I'm a full-time mummy

I had a lunch outing recently with my ex-boss (I brought Ben along) and when we were heading back to the office (I decided to wait there while my hubby came over to fetch us home), I carried Ben and my ex-boss has got the horrified look on her face.

Actually I carried Ben cos I don't want to be holding his hand and have him crossing the road with me - I mean, I'd rather carry him and cross the road than risk him slowing me down and causing any accidents... plus it was quite hot outside and I figured it'd be better (and faster) if I carry him.

Anyway, my ex-boss looked so worried seeing me carrying Ben - what more with my pregnancy at this stage and kept asking me and Ben whether she can carry him instead. She tried asking Ben to walk himself too (which he did after some persuasion). So yeah, that got me thinking... am I seriously doing one of those pregnancy no-no thingy?

Of course, I'm glad that I don't drink alcohol or smoke (hate it!!) or take any drugs (I didn't eve see a doctor when I had  my cough + sorethroat + runny nose + fever bouts few weeks back) or even eat any raw stuff (think sushi).

But, honestly speaking I've done some pretty scary stunts remarkable things during this round of pregnancy such as:

* Karate kick bathroom door cos hubby was stuck inside (I was about 8 months pregnant)

What actually happened was I heard a loud banging sound from the next room (hubby's home office) while I was dry nursing Ben to sleep and after a few more banging sounds, I decided to go check out what the heck is going on with my hubby at such a late hour (almost midnight).

When I went into his office, I couldn't find him anywhere and then another banging sound came again, from his bathroom. I realised then that he was stuck in his bathroom and there's no way he could get himself out without some fancy McGyver gadgets (oh well, I'd be totally freaked out if he can escaped out using some spare rolls of toilet paper or tooth brush or something)

I can't pull open the door and the only way I could help is to help him push the door inwards while he pulls it from his side. I tried using my shoulder to bang at the door, and then realised it'll be better if I just use my leg to kick the door. Yeap, the good ol' karate kick method! Wachh-aaaaaaaaa!!!!

I mean, I think my legs are stronger than my skeletal hands so, there you go, an 8 months preggy mum raising her right leg over 90 degrees and kicking the door with all her might. It took a few kicks before door finally bulged and I get to see my hubby's relieved face!

* Breastfeeding during pregnancy and still dry nursing as we speak now
I mean I already got some not so encouraging responses for continuing on my breastfeeding with Ben after he turned 2 years old. And what more now when people find out that I am still dry nursing (meaning no breastmilk as my BM stopped production by itself when I was in my 5th month of pregnancy) Ben while I am pregnant - even to this day, they give me weird looks. I don't know what else to say other than I'll let him nurse as long as he wants (it's part of my daily prayer as well)

* Still carrying my almost 13kg toddler around (though not for long period of time)

Like I mentioned in the first few paragraphs, I do still carry Ben around, though not for long period of time, maybe less than 10 minutes the max during each time.

I've heard of people telling me I should not carry so heavy things but I don't know, I mean, if you can just look at your child directly into his eyes and still refused to carry him when he's in pain or crying after a fall or hurt or something or after seeing your hubby got so tired carrying your child all day long then I'd think you have got something wrong in your head.... or heart...

* Running with Ben to the bathroom when he says he needs to pee

My regular blog readers will know that I'm in the midst of potty training Ben (peeing part for now) and yes, part of my self-created BE AWESOME potty training approach is to make it exciting and fun. And feeling excited and fun means I drop/stop whatever I'm doing and just RUN to the bathroom with Ben the moment he tells me he needs to pee.

Of course at almost 9 months pregnant now it does get tiring (especially if you got pranked by your mischievous toddler, and yes he does it quite well...) but I think it's worth it. And it's not like I'm running the whole day long...

* Lie down on my front

Surprisingly, just few days ago, I realised I could still lie down on my front. And read an e-book on my iPad. And then I rolled sideways and realised 'Oh crap... I totally forgot about my preggy bump!' Nothing weird happened just in case you are wondering...

* Still trying to squat as much as I can

With that I mean, if I am out and about, I try to go for the squatting type of toilets rather than the sitting down types. I read that squatting helps with contractions during labor, and I did the same thing when I was pregnant with Ben so I'm going to repeat it with this pregnancy, though I do have to be honest that nowadays, there are few times when I am feeling abit difficult to stand back up after squatting and the thoughts of getting stuck squatting does cross my mind when this happen... so, I think I'll be reducing my squatting exercises to home only...

So what about you? Any pregnancy no-nos you've heard of or practised?

(** Article first published as Book Review: 52 Things Kids Need from a Mom by Angela Thomas on Blogcritics.)

I've mentioned before that I'm always scouting for good books on parenting, Christianity, children and so on and when I saw this book's availability on NetGalley, I immediately asked to review it. And yes, one more book I came to love! Here is my review of this book from Angela Thomas entitled: "52 Things Kids Need from a Mom".

Author: Angela Thomas
Publisher:  Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0736943918
Hardcover: 224 pages
Product Dimensions: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches

Description from the Amazon product page:

"Bestselling author and mother of four children Angela Thomas brings her trademark storytelling and biblical teaching to this book of encouragement for moms who, in the daily whir of busyness, long to connect with their kids in new ways.

With compassion and creativity, Angela presents 52 inspirations to help moms experience intentional mothering, intentional living, and intentional joy as they:
* talk to their child as though he is fascinating
* learn to play one video game
* plan activities that set a child up for success
* be the groovy mom once in a while
* make memories and savor them

Moms at all phases of parenting can adopt one idea a week or try several at once. This is a fun, guilt-free resource to help every mom lead with God’s love and delight in the small moments that make up an abundant life."

I like that each tips are broken down into 2-3 pages, easier to read and continue on.

Below are some of the pages I've bookmarked on my iPad while I was reading this book:

* Page 10-Being a mom means you might never be alone again 

* Page 16-Never stop touching them. The gift of your enduring affection will become one of the greatest gifts ever give to their souls.

* Page 34-Jesus said it clearly, "All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No' (Matthew 5:37)" What Jesus meant was, be clear about your intention and don't say anything that you don't mean. Let your word be your promise. And don't embellish your words to try to manipulate your own way.

* Page 35-Kids need their mom to keep her word because we are training them to be like Jesus and we are building their sense of security, teaching them  how to trust in someone who is trustworthy.

* Page 40-Our kids need us to teach them what to do when we have been misunderstood and misrepresented. They need to see us respond to difficult people and difficult circumstances. 

* Page 76-When we talk to our children at every age like they are fascinating, we are transferring to them a deep security. It's a gift of love that can never be taken away from them. To know that you are adored by your mom is a treasure that gives you strength for a lifetime.

* Page 147-Our job is to look for their strengths and champion the very best of who they can become.

* Page 186-You know, you think you teach them right, and you pray that you have given them a respect for others, but what a blessing when you know it's taken hold in their souls.

* Page 192-Ask God what to do and how to respond before you say a word.

* Page 200-Don't waste your time on a fool. "Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words (Provers 23:9)"

In summary, this book emphasize highly on encouraging mums like us to connect with our child no matter how busy our daily life may be. I am inspired with most of the tips given in this book which not only helps greatly in our children development, it also helps me as a mum to do my very best in being involved in every possible way during my child's growing years. I am so glad to review this book and it will definitely stay in my iPad for repeated readings!  

You can also purchase the book from Amazon.

I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with a galley proof of the book via my association with netGalley as a reviewer in order to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Please do your own research when purchasing products, as your opinions may differ from mine. And if you'd like to read my previous book reviews, you can do so by reading this post of mine called "My Book Reviews"

Pictures of meals are getting less since quite a number of the meals served to Ben have been featured in previous posts of toddler's meals. Continuing on with Ben's meals for August 1st to 7th...

01 August
Breakfast - Oats, cornflakes, grapes, a bottle of Vitagen
Lunch - Oat crackers, tuna, mix fruit juice, a boiled egg, some jelly cake
Tea - 2 mini red bean buns
Dinner - Rice, tofu, egg

Lunch on August 01

Dinner on August 01

02 August
Breakfast - 1 slice of French toast, cheese omelette, a cup of diluted Ribena
Lunch - 1 mini red bean bun, cornflakes, some spaghetti, mushroom soup
Tea - Yogurt
Dinner - Rice, ABC soup, carrots, tofu (square), chicken

03 August
Breakfast - Oats, cornflakes, carrots, a bottle of Vitagen
Lunch - Chocolate UHT Milk, 1 egg tart
Tea - Yogurt, strawberry UHT milk
Dinner - Oats, carrots

04 August
Breakfast - Oats, crunched pillow biscuits, a bottle of Vitagen, some papaya
Lunch - Noodle with poached egg
Tea - Egg tart
Dinner - A cup of diluted Ribena, rice, Japanese tofu, potatoes, chicken, choc UHT milk

05 August
Breakfast - Cheese omelette (hubby made) & a bottle of Vitagen
Lunch - Biscuits
Tea - Cornflakes, half peach melba sponge cake
Dinner - Oats, a cup of soya milk
Supper - Choc UHT milk

06 August
Breakfast - 1 boiled egg, 1 slice of Cheddar cheese, a bottle of Vitagen
Lunch - Cornflakes, a choc UHT milk
Tea - Oat crackers, strawberry UHT milk
Dinner - Rice, pork, steamed egg, fishball

07 August
Breakfast - Oats, crunched pillow biscuits, a bottle of Vitagen
Lunch - Oats crackers, strawberry UHT milk
Tea - Oats crackers
Dinner - Fish fillet (mixed with vege), half cheese omelette, a cup of diluted Ribena

Dinner on August 07