Monday, January 31, 2005
CONFINEMENT
Many older folks with good intentions would come with their different school of thoughts towards confinement. Out of a sudden, this seemed to become like a theory which needed to be exercised to prevent some ill befalls in the future. It would be interesting to write all these down and hopefully someone can convince me with its scientific truth someday.
Preventing wind – generally the folks believe that we should abstain from exposing ourselves to wind or cold of any form to prevent rheumatism or headaches later. I cannot wash my hair or bathe. For someone who washes her hair everyday, this is something trying. My scalp began to itch and my hair looked oily. I had to depend on dry shampoo which allows washing without the use of water. I have not bathed since the 18th. It had been five days. As the fan was not allowed and every drink had to be hot, how can I not perspire under such conditions? Each time of pumping resulted in a strenuous exercise that gave out much perspiration.
My grandmother went to the extent of insisting that I had to have long pants worn and slippers too because broken marble flooring was cold. The most tickling thing was that when I told Jotham’s nurse from China that washing hair was not allowed, she was equally amazed but concluded that the older folks here in Singapore are good preservers of the traditional ways.
The other aspect to confinement was with respect to the food that we can consume. Generally all junk food were not allowed. Well, that is reasonable. However, this confinement also meant a separate menu like more ginger, herbs, taking essence every morning and meals that come up to six times a day. Fortunately for me, my appetite is not large and my mother in law is flexible with the meals that I have a day. I am easily contented with biscuits, milo and fish essence for breakfast; mee sua for lunch and vegetables and meat for dinner. I have heard of people having to eat so much that they cry as the spread was simply too overwhelming.
Now at almost 2 weeks after birth, confinement conditions are much better. (I shall not elaborate):))
My mood has been a roller coaster these days. Easily irritated. It's really ironic that when at work, I will long for a break.. And now that I am having a break, I long for my normal working life. Hm... I guess one is never satisfied with extremes; it breaks equilibrium. Suppressed freedom is one cause of defiance.
Preventing wind – generally the folks believe that we should abstain from exposing ourselves to wind or cold of any form to prevent rheumatism or headaches later. I cannot wash my hair or bathe. For someone who washes her hair everyday, this is something trying. My scalp began to itch and my hair looked oily. I had to depend on dry shampoo which allows washing without the use of water. I have not bathed since the 18th. It had been five days. As the fan was not allowed and every drink had to be hot, how can I not perspire under such conditions? Each time of pumping resulted in a strenuous exercise that gave out much perspiration.
My grandmother went to the extent of insisting that I had to have long pants worn and slippers too because broken marble flooring was cold. The most tickling thing was that when I told Jotham’s nurse from China that washing hair was not allowed, she was equally amazed but concluded that the older folks here in Singapore are good preservers of the traditional ways.
The other aspect to confinement was with respect to the food that we can consume. Generally all junk food were not allowed. Well, that is reasonable. However, this confinement also meant a separate menu like more ginger, herbs, taking essence every morning and meals that come up to six times a day. Fortunately for me, my appetite is not large and my mother in law is flexible with the meals that I have a day. I am easily contented with biscuits, milo and fish essence for breakfast; mee sua for lunch and vegetables and meat for dinner. I have heard of people having to eat so much that they cry as the spread was simply too overwhelming.
Now at almost 2 weeks after birth, confinement conditions are much better. (I shall not elaborate):))
My mood has been a roller coaster these days. Easily irritated. It's really ironic that when at work, I will long for a break.. And now that I am having a break, I long for my normal working life. Hm... I guess one is never satisfied with extremes; it breaks equilibrium. Suppressed freedom is one cause of defiance.
Friday, January 28, 2005
When Numbers mean More!
As there were no single wards available, Gleaneagles put us up in a bigger deluxe room. Much to our content for such a bargain, we were struck by the ward number 633. That verse which almost anyone can remember came to our minds immediately.
"But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you" Matt 6:33
It was of no doubt that the dramatic experience of an emergency cesarean and Jotham's active heartbeat of 140+ dropping to a distress state of 100 was probably why God put us in ward 633.
The other interesting encounter with numbers was to do with the registration of Jotham's birth cert. Initially we wanted to have it done on the day of discharge 21st. However the counter was closed on public holidays. The next opportunity was on the 25th when both mother and son had to return for a follow-up check. It was only along the highway when we realised that we had forgotten to bring along our marriage certificate. The counter would not accept a fax copy of it on a later date. So Guan decided to make the trip down for the registration in the afternoon because both our office required Jotham's birth cert to approve our leave.
When the birth cert was shown to me later in the evening, I was only impressed by the neat looking piece of certificate. It was only later that Guan told me to look carefully at our son's birth cert no. The last 5 numbers was a mirror image of Guan's IC last 5 numbers. How amazingly conincidental!! We don't know what this means exactly but at least to date, Guan has another thing to be proud off... that Jotham takes after him. We tried to analyze the possibility of mine, our son would have to be S'pore's 90,000th over baby if his birth cert was to be a mirror image of mine. Ha Ha!
"But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you" Matt 6:33
It was of no doubt that the dramatic experience of an emergency cesarean and Jotham's active heartbeat of 140+ dropping to a distress state of 100 was probably why God put us in ward 633.
The other interesting encounter with numbers was to do with the registration of Jotham's birth cert. Initially we wanted to have it done on the day of discharge 21st. However the counter was closed on public holidays. The next opportunity was on the 25th when both mother and son had to return for a follow-up check. It was only along the highway when we realised that we had forgotten to bring along our marriage certificate. The counter would not accept a fax copy of it on a later date. So Guan decided to make the trip down for the registration in the afternoon because both our office required Jotham's birth cert to approve our leave.
When the birth cert was shown to me later in the evening, I was only impressed by the neat looking piece of certificate. It was only later that Guan told me to look carefully at our son's birth cert no. The last 5 numbers was a mirror image of Guan's IC last 5 numbers. How amazingly conincidental!! We don't know what this means exactly but at least to date, Guan has another thing to be proud off... that Jotham takes after him. We tried to analyze the possibility of mine, our son would have to be S'pore's 90,000th over baby if his birth cert was to be a mirror image of mine. Ha Ha!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
I'm in froggies suit!!
Thanks Aunty Pearlene for this froggies rhomper. I look ready to leap!
Similac taste good!
In the hospital, we were constantly encouraged and urged to breastfeed Jotham so as to give him the best nutrients and not resort to formula. Remember the first time we tried to latch him on, he was simply crying non-stop for food. Both Guan and I felt rather sad on his impatience but we resolved to breastfeed whenever we can and use formula Similac otherwise.
The nurses at Gleneagles were a great bunch of caring and skilled help. Breastfeeding was better into the third day of hospitalization. However, Jotham had to be satisfied with formula as the milk supply had not come in.
Trying breastfeeding at home was a bad encounter. With Jotham’s impatience and a quick need to stop his wailing, formula milk was the best remedy. After trying for two days, I decided not to have him latched on. He didn’t seem to like it and took the formula milk like it was some divine food. It was an arduous task to get Jotham to suckle for milk. To add on, the heat at home was simply aggravating.
Finally Guan and I decided that we should pump the milk out. At least we are clear to our conscience on giving him some of the best source of milk supply. The Avent breast pump given as a present from my mum and sis indeed proved to be a great help in breastfeeding. Though its not an easy task having to pump milk out, at least only one person needed to work hard and my son could have the easier way out by drinking the expressed milk from a bottle. Initially, an hour of pumping gave us about 10 ml. On the 23rd, I was really happy to get 30ml in an hour. Today after 10 days, I pumped 110ml this morning. I heard that the milk supply will discontinue if I fail to get Jotham to suckle. I don’t think I would get him to try again. Both mother and son seem to be comfortable with this current arrangement. I would simply do my best in pumping and we would be gladly contented with Similac for the rest, of course accompanied with constant prayer for Jotham’s growth and health being.
Jotham. 2 days old. Eyes Wide Open
Paranoia Overdrive
Being born and thoroughly bred in Singapore, I am subconsciously trained for a good one-quarter of my life to have very short-term targets: Kindergarten->PSLE-> Os->As-> NS-> University->Marriage->Kids. There is always a certain sense of expectancy such that you have something to look forward to and you don't have time worrying what to do next.
That sense of expectancy evaporated after Jotham was born. Of course, deep within there is gratuitous joy - for I am more than glad that now I have a beautiful son to play with. Yet, I can't answer that irritating paranoid question which resurfaced repeatedly - "What's next?"
Next job? Next tech gadget? Next kid? Next insurance policy? Next house? Next education? Next holiday?
Oxymoronically, at the young old age of 26+, I'm still aiming aimlessly at a slew of short-term worldly targets. Life seems so compressed. I felt short of time. I felt tired.
I sure hope the early reminders on His impending coming this year would be as thorns in my life to pierce me continually whenever my priorities are off-tangent.
Renew my life, Lord. Pierce my ear again, and keep my eyes focused on that long-term target: to serve You eternally...
Pierce my ear, O Lord, my God.
Take me to Your door this day.
I will serve no other god.
Lord, I'm here to stay.
For You have paid the price for me.
With Your blood You ransomed me.
I will serve You eternally.
A free man I'll never be.
That sense of expectancy evaporated after Jotham was born. Of course, deep within there is gratuitous joy - for I am more than glad that now I have a beautiful son to play with. Yet, I can't answer that irritating paranoid question which resurfaced repeatedly - "What's next?"
Next job? Next tech gadget? Next kid? Next insurance policy? Next house? Next education? Next holiday?
Oxymoronically, at the young old age of 26+, I'm still aiming aimlessly at a slew of short-term worldly targets. Life seems so compressed. I felt short of time. I felt tired.
I sure hope the early reminders on His impending coming this year would be as thorns in my life to pierce me continually whenever my priorities are off-tangent.
Renew my life, Lord. Pierce my ear again, and keep my eyes focused on that long-term target: to serve You eternally...
Pierce my ear, O Lord, my God.
Take me to Your door this day.
I will serve no other god.
Lord, I'm here to stay.
For You have paid the price for me.
With Your blood You ransomed me.
I will serve You eternally.
A free man I'll never be.
guan
In 2005
These days of short readings was the subject of knowing to put myself down before Christ. Guan and I both acknowledge that the one most intense problem with us individually is the pride that we possess. Actually wat's so good to be proud off i also know not but i guess this is often also a form of unconscious self -defence towards unwelcoming circumstances.
The start of this year came with Bro. Kaung sharing about being filled with the Holy Spirit as to emptying ourselves that we might be filled spiritually. Then came Job, a man so righteous in his human ways having to acknowledge the need for God. Later on the Fruit of the Spirit in Galations 5:20 also spoke something about building up character. Today, I read about denying oneself to be a good follower.
I guess this might be one precious lesson I would seek to learn this year of 2005. Bearing greater responsibilities as a new mum as well as a greenhorn in the teaching career, there will be lots of learning to do. May I in these daily living mould a better character, acceptable as the Lord's workman. In the year 2004, my greatest lesson was on the Lord's unfailing faithfulness. That carried me through my darkest days of unemployment together with pregnancy's unstable emotions. Thank God for the year that has passed. May His presence be with our family this year.
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The start of this year came with Bro. Kaung sharing about being filled with the Holy Spirit as to emptying ourselves that we might be filled spiritually. Then came Job, a man so righteous in his human ways having to acknowledge the need for God. Later on the Fruit of the Spirit in Galations 5:20 also spoke something about building up character. Today, I read about denying oneself to be a good follower.
I guess this might be one precious lesson I would seek to learn this year of 2005. Bearing greater responsibilities as a new mum as well as a greenhorn in the teaching career, there will be lots of learning to do. May I in these daily living mould a better character, acceptable as the Lord's workman. In the year 2004, my greatest lesson was on the Lord's unfailing faithfulness. That carried me through my darkest days of unemployment together with pregnancy's unstable emotions. Thank God for the year that has passed. May His presence be with our family this year.
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