Opps! He did It Again

Yeah.. his daddy forgot (again!!) to bring baby J's binky out for an outing today. :S Not that we always feed him the binky, it was only when baby J is grumpy and normally, when he wanted to soothe himself to sleep.

Now that we are without the binky, it was like an atomic boom waiting to burst and mummy certainly does not like this feelings especially on a relaxing weekend! (>_<') It was hell for us trying to last through the dinner time. FYI we were at the shopping mall at 3-ish pm and we normally had our dinner at 6pm. All the screaming, crying, shouting and noise... it's like the 3 hours is 3 years in prison for mummy! Poor baby J had to endure all the pain from daddy.... sigh!!! when his daddy ever gonna be a responsible MAN!

Perfect Gift

I never knew that I would be using a breast pump this often... I thought like most skinny mothers, our milk production will be very little. FYI I'm a petite! :o) Thanks to my dear hubby also for buying me this medela swing breast pump. We bought it even before our baby was born. Hahah... just to stand by in case of emergency!!

We never think much about what kinda emergency will happened... at that time I read somewhere over some comments on the Internet (a very powerful source) that I should get one good pump myself. So I did went to buy a medela pump and I want to thank the person who give me this piece of valuable advise. Although I don't know who is this person really was, (I just know that she is a mother) I really would like to thank her for her honest and valuable advise. Also, I want to thank my hubby for buying it for me. :) Again, thank you my dear... xoxo

This medela swing breast pump which my hubby bought for me was quite expensive compare to other brands but lucky we made the right and good choice! The money was well spent on this product I have to say! :-)

Little do I know that "the emergency" finally came to haunt me!?! My baby was in a nursing strike!!! :x He refuses to nurse and my morning milk beginning to drop!!!!!! I felt terrible don't know what is happening at first when my baby refuses to nurse each time I tried to feed him. It has been for a 3 days already!!!! I felt so disconnected with my baby... I want to be there for him and give him the best I could at his age now... feeling very disappointed with myself lately. :'(

Lucky, thanks to the Internet (again, the most powerful source), I managed to detect / find out the reasons and solutions to my problem (yay!!!!). XD Also, I want to thank the Lactation Consultant at my hospital for giving me some tips on how to increase my milk flow... (although my milk flow hasn't been up and stable yet, I'm thankful for her help and for listening to my problems). It's very distressing sometimes especially when you need someone to listen or talk to about your problems no one is there... my hubby is always busy with his PC and handphone! :'(

Sometimes I don't really talk "with" him in a day apart from talking about our baby and his work... and sometimes I felt bad that I don't want to disrupt him with my problems. He always seemed tired and couldn't be bothered about his wife and her problems... :( so sad!

An Early Happy Father's Day

To my dear husband, who will be celebrating his first father's day with baby J, may you be blessed with abundance of love from this day forwards, and may you be blessed with knowledge on how to be a good father as well as good husband so to keep this family healthy and growing with lots of love and good values! :)

Thank you so much for being there for me and baby J.

We love you always and forever! God bless.

Contemplate

I've been thinking a lot lately about the legacy I want to leave with my children. What will they say when someone asks them what they loved about their childhood? What smells, sounds and sites will remind them of home? What values, and work ethic do I want to instill in them, and more importantly, how am I going to do it?

For me, these thoughts are incentive to create lasting family rituals, and continue the ones we have already established--- to at least have a meal together in a day (family dinner is essential), family days on weekends and public holidays, an appreciation and love for the outdoors especially morning walks, reading a story book together, singing, go to church every Sunday, and home cook meals... :o)

Getting Pass Anger

I'm still learning on how to let go those years of hurts in my life... I know it was wasteful of my time to still keeping it in my mind. However, I'm hopeful dear Lord will help me to over come those sadness that those people have done to hurt me & my family. I pray that one day I will break free from those hurt and wishing for new day to begin.

I pray that my dreams will someday come true and I hope that it will come true soon. It will give me greater strength to over come my hurt and replace it with the new hopes and dreams. They say I have to keep walking... progression is never easy but it is the key to happiness! And I have faith.

Serendipity

I don't care what people say who I am or whatever.... I am who I am because of the different experiences I have had in my life. In fact, those who speak ill of other should watch their mouth for they are not as good in person either. On the other hand, I'm glad that God make me who I am.

Handy Tips

I got this list of tips from a blogger and found some useful information that I never knew before. Here’s hoping you find something helpful too!

1. Stuff a mini marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips
2. Use a meat baster to squeeze pancake batter onto griddle. Perfect pancakes every time!
3. Place an apple in the bag with potatoes to keep them from budding
4. Add a pinch of salt to the water when boiling eggs to prevent cracking
5. Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispie treats
6. To get the most juice from lemons, bring them to room temp and roll under your palm on countertop before squeezing
7. To remove burnt food from skillet: add 1-2 drops dish detergent to water covering bottom of pan, bring to a boil, then clean
8. Spray plastic containers with non-stick spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces to avoid staining
9. If cake recipe calls for flouring pan, use dry cake mix instead for no mess on outside of finished cake
10. If you over-salt a dish while cooking, drop in a potato to absorb extra salt
11. Wrap celery in aluminum foil in refrigerator to keep for weeks
12. Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to loosen it up
13. For a throbbing headache: cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead (I haven’t tried this one)
14. Freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays for use in cooking later
15. For food stains on fingers: rub with raw potato and rinse with water
16. For mosquito bite itch: apply soap to bite for instant relief
17. For a splinter: place scotch tape over splinter and then pull it off. Works most of the time
18. Clean a toilet with 2 Alka Seltzer tablets! Soak for 20 minutes and flush
19. Use Alka Seltzer to clean vases and polish jewelry
20. Smile. It makes you, and everyone around you happier.

For more info pls go to: http://psychmamma.wordpress.com/

4 Month Old Milestone

Most babies in this age have enough strength to balance their head if sitting on your lap.>>Same for baby J.

The baby is also likely to be able to support himself on his whole arms when lying on his tummy. Some can even push up to lean only on their hands. >> Did it occasionally.

However, since nowadays most children sleep on their back, to minimize the risk of SIDS, studies indicate that it now takes longer for the average baby to develop enough strength to push himself up on his elbows and arms. They simply down practice as much as before.>> Not yet.

Sometime around four months, most babies' hand-eye coordination has developed enough to so that the baby really can grab things intentionally. Everything will go into his mouth! >> Baby J can grab very well now.

Now you must make sure that he can't get hold of things that may be harmful to suck on or swallow. >> so true!... heheh.. whatever baby J can get hold on, he will put it in his mouth first :D

With this new ability, your baby might have a period now when he is quite content with playing on his own for a while either in the baby gym or with his own hands or feet.>>True!

Yes - some fours months old babies are strong enough to be able to lift their feet high enough to be able to play with them or they'll simply chase their feet while sitting up. My youngest didn't do any of this at 4 months; he was much more interested in observing his surroundings. >> Baby J was able to hold his legs when he is on his back when I want to change his diaper. Also, he started to observe his surrounding more.

Language development continues. Some 4-month-old babies will start making different kind of sounds, practicing different vowels and possibly also some consonants. My youngest baby said a very clear "mama" at 4.5 months, of course not knowing what he said.>> If not mistaken, I sometiems hear him called 'daddy' but in a very soft tone.. :) but he can say "nen" in a very clear voice! :D

Sleep development - I read everywhere that babies around 4 months sleep through the night. My personal experience (my own as well as talking to a lot of other mothers) is that they don't at all! Well some babies do, but it is also quite common that babies wake up more frequently at around 4-month-old, because they are getting more hungry. So don't despair if your baby does not sleep through the night. Continue with your sleep routines, and discuss with your baby's healthcare provider if it may be the right time to start with some solid food.>> He still wakes up in the middle of the night for feeding but just once! This is great!!!! :)

The 4-month-old baby can really laugh out loud. A wonderful sound! >> Mummy & daddy loves to hear baby laugh! :D

Games to play

Talk to your baby!

At around 4 months, you might notice that your baby likes to meet other people. Being at home all day long can actually become a bit boring. Baby swim classes or baby singing or some other baby-friendly activity can be a fun way to stimulate the baby development now.>> He loves it when we sang "old mcDonald" song to him! :)

By a coincidence I also discovered that my 4-month-old baby was extremely interested in picture books. He got completely exited when he saw the bright colored pictures I was showing our toddler.>> He loves his "First 500 words" book. Though mummy bought other picture books as well.

So reading books can be added to the list. >> Baby J could't sit still to listen to story when mummy or daddy read to him... he will want to turn the page himself and if unsuccessful he will scream??!?

Getting up from lying to standing with your help (pull his arms carefully) is great fun as well as flying (you lift him high up into the air).>> Baby J loves this too! :D

If not earlier, your baby has probably become ticklish by now. (Newborn babies are not.) So tickling can be great fun. Many babies are very ticklish around their neck and thighs.>>Baby J loves it when being tickled...

You can encourage your baby to roll over from back to stomach by holding up toys for him to reach for. >> baby J not very interested!

Inspiring Friday

This afternoon while my little baby was napping away, I had a quick, short break-time in between before he wakes up again (these few days he has been catnapping). I quickly run through a few blogs and I found this amazing blog which inspired me today ( it was written by a blogger whom also a new mum). I couldn't agreed more to what she said in her blog about the "new" methods parents today should take in order to bring up a healthy child.

I love this phrase which is also my greatest inspirations for today as new parents! - “They will not endure life today, but we should equip them to thrive.”

And as parents, we should build bridges that they can hear the weight of truth for us to speak to them.

Another important nugget that I took from her with me is that despite the busy day, there are some natural activities that we can use to mentor our kids.

Check out the different roles that we can play with them:

1. At Meal Time – We can play the role of a teacher. we talk about the day and we try to make sense of it to them.

2. At Travel Time – We play the role of a friend. We talk to them about life.

3, At Bed Time – We play the role of a counselor. We discuss “heart issues” and play with them.

4. At Morning Time – We play the role of a coach. We motivate them to face the new day.

Personally, I feel that these nuggets are a great help. It keeps me aware of the the different roles that I can play consistently in the Children’s lives.

Hopefully, I can be consistent enough to raise up great kids!

Big Boy Present

Finally, finally.. After long debate and research... Our long awaited present was here today! :)

4 Months Old

Can't believe he is 4 months old today! They grow up so fast! :-)

(I know I kept saying this and still time never wait for us). I still remember when he was just a tiny little fella sleeping in my arms with his heart shape face and chubby cheeks and mouth open :)

A few notes about his milestone to date:

- he likes us to sing him lullaby when he sleep, especially twinkle twinkle little star, ABC, Do Re Mi, you're my sunshine, Ba Ba Black Sheep.

- he can lift his head up steady when he is on his chest but he does not like to be in that position for too long... and he will scream for help.. :S

- his fave past time is to suck on his thumb and pacifier. hopefully he can curb this bad habit soon.

- his fave book (first 500 words & the animals in the farm music book)

- he can understand what we say to him (some how)

- he likes to be carry in the sitting position rather than the sleeping position

- he wakes up in between 7.30am -8.00am every morning (our morning call esp for daddy!)

- he likes to bath and get naked but refuse to wear his diaper

- he likes to sucks on the apple mummy gave him

- he will whine or get fussy every nite before bed time

- when he is with daddy, he can sit the the stroller for hours but it is the opposite when he is with mummy

- he can response gracefully when you sing or smile at him and making eye contact with you

- his poop is dark green in colour compare to last time it was mustard yellow

- he sucks less mummy's breast now but prefer his binky (frustrated for mummy). Hopefully he will get back to sucking the breast again *wishful thinking*

- he sleep in hammock recently during nap time

- his back of his head is getting flat from sleeping on his back too much... he just can't or won't adjust to sleeping on his stomach (??) hopefully he can sleep on his stomach till his head got back round again *another wishful thinking*

- he dislike looking at the camera or when he is being shoot... he will either look away from the camera or refuse to smile and put on a cool face :)

- he have learn to sleep through the nite recently (thank God!), only wakes up once at around 6.00 am - 6.30 am for his first feed then went back to sleep till 7.30am - 8.00 am and wakes up again to play a little then goes back to sleep at 8.30 am or 9.00 am

A Few Notes on Motherhood

* I'm blessed to have known the true meaning of "unconditionally love" now. After having baby J, this word has opened a brand new meaning to my life. Yeah, even my baby J scratched my face and it leaved scars the next day (pain though :S).

* I have two wonderful grandmothers. Their grace and strength inspire me, and always will.

* Being a mother has given me new appreciation for all my parents fail (in some ways) or never been through in my life. I promise I will sticking it out to my children (no matter what) even though my parents never did to me when I need their help.

* I've learned a lot about myself through being a mother. I'm so much stronger than I thought I was. I will do anything to protect my children.

* As I held baby J while he bled last week, I realized in that moment that nothing is more important to me than the well-being of my children. I wish I could protect them from hurt or pain; but I realize it's my job to help them learn through life's experiences.

* I never realized I was capable of such a magnitude of love. To my child (or children I hope dear Lord will blessed me with more love in the future): Thank you for giving me the gift of motherhood. You are both miracles in your own way; and I'm so thankful for the privilege it is to be your mother. I love you.

Super Good

New word of the day and loving every moment it was being pronounced: Super goooood!

Der Rote Baron

Yesterday while rocking my baby to sleep, I came a cross this film in the TV, The Red Baron. It's a Greman biopic about the legendary World War I fighter pilot Manfred von Richthofen. I always love war movie plus love stories together in one. Not that I love to see people got killed, I just love to learn the past history and how leaders were at that time! This movie was released in April 2008.

More info on the movie please go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Baron_%28film%29

Getting Kids To Sleep Longer

Tired of tots coming into your room to ask you if it’s time to get up yet? Or, if they’re not “free-roaming” yet, maybe they just repeatedly call you with increasing volume until you respond, like Jenna does. Sigh.

Here’s a solution I love (got this great info from a blogger)!

Leave it to desperate parents to come up with something brilliant. The Good Nite Lite was developed by a dad who just wanted a little. bit. more. sleep.

It works like a night light that’s set on a timer. When it’s time to go to sleep, the happy moon face glows. When it’s wake up time (the time YOU choose and preset on the timer), the cheery sun face appears. A visual cue is a stroke of genius, especially for young kids who can’t yet tell time. I also love that it’s easily packable and portable for anytime you travel. Consistency (and sleep) when you’re on the road are pretty important too.

If you have a super early bird, gradually set the timer for a little later each morning until you reach a wake-up time where you all can function better. Especially you {smile}. Maybe you can even sneak in a cup of coffee before they get up.

Not quite sure if this will work on baby J??? Hhmmphh..... *thinking hard*.

The Good Nite Lite isn’t available in retail stores yet, but you can order online here: http://www.goodnitelite.com/index.php?page=product

Lovely Day

Although I'm completely and utterly exhausted tonight, I had a lovely day with my dear baby J. We played together and then he spent some time napping giving some space to breath and rest. Although this does not happens everyday.. but I'm hopeful that he will soon adjust to the environment outside the womb.