You have only turned 3 months old and can already managed to fully turn yourself over from back to front!! As per previous blog posts, you have been flipping to the side but you managed to even release your trapped arm today on New Year's Eve! You are probably the earliest of the three to do this! Still feeling very amazed. And so proud of you baby!
It's a year of ups and downs. Seems more major downs than ups though. Maybe caused it's been sensationalised by the media...
We are close to the end of the year now. Just four more days to the new year and the our airline industry is again hit by another missing aircraft. This time from AirAsia. The plane was heading to Singapore from Surabaya this morning before it went off radar not long after departure. It's now almost midnight and rescue mission has been called off to be continued tomorrow. Scary as we have relatives whom are pilots on AirAsia. Many many many people we know have also flown because everyone can fly now on AirAsia. Praying for a miracle. Though we fear the worst.
As I'm writing this post, as many as 160,000 around Malaysia are being displaced due to floods caused by the monsoon rain. Critically ill patients are being stranded in a hospital in Krai. Supplies which includes gasoline to run the ventilating machines are not able to reach the hospital. The helicopters are unable to land to transfer these patients out from the hospital. There's no clean water available so even if food is available, the affected people may not even be able to eat it if it needs to be cooked. Refugees are living now on the third floor of a school as the flood water has reached up to even the second storey of the school building. So gloom and doom... Happy though that Malaysians are standing together to donate and send supplies over to those in need.
And just 10 days before Christmas, a man who is linked with IS held some people hostages at a cafe in Sydney's CBD. At the end of it, two precious lives were taken away - the cafe's manager, Tori Dawson and a 37 year old mother of three, just like me, by the name of Katrina Dawson. I really feel for their family.
Earlier this year we lost Malaysian Airlines MH370 which is still not found. Then there are those on the ill-fated MH17 which was shot down in Ukraine. On top of that is the deadly Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
Lord, have mercy on us. Praying for a better 2015 for all and for peace on earth...
* Images from www.dailymail.co.uk, twitter.com, thestar.com.my
Happy 3 months and 1 day old, Baby Boo! Just a day shy of 3 months, you started laughing out loud when Mama said a-gu. Yesterday night, found you flipped onto your tummy from your back! Babies usually flip from tummy to back first at about 3 months before back to front at about 4 to 6 months but you are the other way round and so early!
You still need lots of carrying during the day.
You have such a lovely smile and pretty chatty too! You have a teeny weeny dimple on your left cheek when you smile. Sweet. ..
Wow... my body is still sore from the 'party' last night. We all, yes, Baby B included, went for a karaoke session at Neway last night to celebrate Popo's birthday. We have been there once before before Baby B was born for my birthday and had lots of fun. Papa sang so much that his jaw hurt the last time! The rooms are pretty comfy and service is good so we thought we would bring Baby B along for another session!
This time we also had their buffet dinner. They served scallops this round. Yums. As usual, Kor Kor J went eating all around the table... relishing up what others had not finished. Then later he kept saying 'Mama, let's go home already....'. When I asked if it's because he was tired, he replied he wanted to pangsai! LOL. Obviously ate too much. And just potty trained. So must have panicked coz forgot he still had nappy on (when outside for a long time) and there was no potty around! Che Che O took the chance to indulge in all the junk! Ice cold drinks, desserts with fake colours.... hmm.... and then, she too wanted to pangsai! LOL. ... Good thing Baby B didn't pangsai same time. Haha.
Kor Kor J picked up a microphone as soon as we entered the room, switched it on and used it to say 'hello, hello' the whole night. He sang a little too. Some nursery rhymes but generally observed and soaked in the atmosphere. Che Che O was reserved initially although her favourite song 'Let It Go' was on but by the end, she sang 'Gemilang' not once but twice, full of emotions y'all! Baby B was just listening to all that is going on the whole time! Such a good baby. Didn't fuss at all in that strange new place. Slept a bit here and there even with all those off key tunes! He was quite distracted during feeds though. Who wouldn't be? Hehe...
We left that place at midnight! Believe it or not! Che Che O didn't want to leave as she was lying comfortably on the sofa with dimmed lights and a scarf provided by Neway wrapped cosily around her. Kor Kor J still wanted to sing Pat A Cake! Papa was soooo tired by then. When going to the carpark, Kor Kor J confidently said 'Mama, it's not this way. It's that way!' although we were heading the right direction. We then found the lift we came from was already closed and had to head the other direction which meant Kor Kor J was right after all and he gladly said 'See, I told you it's this way!'. All too cute when it comes from a boy who has just turned three. Wish I could record all these moments down. His speech recently is just so cute!
We arrived home at about half past twelve with all you three kids knocked out completely! Lots of fun! And I'm off to go back to bed for a while more before you three are all charged up from your sleep!
Had another jab and rotavirus ingestible vaccine. You screamed again after being jabbed but only for a few seconds. Your circumference is now 39.5cm, weight 6.7kg and length 61cm. Milestones checked - following direction of object, cooing, smiling... Doc was amazed you could do the Banana Turn now too! LOL. ..
You have been doing what your Papa calls a Banana Turn these few days. Yesterday you even managed to flip over to your stomach too but with an arm still under you. Wow. At 2 months! Isn't that very early? Somehow don't remember it being so early before. Maybe because you have your hands as motivation. You suck your knuckles when you need to be soothed. And when searching for your hand, you ultimately manage to flip over too doing the Banana Turn. Well done Baby!
Just two days ago, you came into the room while I was with baby and said that you wish for days before your DiDis were born. That's when you got to spend lots of time with us Papa and Mama. It was sad to hear that. Sad that you wished you were an only child. Sad that it meant you sometimes don't enjoy time spent with your little brother. Sad that it is a reality that I haven't got to spend much time with you doing all the fun montessori things we used to do other than homework or keyboard practice. But I would like to try harder. Although it's difficult now with a new born, I would still like to think that we can arrange for a day in a month to begin with where it's just you and me on a date and then you and Papa. Meanwhile, although you and DiDi J sometimes fight and argue, you do love each other on good days. I see you two sharing and hugging and playing nicely most times. If I am around when any arguing happens, I will try to tell you two the alternative nicer way to go round it. Hopefully that will be engraved in both of you although naturally it is easier to just snatch or get angry first. Only two of you now... wondering how it will be like when DiDi B joins in the fun!
Quarter of a year old and flipping over already!! When you wake during your REM sleep and trying to find your hand to suck for comfort, you occasionally flip yourself to the side. Have to watch you like a hawk now!
Late entry coz preparing for KorKor 's 3rd birthday party.
Balding.
Less frequent poo. Sleeps well at night but needs to b carried in the day. Coos a lot! Smiles and responds to sounds like clicking of tongue. Doesn't cry in bath since a long time back. Had DTaP jab on 1 December.
Cries with tears now.
Mittens and bootiless now.
Grabbing and sucks hands for comfort.
You just asked me to buy you a gun. You will use pieces of foam letters like the letter J or T as a gun. Build guns with blocks.
You love your cars and trains. Building ramps and tunnels for them with cardboards.
You naturally are more curious and will touch everything you see and asking what is it. You also break open a lot of things to see what happens when you so that....
You jump, climb, run in the house a lot more.
Well maybe it's not about being stereotypically a boy, maybe it's just being you... A sweet little loving adorable curious child who just loves to play with the things you love to play with...
First time to the Sports Club. It has been a long while since we have been there for a swim. Since before your birth. I swam in the pool here with you while you were still in my tummy. Today is your first visit here. You were so busy looking around your new surroundings and absorbing all the sounds around you. You didn't fuss while your siblings played in the pool till closing time.
After that we went for a treat at PikNik and got home at half past eleven! People must be wondering why are these kids and a baby out till so late. Well, a rare occasion and a little break for us all. Thank God for today!
I have always been thanking God for you three little blessings. Have always asked the Lord to continue to grant you three good health and good growth and keep you all safe from harm.
Additionally, I have been asking the Lord to :
Bless CheChe with many, many talents and that she will use these talents for God's glory. I also ask that she will be a blessing to all those around her.
Bless KorKor with intelligence and for him to use it for His works. I also ask that he will be a joy to all those around him.
Bless DiDi that he will be a smart, cool and calm boy with a heart after the Lord's. I also ask that he will be loved by all around him.
May the Lord watch over you three, in your going outs and coming ins and let His blessings pour out on you three all the days of your lives!
We have sort of a routine nowadays. You wake up at about 9 or 10 am and we have a bath. You are more awake these days and don't like to be left on your back for too long while awake. We do a bit of tummy time or I carry you in the ring sling during the day. Today was the first time we tried out the new playgym which was a gift from CheChe's friend's mommy. Thankful for it as our playgym from CheChe's time went round to others and has started to tear. So that came in handy. Your feeding time varies from as little as 1 hour apart to 6 hours. Usually 1 to 2 hours during the day. In the afternoon when we nap, you sometimes stretch to 3 hours and last night you went without a feed for almost 7 hours though you have been doing 4 to 6 hours before that. Tonight only 3! Hmm...
You have found your fists and stuff the right one in your mouth when needing comfort.
You are poo-ing less frequently mainly once in the morning when you wake up, another once or twice in the afternoon and once at night.
You seemed to have grown a lot size wise too filling up your rompers.
You do smile responsively but not often. You would rather observe your surroundings or listen to the sounds around.
We still place you in the comfort sleeper up looks like not for long. ...
I continue to thank God and pray that you continue to grow well...
Finally went to church with you after 6 weeks. You slept the whole time from home to after service in the car seat. Woke up and slept more in a few different arms after service and while we had lunch and then home...
It has been a while since we went to the Youth Park. In fact, I don't think even KorKor has been there until two weeks ago! The last time was when CheChe was two! And your first visit is at six weeks old!
I remember within the Youth Park itself there are lots to do including a skating rink, a water play area and an area for archery too. We recently found out that they have a really cool playground which we have not seen before. I wonder if it has only been recently incorporated. It's called the Accessible Playground and it conforms to universal standards of a playground suitable to even children with special needs. No wonder it's so cool! Another plus point is that it's well maintained and clean! No problem moving the stroller with you in it around too. Although you of course preferred to be out it and being carried in our arms enjoying the breeze and the sights of your siblings running around. Don't worry, you will very soon be running around along with them!
There weren't many people accessing the Accessible Playground today though. At one time we even had the whole playground to ourselves! I even breastfed you in one of the playhouses and Papa changed your nappy in there too! Maybe because it was a gloomy day and it did drizzle a little when we first arrived. I supposed we could still feed you in the car next time if needed as there's obviously no breastfeeding rooms around.
We brought along some sandwiches and coffee for Papa and Mama. That ended our little fun oh so well. We'll definitely be back really soon!
I had a last minute request to be at work today. Received the call this morning and was expected there ASAP. Just when Popo is not around this week. Thankfully was able to get Papa back to watch over you and KorKor while I was there. This is your first trip out of Penang Island across the Penang Bridge! You were asleep most of the time during that almost 3 hour period. Had to get our neihgbour, aunty L's help to get CheChe from school too as we couldn't make it back in time to do so. Thank God all went well although so last minute. Phew!
You talk a lot. A LOT. And sometimes what you say is just hilarious. I like talking to you and hear funny stuffs coming out from your mouth. One of those nights, I asked the reason why you can't sleep at night. You went on to say that you tell your brains to stop thinking but it just refuses to. My brain just keeps recycling papers in my head, you say.
And I love your meaningful prayers. Like how you used to pray for Mama and Mama's baby that he will develop well and Mama won't have to suffer (from all the aches during pregnancy). Now you would pray that God will heal Mama. You also prayed for your friend in school so that he can read soon as you mentioned that he still can't read. The next day you came home and told me that he managed to read a few words and the class clapped for him! Must have encouraged you to pray more. I pray that you three will love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul.
Mama has been trying hard to keep your scalp from developing cradle cap as both your siblings had it too. CheChe's was pretty bad. I still remember the yellow crusts formed on her head. The same crusts that caused her to lose most of her hair and made her bald, looking more like a little boy and causing Ah Kong to lose even more hair getting worried that she looks like a boy!
KorKor's cradle cap was pretty much controlled with medicated shampoo.
Now for yours I have been shampooing your head daily and brushing your scalp to stimulate it in an attempt to prevent it. Worked so far till yesterday to my horror Papa pointed out the yellow layer forming. Bathe and brushed you again today and it looks a little better. Hopefully we are able to keep it at bay!!
This is typically how much stuff we have to wash after one of your baths. First there's your clothes, mittens and booties, then there's your towel as you pee-ed on it whilst getting dressed up. Sometimes another set of clothings cause you spit up milk all over them right after you got dressed. And today, there's also a piece of muslin together with the little mattress and cover as you decided to poo too! Hmm....
Actually, this could be your second outing. Well, excluding those visits to the clinics and hospitals. You went for your routine check up and Hepatitis B jab at the clinic a few days ago. Since it was a public holiday, Papa and CheChe were also around. So we all went together and then headed to McDonald's for lunch. Not sure if you wanna consider that as an outing. Otherwise, we went to Gurney Plaza yesterday. My first attempt out with a newborn.... and his two older siblings! Yes, all three of you! No way I could have done it without Popo and our temporary helper. Couldn't even complete the list of things to get. On the way back, you screamed wee wee wee all the way home again. Quite an experience! Not sure if I'm gonna do it again anytime soon but Papa did suggest for just the three of us to go for lunch tomorrow. Let's see!
Two nights ago I went on my first solo outing to Tesco (I know, wonderful selection for a first solo outing). You have been fussing a bit in the evenings. We thought since it will be a short half to one hour trip, it's not too bad. I ended up being out for an hour and a half (oops!) And it seems Popo had to rescue Papa from all your screams. Last night you slept perfectly well. Tonight I'm experiencing what seems to be the worst of your fussy evenings for the first time. The problem is you ate tired and sleepy and will actually fall asleep after a feed or in someone's arms. But not for long. Every attempt to put you down will wake you up. Every five minutes you start moving and waking yourself up. The sound of a pin dropping will send your eyes wide open. Then you will either continue to keep them open and stimulate yourself more by absorbing the surroundings around you, or start fussing, arching your back and not wanting to be still and every attempt is just futile. This does not happen in the day mind you. Just at night... from around 8pm till, well it's almost midnight now. Hmm.. can get pretty tiring for us. Popo is holding you now. Thank God that there are three pair of hands available. My arms and shoulders are getting so sore... Have to go reat now and chant my mantra "and this too shall pass!" Good night baby. Sweet dreams. ...
Went to the Klinik for your 2nd dose of Hepatitis yesterday. You are now 4.4kg, 54cm long with a circumference of 38cm. After all the accessing done, we proceeded to have your immunisation done. Oh boy did you scream in pain when that needle went into your thigh! Poor baby! Thankfully it doesn't seem to have any side effects as of now.
After that we went for lunch at McDonald's. Was a little treat for your siblings since it was a public holiday. Was actually a little treat for Mama too! 1st outing with you and we went to McDonald's! Haha...
Had a small luncheon for to celebrate your full month of life at Maple Gold Restaurant. Mainly uncles and aunties and two good family friends. In fact, family came all the way from Ipoh just for this and Mama's best friend and family came all the way from KL!
Ordered cute little cupcakes as I wouldn't have time to make any. They also provide these lovely purple Japanese sweet potato ang koos which were soooo yummy! We dyed our own red eggs. Mama DIYed a bit of deco mainly the romper banner with your name hung with pegs and some cardboard frames with some of your pictures. Thought the setting was pretty good. Food wise was alright. Full but nothing to shout about.
You were very quiet the whole time there mostly sleeping but woke up for one feed. Prior to that, you screamed and cried all the way to the restaurant. I kept thinking I should have fed you before we left the house but we were late. When Papa brought you out of the car seat, your back was all wet with sweat. Maybe that was the main reason why you screamed. Poor boy. You were fine on the way home.
Glad and blessed and thankful to God for the past month with you.
5 hours 23 minutes since your last feed! Gave me a shock when I woke up just now and checked the app to see when you had your supper. Actually you probably just slept for about 4 hours as I now remember you were nursed, fell asleep and woke up again. Papa had to carry you and let you go back to sleep which was about 11pm and you woke up at about half past three. Anyway I got to sleep a little longer too. Just a little. Am not complaining though. I'd better go back to sleep now before I'm wide awake again! Night night baby! Sweet deams! Muaks!
It's now early in the morning. Just sent CheChe off to school and I'm in the room with you. You are wide awake listening intently to conversations and looking at things around you. I caught you staring at me. I looked back and smile. That's when you smiled back. As if to acknowledge that this is my Mama. The one who carried me in her womb for 40 weeks. The one who gave birth to me. The one who loves me no matter what. What a reward to see that smile.... now to try and capture it....
Also noticed you are turning your head to the direction of the things you want to see now. You like to look at mainly the dark brown curtains in our room with flicker of sunlight shining through and the lights on the ceiling.
CheChe and KorKor are funny. And loving. They will often return from the park or even just outside our house compound pick up leaves or flowering weeds for Mama. It's funny. But it's really sweet. CheChe will even put the weeds in a small container of water to keep them alive. Obviously not realising that they are weeds. KorKor will pick different coloured leaves and I will admire the colour and shape and veins and any other markings on the leaves with him. After that, I really don't know what to do with them. I ant bear to throw them just yet as that will hurt their feelings but I don't want to keep more bits and bobs in the house. Maybe I should have a tray somewhere for this and bin them when they finally seem that they belong in the bin, somehow....
After your check up yesterday, we managed to go to Maple Palace Restaurant to check out their menu for your fullmoon luncheon next week on the 25th. Decided to have a small luncheon outside instead of doing it at home to minimise extra work. We have invited mainly just family and a handful close friends. Mama's best friend will be here too this time!
For the rest of our friends and Papa's colleagues, we will give a gift of tarts and red eggs and angkoos.
Usually, this would be a title for a post on one of you kids. Today it's gonna be for Papa. We have managed to move CheChe and KorKor out into their own room. Papa and Mama finally got to enjoy a room all to ourselves in more than 5 years! Then DiDi came along. We still try to let you sleep in the cot most of the time. But there were occasions where I would just feed you side by side and we will both just fall asleep in bed. Papa sleeps really soundly and he often worries that he'll accidentally squash you or something. So when you are in bed with me, he'd rather sleep on a duvet on the cold hard floor. This is also because there's no room left as Popo is sleeping with CheChe and KorKor while Kakak is occupying the last room. Poor Papa. Such sacrifice... ♡
Brought you to the doctor in Gleneagles today. Firstly it's because the Dr V from your hospital is on leave for a few weeks! Secondly it was because we wanted some assurance from the doc to say that you are okay. It's regarding your redness overall, how warm you are generally, the wheezing especially when you feed especially at night, your BCG and your belly button which is still weeping. I read online that most of these are quite normal but we just wanted the assurance.
You still look very red even though you are not jaundiced anymore. Your face, you back, overall it's just red. You seem fairest when cool. Like when you are sleeping with aircond. You have also been warm to touch. Somewhat fever like. But everytime we checked your temperature under your armpit, the readings are okay. Doc says your redness is from the my red blood cells still in your body as your body can't make it's own red blood cells yet till when yiu are about 6 weeks old. That's when you will return to a normal colour. Your temperature was 36.8 degree Celsius so it means you are alright.
I recorded the sound of your breathing for the doc. It can be quite heavy and scary as I often wonder if you are able to breathe properly when you feed. It seems as though you have a lot of phlegm blocking your airways. Doc says your lungs are clear and the stridor is from your immature trachea instead which should also resolve in a few weeks' time. Otherwise, if it does not or gets worse, we'll need to insert a scope in to check! Hope we don't have to take such traumatic measures!
You have no BCG scar yet. Again it will come at week 4-6. Doc gave your belly button a good wipe with 2 pieces if alcohol swap. Says it looks good but it shouldn't weep anymore. If it still weep, she'll have to put some disulfide powder to burn and seal it off. She then explained that it's just a chemical burning which will help seal off any puncture. She also said that the belly button leads to two major blood vessels which is why we have to keep it really clean with sterile wipes to avoid any infection.
While giving you an overall body examination, she noted that you have single palmar crease on your right hand. She said that only 5% of the entire population has that on one hand and only 1% on both hands. When I asked if there's any significance of a single palmar crease, she says it's just some interesting facts. When we read up more on it, it's actually linked to a lot of syndromes including Down's and Turner's. However if the person does not possess any physical traits upon examination, the it's okay. Guess doc didn't mention this as she didn't wanted to frighten us. But thank God you are okay.
You are 4.1kg, 54cm long with a 37cm head circumference.
Thanking God you are all well.
It's not 6.32am. We had just sorted you out. I was changing you earlier after a feed and you did a bomb! Yes, you poo-ed, twice more, mid-change! Had to wake Papa up to help me give you a quick rinse in the bath. After getting you all swaddled in bed, you started making little noises. Lots of little noises amidst hiccups. I didn't think you will start to coo so soon. A quick check online and it's affirmative! We officially have some coos! Yay!
You have obviously grown quite a bit now. More chubs chubs on your cheeks and filling the clothings more. We have also upgraded your nappy size from newborn to S! Only 2 more weeks to plan for your fullmoon. Better sort that out fast! Thinking of having a lunch on the 25th of October for some relatives and close friends. Will get gift packs from most probably Justart for the rest whom have kindly given gifts. Need to go survey a bit more while u zzz.
The nurse came today and weighed you at 3.7kg. Still 0.5kg lighter than KorKor when he was born! Praise God for weight gain.
Today is also CheChe's 1st kindy performance. You stayed home with me as we thought the trip was too far and the duration too long for a little bubba. There'll be lots of noise and too many kids to protect you from! Haha. Well, although I would have really loved to be there, guess at least there's still one year next year for me to attend before she starts primary one!
I have been keeping track of your feeding in an App. Noticed that you have been a little more cranky and feeding almost hourly at times. Must be the 2-3 week old growth spurt. The App shows that you have been nursing about an hour more generally these last 3 days. Can be tiring at times. Hope it only lasts 3 days!
Don't know how that happened. The mitten on your left hand was off and the scratch was on your right cheek. You must have reached across somehow. Sigh. Sad. Hopefully some powerful breast milk will heal it quickly.
Meanwhile I noticed that my pelvis are not hurting that much anymore. Praise God! The pubic bone still hurts a little especially when I turn in bed though. But shall pray that all will be back in order soon!
Got your prints down today. Have to say you weren't too chuffed to get your little fingers and toes squashed onto some plaster by your Mama! I so wanted to have the memory of your littleness... and the foot prints were just too cute! Couldn't get good handprints though. Ah well... will just have to repeat again when you are 3 years and 8 months so all three of you can compare your handprints at the same age when you are older.
You are putting on weight fast. Can see that your face has plumped up. Limbs still skinny though. You are also fairer now that the bilirubin level is probably going down. Your acne is also resolving so you're looking more handsome each passing day! And I still can't stop watching you sleep.... especially when you are on your side with one hand supporting your face... so adorable! <3
You are putting on weight fast. Can see that your face has plumped up. Limbs still skinny though. You are also fairer now that the bilirubin level is probably going down. Your acne is also resolving so you're looking more handsome each passing day! And I still can't stop watching you sleep....
I'm home alone with you and was gonna give you your morning bath. Was cleaning the poo off your bum when your upward pointing penis started pee-ing on you face! Poor boy! Had switched on water but realised no towel. While searching frantically for a fresh towel with one hand while the other holding on to you, you wee-ed again. Got to the bathroom and the tub was too full. With one hand again I had to pour out the water and refill again. While waiting, you gave us another shot! That's a lot of pee in such a short time, baby! Still have not got the hang of changing you without getting a good spray yet....
Ah Kong drove all the way up from Ipoh today to meet you for the very first time. He also brought along the home reared chickens especially for Mama. How special. And nutritious for you too since you are eating what I'm eating through wholesome breastmilk.
Kau Foo flew in from KL today to meet you for the very first time. He'll be off either tomorrow or the day after. Your siblings enjoyed the short time spent with him. You probably will too when you grow up later.
So you are now poo-ing a million times a day. While changing you just now, I was reaching out to get some moist cotton to wipe your bump. When I turned my head back to your bump, there was already a fountain shooting at the curtains that's next to your changing table! Yikes! This is my 2nd 'shower or blessing' from you!
Talking about changing you a million times a day now, I'm so glad we bought the basic changing table from IKEA. Previously, cause of skimping, I changed your siblings either on the bed or on the floor with a changing mat. Boy my poor back... although it's a late investment, it's so worth it.
Today you also had another prick at the klinik to test your bilirubin levels. This time you cried as you were awake and very much aware of that prick. Poor baby. Your levels came down to 119. Praise God. Your face still looks yellow though. Hence the recommendation to get another test done but the doc says we can stop testing now. Just waiting for the yellow to go off completely.
Other than that, thank God you are feeding and sleeping and growing well!
Can't believe that same day last week was when we first met! The week has certainly gone by quickly! The nurse from the klinik came to check you today and you have already gone back to your birth weight! 3.5kg today! Well done baby!
We are still in the midst of finalising your Chinese name. Tough one. But will need it sorted by this week! Working hard!
Am taking a big risk not sleeping yet as you will be needing your next feed very soon. Was spending the last almost 3 hours with Papa and doing some homework for your name. And couldn't resist watching you sleep so peacefully and soundly. So had to take a picture and post it up!
It's the wee hours of the morning again and we smelled poo. Both Papa and I didn't want to have too high hopes as often times it was just a fart. In fact, Papa opened up your nappy to inspect on our bed as his expectation was low and out flow liquidy mustard green poo! Yes, onto our bed as well. Everyone got really excited and panic sets in too while we rush to get everything ready to change you - warm water, cotton, nappy, switch fan and air conditioning off.... We ended up giving you a quick rinse as there was just too much poo to wipe. But all is well now. Thank You God for answered prayers again!
Yes! Caught that in time! It's probably a trump smile. Seems newborn release a smile when they release gas. Haha. I think you look very much like CheChe now. And you are tiny. Especially when left on the big bed. Most adorable.
Had the Klinik Kesihatan nurses over yesterday and today. You seem alright except that you are a bit yellow. So we brought you to the Sungai Dua Klinik Kesihatan this morning to check your bilirubin levels. Day 5 is supposed to be the peak and we don't want your levels to go above 300. Yours came back at 128. Brilliant! You also merely winced when pricked at the left heel for some blood.
Other than that, you have been waking up crying every hour to two hours. The only time you slept longer was this morning. Even after being pricked at the heel and prodded by the doctor.
It's now more than 24 hours since your last poo and I'm starting to get worried that you are constipated. Your cries seems painful and there were times today where you actually unlatched yourself after a few suckle in my attempt to pacify you. I also felt a hard lump in the abdomen area. Need to clear that. Shall wait till tomorrow to take measures if still nothing tonight.
Gave you a nice long wipe and washed your hair today. Hoping you won't get cradle cap like your siblings and lose your hair. Your umbilical stump has officially fallen off. You also got a nice massage with extra virgin olive oil after the wipe. You seemed to enjoy the whole routine. Only fussed when the water was too cold. Maybe also cause there's lots of distractions around from your siblings! CheChe as usual wanted to help button you up. Kor Kor was all ready to put your dirty linen in the laundry bin. Papa stood by with the necessities. What a fun family affair!
By the way I had also witness a smile from you yesterday when I gave you a loud kiss! Reminds me so much of CheChe when she was a baby!
You were born at 3.38pm weighing 3.4kg at 48cm long. At first you looked a lot like Kor Kor but by now you seem different, a bit like CheChe but mostly your own look. You don't have double eyelids yet but looks like you may have later just like CheChe. Doesn't seem like you have a dimple but I thought I saw a slight one on your left cheek. You have very fine eyebrows now and minute eyelashes. Your ears are very close to the head. Chinese says it's 'tip' and they love ears like that. Must be some good luck or wealth kinda thing. Your tiny nose still have millia. Mouth seems smallish. Longer neck compsred with borh siblings. Leaner body too though you are heavier than CheChe. Long and lean limbs and nice long fingers and toesies. You are very hairy especially on your back and arms. Reminds me of CheChe but even harrier! Guess overall you are more like Papa now but am sure you are still changing by the day!
All packed up. Waiting for Papa to arrive and sort out bills for discharge. Today your jaundice is about 142. Below the mark so it's good. I have to stay away from ginger and Chinese herbs for at least 2 weeks. By Day 5 we hope that your levels won't go above 300. So far I really thank God that we managed to stabilise your glucose level immediately after birth. And your jaundice level is not high. My haemoglobin level taken this morning is also above 10 so we are all good to go! You are the champion in the nursery at 3.4kg. And I only lost 3kg when I went to weigh just now!!! Hmm... The lady who delivered at the same time has the runner up baby at 3.1kg. The nursery has 4 babies now and they are all boys!
Anyway Dr Vijay says we are doing really well. So glad to know all well from the fast delivery till now. Praise the Lord!!
So usually when we arrive home it's when the true colours of babies come out.. let's see if you'd prove me wrong, Little One...
It's now 12.45am. Just fed you an hour ago and you are fussing and rooting already. I am aching all over. Soreness at the nipples and flu-like aches at my joints. Feels like I am coming down with something. So I better try and get as much sleep as I can.
Meanwhile we survived first day home with you. Only panicked when we changed and wiped you just now. You were screaming away! CheChe was so eager to help. She buttoned up for you and wore your mitten. She kept wanting to spend time with you. She was so surprised and happy that you are home when she arrived back from school today. You already are so loved.
It's now 5.53am. I slept at about 1am and got up since about 4 am. Can't seem to go back to sleep. Woke up drenched in sweat as the air just couldn't reach me. You were restless earlier but have been sleeping since 1am! Watching you sleep blissfully. Best time now before you start waking every 2hourly for feeds! I'm gonna try going back to sleep now before you wake up. Love you to bits Lil Bunny!
Yes.. what a blessing to share the same birthday as your Papa! It's a double blessing day!
Ok. Will start recording progress in this post.
7.20am woke up 10 mins before alarm rang and Google-ed pain relief options. Pethidine is proven to be crap in terms of relief. Only gonna make us both drowsy. Epidural like too drastic of what they say about fast delivery is true for 3rd time round. So I think I'm going with endorphins! Keep me happy and relaxed and I'll be fine!
8.05am Sent Che-Che off to school after a week of holiday. Had a bun and Milo gor breakfast. Kor-Kor already awake. Tried to get him back to sleep as he slept super late but unsuccessful. So I finally gave up and went for a shower. By the time we left the house it was around 9.22am. Kor-Kor really wanted to follow us and he cried when we left but was Ok as soon as Po-Po allowed him to switch on the TV. Didn't even want to say bye to me after that. Sigh....
9.40am Had tomyam meehoon with some half-boiled eggs and teh-si ping without sugar while Papa had the rest of the eggs with toasts and wan tan mee. Bought some stuffs from the Chinese Medical Hall and came to hospital after.
10.30am Checked by Dr Ng and still only 3cm dilated. 71kg (must be the powerful breakfast!). Checked in to hospital. Room 418 double bedded with individual TV.
11.22am Pessary inserted after monitoring you for awhile. Dr Ng sped up the insertion by ordering the monitoring to be cut short. Haha. He wants you out fast!
12.25pm Served biscuits and milo. No lunch already. Thankfully had full enough breakfast vs last delivery! Feeling mild contractions about every 5 minutes or so so far....
1.54pm got wheeled into labour room 2 after I managed to empty bowels. Drip inserted and water bag broken.
Got a bunch of flowers from your sweet Papa yesterday. He's not a very flowers-giving person but on very rare occasions when the moons are aligned, then I get some nice surprises... endorphins all the way... :-)
Papa and I are now feeling pretty relax watching Dapur Nyonya drooling over the Mee Siam being cooked!!!! Haha... hope to continue laughing during my painless delivery to have more endorphins being released to counter the adrenaline!!!
Have checked in. Just had pessary inserted. Now waiting for all the action. ... come on baby.... let's do it! Will see u soon!! And happy birthday to Papa! And you!
* had a show on Saturday while showering in the dark after the membrane sweep on your EDD on Friday morning. Was uncomfortable the whole day after that so mostly lying down or sitting. Then back to normal again on Sunday and we even went to a birthday party after church yesterday. Was trying to walk lots but still only 3cm dilated when Dr Ng checked this morning. Was supposed to arrive around 9am but only arrive around 10.30 after a hearty breakfast of tomyam meehoon (which I never got to eat 3 years ago during your Kor-Kor's delivery) and half boiled eggs and teh-si ping without sugar. Now praying all will go smoothly, quickly and painlessly! See u soon baby!
Ok. We are on the way to the hospital now for yet another progress check. I totally couldn't sleep last night. So am a bit zombified now. Not sure what kept me awake. I thought I have been quite calm and ready. Maybe subconsciously I'm afraid of being induced today. I would love to have an au naturalle birth without being induced. Just this once. But you still seem to be very comfy inside. So comfy that we managed to squeeze in a trip to the local Fun Fair last night!
Baby, baby... as we arrive in a few minutes at the clinic, I continue to pray for the concretions to begin and for my cervix to dilate. Lord, You induce me instead! I want to continue to claim in faith that things will go naturally. I also pray for you to stay in perfect position facing down, umbilical cord also in perfect position bot around your neck, that you will not poo-poo in there and you will not be in distress. I pray that you will be delivered quickly, and safely. I pray for God's hands to be with the health care professionals, the best for us, to be with us all the way. Know too baby, that you are loved and we can't wait to meet you!
3.339kg and still no action from you. Praying I don't have to be induced again. And praying you are not too big when you are ready to meet us!
We are now actually at the Penang Interactive Museum. Have been wanting to come for some time. Since its Malaysia Day today and Papa has the day off and you are still very comfortable in my tummy, we thought we should take the opportunity.
At Dr Ng's again today weighing 69.5kg. Doc will be checking my cervix to see if there's any action. Will insist he doesn't to do a sweep! Praying things will progress naturally.
Was woken up around 5 am last night with some discomfort and pain. I thought I was having some contractions. Stayed awake for awhile and monitored. Guess it was from all the walking at the mall yesterday. We were at Queensbay Mall after Che Che and Kor Kor's musikgarten class getting some essentials. And later went to Gurney Plaza for more supplies after dinner. So that could have aggravated my pelvic pain and caused more Braxton Hicks? The plus point is we have everything (finally!) if you choose to arrive early. Just need to throw them in a bag!
Dr Ng says you are 35+2 weeks old now. My tummy only measures 32. And the computer says you are 34. You weigh 2.4kg now an increase of 800g whilst I put on about 500g to 68kg as of today. All seems well with you and we continue to thank God for the past 35 weeks that you have been growing and developing well and ask that He watches over you the remaining 5 weeks in my tummy. Love you, Brendan Max Lee Din Din.
Can't remember if I wrote a post on this year's FIFA World Cup as one of the 2014 highlights. You are our only child born on in a year the World Cup is held. This year it was held in Brazil. We jokingly said that we will name you after the Golden Boot player. So you should be James Lee after James Rodriguez. But I think we are sticking to Brendan for now. Brendan as in Brendan Rogers, Papa's Liverpool FC's current manager.
I also noticed that you will be kicking away when we watch the matches. You are very active mostly at night and sometimes it is quite impossible to sleep with you practicing your dribbles in the middle of the night. Papa is just chuffed that he has another son to kick the ball with.
After five years and almost four months, Papa and I finally have a room to ourselves. Yes, tonight is the first night we moved Che Che and Kor Kor into their own room to make way for your arrival in 5 weeks' time.
Since we have decided not to move into our new house in Batu Maung, I have started to slowly pack and purge what qe have accumulated the last four years staying here. We also finally got some furniture. We have never bought any as we always thought that we are only temporary here. So in July when we were in KL, we bought drawers and a desk from IKEA along with a changing table. Glad Che Che now has a proper work station and Kor Kor had a good height bench to play nearby. Also very glad to have a changing table for when you arrive as changing a thousand newborn nappies a day can really be back breaking from past two experiences.
Managed to also pack away our winter clothings and stuffs from our trip to Germany a year ago! As mentioned, we had plans to move earlier so everything was just left as is till now.
There's still lots to do. Need to wash your clothes and pack my hospital bag. Also would like to clear the studio as well before I'm too busy again. And get more old clothes of mine out to be donated. Don't know if I have the energy though as I've been very tired lately. Don't have help from the cleaners anymore so have been cleaning the house myself too despite having lots of Braxton Hicks and pelvic pain. Will take one day at a time....
Seems like each year of birth for the three of you, an icon dies. In 2009, the year Che Che was born, the King of Pop Michael Jackson died of a cardiac arrest. Then the year Kor Kor wad born, 2011, Steve Jobs, the mastermind and CEO of Apple succumbed to pancreatic cancer. And today, a great comedian, Robin Williams was found dead in his home, possibly from a suicide at the age of 63. He was reported to be struggling from depression and recovering from substance abuse. He brought so many smiles to so many of us on screen. I remember him most of all in the movie Patch Adams as a selfless Dr. Sigh.... There goes another icon.... but always remembered for his works!
May you R.I.P.
More news here.
The ladies in our Young Family Cell Group gather once in a while for some fellowship. Tonight is another night and I'm typing this post while waiting for my ride. We were supposed to be at the burger joint at 7 but it's already 7.25pm. I was thinking if I should grab a bite first but realised I've been getting better with hunger pangs. The first trimester was the worst. If I don't eat the minute I'm hungry, I'd feel nauseous. 2nd trimester I was always hungry! 3rd was also not good especially when diagnosed with gestational diabetes and had to control diet and portion. No fun being pregnant and not being able to eat what I want when I want to! Thank God it's more managed now and I have relaxed more with my food intake. And I'm also able to wait longer for food even though hungry. Nevertheless, I still wonder if you'd have the appetite of your Kor Kor later!
You have been squirming so much inside. There's still so much to do before your arrival. I'm in the midst of clearing the 2nd room for Che Che and Kor Kor so thay we can move them into this room and move your cot into our room.
Also packing away all the baby clothes. Have not even taken out relevant ones to be washed yet for you. Maybe next week.
Managed to also finally packed away our winter clothes from last year's trip to Perth and Germany at long last! They have been left there for months as I thought we would be moving into our new house in Batu Maung. Since we are not, (that's another story altogether...) and we are in the midst of clearing and decluttering to make way for you... (yes, you.... The little being which has so much priority in our lives now!), it's time to put things in order.
There's also the studio which needs to be sorted. One at a time... One at a time.... just hope we can settle all before you arrive. Especially since I don't have plans to get the part time maid in anymore till the monthly one arrives. Which means more effort to keep the house clean too.
Meanwhile, here's proof that I've been working hard.
My peeling knees. From all the kneeling to pick up things etc. since I can't squat these days...
Gotta go do more although it's already 1 am and everyone else is asleep!
Good night baby! I love you!
