Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD)

These two weeks have been pretty tough for me and the girls. One of the babies I babysat was down with HFM and he passed the virus to my kids. The thing is, you can't really avoid it because usually the virus spreads even before the symptoms show up. So in this case, baby B got it during Raya break and the parent wasn't aware of it. And when he came and we noticed the rashes, it was already too late cos the kids had been playing together the whole morning. So the kids got quarantined from that day onwards until the day they have fully recovered.

What are the symptoms?
- It might or might not start with fever.
- You might notice rashes on the knee (or the back of the knee), elbow, palms, nappy area and around & inside the mouth.
- They lose appetite to drink and eat.

So how did it all start?
Caedy (my 2yo) played with B on Wed & Thurs. We realized that B was infected on Thurs itself. Caedy got the symptoms on Sunday night (that means incubation period was 3-4 days). She managed to eat a little on Sunday, but from Monday to Wednesday, oh boy, it was like hell broke loose. She was crying, screaming, kicking, throwing tantrum, you name it.

Keira, my elder daughter who is 6yo, got it on Friday night (I suppose she got it from the sister, so incubation period was probably around 5 days). I thought she should be easier to handle since she can communicate well. But I was totally wrong! She was whining and crying all the times too. I mean with all those ulcers in the mouth, I would have cried more hysterically! Anyway I thank God there were no blisters on her hands and feet.

What to do when your kids get infected?
First of all, a pain-killer is a MUST (well, at least for me). I dare not let them eat Nurofen kinda pain-killer though. Too many kids got allergic reaction. This is one of the most recent cases: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/doctors-told-give-sick-tot-4030335.
So I gave them Paracetamol for children. If they have fever, you can give up to every 4 hours. If it serves as a painkiller, give every 6 hours.

Start from Day 2 after symptoms appeared, Paracetamol alone wasn't enough. So the pharmacist prescribed Cataflam and Oral Aid. It helped to numb the pain so that they could at least drink.

They survived 2 days with almost no food, only Yogurt, Vitagen, chilled juice and Acerola Cherry which is very high in vit C (or you can also give ice cream / ice popsicles). I also gave Keira extra virgin coconut oil to boost her immune system.

Both started eating again on Day 4 and Caedy started drinking her milk again on Day 7 even though she preferred not to drink (but at least she wasn't so scared of the bottle anymore).

What else can I do, the kids are so miserable?
Well honestly, they won't want you to do anything. I offered them drinks hourly (and usually they just got upset when I did that), and just let them be. Just be sure you are always there when they need you. For my 2yo, she wanted to be carried most of the times, so that was what I did the whole day. Whereas my 6yo just wanted to watch TV and do her own stuff.

When you think you cannot take it anymore?
Give yourself 3 days or probably 5 days max. They are going to be alright. It's heartbreaking that they have to go through it. I know how it feels to see your kids hungry but can't eat, tired but can't sleep, but they will be fine soon. When the kids chase you away, don't take it personally. My 2yo screamed and said "Mommy GO!" but I knew she was just saying "Please don't make me drink anything."

What other things should I take note?
Quarantine your kid(s) for at least a week or until the rashes or ulcers disappear. Notify the daycare / preschool / kindergarten / school about it because their stools still carry the virus for a month and they are still highly contagious. Increase their vitamin and probiotic intake for another week. Do expect a little bit of fever (not more than 3 days) or diarrhea or vomiting upon recovery.

Well, this is definitely the part-and-parcel of parenthood. We just got to do what we've got to do. After all, we are the moms (or dads), we are supposed to be stronger than them. So be strong. You can do it and everything is gonna be fine.

New Necessities

During this water rationing period, I realize these have become the necessities in the house. In case you don't know, I have 6 children and 2 adults to look after, so no water can be quite disastrous.
But thank God it's still manageable so far. Phew!

1. Large packs of Spritzer (5 packs to be exact)
I refill them with espring water (Amway water filter) every time the water supply is back. 5 packs of 9L water is usually enough for 2 days.

2. Baby wipes
I know I know.. we need to go green. But please just excuse me for this season. I need to stay sane. It's to wipe the kids, to wipe the spill, to wipe my hands after every diaper change, to remove make-up ... well basically everything.



3. Buds' Nappy Time Rinse Free Cleanser
Usually I rinse the kids' bumbum instead of just using the wipes, but since there's no water supply, this nappy cleanser comes in handy. *wink*

4. Disposable foam food containers and disposable spoons
I only use these for my family though. I'm still using proper bowls and spoons to feed the children I'm babysitting. Well, at least I reduce the need to wash those plates and spoons.

5. Glass containers

So I bought these glass containers to store our lunch and dinner. Basically I cook a big pot of dish that can last for 3 days ... Therefore 3 containers. Usually 1 will go to the fridge (to be consumed the next day) and 2 containers go into the freezer. So yeah quite pity the kids actually, they have to eat the same dish for 3 days in a row. Oh well, probably it can be a good time to teach them to be thankful for whatever food we have :D




6. Pails of Water (Duh??!)
I have 5 pails of water downstairs, and 2 big ones upstairs... Yeap usually enough for 1 day. And another day using water from the "tangki".









Oh!! now that it's raining outside, probably I should store some rain water for toilet use eh???

BYE!

WORRY NOT

OK at first, I thought I am probably not the right person to post anything to ask people not to worry cos usually I am the first one to get frantic and paranoid especially when it is in regards to my loved ones. Then, there's this voice that whispered to me (of cos it wasn't an audible whisper, else I'D HAVE TOTALLY FREAKED OUT) that says someone can't write anything about worry unless he/she has experienced and overcome it. Well, I won't say I have totally overcome my tendency to worry but I have improved (a little bit). 

Many times, things are just out of our control. I know many parents are worried about the haze that has been around for like ages, the crazy hot weather that causes water disruptions, the annoying blood suckers aka Mrs. Aedes Aegypti, the ever increasing illnesses and diseases, stories about maids abusing babies, not to mention the rising cost of living and the list goes on. Recently, all 3 children that I'm babysitting are not well. Some has been having prolonged cough and runny nose for weeks, some has viral fever and is on antibiotic. It's not easy for the parents, and for me. 

But then, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" (Matt 6:27).

Choosing not to worry doesn't mean being ignorant. I am taking precautions and doing my best to protect the children and my family. I make sure the kids stay indoor as much as possible, I spray the mosquitoes repellent in the rooms an hour before the kids' bedtime and then ventilate it before they go in to sleep, I wash their hands & wipe their faces frequently, I increase their probiotic intake to make sure their bodies have strong immune system to fight in this season etc. 

That's pretty much what I can do for them. Other than that, I'm just trusting God that He is in control. I have done my part and I let Him do the rest. This season, too, shall pass.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long.  Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever.  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 

So don't worry.

YOU CAN PREPARE HOMEMADE BABY FOOD!

I can't believe my last post was 6 months ago! How time flies.

Anyway, since Caedy was 6mo, I have started her on solid food. And from these 7months experience, I learned a lot. Some of you might think it's so troublesome to prepare baby food, so much work, so many things to wash and clean after that, bla bla bla... Before you decide to stock up your cabinet with those sugar-loaded cereals, think again. Why do you think it's hard? Is it because you didn't plan properly? Or is it because you don't have any clue how to go about it?

I gotta tell you, preparing baby food is so simple and compare to other cereals, it costs so much lesser. Here's some tips to help you start out:

1. Plan ahead
Yes, take out your organizer, or use your smartphone, or just pull out a sheet of paper. Plan out what you wanna cook for your baby this week. Start with a weekly menu sheet. (Therefore, you only need to do groceries shopping once a week). You don't have to serve different food everyday. (You'll get what I mean as you continue reading.)

2. Invest in the right kitchen equipments
Of course, not everyone can afford to buy everything, but if you can invest in one or two of these items, you'll save lots of time and energy. I used to think the conventional ways are the best, but boy was I wrong? I used to steam food (veges, chicken, fish, etc) using this:

I guess it works for some people... But well, it's definitely not the best way if you are a busy mom or if you have to cook few other dishes at the same time.

So I invested in this:

It's one of the best things I have in my kitchen:
(i) I can cook few dishes together.
If I'm preparing food for kids only, I cook them altogether, 1st tier (from the bottom) - steam veges, 2nd tier - steam egg, the 3rd tier - steam meat.
(ii) Sometimes I even use the lowest tier to steam Caedy's bottles.
(iii) You don't have to watch the time. Just set the timer, make sure the water is enough. Voilà!

Other kitchen equipment that you'll find useful:
- Blender (hand blender is good too)
- Slow cooker
- Multi function Rice Cooker (you can cook rice, soup, porridge, casserole, or even for steaming). Some rice cooker allows you to set the time you want the food to be ready. How smart!
- Microwave (to defrost and heat up the food)
- Oven (for baking)

3. Get some knowledge
Old folks will tell you that it's bad if you don't feed your baby fresh food.. Well, errr... hmm... it really depends on how you store the food. My simple guideline: cook the food thoroughly, cool it, keep it in clean air-tight containers, store in the refrigerator (max 3 days) or in the freezer (up to one week). Storing in an air-tight container & keeping it in the fridge/ freezer will prevent oxidation and therefore preserve the nutrients. So if you can't cook everyday, cook in batch! It's definitely better than giving your baby other food from the shelves.

-----
So today, this is what I prepare:

Purees:
1. Steamed green and yellow zucchinis for 10mins with the steamer.
2. Cool them quickly
3. Blend them together
4. Divide into 5 portions and keep in air-tight containers
5. Keep 3 in the refrigerator and another 2 in the freezer (I usually put the batches purees in one big air tight container in the freezer together with my expressed breastmilk, but since I'm not pumping anymore, I find that container too big. So temporarily, I use a ziplock bag, to double make sure the food remains fresh).

Porridge:
1. Cook brown rice & millet in a slow cooker
2. Cool it down
3. Divide into 3 portions & put in air tight containers
4. Keep them in the fridge
OK I seldom freeze porridge, cos it's too easy to cook, I can just dump all the ingredients (usually multi grains & meat) into the slow cooker before leaving to work, and come home with nice smooth hot porridge.

I heat up the purees, then mix it with the porridge before serving. So I can prepare 2-3 different purees on the same day and I can alternate them throughout the week (if it's the 1st time you're feeding your baby that particular food, make sure you feed the same food for 3-4 days consecutively, to identify allergies if there's any).

So this is Caedy's dinner for the next 4 days! Easy!
So mommy, don't keep telling yourself you can't do it, because you can...

Go ahead and try... Take out your organizer and start planning today! :)
(Note: http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/ is a very good website about baby food).

Introducing Solid Food

Caedy is now 7 mo +. I enjoy preparing solid food for her. One of the main reasons is Baby Bullet set. It's this cute blender set that comes with date-dial cups to store the food, blend blade, milling blade, and easy pop batch tray to make food cubes. 

So far I've tried apple puree, pear puree, carrot puree, avocado puree, sweet potato puree and homemade pearled barley cereal... Except apple & avocado (which will turn brown if you keep in the fridge), I usually prepare 3 days food and store the food into the cute little cups. The good thing about these cups is it has date-dial system, just twist the date dial to the preparation date and store in the fridge. Easy peasy lemon squeezy... No more "oh man.. when did I prepare the food again?" U know... post-pregnancy brain.

For apple, pear, carrot and sweet potato puree, what I did was: steam the fruit / vege until it's soft, usually it takes about 20-30mins, cool them, and then blend it using baby bullet blender. And voila... you've got your healthy puree!

As for avocado, when it's ripe, scoop the meat out with spoon, add a little bit of water and blend into smooth texture. Mix with breastmilk. And... it's done. Yum yummm and healthy!

Whereas for barley, cook the barley until it's soft, then cool it and put inside the blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use the miller to make the barley into powder. then simmer in boiling water...

I'll start cooking porridge when Caedy is 9months.

I think all mommies are very excited when their baby is almost 6mo. For more info about baby's first food, do refer to http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/. One of the best websites that gives info about baby's food.

I usually fed Caedy solid 30-60mins after she drank her milk. i started with only 2-3 teaspoons of solid once a day, then slowly add another meal then slowly add the portion. Now she's eating about 2-3 tablespoons twice a day. And yeap she's growing healthy and happy!

 7mo & she has started pulling herself up! I'm definitely happy with her developmental milestones! Yippie!

No Wheezing - Breastfeeding

Caedy is now 5 mo 2 wks. She could hardly sleep for the last 2 nights, her nose was blocked, her cough was phlegmy ... Doc checked her, he said other than lotsa mucus in the nose, there is no problem at all. Her lung is strong and clear. 

I still remember Keira's lung constantly had wheezing sound since she was a little infant, she outgrew it when she was almost 3yo. Now I'm even more convinced that breastfeeding really benefits Caedy. If I could turn back time, I'd breastfeed Keira no matter how hard it was. Well, if only.

I have to say the first 2 years of raising Keira wasn't easy at all, we brought her to doctor very frequently. Even until now, her immune system is still quite weak. I know breastfeeding can be quite tough, but it's tougher to see our baby is weak & easily fall sick.

Keira when she was 2yo+

 Feb 2011, suspected pneumonia. lotsa wheezing sound in her lung.

Let me say again, the key to successful breastfeeding is support and persistence. 
You can do it, for the sake of your little one :)

xoxo

TRAVELLING WITH INFANT, WHAT TO PACK?

When it comes to travelling with newborn or infant, you won't want to forget to bring the important stuff. So what to pack in the luggage? Here's the list to help you get started:

(It depends on how many days you are away from home, in this list, let's make it 5 days 4 nights)

1. CLOTHING
i. Clothes for daytime - 6 sets (4 sets for the next 4 days and 2 extra sets, if you are using cloth diaper, you might need to bring more).
ii. Pyjamas - 6 sets (same as above)

2. DIAPERS (depends on the age & how frequent you change the diapers daily.) Usually, I just pack enough for 2 days, and I'll buy the rest when I reach the destination.

3. TOWEL

4. BABY HEAD TO TOE CLEANSER

5. NAPKIN / HANDKERCHIEF / BIBS

6. BABY OIL (if you do baby massage)

7. MOSQUITO REPELLENT (optional)

8. SOCKS (6 pairs)

9. HAT (optional)

10. SHOES (optional)

11. BLANKET

12. BABY SLING/ CARRIER (optional)

13. TOYS (2-3 toys)

14. STROLLER (prefer a light one)

15. LIQUID CLEANSER & BOTTLE BRUSH (to wash the bottles)

16. WET TISSUES

17. BOTTLES (at least 2 bottles)

18. PACIFIER (if using one)

19. BABY  LOTION (if going to cold weather country)

20. SUN BLOCK FOR BABIES (if going outdoor often)

21. DIAPER BAG

22. MEDICINE (don't forget this if your baby is prescribed any meds by her doc)

23. MILK POWDER (bring extra, unless you are sure you can buy the same brand in the destination).

24. THERMOS FLASK

25. NAPPY RASH CREAM

26. NAIL CLIPPER (infants' nails grow very fast) - make sure you check this into the luggage, instead of hand-carrying it.

If you are breastfeeding, you gotta pack more stuff:
1. BREASTPUMP (esp if you know you won't be able to direct-feed when you are not in the hotel room)
2. STORAGE BAGS/BOTTLES to keep the expressed milk in the fridge
3. COOLER BAG
4. ICE PACKS
5. BOTTLE WARMER (optional)
6. DISPOSABLE PADS
7. NURSING COVER
8. EXPRESSED BREASTMILK (if needed - but make sure it remains chilled in the cooler bag)

Probably you need to imagine how your days are gonna be like, what activities you're gonna have (i.e. if you're going to swim, then you need to add swimsuit, and so on).

Hope this list helps~

HAPPY TRAVELLING

TO CARRY OR NOT TO CARRY

There's this term called CIO, stands for crying it out, that is popular among parents. Basically it's like a training for the baby to sleep on her own; cry it out then sleep. Moms and dads won't carry the baby to sleep.

Caedy has been quite cranky and demand to be carried at around 7-11pm, oh btw I have to walk around while carrying her. That's also the time I need to settle Keira (dinner, shower, change, homework, play, story time, etc). So I'm trying this CIO method for the first time last night.

I let Caedy cry for about 15-20mins. She didn't stop at all, I talked to her and pat her, but no carrying. She continued crying, so I checked her diaper. At the end she managed to sleep before 10pm. She then woke up at around 1am, fed her and then she slept on her own. But at 3am, she woke up screaming. Tummy had gas!! I suspected it was due to excessive crying. So I carried her for a while, walked around while giving pressure on her tummy, rubbed some oil, and there was an explosive gas + poo after that... Phew... then nursed her and she slept back...

It wasn't as smooth as I wanted. It was tough actually. But for long time advantage for everyone... I think I just have to do it. I can't wait til she's older so that she can at least show me different expression. I need to see her smile back at me, to assure me that she's a happy baby. But for now, I think I just gotta bear with it...

So here's for all mommies n daddies that have gone thru or going thru or will go thru this phase! It's all gonna pass soon, so just cherish this moment :)

Journey of Mothering Two

It's been few nights... Got Keira ready for bed at 9pm but she refused to sleep until 11++pm. That's also the time when Caedy got cranky and wanted me to carry. And in between those 2+ hours, Keira would want to go toilet for like 10x, I'm not kidding. I got angry with her almost every night. Never failed to threaten her that I'd take out cane if she didn't stop whining, I'd beat if she couldn't stop talking/singing/screaming/playing... last night I told myself that "OK... I'm not gonna scold her tonight!". But I think you can guess exactly what I did... I scolded her, yet again.

After the both of them slept, which was around 12am, I was doing my devotion with this wonderful book by Dr James Dobson. I cried so badly. I knew parenting requires sacrifice and patience, but I was so disappointed at myself. Then I think of the time, probably few years down the road, when the kids grow up, when the house is quiet... I'll miss their screaming, their cheeky, playful, annoying and unending demands... I fast forwarded my life to the time where they will leave for college somewhere else, what would I want to change (in my parenting) if I were to live this moment all over again... I told myself I'd stop scolding and yelling at Keira for petty little things, the small things that so easily got on my nerves. I'd carry Caedy when she was crying because she hadn't mastered the self-soothing skill. I'd interpret the situations from their perspectives.

I said sorry to God, I said sorry to them while they were sleeping, I said sorry to myself for failing...
I'll try again tonight. Try to be a better mom.

My Kids Are NOT My Everything

Scenario 1:

"Ohhhh she's so adorable... sooo cute.... How can i not give her everything? I'm willing to let go and give up my all for her sake." Basically you give whatever she wants because you "love" her so much.

Scenario 2:

"She has taken over my life. My timetable is all upside down... She basically runs my life. I am so controlled by her." You are a paranoia. She cries, you run to check n carry (n often offer the bottle or your nipple!!!). She threw tantrum, you quickly give in. Or maybe, you used to be a gentle, lady-like, elegant woman but now you are screaming your head off all the time because the little monster is driving you nuts!! 

In both scenarios, the kid controls the mom's life. He/She is now the boss, the ruler, the determiner... As for me, I was living in both scenarios when Keira was born, well, except the screaming part (I still remember I would sterilize her bottle if i left the bottle uncovered for more than 30seconds). Many times, I was driven by fear; fear of hurting and losing her. She was my everything. I have to admit that there are times I unconsciously neglect all other things (including my husband) and focus only on her. I still remember, my husband once said that it was as if I could live without him, but not Keira. I was shocked, I denied it but actions speak louder than words, ey?

Of course until today, I can't thank God enough for her. In fact, I always told God that I can't imagine my life without her. She's so precious to me and my husband. 

After reading Larry Winget's "Your Kids Are Your Own Damn Fault", I realize that my kids are not my everything. Yes I love them, I will sacrifice for them, I will give them the best I can afford, but at the same time, there are things they need to figure out themselves. My job as a mother is to raise, to train, to shape and to prepare them for the future. I need to set boundaries for them. One day, they have to face their own world. My aim is to finally let them survive and excel independently. I need to make sure they are smart and independent enough to decide on the right things. My point is, one day, the kids are gonna grow up and live their own lives. When they leave, you are left with your spouse. So if your kids are your everything, it means you lose your everything. I know some of you are thinking about the children looking after the parents when they are old, but mind you, their spouse and their children are their priorities now, not you.

So to all parents, here's a reminder:

1. If you have been so controlled by your kids, you have to remind yourself that you are the one who sets the boundaries because you know what's best for them. You are given the authority to raise them. You can't give them whatever they want, because the world won't! Prepare them for the future. We are not perfect, we will definitely make mistakes in life. Let them see how we fix our mistakes and how to bounce back after failing. They will learn from it.

2. If you have been raising your children at the expense of your marriage, think again. One of the best gifts you can give your children is a good relationship with your spouse. A healthy marriage & loving parents help the children to grow up with healthy self esteem. 

3. Your kids are not your everything. Your husband/wife is. One day, the kids will start their own families & face their own challenges in the society. The one that'll stay with you is your partner, you 2 have become 1, remember the "til death do us part" that you promised to each other?

Parenting ain't easy, especially in today's society. Always look ahead. What do you want them to be, 5 years or 10 years or 20 years down the road. Begin with an end in mind. And remember, they are not your everything because they won't stay with you forever. Give them the best while they are with you, but do not neglect other things or people that are equally important. 

My thought in these few days...

Books for The Next 2-3 Months

As you guys have read, Keira has not been so well these few weeks, so instead of just reading thru the internet, I bought a book by Dr.Miriam Stoppard. I bought one babycare book by the same author when I was pregnant, and it was quite good.

Actually there's one more book, which is very thick, by the same author, also about childhood illnesses and the treatment, but that one costs too much. So I bought this one, only RM33.95.

Besides, I also bought a book by my favourite author, Dale Carnegie. RM31.90 only.

Hopefully it's as good as the other one that I bought... "How to Win Friends & Influence Them"

It's time to enhance my parenting skills again :) Bought this fabulous copy... Sold more than 3,500,000 and it has been one of the best selling book for 20 years. I'm expecting a lot from this book... RM45.50.