Moments...

With E...

In a stage where we call tween, this firstborn of ours is really a gem despite the monstrous moments wrapped under that dainty-looking skin.

Mid year results were released 1 day prior to term break. It was like a moment more exasperating than I was receiving my own report book eons ago! I remembered acting cool while E hopped on the car. I (still trying to act nonchalant) asked,

"So, how was school today?"

E: "Great! Mom, I got back my portfolio....(and she rattled on)..."

I was still trying to act cool.

"So, it's just your portfolio and all the DVD that records your presentation that you managed to score full marks?"

E: "(continued ranting on...)....Mom, there is also my report book."

FINALLY! That is the thing I was trying to find out.

"Oh?! So, how do you think of your results? Are they acceptable to you? (C'mon, I mean GRADES!)

E: "I think you may be disappointed."

Suddenly, the 2 minutes drive home seems too long! I probably looked flustered.

E: "Mom, are you alright?"

Me: "Baby, what makes you think I will be disappointed with your grades? Are they very bad? You didn't do too badly for your tests."

E: "I think I have 2 band 2." 

Parking the car took me 4 tries that day. I simply couldn't park it well no matter how hard I tried.

Quickly pulled the car, and E showed me her report book. My heart is thumping unusually fast in my mouth!

Me: "Hmm...Baby, you get all Band 1! And all in the 90s range. What Band 2 are you talking about??"

I can see her eyes lit up! 

She confessed that she did not really go through her scores in the report book. All she did was flip through and kept it back in her bag.

Yes, grades are important to a certain extent. Afterall, we are in a society that looks at numbers and alphabets. What I always emphasize besides grades is their attitude towards learning. That will see them through their lifetime, while better grades probably put them in a better ground when they begin their career.

She hopes to join the best class, i.e. 3A next year. I will be around to render my utmost support to help her fulfill her needs.

Around B...

My ever so cheerful boy! 

This boy melts my heart, always! He is always singing his love, saying the loves and showing his love to me. What more can I ask for?

He loves his sisters. Loves everyone around him!

We realized he is more expressive verbally nowadays too! That is probably the aid of the speech and drama classes that he has been attending beginning of this year.

B, at 4 years old aspires to be a chef and also a pilot. Let's see how long these 2 ambitions lasts for him.

Our M,

No doubts about it, she is apple of our eyes. 

All of us surround her daily, as she has such a cheerful nature just like B when he was this young (He still is now!).

She is another motor mouth in the making. She coo day and night, and during her milk feeds too! Haha...

Bliss, is surrounded by all my three darlings, basking in their laughter and nonsense (at times).

No, I ain't complaining. I LOVE such moments!

Dumbo the Babysitter

What do I do when I'm left alone with M?

I threw her a Dumbo plushie to keep her entertained. This works for 36 minutes, good enough!

Daddy's Girl

Mikaela has swept us off out feet! The brother and daddy love her so much and really dotes on her.

Especially the Dad, he will tell me how much he misses Mikaela while at work. I never recall he was like that with EB. Probably my memory failed me, he must have loved them as much too!

Nowadays, evenings are reserved for her.

Beautiful, she is...

Months ago, I almost made a decision that will make me regret for my entire lifetime.

Today, embracing my beautiful youngest born, seeing how beautiful a creation she is, I told hubs "I'm glad I didn't make a wrong decision."

She is vulnerable and tiny for now. Soon, she will be filling up those lovely clothes I bought her.

We love her...so naturally!

Love naturally...

Jiejie is protective, korkor is possessive.

That is how the two older ones behave towards their baby sister.

They love her. I am not complaining yet...

Here is what Ethylyn took this morning! :D

Slowly...reality sets in

Off goes the soft feeding tube.
Off goes the drip.
Off with the course of antibiotics.
Off goes NICU.

Slowly but surely, she will be like any other full term baby, coming home to us.

As the day goes, I love her much more. I miss her so much. My spirit and flesh is weak, I yearn for her in my arms.

Cuddling is such a simple action but it is such a precious moment for us.

Tears, I fought back. I promised not to worry the man and children. As a mother, I can only sit here thinking and missing my NB as I typed this entry.

"It won't be too long before Mikaela will be in our arms" Hubs consoled.

Indeed, but it's a love and pinning from a mommy's perspective. How much does the daddy knows?

Decision Made Right!

On Saturday, 4 February 2012 I made a decision to bring forward my visit to my ever so caring OBGYN.

Her call to me on Friday to check on the discomfort of the scar tenderness and reassurance gave me a lot of comfort.

The constant discomfort, sleepless nights and a nagging thought, I decided I shall just pop by to the clinic.

Chatted with Dr Choo about my predicament, followed by a sonogram that revealed that the dehiscing of my scar is pretty obvious. We discussed and weighed the risks factors involved and decided to take the steroid jabs to enhance the lung development of missy as she will be likely born a preemie.

We did the CTG that did not pick up any fetal distress or some sort. That was a relieve.

Sharing the news with our family is the next thing to do. We had lots of encouragement and understanding from most. Old folks were not understanding of the situation and passed caustic remarks, I'm really disheartened.

However it is, Hubs is still very encouraging. The steroid jabs does hurt, but it's something superficial comparing to the well-being of lil missy.

"the consequence can be catastrophic"

What Dr Choo said kept replaying in my ears. My maternal instinct tells me "wait no more".

I brought forward my visit again. I went to see Dr Choo on Monday. We did the necessary scan, CTG and had a discussion again. I told her my decision and we decided "let's not wait for things to happen!"

The next few hours happened in a flash. The next thing I knew, I checked into TMC and was ready for C-section.

What happened no longer matter. She is safe and healthy. We made a right decision.

When both Peads and Dr Choo visited, they said we made the right decision. She could see Missy's hair against the thin lining when she cut open my abdomen.

She is a preemie. Albeit a healthy lil one. Doing fine and well...