A Trip to the Supermarket


Sunday, we brought him to the supermarket with us. No choice as Irwin is working all weekends, and that was the only opportunity to spend time together as a family. TD used to hate sitting in the trolley when younger, but clearly at 16 months, the supermarket and the trolley excited him. He was talking and laughing loudly, and the staff smiled and laughed at him. I don't know, at times he is quiet and timid; at times confident and loud. I guess all toddlers have their moods - just like adults, depending on whether we sleep or eat adequately as well.

Theodore at 16 months

This is my current iphone screen saver. Isn't he a delight? I have to say, I find it quite useful as my wallpaper. When I find the day going tough, or overly busy, taking just a second look at this picture takes all troubles away.

Everything has been going well with Theodore, and I am thankful for it. Looking at the famine in Somalia really breaks my heart. I made a small donation - what else can I do? Hope the situation can get better...

Our Family



Our family had an one night holiday at Mandarin Orchard (courtesy of Dad's complimentary voucher). TD was absolutely delighted. Jumping on the bed, exploring his reflection in the mirrors, playing with the cupboard knobs, looking down at the cars, swimming at the pool (despite the shivering he wanted to go back to the pool again and again). It was not that easy having a holiday with a toddler. In fact, it becomes TD's holiday. We were the facilitators of his happiness index. Irwin and I had a lot of fun watching him enjoy his hoiday, so we decided that even though it is hard work, our future holidays would still be with TD included.

Back to reality, there was another blowout in the house. So, this time FIL decides that the carpets should come back (again). TD's skin is much better now, but he is still sensitive to heat, extreme usage of perfume, and if it is a rather dirty place (no offence, but he does not seem to take food court and coffee shops well even if it is a cool day...maybe its the oil/ dirt in the air?). Thus I am highly suspicious that TD's skin will react to the dander infected carpets. I am afraid that he would develop asthma if forced to be exposed to the allergen over time since he was previously proven to be allergic to those carpets. Thus I got worried, stressed and agitated.

I am unable to understand FIL's love for carpets. I am unable to understand why his grandson's health should not take priority. I am sure he might have his reasons, but at this point, I can't see it. So I kinda blew up. I guess I should have handled it better, but who would understand a working mum's stress? I need to know that the home environment is appropriate for TD since I cannot be by his side. Frankly taking care of his skin is quite tiring and it is stressful watching him scratch. In-laws would never understand. In fact, I have seen how they "look after" him, they just allow him to scratch (or maybe they didn't notice?).

Dalai Lama says "Cultivating an attitude of compassion and developing wisdom are slow processes. As you gradually internalize techniques for developing morality, concentration of mind, and wisdom, untamed states of mind become less and less frequent. You will need to practice this technique day by day, year by year. As you transfrom your mind, you will transform your surroundings. Others will see the benefits of your practice of tolerance and love, and will work at bringing these practices into their own lives."

Appreciating Life

I have been feeling busy and tired. TD caught stomach flu from his parents. Recovered with just probiotics, so I should feel happy. Then there are always family issues, pulling me back from getting back to my work momentum.

However, tonight, two issues touched my heart.

1) I just realised that my helper who is close to 40 was trying for a kid before she was asked persistently by MIL to come back to Singapore to help. After this contract, she will go back and continue her family planning as she currently has one daughter only. I felt touched. Imagine being at 40, she gave up her own family planning to come to foreign land to help out another family's baby. Based on her medical checkup, she is still able to have babies, so she will continue her plan when she returns.

2) I watched the Marine Parade GRC short rally between PAP and NSP (while pumping milk). Not sure why I got emotional and sobbed! Somehow I felt that whichever party wins, the fact is there are people who would step up to fight for values or justice they believe in. Their decisions can impact/ benefit millions of people (lets not talk about the unhappy minority - there will always be people unhappy whenever a policy has to be made - with this, neither does this indicate that I am a PAP supporter either).

I used to talk a lot about politics when younger. I questioned my Dad, Why this, Why that? Why is it like this? Then, one day while in the car, my Dad said, in Singapore, this is a country, if you don't like its politics, you leave the country. His point was, no point questioning it(maybe I was asking too much questions). With that, I stopped all politics inquisitiveness till now! Till I saw and read more about Nicole Seah.

The point is, there are people out there who are willing to serve the country for the good of all. How about me? How am I contributing to the society, to the world? Perhaps I am contributing to TD more directly...but can I be more useful?

I guess at this age, I do not have much of an option, but can contribute more in terms of trying to grow and make my family happy; contribute to my family business and hope that I make the right decisions and policies that can benefit the employees (they work hard, and I hope that we can make lots of $$ to remunerate them; and that they have a reasonable working environment that they can enjoy working in); and add value to our clients.

There were some challenges at work today. I am glad that I handled it well. It comes with maturity (age!). At a higher management level, it is important to be calm, insightful and compassionate. This paragraph from the Dalai Lama book best explains it:

Trouble is bound to come, so cultivating the right attitude is crucial. Anger diminishes our power to distinguish right from wrong, and this ability is one of the highest human attributes. If this is lost, we are lost. Sometimes it is necessary to respond strongly, but this can be done without anger. Anger is not necessary. It has no value.

Tired, but loving my day!

Update on the whirlpool

Yes it has been a whirlpool for both Irwin and myself. Irwin was hit with food poisoning over the weekend. I was not sure then if I should bring him to the clinic but upon my Dad's advice we brought him to Gleneagles clinic, where he was put on a drip for an hour or two. Finally his paleness faded and some touch of vibrance resumed. My Dad drove from home to pick us up and stayed with us through at Gleneagles without any hesitation. What can I say? A big thank you.

After he fetched Irwin home, he dropped me at NTUC finest at Somerset as I still had to do marketing for TD and cook for him. That was when my first diarrhea hit. I was all nausea by the time I called for a cab home. When I reached home, I cooked and pureed for TD. Shortly after, I lost appetite and was very nausea too. This continued till the next Monday afternoon. I didn't want to move much as I felt very nausea. Thank goodness somehow my Dad called again and he said he wanted to bring me to the doctor.

I had stomach flu and the doctor advised that both of us stay away from TD, and wear a mask at home.

Apart from the physical whirlpool, I/ we suffered a mental meltdown on Friday evening. MIL was frustrated that we did not cover the food after dinner. Even after I explained that I was very tired from work and forgot, she said "You are always like that, this is very basic." On Saturday, she quoted me out of context and said that I responded to her "I know I know" when she suggested that TD should wear anklet bells at home.

Basically I told her I would ask Irwin and she said "It is not to look good, its functional you know." I replied "I know I know, I will ask Irwin". She basically portrayed me to be very rude to Irwin.

I am glad that Irwin asked me and Sumini what happened, and he found the story to be different from what MIL said..(including the maid story, but I am too tired to write now). Irwin asked MIL why is her story so different from mine and Sumini's. MIL explained it was probably different perspectives. Irwin reminded MIL that in Buddhism there is a lot of emphasis on Body, Speech and Mind, and we cannot be untruthful about facts even if there are different perspectives of who is right or wrong. FIL nodded in agreement. (Apparently MIL was very nice and positive towards Irwin that day)

The Dalai Lama book, How to practise the way to a meaningful life, 2002 says that Harmony cannot thrive in a climate of mistrust, cheating, bullying and mean-spirited competition. Success through intimidation and violence is temporary at best; its trifling gains only create new problems.

Ok, why do I want to write this down? Not that I want to bear grudges, but this indeed has been a rather key event that has happened. Indeed there has been no peace in the family for a while because of mistrust. They think we are overloading the maid, we think they should help out a bit?... how about when we were sick? How about helping when we are both sick? Anyway there are always different perspectives.

My once again wise Dad told me. TD would be very close to me for perhaps another 20 years. Why not concenrate on the joy of bringing him up? Indeed, it will be more worthwhile. With that, I look forward to embracing more joyful days ahead.

First Walk at the Botanic Gardens

Short of one day to one-year-old, Daddy and Mummy brought TD for a walk at Botanic Gardens. TD loves looking at the birds. In this picture, he was just staring curiously (& seriously) at the birds flying through the sky. He would point at the birds and say 'bird' 'bird'. We brought him back to Botanic for the second and third time. This time, he was not as keen to walk and wanted Mummy to carry him so maybe he can look at more things at a faster pace? Or maybe he was sleepy. Still, we know that he enjoyed being outdoors.

At one year, TD can now say 'bird', his favourite 'bear' due to the book "Little Polar Bear", 'four', 'pray', tries to mimick the word 'button'; 'day' whenever I sing the song 'the wheels on the bus..all day long'. When I pray together with him, and chant the Vajarsattva, ..it ends "..hum phet" and he repeats phet in the most cheeky manner, as he now knows the timing. When I chant Sakyamuni, "om muni muni sakyamuni yi soha", he goes mana mana...but he knows how to point at the correct Sakyamuni poster.

Isn't it precious? From only crying when hungry to now trying to express himself.

I have the time to write today as I had high fever for the past two nights. 38.6! Not sure why I have the fever suddenly although I suspect it is a clogged duct. Anyway, the worst part about being sick, is not the sickness itself, but the fact that I stay away from TD in order not to spread anything to him (just in case). To console myself, at least I know that my body is producing antibodies and it will go into his ebm...Get well soon, so that you can play and take care of your Toddler!

Theodore Turned One on 21 March 2011

After going through 12 months of baby-hood, Theodore is now a toddler. Not only has he graduated from the babyhood status, so has his mummy, as she now needs to gain more new knowledge on dealing with a toodler - be it the diet, or the behavioural.

Looking back, Theodore has been a very reasonable baby. He never really did throw tantrums. If we tell him not to touch certain things, most of the time he gets it. His biggest issue for me is his skin problem. With the bacteria-infected carpets and strong perfume out of the house, it has been under control, i.e. no flare ups. For very hot days however, and if the helper didn't turn on the fan or ventilate the room, he can still get red creases on his arms and legs.

All in all, it is under control. As a toddler now, we bring him swimming, and I try to bring him to an outdoor venue on Sunday evening. The outdoor exposure has a little bit of impact on his skin.

Exploration and fun are more important than having tofu skin, so we are getting used to his red creases.

We just came back from Botanic. Teddy was pointing to the dogs. So much so that this Caucasian man actually pulled his dog over to TD and TD patted it. As we parked at home, we saw a beautiful double rainbow, and we took a family photo. Moments like these create a peaceful mind and heart, and they take the tiredness away (temporarily).

Back to the Pool

Teddy got back to swimming at about 11 months. We initially went for a trial when he was seven months, but because Daddy wanted to change to a Sunday schedule, we were on the waitlist for weeks, or months. He is wearing the swim wear from Auntie YM who bought it from New Zealand. Teddy is very serious when he goes swimming. He likes to observe other kids, and hardly let out a smile (haha) except for when we play this Humpty Dumpty song, and he goes free fall.

Teddy really loves water. At times, he will protest and cry bitterly when we take him out of the bath. At last week's class, March 13, 2011, David the coach put his head underwater for the first time, and voila he held his breath underwater. He will pull at his ears of course due to the water. There was no choking and no crying. Good job! Daddy and mummy didn't have the opportunity back then to learn swimming and play with water at 11 months!

On a more solemn note..

March 11 2011, Fukushima, Japan and its nuclear plant were badly damaged by Richter 9.0 earthquake and tsunami. At this point there are about 180 personnel working round the clock to cool the plant. Irwin and I have been glued closely to the news, and for myself looking at Facebook, and am glad to know that my friends in Tokyo are okay, although they are coping with shortage of water. I think it is time that countries on nuclear rethink their energy strategy and source. The consequences can be deadly. On the same note, I also rethink the way I use energy, and was more conscious about leaving lights on when I am not in the room.

Tomorrow we are celebrationg Teddy's one year of age at Japanese Assocation, Singapore (JAS). Due to the event in Japan, I called the lady boss of the Donguri Restaurant to check if the celebration there is still ok. She said on the first day the Japanese were a bit more solemn, but from the second day onwards, things have resumed at JAS. I also asked if the 80 helium balloons were okay. She said fine.

For the food, I have cancelled the meguro and unagi last minute, as these come directly from Japan. Singapore's food regulatory body AVA does sample check, and so far its safe from radiation. As there are breastfeeding mums (including myself) at the party, I decided not to take any risk, so there will only be salmon which comes from Norway.

Worked from home today, and took Teddy down to walk around the poolside. He was having a lot of fun kicking while standing up in the pool. The bubble sound made from his kicks made him giggle loudly. The helper there was laughing at him too. He wanted to go into the baby pool but mummy didnt prepare his swim wear as it was meant to be a short walk AROUND the pool only. My point is, my life priority has changed. When I work late, I feel so guilty. Even though I know he will be in 'good hands' with Sumini..well fed.. but I have no wish that my boy grows up mainly with the helper... hence the choice is very clear to me...its my boy now over a career...

10 reasons to Practise to a Meaningful Life

It's that time of the year again, Lunar New Year celebration on Feb 3, 2011. This year we invited our Guru to our Reunion Dinner. I watched a DVD during the weekend on the Oracle of Dalai Lama. Somehow it gave me inspiration to want to practise more.

1. Anger and Egoism - I have witnessed how these are mischievous troublemakers.

2. If we can develop a warm heart ourselves, we can also transform others.

3. You may be rich, powerful, and well-educated, but without these healthy feelings of kindness and compassion there may be no peace within yourself, no peace within your family - even your children suffer (How to Practise, Dalai Lama) - this is so true!!

4. To achieve a friendly attitude, a warm heart, respect for the rights of others, and concern for their welfare you must train the mind.

5. Be constantly aware of what you are doing with your body and speech! I wish I didn't raise my voice...

6. Refrain from physical and verbal actions that cause harm.

7. Restrain the mind from falling into selfishness, i.e. refrain from self-cherishing.

8. Refrain from physical nonvirtues - killing, stealing and sexual misconduct.

9. Refrain from verbal nonvirtues - lying, divisive talk, harsh speech, and senseless chatter. Guilty.

10. Refrain from mental nonvirtues - covetousness, harmful intent and wrong views.

Trying to get Irwin and myself back into the chanting routine. It does require discipline. We hope do bring Theodore into our prayer session when he is a bit older since burning candles and joss are not good for a baby's lungs and respiratory system. We hope TD will also have the opportunity to embrace Buddhism!

Fancy Being a Mother?

On Saturday, Theodore attended Kaelyn's three year old birthday party (oops but thats not Kaelyn in the photo). After being a parent, Theodore and us have been invited to four birthday parties so far.

Kids parties these days are awesome. It consists of play activities, organised games, gifts, goodie-bags, decorations, banners, balloons, and fanciful cakes. In 2.5 months time Theodore will be having his one year old party.

But this isn't about his party...its about life as a mother! I guess every mother will know how having a kid really transforms one's life (to the point I no longer recognise myself and my style).

It is not in a negative sense. There is joy - the joy of being invited to kids' parties....lol. The joy of compiling my kid's photo album as I watch him grow so fast. Now, Teddy has reached a stage where he starts to laugh and giggle and he will come towards me and hug me every five minutes while playing.

Now that I am back at work - I heard that he is very well behaved during the day, but starts to be 'manja' whenever I am home. He will whine a little for my attention, and wants me to carry him.

I try to spend as much time as possible with TD out of work. Never mind that my Nine West high heels are collecting spider web in my shoe cabinet - never mind that I don't have time to cut my hair - never mind that I no longer do a weekly face or body scrub - never mind that I no longer do a weekly foot massage - TD slept on top of me after milk just now for 45 minutes before I brought him back to his cot - its moments like this that makes the crazy motherhood all worth it!

My 2011

Happy New Year. It comes every year doesn't it? Hah, this year we had Sukiyaki at Wai Gong and Wai Po's house.

Irwin brought some sake over, while Mummy bought some really nice beef and kurobuta. I brought Teddy over...haha, this in itself is quite an effort. I get quite tired when I bring Teddy out, but a lot of satisfaction.

Teddy is really adorable. Quite frankly, he is the centre of attraction for family gatherings. I can't quite imagine time without Teddy (but maybe more quality time to myself haha).

2011. Today Irwin and I went to Great World to do our (or rather Teddy's) groceries. I was rather amazed at the egg range. There is organic, there's kampung free range, and there's Omega plus or Vitamin E plus... After contemplation, we decided to go for organic eggs so that we can limit pesticides residues at this age. Thereafter, I grabbed the same weekly groceries, fish, pork, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato. Looking at our trolley versus the others, I felt we had a really healthy selection haha... but thats because its baby food.

When I came home from the supermarket, I pumped milk, and then went on to puree parsnips + Sweet Potato. Frankly, parsnips has a rather interesting/ weird smell to me. I hope Teddy likes it, but I would rather he be exposed to as many different flavours than to overprotect his tastebuds. So far, he has been an easy and sensible eater. I gave him blended broccoli + cauliflower, and he ate them quite quickly... of course if there was a sweet touch, for example if I blended in apple, he would take half the time, for example 15 mins to finish the meal.

So there you go, this post is supposed to be about 2011, and I think the above says it all. My thoughts are all about Teddy...and I guess it will stay this way... ;)

The psychology of finance

Yes its Christmas. It really shouldn't be about money. It is the season of loving, giving and supporting - be it with the humans or the animals.

Why this cold-hearted post post-Christmas? Bobby is currently being housed at $900 a month. MIL feels that that this is too expensive and Bobby should be put up for adoption instead. It is no small sum but Bobby is really aged now and we wonder whether there is any logic behind re-housing him again at his age.

Money money... there's monthly insurance, helper's pay, TD's expenses, meals, saving up for a house. $900 a month vs relocating a heart-broken old dog from home to home to home to home?

To me, it is really quite expensive to have a child. From the delivery, to the pd, to the baby equipment to the insurance...

Luckily, looking at TD always puts a smile to my face. Fantastic. Still, I have to re-emphasize on the importance of saving. I remember meeting Uncle Lionel who reminded Irwin and myself to save up to $1million first before splurging in life..working towards it!

In a Bean Bag

We went to Dhiren's house to celebrate his birthday, and his going-away trip to Germany. So Dhiren told us to bring Theodore - and TD had a splashing good time interacting with two other toddlers.

I have been thinking about moving out from my in-laws place for a while. Irwin sometimes feel so, and at times didn't feel so. At times, Irwin told me to start looking for a place. At times, he stated he preferred to stay with his parents.

Anyhow, it was somehow decided. We conveyed our thoughts on Saturday morning. They seem agreeable...

Theodore is eight months old, and I am getting ooh so busy

Theodore is eight months old. Weekdays - its work. Weekday evenings - its Theodore. Weekends - its Theodore.

Theodore is very vocal and curious now. He is 'talking' most of the time and yesterday he said 'bah bah bah bah'.

He even makes funny faces now. Apparently he started doing so after attending a kids birthday party.

I am sure he is a happy child. From my perspective, so am I happy to see him grow and grin when he sees me.

But ehhh I am so tired. We have to buy fresh ingredients for him weekly, and I puree them in advance on the weekend. I love him, but you know sometimes, you never get a break. Even if I go for a monthly facial now, I think of him while lying on the bed.

There is really a lot of work involved when having a child. Especially when you dont want to leave him in the total hands of a outsider.

Ooh haha, but I must admit we did mess up his solids a little. We decided to puree lamb and sweet potato for him. It was too heaty for him. Currently we are trying peas - I hope it is ok at eight months. Our pd recommended that each new food should be introduced for a period of seven days to test for allergy. We have decided to go for the four day rule instead... its really quite troublesome and it must be boring aint it to eat the same for seven days? But luckily we observed the four day rule, as TD showed signs of allergy to the lamb after the second day (though he really enjoyed it). We took it off his diet and he was then fine. During our parents time, they didnt go by four or seven days rule, and we survived...why are things more complex these days?

From celebration..to a hectic work week.. to an angry weekend..to realisation...

We celebrated Elton's one year old birthday at Four Seasons. Theodore had great fun and completely forgot about milk until about an hour later. He played and played, and then finally called for milk, and then knocked out.

I went back to the office to help my father this week. So much has changed in the firm. I started a schedule of feeding Teddy at 6am, pumping milk at 6:30am, again during lunch time and rushing off at 4pm to come home (pump again), or feed him if I come back in time. Then I will prepare his solids and feed him. It does sound like a crazy schedule, but wouldnt be possible without the support of my family. I have to sleep at 10pm daily in order to keep up with this..but hah so far I have not found the discipline, especially when Irwin comes home late from work.

Anger. Why. So, the carpets came back after a second wash. The plan was no carpets are allowed to be opened till TD recovers 100% fully. In-laws decided that they would like to open one as they are hosting guests. We had to convince them again not to..why take the risk when we have already put in so much effort to get rid of the allergens. The carpets were not rolled out, but TD's eczema came back just because the carpets were in the house. TD's skin is fine when exposed to carpets in my mum's house, at Four Seasons, and another friend's house..so we concluded that the home carpets can never be rid of Bobby's dander.

In laws were not entirely convinced its the carpets, and asked me to try Oil of Ulan on the baby.. I said 'No'. Then they decided that sometimes allergens will simply disappear and asked us to wait out a few days. That night, I cracked down.. I sobbed. There is no way I can sit back and watch my kid's skin deteriorate. Anyhow, we convinced them to shift those carpets out to a storage place. They agreed, and I couldn't be more relieved.

So, TD's skin had a flare up on Wednesday. Today, MIL used a lot of perfume. The perfume filled the entire house. I wonder why she decided to use so much today? She went to TD's door and said 'Sorry I cannot come in since I just used a lot of perfume'. Shortly after she closed the door, TD was scratching and crying. We quickly bath him but he was still scratching. As I watched my baby's skin getter redder and redder, and a bigger surface area than before - and more steroid all over the body...it really made me fumed. From anger, again I sobbed.

I called my Dad, brother and sms my Mum who is overseas..and told them I would like to move home till TD recovers. Obviously this is not the right environment for TD since TD never had a single flare up for the month we were there. There were a few call exchanges between Dad, Irwin and myself. The gist was, we should try to solve it as a family instead of shifting back.

Desi Lama, currently my FB friend wrote, "please don't attach too much in this world as pit of fire. we can't librate without renunciate this world. great indian and tibtan master told us very importand is renunciation." I wonder if he just read my FB status. Renunciation. I felt calmer.

I then went into the baby's room. Irwin, Sumini and I played with him for a good 20mins and laughed a lot just by looking at his kicking and jumping actions..that took all the pain & sadness away...

The Happy Baby

Its going to be a busy week. Tomorrow, Theodore will have his first try at swimming in a real pool. Baby Joshua will be there too. Fingers crossed that the eczema will stay in check since swimming can further dry the skin. He needs to be showered quickly after the swim as chlorine is drying for the skin.

After that Theodore has to attend Elton's first year old party at Four Seasons Hotel. On Sunday, he will attend Charlotte's four years old birthday party.

Oh yea, so he is very happy, and we are very busy. Irwin and I always joke about how we are 'confirmed parents' as our schedule now revolves around him, only. On Sunday I will buy some fresh peas to cook for him - oh yes, and to grab some diapers too...

I like to do Push Ups!

Theodores likes to get into this position. In the evening, when TD plays on Wai Po's bed, he likes to crawl, or attempt to crawl. He frequently gets into a push up positon! Not sure whether it is because he is very strong, or he is just confused...haha

Lets see - since returning home, his eczema is improving, but so sloowly... am tempted to move back to Wai Po's house where he gains quick recovery, but realised this can't be a long term solution! So we used Dettol to mop and clean the house again. Hmm didnt work as well. We then tried a Dettol air spray which apparently kills even the H1N1 virus! Ok, he is now on the road to recovery, but so sloowly.... he needs Wai Po's love..hahaha

More food for the chomper:

Puree Pumpkin... and currently

Blended Pear! Pears turn brown so quickly. I sliced up 2.5 pears this morning (very quickly) and then used the blender. By the time I freeze them, they were all brown (hopefully still very nutritious). Hah, many new things to learn..including the pears..

Teddy at Wai Po's House

Oo, more pictures of Teddy at Wai Po's House. This time we see Teddy enjoying an Indonesia nursery rhyme as he was being rocked. Daily, he enjoyed staring out of the window and looking at the poolside trees.

In the last picture, TD was looking busy as Wai Po and I tried to keep him very occupied while we tuck in dinner quickly..hahahaha

TD just had an eczema flare up. Thanks to the carpets that were reintroduced into the house after professional cleaning. I thought the carpets still had Bobby's smell when they came back. After the flare up, the carpets were sent back for further cleaning. This time they are doing it FOC. Obviously, they didnt do a fantastic job...since it is FOC, no one can complain!

What A Trip...

Whoa guess what happened for the past one month? Hah, Theodore and I stayed with my parents for a month in a fight against eczema.

So it turns out that Theodore is sensitive to Bobby. We attempted to shift back home after 10 days when TD's skin looked recovered, and Bobby's too.

Within less than 24 hours, TD's eczema flared up. Irwin and I quickly packed our luggages and moved back to my parent's.

Hah, I did the night duty by myself. Nursing him in the night, cleaning his face with a cotton ball, and attempts to slap on moisturisers when he is asleep; diaper changes. There are times where I hold it in myself as I did not want to leave him alone on the bed.

I have to thank my family for hosting me! My brother had to give up his bed and room for us. My mum planned my meals and helped me took care and entertained TD in the evenings. This is the magic of family. Hah at this point, I never thought that I would have the opportunity to stay in the house I grew up in for a month!

TD came back on Sunday with perfect skin. Hmm, however it seems that after a day or two he developed saliva rash. In-laws allowed TD to crawl and rub his face on the sofa. When I went back, there were drools of saliva on the leather sofa....eeeks....

So now he has saliva rash, but I am glad that the eczema is gone. This is at the expense of relocating Bobby who is 12.5 years old. So sad, but it has to be done....

TD has also started solids for about a month now - here's the list in order

Puree Organic Sweet Potato

Mashed Banana with ebm

Organic Carrot puree - steam, blended and mixed with ebm

Happy Bellies Organic Oatmeal cereal

Organic short grain brown rice with sweet potato

Avocado

Pork Porridge

I have to say, for a lady who does not cook, I have enjoyed planning and preparing his solids!

Mummy's Fight with Eczema

Oh yeah, I turned 31. This year I blew the candle with a baby in my hands.

Did I feel priviledged? In a way yes. Although this was the first time where I had to celebrate my birthday, and at the same time had to coax Theodore. Hmm, I was so busy and tired that day I didn't feed him before heading out. I was so hungry when I reached Roberson Quay that I gave up my plan of feeding him in the car before heading down.

I have not been to Bellapizza for a while. Somehow the place is now rather warm, very crowd and noisy, so I say it is not that suitable for a mum who would prefer a more calming ambience for a cranky and active baby.

I fed Theodore at the restaurant twice. Due to the noise he was easily distracted. Due to the heat, he kept rubbing his neck and ears. I don't think I would go back to Bellapizza again with a baby. Bella pasta for sure!

Theodore was diagnosed with eczema since three weeks old. Right now, I am fighting a battle against it as I am not that keen to constantly use the quick fix solution of steroid. Most pds have advised that it is important to identify the allergen otherwise it is steriod. I have tried cetaphil, physiogel as recommended but none of which works. Once I stop putting the steroid, the eczema comes back. I guess it is time to get to the root of the problem.

Right now, high on the suspect list is Bobby. I read through my pd's notes and it says be careful of dog's hair. That was then I realised that Bobby has a skin condition - pink patches with red sores. I asked Irwin to bring Bobby to the vet who confirmed that his skin condition can spread to children and definitely babies due to their low resistance.

Bobby has been on antibiotics, and steroid medication too. We are even changing his food to hypoallergenic in a hope to cure him. This is Bobby's second dose of antibiotics. Once his antibiotic finishes, his skin problem comes back. Coincidentally, Theodore's eczema would flare up.

Big step big decision. I have decided to shift back to my mum's home...tomorrow! I guess this is the only way to find out if the allergen is Bobby. It feels quite sad in a way, since Bobby is also loved in the family. We have bought a dog barrier and segregated the areas where Bobby is allowed. This week my in-laws are in Japan. It is probably the best opportunity to bring Theodore to a no-dog environment to try out too.

Today, I packed my steriliser, pump, milk bottles, his bathtub, his oil, diapers, bumbo seat, toys, bottle detergent...etc etc you name it, we got it! haha..to prepare for the big move tomorrow. I feel a bit of fear - as I am not sure if this is the right approach. I will be sleeping alone with Teddy at my mum's place. I hope I will handle well. Fear is a state of the mind as Dalai Lama puts it. I know I have to try this. Good luck mummy!