Fenugreek - Supplement for Breastmilk

Just started taking GNC Fenugreek tablets for about 4 days now. It is a supplement which can help increase the volume of breastmilk production. Mine has been a dismal 1 - 2 oz (both breasts) every time I pumped so I always just do direct feeding. But I'll be starting work in 11 days, so need to stock up on my EBM. Usually I would be content just to let Ayra have formula milk now but she is so choosy and hates all formula milk given to her, so I gotta let the milk flowing. Besides, I feel happier giving her BM, rather than formula.

Anyways, instructions say to take 2 morning, 2 afternoon and 2 night, but I forget the afternoon one all the time - chalk it up to post-pregnancy forgetfulness..hehe. I must also take about 3L of water everyday, to ensure the

Have I detected any changes so far? I guess slowly, yeah. My boobs fill up quicker than before. I only started pumping for 2 days now, and only last night progress have been shown. I can get it up to 2.5 oz (both boobs) now. I know, it's still very little but better than what it was before. If only I can remember to drink water all the time and pump in between feeds. But Ayra is one hungry baby, she drinks every time she wakes up from her nap.. Anyways, hopefully with the supplement, it will be better again soon... I'll just have to wait and see...

Zida xx

Hair Story

Ok, I have decided to grow out my hair.. short cut just ain't cutting it (pun intended) anymore, or perhaps I should change hairdresser...hmmm... Anyway, this means letting my hair go through the awkward growing-out phase (erk!). So far, I've probably grown about 0.5 inch already.. well, it starting to look a bit puffy..check it out (the hair, not my double chin..and yep, I'm a cam-whore!)!

Happy Birthday Mommy!!!

It's my mom's birthday today!! Yay-ness!!! She is officially hmm..let me see...55 years old today! Oh wow, my mom is that old?! Hehe..didn't mean it that way though but looking at her picture below, you'll probably have the same reaction.

Isn't she a doll? Yup, she's 55 and still looks like 40. I wonder if I can look like that when I'm her age.

Anywho, happy birthday mom! We love you so much. We pray for your good health, long life, happiness and wealth. We pray that you will have enough courage and conviction to face whatever challenges ahead. You are my idol and inspiration. You have made me who I am today and for that I am eternally grateful. And someday, I hope to be to my kids what you are to me now.

I hope you will enjoy the little party we have in store for you later and the little gift! Can't wait! Love you mom!

Zida xx

A Week in the Life of Me: 14 - 20 May 2011

I know, I know, I have been totally remiss in updating the blog. What's the point of having a blog if I'm not gonna post anything right? Oh well, between being mommy and making headbands, I could hardly find time to just sit down and write. Sure, I've probably been writing in my head but bits and pieces here and there, and usually when I was off doing something like falling to sleep. :)


Sooooo.... what's been happening in the last 7 days? Not sure if it has been a good week or a bad one. Perhaps a bit of both. Not really good for my emotion - been getting a lot more emotional this past few days. Perhaps PMS? I admit, I do look a bit pale now but can I blame it on the late nights? I don't seem to be able to turn off before 2am. I know, it's bad especially when I have a baby who will wake me up at 4am asking for a feed, and again an hour later and an hour after that... sighhhh... but I can't help it, I just can't sleep!


So what do I do? I went to my craft table and make some headbands. I have to admit, I made some really wicked ones! Check them out!!

Aren't they cute? Well at least I think so. Hehe.. I had fun making them and am proud of every single one of them. 


Would be even great if doing this can generate me lots of money. You know, like doing home business, instead of having a day job? Opportunities such as that would be tons in countries like UK or USA but not in Brunei, I think. Especially not since the government had spent tons of money sending one off to get an overseas qualification so that one can give back to the country. But at the same time, it would be a waste as well to let go of a day job that pays me so much so that I can pay all that debt, although I am sad to say that the job I have loved doing before does not hold the same appeal to me anymore. Guess chalk it up to stress overload, leadership issue and me wanting to be there and watch my daughters grow, which I know will not be possible if I stay with this job. I would loveeeeeee to be a full-time mom and work from home, but in the Brunei context, it is still somewhat uncharted territory for a degree holder to do so. Perhaps someday, after I have cleared all my debt, say 10 years time... long time to go..so I'll try and stay positive till then..however, I really think I need that career change...


Anyways, speaking of headbands, maybe I didn't tell anyone this earlier but sometime end of last month, I sheared off my hair again. It is super short. Think Kimberly Wyatt PCD short. No, not short like Emma Watson short (don't think I could pull it off). 

Ok, may not be my best shot there but I really hate taking pictures of myself. Makes me very conscious of all my double-chin and fake smile thing. Hehehe.. well it's grown a bit since then but it was a bit shorter before. The instant it was chopped off, I actually regretted it. I should have kept the length it was then but just get it layered thin and straightened, instead of cutting it even shorter. Now I dunno how to wear my headband properly. There's just something wrong with the way my hair parted and puffed up at the sides, even though it has already been straightened. And to top it off, my cousin is getting married at the end of the month and of course, I want to look my best. My hairdresser did suggest that I colour my hair, since I have left it to the natural black since last year, but maybe I'll take him up on the offer - not that it's free.. hmph! 


Anyways, me and Shoukry had been discussing where to send Azeema to school after Joyful Kids Montessori.. well, I'm a member of this FB group called Brunei's Breastfeeding Mommies and one of the members posted about school choices for kids. Many schools were mentioned. Among others were:
Jigsaw - perhaps after JIS and ISB, may be the school with the most expensive montessori class. Around $300+ per month and normal kindy about $180+.
Stella - the best private school so far, great at improving student's reading progress, focusing on Peter & Jane books. Around $170+.
CHMS - sounds promising with VVIP treatment for parents, a unique way of teaching Maths that's not taught in other schools (that's why their kids are great in Maths), have ECA in Fridays or/and Saturdays. Around $160+ per month.


I am inclining towards CHMS, mainly because of their educational philosophy but at the same time also make time for play with less homework and ECA on Fridays. Their facilities are great but traffic jam has yet to improve. However, Shoukry is so not and would like to just send Azeema to a school nearby, which narrows down to SMS, Sunshine School, Nusa Laila Puteri School and SR Beribi. I am actually worried about the quality of teachers at some of these schools as they may be Filipino teachers with no HND, whereas in government school, it is mandatory to have at least a HND. I really don't understand his reluctance to send to CHMS, because at that price, Azeema is guaranteed to have quality education, with emphasis on Maths and Science but at the same time play as well. I've asked the mommies on the Brunei's Breastfeeding Mommies forum so hopefully can get some answers soon.


I must say, I am disappointed in myself for the way I let Azeema being raised the way she had been. I don't know if this is PMS speaking but I felt that there had been a lot of opportunities for her to be exposed to arts and craft by means of kindy classes but I was just too lazy or too ignorant. I wonder if she had been exposed to those in between age 1 - 3 instead of just being left to watch TV or run around in the house, would she show more creativity, intuition, independency, better behaviour? That's a lot of what-ifs. I wish somebody had written down a manual someway on how to be a better mom. I could kick myself, you know. Although Azeema is improving now ever since she started school, but I know she could have done better, especially in speaking and improving vocabulary. She still rambles, even though her words are more pronounced now, and not really speaking in a correct, full sentence. For someone who is 3 yrs 8 months, she should have been able to speak clearly and properly already. I am so worried. What can I do? Her attention span is something to be frustrated at, too. I know, I'm a bad mom. And someone just posted on FB on how kids who were breastfed for more than 4 months show less tendency for bad behaviour. Is that where I went wrong as well? Because I was too lazy (yes, I admit!) to breastfeed her. I only did it for 1 month - reason being not enough breastmilk but I know it was because I just didn't try hard enough. Oh mannnnn... ok Zida, gotta calm down girl... breatheeeee...


So now I'm trying to do right by Ayra, and I hope it's not too late for Azeema. I know Shoukry complains about the cost but then again they will not be 3 years forever. I have to catch the moment while I still can. And seriously, if he can spend thousands on a lens, I think he can spend some hundreds on Azeema's and Ayra's education.


Ok I think I better stop now before this becomes a whining session. 


To close, I think I better update you on Ayra. She's been developing well and her weight stands now at 4.7 kg, a good 2kg increase since birth. She's getting chubbier too and very cute. She can definitely engage with her eyes and recognizes me by sound and face, which I am really proud of. She smiles a lot now, and sometimes in her sleep. Oh and she's been bearing her weight on her legs, especially when I put her in her carrier and she sits on my lap. She will want to push off her legs and stand up, which I know very few children can do at 2 months. But still..I don't want her to overexert herself. One thing I'm worried about is how clingy she is. She loves to be cuddled and I mean loooovvveeesss. If she's in one of that mood, there's no putting her down. She'll just fuss all over again until you pick her up. I'm worried about how it'll be once I start going back to work later. I know I'll be sending her to my mom every morning but still... Anyways, have a look at the little angel:

Isn't she the cutest? Now I just need to make sure she doesn't catch on Azeema's cough. My throat has also been paining me lately but I do hope it will not come to more. But poor Ayra is having the sniffles at times. And it worries me to listen to her trying to breathe with her nose blocked. And to top it off, her poo has not been normal. She poos at least once every two days, and when she does, it'll be all liquidy. It could be something I ate but I just don't know what because I have been eating pretty much the same food since I gave birth. And so far I have only cheated twice..nope, can't tell you, otherwise, my mom will read this and give me hell..hehe..


Anyways, I have been watching a youtube video on Dunstan Baby Language. Will talk about this in the future because I just want to go to sleep now. 


And the icing on my not-so-super week is... my phone got barred without any prior warning. Usually they would send you an SMS telling that your phone is at 80% of credit limit, but nooooo...this time they just cut it off and I have no means whatsoever on how to pay. Great, right? Just great...


Oh well, till next time!


Zida xx

Friend Me on Facebook

Hey y'all!

I have created a new Facebook profile for the purpose of business and to feature all the headbands I have made, which you can order and purchase (to separate these from my personal stuff). Just add me 'Hair Jewelz'. They will have the same things that I will soon feature in my Hair Jewelz Products page here, but definitely more interactive!

Zida xx

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know by Age 9

As much as we know there are manners that kids should know, it's nice that this article I found in Yahoo! actually listed them out - somewhat like a checklist:





Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please." 

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Related: Kid-Made Thank You Notes

Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6

The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7

Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Related: Raise Polite Kids

Manner #8

When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10

Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11

When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12

Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Related: Print and Color Cards for Birthdays, Thank-Yous and More!

Manner #13

Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15

Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Related: Raise a Compassionate Kid

Manner #16

Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17

If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Related: Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?

Manner #18

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Related: How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide

Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on Proper Utensil Use and More!

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

See more on teaching manners to your toddlers and preschoolers. 

Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/25-manners-every-kid-should-know-by-age-9-2480238/

My Headband Project 2

While waiting for my headband stock to arrive (I'm not sure why they took so long - it's been a month!), so I decided to make some flowers. I love felt cloth and the felt flowers are very simple and chic, very suitable for kids or a casual day out. Then I was thinking, there has got to be someway to attach these to something. So I decided to play with elastic headbands. I'm not really a fan, well maybe because I don't usually use them, but it's not about what I want, it's about what others want. And it turned out elastic headbands are quite fun and they do stay on the head, depending on how tight the bands are. 

 

Blue and black beaded headband with big organza rosette - tutorial courtesy of Joy Is At Home

 

Red felt daisy clip - tutorial courtesy of Mrs Priss

 

Red felt heart with glitter and elastic band

 

Pink and green felt peony with elastic band - tutorial courtesy of Yoonie At Home

 

Three-layered felt heart with elastic band

 

Layered yellow organza with beaded centre and lace headband

Multicoloured satin rolled flowers with lace headband

As I said earlier, I also tried my hand at crochet. And came up with these (thanks to some online tutorials!):

 Triple braided crochet headband with two flowers - tutorial courtesy of You Seriously Made That?

Single chain crochet headband with big flower - tutorial courtesy of Knotty Knotty Crochet

Crochet hat with ruffles - tutorial courtesy of Art of Crochet by Theresa

Triple chain braided headband with big flower - tutorial courtesy of You Seriously Made That?

So what do you think? Nice huh? Credits to all the people who came up with these tutorials (I owe you guys one!). Would you guys like to have one of these? I'm featuring these (plus the ones I made earlier) on my Facebook (Hair Jewels). Add me and book to your heart content! I will try and meet the demand..hehe

My Headband Project

Wow, how long has it been since I last posted? Almost 3 weeks! And believe me, I have been super busy in the last 3 weeks after discovering my rather deeply-dormant creative side. I have been making headbands!! Considering I find it hard to find headbands to my satisfaction, I thought hey, why not make some?! So I experimented with some old headbands, made some bows and ribbons through online tutorials, and voila! I came up with the stuff below!

Quite impressive for me, if I have to say so myself. Hehe..

But not only these, I actually taught myself how to crochet, of all things! Funny, considering my mom did this when I was younger and I had no inclination whatsoever to be that domestic. Guess being a mom changes that. And it gives me great pleasure to make something that I know my kids would love to wear. Azeema loves wearing the headbands I made for her - to the point that she doesn't want to take them off at bedtime. 

Anyways, pics of the other stuff will be uploaded later, once I can convince my husband to help me with the camera. 

I am quite proud of myself. And hopefully I can make more of these, and the money can go to my pay-my-debt fund. Hehe..

And also thanks to my darling husband for volunteering to pay for the raw materials my new hobby requires. I love you!!