Heartburn, big sisters and more....

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

At 26 weeks, my heartburn is worsening. Heartburn or acid reflux involves a burning sensation that extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. It’s caused by some of the hormonal and physical changes in a pregnant woman’s body. I realize it tends to occur after I’ve had some chocolates or spicy food, both of which are favorites. These days I try not to eat big meals but instead eat several small meals to minimize the discomfort.

On a different note - We’ve picked a name for our boy, something Ayanna was very much involved in. All will be revealed in due time. Ayanna takes her big sister role rather seriously – talking about all that she’s going to do to help out when the baby arrives. First step – she’s picked out some toys from her collection to set aside for her baby brother.

I, on the other hand, am getting a little nervous now that there’s only three months left to get some things sorted out – the buying of clothes and other essentials. I’m a little apprehensive about how I’m going to juggle playing mummy to two. Hmmm….

 

Ayanna makes three

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

We took Ayanna along for my monthly check-up so that she could see for herself her little baby brother through the regular scan. She was considerably excited. The doctor allowed her to listen to the baby’s heartbeat which made things even more real for Ayanna.

The baby’s length and measurements correspond to the number of weeks, 25 to be exact. He, too, like Ayanna will be a small baby.

Hari Raya Greetings

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SELAMAT HARI RAYA to all our Muslim readers!

Happy Holidays

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My Indian princess ... all decked up

How are you spending your holidays?

We’re spending it at home playing dress up, reading, painting, dancing and singing. There’s plenty of time spent exploring the outdoors and splashing in the pool.

 

 

HAPPY MERDEKA

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HAPPY MERDEKA TO ALL...

Play and fun activities

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

I sometimes find myself trying to come up with a bunch of new things for Ayanna to do during her spare time.  We spend time playing pretend – Ayanna gets all decked up in pearls and glittery scarves to play princess. Or we sip tea in the garden, play the alphabet and numbers game, curl up in a corner and read her favorite books, paint and mould her play dough. On other days we head outdoors to watch the dragonflies hover over the lake or into the kitchen to knead and make bread, cookies and muffins.

What do you do to keep your pre-schoolers occupied and entertained?

 

Playing Big Sister

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These days our ‘pretend play’ incorporates Ayanna playing Big Sister or Big Aka. We start off by reading I’m A Big Sister by Joanna Cole to give Ayanna an idea of what changes to expect when baby comes around. Then we engage in activities such as bathing, feeding, dressing and undressing Ayanna’s favorite baby doll. I’m not sure how much will Ayanna participate in the actual caring off the baby but we intend to let her participate as much as possible.

She’s begun in her own way by reading stories to the baby and with nightly hugs and kisses. We constantly talk about the baby, his development and involve Ayanna in the buying of new clothes and other essentials for her little sibling, in the hopes that she can inculcate a sense of ownership for her baby brother.

We hope it begins a bond that’s strong and keeps growing as they mature together.

How did you begin teaching your toddler about an impending sibling and what activities did you incorporate into this familiarization process?

 

22 weeks and counting

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Our baby’s growth is right on track, weighing almost 1 pound. My belly

is getting bigger. The baby is furiously kicking away. We are yet to

settle on a name, now that it’s been confirmed that we’re having a boy.

I’ve written a list of things to get before the baby arrives. I’m relaxed.

After all there are still several months to go. The focus right now – big

sister Ayanna.

Birthday party - recap

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna and her favourite Barney cake

Getting a taste of her cake

 

We celebrated Ayanna’s birthday exactly one week ago, surrounded by close family and friends. Ayanna was excited just having all her favourite people around. She played along with cousins and some of her school pals. There was a toy corner and a kid’s table complete with crayons and paper to keep them occupied.

The kiddie's table - for food and art

As we were planning her birthday party, we were wondering just how elaborate we should get now that she’s a little older. After much thought, we opted to keep it simple and intimate, letting Ayanna participate in the planning and decorating and also the stuffing of party packs.

She had a blast.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AYANNA !

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Ayanna turns a big 3 today.

Happy Birthday Ayanna love.

We've been busy this past week planning for her party. Pics to come.