Shopping for Baby S

Preparing for Baby S means buying lots of items to actually prepare for her arrival! From our "Taobao for Baby S" post, we share about some of the Taobao buy we had for Baby S. So in this post, we will share the rest of the items which we purchase for Baby S, where we got them and how to get them at affordable price!

1. Baby Clothes

If you don't mind going babymoon-ing at BKK, then we would recommend heading there for some baby shopping! Bangkok is a great place to buy baby clothes at low low price! then have wash cloths, baby clothes, swaddle and more! Most of the items are 1/3 of Singapore price, so if you are trying to take a break and go on a short holiday do try BKK for some baby shopping! 

2. Cot Mobile 

Photo updated on 5/4/17

Cot Mobile can be super expensive in Singapore with the Fisher Price one ranging from SGD$80 to more than SGD$100. So we got ours from Amazon.com at like SGD$40 to SGD$80! So yes it is cheaper than Singapore and also Amazon ship free if you purchase more than USD$125! 

3. Wardrobe

We got our Wardrobe for Baby S from Ikea! They have lots of selection and colours to choose from and you can mix and match the combi you want! 

4. Diaper and Wet Wipes

We got this from Qoo10, else you can get yours from Redmart! They offer great discount and free delivery! So it is really great for busy preggie mum to be and also busy mummies!! =) 

http://list.qoo10.sg/item/GOO-N-JAPAN-VERSION-DIAPERS-PANTS-4-PACKS-DEAL-MIX-SIZES-FREE/413141569?selectedOptions=;;;;;;

Alright will just share these now! We will share more as we go on this parenthood journey! 

Learning to be Mummy & Daddy

In one of my reflection of becoming pregnant, I listed that one of our greatest fear as parents is thinking that we know it all. Thus, in order to ensure that we we remain life-long learners, we decided to enroll ourselves to Dr Wong Boh Boi class with Thomson Parent-craft Center. With our Thomson Medical First Born Incentive (FBI) Card, we got special incentive to be in class! So if you know that you are going to be giving birth with TMC do sign up for the FBI / SBI Card!

When we were attending the class it was held at AMK Hub Level 4 Explorer Kids, which was very good for us as both our parents stays at Ang Mo Kio and I work at Bishan while Stanley works at Sembawang. So AMK Hub was an easy choice for us.

The lesson outline is as such;

Lesson 1: Physical & Mental Preparation @ AMK HUB 

• Pre & Post Natal Exercise
• Nutrition Before & After Delivery
• Myths & Traditions
• Coping with Pregnancy Discomfort
• Back Care & Postures
• Baby's Brain Development
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Lesson 2: Pain Relief & Labour @ AMK HUB

• Pre & Post Natal Exercise
• Physiological Approach to Breathing Technique
• Changes during Pregnancy
• Signs & Symptoms of Labour
• Pain Relief Options
• Coping with Labour
• Mechanisms of Normal Childbirth
• Husband's Role
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Lesson 3: Feeding @ SCGS

• Breastfeeding
• Feeding Methods
• Sterilisation of Feeding Equipment
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Lesson 4: Practical Hands-on Baby Care @ AMK HUB 

• General Care
• Skin Care
• Diaper Care
• Bathing
• Coping with Crying and Fretting Baby
• Coping with Sleepy or Wakeful Baby
• Coping with Colic
• Instructional Video
• Q & A

Doctors' Talk Topics* (Complimentary) @ SCGS

• Common Problems associated with a Newborn
• Process of Labour
• Living with the In-Laws
• Transformation from Couplehood to Parenthood
• How to Raise a Brighter Child
• Pre & Post Natal Care y Thomson Chinese Medicine
• Oral Care for Expectant Mother/Baby
• Skin Care for Expectant Mother/Baby

*Note: Only 1 or 2 of the doctors' topics will be addressed during this session.

Us @ Lesson 4, the practical lesson where we practice with a fake baby

For us, Lesson 1 and 2 was helpful is helping me learn the ways to relief aches and pains and also for Stanley to give me the much needed body massage! Being preggie is tough! The part on preparing for labour was not very helpful as I have already decided on a C-Section before even being preggie; did not like the drama and waiting of labour so the decision (I know this will bring about many hate and opinion but seriously, this is my personally choice, great for those to goes totally natural! Either way, I believe all mummies are great the way the are!). 

As for Lesson 3, breastfeeding, I find the lesson helpful and it really prepare you on what to expect. Breastfeeding is NOT easy! This is our 2 breastfeeding lesson, the first was with Supermom Seminar on 13 August 2016 also by Thomson Medical Center. 

At Supermom Seminar! 

Lesson 4 is practice practice practice, it give you the theory preparation on how to care for the new born and also what to expect with them. Caring for a new born may be stressful for new mum or experience mum as well. So i believe it is necessary to learn and to know! 

At the end of the day, many may say that the lesson is useless as you are not practicing with a real baby, but to me it is useful as it give you the knowledge you need to apply when the real baby comes, rather than having no knowledge and then panic when the baby arrive! So yup we did find the lesson useful and good! 

So for new mummy and daddy it will be good if you can attend the class as well! Cheers to parenthood and also to the new journey ahead! 

Babymoon at Hotel Jen, Orchard Gateway

Usually we would travel during the school holiday, however, for this holiday we were unable to fly as I am already 30 weeks pregnant! Most airline do not allow us to fly once we are more than 30 weeks pregnant. Furthermore, I have already gotten the safe to travel letter from my ObGyn a few times, so this time round she did say I hope you are not flying again! Hahaha, so we decided to stay put in Singapore.

But what is a holiday without some fun? So we decided to have a babymoon staycation at Hotel Jen, Orchard Gateway! We have heard lots of good review about the hotel and therefore would like to see it ourselves!

We booked the CLUB ROOM as we wanted a fuss free staycation! So upon arrival, we headed to the club lounge for check-in!

Club Lounge

They serve mini hi-tea and snack all day long! 

Stanley carrying everything as he insist I can't carry anything. -_-

Got into our lovely room! 

Very unique concept of toilet! 

Bay Bench for us to look outside! 

Nice Comfy Bed with many Pillows! 

The view from our room. 

Soccer on TV! 

 After we settle down, we headed out for lunch. Lunch was at The Sushi Bar @ Ngee Ann Civil Plaza aka Taka.

Wagu Beef Bowl! 

After lunch we walk around shopping and soaking in the Christmas Spirit. Love Christmas as it is the season of giving and endless shopping!  

After some shopping, we headed back for hi-tea! They serve evening cocktail and hi-tea which to me is like FREE Dinner! 

They have Sashimi free flow! 

After some food, I needed to rest, being preggie makes me super tired always so back to rest. 

After some rest, we decided to head out to view the Christmas lights! Christmas season in Orchard is Beautiful! All the lights and love and presents! 

We ended the day with supper from MacD and of cause Stanley have to watch Soccer!  

Love my man! 

The next day we wake up for breakfast. Hotel Jen is well known for great breakfast line up and we were really looking forward to it!  

Lots of food selections! 

Yummy yummy yum! 

After that, our good time at Hotel Jen was coming to an end, but not without heading up to see the pool deck! 

We will be back next time for us to use the pool! 

Our Baby Journey; Baby S

8 August 2016
When we started this journey we were met with heartbreak. But you (Stanley) were there for me and you told me that we will make it as long as we have each other. We got through the pain and a year on we are blessed with the love that is beyond imagine. As we continue this journey ahead together, knowing the ups and downs we will face, I pray that we will take on what you said again; we will make it as long as we have each other. And with God's grace it will be ok!

17 August 2016
While being preggie with Baby S, we kept you our little secret and did not let anyone know till they found out themselves. A part of it was motivated by fear, but a part of it was because I did not want to be defined by my situation and circumstances. And I wish that Baby S will grow to be someone who never let people, situation and circumstances define her. You can do it if you believe you can and work hard for it. Nothing should stop you from reaching your best and doing what you think you can!

Baby S little feet! 

Saying HI! 

12 September 2016
5 months and I can feel you daily. You manage to kick the back of my ribs now. Loving you more each day and it is a miracle to feel you growing in me. Daddy is always too excited to feel you move as well, so mummy make it a point for him to have time to feel you kicking around everyday. Praying that you grow well and that I will have the strength to cope with all the changes and challenges ahead. Praying for the love that is everlasting on you and that indeed you will be a miracle to people around you as much as you are a miracle in your mummy and daddy life.

Daddy buying fish so that I can have good food! 

Daddy cook dinner! 

#ChefStanley

13 September 2016
You are so cute and we finally know that you are a little girl today! Like daddy you have a big head. So hopefully like daddy you will be a smart one too! Love you.

Follow up check after FA Scan aka Detail Scan! 

24 September 2016 

You are growing so well now and finally mummy can no longer see my toes standing. Hahaha. Mummy is worry about losing the baby weight after you are out. But it's ok, as long as you are ok and well. I believe you will give me a good work out once you are out. Love you but will always love your daddy more. For he has been the one doing so much just to keep both of us safe and well.

3 October 2016
Looking forward to our life with you! These days, your kick and tap amuse me a lot and I can't wait to greet you when you enter the world. This journey have not been easy but daddy and I believe it will surely be worth it. Hope you enter the world knowing you are bless, love, wanted and provided for!

8 October 2016
Feeling you move more and more. the excitement builds up and your arrival gets closer and closer! Each move and kick is a miracle and I pray that you will bring blessings to all around you. For indeed you are a blessing to us, your mummy and daddy.

20 October 2016
The biggest fear as parent is thinking that we know it all and we know what we should do for our child. However, life itself is a learning journey and so mummy and daddy are learning how to be parents today! I pray tha as we journey along as a family, we will all learn together in the process.

Growing Well Baby S. 

Not forgetting to have some night out and fun with my bestie! 

16 November 2016
As I play with you each day, I fall in love with you more. Making all the pain and changes worth it and thus beginning to understand what being a parent is. And what sacrifices and unconditional love means as a parent. Hope you love mummy singing and chatting with you. I pray that when you are older you will have a good relationship with me like me and you ah ma. Love you my little one. And I pray that you will always be happy, healthy and safe. Looking forward to you arrival.

21 November 2016
We see you again today baby! you have a little round nose just like mummy. Too cute. Hahahaha. Stay in and stay safe and grow well till 18 January 2017 ok! Then, mummy and daddy will welcome you to our world! Can't wait to start preparing your little room for you! Hope you love all the little animals deco we have for you room! Love you a lot!

 

Spot the little nose! 

Just like mummy! 

7 December 2016
Real soon till your arrival and we just can't wait! Want you to know that you are loved before you are born! And you are blessed with a lot and is a blessing to us both. Grow well and grow strong!

A child is a gift from heaven which brings joy and unconditional love to the world. Therefore, it takes times and an enduring heart to welcome the gift.

Can't wait to meet you!