Daddy's Going to Work

Dean is usually the one who feeds Nathan at 8am. This morning, he was going to work early, so I was going to feed Nathan instead. At 7 plus, Nathan was already awake and playing in his cot on his own. He usually wakes up on his own and we leave him to play in his cot for a bit, before feeding him at 8.

Dean picked Nathan up from his cot...

Daddy: Nathan, daddy's going to work early today.

Nathan: *baby talks with sadness in his voice*

Daddy: Daddy will be back in the evening. Daddy will see you later.

Nathan: *baby talks more cheerfully*

As I sat there and watched, I couldn't help smiling. It was one of those moments where although we didn't understand what Nathan was saying, we understood him fully.

Nathan's Routine

I'm pretty happy with the routine that I've gotten Nathan into. Wanted him to get into a good routine before I return to work so things will be more predictable for both of us. I've been working on this eversince the beginning, so I'm really pleased that it has worked out. Another answered prayer.

7.00am Rise & Shine

8.00am Milk feed (usually bottlefeed by daddy)

8.30am Bath

9.00am Wake time

10.00am Nap time

11.00am Milk feed

11.40am Wake time

1.00pm Nap time

2.00pm Milk feed

2.40pm Wake time

4.00pm Nap time

5.00pm Milk feed

5.40pm Wake time

7.00pm Nap time

8.00pm Milk feed

8.40pm Bath time

9.00pm Bed time

Milk feeds

Nathan has 5 feeds a day. Other than the first bottlefeed (expressed breast milk) in the morning, he latches on for the rest. I give him 150ml for the first feed though he's capable of finishing more if we fill the bottle up but I'm concerned about over-feeding him. Not sure how much he drinks when he latches on, but he usually takes a full feed (20 min each breast).

Wake time

During wake time, Nathan can play by himself for short periods of time when I leave him in his play gym. Other times, I'd read to him, sing to him, play with his toys or we'd go thru his flash cards. Lately, he's happy when we leave him in his Bumbo chair infront of the TV. But I'm not keen on letting him watch too much TV although it does make a good baby-sitter. Sometimes, I'd take him out (usually shopping centres).

Nap time

Nathan takes 4 short naps which add up to less than 4 hours. I believe the 4 short naps will be consolidated to 2 longer ones but I haven't figured out how to go about it. It seems that he still gets tired after each wake time and needs to sleep although sometimes the naps can be as short as 30 minutes. Was asking some young moms, and they said the consolidation will happen 'automatically'. No intervention required. Hmm... oh well... so for now, I'll still let him take 4 short naps.

Kindermusik

I signed Nathan up for Kindermusik classes for the month of Jan and Feb. First lesson was yesterday. It was loads of fun! An hour filled with songs, dance, bubbles, percussion instruments and more.

Nathan with his imaginary microphone

Nathan will be going to the infant care centre when mommy starts work in March. Kindermusik classes will be conducted at his infant care centre. So I figured that exposing him to a 'classroom setting' and having some degree of familiarity will help him settle down in March. But more than that, it was also a good break for mommy. Even though I sit thru the class with him, I didn't need to think up ways to occupy him for that hour. :) Reminds me of my Yamaha days as a child more than 25 years ago.

Daddy came to meet us for dinner after the class. Think I'm going to miss such times that I get to spend with daddy and Nathan when I return to work.

Daddy: Nathan, did you enjoy today's Kindermusik class?

Nathan: *BIG SMILE*

4 months old

Dear Nathan,

You just turned 4 months old... you are smiling, talking and laughing so much more these days.

Nathan tries to eat the very hungry caterpillar

You surprised mommy when you flipped over from your tummy to back when you were 3 months 1 day old. I missed your first attempt, but managed to capture the second and third attempts on video, so daddy got to see it too. It is such a joy to be able to witness your firsts.

Several new shopping centres have come up along Orchard Road. We took you to Orchard Central and 313 Somerset. It is mommy's first time in these places as well. You enjoy being pushed around in your stroller and would usually sit quietly observing the sights and sounds. You attract quite a bit of attention. Strangers would come up to us and say how cute you are. Two days before Christmas, mommy ventured out with you alone. Just mom and babe. It's the first time I took you out on my own in my car. Mommy drove while you sat in your car seat at the back alone. You didn't fuss at all, and we enjoyed our time at Raffles City. Mommy chose this shopping mall as it is has a very nice nursery... just in case I needed to feed or change you. Since you were so well behaved, I decided that we could go out more often while daddy's at work. It's quite a bit of logistics with the car seat and stroller, but I think the fresh air will do us good.

Daddy took some time off work and accompanied you to see Uncle Eng Keow for your 3rd month jabs. You developed a slight fever after the jabs. Thankfully the fever was gone after two doses of paracetamol and your sleeping/feeding routines weren't affected.

We celebrated Christmas with our extended families. Lunch at Mount Sinai, dinner at Cashew. You received more Christmas presents than mommy and daddy even though you didn't give any. Mommy and daddy both agreed that you are our BEST Christmas gift this year. We thank God for you everyday.

You continue to bring so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love you loads!

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

Bottle Feeds

After our failed attempts at bottle feeding about a month ago, we decided to give the bottle a break. All this time, I've been praying that Nathan will be willing to drink from the bottle as I'd be going back to work in March. His refusal of the bottle got me really worried.

Last week, I was plagued with blocked ducts (again!). After I cleared the blocked ducts, I had blisters. Sigh! The woes of breastfeeding. Well... because of all that, Dean suggested that we give my boobs a break, and try bottle feeding again.

I was rather nervous when Dean gave Nathan his first bottle this morning. But I needn't had worried. Nathan finished the 140ml bottle in record time! Mommy's so relieved. Daddy continued giving him the rest of his feeds from the bottle except the last feedm and Nathan was able to drink up without much fuss. Thank God - another answered prayer.

Nathan enjoying his bottle of milk