nasi goreng spanyol

Or paella, as it's widely known. Made my first paella for dinner today and it's actually easy to do than it looks.. although the preparation can take quite a while. It's the first time ever that I used saffron in my cooking which by the way, is the most expensive spice in the world. I followed the recipe to the tee and it didn't turn out as spicy as we'd like. Well I know next time to add more cayenne pepper than the recipe calls for. But it tastes good nonetheless. So there's red pepper, chorizo, chicken and prawns in it.. and rice, of course - a filling and complete meal. Maybe I'll try seafood paella the next time.

all ready..

It was our last childbirth lesson and we've picked up a lot of things at the end of it. Mérci Madame Canavesio!

Last week, we had a guided tour of the maternity section at the hospital. It was held in the evening and there were about 12 couples present and we were shown around places like the bathing room, where mothers get to bathe their babies during their hospital stay, the delivery room and few other rooms and we finished off in the conference room for Q&A.

I think it's good that they organize hospital visits like this especially for new parents as it'll help you to envision how it's like on your delivery day. Well it sure helped me clear up my mind, which has been clouded with the American version of the hospital setting, from watching countless childbirth programme.. which I must say, looks more agreeable. But heck, the most important thing is to have a great medical team and the people I've met in the hospital so far has been nothing but a professional, nice bunch.

Though no one likes to be in the hospital, I'm looking forward to make my way there, push this baby out and enter the world of motherhood :)

four year bliss

This year is extra special for us. We're celebrating our fourth year marriage with the anticipation of welcoming our first child. It's the greatest gift in life. To my dearest husband, THANKS for being a wonderful partner.. for all the things you've done for me. You've been a great support throughout the pregnancy.. been a great help, a great masseur, a great 'nurse'. Thanks for your patience and tolerance during those days when my mood swings to the low and ugly. I can never thank you enough for going out of your way for me.

Tu es merveilleux et tu es mon plus grand amour et je t'adore beaucoup. May our love grow more beautiful as time goes by.

Happy Anniversary, chéri!

breathe in... breathe out

So yesterday, we went to the childbirth class. It was informative and educative although I'm pretty much well-informed through reading numerous articles from books and the net, as well as through watching daily childbirth programmes on tv. Since we didn't opt for the weekly lessons as the schedule didn't sit well with us, I was taught the essentials in breathing techniques and the different positions that could be used during labour.

I can't believe that in less than a month, we'll finally get to see our baby! Somehow, it didn't seem like it has already been almost nine months now.. it's incredible how time just flew us by.

If all goes well, insya'Allah, I might be induced a week or so earlier than the presumed due date, so that I could stop my medication well in time before heading to the hospital. This is to ensure that I'd be able to take the epidural if needed. So if that's the case, I could be in the delivery room in less than 3 weeks.. gosh!

Well I'm pretty much psyched up and mentally ready (so I'd like to think).. but reality will present itself on THE day.

So we're literally counting down the days till the big pop... vey excited like dat :)

the singing brothers

Got this from a cousin's site. I think that's the first time ever that my Abah karaoke-ed... and Nenek too, for that matter.. what fun! Nenek, you so cute lah :D

So Boy & Yati's wedding was a success, Alhamdulillah. We sorely regret for not being there but it was inevitable. But of course we'll relive the grand occasion on the cd, once it's ready. And we're glad we get to witness the akad nikah through live broadcast on the net, thanks to Omi and Muz (you did a good job, Muz!). It was a memorable moment, seeing my little brother entering a new phase in his life.

this is how we saw it through the web

and this is the actual thing

Next step - lune de miel ('moon of the honey'... honeymoon lah tu). So have a happy honeymoon and a save trip, you guys!

from france with love

CONGRATULATIONS, Boy & Yati!!!

Today marks the biggest day in the life of my dearest brother, Shahreil. It's the day to a new life, a new journey, a whole new experience.. it's your BIG day, dear bro. We're so happy for you and so proud of you.

Have a great wedding, a wonderful marriage and a lifetime of happiness with the love of your life.

We miss you lots!

Oh and of course, have a Happy Birthday as well.. this must be your happiest one :)

a sparkling day

It was a beautiful day.

Woke up to a crisp morning, with the sun shining over the snow-covered rooftops, giving it a 'sparkled' look (the first snowfall we had for the season). It was a beautiful sight although the white flakes didn't stay for long.. but it was a great way to greet my day indeed :D

The second sparkle comes in the form of stones.. a huge gift from dearest hubby to celebrate my day and most importantly, to grace the soon to come birth of our child. Hubby made my day by spoiling me with great gifts, good food, a wonderful massage (mérci, mon chéri!).. my dear ones from far away Singapore made my day with their well wishes and to top it all off, I got to see some of my family members online.

It WAS a beautiful day indeed :)