A Big Head Start

I finally had my check up at 21 weeks (20 weeks and 6 days, to be exact) recently. Lo and Behold! I am a whopping 5 kilograms heavier from my last check up, alright get this, 5 weeks ago! That is a scary kilogram a week! Even the nurse could not believe it and made me take my weight again. Maybe I should seriously rethink not monitoring my weight from home because this shock is not much fun. The doctor advises that I go easy on the carbohydrates (NO!!!) and opt for complex ones instead. Well, it isn't that bad since I already am eating wholemeal and wholegrain stuff. I just am really into Spaghetti Bolognese these days.

So anyway, I had a detailed scan, or anomaly scan, done to check the structure of the baby to ensure that all is good. We are all extremely happy to know that he is a healthy baby with all his parts well and working. The baby is only 418 grams at this point, so yes, the rest is just me. We caught a glimpse of his tiny fingers and toes! They are really long like The Husband's! His head is a little large albeit within the healthy range, just like The Husband too. Of course, when I mentioned this, Ka and Yv laughed but were quick to point out that it means I might have a hard time giving birth to him. Guess the joke is really on me!

A Stroll in the Park

We made our first "baby" purchase about 2 weeks ago! Splurged on a Paul Frank Special Collection Bugaboo Cameleon stroller and have been most excited about it! There are 2 designs in this special collection- the Color Blocks design and the Skurvy design. The Color Blocks had Julius the Monkey with well, blocks of colors and the Skurvy design was a dull khaki green with a collage of the cross bones. Obviously we opted for Color Blocks because even though Skurvy was cool, it was a tad bit dark in terms of color and character.

Actually I have been in this state of inertia and was just never in the mood to shop for baby stuff. We had chanced upon this stroller quite a while back but I completely thought nothing of it. It was my sister (who knows all the stroller brands and their pros and cons) who kept asking me what would I like and all I could say was that I wasn't sure because all strollers looked boring and frumpy. She reckoned that I seriously consider the Paul Frank collection because it was unique and fun, plus Bugaboo is a good brand. She suggested that I called the store to check for stock availability and much to my dismay, they have run out of the design that we wanted. The Husband and I visited the store a few days later to explore the other options we had and even left our contact with the staff so that they could call me if they had news of a replenishment. We weren't going to settle with the Skurvy, so when we got home the same day, I started googling for all the distributors of Bugaboo strollers. I called up 3 or 4 stores to check and was beginning to get desperate when all I heard was that they had either run out as well, or had no idea what I was talking about. Finally, I called the last of all distributors and was extremely delighted to be able reserve the one and only piece they had. Later that evening, we paid up in full and arranged for delivery in March next year.

There are so many brands of strollers out there and like a friend mentioned, it can take much time and effort (aside from budget) in choosing one. I believe we made a good purchase. Even though the stroller is pricey, it is kind of a good deal because the Bugaboo Cameleon comes with a bassinet (that is totally flat for babies) and the regular seat for when the child gets older. It may not be the sleekest, but it is easy to assemble and collapse. It is compatible (with an adapter) with the Maxi Cosy car seat which is a hand-me-down from my sister, and it probably won't be slicing off any fingers.

Image taken from www.cottonbabies.com

Baby Steps

Since my last post, I'd quit my job and have been relaxing and feeling for baby movements. The past 19 weeks has been a great journey and I completely understand now what it means when I hear people say that they "enjoyed" their pregnancy. I am back to wearing more make up, especially eyeliner when I go out; a sign of my mood picking up and finally feeling good about myself again. My skin is at its all time best (aside from those few old blemishes) and I only wish it could last forever! I'm not monitoring my weight gain at home. I know I'm definitely gaining weight so I don't want to stress myself out unnecessarily by obsessing about it. Anyway it is kind of fun to be "surprised" each time I have a weigh in during the doctor's check up. The next appointment is next Friday and I just cannot wait. It has been so long since we last saw the baby on the ultrasound and I am most curious to see what the he's up to.

As my belly grows, I am fitting better into clothes now. Strange, but true! I'm no longer in between now so it is easier to shop for clothes that will accommodate my bump. It's fun to show it off! Dresses are great to be in because they help me stay cool in our horrible weather. And with the unpredictable wet season now, a cardigan will do the trick. Bottoms are a little troublesome; my sister's maternity jeans aren't the best fit (yet) and they droop as I walk. Besides they are of an odd length for me so I would really like to shop for a couple nice pairs.I have not bought much clothes since I found out I was pregnant. I can still squeeze into some of my clothes and my mother went crazy shopping in Thailand recently for stretchy tops for me. I did buy a couple of pretty frocks for The Husband's sister's wedding recently. I think I looked pretty "boomz" in it.

But the items that I am most most pleased with are my brand new sandals. My feet ache very quickly these days and what better footwear to supply me with the correct support than Birkinstocks! Unlike clothes, I can wear them even after birth! And who can resist the limited Disney edition and the pretty sparkly diamante buckles! Highly recommended to shoo off those hormonal mood swings!

Something

Something tells me today is going to be good day.

I had a nice drive to work, sure beats driving under the scorching sun. When I got to my office building, the air was wonderfully cool against my skin as I walked to the lift lobby. I just felt like walking all day, not caring if I'm kicking dirty water onto my pants. I wished I was in a park, like the one where the Husband and I were at in Paris. Beautiful flowers and bright green carpet grass. It would be so nice to just stroll and breathe in the crisp smell of leaves.

I am in resort-ish wear today which puts me in a resort mood. White linen pants with a cotton waistband and a spaghetti strapped top. Can't believe I can still fit into them!

I will be having lunch with The Husband and then heading to my parents' place for chicken soup homemade by my mother.

I am meeting my friends for dinner tonight. We're going to Keppel Club for Peranakan food (there better be assam fish) and just hang out after. I haven't met up with B for a long time and it would be really nice to just catch up.

Something tells me today is going to be a good day.

Ding Dong Bells

I was a frump yesterday. I put on a few outfits (that looked good only in my head) and ended up looking like a slob. I didn't care anymore so I went to work in a black tank top and aladdin-like calf length pants. I had almost no make up on; just filled in my brows. I dragged my heavy shoulders and legs to the office. The day passed super slowly and each time I checked the clock, only 10 minutes had passed. I had nothing to do at work, which made me question why I was even at work. Even today.

Desperate for clothes that fit and possibly flatter, I tried on my sister's maternity and non-maternity, maternity clothes later that night. I was pleased to be able to wear most of the bottoms because I cannot fit into any of mine anymore. Most of the dresses fit too but I felt a little embarrassed because these were the same dresses she wore when she was probably 6 or 7 months pregnant. I am only 12 weeks. If I don't wear those clothes now, I won't be able to contain my boobs in them later.

As I looked at myself in a maternity dress, bells went off in head telling me, "OH. MY. GOD. I. AM. PREGNANT." I could get used to this.

Willy Wonka

Yesterday was my First Trimester Pregnancy Screen. I had four tubes of blood drawn from me and the procedure felt like it was going on forever. A list of things will be tested with my blood along with my urine sample.

The baby has grown twice in size now! He is 6.62cm and really fidgety. When the image of the baby appeared on the screen, I let out a soft "oh!" because it is so amazing to see how much he has grown from 3 weeks ago.



The doctor checked his neck fat, nasal bone and location of the umbilical cord. All these were markers for down syndrome and all was normal. At one point he stretched his legs out and maximised the entire space in the sac. What a funny sight because his legs were really skinny! He has a big head and tummy now. Much like his father. :P

You should notice by now that I have dropped the "his/her" and "he/she". Just check out this picture, where the arrow is pointing at a 60% chance of a Seth / Luke / Dean. It a little hard to see, so some imagination really helps.

Three

Saturday was our third wedding anniversary. Only our third anniversary. That makes it a mere 6 years since we met. Suddenly it seems like time is passing so slowly. I suppose it is a good thing!

So in effort to make it a yearly pilgrimage, we went for dinner at Broth, located at Duxton Hill. We had a wonderful time talking. Even though most of it was silly banter, it was nice to talk because we don't do it very often. Needless to say, the meal was wonderful. I am quite infatuated with this restaurant and think it's great fun to keep it to a yearly affair. Every year that we go, the menu is different. And it never disappoints. The Husband probably feels a little different but I know I enjoyed myself a lot. Even without wine!

Appetiser 1: Baby Spinach & Portobello Mushrooms with Sundried Tomatoes and Fried Onions


A really refreshing appetiser with the mushrooms served raw and the fried onions added an interesting flavour to the dish.

Appetiser 2: Foie Gras with Potato Scallop and Apple Sauce

There is just something about pan fried foie gras and apple sauce. They balance each other out perfectly and it is the most decadent of flavours. The potato scallop was really yummy because it was crispy on the outside and the was nicely tender inside. Potatoes rock! Oh, and the truffles on top are just heavenly!

Main Course: Braised Veal Cheeks


The Husband's choice of main course after deciding against the red goat curry pie. Tasty and tender, the meat melts in your mouth and the was not overpowered with the flavour of the sauce. Still a hearty dish!

Main Course: Linguine with Sliced Beef in Tomato Sauce


Obviously, I ordered this. It was the best of both worlds! Pasta and the meat I need to eat for the sake of the baby. Delicious but the sauce could do with a little less sugar. It was a huge plate with many slices of beef. Really filled me up there!

Dessert: Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream


Ah! What else but the most awesome sticky date pudding ever! Honestly, I have never tasted any other that is better than this. I hope there is someone out there who feels the same way as I do because it is perfect! The chocolate wordings is a trend that The Husband started when we celebrated our anniversary at Broth during a year while we were still dating. And it shall be our little own cringe-worthy "thing".

To my dearest husband and love of my life,

I love you. ***