Bungsu Raudah's wedding

29th March 2010

Last weekend, our family have been quite busy celebrating my aunt's wedding ceremonies. After much waiting, Bungsu Raudah finally tied the knot to her long-time love, Bungsu Alwi. Thankfully, mummy is feeling much better just under two weeks since delivering baby Safwan and as such it was perfect to show our new brother to our large family.

Of course, we took some pictures to remember the happy moments by. Here are some of them and please do enjoy...

NIKAH CEREMONY

Bungsu Raudah meeting baby Safwan for the first time. Safwan looks cute wearing his Elmo vest, bought in Sesame Street Beach, Seaworld, Australia in 2008

Family picture together with "balasan hantaran" for the groom


BERBEDAK CEREMONY

Nephews team up for a freestyle pose

BERSANDING & AMBIL-AMBILAN CEREMONY

"Bersuap-suapan" where the groom feeds his bride with his hand and vice versa

Congratulations to Bungsu Raudah & Bungsu Alwi on your wedding
We hope to see Nini Green's next grandchild soon!!! Hehehe...

7 years and counting

28th March 2010

Especially to daddy and mummy...

Happy 7th wedding anniversary

May both of you continue to enjoy many more happy years
and be a great inspiration for us and others around you

Lots of love
from Syafi, Safiya and Safwan

"CinderSyafi"

25th March 2010

Last weekend night when baby Safwan was hospitalised again because of his jaundice (March 20th), daddy and I went to Belait to attend another emblem night. That time it was hosted by daddy's new department. Initially, the plan was that daddy attends the ceremony with mummy but I guess Safwan was already excited to come into this world before his calculated due date.

The theme for that night was "Prince & Princess". Rather than becoming a fairy tale prince, daddy decided that we become Bruneian princes instead. We both looked handsome wearing baju Melayu with songket dastar and sinjang, complete with keris (dagger) and sandang. Unfortunately, we were not voted as the best dressed ones. It was lots of fun though!

We are still waiting for more pictures from the pros. We'll post them soon, insyaAllah.

Aqiqah, shaving & naming

22nd March 2010

Today, our new baby brother is 7 days old. Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), today is the commendable day to perform some rituals according to the teachings of Islam.

Firstly is the Aqiqah; the slaughtering of two goats (for female babies, only one goat is required) which is then cooked and distributed amongst needy people and family members. It is also recommended that the meat be cooked as a sweet dish, as a symbol that the newborn will have a sweet or good personality. The bones of the animal should not be broken but to be buried in tact as much as possible as a symbol that the newborn will grow strong and healthy.

It should be noted though that this is only commendable and not obligatory so as not to burden parents who cannot afford to do so. It can also be delayed until parents have enough savings. For grown ups who discover that their parents did not perform their Aqiqah, they can still do so for themselves later on.

The second is shaving of the newborn's hair. The shaved hair will then be weighed and valued according to the current value of gold. The value is then to be distributed amongst the needy. For this, mummy and daddy sought the help of a close relative who is quite good with shaving hairs of newborns. Safiya and I watched the whole process. Although we feel a bit sad to see all those beautiful hair off, but mummy and daddy assured us that new, better and cleaner hair will soon grow.

And lastly, the 7th day is also the final day to name the baby. Logically, this gives parents ample time to choose the best suitable name with good meanings, and usually the name will be picked from the Arabic language.

As such, it is our great pleasure to announce our baby brother's name:

Awangku Muhammad Safwan Rahmani
(Safwan for short)

We are thankful that today went well, and may all our deeds be rewarded.

Early fight against jaundice

21st March 2010

The first challenge for mummy and daddy... Our baby brother has been diagnosed with jaundice, a yellowish discolouration of the skin due to excess bilirubin in the blood. According to the pediatrician, in our baby brother's case, it is heavily caused by the difference between mummy's and the baby's blood group.

As a treatment, mummy's stay at the ward had to be extended for one more night so that the baby can undergo phototherapy. On Thursday, mummy and our new brother were discharged but 20-30 minutes sunbathing in the early morning was to be continued at home.

As a follow-up appointment, yesterday the pediatrician again checked and found that the jaundice was still high. Unfortunately, the baby had to be admitted again for two nights to undergo phototherapy once again. Thankfully though, JPMC has individual rooms and since the baby will be in his special 'bed' most of the times, mummy can rest on the patient's bed. At least the stay is comfortable for everyone.

To maximise the healing process, three machines were used for the sessions; two on top and another from the bottom. Our baby looked like Batman with special eye covers protecting his retina that must be worn at all times.

Such an early battle for a very young baby. Fortunately, our brother shows strength and patience and is very cooperative. He only cries when he wants to feed and when he is full, he sleeps snugly under the warm lights. He impresses everyone, including the doctor and nurses.

The blessing finally came

16th March 2010

Alhamdulillah... It's a boy!

Happily and proudly announcing the birth of our long-awaited bundle of joy who finally made his appearance via normal delivery

On Monday, 15th March 2010
At 4.08 a.m.

Birth weight: 3.56 kg
Body length: 50 cm
Head circumference: 35 cm

Name yet to be determined! hehehe...

To note mummy's third journey to motherhood...

13/03/2010, 4.00 p.m.
Mummy had a show* and rang up JPMC maternity ward about it. Mummy was told to wait until contractions start before checking in at the labour room.

14/03/2010, 8.30 p.m.
Mummy started to feel mild contractions. She kept the pain to herself for a while to allow Safiya and I to go to bed before heading to the hospital. Mummy even took short naps in between to save energy.

15/03/2010

1.30 a.m. - Mummy woke daddy up and decided that it was time to go to the labour room. Final preparations were made to make sure nothing is left behind. Safiya and I were left at home with our maid.

2.00 a.m. - Mummy was admitted to the labour room and was attended to by midwife Connie. Contractions became more intense but compared to previous pregnancies, this time the pains were bearable and mummy did not need pain-relief of any kind.

4.00 a.m. - Dr. Azlina came and got ready for the delivery.

4.05 a.m. - Mummy was fully dilated and the challenge began...

4.08 a.m. - The baby was born!

On this note, we would like to thank Dr. Azlina and the midwives / nurses at Jerudong Park Medical Centre for their assistance throughout the magical delivery and recovery afterwards (especially to midwife Connie). Thanks as well to all our family members for your love and support in making this a memorable and happy experience for us all.

Love from Syafi & Safiya

*Note: A show is a bloody show (a brownish or blood-tinged mucus discharge), i.e. the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, which means that abour could be imminent or it could be several days away. It's a sign that things are moving along.

Polyhydramnios

9th March 2010

Our family had a shock when one of our close relatives lost her newborn baby this morning. About three weeks ago, we were informed about the birth but we were sad to hear that the baby had some complications and had to be cared for in the special care unit.

From what we heard, the complication was due to excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) which had somehow restricted the baby's development. After a short period of time fighting for his life, the baby finally succumbed to his condition.

Mummy found this useful [website] that explains about polyhydramnios, its causes and possible treatments. Frankly, we are not sure what treatment our relative received when the doctor found out about the abnormality, but I guess blaming anyone will be of no use now.

To Nini Baim and family, we are very sorry for your loss.

A weekend in KB

7th March 2010

Unlike the usual, we spent this weekend in Belait district. Daddy had an invitation last night to attend an emblem ceremony hosted by his department. The decision was finally made to attend it since daddy has been recently moved to another department and as such last night was his last opportunity to have a great time with his colleagues. Mummy also gave him support and decided to come along although being heavily pregnant.

Since the ceremony was held in Belait (about an hour drive from home), daddy had arranged for an accommodation at Reviera Hotel for the night. Fortunately, we were given the junior suite which made it convenient since the maid came along as well. While daddy and mummy enjoy their night out together, we stayed at the hotel with the maid.

Overall, we really enjoyed the stay.

Some of the food that daddy and mummy were served during the emblem ceremony

The junior suite was equipped with a bed and a tv area

The bath tub

Outside the bedroom is a living area and a separate dining area as well