My February

There I was staring blankly at this little person.
Not quite sure what to think. For the first time in my life I was completely Zen.

This is just wonderful.

Just hours before that, I haven't even gotten over the fact that I was pregnant, next thing you know, I'm on my way to the hospital, (yes epidural please), and pushing!
Whoaa. Overwhelmed.

A few hours after delivery. Bliss

Yes I had about 40 weeks to register the fact that I was expecting but trust me, it wasn't enough, especially when it's a surprise. 

Sometimes I think to myself, maybe that's why I had induced labour.  My Bubba was all excited to come out, (with the constant somersaults in my belly), fully engaged and ready. My body on the other hand was not.

I did not even experience Braxton Hicks or contractions. So for me, all the pain came at one go.
No no it's not a good thing. It's better to have some idea of how contractions feel like so you don't go 'ohmygawd fpfftbkzxtkl!!!' (you get the drift) on the day you're in labour. Sort of easing your way through rather than jumping into the pool.

So yes. Epidural. Everything in the labour room is now much calmer. Even the husband.

How they inject epidural?  With a massive 'currently occupied' belly, you must curl up as much as possible and stay still while an Anaesthesian injects at your lower back. The contractions were pretty painful so I honestly couldn't feel much of the jab.

Got the epidural in the morning and happily gave birth 5 hours later. Heee.

Due to the epidural I can't really feel my contractions (yeay), the nurse had to put her hands on my belly and feel for me. She will monitor the frequency between contractions. When the frequency between contractions becomes closer, thats when Bubba is on his way out. Yes. Another life. Coming out. From my body. Pretty amazing.

Now the nurse teaches me how to push. Everytime she feels a contraction, she says PUSH. Push like your life depends on it.

I remember my man came to the side to hold my hand. I didn't think it was a good idea, because I would have fractured his fingers. I used the metal bed frame instead. Yup. Save the mans hands alright.

So we practised pushing for about 20 minutes and I heard 'ok I see his head now'. I was like what..already? I thought this was practise!! My husband was ecstatic and anxious at the same time, we both were.

HOmgawd. Bubba is comingggggg, Pushhhh!

I got excited. My head was about to blow from the pressure of pushing, cause I can't feel him coming out.

Doctor finally came in, all scrubbed up. I swear he is the most patient and gentle obstetrician I have met.

'Okay Shereena, give it your best push' he said. A few more huffs and puffs and at last, I heard the most magical cry.

Bubba is here. In my arms. Our baby boy.

Kisses of joy from That Skinny Elephant.

Solids

Bubba has two teeth on its way up up up!
My breastfeeding journey is at a whole new level now. Whatever you are thinking, my sentiments exactly.

When Bubba turned 6 months, breastmilk is still his primary meal. I introduced solids as a complementary meal to encourage the exploration of tastes and textures.

No he did not eat much, or any in fact. Tried sweet potato, banana, pear and avocado, all pureèd. To be honest, I had this whole vision pictured out that he will eat a few spoons and we will all be merry. But nope.


Im just wondering, could it be because he was teething or simply not ready? Either way, I shall wait. Wait for his cue.

Even after researching, I did get worried, because his weight was stagnant.
Soooo I had a word with Ms Babyclopedia, my sis in law (my brother's wife). Heh.
What she said was simple. She reminded me 'food before one is just for fun!'.
I couldn't agree more.

Those days were different though. Old folks be like if a baby is looking at you while you are eating or tries to grab your food, means he is ready for solids.
Wrong (from my experience).
If that was true, Bubba will be eating solids at 3/4 months. Which kind of explains why some parents feed their babies by  the 6th week.

Babies will look and grab anything. They are curious!

I'm not a doctor or a lactation consultant but after doing a little online googlin' and inputs from Bubba's pediatrician, I feel it is wise to pro long the introduction of solids.

Why I choose to wait?

1. Digestive system is still maturing.

2. Babies will be able to indicate when they are full by moving their head away and/or using hand gestures as they are much more steady.

3. May interrupt efficient iron absorbtion.

4. May trigger allergies.

5. Keeps moms milk coming and may lower risks of pregnancy.

6. Has better control in swallowing

Here are some links that provides thorough explanation:

KellyMom

Ask Dr Sears

La Leche League International

I have received numerous advice from ladies telling me to try feeding Bubba some sort of cereal at night. Apparently it will help him sleep through the night.

I take these advices openly, and appreciate it because they genuinely care.
Generally, that is what people think. Even me, before I learned about introducing solids of course. Matter of fact is that cereal is not as nutritious as milk(breastmilk/formula).I would rather wake up, again and again...and again.

Today at 7 months plus, Bubba went for it. He went towards the spoon!!!! Hooomygah!!

I swear I was so excited that I had to pause for awhile to understand that he is finally ready.

 The solids experiment begins. Boy oh boy, it's going to get messy and exciting!
If you'd like to follow me on this journey, the following are the links to Bubs month by month meals:

6th Month
7th Month
8th Month

Enjoy the read!

Kisses of mashed bananas from That Skinny Elephant.

No Bake Cheesecake!

It was the weekend.
Mum came over.
Perfect.

I get to chill while my man and his momma in law takes care of Bubba. Heh.

So.....in the kitchen I go! Happy place I tell ya.

I felt like making something sweet and simple. Googled a couple of stuff and stumble upon no bake cheesecakes. Woooah simplest dessert ever! Plus I got me some cream cheese, so why not.

I simplified it even more using ingredients that I have ready.
You will notice I've put up pictures of a cupcake tray (yields appx 12 cupcakes) and the result of using a 9-inch springform pan. You can basically use either.

Before I start, I must add that this dessert is not something I would eat all the time because the condensed milk content is a little too crazy. The thing is once its chilled, you can't actually taste the condensed milk, just rich cream cheese! So it's easy to lose yourself in it!!

Beware. You've been advised :)

Inspiration : Delish

Ingredients:

Crust
300g Digestive biscuits
2 tsps Sugar
150g Butter, melted

Filling
250g Cream cheese
350g Condensed milk
Half a lemon, juiced

Method:
1. Line a cupcake tray or 9-inch springform pan with liners.

2. Crush digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor.
If you don't own a food processor, like me, use a zip lock bag and crush away! Im sure your Bubbas would love to help.

3. In a large bowl, combined crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press mixture onto liners (I used the bottom of a glass) and refrigerate.

4. In a separate bowl, on low speed, beat cream cheese till light and fluffy. Add in condensed milk in stages and lemon juice last, beat till just combined.

5. Pour filling onto base (about 2 tbsp for cupcakes) and pop it in the freezer for about 3 hours. 

Now this sweet thang melts fast and takes forever to set in the fridge.I prefer it to be in the freezer so I can take my time to savour every bite...mmmmph!

Below is a picture of my very first cheesecake. My sister is the sweetest person, she gave me the opportunity to make and present this cake on her hubby's birthday. Thanks sis!!

Buzz me up for orders if you ain't got the time to make, heee.

Kisses of sweet lovin cheesecakes from That Skinny Elephant.

Nursing Outfits 01

What's your take on nursing wear here in Malaysia or any where really? 

I find it really difficult to put on outfits embracing my personality. The nursing wear I have come across is simply, *hmm let's see how do I be gentle with this*...not my style.

As a breastfeeding mother, (*DL 90% of the time), I must and should feel like the woman I was before I delivered (with some extra added kilos for those abundant cuddles and maybe, just maybe, a little wiser too). Therefore amongst other randoms bytes, I'd like to share various outfits that complements me and my breastfeeding journey.

A little bit about my style, past and present.

The word is Simple. Most of the time you will probably find me in a baby tee or a plain sleeveless top paired with jeans or shorts. I usually put on one loud item on me, either my shoes, handbag or accessories. I'm not a fan of too many things, it'll just get messy.

Now with breastfeeding, I void all accessories. Firstly because its safer for Bubba, second, I ain't got the time. Will be lucky if I get to comb my hair.

I used to be one of those girls who doesn't even need to carry a handbag at times. Just the pockets in my jeans was enough or a small pouch. At present I could carry a suitcase. Cute handbags are out of the story now, I carry Bubba's stuff, so whatever fits,.unless my man is out with me, then Bubba's stuff goes on his back.

Okay I'm going off track here, back to the nursing outfits.

I try to utilise what I already have, because I have too many clothes. Too many. No idea how it came to this state. Come to think about I mostly own loads of tees, lol. To give you an idea:-

One of my favourite tees. A souvenir from 'Priscilla, Queen of The Desert' broadway show in Toronto.

I've given away three bags of clothes and stored a few of my favourites because tees aren't really breastfeeding friendly, unless you pull it up from the bottom. I find it uncomfortable. So, tees, vacuum packed, sealed tight and fresh to use in....maybe 2 years time? If it still fits heh.

These days, its mostly tank tops and dresses. I will post a picture of what I wear, weekly, most likely monthly (haha depends how exhausted I am), in hopes that it may inspire your outfit for the day.

To start of, here's a dress which I bought from Factorie a few months ago. Simple flirtatious dress where you can easily push the sleeves down to the side and nurse! Easy I say. Plus, the monochrome prints are gorgeous!

I have a number of dresses in this cut and with different prints. I find it versatile and convenient, what about you?
Considering the tropical weather in this Malayan Peninsular, these dresses are a must have for me, nursing or not.
I must add that I usually use a nursing cover so I don't feel too bare. If you feel comfortable without a cover thats even better! Nice and breezy for your little one.

I admire mothers who nurse in public without a nursing cover. You have my full support because its such an amazing experience and stand that you are sharing to the public.

We are all a part of normalizing breastfeeding with or without a nursing cover. I believe its the idea of breastfeeding that I'd like to share out there not how I do it because every mother has her own preferences.

Why do I use a nursing cover? It's just a personal choice. Not because I'm embarrassed (thats the last thing really), I'm just shy by nature. Plus I hardly had boobies before, now that I got some, I'm not quite sure what to do with it, hah!

Till the next tip, go on and get flirty. 

Kisses of twinkling stars from That Skinny Elephant.

For the masses;
*DL - Direct Latch : thats when a baby nurses directly from your boobies. no bottles :)

Cruciferocious Din Din

I don't usually head out during the weekdays because I cant drive. Yes, its true, I still cant drive and don't have a license, haha!

I know, its about time. I registered for driving classes but I have yet to go for that 6 hours of theory class. I can't imagine being away from bubba for that long, plus I'm not sure how he will react. I have been breastfeeding him through direct latching (DL) since I resigned in June this year.

Anyhoo, point of the matter is that I tend to make do with ingredients that I have in my kitchen. I don't plan weekly meals, yet.

So here's another dish I made for dinner last night using primarily broccoli and cauliflower. These cruciferous vegetables are so good for you. I doubt there's much nutrients left after all that cooking BUT, mind over matter, I feel like I'm eating something healthy. (self console right there)

Including its sulphuric properties that may result in a possible fart fest in your homes, the following are some benefits of the cruciferous vege:

Broccoli - fiber and vitamin C

Cauliflower - vitamin C and folate

Plus both has anti cancer fighting properties.

Let's cook!

Ingredients:

1 cup of Broccoli (small florets, stem removed)

1 cup of Cauliflower (small florets, stem removed)

1 clove of garlic (sliced)

5 tbsp of butter (more is fine)

1 tsp of thyme

2 tbsp of olive oil
Parmesan cheese (as much you like)

Chicken Marinade

Chicken breast (cut to strips)

Chilly powder 

Salt

1. Marinade chicken and set aside. (I usually marinade meat right after our marketing and freeze it. Gives me one less thing to do when I'm cooking on weekdays)

2. Preheat oven to 170C.

3. Heat up pan and place about 5 tbsp of butter. Fry garlic until fragrant and slightly crisp. Juice in a whole lemon. (You may add in more butter, no such thing as too much butter, heh)

 4. Add in chicken strips and thyme, fry till the meat is cooked. Then mix in the vegetables and salt to taste. 

5. Transfer the mix onto a casserole dish, pour in olive oil and parmesan cheese all over. Bake for about 15mins. (Don't leave it too long in the oven, otherwise the chicken breast will dry up). 

6. Serve fresh out of the oven with pasta of your choice.

Bon Apetit!

The baking process can be opt out. The vegetables will be nice and crunchy and I think sprinkling a little bit of pine nuts would be just YUM.

Enjoy your cruciferocious din din.

Kisses of sunsets from That Skinny Elephant.

Chicken Pumpkin Curry



Pumpkin.
Never held one. Never cooked one.

Yup, I'm pretty clueless when it comes to this orange looking thing.

One of the first foods Bubba ate was pumpkin (actually I wouldn't say ate because the furniture had most it, so more like played with the puree). Since baby food requires only a handful of tiny cubes at a time, I was left with half a pumpkin. Sitting in the fridge. Just staring at me.

I swear I dont know what to do with that squash.

For some reason, I thought pumpkin was soft. Boy was I wrong!

Chopping it up was a challenge, removing its skin required some sort of skill, which I obviously don't have.

I was thinking to myself, there's got to be a technique on pumpkin skin removal. So ladies and gents, willing to share yours please?

All that effort was worth it though, considering its nutritional value. Pumpkin is a good source of:
Fiber (smooth sailing digestion),
Vitamin A (vision mission & fights free radicals)

Iron (blood's buddy)

Pumpkins will probably be a regular in my kitchen now.

So I went through a couple of recipes from baking pumpkin cookies, pies to soups.

Somehow I ended up cooking curry. Must be the punjabi in me.

Well honestly with Bubba seeking attention every 5 seconds and me being alone, I needed to whip up something easy and fast. So, no baking at this point thank you very much.

Enough of me blabbering, here's the-use-whatever-I-have-in-the-kitchen-and-whip-it-up-fast- Chicken

Pumpkin Curry.



Ingredients:

That Skinny Elephant

Half a chicken, cut into pieces
Half a pumpkin, cubed
One whole onion, sliced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tbsp of ginger, cut to thin stripes
2 whole red chillies
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
A twig of curry leaves, strip the leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup of yoghurt

Warm water (if you like your curry a little thick you can skip this, otherwise add in to your liking)

Chicken Marinade
Turmeric
Salt
Pepper

1. Marinate chicken for about an hour. The longer the better.

2. Heat up oil. Fry cumin,mustard seeds and curry leaves till fragrant. Gradually add in ginger, garlic, onions and chillies (stir fry for a few minutes everytime you add in an ingredient).

3. Add in and cook the chicken pieces. Stir in pumpkin cubes.

4. Once pumpkin turns slightly soft, pour the yoghurt in and mix well. Salt to taste. Cover and let it cook on low heat till pumpkin is soft or gravy like. ( Here is where you pour in some warm water to the consistency of your taste)

Walla, pumpkin curry! Serve hot with basmathi rice.

Perhaps a little coriander for garnish. I didn't have any, hence the pic looks a little meh.

Another note, as you may have noticed I used yoghurt, its just because I like the light taste and its nutrition value. You may substitute it with good old coconut milk too.

If any of you lovelies out there tried out this recipe, I'd appreciate your feedback. I somehow think something is missing, maybe chilly powder.. hmm I don't know. Do advice :)

Enjoy. Happy Monday.

Kisses of rainbows from That Skinny Elephant.

Little fingers

Here we are, together, in this little room. Nice cool breeze from the heavy shower slowly ushering us to bed.

His little fingers pats my face, then running them through my hair while I'm nursing him. Suddenly, strong tugs, "Don't pull sayang, it's painful" I whispered. He directs his big round eyes towards me and smiles, like he understood. Not quite yet, cheeky little fingers, pulls mommie's hair again.

In these quiet moments, I feel blessed.

Blessed to be a stay-at-home-mom. It's all worth it. Resigning from a company where I've been with for the past 6 years, it wasn't an easy decision but somewhat easy.

Yes I was a FTWM (full time working mom). It felt good heading back to work after my maternity leave (on days when I'm not battling separation anxiety). All groomed up, independent, providing, and most of importantly I was ME again.

But I wasn't happy.

I did not get to spend that few extra minutes of lazing in bed with bubba and watch him as he rubs his eyes and peeks at me with a full blown smile.

It's too precious to miss.

One fine day, as I was nursing him, I told myself, this is what I want. To be here.
Its ok if we are tight for awhile.
Its ok if I'm home all the time.
Its ok if I put a hold on my career.
I want to be here, with bubba, all the time.

My man and I decided to give it a try. Let's see if we can work this out. We'll take one day at a time.

It has been 3 months since I left my job and I've never been happier.

There was definitely some lifestyle changes. We spend only on necessities, don't head out that often and I cook at home almost everyday.

I laughed at myself as I typed "I cook at home almost everyday". Trust me when I say I'm not homemaker material. With my background, I'm hardly in the same country for more than a week. Buying groceries was sometimes a waste, hence I did not stock up often. So cooking was always experimental, I would just throw in what ever I had.

Of course that was then.

Now at this moment, I lie here on our bed, watching him sleep and wondering what in the world should I cook for lunch.

Contented.

Kisses of sunshine from That Skinny

Elephant.