Alfred Leong

Happy 3rd Birthday Alfred

2010-10-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Alfred,

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Alfred,
Happy Birthday to you...

Mommy & Daddy wish you Happy 3rd Birthday!! Wow, you are 3 year old now and you're already mommy & daddy big boy. You always hold a very important place in our heart and it will last forever. We're so sad and we're sorry that we not able to celebrate your birthday with you this year but we promise we'll celebrate a little bit later when daddy come back from China end of this month. I'll bet grandma should have bought you a cake and I hope you'll like it. Mommy and daddy love you & miss you so much.

Lotsa love from,
Daddy & Mommy

Before and After

2010-03-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Alfred had his tongue tie operation done last week. Well, so far we didn’t see any improvement on Alfred speech or vocal. Doc said his vocal sound had been fixed since he is few months old when he is learning to interact with the first sound. We know it hard to change his pronunciation of word and it need some time or maybe a speech therapy might be needed later. Here, I posted a few photo of him before and after the operation.

Alfred showing his tongue. His tongue couldn't reach out of his lip

Being examing by nurse

Any fever before operation?

After changed to his operation suit

On the run..

A photo with mommy

Doc checked on Alfred

After operation, Alfred complaint, Mommy, my hand hurts!!

Still able to pose for mommy in sad face

2 hours after operation, he look happier

Showing mommy pancake and love..

Guess who is lining up the chair?

Finally, his tongue is over the lips

I posted this on facebook but I would like to also elaborate here about what had happen to Alfred’s operation bills. The day when I was discharge from the hospital, I was shocked to see the total bill amount RM4000. On last Saturday, Alfred follow up session with the surgeon, I highlighted Alfred medical bill are highly charged coz as doc mentioned earlier, the operation only needed about RM 2000. I wonder what the surgery supplies charges that cost me over RM2000 for a 10 minutes surgery. I confronted doc and to his surprised, he immediately confirm that there is something wrong with the bill. Doc wanted me to put up a complaint letter on this matter so that he could follow up this case for me. And I did. On Tuesday, upon submitting the complaint letter, doc personally brings me to Operation & Management Manager. I was promise to be given answer on the same day. After investigation done, it is proven that the admission clerk had done an error on keying in the wrong charge code which makes the surgical supplies come up to RM2000. The actual surgical supplies charges are only RM1.92 and another RM90 is added to the medical supplies charges. Overall, the bill reduces from RM4000 to RM2000. The next day, the account manager and OM assistant manager came to my office with a bouquet of flower and fruit for an apology and sending me the new bill. So, never hesitated to ask about your medical bill when you find a nuisance charges is made to the bill.

Not a single tear

2010-03-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

I feel that Alfred had grown up so much after he becomes a big bro. He was a champ last Saturday when he had his check up with the paediatric doc because he didn’t even shed a single tears when the doc was about to check him up. Overall, he is good except for his flu due to the enlarge adenoid. He was suggested to have his adenoid removed by our ENT doc after an x-ray was done but was not recommended by our peadiatric doc. Pead doc said the surgery is needed if only Alfred frequently having fever and heavy disruption in sleeping like stop breathing or sleep apnea. He commented that Alfred is still too young for adenoid surgery. Maybe when he reach approximately 4 to 5 year old, when the adenoid enlarging is still occur, then surgery might be needed. He recommended that Alfred flu can be control with medicine and nasal spray. We try out the nasal spray and we see improvement in him. He got less flu and had a better sleep if he had his nasal spray before he sleep or when he had a nose block. If the surgery could be avoided, it would be better.

Picture taken 2 weeks ago. YUCK!! A big balloon from his nose

However, Alfred couldn’t escape from surgery either. Alfred will have ankyloglossia operation tomorrow. Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue tie. It is affecting his speech which we discover lately when he is learning to speak. The surgeons, Dr Lee doesn’t guarantee it would change his vocal after the surgery because the operation should be done from birth till 6 months. We didn’t know that his heart-shaped tongue is one of the obvious symptoms. Anyway, we hope it would help to improve his articulation and speech after the surgery. The healing may take approximately few days after the surgery is done. It will involve half a day stay at hospital. Please pray for Alfred for fast recovery.

3 weeks..

2010-01-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have no time for my own, no time for surfing, no time for blogging and I look terrible. All the time I had is just entertaining Alfred and Chloe. Chinese New Year is just around the corner and I will be busier soon. I manage to done some shopping for my family clothing for CNY earlier and I need more shopping later for the house. I just realize being a fulltime mom is really challenging. I really have to learn to manage my time and learn lots of parenting skills. Managing Alfred is no kidding. I can see all type character and cranky attitude he is showing up. Sometime those smirking face really annoy me but sometime those faces is too funny making hard to angry at him. I’m glad to be home and watch Alfred and Chloe growing up. Today, I manage to come up with 3 posts.

Destini, finally I have time to put up Chloe post about her sleeping style.

A Stretchable Body???

2010-01-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

You could see how stretchable Alfred body can be when he is getting down from the chair. Climbing up and down is the most favorite activity for Alfred now. This video is his 2nd attempt on climbing the chair. I asked him to show me for the 2nd time. Alfred showed me this...

ENT Checkup

2010-01-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

Alfred had his ENT checkup last week. Well, the result was not that good. Doc said his adenoid size is rather big. Alfred needs to be monitor for another 10 days. He was given flu medicine, Adezio and Oxy-nase, paediatric nasal spray to control his flu. Doc recommended that an operation might be needed when he reach 3 years old to remove his adenoids if his condition does not better. I’m afraid Alfred has speaking problem coz he can’t pronounce words properly. Doc said his tongue is short. He will need a small operation later and can be done together with the adenoids surgery. We will get back to ENT next week. Chloe had her checkup on the same day too. She is now weight 4.4kg and length 54cm. Her growing is up to par to the baby chart.

The way she sleeps...

2010-01-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

I just love it. Her sleeping style looks exactly like Alfred. She cross her leg at only 2 weeks old, Alfred too likes to cross his legs when he sleeps. She doesn’t like to be wrapped up like a cocoon, she likes to get her hand free and move whenever she like. When I put her on a pillow, within a few minutes, her head will slide down getting off the pillow, just like Alfred. When she feels cool, she knows to cover her face with her hands. When Alfred was a baby, he is easier to take care but with Chloe, she’s a little bit cranky. I have problem with her sleeping pattern. Chloe treat her day like night and night like day. She slept quietly during day but at night, she awake almost the whole night. For the past first 2 weeks, I have been lack of sleep and tired. It’s had been better lately. I manage changed her sleeping time back to normal. What I did was just close all the light in the room and leave on a very dim light at night. Now, I could have more rest time during night. Hope this will last longer.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Few days before I deliver, we went to Kuala Lumpur to celebrate early Christmas. We walk around Pavilion Shopping Complex with many beautiful Christmas tree before we proceed to our early Christmas dinner at Shogun Japanese Restaurant. I’ve captured many of Alfred photo and I think this is the best of all. I just realize that my boy had grown up so much.

Looking at the big Christmas trees

The only photo that sit still

A big lollypop for me, mommy?

Afraid of Santa Claus.. crying terribly

With grandma, uncle Foon, aunty Mei Wei & aunty Kar Wei

A big Christmas Tree at the Pavillion Entrance

Baby Chloe Arrival

2009-12-26T05:15:00.001-08:00

Let get started with my last prenatal visit. Doc detected baby weight reach 3.2kg and advice me to get induce for early deliver to avoid baby getting too big for delivery later. Well, I called up hubby. We decided to follow doctor advice. Hubby flight back to Malaysia is on 15 Dec.

16 December 2009, we reached the hospital at 830am. By 9am, I’m already in the labour room waiting for doc to come. Due to emergency operation, doc arrived at 10am and burst my water bag and the contraction began. Due to the first pregnancy is by caesarean, my delivery contraction will be longer. After long hour of waiting in pain, the contraction becomes closer at 6pm. By 8pm, I know it’s time. Definitely, it is. Doc reach at 805pm and Chloe is successfully born at 817pm, 3.07kg. Her full name is Chloe Leong Qian Wen. Daddy chooses this name for her. I can now feel the different of both deliveries. I guess in future, I will opt for normal delivery. I’m now in good condition and recovery is definitely faster than caesarean.

An hour after delivery

Chloe getting ready to go home...

Daddy took a family picture, co-incidentally, the room is pink, I wear pink, Chloe wear pink and daddy too

We arrived home on 17 Dec. Alfred was a little afraid when he saw his little sister. He hides behind the cot. Slowly, he reached out his hand to touch his sister hair. After that moment, he comes to me, saying Baby. I said, she is Chloe, Alfred’s sister. She came out from mommy tummy. You remember? I could see the love Alfred show to her. He reaches out his hand touching her tinny face and smile back at me. Later, we allowed him to hugs Chloe and gave her a kiss. I love that moment. I’m now blessed with 2 wonderful kids.

My two wonderful kids

23 December, a week after Chloe was born, she had her follow up checkup as well as me. I pass the checkup but not for Chloe. Chloe had jaundice. Her jaundice level shot up to 255 which is consider high. She had to be admitted to the hospital that day. I’m so sad leaving her behind. She is only 7 days old. When I reach home, Alfred come to me and ask me, where is sister? I told him Chloe admitted to hospital. This little boy not satisfied with the answer, the question about Chloe continues till night time. The next morning, I went to the hospital. I’m glad that the jaundice level come down to 200. Chloe is discharge from the hospital. I hope the sun will shine everyday so that Chloe can have her sunbathing early in the morning. Sadly, today is rainy day.

Under the UV light.. poor Chloe

Confinement is will be a month. Which mean, I can only leave the house on 15 January 2010. Yes, I’m counting the day. On 14 February 2010 is Chinese New Year. I will have a month for shopping spree for Chinese New Year. I wonder how slim I could go.

I'm admitted to hospital..

2009-11-19T00:52:00.000-08:00

Things have not been better since KS leaving to China. Last week was Alfred not is so good condition. When he is okay, this week is mine and daddy turn.

Tuesday, after my breakfast, I feel uneasy. I thought maybe I been doing a lot of housework on the weekend make me feel a little bit tired. After lunch, I went to the bank and walked back. I thought it near but it wasn’t. It’s took me 20 minutes per walk. The pain from my abdomen is more frequent after I came back from the bank. It tinge with pain every 10 minutes. Immediately, I drove myself to hospital without thinking twice. Doctor came to my aid at the emergency. Scan my abdomen where I complaint about the pain, but nothing found. Initially, doctor suspected something to do with my pancreas or abdomen areas with stone or blood blockage. I was told to take a blood test and admitted. I’m given painkiller too but I think the painkiller doesn’t make any different as the pain isn’t going away. By the way, I feel better after an hour admitted and doctor came with the blood test. Blood test result is good and seem like I don’t have any problem. Doc can’t even describe why I had the pain. I was told to rest. My blood pressure, pulse and heart beat was taken every 4 hours. I have slightly fever during the night. Until the next morning, doctor came and my blood being taken again for a test and an ultrasound on my abdomen areas done. I feel less pain on the afternoon. Doctor came back in the evening with the ultrasound report and blood test, yet nothing was found. Doctor even checked baby condition and water fluid in my stomach is good. Everything is in order. At last, he prescribed that I might have muscle stiffness around my abdomen area or the baby kicking too hard till it I had the pains. Doctor also advice me to take extra care as I might be having early delivery. I was discharge yesterday evening. I went home and have a good sleep coz I didn’t sleep well during my stay at hospital. The best place is nothing like home. I’m feeling better today although I still feel pain on my stomach. I can’t walk much. I feel no pain when sit and sleep. I got MC for 2 more days.

On the other hand, I called up KS and told him I’m admitted. He told me he’s also running into fever and resting at home. What a coincident!! 2 of us fall sick at the same time. Worst when he called me again later in the evening, he is actually having chicken pox, also known as varicella. At the same time, he so concerned about me. He feels so bad he couldn’t help and care for me during the time I needed him. I feel bad too as well coz I can’t care for him either. Our family isn’t doing well lately. First, it strikes Alfred. Now, it is me and hubby. Today, he told me he cooked for himself for the very first time. He never cooked coz he never departs from his family. He feel proud and me too coz at least my hubby can cook. Let hope for a good things to come after this.

First week at home town..

2009-11-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

It is not a good beginning since I was transfer back to my hometown. First, I have to deal with Alfred on and off fever. He started fever on Friday night. We went to child specialist on Saturday morning. He is better till Sunday. On Monday, his fever came back again. He is ok during the day but when the night fall, his fever reaches 39.1 Celsius. On Tuesday, we went to the child specialist again. I’m so afraid of dengue. I get my mother in law to have his urine taken at the morning so that we can bring to the doctor for analysis. I was shocked when the doctor told me that urine tested positive of diabetes. I’m almost fainted. Immediately, I took Alfred to the hospital for a blood test to confirm the doctor finding. Waited after ½ hour for the blood test, sugar level of Alfred is normal and the blood test was good. No signs of dengue and so called diabetes. I’m so relief. Doctor, you can’t trust them 100%. It just likes my Alfred pregnancy experience. Every time we asked the gynecologist about Alfred condition, he told us that our baby is normal. He didn’t even say anything about Alfred condition even after he was born. We discovered Alfred condition only when Alfred reached 4 months old, when he growing is not according to normal baby by the hospital.

My mother in law said I shouldn’t bring Alfred going home with me after I finished off work for a few days. She will look after Alfred during night time. So, for the past few day, Alfred is staying with his grandma and me too staying over at my in law house. Luckily, he fever is now gone. Otherwise, I will bring him for another blood test for dengue. That’s was my first week at hometown.

About my work, I was placed at the customer service department on front desk. The consequences are that you will get nasty scold from customer every day. I was given training only on the first day, the day after; I was left alone handling customer inquiries which I’m not yet familiar with. My new colleague, who suppose to train me wanted to hand over the job to me ASAP so that she could move on to the counter which lesser work. Well, of course I’m totally not happy about this. So, when those hard core customer came for inquires and I couldn’t answer them, well, you should able to imagine what happen next although you told them, I’m new, Sir. Kindly please proceed to the counter. Wow, you get those nasty scream after you say so. I’ve spoken to my executive that if possible, I wanted to be placed to other units but sadly, it was all taken up according to her. Seem likes there is nothing else I can do. I’m counting down my day. I don’t want to pressure myself as my baby is coming very soon. I don’t want to have a stress baby so I have to get cool in things that I do. I used to look forward to my working day, but I’m feeling reluctant to go to work nowadays.

Pregnancy updates

Baby is growing normally. According to the scanning, baby measurement is up to par with my pregnancy. Baby is now 35 weeks. I have another 4 more weeks to go. Daddy planned to come back after I deliver but it just a planning. It has to depend on his job on hand. If not, baby will have to wait until next year Chinese New Year, falls on 14 February to meet daddy. I’m so looking forward for baby arrival. Baby is very active because baby likes to kick me every second. I’m still able to cope up with the back and leg pains.

Recent Updates....

2009-11-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

Finally, I have time for blogging. For the past few weeks, it has been a hectic weeks. There is also a major change in our life. First of all, hubby got an offer to work in Su Zhou, China end of September for two years contract and he had to report to the new company this month, that is where he is now located. Earlier, he was still thinking 50/50 on accepting the offer because my EDD is so near and my transfer was yet to approve. After consideration, I get him to accept the offer. I know it will be tough for me handling the house alone with my two children later. I gave hubby my commitment and confidence that I can handle it alone. We had never departed since we know each other. My hearts feel so hard, so heavy when I see him leaving at the airport. I’ve been crying a lot for the last few days and I’m getting myself back today. On Monday, good news from HR approving my transfer overwhelming me although the condition of transfer is to downgrade 2 levels down from my current grade with no increment for the next grade upgrade. It a tough decision but I’m signing off the offer without thinking twice because nothing is more important than being with my little Alfred. I’ll be having a new lifestyle, no more honeymoon day for me. Previously, taking care Alfred is like part time job as I’m only a weekend mother. The responsibility is now different as I will have more time with Alfred after working hours which mean partially full time job. Haha!!

By the way, we does lot of activities for the past few weeks. Daddy spends a lot of time with Alfred. He told me sadly, he will miss his growing up for two years. Let see stuff we had done for the past weekends.

First outing at the park

We visited the park on a weekend for the very first time since Alfred started walking. We had never been to the park since Alfred is born. We bring along his walker so that he can walk faster and steadier. Oh my, I can’t imagine how he loves the park. He explores everything himself. We let him go where he likes to go and we spent almost 2 hours at the park just walking around. He wave bye to the strangers that pass by and those people didn’t even know us. We just figure out how friendly our son is. Ha! When he heard the birds sing, he shouted, “birds”. There’s a lake next to the park and when he saw the fish, then he shouted, “Fish”. He learns to talk a lot nowadays. I had captured a couple of pictures of him to share with everyone.

On the ground for the first time at the park

Happily walking next with daddy

Showing daddy the fishes in the pond
Sliding my way down!! Swinging..swing, swing, swing
Daddy and me

Reynard joining me!! He look happier than me

Smile!!

Having our snacks!!
Sliding again!!
I can climb up myself daddy!!
Watching over the pond
The look of ...It's about time to go home
Mommy promise to bring him here to the park again!!
Climbing up the staircase...
Going home... A kiss for daddy....

POOL

2009-11-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

When dealing with sport, the safest sport for Alfred is swimming. So, before we decided to proceed to the swimming pool, we had bought Alfred a small tiny pool for him to learn before adapting to a real pool later. Grrrrr... Guess what we find out!! My little Alfred is fear with large pile of water. Yes, my Alfred is afraid of pool. I thought he should be having fun or thrilled when he sees the splash of pool but it turns out the opposite way. He scared when we put him inside the pool. He cried and wanted me to get him out from the pool. Even with the ring pool and daddy squeezes himself inside the small tiny pool, yet he doesn’t want to stay inside. Well, we have to try out again next time!!

Hhmm.. Why am I dress this way!!

It's look so scary!!

Daddy, I want to go out!! ... "crying"...

8 October 2009

2009-11-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

Daddy and I both take a day off from work on Alfred birthday. We came back to our hometown, Seremban on Wednesday night and brought him home. He is dressed up with his new pajamas’ and that fit just his size.

Digging mommy drawer

See mommy, I found tissue!!

Alright, I pushing the chair away!!

Daddy asked him to put back those tissue he taken out!!

A pose for mommy!!

8 October 2009, Thursday, it’s Alfred Birthday. It’s a simple and relaxing day. He doesn’t know the meaning of birthday and look confused when we wish him Happy Birthday when he waked up in the morning. I had my baby checkup done on Alfred Birthday. Baby is in good health and growing normally. After the checkup, we went to the bank and opened an account for Alfred for his future use. After the banking stuff, we proceed to McDonald’s at Jusco Shopping Complex for lunch. Alfred had an ice cream and fries by his own. He loves these two snacks. We went home after the lunch and called it a day.

Alfred's Birthday Dinner

2009-10-06T22:51:00.001-07:00

Whee!! We had a blast last weekend. We had an early birthday celebration dinner for Alfred as his birthday falls on weekday which is this Thursday, 8 October. We invited only family member and few of our close friends.

On Saturday, we start out our day having breakfast at my mom stall. Later, we move to KS mom house in order for daddy to clean up his aquarium at his old home. While daddy is busy with his pets, I decided to give Alfred a haircut as he is too afraid to get the haircut from hairdresser. Well, the results turn out to be extremely poor and here is the haircut before and after from a mother that spoiled her son good looking hair. At last, I have to get him to the hairdresser so that he could be looking a little bit better tonight and I hate that coz I can predict what’s going to happen next. Guess what; the whole session of the haircut, he cried so poorly. Meanwhile, daddy gets his haircut too.

His original hair before I get it trimmed..

After I trimmed his hair, it's look awful

This is the look after the haircut from salon.. mm..much better I guess..

Daddy and Alfred had their haircut done together

Later, when the night arrived, I bath up Alfred and put him on his birthday wear which I bought nearly 2 months ago. So, I just love red. He looks good in red colours. We arrived just in time at the restaurant and in a minute, all family member and friends arrived. We had our dinner by 8pm and later after we finished, we were going back home for cake cutting and opening presents time. Alfred got “ang pow”, which mean red envelope that are considered extremely auspicious to receive as a gift and they contain money. They are commonly used for Chinese New Year, weddings, birthdays or any other important event. Alfred got ang pow from all of our family member and friends but mommy bought Alfred two birthday present. Daddy said I spoiled Alfred too much!!

I bought him a BARNEY and a 2 in one walker where he can ride and walk with it. Since my boy loves Barney so much, he totally ignores the rest of the present. Although Alfred had only two gift.

After all the cutting cake and opening present, it is time to celebrate Mooncake and Lantern Festival. We went out to our car porch and light up the porch with entire candle. Alfred got 2 electronic lanterns. He will get a traditional lantern when he grow older because it have to be light with up with candle.

Whee!! Waiting for everyone ..

Ang Pow from Grandma and Auntie Ellicia

My Birthday Cake from Daddy

Alfred's Family Photo

Mommy Best Friends, Qlly and Families

Daddy and Mommy Best Friends, Auntie Winnie, missing Uncle Ben coz he had to work

My Family's

Cutting my birthday cake and grandpa help on!!

I love the cake that Daddy bought..yummy!! Finger lickin good!! Hehe..

Little helper opening Alfred present..

Mommy helping me opened my present..

BARNEY.. I love You, You love Me..

Sharing my birthday present...

My new bike @ walker

I can't let go my barney & he is going to stay with me all the time..

Brotherhood pictures??!! Mommy, it's not going to work..

It's too heavy for me to hold..

Candle.. whhooohhh!!

mmm..which one? smaller one better, just like me..

Alfred with his MoonCake requesting mommy to OPEN

Mommy gave me a plastic knife instead to cut the mooncake..

He is turning two tomorrow. How times has flies. 2 months ago, he’s still struggle to walk and now he can’t stop walking around. I just love with the way he walks with his own personality. Well, I couldn’t ask for more, I just hope that he stays healthy as he grows.

Our Penang Mini Vacation

2009-09-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Penang Trip Day 1, 21st September 2009

We had a mini vacation last weekend during the short Hari Raya celebration. We visited Penang state at the north part of Malaysia. We start our journey at 11am and the journey took us almost 8 1/2 hours drive to reach Penang which usually only took 6 hours the most for a non stop drive. On the way, we do stop at a 2 rest areas for stretching up. The highway road is quite jammed due to holiday season. We reach Ipoh town, Perak at around 4pm and took our so called “lunch” at the famous Ipoh Taugeh Chicken Lou Wong shop. The shop was overloaded with people and we waited for 15 minutes for a seat. We had a lunch very quickly because people are standing next to our table waiting. We continue our journey and finally reach Penang at 730pm. We meet up with Patrick and family, my husband friend in Penang. We took our dinner at Bukit Tambun, the seafood village. We stayed overnight at Patrick house located nearby the restaurant in Bukit Tambun, Penang Mainland. Alfred has been very good on our first trip that requires a long stretch journey. He slept most of the time and sing Barney song with his daddy walkman hand phone when he’s bored. Here are some photos to be shared.

Alfred hiding behind the phone laughing

Finally reach Penang

All by my own
Grandma, I want to eat myself.. arggh!!
Patrick & Quan

Ivy & Quan

Penang Day 2, 22nd September 2009

We waked up early at 9am and had our breakfast at a Dim Sum restaurant nearby Sungai Dua. Patrick recommended the place for us. The dim sums are tremendous cheap cause it was sold at RM 1 per dish, any dish. Usually dim sum priced around RM2 to RM 6 per dish. The foods is at fine quality although it cheap. That the cheapest dim sum I ever had. Sadly, no photo taken due to the restaurant is too crowded and I have to look after Alfred. We always stuck with crowded people areas, we had no choice, holiday season is time people had their break.

After the breakfast, we were on our own as Patrick had to leave us to work. We drive crossing Penang Bridge to reach the island. Our first stop is at Dharmikarama Burmese Temple. Opposite the temple is the Reclining Buddha called Wat Chaiyamangalaram, a Thai Buddhist Temple. The temple was built in 1845 and 33 meter gold plated reclining Buddha. Alfred does a lot of walking and running around at these two temples. Each temple had a lot of Buddha statue and they are really big statue and tremendously Alfred is not scared at all. I teach him to pray at Buddha and he did pray to each Buddha he see. He said his prayer loudly and attracted the people in the temple. Everyone look at him and asked me his ages. When I said nearly two, they stop asking and show me a frown face. Well, I didn’t continue to elaborate that Alfred is actually an achon because they stop asking. I feel that I do no need to explain unless they asked me why or how come and so on. My little boy had so much fun at the temple and falls asleep soon as he was being seated on his car seat. He is really tired.

On the way to Penang Island

Penang Bridge

We reach the entrance to Dharmikarama Burmese Temple

Praying to buddha that Alfred stay healthy

Lighting a candle for Buddha

A burmese monk gave a holy thread to Alfred

My favorite photoBig Standing buddha with Grandma and KS sister

The reclining buddha

When Alfred was asked to pose, this is what we get!!

Yeah!!

Walk with determination

Daddy follow from behind

We get to our next destination, Kek Lok Si Temple, another place of attraction in Penang Island. We take turn to walk around the temple as Alfred is still sleeping inside the car. When we reach on the top of the Kek Lok Si temple, Alfred waked up. He doesn’t want to seat on his stroller anymore. He doesn’t even want us to carry him. He loves to walk and pointing here and there. We choose to sit next to a pond which full of koi fish and fed the fish as Alfred just woke up and still not gaining his energy yet. After a few minutes of resting, he’s up again running around. When we were ready to go, I took Alfred to go down the hill by cable car while daddy waited for us at the bottom of the hill with grandma. We had a late lunch at 3pm because our breakfast is rather heavy. We had Penang famous Laksa and cendol for lunch. We also order another type of drink called “Pat Poh Tea” consists of jelly, lychee and tapioca.

Due to we had our lunch late and it still early, we headed to Queen Bay Mall. The mall is huge. We stayed there for 3 hours and I did a little shopping buying a few cloths for Alfred. Our next stop is Gurney Drive at Batu Feringgi for dinner. By the time we reach the famous Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, it nearly 8pm. After the late dinner, we went home. All of us are so tired but it is a good day.

Feeding the fish at Kek Lok Si Temple

Our Late lunch "Penang Laksa"

Desert "Cendol"

"Pak Poh Tea"

After the dinner at Gurney Drive, Batu Feringhi

Penang Day 3, 23rd September 2009

Due to yesterday tiredness, Alfred slept till 11am while me waked up at 930am to pack our stuff before we head home. So, the whole families skip breakfast. Later, we headed to 23 Takehana Japanese Restaurant at Auto City, Juru for lunch.

We had a great lunch and good food at the Japanase Restaurant. Here is a few photo of Alfred at the restaurant.

Alfred also wanted a set of menu, pointing at the menu calling daddy, daddy

That's my chopstick

Father and Son

This is how he used his chopstick

Our delicious lunch

After the lunch, we headed to Sunway Carnival Mall for a walk while daddy has to settle some work at the supplier office. The first stop is the toy department of the mall as I am looking around a present for Alfred’s birthday which falls next month. I ended taking funny pictures of Alfred as he wandering around the toys corner taking every piece of toy he can hold too.

His first stop

Seem like he interested with the toys

Walking away to the next corner

Does the reaction of Alfred and the giraffe look the same?

Our dinner "Wan Tan Mee"

Alfred pointing at the lantern but I'm busying captured the food, he frown his face when he called me again at me

At the shop buying local biscuits for the family

Love this shoot although Alfred did not look at the camera.. grandma wanted to buy the "petai", a type of green bean with a pungent smell which my hubs love so much cooked with belacan. Ugghh!!

The fruits stall at Bidor, Ipoh

I will be posting more photo in Facebook.

A sad day for Daddy

2009-09-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Today, daddy went home after finish his job nearby our hometown. The purpose returning home is to send Alfred favorite Barney FireHouse video because we taken it home during the weekends and daddy failed to return it to grandma. By the way, it is just one of his reasons to go back just to visit Alfred. When daddy reaches home, Alfred was sleeping. After taking his lunch, just before he headed out to the car, Alfred wake up and saw daddy. He looks so happy when he sees his daddy. Daddy usher him back to his nap and again fail to finish off the task as he need to rush back to his company for some undone job. When daddy going off, Alfred cried and yelling for daddy. Daddy peeked from the window and saw him crying. Grandma told Alfred that daddy need to go to work and try to get him back on his nap. Daddy leaves the house sadly. He wishes that he could stay longer but he can’t. My eyes go teary when daddy called me and tell me the whole stories. We never leave Alfred when he is awake. Usually we’ll wait till he falls asleep at night before we goes off. Now I can feel how close the bond between Alfred and KS.

A trip to ER last Saturday

2009-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night, we went to buy our grocery at Giant Hypermarket nearby our house. When we reach the hypermarket, Alfred demanded to walk but we doesn’t allowed him instead we put him in the stroller. When I reach the children corner, the stroller stop there and he demanded daddy that he want to walk while I was looking at some clothing for him. Daddy allowed him out from the stroller as he can’t stop showing off his tantrum demanding to walk. Not even 5 minutes of walking, Alfred falls on the shelves close to the floor but daddy manages hold his hand. The fall was not bad cause it only coz a bump on his head. Quickly, I reach him and comfort him. The comforting didn’t help stopping him from crying and we finally take off from the market after 10 minutes of Alfred none stop crying. Usually, the comforting didn’t take more than a minute to stop him from crying if he fall but these cries make me nervous. When we reach home, I change him into pajamas and yet he cries again which apparently stop a minute ago before I had him changed. I presumed something is not right and I told daddy we should bring him see a doctor. All the way long to the ER, he didn’t even cry till he meets up with the doctor, he yelled and cried even louder. Doc checked on his head, hand and stomach and nothing seem wrong. My word just came out to Alfred, if you stop crying, we are going out from here. He did stop crying at instant. Hah!! Magic words. Scared of doctor! I didn’t sleep through the night as Alfred did cries in sleep during odd hours of the night. I gave him a massage on hand and feet and that bring him back to sleep. I feel no good about the fall although I just a very minor fall and I just assume that daddy might have sprain his hand vein when he trying to save Alfred from the fall. The next morning, everything seems ok. That’s a relief!

Tough Weekends

2009-08-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

How can I describe last weekend? I find out that Alfred had a totally different character. Daddy was outstation last weekend and returned on Sunday morning. He is more obeying to his father instruction rather than mine. Maybe daddy is more fierce and scary when he is angry and he knows who is ruling. Mommy is lesser scary or just easy to be bully. He had been so demanding and cranky. When you don’t give him things that he wanted, he will respond with gestures like beating himself or he beat me. Otherwise, he will do the kicking on the floor showing off protests. Of course the beating doesn’t hurt me but its hurt me deep inside my heart. How come he can behave like that? He even does this in between when he is awaked half way through the night. On Sunday, it even worst. He usually took a nap on the afternoon for about 2 to 3 hours. Last Sunday, he woke up after an hour nap, crying without knowing the reason. I hug him up and asked him why, he responds with beating me and crying more loudly. I bring him to the living room, he stop a while and continue crying after that. Again, I went back to the bedroom, yet still crying. Daddy goes away from the nap and I bring him back to the living room. Later, he stopped crying after daddy heading to wash his car. Seem like he enjoy seeing his daddy splashing the car with water.

What is happening?

If only I can have more time with him, things will get easier, I presume. No doubt being with Alfred just 2 days in a week that keeping him away from my sight showed that he needs an extra instant attention from us. Somehow rather, I’m a bit concerns that he learned this behaviors from the eldest cousin which I see much often doing the same gestures. I can’t blame the child either as they are just toddlers. Hopefully, my transfer back to my hometown soon will be able to help me brought up Alfred in better manners. Spending more time with Alfred daily might help to ease away the bad attitude. Well, after the transfer, I pity daddy have to stay alone in KL. I guess daddy will cope up with it, right?

I got this look when I say, NO!!

Lately, he like to put his hand in his mouth

Looking close to my camera when I'm trying to capture him

Wonder what he is looking at?

Yes, he just like to play with the sliding glass of the cabinet and he thinks the little teddy is scary, those are my teddy collections when I'm a teenager

After mommy played with it that build his confidence on holding on the little teddy

Putting teddy back to teddy place

On Sunday night, after a dinner with family, walking around the car pouch pointing wanted to go out, guess he not even scared of dark

Look at him!! Proudly showing off!!

After walking around, still looking out

Well, mommy thinks it time to go in..

Cranky look!! This what happen when we got in

I persuaded him to go find daddy in the room, he look so happy when we praise him walking by himself

The 2 mans that fill my heart with love

Happily sitting next to daddy

With his playmate everyday..little Khang!

Showing his love to Cousin Brother, Siang!

When I told him it's time for bathing!! He love water!!

13.08.2009

2009-08-13T09:05:00.001-07:00

Today, 13th August 2009 is our 5th year wedding anniversary. Nine years ago, it was during my college time and I was having my industrial training at his ex-company, the place where I met him. Four years later after knowing and understand each other, we decided to tie our knot. KS is five years older than me. He is a funny, caring, responsible and understanding guy. He make my life so wonderful and therefore he beautifully coloured my life with laughter, love and joy as well as presented me with Alfred and my little baby arrival soon on December this year. Throughout this many years, we struggle and manage a lot of things together and those moments bond our marriage and love each other stronger from day to day.

Before the wedding dinner ceremony started

The drunken master and the mistress

Come On!! Look!!

2009-08-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Alfred is walking. Yes, he took a few steps last week. ALONE!! Oh!! We were overwhelming with his achievement. For the past 2 weekends, we notice that he started to love the walker. He even knows how to make a turn or make a reserved for the walker for him to walk further. Then, we try out walking without the walker and he makes it. Yeah for Alfred!! Let see from his 2 cute video!! He's smilling all the way. I guess he feel proud of himself too. I am so happy and this is the best gift EVER.

Can you see how he turn the wheel? He still my little monster who love Barney very much. He called Barney, "Aaaa BBBBB...". I love the way he say it. Nonetheless, his pouty lips make his mommy melt. How could you resist this cuteness?

The first few step ALONE... the best GIFT EVER... Look at his smilling face!!

Daddy and Mommy love you so much Alfred!!

A History Day

2009-07-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we called it a History Day of Alfred. While I was watching TV at my in law house, Alfred was enjoying himself playing with the Harry Potter DVD. He keeps on babble Bbb, bbb, bbb (that words stand for Barney) and I just let him obsess with it. After some time, I saw him pushing the chair. Then he tried stand next to the blue chair. I took out my HP predicting something will happen. I hate when I don’t carry my camera around. He fall on the first trial, I told him its okay. On the 2nd trial, he push and walk along with the chair and he discovered the fun. He smiles back at me when he stops. He happy with what he is doing and of course I’m extremely over joy with his action. I yelled at daddy to come and see what Alfred doing. Daddy took out Alfred walker and see his response. Well, daddy laughs hysterically when he saw Alfred is WALKING with the walker. We wish to see him walking when he reach 2 on October. Another 2 more months to go.

I combined a few slide of the video into two parts. Let see his actions. Alfred History's Day.

The first trial...

The second attempt... wonderful outcome..but with a little blur video..

Last but not least, I hate myself because I couldn't records it with better equipment. How nice it is if I bring along my camera. It would a better quality than my HP... but we still love this video very much.

16 weeks coming 17 weeks

2009-07-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to share this earlier but with the workload and the continuous audit at my office really pull me back from blogging for the past 2 weeks. Another reason was I was disheartened to hear bad news from friends around me whom miscarriages their baby make me feel horrible to share at those moments.

I’m 16 weeks pregnant coming 17 weeks and Alfred soon will be having a sibling to play with. We been planning to have our second baby at this time. I’m so excited when I found out I’m pregnant because the first pregnancy almost take me a year to conceive. I thought it would be the same with the second one but it’s not.

The different of this pregnancy is my tummy grows much bigger than the time having Alfred. My tummy began to show when my baby reach 2 months old. The worst pregnancy symptoms I have to deal a lot with throws up and pretty much easy to get hungry. I had my checkup on last 2 weeks and it went out pretty well. Doctor recommended I take a blood test and the result will be notified next prenatal visit. Next month I will have a detail scan on baby. My EDD will be on Christmas Eve. Yes, it on 24th of December. A photo shot of my christmas baby!!

I currently working in a city of Kuala Lumpur and I’ve been applying for a transfer back to my hometown, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. I have been eyeing for the post of secretary at my hometown since year ago after I gave birth to Alfred. I’m afraid I will not be able to get the post because someone will be posted there due to her condition is more critical than mine. I’m been offered as clerk if I really want the transfer. Well, I just keep my thought of getting down to work as a clerk will be a lot of easier and freer time for me but no doubt, I like being a secretary. No matter how much I like the job, I am more concern on getting back so that I can take care my little Alfred. Being with him is much greater than anything else in this world.

The baby will be taking care by my mom in law too after birth and I have 2 months maternity leave to be with my baby and Alfred. I’m so proud of having my mom in law in my life. She is so understanding, kind and hardworking. She doesn’t want us to send away our baby to be taking care by nanny. Grrrrhh..grandma will have more pressure later as she will be taking care 4 grandchildren soon. Right now, she is handling three PRINCEs in our family of the age 3 (Hao Xiang) had been getting to pre-school, 1 ¾ (Alfred) and 6 months old ( Hao Khang). I wish my transfer back to my hometown will lessen the burden of my in law and I pray that my transfer will be succesful.

A funny weekend

2009-07-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

We had a funny weekend last Saturday. We stayed up all day at home after breakfast at my mom place. Alfred is totally obsessed with balls. No matter a big or small size of the ball will able to entertain him. We had a funny video of Alfred playing a tiny ball with his daddy. He love the act of "yo!yo!yo!" everytime he played with us. By the way, in the video, please ignore my horrible voice and sorry for my hysterical laugh.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

I secretly bought a Father’s Day card for behalf of Alfred for his wonderful father. But he doesn’t seem to be on the mood for a picture session and this is the best picture with the card.

We had a Father’s Day dinner at my mom house. My mom cooked us black pepper chicken chop and French fried for Alfred. My mom is a marvelous cooker but I’m a lousy one. After the dinner, Alfred demanded a walk guided by his father. And finally, a good picture with daddy at the end of the walk. Notice the shirt, it printed I love Dad. I’m been keeping it for some time but I still think it too big for Alfred. Exemption on Father’s Day, I allowed Alfred to wore the shirt and KS seem so happy with the shirt that Alfred is wearing. By the way, the t-shirt I got it free from Alfred diapers. 

Black pepper chicken chop

Frenchs Fried

Alfred love french fried

Walking with a smile

Daddy suppose to look at me, not mommy!!

Trying out my skill

A best photo of the night

Saturday

2009-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, it was a busy day. Our schedule is so hectic and packs. Early in morning, when I’m preparing myself, daddy took a few picture of Alfred before we depart to Kuala Lumpur for Alfred quarterly check up. He loves to play at my grooming table and looking himself at the mirror. Every time he looks at the mirror, he smiled, do a funny face and kiss himself on the mirror. When he bored looking at the mirror, he demanded his books.

Exploring my stuff

Smiling at himself

And finally a kiss to himself

I want my cards and books

A Hungry Dragon, my favorite story

Alfred had his quarterly checkup with Dr. Choy at SDMC. Alfred is in a good health condition except for his unrecovered flu. His flu only comes once a while if the weather is too hot or in the evening. If the weather is cold or he’s in an air conditioning room, he would be fine. Dr. Choy introduces us 2 vaccinations Alfred should take. First vaccine is the flu vaccine and the second one is for pneumococcal disease. The flu vaccines contain noninfectious parts of killed viruses that merely alert the body to the threat of the virus. Flu vaccines are well tolerated and safe. The pneumococcal vaccine is to prevent infection of the lining of the brain or spinal cord (meningitis), blood infection (bacteramia), infections of lungs (pneumonia) and middle ear infection (otitis media). The vaccine is not in our plan but we hope the vaccine really help to reduce his flu. He feel so distraught to take the vaccine as I promise him earlier the doctor will only checking, nothing else. And, suddenly he had 2 vaccines to be taken. Lesson learns here is promise a child when meeting doctor is never. Alfred starts crying when I’m about taking off his trouser. He seems to know that he be in trouble. No doubt after meeting so many doctors, he gets afraid. He is crying as loud as he can even before the doc giving him the vaccine. There is a funny scenario is where immediately after the vaccine took place, the boy still crying and at the same time reaching for the Barney toy on the doctor desk. When we are about leaving the doctor room, Alfred waves good bye with a smile on his face and giving away flying kiss to the doctor. The room was filled with laughter.

He is pointing at the door, crying, "I want out!!"

1st Vaccine done

2nd vaccine done

Calming Little Alfred

Still crying but demanding for Barney toy

I and my hubby like Japanese foods very much. We decided to stop by lunch at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Complex and had our lunch at Sushi King. Alfred enjoys himself very much with the plate and the sushi cover. He doesn’t take much food but spend more time playing with the fork, plate and the cover. After the lunch, we wandered around the shopping complex and I can’t stop myself of buying a cloth for Alfred.

Happily getting what he want

Busy with the fork

Showing off his skills

With the sushi cover, he pilling up

He actually dragging the fork on the cushion seat

His reaction when he drop the fork

Picking it up again

Smiling as he successful take the fork

Trying to stand by his own, "pls look at his face"

Still trying

Finally, he got up, and of course I must stop capturing his photo

When we reach home, we take a rest at grandma house because we had 2 more events to go for the day. We had a 2 birthday party on a same day. First house is my schoolmate, Siew Wui and her daughter, Sim Yi is having her 2 years old birthday party. We just hang around for an hour. Alfred was still not getting used with Siew Wui family. He is not friendly at all. We trying to take a good shot out of them but the mission failed. Either Alfred is afraid my Siew Wui husband or Sim Yi afraid of my husband. The 2 father is so scary to them.

Sim Yi, the Birthday Girl

Crying Alfred with Shy Sim Yi

We proceed to my brother house for the 2nd event of the night and it’s the last event. My brother is having a BBQ party conjunction with his birthday which falls on 21 July and celebrating father’s day too. KS love BBQ a lot and I crown him the King of BBQ. While I’m entertaining Alfred in the living hall, I took a few picture of him playing with my niece toy. He loves the toy house so much and he can hang around with the house for a long time.

Playing by himself, "no disturb please"

Successful getting the key of the door

Bad Mosquitoes!!

2009-06-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went home to see Alfred. My poor boy was bitten by mosquitoes 4 times on the face. Due to itchiness, he scratches his face and this is how it becomes. Grandma said at first it only redness, the next morning, the marks seem swollen because Alfred scratches on it. Oh ooo… no more cute face for Alfred!!

2 bite on the forehead, 1 on the chin and 1 on the neck

When we reach our home, we are getting ourself and Alfred to cleanup but Alfred demanded a walk. He loves us guide him walking and even sometimes he runs. He fall in love in walking but poor daddy and mommy have to bend for him. Whatever it takes, it is worth!!

Knock on the head!!

2009-06-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

It stated clearly above, last Saturday, Alfred fall and hit the coffee table. Thanks to daddy for that compliment because he let go Alfred hand while he is guiding him for walking. I don’t blame daddy for this as he is just trying to build confident on walking by his own by letting go. It’s just an accident as prescribed by grandma.

Can you the see the bump on his head?

Looking at his daddy wishing for another walk

Finally, successful get daddy to play football with him

I did as advised by Anthea, I tried put him on a chair so that he can try walked by himself. It’s seem doesn’t work for Alfred too. I guess he need more time to build confident in walking by himself.

He cried as soon as I put him standing on the chair

He prefer to play like this

B for Barney..his fav show

Sitting Up and Moving Around

2009-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 weeks, we see improvement on Alfred mobility to move around. He is able to sit up by his own and he likes to move on a sitting way. He is able to walk if he is holding to stuff like sofa. He hasn’t had the confidence to walk by his own yet. We got limited time to train him walking confidently but we’ll try out every weekend till he’s able to walk alone with confident. I certainly am hoping for that day to come.

Let see from the video how he getting up and clap his hand and move around in a sitting way.

OUCH!!!

2009-05-14T08:43:00.001-07:00

We called up Alfred using 3G on Tuesday night and to my surprise, I saw Alfred right eye swollen. I ask my MIL, she said it was bitten by mosquitoes. When we hang up, I told KS, I’m going home tomorrow.

Yesterday, we went home straight after work. The first reaction when Alfred saw me, he pointing at his face with his pouty lips saying “pain, pain”. That my boy, complaining. I notice not only the eye lids were bitten by “red DEVIL ant” actually and not mosquitoes as described by my MIL through the phone, but the neck and ring finger of his right hand was bitten also. Poor boy! My heart was crying badly when I saw Alfred. Let the picture do the talking of how bad his face was really like.

Did you notice his neck is also swollen?

I did post up 3 other post down here. I feel bad of late updating. Just can't find the right time for updating. Poor time management!!!

Here the 3 post below :

Grandma's Birthday & Mother's Day
My Birthday
Rattan Chair

Thanks for staying up with me.

Grandma's Birthday & Mother's Day

2009-05-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

According to Chinese calendar, my mother in law birthday fall on Wesak Day. That was a day before Mother’s Day. So, we celebrated Mother’s Day together with my MIL birthday. My sister in law bought MIL a cake. We sang birthday song and we took a family picture. The next day, we went out for dinner.

Alfred, Grandma and Hao Siang (cousin bro)

As for me on Mother’s Day, I got a lovely mother cards from Alfred. I was actually just finished bathing and when I reached my room, Alfred is holding a card. Daddy asks him to handover the card to mommy and he did. But later, when we look at the card together, he bites the card. Hahahaha!! What you expect from a 1 ½ years old boy, even the handwriting of the cards belongs to daddy and hand prints belong to Alfred. I love you, both of you very much. That’s was my first mother celebration.

Holding the card proudly

Prove HE bite the card

Mommy Love You, Alfred

My Birthday..

2009-05-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

I do not celebrate my birthday like I used to celebrate year before. I used to go out for a luxury dinner with my hubs, we went shopping or travel. But, this year I just wanted to spend a lovely day with Alfred and KS. I took a day off from work which is actually two days as the earlier day, Alfred was schedule for checkup. We spend time sleeping, take our leisure time for breakfast, went back to my in law house where Alfred took a nap. I and hubs went out for lunch while Alfred was sleeping. Later we had our dinner at my in law house. We went shopping after the dinner and KS bought me a skin care range as my birthday present which I love it so much. When we on our way home, the time had reach 10pm and most of the shop had closed. Just the tiny cake shop was left with one customer. To my surprise, KS stop at that shop, begging the cashier to let him buy a cake for me. I ask him how he persuades the cashier, he said, “Can I be your last customer please, today is my lovely wife birthday and I haven’t bought her a cake.” That melts me down!! That’s was actually the best birthday gift.

Rattan Chair

2009-05-14T08:06:00.001-07:00

We bought Alfred a rattan chair to associate with his new seat. It’s just small enough to fit in Alfred custom seat.

We just had Alfred checkup last week after a month trying on the seat and I can see improvement on Alfred. At least he is sitting upright and not like he used to sit in a bending way. The visit turn out good and we only need to return to the clinic after 3 months to see more result. I can say that Alfred growing is little bit left behind from the achon chart. He is now know how to stand by himself holding on, sit up on his own, walks a little with help and he wanted to get down the bed by his own knowing the bed height is actually higher than him, yet he still trying to get down although he fall once. That’s BOY!!

4 Posts in A Day

2009-04-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

It’s been a very busy weeks for us. We have been travelling up and down for Alfred checkup which the date of each appointment is so near. When I took up 2 days leave in a week, it leave me bunch of work on working desk which is so annoying. My laptop was send back to the factory due to certain default. Ohh!! Too many coincidences but, I still manage to loadup 4 posts today. That’s huge!! Enjoy your day & Thank You for staying with me.

Injection Day + Daddy Birthday!!

Appointment on 7 April 2009

Fever

Appointment on 4 April 2009

Injection Day + Daddy Birthday

2009-04-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Alfred had his 1 ½ year old injections on Daddy Birthday. Both of us were on leave so that we could bring Alfred to get his final injection. Waiting for your turn is boring. We waited nearly for an hour for Alfred to get his injection. When our turn comes, the nurses will ask us the routine question and then he was given the injection. Last but not least, it ended up with crying and finally a love cuddle by his daddy to stop him from crying.

Waiting is BORING!!

Alfred's Injection!!!

The eye is still full with tear....He love being cuddle by daddy

Last Thursday during dinner, we had a small celebration with KS at my in law house. We bought home Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). KS’s brother and sister bought a cake for KS. It’s so sweet of them. Alfred likes to eat the bread and the smash potato from KFC. We ended up the celebration with cutting cake session. Alfred loves the fruit cake. He even demanded daddy for the peach on top of the cake.

Lovely cake from KS Brother & Sister

Singing Birthday Song!!

Alfred can't wait to cut the cake!!

Cutting the cake with Daddy!!

Mommy, Daddy & Alfred

MMMM... cake taste good!!

Sweet!! Sharing the cake with daddy!!

Appointment on 7 April 2009

2009-04-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

We are getting Alfred custom shape seating today. We can’t wait to see how does it look like and how does it help Alfred in getting his kyphosis better. Finally, when we get the seat and this is how it look like...

I took this custom shape seat at home because we didn't capture a good picture when we at the clinic.

We stay up at the clinic nearly for 4 hours. Doc would like to test Alfred on the seating condition every 20 minutes to see whether Alfred skin is hurts. The seat will give pressure on his spine exactly on the curve spine and it will also affect his skin. Alfred will stay on the seat every 20 minutes and rested an hour before the next seat applied so it won’t hurt it skin for one month. After his skin tissue get use with the seat, then he will be seated for an hour till its see improvement on his spine. We were lucky because Alfred did not resist on that seat. Yet, Alfred still resist being touch by doctor. He cried so hard whenever the doctor tried to adjust the seat. He called out "papa" and crying all the time. But "papa" is not working, he called out "jiejie" (my husband sister). He called their name for help, shaking his head and waving out his hands so that I could hug him out. He cried almost for 5 minutes and finally I hug him up.

1st Trail on the seat

2nd Trial on the seat

Hang around the hospital for 1 hours to test on the seat

Result from the chair

The redness will be reduce when we take him away and giving his skin a rest every 20 minutes of seating. We tried as often as we could so that the skin will adjust to the seating condition. After 1 month, we have to return to the clinic for follow up. Then, the time seating on the seat will be increase.

Inside the seat, there is a foam which give concentrating on the curve of the spine.

When we on the way back to PJ home...

Oh!! What a day!!

We went out for dinner on the same day before we send almost back to to our hometown. We had planned to bring Alfred for Japanese food. When we were in the Japanese restaurant, my hungry Alfred demanded food from the next table. He shouting at the couple and the couple thinks he just cute shouting. They did not know that Alfred actually pointing at their food. Oh gosh!! We know that we are late for dinner and my little Alfred was starving. That’s a bad daddy and mummy. Quickly we order our meal and luckily our meal came fast. He loved the eel rice set that I ordered for him. He even demanded that he want to eat by his owned. Of course, I'm only giving him fruit by his own. Well, my little boy had grown up now.

Pointing at next table...

Our dinner

Eating by his own..

He love papaya..

A closeup picture by daddy

Fever

2009-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Alfred falls sick. It’s not a happy weekend. He doesn’t want to eat or consume milk. MIL said maybe he was over shocked by doc as he cried till he’s shivering. I captured few of those unhappy moments of Alfred. Here he goes…

Cuddle by daddy

Showing his sad face when I called him

Resting at daddy leg.. he doesn't want to move at all

My mom hand him a biscuit...luckily he like it..

Alfred manage to finish the biscuit

Appointment on 4 April 09

2009-04-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

We had our quarterly visit to genetic & pediatric doctor. We concern about Alfred allergic skin and his flu that have not recovered since many months back. Doc recommended that we take a blood test for Alfred skin allergic and to continue medicine for Alfred flu. As prescribed by doc, we have to keep away Alfred from smoker and smoke from burning accents in order for his flu to get better. My in law house burn accents for prayer and my father in law is a smoker. It’s hard to avoid these two facts. My father in law is a smoker. But, we’re tried to explain to my in law about the smoke that getting Alfred condition worst. He will try avoiding smoking inside the house or near Alfred. That the best we can do. And I pray that I could get my transfer back to my hometown soon so that I can take care Alfred after my working hours. At least, away from burnt and smoke for a certain of time.

Getting ready for Blood test

Doc get the blood from Alfred hand

After the visit, we had our lunch at McDonald

See how beautiful he smile...

And, suddenly he show me his painful hand

Captured this when we reach our house.

Finally, peace at home playing with his favorite toy

Appointment, appointment and appointment

2009-03-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, we had appointment with a rehab doctor. She decided that Alfred needs a seating support system to help him to cope up with his kyphosis. We shoot several questions to her about kyphosis like..

We : it is necessary for Alfred to get the seating system support for his kyphosis? Are we too early in judging his kyphosis?

Doc : Yes, your son will need this seating support now as it would prevent further complication. It better early prevention than it too late. Alfred is not suitable for a bracing now as his body structure is too small for a bracing to fit in and of course bracing is much better.

We: How the seating support systems help Alfred in kyphosis? We had try to find information about these seating support system at our friends blog or in the internet, but we couldn’t find matching evidence showing that a seating support systems actually help achondroplasia child’s that had kyphosis.

Doc: We had tried on several children with kyphosis but not achondroplasia and find it actually 90% work. The custom shape seat is made according to his body structure. Its pressure the curve point at his spinal and it actually help him to sit straight without curving his body. It will then help to cope up with kyphosis.

We : Will Alfred be giving an x-ray before he gets his seating support system?

Doc: Nope. We will get him x-ray after 3 months with the seating support system.

The appointment for measuring his body structure was fixed on Friday. Here is a few pictures taken during the progress of making the custom shape seat. My poor Alfred cried a lot till he is shivering. I do not know how long he need to suffered for this but I hope it all go away soon. I cried inside my heart to see this situation. It pain to see him crying helplessly. Poor boy! His next appointment is set on next week Tuesday to try out the custom seat shape. I’m curiously waiting for the day and wonder how it looks like as I can’t find in at the website the doc mentioned. Let wait and see!!

1st Appointment on Tuesday

Standing all by himself

Happy to get himself up

Appointment on Friday, the progress started, doc get his vacuum bean bag out ready for Alfred

1st Attempt on seat, Alfred cried very loud

2nd attempt, he cried as loud as he can plus with leg kickings and waving to me insist to hug him

Doc on progress to get the custom shape seat according to Alfred body structure

The structure seat is ready to be sent for fabrication of the seat

Alfred had a clock toy with him to played with and totally ignored the doc

Before the left the rehab clinic

p/s : Thank you Tonya for your informative blogs. I printed out several information about kyphosis and achondroplasia for doc reference and she amazed I could actually get so much information. I told her, it is from an amazing friends in the blogworld I met.

Sunday...

2009-03-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Alfred wakes up at 8am in the morning. As soon as he wakes up, he starts demanding things by pointing here and there either the toys inside the cupboard or my makeup desk. When the demands being refuse, well, you will be getting eye tears and frown faces. When the demands are being followed, well, you will get a laugh from him. His laugh really make my day.

So, I gave him my cosmetic box. All he does is he take out all my face cream, toner, etc from the box and after he done so, he gave me a big smile. When the box is empty, he will get all the things he thrown out back into the box. He will repeat doing this until he gets bored. I wonder what fun he makes out of that activities. If only I could read his mind…

Getting momme stuff out of the box is kinda fun!!

And, I'm successfully wakes daddy up too!

Getting the things back into the box..

Ohh...I'm getting bored

As our routine Sunday morning activities, we went to my mom stall to have our breakfast. It’s a special Sunday because Alfred screaming hysterically at everyone that passed by. Everyone wonder why this boy is screaming and nevertheless, he is getting attention from everyone inside the shop. When someone approaches him, he will defend by hitting himself on his head. When I insist, NO!! Don't do that!! It's hurt. BUT, he show me again. I can't figure out why he does that and he always does that lately. I wonder....

Am I so poor in understanding. Mmm, or yes, maybe I do.

Dangerous Act

2009-03-05T02:07:00.000-08:00

Since Alfred is strong enough to stand, he is now growing beyond our expections. He is no longer a boy that can sit quietly on his seats which does not make us worry. Nowadays, we have to be alert when we put him on the high chair. Let see from the pictures what this boy can actually do.

He is trying to get his momme attention with his smile

Pointing at the cartoon

Looking up at the ceiling fan backward (this is the 1st time he did this)

Trying to pull himself up

Getting back to positions

Trying the other side

I told him to seat, he show me this face

He is getting wild by pulling his leg up on the dashboard

Looking at momme proudly

p/s : I'm going to post more picture on facebook later..more dangerous acts :)

Checkup at SDMC

2009-03-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

I have made a mistake.
I’m so regret I have actually chosen government hospital for Alfred checkup. They really disappoint me. People said government hospital has been improving but it doesn’t. Maybe in term of services, yes, but when it come to knowledge wise, the doctor are too young, barely even some of them are at my age or younger where I got to know from their name tag. The same questions were being thrown at us each time of our visit like : Why? How come? Any family members have the same condition? But my hubs suggest we should still be going to the government checkup since we have come so far with that hospital and most of Alfred medical records are with them. Should I or shouldn’t I? His next checkup with them is on May. I will have the time to consider.

I have opts for private hospital for Alfred checkup to look out for 2nd opinion. After getting medical report from the government hospital, I’m pursuing to my company doctor for recommendation. They recommended me to Dr. Choy, a genetic pediatrician at Sime Darby Medical Centre. The first visit was ok, he explained to me things I should know about dwarfism, a copy of note on dwarfism and few question about his breathing, his physical movements and etc. He will review him every 3 months to monitor his grow. I’m lucky because my company covered all medical expenses for Alfred. The not so lucky stuff was Alfred insurance coverage was rejected by 2 insurance companies. Well, we will try our very best to get Alfred cover with insurance, at least a fund plan for his future educations.

Last Saturday, Alfred had his 2nd checkup at SJMC with Dr. Choy. We rose concerned on Alfred tongue that creates an “M” shape. Old folks said children with “M” shape tongue will have difficulty in pronunciation but Dr. Choy said that we need to monitor when Alfred learn to talk more as he grew older. Apart of it, his running nose is getting worse when flu turned greenish. Dr. Choy given him medicine to control his flu, nasal drops and will be monitored for another 6 weeks. If the symptoms still persist, then Alfred will have to send to ENT for further investigation. The last concerned is his spine. We notice his spine is getting curvier when he sits but when he stands it seemed to be lessened. Dr. Choy worried that lumbar kyphosis might occur and he recommended us to Dr. Taayah, a consultant rehabilitation physician.
The appointment was fixed yesterday. We went to see Dr Taayah and we discover that she is a nice lady doctor. Alfred was asleep when it is his turn. We gave Alfred x-ray which he took when he was 5 months old. At that time, the kyphosis is seemed not appeared yet. Well, after 15 minutes of understanding Alfred situation, we have to interrupt Alfred sleep. Well, that boy did not cry when I wake him up but he cried out loudly when the doctor touches him. Later, Dr Taayah called up Dr Anthony from German, basically he is based in Singapore to help on analysis and evaluate on Alfred spine. Alfred cried even louder when Dr Anthony examined his spine till I can feel that he is shivering. Poor boy!! After several discussion and suggestion, Dr Anthony will have to bring his gadget to custom made a seating seat (sort like car seat as described) for Alfred body as his body is too small for a brace. But Alfred will be needing an x-ray before the custom made things proceed. I wasn’t so understand the seating seat concepts as far as I concerned. I wet through Tonya's blog and achondroplasia website but I don't find any explaination closer to that recommendation. Since I have no one to compare or check with, I will have to bear with that recommendation first. Dr. Anthony will bring example for us to view on the next appointment for more understanding. Dr. Taayah encourage us to let Alfred stand more and gave him lot of activities like swimming, assorted toys and thinks of something that we can help him to strengthen his muscle as his hand and legs which is rather soft as described by her. The next appointment will be on 24th March.

Valentine's Day

2009-03-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

We don’t have any romantic dinner nor candle dinner instead we have a family valentine’s dinner. We went to Hawaii Steak House at Seremban, my hometown in Negeri Sembilan. We ordered steak of the house, Maryland Chop, herb and cheese hotdog, salad, soup of the day and sizzling chicken chop. As for Alfred, he is getting some of my French fried and hot dog. For the past year, me and KS used to celebrate this anniversary of love just the two of us. We never celebrated Valentine’s Day with family and this is the first time throughout my life journey. Surprising!! We all enjoy the dinner very much. Reynard can’t be sitting still any longer. He is learning to walk now at 10 months while Alfred pointing here and there to get my attention when I’m talking. He likes the electronic lantern light that hang on the entrance of the steak house which dimed every 30 seconds. Each time the light dim, he shouted, “Eeeee” and “OOOO” while pointing at it. He didn’t eat much as the food was not so suitable for him either. After the dinner we headed back to my in law house for him to get some porridge. After a while at my in law house, we were sitting at the living hall and my lil’ Alfred constantly pointing at the sofa demanding something from me. Then, my mother in law told me that he want to sit on the sofa. So, I get him seated on the sofa. Again, he keeps calling me by touching my hand (since he still not learning to called me MOM and that is the way he kept people attention on him) and pointed at the top of the sofa. I was wondering what he want actually, and again, my MIL said he want to stand. I was shocked!! Stands?? Alfred really surprised me. He could stand all by himself plus shaking his butt showing to me he is dancing. Apart of it, his aunty Kah Wee interrupted, “show you another one”. Another ONE?? This time, he did a turn around when he is sitting. Ohh!! Too much surprised. I was overwhelmed. I never expect him to stand alone plus an extra of unexpected dancing while standing this early. I thought I could only see him stand or walk when he reached 2 years old or maybe further since he is rather small.

I actually make a video to post all these picture but it's seem not working. So, here is goes picture on Valentine’s Day..

Alfred waving goodbye to me!!

Bored??

The Dinner

Funny faces..

And finally, Alfred is standing.

I'm sad because I can't download video of Alfred does a turn around here. I'll try to post it later.

Alfred Achievement

2009-02-13T03:46:00.000-08:00

I guess this will be the longest post I’ve ever post. I’m too crazy on Alfred video and I want to share em' all. His impression, reaction, laughter and his smile really melt my heart.

Alfred Achievement

Pa Pa = Daddy (He even know how to called Daddy beside than pa pa)

Pak Pak = Uncle Ting Kok (KS Elder Brother)

Chang = Uncle Foon (KS brother in law)

Ku Ma = Aunty Mei Wei (KS Elder Sister)

Jie = Aunty Kah Wee (KS younger sister)

Suk suk = Uncle Kah Hin (KS younger brother)

Ko Ko = Hao Siang (Alfred Cousin Brother, Ting Kok Elder Son)

Di Di = Hao Khang (Alfred Cousin Brother, Ting Kok Younger Son)

WORDS THAT ALFRED KNOW HOW TO SAY

ANIMAL : Duck, Bear, Pig, Dog, Bird

NATURE : Sky, Star

COLOR : Blue

FRUIT : Apple

BODY : Buttock, Leg

HAND GESTURES

Bye Bye, Show No More, Stomach Full, Wash Face, Pee Ka Boo, Flying Kiss, Put back “things”, Show his teeth

NOTE : Do you notice Alfred doesn’t know how to called momme yet? I’m jealous, Daddy.

Here the video Alfred putting back his bottle caps.

Dancing with Chinese New Year Song

Let’s see how Alfred show his dance when the song played and how he reacts when the song ends.

Alfred favorite song is I’m Your by Jason Mraz. I’ve noticed that every time the song reach the chorus part, Alfred will sing it out loud, and of coz not words, just arr..arr..arr..arr. I just love it. I guess the word “I” starting the chorus make Alfred sing it out loud. I’ve compile 4 different version of the chorus parts. Do enjoy Alfred singing...

Well, as I mentioned earlier on the previous post, we bought a Driving Learning Toy for Alfred. We definitely make a right choice. You’ll notice how Alfred reacts to the toys. His reaction, his impression was momme favorite. He even asked me to dance along. That why the camera is a shaking. Sorry for poor recording.

Alfred, momme and daddy love you so much.

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

We have a good Chinese New Year celebration this year. Spending time with Alfred for 10 days was countless moments. On New Year eve, we had our annual family reunion dinner. A family reunion dinner is a must before New Year. It is a family gathering in Chinese tradition. On the first day of Chinese New Year, we are giving out ang pow to children and singles. The red angpow symbolizes good luck. Definitely, Alfred is one of those happy little boy whom received ang pow. Alfred like the red color on the ang pow packet. He even know how to Gong Xi Gong Xi (hand gesture) before he take the ang pow which make his momme so proud. We, eventually spend the whole week of holiday visiting relatives and friends. By default, the time staying at home is so less and Alfred had been getting around too much causing him miss his afternoon nap, his meal schedule all ran out, getting to bed late night and getting up late early in the morning like daddy and mommy. We have already known that he will be a bad boy when he returned to his daily normal routine at grandma house. Chinese New Year finally ends yesterday. It was Chap Goh Mei, also known as Lantern Festival.

Here is the snapshoot of Alfred during CNY.

1st Day of CNY

At grandma & grandpa house

At uncle Ting Kok house

2nd Day of CNY, Home

3rd Day of CNY - Visit relative house, photograph with cousin, Reynard

I will post Alfred video on CNY soon. He is so cute with all his funny character.

Arrival of Little Khang

2009-02-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

Good news!!! A new family member. Finally, after struggling nearly 11 hours at the labor room, my sister in law, Joey safely delivers a baby boy on 17 Jan 2009 at 3am in the morning. He is named Leong Hao Khang. Khang mean healthy in Chinese proverb. He looks exactly like his elder brother, Hao Siang. There are now Three Little Prince in Leong's Family.

CRASHHHHH!!

2009-02-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Arrghh!! I so devasted!! My hard disk of 320GB crash cause me losing all my precious photo of Alfred. After checking up with the backup, I’m only saving photo of Alfred from his new born till Aug 08. Most of all his current picture, video, talking, all GONE!!!! Arrghhhh…I’m so sad!!! WHY???

Luckily I only download a few picture on early in the morning of 1st Day of Chinese New Year because my camera memory card full. Thank GOD!! I will have photo to post for Chinese New Year soon.

Chinese New Year is coming!!

2009-01-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

We are celebrating Chinese New Year and it’s coming in a week time. Lately, I am busy and crazy shopping, cleaning up the house and nevertheless, shop for Alfred CNY clothing. I've been lacking on updating Alfred blog because I spend too much time on shopping. Me being such bad momme. Well, a little update on shopping, I bought Alfred more on rompers rather than 2 pieces suit. I prefer him to wear rompers because I felt that it is more comfortable for him. We have this problem where when people carry Alfred, these 2 piece suit will rip off exposing his tummy and his pampers which doesn’t look nice at all. Agreeable? I'll post of all his new year cloths later when he wear it.

Alfred love to play with the steering wheel of our car. Daddy spoiled Alfred too much. Every time before we are ready to go on the car, daddy will let Alfred play the car steering. Sometimes, he didn’t even want to let go the steering. There is one weekend, we brought Alfred to Children Amusement Park in Jusco Supermarket and let him ride on one of the police car. Gosh!! He love it so much. Last week, while I’m shopping for clothing, I went pass the toy department and saw this learn and discover driver toy. I show it to KS and we bought it for Alfred. I’m sure Alfred will love it.

With his COOL face before he start his engine

When the engine started, he follow and sound AHHHHHH...BOOOOOMMMMM!!!

2009-01-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

New Year Party & Family Trips

We had a new year BBQ party at my mom house. My younger brother invited few of his friends as well as my friends to come over to the BBQ party. Usually, Alfred will end up sleeping around 830pm but on the New Year eve, he is marvelous. He stayed up to 1am before he start sulky for sleep. He enjoys the party as we do. Alfred like to point at the things he wanted. If you ignore him, he will repeat the same action till he gets the food. Overall, he had eight teeth now. He chews things well and he LOVE to eat like his daddy and momme. Hahaha!!!

At 1130pm

Grandma (Pohpoh) with Alfred

Pointing at the nugget!! Alfred, you can't have that one!!

Momme gave me cucumber instead of nugget

But, I still like it...

Yummy!!

On New Year, we had a trip to Melaka again. This is a Big Family Trip consist of almost the whole family of Leong’s expect for Kah Hin because he had his personal appointment elsewhere.

FOOD!!! We love to eat. In fact, our whole families love to eat. We love variety of food and the unique taste of every food. We scheduled our 1st food station at an old tiny shop next to the Melaka Riverside. We tried out the Rojak Melaka, cendols and Laksa Melaka. The cendols and Laksa Melaka is ok but the Rojak Melaka taste was not that good. Maybe, our taste is different. Then, we proceed to the 2nd food station at Jonker Street, the same shop we’ve been the previous time. I still prefer the Assam Laksa dan the cendol durian here. After the 2nd station, we went shopping at Melaka Parade. The Christmas Decoration is still here. We snap a few photos but the results was not that good. We spend 2 hours shopping and later we went to Bernard and Winnie house which nearby the town. Later Bernard took us for dinner, which is our 3rd food station, Nyonya Restaurant. We ordered Brinjal cooked with prawn, cencalok fried eggs, nyonya style curry chicken, otak-otak and home made tauhu. We ordered all dished in a small portion because we have decided to go for our 4th food station, Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) at Mumbai. Instead of just fish, we ordered seafood such as grilled clam, grilled cockle, deep fried squid and etc. We went home around 11pm and we went home with bloated stomach.

Melaka Town

I'm reading the map mom!!

Grandpa (YehYeh) hugging me around

Grandma (MahMah) with Uncle Ting Kok (PakPak)

Hang Out at Mcdonalds

2008-12-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, daddy and momme bring me to Giant Hypermarket to buy my favorite cheese slice and prune juice. We also went to MPH Bookstore to buy book for me. Momme said I need extra book like shape and colour. Later, we drop by Mcdonalds for an evening snack. Yahooo!! It is my first time to Mcdonalds with Daddy and Momme. Well, I looked around those weird faces who is staring at me. Nevertheless, I'm patiently waiting for momme to come back with the foods. Woahh!! I love french fries. Momme gave me taste some sundae and yuck, I don't like it. It's was so cold. Arrghh, I totally rejected. Momme is happy when I don't like ice creams. Silly momme huh?? I just want the whole pack of french fries. Overall, it was a good evening snack though. Here are some of my cool pictures.

Patiently waiting for the food to come

Ohh, I love French Fries!!

Mmm..should I take?

Daddy, can I take french fries myself?

Momme, can I take my own french fries?

Yeah!! Permission granted!! Haha!!

Ohh, it taste good!!

I'm must chew...momme always warned me

Mmm...Yum Yummy!!

Figure out myself how am I going to put the balance into the mouth??

Solution, I finally did, yeah!!

Good Evening Snack, I'm so satify!! Haha!!

Uncle Kah Hin Birthday

2008-12-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

This post supposedly to be on the blog on 13 December but due to my time constraints, I wasn’t able to post it. In this month, I spend a lot of time back at hometown with Alfred and I don’t have the internet access to blogging. I’m totally out. I want this post to be posted because this is the first time Alfred demand food from me when he saw me bites fried chicken wings. Apart from it, it is Kah Hin 21st Birthday Party and also a family gathering. Kah Hin is my husband younger brother. The buffet dinner was cooked by my mom in law while we just help out the cutting vegetables and fruits. My mom in law is really awesome. She does all by herself, the cooking, cleaning, washing, babysitting two of her precious grandson and the list goes on. Sometimes, my father in law will help out to ease out her burden. I’m grateful to have a super duper great mom in law. I posted a few photos of Alfred grabs my fried chicken wing and other family members. Previously, he actually eating fried wanton.

Here Go Alfred!!

Succesfully grab momme fried chicken wing

Let me taste first!!

Yummy!!

Momme, I try to finish up the chicken wing like you do!!

Mmmm...I don't want my porridge anymore

Momme, I looked ugly and dirty now, can we go clean up?

The Leong's Family, Hmm, Let me introduce :

Standing From Left : Small Aunty Kah Wee, Momme, Daddy, Me, Small Uncle Kah Hin, Big Aunty Mei Wei and Uncle Foon

Sitting From Left : Hao Siang (cousin bro),Grandma, Grandpa, Big Uncle Ting Kok and Aunty Joey

Ok, Daddy!! I'm ready for silly shot!! Arrghhh!!

Picture with Grandma & Cousin Bro Hao Siang

Tu tu tu!! Playing with Big Uncle Ting Kok

With my beautiful lovely Big Aunty Mei Wei

My dearest Momme

Small Uncle Kah Hin 21st Birthday Cake, Yum Yum Yummy!!

Happy Birthday Small Uncle Kah Hin!!!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T11:04:00.001-08:00

Early in the morning on Christmas Day, we planned to visit Christmas in KL at late afternoon. The environment of Christmas in KL is very much decorated with Christmas tree and beautiful lights. We go as family trips with grandma, grandpa, elder sister of my husband, Mei Wei, her husband Foon and younger sister, Kah Wee. We went to The Curve at Damansara. We took our early dinner there and later proceed to the center of the Curve where all the Christmas tree decorated. The view is spectacular. We snap a few pictures before we left to Ara Damansara, NiuZeXui , a new place in KL. We didn’t stay there for too long as Alfred grumble for sleeping. We went home around 11pm. It was a good family trips.

Alfred with GrandPa & GrandMa

20 December 2008 Alfred Bad Day

2008-12-29T08:41:00.000-08:00

I was washing dishes while Alfred enjoy his time with his daddy outside my in law house. Half way through, I heard Alfred crying loudly. Thus, I ran out and saw Alfred head wounded covered with little blood. I asked my husband what happened, he told me Alfred falls off from bicycle. I was so angry. This shouldn’t be happening. I know, Alfred enjoy ride on bicycle but he is still not strong to enough to be sitting by his own. Daddy didn’t let Alfred sitting without holding him, it just the cornering actions makes Alfred falls and Daddy didn’t hold him tightly. Whatever it is, I calmed Alfred down, washed his wound and apply medicine. I walked him around and he is back with his happy face. Well, daddy feel guilty today. He learned a lesson today and he promise will never let Alfred ride on bicycle till he is able to ride by his own.

Alfred riding on his own for 15 seconds

Alfred wounds

I plaster Alfred wound to stop from bleeding.

Sitting Alone....

2008-11-17T01:48:00.000-08:00

My office table was loaded with paperwork. It was a hectic Monday.

I skip lunch and finally took 1/2 hours off to rest, glancing through Alfred pictures.

I love those moments. I love to see Alfred is able to sit alone without support. I love to see every of his move, every of his gestures, every of his facial expression.

Life is precious!! This was my motto back at college.

Having Alfred is the most precious gift I ever had. He know how to make his momme laugh all day long. Every weekend is a happy weekend. Time is so short during weekend, too long during weekday when I have to go back to work. Time is not enough for me to stay longer with Alfred during weekends. I miss him already!!

And finally, the most current picture of Alfred. We should be able to see all his 7th tooth by this weekend. 3 existing teeths and other 4 teeths is coming. He don't take much milk last weekend. Maybe it's due to the teeth is growing!! Momme Love You So Much Alfred.

Moving Around the House

2008-11-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

Mmmm....what should I name it? He doesn't crawling!! Hmmph..Gotta!! I should name it a backcrawl style...hehehe...like the one who did backward swimming style. Yes!! That's what Alfred did to move around the house. Rolling and backcrawling!!! Hahaha... our whole family laughs all the way. Alfred says bye bye to the bouncer that had been keeping him lying for the past 7 months. He is now actively moving around the house with his backcrawling. Grandma will be more busy later to watch over Alfred not to knock his head because everytime Alfred almost reach the other end, grandma will nofity Alfred. Grandma says, "Zhen Wen, you going to knock your head".

About his bouncer, we actually have re-design his bouncer when he was about 5 months old. We placed a thin layer of plywood on top of his bouncer and seal it up with bolts and nuts. The big bouncer is for Alfred to lie down instead of placing him on the floor for a nap. A hard surface will be protective for his spine. We were afraid Alfred will reject to lie down on the hard surface of the bouncer but the results turn out opposite. He like to lie down on his bouncer where he can create sound with his leg and take his nap when he had tired with kicking.

Alfred New High Chair

2008-11-11T05:41:00.000-08:00

We decided to let Alfred to sit on his new high chair while having his meal. I guess it time to let Alfred sit on his own taking his meal rather than laying on his bouncer. We bought this high chair when he was only 2 months old. We were worried and afraid if we let Alfred to sit by himself too early could curved his spine more that may lead to kyhosis. We definitely don't want to take that risk. It been several weeks now and Alfred is doing great. He like his chair and he can sit well with guarded belt.

My first high chair at home, hehe!! :)

Trip To Melaka, A Historic State of Malaysia

2008-11-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

Last weekend is a short holiday for us because of Deepavali (Diwali) Celebration or known as the "Festival of Lights" across the globe. Hindus in Malaysia celebrates Deepavali. We organized a family day trips to visit our friends Bernard, Winnie and their son Basil in Melaka. Melaka is the 3rd smallest state in Malaysia. Melaka is a state that is abundantly rich, not just in natural resources but also in history and folklore. It is here in the city of Melaka where the history of Malaysia began. We bring along my mom in law and my sister in law. We depart around 3pm and reach Melaka at 4pm. We had our afternoon tea at the one of the satay house in Melaka. Satay or sate is a dish consisting of chunks or slices of dice-sized (chicken, pork, mutton, beef, pork, etc) on bamboo skewers. These are barbecued over a wood or charcoal fire, then served with spicy peanut sauce. (mmm…yumyum!!)

When we reach Melaka, all things that we does is eating. Haha, this is an eating trip anyway. After the satay house, we went to Jonker Street at the centre of the town for Assam Laksa and Cendol. Wow!! Alfred love Cendol. I gave some for him to taste and he chasing for it.

Description of Assam Laksa
Assam laksa is a sour fish-based soup. The main ingredients for assam laksa include shredded fish, normally kembung fish or mackerel, and finely sliced vegetables including cucumber, onions, red chillis, pineapple, lettuce, common mint, and pink bunga kantan (ginger buds). Assam laksa is normally served with either thick rice noodles and topped off with "petis udang" or "hae ko", a thick sweet prawn/shrimp paste.
Description of Cendol
In Malaysia, Cendol is normally served in a small bowl full of shaved ice and rich coconut milk. It is sweetened with thick brown coloured syrup made from palm sugar (Gula Melaka). Apart from this serving combination, Cendol is also often served with glutinous rice, red beans and rich coconut milk. It is a perfect beverage, especially during hot days.
After an evening walk at Jonker Street, we went to Dim Sum Garden for dinner. Dim sum is the name for a Chinese cuisine which involves a wide range of light dishes served alongside Chinese Tea. Dishes come in small portions and may include meat, seafood, and vegetables, as well as desserts and fruit. The items are usually served in a small steamer basket or on a small plate.
We went back to Bernard house for a rest after the dinner. I gave Alfred a quick baths as the Jonker Street walks really make Alfred sweat a lot. We had a great chat with Bernard families. We left Bernard house around 1030pm. Alfred falls asleep when we are on the way for our supper. Darn!! My boy can just sleep whatever time or where ever we go. Good boy!! Our last stop for supper that is Lok Lok Food On Stick. It called “satay celup” in Melaka where they use spicy peanut sauce to cook. The food skewered on sticks. Lok-lok is a little bit like steamboat except that we don’t drink the soup. The peanut sauce almost the same like satay.We went back home with a bloated stomach. It an enjoyable day trips because our whole family loves to eat. Conclusion is Melaka are a best place for food.

12 months

2008-10-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Things that my little kiddo does that make me a proud mommy:

His first words is PA PA (Daddy)
2nd word DUCK
Play peek-a-boo
Give flying kiss
Wave “bye bye”
Show us “no more”
Clapped his hand
“Cheng Cheng” (praying)
Able to sit unsupported
He told us he is sleepy by yawns with sound, within a second he slept
He interact with people when by yelling out “huh, huh huh”, so you can huge him up. These peoples are only the family member. If you are outsider, he will just look at you with his bare eyes. If you trying to hug him, he will attack with his tears. Haha!!
Slowing down his movement when he was about to rest down his heavy head instead of just bang em' on the floor
When we sang twinkle little star, he will show us what is twinkle little star with his cute stubby hand
He know how to take it own bottle to drink water
He make us LAUGH EVERYDAY

Although Alfred development growth is not compatible to the chart of achondroplasia, as long as he is healthy and happy, we are superb satify.

Here the video we captured as the things he did mentioned above : My lovely Boy

1st Tooth

2008-10-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Alfred actual birthday. We went back home after work. When we reach home, a surprise is waiting us. Haha!! Finally, we saw Alfred 1st tooth on his 1st Birthday. He looks so adorable with his tooth. We snap few photos before we bring him out to ride on his daddy car and go Jusco Supermarket for a walk.

Alfred Birthday Party

2008-10-04T01:13:00.000-07:00

Today, we celebrated Alfred 1st Birthday. We invited our friends and our beloved families. My mother and my mother in law do all the cooking. All food was home made. My mom cooked fried noodle, fried mee hoon, fried mee hoon siam (mixed with chili recipes made by my mom), fried chicken, pork curry, assorted vegetables and buns fish ball. Where else, my mom in law cooked fried wan tan, prepared desert like jelly, corn cake and watermelon. Opps!! I should have taken photo of the entire delicious food but I missed them.
We ordered a cake from Secret Recipe. It’s a very cute and delicious chocolate cake. The first layer special design is from the Warner Bros cartoon. When everyone finished enjoy their dinner, we starts the cutting cake ceremony.

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to Alfred!
Happy Birthday to YOU

Snap! Snap! Snap! We took picture only during Alfred cutting cake event. Not much picture taken as we were busy entertaining our friends. Most of them ask the similar question and I will have to explain one by one on Alfred condition. Thank you for their concerns. Alfred is in good health and he is definitely a Happy Boy.

Cough And Flu

2008-09-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Oh Noooo!!! Momme and Daddy is not happy. Alfred fall sick. He was caught with cough and flu. It’s very bad!! He had not done any rolling, smiling over the past few days. He didn’t even want to drink his milk and take his porridge. He is slimming down like just in a seconds. We suspecting that he is about teething as we see that his gums are swelling. We hope this could end fast. We want the Happy Alfred back soon. :(

A&W

2008-09-23T00:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we bring Alfred to A&W Restaurant. This restaurant has been here since my childhood time. They rebuild the restaurant and also the children playground. This is the first time we bring Alfred to playground. I guess he wasn’t sure where he is and what he is doing. In future, I’ll bet I’m going to show him a childhood picture of me playing in that very same playground.

KS put Alfred sitting on one of the rocking chair. When Alfred holding tight on the safety rail, KS let go and well, Alfred can sit on his own. It’s only last for 2 seconds. I urged KS to hold him back after the photo because I worried he will fall. He can’t really sit on his owned yet. Anyway, we are so happy. Alfred is going to be a big boy soon.

We enjoy the day and I bet Alfred is having fun too. He start babbling when we about to leave. We will plan to do more outing later when Alfred can walk. I really looking forward for that day.

BUDS Super Soothing Rescue Lotion

2008-09-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

I love BUDS Super Soothing Rescue Lotion. Its help cure Alfred rashes. We have try many baby product though but this one the best. After apply to the affected area, the skin began to peeling and seem like drying up the rashes. Its stop the rashes spread. Within 2 day, those rashes gone. Alfred skin becomes smooth again. I’m putting up a photos here to share with those who might had the same problem like Alfred.

Alfred New Skill

2008-09-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

We brought Alfred home on Saturday night after dinner at my in law house. As usual, my pampered Alfred needs to wean to sleep with song. So, we sang his favorite song twinkle little star. Guess what? When we started to sing, Alfred show us hand signs of twinkle little star with his chubby hands. We burst into laughing. Alfred is so cute. Amazing!! I used to do hand signs when I’m singing to Alfred but it only once a week. He should be hardly learning it. When I confront my mom in law where he learns it, actually my mom in law saw my hands sign while I’m singing to Alfred. She teaches Alfred the same things. My mom in law is a great grandmother and a great mom. Thanks mom!!

Sunday afternoon, after Alfred wake up from his routine morning nap, we brought him down to the living hall. We bought an A to Z floor map for Alfred to rolls. Alfred likes it very much as he is able to turn and roll on the huge map. Well, Alfred showed us his skill. As we are aware, Alfred head is heavier than his body. Usually he will bang his head down after lifting it for sometimes because he still haven’t learn to control his head. On that particular movement, when he was about to put his head down, he do it slowly this time till he reach the floor map. Good Job Alfred!! He is learning another skill.

Alfred Hair Cut Day

2008-09-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

We bring Alfred for his haircut last weekend. We always wanted Alfred to have a longer hair but it's not possible. Due to hot weathers, Alfred have been attacked by rashes all over his neck and forehead. We have no choice to to get his hair shorter.
When we entered the shop for about 5 minutes, obviously he was about to cry. I bring him out for a walk while KS does his haircut first. After 15 minutes, we went back to the shop. To avoid him to cry again, I gave him toys to play. Paper!! He love paper. Anyhow, when his turn came, oh god!! He cried so hard. Eventhough the cutting session haven't started, he burst into tear. No matter what we do, what we say, he just keep crying. It took about 5 minutes to complete his haircut. As soon as his hair cut stop, by default Alfred stop crying. KS being bad, captured few of his crying photo and video. Pity my little boy!! I wonder why he hate haircut.

Friday!!!!!

2008-09-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hooray!!! Finally we are able to go back on Friday night after suffering for almost 1/2 year. KS company is based on 5 days work. Few months back, when the new managament take over, KS need to work on Saturday. I'm so sad at that time. Teribbly sad!! We have to miss Alfred another day. Recently, KS company top management had revised on working Saturday by changing into alternate Saturday off. It is a very good new to me although it only alternate Saturday. I'm eagerly to see what Alfred going to show us this weekend. What had he learn this week? We can spend one more day with Alfred. Yahoo..I'm going home!!

Alfred 2nd Hearing Test and 3rd Pediatric Check Up

2008-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I have to leave Alfred with his daddy as I was attached to an important course at my company. Early in the morning, Alfred needs to do his hearing tests. KS accompany by his mother to the hospital. The story line goes like this. Alfred need to goes to sleep before he could take the test. Normally, around 11am, it is time for Alfred morning nap. That is the best time. When KS successfully cuddle him to sleep, unluckily someone is in the hearing test room. Ks went into the testing room only after ½ hours. Sadly, the test failed again. When the 1st test failed, doctor changed to another type of testing tools. At that time, Alfred waked up. Again, they have no choice but to let Alfred taking sleeping medicine. The 2nd test was successful. Alfred has no problem in hearing. We are so glad to hear that news. But the doctor did mentioned, if Alfred could not talk when he reach 36 months, we have to bring him back to the clinic. It's definitely won’t happen, that is my hope!!

I’m back to my in law house in the afternoon as the course took up only ½ day. It is time for Alfred pediatric checkup. Today trip to pediatric is a pleasant trip. Although we have waited nearly 3 hours just because the nurses can’t find Alfred file, we have met good doctors. An applause to the those doctors. Although they are very young doctors, they act professionally. I threw out many questions at them and yet, they can answer well. As advice by Tonya, I did ask about the MRI. The test was done on Mac when Alfred admitted to hospital for 2 days due to high fever. Even the CT scan on his foramum have been done. The reports We also rose up issue on Alfred breathing. Sometimes, he seems like stop breathing for 1 or 2 seconds and then comes with a deep breathing. We ask the doctor whether Alfred is developing Apnea. As explained by the doctor, it is normal for young children. Their heartbeat is twice as fast as the heartbeat of an adult. If the breathing stops more or merely 20 seconds, then we have to admitted him to hospital immediately. Today conclusions, Alfred is really healthy and a happy boy. Although we don’t have actual growth chart for him, but as long as he is in good health, that have been really good. Alfred next checkup will be on December.

2nd trip to Pediatric Clinic and A Visit to Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

2008-08-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

On his 2nd trip to pediatric, Doctor Vimal is on annual leave. Alfred was seen by another doctor, a newly graduate lady doctor. To be frank, she is just as young as me as I saw her identification on her tag. She ask politely that she want to took a picture of Alfred for her keeping purpose because this the first time she treating an achondroplasia baby. We raised the issue about Alfred lower spine had started to bow out which concerned us so much. A senior doctor came by and commented Alfred to do an x-ray on his spine and was then sent to orthopedic. He was recommended to another hospital in bigger city, Kuala Lumpur which have pediatric orthopedic clinic. The results said that Alfred spine had show no sign yet of kyhosis. But what happened in the pediatric orthopedic clinic really annoyed me. Again, Alfred was checked by a newly graduate doctor in that clinic. I guess government hospital is the training ground for new doctor. At that time, he wasn't sure because this is the first time he treated an achon child. He called up his professor but ended up Alfred being a teaching method to all the newly grad doctor there. Those doctors was lining up in front of the professor as the professor throwing out question for the doctors to answer. The situation is like you are in the classroom with a real human as a teaching method. I feel so sad and unrespectable by the professor. He didn’t read on Alfred report and just a simple glance through Alfred x-ray. He then told me that there is nothing to worry as kyhosis might will or might not occur when he grew up later. About those new doctors, they just took Alfred photo without asking my permission. Do they know how to respect their patient? A courtesy request, can I take a photo of your son? I guess that wasn’t so hard. To be frank, I don’t like my son photo being taken although I know it for a good purpose. Just some voice inside my little heart feels uneasy about it. I’m still thinking should I still want to opt for the coming checkup.

Eventually till now, I’m still looking around for a good doctor whom will really concern about Alfred conditions. We don’t have Achondroplasia specialists in our country. The only way we could find more information is by surfing the internet which leads me to many impressive mommy blogs. Their little baby stories burst me into tears and they do bought me laughter on every of their little move. They have inspired me with their blogs. Here, I would like to express my gratitude to all achondroplasia website mommies’ blogs especially to Tonya and Knoah. Thank you so much.

Happy Day : Daddy And Alfred

2008-08-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

A laughing moments of KS and Alfred ... Do enjoys!!

Daddy Quote : Alfred Laughing or Crying?

Alfred 1st hearing test

2008-07-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

Today we bring Alfred for his hearing test. The test only can be done when he is sleeping. So, Alfred have to be given sleeping medicine to make him sleep. My heart feel dislike of Alfred taking sleeping medicine but doctor say it don't have any side effect on the child because the dose is very light. Alfred will be sleeping only for an hour. So, we agreed. Below is the picture when the test is taken.

The test failed. We have to bring Alfred to come for another test. And we hope the next test will be successful.

The Day Alfred Diagnosis With Achondroplasia

2008-07-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Alfred had his routine monthly checkup just like other babies in Malaysia does. I send Alfred for monthly checkup at government hospital on the early days when he was a month old. As told by my in-law, the government services have been improved and we could save up by avoiding going private which the bill will be costly. At that time, we thought it would be ok since KS brother son whom also does his monthly routine checkup there getting no hassle. Alfred was not diagnosed yet with achon, so we agreed. At Alfred first time checkup, it was done by nurses who checked him thoroughly from his head till his toe. I thought it would be good. At the last stage, Alfred was checked by a doctor who declared Alfred is in good health. In our country, baby monthly checkup was done by nurses in government hospital. They only referred to doctor when they noticed the baby grow development is not in sequent. His development is rather slow compare to other babies and he is far away behind the scale of normal baby growth. When Alfred was 4 months old, he was referred to pediatric doctor. Doctor Vimal, who treated Alfred at that time, told us that she wanted to do an x-ray for Alfred because he was showing the signs of dwarfism. We were stunned. After an x-ray was done, Doctor Vimal announce Alfred was confirmed having Achondroplasia. We were speechless, what is Achondroplasia? She started to elaborate on the result of the x-ray and his physical appearance. Alfred hands are short with stubby fingers and a separation between the middle and ring fingers. His feet are generally short, broad and flat. His head is larger than normal babies. She showed us a picture of an achondroplasia child and Alfred had the similar features. My tears began to drop. I was so heartbroken. He means the whole world to me. Dr. Vimal drag my back to the room, she comfort us by telling us there is cases like Alfred in Malaysia. Alfred might have complication and might not have them. She didn’t mention much about Alfred condition and I know I will have to find more information later. Alfred will be monitored once every 3 months. Other than x-ray, no other tests have been taken on him.

Meet the Leong's Family

2008-07-10T03:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Leong Family’s.
It’s had taken me some time to start this blog. The first step is always the hardest step. Finally, here I am, sharing our moments of everyday life about our family and our son, Alfred, who has been diagnosed with achondroplasia when he was 4 months old.

KS and I register for marriage in 2004 and our wedding ceremony was held on 8 October 2005. Alfred was born exactly on 8 October 2007 through C-Section. 8 October is Alfred expected due date and we were amazed when the doctor pointed out this date on our first checkup. I went to my final checkup 2 days before Alfred due date. My doctor said I should opt for C-section because I feel Alfred movement had been slowing lately and I don’t feel any contraction. So, we decided to go ahead on the expected due date.

I wakeup very early in the morning, bathe and washed my hair. Gosh!! I can’t wash my hair during the confinement month which usually took up to 1 month. We, chinese believe that if we wash our hair during the confinement, we will have headache, wind and it will affect our health later in life. Maybe, there is logic behind these believe. I have to follow those rules. I’m so excited when I reach the hospital. My mind wondered whether he is going to look like mommy or like daddy. Oh, how am I going to picture that? Here goes the operation room, all the nurses and doctor around doing their jobs, but my doc was no where to been seen. I lye down after the injection and my lower body became numb. I can’t feel anything. I uttered “huh”, and there my doctor showed his face. Here comes the funny part, doc asked, you ok? I answered, yes, oh doc, you’ve arrived? He said, oh yes, I’m in the middle of taking him out. Deep in my heart, I scream, WHAT!! The feels of nervous, forces of pushing and the next things, Alfred voice, crying. When the doctor showed him to me, oh my baby, he looked like his daddy. I cried. I’m a proud mommy as I gave birth to a lovely baby. After the operation, I was returned to a room and requested to see Alfred. Sadly, the nurse told me that Alfred must stay in the nursery room for 6 hours before they could bring him to me. KS make a trip to the nursery room and snap a few picture of Alfred. Within 10 mins, KS came back to me with Alfred pictures. I knock off after seeing Alfred picture. When I wake up, the nurse bring Alfred to me. When he was handed to me, I hugged and kiss him, oh, I miss that moment. The nurse came with the baby doctor. Doc told us that Alfred hands and legs are shorter. Doc advised us to pay more attention on monitoring his head is not bulging and no fever. At that time, we thought it just a normal advised for new parents. We stay a night at the hospital and went home with little Alfred the next day.

Alfred Pictures captured by his daddy.

MoMenTs of Alfred...

2008-07-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!

A Glance Through About Achondroplasia

2008-06-10T03:25:00.000-07:00

What is Achondroplasia?

Achondroplasia is a genetic (inherited) condition that results in abnormally short stature. All persons with achondroplasia are little people. The average height of an adult with achondroplasia is 131 cm (52 inches, or 4 foot 4) in males and 124 cm (49 inches, or 4 foot 1) in females.

Achondroplasia is the most common cause of short stature with disproportionately short limbs.
Achondroplasia is a disorder of bone growth. Although achondroplasia literally means "without cartilage formation," the problem in achondroplasia is not in forming cartilage but in converting it to bone, particularly in the long bones.

Achondroplasia is one of the oldest known birth defects. The frequency of achondroplasia is estimated to range from about 1 in 10,000 births in Latin America to about 12 in 77,000 in Denmark. An average figure worldwide is approximately 1 in 25,000 births.

What are the characteristics of achondroplasia?

Achondroplasia is a distinctive condition that usually can be noted at birth. The baby with achondroplasia has a relatively long, narrow torso (trunk) with short extremities (arms and legs) and a disproportionate shortening of the proximal (near the torso) segments of the limbs (the upper arms and thighs). There is a typically large head with prominence of the forehead (frontal bossing), underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the midface with cheekbones that lack prominence, and a low nasal bridge with narrow nasal passages. The baby's fingers appear short and the ringer and middle fingers diverge giving the hand a trident (three-pronged) appearance. Most joints can extend more than normal. For example, the knees can hyperextend beyond the normal stopping point. Not all joints are lax in this way. To the contrary, extension and rotation of the elbow are abnormally limited. Hip extension also tends to be limited. At birth there is often prominence of the mid-to-lower back with a small gibbus (a hump). With walking, the hump goes away and a pronounced sway (lordosis) of the lumbar region (the lower back) becomes apparent. The lumbar lordosis is persistent. The legs are bowed (genu varum).
The baby exhibits some decrease in muscle tone (hypotonia). Because of the large head, especially compared to rest of the body, and the decreased muscle tone, the child with achondroplasia will run behind "schedule" in reaching the usual motor milestones. The schedule to which an achondroplastic child's development should be compared is not that for all children in the general population, but rather the timetable followed by achondroplastic children.
Intelligence is entirely normal in patients with achondroplasia. Enlargement of the brain (megalencephaly) is common and normal with achondroplasia.

How is achondroplasia diagnosed?

The diagnosis of achondroplasia can be based on the typical physical features, the hallmarks of achondroplasia, evident at birth. Characteristic features are also seen by radiology (X-ray), ultrasound and other imaging techniques. With ultrasound, the diagnosis can sometimes be strongly suspected before birth.

The molecular diagnosis of achondroplasia before birth is feasible. The limited number of DNA changes responsible for achondroplasia and the ease with which they can be detected provide the basis for a simple method for prenatal diagnosis. In families in which both parents have achondroplasia, prenatal diagnosis may be particularly useful, the aim being to distinguish fatal homozygous achondroplasia from heterozygous achondroplasia (with one copy of the achondroplasia gene) from normal. Diagnosis before birth is accomplished by examining cells obtained by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

What can be done for patients with achondroplasia?

Children and adults with achondroplasia can lead normal lives provided they receive attentive, informed care by their physicians and parents. Considerations in monitoring children with achondroplasia include careful measurements of growth (length/height and weight) and head circumference using curves specially standardized for achondroplasia. Knowledgeable pediatric care and periodic orthopedic and neurologic examinations are critical.

When special problems complicate achondroplasia, prompt and expert intervention is important. For example, the foramen magnum (the large opening under the skull) should be surgically enlarged in cases of severe narrowing (stenosis) and compression of the spinal cord. The back of patients with achondroplasia can develop a marked sway (lordosis) to the lower back while abnormalities in the mid-back may cause a small hump (kyphosis) in infancy and compression of the spinal cord in adolescence. The spinal cord compression can require surgery to decompress it. Orthopedic procedures may be required for lengthening of the limb bones and correction of bowed legs (usually after full growth has been achieved). Surgery (lumbar laminectomy) is also indicated when spinal stenosis (narrowing) causes symptoms, which tends to be evident in young adults.

Disproportion between the brain and the base of the skull can sometimes result in hydrocephalus ("water on the brain") which needs to be promptly detected and treated.
The large head with achondroplasia increases the chance of bleeding within the baby's head during vaginal delivery. This should be taken into account in planning the birth and postnatal care. The brainstem (which contains a center for controlling respiration) may be compressed in achondroplasia and contribute to abnormal breathing.
Pregnant women with achondroplasia should have their babies delivered by cesarean birth.
Middle ear infections are frequent and can lead to mild to moderate hearing loss. Therefore, ear infections should be readily suspected and promptly and fully treated with antibiotics or ear tubes. Dental crowding is also common. Teeth should be straightened and, if necessary, removed to alleviate this problem.

Control of obesity is essential. The child with achondroplasia must not be allowed to become overweight. Adults with achondroplasia should also monitor and control their weight because excess weight aggravates back and joint problems.

Treatment with human growth hormone, which is still considered experimental, has been preliminarily reported to increase the growth rate.

How is achondroplasia inherited?

Achondroplasia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait whereby only a single copy of the abnormal gene is required to cause achondroplasia. The gene for achondroplasia is fully penetrant, meaning that everyone who possesses it has achondroplasia. No one with the gene escapes achondroplasia. However, there is some variation in expression of the gene, meaning that children with achondroplasia are not carbon copies of each other, although they may look alike to the untutored eye.

In only about an eighth of cases is the gene inherited from a parent who has achondroplasia. Conversely, about seven-eighths of cases are due to a new mutation (a new change in the gene). This means that most cases of achondroplasia occur sporadically (out of the blue) and are the result of a new mutation in a sperm or ovum of one of the normal- appearing parents. The chance of a new mutation rises with the age of the father. As early as 1912 it was noted that sporadic (new) cases were more often last-born than first-born children. This fits with the fact that the chance of an achondroplastic birth has been shown to increase with paternal age (age of the father).

What if someone with achondroplasia has children?

Although most children with achondroplasia do not have an achondroplastic parent but have a new mutant gene for achondroplasia, they can still transmit the gene to their children. No matter whether a person with achondroplasia carries a new or an "old" gene, the risk for passing that gene down to a child is 50%. It is 50% with each pregnancy, irrespective of the outcome of prior pregnancies. It is like flipping a coin each time.

What if two people with achondroplasia have children?

People with achondroplasia sometimes have children together. If so, each parent has a 50:50 chance of passing on the gene. Thus, with each conception, there is a 25% chance for an average-size child, a 50% chance for a child (like them) with achondroplasia and a 25% chance for a conception with two achondroplasia genes. The combined presence of two genes for achondroplasia (called homozygous achondroplasia) causes a grievous skeletal disorder that leads to early death from breathing failure due to constriction by a tiny chest cage and neurologic problems from hydrocephalus.

Homozygous achondroplasia, although fatal, has led to insights into other medical conditions. For example, similarities were noticed between homozygous achondroplasia and a condition called thanatophoric dwarfism. It was proposed that the two disorders might be due to different mutations in the same gene and this has proven to be the case. Another skeletal disorder called hypochondroplasia has also turned out to be due to yet another mutation (change) in the same gene. Achondroplasia, thanatophoric dwarfism, and hypochondroplasia are thus due to mutational changes at the same gene locus.

What gene causes achondroplasia?

The locus of the gene for achondroplasia (which is also the locus of the genes for thanatophoric dwarfism and hypochondroplasia) has been mapped. Linkage studies were done of families with achondroplasia tracing the transmission of DNA markers whose chromosomal locations were known. These studies revealed that the gene for achondroplasia was on the short (p) arm of chromosome 4 in chromosome band 4p16.3.

What is the molecular story with achondroplasia?

Once the gene for achondroplasia was isolated to the region 4p16.3, genes in the region that might logically be the gene for achondroplasia were examined. It was discovered that mutations causing achondroplasia were synonymous with changes in the gene for fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR3). The exact FGFR3 mutation in most persons with achondroplasia is the same. It is a substitution, to be precise, at nucleotide number 1138 in the DNA. This substitution on the DNA level results in a minute change on the protein level. There is the substitution of one amino acid for another, specifically an arginine for a glycine at position number 380 of the protein in the transmembrane domain of FGFR3. This change in the structure of this protein is sufficient to impair the function of the receptor. Genetic research on achondroplasia has yielded this information since 1994. How this minute genetic change produces the features of achondroplasia is a matter for current research.

Achondroplasia At A Glance

Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder of bone growth. Achondroplasia is the most common cause of short stature with disproportionately short limbs. The appearance of the person with achondroplasia is characteristic. Intelligence is entirely normal in people with achondroplasia. Complications of achondroplasia can affect the brain and the spinal cord. The parents of children with achondroplasia are usually normal. Achondroplasia is inherited as a dominant trait. Achondroplasia can be diagnosed before birth.

Information By Medicinenet.com