New Year's Eve

Since we were up till 3am playing Scattergories, and thank goodness that Maddi is such a good sleeper, we spent the first half of the day sleeping in. No one is a bigger sleep hog than Nina tho... she didn't wake up until after noon! We spent the next few hours just lounging around, chatting. I was in my pj's all day. Maddi continued to be fussier than normal and wouldn't nap for longer than half an hour each time. By about 6pm, I headed for the shower, then we started getting our stuff ready to go to the New Year's Eve party at Nat & J's.

When we got to Nat & J's, we claimed a bedroom and set up our stuff. If it's anything like last year, we'll be spending most of tomorrow at their place, too!

Finally, Maddi napped for about 47 minutes, but not quite an hour. I sure hope she'll still sleep well tonight!

There was giant Jenga, and those that can drink (everyone else but me) were playing a drinking game with it - involving tequila shots. This should be interesting!

Since Maddi usually doesn't sleep until 11.30pm, she'll most likely stay up to ring in the new year.

Maddi's First Sleepover

Today was a stay-at-home day... until at night. Our friends Mark and Gabby who moved to Toronto in the Summer were back in town for a visit and arranged for a dinner out with all those that played in their ultimate team many years ago.

The evening started at Anne & Henry's for a photo slideshow that Crissy put together as well as some pre-dinner drinks - for those of us that are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. Then, we walked to Banana Leaf for dinner.

Maddi was really good at Anne & Henry's, but was pretty fussy at the restaurant. Not really sure why; at one point I thought she might have had gas pains so I helped her do some baby exercises and rubbed her belly; then I thought she wanted to feed, but I tried to feed her at three separate occasions and she wouldn't eat. Maybe she was also over-stimulated.

After dinner, we drove out to my cousin's place out in Surrey - we're sleeping over (Maddi's first) so that we'd have most of tomorrow to spend with my cousin and his family. When we got there, Maddi finally ate, then I put her to bed. This was her corner of the bed.

After she went to bed, we played board games like we usually do whenever we stay over. I love it. It's been too long, glad to finally be spending some time with them!

Maddi Got Her 2-Month Shot

Today, we had appointments with Dr. Wenner. I have my postpartum check-up and Maddi had her 2-month check-up and immunization. She is now 10lbs 7oz!

She was such a trooper, didn't cry much at all. Or maybe, she just finds her mama so comforting because she calmed right down when I hugged her after she was administered the shot. =) She still doesn't like getting strapped in her car seat though, so she was crying as we left the doctor's office.

Throughout the day however, she would just wail out of the blue every once in a while... although she'd calm down in no time. Perhaps the spot where she took the shot is sore.

Meeting Jamie

After seeing photos of Jamie on Facebook for several months... we finally got a chance to meet him in person! So awesome to have the opportunity to see Tanya, Uli & Jamie while they are in town visiting from the UK for the holidays.

The day started with dim sum. However, since it was wet out, it wasn't the best day to be walking around. So, we ended up hanging out at Anne & Henry's. Of course, Uli and Tanya stopped by Caffe Artigiano for coffee on the way.

Jamie is getting so big, he was crawling everywhere... and oh so close to walking!

Thanks for the visit, safe travels back to the UK!

Stylin' Babe

On Christmas Day, I did Maddi's laundry as soon as we finished opening presents so she can start wearing all of the cute stuff she got. Today, she wore the cute cord pants from Old Navy & cardigan from Mexx that Santa brought her. She also had the camel pea coat from Old Navy on when we headed out.

Other than a short walk, today was a stay-at-home kind of day... which is nice after a busy last couple of days. I took the opportunity to get caught up on posting to my blog and posting photos to FB.

Boxing Day With The Adlers

No, we didn't go Boxing Day shopping. We went out to see Annie & Des and finally meet baby Bryan, while they were in town to spend the holidays with family. Annie hired me to take their family portraits while they had everybody in her family together.

It was a bit nerve-racking because I haven't done a shoot for a while, and I'm using my portable studio set up for the first time. After looking at the shots I got when I got home, I think I did pretty good despite the challenge of photographing three kids together and getting them to all be happy at the same time.

With so much going on, I totally forgot to take a photo of Annie, Des & Bryan with Maddi - sooo mad! That would've been my photo for the day! I didn't realize it until we were halfway home... was tempted to turn around and get that photo since we'd probably have to wait years for another opportunity. I know that's a bit of an obsessive compulsive thing to do... and Sean wouldn't go for it, so I put up a photo of their new family instead for my photo of the day.

Merry Christmas

Maddi let out a big fart before waking up this morning, then smiled at me. Merry Christmas!

Sean, Maddi and I slept in today. Then we got up to open our stocking presents. It was a great family tradition we're starting... our first Christmas together.

Around 12.30~1pm, Sean's mom and sister came to join us and we opened presents together. And boy, were there presents! Maddi has definitely been a very good girl!

It was a big pile of wrapping paper and bows by the time we were done. I was one of those that cleaned up this Christmas... thanks to the hubby for the waterproof winter coat and boots! Now I can be dry and warm when I walk around this rainy city of ours while pushing Maddi in her stroller.

By the time we were done with opening presents, it was time to get ready to go and meet the rest of the family for Christmas dinner. This year, we did something different. We had Christmas dinner at a hotel restaurant. And I can't believe how many people go out for Christmas dinner!

Thanks for coming up from Washington, Auntie Kathy and Uncle Tom! It was great to see you!

Milk And Cookies For Santa

As promised to my mom... today, Maddi and I paid a visit to the Catholic church near our house. I went to church for my mom, but I gained more than I expected from that visit. I have not been a church person for many years, but it was nice to find such peace in the midst of the busy-ness that the holiday season brings. The church might get a few visits from me next year. =)

I ended up staying longer than I expected, counting all my blessings, being grateful and laying the next year with all the wonderful possibilities it brings before God, asking him to bless our new family and those we love... and yes, I prayed for world peace.

We did some very last minute Christmas shopping, then we went to Julie's place for Christmas eve snacks and a turkey dinner. After dinner, we transferred to our place and this is Maddi just before bedtime. I had this shot in my head for over a week now, and knew I wanted it for my Christmas eve post. Maddi obliged, for a few minutes... and mama is very thankful to be able to have this shot.

Kisses From Da-Da

Other than some more down-to-the-wire Christmas shopping, today was a quiet day.

I haven't posted a photo of Maddi with Sean lately, so I thought it would be good to post one today.

This is Maddi in her sleep sack, looking so very loved as she receives kisses from da-da... And Sean looking like he's enjoying parenthood.

Meeting Leanne

Today, we fought horrible traffic getting to North Vancouver so we could pick up the Christmas cards from Shutterfly that we got shipped to Leanne's house in Washington. So horrible that we ended up turning around on Georgia and going over the Iron Workers Memorial bridge instead.

We got to the office and Maddi finally met Leanne. Maddi had some trouble with gas so this was the only way Leanne could hold her without her making a fuss. It's one of her happy places when she has gas.

Thanks so much for bringing our Christmas cards up... we very much appreciated it! Now, we can give some of our Christmas cards out before Christmas! For those whom we have to mail out to... sorry, but you won't be getting your Christmas cards from us until the new year. Hopefully, we'll do better next year - no promises! =P

Btw, today is my parents' anniversary - happy anniversary mama & papa!

Pink Fuzzy Bear

Started today with an adjustment from Dr. Sukhi, then stopped by the Park Royal mall to pick up a pair of pants I left to be hemmed a long time ago and almost forgot about at Lululemon. Motherhood is right next door, so of course I strolled in for a quick look. A quick look turned into an hour, and included a feed and a change for Maddi. I love how they have a big bathroom right in the store and they let you breastfeed in their fitting rooms!

Later that night, Sean and I walked up to Anne and Henry's. I wanted to see how Maddi would do in the Moby while we're out and about since I've only used it at home and any time I've had her in there, she was sleeping. We took the stroller with us, just in case she didn't do well in the Moby while in transit.

Anne made dinner, salad and pasta with seafood cream sauce - so yummy! Thanks, Anne! Maddi is loved by her Auntie Anne and Uncle Henry... I always enjoy watching Henry play with Maddi - so cute. =)

Since Maddi did so well on the walk to Anne & Henry's, we decided to walk home with her in the Moby as well. In this photo is Maddi and I all suited up to make the 20 minute trek home.

Moroccan Charm

Today, Maddi and I made the trek over the Lion's Gate Bridge to join the Finance department at Peak for a Christmas lunch. Thanks Harvey for making your fabulous cous cous and thanks Gil for bringing fresh nutmeg for the eggnog. What a treat! After some eats and a fun gift exchange game, we were off to Metrotown mall to meet my friend Sue.

It's getting down to the wire with Christmas shopping! I have said that I wouldn't go overboard with buying Christmas presents for Maddi this year since she's so little she doesn't really need or appreciate toys or clothes yet. In fact, she wouldn't appreciate anything more than the milk from my boob at the moment. I decided that I wanted to get her a special present this year as it's her first Christmas - maybe a locket on a chain or an activity mat which she'll use for a while, but not clothes which she'll grow out of in a blink of an eye.

Walking into Old Navy, however, made it difficult to stick to my initial thought since the clothes are just so darn cute and at such a good bargain! Can't really pass up a $20 pea coat or a $6 pair of baby jeans, can you?! And as if I needed more temptation, Mexx Kids had a 50% off everything in the store sale. God, help me!

Maddi and I continued to shop hours after Sue had left. Later that afternoon, Sean texted me to say he was coming home late. Turns out, he also went to Metrotown mall after work to meet a friend and do some Christmas shopping. We decided to meet up for dinner, then went our separate ways again to finish Christmas shopping.

While at the mall, I had to visit the parent room three times to feed Maddi. During one of those times, I had the misfortune of being stuck in an armchair with a hungry Maddi on my boob while being suffocated by the stench that's coming from a toddler getting her dirty diaper changed just a few feet away.

This photo is of one of the stores in the mall. Most of my photos since Maddi was born has been of her. It is a nice change to post something that is not Maddi, but catches my attention and inspires my creativity.

Hello, Arm!

 

In the last week, Maddi has started to discover her arms and hands. She's started to swipe at Mr. Owly hanging from her car seat and Pooh from her chair. She's also started to suck on her fingers. This brought me to my most recent dilemma - do I let her keep sucking on her fingers or introduce the pacifier.

It's a hard choice to make, each comes with their own pros and cons.

If we let her keep sucking her fingers, at the worst extreme she could keep sucking her fingers into her adulthood (yes, someone has told me they know someone who still does whenever they're stressed!), she could suck her fingers so much that they become raw and calloused. On the upside, when she feels the need to suck, her fingers are always available. Also, she would only suck when she feels the need to suck.

If we introduce a pacifier, we have more control over when she stops sucking. On the downside, introducing a pacifier might make her suck more than she would without it... just because it's in her mouth. And if she relies on it to soothe, I would have to get up in the middle of the night to put the pacifier back in her mouth whenever she loses it.

At this point, we don't know how much she'll feel the need to suck. She is swaddled every night when she goes to bed, so no sucking overnight. Throughout the day, she doesn't suck that much either.

I am a planner, I like being able to anticipate scenarios that may arise in the near future. I like having ample time to thoroughly consider my options instead of making a quick decision when the time comes. I do know this is not always possible.

Happy Birthday, Greta!

Today's party is for Greta's first birthday. I can't believe she's already one!

We were the first guests, which is quite an accomplishment with a baby. but it's because we thought the party was half an hour before it really was! We did try really hard to be on time for when we thought it would be. Getting there early actually worked out perfectly, since Maddi needed to feed.

This was our first kids party with Maddi. The house was nice and quiet when we first arrived. Greta just woke up from her nap, and Maddi was feeding. In about 20 minutes or so... the house very quickly transformed into a busy place with kids. There must've been upto 15 kids in their living room at one point.

In this photo, Greta is giving Maddi a hug. So cute... Happy Birthday, Greta!

Meeting Grauntie Heidi

Today, we got another visit from Uncle Bob (Gruncle to Maddi) and he brought with him... Maddi's Grauntie Heidi! They came right during her nap time, so here is Auntie Heidi holding a sleeping Maddi.

Uncle Bob and Auntie Heidi came with a fun Christmas present for Maddi - everything she needs to dress festive for the holiday season! She got a gingerbread bodysuit, bib, receiving blanket and a headband with a bow on it. She'll have to be wearing these right away and as much as possible to get as much use out of them!

They also brought food for Sean and I - soooo appreciated, thanks!

After Uncle Bob & Auntie Heidi left, we had a couple of hours to run a couple of errands before party number 2 for the weekend - Amy's birthday dinner! It was a bit tricky breastfeeding, and the music in the restaurant was a bit loud - almost as loud as being in a club... but Maddi did really well, without fussing much... although you can tell she was a bit over-stimulated. She was a lot better once we transferred the party to Amy & Ryan's place for dessert.

So far, so good. Two parties down, one more to go tomorrow, and Maddi has done great at both that we've been to so far. We'll see how she'll fare tomorrow.

Born To Party!

With the busy-ness of the holiday season, this weekend is pretty crazy for us. We had four party invites, and this is the first of them... and also Maddi's first.

There were two parties to choose from tonight - Ross' and Nat & J's. We decided to go to Ross' since we'll be seeing Nat and J at Amy's birthday dinner tomorrow and we'll also be going to their NYE party.

We saw on the invitation that babies were welcome, and also saw among those that will be there are our friend Thompson and Ross' brother Walt. Both of them have a child, so we thought it would be great to see them.

When we got to Ross' apartment, we walked in with a huge stroller to a pumpin' party with a lot of younger people, loud music, booze. Then I spot Thompson and Walt. They were there alone, babies were at home with mom. I turned to Sean and said, "Uh-oh, did we pick the wrong party to go to?" We thought we'd stay and see how Maddi does. She did awesome! She was a big hit at the party, drawing all kinds of attention, people wanted to hold her and see her. The music didn't seem to bother her, and she still went to sleep within her bed time at 11.30, so we decided to stay longer. But when she woke up an hour after she fell asleep, I told Sean that we have to go home. Even so, we stayed till 1am. Pretty good with a newborn, I must say!

This was great. I wanted to see how Maddi would do at a party. As much as we recognize that she has needs, we don't want our lives and activities to revolve around her. We wanted to find that balance where her needs are being met, yet we can continue to do things that we enjoy... and hanging out with friends is somewhere on the top of that list.

This photo was taken just after one of Maddi's feeding times at the party. We locked ourselves in Ross's bedroom for some privacy. Maddi is laying on top of coats, in her pretty party pants!

Rufus

A trick I learned from last week's parent-infant drop-in at Commercial was to warm Maddi's bed before putting her in so she doesn't wake up when I transfer her from my shoulder to her bassinet.

This is what's great about these parent-infant drop-ins. Because Maddi sleeps so well, I would not have thought to ask a question on sleep. But another mom asked the question and this tip from the nurse that runs it is such a great idea!

I got this stuffy from Auntie Heidi at my shower and I thought that I wouldn't be able to use it until Maddi's much older. But tonight, we named him Rufus, warmed him up in the microwave and now he lays in Maddi's bed just before she goes in it.

The Tree Is Up!

Today was a low key day. I went to my chiropractic appointment with Dr. Sukhi at noon and the rest of the day, Maddi and I just stayed home so she can rest and recover from her cold.

 

Sean brought our Christmas boxes up, out of storage over a week ago. However, with a Maddi that's sick with the cold and a busy schedule, we haven't had the time or the opportunity to put our Christmas tree up and the decorations out. But tonight, the tree is finally up. We'll put out the rest of the decorations sometime this weekend.

Meeting Santa

I've been talking about taking Maddi to see Santa for a week or so now... but was dreading the line up to see him. I've seen Santa at the Kids' Market in Granville Island before and thought he looked pretty cool. So I thought to go there instead of the malls. Since Sean was off today, we decided make a family day out of it and go to Granville Island.

When we got there, we were surprised to see that not only was there no line up, but Santa walked around Kids' Market rounding up kids for his story time. After reading the little ones a story, he invited them up to his knee one by one so they can tell them what they wanted for Christmas.

Maddi went after all the big kids have gone. We asked the dad in front of us to take our family picture with Santa, then I took some of just Santa and Maddi. After I was done taking the shots I wanted, I was ready to leave. But to my surprise, Santa wanted to spend some time with Maddi! He said, "Ok, little one... let me have a look at you." He held her so that she was facing him, talked to her and cuddled with her. I thought, "more photo op!" and starting clicking away again. I'm so happy we went to Granville Island. The Santa there is awesome! I think we'll be visiting him there every year!

By the way, this was my first photo with Santa as well!

Ethan & Maddi

After such a rough weekend emotionally, I really wanted a good day today. The sun was shining, a promising sign.

Maddi woke up this morning and snot came out with her sneeze. My baby got her first cold! =( So, I made an appointment with Dr. Wenner, just to make sure she is ok. She is such a trooper, she was still the happy baby that she always is, despite being under the weather. I am definitely blessed!

Since Maddi was not feeling 100%, I kept the day pretty low key although we still were out for most of it. I went to my appointment with Dr. Sukhi in the morning, then off to hang out with my ladies, Anne & Sue for an hour and a half before heading to our appointment with Dr. Wenner. Despite a terrible time finding parking, the hang out was great and much needed! Ethan and Maddi also got to hang out for the first time. Aren't they so cute?! It is definitely awesome to have girlfriends with babies around the same age. I'm looking forward to hanging out more while we're both on maternity leave!

Tonight, Sean and I had a good night. Since Sean has tomorrow off, we had a mini date night at home and enjoyed an old classic, Funny Girl, after Maddi went to bed. Such a great movie!

Hypnobabies Reunion

This morning, Sean and I started out with a bit of a bumpy ride in the way we communicated with each other after arguing all day yesterday. But since we had a reunion with our Hypnobabies class planned for this afternoon, we didn't want to have the day turn into another full day of arguing. So we tried to give each other space.

The reunion was great. Unfortunately, Helen, Mark and Otto couldn't make it. It was also too bad that Crystal was sick, so didn't think it would be a good idea to be around little babies. Thanks for the consideration, Crystal. Definitely appreciated it. It was great, however, that doula Alicia was able to join us. It was awesome to see you again!

It was a great reunion. There was punch and some treats, then we went in order of birth and shared all our birth stories. So awesome to meet all the babies! We even had a gift exchange. Paula and Juan, so glad we were able to have this reunion before your big move back to Chile. Safe travels and good luck on the move! Keep in touch, that's what Facebook is so great for!

In the photo are the munchkins that used to be in our bellies while we were in this very same room once a week for six weeks while we had our prenatal classes. From left to right: Owen, Lucas, Maddi & Milo.

After the reunion, Anne and Cat came for a short visit. So did Sean's mom. Unfortunately, Sean and I were starting to bicker with each other again, and I was just exhausted. So I basically "threw in the towel" emotionally, walked away and indulged myself with some intense Maddi cuddles. It's not a bad way to end the night, considering how rough the whole weekend has been.

Boxing Pooh

I don't know what it is; but today, Sean and I had been arguing all day. And I hate doing it while I have Maddi in my arms... yet I feel like I can't help it. It was a pretty dark day for me emotionally, and I'm lucky to have such a great network of friends that I have a list of people that I know who would be impartial, who I can call on to talk to, to get some good advice from, and ultimately, just to get some support and encouragement from.

Thank you Vicki, for being there for me today! You are definitely more than a coach to me, you have been an invaluable friend!

What it comes down to... Sean and I need to adjust our relationship and the way we communicate, now that we have Maddi in our lives. Some growing up is in order, for both of us.

Despite an emotionally rough day, it was awesome to see Maddi continually grow and develop. Tonight, she started learning to play in her Pooh chair. She was actually hitting Pooh bear!

Meeting Cat

Today was an eventful day. First, we picked up Anne on the way to West Vancouver, where I had an appointment with Dr. Sukhi. Then the rest of the day, we spent strolling around in Baby's World. Lots of cute baby stuff there! There was a really cute elf outfit; but unfortunately, it was too big on Maddi. Also got to try on the Ergo baby carrier... LOVED IT! But I'm determined to make more use out of my Moby wrap first before getting it.

Before we headed home, we stopped by Fabricana to get a backdrop for my portable studio setup in preparation for my Boxing Day family sessions with Annie & her family. So excited!

Maddi was such a champ... slept and fed throughout the day like normal, and let mama enjoy her outing with Auntie Anne.

When we dropped Anne off at home, Maddi finally met Cat after a month of talking about it. I think she was instantly smitten. Cat, you'll have to visit more often!

After we left Anne's place, Natasha and I went to pick up our take out orders for dinner at our place with Nat & J and Amy and Ryan. This time, Ryan had food in his belly and held Maddi after dinner. Stephen came to join us after dinner as well.

A Hug From Oliver

 

Today, Maddi had another rough morning. She woke up at 4am to feed, but got frustrated when she had trouble latching. She got so worked up, she wouldn't even take the other breast, nor a bottle. After an hour, she eventually fell asleep on my shoulder while I was trying to comfort her. Fifteen minutes later, she woke up again, but still wouldn't take either breast or a bottle. I think she might've even given herself gas pains from crying so much. I gave her a tube of the Cocyntal drops - that seemed to calm her shortly after I gave it to her. I decided to pump, thinking that perhaps the breasts were too full that the milk was flowing a little too quickly for her and that's what's upsetting her. She fell asleep before I had a chance to offer her the breast after pumping, so I just climbed back into bed and decided to have her sleep beside me.

When Maddi woke up again at 6.10am, she was a lot calmer, she didn't have trouble latching and nursed like a champ! She drained my left breast and that relieved me of the pain from building up a lot of milk... also while I have mastitis! Thank you, Maddi!

Maddi fell back asleep after feeding for over 20 minutes. I debated whether I should sleep some more with her or take this time to shower and get ready for the day. I deliberated for a while since I was feeling tired from the ordeal earlier this morning. However, I decided to hop in the shower and get ready for the day since we are checking out the Parent-Infant Drop In at the Roundhouse today. Anne and Cat's friend Crystal had her baby about the same time I had Maddi, and she goes to that drop-in. So I was looking forward to meeting her as well.

Maddi woke up at 9.40am. I fed her, changed her diaper, dressed her. It seemed like we were going to be on time, but then I misjudged how hungry Miss Maddi was. She fed for again, and by the time we got there, we were an hour late!

This week's topic was storytelling. They had the librarian come and facilitate today's drop-in. Maddi was asleep for most of it, but there was some interesting songs that I learned there which I can do with Maddi at home.

I met Crystal, but didn't really meet many other moms there. In some ways, it was similar to the one on Commercial & Broadway, but in other ways it was quite different. I think the difference is the people - not that one is better than the other. The moms at the Commercial and Broadway one seemed a little more down-to-earth and relaxed, whereas the moms at the Roundhouse were well, stereotypical Yaletown moms - most of them in great shape, very put together and spiffy strollers parked outside the room. I'm not judging, I'm just sharing what my first impressions are. I do feel more at ease at the Commercial and Broadway one. However, I will continue to go to the one at the Roundhouse, just to give it a fair try, since I haven't really met many of the moms there and the couple that I met were quite friendly. It's also a big bonus that it is so close to our house and what a great opportunity to meet moms in my area. Plus, now I know Crystal. Monica, a mom I met last week at the Commercial and Broadway one also lives in the area and wanted to check out the Roundhouse drop-in next week.

I also met the nurse that runs these drop-ins, and she showed me a new position to breastfeed that might help Maddi with her gas issues. Maddi is to sit upright, straddle one of my legs and feed that way. I've never seen that position before; but if it helps Maddi with her gas, I'll try it!

In the afternoon, we also got a visit from Auntie Nicole and Oliver. In this photo, Oliver is giving Maddi a hug before they say goodbye. Sooo adorable!

After Nicole and Oliver left, I headed out to meet another photographer that I'm buying some baby photography props from at the Yaletown skytrain station. Then, I decided that since Maddi is napping in the car seat, I would have some "me" time at Urban Fare and get caught up on my blog and photo postings to Facebook.

Tonight, I gave Maddi the bottle but she did not like it at all. Later tonight, I decided to give her the bottle after she's fed a bit from the breast. It worked! She was at least wanting it... but she didn't quite get the hang of it yet. She's still figuring it out... although she took .75 oz from the bottle tonight. Tomorrow, we shall try again. Good night for now, everyone!

Cozy By The Fireplace

 

Today was a quiet day for Maddi and I. We pretty much just stayed home all day. Maddi woke up for her first feed at 5.35am and after feeding for 15 minutes, she seemed like she was choking, so I sit her up and it was like water coming out of a hose, my side of the bed was wet! It wasn't a rub it off with a cloth kind of wet, it was a change our sheets kind of wet! Poor girl didn't cry though.

She fed for another 20 minutes after that, then went back to sleep for another three and a half hours. In that time, I changed the sheets (in the dark, so Maddi doesn't wake up), showered, dressed, flat ironed my hair, put my make up on, did laundry.

Maddi woke up at 10.15am. All day, all she did was feed, poop, pee, did some tummy time, sat in her chair for a bit, and napped - many times. I put her on the floor some times (with blankets underneath, of course) in front of the fireplace, just to see how she would like it. I think she liked the warmth. While Maddi napped, I worked on editing photos and working on catching up some more on my blog.

She was up to play with dad in between feedings, she even took half an ounce of breastmilk from the bottle. She is starting to get the hang of feeding from a bottle I think (I hope). Maddi went to bed at 10.50pm, and another day is done.

Leg Warmers

Today, Maddi had a rough morning. She woke up at 4am for her first feed, had trouble latching and got very frustrated. After getting so worked up, I'm not sure if she had gas pains... she didn't even want to feed. After half an hour, she calmed down and decided to eat. She fed for half an hour and went back to sleep. Four hours later, she woke up for her second feed for twenty minutes, then slept for another hour and a half. This is when I got up, showered, dressed, had breakfast before she wakes up.

Maddi finally got up at 11am and we got ready for the day - fed, had a bath and got dressed for going out.

We went to our 2nd week of Parent-Baby Drop In. This time, Auntie Elina and Jacob came as well and Maddi got a present - Auntie Elina knitted her a pair of leg warmers! Thank you, Auntie Elina... these are perfect for the cold weather we are getting into. We also saw Bryn and Jonah, and I-Wen and Isaac.

It was an open-question session this week, and a lot of the questions were around sleep. We got a lot of good tips, like warming a blanket in the dryer before putting baby into the crib, especially if they've been warm sleeping against mama's chest. This was a great tip for me because Maddi would sometimes be sleeping on my shoulder then as soon as I put her down, she is wide awake.

At the end of the drop in, Maddi got weighed and she is now 9lbs 5.5oz!

On our way back, I decided to go to the West End to pick up a pair of jeans I left at Levi's to be hemmed a couple of weeks ago. And since we were in the area, we stopped by to visit Auntie Anne. We waited til Auntie Linda got there so she could meet Maddi for the first time.

On our way back, we picked up Auntie Julie so she could get her Christmas presents from Grandpa and Nana that she left at our place. After a short visit, Auntie Julie left and Maddi fed just two more times and went to bed early tonight at 10.45pm. That means I also get to go to bed earlier. =)

You've Got Mastitis!

 

This morning, Maddi woke up at 4.45am for her first feed. After feeding for 15 minutes, she went back down to sleep. Me, however, couldn't sleep. I had shooting pains in my left breast! I pumped, thinking maybe it would get rid of the pain. Normally, I could pump at the highest vacuum level and get 2.5 oz in 10 minutes. This time, I could only handle the mid level and only pumped an ounce after 15 minutes. It did, however, relieve me of some pain. I went back to sleep.

Maddi got up for her 2nd feed at 8.40am and after feeding on the left breast, the shooting pains came back! While Maddi went back down for another couple of hours, I got on the phone with my community nurse and then my doctor's office. The nurse suggested I take a hot shower. Dr. Wenner said I should come in to see her. Uh oh... is it serious?!

The hot shower helped. And the sharp pains sort of went away. When I got to the doctor's office, just one look and Dr. Wenner said, "you've got mastitis!" She said it's lucky I caught it early and went to see her right away. It's in the beginning stages but can progress quite quickly. She put me on antibiotics for a week and told me to rest, drink lots of fluids and get a cabbage - you know what it's for, it's perfectly shaped! I asked if it's the underwire bra that caused it. She said, "Maybe. But most likely, it's not getting enough rest and not taking in enough fluids to keep up with Maddi's feeding. Milk thickens and then eventually blocks the ducts and that's when mastitis happens." Well, I think we know what the culprit is - that night that I stayed up till 3am! And also not remembering to drink while we were busy being out and about on the weekend... because I am normally very good with drinking half a bottle of water every time after I feed.

Tonight's another early night, the whole family is going to bed at 9.40pm, although Maddi fed a couple more times and didn't sleep till 11pm.

Au Revoir Grandpa And Nana

 

Maddi woke up at 7.30 this morning! After a quick feed, she went down for another two hours. With a pretty good stretch of sleep, I decided to get up, shower and get ready. On the agenda for today - breakfast at IHOP, then a couple hours at Ikea before taking Grandpa and Nana to the ferry terminal.

Maddi slept through most of breakfast, and had to feed with the bottle a couple of times while at Ikea. She is sorta getting the hang of feeding from the bottle, but will need more practice =)

We dropped Grandpa and Nana off at the ferry terminal to catch the 3pm ferry back to Syndey. They both kissed her goodbye... until we see you again, Grandpa and Nana!

In this photo, at the Ikea checkout line... we took Maddi out of her car seat so Grandpa can have a last hold of her.

Tonight, I felt a little under the weather. In fact, I felt cold all day. I felt exhausted. So, since Sean has tomorrow off work, I asked him to take care of Maddi and bring her to me whenever she needed to feed... and I am going to bed, it's only 7pm!

Auntie Julie's Tree

 

After strolling Yaletown and a visit to JJ Bean with Grandpa, Nana, Auntie Julie, and daddy, we visited Auntie Julie's festively decorated apartment for some treats and saw her Christmas tree.

Grandpa and Nana loved the instant coffee we have at home and they wanted to go to T&T to get a few packs to take home. So we went to T&T, then to Costco to get dinner. It just started to drizzle when we were walking home, what good timing!

When we got home, we had the fire going, snacks, drinks and HGTV - a good way to spend a rainy late afternoon.

Dinner was yummy - lasagne and asian salad.

Everybody seemed to be tired tonight, after staying up till 3am last night and being out for the afternoon - Grandpa and Nana were dozing off on the couch by 7.30pm! I would've gone to bed, too... if only Maddi was already sleeping! Maddi had another case of gas pains tonight... poor boo! Although she doesn't cry like she used to when she got them during her first week. She's seems to calm down just being on my shoulder and laying her little head against the side of my neck. I love when she does this! So cozy!

Meeting Grandpa And Nana

 

Finally, Maddi got to meet her Grandpa and Nana! And again, got showered with presents.

Thanks Grandpa and Nana for the pretty outfit, the cute sleeper and the prettiest sleep sack! Thanks also for my toys that I can't wait to rock out to my toys! -Maddi

Maddi had gas pains again tonight... after some belly massages and another tube of Cocyntal drops, which seems to always do it's job, Maddi seemed to have gotten rid of the gas in her belly and slept like a baby! Wait, she is a baby! =P

New Cut

 

Maddi and I had a quiet morning today. After lunch, we strolled to Jeffrey's studio in Gastown so I can finally get my haircut! Maddi was very good. I nursed her before and after, but she napped the whole time I was getting my haircut - with a little help from my scarf to give her a distraction-free environment in her car seat =) Jeffrey said she's just like a bird! LOL.

I love my new 'do... thanks, Jeffrey!

On our way home, we stopped by T&T and Costco to pick up some stuff to make soup for dinner with. I love shopping with the stroller! No more carrying groceries home!