I've been browsing a lot of online shops lately looking for nursing wear. Just like all other baby related items, these can be quite pricey. Very often, they aren't even very good looking! (Yes, I can just wear my normal tops but my tummy is not 'pre-pregnancy' yet and I don't want it hanging out as I feed.)
Anyway, I've got my tops. And just in case you wanted to know, I found that the shops from the UK offered the most reasonable prices for the ones I wanted.
During my internet travels, I came across this really strange item - The Milkies Milk Saver. Its for saving leaking breastmilk as you feed or pump. It actually is a very clever idea and for people that leak a lot, it would make things a lot less messy.
These days the invention that I would really like is an auto-burper. Adrian is one super gassy baby. I'm spending more time burping him than anything else. We burp halfway through a feed, after a feed, 15 mins after a feed, 60 mins later...ALL DAY LONG! His whole heads turns purple if I leave him to try to get some of these out himself. If you had your eyes closed when he did burp, you'd imagine it came from an obnoxious teenager. They really are huge and rumbly.
They have all sorts of seats and carriers for babies these days. They just need to invent one that will hold the baby either in the full sitting position with chin supported or have the baby lying on his stomach with chin supported and limbs hanging down. Then, they can have an automatic hand that will keep patting until the burp rolls up. Actually, I don't even need the auto hand. I don't mind patting him while something else is holding him up. It has been really hot having him over my shoulder these few days and getting him even more irritated than he already is.
Hey check this out! I thought I'd just quickly Google "Crazy Baby Products" before finishing off my post and look what it came up with: 20 Products Great For Traumatizing Infants. (OMG...I think No 9 has me traumatized.)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thought Progression
Its Australia Day today. Many people are probably having a barbecue or hanging out with friends somewhere but we spent the afternoon at the local shopping center instead.
The past few days have been quite hot so we've been spending time in air conditioned places like the malls, libraries, art galleries and museums. Today, I spent the afternoon just sitting around one of the local malls.
I had a book with me but I ended up doing a lot of people watching and reflecting on my life. Being a mother this second time around has been completely different.
With Aaron, I hardly left the house for nearly three months. There were several reasons for this. We lived in Klang and there was really nowhere to go to. Aaron almost never slept, day or night. I didn't have time for showers let alone the internet. It took a long time for all the healing from labor to get done. I really didn't enjoy those early days at all and felt miserable in my cocoon of dealing with baby 24hours a day with no distractions.
This time round, I am really able to enjoy the baby. Sure, he has his sleep the wrong way and tends to be up at night time but its not so bad. I'm also a much more relaxed mother and have no expectations of keeping to schedules or fears of spoiling the baby. I have experience :) In fact, I'm loving being a mother of two!
Anyway, today, I found myself thinking "If only I started having babies when I was younger. I think I might like to have more than two". Its a strange thought for me to have because up until I was 30 years old, I insisted that I never wanted to have any children. And then after Aaron, there was a time where he was the confirmation that I wouldn't want to deal with any more than one child. But now, its probably too late for me, I've been telling myself (since I was 30 years old) that I wouldn't have any children after 35.
Oh well, you never know what the future holds. In 10 years or so, when I have teenagers, I might start wishing that I had stuck with my pre-30s thinking.
The past few days have been quite hot so we've been spending time in air conditioned places like the malls, libraries, art galleries and museums. Today, I spent the afternoon just sitting around one of the local malls.
I had a book with me but I ended up doing a lot of people watching and reflecting on my life. Being a mother this second time around has been completely different.
With Aaron, I hardly left the house for nearly three months. There were several reasons for this. We lived in Klang and there was really nowhere to go to. Aaron almost never slept, day or night. I didn't have time for showers let alone the internet. It took a long time for all the healing from labor to get done. I really didn't enjoy those early days at all and felt miserable in my cocoon of dealing with baby 24hours a day with no distractions.
This time round, I am really able to enjoy the baby. Sure, he has his sleep the wrong way and tends to be up at night time but its not so bad. I'm also a much more relaxed mother and have no expectations of keeping to schedules or fears of spoiling the baby. I have experience :) In fact, I'm loving being a mother of two!
Anyway, today, I found myself thinking "If only I started having babies when I was younger. I think I might like to have more than two". Its a strange thought for me to have because up until I was 30 years old, I insisted that I never wanted to have any children. And then after Aaron, there was a time where he was the confirmation that I wouldn't want to deal with any more than one child. But now, its probably too late for me, I've been telling myself (since I was 30 years old) that I wouldn't have any children after 35.
Oh well, you never know what the future holds. In 10 years or so, when I have teenagers, I might start wishing that I had stuck with my pre-30s thinking.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Odd Factoids
Over the past few weeks, I've been collecting some very odd little factoids from a most unlikely source. I've been meaning to 'verify' if they were true or not but haven't gotten around to that yet. Thought I'd share a few here today as they really have been keeping me amused.
1. Humans produce about 40,000 litres of saliva in a lifetime.
2. When a woman is pregnant, her uterus expands to 500 times its normal size.
3. On average, women say 7000 words per day. Men manage just over 2000.
4. Six year olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults laugh 15-100 times a day.
5. The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by the Egyptians in 2000BC.
6. One human brain generates more electrical impulses in a day than all of the world's telephones put together.
7. Only two animals can see completely behind themselves without turning their heads: the rabbit and the parrot.
8. 1.5 billion kilograms of chocolate are consumed worldwide each year.
9. 26 minutes of slow dancing will burn about 420 kilojoules.
10. Blype is the name given to skin that peels off after sunburn.
Can anyone guess where I've been collecting these from?
(Hint: Females living in Australia probably know the answer.)
1. Humans produce about 40,000 litres of saliva in a lifetime.
2. When a woman is pregnant, her uterus expands to 500 times its normal size.
3. On average, women say 7000 words per day. Men manage just over 2000.
4. Six year olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults laugh 15-100 times a day.
5. The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by the Egyptians in 2000BC.
6. One human brain generates more electrical impulses in a day than all of the world's telephones put together.
7. Only two animals can see completely behind themselves without turning their heads: the rabbit and the parrot.
8. 1.5 billion kilograms of chocolate are consumed worldwide each year.
9. 26 minutes of slow dancing will burn about 420 kilojoules.
10. Blype is the name given to skin that peels off after sunburn.
Can anyone guess where I've been collecting these from?
(Hint: Females living in Australia probably know the answer.)
Monday, January 18, 2010
It Takes A Village To Raise A Child
I'm not sure if that statement is necessarily true but life certainly would be easier on new moms if there was a village on hand to help out. I've felt very lucky over the past few weeks because we're staying with my parents and my aunt from Holland has also been around for the past month on holidays. My brother was here for ten days and left last week. My aunt left last night and my father is leaving tomorrow so things are going to get significantly quieter. And, in another couple of months it will be down to just Richard, me and our two boys.
With the big family group around, we have had days and nights of laughter and more than enough people to keep attention on Aaron as well as help out with Adrian. It has been noisy and there has been endless chatter in the house. Being a family who loves to eat, there has also been the sounds (and smells) of lots of cooking.
I know many families prefer to live separately from their extended families and I also previously thought that I wouldn't like living this way. I (selfishly) will probably never agree to live with my in-laws but living here in my parents house has been good so far. Its definitely because there is enough space for everyone but I think its more because I know that my parents do not spend the whole year here. So we do get to spend time as a little family as well enjoy living with a slightly extended family.
I don't just say its 'good' because I get a lot of help. It really is nice to live with my parents again and also for my sons to get to spend so much time with their grandparents. As Aaron grows, I'm constantly thinking about the types of values I need to impart to him and since all my own values have come from my parents, having them around will have a big influence on his values too. There are also many of the more Chinese values or traditions that didn't rub off all that much on me that my parents have been teaching Aaron. So, our village may only be six big but the two extra people contribute exponentially to the growth of our family. I know, I'm lucky. And I'm thankful to my parents for being the type of parents they are.
Alright then, before I disappear again for another few days, here are a couple of photos of the baby.
With the big family group around, we have had days and nights of laughter and more than enough people to keep attention on Aaron as well as help out with Adrian. It has been noisy and there has been endless chatter in the house. Being a family who loves to eat, there has also been the sounds (and smells) of lots of cooking.
I know many families prefer to live separately from their extended families and I also previously thought that I wouldn't like living this way. I (selfishly) will probably never agree to live with my in-laws but living here in my parents house has been good so far. Its definitely because there is enough space for everyone but I think its more because I know that my parents do not spend the whole year here. So we do get to spend time as a little family as well enjoy living with a slightly extended family.
I don't just say its 'good' because I get a lot of help. It really is nice to live with my parents again and also for my sons to get to spend so much time with their grandparents. As Aaron grows, I'm constantly thinking about the types of values I need to impart to him and since all my own values have come from my parents, having them around will have a big influence on his values too. There are also many of the more Chinese values or traditions that didn't rub off all that much on me that my parents have been teaching Aaron. So, our village may only be six big but the two extra people contribute exponentially to the growth of our family. I know, I'm lucky. And I'm thankful to my parents for being the type of parents they are.
Alright then, before I disappear again for another few days, here are a couple of photos of the baby.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What happened to my week?
I didn't even realise it but its been a week since my last post! And its not as if I've been very busy or overly sleep deprived. In fact, we just sit around all day long and our nights are fairly decent too.
Babies definitely know how to take up time. If they aren't being fussy, they're either being cute or peaceful. I find myself staring at Adrian as he sleeps. And when he's awake, I'm still staring and wondering what he will look like as he grows.
Occasionally, I get very guilty as I stare because this thought enters my head : "Now there's a face only a mother can love." He just looks so strange when he gets fussy and screws up his face. I know not to compare but I can't help thinking back and trying to remember what Aaron was like at this age. Thankfully, Aaron was the world's fussiest baby when he was a newborn and I have only the vaguest recollection of what he was like.
As for Aaron, he continues to be incredibly mature about the latest center of attention in our household. He is sometimes the protector and occasionally also Adrian's "advocate" when he's crying. Aaron will say "I think you better feed him." or "Poor little guy. He's wet."
Under all of Aaron's cuteness, we sometimes see him feeling as if he has lost his mom. He has been asking to be carried a lot more and has also indicated that while he understands I have to spend a lot of time feeding or doing other things for the baby BUT would like me to look after him again. I do of course, but what he probably means is that 100% attention.
Its time for me to go check out the news and all your blogs. I have absolutely no idea whats been going on in the world or in the worlds of my blogging friends. Its been really nice being in the new family cocoon.
Babies definitely know how to take up time. If they aren't being fussy, they're either being cute or peaceful. I find myself staring at Adrian as he sleeps. And when he's awake, I'm still staring and wondering what he will look like as he grows.
Occasionally, I get very guilty as I stare because this thought enters my head : "Now there's a face only a mother can love." He just looks so strange when he gets fussy and screws up his face. I know not to compare but I can't help thinking back and trying to remember what Aaron was like at this age. Thankfully, Aaron was the world's fussiest baby when he was a newborn and I have only the vaguest recollection of what he was like.
As for Aaron, he continues to be incredibly mature about the latest center of attention in our household. He is sometimes the protector and occasionally also Adrian's "advocate" when he's crying. Aaron will say "I think you better feed him." or "Poor little guy. He's wet."
Under all of Aaron's cuteness, we sometimes see him feeling as if he has lost his mom. He has been asking to be carried a lot more and has also indicated that while he understands I have to spend a lot of time feeding or doing other things for the baby BUT would like me to look after him again. I do of course, but what he probably means is that 100% attention.
Its time for me to go check out the news and all your blogs. I have absolutely no idea whats been going on in the world or in the worlds of my blogging friends. Its been really nice being in the new family cocoon.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
My Two Sons
Yesterday, I spent my first afternoon alone with my two sons. (Hmmm that sounds strange..."my two sons"..) Anyway, meet Aaron and Adrian:
Aaron has been much more generous than I had anticipated. I know he was looking forward to meeting the baby but I expected the novelty to wear off as soon as he realized how much of my time the baby would take up. Instead, he's been more than understanding and even tells me that he thinks the baby needs a feed.
Adrian has also been very giving. He has generously donated his cuddle time with mom by having good long sleeps during the day. This has allowed me to maintain some sort of focus on Aaron. And when he's awake, he patiently lets Aaron play with him. Aaron treats him like a doll at the moment, pulling his arms this way and that. He likes nuzzling the baby too....sometimes sniffing him. I guess he's exploring his tiny new
brother in his own way.
Thats all for today. Its after 4pm and cluster feeding has started. Typing with only my left hand is tiring!
Aaron has been much more generous than I had anticipated. I know he was looking forward to meeting the baby but I expected the novelty to wear off as soon as he realized how much of my time the baby would take up. Instead, he's been more than understanding and even tells me that he thinks the baby needs a feed.
Adrian has also been very giving. He has generously donated his cuddle time with mom by having good long sleeps during the day. This has allowed me to maintain some sort of focus on Aaron. And when he's awake, he patiently lets Aaron play with him. Aaron treats him like a doll at the moment, pulling his arms this way and that. He likes nuzzling the baby too....sometimes sniffing him. I guess he's exploring his tiny new
brother in his own way.
Thats all for today. Its after 4pm and cluster feeding has started. Typing with only my left hand is tiring!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
A Surprising Babymoon
I'm (fairly) well rested and blissfully happy. Before the baby was born, I kept thinking of all the hard work that was ahead of me and all the pain that would come with the breastfeeding and healing.
Surprisingly, things have worked out much better. I do wake up through the night to feed the baby but it has been pain free and the baby goes back to sleep afterwards. I know its early days at the moment but this period of relative peacefulness has allowed us all to ease into life as a family of four without the stresses of having to deal with a crying baby that doesn't sleep. After 2 years and 8 months of nursing Aaron, I'm a pro and this time around, we've had no problems and it really helps to keep everyone a lot more calm.
I think the difference between having this baby and having Aaron is that with Aaron, I did not know what to expect, yet had a whole lot of expectations of how life was going to be. This time, I had an idea of what could happen but had no expectations at all on what life was going to be like. Am I making sense? Even with the significantly easier early days we're experiencing now, I think I am still prepared for the hard stuff to start at any time. An unsettled baby, sleepless nights, an upset stomach making for a zillion dirty nappies, whatever it may be, I'm rested and ready. And I'm enjoying being a mother of two more than I could have imagined.
I am constantly amazed at how little he is. And, I also keep thinking about how this is probably the last time I'll be enjoying the tiny-ness of a newborn.
Going back to my little darlings now. I know there have been questions about the baby's name.....its coming soon. Its almost decided and once we send in the registration papers and I can't change my mind anymore, I'll let you all know.
Surprisingly, things have worked out much better. I do wake up through the night to feed the baby but it has been pain free and the baby goes back to sleep afterwards. I know its early days at the moment but this period of relative peacefulness has allowed us all to ease into life as a family of four without the stresses of having to deal with a crying baby that doesn't sleep. After 2 years and 8 months of nursing Aaron, I'm a pro and this time around, we've had no problems and it really helps to keep everyone a lot more calm.
I think the difference between having this baby and having Aaron is that with Aaron, I did not know what to expect, yet had a whole lot of expectations of how life was going to be. This time, I had an idea of what could happen but had no expectations at all on what life was going to be like. Am I making sense? Even with the significantly easier early days we're experiencing now, I think I am still prepared for the hard stuff to start at any time. An unsettled baby, sleepless nights, an upset stomach making for a zillion dirty nappies, whatever it may be, I'm rested and ready. And I'm enjoying being a mother of two more than I could have imagined.
I am constantly amazed at how little he is. And, I also keep thinking about how this is probably the last time I'll be enjoying the tiny-ness of a newborn.
Going back to my little darlings now. I know there have been questions about the baby's name.....its coming soon. Its almost decided and once we send in the registration papers and I can't change my mind anymore, I'll let you all know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)