Solid food...

Five months old and we are introducing him to the world of solid food. No longer just a quick dabble on ice cream or fruit but a quarter bottle of organic purée - winter squash.

I can remember how he started with only 30 ml of milk and he struggled initially to finish that amount but today, he drinks 240ml and he always wants more after finishing what his Dr Browns bottle can actually hold.

Today, 10.10.10 Luca savours the taste of winter squash, a mix of fruit purée meant for babies. I would perhaps try the taste of it someday but I think it'll be tasteless for an adult.

His first encounter was surely a yummy time for him. He keeps asking for more and leaves his mouth open waiting for the next spoonful of food into his mouth.

Looks like in another two months, he'll likely sit on the same table with us on his high chair and partake in a full meal with us. Can't wait for that to happen but am sure it'll be a huge mess when he starts feeding himself. ; )

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Five months ...

The coming week marks Luca's fifth month and he seems to be getting more playful each day.

It is a good sign when boys are naughty and active because that's when they learn and grow.

Today we brought the rascal for baby spa and we could tell he enjoyed the swim session. Who wouldn't love a private pool?

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A visit to RWS

Over the weekend, we decided to visit Sentosa with the little fella. Too young to understand what's happening around, he just looked every where.

Too bad the photos were not taken by my iPhone if not I can upload it immediately. It was hilarious seeing him seated and staring at the pint of Kilkenny.

Yes. Am starting him young. Drinks, gambling and every other vice available. Better to teach him in person than for him to learn it elsewhere, isn't it?

Despite it being a short time at Resort World Sentosa, we all enjoyed. Too bad Dad and Jun didn't join as they had their schedules filled.














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Another Jab ...

Two months have passed and Luca had his thighs poked by the needle once again. Not one but two but the little fella cried out only for a very short while. Brave kid.

As usual the worry about the after effects of the injections is the terrifying fever that usually follows due to body reactions. Don't ask me the terminology how that comes about but that's what doctors tell us.

So two injections on both legs seem rather terrible isn't it and funnily I don't know what the jabs were for but for sure they were costly. It's part and parcel of caring for a kid anywhere in the world. What to do?

Anyway, we prepared the neccessary tools to fight the fever if it comes and yes, it did eventually. But then again, it's normal.

So we relied on his grandparents to care for Luca as we had a dinner to attend. After all it's a dinner to celebrate Sandy's and Geoffrey's birthday and at their favourite seafood place at East Coast.

After dinner we decided to head out to Marina Bay Sands to check out the casino. Not my first visit but Sandy's. So I had to arrange for Luca's grandparents to stay over at my place as we will be home late. Much later than the usual 11pm.

It was the first time they stayed overnight and perhaps the first time they'll face Luca throughout his sleep at night. We were worried at first if the little one would throw tantrums and I whether they were alright to manage him through.

As usual, they fared well BUT Sandy and I felt so guilty to see them sleeping on the parquet floor without a mattress. They could have slept on our bed or pull in the bed from the guest room too. They need not sleep on the floor.

Maybe if we have such arrangements again, we might place Luca at their place instead so they can be more comfortable. The next time will likely be months later when we go on a vacation but that's still unplanned.

Anyway Sandy and I enjoyed the night with our friends and trust me, it has been a long time since we stayed out till 4am.

Back at work...

Finally after 4 months of maternity break, Sandy returns to work today.

The drive felt really different as it seems almost forever before I reached the final stop at my office.

The journey started at 745am when I had to drop Luca off at godma's place before heading toward the city centre where both Sandy and I work.

It didn't seem too long ago when I dropped her off at Cairnhill when she was still pregnant but that was actually four months back when Sandy and I were so excited to meet Luca then. ( I still am excited to meet him every day now)

It must be really hard on her as she resumes work and surely missing the wails and laughter of the little one. Let's hope godma's ears are prepared for the whole load of nonsense the boy is going to give her. That cheeky boy who is always up to mischief.

He woke up a little earlier this morning not because I woke him up but perhaps he felt something different in the air when I turned off the air con and that wasn't a normal routine at least for the past 4 months when he is home. Yes. Spoilt like me.

So it seems we have to get accustomed to this new routine and wake up early every morning. Looks like the luxury of sleeping in later than 9 is going to be something of the past but again, maybe not. I believe when Luca turns a few years older, he will wake up a little later during the weekends and I can't wait for that to happen.

Am sure at this very moment, Sandy misses Luca because I miss him too. Can't wait to knock off and head back to cuddle him.

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A daily conversation with Luca ...

Luca and I try very much to spend time talking to each other for at least half an hour every night and that happens just before he takes his milk before bedtime.

We would talk, gossip and sing every night and I have to say he can be pretty attentive and talkative too. I believe when he attends school years later, he will always be the one to face the wall because of his chatty behaviour.

Luca's Roar ...

By the end of this week, Luca will turn 4 months and here I have captured some of the moments on my iPhone which I find amusing.

In the first video it shows a cute little boy who seems so adorable but carry on watching and you will know never to mess around with Luca even after a dose of 210ml of milk with cereal mix.

This happens every night before he goes to sleep and I always wonder if we should increase his milk by another 30 ml but I have never heard of a 4 month old who needs 240ml of milk. That's hell of a lot isn't it?

Maternity leave ...

Sandy's four months of maternity leave is about to end next week and she will be returning to the office.

Just like any school going child, time spent away from school is never enough. Same applies for mothers.

Time spent with your flesh and blood is never enough especially when the bonding of mother and child during the four months have become so much of a routine. I am sure Sandy will miss the little rascal when she's at work.

What really worries me is whether or not she can manage household chores and caring for Luca. It sure is no easy feat.

Being stubborn her, she does not want domestic help as she feels it infringes into her privacy. True because I can't be wearing my undies and walking around too.

Looks like I will have to start going hands on and helping her with the chores - perhaps I will have to start changing the diapers for Luca while she performs other tasks, on condition it is not soiled. Ha ha.

Thankfully we have a huge support team who consists of our parents, godparents and aunts who never say no to us whenever we need them around.

Luca will be placed at my godparents' place in the interim and until he is old enough to attend school then will we decide what the next step should be.

So looks like our mornings will have to start much earlier from next week onwards where the alarm goes off at 7am. Hope Luca will be cooperative too and wake up without being too grouchy because his temper is getting from bad to worse now.

You want to see how bad his temper is? Try provoking him the next time you meet him and he'll roar so loud you'll back off.

That's what a tiger boy does.

Ok. Time of get out of the train now.

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He's flipped ...

Finally after a long wait, Luca has done the side flip. Is that what you call it? Never mind the term but I am ecstatic now and worried at the same time.

Worried because it means he no longer will stay put in what sleeping position and can possibly flip over but no able to reach for air thus extra care and supervision will be required.

This morning, we also realised that he made a 180 degree turn. His head was pointing in the opposite direction from when he started sleeping. Really amazing.

Everyone is saying that Luca is going to be a naughty fella when he grows up and I sure think so too. I wonder if he'll forge my signature on his report card like I used to do much younger and hide homework at the back of the piano or remove the batteries from the door bell when the tutor was supposed to visit so that no one at home can hear the knocks on the door.

Hmm ... I can see through all these tricks because I have been there and done that. Ha ha ha.

Oops. My mum is reading my blog. Ha ha ha.














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It gets even louder ...

His cries are more deafening now and I am so tempted to plug my ears with headphones when he wails beside me. Thankfully Sandy is taking it better than me. After all, she sure is used to livelier environments if you know what I mean. If you don't, let me introduce you to my sis-in-law. Ha ha.

I prefer a serene environment and the occasional laughter from children is pleasant to my ear. I love to hear them laugh. The age of innocence. Yes. I know I have to get used to it but not yet.

He cries more nowadays to attract attention and when you bend over to carry him up, you'll see that grin on his face. Giggling softly.

Children surely know how to get things they want and they are very good at manipulating even at a young age of 3 months. And best - they know what we want. Adults sometimes don't even know what they want. You agree I believe.

Looks like a little disciplining would need to be carried out here. Sandy and I have concluded that we will monitor his behaviour when he cries and let him wail at the top of his voice if we find his demands too extreme.

Rest assured that we will that only under a few circumstances.

1) we check his diapers are well
2) we check his clothes are in shape
3) his body temperature and the surrounding is cool
4) we make sure it's not feeding time ( sounds like we are in a zoo)

If all the above is in order, the little rascal will be left alone to cry. Many times we know the reason for his naughty behaviour. He wants to sleep. Especially so after his milk ...

But we do not want to spoil him by rocking him or coaxing him to sleep. It is tough to do that. It tires the parents out and it is a very bad habit. Anyway they all say crying helps develop the lungs. ; )

As I type this from my throne, the boy is crying. Perhaps for milk this time....

So you ask what do we do to have him sleep at night. Well, we just place him in his own cot and let him perform some hand stretching exercise. After a little while, he will just fall asleep on his own. No assistance required as he sleeps through the night for 8-9 hours.

Once awake, he will give you a bright smile when you greet him 'Good morning'.

Change his diapers, feed him and he will sleep in for another 3 hours.

That's his routine most of the rime. ; )
















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A 100 days ...

Just on Saturday, we celebrated Luca's 100 days from birth as per the HK tradition at Tung Lok Classic.

Food was pretty good except that the service sucked big time. Really disappointing but it was the company that really matters.

So now that Luca is slightly more than three months old, I thought I'll take this time to share some bad habits this rascal has.

He cries when the car stops.

He sucks on his index finger and not his thumb.

He likes to be taller than the rest and loves to look at things 'below' him.

He is impatient and flares up really quickly.

He likes to look at things from the corner of his eyes.

The above are some habits which I hope he'll kick.

As I type this blog, he is soundly asleep having his nap at 830pm. Guess I'll have to wake him up soon if not we'll end up not sleeping well tonight.












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13 years now ....

I remember 10 August 1997 very clearly. It was the first time I held Sandy's hands.

Today we celebrate 13 years of love, of dating and of everything sweet and nice.

Time flies and I remember how I cheated her to join me at a haunted house at Tang Dynasty. Not a real haunted house but that of an attraction in a theme park.

It was there she held my hand and it was because she was frightened. Ha ha. Despicable me.

The same night we kissed at the Padang where a celebration took place due to the national day performances held there. This year, the national day parade was held exactly at the same place.

We had our happy and of course unhappy times where we quarreled due to various reasons but our relationship haven't changed even after little Luca joined us in the family.

We are one happy family ...

















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3 months old ...

Today marks Luca's three months ... And it's also Singapore's 45th National Day.

I can only imagine that the fireworks display tonight which will light up the Singapore skyline be part of Luca's third month celebration. Dream on I say.

Luca hasn't successfully turned on his sides just yet but still trying very hard to do so and at times he gets so frustrated he'll yell if he can't get on the other side.

As a father, I try to give him a push so he'll end up on his tummy. He'll giggle as if he did it on his own. The innocence of a child.

His hair is growing a little, bit by bit. Of course, some parts still bald due to whatever cause it may be but it's normal I know.

His hands are loosening a bit and the palms are ready to accept gifts now as opposed to his previous clenched fist.

He often chokes on his saliva nowadays like an old man and we often laugh at his behaviour. As a result from the coughing, his eyes will turn wet with tears just like any adult would.

He salivate quite a bit and plays with bubbles in the mouth. I tell him not to as it is unhygienic but he does it anyway. Naughty fella he is.










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For 6 days ...

I will miss Luca and Sandy as I board my flight in an hour.

This is the first time that I'll be away after Luca's arrival and not being able to sing him our 'good night' song for the next couple of nights.

The little rascal really brings a smile to me and everyone else at home.

Sure will miss him for the next couple of days ... And Sandy too of course ..

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He's turning ....

It is one of those things you need not teach but Luca is learning to turn and very soon, he will end up on his tummy.

In the mornings when we check on him, he no longer sleeps in the original position he was last left in. He turns not on the sides but in a motion like the hands of the clock - in circles.

It's the beginning of constant monitoring as we are afraid once he is ready to flip sides and that's when trouble starts. ; )









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A terrifying experience ..

I didn't think it would ever happen to me as I have always been very careful. I always checked and double checked but it just happened.

I found myself stranded and at moments I felt breathless. There was nothing I could do as I was stuck inside.

I could only hear voices outside and that made me feel even more vulnerable. It would be big trouble if they caught me trying to escape.

I sat there on the only seat available in the little cubicle and had no available sources of communicating with the outside world and kept asking myself how I ended in such a situation.

I wish I could scream and shout for help but again, it would compromise the situation and too much is at stake. Really.

I could only take the chance when it comes. I sat and waited for the noise outside to subside and only after almost twenty minutes did I see the opportunity to escape.

I had only one chance to break free and it has to be successful if not trouble will only follow. The noise faded and slowly died off.

I opened the door and looked around. I could only depend on the mirror in front of me to survey the surroundings.

Most doors were closed except for a few which seemingly looked empty. I prayed and hoped no doors would swing open.

I took a deep breath and made a dash out of my cubicle. As I reached for the door knob, I prayed again that no one would be on the other side.

Afterall I wouldn't want to be caught in the ladies restroom.

My. It sure was a frightening experience for me at the Sky Park.


















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A little bump ...

It caused us to worry and think negatively about what's growing from Luca's butt but thankfully the doctor confirmed it is nothing but a BCG scar.

I burst out laughing when I heard the diagnosis. A BCG scar, why didn't we think of that? Silly us. That's why.

It taught us a lesson. As parents, let's forget assumptions and hit straight to the doctor whenever things don't seem that right because the Internet sometimes give the wrong answers.

I read about the possibilities. Boils. Bacteria. Virus. Thankfully it is none of the above.

Well, that's the journey of parents. We get overly excited, worried and concerned when things aren't right.

That's parenthood for us!

















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Can't believe am writing this.

I watch as you fall asleep

And wake only when you decide to

Your tiny hands move my world

And those tiny feet walk the hardest journeys with me

The strength of your smile can cheer my lousiest days

And your wailing cries ach my heart

Luca you naughty rascal

Even the prettiest woman has never charmed me like you did

I love you but mummy loves you more












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Luca is talking ...

He starts off with a smile and slowly responds when you talk. Not with words you can understand but just looking at the shape of his mouth sure amuses me.

I guess it's the beginning of baby talk and the ah goo ah gee starts.

Two nights ago, I lectured my little rascal. It was 3 in the morning and he needed his fix of formula milk and he wailed non stop thus the pacifier was shoved into his mouth.

He sucked on it for a while before spitting it out and landing the sterilized pacifier on the floor. He cried further.

Ignoring his pleas for a pacifier, I looked into his eyes and reprimanded him for his naughty behaviour and that he has to acknowledge the fact that he dropped the pacifier and not me so he needs to live without it as least for the moment.

He looked at me with innocent eyes as if he understood what I said and kept silent until his mummy was ready with the botlle in hand.

The moment mummy arrived with the milk. He giggled as if to say yahoo ....

The innocence of a child.









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Floods in Singapore

I used to think Singapore is very much favoured by our Creator and therefore kept us away from natural calamity but it seems like we aren't His favourite anymore.

Flash floods have been occurring way too often and it leaves me thinking why is it happening more often now. Has the climate changed this drastically or have we really been played out by our own drainage system?

The Singapore I used to live in didn't seem this prone to floods. It is no joke to have vehicles semi submerged under water and our tourist belt filled with enough water to fit a boat's use.

These days I too get concerned when I park in the basement but it is inevitable because in my own home, that's where the car park is.

I know. Friends from abroad might think I am making a big fuss as it is common in their country but not for spoilt Singaporeans like me. We should have the best brains in government, the best infrastructure and supposedly the best drainage.

Was this what the government intended to do? Build an urban reservoir in the middle of town? I doubt it but let's see how things progress.

For sure I can tell you if you think the current government is doing lousy and don't know what's best for our nation, try opting for the opposition in the next election.

And I promise you can obtain cars cheaply because buying COEs for sampans will sure cost much more as that will only be the form of transport left for us in Singapore.

So don't risk it people. We know who the real brains are in Singapore and let's hope the floods can be prevented and improvements can be made to the drainage systems really soon.




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A Jab in his thigh ...

It didn't take too long before Luca screamed in tears at Kinder Clinic on Saturday. It was time for his bi-monthly immunization, a pain where every infant goes through and also a pain where parents feel even though the needle didn't even come close to me as a father.

He wailed for a mere 30-45 seconds and I sure was proud of him. Not a cry baby like his dad -me.

Towards the evening, his body reacted to the vaccine. A climbing temperature which indicated fever. Slight but still worrying. After all, it's the first time for us all.

The fever went on and off and a few drops of panadol prescribed by the doctor helped but the little rascal spits the red liquid out everytime we force it into his mouth.

It's Sunday now and the fever still persists. Will have to monitor him and make sure he feels better. Hopefully after tonight, he won't get a temperature till another 2 months later - his next jab.


















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A new milestone ...

Luca's neck is fit enough to be able to sit in his little rocking chair and enjoy a different view of the environment around him.

He also seems to be smiling more and responding very much to voices around him especially that of his mother's but ignoring me most of the time.

In the car, X-Japan records have given way to children's nursery rhymes and the car boot is filled only with a baby stroller.

That's how much life changed for us as we look forward to Luca sleeping through 6 hours without disrupting my already deprived sleep. ;)
















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