Breast Milk

People call mummy's milk as liquid gold because there are hundreds of natural nutrients in the breastmilk  (bm) which is not present in the formula milk (fm). During my mom's times, giving bm wasn't popular and we were on fm. But now, everyone is advocating breastfeeding. For Evans and Eden, I managed to latch for a few days before kicking in the pumping schedule. Very tough to start and build supply. Once the routine and supply are set, things seem easier even though for Eden, I had problem pumping on time because of lack of help.

I was more diligent during Evans's times because all of us just had to focus on one baby. I recalled I was an over supplier. For Eden, I had experienced short supply before and we had to rely on fm to tide over. Now 4 months plus post partum and Eden drinking 150ml for each feed  (5 to 6 times per day), I am just an "enougher". There were good times last 2 months when I could store some frozen bm in the freezer for future use when I am back to work. But now I just wanna focus on feeding the fresh ones, particularly because Eden seems to be coughing and he often sounds nasal. I could hear phlegm. I know a few friends told me due to narrow airways babies have, they usually sound nasal. But still I think it is affecting our sleep. At around 3 to 4 am, Eden would start to fidget and turn, I think he is trying to find a comfortable position to breathe better while sleeping.

Recently his coughing seems more frequent, so I feel that all the more I should give more bm for the antibodies. When he was coughing, I was still thinking "eh... I thought breastfed babies shouldn't fall ill so easily...." Recalled Evans was quite illness-free during the bm times. But now probably with a sibling, Eden is exposed to greater risk of being hit with some flu bugs. So I really hope my bm is a good medicine for him.

While bm is liquid gold, it doesn't mean breastfed babies don't fall sick. If they do, it will be less severe in terms of intensity and duration. So I can only keep giving my liquid gold and will keep pumping for the supply.

4 hourly, 20min per session, 1 middle of the night pump, 5 pumps per day.

To-gather Cafe

Last Sunday hubby brought us to this cafe in the midst of the neighbourhood at Bedok North. Within an old estate, this hippy cafe stood out and seemed to be popular amongst the youngsters and small families like ours, minus the baby.

Wouldn't say this was an enjoyable lunch despite the food was delicious. Eden was not too pleased halfway through so hubby and I got to take turns bringing Eden out of the cafe for a walk. And somehow I thought the outside smell a little with the birds shop next to it.

Anyway the consoling part is I like what we ordered. Other than the small portion of calamari, I think the rest was good and reasonably priced. I enjoyed my fish and chips! Smell and tastes great. The Mango breezer was a good complement, sour tangy mango in sparkly soda was what I needed in the hot weather.

Next time we shall try the lava cakes which looked alluring in the display window.

Catch Up with Aunty Baozhu

Met up with Aunty Baozhu, my confinement lady yesterday after lunch. Brought mama, Eden and Evans along. It was such a nice gathering. Has been months since we met. Love chatting with her as she is ever so jovial.

Her daughter Iris was there too and she is also very nice and could tell she likes kids from the way she interacted with the 2 boys.

Initially thought of bringing them to Délifrance as the seating seemed comfy but remembered Aunty and mama are not into "angmo" coffees so impromptu, I quickly googled "yakun", thankfully there is one at Century Square! And seats were just available for us!

Aunty Baozhu is getting popular as she has 2 upcoming confinement jobs! One of which is my bro's friend, giving birth in Dec. Going to be busy.

Mama also had a good chat with her. It just felt really nice. It would have been better if Eden did not whine (as he wanted to sleep).

Throwback to "Bringing The Boys to the Airport"

Brought my boys to the airport to fetch bro last Friday 21 Oct. He was back from Vietnam. It was my 1st time bringing them out. A little nervous about it because it was Eden's 1st time in the carrier and he was already a little sleepy when we went out.

Though it was not all smooth, I enjoyed the afternoon out with them. We were an hour earlier than his arrival and I was hungry, so we went for Mac. Evans was cooperative and it was easy especially after Eden fell asleep in the carrier, even though it was only for a few minutes.

What made the outing not so smooth were Eden's on and off crying  (probably discomfort from the carrier or lack of sleep) and Evans's repeatedly whining about jiu jiu taking so long and then being very hungry (at 6pm). I couldn't bring him for food because it would spoil his appetite for dinner. So... luckily finally bro arrived and we got home.

Will try to do this some other time when Eden is more adapted to the carrier.

Same Room, Different Babies

As I slowly and quietly turned the door handle down to go out of the room (to get my pump parts), I suddenly recalled doing the same when Evans was sleeping with me in the same room. Realised how things are different now and how time passes. My baby (Evans) is now a big boy and his words are very different, but still cute most times.

Now Eden is sleeping in the cot in the same room but very soon, the cot will be too small for him. Very soon, he will need a bigger space to toss and roll. Seeing other newborns or younger babies also made me realise Eden is no longer a newborn. One part of me really wishes him to grow up faster so that I have fewer things to pack and do... but another part of me reminisces his birth and how he was as a new baby.

I'm wide awake after my pumping session while Eden is stretching and tossing in his little cot. I better try to catch some sleep before the whole cycle starts.

When Mommy Scolds

Today something adorable happened. Not something I am proud of but I made Eden cry and his cries was very different from his usual whining.

I gently tapped his cheek and "scolded" him for not being a good boy during feeding. He would leave the 2nd round challenging... by spitting out the milk or refusing to open his mouth or fidgeting to avoid the bottle. After I scolded him, something cute happened. Eden started to show a sad face with his :(. My first time seeing such expression from him. Then shortly, he started to cry pathetically. He sounded like he was wronged or he wanted some sayang. It was really funny. My mama was amused by his unique cries too!!!!

So, a 4 month old does understand when he is scolded. And his cries is for real! His eyes were teary and red. At some point he gasped for air. Ohhhhh so poor thing. Made me feel bad but I really find it very adorable. Lol.

16 Oct Wedding of Joyce and Cedrick

Seems like a hot month for weddings, from many wedding postings on Facebook. And the weekend before was Aree's wedding and the next weekend it was cousin Joyce's wedding. A wedding I was looking forward to mainly just to see my extended family whom I didn't get to meet during CNY! Of course very happy for Joyce, my sweet and kind cousin. Always know her as a nice and respectful gal.

It was also Eden's first exposure to such setting. Yes his first appearance at wedding and also meeting the other family members! Not only me, Evans was super excited and happy to be there. He mingled really well and was equally inquisitive.

Wedding was at the Hilton and I enjoyed the wedding lunch. Sumptuous!

Oh and a small incident towards the end.... my heels gave way. The right sole was partially detached and the shoe started to flake. I moved with "grace" to go through the tea ceremony at the end and I think no one noticed. Thankful the heels gave way only at the end!!!! Looks like I need to think twice about wearing old heels to work since they were untouched for more than a year since my pregnancy.