Special Event for Princess Rania

Wednesday, 20 April 2011

Finally, we had succesfully organized the Mandi Berlawat Event for Princess Rania. Mandi Berlawat is an event for those who had their first daugther or son. Princess Rania had her special event on the 4th of April while we were in Brunei. Everything was running very smoothly with support from neighbour, friends and families, it was full house! We have started organizing the event while we were in Australia. Below are photos taken by our professional photographer by Brunei Wedding (Abd Hamid and Co.).

Visit to Mommy's Lab

Sunday, 10 April 2011

One week before Princess Rania and her daddy left for Brunei, I brought her to see my supervisors and friends at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. It was a nice and sweet gathering! We bought a couple of traditional dishes for them to try to. Took a couple of photos. Rania was a very good girl and that everyone had a chance to cuddle her.

Family Visit from Brunei

Saturday, 1 April 2011

Last March, we had very special guests from Brunei. There are Rania's uncle and Auntie with their 3 young kids my parents-in law also came to see us here in Brisbane. It was a very packed holiday for them as they only stayed in Brisbane for about 8 days. But we had a very wonderful time together. We managed to bring them to a couple of attractions including, Warner Bros Theme Park, Wet and Wild and Sea World. Apart from that they also went to Australia Zoo to see Australia's favourite animals, koala and kangaroos. They also went shopping at various places including Westfield Garden City, Chermside, Hyperdome and Harbour Town. Below are collections of photos that we took during their trip. It was fun! I hope they will come again next year, so that we all can go to Dreamworld and White Water Park.

It was also the first time for Princess Rania to go to Gold Coast and some of the further shopping areas. She seemed to enjoy being with lots of people around too. As you can imagine, we have been very busy lately too, entertaining our special guests and preparing our stuffs to bring back to Brunei as well as preparation for Rania's thanksgiving ceremony (Majlis Bedikir). Hope you enjoy the photos below! Message from Princess Rania: ' Dear Wawa and Family, Nini Bini and Nini Laki Kg Ayer, please do come and visit me again! Next year, I will be able to start walking and running, which means more fun! Thanks a lot for visiting me and Mommy!'

Starting on Solids

Friday, 11 March 2011

Two days ago, Rania had another appointment with her Paediatrician, Dr Dore. He was very happy with how our little girl is growing and progressing at home. He adviced that our little princess to start on a bit of solid meals. Exciting!! Dr Dore adviced that Rania should start with a bit of rice, about a small spoon full per day for 3 days before trying out on other meals.

At her first bite, she made some funny and wierd looking faces. It was like she was saying to me "What is that Mommy, taste funny! But I want to try more!" Hehehe... The plan is to start her on plain porridge, followed by chopped vegetables thenon some fruits, a bit later. Rania's corrected age is actually about 5 months old. One of the reasons for her to start solids early is because to reduce chances of getting food allergy. She is taking it just fine!! Well done Princess!! Mommy and Daddy so proud of you!! 



A pose at the clinic, while waiting to be called.





Happy 28th Birthday Daddy

Saturday, 5 March 2011

Rania's 32nd Blogpost:

Today is a very special day for Daddy, it is his 28th birthday!

I'm very excited because this is my first time celebrating Daddy's birthday. I got him a very special birthday gift. Daddy can have them when he is here. Soon!! I know you can't wait to see me Daddy! I cannot wait to see you too Daddy!! I really really miss you Daddy. Mommy also got a very special gift for you. Yeay!  Take a look at my birthday photo for you, this is just a mini-rehearsal for your upcoming birthday party! Mommy said that when Daddy is here, we will have another birthday celebration with Mommy and Grannies. Plus Mommy's birthday is coming up too.. We can have a grand birthday celebrations.. Hehe..

I know Daddy miss me!! I miss you too Daddy! I can do a lot of things already. When you are here, we can talk and smile together! Miss and love you Daddy!! Happy Birthday!!

Meet Jumbo

Wednesday, 2 March 2010

Our little princess has been very active lately. She really enjoys seeing and doing new things. Latest, she loves to laugh more, to be picked up more and be walked around the apartment and especially the balcony area. There are not many things to see inside our apartment, that's why she likes to stay outside. I tried to keep her entertain inside the apartment so i bought her some new colourful toys and books to see and enjoy. We like to encourage her to continue develop her ability to learn new things. Colourful stuffs can stimulate her brain cells development, the books say.

The latest fun stuff that she has added to her collection is Mr Jumbo. If you see the photo, you know why this toy is called Mr Jumbo. Hehe. It is not just a normal toy for her to see and touch. Our Princess Rania can actually sit inside it and play with the some small toys around her, which is part of Mr Jumbo. When I took this photo, she looked really happy that she gave Mommy a cute adorable little smile while biting her little fingers. Mr Jumbo seemed to be posing for the camera too. Hehe. 



Headbands and Flowers

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Headbands and Flowers for babies are becoming a trend lately. I went for a search for nice ones in the Brisbane city center last week but I just couldn't get hold of the nice ones. You can also get some really nice ones in facebook sold buy some local companies in Brunei. But I think I prefer to get it here from Brisbane, so that I can let her wear them right away! I manage to get a couple of cute and pretty ones online! And it is hand-made by a very skill-full Australian lady. Here are some photos of our little model trying out her new headbands and flowers too. I'm also going to request for the shop to custom-made one for Rania's special ceremony back home in Brunei.

Happy National Day Brunei

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

Today, my beloved country, Brunei is celebrating its 27th National Day. On this day, there is a big gathering of all the civil servants, private companies and students in the city of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan. Everyone is dressed up in their special uniforms, parading in front of our beloved ruler, the Sultan. I remember in my childhood, i was part of the Girl Guide Association and took part in the National Day parade.

After so long not being part of the parade, two years ago, i decided to join the line up again with my colleagues from Universiti Brunei Darussalam. It was hard work because of all the rehearsals that we have to attend. It was quite fun because they taught us simple dances and to be performed infront of the Sultan on the National day. I really missed those times so much!!

Below is the closest photo of me being patriotic for our country.  It is a photo of me with some of my Brunei friends here in Brisbane with our national flag in the background. Though we are far from our Brunei land, we are always close at heart. Happy 27th National Day to all Bruneians and to all friends and family in Brunei, enjoy your holiday today!!

Sunday, 20 February 2011

Princess Rania's 30th Blogpost

Today I'm about 4 months corrected age already. I'm getting taller and bigger day by day! There's a lot of things that I can do now, which I have never done before. My head control is getting much stronger. I'm enjoying my tummy time more than before especially when there is a lot of colourful and interesting toys infront of me! While on my tummy, I'm able to do some mini push-ups too. Mommy with Granny's get really excited when they saw me doing that too hehe. I like to look at colourful toys too, Mommy would hold them infront of me and let me look at it and follow it visually, it was eazy peezy! Hehe.

I like to laugh and smile too especially when anyone picked me up. I love to go out the balcony these days. A lot of interesting stuffs to see out there, the trees, birds, cars, clouds! Very interesting to me! I'm also able to roll over from my tummy to my back, it was quite an easy skill to do. I'm still yet to learn to roll from my back to tummy. I think it is a bit hard, but someday I will, getting there! I'm now also able to hold small cute toys. For the big toys, I like to bat and laugh at them. I like it when people talk to me too, eventhough I dont understand them, I would respond by making small noises too. Seemed like I've been having a good time at home! Can't wait for daddy to come to Brisbane and teach me new things. I haven't mention before, that I have a very cool dad!

Rania Rocks!

Friday, 18 February 2011

Rania had an eye test last week with Dr Gole at the Royal Children Hospital. It was just a follow-up appointment to check whether she might need glasses or not. I'm so glad that so far, she doesn't need glasses! When I was there I saw a couple of young children wearing thick glasses. I was told that babies that are born premature and were on oxygen may require glasses when they are much younger. Her next follow-up appointment will be in July this year. From my point of view, I think her eyes are all good. She can see me waved at here about 200 meters away! Believe me she can! One thing, the eye doctor initially had a lot of difficulty to see her iris because she has really dark eyes!! But she was a brave little girl, way the go Princess!

Pink Hijab

Sunday, 6 February 2011

Little Princess Rania's 29th Blogpost:



Mommy's and Daddy's Little Girl..
Princess Rania



It has been a while that Aunty Sija and Uncle Alwis has been here in Brisbane. They brought along this very cute pinky little headscarf, a hijab with butterflies. Daddy missed me so much that he requested to see my latest photo with my new little headscarf on. Here it is.. how do i look? Hope this photo will make his day. I've missed Daddy too actually.. But he will be coming in just over a month. Looking forward to seeing Daddy, Kaka Farwizah, Firzanah & Farweezah, Tua Boy & Girl and Nini Boy & Girl Kg. Aing in March.

Wheel of Brisbane

Friday, 4 February 2011

It has been a very busy week for me in the lab. But I feel very happy because I managed to get a lot of work done over the week. Granma and Granpa with Aunty Sija and Uncle Alwis were at home  most of the time accompanying Princess Rania while i was working.

It was time for me to enjoy the weekend! Sis Sija, her Hubby and i went to the City of Brisbane using the public transportation, the bus. I think they enjoyed the bus ride. We went strolling around the city center and around South Bank area. The three of us also went onto the infamous ride in Brisbane, The Wheel of Brisbane. That was actually our first time on the wheel, even Hubby hasn't been on it yet. It was scary at first, but it was quite fun in the end. The ride was about 10 minutes and went around 4 times. Interesting because there was also some radio commentators in the capsule telling us about the surrounding views. It was fun! I managed to capture a couple of photos from the capsule.

Second Trip to Brisbane

Wenesday, 2 February 2011

Today, Princess Rania has special visitors all the way from Brunei. Her Aunty Sija and Uncle Alwis! They have planned to come here since last November, just to see Princess Rania! This is their second trip here. Last they were here was in September when our baby was still in the hospital. They were so excited to see Princess Rania. Having not seen baby Rania for about four and a half months, they have noticed her grown so much and of course getting much cuter!! They have come at the right time - now our Princess Rania is big and healthy without any tubes. Yay!

They brought some gifts for her; some cute headscarves. Wawa Miah also send some headscarves for Princess Rania as well. Thanks Sis!! Daddy Rania also sent some traditional foods and delicacies for us! Thanks Hun! 

Above is a photo of Princess Rania with Aunty Sija and Uncle Alwis at The Hyperdome Shopping Mall. It has been about two weeks now that our little Princess Rania had her oxygen tubes removed and this is the first time that we brought her out. First exciting outing, with Aunty and Uncle..

Rania's Update

Monday, 31 January 2011

Rania's corrected age is now 3 months 2 weeks. She has been off subnasal oxygen for almost 3 weeks now and her weight has been climbing! She has been a very active baby during the day with having a couple of short naps. She loves it when we talk and sing to her, that she will respond by smiling, squealing and giggling! Clever girl! Princess Rania is still learning to roll from back to tummy, I think soon she will be able to do it.  Her head control has improved a lot too! She also loves to hear sounds and visualy tracks moving objects. Princess Rania also started to bat her toys and touches our face when we get really close to her. Overall, she has been progressing really well. As her Mommy, I feel really proud of her! Well done Princess Rania. Mommy loves you so much. Daddy in Brunei is also kept up-to-date with little princess progress. Every night, we catch up on the skype and talk about what Rania has been up to all day.

Happy Australia Day

Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Australia is the best.. because i was born there.. :)

Today, Australia is celebrating its national day. Happy Australia Day everyone!! Though it is a public holiday today, i still had to work to catch up. Little Princess is showing her patriotism by taking photo with Australian flag behind her while waving her hand at the camera. Well, rightly so.. afterall she was born in Australia.

Appointment with Neonatalogist

Monday, 24 January 2011

Rania had another appointment with her neonatalogist today. She was seen by Dr Kelly as her actual doctor, Dr Adam couldn't make it to her appointment. But he did come and visit Princess Rania while we were in the waiting room. He was happy to see that Rania is off her the subnasal oxygen completely. When seen by Dr Kelly, she was also very happy to see her progress. The last time she was Rania was when she was very small (in the incubator). She has grown so much that she now couldn't fit some of her small premmie clothes. At the end of the appointment, I was hoping to bring her upstairs to see all the baby nurses. But she was a bit unsettled after the appointment because she wanted more sleep! Maybe next time, I'll definitely bring Rania to see all of them.

Subnasal O2 Graduation

Wednesday, 19 January 2010

Little Rania's 28th Blogpost:

Hi Daddy.. Look at me on my graduation day!!

It has been a very wonderful week for me this week. I had a fantastic sleep without tubes last night. Mommy told me that Daddy was also watching me through the webcam from Brunei. Being watched by Daddy, i managed to maintain a consistent saturation of above 97%.  It was a different feeling for me without the tube on my face. It felt really great! Never had a better sleep like last night.

Today, Mommy and Grandma brought me to my appointment with the respiratory doctor, Dr Alan Isle. He was really happy with my progress and the results from the oximetry test was really good. Good news!! He said that i i was ready and didn't have to put on the subnasal tubes! Yeay! Mommy and Daddy were really happy with the news. I wish Daddy was here to celebrate with me.

What do you think of my new look? My cheek is now easily available for kisses too! Come and get me!!HeHe...

We were in Borneo Bulletin

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Photo by Cath of KGUV. Thank you!

Tubeless Night

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Little Princess' night watcher, Sateria Pahlawan. Her Daddy is
monitoring her o2 saturation while Mommy takes turn to sleep

It is a big night tonight for little Princess Rania!! It is the night that we've all been waiting for. Since 7.00 pm this evening, she was being put on a test without any help of oxygen supplement while being monitored by the oximetry machine. This test is basically to monitor how she would be doing without tubes to really be sure that she doesn't need it anymore before completely removing it. Duration of monitoring will be 12 hrs, so this should end early tomorrow. This is her first night sleeping without tubes since her returning home. Excited and nervous at the same time!

She is currently doing very well. It has been 5 hours now and her oxygen saturation has been consistenly high at 97%, which is really good. While we are sleeping here in Brisbane, her lovely Daddy is wide awake monitoring her oxygen saturation from Brunei via Skype. Hubby and i are very much excited about this day and also very much hoping that she will easily breeze through this test without having her to put on her tubes no more.

Her next appointment with her respiratory doctor at the Royal Children Hospital will be tomorrow at 2.00 pm. That will the deciding moment whether or not she had passed the test. Please pray with us that she will  pass the test and never have to use the ventilation tubes anymore, like any other babies. She had gone through so much and hope this will be the end of all of this. I'm sure that she will grow out of it eventually and it will only be a matter of time, but hopefully this is the moment. Amin!!

Another Community Nurse Visit

Monday, 17 January 2011

Last Tuesday Rania had another visit at home from Vivian, her community nurse. Everything seemed to be going very well. She gained a fair amount of weight since one month ago. Her latest weight is now 4.050 kilos. Nurse said she looks very good, in terms of her skin tone etc. She mostly asked about how she is going with her feeding and sleep. Nurse Vivian encourages her to do lots and lots of tummy playtime which will help to improve her head shape. Apart from that, Nurse Vivian told us to avoid her looking at the TV for too long because it is not good for her brain development. The reason is pictures on the TV keeps on changing which prevents her from processing the things that she sees long enough for her to learn. Ooopps! I guess no more Barney and friends for Princess Rania for the time being.

Food Supply

Thursday, 13 January 2011

Food Supply by Brunei High Com Representatives

Two officials from the Brunei High Commission are still here in Brisbane to give us any sort of assistance. They have done a wonderful job dealing with the current situation in Brisbane. A group of young Bruneians students were flown back to Brunei at 1pm today. Whereas some of the LDP students with families are still here at Kelvin Grove. The officials from the Brunei High Commission has kindly donated necessities such as rice, instant noodle, mineral water, sugar, etc. Thank you!

Bruneians: All Safe

Thursday, 13 January 2010



Group photo with all Bruneians, including little Princess.
Photo courtesy of Husin of KGUV, thank you!

Great news! All Bruneians, families and friends has all been gathered at a safe place here at Kelvin Grove Urban Village (KGUV). At this moment of time, some of them are already on their way back to Brunei. Thanks for all the effort by the Brunei Embassy as well as our seniors LDP staffs here.

As for myself, Rania and my parents, we are currently at our place. Honestly, it is abit daunting with what is happening in Brisbane at the moment. If hubby is right here with the both of us, he would know what to do best for us. As far as it goes, our family decided to just stick around at our apartment. We are currently quite updated with what is happening out there through live news on the television.

The water level at the Brisbane River is still rising which will reach its peak in about 1hr and is rising as i'm writing this blog. Once again, to all families and friends, not to forget to all relatives of Bruneians studying here, don't worry, we are all at a safe place.

Flash Flood in Brisbane

Tuesday, 11 January 2011

Photo courtesy of "The Australian News"

 

It is a sad news about flash flood affecting Brisbane at the moment. Just to let everyone know that, the area where we live is on the high land, therefore we are not affected by the flood at all. Been following the news today, it does look kind of frightening. One of the worst affected region in Brisbane is Toowomba which has claimed some lives unfortunately. Thirty other suburbs are expected to be affected with the flash flood.

Currently, the rain is starting to slow down, however the flood are coming fast from the rising tide level is expected to peak on Thusday. Therefore warning was still released for the safety of everyone. Those living in the low-lying area were asked to leave their homes and gathered at an emergency point which is located just near the Royal Brisbane Women Hospital. I hope that the rain will recede soon, so that those affected can get back to their home. As expected, just now, groceries stores shelves was emptying so fast, as prices of perishable goods are expected to increase. We manage to stock extra eggs, rice and some fruits and vegetables.

Passport Photos Tryouts

Friday, 7 January 2011

Passport Photo Trials..

Salam everyone. Two more weeks, our little princess will be off her nasal oxygen tube completely. It is overly exciting for us. We have started to let her have sometime off subnasal oxygen for about half an hour every now and then. She was very brave and she didn't struggle at all. She is our true Superheroin!! Good girl!

While removing her tubes completely from her face, we took the opportunity to trial her passport photos. We took about more than 20 shots of her while daddy try to hold her still. We manage to take a couple of good ones! The one above, although abit blurry is our favourite one. We later found out that little Rania wouldn't be needing a passport to go back to Brunei, only a special one is enough, which the Brunei Highcom would produce for us. Though no real passport, still exciting!

Soon that Rania is going to be free from subnasal oxygen, we are starting to gather some thoughts about bringing her back to Brunei in the next couple of months for baby shower ceremony (Mandi Berlawat, Aqiqah, Bedzikir) and to let her meet all 30 of her lovely couzins. Hopefully soon! Amin!!

Happy New Year 2011

Friday, 1 January 2011

Happy New Year 2011 everyone! Good Bye 2010! The year 2010 has been a miraculous year for us especially with the arrival of our lovely baby Princess. Hope 2011 will bring more joyous memories to us and to all of you.

We celebrated the New Year's Eve watching the spectacular displays of fireworks at the South Bank (see photo below) with some Bruneians who are celebrating the new year here. We were quite amazed at how the area was closely monitored by the security staff. For public safety, the venue was fenced off with security staff controlling what was coming into the area. Nobody was allowed to take in any glass, alcohol, dogs, drink bottles with broken seals, including bottles of water or soft drink.

Here we are at the most popular location, South Bank to watch
Brisbane’s biggest and most spectacular fireworks displays

The venue where we were sitting, outlooking the spectacular
night view of Brisbane City

The incredible displays of fireworks