Breast Feeding

When I was pregnant with Caitlin, I decided to try breast feeding after failing miserably 6 years ago. Ryan relied on milk powder since Day 1. This time around, I'm more determined, better informed and well prepared or so I thought.

I remember wanting to give up after 2~3 weeks of trying. I remember being miserable and stressed because it was so difficult, time consuming and I'm tired of the whole process, especially when you don't get much result. My sister who is breastfeeding Joseph and friends urged me to be continue but still it was tough and I was despair. I was about to quit and then hubby came to the rescue. I still remember his words. Good things are never easy and he will support me.

Thereafter, I shift my focus on Caitlin. Of course I want the best for her. No doubt that breast feeding is cumbersome, especially when I'm back to work but I should at least try before quitting. So I persisted. I drink more water since I read somewhere that this helps, I did more research and I talked to friends for guidance and support.

Since then, my breast milk has increased and I was ecstatic when I managed to express 125ml (slightly over 4 ounces) this morning. Success has been slow and I still cannot produce enough for Caitlin. She's currently on a mixture of breast milk and formula. I'm happy that I did not give up and I'm looking for ways to help increase the flows. Also I'm enjoying another benefit of breast feeding ~ weight control for mummy as I try to get back to shape.

Ryan: 6th Birthday

We had an early birthday celebration for Ryan. Since he's all over Pokemon, it's not a surprise that he wanted a "Pikachu" cake. I could not believe my boy is already 6.

"Happy Birthday Ryan. Papa and mummy will always love you"

Fire

We were informed that a fire broke out on Saturday night (20 Sept 2008) and burnt down the entire row of shop houses including that of my uncle's. We were all devastated. Hubby drove all of us back to Teluk Intan the following morning. We wanted to be there to give uncle and family morale support.

The shop was first rented by my grandfather, a fruit wholesaler, more than 50 years ago. When grandpa retired, my uncle took over. Initially, uncle sold and repaired bicycles. Thereafter, he gave up and turned it into an electrical shop, specialising in TV repairs. It remain as that until, well, today.

I have many, many fond memories at that place since I spent a good part of my childhood there. Due to its strategic location, the shops were always full of people with all sorts of activities going round ~ and I, a curious child, was fascinated. I was allowed to roam freely as folks there knew each other well and they always looked out for me. My favourite shops, apart from Grandpa's of course, were a sundry shop selling biscuits, candies and other goodies in large through glass jars and a coffee shop where I can buy delicious steam kaya pau, porridge and assam laksa ......yummy, yummy.

I'm sad seeing the place burnt down. No sure what's going to happen next.

Ryan's Meals

Since I'm at home, Ryan will come back from his kindi at 4.00pm. Nowadays, he have been asking for "real" food for teatime instead of biscuits and there were times when he complained that he's hungry. I always wonder what he eats for breakfast and lunch at kindi.

Anyway, I'm taking this opportunity to cook him something special and to introduce him to a wider variety and healthier food. Given a choice, food for him means nasi lemak for breakfast and chicken rice for all other meals.

I'm not a good cook and I don't cook often but for my sunny boy, I will make the effort. He's been having nice teabreaks and soups for dinner. I noticed that his appetide has improved and if you make the food colourful and interesting, chances are he will eat them without me having to issue threats. I'm glad and the challenge now is to ensure that he eats healthly and have well-balance meals.

Garden: Over Fertilised

My poor garden have been neglected for the longest time ever. Thanks goodness Auntie Jo is around to water my plants, otherwise, they would have all dried up by now.

Since I'm feeling much better and with some free time on hand, I decided to do something. I had to do something ~ this is a sign that I'm getting back to my good ole' self.

So I tidied it up a bit, rearranged a few pots here and there and finally, fertilised them. I couldn't recall the last time I did that so it must have been eon ago.

I was in a hurry and had given myself an hour to complete everything, just nice before Caitlin's next feed. All went well and I was happy. Four hours later, as I was bringing in the laundry, I noticed dark patches all over the grass. A close inspection revealed that the dark patches are grass which have turned brown as a result of over fertilise. I stared at it in horror.

What have I done? I thought I had organic fertiliser. I checked the intructions and realised that not only I did not spread the fertiliser evenly, I did not water enough and no, it's not organic and yes, over fertilisation will cause the grass to "burnt" and die. Damn....and all I wanted to do was to make the grass healthier.

I spent the next hour watering (flooding) the grass with the hope to salvage whatever I can. Keeping my fingers crossed and this should be a lesson for me.

Mid Autumn Festival

Auntie Hiong gave Ryan Ultraman lantern for this year's Mid Autumn festival and he had a fun time celebrating and playing lanterns with all his cousins. As much as I tired, I could not get him to eat any moon cake. He's just not interested. Well....nevermind, there's always next year.

Cake

My sister-in-law, Wai Mun made a special cake for Caitlin to celebrate her being 1-month old. Cake is delicious and I'm thinking of getting the recipe from her.

Very difficult to lose weight when there's good food around !!