Week-40

Dear Baby,

Tomorrow I'll be 40-weeks pregnant with you. Everybody can't wait to see you. They have been asking your dad and I non-stop. But we tell them that you will come out when you are ready.

To be honest, I am quite nervous and a little bit afraid of the birthing process. But I know in my heart that both you and I will do just fine. Your dad is also ready to be there and support us when the time comes. So Baby, come out anytime you're ready, ok? We're waiting for you.

Love,
Your mom

Yummy Homemade Truffles

I'm entering my 39th-week of pregnancy now. We visit the obgyn weekly now. At 2.5 kg, baby is borderline average so hubs was given the task to make sure I eat more. But nothing to worry about. Baby is healthy and in an engaged position - ready to come out and meet us at anytime now.

The past couple of weeks, I have been busy with washing all baby clothes and baby items, shopping for a diaper bag, and at the same time, making truffles and delivering to customers. The Oreo and chocolate truffles are available for orders.

Chocolate truffles are available in 4 different flavours and 4 types of coatings. Flavours are - original, coffee, cinnamon and orange. Choice of coatings are - cocoa dust, choc rice, milk choc or white choc.

Homemade chocolate truffles (left) and Oreo truffles (right) for sale. They are made to order.

Crowd favourite - Oreo truffles!

Some of the truffles made last week for orders.

Also worked on more craft projects. This one is a gift for a dear friend - Oreo truffles and a handmade key ring with a band symbolizing the friendship and M for both our names.

If you're interested in ordering the truffles, you can contact me at my email address: yuzminfaizal[at]gmail[dot]com

Looking Back on 2012 and Ahead to 2013

***Warning: Long-ish post.

Ok, it's now the fourth day in the year 2013. I'm not making any resolutions this year. With the baby on the way, I know it will be a very busy year getting to know the baby and getting used to our new life as 3 instead of 2.

Last year, many things happened...

I finally took the plunge and put my career on hold. It was one of the biggest decisions I have ever made, and it wasn't easy. But my priorities changed after we found out that we're expecting a baby. I want to be there for the baby and to be able to take care of the baby myself. With our country's Employment Act, maternity leave is only 60 days. I really cannot imagine sending a 2-month old baby to a baby sitter / stranger. I have received many comments ranging from "oh you are so fortunate" to "so just goyang kaki at home?" but this decision came with many sacrifices on both my part as well as the hubs. And we both know that this is one decision that we will definitely not regret. 

Empty desk on my last day at work.

My pregnancy so far have been quite easy. I am now in my 36th week. We've attended Hypnobirthing class and breastfeeding class. And I've done yoga weekly up until 2 weeks ago when Upward Yoga temporarily closed for Ninie to go on her maternity break.

Journal writing as a way of bonding with baby.

Our 'tutup muka' baby at 20weeks (left) and 25weeks (right).

Baby at 29weeks, getting really really chubby!

That's right... We're having a baby GIRL!

I also made many new friends who are also SAHMs (stay-at-home-moms). We try to meet as often as we can. These ladies kept my sanity in check. Ranting, sharing tips and advice on cooking, baking, taking care of babies, and everything under the roof.

The past 1 year was also a year of baking, crafting and sewing.

Hubs got me a Kitchen Aid for my birthday. I made meringue kisses, pavlova, tarts, cupcakes ordered by ex-colleagues, candied orange peel, cinnamon pancakes with home made apple sauce, chocolate truffles, etc. The chocolate truffles are for sale. Details will be provided soon.

I also designed my own cupcake toppers. These are available for order.

I made cards, a Halloween costume for the hubs to wear to his office Halloween party, friendship bracelets, felt crafts, cross stitching, iPhone covers, etc. Some of these crafts are for sale.

So that was my 2012. Here's to more baking, crafting and sewing, and our baby in 2013!

Happy 2013!

Time Passes So Quickly...

When I started this blog, I thought I would be good at keeping one. I thought I would be able to write posts and upload photos regularly. But I have been MIA many times. And I feel kinda embarrassed that this blog is SO outdated! However, I don't think the fact that I haven't updated in a long time has disappointed anyone. (I hope not!) LOL.

But... I have some news to share. For now, I can only tell you briefly. But will hopefully have time in the near future to tell you in more details and also update more often.

• I've finally decided to put my career on hold to focus on family. Because...
• We're expecting a baby! :)

In the meantime, you can also follow me on Twitter and/or Instagram. Just search for yuzminfaizal. Take care and TTFN... :)

Rocky Road Oreo Fudge Brownies

Fudge brownies from an instant mix, with a twist. Crushed oreos, chocolate chips, Hershey's syrup, Rocky Road ice cream and full oreos.

I forgot to include the Hershey's syrup in the photo until after. LOL.

Crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, Hershey's chocolate syrup, Rocky Road ice cream with marshmallows, peanuts and more chocolate chips all get added into the brownie mix.

Line the baking pan with full Oreos before pouring in the thick batter.

I think I may have put them in the oven a tad too long. But they are still so yummy and fudge-y! All they need now is a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream... ;)