Gender Reveal Party for Baby #3!

It took us such a long time to find out the gender of this baby as compared to our first two - but we finally know! 

It was during one of my pre-natal check up at the Klinik Kesihatan and I was telling my doctor that we have no idea yet what it's gender is, so she was like, "Oh, okay - let's find out today!"

She moved the ultrasound wand thing around and immediately saw and confirmed it. To be honest, I already knew (in my heart) that our third baby is a boy. 

Many people asked both Adrian and I which gender we would prefer, and for me, I was okay with either boy or girl because I already got both. Adrian on the other hand wanted another boy - and his only reason was because, "then Sofia gets to be my one and only girl". 

Obviously my heart melted when he said that, and I find myself secretly (unconsciously) hoping that this baby would be a boy too - because that would make my husband really happy. But we also know that if this baby turns out to be a girl, then he would be really happy too because this would mean that he will have 2 girls to love and spoil for the rest of their lives. 

So, during that trip to the clinic, I was on my own because Adrian had to fetch Alex to school and Sofia to grandparents' house - that means only the doctor and myself knew about the gender - and it was in my intention to keep it that way. 

Obviously I had to plan for a small intimate gender reveal party with our closest. We extra like that heh. I also know that I do not have the capacity to keep it a secret for long (I can accidentally blurt out please), so the gender reveal party was planned and executed in less than a week. 

I immediately ordered a giant black balloon (36 inches) with 20 helium-filled mini colored balloons (either blue or pink) inside from One Image Balloon Deco - RM165 (I know - balloons are not cheap heh) but I prefer to pop a balloon then cutting a cake because a cake would be more costly since I want those kind of customized pretty looking cake. So, in a way, cost saving also right to get balloons. Hah. 

The owner of One Image is a friend of Adrian's so I had text the owner and told him not to tell Adrian the gender because now he knows  and he super steady of course. Heh. 

Got party means sure need food, right? 

My mother-in-law cooked lemak laksa (which is the best we have tasted so far!), my mom made her famous Shepherd's Pie and then we got all other side dishes from family and friends. No photos too bad because we so busy talking and bonding. 

It was really just a simple get-together in our humble home on a Saturday evening. Before the sky turned dark, we went to the garden and did the popping. I was nervous (no idea why) but I was super    thrilled to see Adrian's reaction when he pops the balloon. 

It was everything! He went to bed smiling (and snoring 5-seconds after that hah). 

Here's our gender reveal balloon popping moment caught on video - thank you Sharon and all of you for helping us record and take photos of the moment! 

IT'S A BOY!!!!!

Many of you have guessed it right - and many didn't haha.

And thank you for loving us and celebrating with us as we patiently wait to welcome our baby boy to this world in December! We are starting to be a bit scared but in a good way. 

We really need to start assembling the baby cot and do up the breastfeeding corner in our room. We are turbo-ing through it as we need to first move both Alex and Sofia to their own room - which will happen really soon. 

That - I am really scared because I have no idea how it's going to be. Will they transition well? Any tips and tricks are appreciated! 

So yeah, till next update - bye now. 

Raspberry Oatmeal Bar.

Sweet cravings got me into baking my own baked goods these days - because if buy from outside, it's either too sweet, too expensive or cannot find. 

I first had this Raspberry Oatmeal Bar at a friend's house, and their friend from America made this, and the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had to get the recipe from her - and she was so nice to send them to me! 

I modified a bit because I wanted it to be a lot less sweeter. The first time I made it, it was not that bad - just sweet. Then I reduced the sugar, and upped a bit of the rolled oats and now, this is how I like them! 

Do not ask Adrian or Vanessa. They tried it, and hated it - pfft. Also because they are not really a dessert and oats kind of people heh. Boo. 

So yeah, here is the modified recipe. Feel feel to change it to your own liking, if you like them sweeter and all. 

Enjoy baking them because they are so so easy! 

Ingredients: 

170g softened butter 

150g brown sugar

200g flour

150g rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

Raspberry jam (or any other jam you like) - at room temperature so it is easier to spread

Steps: 

1 - Preheat oven at 200 Celcius. 

2 - Mix together softened butter and brown sugar. Mix well. 

3 - Add the rest of the dry ingredients (except jam). Mix well. 

4 - Line 9x13 baking pan with baking paper. 

5 - Spread 2/3 of the mixture onto the pan. Press them flat to cover the bottom of the pan. 

6 - Spread some raspberry jam on top of the mixture and spread them evenly. 

7 - Sprinkle the remaining mixture on top of the jam to cover them. Press the mixture lightly. 

8 - Bake for 20-minutes, at 200 degrees Celsius. 

Till next recipe, bye now.

Nikgold Garden Resort Kundasang, Kinabalu National Park, Sabah.

When we were searching for a place at Kundasang that could house 9-adults, it was a long process - only because we wanted like good view, clean and modern place with a reasonable price tag. 

We could not find one that has all our criteria, but we finally decided to go ahead with Nikgold Garden Resort Kundasang because the bungalow unit has the most amazing view of the Mount Kinabalu - right from the living area and porch/balcony area. That was the deal breaker. 

We took a while to confirm because the house is old, not very well kept and is definitely not modern, not super clean but not dirty as well. But the view so best, so we went for it. 

We only booked the unit for a night because we spontaneous gang like that. Heh. After spending few hours in it, we wanted to extend for another night but it was fully booked so we had to move to another place for our second night at Kundasang. 

The price for the bungalow unit was RM927.29 per night and there were 9 of us in the house - 3 rooms and 2 bathrooms. 

I honestly wouldn't mind staying here again the next time we visit Kundasang, because like I said, the Mount Kinabalu view was crazy spectacular. It was right in front of us. 

If you book other smaller units, you will not get the view.  

Here's a short video clip to show you the entire bungalow. You are welcome :)

Till next travel, bye now. 

6D5N Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

It's been too long since I remembered going on a trip and no need to spend money wan. Hah. So, can you imagine my excitement when I got to go on a work trip to Cambodia with my colleagues? I was excited and slightly nervous - because I didn't want to risk the pregnancy. 

But you know what? 

I was so well taken care of by Pansy and Gladys throughout the entire time - they will not let me carry my luggage and kept asking to carry my backpack. I am so thankful really. 

I packed rather lightly for this trip because well, what else am I going to wear other than maternity dresses? Hah. 

The hardest part leaving for this trip was having to be away from Adrian, Alex and Sofia for so many days. The last time I was away from them for so long was when I had Covid-19 and that was no fun. 

But right, the moment I was at the airport and I was boarding the plane, I was no longer home-sick in that moment. Heh. I have missed what it felt like to be flying again. Hah. Truth be told that I have always wanted to be an air-stewardess growing up so I can fly and travel around the world. But I was too short and I have motion-sickness - so goodbye to that dream job. Heh. 

My home-sickness kicked in again when I checked into the hotel because in my mind, I wanted to enjoy all that with them. 

Anyways, that is one of the hardest parts of being a working-mom and I knew that I had to resist falling into that mom-guilt because it was not going to help me be a better mother. Forever thankful that my family is always at their 100% to look after my kids. Of course not forgetting my better half - holding the fort and taking the role of both mom and dad for a week. They obviously had lots of fun because Adrian is the fun(er) parent. Hah. 

This trip was really meaningful because we got to meet with some of our members for the first time. We are no longer talking with them through phone calls and emails. Now we got to put faces to their names and it was such a needed bonding time with each of them. 

We also got to hear their stories and ministries and their hearts for the people of Cambodia, and boy let me tell you this. I get goosebumps at every meet-up because of their stories and the things that they have accomplished for God. 

I am so thankful that I got to be a part of supporting all that they do by taking care of their insurance needs - be it physical, mental or financial. Thankful that Michael Lyon started Talent Trust 31 years ago to take care of missionaries worldwide. 

We are currently covering 60,000+ missionaries worldwide (in 180+ countries) and getting to meet with just a handful of them was enough. It was really good! 

Anyways, I have been to Phnom Penh once during our backpacking trip in 2015, and I remembered it to be meh and super dusty. This trip proves that it is still dusty and it was not that meh anymore. We stayed at a different area of Phnom Penh so perhaps that was why the last time was more meh that this time. 

Our members brought us to really nice restaurants and we had such a great time feasting and bonding. We didn't explore the city because we didn't want to take any risk of exposing ourselves to Covid-19 so when we are not meeting with our members, we rested in our hotel rooms. 

Overall, it was such a good trip. We really do need more trips to go meet our members when we can, because it makes such huge differences! I love it! 

Here are some photos from the trip, so enjoy :)

Khema Restaurant, Phnom Penh

Pizza 4P's, Phnom Penh

The Shop, Phnom Penh

Till next travel, bye now. 

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

 Who doesn't like to go for hotel staycations? And who doesn't love it when they receive wedding invites - especially the kind where you get to hop on a plane and attend wan? Hah.

I love both! 

I was literally jumping up and down like a kid when I found out that Clement and Yuh Ting's wedding was going to be at Shangri-La hotel in Sabah! Well, I thought it was going to be at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, but it was actually at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru! Still very best please. 

This hotel is like siblings hotel to Rasa Sayang in Penang, and although we aren't a big fan of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Penang, it was still exciting to get to try other Shangri-La hotels. 

We love the facilities and breakfast spread here! Their spread is huge and really, if you try to eat a lil bit of everything in one morning, you actually don't have to eat lunch anymore. JUST SO MUCH FOOD SERIOUSLY. 

Then, their swimming pool - fulamak! Huge and nice and has the best sea view! The compound of the entire resort is just mind-blowing humongous. They have an area for golf and huge garden area! We love hanging out in this resort so much that we didn't leave the place for the whole 3 days we were here! Best. 

We stayed at the Kinabalu Wing Seaview Deluxe Room, and the view from our balcony is just so pretty and crazy beautiful. We got the sea view and garden view! And we got special rates for it because of the wedding - which by the way, is the most beautiful outdoor wedding we have ever attended - hands down!

A short video clip of how the room looks like :) 

Till next staycation, bye now :) 

Sarina Boutique Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

 with Pansy & Gladys
on 24-29 July 2022

When I was told of this work trip by Pansy, I was of course excited because get to sit on an airplane and travel, then reality hits and I was reminded that I am currently carrying a child inside me and there are risks to be considered. 

We (Adrian and I) discussed and since I am on my second trimester during the trip, we agreed that I should go ahead with it. 

And I am so glad we did because it was a wonderful trip - which I will talk more on next separate post. 

We stayed only at one hotel in Phnom Penh because ain't nobody got the time and energy to move hotels. Heh. Gladys found this hotel at the Sen Sok region and we decided to o ahead and book it! 

It was a lot nicer in person than in photos that we see online. I love the exterior and the feel and vibe of this hotel. The rooms are basic, the food is okay-okay (then again, food in Cambodia tends to be a lot sweeter even for savory kind of foods) and the location is perfect (for me). 

I also love the pool because it's surrounded by tall (and short) trees and it has that super cozy vibe, but too bad we didn't swim or dip in there. Heh. 

If I go back to Phnom Penh one day, Sarina Boutique Hotel will definitely be in consideration. I would highly recommend it. 

Till our next travel, bye now. 

We are halfway there!

Wow - I realized that it has been rather quiet over here. Heh. 

These few months has been insane (in a good way of course) and with another human growing inside me, I actually do not have the time, and energy and motivation to sit down in front of the screen to pen down random events and thoughts. 

But today is something - because we are halfway there! 

Little Bean is 20 weeks old, and unlike the last two pregnancies, this one is a bit shy and we are still in the dark of its gender. I get asked a lot (like a lot) on what do I feel it is going to be. 

And I really have no neutral answer to it. I may be biased with what Adrian wants - which is a boy. And his reason is simple and sweet. 

"So that Sofia can be my only daughter - so precious"

Of course with that said, if Little Bean is a girl, Adrian's heart is going to explode because that means he get to love and spoil another baby girl of his. 

I really don't have any preference on the gender of this baby. If it's a girl, then Alex will be our only boy and if it's a boy, Sofia will be our only girl. It's a win-win for any gender really. 

Our primary goal is for Little Bean to grow well and grow completely inside me and for smooth, quick and easy natural birth - with zero complications including jaundice. Alex and Sofia never had jaundice when they were born and the common food factor is really the same craving for nasi lemak and all things curry. Hah. 

I can go eat banana leaf rice all day err day if I could - but Adrian would puke at the thought of it. 

With 20 more weeks to go, we are glad that the nausea is gone and I have managed to somehow learn to live with the constant tiredness. I am also stating to feel some aches on my back and some occasional pain on my left knee. I think it was from a previous injury which I don't remember how or what happened also. 

I am double dosing on my Isotonix Calcium intake (morning and night), my Isotonix Vitamin C and Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 (to make sure my calcium absorption is maximized). Of course I take my Isotonix Digestive everyday. I don't want acid reflux or constipation to come visit so precaution is better than cure. Heh. 

My clothes choices are very limited now because my previous tops and shorts are all kept in the box and I shall see them next year. I was very tempted to get more maternity dresses on Shein, but proud of myself for not succumbing to the temptations. 

I shall be a good girl, and just endure wearing the same clothes for the next 20 weeks.

I do need breastfeeding-friendly clothes for the post-birth but we shall get there when we are near there la. But if you have some and you don't plan to wear it anymore, feel free to message me haha. #shameless

One more thing that I noticed was different from other pregnancies was the fact that I drink a lot of water now. My lips would get dried up quickly and I will usually just drink iced water. yes, iced water. Don't be shocked please. I cannot drink warm water wan sorry okay. Only iced water my whole life. Hah. That also means I go to the toilet really often. 

Okay, funny (embarrassing) story time. 

There was once when we were out and my bladder was quite full and Little Bean was probably also leaning on it and there were no toilets nearby. I know with full confidence that I could hold them in because it didn't feel that full, and I didn't have that urgency. 

Then came a sneeze - out of nowhere! 

Next thing I know, a gush of pee came down my legs to my ankles. In that second, I thought my water broke. The very next second, I realized that it was actually pee. Like the kind where it is not supposed to even exit my hooha and down my legs. 

I quickly grab a wet tissue and confidently wiped them away. I was among people so I pretended nothing happened and went into Adrian's car like that. HAHAHA. I of course felt disgusted the whole time but what else can I do! 

I only confessed to Adrian after we got home and after I showered. 

So yeah, the sneezing and peeing at the same time has started. That incident taught me to go to toilet often and not try be a hero and tahan it in. It is not going to work. Hah. 

Lesson well learnt on this one for sure. 

So, other than all that, we are doing great. We are currently consulting Dr See at Gleneagles Hospital and we also go for check-ups at my favorite Klinik Kesihatan Ibu & Anak. I have not decided if this time we would go to GH for the delivery or Gleneagles but it is nice to know that we've got choices so we shall see. 

I am also 90% sure that I will not be taking epidural this time because the pain will help me to push (like in Sofia's case) but there is a 10% so we really shall see. 

Happy 20 weeks old, Little Bean and mamy! We got this! 

Till next time, bye now.