Now on sale on Pupsik Studio - Poss Bloss Nappy Wallets

As a mom who likes to travel light and have all the nappy and nursing essentials compactly stored in one place, it is not surprising that I love practical and beautiful products such as The Diaper Clutch and the very recently discovered Nappy Changing Wallet by Poss Bloss.

I was drawn to the gorgeous fabrics used in Poss Bloss wallets the first time I saw them. Measuring 15 x 30cm, these versatile nappy wallets in laminated fabric are large enough to hold my baby changing and nursing essentials consisting of two nappies, 1 disposable travel wipes, a nursing cover and cell phone (not exactly a baby changing/nursing essential but nevertheless, an essential). And if I wanted to, I could have fitted a burb cloth and pair of breast pads in the sleeve quite comfortably too!

Each wallet is custom made by Jodie, a stay-home mom living in Australia. Jodie has a background in Commercial Industrial Property Management. She started Poss Bloss 4 years ago when she found herself needing a creative outlet while staying at home with her girls (now 10 & 6).

Since starting Poss Bloss as a hobby style business, it has since grown into almost full time hours. As a self-confessed control freak, Jodie produces all Poss Bloss items herself. I have to say that I am really amazed at the high quality of each Poss Bloss product. You can really tell that a lot of attention and care went into making each wallet.

I am quite sure the versatile Poss Bloss Nappy Changing wallet will be a hot seller on Pupsik Studio. Even if you are not a nappy-changing mom, you can use this practical and beautiful wallet to keep loose items such as your lunch wallet, make-up kit, staff pass, tissue paper and cell phone when you are not needing to take your entire handbag.

I have brought in limited numbers this time and will be offering a 10% introductory discount on all Nappy Wallets for a limited time only. To purchase one in your favourite design, click here!

Digital Pacifier Thermometer

How brilliant is this invention? (via whateverdeedeewants)

Dote Studio

I love nursing my babies. Somehow, I gain a lot of satisfaction just knowing that I am able to provide for them, even though it is tiring. But one thing that really frustrated me when I was nursing Vera during the first year of her life was the lack of stylish and comfortable nursing wear in Singapore. In a way, I was saved by the 2 faithful ponchos I got from Mon Petit Jardin as they allowed me to nurse practically everywhere without much need for nursing clothes.

But it is still nice to have pretty nursing clothes. It just makes breastfeeding a little more comfortable and convenient. That was why I was really excited when I first heard that Dorothy, designer and founder of the Dotted Line was embarking on a new design label specializing in nursing wear, Dote Studio.

I think I first got to know Dorothy through my other design blog, laissezfaire. Before entering the fabulous world of fashion, she spent her days in a small cubicle at a large international financial institution. She decided to follow her passion a few years back when she took up a course in fashion design and started the Dotted Line. With her new journey into motherhood early this year, she wasted no time in getting started with her second business venture, Dote Studio when she too got fed up with the lack of stylish nursing wear available in Singapore.

Dorothy also asked me to be involved in the design of the label for Dote several months back.

I was pleasantly surprised when Dorothy told me that she was going to give me a gift when Dote Studio was launched earlier this month. I was absolutely delighted when a nursing dress and top came in the mail the day I was about to deliver. As I had expected, the clothes were gorgeous and very well made. It really got me excited about nursing again. Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift, Dorothy!

I really can't wait to try on the clothes once that postpatum tummy becomes less visible. =))

above: Mist puff sleeve dress (S$109, US$75 approx)above: Slate Top. (S$69 or US$48 approx.)

And if you are one who likes to touch and feel your clothes before buying, you will be pleased to know that Dote Studio will also be collaborating with Maternity Exchange, Singapore, to offer more nursing options in the coming months. Do visit these 2 websites for the latest info!

Currently listening to while nursing Nadya

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Delivery by C-Section

It has been quite a challenging week. Besides nursing round the clock and balancing the needs of a newborn and demanding 2 year old, there are still many orders and enquiries for the online shop that need to be tended to.

Just thought I would take a break by sharing a little about my journey as a "new-mom-again" so far, starting with how Nadya was born.

I have to say that the whole delivery process this time felt really surreal. Unlike the first time when I was in labour for 15 hours before going for an emergency c-section, this time everything seemed so orderly and pre-meditated as it was a planned c-section due to the expected size of the baby.

Vitali and I checked into the hospital in the early afternoon after a visit to the hair salon (I decided that I needed to have a hair wash since I knew I was not going to be able to walk for the next day). It felt like we were checking into a hotel for a holiday, except that there was also an immense sense of deja-vu as we entered the hospital. Weren't we just here just recently to welcome our first baby? How time flies!

When it was time for me to be wheeled into the operating theatre, it started to dawn on me that we were going to meet our new baby soon. While I was excited, I was also quite nervous as I recalled the trembling, vommiting and hallucinations I experienced the first time I had Vera. I prayed that this time would be better although it didn't help that I had to notice some bright red spots of blood on the ceiling of the operating theatre where I was parked. How did that get there...hmm....ok, close eyes, don't think, never saw it, don't want to know. Period.

The anaesthetist came in to give me a jab to numb my lower body and Vitali joined me shortly after I entered the theatre. Everything ok so far and I was still conscious and feeling quite fine, unlike the first time when I had already passed out of fright at this point in time.

I tried to keep my eyes focussed on Vitali, think happy thoughts and engaged in a dinner-like conversation with my gynae. Before I knew it, she happily announced that the baby was going to come and the nurses in the room started to push my tummy. I heard a cry soon after and the feeling of joy was immense when I realised that Nadya was born. I made it and heard the baby's first cry! Praise God! The nurses quickly wrapped Nadya up and placed her on my chest. That was when the picture above was taken and I was still in the process of being "stitched up". Yikes!

So this is the story of how Nadya entered the world. Not as drama and long-drawn as Vera's entry but different and just as memorable.

While it has been a tiring week since then, I really thank God for this little bundle of joy. I have been trying to savour every moment of this new journey as I know how fast babies grow. I guess the point of me sharing this on this blog is to assure other moms who have to go for a c-section for one reason or another not to feel too scared. It really isn't bad as some people make it or what we imagine it to be.

Of course, if you can deliver naturally, why not? But if for some reason you can't, then do enjoy the alternative process of delivery that medical advancement has enabled. The joy of hearing your baby cry for the first time and holding him/her in your arms will make up for any fear or doubts you might have about a c-section delivery.

Nadya Vitalyevna Zagorodnova

With praise and thanksgiving to God, Nadya Vitalyevna Zagorodnova was born on 11 Oct 2008, weighing 4.543kg! We are overjoyed! 'Nadya' means 'Hope' in Russian and if you are wondering what the middle name means, it just means 'daughter of Vitali' in Russian.

Although this is my second journey into motherhood, I have so much new things and experiences to share and will do so once I adjust to this new bundle of joy in our family. Meanwhile, I just need to get used to the lack of sleep and hourly feeds (yes, a 4.543kg baby does get hungry quickly).

Thank you all once again for your well wishes! xoxo

The hospital bag is packed

The last week preparing for the new baby's arrival has been really hectic...and doing the most basic things that we normally take for granted (like breathing and walking) has been quite an effort.

When I look down now, I can't see my toes. Wherever I go, I get huge and long stares at the size of my belly and people asking if I am carrying twins or a boy. I am very close to scribbling "1. NOT TWINS" and "2. I am NOT a BOY" across my belly. hmm....maybe I should design a maternity shirt with these words for Pupsik Studio.

(above) Self portrait/what I now see when I look down at my feet.

The hospital bag is packed and I think we are almost ready...

Hospital checklist

1. Receiving blanket and toy (Baby's First "Welcome to Earth" gift)
2. Pupsik Pouch (to cradle baby)
3. Mon Petit nursing poncho (for discrete feeding esp when visitors come around)
4. Towel, toiletries, hair dryer (I can write this here cos I know my mom does not read this blog! I am definitely showering and washing my hair for sure.)
5. Bible, Gina Ford's "The Contented Baby", "House Beautiful" Magazine
6. Gummies and marshmellow (courtesy of Elaine)
7. Hospital gown, nursing tops and slippers
8. Camera/Video
9. Medela Swing breast pump
10. Nursing Pillow

11. Momagenda (will be using this as a journal and to record baby's feeding time and schedule)
12. Beansprout pillow

Hope I am not forgetting anything...

Thanks all for your well wishes and for enquiring how I have been over the last week. Really appreciate your thoughfulness and prayers! xoxoxo

How to deal with attention-seeking kids

Kids can be quite attention-seeking and manipulative. While it can be quite funny at times, parents do have a responsibility not to let it get out of hand. While it is normal for children to need attention and approval, attention-seeking becomes a problem when it happens all the time.

We recently noticed Vera deliberately doing things that we prohibit her to do. Things like throwing things on the floor, throwing a tandrum and sticking things into her mouth just to see our reactions. Vitali and I are just learning how to respond appropriately when she does this.

Here are some tips we found here on how to deal with misbehaviour:

1. When your child misbehaves to get your attention, ignore the misbehavior. You will weaken those demands and extinguish the misbehavior. However, there are many misbehaviors that you should not ignore. Some misbehaviors should be punished. If you must use a punishment, dispense the punishment without anger.

2. Do not take good behavior for granted: give your children positive attention when they are behaving.

When you attend to the negative and ignore the positive, you teach your children to behave in a negative way. Your child will misbehave to get your attention in the future. When a child demonstrates good behavior, notice it. Look for it. The more you notice, the more you will find. You will get more good behavior in the future.

Sesame St - How paper is made

Another one of my favourite clips from Sesame St. I used to be so intriqued by how the dirty mushy old paper could be transformed into such flat and luxurious rolls of white paper.

Sesame Street Old School

I just love Sesame St. I think every child that grew up in the 70s would love it too. My favourite clips were always the ones that explained how things were being made. Like the one above..."How crayons are made".Vitali recently bought volume 1 and 2 of Sesame St "Old School" from here. These DVDs are aimed primarily at adult viewers who grew up watching the series in the 1970s. Watching this certainly brought back lots of memories.More of my favourite clips...

And this one below never failed to crack me up as a child. I think I can trace some of my idiosyncratic tendencies today to this guy.

Lastest pics

Dear family and friends,

At long last, dada has updated Vera's pics taken over the last few months (12-22 mths). The above is my favourite one showing her sitting on the ledge under the TV proudly (and quite seriously) peddling her movie collection. For more pics, click here.

Pregnancy Pictures

We were really blessed to have our photographer friend, Ron Lee of Eyedeas Photography, join us for lunch last weekend and capture some of my pregnancy pictures for us. As you can see, my belly is now, for lack of a better word to describe, the size of a watermelon.

We had an enjoyable time taking the pictures in the comforts of our own home and the wonderful company of Ron who kept us relaxed throughout the entire photo session. Here are some pics to share on Pupsik...

(below) Some pics of Vera frolicking in her own balcony pool after she woke up from her afternoon nap. To see more shots that Ron took for us, click here.

Ron, thanks for sharing this special time of our lives with us and helping us capture such beautiful memories that we will surely look back fondly upon in the days to come. x

Photo Blocks

I wondering whether it is just Vera or that kids around her age (2 years) love to play with blocks. Stacking, banging against the table, transferring from one container to another, piecing together etc... That is why I think making something like these Photo Blocks when I have the time one of these days may be fun.

You can get the materials you need to glue your favourite picture on blocks of wood (available in Art friend), or simply buy a kit here.

Petite Palate

I would definitely order this if they shipped to Singapore but unfortunately, due to the perishable nature of this product, they don't. So I am posting this on Pupsik Studio as a business idea for any mom who has a passion for food and cooking and wants to start a business offering something like this in Singapore. I really think it is a great idea but will not be able to execute something like this cos I don't really have a thing for cooking. Designing the packaging for something like this would excite me more. Petite Palate was started by 2 moms who were trained as chefs. They started off by perfecting their own infant baby food together over playdates when their sons were very young. Once friends found out what these moms were doing, they begged them to make some for baby gifts, christenings, showers, birthdays etc. Today, Petite Palate has grown into a full-fledged business and is dedicated to providing fresh, organic, superior tasting meals for infants and toddlers that are packed full of wholesome nutrients. Here is their philosophy on food:

"Petite Palate wants to change the way we feed our infants and children. Most parents start out by giving their babies jarred baby food. The jarring process (heating to high temperatures until sterilized and shelf stable), destroys many of the vitamins and nutrients that occur naturally in the food. In order to bolster the nutritional value of the jarred food, common practice is to add vitamin and mineral additives after cooking that did not come from the food itself. Petite Palate’s meals, on the other hand, are Flash Frozen, which maintains the food’s own nutritional content while sustaining the shelf life (frozen).

Petite Palate knows that infants are born with taste buds that need to be nurtured from the very first taste of solid food. We believe in the French tradition of small meals with big flavor. This leads to a positive relationship with food (as opposed to large portions of bland foods typically served). If presented as early as possible, children will grow up with better eating habits, reducing the incidence of child obesity and a number of health problems. Petite Palate also believes that with a highly developed palate, older children will choose nutritious foods over fried and processed ones; setting healthy habits for their entire lives. "

Vera's friends

Vera's response when introduced to her cot mobile friends for the first time at 2 months.

Vera: oh dada...you are so funny and ridiculous!

New etsy shop by Simply Olive

A blogger friend would like me to introduce her new range of baby accessories hand knit in a soft alpaca, merino wool, and kid mohair blend yarn on Pupsik Studio. These knits come in the most gorgeous green (the shade I like) and are now selling at her new shop on etsy. Think they will look super adorable on a newborn (0-3mths).

Tracy would also like to extend a giveaway to readers of Pupsik Studio as well. She will be giving away 5 of these cotton and hemp bags if you spend $200 or more in her shop. Just mention you are a reader of simplyolive in the "comment to seller" section when checking out. Thanks Tracy!

Decoupage Ideas for the Nursery

Here are a few fun ideas from Martha Stewart you can do for your child's nursery if you have the time and a pair of crafty hands. Just print out the animals from here, cut it out and paste onto a smooth wooden surface using decoupage glue (available from Spotlight).

Our voices have been heard! Qualifying date for enhanced M&P Package backdated to Aug 17

I drafted the letter below to the press yesterday and was about to send it out today with the 113 signatures I collected here overnight. I am so happy there is no need for that now. For those mommies who still have no idea what is going on, read this.

Thanks to all the mommies on this forum, especially those who rallied everyone and stuck their heads out to fight for the benefits that many more parents and babies can benefit from! I am so happy that our voices have been heard. 3 cheers to mommies and mommies-to-be!!!

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Enhanced Parenthood Package 2008 – Petition for change of implementation date

We are a group of mothers-to-be, due between August and Dec 2008. Many of us were delighted to hear of the new initiatives announced during the Prime Minister's National Day Rally Speech this year. However, we are extremely disappointed to learn that most of the new policies will only apply to parents with babies born after Jan 2009. We believe that this cut-off date discriminates against many Singaporean mothers like us who are currently expecting and having our babies delivered before Jan 09.

As part of the intention of the enhanced package is to ease the financial burden of giving birth and raising a child in Singapore, we feel that mothers that qualify for the incentives at the time of the announcement should be considered eligible for the enhanced maternity benefits that the government is now offering. We would hence like to appeal to you to consider revising the implementation date so that the new benefits can be enjoyed by as many Singaporean parents as possible.

We understand some of the reasons given for delaying the implementation date, such as giving companies more time to adjust to the new policies. However, we feel that some of the benefits such as the enhanced baby bonus which is coming directly from the government can immediately benefit parents that qualify at the time of announcement rather than those born after Jan 09. We note that under the current guidelines, even a non-Singaporean born before Jan 09 but converts to Singapore citizenship will be eligible for the enhanced baby bonus scheme based on the date of conversion.

Besides extending the enhanced baby bonus to more parents, we also feel that the additional 1 month maternity leave that the government is willing to bear should be given to mothers with babies born after the date of announcement. This can be subject to their employers’ willingness to support the additional one month leave.

Setting a delayed date of implementation for such incentives that can be implemented with immediate effect, and not giving some pro-family companies a chance of supporting their employees with the additional one month maternity leave, does send the message to mothers like us that the government is not sincere about helping Singaporean parents with the financial burden of giving birth and raising a child in Singapore.

We understand that there is a need for a cut-off date and that not everyone will qualify for the enhanced benefits. However, we wish that you consider following the same cut-off date back in 2004, when the last enhancement package was announced, and allow parents who qualify at the time of the announcement to enjoy the new benefits.

Details of the new baby incentives in Singapore announced, much to the disappointment of many pregnant mothers

The new incentives to encourage families to have more children have been announced. The details can be found here.

It is disappointing to many mothers like myself to learn that the incentives would only apply to babies born after 1 Jan 09. While I understand the need of a cut-off date and that there is no way to please everybody, I do strongly feel that the increase in maternity leave from 12 to 16 weeks should be applicable to all moms who are currently still within their 4 months confinement period and babies born from the date of annnouncement. Moms that have delivered and are already back at work cannot turn back the clock while those that are still in confinement or yet to deliver should be allowed to enjoy these so-called incentives. Likewise, the baby bonus and tax incentives should be applicable to all babies born from the date of announcement.

If you wish to join in a group of moms who are rallying together to write a petition to PM Lee and Wong kan Seng, click here.

If you wish to join in the petition, please email Phylicia Yang (phylicia_yang@yahoo.com) your name and ic number. Please let as many of your pregnant friends know.

More pro-family incentives needed in Singapore

I am waiting, with bated breath, the new pro-family incentive anticipated to be announced at the upcoming National Day Rally. Does anyone know when this is?? Here is my wish list (in no particular order):

1. Longer Maternity Leave. I am not asking for 1 year (like Swedish moms enjoy) since I know this is not going to be possible. I am asking for a realistic 6 months, so that more moms can be left in peace to breastfeed their babies full-time for at least this duration of time before semi-solids are introduced.

2. More childcare leave to spend time with your kids throughout the year. Currently, most companies only allow parents to take 2 more days off per year to spend with their kids. 2 days??? Are you kidding me or what???

3. Designated resting rooms in offices for pregnant and nursing moms to rest and express milk when necessary. The rooms should be quiet and designed to allow for privacy. Perhaps we need a design code for this, looking at how some nursing and changing rooms are designed in shopping malls here.

4. More quality childcare centre near work places. This will allow moms to transition comfortably back to work. The last time I checked at a childcare centre near my old work place, the waiting period for a place in the nearby childcare centre was 6 months! 6 months!!!! I am thankful that I opted for 1 year no pay leave instead to take care of my own kid. But I realise that not many families can survive without both parents working full time.

5. Higher childcare subsidies. Not everyone can afford $600-800 paying for childcare each month. If you have more than 2-3 children, all that an average income earner gets each month will probably all go to these childcare centres.

6. Filing for discrimination at work. Expectant moms should have easy access to a representative body (I am not sure the Ministry of Manpower is good enough) which they can go to if they feel they are discriminated at work or laid off. Not all moms are vocal or brave enough to stand up to their bosses when they are being bullied or made to come to work even when they are not feeling well.

7. Flexi-time. Work places in Singapore especially should stop thinking that physical presence or longer hours in the office = more work done. Based on my own experience, it is usually the contrary. Haven't they heard of the 80-20 rule? It makes more sense to measure each employee's contribution by the actual work he has produced at the end of the day. Allow working parents more flexibility with their work schedule may actually increase productivity as workers try to manage their time more effectively and feel grateful (and are hence more loyal) to their employers for trusting them with how they spend their time.

8. More financial help given to low and even middle income families. With the rising ERPs and cost of living in Singapore, it is really tough to raise a child unless you are earning a lot!

I know that I can think of more than what I have listed above but I will leave it for now...

Pupsik™ Studio celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

(click on image above to enlarge)

Pupsik™ Studio celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from Aug 1-7 by offering up to 15% discount on our nursing covers! Click here to buy a nursing cover and feed your baby with ease, comfort and style today!

MomAgenda - second pre-orders this weekend!!

The Momagendas that were pre-ordered by mommies a few weeks ago were so gorgeous I had to order more for the store. If you are interested in ordering, please email me (hello@pupsikstudio.com) by this weekend. You can start using the diaries immediately cos the dates run from Aug 08-Dec09.

We are accepting pre-orders only for the mom-agenda desktop (SGD$65) and momagenda mini-daily (SGD$62). Please add SGD$7 to your order if you wish to personalise your item.

This will make a great gift treat for yourself or a busy mommy friend!
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(Click on image above to enlarge)

This is a final call for all orders for the popular and oh-so-useful MomAgenda Desktop! I am going to make my order within the next few days.

Some of you have been wondering how this diary is different and how it can be used so I managed to get a pic on the insides showing exactly this! As the layout shows, you don't have to have 4 children to make the most out of this agenda. The additional rows can be used to fill out important "To Do" lists for the day. Plus there is even a last row for you to plan your dinners so that you only have to go grocery shopping once a week!

Perfect for an organised 2008-09! Selling for S$65 (+ $7 for personalisation). To order, email me at hello@pupsikstudio.com soon!

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They say running a family as a full time mom is like running a small business. It is not only your own schedule you have to manage but your kiddos as well! Unless you have a personal assistant, these gorgeous planners from MomAgenda may be just what you need right now!

Designed by Nina Restieri, the MomAgenda desktop planner keeps track of 17 months of insanity for you and up to four kids. Plus it includes pages for you to record things like birthdays, medical info, and school stuff. If you are interested in getting one for yourself or for a friend, please email me (hello@pupsikstudio.com) soon!

Airplane Baby Spoon

These airplane spoons are sure to make mealtimes more interesting for the little ones. Available here or DIY with some paper at home.

Political speech given by a 12month old girl

I think this political speech given by a 12month old girl is just too good to miss! More inspiring and interesting than the ones we get to hear on this island.

How fast they grow!

It is amazing how fast our babies grow. It seems like such a long time ago when Vera first took her first mouth of semi-solid food at 6 months. I don't think I posted these videos of her shocked expression when Vitali and I first shoved a spoonful of rice cereal into her (unsuspecting) mouth. Here they are...

Same scene, only minutes later, and she was grabbing the spoon from us...

Here are more links to videos charting Vera's growth during her first year.

1. First leap forward

2. Reading (the car manual)

3. Eating my favourite food

4. Daddy don't sing...please.

5. Learning to Walk

6. Eating my 1st birthday cake

Baby Capsule

Create a poetic record of the first years of your baby's life by saving a few everyday things, such as your little one's first blanket, beansprout pillow or lock of hair. What a beautiful gift to present to them on their 21st birthday or wedding day! (via Martha Stewart Kids)

Fully Charged

This onesie design sums it up for Vera on most days. Available here.

Poop Scoop Bag

I just love the innovative products that parenting inspires sometimes. Like this Poop Scoop Bag from Freddysays.com. Great to keep a few of these if you are planning on liberating the little one from scratchy diapers. Nothing like going wild and natural, they say. The handy bags are 100% biodegradable so you won’t hurt the environment. A 100 pack will only cost you £5.00.

For more innovative products you never thought was conceivable, check out Trend Hunter’s “Top 30 Baby Trends” list of 2008. (via Dr Moz's blog)

Cool nursery deco by Inke

How cool is this? The leaves are handcut designer and vintage wallpaper. The tree wallpaper costs a hefty $323 and the birdhouse lamp another pocket burning $296. Both are available here at the incredibly cute shop, Enfant Terrible.

I say, if you are not prepared to spend that much for a nursery, it will be a fun DIY project to construct this yourself. The tree truck can be painted on your wall and you can use some decoupage glue to stick leaves cut from scrapbook paper or lovey pages cut from old magazines or picture books. The birdhouse lamp casing can be constructed from corrugated cardboard or some balsa wood bought from a local arts store.

Treepee

With the timeless appeal of a tree house + the excitement of a trampoline, the ‘Treepee’ is an exciting new product that creates a whole world of possibilities and play. Children can be zipped safely inside and experience a the excitment of tumbling without any parents worry of them falling. Would even be fun to camp out in the garden in one of these with your best friend! Ah...the joys of childhood...