Recently, little princess has been kicking, tickling, punching and pinching mommy all night.
When mommy wants to rest and sleep, little princess is all energetic and restless. She kicks so hard that I can see my tummy moves and vibrates! The result: probably a satisfied baby but a tired and sleepless mommy who has to drag herself out of bed to go to work.
Today, after a few restless nights, I roamed around the office with a heavy head and an easily-irritable mood. Someone who happened to step on my tail early in the morning has a taste of my temper and sharp tongue. Felt bad after that, but I must say serves her right!
Day by day we watch them grow....
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Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
脚抽筋
最近经常睡到半夜小腿和脚趾就会抽筋。那天晚上，右脚突然半夜抽起筋来，痛得我受不了。我不得不把整个身子像虾米一样蜷曲起来，用手搓抽筋的地方。可是不论我怎么搓也似乎不解疼。
过了好一阵子，疼痛没有减轻，反而觉得脚筋好像要被抽断了一样，而且好像开始冒冷汗。无计可施，只好把老公吵醒。他睡眼惺忪，伸手就往我左大腿轻轻捏。我哭笑不得，一直说“右边、右边”。他挪了挪身体，打算捏我的左小腿。我几乎发狂！折腾了一会儿，他总算搞清楚状况。说也神奇，老公解除抽筋的方法还真管用。没一下功夫，感觉舒服多了，脚筋也开始放松。
隔天，老公还可爱地问我他昨晚是不是做梦梦见我脚抽筋。
脚抽筋时最害怕就是没有人搭救，那种叫天天不应、叫地地不灵的感觉超恐怖。唉，可是我总得学会自己解除抽筋的痛楚。
过了好一阵子，疼痛没有减轻，反而觉得脚筋好像要被抽断了一样，而且好像开始冒冷汗。无计可施，只好把老公吵醒。他睡眼惺忪，伸手就往我左大腿轻轻捏。我哭笑不得，一直说“右边、右边”。他挪了挪身体，打算捏我的左小腿。我几乎发狂！折腾了一会儿，他总算搞清楚状况。说也神奇，老公解除抽筋的方法还真管用。没一下功夫，感觉舒服多了，脚筋也开始放松。
隔天，老公还可爱地问我他昨晚是不是做梦梦见我脚抽筋。
脚抽筋时最害怕就是没有人搭救，那种叫天天不应、叫地地不灵的感觉超恐怖。唉，可是我总得学会自己解除抽筋的痛楚。
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Truly appreciate
Today as I was on my way to work, it suddenly occurred to me that the colours in my surrounding seem alot more vivid, brighter and livelier. At this moment, the little one in me stirred and kicked. I wonder if I have been too occupied in the other things in life to even notice the skies, the trees, the grass, the wonderful nature surrounding me.
Or perhaps, my pregnancy has made me take a different perspective in life. I slowed down my pace and started to learn to appreciate the smallest thing in life - as small as a little bubbly movement in my tummy. I think it is only now that I've truly learn to stop and smell the roses.
This may sound silly – but it is so true that 'you can only see what you are looking at'.
Is that just a tad too obvious? But really, doing so has helped me keep my eyes focused on the right things, the important things and the good things. The moment I let my eyes drop and fixate on the negative stuff collecting around my feet, I miss seeing all the wonderful things in my life.
Sometimes life is agonizing and finding the good is incredibly difficult.
But often life has lots of wonderful moments, but we miss them because we are obsessing over the bad – the bad mood we can’t shake, the mess at work that we were made to clean up for some idiotic colleagues, the argument we had with our significant other.
So for me, I need to continually stop and refocus. Get my eyes firmly fixed on the good things in life.
I am thankful for my loving husband, wonderful and supportive parents and family, fun and lively friends; and of course, the little princess in me. Life is good, and it will only get better. Have faith and truly appreciate.
Or perhaps, my pregnancy has made me take a different perspective in life. I slowed down my pace and started to learn to appreciate the smallest thing in life - as small as a little bubbly movement in my tummy. I think it is only now that I've truly learn to stop and smell the roses.
This may sound silly – but it is so true that 'you can only see what you are looking at'.
Is that just a tad too obvious? But really, doing so has helped me keep my eyes focused on the right things, the important things and the good things. The moment I let my eyes drop and fixate on the negative stuff collecting around my feet, I miss seeing all the wonderful things in my life.
Sometimes life is agonizing and finding the good is incredibly difficult.
But often life has lots of wonderful moments, but we miss them because we are obsessing over the bad – the bad mood we can’t shake, the mess at work that we were made to clean up for some idiotic colleagues, the argument we had with our significant other.
So for me, I need to continually stop and refocus. Get my eyes firmly fixed on the good things in life.
I am thankful for my loving husband, wonderful and supportive parents and family, fun and lively friends; and of course, the little princess in me. Life is good, and it will only get better. Have faith and truly appreciate.
Friday, January 4, 2008
What changes when you have a baby?
A better question may be: What doesn't change? Here, writer and mom Rebecca Woolf lists her most notable post-baby observations.
1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.
2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.
3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.
4. You respect your body ... finally.
5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.
6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.
7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.
8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.
9. Your heart breaks much more easily.
10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.
11. Every day is a surprise.
12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)
13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.
14. You become a morning person.
15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.
1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.
2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.
3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.
4. You respect your body ... finally.
5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.
6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.
7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.
8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.
9. Your heart breaks much more easily.
10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.
11. Every day is a surprise.
12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)
13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.
14. You become a morning person.
15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Recently whenever I tried to stand up from a seated position, and especially when I tried to get out of bed, I felt a lot of soreness in my left hip - to the point that I had to limp around for a few minutes or more. It has been so bad for the past few days that I had to excuse myself from work to rest at home.
According to the physiotherapist, I’m suffering from sacroiliac joint pain. The pain felt like a pulled or cramped muscle, and sometimes it feels like a sharp jolt on the left side of my hips that extend down my thighs.
I searched the web and found out that SJP is the most common back complaint and typically flares up in the second trimester.
The sacroiliac joint is where the spinal column meets the pelvis. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxing causes the joints to relax, which may make you favour one side over the other. This may lead to inflammation and further pain.
What to Do About It
One can ease the pain with warm (not hot!) baths and pain relievers such as Tylenol. These therapies are a good starting point, as long as you keep the water under 100 degrees (anything hotter can affect the fetus) and check with your doctor about any medication beforehand. Another option: See a prenatal chiropractor, who can perform a spinal adjustment to help correct your weight imbalance. If the cause is hormonal fluctuation, you can expect the pain to subside after delivery.
Sigh... seems like nothing much I can do except wait for things to get better. =(
According to the physiotherapist, I’m suffering from sacroiliac joint pain. The pain felt like a pulled or cramped muscle, and sometimes it feels like a sharp jolt on the left side of my hips that extend down my thighs.
I searched the web and found out that SJP is the most common back complaint and typically flares up in the second trimester.
The sacroiliac joint is where the spinal column meets the pelvis. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxing causes the joints to relax, which may make you favour one side over the other. This may lead to inflammation and further pain.
What to Do About It
One can ease the pain with warm (not hot!) baths and pain relievers such as Tylenol. These therapies are a good starting point, as long as you keep the water under 100 degrees (anything hotter can affect the fetus) and check with your doctor about any medication beforehand. Another option: See a prenatal chiropractor, who can perform a spinal adjustment to help correct your weight imbalance. If the cause is hormonal fluctuation, you can expect the pain to subside after delivery.
Sigh... seems like nothing much I can do except wait for things to get better. =(
Friday, December 28, 2007
离开苏梅岛的那一天
12月24日圣诞前夕，我们即将在今天下午结束我们的苏梅岛之旅，回到现实的新加坡。
一早起来，发现有很多工作人员已经开始在泳池旁忙碌起来。他们沿着泳池摆起了桌椅。原来，他们正在为当天晚上的圣诞庆祝晚宴而忙碌。苏梅岛的许多酒店都规定住客必须参加酒店内的圣诞晚餐派对。可惜我们没有机会体会到这样一个party的滋味。
今天酒店已经为我们安排了专车，下午2:30接送我们到机场去。我们决定今天就把时间耗在海边，老公可以尝试在海滩上享受泰式按摩，我们也可以尽情徜徉在阳光下和海水里。
这次来到苏梅岛，发现有很多外国女生喜欢做天体浴。女生总讨厌晒太阳之后留下难看的bikini lines。所以在苏梅岛你就能看到许多外国女生爱把上半身的bikini脱掉，然后才做日光浴。我们的酒店里头就不乏这类作风大胆的外国女生。Err…… 其实不仅仅是‘女生’，老公去潜水的那天，我就亲眼目睹一位年龄老大不小的外国女郎，光着上半身，还若无其事地到处走动，让人一览她光秃秃的乳房，一点也不觉得羞涩。
回来后，在网上搜览，才发现原来苏梅岛是外国人公认的天体浴场，其中一个离岛南幽岛更是欧美人士首推的天体浴场，另一个因此而出名的是帕安岛。据说，当地有一种不成文的天体聚会，每个月的月圆之夜，帕安岛(Koh Phangan)都会举行一场大规模的Full Moon Party，世界各地前往旅游的人士，尤其是年轻背包族几乎都会去参加。整个岛上都是劲爆的摇滚，脸上、身上画着稀奇古怪泛光图案的男男女女，配着沙滩上的篝火，酒吧门前闪烁的霓虹灯光，再混合进浓浓的酒精味道，纠集成一种可以冲破一切黑暗、一切约束的自由张力。
老公之前也提过Full Moon Party，可是我不以为然。
所以，就凭苏梅岛“原始纯洁”的影响力来看，就足以成为众多逐滩客的首选。美丽的天堂岛，有安静的海滩，还有不甘寂寞的山，一块花布、一卷草席、一本闲书、一瓶清凉的啤酒，顶着40℃的高温，这就是“苏梅式”的悠闲，让人流连忘返。
一早起来，发现有很多工作人员已经开始在泳池旁忙碌起来。他们沿着泳池摆起了桌椅。原来，他们正在为当天晚上的圣诞庆祝晚宴而忙碌。苏梅岛的许多酒店都规定住客必须参加酒店内的圣诞晚餐派对。可惜我们没有机会体会到这样一个party的滋味。
今天酒店已经为我们安排了专车，下午2:30接送我们到机场去。我们决定今天就把时间耗在海边，老公可以尝试在海滩上享受泰式按摩，我们也可以尽情徜徉在阳光下和海水里。
这次来到苏梅岛，发现有很多外国女生喜欢做天体浴。女生总讨厌晒太阳之后留下难看的bikini lines。所以在苏梅岛你就能看到许多外国女生爱把上半身的bikini脱掉，然后才做日光浴。我们的酒店里头就不乏这类作风大胆的外国女生。Err…… 其实不仅仅是‘女生’，老公去潜水的那天，我就亲眼目睹一位年龄老大不小的外国女郎，光着上半身，还若无其事地到处走动，让人一览她光秃秃的乳房，一点也不觉得羞涩。
回来后，在网上搜览，才发现原来苏梅岛是外国人公认的天体浴场，其中一个离岛南幽岛更是欧美人士首推的天体浴场，另一个因此而出名的是帕安岛。据说，当地有一种不成文的天体聚会，每个月的月圆之夜，帕安岛(Koh Phangan)都会举行一场大规模的Full Moon Party，世界各地前往旅游的人士，尤其是年轻背包族几乎都会去参加。整个岛上都是劲爆的摇滚，脸上、身上画着稀奇古怪泛光图案的男男女女，配着沙滩上的篝火，酒吧门前闪烁的霓虹灯光，再混合进浓浓的酒精味道，纠集成一种可以冲破一切黑暗、一切约束的自由张力。
老公之前也提过Full Moon Party，可是我不以为然。
所以，就凭苏梅岛“原始纯洁”的影响力来看，就足以成为众多逐滩客的首选。美丽的天堂岛，有安静的海滩，还有不甘寂寞的山，一块花布、一卷草席、一本闲书、一瓶清凉的啤酒，顶着40℃的高温，这就是“苏梅式”的悠闲，让人流连忘返。
苏梅岛第四天
昨天，老公大约4点钟回到酒店。一进门，看到他疲倦的样子，好心疼。他说耳朵有点痛，很不舒服。洗完澡后，他倒头就睡。
老公睡醒后，还是嚷着耳朵痛得很不舒服。潜过水的人都知道，潜水最难受的就属耳朵了，因为气压问题会让你很难掌握耳压的平衡。如果在潜水时没有做好耳压的平衡，最会导致耳朵痛和不舒服。我告诉他过阵子就好了，可是看到他一副愁眉不展的样子，我知道今天晚上不会有什么节目可言了。
我们到了酒店对面的意大利餐厅Prego用晚餐。餐厅的气氛相当不错，我点了一份龙虾意面，老公点了一份海鲜Pizza和Minestrone蔬菜汤。我的龙虾意面可口极了，Pizza更是香脆可口，可惜的是老公被耳疼折腾得一定兴致也没有，胃口也不好。晚餐后，老公害怕我生气还是坚持要到处逛逛。我知道他是疼爱我，知道我一整天什么事也没做，一点闷透了，所以会希望晚上能够到处走走。况且之前我就跟他说我想要去附近的市集买衣服。
可是，我知道他一定感觉很难受。耳痛的滋味我也尝过，心里会一直担心着是不是震坏了耳膜，会不会就此听觉失调。老公坚持要去售卖DVD的摊位看一看。
从DVD摊位走出来之后，我坚持要回酒店休息。于是，我们就缓缓地走回酒店去。
今天一早醒来，看看身边熟睡的老公，真希望他今天的耳朵和心情会变好，那么我们就可以愉快地出游去。老公醒来宣布说耳朵好多了！
早餐后，我们就准备出发，开始今天的环岛旅程。
第一站：Chaweng Viewpoint
我们开车沿着Chaweng的购物街然后转入苏梅岛环岛大路4169，再沿着海岸线一直走直到我们来到了Elephant Rock的Viewpoint。这里是Chaweng的最南端，可以在岩石上俯望整个Chaweng海岸线。我们下车拍了几张照片后，又再继续上路。车开了不远，我们就来到了The Cliff Restaurant。我来苏梅岛之前，公司有位同事向我推荐这家餐厅，说风景好、食物好、气氛好。可惜，我们并没有把它纳入在我们的行程里。
第二站：Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather & Grandmother Rock)
紧接着，我们来到了Hin Ta Hin Yai，也就是祖父母石。哈哈！可笑的是，我们看到了刻上Hin Ta Hin Yai字样的木牌，可是就没有看见石头。后来问了问，才知道原来必须往上走才能看到石头。可是地势不宜孕妇，我们只好放弃。
真正的祖父母石形状长得很像男女的生殖器：
第三站：Samui Zoo/Butterfly Garden
我们沿着4169穿过了Lamai海滩，转入了4170，直达Samui Zoo和Butterfly Garden。可是并没有找到所谓的蝴蝶园。于是，我们决定放弃，前往寻找Wat Khunaram (The Mummified Monk)。
第四站：Wat Khunaram
据说寺庙里的老和尚去世后，尸体腐烂的程度很小，因此信徒把他供奉在寺庙里，成为了一个肉身菩萨。
第五站：纳蒙瀑布Namuang Waterfall
苏梅岛上有好几个瀑布，旅游说介绍值得一游的包括Namuang 1, Namuang 2和Hin Lad。
Namuang 瀑布位于南部10公里的Nathon的Ban Thurian，这里有2个瀑布，Namuang 1瀑布有18米高，Namuang 2有80米高。
我们开着车，沿着山路向上，来到一处拥有另一个不知名的瀑布。下车查看，再问了问一对来自马来西亚的夫妇，他们说路很陡，不适合我，况且瀑布也没什么值得看的。
于是我们又继续上路，来到了Namuang 2。把车停好后，发现这里有许多游客去参观了小型动物园，观赏猴子和鳄鱼秀。还有许多游客排着队，准备骑大象。工作人员一直鼓励我们骑大象，老公指了指我的大肚子。工作人员说没问题的，骑大象会带来好运。可是我们还是不敢冒险一试。工作人员说要上到Namuang 2，必须步行差不多20分钟。想了想，我们还是决定前往Namuang 1，因为听说瀑布近在咫尺，无需步行太远。
我们开车来到了Namuang 1，还了20泰铢的停车费后，我们就步行前往Namuang 1瀑布。瀑布入口处有很多商店，主要是售卖一些手工艺品，还有许多小吃摊。
[肥皂雕刻]
这个瀑布真的不需走太远。瀑布前有个水池，有许多游客和当地人都在池里游泳、戏水。我们在瀑布边拍了几张照片，就离开了Namuang 1。
第六站：Paradise Park Farm
老公突发其想决定去看一看这个Paradise Park Farm到底是何方神圣。这是在任何旅游指南上都不曾看到过的地方，老公在地图上看到后，就决定要去看一看。我们沿着山路缓缓行驶着，在小小波折后，终于来到了Paradise Park Farm的入口。下车一问，才知道每人必须付300泰铢的入门费。想了想，考量了一下，我们决定不花那钱去看孔雀和猴子。把钱花在泰式按摩上肯定更加过瘾。
第七站：Nathon
旅游指南上说纳通(Nathon)是看日落最好的地方。记得我们拍拖的时候，每当我们出国到某个海滩岛国度假，你总爱和我一起看日落。可是这一次，看日落并没有被编排在我们的行程里面。
Nathon其实是苏梅岛最早最热闹最繁华的小镇，这里聚集了苏梅岛各个政府部门，也是苏梅岛的商业中心和最繁忙的码头，从这里可以搭船到周边的大小岛屿。
我们在这里选了一家面向海的餐厅，坐了下来点了地道的Tongyam汤、泰式炒饭和Pad Thai。
午餐后，我们开始探索这个小镇，租车柜台的先生告诉我们这里购物比Chaweng便宜。所以午饭后，我们展开了‘血拼’的步行之旅。
老公‘血拼’的收获还真不错，买了一条裤子、一个背包和几个DVD。天气热得不得了，走得不行了，我们决定宣布‘血拼’结束，继续开车前往下一个目的地。
第八站：大佛寺Big Buddha
我们开车穿过了Bang Po、Maenam和Bophut海滩来到了Big Buddha Beach。Lord Buddha15米高的金色雕像是苏梅岛受欢迎的景点之一。这次，我指定要到Big Buddha去，因为想为肚子里的小宝宝祈福，希望神明能够庇佑她健康出世、快乐成长。
我们爬上了层层梯阶，来到了大佛面前虔诚祈祷，然后再沿着大佛周围走了一圈，看一看Big Buddha beach周围的海景。
这里是我们今天行程的最后一站，从大佛寺我们就开车打道回府。
晚上我们决定要开车沿着Chaweng找间海鲜餐厅好好地吃一餐肥美丰盛的海鲜大餐，然后接着在Chaweng购物和按摩。
老公睡醒后，还是嚷着耳朵痛得很不舒服。潜过水的人都知道，潜水最难受的就属耳朵了，因为气压问题会让你很难掌握耳压的平衡。如果在潜水时没有做好耳压的平衡，最会导致耳朵痛和不舒服。我告诉他过阵子就好了，可是看到他一副愁眉不展的样子，我知道今天晚上不会有什么节目可言了。
我们到了酒店对面的意大利餐厅Prego用晚餐。餐厅的气氛相当不错，我点了一份龙虾意面，老公点了一份海鲜Pizza和Minestrone蔬菜汤。我的龙虾意面可口极了，Pizza更是香脆可口，可惜的是老公被耳疼折腾得一定兴致也没有，胃口也不好。晚餐后，老公害怕我生气还是坚持要到处逛逛。我知道他是疼爱我，知道我一整天什么事也没做，一点闷透了，所以会希望晚上能够到处走走。况且之前我就跟他说我想要去附近的市集买衣服。
可是，我知道他一定感觉很难受。耳痛的滋味我也尝过，心里会一直担心着是不是震坏了耳膜，会不会就此听觉失调。老公坚持要去售卖DVD的摊位看一看。
从DVD摊位走出来之后，我坚持要回酒店休息。于是，我们就缓缓地走回酒店去。
今天一早醒来，看看身边熟睡的老公，真希望他今天的耳朵和心情会变好，那么我们就可以愉快地出游去。老公醒来宣布说耳朵好多了！
早餐后，我们就准备出发，开始今天的环岛旅程。
第一站：Chaweng Viewpoint
我们开车沿着Chaweng的购物街然后转入苏梅岛环岛大路4169，再沿着海岸线一直走直到我们来到了Elephant Rock的Viewpoint。这里是Chaweng的最南端，可以在岩石上俯望整个Chaweng海岸线。我们下车拍了几张照片后，又再继续上路。车开了不远，我们就来到了The Cliff Restaurant。我来苏梅岛之前，公司有位同事向我推荐这家餐厅，说风景好、食物好、气氛好。可惜，我们并没有把它纳入在我们的行程里。
第二站：Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather & Grandmother Rock)
紧接着，我们来到了Hin Ta Hin Yai，也就是祖父母石。哈哈！可笑的是，我们看到了刻上Hin Ta Hin Yai字样的木牌，可是就没有看见石头。后来问了问，才知道原来必须往上走才能看到石头。可是地势不宜孕妇，我们只好放弃。
真正的祖父母石形状长得很像男女的生殖器：
第三站：Samui Zoo/Butterfly Garden
我们沿着4169穿过了Lamai海滩，转入了4170，直达Samui Zoo和Butterfly Garden。可是并没有找到所谓的蝴蝶园。于是，我们决定放弃，前往寻找Wat Khunaram (The Mummified Monk)。
第四站：Wat Khunaram
据说寺庙里的老和尚去世后，尸体腐烂的程度很小，因此信徒把他供奉在寺庙里，成为了一个肉身菩萨。
第五站：纳蒙瀑布Namuang Waterfall
苏梅岛上有好几个瀑布，旅游说介绍值得一游的包括Namuang 1, Namuang 2和Hin Lad。
Namuang 瀑布位于南部10公里的Nathon的Ban Thurian，这里有2个瀑布，Namuang 1瀑布有18米高，Namuang 2有80米高。
我们开着车，沿着山路向上，来到一处拥有另一个不知名的瀑布。下车查看，再问了问一对来自马来西亚的夫妇，他们说路很陡，不适合我，况且瀑布也没什么值得看的。
于是我们又继续上路，来到了Namuang 2。把车停好后，发现这里有许多游客去参观了小型动物园，观赏猴子和鳄鱼秀。还有许多游客排着队，准备骑大象。工作人员一直鼓励我们骑大象，老公指了指我的大肚子。工作人员说没问题的，骑大象会带来好运。可是我们还是不敢冒险一试。工作人员说要上到Namuang 2，必须步行差不多20分钟。想了想，我们还是决定前往Namuang 1，因为听说瀑布近在咫尺，无需步行太远。
我们开车来到了Namuang 1，还了20泰铢的停车费后，我们就步行前往Namuang 1瀑布。瀑布入口处有很多商店，主要是售卖一些手工艺品，还有许多小吃摊。
[肥皂雕刻]
这个瀑布真的不需走太远。瀑布前有个水池，有许多游客和当地人都在池里游泳、戏水。我们在瀑布边拍了几张照片，就离开了Namuang 1。
第六站：Paradise Park Farm
老公突发其想决定去看一看这个Paradise Park Farm到底是何方神圣。这是在任何旅游指南上都不曾看到过的地方，老公在地图上看到后，就决定要去看一看。我们沿着山路缓缓行驶着，在小小波折后，终于来到了Paradise Park Farm的入口。下车一问，才知道每人必须付300泰铢的入门费。想了想，考量了一下，我们决定不花那钱去看孔雀和猴子。把钱花在泰式按摩上肯定更加过瘾。
第七站：Nathon
旅游指南上说纳通(Nathon)是看日落最好的地方。记得我们拍拖的时候，每当我们出国到某个海滩岛国度假，你总爱和我一起看日落。可是这一次，看日落并没有被编排在我们的行程里面。
Nathon其实是苏梅岛最早最热闹最繁华的小镇，这里聚集了苏梅岛各个政府部门，也是苏梅岛的商业中心和最繁忙的码头，从这里可以搭船到周边的大小岛屿。
我们在这里选了一家面向海的餐厅，坐了下来点了地道的Tongyam汤、泰式炒饭和Pad Thai。
午餐后，我们开始探索这个小镇，租车柜台的先生告诉我们这里购物比Chaweng便宜。所以午饭后，我们展开了‘血拼’的步行之旅。
老公‘血拼’的收获还真不错，买了一条裤子、一个背包和几个DVD。天气热得不得了，走得不行了，我们决定宣布‘血拼’结束，继续开车前往下一个目的地。
第八站：大佛寺Big Buddha
我们开车穿过了Bang Po、Maenam和Bophut海滩来到了Big Buddha Beach。Lord Buddha15米高的金色雕像是苏梅岛受欢迎的景点之一。这次，我指定要到Big Buddha去，因为想为肚子里的小宝宝祈福，希望神明能够庇佑她健康出世、快乐成长。
我们爬上了层层梯阶，来到了大佛面前虔诚祈祷，然后再沿着大佛周围走了一圈，看一看Big Buddha beach周围的海景。
这里是我们今天行程的最后一站，从大佛寺我们就开车打道回府。
晚上我们决定要开车沿着Chaweng找间海鲜餐厅好好地吃一餐肥美丰盛的海鲜大餐，然后接着在Chaweng购物和按摩。
苏梅岛第三天
今天一早老公就出发去Koh Tao潜水了。出发前，他不忘再次嘱咐我不能独自踏出酒店以外范围。
老公走后，我辗转无法再次入眠，于是决定索性起身独自去餐厅吃早餐。一样的菜色，却勾不起像昨天一样的食欲。老公不在身边的感觉很乏味，做什么事都提不起劲。早餐后，我找了一个卧椅，就懒懒地躺在上面阅读。唉！一个人的时候，时间过得特别慢。老公说3点钟会回来。为什么总是不到3点钟？
阅读了一些有关于苏梅岛的资料，希望对明天的自驾旅程有用。
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
苏梅岛是泰国的第三大岛，总面积247平方公里，最窄5公里，最宽处21公里。苏梅岛上的干净、狭长白沙滩，是每个人梦想中的热带岛屿仙境。苏梅岛属于真正的岛屿族群，也是八十多个热带岛屿群中最大的一个，其中只有四个岛屿有人居住。看过李奥那多的《海滩》吗？苏梅的安通国家公园就象电影里头他最后找到的梦幻之岛一样。石灰岩洞穴、珊瑚礁岛林立，到处是色彩艳丽的热带鱼群。那里保留了更多自然淳朴的气息，因为20年前，苏梅岛还基本上是一片与世隔绝的世外桃源，因为开发的历史不长，所以，至今岛上还保存着一份原始风味。
苏梅岛上海滩众多，处处水清沙白，景致迷人。苏梅岛上可以潜水、潜泳、划独木舟、驾帆出海，享受海天一色的美妙景观。在欣赏苏梅岛海滩的美丽之余，还别忘了去探访椰树园、小渔村和美丽的瀑布，或是去骑一骑大象。苏梅岛的周边地区，还可游安通国家海洋公园、帕南岛、乌龟岛（倒岛）和南元岛。
查温海滩(Chaweng)绵延6公里，这个月牙形的海滩环境十分优美，也是岛上酒店和各种娱乐设施最多的地方。海滩沙质细密、海水温暖是这儿得天独厚的优势，海滩边上各式各样的活动十分绵密，水上摩托车、沙滩排球是最常见的。在沙滩上享受泰式按摩，每小时才250泰铢，更让人大呼过瘾。拉迈海滩(Lamai)位于查温的南面，也有不少娱乐设施。位于苏梅岛北边，两旁分别是湄南海滩(Maenam)和大佛海滩(Big Buddha)，长度只有2公里，这一条海岸线只有几间零落的小木屋和两三间中型旅馆，附近没有任何商店餐厅，美丽的椰子树后面是一片稀松的针叶林，宁静是这里最大的特色，偶尔只有几条小渔船经过，很适合寻找浪漫的情侣。
苏梅岛上的食品物美价廉，除了新鲜美味的海产外，各式各样鲜美的热带水果更是天然特产。在岛上逛街十分方便，一条50公里的环岛公路围绕着海岸线，由市中心那东(Nathon)连接各海滩，许多外国游客都喜欢搭乘由小型货运卡车改装而成的德士"松塔欧"(Song Taew)游览各处，既便宜又快速。我们则选择自驾环岛游透透。
倒岛（Koh Tao）：最佳潜水胜地
苏梅岛是一个由80多个热带岛峪组成的群岛，玩过了本岛，附近还有多个小岛可以前往，例如：距离不远的帕南岛（Koh Phangan）或外形像只乌龟的倒岛（Koh Tao），都是寻幽访胜的最佳去处。
倒岛是暹罗湾中最棒的潜水地点。海中丰富的海洋景观、不论是潜水或漂浮在海面上、甚至一早起床到海边丢面包喂鱼都是一种享受。
倒岛远离人群，常常能够享受到数百公尺沙滩只有一人独自拥有的奢侈。这里也是拿潜水执照的地方，拿到padi各级潜水执照的价钱比别处便宜，还包括住宿呢。这里比较有名的潜水地点大概有10个。
要前往倒岛的方法只有搭船，可以从苏梅岛或泰国本土的chumpon搭船去，如果从苏梅岛乘快艇的话，只要1个半小时的时间就能抵达。
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
我想时间也应该1点多了吧？我到泳池里去泡了泡，然后就收拾东西回房等待老公的凯旋归来。梳洗完毕后，感觉肚子有些饿，于是打电话叫了一份炸鸡Room Service。
吃着炸鸡薯条，眼睛轮流看着电视和床边的时钟。哎呀！老公什么时候才回来！
老公走后，我辗转无法再次入眠，于是决定索性起身独自去餐厅吃早餐。一样的菜色，却勾不起像昨天一样的食欲。老公不在身边的感觉很乏味，做什么事都提不起劲。早餐后，我找了一个卧椅，就懒懒地躺在上面阅读。唉！一个人的时候，时间过得特别慢。老公说3点钟会回来。为什么总是不到3点钟？
阅读了一些有关于苏梅岛的资料，希望对明天的自驾旅程有用。
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
苏梅岛是泰国的第三大岛，总面积247平方公里，最窄5公里，最宽处21公里。苏梅岛上的干净、狭长白沙滩，是每个人梦想中的热带岛屿仙境。苏梅岛属于真正的岛屿族群，也是八十多个热带岛屿群中最大的一个，其中只有四个岛屿有人居住。看过李奥那多的《海滩》吗？苏梅的安通国家公园就象电影里头他最后找到的梦幻之岛一样。石灰岩洞穴、珊瑚礁岛林立，到处是色彩艳丽的热带鱼群。那里保留了更多自然淳朴的气息，因为20年前，苏梅岛还基本上是一片与世隔绝的世外桃源，因为开发的历史不长，所以，至今岛上还保存着一份原始风味。
苏梅岛上海滩众多，处处水清沙白，景致迷人。苏梅岛上可以潜水、潜泳、划独木舟、驾帆出海，享受海天一色的美妙景观。在欣赏苏梅岛海滩的美丽之余，还别忘了去探访椰树园、小渔村和美丽的瀑布，或是去骑一骑大象。苏梅岛的周边地区，还可游安通国家海洋公园、帕南岛、乌龟岛（倒岛）和南元岛。
查温海滩(Chaweng)绵延6公里，这个月牙形的海滩环境十分优美，也是岛上酒店和各种娱乐设施最多的地方。海滩沙质细密、海水温暖是这儿得天独厚的优势，海滩边上各式各样的活动十分绵密，水上摩托车、沙滩排球是最常见的。在沙滩上享受泰式按摩，每小时才250泰铢，更让人大呼过瘾。拉迈海滩(Lamai)位于查温的南面，也有不少娱乐设施。位于苏梅岛北边，两旁分别是湄南海滩(Maenam)和大佛海滩(Big Buddha)，长度只有2公里，这一条海岸线只有几间零落的小木屋和两三间中型旅馆，附近没有任何商店餐厅，美丽的椰子树后面是一片稀松的针叶林，宁静是这里最大的特色，偶尔只有几条小渔船经过，很适合寻找浪漫的情侣。
苏梅岛上的食品物美价廉，除了新鲜美味的海产外，各式各样鲜美的热带水果更是天然特产。在岛上逛街十分方便，一条50公里的环岛公路围绕着海岸线，由市中心那东(Nathon)连接各海滩，许多外国游客都喜欢搭乘由小型货运卡车改装而成的德士"松塔欧"(Song Taew)游览各处，既便宜又快速。我们则选择自驾环岛游透透。
倒岛（Koh Tao）：最佳潜水胜地
苏梅岛是一个由80多个热带岛峪组成的群岛，玩过了本岛，附近还有多个小岛可以前往，例如：距离不远的帕南岛（Koh Phangan）或外形像只乌龟的倒岛（Koh Tao），都是寻幽访胜的最佳去处。
倒岛是暹罗湾中最棒的潜水地点。海中丰富的海洋景观、不论是潜水或漂浮在海面上、甚至一早起床到海边丢面包喂鱼都是一种享受。
倒岛远离人群，常常能够享受到数百公尺沙滩只有一人独自拥有的奢侈。这里也是拿潜水执照的地方，拿到padi各级潜水执照的价钱比别处便宜，还包括住宿呢。这里比较有名的潜水地点大概有10个。
要前往倒岛的方法只有搭船，可以从苏梅岛或泰国本土的chumpon搭船去，如果从苏梅岛乘快艇的话，只要1个半小时的时间就能抵达。
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
我想时间也应该1点多了吧？我到泳池里去泡了泡，然后就收拾东西回房等待老公的凯旋归来。梳洗完毕后，感觉肚子有些饿，于是打电话叫了一份炸鸡Room Service。
吃着炸鸡薯条，眼睛轮流看着电视和床边的时钟。哎呀！老公什么时候才回来！
苏梅岛第二天
一早起来第一件事就是翻开阳台的窗帘察看外面的天气。阳光明媚，太棒了！赶快叫醒老公！
梳洗完毕之后，我们就到餐厅去享用丰富的早餐。早餐的种类还很丰富，有西式的、中式的、泰式的还有日式的食物供君选择。顿时我的胃口大开，饱尝了一顿丰富的杂式早餐。=D
早餐后，我们先分别到潜水中心和租车柜台查问了一下。之后，老公建议我们出去走走，目的有三：（1）老公要到处查问潜水价格，（2）我们要去寻找烹饪学校，（3）随便逛逛了解周围环境。于是我们沿着Chaweng的购物街往下走。走了好久好久，走得我又热又累又有点烦躁。我们不知道走了多下里的路，直到我真的走不下去了，我们才程搭德士返回酒店。不过3个目的都达成了，可算是任务圆满成功。一个上午的时间，我们确定了接下来两天的行程。明天（星期六），老公将独自出海去Koh Tao潜水。星期天，我们则将自驾租来的轿车环岛旅游。
既然任务达成，接下来我们就能够自由自在的享受美丽的阳光和海滩了！我们赶紧回房换上了泳装，在接下来的几个小时里尽情的享受泡在海水里舒服徜徉的感觉。今晚，我们将回到吃早餐的餐厅享受酒店免费赠送的浪漫晚餐。哇！度假的感觉真得很好！
梳洗完毕之后，我们就到餐厅去享用丰富的早餐。早餐的种类还很丰富，有西式的、中式的、泰式的还有日式的食物供君选择。顿时我的胃口大开，饱尝了一顿丰富的杂式早餐。=D
早餐后，我们先分别到潜水中心和租车柜台查问了一下。之后，老公建议我们出去走走，目的有三：（1）老公要到处查问潜水价格，（2）我们要去寻找烹饪学校，（3）随便逛逛了解周围环境。于是我们沿着Chaweng的购物街往下走。走了好久好久，走得我又热又累又有点烦躁。我们不知道走了多下里的路，直到我真的走不下去了，我们才程搭德士返回酒店。不过3个目的都达成了，可算是任务圆满成功。一个上午的时间，我们确定了接下来两天的行程。明天（星期六），老公将独自出海去Koh Tao潜水。星期天，我们则将自驾租来的轿车环岛旅游。
既然任务达成，接下来我们就能够自由自在的享受美丽的阳光和海滩了！我们赶紧回房换上了泳装，在接下来的几个小时里尽情的享受泡在海水里舒服徜徉的感觉。今晚，我们将回到吃早餐的餐厅享受酒店免费赠送的浪漫晚餐。哇！度假的感觉真得很好！
2007年圣诞之旅~苏梅岛
2007年12月20日的晚上，在飞机延误了一个多小时之后，我们终于抵达了泰国的苏梅岛。苏梅岛新的机场非常环保，没有冷气设备，具有浓厚的度假村设计风味。（离开的时候才发现，原来整个机场有冷气的地方是厕所，厕所空间宽大而且里头还设有大鱼缸，饲养着许多色彩鲜艳的小鱼类。）
我们在机场的会客处看见了写着老公名字的牌子，不过一会儿，我们就乘坐着酒店专署的小型巴士，踏上前往Amari Palm Reef酒店的路程。不过15分钟的车程，我们就抵达了下榻的酒店，对酒店的第一影响相当不错，服务人员个个亲切友善。老公的要求他们也都一一达成。
我们俩迫不及待打电话点了Room Service，因为肚子真的饿了。10分钟后，热腾腾的三文治和泰式炒果条就送到我们的房间来了！服务效率还真不赖！不知道是不是我们的肚子太饿了，觉得这一餐Room Service特别美味！吃完了宵夜，已经11点多了，我们轮流洗澡后，看了一会儿电视，就去见周公了。
希望明天天气晴朗，因为之前人人都说现在是雨季，而且11月份苏梅岛甚至淹水，导致许多旅客滞留机场。今晚抵达时，路地湿湿的，好像刚下过雨。虽然已经做好了会碰上雨季的最坏打算，但还是不甘心如果不能享受阳光、沙滩和海洋。
我们在机场的会客处看见了写着老公名字的牌子，不过一会儿，我们就乘坐着酒店专署的小型巴士，踏上前往Amari Palm Reef酒店的路程。不过15分钟的车程，我们就抵达了下榻的酒店，对酒店的第一影响相当不错，服务人员个个亲切友善。老公的要求他们也都一一达成。
我们俩迫不及待打电话点了Room Service，因为肚子真的饿了。10分钟后，热腾腾的三文治和泰式炒果条就送到我们的房间来了！服务效率还真不赖！不知道是不是我们的肚子太饿了，觉得这一餐Room Service特别美味！吃完了宵夜，已经11点多了，我们轮流洗澡后，看了一会儿电视，就去见周公了。
希望明天天气晴朗，因为之前人人都说现在是雨季，而且11月份苏梅岛甚至淹水，导致许多旅客滞留机场。今晚抵达时，路地湿湿的，好像刚下过雨。虽然已经做好了会碰上雨季的最坏打算，但还是不甘心如果不能享受阳光、沙滩和海洋。
The perks of being pregnant
I always dread the time when it's end of the day and I've to make my way from Commonwealth back to Sengkang. It involves taking the East-West MRT to Outram, followed by the NEL to Sengkang, then the LRT to Renjong. I never look forward to the one-hour plus journey home.
I used to always take the NEL to HarbourFront so that I can get a seat for the trip back to Sengkang.
But nowadays, I stopped doing that, I'll just board the NEL heading towards Punggol directly at Outram. The reason? Coz almost always, I will get a good samaritan to offer his/her seat to me. hehehe... that's the advantage of carrying a load in front of you.
Of course, I'm taking a risk. There's always a high chance of noone standing up and offering me his/her seat. But that's quite seldom now, since my bulch is one that you cannot ignore and pretend that I'm just being fat.
However, I do notice that more often than not, it's the ladies who stood up to offer the seat to me while the guys pretend to be sleeping or not noticing or reading papers. We are talking about abled, strong, executive-looking type of guys here. Somehow it confirms my long-standing theory that Singaporean men are simply no gentlemen and NOT gracious at all. Many times, guys will only give up their seats if they are alighting at the next stop. And they will hog on to their seats until it's almost time to alight.
As much as I appreciate how gracious Singaporeans can be, I must say that there were many times when I feel ashamed for them.
This morning, I was on the EW line to Commonwealth. One elderly lady boarded the train and was rushing towards an empty seat when an executive-looking man reached the seat earlier and sat down. Obviously knowing that the elderly lady wanted the seat, he didn't even bother to offer it to her. He was oblivious of the fact that he was a tall, strong, steady man versus a weak old lady. He sat down, pulled out his papers and started reading it, like nothing has happened. Bast***!
In another incident, I was also on the EW line when an elderly lady boarded at Tiong Bahru. All seats were taken, and noone bothered to stand up. So I stood up and offered my seat to the old lady. Can you imagine? A pregnant woman offering her seat to an elderly woman when all the other seats were occupied by young executives and many males??!! Ridiculous right? More ridiculous is, a couple of them alighted at the next stop!!!! Then why can't they get their butts off the seats slightly earlier???? What's happening to our people??
Another incident, it was this Indian lady, she places her paper bag on the empty seat next to her and ignores the fact that there were people who could use that seat. The irony is: she's reading the holy bible. Wonder what she has learnt from all those religious readings.
I used to always take the NEL to HarbourFront so that I can get a seat for the trip back to Sengkang.
But nowadays, I stopped doing that, I'll just board the NEL heading towards Punggol directly at Outram. The reason? Coz almost always, I will get a good samaritan to offer his/her seat to me. hehehe... that's the advantage of carrying a load in front of you.
Of course, I'm taking a risk. There's always a high chance of noone standing up and offering me his/her seat. But that's quite seldom now, since my bulch is one that you cannot ignore and pretend that I'm just being fat.
However, I do notice that more often than not, it's the ladies who stood up to offer the seat to me while the guys pretend to be sleeping or not noticing or reading papers. We are talking about abled, strong, executive-looking type of guys here. Somehow it confirms my long-standing theory that Singaporean men are simply no gentlemen and NOT gracious at all. Many times, guys will only give up their seats if they are alighting at the next stop. And they will hog on to their seats until it's almost time to alight.
As much as I appreciate how gracious Singaporeans can be, I must say that there were many times when I feel ashamed for them.
This morning, I was on the EW line to Commonwealth. One elderly lady boarded the train and was rushing towards an empty seat when an executive-looking man reached the seat earlier and sat down. Obviously knowing that the elderly lady wanted the seat, he didn't even bother to offer it to her. He was oblivious of the fact that he was a tall, strong, steady man versus a weak old lady. He sat down, pulled out his papers and started reading it, like nothing has happened. Bast***!
In another incident, I was also on the EW line when an elderly lady boarded at Tiong Bahru. All seats were taken, and noone bothered to stand up. So I stood up and offered my seat to the old lady. Can you imagine? A pregnant woman offering her seat to an elderly woman when all the other seats were occupied by young executives and many males??!! Ridiculous right? More ridiculous is, a couple of them alighted at the next stop!!!! Then why can't they get their butts off the seats slightly earlier???? What's happening to our people??
Another incident, it was this Indian lady, she places her paper bag on the empty seat next to her and ignores the fact that there were people who could use that seat. The irony is: she's reading the holy bible. Wonder what she has learnt from all those religious readings.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Peter Draws for Habitat for Humanity
“Peter Draw is the World’s Happiest Cartoonist” said children who have met personally with Peter. He will be drawing caricatures non-stop for 24 hours to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Singapore to help build homes for needy families.
Peter believes that drawing is more than putting strokes to paper, it can bring hope and happiness to children. He hopes to inspire children to realise their dreams through his caricatures with the theme ‘Because every dream starts from having a simple and decent home’.
Venue: McDonalds, East Coast Park
Date and time : 29 Dec 07 (7pm) to 30 Dec 07 (7pm)
Drop by at McDonald’s and support Peter. Do tell your family and friends about this and have all your faces drawn for a very meaningful cause!
Babymoon in Koh Samui
We just had a relaxed and enjoyable holiday in Koh Samui. The three of us. So laid back and therapeutic that we simply didn't want to come back.
I think little baby girl enjoyed the trip as well. She wasn't kicking as much when we were there, giving mummy her well-deserved rest. I guess she's contented with swimming, eating and basically doing nothing but lazing around with mummy and daddy.
However, once back home, she's back to her karate-kick self again. =)
I'm sure baby will be a travel nut like her parents.
I think little baby girl enjoyed the trip as well. She wasn't kicking as much when we were there, giving mummy her well-deserved rest. I guess she's contented with swimming, eating and basically doing nothing but lazing around with mummy and daddy.
However, once back home, she's back to her karate-kick self again. =)
I'm sure baby will be a travel nut like her parents.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
OK, the little fella who has been making me puke, lose sleep, get fat and grow lazy is a girl!
Went for the scan on Monday, the sonographer said the little one is 80% going to be a girl. Other than that, baby is growing well. That's all that matter, knowing that she is well and healthy.
Her papa said that having the first to be a girl is good coz she'll know how to take care of her siblings in the future. Her great-grandmother said exactly the same thing. Her grandma said girl is good coz can dress her up prettily. Her grandpa was just simply elated on hearing that baby is well and healthy.
For me, this baby, no matter boy or girl, has become an important part of me. My love for her grows deeper by the day. I can't wait for the day when I finally can hold her in my arms. For now I will concentrate on taking care of myself.
Hmm.. anyone wants to contribute some nice female names for my little princess? Maybe I should hold a "Name-My-Princess" Contest. The prize? A kiss from the little princess when she arrives in April!
(ya.. can't see her face..)Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hello Mrs Alligator
I've been feeling like a tad reptilian lately. My skin has been dry and flaky. Ugly. Minus points in the self-esteem section.
I always feel that pregnant women are just plain ugly. They look fat and ugly. They walk uglily. My colleague coined all pregnant women the term "preggasaurus" - big, ugly, fortunately adorable.
WTE's Smart Strategies to Combat Dry Skin
What it is: The dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy membrane that now covers your body — especially your face (did somebody say leather?) — has taken over where your skin used to be.
What causes it: For some women, hormonal changes rob skin of oil and elasticity, which leads to that dreaded dryness.
What you can do: It may sound obvious, but too much washing with harsh soaps can dry out your skin. Switch to a nonsoap cleanser such as Cetaphil and use it no more than once a day (at night if you’re taking off makeup). Take care to keep your body well moisturized (especially in cold or windy weather) by slathering on moisturizer early and often throughout the day and before turning in at night. (How about a bedtime moisture massage from your man?)
Dry skin can also lead to stretch marks (sorry!) — you can't prevent them, but you can help minimize their appearance by moisturizing your belly (and your hips, thighs, and butt) as it expands. Lots of women swear by arnica oil, which you can get in any health food store.
What solutions are off-limits: Stay away from chemical-based treatments (e.g. peels), which can potentially be absorbed through the skin. If you’re not sure if a treatment is safe, ask your practitioner first.
What preventive steps you can take: When it comes to skin, you definitely are what you eat — and drink. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (soda and coffee don’t count) throughout the day. Also, be sure to include good fats in your diet (mono and polyunsaturated), which are found in foods such as olive and canola oils, nuts, and avocados. And although it may seem to make sense, don’t steam your skin — that can make it look and feel dehydrated. No rubbing, either; lightly pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer right away to seal in the water before it has a chance to escape. (Unscented products are best, since most dry skin is also sensitive skin, especially when it’s expectant.)
More smart strategies:
- Use a humidifier at night to boost the moisture content in your bedroom. (Hidden bonus: The white noise might help you sleep if you’ve been tossing and turning.)
- Don’t sizzle yourself! Bathe or shower in lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water removes natural oil from the skin, making it dry and itchy.
- Limit showers to ten to 15 minutes. (Some water is good; too much is not.) Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp, to trap that moisture in.
- Add bath oils to your tub, but be careful with the slippery surface you’ve created. (Remember, you’re a klutz with a giant belly right now.)
- Avoid deodorant soaps, which contain ingredients that soak up moisture.
- Dab petroleum jelly or A&D ointment on problem areas (elbows, knees, heels) to seal in moisture and heal very dry skin.
- After washing your hands, immediately put on hand cream to seal in moisture.
- Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day.
- Treat skin to a hydrating facial mask once a week.
I always feel that pregnant women are just plain ugly. They look fat and ugly. They walk uglily. My colleague coined all pregnant women the term "preggasaurus" - big, ugly, fortunately adorable.
WTE's Smart Strategies to Combat Dry Skin
What it is: The dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy membrane that now covers your body — especially your face (did somebody say leather?) — has taken over where your skin used to be.
What causes it: For some women, hormonal changes rob skin of oil and elasticity, which leads to that dreaded dryness.
What you can do: It may sound obvious, but too much washing with harsh soaps can dry out your skin. Switch to a nonsoap cleanser such as Cetaphil and use it no more than once a day (at night if you’re taking off makeup). Take care to keep your body well moisturized (especially in cold or windy weather) by slathering on moisturizer early and often throughout the day and before turning in at night. (How about a bedtime moisture massage from your man?)
Dry skin can also lead to stretch marks (sorry!) — you can't prevent them, but you can help minimize their appearance by moisturizing your belly (and your hips, thighs, and butt) as it expands. Lots of women swear by arnica oil, which you can get in any health food store.
What solutions are off-limits: Stay away from chemical-based treatments (e.g. peels), which can potentially be absorbed through the skin. If you’re not sure if a treatment is safe, ask your practitioner first.
What preventive steps you can take: When it comes to skin, you definitely are what you eat — and drink. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (soda and coffee don’t count) throughout the day. Also, be sure to include good fats in your diet (mono and polyunsaturated), which are found in foods such as olive and canola oils, nuts, and avocados. And although it may seem to make sense, don’t steam your skin — that can make it look and feel dehydrated. No rubbing, either; lightly pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer right away to seal in the water before it has a chance to escape. (Unscented products are best, since most dry skin is also sensitive skin, especially when it’s expectant.)
More smart strategies:
- Use a humidifier at night to boost the moisture content in your bedroom. (Hidden bonus: The white noise might help you sleep if you’ve been tossing and turning.)
- Don’t sizzle yourself! Bathe or shower in lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water removes natural oil from the skin, making it dry and itchy.
- Limit showers to ten to 15 minutes. (Some water is good; too much is not.) Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp, to trap that moisture in.
- Add bath oils to your tub, but be careful with the slippery surface you’ve created. (Remember, you’re a klutz with a giant belly right now.)
- Avoid deodorant soaps, which contain ingredients that soak up moisture.
- Dab petroleum jelly or A&D ointment on problem areas (elbows, knees, heels) to seal in moisture and heal very dry skin.
- After washing your hands, immediately put on hand cream to seal in moisture.
- Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day.
- Treat skin to a hydrating facial mask once a week.
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