Baby's 1st bump

Poor bubba! The nice painted canvas sign sitting on top of his toy shelves toppled onto his head this morning! Small but nasty bump on his head now. But he only cried a little, what a trooper! Back to his normal curious bouncy self almost immediately. He was pretty brave yesterday as well when he had his 12-month immunisations! I think he was upset more at the fact we were restraining him than he was at getting pricked by 3 needles.

You can't see it too clearly, but it's the purplish area under his baby hair

Speaking of injury, I've also got a cut from Aidan's sharp nails - on my EYEBALL. Eek. It doesn't look as bad as it sounds, and I didn't even quite feel it till I saw myself in the mirror. Here's hoping it'll heal naturally.

Should I do something about his bump? Massage or ice it?

Jailbreak jailbait

This has been happening very often lately. Looks like the playpen ain't enough to keep him in no more!



If you look closely, the playpen was originally located on top of his playmat, where the window is. He's actually managed to push it around the corner! You can even hear him grunting with sheer exertion!

Other than this new display of superhuman strength ("Aidan, Super Baby Extraodinaire!"), his physical dexterity has translated into mental deftness as well. Teach him something new - be it words or actions - and he picks it up almost immediately! He can now point to his nose when you ask him "Aidan, where's your nose?", clap his hands when you ask him to, and the cutest gesture, raise his fist to his ear (or if there's a phone handy) when you say "Hello?" or "Wei?" ("hello" in Mandarin). I'm working on teaching him numbers from 1 to 5 with his fingers - mind you I've been doing it for awhile, since he was about 3 months old - and now I've expanded to teaching it to him in Mandarin and Italian as well! He does the cutest thing when he sees me counting out the digits on my hand; he leans into my palm once I reach the number 5 'coz everytime I count and hit 5 I cover his little face with my hand. Now he expects it! Heh!

His vocabulary has extended beyond Deh deh and Ma ma too, to Door!, Ball! and most commonly - and insistently - MORE!. He says MORE! for everything, and especially when he sees us eating - even after he's had a full meal! The other night, after a HUGE bowl of porridge, he still insisted on having some of our pizza - I gave him a couple of crusts - and when we undressed him for a bath we could see his distended belly sticking out! Like some African kid! It was hilarious.

In other news, I had my first Bodypump session this morning... in FIVE years! So my arms are quite wobbly and weak...eeks. On the upside though, Aidan did terrific at the gym's childcare - the minders there actually said he was a joy to have, was well-adjusted and sociable, and played well with the other kids. All this on his 1st time there! So proud of little bubba, especially since he really hated his previous childcare place. Not sure if it's 'coz he's older and adapts quicker to new environments, or if it's the centre itself that's more welcoming, but I'm glad he did well. Hooray!

Dreams

Two nights ago, I had YET another dream where EG had an affair. Suffice to say, it's pretty disturbing how I keep having these dreams - EG says it's my unconscious insecurities seeping in. I doubt that. Maybe I'm subconsciously wanting a fresh start but am too chicken to, so being the victim leaves me both free, and sympathetic. Win-win! ;-)

Over the years he's left me for:

1. another Uni student
2. some random woman (these women always appear faceless and nameless)
3. Tan Kheng Hua!!

Incidentally, she'll be at Singapore Day at the Sidney Myer Bowl tomorrow

With this latest incarnation, I do think my psyche has evolved. Rather than play the hurt and confused victim, I actually felt calm, distant, in control. I remember my dream-self thinking, "All right, that's enough, this is the last straw. I'm going to take Aidan and leave." Apparently I was the long-suffering wife who's just had enough of her husband's infidelity!

The crucial matter here folks, is that I actually said "I'm TAKING Aidan with me!" Whereas previously the thought would've scared the bejesus out of me, and I'd rather leave the poor kid so they could both fend for themselves while I restarted my life as a brilliant (and beautiful!) career-woman, this time I took the bubba with me.

SO! I reckon the dream spoke volumes more about my feelings as a mother, than as a wife. Hah! It could actually mean I've come to a point where I'm confident enough as a mum to survive on my own! Although I have to say, I was more than a little testy this morning while changing Aidan's nappy - he kept grabbing his crotch even though there was poo there, and it really really annoyed me! This, added to the fact we were out of bin liners and I couldn't dispose of the soiled nappy properly, leaving it to balance precariously on top of the bin cover. Ewww.

Hmm. Might have to reconsider dumping the adulterer after all. He could come in useful with nappy-changes.

New developments

Some new updates:

1. He's really getting the hang of the meaning of words. Like if I say "Kiss Mama", he'll lean over and give me a drooly smacker on the lips or cheek!

2. Man o man he's great with the walker on carpet! He's gonna take his steps pretty soon!

3. He can repeat words after me. Today I was showing him the flashcards, and saying "Daddy" or "Aidan" or "Mama" and he can repeat it after me. Audibly, still a little garbled for the 1st 2 words, but "Mama" is pretty clear. Heh! That's my reward!

I really wanna take some pics and videos of his progress, but I just can't find our darn chargers! I hope it turns out soon, don't wanna miss his 1st real step! Especially since he can stand for like 10-15 secs (according to EG) on his own without support now!

*NEW, JUST ADDED* (1.52pm)
Oh I forgot to mention, he finally slept through the night last night! The previous nights he'd wake up and I'd have to resettle him, Sunday night he woke, cried, resettled himself, last night he didn't cry at all! Woopee! The offset is though, that he didn't want to have his morning nap, and I only just put him down for one after lunch. Finally, I can eat!

Silly Songs with Sarah

For those who've known me for awhile, you know that I've been writing silly songs for awhile. My little collection has grown well over the years, and it's been real fun composing new ditties when Aidan was born. Now I just need to find my old diary where I wrote everything down! SNIFF! Can't remember which box I've put it in for the move...hope it comes up when we unpack...

Anyhoo! Here's a brand new one I came up with while feeding Aidan lunch yesterday. He seemed to like it, smiling as I sang/composed it while he ate. He's my muse! ;-)

To the tune of "Bicycle Built for Two":

Pumpkin, pumpkin
I'd like to chew on you
You look so yummy, with that golden orange hue
You'd taste so fine and dandy
And if you don't, you won't offend me
'Coz you're so sweet, like a root or a beet
In a belly that's made for you!

Just in case you can't figure out how to fit the third-last line to the tune, you've gotta sing "and if you don't" super fast, on a triple-beat.

Here's another one I came up with before Aidan was born! As with all my best songs, this one came in the shower.

Squidgy, squeegy, squishy little hippo
Squidgy, squeegy, squish!
I love to play with all kinds of hippos
Squidgy, squeegy, squish!

Flippy, floopy, flappy little birdies
Flippy, floopy, flap!
I love to play with all kinds of birdies
Flippy, floopy, flap!

I think I had another verse about a bat? Or some other kinda animal, but I can't remember what!

If I do find my Silly Song diary, I'll jot them all down in upcoming posts. Look out for it!

Reflections on turning 1

Now that our family has left, the house is much quieter. And lonelier! Although this gives me a chance to get Aidan back on routine, it's just not the same! It was so wonderful to have Aidan hanging our with his cousins and Ah-Bor E-Laine, Mai Po, Gran and Grandad, and they've been such a blessing helping out with the big move and the birthday party.

Although of course with all the revelry and going-outs, and especially 'coz of the move, his routine has been a little off, and he'd been having a hard time getting to sleep on his own in a strange room. The last two weeks was spent cuddling with Mama and Dada in bed, and I don't think he was all that comfy either 'coz he kept waking up crying. But yesterday and today he's getting there - pop him down on the bed and he'll sleep on his own again, phew! At least, for the day-sleeps. He still wakes up at night (last night twice), but he'll adjust eventually. He'd have been there sooner, but he was actually having a fever the last couple of days, reaching 39.6 degrees the other night! The doc said he was probably fighting off a viral infection, so it was a "good" fever. But worrysome to me nonetheless, especially since backup support (Gran and Grandad) have left for home!

I can't believe how the past year has, well, I wouldn't say flown by, since some days are interminably long! But it has moved forward, and we've really progressed. I emailed Simone from boswellbunch.com, whose book Calm Baby Confident Mum (available on her website and at Koorong too) has been a lifesaver and my baby-caring bible, recounting how it's been a year since we 1st corresponded when Aidan was only 2 weeks old! I wouldn't have known about routines and how to handle some situations (and the crying, oh GOD the crying!), if not for her support, her quick replies via emails and encouragement. She's an amazing lady!

Aidan's 1st birthday feels like a birthday of my own too. An anniversary, something to commemorate a year of hard work and humility, of dying (dying dying dying!) to self, putting someone else 1st in my life (besides EG of course). It hasn't been easy - Aidan's such a lively vivacious precocious child, and I've been thoroughly blessed - but boy I don't have enough energy to keep up! Even my in-laws said they can't keep up either! So thank God we can celebrate this past year, this year of joys, frustrations, heartaches, tantrums, sleeps (or lack therof) and crying - his and my own!

Thank you for reading too! And your support... here's to the next one!

It's been ONE year...

I can't believe how quickly the past year has flown. I'll probably do a post on my reflections for the past year next, when I've the mind space for it (still lots to do in this new house!), but in the meantime, here're some pics from Aidan's b'day party on Saturday.

Aidan's 1st Birthday

New developments

We finally have a new home! All ours, no more rentals. Brand new off-the-plan, and phew it's better than we expected.

A shot of Warren, THE friendliest customer service rep I've ever encountered in Australia, as he presents Master Soh the keys to our new home!

Here're some other recent shots of Aidan:

Check out his rave pants! Woot woot!

A random Duh look. He saw the camera and came straight to me.
Check out the drool stains on his shirt.

A photo at one of our mother's group meetings. We know Aidan's priorities!

Charlotte & Darcy love their toys...but Aidan loves the camera!

Shaking foundations

Aidan's doing the most adorable thing lately - he waves bye bye! So whenever someone says goodbye, he waves! How cute! Also he knows how to say Dada and Mama to the appropriate person, though not always on command - he mimics us. :-) And most importantly, his first word - Nana! For Banana, when he sees one! Or Mum-mum, when he means food, or the baby mum-mum rice crackers he loves. Although lately, his way of communicating that he wants food, especially food I'M eating is to launch into a high-pitched scream. Yikes!!

His day naps and night-sleeps are also doing VERY well. I feel we've hit a major turning point - he's been able to sleep through since 8 months, although wakes early at about 5.30am or 6am, and requires resettling, but the last week or so he's been able to stretch till 7-ish, and last couple days, 8 - 8.30am! And he's gone back to being able to sleep on his own without having me to rock and sing him to sleep - just give him a yummy cuddle and kiss, lay him in his cot, let him cry for about 2-5 mins, and he's sleeping like, well, a baby! All the way 'til the morning, good bubba. And if he does wake at night, he can generally resettle himself on his own.

So since things with Aidan are going so well after 2 months of turmoil (he's beginning to be able to occupy himself in the playpen again), what do we do? We MOVE HOUSE, so that we can shake up his world again! Gahh.... crazy fools we are, the timing's really off, but what can we do? Seems like God's dead keen to stretch and challenge us each step of the way!

In all fairness, I have to say that I'm still grateful for what we have, for my in-laws coming to help with the shift this weekend, for the relative problem-free encounters we've had with transacting for the house (the customer service rep. for AV Jennings, Warren, is SUCH a sweetheart and fantastic to deal with!), and the new house looks better than we've expected - lots of light!, we had a great recommendation for a vendor for the blinds (also very accommodating with the changes we (read: my husband) kept making), so all seems to be going well. Now we just need it to all fall into place! Settlement's on Thursday!

Take...on...me... (take on me!)

At a friend's 30th birthday yesterday... we were relivin' the '80s heydays.... woot woot!!

Daddy as a breaker, momma as a tea-dance queen. Me? I'm NORMAL!

Check out mummy's ultra-hip leg warmers!!

Exhausted

There're some days where I think I must be CRAZY to do this all on my own, in a foreign country. No parents, no in-laws, no helpers. Full-time house duties. And we're talking about just ONE kid!

No more children...no more children...no more house work please!!

A series of unfortunate events...2

It's been awhile since the elements have all come together to create a cosmic crunch that can really stretch and test the best of us, not to mention the least of us (meaning, me). This last week, in no particular order,

- Aidan's had an eye infection
- Aidan's had a fever (probably 'coz he's teething)
- We opened the cafe finally!
- We had our launch party
- Our new home's occupancy cert's been issued!
- Our car's been broken into (GPS's safe, phew)
- Window's smashed (not phew)
- Cut myself on glass from broken window (not phew)
- Saved Aidan from being cut by glass from broken window by removing a small bit on his car seat which he could've swallowed (phew)

Yikes!

To top it off, as I left the party to pick Aidan up from Ivy's, it started raining! Driving with a broken window in the rain... now that's the stuff sad songs are made off. That and discovering a huge welt on my cheek when I finally reached home (Aidan was SO cranky Ivy had to drive us back, with Stephen fetching her home after. This, at midnight! These two are my HEROES!), probably from a mozzie in Aidan's room.

What more can happen? I discovered bumps on his hands and feet, and took him to the doc's yesterday. Thankfully, it's probably a post-viral thingy from his eye infection. And last night, he woke up crying at 3am, and I couldn't go back to sleep after, so I'm pretty much a wreck today.

But thankfully, today's almost over. And Aidan's been cheerful at dinner-time. He was pretty cranky after his nap in the arvo and I stupidly gave him a bath thinking it'd calm him down (nope! Plus he peed on the bathroom floor!) And I discovered rotating his toys in his playpen FREQUENTLY at least lets him enjoy sitting in there.

Whatever the case, I believe God's really stretching my patience through all these challenges. With his 12-month mark nearing, and the toddler years (toilet-training, gulp!) coming up, I'll need oodles of it!

Ideas

With our moving date nearing (I hope! We still don't have an actual date date), I'm thinking of ways to decorate Aidan's room. He's already got some furniture from his current room, like a cot and his Ikea dresser/change table.


I really REALLY like these Threadless/Blik wall decals though...so cute!

Insomnia

The Day the Fire Brigade...

Robots

Or how about some Super Mario?




Anyway, if anyone has any good ideas on how we can decorate Aidan's room, post some comments!

Eurghh

Blech. It's the worst time to fall sick. The cafe's opening this week so EG is definitely busy, and Ellie's started work, so that means it's me and my weak body trying to keep up with my little energizer-bunny of a son! He woke up several times last night - once every two hours, so it was really hard to sleep. Plus I was feeling ill. Gagh... I'm not sure what I have, I just know I'm constantly cold even under the blanket and with the heater on, and I'm a little nauseas (NO, I'm not expecting number 2!). Hopefully after I take some panadol I'll feel better!

Anyways, here're some pics we took recently!

Aidan in Zoe-Grace's ergo-carrier. We were testing it out. He looks a little stunned.

His first 1st-birthday present from Aunty Ivy & Uncle Stephen.

Look at me and my Pooh bear push-car

I still don't quite know how to ride it, but Mama pushes me around in it. Wheee!

Patty cake, patty cake, baker's man

The new Bonds underwear commercial has got Aidan rapt with attention. I wonder if it's 'coz there are 30-odd skimpily-clad women in it - so he's thinking, "Mmmm! Food!" - or whether it's because of the clappy beat. Whatever the case, whenever it's on, his eyes are glued to the screen for those 30 secs, and I have some respite from trying to shovel more pasta into his mouth.

See it here.

In other news, Aidan's turning 11 months this Sunday! Yay! We're happily preparing for his first birthday party next month... hope the new house will be done by then!