Thursday, October 31, 2013

New Routine (Again)

The recent lack of updates and blog posts signifies my newish routine. I have since dropped another pump session and am now doing three pumps a day. My last pump is around 8ish at night and I usually go to bed right after the washing and stuff. This means I get to enjoy at least 2 more hours of sleep everyday. Yay! 

If you have been following my blog, you might have realised I'm somewhat anal when it comes to milk supply. Afterall I did go through a fair bit to bring them up. So for me to see supply dwindling and falling daily and accepting it is a huge thing. In the beginning, I was still contemplating if I should get started back on fenugreek again to bring it up but I reminded myself of my 6-mo goal and if I were gonna continue adding pressure to myself whenever supply drops, I'll probably bf him till what, 1-2yr? Ridiculous. It's time to let go. So once I had my mind set, being at peace with myself, I began to appreciate the "freedom" of one pump session less, and was even on the verge of stopping almost immediately. My current daily yield is still more than enough for B's consumption (a different story later) and I wanted to wait till his next pd visit to get a recommendation on the formula to introduce. Once we see the pd, I will start to intro fm to him starting from the midnight feed, then move on to a combi of ebm and fm and then eventually wean him off. It's a lot of emotions but I'm kinda over this whole bfg thing.

Now moving on to B's milk intake.. Omg I think he's probably teething. He's been rather cranky of late esp after he falls asleep at night. He will stir many times, wake up crying for his bickie, when you give it to him he sometimes refuses it. But when it's not in his mouth he cries for it. He's also flipping a lot in his sleep which is frustrating for him coz he can't flip back on demand. Yesterday he had a milk strike, he only drank 60ml each feed. Thankfully the last 2 feeds he finished everything. So far so good today, his appetite seems to be back. I hope the poor boy gets over this without any further discomfort. And if he indeed is teething, we are so looking forward to that first mini tooth popping out!


Friday, October 25, 2013

Letter To Bradley - 6 Months On

My dearest baby boy,

You will be 6 months old tomorrow. What a crazy journey eh? I hope that I have done alright and have not caused any permanent scars on you! :)

By now, you will probably realise Mummy loves reminiscing. That's because the memories are oh-so-sweet. From being pregnant, to the 40 weeks I carried you, to your birth, your first weeks and up till now, the learning curve for me is so steep and it continues to climb. Everyday I'm learning new things about you, everyday I'm discovering new things. What more can I ask?

Well maybe if I could, I'd ask for time to slow down a little. Let me enjoy your infanthood slowly because I know before anyone can say "baby", in a blink of eye, you will be a little kiddo. I also pray for your health because life has shown me regardless the material wealth, without health, everything is moot.

So, on the eve of your half birthday, Mummy wants to thank you again for coming into our lives. You filled up the void that we never knew was there until you came along. You made me learned patience is indeed a virtue, and something I hope will be instilled in you. You made me realise that it is actually possible to love someone, something so much that you are willing to give your everything.

Thank you baby. Mummy and Daddy loves you so so much.

Happy Half Birthday!




Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Quality Family Moments

DH had taken Monday off so we had a long weekend. When I was working, long weekends really perked me up and gave me the strength to last through the rest of the week. Now, it's the same. If DH has a long weekend, it means baby and I have an extra day to spend with daddy. From now till the end of the year, DH will be clearing his leave and the last week of December will be a blast!

Last weekend, we went out everyday. B gets excited when we leave the house and there's always much for him to see. With the pognae carrier, it makes bringing him out easier and more comfortable. DH and I were fighting who gets to wear him coz we love how he falls asleep in it, close to our hearts. We have become baby hoggers.

Our dear boy will be 6 months old this Saturday. Daddy will be back from India and I'm sure we'll have more fun as a family. Not looking forward to DH traveling but it is what it is.. A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do! 😌

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Surviving Days Without Daddy

DH used to travel a lot for work. Ever since the birth of B, he tried to cut down his travels but there are still the occasional trips here and there.

B and I used to "camp out" at my mum's when DH travels. It is rather cumbersome, having to bring so many things. And I think it was inconvenient for my family. So this trip that DH was away, I decided to stay home with B, afterall he's just away for one night. Well, we survived. I drove to my mum after B's bath and first nap and try to come home around 3ish so as not to get stuck in the peak hour traffic. It's not that bad except, I really really miss DH a lot. Feels a lot like how I felt during my confinement, except this time round I don't feel helpless.

I don't feel bored either, just lonely. Funny how I feel this way even with B! And poor B seems bored! Next week DH will be away for 3 nights, I'm contemplating to drop my 5pm pump, something I had planned to do anyway when he reaches 6mo. 

Let's see how it goes.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Another Big Deal

So the time is here, for B to start solids!

My intention was to let him be on bm exclusively until he reaches 6 months, as what is recommended by the whole world. Last visit to the pd, he suggested it's probably a good time to start solids. A part of me wanted to wait till he is 6mo, while another part of me can't wait to let him have his first taste at food. O...kay, baby food, not that yummy, but still.

Yesterday, B had his first taste of food!




I've only started him on oatmeal cereal. Next item on menu: sweet potato and pumpkin!

Yummmmmy.



Bradley's First Dip in the Pool


With B's first pd at TMC, we asked when can we bring him to the swimming pool. She said not until he's at least 6 months old, and I agree with her. With Dr Zainal, he said anytime as long as the water temperature is not too cold and each swim should not last more than 20 minutes. DH was excited and want to bring him for a swim. I, on the other hand, although excited, wanted to play safe and wait till he's 6 months old.

As he moves towards the 6-month mark, I started getting excited and bought his first swimwear. I would have love to see him in a rash guard and board shorts, but I guess that will have to wait till he's much older. Next item on the list to get him ready for the first swim: sunscreen! I always have very terrible reaction to sunblock and my face and body break out in horrible, itchy rash that often lands me in the doctor's clinic with an injection. So I am particularly careful with B's already sensitive skin. The things to look out for when getting sunscreen according to Babycenter:

* Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide
* PABA free
* Paraben free
* Fragrance free

PABA stands for para-aminobenzoic acid and was once commonly used in sunscreen as an ultraviolet light absorber. Because of its high allergic reations, it was removed as an ingredient.

Parabens are a class of chemicals used in preservatives and in recent years have been found to link to some cancers.

With these in mind, I went in search of a baby sunscreen. Hah, actually not much searching required as all I did was to go into Mothercare and they only carried 2 brands.


Remember to do a skin test before using. Rub a small amount on the inner arm and wait for 20 minutes to see if there's any redness or reaction.





I was so worried he would catch a cold and used 3 towels on him.



Friday, October 11, 2013

Daddy's 1001 Things To Do With Bradley

In a random conversation we had in the car, DH said, "I can't wait till the day I can bring Bradley camping at Pulau Ubin. There's so many things I want to do with him, father & son." This triggered me to ask him to send across a list of things that he wants to do with Bradley.

I am surprised when he did send it over, and it was a long list. Some of it are ok for sharing, some he prefers to keep them private. As I go through the list, my eyes swelled with tears. It reminded me why I married him, and that our love are strong after all these years.

Here's his list (in no particular order):

1. Swimming
2. Camping - daddy first camped when he was 12 and it's fun for a 12-year-old
3. Visit the zoo
4. Early morning run to see the sunrise
5. Do a cross-country run 
6. Go to Universal Studio - have fun
7. Go to Disneyland - have more fun!
8. Taste a lemon - daddy just want to see your reaction
9. Build a book shelf
10. Wash the car
11. Take the first sip of Coke - who doesn't like Coke?
12. Spring clean the house
13. Cook dinner for mummy
14. Ball games
15. Walk you to your first year at school
16. Go to the beach - have fun and get very tired
17. BBQ
18. Chase away the lizards - relieve daddy of this crazy task
19. Fishing
20. Snorkeling
21. Shop for your 12" action figure
22. Build plane and warships models
23. Shop for your first exercise kit
24. Attend a football match
25. Attend a rock concert
26. Help dad cook prawn noodles
27. Visit Pulau Ubin
28. Hiking
29. Canoeing
30. CNY reunion dinner
31. Go to the movies
32. Visit Botanic Gardens
33. Staycation
34. Watch a football match in a bar
35. Go to a book store

I think #13,15 and 18 are so sweet.

Bradley, I look forward to the day where you can enjoy these activities with Daddy.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

This Is The Way We Pump Our Breasts

Even before I got pregnant, I always thought breastfeeding is simple, that it should come to mothers naturally. But many friends were kind enough to share that it isn't the case. I have heard stories of how breastfeeding doesn't just come easy for some mothers and babies, but I didn't know it was THIS complex.

I dismissed the importance of a breast pump, thinking that I will latch baby directly. Well, I did latch B for 5 weeks before I decided to pump exclusively. Anyway, I had the "privilege" of trying 3 different types of breast pumps and wanted to share my thoughts on them.



1. Philips Avent Dual Electric
This happens to be one of the better pump in terms of clearing the breasts. However, it is so bloody loud. I'm glad I've sold it away now that I've bought a second-hand Ameda.

Pros:
Effective and efficient in clearing breast. Takes about 15-18min to clear but I often have another letdown at 18min but will be done by 20min.

Cons:
Too bulky and you have to stay plugged to a power point. The noise it makes is crazy loud. Not portable and no timer to show how long you have pumped.

My verdict: 3/5


2. Medela Freestyle
I got this as a hand-me-down from my cousin and it was very handy and useful as I can leave this at my mums place without having to drag the humongous Avent.

Pros: 
Portable and handy, has a timer

Cons:
Unable to clear breasts as effective and takes much longer time. What should have been a 20min pump session becomes 30min and generating only the same amount or less that I get with Avent. As such I get blocked ducts. Can be rather loud.

My verdict: 3/5

3. Ameda 
This is by far my FAVOURITE pump! Mdm Rokiah recommends this and so did a friend before I delivered. It costs much less than a Medela but in my opinion, most effective!

Pros:
Quiet,very efficient in clearing, even better than Avent. Love that it has minimal pump parts so makes washing and sterilising its parts a breeze. Takes less than 20min to express and seems to have solved my quantity imbalance. With the Ameda, my problematic left breast which is often blocked and expressed less milk has balanced up! Medela or any other narrow neck bottles fit.

Cons:
Although it can be powered by batteries, it's a little too bulky to bring out if the need arises. No timer.

My verdict: 4/5

So there you go, I recommend Ameda. It's way cheaper than Medela but does the job better. But different pumps work differently for different people, let me know what works for you!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Playdate Part II

Last Saturday, our mummies group had another gathering in Punggol. It's amazing seeing how the babies have grown since our last "playdate". When we had the gathering at my place, the bubs were mainly lying on the floor, crying, fussing. This time one, some were sitting, some were flipping, most of them were playing or at least in a playful mode and able to respond/smile at you.

As a first time mum, I am very thankful for the support from this group. Many of them are experienced mums and are able to share many tips and advices. Since our babies are born so close to each other, it means we get to do the same things almost around the same time. For example, confinement, breastfeeding woes, and now, starting solids. I have been listening intently on how to tell if an avocado is ripe, how to purée what, what to freeze, when to feed etc etc. We chat everyday on whatsapp group chat, and unknowingly, they have become an important part of my life.











Friday, October 4, 2013

It's The Time of the Month Again

Bradley's monthly jab, that is.

Seriously, as he grows older, it gets harder and harder for me each time we visit his pd. It's true I can't wait for each visit, because I have so much questions to ask the doctor and to seek some assurance that my boy is doing ok, but I always leave home with a heavy heart because it pains me each time he cries. Granted, I always underestimate what a strong boy he is, but could you blame me? He is, afterall a baby!

Anyhoo, I took B for the appointment alone today as it was originally set for tomorrow but the doctor has something on so clinic won't be open. DH has meetings today, so why not I just take him alone since the clinic is just across the road. B had his second dose of pneumococcal jab, which is a vaccine against some of the worst childhood disease such as ear infections and meningitis. He hasn't put on much weight nor grown much taller - weighing 7.88kg as opposed to last month's 7.4kg, and standing at 69cm. Dr said after the 3rd month, babies tend to slow down in the growth and more so after 6 months, so there's nothing to worry about. He suggested we start solids for B since he's 5 months now and then spent some time to go through with me what are some of the first foods to start and how to go about it. What i like about B's pd is his patience and pleasant demeanour that make me feel really comfortable... you know, somehow I trust him with my child. So..... next Sunday we'll let B have his first bite... erm.. taste of food. DH and I are extremely excited!

I've prepared the following weaning set:

1. Bibs

Wonder bibs! Ever since I saw Melissa's Connor wore it, I fell in love. It is so chic, but unfortunately comes with a price. So I went on Qoo10 and got some and managed to get a couple from the Rise & Shine fair that was 1-for-1.

2. Spoons/bowls

I had some Robinsons vouchers and decided to use the balance on these. A good tip I picked up is to get soft tips spoons so that it won't hurt your baby's gums and as for the bowls, get those with a lid so that you can store it in the fridge or bring it out.

3. High chair


I really just want the Ikea's basic high chair, I think it's good enough but unfortunately when we went to Ikea last week, we couldn't find it. They were renovating the kids section at Tampines and we couldn't be bothered to ask as I had intention to check out the baby fair. I eventually skipped it as I heard how terrible the queues and crowd were.

Anything else I need? Do share!






Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Bradley's Little Actions

Recently, B has been so playful and cheeky I can't keep up.

1. Bring 1 leg forward 2. Lift buttocks 3. Lift 1 leg up 4. And.... we're ready for take off.
He's been doing a lot of this when he flips and before we knew it, he's at the other corner of the bed. This makes leaving him on the bed a lot of work then it's meant to be. I used to just place him in the middle of the bed and use the bathroom or go get something. Now, I cannot leave him alone on the bed without supervision.

Besides being a really smiley baby, he's been chuckling and giggling a lot. He always smiles at strangers, especially when we are in the lift. Our little entertainer for that boring ride.


At any one time, you will see him sucking his fingers and has drool all over. I tried so hard but it's useless. I gave up an just resign to the fact I have to clean his hands and face every so often.


He loves blowing raspberries. But usually when he's annoyed or getting impatient. It's actually quite a funny sight but wish he would stop doing that.

He was meant to have his jab on Saturday but the clinic called and asked if we could change it. So I brought forward to tomorrow and cancel my plans to go to the baby fair with Gwen. It will be my first time taking him for vaccination alone, hope he won't get too angry.