Stressful January

I've maintained blogger silence over the past month because it's been a stressful time for me.

The top reason being....

I've had some unpleasant news regarding pregnancy number 3.

After Switzerland, I went to see the gynaecologist expecting nothing more than a routine visit.

Had the first trimester Down's Screening as per the first 2 pregnancies.

The results were less than stellar. In 3 days I was recalled about a slightly higher risk of Down's, because the blood test showed that my PappA levels were 1/3 normal. The fetal ultrasound was normal. That made my risk 1:190. The genetic counsellor recommended chorionic villus sampling so I went in the very next day to have it done. After waiting 2.5 hours to see the doctor, I got a surprised look from him, and advice to postpone it for an amniocentesis instead.

All good, except I had 3 nerve wrecking weeks to wait.

In the meantime, my trusted helper, Warni was scheduled to go home for 3 weeks. I hadn't expected anything to crop up when I booked her trip.

I think the stress from having to wait for the amnio made me anxious and impatient, especially with the kids.

I did have some help from my mother-in-law, who just happened to be visiting from Christmas. Timing was perfect, so she was around everyday till today, when she left to go visit her parents in Kota Bahru.

The kids were good, it was just the mornings that were stressful initially. Trying to get them both ready for school in 45 minutes was tiring and demanding on my patience. I think that in retrospect, they also needed time to adjust to school, and realizing that they had to be ready. The past week has been smoother, and today we were actually ready at 8am!

Annika also started drop-off school for the first time on the day that Warni left, so logistically it was stressful getting everything sorted out.

Then I had to plan the amnio day out too, because I was required to rest a few days after the amnio.

So Chris took leave on the Friday that it was done and ferried the kids about to their activities.

The anticipation of the amnio itself was more nerve -wrecking than the actual procedure. Dr John Tee is an excellent surgeon, and his procedure was flawless. He did it under ultrasound guidance, and was very reassuring throughout the procedure. It took all of 5 minutes to get done, and was certainly less painful than the venepuncture I did just prior.

In the blink of the eye the month is suddenly almost over.

My mother-in-law left today to visit her parents.
Warni returns tomorrow afternoon.
The rapid result ( PCR ) from the amnio came back reassuring.

I just hope the last week of January and the rest of the year is going to be better!

New Year

Happy New Year 2013!


It's crazy that one-third of the month has already gone.

It's been a bit crazy with things happening here.

1. Warni left for her home leave on the 4th of January. We've missed her heaps and are coping ok. The mornings are particularly full on because the kids have started school. Getting 2 ready in time is stressful for me everyday.

2. Annika started pre-school. Her first day coincided with the day Warni left. She was allowed to be accompanied the first 2 days. Chris did the first and Grandma Suzy did the 2nd. Funny thing was on the 3rd day she asked to go by herself. I was quite surprised. She went without fuss!

Unfortunately that didn't last long.

The first day she went by herself she insisted on wearing undies instead of diapers. Was ok, but it ended with her pooping in her pants. She was very distressed with that... and on the 2nd drop - off day I think she remembered and started crying when I left her. Same thing yesterday and today... tears at drop off.

Hopefully this phase will pass quickly...

3. Madison also started school.. but in comparison it was a breeze. She was actually quite happy to see her friends, and so I had no problems dropping her off. I think she's quite vocal this year.. I could hear her voice when I arrived to pick them up.

The only real issue I have with Madison now is how to guide and discipline her. She is starting to be overtly disobedient and testing limits.

The mornings are difficult when she refuses to be independent and eat/dress/brush teeth quickly... it usually winds up being a toss up between nagging/ scolding or threats. I know those choices aren't ideal.. but trying to get 2 ready is a serious test of patience.

I know about positive discipline rather than being negative.. but come on! How much patience is a mother expected to have?? How many times can you tolerate trying to keep her safe eg fingers off lift doors, fingers off doors, stop watching iPad, stop annoying younger sister, and not having her listen?

4. Building matters

This shouldn't even be mentioned.. but it has been a bug bear. Last night we had our condominium management meeting, of which I am now a council member.

We had to make some decisions yesterday, such as electing office bearers. It was a 2 sided contest, and the members were equally split.

I lost it at some of the members, mostly because I felt they were condescending in their attitude. Of course now I feel bad, because it should have been a more amicable event, but I cannot be diplomatic in the face of blatant ego polishing and assumptions.

There are other issues on my mind.. but for now I have to be patient and bide my time.. more to come...