Milk Dilemma

There was this period of time where Lil Shauna drinks like a mouse and I have overstock of EBM. That was when she was still in the hospital. I brought so much frozen EBM to NUH, such that I have to lug one BIG bag back when Lil Shauna was discharged. The nurses were joking about my milk. Actually, it is not that I have alot of milk, but Lil Shauna was drinking too little. Anyway, with the amount of milk brought back, my freezer was filled with bottles of frozen milk.

Then, there was this time that she drank non-stop and started depleting my supply of frozen EBM. I was stressed with producing enough milk to meet her needs. I was so proud to be able to give her breast milk for 3 months exclusive and gave in to FM.

Lil Shauna is now on partial BM. Popo likes to feed her FM bcos it fills her up and last her for longer. I think it is also bcos FM is easier to make and it is ready almost instantly. Now, I am starting to stock up on BM again. Now sure if it is bcos Lil Shauna is drinking lesser, relying more on FM or simply bcos my ss is increasing (isnt it a little too late??). Anyway, Lil Shauna is already 4 months old and I am seriously worrying about weaning her. Oh gosh, I can already picture the engorgement, the pain, the weight on the breasts.. Arrggghhh..

Mummy Lim

No Swimming

We wanted to bring Lil Shauna for her "swimming" lesson on Saturday. She enjoyed herself so much during the 1st time, raising my hopes that she will be swimming like a fish the 2nd time. I secretly have the idea that I will point to her while she swims and proudly proclaim to strangers, "my daughter". But things sometimes dun turn out as planned, especially when it involves a baby.

She was alright when we reached the place. We place her down on the changing mat, waiting for the people to get ready before we change her. Daddy Lim & I were entertaining her while we waited. Then an Indian baby finished his/ her swim and was placed beside her, about to start her massage and get dressed. The water was almost ready when the Indian baby started crying. Just as we were about undressed Lil Shauna, she started crying too -- very badly. It is no longer those "eh, eh, eh" or "ong eh, ong eh" cries. She has long upgraded to those loud, screamy cries. We were surprised by her sudden outbursts and thought that she's probably influenced by the Indian baby. Carrying her didnt help. She cried so pitifully and wun stop. The pacifier didnt serve its purpose. It was dangling in her wide opened mouth. Tears were rolling down her cheek. Yes, she cries with tears now and nothing we do could stop her. I tried latching on to pacify her. She stopped while suckling but was fidgeting very badly. The moment I unlatched her, she started crying again. It was then that we decided that there will be no swimming. We thought that maybe she was scared by the crying Indian baby. Anyway, we see no point in further scaring her by placing her alone in the tub. No Lil-Shauna-swimming-fish for mummy. -.o"

She finally calmed down after we left the place. It took lots of talking and hugging. We made her milk & she was okie after her milk. Then Daddy Lim & I were discussing about the reason for her outburst. Maybe she was scared by the Indian baby, maybe she's racist (oops!), maybe she's hungry (she finished her milk), maybe she's tired (she fell asleep after that), maybe... we found it funny that we were trying to find a reason to excuse her bad behaviour, trying to defend that she's still the "most well-behaved" baby, attributing the outbursts to external factors. Ha! Parents... ;p

So, we ended up going all the way to Harborfront to buy diapers & milk powder. Waste petrol. Wat to do, she's the Princess. We went home to get ready for P&K's wedding dinner. We didnt bring Lil Shauna. We wanted to eat in peace.

Daddy Lim was trying to entertain her while I expressed milk and changed. She was cranky. Finally, Daddy Lim moved to the living room and switched on the TV to watch MTV. Lil Shauna was fixed on the TV and went quiet instantly. We didnt want her to start watching TV so young. I read somewhere that TV should only be introduced at 2 years old. However, when she's at Popo's place, she has all the opportunity to watch TV. Theirs is on 24/7 to pacify Yingxi jie jie. We already noticed that she fixed her graze at the TV whenever the TV is on. Haiz.. Looks like the inevitable has happened.

MTV is bad for babies. So we put on VeggieTales - God made you special, hoping that a Christian cartoon can at least offset a little of the bad effects of TV. This is her watching VeggieTales.

Yes, she's talking to the TV. I chose to believe that she's talking to Larry & Bob. One more.. This one clearer.

Extracted from the internet:
No study has shown that babies benefit from watching television and video. In fact, it can actually do harm because the first 2 years is a critical time for brain development and learning language. Watching TV steals time away from your kid’s exploring, interacting, playing with you and others, and actively learning by manipulating things around him. Language is only learned through interaction with others, not by passive listening to TV. The kid will not learn to talk by listening to TV characters baby talk or talk down to him but learns to talk by mimicking adult language. He learns from the adults’ simplified but correctly pronounced speech. Moreover, when your baby smiles at the TV, the TV does not smile back. This may affect him socially and psychologically.
Ok, TV is bad.. We will try to refrain her from watching TV -- difficult task... Maybe we should at least standby more VeggieTales & Sesame Street? Err.. anybody knows where to get more VeggieTales?
Mummy Lim

Growing baby

Brought Lil Shauna to NUH for her routine follow-up at NUH on Friday. Oh, she's exactly 4-months old on Friday, hehe. Happy Birthday!

I didnt bring her home on Thursday cos Daddy Lim was out jamming. When I arrived at my mum's place in the morning, she was nicely dolled up, with a ribbon on the head (or do you called it a hair band for hairless babies), courtesy of Yingxuan jie jie. Too bad, the ribbon didmnt survive on her head for long before it was ripped off.

She's 6.3kg & 61cm long.. wah, how she has grown. The PD said that she's in the 50th percentile for her weight & height. So, in turns of physical development, she's comparable to her peers. However, the PD said that she is likely to lag in terms of motor development. Probably about 1 month slower cos she's pre-matured by 1 month. So, it should be a while more before she learns how to flip. Mama Chai just told me on Friday that baby Ian has managed to flip! Though clumsily, a flip nevertheless. Haiz, when will it be our princess' turn?
I went to ICA on Friday afternoon to add "Shauna" into her birth certificate. We were overly concerned about her Chinese name such that we forgot to add in "Shauna" when we 1st registered her birth. Now, she's finally "Shauna Lim Zu-En". The oversight then cost us $60. we had been debating for a while on whether we should add in "Shauna". Finally, we decided to do so since we took a long time to think of the name. Moreover, it is supposed to mean "God is gracious", such a meaningful name. :)
Mummy Lim

Bad Day

Today is a bad day. What could go wrong have gone wrong. It reminds me of the composition that I have written when I was in Primary school. We were late for work. I didnt hear the alarm at all, which happens frequently when I am tired. Daddy Lim woke up on time but decided that he will rest his eyes for another 15mins on the sofa. What was supposed to be an innocent 15 mins turn out to be an hour. He only woke up at 6.45am and hurriedly woke me up. Late...

After washing up, I wanted to check on Lil Shauna who was still soundly asleep on the bed. Little did I noe that Daddy Lim's barely 1-month old Swissflex was resting under the bed. I felt something snapped at my feet and instantly knew that something was wrong. There goes our $350 and Daddy Lim was transformed into a blind bat.

He couldnt drive without his glasses and I had to take over the wheels. I took awhile to get accustomed and was driving very slowly to my mum's place to drop Lil Shauna. That totally didnt help that we were running late for work. Then, we headed to work with me still at the wheels. The traffic was horrible. I was so worried that I would bang into something, scratch the car, burst a tyre or something. After a painful drive, I managed to send Daddy Lim safely to office and headed to my office. I was at least 15mins late.

Upon reaching office, I could not find a car park lot! I wanted to park at the sheltered visitor lot and was fidgeting with the barricade when I was spotted by the super big boss. To save my career, I decided not to risk parking at the lot and had to beg Security for a car park lot. Finally, I was given a lot at the far-away carpark. After parking the car, I had to walk all the way back under the hot sun. I was so irked. Totally irritated. I was so turned off by the idea that I have to drive the car home in the evening.

Knowing how irritated I was, Daddy Lim offered to pick up the car during lunch time. I was so glad that he offered. I was supposed to meet him at the gates to pass him the keys during lunch. However, nearing lunch, I was called to replace my boss at an external meeting! I had to miss Daddy Lim. Haiz...

Luckily, things went smoothly in the afternoon. Daddy Lim manage to pick up the car after work and drove me home. He went for his jamming session while I went to visit Lil Shauna. She was crying for her milk when I reached. Then she dozed off at the bottle and didnt wake up. She was still asleep when I left. Sob.. I didnt get to see my little princess smile.

Lil Shauna will be 4 months old tomorrow! I am bringing her to NUH for her follow-up. I wonder how much has she grown. :)

Mummy Lim

Memory Loss

I am so suffering from memory lapse since the 3rd trimester and things got worse after delivery. I bluff you not. There is actually a name for this condition and plenty of research done. It is called the "Pregnancy Brain" (PB). Dun laugh, no joke. The PB is caused by the huge amount of oxytocin during pregnancy, which has amnesia-like effects. PB may continue after pregnancy like in my case and may persist up to one year after delivery. Sleep deprivation (after delivery) further aggravates the condition. Pappy, night feeds, pls!

I am so horribly forgetful. On a normal day, I can forget my mobile, my keys, my wallet, my fernugreek and the list goes on. I have to constantly set reminders on my mobile to remind myself to do things. Then again, I am always searching for my mobile bcos I cannot remember where I have left it. Just that day, Daddy Lim was so pissed that he has done up a to-bring checklist, stuck onto the fridge door, so that I will not forget my stuff. Too bad, cos I forgot to check the list before stepping out. ;p

At work, I can step out of my office but forgot why I do so when I am out. I hate it when the PB chooses to interfere when I am playing with numbers. It is super painful to keep counting numbers yet not recalling if I am suppose to add or subtract or whether I have added that figure already. Anyway, you get my point.

There is a good side to it though. It is a perfect excuse. Whenever I forgot something, I blame it on the PB and get out of it (most of the times). People tend to be more forgiving, unless in the case of Daddy Lim where his limits have been tested and I am still testing, LOL!. What do you expect, I gave birth wor. The best part to it -- Daddy Lim is rubbing off my symptoms. Haha, so he cant blame me now. We had been trying to remind each other but you can imagine how successful we are. The blind leading the blind.. Maybe one day, we will forgot where we put Lil Shauna. Ha!

Mummy Lim

Weekend

As Lil Shauna grows, we have learnt to pack in more Lim family activities during the weekend. We met up with the Ong family on Saturday for dinner at Bugis. With 2 babies, there was not much shopping to be done. We spent a large part of the time in the restaurant drinking coffee and entertaining the babies. Lil Shauna has indeed grown. As working Mum, her growth really surprise me. Just a while ago, she was this fragile little baby who could barely lift her head and spent most of her time sleeping. Suddenly, she has became this baby who could sit with support and is taking in her environment whenever we brought her out. The best part is that she's reciprocating with sweet smiles frequently to let us know that she's connected with us. :)

Sunday afternoon was spent at nai nai's place. Nai nai was amazed with Lil Shauna's growth too. She always returned every week with new things that she has learnt. Yday, she proudly showed off how she can chuckle! Thereafter, we pack off to Baby Meagan's full-month bash. Lil Shauna was well-entertained by the Uncles and Aunties. Tat leaves Daddy & Mummy some time to eat, watch TV and rest. Amazing, Uncle X is super good with kids and he kept Lil Shauna entertained for a long time. Soon, she will be able to sit on her own (we hope) and crawl around. House visits will be so fun then.

Lil Shauna is starting to learn how to play. She's happy when we "play rough" with her. She is no longer the little baby who smiles whenever we go "ang gu gu". Now, she wants to be lifted up high and play "gu ji" (tickle). Just this afternoon, we tried to lift her up to her feet and she's happy whenever we do that. It is as if she has just found out that feet are used to stand with and she wants to practise with every chance that she has. Maybe I should warn her that she has all the opportunity in the world to do that when the time comes. All these entertiaining is tiring us out. Haha.

Our Lil Shauna has grown. :) She hasnt mastered her flip yet. She's still half-way there. Maybe she's one of those babies who doesnt flip, or sit or crawl but start walking. Lol!

Breast Milk Still the Best

Lil Shauna was crying very badly at 8.30pm after her shower and milk. She appeared to be very angry with duno what. We couldnt soothe her with EBM, cuddles or lots of carrying and walking around. Within a short 5mins, we were both perspiring - her from struggling and me from trying to restrain her. I was at my wits end. Duno wat else to do, I tried latching her on. She used to be pacified immediately when I do so. I was hoping hard that it would work and it did. She quieten down immediately and was in dreamland in 10 mins' time. See, BREAST milk is still the best. :) It is moments like these taht keep me going. Mooooooooo...

Mummy Lim

Horror Truth

No milk?

Got lah, got lah..
Mystery solved, a faulty valve. Heng I got spare ones.. :p

Mummy Lim

Pump, pump, why you fail on me?

I seem to be losing suction on one side of my dual pump. The pump can still work, but I have to rely on only one side. That would mean that I need double the time to express the same amount of milk. This happened since the last pump before I went to bed and happened again just now. I think something could be wrong with the funnel,but cant be sure. I hope replacing it will help.

I will call the supplier tomorrow to check on the available stock and if she noes wat's wrong. Daddy Lim is working tomorrow and I will be taking care of Lil Shauna on my own. I doubt Lil Shauna will allow me to take my own sweet time to express. I guess I will have to latch her on. I hope she still remembers how to latch on. I havent latch her for a long time (except in the middle of the night to coax her to sleep). Haiz, super human pump, pls help Mummy. Else I will explode with milk by the time Daddy Lim comes back. The faulty pump leaves me feeling very irritated. Arrgghhhh... Soon, the irritation will be coupled with engorgement. -.o"

The issue must be resolved by Monday when I go back to work. I cannot afford to go back with an one-sided pump. I dun have the luxury to spend double the time expressing milk. Haiz.. Who was the one who said that giving BM is cheaper than FM? They forgot to factor in the cost of the pump, the accessories and the cost of having to change spare parts every now and then. Arrrrrgggghhhhhh... I am so IRRITATED!

Lil Shauna, pls kindly play your part tomorrow hor. She just had her night feed and is back to dreamland. I shall pyscho her in her sleep. Daddy Lim went to bed super early last night, cos he complained that he was really tired and has just fed her. Thank you bb.

Mummy Lim

Constipation No More!

It is either that Friso Comfort is the life saver or that Lil Shauna's tummy has gotten used to FM. She is no longer constipated! Yippee! Although she no longer poo poo 2x a day like when she was on BM, Mr. Poo Poo makes his appearance almost every day or once every 2 days. We are easily contented parents. So long as we need not bring Lil Shauna to the PD to clear her bowels again, we are happie.

Popo likes to feed Lil Shauna FM. I guessed it is bcos FM keeps Lil Shauna full for a longer period of time and it is easier to prepare as compared to EBM. It is no joke having to constantly feed the hungry baby and it is a even greater feat to try to comfort the hungry baby while waiting for the BM to be heated up. Lil Shauna used to be on FM only once a day. Now, she's on FM at least 2x, sometimes even 3x! To cover up (I suspect), Popo goes on to say that I do not have enuff BM and even said that Lil Shauna prefers FM to my BM! Pui! Then she said that Lil Shauna puke less when she's given FM. -.o"

Nothing can beat the BM hor. Afterall, I squeeze so hard to obtain that miserable 100ml every 3 hourly. So, I told Popo that I heard from other mummies the Friso might not be as nutritious (I really heard this). That also explains why Friso is much cheaper as compared to other FM in the market. However, have no fear, cos my BM is powerful enuff to give Lil Shauna all the nutrients that she needs. Afterall, isnt it my BM that gives Lil Shauna her chubby cheek and thunder thigh? Hehe. I hope Lil Shauna noes how to treasure the good stuff. At least, we have found the FM that she can take, taking the pressure off me to provide enuff ss to meet her increasing dd. I shall continue moo moo-ing to give her whatever that I can. :)

Mummy Lim

Indecent Exposure

Lil Shauna has learnt that hands can grasp things, especially the right hand, which she has more control over. Now, she will tug at whatever things that her right hand can hold on to and try to bring it to the mouth, just in case they taste good or are edible. Things that she can grasp includes her shirt, her blanket and Pappy's shirt. Just in case you are wondering, Pappy = Papa + Daddy. That is bcos he could not make up his mind on how Lil Shauna should address him. He was trying to decide which is a better address to use, so that she can sa jiao to him in the future. Eventually, I helped him solved his headache by combining the 2. ;p Clever me.

Anyway, she has been tugging at her shirt and exposing her belly unnecessarily.

Shame, shame. It is a constant war to try to pull her shirt down and prevent her from doing it again. She then try to act innocent. Faint.

At the end of the day, she always win us over with her sweet smile. Haiz, no wonder nai nai dotes on her so much.

Oh, Auntie S has got a baby ger! Now Lil Shauna is a jie jie and can hand over all her undersized clothes to the new mei mei. :) Hehe and she can buy new clothes! But, she is also a little sad bcos that only leaves Joshua gor gor as the potential boyfriend and she has to fight with AN jie jie, Cailyn jie jie and also the new mei mei. I bet she never leave a good impression when she met Joshua gor gor for the 1st time at auntie Dingz' place. Darn.. -.o" Should have behave better and not cried so badly. ;p

Mummy Lim