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.