A New Lissa?

Pity me..

Lately I've been tested by multiple and continuous acts by my sweet baby Lissa..
It really challenged my patience and tolerance..

What she did?

Act No. 1 : Less-Sleep-and-Let's-Play Act
I guess at this stage of age, she prefers playing than sleeping. There was a time when she didn't take a nap at all during the day that she dozed off while crawling! I thought she'll sleep at last, but no! She pushed herself, continue exploring the living room.. and whenever she stumbled on a pillow, she'll rest her head for like 10 seconds, and then continue to play.

Act No. 2 : I'll-Climb-You-Up Act

Yes, she started to climb and panjat2 everything which are higher than her head. Let it be a table, a chair, her walker, tv cabinet or YOU! She'll climb on anything that gets in her way. She loves to climb on me or her abah whenever we lied down while watching tv. very dangerous if no one's around to watch her. Most of the time, I have to be next or close to her to make sure she wont climb and fall down.

Act No. 3 : I'll-Cry-Whenever-I-Want-To Act

My husband, my family and I were so relieved once Lissa was born and knew how to behave. She didn't cry very much, just a lil of merengek here and there, and that was it. At nite, whenever she wanted to be fed, she would pull my shirt several times or roll over near me. She never cried if her diapers was all wet or pooped. She would dozed off to sleep by herself and wouldnt require any dodoi or lullaby or buaian. BUT, lately...(i think it was due to Act #1) she would suddenly cry, no matter what.. and it can be said that i didnt know what to do..! Suddenly I was caught up in a situation where every mothers around the world are having. I would usually pick her up and say "shhhh" slowly. I couldnt cradle her more because that would actually makes her cry even louder!

Mommies, what should I do?

Lissa with her muncung face

It's Hunting Season! (Part II - Final Chapter)

It's not even close to 2 weeks yet, but i already found a person who can babysit Lissa. Alhamdulillah, berkat doa and prays all of you.

How did i found the person?
No - it's not thru the advertisement I posted - useless since i guess no babysitter would actually look into the internet to find baby to babysit..
Yes - through asking people around - works best!

I was so determine to ask people, but couldnt find the perfect time. Actually I was waiting for my husband's free time (which i guess is sooo rare!). So i decided i need to do it, without waiting for him.
Last weekend - Sunday - My guts telling me that I have to ask today! So i woke up early (early as in 9:00 am for weekend, ok? hehe), I woke my sis up, tried to wake my husband-which i know is hopeless.. Then after my sis and i took a shower and changed, Lissa suddenly woke up and started to smile. She knew we were about to leave her with her abah. So we have to take her along.
Actually, i was thinking to buy breakfast for us - and with an objective "to kill 2 birds with 1 stone" - we drove to the nearest warong nearby. Right after we arrived, we were slightly embarassed bcoz the stall didnt serve breakfast anymore, but food for lunch!! It was just approx. 10 am, and they already started lunch..funny, but we tapau some lauk for lunch - cover line ;)
After i paid, i knew i have to be ringan mulut and asked the cashier.

Me : Akak dah duduk sini lama dah?
The Cashier : Dah lama jugak la
Me : Akak tau tak area sini, sape2 yang boleh jaga baby?
The Cashier : Oh, ramai! area sini mmg ramai orang bleh jaga budak.
Me : Ye ke, kak? (amazed!)
The Cashier : Ni lorong depan ni, rumah no 2 dr tepi.

There and then, i went straight to the house. Looked like no one's home, so i drove away. til i saw this one pakcik outside of his home, watering his plants. I asked him, and he showed me the same house. I went again, and luckily, the door was open. I met a boy, around 10 years old, and asked him whether his mother is home. He told me she wasnt. I asked whether his mom babysits anyone right now. He told me she's currently babysit 2 boys - primary schoolers. So i was relieved bcos she didnt have any babies to take care. so i left my cellphone no and asked his mother to call me back.
Right after i reached home, a call came in. Yes, she agreed to babysit Lissa, however, she asked me to wait until July. Perfect! Exactly as what I want.

Alhamdulillah, i found one. InsyaAllah, she'll babysit Lissa and take good care of Lissa. Pray to Allah a lot!

Hopefully, she wont be like this!!

 So, here it goes.. the Final Chapter of my hunting season - insyaAllah, it'll be final..aminnn..

It's Movie Time!!

Wow! It has been quite some time since our movie-dating nights out! Last movie that we watch since Lissa arrived was Avatar. That was when we took a leave (weekdays), and sent Lissa to her nursery. Though the movie was great, but my heart wasn't feeling great. Feeling guilty all the way.. and even had a feeling and urge to rush back home.

I always want to bring Lissa to experience the movie watching - larger screen, better sound system, and air-conditioned surrounding, but we never had a chance to do it. until last night....

Shrek Forever After

Yes,it is Shrek! I've seen all the Shrek movies.. and now, i want Lissa to fall in love with it.

I tried to make my husband to love it before, brought him along to watch the 3rd sequel. and it was disappointing. It wasn't that great, it was boring, and not funny at all! and of course, my husband didn't like it, complaining here and there, especially with the fact that he didn't like any cartoon or anime or any non-human movies.
But, still, not giving up for Shrek, I gave it a try last night. Unplanned (which was so unusual of me!), I got back from work, as usual, played a while with Lissa, chatting with Aby (my sis), then suddenly an advertisement of this Shrek movie.

Aby : Alaaa... nak tengok Shrek. dah kuar la hari ni
Me : Lengkali bleh tengok. Gi la tengok weekend ni dgn member
Aby : Long, jom la kite tengok.
Me : Menarik gak. Jom tengok hari ni
Aby : Ha? hari ni gak ke?

I switched on my laptop, online, and browse the cineplex website. There you go, movie at 10:20 pm. Perfect time!!! Booked it online for 3 seat. and then asked aby to call my husband and ask. My husband gave a green light.

We got ready, dressed up Lissa, prepared a lot of stuff for her. Important stuff so that she won't get so cold. My big handbag was full and looked puffed up! The must items that i brought along are sweater, sox and of course baby blanket.

Off we went to The Curve, right after my husband got back from work.

Once we arrived, there wasn't a lot of people. It was nice to have a very cozy environment.

My husband changed our seat from single to couple seat. and he bought tickets for 4 person instead of 3, since it were couple seats. When we gave the tickets to the staff, he was expecting for 4 person, and when my husband pointed at Lissa, he went "OOOoooohh" and laughed. (Lissa gave a look, saying "Hello, I am the 4th person, ok? don't laughed at me. i might look small, but big at heart!")

Once we got inside the theater (late 10 minutes from scheduled), the show've just started. It was so dark! Luckily, Lissa wasn't being fussy. She was excited and stunned with the big screen. We got to our seat, which were near the stairs (luckily!). We sat down, and i started the mom's routine. Got Lissa in the sweater and sox, and wrapped her nicely in her blanket. Funny thing was she wasn't moving or reacting to my action. She was so focussed to the big screen. Her eyes were big and round, watching Shrek. She made some "wooo" sound when Shrek's babies were laughing.

My husband and I were amazed by Lissa's reaction. She loves it!! (maybe because since she was in my belly, she used to hear movies from outside - yup, all those violent movies - including Transformers & Terminator towards my 8th month + pregnancy)

It was a 10:30 show, and i knew Lissa was getting sleepy. but she pushed herself to watch, until 11 pm. She turned towards me, and showed signs that she wanted to be fed. I bf her right away, for like 5 to 10 minutes, she dozed off..until the end of the show.

Talking about the movie..this might contain some spoilers, people! hahaha..!

It was totally a new situation with Shrek. With the babies (yup, 3 of them) and the responsibilities, with Fiona (typical mother, yapping and yapping).. He was overwhelmed with all that, where he suddenly wanted to quit. be a real ogre where everybody scared off.. Longing for the days when he felt like a "real ogre," Shrek is duped into signing a pact with the smooth-talking dealmaker, Rumpelstiltskin.

Shrek suddenly finds himself in a twisted, alternate version of Far Far Away, where ogres are hunted, Rumpelstiltskin is king and Shrek and Fiona have never met.

Even Puss has put on weight!

Donkey and Puss and Shrek never met.

Fiona didn't know Shrek and was a lady fighting warrior for all of the ogres

New funny ogre characters emerged

(and Shrek was one of the smallest Ogre!!)

Now, it's up to Shrek to undo all he's done in the hopes of saving his friends, restoring his world and reclaiming his one True Love.

Overall, I'd give Shrek Forever After four stars!

Why not 5?

Because the movie was short..

It left us wanting more...

Very brief elaboration..

But funny, funny and funny!

More actions stuff in there - witches flying around with their broom and bombing here and there fighting ogre. very nice!

Afterall, this movie was indeed for the closure. It was meant for the final chapter.

yes yes, i know. it's over..(uhuk..)

So mommies, what are you waiting for? Bring ur kids to the movie, and enjoy the show!!

Uhuh, i love this hot lady!

To our beloved man, abah, please please bring us to another movie show. Lissa knows how to behave, ok? As a reward, another show...say...Iron man? (eh eh..cannot la Lissa. you are not even 1 year old!)

Lissa's Progress on her 7 month ++

You must be wondering..
What Lissa is able to do by now?

Yes, she's an observant now.
She can eagerly watch what other people is doing
(in this picture, observing her abah in front of laptop)

Now she learns how to type a few letters, with help from abah.

(which obviously will not become any significant words to us)

She now learns to type on her own, without help from abah.

uhuh, while sticking out her tongue!

and also, while leaning on it, she can open file

(it's easy, mama. just push Ctrl+ O. try it ur self!)

hmm... Lissa.. Lissa...

tak habis2 kacau abah yer...

apa kata tido sambil peluk tangan mama wat bantal busuk?

kan tak penat..

What Mama can conclude on ur 7month++ age?

You have learnt a lot up to this age.

You learnt how to crawl, how to climb (no matter what's in front of you, let it be a chair, your dad, your maksu or your walker)

You learnt how to say "air!" when you want some water (though i think it was coincidence)

You know how to sit properly, and to support ur body with ur hand once u are about to fall.

You are excited when mama or abah or maksu reads to you your colorful books, and wants us to repeat again and again til u r satisfied.

You make that funny sound when you want mama to bf you (and i love the sound!)

and I am thankful that i am able to fully breastfeed you all this while. May Allah let me bf u till at least u r 2 yo.

aminnn..

It's Hunting Season!

A good and a bad news at one time?

let me start with a good news first :

CONGRATULATIONS!!

to my baby sis

For getting a place for her next level in education

Diploma in Bussiness at UiTM

(yup, her dream has come true!)

(personally, i love this pix.that's why i uploaded it again!)

A bad new?
Yes, i have to officially start our hunting season.


Hunting Season?


You must be wondering how could i be interested in hunting?
nope..
not That Hunting!!

It's Babysitter hunting Time!!

I've just started. After accepting the fact that my lil sis has been accepted to college, I need to find babysitter, replacement for her..
yeah, yeah, no one can replace you, adik.
No one can take good care and love Lissa like you do.

i bet Lissa gonna miss you like craaazyy! uhuk uhuk..

 yup, my headache and the series of it gonna start and resume. i hope it's not gonna be long.. Pray to God, insyaAllah, everything's gonna be easy...


What have i done in order to search for babysitter?
Actually, to be honest, nothing.
Well, not exactly nothing..
i did some research.
heard some advise from people in my workplace
Almost everybody told me :
Why u have to send to nursery? daycare center? find babysitter la. pengasuh la. better that way! budak tak ramai, pengasuh bukan makan gaji dgn boss dia. tak malas. sayang budak..bla bla bla..

So, now.. i keep on thinking.

what they said are partially true.

#1 : Mostly the babysitters working at day care center got their paycheck monthly, regardless of the working quality
#2 : Too many babies and tods to care for - which will lead to many many problems - happened to me before. Lissa got scratches from one of the tods while she was sleeping;  Lissa was all sweaty, though they told me she already took her bath before i picked her up.
 #3 : No time to specifically attend to different type of babies with different ways to treat - I still can recall the day when they gave a-4-month-old & a-fully-bf Lissa  "nestum" just because she cried when everybody's eating. i freaked out, and thats my turning point. no more sending Lissa to this nursery!! that's it. (you can read it again here)
#4 : Lack of knowledge on many many things - Didnt know what's best to feed to baby/kids - Didnt really care if babies lying next to one another, no matter how sick they were - Didnt attend to a crying baby.

(to list out all the cons of nursery? it would take me a whole year!)

The good thing of nursery?
One thing i noticed : Social Skills - yes, Lissa has developed her social skills - she never cry when strangers googoogaga at her. She delevops a skill of greeting other people, especially young kids or lil people like her. Whenever she heard lil people's voice, screaming or laughing, she'll definitely turn towards the sound. She even touched a girl's hair while we were at pasar malam. the girl freaked out, but Lissa was smiling at her. The other day she met my friend's son, who is older 1 month than her, she was the one who kept on teasing this baby. laughing at him and making funny faces.

So, what's my next step?
I put up some advertisement Looking for Pengasuh/babysitter.but i doubted any babysitter would actually look in the internet for that.
but, nothing wrong trying my luck, rite?

one of the ad i put up

another ad.

So, doa doa and doa..
This weekend, we (my husband & I) are going for the hunting season. We'll start with kampung batu tiga first. and hopefully, we could find a good and reliable babysitter... amiiinnnn...

Holiday ~ Meet Lissa's new friend!

As promised last week, i'll update you on our family trip to Melaka. i thought we're going to Tanjung Bidara, we ended up at Tanjung Kling.

All of my sis (three of them), my mom, my dad, Lissa and I went together with my dad's very-precious-20-y.o.-van. Since my hubby was working on Saturday, he went to Melaka right after his work done. We arrived around 3 pm and checked in right away. It was pretty nice. The view was amazing.

Our Stay

(not a promo, ok)

We posed in front of the resort, facing the beautiful scenery from the beach.

from left : nani(the 2nd-makngah), my mom, Lissa, aby(the youngest-5th-maksu) & me(the eldest)

from left : ara(the 4th-makteh), my mom, Lissa, aby & me

Lissa teasing her makngah

the cubby girl

mama & lissa

Lissa officially the first one to lie down on the bed

Here are some of the views from our room :

the swimming pools

we had our lunch at 4:30 pm! i was freakingly hungry. but thank God. the nasi goreng ayam was DELICIOUS!!

Lissa bermanje2 plak with her atok

And later that night, we had a visit from my ex-colleague. She was with Proton for almost a year, and now working at Politeknik Merlimau. Having almost the same age of kids, we share a lot of things. Ruzanna aka zana has been married a year earlier than me, but she was pregnant a year after. She gave birth one month earlier than me to a very cute handsome boy, Harith Zafran.

The funny thing was Lissa was sooo excited meeting a new friend. as everyone knows, she loves to make friends. but, harith was quite amazed with this excited new friend beside him. He just looked and then hid his face with his bantal busuk. (oh, the pictures weren't good - we already dimmed the light)

Lissa - did her baby talk. Harith - clueless.

Lissa showing Harith how to do the grin face. Harith - so sleepy. Lissa, it's already midnite!!I want to sleep!!

Look at Lissa. Still trying to get Harith's attention!

Abah asked Lissa to stop harassing Harith..haha

There is no way she's gonna stop!! She laughed at Harith everytime he hid his face.

Oppss! It's time for mama to say Stop!

Yes, mama. I'll stop, but i need to kiss him goodbye!!

Lissa... Lissa...

I'll be goood girl, mama! i promise....(showing her teethless smile)

The next day after checking out, we went for lunch at nearby foodstall, near Pantai Klebang.

In conclusion, Our family trip this time was quite nice (and let's do this again, abah!). even though we didnt have a chance to mandi laut or play at the beach (due to bad weather), yet, we still managed to experience one of the nicest trip ever!

Our Happy Family!

New Recipe for my lil one

Last night, i was in good mood to cook something different for my baby. She has been having rice flour with bm, mashed potato with bm, plain rice (her favourite!) and pureed mango. So i decided it's time to change to a new menu since she has reached 7 months old. After we had dinner, my sis accompanied me to Tesco Extra to get Lissa some pasta. oh, yup, we are going to feed her totally new taste, new type and definitely new origin of food. Fusilli with Primavera Sauce. yes yes.. italian!
We bought the pasta-i reached out the fusilli type cause it seemed more appealing to me. hehe.. with the curly2 stuff, i guess it should be softer when cooked.

The Fusilli Pasta

The Primavera Sauce

(instant sauce since i havent learn how to do it from scratch. any mommies know how to do the sauce?)

The cooked pasta & peas

(fyi, lissa never had any vege since her first solid. this is my 1st try)

Taraaa!! the combined pasta, sauce and peas.

smells goood! taste? hmm.. not for us, less salt (or maybe, no salt at all?). but i know it must be very tasteful for Lissa.

The pureed everything. doesnt look tasty, rite?

At 12 midnite, Lissa woke up hearing the sound of the blender. So, i took the opportunity to feed her. to my surprise, in the middle of the nite, she had the appetite to eat it, 3 full spoons of the puree..!! and of course, she slept throughout the nite, woke up only once for milk. There and then i learnt a new formula :

full stomach = good long sleep = happy mama ;)

Agree? i bet!