Feeds

Nathan seems to have developed some kind of feeding patterns - based on 2 hourly. But sometimes, he wakes every hour, or only sleeps through half an hour, leaving me practically no room at all to do anything at all. My daily routine has been feeding, and cleaning up his milk spills, finding the perfect timing to bathe him, get him changed into clean clothes, and while he's asleep for that short few minutes, to do laundry, fold clothes, and some time to have my meals. Today, I managed to prepare my own lunch, finally doing some cooking since discharge. Fish porridge, one of my favourite and easier to cook meals. Hopefully I can prepare more lunches in future, but finding the right timing can be tough. Irene passed me a netted baby rocker, which some mothers swear by, cos you can bring it with your baby safely belted in everywhere in the house. Right now, I have a woken up Nathan sitting in that chair with me in the study room while I blog. I can monitor his movements right where I am. He is having some hip cups, just waiting for him to call. Everyday seems to be the same for me for now, hopefully in one more month's time, baby is stronger, and I can leave him to cry for longer periods of time and do MY THING.

One month old

Time really passed fast. In the blink of an eye, he has been born into the world for a good 4 weeks as of 24th May, Wednesday.

We had a quiet family time, no fanciful parties, with relatives or friends to celebrate at all. Thought it would be traumatizing for little bear with all the hustle and bustle of people's noises.

We just went out to the park for a short stroll, in his new red pram. I haven't been outdoors for quite a while, so it came as a breather for me.

We're still very cautious of his tolerance against bacteria and external influences, haven't got the courage to bring him out for too long a period of time. Our second outing was dinner at our old time favourite Cafe Cartel at J8. Baby slept through the entire time.

We're already looking forward to the second month, when he will grow fatter and Heavier.

Up Close and Personal

Nathan has definitely grown from strength to strength, and having more feeds lately.

He does looks really rosy here, but the fact is, he is still suffering from breast milk jaundice, hopefully, should clear by 2nd month. I hear that some babies continue to have BM jaundice up to 3 months. I certainly hope it won't be the case for my little darling.

On days when he cries non stop and craves for hugs, really get me frustrated and tired out. But, just look at his adorable face, even when he brings me aches and pains, I must say it's all worth it.

Absolutely Adorable

Absolutely Adorable Up close and personal, Nathan looks absolutely adorable and charming when he's still and alert, and not crying. Chong says, even when he does wails, he looks just as cute, That's the words from a dad, who doesn't have to face a crying baby whole day long. But Nathan's a good boy, besides crying for feeds, he only cries when he feels uncomfortable. Don't think he's at that stage when he calls for attention yet. So I still always pick him up each time he makes a sound. But of course, when he just tosses and turns in bed, I let him be. His cries can be heard two floors up and down. Think our neighbour finally realizes there's one more member in this household. That next door auntie hasn't seen my big belly before. She must be quite surprised. Nathan got whose looks? Daddie's big nose and mouth, and pointed high fore head? You're right. He's got bigger eyes than dad, probably a mix of the two parents. But I love his hair the most, thick, long, black and curly ... Wonder how it would be like in a years' time without trimming ... hahah

Reflux, Breast Milk Jaundice

Baby has both complications. At the first follow up check up, baby had to be pooked at the feet, to draw some blood to test his jaundice level. The result, moderately high. But doc suggested it could be due to breast milk and should pass in a few weeks' time. Our little bundle does look really yellow in the light. And within the 3rd week, we discovered another complication: Baby started throwing out milk after each feed and he cries non stop untill he could get his milk out of his chest. A very worrying sign. We dialed for doc immediately and paid him a visit. Prescribed us 2 bottles of medication for him. Poor chap, has to take in 'bitter juice' at 3 weeks old. After observing him for a few days, seems to look better, but still throwing up, hopefully, this phase will pass soon. Besides all these, baby's gaining weight well. After the first week, he was 2.8kg, and within 7 days, the next visit at 3 weeks old, he has grown to 3.3kg, above average weight according to the growth chart. Hope this continues...

latest updates?

Dearest Caris, LyeChong and Nathan!!

How's everyone doin?? I've been prayin each nite before i sleep for all 3 of you esp Nathan. Thank God for His grace and protection on your family. Continue to enjoy new discoveries of God's precious gift to all us -Nathan :o)
luv,
wendi

Hi-5

Nathan is giving a Hi-5 to all viewers! This picture was taken while he was still in ICU and needing the food tube. He could breathe perfectly fine, but his tummy was still weak to digest milk. But he was off the tube within 2 days and feeding well. By far, this has been his favourite sleeping position.

Labour and Delivery

I admitted myself on Thursday night, just 2 days after discharge from the hospital. Fresh bleeding recurred, and according to doc, not something to wait at home. I may be in labour anytime. So I obeyed. I was on the drip again. The drip helped to control contractions. I could hardly feel any contractions coming at all, though the CTG does shows it. Probably, my threshold for pain is rather high. Did I ever experience labour pains? Not at all. I was kind of disappointed, cos I thought it was meant for all mothers to go through labour pains (Genesis). I wanted to try it out too. Monday night, I had many visitors - Yi Shyan and peggy, Yin and Carol came too. The night before, Tina and Jim were here too. These friends gave me much encouragement and prayers too. I remembered the prayers of Peggy, that 'every good gift is from above' and that 'God is in control.' These very words strengthened my discouraged heart. Later did I realize I was to give birth that very night. Poon came at 10.30p.m., the dosage of the drip was up till 70! Previously, it was only at 20, or at most, 40. Doc said the drip was not working on my any more, and baby's heart beat seems to be dropping each time contraction comes. It was decided. I was to go for emergency caesarean with general anathesia. The nurses came rushing roung me to prepare me for op. One shaved me, the other drew some blood for me, and yet the other put a urine tube in me. Everyone seems to be working fast and on task. Chong prayed with me before I was transferred to another bed and wheeled to 4th floor operating room. I saw Poon walking towards me in a green suit. Then the anaesthetic doc came, reassured me that everything's gonna be alright, saw his hands over me, and I was knocked out before another count. Within an hour, I was wheeled out of the theatre. According to Chong, baby's out within 30mins. I couldn't hold the baby at all, not the usual things I know and read about, bonding right after birth etc. Baby's brought into ICU and know not what they did with him. I went into any deep sleep, motionless and without strength. At about 12 noon on Tuesday, I was fully conscious. The nurses came in to freshen me up, and transferred me to another room - single room. I didn't feel any pain as yet. At 3p.m. I was determined to get up and walk. Two nurses came in to help. The moment I stepped out of bed, blood flowed down and formed pools on the floor. But it was definitely a relieve to pass some urine out. I was still too weak to visit the baby. I waited till night time, sat on a wheel chair and went to ICU. The first sight caught me tearing already. He's sleeping so soundly, and looks perfectly healthy. I was glad he didn't need any tubes at all. And he's got alot of hair. My heart felt at ease. Baby's only 34 week old, and he stayed on in the hospital for a good 7 days. I stayed longer just so I could breast feed him. He is a strong boy and fast learner. He had no problem trying to suckle at my breasts. Thanks to the nurses' asistance too. Food, environment, and nurses were commendable. Mt A is a good choice, near to home, reasonable prices and friendly staff.

Bath Time

Nathan seesm to enjoy bath time, though he's has yet learn to splash and play with water. His arms would be locked tight by his side and fists clenched, I do wonder if he actually enjoys it or feels tensed up in water that he doesn't make a sound. I hope he would be more relaxed with more bath times, else I would be stressed having to towel dry him quickly and get him changed before he gets into a fix. Generally, I'm gald he looks strong and friends have comented likewise, surprisingly for a premie, spared me the extra 6 long wks of wait, he's out to face the world.

Umbilical Cord dropped off

May 3rd, Wednesday. Nathan's umbilical cord dropped off in the morning. After his feed and while changing him, I noticed the dried up cord sitting neatly on his belly, moved in position, no longer attached. I took a picture to commemorate that event, a new chapter of his life, I supposed. A little red stump remains, waiting to be cleared, not sure how many weeks down the road. I have problems choosing the kind of clothes for him to wear. He tends to scratch himself, esp his face and mouth areas, and I am also afraid he might catch a cold, if he's not dressed enough. So far, long sleves. Guess it all comes down to experience over time, can't wait to cut his nails when its time, perhaps week 4.

Changing Diaper Adventures

May 3rd, Wednesday a.m. It was NOT the first change, probably the 10th or so. But it was a nightmare. Warning: No changing of nappy immediately after a feed!!! So, inexperienced mum changed baby, thinking that he was frustrated becos of wet diaper. Laid him down on his bed nicely, and unwrapped his old diaper. Just when I was about to bring in a new diaper to place under his bottoms, he pooed, and then pee pee, all over my shirt! I had to scream for HELP. Chong was sleeping contentedly. Yes, babies do smell really nice, well, most of the time, except when they pass motion, which is a very frequent activity, almost after every feed. Second adventure was the next night. Don't know why my luck's been so bad during the a.m. session, esp during changes. He pee pee again while I was wiping his bum bum. But, without the poo, I could manage on my own. But he was dirtied, and soiled the cot too!

First Night at Home

Nathan has been well trained by the nurses, having stayed there for 7 days to wake every 3 hours for a feed; bottle feed. So, during the day he got home, he was fantastic. He only woke up after 3-4 hours, fed and slept through the next rountine. Terror came at night. He could not fall into deep sleep immediately after each feed. He would toss and turn his head left and right, kick his long legs continuosly until all the blankets fall out, and then whine till mummy could stand it no longer and picks him up to cradle. This is the new routine. Nathan's a deep sleeper during the daytime. He seems to be able to sleep better and longer, and hence, an easier baby. Good for me, since I'm alone with him at day bright till night falls when Chong comes home to the rescue, to relieve me from the chore. Anyway, even when he cries, it doesn't seem threatening. Being a premie, I would tend to attend to him very shortly, I haven't even heard him screaming till his lungs break. A very good baby so far.

Joyous Birth

Birth Date: 24th April 2006 Birth Time: 1131p.m. Birth Place: Mt Alvernia Hospital (Operating Theatre) Birth Weight: 2510 grams Body Length: 49cm Head Circumference: 32 cm