An outing to Toys'ar'us

An outing to Toys'ar'us
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

It was the 9th December 2005 and we decided to drop by my office at GWC. Colleagues came out to look at Nat and Joanna as usual carried Nat the whole time (she just loves babies, kids etc.). We opened an account for Nat at the POSB that day. We had lunch at the Thai place at GWC and then decided to do our Christmas shopping at Forum's Toys'ar'us. Just as we were about to finish our shopping, Nat wanted to eat and where could we go? Just outside the shop!!

Whatcha looking at???

18th December!!! Hey dude! Whatcha lookin at.......

"Kua Kua, Kua Si Mi??"

Wake up sleepy head!!

A picture with Aunty Eunice!! So cute.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE LIMS!!

To all our friends out there who will read this blog/post.... MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We really appreciate the friends we have. You guys are treasures! To many years of friendship and love!!

Aunty Dee Yiah's birthday celebration!

Hey Nat, we celebrated Aunty Dee Yiah's birthday on 3rd December 2005 at Aunty Eunice and Uncle Ben's Maria Ave home. It was as usual a gathering of good friends!! I won't tell you how old is Aunty Dee Yiah, I leave that to you to find out when you are much older, ya??

Smiles galore!!

Nathaniel starts to respond to people and smiles quite a bit nowadays. These photos were taken on the 8th of December 2005. And with what Newton (adapted) said in one his laws....... talk to him and he will respond!!

Nathaniel, is that you?

Gee what a sweet picture of Nathaniel. Taken on the 4th of December 2005.

He looks so "sweet" here.

Kat and Matthias

I am back.... it has been some time since I blogged for Nathaniel. So here we go.

This was taken on the 27th November 2005. My sis-in-law, Katherine came by with Matthias (Nat's cousin). Kat fed Nat whilst Matthias looked on. Matthias stayed for a few days at Whitewater, and he seemed rather attached to Nathaniel. He rocked Nat's cradle and he even said he likes "di di". Think they will become good friends??

have been away..

Have been away in Amsterdam, Belgium and Luxembourg for the past 10 days or so. Will start blogging soon. Akan datang.
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Nathaniel is baptised in the catholic church!

It is 6th November 2005 (Sunday) at 4pm. Nathaniel Isaac Lim is baptised at St. Bernadette Church. The baptism was conducted by Fr. Eugene Chong. We chose Nathaniel's God parents. And they are none other than our good friends from the RCIA/Confirmation group at St. Bernies. Unfortunately, God Pa - Francis could not make it as he was out of town, but his wife, God Ma - Janice was present together with her kids (God bro - Paul, who served mass; and God sis - Marianne). As Fr. Eugene knows us personally, he gave another special blessing to Shirley Sarah and Nathaniel and gave us a statue of St Gerald, patron saint of mothers (pregnant or otherwise).

We then treated both families to a dinner at Beng Hiang Restaurant at Amoy Street - Hokkien food, which apparently, my family enjoyed the food.



Marianne (God sis), Janice (God ma), Paul (God bro) and Lao Ma with us.



Mama, Luke, Mathias and Katherine with us.



Auntie Barbara, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Barnaby, Lao Ma with us.



Fr. Eugene with us.

3rd November update

This is how Nathaniel looks like on the 4th November 2005. Have to keep taking pictures. They say babies change every week!

The first nail cut on 23 October 2005

This was really scary. Imagine those little finger nails!! So delicate and soft. Our baby nail cutter seems so big too! I had a shot at first, passed it over to S and than later on trimmed his nails again. Fun experience..

Finally at that gathering....

More pics from the gathering!!



Someone had put ideas in someone's mind about the famous Lana Cake from Bukit Timah.... but I must add that they are getting expensive and can be quite "ATAS". Anyhow, a nice cake for a nice gathering.



The Lims finally having a photo taken. So "hamsome" the boys are. Of course, the lady is so beautiful too!
All pictures taken on 22 October 2005.

B.

A gathering amongst good friends...

The Teohs..... wow... first time daddy teoh does not have a funny face!!



The Chias and Mrs. Lim



Mrs. Tan, Mr. Chua and Mrs Teoh.

It was Nathaniel's full month a couple of days back, and we decided not to have anything big, so we just called a few pals for a dinner and TC session. Was great having people around. Sure brightens up a place I must say. Thanks guys for dropping by!!

Love him but don't spoil him

Sister Bernadette told us this when we were about to be discharged from Mount Alvernia Hospital. Thought I'll put this down to remind ourselves.

Shirl

Nathaniel's birthdate!

Your Birthdate: September 19

Your birth on the 19th day of the month adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your life path. But at the same time, it poses a number of obstacles to overcome before you are able to be as independent as you would like. The number 1 energy suggests more executive ability and leadership qualities than your path may have indicated. A birthday on the 19th of any month gives greater will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. However, a somewhat self-centered approach to life that may be in conflict with some of the other influences in your life. This 1 energy may diminish your ability and desire to handle details, preferring instead to paint with a broad brush. You are sensitive, but your feeling stay somewhat repressed. You have a compelling manner that can be dominating in many situations. You do not tend to follow convention or take advice very well. Consequently, you tend to learn through experience; sometimes hard experiences. The 19/1 is a loner number and you may experience feelings of being alone even if you are married. You may take on a tendency to be nervous and angry.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

A formal celebration for NAT... or not...

Well, it was a decision not to have a formal full month celebration (with catering and all). Our intitial list was like 70 people, then we brought it down to 60, then to 50. After all that, we deicided to scrap the whole idea because of a few reasons which I will not elaborate. But Shirl and I decided to call a small gathering of close pals on Saturday 22nd October 2005. Now .... for those of you that came, the pics will soon be posted.... watch this space......... AKAN DATANG. B.

Happy First Month Nathaniel!

19th October 2005 marks the first month birthday of our little son, Nat! Both parents were on the move since 8ish in the morning. They went to collect 2 cakes for their colleagues and and of course some for their families. It was quite fun people congratulating us and all. The cakes for their colleagues was from Hotel Phoenix - Chocolate Truffle.... very nice cake... rich and good!



Then there was the family photo we had to take! the proud parents carrying Nathaniel.

Baby with an attitude!

Attitude sial!! "I have the grunge look!!" (little Nathaniel, 17th October 2005)

Nat the mohawk??

On 17th October 2005, Nat was a mohawk for a few seconds!! hahahaha! We shaved his head!!




I think he looks really cool..... skin head man! I guess the next time he has no hair or very little hair will be when he enters the army to serve his NS.

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Has been too long since the last post!!

It has been some time since the last post. A little lazy... lar... but I have a few more pics to share.




The first photo is a pillow that was given to Nathaniel from a good friend, Nic. We noticed that Nathaniel was getting a little jerky (jerks on and off as he sleeps), Nic then asked her friend to do this pillow for him. It has his name embroided and all! So cool. Nat's first pillow!!

The second photo shows how it is being used.

It is just amazing to me, a new father to find that there are just so many things to learn about pregnancy and now about a baby. I think it will always be a learning process for me and Shirl of course.

I try to be as supportive to my wife as much as possible. Of course, sometimes I just feel a little lost as Shirl is trying to fully breast feed Nat. I guess my time will come once he is slowly switched to formula!!

My pants are huge!

My pants are huge!
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

It's so embarrassing Mummy and Daddy!!!! U put me in these oversized pants. And you had to blog this! "Malu". What would all the little girls say when they see this! AIYOH! Taken on 7th October 2005.

OoooooooooH!

OoooooooooH!
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

This is one of my favourite facial expressions! The OOOOOOOhhhhhHHHH.... expression. This was taken on the 7th October 2005. Nathaniel is almost a month old!

Mummy S and I were initially thinking of a more formal full month celebration, but we decided against it after because of a few glitches. We even had a guest list and a shortlisted caterer even. Finally, we just got the cakes for our colleagues and some cakes and vouchers for some friends.

Congratulations Mummy!

Mummy, U did a great job yesterday (Saturday 15th October 2005). I could tell Daddy was so impressed with your skills in bathing me. He even captured it on video! I even co-operated by keeping quiet so that you could bathe me (actually I knew I was on film, so better not cry!!) But congratulations Mummy! I love you!!! Goooo goooo gahhh gahhh!

My foot!

My foot again!
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

This little piggie went to market... this little piggie stayed at home...... (8th October 2005).

My sexy mole

My sexy mole
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

Just for the record, I have a sexy mole on my left thigh!

The yawn

The yawn
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

Yes! I'm yawning at you!! (8th October 2005)

Meanings?

Thought I'd put the meanings of the names we chose.

NATHANIEL = Gift of God (a.k.a Bartholomew, apostle of Jesus)
ISAAC = God smiles, laughter (son of Abraham in the Old Testament)

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Bathing Baby Nat..... for the 1st time

Tried bathing Baby Nat for the 1st time this morning and it was a disaster. He was screaming hysterically when I put him in the tub. The confinement lady explained that it was because he has no confidence in me as my grip was not firm enough. She took over eventually and he stopped crying almost immediately!

I am supposed to try again tomorrow but Ben said he will do it tomorrow as weekends are the only time he can learn. Well, well, we shall see how is Ben's performance tomorrow!

Mummy Shirl

And Great Grandmother!

The proud grandparents

They are quiet but we know they are happy! Their first grandchild.....

thanks y'all

See sista carrying little Nat when the gang came by on Sunday 25th Sep 2005! The group included: Sam, Dee, Ben, Eunice and Kev.

What so funeeeee number 2!

Another one!

whats so funnee???

whats so funnee???
Originally uploaded by benkenobi_lim.

As Shirl mentioned in her post, "He smiles... He smiles.... He moves ... He moves! (Sing to 'She bangs')." This was taken when he was 4 days old!

Experience / Feeling of a new Mummy

Our boy is 2 weeks old! He never fails to warm my heart every time I see him smile. Yes! He knows how to smile when he was 4 days old.

How time flies, it was 2 weeks ago when I first experienced the first contraction. I think it was around 5am while I was sleeping when I experienced a stomach ache/cramp like sensation. It went away very quickly and I thought nothing of it. It was around 6.30am when Ben was preparing to go to work that I decided to get up and go to the toilet. I was shocked to see blood initially but it gradually dawned on me that it might be the "show" that the lactation consultant was talking about during my antenatal class.

We decided to page the gynae and he returned call within 10 mins although he still sound groggy and asked me to see him at his clinic at 9.30am. We started to do some last minute packing although the gynae didnt mention anything about labour but we were pretty sure that it was "D" day!

I washed my hair and showered while managing the contraction pain which came almost every 5 mins. As Ben still had some outstanding work in the office to be done, we decided to go the MAC at GWC for breakfast before proceeding to the clinic. The contraction became more intense as I was having breakfast and I could hardly sit straight but I forced myself to eat as much as I can as I know that I need whatever energy for later.

We got to the clinic on time and after the gynae checked me, he said I was 3 cm dilated and should make my way to the labour ward. (Pls refer to Ben's post below for more details)

By the time I was lying on the labour bed, the contraction was so intense that I requested for epidural (aka Happy dural according to my gynae) But while waiting for the anesthetist, the nurse noticed the pain I was in and suggested that I inhale the "laughing gas" to alleviate the pain. I did and I didn't want to let go and Ben had to try to pull it off from me a few times.

When the anesthetist finally came, he quickly prepared the necessary and I remembered him saying that I have quite a high pain threshold as I was almost 7cm dilated. While, anyway I was glad that I asked for the epidural as I spent the next 6 hours without much pain and was dozing off on and off.

My gynae came at about lunch time to break my water bag and said that I should be ready to deliver at 2pm. But at 2pm, the nurse checked and said that baby's head has not moved down fully yet and at 3pm, the gynae called to asked the nurse to give me some glucose drip. Slowly, I could feel the contraction coming back but it was still bearable. At about 4pm, the gynae whisked in the labour ward and informed me that I should be ready for delivery. Within 30 mins of pushing, my precious baby came to this world at 4.38pm.

As Ben mentioned in his post, I was shivering badly after the delivery and could hardly remember what happened during the hour rest in the delivery ward. I could only remember the warmth of Baby Nat in my arms when they placed him on me before proceeding to do the weighing and measuring.

I should say that it was quite a pleasant experience for me as the gynae guided me well during the pushing and also with the encouragement from Ben and the mid-wives.

Actually I am still very amazed by the whole pregnacy and birth experience. It is a experience beyond description. Only a mummy can understand and share the feelings. And I am really grateful that Ben has been by my side supporting me despite my demands and mood swings during my pregnancy.

Right now, seeing that baby Nat grows healthily and becoming a fine man is one of my greatest wishes.

The first day at Whitewater

Welcome home little Nathaniel to our home at Whitewater in Pasir Ris. This was what you were wearing around your little ankles at Mt Alvernia. Daddy finally snipped them off at home.



Think the new place was very strange huh? You frowned!!

From a father / husband's point of view...

I guess many may ask what I felt in the delivery room? Well, it was a mixture of feelings. Seeing Shirl going through pain at the beginning made me very uneasy. Of course I tried to make things as easy as possible for her. I was relieved when she asked for the epidural because then I knew she would probably feel better later... which of course she did. Could smile for some photos!

Then it was a waiting game. I was restless after a while. I started to pace around the room. The nurses came in periodically to check on Shirl. They told us that it would take some time for the baby to come, so Shirl and I decided that I should go eat downstairs. Managed to update a few more friends when I was at the cafe.

Coming back up, I met the doc. He said by 2pm we should see the baby. Boy was I excited then. But we waited till about 4.15pm. By that time, I was getting a little tired from walking around the room and outside. Then the doc appeared to deliver the baby. Well, that was when I really felt a little lost. I held Shirl's hand and with me whispering into Shirl's ear and the encouragement from the nurses and the doc, she pushed and pushed and pushed. Well, the baby came out silently after about 20min or so. It happened so fast..... I was like huh?! Then everything went fast.... nurses cleaned him up, doc stiching and cleaning shirl up. I was like... ok what do I do now? After wrapping the baby up, the nurse dumped Nathaniel into my arms. I was like... ok....then brought it over to Shirl. Shirl looked at him, smiled and then went into recovery mode. I placed Nathaniel down and was stuck in between shirl and Nathaniel not knowing what to do. Imagine that..... not sure what to do??? I was happy of course that both were fine, but its just strange. Everyone left the room except the 3 of us. Shirl was shivering because of the epidural and slept. Nathaniel was like wondering what happened, and I in the middle, blur like sotong. Well, of course things went normal after a while. They wheeled Shirl and Nathaniel to our room, with my family and Shirl's mum and sister in tow.

A working Monday it was...till....

I woke up at 6.15am on Monday (19 Sep 2005) as usual and got into the shower. I came out and was about to reach out for my work clothes, when Shirl showed me her discharge. It was blood. I got a fright..... of course not showing it. But it was a good thing I was just reading the notes out loud the night before about "show". I told myself... now that is "show". I then started to change to jeans, because hey.... we will definitely be going to the doc. We started to do our last minute packing of both our hospital bags. The doc called Shirl at 6.30am or so. After describing to him what she found, he told her to come to his clinic at 9.30am. So we had time to kill. I suggested eating at Macs. We did just that at Great World City. I had an event that coming weekend and I had to do some delegation work before we went to the clinic. After doing that at work, I rushed down to Macs to get Shirl to the clinic by 9.30am. By that time, and way before that already, Shirl was in pain. She could still walk to the clinic man! Doc saw her, she told him about the regular contractions. He checked her and said.... definitely in labour AND that she was already 3cm dilated! He told us to make our way to the labour ward. I then drove her to Mt. Alvernia. I managed to send off a few messages to family and friends about the labour. When we finally got her into delivery suite 9, she was already 6am dilated. This was about 10.30 to 11am. She asked for epidural because she felt that she could not take the pain any longer. The anaesthetist came and gave it to her saying that it was almost too late. Well, the epidural was great. You could see smiles from Shirl now.



At about 12.15pm, the doc arrived. He broke the water bag and said that she was fully dilated. The baby could come anytime! He estimated by 2pm. But he did not appear. We waited till about 4.10pm before the doc appeared again and said, let's deliver! It was over by 4.38pm, after quite a bit of pushing and encouragement from all parties. Of course the nurses were very vocal. At 4.38pm, little Nathaniel Isaac Lim was welcomed to the world. He cried almost immediately. The umbilical cord was cut by the doc and a quick clean was done. He was then measured. He was 2.98kg, 50cm in length and 33cm in head circumference.



Shirl was finally wheeled into our room at Mt. Alvernia after she was recovering in the delivery suite for almost an houor or so. Our room was located at St. Raphael's Ward, St. Bernadette Room, Room no. 351. She was tired but happy to have Nathaniel at last!

Oh... one of our regular visits

Friday 17th September, it was a regular check at the Obstetrician. Shirl was now 37 weeks (term by definition, and she could deliver anytime from now onwards). Doc felt her tummy as usual and measured it as well. Said it was on track. He said unlikely to deliver so soon. Oh well..... its a waiting game.

And before I go on, we attended an antenatal class at Mt Alvernia. And I have to say it sure helps you be prepared on what to expect. I was always meaning to revise what we learnt, especially about the breathing at labour and all that, but I managed to do that in time. Thank goodness.

Shirl had quite bad water retention at times and had pains at her pelvic area on the side too. She walked slowly and I felt for her man. I was hoping for the little one to come out for Shirl to feel better soon.

The infection won't go away!

You can imagine Shirl going crazy about this cheesy discharge. I was affected too, but I managed to be a "cool customer". I was getting a little doubtful about the infection.

On the 2nd September, we went to the clinic for yet another visit. This time, doc ordered another culture as Shirl was still talking about the discharge. Guess what.... when we came back the following week on the 8th September (visits were now weekly), there was no growth in the culture...... GOOD NEWS!! NO MORE INFECTION..... but the chees was still there! My wife is special... she defies all the books that talk about a cheesy discharge!

Oh yes, from now onwards, no more printed scans..... We did not demand them anymore.

August... an eventful month

I was at a retreat when this happened. Shirl was at home and found a streak of blood in her discharge. I got a call and sensing a need to come home, I did just that. When we finally got hold of the Obstetrician, he told us to monitor and to come in to see him the next day.... 1 Aug 2005 (Monday). After a night of worrying, we made it to the clinic the next day. A culture was done and it was found that Shirl had a fungal infection. If not controlled properly, there might have been a risk of pre-term labour. Shirl was paranoid and wanted to get this healed as fast as she could. An antifungal medication was prescribed. And we continued to monitor.

On the 12th of August, we went back to the clinic and Shirl told doc that she still had the cheesy discharge. She was advised to watch her sugar and carbohydrate intake.

On the 23 August, after complaining of the cheesy discharge, Shirl was given another antifungal.... in the meantime...... this was the scan for the 23 August....



Notice the square jaw again and look how big he is becoming!

Guess what we saw in July...

Wow...... this was exciting. Of course Shirl was already sensing movement early in pregnancy, but for me.... well.... it was kinda fun to see something moving under Shirl's skin atthe tummy area. Well, check out this scan taken at the O&G clinic on 11 July 2005.

When I first saw the scan, I was telling Shirl.... "hey! he has my square jaw! just look at that!!" :)

A stressful month May was

The month of April, May, June were relatively stressful as we were doing some work to our new place at Whitewater. Meeting designers and all. Finally finding one, starting the work and looking for furniture was just time consuming. But we managed to get everything done and moved in by the end of May. Now we just had to look forward to having our little one.

Its May 2005!

Time sure passes quickly. And the date is 19 May 2005. We are back at Thomson Medical Centre for the detailed scan at the fetal assessment unit.

As the radiographer was doing the scan, she was saying.... ok here is the lips, the abdomen, the femur. All we saw were black and white. BUT... we could see the spine. Then the question about gender.... here were some of the results:

EDD by ultrasound: 7 October 2005
Head circumference: 167.0mm
Femur Length: 31.1mm
Humerus: 30.6mm
Cisterna Magna: 4.5mm
Genitalia: Male

So small everything was.... so small and it will continue to GROW, GROW, GROW!

OH YA.... there were a few scans.... see if you can tell what is what!

And the blood test was normal too for Mum.