My reflux baby

Despite his reflux, my Bryant is a smiley baby. I have so many pictures of him smiling, unlike his koko.

He was diagnosed with reflux when he was just 6 weeks old. No tests was done. It was mainly based on my "reports and observations" that the doctor made the diagnosis. Here are the symptoms that made me quite certain that my B was suffering from reflux, even before I stepped into the doctor's clinic. Of course I had already consulted with my faithful old friend - the internet!!

- hiccups long after feeds
- constant hiccups
- milk dribbling out from mouth and spit-ups. No vomitting though
- wanting to constantly suckle but would fuss and cry at the breast as he only wanted comfort. Not milk.
- arching his back every now and then
- difficulty sleeping, only catnapping during the day. Even when carried, he still catnaps.
- occassional sudden cry, as if in pain

The doctor put him on medication, Losec Omeprazole and Motilium. I was asked to observe B and report back to the doctor regarding any change in his condition. From there, the doctor would be able to confirm his diagnosis.

After two weeks on medication, B improved. So now, he is on medication everyday, till we visit the doctor again in a month's time. In the meantime, I also bring him to the chiropractor every week, when possible. At 3.5 months, his condition seemed to have improved and I hope that he will get well completely and would not need any more medication. Dear God, please bless my B with good health and heal him of his reflux completely. Amen.

Final year at Leap

This year marks Joshie's 2nd and final year at Leapschoolhouse. As usual, there was a change of teachers at the beginning of the year and my boy was a tad upset. However, after a couple of weeks at school, he adjusted to the change and loves his current two teachers. 

Just before Chinese New Year, the school organized an outing to Chinatown. The purpose of the trip was to introduce the children to the Chinese culture and the various preparations involved to usher in the new year. 

Here are a few pictures of the outing. 

The kids in front of the lucky tree, together with their English and Chinese teacher.

Visited several shops such as the traditional art shop (above) and one that sells the traditional blossoms available only during Chinese New Year (below).

The kids were really tired at the end of the outing. The teachers informed us that the kiddos enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

Brotherly love

So how did Joshua react to Bryant?

I'll let these two photos do the talking =)

Joshie loves his little brother, or more affectionately known as "didi" (little brother in Mandarin). He'd always shower Bryant with hugs and kisses. I had a hard time telling him not to kiss his brother when he was down with fever and flu. 

Of course he had his moments of insecurity. And there was also a lot of whining when mummy can't do certain things for him anymore. I've had to deal with him screaming in the bathroom just because he doesn't want our helper to bathe him. But overall he's coping well. The hubs and I are very proud of him. It's so heartwarming that he loves his brother dearly. 

The birth of Bryant

Our first son, Joshua came at 39 weeks. Therefore for my second pregnancy, doctor advised that the baby could be one week early as well. So in full anticipation, I looked out for signs of labour as soon as I passed 38 weeks. Waited, waited and waited but there was nothing. During my 39th week check-up, doctor did an internal check and pronounced that I was only 1cm dilated. Disappointed I was, and she then asked if I want to be induced by 40 weeks or go overdue. Since the hubby had to fly to Hong Kong for business a week after I hit 40 weeks, we agreed to induce if baby still doesn't want to come out.

The day before I was supposed to be admitted, I felt downward pressure off and on but it did not progress to anything. It just went off and on with no regular interval. I was calm since my MIL was already at our place to care for Joshua and the hospital was a mere 10 minutes away. So we waited till 11pm and went to TMC to be admitted for induction. The nurse inserted a tablet slightly past midnight to dilate my cervix further.

I could hardly sleep as the tablet seemed to have created a stingy feeling down under. The downward pressure that I had been feeling all day seemed to get more intense too. After 5am, this was accompanied by pain and therefore, I called the nurse to tell her that I think it's time. Into the labour ward I went at 6am. I was 4cm dilated. Bravely, I told the nurses that I did not want an epidural, just like my first labour.

The pain was still bearable until doctor came and burst my water bag at around 7:30am. I was 5-6cm dilated then. The pain got worse and I distracted myself with my iPhone. Even managed to call home and talk to my Joshie. Around 8am, the hubs told me he was hungry and was going down to Delifrance to get himself some breakfast. "Breakfast???? You are hungry and I am not? And you just had a cup of Milo not too long ago!!" But my dearest hubby just ignored me and went off, telling me that he would make it real quick.

Not too long after, the pain was really really bad and I felt as though baby was coming out even though I was not pushing. Pushed the button and the nurses came running in. Told them that I think baby was coming out and she did an internal check, telling me it's only 7cm. "What? Only 7cm. Gosh, I do regret not taking epidural now." I was given the gas and taught how to use it. By then the hubby had come out and he started taking pics!!! I glared at him and scolded him. After that, everything seemed to be in a frenzy. The pain was so so so intense. All I could remember was hubby's face right over mine telling me to calm down and the nurses saying "don't push, you will tear". And then finally the doctor told me to give a good push. After 2-3 pushes, my little B came out, at 8:40am =)

At 3.23kg, he is lighter than his brother who was 3.37kg at birth. I really thank God for the smooth and fast delivery =) Much better than my first labour =)

Our 2nd baby

Baby Bryant born on 9 January 2012 at 8:40am.

Weight: 3.23kg

Length: 50cm

Head circumference: 33cm

Koko with Bryant