Cranky Luther

I was regularly told by older folks that babies coming back from holidays, will be 'hong sim' (in Hokkien roughly means - over stimulated). And Luther prove that 100%.

On the 3rd day of Chinese New Year, we returned back to KL from Port Dickson. All of us were tired from the traveling and the hustle and bustle of CNY. Luther was unusually cranky and wouldn't take his usual 4oz on his usually accurate timing. Believe me, my baby do not miss his feeding for anything other than sleep and even that is occasional. Actually, he hasn't been feeding well starting 2nd day of CNY taking only 1 - 2 oz each time.

My so-called Uniform

Yu Yee Oil

Nonetheless, he was still smiley the whole afternoon and able to 'converse' with us UNTIL evening approached. I wash and change him out of his 'uniform' and into his regular comfortable pajamas top, yet, he was screaming endlessly. I though he might want direct latching and I did. He didn't take that well too. Than I recall, he hasn't poo-ed today! So I try tapping his little tummy and found it a little gassy. As usual, taught by mom, I rubbed YuYee Oil on his tummy, his back and on both his feet. Well, he did fart a lot but that didn't stop him from crying still.

His crying this time was scary to me and panicking my hubby cause his face was turning really red and his big big tears were rolling down his eyes and there was absolutely NOTHING we could do. I was already in tears feeling really rotten not being able to help my own son to relieve whatever that was bothering him. We called my mom in Singapore (she is there for holiday and to attend my uncle's birthday dinner). In tears I was asking her for advices and she said if he hasn't poo-ed, we just need to wait. He is also not eating because he is not comfortable. Just remember to feed his, even if it's 1 or 2 oz milk along with water to ease him passing motion. We wanted to wait but I was in tears and Luther was also crying. My hubby finally decided that we just bring him to the Dr to confirm he is just uncomfortable because he haven't poo-ed and eliminate other possibilities (i.e. constipation, pain, any discomfort). 

Papa trying to get Luther to take some milk

In Assunta Hospital (no regular Children Clinic nearby, so best option was to go back to the clinic in Assunta), Dr Vijaya checked on Luther and found that there was nothing wrong with him. So, Luther was just really uncomfortable being unable to poo-ed that day (it's not constipation too!). Dr Vijaya called Luther's Pediatrician, Dr Paran, to double check whether to give Luther any medication. Luther was given Duphalac to soften his poo (not a laxative). And true enough, we when back home and feed him some milk and than 2.5ml Duphalac. Within 15 minutes, his 1st poo (smelly as it is) made an exit! We were all relieve (inclusive of our Indonesian maid) and Luther was able to smile a little again.

The smile we missed the whole evening!!

That night, he still didn't take his regular 4oz but we were extremely relieve that he is taking his 2 oz without struggling and slept through the rest of the night soundly without crying or agitation. Nonetheless, Luther is still 'hong sim' the next day. Talking a lot, probably describing to his friends (toys) his adventures for the pass few days.

Our Luther's Charming smile is back!

My 1st Chinese New Year

What an adventure for me and my hubby bringing Luther out of KL for the 1st time without any assistance from experience folk(s) a.k.a my mom!!

Packing clothes for Luther wasn't much of a problem as I love packing with lots of extras 'just-in-case' this and that happens. Anyway, how large can babies clothes be and it fitted all in 1 luggage... really... it's not that big (I meant the luggage). Nonetheless, it's stressful cause I was worried I missed out things. So, I literally packed the whole house.... I took the baby bouncer, sterilizer, all his Milk bottles, 1.5 box of formula, a thermos flask and mug, clothes, socks, mittens, hats, Luther's toiletries, 1 full pack of diapers, a few muslin cloth, baby pillow and bolster, bathing tub and a baby carrier. Well, the car can't fit the stroller so we left that out. I KNOW I KNOW... that's almost everything, missing the baby cot and toys! I was worried Luther would feel out of place when he goes to a new environment.

Anyway, we traveled about 1.5hours down south to my hubby's hometown in Port Dickson (PD). The traffic was surprisingly alright with just a little jam along the Nilai area. Not too bad for a festive holiday. And Luther did great by sleeping all the way from KL to PD. 

3 generations

Enjoying the beach scenery

Luther was alright with the place... of course being a little excited with the new place, looking around with his big big eyes. Ah Gung and Ah Por were very happy to see him. So, there comes all the carrying and coo-ing and laughing. Then we brought him to the shelter next to the beach to avoid the sun. The breeze was refreshing. Although it turned Luther into this sticky little baby... hahaha.....

CNY Reunion Dinner Hainanese Style

Having our reunion dinner was another exciting one. My hubby was saying,"This is the quietest reunion dinner he ever had!" Why? Because our little prince was sound asleep on his bouncer during dinner time and grandparents don't want to wake him up so we all can sit together to eat. The whole situation was so funny... every one was literally whispering throughout dinner.....

I Love Gung Gung

I Love Por Por

1st day of Chinese New Year, we were celebrating it at home with the family. On the 2nd day, we traveled further south to Malacca to visit Luther Great Grandmother. I would say the only surviving great grandparent for Luther. She was so happy to see Luther (great grandma is already 93 years old with failing vision). Everyone was so happy greeting our superstar. 

It was an exciting CNY. We came back to KL on the 3rd day and the traffic was, again, surprisingly ok with slight heavy traffic. Thank GOD.. if not, our little champion would be noisy cause he dislike being in a stagnant vehicle too long.

I am 3 month old already!!

I am a big boy now!!

I can't believe it... My baby is already 3 months old!! I still remember giving birth to him just ....... wow!! it's already 3 months....

Hamster cheeks?

Taking care of your own baby is really a challenge in a way but it's all worth while. I can still remember the feeling of the 1st month where sleep was almost non existence. Than the next thing I worried was my breast milk supply slowing down. 

 Well, either my milk supply was reducing or Luther's appetite was increasing. I choose his appetite grew! So, I tried taking Fenugreek (which really did increase my supply...a little), drinking Holick, eating cheese cake and eating more meat for the protein.... I am still breastfeeding him till now although not as much as I want to.

Guess what I am eating!

Luther has grown very much physically and psychologically. He is now 'standing' at 60cm tall weighing at about 6.5kg. The last time, he was sleeping most of the time and now, for the last 2 weeks, he started to learn calling out to us by whining (it's really cute!) and when we  carry him, he stopped. And after a while, he will start making a kicking gesture expressing that he wants us to start moving (i.e. walking). My baby is now our Chairman with lots of request and demands.

At Mid Valley with Papa

After a long long wait, we finally got to see his voluntary smilesssss. All we need to do are some simple gestures, funny faces and plastic sound. He will smile just like the usual smiley (i.e. =D). The funniest thing is that Luther still laugh in his sleep, which is funny!

Another new development is that he started to find his fist very appetizing and have it all the time. I started to keep his hands clean so that we don't encounter unnecessary visits to the clinic. We have also brought him out a little more often before I start work to expose Luther to the outside world although I still worry about him getting all the cough and flu going around... so no crowded places as much as possible.

'The Ramones'

Now, I know how parents feel about their little child. You love them so much that you worry at the smallest things sometime. You love them so much that you sometimes hate yourself for not being able to give them the so-called best. But yet I have also learn that, to a baby, they love you no matter what. And the give you all the love and trust in return.

If only Luther can read, I want to say, "Thank you baby for being in my life. You have brought so much joy and happiness to the whole family. Papa & mommy love you so much."

Simple Steps to make Baby Passport (repost)

Now Everyone Can Fly... I mean... Now My Luther Can Fly....

I know many mommies would love to bring their little one abroad... maybe to visit some relatives or friends. For me, I not only want to visit my relatives, I also love to show off my beautiful baby to the world. Although bringing a baby traveling is not easy (I literally was like bringing my whole baby items with me!!), it is good for the child as this would be 1 way for him will not to be shy or turn to an introvert person in future. Social exposure is always good to bring up a happy, cute and sociable baby!

Here are some things you will need to prepare before heading to the immigration office to avoid delay or whatever similar. Babies cannot wait long.. neither can this mommy especially when Luther starts to show his untamed temper. hehehe....

What u need to prepare before going to the immigration office:

1. RM150 (for baby)
2. 2 latest passport size photos of your baby
3. Your baby's birth cert (original and copy)
4. Parent's IC (original and copy)

5. Application Form completely filled up . 

*Note: Malaysia Passport Application Form. Print the downloaded file on both side of an A4 paper or else they wont accept your application form and you need to buy one for RM1 per form.

(For further reference, you can check out Malaysia Immigration Official Site)


What to do:

1. All documents and payment to be ready and form completely filled

2. Go to the nearest State Immigration Office  

*Note: Parent and baby to be present at all time at the Office as the officer will need to see both of you.

3. Average time frame from start to passport collection is 2-3hours (not inclusive of lunch and tea break). Although I think it's a bit risky, but you can take 1/2 day leave to do this. 

I hope these information will help those who are planning to get a passport for their child and travel.

Change of Language?

The last time I know, I was learning from the Patricia Dunstan on the 5 basic baby language... the Eh, Neh, Eair, Owh and Heh. It really works 90% of the time. Luther was crying lesser and getting what he wants faster. I don't dare to admit that I attended to him immediately but we did get to know rough what he wants from the 5 words (although some of it sounds similar when he is crying).

That was about 1 month ago. Luther is now using only Eh (to burp), Neh (for milk) and Owh (to sleep) and these are also used only occassionally. I don't hear the other 2 already. Instead, he has include some of his new words in differecnt pitches such as Hng, Aiiii, Oh and Uuuu.... He sounds so cute. He is also learning how to 'complain' by showing his frowning face and 'talking'..... I can't believe a 2 months++ baby can do that. 

I'm a big boy now!!

We are trying to teach him simple sign language but I believe he won't be able to grasp it yet.... but looking at the rate he is progressing, I better start something and who knows!!! Luther may be signing with me in due time.