Two are better than one...

Happy Birthday Nathan!

2011-09-26T15:57:00.000+08:00

In the weeks leading up to your birthday, mommy's been teaching you to say "two", in response to "how old are you, Nathan"? Initially, you needed some prompting. Now, you are able to respond enthusiastically... "TWO"! Gosh! Mommy's little boy is growing up so quickly. We celebrated your birthday in school with a Cookie Monster cake. Mommy prepared Elmo goody bags, which you had fun giving out to all your friends. Teacher Jaime said you went up to each of your friends, and made sure that everyone had a goody bag to take home. We also got you another cake so we can celebrate with at home with the family. You had difficulty blowing out your candle, and promptly got daddy to help. And before we even got you to cut the cake, you've already stuck the knife into the cake! Mommy & daddy are so thankful for you, and we continue to pray that you'll grow into a fine young man who'll honour God and remember His grace.

As for presents... mommy & daddy got you a Strider Balance Bike, while por por and gong gong got you a yellow bicycle helmet. The first shop where we got the bike from, didn't have many helmets to choose from. Mommy didn't like the helmets they had there, and wanted to get your helmet from somewhere else. You got really upset when we asked you to take off the helmet that we had let you try on. You were more interested in getting the helmet than the bicycle! After some coaxing (and tears), we finally managed to get you out of the shop, with just the bicycle, no helmet. Thankfully, the second shop we went to had a nice yellow helmet! Now that we've gotten all we need to get you riding, mommy's hoping that you'd be doing stunts on your Strider in no time. :)

At two, you love playgrounds, raisins, swimming, school (most days), Sesame Street, painting, stickers, water play, sand play, roaming around toyrus...

You are able to string words together and say stuff like...

- I like swimming pool... I like playground...

- More, please?

- Jaime, push, please? (when on the swing)

- Mommy, carry ya (been trying to get you to say 'me' instead of''ya')

- Bye bye gong gong, good night, see you!

- Where is it? Find!

- Daddy, where are you? And this applies to objects too... you'd say things like... bear bear, where are you? playground, where are you?

- Noah, Noah! Noah, Noah! (sounds like you are cheering for Noah)

- Noah, careful.

- Mommy, poo poo, please. (when you want to go on the potty. so far, you are able to tell us AFTER you've poo-ed... but we've not consciously started potty training...

- ABC AGAIN! (when listening to your nursery rhymes CD in the car, you have a tendency to request for a particular song over and over again. but it's rather amazing, as you can now recognise the intro of each song, and know which song is coming up next. you even know what song comes after which, for the songs that you like)

Vocabulary wise... you are able to name many more objects, like fire engine, dustbin, dinosaur, penguin, balloon, heart, telephone, daiper, train, bus... You are able to sing the entire alphabet song, and count from one to ten. You try counting to twenty, but get the x-teens mixed up. You can also count to ten in mandarin and lao shi's pretty pleased. :) You enjoy music and movement, and can sing several other nursery rhymes including, itsy bitsy spider, butterfly song, mr golden sun, two little dicky birds. You've are able to put on your pants but sometimes you get them on the wrong way around. You are also able to put on your own 'cookie shoes', but sometimes get them on the wrong way around. Mommy's been trying to teach you colours, but we haven't quite succeeded. Whenever we asked you "what colour is this", you'd say "purple" or "yellow". With shapes, you always say "circle". You enjoy sorting and arranging things neatly... It's nice to have a neat freak at home. Cos even though daddy's a hoarder, he rarely has time to sort out his 'treasures'. So if you do become a hoarder too, I hope you'd at least be a neat hoarder... though I think that our house might not have enough space for so many hoarders.

You enjoy playing with Noah and making him laugh. I do hope that when he gets older, and is able to fight over toys with you, you'd still be as loving as ever. It's such a blessing that our home is filled with your laughters.

Moving on to your third year, there'll be some exciting changes to look forward to. Two major ones would be moving to our new house, and you starting 'big boy school' in 2012. As with all changes, mommy feels excited and apprehensive (mommy's a perpetual worrier). Let's continue to trust that our good God who has blessed us so abundantly will continue to see us through the changes.

22 months old

2011-07-14T15:06:00.000+08:00

Dear Nathan,

We're 2 months away from your 2nd birthday. You're growing up so quickly, and I'm already missing the time that has flown by. This month, you've taken to calling 'daddy' very loudly and enthusiastically. You'd stand at the foot of the stairs and yell 'daddy, daddy'! And daddy will respond with, 'yes Nathan'? And you'd smile. So sweet. Mommy's really glad that daddy gets to spend more time with us now that things at work has eased up a little. Some days, daddy works at home and we even managed to take an evening walk together. It was the first time we walked around our estate as a family. Noah and you were riding in the double stroller that the Loh's just gave us... and we were just enjoying the evening breeze as we walked and chatted. Simple joys.

This month, you've added more words to your vocabulary, like 'aeroplane', 'sunshine' and 'shark', and you've also started to sing songs other than 'Baa Baa Black Sheep'. Now, you'd also sing along to 'ABC' and 'Happy Birthday' (in English & Mandarin). I must say that I was pretty surprised when you starting singing in Mandarin. The first bit comes out a bit muffled, but the 'kuai le', you'd sing loud and clear. We hear from chen lao shi that you've also started saying 'xie xie lao shi' lately. I think we must try to converse in Mandarin more often.

You really love watching Sesame Street and you are able to name most of the main characters - 'Big Bird, 'Elmo', 'Cookie', 'Bert', 'Ernie', 'Elephant' (Snuffy), 'Oscar', 'Grover'. Mommy was really excited when I found out that there was going to be a Sesame Street Meet at Greet at the Young Parents' Fiesta. Got you to take your nap so that you'd wake up fresh for the Meet and Greet. But when we got there, we found out that the show has been cancelled as the costumes were stuck with the customs. So disappointing. But mommy's gotten tickets to Sesame Street Live 'Elmo's Green Thumb', and you'd be able to meet all the Sesame Street characters in October. That's something to look forward to.

For the weekends out, we've been to the Art Museum and Singapore Discovery Centre. The Art Museum was having a special children's program this month, so they had many interesting displays that were just right for you. At the Discovery Centre, you got to watch your first movie 'Sammy's Adventure'. It was a 3D show, and you were quite scared initially, cos it really looked like the turtle was crawling towards us. But when we assured you that all is well, you managed to sit thru the entire 40 minute movie. We also brought you to the library to borrow books, and we think we'd make going to the library a routine. The books at the newly opened Clementi library are nice and new, and they have a whole variety. Think it's good to cultivate a love for reading.

Mommy got really worried when you came down with a recurring fever. The fever kept coming back every 24 hours. You'd be fine for the rest of the day, the fever would come on in the evening, subside after I gave you nurofen or paracetamol, and come back again the next evening. It happened 3 days in a row. So we decided to had it checked out. You were really brave and didn't cry when the nurse pricked your finger to draw blood for the tests. Thankfully, it wasn't anything serious, and you recovered soon after.

Mommy and daddy celebrated our wedding anniversary a few day ago. 4 years on, we are a family of 4. We had a lovely dinner at Salt Grill, a restaurant on the 55th storey of Ion Orchard. You enjoyed running up and down the slope in the restaurant, and we all enjoyed the panoramic view of the city.

Mommy is so thankful for how God has blessed our marriage, given us 2 adorable children. I look forward to many good years ahead.

Lots of love, hugs and kisses,

Mommy

To Daddy With Love

2011-06-19T00:00:00.002+08:00

I am so thankful that you are the daddy that you are, and I can imagine that if Nathan (and in time, Noah) can blog, these are the reasons why he loves you so much...

1) Daddy is so much fun to be with.

2) Daddy took baths for me when I was too little for the shower, and now that I am old enough, we enjoy splashing in the shower together.

3) Daddy looks after me when I'm sick, and makes me takes my medicine... even the ones I do not like, so that I will recover faster.

4) Daddy takes me swimming, lets me jump into the water all by myself, and is always there to catch me.

5) Daddy got me lots of Sesame Street videos which I really enjoy watching.

6) Daddy tucks me in bed, and will oblige when I ask him to sleep beside me. And when I wake up crying in the middle of the night , he is there to comfort me.

7) Daddy taught me how to drink from the straw, and he's now teaching me how to drink from a cup. Cheers!

8) Daddy takes me on holidays, and we get to spend lots of time as a family. I enjoyed swimming in the sky pool, eating B&J ice cream, seeing fishes at Underwater World, taking the aeroplane, and lazing by the beach. More holidays please?

9) Daddy feeds me my lunch/dinner, making sure to cut up my food so that the pieces are small enough for me. He also makes sure that there are no bones in the fish, cos bones can't be eaten.

10) Daddy knows that I love milk shake... and when there's not enough to share between mommy and me, he'd buy us another cup.

11) Daddy lets me sit on his head, so that I can have a better view of Elmo and Friends.

12) Daddy makes me a bottle of milk in the mornings, and makes sure that all the Pediasure is properly dissolved so that I do not miss out on the goodness. I just have to have a bottle of milk every morning. :)

But most of all, I love daddy because daddy loves mommy, Noah and me! *HAPPY FACE*

HAPPY DADDY'S DAY!

It's one of those days...

2011-06-14T16:59:00.001+08:00

Daddy has been working really long hours the last 3 weeks... working weekends, and coming home at really odd hours. This morning, he came home at about 6am, was going to shower, then head back to work. I offered to send him to work, like we did yesterday. Yesterday, we dropped Nathan off at school, then sent daddy to work, with Noah in tow. Everything worked out well, and we got to spend that little bit more time together. Today, daddy was running late, and we had to drop him off first, before dropping Nathan off at school. Maybe it was mommy's instincts... I kinda knew that it wasn't that good an idea.

When we arrived at daddy's work place, Nathan was so upset that daddy had to leave for work. He cried when we drove off after dropping daddy. Probably the worst of Nathan's cry that I've ever encountered. Even teddy wasn't of any comfort. He cried, cried, cried... until he vomited his breakfast... in his car seat... all over his school uniform. After a while, he did find comfort in teddy, like how he always does, and stopped crying for the rest of the journey. In fact, he fell asleep just as we were reaching home. Mommy decided that she had to drive us home, take a shower for Nathan, before sending him to school again. And cos the car seat was already dirty, I had to move Noah's infant seat to our other car, so that Nathan can sit in a clean car seat to school. Imagine having to do all these, with Noah in tow. As I was driving home after dropping Nathan, I was just thankful that the day isn't worse than it already is.

To add to my bad day, my office email wasn't working... People were chasing me for replies, and the helpdesk took over an hour to fix the problem. And dismantling the car seat so that I can get it cleaned is actually quite a challenge. At this point in time, the seat covers and shoulder straps are clean after having gone in the washing machine. I've soaked the seat belts that cannot be removed, and now they are drying out. Have also surface cleaned the rest of the seat. The next challenge is fixing everything back. Yikes!

On such days... I'm just thankful that...

1) I have a very hardworking and loving hubby, who I get to send to work.

2) I have 2 adorable boys that I get to clean up after... and boys who love their daddy so much.
3) We have 2 cars.

4) I have a job.
5) The office helpdesk managed to fix my problem remotely, and I didn't have to bring Noah all the way to the office to get the problem fixed.
6) We own a washing machine.

7) My mom's coming over in a few minutes to share my burden.

Meeting the Teachers

2011-06-13T21:50:00.084+08:00

PG2 Table

I had the opportunity to meet with Nathan's teachers during the school's bi-yearly parent-teacher meeting. I love to hear about what he's been up to in school, since that's a side of him that I do not get to see. The last time we got to meet the teachers was about 2 months back, when Nathan 'graduated' from the infant class. Thus far, he's been in playgroup for about 2 months. Transiting from infant group to play group took a little getting used to. The routines were different, they took their naps in a different room, and they are expected to be more independent. Nathan took about a month to settle down. Thankfully, he was still able to nap well despite the new environment, and continues to eat well in school. A few of his friends 'graduated' as the same time as him. So I guess having familiar faces around helped.

Nathan's pigeon hole with loads of purple diapers

Teacher Nor shared that two of Nathan's favourite activities in school is cooking and sand play. I'm not surprised that he likes cooking, since he loves to eat. But I didn't quite expect him to enjoy sand play, since he didn't really like getting his hands dirty, and is pretty fastidious when it comes to mess. I shared that it is so much joy when I see Nathan being able to do something new... things that he picked up from school. Like saying 'please', holding his pencil properly, attempting to sing 'baa baa sheep', and counting from 1 to 10. Also shared that when we ask Nathan 'what number', he always says '2', and when we ask him 'what colour', he always responds with 'purple'. And teacher Nor says she thinks Nathan likes purple (for now), cos that's also the first colour he picks when he's asked to colour a picture. She thinks it might be because of his purple diapers. Ha! As to learning things like holding his pencil correctly, counting etc, teacher Nor believes that Nathan likes to be praised. She praises Nathan when he does it correctly, doesn't force him if he decides that he's not ready to try, but encourages him to, when he's ready.

Like most kids, Nathan likes knowing in advance what's going to happen next, so the routine in school helps. Teacher Nor says that Nathan knows the routines very well, and is sometimes ahead of her. Mommy's proud of my little boy.

One of Nathan's quirks is that he doesn't like it when his friends touch him. An accidental nudge, or a light tap on his arm... and he'd go "PAIN"! Very funny to watch.

Chen lao shi shared that Nathan has not attempted to speak Mandarin as yet, but is able to take instructions very well. He'd also participate during Chinese lessons, responding with actions/animal sounds etc. I hope that he'd not have as much trouble with the language as I did.

All in all, it sounds like Nathan has settled down well in play group, and is enjoying his time in school. Ms Angela says that the next thing we can look forward to is the school's annual concert. That'll be fun to watch. :)

21 months old

2011-06-10T12:55:00.006+08:00

Dear Nathan,

At 22 months, you can do / say so much more than before! Your favourite song is "Baa Baa Sheep", and you know the parts that go "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and "Yes Sir! Yes Sir!". You also know some lines to "Twinkle, Twinkle", and are able to sing along to some parts of "Old MacDonald". You've also started to hum tunes, and the tune you usually hum is baa baa black sheep. The funny thing is that you'd clap and go 'yay' after you've finished humming the entire song. Very cute to watch. You are able to count from 1 to 10, though you tend to skip '5'. You'd sit on top of a slide, say "1, 2, 3, go", before you slide down. Mommy gets very amused watching you at the playground. You've also started to help when mommy/daddy takes a shower for you. You'd ask for shower gel, and you'd rub it over your face, body and legs. Now that you know more words, you'd point and say the names of objects you recognise when we are out and about. "Guitar! Car! Boat! Bus! Baby! Cat! Spider! Lizard! Ants! Elephant! Horse!...".

Daddy had to work late as well as go back to work on several Saturdays / Sundays this month, so we didn't get to go out much. Thankfully, po po comes over to help look after you and Noah when daddy's home late. There were several weekends when mommy had to look after both of you alone. It was rather exhausting, but not too difficult, since you were pretty cooperative most times. Once, when mommy was feeding Noah, just before your afternoon nap, you fell asleep waiting.

You continue to be a really sweet 'kor kor' to Noah, and mommy hopes that you'd be able to play well together with Noah is older. I think we've gotten you confused over the 'kor kor' title when we say, "Noah, kor kor's home" etc... that now you've started to refer to Noah as 'kor kor'.

You are rather creative and are better able to play with your toys on your own. Once, you put the yellow screws from your little engineer set on the little red stool, and started clapping and singing the birthday song. And mommy must agree that you little creation does look like a birthday cake. I'll need to replicate the cake and post a picture here some time soon.

Mommy's heart is filled with so much joy as I watch you grow up. You've filled our home with much laughter, and we know that there will be more as Noah grows older and starts running around too. Mommy looks forward to celebrating your 2nd birthday, and I already miss the months that had gone by. Know that mommy and daddy love you very much.

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

The Little Red Stool

2011-05-27T22:34:00.026+08:00

Nathan pointed to the BIG Ernie sitting on top of his book shelves and asked me to take it down for him. Because Ernie has been sitting there for quite a while, collecting dust, I tried to distract him with the other items on his shelf.

Me: Nathan, do you want this? * hands him toy no.1 *

Nathan: No. Put back.

Me: How about this? * hands him toy no.2 *

Nathan: No. Put back.

* Nathan continues pointing at the BIG Ernie. This time, standing on tip toes. *

Me: OH! You want Ernie. But Ernie's too high, mommy cannot reach.

* Nathan walks away... Phew! I thought. Until I realised that he's gone to his room to take the little red stool. He puts the stool beside the book shelf, and asked him to stand on the stool so I can get Ernie for him. *

Gosh! My little boy is really growing up. He knows how to solve problems now. And because of that, I had no excuse not to give him the BIG Ernie.

Noah's First Smile

2011-05-23T21:43:00.021+08:00

Noah has been smiling in his sleep or halfway thru a feed eversince he was a few weeks old... and all the while, he smiles with his eyes closed, half asleep.

Today, for the very first time, he smiled at mommy when he was awake. Mommy was holding Noah, talking to him. And he smiled in response. :) So heart warming.

20 months old

2011-05-14T12:56:00.002+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You are now 20 months old. Now that you know more words, you are able to tell us what you want. Your favorite word this month is 'no', and your latest craze is STICKERS and bananas! You have not said 'yes' but you're able to respond with a nod when your answer is 'yes'. And for some strange reason, you have started refusing your tea time and bed time milk. Puzzles me cos you've always liked to drink milk and used to fuss when you finished your 240ml bottle. I suppose you are refusing the tea time milk cos of the yummy tea breaks you get in school... big boy prefers solids. As for bed time, some days you finish the entire bottle, some days, you'd say 'no' and push away the bottle when offered. I've started giving you fresh milk instead, and you drink some, cos you like the "cold, cold" milk. I suppose if you are still able to sleep thru the night, and are taking other forms of food, it's probably ok to cut down on your milk intake. Thankfully, you still finish the entire bottle of 'breakfast milk'.

Mommy won ourselves a voucher that gives us a term of art classes at Kid's Gallery, so you've been going for free art classes. The first couple of lessons, you refused to speak a word to your teacher. By the third lesson, you've warmed up, and now respond when she speaks to you. Mommy's proud that you are getting more independent, and are able to attend classes on your own. But a part of me doesn't want you to grow up so quick too. Sigh!

Daddy & Nathan at the Istana

For our family outings, we've recently taken you to the Istana on May Day, and we've also visited the Art Science Museum. The open fields at the Istana was a nice change from indoor air conditioned places that we frequent. You enjoyed running around the fountain at the Istana. It was so nice to hear your squeals and see your smiles. They've also set up Little Tikes play areas on the fields, which you wanted to run to, but it was getting late, so we gave that a miss. Would love to do more outdoorsy stuff with you, but the weather has been sweltering. You also enjoyed viewing the exhibits at the Art Science Museum, and mommy's pretty amazed at how you are able to sit thru entire video screenings at the museum. A pity we went there a week + too early, and missed the Dali exhibits.

Mommy and daddy bought you colour pencils and a sketch book that we can carry around to keep you occupied when we have our meals outside. You've started feeding yourself, but haven't quite mastered the spoon, so meal times are messy affairs when we let you self-feed. On one hand, mommy would love to have you feed yourself, but am afraid of the mess. I suppose I just have to loosen up a bit, and let you practise at home, where cleaning up is easier.

This month, mommy and daddy got to vote for our country's new leaders. GE 2011, unlike other years' elections, saw more parties contesting. It was in fact the first time that mommy and daddy got to vote. Previously, we stayed in 'walkover constituencies'. Disclaimer: The photo on the left is NOT an indication of the party we support. Our vote is secret. :) But the photo is probably a sneak peek of what we'd get to see more of in future. Scenes of you playing with your brother. You continue to be a really sweet kor kor. You are able to say "Noah", but when we ask you "what's your name", your reply is "Nay". Still waiting for you to respond with "Nay - than". You've been saying "mommy, mommy" when you want my attention, and my heart melts each time I hear you say "mommy". Ah... the simple joys of parenting!

Nathan, you're growing up so quickly! Always know that mommy and daddy loves you very much and we are thankful for every moment we get to spend together, even the times when we are tired from work / lack of sleep. You've brought us so much joy. Such a blessing!

Lots of love, hugs & kisses,

Mommy-Mommy

19 months old

2011-04-12T12:35:00.003+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You turned 19 months old 2 days ago. This month is marked by several changes. First, the addition of Noah in our lives, then your "graduation", and finally your move to a big bed.

You've been a real sweet kor kor. You'd wave at Noah when you come home from school, or when we ask you to say 'hello' to Noah. When you hear Noah cry, you'd say '"uh-oh" and proceed to look for him. He'd usually be lying in his rocker, so you'd then try to rock him (though you can be a little rough, and rock him a little too hard). Mommy's looking forward to Noah growing a little older, so that you two can play together. Not quite sure what to expect right now, but I'm sure our home will be filled with much laughter with the two of you running around.

On April 1st, you "graduated" from the infant group at Sunflower, and have joined the older kids in play group. Now that you are in play group, you need to wear the Sunflower uniform to school. The first morning, you didn't like the collared top, and kept pulling at it. When mommy explained that it was the "big boy" uniform and that all the other older kids will be wearing it, you relented and stopped wanting to take it off. The first few days in play group, you'd cry when mommy/daddy drops you off. But we hear that you settle down pretty quickly, and have no problems at meal times and nap times. That's good to hear. However, you'd still want the attention of your infant group teachers when they walk by, and would fuss if they 'ignore' you. The kids in play group are able to feed themselves... so mommy's looking forward to you being able to do that soon. Now, you do not fuss when we drop you off anymore. I'm guesssing that you are getting to know the teachers and friends in your new group better, and have more or less settled down. Well done, Nathan!

You've also decided that you do not want to sleep in your baby cot anymore, and have started sleeping in your big boy bed. We're thankful for this bed that our neighbors gave us. It comes with a ball pit at the side, and mommy still remembers your grin when you first saw it. You enjoying playing in the pit, and have also fallen into it a few times when sleeping. Now, we have a bed rail, and have pillows strategically placed, so that you won't fall in at night. Sleeping in your big bed, some days, you fall asleep without any fuss, and other days, you need mommy/daddy to lie down beside you till you fall asleep. Some days, you wake up in the middle of the night crying, and we have a hard time settling you back to sleep. Can get really tiring for mommy/daddy. We're not sure if it's the new bed/environment, the changes in school (moving to play group) or the changes at home (addition of Noah), that's causing the distress. Praying that you'd be able to settle yourself back to sleep when you do wake, just like you do in the past. The last couple of nights were better - i.e. you've stopped waking up at night... so mommy's praying that it stays this way.

You can now say more things and it's really fun now that you are able to verbalise your thoughts. Mommy/daddy gets all excited when we hear you say a new word. Yesterday, you said "Ernie" for the very first time... think "Big Bird" was the first Sesame Street character you named. Followed by "Bert". You enjoy watching Sesame Street, and will ask mommy/daddy to switch it on for you. It's cute when we see you smiling as you see the familiar screen popping up on TV. We try not to let you watch too much TV, but I must say that it's a really good baby sitter. You'd sit quietly, completely engrossed, and would not bother us for as long as Sesame Street's on TV. Mommy's looking forward to having you string more words together and telling us "stories" about your day.

It's such a joy watching you grow up, and mommy's already missing the days that has gone by. Know that mommy and daddy loves you very much, and we are so thankful that God has placed you in our lives.

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

Nathan's one-and-a-half!

2011-03-10T10:10:00.116+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You are now one-and-a half and you've brought us so much joy since you entered our lives. You have a ready smile for us, are cheeky at times, and you have never failed to amuse us with your new 'tricks'.

You continue to enjoy school, and hardly fuss when we drop you off. Some Mondays, you'd cry when mommy drops you, and that really breaks my heart. But when I see you playing happily with your friends when I pick you up, or running to me with a big wide grin on your face when I get you, I know that you enjoyed your day at school, and that makes me feel a lot better. I hear that you enjoy playground time, and would sometimes get upset when it's time to go back indoors again. Next month, you'd 'graduate' from the infant group, and join the older kids in play group. Mommy hopes that you'll settle down well, and enjoy the time of learning and playing with your new teachers and friends.

You enjoy reading a lot more, and are able to point to pictures when we ask you to. Sometimes, you amuse us when you start doing actions to specific words / songs. Like when you see a picture of a 'scary fish' in your book, you'd pat your chest, indicating 'scared'. Then when I played you the 'Ten Little Indian Boys' song on my iphone, you started doing the actions to that song. In recent times, you can fill in the words to songs like 'Twinkle twinkle' and 'Old MacDonald's'. It's so cute to hear you sing.

You know quite a good number of words, but we find that you are pretty shy when it comes to talking in front of strangers. You are able to understand / obey instructions, and are also able to indicate your wants either through words / actions. The words that you can say include: duck-duck, dog, bear, drop, take, that, bubbles, flower, nana (for banana), bird, daddy, mommy... and the ones you understand and can respond with the appropriate actions include: wait, roar, lion, pray, sleep, snack, go, book, keys, shoes, socks, where, school, five, clock... You are able to point to your body parts like head, hair, eyes, nose, ear, mouth, tongue, knee, elbow... We've been teaching you to thank God before each meal, and it was so heart warming when one day, you bowed your head and clasped your hands together, when daddy said grace. We look forward to having you string words together, telling us about your day at school and leading us in thanking God for His abundant provisions for our family in the near future.

You are able to walk steadily since 13 months, and enjoy running around with daddy. I love to hear your chuckles as you try to run after daddy in your little father & son game of hide-and-seek. We've also taken you kite flying at Marina Barrage, where you got to run around in the field. Kite flying all started when we were reading your Sesame Street ABC/123 book. Each time we came to the letter 'K', you'd stand up, raise your arms above your head, as if you were flying a kite, like the Sesame Street Characters in the book. Mommy decided to get you a real kite, so you'd get to experience the real thing. After a long and tiring week at work, mommy looks forward to fun times as such... simple activities, simple joys with mommy's favorite boys.

We've gone on 2 more mini holidays with you in tow. One at Amara Sanctuary Resort (Sentosa), and another at Marina Bay Sands. We've a lot more to pack in our luggages with you around, and we've got to plan our schedules around your nap times. But you are generally an easy traveler, and holidays are so much more fun with you around. We've started visiting 'old' attractions like the Bird Park, Zoo and Sentosa... places that mommy and daddy haven't been to in a long time. We enjoyed splish-splashing at the MBS sky pool, even though the water was so cold!

About a week before you turned 18th months old, we welcomed your baby brother into our family. You've been a really sweet kor kor thus far. Once, when Noah was crying, you went to get your bedtime bear to give it to him. It's so heart warming to see you wanting to comfort Noah with your favorite bear. Mommy and daddy hopes that as the two of you grow up, you'd find companionship in one another, and build each other up as you walk the straight and narrow path together as brothers. We wait for the day that Noah can play with you, and look forward to having both your laughters fill our home.

Mommy and daddy continue to pray that you'd grow to be a fine young man who'd love God with all your heart, soul and mind. Know that mommy and daddy loves you very much, and will always want the very best for you.

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

Noah has jaundice

2011-03-09T23:50:00.028+08:00

Noah was discharged from Mt A, after 2 nights of phototherapy. Am so glad that his jaundice level has gone down, and that he's feeding and sleeping better.

Two days ago, I took Noah to Uncle EK's clinic for his newborn review. Was so upset when we found out that his jaundice level has gone up to 17.1 and that he needed phototherapy. Before discharging from RH, he had already undergone one day of phototherapy. He didn't look yellow, so I wasn't expecting him to require another round of phototherapy. Uncle EK said we had the choice of doing phototherapy at home by renting the light, or admitting him to hospital. I was actually intending to rent the light, like we did for Nathan previously. But when I told Dean about it, he was more in favour of letting the hospital handle it. I was kinda sad to admit Noah to the hospital, but at the same time, I remembered how stressful it was when we handled it on our own at home. when Nathan had jaundice. So upon Dean's urging, I made plans to get Noah admitted. I also asked for a room for myself as well, so that I could nurse him.

I missed Nathan and daddy when I was at the hospital with Noah. But it was nonetheless a good decision to admit Noah. At the hospital, the nurses only brought him to me for feeds every 3+ hour. Apparently, he would sleep thru out after each feed. That gave me the much needed rest. When he got home from RH, he was feeding every hour or two, and I was exhausted. I suppose it was because the photo light made him sleepy, and also cos my milk just came in the day he got admitted. Dean and Nathan visited us on the first day. Told Dean not to come on the second day, cos he was visibly tired from a long day at work and also cos I didn't want Nathan going to bed later than his usual bedtime. The second night that they didn't visit, Dean called me on Skype and we chatted for a bit. He had taken a shower for Nathan, and both of them were in their 'pajamas'. Dean sat Nathan beside him on our sofa, and I could see them over the web cam. My heart melted when Nathan waved at me and blew me a kiss at the end of the call.

Noah's jaundice level dropped to 10.7 this morning, and we were given the green light to go home. So thankful.

Noah's Birth Story

2011-03-01T22:59:00.001+08:00

Noah joined our little family of 3 on 1 March 2011... and now we are 4!

Daddy left for a business trip on Sunday, 28 Feb. Nathan and I went to the airport to send him off. Prior to that, Dr Han said that I can deliver any time. That got me really worried. Two weeks ago, during the routine visit, she said not likely to deliver so soon, and that it should be ok for Dean to go on his trip as long as he doesn't extend his stay. Then two days before the trip, she says anytime. By then, all the trip arrangements have been made. So we decided to just go ahead as planned.

I teared as we said our goodbyes at the departure gate. "Why mommy? Just 3 days...", Dean asked. Told him that I was really worried that I'd go into labour when he's away. That I wouldn't know what to do with Nathan, cos I really didn't want Nathan to wake up one morning and realise that mommy and daddy wasn't at home with him. Dean assured me that he'd be contactable and would rush back if needed.

On Monday, when sending Nathan to school, we thanked God (we prayed in the car like we always do) that we made it past the first night without daddy. We managed to speak to daddy over Skype the night before, and Nathan was real glad to be able to see daddy on mommy's iphone screen for a brief moment. Then in the evening, when we got home, I was so glad, cos we are closer to having daddy home. It was nice to be able to communicate thru Skype calls while Dean was away. It was like the good old days once again. We chatted for a bit that night. He was showing me the stuff that he bought, and told me that the training was not too bad, but that he had a lot of work to clear. We ended the call early so that he could get on with his work.

That night, 1 March 2011, at about 2am, I felt a gush of water. Think my water bag was leaking. With Nathan, that was also the first sign of labour. I prayed that the leaking would stop, and that Noah will wait till Thursday when Dean would be back. But I felt a few more gushes. It was for real. I finally decided to call Dean. at 2.55am I felt a lot better when I heard his voice over the phone. Was telling him that I intended to wait till morning... to send Nathan to school, before making my way to the hospital. But Dean insisted that I get my parents over, and go immediately. After all, Dr Han did mention that she wants me in the hospital within an hour if my waters break. Meanwhile, he assured me that he'd call Amex and find the quickest way back home.

I called my mom, but she didn't answer her phone. Called my dad, he answered and I asked for my mom. Told her that Dean wasn't home, and that I need her over right away. While waiting for my mom and dad, I took a shower and packed my hospital bag. Checked thru Nathan's school bag, and wrote down some instructions for my mom - Nathan's feeding times and how much he usually drank etc. Briefed my mum when she arrived - where Nathan's milk powder, milk bottles, diapers etc were kept, what time he's expected to wake up etc. Told her to send him to school after his milk feed. Didn't want to disrupt Nathan's routine as much as possible. When all that was done, my dad sent me to the hospital.

4.25am Arrived at Raffles Hospital. Hooked up to baby heart rate monitoring machine.

4.45am Contractions 9 min apart. VE revealed that I was 3cm dilated. Enema administered.

After all the admin was done, I spent some time reading the Bible passage on Noah's ark. Prayed that Noah will be strong and healthy, and that he'd be a righteous man who will find favor with God and man. Prayed that Dean and I will be good parents to Nathan and Noah, teaching them to walk in God's way, and grow up to be men of honor, wisdom and grace.

Tried to get some sleep, but couldn't really fall asleep. All the while, was in touch with Dean thru SMSes. He managed to get his flight changed to the first one in the morning, and would touch down in Singapore at about noon.

7.10am Dr Han came in to check on me. VE - 3.5cm dilated. She said my water bag had burst and she ordered for a blood test to be done to make sure that I do not have any infection. Said if I don't deliver by 2pm, she will induce me. Wanted me to deliver by this evening, to prevent any risks to baby. I teared. Was worried for Noah cos I was told that there's a risk of infection since my waters had broken. I teared. Dr Han saw me tearing and asked me why I've been so emotional thru this whole pregnancy. She said not to worry too much and to just hope for a smooth and quick delivery.

Nurse puts a drip device on my arm and draws a huge tube of blood. Thereafter, she drips me with water to keep me hydrated.

10am Breakfast is served. Chwee kueh, milo and watermelon, plus a cup of apple juice which I saved for later.

11am Nurse says that one of the blood tests indicated that I have an infection. Antibiotics administered so that baby won't have any infection. I didn't know what the implications are. Just prayed that Noah would be strong and healthy, delivery will be smooth, quick and painfree, and that Dean would be kept safe as he traveled.

11.12am Contractions still far apart. Drug administered to induce contractions. Turns out that the swab test done during my last visit to Dr Han also showed that I'm positive for strep B. So Dr Han wanted to speed up labour. Any antibiotic was given.

11.45am Went to pee. Contractions about 3 to 4 min apart, 30 seconds in duration.

11.49am Dean landed at Changi Airport. Contractions about 2+ min apart. Pain intensity increased, but still bearable.

12.18pm Contractions 2 min apart.

12.30pm Dr Han came in. Said that my water bag probably burst because there was some clinical indection. Blood test result was borderline. Will not affect baby, so long as I deliver within the next 12 to 18 hours. She asked when Dean would arrive. I told her that he was in a cab on the way to the hospital. She said he'd be in time for Noah.

12.50pm Dean arrived. Mommy's glad.

Pain becomes more and more intense. Asked nurse to standby ethanox.

1.13pm 5cm dilated. Asked for pethidine.

I really struggled with the last bit of contractions. Was getting high on ethanox and the pethidine didn't seem to relieve the pain. I was even thinking if I should ask for epidural. As I contemplated, I heard Dr Han's voice. So glad. She came in, says I'm fully dilated, and that when the next contractions came, I can push. Think I pushed about 3 to 5 times. Very hard. Noah was board at 2.11pm, 2.81kg, 49cm. Praise God! Phew! So glad it is over.

Nathan's First Holiday

2010-10-25T15:37:00.020+08:00

Dear Nathan,

We went on our first overseas trip to Banyan Tree, Phuket as a little family of 3 from 21 to 23 Oct. Though it was a short 3D2N trip, we had lots of fun. Mommy was worried about whether you’d take well to traveling, and whether you’d be able to sleep thru the night. Her worries were unfounded.


Mommy's favorite photo of us from the trip

Mommy chose the 8.55am flight as it fits nicely into your routine, and would give us a good part of the day to explore Phuket on day 1. The plane ride to Phuket was 1h 45min. As there were 4 infants onboard, and only 3 bassinet seats, we didn’t get a bassinet seat as we checked in rather late. We kept you occupied by reading the in-flight magazines, feeding you a Heinz food jar, and giving you Colin / teddy. We were hoping you’d sleep on the plane but you were wide awake. Thankfully it was a short flight.

Mommy chose to arrange our own airport transfer as Banyan Tree was charging exorbitant rates. We got our airport transfer from www.phuketshuttle.com. It was one-third the price of what Banyan Tree was going to charge us. We found the driver without much trouble, the vehicle was spacious and clean, and the ride was pleasant. You fell asleep on the way to the resort. Check-in was a breeze. We managed to check-in earlier, and were going to get you cleaned up and let you continue napping. But just as we were cleaning you up (big poo poo), you woke up. And since you were awake, we decided to go get lunch and explore the resort. Later in the afternoon, we arranged for the same driver to take us to town so that daddy can get his shirts tailored. Again, you fell asleep in the vehicle. It was a pretty long ride to town. Thereafter, we explored town a bit, but there wasn’t much to see. Then it was off to an early dinner. We had a seafood dinner which was rather disappointing and expensive. Nonetheless, we enjoyed ourselves. Mommy and daddy were having a good laugh about how cheeky you were. We were toying with the idea of dropping by the Premium Outlets that we passed by along the way… but since it was getting late, and you were starting to fuss, we decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel.

Our room had an outdoor waterfall bath which was just the right height for you. You enjoyed taking your baths there. You were really keen on exploring our room, and it was quite difficult getting you to sleep. Finally, mommy sat beside your cot and watched you till you fell asleep. Halfway though the night, you woke up. Mommy couldn’t really settle you back to sleep, so I carried you into our king sized bed. You fell asleep soon after. However, I made the mistake of not putting you closer to the centre of the bed, and I didn’t want to move you again after you had fallen asleep. So mommy didn’t have much space left for the rest of the night. But that was fine… thankfully, you slept till day break.

The breakfast buffet that was included in our stay was yummy. You got to eat the pancake, waffle and banana from the spread. The other thai delights were yummy too. After breakfast, we headed to the beach. The beach was lovely. Nice, breezy and clean. We were trying hard to keep you on the deck chair, but you kept wanting to get down to touch the sand. We finally relented and let you step on sand for the very first time. I think you didn’t really like it. We washed your feet soon after, and were going to head off to the pier to take the boat shuttle to the neighboring resorts. However, you fell asleep just as we were taking the buggy to the pier. Just as well… we thought we’d let you sleep, and continue with the exploration after mommy’s massage. Mommy enjoyed a nice relaxing massage, while daddy looked after you. You woke up just before mommy left for my massage, so daddy really had to keep you entertained. We tried to schedule the massage during your nap times, but they didn’t have available slots. But things worked out pretty nicely. Daddy managed to get his shirts fitted during mommy’s massage, and you two got to spend time together.

Nathan relaxing at the beach

For lunch, we decided to take the boat shuttle to another hotel. It was nice that they had this free boat shuttle. It was your first boat ride. We enjoyed cruising along, and we got to see a few elephants on the way. In fact, there was one baby elephant that was walking around the hotel where we ate, and we got to see it up close. After our mini boat adventure, we decided to head back to our room to soak in the Jacuzzi. We had problems setting up the Jacuzzi cos the water was taking so long to fill up. Finally we got help, and decided to head off to the pool while the man figures it out.

Just as we got to the pool you fell asleep. We let you sleep on the deck chair, and mommy and daddy had the opportunity of lazing by the pool as well. It was nice and breezy. You slept for a good hour or so. By the time you woke up, it was time for your next milk feed.

Fast asleep by the pool

We went back to the room to get your milk, and then off to the beach again to see the sunset. The sky was a lovely orange hue. Haven’t seen such a beautiful sunset before. You were fussing quite a bit at the beach, and it was difficult to get you to pose for the camera. I figured you were tired, cos you couldn’t have been hungry. It soon turned dark, and we decided to head back to the room.

Watching the sunset with daddy

Since the Jacuzzi was already set up (finally), we decided to let you splash around, and also bathe you in the big Jacuzzi tub. You had a blast splashing around the Jacuzzi. It was so heart warming to hear your squeals and see your smiles. After the soak in the tub and a bottle of warm milk, you fell asleep in your cot promptly. Mommy and daddy had cup noodles for dinner that we brought from home. For the last 2 times that we stayed at Banyan Tree Bintan, the Korean Cup noodles was always something we packed. So this time round, we decided to do the same. We ate at the vanity area as we didn’t want to switch on the lights in the room where you’ve already fallen asleep. As we ate, we laughed about how 'miserable' we were, having to eat in a small corner of our big room. But then again, we knew we wouldn't want it any way else. We all had a good night’s rest that night. You slept thru the night in your own cot. Well done!

The next morning, we had breakfast at the resort again. Mommy got you the same food cos the rest wasn’t that suitable for you. Nonetheless, you enjoyed your food and was able to finish one small pancake and a banana. After breakfast, we headed back to the room so that we could do some packing. Daddy managed to get you to nap before he went for his massage appointment. Best thing was you took a long nap, and slept the whole time that daddy was having his massage, so mommy could rest too.

We had to check out of the resort, and make our way to the airport for our 2.55pm flight back to Singapore. Mommy and daddy had a Burger King lunch at the airport after we checked in, while you enjoyed a little snack from the stash that mommy brought from home. Daddy had the opportunity to have a quick massage at the departure hall while waiting for our flight back. You fussed quite a bit on the plane. We got a bassinet seat, so there was a little more room for you to move about. But we didn’t have any toys (other than teddy and Colin) or books for you, and you got bored. Thankfully it was a short flight. Else I think the people around us would really be angry with us for bringing you on a plane.

Nathan's first plane ride

Though it was a short 3D2N holiday, mommy really enjoyed herself, and she’s pretty sure that you and daddy did too. And since you were a pretty easy traveler, we hope to go on another holiday real soon. You've brought us so much fun, joy and laughter. With the addition of you in our family, holidays will never be the same again. But mommy and daddy wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

Love,

Mommy

Nathan is ONEderful!

2010-09-12T10:57:00.002+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You just turned one. We celebrated your birthday (which incidentally fell on Hari Raya - long weekend for us, yay!) with people who love you lots. Mommy's so glad that we've reached this milestone. Just can't believe that one year has flown by so quickly. I struggled with motherhood in the first month, and only really enjoyed being a mommy from 1.5 months onwards. It's been such a joy watching you grow up, and daddy and mommy are so thankful that you've come into our lives. We got you a Thomas the Train cake which you got to taste. You didn't blow out your birthday candle yourself... maybe next year. Mommy had to hold back tears while we sang your birthday song (first in English, then in Mandarin, followed by the 'how old are you' chorus). I think it was a mixture of feelings - one of joy, and also one of missing the year that has gone by) Daddy got you a Lil Engineer play set, while mommy got you a Little Tikes Little People play set. You are able to play by yourself these days, though most times, you still prefer to have mommy/daddy's company.

The day after your birthday was IBM Day @ the Zoo. It was a lovely family outing where we went about identifying the animals found in your 'Monkey See, Monkey Zoo' book. Would've been more comfortable if it was less humid. But we had fun nonetheless.

Looking forward to many more great years with you. We continue to pray that you'll grow up to be a man who'll honour God and remember His grace. Mommy and daddy love you loads!

Hugs & kisses,
Mommy

11 months old

2010-08-11T12:53:00.007+08:00

Dear Nathan,

We are one month away from your 1^st birthday! Mommy’s been thinking of getting a cake shaped as a number “1” for your first birthday. I’ve also ordered some party hats and party deco from a spree. We’re thinking of having a small luncheon with immediate family members to celebrate your 1^st birthday. How fun! The last 11 months have been a blast!

You continue to crawl and cruise… haven’t taken your first steps as yet. Recently, you climbed up the steps in our house, and made your way up to level 2 all by your own. Hmm… do we need to get a safety gate for the stairs?

Now that you are better at cruising / standing, you enjoy checking out the items on our shelves. You are really good at tiptoeing and reaching out for stuff that we intentionally place out of your reach. Seems like you prefer playing with all these ‘forbidden’ items more than your toys.

You’ve also grown a little bit more. Since you are now able to fit into some of the hand-me-down berms / pants, you’ve started wearing them over your rompers when we go out. Makes you look more grown up.

You succeeded in drinking water from a straw mug at 10.5 months. Mommy’s glad, cos it’ll be much easier to get you to drink more water. It took a while to get you to drink from a straw. We’ve showed you how the straw mug works, and gotten you to try drinking from it. You didn’t quite get it initially, and was more interested in playing with the straw. One day, Daddy was having dinner while mommy went to take a shower. You kept daddy company at the dinner table, and was playing with your straw mug as usual. Then you succeeded. Credits to daddy for teaching you to drink from a straw.

We went to check out the Sky Park @ Marina Bay Sands. Tickets at $20 per pax is rather expensive. Thankfully, we got one free ticket and children under 2 go free. So we only needed to pay $20 for the 3 of us. The view from the sky park is pretty spectacular. Mommy loves the swimming pool. Only hotel guests get to use the pool. You enjoyed riding on daddy’s shoulder while we were at the Sky Park. You were giggling away when daddy let you sit on his shoulder.

We also checked out Fidgets. And because you are under 1, we all get to go in for free. The play area for children your age is pretty small. Nonetheless, you enjoyed riding in the Little Tikes cars and also enjoyed playing in the ball pit. Mommy’s looking forward to checking out more places with you now that you are older, and can appreciate your surroundings more. Maybe we’ll bring you to the zoo when you are a little older.

Meanwhile, you continue to bring us so much joy. As much as I look forward to having you walk and talk soon, I already miss the months that have gone by.

Lots of love,

Mommy

10 months old

2010-07-19T11:21:00.000+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You are now 10 months old… Mommy can’t believe that you are growing up so quickly. You can crawl and cruise very well, and I’m guessing you’d be walking soon. You enjoy cruising with the sofa as support, or with your push walkers. Sometimes, you’d hold onto your high chair leg/s and drag it around the house, making lots of creaking sounds as you walk. You now protest when we take away an object that you are fiddling with, or try to put you in your cot when you don’t want to. It’s nice that you can now express yourself somewhat. You say ‘mo mo mo’ when you want more snacks and you’ve also been saying “ma ma mom me mo mi…”, which sounds like “mommy, I want more milk”.

We went on our very first holiday as a little family of 3. It was a short getaway to celebrate mommy and daddy’s wedding anniversary, and also a test of sorts to how you’d take to traveling. We spent 3 days, 2 nights at Sentosa. You enjoyed crawling all over the king sized bed in the the hotel, and was attentive when we walked around Resorts World, and went to visit some attractions on the island. We went to the Underwater World, Fort Siloso, Butterfly Park, Merlion and the Songs of the Sea show. It was pretty easy travelling with you. Since you couldn’t walk on your own as yet, we carried you in the Beco baby carrier. You slept when you were tired, and didn’t fuss very much. Night time sleep was rather difficult though. We managed to get a cot for you, and brought along your favourite toy, Colin the Croc. But you woke up crying several times at night, and didn’t settle back to sleep easily. Very unlike you. So we had 2 rough nights. When we got back home after the ‘holiday’, you developed a fever. We brought you to the doctor, who said that you are actually suffering from a ear infection. He says it usually gets particularly bad at night, and that you were pretty well behaved and un-cranky for a baby with an infection like that. He prescribed antibiotics, which you had to take for a week. Thankfully, you didn’t seem too affected by the infection, fed well, and was able to sleep well in your own cot. Now… mommy isn’t sure if you weren’t sleeping well at Sentosa because of the new environment, or because of the ear infection. Hmm… when will we be brave enough to go on another holiday? Soon, I hope!

You continue to bring us so much joy! Love you loads!

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

9 months old

2010-06-29T16:08:00.005+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You are now 9 months old...

We had a rather trying week this month when you came down with the flu. You had a cough, a bad throat, blocked nose, drooled a lot and was generally grumpy. It got real bad when you didn't want to drink much milk. Initially, we thought that you were teething. So we tried giving you your teeting rings (which you rejected) and applied teething gel on your gums. The teething gel seemed to provide some comfort, and you drank some milk. Then I think your throat/blocked nose got worse. And you really didn't want any milk. The past few times that you were sick, you still fed well and slept well, and would gladly open your mouth when we fed you medicine. This time, you refused to feed and would cry when we gave you your medicine. Daddy had to hold you down while mommy fed you your medicine. It was rather heart wrenching watching you struggle, but it was necessary. We were so glad when you got better after a course of antibiotics. We continue to pray that you will grow strong and healthy.

We went shopping for your outfits for Uncle Don's wedding. We went to the tailor's thinking that we can tailor a matching shirt for you and daddy. Sadly, the tailor couldn't make shirts your size. Had to settle for off-the-rack ones instead. Nonetheless, we managed to get two outfits for you for the event.

We've started giving you baby snacks like baby puffs and yoghurt melts. Now that you can eat these stuff, it is easier to keep you occupied in your high chair while mommy and daddy have our meals. It's really cute when you tug at our arms after you've finished chewing what's in your mouth. We teach you to say 'more please' but you haven't quite mastered that. You haven't quite mastered your pincer grip as well, but I'm sure you will very soon.

You are better are crawling and can also cruise pretty well. With your new found mobility, you do silly stuff like climbing into mommy's suitcase and ransacking Oscar's trash can (your laundry basket). Once, when I was picking you up from the IFC, you saw me in the distance and crawled towards me. That was so heart warming.

You rode in a shopping cart for the first time when we went shopping for shelves at IKEA. You seem to enjoy the ride and it saves us the hassle of using your stroller.

You continue to bring us so much joy. We love you loads.

Love,

Mommy

Nathan vs Ant

2010-05-22T13:36:00.005+08:00

Nathan just started crawling two weeks ago. He's gotten quite good at it. Here's him putting his new skill to use...

By the way, the ant survived. Nathan's small hands didn't manage to squash the ant.

8 months old

2010-05-10T12:17:00.011+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You are 8 months old today… Mommy can’t believe that time has gone by so quickly. Very soon, we’d be celebrating your first birthday.

On Apr 30, you started crawling. Your new found mobility has made you are more fidgety, and changing you is becoming more challenging. You get impatient and would start fussing and wriggling about when we take too long to change your diapers even though daddy tells you that it’d be faster if you keep still. You are able to play by yourself but I think you have started developing separation anxiety recently. You would call for us when we walk away, wanting us to sit by your side and play with you.

At 7.5 months, mommy started giving you some formula milk. Currently, you are drinking about 60% breast milk, 40% formula milk. Thankfully, you’ve no issues with taking either and continue to feed well. You love solids. At home, you’d usually have brown rice cereal and fruit/vegetable purees. In school, you’ve tried fish, chicken, pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, marcoroni, mee sua and several others.

You are pretty happy sitting in a hair chair (most times), which makes it possible for mommy and daddy to eat together. The waiter at Applebees gave you a balloon when we went there for YeYe’s birthday dinner, and you were laughing when we played with the balloon. So adorable. Your hair has grown longer and it seems that the sweat glands on your head has just started working. The weather’s been pretty hot lately, and you sweat pretty easily… though it just your head that gets sweaty. Kinda strange. Nonetheless, you still smell nice. Mommy loves holding you close, and sniffing that baby smell of yours.

Mommy has started work at IBM… the arrangement is working out great so far. I drop you off at school before work, and am able to leave work on time to pick you up. Some days, daddy and mommy both go to work at together, so we get to spend some ‘family time’ together in the car while driving to your school, then to work. Mommy and daddy also get more opportunities to have lunch together. There was one day when I didn’t want to send you to school as you were a little unwell the day before. I asked my boss if she was ok that I worked from home, and she was agreeable. IBM also has nursing rooms where mommy can express milk for you in a private and comfortable setting. All in all, this job is more ‘Nathan friendly’. Mommy’s glad that you are enjoying your time in school, while we are at work.

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mommy

Happy Mommy's Day

2010-05-09T12:01:00.000+08:00

Because of Nathan, I get to celebrate Mother’s Day. I’m so thankful that God has given me this babe, and continue to pray that I’d be a good mommy. He’s brought me so much joy. I think God is using motherhood to mould me into a better someone. Nathan’s entrance into this world has turned our lives around 180 degrees, but Dean and I would not have it anyway else.

Nathan’s first month was rather difficult. The 3 hourly feeds thru the day meant that I couldn’t sleep more than 2 hours at any one time. Moreover, I had to figure out breastfeeding, his different cries, how he likes to be comforted, how to put him to sleep without rocking him too much lest he becomes dependent on rocking... Thereafter, I got to know him better, and caring for him got easier. Thankfully, he started sleeping thru the night at 3 months old, and both Dean and I got more rest. That gave us more energy to do more fun things during the day. I enjoy watching him grow day by day. Each time he reaches a new milestone, my heart fills up with joy, and also a tinge of sadness. Joy as he can finally do something that we’ve been teaching / helping him, and sadness cos he's grown that little bit more. A part of me is unwilling to have him grow up so fast I guess. I look forward to picking him up from school every day. I like standing at the door, peeping in to see what he’s up to. Seeing him smile as our eyes meet, gives me this warm and fuzzy feeling. I love playing with him, singing to him, cuddling up with him. His favorite game so far has to be peekaboo. Love it when he chuckles in response. Some nights, he’d wake up crying, probably from a bad dream. I always manage to drag myself out of bed, pick him up, hug him and tell him that all is well. I think God has given moms an extra portion of His strength, cos no matter how tired I am, I still find myself jumping out of bed the moment I hear his cries thru the monitor.

Dear Nathan, thanks for being the darling that you are. Mommy is so blessed to have you. Even on lousy days, just looking at you brings a smile to my face. I have truly seen God’s goodness in my life (more than ever) since the day you arrived. Thanks too for the pair of Frank Gehry earrings that you and daddy got for me. You and daddy are mommy’s favorite boys! Love you loads!

7 months old

2010-04-12T11:47:00.004+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You are now 7 months old.

You got mommy and daddy really worried when you contracted HFMD. After your jabs, you developed a fever, which was pretty usual. The fever was gone after a couple of doses of paracetamol, so we didn’t think much of it. Mommy’s friend, whose son just started attending the same infant care centre as you called mommy when I was at work. She said that her son has contracted HFMD and asked that we consider not sending you to school. However, I’ve already sent you to school that day. Coincidentally, the day before the phone call was centre closure day. So when mommy called the school, I was informed that they’ve just done a thorough cleaning during closure day, and that they’d continue to monitor the situation and do another round of cleaning. I didn’t see any point in bringing you home, since we were already halfway thru the day, and you were still behaving as usual.

When I picked you up on Friday, I noticed a small red bump on your thigh, which looked like a mosquito bite. Didn’t think much of it. The weekend went by as usual, and you had no symptoms.

On Monday, teacher Noi called about half an hour after I dropped you off at school. She noticed the same red bump on your thigh, and insisted that we brought you to the doctor. Mommy took you to see uncle EK, who said it looks like an insect bite. Besides, you had no fever, no ulcers, and no other spots. He wrote a ‘fit for school’ letter, and I took you back to school.

On Tuesday, it was business as usual. I sent you to school in the morning. That afternoon, the school called to say that you have a fever, and more spots. I got really worried, as now it really looks like you’ve developed HFMD. As uncle EK’s clinic was already closed by the time mommy picked you up, we waited till the next day before seeing him. He confirmed that you had HFMD. You had a small ulcer in your mouth, some spots around your ankles, some spots on your hands, and some on your bum. He prescribed some numbing drops for your ulcer, and asked us to use paracetamol to control your fever (if any). With that, you had to stay home till the spots disappeared, estimated to take about a week. Uncle EK says you’d be fit for school the following Tuesday.

Meanwhile, mommy had a really bad throat and a slight fever. The doctor, on hearing that you had HFMD, says that mommy could have contracted the same, though he wasn’t sure. Nonetheless, he gave me 3 days MC. Worked out nicely. Mommy could stay home with you without taking leave.

To mommy and daddy’s delight, HFMD hardly caused you any discomfort. The fever on Tuesday went down after a dose of paracetamol. After that, you had no more fever for the rest of the time. You were able to feed well, sleep well and was alert and active as usual. You woke up once or twice during the night, but was able to fall back to sleep after mommy/daddy cuddled you for a bit. We enjoyed our time at home. Meanwhile, spots started appearing on mommy’s hand and foot. So I was pretty sure that I had some degree of HFMD too. I went to see the doctor again on Monday, and was asked to stay home till the spots disappeared. Worked out perfectly, as you were only supposed to return to school on Tuesday.

HFMD aside, you are now able to hold your own milk bottle and do a good job of holding it high. You are also able to sit pretty well (don’t need to support yourself with your hands anymore), and your bottom 2 teeth have appeared… very sharp teeth if I might add.

That's a photo of you gnawing on a teething biscuit for the very first time. We've started putting you on a high chair when we eat at restaurants. I think you much prefer that since you get a better view. With your teeth, you’ve bitten mommy a few times when I was feeding you. I’ve pulled away and scolded you, and though I’m pretty certain you understood mommy when I said ‘no biting’, you still sneakily try to do it again… and again… and wait to watch my reaction. I think this is also the first time I’ve scolded you for doing something wrong. I said a firm ‘no’ and told you it was painful. You bit your lip and cried. I gave you a big hug, and said it’s ok, and not to do it again. You’d continue suckling, then you’d try again. Very cheeky!

We thank God that this episode of HFMD was pretty mild, and that you were spared from the discomfort. Mommy’s also thankful that we got to spend some mom n babe time together while we were home recovering. We continue to pray that you’d feed well, sleep well, grow up strong and healthy.

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads.

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

6 months old

2010-03-23T14:36:00.006+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You are now 6 months old. Mommy hasn't had time to pen down my thoughts till today.

The biggest change we faced this month is that of mommy returning to work, and you starting infant care. Seems like mommy had more difficulty adapting to this change than you did. The work day morning starts with me waking up early to shower and change for work. I'd pack your milk and clothes bag while you are still sleeping, then pack my own bag. You usually wake up about 7 plus and I'd change your diaper. Then I'd strap you in your car seat, and we'd drive to school. We'd spend time praying in the car, and singing Children's songs as we drive. At work, I think about how you are doing, and can't wait to pick you up from school. You give me a big smile when I pick you up in the evenings. So heart warming. On the journey home, we'd talk about our day. Some days, you'd be tired and will fall asleep in your car seat. Mommy loves to watch you sleep.

We celebrated Chinese New Year this month. Since you grow so quickly and have so many clothes thanks to your cousins, we only bought you one Chinese New Year outfit. All the aunties and uncles were so delighted to see you. We had fun meeting up with our loved ones and friends.

You only put on about 400g since the last time we weighed you a month ago. You are really good at flipping now, and can sit by yourself for a much longer time. You've also started to lift your butt up when you're on your tummy. I think you'd be crawling soon. Can't wait!

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads.

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

The Milk Memos

2010-03-09T12:07:00.014+08:00

How real moms learned to mix business with babies, and how you can, too. By Cate Colburn-Smith & Andrea Serrette.

I just finished reading this book, and thought that it's a real good read for moms returning to work. I felt comforted just knowing that there were other moms who've gone thru the same, and that my reactions were 'normal'. Reactions like crying the first time I left Nathan at the infant care centre, thinking about him the whole time I'm at work, worrying about whether I'm pumping enough milk for his feeds the next day, wanting to hold him and nurse him when the weekend comes around so that I can still have the intimacy with him... putting up with having to lug his bottles and my breast pump to work, having to find time to pump at work...

I actually finished reading the entire book over the weekend when Nathan was sleeping, or when I was feeding him. If you are a new mom, intending to breastfeed when you returning to work, do pick up this book. I couldn't find it in the major bookstores in Singapore, but managed to order a copy from Book Depository. By the way, I've found that books are generally cheaper from Books Depot, even after they factor in the free shipping worldwide. So far, the books I ordered arrive within a week.

First Day at Infant Care

2010-03-02T12:04:00.005+08:00

Nathan started going to the infant care centre yesterday. I had to lug his bag (which has his clothes, towels, teddy bear etc.), his milk bag and my big bag (with pumping essentials) and carry him at the same time. Think my arm muscles are getting stronger as he grows.

The day started off with free play followed by his first milk feed. I let the teacher feed him for the first time, and thankfully it was a non issue. He finished the whole bottle real quick as usual. Then they had hello time when they took turns to say hello to each other in song. His usual bath time followed. He fussed a bit during bath time. I suppose he still prefers his bath tub at home. After a bit more play, it was time for his first morning nap. I put him in his designated cot, which had his cot sheets, blanket, bean pillow and teddy bear brought from home. He started sucking his thumb, and was falling off to sleep when I told him that I’d be leaving for work, and will be picking him up later in the evening. I couldn’t hold back my tears when I kissed him goodbye. My boy has grown up that little bit more. As much as I’m happy that we’ve hit another milestone, I’m also missing the journey we took over the last 5+ months.

He was happy to see me when I picked him up in the evening. Felt so good to hold him, kiss him and smell him after a long day’s work. He seems to enjoy his time there, playing with new toys, standing in front of the mirror holding onto the handle bars (think mirrors at ballet studios, just that it is built for his height), interacting with his new teachers and friends. He had no problems feeding and sleeping in the new environment. In fact, he took a real long afternoon nap. Probably cos of the lack of afternoon naps on Saturday and Sunday when we’d usually take him out.

The little kids there are really socialable, and this is something that Dean and I thought would be good for him. Even though quitting my job to stay home to look after Nathan full-time is an option we can consider, we thought that sending him to the infant care centre is a good option. The social interaction would do him good. I also like the fact that they have structured activities to occupy the young ones. Am hoping that I’d be able to get a more flexible work arrangement. Then we’ll be able to have the best of both worlds – Nathan can spend some time at the infant care centre, and some time at home with mommy, and mommy can still stay in touch with the working world. Shall continue praying, waiting and trusting God for this.

I'm sad but he's glad...

2010-02-24T23:15:00.003+08:00

I had a good laugh when I saw these writings on my Facebook wall. No prizes for guessing which one is written by my boss. I'm sure he didn't see my status when he wrote the birthday wishes.

On turning 30...

2010-02-22T13:17:00.003+08:00

At 30, I am a very blessed wife and mommy. Thinking back, I remember that I've always wanted to get married and start a family of my own some time in my life. I didn't plan for it to happen by 30... there was no timeline for this plan of mine, but I suppose there isn't a better time for it.

I've done all the studying I need to do, gotten a pretty good job, spent a year in US (which in itself was a wonderful experience), bought my first property, married the man I love, given birth to my precious son. I've been showered with numerous blessings the past 30 years and I can't be more thankful. Moving ahead, I'll continue striving to be the Proverbs 31 woman. To be the perfect wife and mother.

Next week, I'll be going back to work after a 6 month break. I've spent almost every hour with Nathan ever since he was born. Such joy to be able to witness his growth, his development, his first smile, his first laugh, his first attempt at flipping over, sitting up, sucking his thumb. I enjoy reading to him, playing with him, bringing him out shopping. I know I'll miss his so much while I'm at work. It'll not be easy juggling full time work and motherhood. Dean and I have discussed this at great lengths, and we've decided that I'll go back to work when Nathan turns 6 months old. I'll try out this arrangement and we'll see how it works out. Am praying that I'll be able to find a good work-life balance.

Two are better than one... two plus baby makes three! I'm 30 this year. Next year, Nathan will sing me a birthday song and draw me a birthday card. Till then, I know I'll enjoy every moment of this new decade of my life.

5 months old

2010-02-11T09:40:00.006+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You just turned 5 months old... you've been smiling a lot lately, and you respond enthusiastically (most times) when we interact with you. So much fun! Seeing you smile really warms my heart. I was reading somewhere that babies smile the most when they are 4 months old. Yikes! I hope you continue smiling as much as ever... :)

In preparation for "school", we've gotten you a little school bag. This is one of mommy's favourite photos of you... You love it when daddy lifts you up like that. Never fails to bring a smile to your face.

Daddy took time off work between the Christmas and New Year break and we got to spend quite a bit of time as a family. Mommy loves such times!

You've taken a keener interest in your toys. You are able to reach out and grab toys held in front of you. Once you grab them, you'd try putting them in your mouth. Everything that you get your hands on goes into your mouth. Pretty amusing to watch, but it means we've to be more careful about objects that we leave within your reach. You've also discovered your feet. You've been holding on to your toes, and grabbing at your socks. You try to put your feet in your mouth too, but haven't quite succeeded. You enjoy sucking your thumb - helps you to sleep and soothes you when you are cranky. With your thumb, you do not use your pacifier anymore. You're also learning to sit up on your own. Still not very stable as yet, but you are getting there.

We attended several celebrations this month. Por Por and Yi Yi's birthday, Naomi's, Hannes', Darius' and Shannon's first month parties, Uncle Jackson and Aunty Sharon's wedding at Sentosa, and Christopher's 1st birthday. You enjoy going out and try hard to stay awake even when the outings eat into your nap times. It's really funny when you try to fight the Z monster.

Mommy will be going back to work next month. The thought of going back brings tears... Having spent almost all of my time with you ever since you were born, I will surely miss you when I'm at work. Been trying to think up fun things to do with you in the last few weeks that I'm home with you. Still praying that mommy will be able to get a more ideal work arrangement so that I'll be able to work and still spend time with you.

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads!

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

Nathan's Sleeps in His Own Room

2010-02-03T12:54:00.006+08:00

Nathan usually sleeps in his own room during his day time naps, and in mommy and daddy's room at night. Now that he's capable of sleeping thru the night, we figured that we can let him sleep in his own room at night too.

In preparation for that, we decided to lower his cot mattress just in case he sits up or stands up on his own when we are not around. Not that he can do any of that on his own presently... but you never know when.

31 Jan is the first night that Nathan will sleep in his own room alone. After his night feed and warm bath, I told him that he's a big boy now, and he'll be sleeping in his own room from then on. I settled him in his cot, and switched off his room lights. We said our bedtime prayers with Nathan, kissed him good night and left him in his cot to fall asleep on his own. That's his usual bedtime routine. He's usually capable of falling asleep on his own without much fuss. That night, I suspect he got confused and wondered why he was in his downstairs cot instead of his upstairs cot. He cried once. Mommy went in to explain that he's sleeping in his own room from now, and assured him that all is well. After a few minutes, he cried again. This time, daddy went in. He fell asleep soon after. At about 3am, I heard him crying thru the baby monitor. I went into his room, tucked him under his blanket, and said, "Nathan, mommy's here". He took one look at me, popped his thumb back into his mouth, and fell asleep soon after. The next time he woke up was at 8am, for his first feed. :)

I didn't expect that it'd be a difficult move as he usually sleeps in his own room in the day, and even when he sleeps in our room at night, he sleeps in his own cot. Maybe it was more difficult for me than for Nathan. I felt a tinge of sadness as I walked back to our room without Nathan. For the last few months, I would carry him to our room after his bath, tuck him in his cot, pray with him and leave him to fall asleep on his own. I could hear him when he sucks his thumb, and could easily check on him in the middle of the night. I felt sad as my baby has grown that little bit older. Old enough to sleep in his own room. It's the same feeling I get each time he hits a new milestone. On one hand, I'm filled with joy that he can now do something new, but at the same time, I'm sad cos he's grown that little bit older. Strange... I wonder if it's just me. Dean doesn't really feel that way. He says they'll be more milestones even as he grows.

After that first night, he didn't cry anymore when I left him in his room the next two nights. He didn't even wake up in the middle of the night to fuss. My baby has really grown that little bit older. *sob*

Daddy's Going to Work

2010-01-28T13:23:00.003+08:00

Dean is usually the one who feeds Nathan at 8am. This morning, he was going to work early, so I was going to feed Nathan instead. At 7 plus, Nathan was already awake and playing in his cot on his own. He usually wakes up on his own and we leave him to play in his cot for a bit, before feeding him at 8.

Dean picked Nathan up from his cot...

Daddy: Nathan, daddy's going to work early today.

Nathan: *baby talks with sadness in his voice*

Daddy: Daddy will be back in the evening. Daddy will see you later.

Nathan: *baby talks more cheerfully*

As I sat there and watched, I couldn't help smiling. It was one of those moments where although we didn't understand what Nathan was saying, we understood him fully.

Nathan's Routine

2010-01-26T10:06:00.003+08:00

I'm pretty happy with the routine that I've gotten Nathan into. Wanted him to get into a good routine before I return to work so things will be more predictable for both of us. I've been working on this eversince the beginning, so I'm really pleased that it has worked out. Another answered prayer.

7.00am Rise & Shine

8.00am Milk feed (usually bottlefeed by daddy)

8.30am Bath

9.00am Wake time

10.00am Nap time

11.00am Milk feed

11.40am Wake time

1.00pm Nap time

2.00pm Milk feed

2.40pm Wake time

4.00pm Nap time

5.00pm Milk feed

5.40pm Wake time

7.00pm Nap time

8.00pm Milk feed

8.40pm Bath time

9.00pm Bed time

Milk feeds

Nathan has 5 feeds a day. Other than the first bottlefeed (expressed breast milk) in the morning, he latches on for the rest. I give him 150ml for the first feed though he's capable of finishing more if we fill the bottle up but I'm concerned about over-feeding him. Not sure how much he drinks when he latches on, but he usually takes a full feed (20 min each breast).

Wake time

During wake time, Nathan can play by himself for short periods of time when I leave him in his play gym. Other times, I'd read to him, sing to him, play with his toys or we'd go thru his flash cards. Lately, he's happy when we leave him in his Bumbo chair infront of the TV. But I'm not keen on letting him watch too much TV although it does make a good baby-sitter. Sometimes, I'd take him out (usually shopping centres).

Nap time

Nathan takes 4 short naps which add up to less than 4 hours. I believe the 4 short naps will be consolidated to 2 longer ones but I haven't figured out how to go about it. It seems that he still gets tired after each wake time and needs to sleep although sometimes the naps can be as short as 30 minutes. Was asking some young moms, and they said the consolidation will happen 'automatically'. No intervention required. Hmm... oh well... so for now, I'll still let him take 4 short naps.

Kindermusik

2010-01-13T09:54:00.012+08:00

I signed Nathan up for Kindermusik classes for the month of Jan and Feb. First lesson was yesterday. It was loads of fun! An hour filled with songs, dance, bubbles, percussion instruments and more.

Nathan with his imaginary microphone

Nathan will be going to the infant care centre when mommy starts work in March. Kindermusik classes will be conducted at his infant care centre. So I figured that exposing him to a 'classroom setting' and having some degree of familiarity will help him settle down in March. But more than that, it was also a good break for mommy. Even though I sit thru the class with him, I didn't need to think up ways to occupy him for that hour. :) Reminds me of my Yamaha days as a child more than 25 years ago.

Daddy came to meet us for dinner after the class. Think I'm going to miss such times that I get to spend with daddy and Nathan when I return to work.

Daddy: Nathan, did you enjoy today's Kindermusik class?

Nathan: *BIG SMILE*

4 months old

2010-01-11T10:14:00.014+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You just turned 4 months old... you are smiling, talking and laughing so much more these days.

Nathan tries to eat the very hungry caterpillar

You surprised mommy when you flipped over from your tummy to back when you were 3 months 1 day old. I missed your first attempt, but managed to capture the second and third attempts on video, so daddy got to see it too. It is such a joy to be able to witness your firsts.

Several new shopping centres have come up along Orchard Road. We took you to Orchard Central and 313 Somerset. It is mommy's first time in these places as well. You enjoy being pushed around in your stroller and would usually sit quietly observing the sights and sounds. You attract quite a bit of attention. Strangers would come up to us and say how cute you are. Two days before Christmas, mommy ventured out with you alone. Just mom and babe. It's the first time I took you out on my own in my car. Mommy drove while you sat in your car seat at the back alone. You didn't fuss at all, and we enjoyed our time at Raffles City. Mommy chose this shopping mall as it is has a very nice nursery... just in case I needed to feed or change you. Since you were so well behaved, I decided that we could go out more often while daddy's at work. It's quite a bit of logistics with the car seat and stroller, but I think the fresh air will do us good.

Daddy took some time off work and accompanied you to see Uncle Eng Keow for your 3rd month jabs. You developed a slight fever after the jabs. Thankfully the fever was gone after two doses of paracetamol and your sleeping/feeding routines weren't affected.

We celebrated Christmas with our extended families. Lunch at Mount Sinai, dinner at Cashew. You received more Christmas presents than mommy and daddy even though you didn't give any. Mommy and daddy both agreed that you are our BEST Christmas gift this year. We thank God for you everyday.

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads!

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

Bottle Feeds

2010-01-02T17:10:00.002+08:00

After our failed attempts at bottle feeding about a month ago, we decided to give the bottle a break. All this time, I've been praying that Nathan will be willing to drink from the bottle as I'd be going back to work in March. His refusal of the bottle got me really worried.

Last week, I was plagued with blocked ducts (again!). After I cleared the blocked ducts, I had blisters. Sigh! The woes of breastfeeding. Well... because of all that, Dean suggested that we give my boobs a break, and try bottle feeding again.

I was rather nervous when Dean gave Nathan his first bottle this morning. But I needn't had worried. Nathan finished the 140ml bottle in record time! Mommy's so relieved. Daddy continued giving him the rest of his feeds from the bottle except the last feedm and Nathan was able to drink up without much fuss. Thank God - another answered prayer.

Nathan enjoying his bottle of milk

Sleeping Thru the Night - 10 hours

2009-12-23T10:39:00.000+08:00

At 14 weeks, Nathan's sleeping 10 hours at night. He's done that 3 nights in a row, and I'm pretty certain that it's for the long haul. He sleeps at 9pm and wakes up at about 7am. After a nice warm bath, I'd settle him in his bed. We'd thank God for the day and pray for ourselves and our loved ones. Thereafter, I leave him alone in his cot, and he falls asleep on his own. Yay! He's stopped waking up at 1am to fuss and does not need the 4.30am feed anymore. Finally more sleep for mommy and daddy. He still wakes up about once or twice in the middle of the night. Thankfully, getting him to go back to sleep is pretty easy. I'd give him his pacifier and say, "Nathan, it's still night time. Go back to sleep...". And he usually falls asleep soon after.

I'm so glad he's sleeping thru the night. As much as we've prayed so much that Nathan will be able to sleep thru by 8 weeks, and read about how a fixed routine and a correct feed-wake-sleep cycle will help babies to sleep thru from as early as 8 weeks, I was still pretty doubtful as I've also heard of babies who still require both their night feeds when they are 15 months old. I'm so thankful that Nathan's able to rest well at night without waking up for night feeds. Another answered prayer. :)

The next step would be to move him into his own room. He sleeps in his own room for day time naps, but has been sleeping in our room (in his own cot) at night. I'm hoping to move him to his own room when he stops needing me to coax him back to sleep in the middle of the night... hopefully by the time he's 6 months old.

3 months old

2009-12-11T14:19:00.001+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You just turned 3 months old...

You smile spontaneously and coo in response when we talk to you. Mommy's enjoying every moment with you. Once, daddy came home after a hard day's work. We were sitting in the living room reading a book. Daddy opened the door and saw us. He sat beside you and started talking to you... "Hi Nathan, did you miss daddy? ... What did you do today? ...", you smiled and responded in a language that we didn't understand yet fully understood. Daddy remarked that it is so heart warming especially after a long tiring day at work. We're so thankful for you.

You first discovered your hands this month, and sucked your thumb for the very first time. Mommy couldn't help smiling to myself when I saw you lying in your cot, asleep, with your thumb in your mouth. So cute! You've also started sticking your tongue out and have learnt how to blow bubbles with your saliva.

You attended your first wedding service and behaved real well... though half the time you were under the nursing bib, drinking milk.

You said you first word... in response to daddy's question of "Nathan, how was your day?" You responded with "GOOD!" We were rather tickled.

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads!

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

The Struggle with Bottle Feeds

2009-12-03T21:48:00.001+08:00

The struggle with bottle feeds started about a week ago and we're still trying to find out why Nathan is refusing the bottle. Daddy's the one who feeds Nathan when we want to give him the bottle. When he was about 1+ month old, we started giving him the bottle every now and then. We were advised to give him at least one bottle feed a day when he turns 1 month old so that he'll be comfortable drinking from both the breast and the bottle. We have not been diligent with the bottle feeds partly cos it is so much easier to latch him, and also cos daddy's schedule hasn't been regular. I suppose because of that, he's now rejecting the bottle. :( Getting me really worried as I'd be going back to work in March.

We've tried varying the temperature of the milk, holding him in different positions, and even bought all the different teats available in the market to see which one he prefers. Other than the numerous brands available (we've tried Avent, Pigeon and Nuk), each brand also has numerous options (different sized holes that'll affect the flow speed, different material, different shapes). Gosh! We've exhausted our options, but he still doesn't want to take the bottle. He was able to finish a bottle of milk in about 10 minutes in the past... now, he takes more than an hour! Am praying that we'll figure this one out real soon.

Nathan's First Word

2009-11-22T21:11:00.004+08:00

Mommy and daddy were really thrilled when we heard Nathan 'say his first word'. And thankfully, we got it captured on video.

Sleeping Thru the Night - 7 hours

2009-11-15T10:28:00.001+08:00

Nathan's about 8 weeks old, and he's started to skip his first middle of the night feed (he has 2 middle of the night feeds, one at about 1am, and another at about 4am). Some days, he still wakes up at 1am to fuss, and I'd have to coax him to sleep. It doesn't take that much effort to get him to sleep again, so I figure he's not hungry.

He still wakes up for his 4.30am feed. I've tried to coax him to sleep, but he continues fussing. When I feed him, he happily finishes a full feed. I suppose that means he still needs this feed.

So in total, he's sleeping from about 9pm to 4.30am. 7 hours :). Actually, 7 hours is already counted as sleeping thru according to the books. The books suggest giving him an additional feed at 11pm or so, so that the 4.30am feed can be pushed back to about 6.30am. I've decided not to do this as I'd like his bedtime to be 9pm. So for now, I'll continue waking up at 4.30am to feed him... till he's old enough to do without this feed.

I'm so glad that Nathan's more or less sleeping thru. Now I'll just need to figure out how to cut out the 1am fussing.

2 months old

2009-11-12T13:55:00.003+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You just turned 2 months old...

You attended your first church service on 11 Oct... though you were sleeping thru most of the sermon. Pastor Paul introduced you to the church, and you received a very warm welcome. It is mommy and daddy's prayer that you'd grow up to be a man who loves the Lord; a man who'd honour God and remember His grace.

You smiled at mommy for the very first time on 31 Oct. I was holding you in my arms and was about to give you your midnight feed. You looked up at me and smiled. It was so heart warming. I teared. It has been so tiring waking up every 3 hours to feed you. The middle of the night feeds are the toughest. But that smile of yours melted my heart.

You've started to enjoy bath times. It was by accident that mommy discovered what worked for you. We've been using the bath seat in your bath tub since mommy bought it when you were one or two weeks old. One evening (3 Nov to be exact), you did a MASSIVE poo. Poo was flowing out of your diaper, and it was super messy. So I decided to bathe you after cleaning your bum. Figured that it'd be easier to wash your bum without the bath seat. And surprisingly, you didn't cry when I put you in the water. From that day on, you stopped crying in the bath. Now that you enjoy your bath times, mommy bathes you 2 times a day. :)

You get to go out more these days... in the first month, you only got to go to Thomson Medical Centre. Now that you are older, we've brought you out a little more. We've gone to Robinsons to buy toys, West Coast Plaza for dinner, KK hospital for your hair cut, various infantcare centres to recce... more to come.

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads.

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

1 month old

2009-10-10T21:16:00.001+08:00

Dear Nathan,

You just turned one month old... mommy has been looking forward to this as I've been told that the first month is the most difficult... which means it's going to get easier soon. Yay!

It has been a trying month. The first 2 weeks were relatively easier because all you did was eat and sleep. You'd fall asleep after each feed and wake up 3 hours later for your next feed. Mommy was pretty amazed at how you'd wake up almost exactly 3 hours after your last feed. From week 3 onwards, you didn't fall asleep immediately after each feed. You'd want to stay awake so I had to think of wake time activities to keep you occupied. Then came the hard part - putting you to sleep. After the wake time activities, you'd start fussing, and it's clear to me that you've had enough and would like to sleep. But you had difficulty falling asleep on your own in your cot. Mommy didn't want to rock you to sleep as I was afraid that it'd become a habit. I also didn't want to let you suckle to sleep as that'd be a bad habit too. So... I really didn't know how to get you to sleep. You can cry from the end of one wake time to the start of the next feed... and you crying makes mommy cry too. After lots of prayer, and speaking with friends who've just had babies, we're managing better at the sleep front. I'm still hoping that you'd sleep thru the night by the time you are 8 weeks old. It's really tiring as I've not slept more than 3 hours ever since you arrived. Sleep - one of the things we need to continue working at.

We struggled with breastfeeding. You were rather fussy and impatient and I had trouble getting you to latch on properly. Improper latching resulted in sore and cracked nipples. Thankfully mommy has a pretty high threshold of pain. So I continued latching you although it was painful. Now, we've both gotten the hang of it. I enjoy holding you in my arms, and watching you suckle. Such joy!

You hated bath times. You'd bawl from the time you're undressed and wouldn't stop till I've finishing bathing you and dressing you. I bought you a bath seat as I thought it could be because you were feeling insecure with just mommy holding you, but you still continued crying in the bath seat. I tried getting you to hold on to something so you'd feel more secure, but you still wouldn't stop crying. Until I figure out what works for you, you're only having one bath a day. It's just too stressful for mommy.

Your daddy has been a wonderful husband and doting father. Mommy is so thankful for him. I've never really seen the fatherly side of him, and was amazed that he took on the role of daddy so easily. The first day I saw daddy in his work clothes after the delivery, I teared. You were still undergoing phototherapy and when he came to kiss me goodbye in your room, I teared. He stayed home for the first 5 days or so after your arrival, and I was getting used to having him around. I suppose I was feeling overwhelmed.

Dear God, please continue to grant me the strength, wisdom and patience as I learn how to care for Nathan and meet his needs. I pray that Nathan will be able to feed well, sleep well and grow well. Give Dean an extra portion of your strength as he has a heavy work load. Bless our little family of 3. Amen.

In spite of the lack of sleep, stress and tears, mommy and daddy are still so thankful for you. You've brought both joy and tears. I'm sure we'll do better going forward as mommy and daddy get better at our jobs as parents. Meanwhile, be patient with us as we try to decipher your cries and meet your needs. We love you loads!

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

Zzzzz...

2009-10-05T10:50:00.000+08:00

I posted the following shoutout on Facebook and was pleasantly surprised to get 32 responses! I was getting desperate as I can't seem to get Nathan to fall asleep on his own. It was comforting to know others who've struggled with the same problem (some still struggling), and the solutions they've found.

Dean and I were talking about how blessed we were that there are so many of our friends are expecting babies at about the same time as us. Other than Nathan having playmates in future, it also helps us as parents. I'm so thankful for friends who've just gone down the 'new parents road'. They have been so encouraging. Hearing how they dealt with various issues with their newborns has helped me to handle Nathan better.

I can't stand it when folks talk about how taking care of babies is easy, or that we've got an easy baby, that sleeping thru will naturally happen... even more so when it comes from people who 'farmed out' their babies from the time they were 2 months old. If they hardly saw their babies in the week, and left the baby care to someone else, of course it is easy. If you've not had to deal sleep depravation, breast feeding and changing diapers in the middle of the night, I do not want to hear your mindless comments.

Other than hearing from loved ones and friends, the two books that I've found helpful are Gary Ezzo's On Becoming Baby Wise and Gina Ford's Contented Little Baby. Incidentally, these two books were also recommended by our friends. I don't follow Gina Ford's strict schedule, but I apply the principles. Both books are based on the feed-wake-sleep principle. The idea is to repeat these three activities in the right order, in rhythmic cycles. As Gary wrote in his book,"routine leads to consistency, consistency leads to stabiliszation of each activity... as a result, the whole family is blessed by the order brought to baby's day".

I started off feeding Nathan on demand, which resulted in a 3 hour cycle. Wake time needs to follow after feed time. It is easy to put baby to sleep immediately after a feed, especially at the beginning because babies naturally fall asleep at the breast. But the books says that if you allow that, baby doesn't take a full feed, he sleeps but wakes up shortly after because he's still hungry. You'd end up with a baby that doesn't feed well nor sleep well, and a very tired mom who has to feed very often. Snack feeding is something to avoid at the very start. The idea is to ensure that baby stays awake to finish a full feed. Having fed well, play with him till he's tired (usually you'd be able to tell cos he'll start fussing). When he's tired, settle him in his cot wide awake. You want him to learn how to sleep on his own, without the need for sleep props.

With all the suggestions gathered, I'm slowly figuring out what works for Nathan. I found that swaddling Nathan helps him to sleep better. Else his arms will be flailing about, and he wakes himself up. Nicely swaddled, I'd sing him a bedtime song. The same song all the time so he'll recognise it as his bedtime song. On good days, he'll fall asleep shortly. Some days, it takes a bit of effort. If he still doesn't sleep, I'll put him on his tummy, and pat his bum. He'd fuss for a bit cos he generally doesn't like being put on his tummy. But after a few pats, he'll usually fall asleep. In the day, I do not draw the curtains so he'll be able to differentiate day from night. For nights, there are no wake times. If I talk to him, it'll be in hushed tones. He's put straight back to bed after a feed. With the full feeds and routine established, you're working towards getting baby to sleep thru the night. My goal is to get Nathan to sleep thru by the time he's 8 weeks old so that both Dean and I can rest better.

First Visit to the Paediatrician

2009-09-15T19:21:00.001+08:00

Nathan went for his first paed visit today. He looked rather yellow so Uncle Eng Keow ordered a jaundice test. He cried when the nurse pricked his heel to get blood. I was worried that the result will be > 15.

As it turns out, his jaundice level is 16.1 My heart sank. Nurse says that because it is borderline, we have 2 options: 1) admit Nathan for 3 days 2 nights where he'll undergo phototherapy treatment at the hospital ($600+), or 2) rent a phototherapy machine so he can undergo treatment at home. I chose the latter as I could not bear leaving Nathan in the hospital. Had to hold back my tears. I just want him to be well.

Uncle Eng Keow also recommended that we went to see the lactation consultant. Insufficient milk intake could be the reason why Nathan's still jaundiced. We spent a good hour or two at Thomson's ParentCraft Centre. The LC was patient and helpful. She showed me the different positions and helped me with getting Nathan to latch on correctly. She also taught Dean how to feed Nathan using a cup. To prevent nipple confusion, we were not supposed to bottlefeed or use pacifiers in the first month. Hence, if we wanted to give Nathan expressed breast milk or formula milk, we were advised to use the cup. I'm praying that my milk supply will increase and that Nathan will be able to feed well from the breast.

Dear God, You saw me thru my pregnancy and delivery. Help me to trust that You will continue to watch over our little family of 3. Heal Nathan from jaundice and help me as I struggle with breastfeeding. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

More Sleepless NIghts...

2009-09-14T10:38:00.001+08:00

Again, the night was difficult. Even though Nathan took a full feed, he was not able to settle after the second night feed. After the 4am feed, he refused to settle until 6.30am. Gosh! That was tiring.

The rest of the day seemed to go well. He'd wake every 2 to 3 hours for a feed, and settle well after he's fed. I suppose he's still on a reverse day-night cycle. Let's hope he recovers from 'jet lag' soon.

Dear God, please give me wisdom and strength as I learn how to be a good mommy. Give me the patience and strength I need to care for Nathan. I pray that Nathan will be able to settle well at night, like how he does in the day, and that we'd be able to train him to sleep thru the night by the time he's 8 weeks old. Then daddy will be well rested for work the next day. We are so thankful that you've given us Nathan and pray that You'll continue to guide us a we seek to bring him up to be a man of honour and grace.

First Day Home

2009-09-12T21:59:00.001+08:00

Mom and babe were discharged in the afternoon after two nights in hospital.

We're so thankful that God has brought Nathan into our lives. Praise God the delivery was smooth even though I was close to giving up. Dean has been a really sweet husband and doting father. He has been most supportive. Have never seen this side of him - the fatherly side. He's taken on the role so naturally.

Felt rather emotional when it was time to be discharged. While Dean was settling the hospital bills, I was tearing in the ward. When in hospital, help was just a button away. Nathan cries, we can't figure out why; press the button and the nurse appears. Had difficulty breast feeding; press the button and the nurse appears. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to manage when we got home. I teared in the car on the way home too. Prayed that God will give me the strength and wisdom that I'd need to handle this responsibility.

The first night was rather difficult. After the second night feed, Nathan refused to settle. We tried soothing him, coaxing him to go back to sleep. He just wouldn't. Dean was real sweet. After we failed miserably at pacifying Nathan, he carried Nathan out of the room and asked me to get some sleep. Of course I couldn't get to sleep knowing that Nathan's crying. We weren't sure if he was crying cos he was hungry, uncomfortable or ??? He's been fed, diaper has been changed and everything seems to be right (at least to us). Dean managed to pacify him after awhile, and he slept for a bit, and woke up again. Figuring that he might be hungry because my milk hasn't come in, we decided to feed him the last bottle of Friso formula milk that we got from the hospital. I was feeling kinda disappointed about not being able to satisfy him with my milk. Dear God, I pray my milk will come in real soon, and that they'd always be enough milk for Nathan.

Nathan's Birth Story

2009-09-10T20:04:00.001+08:00

Here goes Nathan’s birth story…

4+am

Felt like my water bag was leaking.
Went to the toilet to clean up, and noticed that my mucous plug has dislodged.
Washed up, thinking that I can wait till a more sane hour like 6am, before going to the hospital.
Another gush of water. Guess not.

5am

Took a shower.
Did some last minute packing.
Woke Dean up.
Dean showered.

5.45am

Left the house.
Popped by the post office to post some letters.

6.15am

Reached the hospital (called hospital on the way there so they can be on standby).
Midwife asked about my history etc.
Midwife did a virginal examination and was surprised to find that I was already 5cm dilated as I told her I felt no pain/contractions.
Dean was asked to see to the admission procedures (I/Cs of dad n mum needed).

6.45am

Enema given.

Poo-ed twice

9.23am

I was asked if I wanted any pain killers. Prior to this, I had already started using the laughing gas.
Another VE done. 7cm dilated. Had to decide on painkillers immediately as they can’t be administered any later else might have side effects.
Thinking that I hadn’t reached the peak of pain, I decided to take the pethidine jab.

9.27am

Pethidine administered by midwife. If I had opted for epidural, an anaesthetist will need to be called.
Pethidine takes ½ hour to take effect.

10.30am

Another VE. 9cm dilated.

Midwife got me to practice pushing. Her instructions – “push as if you are trying to pass motion”. ??? I had no idea what I was expected to do, and according to her, I wasn’t making much progress. Basically, the contractions come, and I’m supposed to push, hold for 10 seconds, and repeat till the contractions are gone. Typically that would be about 3 cycles of pushing. I was getting tired, and on the verge of giving up. Asked her if there were any alternatives.

11+am

Dr Thong appears. Broke my water bag. The pushing continues…

1.54pm

Nathan’s born

Dean and I are so thankful that God has given us Nathan. His hand is clearly visibly through my pregnancy and delivery, and we trust that He’ll continue to guide us as we seek to bring Nathan up in His ways.

First family photo with Nathan

Maclaren Stroller Liner

2009-09-04T10:58:00.006+08:00

I've been looking for a Maclaren stroller liner for Nathan's Maclaren Techno XT. For some reason, I can't find it in any of the shops in Singapore, and had to resort to getting it online. It is a universal liner that can be used on all Maclaren strollers. Hope Nathan likes his stroller liner. Recently, I learnt that we got to get them used to sitting in their stollers / car seats from the start, and not wait till we decide to venture out after confinement's over before they get to ride in their new "toy" for the first time. So I suppose taking him for walks in his stroller shall be one of the wake time activities in his first month at home.

Laundry

2009-08-20T19:44:00.001+08:00

I've finished washing Nathan's new clothes, bed sheets, waterproof sheets, blankets and towels. Just took one load cos the hand-me-downs came pre-washed. :) Have packed them into his little drawers. I've also made his bed - waterproof sheet, bedsheet, blanket, beansprout pillow. His room smells of Kodomo Detergent now. Thanks to all the nicely washed clothes.

The Car Seat

2009-06-24T16:21:00.012+08:00

We were looking for a car seat that our baby can use from 0 to 4 years old. It's between that, and getting an infant carrier which can be used up to 12 months, then getting another car seat that can be used from 9 months to 4 years old. The advantage of the infant carrier is that it can be used to carry the baby in and out of the car without disturbing him too much. We figured that we will probably not be carrying our baby that way, so not much point for that. We also came across one that can be used from 0 to 7 years old. The price tag of such car seats are almost double that of the 0 to 4 years old kind. Given that we are planning to have more than one child, it did not quite make sense to get that one. That settles it. The search for a car seat that can be used from 0 to 4 years old begins.

After shopping around, we were down to two - Maxi Cosi Dori and Britax First Class. There is an ongoing promotion for the Maxi Cosi Dori, and most stores are selling it for $238. The down side is that it does not recline much and does not have much support for new borns. The Britax First Class is pricier, but has more recline positions, and looks more comfortable. Other than Mothercare, I couldn't find any other shops that carry the Britax First Class. Mothercare sells it at $468, and members get a 10% discount.

The Stroller

2009-06-24T11:36:00.006+08:00

After much shopping around, we finally decided on the the Maclaren Techno XT. We were looking for a stroller that I'd be able to manage on my own with baby in tow. This one is light enough for me, and can be folded with one hand. We actually wanted to buy the one in scarlet red but we'd have to pay the full price for that colour. I decided to buy the one in sky blue instead. We can still get the comfort pack (for $30) in scarlet red if we decide to later on.

With the ongoing great singapore sale, all the places I've checked out are selling it at $428. Decided to make our purchase at Mothercare so that I'd get the VIP card. With the card, I can get baby's car seat at 10% discount.

Looking forward to quiet walks in the parks, grocery shopping, visits to the library/book stores, zoo outings... with baby in tow.

Preparations

2009-06-22T16:06:00.004+08:00

Antenatal Classes

We have signed up for antenatal classes at Raffles Hospital. The six 1.5 hour lessons will cost $168. Very much cheaper than Birth and Beyond. I explored the Birth and Beyond option as we were put on the waiting list for the RH class commencing 30 June. If we didn't get a confirmed place, we'd need to attend classes elsewhere as the next run will not end before I deliver. Thank God we managed to get a place in RH. I suppose it'll be better as we'll get to tour the RH labour facilities. According to the schedule and topics, the following will be covered.

Lesson 1

- Maternal Nutrition

Lesson 2

- Changes in a Woman's Body During Pregnancy

- Exercises During Pregnancy

- Safety Considerations for Each Trimester

Lesson 3

- Relaxation Through Massage

- Coping with 1st Stage Labour

Lesson 4

- Coping with 2nd Stage Labour

- Moving Around During Early Postnatal Period

- Essential Exercises for the Postnatal Mother

- Hospital Tour

Lesson 5

- Prepartion for Breastfeeding & Common Concerns

Lesson 6

- Transition into Parenthood

- Normal Characteristic / Appearance of a Newborn

- Care for the Newborn

Suppose it'll be good for Deanaling who are still pretty clueless about the labour process.

Prepartion for Parenting

Two couples we spoke to over the weekend recommended Gary Ezzo's books (the Becoming Babywise series). There are also courses based on these books that are run by Growing Families International. I've bought the books, and signed up for the course. I believe we'll be able to pick up some useful pointers on parenting from this.

A Present for Daddy

2009-06-21T08:00:00.010+08:00

Look what Baby got for his dearest daddy for father's day...

With the help of mommy of course. She intentionally chose the 12 to 18 months size so that Baby can still fit into it next father's day. Daddy was rather amused. :)

The Essentials

2009-06-01T15:39:00.004+08:00

My sister compiled a list of essentials c/w her favourite brands. With the numerous brands available in the market, I suppose it can be pretty daunting for first time moms. So I'm posting the list she gave me here. If you prefer the "tried and tested", here goes...

For Baby

1) Bath/Shower gel: Cetaphil, Quwash

2) Cotton pads: Guardian

3) Nappy rash cream: Nephew & Smith

4) Diapers: Mamy Poko Newborn (night time) & Drypers Small (day time)

5) Wet wipes: Pigeon, Tolly Joy (fragrance free)

6) Comb: Pigeon

7) Nail scissors: Pigeon

8) Milk bottles: Pigeon (buy 2 of the smallest size for water)

9) Pacifier: Avent (set of 2)

10) Bean sprout pillow: Spring Maternity

For Mommy

1) Breast pads: Tolly Joy

2) Sanitary pads: Kotex Ultra Thin, Cottony, Ultra Long with Wings

3) Nursing bra: Mothers En Vogue, Spring Maternity, Mothercare

4) Nipple cream: Cocoa Butter

Oh boy!

2009-05-11T14:05:00.017+08:00

Went for my 20 week scan last Thursday. Dr Tan took measurements of our baby's head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD), and compared these measurements with the norms. Everything fell within the expected range, so there's no cause for concern. The EDD by scan coincides with the EDD by date, which is supposed to indicate that the baby is the right size for dates. The doctor also confirmed that we're going to have a baby boy. Thank God the baby's growing well. It is so amazing seeing how our baby has grown over the last few months. From the first time we saw him at week 7, till now, when we can see his entire form taking shape.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderfull, I know that full well." Psalm 139:4

We are now thinking of a name for our baby. For now, he's affectionately known as 'Baby'. Dean has been talking to him eversince I told him that according to what I've been reading, babies can hear us while they are in the womb, and we should start talking to them now. so they can recognise our voices. He has already decided that Baby will be attending ACJS and joining Scouts.

My tummy has started to show in recent weeks (around week 19). I read that my tummy line will increase by 1cm every week from now. Dean says he's not used to seeing me so big. I've started taking out the maternity outfits that my big sister passed to me. Great that I get to save some money here. We'll also probably be getting some pre-loved baby clothes from her. Thank God for big sisters.

We have to start clearing out the spare room, and turning it into a nursery. I suppose it'll be good to get this done before I hit the third trimester, when I'll have a bigger tummy to manage. Setting up the room will be fun!

We're praying that God will continue to watch over our little family of three, that the baby will grow strong and healthy, and that He'll prepare Dean and I for our journey ahead as parents.

A Short Holiday

2009-04-20T14:51:00.013+08:00

Deanaling spent a lovely weekend in Batam, at a resort called Tempat Senang. It is a small resort with only 5 suites, each decorated with a different theme. I understand that the resort just opened about six months back. It is well maintained, and though small, has all that we need to wind down, to relax, to take a step back from our hectic schedules in Singapore. We liked the idea that it is nestled on a hill next to a golf course with plenty of greenery. It was nice waking up to the sound of running water and crickets.

The owners are really friendly, easy people. It was a pleasure staying with them. They have a dog and a parrot who supposedly has an amazing vocabulary!

We enjoyed the 3-hour long spa treatments. I think the spa and accommodation packages are value-for-money. There is an ongoing Citibank promotion that gives you about $50 off the rates published on the website.

Just a 40 minute ferry ride away from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal... time to pack your bags and go!

Pain in the butt!

2009-03-30T15:58:00.006+08:00

I can't quite remember when the pain started. When I change positions... like from sitting down to standing up, or lying down to standing up, I get this pain in my right butt. A few weeks back, I decided to vacuum and mop the entire house. Bad decision! After the job was done, the pain was excruciating. Good thing it went back to 'normal' (i.e. bearable) after a few days.

Was wondering if it is a normal occurrence for pregnant ladies, or if there were other causes for concern. So I did a google, and found that they actually have a name for what I'm suffering from - Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). Now, I'm wondering if there is a remedy for PGP. I shall ask Dr Thong at my next appointment.

Two plus baby makes three

2009-03-20T15:45:00.003+08:00

Yes! We are expecting our first child this September.

Dean & I first found out on 22 Jan, but we didn't tell our parents till 3 Feb, after our first visit to the obstetrician.

Initial reactions
Ling's > Yay!
Dean's > So fast?!
Thereafter, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

It has been a pretty good first trimester. Morning sickness sets in in the evenings (which is good since I'd most likely be home from work by then), and I threw up less than 10 times the whole 3 months. So thankful cos I absolutely hate feeling nauseous.

I hear that I'll feel a whole lot better in the second trimester. :) Got to get myself out of the house and keep up with regular exercise. The doctor says that swimming is good and it'll help strengthen my back muscles for delivery.

Praying that our baby will grow strong and healthy, and that God will prepare us for our journey ahead as parents.

Firsts

2008-07-07T15:00:00.000+08:00

1998...

first held hands...

first kiss...

first love...

10 years on...
first anniversary

"to have and to hold... to love and to cherish..."

Thanks for 10 years of good lovin! You've been a blessing.

I look at the past 10 years that we've shared and I am so thankful. I'm so glad that God brought you into my life... for having someone like you to walk this journey with me. The last 10 years were filled with many changes... graduating from college, we went different ways - you went to army, and I started my undergraduate studies. Until then, our lives have been pretty much mapped out for us by the education system. Subsequently, we entered the working world and had to deal with struggles of a different kind. Then came our plans to marry, which brought along a host of issues that we got to work thru. Our hopes, our dreams... Practical issues such as buying a house, thinking thru finances, career plans, sharing ideas about how to bring up our children in future...

And now, here we stand - at the end of our first year as husband and wife. Looking back at the year that has just gone by, I remember feeling really overwhelmed at the start. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to be a good wife. I didn't really know how things will be after the wedding. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to cope with being a good daughter, daughter-in-law, wife... I didn't know how I would be able to juggle work, keeping the house clean, doing the laundry, preparing dinner... I wasn't sure if I'd do a good job of managing the household. I wasn't sure if I'd be a good mom when we have children of our own. It was just so overwhelming. I remember coming home after the wedding rehearsal in tears. That was when I prayed and asked God to teach me how to be a good wife, helper, mother... all the roles that I'd have to play. Proverbs 31 paints such a beautiful picture of a perfect wife. I'm far from perfect, but that's what I'm trying to be - a perfect wife & mother (in future).

Proverbs 31:10-31

A Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Thanks for all your love & companionship all these years; for all your patience as you watched me struggle with all the 'house wifey' stuff; for being the husband that you are.

I look forward to many more 'firsts' in the years to come.

First time parents...

First steps...

First words...

First birthdays...

Indeed, two are better than one!

Thanks love!