Day Care Woes

The past few days we've been stressing over finding a care giver for Mia. None of our wait-listed day care centers has a spot for us yet. We are now looking into nanny and family day care options. It's not easy and tick tock!

Bunny & Eggs

Mia's first Easter at week 11.

Her Favorite Book

Mia's favoriate book is "Give Me Grace" by Cynthia Rylant. It's a childrent's prayer book with vibrant colors for each day of the week. I read it to her everyday. She giggles and coos and stares at the book as if she understands everything.  I read the English verses then translate everything to Chinese. I also describe the pictures and elaborate. I point out the different colors and count to her. I love the reading time with my daughter.

Couple's Retreat

Today is note worthy. Mike and I went out the first time alone without Mia and had a lunch date. It was also my first restaurant meal since the night before she was born. As we arrived at the parking lot, Mike pulled me over and asked how it felt to have our own time together again. I said it felt like we were just starting to date. We crossed our arms behind each other's back and laughed.

First Swim

Mia had her first swim today in the bath tub. She was a little confused because she was sitting in warm water but we did not give her a bath. The float only allowed her to sit but not soak her chest in water and kick at the bottom. I will get a traditional float that is simple but functional. Sometimes American commodities are too fancy and complex for their own good. We eventually gave up the float. Daddy just sat in the tub holding her and helping her "swim". She had a couple little smile. When we have a new float, I am sure the experience will be much better.

On a different note, milk supply was a little better today but still pathetic. I started eating more solid food. Hope to return to normal soon!!!

Fever

I spiked a fever of 103 for two days. Suspected an infection. Went to see the doctor and was put on antibiotic right away. Milk supply reduced. Mia was crying out of hunger all the time and feeding constantly, working terribly hard. I am stressed out and worn out. Just want to post two of her pictures of her cute smile remembering the morning before all the fever stuff started. It was her first onesie experience. She was so happy!

Hopefully we can return to normal soon. Poor baby. Her well being depends on me and I totally mess the equilibrium up.

First Shots

Mia had her two month check-up today and her first shots. As soon as the nurse stuck the first needle in her thigh, she let out a painful cry then proceeded into a five second "silent cry". She was so shocked she was out of breath. Her little face squeezed into a contortion. Even though her mouth was wide open, she could not cry out loud. Shortly after she shrieked inconsolably but of course there were two more shots following suit. My heart was twisted with pain seeing her so upset. Now I understand the Chinese saying that mother's heart is connected to the child's heart. I wish I could take her pain away or just simply take her pain.

She's been miserable since she got home. She did not eat much and was dozing to sleep but constantly woke up whimpering. I think her muscle must be aching just like how adults feel after getting a flu shot. She nursed for twenty minutes after crying herself tired around 9. I held her and rocked her until she drifted off and finally went to sleep. I hope she won't develop a fever as one of the side effects of the vaccines.

Today is not a good day for baby and is not a good day for me either. I realized this incredible impact on me. Forever, my emotion will be tied to her well being. I am becoming my mother.

P.S. She is 23 3/4 inches tall and 13 lbs and 4.5 oz today.

Two Months Old!

Mia is two months old today.  She's a good baby. We play during the day more and she starts to coo a lot to me and my mom. She is quite talkative. I try to read to her everyday. The new book I started yesterday had so much color, it seemed to capture her attention the most.

I am starting to stress a little bit over returning to work in two months and sending her to day care so early. The thought of it already makes me miss her. I see how women develop mama guilt. It's hard to ignore baby's needs and way too easy to want to hover and protect. We are wait listed with four day care places. The chance of her getting in is slim right now so we are also planning to look for a nanny soon.