I found out I was pregnant when I was in my tenth week. I could not believe it at first but then we were prepared and anticipating for it to happen. I did my first check-up (just to confirm on the pregnancy) in one of the GP in town. The next question was, should I go to Government or Private Clinic for my antenatal check-ups? Before I went to any of the clinics, I literally thought that Government clinic will give you the lowest service (as low as the cost). Little did I know, I was wrong. There were of course the pros and cons of going to either clinics. In the end, I decided to go for both antenatal check-ups. Not quite sure whether it's true or not but according to some mothers it's better to register for both. If you opt for private hospital and suddenly you face birth complication/emergency *touch wood*, you will need to be transferred to a government hospital with more specialist expertise. It was said that if such case happen, government hospital will only receive you if you have your antenatal book. 

Throughout my 39 weeks of pregnancy and the uncountable visits to both government and private clinics, I can conclude on the following:

Government clinic:

Service: 2/5

Gahhhhhhh! It took me forever to do my first registration at the clinic. I went there at 9:00 am only to be told to do another urine check just to confirm on my pregnancy (I did brought the test result from the previous GP though). Imagine the long queue I had to endure at the lab only to finish by noon! The nurse then asked me to come back after 2:00 pm and to bring together a copy of our marriage cert., IC copies & passport pictures (husband and wife). The rule of thumb is, always come early. I was lucky I live just 1 km from the clinic. Make sure you're in front of the clinic even before it is open. Put your book on the registration counter and you can proceed to the lab (don't forget your blood and urine test form). Put the form on the counter and wait until your name being called (please make sure the timeline is between 7:30-7:45) for the test. After the test go back to the clinic to get your appointment number. Once you received it go back to the lab to get your test result and proceed to your appointment room and wait until your number being call. Phew! The fastest time I did was arrived by 7:15 and finished by 9:00. Imagine the look on my face. Pure happiness!

I didn't encounter any problems with the nurses though. I do noticed some of the nurses like to bully young mothers though. When I said bully it was more in terms of questioning why they didn't come for appointments, why they were late, why they did not follow their advises. The thing is, these mothers did not answer the questions and the nurses keep on "harassing" them. It was kind of annoying, I mean how some of the nurses treat these young mothers. But I think as long as you keep them informed all will be okay. I guess. 

Consultation: 5/5

I love how the nurses did their consultation. They asked a list of thorough questions and we have our own personal antenatal book. The book keep me updated and well informed on some of the things that I have to focus more to achieve a healthy pregnancy. I feel comfortable asking a lot of questions as a first time mother. I was given Room no. 7 and all the nurses were great! You will only get to see the doctor once in a while or when you have some complication. In my case I had a low Hb. So in I go to see the Doctor. The Doctor was nice and all, advises me to eat more green leafy vegetables and other food that can increase my Hb. 

Facilities: 3.5/5

Okay, the Doctor did the ultrasound but I can't seem to see anything on the screen. Lab result (for blood and urine test) came out fast. Only if you came as early as 7:00 am. Sharp. Once you know the drill it's going to be smooth and easy. You can finish everything as early as 9:00 am. Trust me. 

Private clinic:

Service: 5/5

What can I say, it was smooth as a baby's skin. No hassle no queuing up. You just have to call to make your appointment and before you know it, you're sitting there in front of the doctor. Nurses were so courteous. 

Consultation: 2/5

The reason why I choose my OB-GYN was because he received all my 3 nephews and basically recommended by my brother. He is a Doctor with few words *sigh*. He has a very beautiful smile though. But overall he's the best (insert a big smiley face).

I don't remember having any antenatal book, but I think the clinic did keep my detail pregnancy history 

Facilities: 5/5
A very comfortable waiting and registration area. You feel like sleeping while waiting. It's near to City Mall some more (I mean the clinic). Just beside the clinic you can find a maternity shop selling almost everything that you need for pre and post pregnancy.

Conclusion:

By the way I went to Dr. Sarva of KK Specialist (Private) and Penampang Policlinic (Government) for my antenatal check-ups. I would really recommend you to register to both private and government clinic. But then again, please consider your time whether you can accommodate to more appointments (with the later being more hassle and time consuming). In the end after much consideration, I decided to give birth in the private hospital. My main reason was, less hassle in terms of checking in, comfortable room (I opt for single occupancy), more privacy, within our budget and I had the utmost trust to my OB-GYN (well he did received 3 of my nephews!). 

It's been 4 years since my wedding day. To be honest, my wedding was simple and nothing over the top. Did our vows and later continued with the reception. Nothing hoo haa! But I hope everyone had fun on that day. My main concern was just to make everything runs smoothly. What I'm about to write is not about the wedding but one particular lady, who I think by now inspired so many people with her works and wits. She is none other than Cabrine Solibun. Yes, the kudou queen, the kudou expert you name it. 

When I first chose her as my Wedding MUA it was simply because she lives just in front of my house (300 meter from my house to be exact!). I didn't want to go through the hassle of having to choose and check all the other MUAs. Little did I know, it was my best decision ever. We contacted through Facebook and later confirmed my date through emails. She asked me to send her my vision of my wedding make-up and I sent her a TAYLOR SWIFT picture.... I honestly think I wanted her to make me look more like Taylor Swift instead of focusing on the make-up (yes, guilty as charged!).

We met for the first time during the wedding make-up trial. She was home based at that time. She was warm and welcoming. Petite and very pretty to be honest. It was really easy to talk to her. It seems like I've known her all my life (5 points for first impression! I do hope the feeling was mutual though eeeek!). She did my make-up and hair and we chatted about a lot of things. Mostly on my wedding preparation, families and she shared so many tips on skin care routines. I remembered in details how she told me that it irks her to see bushy, untamed eyebrows. She took a lot of time on that particular area. She wanted it to be PERFECT...in a good way though. Heheheh she might have a mild OCD (main-main saja okay). 

I couldn't recall why (or maybe it was the hair), she did the trial twice (on a different day). She wasn't quite feeling it, I mean the make-up. I on the other hand was "What ever Cabrine, you better make sure I look beautiful and ethereal on that day" heheh.. But to be honest, I love love love the make-up and the way I look. I purposely in detail told her to make me look like MYSELF, even under those thick powder and concealer. My main point was, I didn't want the Mister to be in shocked to find out how I looked like after a wild night all the make-ups gone. 

Picture courtesy of Cabrine Solibun Art

On the morning of my wedding day, Cabrine and 2 of her assistants (they did the make-up for my bridesmaids, mom and some friends) came super early, I think it was 4:00 am?? They finished everyone's make-up including myself by 8:00 am. Love the way she handled everything. I was nervous as hell on that day and thank God for the trials! I looked just the way I wanted (and no, I don't want to hear what you think though). Thank you so much Cabrine for making one of my wedding wishes come true! I really do think that a good Wedding MUA knows how to bring out the bride's best features. Most importantly you feel good with it. A good MUA will always ask what YOU want. What is your vision on your wedding day? They don't do things the way they like it, but try to do what they do best according to your VISION. 

Picture courtesy of Cabrine Solibun Art Official Facebook

Congrats on the newest achievement Cab! Now, do my KUDOU please??? 

*Unpaid post*

Some say it's Heaven.... 

So does it live up to my expectation?

Let's see....

Having a long distance relationship is HARD. We don't get to spend our time together as much as other family does. So one fine day, I and the Mister decided to go for a short vacay (of course with the kid too!). So, I asked the Mister where should we go? He said anywhere is okay (yes, men are just too lazy to think!). I checked booking.com and saw Nexus Karambunai was on a discounted price (for 3 days 2 nights I get a price of RM700+ excluding tax). Hey that's cheap enough compared to normal price! *Click*Click*Booked!* 

Wasn't sure what to expect and things we can do there, decided to visit their website (you can check it here). I was surprised to see there were having room promotion for Malaysian Citizens only. Way cheaper than the one I booked through booking.com! Decided to cancelled the previous one and made a new booking through Nexus Reservation Department. With a minimum of 3 days 2 nights I got a price of RM198NETT/night, room type Panorama Deluxe (including breakfast for the 3 us. YEAY!

Since we had a bad experience the last time we stayed at Nexus, the Mister wasn't so sure if we made the right choice. We arrived around 7:30 pm and we didn't get to check-in directly as they were having power failure. Emmmm okay. But we did received warm welcome with warm face towels hahhaha! 30 mins later, checked-in! Since it was late and we have yet to have our dinner we opt for a room service. The food was excellent! Love love love the ceasar salad!

The next morning, we had our buffet breakfast at the Penyu Restaurant. There was a variety of food from western to local, but for me it was quite bland but okay though. The first thing I noticed was, most guests were either from China, Korea or Japan and some locals. Can't really find Western/European guest. I was expecting for a quiet time during breakfast and I didn't get that I supposed.. We spend our morning at the swimming pool and had a walk around Nexus. Beach was so clean! At around 11:00 am we went to Nexie Club. We were entertained by Ms. Emilika. She did a great job of hand painting with my daughter (I think I paid RM10/activity). 

We had our lunch outside of Nexus. Back to our room and dozed off until 4:00 pm. Woke up and went to the beach to have a dip. Love the view there were so many people spending time with their loved ones. Again for dinner we ordered for room service. At around 8:00 pm I got my me-time. Went to the spa and opt for their promo which was also for locals. RM88NETT which includes complimentary ginger tea, 1 hour full body massage, free usage of any spa facilities (Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath facilities, etc). Open from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (need reservation). Opted for a mild massage. I had the most peaceful sleep that night. 

The next morning, we had our breakfast at the Kingfisher Restaurant. Most of the food were locals. It was okay for me. Spend the extra hours at the pool before we checked-out around 9:00 am.  

Overall? A 3.5 out of 5 star. Will be back for another stay. 

*Tips: If you decide to stay at Nexus always check their website and official facebook page. They have monthly promos especially for local, ranging from room, spa and dining promos.  

*Tips to choose hotel/accommodation:

1. Decide where you would like to go (district/area/place). 

2. Find hotel and accommodation in the area (you can try tripadvisor.com)

3. What kind of activities do they have (depends on your preference too)?

4. Read reviews and pictures from previous guests.

5. Compare price through the travel search engine (such as booking.com, expedia.com, agoda.com) . 

6. ALWAYS check the official website of the hotel. They may have room/other promotion with cheaper and affordable prices. 

7. DECIDE. 

Till the next post,

xoxo

This will be my second book review after ehemm The Fifty Shades of Grey. Currently I'm reading The Long Road Home written none other than New York Time Bestseller Ms. Danielle Steele. I first read this when I was 15 years old (back in 1999). Found the book and borrowed it from the State Library (yes the one next to the State Court, the building has since closed). The following is the paperback version of the book:

I give the book a 5 out 5. I just love how Ms. Steel managed to write in details and vividly particularly on the abusive scene. When I was 15 I can read and consume all the details, now that I am a mother, I couldn't actually read throughout the page where Gabriella was abused by her maternal mother. I was cursing all the way. I hated, despised Eloise the mother who was supposed to protect and love her. Eloise character made a very big impact to me as a mother. The thought of having to hate, hit and blame your daughter for the failed marriage baffles me. The father did less to help Gabriella overcome her mother's monstrous actions. While reading, I kept imagining if I was there, in the scene somewhere trying to protect Gabriella. 

I honestly think I can relate to the story particularly when Gabriella reached adulthood. When she was in the convent, she was made to think it was her destiny to be a nun. Because she felt comfortable and safe in there. She didn't receive the love and care that she was supposed to get from her parents. In her most fragile state, she fell in love with a father, pregnant, the father committed suicide, had a miscarriage and left alone to face the burden of the consequences. 

When we are at our most comfortable and safe place we tend not to go out and take any risks. Most of us would think that its the best choice. Trust me, it's not. It is the most fragile moment of all. We didn't get to teach ourselves about life about taking risk about how to handle situation. Hence, we fell into temptation and made bad choices in life. Go out, take risks don't be afraid of taking chances. These things in life will make you stronger. Sometimes it took us a while to really move on and rise again but we will eventually if we persevere just like Gabriella. 

Till the next post,

xoxo

..And so I left my blog unattended for 2 years.. wasn't sure why but I guess motherhood took over. I didn't have the time to write plus the motivation to be in front of the computer just fizzled out. But here I am today re-reading what I wrote almost 2 years ago and decided to write again. I guess I needed some place to share all my thoughts and things I've been doing (guess I need to promote my blog more, traffic seems a bit slow). It's kind of therapeutic..I think for me..

So, 2 years past and my daughter is 3 years old now. Been married for 4 years. We've been trying for another one but I think the big E is saying not now. But my biological clock is ticking too fast. If possible I would like to shut down the factory once I reached the number 35. Initially, I wanted more kids (if financially permits) but I think I would settled with another 1 or 2 more (3 is the maximum for me). God, it was so easy the last time I got pregnant. Not sure why it seems so hard nowadays. Blame it to the long distance relationship I guess. My husband is still working in a different district and takes around 11 hours by car. He's only around twice in a month. Hahahah okay maybe I need to stop playing the blaming game and focused on my own body. 

My main concern is, I might forget all the 'things' once you become a mother to a newborn. Oh you know i.e how to hold a newborn baby, how to breastfeed, latch, etc. But I guess it'll come naturally once you become a mother.. I hope! Even now I don't have the guts to hold a newborn. My daughter is also pestering me around and she get to DECIDE the gender. She wants a baby brother (if only its that easy my dear). The other day my tummy was bloated (blame the period) and she said to me "Mommy, your tummy is so big. Is my baby brother inside?" *sigh* 

Not to mention that obligatory conversation you get when you meet your relatives "When is the second one coming?" (errrr...tomorrow) and another one "I think it's the write time for you to have another one" (and who are you to decide?) and wait for it the mother of all "Senang sj ba tu, hari-hari buat".... (okay I honestly made that up). But the truth is, it ain't easy...it ain't easy to get pregnant and it ain't easy to raise one (you got to prepare mentally, physically and most importantly financially). I was on protection up until my daughter was 1.5 years old. We promised ourselves not to get pregnant up until our daughter reached at least 2 years old. And now when we're ready it just seem not going to happen any time soon. But apparently I'm being positive. Who knows I might be saying I'm ready, But God might not be on the same page as me. So for the time being all I can say is, wait and see (and pray!). 

Till the next post!
xoxo

LET'S DO THIS! CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Yes. There're so many things I should be thankful for.