Its been ages....

Its been ages since I last had an entry all thanks to the convenience of an iPad and iPhone. Unfortunately, i'm unable to access blogger from these devices. =)

Baby R is coming along just fine. He's almost 12 weeks now. Oh how time flies. Another 4 weeks and its back to work for me. Soooo not looking forward to it.

Let me just record some of little R's development so far.

• He has started licking his right fist everytime he's bored/hungry.
• Sleeping longer / fuller 3 hours in between feeds in the night.
• Established a bed time
• Lifting of his legs
• Having a conversation with mummy using baby language.
• Spoken his first word "hey" which mummy captured on video.

Baby R has grown quite a bit. At his 2nd month check up with Dr Tan he weighed 5.6kg at a length of 63cm. By now he's over 6kg I'm sure. He's such a cutie pie and I love him to bits. The only thing is when he's very tired, only mummy can comfort him. That means that mummy has to carry him to sleep. I'm loving how he's sticky with me but this can't carry on for long as I'll be heading back to work soon. I'm hoping for a miracle that he'll learn to fall asleep on his own soon.

One of the hottest topics currently is about providing dad's with more paternity leave than the meger 3 days. Seriously I totally agree that dad's should be given at least 2 weeks. Coping with the fact that you have a new addition to the family, being a new parent, having a wife that is currently recuperating from a major "operation" of some sort, 3 days is definately not enough. 3 days is the no. of days i spent staying at the hospital before coming home and being overwhelmed with coping with the baby on my own. Often I needed help but hubby had to be at work. Over that one month confinement period I must have loosen lots of joints and broken lots of rules which I know will come back to haunt me in old age (e.g. rheumatism). Not that I had a choice.

Giving dad's more leave also allows them to bond better with the child. I've seen how hubby looks at baby R. Often wishing he didn't have to leave for work and could stay behind to play with the lovely kiddo. Dads miss out but I do try to tell hubby updates on baby's progress. Something I'm going to miss when I head back to work to... =(

A Very Happy Day

26th January 2011 marks a Happy Day for my little family

Firstly it is our 3rd Wedding Anniversary and its our baby's 2nd month old birthday.

Baby has been growing very well. His feeding timings are constantly about 2.5 to 3 hrs apart. He now spends more hours awake then sleeping and I think he has sort of gotten used to the day and night routine. He's such a cutie pie.

Private PD vs Polyclinic for Vaccinations
This question has been on our minds for the longest time. What's the difference between both?
From what I have found out with a Private PD you see your requested doctor and the doctor administers the Jabs. At a Polyclinic you see which ever doctor that is available and jabs are adminstered by the nurses.

I called up NHG Polyclinc this morning to check out the charges. Here goes
5 in 1 Jab (4 doses required) - $320/ 4 dose
Hep B (3 doses required) - $22 /dose
Rotarix (2 doses required) - $90/ dose
Prevenar (Pneumococcal 3 dose) - $160/dose
Hep A (2 dose required) - $116/ 2 doses
MMR - $FOC

Difference from my PD's package is about $460. This package is for 2 years of Jab. Some jabs are not found in the booklet. So.... still deciding.

Its been a while...

Its been a while since i last blogged. As much as i wanted to have an entry, it was difficult as I was often tired and thus chose to get some rest over blogging. I told myself today, i must try to write my experiences down as much as possible so that I can also read back one day on the growing stages of Baby R. Perhaps apply it to no. 2?

The journey so far has been incredible. Motherhood can be learnt in theory from books but the experience itself is far from what most books tell you. Its a learning journey everyday with Baby Ryan. He is unique in his own way and thus has his own whims and fancies.

Confinement
It was a very difficult time for me and my hubby. Although we talked about how we will handle Ryan when he was born it really isn't that easy. Firstly I chose not to have a confinement lady. Reason being I was going to do a full month of latching on thus I will have to wake for the baby so what was the purpose of the confinement lady? I stayed at mom's thus food and washing was settled. The biggest factor was than Ryan. Being new parents, it was difficult. Listening to shrilling cries and panicking at the same time was what mostly happened. Being constantly tired and having to care for a newborn was difficult but I persevered. I always reminded myself that this newborn was my son, even if no one else wanted to care for him when he was crying, I had to do it because I'm his mother. If I too abandoned him, what will he have for food? I will always have to be there for him. Hubby had his own set of stress during this period as well but we managed in the end and survived the confinement month.

Christmas 2010
This day also marks my son's 1 month old. He was born on Thanksgiving day. A mini celebration was done with family. Headed to Long Beach for a meal and we had some cake. Mummy also went to the salon for a hair cut and treatment. Being able to shower and wash hair again was the best christmas present ever!

NYE 2010
One week from christmas. Hubby and I decided to have a little date. Brought R along. It was a cute family outing. Headed to Raffles Shopping Centre. Had sushi tei for dinner! Sashimi taste GOOD after not having it for almost 9 months!!!! Little R was the cutest sweetie around. He slept throughout our entire outing waking for only 2 feeds then back to sleep. We wanted to drive to see fireworks but reckon that baby will be tired and should head home. Thus our little family slept through our first countdown to start the new year well rested.

New Year 2011
My parents had a little party at home. How it turned into a one month old celebration for Ryan I don't know. We received many gifts for him. Thanks!!

We also had dinner appointment. Was suppose to head to Ying's hse warming but as Ryan was cranky in the evening we decided to not go. Hubby went ahead with the 2nd appt with his friends while mummy stayed home with Ryan. Sacrifices of a mummy.

All About Ryan
I've really learnt alot about my son. When he cries, I've also learnt to wait and listen to his cues before reacting. He's been a good boy. Usually his cries mean hunger, a diaper change or overtireness and needs to be cuddled to sleep. We are halfway through week 6 and we've managed to get him to feed on a 3 hrly routine rather than on demand. He's asleep 80% or more of the time but is simply adorable to play with when awake. This will slowly change and he'll probably have more awake time soon. At night we give a bottle of formula as this provides mummy with about a four hour rest time. Formula keeps him fuller thus able to sleep longer. Gone are the days mummy gets to sleep 12 hours a day.

I've noticed that he has been able to focus his sight recently and looks at me when I'm talking with him. At times he does make coo coo noises to try to respond to mummy as well. He's been progessing well. Can't wait for the day my son is able to call me with his lovely voice. =)

Am I a Bad Mummy?

Its just over 3 weeks now that Baby Ryan has entered our lives. Things have changed a lot. My whole life now only has one focus and its Ryan and his needs. A little helpless baby who depends on his cries to communicate with the adults around him. At times its hard to tell what he needs or wants, but I try my best.

My first instinct is that he is always hungry. I mean what more can babies want besides milk, sleep and a diaper change. Since he wakes from his sleep that probably means it could be either of the two. Hunger beats a diaper change I reckon thus I often put him to feed first. The past few days have been difficult. He wakes very often every hour or so even at night. At times I wonder if I'm over feeding him causing him a tummy ache. He suckles very well as though he's hungry but i realised that that may not be the case as he suckles then somewhat cringes and stretches which is not normal. I thought at first perhaps its a growing stage where he really needs to stretch.. at times he lets out a short cry as well. Being a first time mummy, i didn't really know what was going on. Soon he started to spit milk out. It didn't concern me that much as spitting is a normal syndrome of some babies. As he doesn't cry incessantly i did rule out colic or trap wind. I started burping him but i rarely hear a burp even after 10 mins. It was till last night that I saw a projectile vomit that I got scared. What was wrong with baby? Am i over feeding him, but he shows signs of hunger everytime I carry him from his cot... so if I don't feed him what can it be? Am i a bad mummy who cause this discomfort to my precious baby? I'm not rushing off to the PD once again. Gonna start monitoring him first.

I'm really thankful for my mum. Though she's often over excited and kan cheong over the baby. Her presence makes me calmer when dealing with the baby. She helps in my thought processes especially in the middle of the night when I'm alone with baby and such problems occur. She has suggested that I start burping baby on my shoulder instead of the sitting up right position and continue to monitor... So far it has worked. Baby has been asleep since 8+ this morning till now 11+ without a wake to feed yet. Must have been the overfed milk that is still in his tummy keeping him comfortable. Longest time he has every slept.

Oh I just jinxed it.. he's crying. Off for a feed. Till next week.

A mummy of TWO weeks and counting.....

Has it already been two weeks, I ask myself. It seemed only like yesterday that I had baby wee inside my tummy showing off his Kungfu moves.



Having him in my arms in a real joy. His angelic face melts my heart each time I look at him. No matter how tough being a mom is. I will try my very best to be his best mum.



The past 2 weeks has been topsy turvy for me. It seem like I had to learn so suddenly. It wasn't easy for me or my hubby. There's a saying that no matter how much prep you do, there is nothing in this world that can prepare you for parenthood. All my months of reading the books to understand babies and what to expect from little baby Ryan seemed to have been flushed out my system when i PUSHED him out. My mind now is a mental blank on what I read. I learnt to be a mom through hands on experience over the past 2 weeks plus.



Things that have happened so far:

1) Gush of blood on day 4/5- Lochia which gave me a scare when I went to the toilet cos I've never seen so much blood in my life before. At that very moment, I thought I was going to bleed to death. I was still hurting from my sore wound then. Went to the toilet thinking I had constipation and decided to give a little push and GUSH came out lots of blood. I got so scared I was crying and had to go to the hospital at 4am in the morning.



2) Breastfeeding: I'm one of the lucky mummies who have a supply of milk for my baby. I was often worried about not being able to supply Baby Ryan with milk. Afterall breast milk is the best for babies at least for the first year. Whether I'm able to do it for the year I don't know but I'll try as long as possible at least till i start working next April. Before birth, I already noticed colostrum. To mummies out there, I was adviced by nurse at my gynae to start massaging since week 37. On day 3 after birth, while i was still in hospital (luckily we made the decision to stay an additional night to get me to recover better before heading home) I experience some slight engorgement. Thankfully the nurse at TMC was able to help me and asked me to pump to release the milk. On day 3 I was already pumping 30ml. That's good supply said the nurse and the docs to me. So far supply has been sufficient for his demands, lets hopes it continues.



3) Heat Rash & Nasal Congestion: After a particular someone visited, Ryan had heat rash the very next day and nasal congestion the day after. WHY? All because the particular someone who was inconsiderate enough to come visit even though she was sick and brought her kids who were also sick direct from childcare to visit Ryan. HOW inconsiderate can someone get? Heat Rash was not her fault but the sight of the rash scared me into thinking it could be HFMD. Luckily not. I noticed then that Ryan had difficulty breathing as though nose was slightly blocked on a Friday night. Brought him to the PD to get a check and he had some nasal congestion. Being only 15 days old, there was no medicine that could be prescribed to him. Thus had to use saline and apparatus to suck out the mucus. After 2 days of diligence in monitoring him, THANK GOD he's much better. It was horendous having to go through those two days.



4) Baby's First Month Party : I planned this sooo long ago but having Ryan fallen sick with the nasal congestion, hubby and I have decided to scrape this plan. Having a party for 160+ people is really not worth the risk for my baby's health. Deep inside I really want to have a party for him... but how can I cut down the numbers... Relatives, Friends... who to invite who not to invite. Is this really a ALL or Nothing case... so damn vexed over this. The decision now is to scrape the whole event but I'm really longing for a party to show off my handsome prince.



5)Confinement: Generally I'm okay with it but I think its not healthy for my mental state of mind. Why so? I have little help and I'm the only care giver to Ryan at home. My duties started the day I came home from hospital and its still on going. Though I'm staying at my mum's place. Mum has no experience in caring for infants/kids. Thus she can only carry him for a short while or watch over him as he sleeps while i rest for a little while. Food wise normal nutritious food but nothing really confinement like as i expected it to be. Mum bought a book to follow but I've not really seen any of the dishes yet.



6) Post Natal Blue: Admittedly I have it. I know i do and I shan't deny it. Even the PD mentioned that I looked really tired and need a lot of rest. Thanks Dr Nancy Tan for your care and concern.



I'm still learning how to be a mum. I hope I can be a good mum to baby ryan.



Till I have time for my next post.

♥ Mummy of Baby R

Announcing the Arrival of Our not so Little Prince

Today was meant to mark the 40th week of BABY WEE in mumy's tummy.
However Baby Wee decided to join in the number game of 26 to match mummy's day of birth and our wedding date. Baby Wee decided to join us on the 26th of Nov 2010.

Here's pieces of what I can remember of his birth story.
Date: 26th Nov
Time:2:08am
Mummy woke up feeling slightly crampy. Didn't think much of it as I was already having the very suan suan feeling for the past few days. However this cramp came and went away.

Time:2:48am
The tingling crampy pain came again. This time I was thinking to myself could it be contractions. Was rather tired thus didn't really take note except for the time.

Time: Between 3:08am and 5+am
Contractions seemed to be regular. Often found myself thinking. Is this contractions or just cramp cos baby was definately lower down near the V area so maybe his weight is pressing on some nerve causing the pain. Moreover the pain was at the pelvic area rather than the lower abdominal area. To me I always had the assumption that contractions occured in the lower abdominal area.

Time:5:30am -7:00am
Contractions started to be very regular at intervals of 8 mins apart each lasting 30 secs. I used the iPad application to time this. I wanted to be sure seeing that this was my first time being a mum. I had mixed feelings if I was being over sensitive or was it the really thing. By 6:30am I decided to wake hubby (who was sleeping very soundly throughout the night cos there was no reason for me to alarm him to wake him up). Asked his opinion and he asked me to call the hospital to clarify. ME having the mixed feelings took my time in thinking if I should call cos I still at this point wasn't sure if it was THE DAY. Called hospital and they asked me to go down to monitor.

Time:7:00am -8:00am
Took my last shower and washed my hair before waking hubby up fully to head down to the hospital. Hubby was rather excited, I could tel as he was deciding on what to wear to recieve his little one. He ended up wearing a pink shirt and white berms. On the way to the hospital, we dropped by mum's to pick up the CordLife luggage.

Time:8:08am
Checked into the delivery ward and was assigned bed D of the observation rooms. Was sharing room with another lady.

Time:8:15am
A nurse came to do a VE on me. OMG that was so damn painful when she inserted her fingers down there and did some scrapping and digging. I almost screamed!!!! Then again all VEs are painful i think though DR Tan may be much gentler.

Time:8:20am-8:30am
Dr WK Tan came in to check on me. Told me I was 1cm dilated so long way more to go. She inserted a pill to soften the cervix then asked me to order some breakfast. Had some chicken congee.

Time:11:30am
Nurse came to insert something to clear my bowels. This was a standard procedure for all deliveries in case bowels came flying out instead of baby when pushing. Nurse told me to hold it in for 5 mins before heading to the toilet. However the medicine was so effective that it self released itself at the 3 min mark. So super pai seh as I made a mess of the bed. It was however rather watery. Took a shower the went back to lie on the bed.

Time:12:00pm
Contractions were getting much worst. Each time it came i had to hold hubby's hand. He was very encouraging by saying I can do this (since we both agreed to try not to have epidural). The nurse asked if I wanted pain relief. I asked for the gas. Gas made me a little high and drowsy but it was effective of only about an hour.

Time:12:30pm
Wheeled in delivery suite to wait. I did remember thinking was this it? Am I going to deliver now and get out of this pain? Unfortunately not. They just wheeled me in, that's it. The suite was much nicer then the observation room. It was also much CHILLIER. soooo super cold.

Time:1:20pm
By this time, contractions were arm breaking. Literally. I almost broke my hubby's finger when I squeezed his hand with his ring finger on it. He also screamed at the pain but not at me. Dr WK Tan came into delivery suite to check on me. She asked if I wanted any pain relief and I asked her what she would recommend and seeing that I was crying and in so much pain, she said best to go for epidural. So I said Ok. Let's do epidural. In the midst of my drowsy state I know there was alot of commotion of nurses and doctors prepping for the epidural. Hubby could not be in the room when this was being administered. Dr Tan put me on an IV drip for hydration purposes and Dr Chong did the epidural. Just before he inserted the needle as I was lying on my side I had one more painful contraction. This time there was a nurse holding on to my hand. With the contractions, I told Dr Chong to hold the insertion. Little did i realise that I was actually pinching the nurses hand due to the intense pain. The nurse looked at me and said. Don't pinch me. I blurry looked at her and saw that my index and thumb were pinching a skin of hers. I immediately let go and smiled. Epidural was then inserted. Within 5-10mins i felt so much better. However I got the side effects of epidural which was shivering. I rather shiver then feel the pain which was completely out of this world. Hubby came back in and i thought that he might be disappointed with me but he said its ok and he thought I was really brave to have lasted so long. Sooo sweet.

With the epidural, I was now able to get some rest before the delivery.

Time:2pm-5pm
On and off i lapsed into dream periods. Nurses came in to check on me frequently. Hubby went to have some early dinner. 4cm dialted I was told. Halfway there.

Time:5:30pm
Nurse did a check, 8-9cm dialted. Foetal hearbeat seemed like he was in distress. Notified DR Tan and was told to start pushing. By this time I couldn't really feel my legs but I used alot of strength to try my best and push. Hubby also had to opportunity to see baby's head rimming.

Time: 6pm
Dr Tan came into the suite and tried to ask me to push more. Then she covered the area with sterlie surgical cloth and I saw her with some cutting and stiching equipment.

Time:6:16pm
Dr Tan asked me to use all my might to push with this last contractions. Together with an assisted vaccum cup. Baby was BORN! Time check: 1816.

Baby came out crying but was quite after he got cleaned up. While mummy was being stiched up, daddy went to take photos of baby's weight and length measurements.

SO here's a BIG welcome to our Not so Little Prince.

Introducing:

RYAN NATHANIEL WEE

Birth Weight: 3.810kg

Birth Length: 53cm

::SEVEN::

Today marks 39 weeks exactly.

According to the original prediction of Baby Wee's EDD, we have 7 more days to go till we see him. From the trends of forum mummies and some other friends and relatives, most mummies tend to have given birth between week 38 and 39 but Baby Wee is still comfy inside mummy's womb.

From the gynae's checkup yesterday, Dr Tan says that Baby Wee is doing good inside. He is currently 3.45kg. Water Level is good. Mummy's blood pressure is good. When asked if he's too big for delivery via natural and if he should be induced, Dr Tan says if the environment inside is good then let him be natural. Inducing stresses the baby and may not even be succesful which may result in an emergency C-Sect. She continued to explained all the risk of inducing as well. 42 weeks is the max baby can stay inside. At least one more week she says then it will be anytime from there. 1 more week means Baby Wee will be FULL term baby. 40 weeks! Never expected though Mummy has been wishing that Baby Wee is a Dec Baby to be the same month as Papa Wee. =)

Over the last weekend, mummy and papa spent quality time together. As they thought it was going to be their last weekend as a couple.
Sat, they went to Suntec for some Pho followed by buying Ryan another bedding set and the Waffles for tea. After which they headed home to rest then went to The Ship for some Steak.
On Sun, they went to Equinox for a champagne brunch and actually ended up eating for 4 hours. The setting was lovely but it was a little warm. Papa had so much champagne that he was HIGH and saying silly things to mummy making mummy smile so much. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon spent together.

Grandma sewed Baby Wee 2 lovely beansprout pillows as well. Yay!!! Baby Wee is a lucky baby.

Mummy's starting to get more aches and pains these few days. Its probably due to the body softening up and prepping for the arrival of Baby Wee. Time to rest more before sleepless nights begin. =)

On a different note, this is what PAPA said to baby wee this morning: "Be good and stay in there at least for today ok? I've got one last flight before I'm grounded for your arrival." SO SWEET this papa.

Till next week. Hopefully one more post before baby wee comes along.
♥
Mummy of Baby R