Hands Free Feeding

Have you heard of hands free feeding?

I, for sure, haven't!! But my baby has shown how it was done.

Look mommy... hands free style......

All he did was to suck on the bottle of milk so hard that even without hands, the bottle stayed. Amazing how much energy and strength was needed to drink this bottle of milk.... hahaha.....

My 1st Christmas

25th December was a day of peace, joy and happiness and that was what it is for me. 2011 Christmas is extra special having able to spend it not only with my loved ones, also with my new addition to the family, my baby boy; Luther.

2011 Biggest Present fr Mommy & Papa

We had our cook out and had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, where I did the Roast Chicken (Turkey was expensive. Can't fit in my small oven anyway...), my hubby did the wedges and frieds, brother did the mash, steam spinach and spaghetti and mom... helped to keep Luther entertained...... 

Dinner is served!

When Christmas arrived, more like early Christmas morning, Luther was wide awake early, as if he knows it's Christmas day and ready to open the presents. However, the presents are only to be opened on Boxing day.... because Luther's poh-poh (grandaunts) were not around they wanted to open the presents all together. So, we all had to look at the presents only. Thank GOD that I already have my biggest present with me this year.... so, I was already smiling.

Don't I look cute?

Too tired!

All my Christmas presents....

 On the 26th, everyone was so happy opening the presents. It is always a beautiful sight to see all smiling and happy.

Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year........

Adventure at Home Base 2

Luther is always cared by me assisted by my mom and occasionally my hubby. Things were a bit easier and taking care of him was not much of a trouble. 

Grandma (my mom) needed to attend my cousin's wedding up north for 4 days. This is the start of our little adventure. Taking care of Luther the whole 4 days all on our own without any experience 'professional'.

It's morning already, papa!

Day 1 (Friday)

We got home at HB2 at about lunch and everything was going great. We were home getting comfortable and papa got mommy some lunch. Luther got to enjoy the stroller turn rocking cradle in the living room. The night was also good with Luther going to bed and only waking for feeding. 

Day 2 ( Saturday)

Luther woke up feeling a little grumpy but all is good until later that day. He started to be very attached to us. Practically want to be carried all the time. Move a little and he will cry. Hold him in a wrong position, he will also cry. Want to sleep, also cry. Want to eat, also cry. He was a cry baby literally that day. That night was bad too. We were carrying him most of the time to sleep because putting him down on his bed will will start his crying within minutes. We even tried changing hands whenever he cry to get to the right carrying position that will sooth him.

Day 3 (Sunday)

Luther woke up feeling a little better with mommy and daddy looking almost like zombies. However,as long as Luther is happy (or shall I say happier), we are all good. The day went by as usual and we found out something interesting. We got to 'know' Patricia Dunsten. She who believe that baby have 5 words that describes what they want. (Source: http://www.dunstanbaby.com/cms/index.php?page=nz-home). Amazing how it really works 90% of the time. Of course there is the remaining 10% where Luther was blabbing the same word for different purpose.... probably trying to confuse the mommy and papa... We were both experimenting the 5 words and laughing to ourselves. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop Luther from turning us to zombies 1 more time. 

Colic? Maybe.... Perseverance? Definitely.... Rewarding? Absolutely....

Day 4 (Monday)

Papa make me say, "Luther love Ah Ma"

It's the final day of our adventure. Luther slept through the whole morning after his feed and bath. Only active before that and my hubby was playing with him. Luther was definitely feeling all better and playful. How I love the look on my hubby's face and Luther's face when both were playing. It's a memory to keep and only me to enjoy that captured moment. Blissful........ 

'100% cute' - sewn by my mommy

Luther Grandma came to pick us up in the evening and she misses Luther so much that she carried him from me almost immediately. So sweet......

Well, mommy and papa made it without any help. We made it taking care of little Luther, although, it was tiring without help of a 'professional' mother... Nonetheless, every baby has their own style and taking care of them required imagination and experience.

What an adventure!

From a distance.........

China. Land of Business Opportunities. Also the most populated state in the world, with over 1.3 mil citizens. The country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometers (3.7 million square miles). It is the world's second largest country by land area. 

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital of China. Most populated area, home to many world renown companies.

Luther was 45 days old (abt 2.5months) when my hubby need to go for a business trip to Beijing, China. You can see the reluctance in his face, leaving our precious little baby. However, work is work and we are fine with the help of my mum.

I thought I will be ok... Of course physically, all is well. But I am missing my hubby so much. And he missing us dearly. So, to reduce the 'missing' feeling, we try at best to chat via gmail as much as we can and I will forward photos of us to him.

Mummy and me

We need to persevere this as the traveling is going to be quite often until things settled for my hubby. I know we can Skype but my personal laptop died on me and this computer do not have a camera and mic. Anyway, it's a family computer and it's located in the living room of my mum's house.

Almost everyday, I will take a photo of Luther and sometimes me, so that my hubby can 'see' us and most importantly, to see Luther change daily (if any!)....

Do I look cute?

At least my hubby can enjoy Luther's milestone as well, although, it would be nicer if he is able to experience it live... But for our future, what has to be done, has to be done. As long as we communicate and understand the situation and endure this together, we will make it through.

Embracing Luther

I love you papa; my hubby!

Back to Home Base No. 2

Luther has been staying at grandma's place (mommy's mom) since birth and I believe that he has gotten use to the 'smell' around the house. This is Home Base No. 1 (H1).

4 days back, Tuesday, I brought Luther back to our own place; Home Base No. 2 (H2). We were so excited for Luther. So we dressed him up in his very 1st Polo-T. Unfortunately, it didn't last long enough to reach home. He got his little jumper wet and we needed to change him to something else.

Don't I look handsome in this Polo-T?

Anyway, mom and I stopped by Giant Hypermarket to get some supplies before heading back to H2. Luther was an angel. He enjoyed the grocery shopping session as well... eyes all open wide staring at the many aisles and eventually fell asleep, cozy up in his little stroller....

Sound asleep in my cozy haven

We had fun time at H2, although, the 1st and 2nd nights, Luther stayed awake until about 4am and 3rd night until about 6am. Maybe he is just not use to the new place but during the day, he was wonderful. Old folks believe that baby can sense that it's a different house by just the 'smell', which I can't seem to smell the difference... hehe.... 

Usually, Luther will want someone to pick him up and walk him around in the morning. Only occasionally, he will lay in bed and play by himself for a short period of time. For the 1st time, he managed to stay on his little cushion near the balcony and enjoy the view for over 45minutes... literally enjoying the view.... looking around outside at the sky and the birds. He also got to sleep on his new bed in our room with his new mattress and bedding. So adorable!

My New Bed @ H2

He seems to know that his papa was going off for a business trip that day. He was pretty quiet and that early morning spent some precious moment; papa and son.... while mommy was fast asleep!! And before we know it, my hubby was leaving for a business trip to Beijing on Thursday. He definitely misses Luther before even he left. Who wouldn't?? Since Luther is unable to speak.... yet, I decided to express for him. So, I got Luther to wear this adorable Baby Gap jumper.

I Love Daddy

We miss you hubby.......

1 month already!!

My baby is already 39 days old.........

We had a small 'Full Moon' party for Luther last week having him turn 1 month. Amazing how time flies when you don't notice. The 'party was held at my mom's place (Luther's grandma).

The day started off like any other regular day where Luther wakes up and get his feed and bathe and sleep. However, Luther seems to know that today is a special day for him. The day that marks his 1st month in this world..... in our world. He stayed awake from 5pm onwards.

We initially wanted it to be a small gathering with maybe just about 30 - 40 family and friends to celebrate this special day with Luther. We got the caterer to come in with delicious food (not for babies!) and a canopy with simple decoration (just balloons).

My Little Party

Somehow, the invitees grew to an overwhelming 60+ family and friends. Thank God the food was enough as we catered for about 50 as we knew things like that will happen. Guests started to come in at about 7.30pm and Luther was very much awake to greet them all.

My Ang Pau!!

I was surprise that he didn't sleep, yawn or even cry the whole time. Perhaps he enjoyed being carried around in different arms and being embraced throughout the whole evening. My little cheeky angel! Finally when my cell member from church wanted to give their blessings and prayers for the new comer, Luther started to whine a little. I guess he must be tired. However, to our surprise, when we started the worshiping session, he stopped and listen.... very much like enjoying the singing and blessings. You can actually see the peacefulness on his face and he eventually stole a quick 10 minutes nap after the session.

1st worship session

The carrying around starts again once he woke up.

Happy Ah Ma!

Happy Ah Gong!

Happy Ah Por!

Happy Anna Ku Po!

Handing over to next carrier!

Happy God Uncle Han!

We were very happy to have so many good friends and supportive family members. Having them all at the party was already a blessing to me. The party started to disbanded at about 11pm with me breast feeding Luther before placing him in his cot to sleep.

Mummy and Papa is so proud of you, Luther, for being such a sport!

We love you very much.....

Breast vs. Formula

It is always the battle between the topic "breast feeding" or "formula". I can assure you that this WILL be the topic for most new mother and most of the time, you will resolve to tears making a decision.

Why do I say so? 

Well, I just experience this about 1 week ago. My 'Milk Factory' was probably going on a temporary strike with reduction in production and my baby Luther was crying (not yet hysterically) for feed. I was moving him from left breast to the right and left again but it seems like Luther is just not getting what he needs..... or rather not enough to fill his growing appetite (because he still managed to sleep for about an hour or so after that!!). I was still very composed! I was still very determine and fed him almost every 1 to 1.5 hour round the clock assuming Luther was just asking for more feed!

Just about 3 days ago, it got worst. I was pretty much engorged and yet the production was not up to standard (Luther's Standard). Basically, the demand do not meet the supply. Luther at times even resolves in sucking on his own arms/fingers (with mittens on).

I am hungry!

I was literally in tears thinking many things (as what some articles have mentioned):-
1. I am such a bad mother.
2. How can I have no milk for my own baby!
3. I want to give breast milk to my baby and I can't! WHY!!!!!!
4. I MUST give the best to my baby. I MUST give breast milk.
5. My little baby is starving and I can't even provide the simplest thing... food.

My hubby was very supportive and he said to me, "Darling, you need to rest and don't think about it. We can always feed him formula and when your supply comes back, we will switch back. And if not, formula isn't that bad! They have all the nutritional benefits. Don't worry!" My own mother was also offering her experiences. She said, "Aiyar, when I had you, I only have milk supply for 1 week. You were given formula after that. You came out good and strong!" I was definitely reluctant to bring formula into Luther's life so soon but I do not have a choice. 

He was sucking ferociously on each breast and yet, getting insufficient milk. He got frustrated and decided to stop sucking and started crying. He was really crying this time(hysterically!). You can be dead sure it's the sound of 'not enough food' type of cry. I started to panic and do not know what to do next, without thinking of immediately getting the formula (silly me!!), until my hubby insisted and with the assistance of the confinement lady (Aunty Meei Lai) and mom, got a bottle of formula for Luther. 

No need to guess. Luther immediately stop crying and started drinking the formula without hesitation (of course with a little 'complaining' in between sucks!). He was becoming a HAPPY BABY again....

My 1st bottle!

Now, we are feeding Luther both; Breast Milk and Formula. How? Switching between them to supplement each other and at the end, the most important thing achieved..... Luther gets the best out of both. I am no longer worried about him not having enough each feed. Just need to watch that he gets enough water in his system.

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Night to Day... Day to Night.

I was told before hand that baby do turn night to day and day to night during their 1st few months (especially their 1st month). I didn't know it was literally day to night! 

Luther was sleeping soundly during the day and as per the book I bought, I didn't let him over-sleep during the day so to allow him to sleep slightly longer during the night. He was very attentive and alert after he woke up. It was an amazing time to see him so alert and smiling (involuntarily though!).

Day: Eyes Wide Open

So, after his last feed of the day at about 11pm, he when to bed as usual. I was thinking that he would only be awake 3 to 4 hours later for his next feed. However, that night was a 'day' for him. He woke up 1 hour later demanding for another feed and just wouldn't sleep. I tried leaving him to play by himself. That only worked for about 10 minutes.

Night: Eyes Wide Open I

Mom assist me by carrying Luther for a while and I tried to take a quick power nap. When I woke up, his eyes was wider and brighter than mine! 

Night: Eyes Wide Open II

I was, as usual, getting a bit tired and feeling a bit lost on what to do to lull Luther to sleep. I've tried singing lullaby, hum & even shushing to calm him and hopefully get him to sleep. Mom tried to do the same and no result. Even the confinement lady tried, Luther just kept asking for a suckle on me. I must however agree that that night was a little warm and I guess he must have felt uncomfortable

At last, at about 4am +, Luther began to fall asleep will getting his feed. We didn't even dare to put him back to his cot and left him to sleep by my side. Finally, Luther slept and I got my night sleep for the next 3 hours before his next feed.

The Day I see Yellow...

We read a lot about baby turning yellow during their 1st month after 2 to 3 days or even 1 weeks after birth.

Yes, my baby turned yellow after 3 days, as said in all books and antenatal class we attended. I was so sure Luther will be alright after a few days because I believe he was having normal Jaundice. Well, normal jaundice usually last for a few days and will be gone.

On 20th October 2011, Luther came in for his morning feed and I took him to the sun for a while before I fed him hoping that the Jaundice was not severe, at least low enough for me to bring him home. The nurse came in an told me that the Bilirubin count was a little high at 289. So, we waited for the Pediatric, Dr Paran to instruct us on the next step. The obvious was to put him to photo therapy and I hit spot-on. Almost immediately, Luther was place under the 24 hours photo therapy. 

The following day his Bilirubin count dropped but still on the higher side. It was advised to keep him under the light for another 24 hours. I was literally in tears see him going through this and prayed so hard that it will come down. MY PRAYER WAS ANSWERED!

Luther was discharged on 22nd October 2011 with bilirubin count of 133... hooray!!!!

1st day back home

However, Dr Paran has asked us to come back for another check on 25th October to see how the count when. We were devastated that it when back up to 233. Fortunately, Luther was allow to come home with the instruction of sun bathing him every morning between 8 - 11am; 10 minutes front and 10 minutes back. We were very consistent and his second check was on 27th October. I went up even higher to 269. We were almost speechless. Dr Paran still allowed Luther to go home with some medication to mature his liver faster to allow it to process the bilirubin and pass it out the body system. Of course, many people was pretty much against it saying that he should go for the photo therapy but I have faith in Dr Paran.

Sun bathing from home

We continue to sun bath Luther and gone back for his 4th check on 1st Nov. His Bilirubin count dropped, hovering around 200+. Dr. Paran said that he will stay at this level for a while cause he is being breast fed. As long as it is around 200+, Luther will be fine. And guess what!! Luther has gained weight to 3.6kg from 3.2kg within 17 days. That gave me more confidence that he is alright.

We were told to use several other methods that potentially helped to reduce jaundice. I tried and don't know if it's coincidence or real, it worked.

1. For me to eat lesser ginger or none at all for a few days.

    (Chinese 1 month confinement eats a lot of ginger to keep the body warm)

2. Bath Luther in Guiness Stout.

    (not the whole bottle but just about 125ml with normal warm water)

The day I don't see yellow has arrived. Have not confirmed it with the doctor but from his skin and the white of his eyes, I know it has reduced or even gone. The day I don't see yellow was on 7th Nov 2011.

Start of Luther's Journey

We were hoping for natural birth, in fact, we attempted natural birth. What an experience! I was induced at about 7.30am on 18 October after my bath in the morning hoping that Luther will arrive in the afternoon. I was already 3 cm dilated the evening before (at about 8pm; 17 Oct). 

My hubby and I were hearing other babies being wheeled across our room to the nursery for other checks after delivery and I have not feel any contraction at my end. You can hear the nurses running up and down the corridor rushing from one labor room to another to assist on the other patient's delivery and here I am (with my hubby), still waiting for a slight contraction. NOTHING......

Nothing until about 12pm when my contraction started. It was rather mild and not as I expected. Seriously, just like the regular menstruating cramps. Movies do exaggerate the pain!! Not until about 3.30pm when I started to have the massive attack! I was than dilated at about 7-8 cm. The nurses were asking me not to push yet as I am not fully dilated, but, the usual, you just have the urge. When I was about 9-9.5 cm dilated, the nurse asked me start pushing and the cervix will eventually dilate to full 10 cm. Until about 45 minutes - 1 hour, I was breathless and no sign of the baby even passing the fully dilated cervix. 

Dr Paul Tay (my Gynecologist) came and thought of doing a vacuum assistant. Unfortunately, my bladder was already swelling and Dr Paul was recommending for an emergency caesarian. My hubby already decided for a caesarian 1/2 hour ago after seeing my in labor... way before any recommendation!

So, finally, at about 5pm, I was wheeled into the operating theater for my caesarian. Boy, was I EXTREMELY tired. I can't even open my eyes. My hubby was with me all the way. When Luther was brought out of me, I was relieve, especially when I hear his 1st cry and when I gave him my (really really) quick kiss on the cheek before he was brought to the nursery.

1st look of Luther after birth

Luther Wo is born on 18 October 2011 at 5.55pm in Assunta Hospital, PJ.