Baby Jade's Full Month - Praying Session

Apparantly, we were too engrossed catching with friends that we didnt took any photos for Jade's celebration in the evening.

View photos here: http://pkum.multiply.com/photos/album/22/Jades_Full_Month_-_Praying_Session

Jade's Milestone - 1 month

Jade @ birth - 23-10-2008

Thomson Medical Centre

Weight: 3400gm

Length: 50cm

Head Circumference: 34cm

Jade @ 1st month checkup - 25-11-2008

Paediatric Centre (Rivervale)

Weight: 4.79kg

Length: 57.5cm

Head Circumference: 37cm

Feeding: 120-125ml - Breastmilk & FM (Mamax Gold) - 2hourly

Sleep

Jade's smile frequently during her sleep or when she is going to sleep. She gives satisfied grin when she is full. Initially she sleeps after every feed and sleeps for 1.5-2hrs. When she is reaching 1 month old, she sleeps about 30mins-1hr after which feed in the day. Usually, at night she sleeps around 7.30pm and wakes at 1am. She sleeps at at least 3-5 hours each time at night.

Feeding

120ml-125ml. Prefers breastfeeding than drinking from bottled EBM or FM. Drinking Mamax Gold(Maybe changing soon.)

Others:

Jade's able to move her head from left to right lying on her back/or tummy down. She makes new noises too. She's able to ficus on objects but on very short period. She can recognise mummy & daddy best. She likes bright colors object.

Birth Story - Jade Tern Gek Teng 唐 玉 庭

This is going to be a long long post!

At wk 38, Dr Lim assured the usual, "the placenta's ok, baby's healthy, fluid's enough... etc" Before we left his room, he bid goodbye, "I'll see you next week or anytime in labour." As usual, we left the clinic happily to anticipate Jade's arrival.

God knows, at wk 39 when we visit Dr Lim, we were informed that my amniotic fluid was low and was told to do a detail scan asap. And we did it the next day, which was wednesday 22-Oct-08. The detail scan confirmed that my amniotic fluid was too low. We have to decide to do a caesarean delivery by Fri as Dr Lim adviced that the rate for induced delivery is low and we cannot afford to wait for another week. And so we scheduled to do a caesarean delivery with epidural the next day, 23-Oct-08, Thurs, 12pm.

I did not like the idea being knocked out and letting someone cut up up when I was unconscious. Therefore, I was glad that Dr Lim suggested epidural and I could be awake throughout the procedure and I can even breastfeed after the operation wthout feeling drowsy. He assured me that with epidural the pain is more bearable. I wondered how true....

Dr Lim had an operation at 10.30am and I was scheduled right after that. I had to fast after 5am!! I couldn't sleep well at night as I was very nervous. I had never undergo the knife before. This will be major one.

23-Oct-08, Thurs, 4am: Alvin woke me up to drink a mug of mummy's milk. I was too tired to note whatever brand it was.

6.45am: We woke up to bathe! It was really a great shower! *Damned I missed it so much!*

7.40am: Finally reached the reception to register.

9am plus: Hmm... wondered why it took us so long to be brought to my ward. We had to fill up some forms and listen to some explanation. I had chosen 4-bedder but was upgraded 2-bedder. *Nice room. Though not the renovated one. pretty cool as my initial room mate was off to another ward. It was almost like 1-bedder. The minus point was that I could not dare to sleep at night alone!!!!

10.15am: the nurse applied a kind of cream which will make me pass motion. It was just another horrible experience! I was told to hold off for another 15 mins if possible. But within 3 mins, I rushed off to the toilet!! *argh*

10.30am: I always thought hospital staffs are not so punctual afterall. As I was earlier promised the 'poo poo' cream will be given to me at 10am. This time, the labour ward nurse with a stern face(the only not-so-friendly staff I had encountered at TMC) came to 'escort' me to the operation theatre, greeting me with the scary operation bed. I was told that I would be next after the 10.30am mummy. Oh my god.. that this time, Dr Lim must have been preparing to slice her the way he was going to slice me up. *gulp!*

11am: I was separated from Alvin!!! From the reception, all the way up 10.30am when the labour staff came, he was with me. I was not that scared. But once, we were separated. I was shivering with fear! I was such a coward! He was made to wait till I had been sliced open at the family lounge(I think). I laid on the operation bed, waiting outside the operation theatre while the staff cleared the room and waiting for Dr Lim and Dr Liew( the anesthesiologist). From where I was, I could see the clock. I just keep looking at the time and wondered when it would be my turn. I thought it should be pretty fast...

The anesthesiologist came and described the procedure for epidura. I am a chicken when it comes to injection too! I just nodded my head and gave a faint smile. He patted my shoulder and asked me to relax! * How to relax? I had been waiting there like nobody's business and being separated from Alvin and going to be jabbed on my back and even though I am super scared and frail, I had to push my back against the jab?? and then being cut open... will Jade felt intruded? Will she be shocked? I must had think too much!!!*

Finally, someone came, she smiled and said something like the operation room was ready, now they were just waiting for Dr Lim to come. A couple more staff came and pushed me to the so-called ready room. Dr Liew came shortly. I sat up, he cleaned my back with a super cold antiseptic lotion. This made me shivered non-stop. The coldness hit me harder when he injected the epidural into my back. I had never shivered so voilently before. It was one more bad experience for this caerean operation! I only yearned to see Alvin and Jade quickly.

Somehow Dr Liew knew I was very nervous. Guess my heartbeat betrayed me. I could not talk much, though he was trying to be nice and kept assuring me that it was okay and asked me to relax. I could still feel pressure and some sensation but not the pain so he asked me not to give big reaction else my husband will panick and thought that I was in great pain or discomfort. I wanted very much to laugh as I am really feeling discomfort from the shivering. Anyway, the shivering was normal, I was told, but I did not feel at ease.

After much waiting, I lost in time! Before, I cursed silently again.. Dr Lim made his appearance! His usual assuring smile and greeted me good morning. I smiled back and said 'Hi". Then he gave a serious face and told me that he was going to draw a line on my bikini line. I would really appreaciate if he quickly do what he had to do and give me back Alvin.

Dr Lim pressed my tummy a few times and I think he slice my bikini line when he instructed the labour staff to bring my husband to me as he was going to deliver my baby!!! * Finally! I felt so touched! After all the shivering and waiting, Jade's coming out finally!*

Alvin came in and was really shocked to see me shivering, of which, Dr Liew promptly explained about the side effects and that I really will not feel any pain. I grabbed his hand and felt better. Jade's really coming. Dr Liew pushed my upper abs when Dr Lim gave a signal. In a short while, Jade's out. Dr Lim got Alvin to count in 8s two or three times before he cut off her imblical cord. A while more, we heard Jade's cries. I could have cried. I think I must haven used up most energy on feeling scared and nervous. I felt really spent and hungry. *haha*

Jade was being cleaned before she was thrown onto my chest for us to take photo. Alvin could have cried too, but he told me that he must have felt more happy than any other feelings.



Dr Liew even complimented Alvin's smile and said that he seldom sees father smiles so nice and happy. Hmm... Maybe the other daddys are feeling stressed and nervous like their wifes? I could only smile and felt more light-hearted when Alvin and Jade's with me...

Jade's Weight: 3400gm
Height: 50

wk36

I couldnt really sleep well at night as Baby Jade seems to be practising karate kicks and punches in my womb. They do cause some discomfort and sometimes even pain. Her kicks are so powerful today that I wonder if it is a good idea to enrol her to Teawondo or Karate. hehe.. Me and Alvin want her to at least take up a martial art be it Chinese kungfu(following Uncle Andy's footstep), Taewondo(following Uncle Wisely's footstep) or Karate (following Uncle Pat's footstep). Back to the story, sometimes her movements are so vigorious like I wonder if it is the so-called contractions??? I saw movements on my tummy so I guess its my baby shifting herself and not contractions right?

When I told mum about Jade's movements, she mocked and said, "She don't want to stay in the fatty tummy. It must be very cramped inside." yah, my tummy is supposed to be cramp! but fatty?! *hrumpf* this is my first baby... of coz my womb is not too stretched and seasoned.

Last week and this week, Jade's daddy is working night shift. As my tummy is getting bigger and bigger, moreover, his friends' been telling him that since Jade is already 2.7kg, she may popped out anytime. This really worries us. *sweat*

But I hope she can stay inside for at least another week as my mum has hurt her shoulder and has not recovered and I felt really bad. She was helping us to wash and tan Jade's clothes which I think that is why it takes so long for her to recover. I tried to help but she scolded me and say if anything happen to me, that would be worst as no one is at home to help. Rightly.. a lady in her mid forties with sprained shoulder and a frail pregnant woman.

Anyway, today mum has helped me washed the last batch of Jade's stuff and here's some photos of her cuties:

Guess, we got her too many pinkies..

Her playpen has been set up. Playpen's a gift from Aunties MeiHui, Angel, Germaine and Uncle Alex. Its a bit messy though. But the mattress sheets and pillow sheets and stuff will be nicely put up before she and me discharged frm the hospital... still some more days to go..

geez.. i think that's all for today.. I am kinda sleeply. *yawnz*

Wyeth Gold Club Pregnancy Newsletter: Month 9

Subscribe to this url, www.wyethnutrition.com.sg, if you havent done so..

This month is all about getting ready for the big day. You need to pack your hospital bag and keep it somewhere handy, ready to go at a moment's notice. You may also want to wash everything your baby will be wearing in a mild detergent before packing it so it's ready to use when she's born.

Here's a checklist of some things you might want to pack:
Your hospital bag
Front opening nightgowns or loose-fitting casual outfits
Nursing bras and breast pads
Panties that you won't mind throwing away if they become stained
Robe
Slippers
Toiletry bag including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, hairbrush, shampoo, make-up
Sanitary pads
Loose-fitting clothes for going home
Cash

Your labor bag
Your birth plan
Old nightgown or t-shirt for giving birth
Vaseline and lip balm
Lotion or massage oil
Socks
Radio or CD/tape player

Your baby's bag
Sleep suits
Undershirts
Diapers
Sweater, coat, hat, socks, mittens for the journey home
Baby blanket
Car seat (you might not be allowed to take your baby home in a car without one!)

Dads need a bag for the hospital too, so get packing! You might want to bring :
Layers of clothes that can be removed or added
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Snacks and drinks
Watch or clock with second hand for timing contractions
Games/books to keep you both occupied during labor
Camera or video camera WITH film or tape
Coins or phone cards. (Use of mobile phones is usually restricted to outside the hospital building)
List of names and numbers: her parents, yours, and so on
Pen and paper to write down details of your baby's vital statistics

And don't forget to stock the freezer and cupboards with easy to prepare meals for when you return home!

My baby..

At week 36, your baby is around 46 cm and weighs 2.5 kg. She has beautiful eyes and her head has dropped into your pelvic cavity. By week 40, she's completely ready to be born, although she's unlikely to arrive on the due date. Only 5% of babies give their parents this satisfaction!

some useful links for ordering Baby's full month cakes

My mum maybe sourcing her own as her side do not need much cake. and surprisingly, our last check with my in law, she says dont need to give too much. so i dunno if we are ordering together or separately. most probably, we may be ordering separately for our friends' door gift...

some useful links for ordering Baby's full month cakes:

1) http://www.cupcake-momma.net/
2) http://www.sweetsecrets.com.sg/baby.htm
3) http://www.blossoms.com.sg/Baby%27s1stMonth2005.html
4) http://www.ecreative.com.sg/cakes_products.asp?SID=12
5) http://www.bengawansolo.com.sg/cat_baby.aspx
6) http://www.kyo.com.sg/products/fullmonth00.html
7) http://www.melrose.com.sg/giftpacks.html
8 ) http://www.one-joy.com/sg/home/
9) http://www.primadeli.com/shopatprimadeli/category.asp?CaID=5
10) http://www.sweetsurprise.com.sg/
11) http://www.sweetestmoments.com.sg/
12) http://www.chozconfectionery.com/2007/fullmonth-033.php
13) http://www.cedeledepot.com/home/baby.asp
14) http://www.emicakes.com.sg/cart/fullmonth_index.htm
15) http://www.partridgepear.com/giftpack.php
16) http://www.bakersoven.com.sg/baby.html

wk34

I went to see Dr Lim on tuesday. I was told by him that my water retention is not too bad, even though I felt that my swollen fingers and toes are quite sore. Mum mocks that I am just fat and is not due to water retention.

Another thing I am concerned is my heavy v. discharge. It is too wet and Dr Lim did another test with my sample. We will only know the results on our next visit which is two weeks later.

As usual, he looked at my protein level from the urine test, he would advice, "rest 8-9 hours a day even if you are not tired." which is what I did recently. I think I rest more then 9hours... hmmm i still need MORE rest. Mum is very nice to me. I didnt do any house work and sometimes hubby or mum bought my breakfast. but i try to take a stroll in the evening or go out for lunch to walk about.

As we took the scan, Doc announced Jade to be 2.7kg, which is normal to big for the baby same period as her. So I REALLY have to cut down on sugary sweets stuff and eat more protein and veggie! other than that, he said everything is ok and see us 2 wks later. haha.

He wrote us a letter for admission in case Jade's decided to arrive early. Symptoms like water bag burst, menses-like red discharge, severe tummy pain we have to call the emergency. I hope I heard everything right... coz I am having very bad memory since pregnancy...

And as usual, we left the clinic merrily. The wait for Jade's arrival is filled with excitement and slight fear. I wonder if I can really handle the newborn. Hopefully Jade is cooperative and mummy-friendly.

This week, my mum is exceptionally eager and she helps me washes Jade's clothes, napkins and towels etc. She even asks us to get the confinement herbs ASAP. Maybe she is anticipating Jade's early arrival, though we told her that Doc says that Jade may stick to the EDD which is end oct.

There's things which we havent buy yet:

1. J&J baby wash & lotion & oil

2. nail cutter (dunno which brand to get) - maybe pigeon

3. Home Slipper ( Mum says I need this for confinement)

4. nipple cream (dunno which one to buy. Read in some books that we can also squeezed some milk and apply on the nipple and air dry. This is good for sore/cracked nipples.)

5. Baby comforter ( we will be using play pen for the time being as we may be shifting. After the shift, we may get a cot.)

6. Disposable Diapers ( for night use. I also dunno what brand to buy too. Mum says that drypers is good enough, it did not give my baby bro any problem. Maybe diff baby diff kind of sensitivity and preference.)