Showing posts with label blake's first year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blake's first year. Show all posts
Friday, May 10, 2013
Flashback Friday #43
23 October 2011: Blake walking home through the park connector leading back to our place, after dinner.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
First Time is Never Easy
The first month after having Blake, I had help. During my confinement period then, I had Sean, my mom and grandmother around to help me - from cooking to laundry to baby duties. But all that ended the moment I moved back home after confinement.
Sean returned to work, and I was all alone. With this.
Blake was a colicky baby. A super colicky one. He cried from day to night, night to day. The loud piercing cries of Blake could be heard blocks away. This I know because I remember Sean telling me he heard Blake crying while walking towards our block. Basically, my memories from those days with him were just him crying non-stop for 3-4 months straight. That, and tons of carrying which grew out muscles for Sean and me. Needless to say, the first 3-4 months was a very trying period for us.
We turned into the living dead due to the lack of sleep, and because of that, we argued a lot; The most we have ever argued in our entire of six years together then.
I remember being very depressed. I had shut myself out from the rest of the world (visible online with lots of rants), and I cried a lot, threw tons of tantrums at the slightest bit of anything.
This was how I ate at home for the first 3-4 months. All I ate were instant/microwavable food.
He would only sleep while being carried
Happiness to me back then was having peace in the house and not having to move to get anything done
Whenever he would sleep, I would try too
I find myself having to choose what's most important to me on a daily basis - eat, shower or sleep. I could not have all or two. I could only have one per day, when I'm on my own. Usually, I'll take food cos I could always take a quick shower when Sean's home. Not being able to shower when I feel icky was part of the reason why I never enjoyed breastfeeding. It's a very messy business for a first-timer, at least for me. Taking a nap would be a huge gamble cos Blake would wake up at any moment. Unless he's sleeping on top of me, it's pretty difficult to get a decent nap. And that would make me even more grouchy than I already am.
I was in constant angst and self-pity. I ever considered throwing myself off the building, with or without Blake, just to be done with everything. Yes, these awful thoughts flashed past my mind more than once.
On one of those mornings when I had that thought, and was very sure I would follow through with it, I called Sean to tell him I could not take it anymore. He had just reached his work place, and he got so worried about Blake's safety and mine, he took an urgent leave and rushed home to be by our side.
I had locked myself and Blake in the room. Blake was, as usual, screaming at the top of his lungs, and I was covering my head with a pillow bawling my eyes out. The whole room was a loud, noisy mess.
When Sean entered the room, the feeling that I felt when he came to comfort me first, instead of attending to Blake, was triumphant. I was actually competing with my own son for my husband's affections unknowingly.
I cannot remember how long it took for Sean to calm me down, and to get me back to sleep before taking Blake out of the room. I only remember that after that day, I still cried whenever I lost it, but never again did I have those awful dark thoughts.
Things got much better after Blake was 4 months old. Along with switching from regular formula milk to goat's formula milk, I had stopped breastfeeding him too, and those seemed to have had a positive effect on his colic. He only cried when he was hungry, fell asleep on his own in whatever comfortable positions he could get himself in, and that's when he began to laugh and smile at us too! :D
The funniest, and I presume most uncomfortable, position I ever caught him sleeping in
Saying Blake's laughter wasn't infectious is a lie. A big fat one!
As the tougher days past, I find myself enjoying the time spent with Blake. I even found him to be quite the trooper! Even when he was down with fever, Blake would still find the energy to play with me. Only when he is really down with something terrible, will he whine and just want to be lying near us, regardless of what we're doing.
Being a first time mother to Blake brought about a couple of regrettable actions which I am ashamed of. I had thought I was well-prepared for what was to come, but I was obviously not. However, thanks to the experience Blake gave me, I am now better at my motherly duties with Nakayla. If not for him, Nakayla would probably go through the first few months with me just like Blake had to. Perhaps this is why I seem to be more favourable towards Blake at this point. Looking at how things were with him then, and how things are with Nakayla now, I think I'm trying to make it up to him subconsciously.
But honestly, I must thank my lucky stars for having Sean in my life. I'm really lucky to have a husband who cares so much for his family, who gave me all the emotional and physical support I needed despite his own need for some back then. I cannot imagine how he lived through that period with the very little amount of sleep he had, and having to put up with all the craziness that is me, and still having to go to work as usual! And the fact that he went along with my idea of having a second child last year, in spite of all that has been mentioned above... He truly is a Superman. My Superman ♥
One is never alone in their walk down a difficult path.
Read similar stories here and find the strength to carry on:
Sean returned to work, and I was all alone. With this.
Blake was a colicky baby. A super colicky one. He cried from day to night, night to day. The loud piercing cries of Blake could be heard blocks away. This I know because I remember Sean telling me he heard Blake crying while walking towards our block. Basically, my memories from those days with him were just him crying non-stop for 3-4 months straight. That, and tons of carrying which grew out muscles for Sean and me. Needless to say, the first 3-4 months was a very trying period for us.
We turned into the living dead due to the lack of sleep, and because of that, we argued a lot; The most we have ever argued in our entire of six years together then.
I remember being very depressed. I had shut myself out from the rest of the world (visible online with lots of rants), and I cried a lot, threw tons of tantrums at the slightest bit of anything.
This was how I ate at home for the first 3-4 months. All I ate were instant/microwavable food.
He would only sleep while being carried
Happiness to me back then was having peace in the house and not having to move to get anything done
Whenever he would sleep, I would try too
I find myself having to choose what's most important to me on a daily basis - eat, shower or sleep. I could not have all or two. I could only have one per day, when I'm on my own. Usually, I'll take food cos I could always take a quick shower when Sean's home. Not being able to shower when I feel icky was part of the reason why I never enjoyed breastfeeding. It's a very messy business for a first-timer, at least for me. Taking a nap would be a huge gamble cos Blake would wake up at any moment. Unless he's sleeping on top of me, it's pretty difficult to get a decent nap. And that would make me even more grouchy than I already am.
I was in constant angst and self-pity. I ever considered throwing myself off the building, with or without Blake, just to be done with everything. Yes, these awful thoughts flashed past my mind more than once.
On one of those mornings when I had that thought, and was very sure I would follow through with it, I called Sean to tell him I could not take it anymore. He had just reached his work place, and he got so worried about Blake's safety and mine, he took an urgent leave and rushed home to be by our side.
I had locked myself and Blake in the room. Blake was, as usual, screaming at the top of his lungs, and I was covering my head with a pillow bawling my eyes out. The whole room was a loud, noisy mess.
When Sean entered the room, the feeling that I felt when he came to comfort me first, instead of attending to Blake, was triumphant. I was actually competing with my own son for my husband's affections unknowingly.
I cannot remember how long it took for Sean to calm me down, and to get me back to sleep before taking Blake out of the room. I only remember that after that day, I still cried whenever I lost it, but never again did I have those awful dark thoughts.
Things got much better after Blake was 4 months old. Along with switching from regular formula milk to goat's formula milk, I had stopped breastfeeding him too, and those seemed to have had a positive effect on his colic. He only cried when he was hungry, fell asleep on his own in whatever comfortable positions he could get himself in, and that's when he began to laugh and smile at us too! :D
The funniest, and I presume most uncomfortable, position I ever caught him sleeping in
Saying Blake's laughter wasn't infectious is a lie. A big fat one!
As the tougher days past, I find myself enjoying the time spent with Blake. I even found him to be quite the trooper! Even when he was down with fever, Blake would still find the energy to play with me. Only when he is really down with something terrible, will he whine and just want to be lying near us, regardless of what we're doing.
Being a first time mother to Blake brought about a couple of regrettable actions which I am ashamed of. I had thought I was well-prepared for what was to come, but I was obviously not. However, thanks to the experience Blake gave me, I am now better at my motherly duties with Nakayla. If not for him, Nakayla would probably go through the first few months with me just like Blake had to. Perhaps this is why I seem to be more favourable towards Blake at this point. Looking at how things were with him then, and how things are with Nakayla now, I think I'm trying to make it up to him subconsciously.
But honestly, I must thank my lucky stars for having Sean in my life. I'm really lucky to have a husband who cares so much for his family, who gave me all the emotional and physical support I needed despite his own need for some back then. I cannot imagine how he lived through that period with the very little amount of sleep he had, and having to put up with all the craziness that is me, and still having to go to work as usual! And the fact that he went along with my idea of having a second child last year, in spite of all that has been mentioned above... He truly is a Superman. My Superman ♥
Read similar stories here and find the strength to carry on:
Friday, March 8, 2013
Flashback Friday #34
For Blake's first birthday, we decided to hold the celebrations at a bungalow at National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC), very awesomely paid for by my dad, might I add J It was also a chance for us, as a little family, to have a mini getaway (like finally!).
9 September 2011: The day we checked in. My dad drove Blake and me down, and left after we have settled and found a little corner for Blake to do his own little thing.
It's actually made up of two sofa seats, with the cushions removed, firmly wedged between the glass panels, the bigger sofa seat, and a super heavy coffee table. Hehe.
After which, I took Blake out for a stroll in the area before heading for lunch. The cafe at the golf area was simply marvelous! Great food and service! J
Then I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to get Blake to sleep, while waiting for Sean to join us after work! Once Sean reached the bungalow, we headed out for dinner, and walked around the vicinity further to see if we missed anything. It has been a really long time since we last came here!
After taking some photos, we headed back to the bungalow. As it was Blake's actual date of birth, we had a mini celebration for Blake's first birthday, with cupcakes from Twelve Cupcakes!
I had bought them the day before, but some of them got squashed during the transferring from car to bungalow L
Thankfully, there were three that survived! But one melted a little too much after microwaving, so we were down to two for photo taking. Still taste awesome though! J
Watched more TV while Blake played in his corner and then, it was lights out!
10 September 2011: The day of his birthday celebration! I woke up early to receive the McDonald's breakfast I had ordered in advance, before heading home to feed our pets. Then I met up with my dad. He drove me to Aunty Yochana's where we collected Blake's birthday cake, and he drove me back to NSRCC. I know, I have a super awesome dad J
While I was out, the birthday boy had diarrhea, and Sean was busied the whole morning trying to calm him down and make him comfortable. Sean took him out for a morning walk (while I was out and about), and he calmed down. It's always good to have a super hands-on dad for a husband. Hehe. I'm so blessed to have awesome men, like Sean and my dad, in my life!
When I got back, things were calmed and I started preparing the place for the party that night. Sean also started work on the BBQ pit, cooking all the food before guests arrive, so that he will have enough time to wash up.
When guests started arriving, the birthday boy fell asleep, and woke up just in time to cut the cake! Haha.
The night ended with a walk around the vicinity with lighted lanterns, which I brought along. It was close to the Lantern Festival then. Hehe.
11 September 2011: The day we check-out. Packed everything the night before and sleep till it was just about time to check-out. Haha. We were all so tired! After checking out, we went back to the cafe at the golf side and had a delicious branch before heading home!
All in all, it was a great birthday celebration. So thankful for all the people who came down to celebrate with us, and all the beautiful gifts given to Blake! J
9 September 2011: The day we checked in. My dad drove Blake and me down, and left after we have settled and found a little corner for Blake to do his own little thing.
It's actually made up of two sofa seats, with the cushions removed, firmly wedged between the glass panels, the bigger sofa seat, and a super heavy coffee table. Hehe.
After which, I took Blake out for a stroll in the area before heading for lunch. The cafe at the golf area was simply marvelous! Great food and service! J
Then I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to get Blake to sleep, while waiting for Sean to join us after work! Once Sean reached the bungalow, we headed out for dinner, and walked around the vicinity further to see if we missed anything. It has been a really long time since we last came here!
After taking some photos, we headed back to the bungalow. As it was Blake's actual date of birth, we had a mini celebration for Blake's first birthday, with cupcakes from Twelve Cupcakes!
I had bought them the day before, but some of them got squashed during the transferring from car to bungalow L
Thankfully, there were three that survived! But one melted a little too much after microwaving, so we were down to two for photo taking. Still taste awesome though! J
Watched more TV while Blake played in his corner and then, it was lights out!
10 September 2011: The day of his birthday celebration! I woke up early to receive the McDonald's breakfast I had ordered in advance, before heading home to feed our pets. Then I met up with my dad. He drove me to Aunty Yochana's where we collected Blake's birthday cake, and he drove me back to NSRCC. I know, I have a super awesome dad J
While I was out, the birthday boy had diarrhea, and Sean was busied the whole morning trying to calm him down and make him comfortable. Sean took him out for a morning walk (while I was out and about), and he calmed down. It's always good to have a super hands-on dad for a husband. Hehe. I'm so blessed to have awesome men, like Sean and my dad, in my life!
Specially made this candle party favors for Blake's first birthday - Ribbons and Tape
My babies! J
Yup, it was a candle-themed birthday party!
11 September 2011: The day we check-out. Packed everything the night before and sleep till it was just about time to check-out. Haha. We were all so tired! After checking out, we went back to the cafe at the golf side and had a delicious branch before heading home!
All in all, it was a great birthday celebration. So thankful for all the people who came down to celebrate with us, and all the beautiful gifts given to Blake! J
Friday, March 1, 2013
Flashback Friday #33
22 August 2011: No idea why, but there was this period when Blake enjoyed stuffing this small little hand towel we use to feed him his milk (we call it the burp cloth) into his mouth.
In the first few months after he arrived, we used it to protect his clothes from milk spillage during feeding time, and when we burped him. Hence, the name given - burp cloth. Haha.
8 September 2011: One day before his first birthday, and it's bath time with Daddy! J
In the first few months after he arrived, we used it to protect his clothes from milk spillage during feeding time, and when we burped him. Hence, the name given - burp cloth. Haha.
8 September 2011: One day before his first birthday, and it's bath time with Daddy! J
Friday, February 22, 2013
Flashback Friday #32
29 August 2011: After our visit to Singapore Philatelic Museum, and lunch at Pasta Mania, we made our way to the Peranakan Museum. Both museums are relatively near each other, so it was perfect to visit them both on the same day! Hehe.
We did not spend as much time as we would like there, because by the time we reached, we only had 1-2 hours to walk around before closing time! Yes, we were cutting it really close. Haha.
Blake enjoyed playing with all the different types of telephones on display. There were recordings on the telephones, and would play the moment you picked it up. He enjoyed it so much, we spent the most time in that area! Haha.
We stopped to look at areas that really caught our interests, or Blake's. The rest, we pretty much just rushed through because of the time constrain we had. I don't even think we finished exploring the museum before the announcement of the museum closing was made! When the announcement was made, we made our way out.
When we left, we had to be escorted out a different route, cos most of the exits were closed already. Haha. And, from the looks of it, it seems like the museums will be opened for free entry every August!
We gave the museums a miss this year, but I hope to visit more museums next year, with Blake and his little sibling! :D
Museum Opening Hours:
Monday: 1pm to 7pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 9am – 7pm (to 9 pm on Fridays)
For more information, visit http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg
We did not spend as much time as we would like there, because by the time we reached, we only had 1-2 hours to walk around before closing time! Yes, we were cutting it really close. Haha.
Blake enjoyed playing with all the different types of telephones on display. There were recordings on the telephones, and would play the moment you picked it up. He enjoyed it so much, we spent the most time in that area! Haha.
We stopped to look at areas that really caught our interests, or Blake's. The rest, we pretty much just rushed through because of the time constrain we had. I don't even think we finished exploring the museum before the announcement of the museum closing was made! When the announcement was made, we made our way out.
When we left, we had to be escorted out a different route, cos most of the exits were closed already. Haha. And, from the looks of it, it seems like the museums will be opened for free entry every August!
We gave the museums a miss this year, but I hope to visit more museums next year, with Blake and his little sibling! :D
Museum Opening Hours:
Monday: 1pm to 7pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 9am – 7pm (to 9 pm on Fridays)
For more information, visit http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg
Friday, February 15, 2013
Flashback Friday #31
29 August 2011: We went to the Singapore Philatelic Museum! Yup, fully utilizing the month of free entry to museums in Singapore. Hehe.
Blake loved it here! The only trouble we had was the stairs. We had to carry his stroller up and down a very narrow staircase cos they didn’t have a lift. Thankfully, it wasn’t that crowded and we managed to go and up without injuring anyone in the process. They had tons of exhibitions involving rabbits too! It was the year of the Rabbits (according to the Zodiac), and I loved it! Hehe.
Stopped to take a family photo when we found this pretty little garden along the way!
Yes! That's where we're heading!
And we're here!
No idea what it is with boys and gears. Blake got super excited when he saw the gears on the wall and immediately wanted to get out of his stroller to play. Haha.
One of Blake's very favourite! I think cos it's really colourful. And he knows it's food-related. Yup, my boy loves his food. Hehe.
What a cute stamp this would make! Hehe.
Rabbits!
Moving onto the second level of the museum...
There's a mirror at this section, and Blake was busy playing peek-a-boo with himself for quite a while. Haha. Hilarious!
Lovely, lovely little models of post/mail boxes used through the years. It's all so cute! Was pretty tempted to buy one home from the souvenir shop, but decided against it. Knowing myself, if I were to get one, I'll have to get them all!
Blake's favourite section of all! The one with all the air planes :D
After seeing and exploring the entire museum, we went off for a late lunch at Pasta Mania. I remember this very clearly, cos it's very unlike Sean to be the one suggesting going to places like Pasta Mania for a meal (he's not a big fan of pizza and pasta, but I am!), and Blake tried a new dish that day, and loved it! Cheese sticks! Hehe.
Ending this long Flashback Friday post with one of my favourite photos from that day J
Museum Opening Hours:
Monday
1.00pm - 7.00pm
Tuesday - Sunday
9.30am - 7.00pm
For more information, visit http://www.spm.org.sg
Blake loved it here! The only trouble we had was the stairs. We had to carry his stroller up and down a very narrow staircase cos they didn’t have a lift. Thankfully, it wasn’t that crowded and we managed to go and up without injuring anyone in the process. They had tons of exhibitions involving rabbits too! It was the year of the Rabbits (according to the Zodiac), and I loved it! Hehe.
Stopped to take a family photo when we found this pretty little garden along the way!
Yes! That's where we're heading!
And we're here!
No idea what it is with boys and gears. Blake got super excited when he saw the gears on the wall and immediately wanted to get out of his stroller to play. Haha.
One of Blake's very favourite! I think cos it's really colourful. And he knows it's food-related. Yup, my boy loves his food. Hehe.
What a cute stamp this would make! Hehe.
Rabbits!
Moving onto the second level of the museum...
There's a mirror at this section, and Blake was busy playing peek-a-boo with himself for quite a while. Haha. Hilarious!
Lovely, lovely little models of post/mail boxes used through the years. It's all so cute! Was pretty tempted to buy one home from the souvenir shop, but decided against it. Knowing myself, if I were to get one, I'll have to get them all!
Blake's favourite section of all! The one with all the air planes :D
After seeing and exploring the entire museum, we went off for a late lunch at Pasta Mania. I remember this very clearly, cos it's very unlike Sean to be the one suggesting going to places like Pasta Mania for a meal (he's not a big fan of pizza and pasta, but I am!), and Blake tried a new dish that day, and loved it! Cheese sticks! Hehe.
Ending this long Flashback Friday post with one of my favourite photos from that day J
Museum Opening Hours:
Monday
1.00pm - 7.00pm
Tuesday - Sunday
9.30am - 7.00pm
For more information, visit http://www.spm.org.sg
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