Dress Up Day @ School

Aston started nursery in July.  So far I'm quite satisfied with the teachers and the school.  Most importantly Aston enjoys going to school.  Well, in the morning he just have to create trouble.   He refuse to dress up quickly and he will give the excuse that he wants to play with his toys, but eventually he will asked to be dress up to go to school.  When school ends he refuse to go home.  Again, he said he wants to play with the "truck".   According to his teacher during play time usually he doesn't get a chance to play with the "truck" because it's usually occupied by his classmates.  Teacher said that he will forgo and play something else.  Not aggressive in nature which I'm so proud.  

So far, Aston had attended two dress up days.  One for Hari Raya cum Merdeka and the other for Deepavali.  Both days students were encouraged to dress up in their respective cultural attire or any cultural attire is also fine.  The school organised a little party whereby they introduced them to traditional snacks and they will have activities relating to the celebration.  For Hari Raya, parents require to prepare some snacks or drinks.  The school prepared some Raya cookies and some parents even brought Roti Jala.  I've chose to bring fruits.  As for Deepavali, the school prepared some putu mayam and iddli.

I still remembered I couldn't think of what to let Aston wear for his first party in school.  I was contemplating whether to buy him a set of Baju Melayu only to realise that they are quite pricey for a one time wear! I doubt it can last till next year.  So as I was trying to search online for cheaper alternatives I suddenly had this idea and this is what Aston wore for Hari Raya.

Inside white singlet by Fiffy, Shirt from Zara given by Aunty Chris and Sarong sew by Grandmama

And this is what my fruits skewers look like....

As for Deepavali daddy bought a set of Kurta Pyjama.  ( I think that's what they call them).  It comes with a set of top, pants, vest, and a shawl and because we bought it one day before Deepavali in Brickfields all that cost only RM30! What a bargain!  Anyway,  the whole set was a bit big for Aston but I find the top was OK except for the sleeves as it was a bit long which we can fold it up.  So, I had this brilliant idea again.  I only dress him up with the top and pair it with his own jeans and keep the rest of the attire for next year!

Aston end up not putting on the shawl.  

Doesn't he look so grown up in this photo? Missing my little baby already!

Aston's First Pampering Session

Yayyyyyy! Thanks to iCloud I manage to retrieve back all my photos.  I quickly transfer it to iPhoto so hopefully it will be safe and sound for now.  Anyway, these are the photos I wanted to share....

(Please excuse the lousy watermark!) This is quite memorable because this is the first time Aston had his haircut standing by himself.  Usually daddy will have to carry him and mummy have to distract him with the phone.  We are so proud of him!  Anyway, after that he was transferred to stand on the chair but I don't know why I didn't take a photo of that.  I thought I did but I couldn't find it.

Next the stylist offered to wash his hair.  So we gave it a try! I thought he won't even lie down on the chair! But just look at the him! The third photo does not do justice to him.  He look like he's about to burst out crying but he was not at all!

After that he even allow the stylist to wrap his hair up and walk out like a boss!

Well done Aston!! Next time we can all go to the saloon and get pampered together!

Wakey! Wakey! Mummy...it's 3AM....

We had a little commotion this morning.  It all started by Aston waking me up by standing at the crib rail.  Usually, when this happens I will just give Aston a hug and he will fall right back asleep.  However, this time I noticed that his body was really hot.  I quickly take out the digital thermometer, switched on the night light and check Aston's temperature.  The thermometer read 39.7 degrees! I was shocked and was completely awake even though I had a drowsy cough syrup before I slept.

I quickly took out the suppository and lay him down on my bed thinking I should quickly insert it before the temperature goes up any higher.  So, I changed his diaper first and then I tried to open the suppository but couldn't tear open the packaging with my hands.  Desperate moment calls for desperate measures so I called daddy who was sleeping in the next room on his phone to bring in a pair of scissors.  Daddy was shocked why at 3am I called him for a pair of scissors.  I told him that Aston was having high fever so he quickly brought in the scissors.

Somehow, when I see daddy I started to calm down a little and thought do I really need to go to that extend as in to administer the suppository without even trying to give him some oral medication to bring down the temperature.  So I asked daddy to check his temperature again and it was 39.1 degrees.  It was a slight relief that his temperature came down a little so I decided to forgo the suppository and administer him nurofen instead.  Daddy helped to cool Aston's temperature by wiping his forehead and neck with cloth soaked in ice water.  After all that, we checked his temperature again and it was 38.7 degrees.  Phew! I was relieved that his temperature reducing slowly.  However, with all that commotion Aston became wide awake and started climbing up and down of my bed as if it's morning!

I tried to calm him down by switching off all the lights and it took him about an hour before falling asleep again.  I checked his temperature again and it was 37.5 degrees.  I finally fall asleep only to be woken up by my cough! At 6.30am I checked his temperature again and it was 36.8 degrees and so I moved him back into his crib so that we both can rest well.

Aston woke up at 9am this morning and his temperature went up again to 37.8 degrees.  I fed him his milk and I freshen up myself.  After feeding him breakfast, I checked his temperature again and it was 38 degrees.  I gave him another dosage of Nurofen.  This time, Aston had another problem.  He was having constipation! He was trying really hard to push his stools out that he even cried! I can tell that he was very relieved after the stool was out and went back to his usual self.  His temperature remain at 37.1-37.5 degrees through out the day.

Just before dinner, he let out a mega explosion of soft stools and daddy said Aston has recovered because he looked much more contented after the poo.  Well, I certainly hope so too! What triggers this 3Am commotion I really have no idea!    

Aston's Progress @ 15months

My little baby has grown so much.  He can understand most of the things that we asked him to do.  He definitely knows what 'NO' means but choose to ignore it.  We are still waiting for him to utter his first words.  He still babbles a lot but none of us understand what he is trying to say.  He can walk really well and recently he even walk backwards.  Sometimes he gets so excited that he try to run but usually we will ask him to slow down because he had too many little accidents at home!

One of the major changes I noticed in him is that he is slowly outgrowing his separation anxiety.  *Touchwood* Hopefully, I don't jinx myself by saying this.  He does make noise when I try to leave him alone for a moment but after I explain to him that I will be back really quickly he will continue with whatever he was doing.  Nevertheless, he do still feel insecure when there's visitors around and that includes relatives.  Some relatives will say that he's too protective by me and that I don't expose him enough but for me I'm OK with it.  I rather he is more cautious when there's someone he is not familiar around him.

I can tell that he really enjoys Gymboree both the playclasses and music classes.  Although, I must admit he much prefer to be in the play classes because he gets to roam around freely while the music class his movements are being restricted.

Physically, he looks like he has lost a lot of weight.  I suspect that he looks thinner because he has grown taller.  Well, either he has grown taller or his pyjamas shrunk! He usually wear one piece sleepsuits to sleep and I intentionally bought it one size bigger so he will always have extra space at the foot but recently the sleepsuits fit him perfect with no extra room!

Let me end this post by sharing a few photos of Aston.

Feeding Too Much Healthy Food?

As I mentioned in my previous post, doctor mentioned that I have to cut back on feeding Aston vitamin A because Aston is turning yellow.  Eeek! Immediately, my mind was like Oh Gosh... no more butternut pumpkin and sweet potato...what else is there to feed?

Immediately when I had the time I quickly did my research on what food that I should avoid and oh my practically my whole week's menu!  Below is a list of food that is high in Vitamin A that I usually feed Aston (not in any particular order)

1. Carrots
2. Spinach
3. Rockmelon
4. Papaya
5. Sweet potato
6. Butternut squash / pumpkin
7. Broccoli
8. Salmon

So now I have to re-think my weekly menu for Aston.  I really have no idea what to cook for him because he definitely do not fancy porridge anymore but food that has slightly more texture he doesn't like it either.  Ever since last week, I've been feeding him just rice/pasta/noodle with soup and occasionally add in steam vegie which I find the diet is not balance at all!        

The Sick Bug Is In The House........

Aston and I have been sick for a week now.  I started of by having sore throat follow by cough while Aston have flu and swollen tonsils.  I would say I am 98% recovered while Aston doesn't seem to make any improvement.  Well, also because I was on antibiotics and cough medicine while Aston was left to defend for himself.

When we went to the doctor's last week the moment the doctor look at Aston, he told me I have to cut down on feeding him Vitamin A.  Aston is a bit yellow.  He was showing me the nose and the cheeks but I just couldn't  see it.  Anyway, immediately I knew I've been feeding him too much yellow vegetables.  The butternut squash and the sweet potato.... There goes my staple vegetables for Aston!

The doctor also mentioned that Aston's throat is a bit sensitive just like his daddy.  At his age, his tonsils shouldn't be swollen.  Doctor advised no french fries ( No problem we have not introduce to him), no chocolate (Also not a problem because mummy is not a fan of chocolate) basically no fried food and when I mentioned Durian it was a big NO NO.  All this will have to wait till he is much older.  There goes yeh yeh's dream of feeding Aston durians at such young age.  Yeah....yeh yeh have this thinking that if he trains Aston early eating durian, he will love it when he is older and then Aston can accompany yeh yeh eat durian.  I obviously do not understand the logic behind this because no 1 durian is a fruit that either you like it or not.  I mean my whole family can indulge in durian but not my brother.  How do we explain that? No 2 yeh yeh is diabetic.  He himself mention that he cannot have durian.  Basically, he will only eat one seed in the morning.  That's all.  So I do not see the significant whether Aston MUST eat durian or not.

Aston's flu is viral so there's no point having antibiotics.  Doctor did prescribed flu medication and also fever medication for standby only.  Well, mummy couldn't take it any longer because it has been a week and Aston's flu doesn't seem to be going anywhere so today I decided to give him his flu medication.  Hopefully, recovery is on the way because looking at Aston couldn't breath properly especially when he wants to sleep just breaks my heart.

Surprise! Surprise!

My little baby gave me two surprises today.  Remember how I was mentioning that Aston is super clingy recently, this morning as usual I was expecting the 'waaaaaahhhh!' the moment I want to walk downstairs to wash the bottles and what not.  It did started a little but again I reassured him and told him that I am just going downstairs to wash and bring some bread up for both of us to eat.  Then, he happily walk to his toys and started playing! I was like wow!

Then, right after his dinner and bath about 7.15pm he was a bit cranky.  Initially, I thought he wanted a hug so I hugged him but that was not sufficient.  Then........*denotes actions*

Mummy: What do you want Aston?
Aston: *Walk to his room*
Mummy: *Followed him into his room from behind*
Aston: * He turned back towards the door and tried to close the door which was latched to the wall*
Mummy: *Helped him to close the door*
Aston: *Saw mummy closed the door and walk to mummy's bed*
Aston: *Climbed up the bed and stand next to his own bed making noises*
Mummy:*Hands him his beanbag and pacifier*
Aston: *Put his pacifier in his mouth and hold on to his beanbag and lie down on the bed*
Mummy: *Lie down quietly beside Aston*

10minutes later.....
Aston:ZZZZzzzZZZzzZZ
Mummy: *Changed him into his pyjamas*
Mummy: *Carry him back into his cot and still couldn't believe Aston went to bed all by himself*

I'm so proud of my little baby! This is the first time that he went to bed all by himself.  Usually, we will go through a routine of giving him a nice rub with warm towel, change him to his pyjamas, milk then he will twist and turn in his crib before falling asleep and usually he will take at least 30minutes in his crib before falling asleep.

I still can't believe it!

Mummy Lost Touch In Blogging

I've been so lazy lately...well not lately it has been three months since I last blog...I just couldn't make myself log in to blog. I enjoy reading other people's blog by the way so YES i've been on the internet but just not in blogspot. I think the major issue was due to Astro on Demand. Hahaha excuses! Excuses! Well I think that contributed about 20% of my laziness. The balance were either not much ME time during the day and by night I am exhausted. Aston just turned 14 months by the way. So for mummies out there you can imagine at this stage where they just started walking and enjoying every step of it that at times they decided to run and then they trip and the loud "wAhhhhhhh" begins. They also enjoy walking so much that they just look at their own feet or at their toys that they are holding and BANG into the wall or a piece of furniture! Recently, Aston even manage to climb up the sofa! He knows how to come down leg first but I am just worried one day he may fall from the arms of the sofa because they are quite low. So now I officially have an active toddler at home. Aston still can't call mummy or daddy. He babbles all sorts of sounds throughout the day but none of it makes any sense to me. There was once daddy scolded him for touching something that he shouldn't touch he started babbling away till he cried! The tone of his voice was like "why are you scolding me all the time? I didn't do anything wrong! I just want to see what is that thing" Then he cried and come running to mummy. I saw the whole scenario it was so funny I wish I had my phone with me at that time so I can record it. Yeah now he is like my shadow. I must be seen ALL the time! I can't even go to the toilet in peace because nowadays the moment I get up he will start making noise and come running and hug my legs. It was a very sudden change in him. I really hope this is just a phase called separation anxiety as per the book and it will pass real soon otherwise I am going bonkers! At times like this I wish I am back at work! Now I really understand why some mothers prefer to be at work. If it is like this all the time oh gosh I am gonna tell daddy that i QUIT! Well, that is all for now. Hopefully, I can get the momentum going again....

Aston's Progress @ 10months

I can't believe it! My little baby is turning one in a couple of months and this mummy still have no clue about his birthday party. Should we have a private one where we celebrate among close relatives or shall we have an elaborate party to make up for his fullmoon? All I know is that I must buy him a number 1 birthday cake. If mummy had a big number 1 cake I can't accept my son only had a small miserable cake.

Anyway, back to Aston's progress. He progressed so quick that i don't know where to start. He's been moving and exploring around as much as he can. It's a pity that his boundaries are very limited because the house is not childproof. There's always the dirt on the floor, the dust on the carpet, the little step before you enter the bathroom, the backdoor, the things in the cupboard, the things on the table and the list goes on...and mind you this is only the beginning because Aston just started moving around in his walker or crawling. I can't imagine what it will be like when he starts walking!

In terms of meals, mummy again been repeating the same food over and over again. Only this month I tried not to puree too much to encourage him to chew more. I noticed that he is a bit lazy to chew. Anyway, eversince I started mashing using the sieve and giving him tiny bits of fruits he's a lot better at chewing now.  By the way, he now has 4 bottom and 3 upper teeth.

Behavior wise, he is getting more and more mischevious. His temper is getting a little bit out of hand. I don't know what makes him shriek and once he starts he doesn't stop until you distract him with something which usually requires you to carry him. I am very worried because he puts in a lot of strain to his throat and everytime he shriek his body will shake and his face will turn red! I hope it is just a phase and hopefully it will pass soon.

Everyday there's something new about him that I don't know what to write......so I shall leave you with some photos

Aston is able to hold and stand up by himself and loves doing it too!

I am 10 months old today

First day of CNY in his new attire.

Aston can't wait to go visiting on second day of CNY

Aston with Grand Uncle Kevin

Aston and GreatGrandPapa

Aston and Grand Aunty Stacey

Aston first up close and personal with the lion

The "Love" Virus.....

While I was enjoying my "woo hoo" holiday in Singapore, my little baby came down with a fever.  I was not even aware until I came home.  Anyway, grandmama and grandpapa noticed that Aston is having fever.  Grandpapa even felt a little paranoid because he took him for a quick dip in the pool just hours before and thought he caught a cold.

Anyway, grandmama was worried that his temperature may go very high in the middle of the night and decided to bring him to the doctor and have him check out.  The doctor said that the fever is very mild and is due to teething.  Grandmama gave Aston some Neurofen and the fever subsided.  Grandmama noticed that once the medication wears off the fever will return.

On the way back from Singapore, I started to feel my throat a bit sore.  I knew that I'm falling sick and told grandmama to bring along her Manuka honey.  During my pregnancy with Aston, I fell ill once and because I couldn't take any medication I tried Manuka honey and it worked.  However, this time round the virus was too strong.  I felt horrible the next day maybe due to lack of sleep.  I couldn't sleep well as I kept waking up to check on Aston's temperature.

Aston had a high temperature in the middle of the night and I had to wake him up to give him his medication.   The next day I told papa that we need to go see the doctor as I am feeling very horrible and Aston is coming down with some cough.  Doctor told me that it's viral and no point giving me any antibiotics.  He prescribed some vitamins to boost my antibody and let my body fight the virus instead.  Aston also caught the virus and I suspect is from papa because he was sick before the trip! Anyway, Aston too was being told that he needs to fight of the virus on his own.  Aston also developed congested nose and had trouble falling asleep.  After we came home from the clinic, Aston fever shot up to 39 degree and I quickly administer the suppository as advised by the doctor.  Initially, I was a bit worried on how am I going to administer it but when the time comes I just did it! I ended up letting him sleep on my bed and on my pillow so that I can immediately attend to him when he starts coughing or couldn't fall back asleep as his nose was congested and also easier for me to take his temperature.

So, both Aston and I was so sick and that's how we welcome 2012....by spending time in bed.  It was so bad for Aston that we even look high and low for a pediatrician but none was open due to public holiday.  We ended up going to Pantai and got a medical officer to check him out.   After one week, we finally recovered well not 100% but 99%.  We still left with a bit of phlegm that just refused to go away.

Aston's sickly look...

Not a very happy boy....

Waiting for the Medical Officer in Pantai Hospital

Still waiting.......

And waiting.......

Can't wait no more..let's explore!

Hmm... Aston suddenly felt much better...

Daddy felt sad for Aston's discomfort

This is how Aston sleep due to his congested nose

 

Aston's Progress @ 9months

I just realised that I have not blogged about Aston's progress at 9 months.  Frankly, the month passed by so quickly that I have no idea what to blog about Aston's progress!? Oh...yes let's start by Aston's recent statistics.  Aston now weighs 8.8kg and 70cm in height.  It seems that Aston had dropped from his current percentile in both his weight and height but the doctor assured us that he is still very healthy and I should continue what I'm doing.

Aston now eats 3 solid meals a day and he has progressed from being a vegetarian to a meat eater.  Yes, I have finally started introducing white meat to him.  He doesn't seem to enjoy it as much maybe because the meat is not as tender as it should be and caused him to choke occasionally.  I tried my best to make the meat as fine as possible from using commercial mince pork to even chopping the meat myself but somehow  some of the meat still turns out quite chunky for Aston.  Again, I am in such a dilemma because the doctor did mentioned that I should be introducing lumpy food to Aston but what consist as "lumpy" food? I noticed that even soft carrots that I chopped instead of mashed he will still gag.  Anyway, I still continue to puree the vegetables especially vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage before putting into the porridge.  I am still waiting for hubby to buy me a handheld blender so that I can make more variety for Aston such as chicken & vegetable stew, instead of porridge every lunch and dinner.

Well, in terms of development Aston can crawl a little bit now but loves to try standing when holding onto a bolster or our body.  Anyway, here are a few of Aston's latest photos.

Babysitting Aston for Dummies

It's been a while since hubby and I went for a holiday.  Well actually our last holiday was when I was only 5 months pregnant with Aston.  Geez....time does really fly! Aston is now 9 months old! Anyway, hubby's aunt from Singapore is in town for the Christmas holidays and hubby offered to send her back to Singapore  and take it as a chance to bring Aston on an overseas road trip.

After much thought, I've decided not to bring Aston along and have our post baby holiday instead.  I hinted to hubby that it's going to be a holiday where we are going to catch up on all the lost "woo hoo" time in the bedroom.  Oops too much information there! Anyway, hubby's eyes got big and he agreed without much hesitation.  Well frankly I am also looking forward to this "woo hoo" holiday of mine that I splurge on the hotel that cost a whooping RM1000+ a night.  Yes, you got that right and with RM1K a night is not even a presidential suite mind you.  Oh well, after consulting a girl friend of mine who is an expert in luxury hotels especially in Singapore I thought to myself that it will be money well spent.  I told hubby that this will be a once in a lifetime experience for both of us.  I can't wait for tomorrow because tomorrow night I will be sleeping in a 5 star hotel in Singapore that comes with a butler service!

Now...back to Aston.  My mum offered to babysit Aston while we go for our holiday.  Tomorrow will be the first night Aston sleeping over at grandmama's condo.  Deep down I can't let go.  It's a catch 22 really.  One hand I can't wait for my "woo hoo" trip but the other hand I can't let go of my son! Everyone asked why just one night.  Even hubby asked why not make it two nights.  I told hubby No 1 I can't afford another night in the hotel.  No 2 I miss my son.  I told hubby if I can enjoy this trip then we can plan for another longer trip that is also provided that grandmama is OK with the babysitting.

Anyway, I am so worried for grandmama and for Aston that I actually email grandmama a schedule hopefully everything will go smooth during the day.  The guide to babysitting Aston as follows:-

7.30am  Wake up

             Feed Aston 180ml** milk

             Change Diaper

8.00am  Walk around the garden 

8.20am  Aston Watch Brainy Baby Dvd

             I will shower / boil his porridge / prepare his breakfast

9.20am  Feed Aston breakfast (cereal mix with 2oz** milk (should be about same consistency as porridge.  If too thick please add water.  If too runny mix in some mashed fruit) + small portion of mashed fruit (eg banana/papaya/apple/pear/golden kiwi without seeds)

10.00am Morning nap for Aston (he usually will fall asleep between 10.30-11.00)

11.30am Wake up

              Change Diaper 

12.30pm  Feed Aston Lunch (porridge)^

1.00pm-3.30pm Playtime

4.00pm   Feed Aston 180ml** milk

              Afternoon nap for Aston 

5.30pm   Wake up

             Bath time

6.00pm  Feed Aston Dinner (porridge)^

6.30-9.00pm  Playtime

9.00pm  Feed Aston 210ml** milk

             Change Diaper

             Bedtime* (he usually fall asleep between 9.30-10pm)

*Tip: Off the lights leaving a night light or pitch black is fine with him.  Try to keep the room as quiet as possible.  Soft music is fine.

** Note:180ml water = 6 flat scoops of milk powder

            210ml water = 7 flat scoops of milk powder

            2oz water = 2 flat scoops of milk

^ Please include either one meal red cabbage in the porridge each day.

I know I sound like some control freak but I cannot help it.  I know for a fact that if Aston's routine is disturbed even if it's caused by Aston himself he will be one cranky baby the whole day!

Fingers cross everything will go smoothly !!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !!!

              

            

Aston's First Class

Aston and I went to Bangsar Village to check out Gymboree last Thursday.  It was a pity that when we arrived the class just ended not long.  Nevertheless, we got the schedule and price and I registered Aston to attend a trial class today.

I was so excited for him today.  I was hoping that he won't be too overwhelmed during the class.  After feeding Aston his lunch, mummy quickly got ready and packed his diaper bag and off we went to Bangsar Village.  The traffic was pretty chaotic due to the rain but nevertheless we arrived just in time for the class.   A staff checked Aston's temperature and gave him a sticker with his name and stuck on his back.  I quickly put on my socks and put down the bag and I sat Aston down on the mat.  There was only one baby at that time attending the class so Aston was looking at him and exploring at the same time.  Just less that 5 minutes the class started.

The class started with a welcome song with hand movements.  I must admit I was pretty uncoordinated with Aston.  I think Aston must be wondering what am I doing.  Anyway, throughout the whole song Aston was looking around especially to the baby next to him.  After the welcome song, we continue with another song which I can't remember but this time it involves both the hands, legs and hugs.  I then have to lift Aston up on my shin and move him up and down and side to side.  I must say pretty good tummy work out there!

There's a socialising time where parents suppose to get to know each other while the child play with some balls.  Today's topic was family tradition.  I couldn't think of any and just came up with bubble bath! Yes... I said that my mum used to give me bubble bath when I was young and so this tradition is being carried on with Aston till today.  I thought to myself maybe this is not very suitable for Aston because he did not show any signs that he's enjoying himself neither did he cried so I guess he doesn't mind? Anyway, when the instructor took out the beach balls and asked them to kick it to their friends Aston was a champion.  He just kick and kick and kick.  Everyone was so amazed with his legs.  So I guess he's beginning to enjoy the class?

Mummy started to get tired after carrying him to do the kicking but the lesson must go on.  We moved to the slide to encourage Aston to crawl but he just refused to move.  He rather be in a sitting position instead but after some encouragement he manage to move just one or two steps forward.  During this time, another baby joined the class.  After trying to crawl up, we then moved him over to slide down.  Then we moved to the opposite side to encourage them crawl through the tunnel but Aston did not moved an inch while the other baby friend was already crawling in from the opposite end.  We ended up at the swing, then on a "log" then we went back to the center and that's when the instructor took out the parachute and blow bubbles which Aston is the only one trying to catch the bubbles.

Overall, I think Aston will enjoy it more once he starts to master his crawling skills.  As for me, I think I can treat it as my workout for the week.  So, I got sucked in to purchase their package which cost me RM2000 for one year but this also includes music class for him.  I think Aston really like music so I'm looking forward to bring him to his music class maybe this Sunday or starting next week.

Aston's Progress @ 8months

Lately, I'm on a lazy mummy mode that's why it took me so long to finally update Aston's progress.  All the free time I have during the day I've dedicated to Astro on Demand (AOD).  Yes! I've turned into one of those stay at home mums who just watches TVB dramas all day long.  I must admit I salute mums who manage to actually keep up to date with the episodes while taking care of a child or a few of them.  I personally find it hard to keep up especially with AOD as the timing of the episodes are fixed and everytime when the episode that I'm looking for starts Aston is either awake or cranky.  So I will spend whole day chasing episodes after episodes especially when we first got it installed as the show that was being broadcasted was near ending so imagine I had like 25 episodes to catch up! Now is all good because a new series just started and Yes I'm now awaiting for the new episode to start tonight! This is how updated I am with my dramas!

Back to Aston, he's a big boy now.  Everytime I carry him to have his bath I will surely comment while carrying and kissing his cheeks telling him that he's my "big baby".  Daddy said this comment is a classic mummy's boy (ie a mother who will never let go of her son).  He's grown so much now that I can hardly carry him to wash his hair but I still want to do it until the day he really retaliates.  Now I still am able to control him while washing his hair but I think in another month or so I won't be able to do it anymore.  He's also able to sit on his own unsupported for a very long time and recently he manage to manoeuvre himself from lying down on his tummy to a sitting position.  He's also able to crawl just a few tiny steps to the front to grab a toy but he will not move anywhere else if he's gotten what he needs around him.  I can't wait for him to start crawling everywhere in the house to explore.  I know it's going to be tough chasing him around but I'm sure he will be happy once he knows how to do it.

Aston is still having 2 solid meals a day with 3 milk feeds.  I have yet to introduce him to any meat.  Still introducing him vegetables and fruits.  I think I will start introducing him white meat after going for a check up on the 16th December.  However, these few nights he woke up in the middle of the night and refused to return to slumberland until I feed him his milk.  So, today I started giving him 3 solid meals a day with 3 milk feeds.  Let's see how tonight goes! Hopefully, it's really due to hunger that he's awake in the middle of the night and not just being a rascal.

At 7 months he was being introduced to the below 10 fruits & vegetables.  At 8 months, mummy slacked a bit because she ran out of ideas on what to introduce to him so mummy started mix and match.  The ones in bold are what's being newly introduced this month.  Mummy also started cutting the vegetables into small pieces for the porridge instead of using puree.  The porridge does taste better but mummy have to be very careful as sometimes the vegetables are not soft enough especially carrots, onions & potato.

1. Sweet potato

 2. Broccoli

 3. Pumpkin

 4. Cauliflower

 5. Avocado (he hates it)

 6. Banana

 7. Apple

 8. Baby Spinach

 9. Potato

10.Pear

11. Papaya

12. Cabbage

13. Lettuce

14. Peas (hardly giving now because can't seem to blend into smooth consistency)

15. Golden Kiwi (without seeds)

16. Yellow Capsicum

17. Yellow Onions

18. Carrots
19. Yellow Squash

Here are some photos of Aston at 8 Months

My two front teeth

I can sit steadily and bite the teether

I am 8 months old today and we went to the immigration department to pick up my passport!

Daddy & Aston having fun infront of the ipad

Aston's Progress @ 7 Months

 I'm shy to admit that this post is way outdated.  In another 16 days Aston will be 8 months! Time really does pass by with just a blink of an eye.  I've been busy lately with Aston demanding more of my time and also cooking.  Yes, it's been a while since I step foot into the kitchen.   Ever since my FIL went for his long holiday I've decided to brush up my cooking skills and at the same time give myself a test whether I can be a typical housewife (ie ensure all 3 meals are taken care at home rather than eating out).  Well on this matter, I must say I'm quite proud of myself that I manage to do it all 3 meals most of the days with the help from our house maid of course!  I even did meal planning on a weekly basis so that I don't need to go in and out of supermarket.  

Anyway, back to Aston.  Looking at him really confirms that he's grown so much over the last 6 months.  He's also much more demanding and very vocal! Well, he's able to turn very quickly and infact it was so quick that he fell off the bed once.  It was lucky that he fell onto the side where I've placed his playing mat and at the same time hubby was sleeping there so hubby's bolster cushion his fall.  Nevertheless, my heart skipped a beat the moment I heard the 'thump'.  Hubby quickly picked him up and hold him tight as he was crying his lungs out but he stopped just less than 3 minutes after consoling him.  You must be wondering where was I and why I left him on the bed without supervision...well I was on the bed with him but I was too distracted with the iPad and I lost concentration from supervising him.  Yes..lousy mother I am.  The whole time every now and then I will look at him making sure he's never at the edge of the bed but just that one minute my worst nightmare happen....A very big lesson I learnt here.  So ever since that incident, unless I am going to lie on the bed watching him the whole time without any distractions I will not place him on the bed.  I will put him on the floor mat to play instead.

Back to more happy occasions, Aston's been taking his solid food really well and loves it to bits.  He's been introduce to quite a variety of food and vegetables but there's still so much more to go! Up to date, this is what I've introduced him:-

 1. Sweet potato

 2. Broccoli

 3. Pumpkin

 4. Cauliflower

 5. Avocado (he hates it)

 6. Banana

 7. Apple

 8. Baby Spinach

 9. Potato

10.Pear

Typically, his daily routine is as below:-

7.00am              Wakes up

7.15am              Breakfast  (7oz milk)

7.30-8.00am      Walk around the garden

8.00-8.15am      He watch Brainy Baby while I quickly freshen up

9.00-10.00am    Morning nap and I quickly have my breakfast

10.30-11.00am  Morning snack (usually I will feed him fruits/vegetable puree that I have not introduced him before)

11.00-12.00pm Play time

12.00-12.30pm Lunch (7oz milk)

1.00-3.30pm     Afternoon nap

3.30-5.00pm    Play time

5.00-5.30pm    Dinner (Vegetable puree + Rice cereal mix with 2oz milk)

6.00pm            Bath time

7.00pm            Last feed for the day (7oz milk)

7.30pm            I have my dinner

8.30pm            Put Aston to bed

This is how he moves around on the bed by pushing his butt up and kicking the bed

His disapproval of Cauliflower

Enjoying his personal hair wash 

I am 7 months old today and I can reached out for things

Enjoying his time in the tub

Another Achievement by Aston........

Two weeks ago, I started Aston on semi-solid food as advised by his paed.  I started off with rice cereal.  I am a lazy mother so I bought instant rice cereal instead of boiling porridge for him.  Well, the doctor did mentioned that the first time attempts they may just take just a few teaspoon or may not even take in any ! Anyway, went to Cold Storage and bought Earth's Best Organic Rice Cereal.

According to the packaging, it is USDA organic which means no growth hormones, antibiotics, steroids or potentially harmful pesticides or herbicides.  It is made with whole grains and iron fortified.  Most importantly, there's no added salt, sugar, flavours, colours or preservatives.

As advice, by the doctor we must introduce one food at a time and test it out for a few days just incase there's any allergy reaction.  I tested the rice cereal with milk/breastmilk for 4 days.  I was very excited more than Aston himself during the first feeding as I do not know what to expect.  It was a pity that I didn't manage to take any photos because I was feeding him alone and I couldn't handle holding my camera and feeding him at the same time.  Anyway, the first feed I made it rather watery to see how he reacts to being spoon fed.  The first spoonful I put it near him and he didn't know what to do so I touched his lips and left some cereal for him to taste.  Second spoon I tried to open his mouth with the spoon with a little bit of cereal.  Third spoon he's beginning to get the hang and start sucking out of the spoon.  It was so funny because when he sucks the cereals started flying everywhere and then he will give this big smile telling me that he's enjoying himself.  He managed to finish everything on the first trial itself which is just one tablespoon of rice cereal.  Second day he was still sucking out from the spoon but I tried to get him to open his mouth everytime the spoon is near him and tip the cereal into his mouth.  He didn't had any problems swallowing so I thicken the cereal slightly and he enjoy every bit of it! 

After the fourth day, I moved on to sweet potato puree.  I made the puree myself.  I bought some organic japanese sweet potato from Jusco and used the Thermomix to steam and puree it.  

Thermomix

All I had to do was to put the sweet potato into the steaming basket (the little basket in the picture) put in some water into the stainless steel pot/jug and steamed for 25minutes (until soft).  Then I poured the water away and put in the sweet potato into the stainless steel pot/jug and puree away! I then freeze them using ice-cube tray and once frozen I transfer it into ziplock bag for storage in the freezer.  So everytime, I just take out one or two cubes and warm it up using the bottle/food warmer.  

All geared up waiting for his food 

Yum Yum Yum!!

More more more!!

Yummy sweet potato I like!

Home made Sweet Potato Puree

Can't wait for the spoon to go in

Finished and satisfied!

As you can see, he no longer sucks from the spoon.  He will eagerly open his mouth waiting for the delicious sweet potato to be fed to him.  At this very moment, I've moved on to broccoli and it is very obvious that he doesn't enjoy it as much as the sweet potato.  Nevertheless, today is the 3rd day on broccoli and he manage to finish one cube which I'm very happy.  Will try to upload photos him eating broccoli if papa can help us take photos again.