Cough cough sniffle sniffle

It's so sad..both me and Yvesander are sick. We've been fighting it for about 5 days now and doesn't seem to be getting better. For me, it seems to be improving considering the amount of honey and lime/lemon juice that I've been taking. But for Yvesander, no such luck. Though he's still nursing and I'm nursing him quite frequently, doesn't look like he's improving.

His cough has gotten worse, and I feel so bad for him when he coughs. It sounds like one of those hacking coughs with phlegm stuck in the throat. He's trying to get it out, but no such luck. Adding to this, his nose is so leaky. Had to irrigate it and he wasn't happy. At least he's breathing a bit easier now but still kind of sucks.

I'm hoping that he'll get well soon since we have to travel internationally really soon. Don't want him to be miserable on the plane as there won't be much that I can do there. I did take him to see the doctor today but there's not much they can do either. Apparently there's no cough or cold medicine in the market for babies his age. So all I can do is just try to nurse him and make him feel comfortable. Nursing helps a lot since I'm also giving him extra antibodies to fight this bug. So that's good news. From the sounds of it, he needs as much as he can get from me.

Good news from the doctor is that he's gained some weight. He's above 20 pounds right now, which is not a surprise given how much I've been feeding him. However, he's still stuck in the 25th percentile. Though he has lost some weight since he got sick. His appetite has not been as robust lately. So hopefully he'll recover his weight once he gets well.

Going on to 10 months..

As I sit here on the futon, with the laptop on my lap and the tv on, I am enjoying the peace and quiet after a full day of entertainment with Yvesander. He has grown sooo much since he came out in February. Such a bundle of energy and totally curious about his environment. Plus he's finally interested in the toys I bought him..YAY~!!

He just turned 10 months a few days ago and it is such an enjoyment to see him blossom. There were times that I was very frustrated with him and want to throw my hands up in the air, and bemoan my decision on having a baby. Other times, looking at him with his cute smile (especially when he's looking at me), it makes it all worth it. So let's hope I keep that sentiment in mind when he's older and starting to test my nerves.

He's now eating more solids and crawling actively. He's started to stand and is now trying to do it without support. He can only do it for a few seconds at a time, but that's ok. He also particularly likes using mommy's and daddy's legs to pull himself up, especially when he wants to be carried or be brought up to the computer. I believe that he can now understand what we are trying to say since he would literally chase after me when I say "nen nen", which means milk in Chinese.

He's also more chatty now, though still no "ma-ma" or "ba-ba". I think he's trying to form words but can't get there yet. I'm not too worried. I'm letting him develop at his own pace, rather than forcing him. I am trying to teach him some signing but he's not too interested in the DVD. He would rather turn the tv on and off, instead of watching it. But we do try to teach him some, especially the cues for milk and food. He recognizes it but have no idea how to form the signs with his hands. I see him waving his hands or moving his wrists, but I'm not sure if he's making the signs or just figuring out what he can do with his hands.

He likes getting his diaper changed, and would squeal in delight when I carry him to the bathroom. He's such a water baby. When daddy carries him, he would literally kick his legs in joy and daddy would need to hold him tight else he would drop out of daddy's arms. Since Yvesander can stand now, I would prop him up and tell him to hold the ledge of the tub as I clean him with the shower. It's not possible for me to carry him and the shower hose at the same time since he's about 20 pounds right now. Such a big boy :) And to think, the doctor was worried about his weight during the 9 months visit.

In a few weeks time, I would be heading home to Asia to visit my family for the English and Chinese New Year. I can't wait though I feel a bit bittersweet as hubby won't be able to join us till February. I feel that hubby will miss out on Yvesander's development when he's in Asia. I know that Yvesander will grow up a lot, especially with all the stimulation and distraction that my family will provide. I know that Gong-gong and Po-po will dote and spoil him constantly, while his Xiao Yi-yi and Ah Gu will be vying for his attention with the laptop. Just thinking about it makes me smile, though I feel sad that daddy can't be there to participate.

Never fear, I will try to take as many photos and videos and upload for daddy to see. That's partly why I have a netbook now. This way, I can talk to hubby everyday via laptop and so that he can see Yvesander through the webcam. Hopefully the Internet connection will be good enough to support this.

Now I need to stop and go to sleep since tomorrow will be another day of handling my bundle of energy. My mom saw him today via the webcam and wonders how I ever get anything done with him wiggling all over the place. Truth is, I wait till he's asleep or when daddy gets home :D Daddy's so good at distracting Yvesander :)

First snow day~!!

Today was Yvesander's first snow day. It started snowing heavily last night and continued till early this morning. When it stopped, there was about 8 inches on the ground. Hubby didn't go back to bed after Yvesander woke up for his morning milk at 7am. He decided that he might as well go out and clear the snow from the car and part of the driveway. I wanted to go back to sleep but Yvesander had other plans: poop.

Anyway, woke up, changed him and made hubby his breakfast. After we both ate, we decided to put Yvesander into a snowsuit that I got from my earlier baby shopping. It was a teeny bit snug as it was meant for a 9 month baby. Yvesander is now 10 months. How fast he's grown.

So once he was suited up and put on the wool beanie that I crocheted, out we went for a photo op. It was cold, so we had to make it fast. I plopped him on the snow, and hubby snapped the photos. Since he kind of fell back, I decided to lie him down and moved his limbs to make a little snow angel. Then we decided to call it a day and went back in. I think the whole thing took less than 10 minutes. Even though he was bundled up real well, we didn't want to take a risk.

We basically spent the rest of the day at home. It was cold and windy, perfect day for staying home. We were supposed to head to PA to grab some organic lamb but decided against it since the snowstorm hit the entire East Coast. We didn't want to get caught in traffic, or risk it on the roads in case they have not cleared it. I'll probably make arrangements to pick it up the following week, on the condition that the weather holds up.

8 month update

Yvesander will be turning 9 months in about 2 weeks time. I do have to say time has passed by quite fast. Must be due to all those sleepless nights that we've been getting. We're still being woken up twice a night for his nightly feedings. I wish that it would stop but it seems like a pretty common occurrence for breast-fed babies. But I was hoping that since I'm starting him on solids, it would get better too. Sadly, not the case.

Baby has advanced by leaps since my last entry. He can now crawl very easily and constantly getting himself into trouble. As with all babies, he goes straight for the DVD player and the cable box. He aims for the cable box due to the flashing lights that indicates that the internet and power is on and active. Plus there a yellow cable attached to the cable box that he likes as well. Loves to take it and put it in his mouth. Must be because it's a striking colour. Either way, I cannot take my eyes off him now.

He can also stand now, but with our assistance. He would crawl to me when I'm sitting by my computer, pull at my pant legs and try to get himself up. Or he'll make lots of noise so that we pay attention to him and he'll pull himself up once we give him our hands. I would usually put my hands down by his level and tell him to give me his hands in Mandarin. He would put his hands in mine, grip my fingers and try to pull himself up. Usually he's pretty successful, unless he's wearing socks. We also witnessed him being able to pull himself up in his crib, so daddy had to lower the crib, in case Yvesander decides to launch himself out like Superman.

His new thing these days is blowing raspberry. Apparently he's a bit late in that development since the book says that babies can do it in their 6th or 7th month. Perhaps Yvesander wasn't all that interested until his grandma and 2 great-aunts came to visit. Yup, my in-laws came and stayed with us for about 1 week before heading off to Chicago for my SIL's wedding. Yvesander got a lot of stimulation during those 2 weeks, which probably caused his recent advancement. Plus he got to sit in the plane for the first time. It also served as our gauge on how he'll behave during the long flight home to Malaysia in January. All I have to say is I'd better be prepared for lack of sleep during the entire flight...haih

He also went for his first Halloween party yesterday (1st November), dressed as a little skeleton with a cap that said "Bad to the bone". It was hosted by a mom that I met during the new mom's group at the hospital. It was a potluck and so we brought carrot cupcakes and buffalo wings. We were about 1 hour late since Yvesander needed to nap. He napped for about 2 hours, which was a surprise. Needless to say when we got there, the party was winding down and the babies were starting to melt-down for their afternoon nap. It wasn't a complete loss since Yvesander had a chance to interact with other babies and get praised at..hahahha.. everyone kept on saying how cute he was. Talk about proud parents..HAHAHAHAHA..

As for his progress on solid foods, I'm still a bit slow in introducing new foods to him though he did get a chance to eat quite a variety during my in-laws' visit. We were out quite a bit and he got a chance to eat at whatever we got (as long as it wasn't salty or sweet). He kept on eyeing the food and he would do his little variation of licking lips (though with a bit more drool). Since I'm back home now, I can make him more stuff. Trying to introduce him fruits and veggies from the different plant families. Sometimes I just feed him from my bowl. A bit easier though the rice is probably a bit hard for him to digest. But that's ok, just going to let him have a taste so he won't be too picky in the future. The only thing I'm having trouble giving him is cheese. He doesn't like the smell..he would actually shy away from the spoon and scrunch up his face. It's really funny to see :D

Anyway, taking things slowly now. I'm in no particular rush to make him grow up fast. I believe he'll progress at his own pace, but perhaps with some help from us. Still trying to read to him. Can't get him to sit down long enough for me to finish a book. That kid is either trying to crawl away or intent on snatching the book away from me. Naughty naughty, but such a joy to see and hug (except for those frustrating moments when we are trying to get him to sleep or behave himself)

Yvesander's first tooth

It's official: Yvesander's first tooth finally broke through. How did I find out? I put my finger into his mouth and started rubbing his lower gums. Lo and behold, I felt something hard and nubby. Rubbed it a few more times just to confirm, and it's really his tooth.

We've been seeing signs of it for a few weeks now. Grey areas on his lower gums, plus all the extra drooling and chewing that he's been doing. We were just waiting for it to happen, and it finally did. I suspect his second tooth will come in pretty soon since the grey areas are next to each other. Probably have to be more careful during nursing now since he might decide to test out his new tooth on me..Just the thought of it is making me go ouch. I read some horror stories online, so I'd better be careful.

He's getting really big now. Big, mobile and vocal. Very very vocal when it comes to feeding. Big as in a very heavy boy as compared to other babies his own age. Mobile as in moving all over his play area. He's moving backwards now, haven't learnt to move forward yet. He can do a 180 on his belly, and can move off his play mat. Hubby even took a picture of him under the futon. Yup, he managed to scoot himself under the futon. How he did it, we can only imagine but he'll be a bundle of trouble once he's officially mobile. I guess I better enjoy the peaceful time now.