Favourism.. still = Injustice.. forever!!

When I first found out I was pregnant, there wasn't lots of 'wow's and 'yeah's.. in fact, it was only when the pregnancy faced an threatened risk of miscarriage, then people around got concerned and noticed that I am actually expecting..

Friends who know me, are more than aware than I am nothing like the attention-seeker. Hence, my pregnancy was just like a X'mas presie, waiting for the gift recipient to unravel the mystery inside the box. It was low profile, and I have not gone around asking people the 'dos' or 'don'ts'. The only thing I did was, to offer my mum retirement at a mere age of 51, and enjoying a bundle of granny-grandchild joy, while getting paid all the time!

She was agreeable, and I can't think of any reason why she wouldn't say yes when her feet is giving her pain everyday. Like I have mentioned in my previous posts, it is so much a bigger financial responsibility for me when my mum stop working; and I am not going to be naggy and repeat myself..

When Junior was 3 months old in Mama R's stommie, I wanted to start thinking of baby names regardless Junior's a girl or a boy.. Family says I was daft coz it was too early to think of names, even before I know Junior's gender. My sister and me went to the Taka Baby Fair, and again it was said that it is still too early for me to get anything for Junior.. Fine, I ended up buying 2 Bumbo chairs for my precious nephews and nothing then for Junior.

The first time I bought something for my very own Junior, I was so thrilled; eventhough the rompers were of a girl and a boy colour. Can you guys believe that the 2nd time Junior got new stuffs was when her gender was already known? Then she has new rompers, new mittens & booties, milk bottle (note it is singular, when all babies have at least 2-3 bottles to rotate), pacifiers, changing sheet, and talcum powder holder (no powder yet, ok!).. and all these bought only when Papa D was here in SG last month.

Yeah, those essentials were bought without my family's 'consent'.. Well, did I mention that my sister has bought almost everything already, at her current stage of pregnancy - 4 months and baby's gender unknown. Yes, she indeed and everything has to be of an unisex colour; such that it would be ok whether her baby turns out to be a boy or a girl. Also names have been decided, if baby turns out to be a boy, he would be called JONAS and if it is a girl, her name would be JOELLE. Whatever happened to the "it is so early to think of names when you don't even know if your baby is a girl or boy"???!!"

Notice what Junior hasn't got and what her cousin who's due to be born 2 months later than her has?? Everything!! Junior hasn't got her name, both English and Chinese (it makes more sense to let Junior has a Chinese name, since she's going to study Chinese for sure...), any kind of bedding and the bed itself too! A few trips to Kiddy Palace, but no one remembered that I was there to buy Junior a proper bed! Joaquin and Jayden were the centre of attention at the store, and they were testing on every rocker and every baby cot.. I had to abandon the lot and go source for things I presume is required for Junior and for myself.

Well, I don't mind getting Junior's baby cot from the John Little Mega Sale at The Expo. But we were there last week, and there wasn't any pink one nor was there one with the vibrating, light, and music feature. They only had the same blue Looney Tunes cot that I'd bought for Joaquin before he was born.

At Kiddy Palace today, we saw the perfect little bed for my princess. It was pure white in colour, has sweet pink bedding, and can swing to and fro. But it was a wooden cot, which means it cannot be assembled and kept in a swift; definitely not desirable. Then the rest of the baby cots we saw were only so-so, but the detachable control (for the music, vibration and light) was what I really want! The price of the cots, inclusive of the control, was $129, reasonable enough.

My sister did say that she wanted to buy the cot for Junior and me as our X'mas present. Cool, but not yet, as she says it is still too early and I can get it closer to my due date.. Ermmm, my EDD has not been confirmed since now, and it falls on the dates ranging from 17th - 24th March '09.

By January, I would be 7 months pregnant and very likely heavy with child. It is not like I cannot wait, anyway Junior wouldn't be born yet; but more like it may be difficult for me to arrange where and how the cot should be placed.

Forget about Junior having her stuff bought and ready, she has got no place in grandma's heart when the rest of her cousins are around.. all these can be represented by one word - Favourism.

Everyone's favourite line of 'advice' to me, is not to be a bad-tempered mum so that Junior would not turn out to be easily irritable or fussy. However, have they wondered why do I lose it so easily? Reason because the guys at home cannot be bothered with helping out with the chores, and not even being responsible for their own stuff! We are all staying under the same roof, so every move or action should take in consideration of everyone in the house. My mum always shield them whenever I have dissatisfaction towards my brother or my cousin. Accordingly to her, I shouldn't be so calculative and should just let things go, otherwise it is not good for Junior. Damn, can they all stop using Junior as a threat??!!

I have been treating the guys so well, and bought things for them on every trip I make.. to have my cousin Robin, throwing away the pair of jeans I bought him from Bangkok after a squabble! He was plain lazy to wash that pair of jeans after I told him off for leaving it on top of the dustbin (making the bin not functional at all!), and I found it all squashed into the trashbin afterwards! These ungrateful buggers! They never have to pay a single cent when they are out with me, never have to return me money I loan them, and yet this is how they treat me; raising their voices and throwing away things I bought kindly for them!!

Eventually Annie Mummy, my sister, and everyone else thinks I am just a petty and bad tempered pregnant woman.. let them all think whatever they like to, and I don't need to explain any of my behaviour to anyone! People who are unappreciative, don't deserve kindness from anyone, especially from a pregnant woman herself, who don't get treated the same way back..

Sweets for my sweet

Mama R's latest addiction.. Chocolates!! U guys remember how badly turned-off I was by the same cocoa beans, a few months back??

Now, I am fine and craving for the sweets every now and then.. well, I think it may not just be chocolates, but all things sweet and pretty-looking. Think all that array of candies and chocolates in Candy Empire and The Cocoa Trees, fresh Mulberry juice at the Expo Food Fair, Japanese Green Apple and Orange sweets at Daiso, etc.. hmmmmm..

Those should make me pile on a few kilos at least, or so I hope coz Mama R is still a little petite for an expectant mum. Just stepped off the weighing scale, and the weight 'hand' was pointing to a mere 48 kg! 5 kilos gained over a span of 5.5mths seem pretty moderate.. but, NOT ENOUGH!! Every pregnant woman goes into the delivery ward with nothing less than a 10 kilos weight gain, and I am just 3.5mths away but halfway there for the extra kilos!

But oddly, I can't seem to be able to wear anything from my existing wardrobe now.. especially the pants! They are already 'M' in size, and I can't buckle them up anymore! Did I mention it is even worse for my brasserie and underwear?? Damn, I am like binding my chest with my old bras! Sooooo tight!! Can't wait to quickly go to the John Little Sale at the Expo for cheaper and bigger bras!!

Ha, of course not forgetting Junior's cot.. and many more stuff, including Xmas presies for everyone. To end this post on an optimestic note, the 'Paradox of Thrift' quotes, "to help the economy get better is actually to spend".

Go on folks, it's shopping time!!

Shopping, shopping!!

Hee, it is never more enjoyable and satisfying than shopping for the little life that is inside you..

I am honestly, as clueless I can be about baby's stuff! What are the essentials, the comfy, the value-for-money, the baby's best fit? DON'T ASK ME, I HAVE TOTALLY NO IDEA!!

Imagine me and Papa D being first-timer parents, knew nuts about baby stuff and bought 2 pacifiers (thumb-shaped, which is recommended and cool that at least we knew this!) for the wrong age group! They are only good for babies 6months and up!

So, being smarter this time, I dragged the supposed experienced granny - my mum, with me for shopping. However, this granny never put aside her culinary traits for one second, and was attracted to the cooking demo at the departmental store before we could even hit the babies' dept! What can I say man?! Sighz..

Anyway, I had a ball of time browsing through all the rompers in the wagon, as they were all cute like nothing!! See those I bought and you will know..



Cutesy taglines, who could resist??

Well, there are still lots of stuff to be affirmed before I make hearty purchases, and those I mean, are diapers, baby wipes, detergent for clothes & bottles, and milk powder. These are large scale of consumables, and it's best that I gather more testimonials before I use them on my own baby.

Oh, there's another 'unique' item that Annie Mummy was searching all over in the baby stores.. baby binder, which is a piece of binding cloth tucked into the baby's garment and the diaper, so that there will be no belly revealing! Of course, the reason is so that the baby won't suffer colds when skin are always covered properly..

The bulk of the baby stuff has not been bought yet, maybe still too early? But then, I am nearing my final trimester already, so technically it is not too soon to get all stuff ready to go. I hope there will be a mega John Little Sale (at the Expo as usual), or the baby fair at Takashimaya exhibit hall really soon. Then I will be able to get the bigger items like a baby cot, baby rocker, bedding, etc, at affordable prices! I come to realise baby stuff ain't as cheap as I thought!!

My final picture before I sign off.. of all stuff ready for little Junior!

Shopaholic Mama R,
for little Junior

In Search of R - DJ Regina feat. Papa D

As at today, I am currently 21 weeks pregnant and counting.. Little Junior is only 15 weeks away from stepping foot into this world!!

Excitement is not only building up in me, but I guess my precious princess must be too, coz she has been 'jumping' with joy inside for the last few days! I had felt her little karate kicks last night whilst seated on the sofa watching my fave CSI on tv, and my mum quickly placed her hand onto my stommie.. The shy little girl wasn't about to let her granny know her powess yet, so no movement when Annie Mummy was touching her. Sorry, better luck next time grandma!

Junior's 'name-to-be' is no doubt the number one most-thought about subject in my head now.. My best friends are so kind to give suggestions, and some of the names they provided are quite beautiful. However, I have said to myself before that Junior's name would come from her daddy and, or her mummy; coz that would then be meaningful.

Well, before Junior's parents finally decide on the best name for their princess, below are some names suggested by kind Auntie Jeannie, Auntie Rachel (who has said Rachel is still the nicest name of all names with 'R', hmp!!), one from Papa D and another contribution from Mama R..

Reneta Raeka
Renalyn Rae-ann Rosevelt Rilda Ria
Rainelle
Reisele (Think Gisele Bunchen, svelte!)

Pissed at the general public..

I know it is not good for an expectant mum to be whining, complaining and all grouchy.. but hey, I am being bullied here!!

Rushing to get training material for the Philippines workshop done, and preparing a whole lot of stuff for the upcoming 'highly confidential' company event, and eventually making my way to school at 7pm! That was a whole deal I have to go through..

Lucky there was still good news awaiting for me at my class.. I had scored 2 marks less than the full score for my Statistics test! My lecturer was very pleased, and announced to the whole class that "Regina had scored very well for the test."

Wanted to go catch a movie with Papa D, as we would be too busy tomorrow touring and going up the Singapore Flyer. But it didn't have the show we want to see - Tropic Thunder, instead it was Madagascar 2. I was hoping the showtime wouldn't be too late, coz honestly, I am quite burnt out these few weeks and can't take anymore late nights.

However, the only available showtime (after my class ends) is the 2350hrs show. By the time the movie is over, I would have probably woken up from a nap whilst watching the movie - not good. Thinking alternatively, we could watch a dvd at home and not go anywhere.

Missed the first 980 (my direct bus home from school), and got onto the second one at around 10pm. The bus was very packed, and maybe has got only 1 seat untaken. All I know is, I didn't manage to get a seat. Afterwards it was all s*#@ty s*@#, as I basically stood throughout the whole bus journey and never got a seat! No one offered, and everytime someone gets down the bus, another person's bums were almost immediately on that vacant seat!

The darn fellow who was seated right in front of my tummy got a child by his side, and made use of the girl to stay seated! He got the kid to sleep on his laps all the way, while checking me out.. supposedly I look so pregnant today, as my dress was clinging onto the skin, but the guy didn't move one single inch!

Next, everyone else just never bothered to look at a pregnant mother less than 20m away.. They basically stay glued to their seats, and never had their sights on anything below their eye-level! My poor Junior must have been so mad at everyone, coz she made her Mama R ached everywhere from the back down.

Hmmmm, I do have just one to one & a half month to go before I will stop going to school. By December, I wouldn't have to be pissed at selfish bus passengers; nor get super annoyed by red plastic bags that push.. hah, you will know what I mean when your legs are always been shooed by the big plastic bags, carried by our dear foreign imports!

Anyway, another piece of good news from class tonight - Monday, 10th Nov (This post is a delayed telecast, sorry!).. I scored 27 out of 30 marks for another test - Labour Economics. Boy, I am getting a little overly pleased with myself now.. heeheehee!!

Funny, memorable and emotional..

Wow, didn't realise it has been so long since I wrote something here.. Since it is going to be a compilation of many events into one post, I'd better make everything short, sweet and straight to the point!

The Missy Breezy Party was fabulous! Me and my best chums, had such a great time.. and I am sooooo thankful for their presence, including the guest-star appearance, our long-time good friend Venetia! Check out the following pictures and see for yourself how beautiful the Courtyard Suite @Amara Sanctuary, Sentosa, is. Ermmm, of course, beauty comes with a price.. (For more on room rates, please contact me directly as I can get discounted prices and privileges)

Well, my family (everyone, from old to young, to the expectant and babies!) being there for my birthday celebration really made my big 3-0 memorable! And the arrival of a special guest also brought the party to different heights.. or rather, language heights which so appear to be! hahahaha..

Papa D flew in from the UK, and joined us on Sunday afternoon. Knowing my family isn't the shy nor the hostile type, very soon they were all chatting and getting familiar with the visitor! Food was fantastic at Thanying in Amara, and inexpensive, when it's supposed to be the same food that Thai Royalty are served with!!

Got such lovely birthday gifts this year, with everything either I had wished for, or simply too lucky to own them! Thanks all, also to those who gave in monetary terms.. you are just being practical here, I like it! ;p!

Junior's turn now..

Yup, after an unsuccessful attempt to know Junior's gender (on 23rd Oct @Dr Wee's clinic), I finally had my ultrasound scan yesterday.

Honestly speaking (no offence, Junior), I was so adamant that Junior would be a boy even up to the minute when I was already being 'scanned'! But when we were told that Junior's gential is almost 85 - 90% formed into a virginal, I was kinda disappointed. However, when Dr Wee was analysing the ultrasound report to me; my disappointment kinda passed and I was really glad to know that Junior's growth is healthy, and amazingly normal when I had only put on 2kg of weight so far.

Papa D was overwhelmed with the string of events at the hospital, and it got a little emotional.. Hmmm, our little girl is so touching her daddy's heart already even before she is born!

Of course with this, it means that Junior is going to be Baby R, and her name would be given by no one else but her father. We are trying to shortlist some names now, and hopefully the 'stubborn-as-an-ox' Mama R will be agreeable to at least some..

Currently selected and on the list are : Renelle and Ranica.

I am going to consider and give some suggestions to Papa D, and eventually agree to the one nicest name.

Til then, cheers from a never-been-happier - Mama R.