3 Ways How You Can Pick a Stroller You DON’T Need!

Becoming a first-time parent has a somewhat weird feeling associated to it. On one hand, it’s really exciting, and on the other, it can be quite nerve wrecking! For me, I was particularly overwhelmed with the sheer amount of baby products out there and the different variations of a particular baby product. At that time, like Shazwani did in her post here, I had also created a list of baby products I should be getting for the new addition to the family. However, when I started going through my list, I faced a major hurdle when it came to the strollers. There were just way too many strollers to choose from, so my husband and I ended up spending a good amount of time researching to make sure we picked out the best stroller for our first child. It was during then when we figured that we should create a resource to help parents pick out the right stroller for their family’s needs; and that’s how Mommy Stroller came about.

Instead of providing tips on how one can pick out the right stroller for their needs, I thought it’d be fun to contribute a guest post on how NOT to pick the right stroller. These are common mistakes made by many parents, so be sure to not practice them. Let’s dive in!

#1 Purchasing the Cheapest or the Most Expensive Stroller 
 Depending on individual circumstances, different parents have different shopping preferences. Most however opt to go for the cheapest (to save money) stroller, while others go for the most expensive (supposedly “best”) stroller. Unfortunately, neither one of these reasons for buying a stroller work well. The right way to shop for a stroller is by figuring what your needs are and how you really plan to use the stroller. After all, you don’t want to end up spending $500 on a double jogging stroller when you won’t be using it to jog or explore the outdoors with your little ones. In such a case, a double umbrella stroller would likely work best.

#2 Picking Something that Meet Your Immediate Needs 
Another great way to pick a stroller you don’t need is by picking a stroller only to meet your immediate needs. This will meet your needs in the short term, but may or may not in the long term. The most common mistake I’ve seen involves parents who do child planning and know that they will be having more kids in the near future, but still end up purchasing a single, non-expandable stroller for their first child. Such a purchase usually only lasts less than a year, up to the point when the second child arrives. If you know beforehand that you will be having more kids in the near futures, it’s best to get an expandable stroller like the Baby Jogger City Select. You can read my review of this stroller here.

#3 Buying a Stroller That Comes with All the Fancy Features
The innovation and new designs in the stroller industry are pretty amazing, especially if you compare strollers a few years back and those that are in the market today. There are even self-folding strollers out in the market today! Amazing right? While all these fancy features are “nice to have”, they are rarely essentials. In fact, if you’re like me, you’ll rarely make use of these features even if you had a fancy stroller. I would recommend going over what is important to you and from there, pick out a stroller that matches your needs (rather than wants) as closely as possible. For example, if all you are looking for is an umbrella stroller that you can use to run errands, you can get a pretty high quality stroller for less than $150 versus a fancy stroller that can almost double the cost.


Yes, stroller selection is extremely confusing given the number of options out there. However, that shouldn’t be an excuse or reason that parents use when they end up picking a stroller they don’t need. The truth is, even with all the many different stroller choices out there, with some planning and rational thinking, every parent should be able to pick out the right stroller that meets the needs of their family pretty easily. So, the next time you want to purchase a stroller (or any baby product for that matter), be sure to go over the 3 points discussed in this post to help steer you towards the right product. What about you – have you bought a baby product that you were excited at the time of buying but just don’t find a use for it after a while?

 Who’s the Writer?

Evelyn is the main person behind Mommy Stroller, which focuses on helping parents figure out which stroller they should get. Evelyn and her husband, Paul, decided to blog about strollers after the overwhelming feeling they experienced when trying to pick out their first stroller. Both of them enjoy spending time with family and friend, live music, and going on jogs with their kids (in a stroller). You can also connect with the Mommy Stroller crew on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

Ayden's Birth Story

The year 2015 is coming to an end.. and I just realized I still haven't update Ayden's birth story here! haha. Honestly they've been in the draft for too long, thus I thought I'm saving it for my last post for 2015, as he really is the highlight of my year! *first time mom syndrome* hehe. Anyway...here is my birth story! Finally! ;p

Actually, I wanted to have a 100% natural birth without any drugs (or at least less drugs) for my first child. Although I know that that's quite impossible when you're going to have your baby in a hospital, but I still wanted things to be as natural as possible so I began educating and preparing myself. I didn't want to blindly accept what the doctor suggested me to do because I believe that birth is a natural process...and it should not be treated like it's a "disease" or something. I am healthy and inshaallah I believe that my body will know what it's supposed to do. So I don't feel right about drugging my body and baby. And I don't like to just accept whatever that the doctor said because this is my body and I feel like I need to know everything, the pros and cons..the side effect, etc. So I attended a breastfeeding class, a Hypnobirthing class, I listened to the pregnancy affirmation everyday since I entered the third trimester, I watched loads of birthing videos since the day I found out that I was pregnant, learned about the many comfortable labor positions and the breathing techniques, I ate and drank lotsa natural herbs to ease the labor and I talked to a few people who has done the natural birth.

So I thought I had a birth plan. I didn't want an induction, I want my labor to be in any position I wanted, I want my baby to be immediately put on my chest, delay cord clamping and no pain meds to name a few...

I really really wanted as natural, calm and confident birth as I could, after watching and hearing people's stories and experiences. In fact, I am so excited for labor to come because I really want to experience it! haha. My friends say I'm weird! But when you watch women giving birth for every day since day 1 of pregnancy..You just can't wait for your turn! hehe. I really was so excited for it to happen... Call me crazy, but I think birth is a beautiful thing to see! All that blood or scream didn't really bother me. I cry every time I see a woman giving birth to her child. It's just a magical moment...seeing them meet for the first time! Awww... Allah has created us women to be able to bring another human being into this world! So amazing, mashaallah! Plus.... besar sangat pahala melahirkan anak. So..ok la kan kalau sakit sikit? heheh

Anyway I also found out about Hypnobabies when I was about 9 month pregnant. I got all the home study material and dove right in. I read the entire book every night before bed, which educated me on so many different things and I also started listening to the tracks to learn about the deep relaxation. I didn’t know how well this would work for me since you’re supposed to start the program pretty early in the pregnancy, but when I was falling asleep while listening to the tracks, I knew it was doing something! Or maybe because by the time you've reached the 9th month milestone, you are always so tired and sleepy! haha

My due date was supposed to be on the 1st May 2015. But....my baby loved sitting inside my tummy a little longer, he decided to make the big entrance about a week after that! hehe. Tu pun, kena paksa dia keluar.. Most of my friends had their baby at 37 or 38 weeks. Even both my sisters had their babies at 38 weeks.. So I thought mine would be on the 37 or 38 weeks as well. So since the beginning of the 37th week, I was really prepared mentally, emotionally and physically for my labor to come. I'm waiting for all the signals. Braxton Hicks or contraction, or mucus/bloody show or water to break...or just anything at all. After weeks of anticipation....still no signs, nothing! >_<

I still feel fine. I feel normal. And I feel like having another round of ice cream some more. heh

By the time I reached 39 weeks, I am quite frustrated that my baby still didn't want to come out and meet me! I gave up my VIP seats for Backstreet Boys World Tour Concert because I thought my water would break during that concert! haha. Oh man...I really wished I didn't sell the tickets and went to the concert! I so wanna meet Kevin and Brian! Lol :D

So after passing my due date, on the 3rd May we went for a fetal monitoring tests. The test showed my baby has very good levels of amniotic fluid and great heart beat which means he's receiving plenty of oxygen and moving well. But my doctor said if he's not here by 4th or 5th May, I have to go to the hospital for induction on the 6 or 7th May. At this point I was so frustrated. I didn't want any of the drug. Not because I am afraid or anything...but because I really wanted and hoped for a natural, no drug birth after reading so many stories on natural birth. Plus, everybody I knew keep on telling me that induction is really really REALLY painful because you're going to have contraction all the time! And it's kinda like you're forcing your body and baby to start labor when he and your body are not quite ready yet. So it could lead to labor being too long and painful...or, the thing I don't want the most; emergency cesarean...tskk. I was soooo nervous about getting induced! I really didn't want it to happen because I'm afraid that I won't be able to bear the pain and then I may ended up taking the epidural or even worse, I may have to go under the knife!

I talked to the doctor to wait a little more. I said I want to try until at least I am 41 weeks and 3 days... But he was away on that 12th May onwards... He said his last day before he's off for a week would be on the Friday 8th May. So the last day that I should be at the hospital would be 7th May if I wanted him to deliver my baby. Hmm......

I was getting pretty frustrated at this point actually, because I was over 40 weeks, yet no signs at all. And then I was 41 weeks and my doctor suggested me to have my baby before his holiday. -__-'

It was so important for me to go into labor on my own and I tried really hard to avoid induction. However, when nothing was working to get it going, I just couldn’t go on any longer. The baby was still not ready to see the world so we just have to force it to come out and say hello..

Still pregnant at 41 weeks! 

I had pretty much been pregnant for 10 months! The doctor gave us a few more days to wait and try to induce labor naturally. Believe me we've tried EVERYTHING that is on the list/book that says natural ways to induce labor, to avoid me turning myself into the hospital, asking for induction. But....I guess Allah has written when exactly my baby would be born... Semua dah tertulis, termaktub. Hence, on that 7th May after going for a jog that morning, after cleaning the toilets in the afternoon and ate more than 20 pieces of dates and pineapples, still no signs of labor at all... So I gave up and didn't want to risk my child's life. Off we went to the hospital.

So we took the bag that I've packed 4 weeks ago, and drove straight to Prince Court Medical Centre. We arrived at 8.00 pm on that Thursday. At this point, I really didn't care about natural labor whatsoever. I just want to meet my baby! Induce pun induce lahhh... Just do anything, asalkan keluar si comel ni! huhu..

Husband asked me, "Do you want to eat anything before your pantang starts?" I said NO! Look at my size..I've done eating my whole life! Please just send me to the labor room naowww, I tak sabar nak beranak ni! hahaha.

On the way to PCMC. So excited to birth my baby out! Lol

We went straight to Level 6 to register and check in to the Junior Suite Room. I brought all 4 bags with me. That night I feel like going to a hotel/vacation instead of a hospital because I was really excited instead of feeling nervous about my labor. It's like going for an adventure! hahahah

Upon arriving to my room, the nurse gave me this robe and slippers.. and some toilettries too..

She asked me to change before she started checking my cervix. Erkk.. I hate that part! huu

Feeling so excited already! LOL

My sweet nurse is preparing my bed for me

"She's going to induce me and labor will start soon. This is it honey! We're going to be parents!" I said to my husband before she inserted the Pitocin into the vajajay later that night! Yeekkk.. Sorry body, you had to receive that pill! tskk

After we have settled down and make ourselves comfortable, the nurse came in at 9.10 pm, to check the opening of my cervix. I was only 1.5 cm dilated. Then at 9.30 pm she did the CTG scan for about 30 minutes, and later started to jab me for an IV.

At 10.00 pm the nurse came in to insert the Pitocin in my body. What's a Pitocin, my friend asked me.. - Well it's a synthetic version of oxytocin hormone, which runs around your body to make your uterus contract! Thus, labor might be on the way! God bless technology. LOL

But I wish she would just break my water instead of giving me that pill to start my contraction. It really felt uncomfortable. I hated it. She said this would start the contraction/surge.. but I still haven't had any contraction or feel anything for a few hours... Tipu punya ubat! Pffft.

At 11.00 pm, another nurse came in to do the CTG scan again. At this time, my husband is already asleep...and I'm so jealous because I couldn't sleep at all. That damn pill is making my down there felt really really uncomfortable! The nurse asked me to sleep because tomorrow would be my big day so I need as much rest as I could. She said she will wake me up at 5.00 am to check whether I am making any progress. Buttttttt.......I couldn't sleep at all! Not because my husband is snoring so loudly, but because I have mixed feelings. Sad, excited, happy, afraid, anxious, tak sabar...etc! When I'm excited, I really really can't sleep! The same thing happened a day before my wedding! LOL

Anyway...so I was wide awake that night... The whole 6 hours I was watching TV, reading back my post on pregnancy, reciting all the necessary surahs for ease labor, reminiscing my sweet moments with my husband...and imagining how my labor would be like...

Suddenly at 4.40 am, somebody knocked my door and wished "Good Morning!". I was like, huh? already? But I didn't feel a thing yet??! - She did a CTG scan again.. And after that, at 5.03 am, she came in again and checked my cervix whether I am making any progress.

Well, I was STILL 1.5 cm dilated. No wonder I didn't feel a thing! My body didn't react to the pill I guess? So she said she will insert another one later! Oh man...I hated her! 

At 5.55 am she came in to do another CTG scan. And at around 6.20 am, she gave me this pill that made me poop 10 minutes after taking it...so I won't be pooping while pushing my baby when I'm in labor later on. Yep. Labor is not a really a beautiful thing to see actually. haha

Then after Subuh prayer, I walked around the room a lot, hoping that my cervix would open some more..and that I'd feel the contraction so I won't need another induction. I even did the jalan itik for an hour around the room until I was so tired. I didn't sleep that night so I don't have much energy left actually.

At 8.15 am they sent me to the labor room. I was quite surprised as I didn't think I was in labor yet? I asked the nurse, she said I will be spending the whole day there, waiting for labor...  I was like wow, okayyyy... What if somebody else is dilated at 9 -10 cm and ready to push? I'm only 1.5 cm and already being sent to the labor room? Are they going to speed up my labor by doing cesarean instead? That was my very thought! haha. She laughed at my questions and said, "Don't worry we have plenty of labor rooms. Plus, today all the women in labors are all under the same doctor as yours. So everything will be ok". Dalam hati, hmm...memang doctor ni plan nak beranakkan semua patient dia sebelum dia cuti la tu...

So here's my labor room..

One kakak came in to take my order for my lunch menu. 

She then served me some breads and croissants for breakfast at 8.30 am before I start my day to becoming a mommy! haha

After having my breakfast...I really didn't know what to expect. I thought I would just waiting for the contraction to come naturally. So I spent some time reciting surah-surah that I downloaded on my phone. Then, at 8.50 am, the nurse came in again to check my cervix. She said I'm already 3 cm dilated. I guess that jalan itik that I did earlier, has helped to open my cervix a little bit more. haha. I was so happy and excited to hear that because I still didn't feel any pain at all.. So I thought I could handle the pain at 5 cm, 7 cm, 9 cm etc etc.. Because I had a friend who can't even bear the pain at 1 cm...while me, at 3 cm still didn't feel a thing! I was quite confident that I could do it... Ceh, perasan nya.. hahaha. I had no idea what labor feels like! 

Then at 9.00 am my doctor came in. He looked kinda rush and stressed out. I was told by the nurse, he had 6 patients that day. Hmm.... patut la.

He said "Hello good morning", and then immediately inserted his hand with something and broke my water without me knowing what he's about to do! I guess he was really really busy that day he got no time to explain that tiny details to his patients! I thought he was just checking my cervix like what the previous nurse did to me. But it turns out he broke the water without telling me first! It happened within split seconds... I was really really in shock when the water broke! It was quite painful and I didn't know what to expect! I didn't know that that warm feeling under my butt is my water! I screamed because I was too shocked! Kinda like having panic attack actually. I think some nerves in my brain may have died because I was too shock at that moment! After the water broke, only then the doctor explained to me "You are now 3 cm dilated so I break your water to start the contraction and your labor". Then he went off again to see his other patients. 

Honestly it's not that painful when he broke my water..but I was just so shocked and not ready! My mind and body is not ready AT ALL. I thought at least he could have tell me what he was about to do and how or what would I feel or whatever! Just describe anything or tell me!!! Don't just come to my room and then broke my water without even telling me what you're about to do to me and then leave! My mind is not ready at all! :(

So because I was in shocked and panicked, immediately after the water broke, my whole body shivered like crazy!!! I was too shocked! I wasn't prepared at all! Within that split second moment happened, when I felt that warm thing coming out from me, I really thought that my uterus is tearing and that the warm thing is actually my blood! hahaha xD

That's why I was so shocked when it happened! I couldn't think or hear anyone saying anything anymore! My husband had to hold me to calm me down. I was like a crazy person shouting and crying "What is that? What is that??!!", even though they have already told me that that's my water not blood! huhu

Seriously doctor! You should have EXPLAINED it to me beforehand!!! I was not mentally prepared!!!! Ughh. I'm so angry thinking about that moment! >__<

Anyways...because I was so shocked and had a panicked attack, I shivered like crazy the whole time! Seriously it was so bad.. I've never shivered like that in my entire life. It's hard to breathe...it's hard to talk, I felt really really cold...and uncomfortable and worst of all, I can't focus on whatever that I have planned and learned. I looked like I have a Parkinson's disease! Seriously my body is trembling all over! I stuttered when I talk. I can't control my legs, my hands, everything... I was shivering like hell. I can't control my movement at all! And all I kept asking the nurse/midwives was, "Why is this happening to me??! How do I stop this??! What's happening to meeeeee?!"

I don't know whether this is what contraction did to you...or I wasn't simply mentally prepared and was literally so shocked to death! - Ni la namanya terkejut beruk agaknya! haha

My husband was standing beside me all the time. He asked me to breathe. And said all the positive words. I slowly felt a little bit calm when I listened to his soothing words and breathe loudly and think of the positive vibes... The shivering stopped for awhile when I focused on my breathing. But when I stopped doing that, it came back again. I shivered for about 2 hours.. all the time! 

Is that what a contraction did to your WHOLE body?? I thought contraction would be around the belly and back?? Why did that happen to me?! My whole body shivered like crazy. I hated that feeling! I dunno why I was so upset with my doctor. It was really really uncomfortable feeling when the body is trembling all the way for two hours! I couldn't focus on breathing down my baby at all. I was feeling a little sad actually..because I was so ready to be all positive and happy on my labor. I went to a Hypnobirth class for God's sake! I listened to the positive affirmation everyday for the past 4 months! But somehow the doctor messed up my mind! >__<

Anyway..during that two hours bearing the pain and shivering all along, the nurses kept on coming in to check on me and asking me whether I want an epidural or not. I kept saying no because I want to know how painful a contraction really is. lol

I put on my sleeping mask and turn on the positive affirmation that I downloaded on my phone, to focus on my breathing and the positive words. I didn't want to see the CTG machine. I didn't want to see nurses. I didn't want to know what time is it. I didn't want to see they changed the drip or whatever. I just didn't want to see anything at all! Cuz I felt like all that are such a distraction to me and can mess up my mind so easily! I just want to regain back my positive vibes and go to my happy place and I just want to focus on breathing down my baby naturally... 

My husband has been so amazing in the labor room. I once read to him that happy thoughts and laughter can actually release the oxytocin hormones. The hormones that make the uterus contract. So being a clown himself, he didn't stop making jokes in that labor room! Maybe I'll share some of his videos he took while he's in the labor room, when I found the file. Anyway...He was so supportive and funny and making jokes all around, trying to make me stay happy and positive during that whole time! I was smiling most of the time while bearing the pain, and there were a few times when he made me laugh so hard, I felt a lot of water coming out! I guess that's what oxytocin did to me! haha. Pretty awesome! Lol

But by 11.00 am, I have lost most of my energy, bearing the pain for 2 hours straight. Plus, I didn't sleep the night before, remember? And with all that screaming, crying, shouting, shocking, panicking, shivering that happened earlier...has really drained me. I cried to my husband. I said, I couldn't bear this shivering anymore.. and I don't think your jokes can even help me with this. I said I think I need a drug. Please just gimme any painkiller to help me with this shivering. I can't breathe and focus at all. Plus, with the nurses kept on coming in every few minutes has really bothered me even though I was wearing that mask to cover my eyes.

So the nurse gave me this laughing gas. It helped a little. I didn't feel pain. I felt high. But I think I was breathing the gas way too much, that I vomited after that! Euww..

At this point...the pain was unbearable. It's hard to control your breathing when the contraction comes, especially when you are constantly trembling! Ughhh...I just can't focus on anything anymore! Plus...I was already so exhausted. I don't have much energy left..and I just want to sleep! :(

Whatever that I have learned and planned, semua dah ke laut! Menggigil teruk sangat2....sampai penat sangat jadinya. Tak larat dah nak tahan. tskkk. Semoga Allah mengampuni dosa-dosaku..

Then at 11.10 am, the nurse came in to check again on my cervix. This time I was 5 cm dilated. The doctor came in, and asked me "Are you really sure you can bear this pain? It's going to feel a lot more painful at 10 cm. It's going to be really different from what you're experiencing now. If you want epidural, this would be your last call. If you can't bear the pain now at 5 cm, imagine what the pain will be like at 10 cm. Are you really really sure that you can do it?? Most people cannot handle. I think it's better for you to take."

Danggggggggggggggg.

The doctor and the nurses are testing my iman! They kept on saying the word "Are you sure? Are you sure?". Well of course I'm not sure! I haven't been into labor before! You're supposed to tell me that I can do thissssss.... Not making me doubt with my choice and ability.... ish

So...I guess I was not that strong after all. There were 4 people in that room suggesting and convincing me to take epidural. Everyone in that room except my husband, has really messed up my mind since the moment they checked my cervix till you broke my water without my consent/mentally prepared. tskkk. So yes...I asked for that happy drug at last...  Only because I wanted to rest a bit before showtime. I was too damn exhausted from that trembling and not sleeping the night before. I just needed to get some rest as the doctor predicted that I may start pushing at 3.00 pm.. So I thought..hmm...maybe I should just take the epidural and sleep for awhile? Cuz I might have a few hours to go before 3.00 pm. haha

So at 11.15 am, my husband went out to look for the nurse. He told her that I finally wanted the magic juice. The nurse told him that the doctor is not available immediately, and that I have to wait for him. - We waited for about 30 minutes. During this time, my husband made a lot of jokes. I laughed so hard even though I was in a lot of pain.. My water came out even more this time.. 

On 11.45 am, the epidural doctor has finally arrived! Oh...I was so happy, I just couldn't wait to sleep! Tak larat sangat dah, I've been up for more than 24 hours. I felt like a pregnant zombie already. So he injected the epidural in my spine. It was painful at first... Like an electric shock. haha. But then I felt nothing! Within 5 to 10 minutes I didn't feel anything! Oh my goddddddd...what an amazing invention ever!!! hahaha. My legs didn't tremble. I can breathe normally. And best of all, there's no contraction! Yay! 

Then the nurse wanted to check on me again at 12.05 pm. - This time I was already 7 cm dilated. 3 cm more to go before I can start pushing! For less than 1 hour, I went from 5 cm to 7 cm! That oxytocin hormone is so awesome, man! Thanks darling for making me laugh so much! heheh

Anyway, when the nurse came in, she went to check the CTG, her face was quite worried and pale. I asked her what's wrong...she kept her cool and said nothing. Then a few minutes later, at 12.10 pm, she asked me to start using the oxygen mask because the baby's heartbeat is getting weaker/drop. I was too weak and sleepy to even bother and worried about what she said. I just left everything to Allah. So I took the oxygen mask...and one minute after that....

I sleep soundly!!!

My husband told me, the whole time I was sleeping, my contraction was getting higher and higher! But I didn't move or feel any pain at all and still sound asleep. My hands and legs are not trembling anymore. I didn't feel the contraction. I was more relaxed and happy again! Oh man...epidural is awesome! I guess I am also a #teamepidural! hahaha.

At 1.20 pm, the nurse woke me up. She needed to check the opening of my cervix again... This time, it was already 9 cm! Wow...but I still didn't feel a thing! In fact, having slept/rest for one and a half hour has made me regain my strength a bit.  However, the look on her face didn't seem right. She looked nervous and worried and really pale... She kept on saying "I couldn't get your baby's heartbeat. Baby you ni main-main pulak kejap ada, kejap tak ada.". But I don't know why I wasn't so worried with her words at that time. Maybe I was still so sleepy. Or maybe because deep down inside, I know my baby is going to be okay..

By 1.30 pm, she asked me to start pushing. She said the baby's heartbeat is getting weaker. So she needed me to push! I was still half sleeping that time.. Quite surprised actually, to be waking up to that info! Still trying to digest and process..huhu

We tried pushing for about 25 minutes. I didn't quite know how to push I guess, because I didn't feel the contraction! Or maybe I was just really really sleepy! 

Then she ran out to call the doctor... She looked so panic. But I was still so blur! I was like "Why is she panicking? I'm the one who's going to give birth. Not her!" haha. At 1.55 pm, my doctor came in and ask me to try to push again. He reduced the amount of my epidural for me to feel the contraction...and ask me to push again. Honestly..I didn't have much energy left during this time. So I guess I wasn't really "pushing" just now. But when the doctor told me, if within an hour I am still not able to push my baby out, he will have to do an emergency cesarean because my baby's heartbeat is dropping. At that time it was 2.05 pm. The minute I heard the word "CESAREAN", it was like a wake up call to me... Ding...ding ding!!! Time to push Wani oi!!! This is not a game! Your baby is coming out nowwww! I gained all my energy inside my body to push out my baby even harder! 

One...two...three...PUSH!!! One...two...three...PUSH! One...two...three...PUSH! A

t 2.12 pm, my beautiful baby boy was born with the help of a vacuum!!!!

That's my baby. We named him Ayden Iskandar which means the intelligent leader, inshaallah. 

:)

Actually I was quite upset that I didn't get the chance to put the baby on my chest right away. I told my doctor and the nurses earlier, that I wanted to do that. I didn't want them to clean him right away. But because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, so my doctor had to cut it immediately. Even my husband didn't get the chance to do that. My baby's life was much more important than cutting it.. So it's ok. - Apparently, he couldn't breathe. Oh poor you my sweet little boy! God knows what would happen if I couldn't push you out in time... T__T

The picture above was my very first view of my baby.. The moment they have done with checking and cleaning him, they put him in the bassinet right next to my bed. I looked to my right and saw this beautiful baby boy looking so confused. hehe. Awww...you must be thinking why the world is not dark anymore, ha? hehe. We both looked at him and we cried. We can't believe that that's our son! Our first born! I looked at him and say "That's our son??! That's our first child? I'm a mother now? That little boy is mineeeee!". LOL. 

My husband gave salam and recited the azan to his ears..and later, the nurse let me hold him and taught me how to nurse him. He latched on right away! Good job son. You're one brilliant baby! hehe. 

They let me hold my baby for one hour in the labor room. It's our bonding session. Our first date. And I fell in love immediately. He looked to my eyes and I said, "Assalamualaikum... Hello little boy! I'm your mother!". And I cried while holding him. The feeling of meeting and holding your own baby for the first time, is amazing mashaallah. God is the greatest!   

Anyway...although I had quite a traumatic experience in the labor room, but I'm glad that it only lasted for 2 hours. I heard so many stories before, and compared to mine, it was actually not such a big deal, thanks to epidural for saving the day! hehe. If God bless us with another child, I still want to experience a natural, comfortable birth if I could. But who knows..if I were to get this kind of experience again, then maybe I'd still opt for the epidural again! haha

I was not really upset with my doctor the minute Ayden was born healthily and normal. Lol. Plus, I did not have any complications during labor and even after that. Maybe at that moment, I was just too shock and upset because it didn't happen according to the way I imagined or planned/wanted. So I guess my doctor really knew what he was doing after all. He's been doing it for many years already... But if you ask me if I want him to be my gynae again if I were to get pregnant once more, I'd say....umm..not really. hehe. I'd like to try someone else. Maybe after this a water birth! hehe.

But overall, I give my the whole labor experience an 8/10. I'm really glad that my labor was quite short. Some people were in labor for 15 hours or more. And I'm so glad mine was only 5 hours. Alhamdullilah. Everything went well. Thank you doctor for saving my son's life..and thanks for everything! :)



XOXO,
Ayden's Mommy.

Got milk?

What was your favourite drink when you're pregnant? Mine was warm milk! I found it comforting to drink it every night before bedtime! For me I take specifically prenatal milk as I was pregnant. I choose Anmum Materna as two glasses a day gives me 400 mcg of folic acid, which is equivalent to approximately 97 slices of white bread!! Taking folic acid while pregnant can help prevent birth defects of your baby’s brain and spinal cord. So if you’re planning to get pregnant or already are pregnant, do take it every day! You can drink it on its own or take it with a bowl of fortified cereal too! Yum! Anmum Materna contains important source of dietary calcium, iron and folate for expecting mothers. I started drinking it when I reached second trimester, until the end of my pregnancy. They tasted sooooo good especially with crackers! :)

Anmum Materna is also an important source of dietary calcium for pregnant women. If you don't consume enough calcium-rich foods like milk during pregnancy, you will lose calcium from your bones to meet your baby's needs for this mineral. Pregnancy is the most important time when one must pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet in order to reduce the risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Anmum™ Materna was my preferred choice when I was pregnant with my baby Ayden.

At 41 weeks pregnant!

Anmum™ Materna contains Probio DR10™ and Prebiotic (Inulin) which support a healthy intestinal environment that's important for effective absorption of nutrients! Dietary fibres are important in creating a good intestinal environment - for effective absorption of nutrients. Apart from having vitamins and minerals that your child needs everyday, Anmum™ Materna also has GA and DHA that is important in the development of a healthy baby and the mother. Growing children have specific nutritional needs. Hence, optimal nutrition is important for proper growth and development.

What's more, Anmum™ Materna is now with lower fat content! So you can now enjoy an optimum nutrition while maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight by drinking two glasses of Anmum Materna daily! Drinking Anmum Materna will give you good nutrients and benefits that your body needs while pregnant! So drink up ladies!


XOXO,
Shazzy.

Happy Tears..

Today I am forty weeks (plus) pregnant with our first baby. Yes, I'm #StillPregnant! haha. Well that's almost 10 months of carrying a precious life, that is half of him and half of me inside my womb! O__o With Baby A's arrival only days away inshaallah, I can't help but think about how our marriage and friendship will change when we become a family.

It seems like just yesterday we got married..and decided to get pregnant after 8 months of blissfully being a newlywed! Hehe. And now I can't believe that we're just a few days away of starting a family and a new phase of life! ☺️

Throughout this three years of knowing Hazim and being married for a year and a half now, there is never a day that passes by I don't feel happy with him, alhamdullilah. We couldn't believe that we have made it over a year already. We both felt like we're only been married for about 3 months or so! haha. I guess when you're having fun, you won't realize how fast time flies! All praise to Allah, the Creator and Owner of happiness. I know a year is only a short period of time to judge and say this, and we have a long way to go still, but I am grateful with the blessings Allah has given me so far, and I will try to remember everyday that all these are from Allah, and not to take things for granted because he could easily take away everything that I have now... And I know, with a baby comes new responsibilities and a lot of exhaustion. So I hope that no matter what obstacles lie ahead of us, we can get through the early stages of parenthood together and grow closer as a family, Inshaallah.

Well..I never really share this with anyone, but tonight I think I just let my emotions write this... Sorry if I sounded a lil' cheesy here. Because who knows, after having kids, I won't be as romantic as I used to be, and I'll forget how and why did I fell in love with my husband.. - Not that I intend to, but with all the "mommy mode" I'll be having later on for the next 20 years, you never really know right..? So I would like to take this opportunity to say that you're an amazing person and and I will love you forever and will strive to be the best wife and mommy to your children, inshaalllah.  
Thank you for always being by my side through this life creating journey that we will some day tell to our kids as big adventures.. I know when I need someone you will be there. Thank you for being the one I can count on and trust with even my darkest fears and biggest dreams. It's not the big things that you do, but the little things can mean enough for me. I would pick no one besides you to be my partner in life. You are my love. You are my sunshine after the rain..

I know all this sounds cliché but sorry, like I said..tonight I am extra emotional.... thinking and remembering everything that has happened to me before, and how God has planned my life (so far) for the best, inshaallah.. ☺️
I have put all the negative memories behind, the day I met Hazim..but I don't know why, all of a sudden, everything came back in a flash to me tonight, and I remembered how destroyed I felt with everything last time - love, life, friends, etc... and how different my life is now! Syukur Ya Allah. Sometimes I wonder, what did I do right, that I get all these blessings from Him. Alhamdullilah.. I can't thank Him enough.. :'(

I remembered I cried horribly on my wedding day (you know the kind of cry where you can't control your chin and it starts to wobble and making your face look so damn ugly? Haha. Yeah, that type of cry!)  *Yes, big surprise here.. I'm a big weeper! Haha* - I just can't control the feeling of being SO happy, mashaallah. Probably because I was hurt so badly...and suddenly everything changed 360 degrees? So maybe that's why I am feeling a little bit emotional, I guess. -- I even cried in my sleep/dream even after I am already married at the time, because I just couldn't believe how happy I am and how different I feel inside out - Bahagiaaaaaa je rasa. Hahaha. xD

You know that feeling right..when you're too happy that you cry instead of smile? Uh-huh, that one! After the wedding, I actually cried almost every night for a month, when he already went to sleep! Yes, almost every night! LOL. When I looked at him, I just couldn't believe that I am married. That he is my husband and my beautiful fate. I just never thought I would ever feel this way and meet someone who would love and appreciate me in every way, and always strive to make me happy and speak so kindly towards me. It's like Allah answered my prayers and hear my thoughts and rintihan hati.. :') And that someone is not just a boyfriend to me but a life partner, a best friend, a husband and soon Inshaallah the father of my children. Someone that Allah has written his name in Luh Mahfuz as the one for me in this world and in His beautiful Jannah, Inshaallah.  --- He actually got a little confused whether or not I am happy being married to him, on the first few weeks, cuz I always woke him up that time, with the sound of me sobbing like a child in the middle of the night. Hahaha! :p

But I'm all stable now. Dah tak emotional dah. Dah normal balik. hahaha. Everyday I keep reminding myself about how I felt last time so I would always appreciate my husband, and love him whole heartedly and never take things for granted. He is really such an amazing person and husband and inshaallah an amazing dad as well. I am really, truly grateful for everything that has happened in my life, good or bad that leads me to finding this guy and be his lawfully wedded wife. And soon, a mother to his children! :)

All praise to the Almighty, the Owner of Happiness, the best of Planner and the Creator of everything that exists in this world.

I know all these happiness and kebahagiaan that I feel now is just a "loan" to me and a test in this dunya. Someone once told me that a spouse is a bless and a test from God. And I know in just seconds, He can take all these away... And I also know that it takes two people for a successful marriage, so I just wanted to let you know that having a child together will not hinder my duties as a wife to you, Inshaallah. If at first I struggle with the balance of the two, please have patience. We can grow together as parents as we have grown together into the adults we've recently become. My love for you has always been the strongest kind and will always be, inshallah. There's no other person I'd rather be on this journey with. All praise to Allah, the Creator of all things in this life. I know nothing lasts forever except Allah. So my only wish is for Him to be pleased with me and with us. Ameen. Ya rabb al ameen  :)

Enjoying the last few days as one!

Anyway....speaking about happy tears, I just can't even imagine when the day my child is born! Must be 10,000 times more happy than that bahagia feeling I felt when I got married, I guess? Tengok video orang lain beranak pun dah menangis, inikan pulak tengok baby sendiri. Such a beautiful gift! - A gift from heaven and Allah! Oh, I cannot wait!! Hopefully Allah will ease everything for me and for us, inshaallah.. ☺️

Wish me luck guys! Here's to MOMMYHOOD!!!!! :D



XOXO,
Shazzy.

My Mini Baby Shower!

My baby shower was held on a beautiful Sunday evening, on the April 12th.. (Come to think of it, my bridal shower was held on a Sunday as well! - Sunday is a good day for me apparently! heh) I was 38 weeks pregnant that day! Just about time to push! hehe. Remember my friend, Farhana? The one that I attended her awesome baby shower years ago, looking so pregnant? haha. Now, she made a surprise baby shower for me pulakkk! - Awww! Such an awesome buddy she is! I'm definitely buying her another MiuMiu purse! haha.

Anyways...She invited my friends and family to celebrate this special time in my life. She said it was just a mini shower as it was kinda an impromptu one. She planned like a day or two before! huhu... But still, it turned out to be such a lovely evening for me!

Thank you for showering me with love Fanaaaaa! *kiss kiss*

The "theme" of my baby shower was baby blue and white... Since I do not want to reveal the gender yet, so Farhana ordered a white and tiffany blue cake (boy color) with a ballerina baby girl shoes, and ribbons, and lace and pearls on my cake!

Such a cute and delicious cake!

People often asked me what is the purpose of a baby shower? Can't we just do a doa selamat instead? Well...as a muslim, of course we could! But...after the baby is born inshaallah. People often say it's not really a good thing to celebrate the birth of their unborn/upcoming child, which is something that is not a sure thing yet.. as things can always go wrong in the labor room. But for me, it all depends on your niyyah and it's always best to be moderate in whatever you do. Plus, it's good to be happy and have a positive thoughts & mind throughout your pregnancy! ^__^  I read somewhere that a positive attitude and mind helps you cope more easily with your pregnancy and labor and especially, the daily affairs of life! With a positive attitude you will see the bright side of life, become optimistic, and expect the best to happen, inshaallah! 

My small baby shower held at a Nail Smith Spa & Bar!

^__^

Anyway...traditionally, a baby shower was held to help the mommy-to-be with the things she would need for her baby. Thus, the guests would "shower" the new mom with baby gifts for her.. You know, how expensive baby stuff can be right? Whereas other cultures host a baby shower to celebrate the transformation of a woman into a mother! :)

Mom to be with her friends and family. Some has left though. 

Ahhh....I wish Malaysia have a gift registry like in the US! So awesome, you can just tell your friends or family the things that you need and want...and hopefully they'll buy for you! LOL. ;p But I'm lucky enough that my best friend is planning and hosting this baby shower for me! Plus, I already got myself 90% of the things that are on the list! But it's still great to get together with the ladies when I know I will be in my confinement period for a looong time! haha. It's such a fun thing to do for a really pregnant mother to have a nice gathering session like this before the baby arrives....because life with a newborn baby can be really messy and tiring! No sleep, no socializing, no me-time for years! Huuuu...

Anyway, I'm so glad the things I get from my baby shower are all so practical and useful and things that I still didn't have yet!! One of my friends said she really had a hard time thinking what to give me since I already got most of the important things! Blame it on the online shopping! huhu xD

Played a little game.. Main teka hadiah apa. hehe

Had a spa pedicure that day.. Since I'm at the end of my pregnancy...my feet is really bloated and tired. So being treated like thissss has realllllly made me so happy! Thank you everyone!!! You made me feel like a princess! lol

Enjoyed a nice lasagna with a cuppa tea while my feet is being massaged!

Ughhh...look at that huge toes. huhu

Then we played a little game...

Oh you know, guessing what the baby ate kind of game. haha

I wonder whose poop is this. lol

This tahi is so cair....It's definitely Coki Coki! haha

While the mommas play our little games inside, the kids had fun playing outside too!

My fave part, opening presents!!! haha

Thank you guys! 

While my in laws gave me some cute baby clothes, and baby crib/mattress... My dad gave me this cool car seat all the way from UK! We don't have this brand in Malaysia yet. The brand is called Simple Parenting.. And the name of the car seat is Doona. It's still quite new in the market. So when he asked me what I wanted for my baby, of course I said this Doona Infant Car Seat with Wheels! hehe.. Thanks dad! When he turned 1, we need to buy a new car seat though...

Later that night, my husband brought me to some baby shops to get me a nice diaper changing table for my baby shower gift! Awwww thank you darling! You're awesomeeeee! 

(Can I still get a "push present"??? haha ;p)

Anyway...I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews on what items to purchase while I was pregnant. Of course not everyone is going to like an item or agree on what the "best" product is.. but based on what people wrote and how many reviews were written on multiple sites I was able to make the best choices for me...for now. But when the baby comes and I'm using the items, things may change, but for now... I'm really really happy with all my things and my purchases! :)

Baby A....you are going to be so loved! Can't wait to see youuuu...

P/s: Sorry the photo quality in this post is so bad. I'm only using an iPhone 5S. And I definitely need a new phone. Perhaps...a push present?? haha ;p


XOXO,
Mommy-to-be.