Before the labour

Finally am now more familiarized with baby's sleeping pattern and am able to put my memories into words, before I forget the details...

Before labour, most of you may remember the "anxiety" I had - baby did not come out on due date and Dr suggested to induce, which sounded like a "threat" to me personally since we've prayed for no human intervention so that we can give God all credit. Throughout the pregnancy it has been a faith-testing period, and thus we have to continue to trust God for His hand upon us and baby.

We shared the real challenges to some close friends as prayer requests, but it's time for me to write them down here to give God all the glory for ALL answered prayers. God really answered all of them.

1. YS and I moved everything from a rented apartment to my in-law's place when I was in my wk32-34 pregnancy. It was definitely a time consuming process as I can't really carry heavy stuffs and all I could help was to packed the stuff into boxes, or into trolley (travel luggages), storage containers with wheels. All things needed to be packed to be light weight enough for YS to carry them as he needs to put some stuff onto Tim's trolley and his contributive Honda Citi. The moving was like never ending, batch after batch, days after days and weeks after weeks. Anyway, we thank God for His protection despite all the Chinese pantangs (you know what I mean), and house owner who were willing to return us the full deposits though there sounded to be some reluctance at first.

2. If you have piles before, you might know my feeling. Dr told me that piles are common during pregnancy, and it will be there till after pregnancy since the baby and the water bag adds weight unto it, and it might be worse during the pushing time during labour. Haha, he was so shocked to see my piles during wk 37 when strepB test was done. It was so serious that the Dr said that I might need an operation to remove the piles in case the condition is worsen, esp when the baby is engaged (the baby was not engaged at that time). I asked during the operation, baby and piles will be removed, or only the piles. He said, "Only the piles." Huh? What bout the baby during that piles operation. "He'll be in your stomach since you'll be in general anesthesia". Poor baby. I actually cried for the few days and asked God to work miracles. He actually did and thank God the piles not only did not get worsen, but got better. I actually forgot about the piles problem when the baby engaged, and surprisingly, it did not haunt me during the labour (else I might not have pushed hard enough). Lesson learnt, piles should be removed before pregnancy if it's a pre-existing issue :)

3. Baby not engaged when Dr said he should have already during wk37+. In average, first baby usually gets engaged in the pelvis bone much earlier, say few weeks before delivery. We did not understand the importance of baby engaging into that location until later when Dr explained that if baby is not engaged, he might not be ready for vaginal birth. We used to think that if baby's head diameter is bigger than 10cm, he might not be able to be delivered through vaginal since dilation is up to 10cm only. Aiya, wrong concept la. If baby does not report to his 'station' (engaged), he might not have high chance of going through normal delivery. Baby was 3/5 engaged during wk38+ and 4/5 engaged during wk39+. He is not considered fully engaged but "kind of engaged".

4. If amniotic fluid is too little, there is a risk of premature birth. If too much, what's the problem? None of my friends around experienced or heard of people having too much water. But I did. Mine was not critical case though, but every check up Dr kept telling us that "there's quite a lot water". It was till wk38+ that we finally "remembered" to ask Dr what is the implication of having "quite a lot water". He said, when water is quite a lot, the pressure is high when water bag burst. If baby is fully engaged, his head can be like a "stud" controlling the water pressure when gushing out. However, since our baby's head is not fully engaged, there are 2 risk. When the water bag burst and the water pressure is high, the umbilical cord might gush out first and cause umbilical cord prolapse, or placenta abruption. This remained as our prayer even on labour day. But you know from my introduction, God answered the prayer.

From Wikipedia:
Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency during pregnancy or labor that imminently endangers the life of the fetus. Cord prolapse is often concurrent with the rupture of the amniotic sac. After this happens the fetus moves downward into the pelvis and puts pressure on the cord. As a result, oxygen and blood supplies to the fetus are diminished or cut-off and the baby must be delivered quickly. Some practitioners will attempt to reduce pressure on the cord and deliver vaginally right away. Frequently the attempt to resolve the prolapsed cord and deliver the baby vaginally fails, and an emergency caesarean section must be performed immediately.


Placental abruption (also known as abruptio placentae) is an obstetric catastrophe (complication of pregnancy), wherein the placental lining has separated from the uterus of the mother. Placental abruption is also a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Many women can die from this type of abnormality.

5. We prayed for normal delivery, without epidural. YS kept challenging me if I can really stand the pain. Else need to spent additional RM800+ for the epidural if needed last minute... We thank God He has better plans.

6. An old friend who delivered in July actually send me an sms when I asked her how was her delivery experience. She told me her experience was long story (some kind of complicated normal delivery) and I better do all prenatal exercises. I got quite worried as honestly I did not do much exercise, brisk walking or walking up down the stairs or swimming due to long hours in office. Worse still, in office you sit down most of the time. And YS has been nagging at me on this topic :( God answered this prayer of mind by giving me peace, and I totally forgot about "You DID NOT exercise enough" statement in the labour room :p

Clement says Hi

Finally the long awaited bundle of joy has arrived on 14Nov09 hours 0042. :) Will find some time to blog about the labour experience later in separate post.

You may view baby Clement's 2nd day photo at http://www.pah.com.my. Click on the "Baby Photo Online" button. Access Code is "327432WEM". Personally I like this photo a lot as it was really precious to see him smile with the two dimples, and eyes open wide on the first few sleepy days. Poor Clement were having some eye irritation which is common to newborn on the photo shoot day. Thank God it went off on the 3rd day.

Here is a photo daddy did...

Everybody is waiting for you....

Ok. Maybe not EVERYBODY, but many many people are waiting for you ooo....

Just realized we have not really announce baby's name. Haha... It should be finalized by now and the baby has responded to that name when we called him.

He shall be called..... "deng deng deng deng deng...."

Clement Chew Xue-Yi (周学毅).

Clement, in Latin means gentle/merciful. 学 means learn. We hope this baby boy will be a humble and teachable one. 毅 means determination.

Daddy says that baby Clement is too determined not to come out by his estimated due date (11 Nov 2009). In fact on 10th night, as usual we talk to Clement and he responded with kicks and boxes. Then daddy said, "Clement boy, tonight or tomorrow you come out ok?" Suddenly it was great silence. No kick, no boxes, nothing... Wow... Refused to agree. Very determined.

On 11Nov night, when obviously baby has missed his "due date", mummy told baby, "Baby Clement, be 'merciful' to mummy ya. Please come out before 15Nov ya... Else Dr gonna ask daddy mummy induce lo..."

Baby Clement, don't let us wait too long ya...

Still waiting...

"40weeks and 1 day pregnant." That's it? No more xx days to go?

hahah.... I was laughing to myself when I see the ticker on the top my my blog today. Only God knows when the baby will have his grand entrance to the world. Sometimes I just felt that the waiting is interesting. Watching out for SIGNS... Like waiting for the second coming of our Saviour by watching out for SIGNS too. Make sure you attend PCC for the following few weeks for Revelation related sermons by Ps Isaac (free ads).

Yesterday was my 3rd day not in office. So bored. Told Yong Sheng to fetch me from home during lunch. So he dropped me at QBM. Walked and sit and eat/drink for the few hours. Much better than the first 2 days sitting and lying and watching TV. Haha. Best of all, I finally got myself a toy.


Yes, Puzzle Ball. An expensive toy I've been hesitated to buy since I first saw it in KL. Since this is called a "junior" puzzle ball, it came with 3 guidelines to help you.

1. Reference. This is interesting. You can turn the 2 wheels to figure out how the top and bottom of the ball looks like


2. Numbers at the back of the pieces to help you not fix the wrong pieces together


3. Piece #1 is packaged separately so that you don't sweat to start :p

It did not really take much time to complete it. Last night I kick started the "project" and achieved this:


Daddy was busy with his new toy while mummy building the 11cm diameter puzzle ball. Guess baby was happily playing with the umbilical cord and shaking his belly in the womb. (That was what baby was doing in his wk39 check up last Sunday. Dr stopped the scanning for few seconds as he can't stop laughing after seeing the baby performing belly dancing while Dr tried to measure baby's belly diameter.)


This morning within an hour, the ball is completed. Should buy a bigger ball if I found one in future to kill time, esp for "waiting" period like this (dream on... when baby is out, you will be glad you had at least those few minutes to complete the 11cm diameter puzzle ball... )

Ok baby, your birthday present is ready, waiting for you to come out. Ta-dah...

Last lap to go

This morning when I saw the ticker on the top of my blog says "39weeks & 6days pregnant. Only 1 day to go." Gulp. Time really flies. Wonder what it will say tomorrow, and the days after tomorrow. haha....

Last Friday was my happiest day throughout my pregnancy. Last day at work. Finally I'm ending the stressful days and am making the last lap of pregnancy a much more relaxing one. Phew, ain't I proud to have managed to go through all the ups and downs even with the little baby in my womb? It wasn't easy and am glad God has granted me much favour and has allowed me carrying the baby to full term (and might overdue somemore :p) Used to envy expecting mothers who had relaxing pregnancy, not much workload, happy happy goyang kaki and can go for tea breaks regularly everyday. How I used to wish I have those special privileges too :) But now I am glad the sense of achievements is much more rewarding.

This is the only photo I've taken in the office on my "last" day. I told Yong Sheng I planned to walk around taking photos with colleagues with my big stomach. Haha... but sounded to "kua zhang" (exaggerated) as if I'll never be back to work next year. So I only managed to have one photo with a China colleague, who was having the last day of his trip to Penang on that day. I told him that my target is to have the same belly as his after my delivery. And he laughed :p

Let THE penguin parade begin....

You are now in your last month of pregnancy....

Haha... what a welcoming word. Well, I like it though, looking forward for the new life begin (yeah, I know, you'll tell me to sleep as much as I want now, and to enjoy all the "honeymoon" season left before the little one arrives). Hmmm... at least it makes me feel that the pregnancy process is not forever, at least.

Thank God for no heartburn, no water retention, no backpain and so on. And also thank God for "under-controlled" stretchmarks :p Though did not really have problem walking for breathing, but a friend recently told me that I'm finally walking like a penguin. Haha... with legs open wider and big tummy at the front?

The one penguin parade has just begun. Should watch the penguin climbing up six storey stairs for the past few weeks. haha.... Now the penguin starts climbing up 3 storey stairs, several times a days. Am glad penguin is able to balance well till now... haha... Yong Sheng was joking that I should start walking sideway, like a crab (haih...) Hope he remembers that he's not in a zoo :p

Baby boy, enjoy your days in the womb. Have your lungs developed well before you come into this world ya :) Give daddy and mummy a good cry to notify us on your arrival...

Braxton Hicks contractions

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic uterine contractions that start about 6 weeks into your pregnancy, although you won't be able to feel them that early. You probably won't start to notice them until sometime after mid-pregnancy, if you notice them at all. (Some women don't.) They get their name from John Braxton Hicks, an English doctor who first described them in 1872.

As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks contractions tend to come somewhat more often, but until you get to your last few weeks, they'll probably remain infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless. Sometimes, though, Braxton Hicks contractions are hard to distinguish from early signs of preterm labor.

Play it safe and don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. If you haven't hit 37 weeks yet and you're having more than four contractions in an hour — or you have any other signs of preterm labor (see below) — call your caregiver immediately.

By the time you're within a couple of weeks of your due date, your contractions may get more intense and more frequent, and they may cause some discomfort. Unlike the earlier painless and sporadic Braxton Hicks contractions, which caused no obvious cervical changes, these contractions may help your cervix "ripen" — gradually soften and thin out (efface) and maybe even dilate a bit. This period is sometimes referred to as pre-labor.
How can I tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?

In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, possibly fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called false labor the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.
What can I do if my Braxton Hicks contractions are making me uncomfortable?

If you're within a few weeks of your due date, try these measures:

• Change your activity or position. Sometimes walking provides relief. At other times, resting eases contractions. (True labor contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.)

• Take a warm bath to help your body relax.

• Try drinking a couple of glasses of water, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

• Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won't stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort. (Use this opportunity to practice some of the pain-management strategies you've learned in your childbirth preparation class.)

When should I call my doctor or midwife?

Call your caregiver right away if you haven't reached 37 weeks and your contractions are becoming more frequent, rhythmic, or painful, or if you have any of these possible signs of preterm labor:

• Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don't hurt)

• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting

• An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge — if it becomes watery, mucusy, or bloody (even if it's only pink or blood-tinged)

• Increased pelvic pressure (a feeling that your baby's pushing down)

• Low back pain, especially if it's a new problem for you

If you're past 37 weeks, there's no need to call your doctor or midwife just for contractions until they last about 60 seconds each and are five minutes apart — unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise

====================================================================================
Above were extracted from BabyCentre. Last checkup (wk33) Dr asked if I've experienced Braxton Hicks contractions, and I told him I don't know since I'm unsure of how it feels exactly. He described briefly to me, and it sounded much more relevant and "imaginable" than what I've read about in books or website. I guess I experienced it before in the 3rd trimester, but somehow I thought that it was some weird 'stunt' done by the baby :p

After monitoring for 2 weeks, haha... yeah, I can now recognise the Braxton Hicks contractions. But it always follows with a kick or punch from the baby after 30s or 1minutes. Probably was his reaction towards the 'squeezing force' surrounding him few moments ago :p

It's amazing to know how God create our body and function. The Braxton Hicks contractions is actually a "practice" for the uterus to expel the baby out from mother's body when the time comes. Creative creator. He takes care of all details :)

Great Big God and His creations

During this pregnancy process, the Almighty God has encouraged both Yong Sheng and I in many ways. It's a joy to have a baby. It's a greater joy to know that you are part of a miracle. It's even greater joy to know that you are the miracle yourself.

Read a book recently that each and everyone of us were from the combination of below:
1. 1 out of 100million of daddy's sperms
2. 1 out of 100thousand of mummy's ovums

Out of so many other "candidates", why God made me from that particular sperm, and that particular ovum? It could have been someone else to live instead of me. But God has chosen the particular ones for His unique reason and purpose. No one is an accident. Through the years you may have heard miscarriages or infant death happening around. Why God chose us to be alive till now?

It was a blessed CG meeting yesterday when Freddy shared on Laminin. It was the first time I heard bout it, but it made the verse Colossians 1:15-18 more meaningful, and suddenly made sense to a mere human....

Colossians 1:15-19 (New International Version)

The Supremacy of Christ
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

After the CG I noticed that PCC ISMA Mania mentioned about this too. In case you are interested, go to the links below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKMw1ndl-EY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2mcCvHT1wY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVxdRrWjh0g&feature=related

God is great. Huge and tiny stuff, He's in them. Amazing. My little baby, you got to know this God, love Him and serve Him.

What I like about 3rd trimester

Used to miss 2nd trimester when it ended few months back. Probably when people tell you that 2nd trimester is the best period you will enjoy, since it's the most energetic months you can enjoy. Haha... to be frank, wasn't really looking forward for the third trimester =(

But after able to cope and handle constipation, heavier weight, increasing tiredness, leg cramp etc, I've also learnt to look at the bright side. In fact, one thing I like most is the movement you feel in your tummy everyday. I still remember that I started track if I'm now able to "sense" the flapping of butterfly wings since week 16, but only ended up disappointing, till about week 18 when I started feeling something moving, but not really obvious ones... It was till 2 days before my week 20 checkup that the baby finally kicked me harder, and enabled me to answer Dr. Low's question "Have you started feeling the baby movement?" "Oh yes.... (finally I'm confidence I felt something)"

Since week 20, baby became more active with increased activities, more kicking, somersaults, hiccups and so on. There were times where you can actually play with the little baby, by tapping back when he kicks you. I recalled testing his "maths" by tapping once, and he kicked back once. Then tapped twice, and he kicked twice. I think he was able to kicked back thrice, but when I tapped four times, he simply gave up, or bored of playing the boring game :p Chew was happy when he was able to get the baby to response to his tapping.


BabyCentre says that at 32 weeks, baby's movements will reach a peak of activity and from now on, you will notice an increase in the frequency and type of movements as your baby gets bigger and stronger. Am now 33 weeks. Yeah, stronger movements. Sometimes can feel his 2 hands and 2 legs moving at the same time, at four corners of my stomach... haha... the guessing games is just fun and funny. Am just wondering if I'd ever see his footprint or palm mark on my tummy. Can Hi5 then :p


Was a Europe baby, but now slowly transitioning to a US baby. Daddy pray that he'll be a pure Malaysian baby when he's out, sleep when time to sleep, active when time to awake :p

How to minimize puffiness

Came across this article in BabyCenter and found it interesting :) Thank God yesterday Dr said that I do not have signs of water retention so far, but it's good to prevent :p Yeah, my face is much rounder now compared to pre-pregnant days - I know.... Am glad most friends says that I'm not as huge as they'd have imagine...


Can I do anything to minimise the puffiness?

• Elevate your feet when possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk; at home, try to lie on your left side when possible.

• Put on waist-high support tights before you get out of bed in the morning, so blood has no chance to pool around your ankles.

• Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, keeping hydrated helps your body retain less water.

• Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike.

• Eat well, and avoid sodium and salty foods like olives and salted nuts

Great... the bolded point comforts me a lot as I always drink some water after every toilet visit in the midnight. Well, just to wet my throat actually... Nowadays I have to wake up at least twice every night. Welcome to the 3rd trimester, again :)

Hello Chiang Mei! 30 Weeks Pregnant

Hello Chiang Mei!
30 Weeks Pregnant

That's what BabyCentre greeting me today. Phew. Time flies. Am now officially entering the 'last quarter' of my first pregnancy journey. Still remember when I entered 2nd trimester, the journey still seems so long. I told Yong Sheng, we are not even one third done. But now, wow, good time really flies. Second trimester, the most energetic stage went on so fast... Well, probably there were travelings and holidays which goes along with it.

Really don't know what to expect for this 3rd trimester. What I realised it that I'm getting hungrier earlier nowadays. And need to eat more frequently. Well, baby you enjoy all the food mama eat now. When you comes to the world, you'll have ONLY milk for the first 6months ya :)

Highlands here we come

Since we did not make it to Melbourne, why waste the leaves? haha....

Last friday we came out with some adhoc plans to fill up the 5 days leaves which we've applied for the Melbourne trip. Guess where... yeah, somewhere with lower temperature - Genting and Cameron.

Well, not much expectation since I don't think I'm allowed to get on the rides in theme park, nor hiking in Cameron. Will just treat it as a "family retreat". haha. Too bad malacca has been taken out of the plan since sis is currently in charged of the A H1N1 patients in GH malacca and mum has refrained me from going home :( sob sob. But I know deep in my heart that it's all for the good of the baby and myself. Pregnant ladies are listed as in the high risk list, so, don't play play lo... It's saddening to hear that a pregnant lady and her pre-born baby died in the evening news just now :(

Take care all pregnant ladies. Let's be careful by doing all precautious, and remember to eat the supplements ya. God bless all pregnant ladies and babies in the womb...

A painful decision

Today Yong Sheng and I made a painful decision, but thank God it's a decision we made together - peacefully after considering many factors.

Yong Sheng has been down with fever, coughing and flu since Friday night. We've agreed that if he's still not well on Monday, we'll be canceling the flights to Melbourne.

It's Monday today and he's still sick, though slightly better, but not fully recovered :( The flight will be on Thursday early morning and you can't cancel the flight within 48hours from the departure time. Means, by hook or by crook, if we have to change the flight or do something about it TODAY.

Was still trying to bargain with Yong Sheng that probably we can still go since most likely he's not having H1N1 (as per what the GH Dr says since his fever already subsided). However, my dry throat is getting no improvement through the day, I hope it's not any H1N1 symptoms but simply because I've eaten too much tortilla through the weekend... opppss.

Last sign that we prayed if it's God's will to let us go Melbourne - currency exchange. Apparently AUS dollar went up this few weeks, and it's not what we've prayed for. OK. God win... We are staying back in Malaysia for the 'vacation'. Hope Yong Sheng can get well very very soon and I can go back Malacca and Camerons and IKEA and ....... haha... still the playful Chiang Mei and little baby in the tummy.

Looking at the bright side, probably we'll have cheaper vacations by Cuti-Cuti Malaysia :)

after 1month idle

Has been a month since I posted my last blog. Wow. Felt so bad about it. A friend actually skyped to tell me that my blog has grown fungus :p haha... Sorry bout that.

July 09 has been a busy yet fruitful month. It started with a week training for the FAEs and marketing folks. It was really time and effort demanding to compile all the information, as well as understanding them before you start teaching wrong things (coursemates used to call it "ajaran sesat" during those days). Anyway, at the end of it, was feeling satisfied and glad that there are more "apprentices" to help me out instead of fighting a lonely war :)

It wasn't a smooth sailing months as there were other troubleshooting and debugging items to do, both key projects at the same time. Bosses were joking asking if my baby can come out later than the actual EDD. Well, my answer was, you all should be happy if the baby is not coming out earlier than he is due to all the stress the mummy is in... Brilliant answer :)

Some collegues joked that the baby should be able to withstand much stress in future since his mummy is 'training' him now. Well, really pray hard that he'll be alright. And prayerfully Aug onwards will be more relaxing :) haha... But I guess the baby is getting himself used to mummy's schedule. He kicks most in the morning (probably to wake mummy up), and at night when it's his Bible story time. Daddy is very happy every night especially when baby response to his voice.

We went for our 24wks checkup last Sunday. The doctor scanned baby and gave us a 4D photo of his. Guess what was the baby doing? He was praying, with 2 hands holding together right below his mouth, using mummy's placenta as his pillow. May you be a prayer warrior after God's own heart. And thank God Dr confirms that I no longer need to worry about low lying placenta. We've been praying for months since the Dr indicated previously during few checkups that the placenta may be low. Thank God :)

Happy 5th Year Loving Me....

Hari ini dalam sejarah....

2 July 2004 was the day we decided to enter courtship. Time flies. 5 years already... Glad that we managed to "struggle" through all the tough times, enjoyed all the good times with friends, various pets and hobbies through the years, entered lifetime commitment in 2008, and now preparing for parenthood beginning this Nov.

According to HP, Agilent and Avago culture, employees' effort are recognized every 5 years. That's where you hear about 5th year service award, 35 years service award and so on... Congratulation Yong Sheng, you just entitled to your first 5 years award today :p

Thanks you very much:
1. for chauffeuring me around to/fro office and breakfast/lunch/dinner/supper since courtship
2. for enduring my bad habits
3. for helping me with housework and cooking especially during my pregnancy period
4. for cheering me up your unique ways
5. for bearing with my ignorance and insensitivity
6. for teaching me things I overlooked and never knew
7. for reminding me of my weaknesses
8. for loving me as who I am
9. and many many more....

I love you, dear dear...

Baby boy or girl

I guess this is the FAQ for the week. Very coincidentally, at least 3 people ask me the same question everyday. Probably everyone is as excited as us.

While the baby's sex is not revealed yet until end of the month (hopefully), I just ask if anyone wants a guess. Haha, guess that's the best thing I can answer for now :p

While friends are guessing, I learned some "tips" on how they guess. Pretty interesting and somehow I still doubt most of the "old wives' tales". Check this out:

1. If the mother is having a baby boy, she is still sharp as normal; if the mother is having a baby girl, she tends to be more clumsy and careless
2. If the mother is having a baby boy, she craves for food she likes all the while; if the mother is having a baby girl, she craves for strange food she never really like
3. If the mother is having a baby boy, the tummy looks pointing to the front; if the mother is having a baby girl, the tummy looks round.
4. If the mother is having a baby girl, she tends to have squarer face/double chin
5. If the mother is having a baby boy, her nose will be huge.
6. Count your date of conception vs your period cycle to estimate the baby's sex

Basically I don't quite believe all the items above since after I shared these "guessing tips" with some parents, most of them are not accurate at all. Probably I'd believe #5 since I've seen some colleagues having that nose as evidence :p #6 is based on some simple biology theory but in real life, most females do not have 100% accurate cycles monthly, unless you monitor it regularly using the ovulation test kit.

A friend actually send me a document which "teach" you how to get a baby boy or girl through positions, food you eat, age of husband and wife, date of conception and so on.... Gosh...

It's interesting to hear all the stories and ideas from friends, where they heard them from their parents or other friends. But was pretty shocked when a lady colleague insisted to see if my tummy was pointy or round shape in the ladies' room. Guess it was a little over the border, isn't it? Thank God it wasn't successful.

Anyway, as what I told most of them, for sure you'll know the baby's sex on the day he/she is born :)

Life is a miracle (Part 4)

At week 12++, the baby surprised us with his/her active movement in the womb when we "visit" him/her through the ultrasound. We could see the hands and legs movements pretty clearly. It's the first time we saw the baby's movement since the previous visit we only saw the heartbeat... Yong Sheng says that the baby is exercising on his/her own since the mummy is not exercising enough. Ooppps... 1st trimester has been tiring months for me though I was not having any morning sickness... You just feel like sleeping at 9pm after dinner and bath, a toilet visit in between, and waking up at 7am++. Thank God for understanding husband who helped out a lot in cooking and housework :)

During last appointment (1 month ago), the Dr told us that we have an option to do Nuchal Translucency Scan (usually done between wk 11-14). Through this ultrasound scans, the Dr can access the risk of baby being affected by Down Syndrome. This is done by measuring the skin fold thickness(nuchal translucency) at the back of neck of the baby. If the neck fold is unusually thick, it may indicate that you baby may have Down Syndrome. It's usually 80% accuracy.

We were glad that the Dr actually told us what to look forward in the next appointment. We prayed together before the appointments and we give thanks to God for answering our prayer. The test went on smoothly though the baby was not in the optimum position to do the scan in the beginning...


Wk12++

Life is a miracle (Part 3)

We had our appointment at wk7++ and wk9++ at original hospital and 2nd opinion hospital respectively. The exciting part of the appointments was to see/listen to baby's heartbeat, and to see the embryo shape (imagine the yolk sac has developed to be more like a little human). Amazing isn't it? How great is our God and am really honoured to be part of His miracles.

Many mums told me to expect the heartbeats to sounds like horse galloping. yeah, pretty fast one... But the first impression that came into my mind when I see the heartbeat, was like the "firefly" blinking. haha. YS recorded the baby's heartbeat. Look for him if you want to hear it :p

Share with you some of our joy...

Baby's head and body visible now. The doctor says he can see tiny feet and hands too...

The baby's heartbeat captured and the machine can actually plot some graphs :p

With this tiny heart formed, we pray that baby's heart will be devoted to the Lord, his/her Creator.

Life is a miracle (Part 2)

On 15 March, our first visit to the O&G. We were both glad as we went there with good news - we are expecting a baby!! I jotted down all the questions I have in a little booklet, so that I won't miss any question I want to ask. The Dr was quite humble and friendly. After some family history and health background Q&A, it's time for ultrasound. Ever wonder how your baby looks like when he/she is 1month old in the womb?

Obviously we do not know how to interpret the ultrasound image on the screen. Patiently waiting for the Dr to break the mystery, the Dr finally spoke, "Sorry but I can't see any sign of the baby in your womb...." We were shocked. What? No sign of the fetus/embryo? My heart sank. The Dr says we were supposed to see a black round stuff which is called the "yolk sac". :( continue praying. God, may your will be done. He asked us again to confirm how did we know I'm pregnant, and I answered "Home Pregnancy Kit." Which the ads says it's 99.9% accurate....

Dr says there are 3 reasons why the yolk sac is not seen.
#1. It may be ectopic pregnancy where the implantation happened outside the womb. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency, and, if not treated properly, can lead to the death of the woman.
#2. I may have experienced miscarriage after the day I took the pregnancy test, before we come to see the Dr.
#3. It's too early to see the sac.

We did a blood test on that day and was scheduled to do the next one on 2 days later to compare the pregnancy hormone level (hCG). On that first visit, I did not take out the little questions booklet, as the answers may not be relevant for now =(

On the next morning (16March), Adventist's nurse called and told me that the Dr wanted to speak to me. Wow... first time receive a Dr's call since most cases you are supposed to call to follow up or if you need to talk to them. He told me that the hCG is slightly exceeding 1000mIU/ml. Means, I'm confirmed pregnant 'yesterday'!! Hahah... Ok... Good. Dr says if hCG will increase 66% by the next 2 days (which is the next day), then it's not ectopic pregnancy (please not....)

Within those 2 days, YS and I read a lot from the web about hCG and ectopic pregnancy. This was what I managed to read up from Wikipedia:

hCG Levels

The following is a list of serum hCG levels. Note that these are merely typical values--a given woman's values may not fall within these ranges. (LMP = since last menstrual period).

* 3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
* 4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
* 5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml
* 6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
* 7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
* 9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
* 13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
* 17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
* 25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
* Non-pregnant females: <5.0 mIU/ml
* Postmenopausal females: <9.5 mIU/ml

17 March was an important day which we've been counting down to. The nurse actually called up to remind us of the appointment and the "agenda of the day" - blood test, then follow by ultrasound. This round, we remembered to pray before going into the hospital. We prayed that God's will be done and we'll continue have faith in Him. The appointment was supposed to be 5pm and we arrived at 4.30pm. When we registered at the counter, the nurse pass me a form, requesting me to go to the laboratory for an URGENT blood test. Yeah, it was written "URGENT", in red, on the form. It was the same guy taking my blood again. I remember that during the last blood taking, his hp actually rang when he almost finish taking my blood. I was so tempted to ask if he can off his hp when he's on this important duty this time. But I dare not... after he apply the antiseptic (i think so) with cotton, his hp RANG!!! Aiyo... he quickly take it out, and sent a busy tone to the caller. I said, "Wow, you are very busy." He replied, "Yeah, almost 5pm. My friends are looking for me already." The prick was a little painful this round. Maybe he tried to take revenge. Or maybe I was over-sensitive. Yong Sheng asked me not to talk too much next time :(

After the blood taking, not long later it was our turn to go into the Dr's office. Ultrasound... No yolk sac found, again :( was sad. But there's an unknown object (which Dr labeled as "?") was still found at the outer uterine. I think he told me that it's not on the Fallopian tube, it's somewhere near the uterus, BUT NOT UTERUS. Well, really hope it's just some normal cyst during pregnancy which does not harm me nor the baby. He told us that the 'object' actually shrunk a little compared to previously.

To know if it's ectopic pregnancy, we could only wait another 40mins for the blood test results. He asked when was the last hour I ate something, and I told him 2pm, actually I had some kiwi at 4pm but I forgotten. The nurse later told me not to eat or drink anything from that minute onwards, as they might want to admit me for a "scope" if the blood test gives <66% increment of hCG. They need to scope to see what's in there to ensure I won't die of losing too much blood in case something nasty is happening. Really sad and anxious. I think the 'minor surgery' costs about RM3000. Gosh, we came to the Dr initially with good news and now the Dr is preparing my heart for a not so good news. Worse, we did not have any guarantee letter to claim from insurance company!!! It's such a big sum...

When we were notified that the blood test result is out and we were supposed to go back to the room, we were sweating. Trying to cool down the tense situation, I said to the Dr in a very innocent and joking tone, "Don't you give us bad news ar..." He smiled. Then I reconfirmed with him again if the "66" mentioned was referring to "count" or "percentage". And he said percentage...

"OK, this was your hCG level two days ago....... and today it is........" And he showed me the new number - 2388mIU/ml.

"Dr, more that doubled le!!! Wow... " So glad. NOT ectopic pregnancy!!

Dr then confirms that mine is a normal pregnancy, with very healthy hCG hormon level. He asked if I want another scan, intravaginal ultrasound. Worrying that we will have to pay more for it, or maybe more worried if still can't see the yolk sac again will affect the remaining days before next appointment, I declined. When we walked out, the nurse again remind us to go straight to the emergencies in case got bleeding or intense stomach ache. Anyway, thank God I did not need to stay at the hospital that night and can continue eating and drinking water. Managed to go to the Open Heaven Revival Meeting that night. Next appointment will be on 22March.

22Mar
After answering "NOs" to his questions of "abdominal pain? Spotting? Bleeding? Vomiting?", I was asked to go to the ultrasound scanner place. Haha... this round we could see the 15.27mm yolk sac in the uterus (actually we seen in during our "second opinion in another hospital a day ago, but we promised each other to act surprised, since it was the 1st time this Dr is seeing it). Haha.. we actually felt that he's even happier than us during that appointment :p This round, he officially told us the baby's EDD (Estimated Due Date). Finally this time, we felt free to ask questions like should we start drinking the pregnant mum's milk, is the blood flow sufficient and so on... This Dr's answer would always be, eat balance diet. 60% carbo and fibre, 30% protein, 10% fat. The only supplement needed for 1st trimester (Wk1-Wk12) is folic acids, 1 per day.


Share with you the yolk sac we've been expecting...

5wk++

Life is a miracle (Part 1)

This post has been saved as draft for several months. Supposed to published it 2 month ago when we were ready to declare to the world that - we are going to be dad and mum end of the year!! Well, never too late to share with you the journey of faith we've been through... It shall serve as a reminder for both YS and I on God's grace and love upon us (and baby) all the while.

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YS and I have been discussing on when are we both ready to be parents. We did enjoyed our 'honeymoon year - 2008' and time spent together. A lot of growing in the relationship as well as knowing each other and both family members better. Though we were ready to embark on the next stage end 2008, but I was sent to Shanghai for work purposes from mid Dec 08 to end Jan 09. Thank God I was able to be back home for CNY as well as our 1st wedding anniversary celebration at Pangkor Laut.

I guess it was God's divine appointment for us to have a child this year. Since at the time we resume with our baby planning, there was cost cutting and project delay at workplace. Means, less chance to travel, which is good good...

It all started with mild but continuous stomach cramp for few days (before my next period), a little like menstrual cramp but there's no signs of the cycle start. Beginning the pain was mild but it was worse the day after. Skipped CG on Tuesday. 4 March went to a clinic at Bayan Baru but disappointingly he gave me Ponstan (painkiller for menstrual pain) insisting that the pain must be due to premenstrual related, though I never have such symptom for the past many years. Well, I hope not all guys doctors will assume the same thing. Probably he thinks that I'm merely there to get Medical Certificate. Sorry. Not everyone is like that. On that night, we went home and did the first urine test on home pregnancy kit to make sure that I'm not pregnant and is safe if I am to take Ponstan. Negative...


On 5 March we decided to seek a second opinion at a clinic at Farlim, since they have ultrasound equipment there. Sad enough it was almost the Dr's off time and he politely refused to use the equipment on me since it will take some time for him to setup the equipment. I told him that I've had cramps for few days, a little like menstrual pain but it's near the abdomen area. Could it be Urinary Tract Infection? However from the urine test, it did show some parse in the urine. Probably we were right - urinary tract infection. He gave me a syrup and amoxil antibiotic after we told him that we are planning for pregnancy. The pain slowly subsided but I'm more aware nowadays, no more being lazy of skipping toilet visits especially during midnight. On Friday, Angeline and Lee Chin says that based on their experience, I dont look pregnant... hahha... Jessie brought up the topic since she suspected I am. Probably because of the 1 hour rest in the in-house clinic few days ago due to "menstrual-like pain" but menstrual not yet come case...

For the entire week, I drank a lot of water, went to toilet frequently and was still waiting for my period to arrive. This week, can feel the breast is tender and some pain could be felt. Could be the pre-menstrual signs. But my abdoment is not blotted yet. ok... just wait... Impatiently, on 11 March morning, we used the pregnancy test kit again. Sadly due to insufficient urine (since it's the second batch after the first one 2 minutes ago), the results were suspicious since the urine was insufficient and did not reach the 'control window'. The results looks positive though... sounds like got a little hope :p We went to buy a new set in Guardian during lunch time and at night we were curious about the results again. That was the most pressured pee experience. Scare that insufficient urine will waste another RM18... haha. The results were pretty solid this round. POSITIVE!!! We immediately made an appointment with Doctor.



Lesson #1:
Aren't we glad that we did not take Ponstan? Gee.. How bout the syrup and amoxil antibiotic? I'm not sure how many pregnant ladies experience the cramp as I did... But it can be risky if we've listen bulat-bulat what the doctors asked us to consume for those unconfirmed symptoms.

Lesson #2:
Home pregnancy kits are mostly accurate if you use it earliest on the day you miss your period. There are some better ones nowadays which you can use them 2-3 days before the day you miss your period. We were too gan cheong that we used the first pregnant kit (which is the normal ones) 2 days before the day I missed my period. So there goes your RM18 + few more anxious/worried/confused days :(

Daorae Surprise

YS has been bugging me to go to this new Korean Restaurant at Bayan Point, which is catchy when you pass by the Bayan Lepas roundabout. However, due to super bad experience in another Korean restaurant at Crystal Point 6 years ago (hmmm.. I have good memory for this since it was the worst food poisoning I ever experienced, vomiting and running in/out the toilet), I was quite reluctant and kept postponing the 'date'. Till last week he can't wait anymore and brought his colleagues there. Good thing he said he wished I was there with him as the food was really nice (haha... at least still know how to comfort me).

So on Friday we went there. Though the first impression I had when I stepped in the restaurant was the thick BBQ smell which will stick to your shirt for the remaining of the day, overall the ambient was good. Clean and organized.

The food was good, really. And it actually reset my expectation and favor over Korean food. Most importantly, I think Korean Food are healthy, probably will rank high in my craving list for some time.... Sorry forgot to take photos of the food since the food was not the highlight of the day, but who we saw in the restaurant. He sat at the table next to us.

Ta-dah....... upclose and personal. Guess the PCC's 40 Days of Community black t-shirt which I was wearing caught his attention. He read, "We are better together..." Then he made his own slogan, "We are better tomorrow..." And I just smiled. Yup, Penang is in your hand. All the best serving the Rakyat and trust we are better tomorrow :)


Chiang Mei (CM) and Penang CM - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

To sit or to squat

Guess it took me a big courage to start my "survey" with some mothers for the past 1 week on this topic. Haha... It must have taken me a bigger courage to post it here.

It really surprised me a bit when almost 90% of the mothers I spoke to sit when they do their business, and 100% sit when they were pregnant. haha... well, I was trained to sit too since young, but when you start to go for school camps, universities and traveling in different countries, you'll never know whether you'll get a squad toilet bowl, or a sit toilet bowl. And even if it's a sit toilet bowl, will you hesitate to sit on it since it may not be as clean as your house toilet? Argh, so, the best way is to learn how to squat when you do your big business, and you'll survive anywhere, any condition, anytime. I found it actually easier and faster to complete the big business when you squat comparing to when you sit :p

However, this "best" method has been valid for me for the past 10+ years, until lately when I tried to imagine how am I going to climb up the sit toilet bowl when the tummy grows bigger and bigger, bigger and bigger. I got so used to squatting that I've been climbing up that toilet bowl every morning for the past 4 months since I got pregnant. Better sediakan payung sebelum hujan. Probably it's time to relearn some old tricks.

Am so glad that those mothers did not show their shocked face when I told them I've been climbing up and down that toilet bowl for the first 4 months of pregnancy, but they've given me tips on how to sit and poo as efficiently as when you are squatting. haha... So far the information I obtained was pretty consistent - to lean forward and just do it. However, a mother actually shared with me her experience that she got too used with the sit toilets that one day when she was in her 3rd trimester, she went to a place where only squat toilets were available. Though it was just a small business and she need not squat too long, but she had problem standing up when done. Hmm... probably it's good to use the squat toilet for small businesses once in a while to train your leg muscles and to be "ready" for "squat-toilet-only" places.

OK. 1-week of experiment goes on so far so good. Thanks for all your encouragements and sharing :)

Does size really matter?

"Huh, you 4 months pregnant de ar? Sure or not? Tummy so small one?"

"How come you eat less than non-pregnant ladies one? Aiyo, later your baby not enough food...."

"Last time my first baby also the stomach not so small le... hmmm..."

Gosh. Was really got 'frightened' and 'worried' by comments such as these 2 weeks ago. Which after that I decided that outer look can be misleading, and stop wearing the maternity jeans skirt, maternity long pants which may look tight though they are not. Meals wise, well, can't really eat a lot since experience told me that you'll feel much much better to eat less but frequent meals. Sorry for not performing up to your standard esp when you guys need someone to wallap the leftovers on the plate. Not the right candidate.

After the check up yesterday, am very glad, and relieved that Doctor says baby is in good shape, water is enough. Phew. Thank God :) haha

Meetings

It’s great to have friends giving positive response when you sms them to meet up when you go to their “territory”. It was very touching for me to have these friends coming all the way to meet me at Midvalley since I’m not so mobile nowadays… Firstly I’m very super not familiar with KL direction and traffic, secondly I don’t think I would want to go squeeze in the LRT or KTM train with little baby in my stomach. Thanks a lot for your flexibility and understanding.

Wednesday night we managed to meet up with Angie, Chin Yuan and Kok Wai who abandoned Cheong for me since they needed to choose between him (in One Utama) and me (at Midvalley). Sorry Cheong… We had much things to share and laugh about till we were the very last to leave Manhattan Fish Market when the workers are ready to go home. Well, I guess the highlight of the day was the Kisah Benar joke Angie shared regarding the snatch thieve who got a bag of gold on the way down from Genting Highlands…. Remind me to tell you the story if you are interested 

Thursday was fun too. Wen Dee and I met up at Ding Tai Fung. I passed by the same franchise at XinTianDi Shanghai last year but did not went in since the price was not reasonable. Surprisingly the price is attractive in KL. We had 3 XiaoLongPao + a bowl of LaMian + a bowl of black sesame TangYuen in blended red bean soup + water/tea at RM19.80 nett… Great deal? Tasted not bad too, with quite little ajinomoto if compared to other restaurant. It’s an honour to meet back with my UTM shepherdess, and my Malacca Wedding Dinner emcee (agreed though last minute appointed).

Thursday night we met up with Jan Er. Guess other SET mates were busy… Hope will have better timing to meet up with them other times. But am really happy each time I’m in KL, Jan Er always makes time to meet up. Really touched, buddy…

My first ‘real’ vacation since pregnant

This vacation is different. It was pre-approved by our gynae and Yong Sheng felt less stressed with it. In previous Kedah trip 10days ago, he was quite worried since the midwife said that people who is near the end of 1st trimester might experience abdomen pain or spotting if travel on road for too long, or if the journey is too bumpy.

This round’s destination is Kuala Lumpur for 3 days 2 nights, then Malacca for another 3 days 2 nights. We got to stay at Midvalley Gardens Hotel!! Wow wow, nice hotel indeed, though I still rank Radisson Pudong, Shanghai first in my heart.

Check out the hotel –
Cabinet near the room entrance:


Queen size bed and sofa for reading. You can see the swimming pool and dirty river through the window...


TV and study table


Wardrobe with mirror doors, right behind the sink, next to the bathroom and toilet.





Bathroom with bath tub



And Yong Sheng’s dream shower, it’s really cool



I was wondering how to switch the water and temperature control between the bath tub, handheld shower and ceiling shower. Obviously this shows you the standard control for bath tub.


What about the handheld and ceiling shower? Luckily I found this at the lower wall before I needed to call the frontdesk :p


Toilet - Don't ask me why did I need to take this photo, just felt that the "collection" will only be complete with the most visited place in the room.



Safety box – which amazes me since I can put my huge HP Compaq 8510p laptop in there and lay it flat in the box.



There were 2 pop quizzes at night before we go to bed. I covered Yong Sheng’s eyes and asked, “Is the mirror you see when you brush your teeth at the sink, square or rectangular in shape?”

He answered, “It’s round…”


Then he covered my eyes with his hands, and asked me back, is the bathroom mirror round or square?”

I answered, “ Rectangular…” Gee, you should have change the “pattern” of asking the question la. Even if I don’t know the answer, I might still manage to guess whatever logical answer not given as options in the question….. Anyway, was amazed he did noticed the rare big round mirror….



Just hope baby will not be confused with such kind questions in future if ever we are in the mood of being cheeky... haha... Good luck, babe... You have funny parents :)

My first trip since pregnant

It’s long weekend with Labour Day holiday falling on Friday…. Was supposed to go back Malacca for the weekend by last minute we were warned by various parties that it may not be safe YET to travel so long distance… Hoon actually specially took leave to wait for us to go back Malacca so that she can spend time with us (and the baby I think – I always wonder if you can hear the baby’s heartbeat from the stetoscope).

So ended up we decided not to take the risk. Since the midwife kept emphasizing us to relax while travelling, take frequent stops for some exercise and walking around, and most importantly don’t rush and treat it as a vacation… Ok… We followed all that, except we changed the destination. Instead of driving down south, we went up north, visiting Huey.

As I’ve always wanted to tried Nasi Lemak Ong, we’ve ask Huey to meet us at Alor Setar since she attended church at Alor Setar. It took us some big rounds before arriving at this little shop, but, it’s vacation, so no rush…. We arrived there around 2.15pm. Probably it’s a bit late since the operating hours are 12pm – 3pm. Most dishes were gone. Daniel wanted to have fried fish (which is highly recommended in Ah Xian’s website), which is obviously not on the tray, but was shown on a big poster with Ah Xian as the model (as advertisement also la). Surprisingly the shop owner actually pretended to catch the fish from the big poster and place it on Daniel’s plate… then we all laughed, haha… quite a humorous taukeh.

My dish (chicken and potatoes):


Yong Sheng’s dish (beef)


Daniel and Huey’s dish (fish, chicken and mutton)



Overall is good, especially the sauce and tender beef, we liked them. However, Yong Sheng managed to spot big rats in the shop not far from the dish counter during day time 2++pm!! We managed to see them too as they appear again for the second time. Well, that might give us second thoughts to come back to the shop again…

After that we brought Huey shopping for groceries at Tesco nearby, dropped by the Rice Museum and sent Huey back to Jitra. We were amazed to see that Tesco offering very attractive price for Anmum Materna, even cheaper than what we got at Jusco after considering the rebates… anyway, never mind la.

The trip was good, and safe. No spotting, no abdomen pain. Thank God.

Good friends are angels

I like this story. Do not be too quick to judge, and understand that God put you in every situation with a purpose.

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One day, when I was a freshman in high school,

I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.

His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?

He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye..

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks. '

They really should get lives.

' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.

He said he ha d gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends

He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.

I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!'

He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.

When we were seniors we began to think about college.

Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.

I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.

' Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.....

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story.'

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend..

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved.My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.

With one small gesture you can change a person's life.

For better or for worse.

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

Cherish

A friend forwarded this to me. Thought the content of the story is predictable, but the lessons listed below really touched me. How many times we've taken things for granted and kept complaining of things we don't have, without cherishing things we have....

A Story to live by

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'


有一位瞎女很討厭自己因為眼睛瞎了。她也討厭每個人，唯一不討厭的是她的男朋友，因為他都常守在她身旁。於是她對她的男朋友說：「如果能讓我看到這個世界，我愿意嫁給你！」

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

有一天，有人捐了一對眼精給她。當紗布解開時，她能夠看到一切，包括她的男朋友。


He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

男朋友問她：「現在你可以看到這世界，你愿意嫁給我嗎？」那女孩看了男朋友是個瞎子，他那對蓋上眼皮的眼睛嚇到了她，這是她無法想像。她想：要我嫁給他而一生對着他這個樣子，我無法接受。

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'

於是，她的男朋友很傷心的離開她，幾天後寫了字條給她：「親愛的，請你好好照顧你的眼睛，因為它不是屬於你的之前，它是屬於我的。」

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes..

Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

這也是人的腦會如何做當情況有所變動。只有少許人會記得他或她之前的生活及誰會在身旁當他或她處在困境的時候

Life Is a Gift

生命是一份禮物

Today

before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

今天，當你要講一句不善之言－－請想想那些無法講話的人

Before
you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.....

當你要埋怨食物的味道時－－請想想那些沒有食物吃的人

Before
you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

當你要埋怨你的先生或太太時－－請想想那些在向上天哭訴要一個伴侶的人

Today
before you complain about life - Think of someone who died too early on this earth.

今天，當你要埋怨生活時－－請想想那些太早離開人世間的人

Before
you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.......

當你要埋怨小孩時－－請想想那些渴望小孩而無能生育的人

Before
you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

當你要爭論沒有人清理屋子時－－請想想那些住在街邊的人

Before
whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

當你在哀訴駕駛的路程－－請想想那些同樣的路程以代步的人

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

當你很疲備而埋怨工作時－－請想想那些無工作，殘疾的，及那些多麼希望擁有你這份工作的人

But
before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin.

當你想要指著人或互相譴責時－－請記得沒有一個人是無罪

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.....

當壓抑的念頭讓你無法振作時－－請你笑一笑想想：你還活著存在世間！

The Mayonnaise Jar

A friend forwarded this to me today. Though I've read it before some time ago, but it's good to relearn the things you might not be practicing.... Lately got to know of some career women who are just too occupied with their work and are blinded with some priorities in life. I really hope that I will not make the same mistake in future. If I do, please remind me with this statement I just made.... Career is only for few years, for you to generate some income, to achieve some dreams in life, but it's not your life. Cherish people around you, friends, family, time alone with God...

=====================================================================================

When things in your life seem, Almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again
If the jar was full... They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand

And poured it into the jar.. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced Two cups of coffee from under the table
And poured the entire contents Into the jar, effectively
Filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, As the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life..
The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions –

Things that if everything else was lost

And only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life..

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
Important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things That are critical to your happiness.
Playwith your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time
To clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand
And inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"

I just did...

Answered Prayer

This morning had very heavy breakfast - Big Pao!!

During lunch time I was still feeling pretty full and not much appetite. While approaching the canteen, I told God, "Can I have something light and not spicy?" Like porridge yesterday is good. But I know that the canteen will not repeat the food on the next day, usually.

"Ok la. Something like noodle soup will be good. Amen."

Jessie walked back to meet me after she checked out the food menu today. "Today nothing much to eat la. Won't make you feel like eating too."

"Huh? So bad? What they serve?"

"Ipoh Hor Fun and Nasi Pattaya."

Amen!!! I was so glad. I told her, "I'm going to take the Hor Fun." and she also want to take the same thing. Great!!

When at the counter, we both look at the Ipoh Hor Fun and nasi Pattaya. Both looks delicious. Hah. We decided to order one each and share.

Nice nice lunch. Nice nice variety. Thank God for answered prayer and lunch partner to share food with :)

Above all

A song that I heard when I was in Salvation Malacca many many years back. That was the first CD I bought, after saving money over the years, can't remember was it my first paycheck, a permanent job I got while waiting for my SPM results. Those days CDs were expensive if compared to the conventional cassettes.

I prayed. "God, please guide me to buy the CD that I will love, with songs that will speak to my heart."



Above all. I was attracted to the CD cover (as usual if you know me, I get attracted to the cover design easily if it's nice) as well as the title. I loved that song since the first day. I remember that many years later a senior in the university led this song in the Saturday service. Wasn't really good but I know she did her best. Not an easy song if the congregations are not familiar with the song.

A song that continues to touch me even today. A gift we do not deserve, yet was given freely though it's not cheap.

ABOVE ALL
Above all powers, Above all Kings
Above all nature, and all created things
Above all wisdom, and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms, Above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth

Chorus
Crucified, laid behind a stone
You lived to die, rejected and alone
Like a rose, trampled on the ground
You took the fall, and thought of me
Above all


Father Lord, I pray that those who do not know this gift yet will come to know it, to have it and to share it. Thank you for being humbled, went through all the sufferings to bring us back to you. Sometime I can't even accept nasty people, but you've showed your loved to ALL, even the not lovely ones like me. Help me to be more like you each day....

Caring Friends are Blessings

Today I'm on my replacement leave, since have applied in the system for some time and still have not really rest officially :p

A cake lover friend found me on GoogleTalk and told me that she brought a cake today, and would like to share a slice with me. As I told her previously that I can't take food with liquor, she has specially made it without any alcohol in the cream, as she used to like to do.

At that moment, I really felt blessed. I felt very touched... I thought she'd have excluded me from her "cake distribution list" since the last round I told her I can't eat it cos there's liquor in the cream....

Since I'm not in the office, she told me she'll bake another one tomorrow. WOW, aren't you glad you are accepted by your friend for who you are? I AM, VERY BLESSED.

100++ Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Useful info from a friend...


Getting familiar with keyboard shortcuts not only help you get the work done faster, but also more efficient. If your daily job rely heavily on using Windows, here are some 100++ Windows Keyboard Shortcuts you might want to check out.

The General Shortcuts

* CTRL+C (Copy)
* CTRL+X (Cut)
* CTRL+V (Paste)
* CTRL+Z (Undo)
* DELETE (Delete)
* SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)
* CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
* CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
* F2 key (Rename the selected item)
* CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)
* CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)
* CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)
* CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
* CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)
* SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document)
* CTRL+A (Select all)
* F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
* ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)
* ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)
* ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)
* ALT+SPACEBAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
* CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
* ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)
* ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)
* F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
* F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
* SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
* ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the System menu for the active window)
* CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)
* ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu)
* Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)
* F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
* RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)
* LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)
* F5 key (Update the active window)
* BACKSPACE (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
* ESC (Cancel the current task)
* SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)


Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts

* CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)
* CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)
* TAB (Move forward through the options)
* SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)
* ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option)
* ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)
* SPACEBAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)
* Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)
* F1 key (Display Help)
* F4 key (Display the items in the active list)
* BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)


Microsoft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts

* Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)
* Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)
* Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)
* Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)
* Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)
* Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)
* Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)
* CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)
* Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)
* Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)
* Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)
* Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)


Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts

* Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch FilterKeys either on or off)
* Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)
* Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the MouseKeys either on or off)
* SHIFT five times (Switch the StickyKeys either on or off)
* NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the ToggleKeys either on or off)
* Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)


Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts

* END (Display the bottom of the active window)
* HOME (Display the top of the active window)
* NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) (Display all of the subfolders that are under the selected folder)
* NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) (Display the contents of the selected folder)
* NUM LOCK+Minus sign (-) (Collapse the selected folder)
* LEFT ARROW (Collapse the current selection if it is expanded, or select the parent folder)
* RIGHT ARROW (Display the current selection if it is collapsed, or select the first subfolder)


Shortcut Keys for Character Map

* After you double-click a character on the grid of characters, you can move through the grid by using the keyboard shortcuts:
* RIGHT ARROW (Move to the right or to the beginning of the next line)
* LEFT ARROW (Move to the left or to the end of the previous line)
* UP ARROW (Move up one row)
* DOWN ARROW (Move down one row)
* PAGE UP (Move up one screen at a time)
* PAGE DOWN (Move down one screen at a time)
* HOME (Move to the beginning of the line)
* END (Move to the end of the line)
* CTRL+HOME (Move to the first character)
* CTRL+END (Move to the last character)
* SPACEBAR (Switch between Enlarged and Nor mal mode when a character is selected)


Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Main Window Keyboard Shortcuts

* CTRL+O (Open a saved console)
* CTRL+N (Open a new console)
* CTRL+S (Save the open console)
* CTRL+M (Add or remove a console item)
* CTRL+W (Open a new window)
* F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
* ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the MMC window menu)
* ALT+F4 (Close the console)
* ALT+A (Display the Action menu)
* ALT+V (Display the View menu)
* ALT+F (Display the File menu)
* ALT+O (Display the Favorites menu)


MMC Console Window Keyboard Shortcuts

* CTRL+P (Print the current page or active pane)
* ALT+Minus sign (-) (Display the window menu for the active console window)
* SHIFT+F10 (Display the Action shortcut menu for the selected item)
* F1 key (Open the Help topic, if any, for the selected item)
* F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
* CTRL+F10 (Maximize the active console window)
* CTRL+F5 (Restore the active console window)
* ALT+ENTER (Display the Properties dialog box, if any, for the selected item)
* F2 key (Rename the selected item)
* CTRL+F4 (Close the active console window. When a console has only one console window, this shortcut closes the console)


Remote Desktop Connection Navigation

* CTRL+ALT+END (Open the m*cro$oft Windows NT Security dialog box)
* ALT+PAGE UP (Switch between programs from left to right)
* ALT+PAGE DOWN (Switch between programs from right to left)
* ALT+INSERT (Cycle through the programs in most recently used order)
* ALT+HOME (Display the Start menu)
* CTRL+ALT+BREAK (Switch the client computer between a window and a full screen)
* ALT+DELETE (Display the Windows menu)
* CTRL+ALT+Minus sign (-) (Place a snapshot of the active window in the client on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)
* CTRL+ALT+Plus sign (+) (Place a snapshot of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)

Internet Explorer navigation

* CTRL+B (Open the Organize Favorites dialog box)
* CTRL+E (Open the Search bar)
* CTRL+F (Start the Find utility)
* CTRL+H (Open the History bar)
* CTRL+I (Open the Favorites bar)
* CTRL+L (Open the Open dialog box)
* CTRL+N (Start another instance of the browser with the same Web address)
* CTRL+O (Open the Open dialog box, the same as CTRL+L)
* CTRL+P (Open the Print dialog box)
* CTRL+R (Update the current Web page)
* CTRL+W (Close the current window)