The Japanese are known for many electronic and technological achievements and breakthroughs. Without them we wouldn't have Nintendo Wii, Sony products, Toyota vehicles, etc. Just to name a few. But if you have never seen a Japanese TV show, you probably have never laughed so hard in your life or feel sorry for the contestants... or both. If you want a crazy TV show, leave up to the Japanese. Watch and you will know what I mean.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My Little Artist
I know it's not good to show off or brag about our children but sometimes we just can help it. Especially when we are just so proud of them. When Kaleigh was about 10 months old I put a crayon in her hand and she has been drawing ever since. It seems that every once in a while she will draw something that will make Chris and I go, "Wow! Is she suppose to know how to do that?"
Kaleigh (34 months) drew this about a month ago. It's a family portrait.
Kaleigh (34 months) drew this about a month ago. It's a family portrait.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
My baby is on Zantac
For about 3 weeks now almost every time Jacob eats he cries and even screams. At first we thought, he was just upset that he has to wait for his bottle to be prepared, has gas, wants his diaper changed or sometimes is both hungry and tired. Other than being hungry, tired, or the above mentioned, Jacob doesn't cry. I would even describe him as a happy baby. He smiles and coos all the time.
I did some research and suspected that maybe he possibly could have gastric esophageal reflux. But he's not excessively spitting up or vomiting, which are the more common symptoms of reflux. At Jacob's 2 month check up I mentioned it to the doctor and she said to keep an eye on it. He continued to cry during his feedings, so finally we called Kaleigh's pediatrician and she accommodated us in her busy schedule. It turns out that Jacob does have a mild case of gastric reflux. When there's acid in his throat and it mixes with milk, it burns and that's why he cries. And so, my baby is on Zantac, which according to his pediatrician is safe for babies.
I did some research and suspected that maybe he possibly could have gastric esophageal reflux. But he's not excessively spitting up or vomiting, which are the more common symptoms of reflux. At Jacob's 2 month check up I mentioned it to the doctor and she said to keep an eye on it. He continued to cry during his feedings, so finally we called Kaleigh's pediatrician and she accommodated us in her busy schedule. It turns out that Jacob does have a mild case of gastric reflux. When there's acid in his throat and it mixes with milk, it burns and that's why he cries. And so, my baby is on Zantac, which according to his pediatrician is safe for babies.
The most natural thing in the world is not so natural
OK. So people say that breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world. Well, it's not for me. Despite countless prayers and attempts, both Kaleigh and Jacob could not latch on properly. After days of pain and fatigue, I finally resorted to pumping exclusively because I want my children to drink breastmilk.
Recently, I'm convinced that I am under a breastfeeding curse. Why would I say such a thing? Well, you already know that Kaleigh and Jacob couldn't latch on. With Kaleigh I had 2 breast infections (mastitis). For those of you who know what it's like, you know how painful they are. For those of you who have never experienced it, I would say it almost rivals labor pains. And I know about labor pains since the anesthesiologist never made it in time to give me an epidural when I delivered Jacob. I should have filed a complaint. Anyway, I digress. Besides, feeling mad pain in the breast(s), there is also fever and everything that accompanies it - fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, body aches, chills, delusions, etc. Since both infections were in my left breast, there is significant decreased milk production from that side.
Almost 2 weeks ago, somehow 2 important components to my breast pump when AWOL. Both Chris and I searched the entire house and could not find them. The pump will not work without those parts. So, I tried nursing Jacob hoping I will not become engorged and get a breast infection, and also so he can get breast milk. At first I thought he was able to latch on. For 2 days I nursed him thinking the soreness I was feeling was normal (because specialists say it is.) Then things went downhill. The soreness became intense pain and there was cracking and bleeding. He was not latching on properly after all. Then my breasts became engorged and I started feeling body aches. Finally, my suffering ended when Chris was able to buy replacement parts to the pump.
A few days ago Jacob started sleeping longer at night between feedings. I usually pump after I feed him. The other day the weather was so nice that I took Kaleigh to the park to let her get some energy out. When I got home, I had to prepare lunch for Kaleigh, feed Jacob, change his diaper, put him down for a nap, and then put Kaleigh down for a nap before I could pump again. Then that night as I was cooking dinner, "Oww... why does my right boob hurt?" Then fever followed and now I'm on antibiotics. So, now both breast have damaged ducts and have reduced milk production. Am I cursed or what? Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. Who's complaining?
My final thought is, even though Jesus Christ is a man, he suffered these pains too.
Recently, I'm convinced that I am under a breastfeeding curse. Why would I say such a thing? Well, you already know that Kaleigh and Jacob couldn't latch on. With Kaleigh I had 2 breast infections (mastitis). For those of you who know what it's like, you know how painful they are. For those of you who have never experienced it, I would say it almost rivals labor pains. And I know about labor pains since the anesthesiologist never made it in time to give me an epidural when I delivered Jacob. I should have filed a complaint. Anyway, I digress. Besides, feeling mad pain in the breast(s), there is also fever and everything that accompanies it - fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, body aches, chills, delusions, etc. Since both infections were in my left breast, there is significant decreased milk production from that side.
Almost 2 weeks ago, somehow 2 important components to my breast pump when AWOL. Both Chris and I searched the entire house and could not find them. The pump will not work without those parts. So, I tried nursing Jacob hoping I will not become engorged and get a breast infection, and also so he can get breast milk. At first I thought he was able to latch on. For 2 days I nursed him thinking the soreness I was feeling was normal (because specialists say it is.) Then things went downhill. The soreness became intense pain and there was cracking and bleeding. He was not latching on properly after all. Then my breasts became engorged and I started feeling body aches. Finally, my suffering ended when Chris was able to buy replacement parts to the pump.
A few days ago Jacob started sleeping longer at night between feedings. I usually pump after I feed him. The other day the weather was so nice that I took Kaleigh to the park to let her get some energy out. When I got home, I had to prepare lunch for Kaleigh, feed Jacob, change his diaper, put him down for a nap, and then put Kaleigh down for a nap before I could pump again. Then that night as I was cooking dinner, "Oww... why does my right boob hurt?" Then fever followed and now I'm on antibiotics. So, now both breast have damaged ducts and have reduced milk production. Am I cursed or what? Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. Who's complaining?
My final thought is, even though Jesus Christ is a man, he suffered these pains too.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Lebo's River
This video and song really touched me. I stumbled upon the song when I was downloading some songs by one of my favorite music artist, Chantal Kreviazuk. The song was written by Lebo herself, Chantal and Raine Maida (Chantal's husband and member of the band, Our Lady Peace.) The song is about Lebo. She was a girl in South Africa who was raped, given HIV/AIDS and then gave birth to a daughter. Her dream was to be a singer. In a documentary, she was recorded singing part of the song that she wrote.
Who is Lebo?
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