First Shot

I'm 2 months old now!

I went to Jerash yesterday. Although it was a very hot day, and I stroll around in my stroller on bumpy stony streets, mum, dad, and Oma took a good care of me so I feel comfortable, didn't get too much sun and still have a nice breeze coming to my seat. I slept the whole walk through. I felt pretty thirsty and hungry just in time when we were about to reach a restaurant. I had a feed there and few pictures with mum. Do I look good in red or what?! :)

I had my first immunisation today. Wasn't pleasant at all as I had 2 shots! I could handle the first one, but I scream very loud on the second shot. The loudest scream I've ever made (*grin*) Mum and Oma then gave me a bit of liquid that taste different today. It taste sweet. They said it's a syrup for making me not having temperature from the shot.

A Wonder From The Past

After more than 1 year living in this country, last weekend we finally went to Petra, 3 hours drive from Amman. That was our first long trip with Evan. Travel out of town with bub was a challenge. Our luggage was massive for only to stay for 2 nights as we brought everything for him. From powder to nappies, from milk to steriliser and thermos.

Evan is still too small for exploring Petra, so we take turn to go to the site. Someone should stay at the hotel with Evan, and therefore we can not explore the site too long.

Petra itself is huge! It takes more than 3 days if you want to see everything in details. I and mum managed to walk only to the amphitheater, which was not even the half way, whilst Hubby able to walk further to the Monastery.

As we thought we have taken everything with us, we forgot to bring little single thing: camera charger. Found out later that it was a big mistake! Even though we had more than 300 photos, we still missed so many things, especially the walk from Amphitheater to the Monastery. That's the only downsize of this trip.

I may not explore the whole Petra, may not walk up to the Monastery, may not satisfied with the photos, but I can say I've been to Petra ;p I've seen the great Treasury and gone through the long walk, the walk I didn't image I can do considering my c-sec wound still hurting (Yes, still!! :( .... ). I've experience the atmosphere, the place, surrounding, and the locals, which were all amazing. We might not be able to reach Petra if my mum wasn't here. So thanks to mum :). She's enjoying the walk and scenery too, of course. At the end everybody's tired but happy. :)

Check out more photos here

Since Then

I stroll around the complex in my stroller, just to have fresh air in the evening,

and for mum and dad and oma to shop in local minimarket and vegetable shop

I grow lots of pimples lately. Started from my cheeks, then spread around my face and head. Mum was worried and took me to doctor last week. Doctor said nothing to worry about. It will go away by itself in a a couple of months.

My first trip out of town. This is at Mount Nebo, about 45 minutes from Amman. It was hot! But I like going out. The girls (mum and oma) then had a lot of mozaik shopping in a town nearby.

I am being pampered by Oma lately. Love it :)

Yay! my tummy is full, bum is clean, i'm happy and want to play now.

I am at the Mariott hotel Petra with mum, dad, and oma. My first long trip by car. 3 hours in the car was hot, but it's ok with me. I slept most of the time, and I just stayed in the hotel during our 2 nights stay. It has nice and comfy bed. I slept very well at night. Mum and dad like it because they were tired from the walking during the day.

I like to have people around and laugh, talk and play with them. My best mood to do that is after I finish my milk. Seems like people love me doing that as they talked and laugh back at me. But, I would cry so hard and loud when I'm hungry. Nothing can stop me screaming when I'm hungry! Looks like it was very annoying for mum and dad, though...

In the last few weeks

- my dear mum finally made it here!

- have enjoying mum's companion at home,

- being spoiled by home made food made by mum,

- was busy cathing up news and gossips from home town,

- even though has not 100% back to normal, but has 'very' slowly get better from the operation and all post maternity problems,

- had finally back on the street, drive and mobile again,

- had finally walk outside the house,

- had been busy showing everything to mum,

- had been crushing around the town and malls,

- had been shopping shopping shopping - revenge from just being at home for more than five weeks.

- excited, enjoyed, concerned, worried all at once for Evan's development and changes

- had first long trip with the bub, and finally seen the New Wonder of The World, Petra! (complete story and photos about the trip will be posted later)

- and had finally had the 'new' family picture taken ;0

Three of us

A Day for Every Mum

"Happy first mother's day" ... appeared as a message on my mobile phone yesterday.

Waaaw.....! I almost forgot that I am now a mum! I am not used to my new status yet. Same thing 2,5 years ago when I had to get use to word "husband and wife".

Mother's day used to be like any other usual day for us. Nothing special. So I was surprise to get a couple message of mother's day yesterday, including special greeting from Hubby. :)

Happy mother's day to my mum in Jakarta, and every mum in the world :)

Happy One Month

I am 1 month old today! Yay!

Mum and dad said I slept for 6 hours last night.

They looked very happy when he said that.

So maybe I should do it more often.

Best Wishes

As kids we used to have fun, play and fight as much as we could

As teenagers we used to share room and thoughts, and fight

As adults we were busy with our own things,

have different ideas and interest in many things

now we are living in different place, doing different things

we have less chat, less sharing, also less fight.

but our thought are still meet each other

missing her, loving her,

my sister

who had finally went to a new step in her life yesterday

I wish I were there on her wedding day
Wishing them both a lifetime of everlasting love and happiness.

congratulations

till we meet again

Sleepy

Frown

"what are you talking about, Mum? u r confusing me"

The Blues

Not sure if I have a mild postnatal blues. But it's hard. Especially this week when Hubby back to work and I'm home only with Evan and a maid (sometimes) with really, no improvement in recovering from c-sec. Moreover i gained more pain here and there as part of the postnatal reaction. Started to get frustrated and tired, and feel like wanting everything back normal as before. I read about symptoms of postnatal depression, and realised that I actually has at least 5 symptoms out of 9 from the list. Feeling down, 'miserable' and tearful for no apparent reason, unable to enjoy new life and myself, Irritable and have no energy, and feelings tired, worthless and hopeless.

It's not the baby. Evan is a good and healthy baby. He broke my heart and always made me smile with all of his funny face expressions. It's me, my own health and condition may made me feel like that. Little bit worrying....but I am now OK and sane enough (*grin*). Just need to get better and pain free.

It's hard to be a mum! It's all I can say!

Up Close and Personal

"Hello again !

I'm 2 weeks old today and just had drink and sponge bath.

I feel fresh and content now :)

Today I had my first trip out to doctor.

She said I'm in a good shape and health, and weight 4.2 kg.

I don't really like to go to doctor, she examine everything from top to toe. It irritates me. But I like to get out, have a bit of sun and a car ride. Daddy has to take me out more often !

I got a feeling that mum will post more pictures of me from time to time from now on whenever she has time. (She likes to show off, you know?!)"

Back Home

The day has finally come, and we finally made it home yesterday after 2 days stay in the hospital. Our little bundle of joy, Evan Ellis Richards was born on schedule, 12 April 2008, at 9.20 am. He weight 3.987kg, 55 cm tall. He is a healthy and big baby.

We are now at home with the new precious member in the family. Would be helpful if we could have someone to help us around, but at the moment, it's only 3 of us. Luckily Hubby can have leave from work for 2 weeks. He's been very very helpful, patient, and understanding, while I am still suffering from the pain of the c-sec's wound, tiredness, headace, and engorged breasts problem. Can't ask for more!

We are now have to face the sleepless nights and days, have fun changing dirty nappies, get surprise 'spray' few times, and learn the baby's pattern and habits, etc.

I would love to update and tell about all the fun we have with little Evan, but I can't promise if I can post as often as before. For now, i’ll just end this entry with pictures of him from first and second day we were at the hospital.

Shocking Hair

I wasn't sure what get into me that day, I walked down to my usual salon, and asked for hair cut. The hair dresser asked how do I want my hair done. "I would like to cut my hair short this time" slipped out from my mouth. I went to the same salon few times and the hair dresser knows that I want to have short hair but he said to do it bit by bit so it won't be too drastic. But yesterday he said, "ok, this might be a good time!" Hah...

So here I am, having short hair, again. Rather shocking, since I had long hair for more than 6 years with almost same model. More shocking for Hubby, but he don't mind. :) With my weight now, think I look more chubby with short hair. But it feel lighter on my head, doesn't need lots of maintenance, and simple. So it should be more practical with the junior coming. However, I still have to get used to look at myself with this kind of hair in the mirror. Kinda weird!

Here the latest pic, taken in the nursery. ;p

Counting Down

I'm in my last week of my 3rd trimester and in a counting down mode!

As far as I feel sooo heavy and uncomfortable, and glad the bub will pop out soon, I still can't believe it's about the time. It feels just a few days ago when I found out that I'm expecting.

At the doctor visit on Thursday, he said it can be happening anytime this week due to the position of the baby and the braxton hicks contraction I felt everyday in the last few days. He asked the methods of the delivery I want. He explained that considering the size of the baby and 'other' medical reason I have, it might be wiser to have c-section, which then I and hubby agreed. He then gave us admission letter and schedule date for the big day, which will be 12th of April. He said I should be resting a lot, and to call him anytime this week as it might be happening earlier (*gosh!*). I and hubby was surprised to hear that.

To just sitting around and rest, is a bit hard. There are always plenty things to do around the house, and of course few invitation and things to do outside the house are awaiting. And all of them at least will require me to drive and walk! Hubby of course happy to help without question, but I can't be dependent on him on everything as he will be busy at work, which I completely understand. But for sure I need to slow down, and not to force myself.

My energy level is slowly going down because of the weight I carry in my tummy. Walking and standing too long is not recommended, besides, it does difficult and hurt when I did. By far, doctor predicted the bub is a big baby (about 3.6 kg on Thursday). I've gained 17 kg! Can you imagine? The heavier I've ever been! But I have to say during my pregnancy my immune system is a lot better. I guess that's because of the prenatal vitamin that I take regularly and healthier lifestyle that I have and all healthy snacks that I eat. I caught flu only once in the last 9 months, but I've survived the last round of fall/winter/spring germ fest without being sick.

How am I feeling now? I guess it's a mix between scared, nervous, and excited. The c-section plan sounds big. I understand it's a big operation, that makes me nervous. However, I know lot of people have gone through this and survived well, besides I like to be organised, and by having c-section I got an exact date so I can prepare myself and everything (hopefully) ready in time. It give me a bit of relieve and relax feeling. Everything will be up in the air if I have a normal delivery, don't know when it going to happen, and I'll be waiting and waiting, and might make me more nervous.

Since the beginning of last week, I'm pampering myself with the treatment I don't usually have. I went pedicure, manicure, had warm jacuzzi baths, had a hair treatment and hair cut (I have a shocking short hair cut now!), stop reading book and information about baby and pregnancy, watch funny movies, playing computer games, and enjoy preparing the nursery and hospital bag.

Little junior who are now moving and kicking in my tummy will be coming into the world soon. I and hubby can't wait for the big day.

Killing The Time

I was thinking to make something to wear for the bub, but it was hard to find good pattern. I found this mittens and bootees's pattern finally, thought this was the best from the others. Not easy to do, considering my numb and sore hand due to pregnancy. Also found some new knit term in this pattern, but I managed to know what and how, and think I did it well! Not sure if the bub will really wear this, though. But it would be nice for decoration too, I guess. Besides, it was a soothe enjoyable thing to do for killing the time and counting down!

Do you agree that my knitting skills has improved? ;p

Up And Down

Last weekend Hubby took another day off, since we planned to hit Dead Sea for two days. I know it would be fun. Weather warm and nice. The scene of green and flower would be everywhere out of town, which is very rare and would be nice to see. But I was hesitant to go. Other than because I didn't feel like having a long drive, we also still have to prepare a lot of things for the bub. More stuff to buy, and more things to do for the nursery. I thought I would feel much better to have holiday if everything's ready for the bub.

We ended up stay in town, and Hubby didn't mind. Instead, we spent time together deciding which room are we going to make over into nursery and shops. I started to wash some of baby's the blanket and clothing. Hubby did the hard bit like installing the cot, stroller and canopy stand. The nursery is not really ready as we need to move some wardrobe to other room. But at least the cot is now up. It look more like a baby cot when we put the bed sheet and dolls and canopy on it. We also managed to visit the maternity hospital and take a tour. It looks good, and people said the service is like a hotel. So the long weekend is not bad after all. We are happy to have some things up and ready for the bub.

I started to knit things for baby too, and recently finish the mitten. It might look like socks,... but it's a pair of mitten, and I was only following the pattern. Think it's not too bad for the first knit wear I made. (*grin*)

Can't wait for the bub to pop out! My tummy is really growing, as well as my body. It swell in some part, and hard to move around. Although I still drive, I have to limit my activity. I can't stand, walk, or sit too long. Tired and exhausted easily, and usually need to take a nap. I also have a sore and numb feet and hands. Not a great feeling, very uncomfortable and make me a bit down sometimes as I can't do as much as I wanted. Anyway,.. not long to go. Just need to hang on here.

The Heat Hit Back

Is it only me?? Apparently not.

It is getting hot. The temperature has raised to about 16-28 C in the last 3 days, from average 6-15 C.

Lovely cool breeze yesterday, but not today. Not sure if winter has finished,... but may be it is! All heaters in the house is now off and we had AC on when we sleep in the last two days.

Warm sunny weather is nice,... but cold sunny days are much better for me at the moment. However, as long as we have AC, I will not be complaining.

I Miss....

driving in a chaos traffic of Jakarta, spending times with family, hanging out with old friends,

taking shopping tour from mall to mall, shopping like never shop before,

going crazy with crazy sisters and friends,

and satisfy my tummy with yummy favorite food.

These are the one I miss the most as I can't get them here,
Crab with spicy sauce, traditional cakes from stall on the street,
frog leg with margarine sauce, teh botol, and hoka-hoka bento!

These pictures were only some from many others taken on my last year Jakarta visit, around the same time last year (march). Pulang kampung once a year, that's what I usually do since I move out. But I live far far away now, and with the baby coming soon, I don't know when I can go back there. Rather sad. Especially I'll miss my sister's wedding too this year.....

The Day To Share

It's rather strange but also flattering when I got asked to show how to make jewellery in front of bunch of women. Early last month, I've been asked to do it at the event of women association in indo emb's monthly meeting. I wasn't so sure if I could do it, not only because I'm not a pro, but also I don't have experience in teaching how to make jewellery!

I was then asked my beading 'guru', thought she could do it instead. But she said she would be busy with classes and shows and might be out of town on the nominated date. Instead, she encouraged me to do it and gave me some ideas how to.

After all this time, I came to their monthly meeting, some other events, hang out with some of the members, and we started to get to know each other better and became friends. I really want to contribute in this community, and thought this would be a good chance. So I agreed, and will do it for February monthly meeting. Not really a good time though as I started to feel tired and breathless more than usual due to my pregnancy. But being busy in other things besides shopping and daily routine was actually fun and enjoyable.

So you know why I didn't have so many posting last month. This project is one of the reason, besides busy with so many invitations and baby shopping. Anyway, I was then busy trying to find the material and tools, thinking how am I going to do it, preparing what I wanted to make, preparing all the information I want to give, and typing the handouts.

The day had come when I have to deliver the talk and demonstration. The plan was I will show them how to make bracelet and necklace, and gave basic knowledge about jewelry making. So I have one half-finish necklace, which all the beads arranged nicely in the wire with both ends opened (just have cello tape to hold the beads). My plan was to use this half-finish necklace to show how to finish and close both ends of the wire with crimps, clasp and jump ring. The idea was so I don't have to put all the arranged beads into the wire anymore as it'll take times. What I was worried about was actually happened. All the beads from half-finish necklace came off the wire and all fell to the floor ! Not to mention it was a huge room full of tables and chairs. Luckily it happened when I and one of my friend preparing all the equipment on the table, before the event was actually started, and no one there yet. So with my sudden creativity, I have to create another design (as we could not find all the beads) and made new half-finish necklace. A little accident I didn't need for the start!

I wonder what's gonna happen next. But actually, it went very well! The ladies like my work (I showed some jewellery I made for show). They listened to what I said, interested to know what is what, made a note on their handout, and took a close look at the tools & equipments I passed around between them. Some of them very enthusiastic to practice together by arranging beads in the wire, and finish it with the crimps. They asked lots of questions and interested to learn more. One woman personally said, "excellent". The other woman said, "this is very nice, thank you for sharing with us". Another one asked if some jewellery I made was for sale. They were all try and put my jewelleries on and had a picture with it. I take that as a compliment.

I'm happy to share and contribute although it took a bit of hard work, but happier and satisfied with the result and responds. That was just made my day. That day also the day when I brought the rujak and snacks. We had so much food at the end as we had another lady brought main food, arabic rice, and one other lady brought arabic sweets. yum yum! :)

7 Months Celebration

This special rujak, especially made for me (and the bub) to celebrate the seventh months of my pregnancy. It's a fruit salad, which made in mixture of seven types of fruits which are sweet, sour, hot, and salty in flavour. No, I don't know exactly the tradition, I thought at least I want to be thankful that everything seems to be fine so far, and to celebrate it with some friends here. Brought it with some snacks to the monthly meeting of Indo Women's meeting last month and had it for all the embassy's staff there. People love it as they haven't eaten rujak for so long.

It has been said it depends on the rujak's taste to determine the gender of the baby. It actually taste spicy more than sweet. Since I have known the gender, so it doesn't matter anymore about the taste. All I know is it's refreshing and yummy

If anyone curious,... of course it was made by Bu Minul. ;p