15 months | and then some

My little darling is 15 months, and growing so quickly. She is incredibly smart and can speak very clearly. She is also turning into a toddler - which means she is her own little person and has her own will.

We've just come out from a very rough bout of sickness. Two weeks of flu, fever and cough (both of us) and conjunctivitis (for her). Two weeks of no sleep, clingy hell and poor spirits. But I think we are finally coming out of it. I hope...

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Growth :

A little over 8kgs and still a small baby. I still worry, especially when she's not eating...

Sleep:

Back in sleep hell. Last two weeks she couldn't sleep as she could hardly breathe. Kept waking up and would only sleep in my arms. I hardly slept too. And as a result, fell ill and is having a slow recovery...
We're on the waiting list to get into Tressillian stay.

Eat : 
Picky picky eater much to my dismay. She isn't keen to try new food and would only have very simple food. She apparently eats well at daycare and has a variety of veggies and meat but not at home. I truly wish she would have a more balanced meal but to no avail. I just have to persevere  and keep trying!
Thankful for : her love of fruits and biscuits.

Milestones :

She says : Mummy Daddy Dog Bird Milk Please Ta (thank you) More Cheese Bubble Hi Hello Bye
She refers to everything else as "Mek" and points to it.
She started crawling at 12 months and is one speedy crawler!
She is cruising (holding on to furniture and walking) - no sigh of walking yet though :(
She can sing along to "Miss Polly","Hot Potato","Rockabye Bear","Incy Wincy Spider","Twinkle Star","Row your boat","Baa black sheep"
She likes to hold on to my hair. Kinda obsessed with it.
She likes pointing at dogs and birds
She can tell me what the dog/cat/sheep/cow says.
She can climb up the couch on her own!
She knows what she wants and can usually point to whatever it is, or where to go. 
She is quick to say no if she doesn't like something or pushes it away.
She is obsessed with bubbles, and would spend a long time at bath just to play with them.

Clothes: 
We're 0's and going to 1. She is grown in height but i'd love for her to put on a bit more weight.

Physical developments:
Good hair growth, hopefully would be able to tie them or put a ribbon on in 2 months!
Eczema's back and she's been having flare-ups. Which was worst when she fell sick :(

6 months

Writing this post a few days later. Baby K is 6 months old! I'm feeling a little emotional as I type this. We're still sleep deprived, and currently struggling with routine as a result of the 2 week Xmas/New Year holidays. BUT everytime I look at my baby my heart feels like it could burst with joy and love. My darling, my love, my sunshine.....all my sleep (or lack of) forgotten the moment she smiles and laughs. How quickly she seem to be growing now. I've probably said this before but there's always a first, a milestone everyother day - she is just growing and changing every day!

The latest? Her bottom two teeth, which made an appearance the evening before she turned 6 months. Her voice is changing too, or rather, she found new noises to make. I've also been told Baby K is beginning to look more like me!


(in two days, that is)

Baby K will be 20 weeks in 2 days. And I've been quite slack updating her progress here. And I really should document it, seeing that my memory is non-existent these days.

I've been sick twice in the past two weeks and still am coughing my lungs away! Before baby, I have always been a bit of a baby when I'm down with the flu. It's worst with the baby around. Because i am breastfeeding, i can't take medication. Because I am caring for baby, I am not rested. Hence  us going through not-so-nice times at the moment....

I'm feeling a little better though, and I resolve to eat a little better (which seems possible, more on this later). Mum will also be visiting for 2 weeks. I really am looking forward to it. No doubt we'd have our difference and will most likely argue and fight...but I really like seeing Bethany with grandma. Don't know why!

Xmas is also fast approaching...and I'm in panic! I'm not ready for Xmas. My body's not in tip top shape, my bank account is dwindling...and the home is not decked out!

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Growth :

Baby K is now 6.5 kgs. She is still in the 20th percentile growth rate, and is small compared to other babies - but Twitchy and I aren't tall either...

Sleep:

Baby K was sleeping longer at night was was waking up only once for a feed. And then it all went down the drain when we went to Canberra for Xmas and had a NYE party...and her teething happened. Teething's a bitch. Baby K is harder to settle, refuses to sleep for long and cries a fair bit more!

Eat : 
We've just started solids over the holidays (28th Dec). Boy, life sure is a lot more complicated when you have to plan baby's food menu. and prepare them. and cook. and clean. Urgh!

Outings :

We're still actively going out with the Mothers Group. But I am also now happy staying home a few times a week. It's just more bearable and not as painful as before! in fact I love some quiet time while baby's asleep and hearing myself think!...
We did go out for dinner on Xmas eve with the family. It was a success, and baby actually stayed up to open Xmas presents. Poor girl was overtired but it's a once in a blue moon event.

Milestones :

Some milestones since the last - she screams a bit (sure has a huge lungs!), she loves playing and giggling a fair bit now, she flips freely (but not too often). She's on solids now and loves her water (pear is her favourite so far!) AND of course, the latest big development, teething!

Settling: 
It was easy but she's been very difficult the past few days. Poor bub must be uncomfortable from gum pains. I am told that this will pass and she will go back to her usual. Fingers Crossed!

Clothes: 
00s. and I tend to cover up her skin when she flares up.

Physical developments:
Baby K's got a bit more hair now. and a big gummy smile that i absolutely love! I noticed her lashes growing and curling a little bit more now. She's still my tiny baby and I am cherishing every moment I have with her. Her skin is getting a little better with flare ups every now and then. She has a bit of skin discolouration, so Twitchy and I decided to book in to see a skin specialist. I don't think its anything serious but good to get an expert to see her skin and get a bit more direction.

20 weeks

(in two days, that is)

Baby K will be 20 weeks in 2 days. And I've been quite slack updating her progress here. And I really should document it, seeing that my memory is non-existent these days.

I've been sick twice in the past two weeks and still am coughing my lungs away! Before baby, I have always been a bit of a baby when I'm down with the flu. It's worst with the baby around. Because i am breastfeeding, i can't take medication. Because I am caring for baby, I am not rested. Hence  us going through not-so-nice times at the moment....

I'm feeling a little better though, and I resolve to eat a little better (which seems possible, more on this later). Mum will also be visiting for 2 weeks. I really am looking forward to it. No doubt we'd have our difference and will most likely argue and fight...but I really like seeing Bethany with grandma. Don't know why!

Xmas is also fast approaching...and I'm in panic! I'm not ready for Xmas. My body's not in tip top shape, my bank account is dwindling...and the home is not decked out!

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Growth :

Baby K has hit 5kgs! She is still a small baby and I'll never expect her to be as big as others but it very cute to see her filling out her clothes and seeing those fat folds!

Sleep:

Baby K still wakes up 2-3 times at night. I'm pretty much used to it but it was quite painful to do when I was sick. It took me a while to settle back to sleep with a congested nose and just when I'm about to drift back to sleep....bam! Up time again.
There's also a sleep pattern emerging for daytime. She tends to have 2 big sleeps and 1-2 naps during the day. Which is a sigh of relief. She pretty much started doing this 2 weeks ago and it's really nice to have some time to myself. i was able to steal a nap here and there as well as cook dinner!  Good time for Twitchy and me to review our really bad eating habits. 

Eat : 
Exclusive breastfed, though I am planning to feed her formula every so often to get her used to it. It'll help us in the long run if i go back to work or need to be out (and revisit my social life)

Outings :

We're active on Mothers Groups and at one point, was seeing all my mummy friends 2-3 times a week!

Milestones :

So many milestones, but here's a summary. She can now giggle, she flipped over once (but not since), she is very alert and likes to look around - hence at times prefers to be carried rather than in the pram. Her motor skills are quite refined - she reaches out and grab things to put in her mouth.

Settling: 
It's getting increasingly easy to settle baby. Even Twitchy can do it now. It all boils down to us being able to correctly reading her body language and setting the scene for her sleep (soothing environment, right temperature, a swaddle, pacifier and some shushing).

Clothes: 
Outgrowing size 000s, and into 00s. now that its getting warmer, we're showing a bit more skin!

Physical developments:
The past month has been quite a challenge. Baby K's skin was in a really bad condition. It was red, itchy and weeping. She would not have much sleep at night as she would scratch her head. Even mittens don't seem to work, as she would use them to chaf her skin. After 2 different doctor consultation and 3 checkups, her skin finally cleared up. And then it did (about 2 weeks ago, at week 18), Baby K has been a completely different baby. She was much happier, much calmer, and we finally see our baby for who she is! Our baby has a wide gummy smile!

13 weeks

Feeling emotional today. Baby K is 13 weeks and wow, I am now definitely feeling like baby is growing up so fast! Last night was the first night baby slept in her cot ( next to my side of the bed) and I was already feeling lost. I miss having baby in bed, as much as it won't work out in the long term. Nevertheless, I have to be strong and persevere. She must get used to sleeping in her own bed.

Baby's also ... A baby. I am constantly in awe at how much she has grown since the early days. I am sad she is growing quickly and those days are behind us, yet excited to know that she is getting a bit older, a bit bigger and is less fragile!

Personally, I am currently feeling a loss of identity. I was going through my wardrobe and although I can fit into my pre maternity clothes, I'm not sure I want to. Who am I? I'm not who I used to be. And will I always feel this way? Or will I ever be back to who I am? Oh so many questions...

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Growth :

Baby K has hit 5kgs! She is still a small baby and I'll never expect her to be as big as others but it very cute to see her filling out her clothes and seeing those fat folds!

Sleep:

Baby K will now sleep in her cot at night! She is a fairly good sleeper at night, only waking up for feeds every 3 hours. Nope, no sign of sleeping through the night....but it's ok. I will adapt. She is also much better at her day sleeps too, she would sleep in the pram, on the couch or in bed as long as she is swaddled, have a pacifier and a sound machine.

Eat :

Still exclusively breast feeding. We have stopped dreamfeed and it as getting a little tiresome and stressful for me to pump ( and pray that there's enough)in the morning. One day at 12 weeks, Bethany suddenly refused to feed. She didn't want the boob at all and went on for 8 hours without feeding. That gave me quite a scare. Since then I decided nothing matters as long as she feeds. I still intend to express and store milk in the freezer for the future though, especially if I am not around.

Outings :

We're constantly out and about now, no holding back there! Exercise and social keeps me sane and keeps baby asleep in the pram.

Milestones :

Baby K is grasping at a lot of things and is fond of her daddy. She has a strong neck and legs and would constantly kick them high in the air. She would also know how to reach out of the pram to be lifted out, something she has done since week 7! She has also held her dummy and took it off and put it back in, although I don't think it's intentional.

Settling- much easier to read her cues, to know what she wants and what I can do . As a result, she doesn't cry too much these days. Only when she is overtired and fussy...s

Clothes - size 000s are the right fit for r&r now!

Physical developments - Baby K has pretty bad skin, I thought it was cradle cap, but it appears all over her body. Will get it checked out at the doctors soon and I sure hope to get a resolution ( not just one telling me to apply cream). It does look like Eczema, fingers crossed it isn't!!

10 weeks and a bit

Time's fly quickly these days. I am constantly out and about with Baby K. At week 9, i decided to try going into a routine again ( my first try was a failure at 6/7 weeks). To my surprise, baby has taken to it really well. I now get an average of 7-8 hour sleep, with only one feed in between - Twitchy is now doing the 10 'ish feed, dream feed, they call it! I now have some spare time of an hour at night and an hour in the morning. Ahhhh feels so good!

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Growth :

Baby K now feels like a solid baby, and no longer fragile like before. She feels a lot heavier too!

Sleep:

Still in bed with us. I am now attempting to get her to sleep in her bassinet during the day, which she has been doing, albeit inconsistently. Her day sleeps are unpredictable, but no issues with night sleep ( I am so thankful for that).

Eat :

Still exclusively breast feeding, I now pump in the morning for Twitchy to feed Baby K during her dream feed at night. I'd like to eventually built up a supply though. I had also thought about feeding formula for her dream feed but we both decided against it for fear of constipation!

Outings :

More outings and with no dramas. Baby even went back to the office with me and allowed to be cuddled by everyone, and then went back to sleep while we lunch. Same thing happened at a few lunches. 

Milestones :

Baby K is salivating a lot and now sucks on her hand. The nurses says that it's a good sign, that baby is developing her motor skills. She is also exceptionally chatty now, and is pretty loud!

Settling - it's getting better and better. Now that we're on a routine, it's much easier to read her cues, to know what she wants and what I can do . As a result, she doesn't cry too much these days. Only when she is overtired and fussy...

Clothes - slowly outgrowing the 0000s, although the 000s is loose on her!

Physical developments - cradle cap is still there, baby's getting a little chunky! Her thighs and arms actually have folds now ( she used to be pretty skinny). Her face is getting rounder too!

8 weeks and its Fathers Day!

Writing this a day late. Weekends are so precious these days. It means that Twitchy is home and that we get some precious family time. Also means that I get a little bit more freedom and dash around cooking/cleaning/whatever else I need to do that I can't do while caring for baby.

What a difference the 6 week mark makes. Baby K is now 8 weeks and the past two weeks has been a joy ( compared to before ). She is a little more predictable, a little easier to settle, and a lot more fun and constantly showering me with smiles, laughs and coos.

I am also slowly getting a bit of freedom to get things done, just a bit! Writing this blog for example was not possible before when she is awake. But here she is, wide awake and cooing away...

Just like my pregnancy, I thought I'd start documenting Baby K's updates and milestones, and we seem to be achieving something every week!

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Growth :

Baby K is growing so quickly! For the past 8 weeks, Twitchy and I swear that she looks different every day! It's pretty unbelievable to see her growing. Just over the weekend we decided to upsize her nappy as it is now a little snug and there has been a few leakages...

Sleep:

Two weeks ago I tried getting baby to sleep in the bassinet. She would, but required a lot of patting, coaxing and soothing. After three nights, it took a toll on me. So I decided to throw it out the window and just stick with our current sleep arrangements until she is a little older.

Speaking of which...baby sleeps in bed with us. Gosh. I didn't think I would be co-sleeping with baby but hey, don't judge untill you wear my shoes! After getting over all the guilt, I decided its not too bad. We are very cautious about SIDS, of course and practice safe sleeping. She has a sleeping wedge which prevents baby from rolling around and Twitchy and I both are light sleepers.

Eat :

I exclusively breastfeed baby k. She feeds every 3-4 hours. Eventually I'd like to start pumping and have some frozen supply for Twitchy to feed baby when I am not around.... Since the early days, we have not had any issues with feeding. 

Outings :

I have also build up the confidence to go out with baby on my own. I started out with attending Mothers Group in the nearby neighborhood. Boy was that nerve wrecking. But I figured, it's only closeby, I'll try to make it and if its too hard, I'd turn back and come home. But I made it! Struggled to release the baby capsule from the car for 5 mins and we turned up slightly late, but hey! Better late than never! After that I started going to malls, walking at the park and even walking around the neighbourhood. All my outings require meticulous planning. Baby is fed, changed and played a little before I put her into the capsule. She will then sleep the entire time we are out.

I'd ideally like to schedule in frequent walks to build my fitness. Unfortunately I don't quite know any pram friendly parks or walks around the area and have to travel to my old neighborhood for walks.... Hope to resolve this in time. I would be great to go somewhere closer to home....

Milestones :

Baby K has been extending her night feeds to one 5 hour block for the past two nights. I sure hope that this means that she is getting a little older and will let us sleep a little more. It has been 3-4 hourly feeds, which can be quite tiresome and disruptive. Having said that it's better than before when it was 2-3 hourly feeds and when she was awfully difficult to settle! Those were horrible days!

Smiles, laughs and coos - she is such a happy baby, especially in the mornings. Baby K is quite content laying on the couch entertaining herself untill it's her nap time.

Settling - it's getting there. 6/10 times, she would be ok easing herself to sleep with a swaddle, a short rock, a pacifier and a few pats. But it really depends, sometimes it can still take a while....

Clothes - I have been putting her in onesies, with preference to onesies with in built mittens and socks. Is just so much easier! But lately, I thought that I'd start styling baby. Slowly but surely...

Physical developments - Baby K has a little cradle cap on her head. It is now clearing up, thanks to Sorbolene cream!

6 weeks plus

The past week has been a lot easier for me and I guess, for baby. Baby K was noticeably easier to settle, slept better and best of all started interacting with us. She would smile, coo, talk and sing with TWitchy and I.

Last night was a milestone as well. She slept in her bassinet. She still had her feeds every 3-4 hours but gosh, what a relief to have her sleeping in the bassinet😅😅

How am I feeling? I have my good and bad days. I finally  got the nuts to drive out and attend mothers group with baby on tuesday.On my own! that was quite an experience, one that I am immensely proud of!

Thursday i had my 6 week post partum OBGYN check up and yesterday, we brought baby to her 6 week checkup with the paediatrician. Both of us got the clean bill of health. We're all set to conquer the world!

I am still living one day at a time, and I still don't know how I feel or how baby is. Motherhood is so far an odd experience. I wouldn't call it liberating (in fact it can be suffocating!) but as I've learnt the past few weeks, the smiles, coos and looks are rewarding enough to keep me going....

Baby K is 6 days old

Can't believe baby K is already 6 days old! I've been wanting to write her birth story but I hardly have time to even use the toilet, let alone write.

There are so many things I'd like to do but taking a nap is the top of my list when baby naps. I am now averaging a total of 3-4 hours of sleep( this is a cumulation of all the broken sleep throughout the day and night.

How do I feel? Sometimes like a filthy animal. Make it a cow, since I seem to be feeding baby 8-10 times a day!

I have had plenty of moments over the past few days. I really want to record them and remember them forever ( and maybe someday I'd look back and laugh).

Baby K is growing so fast. Her look changes; one day she looks like me, next day she looks more like dad. Latest development? Her umbilical cord dropped off on day 5! That was quick!!! I thought they don' t drop till a week or two?!

Please don't grow too quickly baby, let me savour every moment I have with you.