Are We Bad Parents?

As usual, Lil Shauna spent her Monday night at Popo's place. We were glad, or at least I was. I so needed this break after the hectic weekend that totally zapped me of my energy. When she stays overnight at my mum's place, we will visit her and try to spend as much time with her as possible before heading home.

Popo's place was in total chaos. Lil Shauna was still in her cranky mood. We suspect that it might be the aftereffect of the vaccination. Errr.. that's nothing else that we can blame on. Afterall, she's usually such a sweetie pie, especially when she's at Popo's place. Anyway, we had dinner and Daddy Lim helped to carry Lil Shauna after dinner. My mum broke a glass cover in the kitchen, leaving her frustrated. Our (the children) attempts to help failed. She refused to let us stepped into the kitchen. Then, she attempted to sweep up the broken pieces and was pissed that the maid didnt help her. She had been complaining about the maid, about how the maid "keng" for easier stuff to do, not taking enough initiatives, not doing the household chores properly and most importantly, she is still as busy as ever. I think the situation has largely to do with the fact that she is still doing too much. She rather do it herself than to teach/ ask the maid to do, then she gets frustrated. -.o" It is a vicious cycle. The maid and us did help eventually, but Popo was already in a bad mood.

The kids were playing on the play mat and Lil Shauna joined them. Cousin Yingxuan was learning how to crawl and to sit up from an all-4s position. Cousin Yingxi was running and jumping around. We kept a close tab on the baby just in case somebody flipped or jumped on her. It was just plain chaotic.

Lil Shauna was super sticky, wet (from her dripping saliva), smelly and was wearing a heavy, drooping diaper. She was still waiting for her shower and she smelled real bad. Popo & the maid were both busy from the broken-glass episode. It was hard for us to insist that they bath her immediately too. As my mum is the main caregiver, we have learnt to let-go at manyatimes. It is just impossible to insist that they do things our ways sometimes. Insisting will only create unhappiness. So, we waited and waited and waited with the flipping and jumping kids. The situation was so bad that Daddy Lim has to escape to smoke. He said that he has to do that to prevent himself from exploding.

When he was back from his smoke, he said that he was nursing a bad tummyache and needed the toilet, but the one at home. -.o" He didnt want to drop the stinky bomb at my mum's place and suffocates everybody, especially since it was bathing time. Yingxuan and Lil Shauna were in the bedroom then. I have no choice but to rush my mum to take over Lil Shauna. My already frustrated mum then insisted that we could leave immediately and they were able to take care of Lil Shauna. But there was nobody looking after her at that point of time! My mum was still doing her stuff in the kitchen, the maid was hanging her laundry. Only Yingxuan was lying in her playpen in the room. We cant expect the 2 babies to look after each other mah.

Finally, they were done and the preparation for shower begins. We left in a hurry. On the way home, we were discussing about the chaotic situation. Daddy Lim was much pissed. The more we talked about it, the worse I felt. We should have brought the baby home today. If we had did that, we could have left immediately after dinner, bath her and spent more time with her. Just bcos of our selfish desire to spend some "me-time", we "tortured" the baby. Sob! It really makes me wonder if we are bad parents. Haiz...

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna is a Brave Little Girl

Lil Shauna went for her 2nd 6-in-1 jab on Friday. To begin with, I was super worried that she will come down with fever. During her 1st jab when she was about 2 months old, she developed fever and was super cranky. Not only did she demand to be carried all the time, she didnt sleep well in the night. My mum and I had to take turns to carry her and pacify her in the night. This time round, she's no longer 3+kg. She is a 6.5kg baby. I fear for my arms.

The day started badly. Lil Shauna was at Popo's place. When I was about to go to Popo's place, it started pouring. I lugged my big bag, the expressed milk and a tiny umbrella (the only umbrella left in the house). I was so worried that the umbrella will give up on me.

Because the rain was so heavy and the umbrella provides such limited coverage, I resort to walking thru' the void decks. I told myself that I should be alright if I kept walking straight. After what seems like a long walk, I emerged at a main road, totally lost! In the end, I was so lost and the rain was so heavy that I ended up taking a cab. Aiya, should have done that in the 1st place and save me all the trouble. -.o"

Then, my mum & I brought Lil Shauna to the clinic. It was still pouring heavily. The 3 of us had to share 1 umbrella (cos I got to shelter them mah) and I was so drenched. Luckily, Lil Shauna was pretty cooperative.

Lil Shauna was given her 2nd 6-in-1 jab and the rotavirus vaccination, which was administered orally. She didnt really cry when they injected her, not like the 1st time where she almost screamed the roof off. She was also distracted by the oral vaccine. It is supposed to taste sweet and Lil Shauna was happily licking/ sucking the vaccine from the syringe. The last jab and the last dosage for rotarivus will take place 2 places down the road.

Surprisingly, she was not as cranky as we tot she would be. There was oso no fever. Must be the power of BM. Hehe. We brought her back and she even sleep thru' the night! But, just as we tot all are over, she gave us hell today. Super, super cranky. I am so, so glad that she's asleep now. She left me even more tired than before the weekend was here. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Life Without Eggs

Daddy Lim picks up electric guitar when he was just a teenager. I suspect it is to impress the girls. Anyway, he owned this electric guitar with a super big Power Ranger sticker and it is now sitting in our store room. After ignoring the "hobby" for the longest time, he is at it again. It is an expensive hobby. All the new toys and gadgets are expensive stuff. The best thing is that there is always a better guitar, a better amp, a better pick, a better...

He had been trying to jio people to form a band, but not many people share his enthusiasm, especially when work and family commitments come into the picture. After a long search, he finally found this group of people. He has been jamming regularly with them and he is enjoying himself. In fact, he has found a chance for them to perform at the Company event! They were trying to find a name and while discussing about fried rice & eggs, they tot of the name "Life Without Eggs". Cool... -.o"

This is them jamming away. Dun ask me what are they playing, just some very loud music with somebody singing as if he is shouting. Interestingly, they were very into this song as compared to the other pop songs. Still, they cant perform this cos nobody is gg to understand. Haha.

We were debating if we should let Lil Shauna learn guitar, bass, drum or keyboard. Daddy Lim says no guitar. Too common liao.. Lol!

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna's Passport Application

I thank God for the person who invented speaker phone. I rang up ICA today and was put on hold for a super long time. The voice system claimed that they were experiencing high call traffic -- at 9am in the morning. Ha! Anyway, I put the phone on speaker and went about doing my work.

After what seems like forever, I finally managed to speak to an officer. I was a little embarrassed relating our story. I bet the officer must be controlling her laughter at the other end of the line. Anyway, she checked and reverted that ICA has yet to receive our application, but there is no need for a fresh application. Once they receive our application, they will either send us an acknowledgement or call us to inform. Then, they will proceed with the application. When the passport is ready, we will then bring the photo down to ICA.

True enuff, I received a call in the afternoon to inform that they have received the application and will proceed accordingly. I was a little surprised at their efficiency. When the passport is ready, we will have to bring Lil Shauna and her photo down to ICA. However, instead of the usual minutes, we will have to wait up to an hour after we hand in the photo before we can collect the passport.

Well, at least they dun charge us double for our stupidity. ;p

Mummy Lim

Shopping Is An Addiction

Women do shop alone, but we prefer company. We tend to buy more when we shop with company. Somehow, the urge to buy is contagious. We cannot resist sales and big discount. Any shop that hangs the word "SALE" is worth exploring, just in case they have good and cheap stuff. If an item is worth buying, we have to consider getting it even if we dun need it now. There is never too many bags, shoes, clothes, accessories, etc. There will always be a chance to use the new item one day. Afterall, we always need some new bag to go with that top and shoes to match that bag and accessories to go with that bag... You get my point.

I was never into online shopping. I prefer the real feel of shopping. The need to see and touch and to walk the entire street, going into different shops, comparing prices before getting The Piece. It was until I became a mummy that things changed. With a baby in the picture, shopping becomes a challenge. Though unwilling, the husband can stand outside the shop and wait while I pick & choose. I can choose to pretend not to see his impatient look too. With a baby, if she says no shopping, she means it.

SingaporeMotherHood forum opens up a whole new experience. The bulk purchases (BPs) and sprees mean that I can still do shopping without going to the shopping mall. It is a temptation hard to resist especially when BPs and sprees are wat accompany me in the lonely nights while I express. See, it is not entirely my fault. It doesnt help that things come cheaper via such BPs and sprees. BPs and sprees organisers love to catch my attention with discounts too. -.o"

To date, I have purchased the following from BPs and sprees:
- 2 nursing shawls
- 4 pairs of leggings for Lil Shauna
- 1 big bag
- 1 toy
- 2 story books
- 3 tops
- 1 dress for Lil Shauna
- 1 bottle of fernugreek
- 1 tube of destini nappy cream

The latest additions are 4 bibs.

The best part of the whole experience of BPs and sprees -- I have introduced my colleagues to it. The girls are crazy over the cheap bags and clothing. How to resist temptation when all the rest of your colleagues are browsing and choosing and buying and talking about it? Kekeke.. It is not that we are easily influenced, we chose to share the joy. ;p

But of course, online shopping cannot and can never totally replace real shopping + window shopping. We still need to walk the malls. So, if Daddy Lim is reading this, do take note. Lol!

Mummy Lim

Gu Gu Parents Episode II

We are big procrastinators. We are bringing Lil Shauna to cruise in November with my family. We have already booked & paid up but Lil Shauna still has no passport. My brother & SIL have been reminding us to make her passport so that we can provide her passport no. to the tour agency. My SIL was even kind enuff to print out the application form. All we have to do is to fill it up & sent it in.

We procrastinate so long before bringing Lil Shauna for her photo shoot. I wanted her to look pretty mah, so thought that we do the photo thingy in the morning when she's in good mood. Eventually, we had to bring her on a weekday evening. Although she wasnt grumpy, she looked bad in the pix. Bcos she cant sit upright on her own, she has to take her pix lying down. Who looks good that way? She ended up with roti prata face. I would cry if I have such an ugly photo in my passport. I already suffered that plight when I was younger. My old passport photo was horrible. I always have to "smuggle" my passport when I go tour with friends. Anyway, she's too young to mind such stuff. I promise to change it to a nice pix when she's older.

The application form was finally filled up. We hurriedly wrote the address on the envelop and Daddy Lim helped to fold and insert the application form when we saw the post box yday. We were quite glad that we finally sent in the application form.

Then, when we were home. I saw Lil Shauna's newly taken passport photo... -.o" We had sent in the application form without the passport photo... Win liao. Anybody knows what will happen next? Do we send in another fresh application with the passport photo or ICA will revert back to us?

Mummy Lim

What Lil Shauna can do

Lil Shauna is growing day-by-day. Although the PD says that she is likely to be slower bcos she's a premie, we see her growing stronger & stronger.

Lil Shauna is developing her fine motor skills. Other than grasping watever that we put in her hand + pulling her clothes to indecently expose herself, she can now reach out to touch & hold things. However, her hold is still not steady and there are many times where she gets frustrated bcos she cant get what she wants. Whatever that ends up in her hand must be brought to the mouth for sampling, just in case they taste good. She's also drooling like crazy. Whenever there's nothing else to sample, her hands will always taste good.

Her neck has grown much stronger. She still cant flip fully and tummy time is always a struggle. We do see improvement. She can now lift her head a little off the bed but most of the time, she still ends up licking the bedsheet.

Although she cant flip or sit or stand, she enjoys sitting and standing. She always smile when we let her sit or stand and demanding doing so very often. I bet she doesnt know how heavy she is. She's constantly torturing our arms and I am developing big biceps soon. ;p Oh, she can chuckle now! It is so fun seeing her laugh out loud.

People say "once bitten, twice shy" but we stubborn parents have to try 3x. All 3 attempts to make Lil Shauna sleeps in an aircon room fail miserably. She wakes up in the middle of the night crying not for milk but bcos of discomfort. I dun think she's cold cos we already wrapped her up like a bak chang. It is probably the dryness of the air, which irritates her nose. So, we will have to "suffer" with her until such a time that she shifts to her own room. Oh boy, that will be a long wait.

Maybe bcos Lil Shauna can now reciporcate, making playtime such fun (but tiring), we realised that we miss her alot. She didnt come home last night and we missed her plenty. Must kiss her double when we see her tonight!

Oh, nainai says that Lil Shauna looks like a boy. She wasnt the 1st to say that. So did that little girl who took lift with us one day, pointing to Lil Shauna and commented that "didi is sleeping" and my SIL's dad, who said that Lil Shauna looks like a boy too. Sob! What to do, the little proncess takes after the daddy. I hope that the saying about girls looking prettier if they take after their daddies.

She does look like a boy at certain angle. Arrgghh, must buy her more pretty clothes, dresses and all!

Mummy Lim

Busy Weekend

We had a busy weekend. I have loads to blog, but no time. Looks like I have to blog over afew milking session.

Daddy Lim & I took leave on Friday. We wanted to pamper ourselves. We woke up real early and Daddy Lim went for his routine blood & urine test at AH for his AS. Then we had breakfast at Mac. It was followed by a couple spas at aFond @ Holland V. It is our 1st spas experience. Not too bad, but I expected better.

The masseuse were aunties and they were not too professional. They were busy cleaning the bath tub (with us still in the room and wrapped in some red wine stuff) fearing stain cos we had some red wine drip. My auntie used too much strength on me resulting in sore muscle. The facilities wasnt too great either. We could hear the leaking tap. -.o" I guessed it has to do with the money that we paid. We only paid $300 for 2 pax for 2.5hrs. It would have easily cost $500 or more at those really classy spas places. Anyway, great "us-time". We probaby will try spas again somewhere else, maybe once every quarterly. Daddy Lim hates the wrap. He was screaming for help when he started perspiring under the wraps. Haiz, duno how to enjoy. ;p

After that, we went to collect Daddy Lim's medical report. He was given a free full body checkup for buying some policies with AIA. The check-up did detect elevated levels of potassium and duno what. But the doctor suspected that they are probably a result of his AS and the effects of the medication that he is on. He said that he wasnt too concerned, but advised that Daddy Lim goes regularly for checks in the future for monitor sake. Then we were off to fetch Lil Shauna.

We brought Lil Shauan for her swim on Saturday afternoon. I was so worried that she will end up crying again. Fortunately, she cooperates. She only swam for 15 mins before starting to make faces. There were so many other crying babies but she wasnt influenced. That's our girl!

She didnt swim like a fish this time. But at least she doesnt cry.

We then joined my Uni mates for dinner at Barracks @ Dempsey Road. Our 1st time there. We super mountain tortise lor. Even lost our way in Dempsey. The place was nice but it was 5 couples with 4 kids. We were busy coaxing, running after, carrying, feeding kids. Not much time for catch-up. By the time we were done with dinner, the kids started dozing off and it was time to go.

Sunday was spent at Nainai's place. Lil Shauna is starting to enjoy her toys. But she still prefers her fingers at times.

Mummy Lim

Power!

I am sick! Down with sore throat. That explains why I couldnt hear all the alarms set to wake me up to express milk (fyi, I set 4 alarms!!!). Then, the super alarm is at Popo's place. Result - I didnt pump for 9 hrs! Highest record so far. I even leaked milk from 1 side. Haha..

Mummy Lim

Too much words

The previous few entries no pix. Must be pretty boring huh..

See the cute little baby.

Then the parents.

We super long never take pix liao. Every other photo is of the little princess. This pix was taken in the car after P&K's wedding dinner. Super bo liao cos stuck in a "carpark traffic jam".

So, Lil Shauna looks like who? Too dark to see huh? Lol!


Mummy Lim

Calling?

One day, after a hard day at work, I started wondering about where this is all going. Days seem to fly by. It is a matter of feeling tired or more tired. There is no light at the end of the tunnel, no weekend to look forward to, no afternoon naps, no me-time, just lots of Lil Shauna, expressing milk, changing diapers, etc. We were in the car when I started telling Daddy Lim if God's calling for me is to go into some ministry. The conversation and thought was soon forgotten when work and more work piled up.

This afternoon, I saw the newsletter that D sent and I remembered about the thought. I was wondering if it is God whispering to me. Then the logical self surfaced and I started to debate with myself.

I have always maintained that we are spending whatever that we are earning. That explains why the amount in our bank is always stagnant or worse still, decreasing slowly. The balance only jumped during bonus time and fortunately, we are disciplined enough to keep a large part of it as savings. However, we have no real sense of our expenses and we decided to track for September. True enough, barely halfway into the month, we have already spent one person's take home pay and expenses are still mounting. We have too much sunken cost. The car costs too much and there is also the givings to parents, the insurance, etc. Anyway, it only proves my point that we are not able to survive on one pay.

That being the case, I cant quit, so I cant go into ministry full-time. Then how about volunteering like D? Nowadays, I barely have 6 hours of sleep every night. Waking hours are spent working, taking care of the baby or housework. There is not even time to walk a little slower, so how do I find time to volunteer without overtaxing myself?

I wonder if I am really hearing God. Are there too many burdens holding me back? I shared with Daddy Lim and he said that if it is God, there is no way that we can stop Him. Sorry Daddy, maybe God wants me to quit first, not you. ;p

Mummy Lim

P.S - Boss, if you are reading this, I am NOT quiting.. Just a thought ya.. I still need the $$. ;p

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wheres the box to type in msgs for the chat box? btw, no Judy, i really prefer normal milk to BM for coffee..

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