Chloe - 2 weeks old

2 weeks on, it still feels so surreal that we have a gorgeous little bub. But I don't miss my fat belly because I enjoy more having the lil missy in my arms. So far so good, things are going along well, and we love having 2 beautiful kids around. I am slowly getting into a new routine myself, first getting up in the morning before the little munchkins do, waking Chloe up to give her a feed before waking up her big brother. On days when JD goes to daycare, I would spend my day quietly with Chloe, reading, getting the dinner ready well in advance, and having a nap!


JD is coping fairly well with his new sister, but his latest trick around Chloe
have been...

- Pulling off her blanket and beanie while she is asleep and declared "She's not cold"
- Sticking his face really close to her while she's asleep and asked "Baby, what are you doing?"
- And trying to feed her his breakfast cereals which I quickly and gently put a stop to


As for Chloe

- She opens her eyes a lot more this week, taking in her surroundings and noises
- Loves her sleep after a yummy feed
- And loves lots of cuddles

And I simply love watching her sleep, with all the gurgling and funny noises she makes.

Am I or Ain't I?

Since Chloe came along a week plus ago, things have so far been relatively ok. A lot of friends and relatives have asked me how JD had cope with a new bub on the block. My responses have so far been positive.

True, it has by far been a positive experience. But have there been some frustrating moments? Of course there have been, but I just prefer not to dwell on them too much. Have I had to discipline him when he is out of line too much? Or should I let him carry on just because he resents not being the only child anymore? What happens when he constantly misbehaves when I already told him not to?

I still stick to my principle - Discipline when he has been given a warning. Whether that be spending 2 minutes at his "quiet chair" to think about his actions and to cool it off or giving him a stern warning.

Some people might disagree with my actions, saying I am too harsh. Am I? Yes, I don't joke around when I discipline. By that I mean, speaking in a serious tone, following through my actions. I don't raise my hands on my kid, but I get him to think and reflect on his actions. And when he had calm down, we sit down, apologise and have a cuddle again.

The thing is I know there will be people out there whom will disagree with my style of parenting. I don't praise my kid for his wrong action, hoping he would snap out of it, you know reverse psychology. Kids are clever. They are constantly testing the limit. And as long as he is aware I have limits and boundaries, the chances of any tantrums can be quickly and easily resolved.

And most of the time, the storm blow over in just a few minutes.

Precious Gift

Hello everyone, meet our precious little bundle of joy - Chloe 恺仪 (Kai Yee) Lee Yum


Chloe popped into world last Wednesday on 12th July 2006 @ 10.22am.

It was a smooth and safe labour which lasted for just over 2 hours. I didn't expect baby to arrive a week early, and was preparing myself for another week of lugging around a big belly. I knew it was the REAL thing when I woke up on Wednesday morning, with contractions only 2 minutes apart. There was no warming up at all, and I had to stop hubby from going to work, dropping JD off early at daycare before speeding off to the delivery room.

Upon arrival at the hospital, I was already 7cm dilated and my doctor happily announced to me I could have my baby in an hour's time. All I could think of then was "No way, that means PAIN!"

After about 2 hours, Chloe arrived safely and I was able to hold her soft warm body against me. Chloe weighed 6lb 14oz and 50cm long. Compared to JD, she is a dainty little princess. JD was a whooping 8lb bub when he was born. She was in a posterior position, but the smart lil princess managed to turn herself around just before making her entry into the world.

It was a joy to bring a child into the world, and to see her opening her eyes looking at me was a moment I would never forget! I am going to love her soooooo much! Ah, my lil princess!

It took us a few days to decide on her name, as I didn't expect myself to have a girl. Every man and dog on the street was betting on me having a boy due to my high, pointy, all out front belly.

We finally decided on Chloe because:
1. I have always wanted a Chloe if I have a girl
2. It's biblical meaning - abundance, fertile, growth
3. And it sounded so gentle and feminine

Compared to my first labour experience, hub said it seems a lot easier. I agree with that too. The body kicks in, knows what to do, I knew exactly what to expect and felt so much more calm and relaxed this time. Somehow I am still amazed at how I managed to go through 7 cm all those time by being at home and breathing through every single contraction. Perhaps all the yoga breathing exercise has helped afterall. My doc still thinks I have high tolerance for pain : )

Chloe - One week old

One week on, we have come home from the hospital and settled in well with rest of the crew. JD has been a darling brother and been giving his lil sister lots of cuddles n kisses. He shows interest in holding her but my heart skipped a beat when he tried to pick her up the other day. I love watching JD with his lil sis, most of the time his actions are full of love...He likes to help me change her nappy, bath her when I do.

Some funny things JD has been up to with his lis sis...
- Pulling his shirt up and trying to "feed" Chloe
- Standing next to her and said "Wake up Chloe, you sleep too much"
- Saying "Shhh, that's enough crying" when she cries for a feed
- Giving soft toys to her, awww, sweet
- Giving bear hugs and kisses to Chloe

And she has put on 100g in the last 4 days.

Hub also went out to buy some pink suits for Chloe and here are some pics of her (1 week old)

Day out in the Sun

Though being in the middle of winter, we are still getting lots of warm sunshine in the day. And despite me feeling achy and tired today, we still went out for a nice buffet lunch at Sheraton. It's harder to occupy JD fully when we are at home. And problem is half of the time hub would just hide behind his computer surfing the net whilst I do all the entertaining with JD and I am just getting too tired. So going out for lunch and a run in the park was a good idea.

Anyway, whinge aside, JD gobbled up pasta, noodle, cheese, ham, crackers, fruits, cakes, strawberry mousse and ice cream at the buffet. Hubby simply loved the roast. Whilst I also get to enjoy a bit of salad, noodle, and some delicious cakes.

Almost there

I know I am almost in the last stretch...

When...

- I get up too frequently in a night to pee
- My belly muscle is getting sore
- I have great difficulty in getting up from my seat
- I can't walk 10 steps and not feeling puffed
- I am having strange dreams
- I just want to lie down EVERYTIME I see my bed

And I screened my calls for anyone that might ring to ask "Have you popped yet???"

And I feel like Humpty Dumpty!

Note - The pic was taken to exaggerate my belly size a fair bit...but when I last measured, my girth now measures 40 inches, muahahaha! Still a scary sight, haha!

Red face

I have totally got my days and dates wrong this week. Till yesterday (which was a Thurs), I went around almost all day thinking it was Wed! I had planned to return JD's toys to the library yesterday morning. So after the housework, I got ready, put all the borrowed toys in the car and off I went. It felt a bit quiet when I got there but thinking I could be the first one, I took out all the boxes of toys and waddled into the library with my very preggy belly!

The door was shut and I stood there wondering why...

Arggghhhh, you stupid person, it's Thursday, not Wednesday. The library does not open on Thurs! And I have got my days so wrong! Hahahaha, I felt so embarassed with myself, quickly picked up the toys hoping nobody I know see me...kee kee kee

My latest craving

I love my fruits!

Lately I am into grapefruits, mandarins, oranges, honeydew and Fuji apples!

And what a better way to make a yummy grapefruit, honeydew salad bowl with a light drizzle of honey!

So fresh, so good!

More yummy tummy

I woke up feeling like having pancakes!

Yummmm....lemon frosting pancakes! The serving was way too big for me as the pancakes were quire fluffy. Nonetheless, I managed to finish up one piece while enjoying my cup of Latte and reading the paper!

Another morning of bliss!

Today I am thankful for the wonders in life!


And though it was a pity to see Germany lost to Italy in the World Cup, I still love my spaghetti bolognaise!

Yummy Tummy

Initially I wanted to make steamed pork spare ribs with black bean sauce tonight. After deciding it, I realised I am yet to try the spare ribs recipe book my mom gave me a while ago. So, with what I have available at home, I chose the Fried Spare Ribs with Fruits. It was quick and easy but most importantly it tasted delicious!

I have to say one of the beauty about not working the last few weeks...

"Cooking a yummy dinner for hub and JD almost every week"

Bliss

With a rainy day outside, JD at daycare, hubby off to work, all the paperwork and errands done, I could at least do the ironing. But nah, instead I sent a basket of clothes to the ironing lady and came home to enjoy some "me" time instead.

I spent my day reading, relaxing, doing my yoga breathing, stretching, meditate...

And I also baked some cookies!

Simple things can just be funny

Every night after helping JD with his shower, getting him to stand still for just 5 secs to dress him is harder than looking past my big fat belly whilst trying to cut my toe nails! Last night, he was monkeying, jumping, running around naked after his shower - a sign of liberation I guess, ha ha!

So, I thought what the heck, I let him be and in between told him I would wrap a "sarong" around his waist. He found the word "sarong" very funny, broke into a belly laugh and posed for me.