Saturday, February 1, 2014

Great while it lasted.

I had loads of fun blogging here.

But our time with Blogger is up and we have moved.

Find us at www.almostperfectmum.wordpress.com

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

School VS Home

Recently, Singaporean families who send their little ones to childcare centres were shaken by a teacher who (allegedly) abusing 1 of the students.

But then again, there's always 2 sides to a coin.

For a while, I was tempted to have Mak care for Fayrah while I'm at work - at least she will be with someone I trust.

Crazy thoughts kept going through my mind and I began to imagine ridiculous things that might have taken place.

It was pretty stressful for a good 2 days - before DaHubster finally made me realise that I was simply over-reacting.

(Hate to admit it but)He was right.

When we first registered Fayrah at the childcare centre, I was so protective of her - that if I was her infant teacher, I would have probably given myself a slap. Heh..

It didn't help too that she cried for about a week and a half.

Though the separation anxiety was expected, I was still so protective.

But 1 year on, I am finally "letting go".

I am finally seeing how much my darling daughter loves school.

She loves her friends and most importantly, her teachers.

DaHubster and I constantly ask her about her teachers.

Some call it spying - we call it getting to know your children.

And the amazing thing about children is that - they are blardy HONEST!

If they don't like you, they are not going to hide it - they will tell you as it is.

That's the beauty of their innocence.

The progress Fayrah has made from her first day at infant care till today is simply amazing.

Though she still doesn't warm up to people immediately but that's just her personality.

I have finally come to terms that it has nothing to do with her confidence.

The experience she goes through everyday in school is something that I can't give her.

Yes, there can be playdates but how often can she go for them?

Everyday?

Every other day?

Her ability to listen to and follow instructions (most of the time, at least) is 1 of the many experiences she will never get if she is being cared by me or her grandparents.

I hate it when others "sympathise" at how my daughter has to be put in childcare at such a young age.

For a little while, I actually agreed with them but now...I simply sympathise them.

Friends who decide to stay home to care fore their children question as to how I can allow "a stranger" to look after Fayrah.

For a little while, I questioned myself too but now...I simply answer "Why not?"

Despite being in a childcare centre, we have never felt like we neglected our first born nor does Fayrah acts as if she feels unloved.

We spend weekends and holidays together and tell her we love her EVERYDAY and EVERY NIGHT.

So for those who sympathise with children that go to childcare while their parents work, I say "Don't waste your time."

I pray for her safety everyday and truth be told, for how long can we protect our children by keeping them in this safe bubble that we create?

Some friends say that they will only register their children school once the child turns 3 years old because at least, at that age, they can speak if something is bothering them.

Can they?

Will they?

What guarantee is there that the child will have the confidence to speak his/her mind at 3, 4 or even 5 years old?

Our goal in sending Fayrah to school is to build her confidence because DaHubster and I know that we can't protect her ALL THE TIME.

But if she knows in her heart that she has the power to control her destiny, her life, her future, then she can accomplish anything.

No human can take that POWER away from her.

Such great things for a young heart to learn but I pray that she be granted that confidence and faith in The Almighty and herself so she knows she can do anything she sets her mind to.

Ibu and Ayah love you, Fayrah.

So does Adik.

Oh yes, God willing, Fayrah will be having a sibling...soon.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Hair For Hope 2013 - Children's Cancer Foundation


I truly applaud the men, women and even children who have pledged to shave their heads - all in the name of children's cancer.

Amaze-balls!

Why are the people in the video shaving their heads, you may ask?

Let me fill you in.

(Ahem, ahem)

Hair for Hope is an awesome fundraising event that serves to raise funds and creates awareness about children's cancer.

Hair for Hope 2013 is organised by Children's Cancer Foundation.

The event which will take place on 27th July 2013, (Saturday, 11am - 7Pm) and 28th July 2013 (Sunday, 11am - 6pm) will be held at VivoCity Central Court.

2013 will mark its 11th year running the event!

Can you imagine how many individuals have pledged to shave their heads?

Awesome!

If going bald is rather scary for you (as is for me) but you would still like to contribute, YOU CAN!

My brother-in-law is volunteering to shave his head in support of this event!

He will have his head shaven on the 27th July 2013 around 3-4pm at VivoCity Central Court (If you see me there, please say HI).

In sha ALLAH.

Please do extend your support by making your donations here.

The best part is, you can donate any amount!

$5, $10, $10 - any amount is appreciated.

So please help us help children with cancer.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Exercise After Baby (Part 3)

Continued from...
1) Exercise after Baby (Part 1)
2) Exercise After Baby (Part 2): How soon can moms start to exercise and Benefits of Postnatal Exercise 

Photo taken from Saida Online

- Doctor's Clearance
Before starting on any exercise programs, it always advisable to get the go-ahead from your doctor. He/She is the best person to determine how well you're healing.

- Make precise intentions
Different women exercise for various reason. Whatever it may be, make it as precise as you possibly can. Instead of saying, "I want to start exercise", say "I will exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes each day". 

- D.I.F.Y - Do It For Yourself
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a great step to good health. But when it is made with the wrong intentions, it will simply backfire. During my teen years (which was yonks ago), I remember wanting to lose weight before any school reunions or ex-classmates gatherings. Rather than losing the kilos, I doubled (sometimes tripled) the weight. So instead of getting compliments, I ended up feeling more horrible than before from being the laughing stock.

- Set realistic goals
There is a fine line between being ambitious to being unrealistic. Mommies starting exercise after childbirth should take baby steps - especially if you were not active during pregnancy. Expecting your postpartum body to be able to run for 30 minutes is being unrealistic. Besides lack of sleep, diaper changing, nurisng does little to your pre-pregnancy get-up-and-go lifestyle. Once you've got the green light from the doctor, start small with low impact exercises such as walking or yoga. A 10-minute walk around the block every days will suffice for the first few week or so. Gradually increase the length and intensity of your workout as your stamina increases

- Mix it Up
If you're anything like me, you will get bored easily and when working out is no longer fun, motivation is lost as well. Mixing up your workout will eliminate boredom. Add various activities or change the order of your workout.

- Do NOT think like a celeb
It is easy to feel ashamed when we switch on the TV and see celebrities losing their weight - quickly. No one (probably just yourself) expects you to lose the weight immediately, some would even encourage you to take things slow. Most celebs have full-time nannies and housekeepers working 24/7 so they have the time in the world to workout. So just be yourself and take things one step at a time.

- Listen to Your Body
If you were active during pregnancy, getting back into shape will be easier. But if you didn't work out for whatever reason, you need to accept that your stamina will be very limited during first few weeks (or months) after childbirth. Hence, take it slow and listen to what your body is telling you. Being persistent and committed to workout plan will eventually increase your stamina.