Whatever Happened in 2013?

So I had only 6 posts last year?! Wow! Too many things happened but not blog worthy.

As much as I wanted to blog last year, it was a crazy year for us and nope, I didn't see it coming. A lot happened last year and one of it was moving to the US with the kids. Basically, things didn't work out with their father and to be brutally honest, I feel extremely liberated from unhappiness.

So, the kids and I are here with my mommy and sister and I can't be thankful enough to have them.

Maya's in pre-school and she's turning 13! Lol. She's growing up too fast.

Seth's 14 months and boy he eats like a grown man!

As for me, I am hanging in there and with the guidance from Allah, this path has been pretty awesome. In Sha Allah.

Farah~

Hello 2014

I've been wanting to blog for the longest time but I was discouraged due to the change. Things don't always go as planned; shit happens.

May 2014 be a better year for my children and I.

In Sha Allah.

I miss this space and I think I'm ready to start blogging again.

I'll see you soon.

Farah~

Yay Yay Next Week Raya!!!

Good news, I've lost few pounds and I'm at my pre-pregnancy weight!!! Weehooooooo cue shaking the MARACAS!!

Bad news, Ramadhan is almost over and this weight ain't staying if I continue indulging as though calories do not exist!

Good news, it'll be Seth's first Raya and the kids' first Raya with their Nenek and Moksu!

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!

Hope you guys are having a blessed Ramadhan and taking full advantage of this glorious month!

It's An Exclamation Kind Of Post!!

Farah~

Opps I Did It Again

I've got bangs!!! I finally did it... Again!

I've got some good compliments at the office or maybe they were just being nice.
But whatever, imma take 'em compliments. My boss said I look like Sandra Dee; is that good?!

I've Got The Bangs
Farah~

Something I Haven't Done In Ages

Napping while it is raining out!!!

Lol

Since becoming a parent, napping was almost permanently demolish. I've been home bound a lot lately and I can't take this opportunity (napping in the evening with the sound of raindrops on the roof top) for granted.

I'm sure you guys had a fly Sunday. My weekends are always awesome because they are filled with my angels.

Farah~

I'm still here

So I've been gone for a century and I'm not quite back but I just feel like posting something on this blog. Nothing in particular but for the sake of uploading something before it gets to another century.

So many things have happened and as much as I want to share it here, it is better not to.

I'm not confused of the situation that I'm going through right now but I can't wait for the road to be real smooth. In Sha Allah soon and maybe then I will share you with what's really going on!

Btw, Seth Emaad turned 5 months last week and baby girl Maya is turning 3 in May!!!!

Party-Thinking-Hat ON!
Farah~

Hello 2013!

It's a brand new year and I have zilch resolution this year. Resolution and I don't go hand in hand; we just don't click.

I am back at work; 60 days maternity leave is pathetic. Malay confinement itself is 45 days and two weeks later you are back in the office. Pffftt...

Seth turned 2 months few days ago. He is growing by the second literally. This guy consumes so much milk! I am madly in love with my little burrito.

Man, I should start blogging regularly. I'm just straight up lazy or my life is just to darn boring (minus my kids) to blog about. Grrrrrr.....

Sprinkling Blogging-Energizer Dust
Farah~

Feels good to drive again

Just cause I've declared that my confinement days are over. Teehee

The Birth Story of My Second Child

Saturday Nov 10th 2012

I woke up around 9-ish AM and only started realizing I was experiencing period-like cramps about 9:45AM. I was ecstatic and the thought of getting to meet him real soon gave me butterflies.

The contractions were 50/50 regular so I knew I wasn't going to have him in a few hours. So, I told hubster to pack his stuffs just in case we need to go to the hospital that day and we moved on with our regular Saturday routine but this time, I was in pain.

I remember my cousin who just had a baby said that she decided to make way to the hospital when her contractions were about three minutes apart; So I held on to that like a holy grail. My contractions didn't get any less than five minutes and sometimes, when it did get to five minutes for a good 15-30 minutes, my contractions suddenly disappear for a good 20 minutes. Just imagine the frustration I was going through most of my Saturday!

So yeah, went to Bangsar Village in the afternoon and had my FAVORITE Philly Steak Sandwich at Citrus. Got a pedicure while Maya took a short nap and I was forced by Maya to join her Gymboree despite Daddy wanting to do it. That was pure torture I tell you; come to think about it now, thank god my waterbag didn't puncture when I was in her gym class. Just imagine how would the toddlers take it; they might be scarred for life. Tee hee :p

My contractions got stronger towards the end of the day but they were nothing less than 5 mins apart. I got on my birthing ball and started jumping to speed up the process because I was REALLY eager to have him that night.

It was raining like cats and dogs out and I decided to take a short nap. After napping, I played Play Doh with Maya in her room and my contractions were pretty strong by then. After dinner, around 9:30PM, hubster, Maya and I made our way to the hospital.

I went to the labor room and the nurse hooked me up with the machines etc and at around 11PM, I was only 2CM dilated and my contractions were 6 mins apart. I was DEVASTATED! All that pain, all day long and ONLY 2 freaking CM dilated and the contractions that I thought were pretty strong was only "moderate".

We decided to go home that night because we weren't sure when exactly we're going to have him. I was EXTREMELY bumped. So we got home and I tucked my pregnant self to bed.

Sunday Nov 11th 2012

A super strong contraction woke me up at 1:09AM, it was real strong that it woke this momma up! Every contraction came, I would check the time and they were 5 mins apart and they were regular! Yay!!

Around 3-ish AM, I decided to just wake up because I really couldn't sleep off the pain. I found walking around the room helped a lot to ease the pain so I did that. I did all sorts of poses on the bed, the chair wherever around the room to help ease the pain. I also had the urge to pee rather often and I do mini-pee whenever I go to the loo.

I WhatsApp-ed my sister all the way in the US to tell her of my condition and she happened to be home so we went on Skype. It was awesome how she was with me throughout my labor even though she was on the other side of the globe.

I was writing down the time of my contractions and as I mentioned earlier, I was waiting for it to be 3 mins apart. (Warning: Don't do this ladies, thank god I didn't give birth at home!)

About 5-ish AM, I went to my mom's room to have her help me put pressure on my lower back whenever the contractions came. I was in UTMOST pain and yet I didn't know WHY I didn't want to go to the hospital yet. (As I mentioned earlier, I was really holding on to that 3 mins apart like a kiasu-crazy-ass woman.)

When you're in so much pain and your momma happens to be there, you automatically turn into her baby but a BIG-O one who is about to have another baby. HEHE..

My mommy said "why don't you go to the hospital now since you can still walk" and that was it, I succumbed to it and went to wake hubster up to tell him "TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL!! WE'RE HAVING THIS BABY PRONTO!!"

The walk from my home to the car was like running a marathon and bumping into our neighbor who had just gotten back from the bar/club drunk was quite funny to me. Here we are about to have this baby and people around us are either sleeping or just calling it a day on their Saturday. Do you get it? If you don't, nvm ;p

Got to the hospital, it was still before 6AM and let me tell you, the walk from the hospital lobby to the labor room was by far the LONGEST marathon I have ever walked! (P.S: I have NEVER walked a marathon. LOL!) My mommy wanted to get me a wheelchair but I didn't want to wait; I wanted to keep going; I wanted to get to the finishing line.

When the nurses saw me, they said "hey, you're back!" and I gave them my sweetest insincere smile. So they checked me and I was 7cm dilated!! Yayyyyy!! *cue party-noise-makers* I didn't bother asking about the intensity of my contractions because they were just crazy painful.

The nurse asked if I wanted any painkillers and I said no. They gave me the oxygen mask and I hated the smell of the mask. My mom was practically glued to me because I wanted her to. Hehe.. Whenever there was a contraction, she would put the pressure on my lower back and reminded me to breathe in and out. It really did help; she is an AWESOME birthing partner. I am BLESSED to have her with me! The funny thing is, we didn't even go to any birthing classes and the nurses thought she was my midwife/doula!

I dilated rather FAST! I remember things rather vaguely; I guess that happens when you're in so much pain and you put all your concentration and energy on it. Anyhoos, I did ask for the painkiller after I-don't-remember-when. I was in TOO-CRAZY-SUPER-DUPER-CRAZY-MUCH pain but when the nurse checked, I was already 10cm dilated! I think it was about 7AM maybe?

So yeah, here I am, moaning and grunting at 10cm and I'll wanted to do is take a HUGE dump but Mr. Doctor was not there yet! When the doctor finally got to the labor room, everything moved fast. He ruptured my water bag and the next thing I was pushing!

It was so surreal for me. I felt like I was giving birth for the first time.

To be honest, I think the contractions were more painful than the actual pushing the baby out. Pushing is no easy business but Alhamdulillah, I did it!

So at 7:30AM, my Hero, Seth Emaad was born! He weighed 3.475kg and measured at 50cm.

We are in love!

"Not Quite Done Yet"

I’m out of Annual Leave but I was given Medical Leave from my OB-GYN however I was advised to take my Maternity Leave now; “What is one week”, said Mr. Boss.

*nangis teresak-esak*

Yes, I’m still working today because why would I want to use my Maternity Leave now?!?!!

Anyhoos hees hass

Hubs is half way across the globe and will only be back this Friday morning and my doctor dearest will be away in Hong Kong from Thursday till Sunday evening.

Why is it so hard for me to experience a normal natural delivery?! I guess this is as natural as it gets; Forces of Nature.

The overwhelming anxiety I’m going through is honestly draining me off. I think this will be my only “planned” natural birth and I’m all for induction after this. My hubs, OB-GYN and I have different schedules and really, the wisest thing to do is to pick a date that all of us will be available right?

*dilemma*

I’m planning to say NO to any and all painkillers this time (O Lord HELP ME!!). They said labor pain is more intense if an induction is done. So, I would think (and after reading gazillion childbirth stories off the internet) I can survive the pain without painkillers if I go all natural. Right? Well it seems like it!

*Ge Gah Ge Gah GULP*

My pain threshold is pretty much at the borderline of non-existence. Can I do this?

HELL YES I CAN!! (Stay tune for my actual birth story later; I’m curious to know the outcome later too. LOL)

So, at 38 Weeks and 4 days, my little bub is still baking.

Mommy of (ALMOST) two

Farah~

Maya Suraya's 2nd Birthday Party

My Princess Star turned two last May; yes it was about four months ago.

Despite her mommy being preggo with baby brother, she threw her a birthday party just among close family.

The birthday party was themed after Princess Star's favorite show Barney!

Here are some pictures from that awesome day!

I've finally documented Maya's 2nd birthday on this blog!

Yay!!!!

Guilty No More Mommy

Farah~

I've Got My Momma Back

I'm so happy my mommy is back here for few months (wishing for FOREVER!!)

I am really grateful to have my mom with me. I'm glad Maya is getting to know her Nenek more and my mommy will be there when I deliver baby numero dos (InsyaAllah).

Forever Mommy's Baby

Farah~

26 Weeks - 2nd Edition

How far along? 26 weeks!

Total weight gain: Gained ONLY 1.5kg in one month. Went to see the doc last Saturday and this is my first time ever gaining that little in a month. Woohoo! 64.5kg

Maternity clothes: Got this Minty top *finally something MINTY* and another top and leggings from ZARA =p

Stretch marks: Yes.

Sleep: Still visit the loo in the middle of the night

Best moment this week: I'm back to fasting again. Alhamdulillah

Miss anything? Food that I can only get in the USA =<

Movement: Throughout the day

Food cravings: None specific. Nothing like carrying Maya

Anything making you queasy or sick? Don't feel sick much lately. VICTORY!!

Gender: Boy!

Labour signs: Not yet. Too soon!

Symptoms: Hmmmm.. Can't think of any right now. He He.. I've got food on my mind!

Belly button in or out? It's in.

Wedding rings on or off? Still On. Yeehaw

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI!!!:D

6 1/2 Months Preggo

Farah~

25 Weeks (last week)

I'll be in my 26th week tomorrow. Will update about it soon I hope :D

Farah~

Maya Is Almost 27 Months

It's amazing how this lil chiquita is picking up things like a racing car! Everyday she amuses me with her new vocabs and her new found interests. For example:-

Last night we were reading a book before bedtime about a girl named Polly and her potty training adventure. In the book it has a page of different kinds of panties/underwears that Polly would have to choose. So I asked Maya which is her own favorite and she will always points to the pink with a red heart panty. I then asked her, why do you like this one and she pointed to the heart and said "heart". She then took her necklace out of her shirt and pointed to her heart charms and said "SAME"!

Witnessing special moments like this really make my day.

Maya is indeed my girlie girl!

Maya's Mommy

Farah~

I Think I'm Changing My Mind - Baju Raya 2012 Edition

Remember I said I want to get Minty Green baju raya this year? I think, I might not get that.

*cries like a baby*

I am still head-over-heels with Mint Green but do you know how hard it is to get Baju Raya (that comes in my size) in that color? Also, my luck sucks when it comes to me getting something that I truly want.

I just got back from Ampang Park and I swear there was no Mint Green Kaftan within my vicinity! I'm sure there's one or two tuck in between those overcrowded racks but nothing in Mint Green within my reach?!? Is this for real?!

I got confused multiple times with turquoise too! And NO, I am not color blind; I pass my color blind test with flying colors ALWAYS *wink*

However, going through this heartbreaking-lunch-break ordeal, I did find something that fancy my four-eyes.

Dusty-Rosey-Mauve-y!!!

Yeah yeah, there's nothing new with this shade but I came across an outfit that can definitely fit me and it has A-Okay price tag. I even found a matching color baju kurung for Lil Miss Maya Ballerina!

*dropping my jaws in 5,4,3,2,1*

Hmmmmmmmmm.......

Decision Decision Decision

Farah~

July Makeup Purchase(s)

So the first thing I bought with July's pay was Chanel Rouge Allure in #85 Coquette and I absolutely love it! I wanted a statement-bold color which is daytime friendly and this is the exact color I was sorta picturing in my head. It's a coral-ish-pink-ish color and for some reason, the pictures are not justifying the color much. Grrrr...

This color really finishes a simple makeup look. As you can see in this picture above, all I have on are:-

(1) Eyeliner on my upper and lower lashline

(2) About two coats of mascara

(3) Filled in my eyebrows

(4) Applied concealer under my eyes

and that's pretty much it!

(I would put foundation and blusher on if I was going out but I'm about to hit the sack after I post this up.. Yes, I put some makeup on just for this post ;p)

Also, I've been deprived of black liquid eyeliner. The only two things that I like from drugstore's makeup section are mascara and eyeliner - that's it coz you can't go wrong with them as in you don't need to test them. Besides, you go through them so quickly ESPECIALLY mascara that buying an expensive one, to me, will hurt my pocket *gulp*. Also, high-end or low-end mascaras are as good; I've gone through the cheap-Os and expensive-Os and I always find my favorites in the Cheap-O Valley. THANK GOD! *cue winking to CoverGirl and Maybelline*

By the way, this is my first time buying IN-2-IT liquid eyeliner and I think it's a good buy. I really like the applicator/tip but we'll see how long this almost badass last.

P/S: I wasn't joking about the first thing I bought with July's pay (a lipstick!); Yep, it's therapeutic after all that hard work. Teehee..

Makeup Junkie Mommy

Farah~

Workstation

How does your workstation looks like or what do you stare at throughout your day?

My workstation is not big enough to decorate any fancy-pretty stuffs. Next to my left screen I have a Bloomberg terminal, almost french-kissing my screen, and next to my right screen is my table calender almost cuddling that screen, and oh hello, no more table space.

We don't have cubicles here therefore you can see how I'm trying to be discreet with websites I browse through while doing work (check out the right pc).

My next door neighbor has a lil more space than me even though we have the exact table size! Well it's because most of the bloomberg terminal is on my desk!

*rimas*

But, I gotta live with it.

*sigh*

Anyhoos, I found a minty top at Zara (nope, not baju raya ;p). I was too close to getting it on Friday but I wanted to get it on Saturday instead but this momma fell sick all day Saturday!!

Also, I have not been fasting as of Friday 1:45pm.

*nangis teresak-esak*

I blacked out while window-shopping during lunch hour in KLCC.

*que horror face tapi comel*

One whole Saturday I was pretty much in bed and thank god we had Tangled (yes the Disney movie) on replay. Called in Dominos coz if I stood up for a bit, I would blackout.

There goes my Saturday!!

I'm guessing it has to do with me being Anemic and maybe I'm just not getting enough nutrients and liquid.

So, there goes this year's Ramadhan BUT I'm going to try to fast on alternate days but I'm still a little scared; I take the LRT to work and the last thing I want is to pass out like a fallen angel in a moving coach! Plus, I still feel a little woozy first thing in the morning; I think it's the low blood sugar too.

Well like my Doc says, "Every pregnancy is different; don't compare them".

Perutku Berbunyi Kruk Kruk Kruk

Farah~

Week 24 - 2nd Edition

I came across this last night after checking out the blog of one of many youtube-ers I am subscribe to. I like how she documents her weekly pregnancy progress; it's not too lenghty and it records exactly what you want to remember when looking back. Therefore, here I am about to do the same thing (yes you can call me a thieve all you want, but I ain't making money out of this though:p).

How far along? 24 weeks!

Total weight gain: Since I am just starting to do this; I have not been keeping up with my weight progress gain every week. The only time I do get on that dreadful weighing scale is when I'm at the Doc's clinic. However, I did get on one yesterday just to see if our scale was still working at home and sadly, I have gained 2kg in two weeks! Current weight=63.4kg.

Maternity clothes: I don't really buy maternity clothes. I only buy those maternity work pants for work and that's about it from a maternity store. I usually go to regular retailers i.e. Dorothy Perkins and buy something that is long enough to cover my belly and a size bigger than my usuals.

Stretch marks: Hell Yeah! I've got them from my first pregnancy. Oh well, the sacrifices my body make to have AWESOME bundles of joy; my kiddos.

Sleep: I try to sleep on my left side for better blood or was it oxygen flow to the baby. The downside of that, it hurts my shoulder. I wonder why?! Pffftt

Best moment this week: Ramadhan started on Saturday July 21st and I have not missed any yet, Alhamdulillah.

Miss anything? Sleeping on my chest.

Movement: Plenty! Alhamdulillah :) As a matter of fact, baby is awake as I'm blogging this out

Food cravings: Hmmmmm.. Too many to list!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Dirty Public Restrooms

Gender: Boy!

Labour signs: Nope!

Symptoms: Not much. The nausea is easing away. I'm fatigue a lot due to me being Anaemic. Shortness of breath especially if I'm talking while walking.

Belly button in or out? It's in. Mine was in all through my first pregnancy too.

Wedding rings on or off? Still On. This is GREAT news!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Hub's baby clothes purchases when he gets back from US!! Yay :D

Officially in my 6th Month

Farah~

It Might Be A Green!

I think I should start my hunt for Baju Raya soonish. I'm always a last minute shopper and I'm usually not that crazy about my purchases after seeing my cousins doning they're always awesome Baju Raya.*sigh*

I think I want to go green this year; for some reason green gives me that extra soothing-tingling-refreshing feeling. I LIKE!

I am so attracted to this minty green that I feel like splashing it all around my bedroom! Don't you feel like saying "Ahhhhhhhh......"?

I feel like eating this color! Om nom nom

I also HEART deep-dark-royal green like this one!

I think nail polish swatches are awesome-EST when it comes to helping you find the right tone of a particular color. Am I right or RIGHT?!

I hope I can find a really nice-wallet-friendly kaftan and it'll be absolutely FANTASTIC if it also comes in Maya's size. *wishing upon the Ramadhan Crescent*

How are your Baju Raya hunt? I'm sure a lot of you have sent yours to your best-EST tailor! *green with envy*

Lets Go Green

Farah~