A New Chapter Begins
Finally, on Monday March 26th, we moved to Manhattan and out of Queens. It was a crazy day for the family, but I was so relieved that the day had finally arrived. We ended up moving on Monday rather than Thursday March 22nd because according to JK's parents, it was a more auspicious day to move for the family.
After a crazy morning of continuous packing while the movers quickly moved our possesions into their truck, we drove to Manhattan and met up with the movers at our new home. There, we met up with JK's parents and Ethan. Ethan was adorable, as he was dressed in his Chinese New Year red outfit, the traditional round collar neck silk stuffed jacket with buttons going down the middle and matching pants, which now fit him perfectly. He ran all over the apartment despite the mounting boxes and stuff everywhere. It's amazing how he always manage to have fun. Then of course, I am sure he was also excited to see me, his daddy and his sister. But after the movers left, we sent his parents and Ethan off their way so we could start unpacking. There, in my anxious efforts to set up the bed with JK, I fell flat on my face. It's funny. I rarely fall but when I do, it's always fall flat on my face. It's not until a day later that I got a chance to examine the damage - yeah, lots of bruises on my legs. Thank God, my face survived the fall. So JK, poor JK, decided that it's better that he just does everything himself. So I watched with Artimus in my arms . . . telling him what to do first, second and so on. Yes, I was pretty annoying.
The rest of the week, we had Ethan staying at his grandparents so we could unpack and make the home safe for him to return. Again, I couldn't contribute much to the unpacking because Artimus was always hungry or in need of comfort. Artimus' crying was too much for JK so he demanded that I just take care of her. So each day seems like years when I was confined to the bedroom because everywhere else was too dangerous to walk through. Yet, each night JK unpacked until about 2:00 a.m. in the morning. Just when I was boiling over with concerns, JK miraculously cleared out the living room last night . . . or at 3:00 a.m. this morning. I was with him because I succeeded in putting Artimus to sleep and wake up before falling asleep myself. Now, it's just organizing things, which naturally fit into my expertise. JK was amazing in this regard.
It's been hard having a baby and moving at the same time. It has been hard on the family in every way. I don't recommend that anyone to do what we did. Then of course, when we survive this hell, we are better husband, wife and parents.
JW
P.S. Artimus was 8 lbs 1 oz at one month. She is growing but needs more calories so the doctor said do everything to make sure she is getting all that she wants to drink. That was a week ago. I will know whether Artimus overcame her low weigh stage.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Artimus is Growing
... at least from what I can see. Artimus' one month check up is tomorrow and I can't wait to see how much she weighs now. I never fear so much that my baby may not be growing or growing enough. Ethan was always way above average in weight, height and head circumference. My Dad dropped by today. He took a look at Artimus and shook his head. He didn't verbalize his discontent but it was obvious - she still looks the same size. My determination to make breastfeeding work silenced my parents but I know when they are home they kick and scream about poor Artimus being subjected to my blind determination to breastfeeding. Their opinion do matter. I must admit that there were times, like last night, when I wanted to reach out to some formula. Afterall, Ethan turned out okay . . . except he is always sick with ear infections but otherwise he was pretty good. But I persisted despite the fear that she is not demanding enough due to the fact that she is always sleeping so I am not producing as much as I should be for a baby her age. Despite all the uncertainties, I see that she has more fat now. Most of all, she always has a wet diaper and she poops at least three times a day. So how can she not be growing? Hey, all people are different. Some people can suffice on two meals a day and snack all day while others eat like a pig but not be overweight. Babies can survive on different servings of milk too. Well, I will find out whether I can put my fears aside tomorrow.
JW
... at least from what I can see. Artimus' one month check up is tomorrow and I can't wait to see how much she weighs now. I never fear so much that my baby may not be growing or growing enough. Ethan was always way above average in weight, height and head circumference. My Dad dropped by today. He took a look at Artimus and shook his head. He didn't verbalize his discontent but it was obvious - she still looks the same size. My determination to make breastfeeding work silenced my parents but I know when they are home they kick and scream about poor Artimus being subjected to my blind determination to breastfeeding. Their opinion do matter. I must admit that there were times, like last night, when I wanted to reach out to some formula. Afterall, Ethan turned out okay . . . except he is always sick with ear infections but otherwise he was pretty good. But I persisted despite the fear that she is not demanding enough due to the fact that she is always sleeping so I am not producing as much as I should be for a baby her age. Despite all the uncertainties, I see that she has more fat now. Most of all, she always has a wet diaper and she poops at least three times a day. So how can she not be growing? Hey, all people are different. Some people can suffice on two meals a day and snack all day while others eat like a pig but not be overweight. Babies can survive on different servings of milk too. Well, I will find out whether I can put my fears aside tomorrow.
JW
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
A New Chapter?
We are moving to Manhattan next Thursday. I am so excited, I can't wait. Mainly because Ethan is with his grandmother just several blocks from our new home and I haven't seen him for two days. He won't be coming back to Queens because JK went back to work on Monday but there is still a whole apartment to pack for the move. It's exciting and yet I am full of anxiety. There will be so much to unpack so that we can settle in. Meanwhile, I want Ethan back with us as soon as we move out. Hopefully, both Artimus and I would have fought off the cold. She is not running a temperature but that violent cough is waking her from otherwise peaceful sleep.
As I sit in this sun-filled one bedroom apartment, memories of good times in the past five years just kept streaming into my head. From the time JK came to help me and my Dad fix up this apartment, to my first burnt pizza but which JK devoured completely, and the "crab-feast" when I introduced friends to my new home and we all ate too many crabs. Then there were the New Years Eve parties, homemade brunch with a few friends, all-night brief writings (like doing high school papers except much longer), and of course, many late nights spent with Risk fanatics, myself included. Not to mention marrying JK who soon became very much a part of this apartment, and my life. Then the products of our union, Ethan and Artimus, made this apartment even more memorable -- Ethan's first steps, first run and all his laughters, and Artimus' quiet demeanor . . . and her coughs. It's them that got us to throw all our resources together to move to Manhattan. I guess it is time to move on to a bigger space and bigger responsibilities.
I can't wait to move and to start a whole new set of memories in our new home. To the Risk fanatics - get ready for the challenge! And to the mothers and fathers, there will be playdates at our home.
JW
We are moving to Manhattan next Thursday. I am so excited, I can't wait. Mainly because Ethan is with his grandmother just several blocks from our new home and I haven't seen him for two days. He won't be coming back to Queens because JK went back to work on Monday but there is still a whole apartment to pack for the move. It's exciting and yet I am full of anxiety. There will be so much to unpack so that we can settle in. Meanwhile, I want Ethan back with us as soon as we move out. Hopefully, both Artimus and I would have fought off the cold. She is not running a temperature but that violent cough is waking her from otherwise peaceful sleep.
As I sit in this sun-filled one bedroom apartment, memories of good times in the past five years just kept streaming into my head. From the time JK came to help me and my Dad fix up this apartment, to my first burnt pizza but which JK devoured completely, and the "crab-feast" when I introduced friends to my new home and we all ate too many crabs. Then there were the New Years Eve parties, homemade brunch with a few friends, all-night brief writings (like doing high school papers except much longer), and of course, many late nights spent with Risk fanatics, myself included. Not to mention marrying JK who soon became very much a part of this apartment, and my life. Then the products of our union, Ethan and Artimus, made this apartment even more memorable -- Ethan's first steps, first run and all his laughters, and Artimus' quiet demeanor . . . and her coughs. It's them that got us to throw all our resources together to move to Manhattan. I guess it is time to move on to a bigger space and bigger responsibilities.
I can't wait to move and to start a whole new set of memories in our new home. To the Risk fanatics - get ready for the challenge! And to the mothers and fathers, there will be playdates at our home.
JW
Monday, March 12, 2007
She is Running a Temperature
I don't think there is anything worse than watching one's two week old baby cough, congested and runs a temperature - not a high temperature but she is hot. I guess that's what happens when I am sick with a cold and cough. I hope I don't have to take her to the Intensive Care Unit. Life seems so out of control these days.
This weekend, I hit Ethan on the face to show him that it hurts to be hit. This happened after Ethan smacked Artimus' head hard after a few tender touches. That day Ethan had been sternly told not to do that many times, and no words of reasoning seemed to have penitrated his head. The worse thing was right after I hit his face, JK also sternly told him he could not hit his little sister. Ethan stared at the two of us and backed away with his eyes wide open and a look of shock. I must say, it was an aweful sight to see him look that way and naturally back away from us. His happy jolly self disappeared for that moment, replaced with surprise/shock. He definitely meant no harm to Artimus. I just didn't know how to protect Artimus from him besides showing him how hitting hurts. But at that moment, hitting was more of emotional injury than physical injury for Ethan. JK then hugged Ethan to give him reassurance that we just didn't want to see him hit Artimus anymore. Ethan was soon back to his old happy self, coming toward Artimus and "touching" her head again. So that moment quickly came and went. Nonetheless, I wonder if Ethan really forgot that moment when we both used a stern voice at him, and I hit his face. Frankly, it hurts me more to hit him so I don't think I can do it again.
I came to the conclusion that there is no way to take care of both of them in the same space at this time. Although I miss Ethan tremendously when he is not around, I think that is the best thing to do for the next week or so until we finally move to Manhattan - into a bigger apartment. The most beautiful fact about kids is that they hold no grudges. Just show them love and they will return it with all their heart. I guess that's why people never fail to fall in love with them.
Anyway, Artimus got sick from me, after I got sick from Ethan. We are all still sick. I hope our guardian angels show their generosity again.
JW
I don't think there is anything worse than watching one's two week old baby cough, congested and runs a temperature - not a high temperature but she is hot. I guess that's what happens when I am sick with a cold and cough. I hope I don't have to take her to the Intensive Care Unit. Life seems so out of control these days.
This weekend, I hit Ethan on the face to show him that it hurts to be hit. This happened after Ethan smacked Artimus' head hard after a few tender touches. That day Ethan had been sternly told not to do that many times, and no words of reasoning seemed to have penitrated his head. The worse thing was right after I hit his face, JK also sternly told him he could not hit his little sister. Ethan stared at the two of us and backed away with his eyes wide open and a look of shock. I must say, it was an aweful sight to see him look that way and naturally back away from us. His happy jolly self disappeared for that moment, replaced with surprise/shock. He definitely meant no harm to Artimus. I just didn't know how to protect Artimus from him besides showing him how hitting hurts. But at that moment, hitting was more of emotional injury than physical injury for Ethan. JK then hugged Ethan to give him reassurance that we just didn't want to see him hit Artimus anymore. Ethan was soon back to his old happy self, coming toward Artimus and "touching" her head again. So that moment quickly came and went. Nonetheless, I wonder if Ethan really forgot that moment when we both used a stern voice at him, and I hit his face. Frankly, it hurts me more to hit him so I don't think I can do it again.
I came to the conclusion that there is no way to take care of both of them in the same space at this time. Although I miss Ethan tremendously when he is not around, I think that is the best thing to do for the next week or so until we finally move to Manhattan - into a bigger apartment. The most beautiful fact about kids is that they hold no grudges. Just show them love and they will return it with all their heart. I guess that's why people never fail to fall in love with them.
Anyway, Artimus got sick from me, after I got sick from Ethan. We are all still sick. I hope our guardian angels show their generosity again.
JW
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Natural Weight Loss
Just how long does it take to eat a meal when one is nursing and running a one woman show with a newborn? It's amazing how fast I try to do everything around her meal time and naps. I nurse her for as long as 45 minutes to an hour, trying to keep her awake as much as possible. Then put her down while she is still asleep. From there, I have about one hour either to take a shower, cook and eat or just close my eyes for a quick moment. Well, I wanted to eat today because I just don't think I was eating enough. So I heated up the soup, heated up the fried rice, put them in bowls and two bites into it, she screamed. I waited to see if it escalates or just dies down. Noop, no such luck. I picked her up and from there, she wanted to nurse non-stop - as soon as I put her down, she screamed so I again tried to nurse her to sleep hoping to put her down as soon as she was drunk. After three hours, I gave up. Thanks to Francine, I slinged her and finally she remained asleep. At that point, my food was cold and unappetizing. I opted for a glass of milk and yogert straight from the refrigerator. Forget about hot food. No time for that eventhough they were already precooked by my wonderful mother and nicely stored in the fridge. May be when she sleeps longer. then I can really eat a hot meal with no interruptions. Meanwhile, I am looking slimmer each day. Now, it's time to wash the dishes - Ahh, all work and no hot food in the stomach.
JW
Just how long does it take to eat a meal when one is nursing and running a one woman show with a newborn? It's amazing how fast I try to do everything around her meal time and naps. I nurse her for as long as 45 minutes to an hour, trying to keep her awake as much as possible. Then put her down while she is still asleep. From there, I have about one hour either to take a shower, cook and eat or just close my eyes for a quick moment. Well, I wanted to eat today because I just don't think I was eating enough. So I heated up the soup, heated up the fried rice, put them in bowls and two bites into it, she screamed. I waited to see if it escalates or just dies down. Noop, no such luck. I picked her up and from there, she wanted to nurse non-stop - as soon as I put her down, she screamed so I again tried to nurse her to sleep hoping to put her down as soon as she was drunk. After three hours, I gave up. Thanks to Francine, I slinged her and finally she remained asleep. At that point, my food was cold and unappetizing. I opted for a glass of milk and yogert straight from the refrigerator. Forget about hot food. No time for that eventhough they were already precooked by my wonderful mother and nicely stored in the fridge. May be when she sleeps longer. then I can really eat a hot meal with no interruptions. Meanwhile, I am looking slimmer each day. Now, it's time to wash the dishes - Ahh, all work and no hot food in the stomach.
JW
Natural Weight Loss
Just how long does it take to eat a meal when one is nursing and running a one woman show with a newborn? It's amazing how fast I try to do everything around her meal time and naps. I nurse her for as long as 45 minutes to an hour, trying to keep her awake as much as possible. Then put her down while she is still asleep. From there, I have about one hour either to take a shower, cook and eat or just close my eyes for a quick moment. Well, I wanted to eat today because I just don't think I was eating enough. So I heated up the soup, heated up the fried rice, put them in bowls and two bites into it, she screamed. I waited to see if it escalates or just dies down. Noop, no such luck. I picked her up and from there, she wanted to nurse non-stop - as soon as I put her down, she screamed so I again tried to nurse her to sleep hoping to put her down as soon as she was drunk. After three hours, I gave up. Thanks to Francine, I slinged her and finally she remained asleep. At that point, my food was cold and unappetizing. I opted for a glass of milk and yogert straight from the refrigerator. Forget about hot food. No time for that eventhough they were already precooked by my wonderful mother and nicely stored in the fridge. May be when she sleeps longer. then I can really eat a hot meal with no interruptions. Meanwhile, I am looking slimmer each day. Now, it's time to wash the dishes - Ahh, all work and no hot food in the stomach.
JW
Just how long does it take to eat a meal when one is nursing and running a one woman show with a newborn? It's amazing how fast I try to do everything around her meal time and naps. I nurse her for as long as 45 minutes to an hour, trying to keep her awake as much as possible. Then put her down while she is still asleep. From there, I have about one hour either to take a shower, cook and eat or just close my eyes for a quick moment. Well, I wanted to eat today because I just don't think I was eating enough. So I heated up the soup, heated up the fried rice, put them in bowls and two bites into it, she screamed. I waited to see if it escalates or just dies down. Noop, no such luck. I picked her up and from there, she wanted to nurse non-stop - as soon as I put her down, she screamed so I again tried to nurse her to sleep hoping to put her down as soon as she was drunk. After three hours, I gave up. Thanks to Francine, I slinged her and finally she remained asleep. At that point, my food was cold and unappetizing. I opted for a glass of milk and yogert straight from the refrigerator. Forget about hot food. No time for that eventhough they were already precooked by my wonderful mother and nicely stored in the fridge. May be when she sleeps longer. then I can really eat a hot meal with no interruptions. Meanwhile, I am looking slimmer each day. Now, it's time to wash the dishes - Ahh, all work and no hot food in the stomach.
JW
Sunday, March 04, 2007
My Birthday Wish
My birthday has not been so emotionally charged for a long time. Both my little darlings were due to see their pediatrician. Ethan, who was with his grandma since Artimus was born on February 20th, was sick but the grandma was probably too tired to take notice until Ethan was terribly irritated and ate nothing. JK flew out to pick Ethan up after hearing that he "sometimes" had 101 temperature. Artimus was due back for a weigh check. So off we went in the early morning but we were late because daddy thought Ethan was sound asleep and did not want to wake him. Mommy always has to do the dirty job. A poor judgment never go unpunished. We waited almost three hours before the kids were seen because there were a lot of sick kids that morning who came in without an appointment. Just imagine me trying to keep my newborn away from all the coughers and sneezers, and Ethan who could not keep himself away from Artimus -- I think my eyes were shooting fire at JK the whole time.
Anyway, so Ethan and Artimus were seen in the same room, with both screaming for their lives as they were stripped down to their diapers. Ethan has ear infection in both ears and a sore throat. His temperature was 103, which upset me because I had insisted that JK gives him motrin, not tylanol but JK was concerned about stomach pain for Ethan. Artimus has not regained her birth weight after 10 days and the doctor is very concerned about the breastfeeding. But she is alert so it's a matter of correcting whatever I was doing wrong. We were scheduled to be back for both kids to have a follow up.
With Ethan running high temperature, coughing and sneezing, we decided to watch over him ourselves. Afterall, Ethan is our responsibility. The challenge was keeping him away from Artimus and me. Keeping him away from me was a bit brutal so I succumbed. He really wanted mommy's hugs and kisses when he was in so much pain. Well, to my detriment, I have a slight sore throat and cold now.
I did not remember me on my birthday, just my children, hoping that Ethan will be his cheerful & playful self soon, and that Artimus gain back her birth weight by two weeks of life, and don't get sick from Ethan. There is really no medication for newborns.
I learned in recent days that parenthood is full of heartaches. Healthy children is not to be taken for granted. So this birthday, I wished my precious little ones are healthy and grows stronger each day.
JW
P.S. Talking to my mother actually made me feel better, now that we have parenthood experiences in common.
My birthday has not been so emotionally charged for a long time. Both my little darlings were due to see their pediatrician. Ethan, who was with his grandma since Artimus was born on February 20th, was sick but the grandma was probably too tired to take notice until Ethan was terribly irritated and ate nothing. JK flew out to pick Ethan up after hearing that he "sometimes" had 101 temperature. Artimus was due back for a weigh check. So off we went in the early morning but we were late because daddy thought Ethan was sound asleep and did not want to wake him. Mommy always has to do the dirty job. A poor judgment never go unpunished. We waited almost three hours before the kids were seen because there were a lot of sick kids that morning who came in without an appointment. Just imagine me trying to keep my newborn away from all the coughers and sneezers, and Ethan who could not keep himself away from Artimus -- I think my eyes were shooting fire at JK the whole time.
Anyway, so Ethan and Artimus were seen in the same room, with both screaming for their lives as they were stripped down to their diapers. Ethan has ear infection in both ears and a sore throat. His temperature was 103, which upset me because I had insisted that JK gives him motrin, not tylanol but JK was concerned about stomach pain for Ethan. Artimus has not regained her birth weight after 10 days and the doctor is very concerned about the breastfeeding. But she is alert so it's a matter of correcting whatever I was doing wrong. We were scheduled to be back for both kids to have a follow up.
With Ethan running high temperature, coughing and sneezing, we decided to watch over him ourselves. Afterall, Ethan is our responsibility. The challenge was keeping him away from Artimus and me. Keeping him away from me was a bit brutal so I succumbed. He really wanted mommy's hugs and kisses when he was in so much pain. Well, to my detriment, I have a slight sore throat and cold now.
I did not remember me on my birthday, just my children, hoping that Ethan will be his cheerful & playful self soon, and that Artimus gain back her birth weight by two weeks of life, and don't get sick from Ethan. There is really no medication for newborns.
I learned in recent days that parenthood is full of heartaches. Healthy children is not to be taken for granted. So this birthday, I wished my precious little ones are healthy and grows stronger each day.
JW
P.S. Talking to my mother actually made me feel better, now that we have parenthood experiences in common.
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