Food for thought - Are you civic conscious?

The recent admission of a 3 year old in the ICU of KK children's hospital as a result of contracting the seasonal swine flu, starts me thinking if Singaporeans are civic conscious would we be in a better position to prevent the pandemic from spreading? I am sure one may conclude with a resounding yes. But hey how many actually walk the talk?

I recalled when ngee ann postponed their first day of school, both chris and I were hoping that SP may do the same so he could work from home since students are so well travelled these days. However that didn't happen. In fact Chris ultimately did fell ill, not a result of the influenza, but overheatiness caused by superb durians from malaysia!! He got a fever the very next day, which slowly developed into flu like symptoms. Fortunately, being kiasu parents, we've pre-prepared couple of boxes of N95 masks (high quality German make direct from source- let me know if any one is keen on stocking up, we are so good at sourcing that we manage to get them at a good factory price). So chris wore them whenever he came near Nat or me. He wore it in the car, in the room and aircon places. He even insisted that I wear it too as there is still a 5% chance of risk. We wore it when we went to crowded places and not surprisingly we nvited lots of stares. Friends mentioned that we were really civic conscious to wear the masks as we shop along Orchard and Tampines One. This gets me to my point. With stats on H1N1 increasing on a daily basis till the extent that authorities decides to produce sporadic reports and only highlight the ICU cases, it goes to show that the level of civic consciousness remains at an unhealthy standard.

Personally I've encountered colleagues who were ill but did not have the decency to wear a face mask or stay away from the workplace. One mentioned that she is not responsible for the rest falling ill.. then WHO should be playing a preventive role? I was shocked to hear such a selfish remark! Doesn't she knows that her presence jeopardises the health of all within the same department / building and potentially spread to the families and wider social circle... Would wearing a facemask make one any less professional? It's all aesthetics! Yes you may find some shunning you for the day but at least one has done his/her part to prevent others from falling ill. I am sure this is not an isolated case and many could relate to this. So how could authorities prevent the spread of H1N1 when there are so many culprits out there who are not at all civic conscious and cares only about their external appearances? Perhaps we should learn from the Japanese! Japanese have no qualms about wearing a face mask as a preventive measure and it does not in any way hinder their professionalism nor make them aesthetically less appealing!

Looking from another perspective, though we use the term 'Kiasee' ( afraid to die) colloquially, we never seem to do well at relating it from a preventive perspective. In this instance, if people are afraid to catch H1N1, shouldn't kiasee-ism drives us to want to wear a face mask every where we go and keep young children and the aged at home or not go to overly crowded places?

I believe civic consciousness stems from showing consideration and it starts at home. As a parent I find it important to inculcate these values to my children. With consideration, you will find that you'll not only be doing what's right for yourself, naturally you'll start to think for the others around you. Yeah, the attitude of our society will not change overnight, but I hope it'll change for the better and civic consciousness should not be a restricted vocab used only to describe the Japanese in this part of the world.

Unique Wedding March !

Saw this really fun wedding march on yahoo. Would recommend this as the way to go in replacement of the typical wedding march! Perhaps something to think about when Chris and I hit the 50th year wedding anniversary when we resolemnise our marriage again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

5 months

At 5 months, Nat is now able to sit up with pillows propping her up. Her preferred position is no longer lying down, she yearns to be carried upright like a big kid or supported on her underarm so she could pretend to walk. She has the cutest giggles as she sashays from mummy to daddy =) !

At breakfast she even wanted to grab a slice of the roti prata from my plate. Her moto skills are swiftly developing and I was almost not quick enough to stop her from putting the prata into her mouth! Amazing how baby's physical developments comes fast and furious at 5 months. She's capable of easily bringing an object to her mouth for oral exploration. She stares at me whenever I eat and opens her mouth when I bring the food down to her level to tease her sense of smell. Looks like she can't wait to be weaned and try her hands in solids!

I am also under the impression that her reading skills may have improved tremendously as well. She spends more time staring at each page, looking at the colourful details and slowly using her fingers to flip the pages as she goes along.

She could concerntrate on the tv really well. Comparing her with one of my friend's kid, aged 9 months. She definitely has a longer attention span when it comes to cartoon viewing! Not sure if this will indirectly cause her to be anti social, or it might be a relative thing where she chooses between looking at the kid play or watching a colourful screen which changes scene every few seconds. Chris say we have another Sharon in the making since I too get so engrossed with whatever's shown on the tv.

Challenges

It's been more than 2 weeks since I've updated my blog! Here's giving you a quick flashback on what you've missed.

Firstly, I've started working,which explains the recurring guilt of 'I have not spent enough time with baby'.So more hugs and cuddles from both daddy and me whenever we have a chance to carry her.

Secondly, Nat is now looked after by her grandmamee who, like all grandparents, dotes on her. We still bring her home each night, persevering with nite feeds. Think this is the least I could do as a mom.

We've watched Harry Potter and the half blood prince, complimentary tickets from attending Kim Seng Young PAP's AGM. We've also attended the Lion's Appreciation Dinner on Friday. Doesn't seem like a long list huh? And tell you what I've totally forgotten about the time when weekends just zip by and it's monday again! Dread to be reminded now!

So what were my biggest challenges at work and home? I must say it's balancing time for expression, work and sleep!

Past couple of weeks had gone by like a mad rush. Now I fully understand what a working Mum has to go though!It's really a uphill task trying to complete what needs to be done at work and slotting time to express myself. I strive to express every 4 hours but haven't been succeeding at all! Perhaps it's due to the tonnes of work waiting for me or it might be that I've slackened and was taking double the time to get things completed? I think it's definitely the former... now that the unit is starting it's recruitment cycle again, so much more needs to be done and so little time!
Situation worsen when I have back to back meetings lined up, had no choice but to push back expression time. Rather than the ideal 4 hours interval, it became 5 /6 hours. Not only do I feel engorged, I feel really guilty for not playing my role as a mother well! Cause reduction in expression frequency may reduce milk production and quantity would thereby be affected. Natalie now takes about 600mls in the day, whereas I only manage to pump about 4/500ish ml in the office. Demand exceeds supply! Each time I delay expression, I've got to pump for more than 30mins to express it all out or try to rush expression by increasing the suction speed. Playing both roles well is really a struggle. I know my priority remains with Nat and my goal is to feed her on EBM till she reaches 12 months. It'll be even better if I could last longer and push till her 2nd birthday. What I need to do is to stick to the expression slots ( 8am, 12noon and 4pm) religiously and not allow work to supersede. Easy to say, but action requires loads of determination and discipline!

The other challenge would be waking up in the middle of the night to feed Nat. Pushing last feed to 11ish pm kinda help delay late night feeds from 2am to 3am. Since I started working, waking up now becomes a struggle! Her daddy who can't hear a single cry before could now react even faster than me! Fortunately, he'll help carry the crying baby to me for feeds. At least I don't have to physically get up and walk to the cot. Wanted him to help with bottle feeding for Nat's last feed, but it don't quite seem to work. It's probably the way he holds her or the intensity of his perspiration which can't seem to stop following even in the aircon environment and worsen each time Nat starts to cry. Chris gets irritated with himself and Nat too felt it and seems uncomfortable with the feeds. I would still have to take over to ensure that she finishes the bottle. So rather than feeding her from the bottle ( and we were just too tired to wash up after that) I have resumed direct feeding.

Panda Eyes

Since the day she fell ill, Nat has been waking up at least twice in the night at 2 and 4ish AM! I've tried pushing back her last feed from 1030pm to 11ish and it didn't reduce her frequency for feeds. Should I allow her to cry till she falls asleep in exhaustion? Sounds cruel right? And it'll definitely wake the entire household. Don't think I'll be able to withstand not rushing to cuddle when she cries atop her lungs and it'll be difficult to soothe her back to sleep.

Anyone with workable solutions? Please let me know.

Milk blister part 2

Nat's feeding definitely helped! She has punctured the blisters and now the duct openings are visible. Though painful at the point of puncture, at least the pain doesn't stay!

Linguistic Developments

Nat's attempts at talking sounds like stream of conscious monologues of cute baby noises strung together. Alphabet flash cards and large popout books forms her daily reads. Check out the video below to hear it 'live'!

Milk Blister

Got a tiny milk blister ( looks like a tiny white pimple) when I wake up this morning! It's painful whenever the baby suckles!Fortunately it's not thrush or mastitis or anything more serious. Suspect it might be caused by the pump. Have been trying the maximum speed yesterday cause I wanted it to express much quicker!!

According to my yahoo results, milk blisters usually develop on the upper areola and are thought to be caused by a plug of thickened milk, which then seals over and becomes inflamed. The most common contributing factor that causes these conditions is a back up of milk in the breast (milk stasis). Milk statis can be caused by poor position and latch, abrupt reduction in the amount of breastfeeding, breastmilk oversupply, irregularities in the breast from previous surgeries or injuries, or constriction of the breast caused by a too tight bra.

They can remain from several days to several weeks, healing on their own by peeling away the outer layer of skin. If blisters are persistent, they may need to be peeled open by a gynae. Puncturing the blisters on my own could lead to an infection. Breastfeeding would be the most effective method to promote drainage of the breast,whereas milk expression is recommended as the second choice.

Well, this means I'll have to wait till it goes away on it's own by increasing Nat's feeding frequency.

Nat has started to read on her own!

It so amazing the speed in which babies develop! I was just teaching her to sign with her hands and if you were to view the video attached you could see that she is putting in deliberate effort to view every page and even manage to flip the pages when she is done! Amazing isn't it?

2nd dose of 5 in 1

Nat has gotten her 2nd dose of 5 in 1 and rotavirus oral vaccine today. The 5 in 1 is supposed to protect babies against Pertussis (whooping cough) , diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), tetanus and polio.

She was real brave this time round, didn't cry and even played with Dr. Toh prior to getting the vaccination. We could tell she is fast developing her social skills and I suppose the shift to grandma's really did help expose her to more human contact thus enlarging her social circle. Am so proud of her as she was even engaging in gibberish baby conversation with the nurse whilst I was waiting to make payment for the rotavirus oral vaccine, which cost me a whooping $94 bucks after DBS cardholder discount- Ouch! But at least it's taken orally, so no added injections for Nat and if it does what it's suppose to do, Nat would be protected from the life-threatening diarrhea (gastroenteritis).

Nat has had her usual measurements taken. She has gained 600gms and grown to 64cm in height which places her in the 75th percentile. Her head circumference is 42cm, which is large for infants, but Doc mentioned that there is no cause for concern. She'll just have more neurons than others... does this mean she'll be smarter? only time can tell.

For future reference, appended below is info re the 5 in 1 vaccination.

What is diphtheria?
It’s an illness caused by bacteria (germs) that infect the nose, throat or skin. It causes serious problems with breathing. It can also attack the heart, nerves and kidneys. About 1 out of every 10 people who get diphtheria will die from it. Babies who get it are even more likely to die.

What is tetanus?
Also called lockjaw, it is caused by a toxin (poison) that can be found in dirt and dust.
When tetanus gets into an open cut, the poison can spread to the spinal cord through the bloodstream by traveling up nerves from the muscle. Muscles may lock in one place or go into spasms (get very tight).

The first muscles affected are the ones in the jaw. A person with tetanus may not be able to swallow or open his or her mouth. This is why it is called lockjaw. If tetanus gets to the muscles that help a person breathe, it can cause death very quickly.

Children who survive tetanus may have long-lasting problems with speech, memory and thinking. Even if a child has it once, he can still get it again. The tetanus vaccine protects both adults and children.

What is pertussis?
Also called whooping cough, pertussis is caused by germs that get into the throat and lungs.
Children may cough so long and so hard that they can’t breathe.

Babies with whooping cough may have fits (seizures) and go into a coma. About 1 in 400 infants with pertussis dies because of pneumonia or brain damage.

Older children who get whooping cough will have 1 to 2 weeks of severe coughing spells. In total, the disease can last from 6 to 12 weeks.

What is polio?
It’s an infection caused by a virus called poliovirus. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and pains, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and constipation. It can also make children very tired and cause stiffness in the neck and back.
Some people with polio don’t feel sick at all.

About 1 in every 100 people who get the virus will get the severe form of the disease, which causes paralysis (not able to move arms or legs) for the rest of their lives. Some people die from polio.

What is Hib disease?
Hib stands for Haemophilus Influenzae type b. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the flu.
Hib is a bacterium (germ) that starts in the nose or throat and can infect almost any other part of the body, such as the lungs, heart, joints, bones and skin.

It can cause a very serious disease called meningitis when it infects the fluid and covering of the brain and spinal cord. Without treatment, all children with Hib meningitis die. Even with treatment, about 1 in 20 children with Hib meningitis will die. About 1 in 3 children who live will have brain damage.

Drinking from Magcup

Now that she is 4 months old, Nat never fails to amaze us each day! Here's her first attempt at holding and drinking from the Magcup! She has perfected the skill in just minutes. I didn't even have to tempt her with milk! Somehow drinking water from the Magcup on her own just makes the water more delicious! It's amazing how she could insert the teats without assistance after some attempts. However, her hand seems to taste much better than the teats cause after a while you could see that she has lost interest in her cup and concerntrated on suckling her hand instead.

Been told that once she mastered her grasping, throwing will not be too far behind! =D

Can't wait to see that happening darling!

Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others?

It seems that I am plagued by mosquitoes at my mum's place. In order to exterminate them thoroughly think I ought to do some research to fully understand the species and find out if there is a preferential list for blood types.

According to Wikipedia, both male and female mosquitoes are nectar feeders, but the females of many species are also capable of hematophagy (drinking blood). Females do not require blood for their own survival, but they do need supplemental substances such as protein and iron to develop eggs. Mosquitoes are crepuscular (dawn or dusk) feeders. During the heat of the day most mosquitoes rest in a cool place and wait for the evenings. Prior to and during blood feeding, they inject saliva into the bodies of their source of blood, which cause the itchiness effect.

Other sites mentioned that Scientists have identified several proteins found in mosquitoes’ antennae and heads that latch on to chemical markers, or odorants, emitted from our skin. These markers are produced by the natural processes of our bodies and, like neon signs, they let the mosquitoes’ smell center know you’re around. Flies and mosquitoes share a number of the same genes that dictate production of these odorant-binding proteins, which have specific sites that will catch or bind with certain chemicals in the air. { That's why I also attract bees on several occassions! Even got stung in the ear when I was a kid!!} Scientists also suggest that certain other characteristics also lead us to have more bites than others. Some of the top candidates are - the amount of carbon dioxide in the breath, pregnancy, body temperature, alcohol and odorant markers based on blood type and 1-octen-3-ol.

So what is 1-octen-3-ol ?
Octenol for short also known as mushroom alcohol, is a chemical that attracts biting insects. It is contained in human breath and sweat, and it was once believed that insect repellent DEET works by blocking the insects' octenol odorant receptors. Octenol is produced by several plants and fungi, including edible mushrooms. Its odor has been described as green and moldy or meaty; it is used in certain perfumes.

Which are the blood types which are more susceptible to bites?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=15311477&ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
The above study found persons with Type O blood suffered more mosquito landings because of the odorant markers they emit than any other blood type, making their juices a hot commodity for blood banks, as well as Asian Tiger or Aedes Mosquitoes, which carry West Nile Virus.

Not only were Type O’s more likely to be landed on, but the study found that for any blood type, people who secreted a chemical marker about their blood type through their skin (both blood type and secretor status are determined by genes) were bitten much more than non-secretors; 24 percent in the case of the Type O’s.

Not only did the study demonstrate that blood group O subjects attracted more Aedes albopictus than other blood groups (B, AB, and A) it has proven that it's only significantly more attractive than blood group A subjects in 64 human landing tests.

Which makes both mine and baby's blood juicier than grandmummy's and yi yi's since we are type A and O.

Better take all precautions!!

In short, why I am usually getting the bites might be due to the following reasons:-
1) My body expels more Co2 and 'mushroom alcohol'( haha might be due to my diet of fish with mushroom).
2) I may be a heat magnet... mothers who breastfeed tends to have a higher bodily temp.
3) I like to wear dark clothings - explains the optical recognition theory and most of the time I get attacked in the dark.
4) I get more bites in the garden area as it's more humid than at home.
5) Or could it be the perfume / perfumed products which I am using? Or the pheromones. i.e. a specific type of smell that I exude.
6) And last but not least my blood type!

So what are the solutions?

• Some recommend taking Vitamin B ( supposedly poisonous to mosquitos) ie eat loads of Marmite and they'll leave you alone!
• Some said eating garlic, or citrus fruits regularly would allow you to get bitten less!
• Start dirnking tonic water cause Quinine in the blood would repel them.
• Start losing weight cause fat people tends to be bitten more.
• Use deodorant to reduce chemical markers.
• Use loads of citronella oils. Start by planting these in the garden, apparently the oil could be extracted when the leaves are crushed.

Burung Kakak Tua

Been wanting to search for this lyrics, finally manage to find it via this link.

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/1823/anak/kakaktua.htm

burung kakak tua
hinggap di jendela
nenek sudah tua
giginya tinggal dua

trek-jing ... trek-jing ...
trek-jing tra-la-la
trek-jing ... trek-jing ...
trek-jing tra-la-la
trek-jing ... trek-jing ...
trek-jing tra-la-la burung kakak tua

Milk storage

There isn't much storage left in grandmummy's fridge since we are returning home for dinner almost everyday. As such we've decided to purchase a brand new unit specifically for milk storage. Here's a pic of the LG Refrigerator with bottom drawer freezer - Model : GR-B399PLQ . I like it's sleek, chic exterior and it has 3 green ticks for annual energy consumption of 566kwh at estimated energy cost of s$121 per annum.

Stress! Better make sure I have my daily intake of fish soup else I won't produce enough to store!

Cradle Cap

Nattie has mild cradle cap [seborrheic dermatitis] and it appeared worse as she starts loosing her hair, exposing the underlying yellow crusty rash on her head. For the records, removing is easily done after a shampoo, massaging baby oil and a using fine comb to comb through. Apparently the cause is unknown and is harmless and disappears in most children by 6 months of age.

Since we are on the topic of rashes, because of the hot weather, Nat has also develop a slight eczema - pink scaly, dry rash near her collar bone and arm joint area. It helps when we turn on the aircon. Based on my googled results, eczema tends to run in families and in many cases is thought to be due to an allergy. Most children outgrow eczema, but for others eczema is a life-long condition. My sister and I had eczema whilst we were little. Mum said it was because the environment was too clean and so a little dust & heat would easily triggle the rash. Might have been the same in Nat's case. To prevent it from aggrevating into a serious allergy in the future, we've introduced a little dust and germs ( from Junior at least ) so she could develop her own immunity =>.

Once bitten twice shy!

Daddy fell ill over the past few days and has been quarantined! Suspect that the D24 durians must have been the culprit! What's more the super hot weather, on average of 32 degrees in the day, didn't quite help reduce the temperature either. It started with throat infection, followed by fever and flu. Fortunately the packet of N95 masks which we've bought earlier on did come in handy. He was allowed to stay within the vaccinity, but I have banned all direct contact with Nattie until proven healthy =< We can't afford to risk it again for little Natalie.

Poor Daddy, he could only visit us at Grandmummy's place and watch on as I handled her.

No cuddling for the next couple of days Daddy! Remember to take your super bitter medication for a speedy recovery!

We've shifted!

In preparation for work, we've started implementing the working schedule. Shifted majority of Nat's stuff over to Grandmummy's place. Now that she is there full time ( just in time as daddy has fallen ill over the past few days) grandmummy can finally have a feel of how best to handle her and understand her temperament.

Based on last couple of days of observation, Natalie seems to have slowly adapted to the change of environment. There are so many more new things for her to discover. Just going to the garden alone seems like a mini excursion for her. She has also gotten used to Junior's spontaneous barking. The only concerns which I have are mosquitoes. There are loads of them in the garden and inevitably the rooms. We've turned on the insect killers ( light version) round the clock near her cot. The mosquito net acted as a second barrier. So far I was the only one who has been bitten, not her. Perhaps it's her blood group. The mosquitoes seems to only attack those with A+ blood type. Fortunately Natalie, Mum and Sunarti were apparently not the 'chosen ones' as the mozzies are highly selective of their prey based on blood type!

Sunarti has also gotten her drill back and seems ok with the arrangement of her staying over at grandmummy's on weekdays and following baby back to our place on weekends. She has a new companion when it comes to bedtime - Junior - who has been banned from entering grandmummy's and baby's room. Such a wimp, can't even sleep on his own at night!

So far I have not fully left her alone for grandmummy and sunarti to handle. Foresee she might develop separation anxiety! I read that separation anxiety apex in 6 & 9 months. So far she is already displaying traits of anxiousness when she couldn't find me. She doesn't allow anyone else to put her to bed at night and is starting to reject the bottle and seems rather insistent on what she wants. Anyone has solutions which worked please do share =) ! thanks!

On the road to recovery (part 2)

Looking back, I suspect the trip to the mall on Saturday may have caused the viral infection. We had breakfast on 08 Jun at Delifrance which was surprisingly overcrowded at 0900 as the entire restaurant was almost full. She does seem a little unwell after that and we dismissed it as her being sleepy.




Must make a mental note not to bring baby to crowded places on weekends. Didn't realise her small body is still so highly susceptible to viral infiltration.

Celebration at Global Kitchen

Finally had some time to ourselves tonight. Though Chris came home early we only managed to settle Natalie at 8pm. By the time we reached Global Kitchen at Pan Pacific, it was already 830pm. I must say the buffet spread is actually not too bad. Tea lovers would love it there as they have a wide array of tea selection from organic to fruits to thr usual favourites...You could make them by the pot or those who like to savour various selections suggest you brew them by the cup. Here's a pic of the 'Celebration tea'. It's got a musky green tea flavour with a tinge of rose which is perfect!

The silly us thought we could catch a late night movie at Marina Square... not knowing that the theatres closes at 10pm on a Monday nite. We ended up bowling which was even better! At least I don't have feel too guilty about attacking the buffet spread with a vengence.

After that we went to the arcade and lucky me managed to get a prized mickey from the UFO catcher on my second attempt! haha... cost me only 2 bucks !

Of course all the above is not possible without grandmummy's help!

And last but not least I almost forgot to mention that Chris bought me a Coach - Lavender Madison Sabrina which I have been eyeing for a while! Thanks Dear !!! Muck!

On the road to recovery

Baby's still sick..been 4 days already. Fever has subsided but because of the weather her body temperature is skewed to the higher end ie 37.4/37.5 during mid day. Had to constantly monitor, breastfeed and provide her with additional fluids in order to lower her body temperature. Been doing this round the clock and am feeling rather exhausted as I had to resume late night feeding every 2/3 hours. We've given her fluids made from chrysanthemum with 'jinying' flower & barley. Wasn't too keen on using chinese medication earlier on but was reassured by my mum and staff at Eu Yan Seng that couple of spoons would not harm the baby and could reduce her body temperature. Called the nurses at raffles and they too agreed that it will do no harm. Been feeding her the chrysanthemum drink and paracetamol for the past few days. Her fever dissipated on the 3rd day. However the nagging cough has developed into a slight flu as well. She was prescribed nasal decongestant, but I didnt quite want to use it unless there is an absolute need ie when she starts breathing with her mouth. Her flu is not too serious at the moment, keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully we wont have to use it as it'll bring her further discomfort. Hearing her cough in the middle of the night is more than sufficient to make our hearts ache.

Out of desperation to cure Nat quickly, I've done some googling last night and amongst the many suggestions such as feeding tumeric powder and water mixtures, chewing peppercorns and drinking ginger based fluids, I've found a really effective & assumingly safe remedy for cough -> Vicks vaporub. I consider it safe as it's a non-oral medication and worked with the meer application on little feet of babies.

Got chris to popby the nearest 7eleven to get a small bottle, tried and it helped!