Counting down

Soon and fast enough, Mathilda is 2 months old. With God's grace, she is growing and getting stronger everyday! She is sleeping well, waking up for her feeds once or 2x in the night even though she can fuss and cry non-stop some days, she is a wonderful girl, a blessing to us.

As for Matthew, he had officially completed his "2nd" pre-school final term and had "graudated". Soon, he will be moving on to Grade/Primary 1 wehre it's going to be a totally new environment.

It's going to be a great challenge for us as we will be going through a whole series of changes and transitions - going back to France with the 2 kids, packing/moving for China, housing-hunting in China, school-hunting for Matthew and starting him in a totally new and unfamiliar environment where he will be "lagged" behind for almost 2 terms. I can foresee the "stress" that we're going to face in the coming months to settling down in a new place with the 2 kids, especially since Mathilda is so little and DH will be still travelling for the first 4 months.

It had been almost 1 month since DH went back to France. I'm counting down for the trip back to Clermont in about 1 week time to join him in the preparation for the move. Getting Matthew ready for the big transitions and getting myself prepared for this "stressful" moment. I'm trying to relaxed and enjoy my last week here with family's help. DH tells me not to get too stressed as it's not good to my pre-diabetic condition. There are plenty of things to worry about but I can only entrust them to God who will carry me through. He has always been there for me and prepare the ways before me. I love God and I love my family. I prayed for peace, protection and blessing for our family during this transition period. Thank you our Mighty God!

She's one month old

It seems like yesterday but the one month passed in no time! In Asia, it's a norm to have confinement after delivery. We have to be confine at home for at least one month, not leaving the house or doing any work. It's a month for us to recuperate. Some will hire a nanny to help with the baby and doing all the household chore that include cooking and feeding.
As for me, I have my wonderful mum to help me with all these. She cooked for me, bathe for Mathilda, bring Matthew to school and even help me with the feeding.

For me, of course, I didn't stay at home all the times. Mathilda was hospitalised due to the high level of jaundice. She has to be put under the light (photo therapy) for 2 days. I had to deliver the milk to the hospital and end up being very tired. But I'm glad she is better now. She is still quite "yellow". The doctor did a blood test and the liver was functioning properly. She is having breastfed jaundice and it will go away eventually. Thank God for that!

She has been quite a good gal, growing well and she wakes up 2 to 3 times to feed at night. Hopefully she will be able to sleep through soon. These few days she had some serious case of baby acne eczema. She had rashes all over her face, head and back. It is not harmful but it's just very irritating to have all these itching rashes.

Here some photos taken during the first month of her life!

She's here!

After 9 months of waiting, she has finally arrived! My previous post mentioned about the Dr's visit and true enough, he decided that it's time for her to come and wait no more! :P

He suggested that I would admit to the hospital the very night and will be induced by the next morning. I was a little shocked as I have program planned for that night and the next as it's Matthew's 6th b'day! I was caught off hand as I don't know whether to go ahead or not but the gynae said, it's better not to delay anymore, so I guess I had to heed his advise.

Decided to go ahead with the gynae's suggestion, I give DH a call and he was supposed to be doing his last day audit (presentation) the next day. Thank God, it still went on well.

The sad side is that we couldn't celebrate Matthew's birthday with him. I had planned a little birthday celebration for him in school. He had chosen a cake himself and prepared some goodies bag for his friends. I think he had fun even without us. He is pretty excited about little sister's arrivals too.





Before getting ready for hospital, we went ahead with the dinner plan for that night. We met up with friends we haven't seen for years. They were back for vacation from Australia and it was good to see them and we have a good meal before getting ready for "action".

The whole process went on well. I was admitted to labour ward at about 11pm and getting all the preparation ready, I managed to sleep a little before they induced me at 4am. By then, I was about 5cm dilated. The gynae came to break the water bag at 8.15am and told me it won't be long. Before I know it, I was fully dilated by around 9.40am. The gynae came and with the midwives' help, I started to push and with just 2 pushes, she is out!
I was pretty shocked by how fast she came and how petite she is! She is very small as compare to Matthew. She is like a tiny kitten, weighs only 2.715kg/ 5lbs 15oz. Matthew was 3.75kg/8.14lbs. But she is a great gift from God, a little angel, a blessing to our family.

Let the journey begins...

The nine months of ups and downs are almost over. DH is back for work but at least he will be here when the baby is out. We're getting ready for the little one to come.... waiting can be killing. The endocrinologist said I can't wait for too long but my gynae wanted to wait. The 2 conflicting proposal are making me confused too. Anyway, I think there's nothing I can do but to wait patiently and I believed that God's timing will be the perfect time!

Not too long ago. I was diagnosed with thyroid nodules. There's a big lump on my neck and it's quite big according to the Dr. I can't imagine I have a solid mass of the size of a table-tennis ball in the thyroid gland. Thankfully, the blood test came back to be negative (benign. Most of the time, it should be non-cancerous but the Dr wanted to make sure so the rest of the test and biopsy can only be done after baby is born. I'm worried but I will just have to leave all to God who is in control. I have been through so much and God has always provide a way out for me. He is the only one who can make miracle happens...

I will be going for another check tomorrow and hopefully my gynae will give me some light when it's going to end... or I should be saying when will the next journey begins. All of us are getting excited.

Matthew will be turning 6 in 2 days time and he is ready to be a big brother. He will prayed for us everyday and even said that maybe little sister will be born on his birthday. I prayed that God will help both my children to be strong and healthy, giving them wisdom and love, helping mummy to teach and guide them. Thank God for your graciousness upon our family... We love you GOD!

Month of August

Wow... time just flew by in seconds. It has been 3 weeks since DH is back with us. He just went back yesterday nite and Matthew misses him the very nite without daddy. I can't imagine how badly affected it can be for Matthew! He feels so upset and even cried in his sleep...it's the first time ever. He must have enjoyed daddy's company since they were together everyday for the past 3 weeks. They did so many activities together - from fetching him to and from school and music class, jogging and swimming together,watching movie, visiting the parks and having short trips to Malacca. Daddy has been taking very good care of him since mummy needs her rest. I guess he will be better in a few days times. But it still sadden my heart to see him upset.

As for myself, I'm getting bigger, heavier and more tired than before. My blood sugar is not well-controlled. I have to increase my dosage to twice a day and sometime it still get out of range if I don't watch my diet. I'm quite frustrated with the need to watch my diets so carefully but on the other hand, I know it will be over soon. I'm almost 34 weeks now and according to the doctor, I might need to be induced by the 38th weeks as the placenta tends to deteriorate after that. I'm not very keen to have a Cesarean section so hopefully all will be under God's control and blessing!

DH will be coming back again in mid-Sept for an audit (business trip) and hopefully he will be back in time to be with me during the delivery...I'm quite worried to be doing it on my own since it was 6 years ago for the last one.

I'm praying for the condition of the baby and myself. I need to be careful of my diet during this last month. Also need to prepare for the arrival for the little one but not neglecting Matthew at the same time. I prayed that everything will be well-planned and controlled.

It's been almost 3 weeks!

I couldn't believe it! It has been almost 3 weeks since we are back. Everything seems to be in place and we are more or less back in our routine now!

Matthew as usual did so well on the flight back home. He enjoyed the movie, game and slept quite well unlike me who only managed to have a little sleep as the position is not very comfortable.

It feels so good to be home (mum's house). Everythings from big to small are well -taken care of. Thank you to my wonderful mum who took good care of me and Matthew. The only problem is my blood sugar are really out of control. The food here are easily available but not good for my condition now. I have to watch my diet and count the calories which I'm not used to... I'm still trying to find out what are the food that I can or can't eat. There are days where my level is so high that I can feel the tightening/contraction... I know that's not a good sign but I'm trying and hopefully I could resist the temptation of the "goodies".

Matthew has started school in Singapore for the first time! It was a challenge for both of us as we are really lost on the first day! Not sure which class to go, what to bring and who to meet but Thank God, all turned out well for Matthew.
It's 4 hrs school for him and he performed quite well on the first day even though he didn't know anyone and it's an unfamilar environment for him. I'm very proud of him even though he might not be progressing the same speed like the rest but he adapts very well and seems to enjoy it very much. I also think his classmates are nice kids and he is quite well-accepted in the class.

Matthew also enjoy the company of my family. He has more people to interact with and seem to be more sociable now (though it's still quite difficult during the first week). He attends Sunday school, enjoys it and requests to go back again. He eats so well that he seems to put on a little since he's back. Maybe my mum is a better cook than I do or it's less stressful for him here? He finishes the snack he brings to school everyday unlike in France, he hardly wants any snack even though he played a lot and expands lot of energy.

As for myself, life isn't as interesting for me here as compared to France. Maybe it's because I don't drive now and it's difficult for me to walk for too long when I'm out... that why I'm quite relunctant to get out of the house except walking Matthew to school and going to doctor's visits. But I'm sure I'll get busier when the baby arrives so it's good to be at home resting now!

Time to go??

IT's really time to pack up and leave... oh mine! Time has gone by so fast, I can hardly have time to rest (esp last week). There were too many events, farewells and "partying" going on last week. We had farewell for Kelly who will be leaving for Ireland on Monday.

Kelly's family and our family came in 2007 and we knew each other since then. She is a very nice and outgoing lady who make friends so easily. A lot of people will miss her and her family... especially since ASM (the rugby club in Clermont) won the Championship this year. They had been in the Final 11 times but never won any title but this year... it was a great present for them as Kelly's hubby is the coach of the team... and it's been 3 years! It's been a long wait for the Clemontois! Everyone was crazy and celebrating, rejoicing, crying... it's a good memory for us too!

Tuesday was a farewell coffee for Christy, Amy and myself. We also came around the same time in 2007 and it's been 3 years! They got us each a very special gift and we had a great time saying Goodbye.

Thursday was the last session of the Chit-Chat group. We had a party at Jessica's house in the countryside. She has a beautiful house. I always enjoy the group as I can learn and practice my French. The ladies were fun and kind and it's really good to know so many people from around the world... I think we had people from 11 countries this year, mainly French and American, also Spanish, Irish, Indian, Romanian, English, Dutch, Italian, New Zea-lander and of cos me from Singapore! It was a great experience getting to know people from different countries!

Corrine giving me a farewell gift from the Chit-Chat group!




Friday was a busy day as well. We had the Ladies bible-study group's coffee cum farewell. This group of ladies will be most missed because we had been through a lot together. We prayed for each other, learning the word of God together, minister to each other and being there when someone is in need! This is really a special group and all of them are so kind to me. I'm so grateful that God has sent these ladies into my life for these years and May God continue to use them to minister to more ladies out there! They had a mini baby shower for me too. One of the ladies made a cake especially for me as I can't have sweet dessert.. she make the cake without sugar but still taste good... Thank you, Daria!

Ladies from Bible Study group


The no sugar cake that my friend make for the baby's shower!


A traditional Gien teapot for those who are leaving.


Saturday was another long day. Matthew has swimming class in the morning. Kermess (school carnival) in the afternoon and Farewell dinner with Mr et Mrs Renault!
Matthew enjoyed himself so much this year at the school carnival. He danced well, played well unlike the previous year.






We had a church pinic on Sunday. It was the usual summer picnic before the summer vacation but the weather wasn't very "summer". It was cool and Thank God it only started raining when it's time to leave. Meanwhile, Matthew had totally enjoyed himself at his friend's birthday party at Kizou.

The week was busy but full of interesting events... it's really time to pack up and get ready to go home very soon!

Doctor's visit

Doctor's visit went well so far. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetic again and this time the blood sugar level was pretty high. I was referred to an Endocrinologist to prescribe me with the proper diet's advise and insulin treatment if needed. And as far as I wanted to control my blood sugar (avoiding sweet altogether and cutting down carbohydrate/starch), the level was still high in the morning. The doctor said it's not too serious but I needed the insulin shot every morning as it might pose risk to the baby. I was a little disappointed but to think about it... it's better be safe than sorry. It was really difficult for me to come to this stage and I really prayed for all to go through well the next few months.

I also went for my ultrasound scan last week. Getting to know the gender of the baby make me feel so excited. Matthew and DH both hoping for another boy while I wanted a girl (of cos). The scan went well and long... about 45 mins. Beside checking the basic stats, we also have a 3D scan of the little one. It was the first time for DH to see "pop pop" (little nickname for the little one as she popped a lot).
The gynae had a hard time trying to get a good picture as she really move a lot. She said at one point, "Can you stop moving?" We all laughed as we can see her moving and waving at us. It's God's creation and it's beautiful!
By now, you should have guessed it! Matthew's going to have a baby sister. He's a little disappointed but I guess he will still love and take good care of her. :)
Thank God for His protections and blessing that have been showered upon us...

This is God's wonderful creation!


We can clearly see the eyes, nose, ears , mouth and hands!

South of France

We had a very long weekend last weekend and DH was planning to visit our friends in Chamonix and then a visit to Milan but turned out that we have to change our plan as our friends have some visitors for that busy weekend... so in the end, we decided to go to Cote D'Azur area in the South of France.

The weather forecast didn't show good weather but we went ahead with our plan. On the first night we left at about 5.30pm and the night was cold and long. The first stop is Montpellier which is about 3 1/2 hrs away. It was a wet night... the wind was strong with heavy downpour. It was quite difficult to drive and the temperature was about 5 degree C. It was freezing for me and it was tired for Matthew. Finally we came to the hotel. It was in downtown Montpellier. It's a small local hotel with basic essential but the staff was quite friendly and helpful. We were very tried and sooner than we know, we were asleep.

We woke up pretty early as Matthew is an early bird recently... Around 7am, we were all awake. Getting ourselves ready, we are all set to explore the town. It was a quiet morning, we left the hotel at around 9am and most of the shop are still closed. Nice and peaceful, we have a very nice morning walk to the Cathedral, the market place and Place de la Comedie. Next we went on the tram that take us to the Polydone and Antigone and before we know it, we had reached the Esplanade de L'Europe.







By the time, we finished our lunch (we had subway sandwiches for lunch), it's about time to leave for Marseilles. The weather was great... unlike what the night before. Marseilles is a well-known port and with good weather, it's pretty. We took the petite train all the way to the Notre Dame Cathedral at the top of the hill... it was a nice view from the top but the journey was a little bumpy for me!
We had bouillabaisse for dinner... a well known Provencals fish-stew that originate from Marseilles' port.







On the following day, we had a scenic drive along the coastal area - the Famous Cote D'Azur. It was indeed very Scenic and with good weather.. it was prefect!






We arrived at Cannes that night... it happened to be the Cannes Films Festival... but of cos we didn't have the ticket and didn't see any celebrities but we did took picture at the "red carpet". We left for Nice the same night as most of the hotel are either too expensive or fully-booked.





After a restful night, we drove to Monaco from Nice the next day. Along the way, there are some pretty site too.




Monaco is having the Formula 1 car racing that weekend, so it was packed with fans all over... it's quite common to see luxury sport cars like Ferrari and Bentley. Again, we didn't have any ticket and we just happen to be outside the race track...


We had our dinner at Old Nice which is pretty nice...



On our way back to CF... it was a long drive with the strong wind and the heavy traffic... it took us about 10hrs to get back from Nice - including lunch break and many pit-stops!

The famous Milau bridge on the way back...