Strawberry Jelly Hearts Cheesecake

It was the kiddo's 6th birthday yesterday and I have been cracking my head on what cake to make for him since December!

For the past 4 years, we have celebrated his birthday at his school and this year was his final year as a preschooler. Wow, looking back (at the photos) brought back lots of memories. For his 2nd birthday, I baked a strawberry shortcake for family celebration and individual strawberry cupcakes for his school celebration. For the 3rd birthday, I baked my first ever rainbow cake (which was a white-cake recipe). For the 4th celebration, I moved on to rainbow fruit shortcake (using a genoise sponge recipe) which has since become my main baking order item. And last year, his 5th birthday, a simple red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and Decor-It-Yourself Vanilla and Chocolate Cupcakes for his school celebration, which turned out to be a big hit with his classmates.

Now, this year, I ran out of ideas. Should I stick to the same old cakes that I've been baking, like rainbow and ombre cakes or try new recipes? I see that Korean strawberries are in season; the strawberries are pretty good-looking and going for quite a good price ($3.80 a punnet which is cheaper than last year!). Initially thinking of strawberry shortcake or ombre cake but feeling kind of lazy to bake :p

Finally the lazy mama decided on a no-bake Strawberry Jelly Hearts Cheesecake! Well, the kiddo loves cream cheese and strawberries, this cake looks pleasing to the eye, and very easy to serve. Each kid will get fair and square piece of cake (pun intended) with 3 different flavours and textures along with a strawberry heart! Woohoo!

This cake used to be very popular in SG few years back. I've made it back then at a different dimension, so this is a good time for revision as well. The cake is 9" by 9", with 25 strawberry hearts. To serve his school of 40 children plus teachers, I made 2 cakes over 2/3 days (celebration on Friday, first cake on Wed/Thu, second cake Thu/Fri). While this cake is quite easy to make, time management is the key here in order for the cake to set properly.

First up, prepare the tray. In order to have a smooth full cake (without the necessity to trim the sides), I used a 9" square pan with removable base. Wrap the removable base with aluminum foil, and line the sides of the square pan with clear film (sold in a thick roll at Phoon Huat).

* For my first cake, I forgot to line the sides of the pan and had to run a knife along the sides of the cake when unmolding the cake from the pan. It still works out fine, just not as smooth.

** A normal baking pan (without removable base) should work fine as well, just have to line the base and sides of the pan with foil and be extra carefully during unmolding because the cookie base of the cake is heavy.

Ingredients (A) - Cookie base

• 150g unsalted butter
• 300g digestive biscuits

Next, prepare the cookie base.

Heat unsalted butter over hot water bath till melted and let it cool down. 

For the cookie base, I use digestive biscuits. Just place the biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush/roll using a rolling pin till the texture resembles coarse sand. Alternatively, grind the biscuits using a food processor. The texture of the cookie base will then turn out finer. I prefer the cookie base to have slightly more crunch.

Add the melted butter into the crushed cookie and mix well.

Transfer the crushed cookie mixture into the square pan and use a bench scrapper to level the cookie base evenly.

Then I use a lapis press to press the cookie mixture firmly to compact the cookie base. Repeat several times till base is solid and compact. This is important to hold the entire cake together.

Transfer the pan into fridge to chill.

Ingredients (B) - Strawberries and cream cheese

• 25pcs strawberries 
• 4 tsp gelatin powder
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 250g cream cheese
• 50g icing sugar

Meanwhile, prepare the strawberries. Korean strawberries tend to be smaller, so I bought 3 punnets (for 2 cakes) and select the plumper and bigger strawberries. If the strawberries are too small, the heart-shape may not be apparent after submerging the strawberries into the cheese filling.

Wash and pat dry the strawberries. Half them and use a heart-shape stamp to cut the strawberries. You can use a knife to cut a v-shape at the top of the strawberries but I prefer the stamping which makes the heart-shape more uniform. I love munching on the scraps while stamping the hearts :p

Place the cut strawberries on a piece of kitchen towel and cover with another piece.

Next, the cream cheese filling. First, melt gelatin powder (the fish one from Phoon Huat) with boiling water and let the mixture cool down.

Then, place the cream cheese and icing sugar in mixing bowl and cream till light and fluffy. Add the cooled gelatin liquid into the cream cheese mixture slowly and mix till well-blended.

Sieve the cream cheese mixture to remove any lumps. Remove the cookie base from the fridge, use a fork and gently poke 9 holes in the base.

Pour the gelatin cream cheese filling into the cookie base.

Place the strawberry hearts into the cream cheese filling, pushing them gently downwards. This is also important step because while making sure the heart-shape is still visible, the strawberries must be embedded properly otherwise they may float up after the jelly layer is added.

Let the tray sit at the counter for 30 mins (to set the strawberries and cream cheese slightly), thereafter cover and transfer the tray into the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours.

Ingredients (C) - Jelly

• 3 boxes Tortally brand Strawberry crystals
• 350ml boiling water
• 350ml cold water

An hour before the strawberry and cream cheese layer is ready, I prepare the jelly. I use 3 boxes of the Tortally brand jelly strawberry flavour, add hot water to the jelly crystals and stir till dissolved. Then add cold water and mix well. Let the jelly mixture cool down completely which takes about an hour. Stir the mixture once in a while as some jelly may set and sink at the bottom.

Once ready, remove the tray from the fridge and gently pour the jelly into the tray. Use a toothpick to remove any air bubbles. Cover and transfer the tray to the fridge to chill overnight.

Finally the unmolding!

With the removable base and clear film at the sides of the pan, it's quite easy to unmold the cake, simply push the base upwards. Unwrap the aluminum foil from the metal base, place the entire cake over a 11" square board and gently slide the metal base out. Peel the clear film from the sides of the cake gently. Lastly, wrap the aluminum foil around the 11" square board.

Overall, the sides remain quite smooth (except for some edges as I was careless when unmolding), I didn't have to trim the cake.

Strawberry Jelly Hearts Cheesecake
(makes one 9" x 9" cake)

Ingredients (A) - Cookie base

• 150g unsalted butter
• 300g digestive biscuits

Ingredients (B) - Strawberries and cream cheese

• 25pcs strawberries 
• 4 tsp gelatin powder
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 250g cream cheese
• 50g icing sugar

Ingredients (C) - Jelly

• 3 boxes Tortally brand Strawberry crystals
• 350ml boiling water
• 350ml cold water

Steps

1. Prepare a 9" square pan with removable base. Wrap the removable base with aluminum foil, and line the sides of the square pan with clear film.
2. Prepare the cookie base. Heat unsalted butter over hot water bath till melted and let it cool down.
3. Place digestive biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush/roll using a rolling pin till the texture resembles coarse sand.
4. Add the melted butter into the crushed cookie and mix well.
5. Transfer the crushed cookie mixture into the square pan and use a bench scrapper to level the cookie base evenly.
6. Then use a lapis press to press the cookie mixture firmly to compact the cookie base. Repeat several times till base is solid and compact.
7. Transfer the pan into fridge to chill.
8. Prepare the strawberries. Select the plumper and bigger strawberries. Wash and pat dry the strawberries.
9. Half them and use a heart-shape stamp to cut the strawberries.
10. Place the cut strawberries on a piece of kitchen towel and cover with another piece. Set aside.
11. Prepare cream cheese filling. Melt gelatin powder with boiling water and let the mixture cool down.
12. Place cream cheese and icing sugar in mixing bowl and cream till light and fluffy.
13. Add the cooled gelatin liquid into the cream cheese mixture slowly and mix till well-blended.
14. Sieve the cream cheese mixture to remove any lumps. Remove the cookie base from the fridge, use a fork and gently poke 9 holes in the base.
15. Pour the gelatin cream cheese filling into the cookie base.
16. Place the strawberry hearts into the cream cheese filling, pushing them gently downwards.
17. Let the tray sit at the counter for 30 mins, thereafter cover and transfer the tray into the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours.
18. Prepare the jelly. Add hot water to the jelly crystals and stir till dissolved, then add cold water and stir to mix again. Let the jelly mixture cool down completely. Stir the mixture once in a while.
19. Once ready, remove the tray from the fridge and gently pour the jelly into the tray. Use a toothpick to remove any air bubbles. Cover and transfer the tray to the fridge to chill overnight.
20. Unmold the cake by gently pushing the base upwards. Unwrap the aluminum foil from the metal base, place the entire cake over a 11" square board and gently slide the metal base out. Peel the clear film from the sides of the cake gently. Lastly, wrap the aluminum foil around the 11" square board.

The boy is pleased with his cake and finished one piece of it in no time.

Happy birthday to my kiddo!

Dear son's 4th Birthday Cake - Rainbow Fruit Shortcake

Dear son turned FOUR yesterday! He sure is growing up fast and is now this super fun loving, cheeky, opinionated and charming preschooler, who drives daddy and mummy crazy with his quirky antics at times. Discipline is also coming into place as he tries to challenge his boundaries every single minute.

Anyways, we had a small celebration at his childcare centre yesterday, so that he could share this joyous occasion with his friends and teachers, many of whom "grow up together" with him.

Naturally I had to bake a birthday cake for him right? So what cake this year? I still remember a year ago, I made him a 7-layer rainbow, and how I have progressed myself as well! The very first rainbow cake I made, according to hubby was "not very tasty". Through the past year, I've made at least a dozen rainbow/ombre cakes and tasted a few recipes and I'm pleased to say, the cake texture is now much improved. Initially was considering something different like polka dot cake or giant cupcake, but somehow I really want to make a rainbow cake again using my ombre strawberry shortcake technique. So it was decided!

I call it Rainbow Fruit Shortcake. Four-layers of coloured sponge, sandwiched with chantilly cream, peach, kiwi and strawberry, then topped with more chantilly cream frosting and peach, kiwi and strawberry. A very colourful and chirpy looking cake, I think very apt for him :)

Quite a challenging and time-consuming cake to bake because each layer was baked separately then combined. Quality ingredients such as Japanese flour and sugar, French butter and whipping cream were used to achieve the desired texture and taste; and not to mention the amount of fruits used.

The sides of the cake were deliberately trimmed instead of covered up with frosting. This has been a vision in my head, of how I wanted the cake to be presented. Alas, it was not as easy as it seemed. Due to a series of stupid mistakes, I ended up trimming more cake than I should, resulting in a smaller cake. Was so upset because I was worried that there might not be enough cake to serve all the children and teachers! I was even contemplating to start all over or bake a smaller cake to add on.

When I told dear son that mummy's very sad because the cake was too small and might not be enough for everyone, he actually said "It's ok mummy, just cut smaller piece", gesturing small piece with his hands. I was actually quite touched that he had that thought. After ranting for a while, I decided not to bake another cake whatsoever, this shall be it. All the children would receive a goodies bag anyways.

Oh, I bought him a Dora the Explorer cake topper as well (it was so expensive!) because it's his current favourite. He watched Dora cartoons and story books umpteen times a day. Actually his favourite character is not Dora, Diego or Boots but "Map" (those parents whose kids are into Dora will know who are these characters), and he claims that he is "Map". Whenever we read the story books and it comes to asking "Map" for directions, he will pretend to be "Map" and tells us the directions. Haha. I digress.

Tadah! Presenting dear son's 4th Birthday Cake - Rainbow Fruit Shortcake with Dora the Explorer topper. I think all the kids and teachers enjoyed the cake very much, both visual and taste :)

 

And here's us, cutting the cake together. He was certainly a happy boy yesterday. May he stay healthy, bright and strong!

P.S. If anyone's interested to order this cake, please contact me!

Dear son is TWO!!

It's dear son's birthday today! No party this year unlike last year as we thought it's not necessary to hold parties every year. Instead we just planned a get-together meal at a restaurant with close family members. Since Chinese New Year is a week away, we also made use of this opportunity as a "pre-reunion" meal.

Was thinking that dining out would save us lots of time and effort, but itchy finger mummy decided to bake her son a birthday cake instead of buying one, and strawberry shortcake no less. It turned out to be a huge effort as it's my first time attempting a strawberry shortcake. The cake itself was rather easy to bake but layering and frosting the cake turned out to be a nightmare as it was so difficult to get a perfectly smooth surface no better how I tried to smoothen the chantilly cream. Oh well, will post about my strawberry shortcake attempt in another post. On top of this cake, I also baked 40 mini cupcakes for dear son's celebration in his CCC. Being a mummy is a tough job!

Anyway, now that he's officially into his terrible twos stage, we could already see some of the traits, such as screaming and whining whenever he demands something, and testing our patience all the time. He's turning into a cheeky and attention seeking fellow, making us laugh and mad at the same time. Really not sure how I can survive this upcoming year. The past year had already been challenging enough with him going from baby to toddlerhood, learning and growing fast each day. We'll take each day as it comes, I suppose.

Happy Birthday dear son, may you be healthy and happy every day (and stop screaming for mummy every single minute okay)?

Celebration with close family



Celebration at Childcare Centre



Dear Son is ONE!

My baby turns ONE today. I guess technically he's no longer a baby :)

What a year it has been, for both hubby and I, trying to deal with this thing called Parenthood and this little fellow who has very much become part of our life. Sometimes, we still couldn't believe that we are parents and he is our son. I just wonder because this sort of lifestyle is so not us. We chose to give up our DINK lifestyle; I became a SAHM; we travel so much lesser (comparatively much lesser than previous years and travelling with a baby is just different and tough); I bake so much lesser; we have less personal time and freedom; I sleep and wake early (amazing coz I used to sleep and wake late)... yes the rant goes on and on. Sometimes we just wish, we want to have our old life back.

Hmmm, so just what goes about this one whole year??? There is so much to tell and share but I don't know where to start. It's an experience that you've got to go through yourself to fully comprehend. I guess we are also not those type of parents who would record and remember every single milestone. We just roughly remember the months based on the photos taken. Heck, I didn't even make a photobook or print any photos (crossed my mind but didn't put it to fruition, my bad). Ok, but I did post his highlight photos periodically on my FB.

Well, now that he's into toddlerhood, I guess more mischief on the way, as he has already demonstrated on a daily basis. Patience and more patience for us. Sometimes, we don't know whether to laugh or cry. Nevertheless, for his first birthday, all I wish for is he will be healthy and happy always.

Ok, it's been a long day for us, with his birthday party and all. I'm really exhausted and I think my thoughts are getting incoherent. So here's sharing a monthly highlight of the year.

Happy birthday baby, and not forgetting, a pat on my back for surviving one year of parenthood and one year of total breastfeeding!

Baby 6 months

My baby is 6 months today and this also marks my 6 months journey of total breastfeeding (latch on 99% of time)! Hooray! Never thought that I could survive this far and achieve this target. Next, aiming for one-year target so long as I still can do :)

Really appreciate my hubby for the unwavering support and understanding, as well as good friend Carol for her advice and encouragement, otherwise I wouldn't come this far during those moments of uncertainties and desperation.

I must say that breastfeeding is really not easy and no amount of theory could beat the practical experience. I read up, watched latching videos, attended classes by private lactation consultant and BMSG... but when the baby arrived, it's a different thing altogether. Luckily my hubby was there to help with the latching position and the nurses at the hospital I delivered in were able to provide advice. I insisted not buying any formula at all (though my confinement lady kept commenting that if my milk not enough must supplement, and kept asking whether baby drinking or not).

The first 2+ months were quite ok, apart from a blocked duct during 1st 2 weeks (it sure was painful, every session felt like needles poking during first 20 secs when the baby started suckling).

However, approaching 3 months, my baby suddenly reduced his milk intake (used to take about 8 feeds). I didn't know what happened so sort of forced him to drink and as a result, he went on a nursing strike and subsequently a milk strike (could went on 5-6 hours without milk or very little milk). After about 1 week, I was totally desperate and broke down as the baby kept rejecting me, won't even allow me to cradle him! Had to get my mother in law over to help with bottle feeding for 3 days. My milk supply also dropped due to the stress and coz I didn't express when baby refused to nurse. After the good break, I picked up myself and read up on nursing strikes and slowly coaxed the baby back to my breasts (had to rock him till drowsy or pump till let-down then quickly latch him). Also took nursing tea to help get back supply.

It took several weeks before it got better. I learnt to ditch the clock and my record book (yes, I was quite a stickler for amount of time baby spent on each breast and such) and learnt to trust the baby. If baby doesn't want to nurse, I let him be. His feeds during 4 months were only 5 times over 24hrs (now also still 5 to 6 times, I guess he's drinking more per session). In addition, he was very distractable which made nursing more challenging.

Frankly, I'm still constantly paranoid over his milk intake whether enough (really dont't know how much he drinks since latch on) and also my milk supply. My hubby keeps assuring me that dear son is growing well and looks stout, though his weight is always on the 25 percentile range. I just have to assure myself that it's ok since he's achieving his milestones (able to lift his head while on tummy by 3 months, able to roll over both ways by 4 months, able to sit unsupported for a while by 5 months, and now demonstrating pre-crawl moves).

These days, he's still very distractable and would keep latching and unlatching during some feeds (especially hearing sounds and movements). The improvement is, he would whine when hungry and search for me/my breasts. Most of the time, he would only nurse when really hungry and sleepy and would fall asleep immediately after. I would prefer him to Eat, Activity and Nap but his pattern is Activity, Eat and Nap... he just wants to play upon waking!!! No choice, will see whether he will change this pattern as he grows older and starts to eat more solids. I've just started him on semi-solids (organic brown rice cereal) and will see how it goes. Weaning is another learning journey for me! Come to think of it, if counting from the start of my confinement, I've been a SAHM for 6 months as well. Wow!

Well, just a little sharing of my breastfeeding journey so far. Besides learning to trust my baby and my breasts (for supply), I learn to take things more easy and accept that baby pattern keep changing. Sometimes, just as I thought we have settled down into a comfortable pattern, he changes again. Really need lots of patience, perseverance and determination.

On another note, we brought him to KL (self-drive) when he was 5 months and just returned from Krabi (his first flight!). Will blog about both trips when I have more time :) *sigh* so many things to blog about, so little time. 

Here's a photo of him in our hotel at Krabi :)

Baby 3 Months

Baby is 3 months now! It seems as if time flew past in a flash and images of the past 3 months seemed so fuzzy. Yet each day has been and is still long; was and is still a challenge.

Challenges to breastfeeding, challenges to nap and sleep times, challenges to baby's fussiness and crankiness... there were so many moments of frustration. The heartaches when baby's not feeling well, incessant crying and at loss of what to do, sleep deprivation... at times, really felt like throwing the towel.

Yet seeing baby's achieving milestone developments as each day passes brings warmth to the heart. His smiles and coos in response to mummy, ability to lift up his head when on tummy...

To me, motherhood is a rollercoaster ride with explosive mixed emotions and change is the way of life. Just when I thought things have settled down, new challenges emerged or so called 'baby's pattern' change again. Steep learning curve indeed. Both mummy and baby are still learning day by day, taking one step at a time.

Personally I think no amount of mental preparation would be enough; and adjusting mindset and lifestyle take tremendous efforts and perserverance. That said, reading reference books, websites and seeking advice from friends and family really help a lot and I'm fortunate and grateful to all of them. Most of all, I'm blessed to have the support and understanding of my hubby who has to put up with my crankiness from time to time.

For now, devoting my energy to the 2 men in my life is my way of life. Happy birthday to hubby and happy 3 months to baby!

  

Pregnancy, delivery and confinement

It's March already! On calendar it seems like a long time since the birth of my baby but he is just but 7 weeks old. The irony is, 7 weeks is nonetheless long to me since I'm total breastfeeding and each day is counted by 24hrs. Well, have to keep reminding myself that this is just the beginning and there would be so many more 24hrs and 7 weeks to go. Over the past few weeks, there were moments where I would doubt my ability as a mother and sometimes in denial mode wishing everything would revert to what it used to be. I guess I'm really not used to the loss of freedom after enjoying 7 years of couplehood (hubby felt the same way too). Our time is no longer ours and everything revolves around the baby. Having said that, since we made our decision to try for a baby and we got it, we have to accept this responsibility and do our best in this new role as parents.

The past 9-10 months seems so surreal, the pregnancy, delivery to confinement, and yet the real challenge really begins with the arrival of the baby.


Pregnancy

All along we didn't think we would like to have a baby since we enjoy the DINK lifestyle, travelling and playing as often as we liked. When I hit 31 we somehow decided to try for a baby and if we don't have one when I reach 35 (associated high risks), so be it. There, I got pregnant the year before (2008) but it was an ectopic pregnancy. Rested for quite a few months (also due to busy work schedule) and tried again early 2009. Yep and was pregnant in Apr 09.

Was fortunate that I didn't have morning sickness, just fatigue. Thought it was going to be a breeze and got complacent. Ate whatever I fancied and disregarded the facts that I have family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, above 30 and slightly overweight. At the 5th month check-up, failed the routine test, had to go for Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and tested positive for gestational diabetes. To keep blood sugars in check, was put on a special meal plan which restricted sugars and carbo/starch and light exercise regime; otherwise there would be serious complications affecting the foetus. Was naturally upset about this condition and my moods flunctuated along with my blood sugar readings. Thankfully for hubby who was really supportive and encouraging for the remaining months of the pregnancy.

Delivery

At week 32, the gynae told us that I was supposed to be induced at 38 weeks, we were quite taken aback since it wasn't mentioned before. But due to implications of gestational diabetes and hypertension, it was the best option for both mother and baby. At the same time, we felt rather relieved that there was a date to look forward to, rather than waiting for it to happen. We could start planning everything already!

At week 36, was 2cm dilated which according to gynae, good sign for smooth natural delivery.

So came 15 Jan, checked in the hospital very early in the morning. The nurse checked my vitals, monitored fetal heartbeat, made preparations and all. At 8+, went into the delivery suite and started the drip to induce labour. Around 9.30am, the senior nurse asked me if I wanted epidural as the doctor was on his round. If I didn't take it then, he might not be available immediately the next few hours and I could actually opt for lowest dosage. Initially I was quite adamant about not having epidural, but after hearing the nurse's advice, decided to just go for it in case I really couldn't stand the pain later on. Anyway, since I wasn't in any pain at that point, I was in good position and right frame of mind to administer the 'happidural'. I had to assume a curve position. The sensation was quite weird, no pain for the injection since there was local anesthesia. It felt like somethine being hammered into my spine though.

By the time the epidural injection was completed, it was close to 10.30am and my gynae came by to check on me. I was 4cm dilated and she broke my waters. For the next 2hrs, quite uneventful... could feel the contractions but was manageable. But by around 1pm, couldn't stand the contraction pain and asked to increase dosage for the epidural. Thank goodness I decided to go for it. By 2.30pm, I was fully dilated and ready to push. By then, was quite numb already so just push when the midwives asked me to. It sure was tough, no wonder they call it labour. By around 3.30pm, could already see the baby's head crowning and the midwives quickly informed the gynae. But she was busy elsewhere and I think I waited some 30-45mins for her. Was quite unhappy over the wait but there wasn't a choice, was there? The midwives called her a few times already. She came in around 4+, and I gave one final push (with episiotomy), baby was delivered! Finally!

By the time I was stitched up, baby was already cleaned and handed to me to initiate suckling and bonding as I requested for total breastfeeding. Thereafter, I was pushed to my ward. Over the next 2 days of stay, baby would be brought to me for breastfeeding periodically. For daytime, he could room in with me and night time I could request the nurses to bring him back to the nursery so that I could catch some sleep. The service rendered by the nurses were really top notch and that made my stay at the hospital quite pleasant.

By 3rd day, was really to discharge as baby was given green light to go home!

Confinement

Now, to the start of my confinement. Nobody forewarn me that confinement was going to be tough! Had engaged a confinement lady from Malaysia since it is a norm (supposedly necessity) to have an experienced helper to nurse the mother to good health (the body is weakened after labour and delivery) and take care of baby as well.

But seriously, is confinement or having a confinement lady really necessary? Yes, I believe in lots of rest especially the initial period after labour, but once the mummy is ready and well rested, she should be able to continue her daily life be it 10 days or 30 days, depending on individual.

Initially I thought that it was a good idea (coz of the above reason) but after a week or so, I realised that having a stranger in my house literally taking control over my life and even invading into my personal space is so not my nature. Felt loss of privacy and freedom and hated the restrictions and someone checking me out all the time (even when I was doing personal stuff like internet shopping, home massage and breastfeeding).

Towards the end of 2 weeks, I couldn't handle the stress of confinement and having a confinement lady anymore and to save myself from slipping into depression, decided to end the confinement in 3 weeks. Thereafter, although it was a handful to take care of the baby due to my inexperience, I felt so much more at peace and happier.

Talking about confinement practices, there are some restrictions which I'm doubtful about the rationale. The practices are said to pass down for generations; are they really practical in our modern times and environment context given that we live in the tropics with such high humidity and not to mention the temperature has risen over the years. I was practically sweating all the time due to the practices! Are we following practices blindly just because the ancestors did so?

These are the practices to follow:

• Can only drink warm red date herbal drink, no water.
• Must sit down to eat and drink, cannot stand.
• Must wash face and hands with cool boiled water.
• Must use warm herbal water to wipe body or bath. Wipe body daily, bath only once a week. Start to wash hair after 10 days, thereafter once a week, must blow dry immediately.
• Must wear slippers, cannot barefoot.
• Eat food cooked with lots of ginger and sesame.
• Drink tonic soup before bed time 2nd week onwards.
• Cannot help baby change nappy or bath coz cannot touch tap water.

Well, it was a not so positive experience and if I have known, would probably engage day time confinement lady or do confinement on my own and follow some of the practices selectively.

Anyways, like I said, this is just the beginning. Will try to share some of the challenges taking care of the baby slowly... that is another story altogether.

Baby Full Moon

Many thanks to all who sent well wishes to me.
Yes, my little cowboy arrived on 15 Jan and is now one month old =D

It has been a long journey, from pregnancy to delivery to confinement... now coping with the challenges of motherhood.
Shall try to share the journey once things are more settled and hopefully steal time in between nursing the baby to blog (along with chores, cook, steal a nap if I could, deal with baby's fussiness etc etc. 24hrs is not enough nowadays).

Baby's Nursery

Counting down to the arrival of the little fellow... the nursery is all set, I think =D

Hope baby will like the painting, cot and musical mobile that daddy and mummy spent much time trying to decide.
Hope the smiley animals and soothing music will make baby happy.
Mr Ducky here, baby's sleeping companion. A gift from Uncle WH.