Updates!

Tomorrow marks week 25 for XXM. All the movements are getting more pronounced and J has finally managed to see the action when G's belly actually twitched from XXM's kicks and punches. So far, movements are more pronounced at night...usually when G is enjoying the 9pm drama serial...or when it's time for food.

G is now undeniably bumpy and her wardrobe is almost completely packed into boxes except for the baggy tops and elastic bottoms. Won't be long till her entire wardrobe will be replaced by nursing tops and yoga pants.

J, G and G's mum went for a short trip to Malaysia...one last holiday and visiting relatives before G gets too big to travel. When XXM is born, will have to find a suitable time to bring XXM into Malaysia and be exposed to kampung lifestyle.

Not sure if it's the weather was too hot or just the change in environment, G actually lost 200g (instead of the usual gaining 1kg) over this week. J made a careful observation that G did not have any McDonald's this week...looks like french fries, cheese burgers and hot cakes are potent weight gain stimulators...


On the other hand, the hot weather seem to have lead to perpetual dehydration that caused fluid retention in G. This might possibly have led to the development of pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome in G's left hand. The Dr have no solution as X-ray for investigation is not possible and drugs are not allowed, so there's nothing that can be done except to brace and rest the wrist and hope for the best...

And baby shopping has begun! J is beginning to see how much this little thing is going to cost him. Luckily for J, G is not the kind who goes gaga over cutsie baby clothes which she must buy...so far it has been "aww...so cute!!!" and then back it goes onto the clothes rack. Nonetheless, a trip to the Baby Expo and Ikea burnt a little hole in J's pocket which he cannot ignore...another month or so and it will be an even bigger hole when the bulkier items need to be bought...

For now, XXM has its own little storage shelf on wheels! For now, all 3 drawers are rather empty...only the 2nd drawer is half-filled with bb clothes...G must say that it takes alot of determination to not buy more. All the little pieces of tops, bottoms and onesies are so adorable! Even G's mum caved to buying more despite repeatedly warning G not to over-buy as these clothes will only last about 3 months or less

Guess it won't be long when all 3 drawers will be filled with stuff (and J will be groaning from all the money spent...)

Ultrasound scan again

J and G went for the second ultrasound scan to check on XXM's progress.

Everything checks out. XXM is growing nicely, except that femur length is a little below average. Looks like XXM has inherited J's genes. G is horrified at the result and has resolved to increase calcium intake in the hopes of boosting XXM's femur length. Will it work? Results will be posted here in a few weeks.

On to the next topic, XXM is moving a lot more now. J can clearly feel some of the movements. G claims that some of the movements can be seen as XXM stretches her tummy. J has yet to see this and is looking forward to seeing it.

At the same time, G has not really been having cravings for exotic foodstuffs. She remains partial to a good old McDonald's cheeseburger and some fries. Must have something to do with her mum who works at McDonald's. Hopefully, this will not go on, or J will pack on some pounds from eating McDonald's before bed.   Also, it is not the healthiest food for a pregnant woman.

Cravings......

G just had her first craving, after 21 weeks.

At this point, J had been lulled into a false sense of security, that maybe he had lucked out and got a wife without cravings. Thanks to a Channel 8 show, G suddenly had a craving.

So, what was G craving? Some exotic food only to be found in the far reaches of the globe? Thankfully, her craving was for a rather more mundane item. French fries.

The silver lining for J is that there is a McDonald's within a 5-minute walk from home. And it is open 24/7. If this is what G will be craving, no sweat. :-)

In other news, G has been feeling little movements from XXM over the last couple of weeks. These movements have gotten stronger and this morning, even J felt something. Things are set to get more exciting as XXM makes ever bigger movements.

Half-term report

And we're half-way through the pregnancy as the twentieth week approaches.

It has been a fairly smooth journey so far. G's BP is still hovering at a fairly low level(as measured at home). But at least she no longer gets sustained bouts of giddiness.

G is getting a bigger and more noticeable bump. At least now people are giving up their seats to her on the MRT. And if she doesn't get a seat, well, she can always stroke the bump (and shoot murderous looks at whoever refused to give up their seat).

Earlier on, G was worried about the lack of weight gain. Now, as she starts gaining weight steadily, she's all worried about gaining too much weight. J thinks she should not worry too much as there aren't really many times when a woman is allowed to gain weight and be proud of it.

Baby is supposed to be able to hear external noises now. A week ago, only G's voice and heartbeat would have been audible. Maybe it's time to start on the Mozart, eh? Or perhaps, it would be better to give Baby a more varied exposure. Time to dust off all those classics and books and do some reading to Baby. J will make sure Baby gets bilingual exposure right from the start. Hey, it's a competitive world out there.

J & G are looking forward to the next appointment with the doctor. It comes with an ultrasound so J & G can see Baby again. Hopefully, the ultrasound will not ruin the surprise.