Sabrina's B'day

I can't believe I forgot what day it was. I knew her birthday was coming, but for some reason I thought it fell on the weekend. I was on my way home from work and went to the grocery store to get some stuff and called Sabrina to ask if she needed anything to make dinner with. She said that she wasn't planning on making dinner tonight. That's when it hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt so bad I didn't want to cover it up by buying flowers or anything, so I went home and apologized. I had planned a while ago that I would take her to Jax Fish House in Boulder for dinner. So I called Akki and asked her to come over and watch Siobhan so that we could go out (thank you Akki). We had a nice time. The food was awesome, and for a moment I got her to forget that I forgot. While we were dining we used the crayons that were provided to draw on the paper tablecloth. It turned out quite cute. After dinner we tore off the part of the tablecloth and took it home. I plan to frame it.

P.S. Sabrina didn't want to make a big deal for her birthday this year. Must be motherhood taking it's toll. Just kidding. I'm sure we'll be back to having a week long celebration next year when Siobhan is old enough to participate.

Siobhan 2 Month Update

I can't believe 2 months have already passed. Today Siobhan had her 2 month doctor visit and we are happy that she continues to grow. Her length is now 22 3/4 inches which dropped her to the 25th percentile. She remains in the 50thpercentilefor weight at 11 pounds. Her head measures at 15 3/8 inches which means she's in the high 50th percentile. She also received her first round of vaccinations - DTap, Polio, Hep B, HIB, Prevnar and Rotavirus. She actually did much better than we expected with the shots. Of course she was hysterical after the first prick, but calmed down within 5 minutes and was back to her happy self. She has been a bit more tired the rest of the day and thus her eating has not been as regular. But we are confident that she will be back on track soon.

Within the past few weeks her skin has been very dry and seems to be sensitive to the lotion we are using. The doctor recommended that we use plan vaseline instead of lotion as this is the main ingredient in most baby lotions and doesn't have any of the dyes or fragrances. Also she recommended that we use mineral oil on her head.

Her feeding has increased to 4 ounces of breast milk every 4-6 hours and is sleeping 6-8 hours during the night. The doctor says that with her steady feeding, if Siobhan wants to sleep through the night we should allow her!

Two weeks after her birth, I noticed her belly button stump was missing and screamed! I thought it had fallen off while she was laying on the floor and the cats would have eaten it. Thankfully it was just wrapped up in her onesie.

We've tried tummy time but it only lasts max 15 seconds and even then she is screaming. The doctor said that most babies don't really like it until they can roll over anytime between 4 and 6 months. Aside from the dislike of tummy time, she has surprisingly strong neck muscles.

Almost as big as Violet!

Post Delivery Update

My recovery has been normal aside from my right side and heel hurting since about week four. However, I didn't think much it as I thought it was part of my recovery. During my post delivery six week appointment at the end of August I mentioned this to my doctor and she didn't think it was serious. She advised me to speak with my primary doctor is the pain worsens. Well it has, so much so that it hurts to sit and walk.

Damith and I were concerned because the worst of the pain was felt right inside my hip bone near where my ovaries are. After my examination and talking with my doctor, we were relieved that it wasn't as serious as we feared. It is not sure if it happened during delivery or during my recovery, but I tweaked my SI (Sacroiliac) joint which is located in my lower back. The doctor thinks my heel pain is just an added pain that could be caused by my adjusting my posture and such to account for the pain. Thus I have to do physical therapy twice a week.

In speaking with my therapist, I learned that until I stop breast feeding, my bones and muscles will remain in the 'relaxed' state that they were in pregnancy and won't return to normal/solidify until after I stop breast feeding. Since I wanted to continue breast feeding, my therapy had to be modified. One of the most beneficial exercises is Kegel because it strengthens the pelvic floor at the center of the SI joint. When she mentioned this to me I laughed because I had been doing Kegels throughout my pregnancy. However, she added a few more 'tasks' to the exercise and now this simple exercise is tough because it requires so much concentration to stay focused on doing them correctly.

I am trying to do my exercises as prescribed (twice a day) but I am falling behind. I do feel a difference and hope it is getting better. I will keep you posted.

Fatherly Bonding

A few days after arriving from the hospital, I wanted a place for Siobhan to sleep while we are in the main area of the house. So Damith and Thaththi assembled her 'pack n play'. They quickly snapped the main frame together, but had difficulty with the bed section.

With the manual on the floor and puzzled looks on their faces, I couldn't miss the opportunity to offer my assistance (plus I had seen Siew Gin assemble hers)!

Siobhan sleeping on the couch waiting...

Finally safely assembled and ready!

Siobhan's First Outing

She was only three days old and already a shopper!

People were surprised that we were both out and about so soon after her delivery, but with plenty of drugs and walking snail slow, the trip was a success. Granted, I took the short tour through Costco grabbing only what we needed while Damith cruised the isles with his parents.

We weren't comfortable placing her car seat over the 'seat section'. She was too high and we could barely look in on her, so she rode in the basket. Plus, this kept strangers away!

Of course, she slept through the whole experience.