Next week will be the start of my school's SA2 exams which means I have to start my mad marking rush again. Sis still hao-Lian to me that she no longer needs to fret over it le... -_-||| well, in e past, we always meet up at night to either study (for my degree exams) or do our markings together. Now, can only depends on my hubby chris to accompany me to the Mac le.
These few days will be busy chiong-ing my class compo. Talking of which, I was kena complained by a parent for letting my class copy too many compos? For every compo, my class did a rewrite as correction and a model compo. To save the environment, I did not photocopy my model compo (did on my own) for e whole class. Instead, those who finish first will lend their copy to their classmates and I give the class ample time, like at least 2 weeks to complete? Spelling compo is in addition to their normal unit spellings as part of their compo training. I'm doing extra for their child, marking extra and this is the norm for sch teachers who wants the best for their class and yet, I'm being complained???? (♯｀∧´) I can jolly well don't do these to save myself from all e markings.... Can't understand what these parents are thinking...
When Xuan ting din move for a few hours today, I was kind of panicked and sat still for a moment to feel her. Luckily, she did move and I was relieved. Scary sia~
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Friday, 16 September 2011
Hospitalization leave
After checking moe hr online FAQ site and calling up hr infor line, I found out that even if my private Gynae at hll women's clinic issued hospitalization leave (hl) for me, moe will not accept too as they only accept government/restructured hospitals' doctors endorsement. :((
However, should there be special cases like in mine, I'm going to deliver at mount A hospital (private), and Gynae issued me hl, hr dept will first deduct 14 days of ordinary sick leave (working days), followed by 10 days of extension sick leave (with 4yrs of service in moe) and finally, 15 days of special sick leave (applies to all moe education officers). The total of additional 25 days will be in calendar days, including weekends. Henceforth, I wouldn't be getting no pay leave in that case. I've since clarified with my school's admin stuff and she has confirmed the policy.
This year at my 4th year of service, I will be getting my connect plan too. The other day, my school admin staff asked if I'm really serious in tendering after my maternity leave. I told her that still have to fulfill one month and she replied so confirm le huh? Well, I think I have endured long enough for the sake of $ and of course, with me being pregnant, a wise choice will be to stay in moe but it's really time to pursue my own career thereafter. Moreover, I will be able to get my degree cert next year, so it's like just nice. ϵ( 'Θ' )϶
I really can't wait but at the same time, it also means I will be delivering soon. To give birth naturally, I can't help feeling nervous. Imagine the pain!!! Oh my!!! Must stop the thought before I go crazy... \(//∇//)\
However, should there be special cases like in mine, I'm going to deliver at mount A hospital (private), and Gynae issued me hl, hr dept will first deduct 14 days of ordinary sick leave (working days), followed by 10 days of extension sick leave (with 4yrs of service in moe) and finally, 15 days of special sick leave (applies to all moe education officers). The total of additional 25 days will be in calendar days, including weekends. Henceforth, I wouldn't be getting no pay leave in that case. I've since clarified with my school's admin stuff and she has confirmed the policy.
This year at my 4th year of service, I will be getting my connect plan too. The other day, my school admin staff asked if I'm really serious in tendering after my maternity leave. I told her that still have to fulfill one month and she replied so confirm le huh? Well, I think I have endured long enough for the sake of $ and of course, with me being pregnant, a wise choice will be to stay in moe but it's really time to pursue my own career thereafter. Moreover, I will be able to get my degree cert next year, so it's like just nice. ϵ( 'Θ' )϶
I really can't wait but at the same time, it also means I will be delivering soon. To give birth naturally, I can't help feeling nervous. Imagine the pain!!! Oh my!!! Must stop the thought before I go crazy... \(//∇//)\
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Sleeping postures
Another sleepless night....
I was chatting with another pregnant teacher in school yesterday and she shared with me that indeed she too faced the problem in waking up several times in the middle of the night just to find herself peeing a little... How pek Chey it can feel... She's already a mummy of 2 and it's her third child that she is bearing now. She advised me that in our third trimester, its best to sleep half lying with pillow supporting my back (somewhat like slouching while sitting down) as now, by sleeping sideways (feasible when you're in 1st and 2nd trimester), pregnant ladies will feel uncomfortable too as the baby feels you are pressing her down. Of course, pregnant ladies will find difficulties sleeping by laying flat on the bed as the baby is too heavy in pulling the tummy against the gravity. I goggled some infor on sleeping postures and here's what I have compiled:
(courtesy of babycenter by Donna Arand, sleep expert and American pregnancy association sites):
'Why am I so uncomfortable in my normal positions?
When you are pregnant your body goes through a variety of changes. These changes tend to disrupt your usual peaceful slumber. Reasons may include:
Increased size of abdomen (checked! :()
Back pain (checked! :()
Heartburn (checked! :()
Shortness of breath (checked! :()
Insomnia (checked! :()
What are the best sleep positions?
The best sleep position during pregnancy is "SOS" (sleep on side).In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. Keep your legs and knees bent and a pillow between your legs.
If you find that you are having problems with back pain, use the "SOS" position and try placing a pillow under your abdomen as well.
If you are experiencing heartburn during the night, you may want to try propping your upper body with pillows.
In late pregnancy you may experience shortness of breath; try lying on your side or propped up with pillows.
These suggestions may not sound completely comfortable, especially if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach, but try them out and you may find that they work. Keep in mind that you may not stay in one position all night and rotating positions is fine.
What positions should I avoid?
Sleeping on your back: This can cause problems with backaches, breathing, digestive system, hemorrhoids, low blood pressure and decrease in circulation to your heart and your baby. This is a result of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels (the aorta and vena cava). Back sleeping can make blood pressure drop, causing some expectant moms to experience dizziness. On the other hand, in some moms-to-be it can make blood pressure go up.
Finally, back sleeping can cause snoring and, with increased weight, could lead to sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your stomach: When you are farther along in your pregnancy, your abdomen undergoes physical changes and makes it more difficult for you to lay on your stomach.'
I will be trying out sleeping half lying position with pillows supporting my back now and observe if the uncomfortableness persists. Also, i have to work out a solution to utilize my leaves so as not to get no pay leave and yet, at the same time can ensure my baby's health will not be affected by my work. :((
I was chatting with another pregnant teacher in school yesterday and she shared with me that indeed she too faced the problem in waking up several times in the middle of the night just to find herself peeing a little... How pek Chey it can feel... She's already a mummy of 2 and it's her third child that she is bearing now. She advised me that in our third trimester, its best to sleep half lying with pillow supporting my back (somewhat like slouching while sitting down) as now, by sleeping sideways (feasible when you're in 1st and 2nd trimester), pregnant ladies will feel uncomfortable too as the baby feels you are pressing her down. Of course, pregnant ladies will find difficulties sleeping by laying flat on the bed as the baby is too heavy in pulling the tummy against the gravity. I goggled some infor on sleeping postures and here's what I have compiled:
(courtesy of babycenter by Donna Arand, sleep expert and American pregnancy association sites):
'Why am I so uncomfortable in my normal positions?
When you are pregnant your body goes through a variety of changes. These changes tend to disrupt your usual peaceful slumber. Reasons may include:
Increased size of abdomen (checked! :()
Back pain (checked! :()
Heartburn (checked! :()
Shortness of breath (checked! :()
Insomnia (checked! :()
What are the best sleep positions?
The best sleep position during pregnancy is "SOS" (sleep on side).In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. Keep your legs and knees bent and a pillow between your legs.
If you find that you are having problems with back pain, use the "SOS" position and try placing a pillow under your abdomen as well.
If you are experiencing heartburn during the night, you may want to try propping your upper body with pillows.
In late pregnancy you may experience shortness of breath; try lying on your side or propped up with pillows.
These suggestions may not sound completely comfortable, especially if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach, but try them out and you may find that they work. Keep in mind that you may not stay in one position all night and rotating positions is fine.
What positions should I avoid?
Sleeping on your back: This can cause problems with backaches, breathing, digestive system, hemorrhoids, low blood pressure and decrease in circulation to your heart and your baby. This is a result of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels (the aorta and vena cava). Back sleeping can make blood pressure drop, causing some expectant moms to experience dizziness. On the other hand, in some moms-to-be it can make blood pressure go up.
Finally, back sleeping can cause snoring and, with increased weight, could lead to sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your stomach: When you are farther along in your pregnancy, your abdomen undergoes physical changes and makes it more difficult for you to lay on your stomach.'
I will be trying out sleeping half lying position with pillows supporting my back now and observe if the uncomfortableness persists. Also, i have to work out a solution to utilize my leaves so as not to get no pay leave and yet, at the same time can ensure my baby's health will not be affected by my work. :((
Monday, 12 September 2011
Kwan Im thong hood cho temple
Being a Chinese, I'm quite a believer of Kuan Yin (goddess of mercy). （^人^）
For those who have no idea about Kwan Im thong hood cho temple, below is a brief description i've wiki (courtesy of Wikipedia):
'Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple (Simplified Chinese: 观音堂佛祖庙) is a traditional Chinese temple situated at 178 Waterloo Street in Singapore. The temple is of significance to the Chinese in Singapore, and is believed to bring worshipers good luck after praying to the Kuan Yin (观音) Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is also involved in charity work, contributing to several health and educational organisations.'
Well, enough of introduction and back to the main topic...
After knowing I'm pregnant, I will visit temples to pray for well wishes so that I will have a smooth delivery and for Xuan ting to be a healthy and cute baby.
In the beginning, when I'm about 3 months pregnant, we went to a temple at Joo Chiat with my mom and stepfather. It was a good lot for both chris and I. o(^▽^)o
The 2nd time, when I was near to 4 months pregnant, I was with chris and his parents in Taiwan for holiday. We visited a temple in the midst of our sight-seeing at hua Lian and I got an excellent lot for my baby. Chris got a good lot for me and baby too. All seems to be going well except that my morning sickness is persistent throughout the 2nd trimester as well.
The third time, I went to kuan Im thong hood cho temple at bugis with my BFF, Samantha Sis when I was about 5months pregnant. She is praying for a lot to answer her troubles and since I'm there, I thought might as well pray for my baby again. However, it was a bad lot, stating that life will be endangered with pregnancy. 。・°°・(＞_＜)・°°・。As it was a bad lot, we are to burn the lot away immediately.
After telling chris about it and of course my worries, he accompanied me to kuan im temple again. This time round, although the lot chris and I had differs but the description is similar. We got a somewhat medium lot that states even though pregnancy is difficult but there will be a 恩公 to help me cruise through the crisis and all will be well in the end. And with that, chris ya-ya-papaya to 'hao-lian' that he is the lucky star '恩公' for me and I must stick by his side to be safe and sound. of course, it got me lol~
After a few weeks, I accompanied Sis to kwan Im temple again for her to seek an answer for her troubles. Again, I prayed for another lot to enquire about my delivery. It was not a very good lot but better than the 1st when I was with Sis. It states that pregnancy is difficult but it will turn out well with prayers. Hmm... Upon hearing this, chris continue to say it's because he's not with me which explains why the lot is not particular positive. And like I said, lots that are bad have to burn away immediately.
Last Saturday, after chris' colleagues treat to an international buffet at united square, we head off to bugis kwan Im temple again. This time, I've gotten a good lot: 'proceed with what you want to achieve. All is well.' hopefully, like what the lots have been interpreting, everything will be smooth for xuan ting in the end.
Praying for the best! （^人^）
For those who have no idea about Kwan Im thong hood cho temple, below is a brief description i've wiki (courtesy of Wikipedia):
'Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple (Simplified Chinese: 观音堂佛祖庙) is a traditional Chinese temple situated at 178 Waterloo Street in Singapore. The temple is of significance to the Chinese in Singapore, and is believed to bring worshipers good luck after praying to the Kuan Yin (观音) Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is also involved in charity work, contributing to several health and educational organisations.'
Well, enough of introduction and back to the main topic...
After knowing I'm pregnant, I will visit temples to pray for well wishes so that I will have a smooth delivery and for Xuan ting to be a healthy and cute baby.
In the beginning, when I'm about 3 months pregnant, we went to a temple at Joo Chiat with my mom and stepfather. It was a good lot for both chris and I. o(^▽^)o
The 2nd time, when I was near to 4 months pregnant, I was with chris and his parents in Taiwan for holiday. We visited a temple in the midst of our sight-seeing at hua Lian and I got an excellent lot for my baby. Chris got a good lot for me and baby too. All seems to be going well except that my morning sickness is persistent throughout the 2nd trimester as well.
The third time, I went to kuan Im thong hood cho temple at bugis with my BFF, Samantha Sis when I was about 5months pregnant. She is praying for a lot to answer her troubles and since I'm there, I thought might as well pray for my baby again. However, it was a bad lot, stating that life will be endangered with pregnancy. 。・°°・(＞_＜)・°°・。As it was a bad lot, we are to burn the lot away immediately.
After telling chris about it and of course my worries, he accompanied me to kuan im temple again. This time round, although the lot chris and I had differs but the description is similar. We got a somewhat medium lot that states even though pregnancy is difficult but there will be a 恩公 to help me cruise through the crisis and all will be well in the end. And with that, chris ya-ya-papaya to 'hao-lian' that he is the lucky star '恩公' for me and I must stick by his side to be safe and sound. of course, it got me lol~
After a few weeks, I accompanied Sis to kwan Im temple again for her to seek an answer for her troubles. Again, I prayed for another lot to enquire about my delivery. It was not a very good lot but better than the 1st when I was with Sis. It states that pregnancy is difficult but it will turn out well with prayers. Hmm... Upon hearing this, chris continue to say it's because he's not with me which explains why the lot is not particular positive. And like I said, lots that are bad have to burn away immediately.
Last Saturday, after chris' colleagues treat to an international buffet at united square, we head off to bugis kwan Im temple again. This time, I've gotten a good lot: 'proceed with what you want to achieve. All is well.' hopefully, like what the lots have been interpreting, everything will be smooth for xuan ting in the end.
Praying for the best! （^人^）
Sunday, 11 September 2011
List of things to prepare and buy for mummy n baby
Indeed there is additional costs to borne in welcoming a new life. Many questions maybe asked: What are the necessities to buy and where to source for the good bargains? How many new clothings is enough for a new born?
Fortunately, in this new age society, retrieving information to answer your doubts is just a click away in the world of Internet. I'm still learning the ropes with xuanting in my womb and while window shopping in metro one day, I saw this useful poster they put up for mummies noobs like me. >.<
From my research:
1) Hospital Bag suggestions:
Make-up
Nursing pads ( I nursed this baby, and totally didn't realize that I would need these while I was still in the hospital.)
toothbrush, tooth paste
Shampoo & conditioner
Lip balm
Hairbrush
A hair-tie/scrunchie
Deodorant
Good smelling lotion!
Foot massage cream
mouthwash
my own hair dryer
Pads
massage oil
wooden three prong back massager
favorite SOFT brand of toilet paper (the hospital brand is AWFUL)
Clothing:
socks
A really big t-shirt of my husbands so that I didn't have to wear that awful hospital gown. (Makes it a lot easier to walk around.)
Clean sweats ( for time spent in the hospital and going home)
A much bigger pair of jeans! (I had to wear my maternity shorts home and it was cold outside!)
Robe and slippers
Pajamas
my own underwear
Clothes to wear home
For Baby:
Baby nail clippers!!!!!!!!! The nursery didn't have any. (My poor little guy came home with a scratched up face.)
An outfit for baby to wear home
a receiving blanket
For your partner or coach:
Potent breath mints-for hubby
Some chocolate bars and canned drinks
Change of clothes
Other Stuff:
watch
gum (so that when I couldn't eat at least I could chew!)
magazines
Hawaiian punch suckers
Our cell phone
A camera
Our video camera
Thank you notes
Our baby book (so you can get his footprints in it)
My journal
My own pillow
Cards to pass the time
bottled water
more food!!!
money for vending machines.
relaxing music
a hershey bar
calling card
paper and pen
Puzzle, books & pens
Mp3
books and magazines
2) Diaper bag:
Definitely a change of clothes for baby and toddlers
wet wipes
antibacterial waterless hand wash
extra cloth/disposable diapers
burp rags
I use a wet pad for an easy to carry changing pad/changing pad
extra binky/soother
extra nursing pads
mylecon
baby washcloths
plastic bag to dispose of dirty diapers or outfits
blanket
Desitin
thermometer
bulb aspirator
bottle of water--just in case!
$5 bill/spare money
hat
sunscreen
nail clippers/emery boards
q-tips
bottles
Chapstick
granola bar
A & D ointment
kleenex
baby tylenol/tempra
insurance card
my wallet
baby lotion
teething toys
Newborns:
Little instant formulas--even for breastfeeding mothers it is nice to have a back up just in case.
clean shirt for mom :)
Older babies/toddlers:
Toys and books to keep baby occupied
snacks/juice box for me and for preschooler
---------------
A few pictures on the stuff for xuanting chris and I have bought so far:
Fortunately, in this new age society, retrieving information to answer your doubts is just a click away in the world of Internet. I'm still learning the ropes with xuanting in my womb and while window shopping in metro one day, I saw this useful poster they put up for mummies noobs like me. >.<
From my research:
1) Hospital Bag suggestions:
Make-up
Nursing pads ( I nursed this baby, and totally didn't realize that I would need these while I was still in the hospital.)
toothbrush, tooth paste
Shampoo & conditioner
Lip balm
Hairbrush
A hair-tie/scrunchie
Deodorant
Good smelling lotion!
Foot massage cream
mouthwash
my own hair dryer
Pads
massage oil
wooden three prong back massager
favorite SOFT brand of toilet paper (the hospital brand is AWFUL)
Clothing:
socks
A really big t-shirt of my husbands so that I didn't have to wear that awful hospital gown. (Makes it a lot easier to walk around.)
Clean sweats ( for time spent in the hospital and going home)
A much bigger pair of jeans! (I had to wear my maternity shorts home and it was cold outside!)
Robe and slippers
Pajamas
my own underwear
Clothes to wear home
For Baby:
Baby nail clippers!!!!!!!!! The nursery didn't have any. (My poor little guy came home with a scratched up face.)
An outfit for baby to wear home
a receiving blanket
For your partner or coach:
Potent breath mints-for hubby
Some chocolate bars and canned drinks
Change of clothes
Other Stuff:
watch
gum (so that when I couldn't eat at least I could chew!)
magazines
Hawaiian punch suckers
Our cell phone
A camera
Our video camera
Thank you notes
Our baby book (so you can get his footprints in it)
My journal
My own pillow
Cards to pass the time
bottled water
more food!!!
money for vending machines.
relaxing music
a hershey bar
calling card
paper and pen
Puzzle, books & pens
Mp3
books and magazines
2) Diaper bag:
Definitely a change of clothes for baby and toddlers
wet wipes
antibacterial waterless hand wash
extra cloth/disposable diapers
burp rags
I use a wet pad for an easy to carry changing pad/changing pad
extra binky/soother
extra nursing pads
mylecon
baby washcloths
plastic bag to dispose of dirty diapers or outfits
blanket
Desitin
thermometer
bulb aspirator
bottle of water--just in case!
$5 bill/spare money
hat
sunscreen
nail clippers/emery boards
q-tips
bottles
Chapstick
granola bar
A & D ointment
kleenex
baby tylenol/tempra
insurance card
my wallet
baby lotion
teething toys
Newborns:
Little instant formulas--even for breastfeeding mothers it is nice to have a back up just in case.
clean shirt for mom :)
Older babies/toddlers:
Toys and books to keep baby occupied
snacks/juice box for me and for preschooler
---------------
A few pictures on the stuff for xuanting chris and I have bought so far:
Marking the 7th month of pregnancy
With EDD on 1st dec 2011, it's now into 7th month of my pregnancy.
Recently, the nights have been restless as xuanting (my little girl) has been pressing down on my urinal tract in the middle of the nights, waking me up to visit the loo at least thrice in the night. Sigh! If only I can be as healthy as other mummies-to-be in my school who can still jump and hop around happily without difficult symptoms like mine: morning and night sickness of nauseous and vomitting. (｡-_-｡)
Nonetheless, I'm beginning to feel excited in welcoming xuanting into my life. I've visualized her to be a cute and pretty young baby to be. Hee hee. (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))
Here's a few outdated scans and photos to share from my Gynae appointments which I've compiled into a photo album for memorable sake :
P/S: One week of sept holidays flew past in a wheeze and tomorrow starts Term 4 of school again...markings to rush in view of the coming SA2 exams... （ーー；）
Recently, the nights have been restless as xuanting (my little girl) has been pressing down on my urinal tract in the middle of the nights, waking me up to visit the loo at least thrice in the night. Sigh! If only I can be as healthy as other mummies-to-be in my school who can still jump and hop around happily without difficult symptoms like mine: morning and night sickness of nauseous and vomitting. (｡-_-｡)
Nonetheless, I'm beginning to feel excited in welcoming xuanting into my life. I've visualized her to be a cute and pretty young baby to be. Hee hee. (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))
Here's a few outdated scans and photos to share from my Gynae appointments which I've compiled into a photo album for memorable sake :
P/S: One week of sept holidays flew past in a wheeze and tomorrow starts Term 4 of school again...markings to rush in view of the coming SA2 exams... （ーー；）
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