The waiting game

I am still playing the waiting game - boy, it's nerve-wrekking! When I first felt the Braxton-Hicks contractions (false alarm) which was quite painful, I thought labor day is near. That contractions-scare sent me on a cleaning and organizing frenzy at 37-week of pregnancy. The following week (38 weeks), I didn't feel any painful Braxton-Hicks contractions. 

When I went for checkup last week Friday (week 38 of pregnancy), the doctor ordered that I go for the CTG (cardiotocographics) test to monitor the baby's heartbeat and to record any contractions. From the CTG report, I was having mild contractions 10 minutes apart. From the ultrasound test, the doctor mentioned that there's still long time for labor to start since my cervix has yet to ripen or efface. The baby's position is still not engaged. Now I am 39 weeks into pregnancy and my cervix is still not showing any signs of thinning. I felt disappointed. 

I am feeling very exited to meet my little one but looks like there'll be no sign of labor anytime soon. My due date is given on 18th October, which is next Monday. By the way things are looking right now, I might have to go through induced labor. Crossing my fingers and pleading the cooperation from my body so that labor will come naturally before next Wednesday.

Celebrating the simple things in life

This year for my birthday, I wanted to do something different. I told my husband that I didn't want to cut a cake. I just wanted to sit down and count my blessings. This year, my best birthday present is the baby I am carrying in my womb; I am eagerly anticipating for the arrival of my little angel - to make his/her special appearance into this world. 

I am thankful for the gift of life and for having all the wonderful people in my life. I am thankful for both my parents who gave me good health and sowed the seeds of good values within me; and to all my friends who have enriched my life. I am thankful for all the simple things in life. I am grateful to breathe in fresh air, to walk on this green earth, to admire the beauty of all God's creations, to be able to utter kind and loving words to everyone, to feel the warm embrace of my husband, to be tickled by my dogs' antics, to feel another life growing within me, to smell the roses and to be alive. Reflecting on these blessings in my life brings joy to me on my birthday - I feel contented. That's all I need to be happy today.

My 31st Pre-Birthday Celebration

Since Alfred had to go back to KL on Monday for work (I told him to save his annual leaves when the baby arrives), we celebrated my 31st birthday one day prior to my actual birthday. We decided to go  for the Malacca River Cruise - it's so cool to be a tourist in my own hometown. It was an awesome 45-minute boat ride along the historical Malacca river - felt like traveling back to the 15th century - the era where the Malacca river was an important conduit for trade. With the some old Malay songs playing in the background, the river cruise exuded a nostalgic and romantic feel to it.

 Inside the boat

Along the river bank, we passed by Kampung Morten Malay Village which houses some unique and traditional Malay wooden houses (rumah kampong) - which was preserved as a historical site. We were captivated by some of the murals on the buildings located along the river bank. The Malacca state government has done an excellent job in cleaning up and beautifying the river banks and the surrounding buildings and houses along the river bank. A few years back, I remembered the river being filthy and murky - a former colleague of mine from India even remarked that he thought it was a drain and not a river - how insulting it is to the river which was once the main artery of trade bustling with traders from all around the world. 

Costing only RM10 for adult and RM5 for children, this is a unique and nostalgic tour which visitors must not miss when you are in Malacca and of course Malaccans should list it in the list-of-places-to-see. The best time to go is at night when the lights are switched on to illuminate both sides of the river bank - simply beautiful!

 Ferris wheel

 Us after a nostalgic cruise along the historical river

 The boat

After the cruise, we dined at the Harpers Cafe. Situated by the side of the riverbank, it certainly promises a romantic dining experience. We just sat there enjoying the night view of the river while enjoying our dinner. I truly enjoyed the whole experience and am looking forward to going for the nostalgic ride again along the Malacca river. Sometimes, the best things are found just at our backyard :)

 A beautiful view while dining at the Harpers Cafe 

Roses and Lilies

Thanks, dear hubby for this gorgeous bouquet of fresh roses and lilies - it certainly brightened up my day! I couldn't stop admiring the beauty of these flowers arranged meticulously into a beautiful bouquet; and the floral scent is so uplifting to the soul.

My Prince

My darling prince - never failed to put a smile on my face. Love you to bits!

Eat Pray Love

I am taking all the opportunity I have to watch as many movies in the theater as I can before I deliver. I am a diligent movie-goer but if you ask me to catch movies on the DVD, I'd most likely never end up watching it. I love going to the cinemas and watching movies with a group of people - it just makes the experience special. 

With 3 more weeks before my due date, Eat Pray Love is at the top of my must-watch movies. Alfred and I enjoyed the movie. It's full of meaning and forced us to reflect on our own journey in life. The message from the movie reminded us of some of the spiritual lessons learned over the past few months. - the liberating power of forgiveness, letting go and surrendering yourself. I love Ketut's (one of the characters in the movie) easy-going nature and his advice on meditation - 'meditate with a smile on your face and imagine your heart is smiling too'.

Being a typical book hoarder, I have yet to read the Eat Pray Love book that has been sitting on my bookshelf for almost a year now. I am definitely looking forward to reading the book after watching this movie. A beautiful movie with a beautiful message, I would give a rating of 5/5.