Stretcccccccchhhhhing Marks

Last night after work, I consulted with my ob in Aster because I was vomiting for 2 consecutive days which is abnormal given the fact I'm entering my 33rd week as per USG. I was given some direct IV injections to cure my unsettled stomach. Apparently my acidity level is affecting my food intake. 

stealthy stretch marks :(

But then, it was that fateful night that I discovered that stretchmarks crept underneath my belly!!!! I was in the loo doing my bladder stuff when I happen to look at my engorged tummy on the bathroom mirror. I actually thought there was some discolored skin then when I pulled up my belly...it was staring angrily at me. The day before, these SM are not there and I was quite admiring how flawless my belly is... little did I know that it can appear overnight....huwaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

I was religiously applying Palmer's tummy butter and organic shea butter from Africa since my first trimester to avoid these creepy stretch marks. My mum doesnt have one after two kids so I was actually expecting I wont get it... passing my 7th month...I was proud to call my belly a flawless pregnant belly... until now.

However, despite the new "hero's" mark as the warrior mums call their stretch marks... I will still apply the tummy butter in hope that it will minimize the creeping of the veins. Any further suggestion to eliminate them is very much welcome and appreciated. 

Baby Tubs ...Collapsible?

So , on I go for my online shopping with souq.com taking advantage of the Black/White Friday Thanksgiving sale. Since we already procured for Peanut's travel system....(oh yes were so ready to roam around the world with her new buggy and seats and carrycots!), I must buy the perfect bath tub for her.

Digibath Baby Tub with Stand

Hubby wanted a foldable one, but since there's an awesome sale... I got hold of a Digibath Infant Tub for only....AED 299 originally prices at AED 399 to 499 along with its foldable stand!!! Well, there's still something foldable for my hubby though... so I guess, I am still in line with our motto of "trying to keep things small and compact due to limited space in our house". 

I have yet to receive and use the bath tub which will show me baby's weight and water temperature...don't ever want to put the baby in boiling water eh? Also, they said its made of environmental-friendly materials which I guess is better than buying some cheap tubs or basin to wash your baby and always wondering if some harsh chemicals are getting to their skin. 

There's still so much stuff to prepare for Peanut's arrival and we only got 7-8 weeks to go (still hoping for a complete 40 weeks full term baby) and I feel I'm running out of time... 

Prams, Strollers, Carrycots and so much more!!!

Hubby informed me that it was Black Friday / White Friday sale around the world last November 27th. Honestly, I have no clue whatsoever regarding this Thanksgiving sale until now. So off we go to check souq.com for some baby stuff we will need.

Graco EVO 3 in 1 travel system in Chili Red

I always wanted a Chicco brand however, there was a real neat sale of AED  Graco EVO 3 in 1 travel system on souq.com for only AED 1,149.00. After a few research on review for this type of travel system, I decided to let go of my previous wishlist for a Chicco. We ordered on the 27th and it was delivered to us on the 28th... so I was quite happy that delivery was quick and very efficient.

Graco 1819727 Evo Carrycot, Red

We have yet to assemble the travel system which comes with foot muff, rain cover and looks like a trustworthy large shopping basket underneath the seat. Did I mentioned that car seat also includes the adapter? 

We chose the Chili Red (because I believe red color drives away evil eye...) and the hood will surely cover my baby away from the hot desert sun of the Middle East. Also, according to the review from www.ohlittleonesweet.com, carrycots for Evo are truly useful (although it has to be purchased separately for AED 499.00....yes it was on sale too!) I added this to my cart. Fortunately, the reviewer and me has the same car models, so I am quite happy to be assured that the travel ssytem will fit nicely on the car hood. 

I have yet to expound on the quality, durability and functionality of the Graco EVO 3 in 1 travel system once the baby arrives and get the hang of using this baby gear...but so far I am positive it will last us for the next 2  to 4 kids were planning to have...inshallah.

Baby Freebies

As my tummy gets bigger by the day, so is my belief that I think i'll make a good mummy (You see, I have doubts that I will be such control freak in the following days to come). I have been scrounging the net for baby freebies in UAE. Unfortunately unlike in US, UK and other western countries where coupons and samples are abound, there is only one where you can find useful vouchers, coupons and a free welcome baby gift box... so introducing Marhababy.com for all UAE residents. Not only you get a free box, you get good advices on having a baby in UAE. 

The box contains samples selected by mommies for future mommies. Actually that's their tag line. :) I inside their box, we got samples of J&J baby toiletries and some wipes and vouchers/coupons. I wish there will be more for of these in the coming days. In total, I got three freebies as of now, 1) Destination Maternity gave me Pink Pepper voucher where I get a free 20cm printout from my 1-hr maternity photoshoot; 2) Latifah Hospital Free Electric Bottle Sterilizer w/ J&J baby pouch (hubby was ecstatic with the gift!); and 3) Free Marhababy Box (which I accidentally came upon the net)....so its quite cool to receive such freebies. 

So, I was lucky that during the USG in Latifah Hospital last November 10, it was National Breastfeeding Day and there was a booth at the reception lobby. Dragging my hubby with me, we met with lactation consultants and they discussed breastfeeding with us which are very helpful and informative for both of us. Previously, my hubby prefers that I must not store my breast milk (not that I have any at the moment) because he wants fresh supply for his beloved daughter. It seems I cannot convince him with my research that we can store my milk supply once I started going back to work. But thankfully, the lactation consultant eased his mind that we should feed our incoming daughter exclusively with my breast milk for at least six months with no water involved and that my milk can be stored for months even! In my mind I was counting the amount of money I'll be able to save and praying she will latched properly on me. We'll see...9 more weeks to go anyway.