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On the verge of solids

Yesterday I was ranting on Dayre about my stupid maid agent.  Now not so angry anymore but die die must tell the world the catastrophe that is Renz Resources.

When I was pregnant with Fighter we applied for a Filipino domestic helper via this agent, Renz Resources.  The reason why we chose this agent was because the helper we had identified we wanted was actually the niece of a helper belonging to Fatty’s uncle and Renz was their agent.

We applied in January last year I think.  And the helper, AM, was supposed to arrive in Malaysia in June or July.  I thought it was a bit early since Fighter was only due in October but it didn’t really matter.

Then with all the havoc that was Fighter’s premature birth in July/August, the helper kind of slipped my mind.  By then she should have arrived already!

To put it shortly, the stupid agency delayed the arrival of the helper for FIVE months after July.  They had all sorts of excuses.

Oh we thought you didn’t want her to come so early. Then they admitted they hadn’t started applying for her WTF.

Then got typhoon in Manila.

Still got typhoon in Manila, everything is closed.

Oh need to wait for my boss (who is also her husband wtf) to come back from Vietnam to sign something.

Oh we are having problems with our counterpart in Manila, we are changing partners there.  The girl needs to resubmit her documents and forms to the new agency in Manila.

Oh the helper needs to redo her medical test because it expired (because it took so long).

Meanwhile the poor girl was just put on hold at her relative’s house in Manila for months.  And that wasn’t all. Tons of unanswered calls and messages replied late. A lot of empty promises concerning deadlines that were broken repeatedly. A lot of lies – there was a new delay every day, she was always in a meeting and couldn’t answer her phone, etc.

We suspected they’d taken our payment and used it for something else which is why they delayed so long in procuring the helper, because they were scrambling to get back the money to pay for it.  In the end we played good cop bad cop and Fatty came in to threaten media exposure and police reports before we finally got the helper.

By that time, Fatty’s uncle had lent us his helper while we coped with the arrival of new baby and we had gotten used to her.  So she stayed with us, while AM went to work at the uncle’s place.

A few months later, a bit before CNY this year, Fatty’s uncle told us he didn’t have a copy of the signed contract.  So again I had to contact Gina of Renz Resources.

Thus followed another nightmarish month of me chasing her for the contract and her giving multiple creative excuses.

Not with us, in our office in Klang.

Oh they haven’t sent to you yet? I told them to do it.

What’s your husband’s full name again?

I’m at the embassy now, will send you later.

I’m in a meeting now, will send you later.  And so forth.

Dragged on for weeks up till yesterday! I was close to exploding and I said if I don’t get the contract emailed to me by tonight, I am going to the media with this.  Actually I meant I would blog about it wtf but I’m not sure she knows what a blog is hahahaha.  She said yes ok will send to you.

Next morning, still no email.  So I texted her and said “Still no email from you. I’m making a report on this.  If your boss asks you why your company image is so bad, you can tell him it’s your fault.”

She said, “why always police report? We also never complain that AM is not working with you. I’ll send you by this afternoon.”

*internal combustion*

Me: “AM is not working with us because you delayed her for so long when we desperately needed help. I’ve been patient with you for so long. This is your job I don’t understand how you do your work. I don’t want to chase you anymore. Safe to say I will never use you again.”

After that, she really did send me the contract wtf.

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE. I am still gonna write about Gina and her husband Rene and her company Renz Resources Sdn Bhd because they are a complete disaster!!! At first I thought the first time maybe they really had unavoidably bad luck with a shitty Filipino partner, then the typhoon.

But something as simple as sending over ONE contract also they’re incapable of doing. I refuse to let anyone experience what I did with them, so I want to warn everyone: if you are planning to engage a helper through Renz Resources, PLEASE DON’T.  You will regret it and everyday you’ll be angry and hate yourself for engaging them wtf. Not just the delays, but the lies and false promises and unaccountability. They are a total mess and I’m surprised they’re even still in operation.

*
On to happier things! These are photos and events recently.

I’ve decided that since you know, I have delved into the world of professional blogging, I must be hardworking a bit and go to events and act pretty and elegant all.

This is me being elegant wtf.

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Steal the shop’s display sunglasses to wear and take photo wtf. Elegant people always wear big sunnies okay.

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Me, Bobo and Hui Wen at Furla’s launch recently.

Audfit: off shoulder eyelet top from Twenty3, pleather leggings from Egoist, yellow wedges from Murua (ok fine Taobao wtf but if I could buy the real one I would!), bag is Furla Candy range of course!

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With Bella Kuan.

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All the bloggers to the left!

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Furla Candy display.

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With my two favorite people to go to events with!

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Eh Hui Wen you inject collagen into your lips ah wtf.

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Me! Photobombed by a very serious Bobo.

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Not sure why I so happy here.

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Then after that aunties must go to supermarket and stock up on groceries wtf.

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First bag, now shoes! Stopped by Melissa in Gardens last night because Melissa generously wanted to give me, Fatty and Fighter a pair of shoes each. ^^

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Fighter being amazed by the kids collection.

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Mostly girls shoes but they do have some unisex sneakers too.

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In the end we chose the red one in the middle.  So what if there’s pink! Real men wear pink!

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Here’s Jammie babysitting Fighter while I try on shoes hehehe.

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Taken with my Xperia z1

Fatty chose this pair for himself super smart looking!  I’m wearing my own pair of Melissas here.

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Mine! Finally settled on Melissa x Karl Lagerfeld ice cream shoes.  Actually I didn’t really see anything I wanted until at the last minute I spied these.  It was love at first sight hehehe.

Thank you Melissa!  Their anniversary sale starts today, outlets are in 1U and Gardens.  They’re my favorite shoe brand cos they’re sooo comfy!  And the designs are so varied and I love their different collaborations with designers.  Besides the Lagerfeld, I also have a pair by Jason Wu.  Next time do a Jeremy Scott please hahaha.

Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Fighter spam!

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Taken with my Sony Xperia z1

Sitting up with minimal support from my fist wtf.  Yay Fighter!

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Taken with my Sony Xperia z1

“Check me out Daddy!”

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Taken with my Sony Xperia z1

Watch out ladies these eyes will steal your heart wtf.

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Taken with my Sony Xperia z1

He’s learning so many new things so quickly! He’s no longer scared of his baby gym and knows to bat the hanging toys already.

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Taken with my Sony Xperia z1

Managed to propel himself off the mat by pushing against the arches with his foot.  So technically he flipped himself over and out of the mat.

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Taken with my Sony Xperia z1

No doubt very happy with his achievement hahahaha.

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Taken with my Sony Xperia z1

Smiling as usual heheheh.

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Bobo came over yesterday and took all these pictures!  Sorry a bit blurry ah *turns up nose at camera wtf

He’s like asking her “Auntie Bobo am I cute?”

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“How about now?” Hahahaha these are her captions from Dayre.

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*gnaw gnaw

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Reaching for his toes again.  I wonder why babies do that!

Speaking of growing, Fighter may be ready for solids now!  I noticed that recently he’s been drinking his milk super fast without pausing, and he gets hungry after 2 hours plus instead of 3.  I thought it was a growth spurt but some mommies on Dayre said he could just be ready for solids!

He’s 7 months actual age now, 5 months adjusted.

I am so not ready! I sometimes get confused with the whole actual vs adjusted age thing and thought I had a few months to go! I was so comfortable in his milk feeding schedule some more.

Don’t know the first thing about feeding baby solids man.  Went out yesterday and hurriedly bought a can of baby rice cereal but what next? How often to feed? When to feed? How much? Which foods are good? What’s a good brand of baby food (the glass jar kind)? Must cook porridge or just steam some fruit or potato can already? Do I need a high chair?

Taking him for his next pediatrician checkup on Tuesday and see what doctor says about starting solids.  Cross fingers!

 

Comments (36)

  • Hi Aud, my cousin (mom of 2) use baby food processor when she came back to KL from Aussie. Just throw in fresh/ raw ingredients, the processor will cook and blend it. She loves it because it’s convenient, and easy to travel with.nhttp://www.amazon.com/Beaba-Babycook-Baby-Food-Maker/dp/B001LQCOIS

  • Hello fighter is too cute!

  • Hi Audrey, try to avoid giving baby cereal now. It is not recommended first food for baby. Like how rice is actually not good for adults. You can google for more information. Baby tummy is very small so why fill it with starch and not something more nutritious. Start with fruit and veggie purée. Recommended are avocado, butternut squash or pear. Avocado n banana do not require steaming, the rest yes. You can buy the steamer+blender by avent or little bean. Very convenient to use. Mix with your BM for beginning as might be too thick for him to swallow. And imo yes for high chair. You wouldn’t wan to run around the house chasing to feed him next time. And so enjoy n have lots of fun feeding fighter!

  • you went so far in using “Filipino” in this post like it’s supposed to mean something very derogatory

  • sorry if you think that way. that wasn’t my intention at all. I just wanted to give more details so people can avoid her company.

  • Ooh the cereal I bought is rice and quinoa. not good ah?

  • Hi Audrey! Have you heard of baby-led weaning? Basically, no baby foods but actual foods. You start off giving him maybe half a banana and let him explore it with his mouth, first licking and biting, then later on swallowing. Some moms say it’s more natural since the baby learns to chew before swallowing and he does it at his own pace instead of being force fed mush. nnAlso, I’m in love with this Melissa shoes! Did you find them comfortable to walk in? I don’t wear heels often but they’re really tempting me…

  • hehe thanks!

  • but I saw food processors are really expensive! doesn’t seem worth it to buy one just to use a short while

  • I feel that your angry rant about Renz Resources was completely undermined by the immediate change in tone to a fashion event. :/ Unless it was your intention was for your readers to not take your warning about Renz SO seriously…

  • lol why are you putting words in my mouth! it doesn’t matter la. I just wanted to put it out there so when someone Googles renz my blog will show up. I just want people to know,if they don’t “take it seriously” I can’t help that

  • Actually there is no right or wrong with what you choose to feed baby J. Be it purée or cereal or BLW (baby lead weaning) quinoa is good but rice not so, maybe u read up the ingredient percentage. nnI personally choose to start with purée to test out her food allergic first, with the 3 days rule. Then later I plan to let her BLW as well. Cos I feel BLW she might not be able to eat much, then again it’s my own opinion n choice. As BLW encourage continuous BM. I’m also exclusively giving BM..just started fruit n veggie purée then later wan to try BLW. Food journey for you n baby J should be a fun one so don’t stress out ya! Enjoy it 🙂

  • Food processor like little bean brand is much cheaper than Avent. If you decided to give him purée, u can also use hand held masher, which can change to other functions ie.beating egg or mince garlic. Because seriously it’s quite a lot of food to mash, with just a fork n spoon I’m afraid you’ll start stabbing yourself lol! Joking!

  • I’ve never heard, lemme go read up thanks! and yes the Melissa heels are very comfortable!

  • I went without the food processor for my 1st one. Finally bought a Philips steamer blender when I started solids for my 2nd one. It’s really a lot more convenient. ESP for travels. nnEveryone gives a different advice on which food to start off with so it can be quite confusing. I had to read up a lot and I had to be very careful because my 1st baby had a lot of food allergies and still do, even though she’s 4 now. nnI did a food diary summary. You can take a look at it. http://myonecentthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/food-diary-summary/nnAnd of course, check with your pd. 🙂

  • all maid agencies are pretty shitty these days. Last year my mom got one for her aunt and it took more than 1 year to get permit for the maid. and then another case of applying permit for returning maid from another agency, more than half a year and no permit yet.. so absurd..nnhttp://tenshichn.blogspot.com/2014/03/049-parkamaya-fahrenheit.html

  • Tbh, I’m not a fan of the Sony Xperia Z1. I feel like the images you’ve been taking with them (when you say you do) are a bit unclear/unfocused and I don’t enjoy seeing your pictures as much? I’m a long time reader, and do like your blog cause you’re quite entertaining, but the pictures you used to take last time even with your iphone seems clearer. These pictures these days seem kind of blur and distracting, and the lines don’t seem very clear.

  • really?? but even in the post itself the photos tagged Xperia are super clear! Eg the ones of fighter in his baby gym. the ones where he’s in yellow are taken with an iPhone which I feel is a big difference

  • Hi, as i heard from my fren tat is better don’t gv ur baby for the rice cereal as you duno wat they add on to it unless u realy find the old way to grind the rice. I oni gv my son eat porridge after the 1 can rice cereal after I heard tis frm my fren..try to add on potato o carrot to d porridge, grind the ikan bilis and pour some of it to the porridge..tis can help stronger the bone(my aunt say 1 la)..but wait till fighter can take more solid food 1st…in d meantime can take d ikan bilis to boil the water to cook for the porridge..tis will makes the porridge sweeter…hope tis useful for u..

  • ya I’ve heard of some which take a year! that’s just madness

  • so you’d really recommend getting a food processor? thanks for the info! I’ll go have a read

  • would you recommend a food processor or a handheld food grinder?

  • I have both! Cos I like to cook, any kitchen utensil makes me feel excited wahahha! I’d say the food processor with steam plus blend. Really save a lot hassle. Little bean one is not expensive 🙂

  • Hi Aud. i also recommend you to read about baby led weaning as i also read about it and so interested in it. My son just started solid from last week and surprisingly i found it is not that much hassle as i adjust it with family food. I dont buy any food processor, i only buy pigeon baby food maker. Basically can make any food for baby manually.nIf our family food is not suitable for baby, i just cut some fruits or vegetables. For fruits like apple, i steamed it and only mash with fork. For fruits like avocado no need steam, only mash.nLike yesterday, i was having soup containing potato, zucchini, carrots. So before i put any seasoning into the soup (meaning i only boiled the ingredients), i took some cooked rice, add the plain soup a bit, add the boiled potato carrot zucchini. Mash all and push through seive. Porridge done. hehehe.

  • sorry forgot to add . i also sometimes just cut the avocado, banana, carrot (steamed a bit) and let him feed himself. As my son just started solid not long ago, i also havent tried much yet. But i decided i will give both finger food (though very messy) and spoon feeding him depends on our family food. hehe.

  • Yes. It’s very useful. I didn’t get it for my first baby because I have a steam oven and a blender already. nnBut I decided to buy one when I had my 2nd one because i heard so much about it from my friends. And it’s really very convenient. Even after your baby stops taking purée you can still use it for other stuff. nnI brought it along with me on my Australia trip. So we made fresh purée for him on the go.

  • Hi Audrey, you can start with fruit or veggie purée first so constipation won’t occur & these food are easier to digest. Avocado is the best first food to start with. Choose the ripe ones (slightly blackened) so it’s easily smashed with a fork. Best to start solid at 6 months, as for Fighter adjusted age 6 months. The first few months of solid food is only food tasting stage, start with only 1 solid meal a day and only few teaspoonful. He may like or dislike the texture, keep trying. Try 1 type of food for 3 days then change to sweet potato or something else the next 3 days, never too many at a time because in case of allergy, you can detect which food causes it. My 22 month old baby is allergic to wheat. She has no problem eating fruit or veggie purée during her 6th month when I start her on solids. On her 7th month started her on rice cerea

  • Sorry your comment box don’t allow me to type more at once! On her 7th month I started her with rice cereal shes ok, until when I try out rice cereal with wheat that’s where she got her allergy symptom flare up immediately after 10 minutes of eating the food. Rashes appeared like beehives everywhere on her body, eyes swollen, lips pale! That was soooo scary, immediately I gave her antihistamine & her eczema steroid cream her symptom reduce after an hour or so! Luckily I have medication stand by. My baby have eczema & from then on I know she can’t take wheat not even Farleys rusk biscuit she gets allergy too.

  • So I’m trying to let you know to try 1 food at a time for 3 days. Most babies will not have food allergy but its ok to be careful. I hope my baby will grow out of her allergy as she gets older. Be careful of nuts & eggs. Never let baby less than a year old to eat egg & food with nuts and taking honey preferably more than 3 years old, honey may cause botulism in some babies.

  • Hi, babies are usually ready to eat by the time they can sit up. It’s also not necessary to spoonfeed babies, we did ‘baby-led weaning’ with both our children and it worked fine. So much less hassle, and they enjoy eating so much more. Also helps to develop their chewing and mouth/tongue muscles – which helps with talking. Check it out if you want:nhttp://www.babyledweaning.com/nhttp://julianhopkins.net/index.php?/archives/307-Charlie-and-Baby-Led-Weaning.html

  • I am your long time reader and I agree with Jasmine too. The photos that you tagged as taken by sony xperia z1 are less attractive than those old photos that you posted. I think it is most likely due to the color of the photo. I mean the photo is sharp and clear but the color contrast and hue are lower. ( my 2 cents)

  • oh ya that’s true! I think cos the Xperia focuses to capture the light more. so I use it more in darker environments in which I wouldn’t use the iPhone at all. so the pictures come out a bit darker? and a feature I notice of Sony cameras is that skin tone can be a bit yellow. but otherwise I love it cos I hardly get blurry pics especially when Fighter is moving!

  • thanks I’ll go read!

  • My baby is 7 mths old. We started on avocado then pumpkins when she was 5 mths. We have progressed through the fruits and vegetables as well as occasionally letting her taste our food. I have a blender but so far have only used combi hand masher/grinder/fork as she doesn’t eat much. Mind you, we are lucky to have time to prepare her food fresh everyday.

  • hi audrey! I might be a couple of days late, but the Murua heels (from taobao LOl) looks amazing! whats the link to the shop (if you don’t mind sharing), and do you use an agent to buy them?

  • Babe my maid agency sent me a maid who had tuberculosis ok!!! After 3 months we realized we didn’t get a copy of her medical and she was having a persistent cough. So when my mom asked for the reports the agent was like “oh ya ya we forgot to give you, err actually she tested positive for tuberculosis”. nnLucky we had no babies around!!!! We had to all go medical checkup after that.

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