Bedrest 24 Nov - 9 Dec

Following my pregnancy scare, the only thing I can do for Gwen and myself, would be to be as obedient as possible, to have bedrest at home. But, i realised bedresting is no easy feat, for a "chicken backside" person like me, hates to be bounded on bed, nor under any "house arrest".

So, how do i spend my days?

8am - Wake Up
9.30am - Brekkie (Out of House!! Yay!!)
10.30am - Watch Cable/Msn/Surf Net/Sleep
7pm - Dinner (hb buys back)
8pm - Watch Cable/Msn/Surf Net/Sleep
11pm - Sleep

Well, the hours in between, are (you've guess it), TV all the way, either full lying or half lying position. Its a miracle i did not develop bed-sores! hahaha... I am grateful that during this bedresting season, i am still able to head downstairs for brekkie with hubby, before returning home to "rest".

But honestly, by Day 3, i was like almost insane. With no one to talk to, and i got to try my darnest best not to walk around, i can only try to "make love" with my sofa. Sigh....

But, a long time fren, Gladys came back to Singapore for some visiting, and decided to spring me a surprise on Wed. She was in town to take care of her folks, and visit some frens (not one, but some) who were diagnosed with cancer. And when she text me, i was so happy!!! We almost were not in contact since she and Tun left for Shanghai almost 5 yrs ago. When she heard that I can resting at home, she arrived promptly in less than 45mins, from her tanglin halt house to mine.

We had such a lovely time catching up and were telling each other stories abt the past 5 yrs. To me, its a precious friendship bonding. During that few hours at my place, she was so busy telling me abt her frens and helping me replenish and boil water for my consumption. I felt bad, but very loved.

She was supposed to visit me again on Friday, before leaving for Shanghai this Saturday. But she decided to sprang another surprise visit on Thurs, and I was reallu caught by surpise!!! She came with Bak Kwas and Pork Floss (both daryl n hb's fav), and we managed to chat up for abt 1 hr, before she departed to bring her friend out for a walk.

Well, i realised her visit did me lots of good, for 1 had company, and was visibly happier than the past few days. Hb felt happy for me too. I slept better too, possibly of better mood.

Hopefully there wil be more visits from frens, though i am not like seriously ill. I am not ill in the first place too!! I guess i just needed some companion.

Who's coming to visit me?? :)

Pregnancy Scares - Low Amniotic Fluids - Part 2

Well, as i was saying, after the week anxiety, we went to visit the new Gynae that my gynae introduced. Normally, i would freak out, knowing its gonna be a male gynae who will be checking me. But given the ordeal, who scared about the gynae being male or female? All i need is a 2nd set of opinion, and a definite one, to tell me that Gwen is alright.

My appt was at 3pm, but we found ourselves sitting outside at 1.45pm. I just cant wait to get this over and done with, for i am losing insanity by the minute. I was unusually restless, playing with my fingers, rubbing my pantent bag. Hb gave me a tight squeeze to calm me, and that made me feel like tearing again, instantly.

Well, we din have to wait long. Was called into the gynae's room quickly. Nice man, someone who is not overly intimidating. Fluent english and nice tones. As i laid on the bed, he started his scan. That was when my heart was fluttering. Not becos of him, but cos i was scared. I needed to hear reassuring information. As he scanned, i can see Gwen jerking, waving and kicking. Lovely sight! Gynae measured the FL and HL. And i think i must be one of his most well-researched patient. For i probed and ask things like," What abt the lungs?? Developing well?", and asked abt the kidneys, whether there's any special markers etc...

To our greatest relief, he said the organs are developing really well!! Then he measured the 4 pockets of water (water bags). After adding them up, the AFI had rose to 12.4!!!!!!!!!! Am at the normal range finally!! It was also at this moment, i can no longer fight back my tears, and allowed them to flow freely. I turned to look at hb, and saw a beautiful smile, one that speaks of paternal love and relief. Gynae showed us a side profile of Gwen, and i swear that i thought i saw a baby Daryl in the monitor! She looks like him, with the sharp nose!!! She's beautiful.

After i got dressed, we sat to discuss further. Gynae said he is very optimistic about the development. That was just what i needed to hear. Even the FL and HL increased. No alarms. Best part, instead of giving us pics of the scans, he gave us the soft copies, burnt in a CD. Aint that sweet!

We then went to our own gynae's clinic to show her the report. At her clinic, the nurses were concerned abt the report, and when i told one of them that the AFI rose, she was so happy and excited for me! With no hesitance, she shoved the report excitedly to the other nurse and said," The AFI increased!!". It was heart warming to know that they cared!

Gynae was nodding her head in approval, saying the assessment report was more than satifactorily. As i explained patiently to her, once again, that i suspect its the Ammiotic Fluid leaking, for i felt dampness still, she did a thorough check. Then she said that its probably a slight leak. Anyhow, to play safe, she agreed with me that a bedrest may be better for me afterall. If i cant prevent the leakage, i can at least slow down the leaking process. Hence, a 2wks hospitalisation leave was bestowed on me, but all i needed to do was to bedrest at home.

As i stepped out of the clinic, i text those who knw abt the past wk's trauma, and in less than 10 secs, i was greeted with all their replies! Bert even laughed and said i must drink more water and stop becoming like a camel!!! Everyone was happy. I made a call to mum to reassure her, and i can hear her sighing with relief!

I am hoping the AFI will either maintain or rise, and not dip any further. Well, seeing Gynae in 2 wks time. Crossin fingers that all will continue to be positive.

Pregnancy Scares - Low Amniotic Fluids - Part 1

I am back blogging, after a torturous week. Last week (17/11), we went our our 2nd ultrasound scan, and had the rudest shock of my life. As per all U/S (ultrasound), the objective was to detect any fetal anomaly. This is where the sonographer would scan the tummy, and determine baby's weight, dimensions of the crown rump, the femur length, the humur length, all the organs and the amniotic fluid level (AFI).

As the sonographer scanned for the AFI, she asked me uneasily, with concerns in her eyes, if i were experiencing any discharge/leaking. Well, which women dun? I replied her, as a matter of fact, that yes, in a definite tone. And offered the information, saying its probably always, except that recent few weeks, the dampness level on my undergarment is more. It was only after replying her, then i sensed an air of uneasiness and hesitance. When i tried to probe more, she refused to advise more, except that she would indicate the remarks in the Fetal Assessment Report, for my gynae to further advise me.

Seeing my fears, she then relented, and explained that for a MTB (mum to be), the acceptable AFI is 16 +/-5, i.e betw 11 - 21. Mine falls at 8.7. So, what does that piece of information mean exactly?? She refused to explain further, and state that the Gynae would be in a better position to advise. Also, she mentioned Gwen's limbs are a little short, and she is kinda concerned. She proceeded to ask abt Daryl's birth weight and length, and then in a lame-ish effort, tried to assure her there should not be a prob, since both hb and me arent too tall and strong built.

With such feeble and insufficient advise, i felt instantly down. When stepped into gyane's clinic, i was different from the past. Previously, i would cheerily say hi to the nurses and all, but this time, i am just in no mood to make any small talks. In Gynae's room, when she looked at the report, she told me what i already knw, which is 8.7 AFI. When we expressed our concerns, asking her what does low AFI means eventually, she merely said, with low AFI, baby will not hv enough nutrients, for their daily nutrients come from the AF. Usually babies if under low AFI, will tend to suffer from kidneys malfunctions.

Wasted no time, and she did one more scan. She then assured me that she was not too worried, as the screen showed pockets of water and pretty deep too. Still, she wanted us to be mentally prepared, that the consequences of low AFI is basically undesirable. As i was then at the 21st week of pregnancy, if any abortion is required, it should be done before the 24th week. Hence, i was scheduled to see her the followin week.

In the car, i staretd my silent tearing. Hb kept quiet thru'out. He knows me best. Some words are best left unspoken. Still, we were still bothered abt what exactly caused the low AFI, and the consequences. At home, the 1st thing i did was to research on low AFI. The results shattered my world, instantly. The findings:

Fetal abnormalities
If you're found to have low levels of amniotic fluid in your first or second trimester, it may mean that your baby has a birth defect. If his kidneys aren't there or aren't developing properly (Potter's syndrome) or his urinary tract is blocked, your baby won't produce enough urine to maintain the level of amniotic fluid. A congenital heart defect can also cause this problem.

I surfed through so many parenting forums, and mostly, babies were aborted or auto-terminated due to low AFI. I remembered as i surfed, my tears kept flowing non stop, and its the worst time i've probably even been thru. I kept asking myself, what went wrong?? Why should I suffer from such agonies for both pregnancies? During Daryl's time, he was diagnosed without heartbeat, and i was told that i would need to abort him. But i persisted to wait, since it was still early part of the pregnancy. I am thankful, up to this day, that i persisted, for he is now a bubbly and healthy boy. But, do i need to go thru this agony one more time?? Especially after 5 years of trying??? So, do i still persist? Even though there may be a mild percentage that Gwen will be borned an unhealthy baby? That thought hurt me so badly, and my heart bled numerous time, whenever she kicked me. How issit possible that my Olympic Swimmer, with powerful kicks, is suffering inside me??

During the one week ordeal, I cant sleep, and dun eat well. Whats worse is that i find myself tearing non-stop. Cheery Catherine is gone. Still, that never stop me from making my own research, to improve the situation. I started drinking a lot of plain water, in bids to replenish the lost fluids. I did bedrest, for i noticed that when i m in the lying position, there is hardly any leakage, compared to when I am standing. Also, i forbade myself from crying, cos i cannot afford to lose more water than i am already.

It was insanity, the whole week, while waiting to see the gynae. Thru'out this week, i couldnt bear to blog, for fear of losing control. I am immersely grateful to my frens for standing by me. Close Fren was the first i wrote email to, for he went thru a similar route. Pastcivic had been nice, to talk and counsel me thru msn, and checkin on me every morning, thru msn still, to ensure my moods lifted up. Darling Sel and Juzzy, gave me the support I needed, making me feel not alone. The GES gang, after hearing from Mike, starting sms-ing and calling, either to me or hb. They even dropped by on Sat, to visit me as well as celebrate nik's bday. My greatest pillars of support has to be hb and my family. Hb, made it a point to buy back lunch and dinner, in betw works, and checked on me constantly. No words exchanged, but when he held my hands as we slept, i felt a sense of reality, and calmness. My parents, when heard abt the bad news, were disappointed but they concealed their feelings very well. They told me not to think about it anymore, and if really diagnosed that Gwen would be suffering from the anomalies, for her good, we should let her "go". Mum even woke up at 5+am the next day to go to WaterLoo Street to pray to GuanYin.

The one week torture was over, when we went for the scheduled scan yesterday, 24/11. I will blog this in the next entry. Its time for me to lie down and rest once again.

Thanks to all, for being there for me. Thanks to Gwen for showing me the determination to go thru the stony path.

11 years already?

Few days ago, hb casually reminded me that 10th Nov falls on a Monday, which is our off day. I was like, "huh? anything important happening on 10th??". He glared at me and said slying then," Oh, the day i met u, with a huge hole on your tee". I was like " WTH!!!!!" and started laughing like mad!!! Ya, 11 years ago, we first met, on sunny island, Sentosa, when I was an intern and he, a contractor. The rest is history. Oh!! Ya, gotta clarify, that that hole, was actually part of my tee's design, somewhere below the neck, above the boobies.. (how embarrassing to even describe abt it). So, put it plainly, its our 11th yrs "anniversary" based on our first meeting. So mushy right?

Hence, after we dropped son in the office, we headed straight to Suntec. So boring right? Hb wanted to satisfy my Kuishinbo's craving, but since we were still bloated with our brekkie, we decided to roam ard. By 2.45pm, when we felt hunger pangs, i was dismayed that last order was at 2.30pm. i was like ," dong dong dong, kuishinbo, bye bye bye"... We ended up at Sizzler. Since VISA had this buy on meal and get 2nd meal 30% off, comes inclusive of free helpings to salad bar, we decided to nuaz there. I tell u, we should have just settled for the salad bar alone. The variety is enough to feed Gwen and myself for 1 day!! ahahaha . . . After devouring the mains, i surrendered, for fear that Gwen may decide to give me a banana kick and made me throw up all the delish sweet cherry tomatoes, lettuces etc... Stole a look at hb, and he had long since been waving his white napking in the air, to signify his surrender. Wahahahaha

As the aircon in Suntec was really too strong, we were both rubbing our arms as we walked, cos it was just freaking cold. Decided to be real romantic, to walk under the slight slight drizzle. Pretty romantic in a way, as we strolled past the office towers towards Marina Sq. But somehow, it was funny sight too. I was pretty worried that i may slipped, hence i was like walking so awkwardly, almost like a penguin, straddling. hehehe.. a fat one, if i may add.

At M.Sq, we shopped ard, and being implusive, i got myself a top and a tunic dress, from Dorothy Perkins. Why implusive? Becos there's NO REASON for me to get anymore items, when i have Old Navy to depend on. Lols!!! As we walked on and on, it was almost 5pm. Since parking at Suntec is per entry after 5pm, it doesnt matter anymore, what time we left that area. So, i made a quick call to Wellness Village at Pan Pacific, and found ourselves heading there, for a good rub.

At Wellness Village, (my 2nd visit, and hb's 1st), we were greeted with a cheery," Hi Catherine!". Very quickly, and mechanically, we were given forms to fill up, and led to the couple's room. Hb did their signature massage, while i have no other choice except a pre-natal one. Hb was apprehensive in the room, wondering what will happen, and i kept telling him to relax and let them "work" on him. Lolz... sounds so "kinky".

My therapist, Margie, was a pretty and young gal, but specialises in pre-natal. I was a little worried, as this is the 1st pre-natal massage in my life. Margie was good! Talked to me a little, to ease my tension, and explain every steps before she started her works. While hearing her out, i can also hear the crackling of hb's bones! Wahahaha, pity the therapist, for she must have had a hard time, gettin rid of his knotty problems.

After 60mins, we walked out feelin so damn refreshed. As i walked out with hb, i kept mumbling that i am gonna do this every month!! My CS Gal came over to explain her package, saying that for trial, its $60/pax, for newcomer. If we get the package, it wuld be based on $50/hr for subsequent, based on a 18hrs session, at $900. After consideration, we took the $600 package. The deal is that i can utilise any type of massage, facial etc on the menu, at $50/hr. Additional hrs, will deduct from package. Which suits me, since i assume i will need my pre-natal regularly. Tis package is suppose to last me till post natal, but knowing me, its impossible lah. I will surely utilise it before gwen pops out lor. Kekekeke . . .

Anyway, now that i am back home, i am still feelin darn refreshed and my backache seems to disappear!! Only problem is that my chilly chicken steak and tempura prawns are still not digested! Sigh

KylieX 2008

Ooh, finally the true DIVA is coming to Sin for her Kylie X 2008 Concert! For a woman of her height (i heard 1.55m?), she certainly oozes charm and is extremely SEXY!! Plus, her "electrifying" songs are such a turn on!!! Oh, i mean the songs certainly get one high and hardly anyone can stay stagnant with her music blasting in the background, right?

But darn it, why must her tickets be so expensive? Sigh. . . becos its a 16 million dollars production, and becos she is KYLIE MINOGUE. That explains it all, right? I went to sistic to check, and was told her 2 cheapest ticket categories, $100 and $150, were all snapped up. Whats left are the $250, $375 and $550 ones. Oh.... i cant bear to part my monies on the tickets... And its a single sided stage. Sigh. . .

Just yesterday, i was online with Iggy and Pastcivic and darn Pastcivic said that its not worth spending money to watch an old woman dance. Hey!!! I told him flat that he cant appreciate a DIVA lor. Wahahahaha.... Who can forget the catchy "I Should Be So Lucky... (lucky lucky lucky), or the dance tune "Cant get you out of my head" (nah nah nah, nah nah nah......), and oh, Love at 1st Sight!! What else? Slow (and the MV had gorgeous and generous flesh and thongs!), and ...and... and.... Especially for You (duet with then darn blardy handsome heartthrob, Jason Donovan!!!)

Well, in the mean time, i guess i gotta wait till hb agrees to go with me? Or that i am willing to convince myself that the spending is well worth? Actually i am 100% convinced already that it is a MUST WATCH concert, since its her 1st in Singapore!!! But... procrastination is weighing me down. Any sponsors?? Any free tickets???

Hang in There, Pal!

Recently, a good fren of mine met with some problems at work, and after hearing the situation, i couldnt help but feel indignant for this dear fren. Many thoughts came rushing into my mind when we were having our small talks, and mostly were siding this dear fren.

While talking to hb abt Fren's problems at work, i cant help but feel my blood boiling once again. While hb sympathised Fren's situation, he added that sometimes its just hard for the employees to go against the bosses, and that perhaps Fren should try to endure, since we are in the "technical recession".

Its been the same thing that i have told Fren too, that if can endure, just endure and lie low. But if cant, then look for ways out. Being in employment, means heavy consideration, even if one feels really upset. It is all about weighing the dollars and cents, than the pride and joy. Seriously, i meant what i say. I am pretty anal about being in tune with my principles. Sometimes, if things went too far, I would rather abide by my mantra, than to swallow the pride and go with the flow. But i know, that it is very unfair to use this same principle on my Fren. For once, i am appreciating the fact that I run my own business, and I decide my path, rather than let some idiots lead me by my nose and head for doom.

You know, the feeling sucks big time, especially when i can totally comprehend how Fren feels. I was in the same shit before, and decided that perhaps i am better off on my own. I havent seen Fren in this state before, cos most of the time, Fren would be the one consoling me or knockin me to senses or giving ever so sensible advices. Fren's in a way, my guiding light. But now, I just feel like giving Fren a bear hug, hoping all the knotty problems would go away. For once, I aint as long winded as before, pestering and asking if things alright. Maybe i came to my own enlightenment after my return trip from BKK, i.e. to just be there for my frens, listen if they need to grumble, and speak when they want to hear. Sometimes, being overly concerned can be even more traumatising.

Anyway, i have faith that Fren will rough over this situation soon. Pal, if you are reading this, hang in there. You'll see light at the end of the tunnel soon. :)

Lee Hom-The Music Man Concert 08

One look at my title, you may assume that I am a hardcore fan of this talented good-looker. Nah, it is not. For one, i cant remember me being a hardcore fan of anyone. And, he don't and will not belong to me at all, so why hanker over impossibilities? Kekeke...

Got a pair of courtesy tickets from Uncle S cos his gf was unable to attend due to full day shift. When he text-ed me if interested in Lee Hom, i was like,"Yes!!!! Got free tix huh?" I figured it's been a long time since i last watched concerts with hb, and it would be good to take some hours off on a Saturday night for dating. Who says being married for a decade and when pregnant, one should forget about making merry and strive hard at marriage building? Hey, it all takes 2 hands to clap, and for this instance, 2 pairs, to be exact.

Hence, we found ourselved parked at Leisure Dome, and made our way to North Entrance leisurely. There, we saw enthusiasts strolling in, and saw clusters of StarHub temps distributing whistles. Door opened at 7.20pm, qnd we found our seats in no time. Right up the highest block, B05, Row 31, Seats 3 and 4. This is my first time sitting so high up, but i am especially appreciative cos its free, and i kinda got a bird's eye view of the left, right and centre seatings. Our seats faced the stage directly, so it was just good.

Wow, many stars graced this concert too! From Kit Chan to Stefanie Sun and her daddy etc. The show started abt 8.30pm, and man! it was just a ROCK concert to me!! Pyros, brightly litted LCD walls, real until cannot type of animation and all... and The Music Man is just DARN SUAVE!!!! his opening number was "Whats Wrong with Rock?" (Ok, direct translation ok?)... Got the floor pretty hyped up, and lightsticks were thrusted wildly in the air! The ambience was further enhanced by the whistle blowing, courtesy from StarHub.

The whole concert ended about 11pm, with us feeling like we just watched a splendid rock show... Thot he sang too little of his love ballads. Mostly are the electric versions. still, the generous pyros proved to be worth the money spent, only that i watched it free. Hb was laughing towards the end, cos we both experienced deafness in our ears.

Overall, it was a good date for us, and we do wish for more to come!! hehehe