baby

5 USES OF BABY ROOM SPRAY

Alright, so today I am going to talk about something that is very new to me. It is that new that I didn’t even know that it is ever exist in this world.

A BABY ROOM SPRAY

Oh yeah!! very simple way to purify and refresh my room especially during night time. Bubba Organics was kindly enough to give me one to try and my gosh…I LOVE IT! I’ve been using it everyday for the past 2 weeks and feel so good about this. Here I shared 5 uses of this new innovation “baby room spray” (I literally spray it everywhere event though it called baby room spray). Sooo..let’s call it room spray from now onwards. YES! I love it that much.

FRESHEN UP – Room sprays are a great way to freshen up a room or area. It made out of the natural antibacterial properties of Eucalyptus and Melaleuca. It smells subtle and delish with sweet & fruity scent. This helps the boys to breath easy while working to keep the germs at bay. Also perfect to be used after nappy change. 😉
IMPROVE QUALITY OF NIGHT SLEEP – Room sprays helps us to experience a good night sleep. As some of you may try to put your breastmilk on bub’s pillow when you do sleep training, so I try this method to Asher. I sprays the room spray to his pillow. And I was surprised with the result, Asher tends to sleep longer than usual. One night he even sleep through without feeding. (can’t wait to experience that night more often). I spray on my pillows too, and I feel great with my quality of sleep lately.
CALMING – We’ve all had those nights when one of the kids can’t sleep and what can we do, they hear a nose or think something is under the bed, this is the time to pull out your monster spray – make it a calming blend of essential oils and your little one will soon be off to sleep.
RELAXING – Life as a mom is full on from am to pm. I had tons things to do in a day, yet I have little time to work on it. Things get intense easily, kids were pushing my buttons hundred times, getting out of the door seems harder than ever. Right at this moment, I know I need to RELAX. Yes, I spray this on my body and it feels magic, it relaxes my mind and muscles instantly. I always carry one on my nappy bag, you know just in case.
REDUCE SNIFFLES – It is safe also to use on babies when they sniffles, but remember to wipe their nostrils afterwards.

So, what about you? Are you now a big fan of baby room spray? If not, you gotta try one anytime soon. And if you don’t feel like make your own room spray, just like me…No worries…

Shop Here

Love,

Kenny

ASHER LIONEL TJUNG

ASHER LIONEL TJUNG – The Easter Baby

July 1, 2018 // 03.20AM // 4.045kg // 53cm

As I heard the his first cry, my heart skipped a bit. What?! Was this even real? I just gave life to a new human. He made such an entrance to the earth. And I am his mother. I fell in love once again. At the first sight….

As the days are approaching, we had a feeling that this baby will make an early debut before his due date for some reason. Since week 36/37 I constantly experience such a strong brixton hicks. Around week 38 – I had some mild cramps with various intervals, I noticed some mucus plug dislodges from my cervix for 4 days in a row with no blood showing. And as I was entering week 39, I felt lightening; where as though I have more room to breathe as the baby laid down low on my bladder, and I felt less movements of the baby; which are normal as the baby’s head got engaged, and still mild cramps.

Thursday, 29th March 2018

I woke up at 7am as usual, feeling excited that maybe today could be the day I get to see my baby. I talked to my baby (my own tummy in real life) every morning, and happy to feel some kicks and hiccups. But, today, it seemed a little odd, no matter how hard or frequent I rubbed my tummy, I didn’t feel any response. I felt no movement of the baby. I waited till mid day, and still nothing changed. I tried to stay positive to calm myself down. Then, I waited a little longer till my husband came home from work. Again, nothing changed. This time, I couldn’t help myself, my brain’s racing, my heart’s screaming, was it what it was? was the baby okay? was the baby sleeping? was the baby still alive? We rang the hospital and they asked us to come for a check up. We dropped off Jared at my aunt’s place and head straight to the hospital.

9.20PM – We arrived at the hospital and I was placed in one of the birthing room, they checked the baby’s movement. She gave me some iced water to wake up the baby too. It took quite some times to wake up the baby. UNTIL…finally he made a little kick. Then it gets more frequent and harder. We were so relieved to feel those punches and kicks again, because we know the baby’s okay. He’s there alive. Praise God!! No nightmare tonight! and we were happy to be sent back home after a boring and long 3 hours TENS monitoring.

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Friday, 30th March 2018

1AM – We arrived at home and had the bed for only two of us that night. Because we let Jared stayed over at my aunt’s place. That was a bliss night for me, just what I needed before the second baby arrive.

9AM – We went to the airport to pick up my mom and my brother who flew from Indonesia the night before. They came here to help me taking care of the house plus Jared while we’re in the hospital. Then, we had our usual Friday going. We took the families out for some walks and dinner. We had some good quality times together.

Saturday, 31st March 2018

2.25AM – I was lounging on my bad catching up on some K-dramas, when suddenly I felt something popped inside my lower tummy. It wasn’t painful, it was distinct. I didn’t know what it was. I reached my pants, it’s completely dry. My mind rushed 1000 miles trying to figured out what it was. 3 seconds later, I suddenly felt a gushed of warm fluid came through my pants. My water broke. I had one of the midwife broke my water with my first pregnancy, so I didn’t expect to experience water break at home and how it sounds or feels or looks like in my mind. I just can’t. Well, I didn’t want to scare myself. But, it happened this time round. I wet my bed, the floor, all the way to my bathroom. Then, we packed our hospital bags, left the house straight to the hospital.

3.15AM – I laid down on one of the hospital bed got while they monitored the baby’s movement. While they’re examining my water discharge. Its pale pink colour and odourless with tiny amount of blood which is very normal, nothing to worry about. BUT, no contraction yet! For this reason, I was sent back home again for another 12 hours.

3.00PM – Arrived back for the third time in the hospital with no signs of labour. It’s tiring. It’s frustrating. 3 false alarms in 2 days were a bit too much. We had our hopes fluctuate here and there. It felt sucks. 😦

Next minute, the midwife came in to our room, she’s telling us to get induced the next morning 6AM. This was the last thing I wanna hear at this moment. I knew how painful it was to get induced, it was shocking and extremely painful. I were not prepared and Jared was unhappy and stressful. Read more on Jared’s birth story. Even though the case was different with my previous pregnancy, induction were still needed to reduce the risk of infection increases dramatically upon baby. So, I left the hospital with a heavy heart. I was scared and worried if I can possibly bear the extreme pain ever again?! As I was planning to brave myself with unmedicated birth this time. I have a birth plan ready to roll. And I know I can do it this time.

5.30PM – I started to feel some mild contractions every 30-45 minutes. as it’s getting stronger, I chose to distract my mind with food. We had a family feast dinner that night at my place celebrating Easter Eve.

9.30PM – the contractions were getting more intense with 15 minutes interval. However, it is still bearable. Then, I prepared myself for bed 2 hours later, jumped onto bed with my phone around 11.20PM

11.50PM – I felt one long horrible contractions, I even (literally) jumped out off my bed. I lost words and gave a hand-sign to Andri that “things are getting real!” then suddenly I felt the urge to poo. But, I refused to take off my undies. I was much aware of having the baby out at that moment with no professional assistance. My first labour lasted for 7 hours, then I thought this one would be done really quick. Let’s get on the freakin car right now!! While Andri’s on the phone with the midwife, I got myself ready and packed my belongings. Then, suddenly I heard Andri told me that we had to wait a bit longer because the hospital was full that night. #notodaydevil “I AM ABOUT TO POPPED! GIVE ME A ROOM!” – I lost it. I grabbed the phone and told her, I AM GOING THERE. This is my second, I can’t wait any longer. Then, she agreed. GAH.

Sunday, 1st April

12.25AM – We arrived at the hospital with one room “just” ready for us. We came in and I laid down on the bed. I took off my pants and undies straight away, getting myself comfortable. Alright….the contractions were getting stronger and stronger. And I was trying my best to keep stay positive throughout the pains and calm myself down by having a deep breath in between. Then, I changed position; on knees with my upper body leaned against the raised back of the hospital bed. I found this position worked best for me as I leaned forward with my hip opened, it actually encouraged the baby to rotate; his face facing my tailbone which means it would reduced the pressure on my tailbone. As it’s get more intense, it was hard to stay calm so I took the epigas. OH MAY GOD! Whoever invented epigas, you are one genius, it was so damn good! I am grateful for you and wanted to celebrate you! It helped me through my rough & rocky stromy hours. You showed up your magic on every deep breath I take.

“You’re 8 cm dilated, great job Kenny!” said the midwife. “Damn!! I lost my chance to get the freaking epidural.” I regretted. “I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I can’t do this…..” I murmured to Andri. I lost count on how many times I said this very word. My brain sent me many bundle of limit signals. But it’s funny that my body were doing vice versa, its getting more stable; making a way for the baby to come out.

3:20AM – Next minute, I felt the baby crowning. Yeah baby…I were onto the next position – ready to push. SO did the midwives. Then suddenly, Andri saw the tip of the baby’s head, the next 2 pushes, ASHER LIONEL TJUNG WAS OUT EARTHSIDE with us. Andri cut the cord for the first time, he didn’t get a chance to during the birth of Jared due to some emergency health issue. Read more on Jared’s birth story. What a quick and smooth delivery it was. We were both so joyful and grateful to be trusted with another perfect little chunky man. Last part was pushing my placenta out. It’s easily done smoothly, yet they examined that I experienced quite severe tear after delivery. Asher is a big baby, and it’s common for women who deliver vaginally end up with tear in their perineum that extends to or through the rectum. Unfortunately, in my case, it was slightly bigger than expected, I experienced a third degree perineal tear. It needed to be treated under minor surgery.

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6.30AM – I came back to the birthing room after having an one hour operation, reunited with my little boy. I got to cuddle him was the best thing I could ask for in the world.

I was proud of myself for pulling this unmedicated birthing journey off bravely. Despite of the doubts and fears which were creeping in halfway of the journey. It’s been my desire to try an unmedicated birthing process. And I did it. I COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD OF MYSELF, even though I still had the local anaesthetic injection for my third degree tear treatment, I AM STILL PROUD. By His grace and great supporters around me during the process. I finally made it. Thanks husband for sacrificing your hands as my stress relieve ball. Thanks to all RNSH midwives for ensuring me for my good works and guiding me through my darkest hours.

Asher was very stable and calm during the labour. Unlike my first experience with Jared. Also he made a pretty quick entrance to the world. I am so grateful for him. Such a perfect chunky little man. He injected a pile amount of joy the moment I laid my eyes on him. He’s the real meaning of his own name (Asher means happy). My body was tore but my heart was mended fully. My life is beyond blessed.

YES! This is our family of four. It’s going to be interesting to watch, we believe. 2 boys, 1 man and 1 outnumbered lady. THE TJUNG SQUAD is ready to tackle the world. X

Love,

Kenny

A GAME CHANGER DIAPER BAG REVIEW (PLUS MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY)

Alright, today I am going to do my first ever product review. But, before we get into the business. Please be aware that MOTHER’S DAY is coming. So, here I am running a MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY for one lucky mama. One stylish denim diaper bag sponsored by Eco by Naty. NOT only that, it includes an eco-friendly diapers, baby wipes, and nappy rash cream. Check out HOW TO ENTER details down at the end below. So, make sure you read this blog through.

Eco by Naty has been known for its innovative ecological baby range for more than a decade. Their vision is simple; to create the most eco products for babies and busy mothers, while remaining open and transparent about our certification and product contents.

And I am stoked when they reached out to me for a collaboration. And the first thing they do was sending me a trial box. You know it! Instantly, its owned my trust. It showed me that this brand is savvy and truthful to its quality and vision. I fell in love ever since, and proudly to be its one of ambassador.

So, today I am going to do some product review on some of Eco by Naty products; including their new and improved diaper bag design. So, let’s get into it, shall we?

Diaper bag

FIRST WORD when I saw this diaper bag // Is that a diaper bag? (literally word by word). It is super stylish, made of 100% organic cotton. I love the fact that it’s so practical for a modern and busy mother who always struggles with organisation. Easy access flap to open and close the bag. This diaper bag has several labelled pockets (see video below), which will fit most of mama essentials (wallet, phone, sunnies) and baby needs (diapers, wipes, bottles, utensils, bib, change mat, etc).

Carry this bag two ways; on the pram OR tote them. It looks so stylish in both ways no matter what. This bag allows me to travel light with 2 kids (newborn and toddler) and left my two hands free for the boys. It is the game changer for our out and about experience. I highly recommended this diaper bag for all moms who are always on their toes chasing the little monsters.

This bag comes with eco favourite baby products; eco diapers, eco sensitive wipes, eco rash cream. I will review each item on details below.

Disposable Diapers

Babies, they are so pure, gentle, and delicate. With the history of Jared’s eczema since birth, baby’s skin always get my attention more than any other part of the bodies. Therefore, I am quite selective in choosing the baby products for my children.

Eco diapers are cornstatch – based, not plastic. It is so soft and breathable. It is safe and non-allergic. Asher has been using eco diaper since the day he’s born with no diaper rash till today. Well, nothing worse than irritated skin, right? Eco diapers absorbency level is quite outstanding. In the normal day time, Asher (4 weeks old) uses 4-5 diapers a day without any leaking. This gives Asher more comfort during his sleep. Last but not least, it also has a cool minimalist design and stretched tape.

Shop here

Sensitive Wipes

Jared has a sensitive skin and eczema. Some wet wipes can cause redness around his face, especially mouth area. So, I rarely use wet wipes on his face, I would rather go to washroom to clean his face and mouth. But, I hate the time I have to leave my sit in the middle lunch to find the nearest washroom.

Then, I received eco by naty wet wipes inside the diaper bag, and get extra excited to find out eco wipes are 98.5% pure water. No toxic. No chemicals. No parabean. I gave it a try on Jared’s skin and I see no redness since then. It is gentle on Jared’s skin and definitely save me from washroom run.

Shop here

Rash Cream

If you see the some redness on your babies’ bottom, do not panicking. It is nappy rash. Baby nappy rash is common, but your baby does not have to suffer the pain. You should put it into concern when it is sore and your baby become unsettle or keep crying relentlessly.

Eco nappy rash cream is a good and eco-friendly alternative not only for babies, it is made for your toddler’s skin too. And I like the texture of eco rash cream, it is not watery, it is thick more like an ointment. It gives full layer on the skin. It also absorbs quicker onto the skin with no white marks on the bum. This rash cream works well together with the diaper.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly baby products or sensitive skin friendly baby ranges. You may wanted to give these products a chance. No nasty chemicals involved, it is safely tested for your little ones.

Lastly, I had made a debut come back to the park visit; after being confined inside the house for full 30 days after giving birth. It feels so good to finally breathing the fresh air. Here I show you my casual post-partum style and new hair style for breastfeeding mommy. Hope you like it as much as we do. X

INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY

HOW TO ENTER:

Follow @mamaonrepeat and @ecobynaty on Instagram.
Like this giveaway post.
Comment on the post: what’s you must have in your diaper bag?
Tag some friends as separate entry.

T&C :

Competition runs for 7 days (04/05 – 11/05)
1 lucky winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will have 48 hours to claim prize via DM. If the winner does not claim within 48-hour timeframe a new winner will be randomly chosen.
Competition is opened for Australia and New Zealand residents only.

Thank you Eco by Naty to sponsor this blog post and giveaway. We are a proud Ambassador of healthy planet with sustainable solutions.

Don’t forget to stop by @mamaonrepeat for some modern motherhood beauty in chaos, inspo, and giggles.

Love,

Kenny

3 TOP TIPS HOW TO TAKE YOUR OWN NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The time you bringing your newborn baby home is simply one of the most wonderful moments in life!

The newborn days are so precious, yet so fleeting. I appreciate how quickly the days pass by and how sweet every little details are. This is why I decided to start taking more pictures of my little ones since the early days of their existence.

While some has the opt to hire a professional photographer to seal the first moments of their new bub. Some are beyond excited to get behind the camera themselves.

I know as a first time mom, delivering and nurturing a child is a big project already. How can I get my hands on the deck for some details’ photo?! It is undeniable hard work. But, trust me, every click is worth captured.

So, today I am going to share my 3 TOP TIPS – how to make your own home session newborn photography experience an enjoyable and stress-free one for both bub and you.

1. TIMING

One of the benefits of photographing your own newborn is that time is on your side. Having your own home session newborn photography isn’t the nearly best or even easiest option you could do. It at least gives you more flexibility.

Unlike a client based photography, which is limited to 3-4 hours window to work on a varied gallery. Own home session allows you to work on the project for days, or even weeks. Remember! You just delivered a baby, your body is still recovering. So, do not rush.

Other than that, having a choice to decide the best timing for your bub to do the shoot is also important. “Happy bub, happy life.” Based on my experience, morning session, between breakfast and lunch is the best timing to do the shoot where most babies are mostly settle well during this time. Who’s agree with me?

2. LIGHTING

Unlike having a studio based photo session, working from home means limited space and equipment. This includes lighting. Many of us do not have additional lighting in house. Natural lighting is our best friend – the sun. This will make or break the deal.

It is in the sky above us. Therefore, seeing a person who is lit from below is very unnatural looking. We definitely do not want to see our babies to look like they belong in a horror-flick.

We are looking for a nice soft-shadows and highlights for the shot. Have the light flows from baby’s head to feet at approximately a 45 degree angle. SO, lighting is everything. BUT, do not overuse it! Please do not uplight your baby.

3. EXPERIMENTING

The other benefit of having your own newborn photo session is having opportunities to try new things. You will be surprised by the magic a photo could bring.

Play with some angles and perspectives. Do not rush in re-positioning your baby, instead try to getting up and moving around to get some unique details.

Utilise different corners in your house. You do not need extra props to get a dynamic photo, find a new “lit” spot with a plain background will be another way to get a stunning photo.

Involve the siblings, relatives, and yourself in the photo. Make these moments memorable for the whole families.

Photographing your own newborn can be challenging but also so very rewarding.

The days are long but the years are short. In a blink of eyes, you would find yourself chauffeuring to school and sport carnivals, teaching them how to drive, sending them to college, witnessing their marriage. So today, while you can, enjoy your baby! Live in a moment and capture the magical of each second.

Love,

Kenny

OUR STORY – LAST BUMPDATE BABY #2

Hey humpday!

I am still here in front of my laptop and sipping my second cup of raspberry leaf tea of the day, hoping that it will help the natural inducing process. However, bub has another say, he enjoys being inside mum’s tummy a lil longer. WELL, SO BE IT!! I believe he will come out at the right time when he is ready.

So, let’s move on… today I am going to share my latest bumpdate at #39 weeks and 3 days.

SYMPTOMS

First thing first, let’s celebrate that my baby is officially considered full term! Yeah we made it! We gotta celebrate every small wins in life, aren’t we?

Bub is as big as watermelon. Weight around 3.2 kgs according to the pregnancy application I have been using this time round.

As my bump grows each inch, so does my level of discomfort. Often times, people misrecognized that I’m carrying twins. And no offense, I am totally fine with the statement. I would be more than happy to carry twin girls in the future. Ha. I cannot stand more than 10 minutes. I cannot sit more than 10 minutes. I cannot lie down more than 10 minutes. Every move seems like a dead-end at this point. I have to keep changing positions in order to avoid backache.

I feel a lot lighten at this stage, because the baby has dropped and settled deeper into my pelvis (not fully; getting there). I can breathe more easily than before. Because pressure on my diaphragm has been relieved. As pay-back though, I feel more pressure on my bladder, which means more trip to the bathroom. Especially during night time. However, I read once on the internet this week, way to reduce night trips to the bathroom is by avoiding to take sip of liquid right before you go to bed. And it worked!! So, please keep this in mind all expectant mama.

Stronger and more frequent Braxton hicks contractions, which is commonly known as “false” or “practice” contractions. Braxton Hicks are a tightening in your abdomen that comes and goes. They are contractions of your uterus in preparation for giving birth. For a first time mama, you may or may not notice these events. However, if you do so, don’t get panic. Stay calm, the baby may not come out anytime soon. It could be days or weeks away.

While some women experience insomnia during their third tri-semester. That has never been my case, I am blessed with the ability to sleep anytime anywhere I feel like doing so.

My physical body is getting moody. I would feel very sick some days and very energetic on the other days.

Last but not least, I am on nesting mode most of the days with loaded snacks near me. Don’t judge please.

Clothing

Honestly, this is not my favourite topic to share with. I am comfortably living in my maternity bra, and pyjamas all day at home. When I go out, I prefer to wear one-piece dress than two pieces (maternity legging or jeans and oversized tops). I move more freely with a dress than two-pieces. I have less than 10 options for my daily go-to outfit (mostly dresses). They are from ASOS and H&M. They are made of good fabric and fit me perfectly. For more safety and support for your growing bump, get a maternity shapewear under your dress. It will help you hold the weight of your bump.

Nursery

Latest update on this matter; I decided to go with modern Nordic style, majorly playing with monochrome color; black, white, and grey.

And accidentally, I bought many bear wall and room decorations for baby #2 for no reason, other than I found them cute and trendy. Some are hanged on the wall and styled already, some are still sitting on the box. So, by saying that, I would say the nursery isn’t 100% done; more than halfway done I supposed. And honestly, it doesn’t bother me at all, since we decided to let baby #2 to sleep on bassinet next to our bed for the first few months of adjustment before we transfer him to his own room for a sleep training.

Alright…that’s all for today! I just finished my last sip of tea and I guess I’m feeling it. Yesssss the early contractions. Is it gonna be my last bumpdate for sure?! Ha. Wish us luck. X

Love,

Kenny

OUR STORY – SECOND BUMPDATE

Hello homestretch!

First, let me admit it; I am poor at counting. This blog is about my second bumpdate of the pregnancy, even though, I have passed the second tri-semester phase.

YES! I am currently #33weeks pregnant. Things started to get very real. It gets to my nerves every single night before I close my eyes. It feels surreal as i’m writing this article.

Symptoms

The third trimester revealed a wide range of new (and not very nice) symptoms.

This Baby is as big as honeydew melon and the belly was starting to resemble a basket ball.

I experiences leg cramps often in the morning, so that, I was forced to take my morning very slow and low.

I have this very “weird” crave that only happens every Monday; after breakfast, I have to have an hour cat-nap before I could really start my day. It’s been going on for the past month, and i can’t run from it (right after breakfast, my head feels heavy spinning and my eyes goes weak). I can not find any specific explanation on this symptom still. Is there anyone of you experience the similar symptom? Please raise your hands and ease my curiosity.

I still get my beauty sleep – NO insomnia for me. Hallelujah….

Midnight bathroom runs are rapidly increasing.

Sometimes, my brain goes blank while I’m driving, hence nowadays, I always try my best to avoid long-driving.

Swollen feet appearing since last week.

Clothing

Dressing your bump always become a challenge for me since week 15 or so. The moment I entered the second tri-semester, I opted for oversized t-shirt dresses. Thank God for ASOS and Zara, they have great range of clothing which keep me cool during summer in Sydney.

At this stage forward, with 6 weeks approaching to the the arrival of baby #2, I decided to rotate my clothing more often, I pretty much live in basic tee/dress or pj’s shorts while I’m working home-based.

Nursery

Even though, I am NOT a first-time parent, I do still find nursery decor is a BIG thing to me. It requires a lot of research and planning in order for you to achieve the look and feel you are desiring for. So far, I have got one third of the room done, assembled the cot and put up some wall prints. What else to add? Shout out on the comment. Tag or share a shop link below. All suggestions and ideas are welcomed here.

Overall this second pregnancy flew by, and I can’t wait to update you all on the last week of my journey with baby #2.

Love,

Kenny