Our Growing Baby

Lil Shauna is a preemie. She was too eager to meet us and decided to come out at 34 + 5 weeks, way before her expected arrival date. Plus the fact that I suffered from pre-eclampsia, she was really a tiny baby, weighing merely 1890g at birth. At her lowest, she was barely 1600g. -.o" I can still remember how we kept asking about her weight gain, hoping that she will put on weight fast enuff so that we can bring her home from the hospital. By God's grace, she grew big and healthy.

Bcos she's a preemie, she was scheduled to go back to NUH for regular checkup. She was back monthly initially, then eventually 2 months and 4 months apart. I heard that preemies sometimes take up to 2 years old to catch up. She's indeed a little slower. She only started flipping when she's 6 months old and crawling only at 9 months. Thus, I wasnt surprised when we were scheduled to go back when I brought Lil Shauna to the NUH's PD at her 8th month.



I brought Lil Shauna back to NUH just last week, right after she crossed her 1 year old birthday. The PD asked a few questions, used a rattle on her, took her weight and height and announced that Lil Shauna is growing well. He then declared that Lil Shauna need not go back for further follow-up. Hooray! I do agree that Lil Shauna is catching up quickly. She started sitting, standing, criusing and walking early. :)



By the way, Lil Shauna is 9.5kg, 74cm tall and has a head circumference of 44cm. Accordingly to her health booklet, she is again at the 50%tile for height and head circumference but 75%tile for weight. I msged Daddy Lim of her growth updates. Daddy Lim replied.

Daddy Lim: So she is short and fat lah?
Mummy Lim: No lah, not short, just fat niah. Hohoho.

But seriously, Lil Shauna is nowhere near fat! I do hope that she has a little bit more meat. Babies that come with that few more ounces of meat are simply cuter. Hohoho.

Other than physically growth, Lil Shauna is also responding to show that she understands us.
1. After teaching her for a long time, she will pat at her tummy when we ask "Who is Shauna?". But of course that is highly dependent on her mood.
2. She will clap her hands when we say "clap, clap" and wave bye bye when we say so.
3. She will play peek-a-boo with us and will say "ah ta" while at play.
4. When we start singing "twinkle, twinkle little star" or "ABC", she will start opening & closing her little palms.
4. When we start singing "if you are happie", she will start clapping.
5. When we start singing "itsy wisy spider", she will start putting her palms together and rotate her hands (she cant imitate that spider movement yet).
It is just so sweet to see her responding. As a result, Daddy Lim and I kept singing the same songs to her. Hohoho.
Mummy Lim

We Are Going for Cruise!

Desperation drives extreme measures.
I was complaining to my colleagues that I needed a break from work. Since Lil Shauna touches down on earth, we only had 3 holidays - to cruise when she's about 6 months old, across the causeway (literally) and the hotel stay at Sentosa. I had wanted to take the plane and fly to a further country for holiday with Daddy Lim & Lil Shauna but we are stranded bcos of the Swine Flu.

Truth be told, I think I have become a gan cheong spider now that I am a mummy. Then when SARS hit Singapore, I couldnt even be bothered with temperature screening. Life goes on as usual. However, with the Swine Flu not even in Singapore, I am already worrying. I spend time listening and surfing teh net on updates of Swine Flu. Ten thousands "what-ifs" come into my mind. Aiyo! Anyway, the Swine Flu has successfully confined us in Singapore.

So, I was screaming in the office that I needed a holiday last week. The next moment, I was thinking about going on a cruise. I guessed it will be safer than travelling out of Singapore, more so if it is a weekend cruise to nowhere. During lunch on the same day, I was calling tour agencies. After finding out the price, I ran thru' the idea with Daddy Lim. My intention was to travel at the end of the month, right before the school holidays to avoid kids.

Daddy Lim was gamed enuff to entertain my crazy ideas. Since we can fit 4 pax (including Lil Shauna) into one cabin, I invited my mum. I wasnt sure if my mum would join. I tot she needed a break from the kids. She usually wouldnt join since she's likely to want to help my bro with his kids. Surprisingly, she said "yes" this time. It sure looks like she needs a good break. Haha. The last time that I went on a trip with my mum and my sis was at least 2 years ago to Genting & KL. I really missed those times. Haiz, it is so nice to travel without a baby. Who cares about milk bottle and soiled diapers then?

It just happened that I was on leave last Friday to bring Lil Shauna for her regular check-up (will blog about that another time). After the check-up, we went to JP and enquired about the cruise. Apparently, Singaporeans are the least affected by the economic crisis + swine flu bcos the cruise is fully booked! Every single room! Mind you, we are not talking about small sampan here, we are talking about Star Virgo! Fortunately, there are still cabins available for this coming weekend and I took no chance. I booked the cabin and we are so going to the cruise this weekend with my mum. Hohoho.

My mum goes crazy when she sees the casino. I can imagine her cooping in the casino during the entire trip. I joked with Daddy Lim that she probably wun know how the other part of the cruise looks like and we will still have the cabin to ourselves. In fact, we might not even notice or remember that my mum went to the cruise with us. Lol! My mum was "kind" enuff. She offered to sleep with Lil Shauna in the afternoon when she's taking her nap. -___________-" I think Daddy Lim and I will gladly take naps with Lil Shauna lor. No need my mum to offer her "help". Haha. Anyway, I am looking forward to the trip.

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna is Walking

During Lil Shauna's bday bash, on several occasions, she stood up on her own without support when she's sitting on heightened surface (e.g. on a step). We also noticed that she's standing without support for a longer period of time. My mum had also commented that Lil Shauna has started walking.

I first saw Lil Shauna walking on her own sometime last week. She was still very much insecure and will grab whoever's finger that she can. It was only after lots of coaxing that she decided that she will perform her walk for me. She's definitely very wobbly, unstable and directionless.

Over the weekend at nainai's place, we tried coaxing Lil Shauna to perform her walk for the grandparents. She did and the grandparents, uncle + future auntie were cheering her on. The more they cheered, the more she walk. In fact, she couldnt stop even when she started to wobble badly. We had to carry her and distract her to stop her from walking.

We got her on video. There was this part that she appeared to be falling. She's not, the camera went out of focus bcos I was trying to catch the baby who came "running" to me. :)

Just now, right before bedtime, Lil Shauna was feeling adventurous on the bed. Perhaps she knows that the bed is soft and it doesnt hurt (much) to fall on the bed. She was standing up on her own, standing without support and happily walking on the bed. Clever baby.
Digressing. Now that Lil Shauna is getting mobile and has improved her fine motor skills tremendously, it is time to pay attention to the little things that are lying around in the house. Just that day, I saw her playing with her picker that we used to clean her nose. The next moment, she conveniently deposited the picker into the toilet roll container. I bet she planned that. She hates it when we try to clean her nose with the picker. Hohoho.
Soon, I will realise that the things at home grow legs. ;p
Mummy Lim

June Babies' Bash

Along with Lil Shauna, many of the other June Mummies' Babies are also turning One. I got to know them on the Motherhood forum and met them about 3x, all after Lil Shauna is out. They had been great support during preggy. It was sometimes difficult to relate to others but these mummies know and understand bcos they went thru' the almost exact same thing as me and at the same time. :)

As our babies are turning one, we decided to meet to have a massive celebration. After lots of planning by some kind mummies, we finally decided to meet at JWT @ Eastgate for 2 hours of gym play. The venue is somewhere near Katong, which is veeeeeerrrrry far from Jurong West. Surprisingly, Lil Shauna was happy during the car ride.

So what do you expect when you have 20 babies + mummies, some daddies and even some grandparents? Chaos!

The instructor was trying hard to get the parents and babies to do action song but it was simply impossible. There will always be unwilling babies or straying babies.

The place was huge and they have loads of equipments that can be assemble and dismantle in seconds.

Lil Shauna wasnt too adventurous. Many times, she prefers to cling to us or criuse than join in the fun. Not too sure if she's scare or just need time to warm up.

One of the mummies baked us a cake - a fondant cake. It was so nice. I wish I can bake like that.

Turn out that Lil Shauna was the oldest baby and she had the honor to blow out the candle + cut the cake. She sat on the table with the cake, staring blankly. In the end, I had to help her blow out the candle + cut cake. She wasnt even willing to hold the knife while I cut the cake. Duh!

After the gym, Daddy Lim and I went for Katong Laska while Lil Shauna had her milk. Stupid me actually forgot to bring hot water. Lil Shauna didnt have her milk until the whole gym was over and when we reached the kopitiam to get hot water. Heng the activity kept her busy and she forgot about being hungry.

It was really great to celebrate bday with so many babies. :)

Mummy Lim

My Auntie is Finally Here

Warning: PG rating...

I never have regular menses (aka Auntie Flo, aka AF). AF started visiting me when I was pretty young. I remembered that I was still in Primary school when AF decided that it was time to start a long relationship with me.

When I was in Secondary school, AF missed me very much and often refused to go back after each visit. Each visit can stretch over 10 days. In certain months, she even decided to visit me 2x! -.o"

Strangely, as I grow older, AF often went on long vacation without informing. Sometimes, I will wait for her but she was nowhere in sight. Then suddenly, she will come without notice. I had to constantly bring around my protection bcos AF was simply beyond prediction. I bet there was no such word as "planning" in her dictionary. She comes and goes as she wishes.

The year before I conceived Lil Shauna, AF only visited me 6x. Her absence can last anything from 1/2 month to 3 months. It was only when I was on medication to try to ovulate that AF had no choice but to visit me monthly. However, her visit was always brief and angry. She was bound to give me bad cramps whenever she comes. I bet she was punishing me for making her missed her vacation. ;p

The last I saw AF was in August 2007, right before Lil Shauna was made. After Lil Shauna touched down safely on earth, breastfeeding kept AF at bay. I stopped breastfeeding in December 2008 and by right AF should start fulfilling her obligations and resume her visits. But I guess she's enjoying herself somewhere and forgotten about me.

The doctor advised me during that the medical checkup and if AF still doesnt show up 6 months after I stopped breastfeeding, I should report her as a missing person to the Police (aka gynae). The Police should be able to find her back at little effort.

I am touching the 6 months' grace soon. In between, there were some false alarm. I tot she came back but not. I was beginning to miss her. Then suddenly, without warning, AF came back at full force. She must be recharged after her loooonnng vacation. I can tell that she is. I have not seen her so full of "energy" for a long time. It is as if she is paying me back for all the time that I have missed. But... it wasnt my fault...

My mum is happie for me. Bcos AF means that I can start again for Lil Shauna no. 2. Errrrr... Faint.

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna's Bday Party II

Lil Shauna was in the sweet dress that nainai bought for her. It comes with matching shorts somemore. Hohoho.

Soon, guests started pouring in. I had thought that there wouldnt be many kids but I was surprised with I saw the ballpit filled with kids and babies. The platform was so crowded with babies and adults who were trying to take care and entertain the kids. I was really glad that we had loaned the ballpit cos the kids were crazy about it and they were confined to the ballpit most of the time - no kids running around or babies crawling everywhere. ;pThe bigger kids were enjoying themselves in the ballpit too.

I was worried that the bigger kids might accidentally stepped on or fall on the babies. However, by God's grace, no major injury was recorded.

I forgot to take a pix of Ian. He was the only boy among the girls. I bet he was reaaaalllly enjoying himself that day. Hohoho.

When most of the guests arrived, we gathered around the cupcakes to sing the bday song for Lil Shauna. She looked puzzled, wondering why everybody breaks into a song suddenly. She looked even more puzzled when people started singing her name and started clapping thereafter. We had tried teaching her how to blow out the candle but not successful leh. Daddy Lim did the blowing eventually.

Then we tried to take pix with the bday girl, who wasnt too cooperative. My cupcakes must be too delicious and pretty. Lil Shauna just couldnt resist them and kept going for the cupcakes.
3/4 way into the celebration, Lil Shauna was hot and sticky. We had to bathe her and change her into a sexy racer back that Daddy Lim & I bought for her. Check out Lil Shauna's breasts!

The guests left at about 3pm. Mummy L & family + Mummy P & family only came in the late afternoon, after all the guests have left. We were too tired and forgot to take pix. -.o" Joshua, Cailyn & Lil Shauna were well entertained by the balls & toys. The parents were happily watching Ip Man on DVD.

After they left, it is finally prezzie opening time. Blessed Lil Shauna received so many prezzies.

Apparently, Lil Shauna prefers the ang baos.

Huat ah!

We had a tiring but great time. I think Lil Shauna enjoys herself too. :)

Oh ya, now that my cupcakes are presentable and edible, anybody wants to exchange babysitting services for my cupcakes? Hehe.

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna is One!

Happie Bday Baby!
We love you deep, deep!

Daddy & Mummy Lim

Happie Mothers' Day

This is my 1st Mothers' Day wor.
But I dun feel any more or less special leh. Chey.

I reminded Daddy Lim that it is MY day today. Well, he asked me what I wanted and it also earned me a few mouthful of his wanton mee. Hmm... no special needs or wants leh. I was just joking recently that maybe I should go hide on Mothers' Day and leave the baby with Daddy Lim. But I decided otherwise, else he might not live to spend Fathers' Day. Hohoho.

Daddy Lim told me that it is not easy to earn Mothers' Day. I totally agree. Let's see... what does it mean to be a Mother. Top 10 list.

1. To be able to sleep on 1/5 of the bed bcos the hb took 1/2 and the rest by the baby and yet not flipped and squash the baby (training required);
2. To wake up at the slightest sound/ stir made by the baby (several times on certain nights) and to wake up to feed/ comfort/ change/ pat/ position (list go on) the baby in the night and yet be able to go to work the next day;
3. To have the energy to chase after the crawling/ walking/ climbing baby even after a hard day at work;
4. To still have plenty of love for the baby despite her screaming/ crying fits;
5. To be able to carry the baby in one hand and do whatever required with the other (training required too);
6. To be able to change poo poo filled and smelly diaper for the flipping baby while the Daddy has escaped 10 miles away from the room;
7. To clean off disgusting poo poo/ puke/ mucus and kill cockroaches/ bugs (latter not tested and proven for me);
8. To battle with the baby during feeding time;
9. To understand/ guess correctly what the still-cannot-talk baby wants; and
10. To be able to have the day brightens up bcos of the baby even after having to deal with stupid people the whole day.

Hohoho. I feel so noble to be a Mummy.
Happie Mummy Day to me. I think I deserve it.

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna's Bday Party I

I had wanted to hold a bday party for Lil Shauna for the longest time.

Yes, I noe that:

1. Lil Shauna is too young to remember that she ever had this bday party;

2. Lil Shauna is too young to appreciate and enjoy being the star; and

3. Lil Shauna has not have many friends.

However, I:

1. Will take loads of photos and show her when she grows up;

2. Am too proud of her and would like to show her off to all my family & friends;
3. Am eager to try my cupcake baking skills; and

4. Will invite many of our family & friends to help Lil Shauna celebrate.

Thus, I manage to convince Daddy Lim to hold a celebration for Lil Shauna on Vesak Day.

We took a long time to plan for this celebration. The planning started since her photoshoot, which was eventually used to make her invite, to attending cupcake baking class so as to bake cupcakes for Lil Shauna, to buying new clothes and balloons online for decoration and the online sourcing for bouncers and toys to entertain the babies on that day. We were expecting quite a few kids and babies.

Lil Shauna didnt come home last night bcos Daddy Lim & I plus Xiao Yee have loads to prepare. Xiao Yee was kind enuff to help and even stayed overnight. We inflated the helium balloons at JP last night and brought them home. Surprisingly, Daddy Lim was so proud to carry 15 floating balloons in JP. In fact, he seems to be enjoying himself. -.o" The kids were so jealous of him.

Strangely, it was Xiao Yee who was embarrassed and refused to be seen with the balloons. We managed to squeeze all the balloons into Jazzie. Daddy Lim had to drive without the rear view mirror. We cant even see my sis who was sitting with the balloons in the back of the car. I think she's glad not to be seen too. Haha.

Once home, we went into cupcake baking mode and was at it for almost 3 hours. By the time we were done with the cleaning up, it was 1am already and I literally dragged my tired feet to bed.
Daddy Lim still need to go back to work on Sat morning. My sis and I woke up early and started preparing the baked cupcakes, putting on buttercream and decorating them with the earlier made fondant decorations.

The finished products.

Then it was more decoration and waiting for the guests & princess to arrive.

This is the bouncer cum ball pit that we rented for Lil Shauna. It wasnt cheap - $86 for 1 day. But I am glad that we did rent. The kids had great fun in it.

I would like to think that the place is nicely done up. In fact, I think I will be happie if I am one of kids invited for the party. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Pretty Baby

I am a pretty baby.

Yeah!

With lots of love & saliva,
Lil Shauna