milestone with baby Wei Ern - 3rd month

Baby Wei Ern grow up so fast, he has got so many sweet smile, really melt mama heart. He has got a lot of funny facial expression, i wonder what's in his little mind.

Baby is so interactive nowadays, he responded to our calling and voices. He smile, and even

laugh when we play with him.

Baby also cry less, we knew his routine, his needs before he cry. Taking care of him is easy nowadays.

Wei Ern is also cry less with passing motion, he used to cry each time pee or poo, but now he didn't. Sometimes the feces stay in the diaper for hours, he still could smile. Oh ya, sometimes he smiles or show us chicky face while pee or poo or fart.

Jonathan very first hair cut

Jonathan had his very first hair cut on 18 Feb,2012 (Saturday). It's historical for him, and for me.

Worrying Jonathan may carry my gene to have little and very fine hair texture, we always wanted to bring him to have his first hair shaved, just don't know where to send him to. Happened at this hair saloon that I permed my hair, they are familiar with cutting infant's hair, so, right after perming my hair, the hair stylist shave his hair.

During the session, i carried him in my arm, Sam held the camera to took the historical moment.There was a friendly customer help me to take his photos, so kind of her, else, i would not have this set of nice pictures.

Jonathan so good boy, he didn't cry, he may feel 'how come something vibrate on my head", after while he may feel " oh!my head so cooling!"

Comparison of Jonathan, bald and with hair

We keep his hair!!! There is service to make calligraphy pen with baby hair, baby hair will sent to China to fix in the pen,and it cost RM300++, somehow, i do not trust their services, therefore, baby's hair is just kept in ang pow packet.

Valentine's day 2012

This year valentine's day, as usual that Sam didn't do much, no flower no surprise, no card no gift. The improvement from him is that he did put in small thought for this day, he suggested to buy a pair of ring for each other since we do not have wedding band. OK! we went to jewelry shop, somehow again, my tiny finger just doesn't look nice with most of the ring, so, i decided do not want ring. Thereafter, no gift for each other, hahaha

Sam also mentioned to me earlier that we are not going to celebrate on the actual day as it's commercialize. We shall have a dinner on the 15th Feb instead. In the end, we had dinner at Ben's, Publika. We enjoy the food and the moment together.

With baby Jonathan, i am no longer so fussy about Valentine's day celebration. Am i less demanding or less romantic?!?!

my food, spaghetti

baby Jonnathan's food, mother's milk

Contented look, with my little baby Jonathan :)

Bonding with my precious - Jonathan

These are the amazing time that i bond with my little one, it's so exclusive,it can't be replaced by anyone. I feel so special when i carry him, spending time with him, talk to him; and to see him respond to me, it's such a wonderful moment.

Breastfeeding

sometimes he like to rest his little hand on my breast, as if trying to hold. HIs little eyes would look at me, recognizing me as his mother.

Most of the time Jonathan fall asleep after feeding, he removes his mouth from nipple, make a 'ze' sound, then rest his head on my breast, his little hand still holding my breast.

Kangaroo care

this is the best way to comfort him while he cry for no reason, or probably cry for comfort, want people pick him up....

After the midnight feeding, i sleep at about45 degree, put him to sleep on my chest, the position is just like kangaroo care, then he fall asleep soundly fast :)

milestone with Baby Wei Ern - 2nd month

Time really flies, Wei Ern is in his 2nd month now, let's jot down what we have achieved so far:-

1. Jonathan start to grin.

baby likes to bath, he always smile while daddy bath him

He likes daddy play with him, making "ngiao ngiao" sound at high pitch

Surely, he smiles when i play with him, fulfill his needs.

Jonathan looks so cute with his tigger towel - it was a gift from Nadia, our tennis gang

Daddy making ngiao ngiao sound

2. Sleep longer hour

At night, baby used to sleep at 2-3am, wake up for milk every 2 hourly. Since 9 Jan 2012, Wei Ern reach another milestone, he only wake up at 7am for milk. The timing is good that when i get back to work, i could feed him before i go to office.

3. Increase in size

we are always find baby is very small size, tend to compare with others, especially Harry's baby, she is so chubby.

9 Jan 2012, baby went to hospital to get his 2nd month vaccine. He is now 4.1 kg, and 50+ cm in length. Baby has got round cheek, more fat especially his legs, and grew longer, there's where the milk go.

Wei Ern pee or poo while feeding, and sometimes like a big bomb, hence, i think he may not be a fatty boy, and that's also the reason that he needs to be fed for hours, as long as 2 hours.

Fluffy dog still bigger size than baby, but very soon, baby will grow up and play with her. This photo, fluffy is protecting the baby.

4. Less swaddling

Jonathan has got free room to stretch himself nowadays, we didn't swaddle him; only he is cranky.

5. Investment for his bright future

I've got him saving plan, that's for his pocket money. Now i hope i could get a property, invest for his education fund in future. Friends told me the Foresta condo at Sri Damansara is good investment, but it may not be affordable.

6. Enjoy breastfeeding

It's indeed a bonding time with Jonathan. Now, breastfeeding is not as painful as the beginning. It's so much easier especially when we were out. Yesterday we were out for long, i just need to have a shawl then i could nurse him. On top of feeding from breast, i also pump out the breast milk, store in fridge.

Packs of breast milk that stores in freezer

7. No more postnatal depression

Weeks ago, i was a bit blue, worry about missing baby development when i get back to work; maternity leave just too short; i have so many house chores to do, how could i maximize my time spend with Jonathan?! i decided not to cook; bought a washing machine + dryer, not to open the window.......as such, baby, mama can spend more time with you

8. Jonathan is having his own passport

Got him a 5 years validity passport which cost us only RM150, 50% cheaper from the adult. We may be going to Singapore Mac- April and Bangkok in August which his grandparents against this. In fact, in the past whole week, Jonathan has been out with us everyday :)

9. Wet papa's pants

For the first time, on the 12 Jan night, while watching movie, Sam carried Jonathan, burp Jonathan on his lap, our cutie pie wet papa's pant. Sam was patient, never scold him, just change :)

10. Communication

On top of crying, baby seem start to make some sound, as if talking to us.

I also start to recognize his cry, the one with the "neh" sound means he wants milk.

Postnatal depression

Not too sure I am or I am not having postpartum depression.

Here's what I am going through:-
1. Miss my husband a lot, especially when he is not at home. The love for him suddenly gush out from me?! Or I am seeking more of his attention ?!

2. I cried twice in 2 weeks time. The first was quarrel with Sam, I can't remember what was the actual issue. The second time was failed to breastfeed 伟恩，the feeding could took 2 hours; the pain from the first suction after latching on, not enough sleep, all these incidents made me very tired and emotional. At the end, I had a one to one talk with Jonathan, set rules for him - there's time for everything;e.g. do not sleep while eating; when you eat, you eat ; learn to focus with things that you do.

3. Thought of becoming full time mother, I start getting worry Jonathan's development when i resume to work. I can't trust others to take care of him. At thus point, Sam still want to take care on his own.

4. Worry I do not have enough time for the family. When I resume to work, I'll be back home around 6pm, left with 6 hours to spend with Sam and Jonathan daily, it's not enough to build a strong loving family.

5. With the concern of Jonathan's development and quality time with family, the thought of becoming full time housewife even stronger; but, I may become those lady that long for hubby to come home, complain about neighbor, market...... Other than that, my income is also crucial to support this family, how could I quit ???

milestone with Baby Wei Ern - Baby Dedication

Baby Jonathan dedication

As Christian parents, we would like our child to be Christ's follower as well, since Wei Ern in my womb, the grandparents (Sam's side) and myself have been praying for Wei Ern to grow up in Christ, to be a vessel of God.

My faith is that so long we are in Christ, no matter what, no matter how bad, we are always in His good hands. When we are at the edge of the palm, going to fall, God will turn or flip His hand, so that we are taken care off. Therefore, it's very important in our life, to have a Saviour like Jesus, who is my God, my friend, my Father....the one and only God that i am having faith with.
On 25th December 2011, we had the baby dedication event in church, which is sister Siok Beng's house, because the church's lock can't open.

25 th Dec 2011, also the first day Jonathan come to church after he is born. He was so awake through out the whole service, from the worship to sermon to baby dedication. Praise the Lord that baby doesn't make noise, he just open his eyes big look around, as if listening to the sermon - Papa Heng preached about being a container that filled by Holy Spirit.

During the baby dedication session, baby Jonathan open his eyes huge, looking at Papa Heng pray from him with power and authority. Praise the Lord!!!

My prayer to Jonathan:-

1. Be a Christ follower that rightly divided the words of truth

2. Perfect health

3. Smarty boy that full of wisdom

4. Handsome boy - you are always mama handsome boy

Baby Wei Ern, mama love you *) muak muak

milestone with baby Wei Ern - Full Moon

Baby Wei Ern Full Moon party

On 25th Dec 2011, we organized a little full moon party for Wei Ern.

I wanted to had one for him for the reasons of:-

1. tradition

2. thank you to friends who care for this baby

3. i may regret if i didn't have a party for Wei Ern

Instead of traditional cake, i ordered cupcakes from cookiebox instead, thinking of something special for full moon, with milk bottle and foot prints design, cute!

The cupcakes cost more than usual cake, this is rm190+ , but just once in his lifetime, worth it!!

Photo description:-

Mama, Baby Wei Ern and his full moon cupcakes

We had the party at Pizza Hut, one of the easiest, and simple way.

Sam and I really crack our head to plan and call up restaurants. We have chinese and malay friends, therefore, typical non-halal chinese restaurant can't be our choice. We thought of Halal restaurant around Hartamas, too costly!!! RM50 per head with the reason of it's Christmas day, need to pay triple to the kitchen.

We also thought of buffet style, but we can;t organize it at our house, not conducive; also can't have it in church, our Malay friends may not able to attend.

Argh!!! Pizza Hut is the best choice, i guess! Baby, what do you think?!

Photo Description:

These are one of the first few photos that we took as family. Life has changed, family = Samuel + Emily + Wei Ern + Mami Dog

Towards the end of the party, baby cried for milk. Oh no!! How to breastfeed in a public place like this.

At the end, i had to feed Wei Ern in the car, which without tinting, because this is a courtesy car from the show room. It was so difficult, hot and my outfit is not breast feeding friendly.

Finally, we made it!!!Thanks God baby was cooperative.

Wei Ern, always my good Wei Ern, good boy! Mama love you :)

milestone with Baby Wei Ern

Breastfeeding

It's not a very pleasant experience to me. On the first 2 days, there is not much milk production, am also not too sure did baby suck in colostrum. Sam was worried about baby has got no food intake, keep asking me to feed Wei Ern with formula. I was firm on breastfeeding at the beginning and eventually give in as well.

On day 3, i tried to squeeze my nipple, i was so so so excited when i see milk drop out!!! Hooray, i got supply, though little.

Breastfeeding is not easy to me, once he latch on correctly, the first few suck was extremely painful. Both my nipple also bleed with this suction power!! My boy indeed is very very strong. Therefore, i am actually phobia towards breastfeeding. I pray that God help me to overcome this.

Photo description:

taken on the 6 Dec, start getting used with breastfeeding, it was in the middle of feeding Wei Ern, the sharp pain was over, therefore, could smile a little

Jaundice

On the 29 Nov, baby went back to hospital for jaundice checkup, his index was 430+, Wei Ern was about to do blood transfusion, according to Dr Yeu.

Wei Ern was admitted to hospital for 3 days, and i was down to fever on the 29 Nov. Argh! the advantage of private hospital is that there are nurses to take care of your baby, the parents can rest; but the bill for the phototherapy treatment was thousands time more than government. For the sake of the boy, just spend for him, also having the thought that i save a lot from delivery, consider this as part of the budgeted cost.

On 2 Dec, baby discharged from hospital, but we need to check him form time to time. Home care should be good enough, make sure baby could eat, poo and pee regularly, then should be fine, some may be fully recover in 2 to 3 weeks time.

Sam being a good father bring baby down to the pool side area to give baby sunlight phototherapy every morning.

Photo description:

Baby Wei Ern responded to the phototherapy, was given double light. Index drop from 430+to 350+ ofter a few hours treatment. It drops to 150+ when he discharged.

With my little bundle of joy, i wish to be full time housewife, then i could take care of him. Since he is the only child that we are having and going to be, he is our PRECIOUS !!! Thus far, i am giving him the best that i could.

Delivery 3: D Day has come

24 November 2011 - D Day has come !!!

0300 contraction started with every 15 minutes gap, each time last about 30 seconds.

0430 contraction getting closer, it comes every 10 minutes, each time last about 30 seconds

Contraction just like the menstrual pain to me, it's bearable at the beginning.

0830 Dr Aldrin came, vaginal check AGAIN !! It's awful, i scream. The dilation is 4cm. After checking, i quickly request epidural block. The nurses were fast in action, in 30 minutes, i was given epidural, oxytocin, antibiotic.

Epidural really did wonderful job, i could feel contraction but it's bearable, though my face didn't smile, but at least i could still take my own photo, not bad huh.

0900 communication with Sam to contact Judy to help me during delivery, mother in law to boil red dates tea

1200 nurse did vaginal check from time to time, after 5cm dilation, with the oxytocin, it was really fast. About this time, Dr Aldrin came, i was told that estimate to deliver at around 4pm. This time, Sam still what's app me about the car registration no. While the wife hardworking in hospital, the hubby take care of the others matter. I think i am quite independent!

1300 Dilation improve to 6cm, i may need to start to deliver baby soon,in 1 -2 hours time. Sam got to pick up Judy by now.

13:30 Judy is here, once i see her, my tears drop, i don't know why i cry, probably the tears have been keeping in my heart for so long?! i am actually not that strong, needed someone with me too?!or i am too touch by Judy to give me support during the process?! She comforts me, guide me the breathing technique

14:00 Dilation - 10cm, it's the time!!!! start to PUSH!!!! The delivery room is so happening, nurses giving encouragement, shouting PUSH! PUSH! PUSH! You are doing good job! Correct! Push! They can see the baby hair, Dr Aldrin guide my hand to touch at baby hair to encourage me to push further, this action really encourage me to push! In the end, Dr Aldrin has no choice but to use vacuum to help me to get the baby out! Finally, baby Wei Ern is here!!!!

The whole process was about 30 minutes.

Dr Aldrin start todo his job, collect stem cell, clear the after birth, stitching....Dr Yu, the pediatric cardiologist start to do the routine check, baby score 9 for the APGAR score. He made his first pee while doing the check, what a joy in the delivery room!

Here it is, baby Wei Ern is in my bosom now, holding him, admiring him, oh, my beloved baby!! Judy was very good, helped me to take photos, video all these sweet moments!!!

Delivery 2: in the hospital on 23 Nov 2011

23 Nov 2011

In the hospital:-

nurse checked, ensure it's water bag leak before calling my gynae.

6:30am Dr Aldrin came and see me, explain my condition and treatment goal, we aim to deliver 24 hours later, hope there is no contraction and labour now. By delivering baby now is consider pre-term still, am in 35 weeks. Ultrasound scan the baby, the size is good and the amniotic fluid is sufficient, it's good for the baby stay in the womb now. There also may be situation that the water bag stop leaking by itself, but rare. So, I am gonna be mama earlier ;)

The midwives did a vaginal check on my dilation, not open yet. I hate this part, it's so painful and uncomfortable.

I was on drip, and given antibiotic; while the baby was given dexamethasone to cause an immature fetus's lung to produce a compound called surfactant. A full-term baby's lungs naturally produce surfactant, which lubricates the lining of the air sacs within the lungs. This allows the inner surfaces of the air sacs to slide against one another without sticking during breathing.

Premature infants whose lungs have begun producing surfactant are more able to breathe on their own, or with less respiratory treatment, after birth.

Admitted to hospital, i am still able to smile, not feeling any contraction yet

8:30am

The ultrasound scan shown there is some contraction, but i am feeling anything. That's how advance of technology nowadays.

this is the machine that detect baby heartbeat, my contraction, i think also include the amniotic fluid level

12:30pm Dr Aldrin came, a check on me, apparently i am fine. I still didn't feel any contraction yet.

i stay at this condition until the next day morning, lying on the bed and wait.

Sam went home around 6am , came back to hospital to visit me at around 5pm, stayed with me about 1 hour or so. Around 11pm, Sam got me some food then he went back to clean up the house.

Though he didn't spend much time with me in hospital, but he can't contribute much if he stayed.