Wow it's been quite a long time since I last blogged. Been really busy at work but thankfully the peak period is almost over!
Baby M is at Week 31 now. I realised my gynae package, though cheap, is quite bo hua (not worth it) because the number of visits are not a lot, plus some of my friends' packages include meds but mine don't.
Anyway nowadays I feel ok, just more easily tired, plus my water retention is really bad. That day my feet were so swollen and my dog jumped onto my foot and I yelped in pain. It really hurts quite bad. Been trying to sleep with my legs propped up and occasionally the swelling subsides, but after one whole day at work it comes back. Even my fingers are swollen too.
We've finished buying all the big items for baby - stroller, changing station, playpen, baby seat, carseat, bouncer, carrier - all for $956! We bought at baby fair in December. Now it's the small stuff left and I have about 9 weeks to finish my shopping!
Have also thought of packing my hospital bag but a bit too lazy to start hehe.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Gynae package + mummy's insurance
So I forgot to add that after my detailed scan, my gynae finally made me sign the package. My gynae's package is $600 ($642 including GST) and includes scans, ultrasound photos, urine test. No meds or vitamins though. Anyway nowadays I've only been getting calcium pills from my gynae, I've been getting my multi-vitamins and fish oils from Watsons or Guardians.
So now the baby kicks rather regularly. Sometimes he would kick during the day, more often at night. There have been times when I've been woken up at 6am by his kicks but I still love it. Feeling the baby's kicks/movements is one of the greatest, most miraculous joys of pregnancy. I have this little trick of changing sides when I am lying down so as to feel him kick. I would lie down on my right side for about 5-10 mins and after that switch sides. Usually the baby responds. :)
I read online that it is better to sleep on your left side rather than your right as the right side is where the inferior vena cava is (that's the artery that carries oxygenated blood to the baby). Been sleeping a lot on my left sometimes the entire night. It is not the most comfortable sleeping position (imagine staying on the same side throughout the night) so sometimes I will sleep on my back but that is somewhat uncomfortable too. Ah well, 3 more months to go!
I bought an insurance plan for myself (during pregnancy and childbirth) and the baby (up to 3 years old) from OCBC. It is the only plan (I think) in the market that does not come with an ILP. It protects mothers from 8 pregnancy complications, protects the baby from 18 congenital diseases and covers certain hospitalisation (eg. from dengue) for the baby up to 3 years old. Of course, the coverage is not much, for the $659 plan (which is the one I took up), you are only paid $5000 in the event of pregnancy complications. It is not a lot, but definitely better than nothing? And of course, everyone buys such plans with the hope of never putting it to the test or utilising it. The plan is called MaxMaternity Care and they let me purchase although I am not an existing OCBC customer, but the condition is that I have to open the CDA account for the baby with OCBC.
Well, just sharing in case some mummies are looking for something like that :)
So now the baby kicks rather regularly. Sometimes he would kick during the day, more often at night. There have been times when I've been woken up at 6am by his kicks but I still love it. Feeling the baby's kicks/movements is one of the greatest, most miraculous joys of pregnancy. I have this little trick of changing sides when I am lying down so as to feel him kick. I would lie down on my right side for about 5-10 mins and after that switch sides. Usually the baby responds. :)
I read online that it is better to sleep on your left side rather than your right as the right side is where the inferior vena cava is (that's the artery that carries oxygenated blood to the baby). Been sleeping a lot on my left sometimes the entire night. It is not the most comfortable sleeping position (imagine staying on the same side throughout the night) so sometimes I will sleep on my back but that is somewhat uncomfortable too. Ah well, 3 more months to go!
I bought an insurance plan for myself (during pregnancy and childbirth) and the baby (up to 3 years old) from OCBC. It is the only plan (I think) in the market that does not come with an ILP. It protects mothers from 8 pregnancy complications, protects the baby from 18 congenital diseases and covers certain hospitalisation (eg. from dengue) for the baby up to 3 years old. Of course, the coverage is not much, for the $659 plan (which is the one I took up), you are only paid $5000 in the event of pregnancy complications. It is not a lot, but definitely better than nothing? And of course, everyone buys such plans with the hope of never putting it to the test or utilising it. The plan is called MaxMaternity Care and they let me purchase although I am not an existing OCBC customer, but the condition is that I have to open the CDA account for the baby with OCBC.
Well, just sharing in case some mummies are looking for something like that :)
Monday, November 10, 2014
Our baby journey - Pregnancy Myths & Old Wives' Tales
I feel that I am a very scientific person. I am agreeable to a lot of things, only if they have been scientifically proven to make sense. Those things that have no logic, I refuse to listen to and so here are a list of myths/old wives' tales that I've heard about pregnancy so far but have disregarded.
Myth #1: No cold drinks or food
This is quite nonsense. I've been eating iced ching tng, drinking coke, soft drinks, ribena, iced milo and eating ice cream like countless times throughout this pregnancy. So far so good. The fact is, by the time the cold water travels down your oesophagus and to your tummy, it is already warmed up. I salute those women who can tahan (endure) not drinking cold drinks in Singapore's crazy weather.
Myth #2: Do not consume cooling foods
Erm I haven't been following this as well. In fact during the first trimester I drank quite a bit of grass jelly (I prefer that to soya bean). Even now, I am still eating a slice of watermelon every day. I believe that in everything, moderation is key. Just don't go swallowing the entire watermelon. In fact, westerners advocate eating watermelon for its high water content.
Myth #3: If your stomach is round, it's a girl and if it is pointy, it's a boy
In the first place, I've never seen a pointy stomach. Secondly, many people commented that my belly was round...but I am still having a baby boy.
Myth #4: Take more tonics to 补 your body
I don't believe in TCM so much, which is ironic given that both my uncle and aunt are TCM Practitioners. I just feel that there are a lot of unknowns about TCM that I would rather not take the risk. I don't take ginseng (scientifically proven to be bad for the foetus), nor bird's nest. Also all the other herbs like Danggui or whatever. The only thing I would possibly willingly eat is probably Chicken's Essence, and that's because I like the taste of Chicken Essence. Hehe
These are all I can think of for now. I will update if there are more! Hope this entry helps to put some mummies' hearts at ease (especially if you thought you've committed the unforgivable crime of eating watermelon)! :)
Myth #1: No cold drinks or food
This is quite nonsense. I've been eating iced ching tng, drinking coke, soft drinks, ribena, iced milo and eating ice cream like countless times throughout this pregnancy. So far so good. The fact is, by the time the cold water travels down your oesophagus and to your tummy, it is already warmed up. I salute those women who can tahan (endure) not drinking cold drinks in Singapore's crazy weather.
Myth #2: Do not consume cooling foods
Erm I haven't been following this as well. In fact during the first trimester I drank quite a bit of grass jelly (I prefer that to soya bean). Even now, I am still eating a slice of watermelon every day. I believe that in everything, moderation is key. Just don't go swallowing the entire watermelon. In fact, westerners advocate eating watermelon for its high water content.
Myth #3: If your stomach is round, it's a girl and if it is pointy, it's a boy
In the first place, I've never seen a pointy stomach. Secondly, many people commented that my belly was round...but I am still having a baby boy.
Myth #4: Take more tonics to 补 your body
I don't believe in TCM so much, which is ironic given that both my uncle and aunt are TCM Practitioners. I just feel that there are a lot of unknowns about TCM that I would rather not take the risk. I don't take ginseng (scientifically proven to be bad for the foetus), nor bird's nest. Also all the other herbs like Danggui or whatever. The only thing I would possibly willingly eat is probably Chicken's Essence, and that's because I like the taste of Chicken Essence. Hehe
These are all I can think of for now. I will update if there are more! Hope this entry helps to put some mummies' hearts at ease (especially if you thought you've committed the unforgivable crime of eating watermelon)! :)
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Our baby journey - Detailed scan
Two days ago, we went for our detailed scan at Mt Alvernia Hospital. We were naturally very excited because we were about to find out whether we belonged to Team Pink or Blue.
Our appointment was at 10.30am, so we reached right on the dot, informed the counter staff who gave me a queue number. It was indicated on the number slip that the waiting time was about an hour so the hubs and I went to grab some food at the cafe. After which, we went down to Basement 1 to wait again and soon it was our turn.
First thing the hubs told the radiologist (or whatever you call those people who do the ultrasound scans for you), was that we wanted to know the gender. She replied, sure she'll take a look and soon enough as she was scanning, she saw the penis hahaha and informed us it's a boy! Team Blue!
She then went on to take photos of the baby's four limbs (both upper and lower portion), abdomen, heart, brain, kidneys, spine, foetal profile, eyes, nose and lips. She said the fingers and toes are too small to count but we did manage to see them and they looked perfect! Overall she said baby is healthy which was a huge huge relief for us. The scan took about 45 mins (depending on how cooperative your baby is).
She said she would send the photos back to my gynae and he will review them with me at my next visit, which is this Friday. :)
Meanwhile, the hubs had already posted our baby's penis on Facebook for the world to see. -_-"
Now the important thing is to think of a name for him! :)
Our appointment was at 10.30am, so we reached right on the dot, informed the counter staff who gave me a queue number. It was indicated on the number slip that the waiting time was about an hour so the hubs and I went to grab some food at the cafe. After which, we went down to Basement 1 to wait again and soon it was our turn.
First thing the hubs told the radiologist (or whatever you call those people who do the ultrasound scans for you), was that we wanted to know the gender. She replied, sure she'll take a look and soon enough as she was scanning, she saw the penis hahaha and informed us it's a boy! Team Blue!
She then went on to take photos of the baby's four limbs (both upper and lower portion), abdomen, heart, brain, kidneys, spine, foetal profile, eyes, nose and lips. She said the fingers and toes are too small to count but we did manage to see them and they looked perfect! Overall she said baby is healthy which was a huge huge relief for us. The scan took about 45 mins (depending on how cooperative your baby is).
She said she would send the photos back to my gynae and he will review them with me at my next visit, which is this Friday. :)
Meanwhile, the hubs had already posted our baby's penis on Facebook for the world to see. -_-"
Now the important thing is to think of a name for him! :)
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Our baby journey - The essential fish oil
The fish oil my gynae gave me has finally finished. The clinic charged me $70 for each bottle, which lasted me exactly one month.
So I went to get my own and this brand came very highly recommended.
So I went to get my own and this brand came very highly recommended.
I like that I only have to take one capsule a day, instead of two capsules which the one my gynae gave me required me to take. This brand also has quite low EPA which is good.
This small little bottle contains 30 capsules, which also lasts me an entire month, but this bottle only costs $45.50 (from Watsons).
So I saved $24.50 every month. *beams* (It's even cheaper from hospital pharmacies I think)
I just googled it and realised this is a malaysian brand but online there are quite a number of mothers who recommended this so I shall just stick to it for now.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Week 22 - the baby kicked!
Well, I suppose the baby has been kicking all along, just that I couldn't really feel it up to now.
It happened 2 days ago, when I woke up at 4.30am to go to the bathroom. When I got back to bed, it took me a while before I fell asleep. I felt it then, twice. It didn't feel like any of those things that people described online, not really butterflies fluttering etc, but more like a punch or a kick from inside my womb.
I placed my hand on my tummy and then I felt it, again. My hand moved together with my tummy and I smiled. I have been waiting for this day. I realised that I don't feel it very often, I can only feel it when I am lying in bed at night, or have been in the same position for a while (e.g. sitting on the bus).
It's awesome to feel the baby move. More awesome that we will be finding out the gender of the little one this coming Saturday!
It happened 2 days ago, when I woke up at 4.30am to go to the bathroom. When I got back to bed, it took me a while before I fell asleep. I felt it then, twice. It didn't feel like any of those things that people described online, not really butterflies fluttering etc, but more like a punch or a kick from inside my womb.
I placed my hand on my tummy and then I felt it, again. My hand moved together with my tummy and I smiled. I have been waiting for this day. I realised that I don't feel it very often, I can only feel it when I am lying in bed at night, or have been in the same position for a while (e.g. sitting on the bus).
It's awesome to feel the baby move. More awesome that we will be finding out the gender of the little one this coming Saturday!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Food Review #17 - Dal In Korean Restaurant
Ever since I got pregnant, I've been eating quite a lot of Korean BBQ. The hubs love it but honestly I would be fine if I don't see another piece of grilled meat in front of me ever again.
Yesterday the hubs had craving for Korean bulgogi so I googled a bit and found Dal In Korean Restaurant at Boon Tat Street, so off we went!
The restaurant had some gas issues so we were escorted by one of the bosses I presume, to the second outlet, which offers BBQ~~~~ (sigh). The hubs was really tempted to go for the BBQ but I was insistent about not eating anymore BBQ food, it can't be good for the baby!
So we ordered ala carte items and the food was absolutely delicious!
This is the pork bulgogi which was decent, but we also ordered the beef which I forgot to take a pic of. The beef was fantastic. Highly recommended!
Also in the pic are the banchans (side dishes) which were refillable. The beancurd skin and kimchi and potato shreds were yummy!
My favourite! Kimchi soup! It came piping hot and it was really spicy but tasted super authentic! I loved this and their kimchi soup would probably be the yardstick I use to measure all kimchi soups henceforth!
All dinner orders came with a steamed egg which was so fluffy and soft and juicy and the portion was huge so definitely enough for two!
All in all, I would highly recommend Dal In to people looking for authentic Korean food! Prices are average, one beef bulgogi, pork bulgogi and kimchi soup (plus one extra white rice and a can of coke) set us back by about $53. The restaurant is small so reservations are recommended. You will see a lot of Koreans there as well, and to me, that is proof of how authentic the restaurant is.
The hubs and I were really impressed with the food and we vowed to return to try their BBQ one day. :)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Oscar test results and gynae visit (week 17)
This morning I went to the gynae. Was happy and a little nervous, happy because I can get to see the little one, nervous as today I would get back my Oscar test results.
Ended up the Oscar test results were good, I belong in the low-risk category, ratio 1:10000. Another portion of my blood was used for a blood test, everything seems good, except my iron level is slightly below average. Average is 11.5, mine was 11.4. So doc asked me to load up on iron-rich foods. GIMME MY STEAKS!
So today I was given another round of meds to last me till my next visit. Doc said can stop folic acid, but had to continue taking everything else, plus he gave me fish oils (or rather, more like algae pills yucks).
The bill was really expensive today coz I also paid for the detailed scan to be done around week 20.
Multivitamins - $38.00
Calcium pills - $28.00
DHA pills (what people commonly call fish oil, just that mine is extracted from algae) - $70.00 (!!!)
Detailed scan 4 weeks later - $85.00
Plus consultation and ultrasound scan, $364 flew away... *sobs*
I'm going to try going to the pharmacies for the supplements the next round. Many people told me buying from the pharmacies is much cheaper but I'm just concerned whether they have the exact same brand? Coz am also not very sure which brands are good/better for pregnant mummies.
Ended up the Oscar test results were good, I belong in the low-risk category, ratio 1:10000. Another portion of my blood was used for a blood test, everything seems good, except my iron level is slightly below average. Average is 11.5, mine was 11.4. So doc asked me to load up on iron-rich foods. GIMME MY STEAKS!
So today I was given another round of meds to last me till my next visit. Doc said can stop folic acid, but had to continue taking everything else, plus he gave me fish oils (or rather, more like algae pills yucks).
The bill was really expensive today coz I also paid for the detailed scan to be done around week 20.
Multivitamins - $38.00
Calcium pills - $28.00
DHA pills (what people commonly call fish oil, just that mine is extracted from algae) - $70.00 (!!!)
Detailed scan 4 weeks later - $85.00
Plus consultation and ultrasound scan, $364 flew away... *sobs*
I'm going to try going to the pharmacies for the supplements the next round. Many people told me buying from the pharmacies is much cheaper but I'm just concerned whether they have the exact same brand? Coz am also not very sure which brands are good/better for pregnant mummies.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Oscar test on week 13 and today (15+1)
I just realised I didn't post an update regarding my Oscar test.
The Oscar test was over in 10 minutes. They scanned my stomach, looked at the baby and the lady told me the Neck Thickness (NT) is 2mm. I even asked her how accurate is this and she replied that it is quite accurate. 2mm is within the normal range (anything above 3mm is more high-risk) so that really helped to put my mind at ease a little. The gynae also drew my blood and sent it for blood test, but the blood test results would only be out 2 weeks later.
The Oscar test costs $300 and plus consultation, blood test etc and more pills, the bill came up to $500+ for this visit. But I feel that it's worth it as I really wanted a peace of mind.
The gynae gave me more folic acid, multi-vitamins and calcium pills. Some other mummies on our FB group have gotten fish oil as well. However, I feel that I need to trust my gynae if I am going to stick with him throughout this entire pregnancy rather than keep doubting him based on hearsay.
Anyway 4 pills a day is already very hard to swallow so am thankful I don't have more. Anyway, last week I drank a cup of coffee in the morning and it was so heavenly I almost weeped. Never realised how delicious and satisfying it was to drink a cup of hot, fragrant coffee until now.
The night sickness has stopped (for now) although when I eat too much I still feel really uncomfortable but I guess that's normal.
I haven't been eating healthily nor have I been eating a lot of fish like what other mummies have advised. I feel like I am quite bo chup (can't be bothered) when it comes to food and eating healthily but I do feel a little worried and guilty at times. Perhaps it's time to really start watching my diet!
The Oscar test was over in 10 minutes. They scanned my stomach, looked at the baby and the lady told me the Neck Thickness (NT) is 2mm. I even asked her how accurate is this and she replied that it is quite accurate. 2mm is within the normal range (anything above 3mm is more high-risk) so that really helped to put my mind at ease a little. The gynae also drew my blood and sent it for blood test, but the blood test results would only be out 2 weeks later.
The Oscar test costs $300 and plus consultation, blood test etc and more pills, the bill came up to $500+ for this visit. But I feel that it's worth it as I really wanted a peace of mind.
The gynae gave me more folic acid, multi-vitamins and calcium pills. Some other mummies on our FB group have gotten fish oil as well. However, I feel that I need to trust my gynae if I am going to stick with him throughout this entire pregnancy rather than keep doubting him based on hearsay.
Anyway 4 pills a day is already very hard to swallow so am thankful I don't have more. Anyway, last week I drank a cup of coffee in the morning and it was so heavenly I almost weeped. Never realised how delicious and satisfying it was to drink a cup of hot, fragrant coffee until now.
The night sickness has stopped (for now) although when I eat too much I still feel really uncomfortable but I guess that's normal.
I haven't been eating healthily nor have I been eating a lot of fish like what other mummies have advised. I feel like I am quite bo chup (can't be bothered) when it comes to food and eating healthily but I do feel a little worried and guilty at times. Perhaps it's time to really start watching my diet!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Food Review #16 - Marina South Curry House
It's been a really long while since I did a food review but this one was really good so I thought I really should blog about it.
For the hubs' birthday we went to Amara Hotel for buffet and passed by 100am (the building linked to Amara) and we discovered that the famous curry stall from Marina South has opened up a restaurant there! So we went back the following weekend to try and the curry is really to die for.
For the hubs' birthday we went to Amara Hotel for buffet and passed by 100am (the building linked to Amara) and we discovered that the famous curry stall from Marina South has opened up a restaurant there! So we went back the following weekend to try and the curry is really to die for.
This was the red curry chicken. The yellow one is less spicy but I think the red one is the original version.
It came in a claypot which kept its warmth and made it really shiok to have. Now that I am looking at the pic again I wanna go back!
They've also ventured out to try some tze char dishes. We actually ordered their salted egg chicken wings which were really not worth ordering. The tofu above was not bad though the hubs didn't really like it.
All in all, just go for their curry! Soooo delicious! A tad salty but I like salty stuff. Together with the bread it was really very good. Robust flavours and every mouth of curry is like a mini explosion in your mouth. The white rice was surprisingly disappointing and it's hard to imagine why people can fail in cooking white rice when it's such a staple.
Our baby journey (11+3)
Went for the 4th gynae visit again yesterday. Baby's doing ok, even bounced a bit while we were doing the scan. :)
I've scheduled my Oscar test to be on 20th August. The Oscar test costs about $300 and will test for trisomy 13, 18 and 21. Fingers crossed and hope the little one will be ok.
I realised that my gynae is actually quite budget. Each visit consultation is $60, each scan (with photo) is also $60. I've heard of some gynaes consultations and scans being $80 or $100. One mummy even told me her scans cost $155 per time.
Dr Tan also didn't give me many vitamins to take during the first trimester. Folic acid is relatively cheap at $10 a box and it's about a 2 weeks' supply. Utrogestan is more expensive at $30 per box but it is so yucky I stopped taking that myself (I really couldn't take it anymore).
Excited to see the baby at my next visit 2 weeks later. And I can't wait for the night sickness to stop completely.
I've scheduled my Oscar test to be on 20th August. The Oscar test costs about $300 and will test for trisomy 13, 18 and 21. Fingers crossed and hope the little one will be ok.
I realised that my gynae is actually quite budget. Each visit consultation is $60, each scan (with photo) is also $60. I've heard of some gynaes consultations and scans being $80 or $100. One mummy even told me her scans cost $155 per time.
Dr Tan also didn't give me many vitamins to take during the first trimester. Folic acid is relatively cheap at $10 a box and it's about a 2 weeks' supply. Utrogestan is more expensive at $30 per box but it is so yucky I stopped taking that myself (I really couldn't take it anymore).
Excited to see the baby at my next visit 2 weeks later. And I can't wait for the night sickness to stop completely.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Our baby journey (9+4) - 3rd Gynae visit + other symptoms
The hubs accompanied me to our 3rd gynae visit today and we saw the baby move! It was just shaking its limbs around. Definitely cute. We also heard its heartbeat. Think the hubs was quite moved by all these he told me afterwards he almost teared. :)
Anyway I think yeah going to the gynae in the morning is the correct decision as he has less patients and could definitely spend more time talking to us. So my symptoms have gotten from bad to worse. They are all common symptoms for the first trimester, but to have them all together just totally sucks. I feel awful at night and sometimes during the day as well.
Let's see, the symptoms are
- Night sickness (throwing up after dinner - getting more and more common)
- Nosebleeds (had them yesterday and today morning)
- Lots of phlegm (clear phlegm but makes me wanna throw up nonetheless.)
Been having some really vivid dreams. Like during one particular night, I dreamt that it was already 7+am, I quickly woke up and turned around and woke the hubs up as well. Halfway through waking him (thank God he doesn't wake easy), I realised it was still dark outside which meant it wasn't even 6am yet. I quickly aborted the attempt to wake him up and went back to sleep.
The hubs also mentioned I've been talking shitloads in my sleep (which I never used to do). There was one night I even gave him 4 numbers which he went to buy 4D with but didn't strike hahahaha.
Honestly I can't wait for the first trimester to be over because I just feel like total crap at night. Still, these symptoms are the ones that tell me I am still very much pregnant so gotta bear with it!
Anyway I think yeah going to the gynae in the morning is the correct decision as he has less patients and could definitely spend more time talking to us. So my symptoms have gotten from bad to worse. They are all common symptoms for the first trimester, but to have them all together just totally sucks. I feel awful at night and sometimes during the day as well.
Let's see, the symptoms are
- Night sickness (throwing up after dinner - getting more and more common)
- Nosebleeds (had them yesterday and today morning)
- Lots of phlegm (clear phlegm but makes me wanna throw up nonetheless.)
Been having some really vivid dreams. Like during one particular night, I dreamt that it was already 7+am, I quickly woke up and turned around and woke the hubs up as well. Halfway through waking him (thank God he doesn't wake easy), I realised it was still dark outside which meant it wasn't even 6am yet. I quickly aborted the attempt to wake him up and went back to sleep.
The hubs also mentioned I've been talking shitloads in my sleep (which I never used to do). There was one night I even gave him 4 numbers which he went to buy 4D with but didn't strike hahahaha.
Honestly I can't wait for the first trimester to be over because I just feel like total crap at night. Still, these symptoms are the ones that tell me I am still very much pregnant so gotta bear with it!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Night sickness
Did I mention I have no morning sickness? That's right, I don't. But I have night sickness and it's probably only slightly better than morning sickness I suppose. In the sense that usually by that time I am safely at home and can just moan and groan in bed non-stop.
I ate KFC 2 nights in a row and threw up a lot on both nights. I told the hubs that our baby hates fast food or maybe it's just KFC.
I realised I really can't eat a lot at night. Somehow I've lost the ability to burp. Perhaps in the past I could burp long and loud because I always drank coke during or after a meal. Now I can't seem to burp at night and I just feel awful. On a good day I just feel totally sick and may not throw up. On bad days the food just comes out and I still feel terrible afterwards.
Day time is not too bad. So now I've decided to just stuff my face with food during the day, and eat just a little at night. As long as I am not FULL full, I don't feel that bloated.
It's awful and part of me wants it to stop RIGHT NOW but part of me doesn't want it to stop just yet because it signifies that my baby is safe inside me and I am still very much pregnant. Contradictory isn't it?
Next gynae visit is in 6 days' time and the hubs will be coming with me! :)
I ate KFC 2 nights in a row and threw up a lot on both nights. I told the hubs that our baby hates fast food or maybe it's just KFC.
I realised I really can't eat a lot at night. Somehow I've lost the ability to burp. Perhaps in the past I could burp long and loud because I always drank coke during or after a meal. Now I can't seem to burp at night and I just feel awful. On a good day I just feel totally sick and may not throw up. On bad days the food just comes out and I still feel terrible afterwards.
Day time is not too bad. So now I've decided to just stuff my face with food during the day, and eat just a little at night. As long as I am not FULL full, I don't feel that bloated.
It's awful and part of me wants it to stop RIGHT NOW but part of me doesn't want it to stop just yet because it signifies that my baby is safe inside me and I am still very much pregnant. Contradictory isn't it?
Next gynae visit is in 6 days' time and the hubs will be coming with me! :)
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Second visit to the gynae
Yesterday was my second visit to the gynae. He did an ultrasound scan again and I saw my baby for the second time! It has grown bigger compared to the last visit, but all along I thought I was week 7 this week, but the gynae yesterday measured the baby and told me I am at 6 weeks 3 days. -_-" Which is why I've decided to not put the weeks/days in my blog titles until I am more sure how old it really is.
Anyway yesterday I heard my baby's heartbeat! :) It was really fast but I was so glad to hear it beating fast and strong!
Told the doc I feel quite nauseous at times and there is this dull ache at my sternum (right in the middle of my chest below my breasts) before and after food. He said it's just bloatedness and it'll probably last all the way till week 12 (if I'm lucky enough it stops after week 12).
So doc gave me utrogestan (progesterone pills) which I absolutely hate but he says I have to continue eating them until week 12. >_< he also gave me folic acid.
The bill yesterday came up to $171.20. So 2 visits already cost more than $350...this is probably not the most budget way to do this. The consultation is $60, ultrasound scan is $60, utrogestan is $30 and folic acid is $10 and all these not including GST.
Yesterday's visit with the gynae was somewhat more hurried, maybe because I chose the night timing and there were quite a number of patients waiting to see him. Anyway yup shall see how things go and decide whether I wanna stick to this one. Next visit is in 3 weeks' time! :)
Anyway yesterday I heard my baby's heartbeat! :) It was really fast but I was so glad to hear it beating fast and strong!
Told the doc I feel quite nauseous at times and there is this dull ache at my sternum (right in the middle of my chest below my breasts) before and after food. He said it's just bloatedness and it'll probably last all the way till week 12 (if I'm lucky enough it stops after week 12).
So doc gave me utrogestan (progesterone pills) which I absolutely hate but he says I have to continue eating them until week 12. >_< he also gave me folic acid.
The bill yesterday came up to $171.20. So 2 visits already cost more than $350...this is probably not the most budget way to do this. The consultation is $60, ultrasound scan is $60, utrogestan is $30 and folic acid is $10 and all these not including GST.
Yesterday's visit with the gynae was somewhat more hurried, maybe because I chose the night timing and there were quite a number of patients waiting to see him. Anyway yup shall see how things go and decide whether I wanna stick to this one. Next visit is in 3 weeks' time! :)
Monday, June 30, 2014
Our baby journey (7+2)
Nowadays I count myself very lucky if I can finish up a meal without feeling any sort of discomfort. I've been feeling a dull ache at my sternum, both before and after a meal. The dull ache comes on and off but it's more usually on so it really is very awful.
I am due for my 2nd gynae visit tomorrow and will ask him what is wrong with me and why it hurts so bad before and after meals. I tried reading up and googling about it but it all sounded very scary like duodenum ulcer or gallbladder so I decided to stop and not scare myself any longer.
Apart from this and the occasional gag reflex I feel fine. Just yeah tired mostly. I sleep early these days and don't get to spend as much time as I used to with the hubs. We try to spend the entire weekends with each other though.
P/S: Think we'll be able to hear the little one's heartbeat tomorrow at the gynae's! :)
I am due for my 2nd gynae visit tomorrow and will ask him what is wrong with me and why it hurts so bad before and after meals. I tried reading up and googling about it but it all sounded very scary like duodenum ulcer or gallbladder so I decided to stop and not scare myself any longer.
Apart from this and the occasional gag reflex I feel fine. Just yeah tired mostly. I sleep early these days and don't get to spend as much time as I used to with the hubs. We try to spend the entire weekends with each other though.
P/S: Think we'll be able to hear the little one's heartbeat tomorrow at the gynae's! :)
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Our baby journey ((6+4)
Today I woke up on the wrong side of bed. No reason for that, nowadays I don't sleep as good as I used to, probably because I usually have to wake up around 5am to go pee. Today was just one of those days when I woke up a little down, didn't feel like going to work. Couldn't really smile. One reason could also possibly be I am feeling bloated and it is an annoying feeling that does not go away. It just makes me wanna lie down somewhere and sleep it off.
Still no morning sickness and I am thankful for that actually. There were brief moments of nausea yesterday but they passed fairly quickly.
On a happy note, I ate McDonalds yesterday (Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese) which made me so giddily happy. I'm craving for it again today hahaha but it's unhealthy and junk food so I'll probably limit myself to eat it once a week maybe?
Still no morning sickness and I am thankful for that actually. There were brief moments of nausea yesterday but they passed fairly quickly.
On a happy note, I ate McDonalds yesterday (Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese) which made me so giddily happy. I'm craving for it again today hahaha but it's unhealthy and junk food so I'll probably limit myself to eat it once a week maybe?
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Our baby journey (week 6)
So over the weekend things were relatively ok. Since I had my first gynae visit last week and my next one is in 2 weeks' time (week 7), I was a little concerned. Like, how would I even know the little one's doing ok inside me? I googled and the fact is that well, you can't. There is nothing to let you know the little one is ok, the only thing that lets you know that you are still pregnant is actually the fact that you still have all the symptoms e.g. morning sickness, tender boobs, fatigue etc.
So far I've been quite blessed in the sense that I haven't had morning sickness. My fatigue is under control as well, I can function relatively well the entire day but at about 10pm my eyes would turn droopy and I will be yawning non-stop. I've been having lots of very vivid dreams, mostly about arguments with friends/ in-laws etc. Hopefully this is not a premonition of things to come. :P
People have been saying to avoid drinking cold drinks, to eat more fish etc. For me, I've been drinking cold plain water. I think everything done in moderation is good (that's what my gynae said too). I've been refraining from sugared drinks as much as I can and also fried food. Also, I keep telling myself that I am NOT eating for two so there's really no need to stuff my face with food.
I've downloaded 3 different applications onto my phone. Everyday I just read a little, but basically they are more of weekly updates rather than daily.
Really can't wait for this first trimester to be over!
So far I've been quite blessed in the sense that I haven't had morning sickness. My fatigue is under control as well, I can function relatively well the entire day but at about 10pm my eyes would turn droopy and I will be yawning non-stop. I've been having lots of very vivid dreams, mostly about arguments with friends/ in-laws etc. Hopefully this is not a premonition of things to come. :P
People have been saying to avoid drinking cold drinks, to eat more fish etc. For me, I've been drinking cold plain water. I think everything done in moderation is good (that's what my gynae said too). I've been refraining from sugared drinks as much as I can and also fried food. Also, I keep telling myself that I am NOT eating for two so there's really no need to stuff my face with food.
I've downloaded 3 different applications onto my phone. Everyday I just read a little, but basically they are more of weekly updates rather than daily.
Really can't wait for this first trimester to be over!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Our baby journey (Week 5)
I just found out a few days back that I am 5 weeks pregnant. So one of the biggest concern right now for the hubs and I is our finances. We literally spent quite a bomb on Oscar's various treatments. So suddenly we are both feeling really stressed.
Anyway I went to visit the gynae on Tuesday and he gave me Folic acid as well as a hormone pill thingie called utrogestan which supposedly helps to support the pregnancy.
So far this week has been fine except for the occasional headaches, constipation (no matter how much water I drink) as well as occasional cramps.
We are trying to do everything budget style yet of course not compromising on the quality of services rendered to us and our baby. I've chosen Dr Tan Poh Kok at Nex to be my gynae. First visit he did a scan and I saw my baby which was sooooo tiny, just a little black dot. Dr Tan is friendly and kind. So far so good! The first visit costs $192.60 including consultation, scan, the folic acid and the utrogestan.
The hubs and I are definitely excited but scared at the same time. Suddenly we are gonna be parents! *gasp*
More updates to come!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Oscar's Fight against Parvovirus Part 5
I've been so busy at work I haven't had time to post anything at all. So Oscar was discharged from the hospital on the 10th day of hospitalisation. He recovered from Parvo but due to a weak immune system, contracted Pneumonia. The vet gave us the green light to bring him home though but we had to feed him medicine and nebulize him 4 times a day.
He was really weak when he first got home. He wasn't playful, was constantly lying down but he had an appetite which was really good. His poop took shape in the hospital but when he reached home he went back to having this really gooey diarrhea that was a puddle, with an ultra pungent smell (characteristic of Parvo). In addition, he had a lot of phlegm in his lungs that he couldn't cough out so we had to nebulize him to thin his phlegm so it passes out as mucus from his nose.
Now he seems to have fully recovered from Parvo and Pneumonia but he has some form of skin infection on his leg. The hair on his left hind leg is all gone (because he kept licking and biting his leg probably because it was itchy). When we brought him home from the hospital he could hardly walk and his left hind leg swelled to twice the size of his right leg. The vet said it could be due to inflammation from the IV drip. True enough the swelling went down after a few days and he began to walk instead of hop. Now he's running and jumping about every single day.
We made him wear a collar so he couldn't get at the infected spots on his legs. A little hair has started to grow back. We are due to bring him back to the vet tomorrow for a check up. Think the vet would most likely clear him of both Parvo and Pneumonia but the skin infection maybe not. He isn't too happy with the collar, but it stops him from chewing our toes and fingers off so that's probably a good thing.
He just turned 3 months old 2 days ago and we are just so glad that he managed to survive Parvo though the odds were stacked really high against him. :) Thank God for being so merciful. The vet mentioned Parvo would stunt the puppy's growth and also, the vet gave 2 really strong antibiotics that are not really good for puppies under 8 months old. When I asked the vet about it she said they (the vets in the hospital) discussed and they would rather not let Oscar die than to worry about the consequences of the strong antibiotics. Anyways, Oscar has grown larger hahaha much to my parents-in-law's dismay. They would rather he stayed the cute little fluffy thing he was.
Medication given were:
- Ranitidine
- Baytril
- Doxycycline Syrup
- Banebac (probiotics, some form of yogurt for the Parvo)
- Tamiflu
Now he has
- Neoderm for the skin
Also, I would strongly recommend Companion Animal Surgery at Boon Teck Road for good vets! Look for either Dr Nicholas Woo, Dr Eleanor or Dr Arman. All 3 of them attended to Oscar at one time or another and we were extremely impressed with their professionalism and the great care given to Oscar.
Now he's finally enjoying his puppyhood, except for the collar, but that hasn't stopped him from jumping all over the place and biting everything he could get his teeth on. :)
He was really weak when he first got home. He wasn't playful, was constantly lying down but he had an appetite which was really good. His poop took shape in the hospital but when he reached home he went back to having this really gooey diarrhea that was a puddle, with an ultra pungent smell (characteristic of Parvo). In addition, he had a lot of phlegm in his lungs that he couldn't cough out so we had to nebulize him to thin his phlegm so it passes out as mucus from his nose.
Now he seems to have fully recovered from Parvo and Pneumonia but he has some form of skin infection on his leg. The hair on his left hind leg is all gone (because he kept licking and biting his leg probably because it was itchy). When we brought him home from the hospital he could hardly walk and his left hind leg swelled to twice the size of his right leg. The vet said it could be due to inflammation from the IV drip. True enough the swelling went down after a few days and he began to walk instead of hop. Now he's running and jumping about every single day.
We made him wear a collar so he couldn't get at the infected spots on his legs. A little hair has started to grow back. We are due to bring him back to the vet tomorrow for a check up. Think the vet would most likely clear him of both Parvo and Pneumonia but the skin infection maybe not. He isn't too happy with the collar, but it stops him from chewing our toes and fingers off so that's probably a good thing.
He just turned 3 months old 2 days ago and we are just so glad that he managed to survive Parvo though the odds were stacked really high against him. :) Thank God for being so merciful. The vet mentioned Parvo would stunt the puppy's growth and also, the vet gave 2 really strong antibiotics that are not really good for puppies under 8 months old. When I asked the vet about it she said they (the vets in the hospital) discussed and they would rather not let Oscar die than to worry about the consequences of the strong antibiotics. Anyways, Oscar has grown larger hahaha much to my parents-in-law's dismay. They would rather he stayed the cute little fluffy thing he was.
Medication given were:
- Ranitidine
- Baytril
- Doxycycline Syrup
- Banebac (probiotics, some form of yogurt for the Parvo)
- Tamiflu
Now he has
- Neoderm for the skin
Also, I would strongly recommend Companion Animal Surgery at Boon Teck Road for good vets! Look for either Dr Nicholas Woo, Dr Eleanor or Dr Arman. All 3 of them attended to Oscar at one time or another and we were extremely impressed with their professionalism and the great care given to Oscar.
Now he's finally enjoying his puppyhood, except for the collar, but that hasn't stopped him from jumping all over the place and biting everything he could get his teeth on. :)
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Oscar's Fight against Parvovirus Part 4
Over the weekend Oscar's condition improved by leaps and bounds! He was eating on his own, albeit very little, so he's still weak. He was not vomiting already and he was just recovering.
Yesterday the hubs and I went down to visit him. He still seemed very lethargic. On Saturday, the vet told us that his glucose level was low, at about 3.8. Normal puppies' glucose levels are usually above 8? On Sunday, his glucose level was at 2.8. The vet told us they would put glucose into his drip.
So we visited him on Sunday, the vet informed us that his poop has started to take shape. He is no longer having diarrhea although he did vomit but probably because the force feeding took a toll on him. He is eating on his own but still too little. However, the vet was optimistic that if they could raise his glucose level then he would be on the road to recovery.
The vet told us that the hospital has been opened since 1989 and Oscar is the first 2-mth old puppy to have survived Parvo. They've had dogs survived Parvo before, but none at such a young age. :)
The vet called me just now (Monday morning) and told me that Oscar's glucose has climbed up to 14. :)))
Looking forward to discharging him later this week...but he will be very weak and tired for a while to come so we will hopefully be able to nurse him back to the playful boy he was. :)
Yesterday the hubs and I went down to visit him. He still seemed very lethargic. On Saturday, the vet told us that his glucose level was low, at about 3.8. Normal puppies' glucose levels are usually above 8? On Sunday, his glucose level was at 2.8. The vet told us they would put glucose into his drip.
So we visited him on Sunday, the vet informed us that his poop has started to take shape. He is no longer having diarrhea although he did vomit but probably because the force feeding took a toll on him. He is eating on his own but still too little. However, the vet was optimistic that if they could raise his glucose level then he would be on the road to recovery.
The vet told us that the hospital has been opened since 1989 and Oscar is the first 2-mth old puppy to have survived Parvo. They've had dogs survived Parvo before, but none at such a young age. :)
The vet called me just now (Monday morning) and told me that Oscar's glucose has climbed up to 14. :)))
Looking forward to discharging him later this week...but he will be very weak and tired for a while to come so we will hopefully be able to nurse him back to the playful boy he was. :)
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Oscar's Fight against Parvovirus Part 3
Yesterday the vet gave Oscar a jab to boost his red blood count. They've also started nebulizing him once every 2 hours.
Yesterday evening I spoke to the vet on the phone. According to him Oscar is periodically up and down. At 4.30pm in the afternoon, the vet went in to take a look at him and he said Oscar actually stood up and wagged his tail. But when he went in again at 6pm Oscar was quite flat again.
The vet also did a blood test that showed that his white blood cells were really high, which signified that he's fighting against a really huge infection. His red blood count was really low even after the jab he received so it is a big concern. He's still vomitting and having bloody diarrhea. Temperature is normal.
I'm not sure what to make of the news. Everytime we received seemingly good news the next moment our hopes would be dashed. I just hope my little fighter will continue fighting. We are all rooting for you Oscar.
Yesterday evening I spoke to the vet on the phone. According to him Oscar is periodically up and down. At 4.30pm in the afternoon, the vet went in to take a look at him and he said Oscar actually stood up and wagged his tail. But when he went in again at 6pm Oscar was quite flat again.
The vet also did a blood test that showed that his white blood cells were really high, which signified that he's fighting against a really huge infection. His red blood count was really low even after the jab he received so it is a big concern. He's still vomitting and having bloody diarrhea. Temperature is normal.
I'm not sure what to make of the news. Everytime we received seemingly good news the next moment our hopes would be dashed. I just hope my little fighter will continue fighting. We are all rooting for you Oscar.
*updated at 11.18am*
Called up the hospital and the vet told me that Oscar seems brighter and perkier, his stools have hardened ever so slightly and he hasn't vomitted since yesterday. Of course the low red blood cells are still a concern. However, we are just thankful for these nuggets of good news. They give us slivers of hope and we are holding onto them ever so tightly at such a time.
Oscar is still not interested in food though and if you are a dog owner you know dogs can NEVER resist food. Well unless (1) you're either offering them things they dislike or (2) they're sick. C'mon Oscar! Fighting! :)
Oscar's Fight against Parvovirus Part 2
So he survived another day. As of last night, the vet told us he was able to sit up a little and seemed to be a little perkier, which brought our hopes up.
Unfortunately today he has gone back to being quite down. The vet updated me in the afternoon saying that he has lung infection or in other words, flu. Which really confused me as flu sounded ok but lung infection sounded so serious so I also have no idea how bad it actually is.
They are going to do a blood test again later this evening and compare it with the one he had yesterday. They are concerned for his red blood count. Vet said he seems to be swallowing better though still has to be force fed as he continues to show zero interest in his food. He's still having the bloody diarrhea but I have no idea how bad it is.
I was still so hopeful this morning as I felt that God would definitely bring him back to us. But after the vet's update it is hard to keep the hubs' or my spirits up. We are so sad, so affected and we are just praying for God to give little Oscar strength to get through this.
Unfortunately today he has gone back to being quite down. The vet updated me in the afternoon saying that he has lung infection or in other words, flu. Which really confused me as flu sounded ok but lung infection sounded so serious so I also have no idea how bad it actually is.
They are going to do a blood test again later this evening and compare it with the one he had yesterday. They are concerned for his red blood count. Vet said he seems to be swallowing better though still has to be force fed as he continues to show zero interest in his food. He's still having the bloody diarrhea but I have no idea how bad it is.
I was still so hopeful this morning as I felt that God would definitely bring him back to us. But after the vet's update it is hard to keep the hubs' or my spirits up. We are so sad, so affected and we are just praying for God to give little Oscar strength to get through this.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Oscar's Fight against Parvovirus
My 2 months old Japanese Spitz puppy that I bought a week ago is now in hospital fighting for his life. He is fighting against a deadly virus known as Parvovirus and it is up to the little guy now to fight this battle and hopefully win it.
We brought him back last Tuesday, Oscar was active, exploring the house everywhere, playing with us, biting everything etc. We were delighted with him even though he peed and pooed all over the place. Oscar breathed really heavily, like 100+ breaths per minute. I googled online and this seemed normal for puppies so I didn't think too much of it.
On Friday, we fed him his dinner at 7pm. According to my mum-in-law who fed him, he stopped eating rather abruptly and refused to go near his food.
On Saturday, we observed Oscar and he continued to refuse to eat. We were very concerned as the pet shop owner who sold him to us did mention that you know a dog is unwell when (1) they stopped eating and (2) they have diarrhea. Oscar had diarrhea so we brought him to the vet on Saturday afternoon. The vet did a blood test and the results were very alarming. His white blood count was way too high, red blood count was way too low, the vet also mentioned his ALT was very high, so the vet suspected something was wrong with his liver. The vet gave Oscar 6 different kinds of medicine and instructed us to force feed him. By evening he had no energy left and was just lying down and not moving much. I force fed him some food and the medicine but he threw everything up. By midnight we were really scared and decided to hospitalise him.
The vet saw the blood test results and voiced out a few of his suspicions. He told us they would do an ultrasound for Oscar when the radiographer comes in in the morning and inform us of the results. At about 9.30am on Sunday, I received a phonecall. The joy that it was not a liver shunt and was just a viral infection turned to dread when we found out how bad this virus was. It can be quite fatal for puppies as young as Oscar, because he hasn't been protected against it yet (he only had his 2nd jab, parvo vaccine is in the 3rd jab).
Parvovirus is a virus that attacks a puppy's intestines, effectively killing the intestinal cells. Eventually the puppy may die from dehydration as this virus causes vomiting and diarrhea in them. There doesn't seem to be any cure, treatment is merely supportive (hydrating the puppy, anti-diarrhea meds and anti-vomiting meds etc)
We bought Tamiflu for Oscar and brought it to the hospital as what they instructed. They informed us that Oscar was still having diarrhea and it is bloody diarrhea. We went back to the pet shop owner and she advised us to bring Oscar back to her, as we did mention to her we couldn't really afford the expensive hospitalisation fees (we hospitalised him for one day and it cost us $843). She refunded us the money and brought Oscar into her shop.
We asked her to update us on Oscar's status and she told us he didn't seem to be getting any better or worse. On Tuesday, she told us Oscar hasn't had diarrhea on both Monday & Tuesday, hasn't eaten at all and is generally just lying there. We were surprised and hopeful to learn that after the 4th day of his Parvo attack that Oscar is still alive. We decided to re-hospitalise Oscar despite the fees. We wanted to give it one last shot and save him if possible.
Today is Wednesday, I called up the hospital earlier, the vet said Oscar doesn't seem to be getting any better. In fact, his temperature is on the low side of normal. His electrolytes are really really low and he's not moving around, the phrase that the vet used was "He's really flat." His diarrhea came back although it's not as bloody as before but it's still watery. They force fed him but he seemed to have trouble swallowing. We asked the vet whether he thinks Oscar can survive today and the vet replied,"I really don't know", a far cry from when he told us that time that he felt Oscar had no problem surviving the first day.
We are praying for a miracle. The poor boy hasn't eaten much for the past 4 days, we just hope he can find it within him to beat the virus. I've prayed quite a bit for God to be merciful to us and to him, we really hope to bring him back with us and love him for the rest of his life. If you're reading this, I hope you can pray for him too. Thank you.
We brought him back last Tuesday, Oscar was active, exploring the house everywhere, playing with us, biting everything etc. We were delighted with him even though he peed and pooed all over the place. Oscar breathed really heavily, like 100+ breaths per minute. I googled online and this seemed normal for puppies so I didn't think too much of it.
On Friday, we fed him his dinner at 7pm. According to my mum-in-law who fed him, he stopped eating rather abruptly and refused to go near his food.
On Saturday, we observed Oscar and he continued to refuse to eat. We were very concerned as the pet shop owner who sold him to us did mention that you know a dog is unwell when (1) they stopped eating and (2) they have diarrhea. Oscar had diarrhea so we brought him to the vet on Saturday afternoon. The vet did a blood test and the results were very alarming. His white blood count was way too high, red blood count was way too low, the vet also mentioned his ALT was very high, so the vet suspected something was wrong with his liver. The vet gave Oscar 6 different kinds of medicine and instructed us to force feed him. By evening he had no energy left and was just lying down and not moving much. I force fed him some food and the medicine but he threw everything up. By midnight we were really scared and decided to hospitalise him.
The vet saw the blood test results and voiced out a few of his suspicions. He told us they would do an ultrasound for Oscar when the radiographer comes in in the morning and inform us of the results. At about 9.30am on Sunday, I received a phonecall. The joy that it was not a liver shunt and was just a viral infection turned to dread when we found out how bad this virus was. It can be quite fatal for puppies as young as Oscar, because he hasn't been protected against it yet (he only had his 2nd jab, parvo vaccine is in the 3rd jab).
Parvovirus is a virus that attacks a puppy's intestines, effectively killing the intestinal cells. Eventually the puppy may die from dehydration as this virus causes vomiting and diarrhea in them. There doesn't seem to be any cure, treatment is merely supportive (hydrating the puppy, anti-diarrhea meds and anti-vomiting meds etc)
We bought Tamiflu for Oscar and brought it to the hospital as what they instructed. They informed us that Oscar was still having diarrhea and it is bloody diarrhea. We went back to the pet shop owner and she advised us to bring Oscar back to her, as we did mention to her we couldn't really afford the expensive hospitalisation fees (we hospitalised him for one day and it cost us $843). She refunded us the money and brought Oscar into her shop.
We asked her to update us on Oscar's status and she told us he didn't seem to be getting any better or worse. On Tuesday, she told us Oscar hasn't had diarrhea on both Monday & Tuesday, hasn't eaten at all and is generally just lying there. We were surprised and hopeful to learn that after the 4th day of his Parvo attack that Oscar is still alive. We decided to re-hospitalise Oscar despite the fees. We wanted to give it one last shot and save him if possible.
Today is Wednesday, I called up the hospital earlier, the vet said Oscar doesn't seem to be getting any better. In fact, his temperature is on the low side of normal. His electrolytes are really really low and he's not moving around, the phrase that the vet used was "He's really flat." His diarrhea came back although it's not as bloody as before but it's still watery. They force fed him but he seemed to have trouble swallowing. We asked the vet whether he thinks Oscar can survive today and the vet replied,"I really don't know", a far cry from when he told us that time that he felt Oscar had no problem surviving the first day.
We are praying for a miracle. The poor boy hasn't eaten much for the past 4 days, we just hope he can find it within him to beat the virus. I've prayed quite a bit for God to be merciful to us and to him, we really hope to bring him back with us and love him for the rest of his life. If you're reading this, I hope you can pray for him too. Thank you.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Food Review #15 - Epicurious Cafe
I've been wanting to head over to Epicurious Cafe the first time I read about it on food bloggers' blogs. Maybe it was their photography skills or the presentation of the food or both. Anyways it always looked so tempting so I wanted to go try it.
The hubs and I headed over to Epicurious one Sunday morning and managed to get a table without having to wait. Epicurious is not a big cafe and business was brisk. By about 12pm the place was filled, mostly with foreigners.
We ordered their french toast as it came highly recommended but unfortunately we both didn't like it. We prefer our french toast to be savoury, rather than sweet. Though picture-wise it looked really good but unfortunately it completely ruined our expectations of french toast. Give me back my soaked-in-egg french toast anytime! And remove those breadcrumbs please. We didn't finish this. :(
The hubs as usual, went for burger and their burger was really good. It was a big portion, the patty was juicy and everything - the egg, bacon, patty - came together really well.
I went for their Eggs Benedict and ordered it with salmon instead of ham. Their eggs benedict were supposed to be quite good but I didn't like this much too. Only one of the eggs was still runny when I cut it open. Anyway perhaps I am just not a big fan of eggs benedict. If ever I go back I shall try their full breakfast instead.
Apple crumble was quite an epic fail, in my opinion. There were so much more apples than crumble and we had a hard time finishing those apples. This dessert didn't blow me away and the hubs and I left the apples unfinished and we agreed we probably would never order this again.
Service was decent though I personally felt that the restaurant showed more favourable service to the foreigners than to locals? It seemed like they were more patient when explaining to the foreigners what each of those dishes were etc. Personal opinion so don't take my word for it. Anyways, Epicurious is one of those places that I wouldn't go back to, even if I wanted all day breakfast/brunch, as there are so many others out there that could either serve me better food or better service or maybe both.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Food Review #14 - Rider's Cafe
It's been so long since I last blogged! I've changed job which gave me less freedom to use my computer at work. I foresee my entries in the future would be quite rare too sigh. :(
Anyway one weekend the hubs and I decided to head to Riders Cafe as I've heard a lot about it but have not been there before at all.
Truffle fries were nice! I like the dips they served. Fries portion was big though of course only a portion was drizzled with truffle oil. Still, nice fries!
The hubs' burger - Riders Burger. It was really good, I regretted not ordering this after tasting a bite of it. The patty was juicy and flavourful. Though the extra side of fries was a bit overkill, given we had also ordered truffle fries haha. Perhaps if you are ordering both too can request to change the side?
The breakfast was quite meh....they put my scrambled eggs on the toast which made the latter soggy! :( The sauteed mushrooms were quite flavourless and the only thing good on that plate was probably the eggs but THEY MADE MY BREAD SOGGY! T_T
The famous DBCC - Death by Chocolate Cake, which truly almost killed us as it was wayyyyy too sweet. I am not a chocolate fan nor do I have a sweet tooth so this was really too much. Chocolate cake/chocolate fans would probably love it though.
Service was good at Riders but the food honestly wasn't that fantastic. And the entire place was non-air-conditioned so on a humid afternoon it really wasn't very pleasant to sit there and sweat buckets.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Food Review #13 - Kuru Kuru (again!)
The husband had a sudden craving for japanese buffet over the weekend, so we decided to head down to Kuru Kuru again. You can read my first review here.
The buffet now comes with an option of free flow soft drinks and dessert, each customer only needs to top up $4.90++. They then serve you a small jug of your chosen soft drink (refillable).
The buffet now comes with an option of free flow soft drinks and dessert, each customer only needs to top up $4.90++. They then serve you a small jug of your chosen soft drink (refillable).
The sashimi was very fresh this time round, not like my last review. They were also very generous with the portion.
This spaghetti mentaiko packed a powerful punch upon the first mouthful. Flavourful and hot and filled with mentaiko goodness, it was really good stuff that the hubs and I couldn't stop shovelling mouthfuls into our mouths, despite how hot the dish was. However, it did become a little "jelat" after that. Still, I would say this was really good.
Ebi and shitake tempura. Not sure if you can tell from the pic that the ebi tempura's skin is not crispy. It's almost a little chewy? I suppose somewhere somehow the batter probably went wrong. The mushroom tasted fine, and since our first batch of ebi tempura was ok, well this might have been a slight accident. However, the prawns were quite big and fresh and at least they were hot when they arrived at our table.
Tori Wasabi Mayo. The hubs ordered this as an afterthought but we were so full we could hardly finish it, even though it was quite nice. Crispy, hot and the wasabi mayo added a slight kick to it.
I felt that since my last review, Kuru Kuru has improved quite a fair bit. I was surprised to see that on a Saturday afternoon there was not much of a crowd. My only gripe is the inconsistency of standard of food I guess. We did eat some dishes that were quite bleah and not worth ordering at all, e.g. Agedashi tofu, baked macaroni with prawns.
The bill came up to $80 for both of us, including gst, service charge as well as the drink & dessert top up.
I think the hubs was a little disappointed in the braised pork belly which he used to enjoy so much. He did comment that he probably wouldn't want to go back there again but for me, I felt that the fresh sashimi and delicious yakiniku (not pictured) are redeeming factors for Kuru Kuru and I will go back just to eat these few good dishes again. But then again, I am easy to please like that :)
Monday, March 31, 2014
Food Review #12 - His.tori review
My girlfriends and I went to His.tori on Friday after work.
The grill and a bottle of oil for cooking
The interior of the restaurant, which was REALLY REALLY REALLY warm.
Meat galore
Yum yum
I found the meats quite average, with the bacon being the most oily but yet most delicious simply because of its oils and saltiness haha. My friend gave feedback that the cooked food weren't nice so if I were you, I wouldn't bother trying.
The chicken was quite good too, the only thing that wasn't up to standard was the beef as it was tough and quite flavourless.
The buffet came with free flow drinks (lime juice, lemon tea or sour plum), the lime juice was quite refreshing! Also accompanying the buffet was soft serve ice cream which was well, normal I suppose.
The bill came up to $72.60 for 3 of us, so it costs $24.20 per person. I would say it is pretty good value. May go back again if ever I am craving for korean bbq! But then again it's not a must-go-back place so I wouldn't mind trying out other outlets as well. :)
I found the meats quite average, with the bacon being the most oily but yet most delicious simply because of its oils and saltiness haha. My friend gave feedback that the cooked food weren't nice so if I were you, I wouldn't bother trying.
The chicken was quite good too, the only thing that wasn't up to standard was the beef as it was tough and quite flavourless.
The buffet came with free flow drinks (lime juice, lemon tea or sour plum), the lime juice was quite refreshing! Also accompanying the buffet was soft serve ice cream which was well, normal I suppose.
The bill came up to $72.60 for 3 of us, so it costs $24.20 per person. I would say it is pretty good value. May go back again if ever I am craving for korean bbq! But then again it's not a must-go-back place so I wouldn't mind trying out other outlets as well. :)
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Food Review #11 - Monster Curry @ Ion
The hubs and I have been to Monster Curry umpteen times. How we discovered this place was really funny. Those of you who've been to the Ion branch would have seen the plates of curry rice on display at the counter. You may also have noticed that the plates are huge. So when we walked past, the hubs commented,"Ya right, if the plates are these big I will go in and eat." So he tiptoed as he walked past and then he went,"Eh really so big leh!" hahaha
Since that day, we've been back about 6 times in total, the last time I bought the Groupon voucher. For the Groupon, they only give you the Spanish Pork set and a can of coke. You can add on other items if you wish. Personally I found the Spanish pork too fat and oily. The hubs found it normal but I preferred their other sets.
The Spanish Pork with shabu-shabu (we topped up money for this coz the hubs love it).
Personally I prefer their Monster Combo Curry ($25) which is kind of like their signature I guess? It has deep fried pork cutlet, shabu-shabu, prawn tempura, and a piece of fish with cheese on it. Love the cheese and fish combi. Usually the hubs and I order spicy level no 2. For me that's quite a good level, not the kind where I will be gulping down glasses of water.
The place is usually quite crowded during dinner time so I guess it's getting increasingly popular! One thing to note though is the service. From the very first time we've been there, there has been this waitress/cashier there who always gives a very sullen expression like the whole world owes her money. She doesn't look local but anyway we've had the misfortune of being served by her several times and each time is equally unpleasant. There were times I felt like asking her,"Would it kill you to smile?" =(
P/S: the photo looks bland because we asked for the curry to be served in another dish, otherwise it would make the pork katsu soggy. :P
Since that day, we've been back about 6 times in total, the last time I bought the Groupon voucher. For the Groupon, they only give you the Spanish Pork set and a can of coke. You can add on other items if you wish. Personally I found the Spanish pork too fat and oily. The hubs found it normal but I preferred their other sets.
Personally I prefer their Monster Combo Curry ($25) which is kind of like their signature I guess? It has deep fried pork cutlet, shabu-shabu, prawn tempura, and a piece of fish with cheese on it. Love the cheese and fish combi. Usually the hubs and I order spicy level no 2. For me that's quite a good level, not the kind where I will be gulping down glasses of water.
The place is usually quite crowded during dinner time so I guess it's getting increasingly popular! One thing to note though is the service. From the very first time we've been there, there has been this waitress/cashier there who always gives a very sullen expression like the whole world owes her money. She doesn't look local but anyway we've had the misfortune of being served by her several times and each time is equally unpleasant. There were times I felt like asking her,"Would it kill you to smile?" =(
P/S: the photo looks bland because we asked for the curry to be served in another dish, otherwise it would make the pork katsu soggy. :P
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Food Review #10 - Saboten @ Changi Airport Terminal 1
Sorry for the lack of posts! I've been swamped at work, especially more so with the many upcoming changes. I've gotten a new job and so has been busy serving my notice. On top of that, the hubs and I haven't been to many interesting places lately as we are trying to eat at restaurants less.
Anyway! So we went to Saboten to celebrate my getting a new job, a job which I am absolutely looking forward to.
The hubs and I really heart Saboten, for their pork katsu, their free flow fresh cabbage with the special goma dressing, the free flow miso soup and rice. We love ordering their set as we find it extremely filling and worth the money.
I was too excited and hungry so I only took one photo... -_-
Anyway! So we went to Saboten to celebrate my getting a new job, a job which I am absolutely looking forward to.
The hubs and I really heart Saboten, for their pork katsu, their free flow fresh cabbage with the special goma dressing, the free flow miso soup and rice. We love ordering their set as we find it extremely filling and worth the money.
I was too excited and hungry so I only took one photo... -_-
This is the portion of the set, which to me is really a lot.
There is the pork katsu below, there is chicken katsu on top as well as minced pork cutlet (on the right).
I prefer eating their pork loin that has less fats...I like that the meat is still very tender and together with the ground sesame seeds and the sweet sauce the combination is quite heavenly. The hubs and I really really like Saboten! Even the hubs who doesn't really like vegetables would eat 3-4 servings of the free flow cabbage because of the superb dressing.
Highly recommended! Not sure why they have very few branches though, hope they expand and open more outlets at popular shopping malls to make it more accessible! :)
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Afond Boutique Spa Review
Yesterday I treated myself to a 2 hours 20 minutes spa session. Amidst the hustle bustle of Chinatown, Afond Boutique Spa is situated opposite Sri Mariamman Temple. However, once I stepped into the place, it was peaceful and serene and I forgot about the hustle and bustle outside.
I opted for the Deep Sea Secrets package that included:
- Dead Sea Salt Scrub (30 mins)
- Marine Clay Wrap (30 mins)
- Traditional Herbal Heat Rub (20 mins)
- Swedish Body Massage (1 hour)
I was shown to Strawberry Room and this was how the room looked like.
I opted for the Deep Sea Secrets package that included:
- Dead Sea Salt Scrub (30 mins)
- Marine Clay Wrap (30 mins)
- Traditional Herbal Heat Rub (20 mins)
- Swedish Body Massage (1 hour)
I was shown to Strawberry Room and this was how the room looked like.
Honestly in the picture above the room looks like crap probably due to the harsh flash of my mobile phone. It doesn't look as bad. On top of the towel was a paper underwear and a shower cap, which I was later asked to change into.
The therapist who served me was named Susan and she was a middle-aged auntie who was very friendly.
She explained the whole process and before long, she was rubbing dead sea salt onto me. I felt that her strokes were strong and thorough. I don't think she missed any bit of me haha.
After 30 mins she rubbed clay onto me before wrapping me up. It was, very literally, a body wrap! Haha. Anyway after that I had to lie down there on the heated bed for about 20 mins. It was really very hot, beads of perspiration kept forming on my face. When time was up, Susan came in, unwrapped me and asked me to go for a shower. The shower felt really really good after the hot body wrap.
After I've showered she started the traditional herbal heat rub which was quite average. And then the massage began. Susan was a very good masseuse because her strokes were even and she was thorough. If she massaged your left arm 11 times she would definitely massaged your right arm 11 times as well. The whole massage was really good as she applied the right pressure onto the right spot. I enjoyed the massage totally.
Too bad it ended so soon. :( ah wells
This is what the other end of the room looks like, cabinet to put the customers' belongings, basin for the therapist or customer to wash hands, and a shower room.
The package costs $198+ ($211.86 after GST) for a single person. If you go in a pair it costs $368+ ($393.76 after GST) which is definitely cheaper. On top of that, pairs are entitled to Marine Sea Salt Bath (in jacuzzi I think) instead of the traditional heat rub.
Whole experience was really pleasant, except for the last bit when I went to make payment at the counter and this lady (manager I guess?) tried to persuade me to take a package. I was on the verge of leaving when I decided to take a package because I felt that the scrub and the wrap was truly quite moisturising. Not to mention the massage was also good. So she gave me some sort of special deal, I bought 6 sessions at $98+ per session. I'm already planning my next body scrub/wrap/massage :)
You can view the website here.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Bangkok trip Feb 2014 - Park Plaza Soi 18 Sukhumvit review
I went to Bangkok with 3 other girlfriends from 21st to 24th Feb 2014. Yes, we were there amidst the ongoing protests. Actually we felt rather safe there except on our second last day when a bombing occurred in Big C. Nonetheless, the presence of so many foreigners in Bangkok really helped to ease our fears and helped us enjoy the trip more.
There were A LOT of tourists. From Hong Kong, China, UK, America, Australia etc, you wouldn't think that there were protests going on or you would think it's really no big deal. We felt pretty safe on the first day as we didn't leave our hotel area much. Second day we went to Chatuchak Weekend Market, away from the protests and that area was pretty safe too. Third day we were at Platinum Mall the entire day and when the bombing occurred at 5pm at Big C, we were still shopping in Platinum Mall. Big C is actually 2 shopping malls away from Platinum. We knew nothing about it until we finished our dinner at Platinum and took a cab back to hotel at 8pm. It was only then that we learned from the cab driver that we were so near Big C. After that we just went back to our hotel and relaxed and played games. We came back on the last day.
I think many people are concerned about the safety of Bangkok right now. Personally I feel that it seems quite safe, they don't really attack tourists but hey bombs are blind so who am I to say tourists won't get hurt? I think as long as the tourists have the presence of mind to stay away from protest areas, be on alert, and always know where your country's embassy is located in Bangkok it should be quite ok. Just my 2 cents' worth!
Anyway we stayed at Park Plaza Soi 18 Bangkok located at Sukhumvit and we loved it! :)
There were A LOT of tourists. From Hong Kong, China, UK, America, Australia etc, you wouldn't think that there were protests going on or you would think it's really no big deal. We felt pretty safe on the first day as we didn't leave our hotel area much. Second day we went to Chatuchak Weekend Market, away from the protests and that area was pretty safe too. Third day we were at Platinum Mall the entire day and when the bombing occurred at 5pm at Big C, we were still shopping in Platinum Mall. Big C is actually 2 shopping malls away from Platinum. We knew nothing about it until we finished our dinner at Platinum and took a cab back to hotel at 8pm. It was only then that we learned from the cab driver that we were so near Big C. After that we just went back to our hotel and relaxed and played games. We came back on the last day.
I think many people are concerned about the safety of Bangkok right now. Personally I feel that it seems quite safe, they don't really attack tourists but hey bombs are blind so who am I to say tourists won't get hurt? I think as long as the tourists have the presence of mind to stay away from protest areas, be on alert, and always know where your country's embassy is located in Bangkok it should be quite ok. Just my 2 cents' worth!
Anyway we stayed at Park Plaza Soi 18 Bangkok located at Sukhumvit and we loved it! :)
We stayed in the Club Room as there was a promotion when we booked it. So each room costs about $390 for 3 nights = $130 for 1 night = $65 per person per night, including breakfast. We thought it was a steal!
The other room which was slightly bigger
The good thing about staying in Club Room is that it came with free canapes and drinks/beer (free flow) every day from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Whether you are back from a shopping or about to move off, it's a good place to just stop by and chill for a short while!
The hotel's swimming pool, which we unfortunately did not get to utilise, but we did have a barbecue dinner at the poolside on our first night. We weren't quite sure where to go for dinner and the barbecue buffet seemed decent (it was not though).
The hotel's breakfast which included egg station, bread counter, hot foods, juices, pancake machine etc
Breakfast was really good and we enjoyed it for all 3 days.
Our loot from Chatuchak and Naraya on Day 2
The hotel has it's own tuk-tuk, and the Concierge guy drove us to the Seafood Market nearby for dinner. Please don't go there it's freaking expensive.
I read on Tripadvisor that the hotel is near the BTS station Asok and I have to say that's true. The alley leading to the hotel is relatively quiet but seemed safe. One thing that really impressed us was the good service rendered by the Concierge services. If you stay there, look for a guy named Coco, he speaks the best English amongst the staff and is always ready to lend a helping hand, give you advice on where to go etc.
Lastly, I leave you with photos of what the protest sites and the closed roads look like.
Having never seen this before, even I was amazed by the scale of tents pitched. Looked like a massive campsite.
The other closed roads become shopping streets, full of hawkers selling all sorts of items. There are lots of locals and foreigners amongst the shoppers! We didn't really dare to shop inside, which I personally thought was quite a waste :(
Edited 28/2/2014:
Just some tips on travelling to Bangkok now.
1. Buy travel insurance - in case of flight delays/cancellations etc. Note that travel insurance usually does not cover any incidents due to riots. Go read the fine print.
2. E-register at Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the Singapore Embassy will send you sms if there are any updates. I was updated about the Big C bombing very soon after it happened there.
3. Write down (or take a snapshot) of the address of Singapore's embassy in Bangkok, in case of any emergencies.
4. Avoid protest areas, especially areas with high tension.
5. Use the skytrain (more worth it and actually safer than being on the roads).
These might not be the best tips or anything but based on my experience there just a few days ago I would feel these are the basic preparation to do.
Worst case scenario: just stay in the hotel and swim! :)
Stay safe!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
My Wedding Journey #9 - Actual day videographer
For my actual day videographer, I engaged the services of WMAProduction. You can view their website here.
It costs $720 for both childhood montage and actual day morning highlights. We did not engage a videographer for night time as we felt there was no need to see ourselves march in. Our videographer was a pleasant guy. He was punctual on our actual day and friendly.
The first draft of my video that was sent to me for vetting, I almost couldn't believe my eyes when one of the photos' orientation was wrong. The photo was a landscape photo but in the video it was in portrait orientation. Such an obvious mistake, and to me, it said a lot about the "efforts" put into the montage.
The videos were done up pretty okay, but nothing fantastic. The montage was normal and the morning highlights were funny but I felt it was more due the sabotaging games in the morning and not really the effect of the video. Anyway, the videos were quite decent lah.
My only gripe about WMA is that the video took REALLY long to be ready. We got married on 15 December, by today (the day I am writing this post) 19 February, we've yet to receive our video. We've only seen it once during the wedding itself. I messaged the videographer to ask shortly after our wedding and he replied that it would be ready within 3 - 8 weeks. I asked why there is such a big difference in timeframe and he replied that this is the norm, plus December is a month full of weddings.
I offered to self-collect the CD from him and asked him to let me know when it's ready. Until I couldn't take it anymore due to lack of response, I smsed him yesterday and asked whether the CD was ready and whether I could collect. He replied yes and said they would mail it to our house. His ready response made me feel that the CD was ready quite some time back and he just couldn't be bothered to contact us to inform us it is ready.
In other words, I have to say, WMA's customer service sucks. Granted, they are quite affordable but honestly I would rather pay more and go for better service than to suffer this kind of vomit-blood service.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Taipei Day 3 - Sky Lantern and fireworks in Shifen
Day 3 was a particularly exciting day. I've been to Taipei 5 times and never have I had the chance to release a sky lantern! Early in the morning the hubs and I went to Taipei Station to take a train to Ruifang.
Ta-dah! Here we are, with 10 minutes to spare, we hurriedly bought the tickets.
Err...you are supposed to drop the ticket down the gantry at one end and retrieve it at the other. As there was about 2-3 minutes before the train left when we were at the gantry, we did not have time to understand how it worked. In the end there was quite a confusion when we reached Ruifang and the conductor asked for our ticket stubs. >_<
From Ruifang to Shifen (need to change train)
Honestly if you are in a big group (group of 4 for example), I would recommend you guys book a taxi for the entire day instead of taking public transport. You save a lot of time and can probably visit more places, including Ye Liu, Yin Yang Sea etc
After a long and boring train ride (thank God for Running Man!), we've finally reached!
Upon reaching Shifen, you can immediately see the sky lantern shops along the railway track. The railway track is actually still functioning, so when the train is approaching everyone needs to get off the track. When the train has passed, everyone goes back onto the track to release the sky lanterns.
The hubs and I decided to head to the Shifen waterfall first as the sky lantern area was crowded with people. The Shifen waterfall also closes at 6pm whereas the sky lantern shops close at 10pm.
wheee we are here! Need to pay to go in, about 100 or 200 NT, can't remember.
It is really quite a beautiful waterfall! The hubs and I were glad we came!
On our way back to the train station area
This is our sky lantern!
We chose the one that has 8 different colours. Each colour is supposed to symbolise a different thing e.g. health, love, wealth, happiness etc so the person would hang your sky lantern on a clothes rack and you just use a calligraphy pen to write your wishes on the sky lantern! You can write in whatever language you want anyway it's not like it's really meant for any particular person to see!
I went to the shop where the staff were all wearing purple shirts! They are very friendly and very professional. When you are done, they will light the sky lantern for you and take photos for you before asking you to release it. The whole process was very fun and enjoyable.
As the sky grew darker, the sky lanterns glowed like little stars.
We also bought fireworks there and released it into the sky. The hubs went a little crazy and bought 5 boxes for NT$3000, about SGD$130. The staff then brought us to this dark place behind the shops and let us play with the fireworks there. We took videos but didn't take photos. Anyway a word of advice: the bigger boxes are prettier and don't buy the jellyfish ones (nothing special), no matter what they say. :P
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