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July 21 Our Lives- 2H 2008Hi everyone, it's been a long time since I wrote any update about what's happening in our lives. Well, we were in Oz in May and thereafter were busy packing to shift to our new home. We settled in on 30 May 2008…and it has been great. Thanks to my parents-in-law for their months of dedication to get the house ready for us. We now also have a room for Evan…and he adores it. With all the colourful decorations on the wall…and finally graduating to a super single mattress where he can roll…he loves sleeping on the floor…so we didn't eventually get a bed for him. But the mattress is a really good latex one..so he is very comfortable…It took us a few hard nights to get him adjusted to sleep in his room on his own….but after that he was alright. I still put him to sleep every night. I will let him lie on his mattress and I will lie closeby or sit and wait till he falls asleep. He feels very secure to see his mommy before he closes his eyes to sleep. Of course we have our usual bedtime prayers and he will always say a loud "Amen". Evan is now 19 months and half months…He is a very very active toddler..and really a genius. He can identify all alphabets now…from A-Z! no kidding… except "W" which is hard to pronounce. Thanks to Lulu…this toy that Aunty Ann and Uncle Andrew (thanks!) bought for him when we were in Oz…Lulu helped him with his alphabets. He can also say 1-20. Except "eleven" which he tries very hard…and sounds quite close. So now that he can identify alphabets and numbers…he likes to read out number plates of any car when we are on the road! It's really cute and funny. And he really loves numbers. Just give him a numbers book and he can read that for a while. He loves books! He is crazy about them. He learns names of objects, colours, animals now from different board books. And recently he showed a lot of interest on story books…and I have been reading to him…during his meal times. And sometimes he wants me to read the same story over and over again. He also loves TV! Mickey mouse, Pocoyo and Little Einsteins (that's actually my favourite show now). But lately he is addicted to the story of the First Creation and Adam and Eve. Been watching it over and over again. He also still goes for his swimming and kindermusik. And he was recently promoted to the toddler's class in Sunday school. No more baby class. They learn a lot of good values in the class and play with a lot of games, sing songs and hear bible stories.
The most rewarding of all experience, is he can now point to mommy and say 'mommy' and point to daddy and say 'daddy!. Wow… When I say cheek to cheek, he will lean his cheek on mine and gives me a big hug and kiss. Of course, besides the many wonderful stories…he is still a 19-month toddler! Who is as mischievous and cunning. He recently soaked my handphone in his cup of water (which I had to dry using the hairdryer), likes to climb on my coffee table, sofa…on the tv, dvd, and plays with all the remote controls in the house. He doesn't touch switches or plays with breakable items though (I don't really have many)…so that's good. He can also show tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants…by lying on the floor and beating it real hard with his hands while screaming. We will all just totally ignore him and then he will realize that nobody is paying attention to his tantrums. Recently he likes to spit out food that is cold, or doesn't want to eat…and I have been hitting him real hard on his hands to stop him from this habit.
But he still eats most food…ie not a very fussy eater. He loves, fish, chicken, pork, beef. Broccolis, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, etc…He suddenly has a craze over mangoes! It used to be bananas…and apples…but now is mangoes..and it has to be Pakistani or Indian mango and sweet! Not the Malaysian mango. He also loves cookies…and he can go to the kitchen and point a tin of cookies and say 'cookie'. Of course we have to feed him with lots of water after that. He is now fully on formula milk and we are giving him Enfagrow…which he loves. Other than that, he has his yogurt and cheese every other day and Scotts Emulsion every morning. He also loves oats with bananas. Now that he only naps once a day, I usually leave him with my mom in the afternoons, while I pop in to the office to finish my work. Am working on 2 high profile cases at the moment…freelance basis with very good flexi hours. Then I am off to the gym for my exercise and swimming before returning in the evening. I cook about 2 times a week while the other times we drop by my parents place or eat out. Marcus and I also have our park-tho time once a week or fortnightly and it has been good…without Evan! God has been faithful and amazing…by providing us with such a beautiful home. Even the price we prayed and believed in faith He would give to us, we had it!. I have also been asking the Lord to wake me up by 7.30 everyday so I can say bye to Marcus as he goes to work and spend some quality time with the Lord. That's when I look outside at the view from my master bedroom, read the Word and pray. It has been so great…The Lord gives me fresh manna every morning and leads me to pray for my family and friends and anything. I will always manage to wrap up before Evan wakes up at 9 a. Here are some photos of my new home:
January 03 Happy New Year!First of all, Merry belated Christmas and a Happy New Year 2008! Meant to write earlier but as usual was so busy with Christmas and the overflowing dinners and dinners... and guess what...the binging is going to start again cos next month is CNY!
Evan turned 1 last Dec 12 and is now a very very active pre-toddler. Time really flies...can't imagine he's growing up so fast! He's very sociable, bubbly and responsive now. It's amazing how much his understanding of the vocabulary has expanded. He can understand "What time?", "Open the door", "Close the door", "Clap hands" "Bye Bye", "Where's your ears", etc. He can also climb sofas by himself, cruise faster (round and round furnitures) and come down from the bed by himself. We are still waiting for him to start walking but for now, we are not rushing him...He's very happy on his fours and crawls everywhere... including climbing stairs. He loves climbing my mom's stairs and everytime he does a big achievement, he will clap his hands to praise himself! I guess because we used to clap our hands to praise him, now he is imitating us. You can watch in the video below when we ask him for the time and he knows he has responded and clapped to praise himself.
We weighed him about 2 weeks ago and he has reached 10.1 kgs. His growth pace will kinda slow down now and would likely put on only 1 kg a year. In terms of food, we have also given him eggs, prawns and he has shown no reactions.. so we are also trying to expand his gourmet variety. Daddy wanted to introduce him to Cha Kuey Teow and Hokkien Mee but of course, mommy always takes it slow. He can finish 1 pau by himself for breakfast, and including 1 big bowl of Kuey Teow soup. Very much a carbo boy.
We have uploaded pictures of his birthday party as well. He was spoiled with lots of gifts and mostly we his favourite kind of toys! Now the whole apartment is filled with his toys. He received a talking and singing bear (from Uncle John), Winnie on the bike, a walking turtle, a big drum set (his dream gift), a fire truck, books, etc.... We also took him to the Aquaria in KLCC for an outing to watch fishes and sharks. And many outings to view all the christmas decorations in the malls. I would imagine that he would have been tired out this Christmas!
Here's his webpage to view the pictures
and a recent video in the attachment. Will uploade more later...Fore more viewing, it's uploaded in my facebook. Enjoy!
November 20 Less than 1 month to go!Hello hello.... I meant to give an update on Evan some time ago...but can hardly find the time to do so...Well, one sure thing is Evan doesn't like when I spend more time on the computer than playing with him. Ha haa....real attention seeker...
Well, time really flies and soon we will be serenading Happy Birthday to Evan! We are already practising at home and he seems to like it a
lot....and wondering what's the song all about it. Nonetheless, he will give a big grin after we have finished singing the song! In the restaurant if other ppl are singing the song and it's not for him, he gets quite upset....real attention seeker again.... He is cruising a lot now...and very very hyper.. Up and down the sofa..Now even climbing up people's legs or shoulders to get up the sofa...cos he knows his own legs are too short to reach up the sofa. He can also come down from the sofa by himself...i.e. turning his body around so that his legs reach the floor first. He is also climbing up coffee tables, side tables, etc....throwing virtually everything on the tables to the floor. He started picking up soft toys by their ears
and throwing on the floor real hard too. I couldn't take it anymore so I had to teach him how to 'sayang' or love his toys. I would basically hug them and kissed them in front of him. Now when I say 'kiss...kiss'.... he will actually kiss his toys and hug them too. Very cute and fast learner! Of course there are days he refuses and is back to throwing all his toys everywhere and on the floor! Also enjoys throwing all our handphones on the floor real hard.... sigh... we have to slap his hands real hard when he does that. Sometimes he gets the hint that it is not approved and starts crying for acceptance but sometimes is quite thick skinned and doesn't get the message. Well, that would mean more slaps from mommy! Since slapping his hands on touching door hinges, pulling down the computer table and internet wires, going into the kitchen and all bathrooms...he has kinda stopped repeating those acts. Last night for the first time, he started slamming doors and cupboards. Wonder what else he can start doing over the next few weeks! Recently we have been dancing a lot together as well... The new semester in Kindermusik has been really good with songs of tango, cha
cha, the waltz, etc. He can now do the tango... It's really cute.. when we first started he won't turn his head following our hands..but now he can! Left, right, left, right until the section finishes. He also likes the waltz cos it is slow and graceful. Few days ago we started playing Nat King Cole's christmas carols and he dances with me too... feels good.. since I can't get his daddy to dance with me! He's cutting more teeth with another 2 at the bottom row... that explains his night wakings (at least 2-3 times every night) and
excessive thumb sucking and biting lately... All in all he still makes up for his sleep during the day... Well, we are all waiting for him to take his first few steps on his own....he still walks aided at the moment. While it will be less
streneous on our shoulders once we don't have to carry his 10 kgs weight and he can walk, I really would be expecting more chaos in the house when that happens... ha ha... At the moment, my maid and I are practically running after him every 5 secs, shouting"no..no...NO.."... so we are very happy when his nap time comes...and we can lie on our beds and rest before his next string of activities start again! Anybody still visits this site?HI.....anybody still visits this site??. Say 'Yay' if you do... I know am kinda lazy and complacent and now too caught up with Facebook!!! Will promise to do some updates soon.... October 05 We are back!Hey there....we are all back from Phuket in one piece!
Evan had his first plane ride and he enjoyed it....well...there were no complains... I nursed him on the plane and he slept while take off... Coming back also nursed him but he was awake and felt all the air pressure going up but didn't complain or cry... he has really matured...and is so well behaved...can even sit on the plane seat by himself. Before we landed in Phuket he was so excited looking at the islands from the plane window that he started jumping and jumping on the plane seat. Ha ha...was really cute! Here's a pic of his first passport stamp!
And pictures of him sitting like a big boy in his own seat and one with mommy and daddy:
We had fun in Phuket with Evan....he kept to Malaysian time for his feeding and napping and so happened our programmes all scynchronised nicely with his timing! It was his first beach experience and ours with Evan! I thought we were more excited than him! ha haa....He woke us up early at 7 a.m. and we quickly dressed to catch the morning sun at the beach and pool. . But i think he's a bit too young to appreciate the beach....he was probably thinking there's so much water out there....ha ha... well I figured that out by the look on his face...hee hee...Here's pics taken at the beach with daddy:
After spending time at the beach, we played at the swimming pool....This was Evan's 6th venture to the pool and he really enjoyed it. Tried to take some pics of him smiling but quite difficult to catch.... Taught him how to swim to daddy and he a little bit underwater....Here's a pic of us in the pool Later Evan had his nap and we went out to the mall... We had a feast for the first night.... My dad's friends took us for some good seafood...and boy, we were overeating...There were crabs, prawns, fish, Thai Otak, etc....but no veggie! Seems like Thais don't eat a lot of vege and their food is full of coconut and spicy....Wonder how their cholesterol level is! ha ha...
The second day was raining so we spend the day at another mall before heading back for some nice Thai dinner. Evan was as his usual self, very happy and this is a pic of him smiling:
and one more pic with mommy
Wish I could put more pics in the blog...but kinda time consuming...have uploaded most of it to FACEBOOK. If you are on facebook, you can look up for it there. If you are not, hey, it's a real cool way to stay and get connected to your friends all around the world... Here's my all time favourtie shot of Evan while we were having lunch. He looks really adorable and sweet in this picture.
All in all, the holiday was a good break from the routine and a prove to us that it's easy to take Evan out travelling...cos he is really easy going. We also enjoyed it cos time was in our hands and we didn't have to rush from one place to the other...Maybe next year we'll go back again.... that would be hubby and my 7th time probably....Phuket is now like our second home! September 21 Missing in action!Gosh, it's been almost a month since I last blogged! Ya, so many things happened until i lost clue to what date or month it is now. Hubby and I fell pretty sick with the flu bug and then I started my part time work, and Evan got the flu bug and am also now packing to go to Phuket next week!
Since I started my part time work I hardly have any time for anything....I only work 3 hours in the afternoon, either 3-4 days a week but I still feel it's taking a lot of my time. Not sure if I wanna continue this job cos it is really mind boggling and too much paperwork. The reports that have to be written are close to 200 pages thick and how can i manage with only 10 hours a week. Well, just going to finish the present case study and that's it....for now. Problem is, the lady boss is so manipulative in nature and she shows her really desperate self that she needs extra hands for work...but I guess I am not obligated to work for her....gotta meet my priorities first...and find another job less taxing...
 Have started packing for our trip and got some clues from friends on packing baby's stuff. Sunflower taught me how to roll baby's clothes and pack them neatly and tightly so I have more space. Well, I tried that last night and it worked. So far about 50% done and few more days to pack his towels, bibs, face towels, medication, swimming gears, etc.... Gosh...his bag is twice the size of mine and I am even sharing my space with hubby! I feel like I am moving the whole house or something. Any other tips from mommies out there and how to pack smart? Sorry, am a beginner and still learning...
 O.k. will blog again once I return from Phuket with pictures of our holidays. Praying for a safe flight (ya...my mom freaked out over the plane crash few days ago) but we have prayed and prayed and the Lord's hand is on the plane and our seats.... Ta! August 17 Hillarious with a Purpose!Yes, I finally watched Evan Almighty with hubby yesterday at TGV (shows before 6 p.m. is only RM7 per person). Thought it was something like Bruce Almighty but it was much better. Really hillarious indeed! A must watch for those waiting for a light-hearted comedy just to destress or chill out.
I must give thumbs up to the author...after all it is indeed an orginal film and so creative to think of a story line like this. Throughout the show I could tell that there was one underlying message and the writer made it fun to learn by putting it in a movie like this. Basically newly elected Congressman, Evan Baxter wants to win publicity by "Changing the World" and he is reminded by his wife of his new promise and efforts that he should consider to embark on "Changing the World". Perturbed by this, Evan prays and ask God to help him, well...Change the World. Next morning, he discovers that the Lord has shipped to him essential tools to help him in his new request and that is to build an ARK. He was to be Noah, to save the world from the imminent flood that would come. Well, want to know more, gotta see the show for yourself la!
2 very key messages of the show was...instead of doing great great exploits (nothing really wrong in that) for the Lord such as "Changing the world" and asking God to throw you into the deepest ocean to prove it, the Lord will ask you to start small.. and in ways you can't imagine. In this case, for Evan to build an ark. And showing "A Random Act of Kindness" (A.R.K) to people around you...it's that simple but yet so difficult to do sometimes. God had to ask Evan to build him an ark and in that process teach him many lessons. Next message was when God spoke to Evan's wife....if you ask God for something, for eg. patience, he won't give patience to you but give you an opportunity to learn it. That hit me hard... I had to be reminded again! Cos yup, I always ask the Lord to teach me to be a better mom and yes, he is teaching me each day but why am I still not learning or so impatient? Still got a looong way to learn...
I sure think the author is a Christian and has amazingly put it in a box office selling hit! And the Lord has opened doors for this to be screened, even in Malaysia as well! Wow!
August 15 EVAN ALMIGHTYHi....One year has passed and tomorrow is 16 August...my anniversary! Yup....4 years now. Wow.... A lot of ppl say 4 years is a breaking point...some marriages don't work and some struggle and some thrive to work. I can say that I am trying WITH THE GRACE OF GOD to make mine work. It has not been a bed of roses (yes, and even roses have thorns!) but really committing everyday to the Lord and asking for His grace is what keeps us going...
To celebrate it we are going to have lunch together (yup, hubby is taking half day off) and we are going to catch Evan Almighty! Have been wanting to see this show for a while now... and we even thought of taking Evan along...but then I won't be having peace and quiet during the movie...so it's just be romantic outing with hubby la!
Talking about Evan Almighty, Evan is indeed acting like Almighty recently. He is going thru this phase of "I WANT MY MOMMY ONLY".... and cries at night if I don't put him to sleep. Gosh.... he wants to snuggle up with me in bed when I nurse him. I have no problems with that cos I am also so attached to him now...but recently if anyone goes near him before bedtime he gets phobia that "mommy don't want me anymore...sob sob"... which happened one night when I came back late from music prac. Last night he cried at 2 a.m. and even daddy couldn't console him. So kesian la to see him like this...I always reassure him that mommy won't run away...is always here... IF not, he cries and refuses to breathe when he cries...It's really quite frightening. And he is like acting up to it...like a big drama, cos when I start to carry him, he suddenly laughs and chuckles again. So very cheeky. Anyway, I am like so zombified cos of yesterday's drama.... How long will this phase last?
Here's a picture of him being a proud owner of 2 teeth which we took on Sunday:
August 08 In case you didn't knowO.k....i was suppose to talk about my breastfeeding experience, but before I do that,...I still want to provide more info about why breast milk is more superior. o.k. O.k.... boring...topic... esp. for all the non-moms out there...sorry ah, but I need to pen this down somewhere cos it's going to be my reference point.
Am sure you have heard ppl say "mommy's milk very good lar"...or "better feed mommy's milk"...and when you ask them why, very often they don't have a good answer and just say because "eerr...cos mommy's milk better la!"....Well, it's important to know "why" in everything we do....so here are some scientific facts WHY it is better...
God's creation is so wonderful that the milk of each species is especially designed to that particular needs of species. For eg., milk of a blue whale has the highest fat content (50%) and this is adapted to the high calorie needs of the huge newborn and to the cold environment. The blind baby kangaroo (joey) grows very rapidly and the milk is very concentrated with 8% more protein. If we feed cow's milk to a joey, the baby kangaroo will suffer from cataracts of the lenses as they lack the enzymes to metabolise galactose, derived from milk sugar, lactose. Therefore, each living species should feed on milk of their species alone...and that includes humans. To date, although improved infant formulas have somewhat mimic breast milk due to improved technology, but the superiority of human milk remains unchallenged.
What's different?
1. Nitrogen and protein content
Cow's milk has higher protein which also differs qualitatively. The casein/whey protein ratio in cow's milk is approximately 82/18 whereas in human milk is 20/80. Casein is precipitated as calcium-casinate in the stomach. To break this complex, a sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid is needed...hence the amount is too large in cow's milk compared to human milk. That's why human milk is more easily disgested.
Lactoferrin, an iron binding glycoprotein is found more in breast milk than cow's milk. It plays an important role in iron absorption in the infant intestine and iron in breast milk absorbs to a higher degree than milk formula. It also plays an essential role in the defence mechanism against gastrointestinal infesction by inhibiting the growth of organisms. Antibodies (esp immunoglobin-A), cells, including lysozymes and lactoperoxidase are present in great quantities in human milk, thus is a protection against infections.
Breast milk also contains higher levels of cystine and taurine. Cystine is an amino acid which plays an important role in brain development.
2. Carbohydrate
Almost all carbohydrate in human milk is lactose. Lactose contains galactose which is more readily utilised by the red blood cells and the liver of infants in the early weeks of life. It is utilised in the synthesis of galactocerebrosides which is imporant for brain growth. 3. Fat
Levels of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are greater in breast milk, which is advantageous of the absorption of fat itself. Human milk also contains lipase which starts the digestion of fat long before the intestinal juices act on the digested milk, thus making free fatty acids available for the supply of necessary energy for the infant. For bottle fed babies, the palmitic acid of cow's milk which is set free by lipase is then precipitated by calcium in the intestinal lumen and finally excreted, thus leading to loss of both fat and calcium. This is why hypocalcaemic convulstion is more common in babies fed on cow's milk.
The cholesterol levels in human milk are higher than cow's milk. However, the ingestion of cholesterol during infancy may induce enzymes which may ensure better subsequent cholesterol metabolism and lower serum cholesterol later in life! This also showed an absence of coronary artery disease among teenagers who had been on breast milk for at least 2 months compared with no breast feeding. Thus, breast milk may have a role to play in the prevention of adult coronary artery disease! Wow!
3. Minerals & Water
The concentration of minerals is over 3 times greater in cow's milk than human milk. The effects of high sodium and high phosphorous content in cow's milk leading to hypernatraemic dehydration and neonatal tetany is well known. Iron is best absorped in breast milk than cow's milk. 49% of iron was absorbed from breast milk compared to 10% in cow's milk. Infants on cow's milk also develop anaemia as early as 4 months while breast fed not till 9 months.
O.k. o.k save for all the technical jargons, on the physical aspects, breast milk is better because:
1. More easily digested.
2. Better brain development
3. Better digestion of fat and higher energy levels for infant
4. More calcium
5. Easily absorped by red blood cells and liver
6. Prevention against infections
7. Prevention against adult coronary artery disease
8. Better iron absorption
On the emotional aspects, it is great bonding for child and mother and the child also grows up to be a more secure, loved and cared for as they constantly feel the comfort and nurturing of the mother. This also has an effect on the development of a mother's subsequent behaviour to her infant! August 02 World Breastfeeding Week-The first hour save 1 million babies!Yup, almost forgot that this week is World Breastfeeding Week and its theme is The first hour save 1 million babies! I am now coming to my 8th month of breastfeeding and it has been a fulfilling, challenging, rewarding and emotional experience for me. Recently I also feel blessed to encourage new moms who are embarking in this new experience and my ex-colleague, Vanz has also asked me to post my experience in my blog. Well, I have to get ready a cup of tea...cos it would be a very long blog! Before I do that...what are some salient info on breastfeeding
The following is adapted from the WABA Action Folder Breastfeeding: The 1st Hour Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for six months canSave more than ONE million babies! Why is skin-to-skin contact after birth and breastfeeding within the first hour of life so important? 1. The mother’s body helps to keep the baby appropriately warm, which is especially important for small and low birth weight babies. 2. The baby is less stressed, calmer and has steadier breathing and heart rates. 3. The baby is exposed first to the bacteria from the mother which are mostly harmless, or against which the mother’s milk contains protective factors. The mother’s bacteria colonise the baby’s gut and skin and compete with more harmful bacteria from health providers and the environment, and so prevent them from causing infection. 4. The baby receives colostrum for the first feeds – liquid gold, sometimes called the gift of life. • Colostrum is rich in immunologically active cells, antibodies and other protective proteins. Thus it serves as the baby’s first immunization. It protects against many infections. It helps to regulate the baby’s own developing immune system • It contains growth factors, which help the infant’s intestine to mature and function effectively. This makes it more difficult for micro-organisms and allergens to get into the baby’s body • It is rich in Vitamin A, which helps protect the eyes and reduce infection • It stimulates the baby to have bowel movements so that meconium is cleared quickly from the gut. This helps get rid of the substances in the baby's body that produce jaundice and therefore may help reduce it • It comes in small volumes, just right for the new baby. 5. Touching, mouthing and suckling at the breast stimulates oxytocin release – this is important for many reasons: • Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract. This may help delivery of the placenta and reduce maternal bleeding after the birth10 • Oxytocin stimulates other hormones which cause a mother to feel calm, relaxed, and some would say “in love” with her baby • Oxytocin stimulates the flow of milk from the breast. 6. Women experience incredible joy with this first meeting of their child! And fathers often share this delight. The process of bonding between mother and baby begins. Overall, skin-to-skin contact and early feeds with colostrum are associated with reduced mortality in the first month of life. They are also associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding and longer duration of breastfeeding in the following months, leading to improved health and reduced mortality later on as well. Is normal breastfeeding initiation in the first hour all that is needed to guarantee continued exclusive breastfeeding? Absolutely not! Mothers need continued support to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. The family, health workers, traditional healers and others in the community are all important contributors to their network of support. Health providers, health visitors and others need clinical training in assessment of breastfeeding, identification of problems, as well as knowledge and skills for helping the mother to resolve difficulties. Follow-up by a health worker within 48-72 hours after the birth, again after one week, and at appropriate times thereafter provides the opportunity to intervene early if there are problems, as well as to reassure the mother when things are going well. Implementation of the newly revised and revitalised BFHI with its 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding along with adherence to The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and Subsequent World Health Assembly Resolutions provide the support structure needed to protect, promote and support optimal breastfeeding. The Remarkable First Hour of Life When healthy infants are placed skin-to-skin on their mother’s abdomen and chest immediately after birth, they exhibit remarkable capabilities. They are alert. They can crawl, stimulated by mother’s gentle touch, across her abdomen, reaching her breast. They begin to touch and massage the breast. This first gentle touch of a baby’s hand or head at the breast stimulates release of maternal oxytocin, thus beginning both the flow of milk and enhancing the feelings of love for the baby. Then the baby smells, mouths and licks the mother’s nipple. Finally, he or she attaches to the breast and feeds. This sequence of events is important for the survival of human young. Although many authors describe these normal infant behaviours, we are just now discovering the importance of providing the opportunity for a mother and baby to have the experience. For the first time, researchers have assessed the effect of the timing of the first breastfeed on newborn mortality – showing that mortality may be less if infants start to breastfeed in the first hour. Mistaken Beliefs: Barriers to Normal Breastfeeding Initiation 1. Colostrum is not good, or even dangerous for babies. NO! Colostrum is essential for normal growth and development: • First immunization – protects against intestinal and other infections • Purgative to reduce severity of jaundice 2. Infants need special teas or other fluids before breastfeeding. NO! Any pre-lacteal feeds (feed given before breastfeeding has started) increase the infant’s risk of infection, reduce the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding and shorten the duration of breastfeeding. 3. Babies will not get enough food or fluid with only colostrum and breastmilk. NO! Colostrum is sufficient for a baby’s first feeds. It is normal for a newborn to lose 3-6% of birth weight. They are born with a store of water and sugar in their bodies to use at this time. 4. Baby will get too cold. NO! Babies are at safe temperatures when skin-to-skin with their mothers. Amazingly, the mother’s breast temperature rises 0.5 degrees C within 2 minutes of having the baby on her chest. 5. Mothers are too exhausted after labour and delivery to feed their baby immediately. NO! The surge of oxytocin that comes with skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding helps to calm a mother after the birth of her baby. 6. It is very important to suction the baby’s mouth, nose, and oropharynx before the first breath to prevent inhaling birth fluids, especially if the baby had a bowel movement during the labour. NO! Suctioning the normal healthy newborn does not reduce the occurrence of meconium aspiration, and may injure the tissue of the mouth, throat or vocal cords. Gastric suction also interferes with breastfeeding. 7. Vitamin K and medication to prevent gonorrhea eye infection must be given immediately after birth. NO! The American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine state that these important preventive measures can be delayed for as long as an hour, until after the baby has breastfed, without risk to the infant.1,11 They should not in any case require separation of mother and baby. 8. Women require pharmacologic intervention to cope with the pain of labour. Normally, NO! Use of labour analgesia/anaesthesia may sedate the baby, hindering breast-seeking behaviour and delaying initiation of breastfeeding for hours or days. Use of complementary therapies including having a companion during labour help women to cope with the pain, and the obstetric outcome may be improved. 9. It requires too much work and time to help the mother during this time. NO! While the baby is on the mother’s chest, the birth attendant can continue to do the usual assessment of mother and baby or other duties. The baby will find his or her own way to the breast For full action folder see: http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/downloads.htm August 01 Call to PrayerOf late we have been reading a lot of reports in the papers about children being abused and murdered and now recently a husband was chopped up by his wife... Sometimes I wonder how the world will be like 10 years from now when Evan is bigger and whether it will still be kind or cruel to him. A child is really so innocent. When I look at Evan everyday, all he knows is everyday is a real fun time and he is just so happy and happy. He grins from ear to ear.... They really do not know what is out there in the world today...
Our prayers will really carry them far... our prayers for covering and guidance is the least we can do as stewards of the Lord. Our children do not belong to us but to the Lord and we are to be His vessels and guardians on planet Earth. Everyday when Evan and I wake up, we always remember to commit the day to the Lord, pray for daddy and our loved ones and to all the children out there who has needs. And for the Lord's wall of fire to protect us everywhere we are and His angels to watch over us.
Ps 91: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High will find shelter in the shadows of the Almighty. And I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress and my God in Him I will trust. July 25 Evan appreciates Jazz!My boy is quite a sentimental... I used to think he loves hillsongs and all the loud and funky music...but it turned out the opposite! His favourite tune is actually Twinkle twinkle little star....(must be sung sweetly and melodiusly)... Right after you finish singing that song, he will give you the world's best grin and chuckle. Sometimes he will stretch his hands to hug you...for singing it to him. So lovable.
Lately I try to introduce him to some classical and Jazz. He seems to like the violin so I even took out my old violin to play to him (well, i am still practising before I play to him...cos I am so rusty). Now when he is in the car, I will turn on Diana Krall, simply because I love her music arrangement and her finger works on the piano. Evan really appreciates it and you can see him listening intently. Sometimes I try to teach him the notes she is playing or to identify the key of the song....and am not sure whether he is learning but am sure he knows I am telling him something! ha! Am going to introduce him to Stacey Kent which is still my all time favourite jazz singer and see if he likes it too. She has the kind of voice that can make you melt, even in a heat of an argument. Any ideas from Hearts of any good jazz babies can listen to? Would love to send him to Uncle James Boyle when he is a little bigger... Aunty Hearts or Aunty Sparkling Sel can teach him classical? His dad still want him to learn the cello though. Aunty Hearts can teach cello to babies? July 18 All Smiles and with dimples!Everytime I come home from my mom's or in-law's place after dinner (or if I go out for din), I will put Evan in his cot before I get ready for bed and get him ready for bed too.
He starts to play when I do that...by lifting his head up to chuckle and see my reaction.... so cute! He has been doing it a couple of times and I can't help but take a video of it.... so here it is:
Evan responds to us a lot now... he will do a funny expression and then watch our reaction...and react to our reaction and it continues and continues... He can move backwards with his legs but not to the front yet... which I am not complaining...so I can still buy some time before I'll start to baby proof the house. Nonetheless, we have to shift his cot to a level lower cos I am getting paranoid that he is going to be able to lift himself out and fall out of the cot. Don't want him to end up having another bungalow on his head! July 12 Motherhood...a life changing experienceI have not documented much about my journey into motherhood...it has been 7 months now and is truly a life changing experience. When you were single, you were still able to carry about your daily activities without having to think or worry much about home... and then when you get married, you are taking care of your spouse (and vice versa) plus a new house to clean up, etc... and now that you have a child, your whole life, time, energy is spent devoted to this tiny new addition to your life! There are ups and downs but I can truly say I never felt more fulfilled in life than now. Seeing Evan everyday is like breathing new life into my soul.
Just came home from a breastfeeding support group session (held once a month at mamalink). Sometimes I feel great that I can encourage new moms and I myself get encouraged when I hear the challenging stories of other moms and see that Evan is actually a very very good boy. What can I be thankful about? Here's a list:
1. He cries only when he is very hungry and sleepy
2. He sleeps right thru the night (since 3.5 months) .... with occasional whimpering now and then for cuddles and hugs
3. He wakes up each morning very very happy
4. He naps about 2-3 times and is rather consistent at the same time everyday. Sometimes he can nap straight for 1.5 hours without whimpering or crying at all.
5. He feeds well. Usually finishes his milk and porridge without much fuss
6. He has no allergies and hardly fall sick.
7. He gives a big grin, chuckles and laughs when he has a good sleep and feed
8. He is very understanding
9. He is very loving to everyone
10. Most of the time he sits quietly in the car, stroller and in restaurants
11. He drinks from bottle and from mom without much fuss
12. He loves to pray and sing songs (mommy sings)
13. He is very active, strong and well built
14. He sleeps anywhere when he is tired
15. He loves to explore and loves all the toys that mommy and daddy buy for him
16. He will smile back to you if you smile at him
And so many more.... Yesterday he played peekaboo with me. Normally I will play with him. He actually hid his face under the blanket, pulled it over and gave a chuckle. It was so sweet and amusing! Couldn't help but give him a big hug after that.
Well, I haven't documented much about my delivery too. That's because I had a planned C-Section (Evan was breeched and heavy at 3.68 kgs) and everything went by quick and without delay. We chose the date 12 12 06. I went to sleep the night before, got up early, had a shower and washed my hair and admitted myself to PMC in the morning. After 'checking' in into my room, I had to be shaved, given an enema (that was the most ordeal experience!) and then wheeled to the OT at 1.30 p.m. Marcus went to another room to get changed..he looked so funny in the OT outfit that I thought would be nice to take a photo but we didn't think about the camera at that time. I had the epidural administered...just felt like a needle going through my spine...but I didn't think it was that bad. Within the next 10 minutes I could not feel anything within the lower part of my body. That was my most overwhelming frightening experience! Now I know how people who are paralysed waist down feels. I was conscious yet I couldn't move at all...and at that moment i felt like I was a lamb laid out to be slaughtered!
Then they wheeled me in, pulled out the covers over my face...and within 12 minutes I was cut open and out came Evan! Marcus who was beside me throughout the procedure then left for the nursery together with Evan while Dr Choong took almost an hour to stich me back. And throughout the hour I was shaking and shaking all over due to the side effects of the Epidural. I had no control whatsover of the situation and I just wanted to get out of the OT at that time... well, to see my baby of course. After being stiched I was wheeled to the recovery room and fell asleep there for half hour. But I still heard the nurses running here and there with the operating equipment...
By the time I got back to my room was close to 5 p.m. and that was when I had a closer look at Evan! He was so adorable. I had him put to my breast immediately for feeding..or initiating breastfeeding.....and that would be another whole story about my breastfeeding experience..! Ahhh... the bittersweet experience. I hope to have a VBAC (Vaginal birth after Caesarian) the next time round...but I guess at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter how you deliver the baby. What's more important, is having a happy, healthy baby!
July 10 Evan is laughing hystericallyJust the other day we managed to take a video of Evan laughing hysterically. It was so farny that we will watch it over and over again. Ha haa....here's the clip for you to destress!
Evan is turning 7 months!Thanks for the mommies out there who is giving me inspiration to blog again. But then again, I can only blog when Evan is sent to my mom's place cos if not he wants to sit on my lap and use his hands to bang on the computer! ha haa...
Yup, Evan turns 7 months in 2 days time....time flies.... I realise that i hardly buy anything for myself nowadays, even if I do, I buy the cheaper brands while I reserve my $$ for Evan's things... I just bought him a pair of sunnies for his upcoming trip to Phuket and today, a body swim suit since it was on 20% discount! I know I know, spoiling him....sigh....but all his things look so nice...so tempted to buy and end up buying!
Wondering why my picures in my previous entries have all disappeared. I need the help of my computer genious friend, Orchid to solve my problem....Help, Orchid!
Here's some recent pictures of Evan...he is so adorable and loves to giggle and smile a lot....
He has recently found the song, Jesus loves me this I know" so farny...I don't know why! When I come to the last line...'The bible...' he starts to chuckle... So i sing this song while he is having his lunch...and it helps with the feeding... Oh by the way, he is on solids now... Yup, eating everything- oats, rice, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, chicken and fish. He loves potatoes and pumpkin very much. Here is a picture of him eating his potatoes and carrots....
His stools have turn kinda hard too...and it comes out piece by piece. Sometimes you can see him concentrating very hard to pass out his stool and you would have thought he pang sai a lot, but only 1 small piece - like a small marble! ah yo...and sooo super smelly. I have to hold my breath when I clean him up after his poo poo...
O.k. enuf of his poo poo stories for today....still can't beat Hearts in her poo poo stories!
Gotta sign off now and write again soon! July 09 I need to revive or resurrect my blog!Ha... i have not been blogging often enough since I became a mom... which is not suppose to be the case since I wanted to keep an update on Evan!
I need some inspiration to revive or resurrect my blog! Help! But first of all, how come my pics in the previous blogs have all disappeared? March 15 Evan turns 3 months oldYup, Evan is already 3 months old...time really flies huh? And I have not been blogging for a while. Been really not happening!....Getting used to new life as a mommy, wife, employee, daughter, daughter-in-law... gosh...so many different roles.
At the moment am still working but my last day will be 3rd or 4th April. Then I will be home mommy for a while...
Evan has really grown and grown.. I dunno how heavy he is right now but will find out next week during his next check up for his DTP jab. All i know is I am really working my biceps cos he is darn heavy!!
Here's one of my favourite pictures of him:
He really has a sweet smile! Look forward to see him everyday when I get home from work. Sometimes I get withdrawal feeling in the office cos I miss smelling his head...He is still vigorously sucking his thumb and makes a lot of choppy sounds when he does it. Now he drinks up to 5 ounces of breastmilk per feed! Big eater! That's why he is growing very fast and is very strong...
Have also shared my breastfeeding story in Mamalink's website...you can view it at http://www.mamalink.com.my/content.aspx?Code=085&Code2=086&Code3=093... True story, o.k. about my trials of feeding Evan! But I must say, now he is an expert and things are getting better everyday... Another 9 months of breastfeeding to go!
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