Dental Care

Some weeks ago, we started using toothpaste. Misled by the instructions on the box, we had thought that a toothbrush would come with the toothpaste. To our dismay, there wasn't. Since she has only two little ivories at the lower front so far, we made do with our index finger.

Anya enjoys brushing her teeth/gums. At bath times, she seems to understand when we ask, "Are you ready to brush your teeth?" and would open her mouth, stick her tongue out with a smile in response (we suspect it has to do with the apple banana flavour). We will then stick our toothpaste-smeared index finger into her mouth and sing "Brush, brush, brush, brush... ..." to whatever tune that comes to mind while brushing away. When we finally pull out our finger at the end of the song, she would show her satisfaction by smacking her lips together.

All in all, dental care has been a rather pleasant experience for both the executors and the receiver so I did not see the need to replace a our fingers with a real baby's toothbrush.

Yesterday, I changed my mind. All because at bath time in the morning, I heard The Husband singing to the tune of "Twinkle, twinkle, little stars" to:

"Brush, brush, brush, Ouch!, brush..
brush, OucH!, brush, OUCH!, brushhhh..."

I think the upper front teeth are coming.

Thanksgiving

It is Thanksgiving! While in Singapore, it is not celebrated, I thought it is an opportune time to reflect and give thanks for the blessings He has granted us for Year 2010.

As I look back, the realisation that there have been countless blessings & favors came quickly. Here, I just wish to highlight the 10 blessings that have held great significance to us - inspired by one of the children's book that I have borrowed from the library, "Count your blessings".

Dearest Abba Father,

Thank You for preparing us for parenthood and equipping us with the knowledge to raise Anya in Your way.

Thank You for the smooth & speedy delivery when I was in labor.

Thank You for a healthy, joyful & good-nature baby! She is indeed beautifully & fearfully made!

Thank You for Your protection over The Husband and I. Despite the times when our little one fell sick where we struggled with nursing her, our respective responsibilities and disrupted (& very little sleep), our immune system were not compromised.

Thank You for Your pruning & protection over our marriage - it has strengthened in times of diversity.

Thank You for Your healing & protection over our Dads in their times of sicknesses.

Thank You that brokenness in relationships amongst our loved ones is mended!

Thank You for Your provision. You prepared me to be prudent in spending even before Anya came along, You lead us through our financial/investment decisions and You blessed The Husband with favors in the marketplace.

Thank You that we finally have some breakthrough in treating Muffin's chronic UTIs & skin allergy. This breakthrough, we pray, that it will prevail.

Lastly, thank You for never forsaking us. You always reach out when we cry out to you. If You didn’t, it is really because You haven’t. It is by Your grace that we can live out each and every day.

As I was typing this, I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 which says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.". Indeed, He will never bring us through an adversity that is beyond us, but it is only when we submit ourselves to Him that His goodness will flow right into our lives, making things right.

Moving onto Grown-up Food...

...well, partially.

Today, we started Anya on proper porridge. Mixed brown rice & crystal white ones. We had the same thing as staple for lunch too. The Husband thought it was quite tasty, the sweetness derived from homemade vegetables stock. The Daughter, however, seems to need some getting-use-to. Hmmmm...

Before

After

The Niece's birthday

We celebrated The Niece's seventh birthday over the Deepavali holiday (I know, Deepavali was almost 2 weeks ago).

In the past, I would always make a point to bring her out twice a year -once in the June holidays, the other around her birthday. The tradition had to come to a halt last year after I came down with hyperemesis gravidarum when I was expecting Anya. So, this year, I was determined to bring the tradition back. The last thing I wanted to happen was The Niece to feel left out of my life now that I have a baby of my own.

It was just a simple outing where the birthday girl gets to shop for TWO presents (one from us, one from Grandma). My mom wanted to get her a pair of shoes / a nice outfit while we wanted to buy her a toy.We deemed that turning seven comes with more independence, therefore decided that she should be the one choosing her own presents (given our pre-determined category - apparel/shoes and toys).

Gift 1: she settled for a pair of pink "bling bling" pearly sandals (the likes of what you see below).

Courtesy of gojane.com

I was highly amused that my mom had to restrain herself from telling the birthday girl that she thought white was prettier. She had to keep murmuring to me in a low voice, "I know, let her make her own decisions." Ah.. all was well eventually when the birthday girl tried on the shoes as pink looks really good against her fair complexion.

Gift 2: The Husband and I gave her a budget of $50 for a toy. Now, I was quite surprised to know that there weren't many choices for a seven-year-old in Toys"R"Us. Well, not unless you include video games (budget bursting) and Barbies (she does not like them). We combed through the entire store twice. Eventually, the birthday girl settled for this:

A budding domestic goddess?

As the price tag that came with the sandwich maker was much lower than our stated $50, she decided to pick something for her little brother as well. A sweet and kind girl, she is. :)

After leaving the mall, we met up with the rest of the family for pizza & pasta before retreating back home for a cake cutting. Here, we tried to capture the moment by getting the 3 cousins to pose together. And boy, it was a daunting task! Between The Brother and I, we must have taken close to a hundred shots! Now, here is the best shot that I could find in my camera.

At dinner. My girl, not shy one.

Add captionHappy 7th birthday, C!

With the grandparents

Return of the Sarong

Before Anya was due, a friend had passed me one of her sarong carriers. She swore by it, saying how much she loves using it, that its helps to lift off the weight of carrying her baby & at the same time, encouraging bonding. In fact, she uses it at home sometimes when the boy is fussy - just to comfort him & soothe him to sleep.

I was totally sold. When I got back, I enthusiastically checked up The Internet on various guides as to how to use the sarong carrier. I bookmarked the websites, and even experimented the carrier with a baby-sized stuffed toy.All was good.

Then the real baby came. I remembered using the sarong a number of times when she was still a pimply-faced newborn, mainly to the polyclinic for her jaundice checks and the occasional groceries trip. And boy! I felt a world of a difference from what my friend felt using the sarong carrier!

What bonding is she talking about? All that I felt was... hot, sweaty and frustrated. At least during the process of wearing the carrier & putting her into the carrier.

Then, there was the thoughts that run through my mind AFTER the baby got into the sarong. There would be numerous "what ifs" that passed through my mind every time she is suspended in that carrier against me. I mean, she was a newborn, with literally no control of her neck muscle whatsoever. What if I sprain her neck because my movement was too big?  Or her arms? Or what if she feels uncomfortable with her legs bended in that funny manner? Does she feel warm? Am I doing it correctly? Can she breathe properly or not? (although the website emphasized that they use breathable material) The biggest "what if" of all: WHAT IF I DROP HER?

So, even before Anya turned three months, I threw in the towels, in this context, sarong. In fact, at the very last time I tried putting on the sarong, I took 30 minutes and yet I still could not position her nicely in a way that I deem comfortable & correct. Even though I already had the A/C and fan blasting at us in full speed, both of us were still hot & sweaty (my make-up was merrily melting away). I was frustrated, silently cursing away and I was certain Anya was equally frustrated for she was screaming & crying. That made me swore off that piece of green cloth to the storeroom and never to see daylight again. Ever.

BUT. Well, as the fickle-minded woman that I may be.... Four months passed. Anya outgrew the Baby Bjorn leaving me with no choice but to carry her when I am out alone with her. The last cell meeting that left me with a sore right arm for the next two days got me thinking & reconsidering.

Last week, the sarong carrier saw daylight once again. And again. Thrice in a week, to be exact. The experience this time round is much more pleasant. Now that Anya can hold her neck and sit up on her hold, I use the 'hip carry' instead of the #$%@$ 'cradle hold'. Finally, I can relate to what my dear friend was gushing about. With my baby literally plastered to my body and often contentedly leaning her head against me, the amount of bonding was erm... addictive. Thus, the thrice in a row. Heh.

Closure

This is a post not pertaining to the mommy/wifey side of me. Rather, I'm penning this down as a closure to something that I held close to my heart.

No longer do I wish to be caught in a situation as if I'm questioning you. To begin with, I am in no position to judge. And I did not want to pass judgment. It matters to me, simply because you are special to me, and I thought the feelings were being reciprocated. Maybe they aren't. Or maybe it is just a typical case of drifting apart. Or perhaps it is just that the way things are are somehow too complicated to go back to being what we used to be.

At some point, I feel hurt. Betrayal. Being left out? But not any longer. The reason why I do not feel so anymore, is not because you have stopped being special to me (at least what I used to know remains special), but rather, I think I have finally learned to release this to God. For I realized that who I'm battling with all these while wasn't you, but the void between us. Too many things have been left unspoken with omission in each others' lives.

Maybe our lives were intended to cross only at a point, then diverge again. Whatever it is, I shall commit this to God and I know He has greater plans for us and our friendship. He always does. The uncertainty is always to do with our willingness to obey. I think I am ready to.

No hard feelings, really. It is just things has reached a point that it seems the choices available are either being awkward or be strangers - at least for the time being.You will always be that special "little sister" to me.

Reflections: Seven Months!

Hello there, my little one!

Happy seven months old! It is funny how Mommy always get an initial loss for words whenever I try to recall your month-to-month progress. Here, I see you every day, changing, growing, developing, and yet when I look back, I feel that surge of affection & love rising, drowning out  any ability to form coherent sentences. Yes baby, you are such a lovely and endearing child, and Mommy can't help but reiterate every now and then that you are one of the greatest gift that God has given us!

Now, let's start with your biggest milestone for the month. 

Can you spot it?

Yes, you have sprouted two little ivories! They are coming out very fast! Just within a span of less than two weeks, they have grown from invisible (Mommy felt them when I'm washing your gum at bathtimes) to apparent to the eyes. Amazing  how God forms our bodies huh? 

With these two little fellas making their presence felt, your gum must have itching like crazy. We can tell because you put everything you can get your hands on into your mouth. Rubber duckies at batht times (head in mouth) , your blanket & hankies, your teething rusk & teether toy, your Rabbit's ears, corners of books, newspapers (NEWPAPERS!) and other random toys & items in the house.  The urgency that you display in putting something into your mouth somewhat resembles a drug addict in need of his fix, we think.

Then there are the items that you can't lift with your little fingers. In such cases, you crane your neck, edging forward and attach your mouth against the target, sucking away! We have already caught you attaching your "suction plate" to the legs of your high chair a few times when you are in your walker. Once, you even tried attaching yourself to poor unsuspecting Muffin who happened to be lazing right in front of you! Gotta say, it was ridiculously comical!

In addition, there is a whole string of little milestones this month. Mommy shall do my best to recall and name a few here.

You can truly sit on your own now, often at a stretch of 15 minutes at one go. With this new found independence, you start to detest the Bumbo chair. Although I suspect it is also because your chunkier-than-ever thighs get really uncomfortable wedged in that purple chair. 

These days, you make your displeasure known. For example: if you have had enough of your cereal, and Mommy still repeatedly placed the spoon at the entrance your mouth, coaxing you to eat, you would give a cry of annoyance. 

This month, fruits (in addition to veggies) have found their way onto your plate. So far you've tried steamed pears (love it!) & apples (hate it!), avocado (okay with it). Your selection of veggies has also widened though your favorite remains to be sweet potatoes & carrots.

You absolutely loathe Kailan

In terms of mobility, you are now very adept in your walker. You can maneuver around tight corners, zipping in and out of rooms, exploring things around the house. Very often, you startled Muffin, forcing her to retreat back to the kitchen (her safe haven!) where you are barred from entering.

You always like us to sing to you. When you are fussy in the bath, we will sing & there is always a good chance that you will stop fussing and listen to us raptly. Lately, you will even try to sing along! In a soft coy voice, you will go "ya...ya..ya..". Very endearing!

Mommy, do you like my singing?

Now as we move into your eighth month, we know that there will be simply more surprises awaiting as there is so SO MUCH more of you that is still developing. Let's hold our hands tight and keep on moving forward, my baby! 

You have a thing for hippos, it seems.

Love, hugs & kisses, 

Mommy

The 2nd cell group meeting with Anya

Given that it was peak hours, I was reluctant to take a cab all the way from our flat to town. It was something that I swore off since the 35% (or was it 30%?) surcharge during peak hours. In addition, I needed to takeaway dinner for myself as well as to pick up a bottle of pureed vegetables for Anya's dinner (we ran out of homemade veggies!). Therefore, my plan was to take a bus with her in my arms (no stroller! Too bulky!) that brings us straight into the heart of Orchard Road from the bus-stop right below our flat. There, I can conveniently pick up our dinner from  before taking a short cab ride to my cell leader's place.

So, we made it! - notwithstanding the fact that my right arm (that was carrying her) felt like it stretched 2 inches longer. The bus arrived almost immediately after I walked up to the bus stop. It was a nice, clean & new bendy bus, so I let her sit on her own beside me for a while. The tiring part came when I had to carried her as we walked from FEP to Isetan Scotts to buy the stuff, and then walk back to FEP again to take a cab. Thankfully, she was at her best behavior, smiling at any unsuspecting aunties who happened to come our way. A few could not resist but stopped in their track just to talk to her. One Isetan supermarket promoter thought that we hailed from Ni-hon (must be the slitty eyes) and started talking to us in Japanese - I only understood "kawaii ne... blah blah blah..."

The cell meeting itself was spiritually fruitful & I enjoyed the fellowship. The Cell Leader's two young daughters was wonderful helpers, taking turns to feed Anya, bringing her toys & playing with her. So all in all, it was a smooth trip. Although her bedtime was slightly later than usual, she showed only a wee bit of fussiness (pray it will stay this way!). Just a note for my own future reference: Just 'dabao' my dinner from FEP next time. Save my right arm from all that muscle ache!

Divine Intervention?

First instance:
As you have already known by now, Anya always sleeps on her tummy. Two weeks ago, I was at Kiddy Palace running some errands after my driving lesson. I was about to leave the shop (hmpf! they do not carry the items that I need!) when something prompted me to go to the pillows section. Hmm.. But she doesn't need a pillow what... Anyway, I went over just to take a look. I ended up spending 10 minutes there, choosing a pillow (not many choices actually) that I have unfounded needs for and rationalizing why I should buy one.

"Maybe she suddenly decides to sleep on her back."

"Well, I can use it during her playtime when she does lie on her back.." (If The Husband was there, he will shake his head and say "Next better player, please.")

Eventually, I walked out of the shop with a $20 latex dimpled pillow. Ticks on the shopping list? Zero.

Two days later, Anya was down with the viral infection. Her nose was congested AND runny at the same time. That night, she could not sleep well. She kept waking up as she was having problem breathing in that face-down position. Then, it occurred to us to flip her onto her back (since she has a pillow anyway). With that change, she slept much better. We were actually quite surprise by how quickly she adjusted to the change. Since then, she has been sleeping on her back beautifully.

Second instance:
I have taken a break from attending cell group since Anya was born. While I have no problem traveling out alone with Anya during off-peak hours, peak hour is a different thing. Moreover, by the time we get home after the meeting ends, it will threatening to eat into her bedtime. We have never tried staying out later than her bedtime before and I was not comfortable doing so, lest I have a battle a tired & grouchy baby outside. So, since 3 months ago, the cell group has made concessions for me by meeting at my place once a month instead.

Then, a month ago, I was prompted by one of our pastor's sermon during Sunday service to go back to attending cell group meeting regularly. He cited the example of how he and his wife would travel with the baby (and her barangs) in public transport to attend cell group religiously every week because they maintained that God is number 1 in their lives - having baby is not going to change that!

So, on a Wednesday morning two weeks ago, I texted one of my cell group member, Iivi, to check if meeting was on as usual that night. She called me back promptly. Anyway, to cut the long story short. As it turned out, Iivi is on leave on that day, and she had an appointment in the late afternoon in the west. The best part was, she just took over her Dad's old van (that is going to be scrapped end of the year) and so she could swing by my place (northwest area) to pick us up before going to cell (town area)! Wow! How remote is that?!

Sweet & considerate Aunt Iivi even detoured to the petrol station for a car wash and before picking us up - just so Baby Anya can have a comfortable ride! So yes, we managed to go to cell comfortably and The Husband came up to the cell group leader's place as soon as he finished his work & dinner to take over Anya. Thereafter The Husband raced back home as it was already past her bedtime. Although Iivi's favour is a one-time off; it helped to ease some of my concerns. Seeing that Anya was able to behave despite having to stay up later than usual (there are little friends keeping her company!), now I am more confident of getting us to cell group on a regular basis.

Divine interventions? I can't help but think they are. :) Praise the Lord!

Byebye Ezcema~

For the first time in weeks, Anya is pretty much cleared of eczema. The skin at the nape of her neck, her hairline, her back is smooth and supple, void of those angry patches of red. Eczema is a common skin problem that plague babies & young children around the world. Just to name a few, you will find mommies who wrote about it as well here, here and here. Most of them grow out of it around the age of one, at least, its what Babycenter says. I'm praying hard that Anya will be one of them.

Our way of managing it was to apply Zaricort (a very mild steroids & anti-inflammatory cream) on the afflicted areas and apply heaps of Sebamed Baby lotion (moisturizer) all over her body day & night. We also do our best to keep her cool, avoid causing her to perspire too much and bathing her morning and before bedtime. This is because we notice that there seems to be a co-relation between the severity of her eczema and the amount of perspiration she had for the day. Other than that, we changed her bath solution (using QV currently) and shampoo.

A special mention about the shampoo. When Anya first came, I actually did not buy any shampoo because I know most newborns have little or no hair. Of course, the probability of her having hair is higher since yours truly came out of her mommy's womb with a thick wavy mop. Very amusing, according to my mom (I suspect it was because I was a stark contrast to my elder brother who came out botak). So, when she did arrive with a mop of hair (though not as thick of mine, according to Popo), I just make do with a sample bottle of Kodomo. Seeing that there was not any adverse reaction, I went ahead and buy a large bottle.

I was wrong. At around 2 months, she started having cradle cap. Then, after doing some research on SingaporeMotherhood forum, I switched to Dentinox cradle cap shampoo. A couple of weeks later, the cradle cap slowly cleared. One downside of Dentinox (as mentioned also by mothers on the forum) is that the baby's hair becomes dry. Indeed. Not having any better idea, I went back to using my very big bottle of Kodomo. Then, eczema came along.

Now, I'm not saying Kodomo causes eczema. Rather, i suspect it is not helping to curb it. Anyway, the other day, I was at the organics shop inside Carrefour Suntec that sells her rice cereal MUCH cheaper and I picked up a bottle of Baby Boo's shampoo as well. It seems to work. I must admit, I didn't use to think much about organic products. Food - yes, products - not much opinion. I conceit. Heh.

So yeah, now I can safely bid farewell to this unwelcome guest, and keep my fingers crossed that it is gone for good!

A Family Car Trip

To the vet we go!

For the first time, all four of us (including the Furkid), travel out together. It was not anything adventurous, really - just a trip to the vet, "da-bao" lunch at MCD drive-thru and then back home again. We have been looking forward to have a proper family trip for a picnic or something (definitely where the Furkid can go as well) and thought a 10 minutes drive to the vet and back can be a good dry run to see if we could manage.


The seating arrangements in the car:
The Husband, being the only one who can drive legally, was behind the steering wheels of course. The Furkid was with me at the front passenger seat while Anya was in her car seat at the back. At the beginning, Anya was full of curiosity and kept gazing in our direction. The Furkid, on the other hand, was not the least interested in her. She hasn't been on a car trip in weeks and she was going to savour every moment of it.AS always, she jumped onto my lap and with her fore legs perched on the window's armrest, waited for me to wind down the window so she could stick her head out in the breeze. There, she remained in the same position, all the way till we reached our destination.

As for Anya, she got bored after 5 minutes or so and promptly drifted into lala-land.

I think we are ready for the picnic. Joining us, anyone?