compelled to lie or conceal their actual behavior. That’s not what we want, right? That’s not what I want, for sure. It will be tough for some of us, but we all need to somehow start somewhere if we want the best for our kids.
So dear Sharleez Nadya,
Happy Turning 5 Kakak! You told me that day that you are now already a big girl, and can do so many things on your own already. I don’t think so. INDEED YOU ARE A BIG GIRL! :S
You have been such a joy and pride. I am super thankful to have such an independent and confident young girl as my daughter. You are ever so sensitive to others’ feelings, and you are always inspiring me to be a better parent. The dua that you never fail to recite each night just tells so much about the wonderful person you are.
“Bismillahirahmanirahim.
Dear Allah, please keep me healthy and strong.
Please keep us safe.
Please make Mummy and Daddy happy.
Make Adik happy.
Make everyone happy.
Make me cycle well, make me swim well, make me learn well.
Amin insya’allah.”
Insya’allah, God will keep this family of ours safe always.
No matter how big you think you already are, please always allow me to tuck you into bed. Hahaha!
I am so glad you enjoyed the little Cat party on your birthday, and the wonderful gifts from everyone who loves you. It was so heartwarming to see everyone present during your party. Even your Mama E changed her flight just to be there for you. Nana and Dada as usual, prepared a wonderful spread for you, the birthday girl. It was nasi lemak with lots of side dishes like cocktail sausages, fishcakes, otah, crabmeat, Mexican drumlets, and fishballs. You are indeed blessed, but I just hope that when you are bigger and more independent, you will always remember how much you are loved, and that you will have your family no matter what happens. Always be there for your family too because family matters.
You told me this as we were watching Deliver Me few days back.
“Mummy, is giving birth painful? When I am bigger , am already a mummy and can take the pain, I want to give birth from the v/a/g/i/n/a, and be just like you.”
Let me tell you this, I think you will be a wonderful mummy when your time comes one fine day. I just have that strong feeling, Sharleez Nadya.
But for now..
Enjoy being 5!
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Are you married?
Some questions for you to ponder, firstly.
- Do you think you and your spouse have somewhat lost that loving feeling?
- Is there now a big wall of silence in between you both?
- Do you want to make the marriage work but don’t know how to?
- Do you want to communicate with your spouse but find it so difficult to mouth out your thoughts?
- Or do you somehow suspect that your spouse is loving you less because he/she is loving someone else more behind your back? Is your spouse denying it?
- Or is it just you who is being so overly suspicious of your spouse’s every move just because he/she is not giving you enough attention?
Do you want to fall in love with each other all over again & make the marriage work? First thing you need to do is to tear down that wall of barrier, I say. How to?
BY GOING FOR COUPLES’ RETREAT CINTA NAN SATU.
This Couples’ Retreat is organized especially for Muslim couples who have been married for 10 years or less. You will both take a coach bus to Pulai Spring Resort & Spa in Johor Bahru and spend the weekend together from 4 February to 5 February 2012. And believe it or not, you just need to pay SGD155 per couple!
Have you seen Pulai Spring Resort & Spa, my friend?
WOW.
Looks like a 5-star resort right? And SGD155 for 2D1N stay with your spouse? I must say it is a deal not to be missed! Pulau Spring Resort & Spa is an award winning world-class resort with 5-star facilities! Click HERE to find more about Pulai Spring Resort Spa.
Ok stop.
At this point of time, I know that some of you must already be thinking of your kids. Who to babysit them, right? Well ,don’t worry. If you really cannot find anyone to babysit your kids, you can bring them along for the Couples’ Retreat. Extra charges apply, of course. Aiyah, then defeats the whole purpose of going for a Couples’ Retreat when the kids are tagging along, right? Not necessarily. You see, there will be programmes planned for kids (3 to 10 years old) during the Retreat. So your kids will be with you at Pulau Spring Resort & Spa, but not exactly be with you at the same time, get it? You and your spouse will still get to do fun romantic activities together without having to worry about your kids. This is such a wonderful arrangement because I know there are some parents like me out there who are still a bit skeptical about leaving the kids behind. I would have signed up for this Couples’ Retreat too if not for my Gold Coast trip which falls on the same day.
Put it this way, if you treasure your marriage, you will know that you will need some time alone with each other every now and then to restore the spark of love in your marriage. Sometimes, you focus too much of your time and energy on your children and the stresses of the busy world to even realize each other’s existence. By the time you are done with work and your daily responsibilities, you will be too tired for each other. The marriage feels tired too. Do not let it carry on. Do something about it!
Marriage is a work in progress, at the end of the day.
And won’t you just look at the Children’s Pool? My Nadyas will definitely love this!
And the Kids’ Playroom!
How convenient, there is even a room for prayers!
During the retreat, there will be lots of activities planned just for you and your. Attractive prizes like LCD TV, DVD player, Netbook Computer and camera await you too! And if you are lucky, you might just one of the prizes! So you see, you will be getting far more than what you will be paying for! Couples retreats are such a wonderful escape from everything, even if it’s just for a while. While you are on the marriage retreat, you may rediscover things about each other that were long forgotten over the years of marriage. You may discover that you do love each other very much and that the problems you face in your marriage are really just small issues. Communication is key in any relationship, and it is important to say what you need and listen to whatever that your spouse has to say too. You will definitely learn various types of ways to work make the marriage work. And because there will other couples as well, it will be a fun learning experience together. No need to be paisey even!
By attending the Couples’ Retreat, you will
- Re-visit your love for one another & assess how your relationship has brought you to where you are now,
- Develop a shared vision of the future of your marriage,
- Re-explore the joy and happiness you once knew by thinking about your mutual interests and value systems
- Turn the problems you are facing currently into assets that will strengthen your marriage.
- Examine why the intimacy and closeness are no longer present in your relationship & think of creative ways you can bring these qualities back into the marriage,
- Think of ways you can build upon to stay connected with each other.
But most importantly, you will get to spend quality time with one another!
For more details on COUPLES’ RETREAT CINTA NAN SATU, please refer to the following. Click on the picture for a larger view.
Do not hesitate to contact Ms. Haslinda at 91276163 or prowise2005@gmail.com for enquiries or bookings.
Remember to do so by 31 January 2012 because as usual-FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
So you ask me what’s next after the retreat? Can things go back to normal for sure?
Insya’allah they can. You need just one thing though – conscious effort. That’s what it usually takes for your marriage to stay afloat.
I like to think that thanks to conscious effort, I am still happily to my wonderful husband. I do hope our wonderful marriage will last till eternity. 
And I hope yours will too. Insya’allah.
“In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage.”
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It’s confession time.
I have been reminiscing a lot recently, mostly about my girls when they were still babies.
JUST LOOK AT THE BIG EYED MYSHA! Argghhhhhhhh.
AND THE SMALL EYED MYREEN! Double Arghhhhhh!
AND THE I-DONT-WANT-TO-HEAR-A-THING SHARLEEZ! Triple ARGHHHHHHHHH!
I miss having a tiny baby in my arm, or haha one baby in each arm. I miss that sweet baby smell. I miss those warm, tiny hands holding mine. I miss their toothless smiles. I miss folding tiny baby clothes and giggling at how small they are. I miss all those wonderful firsts – first smile, first word, first crawl, first giggle, first steps, and…
MY FIRST SQUIRT OF BREAST MILK.
I will never forget this picture because besides the fact that my left eye was swollen, the twins’ arrival really changed everything and made me realize what motherhood is *REALLY* about.
Just look at how happy Sharleez was to be the big sister to not one but two baby girls! Awwwww.
And oh my goodness, I miss breastfeeding so much. Nothing can be more amazing than to be able to nourish another human being and connecting them in so many ways while doing so. Sharleez was breastfed longer than Mysha and Myreen and it was partly because she was a singleton. Believe me, I tried my very best to go longer with my twins. Even tried the football hold, crisscross position, and parallel position too! What other methods did I not try? But gosh, when both twins wanted to be fed at the same time all the time, I decided to partially breastfeed them. They were babies then, what did they know about taking turns and waiting to be fed? With Sharleez, I could have gone longer too had I not been pregnant with Myreen and Mysha. When I was still teaching back then, I remember always feeling very excited each time the school bell rang because it meant I could finally go home to Sharleez and surrender my err..boobs to her? The moment I reached the house gate, I would see Sharleez crawling/walking/running to the gate. The joy in her face was beyond words. I would immediately carry her to the room, lie down on the bed with her, and breastfeed her for as long as she wanted.
Want to know my secret to good breastfeeding?
First way to increase your milk supply is to ensure that you eat well and get enough nutrients, and one good way of doing so is just by drinking ANMUM Lacta Milk Powder.
Anmum Lacta is the only milk specially formulated for breastfeeding mums in Singapore and contains DHA. DHA is naturally found in breastmilk. Anmum Lacta also contains Gangliosides, Sialic Acid and DHA. Gangliosides are complex fat components found in brain tissues. And the best thing of it all, Anmum Lacta is low on calories but excellent on taste. So you do not have to worry too much about gaining more weight by drinking Anmum Lacta.
Sometimes, breastfeeding mums find it hard to find time for themselves, what more to eat properly and take in the right amounts of nutrients for themselves and their child? Therefore, drinking two glasses of Anmum daily really helps. I tried it and just like Anmum Materna, it is neither too thick, too sweet, too creamy, or too rich. Try it yourself to believe me!
And of course, in order to have a good supply of breast milk, you need to breastfeed regularly. The initial stage of breastfeeding is not easy, what with the sore breasts, lack of milk, and yeah latching on difficulties, but the only way to increase supply of breast milk is to keep up with the demand. Basic Economics. Even if you are not with your baby, you still have to PUMP! So it’s either breastfeed every 2 hours or pump every 2 hours. No MCs. No off days. No public holidays. If truth be told, when I was still teaching back then, I almost went berserk in school every day trying to find time to express my breast milk. So on days when I had two to three periods free, I would spend one full period pumping. On days when I had only one free period, I would still use that period to pump. It did not matter that I did not get to sit down to take a breather because as long as I got to express, I was already one happy bunny. So my point is, no matter how busy you can get at work or anywhere else, when you are a breastfeeding mum, you have got to make time to express your milk. If I could do it, so can you!
You want to know how much breastfeeding my girls meant to me?
Here’s an excerpt from my old blog again.
And mind you, I was not fully breastfeeding my twins but I could still be that affected. See, even though M&Ms were not fully breastfed, I took great pride in whatever latching on period I had with them. The expressed milk meant so much more to me than Tiffany & Co. even. Why, my expressed milk contained the perfect combination of gems like protein, vitamins and of course Gangliosides, Sialic Acid and DHA.
So breastfeeding mummies, keep on breastfeeding for as long as you can. And get as much nutrients you can because always remember that your baby drinks whatever you take in.
The following email is from CT Farhana who drank Anmum Lacta while breastfeeding.
Mummies, if you are still contemplating whether or not to breastfeed your baby, perhaps you might want to read the following too.
7 REASONS WHY BREASTFEEDING IS BEST FOR BABIES:
1. Breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immune system
Studies show that babies who have been breastfed exclusively have better functioning immune systems and have added protection against allergies, asthma, Crohn’s disease, eczema, heart disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, respiratory infections, and Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Breastmilk contains antibodies and gives an infant immunity to illnesses that the mother is immune to. Also, if a baby is exposed to a germ, he/she will transfer it back to the mother while nursing. The mother’s body will then manufacture antibodies to that particular germ and transfer them back to the baby at the next feeding.
2. Breastfeeding is good for your baby’s brain
Breastfed babies tend to have higher IQs than babies fed with infant formula. An 18-year study of over 1,000 children showed that kids who were breastfed achieved more academically than kids who were formula-fed as babies. Interestingly, breastfed babies spend more time in what is called the “quiet alert” state, which is most conducive for learning.
3. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity
Breast milk contains high levels of adiponectin, a protein which affects how the body processes fat. Low levels of adiponectin have been associated with coronary artery disease, insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The risk of obesity appears to be lowered the longer a child is breastfed.
4. Breastfeeding helps babies develop emotionally
Babies need to be held. The physical act of nursing is one of the most comforting things for a newborn. Leaving a baby alone with a bottle does not make him/her feel safe or secure. Breastfeeding also stimulates the release of the hormone, oxytocin, which facilitates maternal behavior and bonding between mothers and their newborns.
5. Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of cancer and other diseases
Breastfeeding women were shown to have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis later in life.
6. Breastfeeding helps mothers lose weight faster
Mothers who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster. A woman needs about 500 calories daily to produce milk and breastfeed – the equivalent of a 5-mile jog. Breastfeeding also stimulates contractions in the uterus that help it go back to its normal, pre-pregnancy size faster and reduce lower body fat.
7. Breastfeeding helps save time and money
Mothers don’t have to prepare bottles and infant formula because breast milk is always fresh and ready to go. The economy has been tough and mothers can save some money because they don’t need to buy infant formula. Breastfed babies also tend to require fewer visits to the doctor and therefore,decreased medical expenses.
So do give breastfeeding a try at least, my fellow mummies.
For the greatest journey you will ever take, trust only Anmum.
And it’s definitely double the joy too when both you and your baby are healthy!
As for me, it was double the joy to be able to breastfeed my twins Mysha and Myreen, even if it was for a short period only.
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A picture says a thousand words.
Very cliche but hey, that’s the best thing about journalistic photography, or photojournalism – you tell a story with the photos. It is therefore understandable why journalistic photography has taken off in popularity nowadays. You want your wedding photos to tell your story and you want them to be full of emotions, yes?
Pixareuz Photography specializes in journalistic and fine art photography. I am particularly impressed by how they are always able to capture the details, people, and emotions in their photos. It’s like when you look at the photos, you would not even think that the photographer influenced the event or instructed the people in the photos to fake their emotions. Their photos look so natural and genuine but yet, very breathtakingly beautiful. I know, I know. Some of us are rather skeptical about not looking our absolute best in photos, so to have the photographer capture the moments with us posing for them or even realizing they were captured is TOO BIG A RISK. True? Not necessarily. It all depends on who your photographer is, really.
The trained photographer from Pixareuz Photography knows what to photograph and how to photograph it in order to really capture the essence of the event while ensuring at the same time that the bride and groom look their best in every photo. And the best thing of all, since journalistic photography requires minimal posing, bride and groom go through a low level of stress too. Hehehe!
But should you decide to leave it to the photographer to make you look your best, and if you do not mind posing a bit more to create the moment, there’s always fine art photography. When a photo matches the creative vision of the photographer and successfully tells the story, that’s fine art photography! It’s like seeing the world through the mind of the photographer. You are not just posing for the camera or the photographer – you are posing to create the essence of your big day so that when you look at your wedding album in the few years to come, you will be able to recall still why that particularly photo was taken, and what exactly happened.
Don’t believe me? Just look at the following photos by Pixareuz Photography, and instantly feel the moment.
Thank you Pixareuz Photography for the pictures and the touching stories they each tell.
If you want to see more of Pixareuz Photography, and maybe meet-and-greet the photographer, Syukri, then you might want to say a big hi to them during Mega Xpress Wedding Expo (Hall 6) from 12-15 January 2012! They are really friendly people and mind you, this is definitely not the first time I am promoting Pixareuz Photography. I only like working with nice people, you see?
My blog readers, this is for you. Pixareuz Photography will be giving away $100 vouchers for the FIRST 5 BLOG READERS who flash the vouchers to them either in printed form or direct from their hp. Here’s the voucher. You know what to do! But you have got to do it really fast!
Additional discounts will also be given to the FIRST 10 CUSTOMERS, so do drop by at Mega Express Wedding Expo (Hall 6) once again from 2-15 January 2012 and run as fast as you can to Pixareuz Photography’s booth. They will be at row W6!
REMEMBER, ROW W6!
NAH! The full details plus Pixareuz Photography’s new logo!
The best memory of your big day can only be relieved by your wedding photos – the genuine loving look, the laughter, the tears, and the hugs captured as a fleeting moment in time.
YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY.
Make the best out of it.
I wish you all the best!
Oh by the way have I told you that marriage life is beautiful? It really is. :)
For enquries, you can always contact the photographer, Syukri at 96914078. Alternatively, email them at pixareuz@live.com
Wait.
You do know I was referring to enquiries on bridal photography packages NOT marriage, right?
Do not scare away Syukri.
(I have to admit though that it will be quite hilarious!)
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What’s my New Year’s resolution?
Ask me this last year and my reply would be, TO STOP MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION. I guess I never felt the importance of having at least one resolution before because I did not stick to them or implement them anyway. I forgot all about my past resolutions and abandoned them within a month or two after making them. Maybe that’s the reason why many of us do not bother to make a New Year Resolution – such a waste of time and our brain cells to even come up with one. Right?
WRONG. VERY THE WRONG.
At least for me la. You see, 2011 has been a very trying year for me. So many changes, so many challenges, so many revelations, and most importantly, so many reflection moments for me. There were so many things that happened that made me go “Why did I let this happen?” or “What’s wrong with me? I could have done better.” And then, to coax myself, I would tell myself that come 2012, everything will be different and better. But if I were to keep telling myself that every time without really having at least one resolution to stick to by hook or by crook, then THINGS WILL NEVER GET BETTER AND CHANGES WILL NEVER BE MADE.
Living a life without a plan or desire means my life will not change and will never change. I will be doing the same thing every single year. I will be in the same place as I were a year ago. To move forward, I need a destination. And that destination is my goal, my resolution, my change.
Want to know my resolutions? I am going to jot them down now because I want to be able to refer to them in 2012. And should I slacken at any point of time, then I deserve all the spankings in the world because I have been a bad, bad girl.
RESOLUTION 1: TO STOP MAKING RESOLUTIONS
Okay la okay la, serious now. Hehehe.
RESOLUTION 1: LOSE WEIGHT.
I guess this is always at the top of every woman’s list – resolution or not, especially after you become a mother and therefore, achieving your pre-pregnancy weight seems somewhat impossible. Very miserable, I know. I am not going to be so unrealistic and aim to go back to my pre-pregnancy weight. My target is 55 kg. Don’t ask for my current weight okay? Although it will only motivate me to lose more weight if I were to reveal my current weight to you, IT WILL ONLY PUT ME IN DEPRESSION MODE!!
HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT:
Since both girls will be in school for 4 hours daily, I am going to make use of the time I have to work out at a particular fitness centre at least 3 times a week. It’s really sad because out of 12 months, I only visited the fitness centre for like 7 times this year. Blame it on the lack of discipline. And the sadder thing is, I just signed up for another year with them. So this time round, I must really make use of the amount of money I have invested in myself to work out and lead a healthier lifestyle.
And of course, diet is very important. I am going to start watching what I eat too. For a start, I will have a very heavy brunch instead of breakfast and lunch every day so that I can skip lunch. And then I am also going to reduce my rice intake to once a day only.
Wow. A lot of sacrifices! Bye bye food glorious food! (I love food ley.)
So for all the sacrifices that I will be making, if it all else fails…
Hahaha so funny right? But you know I am kidding about you being fat.
RESOLUTION 2: SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME WITH NADYAS.
I have been super busy with Studiofrost that I often took for granted the fact the privilege I have as a work at home mummy. So even though I am always at home, my quality time with my girls is pretty limited. It’s difficult at times because Studiofrost needs a lot of attention every single minute. If emails are not replied promptly, customers will keep emailing to ask whether their emails/payments have been received/checked. Some will even get so worked up, you know? I do admit that at times, in order to spend some time with my girls, I will purposely not check my hp at all. I am going to stop acting like a walking handphone/computer .
HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT:
Put my handphone away when I am with my girls. It’s very tempting to keep checking on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and emails every now and then but I think I need to limit myself. That’s also the reason why I have been tweeting less and sadly, blogging less too.
Checking of emails will only be done when girls are in school, or when they are having their nap time/bedtime. The same also goes to Twitter. And Facebook. And Instagram. Goodbye social networking, you will be seeing less of me and more of other people. Hehehehe.
Okay two resolutions will be enough for now. Cannot make too many resolutions because they will end up like this..
Besides, I guess I am still pretty okay in other areas. (Or at least I think I am.) Hehehe. Of course I hope Allah will always show me the way and path to be a better Muslim, wife, mother and daughter.
Insya’allah.
“One day at a time – this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.”
One thing for sure, I am looking forward to my Gold Coast trip in February with my Nadyas and Tatek. Thanks ROAM for this family trip!
ALL THE BEST & HAVE A GOOD 2012!
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