This post was meant to be posted back in April but somehow I forgot to publish it. While I was going through my post I discovered this and now I am publishing it to share with all my dear friends. :D

As a mother of 2 kids I would say one of the hardest things in looking after children is when they are sick. Esther was really ill on one Saturday night about 2 months ago. She was all good during the day and went to bed as usual at about 7pm. However at about 10:30pm she was crying and screaming. I went in to her room and found her looking very pale and ill. She started throwing up when I picked her up from her cot. I tried to clean up everything and put her back in her cot thinking that she should be ok now since she almost threw up all of her dinner. However she continued to throw up intermittently like every 5 mins. My heart was aching seeing her in such a miserable state. She had nothing else to vomit but still had the urge to. :( She was so sleepy and really wanted to go back to sleep but just impossible with the constant throwing up.

I did not know what to do except to clean her up and comfort her. I tried very hard to stay awake to look after her but it was like 11:30pm already and I was really tired from a busy day. I got a chair and sat right in front of her cot so I could help her when she throw up. While I was struggling to keep my eyes opened, Psalm 121 came into mind. What a great promise it is to know that God who watches over us will not slumber nor sleep. I can just trust and totally depend on Him that nothing is out of His hands and He is my help! In contrast, us human is so limited in our own strength. I would love to stay awake and do everything for Esther but physically my body was tired and I was really struggling.

By about 12am midnight, Esther had threw up at least 15 times. However thanked God she was  finally able to go back to sleep with no more vomiting. I was able to go back to sleep knowing that God is watching over both of us! The next morning she was back to normal and her happy self.

Psalm 121:
I will lift up my eyes to the hills
  where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
  the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip
  He who watches over you will not slumber
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
  will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you
  the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
  nor th emoon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm
  He will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming an dgoing
  both now and forevermore.

 Dear friends, will you let this true and living God watch over you?

This is so funny and yet so true. Have seen this long time ago but felt I needed it this morning. Every day is hectic around the house here and sometimes we just need to be reminded we're not alone in this. And to be a MUM is really not an easy task. I can so hear myself with the constant nagging even though my children are only 3.5 and 1 year old. LOL. However I think other than 'nagging' at our children constant praying for them is also needed for all Christian mum. God has them safely in His hands. Anyway, all the mums out there please remember you are not alone! God knows every things/sacrifices we do for our children/family. :D

Having have two kids I know how frustrating it is to have a crying baby. It is especially hard when you do not know the reason of the cry. Well for very small baby (1-6months old) the reason would be either hunger, dirty nappy, cold/hot, tired, or sickness. When the baby is older like 6-12 months old they could be crying for attention so usually a cuddle or a chat would fix the issue. For me, I tend to be proactive and I would make sure I have done everything and follow a routine. I would feed the baby and change nappy every 3 hours. I follow a Feed/Play/Sleep routine. In doing so, I know when my baby started crying what would I give her first. If she just had a feed, then she can't be hungry, so I might check her nappy. My daughter Esther cannot stand dirty nappy and 99% of the time when she started crying was due to that exact reason. If she was fed, have clean nappy, but still cry then I would make sure she is not sick. Checking her temperature, making sure she is not too hot/cold, is not in pain and other possible factors. When a baby is in pain, he/she cries differently than their normal cry. They usually are in distress and high pitch. Well it is true with mine anyway. :P

One of my favourite baby book was given to me by a friend called ' On Becoming Baby Wise' by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo. It discusses about routine, feeding, sleeping, discipline and other baby related topic. One thing I learnt is never feed my baby to sleep. I breastfed both of my kids until they're 12/13 months. Yet they both started sleeping through the night at 10/12 weeks old (they usually sleep from 7pm-6am/7am). All I do is to put them down in the cot when they're tired and left the room. Feeding baby milk is not the answer for having a sleeping baby. Not feeding my babies to sleep also allowed me to wean them easily because they are not dependent on that to fall asleep. Esther who is 14 months now does not require a feed before she goes down to sleep at night. I would feed her dinner and then bath her and put her to bed between 6:30pm - 7:00pm (yes, babies here go to bed really early). The idea is that they need to learn to fall asleep without any aid. If they wake up during the night I would let them cry for about 15 minutes before I would attend to them. Usually they would just go back to sleep by themselves without me doing anything. Of course there are some exceptions. They usually waking/crying at night when they are teething and sick. With teething and sickness we can just have to comfort them and make sure they are not in pain (I usually give them baby panadol/nurofen for the pain). I have to admit there were times when I just breastfed them so they would calm down and be comforted.

As I mentioned before I follow a Feed/Play/Sleep routine. It is one of the ways to help the baby differentiate day and night so they would sleep through at night. I would follow the feed/play/sleep at day time but skip the play part at night After the last meal at 7pm and follow by a nice warm bath I put the baby straight to the cot.  Both of my children started sleeping through at about 10-12 weeks. Babies that have good sleep are usually happy babies. Also they all sleep in their own room and they never sleep with us at night. They need to learn to be independent and for the parents, they need to have their own time. It's so important for the couple to have alone time and focus on each other rather than the baby for once. Co-sleeping is also not safe for baby due to the risk of suffocation. Babies who sleep with their parents also have difficulty on sleeping by themselves when they are older. So for long-term benefit it is best to let them sleep in their own cot from the beginning.

 Esther at bed time. She was so happy to be put down to sleep after a tiring day.

Well, I could really go on and on about how to teach baby to sleep and ways to eliminate factors that could cause a baby cries. The principle is we as parents are the adult here and we should be smart and study our babies so we can become expert in looking after our own babies. I used 'own babies' its because every baby is different and only their parents know them the best. I'm not a fan of child-centre parenting. I am more leaning towards parents-led parenting with a bit of flexibility. It is also the Bible's principle that children obey their parents. Honestly having going through the babies stages twice and now having  a nearly 4 year old and a 1 year old I could say babies are quite easy to deal with. They can't talk back, can't climb out of their cot, can't open the room door, and whinge about what clothes you put on them....the list goes on. :P All the best to every mother out there and enjoy your baby while they're still young because just like what everyone said 'they grow up too quickly'. :D

Some updates on Jono:

1) He now has an imaginary friend called 'Chop Chop'. According to Jono's description, Chop Chop is very tiny and is a boy. It's so interesting to see him interacting with Chop Chop but I did tell him that Chop Chop is not real.

2) He enjoys playing with playdough, lego duplos, and little people. He can play with those toys for at least 1 hour by himself. He is particularly good at making things that really look like the actual things. Dane said he must take notice of the details of things he sees.

Jono's Lego Duplo Crocodile

Postman's Bed

3) Jono started to play better with Esther. He would be really gentle and look after her when she's around.

4) He has grown taller!!! Yes, his long pants/jeans now look like 3/4 pants. :D Guess it's time to get him new pants.

5) He also tries to have an adult conversation at the dinner table. His favourite line: "Daddy, how's your work today?" Sooo cute

6) At least once a day Jono would come to me and say 'Mummy I love you' and give me a hug. How sweet!

40weeks 1 day pregnant, waiting to be induced on 12th August 2006

Here you go mummies - it's all about your first born!

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes

2. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Very Excited

3. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 25 when pregnant baby was born when I was 26.

4. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? From the doctor's test

5. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? My hubby was with me and we told my mum and his parents

6. DID YOU FIND OUT THE SEX? Yes at 18 weeks morphology scan

7. DUE DATE? 11th August 2006

8. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Yes for the first 3 months

9. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? BBQ Pork Rice :P

10. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Raw meat and heat

11. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? Male

12. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? Hahaha I really wanted a girl.

13. HOW MANY KGS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 11kgs

14. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes but it was after the baby was born

15. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I knew about it

16. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? No

17. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Mater Mothers' Private Hospital

18. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 10 hours

19. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? My hubby Dane

20. WHO WAS PRESENT WHEN YOU GAVE BIRTH? Dane, Midwife Belinda and my Obstetrician Steve

21. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Natural

22. DID YOU TAKE DRUG TO EASE THE PAIN? Yes, I had an epidural

23. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 7lb 11 oz (3470g)

24. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? 13th August 2006

25. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Jonathan

26. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 3 years old

Being parents is a really tough job!!! I literally spend every minute of my awaking time being with my kids and being the 'Mummy'. The kids usually wake up at about 7am each morning and I tell you I would sleep for another minute if they let me. This marks the beginning of my day with the kids. Believe me, it's a really long day especially Jono now has dropped his afternoon nap and Esther only has 2 naps. ME, I have no nap....

I try to take the kids out every morning except Monday (which is our rest day) according to my weekly plan I devised a while ago. It really helps me to relax and make the time more manageable. However, we still have lots of time left in the day before they go to sleep for good at 7pm each night. I was thinking today that working is actually so much easier compare to what I do at home - a full-on 12 hour shift. I at least get morning tea, lunch, and non-contact time at work. At home, I get 'mummy, play with me'!, 'changing dirty nappy', 'mummy, I want this/that' time. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being a mummy but just like everyone else, I do feel physically exhausted and emotionally drained at the end of the day. Honestly speaking I can't wait for 7pm when the kids go to bed then I can have my much needed rest time. After careful consideration, we decided to up Jono's childcare day from 1 day to 2 days a week. He used to go 2 days a week when I was working but we dropped it to 1 day as I wanted to spend more time with him while I'm staying at home full-time. Now, I really needed the extra day a week to recuperate and get some needed peace and quiet. Having 2 'Jono free days' allow me to have 1 day rest, and 1 day to catch up with housework and run errands. I tried not to feel guilty for needing that extra day because I'm convinced that my kids/hubby deserve a happier mum/wife.

Lord, please help me to be patience and give me strength each day to fulfill the many roles that I play. Philippians 4:13 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.'

Our little boy has just turned 3. He had a simple but wonderful birthday party with the family. He received lot of presents and he could not be happier. I still can't believe my little boy is 3 years old. He has grown into a handsome boy (a very biased opinion I know :-)).

We thanked God for giving us this wonderful boy 3 years ago. I vividly remember the excitement when we found out we're expecting, the amazing nine months long pregnancy, the beautiful birth and all the precious memories Jono has created and is still creating. At the same time, I have also been a mum for 3 years and really enjoying it. Undoubtedly, there's time when I asked 'what have I got myself into? (when Jono is really naughty and demanding). However, my love for him is deeper everyday and I cherish the time with him as he grows up so quickly.

My poem for Jono:

We longed for you
As in the tummy you grew
With joy and excitement
Your birth's a precious moment


We thank God for you
A wonderful gift we value
You are so special
Our precious little angel


We pray for you
And we love you too
Be a man of God
As life pathway you trod

Winnie the Pooh Birthday Cake

I was really tired on Tuesday, so much so I couldn't bother to cook dinner (was thinking to have some Indians take away). However, I have a wonderful husband who decided to cook dinner and he made us some yummy chicken stir-fry.

While Dane was cooking in the kitchen, I had an interesting conversation with Jono:

Jono: Mummy, what's daddy doing?

Me: Cooking dinner. Do you think you can help daddy?

Jono: Noooo, I can't.

Me: Why?

Jono: I'm only little, I can't reach. I'm SHORT like you!

Me: Hahahahahaha, short like ME???????

Admittedly my son got it right. I know I'm short and will be the shortest in this family when Jono and Esther eventually grow up one day. BUT the most important thing is not your physical appearance it's what's in your heart! "For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

I cut my hair short a day before my wedding anniversary. I wanted to have a new hairstyle and to put an end to my drastic hair loss after the birth of Esther (it's normal to experience hair loss after giving birth). So I went and had my hair cut. I now feel younger and more vibrant with shorter hair. I love it so much I think I'll keep it short from now on. :-)

Since staying at home full time I'm finding that I need some sort of daily routine to keep me sane. Otherwise, I would feel trapped spending my days at home with kids. So I have devised a simple weekly plan:

Monday:
1) Spend the morning playing with Jono at the backyard.
2) Catch up with some housework.

Tuesday:
Jonathan goes to childcare, so I only have Esther.
It's the best time to go shopping, see a doctor if sick, take Esther for her immunisation and health check, go to the dentist, do grocery and go out for lunch.

Wednesday:
1) Take the kids to playgroup and meet with other mums and their children in the morning.
2) Go for a walk in the neighbourhood.

Thursday:
1) Take the kids to the library and do some simple shopping in the morning.
2) Visit friends

Friday:
1) Take the kids to the park or visit friends.
2) Occasional dinner date with hubby while Jono goes to the grandparents.

Saturday:
It’s our Family Day
1) Take Jono to his swimming lesson in the morning.
2) Family outing – parks, swimming, shopping, eating out, visiting friends etc.

Sunday:
It’s the Lord’s Day! We go to church.
Now, I’m looking forward to my weekly adventure!

Jonathan helping me made blueberry muffins

Finally have some 'me' time to write my blog. I am having a very busy week. Jonathan is sick with cold and is staying at home with me the 2 days he was meant to go to childcare. So, I was soooo busy looking after 2 kids. Apart from that, I still need to do housework and keep up with my daily errands. I get frustrated sometimes but nevertheless I still enjoy being a stay at home mum. It is really a great responsibility and commitment being a mum. Raising children is not an easy task, I take my hat off to people who have successfully raised their children. I can only pray that I would have enough energy, wisdom and patience each day to look after my children and teach them to be godly young man and woman.

Yesterday was somewhat a colourful day. Or should I say it was a very yellowish day for me. Let me explain it more, my dear son Jonathan did a "Poo Art" in his room. He put his hands in his pull-up and smeared the poo onto the wardrobe mirror door, the wall, the brand new carpet, his bed and any other things that he could reach. Needless to say, I had to spend nearly an hour cleaning up the mess and we still need to get a professional cleaner to come in and clean the room. I must admit I was really really angry when I was cleaning it, but now I think I have accepted it and can joke about it.

When I woke up in the morning, I prayed to God that I would do what is right and would have a great day with my family. Little did I know God had something special for me. I guess I could call it "The Poo Test". Guess what I now passed with flying colour (maybe more yellowish brown). I need to be thankful of what a healthy son I have and the joy and happiness that he has brought since his birth. I also learnt to forgive Jono as God has forgiven me. Lets' hope there will be no more "poo art" in the future.

We feel really blessed to have 2 healthy children. Esther is 7 weeks old this week and she is developing well. I also had my post-natal check up with my ob Dr Cattanach. I now feel like I'm ready to move on to get back into shape and enjoy life with Dane and our 2 children. I do miss being pregnant especially feeling the baby movement everyday but it's also great that I can wear normal clothes again and do normal thing. Life is good!

For the first time this year I made it to the Sunday School. I really enjoyed being there again and also in the bible class. Esther was very good and she slept through the bible class with no hassle. I was a bit unsure whether I should go this morning but I'm glad I did. The morning meeting was good even though Jonathan was a bit grumpy. Dane and I had to discipline him by smacking. All in all it was a wonderful Lord's Day!