• Japanese Embroidery, 5:32 PM, Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I can't keep it as a secret anymore. Although my plan is to burst it out after it finish, but then the fun is also to chat with the sisters about it.Here is what I've done last week end.. I call it stitching ceremony, since the whole process is more like ritual than stitching.
Begin with putting the fabric on the frame:
There were measurement involved, then secure it with nails, stretch it again with chopsticks:
And then lacing it:
And then pull it tight 2 times on each side. The whole process, took about 3 hours.
Then we were ready to stitch.
First we begin with designs on the foreground, so we start with the Cherry Blossoms:
Again, before we begin, I have to prepare the threads first, by twisting it. Then pin head to begin, use tekobari or laying tools, and I also have to stitch with 2 hands. For me it's really difficult, should've asked J to do it.
Then using 1 euro cent coin to image the circle in the middle, use half of the silk thread to stitch the circle, then use metallic thread to stitch the stamen. Then using red thread to couch the metallic thread and the couching has to be from top to bottom and using the stripes on the metallic thread as a guidance (every 2nd stripes), that's why the couching is so even. As if not enough.. another rule is that the stamen on the middle has to be straight, and the one on the right side has to make curve facing slightly to the left and the one on the left side curving slightly to the right. And there's also rules as from which side you have to stitch first.
As I stitch, I keep on thinking.. the Japanese must be insane...
Here are some other piccies:
(if you wonder why the lattice is so even... we use ruler to measure it.. every 4mm, don't ask me why 4 instead of 5, and the threads of the pine with the darker colour are hold down with same colour every 2,5 mm)
And this is how it supposed to look like when it's done:
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• Quietly stitching, 7:14 PM, Thursday, May 08, 2008
If I told you guys (EK and J), that I am quietly stitching, you must believe me instead of having Suspicious Mind that I am making another new start *grin*
Roots 32000'ish stitches...
Labels: Roots
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• The Shores of Hawk Run Hollow - Block 1, 5:24 PM, Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Done on 28ct Lugana Parchment from Stab and Stash with Carrie's Threads
Labels: SHRH
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• Sleep Baby Sleep, 11:34 AM, Friday, May 02, 2008
Finally he slept through the night....Here in Holland, it's like the 'compulsory' question for every mother:
"Is your baby already slept through the night?"
When I said 'No', then I will hear the story of their baby, either I asked for it or not, that their babies already slept through the night since 2 months old or 3 months old or even since the 1st day that they were born (I don't dare to aks if that's healthy or not). And all that wonderful stories makes me wonder what I should do to make my baby sleep the whole night through.
Suggestions are:
1. Drink formula milk (a no no for me if breastfeeding is possible)
2. Add some rice flour to the breast milk and give it with bottle (he won't drink from the bottle if I am around)
3. Give him water instead of milk (???)
4. Let him cry and finally he will get the message that he won't get milk at night.
I think the last suggestion is kind of sadistic. Imagine if you are a mother and you know that your baby cries because he/she wants to drink, do you have the heart to let him/her cry?
Even as an adult, it will be difficult for me to go to sleep with empty stomach and not to imagine for a baby. I think if the baby can walk, he/she will go to kitchen and prepare the milk himself LOL.
There's a theory that baby actually doesn't digest at night, so it doesn't matter to skip the meal. Well, I don't know if it's true or not, but I stick to the idea that baby only cries when they need something from food to attentions.
Then I read a book (it's written by my client for her PhD research and only available in Dutch at this moment) about upbringing. I think it's the best upbringing book. It's written from scientific point of view (suit best for me) and not 'experienced women'. It's said that the sleep pattern of a baby is a biological process and it's the baby who determine his own sleep pattern.
My problem with 'experienced women': you never know if what they said is true or not. And as my short experience as a mother, a baby is not a robot that you can set timer and programme. He decides himself what he wants and when he wants it. Now, Who's the Boss?
Labels: Baby
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• When there's a will, there's a way, 9:29 PM, Friday, April 11, 2008
It took soooo long for me to reach this point, but finally I am on the right track.I am going to start my previous study again in the Netherlands. It's not easy, since everything will be done in Dutch and I have to do 4 exams within 1 year.
I might be not active blogging and stitching for a while (how about 3-4 years..) and only if I have big progress on my WIP's, I will post the pic. And I hope I have time to post the progress of Philippe at least every 3 months.
WISH ME LUCK
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• From daughter to mother, 9:19 PM, Monday, March 31, 2008
I never thought I can ever miss my mother this much. Our relationship has never been this intensive before. There's always distructions.. her friends.. my friends.. other family members.. but now in Holland, while John is away for business trip.. it really only the two of us.The first 2 months when she arrived, I counted the day down when she'll leave. Before she came, all I asked her to do is only to cook. But when she arrived, she treated Philippe like her own son and made the meanest remarks that made us (me and DH) looked like bad parents.
E.g. Philippe may not cry. When he just make a bit pip sound then we have to make our best effort to keep him quiet.
- When I got nipple sore, I pumped the milk and kept it in the refrigerator. So we warmed it up when he's awake and it will took about 5-10 minutes to warm up the milk and during that 5-10 minutes, P will cry of course. Logic? Nope, according to her, we have to prepare it before he's awake. So, we have to sit in front of his bed and watch, and when he moved a bit then we have to start warming up the milk. So, when he's awake.. everything is ready. Nice scenario, but sometimes he moves and continues sleeping for another 1 hour. Then, what happens to the milk then? And if I have to sit and watch him sleep, then I can't do other thing.
- I always change his diaper first before I feed him because he always fall asleep at the end of feeding session and then I just put him to bed and he continue sleeping. Logic? Nope, according to her, I have to do it the other way around because during the diaper changing session (which took 3-10 minutes if he pee during the diaper changing session) he cried. But if I feed him first then he won't cry during the diaper changing session, but then I have to spend another 10-15 minutes putting him to bed, since he's awake when we change his diaper.
- The last one and most crazy part.. I have to feed him everytime he makes sound. This one really drives me crazy.. every 1 hour, 30 minutes, you name it. And if I refused, then she said that I starve him. Logic? It never come across her mind that his diaper need to be changed, that he has cramps, or whatever you name it. No. He needs food. I bought baby weighting scale and show her that he grows 20-30 grams per day, that's more than enough. Nope, she said 'How can you guys taking care of baby by using chart'. Well, I wonder how a doctor analyze if the child making good progress or not in growing.
So.. I really get ENOUGH!!!
Then I notice something.. and too bad I notice it a it late. But well, she's only taking care of P when I have to work. And only this last 3 weeks, I didn't work since John left for business trip. So, I notice that her hands tremble whenever P cries. When she feed him with bottles, her hands also tremble. When she change his diaper, her hands also tremble. And she is real nervous, when P cries. While I just look indifferent. So what? A baby cry.And my rule of thumb, as long as he is crying not longer than 15 minutes, that's still acceptable.
I talked to her. She was 16 when she gave birth of my bro. She got married to my dad and move in to the family of my dad. Most men in Asia has a macho behaviour. They expect the women to take care of the baby 100%, they can't bother to be disturb at night and the MIL's behave even worse. Not only that they don't help, but they also making mean remarks.
I told her, that I can imagine, how difficult it's for her to take care of a baby when she's that young, while I am that old and still a bit overwhelmed by P. I consider John is a very relax man, who doesn't mind baby cry and even helped with diaper changing at night and doesn't really care if I don't cook or cleaning the house or whatever. So she shouldn't feel stress out when a baby cry. It's also good not to immediately satisfied a baby needs when he cries, because then he also learn how to comfort himself.
I told her that P can be said as one of the luckiest baby in Holland, since we (John and me) are working 3 days per week, so he can be taken care by his parents 100%, while other parents, who both have full time job, will put their baby since 3 months old to a creche. And a creche can have 10-20 babies with only 2-5 helpers. And I don't expect them can attend each baby as intensive as we attend P.
After I enlighted her with her problem and see it from other side of story, she finally understood her behaviour. And the last 3 weeks was almost heaven (again.. almost LOL).
Now, I really miss her, not for her good cooking (3 times per day warm yummy food) or her help with house holding.. I miss her for spending time with her.. gossiping.. talking about the past and can discuss it as adults. But then again.. you're never an adult in front of your mother eyes...
I LOVE YOU MOM.
Labels: Baby
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• Mother and daughter day out on 13/3/08, 2:12 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2008
A real nice show!! 4 thumbs UP!!!
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• My to-die-for cross stitch patterns, 3:42 PM, Friday, March 14, 2008
My daydreaming about xstitch patterns, this is what happens when stitching getting personal...Artists: Linda Ravenscroft, Caroline Young, Nene Thomas
Designer: Goldenkite
The pattern is bound in a map with the image of the print on the cover. The pattern itself is printed on heavy yellow paper, while the working pattern is printed on white light-weight paper.
The info of the floss on different kind of fabric is included on the pattern (something that Goldenkite always provide on their patterns).
Floss management system is included. At this moment I am thinking of a simple symbol and floss number keyring system. So the symbol and floss number is printed on a laminated paper with a 2 holes in it. 1 smaller hole to be put on a key ring and 1 bigger hole (or 2 for blended colour) for the floss.
10 pages of blank note paper with a soft background of the pattern image which is useful as note of the stitcher while stitching the pattern. Can be used as a diary or tracking system or brainstorming or ....
1 plastic sealed bag with A4 size to put the stitching notions (or fabric).
Needle reminder is included as well as small embroidery scissor (this last one is an option).
I think that's all. It's not too much to ask isn't it?
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• Breast feeding, 1:34 PM,
Honestly, I am really happy that so far my breasts can produce enough milk for Philippe. But there are also lots of frustration and confusion around the breast feeding.First of all, I felt pity to women who can't breast feed because despite it's difficulties, it also offers lot of pleasure.
Philippe begins with bottle, which is also a mistake. This happened because he was in the incubator and due to his weight and the threat of hypoglicaemia, they begin with bottle. But at that time, my milk production also has not begin yet, so he got bottle feeding for about 3 days. On the 4th day, my milk production begin, but still soooooo little. I think only 2-3 ml when I pump it. I felt so discourage, but then my midwife said that it's normal. She advised me to drink a lot and eat beans products and keep on pumping for every 3 hours.
It worked. On the 5th day, the milk production is already sufficient. But since he started with bottle, he dídn't want to be put on the breast anymore (or our technique was wrong). We then consulted the breastfeeding-consultant and she helped me to put Philippe on my breast and it worked.
Breast feeding is such a blessing especially during night shift. I don't even have to get out of the bed, just put him on, then 20 minutes later back to the dream land. But breast feeding also gives me worries like.. if he drinks enough. But so far, he grows about 1 kg (2,2 lbs) per month and sleep well, so no worries.
Other than the breast infection, the other thing is the so called "regeldagen", it's the days when the milk production is "paced" by the baby. So, normally he will drink every 3-4 hours, suddenly he drinks about every 2-3 hours. I thought that my milk production is decreased and the temptation to change to bottle is soo big (especially with sore nipples as well). But the next 2 days, then I feel like my breasts gain 1 kg each. I think the production increased about 50% each, so the baby can drinks more.
During this whole breast feeding frustration and confusion period, I give my biggest THANK to John. My DH, who has supported me all the time and assured me that the whole regeldagen things is normal. Not only that he was contacting the breastfeeding consultant to give us breast-feeding lesson, but he also prepare the warm bath and good massage, during the painful period. Dank je wel schatje.
Labels: Baby
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• Happy 3rd Month Day, 8:27 PM, Saturday, March 01, 2008
to Philippe :-)1st month flashback...
This was the most difficult month. Not only that we were new to each other and his cries created helpless-look on my face, but we also need to adjust to his wake-and-sleep patterns, which is every 2-3 hours. So, we were really worned out.
During this month, he can't blurp, so he got lots of cramps and I can't put the chinese oil on his stomach under the watchful eyes of the Dutch midwife who did the daily control. So, we can only use Venkel Oil (which do work, but took longer time). And everytime after he drinks, I need to comfort him for his cramps for another half hour before he falls asleep.
2nd and 3rd month flashback...
These were heaven for us LOL. He sleeps longer 3-4 hours. Here is his schedule:
06.00 wake up to drink
07.00 wake up to poep
07.00-08.00 play
08.00-08.30 bath and cloth
09.00-12.00 sleep
12.00-13.00 wake up, drink, change nappy, play, drink
13.00-16.00 sleep
16.00-18.00 wake up, drink, change nappy, play, drink
18.00-22.00 sleep
22.00 wake up only for drink, change nappy and back to sleep
22.30-02.30 sleep
02.30 wake up only for drink, change nappy and back to sleep
03.00-06.00 sleep
At night, he's a real angel, only wake up to drink, no need to hold him to sleep, just put him on his bed and he will sleep by himself.
On-belly-exercise...
The woman from the consultation office, told us to put him on his belly about 4-5 minutes, 3-4 times per day in order to strengthen his back and so that he can tilt up his head. Philippe is always been a back sleeper, so he really hates it to be put on his belly. The first 2-3 weeks exercise, he cries immediately, so the whole exercise lasts less than 1-2 minutes. But he learns quick of course... later on when he is being put on belly position.. he just lay there and sucking his thumb. No exercise at all for about 5 minutes.. then he get mad again and want to lay on his back again. What a lazy one lol.
Pacifiers... (what a word)
He doesn't like it and we don't give it to him as a habit as well. We only use it when he is too hungry while we still need to warm up his milk. But most of time, it will only make him even more angry since he has sucked real hard and no milk.
So, I just let him suck his thumb(s) for just 1-2 minutes while we busy with his milk. So far he is not a big fond of sucking habit. He only did it when he's hungry and after he drinks then he is happy and playful or sleepy.
We notice that he's a real assertive boy, can't force him and everyone has to tail behind him :-) And of course, we use the chinese oil that works like magic. Now, he blurps and never has cramps or any other abdominal problems anymore :-)
Now, the mother...
I got 2 times sore nipples so far. The first one is still OK, the 2nd one caused malaise, vomit and high fever for 3 days. But now it's ok and I am still continuing giving breast feeding.
Labels: Baby
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• 04.02.08, 8:27 PM, Monday, February 04, 2008
Today we make it official in the Netherlands :-)Time to party again...
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• SAL's, 11:20 AM, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
With J, EK, Mellie and Sooz?I think we can say this is Ultimate SAL's:
1. Linda Ravenscroft SAL: Novi - Dark Eyes
2. Mermaid SAL: Novi - Gypsy Medina
3. Mira SAL: I pass this one
4. TW SAL: Novi - Celestial Dragon
5. Sampler SAL: Novi - Sampler for the box
6. Asian SAL (or Asian girl SAL): Novi - QS Kimono Fae
7. SPML SAL: Novi - Lady of the Gingkos
I think it's enough new starts.....
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• Gypsy Medina 2000 stitches, 4:41 PM, Friday, January 11, 2008
I've started it a while ago about 200 stitches. Now I put it into my rotation and add another 1800 stitches.
Labels: Gypsy Medina
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• Roots 28000, 8:49 PM, Thursday, January 03, 2008
Roots has reach its milestone of 28.000 stitches.Don't ask me how many confetti's on those beautiful hair ;-)
I think this is also the benefit of babysitting, on one hand it's busy busy busy when the baby's awake, but when he sleeps... I can quietly stitching next to him.
Labels: Roots
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• Final Adjustment, 6:36 PM, Friday, December 21, 2007
At least it's not that pink anymore...I picked up Roots again last night, I think I will rotate Roots and Gypsy Medina until end of year and begin the new starts at 1st January.
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• New look, 1:16 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2007
Time for new look. The preggo hormones are gone (I hope), so goodbye Baby Pooh and welcome Pinky lol.Courage is finished, washed and rolled. I don't have any plan yet for this finished piece, although I have several ideas, but better concentrate on new starts :-)
My focus pieces for HAED will be Roots and Gypsy Medina and I will have 2 new starts as well: The Edge of Enchantment and Dark Eyes.
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• It's done, 1:18 PM, Saturday, December 15, 2007
Finally..
Now, a new start and new focus piece. I am considering Roots or Gypsy Medina hm....
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• Philippe, 7:37 PM, Saturday, December 08, 2007
He's arrived. After 38 weeks and 3 days. His birth weight is 2720 gr.Being in labor is such an intense experience. I used to help women in labour, but have no idea of how the whole thing with contractions and pushing feel. If I only knew... well it's like stepping into a rollercoaster. I can't jump out anymore.
This week has been a hectic week for all of us. He was in the incubator for 1 day because he looked blue when he was born and they put him into a normal incubator which read the O2 level of Philippe was low, and it turned out that the reading was wrong, because the other incubator (the one that attached to computer monitor etc) read that his 02 level was 89% and after they add O2 his O2 level rise to 98% within 15 minutes. But once the procedure start then all the protocol follows with glucose test, etc. Don't ask me how I feel when I hold him when they took his blood. It's like the whole rational thought said that's the standard procedure but my heart said you can took 1 liter of my blood but please not his.
Well, finally it's all over and we only need to stay in the hospital for 2 nights and now the sleepless nights begin :-)
DH has been a VERY strong support during the whole situation. Althought he has phobia towards needles, but he stood strong from the beginning till the end and even help me during the last push ;-)
Labels: Baby
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• Courage 90%, 1:08 PM, Monday, November 26, 2007
It's almost there!! I have promised the girlz to finish it this week, crossed my fingers and I hope I can fulfill the promise :-)
And after this, I have a big plan, as always * wicked *, but I think I want to finish at least The Orange Tree first before carry on with my plan.. we'll see which part of me is stronger.. the angel or the evil.
Last weekend was a busy one. The baby's furnitures are ready, I have washed and ironed all the clothes, blankets, etc. Cleaned the room and the floor. Packed my hospital bag, include the camera, we are SO ready!!!!!!!!!
Labels: Baby
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• 37th weeks, 5:57 PM, Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Yeah.. the baby is entering the 37th week now and only starting from the last 2-3 weeks that I really really feel preggo. Can not walk that fast anymore or I will end up sitting for the coming 5 minutes in order to reduce the ligamentum pain.No disturbance in sleeping but every turn is noticeable, even stretching my legs has to be done carefully or I will feel the pain around the hips area.
And of course it's always fun to feel the kicks and turning of the baby and the baby seems to forget that he is about 2,5kg - 3kg now with lots of hard bones compare to the soft swirling weeks ago.
Btw, it's been a wonderful experience so far and I can't wait to hold him in my arms :-)
DH was getting into hot discussion with another midwife this morning concerning the other midwife from my last visit. While for me what important is everything turns out to be OK and I hope, both, me and the baby are healthy all the way and I don't have to deal with the Dutch health system anymore.
I can understand the Dutch need to talk or communicate, a society which give great value on "communication". But I also understand that especially in medical concern, that unless there's a thorough test has been done to support the hypothesis, it's better to keep it to yourself. (And sometimes the test is being done again and again until we really sure of it before we share it to the patient). And not just blurt something out and say.. I think the baby is small, but you don't have to worry. WTF?
And I've asked the midwife today about fundus height. I told her that my FH was 31 cm on week 35th, is it supposed to be 35 cm as well. And she said No, normally it's about 4 cm smaller than the week, so my FH is totally OK which means the baby grows well, so can anyone enlightened me how the other midwife got the idea that the baby was small based only by palpation. She's not even made the measurement.
Labels: Baby
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