Dear Jake

Dear Jake, you turned 11 months last Sunday. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again - time really flies! You're such a joy to be around - true to my predictions, you are a happy baby - mostly. Though when you do not get what you want, oh boy, do you scream the house down! It's a terrible, terrible habit - gggrrrr. You know how to push the right buttons though, and put on this poor thing face when we scold you sometimes; or mostly you just ignore us =_=  You have accomplished many milestones this last few months (especially in the last month) and I know that very very soon, you'll be sparring with your sister (oh man).

Being active has its dangers - you knocked your own cheek (hard) and that's a bruise to prove it.

You love water and splash away happily during bathtime.

No one gets in his way of eating - NOMNOMNOM

Being active - I take my eye off him for one moment and find him in odd nooks & crannies

Teething makes him grumpy and his gums itchy - here's him gnawing away at the poor bottle. Teeth count: 6 - 4 on top and 2 below

Shredding tissue - one of his favourite games

Time alone with the boy - precious

And just for the record, you are able to mimic us quite accurately and you can call "cheche", "Papa", "Mummum" (you call me that, along with milk and bread and food =_=), "woah" (a dog's bark), "mmmmmmm" (aeroplane sounds) and you look up in the sky when we say "bird". Hehe too cute!

Love you my dear boy, you are growing up so quickly and so well and I ove you from the bottom of my heart and beyond!

Hugs and kisses, Mommy

End of the journey

Just as I poured my boobs heart out into my story on breastfeeding, the inevitable happened.

My body has semi-retired from breastfeeding.

It began innocuously enough, with Jake rejecting the boob on random occasions (as shared in my last entry). Though as per Murphy's Law, the days following this entry, he took to them just fine. (Must be a man thing *rolls eyes)

Life, in general has been rather hectic and with that, came irregular expressing of milk, which resulting in irregular production which leads to supply being affected. All of which I was well aware of.

But. The straw that broke the camel's back, was when I was hit by gastric flu. Oh, it was horrid. My temperature fluctuated and hit a high of 38.6 (I was so feverish I was barely conscious of the husband talking to me, taking over the running of the household and heh - he even placed a fever patch on my forehead, the sweetheart) - I was thirsty, hungry, suffered from a body wrecked by pain and loose bowel movement. Un-fun, to say the least. I even encountered a bout of drug allergy when I took a dose of medicine not intended for me (anything to keep the virus away!) and that resulted in body itch and rash which was a first for me.

Needless to say, the past few days have taken quite a toll on my body and truly, my boobs have surrendered to say, enough is enough.

It's now time to educate weaning to my dear son, who still doesn't have an inkling and still craves for me to latch him on (hah! now the tables are turned you little boy!) and though I'm sad that the journey is at an end, I'm still proud that I've done well in my motherly duties.

11 months, my dear boy. 11 months. Mommy's tried her best and I know that you and I have both had a good run together.

Now, to pack up all the apparatus and aunty bags which I needed to stuff all my mommy things in...

Breastfeeding

I have been wanting to document this for a while, but never got around to it. I wanted to write about this topic that is very dear to my heart, and very special to me (as to most Mothers).

Before I ever had the privilege to breastfeed, I heard of many different stories – successful stories and not-so-successful ones. I peeped at colleagues who headed to the nursing rooms to do the deed and marvelled at what they're doing and wondered how exactly it was done. I heard from friends of how it hurts like hell and how a lot of perseverence is absolutely necessary in order to do it well.

When my turn came, it wasn’t smooth-sailing at the beginning. I mean, in hindsight, it was absolutely fine! But when I was in the midst of it all, being an overly hormonal first-time-over-anxious mother, all I could think of were the areas that I wasn’t doing well in, the shortcomings (some imaginary) rather than how well I was doing (to begin with, the fact that I was lactating!).

At every point in time, when I faced new situations (namely, when I first delivered, when I started expressing milk, when I headed back to work and had to learn/deal with expressing on-the-go...); oh, the stress I put myself through was unbelievable! Only after 6 months into this “job”, did I start to gain confidence that I was doing ok, that Kate wasn’t starving, that my milk was sufficient... only then, did I begin to stop worrying.

I recall 3 months into my breastfeeding journey, the husband and I went on a couple trip. This meant that I had to express milk around the clock to ensure that my supply didn’t drop. This posed challenges because I was inexperienced and I panicked everytime we strayed too far from our hotel. My stress and insecurity overwhelmed me so, to the point that I had a fight with the husband while on this trip; I still remember it vividly because the fight took place on his birthday. Boo.

I breastfed Kate for a year. For a whole year, she consumed only BM; and at the end of it, I was terribly proud and pleased with myself. I had done well.

Second time round, I was a lot, a lot more relaxed. The fact that I had done it before played a huge part; but this relaxed mood was applicable not only to breastfeeding – generally, I was a lot less anxious, and a lot more fun to be around (heh – yes, I know I can be a pain when I’m like that). Four months into breastfeeding Jake, I had to introduce formula to him because I could not keep up with his demands. Being a boy, his appetite was double than that of Kate’s and I was truly unable to keep up. I wanted to give up then, because it was easy to just stop; but I preservered on. I fed as much BM as I could provide, topping up the remaining feed with formula. I think this worked out to be one feed per day; then progressively more or less, depending on supply of BM.

In a blink of an eye, Jake turns 11 months in 2 days time. My target was to continue feeding him for a year, so that I’m fair to him as I did with Kate. But lately, he’s begun to reject me on occasions – perhaps my milk flow doesn’t suit his fancy or maybe he just doesn’t prefer the boob anymore. Whatever it is, I think I’m ready to stop; not too long to go now before I retire from breastfeeding.

I know that I will miss it, because it is truly the one thing that only I can do. I’ll miss the bonding with my child, the pride whenever my child burps with contentment after a feed. Breastfeeding is a miraculous and beautiful experience and I’m very thankful that I was able to do it not once, but twice with both my children.

Family memories on film

Early this month, I arranged for us to take a family shoot. This involved 2 wardrobe changes (for the kids); the husband and I were there to co-ordinate to ensure that decent pics were taken of the children (I did it really for them, to document how they have grown) and well, to be in some of the pics as well too (heh).

I must say I'm rather pleased with the results - we had some lovely shots of the children and some of these will definitely be up on my walls soon.

Here are some of my favourites:

We've done other shoots before, here's one of the kids and another of a big-bellied me & us.

Early Tuesday evening

I've been working late a lot the past two weeks. Yesterday, I ran out of the office the moment I had the opportunity. And it was worth it! I managed to have dinner with the family, I cuddled Jake aplenty and put him to sleep and of course, I spent time talking to my chatty 3yo baby gurl. And we also packed Christmas up - it's still within a month!

Kate insisted on feeding Jake his dinner.

And that's the spot where our Christmas tree used to stand. Finally packed up!

TEETH!

Jake at 10months, 3weeks old - his four upper teeth have been straining against his gums for ages; and the first two have finally cut though! My baby boy's growing so quick!

Note: Jake's first two teeth poked through then.

Same, but different

It's been agessss since I did this. Here's a recent "same, but different" post - just for fun, it's midweek!
(past "same, but different" entry here)

Jake with a piece of food on his head (hey, he threw it up and it landed there)

Kate, with a grain of rice on her nose (uh, the husband planted this)

Kate, the food lover

Jake, also a food-lover

Kate, wehweh

Jake, wehweh

Sleeping Kate

Sleeping Jake

Kate, meh

Jake, meh

The yiyi prefers this meh picture. MEH.

Previous same, but different entry here.

Sick Tuesday

Yup. That's what is going on in our lives. Started off with our top-carrier-of-diseases in our household, Ms Kate. Who passed the leaky nose syndrome to her brother. The husband and I had a rather rough night yesterday listening in to a cranky girl and a sniffly boy. Kate woke up with a temperature this morning (which thankfully subsided after a dose of paracetamol) and Jake has full-blown cold (stuffy nose with milky mucus). I have a very teeny bit of a sore throat and the husband says he doesn't feel great.

Awesome.

Need to look at this beautiful face to remind me that life is great Love.

Sunday morning

It took a lot of energy and effort (considering the husband and I were so tired), but I'm glad we made it happen. Bring the kids out to the park, that is.

And the cutest thing was Jake doing his walk on his training walker! Haha totally cracked me up and definitely brought some smiles to passers-by.

Kate needs a proper/bigger bike; and Jake is way too adorable. Love it!

Jake was absolutely fascinated with the teeny black ants that were crawling about. No ants were harmed in the time we were at the park - his teeny fingers weren't quick enough to squash any ants at all.

After I got grossed out by the amount of grit he was touching with his hands he got bored, I let him loose on the grounds and he was off in a jiffy! Not sure what he was gunning for... but he very decidedly headed upwards.

Happy Birthday!

Kate says, Happy birthday, Papa! 

You always disturb me, you know. And I want Mommy to yao yao me! Papa so notti, hor *scunch nose. But I like you to make schweet schweet milk for me. You can only yao yao me sometimes. Papa scratch for me, please. I don't want to share with you. I love you only a little bit. Then you cry lo! I love you a lot. I love you Papa.

Jake says , *insert sound/baby gurgle* Pa..pa (let's just take it that he's saying Happy birthday I love you, Papa!)

Papa and the little fishballs

& I say Happy birthday you, my husband!

You are an awesome man, friend and I'm such a lucky woman to have you as mine. The past year's been rocky and this year's not going to be easy but hey, what matters is that you always have been and will continue to be kickass at what you do and you will only get through bigger, better, stronger!

Also, we will all be by your side through it all so it will all be fine.

I love you

Balcony time

With Kate going to school, I've become more Nazi than ever in adhering to her bedtime. This translates into the household being in relax mode (with both kids sleeping) by 10pm.

This week, the husband and I stumbled upon a nice time that we can spend with each other. We sit at the balcony and chit-chat. It's nice. I think we should continue this practise because it's nice. Together, we appreciate the view from our home while being with each other and enjoy the special space that we own. We have a glass of wine, talk about something/nothing/anything for about an hour before we part our ways (so drama, macam house so big hehe) and go to sleep.

Balcony time. I like.

Kate says

"Mommy does everything with me you know!"

The husband shared a random conversation he had with her; and to hear her say that just makes me, my heart, my toes, my innards smile. There's nothing more precious you can give a child than your love & your time.

Spot Kate

Hehe this girl cracks me up. & yes, she was really sleeping

Playground fun

It's been ages since I brought the kids to the playground at the in-laws and I'm glad I brought them yesterday. It's better than our home's playground because there are swings; a favourite! Simple joys of the hour at the playground with the children. No better way to end off the weekend.

Jake, practising squats

Kate, on the swings. "I want to swing so high, to the sky!" she exclaimed.

Kate goes to school

It's been 3 days and so far, so good.

A year ago, Kate first attempted school (or rather, we attempted to let her go). Despite the optimistic start, things went downhill with Kate and her increasing dislike to go to school. Thinking back, it was indeed a challenge. She was only 2 years 4 mths old then; and with me being heavily pregnant & hormones highly charged... let's just say I'm still tinged with guilt and trauma till today.

Fast-forward back to today. We are definitely in a much better state. (YAY!) The first 3 days have been met with some mini hiccups; being late for the school bus is the main thing (5minutes makes a big difference!) and we've had to go through several rounds of nags briefings to ensure that our handy helper gets all the timings and instructions right. Next Monday will be the real test to see how things unravel, though there's barely any option but for things to run like clockwork.

The school itself is quite a charm; though I'm definitely biased because it's my alma mater (is it counted as that if it's your teeny weeny kindergarten? Haha). The school is currently short-handed, and unfortunately Kate's class is affected. There's one main teacher who's a little bit of a scatterbrain and other teachers are trying to help out. I see so many several areas of concern but because the husband started the lead by being there with Kate from day one (I had work obligations so I only made it the latter 1.5days) and he's calm about the arrangements and assures me "things can only get better", I'm going with the chillax way and not fuss. I figure that my key concern should be Kate and her well-being and with her being co-operative and excited and willing to go to school; that's good enough for me!

How the schedule is like with Kate going to school:

6am: Jake wakes up (still unsuccessful trying to get him to sleep longer *groans)

7am: Everyone is awake. Kate has a good habit of having her breakfast the moment she wakes up. She'll have either bread, cereal, biscuits or anything that we have in the house.

7.30am: the husband leaves for work

7.45am: I leave for work

8-9am: Depending when was Jake's last feed, he'd have his breakfast of cereal.

10am: Kate to be showered and dressed in her uniform. I rather she be prepared earlier than late because this girl has a tendency to just.. well, nua. She's sooo good at dilly-dallying that sometimes, getting her prepared alone takes wayyy too long. So yeah.

10.35am: Kate to put on her socks & shoes, take her water bottle & bag. Jake to be put into the pram. Together, handy helper and the kids leave the house.

10.45am (thereabouts): the school bus picks Kate up. The pick up point is the bus-stop across the road from our house. It's a good arrangement because there's a traffic crossing right beside and if it's raining, at least there's shelter at the bus stop (which is good for the sun too)

11am: Handy helper and Jake come home. Jake's quite a cat napper and I'm hoping that with Kate out of the house for 3 whole hours, the helper and Jake can accomplish more at a  more leisurely manner. Have a decent unhurried lunch, Jake to take looooonger naps hopefully.

2.35pm: Handy helper and Jake to head out to pick Kate.

3.15-3.30pm: Kate to be showered and changed and ready to take her afternoon nap. She used to nap by 1+pm, but with her new school schedule, she's had to push her nap back. I think it's fine, though I do see her being more sleepy in school by this time. It'd take a while but she should be accustomed to the later sleeping time very soon.

5pm: Kate to wake up from her nap.

For the next 3 hours, it's standard home-play for the kids until we get home after work.

I think the schedule works out pretty well; and I hope we get into a sync of things very soon.

And before signing off, here's a really cute pic I secretly snapped while outside her class yesterday.

My attentive, eager-to-learn firstborn. Mommy is so proud of you, darling. I hope you enjoy school and learn plenty of things! Make new friends and learn about life! I love you baby Kate.

Of seconds & firsts

Second day of 2013; first day of school

All psyched for day one. Yes, she managed to get white shoes & socks (thanks to the husband)

Kate and her new-found friend. Relieved and glad to know she's doing well

First day of 2013

The day starts with some cuddles in bed

Family lunch; surprise (early) birthday celebration for the husband

Ends the day by preparing for Kate's first day of school