Happy CNY!

Happy Chinese New Year! Usually, I would have no clue as to when this holiday falls, since it's not exactly widely celebrated in this corner of the earth. But this year, my parents are here. And of course, Isabel.

So I found my lone box of decorations buried underneath the pile of junk that I have in the basement (again, CAN'T wait till we have that all organized!) and did what I could. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. And one of the advantages of having my mom here? FOOD!

Mmmmm...Yee Sang...Haven't had that in a while!

An outfit was even acquired for my baby girl. Just for the record, I was not part of that group that went down to Chinatown for that. OK, I know that she's a big baby. But come on....

The hat looks better on Buddy.

Late Night Thoughts

Last night, during her 12am feed, I just stared at her cherubic face. I can't believe that she's mine. There are times when I'll look at her and...something...washes all over me, making it difficult for me to breathe. I have never thought that I'd be able to love someone so much. It's the most wonderful feeling and yet, sometimes, it hurts.

I can't believe that the little jumping jellybean from the ultrasound 8 months ago has resulted into her. That I'm actually holding her in my arms. I'm sure that there babies that are more beautiful (although I think she's pretty darn cute!), more perfect, etc than her, but she's mine. Mine, mine, mine. And I love every inch of her.

And there are times (plenty of times) when I'll wish that I can keep her this small, this young, forever. So I can shield her from all the evils of this world. To keep her this innocent for as long as possible, where her needs and wants are simple, unmarred. Right now, I'm her everything. But give it a few years, and she'll be pushing me away in search of freedom, taking her first steps of independence. And I cried.

I wish I could capture these times and put it into a safe place, where I can relive it over and over again, whenever I need it. Time travel, that's what I need. It's probably this realization, that it'll be over before I know it, that's making it easier for me to deal with the lack of sleep, the times where I can get absolutely nothing done in the house because she wants to be held in order for her to sleep in the day, the upheaval of our lives. Because really, that's what a baby does. It throws everything around. It makes one reevaluate what's truly necessary. It reprioritizes one's life. And there will be times (and there have been times) when I'll wonder "What on earth am I doing, thinking I can be a mother? I'm not even a kid person!" But then she'll smile, or grunt, or poop, or do something that will make me dust myself up, and vow that I'll just have to try harder, work harder, do better. Because she's worth it.

Royal Mail

A package arrived today, with "Royal Mail" stamped across it (Doesn't that have such a pleasant, eloquent ring to it? It almost makes me want to up and leave for the UK. And now, for some odd reason, I'm thinking of Paddington Bear and how he was found sitting on his suitcase at Paddington Station. I wish I was the one who found him....)

I'm digressing...where was I? Yes, the package. It wasn't for me. It was addressed to Isabel - the little darling is getting around the world...why, not two days ago, she received another piece of mail from Down Under, courtesy of 'Auntie' Sam and 'Uncle' David

"Look, Mommy...A package for ME"

"Oh me, oh my,whatever can it be?"she coos...(can you tell that she absolutely loves presents?)

It was a beautiful baby bottle from Godmother (#1) Jill! Thank you so much!!

And it's not any ol' ordinary bottle, mind you....unless you're one of those who typically gets your baby supplies from Burberry. Judging from her expression, it almost seems like she appreciates that distinction too....Oh dear...I have a feeling that she's going to have expensive taste!

Red Eggs and Ham?

Isabel's Full Moon Birthday is today (Chinese tradition - basically means that the baby is now 30 days old) and her Porpor (grandmother) made her some red eggs...she was fascinated by it.

January 10th 2009 - 30 days old

Mommy also got to finally have some soya bean milk! Woo hoo!

Unfortunately, that also means that I probably should start exercising to get my pre-pregnancy body back. Crap.

4 weeks post-partum - Jan 9th 2009

Milestone...

My darling girl gave a big smile and laugh today. Awww.......It was to my singing...She either loves it and it makes her happy, or she's laughing at me because I'm so bad...Whichever. I'll take it however I get it.

And she's 4 weeks old today. I can't believe it.