Leap Day February 29th

Leap Day – February 29

Leap day (February 29) is an intercalary day inserted in a leap year. Leap day has been associated with age-old traditions, superstitions and folklore. It is also recognized as a day of observances and celebrated as a birthday for those born on February 29.

Leap Day

Leap day, also known as leap year day, is an extra day added to the month of February in a leap year. February 29 is the 60th day of a leap year in the Gregorian calendar. It occurs every four years in years evenly divisible by four except for centenary years not divisible by 400.
A leap day is more likely to occur on Mondays or Wednesdays rather than other days because the Gregorian calendar repeats itself every 400 years. Therefore February 29 can occur 15 times on a Monday or Wednesday, 14 times on a Friday or Saturday and 13 times on a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday.

Tradition, Folklore and Superstition

A tradition was introduced many centuries ago to allow women to propose to men during a leap year. This privilege of proposing was restricted to leap day in some areas. Leap day was sometimes known as “Bachelors’ Day”. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage offer from a woman.
The tradition’s origin stemmed from an old Irish tale referring to St Bridget striking a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years. This old custom was probably made to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how the leap day balances the calendar.
It was also considered to be unlucky for someone to be born on a leap day in Scotland and for couples to marry on a leap year, including on a leap day, in Greece.

Observances on February 29

Leap day is also St Oswald’s Day, named after a 10th century archbishop of York who died on February 29, 992. The feast is celebrated on February 29 during leap years and on February 28 in other years.
February 29 is one of the days of Ayyám-i-Há (February 26 to March 1) in the Bahá'í calendar. These days are dedicated to fasting preparations, charity, hospitality and gift-giving.

Leap Day Birthdays

Some people born on February 29 prefer to celebrate their birthday on February 28 in a non-leap year because they were born in February, while others celebrate their birthday on March 1 because they do not officially turn next age on February 28. There are also those who only celebrate their birthday every leap year because they believe there is no substitute to a February 29 birthday.

Happy birthday to those who celebrate their birthday today!!

Tesco...Tesco

I don't know why Erisya is so fond of going to Tesco.Last time she really like it coz she wanted to ride in the mechanical toys where you put the token in. But after an incident happen,that thing suddenly move without she are ready to ride,till now she refuse to ride it again. But she keep on pointing at Tesco Ampang when ever we pass by to go back to our house.

The new Tesco Model in Trolley


Vroom...Vromm...Pin...Pin....make a way for Erisya

Baby Day out @ Ikea / Ikano Power Centre

Today, my husband granted me a permission to take out the kids.Our house owner had decide to replace the kitchen cabinet.so few construction job took over the house and it's really dusty.better to take the kids out but my husband stay at home to monitor the job.

since my sister came to our house and she wanted to buy a wedding gift for her friend,then we decided to go to Ikea.the last time i was there is in 2004. This day out is a record coz we when out from 10.30am till 10.30pm.

i decide to bring along the stroller which was bought in year 2005 and only use once. my planning is to put Eirfan but he refuse to sit.Erisya keep on saying"nak duduk...letih le jalan".

Having lunch at Fasta Pasta @ Ikano. The food is not bad. For the kids, i ordered vegetable soup and garlic bread. my sister choose fettucinni with sos.

This is my brief idea for my new kitchen cabinet for my new house @ Kulim Hi Tech. I did took some of the brochure but at the end forget to take it out from the Ikea Bag.Luckily i still keep the 2008 ikea catalogue.

Eirfan enjoying himself at Kluang Station

New hairband...

This is the latest hairband i bought for Erisya.She keep on complaining that "mata tercucuk dgn rambut".

HAND, FOOT and MOUTH DISEASE (HFMD)

What is hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness of infants and children, though adults can contract it too. It most often occurs in children under 10 years old.
• It is distinctly different from foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and swine.
  

What causes HFMD?

• The most common causes of HFMD are coxsackie virus A16, enterovirus 71(EV71) and other enteroviruses. The enterovirus group includes polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses and other enteroviruses.

Is HFMD serious?

• HFMD caused by coxsackie virus A16 infection is a mild and nearly all patients recover within 7 to 10 days. Complications are uncommon.
• However HFMD caused by EV71 may be associated with neurological complications such as aseptic meningitis, encephalitis and poliomyelitis-like paralysis; and might lead to death.
  

How does the disease spread?

• It is most common in clusters of children who are in daycare together. It can spread through direct contact with nose discharge, saliva, feces and fluid from the blisters.
• It can also spread through food and water which have been contaminated withfecal droplets or liquid from the mouth or nose of infected persons.
  

Is HFMD contagious?

• Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. The virus may continue to be excreted in the stools of infected persons up till one month. HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.
  

When and where does EV71 detected before?

• HFMD is endemic in Malaysia and occurs all year round. Major outbreaks of HFMD attributable to enterovirus EV71 have been reported in Malaysia in 1997,Taiwan in 1998 and Singapore in 2000.
  

How soon will someone become ill after getting infected?

• The usual period from infection to onset of symptoms (incubation period) is 3 to 7 days. Fever is often the first symptom of HFMD.
  

What are the clinical signs and symptoms?

• HFMD is characterised by fever, sores/ulcers in the mouth, and a rash with blisters.
• HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, malaise ("feeling sick"), and frequently a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
  
• The skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet.
  
• A person with HFMD may have only the rash on buttocks and on the legs and arms or the mouth ulcers at cheeks, gums or near the throat.
  

How is hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosed?

• Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually diagnosed based on a complete history and physical examination of your child.
  
• It is generally suspected on the age of the patient, the pattern of symptoms and appearance of blister-like rash on hands, feet and mouth in children.
  
• A throat and/or blister swab collected preferably within 2 days of onset of HFMD may be sent to a laboratory to determine which enterovirus caused the illness.
  

How is HFMD treated?

• Presently, there is no specific effective antiviral drugs and vaccine available for the treatment of HFMD.
  
• Symptomatic treatment is given to provide relief from fever, aches, or pain from the mouth ulcers.
  
• Dehydration is a concern because the mouth sores may make it difficult and painful for children to eat and drink. Taking enough liquids is very important apart from body temperature monitoring.
  

Who is at risk for HFMD?

• Everyone is at risk of HFMD infection, but not everyone who is infected becomes ill.
  
• HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years old, but may also occur in adults too. It is because they are less likely to have antibodies and be immune from previous exposures to them. Infection results in immunity to the specific virus, but a second episode may occur following infection with a different virus belonging to the enterovirus group.
  

What are the risks to pregnant women exposed to children with HFMD?

• As enteroviruses are very common, pregnant women are frequently exposed to the virus as well. As for any other adults, the risk of infection is higher for pregnant women who do not have antibodies from earlier exposures to these viruses, and who are exposed to young children - the primary spreaders of enteroviruses.
• Most enterovirus infections during pregnancy cause mild or no illness in the mother.
• Currently there is no clear evidence that maternal enteroviral infection causes adverse outcomes of pregnancy such as abortion, stillbirth, or congenital defects.
• However, mothers infected shortly before delivery may pass the virus to the newborn. Babies born to mothers who have symptoms of enteroviral illness around the time of delivery are more likely to be infected.
  
• Strict adherence to generally recommended good hygienic practices by the pregnant woman might help to decrease the risk of infection during pregnancy and around the time of delivery.
  

HMFD in childcare facilities

• HFMD outbreaks occurring in childcare facilities usually coincide with an increased number of cases in the community.
  
• If there is an evidence of transmission in any A childcare facility will be closed if there is 2 or more cases of HFMD detected within a period of 7 days.
  
• The closure is to stop the transmission of virus, for disinfection of the premise using diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach and to enhance health education.
  

How to prevent HFMD?

• Maintain good ventilation.
• Wash hands before meals, and after going to toilet or handling stool soiled materials.
• Keep hands clean and wash hand properly.
• Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretion e.g. after sneezing.
• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing; and dispose of mouth and nasal discharge properly.
• Clean children’s toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently.
• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.
• Avoid going to overcrowded places.

Eirfan Sick....uhuk...uhuk...uhuk...

After coming back from CNY holiday, Eirfan down with fever.Quite high but keep on up and down.38.5C to 39.6C.Me and my husband keep on sponge him to keep down the thermometer reading.When he got the fever, he was so less energetic. Just wanted to sleep and cling to mummy. I need to carried him all the times as he refuse to let me off.

Then came out this blister.We when to the panel and the doctor diagnose him with Chicken Pox. We put him on long pant all the time as he always scratching. After a week of medication, he seem ok but then down again with high fever.This time we decide to see Specialist in Kampung Baru Medical Centre (KBMC). Really shocking when the doctor told us that it is not Chicken Pox but HFMD.Luckily it's nearly finish already and not the dangerous types as occur in Sabah and Sarawak. I really piss off when hear about this misdiagnose things. I really don't know from where this HFMD came from since my kids are NOT attending any day care centre or kindergarten so does the baby sitter kids.He got the fever just after we return from hometown.So...from where this HFMD came????

I'm really thankful coz all this things happen during my semester break and it is not the serious type of HFMD.

Balik kampung @ balik taman?

Since CNY's holiday is quite long, so we decide to went back to our hometown in Kedah (Kulim and Alor Star).My husband, he's from Kampung Pegawai, Alor Star. So the term 'balik kampung' is applicable. Me from Taman Seroja, Kulim need to use the term "balik taman?".

But i still need to brings back all the exam scripts to marks.so call holiday...

Bendera Kedah

Waiting for Papa to finish Friday Praying

Masjid Zahir, Alor Setar

On the way back to Kulim.Mind the trees and view as the car is moving..

Gong Xi Fa Chai!

For all our Chinese friends who's celebrating Chinese New Year,a warm wishes from us.May the year of Rat brings lots of wealth and prosperity..

Efendi Hassan
Eris Hussain
Erisya Sofea
Eirfan Efendi

Bread...bread...yummy!

i shaw this giant advertisement in Alamanda recently.Despite of the big tasty yummy nice coffee smell famous Roti Boy, i'm attracted to the wordings.It's remind me of......FOOD!

Celebration Time!

As Erisya turn one year old, we did throw a birthday party for her.So to be fair to Eirfan,we do it but not as grand as her sister.(sorry le syg....mummy buzy dgn exam).i bought a small cake since papa not really into the cake thing.put a candle and it's end up that Erisya is the one who blew it up and cut the cake after a loud and never ending song of "Happy Birthday to Erisya and Eirfan".

My pray for him...
- Allah always protect and bless him
- be a good and obedient boy
- never be disrespectful of Allah, religion, parents and families
- always take care of family
- make the family proud
- stay healthy and active

Happy birthday to Eirfan!

a year ago,he .....
...is my first boy.
...was born @ 1.30pm exactly at Zuhur prayer time.
...is weight @ 2.69kg with 52 cm length
...was so small

today, after a year, he ...
...loves his sister so much when he's in the mood and push her off when he's not in.
...able to walk@ 11 months old.
...have 4 upper teeth and 2 bottom teeth.
...still cling to mummy for breastfeed
...maintain his serious thinking face expression
...has the sweetest smile
...still not that talkative compare to sister
...only speak up when he feel to do so
...like to climb all over the places especially the coffee table and sofa
...has a very strong arms.Papa always call him "the cliff hanger"
...really hate to stuck in the car seat
...always try to find the ways to escape from the car seat.(sometimes i need to pull over the car to put him back in)
...really don't like to bath in cold water.he'll scream if the water is cold.
...always cried in the morning when left him with the babysitter and kiss mummy when it's time to go back
...always bite mummy on the left shoulder
...knows how to play football with papa
...knows how to tolerate with sister when playing but sometime refuse
...still small.can't never imagine he still can fit in 0-6 months shirt.
...is one year old already!