Katelyn's typical weekday activity

Katelyn's typical week is very mellow. We usually take it easy at home after we drop off the brother at school. Only on Wed/Thurs when I have bible study that she gets to have play group fun for a couple hours. She doesn't even get to go to library story time due to conflicts. Even the park is a rare place to visit. Poor kid, feels like she is a bit deprived. But she seems happy nevertheless :).
















After Ryan gets off school, she is usually the busy body while the brother tries to do his homework. Then of course, Ryan uses her as excuse of why he is slow in completing it. When piano lesson starts again, I will have to drag her with us to church for practice before going home to homework. Now that Ryan has baseball, she will have to come with us for practice in the afternoon as well.

So, yes, she doesn't have a schedule built around her but rather she just has to fit in everyone else's.

Kids

Katelyn is cruising everywhere these days! I suddenly realize that I am not ready for her :). All I did was put up the fence at least to block her out of the bathroom. Oh boy, next up is all the toys that are not age appropriate for her. argh!

Little Baby steps

Katelyn continues to be a joy. She is almost 6 months now. Lately, I realize that she cannot roll over yet. I know full why the reason behind the delayed motor skills - she has been held too much! So, I have been trying to institute daily tummy time and the little one sure doesn't like it. She would have her hands on her sides and thus being coined a nickname 'guai guai' by the dad. She is progressing nevertheless and I just hope she will gain the skill by the time we see her doctor!

Last week, she has her 2nd bout of virus attack. It was a mild one even though she did have a light fever. When I noticed something strange in her poopy diaper, I was worried sick. Since it seemed to be diarrhea and I know how tricky that could be. Sometimes I wonder how I was so naive when Ryan went through a case of food poisoning from me while we were in HK at 6 months of age!!! He even threw up violently back then. I guess since then I have just heard too many tragic stories of some very common illnesses. I just really need to pray more and keep a balanced perspective. Thankfully, she recovered within a day. But soon enough, the rest of the family started showing cold symptoms! Ryan was kept home today because of it but thank goodness we are all on the road to recovery as well.

Little movements

Katelyn has found her hands recently. She would sit in her bouncer and just look at them while she opens up and closes her hands. She would also suck her lower lips. We figure that she must be teething but that seems too early since Ryan did not have the first tooth until 10 months old! So, I try to stop her from doing that. Her hair is kinda cute because it is a little bit curly in the ends and some parts also has faded brownish color. We might have to groom it a little since the weather is warming up. She also tries to sit up these days. Perhaps I should try to roll her as exercise. Her skin tone has lightened up a bit but it is still on the tanner side. Oh well, she got at least one thing from me.

4 months

Katelyn just had her 4 month check up and she is right on average with weight and height. This little one is definitely growing day by day. It doesn't seem like she is a big eater but she sure has grown. She is also very social these days. She will give you a big smile (yeah she has a bigger mouth haha) when you smile at her. I noticed lately she would smile at just looking around the house or it seems like she notices she is at home. I really can't complain since she is definitely an easy baby. After our trip to LA, she can sleep in the car seat more securely. She did so well on the trip as well except on the way back home when we ran into her sleep time. I can't wait to see her crawl and talk and all. I guess I forget how fun the first few years can be!

Katelyn's first 3 months

2nd Month

It's hard to believe but little mui mui has grown right under our eyes. She can actually fit into the 0-3 months clothes. She seems to be more responsive when I 'talk' to her. She even sucked her thumb last night! But honestly though, I really cannot remember much of this period with Ryan. It seems such a blur right now. But I hope by journaling it, I can remember it more in the future. Oh thank goodness mui mui is turning lighter on her skin (phew!). But she is still such a light sleeper that she needs to be held. Or is it that she is spoiled of being held. Who knows. I guess I am a little bit lax about the rules this time around.

Lately I have been thinking about what it is that God wants me to do being a SAHM again besides taking care of the family. I did discover a new passion which is to make all kinds of soups! Well, I thought about ppl that God might want me to minister to. Then just the other night, I took Ryan to Awana and stayed behind for the first time with bb; my ex cubbie's parent also stayed behind and we started talking - for the whole night. We eventually turned from talking about work and kids to Christianity. It darned on me that this is what being a christian is about..to testify for Him. So, I need to purposely pray for opportunity to follow up with her. Then My and Alex's family has been on my mind. I just pray for somehow being a blessing in their stressful life at this time.

For the housing project, while I cannot turn the clock back and not do it any more; I just pray that some how He'd be glorified through the process of building as well as after it is done. I really do not desire the house. The grandiose of it does not excite me. I just need a practical place to live. But again I cannot change what has been decided, I just pray for His mercy. If it is not meant to be, God make it so; if it is, reveal to me how you want to use it.

Life After 1 month

In law finally left just about when my one month confinement was over. It was the right timing in that she probably could use some rest and we were also ready to be on our own again. But boy, the first Monday being by myself, I was not mentally to do anything - I mean anything like going out, cooking, etc other than taking care of Katelyn. What made it worst was the Saturday before that we met a friendly-turned-nasty neighbor in the new house that just added to my anxiety. I remember having to pick up Ryan in the afternoon was such a huge undertaking. Perhaps that was a little bit of post partum that I was experiencing. I knew I needed to take it slowly; so the next day, I was able to add laundry to the to-do list. Toward the end of the week, God sent me a good friend, Jessica, to just help around the house. That was very thoughtful of her and I am thankful for that. She brought lunch and held baby, and even picked up Ryan for me one time. I must say the support from the church family has been tremendous....from the gifts to bringing pots after pots of soup. That's gotta be the blessing that comes only from serving Him.

Adjusting to the new life has been a bit harder than I thought. Katelyn esp. needing to be held alot...well, perhaps we are a bit less discipline about that with her figuring that she will be our last baby to hold...honestly I can hardly remember much about this period with Ryan. How did I spend my days? I guess I didn't take my time to enjoy him as much I should have back then. We both agree that we seem to enjoy this little more. She sleeps with us most of the time too. I call her a little mieu mieu cause she is tiny :). BTW, I hope she turns lighter soon and that her double eyelids will finally show!

Bloating big time

On Friday, I made a smoothie juice in the morning intended to be consumed right a way. But I didn't get to it until after work. So, I just chucked it before dinner thinking I should at least filled my stomach with good stuff. Then Charles made a fish head hotpot and lobster (he remembered me saying we weren't going out to eat, so he was smart enough to buy some good food to cook). I ate a couple bowls of soups and fish etc. Afterwards, oh my goodness, my stomach just ballooned up like I was 4 months. I had to pace around and finally I told Charles we needed to take a Costco trip to buy some stuff and allow me walk some more. I got prune juice and dried plum to make sure I am regular in the meantime. The bloated stomach symptom is definitely one I don't recall to experience so early on. As I read more on the internet, half of the women suffered from it. It is hormone related and the only thing one can do is to eat less amount and make sure digestion system is flowing. But boy that sensation is so uncomfortable that it is hard to just sit for a long time.



I must say the sense of taste is affected more strongly this time. My craving is between hot/spicy and sour. Kimchi is my friend and funny that I actually read about it contains some good probiotics and it is good for pregnant women. I couldn't resist a spicy ramen bowl this morning for breakfast (no desire for bread or other stuff). I have also had my eyes set on a bowl of seafood spicy noodles and finally got my treat on Sat for lunch. But I didn't think it was spicy enough so I might have to go back to chef lu next week. Today, Charles thought up to make hot and sour soup. You gotta give him credit sometimes. It hit the spot. I even have enough left over for a couple lunches!


I don't know how long I can hide this from work. But for as long as I can I suppose. I am just amazed at the timing of it all. I still remember having a little worry about once I started to work, when should I start trying so that I won't leave too early and not wait too long to try etc. I guess God already had it all planned out.


Now I just pray that I will be able to switch my time off so that I can carry out the VBS in June.

Turning 6 weeks

I finally felt the tug in my pants and probably need to dig up some preggo clothes that were packed away in a closet somewhere. My constant craving is spicy food. I had Indian last week....tonight had to make some kimchi fried rice. I must say the nausea seems to be worse this time around...not so bad that I would go puke; but just seems to last throughout the day. My tummy is always bloated. Man this isn't gonna be an easy one.



Dear God, I thank you for the baby is still growing in me. I pray that You hands will continue to knit its facial features and form its vital organs perfectly. I pray that You will give us peace throughout this amazing journey together. I almost forget the incredible miracle of life that only You can give. I pray that I would fix my mind on being thankful and trusting in Your sovereignty and goodness.



Amen.

I wish I had journal'ed last time while I was carrying Ryan. I had no clue how I went through the few weeks up until my first appointment. Perhaps the tendency for bad thoughts were less just because the road getting there was not as painful and that I was younger. But this time around, I need to constantly remind myself to take 'my thoughts captived to Christ'. I need to stop analyzing all the symptoms or non-symptoms daily. I found the following poem and I really need to meditate on it instead of worrying. It is not in my control anyways. I can only pray for this precious life to thrive day by day, week by week. There are 5 more weeks before finding the truth. That sure seems like eternity. But it sure paled in comparison to years of waiting. I just need to relax and pray and rest in the goodness of God.



One thing I craved the same sour/spicy thing as last time. Kimchi is my fav.!



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Prayer for a Safe Pregnancy
This life you have given us is so tiny, fragile, and vulnerable,safe in the womb of flesh and hope,yet subject to danger and death.O God of love, creator of life,hear our prayer.We want this baby so much.Please grant this child of ours a full term of nurture,the joy and mystery of life,and the blessing of your love.Grant us the fulfillment of our dreams,a baby to cherish and protect,a child to teacHi Friend,
I am excited to offer you this prayers that you can pray for your unborn baby.
Prayer:
Father, in Jesus name I worship you. I bless you and give you praise. Father, I come to you in Jesus' name and through the blood of Jesus Christ to ask you to protect and bless the baby in my womb.
Thank you Father, that every good and perfect gift comes from you. I am happy that I am pregnant. You have blessed me with a baby.
Lord you said all that you create or created is good (Genesis 1: 25). I thank you, Father, that the baby already formed in my womb is your workmanship created in true perfection according to your power. Father, all your works are beautiful and magnificent to behold. They are wonderfully finished. All your works are perfect, for every good and perfect gift comes from you (James 1:17). I thank you for a perfect baby in Jesus' name. I condemn every tongue that has risen against me and my baby, in accordance with your word. My baby will grow well. I shall put to bed a very healthy child. I cover the baby in my womb with the precious blood of Jesus.h and guide,a blessing to our family.Amen.