• Pee, Poop, Progress: Our Toddler’s Potty Adventure

    Is potty training under 2 years old possible? The short answer: YES! But it has far less to do with age and far more to do with readiness. Things like awareness of wetness, curiosity about the toilet, basic communication and a desire to ‘do it myself’ play a much bigger role.

    We potty-trained Iliana at 21 months old, and while we’re still very much learning, she’s now able to initiate and occasionally use the potty on her own.

    A quick note before we begin: This is not a how-to or comparison post. Every child develops at their own pace. There is no “behind” in potty training. This is simply my experience.

    Iliana started showing interest in the toilet. Every time I went, she’d follow me in, quietly observe what I was doing and was especially fascinated by the flushing part 😂We also had been using the words “boo boo” and “shee shee” consistently since she was a baby, so she understood what they meant. On top of that, she could follow simple instructions, which gave me a bit more confidence starting potty training.

    What she couldn’t do yet was recognize her own bodily cues. And I think modern diaper technology plays a big role here. These diapers are so absorbent it’s almost unreal. I once put Iliana in the pool with her diaper on and.. wow. The amount of water it absorbed was shocking. With that level of absorption, it’s no wonder toddlers don’t realize they’ve peed.

    So, instead of waiting for bodily awareness to magically appear, we focused on helping Iliana notice it.

    There’s no shortage of potty-training methods, each with its own philosophy — child-led approaches, elimination communication (EC), Oh crap! Potty training, the 3 day method… the list goes on. We decided to start with the Oh Crap! Potty Training method but modified it a little bit and moved through the training session in blocks based on progress rather than specific days. Below is the summary of the blocks for this method:

    Block 1: Naked from the waist down

    Block 2: Pants on, but no underwear

    Block 3: Short Outings

    Block 4: Underwear

    Block 5: Self-initiation

    Block 6: Nap and night training

    Making the potty feel ‘real’ helped Iliana take it seriously. We leaned into her obsession with flushing and got a potty with a flush sound (ours is the Koopers Potty – not a real flush don’t worry). And yes, she presses it about 27 times a day 🥲

    Block 1 Oh Crap! Potty Training – Naked from the waist down

    We stayed in this block for about five days, with the first three days requiring full, undivided attention. I watched Iliana like a hawk 😂If I needed to step away, I made sure our helper or my husband was fully tuned in and ready to step in. This stage involves plenty of accidents, with the focus on catching them in the moment and redirecting to the potty. While messy and tiring, it’s where understanding begins to shift from “I peed” to “I am peeing”.

    Notes for Block 1

    Inspecting her work 😂

    📝Naked from the waist down – No diapers, no pants

    📝Gently intervene during accidents – Walk them to the potty while calmly saying “pee goes into the potty”. Keep it light and positive.

    📝Offer the potty frequently – we did about every 30 minutes. Offer rather than ask.

    📝Celebrate successes – Praise, claps or a little happy dance. Positive reinforcement matter.

    📝Expect accidents, they’re part of the learning process, not a failure.

    Block 2 Oh Crap! Potty Training – Pants on, but no underwear

    We stayed in Block 2 for about a week. The transition from being naked from the waist down to wearing pants was a little inconsistent for Iliana. Having something wrapped around her bum seemed to trigger a sense of familiarity or “safety” and a few times that translated into accidents. Because of that, we had days where we went back to being pantless. We also stretched potty check-ins to about every 45 minutes. Here Iliana’s understanding begins to shift from “I am peeing” to “I need to pee” and have started initiating. One interesting observation during this stage was that Iliana was comfortable peeing in the potty but still reluctant to poop there. From what I’ve learned, this is actually quite common. Pooping requires a different level of physical and emotional comfort and many toddlers take longer to feel ready for it.

    Notes for Block 2

    📝No underwear, only pants

    📝If accidents increase, go back to being naked from the waist down for a day or two. This isn’t regression! Many children move back and forth between blocks before settling.

    📝Extend potty check-ins gradually.

    📝Expect poop hesitation – it’s common.

    Block 3 Oh Crap! Potty Training – Short Outings

    We entered Block 3 about twelve days into potty training, once we had a better sense of Iliana’s patterns and timing. We could roughly anticipate when she’d need a potty check-in. For example, after meals or before screen time (yes, we do allow screen time in moderation). Because once Peppa Pig is on, she is not moving from the couch even if she’s sitting in a very obvious puddle of pee. And that’s kind of the point – once we learned her timing, we felt confident enough to start short outings. For us, that usually meant heading out for outdoor play in the evening, keeping it to an hour and staying close to home. These short outings helped Iliana practice holding it just a little longer.

    Notes for Block 3

    📝Short outings only, no underwear only pants

    📝Offer the potty before heading out. This sets them up for success and reduce stress outside.

    📝 Accidents are still part of the process! Stay calm, reassuring and positive. Confidence and calm from you help your child feel safe trying in new environments.

    📝If they initiate outside, acknowledge and help them get to a potty as soon as possible.

    Block 4 Oh Crap! Potty Training – Underwear (a detour)

    We transitioned into “underwear” shortly after Block 3. This is where I made a small but important mistake. I bought Iliana training pants instead of regular underwear. My reasoning? She was already initiating, so surely she was aware enough, right?

    Very wrong 😅

    Training pants are thicker and more absorbent than regular underwear, which meant they felt far too similar to a diaper. That familiar sensation disrupted the learning loop. We had increased accidents and Iliana seemed less aware of what was happening. So we adjusted our approach and went back to pants only, which has been working well for her. We haven’t introduced underwear yet, and we’re comfortable staying here for now.

    Notes for Block 4

    📝 Underwear is typically introduced at this stage. We haven’t move forward with it yet – not out of resistance, but because Iliana has been doing well in pants. After mistakenly buying training pants earlier, we haven’t gotten around to purchasing proper underwear yet and we’ve been comfortable staying here for now.

    📝 Opt for thin regular underwear. Not training pants or anything absorbent – we learned that those can feel too similar to diapers and disrupt awareness.

    📝Even when introduced at the “right” time, underwear can trigger a temporary increase in accidents. Just keep being consistent with check ins or bounce between blocks until things settle again.

    Block 5 Oh Crap! Potty Training – Self Initiation

    Iliana began initiating earlier on, but it’s still very much a work in progress. Accidents still happen occasionally, especially when she’s tired or distracted but they no longer feel like setbacks. As I’m writing this, It’s been about 10 weeks since we started potty training and I do consider her potty trained — she’s gone many days without an accident, initiates on her own more often than not and understands where pee (and poop) should go. And honestly, we’re really proud of how far she’s come.

    when you give it your all and need to lie down about it

    Block 6 Oh Crap! Potty Training – Nap & Night Training

    We haven’t started this yet. Daytime training already feels like a huge milestone, so we’re not rushing the rest. Sleep matters more than dry sheets right now, and I’ll update this space once we get there.

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  • A Reflection on 2025

    A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to you ❤️

    A reflection on 2025 – a year of personal growth, detachment & learning to be still through it all.

    I remember starting the year by deactivating my Instagram account. It wasn’t taking up much of my time but I wondered what I might do differently if I stopped scrolling. It turns out, reading replaced scrolling. And from reading came the desire to grow my own food. I now have a small raised bed and have just harvested my first bell peppers. They’re all tiny (still figuring things out), but there is something deeply fulfilling about nurturing life and growing food with my own hands.

    We also welcomed our helper, Shayne, into our home. With help around, life became more structured. I thrive in a scheduled, orderly environment. I probably need to learn to soften that a little for my husband’s sake (he is wonderfully the opposite of me). I also landed a God-sent job. Being able to stay home, have time for the things that matter and still have an income, is a miracle. I have zero complaints.

    As comforting as all this sounds, 2025 also carried moments of disappointment. I learned that a loved one had been struggling with debt, the result of gambling and years of poor decision. For a period of time, I was angry. I couldn’t make sense of it and that confusion made me bitter and more guarded especially when help was needed.

    Then I remembered a story about my aunt Sally.

    She once gave and not only that, she thanked God for the opportunity to help someone in need. She never spoke about it. I only know this because I stumbled upon her diary after she passed on. In it, she wrote about how she and her husband discovered that a loved one had fallen deep into debt from gambling and how they chose to give anyway. It was a large sum by the way. I don’t know many people who would be willing to do that, especially for someone whose money had been lost to addiction and poor choices. In all honesty, that would be the kind of person I would struggle most to help. And yet, they did.

    This memory served as a reminder to myself. In a world where money is often prioritized, hoarded or chased relentlessly, it feels even more important to recognize the opportunities I’ve been given. Opportunities that not everyone is fortunate enough to receive. At our core, we are not so different. But circumstances, access and luck can place us on very different paths. And so when we are able, we offer help within our means. Without ego, without keeping score.

    With this reminder, I was able to help within my means. And I’m deeply grateful to have a husband who stands beside me through this season — steady, supportive and willing to walk through the ups and downs with me.

    These were some of the moments that shaped me most in 2025. Not to mention Iliana’s progress. She turns two in a month. TWO.

    I move into the next season more rooted than before. In gratitude, in perspective, and in understanding that not everyone starts in the same place.

    Thank you 2025!

    Open ChatGPT → upload photo → type “turn this into a Norman Rockwell painting” ✨A gentle drive from Sepang to Seremban, on our way to Christmas dinner. Nothing fancy, just us and a rare pocket of uninterrupted time together.
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  • From Peppa Pig to the ER: Our Allergy Journey

    Every allergic reaction is different, but the fear is always the same.

    It was a quiet Thursday afternoon. Iliana was in the living room watching Peppa Pig, having just finished lunch, when I noticed her shifting around irritably. Then she began to scratch. I went over to check on her and when I say check, I mean a full inspection, diaper area included, to rule out anything that might be bothering her.

    To my shock, her entire groin area was red, inflamed and warm to the touch, with hives starting to appear. I immediately gave her Telfast syrup (an anti-histamine) and waited to see if things would calm down. While waiting, I had Iliana soak in cool water in her tub and handed every toy I could find to keep her from scratching. It seemed to help — she stopped scratching but I soon noticed hives spreading to her legs and arms.

    At that point, I knew we couldn’t wait it out. With the hives continuing to appear, the safest next step was head to the hospital, where she might need a hydrocortisone (steroid) shot to calm her overactive immune response. We quickly changed Iliana into a long-sleeved outfit, packed her essentials, and headed to Cyberjaya Hospital. This was already her third visit for the same reason. I always bring her straight to the Emergency Department. Just in case the reaction escalates.

    The doctors admitted her and after discussing the options, we agreed on a hydrocortisone shot. Once the injection was given, the hives started to fade but the redness, particularly around her groin, lingered for a while. Iliana, exhausted from it all, drifted off to sleep. She slept so deeply that even when the nurses moved her to the observation ward, she did not wake up. A rare sight for my usually light sleeper. My poor little girl. Shayne, our helper, stayed by her side while I dashed home to grab a few more things — snacks, her dinner and toys to make the long hours at the hospital a little easier for her.

    Photo taken after hydrocortisone (steroid) shot. And yes, that’s her silicone toothbrush in her mouth, the little comfort item we brought along 😅

    So what triggered this reaction? That’s the puzzling part. Iliana ate the same foods she has every day, we hadn’t introduced any new activities, and no new creams – except for one product whose formula was recently changed. I actually handled the whole episode with surprising calm because I truly didn’t see it coming. Does that make sense?

    For context, Iliana is under the care of two allergists, Dr. Grace and Dr. Kent at Gleneagles, KL, as we work through her milk, egg and banana allergies. I updated them on what happened, sent a few photos, and they asked us to come in for a follow-up discussion the next day.

    The discussion with both doctors was such a relief. They really took their time to walk me through everything and made sure I understood what might be happening Iliana’s little system. Dr. Kent explained that since nothing new had been introduced, it didn’t quite fit the pattern of a typical allergic reaction. At first, we wondered if maybe she’d been bitten or stung by something, but there were no marks to support that. Based on all the details I shared, the most likely explanation was a viral trigger. He described it as possibly an accumulation on different factors. Her immune system may have been fighting something quietly, and that day her body just reacted.

    His explanation clicked for me because there had already been signs in the days leading up to that afternoon. A few days earlier, I’d taken Iliana to an indoor playground where she played almost the whole day and missed out on her usual hours of sleep. On top of that, she was teething, which had already been disrupting her rest. The next day, she had swimming class and even broke out in hives afterward, though they disappeared quickly with antihistamine. Adding to the mix, Iliana has also been taking a small amount of baked egg muffin every day as part of her milk-allergy desensitization, and we’d been doing this consistently for about three weeks.

    Looking back, it must have been exhausting for her little body. All those factors combined could easily have dipped her immune defenses and set the stage for a viral attack or mast cell activation. Dr. Kent also reminded me that there’s a possibility of another reaction like this while Iliana’s immune defenses are still low. To help her body recover, he recommended giving antihistamines twice a day for a week. We’ve been following that plan, and because I’m quite big on food, I’m also focusing on meals that are fresh, simple and gentle on her gut and naturally low in histamine.

    Iliana during observation period at the hospital

    Allergies may be unpredictable, but they’ve given our family an unexpected gift: a deeper appreciation for food, for every safe meal, every doctor who listens, and every tiny sign of healing. It’s taught us to listen closely to Iliana’s cues and advocate for her. It’s not the journey we wished for, but love and patience have a way of carrying us through.

    After going through a few episodes of Iliana’s allergy reaction, I wanted to put together the practical tips and lessons that have helped us navigate reactions in the heat of the moment. Every child is different, but I hope these pointers give other parents a starting place and a little extra peace of mind.

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  • Allergy Reactions: What to Do in the Heat of the Moment

    When a reaction starts, every second feels urgent — but having a clear plan and a steady mind makes all the difference. I write this as a mother whose child has faced multiple allergy flare-ups and hospital rushes. These are the steps and small lessons that have helped me stay focused when every instinct wants to panic.

    Early Signs of a Reaction

    Watch for any of these symptoms, which can vary in severity:

    ● Sneezing or runny nose

    ● Watery eyes

    ● Increased itching or scratching

    ● Hives or red patches on skin

    ● Swelling (lips, face, eyelids, hands or feet)

    ● Stomach discomfort (cramps, nausea)

    ● Coughing or vomiting

    ● Wheezing or noisy breathing

    ⚠️Call an ambulance immediately if you notice:

    ● Difficulty breathing

    ● Persistent coughing

    ● Gasping for air or any sign of throat tightening

    These are signs of a severe, full-blown reaction that requires urgent medical help. Even if the symptoms seem mild but something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek medical help. Reactions can escalate quickly, and it’s always safer to get checked.

    Step by Step Response — What to do

    1. Stay calm and note the time – Take a quick mental note of when symptoms started. This not only helps you gauge how the reaction is progressing but also gives doctors or your allergist valuable details for diagnosis and treatment.
    2. Assess severity quickly – If there’s any difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, gagging or throat tightness, treat is as potentially life-threatening and act immediately. If an adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector is available, use it right away and call emergency services. Epinephrine is the first-line, life-saving treatment for severe allergic reactions. For milder symptoms like itching or hives, an antihistamine can help. We carry both an epinephrine autoinjector and an antihistamine at all times.
    3. Remove triggers – If you can identify the cause such as food, drink or insect sting – stop exposure by taking away the suspected item, wiping the mouth and hands, rinsing with water, or gently scraping out a stinger if present and move to a clean area with fresh air if possible. My daughter’s symptoms are usually hives, and when that happens, we soak her in a tub of cool water and keep her distracted with toys or songs to ease the itch and help her stay calm while we monitor her. If a tub isn’t available, a cool compress works just as well to soothe the skin.
    4. Dress for Comfort and Protection – Put n light, breathable clothing to prevent overheating and reduce skin irritation. Long sleeves and pants made of soft, airy fabric can help shield the skin from allergens and limit damage from scratching. Avoid tight or rough materials that create heat or friction, as this can trigger more hives or swelling. There was a time when my daughter’s feet were completely clear before a hospital visit during a reaction, but after wearing shoes for the short trip, her foot broke out in hives and swelled slightly – likely from the warmth and gentle pressure of the shoe.
    5. Position and Preparation in case symptoms worsen – Keep the person lying on their back with legs slightly raised to help blood flow, unless breathing is difficult. While observing or waiting for help, gather essentials like identification, allergy medications, and a list of known triggers or medication allergies so doctors can act quickly. A step ahead is to keep an emergency bag packed and ready to grab and go – especially helpful if you’re alone with a baby, toddler or child. Include basics like snacks, a change of clothes and small toys, since hospital observation can take several hours before discharge.

    This guide is based on my own experience as a food-allergy parent and reading I’ve done along the way. I’ll keep adding to this list whenever something new feels worth sharing.

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  • Taman Tugu : A Kid-Friendly Hiking Adventure in Kuala Lumpur

    As someone who loves being in nature but has been away from hiking for quite some time, I’ve dreamt of this day yet never quite knew how to begin. My mind was full of questions: What if Iliana (my little girl) had a flare-up or worse, an anaphylactic reaction in the middle of the jungle? What if she didn’t enjoy it the way I hoped she would? And what if the trail turned out to be difficult – not just for her, but for me too after such a long break?

    After some online research, I finally found a trail that felt right for our little family. The Tugu Trail is kid-friendly, gentle enough for a mum easing back into the outdoors and reassuringly safe for us to try. For those who don’t know, Iliana has certain allergies that can cause sudden hives, at times, even trigger an anaphylactic reaction. Because of this, I was mindful to choose a shorter trail – one where we could make a quick exit if a reaction happened and we couldn’t get it under control.

    Taman Tugu offers 5 trails:

    + Green Trail (1.5 km)

    + Yellow Trail (1.6 km)

    + White Trail (1.2 km)

    + Nursery Trail ( 1 km)

    + Orange Trail (1.2 km)

    We decided on the Green Trail (1.5km), but as we ventured deeper into the jungle, we lost track of the checkpoints. Looking back at the map now (after reviewing it one too many times), I’m pretty sure we somehow combined the Green and Yellow trails and ended up doing 3.1km instead. There’s a trail map at the entrance, and I highly recommend snapping a photo of it. Especially if you’re like me and could get lost even in a shopping mall.

    see trail map

    Despite the unexpected extra kilometers, the trail was still gentle enough for us and my 18 month old, Ili. She proudly managed about 200 meters on her tiny legs before deciding that the carrier was far more comfortable 😂 The paths were shaded by tall trees, with many manageable steps and a few steeper ones where parents might need to lend a hand. There were also plenty of spots to pause and rest along the way. Iliana had the best time pointing at leaves, picking them up (and occasionally trying to taste them 🙈), listening to birds and even spotting a bee and declaring ‘BEE!’. The jungle completely captured her attention.

    ℹ️ WHAT TO KNOW ℹ️

    Practical Info

    Location: Taman Tugu, Kuala Lumpur

    Operation Hours: 7.00am to 6.30pm (last entry at 5.45pm). Open daily, including weekends and public holidays.

    Admission: FREE!

    Parking and Accessibility: Free parking is available at the Taman Tugu Nursery Entrance. Do note that a RM50 fine applies for exits after 6.30 pm. On busy weekends, the car park may close temporarily once it’s full and reopen later (ours only opened at 9 am).

    Facilities: Washrooms, shower rooms, a surau, and even a baby-changing room are available at the main entrance/nursery area.

    Food and Drinks: On weekends, you’ll find pop-up stalls selling snacks and drinks, but most vendors pack up after lunch.

    Best time to go: We tried a Saturday morning and found parking a bit of a headache, plus the trail was a little crowded. Next time, I’d probably go in the afternoon for a quieter hike and less parking stress (personal preference).

    Trail Basics

    Length: There are five main trails of varying distances. We unintentionally combined the Green + Yellow Trails and ended up with about 3 km. You can stick to just one trail, or go the full loop (around 5 km) if you’re up for it.

    Trail Conditions: Expect plenty of steps, lots of shaded areas and resting spots. Since we went after a rainfall, the ground was damp with a few small puddles but nothing unmanageable.

    Navigation: A trail map is posted at the entrance. Snap a quick photo before you start so you can refer to it along the way. There are also checkpoints throughout, so while it’s possible to miss a turn (like we did), it’s unlikely you’ll truly get lost.

    Tips for Parents

    What To Bring:

    + Water

    + Snacks – We packed Iliana’s breakfast and she happily munched during a rest stop

    + Insect repellent – Non negotiable! The mozzies here take their jungle guardian role seriously

    + Baby essentials and carrier – If you’re hiking with a little one. The trails aren’t stroller-friendly, so a carrier is your best friend

    + Change of clothes

    💡 Bonus tip for parents of eczema-prone or allergy-sensitive kids:

    Here’s what we always bring to keep Iliana comfortable and safe

    + A small towel for quick clean ups. Sweat and dirt can irritate sensitive skin

    + Soothing cream/ Meds – Your go to moisturizer or steroid cream if prescribed. For us, that means Telfast antihistamine syrup (for hives) and an EpiPen prescribed by Iliana’s allergist (for bigger reactions).

    + Moisturizer before heading out – we slather on a fair amount at home so her skin isn’t dry since dryness = itch waiting to happen.

    + Choose breathable clothing – lightweight cotton or bamboo fabrics reduce irritation. Avoid synthetics as they trap heat. We find that dressing Iliana in long pants help reduce skin contact triggers and saves us from constant ‘don’t scratch that!’ reminders.

    + Stay cool – Heat + sweat are major itch triggers. We clipped a mini fan to the carrier to help keep Iliana comfortable.

    And that wraps up our little adventure at Tugu Trail. It truly made me happy to be back on a hike. This time bonding with my husband, Iliana and our helper along the way. Like most things with kids, it took some planning and preparation, but honestly, the effort was worth every bit. If you’re considering Tugu Trail with your family, I say go for it! Pack your basics (and a little extra if you’ve got kids with sensitive skin or allergies), and you’ll be set for a fun and memorable family hike.

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