A step closer -34wks 5days

Today is my last scan with ADC and to quote the MO's word. I officially 'graduated' from their clinic.

Everyone was happy for us to be able to graduate from this clinic and was told that twinnies are 2.04kg and 2.08kg each now. Water bag is at 3.1cm and 2.3 cm.

Mummy gained 200g since last week check.

I was nearly in tears when the sonograhper and MO told me separately that we did good for MC twins pregnancy. It was the 1st time I've heard encouraging words from ADC. Haha.

You have no idea how much it was for me for the past 14weeks and as we advanced nearer to our scheduled date, I felt more relax. I thanked my boys for listening to their mummy, I thank them for hanging on with me despite all the scares, I thank them for beefing up to prepare themselves for the world and I thank them for being active everyday( or mostly night time) to let me know they are doing good inside me.

It was emotional to just think of the mid stage where all the scares are. But like the MO said. Worst is over, I should be happily awaiting their arrival :)

My gynae cleared my report since bp is in control with the medication and told me to book my package with KKH. With this done, we are another step closer though there will be one final check 2 days before delivery next week.

Am really looking forward to holding my boys in my arms not via my belly. Haha

 May god protect us and bless my boys to be healthy and strong.

Back to Gynae 33wks 6days

So I was transferred back to my original gynae cuz he is back to delivering babies. Yay.

And he requested me to go down for a follow up due to my high bp readings and my blood test.

Was scared stiff when his nurse told me that my blood test results wasn't too good. Am bracing myself for stay in hospital. Any other issue is twinnies' weight which is a bit on the low side at 1.4kg and 1.58kg at last check.

Haven hit minimum 2kg mark. But I tried my best already. Its not easy since I cannot over eat due to high bp and high sugar risks. Also we dunno which twin will absorb the food. Lastly, I get full easily since I think there isnt much space already. Haha

Gynae has assured me that they are growing steadily though small. Weight difference is insignificant which is an important check for MC twins. So we are on track.

Anyways the stupid machine again gave readings of 164/90 when I'm already on medication. Damn. 

The nurse was very nice to ask me to rest there and chat then we take the readings after 5 min. And I passed with 115/75. Ahhh thats more like it. Since my home readings after medication is usually around this range. Mummy even brought along our own machine should I cannot get any good readings at the hospital machines. Haha

The blood test after the scare set us back by 250bucks and it is the 2nd time they ordered the same test due to my high bp readings. Both results came back fine. Though heart pain about the monies, at least we are cleared of the risks.

Gynae didn't mentioned anything about my blood test and I didn't probe further since he is well know for not saying much if your pregnancy is smooth. I also didn't want him to scold his nurse for scaring me on the phone. So I just accept that all is good.

Weight gain for me today is 500g. And he did an estimated check on twinnies and told me both are in 1.8-1.9kg range which means we need wait another week after my initial scheduled date for the babies to hit 2kg. Was super happy since they suddenly gained 400-500g within a week. Haha.

He also checked my cervix length which is at 2.5cm and is still acceptable and told me that he needs see me weekly to monitor my bp readings before confirming my csect date. But he is confident 4th Feb should be ok to deliver my twinnies.

And so I went home happily. No need stay and all is good at the moment. Waiting for 1 more 34th week scan in ADC before they officially discharged from ADC and put me back into my gynae's hand.

Hope all will go well.

Throwback- 33wk 3days

And so the good news is I need not get admitted. Just went observation and we came home. Though I will need report weekly to gynae to monitor now with 3wks left to D-day but I'm grateful to come home to sleep on my bed.

Blood pressure is still within control with the kiasu me taking readings every hr. Haha Gynae say I need not get too stress. He gave me a table to record thrice a day only. But the medications did have side effects of giddiness and headache for me so I'm drowsy the whole day.

We will do a check on my cervical length to decide whether we can hold till 37th weeks for full term babies. Gynae also told me not too worry too much on the babies being smaller since its the normal for twinnies. He is happy with them passing 1.4kg and hopefully they can hit 2kg when we deliver. 

So I just lie down and relax and hope we can last more haha.

Anyways was watching The Return of Superman and saw Sarang and her Dad visiting Busan and Haedong Dragon Temple. Ahh it brought back fond memories of Mr Love and I making a trip there. I remembered mentioning somewhere that I touched the Buddha of Granting Son twice and to my stomach just to be in the kiasu side. Haha not sure whether this is the reason that I conceived twins.

Taken with The temple as background

I remember the hike up to the temple and the many steps to Godness of Mercy where I prayed sincerely to her to grant our wish of having a baby. I remember how we initially didn't have this place in our plan but slot in last minute and kick out the shopping plans. Am very glad we saw this beautiful seaside temple. 

The fact that we will managed to conceived after making a trip here makes it extra special. For the next time when we visit, we will be a family of 4 instead of 2. And also this is our last couple trip where we could explore anywhere so freely. 

Buddha of Granting A Son whom I touched twice

In fact I missed alot of things about Busan. Its food, scenery, friendly people, more relax pace than Seoul and the time we spent there exploring. I wasn't that impressed with Seoul haha. Perhaps we might not be able to visit in these upcoming few years but I'll always remember this city where we visited that hold a special palce in my heart.

Speaking of which. I have yet to complete my Korea trip entries haha. Too difficult to sit up and type with my tummy. And not easy to type using phone since uploading pictures here is a chore.

Shall continue after my confinement IF I have the time and enegry.

Not very good- 32 Weeks 5days

We did our 32 wks doppler scan yest and sonographer confirm the blood flow are good for twinnies.

However twinnies are abit on the small side though both did gain 200g each. Sonographer also told me no point to increased food intake since we dont know which twin will absorb the food.

But their weight difference is at 8% which is pretty good and means that they are on the small side only. Twin A is at 1.4kg and Twin B is at 1.585kg. Water bags are at 3.1cm. Mummy gained 400g since last visit.

The not so good news mummy's blood pressure which is kinda high at 146/90 which didn't get better despite repeated tests. It was enough for the house doc to call for help from my gynae's cover since she is on leave.

They will looking to admit me for 48hrs for observation where my bp will be monitor every 4hours and will be given medication to bring down my bp.

However I was not keen on staying in hospital as I usually cannot rest well there. Moreover I can monitor my own bp with the equipment at home and since I'm not moving around, I should be ok.

Doc agreed to let me go home with med and ask me monitor my bp every 4hours. I will have to report back immediately if my bp remains high or shoot up. Was also sent to a blood test before going home and given a temporary follow up appointment with my gynae next wed which he might change if he decides I need an earlier one after they brief him on my case.

However this morning, my gynae's nurse called and told me that I will need report back to my gynae tmr as my blood test report findings were not favourable.

I'm actually pretty scared by the appt tmr since it sounds like he's gonna admit me for observation 

already. We are 3weeks and 2days away from D day and I do hope we can last till then to allow twinnies to bake more and gain weight.

Also so far readings at home had been good and much lower after I took the medication. Mummy said to bring our equipment there to show them how I used it to ensure I'm recording correct readings.

The pelvic pain kicks in 2days ago and had been bothering me since when I walked. It is painful and will acts up when I walked and turn sides while lying down.
 

Quite painful but I suppose its part of the pregnancy package.

I can only pray hard now that the medication is working well on me and my bp drop back to optimal range and also the blood result findings are not too serious to ask for admission. I do want to rest at home where its more comfortable. But above all else if I should need to be admitted then I will have to accept it for the well being of my twinnies.

Please let everything be well till they are of good weight to come out. Please.

Why me-31weeks 5days

Mummy was relating to me the other day about 1 of my uncle feeling down cause he was sick. Not very sick but enough to get him into OT twice in span of months. He was not young but still active prior to this. And after his operations, he was asked to stay at home quitting his job and to forgo his weekly trips down town.

It was enough to make him down and his temper which was non existence till now took a turn for worst. He kept questioning why he was down with this kind of illness when all his life he did nothing evil.

The thing about this is the "Why Me" part.

Told mum that's life and nothing is fair in life. You can do nothing wrong in your whole life but also got hit by a certain illness or misfortune. There is no explanation for things that are sometimes fated.

The thing about us is we only tend to question " Why Me" in bad times but in good times, we just 

accept the good fortune happily.

Take me for instance. When I first lost XB in 2012. I had thousands of these tots in me. Why is it that some women can have such easy pregnancy and I had to be part of the 15-20% of women who will miscarriage. I was careful all along yet it still happens.

Why is it that I yearn so much to have a child and it took us 3 years to conceive after multiple trips to TCM and hospital for check ups and finally we hit the jackpot one fine day.

But I stopped having these thinking one day when I realised there is no point questioning. There are many more couples who is still trying with no luck or going the even more harder way than us. We are consider lucky that we managed to conceive before doctor took us to a more advance step of medical help.

But when I realised I'm carrying twinnies, I didn't question "Why me". I accepted this blessing from god happily cause I thought god had took pity on me after waiting for 3 years and gave me 2 babies at one shot. I was still very careful in the pregnancy but was over the moon about having twins.

Then the incompetence cervix issue hit us at week 21 check up and the junior doc mentioned I might miscarriage. I was devastated. Well into my 2nd trimester which many told me its a honeymoon trimester and the safest of all, I was hit by this news. I was hysterical in the room. Begging the doctors to do whatever they can to help keep my babies.

The "why me" question hit me again. In the wake of the few days while I bed rest completely in hospital I questioned that why is it that I need faced this all over again. Even more scary is there is not enough studies on successful cases on how twins pregnancy can hold for IC cases. And most around me had not heard about IC till I was diagnosed with it.

Many was curious, sympathetic but some were skeptical about how serious my condition was. I was in a daze not knowing what's next and can only pray for the best. I went ahead with the cerclage surgery though doctors would not commit on the successful rate. The other option is to do nothing and ride it out but I was too chicken not to do anything. I need to do something that might be able to help my babies no matter what.

You know how scared I'm of needles? To go through surgery with half anaesthetic is a breakthrough for me. Never did I know I was this strong mentally till I faced the crossroads and took the chosen path. I took the leap of faith and went ahead with my heart when no one can give me any assurance of the future of us. I stop asking the "Why me" question and focus on being strong enough for my babies.

Even lying in bed all day worrying and feeling upset, I forced myself to eat well for the sake of them. I started to request mummy to cook extra food for me since hospital food sucks and I wanted extra nutrients for my twins. I would shamelessly request for snacks whenever my family is visiting me to make sure I don't go hungry. Even when mil cooked soups for me, I would accept it without 2nd thoughts of troubling her with all the travelling. This was how desperate I am to be strong for my babies. I don't give a damn about any other things and only focus on being well enough for them. 

With this, we pulled through the week and was let home.

Nothing in this world can describe the feelings I have for the past 10wks of hospitalization leave at home trying my best to keep the babies still baking. Every 2 weeks we checked for their well being at the hospital and every follow up is a milestone passed.

I've learnt not to question too much on why I was subjected to this since every pregnancy is different and there are other women suffering in other form of risks. I've learnt to accept help from people be it family or friends who had so kindly offered their hands in times of need. I've learnt to throw every other thoughts out of the window and solely focus on my babies well being as the main priority.

Most importantly, I've learnt not to question why this happen to me and wallow in self pity but to instead count my blessings for everyday past.

This doesn't only apply to my situation. It can apply to any situation should you be able to find light in it no matter how dim the light is.

Cravings of a pregnant woman- 31wks1 day

Happy 2016!!! Though we did nothing to usher the new year haha. Slept through the count down and babies woke up early at 6am to call me up for toilet break. Took 2hrs to go back to sleep since they are very active after my visit to toilet haha.

I certainly look forward to 2016 since twinnies will be arriving in this year. Man how long have we waited. Things are not easy towards the last part of 2015 and I'm glad we tide through it. Hopefully everything will be smooth from now on for this pregnancy.

So there are alot of things that pregnant woman stay off and because of the bed rest order, I'm not able to go out at all to enjoy whatever food I crave for. Mr Love did his best to da bao back but it's just not the same. Furthermore, my mummy watches my intake of food strictly. Mr Love recently cut me some slack since he finds me pitiful haha but still there are certain restrictions.

So here's the list of food I wanna have after giving birth in no order of preference.

1). Japanese food especially sushi.
Been craving for this ever since preggies but its a big no no for pregnant woman. Don't even dare to eat the cook sushi items.

2). Korean BBQ. Its not I cannot eat during pregnancy. Is because I'm not able to go out and eat this now. And dun forget kimchi, sondubu, Ginseng chicken soup, seafood pancake etc. Haha

3). Crabs. Salted egg and chilli flavour. Crabs are deem to be too cooling for pregnant women. So I need stay off this for the entire pregnancy and crab is my favourite seafood.

4). All other food cooked in salted egg. Squid, fried chicken etc. Haha

5). My self cook budaejjigae. Since it contains ham,luncheon meat and Maggie mee, its prohibited in my diet. I crave for the spiciness and instant noodles.

6). Ice cream. Rum & raisin, peppermint flavours.

7). Coke. A can by myself. My mum ration a super small cup for me once it a while but it's not shiok at all.

8). Durains. Some pregnant woman can take it during pregnancy but gynae advised against it in my case. Since I'm carrying twins, it will not be advisable if they are too big sized and it will causes spike in sugar level.

9). Mala hotpot. Not sure why got this craving but anything too spicy now is no no. But I reckon I need wait longer for this if I am breastfeeding the twinnies.

10). The plum and rice wine in my fridge. Haha I'm no drinker but since its sitting in my fridge, I'm very tempted to drink on some days.

Haha I think I just listed down most of the prohibited food for pregnant women. Hehe.

Nevermind, I will tolerate for a 2 months plus and I'll be free to eat whatever I am or so I hoped. Hehe.

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.