My breastfeeding journey.

Salam and Hi!

*Warning; Mommy related post ahead hehehehhh. 

Oh wow. 

Breastfeeding. 

I decided to fully breastfeed my baby simply because..

First, 

- I sort of implanted in my mind that I have no other choice! 

Man, I do not wanna think about how expensive formulas are now.. 

Second, 

- I personally feel that I should really try to breastfeed because it's my baby's right to have her milk from me.. and that I would personally feel guilty deep down if I don't do so..

Third, 

- I wanted to have this kind of bond with my baby (or babies, I hope!;] )

My breastfeeding journey wasn't really an easy one, I'd say. 

I had no idea what I was doing and no one told me how to do it, what to expect from it..nothing. 

I just knew that it is best for my baby and that it would not be a problem to breastfeed cuz it will naturally produce once the baby is out. 

Never once I thought that there would be PAINFUL times! 

-.-'

*She's probably 4/5 months old here

Right after I gave birth to Amani, she wasn't with me in the normal ward because she had to be admitted and be on antibiotics to prevent infections from the induced labor. 

So I didn't get to directly nurse her on that day - only get to try the next day. 

She was cup fed with formula by the nurses & I immediately tried nursing her the next day.

She latched on quite well, so I thought she was actually getting some milk out of me..

I thought wrong wahaha. 

Amateur mommy, I was!*probably still is!;

I actually thought she was full and all from my milk -.-'

Little did I know that she was actually full from her cup feedings lah! 

It was when I get to bring her home I finally knew that she wasn't latching on properly because of my inverted nipples. #tmi (ehems pardon me) 

That's when the first pain started...

T.T 

Because she wasn't latching on well, so it got engorged T.T 

It was HORRIBLE. 

So painful I didn't know what to do!!

I cried alone in my room scrolling my contacts frantically searching for my Mommy friends lol. 

Whatsapped almost all the young mommies I know for help. 

A friend suggested me to get a warm cloth to put over it ( breasts lol) and try to express the milk out 

because if I were to let it be I would easily get a fever from it. 

I tried putting on cabbage on it as well.

Those two advice really helped me a lot. 

The first couple of weeks wasn't easy at all but at that time we also fed her with KariHome's Goat's formula milk cuz we needed to lower down her jaundice. 

So it was alternate between formula feeds & mine. 

So glad that I didn't give up after going through that and also super thankful because it was quite a smooth journey after that. 

OMG I can't believe how small she was! Just the size of my palm! :O

But...the pain didn't stop there. 

So far my worst breastfeeding experience! 

Amani caught thrush few months back when we were travelling.. 

Oh my goodness, it was so so bad when she passed it on to me! 

For those who are not familiar with thrush, it is something like ulcer but not as painful for the baby. 

Google it if you are keen to know more.. 

Anyhoo, 

thrush is worrying because if a baby is breastfeeding exclusively, baby might give it to their mothers because thrush transfers from their mouth to your bewbs. 

IT.WAS.EXCRUCIATING.

Hmmm I really really wanna describe more, but I am not sure on how sensitive my readers are when it comes to me sharing my breastfeeding experiences..

So I guess by saying that it was totally a terrible experience would explain it all. 

and again, 

I thank God for giving me the patience!

It definitely wasn't easy.

So so glad that it's over! 

Alhamdulillah, now it is all back to normal again. teeeheee. 

She needs to be nursed whenever she wants to sleep or nap.

I am honestly okay with that cuz I believe that when the weaning day comes she will eventually stop on her own. 

She still drinks at night few times as well, which is also not a big problem for me cuz she co-sleeps with us so I get to sleep even when she's nursing because now she knows how to unlatch on her own. 

My breastfeeding journey so far is a wonderful and will definitely be a memorable one & I am typing this out for keepsake purposes because I have a memory of a goldfish.

errr not that I know how fish's memories are.. hehehehe. 

You're the best, mommies! 

It doesn't really matter whether you are a breastfeeding mommy or not.. 

It's not as easy as it seems and not everyone will have the privilege to do so. 

Non breastfeeding moms are still awesome; Mothers are simply amazing. 

Motherhood has changed me so much, 

so I hope my dear readers will happily join me through my motherhood life.

I guess there will be lesser OOTDs and make up posts ..

Let's wait till Amani's a bit older so she could join me in my OOTDs!;)

I will treat my blog as one of my online diaries now, to keep the memories so Amani could read them when she's older!

Dearest readers, 

Thank you for being with me all these while & I welcome you to another phase of my life!

I'll blog again soon!;)

A little update on the little one!

Salam and Hi!

Honestly, I don't know how to update here anymore. 

I don't know how and what to update about; which I find a bit weird. 

I guess it'll have to be random visits like this from now on. 

Not sure whether it's hard for me to update because I seldom get the chance to properly sit and construct my thoughts out... 

or am I just losing the mojo to blog here?

I am always on Dayre updating random daily crappy stuff though. 

Wahaha. 

Anyhoo, 

a little update on the little one..

She is now 9 months old!

My goodness, how time flies..

She can now stand on her own..I think she is slowly learning how to walk. 

She recognizes people clearly now - she looks for me when she feels like it's a bit too long since the last time she saw me lol. 

That would usually be less than hour!

Makes me happy inside ehem. 

She now has 6 teeth, 4 on top and two at the bottom!

I have a feeling that she's currently waiting for another one cuz she's been quite cranky and refuses to finish up her meal for the past few days..

Other than that..

My life is pretty boring.

It's either that..or it is pretty occupied. 

I don't really have the leisure time anymore; even if I do I would rather spend it in the toilet or shower, or even catch a nap or two! :P

No more fancy OOTDs,,

Which I SERIOUSLY miss doing so so much. 

I miss putting on make up as well..

I guess it'll have to wait till she's a bit older!

Okay, TA for now!

Blog again soon!

:] 

Nur Amani Arissa.

Salam and Hello all!

I have been having a hard time to blog lately..

mainly cuz I am so confused on what to share.

Then it hits me that I worry too much and that I don't treat my blog as MY blog anymore, get it? 

I am not sure since when..but I somehow along the way I decided that I should have a specific blog that shares specific things. 

Which is sad, of course!

I started blogging for myself, to store the highlights of my life; the ups and downs. 

For me to look at again in future.

Haih. 

Need to always remind this to myself now. 

I appreciate my readers too, and I feel like you would also want to be a part of my ordinary life too, yes?

Especially the ones who has been following me from Day 1.

From my old blogs to this recent one. 

Thank you, you!

Anyhoo,

since nothing much has happen to me lately..

(cuz my daily life would usually revolves around dirty diapers and nursing lol)

I wanted to keep track of Little Amani's growth and progress here too! 

I was browsing through her old photos and I would love to share some of them with you too.

It's funny to look at her photos cuz her look changes every month! 

Hahahaha. 

These photos were all taken at the 27th of every month..

Feeling a bit sad that I didn't do special shoots for her every month! 

Now almost 7 months, too lazy to start.

Hahaha.

Sorry, these set of photos are taken from my old phone and starting January took it using my new phone.

Also showing you special never before seen un-glam photos of her la mostly.

Teeeheeee.

Enjoy!

She is actually quite fair in real life..

Not sure why she looks darker in photos.

Really should have taken nicer photos of her on every 27th of every month. 

Hmmm. 

Maybe second child hahahahaha. 

Okay now, I shall blog again soon!

Need to catch up with my sleep, it's late! 

:]

My Motherhood Journey.

Salam & hello everyone!

Being a mother at 26 is probably a common thing..

Although I am not too sure whether nowadays if it is considered as something unusual, cuz of the expectations people have to modern ladies now- yes, no? 

Young ladies are more encourage to attend uni, hold a degree, look for a career, "live life", and when you're satisfied enough, look for a spouse and settle down. 

Well, at least this is what I have been seeing lately..

Of course, everybody has their own thoughts and opinion and this is MINE. 

So I am just saying all this either based on what I have experienced OR based on what I observed around me hehehh. 

So PLEASE, don't get offended or think too much about this post hahaha. 

I am just sharing a tiny bit of my thought. 

If you notice, I qoute "live life" cuz apparently some people think that living life is not committing your life to someone (in this case a husband lol), earn your own money and spend it the way you want to. 

Hey, don't get me wrong, that includes responsible things as well la right, like buying a house or a car or something. 

Not everyone likes the idea of a lady staying home being a SAHM..hate to admit it but yes. 

Anyways,

that does not relate to my life in any ways at all. 

hahahaha. 

My motherhood journey.

Honestly, I am enjoying EVERY SINGLE BIT of it. 

I love my little lady, I love taking care of her full time cuz I wanna be there for her even if she won't have this memory later on but I will. 

I wanna be there when she had her firsts and record them hehehe. 

So I would prefer staying home with her by working from home!

:D

I have been taking care of her full time since Day 1, ( with a little help from the husband & in laws of course ) that includes bathing her, feeding her, changing her, playing with her.. well you know, everything that a baby needs lol.

Breastfeeding her since Day 1 as well, up till now & planning to do so till she's 2 years old, In sha Allah. Errr, when she was a month old till if I am not mistaken 2 months plus she sometimes switched to bottle ( but still mommy's milk hehe) but now cuz I have been direct feeding her she refuses her bottle..woops. 

So now I worry if I won't be available and if she couldn't have my milk T.T 

Okay sorry but sometimes I get a little emotional about this hahaha. 

But honestly, breast milk is harder to take care of especially when you go out the whole day!

EBM (Expressed Breast Milk) needs more care, (temperature, yadah yadah) and heating up and blahhh. 

Easier to direct feed so please don't blame me T.T

I am so scared of the bacteria as well if I don't take EBM care seriously. 

I thank Allah for giving me a very supportive husband when it comes to taking care of the little one, he really does help a lot. :]

Parenting..

I guess both my husband and I are just trying to go with the flow and trying to give her all the attention and love we could give her.

My idea of my family is I would love my family to not be ashamed of showing love cuz I feel that it is crucial to let your partner and kids know that they are loved by simple gestures like hugs and kisses!

..and I love yous!

PDA all we want cuz legal, right? 

hahahaha. 

My opinion is..

Both of us should proceed on the ways that we think is best for our family, regardless of what other people might think.

I think every parent should keep this in mind.

Different time, different kid, different era, different everything- so just follow your heart and do whatever you feel is best for your kid and you. 

To me if I will have other children later on we might use different methods for each kid cuz they have their own individual personalities, yes? 

So..yeah. 

A bit scared when I think about her growing up so fast..

Often I think about her teenage years..(cuz that's when we get rebellious and all, you know hahaha) but I do hope she's gonna turn out okay, with our style of upbringing. 

Supportive is my key; I try to always keep this in mind. 

If later on she likes football, then be it. 

If she is destined to be good in Maths, then okay I'll make her teach me as well cuz I am really bad at it bahaha. 

If she can't sing, it's fine I'll just keep on supporting her by letting her sing in the bathroom for as long as she wants. (hahahaha)

She is now 6 months old and that means I get to explore her food now!

How can a mother feel that being a mother is not interesting? 

Nyehehehe. 

Obviously motherhood has changed me a bit I think. 

Simple little things she does easily amuses me & she's all I think about now besides my husband. 

Hahahaha. 

If I am having a bad day I'll just turn to this little kid right here and instantly I would feel all better again. 

Motherhood to me also means..

// No more good night's sleep, not because she doesn't sleep well at night..

It's because I am a mother now and I worry a lot! >.< 

// No more OOTDs everyday cuz I pretty much recycle what I wear cuz I will definitely go for practicality now more than fashion..but I do have my dress up days ;)

// No more late night movies..okay maybe not yet. Have to wait till she's a little older. 

// Poops & pees. 

// Puke and milk stains. 

All that and much more..

but in the end it is all WORTH IT. 

..cuz it is mostly rainbows and butterflies!

:D

High five, little one!

I'll blog again soon!

Blessed;more gifts!

Salam and Hi!

It was my birthday on the 14th & as usual every year I went on a date with the bestie!

But this year with Little Amani..

phewww.

Hahahaha.

pheww cuz she didn't wanna sit in her car seat we brought along and the chairs there were high chairs!

>.< 

Not really baby friendly..

Also cuz they cook right in front of you. 

Didn't know this at first but since they weren't much people there so we decided to just proceed eating there. 

We had the basic set for each of us;
which was sort of a bad idea cuz we couldn't finish the whole thing hahaha.
It was definitely a nice experience to dine there,
what we personally love was the waiters there.
They were super friendly & funny too!
Teeheee.

Honestly, we didn't quite like the food, except for the salmon.
The salmon was loveeee.
The soup definitely compliments the salmon, which was nicely cooked.

In the basic set you get;
Miso soup
Mashed potato
Squid (Above photo)
Fried rice

Fish
...and my favorite;

Dorayaki!:D
I love the texture of this dorayaki!
I think it's just cuz I love anything with flour hahahaha.

Most of the photos are blurr, cuz I didn't bring the flash...:[

..and let me share with you what the bestie got me for my birthday!

Super cute, yes??
:D

From left, a handcream, a lip & eye make up remover, a mask & the star of the day,
a lipstick!

Such a pretty color!<3
I never tried a coral-ish color before so more new things!:D

 It doesn't look too coral-ish in the photo but it really does.
Super pigmented- and it really stays on your lips!
Ehem I immediately wore it on our date:p

Etude House really does have a lot of cute stuff!
Back in Kuching I bought few stuff for the bestie from Etude House as well & man, it was so hard to choose cuz of all the cute stuff they have.
This hand cream looks like a castle and it smells HEAVENLY!

I am a sucker over hand creams & I am so happy that I get to add more to my collection!
I should really display my hand creams nicely teeeheee.

More face masks:P

Would you look at that??
Even the box is super cute (okay sorry for repeating this but really!!) the door can actually be opened,wahhh.
Hahahahahaha.

She also got us some stuff from Makkah, as she just got back from Umrah.:)

OKAY THIS.

*insert love-love eyed emoticon here*
SO CUTEEEEE OKAY??

..and another super cute ( too much 'cute' in a post oh shucks) sweater Little Amani got from Jojoe's cousin!
Ahhhhhhhhh the loveeee she gets.
Alhamdulillah.
:)

So blessed in so many ways,
Alhamdulillah thank you Allah.
Thank you dearest bestie, thank you mamak Jaja!
:D

Blog again soon!

January.

Salam and hello!

Nothing much to talk about lately I guess..

I've been feeling a bit down, I am not keen to share my sadness to you, so here are some photos from our BBQ gathering! 

It was planned as a new year gathering kind of thing, 

but I took the chance to kind of celebrate my birthday in advanced too, 

cuz the husband won't be around on the actual day. (Shameless, I know!hahaha)

If you haven't notice by now, 

our circle of friends is really small. 

 For me, I prefer to have a small number of friends; 

only those I could really trust.

By friends I mean friends that I really do keep in touch with, or meet occasionally.

These people are amongst the familiar faces.

But I do have lots of friend- but mostly are the 'hello and bye' kind of friends, you know? 

Turning a year older doesn't excite me as much anymore..

I honestly didn't feel anything at all this year. 

I am now 26 years old, 

...married, blessed with a daughter.

What more could I ask for?

Although now I do wish for good health, blessed marriage and stronger faith. 

It looks like this year is going to be a rough start as we are already being tested.. 

I guess it is really a time to reflect on things, to make myself a better person for my daughter and my husband.

A year older with bigger responsibility..

Apart from all the serious matters, 

I really hope we're going to be one joyful family. 

Amin. 

Happy Birthday to you too, 

January babies.

Blog again soon. 

Gifts from Korea + selfies!

Salam & Hellu!

:]

My sister in law just got back from Korea last week & my mother in law got back from Vietnam few weeks before that. 

Received few gifts from them; but today I'm just gonna share with you what my sister in law got for us!

Got loads of face masks yay!

It has been a while since the last time I pampered myself at home. 

My pores are noticeable now cuz after I gave birth I kinda neglected myself for a while too lol. 

I've tried The Face Shop's mask before & it did't quite do much for me, but we'll see how these works!

Some are for the husband too, we both need to start taking care of ourselves now instead of just taking care of the little one teeeheeee. 

Etude House's 101 Play Pencil liner!

This looks interesting & I cannot wait to try it!

My sister in law said this pencil can be used as eyeliner as well as eye shadow, how interesting!

Googled a bit about it; they have it in other colors too & there are a few colors that can be used as a concealer too. 

:D 

It's quite hard to wash off just with water, so I guess it it a BIT waterproof bahahaha. 

The color has a bit shine as well, something new for me to try. 

Cute t-shirts for the three of us!

:D 

A cute little bear for Little Amani & another fridge magnet to add in to our collection.

:)

Thank you, sis in law! 

*******************************

I do hope one fine day the three of us (my husband, little Amani & I) will get our turn to travel! 

..and I hope it's gonna be very soon.:/ 

Oh, here's some clearer photos from the header shoot. 

Lol. 

Uhmmm. 

Excuse my horrible looking eye bags! (& red eyes -.-)

It comes with the baby:p 

Mmmkays, maybe not cuz I have been wearing it for as long as I can remember hahaha.

I was actually trying to blog about the eye make up I did, 

also for the new header, 

but the photos didn't turn out as nice as I wanted it to be..

I didn't have enough time to take out the tripod & the remote cuz Little Amani wants my attention hahaha - like now. 

She's actually amused by my typing movements and laughing at it hahahaha! 

Not to mention trying to eat my laptop!>.<

Okay now,

it's not easy to type with a baby on your lap..so

i'll blog again soon!

:]