HE used to like preschool. Sometimes we even used to that to make her sleep by saying ' do you want to go to school tomorrow? then you better sleep now.' It works sometimes.
However, starting this sunday night, HE starts to tell me " mommy, I don't want to go to school", and she says it a few times, like making sure that I get her message. I thought she is just being 'manja'. Then she repeat the same the next night, it gets me thinking. I wonder if there is anything happen in the school.
I talk to babysitter, she inform that there is a new student in the school, who is dark in colour. HE does seem to have some colour discrimination, but I don't know that she will develop fear towards darker skinned colour person. In addition, there are mixed race in HE class, why she is fearful towards this particular child.
Yesterday, wednesday, she cried a lot at school till teacher is asking babysitter why also. I am concerned so I sms the principal. According to her, the new comer already attend the school since March. She suspect the change in HE could be due to the arrival of HE, my newborn baby. Although she seem to accept the new siblings, but 3 weeks later, toddler may feel insecure as they get the idea of ' this baby is going to stay at home forever, getting mother's attention permanently, the baby won't go away anymore'. She advise me to spend some one-to-one time with HE to ease her.
I think its probably true. I call babysitter again to see how's HE doing today (thursday). According to babysitter, she doesn't cry today probably because the new boy doesn't come today as the boy attends school on Mon, Wed and Friday only. So which one is explaining HE's change? What I can do now is just monitor. I also try to search online for barney video to see if there is anything that can help ease HE's fear towards stranger or particular skin colour. I am also figuring how to spend more time wih her without baby. Hope HE will be doing fine soon.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
I survive doing confinement alone
Finally, my mother in law will be coming back today, and I gladly announce that I survive through the week doing confinement alone without my mother in law or confinement lady!
Basically everything goes according to my previous plan, except the part on the part time maid. My sister also stay around with me for certain time of the day, though she couldn't really help in taking care of baby, but at least she brought me delicious 'Char Siew Bao' and Soya drink.
My husband help the most, he helped to distract or entertain the elder daughter, or attend HX while I am in toilet or taking bath during weekend. He also did the laundry, dishes and sweep the floor. Throughout the whole week, during weekday, He also wake up earlier in the morning to boil the herbal bath solution, then place it at the bathroom for me . He took half day leave on 2 days also. Also he bought me a TV series to help me past time.
Also, HX also is a better sleeper. In the morning, she takes the last feed around 6-7am, then normally will sleep till around 9am. That's the time I can take to clean my face, brush my teeth and take my breaskfast, as well as pump also. I also boil water to be used for the day. My breakfast is simple, its 3 in 1 oats drink or Horlicks plus oat with 2 pieces of bread. Then when HX wakes up, I feed her first then give her a sponge bath. I am still not confident to bath her in the tub as I am concern with the physical restraint that I may have and also consider the umbilical cord is not quite dry fully. Midmorning till noon is the busiest time, when HX is awake and keep peeing and pooing, and I keep cleaning. Initially to save the trouble, I use disposable diapers all the time, then I notice that her bump seem to develop rash and small 'pimples', so I use 'lampin' instead. In addition, that's the busiest feeding time also, HX normally will settle around 1 to 2pm, after she is fed almost continunously, probably because she also keep pee and poo. I take shower with the herbal solution around 11am, then I take my catered confinement lunch around 1pm, regardless HX is asleep or not, but I make sure she is contented and not fussy.
HX sleep the best during afternoon, even she normally wakes up around 5 to 6pm, she is quik to settle to sleep till 7 or 8pm. Hence afternoon is my most free time. Though I am supposed to sleep whenever HX sleep, but I am just too awake. :). Around 6pm, I cook the rice to eat with the dishes I cater also. Then I pump around 7 or 8 plus, so that I can feed HX through bottle when she wakes up around that time. My husband and HE are back by then. After finish my favourite TV series at 9.30pm, its time for bed and I feed HX lying down. Of course, waking up a few times ( minimum 3 times) at night for feeding is the norm, but HX seems to sleep better at night now after each feed.
So I almost pass my days with the same routine. I am also able to catch up with some readings on the parenting books that I have bought sometimes ago. So far I have only finished reading one, that's considered an achievement as I hardly finish a book. Thank God for answering my prayer on giving me the strength to go through the confinement while I am alone and also on easier breastfeeding. As I have written in my previous post, once breastfeeding is ok, the rest can be easily settled. I also pray my post-delivery healing will be completed soon.:)
Basically everything goes according to my previous plan, except the part on the part time maid. My sister also stay around with me for certain time of the day, though she couldn't really help in taking care of baby, but at least she brought me delicious 'Char Siew Bao' and Soya drink.
My husband help the most, he helped to distract or entertain the elder daughter, or attend HX while I am in toilet or taking bath during weekend. He also did the laundry, dishes and sweep the floor. Throughout the whole week, during weekday, He also wake up earlier in the morning to boil the herbal bath solution, then place it at the bathroom for me . He took half day leave on 2 days also. Also he bought me a TV series to help me past time.
Also, HX also is a better sleeper. In the morning, she takes the last feed around 6-7am, then normally will sleep till around 9am. That's the time I can take to clean my face, brush my teeth and take my breaskfast, as well as pump also. I also boil water to be used for the day. My breakfast is simple, its 3 in 1 oats drink or Horlicks plus oat with 2 pieces of bread. Then when HX wakes up, I feed her first then give her a sponge bath. I am still not confident to bath her in the tub as I am concern with the physical restraint that I may have and also consider the umbilical cord is not quite dry fully. Midmorning till noon is the busiest time, when HX is awake and keep peeing and pooing, and I keep cleaning. Initially to save the trouble, I use disposable diapers all the time, then I notice that her bump seem to develop rash and small 'pimples', so I use 'lampin' instead. In addition, that's the busiest feeding time also, HX normally will settle around 1 to 2pm, after she is fed almost continunously, probably because she also keep pee and poo. I take shower with the herbal solution around 11am, then I take my catered confinement lunch around 1pm, regardless HX is asleep or not, but I make sure she is contented and not fussy.
HX sleep the best during afternoon, even she normally wakes up around 5 to 6pm, she is quik to settle to sleep till 7 or 8pm. Hence afternoon is my most free time. Though I am supposed to sleep whenever HX sleep, but I am just too awake. :). Around 6pm, I cook the rice to eat with the dishes I cater also. Then I pump around 7 or 8 plus, so that I can feed HX through bottle when she wakes up around that time. My husband and HE are back by then. After finish my favourite TV series at 9.30pm, its time for bed and I feed HX lying down. Of course, waking up a few times ( minimum 3 times) at night for feeding is the norm, but HX seems to sleep better at night now after each feed.
So I almost pass my days with the same routine. I am also able to catch up with some readings on the parenting books that I have bought sometimes ago. So far I have only finished reading one, that's considered an achievement as I hardly finish a book. Thank God for answering my prayer on giving me the strength to go through the confinement while I am alone and also on easier breastfeeding. As I have written in my previous post, once breastfeeding is ok, the rest can be easily settled. I also pray my post-delivery healing will be completed soon.:)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sleep battle
Today is another day of struggle for getting HE to nap. As usual, she will start asking to be read at least one storybook, then want to cuddle baby, then walk around the bed, then telling me story...then ask for water, then ask for milk...this will last at least 1 hour before she can quiet down and slowly doze off. Everytime, HE never fail to get my nerve up to the brim during nap time till I said and do something that I regret. I really need references to help me solve this problem.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Sleep obstacle...again
Ever since I deliver HX, I am able to cope with everything, including doing confinement myself, except...on weekend, when I need to juggle between HE, a toddler and HX a newborn.
HE loves HX, though I am not sure it is out of sibling passion or just HE passion towards baby (a.k.a little toy that can move?) She like to touch her, hold her, hug her. As a parent, I got to allow her to 'sayang' her sister but also in the mean time I got to be extra careful to foresee any accidental 'extra force' inappropriately exerted on HX. It is both psychologically and physically challenging.:)
Anyway, today i am writing this post at 7am, my hubby and HE are out for breakfast. Why this early? That's because all of us has woke up and can't sleep anymore. Around 6 am, HE suddenly cry, while I am half body lying on the cot ( Ur hum...the cot is attached to my bed without rail in between), trying to put HX to sleep in her cot by feeding her. After trying to console HE and able to make her smile, HE become so awake that she want to have a look at the baby and be next to her. That's fine for me except HE also wants to touch her which I try to ask her not to as I want HX to sleep. As I prohibited certain 'passionate' action from HE, I think she got upset and throwing some mild tantrum, the way HE always do, just restless and make no sound but very sensitive to cry if any additional 'dose' from scolding or accidental knocking on objects around her. Hence one hour has past, its 7 am, everyone can't sleep, hence must as well get up and go for breakfast.
Except HX, she sleep.Just like before, she couldn't really settle in the cot, but once shifted to my bed, she can doze off peacefully and sleep soundly. My hubby commented that the mattress can be too 'cooling' for her. Hm...I think I got to change the 'condition' of the cot, probably add a towel beneath the bedsheet to make it more warm, or to get a mattress protector also. Hopefully, hopefully that solve the sleep issue. No wonder there are childcare books soley talk on sleep, apart from eating and discipline, it is so essentials and strategies are badly needed by sleep-deprived parents.
HE loves HX, though I am not sure it is out of sibling passion or just HE passion towards baby (a.k.a little toy that can move?) She like to touch her, hold her, hug her. As a parent, I got to allow her to 'sayang' her sister but also in the mean time I got to be extra careful to foresee any accidental 'extra force' inappropriately exerted on HX. It is both psychologically and physically challenging.:)
Anyway, today i am writing this post at 7am, my hubby and HE are out for breakfast. Why this early? That's because all of us has woke up and can't sleep anymore. Around 6 am, HE suddenly cry, while I am half body lying on the cot ( Ur hum...the cot is attached to my bed without rail in between), trying to put HX to sleep in her cot by feeding her. After trying to console HE and able to make her smile, HE become so awake that she want to have a look at the baby and be next to her. That's fine for me except HE also wants to touch her which I try to ask her not to as I want HX to sleep. As I prohibited certain 'passionate' action from HE, I think she got upset and throwing some mild tantrum, the way HE always do, just restless and make no sound but very sensitive to cry if any additional 'dose' from scolding or accidental knocking on objects around her. Hence one hour has past, its 7 am, everyone can't sleep, hence must as well get up and go for breakfast.
Except HX, she sleep.Just like before, she couldn't really settle in the cot, but once shifted to my bed, she can doze off peacefully and sleep soundly. My hubby commented that the mattress can be too 'cooling' for her. Hm...I think I got to change the 'condition' of the cot, probably add a towel beneath the bedsheet to make it more warm, or to get a mattress protector also. Hopefully, hopefully that solve the sleep issue. No wonder there are childcare books soley talk on sleep, apart from eating and discipline, it is so essentials and strategies are badly needed by sleep-deprived parents.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mom & Baby Expo 2010
My confinement is only halfway through. But it will be ended on 5th May, meaning I may be in time for this expo. Hopefully can grab something at cheaper price, one thing in my mind is storage bags. So far I have bought total 150 bags. Currently I am using about 3 bags a day, meaning I will finish the bags in 50 days itself, not even over maternity leave yet. Also it should be time for me to breath some fresh air outside after being 'confined' for one whole month!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sleep war
So far confinement has been ok for me. My mom in law has gone for her holidays last friday, so I will be on my own and HX only for the next one week before my mom in law come back from the trip to help out for the last week of confinement.
Actually the most difficult task for me is to juggle between a toddler and a baby, especially when it comes to nap time. HE is difficult to be put to sleep if she is not sleepy. She will ask for drink, milk or play whenever I try to put her to sleep. So it may take around 1 hour minimum before she finally get tire and sleep. Now with the baby, it is even harder. I have to keep urging, scolding, even sometimes threatening HE to ask her to stay put on the bed and hopefully sleep, while keeping an eye on HX in case she cries for milk. It will be easier if one of them sleep, allowing me to handle one at one time, however it is always not the case. HE will also ask to sleep beside HX, so sometimes I have to shift HX in between HE and I. If hubby or I happen to upset HE, she will throw tantrum. So far, one tantrum that I see is she kicking her legs here and there with no sense of direction. I feel sad to see that and lost of idea what to do. Wish I can find solution from books or any references.
One thing I am glad aboout is HX sleep better, compared to HE at HX age. However, I observe that she only sleep well when she is on the sofa or on my bed, NOT on her cot. She hardly settle on her cot. Whenever I transfer HX from my bed to the cot, she will wake up and kicking away. I wonder what's wrong with the cot, I thought the latex mattress should be more comfortable. Or HX prefer harder bed compared to soft bed? Anyway, I change the bedsheet and try to adjust the mattress ( I put the playpen latex mattress on top of the cot latex mattress)and see if it makes a difference. No matter how, HX got to learn to sleep well on the cot.
Actually the most difficult task for me is to juggle between a toddler and a baby, especially when it comes to nap time. HE is difficult to be put to sleep if she is not sleepy. She will ask for drink, milk or play whenever I try to put her to sleep. So it may take around 1 hour minimum before she finally get tire and sleep. Now with the baby, it is even harder. I have to keep urging, scolding, even sometimes threatening HE to ask her to stay put on the bed and hopefully sleep, while keeping an eye on HX in case she cries for milk. It will be easier if one of them sleep, allowing me to handle one at one time, however it is always not the case. HE will also ask to sleep beside HX, so sometimes I have to shift HX in between HE and I. If hubby or I happen to upset HE, she will throw tantrum. So far, one tantrum that I see is she kicking her legs here and there with no sense of direction. I feel sad to see that and lost of idea what to do. Wish I can find solution from books or any references.
One thing I am glad aboout is HX sleep better, compared to HE at HX age. However, I observe that she only sleep well when she is on the sofa or on my bed, NOT on her cot. She hardly settle on her cot. Whenever I transfer HX from my bed to the cot, she will wake up and kicking away. I wonder what's wrong with the cot, I thought the latex mattress should be more comfortable. Or HX prefer harder bed compared to soft bed? Anyway, I change the bedsheet and try to adjust the mattress ( I put the playpen latex mattress on top of the cot latex mattress)and see if it makes a difference. No matter how, HX got to learn to sleep well on the cot.
Friday, April 16, 2010
HX day 11
Today is another follow up at Dr Koe's clinic. Thank God there are less patients in the clinic. According to Dr Koe, HX jaundice is subsiding ( though to me she still looks jaundice). Although the umbilical cord has dropped, but the inner part of the unbilical area is still wet and not fully dry yet with some yellowish stuff. I am concerned about it as I am worried that it can get infection. Dr Koe has examined the area and she used a cotton bud with spirit to clean the area and add a little bit of fusidin ointment. However, she assured me that there is no infection as the umbilical area is not red and HX has no fever. Overall, HX has gained weight and grow bigger:
Weight : 3.2kg (Increased from 3.05kg 7 days ago)
Length : 52 cm (Increased from 48cm at birth)
Head size : 35cm (Increased from 33cm at birth)
On average, HX has gained around 21gm perday, meeting the minimum weight gain of 20g per day. I am so glad. Compared to last time, HE has problem of gaining weight, hence needing to supplement 3oz pumped milk 2-3 times a day. Sometimes I wonder whether it was because I didn't really latch HE properlay last time hence making her lack of milk intake, although the number of soiled and wet diapers showed adequacy.
For the past one week, HX basically sleep more in the morning and afternoon. At one point, she sleep so much till I am worried that the jaundice has worsen making her sleepy all the time. When the last feed is around 6 or 7am, HX can sleep till 10 or 11am. Then after my mom in laws gives her bath, she will be fed again around 12pm, sometimes she just sleep after only around max 15 mins, sometimes she is kicking away while I am having my lunch. Then she need to be fed almost continuously till 2pm before she sleep again. Then, after another feeding around 4-5pm, she can sleep through till 7-8pm. Then she is mostly awake till I make her sleep by feeding her around 10pm, as if she knows that's timing when sister and daddy are around.:)
I am glad that HX can sleep well, but she wake up more at night for milk. At night, she is asleep around 11pm, then 1am, 2am, 4 am, 5-6am. According to Gina Ford, there is a certain amount of milk a baby require, if a baby takes less during day time, the baby will wake up more at night to make up the total requirement. I suspect that's the case with HX. In addition, HX makes lots of sound when asleep, with some moro reflex too. Being a mother, I can be easily alerted whenever there is a sound or movement from HX, hence so far I couldn't have a quality sleep yet. Compared to HE last time, although I still wake up 2-3 times at night to feed, but I had good sleep in between. Hopefully HX orientation on day and night will be getting better and I do have a greedy hope that she can sleep through the night sooner:)
Weight : 3.2kg (Increased from 3.05kg 7 days ago)
Length : 52 cm (Increased from 48cm at birth)
Head size : 35cm (Increased from 33cm at birth)
On average, HX has gained around 21gm perday, meeting the minimum weight gain of 20g per day. I am so glad. Compared to last time, HE has problem of gaining weight, hence needing to supplement 3oz pumped milk 2-3 times a day. Sometimes I wonder whether it was because I didn't really latch HE properlay last time hence making her lack of milk intake, although the number of soiled and wet diapers showed adequacy.
For the past one week, HX basically sleep more in the morning and afternoon. At one point, she sleep so much till I am worried that the jaundice has worsen making her sleepy all the time. When the last feed is around 6 or 7am, HX can sleep till 10 or 11am. Then after my mom in laws gives her bath, she will be fed again around 12pm, sometimes she just sleep after only around max 15 mins, sometimes she is kicking away while I am having my lunch. Then she need to be fed almost continuously till 2pm before she sleep again. Then, after another feeding around 4-5pm, she can sleep through till 7-8pm. Then she is mostly awake till I make her sleep by feeding her around 10pm, as if she knows that's timing when sister and daddy are around.:)
I am glad that HX can sleep well, but she wake up more at night for milk. At night, she is asleep around 11pm, then 1am, 2am, 4 am, 5-6am. According to Gina Ford, there is a certain amount of milk a baby require, if a baby takes less during day time, the baby will wake up more at night to make up the total requirement. I suspect that's the case with HX. In addition, HX makes lots of sound when asleep, with some moro reflex too. Being a mother, I can be easily alerted whenever there is a sound or movement from HX, hence so far I couldn't have a quality sleep yet. Compared to HE last time, although I still wake up 2-3 times at night to feed, but I had good sleep in between. Hopefully HX orientation on day and night will be getting better and I do have a greedy hope that she can sleep through the night sooner:)
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