The plan was to have the birth induced on the 8th. I guess not everything goes according to plan. 6am+ on Sunday morning there were some minor pains which we thought might be false alarms. When it didn't go away at 9am I still didn't take it too serious although Mrs WD was already putting on her make-up... I changed and bought her breakfast according to my mum's instructions "she's going to give birth soon might as well eat now so she have more energy for the push" in Hakka dialect. When can she understand that I'm not a good speaker or listener of that language?!?!
When I came home with the breakfast I still wasn't convinced that we were having a baby that day. But the trio of elders sitting in the living room (mum, MIL, uncle) had already decided that we shall have no drama of having a baby at home or in the car so off we went~ took the whole of 7 minutes to reach our destination by 11am. Checked-in and admitted into the delivery ward, the nurses checked and revealed to us that it had already dilated to 4cm and that would have been a good time to have the Epidural injection. Mrs WD bravely rejected the suggestion and we waited for our gynae Dr Heng Tun Lan (very very very famous gynae in the area, nearly everyone we know talks about her for delivery).
Dr Heng came at around noon, had a look and decided that she had enough time for newspaper and a cup of coffee. She even invited me into the staff room for a drink, seeing how nervous I looked. I think it was kind of reassuring that she was so sure of her actions. It had a calming effect knowing your gynae is highly recommended by everyone, including your IVF specialist doctor (Dr Juliana from Mt E, who also has a very strong reputation as an IVF specialist).
By 12:25 Mrs WD was threatening to tear the bed frame off. Thank God it was made of strong materials and even more thank God it wasn't my arm! As I watched her In such pain I nearly wanted to cry. She asked for painkiller but Dr Heng decided that it was too late as the baby was going to arrive soon. One attempt at 1234, another at 1236, still no good. Dr Heng suggested some assistance and Mrs WD was open to any help she could get at this time. Out came the vacuum and out come Baby J @ 12:39pm. A gigantic baby with such a powerful cry and wailing arms and legs.
The happiest thing was to see the baby kicking and crying away. He's been reminding Mrs WD of his presence every night and now we know why she's been feeling the damage from inside. The boy got strong kicks! Relief. Such a relief he was healthy and strong. A long wait in the ward before we were led to our room. By that time our family members were already making their way to the hospital. Between meeting happy family members, dealing with the many doctors and nurses updating us on the baby's status and setting up shop to stay for the night, I didn't really have the time to take in the moment of welcoming my son.
Day in day out Baby J was crying for a meal and he's got strong lungs alright. In between his feeding time we manage to get ourselves fed. The hospital provide 3 main meals a day with at least 2 choices everyday. Mums can also choose post-natal meals. Between meals there are also afternoon tea and supper which usually consist of hot chocolate and a cake. I must have gained a kg or two after 2 nights there.
Checked out at around 1pm today with multiple goodies like bags, diapers, baby clothes and many other things from the hospital and their sponsor partners. We are not complaining but I wonder how families without a car can carry all that stuff home... Hmm....
Now he's sleeping between me and Mrs WD. A small little life who came into our world slightly less than 60 hours ago. I'm quite loss for words on how to express my feelings now. Just 1 week ago I was talking into a bulging tummy hoping to meet this guy soon. Now that he is here I'm really awed by his presence.
What a beautiful thing life is~
Amazon Prime
I buy my books here~
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Bowling alley review 1 - Kallang Bowl
This will be the 1st of a series of reviews on bowling alleys in Singapore. First and foremost it will be a reference point for me. I also hope that fellow bowlers will find the information useful.
Situated on the 2nd floor of Kallang Leisure Park, this place is highly accessible via major expressways like ECP, KPE and PIE. Alternatively the Stadium station of the Circle Line is right beside the building.
Price
S$3 for non-peak (before 6pm)
S$4 for peak (after 6pm)
Scoring Systems
Modern scoring system with touchscreen panels and animation showing optimum line of entry for sparing and speed of last throw. I'm one who always think that scoring systems have alot to improve in terms of user interface design and friendliness. Good enough but can be better.
Lanes
The toughest lane I've played so far (against NSRCC TM and Orchid Tampines). Tough because different areas of the lane have very different reaction. And the pins have less action compared to the others. Yet to play an over-200 game here. Will definitely go back again to break 200... Some bowlers are such whores...
Atmosphere
Alot of kids. Kids with no manners and knowledge of bowling etiquette. Lighting is fine, sitting area is spacious but music a bit too loud for my liking.
Proshop
As far as I know the pro-shop has been around for some time. A pretty impressive stock of balls including Hello Kitty and soccer ball polyesters. If I remember correctly the price is a little bit on the high but my memory don't always serve me well.
Other Services
Not many other things to do in the bowling alley except eat and drink from the cafeteria if you are on waiting list but you can catch a movie, go to the arcade or go for ice-skating in the same building.
Conclusion
Score: 6/10
6 is a pretty low score considering that the place is quite new and the equipment modern. But the place just doesn't give me the impression that it is meant for serious bowling. I will go back because its near my place and its a challenge yes because bowlers are such whores. But to play league bowling there... I really got to seriously think about that...
Situated on the 2nd floor of Kallang Leisure Park, this place is highly accessible via major expressways like ECP, KPE and PIE. Alternatively the Stadium station of the Circle Line is right beside the building.
Price
S$3 for non-peak (before 6pm)
S$4 for peak (after 6pm)
Scoring Systems
Modern scoring system with touchscreen panels and animation showing optimum line of entry for sparing and speed of last throw. I'm one who always think that scoring systems have alot to improve in terms of user interface design and friendliness. Good enough but can be better.
Lanes
The toughest lane I've played so far (against NSRCC TM and Orchid Tampines). Tough because different areas of the lane have very different reaction. And the pins have less action compared to the others. Yet to play an over-200 game here. Will definitely go back again to break 200... Some bowlers are such whores...
Atmosphere
Alot of kids. Kids with no manners and knowledge of bowling etiquette. Lighting is fine, sitting area is spacious but music a bit too loud for my liking.
Proshop
As far as I know the pro-shop has been around for some time. A pretty impressive stock of balls including Hello Kitty and soccer ball polyesters. If I remember correctly the price is a little bit on the high but my memory don't always serve me well.
Other Services
Not many other things to do in the bowling alley except eat and drink from the cafeteria if you are on waiting list but you can catch a movie, go to the arcade or go for ice-skating in the same building.
Conclusion
Score: 6/10
6 is a pretty low score considering that the place is quite new and the equipment modern. But the place just doesn't give me the impression that it is meant for serious bowling. I will go back because its near my place and its a challenge yes because bowlers are such whores. But to play league bowling there... I really got to seriously think about that...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Encapsulating Placenta into Pills...
Below is a small paragraph which I copied from http://www.gentlebirth.org regarding preparation of Placenta for consumption
To cook, wash excess blood from the placenta. Place it in a steamer over water. Place with it fresh ginger slices, half a lemon and a hot pepper. Steam for 15 minutes, turn, and steam 15 more minutes until no juice comes out when pricked with a fork. (Steam over low heat, it has a tendency to boil over and that's a mess.) The membranes and cord may be cooked with the placenta. It is helpful to turn the placenta to "Schultze", i.e, wrapped inside the membrane when you cook it. It will shrink tremendously, and wrapped in the membranes makes it easy to deal with for the next step. After steaming, slice the placenta in 1/8" strips, similar to making jerky. Slice as thin as possible. Place the strips on a cookie sheet (over alum foil if you're squeamish) and place it in a oven on the lowest possible setting for several hours until completely brittle-dry. (Again like jerky) Using a food dehydrator is even better, but will take longer. Powder the strips in a coffee grinder, and encapsulate. I advise clients to take two capsules three times a day for two weeks postpartum. It can be kept indefinitely, but is best kept in a freezer long term (like any meat).
Hmm.... cannibalism?
To cook, wash excess blood from the placenta. Place it in a steamer over water. Place with it fresh ginger slices, half a lemon and a hot pepper. Steam for 15 minutes, turn, and steam 15 more minutes until no juice comes out when pricked with a fork. (Steam over low heat, it has a tendency to boil over and that's a mess.) The membranes and cord may be cooked with the placenta. It is helpful to turn the placenta to "Schultze", i.e, wrapped inside the membrane when you cook it. It will shrink tremendously, and wrapped in the membranes makes it easy to deal with for the next step. After steaming, slice the placenta in 1/8" strips, similar to making jerky. Slice as thin as possible. Place the strips on a cookie sheet (over alum foil if you're squeamish) and place it in a oven on the lowest possible setting for several hours until completely brittle-dry. (Again like jerky) Using a food dehydrator is even better, but will take longer. Powder the strips in a coffee grinder, and encapsulate. I advise clients to take two capsules three times a day for two weeks postpartum. It can be kept indefinitely, but is best kept in a freezer long term (like any meat).
Hmm.... cannibalism?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Bowling @ Kallang Bowl
Bowling in Singapore is nearly 50% cheaper than HK. And the lanes are generally more spacious compared to HK. Lane at Kallang was dry... At least the lane I was playing on was super dry on my line. Wonder if someone was training the same line the whole day before I played, thus the depleted oil along my line...
Well... Excuses and more excuses for my not so stellar scores. It's a good reason to make a return trip ASAP. Bowling is a funny game for addicts like us. A poor score is as good a reason to return as a bad score.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Eat all over Eastern Singapore~ Part 2
Day 4
Saturday was the day I were to bring a few paintings for re-framing. Reached Katong and the shop was closed. Drove to Joo Chiat and the shop wouldn't open till an hour later. Off we went for Beach Road Prawn Mee in Katong. Why its still called Beach Road Prawn Mee when its in Katong? Well many establishments tend to name their shop after the street they started with and bring it around so that hopefully their customers will remember and follow them.
We went to get the paintings framed after the meal before going home. After a short rest off we went to Parkway and Kallang Park for more errands. Late noon was spent in the pool. I love the pool. It's really a joy to swim in Singapore, especially after finishing the errands. Then I brought D to play basketball at the nearby C.C. My childhood playground and here I am again~
Dinner was prepared on one floor and pushed to another floor on a trolley. I'm very happy with the dining table which can be extended from 1.4 metres to 1.8 metres or even 2.2 metres. We had the table at 1.8 metres and 8 of us managed to sit quite comfortably. Hopefully I will be able to open it up till 2.2 metres and seat everyone together for a good reunion dinner next year...
After dinner time was split between the 2 floors trying to squeeze as much family time in as possible. And soon it was time for supper at the prata joint downstairs~ More prata and teh tarik before we turn in for the night~
Day 5
Sunday morning~ Where do we go for breakfast? Katong Laksa! Throw in a few otak to go with it~
After a glorious meal, took a walk further down towards Still Road where we can find quite a few pre-war shophouses. This area is also famous for Peranakan food. We promptly made a reservation for dinner.
After walking around the new place looking at a few new apartments, we went back to the swimming pool for more action under the water. Managed to take a few shots underwater with the Sony TX5. Pretty impressive little camera.
Washed up and went back to Katong for our Peranakan dinner. SGD90 for a party of 7. Surprisingly it wasn't as spicy as I first thought. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the meal.
Ended up at Joo Chiat Complex trying to get a table cloth for my long dining table but ended up with cushions for the entertainment room.
Day 6
Woke up early for our appointment in Mt E Hospital. Its always sunny in Singapore...
After the hospital stuff were dealt with I finally have a chance to visit Ion Orchard. Took me less than 5 minutes to leave that place... felt too much like any mall in HK.
I preferred to have a nice local meal at Old Airport Road again. Had a great big bowl of wanton noodle($4) and Fried Kway Teow again.
Went back home, settled a few stuffs before we started the dreaded trip back to HK... I love the idea of having trees in the airport and an outdoor smoking area instead of a room within the building.
Hours later we were back in HK... Well... at least we were happy to see the pups!
Saturday was the day I were to bring a few paintings for re-framing. Reached Katong and the shop was closed. Drove to Joo Chiat and the shop wouldn't open till an hour later. Off we went for Beach Road Prawn Mee in Katong. Why its still called Beach Road Prawn Mee when its in Katong? Well many establishments tend to name their shop after the street they started with and bring it around so that hopefully their customers will remember and follow them.
We went to get the paintings framed after the meal before going home. After a short rest off we went to Parkway and Kallang Park for more errands. Late noon was spent in the pool. I love the pool. It's really a joy to swim in Singapore, especially after finishing the errands. Then I brought D to play basketball at the nearby C.C. My childhood playground and here I am again~
Dinner was prepared on one floor and pushed to another floor on a trolley. I'm very happy with the dining table which can be extended from 1.4 metres to 1.8 metres or even 2.2 metres. We had the table at 1.8 metres and 8 of us managed to sit quite comfortably. Hopefully I will be able to open it up till 2.2 metres and seat everyone together for a good reunion dinner next year...
After dinner time was split between the 2 floors trying to squeeze as much family time in as possible. And soon it was time for supper at the prata joint downstairs~ More prata and teh tarik before we turn in for the night~
Day 5
Sunday morning~ Where do we go for breakfast? Katong Laksa! Throw in a few otak to go with it~
After a glorious meal, took a walk further down towards Still Road where we can find quite a few pre-war shophouses. This area is also famous for Peranakan food. We promptly made a reservation for dinner.
After walking around the new place looking at a few new apartments, we went back to the swimming pool for more action under the water. Managed to take a few shots underwater with the Sony TX5. Pretty impressive little camera.
Washed up and went back to Katong for our Peranakan dinner. SGD90 for a party of 7. Surprisingly it wasn't as spicy as I first thought. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the meal.
Ended up at Joo Chiat Complex trying to get a table cloth for my long dining table but ended up with cushions for the entertainment room.
Day 6
Woke up early for our appointment in Mt E Hospital. Its always sunny in Singapore...
After the hospital stuff were dealt with I finally have a chance to visit Ion Orchard. Took me less than 5 minutes to leave that place... felt too much like any mall in HK.
I preferred to have a nice local meal at Old Airport Road again. Had a great big bowl of wanton noodle($4) and Fried Kway Teow again.
Went back home, settled a few stuffs before we started the dreaded trip back to HK... I love the idea of having trees in the airport and an outdoor smoking area instead of a room within the building.
Hours later we were back in HK... Well... at least we were happy to see the pups!
Eat all over Eastern Singapore~ Part 1
Was back in Singapore for 5 nights. Had alot to eat thanks to the location of our new place. No further than a few minutes' drive in any direction will bring you to a famous eatery or a hawker centre. But this trip was not all about eating. The primary goals were a medical checkup and finishing up the apartments.
Day 1
Reached Singapore in the evening. 10 minutes on the taxi and its home sweet home~ Spent good time exploring the 2 new places and also agonising over some of the mistakes made by the contractors... *fumes*
Day 2
Commonwealth Hawker Centre in the morning for a nice cup of teh tarik and economical bee hoon. Had to queue up for kopi. Had my hair cut before going to Ikea for some shopping and lunch with Hanz. Then off to Robinsons @ Centrepoint for some bedsheets before we go home. After dinner went down to Kallang Park to buy some electrical appliances like fans and an oven, then to Parkway Parade to see if we can get some PC stuffs like a printer and PCs. To cap the day off was a nice cup of teh tarik and roti prata downstairs~ *thumbs up*
Day 3
Waiting for the contractor to arrive... wait and wait... went nearby to visit a friend's mother. She made dinner for me when I was left on my own during my primary school days. I'm a bit ashamed of myself... ashamed that I took so long to visit her again. Her husband has been bedridden for the past year or so. I could see his legs from outside the door and they were as thin as bamboo poles. I declined her invitation to sit inside and hastened to leave after chatting with her at the door for around 10 minutes.
After that went down to get some kway chap... had kway chap at home...
Contractor still not here... *ANGRY* Finally came and we went to check out some sofas. Spent good money on an Italian sofa. It'd better be good else I'll be biting a certain contractor! Off to Toa Payoh to get some textbooks, AMK for a PS3, Courts @ Tampines for computer stuffs. Went home and fetch the family to Old Airport Hawker Centre for dinner. Fried Kway Teow, Fried Prawn Noodle, Satay, Sambal Stingray, Clams, Chicken Wings, Sugar Cane Juice... Off to Kallang to retrieve a glass tray for the oven. Everyone slept in the entertainment glass room for the night.
Day 4-6 coming up in the next post...
Day 1
Reached Singapore in the evening. 10 minutes on the taxi and its home sweet home~ Spent good time exploring the 2 new places and also agonising over some of the mistakes made by the contractors... *fumes*
Day 2
Commonwealth Hawker Centre in the morning for a nice cup of teh tarik and economical bee hoon. Had to queue up for kopi. Had my hair cut before going to Ikea for some shopping and lunch with Hanz. Then off to Robinsons @ Centrepoint for some bedsheets before we go home. After dinner went down to Kallang Park to buy some electrical appliances like fans and an oven, then to Parkway Parade to see if we can get some PC stuffs like a printer and PCs. To cap the day off was a nice cup of teh tarik and roti prata downstairs~ *thumbs up*
Day 3
Waiting for the contractor to arrive... wait and wait... went nearby to visit a friend's mother. She made dinner for me when I was left on my own during my primary school days. I'm a bit ashamed of myself... ashamed that I took so long to visit her again. Her husband has been bedridden for the past year or so. I could see his legs from outside the door and they were as thin as bamboo poles. I declined her invitation to sit inside and hastened to leave after chatting with her at the door for around 10 minutes.
After that went down to get some kway chap... had kway chap at home...
Contractor still not here... *ANGRY* Finally came and we went to check out some sofas. Spent good money on an Italian sofa. It'd better be good else I'll be biting a certain contractor! Off to Toa Payoh to get some textbooks, AMK for a PS3, Courts @ Tampines for computer stuffs. Went home and fetch the family to Old Airport Hawker Centre for dinner. Fried Kway Teow, Fried Prawn Noodle, Satay, Sambal Stingray, Clams, Chicken Wings, Sugar Cane Juice... Off to Kallang to retrieve a glass tray for the oven. Everyone slept in the entertainment glass room for the night.
Day 4-6 coming up in the next post...
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