30wks 4days

We did our 30th week check up on mon and boy it was a close one.

Twin A is now 1.2kg which doc says is abit on the smaller side. Twin B is 1.385kg which is within range. Both water bags are around 3cm which is of acceptable size. Mummy gained 1kg since last check up. I guess I will continue to gain weight le..bye bye to the days where bbs gain weight and mummy didnt. Boo hoo.

But the problem lies with mummy me. Didnt clear the urine test 1st thing in the morning. Little traces of sugar were found in my urine sample. But I did pass my OGTT 4wks ago.. Scary lo. The nurse told me perhaps its due to my breakfast that morning. 2 pancakes and a cup of coffee. Muz take note le. Gynae however was not very concern on this and let it slide.

The more pressing issue is my blood pressure which will have different readings using different machines. And the damn machine in ADC always give a rocket high reading that sent the doc into panic mode. Imagine seeing my blood pressure at 152/90 early in the morning. It is enough to call for admission straight away.

Anyways I always got this problem there la. Not sure is whether I too kan cheong or what. But then I managed to clear the readings at downstairs clinic and was let home. Heng ar. Please let my pressure be good for the next few check ups till birth can? I try to control my salt intake too which is not alot to start with since mummy did most of the cooking now.

And ya I met my new gynae already who still remmebers me as once her patient for cerclage. She told me that she was happy that we managed to hold till now and is pleased with our progress. She foresee that if we continue to do as good, we will be able to hold till the scheduled date for birth.

Am really relieve to hear this from her since it was stated that she deals with high risk pregnancies. In contrast, I sometimes dread to meet the doc on duty in ADC. While they are expressionless while we are in good shape, if the report comes out abit bad they make it sound a lot worse. Many a times it makes me kan cheong over what they say.

I was telling my new gynae that the docs in ADC were not trained well enough to deal with pregnant mothers and I hate their review sessions. Not all of them la but most of them since its on rotation basis. I'm so glad that this check up was reviewed and cleared by my new gynae since twin A is abit small now and my sugar and bp was borderline passing. Not sure what how they will deal with it had it been them who cleared me.

And so the latest news is ADC forgot about me when they say they will call me back with an appointment time once my gynae review that day's result. I had to call back to KKH central booking to check who in turn check with ADC. I suspect that my case notes were not sent up after my review and ADC confirm the same. Its likr what my Sonographer told me, I'm more or less quite well versed with their procedures since been reporting there bi weekly.

The next scan at 32nd weeks will check for blood flow in babies again which is more detailed than normal weight and water bag checking. So I'm not keen to miss it. Oh well, I give then till new Monday to get back to me since they need go search for my case file and should they not call. I'm going call n chase again.

Sometimes it's just frustrating that as a private patient with KKH, I'm not getting the premium service since many a times I need to be more alert than them. But for sake of my twinnies, I would choose KKH even I get to choose again.

Happy holidays everyone. Its counting down to 5weeks before twinnies’s scheduled birth. Please let it be a smooth wait till then.

A Quiet Christmas_ 30wks 3days

This is by far the most quiet Xmas we had with me lying in bed most of the time since it is not comfortable lying on sofa anymore with me needing more space to turn now. However, I'm looking pretty forward to next yr Xmas where we will have 2new family members in our household.

Mummy went back to Msia with piggy bro over the wkend and came back with alot of juicy news to entertain me haha. So next week will be a busy week while we 2 have topics to discuss haha.

I had realised a cool party trick of my twinnies. Not sure is my voice or tapping on my tum tum but twin B will respond by tapping too whenever I tap my tum tum and call his name.. wanna let him get use to his name 1st.. haha and they will give a. hard kick to their papa's ear whenever he calls out to them. Its cool and Mr Love enjoy putting his ears close to my tum tum to listen to their movements.

Their papa also cooked our favourite food- Salmon with pasta over the Xmas weekend as our Xmas dinner this year. After having all chinese food whole week while mummy is cooking, Mr Love would make western food for us to give us a change in variety. But this Xmas, I'm actually craving for Korean food. Haha.

Mr Love brought back from his colleague a changing station and some goodies they had left over from their boy and he spend the night fixing the station. 1st time he did on his own and I'm proud of him since he is not very good in handy work.

This poor papa had to go shopping for his new year clothes on his own too. I will accompany him to choose and buy clothes previously. He is pretty dependent on me so much so that he forgot his shirt and shoes size and had to text me from the mall. Faints. How can someone not know his own sizes? 

Not surprisingly he didn't managed to get new shirts since he couldn't decide on the designs and furthermore he is rushing through the shopping since I'm home alone. Well gotta wait till after I give birth then we can maybe sneak out for some quick shopping some day. Haha. But since he is taking long leave for my confinement, he is in no hurry to buy new shirts yet.

I'm actually contemplating to buy new clothes for twinnies to wear for the 1st day of CNY but on 2nd tots, we will not be going out and I do have some new onesies that piggy bro brought from Aust. Just not sure whether they fits or not.

Well Xmas weekend is coming to an end soon and tomorrow will be a brand new week. Time pretty much flew by fast this week and we enjoyed the time Mr Love is with us full day.

Gotta go for our 30th week follow up tomorrow morning and hope all will be well. Count down to D day in 5+weeks time and I hope everything will be fine in tomorrow check up.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Randomness on Christmas Eve 2015

>> It's Xmas eve today and for once I need not work. Hohoho Will usually not take leave on today since 1). My leave will be consumed by this time. 2). It's year end period 3). I secretly love gifts exchange on today. Haha But I'm now lying in bed with my twinnies waiting for their daddy to come home with breakfast. Hohoho.

>> My much trusted LG G4 died on me yesterday. FML. Was really dependent on a phone nowadays for entertainment. Lucky Mr Love have got a spare Redmi Note 2 to loan me. Abit laggy la this phone but better than the ancient Nokia non smart phone right. The not so lucky part is I didnt do a backup for my phone and everything from contacts, photos, apps and of course my games progress are gone. Really FML.

>> Thank god for Mr Love who tried his best to save my phone but to no avail. But he woke 

up early this morning to send it to repair centre for me.

>> We skipped on Xmas gift exchange this year at home. With me grounded and the twinnies arriving, there is simply no time to shop or spare monies to buy much. The sweet hubby did ask me whether I want continue my usual request for gold bracelets. But I reckon to wait till I give birth since I'm afraid my hands will swell later on and size would change. Then again, I don't have the luxury to go shopping now. And he didn't even bother to tell me what he wants this year. Guess the biggest gift to us are the twinnies and their well being.

>>  I'm so tempted to buy the pretty dresses that the online shops are selling for CNY now but am afraid I couldn't fit in after birth. Please dont let me become even fatter..

>> On the other hand, gave my mummy some monies to ask her get CNY clothes for herself. This is the 1st time in many years that I didn't accompany her to shop for her clothes. Not even last year when I had the op. She asked me go for an quick round on the day I'm discharge. She is a fussy shopper and not many can stand her shopping habits or know what she wants. Furthermore, I'm the paymaster of her CNY clothes. We will agree on a lump sum and she gets refunded on the unused amount in cash after shopping. This way she will not lost out if the clothes turns out to be cheaper than my budget. Haha.

>> I'm waiting eagerly for the new Melissa shoes I've got during black Friday sales. Realized from my time hop that its exactly 2years ago today that my 1st 2 pairs of Melissa shoes arrived. Think I got from some promotions from the same online seller. Hehe. It's off season shoes but who cares? It's much cheaper and have got the designs I like. Win win situation for me hehe. Furthermore the shoes damn lasting. Still wearing them now though my collection certainly expand during these 2 years.

>> For the longest time, I'm drawn to the Pandora charm braclets but couldn't bear to buy because of the pricing. I mean with the same amount of monies, I could buy my gold bracelet which will appreciate in time to come. I've finally found the solution without breaking my bank. Haha Buy the charms from Taobao at a fraction of it's cost. The wonder of MIC they copied every design. Haha the only thing I hope is, it's really silver that they are using. But you never know. I've yet to buy since there are alot of sellers around and I wanna compare the prices and also reviews to get the best replica at best price. Muhaha cheapo much? Buy anyways the bracelet I brought is the real deal though is a discount item from past season. Maybe just maybe I would slowly buy the charms from store here to reward myself once in a while. But I doubt so since my expenses will be rocket high very soon.

>> I realised as we advanced through the pregnancy, I can feel my moods more readily. Not sure how to explain but sometimes when I lie there feeling the twinnies kick, I can suddenly feel a 

gush of love from them travelling to my heart. And I will give them a hug to let them know I love them too. Beauty of carrying children, Mr Love totally don't get it when I relate to him. Haha He only can look at me enviously. Muhaha.

>>We are at exactly week 30 today and have 6more weeks to go. Praying hard that we can hold till then. On the end hand, twinnies' action are getting more and more vigorous. Yesterday, 1 of twin A's limb protruded out of my tum tum while he stretches himself haha. Making me abit painful while lying on his side since its poking out. I gave him a gentle rub and told him to change to a more comfortable position for both of us and he did! Such good boy. Haha Hopefully he will be as good when he comes out. Haha

>>Mr Love had finally decide on their Christian names. Haha told him to make the decision since he actually don't wanna give them a Christian name initially. But he reckons its easier for them to have one too. So he finally decided on the names 2nights ago. Their chinese names are decided by me and my mum. Haha so we are settled on their names yay...

Ok, I shall end this random posting here and go for my breakfast. Happy holidays everyone and may your 2016 be a blast!

Battling insomnia-29wks3days

I wasn't someone to suffer from insomnia since can usually sleep alot but to be lying down for at least 22hrs a day, sometimes I will fall asleep at random time and therefore suffer from insomnia now during nights.

I also realised that twinnies are more active during night time. Both will be kicking actively when I lie on either sides and sometimes it takes me quite a while to sleep cuz of the kicking.

I try all sorts of way to tired myself out just before bed time but even though I managed to sleep, sometimes will wake up at 2am and stay awake till 6am. Then when eventually sleep back, Mr Love will be up for work at 6.45am. We will usually be awake as Mr Love gets ready and try to sleep back after daddy gives his morning goodbye kisses. This is the timing we sleep best till 9.30am when twinnies will start asking for breakie.

So what do I do when there is no way to sleep? I let things be and start surfing net. Haha. But then it is not that easy given I need lie on sides and gets abit uncomfortable if I hold the phone for too long. Changing sides is another challenge since my tum tum is getting bigger.

Some nights if we get too bored from surfing net, we will just turn to papa's side and watch him sleep. Haha. Sometimes his gentle snores will put us to sleep too.

If all else fails I would just toss n turn in bed, allowing myself to day dream abit on how life would be when the twinnies are out. Despite many telling me that life will be hard when the twinnies come along, I really look forward to carrying them in my arms instead of hugging my tum tum now only.

I would also do some prayers at night hoping that my twinnies will be born matured and healthy. This is usually my quiet time trying to seek solace from god.

I know this insomnia phase would past somehow and soon I might get not much sleep with arrival of the twinnies. Which is why I try to enjoy this phase now. It's actually quite therapeutic to just lie there and feel the twinnies kick around. It makes me relieve that they are active, it makes me grateful that they are holding on as per what I told them. Most of all it makes every passing day a blessing knowing that they will be more healthy when they are born as we advanced through the pregnancy.

Till they are ready for the world, I would continue to lie and overcome whatever it may come. For this is for the twinnies' best interest.

28wks 1day

We did our 28wks Doppler scan today and was happy to hear the twinnies' growth are on track. Not sure about singleton pregnancy but for multiples pregnancy, we are subjected to Doppler test every 4 weeks to check the blood flow to brain, heart and cord.

And in between every 2wks is checking of babies' growth and water bag level. So we report to the hospital bi-weekly for scan. So much so that the sonographer commented I'm quite familiar with their procedures already.

So today's weight check for twinnies are 950g and 1.05kg with both having 4.1cm water bag. Gynae say they are on track for growth.  But I gained 1 freaking kg from last check. This is the biggest jump yet. Haha. Hopefully don't jump so fast else I will become a fatty soon.

And the news today is my gynae informed us that he is not delivering any more from next year and he is gonna transfer me to another gynae. Luckily for me, the transfer is to the gynae who did my cerclage and she is the HOD of dunno what department in KKH which essentially makes her an experience doc too. 

But I'm actually puzzled on why my gynae did not informed me when he first took up my case. I could have changed to another gynae instead of waiting till now. But in my case, there is not much of a difference since twinnies are monitored by ADC instead of chosen gynae. Just that dun really feel good about mid way transfer.

I keep wondering whether is my case that gets transferred only due to the complications or what. There isn't much review on my new gynae and she runs limited clinic sessions. Not exactly full time delivering babies I think. But there is no doubt on her expertise since she did my cerclage and she is considered the top in this area. 

Also I managed to clear my OGTT and I'm over the moon. Was stressed about having to prick myself should I not pass. But I'm warned to still watch my diet since I'm carrying twinnies.

Doc say risk they are monitoring now is my blood pressure which is on the high side though still within range. Sianz. Not sure whether is because I'm kan cheong but the bloody bp is usually high when I go for bi weekly tests. Not willing to go back for half day monitoring at ODAC again to waste monies. So far my urine tests are still good. 

Please let it be good all the way till the twinnies are ready for appearance. And of cuz my babies to be growing well and on par till then.

Korea Late Winter Sonata 2015 -Seoul - Visit to DMZ JSA area

I am always fascinated by the DMZ separating 2 countries that could have been one. There is no greater difference of 2 countries that is so near yet so far. While many others had reunified, these 2 remains technically at war.

When we visited South Korea in 2009 for our honeymoon, DMZ was not part of my tour group itinerary. Because we are having a free & easy tour this time, I decided to book a local tour group to DMZ to see for myself just how divided the 2 Korea are.

There are a few agencies that offer such tour but I chose to book one with Koridoor for their prices and comprehensive itineraries after much consideration.

Our tour pass

Cost of each Adult is priced at KRW 96,000 ( SGD 120) and we can choose to submit our credit card details and sign the slip on the day of the tour or to pay cash 3 days before the tour.

I wasn't too comfortable to submit my CC details and therefore choose to make a trip down on our day of arrival to pay the fee 1st before going to Busan.


To get to Camp Kim USO:

1). Take subway to Samgakji station (Line4,6)
 2). Take exit 10 (Line 6) or exit 6 (Line 4)

3a). For Line 6, exit 10 after exiting, walk straight for 500m and you will see the main gate that states Camp Kim. 

3b). For Line 4, exit 6 walk straight and cross the zebra crossing and you will come to face to face  with a big junction. Cross opposite and walk straight and you will see Line 6, exit 10. Then walk straight to Camp Kim.

Barricade nearing JSA

Barren lands along the way

We were told to report to Camp Kim at 7am for departure and also to wear proper attire to avoid rejected for the tour. We are also required to bring our passports for re-verification. There were quite a lot of people for this tour and we are the only 2 from our country. The journey up to the border is about 2 hours which we took the chance to catch up on sleep.

Barbed wire nearing border

You can actually feel the difference as we neared the DMZ. Barbed wires, barricades, barren lands, increased presence of military all indicates the tension, never in our life had we seen borders like that. The tour guide also informed us that no photo taking are allowed in the camp unless told.

Waiting outside the camp

We were brought into Camp Bonifas which have Korean and US armies stationed there. A US soldier were assigned as our chaperon who will accompany us in the camp and to ensure our safety.

We were brought to a briefing next on the history and also safety around this camp.

Thumb of rule here is to be orderly at all times, staying in twos while walking around. No rude gestures should be made towards the North side to prevent unnecessary trouble. No photos of the South side building is to be taken at any time unless permission granted by chaperon. We can however take photos of the North side from where we are standing from the South. Not that it had much scenery though.

Freedom House

The greyish building behind Freedom House belongs to North Korea. There are Guards there watching us as we tour the area here. Actually inside the Freedom House, it's divided into 2 where after the line, it's essentially North Korea soil. This is the closest that we could get to the North side.

There are 2 South Korean soldiers inside the Freedom House on duty and we are allowed to take pictures not the room.

This is essentially a neutral ground meeting room where representatives from both side can meet and discuss matters. Not dude whether anything had taken place here or not. 

One interesting thing to note is that the soldiers here are standing with their fists clenched in a fighting stance so as to prepare for any emergency situation. And boy, they sure look fierce.

We were then brought back to our bus where it will take us to an incident side which soldiers were hack to death over a tree.

Dear Babies

Dear Babies,

Mummy is writing to both of you guys while the 3 of us laze around on the sofa passing time and mummy is enjoying your kicks as you two take lunch that mummy had an hour ago.

Yesterday night was pretty tiring since you two decided to be active from 11pm onwards. No matter which way mummy turns, one of you will be unhappy since you each take 1 side of mummy's tummy and I cannot sleep flat on my back since it was supposed to be no good to you all. Worst of all, daddy is snoring peacefully besides us and mummy needs to be careful not to wake him up since he had to work today.

Times like that makes me feel relieved that I'm on hospitalisation leave at home, else we will be too tired for work the next morning. After much cooing and patting on both side of tummy then you two slowly fell asleep. Is this the training you are giving mummy for night feeds next time ? Haha.

This week marks the 7th week that we are lying on bed. You know mummy is so proud and relieved that both of you are holding on inside despite the initial scare? Continue to hold for another 8wks + and doc will bring you all out ok? Also continue to eat and absorb well from mummy so that you will be of good size when you come out ok?

Ah Ma had been busy for the past few weeks preparing things for you two arrival and we are more or less done. She had also been cooking good food and making sure we all have enough to eat and are eating well so make sure you two be nice and good to her when you grow up kk? For she started worrying for you all ever since she know about your presence.

Mummy hope that all the daily talking to you all will make you recognise my voice and have a calming effect when you two fuss next time. This is why I insist your papa to talk to you all daily too though your Ah Ma thinks mummy is suffering from pre natal blues and behaving oddly.

Mummy is looking forward to this week's checkup to see how well you two have grow and hopefully everything is on track for us three.

Meanwhile, stay well and eat well inside mummy till you two are ready for appearance kk? Mummy will try my best for you two and hope you two will cooperate too. Fighting!!!

26wks 6days

My bbs are of a corn's length now according to the web though sonographer didn't give us measurements.

But I was told of their weight at 26weeks check up. Both are at 770+g with a 1.4% difference. Both are doing good. And they had each gained 200+g since last check up at 24wks.

You don't know how relieved I am whenever the sonographer say bbs are doing good and all I need is to wait for the duty doctor to give me the details but at least while waiting for duty doctor (which is usually a long wait) I'm quite at peace.

The funny thing is, I lost weight. Not much though at 200g but was a bit panicky since they will take my weight 1st then scan the bbs. I was wondering whether my boys are gaining enough. Luckily, they did absorb what I ate.

So the 2kg I gained till now is all the bbs and water bag weight. Thank god for it and hope it stays this way. Not that I intentionally curb my diet or anything but juz didn't gain much. But I guess is partly due to eating healthily now that I'm eating mummy's home cook food. She watches like an eagle on my diet. Don't think she was this strict with herself when she had us.

Still I can feel my appetite increasing when we hit 26wks. So I reckon the next check will see a huge jump in the numbers and hope bbs can absorb as well as they did all along.

Went for OGTT too and it was torturing. Had to fast from 12am from the night before with no food and drink. Then took a tube of blood at 8.50am. It was actually scheduled for 8.30am and I reached at 8am. Dunno why they drag 20mins for the scheduled test.

Then was made to drink a super sweet (yucky) glucose drink which I'm suppose to finish in 5-10min. For a long time, I didnt drink sweet drinks especially so after I got pregnant. And so the glucose drink was a shock to my taste buds. Nurse allowed a little sip of warm water to wash down the taste.

The next test is 2hrs later at 10.50am which is to determine how I will react to the glucose drink. Am not suppose to eat and drink within this time frame too. I saw some mummies to be posting that they vomit out the drink after that and need retest and was stress bout it.

Nurse also instruct me to go straight back to them should I vomit out the drink. Was praying hard that I wouldn't. I did feel nauseas at some point but feel that it was due to hunger. Bbs are kicking around by 10.30am. Keep whispering to them that we will soon take brunch after the blood test.

We only start our 1st meal at 11am and by then I don't dare to stuff myself too full. Hopefully need not go through it again since its hard for pregnant ladies to curb their hunger.

Till today, we have not hear from hospital on the results and I hope no news is good news since friends told me that hospital will call should the results turn out bad. Else I can review the results when I'm due for the next check up at 28wks.

Praying hard that everything will be smooth from now till bbs' scheduled birth in Feb 16.

24wks 6days

Am lying on KKH ODAC inclined chair for the past 3 hrs to monitor my blood pressure which the gynae found it to be quite high on my last check up.

I was nearly not let home that day becuz of the readings and was ordered to come for this test today.

Actually I did suspect is due to the table top BP meter which usually is not accurate for me since I have an elephant arm to start with.

I did after that check again with a bigger machine at TPS which gives a better reading but the test had already been ordered. No choice, LL come for the test today.

Actually it is also to ensure my well being since carrying twinnies tend to have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia which is undesirable for any pregnant woman.

So here I am,bored to tears lying on the chair waiting for nurse to take the readings every hr. Mr Love is outside waiting too since he is not allowed in the monitoring room.

So far, reading have been good.
8.30am -123/71
9.30am - 123/79
10.30am - 120/74
11.30am - 122/79

And also they took 2 bottles of my blood early this morning. Therefore, we need to wait for the combined results of blood, urine and my bp level readings to determine whether I passed today test.

I'm quite confident that I can clear the test. And hopefully all will be good from now.

Meanwhile, back to stoning till they let me off and then its reporting to my gynae this afternoon.. A long day ahead..hope my bbs are not too tired.

Disoriented

I had this habit of sleeping wrap up in a my cocoon of comforter. But with me preggies with the twinnies and my tummy got bigger, it had since become more difficult to stay in my cocoon.

I had to keep turning to my sides and find a comfortable position to sleep and with the bed rest order, all I'm doing nowadays is sleep. So it makes me a bit disoriented at times.

Just like on Sunday, while I was taking a nap Mr Love walked in and I tot it was morning and he needed to go work. Haha. Turns out it was him walking in to use the toilet n check on my well being.

The other night Mr Love woke up and found that I kicked comforter to his side but was curled like a shrimp due to the cold. He covered me up but I woke up frm his touch. And again I asked him, issit time for him to go work?

So ya.. Too much sleeping recently got me disoriented about the dates. It was not easy since I'm kinda mixed up on the timings too. I could wake up at 4am, stay wide awake till 7am when Mr Love prepares for work and go back to sleep till 9am before waking up for breakie since twinnies will be very hungry by this time.

Then it's tv time on the sofa till lunch. I will hit the sack again at 3pm though many a times I juz lie in bed lazing.

Many would think I'm having a good time right now but truth is far from it.

I'm constantly worrying about twinnies' movement and whether I can hold them till scheduled time. 

Trying to positive but its never that easy isnt it?

I prayed everyday that the 3 of us would emerge from this unscathed and my twinnies would be healthy, bubbly boys. I do hope the efforts of mummy, Mr Love and me would pay off and this is just a little test for everyone of us. There is nothing more I could wish for right now.

Wish me luck everyone. I really do need it.

A little scare

At 20wks/21wks detailed scan, doc found out that my cervical length is much shorter than it should be. This would results in pre term delivery which is not desirable at my current pregnancy stage. 

Luckily the twinnies are growing well which is a consolation to me.

And so begins my complete bed rest in hospital as ordered by doc. For the 1st 4 days, I couldn't get off the bed except for big business.

Anything else are done on bed and except during meal times, I'm mostly lying down to rest with feet up to reduce stress on my pelvic.

Even with complete bed rest the 2nd scan did not come back with good results. And so we decided to go ahead with doc's recommendation to undergo a minor surgery (cerclage) though I'm scared stiff.

Did the surgery and was released home for bed rest till I'm ready to give birth. And so begins my HL at home again with bed rest except for occasional visits to toilet. Even during visit to doc, mummy will push me out with a wheel chair.

So basically my life now is eat,sleep and lie down only but I'm not complaining cause I hope that after going thru all these, I can hold the twinnies till they are matured enough for birth.

Pray for us ya? For a smooth pregnancy from now till 36wks for twinnies to come out healthy. There is nothing much I can wish for now except for this.

Babies are Angels

We hit 20weeks today and is on the halfway mark. Pretty exciting I should say that in less than 5months, I will be able to hold my boys. I'm praying had that they would grow healthy inside me till 37weeks where they will be full term babies.

Started to take belly photos from 18weeks but I couldn't really see much difference over these 3weeks. That being said, I do hope that the boys' weight gain are on track since I am eating like a pig these days. And I hope the weight gain are on babies not me..haha.

I can feel their kicks more often now and sometimes when I am hungry, angry or they hear some pop songs. Haha. Just the other night when Mr Love is tapping on my tummy talking to them, one of the boys tapped/kicked right back at the same spot though daddy cannot feel him but mummy can. That's the beauty of being a mother carrying her child.

Mr Love's army friend visited 2weeks ago to check on our well being since learning about my pregnancy and we were on the topic on how babies have this ability to forge closer ties to people.

For instance, my piggy bro always goes back to Malaysia to spend his CNY, leaving us here to spend with dad. For years, no matter what we say, he refused to stay back to celebrate with us. But with the twins' expected arrival near CNY, he volunteered to stay back so that he could spend time with the kiddos when they are born. Mummy was so happy with his decision.

When the twins' presence was announced on FB, I received tons of well wishes, personal messages from friends whom I have not contacted in ages. Some told me their good news too when they haven announced publicly. 

Some told me that they feel happy for me that we finally got our own blessings. Some offered to pass me their boy's hand me down or whatever they thought I could use since we will be needing double of everything. Even Mr Love's colleagues were offering hand me down or information they thought we could use.

We felt so love and blessed with all the well wishes.

It also makes me think back on the conversation we had that babies are angels sent by god and each and every one of them will bring love, happiness and joy to the household they are sent to. How true it is. Mummy is already getting ready for their arrival and all she can think of nowadays are the boys.

Looking forward as we progress with my pregnancy and of course hoping that my boys will grow healthy as we go along.

Hand me downs

Mr Love n I was in this topic the other day and I was amazed that this good life chap do not need wear hand me downs during his younger days even though he have a brother nt much older than him. 

In fact he told me that my mil brought clothes from OG or jeans from 2nd chance for them =_=".

On the other hand, I'm the queen of 2nd hand goods. Be it clothes, toys, text books or whatever I need during my younger days. I dun mind using 2nd hand items. In fact I've got like at least 2 copies of textbook during my senior secondary school years becuz i go around collecting 2nd hand from seniors muhaha. Mummy never had to worry about buying my textbooks which is quite a substantial amount.

Even till now, if some one pass along some thing I can wear and like, I will still take.

So the whole point now is to convince Mr Love to allow the twinnies to wear 2nd hand clothes since I am starting to ask friends for them.  With twinnies on the way, the expenses will double and of course we should save on whatever we can.

Letting them wear 2nd hand clothes doesn't mean I don't love them enough to spend monies on them. It's also part of teaching them to be frugal. That being said, we did buy some new clothes for their home returning day and also full mth. Its juz that I didn't buy that much as other 1st time mummy would. Hehe Its also pretty difficult to control my shopping desires kk?

So friends reading my post, if you have any baby things to bless my twinnies, do give me a ring kk? I will be more than happy to take from you:)

At 18 wks

Am 18wks along and I am starting to feel the twinnies movements.

Wasn't sure initially since I tot its my stomach movements but hey since when my stomach will kick me when I'm sh***ing? Haha yes. Trying to go to the toilet when I felt kicks on the left side. Maybe twin A isnt too happy when me using too much force. Gotta soothe my tummy and told him that mummy needs to clear her bowels for more food space for them and he stopped! Haha.

Then the right twinnie whom sonographer always refer to as twin B aka the more active 1 is like Fandi Ahmad in training. I can feel his kicks and many a times its a tad painful.

There was this 1 night that both of them start changing their positions and I can literally feel their limbs joint thru my tummy walls and quickly ask Mr Love to touch them b4 they decided to change position. I knew he felt amazed cuz he juz sat there stoning after that.

The next night, he tried to listen to them 'eating'after I had my dinner. Trying to see whtether they enjoy his cooking or not. Haha of cuz he heard nothing though he kept asking them for some sort of an answer.

I then realised how enthu he is about towards our twinnies. He was never an expressive man but he now, every little thing he got curious becuz of them. He start taking pointers from his colleagues on preganancy and parenting then come home and share with me. Everything seems new to him. It warms my heart to know that how much he looks forward to the twinnies arrival :)

18wk scan was cleared on Mon(5/10) and the twinnies are both on my left side facing each other.Haha Twin B decided that he was too bored and wanted to play with his bro. Told you he's the active twin.

They are both of good size so far with a 9% difference. I hope things will keep up this way till their birth and I will be able to hold them at least till full term for a more healthier them.

Next scan will be the 20th wk detail scan which we are excited to see their features!! Already can see 1 twin having my pouty lips. Haha think both will have since they are identical twins.

Till then, hope we 3 will be well and healthy.

It's been 3 years

Dear XB,

It's been 3 years since you left us but it feels like I juz lost you not long ago.

Sorry for the late letter this year since mummy is preggies with your didis but please do not think that you are forgotten in mummy and daddy's heart.

In fact, we arranged to have a chanting ritual for you during the 7th month way back in June. It's only because of mummy being preggies and therefore couldn't visit you at the temple. But Ah Ma did brought quite a bunch of sweets n treats for you didn't she?

You know you are the 1st person mummy thought of when I found out my pregnancy? I believed that you had watched over us wherever you are. I even compared your didi's ultrasound scan with yours during the same gestation weeks, kept the photos together.

I want you to know that even in future when your didis come into this world, you will always be mummy's 1st child though I never got a chance to hold you in my arms and tell you how much I love you. I will also let your didis know that they had a brave elder brother who fought bravely during the last weeks and never once gave up. For that, mummy is proud of you:)

Please watch over your didis XB and blessed them to grow healthily. Meanwhile mummy hope someday you will find a good family to be born into and will live happily though I will still be thinking of you.

Love you lots,

Mummy and Daddy

My hysterosalpingography test

Now that we have successfully conceived the twinnies, I thought I should pen down on what we believed did help when ttc- that is the HSG that I went through right before the twinnies came along.

Kkh scheduled me for a HSG test in mid Jun as they need to rule out blocked tubes before I can start the oral hormones medication. The test is supposed to be done during the follicular phase of the cycle and I'm supposed to call on the very 1st day of my cycle for an appointment.

Though they did briefly explained the procedure during 1 clinic session, I didn't know what to expect on the actual day.

The nurse called me up 1 day prior to me test to remind me of the appointment and it was only then I remembered to ask whether pain relief will be administrated to me. Nope, I was told to take 2panadols if I'm afraid of pain but it is not mandatory.

So the garang me went for the procedure without any pain killers though I have little pain tolerance.

Mummy was with me on that day to help look after my bag and it was a day procedure.

Was given the 1st slot but there was a little girl who came in as emergency case and took up the OT. 

So my case was pushed back to an hour later. Not that I mind since mine is juz a normal procedure.

Was told to change into a hospital gown taking out all undies and sat in the area feeling naked though I'm quite well covered by the big piece of gown.

At 10am, I was called into the OT. Its not the normal scary looking kind. A smaller version I would say. Was sitting on the edge of the bed as instructed and swinging my legs while humming something to come my nerves.

A nurse came in to make me lie in the correct position then came the doctor who look younger than I am. Glup.

The funny thing is he seems a bit flustered like it's his 1st time doing the procedure. Fumbled with his words when he starts to wipe me with antiseptic and I start to feel unsure of his skills by now.

Anyway the procedure was similar to a pap smear where the doc will insert a catherter into your cervix via vaginal then pump a contrast(dye) into it while waiting for it to flow through the fallopian tubes and finally filling your uterus cavity and if the tubes are not blocked.

I'm not going to lie here but once the contrast make its way into my body, it hurts like hell. Its much more painful than period cramps and I was dying to kick the doc. While waiting for the contrast to flow, they took xrays of the flow to determine whether my tubes are blocked or not and also shape of my uterus.

Then the procedure is done but they kept me in the observation room to see whether I would have adverse reaction towards the contrast. I even served as a translator there between a Filipino nurse and a Chinese lady while waiting for green light to go off.

Pain had subside by then and I got the green light to go home. I read somewhere that if my tubes are a little block, this procedure might just help to flush it and also there are mentions of higher pregnancy chance after this procedure in some of the articles I read online.

Went lunch with mummy after that and then the cramping got worse. It was so bad that I couldn't stand up straight to walk. Cab home in the end and pop 2 panadols hoping to curb the pain.

By night time, the pain did not go away totally though not as painful as initially. Google and read that there will only be pain if my tubes are blocked and that got me worrying. My results will only be out in a month's time and I didn't know what will be the recommended course of action should my tubes be blocked.

Turns out, I did not have to worry about the blocked tubes since results came back good. Clearing me of any blockage and also showing a normal uterus shape.

In fact if anything, I believe this procedure did help in my ovulation which is 2 days after the procedure and we conceived the very same month. Prior to that, I am still suffering from inconsistent ovulation cycles.

It was a painful procedure alright. But I think it's worth to give it a shot since it did help me to conceive. Even not, it also helps to rule out the possibility of blocked tubes or abnormal uterus shape that would allow the doc go start me on the fertility treatments they had planned.

Like mother like daughter

I tot I am able to be more indifferent towards my younger brother since he shifted out while dating his current wife and practically cut communication with us except for an occasional meet up during special occasion.

Gotten use to seeing him for a few times a yr after he got hitch. And even when he learnt about my pregnancy, never once I heard from him though he did ask mummy about me during his occasional calls.

Actually it was hurtful since I thought I was closer to him than to the piggy brother but yet my piggy brother will still bother to text me on n off even I did not see him often too.

Was sending mummy and piggy brother off for their trip last Wed and mentioned to my elder bro how my sons have not heard their younger Ah Ku voice yet and dunno when they will get to hear..

But alas, god works in such magical way that mummy found out this rascal is also due to fly off to Bkk on the same night and is on his way to airport. So she told me to call him while waiting for Mr Love to pick me up. Luckily, he agreed to have dinner together.

I thought I will be resentful towards him after not seeing or hearing from him for months. But I was wrong. In fact, it warms my heart to just see him strolling into the food joint looking like ah pek, not like a processional going for outstation trip.

It feels good to be able to have a good talk with him with his latest updates. And he was the last one in my close circle to realised I'm carrying twin boys. How nice. The news was at least a month's old. Haha.

After we part ways, I told Mr Love that I just realised I just like mummy. Though angry with him for partially abandoning the family, we still yearn to see him and hear from him.

It certainly made my day to be able to catch up with him and also let my twins hear their younger uncle voice.

I do hope that his life will be smooth for there is nothing more a sister can wished for her brother. And of course to stay in touch more often so that we will not become strangers in the near future when life is gonna get busier for us.

Announcing the BIG news

Hello there, Happy Mid Autumn Festival to all. Its been quite a while since I last updated but I had a very good reason for the disappearance.

I've successfully conceived!! Not 1 but 2 babies!!! Cannot describe how wonderful this is to us. And before anyone asks, yes there. is history of twins on my side. I've got fraternal twin cousins-a boy & a girl and our babies are conceived naturally.

We found out my pregnancy on week 5 n it was purely based on my instinct since I'm gonna for toning zumba that very day, I decided to take the test early morning juz to be safe.

Was still slply while waiting for the results but I broke down when the 2 lines showed up clearly (not even faint) on the kit. We waited 3 long years for this day and all I did is to cry. Haha

Since it was bestie's bday, I decided to let her know the news as a pressie to her. Hehe not even Mr Love know yet and she got to share the joy with me for 5mins b4 it's Mr Love's wake up time.

Mr Love cannot comprehend why I was so excited in waking him up this morning but let out a "Finally" when the news finally sinks in. Ok,now you know how hard we tried. Haha.

Mummy was the next to be let known of the news and as usual she act cool, like she expected it and it is not exciting. But I know deep down she is even more excited than us cause subsequently, she called twice to remind me what to take note from now.

Mr Love decided that we shall keep a low profile this time and told no one else after this. Not even his family.

Was scheduled to collect my HSG results and Mr Love's sperm results 2days later. The doc's reaction was epic when I told him I was pregnant after he patiently explained our results to me. He only stop short of hugging me when I told him the good news. He recommended a senior gynae to me and help me to make an appointment for 1st scan on wk7. So there you are, I decided to stick with KKH this time round since I had promised mummy earlier and also I had been having checkups here for the past 3years.

Wk 7 was like a super long way away. I was paranoid about my baby well being. Didn't even know it was twins then. I literally stop all other activities except to go work. Weekend was spending lying on sofa.

I get uptight every time I feel the discharge, rushing to toilet to see whether it's blood or not. I get afraid of peeing for fear of seeing blood. I cannot even begin to put into words how much I hope this pregnancy would work out and I will finally get to hold my child.

Wk 7 came and because of work commitments, Mr Love and mummy couldn't go with me. Was abit scared of going alone but nevertheless I went on bravely. Teared up abit when the doc told me that he confirmed my pregnancy and showed me the little blip in my tummy. I was sent home with folic acids and told to report back on wk12.

Morning sickness or whole days sickness start to set in by now and I will vomit out a mouthful of food after every meal. Not too pleasant but itz an indication that my baby is growing and so I'm very willing to go thru it. I started to get sore gums that night. Sometimes so painful that I juz couldnt slp. Nothing I do will make it go away. Suffered 3wks of this. And every night I would chant the name of Goddess of Mercy to make myself calm down and sleep. Its my way of praying for protection from Goddess of Mercy for my child.

On a morning in wk9, I experienced some pain in my pelvis area and was alarmed. It was normal in the initial weeks but not now. Called gynae who advised me to make a trip to a&e for a check up. 

My heart was thumping in taxi all the way to the hospital and on top of it, I had cleverly asked Mr Love not to come down since there will be docs n nurses there and its a busy day for him. But I can feel his anxiety over the messages.

When the doc on duty did a vaginal scan for me, he asked what did my gynae told me on the previous visit. Nothing special I said and then he turned the screen around to show me the 2 babies in my uterus. I was told that I'm carrying twins. Again I cried. This must be the hormones acting up since I don't cry that often. 

The pain was due to expanding uterus for my babies and I was given some hormones pills to support the twin pregnancy and was sent home. Called Mr Love immediately after I came out from consultation and he was practically screaming with joy. Twins. It is juz so surreal.

Told mum who was in Malaysia to help us pray to Goddess of Mercy since it was her birthday on that day. She got so happy that she went to tip the coach driver who drove her to JB. Muhaha.

And so, I was told to report to KKH ADC on wk 12 for my Oscar scan and also some blood test prior to that. 

Its another 3wks of waiting b4 seeing my babies and I was a nervous wreck. Never mind the morning sickness was killing my appetite, the constant tiredness was draining my energy away and I sleep everyday at 9pm but will wake up at 3am for a toilet break b4 trying to sleep back. Even mummy noticed that I am out of energy since the calls are always short and I did not ask her out for dinners anymore. 

Mr Love on the other hand,went all out to make me as comfortable as possible. Relieving whatever household duties I have and minimize weekend activity for fear that I get too tired. I can wake up at 9am for breakie and go back to sleep till 2pm b4 I'm due for a snack and then sleep till dinner time. Then will hit the sack at 9pm again. All the sleeping couldn't replenish my energy though I'm practically doing nothing. Muhaha. But I'm blessed with a good hubby who did not once complaint about my laziness and still try to think of what to cook for us on weekend to ensure that we are having the right nutrients. He took up all the house work willing and never once complaint. For these, I know I'm blessed :)

Mr Love was able to take leave for the wk12 scan and for the 1st time, he sees our babies live on the screen. I can see him looking intently at the screen and 1 of the twins start waving at us. It was a magical moment and I knew Mr Love was touched.

Results came back looking good but we were told that I'm carrying MC twins which means they are identical twins sharing a placenta. It's considered a more high risk pregnancy than other twins pregnancies. We were told go go back every fortnightly after wk16 to monitor my babies well being.

I was scared stiff after hearing these but I knew I had to be strong for my babies whom came to us after such a long wait. Tried to maintained a positive mind set though sometimes I will secretly worry a bit.

I talk to my babies every night during shower time to encourage them to share their food and grow well together so that Mr Love and I can get to welcome them into the world where we have so much to share and teach them. Everyday without fail I will give them their prep talk. Haha. Mr Love on the other hand is tasked to kiss them on my belly b4 bedtime to let them feel his love.

Wk 16 scan came and we cleared the 1st hurdle. My heart was already in the mouth b4 the scan and I can hear and feel my heartbeat clearly while waiting for the scan. Need to learn to relax more so that my babies would not be kan cheong spiders next time.Haha.

We are hitting wk17 today as I typed this post and on this very special day of family reunion I would like to share this good news here.

Pray for us to have a smooth pregnancy and my babies will be born healthy and safe for there is nothing more I could ask for at this time.

Korea Late Winter Sonata 2015 -Seoul - Palsaik Samgyupsal

What's a visit to Korea where you don't get to eat their famous BBQ? I texted partner who is also in Seoul for ideas since it seems that all she and her hubs did was to eat in Seoul. Hahha

She told us a restaurant in Meyongdong but said it will be quite crowded.

Google it but was not impressed by the food.

Lovely shoes display

Accidentally came across a blog writing about Palsaik Samgyupsal which essentially meant 8 colours pork belly in Korean. It looks interesting and we set out to find it in Sinchon.

Wasn't easy since the blog gave the wrong exit or rather pretty hazy directions.

I'm going to try my best to give the directions here but no guarantee since we also took quite a long while to find the place.

Directions:

1). Take Line 2 to Sinchon station.
2). Take Exit 6
3). Go straight till you see a 7-11 at the end of the street
4). Cross the street and walk straight (if you are facing the road, should be walk up the right side).
5). The shop is at basement of the Kia Motors building.

Number of days in Operation

We reached at around 6pm ++ and there were plenty of space in the shop. Didn't take long for someone to come sit us down and take orders.

The speciality here is of course to order the 8 colour set where pork bellies are seasoned in 8different seasonings namely Ginseng, Wine, Pine Needles sauce, Garlic Sauce, Herb, Curry, Soy bean and Hot Pepper.

A set of this costs KRW 30,000  and it good for 2 pax.

Menu

Side dish and drinks selection

Besides the pork bellies, there was a big pot of soup with seafood, tofu and lots of veggies in side along.

Soup served first

The waiters/ waitress here will help you to cook your food and basically you just need to sit back and relax while waiting for the food to be cooked.

Heating up Kimchi and bean spouts

Chilli paste to go along with meat

Veggies for wrapping the meat

A huge tray of veggies are also served so that you can wrapped your cooked meat inside to eat along with garlic and mushrooms.

But be warned, some of it tastes really bitter and it covers the meat's taste.

Meat cooking

There's a sequence to cook the meat from mild to strong taste. No worries since the waiter will help you to cook accordingly.

Cooking in progress

The meat will be cut to bite sizes where you can wrap up in the veggies. Some of the veggies did actually help take away the oil in the meats. But it's quite filling to eat with the veggies too.

Towards the end, we gave up and just eat meat only since we were getting full.

Spicy seafood stew

And oh the spicy seafood stew is good! It's just like another dish ordered though it came along with the set meal. Was a pleasant surprise.

Cutting the meat

2nd round of cooking

You can also store your bags in your seats that double up as storage bins. Since this shop is enclosed, it is best that you keep your jacket in it too though it doesn't help much in my case. Still smell like a walking kitchen when we went out.

Storage bins

You can also order the different flavoured pork ala-carte at KRW 10,000 each portion. But unless you have special preference for any flavours else it will be better to order the set meal.

Different set meal

Misc items

We were like filled to the brim by the time dinner is finished. Luckily get to walk awhile back to the train station.

Lots of pigs figurine

Shop signage

Check out my flushed face from all the BBQ

Why not check out this joint if you are craving for some BBQ pork bellies in Seoul?

Hiatus

Took a mini hiatus from blogging due to feeling sick for the past 2 weeks.

Am also busy with getting back to cooking on weekends, reading and my colouring.

In short just too many things to do during the weekend and even more tiring than workdays.

But it was fruitful.

I feel more recharged after the weekend and look forward to the activities filled one when it is drawing near.

Next wed will be report's day, I guess this is my way of trying to keep sane and not to dwell on the results too much.

Keep me in your prayers will ya?

Meanwhile I will continue with our Korea adventures posts.

Korea Late Winter Sonata 2015 -Seoul - Ewha Women's Univ Shopping street (梨花女大商圈）

We decided to have BBQ pork at Sinchon for dinner and have at least 3 hours to kill before dinner. Contemplate to travel back to apartment to rest but decided otherwise since we basically did no shopping in Seoul.

Since City hall station is along Line 2 which is the same as Sinchon, we decided to travel along this line for convenience sake.

And so, we went to Ewha Women's Univ station where there is a shopping street leading right up to the university entrance.

During our previous time here, the tour guide brought us here and I managed to buy a bag and a pair of earrings here though the things were on the pricey side. Then again, I didn't haggle too as time were too stress.

 I was tired and hungry when we exited from the station and was craving for cheesecake. Ducked into a coffee bean for my coffee fix and ordered a piece of cheese cake.

Mr Love was commenting on my weird craving for food that we can get back home.

Tea break @ Coffeebean in Ewha

 We spent quite some time in the cafe observing a Korean teen waiting for her boyfriend to arrive while checking the mirror every minute.

No joke. She really look into her mirror and adjust herself every minute for 10s and repeat the steps again. We actually timed her. We only left when her boyfriend arrive.

Next is to check out the shopping street which caters more to the youngsters since a Women's uni is located here. Rows of skincare shop line up the street and shops selling various hip clothes and shoes were located at every turn.

But the designs were too young for us. So we went in search of the food street since Mr Love had yet to eat his snack.

Chicken skewers

Kimchi version

 We brought 1 chicken skewer to share but find it to not warm enough under this cold weather. The ajushhi actually did heat it up but we were not sure why it is not warm enough.

Shopping street

Happy man with his chicken skewer

 Went into one of the skincare shops to look around but didn't managed to buy anything as usual. Reason being, it is cheaper to order from Qoo even after taking into consideration the tax refund! Why buy here if it is so?

We then came across a tent selling all sorts of fried food and brought a cup of popcorn chicken to share. Perhaps it is winter time and we kept walking around, get hungry very easily.

Popcorn chicken

 The popcorn chicken was delicious and piping hot and it tastes heavenly while eating here on the cold, windy street.

The very same heel we took a pic in 2009

There are a lot of small shops selling very unique accessories in the small alley but none caught my attention.

It wasn't long that we decided to call it a day here and move on to Sinchon station where dinner would be.

Gong cha spotted

1 photo on Ewha street before moving off

Longest escalator in Seoul

Inner circle line map