Monday, November 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mommies, Be Aware!
To tell you the truth, I was puzzled when they mentioned about it. It was when Nancy explained to me (TQ dear!) that HFM stands for Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, I said.."Ooowh, that disease". Naive sungguh Mommy Faaz...huhu.
I remembered the virus attacked was a huge disaster few years back in Sarawak as it has caused deaths. But the symptoms?, how does it spread?, the prevention? I am totally clueless!! :( Maybe the fact that I never had a child before made me less aware or should I say couldn't be bothered so much about it. Now that I have one, my precious little one, I quickly do some research, readings...I must be aware and alert. Prevention is better than cure, rite?
As I do believe there are young mommies out there who are in the same boat as me, here are some information that might be useful to you as well.
HFM, is a spreading disease that commonly attack children below the age of 5. It is caused by a virus named Coxsackie A 16, named after a town in New York where it was first described. Exposed children can be infected for 3-6 days before showing the symptoms. Pregnant women, especially those who are waiting for the due date can pass the disease to their newborns as well, so preggy mommies, if you found any symptom quickly consult your obstetrician.
Symptoms includes:
- Mouth blisters; which is common first sign. It affected the tongue, inside of the cheek and back of the throat. It is painful and may cause the child refuse to drink and becomes dehydrated.
- Small, greyish red blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and sometimes buttocks too.
- Rashes developed on the palms and soles are unusual, which will disappear in approximately 10 days.
- Fever with temperature between 100deg to 102deg for few days
Infection is spread from a person to a person by direct contact with infectious virus found in the nose and throat secretions, saliva, blister fluid and stool of infected persons. Infected person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. The virus that cause HFM disease can remain in the body for weeks after a patients symptoms have gone away. This means that the infected person can still pass the infection to other people even tho this person appears well. There are some people who carry the virus ( a carrier), who may have no symptoms at all.
Preventions:
- wash hand after diaper changing
- ensure toys, pacifier or anything the child may place in their mouth is clean and regularly clean/sterilize/disinfect
- avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, sharing cup/eating utensil with those who are infected/suspected with this disease
- avoid crowded places such as mall, market or any huge gathering
- basically, practise good hygiene helps

Posted by Nadine at 1:02 PM 12 comments
Labels: health
Friday, October 30, 2009
Inspired
and walla!

Last Sunday, I managed to do a little bit of window shopping at OU while spending quality time with my loved ones. Lucky me that winter/fall season is coming soon so most of the stores are already selling different style of boots, including the knee-length boots.
By the way, here is a useful link on how to wear boots:
http://www.emmagem.com/2008/06/20/how-to-wear-boots/
Posted by Nadine at 8:21 AM 24 comments
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Story Worth Sharing
To those who have read it, no harm in recapitulate it. After all, it is a good story.
To those who haven't read it, happy reading and pondering :)
A story worth sharing
4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder, how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child.
There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there were still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child.
With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all I heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bed sheet and blanket!
Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation:
"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the other is for me.
However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..."
At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mummy.
A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to
most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating
from kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting
impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up.
However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the
reason for his absence as he has no mummy.....
Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practice his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud too!
Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the Christmas spirit is in every passer-by...Christmas carols and frantic shoppers....but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year.
His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for Mummy.
My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: " But why did u post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was: " I have been writing to mummy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..."
After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say.....
I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldn't help opening the letter before they turn to ash.
And one of the letters broke my heart....
Dear Mummy,
I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell him the real reason.
Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think. But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why haven’t you appear?
After reading the letter, I can’t stop sobbing. 'cos I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....
For the females with children:
Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company, and it is not your sole problem. Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious.
For the married men:
Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients.
Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? Or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable.
Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones.
For those singles out there:
Beauty lies in loving yourself first.
With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your well being.
p.s: bear with the crazy fonts...i just cut n paste. I'm busy and too lazy to edit :P

Posted by Nadine at 4:18 PM 10 comments
Labels: words to ponder
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Any Idea?
Last year was my first time, as it was the first year I joined E. The theme is Ericsson T-Party...and the dress code was any Ericsson's T-shirt from any era (mind you, E has been around for almost 20 years in Malaysia) and you just have to wear it creatively. To some, it was a silly theme, booooring and unglamorous...to me, it was such a relief! Reason being, an 8 months infant was inside my bloated tummy, what else was more comfy for me to wear rather than a huuuuuuge t-shirt! Hihihi.. I was lucky enough that a week before the party the secretary handed me an extra E t-shirt from an event, male size L. Owwh, it fit my tummy perfectly! ;) What-to-wear-for-a-party was not an issue for me, at all....phewww :)
But this year, it's a different story tho...
Firstly, the venue itself, has created controversial and confusion, especially to the Muslim employees. The chosen place is Euphoria-by Ministry of Sound, Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel. To those who doesn't know, Euphoria is one of the high class club in Malaysia, officially opened in 2008 and Ministry of Sound here is a branch of UK famous Ministry of Sound.Muslim? Hijab? clubbing?
Secondly, the theme is: "Off-The-Wall". Oh my, what is it exactly? According to the committees, it means; having different experiences, being unconventional, energetic and colourful. Definitely something which is not formal. I am thinking of....
maybe this...
which will look something like this..
to match with maybe a colourful baby doll dress or a kimono inspired top..
But still maintaining the decent look (bolehkah? :P). Anyway, I still have another 27 days to go. Ideas, opinion, suggestion...whatever you call it, I need it. :)
Gorgeous ladies,
Any idea?
Posted by Nadine at 12:38 PM 32 comments
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Celebrating His 9 Months
Faaz is now weighing approximately 9.4kg, but I'm not sure about his height, we haven't measured it for quite sometime. Nevertheless, many says he is growing well...neither too small nor too big for his size. Just nice :) Although I admit it is now not easy for me to carry him longer than before, I love his chubbiness, he's like a teddy bear that I can cuddle comfortably during my sleep time..bulat je. Best! :)
To date, he has four teeth; two on the front up and two on the front, bottom. More to come soon, based on the drooling saliva and the nonstop brushing the gum (gatal gusi! :P). Character wise, he is now a parrot to us. He will try to imitate anything that we do or say...which means, he is now more alert, catching up and learning fast. It's so entertaining yet funny to see him in action. Mulut, jangan cakaplah...teramatlah bising! :) We try to teach him as much as we can.So far, alhamdulillah..he can understand instructions in English, Malay and Urdu quite well. He can now pointed to things/animals when we asked. He will shake his head whenever it is a "No-No" to him. He claps when he is happy. Especially when he saw me bringing his meal..he will clap, clap, clap! :) Yesterday, I was on M.C. While watching the "Hi 5" show on the TV, he suddenly imitate their dance. At that time, I was holding him while he stand (oh yeah..he loves to stand although he can't crawl properly). It was damn cute!! Was thinking to video call my hubby to show him but the phone was way too far to reach.
Besides ball, Faaz loves car so much. Thus, last weekend Daddy decided to bring us out for dinner. A treat at Delicious for Mommy, and car rides for Faaz at MV. Thanks Sayang, so sweet of you.. *smooch* ;)
This photo below is the best...a candid of Faaz while he was sneezing..*aaachumm!!* hihihi :)
To Tok Mak Faaz, (my mom do check my blog once a while) here's the living proof that your grandson is a resemblance of your menantu! :)
Posted by Nadine at 11:20 AM 16 comments
Friday, October 9, 2009
Choral Speaking
During that period, I have been given the privileged to stand either at the most front, or at the last row (on top of the platform, of course), due to my "petite-ness" :P Chorus speaking activity also took me to visit other schools in NS such as our traditional all girl school "rival", the famous TKC and SDAR for inter state competitions.
What is a choral speaking? someone may ask...Well, choral speaking is basically projecting your voice by a chorus of speakers. A little bit like choir, but instead of singing, we recite a combination of a story+poetry+song, with face mimic/action. I love this activity as it emphasize on disciplines, teach us to always be alert, as well as improving your English pronunciation, especially the jargon :)
Recently, I stumbled upon this cool clip which reminded me of this activity (and buat pengguna 'The Power of Dreams' like me teruja..:) ). I must say their choral speaking is superb!
Enjoy!
p.s: Happy 9 months old, Faaz Naqi! :)
Posted by Nadine at 2:21 PM 5 comments
Labels: fun stuff











