Starting on Solid Food

Well, tried feeding him cereal for the first time today! Xavier is not a fan at first. His face tells it all!!!! I have to be honest, it doesn't smell all that great, it tasted kinda bland with just a little fruity apple taste. For the every first spoon of cereal, he was not sure what am I going to feed him so he was quite reluctant to open his mouth. Subsequent feeds, he was more trusting, he just keep opening his mouth and reaches for the food.

Ready for some cereal --- open up!!



Oh I am not so sure about this!!!


What are you feeding me ???


Taste yummy!!!! Open up for more.....

Xavier @ 4mths, 2wks & 6days

BB is due for his monthly injections, went for his 2nd dose of Pneumoccoccal & 1st dose of Rotavirus. As usual, Xavier did not cry .... what a brave Boy!!!!

We are intending to let Xavier try out some solid food. We feel that he is ready to experience some texture soon. In fact, he's already getting much hungrier and always chewing on his hands, looking longingly at us when we eat. Have spoke to the PD, he advise that is alright to introduce solid food now but give something that are lighter to digest such as baby rice/porridge or puree.

There are many leading brands of baby food widely available, and after doing much research, I wanted to try the Organix range. Organix products include no added salt, extracts, colourings etc just good wholesome food suited to your babies needs with added vitamins to ensure dietery needs are met. This particular packet stated for use for babies 4mths (Stage1)so I felt at ease buying this product.

Food choices aside, we have another problem. We are lack of a high chair!!! So, we make our way to IKEA to get him one... We are surprise that he enjoy the chair!!! :))))

Tmr, we will be his 1st experience of organic baby cereal with apple!!! Yippi!!!! Fun but challenging...

Xavier weighs 7.44kg & height of 67cm. Whooo!!! Above average!!!!

Xavier learning to sit

Sitting independently gives your baby a new perspective on the world

We have started propping Xavier in sitting position since he was 8 weeks old. So now, he has slowly figure out how to maintain his balance while seated by leaning forward on both arms in a tripod position.
Xavier now can sit for a few minutes without assistance but eventually will still topple over...

Good Job, Xavier!!!!

Joy & Pleasure of Xavier's First Dip

Have been wanting to bring Xavier for a swim but he is too young to be in any public pools, so we brought him to the Baby Spa @ Changi Point. This is their new branch, just open in Jan 2012. There are 3 small & 1 big pool. Something special about this branch, the small pool used to be like a bathtub but now parent can get to see their little one kicking through the glass panel.

Started to prepare Xavier for the swim - change into little swimmer diaper & the handlers will then play some music in the pool area Guess wat!!!! ABC - Xavier favourite song!!!

As you can see, the first dip into the warm pool, Xavier is a little tense and he grabbed tight onto my hand.

Shortly, Xavier become more confident and relaxed. And he gets more accustomed to being hang and suspended in the water. Very soon, Xavier start to swim on his own and with a smile.

That's papa & mama with Xavier in the pool



We also managed to record a video :> enjoy!!!

Fasincated

were playing with Xavier and found that how fascinated he was with the hanging chinese new year deco haha (: All of us giggles as we see his reaction to it.

More on Xavier Rolling Over

He does it all the time now, as soon as you put him on the floor/bed on his back he rolls over and can't roll back yet so after 10minutes or so he starts screaming to be rolled back over.

Miraculously, he does not roll over in his crib during nap time. All he does is wiggles all around. Hope he will stay this way....

Should continue to EBM when mama is sick?

mama is down with a sore throat and flu !!! :( Doctor prescribed medicine that are safe to take while BF. Should I continue to EBM when I'm not feeling well??? so worried that I might pass the illness to my little one. Googled and the answer is:

YES!!!! The best thing you can do for your baby when you're sick is to continue to breastfeed. When you have a contagious illness such as a cold, flu, or other mild virus, your baby was exposed to the illness before you even knew you were sick. Your milk will not transmit your illness to baby, but it does have antibodies in it that are specific to your illness (plus anything else you or baby have been exposed to) - they'll help prevent baby from getting sick, or if he does get sick, he'll probably not be as sick as you

Withholding your breastmilk during an illness increases
the possibility that baby will get sick, and deprives baby
of the comfort and superior nutrition of nursing.

So that's it.... I will continue

Mama & Xavier "FIRSTS"

Hubby is on guard duty today. Left home at about 715am. Will only be back on Sunday 8am.

Decided to bring Xavier out for a walk together with yiyi & Ah ma. Mama & Xavier had our few "FIRSTS" today.

• Took a cab - Xavier got a blur look when in the cab, he must be thinking where is papa's car? Btw, thanks to the cab uncle for helping me with the stroller
• Took MRT - North east line from sengkang to Serangoon. Xavier slept throughout the journey
• Stroller on the escalator- am proud that I can handle the stroller well when travel up and down the escalator without hubby's help. Yeah!!! Finally I did it on my own. Used to find it quite dangerous though. Nowadays, Xavier will always look back and give a warm smile when travel down the escalator... so cute rite!!!! Will try to capture it somedays :)
• Changing Diaper in the stroller - Nursing room is too far... so I have to change his diaper in the pram... thought that he would fuzz about it but no....

Today, I'm really happy... everything was so great.... Looking forward to our next "FIRSTS".

Milestone - Xavier learn to roll over (back to front)

At day 132 (4mth 1wk & 5days), he has learn to flip from his back up to lying on his tummy! Woohooo. Once he did it, he was proud for about 3 seconds and then did not want to be on the floor any more!!!But the thing is he can only mainly flip from the right side and he still learning on how to flip back to his back again.

I also realise that his learning to flip is quite probably also due to the harder play area that we put him on. We have not allowed him to play on the ground and he is usually either being carried by us or put on his or our bed which is soft. We have seen him trying to flip several times but was not successful, I think the harder surface that he is on now makes it much easier for him to learn to flip. And he has managed to transfer that flipping technique to using it on softer surfaces!

Xavier rolled over for the first time a couple of days ago. Today was the first day I could catch it on video! Xavier is such a persevere & patient little guy.... Muacks!!!!

Xavier new trick - high five

Xavier gives papa a high five! Good job, baby!!!!

What next? flying kiss, clapping & bye bye.....

Its our 7th year!!

Today, is our seventh year wedding anniversary. Reaching this marked of marriage is remarkably. Of course, there were up and downs but the best of it all is we have weathered all the storms.

I just thought of posting this today to thank my hubby how great husband he is even though there are times that i am mean to him. Haha!!! I love my husband so much coz he loves me unconditionally. I am very grateful & feel so lucky having him in my life.

He is perfect for me because of his imperfections.
To my loving hubby,Thank you for loving me and taking care of me.
I love you so much!

Stylo Xavier

Taken a lovely pic while out shopping with family today......

A step closer being a SAHM

Back in the olden days, the idea of staying at home with their kids is seen as a waste of time and economic opportunity. However, times and attitudes are changing.

There are great advantages being a stay at home mom. The bond that mothers build with their children when they stay at home is a great bond. Mother will feel very rewarding & fulfilling. I am very much looking forward for that day to arrive (should be very soon ba??). The benefits for staying at home are immeasurable. Children grow up so incredibly fast, I don't want to have any regrets for not spending enough time with my little one. It is not an opportunity offered to everyone, I'll treasure it.

The thought of it makes me so happy everyday. I can get to kiss and cuddle him and tell him I love him many many times a day. He will have home-made food and have meals together everyday. We'll able to sing, baby talk, tickle and laugh together. These are the moments and memories that I long to have.

Taking care of children at home is often underestimated and under- considered. Being a SAHM is a full time job. I know it will be exhausting and difficult than I can image, physically and emotionally. But, as long as I'm able to form a beauitful bond with my baby and witness his every stages of growth I know is all worth it....

Thoughts on parenting from decades ago....

Before this, I have never heard of Khalil Gibran but one of his text on parenting and children caught my eye.
"Our children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let our bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable."
I especially like the last bit about parents being the bow and children the arrow - so true!

First Rolling Over

My little one isn't rolling yet, only onto his side
So, for the past few days, we have been practicing with him

And something great happen this morning....
Out of no where, my little one did his very FIRST roll over from tummy to back
at that split moment, baby was amazed by himself on what he did
we applaud his efforts and smile... He looks happy & proud!!!!

Baby did his 2nd roll over during his play time with ah ma
Oh gosh.... I miss it...
I'm dying to see him do it again.....

should I discipline my Baby?

Gotten some advise from some mommies & daddies
alot feels that babies should be discipline but definitely not in way you might think
discipline does not mean punishment
After all, a baby cannot talk, lacks reasoning skills, do not comprehend cause-and-effect, and yet to achieve understanding in many areas.

So as a parent, we should:

• Prevention-keep the baby safe & feel secure



• Build relationship -parent and child can communicate through giving and receiving cues



• Distract, redirect and follow through

What to avoid:

• physical discipline - slap legs, squeeze hands, pinch arms, swat mouths and spank bottoms. Harsh discipline can scare baby. It can reduce healthy exploration and risk taking resulting lower self confidence leads to lower IQ scores. The more children are spanked, the more likely they become non compliant, aggressive and antisocial.



• Avoid overusing the word "no"- must use it appropriately
  

A baby is just a baby. They are not being "bad" or "defiant" or Manipulative"; they are simply responding to the new world around them in the only way they yet know how....

It's important to get in the habits of practicing positive discipline ASAP... no more spanking from now onwards.... :)

Bowling Session 15 Feb 2012

Bowling session with colleagues @ East Coast Marine Bowl

3 groups in total

&

***the winner***

---Ladies in the house---

Laugh & Squeals

Xavier laughing out loud, squeals in delight and lots of babbles
really make our day

Happy 4 Months old

Happy 4 months old.....

papa & mama Love you, lots of kisses!!!!

He now weighs 7kg and a height of 64cm

Passport photo

photo taken by hubby while Xavier seated on his bumbo

cute right!

After edited DADA~~~~ this will be used for his passport photo

Soon, we'll be bringing him on a long trip ;)

Random thoughts

Every little setback has always made us stronger
Being a parent, has changed us for the better
It's a gift to bring life into the world, the thoughts of baby xavier make me SMILE & give me STRENGTH

Xavier New look :)

Got his hair shave on the 4 Feb 2012, Saturday at 2pm

papa & mama was worried that baby might cry or fuss about it

so we brought along his favourite rattles & sophie to distract him

We also brought along his personal chair....

When we reached the salon, we put him on his bumbo and wrap him with a towel

To our surprise, Xavier was not bother at all...

He enjoyed the whole shaving process

***Thumbs Up***

Xavier will be 4 months old in another 6 days. Yippi!!

健康快乐，幸福平安

Baby Workout

Our Little Xavier used to hate tummy time, he will fuse the moment I lay him on his tummy---I Know baby has to work extra hard against gravity to keep his head up -- it's strenuous...

But recently things started to improve.... with better neck strength and head control.... he started to enjoy his tummy time.

Also introduce a new essential baby product ---- Bumbo. Xavier is able to sit up with no support for at least 10 seconds.... yeah!!! a little improvement everyday

Will continue to practice on bumbo!!!!

papa & mama Love you, muacks!!!!

Shave or not to shave???

Xavier got a few bald patches from lying on his back too much
Thought of shaving his hair... so that can grow more evenly
Currently, he has nice beckham hairstyle which I couldn't bear to shave off. I'm afraid that once I shave it off, it will not be as nice as what he's having now.

HOW.... Shave or not to shave?????

Is it true that shaving a baby's head (or cutting his hair very short) makes the hair grow in thicker and stronger?

If yes, I will do it!!!!!

Cranky baby of the day

Xavier is such a cranky baby today
Keeps on yawning but just refuse to nap

He cries and screams after feed

Go from 3hours to 2hours feeding

Seem like he is not drinking enough

All he wants is Milk....Milk & more Milk

Is my baby going through a growth spurt????

My first birthday as a mummy

I just remembered i have not blog about my birthday!!!!!

On 24 Jan, I'm 31 years old. :)


This year is different, get to celebrate my birthday with my 3 months old baby.

Hubby: Dear, what do you want for your birthday?
Me: I don't want anything, having baby Xavier is our best gift ever & is priceless!!!!

My birthday wish - Good Health & Happiness!!!!

First Trip to Resort World Sentosa

Three days of Chinese New Year isn't enough for us! So Hubby & I took another 2 days leave to spent more time with our little Xavier.

Visiting the yearly River Ang Bao / 春到河畔 and Chinatown is always a must in our family activities but this year is so different. To avoid the huge huge crowd, we plan a night stay at Resort World Sentosa- Michael's Hotel. Thanks, sis for the arrangment! I guess we can only start visiting those events when Xavier is older.

My Holiday has come to an end.... Tomorrow have to go back to work again..... :((

Happy Lunar New Year 2012

Happy Lunar New Year!
祝大家：身体建康，万事如意，龙年行大运。HUAT AH!!!!!!

Baby Damien's shower

Getting ready for baby Damien's shower
Planning Xavier's outfit is always a headache
Too many clothings, too many choices, don't know which one to wear first :)
After rounds of modelling, finally decided on Oshkosh b' gosh jumper suit....
Xavier looks so cute! Love him to bits.....

Advance reunion dinner

This year, we had our family reunion dinner a week earlier
To save all the washing and cleaning, mum decided to have it outside at:
Uncle Leong Seafood Restaurant
9 Tebing Lane
#01-03 Ponggol East

Gong Gong & Ah ma

Ah ma & Xavier meaty tights

In the stroller playing with his fav sophie while papa & mama enjoying dinner

Happy family of 3

First Family outing for 2012

Well today, we had quite a few things planned out. The first on the list was to bring Baby Xavier to Boon Keng for his 2nd hair cut for this coming Chinese New Year.....his hair is really growing out of control.

Next on the list was to satisfy our craving for Cupcakes for our tea time while baby took his nap. Not just any Cupcakes but Twelve Cupcakes at UE Square #B1-60 by Jamie & Daniel. My sis ordered 6nos for $17 bucks... what is there to love about this? The cupcakes are so delicious, so moist and the topping are so special. Will definitely go back for more!

Ok, with that done, we headed to Great World City for Espirit Sales with staff purchase. With additional 40% on top off already 50% clearance stocks... Amazing right! Bought 2 pair of jeans, 1 Crop pants and 1 slipper for office wear :)

After our happy purchase, we had our dinner at food junction but before that we bought xavier to the nursery room to get his diaper change. The room is so spacious and it comes with 2 partition room for breast feeding and express mums.... it also comes with hot water as well....

Ended our day late at 10pm....

Xavier waiting for papa & mama before setting off

Happy Family of 3

Family Morning 7am Adventure

First weekend after going back to work, how i wish I can woke up late on a Saturday morning

Guess what, Xavier woke up at 6am for milk and started playing with papa & mama

He has started to laugh out loud too and this definitely bring a smile to our face :)

Our morning 7am adventure ..... Tummy time!!!!

Hooray, Xavier neck muscle is getting stronger each day and he is able to lift his head 90 degrees for quite sometime.... Good job, Xavier!!!!

12 weeks of bliss

Well, now that it's Tuesday evening, my maternity leave is officially over.

I can't believe how fast this 12 weeks has flown by and that I am already facing the reality of going back to work tomorrow.

Luckily for me that I only have three days of work this week and then only 5 more work days after that until a one week break for Chinese New Year.

With those breaks in mind, I honestly am not dreading going back to work.

I am going to miss Xavier like crazy during the day, but on the other hand, I'm ready to resume a bit of a life outside of the house. But for now, here's a cute picture.....

Xavier Loves Mirror

Baby Loves gazing at Mirror... He is so amaze finding papa & mama's reflection.... :)

My Brave boy

Xavier went for his 3rd month vaccination. Instead of having his usual 6-in-1, Dr Ong recommended pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine is to fight against Streptococcus pneumonia which is also known as pneumococcus. There are more than 90 subtypes of this bacterium. Pneumococcus can attack different parts of the body leading to serious infection of the following systems:

Lungs (pneumonia)
Blood (bacteraemia)
Coverings of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
Middle ear (acute otitis media)prevent pneumonia and it can be deadly if infected.

Patients with pneumococcal pneumonia may develop lung abscess and pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart). Pneumococcal meningitis may cause significant learning disabilities, speech delays, paralysis and even death. Hearing impairment can occur from recurrent otitis media.

The best way to protect against PD is through vaccination and is highly recommended by Health Promotion Board (HPB).

This vaccine consist of 2 dosages, decided to split up the jabs instead of letting Xavier have 2 jabs at a time......... hence, will have to inject alternate months with his 6-in-1 which means 4th month (6-in-1, 2nd dose), 5th (pneumococcal 2nd dose), 6th month (6-in-1, 3rd dose)... All the vaccines will then be completed by 6 months. OMG, the thought of it is so painfully lor.... my poor little boy still has to go through 3 more injections. No choice, I know is good for him................

My sweetie pie has grown so much... he is much braver than before... he cry lesser and babble more.. even Dr Ong commented that he is talkative... LOL!

p.s. At 11 weeks, weighs 6.225kg height 61cm......:) Irritated look after the jab... LOL!

Playtime with Baby

Playtime with papa & mama, right after feed... Xavier in his most relax and alert mode.

In the first month or 2, baby still won't appreciate toys that much so I would think that parents are his first toys. We strongly believe that skills necessary in development, both physical and emotional, can be nurtured through play. So, we make it a point to include at least half hour to an hour of playtime right after feed depending on his mood.

p.s. Increase milk intake to 160ml to 4.5-5 hourly. Next to train - to sleep through the night, not sure whether it is too early, have to check with PD.

Tomorrow, Xavier will have his 2nd dose of 6-in-1 injection. Hope everything will be well.

Hello 2012, goodbye maternity leave

Counting down to 11 Jan 2012.... just another 8 more days, I will be back to work :(
Wow, where did those 3 months go?
The thought of going back to work at the end of my maternity leave can be quite heart breaking. But I know that somethings are inevitable.
There are so much things to do/prepare/arrange just to make sure that the transition is easier for us and baby:

1. Mentally prepare myself - the thought of it make me feel sad & guilt to part with baby almost the whole day, definitely will miss his smiles & squeals


2. Care taker - my mom will be taking care baby while I'm at work... feeling more at ease knowing that baby will be in the hands of someone I trust instead of sending him to infant care


3. Decided to continue with breast-feeding - need a space in the office to express every 3 hourly (office design is open concept, the only place i can think of is the store room... but i think it will be super stuffy so i will need a fan :))... other than that also need to prepare the breast feeding essentials -sterilize pumps, bottles, storage milk bag, ice pack & cooling bag etc - all these have to be readily pack the night before.


4. Baby's feeding schedule - now baby is fed 140ml every 4 hourly: 9am,1pm,5pm, 9pm,1am,5am - still able to feed him when i am back from work, bonding is something not to be miss.


5. Stocking up express breast milk - for the past weeks, I have been exclusively pumping... freezing all the excess BM... heard from some mummies that the supply will be affected after returning to work, probably due to stress ba... and some find it too troublesome and give up along the way... What I need is determination.... do not use the ruse of work not to breast feed my baby!!!!

Personally, i feel that balancing work and baby is no mean task. Successful working mum must have the ability to manage time and prioritize. Hope that I can handle it well.

Happy New Year 2012!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!
Wow, its 2012! I can hardly believe it!
I just thank God for sustaining us to experience this day.
I pray everyone has a blessed and fulfilled 2012, every facet of your lives – Health, Family, Finances, Career, Relationships etc will be blessed – AMEN

Papa tickling baby. So funny!

Papa very irritating... but baby loves it...

Xavier and his pacifier stunt

*Clap, Clap* Clever boy

Smiley Boy

Enough of nap time = smiley boy

"Superman stretch"



Cheeky smile

Merry Christmas Everyone

HO! HO! HO!

Merry Christmas! Here's whishing everyone

A blessed year of Peace, Joy & Happiness!

p.s. Tummy time on mama's tummy.... He can lift up his head 45degrees now...

Well done, Xavier!

Talking to papa @ 10 weeks

Xavier now loves to talk & smile to papa.