Sister and brother

Gerlyn has picked up Gerrard's hobby - play com games. It makes her sit down for longer period of time. But problem being that she sits very close to the com and there is no one supervising her. I can't wait for Sun to come, when my confinement is over. I guess I will have to do the screaming again.

Mental Strength

Pregnant with Gervin made me stonger in mental strength.

Firstly, the pregnancy came as a surprise. I had IUCD inserted, and hence when I discovered I was pregnant after using the test kit, I was very worried that it may be an ectopic pregnancy and may had to abort it. Luckily the ultrasound scan verified that he was ok.

Ultrasound pic of Gervin when he was part of a sac.

Then came the cross-road in my career. I was to meet the VP to prepare for my interview for Level Head on Fri. I verified my pregnancy on Thurs night. Without much consideration, I knew where I should be heading. So, I talked to Mrs Soh on Fri morning, before I spoke to the VP, then the P.

The Maid. Sounds like horror story? It was for me. The first maid was clever. Too clever. There was a short period of time that sometimes I would pause and looked into space at my workplace, wondering what the maid was doing with Gerry at home. When we had a change in maid, it was slightly better, just that the concerns were different - wondering whether Gerry was hurt due to her carelessness or clumsiness.

The older children also required care. Worst episode was the chickenpox. While caring for the older ones, I was constantly mindful of the danger for the unborn one. That was tough, physically and mentally. Then it was handling Gerrard's problem. Bringing him for assessment, accepting it and then went with Liat for his first occupational therapy.

For this pregnancy, I had craving for food in the middle of the night, and that cookies and titbits could not fulfil my eating desire. First time in 4 pregnancies that I asked Liat to buy supper for me. Turned out to be a flat 'I am tired'. So, I ordered and ate Mac many times. Yah, unhealthy food, but what can you get after 11 pm without having to drive out of the house? So I always jokingly tell people that Gervin is a MacBaby.

SVT episodes were different this time. They were intense in the last trimester. There were 2 occasions that the doctors could not convert after the 3 injections of adenosine. Doctors then recommended me a Class C drug - able to cross the placenta and cause baby's blood pressure to drop. I requested for a cardiologist, hoping that the expert can offer me solutions rather than me choose the options. Shifting of responsibility? Maybe. Luckily, the cardiologist on duty was my doctor. He gave me a 4th injection with higher dosage and it worked! I was choked with emotions and tears welled up in my eyes. Is it fear? Or thankfulness? I do not know. I didn't end there. I was given a 14-day MC (longest MC ever taken). There was even a time I had to stay in the hospital.

After all the mental tests, what's next? I know I must take good care of myself. Only then, the children can then be well taken care of.

Our biggest Xmas present!

I was hoping we can wait till 2011 to deliver Gerry.

On Xmas Day, I had a 'show' and we had to rush down to the hospital. That was the 3rd time in a week that we had to go to the hospital. Previous 2 times, I felt unwell. Each time, we were turned back home as the doctors said the baby was not ready. I was seen by different doctors as my gynae was on annual leave.

With the 'show', we knew it must be it. On our way to KKH, I was experiencing contractions every 6 minutes. Reached the hospital at about 11.30am. By the time that my gynae arrived, it was about 1pm. After the waterbag was burst, things happened too quickly.

With a 'major' contraction, I informed the nurse. After checking the cervix, she said 'not ready'. The moment the 2nd wave came, I told Liat this is it. Indeed, it was a 'wave of no return'. Gervin just slipped out. The gynae was in the room just in time to cut the cord! So Prince Gervin arrived at 1.36pm on Xmas Day.

Being less than 37 weeks, Gervin is a bit prematured. Luckily that he need not be in the incubator. Immunity is a bit low though. He developed eye infection, most probably from visiting relatives. Also had jaundice. Hence, we are rejecting all visits.

He can drink quite a lot though. Hope that helps in catching up with the growth that he would have if he stayed longer in the womb.

New punk on the block

Infection in his right eye. Jaundice too.

Sleeping soundly at home

Seeing his daddy...

Moments after birth

3D image, showing head, chest and clenched fist

Xmas Celebrations 2010

Gerrard couldn't attend the Xmas party in Kinderland as he was having stomach flu.

Gerlyn, on the other hand, had separate celebration with her classmates, as someone in the class had HFMD.

Nevertheless, the 2 of them still find their joy and happiness. Thanks to the effort by the teachers.

Really admire one parent who bothered to dress up as Santa. Next year, maybe should get Liat to be the reindeer! Hahaha. BTW, Santa, please use a decent bag than a red plastic bag for the presents. Image cannot match! Hahaha!

We like our presents!

Lovely!

My present!

起丝！

Cheeze! BTW, can I not give you the choz?!

Don't eat my food!

DO NOT DISTURB!

M&Ms! My Favourite!!

Present from Santa!

Yummy!!

Hmm... Put lots of candies...

Merry Christmas!

It is Christmas again.

It has been a challenging year.

Gerrard had issues that we needed to help him. For a good 3 months, he was not able to relate to anyone in the Centre. The 1st person that he mentioned to us is Auntie Sharon. Slowly, he made connection with Ms Jini. And when Teacher Camille took over, things just gotten better and better. 唐老师 had problems initially too. I think it's because Gerrard could not relate to the subject. He is able to understand, but simply refuse to converse in Mandarin. That disturbed us a bit. Afterall, you are talking about a father who took Chinese Lit and a mother who took Chinese GP at A Levels. Now that the picture is clearer, we focus a lot more on the strategies to help him cope with the social demands.

Gerlyn faced a different set of problems. Health issues posed a huge challenge this year. Common coughs and colds were minor. She had Hand-Foot-Mouth, Chicken Pox and 'Eye Needle' episodes. *FAINT* Being the second child, she has low sense of security, and many times, she needed affirmation from teachers and us. Very frequently, she will pester Liat to carry her (because I dun entertain her in this aspect). She responded very well to Ms Jini. I guess she really need someone who is really firm with her. Rules are essential to keep this young lady in check. 贾老师 faced more challenges, because Gerlyn seems to know she can 'eat up' this teacher. Poor teacher!

Gerry is much easier to cope with. Afterall, physical needs are more essential at this stage. Eat, sleep and play are the 3 key domains in his life. Our current maid does a relatively good job with this. Except that she can walk and put the baby into the corner...

As we spent many hours with other people's children, we rely on others to guide and hand-hold our children. The level of trust has to be built over time. And generally our children are blessed as they have very good people around them most of the time.

We have no religion, but here's our way of saying thank you to these people during Christmas:

1. Ms Jini: Thanks so much for helping both Gerrard and Gerlyn. We can really feel the passion in teaching radiating from you. Hope you will return to the 'scene' soon.

2. 贾老师：看到您，真的有体会到"汗流夹背"的含义。照顾悦嘉真不容易。谢谢您的付出。

3. Teacher Camille: Gerrard had been a challenge. Thanks for being his guardian all this while.

4. 唐老师：“像照顾自己孩子一样”，听了让我们感动得很！谢谢您的爱心。

5. Ms Seet and Mdm Fauziah: Thank you so much for making an extra effort to open the Centre before 7am. Because of this, our students also benefited.

6. Auntie Vivien: Thank you so much for always keeping a lookout for our children. It warms our heart to know that even the front desk is also involved in the moulding of the children.

7. Auntie Sharon: Gerrard 的灯塔。您让他第一次感到有安全感。到今天他还是每每都要去找您。谢谢！

8. Joyce: Ya, no more 'Auntie' in front. ;p Thank you for being there. It has been assuring for Gerrard to see the familiar face from Bangkit.

9. Ms Chin: Seemingly the least involved person in the Centre, but there are changes after you came as the part of the management level. Now, the Centre has a more 'family' atmosphere. It is not easy handling some parents and you certainly deserve a pat on the back!

10. Cousin Elsie: Thank you for being our resource when we were trying to cope with Gerrard's volatile emotions at the beginning of the year. Here's wishing you all the best in the coming year.

So here's wishing everyone

Holiday mood

During this holidays, Gerrard and Gerlyn went to school later than usual. They get to enjoy car rides from their daddy, as well as the warm sun...

New ah-beng on the block!

And the ah-lian...

Swimming

Yesterday, we went to the Civil Service Club @ Bukit Batok for a swim.

Observed an interesting trait.

2 years ago, Gerrard and Gerlyn went for a swim at ShangriLa, Sentosa. Gerlyn was fearless, while Gerrard walked around the perimeter of the swimming pool. Now, Gerrard realised that he can float with the help of the float-jacket, and that he just need to kick to move about. Gerlyn becomes the one who walked around the perimeter!

As for Gerry, he is still trying to make sense of what's going on.

We shall and will go for swimming more often!

Gerlyn looking from the side, while Gerry moves around with the maid.

Gerrard having a ride from Daddy.

Gerrard fully equipped.

Gerlyn clinging onto her 'float'.