Pigeon x Integirty

Let me just start this post off by thanking everyone that voted for my babykins. Till date, he has garnered 641 honest votes through sheer determination and his mother's shameless reminders to her friends to vote for him. Thank you if you voted once, twice, or like me, every 24hours. (I do set an alarm to vote) Let me just say that I'm about 99% sure that we wont get into top 10, but please continue voting! Just Click here and cast a vote, for th sick of voting anyway, and supporting this cutie pie.

This all started out with my SIL texting me in th middle of th night telling me that Caleb meets th requirements of this Pigeon contest and that I should seriously enter him in. We believe we caught th contest early as I didn't see more than 10 babies when I entered. So at that point I was quite optimistic that we had a shot at Top 10. Sending th link to most of my friends and families and getting them to cast daily votes for Caleb. And my SIL's mad skills at promoting her nephew, we were off to a great start at th beginning.

You see this contest goes like this. Top 10 babies with th most votes goes on to th next phase of th competition, th webisodes challenge where they will then compete with another set of rules which aren't release yet. And heres th reason why everyone wants to win.

Top baby gets a year contract with Pigeon and $3000 cash.


Now, down to serious business.

Since probably 3 weeks ago, It has come to my attention that there are many unethical mothers out there that "buy votes". Those that I am gonna mention did not necessarily exchanged money for votes, but they came up with a very scheming way of getting people to vote for their child.

Case 1 - Baby #175 x JJB

This mother is smart, she played on th fact that a whole bunch of mothers out there are crazy over th maternity brand, JuJuBe. So, she posted this on facebook

Sorry I'm not in this group so I only have this screencap a friend sent over.


Case 2 - Baby #815 x iPad Pro

This one is a whole other level man! Th parents of this kid is so darn freaking well to do that they can afford to be giving out iPads and other Apple products, why do they need to win this competition? It really baffles me. (As of 10:45pm, 21stMay, Baby Jude Png has 7431votes) Noticed it's a pinned post so everyone that goes into th site will see this Flash Giveaway

These are only th 2 I've heard of. I wonder are there more out there. If a bored 24yo can dig up these, I wonder what a bunch of paid employees can do. If only Pigeon thought it was an issue.


But I was not THAT pissed to rant it all up on my blog because I will just be sounding like a sour puss. But Pigeon posted this on their facebook page. And when concerned parents enquire, they gave a generic reply. You know how I hate generic replies.

I doubt their marketing department's english proficiency is any good when they claim that "Top 10 entries will be selected after screening to ensure votes and contest integrity" and then slap themselves in th face by stating "It is up to each individual's creative methods to get people to vote for their baby".

Creativity? Yes. Like a friend of mine that post cute pictures of her son daily asking people to vote for him with his huge eyes and pouty lips.

Exchanging votes for Apple products and Jujube? Man you're giving Apple a bad name here. And isn't this a red flag under "Integrity"? Or does that word have a different meaning in Pigeon HQ as opposed to th rest of th outside world. Not to risk sounding like a Sour Sally but if we were to lose fair and square I'll have suck it up. But to have people come tell me things like this? I am sure I am not th only pissed of mummy out there right now.

Babykins, I guess you will not be th next face of Pigeon and even if by some miracle you were to win, I will not want you to be associated with a brand that considers buying votes ethical. Anyway, mummy does not have th kind of money to be buying votes or giving out free iPads. So maybe I'll stop asking my friends to vote for Caleb and stop giving Pigeon any more free advertisement after this post. But I'll continue to vote every 24hours in th spirit of supporting my son and if anyone wants to do so, we thank you.

*Mic drop*

Newborn Pure #Babyface Contest

Caleb has joined his 3rd competition! With no luck with th first 2, we started this 3rd one early and with a bang! Winner gets a year contract with Pigeon and some diaper money/college fund! All you have to do is CLICK HERE and vote for this cutie pie babykins every 24hours. Set your alarms and do so everyday! If Caleb emerges first, he will treat you to a sweet or a kiss. Whichever you want.

Th Birth of Caleb Chia.

So I guess this is going to be a post that not much will be interested in unless you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant soon or weird and wanna know about child birth.

I actually started feeling super mild contractions around 430am Thursday morning. Although they were mild, I still couldn't fall back to sleep. So like an hour ltr, th hubs woke and realised I wasn't sleeping. He asked th same question he has been asking for th past week, "Wanna go to th hospital?" Seeing as that was 11 days before my edd, I didn't think anything about it and thought it was still going to be like a week or so before we actually see some action. So I told him not to be ridiculous and to go back to sleep and I'll fall asleep soon.

Th pain, although wasn't increasing, was persistent and was quite regular so I actually went to bathe and wash my hair. Yup, thats what every pregnant women do. Because of pang tang chinese beliefs, you can't wash your hair for a month. Hello, ever heard of something called hygiene? (FYI, I have washed my hair like 5 times or so thus far.) After showering and blow drying my hair, th pains sort of stopped? Although his whole family kept asking me to go in and through my thorough research done at work, you should wait for th pain to be unbearable then go to th hospital. I somewhat(forgive me I was pregnant) politely said I'll give th hospital a miss and went back to my room, thought I should catch some zzz but I only managed like 2 hours or so.

Woke up and when I wiped in th toilet, I saw bright red blood-ish discharged and then I went into mini should-i-go mode. So Ryan persuaded me to go after th contractions came back, at least to get th discharge checked out. Went to th hospital and was put on th baby monitor for what seemed to be 40ish mins and got sent home cos I was only 2cm dilated. Asked th doc for her opinion if baby will come soon and she said within these few days but defo not today.

Went home with th "I-told-you-so" face. In th afternoon, th hospital called to reschedule my appointment and I took th chance to ask th nurse when should I actually make my way down to th delivery suite. So she said if I felt pains and it was almost unbearable I should quickly make my way down. Silly me, I was then scheduling my maternity shoot to be shot th next morning before making my way down down to th long awaited baby fair to get some last minute items and our stroller. Survived th long day at home and then contractions started again around evening time. This time they were more severe but not very constant. So as usual I was sitting it out. Finally gave up around 11plus when I was just about curling into a ball and got an uber down to kkh. This time, I was 4cm dilated.

They got me into labor suite 18 and then I got into panic mode. I haven finalised th collection of my Baby's stem cord cell and cord blood. It was all supposed to be finalised th next day at th baby fair. I asked th nurse of th moment if they could collect it first then we call th company as it was 1am in th morning and she said they could not do it. They needed th papers signed before th birth of my son. At that moment I was in total lost. Th hubs was doing my admission papers and all I could think of was to call th agent, Nelson, I was speaking to in th afternoon. And that was what I did. Th poor guy was in th middle of his sleep and I woke him up. He said he could come down to th hospital with th papers for us to sign but there will be a rush fee. I agreed without a second thought. This was something that could save his life, my hubs or mine in th future if need be. Since I was stuck to th baby monitor and everything, th hubs was running up and down settling everything while I was riding out contractions and trying to survive on laughing gas they provided. But it was total bullshit to me. I look up to women to give birth with just laughing gas. Because you only feel a short high. It doesn't numb any pain whatsoever.

Around 4am, I gave up and ask th nurse to get th specialist down to give me th happy juice. At that moment, Nelson came and then Ryan went down to handle that. So I was there alone getting th epidural. At that moment, I was about 80% scared because of th epidural. I was not allowed to move, I was supposed to be sat in this C position that I couldn't really support myself in and there wasn't anyone there to support me in th position as there was only one nurse in th room and she had to assist th doctor. But I pulled through and then I was set to wait for th little one to move further down th birth canal. Th hubs came back and we took a short nap while waiting for the arrival of our Son.

Th nurses came back around 8 plus and woke us up. They said that it was almost time. But then, they had to give me one more shot of epidural as th first one ran out already. I could choose not to take it but that would mean that I would feel some discomfort when pushing. So, being th chicken that I am, I asked for th second shot. Come 9plus it was time to push. I really don't know if it was an intern that delivered my Son or what, but her name tag had th NYP logo. I'm assuming that she's learning to be a midwife or something? But she was exceptional, above and beyond. Lai Siew Theng. If anyone that matters is reading this, give th girl and A+ man! Not only did she make my labor so much smoother and helped sooooo much, she was so cheerful, helpful and polite throughout. From getting me ready to push, to actually delivering my Son. I guess without her, my 45mins of pushing would have been longer? I am truly grateful.

So that's th birth of our Son, Caleb Chia Wen Jie. Happy 2Weeks old baby.

DO NOT PATRONIZE YUN NAM JUBILEE

Last week I got an email saying I was selected to enjoy one free trail for a customised scalp treatment from Yun Nam haircare. On top of that, I was also given a take home set if I registered by 2Oct. So seeing as I am going to be experiencing postpartum hair loss very soon I thought there was no harm going for th trial treatment. I initially scheduled th treatment for th 11th which is next week but Felicia, th receptionist that attended to me said in order to get th take home kit I had to do it this week. pfft. I shifted stuff around and made my appointment for Monday. And I clearly remembered her say no obligations. (Hold on to this point, It will be useful soon)

Upon reaching their Ang Mo Kio outlet, they placed me in a room for th hair scan and analysis session which is more commonly known to most as th "Shaming Session" where they practically tell you how much you have fucked up your hair and how your shampoo sucks and how you are so stupid you can't be trusted to look after your own scalp yada yada.

Before I got any service from them, I was told to sign some form stating that I had receive treatment as well as th home kit from them. Feeling slightly off because ain't I supposed to receive th treatment first? Signed it anyway cos I couldn't care less. Since it was one free trial.

In came my consultant "Jess Chan, Supervisor". Th amount of sarcasm this women was giving out? It was as though she saw me as a retard. Some young kid that didn't know anything and she was GOD. She started off by covering th basics. Analysing my scalp, saying that I had very little "new hair" growing out and when I'm going through postpartum, it will be even lesser and I will look like some old ahma with bald patches. She even added that wearing a wig was hot and itchy. Women are you cursing me? But to me, I felt that my hair was not as bad to th extend that I needed special treatment yet. Yes I know in a few months I will regret what I am saying due to postpartum, but even if so, I will certainly NOT patronise Yun Nam. Strike 1.

Firstly, I detest anything herbal due to th smell and their treatments are all herbal. Th only reason I went for th trial was to see what they would advice me and if she was nicer, I would probably cave in and get a package for postpartum. She showed me pictures of postpartum hair loss to shock me and that tickled something in me. But, th way she was conveying th message... Maybe with a different consultant things would have been different.

So th customised treatment wasn't really up to what I was expecting as I thought they would have been pushing something related to maternity for me. But nope. So th package for normal hair loss started of with $250 per sesh and total will be $2500. Since it was my first visit they brought it down to $1600 for 10 times. As i told them I was unemployed she said to give me additional discount which then was $1300 which was 130/session. So mind you I didn't really like this women's tone of voice already so I was hard on my decision not to get th package. I just couldn't see eye to eye (Pun totally intended, you'll know why if you met her). She then asked why I made an appointment with them when I wasn't keen on saving my hair. Let me explain. As a pure bred, true blue Singaporean, when given a free trial, won't you go? Why should I turn it down? She then gave th ultimate discount. 3 session for $300. That was less than half of th original price. I wonder how much they are conning people seeing as some pay $250 per sesh. I stood with my stand of not getting th package and at that time I had half a mind to stand up and leave already.

Then it came. She said, and I'm paraphrasing, something along th lines of, "you have been working before you stopped to deliver your child, surely you will have $300 right?  Don't your husband give you money?" WOAH WOMEN, whatever money I have, or whatever money my husband gives me is none of your fucking biz. Even if I had $3mil, I will not spend a single dime at your establishment after what you just said to me. I, for one, do not stand for sarcasm which was that little laugh you have been giving me constantly for th past 20mins. Strike 2.

And aren't I supposed to receive th treatment before I decide if I wanted to get a package? Just saying.

After all hope of me getting a package was lost, I was then lead to th worse hair wash of my 23 years done by, Jess Chan. It felt like she was trying to get it over and done with ASAP. I didn't know they added in a facial wash along with with Th hair wash. And that wasn't Th worse part. It was a half-assed hair wash. There was this girl sitting one seat down from me and I saw she got a normal hair wash. Like those at a salon, where Th lady would scrub and massage your head, make some small talk for a good 5-8mins and then brought you to Th basin to get Th soap off your hair. She even asked if Th water was warm enough. Me? I had to have a cold hair wash and to deal with it. And after, usually they would lift you up from Th seat right? My very pregnant body (mind you I'm at 37weeks as of now) got PUSHED OFF. Talk about inducing labor man. Strike 3. But I wanted to see what else was in store as I already planned to post about them. Silly me. Should have left while I was ahead.

She spend a total of 40seconds slapping th "treatment mixture" on my scalp and tied off my hair. Worse freaking trial I've ever been to. Same said girl previously have Th mixture lovingly and carefully applied onto her scalp for a good 5ish mins. Yes I was looking at th time while drafting out this post. Maybe she was a paying customer. Hmmm. 

Th steaming of hair for Th treatment mixture to be absorbed into Th scalp was tortuous. I literally felt my scalp burning and had to pull Th machine off my head a couple of times to cool my "very damaged scalp" off. 

After stewing in the seat for what seemed to be 20ish minutes, she blow dried my hair without rinsing. I'm not too sure if that's supposed to be th case but th hair dryer was sooo close to my head that my scalp was seriously burning by then. I had to tell her that th one inch between th hair dryer and my scalp was too near and my scalp was burning. She replied with a "Oh that should be th treatment taking effect" NO BITCH THATS TH FREAKING HAIR DRYER.  Oh. Did I mentioned it came with yet another facial massage? Yup. At one point her finger almost stabbed my eye. If my scalp wasn't damaged to begin with, it jolly well was after this treatment. Th way she was combing through my hair while drying my hair, I felt at least 3 strands of hair being yanked out of its root. Talk about hair loss man. Didn't you analysis that I have "very little hair". Why are you not handling my hair with better care? Is customer care only for paying customers? Gosh.

Jess Chan, according to you, my scalp is soooo damaged and that is how you handle my hair because I'm not purchasing a package frm you guys? That is not th service I was expecting from a well known company. If you didn't want to do free trails with no strings attached (yes, th first point in th start of th post is coming back to bite them in th arse), don't extend free trials out for people to be selected to receive. I certainly do not remember signing up to win a free trial. I just found it in my inbox. Treating me differently cos you couldn't talk a commission out of me? As I said previously, If your attitude was different it would have totally turned out differently. What makes you think that treating me with no basic respect and no care at all will warrant me to get a package from your guys? Good job. I didn't know Yun Nam's employees are like this.

Wait. Her name tag said "Supervisor". Kudos. 

An open letter to my Mother

Hi Mummy.

Have a told you recently how much I love and appreciate you? I really do a thousand times over. Through this whole rollercoaster of a ride we have grown stronger and closer together. From th start, I broke your heart when I told you th news. You were strong. Stronger than me and from that, I gain my strength to face everything. You were there supporting me all th way when no one else was. Spoiling me even when you're not supposed to. Getting me everything I want for my child and making an excuse of it being a present so you can get it for me.

I'm sorry things did not turn out th way you had planned for me. Getting my degree, having a mundane adult job, getting married to some 70year old guy about to die so I can inherit all his money and lead a comfortable life (inside joke. We ain't gold diggers). A girl could not possibly ask for anything more in a mother. Spending so much on your grandchild because I can't do so, doing so much for me to make me feel better. I love you so much for all you are doing and I don't know where I'll be without you supporting me through everything.

I swear I'll be better. For you, Ryan and th little one coming real soon. I swear I'll grow and mature into th women you always knew I'll become. I will, in time, give you everything you deserve in life. I love you so and no one can ever replace th position you hold in my heart.

xoxo.

Dear Diary

So I have officially entered week 34 and I must say, pregnancy is really getting to me. Maybe it was bad luck to be all smirk and say I was having a very smooth pregnancy and whatnots but Since th start of th week, I have been experiencing heartburn. It's horrible. It's like how you feel when you have over eaten by 70% at a buffet and trying to sleep at th end of th night. When you feel your stomach acids coming up but I doubt they are.

Also, my tummy has this constant ache (no not contractions like). I guess there isn't much room left in there for little Chia to grow. Have been staying at my mum's place since Monday and I must say, having finally see a full length mirror has really gotten me into like a semi-depressed mode. I noticed dark red stretch marks on my butt. Yes! Good lord I hope it isn't too late for damage control. Thinking about doing squats to get that fat ass in shape but will th stretching result in more stretch marks? Good Lord I need help! Pinterest is my go-to for most of my research but they are so.... ang moh. Not sure if it applies in my case. damn.

On a happier note, I'm sort of excited to finally see th little angel in like 2-6 weeks time depending on when his majesty wants to grace us with his presence. I'm looking pass th pain and jumping straight into holding my child. Seeing his tiny smile an holding his little hand, th pain will be noting compared to that.

Been researching about maternity and new born photo shoots too. Can't decide which company to go to. (People interested in collaborations please email me) Don't know if th hubs will do it seeing as he doesn't like that sorta things. But whatevs. Need to get all these essentials covered.

Anyway, Just a heads up to my friends. If you guys are planning to buy me(or Little Chia) stuff, please DO NOT buy clothes are clothes related stuff. Number one, you know how particular I am about clothes and fashion. Number two, I already bought a lot of cute stuff. If you really wanna get me stuff, please ask me what I need. I know writing everything out will make me look like some egotistic person that thinks people wants to buy me stuff. So yah, drop me an apps. If I don't reply that means I have changed my number(terminating one number soon) then just drop me a fb message.

And another thing. If you are honoured enough to be invited to see me at th hospital (I doubt I'll allow much people cos I'll probably look like shit), and you get a snap of my son, do not, I repeat DO NOT post any pictures of anything without my consent or you WILL BE DEAD TO ME. No one can post a picture of my son before me. Not my mum, not my husband, not my family, NO ONE. I have incubated him for th past 8 months and it's safe to say I deserve th honour of announcing him to th whole world. Understand?

TTFN, back to pinterest I go~