Parenting Joys and Love with Baby Melody!

Sibling jealousy or just all grown up already?

2009-01-08T23:26:00.000-08:00

Melody appears to have mellowed down lately (read: not as bubbly) since we brought Matthew back from the hospital. She did seem a bit upset, which was quie evident when we brought Matthew and her to the polyclinic for Matthew's jaundice check. She wasn't her usual noisy babbling self, but appeared rather moody and didn't seem to enthusiastic about responding when talked too. Well I guess at the tender young age of 14 months, it probably is a mix of jealousy, confusion and separation anxiety for Melody. If only she could understand when I tell her that the arrival of baby Matthew doesn't change the fact that she is still my precious princess. But I guess it will take a while for Mel to adjust, and the only thing I can do is give her a bit of time while trying to not make too much changes to her usual routine.

The mother-in-law is once again showing signs of her talent to create a bit of havoc. From the first day at the hospital, she kind of decided that she should have little bit of childish fun at my children's expense by trying all ways and means to make Melody jealous of Matthew. I swear if we were staying in some lawless land, I would have thrown something at the mother-in-law. I mean seriously, here I am trying my best to make sure that Melody feels comforted and not threatened by the fact that there is a new addition to the brood and there the mother-in-law is thinking it is rather amusing to see my precious Melody cry when she sees someone carry Matthew. "Go have somemore kids of your own and damage their lives if you must, and LEAVE MINE ALONE!" Its infuriating sometimes, hmmm correction, most of the times with regards to the mother-in-law. Then once at home, maybe in an effort to "be nice", the mother-in-law asked if she should bring Mel back to her place so that it would be easier. Huh? Shouldn't the priority be getting Melody used to Matthew? Imagine if I had let her take Melody to her place for a couple of days, when she already knew that there was an addition to the brood. I shudder to think how rejected she may have felt, thinking that with the arrival of Matthew she has been cast aside. Maybe I am worrying too much, but I can't help it maybe. Its my family, if I don't worry about it..........then who will?

Well.....moving along........some photos of my precious princess Melody:

Trust me when I say, she really loves her food.

Those big tear drops just seem to melt me all the time. The missus reckons I will spoil her in no time. But she is only 14 months, not the time for discipline I reckon.......just all the tender loving care a father can give.

Some fun at the playground!

Mucking around at home:

Just shopping around:

And playing a fool with the lil carrier:

Melody's Baby Brother has been born! Pictures included!

2009-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Melody's baby brother, Matthew Wee, has been born on 6 Jan 09 at 1740H weighing a healthy 3030grams!

It was a pleasant surprise considering the fact that he was not due until 22 Jan 09 and therefore when the gynae told the missus and I that she was ready to deliver, we did go into a bit of panic for a bit. Thankfully our experience with our darling Melody the first time around (she was exactly two weeks early) made us a little bit wiser and we had readied the bags at home in advance.

I must say that this time around the missus seemed to have enjoyed it a little better largely because this time around the epidural machine was working fine unlike during Melody's delivery when the epidural machine had broken down and she had to bear the full brunt of the pain! Well she did get a little afraid that we would be unlucky again this time round with the epidural machine as coincidentally we had been allocated the same delivery suite (delivery suite #5) that Melody was delivered in. But this time around everything with the epidural went perfectly, so perfect that we even had the best person to do the epidural procedure. Unfortunately fatigue has prevented me from remembering his name as I type this post and the only thing that I remember is that he is an Assoc. Professor! Anyway.......moving along!

The missus was admitted into the delivery suite at about 2plus and this was an extremely fast delivery considering that Baby Matthew said hello at five-forty!

Ah well, I guess I should stop boring you with words and should bring on the photos that I have taken.

See! Still had the mood to pose for the camera. Guess the Missus really did not feel the pain this time round.

We got this cute little soft toy, well its a soft toy cum bag actually, for our sweet little Melody as a present from her brother Matthew. For those super duper pantang Chinese you will know why we got it. But in my personal opinion, it was largely just another excuse to get our princess Melody another soft toy!

Yes, like all restricted areas, even the fathers-to-be need a pass!

The good ole epidural machine and the other one which I have no idea what its name is.

Once again I embark on the wonderful journey of fatherhood with a snip at the cord!

4D fanatics, you can try your luck with this number!

For those who have met my darling Melody, it appears that her baby brother Matthew has already shown signs of being the stronger screamer!

Now trust me when I say that the epidural works wonders. The Missus was still able to flaunt her already shrinking tummy and give me a cheesy pose despite going thru labour!

The missus and baby Matthew after a pretty speedy delivery.

Of course the the three of us had to take a photo. I found it a pity that Melody was not allowed to be present during the delivery or we could have taken a complete family photo.

It was my turn for some personal time with the newest addition to my brood - Matthew Wee!

Despite the sweet respite from the labour pains thanks to the epidural, it still was quite tiring and by the time baby Matthew was wheeled up to the nursey......................the missus started to fall asleep!

Once again, the gruesome photos of the placenta for those who have not seen it before! And no we did not bring it back.

Now like what I have tried to do with Melody, further updates on baby Matthew will be added periodically at http://matthewwee.blogspot.com/

Melody photo update

2008-12-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

Its been super tiring and busy lately. So quite backdated with my words but here are some photo updates.

First off its Bath time: Melody really loves those bubbles and she has been the only one in the house having any bathtub time!

The missus and I are also teaching Melody the importance of brushing her teeth though apparently she prefers my toothbrush instead of hers!

The indoor playground we got for Melody as a birthday present has been a source of cute little smiles! She loves it so terribly much!

Food....glorious food! Like me, my daughter simply eats anything and everything. Thankfully unlike her mother, Melody seems to pretty much like her broccoli, though I wonder if that will be the case when she grows older.

Melody does however take after her mother in the creative section (thank God!), for you see my little aspiring Picasso giving the original a run for his money.

My sweetie Melody fell asleep in my arms as we watched TV, and to think I was more engrossed in the cartoon than she was!

Now my princess Melody has also inherited the Missus' intensity as you can see from her face!

Well hoped you enjoyed that mini photo update! More to come I promise though it may take a while!

Bloggers Unite: Refugees Unite

2008-11-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

Like in my previous Bloggers Unite post, I will seek to keep to the theme of my blog - Children.

Since the beginning, the world has seen many wars. From sticks and stones, modern warfare has become more sophisticated with missiles and a whole lot of other deadly capabilities. However amidst all that, one thing has remained constant throughout all the many wars that the world has seen - Refugees. No matter how small or large, ancient or modern that a war is, it has led to people being displaced from their homes and it has made them refugees. While the act of fleeing from conflict is normally intended to be a temporary measure, sadly many refugees have remained refugees for many years. Look at the Palestinians in Lebanon, the Iraqis who fled when the US dropped their bombs, or the 2.5 million people in Darfur who had to flee! Many of these refugees want to go back to their homelands, but have been unable to. Worse still, as refugees in another country, they have no rights and they literally have nothing.

So what happens to the children? Nothing happens, literally. They get nothing and they learn nothing. Imagine being a child refugee in a refugee camp, which normally has one of the worst living conditions. Imagine spending your entire childhood wasting away in cramped conditions and separated from your family (Many refugees only managed to flee alone). They don't get to complete their education, their childhood developmental stages become warped and screwed, at the same time they will grow up with this huge trauma ingrained in their minds for the rest of their lives.

It has been said that children are future, yet what future is there when the present alone is so uncertain for these child refugees? Would they even live to see what the future may bring? Yet after all the trauma they have gone through, they would grow up stronger and more determined in life, but only if they are given the chance to survive NOW. So help if you can or pray at the least for an extra helping hand out there to bring these poor children along the way.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELODY

2008-11-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

My baby Melody has officially turned 1 YEAR OLD on 9 Nov 2008!

Looking back, it has been an amazing one year since I first cradled sweet little baby Melody in my arms. She really has grown and has indeed changed so much. Only last month she start walking unaided and before her birthday yesterday, she was already giving a go at running.

We had a little birthday party and the missus called a couple of friends with kids that were around Melody's age so they could have a little playtime together.

As usual lots of photos were taken but sadly none have been loaded into the computers yet. So hang in there, I will be posting them soon.

All Hail Baby Melody!

2008-10-16T19:39:00.001-07:00

ALL HAIL BABY MELODY!

It would appear that my baby daughter has taken over the Russian cabinet.

Haha just toying around with Photofunia.

Didn't have much photos with me but this is what I came out with:

An update since a long time (plus more photos of Melody)

2008-09-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

It has been an extremely long time since my last update. It has been super duper busy so without further ado her are some of the happenings lately:

1. We sent Susan (our 1st maid) back, got a 2nd maid and sent her back also. It has been super stressful, I shan't go into the details......for those who have heard take heed ya?

2. Cat is expecting again...............Melody will be having a baby brother on 22 Jan 08!!!!!

3. Lastly and most importantly Melody has grown and grown!!!!!!! Check out the pictures:

Baby Melody Wee is growing and growing!

2008-06-17T08:16:00.001-07:00

Melody is GROWING AND TEETHING!

Melody is growing bigger and bigger! If she keeps growing at this rate, she'd probably be a giant pretty soon. Melody's last checkup put her at the 97th percentile of her age group in both weight and height. While I can be assured that she is not fat, my fear is that she has inherited my size which comes with size 13 feet! Can you imagine a girl with size 13 feet? Imagine all the teasing she will have to endure??!!!

Anyway Melody growing fast, at 7 months, she hasn't mastered crawling but it appears that it is not her priority for the moment. Somehow there are early indications that she is a non-conformist. Melody doesn't appear to be that enthusiastic about perfectic her crawl technique but has focused on standing & walking. When forced into the crawling position, she protests by attempting a forward roll. Melody's activity-level as reach new heights and it clearly shows that she has inherited nothing of my laid-back nature but rather 101% of her mother's hyperactive-bordering-on-ADHD genes. Oh well, it is probably for the better. When you're at the 97th percentile of your age-group, being more active will keep you relatively slim I suppose.

Mummy has been trigger happy recently and her are some of her shots:

First off, you know what they say about children, especially babies, they don't give two hoots about your schedule! (Be it whether you are sleeping or not!)

Being the usual fashionista, Mummy attempts to make my baby melody look grown up!

Standing still is Melody's first love. Soon she will be running and so will I...................

Melody has perfected the dreamy look. The look of innocence that just makes you want to pick her up and cuddle her in our arms!
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Parenting Stress

2008-05-27T07:33:00.001-07:00

I think I am suffering the parenting blues.

Don't get me wrong, though it is why I haven't been posting lately, but I have been thoroughly enjoying parenthood. Baby Melody is growing by the minute, and getting more and more active by the day. It is really amazing to watch how a fragile baby transform to a "super" bouncer who just can't wait to hit the ground running. Life itself is indeed a mysterious thing.

At the same time, I have begun to find myself overwhelmed by some sort of stress. It is terrible but somehow I find myself worrying more and more. My daughter is my responsibility and it is like a huge "burden" (don't know if it is the best word) is pressing on me. But ironically I personally find it a happy burden/worry.

Let me explain:

The stresses of parenthood that have overwhelmed me has mainly to do with Melody's well-being. From the cliched worry if I can provide financially for her, to the fears of SIDS (google it if you don't know, I can't bring myself to type it) I seem to have morphed into a kan cheong (worry wort) parent. Yet despite this, I relish every moment and have not hated a single moment of worry. Sigh.....such is the irony of parenthood.

Oh well.........update on Melody. She is growing well and can now turn (and turn and turn) as well as sit up quite well.

She even insists on feeding herself! Talk about being independent!

You heard about different teaching methods and situations where both parents have different ideas of what to teach their children. Well:

The missus has great aspirations for Melody and is teaching her to sing!

While I have decided to start with the basics of BLOWING BUBBLES!!!!

And to end off.......................................................

Such welcoming smiles when I reach home soothes even the toughest of days!

Bloggers Unite For Human Rights - 15 May 2008

2008-05-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Ever since I became a father on 9 Nov 2007, I have cherished and loved every minute of it. This beautiful gift I received also came with some new found responsibility. Everytime I hold my daughter, my mind is filled with future plans and dreams for her. She is my responsibility, and I will do everything and anything within my abilities to ensure she has the best that life can offer. In my personal opinion, as parents and adults, we are supposed to carers, teachers, mentors and many more positive examples for the little ones. This is something, I personally believe should come naturally, especially once we become parents. However, if you look around the world today, many children are suffering. They have been exploited as child labour or soldiers, prostituted for sick-minded individuals who think that money can buy anything and have even been raped by their own parents. This is something that should never be tolerated. I have never understood how a father can have the heart to raped his own daughter. To me, no punishment in our global legal system will ever be enough to punish such monsters who prey on their own flesh and blood. Defenceless, impressionable young children deserve a happy childhood. We OWE them a living because we brought them into this world!

Although many of us are mere individuals without any significant clout, I believe that human rights for children around the world can improve drastically as long as we have the conviction to. Spreading the word one person at a time is a potent enough action that can bring about a tremendous positive change.

Always remember that the children are our future and their present are our responsibility. There are no problem children, only problem parents.

(Preview) Bloggers Unite For Human Rights on 15 May 2008

2008-05-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

It's 15 May 2008 guys and it is the day all bloggers UNITE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS! An idea mooted by Blog Catalog and it aims to harness the power of the internet community to create awareness for various causes.

For those who know me intimately may probably be taken aback by my participation in such a thing. I must admit that since becoming a father, I have become a little bit more serious and worry slightly more about the future. Why? I don't really know, my only guess is that a heightened sense of responsibility does come about once one becomes a parent, for me at least.

In tune with the theme of this blog, my take on human rights will be with regards to children. So stay tuned for my take on Human Rights for Children tomorrow.

Melody is feeling cranky!

2008-05-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

Oooh my poor lil princess melody has been soooo cranky today. She has been slightly feverish but I am unsure if it is because of a virus or if it is because she is teething. She has been crying non stop and will only sleep when carried. The moment we try to put her down on the bed, she lets out screams of protest as if to say "Are you STUPID?!!!! Why put me down if I was sleeping soundly and comfortably in your arms??!". Sigh..........carrying her I do not mind........but it is not knowing what is causing her crankiness and slight fever that drives me insane. Maybe I am a "kan cheong" (read: worry wort) parent. But can I help it?

Oh well...........she has finally gone to sleep (on the bed) and we will bring her to the doctor if her fever persists tomorrow.

Here are some photographs for you to judge if:

Melody looks like Daddy? Or.......
Like Mummy?
So take a good look and let me know!

Blog catalog

2008-05-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Not exactly an update on Mel..............but just to let you know.................this blog has been added to Blog Catalog.

We've gotten a maid.

2008-05-01T07:27:00.001-07:00

We have finally gotten a maid. Despite my almost-violent protests and objections, I succumbed to the missus' pleas and agreed. It has been almost a week since Susan (our maid) arrived and I must admit that I am pretty pleased. She is extremely hardworking and seems capable enough. Though I still kind of feel uncomfortable with another stranger in the house, but hopefully I will get used to it as time goes by. The good thing is that I have a bit more time now that Susan does all the housework, therefore I should be posting more frequently from now on.

Getting a maid has been quite positive, but it has also made me realise one thing. I am quite the protective and "jealous" parent. I found myself getting upset cause my lil princess was spending more time with the missus and the maid than with me. Well I work and that can't be helped (for now.......for those who are in the know, you get my point) and baby melody sleeps at about 8pm. Therefore, I only get about 1 to 2 hours of bonding time with her. Hmmmm with all I have heard about the power of a mother's love, I guess a father's love can be quite potent as well!

Apologies for all the rantings..................this blog is solely devoted to my lil princess melody and I shall try to keep it this way.

Melody is turning 6 months in a couple of days and she has indeed grown. She currently weighs in at a hefty 8-plus kg and seems to have a boundless amount of energy. Jumping and jumping, turning and turning..............plus (the cutest thing to me now) her incessant babblings! Cliched maybe................but it just warms my heart and brings a smile to my face no matter how shitty the day has been.

We just had to splurge on our lil princess. I have gone on this insane "my melody acquisition" spree.................apart from the enormous My Melody that you see, I also bought the full set of two-plates-one fork-one spoon-two mugs that Kiddy Palace carried..............all with MY MELODY PRINTED ON IT!

We have also started Melody on some solids...............something she totally loves! Feed her a tad too slowly and she will not hesitate to show her displeasure!

We are also training her to feed herself................heh but it appears she has yet to understand that its either the bottle or the hand........not both at once!.......

Bumbo - A Baby's first Seat!

2008-02-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

We bought Melody a Bumbo on Sunday! It is a potty-shaped seat which is supposed to help babies learn how to sit up. Apparently it has won numerous awards! Well, the missus tot that it would be a good idea since she has been wanting to sit up lots. Now the box said that the Bumbo seat was suitable for ages 3mths to 14mths, problem is I think Melody is a tad too fat *haha* and may not be able to sit in it for long.

For those who have no clue of what a Bumbo seat is.....click on the photos

Doesn't she look so damn cute in it! ......

Just a test on some pictures

2008-02-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Just a test on some pictures, click the pictures to see them bigger.

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180ml and not even 3months yet!!!!

2008-01-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hey! Yes it has been a while since I last posted. Have been busy and loads has been happening since I last wrote. Am trying to make it a habit of posting Melody's developments, so don't run away yet and stay tuned for loads of exciting info on my little precious princess!

Anyway, before I post anything else........I must first proudly declare that my daughter has graduated from 150ml of milk to 180ml!!!!!! Isn't amazing, she has inherited my appetite! Though the missus reckons that I am overfeeding Melody, I beg to differ. Firstly, the guide on the Mamex Milk tin says that its 180ml for 2-3mths. Secondly, she continues sucking after 150ml which, in my opinion, means she is still hungry. So for all you people who think I am overfeeding my precious one.......WAKE UP YOUR IDEA!!!!!! You may even be underfeeding your poor baby!

Well.......moving along..........................

Melody is growing real fast and getting cuter by the day. Her smiles and coos fill my heart with joy..................looking at her just makes all problems melt away..................................

Meanwhile, some pictures for you to enjoy. Isn't she a sweetie?!!!!!!

...

Tiring but enjoyable times........though sprinkled with some frustrations

2007-11-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

It has been more than two weeks since Melody's birth and things are pretty good I must say. It has been busy & tiring, hence the delay in any posts here, but at the same time it has been thoroughly enjoyable. Her lil sweetness is growing cuter by the day, unfortunately I have had some problems with the transfering of photos so am unable to place more cute photos of my princess for the time being.

The missus is suffering more than me, and there are visible signs of fatigue. She is extremely tired out but I am amazed at her resilience, she is still going quite strong. I think I have finally seen the "motherhood instinct" up close. And I must admit there is some new found respect for her.

While it has been an extremely great experience for me so far, there have been a bit of frustrations. I know life isn't perfect but sometimes I just wish that it wouldn't have to be frustrating either. I have begun to wonder what is the point of the confinement period. If one has to contend with help one doesn't want. If one has to be "give face" to her mother as it is only for one month. For those who have heard my complaints, you know what I am talking about, for those whom I have not complained to..........bear with my rantings for I am not about to spell it out in full.

But I have some questions for you to ponder over.

1. What is the point of the confinement period? Is it really a time for the new mother to rest & recover from the physical trauma of labour? Or is it a time where the new parents have to suffer in silence from the help rendered by either of their own parents even though the "help" is more trouble than help? I mean with all the "Aiyah, relax la it is only for one month!" I have gotten from most of those who I have complained to, I have begun to think that the true purpose of "confinement" is no longer being served.

2. If the help given is not of any real help at all, should one put a halt to the help or suffer in silence and be appreciative? Suffer in silence and be appreciative?!!! Well the last time I checked, the priority of the confinement period was (and should still be) the new mother! Not the mother of the new mother or (for some of you) the mother-in-law of the new mother. The new mother needs plenty of rest and nutritious food to build up her strength. There is however a fine line between nutritious food and nutritious food that the new mother will eat. What is the point of cooking food that is nutritious but shunned by the new mother? The new mother will not eat it, and the purpose of having nutritious food is thus not served once again. Physical health aside, I think mental health is important too. I mean ask yourself, what is the point of having a person 100% healthy physically but totally nuts? Would a new mother be able to give the new born the love and care needed if she herself is stressed up? I really don't think so. Isn't the first month crucial for the new born too? So shouldn't the new mother be at her mental best so as to take good care of her new born? But at the same time, won't suffering in silence over the unhelpful "help" be affecting the new mother's mental health? Refusing to eat the nutritious food because the "help" stubbornly insists on giving food that the new mother does not eat will also have an adverse effect on the new mother's health too right?

Despite all this, I know that there will still be those who feel that well despite the frustrations that mothers and mother-in-laws can give during the confinement period one should still suffer in silence. Well bear this in mind, if you do feel that way then you do not believe in confinement, so there is no need for your overbearing mother or mother-in-law to be there during that period anyway. Puzzled? Well let me explain. The physical health and mental health of the new mother is important. Thus the confinement period to ensure that the new mother has a speedy recovery from the physical trauma of labour. Therefore, if you believe that you should suffer in silence, then you are not putting the health of the new mother as THE priority. If the health of the new mother is not THE priority, then what is the point of confinement? You might as well start guzzling the beers and chomping on the pizzas!

That said, there has been some positives to the frustrations. I have begun to appreciate my own mother more.

I do apologise for the ranting, I know that this blog is mainly for my lil princess. But the frustrations have reached new peaks. Hey........the mental health of the new father is of importance too! ..

Photo memories of the beginning!

2007-11-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Above: The missus while the epidural was still working and way before she went into what many would call "TRUE LABOR". Trust me, she was not a pretty sight. But hey, no way you would be looking at any photos of her wretched during-labour look. Somehow, common sense told me I shouldn't be embarassing her after what she has been true in labour.

Melody's first scream!

Oh, and the placenta for those who have not seen it before.

For the punters out there, 4D awaits the number!

Now isn't this sweet, though you can't really tell who she looks like at this moment. It better not be me though, she is a girl mind you!

A fatherly and motherly moment. Bear in mind she was not crying in my arms, haha!

Watch this space for more updates!

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With open arms, I welcome my baby girl!

2007-11-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

Finally! After nine months of anxious waiting, our sweet lil girl decided she wanted out of mom's tummy earlier than expected. She was due supposedly on 23 Nov 07, but alas 9 Nov 07 she chose instead.

Now before I continue, pls do not be offended if you did not receive the joyous sms announcing the birth of my daughter. I lost my hp two weeks back and thus do not have many of your phone numbers. Therefore, my sincerest apologies.

Anyway, my usual procastinating self did not prepare in advance for Melody's arrival despite repeated reminders from my wife. I merely assumed that I had plenty of time considering the fact that the 23 Nov was not exactly a day after deepavali. Unfortunately, the missus started to sense something was amiss and told me rather calmly that she had a bad feeling and her delivery bag needed to be packed. Somehow I kinda shared her sentiments and a mad rush began with all the packing, but well my laid back self once again emerged and soon I was lying in bed, not having the slightest sensing of what was to happen in the next few hours.

If I do recall correctly, it was about 1am when the missus began to show obvious signs of labour and stress began to set in. There was to be no sleep.............the missus and i would soon find ourselves bleary eyed (it was 4am!) and watching cartoons in a delivery suite at the good ole KKH! Now it would be totally impossible to describe in writing the delivery process, so to cut an interesting story short, our dear sweet melody pop out into this world at exactly 1222Hrs weighing at 2990grams.

I must say, for a guy like me, holding her was pretty much an overwhelming experience. Totally surreal and as if I was just living a dream instead.

Next up some photos.................................................