The first week

I finally found some time to upload some photos. It's incredible how many photos one can take of a sleeping baby who doesn't move and mostly retain the same expression. But definitely not as many as when Lucas was born.

I have already broken the traditional confinement "rules". This time around, it seems harder to follow them. Having a baby in winter is probably easier since I won't crave for cold food or drinks and will be very happy to stay indoors when it rains or snows.

Just the other day, I heard 2 cries at the same time in the house and oh boy, reality is sinking in. 3 boys and one me.

Welcome to Planet Earth!

Born: 22nd June 2008, Sunday

Time: 9:21 p.m.

Weight: 8 lbs 4 ozs

Length: 20.5 inches / 52 cm

Baby Linus popped out in about 5 minutes from the peak of my contractions. I had decided to go drug-free again since I already had Lucas without pain relief or epidural and thankfully the delivery was shorter this time. But I had a retained placenta which made me stay in bed in the most undignified position and in extreme discomfort and soreness for another 2 hours after. Just when they wanted to wheel me into the operating room to surgically remove the placenta, it popped out as well. Thank goodness.

Lucas is really sweet and gentle with Linus. He would say "baby" and put his finger to his mouth "Shhhh" when baby is sleeping. I look at Lucas now and he looks like such a big boy! I am not sure he fully comprehends what is going on or who Linus is, but thankfully Grandparents and Edwin are at home to keep him busy.

I had forgotten how often newborns feed and poop and cry. It has been hectic around here but we are all enjoying Linus and the smell of a newborn. He smells so good even though he only had one bath since he landed. I had an overwhelming feeling of elation after he was born, overcomed with the joy of holding a newborn again. Linus looks more like Papa, I believe. He has the exact same hairline as his pops. He is a little more sleepy and slow in sucking compared with Lucas. I hope the early breastfeeding woes will ease up soon and I can enjoy feeding again.

Thank you, everyone for your well-wishes, calls and emails! Will update with more photos soon.I should also note here that Edwin is doing a fantastic job as a "confinement lady"! He has been well-trained by my sister the last time she was here with Lucas. I was pleasantly surprised and very touched when he brewed the red dates and longan tea for me and also has been cooking some confinement dishes for me. And it actually tastes very good!

Grandparents have also been a great help and we are really lucky and grateful that they are here to help us with Lucas.

Thank you, everyone for your well-wishes, calls and emails! Will update with more photos soon.

Bear Creek Park

We spent Father's day at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. Thank you, Lian, for organizing the playdate. It was a great way to spend Father's day! It was our first time at this park too and we really enjoyed ourselves. The train ride was a huge highlight for Lucas. Trains are his favourite item right now. Thank you all, for the great food and great company! I am so glad we managed to join you on the first picnic of the Summer before baby no.2 arrives!

On an island of his own

I don't know if it is a pre-mature observation but I have on several occasions, observed that Lucas prefers to venture off on his own to explore toys and things in general rather than to play with other children. He would play alongside or with another kid if there is one other kid around, but if there are too many in one spot, he would "back away" and take off to explore other stuff. This behaviour, if it is really what it is, is definitely inherited from his Papa.

Back to mischief

Lucas is back to his usual bubbly self. He has also warmed up to his Grandparents and is having a great time with them.

Well, he is actually having an even greater time because Edwin has also taken time off from work and he is getting a giant boost in attention, love, and play.

I dread to think what I am going to do after Grandparents leave in 3 weeks' time, Edwin returns to work, and baby no.2 arrives...

SURPRISE!

Carolyn had planned a surprise baby shower for me on Sunday and I am really, deeply touched by everything that she has done for us. For the first time in my life, I was truly surprised and had no clue at all that a party was planned. I was stunned to see all the balloons when I entered her house and for a moment, I was wondering if I missed someone's birthday and forgot a present!

Then, I saw the banner on the wall and my heart literally skipped a beat. Yes, Carolyn. You have the power to make my heart skip a beat. You are absolutely amazing! I have to record everything that you have done. Thank you, thank you, thank you for:

-Planning everything, getting everyone over

-Blowing up all the balloons (were there almost 30 balloons?)

-Putting up all the decorations, custom-making the awesome banner (which I have stuck on our wall now)

-Getting all the food organised, the chocolate fondue was EXCELLENT

-Getting down to all the details with food for the kids, and the little packages of chocolates shaped in little shoes is too cute for words

-The best mango cake I have ever eaten

-Hosting a party with 6 active toddlers and double the number of adults

-Entertaining the kids with your famous bubble play, and letting us make a mess of your backyard

-For the surprise present I thought was coming from your friend as a loan. I was totally WOW-ed by you.

Thank you so so so much for just being such a wonderful, dear friend. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate everything you have done for us and we are indeed very fortunate to have met you, Rob and Jack and even more fortunate to be living just a couple of blocks from you guys!

Lucas meets his Grandparents again after 9 months

Edwin's parents arrived in town last week. We were really looking forward to their arrival, especially since it has been 9 months since Lucas last met them in Singapore. First couple of days were rough since Lucas was not well and he was mostly clinging to us. He seems to have 'warmed-up' now and slowly getting back to his usual bubbly self.

Weather has been pretty cool and gloomy since our folks arrived. We headed outdoors rightaway at the first glimpse of sunshine.

No big plans for their trip here this time unfortunately. We had initially planned to drive down Oregon Coast and visit Portland and the Grotto. Edwin changed his mind after Doc said baby might arrive earlier than expected.

Looks like we will just to visiting the restaurants and perhaps take some day trips to the Island or drive across to Washington.

Double whammy

Teething woes and an ear infection.

Lucas, or rather all of us, have had a rather tough 2 weeks. His molars are finally cutting through and on top of it, what I thought was a common cold became an ear infection. This is the first time I have seen Lucas in so much pain and discomfort. It's really heartbreaking especially when he cries and nothing we do seem to be able to comfort him. After having been spoilt with a peaceful sleep through the night since he was about 6 months old, it was baby time all over again when I get up a few times to check on him when he screamed in pain and was running a fever. Thankfully this lasted only for 2 nights.

I must say he has been quite a trooper despite all the pain and discomfort he must be feeling. He has his quiet moments with his blankie buddy and I know he is seeking some comfort. He still enjoys his fresh air and freedom to run which is perhaps a good thing to distract him from his pain.

Timing has not been good though. His Grandparents just arrived a couple of days back and it was definitely not the kind of welcome we had hoped with a clingy toddler.

He is looking much better today but I do hope he gets back on track with his eating and return to his usual bubbly and active self soon. I miss my busy little cheeky toddler!

The time has come

Some say toddlers will begin to say "No" at around the age of 2. At 17 months, Lucas has started to reply to our questions with a "no". I see it as a progression and am not too bothered by it (yet!). In fact, I find it very endearing that he is able to reply to our questions and is a step-up in our communication. He looks very pleased with himself with his new-found confidence and independence and his ability to let us know what he wants.

I am acknowledging his replies to me even if he says "no" when it's time for his nap. It gives me the opportunity to explain and negotiate with him and expand our communication..even if it means I really have to BE PATIENT and try not to lose my cool!