calmSomehow, I wish I have been blogging more about Little Caleb, and just life in general. And I guess I really should even if it's only a short photo post.
Work has been pretty much more busy for me of late. Having to seize whatever time Hubba and I have with Caleb between after work hours and his bedtime, and on weekends mean having to rush from point A to B, then to C and D. You do get what I mean.
And of course not to forget spending quality twosome time with Hubba. Our date nights these days are mostly spent at home with home-cooked dinners, DVDs and conversations over drinks (and if doing household chores together counts too :P). All these while Caleb sleeps.
Then come meeting The Lovelies and all the friends that matter without the guilt trip for leaving Hubba to babysit Caleb.
Well, these pretty much explain my absence.
But it's time to revive the blog :)
determined
amusedTime is displayed as text in five minute intervals but if you need to have a more exact time, simply look at the the illuminated dots at the corners.

He laughs at the silliest thing I do, loves my singing (betcha he's the only one), listens and sympathies when things are not going right.
I used to hold Hubba's hand while commuting. And now, I hold his little hand while Hubba drives.
Unconditional love- the deepest kind of love from a person who doesn't need yours :)
contentApparently, little Caleb got a tad too comfy in Mommy's tum tum and refused to come out to say hello to both Mommy & Daddy even when he's due! And hence with him growing almost close to 4kg, Dr Kek recommended induced delivery on 14th April at 0730h.
So on the day of induced delivery, Hubba and I woke up bright and early for a good breakfast before heading to the delivery suite.

We waited patiently for the delivery suite to be prepared as another patient has just vacated. I was just all settled down when Dr Kek came at 0815h and broke my water bag. After which, regular contractions were felt and dilation progressed from 1.5cm to 3.5cm from 0815-1230h. And all these while, Hubba and the nurses kept checking on my pain scale and reminded me that I can always request for pain relief.

Though the contractions were very much bearable, the thought of at least another 7 hours of labour before I get fully dilated and the constant reminders of the option of pain relief made me opt for epidural (which I regretted). I was apparently too sensitive to epidural and immediate numbness was felt throughout my entire body that I was unable to feel anything when the nurse lifted my legs, had difficulties swallowing saliva and started throwing up. The epidural was switched off immediately and the numbness only went off an hour later.
Throughout the whole process, Hubba was uber sweet and encouraging :) He made sure that I was kept warm, fed me with sips of water, re-applied my lip balm, read me do-you-know trivial, played music which he has pre-selected and appeared with a huge flower bouquet (which the anesthetist commented how young it shows we were to be still romantic and that she would have very much preferred something edible -_-|||).
I did manage to convince Hubba to get some shut-eye to conserve his energy for the cheering required during my final push :)

Contractions (which were still bearable) were felt again at 1500h and I requested for the epidural to be switched on again (oh well, I refused to feel any slightest pain since I've paid almost $1K). Dilation progress was on track and the measurement was 6.5cm at 1545h. Just as I told myself to bear for another 4 hours, the midwife excitedly told me that she can already feel Caleb's head and it should be another 2 more hours if everything goes smoothly.
The pressure of Caleb's descending head on my back was felt at 1615h but I wanted to be doubly sure (how can it be so soon when it should be another 2 hours?!) and waited till 1635h when the pressure became more intense before informing the midwife. The midwife performed another check and informed us that I was fully dilated.
The midwife started to get me pushing at 1650h. I didn't manage to do what the midwife instructed me to do which is to hold my breath while I push for the first 2 sets and had a good laugh with Hubba on my psycho-motor-breathing-problem :D We did another 4 sets of push before 50-cent coin size of Caleb's head was sighted and waited for Dr Kek's arrival.
Dr Kek arrived at 1735h. Hubba and I waited patiently while Dr Kek laid out the medical instruments and the midwife prepared the cleaning devices for the arrival of Caleb. Thinking back now, I wondered how was it even possible then that Hubba and I managed to remain so calm :D
With another 3 set of pushes, Caleb's head emerged fully which I managed to stretch forward to take a look. The sight is serene :) I saw the same sheer happiness in Hubba's eyes when he held my hand and kissed me on my forehead. This is OUR baby boy.

This is the first time Hubba had little Caleb in his arms which made my heart swelled up with love :)

Thank God for the safe and smooth delivery. Many thanks to Dr Kek, Rowena, Tharn Nee and Keelyn. It would not have been possible without your medical expertise.
And thank you, my love for all that you have done.
thankfulMe: Where were we this time last year?
Hubba: Interlaken!
Me: Oh boy, how I miss travelling :(


On our way up to Jungfraujoch- Top of Europe






L-R: Eigergletcher, Great Aletsch Glacier, Hubba & I, High above the clouds, "Trekking"
Though the temperature was ranging from -4 to 9 degrees, the sun rays were piercing! So do remember to slap on sunblock and bring your sunnies :)
nostalgicUnder Mum's influence, I began using Estee Lauder's Hydra Complete (now known as Hydrationist) in my first 2 years of university. It was a simple 3-step regime- toner, day moisturise gel cream and eye cream for both day and night uses.
With more late nights in the last 2 years of university, I switched to Estee Lauder Nutritionist which promises to neutralize, detoxify and infuse the skin. Also, I've 2 different regimes for day and night applications. On top of the 3-step regime, I've included an additional step with the use of essence, and alternative use of night restorative creme and advanced repair eye cream specifically for night.
When I started working (which came paired with more spending power), I started using Estee Lauder Idealist. Like most products, I can say that there is indeed some difference in my complexion when I skipped a night of application due to tiredness or laziness. But Idealist is one product that I swear by that works magic on my T-zone area. Overtime, I do see a significant improvement in the white/ black heads production :)
Now that I've cross the quarter-century mark, I became more aware of my face conditions. Spots are starting to appear, thanks to the days training under the sun and weekly beach outing without any sunblock application :(
So my current regime involves:
Shisedo Brightening Cleansing Foam W, Shisedo Brightening Balanced Softener Enriched W, Estee Lauder Idealist, Shisedo Intensive Spot Targeting Serum, Sisley Hydra Global (for day & night use), Clarins Eye Lift (for day & night use), Sisley Eye & Lip Balm Contour (for day & night use), Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protect (Anni Tin), Jurlique Rose Mist (after make-up application), Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel, Clarins Sunblock (without make-up application)
Yes, these are the amount of facial products I slapped on my face daily :) 20 minutes (including make-up application) every morning and 10 minutes every night.
Maybe, when I reach 30, I might consider using Creme de la Mer which my mum claims to remove spots on her face. It's a all-in-one legendary cream which can be used even on the delicate eye area!
sleepy



indescribable