Fasting for Pregnant Women

All praise be to Allah SWT, the Islamic month of fasting starts tomorrow.

Due to my pregnancy, I have decided that I will not be fasting. Although some pregnant Muslim women chose to fast to avoid making up the fasting days after the delivery of their babies, my decision for not fasting is for the sake of my unborn child. With just three more weeks to go, the baby is demanding more and more nutrients so that he'll be healthy and ready to come into this world. I am not worried about making up the days to fast before next Islamic calendar of the fasting month, I am more concern about the well-being of my baby.

Here is an article from BBC News that addresses this issue.

Pregnant women who fast during Ramadan could be putting the health of their unborn baby at risk, according to a new study.

Mongolian Style Home - Yurt

I am always gearing towards living in unconventional buildings. I would love it if I could build a yurt for my next home :)

Here is a video tour of a 706 sq ft yurt. Cool!

Small Cool Kitchen 2011

Personally I would love to have a small kitchen so that I can spend less time cleaning it.

Check out these small cool kitchens on ApartmentTherapy.com!

The Pedal Powered Blender - Totally COOL!

6 pounds

All praise be to Allah SWT, baby #3 is 6 pounds (2.7 kg) now.

Allah SWT willing he'll add another 2 more pounds before he gets out to see the world.

My iron level is superb, according to the OB doctor. Many pregnant women are anemic and she is glad I am not. Thanks to baby #3, I have been craving for meat and have to eat meat at least five times a week. She also said that should I experience contractions that are 10-20 minutes apart and they don't go away no matter how many positions I get into, I should go to the hospital's labor and delivery department immediately.

I will have weekly OB appointments for the next two weeks. Then it is delivery day on the third week of August. With two girls and a boy in our household, I hope I can hold on to my sanity.

A woman is like a teabag, you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Budget for Fruits and Vegetables

Since DD2 was a newborn last spring and summer, and I am pregnant this spring and summer, I have not been able to grow as much vegetables as I would like to.

The easiest vegetables that I've grown so far are okra, snow peas, onions, green beans, and bell peppers. We have somewhat success with tomatoes, and not much luck with zucchini and cucumber. Although we try to buy as much organic vegetables and fruits as possible, often we can only afford to buy conventional grown ones. I find that when we buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, we can stick to our weekly grocery budget.

Click this link to see what is in season in your region.

The Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month-By-Month from About.com

January
oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, tangelos, lemons, papayas, cabbages: red, white and green; leeks, broccoli, cauliflower

February
oranges, tangelos, grapefruit, lemons, papayas, broccoli, cauliflower

March
pineapples, mangoes, broccoli, lettuce

April
pineapples, mangoes, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce

May
cherries, pineapples, apricots, okra, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce

June
watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cherries, blueberries, peaches, apricots, corn, lettuce

July
watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, raspberries, plums, cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, corn, green beans, lettuce

August
watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, raspberries, plums, cucumbers, corn, eggplant, tomatoes, summer squash, green beans, lettuce

September
grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, eggplants, pumpkins, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce

October
cranberries, apples, pomegranates, grapes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, broccoli, spinach, lettuce

November
cranberries, oranges, tangerines, pears, pomegranates, persimmons, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach

December
pears, oranges, tangelos, grape fruit, tangerines, papayas, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower

Always a Good Deal
bananas, potatoes, celery

15 month well-being checkup

This morning, husband brought DD2 to her pediatrician for well-being checkup and immunization shot.

I kept DD1 at home with me because I'll be an emotional wreck to see DD2 being stabbed with a needle. All praise be to Allah SWT, DD2 only let out a scream and didn't cry at all, according to husband.

I am thankful that she is a healthy and curious toddler who brings lots of joy to our lives. My little tiger baby (she was born in the year of the tiger) plays well with her big sister and I really hope that she'll get along well with her younger brother, Allah SWT willing.

Are we there yet?

Image from PregnancyNews.com

Although I am 35 weeks pregnant, I feel like the baby is ready to come out now.

All praise be to Allah SWT, he is growing fine and I have no complications up till now. I just hope that the c-section goes smoothly as planned, Allah SWT willing.

Survivor - Eye of the Tiger

Europe - The Final Countdown

楊耀東 - 天下的媽媽都是一樣的

天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的
天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

不管風吹雨打　不管星期或例假
我的媽媽從來不放假　工作為了家
廚房是她的天下　獅子頭還有紅燒鴨
樣樣她都精通不會假　她是我媽媽

從小常常挨罵　那是因為我不聽話
不要以為這是種懲罰　她只要我長大
媽媽我感謝妳　沒有把我跟大毛比
雖然我考試沒有得第一　她說只要你盡了力

天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的
天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

不管太陽昇起　不管夕陽它又落西
為了我們妳犧牲了自己　我永遠不會忘記
將來有那麼一天　我把太陽高高昇起
掛在妳永遠滿足的笑意裡　媽媽我愛妳

天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的
天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的
啦..........

Praying for a smooth delivery

Baby #3 will be delivered via scheduled c-section. Allah SWT willing.

I have thought about trying VBAC again, but I decided that I have no energy to put up another fight. After 17 hours of laboring for DD2, the physical pain and mental trauma is still fresh in my body, mind and soul. I am thankful that DD2 was born without much mishap, and she is a healthy and happy toddler. Although it makes me cringe to think about the physical pain of recovering from the c-section, I guess this is the price I am ready to pay for the sake of my child's well-being. I do hope that my dear sister can come to stay with me after the delivery. It is during the difficult time of recovery from DD1 and DD2's delivery that I truly appreciate my family's care and presence.

After DD2 was born, husband said that it was unbearable for him to see me go through the labor pain, and he almost couldn't take the emotional stress of watching me suffering. I guess although he doesn't say it up front to me, he is trying to convey his love for me in his own way.

Allah SWT willing, I pray that baby #3 will be delivered smoothly, and he does not get jaundice so much so that he has to stay in the hospital for a week like DD2.

Interesting quote

“Genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger.” – Dr. Francis Collins

Thanks to my dear sister!

CNBC - How I Made My Millions

This is an interesting show about how people made their millions with innovative ideas. Watch free videos on the web site.

I just watched an episode of this show on CNBC, and IdeaPaint was  featured. This company invented a paint that turns any thing you can paint into dry-erase surfaces. This product saves many public schools, and potential non-profit schools, lots of money that could be spent on purchase brand new white boards.

Who's the Boss

Husband: You cannot give (the bread) back to me. Finish.

DD2: Noooo.... (running away and smiling as she speaks)

Husband: .........

---------------------

Husband: Finish your milk.

DD2: Noooo...... (Climbing down the chair and smiling as she speaks.)

Husband: ............


---------------------

Husband: (Holding DD2 in his arms as he tries to heat up milk on the stove.) Go to your mama.

DD2: Noooo.....

Husband: Fine.....

Kindergarten Supplies List

With the baby will be here in mid-August and DD1's first day of school is on September 5th, we decided to get her school supplies ready in advance. DD1 is quite excited to get ready for school.

This morning, we went shopping at the nearby office supplies store and supermarket..All praise be to Allah SWT, we found most of the items required on the list:

#2 pencils, eraser, scissors, glue sticks, crayon and washable markers.
Spiral notebooks, color index cards, construction and manila paper.
Plastic folders with pockets and brads.
Baby wipes, tissue paper boxes, ziplock bags, paper plates and antibacterial spray.

The only things that we need to buy is writing picture tablet and DD1's school uniform. Allah SWT willing we'll get them next weekend.

On one hand I am proud and thankful that my first born will be going to school, on the other hand her strong sense of independence made me wish that she would not grow up so fast. Such is the dilemma of any parent who love their children.

Conversation with my fourteen-month-old DD2

Milk, milk? Yea

Diaper (change)? Nooooo

Nap, nap? Yea

Clean, clean (clothes)? Nooooo

Banana? Yea


Cookies? Yea

Cold, cold (ice cream)? Yea

New way to torture yourself

By having 9 six and seven-year-old kids, including two of your own, at your house.

And you are the only adult around.

Like my dear sister who is out of her mind.

My Chickens Rock!

We've been having 100 degree F days since June and the ladies have been laying eggs for us every day faithfully.

They spread their wings to cool down, drink gallons of water, and snack on watermelon rinds.

Even the neighbor's cats are intimidated by them.

That's why I always remind husband about the chickens' contribution whenever he gets mad at them for pooping on the backyard patio.

Four more weeks...

Baby #3 will be out to see this world. Allah SWT willing.

I have not slept well (good sleep=8 hours of non-interrupted sleep) for the last seven months.

I have been eating beef steak, stir fried beef, beef bone soup, broad rice noodle, Chinese style noodles, romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, ripe pineapple, chocolate, bread with nutella and honey almond flax cereal since I got pregnant.

I have been waddling like a penguin since I was four months pregnant.

I have been trying to convince myself that the ugly stretch marks on my belly are my pregnancy battle scars.

I am glad that my sister-in-law is now pregnant with her fifth child and I have a pregnant buddy to talk to.

I have been calling my dear sister, who is in Ohio, at least 15 times a day since summer vacation started on June 4th. I'm glad that she 'enjoys' this form of torture.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. All praise be to Allah SWT.

Allah (SWT) Only Gives Us As Much As We Can Handle!

The Best Way To Gain Rizk (Wealth)

Who Does Allah (SWT) Provide Wealth To?

What do we fall back on during hard times?

Now that we are waiting for baby #3 to arrive, we are living on a shoestring budget to pay for my hospital expenses.

Since I'll only be able to return to work in October, we have to be careful about our living expenses. I told husband that we don't have anything else to fall back on, except Allah SWT's provision.

And this is exactly what many religious people, (Buddhist, Taoist, Christians or others) do during hardship. I sincerely believe that there is no dead end in life if one is willing to go above and beyond to provide for his/her family. There is no time to feel depressed or sorry, only to find any type of decent work and work harder. My mother is an excellent example. Without a formal education, she is able to keep a job, raise four kids and pay off her apartment flat in Singapore before the age of retirement.

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

開心大發現 - 好味麵疙瘩 (Homemade Soup Dumplings)

1. Add salt to all purpose flour.
2. Add water to the flour. Mix well.
3. Roll the dough into two portions.
4. Soak the dough in cold water for 20 minutes.
5. Tear the dough into bite size portions and drop them into boiling water.
6. Drain the floating dough and cook them in vegetable or beef broth for a short time.
7. Serve with chopped scallions.

開心大發現 - 炒米粉秘訣 (Stir Fried Bee Hoon)

1. Add dark soy sauce to a pot of hot water.
2. Cook dry bee hoon in hot water for 1 minute.
3. Drain bee hoon and keep in a covered glass container for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir fry minced garlic, minced chicken meat, and shredded cabbage.
5. Add bee hoon. Mix well.
5. Add sesame oil and soy sauce for seasoning.

開心大發現 - 自製豆腐花 (Homemade Soy Bean Curd)

1.Heat soy milk in saucepan to warm temperature. Do not simmer or boil soy milk.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of gelatin to one liter of soy milk.
3. Keep in fridge for one day. The soy bean curd is ready to be eaten.

開心大發現 - 油炸靚雞脾 (Deep Fried Chicken Drumstick)

To fry chicken drumstick without coating with flour, brush a mixture of malt sugar (1 part), white vinegar (3 parts) and black vinegar (1/3 teaspoon) on the chicken drumstick. Then let them air dry for 4 hours. Now you can fry the chicken drumstick in hot oil without being attacked by splattering oil!

開心大發現 - 油而不膩麻油雞 (Non-greasy Sesame Chicken)

開心大發現 - 渣檸檬多一倍汁 (In Cantonese with Chinese subtitle)

To double the amount of lemon juice squeezed from a fresh lemon, simply soak the lemon in warm water for 10 minutes!

Tom Jones

Tom Jones is one of my favorite singer. Yesterday, he was profiled on CBS's Sunday Morning. Just gotta love these classic oldies!

DIY Shoe Organizer

Love this DIY shoe organizer made with snack containers by Mommy Panda.

Peach Festival

This morning, husband and I brought DD1 and DD2 to the Parker County Peach Festival. It is held in the City of Weatherford, about 1 hour drive away. All praise be to Allah SWT the weather was good and traffic was light.

Admission is $5 for each adult while children under 5 are admitted free. We were there about an hour and half, eating homemade peach ice cream and sharing a delicious drink called the Texas Twister Drink.

The place was quite crowded by the time we left. The girls seemed to enjoy the chance to participate in this festival with music performances by bands and lots of interesting arts and craft booths. By the time we got home, I was so tired that I took a shower and slept for 2 hours. Allah SWT willing hopefully we'll get to see more festivals in nearby cities before the baby is here.

Why Mow: The Case Against Lawn

I always thought that it is a waste of money and energy to maintain a front lawn.

Read this article to see why.

Another great article related to this topic: Turf Grass Madness: reasons to reduce the lawn in your landscape. (PDF)

Allah SWT willing when we buy our own house, I would love to convert the front lawn into a vegetable garden or a desert landscape.

Video: An Ice Cream Show

R.I.P. Mr. Pumpkin

My heart is broken. Half an hour ago, I found out that our guinea pig has gone to heaven when I went to check on him.

I immediately called husband to let him know. Now I'll have to think of a way to break this sad news to DD1 who is taking a nap now.

May he rest in peace.

NYTimes.com - The Flavor of Seoul

Tokyo Quest: Ramen 101

Tin Can Tourist

I would love to travel around the country in a camper van when the kids are grown, Allah SWT willing.