New Year Resolutions

It's the last day of 2007. I guess everyone's must have had plans to party tonight to countdown to a new 2008. Hmmm, this time last year (ie 31 Dec 2006), guess where Mummy was. Mummy was in Haerbin with Uncles Bernard and Marcus and Aunties Hazel and Melissa to watch the ice and snow sculptures and go skiing. That time, little Ives (son of Uncle Bernard and Aunty Hazel) and I are still not around yet. Haha... They actually planned to go Tibet this year, but none of them could make it cos Ives and I decided to make our entrances to this world.

From left to right:

Uncle Bernard, Aunty Hazel, Aunty Melissa and Mummy. And of course, Uncle Marcus is the camera man.


See how cool Mummy is...

It's been another eventful year. Mummy has finally gone through all 4 seasons in China. Hmmm, boy was she glad... Imagine her now in clothes, shoes and bags of different seasons... Of course, imagine how the size of her wardrobe has grown after going to Shanghai... Her favourite season is winter. Nice weather to hibernate... Nice clothes and boots...Nice fair and good complexion... Ironically, that's Daddy's most hated one. So now, Daddy is braving winter alone in Shanghai with temperatures in the day of about 5-10 degrees and around 0 degrees at night. Yeeee, wonder if I will be like Daddy or Mummy, cos when I go back to Shanghai after CNY, it's the coldest time.

2007 has been a good year for Mummy (of course, not to mention that there are also some ups and downs). Most importantly, this year, she took on 2 big projects... Project Goliath (the name of the US IPO Mummy was working on) and Project B.

1. Project Goliath revolved around an online gaming (Nope, not gambling but online games) company which launched the game 征途, one of China's most popular online games. Mummy has been working on it since April and it finally got listed in the NYSE on 2 Nov 2007. It's been a tough time, working on this project and having me at the same time. There were many nights where Mummy had to stay up late together with the other members of the working group until the wee hours of the night to wait for clearances from the EY New York office or SEC in the US. But I know it's been a good experience for Mummy as she learnt many new things on this project. Luckily, this got listed before I was born. Mummy was still worried that I will be born the same day as their listing prospectus.


2. Project B is the other big project Mummy participated in. Anyone knows what's that? She and Daddy decided to have me. Project B was relatively tough as Daddy and Mummy were away from home in Singapore, so they were constantly worried whether the food they consumed, the air they breath etc, in Shanghai will affect me. Mummy even bought an air purifier to put in her office after one of her bosses came by and said he thought he could smell the printing cartridges' smell around Mummy's room (oh, the printing room is on the same floor Mummy sits on). Thank goodness, I came out good and healthy. And Project B doesn't just end here when 2007 ends, it's only the start when Mummy delivered me on 15 Nov 2007 and will continue on for as long as she lives... Mummy had her fair share since my birth, when she had to deal with cleaning up poo and pee for the 1st time, sleep 4 hours a night (ie broken sleep), carrying me for prolonged period of time (Mummy's hand ache as a result, and also I kicked hard...). It's a total new experience Mummy is having now.

Well, as 2007 closes and 2008 comes, Mummy's new year resolution is to try to have a much better work and life balance (now that she has me)...

Daddy's New Year Resolutions

It's a New Year! And Year 2008 looks to be all exciting with little Matthias in the family. Like Mummy, Daddy is looking forward to spending more time with the family. So Daddy's resolution for this year is to be more efficient at work so that he can come home on time everyday.

In this New Year, Daddy hopes to be able to impart the right values to little Matthias even as he starts to discover the world around him. It's going to be a fulfilling year ahead, so Mummy and little Matthias, brace yourselves for this exciting journey!

A Lazy Monday Afternoon (and let my hands "SEE" light...)

I was wide awake the entire morning (no crying and wailing at all, Mummy was so proud of me as I "amused" myself alone). Mummy did something new for me today. Guess what she did. She took off my mittens and trimmed my finger nails. Then my hands saw light for the longest time since I was born (Mummy has kept my mittens on since I was in the hospital as I will scratch my own hands and face... Eeee, what if I get scarred???) At 7 weeks, Mummy decided it was time that I learn to discover my own hands and what I can do with them. So she removed my mittens. However, she was very cautious to watch me to make sure I do not suck my thumbs...

It was a lazy Monday afternoon. I found myself in yet another comfortable sleeping position. This time, Mummy could free her hands to do other things whilst I am asleep in her lap... So I am sure you can guess who's the photographer, right... Watch how Mummy caught me in action while I drifted off to sleep...

A Shopping Excursion

Today, I went shopping with Mummy, 婆婆, Aunty Pauline and Uncle Daniel. Check me out as I take a nap whilst along Orchard Road...



Uncle Daniel was teaching Mummy how to bring my pram down the escalator. Mummy seemed to get it for the first 2 times she tried. Then when the 3rd time came...trouble came too... My pram got stuck at the entrance to the escalator whilst Mummy has already got herself onto the escalator and was moving down. She had no choice but to let go of my pram. It was a lucky thing that 婆婆 and Aunty Pauline was still up there and directed me out of the "traffic jam" Mummy caused at the top of the escalator. Imagine if Mummy was alone...



Mummy was wearing heels today and that made her less confident when she needs to step down backwards when going down the escalator. So that also means no more heels for Mummy when she brings me out. She is going to be so sad. After all, all her high heels are left in the cold palace during the 9 months I was in her stomach and then she thought, she can resume wearing them soon. Little does she know that it is still no more high heels for her... Poor Mummy...


Check out me and 婆婆...

Gym Baby

Last night, Mummy got 婆婆 to babysit me cos she went to 梁静茹's concert with Aunty Ting at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. It wasn't the first time Mummy watched her in concert. Last year, Mummy also watched her concert together with 五月天. However, one thing Mummy didn't know. She is known as Fish Leong. What a name...

Anyways, whilst I was at 婆婆's place, the gym set that Uncle Su Kit bought for me for my 1st month was set up. So I was doing my gym session there. Hmmm, Uncle Victor is going to be so jealous of me (Tell you guys a secret, he has been eyeing my gym set since the day Uncle Su Kit gave it to me...) Haha, I am not sharing this with him...

Baby Talk 3

Yesterday, in mummy's thoughts, I mention that Mummy suddenly became this "expert" Mummy for advice.

Let see what I have overheard so far:

1. Breast pumps - The better brands to purchase are avent, ameda and medela. However, different mummies have shown that they react differently to each of these brands, so it hasn't been proven which is the best yet. Mummy is using the Avent Uno and is so far so good.


2. Diaper rash - Mummies have sworn by Desitin Creamy which contains zinc oxide which forms a layer of protection when applied to babies' diaper area to prevent and treat diaper rash. However, this is not available in Singapore, so mummies get them through Drugstore sprees. Another good cream to use is California Baby's Calendula Cream, which is a multi-purpose cream with healing effects that is natural.


3. Baby acne - It is normal for newborn babies to have a bit of baby acne. If it is left alone, they should clear within a few weeks or latest by 3 months. Can also help treat by cleaning babies' face with a cloth wet with warm water, and / or using evian spray.


4. Stretchmark creams - Magazines have sworn by Clarins oil or Mustela cream for the prevention and lightening of stretchmarks. However, Mummy says it all depends on the skin elasticity.


5. How to have more breast milk - A few methods have been discussed between mummies. (a) Drink more soup boiled with papaya and fish (b) Drink more fluids (c) Take fenugreek supplements. Other than taking care of the diet, other techniques to stimulate more milk supply could be (a) latching baby on more often (b) expressing milk more frequently and routinely (ie every 4 hours) (c) Latching baby on at one side and expressing the other (d) most importantly, cannot be stressed, if not, will definitely affect milk supply.
   

One of mummies' friends on the forum came up with a list of advantages of feeding babies formula milk vs breast milk. See what she has come up with:

Advantages of Formula Milk

1. No need to feed as many times or wake up as many times during the nights


2. Babies actually put on weight more quickly on formula milk than breast milk


3. There are no problems with engorgement, sore nipples, bruised breasts, blocked ducts etc and as a result (as suspected), better temperament.
   

Advantages of Breast Milk

1. Antibodies and other substances in breast milk not found in formula milk


2. More easily digested - but it also means babies get hungry more often, and yet put on less weight than FM-fed


3. Breast milk evolves in content as baby grows. Anyways, so does FM, that's why there's FM for newborns vs 6 mths vs 1 yr old etc right


4. Convenience of not having to bring out or wash or sterilise bottles etc.


5. Breastfeeding gives bonding
   

I guessed Mummy has weighed the above advantages and thus decided that she will continue to do TBF. So far, I have only been fed Similac the few days that I was newly born and still in Gleneagles Hospital. Way to go, Mummy...

Mummy to the Rescue

Mummy put me to sleep for a nap after my "lunchtime" feed today. She got a shock of her life when I woke up at 3 plus in the afternoon, crying for my next feed.

This was how Mummy left me to nap, where she have some "time alone" to surf the Internet.

This was how Mummy discovered me. Although this was not the 1st time that I kicked myself "out of bed", but this is the farthest I kicked so far. Mummy can't help but decided to take a photo of me in this position before she came to my rescue and picked me up.

Also, last night, Mummy found me awake with my 2 legs kicking out of the ikea cot. Gave her a scare when she was awoken up by my cries...Very soon, I will outgrow this little cot that I am sleeping in and I need to sleep on the BIG BED with Mummy. Haha... Daddy will have to sleep on the floor then...

The Evian Boy

Hmmm, it's common to have a little baby acne at a few weeks' old. So mummy treated them by cleaning my face with warm wet towel (which I hated. So Mummy says I am a "dirty pig"...) and then followed by a cooling evian spray of spring water (by Danone, of course...) Now, they have all cleared up. Do I look good enough to help Evian pose and advertise their sprays???

A Lesson on Colours

After my bath this morning, Mummy decided I needed a lesson on colours. So she started by teaching me the primary colours using the "RED", "BLUE" and "YELLOW" cushions on the couch... Check this out...

RED












BLUE

YELLOW

Mummy's Thoughts to cost 5 pennies???

It's been a busy week for gatherings since it was Christmas. Finally got some time to rest. As usual, shopping centres had their post Xmas sale. So Mummy got 奶奶 to take care of me, while she goes for some speed shopping at Isetan and Robinson. Hmmm, come to think of it, Mummy really got nothing much to buy. But I guess she just needs some "shopping" to have her time alone...

So after she fed me, she sets off to reach Isetan at 830AM, since their post Xmas sale starts early, so that she can hurry back to take over taking care of me while 奶奶 goes to work. Gosh, it seems like a good year where folks are paid good bonuses, the queue to enter Isetan Scotts was all the way to the Thai Embassy. It was so crowded that Mummy didn't really bother to try on anything, except for a few pairs of Levi's jeans, just to make sure she can still fit back into the pre-pregnancy size. Although Mummy could fit back into the Levi's she had at home, she wasn't 100% sure as she thought it might have loosened after many times of laundry. But after the tries at Isetan, she finally proved to herself she am able to put on the same Levi's size. So Mummy rewarded herself by buying the Levi's...

Then Uncle Daniel fetched Mummy to Robinson, where Mummy is supposed to help him to do some prenatal shopping as Aunty Pauline was expecting their 1st kid next March. So suddenly, Mummy became the "expert" Mummy to people around her, giving advice to people on which brands are good, what to buy, how much to buy, how to prevent stretchmarks, which massage lady to use, how to have more breast milk etc. etc...

It also seems like Mummy's focus for shopping has changed. It has used to be the Mango, ZARA, Women's Secret, Lver etc shopping outlets, but now the kids' department is a favourite too (even though Mango etc are still on Mummy's favourite shopping list). To see if there are new items out there or items on sale worth getting. Mummy even visits the diaper and milk powder section in NTUC and Cold Storage now. Mummy's next favourite place of shopping is online shopping, since she couldn't get out of the house too much without the hassle of bringing me (and plus lots of my barang barang) along. Now, she's been ordering stuff from TAOBAO (China's "Ebay"), Amazon, Drugstore, Maidenform etc. Aunty Ting asked if Mummy was so free to keep surfing the Internet to do online shopping. Mummy's reply was that she needed some "time alone". I guess I need to be a good boy and not make Mummy angry. Then at least, Daddy will be happier (AKA smaller credit card bills haha).

Christmas Wishes from Daddy and Mummy...

Christmas has always been a time of thanksgiving, celebration and for reflecting on the year that has passed. This year, Mummy and Daddy have one more reason to celebrate because God has not just given us His One and Only Son, but He has blessed us with a son of our own.

Looking back on Matt's birth, we saw the fulfillment of some of God's promises that we would like to share:

1. Before we set out for Shanghai in April 2006, Mummy and Daddy attended the Apostlic Night at Trinity to seek God's directions for our lives. I remembered that one of the promise prayed upon Mummy that night was that 'She would take on a new and bigger role as she embarks on this new journey'. Back then, whilst Mummy and Daddy interpreted this as being Mummy holding a new and different role in her career in Shanghai, Sister Eileen from our cell group, gave us a different perspective - that maybe God could be speaking about Mummy having a baby, which would itself be a totally new and challenging role to her.
2. After we began our new lives in Shanghai, Mummy and Daddy had been trying hard for little Matthias (back then, also known as Darren, Keith, Andre before we decided on Matthias). However, humanly attempts have been futile and brought disappointments. One night however, Daddy had a dream. In Daddy's dream, Daddy was playing with a little girl and a little boy. Daddy reckoned that little girl was Zoey (whom Daddy adore very much), but Daddy wasn't sure who the little boy was. Nevertheless, Daddy passed it off as just another dream until Mummy announced the good news about Matthias 2 months later.
   

Indeed, it seems that God has everything in His greater plans which is being slowly revealed to us when the timing is right.

Now, Daddy's wishes for Christmas this year is for Matt to grow up to be a courageous, upright and compassionate man; that he would not just be a gift unto this family, but he would also be God's gift unto the world. May the Spirit of God dwell within this young man that he would be able to bring joy to the people around him and to be a helping hand to those who are in need.

Luv, Daddy, Shanghai 25.12.2007

Mummy's additional thoughts:

Indeed God has been gracious and good to us. It has been a year of trials and new challenges, be it in a new place, at work, or even taking on new responsibilities. But I must say God has been faithful in all aspects. To bless both YJ and I with favours with the people around us...

As usual, during our annual Xmas gathering at church, Pastor Pris asked me to share one thing that I want to thank God for in 2007. I must say I have to thank God for the addition of Matt into my life. His addition has helped me discover another arena of my life, the more "maternal" instinct. Like my good friend Michelle would say to me that she cannot imagine me being that maternal, but as she sees me being so patient with Matt, she was surprised. It's amazing how God creates a new life, from a fetus in my womb to a fully formed baby like Matt today, how he yawns, snores and eats and his every little action etc... Now I share every little smile and cry Matt has, however big or small, as he becomes a large part of my life. I really thank God for his hand on me during the entire pregnancy and delivery. As compared to some others I know, my pregnancy has been a relatively smooth one and that definitely has been a blessing cos I am so far away from home without family to help take care of me. It's been really amazing how God hears too. Although not a definite must, I have always wanted my first born to be a boy (due to the fact that I have always wanted an elder brother myself) and my baby to have lots of hair. So when my gynae tells me it's a boy and showed me through the ultrasound the hair baby has, I was telling myself, God is really good. He really hears every little single thought we have. Lastly, I also thank God for the favour with my boss in Shanghai for his understanding towards my pregnancy and need to return home to Singapore to deliver Matt.

My First Christmas cum Christmas Party...

Yesterday night (AKA Xmas Eve), Mummy and her close friends had a theme party "Uniforms" at Uncle Marcus and Aunty Melissa's place. Guess what Mummy dressed me up as??? I was a SAILOR and Mummy's a PIRATE. See the Mummy and Son in action...


Mummy's friends were funny and innovative. Check out the guys... See uncles Marcus (DHL delivery man with his DHL box), Winson (the neighbourhood policeman), Victor (a doctor or the SOFTLAN laboratory man) and Su Kit (Bao Gong???)...



Check out the nicely decorated Christmas tree and the PRESENTs... Wow, wonder how many are for me...

And the wide spread of Christmas food. But as usual, Mummy still say I can only have my MILK MILK...

See ME in my Sailor costume up close and personal

Me and Santarina Miffy... Hmmm, how come we are the same size???

Check out the rest of the crew:

Aunty Delphi (the Chef)











Aunty Melissa (the Referee)











Aunty Michelle (the "Fashionable" Jailbird???)











Aunty Vanessa (the HOOTERs gal with devil horns???)












Mummy was proud of me last night. I behaved myself and did not wail at all during the entire party. All of Mummy's friends say I was "well-behaved". I enjoyed myself at the party too, cos Mummy's friends were so amusing (I saw how they played charates... they were so crazy...). Mummy was amazed that I was awake the entire evening until we left after midnight (Yes, it's Xmas day...)

Too bad Daddy isn't here with us. Both Mummy and I missed Daddy a lot. We called Daddy during the party last night to wish him a merry christmas. I also want to tell Daddy although I missed spending this Christmas with him, I am thinking of him all the time...

My First Excursion to Church

Mummy and her church friends had a Xmas party today. It was my first excursion to church. Daddy and Mummy used to be "Sunday School" teachers at Discovery Land in Trinity Christian Centre (see, they LOVE kids!!!) before they left for Shanghai last year. Now they are still teaching kids of different nationalities in Shanghai.

So early in the morning, I finished my daily routine... Feeding... Pooing... Bathing... Now I am all handsome and ready to leave the house for church.

Check out the back...Did the Disney designer print this on the wrong side??? Why is Mickey on my backside???

Christmas Elves...

Mummy is supposed to go back to 婆婆's place for dinner tonight as it is 过冬 (AKA it's time to eat 汤圆). Whilst waiting for 舅舅 to come fetch us, Mummy was surfing the Net and chanced upon this cute "Make Your Own Video".

Watch the Chan family turn "elfy" for this white Christmas... http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1678341114

Faces of Sleep

Mummy brought me to Uncle Bernand's place on Tuesday earlier this week to visit Aunty Hazel and little Ives, who was born on 28 Nov. I was so tired that I fell asleep at Uncle Bernard's place. Check out the photos he took for me with his BIG SLR...

My Morning Exercise

As I grow now, Mummy realises that I tend to be awake in the morning. Usually after my feed at 7 or 8 plus, I would have my bath at 9 plus. Then, Mummy would give me some tummy time (see other post) or exercise time. Check this out... Ignore the sounds though, 奶奶 is having a telephone conversation with her friend...

Morning Exercise_Take One

Hari Raya Haji...

It was a public holiday in Singapore yesterday... Hari Raya Haji... A Malay festival.. Mummy took me out shopping at Marina Square, together with Uncle Daniel, Aunty Pauline and Ting and 姨婆. Mummy bought me some new Disney clothes yesterday too, as there was a sale. Now I have more new POOH and Mickey clothes. I was in Mummy's MIM sling the entire afternoon and it was really comfortable (since it felt like I am sleeping in a sarong). When I woke up later, I realise that there were LOTs of people at Marina Square doing their Xmas shopping. I was looking around as this place was so bright and full of new faces. Then we stopped over at Andersen's for ice-cream. Gosh, whilst the gang had ice-cream, waffles and brownies, I only had my MILK MILK, cos Mummy says I am too small for those. Check this out...

ME and Aunty Ting


















ME and 姨婆. See I told you I was at Andersen's.


















Then Mummy brought me to Uncle Choon Shing's (Mummy's Uni cum church friend who graduated in the same year) place for a gathering. Hmmm, it must have been a strange and new place to me cos I was a bit cranky and Mummy couldn't eat her dinner proper. And then, I refused to sleep when I reached home. Now Mummy's considering to leave me at home for future Xmas gatherings. Oh no... I want to go along...

I am a "Kung Fu" Master

叔叔 always teases me whenever I wear this top. He says I look like a "Kung Fu Master". Check out my "Kung Fu".

The "Pose":


And the "Video" of my "Kung Fu" and "Flying Kick":

A Fourth Penny for Mummy's Thoughts

Finally, confinement's over on 15 Dec. I was stuck at home for confinement for 1 month and there was so many things that I wanted to do. Like xmas shopping (gosh, this is real pathetic this year, I barely bought presents for anybody cos of the lack of time), manicures & pedicures, cut and colour my hair, KTV etc. So finally I did my hair and colour last Sunday. And today, I have arranged to go do xmas shopping with my good friend.

Well, having a baby will probably turn your own timetable upside down, cos your life no longer just revolves around yourself, but revolves more around your baby as you adjust your time to his feeding, sleeping, pooing etc routines which puts curfews into your life. And of course, that also means no more going out whenever you like or late into the nights... So as usual, this morning, Matt woke up early at 8 plus to feed and then we bathed him at 9 plus. I was trying to put him to sleep before I go off, so that it will be easier on my in laws. However, he seemed to know that I was going out, and didn't want to sleep. Later my MIL told me that whilst I had already left at 11AM, Matt didn't sleep until his next feed at 12 plus.

It was funny to be out without Matt. After all, he's been with me everywhere in that 9 months he was in my tummy (I remember at times when I used to go for my business trips, I would touch my tummy and tell Matt, the plane's going to take off soon. Don't be scared cos Mummy's here with you. Or at home, we would play some children's songs or read bible stories to him). And then I was "confined" at home for 1 month, facing nothing else but mostly Matt. An "overdosage" of Matt... Although I was glad to be out shopping (and obviously did some quick shopping with the ongoing MANGO sale), a few hours shopping in the afternoon seemed too long for me. I finally left Orchard Road slightly after 5pm as I decided I wanted to be home to see my boy. Come to think about it, I couldn't really believe this was me. After all, I have always thought of myself to be more independent, even with kids. Perhaps the saying that my ex-boss used to tell me is true. Wait till you become a mother and you will understand. That was what Priy used to tell me whenever I tell him career was more important and kids can wait and that I should still have my career after having kids. Well, being a one month old mother, of course, I haven't really came to that stage where I have to decide between the two, since I am happily enjoying my maternity leave. But one thing I do know, which also reinforces what YJ has said, Matt has become a very important part of our lives. His growth each day amazes me and I thank God for this blessing in our lives...

An Eventful Day

Wow, it was indeed an eventful day today. Mummy started my day at 8AM this morning by bathing me and feeding me. After that, I had my 1st month visit to the PD, where I took my weight, length and head diameter again. See how much I have grown:

At birth:

• Weight = 2.97kg
• Length = 48cm
• Head diameter = 32cm

At one month:

• Weight = 4.5kg
• Length = 53cm
• Head diameter = 38 cm

Indeed, I have grown so much. My PD, Dr Ngiam, said that I have put on a little too much weight (me heavier by almost 1.5kg now) as the normal monthly weight gain is 1kg. But I guess it's ok, cos many people say chubbier babies are cuter... Haha...

I took a look at my little Health Booklet and noted the list of jabs that I need to take. Gosh, I was shocked, so many. I took my Hep B - 2nd dose jab today. It was so painful.

After that, Mummy brought me to Aunty Katie's house. Mummy has arranged a cake and chit chat session with a few of the Nov 2007 Mummies. These mummies had a good time chit chatting of everything under the sun, from babies, to daddies, to weight gain/loss and stretchmarks etc. Hmmm, how come Mummies have so many things to "gossip" about???

Check out my other Nov 2007 baby friends:

From left to right:

Baby Bevis (Aunty Pauline); Baby Matthias (that's ME!); Baby Javier (Aunty Gillian); Baby Lewis (Aunty Katie); Baby Mischa (Aunty Sally)

That's ME and Baby Bevis sharing a "SOFA" for sleep:

Check out the Nov 2007 Mummies and babies:

From left to right:
Baby Mischa & Aunty Sally; Baby Matthias (that's ME!) and Mummy; Baby Bevis & Aunty Pauline; Baby Lewis & Aunty Katie; Baby Javier & Aunty Gillian

Hey I learned a new trick at Aunty Katie's place today. I learn to roll to my side (ie 90 degrees to the sofa). But think Mummy didn't put on my diapers tight enough, so when I rolled over, I actually peed onto Aunty Katie's sofa. I am so sorry for this, Aunty Katie... Promise I won't do it again... Please don't bar me from your place when you have future gatherings...

Part Time Baby Sitters

I had a small 1st month celebration yesterday and Mummy invited her friends and Mummy's side relatives along. Mummy's friends are dying to wake me up so that I can play with them. See Uncle Winson and Aunty Melissa. Hmmm, Mummy says they are practising their baby sitting skills on me, so that they can use them in time to come when Winson Juniors and Melissa Juniors come along.

My New "Vehicles"

As Cousin Zoe has grown up and has no need for some of her vehicles, 叔叔 has kindly agreed to loan me some of those. See how I travel in them now. Ain't I stylo???