Bullying Mami

Emily bullies Meimei.

She cries whenever Meimei tries to carry her and rejects every attempt by Meimei to build bonds with her. Meimei has tried rubbing her, dancing with her etc but nothing seems to work.

The only time Emily stays somewhat subdued is when she is breastfeeding. Other than this single activity she is rejecting all advances from Meimei. She is making her go into minor depression. It is made worst when Emily suddenly stops crying the moment she is being passed to the maid or Mama or even me. It's made Meimei second guess herself, self doubt and self blame for not being 'up to it' to care for Emily.

I hope Emily grows out of it asap. Not sure how long Meimei can take the emotional abuse. I feel so helpless ... there isn't anything i can do other than encourage Meimei and keep reminding her that there is nothing wrong with her, it's just a passing phase for all babies. I can only continue to throw words of encouragement to my deardear ...

Going Into A Routine

They say everything goes into a mess once the baby comes. Funny ... I kinda think things are more in routine.

Yes there are changes around the house. A crib now fills the spot at the centre of the living room. The baby sleeps there during the day when Meimei and maid can keep a watchful eye on her while they go about their day. We have to talk in softer voices whenever she is asleep. We can't go out on a wimp or enjoy a lazy afternoon anymore. Now everything is on baby time.

And thats where the routine comes in, for me at least. I wake up every morning and go check on Emily before I go off to work. Lunch I will come home and carry her awhile to get her fragrant smell on my shirt :) Then its home again in about 4-5 hours. We go for a walk if she is in a good mood, else we play with her till dinner is ready at 8pm. She changes at the same time and the maid tries to pat her to sleep.

Rinse and repeat the same for the past one and half month and its pretty much a set routine for everyone in the family. I read that routine is good for babies. So I suppose we'll try to stick to it. There are times though I wish I can steal Meimei away for a quiet night out for dinner. But it doesn't look like it'll happen anytime soon. She's getting pretty attached to Emily :)

First Month As Papi

It truly does feel different, a quiet surreal sort of feeling. I never imagine I would find someone as loving and caring as Meimei, much less have the blessing to have a child of my own. But here after many months, she has arrived and have been resting in my arms over the past month.

Like all first time dads, words cannot describe the sense of warmth and fulfilment that you are a parent. There is now someone looking up to you without prejudice or judgement ... just plain love and innocent expectation.

It's just the first month but I'm really liking being a dad. There are of course many challenges but all of it dissipates when I see her. I supposed we had it easy the past month with the confinement lady and maid watching over her every night. The real test starts now and I can only hope we can stand the sleepless night and fierce crying. More importantly I hope we are taking care of her right ... 

Full Month Baby Shower

Emily is a full month today! Like our wedding, we wanted it simple and so a small catered buffet at home was the perfect setting to show off our little bundle of joy to family and friends.

To spruce up the occasion, Meimei ordered party balloons to decorate our home. Initially I was reluctant to spend a $100 odd on decorations but in retrospect they were fantastic. The balloons really brought a celebratory feel to our place. And they certainly entertained the kids and even some of the adults.

Beside balloons, Meimei also marked the occasion with the traditional servings of red eggs and ang ku kueh. They were a crowd favourite ... my uncles and aunties were raving about them and even packed some of the kueh home!

Emily was very cooperative too, keeping awake the couple of hours when guest were here. I hope she enjoyed it because Meimei and I are in agreement that this will be only 'birthday' party we'll be throwing for her hahaha.

Tiny Feet

They may be tiny but they pack a punch when she kicks.

Splash Splash

Today's the first time I'm giving Emily a bath ... under the watchful eye of the confinement lady, maid and Meimei of course. She seems to cry more when I bath her, I guess its because I'm still unsure on how to hold her and she can sense my hesitation.

Emily loves the water, she'll quietly let you bath her once she touches the water. I'm looking forward to bathing her more when I get the chance.