There is always space in my luggage

Not long ago, I joined an online contest which asked me to pick 3 things I would like to fit into my diaper bag. "That's a little crazy", I exclaimed. Who in their right sense would only take 3 items, especially when you are travelling with a baby! If possible, I would take the whole house because you never know what the baby might need.

I am awed at how some mummies can manage with a tiny handbag. They don't even need a diaper bag as all their "essentials", could fit into their handbag! I on the other hand, have a huge diaper bag in which things can go missing because it holds so many essential items, like diapers, wet wipes, water bottle, spare change, napkins, snacks, tot seat, and my most prized possession, baby carrier.

The one thing I could not leave behind is my carrier because life is much simpler with it.

Piggyback in Original Ergo at 8 months old

Before receiving a demo travel carrier, it was a challenge to fit the Original Ergobaby because it is very bulky due to its heavy padded shoulder straps and waist belt (but it gives maximum comfort). Even after folding it into a neat and tight pack, it still took a lot of space in my diaper bag.

Stowaway is almost half the size of the original Ergo

However, that's not the case with the Ergobaby Stowaway. This carrier offers an amazing combination of comfort and compactness. Its shoulder strap and waist belt are padded (but not as heavily as the original ones) enough to make it comfortable to carry your baby, yet it can easily fold into its own front pouch! I was most impressed by that.

Comparing the shoulder straps

I highlighted the word pouch because this is simply a fantastic feature. Imagine, you no longer need a separate bag to store your Ergo. It's almost like a kangaroo and its pouch. No more worrying about dirtying my Ergo or searching frantically for my carrier cover (which I always misplace).

Stowaway, Travel Carrier

The pouch which is about the size of a clutch bag, comes with a handy strap which allows you to clutch it onto your diaper bag, stroller and even wear it on your wrist. It is so much lighter than all the other Ergobaby carriers, even Ergobaby Performance.

Light, compact and useful.

We just returned from a wonderful beach retreat and I thank my lucky stars this test carrier came to me on time because when you travel with 3 prima donna, luggage space becomes a big issue.

Thanks to the handy strap, I clipped this carrier to my jeans because I didn't want to catch myself rummaging through my diaper bag each time I needed to don on this carrier.

I had it on me for the whole (1 1/2 hours) ferry ride to our destination. Although it's not as comfortable as my original carrier but it still helped a lot. I could easily move in the fast swaying ferry and getting off was not a problem at all.

I wore it everywhere I went, especially during my stroll along the beach. I loved how it felt like I was wearing a t-shirt and we didn't feel terribly uncomfortable in it despite being out in the sun. I even used it when I was splashing water at my older girls. Amazingly, it took a very short time for the carrier to dry up when it 'accidentally' got wet.

No 'sweat' affair strolling along the beach 

Who would have thought that such a compact carrier could still offer you so much -large stuff pocket, adjustable hood and you can use this from newborn (requires infant insert) to toddler (3.2 - 20kg).

Like other Ergobaby, you can carry your baby in 3 positions, front-inward facing, back-piggyback and hip-forward facing carry. It is also designed with breastfeeding in mind! You can easily breastfeed in the front carry position without unbuckling the straps. All you need to do is lower baby to the breast and even walk and continue doing whichever activity you were doing. I've managed to shop while breastfeeding her and it's so discrete that you can throw away your nursing cover (you could also use the adjustable hood as extra cover but trust me, you'd do fine without it). My own husband didn't notice I was breastfeeding her until he offered to carry her (it's manly enough for men). The benefits are endless.

When not in use, I would turn the Stowaway into a mat for her to lie on (during nap time) whilst at the beach. It can also be turned into a pillow when folded.

Stowaway turned into a mat for her to nap comfortably

If you decide to own this compact and comfortable carrier (or any other Ergobaby carrier), please purchase it from an authorised dealers because counterfeit carriers can be extremely harmful to your baby.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any form for this review. I am doing this review on my own accord to highlight Bloom and Grow's excellent customer service.

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Looking hip in Hippychick

My journey into babywearing (carrying your baby in a baby carrier)

I wished I had a wonderful anecdote to share on how I got into babywearing and that it was pleasant from the start but I can't, because, it was very tough in the beginning. See I didn't have the right tools (carrier) for it and I guess I am a little spoilt because I caved at the first signs of discomfort. Luckily for me, there was a little nagging voice that kept saying, "this could work".

My first attempt was when I sought assistance from my neighbour's Indonesian helper who carried her baby in a 'sarong'. She made it look so easy and I was certain I would experience the same. However, it didn't look or felt anything like how the seasoned wearer had shown me.

Instead, I experienced shoulder aches and was never comfortable carrying my precious baby in a carrier that was secured only with a slip knot.

Next I discovered a Sling. It works similar to sarong but the fabric was sewn and secured either with a buckle or rings. I had more confidence carrying my baby in this sling as apposed to the unsewn fabric (sarong).

These are just 2 example carriers available in the market. If you dig a little deeper, you would be surprised at the choices available for you. Each has it's own special feature to suit your need.

Today I am going to narrow down to the 2 most widely used and efficient carrier for my bub and me. She is almost 2 years old so you should expect a lot of running around and staying put in one place for more than a couple of minutes, is close to impossible.

To meet  this need I carry along with me (by that, I mean it's always available in my car) my Stowaway and Hippychick Hipseat.

Interacting with her is so much easier when your back is not hurting

The Hippychick seat gets more attention from us because my daily routine involves a lot of short trips where carrying her over a long period of time is not necessary.

• when picking up my elder kids from school
• when I am shopping in a wet market and she wants to be part of the shopping experience; helping me pick ripe tomatoes, egg plants and fresh vegetables (it encourages interaction without any sore back).
• when taking my dog for a walk
• when visiting the park
• when she cannot make up her mind whether she wants to be carried or walk

Look at that frown! She's unhappy with my choice of vegetables

I like using Hippychick because putting it on and taking it off is very quick and easy. It comes with a very strong and large velcro strap which is secured by a safety buckle to ensure the hipseat belt never comes apart in the event the velcro gives way. It also has an anti slip cushion on top of the seat, so my baby wont slide off it easily.

  

It is machine washable and I would recommend you to use a pillow case cover or a laundry net, to ensure nothing gets stuck to the velcro. Be sure, to remove the polyurethane molding filler and wash only the lightweight hipseat cover.

This is a one size fits all carrier, almost all. If your waist size is smaller than 24 inches (and you are a mummy) this carrier may not suit you because your waist is too small for it (please, do share your secret of having such a tiny waist). The maximum waist, the belt/strap could handle would be about 48 inches. I am not sure if you could get any extensions.

It is recommended for babies from age 6 months old up to 3 years old but I think it can be used longer than that. As long as you are carrying your child, this seat is very helpful. It is priced below RM200 and comes in many colours. Be sure to purchase it from authorise dealers because counterfeit carriers can be extremely harmful to your baby.

Some pointers/tips

• I usually strap it very tight to ensure it doesn't ride lower than my waist line once baby is propped on the seat (the weight may push the seat lower if not buckled tightly).
• Although it says hipseat, I keep changing the carrying position from side (on my hips) and to the front (my stomach region). This also helps alleviate any discomfort you may experience when carried for too long.
• When my baby is not riding on the hipseat, I like to push the cushion or the seat portion to my back so it looks like a big nice waist belt I have on instead of a big bulky coin pouch!
• A mummy used it as a restraint belt to safeguard her her baby from bumping into the shopping cart bar.

Many parents that have seen me with the Hippychick, are very intrigued by it and are amazed at the comfort it provides after trying it on. There is no learning curve or special tricks which you will need to master unlike when using a Wrap, Structured Carrier or a Sling. Hipseat is fairly straight forward and is a wonderful tool to have once your child is able to walk. This is a brilliant product but there isn't much publicity and you don't even see it being displayed in stores.

The only thing you cannot do with Hippychick Hipseat is have both your hands free. You will need to hold your child at all times. This small drawback does not bother me much because I can always grab my other carrier if I ever need to do something which requires me to use both my hands and carry her at the same time.

Carrying her so effortlessly 



Disclosure: I was not paid for this review. I am doing this review on my own accord to highlight Bloom and Grow's excellent customer service. They bring only the best and genuine products for babies in Asia.

Stay tuned for my next review on Read my next review, how I turned Stowaway Ergo baby carrier into more than just a carrier.

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Motherhood unleashes the Wonder Woman in you.

Have you ever experienced a sudden power surge in your exhausted and about-to-crash body when you see your child is in harms way? Suddenly, you are able to do the lunges, somersaults and even run at lightening speed.

I have, and on many occasions too.

Just when I thought the need to bend down and pick up another toy off the floor would permanently disable my already aching back, I catch myself diving down and sliding  across my hallway to catch my toddler who decided to dive down from my sofa.

Despite being exhausted to the bones, the catch was so perfect that it was worthy of being a golden catch like that in a baseball game.

It's just amazing what motherhood brings out in you.

• I remember a time in my past when silence was uncomfortable and unbearable but today, I crave for it (because I've got three who like to jibber jabber a lot!)
• Eating out alone was unacceptable but today I want to be alone when I am having my cup of coffee.

• Going out every night and returning at the crack of dawn was a fun but today I hit the sack before midnight and am up before the sun is out.
• Watching TV was a daily routine but today, days go by without even glancing at the TV.
• A shower meant a lengthy affair in the bathroom. That is time spent looking in the mirror applying my 3 step facial cleansing pack but today I hardly have time to brush my hair and scrunchie has became my favourite hair accessory. (What were you thinking when I said "lengthy affair'?)

This is not how my daily cuppa looks like. I wouldn't have mind it, if it was.

Other than unleashing the super powers in you, it changes you in ways you would have least expected. These changes happen willingly and slowly takes over your pre-child lifestyle. I welcome these changes and some changes have helped me become a better person. It has thought me to love unconditionally and to share more.

During our short family weekend getaway, my husband's cousin (still a bachelor) asked me if I missed my bachelorette life and my immediate response was a resounding no. 

I am happy with everything that I have and don't have.

I am glad with all the things that I had to miss because I am so tied down trying to manage my life with 3 children.

The jibber-jabbers

Would I swap it? NO

How about you?

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Linking up with Greta

This could happen to anybody

(Updated 21/8/14)

The house doesn't matter, the perfect dinner doesn't matter - the kids matter.

On one Sunday morning 5 years ago, I was crying inconsolably while hugging my 3 & 2 years old children. I called my husband, threatened him and told him I will not forgive.

I had just witnessed a devastating story shared on Oprah Winfrey's show: An overwhelmed mom's mistake.

On Aug 23, 2007, Brenda Shably had made horrid mistake. She had left her toddler, Cecilia in her car for many hours during the hottest summer time.

I am unable reiterate her story because it still gives me goose bumps and my mind starts wondering to places I don't want it to go. I hate such thoughts but I can't stop them either! 

What makes me angry is that I did it once - I can hear my heart pounding as I am writing this. I am lost for words and don't know how to continue... (Pause and breathing deep)

No! I did not let my child die in a car.

Thought I better clear the air before you start wondering but I did FORGET (yes I FORGOT, I don't know how it was even possible but I did!) my 6 months old baby in the car for a minute at 1 pm during when the sun is most unforgiving with its heat.

I am trembling as I share this because it was a terrible, horrible, horrific and horrid incident. I have spent many days after, trying to figure why and how could I have done it? I don't have an answer to that but I feel terrible each time I think about it. 
 

What happened:

As usual, I headed over to pick up my girls from their school with my baby safely buckled in her car seat and then to my mom's place for lunch. Once at my mom's, my girls excitedly leaped out of the car and ran inside leaving me the task of bringing in their school bags and some groceries from the trunk. 

As I was putting away the grocery in her fridge, my mom asked where is S?

Everything froze. I felt my head spin and legs wobbly. I dropped the bags and  ran out of the house to my car. It was the longest 20 meters I have ever ran and it was taking forever to reach the car.

She was awake and looking at me as I was frantically trying to unfasten her seat belt. Fat tears were rolling down my cheeks and I was shaking uncontrollably, full of fear and guilt. Flashback of Brenda's tragedy was playing in my mind and a loud prayer was being uttered. Everything was moving at snail pace and I could not make out the words my mom was saying to me.

There was and never will be, a good excuse for what I did.

No matter how tired and exhausted I may be, forgetting a child is unforgivable. Unlike Brenda Shably, I have no deadlines or impressions to set. I am a stay at home mom and my kids are my boss. I should be working very hard to impress them and it doesn't take a lot to impress them, especially at their age (toddler & tween). All they want is my undivided attention and love.

As adults we ought to know when to call it a day and get some rest. I sometimes find it hard to fathom how being tired can intervene and cause major disruptions in my daily routine - from forgetting to being cranky.

I seriously think that when a parent is handed a newborn, they should come with a warning sign that says 'Do not get too tired when dealing with young children'  just as how you would be advised when taking prescribed drugs - 'Do not operate heavy machinery after consuming this medicine'. 

It is easier said than done, I know because I've been there. It is a lot of work and being constantly tired is quite the norm with a newborn. So isn't it a blessing that many parents are given long leave from work? Getting 60 days paid leave is insufficient, I can honestly say now after spending close to two years with my children. It's a big sacrifice but it is worth it. Every day spent was worth it.

It could happen to anyone

In June 2013, I came to know that a 3 year old had died due to heatstroke because she was left in a car for almost 8 hours! This dreadful incident happened in a place that I pass by every day. I cannot stop myself from thinking and wondering how it must be for the mother of that child.

A teacher who witnessed the whole incident told me it is something she wish would never happen to anybody. She was mad and infuriated that the mother (her colleague) could have forgotten her child in the car. I was quiet and couldn't gather enough courage to speak up and tell her to stop blaming the mother. I wanted to share with her that I am guilty too. All I wanted to say was "Shut up! Shut up! You should help ease the pain for the grieving mother and sympathise with her", but I didn't. I cowardly kept my story inside me, locked and sealed but today I want to share this because I just saw a child safety film which got me screaming NO to the person who saw a child crying in a car but did not do anything about it!
 

That got me thinking, perhaps the person doesn't know the dangers of leaving a child in a locked car and that's why she walked away.

I knew then that I must share this.

I try my best'est to always be alert and well rested because I am dealing with precious cargo every day but you cannot know when lightning is going to strike. I have implemented an alert system (after the dreadful day and a mouthful of shelling from my mother) to remind me of all the small and big things.

I have set a reminder in my phone that asks me "Where are my children?" It has been set at specific intervals when I am getting in and out of the car most often.

I have also made it a habit to tell my husband if I am going out with the kids and he would call to check our whereabouts and ask about the kids.
 

I would do the same too when he is out with the kids. Thus far, this has helped us a lot in making sure we are aware and always know what each person is doing. It is like a checklist, each alert (hand phone reminder) and phone call is to check and make sure the kids are safe and well.

It is sad to know the statistics of this dreadful and AVOIDABLE accident. So please share this or just talk to the person next to you. You never know who this story might help and stop another car child death tragedy.

This is a reenactment and no one was harmed in the making of this video

One Decision (Child Safety Film - Vehicular Heatstroke)

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Eyes are the window to the soul

Did you know that you are suppose to visit an eye specialist (not your optician) once a year? Even if you have perfect vision.
I only knew this when a friend asked me to accompany him (to an ophthalmologist) to pick up his glasses.

The doctor was surprised that I had not once, visited a proper eye doctor - I had been visiting opticians to get my spectacles (ophthalmic lenses) and never really thought about an eye specialist, truth be told, I didn't even know that there were different categories of eye specialist.

He insisted I come in for an eye examination and I learnt that what an ophthalmologist does is so thorough and detailed compared to the opticians I had been visiting in the past.
I even got sunglasses to sun proof my eyes (which I should have done from young) because exposure to sun's ultraviolet light can raise the risk of cataract and other eye related problems later in life.

So if you are as convinced as I am and would go the extra mile to protect your precious mini-me's eyes, I would suggest you to invest in a pair of sunglasses which is able to block 100% UVA & UVB rays. The only way to be sure you are getting this deal is by investing in a trusted brand label like Squids.

Beware of sunglasses that only blocks the sunlight (with dark lenses) without the UVA & UVB protection, because they could damage your eyes even more as opposed to not wearing a pair of sunglasses -when using dark lenses, your pupils will dilate to let in more light. So choose carefully and get to know your sunglasses before using them.

Squids comes in two sizes; Mini-squids can fit a baby up to 2 years old while Squids are meant for older children (3-10). These are from Australia but you can  easily get them here from Bloom and Grow

These sunglasses are made with care and are easy to care for too. The lenses are made of shatterproof Polycarbonate so you can trust you little ones to handle them on their own.
They are light and flexible, so are great company to the beach or pool because it will float if your child accidentally drops it in the pool. They are also great for your active toddler and children who enjoy being out in the sun.

The mini-squids are well thought design because there are no sharp edges on the frame (rounded temple tips) which could accidentally hurt my toddler and comes with a removable head strap to secure it around her head.
I tried using it with the head strap but my little toddler prefers it without because she  likes to take off and put on the sunglasses. Even without the strap, mini-squids would stay on and not fall off despite all the running around she does in the park.

She loves her Squids so much that she pretty much uses it all the time we are out in the sun. The moment I strap her up in her car seat, she would reach out for her sunglasses which are placed next to her seat and put them on. They are so comfortable that she managed to take a nap while wearing it.

Squids which are meant for older children do not come with a head strap but have the same features as the mini-squids and are slightly larger.
During our recent trip to the beach, my girls pretty much had these sunglasses on for a long period of time. They did not feel any discomfort or found it to be annoying. In fact, it felt rather pleasant and "cool", that's how my eldest daughter described it to be.

I am glad my girls like Squids which are stylish, comfortable and beautifully designed for the little ones. These have become an accessory that we won't leave the house without.

Malaysians are a lucky lot because we get sun or the summer experience throughout the year and these sunglasses provide the right protection I need for their eyes.

I received Squids from Bloom and Grow for review purpose.

No monetary compensation was given and all opinions are mine and mine only.

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Water Disruption (Code Red)

Code red has been activated and we are already feeling some disruption in water supply.
I hope it this will be over soon.
Please read:

JUST GOT THIS FROM SYABAS TODAY (30/8/13):
Dear media friends, SYABAS has activated its emergency response plan at Code Red today following spillage of diesel 10km away from the intake area. This has caused closure of sungai Selangor phase 1,2,3 and rantau panjang. This affects 7 districts which include at least 1million consumers. The treatment operators Have informed Syabas that they are unable to determine how long the Recovery period would take. Lembaga Urus Air Selangor has been notified and is in the midst of clearing the affected area. The federal n state govt have both been informed. SYABAS wish to inform consumers to use water prudently as we are very much dependent on the existing water storage in the balancing reservoirs at present. I have sent a press statement with details to you. Pls help circulate the news. You may quote me as I m assigned to speak on behalf of the company. TQ for your help. Regards, Priscilla Alfred, Asst General Manager, Corp Comm & Public Affairs, Syabas.

Where is Superwoman when you need her?

It's back to school!

Usually it's the kids who would complain of tummy ache, feeling nausea, lack of sleep and lethargy on their first day of school, after a long break. In fact, it is expected of them to do this charade but they didn't.

Instead, it was I who had these symptoms. 

It was I, who was struggling to keep my eyes open by 4pm and wishing I could be morphed back to the time when school was out and fun was in.

To make my day even worst, I had to put up with some renovation in the house (to fix a leaky bathroom).

Day 1, back to school was a disaster (at least for me).

Breakfast was definitely not what I had planned the night before and I felt like I was nursing a terrible hangover. All I wanted to do was go back to bed. Truth be told, I did just that!

Once the kids were out of the house I jumped right back in to bed. Snuggled up next to my baby and prayed very hard that she would remain asleep.

Luckily for me, Monday didn't last as long as it usually does. Looking at my "condition" my husband decided to eat out which is very unusual on Monday evening. 

Yay! More time for me to sit back and enjoy my TV series and no more dirty dishes for the day.

I know it will get better and I would be able to handle the rigidness of back to school regime (as long as I can outlive Monday!)

• The waking early and sleeping late.
• The scratching my head to come up with interesting menu for 3 picky eaters.
• Having different roles and job scope i.e. the driver, tutor and time keeper. All these in a day!

I never knew I could miss school break this much. I think my kids have got their Monday under control, unlike mummy.

So how has your Monday been?

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To find out more Mischievous Monday