Life being a baby: 2nd month (27 August - 26 September 2013)

Its been too long and before I lost track of the thousands photos I have of Baby Ada, I better post the next few months! She is growing too fast for me to 'slowly savor' her baby moments. 

WEEK 5

Day 32 (27 Aug 2013)

"I love sun tanning since young, look at my skin tone!"

"Who can win me besides daddy?"

Day 33 (28 Aug 2013)

As tiny as a cocoon.

Day 34 (29 Aug 2013)

Mummy says she doesn't like funny hair accessories, but still wants to try on me. 

"Do I look pretty?"

Day 35 (30 Aug 2013)

Good Night!

WEEK 6

Day 36 (31 Aug 2013)

Our precious :)

Day 37 (1 Sept 2013)

As confinement nanny was the one who bathed Ada during her 1st month, I didn't realized there was a pimple like with pus till lately and it burst today! I thought it was abrasion with diaper but after visiting the doctor during her follow up for jaundice, it was nothing but her BCG (vaccination that was given on the first day when she was born)! 

Scary.

Plus I didn't know BCG was injected and neither do I know that it was on her buttock! I was so tired after labour, Liang was the one who told the nurses to proceed with all the necessary injections!

Day 38 (2 Sept 2013)

Met up with Alan for dinner at Takashimaya and went shopping for moon cakes as Mid-Autumn festival is coming in a few weeks!

Day 39 (3 Sept 2013)

Mummy was too tired and Daddy took care of me this morning! 

"No eyes see…"

Just kidding! I accompanied Daddy the whole morning watching marvel's movie. In case you thought he brought me out since I am in a stroller, you got it all wrong. Daddy left me on my stroller to keep me inclined so that I won't vomit due to reflux. Conveniently, I just fell asleep in my stroller, at home! 

Day 40 (4 Sept 2013)

Ada kept crying even we gave her Avent's pacifier for the past few days.  She will not even suck the pacifier for more than 5 seconds and the only thing that can make her quiet is either to let her latch on, or the milk bottle's teat! 

I suspected it was milk spurt and I've done tons of research online and indeed, milk spurt is around 5-7 weeks old. She can latch on for 30 minutes to 1 hour but once I put her down to bed, she will cry! 

Too fussy and I gave in to buying her a new pacifier as she cannot stop fussing for milk but can't drink too much as she will vomit (not spitting) due to reflux. 

Whew, new pacifier seems to work well.

Day 41 (5 Sept 2013)

Out to visit PD again and really hoped that her jaundice will go off soon. Heart aches whenever she needs to draw blood for the test and seeing PD once every 3 days is no joke, too expensive!

Day 42 (6 Sept 2013)

My sailor girl. 

OOTD!

Thank you Wenlong for the sweet little dress. 

WEEK 7

Day 43 (7 Sept 2013)

Bring the highlight to Jonas today! It was Brother and Sister-in-law's birthday celebration. But he was totally happy over it and rushed to sit on the chair as if it was his birthday. Ha-ha. 

Day 44 (8 Sept 2013)

Only a collage like that can show how expressive Ada was. LOL!

Daddy took all my photos that Mummy sent, and made me look so un-glam.

For the very 1st time since I was born, Yeye tried to feed me milk!

Day 45 (9 Sept 2013)

Pose for the day!

Day 46 (10 Sept 2013)

How is this? Better than the previous headband?

"Everyone says I'm cute, but mentioned nothing about the headband. hmmm."

Day 47 (11 Sept 2013)

Ada refused to sleep on her own and every time I lay her down on bed when she was soundly asleep, she will wake up the next moment! 

Oh man… I can still remember the tiredness back then~ I'm glad it's all over. 

Day 48 (12 Sept 2013)

"Do not try to bully me! I am fierce!!!"

Actually, Ada was just trying to pass motion. Poo-ing.

Day 49 (13 Sept 2013)

Tiden Kor Kor is confused, why does Ada keep crying when grandma was only trying to cut her nails? Tiden: "AH-ma, did you cut Ada accidentally?"

*FROWN*

Costed us a bomb when we visited the PD to take her 1st dosage of 6in1 vaccination. Cost about $500 for 3 vaccinations. 1 oral and 2 injections! Fever came shortly in the evening and reaches 38.5 degree. 

1st fever since birth and it's worrisome as PD said Ada's too young to be given panadol. All we could do is to keep her cool and monitor her temperature. Mum helped to sponge Ada and she just kept crying during the whole sponging session. Can't be helped but sponges does bring the temperature down for a while. Had my 1st sleepless night waking up hourly to take her temperature. Stayed at mum's place today while Liang worked through the night till really late.

"Tiden kor kor, I'm ok. Don't worry!"

WEEK 8

Day 50 (14 Sept 2013)

Luckily fever went away the next day noon. Fever due to vaccination shouldn't last more than 1 day. Feeling so much better!

Day 51 (15 Sept 2013)

1st visit to the departure hall to fetch Jonas Kor Kor home from their HK trip.

Day 52 (16 Sept 2013)

"Am I cute?"

Thank you Simore jie jie for the ultra comfortable towel!

Day 53 (17 Sept 2013)

Out for a walk! 

Day 54 (18 Sept 2013)

Not feeling well, so tired and I'm on antibiotic. We're hoping that the medicine will ease of the swollen lymph node on Ada's groin. Went to the PD immediately after I spotted the swollen lump and was advised to head to A&E immediately. F***

The journey to KK Hospital sucks a big time and i'm glad the queue wasn't too long before we get to see a nurse for registration followed by waiting in the Doctor's zone to wait for a doctor to diagnose her situation. We wasn't allowed to feed Ada's till doctor's clearance and it was too long a wait and she was wailing in the queue. Feeling totally helpless.

Sigh!

TOO WORRIED as if it doesn't subsides by tomorrow, she might need to be hospitalized :(

Day 55 (19 Sept 2013)

The antibiotic didn't work and we brought her back to KK hospital. She refused to eat the antibiotic and spits most out while crying… Told the doctor this and they recommended to inject in direct into her body system. Then again, KKH beds were fully occupied and we didn't get a bed till late noon and could only spend our time waiting at the registration counter for at least 3 hours.

I had such a hard time admiting her and holding onto her hand while she screams with fear and pain. Sobs. I'm glad the doctor did it with care and talked to her to distract her attention and allowed her to move about before she was ready instead of grabbing her hand.

We need to observe 1 day and see if the antibiotic works this way and if it doesn't, Ada will need to undergo a minor operation to remove the pus in the swollen node.

Day 56 (20 Sept 2013)

Took us a long time to get a schedule for Ada to get her pus removed. She was required to fast for 4 hours before operations and we knew she will be wailing so hard as she needed her feed on-time. Appointment for the operations was supposed to be at 2pm but got delayed till late evening. 

I've got no choice but to ask the nurse to check on the availability of the Ops room over and over again to confirm that we will proceed to feed her, but yet, still be on time for the evening slot. Ada has already cried for the longest time by then and fast for nothing!

Can't be angry as the Operations theatre is undergoing an emergency brain operations and I understand how the other party parents are feeling. We finally got called to the Ops theatre in the evening and Ada has cried herself to sleep. 

Too worried, and all our energy was maximized while hoping the Ops can be done soon and be over with ASAP. Doctors called for 1 parent to be in after the Ops. Liang went in and fed Ada medicine while I prepared her milk and brought it down to feed her the first minute she was awake from the Ops. 

WEEK 9

Day 57 (21 Sept 2013)

Supposed to be discharged today but we extended 1 night in order to let the antibiotic run directly to her body instead of feeding at home. We wanted to get out of the hospital ASAP but since this was more effective for Ada to absorb the medicine, I had a hard time getting the daddy to agree for another's day stay. Besides, the nurse were friendly and took care of Ada when it's time to give her antibiotic. 

Mum came to take over for 1 night while we went back to rest. 

Thank you Mummy, now I understand the pain you go through when we were young.

Speedy recovery was all we wanted. Get well soon baby Ada!

Day 58 (22 Sept 2013)

Home sweet home. Daddy's taking care of Ada while I rest. Thank you love.

Day 59 (23 Sept 2013)

It pained us so when we bring Ada back to clean her wound. She SCREAM on top of her voice when the nurse was dressing her wound for the 1st time and we know how pain it was when we saw how it was done! PAIN, even feeding her panadol before dressing she was screaming. Ouch!

Putting her to rest comfortably as she deserves a good snuggle for being such a strong darling.

Day 60 (24 Sept 2013)

"I'm tired!"

Since she can only sleep well while laying down on our chest, we tried to put her to bed on her tummy. Didn't let her sleep in this position for long as she still doesn't know how to flip. Once she is deep asleep, I will flip her back to sleep proper. 

Day 61 (25 Sept 2013)

OOTD

Resumed back her normal routine but still feeding her antibiotic for a week and panadol before her wound dressing. Wound dressing after the 1st time is so much better, still painful but since her wound is healing, cleansing is less in-depth. 

Day 62 (26 Sept 2013)

OOTD

Really glad that all the pain was over, but doctor's advice for lymph node was very vague. All we knew was due to virus but we do not know where, when and how. When asked if it will return, doctor said it is common for infant and toddlers but I have no wish to see it again. Stay away from Ada, please!

Dinner: Jpot at Tampines One

Bought a voucher at $59 from deal.com.sg that is worth $100 for Jpot steamboat and made a reservation 1 day before for dinner with Sis and family~ We were quite surprised when we were given a big table that is good for 10 adults when I only reserved for 4 adults, 3 children and 1 baby.

Luckily we were seated in a room as the whole dinner was so noisy with kids around and only a few tables in the room could hear us. 

Ordered Bak Kut Teh and JPOT Superior Broth as our soup base and both tasted nice. Everything was ordered through an iPad that was conveniently located near our table! Everything that was on the menu, could be found on the iPad and ordering was as easy as 123. Of course, there are certain things that we will still need to check with the staff, such as portioning etc, otherwise, you may just order without a need to call for a staff. 

Couldn't believe how technology has aided F&B by cutting manpower and on top of it, these expenses that were spent to improve efficiency and productivity can be partially subsidy by the government through the productivity & Innovation Credit (PIC) grant. You may find out more information about the grant through IRAS website. 

Not sure why they gave a quail egg along with the chicken. Maybe we should break the egg and mix it with the meat before cooking in the boiling hotpot?

Meatballs were handmade and very fresh!

and oh, since I am using the voucher, I am watching my cost as I place order on the iPad. It was so convenient! All I had to do was to view my cart and the final bill that looks exactly the same as the final receipt will be generated on the iPad.

Spent $150 in total and only topped up $50 after using the voucher. Hence, total cost of the dinner is $109 instead of $150. Come to think of it, it's like providing customer a 25% discount of their bill. 

All shops were closed after we finished our dinner. 

Still managed to grab a photo of the day! 

Say cheese…..

Ada was so happy and kept smiling when I'm trying hard to put her to bed. 

Yawns… 

2014 - An exciting year ahead

Before I could blog about 2013, it's already 2014... of course, if I want to cheat, we are still in 2013 based on the lunar calendar. The snake will only give up the throne to the horse, on 31st January 2014.

This gives me about 30 days more to blog on the happenings and things that I am grateful for in the year of Snake.  Needless to say, the biggest gift that I've ever got in 2013 was the birth of my darling, Ada.

She has made both Liang and I stronger, and a better person. It was the obstacles that kept 3 of us bonded when Ada went through some difficult times when she was born. I'm glad that everything is over and she is a happy baby now, and hope that none of those unhappy encounters will ever happen again!

Moving forward, 2014 might be another year of big purchases, if we get to collect the keys to the home that we gonna call it OURS! Big tickets purchasing have started since we got married in 2012, gave birth in 2013 and then, new house in 2014! Whew... Although we do not have a huge savings, we managed to get through these stages without feeling suffocated! Everything we did, it's within our means...

Then, before we know it, we will be celebrating Ada's turning 1!!! I'm still contemplating if we should do any celebration or do it privately! Any proposed idea for consideration?

Back to the topic, 2014 also meant that from now till she turns 1, we will continue to grow and explore new things with her. Such as upgrading her food from milk to puree to chunky bits and full solid! Teaching and seeing her to crawl, walk and run and listening to her babbles to learning how to form proper words!

Such experience can never be compared with anything else in the world and I guess all parents would feel the same. Although I can understand how much parents wants to be around for all their child's first time, I can't be a stay-home mum, not for now maybe? I've been compensating my time with Ada by knocking off on time and taking care of her on my own over the weekends and holidays.

Enough said about family matters and Ada, it's time to get personal!

Can't wait for holidays actually, and the first one to come will be in March, to Phuket! Then, in May, to Hong Kong (HK)! Yeah! Oh… I have not uploaded anything about Taiwan trip 2013~ Backlogged!

Been wanting to do something but I'm really lacking confident to do it on my own! It seems like there is going to be so much hurdles if I'm going to work on it! Think think think… self-checking before jumping on it. Not getting young anymore and I know if I don't work on it soon, I'll lose the energy to do it in a few years time. Want to know what exactly it is? I'll update if I decided on it!

Meanwhile, life will go on as usual~

Dinner: Poulet at Bedok Mall

Spent a fair bit of time at Bedok Mall last weekend and queued a few rounds to play the game to win capitaland star points. Capitaland did a great job promoting this Star points and the opening of Bedok Mall and has definitely attracted many others to sign up for the member card. Much better as compared to Frasers which also has a loyalty program for members to accumulate points.

Had dinner at Poulet with parents and obviously they are not comfortable with French cuisine since there is no rice items in the menu. All they had was mashed potatoes, wedges and sandwiches.

Poulet was good but still, I will not join in the queue to eat. We went in when there are no queue and seating was available immediately. Halfway through our dinner, the queue starts forming, whew~

   

Both the mushroom and onion soup was nice! Thumbs up.

Lamb shank for Mum. The meat was not tender enough with a strong mutton taste. Those who doesn't like the smell will definitely not prefer this dish. 

New item on the menu, Orange flavoured. I preferred this to the original flavoured.

Pork Belly for the Hubby who loves fats. Not too bad, but meat was not tender enough too. 

Star dish of the night, hot favourite - Original Roasted Chicken

Worth a try after all! 

Life being a baby: 1st month (27 July - 26 August 2013)

Ada has too many photos to be uploaded but I've decided to streamline it to either 'outfit of the day' (OOTD) or memorable photo to reflect a typical event that has happened on the day. It has been 5 months plus since Ada was born but all the images recalls back memories easily! 

WEEK ONE

Day 1: (27 July 2013)

"Hello everyone, I can't wait to meet you all!"

I can't believe this little one stayed in my womb for almost 10 months!

Day 2: (28 July 2013)

"I've rested for a day, and I'm ready to see you!"

My little hamster, snuggling after feeding. Of course, the breast milk has not started production. Latching was necessary to enhance milk flow! 

Day 3: (29 July 2013)

"Ouch, that's hot"

Both of us were supposed to be discharged today but doctor advised us to let Ada stay for one more day to monitor her jaundice level. We hesitated but decided to extend a night stay for both myself and Ada so that I can continue to stay in the hospital to let her latch on during feeding time.

I guess the UV heat was quite hot as her ear turned red and dark patches surfaced as rashes starts to appear on her stomach :( Wore mittens and booties to prevent her hands and feet from getting dry. 

Day 4: (30 July 2013)

"Why is this bathing method different from the past 2 days???"

Yeah! We can be discharged and daddy was so happy... Can't wait to let Ada sleep on her cot for the 1st time. Ada's 1st bath at home by the confinement nanny.

Day 5: (31 July 2013)

"Awwwwww… Snuggle snuggle"

Looking all comfortable at home.

Day 6: (1 Aug 2013)

"Am I pretty, Mummy?"

Went out for the first time for a follow-up at the Children's clinic at Toa Payoh. Pediatrician fixed an appointment for us to go back to her clinic to review Ada's jaundice level 2 days after we discharged. 

Thank you Eileen for the pretty DIY hat and mittens

Requested for us to take a blood test at Mt. Alvernia's laboratory after checking on Ada and found that she looked yellow after pressing her face, chest and thighs. Instead of doing a blood test at pd's clinic, we went back to Mt. Alvernia so we that will be able to know the result faster. 

Jaundice level was considered high as it went up to 12 and an admission was recommended to keep Ada under the ultraviolet light for 2-3 days to ensure that the jaundice level will drop by day 2.

Didn't know that it could hurt so much to leave my daughter in the hospital alone and under the UV lights. Although she won't feel anything as she was too young to realize, the pain of leaving her with somebody else is enough to break our hearts! Of course, we understand that it's for her good so we admitted her once the result is out.

Day 7: (2 Aug 2013)

"Sigh… Why am I back. It's hot in here! 
I will get well soon to get out of the blue rays"

Many trips were made to and fro the hospital to ensure that she was fine, to latch her on during her milk time in the day and also to deliver breast milk for the nurses to feed her at night. We will leave home as early as 11am and stay till 11pm before we head home to rest.

WEEK TWO

 Day 8: (3 Aug 2013)

"Hello Mummy, can we go home already?"

Visited my little ham ham in the hospital and glad that jaundice level dropped by 2 after a day under the UV lights. She has to stay in the hospital for another day and we hoped that the result will be satisfactory for discharge tomorrow!

 Day 9: (4 Aug 2013)

"Daddy's feeding so it's safe. I can sleep while I drink."

Yeah Yeah! We are back home and it's daddy's first time feeding Ada! We tried using Playtex first but she keeps pushing the teat out while sucking. We thought that the teat might be too hard for her and switch back to Avent after this.

 

 Day 10: (5 Aug 2013)

"New clothes? I'm feeling comfortable though"

OOTD!

and ohhh… her umbilical cord stump dropped today! This was a dried version after we dusted some baby powder and sun it for 2 days. 

Day 11: (6 Aug 2013)

" *kicks* Can you spot my birthmark?"

OOTD! 

This was the most fitting romper (smallest) -,-

We used it for the set of maternity photos that we have taken at W Hotel! You can check out the photos on my previous blog post - Pregnancy (Maternity Photoshoot)

Day 12: (7 Aug 2013)

"Hmmmm, this owl friend is so soft!"

OOTD!

Thank you Eileen and Edwin for carrying the soft toy all the way back from US, it is very soft! 

Amidst all the preparation for Ada's birth-cert, CDA bank account, baby bonus and registration for infant care at various centre, we have decided on her Chinese name. Official summary of her name was sent to us today and will keep it for her till she grow up and read it on her own. 

Ada a.k.a 馨蔓

Day 13: (8 Aug 2013)

"I need some support to prevent my head from nodding."

My love is supporting her head with her hand : >

 Day 14: (9 Aug 2013)

"Happy Birthday Singapore! Ki qiu (hokkien)!"

Who will support me if I want to be a politician when I grow up? It's never to early to start investing in me, look for my daddy and mummy if you're interested ok!

I will do honor to my country, my people and of course, my family!

先有国，才有家!

WEEK THREE

 Day 15: (10 Aug 2013)

"It's too bright out there… not for me. Good night peeps!"

 Day 16: (11 Aug 2013)

"Stretching time! Good morning, I am awake from my nap!" 

Remembering how Ada can't fit into this jumpsuit as it was kind of big, can't help thinking that kids really grow too fast when she is able to fit in nicely after 2 weeks!

Now...

...then.

     

  Day 17: (12 Aug 2013)

"I'm trying to relax as much as I can, chill~"

OOTD x 2 today! Too difficult to choose 1 out of the 2 OOTD. Both also cute… 

Thank you Sis for the pretty Kitty set! 

Day 18: (13 Aug 2013)

"Feeling so femine after wearing this top… free hugs anyone?"

Thank you Esther for all the cute pre-loved clothing that were in tip-top condition! This is only 1 of the many pieces that you have passed to me.

Day 19: (14 Aug 2013)

"Errrrrr? Somebody help me? Daddy's trying funny poses on me."

We haven't been practicing Tummy time for Ada since birth as she have frequent reflux and will regurgitate milk out after drinking milk. We will have to sit her / incline her bed or carry her for the next 20 minutes after feeding. Today, daddy tried to let her do a quick tummy time but who knows, Ada's regurgitated faster. She spitted a mouthful on bed once she was in the following position! 

Then.. daddy quickly lift her up and sit upright. Phewwww… 

Day 20: (15 Aug 2013)

"Finally something to pacify and soothe me to bed…"

Since Ada reflux was quite bad, we can't feed more anything more than 60ml and nothing until 3 hours later. Guess she need more milk than what she could actually take in and hence, the non-stop crying. She would fuss for 30 minutes till we really couldn't bear to see her crying anymore, we will feed. Otherwise, I will latch her on and she will suck for about 15 minutes. The thing with breastfeeding, is you will never know how much your baby is drinking. All I can do is to estimate based on the milk level I would have if I"m expressing it plus another 10%? 

So after drinking, she will regurgitate once I try to burp her. -.-" 

Hence, the last resort is to pacify her needs by a pacifier! As the name says, it really pacifies her for a while. But I realized, after a while, she knows that no milk is coming out and start wailing!

This is the smallest pacifier fit for newborn and looking huge on her!

Day 21: (16 Aug 2013)

"I'm feeling happy today, smirk~"

OOTD

WEEK FOUR

Day 22: (17 Aug 2013)

"Why do you always have to burp me Mummy? Bleah!"

I always thought that it's very uncomfortable for a baby to be burped this way till I hands on and following what the nurses taught me, I actually find it useful. Babies are too small to be carried and burp, they are also not able to sit upright on their own. Hence the best method, is to support their head and pat them lightly on the lower left back (where the stomach is located as told by the nurse). However, I don't use this method often as I felt that I'm squashing her face.

Day 23: (18 Aug 2013)

"This is so comfortable and cooling… but my head keep dropping sideways."

Set-up the traditional rocker and tried Ada on it since she needs to sleep on a inclined bed to minimize her regurgitation. Looks comfy but I don't really like as her head kept falling to the side. 

Day 24: (19 Aug 2013)

 "Squeezed, I've lots of pillow and bolster during bedtime."

Day 25: (20 Aug 2013)

"I'm youthful and I know it… but why a pimple at such a young age!"

Spotted a pimple or baby acne on Ada's face! Argh… applied the gel given by the hospital that was used to treat rashes and spots. Hopefully it'll heal soon!

Day 26: (21 Aug 2013)

"Am I prettier today? Pimple pimple go away."

Glad that either the gel works or the pimple has gone away on its own by the next day!

Day 27: (22 Aug 2013)

"I'm 20 days old! Have you started loving me?"

Day 28: (23 Aug 2013)

"Yawns, it's nap time again?"

WEEK 5

Day 29: (24 Aug 2013)

"Raised eyebrows. What??? I'm turning 1 month soon?"

We will be celebrating Ada's 1st month tomorrow and all preparation has been completed! Time to catch some sleep and wake up early soon!

Day 30: (25 Aug 2013)

Ta-daaa… times flies! Today also marks the last day of our confinement nanny. Oops.

Daddy and Darling girl, both are so TANNED!

Managed to capture 2 dads in the photo! Ada's dad and MY dad!

Want to know what we've planned for Ada's first month party? 

Read my post on Baby Ada: First month celebration (25 Aug 2013)

Day 31: (26 Aug 2013)

"Do you like my new hairstyle? 

This is probably the first and last time I'll going bald. Give me a choice and I'll say no!

Brought Ada to shave away her hair as a newborn's hair is considered 'dirty' and needs to be shaved off. Another saying would be newborn's hair are very fine and hair will grow better if it's being shaved. Regardless of which saying we are believing, no harm to shave bald for once to go with the tradition. 

By the way, we shaved her eyebrows too! As the saying goes, it will shave away the 霉气.

Ada don't looked like Ada after shaving and holding onto her is like carrying another baby for awhile. 

The 1st month photo series is finished and I'll try my best to find more time to do up the 2 month photo series soon. Be posted :)

p.s. if you find that this blog is too long, simply skip that next few similar series of blog posts.