Avocado Puree

It is really simple to prepare Avocado Puree and lo likes it more than Apple Puree.

Sorry, no pics but here are the steps:

1. Cut the Avocado into half
2. Sieve it using Combi set (refer Apple Puree for the Combi set).
 (I sieved the entire avocado)
3. Store it in the storage cup of 2oz and freeze them.

I started with 1 Avocado for 4 cups to see if lo takes it. Thereafter 1 avocado for 3 cups storage.

Serving:
- Thaw in fridge
- Mix with 15-20ml of breastmilk.

As a FTWM, we do not always get to serve fresh to lo, so just do the best we could to provide it to lo. Afterall, it is our homemade with love puree.

Baby Carrier

I thought I would never need a baby carrier. Then I changed my mind when I needed to do some chores and lo is screaming for attention, just for home usage. So I got a local brand around +-RM80, not too expensive and can help me for a short period I thought. Hb said I will not use it, but I insisted I need it for times when there are no other helping hands.

I used it a few times (twice maybe) but my back easily pain. However again, it will be a short use. Then there was once we went outing (hb marathon) and I was with the baby and carrier would be the best option. Stroller will be too bulky and if baby does not want to sleep inside (a bassinet of Bugaboo Chameleon 3) I would need to carry the baby and maneuver the stroller. So I used the carrier, it was manageable, but I was not entirely comfy for more than an hour if you want my honest opinion.

** Also, my mistake was I did not try with the baby on it when I bought.

So as of recent, I saw some mommies postings on good carrier and many recommended Boba among other good ones. I surveyed online reviews and youtube on it on various types recommended and decided I would get Boba 4g (latest product with infant seat) and an inch wider. Actually I do not need that infant seat, but just for the latest and since price difference is about RM20ish only.

And at the same time, the next day is the last day of Baby Expo. They have the same discount online but I thought I would like to test it out first. We spent 8.5hours there, exploring other things and searching for the Boba.

Ergo
When I saw Fabulous Mom booth, I asked for Boba, they did not bring. So I tried on Ergo with the baby. Wow... it was nice. The strap padded and soft and nice to carry. The lady told me after discount is RM399 and only have one range there. After going to another booth to try Boba, I came back to Ergo and tried. The strap for Ergo is softer thus nice to carry but on the waist strap I felt a little more pressure compared to Boba. I thought it might not be comfy if long hours. Somehow this time was told Ergo is RM371.00 (not RM399?).

Boba 3g
Then we came across this shop selling Boba but left with Boba 3g (dusk), 4g sold out. I tried on it, it was equally comfy except that the shoulder pad felt more stiff compared to Ergo. But the waist area was feeling great. So we decided to stick to Boba.

Boba 4g
We were told by this Medula booth that another booth is selling Boba 4g (cos she saw us wanted the 4g so much but theirs sold out). Such a nice owner... We tried out the 4g, the cloth is slightly softer than 3g and after putting lo on infant seat, ended up too high and needs to be removed. So it wasn't really necessary.

Boba Air
I tried on this too, it's very light and can fold till very handy. However it is not padded thus no support for long term usage. This is the cheapest in the Boba family retail at RM220, during promo was selling slightly below RM200. But again, I need a good back support.

BOBA 3G - my choice
Eventually we got the Boba 3g from the nice owner (medula) at RM349 after 10% discount and just for 3g only they have an additional free Boba pouch for this expo purchase. I chose Montenegro color (complete black) as it looks elegantly simple and nice. They delivered it to me and only left 1 at their shop.

Free Boba Pouch.. nice right?

I guess for my lifestyle, I do need a good baby carrier and I do foresee I would prefer the carrier over stroller in the coming future especially during traveling.

It's always trial and error when getting baby stuff. Do try it out before you buy or get a reputable one so you maximize the worth of the money spent.

Later I found the Boba 3g is recommended in the article for The Best Baby Carrier of 2013.
http://www.babble.com/toddler/babble-blogger-favorites-best-baby-carriers-of-2013/boba-3g-soft-structured-carrier/

Attipas Shoes

9 Adidas and 1 Tommy Hilfiger

People said babies can only wear shoes after 1 year old. So I heard. Then there came 10 pairs of shoes of different sizes from the US trip for lo from lo's aunt. And one of it is just nice for now, but then... they are not suppose to wear shoes before 1 year right? So I thought. And when already have these many, I did not intend to buy more (at least for now).

One day my friend was getting 2 bees rompers for her son. And before that he has owned a bee swimsuit. So I asked, why are you making your son into a bee?

Then she said, because I bought this shoes.... So she sent me the pic of a Yellow Rainbow shoes. Looks interesting I thought. I asked where she bought, she said Isetan KLCC. Then later sent me Tinker Toddler link and youtube regarding this Attipas shoes.

My question to her, isn't it cant wear shoes before 1 year old? She said it's like socks and soft shoes.
Next question when I got to know that retail price is RM90 and online price is RM80 + delivery fees RM7 (above RM200 free delivery), is it a waste because the price is actually for the functionality of the shoes and now he cannot walk yet, then she said that she bought M size which would have probably last till her lo at 1yo (the website stated up to 18months for M).

And seeing the functionality of the shoes from the youtube link, I felt that this is really something good especially designed for prewalker and toddlers. And my initial intention of not getting any more shoes got diverted:

A quick summary of Attipas shoes:

Lo first two Attipas

"Patented Toddler Walking Shoes from Korea!
Specially researched (for 7 years)& designed by Seoul University
A world first in toddlers shoes.

Functional toddler shoes which target ages from 3 months to 40 months to help walking quality of growth phased by babies.

The five key benefits of wearing Attipas shoes include:
1. Convenience: Strong, Smooth, Non-Slip, Machine Washable, Fast-Drying
2. Breathable: Superior breathable fine holes release heat (International Patent)
3. Big Toe Box: Free toe movement to improve cognitive and motor development
4. Safety: Non use of hazardous materials and adhesives, no use of Formaldehyde
5. Lightweight & Flexible: Super lightweight, just like wearing socks!

Attipas means Happy Rob Walker the name Attipas is derived from the words ‘Atti’ (Korean for ‘Precious Friend’), and ‘Pas’ (French for ‘Walk’).
In toddler speak, Attipas means Happy Walk!"

So I got these 2 shoes from KLCC Expo after failing to get from Isetan 1U (they no longer there) for lo to wear to an event hosted by us to attend that night. Lo cannot walk yet, but I find that the shoes is very attractive piece to match the outfit. 

If you are able to wait for few days delivery, you may get it from the website below which is cheaper than the retail price RM90. http://www.tinkertoddler.com/

And about the myth of toddler can only wear shoes after 1 year, I further googled and found a closely logical answer which is that wearing shoes at early age may hinder the development of the toddlers leg. Which I personally think it is not a problem with Attipas since it has much room for the toe movement.

I then recommended to my colleague and she recommended to another... now both of my colleagues are getting them for the little ones too!

Apple Puree

Honestly speaking, to spend time in my kitchen making edible dishes is not my forte. However, I do intend to do homemade puree for lo when the time comes. But I got no idea how. Soon enough, it's time.

I wanted to start with Avocado recommended by many, but somehow I bumped into my cousin and she recommended apple, since it is better for digestion. So that very weekend I excitedly started with apple.

I thought I can use the Primada juicer grinder (because the lady promoting this item said it is good for grinding baby food, the carrot she demonstrated still juicy after grinding). That is the primary reason that attracted the grandma to get this item but the functionality of this juicer is equally impressive,  the juices made from it does not turn brown, can make panmee noodle and etc (it has to be for the price of RM1727 all in).
And most importantly - easy to wash.

Back to topic, I grinned the apple and tried to sieve it but it turned watery. The grinned apple was not for lo's consumption yet. Perhaps the grinding meals will be few months later. So I ate them.

At night I googled on Apple puree and got the proper step. (You will want to ask me why I did not google earlier, I would probably say I thought I know how... )

Anyway, it was a success on 2nd day as per the pic.

The Combi set was a fullmoon gift. Simple review on the cooking set, it is very easy to use and wash. I'm not a fan of washing complicated stuff (aka blender). So this set is something simple to start with.

Steps to make apple puree:
- Cut one apple into dices and boiled it until it is rather soft (tested with fork)
- Pressed the boiled apple through the sieve
- Ready to serve (but make sure it is not hot).

It is too much for 1 feed.

Optional:
Store the balance into the storage cups accordingly and freeze it.
Thaw it in fridge and warm it up when next feed. (or my friend said fruits can served chill)

Like playing masak-masak. Interesting.

6 months - first milestone achieved!

Hospital and Paed advised me (and other mothers I believe) to bf baby for 6 months. "Ok" I said. But like my earlier post I was having a hard time to get the milk kicking in but did not give up till I had a freezer full. It did not happen in a breeze.

During my maternity of 2 months, I was not fully rested. It was a daily race and a tiring one when BB does not latch. Although later lo latched but mood dependent. Before my maternity ended, I was not sure how it will affect me at work since I was so tired even not working.

Things that I told my hb:
If I go back to work on the first week and I cannot take it, I will resign. He said OK.
If bf is so tiring, I shall stop after 3 months, I do not know how to survive till 6 months. He said OK.

Haha... perhaps he was trying to make my feel better since lack of rest is causing postnatal blues.

Anyway, I was not serious on the 2nd one and as a mother that has no milk to a freezer, perhaps it gives an idea on the level of hardwork and sacrifices that we mothers willing to go through for the little one. But one thing for sure, I did not know if the milk will last this long or not at that point of time.

The answer is: Yes, it can. You must continue to pump and DL consistently using a suitable pump.

Infact at the earlier stage of bf, I was awed when my friend told me she was still bf-ing his son of 8 months and another friend far away in another country bf till 4 yrs old. It is inspiring and in no time I was producing enough for mine and fulfilled my other wishes like bm donation, bm spa for lo, bm soap, etc too.

Everyday, a scheduled time is set for pumping:
At work: I have let go the social lunch time with colleagues since back from maternity
At shopping: Nursing room has been a definite visit for weekend shopping
At wedding/holiday trip/everywhere I go: The pumping bag is with me and will MIA every now and then

I have just graduated the first 6 months milestone. It has been a fulfilling journey which we followed the path of inconveniences to give the best to lo.

Lo too is heading to another phase - solid food. But paed told me not to replace his milk with solid. Solid is an additional to this current feedings. They may or may not skip the milk (due to more active and playful) later, just monitor his intake and try not to let his weight drop. As I've mastered providing bm, now I have to master another skill which was not my strength, preparing solid for lo (another unforeseen result)

To prepare lo for solid, I've got these items ready.
- fresh food feeder (no choking if eating solid)
- safety spoon (will turn white if too hot)
- silicone spoon
- easy squeezy spoon
- spoon trainer (for bb to feed themselves)
- mighty grip utensil set 18mth+
- soft tip infant spoons

However, no signs of stopping bm yet, so the journey continues..... since passing the 6 months mark, the rest is a bonus...

Additional items owned...Optional

Fridge To Go - Roller Fridge 24

In addition to Fridge To Go family, finally I owned this Roller FTG. Fell for this earlier but was unable to get it here or Sg. Thought it would be good for traveling to keep EBM/FBM but after using Victoria and Mini Fridge, for short trip less than 5 days, Victoria would be sufficient.

However, when I had the chance to get this, I did not think twice. Although do not know when will have chance to use this, but I like it as a part of FTG collection, and it completed my wish.

LOVE IT!

Medela Wipes

This is the wipes and only brand that is said to have wipe for breastpump.

FS Spare parts kit

Bought as spare incase anything happen to my current one. Plus some people said the membrane needs to be replaced as it will worn out someday. Or when need to use and not able to wash the first set (This not likely as already have the wipes).

Medela Lanolin
I think this is similar to Purelan 100. Just bought it for testing. Alternatively, apply own bm also can.