Welcome To Our Fabulous Life.Watch Me Grow!: http://www.stephanieliah.com

His Infancy Moment

*New Born :
Born 3.88kg,61cm.Beat this mama-NO offence!(Super healthy-The next day of his life is 4.6kg)FYI,I am not diabetic in pregnancy,ok.(Thank God)All Ryan would need now is nursing every two to three hours and sleeping off. Hence,smile about nothing.Gee...And the alignment of his eyes..Sometimes "cross" or don't seem to follow object well yet.Which is totally normal to all babies for the first month.

*1st week :
He would be spending a few hours each day quietly and alertly absorbing the new environment. His umbilical cord drop-off at day 4.His eczema started to appears on and off.

*2nd week :
He can lifts his head for several minutes.Ryan’s vision is still kind of fuzzy. While the rest of the world is a blur, he can clearly see who's holding him.

*3rd week :
The time is now for my baby to enjoy the sounds of our voice and the music.

*4th week :
My baby can now track a moving object with his eyes for longer than a couple of seconds. His head is steadier now. Short periods of time on the floor will help him strengthen his neck muscles.

*5th week :
This week, he discovers his hands and feet. Also, my baby learns to express himself with sounds beyond crying. He has been doing a lot of body stretching.

*2 months old :
He can now roll over by himself without any help.My paediatrician will use standard growth charts to track my baby's weight gain. So far my baby has a good appetite and growing at a steady pace.Hence,Ryan is above average(multi-racial baby).And he starts to babbling with his own sounds.We called it 'Baby Talk' :) He tries to move his eyes towards the sound accordingly. And he easily attracted to his colorful books and lighting.He loves his tummy time/superman position.He likes to kicking n struggling.And now,he developed his first tears.His Atopic Dermatitis has finally gone.We sent him to gymboree class.

*3 months old :
He mastered in rolling over.He can roll over from his back onto front or vice versa 24/7.He also trying to master the art of sitting without any help.He is able to ''doggy sit'(with hunched back and arms forward for support)for a 10 minutes.And immobile crawl like a 'worm'.He got the ability to grasp an object hung over his head and transfering his toys from one hand to the other.He starts to inserting his fingers and thumb in his own mouth.And he responses to our voice..He starts laughing and shouting with his heart.Also,he is able to control his shivering hands and head as well.Teething has occured at this month.

*4 months old :
He now mastered on sitting unaided.Also,he starts to crawl from immobile to commando crawl.He starts to 'drive' his walker too(But,I did not encourage Ryan to play on walker).Tell you what,baby walkers don't help babies walk earlier yeah. In fact, walkers may even delay your baby's movement skill development or discourage him from learning to walk on his own.Why?Spend your quality time to do a research:).It is dangerous and potentially fatal. In fact, Canada has already banned the sale of baby walkers,ok?.Nah,put aside,And he likes to salivating(blows bubbles with his mouth/blows raspberries). He loves to play with his musical toys,alot.He can hold his own bottle milk but cant tilt it when finished.So I dont actively encourage him to hold to avoid choking.

*5 months old :
10.2kg.Mastered in crawling.From crawl to sit and sit to crawl by himself.So tired you know,to chase him around the house :) He loves to suck his own toes.He start to pulling his tongue out.He is able to match his own baby talk consonant words. Such 'dadi,dada,mammam,yaiyai' and ect.He totally responses to a mirror.He starts to throwing a tantrum and starts kicking with double speed and energy.He able to pull himself up holding onto wall or furniture.He is crib trained.

*6 months old :
Mastered in climbing.Holding on bed and ect.He becomes choosy regarding his food.He loves salmon,cheese,pasta,yogurt,brown rice,broccoli,avocado,mashed potato and Heinz fruit puree.His gums now is fully hard and his 1st tooth at lower central incisor has erupted.And now,he wears 12month shirts.He also can imitate our movement.If I show him tongue,then he will do the same equally.He can drink water from his sippy training cup.

*7 months old :
14.5kg.His 1st and 2nd teeth has finally emerged.Both at lower central incisors.We sent him to baby sign gymboree class at this month.Having a separation anxiety such other babies.He shows the sign of fear or shyness around strangers. His motor skills is advanced.Mastered in standing.He is able to climb then holding on bed,the furniture,sliding door and standing then jumping happily.He will pull himself up and tends to standing everywhere and pushing himself to walk with assistance and holding onto furniture to walk sideways and cruising.And,he is able to express his feelings with his expressions.He can hold his own bottle milk and tilt when finished.His first word is 'Daddy''!He learning to climb up his rocking chair but cant climb down.

*8 months old :
16kg.Mastered in standing without holding onto anything for few seconds.He's been cruising a small step from one place to another,he wanted to let go of his hands to walk for few minutes.He also able to pull himself up from a sitting positon(Pumping Style)without holding onto anything and stand.He knows how to bend his knees and how to sit after standing.He is preparing his first step.He can perfectly signed ''wave bye-bye'',''hungry'','NO'-To shake his head in refusal,''hug'',''clap'' and ''attention.And the most important thing is Ryan has finally says ''Mommy''!

*9 months old :
12kg,bam bam merundum.His first step moment!Ryan could nonetheless walk unaided when placed on the floor.Cheese,salmon,yogurt and pasta lover.His 3rd,4th,5th and 6th teeth are showed up.He likes to play at gymboree and watch his Infant Vocabulary DVD.Back to great sleeper like before-No more having night terror.He wears 18-24months shirts,diapers maintain XL.Above all these,Ryan is getting smarter and handsome!When he goes for a poo, he hides behind the curtain.He grinds his teeth badly.Our 'gifted' baby can walk!Trying to master climb up on our masterbed.

*10 months old :
Nothing much to update I guess coz now Alhamdulilah he has achieved all of his infancy milestones by 9months (He is already walk),just that he is getting smarter such other babies at his age.He knows to sign mineral bottle and milk bottle when thirsty.He understands 'NO' command and pointing.Got 6teeths,12kg+,wears 18-24months and maintain XL diapers.Mastered climbing over the bed,stairs,sofa,grill and ect until the peak and goes down unaided.His latest vocabulary is CAR.5 vocabs at 10months.

*11 months old :
12.5kg,88cm tall.Maintain XL Diapers.5 vocabs (Says mommy and daddy to the right person,mam mam,nenen,and a car).Pointing.Still walking.Maintain 6 teeths.Still signing ''No,hungry,mineral,poo-poo,clap,high 5 and waves good bye'' since 7 months.Immitates people movement.Hyper climber.Pulls our hands to do something such beat something/clap together.Passes toys to other people.Friendlier yet become naughtier.Put balls into basket.Understands our commands such ''NO'',''Come here'' or ''Take the ball'' ect.Clumsy,talkative,choosy yet smart baby.Tantrums getting worse specialy on what he wants.Never sit still.Sleepwalker.

*Happy 1st Birthday,Ryan Raffael!
Got 8 teeths.He says NO NO NO and BYE BYE BYE.

*13 months:
Jealousy,copycat,head banging,pointing alot,high in curiousity,say 'bu yao' means NO in mandarin and loves to kiss mommy and daddy's lips from behind.

*14 months:
Vocabulary increases.And recently are ''hello,ball and shoes''.Kick balls.Uses combination of words and gestures to express himself.Learns the names of body parts and point to them when the name is said (only EYES and LIPS).Can walk backward .Has toddler temper tantrums-Nah real different from his baby temper tantrums tho.Learns to do chores a bit.Nap time reduce.Social skills-Very friendly with adults,but NOT with kids.Reaction increases.Understands few initial commands/directions.Maintain XL diaper,12kg.He could recognized 3 body parts 'nose,ear,bebird'.He able to draw a scribble on magnetic board.He loves walking backwards activity.

*15 months:
Addicted to his walking backwards activity.Can skip over small drain at standing position without holding onto anything.Can skip over loop as well.Bila hp mommy/daddy bunyi,Ryan hantar hp to us(Dia tahu mana hp mommy/daddy.Suka main sorok barang.Bila kita suruh dia amik barang,dia amik and datang kat kita that barang but then sorok dalam baju bila dah sampai kat kita.Naughty :).Suka buat2 nangis,then bila kita datang kat dia,dia sengih senyum.He understands the meanings of phrases such as 'bring mommy your shoes,come here,look,put the book down' dengan muka gelak.Take off his own diaper,shoes(with hands),shirt and socks.Suka main blocks(various shapes into the block)Sometimes 2,3 shapes masuk,sometimes gagal.Good try,baby.Dislike cartoons.He more to The Movers,Johnny And The Sprites such thing(kids educational series really fascinate him).Tukar academy from Little Crawlers to Opus Musical Babies school and Lil Bambinos

*16 months:
No sharing concept.He seems so selfish thou.Untill now still aggresive towards other kids.Drama king.Imitate our words and actions alot.Talkative.Vocabulary increases with few sentence.Recognize his body parts.Fussy eater.9 teeths.

*17 months:
Playschool to San Lorenzo Montessori International Pre-School2.Loves painting,playing blocks match and letterland flashcards.Still being drama king,pembuli and tantrums melampau.Still making his own sentence.Wheels,car,wheels,car.Much adventure than ever!Being great reputation in school for his age.

Breastfeeding Journey

I decided to breastfeed for many reasons, but the ONE biggest reason were the health of my child.

1.Alhamdulilah,for the past 10months my son is wonderfully healthy,never had fever/flu/cough or diarrhea even during teething,hitting each milestone or immunisation.And he is advanced(milestones) such like other breastfed babies.

2.Thru BF itself,body I pun dah mantap instead of slimming center.

3.To shrink my servix faster and of course to prevent osteoporisis,cervical and breast cancer!(Im so sorry had to tell you this-a mother who did not breastfeeding her child less than 6 months,got higher chances of getting osteoporisis,servical and breast cancer!-NO offence to non-BF moms).

4.I am sure that seeing pictures of my mom breastfeeding me untill a year highly influenced my decision.

5.My husband was very supportive.He was breastfed untill 3 years old.

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In preparation for my new role as a breastfeeding mother, I did a lot of research on the internet, bought numerous books on the subject, and read as many message boards as I could get my eyes on!Tell you what,untill I tersesat to kampung style website.LOL. Still, I was not as prepared as I would have liked to be - reading about breastfeeding is quite different from doing it!I had prepared for a natural childbirth.They worked fast and then laid my 3.8kg little boy in my arms, helping him to latch onto my breast.Ryan loved breastfeeding from the start. On the first night of his life, he nursed for three hours straight, and cried if I unlatched him.Its harder than my Degree!

After those three hours, I finally got up to use the bathroom and Ryan started to cry again. Our nurse came in and took charge - she convinced us that she should take the baby out of the room and use a pacifier or a my EBM to calm him down.
I awoke a few hours later when the nurse returned with Ryan, who was asleep after crying and receiving a 2 ounces of my EBM.We did not see a lactation consultant until the afternoon of the second day in the hospital. By then, my nipples were ravaged. My lactation consultant told me I had big boobs but slightly flat nipples, making it a bit difficult for my son to get a deep enough latch. We did the best we could, and used a nipple shield when I could not establish a good latch.

It took two days for my milk to come in fully. By that time, I was struggling with engorgement.As a young mom and without any experience, I hated breastfeeding, and my son seemingly nursed non-stop. I cried every time he latched on. The books all told me that an average nursing session lasted 30-45 minutes, but my son would nurse for hours. I cursed the books and doggedly kept going (I'm nothing if not stubborn haha).

When Ryan was 30 days old, we visited a breastfeeding support group in Gleaneagles Hospital. It changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but hearing the stories from other moms, especially those women who were going through the same things or even experiencing much worse problems, changed my perspective completely. We weighed my son and I learned that he had gained 7kgs(at 30days old) since leaving the hospital! I felt proud that even though we were experiencing trouble, my son was thriving on my milk. It gave me the motivation to keep going.Armed with the support of the group that met weekly, and remedies for sore nipples I kept nursing.

I made sure to focus on proper latching techniques, and I memorized everything on internet/books.I returned to modeling line when my son was 6 months old. By this time, we had turned a corner and breastfeeding was going much more smoothly.I pumped 6 times per day. My abundant milk supply has made pumping easy but because the breastpump is not as efficient as a nursing baby even im using an electric ones.These things just seem to come with the territory of oversupply.For the first month untill Ryan 4months of age,I had stored 150 ounces of milk stashed in my freezer PER DAY. I donated some of it to a new mom in who was experiencing low supply.Thats why I ada 1 anak susuan named Alwee.Her son has thrived, and I feel proud that I have helped contribute to his health!

When Ryan turns 7months,Im struggled to pump even my supply was getting low.He cried,he is comfirmed by paed greedy baby.We seek our paed and lactation consultant.I jap a prolactin and again,my breastfeeding journey getting smoothly.But when my son turns 9months,he is getting choosy regarding his foods.He is throwing up all my milk each feeding and refuses direct(he bite) as well coz he get used to EBM(my mistake).So I mixed them up with Enfapro A+.So,you know what is going to happen when you mix things up right?Nah,my breastmilk supply are getting dry,dry and dry...

Ryan turned 10months 1 day old today,and he weighs 12kg+, which means he wears 18m-24m clothing.He is a food lover.He has taken to solids, and milk is still the primary source of his nutrition(24ounces per day). He is wonderfully healthy,for the past 10months Alhamdulilah he never had fever/flu/cough or diarrhea.He is the happiest baby I've ever met in my life.It is one more challenge to overcome in our nursing relationship - a bond that I expect will continue until Ryan decides he is ready to cut the ties to his babyhood.

By today(31th August 2009)Im officially quit breastfeeding my son,not even a drop.And no more breastpad.And now,when he stop nursing,I can honestly say I miss it!I was cried yesterday and luckily I had a romantic hubby,he bought me Louis Vuitton handbag and Gucci shades..Yeah,he knw that Im a high maintenance and branded type of woman.My dad warned him before.Hehehe.

Note:
So now moms,continue your breastfeeding journey and dont simply judge me just because Im finally stopped breastfeeding my son at 10months.Dont ask me to continue or tips to keep my supply back,coz I wont bother.My blog is not a discussion board.Get a life and leave a proper comment or DONT.Please respect human problem.Thank You.

The Journey

30th October 2008

3.30am – 7am:

A very mild contraction getting frequent from time to time every 10-15 minutes even there were no leakage of water bag.Just a little bit 'show' around 6.30am.

7am :

Getting ready to the hospital with hubby and my brother in-law(Dr.Fahmy).

7.30am:

Admissions counter of UMSC. They were so nice. VE (Vaginal Examination) was done and it was already opened 2cm!I was then pushed to the Rest Room by wheel chair.

10am:

2nd VE done – 7cm! I presumed I will have to go through another few more tough hours before delivering.Then I called my hubby.

12.30pm:

Felt like 'poo-poo'(True Labour Pain)-Belakang rasa macam nak tercabut(Menstrual pain).And I still got time to think “If terberak, malunya!!”3rd VE done – 10cm!! When I heard 10cm, I was so shocked yet relief at the same time. Some of the first timer mom will have to experience a “1 hour for 1cm opening” of labouring process..But yes,I am strong.Finger crossed and set up my mind 'buat tattoo lagi sakit.''

Nurse offered to jap the Epidural/pain killer. But, I said NO!! Earlier, I did plan to jap it. But, after some considerations, I managed to convince myself that I can do it even without Epidural.

1pm:

Labour Room!Started the ‘pushing’ part. I don’t think it was painful tho.Since my contraction flow were very slow,so I managed to 'rest' more & 'work' hard.To me, it was really tiring but actually I tak sabar nak tengok my baby!! Episiotomy cut was done. Having a really good ‘cheerleaders’ team (a doctor, a midwife, 2 nurses,a trainee and my hubby) . Nah,was indeed very helpful.So ya,5 pushes only(About half and hour untuk keluarkan my baby).Sampaikan midwife tanya setiap kali contraction''tak sakit ke puan?'I jawab sambil tersengih'urm..SAKIT..'.Then Doctor R gelak.You tak nampak sakit pun?''Hehe...Ego I tinggi untuk tunjuk kesakitan tu sebenarnya..Hakikatnya,Dia je yang tau.So my advice,DONT shout and DONT scream..

2.06pm:

Thanks God. Im a fast delivery.A big baby boy was finally born thru SVD(normal labour)! 3.88kg ,61cm :) FYI,I am not diabetic.There is no word in this world that could describe what the exact feeling is when they put the baby on my chest!Plus,I memang tak pandai pegang baby. I cried… All the tiredness gone with the wind…Baby on my chest rite after he was born.His first latched on my breast.Ouhh..Im touched.

3.45pm:

Lega :) Surely a trauma to every first time mom!!But Im proud..Tuhan mempermudahkan I untuk melahirkan Ryan Raffael.Then My Hubby 'Azan/Qamat' kan our son...The funny part is,doctor cakap I sempat ajak diarang semua pergi club lagi----I 'stone' disebabkan Antonox Gas la.Hehe

5.15pm:

Ready to be sent over to my bed.My hubby kissed me.Once again,I cried-HAPPY AND PROUD. They placed baby next to me for breastfeeding. I was so touched!!!!What a perfect little creature on earth..Then my hubby called his mother to spread a good news.Ok,enough lah with the labouring story. Need to make the story shorter pulak.LOL

#I was then discharged on the next day on 31 October 2008 around 4pm right after doctor confirmed that both baby and I were fine and healthy.#

Being A Young Mommy

Before Ryan came into our life,I always thought new young mothers are totally overly obsessed with babies. Their babies. Other people's babies. Babies. Babies. Babies. Anything babies.I pun terpengaruh.

I couldn't understand why these mothers would only blog about babies and nothing else. Not only that, they visit each other's blogs, leave comments to each other, and even do babytalks as if the babies can already read those comments!Really, I could never get it! What is wrong with these mothers??? Takde kerja lain ape??Laugh out loud.

Now that I have Ryan, I can totally understand why!! Now I myself blog about nothing else but my Ryan (and anything else that has to do with him). Blog I sendiri pun dah jadi rubbish.It is just so unbelievable how this tiny bundle of joy could totally change my life all so suddenly.Ryan is now my new life. How can I not blog about him and only him every single day? I am "with" him 24x7, day and night and even while I'm sleeping.My career is very flexible.

And then just as I am about to fall into a deep long slumber the sun would already be up in the east again and another new day has arrived.I find joy in blogging about Ryan, knowing this is the only way my family can see how Ryan is growing up every single day. I am a little sad by the fact that Ryan is growing up not surrounded by his Po Po & Kong Kong .Nevermind hero kan?Janji Po Po selalu video call.

I am also happy making many new friends with whom I can share and exchange experiences and tips and advices with other super moms. I enjoy reading other mothers' blogs about their babies. It's like learning new things from others so I can be more prepared as a mother. I can't believe that I can even talk with strangers now! Bukan main mesra lagi..Gossip kumpulan ibu-ibu!Sempat pergi gathering lagi.Semangat!

Whenever I go out shopping I run to the baby department first. I buy parenthood magazines,children DVD's,his toys,his branded clothes,his branded shoes,his accesorries,his Everything!I watch Playhouse Disney,Little Einstein, Pooh & Friends, Barney, Pocoyo ,bla bla bla on Astro. I sing to nursery rhymes. And toys really excite me to the bones!Owh..Semua nak beli.

I am still the silly old me. I have not lost myself but I myself is a little less important than my Ryan now. I must admit that I am more patient, more forgiving, a whole lot kinder and even more softhearted now.Clubbing?Private Party?Karaoke?Still.Mom's Night Out?Girls Night Out?Yes,aku tetap aku.

Takkan lah bila dah kahwin and ada anak,pakaian terus outdated,makeup dah tak kenal,badan dah tak jaga,life dah habis.Come on moms..Modern life,jangan jadi kampung.Memang lah sebagai isteri ada batasannya,tapi takkan la nak jadi buruk?Husband cari lain kang...YOU know la,YOU tak suka kan bila husband YOU pandang perempuan lain yang pandai jaga luaran dan dalaman kan?So,mari menjalani hidup yang sihat,happy and sedap mata memandang..Sexy ke,scarfy ke itu hak YOU and your husband.

Remember that,setiap wanita cantik.Setiap wanita mempunyai kecantikkan,keistimewaan,kelebihan dan anugerah tersendiri.Jangan musnahkan ia hanya disebabkan title 'married/mother'.Pelihara lah anugerah itu dengan sempurna.Well,untuk self confidence and kebanggaan husband.Tak kisahlah macam mana pun pilihan lifestyle family YOU.Janji YOU tahu jaga hak kekeluargaan masing-masing and batasan YOU sebagai WIFE.Dont be 'kia su' mom yeah.So Ya!

Preparing For Ryan's Arrival

*Maternity Dresses
*Pregnancy Week By Week Book
*Enfamama Milk Stock
*Anmum Milk Stock
*Dates(kurma) Stock
*Maternity Lotion Palmer's
*Stretch Mark Oil(Bio-Oil)
*Maternity Pad
*Breast Pump Manual and Electric
*Nursing Bra
*Nipple Shield
*Nipple Sore Cream
*Breast Pad
*Confinement Set
*Corsett
*Herbs
*Steam Sterilizer Petit
*Bottle Warmer Little Bean
*Milk Powder Dispenser
*Bottle and Nipple brush
*Warmer Bag
*Anti-Colic Feeding Bottles(Dr.Browns,Avent,Babisil)
*Anti-Colic Teats(NUK)
*Bottle Spoon
*Milk Bottle for breast milk
*Sterilizer tablets
*Bottles and Nipples Cleanser

*Pacifier Nuby
*Mittens and booties
*Baby napkins
*Nappy liners
*Laundry detergent
*Diaper Pants
*Face Towel
*Towel and Handkerchief
*Blanket
*Pillow and Bolster
*Napkin fastenen

*Newborn Clothes
*Dentinox Teething Gel
*Nappy Rash Cream
*Nose Cleaner
*Medical Nurser
*Anti-Colic Drop
*Food Container
*Training Cup
*Powder Puff
*Wet Tissue
*Nibbler fruit sucker
*Baby food blender
*Baby Nail Clipper
*Baby lotion Sebamed
*Baby oil
*Ointment
*Baby Shampoo
*Baby Bath Sebamed
*Moisturizer Ezzera
*Mosquito repellent
*Baby powder
*Cotton wool

*Digital thermometer
*Disposable Newborn Diapers
*2 way Sling Carrier
*Baby Travelling bag
*Bouncer
*Mosquitoes Netting
*Changing Mat
*Stroller
*Walker
*Play pen

*Play Mat
*Baby Cot
*High dining chair
*Baby bath tub
*Potty Trainer Seat
*Baby Monitor
*Car Seat
*Teether
*Educational Books,DVD's and Toys

Reminder

PLEASE DO NOT EVER COPY-PASTE ANY IDEA OF MY ARTICLE OR MY SON'S PHOTO ON YOUR BLOG WITHOUT HIS NAME WRITTEN.IF URE POSTING ANY BACKDATED ENTRY OF MINE ON YOUR LATEST POST(FROM THE DATE AFTER MY ARTICLES BEEN POSTED),PLS KEEP MY LINK CREDITED.I BET YOU HAD READ MY POSTS ONCE URE BECOME MY FOLLOWER.IM GUARANTEED SMART PARENTS WONT SIMPLY ADDING PEOPLE WITHOUT KNOWING THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG AT THE FIRST PLACE ,UNLESS URE MY SILENT READER.YES,SHARING IS CARING,BUT NO COPYCAT ISSUE IN ANY MANNERS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION PLEASE.JUST BE NICE,IM HARMLESS.TQ.

Little Ryan Raffael Progress

Kindly visit my blog at http://www.stephanieliah.com .Happy reading!!

Mommy Stephanie Liah 2009

The Sweetbum Team

Team Mommy

Team Daddy